tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39846146062915577802024-03-06T03:26:49.437-06:00Sally Comes Unraveled - The BlogKnitting, Crochet, Spinning and other stuff.Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.comBlogger611125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-71073370083015912172019-04-04T23:16:00.002-05:002019-04-04T23:19:10.026-05:00To My Michael's Students: Things Are Changing, But I'm Not Leaving<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
<br />
-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have announcement for everyone who has taken classes with
me at <a href="http://www.michaels.com/">Michael’s</a> and/or wants to in the future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My role as a knitting and crochet teacher at Michael’s is
changing drastically, but I want everyone to understand that I’m still here to
teach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Basically, all the “adult” instructors who do paid classes
are becoming independent contractors. This is through the <a href="http://www.michaels.com/classes-and-events/community-classroom">Community Classroom</a>
program. I just submitted my first proposal to teach Beginning Knitting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s nice to have some control over the syllabus and projects,
but I will lose flexibility with the schedule. This means no more Saturday
classes. I won’t be able to schedule over other classes and work in the break
room like I have in the past. I must work with a third party to schedule all
classes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It also means I may not be the only knit and crochet
instructor at the Michael’s in Sunset Valley. And if so, the more the merrier!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cool thing is that I can do stuff besides knitting and
crochet, as long as Michael’s sells the supplies for it. And you may get the
chance to take some unique classes with other instructors. Anyone can apply.<br />
<br />
Also, please let me know if there is something else you'd like to learn. If I'm good enough to teach it, I'll try.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.techrepublic.com/article/independent-contractors-make-sure-your-contract-protects-your-interests-part-ii/">As an independent contractor, by definition, I can’t beexclusive to that employer.</a> So my plan is to start teaching at Starbucks to
anyone whose needs don’t fit the class structure. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kids Club, Camp Creativity, MAKE Breaks and other kids and
family programs are NOT changing. I will continue to do these. In fact, you may
see me more, because I won’t have to take off for Open House, and I will be
free to do all the MAKE Breaks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More details to come. I intend to use this blog more often.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are my projects for Beginning Knitting, but, as always,
that doesn’t mean you must make these.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/46816099474/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beginning Knitting 6"><img alt="Beginning Knitting 6" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7903/46816099474_ba5e457aea_z.jpg" width="617" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-82628032555993668442016-03-01T02:04:00.000-06:002016-03-01T02:28:07.712-06:00Not Feeling the Bern<div class="p1">
I know I haven't posted in ages, and I apologize, because I'm diving right into politics. So if you're just here for the yarn, you can skip this one.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Because tomorrow is election day, and I'm still undecided.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I think Bernie Sanders is a great person. But the closer I get to election day, the less likely it looks like that I will "Feel the Bern." And I want to. I really do.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And now I'm realizing the reason I don't feel it.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The phenomenon of "feeling the Bern" seems similar to the fervor over Obama's "Hope and Change". Even though I liked him in 2008, I just couldn't believe in him the way other people did. I didn't believe in revolution.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I voted for Hillary in the 2008 primary, but I liked them both and had trouble choosing one. (Details <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2008/03/excuse-me-i-caucused.html">here</a>. Have I really had this blog for more than 8 years?)</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Four years later, <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2013/12/they-cancelled-my-plan-and-im-thrilled.html">I was so thrilled with Obamacare</a> (and other things, of course) that I volunteered for the Obama campaign for the 2012 election. And one of the things I did was call people who had previously volunteered. And over and over I heard the same thing. The previous volunteers were disappointed that everything they thought was going to change didn't. So they were going to begrudgingly vote for him, but they wouldn't be volunteering.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
They honestly expected everything to be rainbows and kittens and sunshine from here on out. He was supposed to clean up the entire political system and change the world. And although the Obama administration made some amazing strides, things that made me jump up and down and volunteer my time, they saw it as a failure.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So if you're feeling the Bern, ask yourself, if he gets elected, what will you do in 4 years when the revolution doesn't happen?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And let's be honest, it won't. I'm not saying he couldn't make headway. But we don't have a monarchy in the country. We can't expect one president to solve all our problems, because he or she doesn't have the absolute power to make unilateral decisions. (Don't forget, the president's ability to make change has a lot to do with all those other races on the ballot.) And he may be up against a Republican congress.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
But if he doesn't deliver everything he promises, if only manages to get the minimum wage up to $10.10, if college becomes more affordable, but not free, if he spends more time protecting the progress we made with Obamacare than moving toward universal healthcare, if congress blocks him at every turn, even if they agree with him, will you still be behind him? </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Bernie has gotten a lot of people to stand up and get involved. And if he accomplishes nothing else, that's something pretty amazing. But if you're one of those people who stood up, will you keep working for change? Will you keep his legacy going? Because the revolution won't automatically happen just because you elect him.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
We don't like to talk about compromise, but that's what Obama did. And I think that's what made him a great president. He managed to make change despite the odds being against him. Think about it. It's been documented that t<a href="http://swampland.time.com/2012/08/23/the-party-of-no-new-details-on-the-gop-plot-to-obstruct-obama/">he Republicans vowed to block his policies, even if they were policies their party agreed with</a>. So even though I agree with term limits, I still wish I could have four more years of Hope and Change with Obama.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Back in 2008, I was expecting universal healthcare to be the big fix. But when Obama said in a speech that both sides would have to compromise, I remember deciding that I would be willing to compromise, and take an imperfect solution. I still want universal healthcare to happen, and I agree with Bernie's criticisms of Obamacare. But Obamacare has done so much good. He made a real difference, because he compromised.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I know Hillary is seen as the establishment. She is realism, while Bernie is optimism. And realism isn't as glamorous, but it may be a route for change. And yes, she has baggage. But she also has experience and ability. Which is why her beliefs have evolved, and her promises are more modest. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
As much as I want everything to happen without dealing with lobbyists and donors and making compromises, at some point you have to play the game before you change it.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I think Hillary has been unfair by implying Bernie would tear down Obamacare, but he has talked a lot more about the end solution and how problematic Obamacare is instead of talking about how we'll get to universal healthcare.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
If I could ask both candidates a question, I would ask them how they would improve on Obamacare <i>specifically. </i>Would you close the Medicaid gap? How do you plan to do that? What is the next step? Give me just one thing.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Whoever wins, I will get behind. I hope I'll be able to phone canvas again. And if it's Bernie, I'll be excited. I feel hopeful about both candidates. I just don't believe that Bernie can change the world all by himself. But I'll be calling for him four years from now.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Don't forget all the congressional elections in November. A Democratic Senate would sure help Bernie out.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So there it is. You have until Tuesday around 5-ish to make me feel the Bern. Tell me about Bernie's belief in science (more on that below), his plans for health care, etc. Tell me that he will compromise to make change happen. Also, bad mouthing Hillary is unlikely to sway me.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Pandemic Flu and the Intersection of Science and Politics</b></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
A friend of mine, <a href="http://incrediblysmart.blogspot.com/">Gwyndolyn Jones</a>, posted something very important on Facebook when voting started. Important enough to share:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Today begins early voting in Texas. As such, I have a friendly PSA that I would like to share. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I want you to think about your most important issue in this election. Is it gun control? Taxes? Immigration? Whether or not Obama should nominate the next Supreme Court Justice? </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
What I want you to know is, there is an issue much, much bigger than anything we can come up with. That issue is Science. We can worry so much about the economy over the next eight years or which people have healthcare or guns, but none of this will matter if we don't act now. In fact, if we continue down our current path, we will certainly cease to exist. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
There are so many problems that scientific study and research can solve, but we have to have the funding and resources to do so. I could spend this entire post just rambling on with statistics and facts, but enough people do that on the Internet as it is. Just think about climate change or overpopulation or taxing of natural resources or the end of fossil fuels. Not good enough? Maybe you think you won't be around when changes come to pass, so why care about it? </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Okay, fine. What about this? Remember how the dinosaurs died due to a pesky little asteroid problem? Well, it's a problem we still haven't solved. If we don't up our technology to the point where we can detect and deflect an asteroid, we will still go extinct. Nevermind the fact that we've created new ways to wipe ourselves off the planet - we haven't even solved a problem from millions of years ago! </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I can list a bunch of other issues, like superbugs or mutating strains of influenza or insect-borne diseases that have the potential to destroy society as we know it. The point is, there is only one solution. We must vote for candidates who are scientifically literate and friendly. We must change the face of science education so that our children are equipped with objectively verifiable truths, even if they do not become scientists themselves. Perhaps this means not voting for a candidate you like or one who is running in your party, but if you use your voice to tell the candidates that science is more important than any other issue, eventually they will listen. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Before anyone gets mad, I'm not supporting any particular party or candidate with these statements. Both liberals and conservatives have done their fair share of damage to scientific research and innovation. We need lawmakers all the way from Congress down to the local officials who will make changes so that we can all continue to live on this planet. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And if you think that scientists will just figure it out on their own and save all of you when something bad happens, remember that we don't yet have the flying cars or hoverboards we were promised in 2015. But we could have, had science been more of a priority. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
We have the chance to create a wonderful, beautiful world beyond all imagination, and I hope we can all agree to do it. Please, whatever you do, go vote. Thanks for listening to my rant. So much love!"</blockquote>
<div class="p1">
I have been thinking more and more about this. </div>
<div class="p2">
<a href="http://www.popsci.com/features/interview-with-president-barack-obama/"><br /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<a href="http://www.popsci.com/features/interview-with-president-barack-obama/">Popular Science called Obama a pro-science president</a>. I'm not saying it's not true, but it doesn't take much to earn that title in this political climate. Just believe what the scientists say, instead of assuming they are part of a vast conspiracy. Then try to fund their work.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Gwyn says it isn't about the parties, but I think the Democratic party is the pro-science party, but we have weaknesses. We freak out over things that don't seem "natural", just because of a small amount of evidence. Taken to the extreme, we get people who don't vaccinate their kids.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Some recent anti-science stuff has been going around lately in places I didn't expect. A democratic friend I have a LOT of respect for, who normally doesn't go for these things, posted a video about a crazy conspiracy theory that involved lots of lying scientists. Another democratic friend talked about the health advice they got from a random stranger at the grocery store that they are more inclined to believe than their own doctor. (They haven't even talked to the doctor yet, but this stranger has convinced them not to take medicine if her doctor prescribes it.)</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And all of this has made me reflect on my own little adventure with one of the science topics Gwyn mentioned, pandemic flu, a topic that hasn't been discussed much since the Swine Flu pandemic in 2009. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I was going to save this stuff for the book I will someday write. But I think this is relevant to Gwyn's point. It amazed me then how little people understood about the science. I dread what I will hear when it comes up again in the national discourse. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
In 2006, they were saying that the Bird Flu was going to be the next pandemic. At the time I was a reporter in Florida, and I ended up doing several stories on Pandemic Flu, attended several meetings of the community and health department on the topic, and even watched a TV movie about a flu pandemic that still scares me when I think about it. They said we were overdue for a flu pandemic, and the next pandemic could be "the big one."</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
In all these meetings, they were warning us to stock up on food, water and medicine in case the big one stopped normal activities and forced the whole community to stay home. Stores would quit stocking food, schools and work would close, gas would be scarce. Basically, when the big one came, everything would stop because so many people would be sick, and they would be trying to prevent others from getting sick. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The TV movie was about "the big one", which, for the record, has yet to happen. It depicted the end of civilization as we know it, and while I hope it was an exaggeration, it talked a lot about the things these health department officials were warning about. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Ironically, despite all this education in 2006, I managed to get the flu twice in the three years I worked at the call center from 2007-2010. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
At first I still forgot to get my flu shot most of the time despite all my education about the importance of it. My family was really good about making us all get flu shots, so I hadn't had the flu since elementary school. But it wasn't until the I missing my flu shot resulted in me getting the flu, and dragging myself to the pharmacy with all the fever and aches to pick up my own Tamiflu prescription, and using my precious Paid Time Off, that I vowed to never, ever, <b>ever</b> miss my flu shot again.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
In the fall of 2009, they were talking about pandemic flu again. This time the Swine Flu, H1N1. The pandemic we were overdue for. Now I remembered all those meetings. And like I had vowed, I got my flu shot nice and early. But that was the year everyone needed two shots, one for H1N1 and one for the regular flu. And they were rationing the shots because of the shortage at first. Babies and pregnant women only. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
During that time I got the swine flu, and I had trouble breathing. When I called my doctor, they were full because, well, there was a flu pandemic. And when they heard I had trouble breathing and a history of asthma, they suggested I go to the ER.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I was trying to protect my family, who also had not had their H1N1 shot. So I took myself to the ER. And then the next day I took myself to the pharmacy to get my own Tamiflu prescription, just like I had done before. And everywhere I went, everything I touched, I thought about that stupid bird flu movie that I had watched and how I was going to kill us all.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
When I recovered and returned to work, I realized that ridiculous myths were going around the office along with the flu.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
1. People talked about how they didn't need the flu shot because of their immunity. They were healthy and ate their broccoli, not weak like me. Everyone is overreacting.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Maybe you are a little less likely to get it, but <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/mdmama/2014/09/why_healthy_people_need_flu_shots.html">y<span id="goog_721719813"></span><span id="goog_721719814"></span>ou have a chance to stop the spread</a>, and you're wasting it, even if it isn't a pandemic. If you don't take it, you are increasing the chances that babies, little old ladies and asthmatic knit bloggers will end up in the ER. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I hope you get the flu, have to drag yourself to the pharmacy with all the aches and fever to pick up your own Tamiflu and use up all your own Paid Time Off.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
For the record, I'm a big fan of broccoli.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
2. Others said we should all be washing our produce with diluted bleach and healthy people should be wearing gloves and masks to the grocery store. Everyone is underreacting.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Diluted bleach on food? Is that safe? This is probably overkill unless you have a major issue with your immune system. And stuff like this is why so many people do nothing at all. It looks like hysteria, and they tune out.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
3. Several said the flu shot gave them the flu.</div>
<div class="p1">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1885106529"><br /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2013/01/14/can-flu-vaccine-cause-the-flu/1833793/">NO.</a></b></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Flu shots sometimes miss their target, but they don't give you the flu. You just remember the one year you got a shot and got the flu, and not all the years the shot worked.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
4. They said the flu mist they had for kids was dangerous because the kids would inevitably sneeze or pick their noses and kill us all.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<a href="http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu:8080/reporter/index.html?ID=3689">NO.</a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br />
If you don't believe me, I'm sure we can arrange for some little kids to turn you into a human tissue at the next flu mist clinic. Then you'll see.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
5. Worst of all, on Facebook, parents of newborns, for whom they had rationed the vaccine, thought it wasn't safe. I had the flu, so they could have vaccines for their babies (I don't remember the exact recommendations for babies) and they didn't want to get them.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
You really think the CDC is lying about this one? That they would hold it for you if it were dangerous? Or if it weren't worth the risk?<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I know it must have been scary having a precious delicate baby something that has so many myths surrounding it. But calm down and trust the science, for the sake of your delicate, precious baby.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So this is just one of the many science issues Gwyn brought up, and it could be the end of us all. Especially if congress believes the myths above. Then we won't be ready when it happens, and while it probably won't be the end of society as we know it, it will surely be a mess, and lives will be lost. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And I can just imagine it. 20-30 years from now, we are heading for the next pandemic, and congress is holding up vaccines and refusing to make plans because they believe in the myths above, and surely others Rand Paul will come up (<a href="http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2014/oct/27/rand-paul/ebola-virus-incredibly-contagious-and-easy-catch-r/">He's a doctor, you know</a>.)</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
If the (non-existent) dangers of flu mist come up again, perhaps we can Rand Paul and some other Republicans to participate in my human tissue experiment.<br />
<br />
And for the record, I haven't missed a flu shot since 2009.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-63910072688963326672014-10-06T04:31:00.002-05:002014-10-06T04:33:02.474-05:00October and November Knitting Class Schedule for Michael's in Sunset Valley and WestlakeI guess it's better late than never. The good news is that because my October calendar is late, I also have November dates ready as well, although not all of the listings are online yet. (I'll add the links when they are available.) I'm also excited to have classes available for the <a href="http://www.rainbowloom.com/product/monster-tail%E2%84%A2-maker-rainbow-loom%C2%AE-all-new-travel-loom.html">Monster Tail by Rainbow Loom</a>. I've been having a ball with mine.<br />
<br />
Here's what's coming up:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I Love Yarn Day</b></div>
<br />
October 10 is <a href="http://craftyarncouncil.com/ily-gear">I Love Yarn Day</a>, according to the <a href="http://craftyarncouncil.com/">Craft Yarn Council of America</a>. In honor of the day, I've squeezed in an extra Knit Beginner 1 class and Kids Weaving - Monsters class. Who knows, I might even bring a snack.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Upcoming School Holidays</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
October 13 and November 11 are student holidays for both the Austin Independent School District and the Eanes Independent School District. Also, Eanes Independent School District has early release days on October 22, 23 and 24. If you're looking for something for the kids to do, how about signing them up for a class? I've scheduled Monster Tail and Weaving classes during those times.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
October and November 2014 Class Schedule</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Beginning Knitting - No Experience Needed</b></div>
<br />
These two classes, Knit Simple Scarf and Knit Beginner 1, are designed for students with no knitting experience. However, they are also good for those who haven't knit for a while and need a review, or people who are having difficulty learning on their own. Of course, anyone who wants to join us to make one of these projects is welcomed.<br />
<br />
Each class offers different projects that teach the same basic skills. Both classes teach casting on (putting stitches on the needle), knit stitch, binding off (taking stitches off the needle), weaving in ends and a basic understanding of yarn and knitting tools. Knit Beginner 1 also covers basic seaming, and the Simple Scarf Class teaches how to make fringe.<br />
<br />
Also, if you want to take the Ruffled Scarf class, these classes will teach you the prerequisite skills you need.<br />
<br />
<center>
</center>
<b>Knit Beginner 1: Hat or Mitts - $25</b><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2806309&sessionId=2054879%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, October 10 from 5:30 pm to 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a> (October 10 is I Love Yarn Day, the perfect day to learn to knit!)<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2885695&sessionId=2182303%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, November 1 from 3 pm to 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
Sunday, November 2 from 2 pm to 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake<br />
<br />
Select your favorite colors and start making your own hat or wrist warmers that you'll be proud to wear or give as gifts. You choose one project for the class, but you will get patterns for both. You can look at the sample hat and cuffs I made <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2014/05/fo-garter-stitch-hat-and-garter-stitch.html">here</a>.<br />
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg" /></a><a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Knit Simple Scarf - $25</b><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17021%20&storeScheduleId=2806326&sessionId=2054913%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, October 18 from 3 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17021%20&storeScheduleId=2808105&sessionId=2058076%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Sunday, October 19 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17021%20&storeScheduleId=2885706&sessionId=2182325%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, November 8 from 3 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
Sunday, November 9 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake<br />
<br />
Knit on large needles with fringe accents, this scarf drapes beautifully and is the perfect accessory for any outfit.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<center>
<b><a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/K18_CYC_Knit-Simple-Scarf_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Knit Simple Scarf photo K18_CYC_Knit-Simple-Scarf_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/K18_CYC_Knit-Simple-Scarf_0.jpg" /></a></b><br /><b><br /></b></center>
<b>Arm Knitting - No Experience Needed - $10</b><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16788%20&storeScheduleId=2808104&sessionId=2058074%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Wednesday, October 15 from 7 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16788%20&storeScheduleId=2806334&sessionId=2054929%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, October 23 from 7 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16788%20&storeScheduleId=2885702&sessionId=2182317%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, November 7 from 7 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
Sunday, November 9 from 5 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Westlake<br />
<br />
<a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304011304579220660554732336">According to The Wall Street Journal</a>, "Arm knitting combines several things that are appealing to millennials: crafts projects, chunky knitwear (featured on the fall 2013 runways), social media and instant gratification." Of course, this innovative new craft is for people of all ages who have two arms.<br />
<br />
Choose from four different projects using different types of yarn, including three cowls and a shawl. Pick one for the class, but you'll receive patterns for all four projects so you can try them all. (Pictures of more of the patterns are coming soon. However, the left picture is me arm knitting at a demo, and the right picture is the Sashay Arm Knit Cowl sample I made.)<br />
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/13997843061" title="Arm Knitting Demo by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Arm Knitting Demo" height="195" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/13997843061_5bd5cb5d61_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/14041422498" title="Sashay Arm Knit Cowl at Demo - 5/3/2014 by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Sashay Arm Knit Cowl at Demo - 5/3/2014" height="240" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5566/14041422498_7a975b7611_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></center>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b>Beginner Classes: Learn the Purl Stitch</b></div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<b></b>These classes are designed for people who have taken Knit Beginner 1 or the Knit Simple Scarf Class or knitters who know the knit stitch but haven't gotten to the purl stitch yet. As always, any knitter with the prerequisite skills can join us, even if they are more advanced. In these classes we will focus on learning the purl stitch, a skill that can be used to add new textures to your knitting.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>Knit Beginner 2 - Neck Warmer or Tassel Hat - $25</b></div>
<div>
Prerequisites: Casting On, Knit Stitch, Binding Off</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10117%20&storeScheduleId=2808102&sessionId=2058070%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, October 14 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10117%20&storeScheduleId=2806347&sessionId=2054952%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Wednesday, October 29 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
Tuesday, November 4 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10117%20&storeScheduleId=2885696&sessionId=2182305%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, November 6 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/451ebf09-39f9-4c23-93e5-2bce52d90c86.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 451ebf09-39f9-4c23-93e5-2bce52d90c86.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/451ebf09-39f9-4c23-93e5-2bce52d90c86.jpg" /></a><a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/60d9a448-9798-405a-a129-54f3bb80f5bf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 60d9a448-9798-405a-a129-54f3bb80f5bf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/60d9a448-9798-405a-a129-54f3bb80f5bf.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now that you know the basics of knitting, you are ready to learn the purl stitch! Create a hat or neck warmer. You will choose one pattern for the class, but you will receive patterns for both projects.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Advanced Beginner Classes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
This is your chance to take your knitting to the next level. These classes cover skills like Cables, decreasing, increasing, cables and working with specialty yarns. Be sure to check the prerequisites before signing up.</div>
<b> </b><br />
<b>Knit Ruffled Scarves (Discover Time Knitting) - $25*</b><br />
Prerequisites: Knit Stitch, Binding Off<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=15372%20&storeScheduleId=2808100&sessionId=2058056%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, October 7 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=15372%20&storeScheduleId=2806328&sessionId=2054917%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Tuesday, October 21 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
Friday, November 14 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley<br />
Tuesday, November 25 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake<br />
<br />
Ruffle yarns and ruffled scarves have become very popular recently. This is a chance to make your own ruffled scarf and get comfortable using these yarns. To get the look in the picture below, use <a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/yarns/pirouette">Patons Pirouette</a>, but you can use any ruffle yarn for this class, including (but not limited to) <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/boutique-sashay-sequins">Red Heart Boutique Sashay</a>, <a href="http://www.premieryarns.com/product/Premier+Starbella+Yarn+1.aspx">Premier Starbella</a> and others. Once you get the hang of it, you'll want to try them all. (I know I did. Or at least I got pretty close.)<br />
<br />
<b>*This class is listed as "Discover Knit: Time for Knit" online.</b><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<b><br /></b><b>Knit Slouchy Hat - $25</b><br />
Prerequisites: Cast On, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Bind Off</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17149%20&storeScheduleId=2885781&sessionId=2182452%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, November 22 from 3 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
Sunday, November 23 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/SlouchyHat.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SlouchyHat.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/SlouchyHat.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<center>
<center>
</center>
</center>
Wear this slouchy hat in a number of different ways, and you'll be right in fashion.<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Knit Baby Hat and Booties - $25</b></div>
<div>
Prerequisites: Cast On, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Bind Off</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17144%20&storeScheduleId=2808101&sessionId=2058058%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Wednesday, October 8 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17144%20&storeScheduleId=2806303&sessionId=2054867%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, October 9 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
Tuesday, November 18 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17144%20&storeScheduleId=2885768&sessionId=2182422%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, November 20 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<center>
</center>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/BabyHatandBooties.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo BabyHatandBooties.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/BabyHatandBooties.jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Keep your favorite baby warm with this attractive hat and booties set. Makes a perfect gift, too.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Intermediate Classes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you have the prerequisite skills, don't let these classes intimidate you. Everything you've learned so far has laid the foundation for skills like knitting with double-pointed needles and stranded colorwork, which are covered in these classes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Knit Cup Cozies - $25</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Prerequisites: Cast On, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Bind Off*</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17150%20&storeScheduleId=2808108&sessionId=2058082%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, October 28 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a></div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17150%20&storeScheduleId=2806352&sessionId=2054959%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, October 30 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
Wednesday, November 12 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17150%20&storeScheduleId=2885715&sessionId=2182343%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, November 13 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/CupCozy.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo CupCozy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/CupCozy.jpg" height="349" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dress up your coffee or tea cup with one of these festive chevron cozies. Make several and give them as gifts!<br />
<br />
<b>Prerequisite Note: </b>Increases (Make 1 or M1) and Decreases (Knit 2 Together or k2tog) are recommended prerequisites, but not required.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Kids Weaving Classes – Recommended for Age 7 and Up </b></div>
<br />
I'm offering classes for kids using Clover Weaving Sticks. When you use these weaving sticks, the “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warp_(weaving)">warp</a>” yarn is thread through the holes at the bottom of the sticks, while the “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weft">weft</a>” yarn is woven in between the sticks. It’s a twist on traditional weaving that is fun and quick.<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center>
</center>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>Kids Weaving - Monsters - $15 </b><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17032%20&storeScheduleId=2806311&sessionId=2054883%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, October 10 from 3:30 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a> (October 10 is I Love Yarn Day, the perfect day to do some weaving!)</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17032%20&storeScheduleId=2806314&sessionId=2054889%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Monday, October 13 from 1 pm until 2:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a> (<b>Student Holiday</b> for Austin Independent School District and Eanes Independent School District!)<br />
Wednesday, October 22 from 1 pm until 2:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake (<b>Early Release Day </b>for students in Eanes Independent School District!)<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17032%20&storeScheduleId=2806339&sessionId=2054939%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday October 25 from 3 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
Wednesday, November 5 from 4:30 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Westlake<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17032%20&storeScheduleId=2885709&sessionId=2182331%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Tuesday, November 11 from 12 pm until 1:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a> (<b>Student Holiday </b>for Austin Independent School District!)<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/W1_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Kids Weaving - Monsters photo W1_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/W1_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster_0.jpg" /></a></center>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
These wiggle-eyed monsters will be a child’s best friend and perfect for decorating a backpack.<br />
<br />
<b>Kids Weaving - Monster Scarves - $25* </b><br />
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17031%20&storeScheduleId=2806322&sessionId=2054905%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, October 17 from 3:30 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17031%20&storeScheduleId=2820897&sessionId=2080616%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Friday, October 24 from 1 pm until 3:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a> (<b>Early Release Day </b>for students in Eanes Independent School District!)<br />
Sunday, November 16 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17031%20&storeScheduleId=2885775&sessionId=2182433%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, November 21 from 4 pm until 6:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/W2_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster-Scarf_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Kids Weaving - Monster Scarf photo W2_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster-Scarf_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/W2_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster-Scarf_0.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
Kids will love this scarf with its fun monster mitts! (*Monster Scarf classes are more expensive than the other weaving classes, because the project is bigger and the class itself is an hour longer.)<br />
<br />
<b>Kids Weaving - Headband with Bow - $15 </b><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17028%20&storeScheduleId=2808107&sessionId=2058080%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Thursday, October 23 from 1 pm until 2:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake </a>(<b>Early Release Day </b>for students in Eanes Independent School District!)</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17028%20&storeScheduleId=2885761&sessionId=2182411%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, November 15 from 2:30 pm until 4 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
Wednesday, November 19 from 4:30 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Westlake</div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/W3_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Headband-with-Bow_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Kids Weaving - Headband photo W3_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Headband-with-Bow_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/W3_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Headband-with-Bow_0.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
Choose your favorite yarn colors and wrap it around four weaving sticks to create this eye-catching headband and bow.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rainbow Loom Monster Tail Classes* </b><b>– Recommended for Age 7 and Up</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
From the makers of Rainbow Loom, the Monster Tail is here! Bring your Monster Tail loom, hook and rubber bands in the colors of your choice. Taking classes in order is suggested, especially if you are not familiar with either the Rainbow Loom or the Monster Tail, but it is not required.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<b>*</b> I only teach Rainbow Loom at the Sunset Valley location. Contact the Westlake store to find out more about classes at that location. They have an excellent Rainbow Loom teacher in Westlake.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<b>Monster Tail 1 - Squared Fishtail Bracelet - $5</b></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17033%20&storeScheduleId=2806345&sessionId=2054948%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, October 25 from 5 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17033%20&storeScheduleId=2885700&sessionId=2182313%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, November 7 from 5 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17033%20&storeScheduleId=2885717&sessionId=2182347%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, November 14 from 4 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/Monster1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Monster1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/Monster1.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once you learn how to make this basic bracelet, you can create different looks just by changing the placement of colors. Beginners should start with this class, but anyone is welcome.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
<b><a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17034%20&storeScheduleId=2806318&sessionId=2054897%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Monster Tail 2 - Triple Fishtail Bracelet - $5</a></b></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17034%20&storeScheduleId=2806318&sessionId=2054897%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Monday, October 13 from 3 pm until 4 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a> (<b>Student Holiday</b> for Austin Independent School District and Eanes Independent School District!)</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17034%20&storeScheduleId=2806359&sessionId=2054970%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, October 30 from 4 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17034%20&storeScheduleId=2885712&sessionId=2182337%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Tuesday, November 11 from 2 pm until 3 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a> (<b>Student Holiday </b>for Austin Independent School District!)<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/Monster2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Monster2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/Monster2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
If you are comfortable with the regular fishtail on either the Rainbow Loom or the Monster Tail, you are probably ready to make this bracelet.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>Monster Tail 3 - Zipper Pull - $5</b></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17035%20&storeScheduleId=2806337&sessionId=2054935%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, October 24 from 5 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17035%20&storeScheduleId=2885766&sessionId=2182418%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, November 15 from 4:30 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/ZipperPull.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo ZipperPull.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/ZipperPull.jpg" height="400" width="153" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
You should be somewhat comfortable with either the Monster Tail or the original Rainbow Loom before taking this class. In addition to bringing the Monster Tail loom, hook and rubber bands, you will need to bring a keyring or hook and the beads of your choice. (The beads don’t have to be alphabet beads, but make sure they have a hole that is big enough to put the rubber bands through.)</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Things to Remember About Signing Up for Classes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">You need to sign up for classes and pay ahead of time. You can sign up for classes both in store and online. The links above should take you to the proper page for signing up for that class.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Ideally, you should try to sign up at least 24 hours before the class starts. When there is less than 24 hours left before the class, you won't be able to sign up online anymore. However, I usually accept in-store sign ups until the morning of the class, or sometimes as late as a couple of hours before the class. However, signing up at least 24 hours before the class is the only way to truly guarantee you a spot.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">You can always get <b>10% off your class materials</b> by showing your receipt and syllabus for the class to the cashier when you check out. (Rainbow Loom/Monster Tail materials are not included.)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>I take requests! </b>If you want to take a class, but it isn't at a convenient time, you want to take a different class from the <a href="http://craftyarncouncil.com/Discover.html">Discover Knit</a> program or if you want to learn a skill that isn't covered in the courses, let me know. I can probably accommodate you.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Always feel free to contact me about anything related to the classes, including materials for the class, the curriculum or any basic questions about knitting in general. My e-mail is <a href="mailto:sallyvillarreal@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sallyvillarreal AT gmail DOT com</a> . You can also e-mail me to get on my mailing list. Every month I e-mail next month's schedule to everyone on the list.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Thanks for checking out my classes. See you in the classroom!</div>
</div>
</div>
Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-12308465273579848482014-08-24T13:21:00.002-05:002014-08-27T19:19:54.986-05:00September Knitting Class Schedule for Michael's in Sunset Valley and Westlake - Plus 3 More Days to Save 25% on ClassesI'm back with the schedule for classes in September, just in time for you take advantage of the current class discount. Also, we're joining squares next weekend for Warm Up America. But between it all, with the help of my new knitting friends at <a href="http://www.holidaytouch.com/our-communities/englewood-estates">Englewood Estates</a>, I finished all my knitting student teaching hours! Once they are approved, I'll get a certificate and a pin to wear on my vest from the <a href="http://craftyarncouncil.com/">Craft Yarn Council</a>, and I'll be official.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Get 25% off Most Knitting Classes until August 27*</b></div>
<b><br /></b>
The two and a half hour knitting classes have been marked down from $25 to $18.75. You can go ahead and sign up for classes scheduled for September now so you can get the discount.<br />
<br />
*What does "most" mean? Kids weaving classes are not included. Also, Arm Knitting, which is normally $10, is not included. Everything else on my schedule is eligible for the discount.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Join us August 31 to Join Squares for Warm Up America</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'll have more information about this later in the week. The Sunset Valley Michael's has lots of squares for <a href="http://warmupamerica.org/">Warm Up America</a> that need to be sewn together. <b>You do not need to know how to knit or crochet to help.</b> We'll be donating the blanket to <a href="http://www.frontsteps.org/">Front Steps</a>, a local organization that helps the homeless. Come join us from 2 pm to 5 pm on Sunday, August 31 at the Michael's in Sunset Valley. We'll be in the classroom.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The September 2014 Schedule</b></div>
<br />
Without any further ado, here is the schedule for the Michael's stores in Sunset Valley and Westlake for September 2014:<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Beginning Knitting - No Experience Needed</b></div>
<br />
These two classes, Knit Simple Scarf and Knit Beginner 1, are designed for students with no knitting experience. However, they are also good for those who haven't knit for a while and need a review, or people who are having difficulty learning on their own. Of course, anyone who wants to join us to make one of these projects is welcomed. <br />
<br />
Each class offers different projects that teach the same basic skills. Both classes teach casting on (putting stitches on the needle), knit stitch, binding off (taking stitches off the needle), weaving in ends and a basic understanding of yarn and knitting tools. Knit Beginner 1 also covers basic seaming, and the Simple Scarf Class teaches how to make fringe.<br />
<br />
Also, if you want to take the Ruffled Scarf class, these classes will teach you the prerequisite skills you need.<br />
<br />
<center>
</center>
<b>Knit Beginner 1: Hat or Mitts - $25</b><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2747112&sessionId=1968916%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, September 13 from 3 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2745249&sessionId=1965912%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Sunday, September 14 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
Select your favorite colors and start making your own hat or wrist warmers that you'll be proud to wear or give as gifts. You choose one project for the class, but you will get patterns for both. You can look at the sample hat and cuffs I made <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2014/05/fo-garter-stitch-hat-and-garter-stitch.html">here</a>.<br />
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg" /></a><a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Knit Simple Scarf - $25</b><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17021%20&storeScheduleId=2747101&sessionId=1968900%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, September 6 from 3 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17021%20&storeScheduleId=2745246&sessionId=1965796%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Sunday, September 7 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
Knit on large needles with fringe accents, this scarf drapes beautifully and is the perfect accessory for any outfit.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<center>
<b><a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/K18_CYC_Knit-Simple-Scarf_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Knit Simple Scarf photo K18_CYC_Knit-Simple-Scarf_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/K18_CYC_Knit-Simple-Scarf_0.jpg" /></a></b><br />
<b><br /></b></center>
<b>Arm Knitting - No Experience Needed - $10</b><br />
<u><a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16788%20&storeScheduleId=2785934&sessionId=2021074%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, September 18 from 6 pm until 7 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></u><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16788%20&storeScheduleId=2745380&sessionId=1965914%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Tuesday, September 16 from 6 pm until 7 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304011304579220660554732336">According to The Wall Street Journal</a>, "Arm knitting combines several things that are appealing to millennials: crafts projects, chunky knitwear (featured on the fall 2013 runways), social media and instant gratification." Of course, this innovative new craft is for people of all ages who have two arms.<br />
<br />
Choose from four different projects using different types of yarn, including three cowls and a shawl. Pick one for the class, but you'll receive patterns for all four projects so you can try them all. (Pictures of more of the patterns are coming soon. However, the left picture is me arm knitting at a demo, and the right picture is the Sashay Arm Knit Cowl sample I made.)<br />
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/13997843061" title="Arm Knitting Demo by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Arm Knitting Demo" height="195" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/13997843061_5bd5cb5d61_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/14041422498" title="Sashay Arm Knit Cowl at Demo - 5/3/2014 by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Sashay Arm Knit Cowl at Demo - 5/3/2014" height="240" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5566/14041422498_7a975b7611_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b>Beginner Classes: Learn the Purl Stitch</b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
<b>
</b>These classes are designed for people who have taken Knit Beginner 1 or the Knit Simple Scarf Class or knitters who know the knit stitch but haven't gotten to the purl stitch yet. As always, any knitter with the prerequisite skills can join us, even if they are more advanced. In these classes we will focus on learning the purl stitch, a skill that can be used to add new textures to your knitting.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>Knit Beginner 2 - Neck Warmer or Tassel Hat - $25</b></div>
<div>
Prerequisites: Casting On, Knit Stitch, Binding Off</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10117%20&storeScheduleId=2747106&sessionId=1968907%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, September 11 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10117%20&storeScheduleId=2745247&sessionId=1965798%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, September 9 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/451ebf09-39f9-4c23-93e5-2bce52d90c86.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 451ebf09-39f9-4c23-93e5-2bce52d90c86.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/451ebf09-39f9-4c23-93e5-2bce52d90c86.jpg" /></a><a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/60d9a448-9798-405a-a129-54f3bb80f5bf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 60d9a448-9798-405a-a129-54f3bb80f5bf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/60d9a448-9798-405a-a129-54f3bb80f5bf.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now that you know the basics of knitting, you are ready to learn the purl stitch! Create a hat or neck warmer. You will choose one pattern for the class, but you will receive patterns for both projects.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Knit Jersey Pillow - $25</b><br />
Prerequisites: None (See the paragraph below for details)<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17020%20&storeScheduleId=2747115&sessionId=1968942%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, September 25 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17020%20&storeScheduleId=2745381&sessionId=1965916%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, September 23 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/K19_CYC_Knit-Jersey-Pillow_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Knit Jersey Pillow photo K19_CYC_Knit-Jersey-Pillow_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/K19_CYC_Knit-Jersey-Pillow_1.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
You’ll love resting your head on this pillow because this unique yarn has a T-shirt look and feel.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>About the Knit Jersey Pillow class prerequisites:</b> Beginners usually learn the knit stitch first and then the purl stitch. However, the Knit Jersey Pillow class is designed to teach beginners how to purl first. So it can either be taken as a first class, or after Knit Beginner 1 or the Knit Simple Scarf class to learn how to purl. However, if you take Knit Jersey pillow first, I suggest taking a beginner knitting course also so you know the knit stitch as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Advanced Beginner Classes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is your chance to take your knitting to the next level. These classes cover skills like Cables, decreasing, increasing, cables and working with specialty yarns. Be sure to check the prerequisites before signing up.</div>
<!--EndFragment--><b> </b><br />
<b>Knit Ruffled Scarves (Discover Time Knitting) - $25*</b><br />
Prerequisites: Knit Stitch, Binding Off<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=15372%20&storeScheduleId=2747095&sessionId=1968891%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, September 4 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=15372%20&storeScheduleId=2745248&sessionId=1965910%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Wednesday, September 10, from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
Ruffle yarns and ruffled scarves have become very popular recently. This is a chance to make your own ruffled scarf and get comfortable using these yarns. To get the look in the picture below, use <a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/yarns/pirouette">Patons Pirouette</a>, but you can use any ruffle yarn for this class, including (but not limited to) <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/boutique-sashay-sequins">Red Heart Boutique Sashay</a>, <a href="http://www.premieryarns.com/product/Premier+Starbella+Yarn+1.aspx">Premier Starbella</a> and others. Once you get the hang of it, you'll want to try them all. (I know I did. Or at least I got pretty close.)<br />
<br />
<b>*This class is listed as "Discover Knit: Time for Knit" online.</b><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Knit Baby Hat - $25</b></div>
<div>
Prerequisites: Cast On, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Bind Off</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17019%20&storeScheduleId=2621292&sessionId=1853268%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, August 28 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17019%20&storeScheduleId=2635515&sessionId=1869636%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, August 26 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17019%20&storeScheduleId=2747114&sessionId=1968940%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, September 19 from 5 pm until 7:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17019%20&storeScheduleId=2745245&sessionId=1965794%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, September 2 from 6 pm until 8:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<center>
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/K21_CYC_Knit_Baby_Hat_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Knit Baby Hat photo K21_CYC_Knit_Baby_Hat_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/K21_CYC_Knit_Baby_Hat_0.jpg" /></a></center>
</center>
<br />
Baby will look so stylish in this beautiful hat, and you'll learn about decreasing. Crown shaping ensures a perfect fit. (Personally, I'm fond of the swirl that forms at the top of the hat.)<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Knit Twisted Headband - $25</b></div>
<div>
Prerequisites: Cast On, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Bind Off</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17022%20&storeScheduleId=2635555&sessionId=1869736%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Wednesday, August 27 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17022%20&storeScheduleId=2785902&sessionId=2021016%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, September 12 from 6 pm until 8:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17022%20&storeScheduleId=2745384&sessionId=1965922%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, September 30 from 6 pm until 8:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/K20_CYC_Knit_Twisted_Headband_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Knit Twisted Headband photo K20_CYC_Knit_Twisted_Headband_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/K20_CYC_Knit_Twisted_Headband_0.jpg" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
It’s a headband with a twist! Two cable stitches create the design and the ribbing ensures a perfect fit. (There's also a picture of me wearing mine on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sallycomesunraveled" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a>.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Kids Weaving Classes – Recommended for Age 7 and Up </b></div>
<br />
I'm offering classes for kids using Clover Weaving Sticks. When you use these weaving sticks, the “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warp_(weaving)">warp</a>” yarn is thread through the holes at the bottom of the sticks, while the “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weft">weft</a>” yarn is woven in between the sticks. It’s a twist on traditional weaving that is fun and quick.<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center>
</center>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>Kids Weaving - Monsters - $15 </b><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17032%20&storeScheduleId=2621294&sessionId=1853272%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, August 29 from 3:30 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17032%20&storeScheduleId=2747116&sessionId=1968944%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, September 26 from 4 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17032%20&storeScheduleId=2745382&sessionId=1965918%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Sunday, September 28 from 2 pm until 3:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/W1_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Kids Weaving - Monsters photo W1_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/W1_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster_0.jpg" /></a></center>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
These wiggle-eyed monsters will be a child’s best friend and perfect for decorating a backpack. <br />
<br />
<b>Kids Weaving - Monster Scarves - $25* </b><br />
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17031%20&storeScheduleId=2747100&sessionId=1968898%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, September 5 from 4 pm until 6:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17031%20&storeScheduleId=2745244&sessionId=1965792%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, September 2 from 3:30 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/W2_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster-Scarf_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Kids Weaving - Monster Scarf photo W2_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster-Scarf_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/W2_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster-Scarf_0.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
Kids will love this scarf with its fun monster mitts! (*Monster Scarf classes are more expensive than the other weaving classes, because the project is bigger and the class itself is an hour longer.)<br />
<br />
<b>Kids Weaving - Headband with Bow - $15 </b><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17028%20&storeScheduleId=2747111&sessionId=1968914%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, September 12 from 3:30 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17028%20&storeScheduleId=2745383&sessionId=1965920%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, September 30 from 3:30 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/W3_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Headband-with-Bow_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Kids Weaving - Headband photo W3_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Headband-with-Bow_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/W3_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Headband-with-Bow_0.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
Choose your favorite yarn colors and wrap it around four weaving sticks to create this eye-catching headband and bow.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Things to Remember About Signing Up for Classes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">You need to sign up for classes and pay ahead of time. You can sign up for classes both in store and online. The links above should take you to the proper page for signing up for that class.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Ideally, you should try to sign up at least 24 hours before the class starts. When there is less than 24 hours left before the class, you won't be able to sign up online anymore. However, I usually accept in-store sign ups until the morning of the class, or sometimes as late as a couple of hours before the class. However, signing up at least 24 hours before the class is the only way to truly guarantee you a spot.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">You can always get <b>10% off your class materials</b> by showing your receipt and syllabus for the class to the cashier when you check out.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Usually, you should have no problem signing up for classes online. However, if you find a mistake in the schedule, please let me know so we can fix it.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>I take requests! </b>If you want to take a class, but it isn't at a convenient time, you want to take a different class from the <a href="http://craftyarncouncil.com/Discover.html">Discover Knit</a> program or if you want to learn a skill that isn't covered in the courses, let me know. I can probably accommodate you.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Always feel free to contact me about anything related to the classes, including materials for the class, the curriculum or any basic questions about knitting in general. My e-mail is <a href="mailto:sallyvillarreal@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sallyvillarreal AT gmail DOT com</a> . You can also e-mail me to get on my mailing list. Every month I e-mail next month's schedule to everyone on the list.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Thanks for checking out my classes. See you in the classroom!</div>
</div>
</div>
Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-29847326767046912392014-06-29T21:31:00.000-05:002014-07-10T21:18:14.030-05:00July and August Knitting Classes at Michael's in South Austin - June 30 deadline Knitting class discount!June just flew by! I spent much of the month preparing for my parents 40th anniversary surprise party. I'll have a couple of pictures up later.<br />
<br />
So I'm late with the July schedule. The good news is that I already have my August schedule completed, so I can kill two birds with one stone by putting them both up.<br />
<br />
Also, I have more good news, in case you missed it on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sallycomesunraveled" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a>. <b>You have until the end of business June 30 to sign up for knitting classes for $20.</b> These classes are usually $25, so <b>you can save $5</b>. You can get this discount by signing up for any classes already on the calendar. July classes are already up, and August classes should be up soon.<br />
<br />
<b>New Classes - </b><a href="http://craftyarncouncil.com/Discover.html">Discover Knitting</a> classes are updated every few month, so you'll see some new classes. The good news is that I can bring back <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2014/05/june-knitting-classes-at-michaels-in.html" target="_blank">last month's</a> classes upon request, but this month I'm focused on scheduled the new summer classes.<br />
<br />
I'm excited because summer means kids classes! This July, <a href="http://www.michaels.com/" target="_blank">Michael's</a> is introducing kids classes with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DU2H6QQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DU2H6QQ&linkCode=as2&tag=salcomunrtheb-20&linkId=4CKYUHN4JBQIY3CG">Weaving Sticks</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=salcomunrtheb-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00DU2H6QQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Weaving sticks work like the <a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/pattern/other/straw-weaving-bracelets" target="_blank">bracelets I used to weave with straws</a> when I was in elementary school. Except these are bigger and better.<br />
<br />
I've also been doing the <a href="http://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-MichaelsUS-Site/Sites-MichaelsUS-Library/default/misc/passport/index.html" target="_blank">Passport to Imagination</a> classes. It's been a new experience for me. I've never taught such a large group of kids. Luckily my fellow instructor is a seasoned veteran, and we've been getting in some great kids. Of course, I'm especially looking forward to <a href="http://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-MichaelsUS-Site/Sites-MichaelsUS-Library/default/misc/passport/week6/museumatthefit.html" target="_blank">the day we have a weaving project</a>.<br />
<br />
Let's get on to the schedule itself.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Beginning Knitting - No Experience Needed</b></div>
<br />
These two classes, Knit Simple Scarf and Knit Beginner 1, are designed for students with no knitting experience. However, they are also good for those who haven't knit for a while and need a review, or people who are having difficulty learning on their own. Of course, anyone who wants to join us to make one of these projects is welcomed. <br />
<br />
Each class offers different projects that teach the same basic skills. Both classes teach casting on (putting stitches on the needle), knit stitch, binding off (taking stitches off the needle), weaving in ends and a basic understanding of yarn and knitting tools. Knit Beginner 1 also covers basic seaming, and the Simple Scarf Class teaches how to make fringe.<br />
<br />
Also, if you want to take the Ruffled Scarf class, these classes will teach you the prerequisite skills you need.<br />
<br />
<center>
</center>
<b>Knit Beginner 1: Hat or Mitts - $25</b><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2578296&sessionId=1778371%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Saturday, July 12 from 2:30 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2578890&sessionId=1779388%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Wednesday, July 2 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2621255&sessionId=1853230%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, August 9 from 3 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2635453&sessionId=1869532%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Sunday, August 10 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
Select your favorite colors and start making your own hat or wrist warmers that you'll be proud to wear or give as gifts. You choose one project for the class, but you will get patterns for both. You can look at the sample hat and cuffs I made <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2014/05/fo-garter-stitch-hat-and-garter-stitch.html">here</a>.<br />
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg" /></a><a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Knit Simple Scarf - $25</b><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17021%20&storeScheduleId=2578483&sessionId=1778655%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Wednesday, July 9 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17021%20&storeScheduleId=2578842&sessionId=1779298%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Sunday, July 20 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17021%20&storeScheduleId=2621219&sessionId=1853188%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, August 2 from 3 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17021%20&storeScheduleId=2635493&sessionId=1869602%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Sunday, August 17 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
Knit on large needles with fringe accents, this scarf drapes beautifully and is the perfect accessory for any outfit.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<center>
<b><a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/K18_CYC_Knit-Simple-Scarf_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Knit Simple Scarf photo K18_CYC_Knit-Simple-Scarf_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/K18_CYC_Knit-Simple-Scarf_0.jpg" /></a></b><br />
<b><br /></b></center>
<b>Arm Knitting - No Experience Needed - $10</b><br />
<u><a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16788%20&storeScheduleId=2578481&sessionId=1778651%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Tuesday, July 1 from 6 pm until 7 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></u><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16788%20&storeScheduleId=2578864&sessionId=1779349%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Tuesday, July 8 from 6 pm until 7 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16788%20&storeScheduleId=2621218&sessionId=1853186%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, August 1 from 3 pm until 4 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16788%20&storeScheduleId=2635455&sessionId=1869536%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, August 12 from 6 pm until 7 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304011304579220660554732336">According to The Wall Street Journal</a>, "Arm knitting combines several things that are appealing to millennials: crafts projects, chunky knitwear (featured on the fall 2013 runways), social media and instant gratification." Of course, this innovative new craft is for people of all ages who have two arms.<br />
<br />
Choose from four different projects using different types of yarn, including three cowls and a shawl. Pick one for the class, but you'll receive patterns for all four projects so you can try them all. (Pictures of more of the patterns are coming soon. However, the left picture is me arm knitting at a demo, and the right picture is the Sashay Arm Knit Cowl sample I made.)<br />
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/13997843061" title="Arm Knitting Demo by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Arm Knitting Demo" height="195" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/13997843061_5bd5cb5d61_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/14041422498" title="Sashay Arm Knit Cowl at Demo - 5/3/2014 by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Sashay Arm Knit Cowl at Demo - 5/3/2014" height="240" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5566/14041422498_7a975b7611_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b>Beginner Classes: Learn the Purl Stitch</b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
<b>
</b>These classes are designed for people who have taken Knit Beginner 1 or the Knit Simple Scarf Class, or knitters who know the knit stitch but haven't gotten to the purl stitch yet. As always, any knitter with the prerequisite skills can join us, even if they are more advanced. In these classes we will focus on learning the purl stitch, a skill that can be used to add new textures to your knitting.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>Knit Beginner 2 - Neck Warmer or Tassel Hat - $25</b></div>
<div>
Prerequisites: Casting On, Knit Stitch, Binding Off</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10117%20&storeScheduleId=2578297&sessionId=1778373%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Saturday, July 26 from 2:30 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10117%20&storeScheduleId=2578796&sessionId=1779266%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Sunday, July 27 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10117%20&storeScheduleId=2639121&sessionId=1876031%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, August 21 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10117%20&storeScheduleId=2635499&sessionId=1869624%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, August 19 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/451ebf09-39f9-4c23-93e5-2bce52d90c86.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 451ebf09-39f9-4c23-93e5-2bce52d90c86.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/451ebf09-39f9-4c23-93e5-2bce52d90c86.jpg" /></a><a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/60d9a448-9798-405a-a129-54f3bb80f5bf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 60d9a448-9798-405a-a129-54f3bb80f5bf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/60d9a448-9798-405a-a129-54f3bb80f5bf.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now that you know the basics of knitting, you are ready to learn the purl stitch! Create a hat or neck warmer. You will choose one pattern for the class, but you will receive patterns for both projects.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Knit Jersey Pillow - $25</b><br />
Prerequisites: None (See the paragraph below for details)<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17020%20&storeScheduleId=2639098&sessionId=1875976%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, July 17 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17020%20&storeScheduleId=2578860&sessionId=1779341%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Thursday, July 24 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17020%20&storeScheduleId=2621258&sessionId=1853236%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, August 16 from 3 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17020%20&storeScheduleId=2635441&sessionId=1869488%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, August 5 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/K19_CYC_Knit-Jersey-Pillow_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Knit Jersey Pillow photo K19_CYC_Knit-Jersey-Pillow_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/K19_CYC_Knit-Jersey-Pillow_1.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
You’ll love resting your head on this pillow because this unique yarn has a T-shirt look and feel.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>About the Knit Jersey Pillow class prerequisites:</b> Beginners usually learn the knit stitch first and then the purl stitch. However, the Knit Jersey Pillow class is designed to teach beginners how to purl first. So it can either be taken as a first class, or after Knit Beginner 1 or the Knit Simple Scarf class to learn how to purl. However, if you take Knit Jersey pillow first, I suggest taking a beginner knitting course also so you know the knit stitch as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Advanced Beginner Classes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is your chance to take your knitting to the next level. These classes cover skills like Cables, decreasing, increasing, cables and working with specialty yarns. Be sure to check the prerequisites before signing up.</div>
<!--EndFragment--><b> </b><br />
<b>Knit Ruffled Scarves (Discover Time Knitting) - $25*</b><br />
Prerequisites: Knit Stitch, Binding Off<br />
Thursday, July 3 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley<br />
Thursday, July 10, from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=15372%20&storeScheduleId=2621253&sessionId=1853206%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, August 7 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
Wednesday, August 13, from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake<br />
<br />
Ruffle yarns and ruffled scarves have become very popular recently. This is a chance to make your own ruffled scarf and get comfortable using these yarns. To get the look in the picture below, use <a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/yarns/pirouette">Patons Pirouette</a>, but you can use any ruffle yarn for this class, including (but not limited to) <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/boutique-sashay-sequins">Red Heart Boutique Sashay</a>, <a href="http://www.premieryarns.com/product/Premier+Starbella+Yarn+1.aspx">Premier Starbella</a> and others. Once you get the hang of it, you'll want to try them all. (I know I did. Or at least I got pretty close.)<br />
<br />
<b>*This class is listed as "Discover Time Knitting" online.</b><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Knit Baby Hat - $25</b></div>
<div>
Prerequisites: Cast On, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Bind Off</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17019%20&storeScheduleId=2634265&sessionId=1867407%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, July 31 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><b><br /></b><a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17019%20&storeScheduleId=2578862&sessionId=1779345%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Tuesday, July 29 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17019%20&storeScheduleId=2621292&sessionId=1853268%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, August 28 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17019%20&storeScheduleId=2635515&sessionId=1869636%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, August 26 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<center>
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/K21_CYC_Knit_Baby_Hat_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Knit Baby Hat photo K21_CYC_Knit_Baby_Hat_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/K21_CYC_Knit_Baby_Hat_0.jpg" /></a></center>
</center>
<br />
Baby will look so stylish in this beautiful hat, and you'll learn about decreasing. Crown shaping ensures a perfect fit. (Personally, I'm fond of the swirl that forms at the top of the hat.)<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Knit Twisted Headband - $25</b></div>
<div>
Prerequisites: Cast On, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Bind Off</div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17022%20&storeScheduleId=2578482&sessionId=1778653%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Tuesday, July 22 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><b><br /></b><a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17022%20&storeScheduleId=2578869&sessionId=1779386%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Tuesday, July 15 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17022%20&storeScheduleId=2621256&sessionId=1853232%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, August 14 from 6 pm until 8:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17022%20&storeScheduleId=2635555&sessionId=1869736%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Wednesday, August 27 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/K20_CYC_Knit_Twisted_Headband_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Knit Twisted Headband photo K20_CYC_Knit_Twisted_Headband_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/K20_CYC_Knit_Twisted_Headband_0.jpg" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
It’s a headband with a twist! Two cable stitches create the design and the ribbing ensures a perfect fit. (There's also a picture of me wearing mine on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sallycomesunraveled" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a>.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Kids Weaving Classes – Recommended for Age 7 and Up </b></div>
<br />
Like I talked about above, this summer I'll be offering classes for kids using Clover Weaving Sticks. When you use these weaving sticks, the “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warp_(weaving)">warp</a>” yarn is thread through the holes at the bottom of the sticks, while the “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weft">weft</a>” yarn is woven in between the sticks. It’s a twist on traditional weaving that is fun and quick.<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center>
</center>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>Kids Weaving - Monsters - $15 </b><br />
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17032%20&storeScheduleId=2578484&sessionId=1778657%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Monday, July 14 from 1:30 pm until 3 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17032%20&storeScheduleId=2578485&sessionId=1778659%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Monday, July 28 from 1:30 pm until 3 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
Monday, July 7 from 2 pm until 3:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17032%20&storeScheduleId=2578895&sessionId=1779418%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Monday, July 21 from 2 pm until 3:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17032%20&storeScheduleId=2621254&sessionId=1853208%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, August 8 from 1 pm until 2:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17032%20&storeScheduleId=2621294&sessionId=1853272%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, August 29 from 3:30 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
Wednesday, August 6 from 10:30 am until 12 pm at Michael's in Westlake</div>
<div>
Wednesday, August 20 from 10:30 am until 12 pm at Michael's in Westlake</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/W1_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Kids Weaving - Monsters photo W1_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/W1_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster_0.jpg" /></a></center>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
These wiggle-eyed monsters will be a child’s best friend and perfect for decorating a backpack. <br />
<br />
<b>Kids Weaving - Monster Scarves - $15 </b><br />
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17031%20&storeScheduleId=2639094&sessionId=1875968%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, July 18 from 1:30 pm until 3 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17031%20&storeScheduleId=2578911&sessionId=1779450%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Friday, July 11 from 2 pm until 3:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17031%20&storeScheduleId=2578865&sessionId=1779381%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Friday, July 25 from 2 pm until 3:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17031%20&storeScheduleId=2621257&sessionId=1853234%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, August 15 from 1 pm until 2:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17031%20&storeScheduleId=2621259&sessionId=1853238%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, August 21 from 2 pm until 3:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17031%20&storeScheduleId=2635482&sessionId=1869570%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, August 5 from 2 pm until 3:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17031%20&storeScheduleId=2635556&sessionId=1869738%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, August 12 from 2:30 pm until 4 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/W2_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster-Scarf_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Kids Weaving - Monster Scarf photo W2_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster-Scarf_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/W2_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Monster-Scarf_0.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
Kids will love this scarf with its fun monster mitts!<br />
<br />
<b>Kids Weaving - Headband with Bow - $15 </b><br />
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17028%20&storeScheduleId=2578486&sessionId=1778681%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Wednesday, July 30 from 1:30 pm until 3 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17028%20&storeScheduleId=2585652&sessionId=1791162%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Wednesday, July 23 from 2 pm until 3:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17028%20&storeScheduleId=2621252&sessionId=1853204%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Thursday, August 7 from 1 pm until 2:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17028%20&storeScheduleId=2621290&sessionId=1853264%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Friday, August 22 from 1 pm until 2:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17028%20&storeScheduleId=2635459&sessionId=1869554%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Wednesday, August 13 from 2 pm until 3:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=17028%20&storeScheduleId=2635496&sessionId=1869608%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, August 19 from 2 pm until 3:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/W3_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Headband-with-Bow_0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Kids Weaving - Headband photo W3_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Headband-with-Bow_0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/W3_CYC_Kids-Weaving-Headband-with-Bow_0.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
Choose your favorite yarn colors and wrap it around four weaving sticks to create this eye-catching headband and bow.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Things to Remember About Signing Up for Classes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">You need to sign up for classes and pay ahead of time. You can sign up for classes both in store and online. The links above should take you to the proper page for signing up for that class.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Ideally, you should try to sign up at least 24 hours before the class starts. When there is less than 24 hours left before the class, you won't be able to sign up online anymore. However, I usually accept in-store sign ups until the morning of the class, or sometimes as late as a couple of hours before the class. However, signing up at least 24 hours before the class is the only way to truly guarantee you a spot.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">You can always get <b>10% off your class materials</b> by showing your receipt and syllabus for the class to the cashier when you check out.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Usually you should have no problem signing up for classes online. Occasionally, due to typos in the calendar, you may not be able to sign up online until we fix the calendar. If you have problems, contact either me or the store, and we'll help you.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>I take requests! </b>If you want to take a class, but it isn't at a convenient time, you want to take a different class from the <a href="http://craftyarncouncil.com/Discover.html">Discover Knit</a> programs or if you want to learn a skill that isn't covered in the courses, let me know. I can probably accommodate you.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Always feel free to contact me about anything related to the classes, including materials for the class, the curriculum or any basic questions about knitting in general. My e-mail is <a href="mailto:sallyvillarreal@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sallyvillarreal AT gmail DOT com</a> . You can also e-mail me to get on my mailing list. Every month I e-mail next month's schedule to everyone on the list.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Thanks for checking out my classes. See you in the classroom!</div>
</div>
</div>
Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-26210682940009720832014-05-22T06:08:00.000-05:002014-05-28T05:04:51.639-05:00June Knitting Classes at Michael's in South Austin - Knit Beginner 2, More Advanced Beginner Classes, and another chance to take Beginning Knitting Classes, the Ruffled Scarf Class and Arm KnittingMay went so fast! I can't believe that I'm already making the June schedule. It's been a little slow getting students, but I'm not giving up. I'm also looking forward to teaching Kids Club classes and <a href="http://www.rainbowloom.com/" target="_blank">Rainbow Loom</a> Meet Ups at the Sunset Valley Michael's. You can check the <a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/dateView?storeId=9889#">schedule</a> to see what kids club classes are coming up. Rainbow Loom Meet-Ups are usually on Saturdays from noon until 2 pm. I've been practicing a lot on my own Rainbow Loom and loving it! I'll be blogging more about it later.<br />
<br />
<b>New Classes - </b>I'm adding a few new classes in June, mostly for knitters with a little bit of experience. However, don't worry if you're new to knitting. We'll have three returning classes with no prerequisites. Also, it's not too late to learn arm knitting or take the Ruffled Scarf Class.<br />
<br />
<b>Beginner Knitting - Learn the Purl Stitch</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
These two classes are designed for people who have taken Knit Beginner 1 or the Discover Knit - Headwrap class, or knitters who know the knit stitch but haven't gotten to the purl stitch yet. As always, any knitter with the prerequisite skills can join us, even if they are more advanced. In these classes we will focus on learning the purl stitch, which is basically the knit stitch's mirror image. With this skill you'll be able to add new textures to your knitting.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Knit Beginner 2 - Neck Warmer or Tassel Hat</b><br />
Prerequisites: Casting On, Knit Stitch, Binding Off<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10117%20&storeScheduleId=2491813&sessionId=1677247%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Thursday, June 12 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10117%20&storeScheduleId=2459216&sessionId=1639872%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Thursday, June 26 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/451ebf09-39f9-4c23-93e5-2bce52d90c86.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 451ebf09-39f9-4c23-93e5-2bce52d90c86.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/451ebf09-39f9-4c23-93e5-2bce52d90c86.jpg" /></a><a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/60d9a448-9798-405a-a129-54f3bb80f5bf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 60d9a448-9798-405a-a129-54f3bb80f5bf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/60d9a448-9798-405a-a129-54f3bb80f5bf.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Now that you know the basics of knitting, you are ready to learn the purl stitch! Create a hat or neck warmer. You will choose one pattern for the class, but you will receive patterns for both projects.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Discover Knit - Phone Case</b><br />
Prerequisites: Casting On, Knit Stitch, Binding Off<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16824%20&storeScheduleId=2491762&sessionId=1677179%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Saturday, June 7 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16824%20&storeScheduleId=2459187&sessionId=1639804%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Saturday, June 14 from 2:30 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/62b27872-3f7d-4978-9860-2f483b798a8e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 62b27872-3f7d-4978-9860-2f483b798a8e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/62b27872-3f7d-4978-9860-2f483b798a8e.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
Protect your phone with this creative and cute phone cozy. Learn the purl stitch to make this functional, handmade piece.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Advanced Beginner: Discover Knit - Pom Pom Hat</b><br />
Prerequisites: Casting On, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Binding Off<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16826%20&storeScheduleId=2491822&sessionId=1677272%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Sunday, June 29 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16826%20&storeScheduleId=2459214&sessionId=1639858%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Tuesday, June 24 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/225448ee-9b0b-4101-893b-24ef74fb63c1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 225448ee-9b0b-4101-893b-24ef74fb63c1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/225448ee-9b0b-4101-893b-24ef74fb63c1.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
Show off your favorite colors in this striped ribbed hat. Maybe it's your school or team colors or maybe it's to match your favorite coat.<br />
<br />
You'll be ready for this after you take Knit Beginner 2 or the Discover Knit - Phone Case class. This is also a good class if you know the knit stitch and the purl stitch, and you are ready to learn ways to increase and decrease. This class will focus on learning how to decrease, although changing colors will also be discussed. Decreasing is key to many hat patterns, not just this one.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Returning Classes </b>- These classes from May are back for another month, in case you missed them the first time around.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Beginning Knitting - No Experience Needed</b><br />
<br />
These two classes, Discover Knit - Headwrap and Knit Beginner 1, are designed for students with no knitting experience. However, they are also good for those who haven't knit for a while and need a review, or people who are having difficulty learning on their own. Of course, anyone who wants to join us to make one of these projects is welcomed. <br />
<br />
Each class offers different projects that teach the same skills. Both classes teach casting on (putting stitches on the needle), knit stitch, binding off (taking stitches off the needle), basic seaming, weaving in ends and a basic understanding of yarn and knitting tools.<br />
<br />
Also, if you want to take the Ruffled Scarf class later this month, these classes will teach you the prerequisite skills you need.<br />
<br />
<b>Discover Knit: Headwrap - $25</b><br />
<u><a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16825%20&storeScheduleId=2491754&sessionId=1677164%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Sunday, June 1 from 2pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></u><br />
<u><a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16825%20&storeScheduleId=2459154&sessionId=1639747%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Tuesday June 3 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a></u><br />
<br />
Keep your ears warm with a simple, yet stylish headband that you create yourself. You can take a look at the sample Headwrap I made <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2014/05/fo-headwrap.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/ae457138-1fe0-4d96-8580-7d40669585f8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo ae457138-1fe0-4d96-8580-7d40669585f8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/ae457138-1fe0-4d96-8580-7d40669585f8.jpg" /></a></center>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Knit Beginner 1: Hat or Mitts - $25</b><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2491799&sessionId=1677228%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Sunday, June 15 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2459217&sessionId=1639874%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Saturday, June 28 from 2:30 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
Select your favorite colors and start making your own hat or wrist warmers that you'll be proud to wear or give as gifts. You choose one project for the class, but you will get patterns for both. You can look at the sample hat and cuffs I made <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2014/05/fo-garter-stitch-hat-and-garter-stitch.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg" /></a><a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Arm Knitting - No Experience Needed - $10</b><br />
<u><a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16788%20&storeScheduleId=2491788&sessionId=1677212%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Tuesday, June 10 from 6 pm until 7 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></u><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16788%20&storeScheduleId=2459196&sessionId=1639822%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Tuesday, June 17 from 6 pm until 7pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304011304579220660554732336">According to The Wall Street Journal</a>, "Arm knitting combines several things that are appealing to millennials: crafts projects, chunky knitwear (featured on the fall 2013 runways), social media and instant gratification." Of course, this innovative new craft is for people of all ages who have two arms.<br />
<br />
Choose from four different projects using different types of yarn, including three cowls and a shawl. Pick one for the class, but you'll receive patterns for all four projects so you can try them all. (Pictures of more of the patterns are coming soon. However, the left picture is me arm knitting at a demo, and the right picture is the Sashay Arm Knit Cowl sample I made.)<br />
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/13997843061" title="Arm Knitting Demo by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Arm Knitting Demo" height="195" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/13997843061_5bd5cb5d61_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/14041422498" title="Sashay Arm Knit Cowl at Demo - 5/3/2014 by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Sashay Arm Knit Cowl at Demo - 5/3/2014" height="240" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5566/14041422498_7a975b7611_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></center>
<br />
<b>Ruffled Scarves: for Advanced Beginner Knitters - $25</b><br />
Prerequisites: Knit Stitch, Binding Off<br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16562%20&storeScheduleId=2346326&sessionId=1558016%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, May 31 from 2pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a> (Last class in May!)<br />
<u><a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16562%20&storeScheduleId=2491767&sessionId=1677186%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">Sunday, June 8 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a></u><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16562%20&storeScheduleId=2459170&sessionId=1639776%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=" target="_blank">Thursday, June 5, from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
Ruffle yarns and ruffled scarves have become very popular in the last couple of years. This is a chance to make your own ruffled scarf and get comfortable using these yarns. To get the look in the picture below, use <a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/yarns/pirouette">Patons Pirouette</a>, but you can use any ruffle yarn for this class, including (but not limited to) <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/boutique-sashay-sequins">Red Heart Boutique Sashay</a>, <a href="http://www.premieryarns.com/product/Premier+Starbella+Yarn+1.aspx">Premier Starbella</a> and other ruffle yarns. Once you get the hang of it, you'll want to try them all. (I know I did. Or at least I got pretty close.)<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I'm excited about teaching, and I'm working hard to get my lesson plans just right. I hope I see you in the classroom!</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center>
</center>
Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-44013794429353783772014-05-22T00:40:00.000-05:002014-05-22T00:40:03.896-05:00FO: Headwrap<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/13941343120" title="Knit Headwrap by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Knit Headwrap" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/13941343120_d52e599f08.jpg" width="375" /></a></center>
<br />
Finding beginner projects that are useful and interesting without requiring skills that new knitters don't have or taking too long to complete is always a challenge. That's why I like this Headwrap that will be featured in some of my beginner classes in the beginning of June.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/14209404832" title="Knit Headwrap by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Knit Headwrap" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5574/14209404832_131978cc69.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
The pattern only has two rectangles, one for the main headband and a smaller one for the tie. Once you assemble them, the end result is a great little headwrap to keep your ears warm.<br />
<br />
There are no prerequisites for the Headwrap class. It's designed to teach casting on (putting stitches on the needle), knit stitch, binding off (taking stitches off the needle), basic seaming and more to people with no experience.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/14128269014" title="FO: Knit Headwrap by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="FO: Knit Headwrap" height="333" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2930/14128269014_7164e1c7cc.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
Like the <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2014/05/fo-garter-stitch-hat-and-garter-stitch.html">Garter Stitch Hat and Garter Stitch Cuffs</a>, I used <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/we-thick.htm" target="_blank">Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick</a> and US Size 13 needles. Just like the Garter Stitch Hat and Garter Stitch Cuffs, I was surprised that I didn't need a smaller needle, since my gauge tends to run loose.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/14104800286" title="FO: Knit Headwrap by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="FO: Knit Headwrap" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5553/14104800286_0eef331240.jpg" width="375" /></a></center>
<br />
The yarn color is Raspberry 112. I used yarn that had been in my stash for a long time. Since the <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2014/05/may-knitting-classes-at-michaels-in.html" target="_blank">sample in the picture on the pattern</a> was made in a baby pink, it seemed like pink was the way to go for my sample.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/13941307657" title="FO: Knit Headwrap by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="FO: Knit Headwrap" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/13941307657_a69e97a8b1.jpg" width="333" /></a></center>
<br />
Pink also seems to go with the red roses Dad brought home from school. They handed them out to the teachers in honor of their work preparing students for the <a href="http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/">STAAR exam</a>. My styrofoam head from Michael's looks pretty good, too.<br />
<br />
I have two more classes left for this project. One is on <a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16825%20&storeScheduleId=2491754&sessionId=1677164%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Sunday, June 1 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at the Michael's in Sunset Valley</a>, and the other is on <a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16825%20&storeScheduleId=2459154&sessionId=1639747%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Tuesday, June 3, from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at the Michael's in Westlake</a>. It's a $25 class. You have until 24 hours before the class to sign up for it online. After that, you have to sign up in the store. (Usually I will take students until a couple of hours before the class.) I hope I see you there.
Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-2016231012993512782014-05-16T19:00:00.004-05:002014-05-22T00:02:04.063-05:00FO: Garter Stitch Hat and Garter Stitch Cuffs<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/14148246595" title="Katie and Aaron Sparring in my Knitting Samples by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Katie and Aaron Sparring in my Knitting Samples" height="333" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2925/14148246595_d0db9fc42f.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
I was trying to get a cute picture of Katie and Aaron modeling my samples together, but since Aaron has martial arts training, and Katie teaches martial arts (<a href="http://www.traditionalmartialartsacademy.com/">here</a> is the school) it turned into a spontaneous sparring session.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/14148247805" title="Katie and Aaron with my Garter Stitch Cuffs and Garter Stitch Hat by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Katie and Aaron with my Garter Stitch Cuffs and Garter Stitch Hat" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5029/14148247805_458483b641.jpg" width="460" /></a></center>
<br />
That's good, but I think I like the first one better. (By the way, Katie drew the picture behind them.)<br />
<br />
So far it's been slow getting students for <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2014/04/big-changes.html">my classes at Michael's</a>, but I'm hopeful. The next scheduled classes, which teach these two projects, are <a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2346325&sessionId=1558014%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">tomorrow</a> in Sunset Valley and <a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2349667&sessionId=1563718%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Sunday</a> in Westlake. (You can see the entire May 2014 and class details schedule <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2014/05/may-knitting-classes-at-michaels-in.html">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/13961579459" title="Katie and Aaron with my Garter Stitch Hat and Garter Stitch Cuffs by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Katie and Aaron with my Garter Stitch Hat and Garter Stitch Cuffs" height="423" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/13961579459_b33712487a.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
If you want to learn to knit, the classes this weekend are a great opportunity to learn. You will choose from the Garter Stitch Hat or the Garter Stitch Cuffs, and you will get patterns for both.<br />
<br />
I made both samples were made with <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/we-thick.htm" target="_blank">Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick</a> and US Size 13 (9 mm) needles. This surprised me, because I normally need a smaller needle to get gauge because my gauge is so loose. But this time it took the size recommended by the pattern.<br />
<br />
Let's start with the Garter Stitch Cuffs:<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/14187303372" title="Garter Stitch Cuffs by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Garter Stitch Cuffs" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/14187303372_c03eda2279.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
I used Sky Blue yarn, which is ironic, because it is the same color they used in the official picture. I didn't plan it. That color had been in my stash for a long time now.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/e2cd4dfb-4fc2-46fb-b59e-88391a6cbc3d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo e2cd4dfb-4fc2-46fb-b59e-88391a6cbc3d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/e2cd4dfb-4fc2-46fb-b59e-88391a6cbc3d.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
I used about half the skein of yarn.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/14003197699" title="Garter Stitch Cuffs by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Garter Stitch Cuffs" height="375" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2938/14003197699_b58016f493.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
You can see here that it's a very simple pattern. Just a couple of rectangles with a seam down the side, with a hole left for the thumb. No shaping or anything, but it still works.<br />
<br />
By the way, the name of this pattern varies from place to place. Sometimes they are cuffs, sometimes they are mitts, sometimes they are wrist warmers and sometimes they are arm warmers. I guess fingerless mittens makes them sound too complicated.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/14148248805" title="Garter Stitch Hat by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Garter Stitch Hat" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14148248805_33447ec027.jpg" width="375" /></a></center>
<br />
As for the Garter Stitch Hat, I used Lemongrass yarn that had also been in my stash, and I used every bit of it, except for one strand a couple of feet long. After the fact, I realize I went a little too far with the size. I could have stopped sooner.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/13961611488" title="Garter Stitch Hat by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Garter Stitch Hat" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5595/13961611488_a4ed4fe660.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
Katie tried to style it on my head to make it look slouchy. I think it just looks crooked.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/14003218270" title="Garter Stitch Hat by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Garter Stitch Hat" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/14003218270_8dfd69d583.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
The hat, like the cuffs, it just one rectangle. You weave the yarn in and out the top, pull it and seam the side. It's a little tricky, but totally doable for a new knitter.<br />
<br />
You have until 24 hours before the class to sign up for it online. After that, you have to sign up in the store. (Usually I will take students until a couple of hours before the class.) I hope I see you there.<br />
<br />
If you can't make it this weekend, I think you will still see a lot of these patterns. Some patterns are seasonal, but the Knit Beginner 1 patterns are used all the time.<br />
<br />
<br />Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-26913005220509380872014-05-01T20:07:00.001-05:002014-05-21T03:27:00.806-05:00May Knitting Classes at Michael's in South Austin - Beginner Knitting, Arm Knitting and Ruffled ScarvesIf you're new to my blog, my name is Sally Villarreal, and I'm the new knitting teacher at the <a href="http://www.michaels.com/">Michael's</a> in Sunset Valley and Westlake. I've been keeping this blog for years now. At some points I've been more prolific than others. The focus is knitting, crochet and other fiber arts, but I sometimes veer into the stuff of day-to-day life, politics and more. Now I'll be focusing more on my work at Michael's<br />
<br />
If you've been reading for a while, you probably already know about my new job. I'll be talking about my classes a lot, as well as posting more general. So if you've been reading this blog and wanting to try knitting, this is your big chance.<br />
<br />
In May, I'll be teaching four different knitting classes at Michael's. Each class will be taught twice, once at the <a href="http://locations.michaels.com/TX/AUSTIN/9889/index.html?utm_source=Michaels&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=Michaels%2BLocator">Sunset Valley Michael's</a> and once at the <a href="http://locations.michaels.com/TX/AUSTIN/1328/index.html">Westlake Michael's</a>. Three of the classes are designed for beginners with no experience.<br />
<br />
You can book classes online at the links below. You can also go to the store in person to sign up.<br />
<br />
Michael's offers <a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/Discover.html">Discover Knit and Crochet Classes</a> from the <a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/">Craft Yarn Council</a>. These are the classes I'm offering in May, but I take requests for any classes from the <a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/featured.html#knitspring">Discover Knit Curriculum</a>. Also, if these times don't work for you, let me know because I can probably schedule the same class at a different time. If you want to learn something that isn't covered on the curriculum, I'm sure I can come up with something. <a href="mailto:sallyvillarreal@gmail.com">E-mail me your requests.</a><br />
<br />
If you are interested in crochet, I plan to get certified to teach crochet next, but I'm not sure how long that will take. Until then, if you want to learn crochet, contact the Westlake store. They have a crochet teacher there already.<br />
<br />
<b>Beginning Knitting - No Experience Needed</b><br />
<br />
These classes are designed for students with no knitting experience. However, they are also good for those who haven't knit for a while and need a review, or people who are having difficulty learning on their own. Of course, anyone who wants to join us to make one of these projects is welcomed. <br />
<br />
Each class offers different projects that teach the same skills. Both classes teach casting on (putting stitches on the needle), knit stitch, binding off (taking stitches off the needle), basic seaming, weaving in ends and a basic understanding of yarn and knitting tools.<br />
<br />
Also, if you want to take the Ruffled Scarf class later this month, these classes will teach you the prerequisite skills you need.<br />
<br />
<b>Discover Knit: Headwrap - $25</b><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16825%20&storeScheduleId=2346323&sessionId=1558010%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, May 3 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michaels in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2347520&sessionId=1560041%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Sunday, May 4 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
Keep your ears warm with a simple, yet stylish headband that you create yourself.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/ae457138-1fe0-4d96-8580-7d40669585f8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo ae457138-1fe0-4d96-8580-7d40669585f8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/ae457138-1fe0-4d96-8580-7d40669585f8.jpg" /></a></center>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Knit Beginner 1: Hat or Mitts - $25</b><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2346325&sessionId=1558014%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, May 17 from 2 pm until 4:30pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=10115%20&storeScheduleId=2349667&sessionId=1563718%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Sunday, May 18 from 2 pm until 4:30pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
Select your favorite colors and start making your own hat or wrist warmers that you'll be proud to wear or give as gifts. You choose one project for the class, but you will get patterns for both.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/b19dfa82-d6e5-41b2-9c19-570ce8e27dbf.jpg" /></a><a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/3c9177a3-0aa7-4a18-a68a-31c8772f2214.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Arm Knitting - No Experience Needed - $10</b><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16788%20&storeScheduleId=2346324&sessionId=1558012%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=">Saturday, May 10 from 2 pm until 3 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16788%20&storeScheduleId=2349664&sessionId=1563712%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Sunday, May 10 from 2 pm until 3 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304011304579220660554732336">According to The Wall Street Journal</a>, "Arm knitting combines several things that are appealing to millennials: crafts projects, chunky knitwear (featured on the fall 2013 runways), social media and instant gratification." Of course, this innovative new craft is for people of all ages who have two arms.<br />
<br />
Choose from four different projects using different types of yarn, including three cowls and a shawl. Pick one for the class, but you'll receive patterns for all four projects so you can try them all. (Pictures of the projects are coming soon, but this is me working on one of the projects at a demonstration.)<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/13997843061" title="Arm Knitting Demo by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Arm Knitting Demo" height="407" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/13997843061_5bd5cb5d61.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<b>Ruffled Scarves: for Advanced Beginner Knitters - $25</b><br />
Prerequisites: Knit Stitch, Binding Off<br />
S<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16562%20&storeScheduleId=2346326&sessionId=1558016%20&storeId=9889&categoryId=" target="_blank">aturday, May 31 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley</a><br />
<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/classDetails?classId=16562%20&storeScheduleId=2458328&sessionId=1638318%20&storeId=1328&categoryId=">Wednesday, May 21 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake</a><br />
<br />
Ruffle yarns and ruffled scarves have become very popular in the last couple of years. This is a chance to make your own ruffled scarf and get comfortable using these yarns. To get the look in the picture below, use <a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/yarns/pirouette">Patons Pirouette</a>, but you can use any ruffle yarn for this class, including (but not limited to) <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/boutique-sashay-sequins">Red Heart Boutique Sashay</a>, <a href="http://www.premieryarns.com/product/Premier+Starbella+Yarn+1.aspx">Premier Starbella</a> and other ruffle yarns. Once you get the hang of it, you'll want to try them all.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/sallymania/media/d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg" border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/sallymania/d75c98db-d63e-4167-912e-e5120894b035.jpg" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I'm excited about getting started, and I'm working hard to get my lesson plans just right. I hope I see you in the classroom!</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<i>All the problems with the schedule are fixed!</i></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center>
</center>
<i><strike>The classes with the asterisks are listed wrong on the website. The May 4 class in Westlake is the Headwrap, not the Hat or Mitts. The May 21 class is for the Ruffled Scarf, which is different than the tube scarf shown. starts at 5: 30 pm, not 5 pm. I'm working on correcting these, but the date and times are correct. Go ahead and sign up, but know that for the Ruffled Scarf class you will need a different yarn than the one listed on the website (like one of the ones listed in the class description above.)</strike></i>Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-56720790744119276312014-04-20T20:15:00.002-05:002014-04-20T20:15:40.311-05:00Big ChangesI had <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2008/05/fo-clapotis.html">my Clapotis</a> around my neck when the manager at <a href="http://www.michaels.com/">Michael's</a> asked me why I wanted to teach knitting when I had so much education and work experience.<br />
<br />
I picked up then end of the scarf and said, "Because I love this." I told him how at all those call center jobs, and even when I was a newspaper reporter, I would be sit at my desk and think about what I would knit when I got home. (Or often when I went to lunch or clocked into my break.)<br />
<br />
Things went really fast after <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2014/02/dads-surprising-spinning-wheel-hack-or.html">my last entry</a>. I had started pondering teaching knitting around January. When I signed up for the <a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/teach.html">Craft Yarn Council Certified Instructor Program</a> in February, they asked me if I wanted to teach at Michael's, and I checked yes. (Michael's requires the Level 1 coursework to be completed before you can teach there, but you can do your student teaching at Michael's if you're hired.) Then came an e-mail wanting to know more about my background and which stores I was willing to teach at. Then there was another e-mail telling me that I had been "paired" with two stores in South Austin. By March I was calling people back about filling out the application and coming in to "chat."<br />
<br />
I entered most of my work history into the application, but when I went in, I took this instead of a resume:<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/13838297225" title="My Knitting Resume by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="My Knitting Resume" height="630" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/13838297225_fc7e4275a8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></center>
<br />
You are looking at the Clapotis I mentioned before, the <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2008/07/fo-strangling-vine.html">Strangling Vine</a> scarf, the <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2009/04/fo-and-pattern-broken-scarf.html">Broken Scarf</a>, the <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2009/02/fo-entrelac-scarf.html">Entrelac Scarf</a>, the <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2008/08/fo-soy-wool-spiral.html">Soy Wool Spiral</a> hat, <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2007/07/fo-knucks.html">my Knucks</a> and a binder full of swatches I did for the CIP. (I interviewed for the job before I submitted my coursework, so this was before I had sent them in, or even wove in the ends.)<br />
<br />
So yes, I did get hired at Michael's <a href="http://locations.michaels.com/TX/AUSTIN/9889/index.html?utm_source=Michaels&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=Michaels%2BLocator">in Sunset Valley</a> and the Michael's <a href="http://locations.michaels.com/TX/AUSTIN/1328/index.html?utm_source=Michaels&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=Michaels%2BLocator">in Westlake</a>.<br />
<br />
I even had my first two demos already. I demonstrated arm knitting and talked about the classes available in May at both stores. I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture while I was at the Westlake store yesterday, but it looked a lot like this:<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/13838926544" title="Arm Knitting Demo by Sally Villarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Arm Knitting Demo" height="600" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/13838926544_91bb61723a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></center>
<br />
I'm responsible for doing my own promotion to get students. I posted <a href="http://austin.craigslist.org/lss/4425328829.html">an ad on Craigslist</a> and got a response in less than 24 hours.<br />
<br />
So this changes my rule about not talking about my work in too much detail in this blog. That's been my dream since day one, that my blog and my knitting would be part of my job, instead of something I did when I was done with work. I still have the online, work at home job. (Message me if you want details.) But I'll be spending a lot of time focusing on these classes. especially in the beginning. In fact, a complete description of classes in May should be coming soon.Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-47416963226498816822014-02-23T01:38:00.000-06:002014-02-23T01:41:45.615-06:00Dad's Surprising Spinning Wheel Hack (or is it a Kludge?)Are you ready for a post that isn't related to politics?<br />
<br />
I've been working at a part-time, work-at-home job for almost a year now. (If you are interested in information about the job, comment or e-mail me, and I'll tell you more. I'm continuing my tradition of not naming my employer on this blog.) Since my pain problems make it difficult to use the computer for long periods of time, I have to be judicious with the time I do spend on the computer. The same head and neck problems have been keeping me from spinning as well.<br />
<br />
Also, I've gotten stuck in the trap of thinking that because it's been so long since I posted, I need to come up with a big comeback post. So I put off blogging even longer because I felt like I had to do something big. Then I finally decided that I just needed to blog <i>something</i>.<br />
<br />
Excuses, excuses.<br />
<br />
Anyway, recently the conrod joint on Mom's spinning wheel broke. It's the flexible piece of nylon that connects the wheel's treadle with the rod that spins the wheel. (You can see it in a diagram <a href="http://www.fiber2yarn.com/ashford/parts_of_spinning_wheel.htm">here</a>.) I think sometimes pieces of leather are used as well, but Mom's <a href="http://www.ashford.co.nz/newsite/index.php">Ashford</a> has a piece of nylon.<br />
<br />
You can go out and buy replacement joints. They're only a couple of dollars. However, by the time you pay for shipping you're paying an awful lot for a little piece of nylon. The best way to do it is to wait until you have something else to buy from the shop and ship them together. Either way, you'll have to wait.<br />
<br />
So Dad set out looking for solutions. He tried several things. His search took him to Home Depot, where he found the answer.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/12423388214/" title="DSCN1437 by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN1437" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/12423388214_31e7496b0c.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
You are looking at small piece of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RG-59">RG-59 Coaxial Cable</a>. In this picture, Mom and Dad are working on screwing it into place. Dad bought 1 foot of the stuff for 27 cents, and he still has enough left over to replace several more conrod joints.<br />
<br />
So if your conrod joint breaks, and you're having the shakes because you can't spin, go to your hardware store. Be sure to ask for RG-59 coaxial cable. There is more than
one type of cable, and this is the one that proved to be the perfect
size for Mom's <a href="http://www.ashford.co.nz/newsite/spinning-wheels/22/spinning/traditional-double-drive/moredetail.html">Ashford
Traditional</a> wheel. (I would imagine that it's the same size
for all the Ashfords, but you'd have to <a href="http://www.ashford.co.nz/newsite/contact-us/contacts/ashford-handicrafts-ltd">ask
them</a> to know for sure.)<br />
<br />
They sell coaxial cable in pre-measured lengths with plugs on the ends at electronic stores. <b>Don't waste your money on those.</b> For this job, you need the cable that's sold by the foot. It will probably be in a spool that looks like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OYHX7U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000OYHX7U&linkCode=as2&tag=salcomunrtheb-20">this.</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=salcomunrtheb-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000OYHX7U" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Ask an employee to cut off a piece for you. Dad got an entire foot, but a conrod joint is much shorter than that. You could probably get away with half a foot, but it's not a bad idea to have some extra on hand in case you cut the first piece too short or something else goes wrong. (They may not sell lengths shorter than a foot anyway. I guess it all depends on your hardware store.)<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/12423033473/" title="Fixing Mom's Spinning Wheel by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Fixing Mom's Spinning Wheel" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/12423033473_4cab337678.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
Mom and Dad cut a piece the same length as the old conrod joint. The screws in the conrod and the treadle assembly screwed into the cable, so they didn't have to make any holes manually.<br />
<br />
<center>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=140806" height="225" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=2b4f714678&photo_id=12423025943"></param>
<param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=140806"></param>
<param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=140806" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=2b4f714678&photo_id=12423025943" height="225" width="400"></embed></object></center>
<br />
In the video above, you can see the finished repair and hear Mom and Dad talking about it. Mom was having some trouble treadling. It turned out that she had taken off the bobbin before they turned the wheel upside down for the repairs, and that was throwing the whole thing off balance. It's treadling a little better in the video below:<br />
<br />
<center>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=140806" height="225" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=5dba3a4246&photo_id=12422837613"></param>
<param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=140806"></param>
<param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=140806" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=5dba3a4246&photo_id=12422837613" height="225" width="400"></embed></object></center>
<br />
In case you were wondering, yes, we made the repairs on Super Bowl Sunday. (I think I'm remembering that correctly.)<br />
<br />
Also, while we're on the subject, I should mention another solution I
found on the <a href="http://knittsings.com/">Knittsings</a>
blog. They used <a href="http://knittsings.com/spinning-wheel-conrod-joint/">vinyl boat
cording from an upholstery shop</a>.<br />
<br />
As you can see by the title, I've been debating whether to call this a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hack">hack</a> or a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kludge">kludge</a>. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hack_%28computer_science%29#In_computer_science">Wikipedia</a> seems to imply they are basically the same thing. In my mind, a kludge has negative connotations. it's a fix that isn't very good, like the kind of things you find on <a href="http://failblog.cheezburger.com/thereifixedit">There I Fixed It</a>. Kludges are either temporary, desperate, stupid or any combination of those three. Conversely, hack has positive connotations. I'm using hack in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_hack">life hack</a> sense of the word. Hacks are clever solutions you wish you would have thought of. Apparently they're not as different as I thought.<br />
<br />
This may be a Kludge, because I'm not sure how long the coaxial cable will last. I don't know if Mom has any spinning in progress right now. Only time and lots of spinning will tell how well it works. A true conrod joint is still the ideal solution, but the coaxial cable will last until Mom orders something from somewhere that sells conrod joints.<br />
<br />
I'm going to confess that I used hack in the title because I read <a href="http://blog.bufferapp.com/a-scientific-guide-to-writing-great-headlines-on-twitter-facebook-and-your-blog">this post</a> that says headlines with the word hack (and surprise) have the tendency to go viral. I doubt a post about fixing a spinning wheel will go viral, but I thought I'd try it. I think it still sounds like my own voice. I use the word hack, at least online. The challenge with tips like these (as well as any writing related to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization">SEO</a>) is to use the information to your benefit without sounding like a robot. I still want to sound like me. I think I did ok.<br />
<br />
Besides, if any of these posts have truly been about a hack, it's this one.<br />
Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-6372893259419489102013-12-31T20:36:00.003-06:002014-02-22T23:02:03.365-06:00They Cancelled My Plan, and I'm Thrilled!Let me begin with the obligatory apology. I can't believe it's been more than a year since I've posted. I hope to soon return this blog to it's former glory. I also apologize that my first post in more than a year is, once again, political. At least I didn't let 2013 go by without a post.<br />
<br />
Right now I have Laryngitis, I'm housesitting and the only people I will likely celebrate with tonight are Mom and Dad, right before I go back to housesitting. It's kind of ironic because I always assumed I'd spend this New Year's surrounded by lots of people, partying and about shouting my happiness, both figuratively and literally.<br />
<br />
This is what I've been waiting for for more than three and a half years:<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/11678103776/" title="Obamacare! by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Obamacare!" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/11678103776_73b921934a.jpg" height="213" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
You can read the long and involved history about why this makes me so happy <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2012/11/obamacare-why-healthcare-reform-is.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
This screenshot was taken on December 21, 2013. Yes, I had difficulties with the website, although my father's multiple sources of income also made things difficult. (If you want to see if you qualify for subsidies, you have to enter household income information, including people in the household who aren't signing up for coverage.)<br />
<br />
I was even part of the 2-5% of Americans (depending on whose counting) whose coverage was cancelled. (For that number, I suggest starting with this source: <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2013/10/31/the_chart_that_could_save_obamacare.html">The Chart That Could Save Obamacare</a>.) And I say good riddance to bad rubbish! Like all the cancelled plans, mine was substandard. The <a href="http://txhealthpool.com/">Texas Health Insurance Pool</a> is a joke. Or should I say "was" a joke?<br />
<br />
Since my <a href="http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm">COBRA</a> ran out on March 1, 2012, the five or six expensive plans offered by the Texas Health Insurance Pool have been my only options. However, from <a href="http://healthcare.gov/">Healthcare.gov</a>, the Obamacare website, I was offered more than fifty. (The number may have been as high as the seventies. I don't remember the exact number, but there was a wide range of plans from bronze to platinum.)<br />
<br />
I'm going to break it down for you. Please click the links to the glossary if you're confused. Keep in mind that I was a 33 year-old, non-smoking female until December 20, when I became a 34 year-old, non-smoking female:<br />
<br />
<b>Monthly <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/premium/">Premiums</a> :</b><br />
Texas Health Insurance Pool: <b>$486.00</b><br />
Obamacare: <b>$372.29</b><br />
<br />
<b>Annual <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/deductible/">Deductible</a> :</b><br />
Texas Health Insurance Pool: <b>$3,000</b><br />
Obamacare: <b>$1,500</b><br />
<br />
<b>Annual Prescription Medication <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/deductible/">Deductible</a> :</b><br />
Texas Health Insurance Pool: <b>$1,450</b><br />
Obamacare: <b>None!</b><br />
<br />
<b>Generic Drug <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/co-payment/">Co-Pay</a>
:</b><br />
Texas Health Insurance Pool: <b>$10*</b><br />
Obamacare: <strike><b>None!</b></strike><b> </b><b>$0 for preferred generic drugs, $10 for the rest (see correction below)</b><br />
* Some of my generic drugs cost less than $10 <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/out-of-pocket-costs/">out of pocket</a>, so in those drugs don't cost the full $10.<br />
<br />
<b>Cost of my most effective Pain Medication: (Estimates)</b><br />
Texas Health Insurance Pool: <b>No Coverage - I paid about $130.*</b><br />
Obamacare: <b>Coverage - a $35 co-pay maximum.*</b><br />
*Full price is actually $210, but Robert the Pharmacist at my CVS gave me a discount card that saved me about $80 a month. It will probably save me even more when my insurance actually covers this drug. Robert, you are awesome!<br />
<br />
<b>Pregnancy Coverage:</b><br />
Texas Health Insurance Pool: <b>No!*</b><br />
Obamacare: <b>Yes!</b>*<br />
*Now exactly why was I paying so much more than a man for a plan with no pregnancy coverage? <br />
<br />
<b>Routine Eye Exam Coverage:</b><br />
Texas Health Insurance Pool: <b>No!</b><br />
Obamacare: <b>Yes!</b><br />
<br />
Some of the other things are harder to compare. Like most high deductible plans, my Texas Health Insurance Plan had 100% coverage after I met that large deductible, while the Obamacare plan covers 80% after I meet the smaller deductible. (Of course, we're talking <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/in-network-coinsurance/">In Network Coinsurance</a>.)<br />
<br />
Long story short. I'm excited. I used my crappy plan for the last time today, at the doctor and at the pharmacy. When they asked me if my insurance I had changed, I said no, not for one more day. If I had more of a voice, I would have had a longer, louder talk about my new Obamacare plan.<br />
<br />
Now some of you may be thinking, "Good for you, Sally, but I can't afford $372.29 a month! That's not affordable!" Before you blow it off, consider two things:<br />
<br />
1. <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/will-i-qualify-to-save-on-monthly-premiums/"><b>Subsidies!!!</b></a> <br />
There are tax subsidies available to help you pay your premiums. They are based on income. Anytime someone quotes you a scary sounding premium, ask them if that is before or after tax subsidies. Everyone forgets to figure in subsidies, including <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-mh-debunked-20131030,0,6010994.story#axzz2jMvwjcQl">this lady</a>.<br />
<br />
Dad landed a pretty sweet gig recently, so we didn't qualify for subsidies at all. My premium is pre-subsidy. And it's still lower than my last premium.<br />
<br />
2. <b>You have lots of other options.</b><br />
The plan I bought was a Gold plan, one of the most expensive. Even the Platinum plan cost less, but it had a very small <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/network/">network</a>. There were many less expensive plans I could have chosen, but because I have multiple health problems, I chose a more expensive plan with more coverage. There are Silver and Bronze plans to choose from as well. And if you are under 30 or especially low income, you may be able to get a catastrophic plan, which is still a lot better than nothing. <br />
<br />
I <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/01/first-blog-of-2011.html">started 2011 in a lot of pain</a>. In 2013 I got a work from home job. I think 2014 will be the year I finally move out. But it wouldn't have happened without my Obamacare plan.<br />
<br />
Please share this far and wide. This is the stuff the media is missing.<br />
<br />
You may hear me screaming at midnight after all.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3GwjfUFyY6M" width="420"></iframe></center>
<br />
<br />
<i>Correction: I made an error when I first reported my generic drug co-pay. I originally thought it was $0 for all of them, but it turns out it's only $0 for preferred generic drugs, and $10 for the rest. However, I'm still saving quite a bit of money on my drugs.</i> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-10949241746485562672012-11-04T06:01:00.003-06:002012-11-04T06:06:47.634-06:00Obamacare: Why Healthcare Reform is Important to me<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know it's been a long time since I've posted, and this is quite a post to come back with. I've been focusing my writing on this open letter to the President of the United States thanking him for the <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/">Affordable Care Act</a>, a.k.a Obamacare. It's been several months in the making. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I know I'm getting into <a href="http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/tldr">too long; didn't read</a> territory, but I've already cut out 1,500 words, and I don't think I can paint the picture of a life lived according to health insurance without telling the whole story. Telling my story is important to me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've added subheadings to this version of the letter to help guide you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So as we approach the election, I'd like to share with you why Obamacare is important to me, why I volunteer to make calls for the campaign and why I tend to get carried away with this issue on <a href="http://facebook.com/">Facebook</a>.</div>
<h4>
<o:p>Introduction</o:p></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
November 4, 2012<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
President Barack Obama<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The White House<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Washington, DC 20500<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Mr. President,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m writing you today to thank you for the
Affordable Care Act and share my health insurance story, in the hope that it
could help you and your administration defend the law and your presidency. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
This is an open letter that I plan to share. It is
written as much for the entire country as it is to you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not better off than I was four years ago, but
not because of the economy or anything the government could have prevented. In
November 2010, I pinched nerve in my cervical spine that triggered fibromyalgia
and changed my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had just gotten a new job, and four days into
training I resigned to stay in good standing with my new employer. My plan was
to return for the January training class when I was better. I was never able to
return.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that I can’t work, Obamacare is more important
to me than ever. As a person with a pre-existing condition, Obamacare has eased
my concerns about getting health insurance if I am unable to work full time
again. If I am able to work full time, I know I can pursue something meaningful
without giving up coverage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To truly understand why Obamacare is so important
to me, you have to hear my story. It’s a long story, but it illustrates many
different points. I think the sum total of my experiences paints a picture of
how health insurance has affected every major decision that I have made in my
adult life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’ve probably heard lots of stories about people
with pre-existing conditions who don’t have coverage. My story is about the
sacrifices and work it has taken for me to maintain coverage without gaps.</div>
<h4>
<o:p>My Story</o:p></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My story actually begins five years before I was
born in 1974. That year my mother graduated from college and my parents got married.
After she graduated, Mom worked for the Graduate School of Library Sciences at
the University of Texas while Dad finished up his teacher certification and
tutored. It was also the year my Dad began to suffer from what turned out to be
a kidney stone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Around Christmas of that year, my Dad’s pain became
unbearable. My parents went to the hospital, where they were shocked by the
large upfront payment they had to make.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They didn’t have health insurance. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My father’s job didn’t offer health insurance. My
mother started her job in August, and the enrollment period for insurance was
in September. The deadline came up so quickly that she missed it, a mistake she
blames on her youth. At the time, they didn’t think it would be such a big
deal. She planned to enroll the next time around.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My Dad’s kidney stone wiped out all the money my
mother had saved from her part-time jobs in her senior year of college. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After this incident, my parents never went without
health insurance again, and over time my mother became the family health
insurance expert. Mom told me this story over and over again to illustrate the importance
of maintaining health insurance, something that would prove to be a challenge
for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I started college, I still had problems with
moderate asthma that started as a teenager. I was also taking an antidepressant
that was making a world of difference.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was already well aware that I had a pre-existing
condition, and that maintaining health insurance coverage would be extra
important for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1998 I started going to college out of state at
the University of Oklahoma, away from my home in Austin, Texas for the first
time. In October 2000, I dropped out due to the first of several major
depressive episodes. The mild antidepressant wasn’t cutting it anymore. My
grades had plummeted. I missed class because my sleep was erratic. I was
constantly worried. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back then I could stay on their parents’ insurance
as long as I was a student. Now that I was not a student, how much longer could
I stay on my parent’s insurance? I was only 20. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The months that followed are a blur of anger,
sadness and calls to the insurance company about extensions and grace periods. If
I didn’t go back to school soon enough, I would be kicked off my parents
insurance, and I needed a plan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At one point I considered putting off college,
getting a job and moving out on my own. I got a part time job at a clothing
store, and I looked into a full time position that would have provided health
insurance. However, I would have been stuck with lifetime limits on mental
health visits that were more stringent for people with “severe mental illness.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually, I went back to school before I got
kicked off of my parents’ insurance. I majored in print journalism at Texas
State University in San Marcos, Texas, and I spent my entire last semester
applying for reporting jobs all over the country. I wanted to move away from
home and have more adventures, and I was determined not to move back home after
graduation in May 2003. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know what would have happened if I had not
been able to move. Would I have found newspaper work that offered insurance?
Would I have had to put off my career to get insurance? Would I have been able
to get any job that offered insurance?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took a job at a newspaper in a Florida retirement
community. My health insurance kicked in after just 60 days, which was better than
some employers, but it was still a challenge. We weren’t sure if I’d be kicked
off of my parents’ insurance right away, so we decided to act like I didn’t
have insurance. Then we hoped that nothing would go wrong in that 60-day
period. If something did happen, maybe I’d still have coverage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn’t fill any prescriptions during those 60
days. Fortunately, my doctors back home understood my situation. I had
appointments with all of them before I left home, and they sent me home with
paper bags filled with samples. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luckily, those first 60 days went smoothly. I
didn’t have to file any claims. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stayed at that job until February 2005. I left
because of a complicated combination of local politics and office politics. The
paper I was at was not practicing good journalism.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, I wanted to leave the paper on December
20, 2004. It was my 25<sup>th</sup> birthday, and it was the day my editor decided
that she couldn’t take it anymore. She tendered her resignation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’d both been planning to leave. I admired my editor
and I wanted to be loyal to her. I consider her to be a friend. I had written
my letter of resignation a long time ago. I’d been applying for reporting jobs
all over the country for a couple of months by then. Just like my last semester
of college, I was ready to move anywhere in the country. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a while, I convinced myself that I could get
coverage without a job lined up. If my editor could live without insurance, so
could I. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I called my mother to tell her I was about to quit.
My income was mentioned, but our conversation revolved around health insurance.
Mom succeeded in talking me out of quitting that day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I accepted a job at a different paper a few
hours away I finally submitted my resignation. My former editor drove the
moving truck.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At first I was excited about my new job. I thought
I was moving up in the world. But I grew to hate working at that paper. It
wasn’t until years later that I admitted to myself that I was bullied, and I
wasn’t the only one. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I felt trapped because of my insurance. I didn’t
take my complaints to human resources or report the bullying and discrimination
my coworkers endured because I couldn’t afford not to have health insurance. Aside
from the usual worries about coverage gaps, I worried about being accused of
“gross misconduct” if I were fired in such a volatile work environment. “Gross
misconduct” would have made me ineligible for COBRA altogether. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got more and more depressed. The more depressed I
got, the more my worked suffered. The more my work suffered, the more I was
bullied. The more I was bullied, the more depressed I got.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually, something snapped and I experienced the
worst bout of anxiety and depression I’ve ever experienced. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day I left work early and checked into the
hospital. I took several weeks off after that. My Mom flew in several times to
care for me. Finally, after an unsuccessful attempt to return to work, I was
terminated under the Family Medical Leave Act in August 2006. After being
absent 12 weeks, the company was no longer obligated to hold my job. This
wasn’t “gross misconduct,” and that was all I cared about. I moved back to
Austin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In January 2007 I got a job (with insurance) as a
telemarketer focusing on lead generation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn’t have any major incidents until a Sunday
night in December 2008. My parents took me to the emergency room because I
thought I had food poisoning. It turned out I had pancreatitis. We still don’t
know what caused it. I was discharged three days later, and I recovered without
any complications. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few weeks later I got the main hospital bill. The
couple of thousand dollars I had to pay out of pocket was enough of a burden,
but if I had not had insurance, the hospital stay would have cost well over $20,000. That number doesn’t include subsequent bills
for things like the emergency room, lab tests, ultrasounds and doctor visits.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2009, my old problems came back, including the
scary anxiety. I took several weeks off work. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went into the hospital at the beginning of my
time off. A couple of days in, my doctor came in and told me that my insurance
wanted to send me home even though she thought I needed to stay in a safe place
to make faster medication changes. The hospital could monitor me physically and
mentally as I made the transition. The insurance company said I wasn’t a danger
to myself or others, so I didn’t need to be in the hospital. My doctor was
unable to convince my insurance company that I needed to be in the hospital,
and I left early.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About a week later, I had to be hospitalized all
over again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After my second hospitalization I participated in a
very helpful Intensive Outpatient Program. At one point my therapist talked
about starting her own practice. Things were going well, but as her COBRA ran
out, she realized she that no independent insurance company would take her. The
reason? She had taken an antidepressant
in the past.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She ended up taking time away from her private
practice to work part-time at the hospital, where I was participating in group
therapy with her. Her story broke my heart and made me worry about my own
future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I realized that unless I married the right person with
the right job, I’d only be able to work at jobs that offered insurance until I
was eligible for Medicare. Any of the other career moves I had dreamed about,
like starting a small business, freelance writing, using my knitting experience
to sell yarn, publishing a book or going to graduate school would have to
happen around a full time job, no matter how successful I was. Up until then, I
hadn’t realized absolutely no insurance company would give me an individual
policy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a while, I stopped dreaming altogether.
Insurance blocked me at every turn. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, on February 12, 2010 I was laid off from my
job at the call center. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At that point I wasn’t too worried. This was my
chance to move on to something bigger better. I knew I had at least 18 months
of COBRA, and I was sure I’d have a new job by then. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And thanks to your policies, COBRA subsidies saved
me quite a bit of money.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In November 2010, I got the job I mentioned earlier
that only lasted four painful days. I
would have been eligible for a great insurance policy had I been able to
return. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I should have healed in a couple of weeks, but as time
passed my recovery stalled. Physical therapy helped some. I’m definitely stronger
than I was in 2011. For now, the pain and the fatigue prevent me from working.
I’m waiting for the results of my disability hearing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<h4>
The Texas Health Insurance Pool: My Only Option Until 2014 </h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In March of 2012, I exhausted my COBRA, including a
six-month extension. After much back and forth and contradictory information, I
discovered that I was wrong before. I was eligible for one health plan even if
I didn’t have a job. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Texas Health Insurance Pool is a high-risk pool
only for Texas residents with health problems. When I started my premium was
$517 a month. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On top of sky-high premiums, my most effective pain
medicine was not covered by the new insurance. It’s about $140 for 40 days of
pills. I save money by getting a higher dosage and cutting the pills into
quarters. The price is a burden, but until 2014 I don’t have the option of
shopping for a plan that covers this medication.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, I got good news about my premium recently.
It was lowered to $486 a month. It was lowered because my premium is based on
twice the average premium that major insurers around the state are charging for
individual plans. This is a sign that premiums aren’t skyrocketing the way my Republicans
friends have said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are still problems with the plan that won’t
be rectified until 2014. Currently, a man in my same age group, on the same
insurance plan, living in the same area of the state, who also does not use tobacco,
pays $365 a month. Yet my insurance doesn’t cover maternity care. I had to reread
the paperwork several times before I believed it. What am I paying extra for if
I don’t have maternity coverage? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, you must have proof of continuous coverage,
or the insurance won’t cover any pre-existing conditions for the first year. People
with coverage gaps are paying a lot of money for insurance that won’t cover
treatment that they need the most. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan is a much
better deal. I don’t qualify for it because I do not have a six-month gap in
coverage. I understand that this plan is
an emergency measure to cover more people until before 2014. I’m glad you
created this program so more people could be covered while we wait for the law
to go into full effect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<h4>
The Moral of The Story </h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know my story is long and complicated, but I tell
it to make multiple points.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, only the richest of the rich can afford to
pay for their health care needs out of pocket. Everyone hits the wall at some
point. My primary care doctor charges a patient without insurance about $100
for an office visit. A lot of people can’t afford this. In 1974, a kidney stone
was enough to wipe out the savings of a young newly wed couple. My
hospitalization for pancreatitis, including all the charges from different
departments, would have cost me close to a year’s income if I had not had
insurance. A coma or serious brain injury requiring months or years of
inpatient care could bankrupt a family with a six-digit income.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for tackling this issue and making real
reforms. Thank you for removing lifetime maximums on insurance coverage. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My story shows how complex insurance is. It takes a
lot of work to even understand what it takes to be covered. I wish more people
understood that the Affordable Care Act is long and complex because the health
insurance industry has made its policies and rules complex. To fix all the
issues I’ve faced, not to mention problems like rescission that I’ve never
dealt with, it takes a long bill. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for seeing the hoops people have to jump
through to maintain coverage, and thank you for not brushing it off as a matter
of personal responsibility when so many people miss those hoops.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My story shows how young people were forced off
their parents’ insurance during one of the most transitory times in their
lives. I’m lucky my parents’ insurance included a grace period, but I would
have been in trouble if I had not been well enough to return to school on time.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At one of the Organizing for America phone banks I
attended, I spoke with a woman who worked at Texas State University. Part of
her job is talking to students after their grades had dropped. She said some of
the students said their grades had suddenly plummeted because they were forced
off their parents’ insurance and couldn’t afford their antidepressants anymore.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for helping young people maintain their coverage
while their lives are in flux by allowing them to stay on their parents’
insurance until age 26. My 23 year-old sister just got married in August. This
provision allowed them to marry without worrying about insurance or sacrificing
their fledgling careers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My story demonstrates the power insurance companies
have over our healthcare choices, like my shortened hospital stay in 2009.
Decisions about what is covered, what is medically necessary, what is
experimental and when to rescind a policy are made by people who get big
bonuses based on how much care they deny. I wish more people would realize that
they need to be worried about the decisions private insurance companies make as
much, if not more, than government oversight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sarah Palin did a great disservice to the nation
when she perpetuated the myth of government death panels. She imagined horrible
scenarios of disabled children and seniors being denied care that have no basis
in reality. Now the concept of death panels won’t die, and so many people have
an unreasonable fear of the government making health decisions for them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know Obamacare doesn’t give the government the
power to make healthcare decisions for individuals, but I would trust the
government to make that decision before I’d trust someone motivated by profit
and bonuses. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for making it harder for insurance companies
to deny coverage. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of all, my story shows the sacrifices it has taken
for someone with a pre-existing condition to maintain coverage before
Obamacare. In my case, I had to carefully time a break from college, stick with
employers who were unethical, keep quiet about workplace bullying, pay sky-high
premiums for COBRA and high risk pool insurance and ignore opportunities and
dreams.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thank you most of all from freeing me from the
prison that was created by my pre-existing condition. I don’t know what the
future holds now that I have fibromyalgia, but I’m optimistic. In 2014, if
everything goes as planned, I’ll get to shop around for a good insurance plan
through insurance exchanges. I won’t have an excuse not to dream. Obamacare is
my hope and change. Obamacare helps me move forward.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wish more people would take the time to
understand Obamacare, and I wish less people would fall for the ridiculous
rumors and lies.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p>I wish more people understood that Obamacare will not lead to the fall of capitalism in America. Healthcare is a basic human need. We can’t let the boogeyman of socialism scare us into stopping reform.<br />
<br />
Before Obamacare health insurance companies were increasing their profits by creating cheaper, inferior products. They stayed in lockstep with their policies so their customers would have no other choice. Rather than catering to their customer base, insurance companies refused to sell their product to the people who needed it most.<br />
<br />
We also forget that Obamacare was a true compromise. Both sides sacrificed. Thank you for truly reaching across the aisle to make it happen.<br />
<br />
And thank you for reading my letter, Mr. President.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Sally Villarreal</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-20120860967704092852011-08-25T02:11:00.000-05:002011-08-25T02:11:18.740-05:00FOs: Craft Show Scarf QuartetMy shoulder and back have been bothering me more than usual recently, and it's interfering with my knitting and my blogging. I started an awesome cowl, but something about the way I have to hold my arms makes it hard for me to work on it for any extended length of time.
<br />
<br />To make up for this, I've knit several simple scarves in the last couple of weeks. I've been using yarns that I've run into while dealing with <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/search/label/moths">the moths in my stash</a>.
<br />
<br />One of these days there will be another craft show, and I'm putting these in my inventory so I will be prepared. That is why I'm calling these the Craft Show Scarf Quartet.
<br />
<br /><center><b>1. Drop Stitch Scarf</b></center>
<br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/6048389094/" title="FO: Drop Stitch Scarf by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6048389094_43bfd98b66.jpg" alt="FO: Drop Stitch Scarf" height="375" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />Ribbon yarn is ideal for drop stitch scarves. I didn't use a pattern, but there are lots of designs that utilize the same concept. On the drop stitch row, you wrap the yarn around the needle several times (I think I did it four times) and then drop all the wraps on the next row.
<br />
<br />I think drop stitch scarves need fringe. I made a point of cutting the fringe ahead of time. I also put a little <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YQKIDY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=salcomunrtheb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B000YQKIDY">Fray Check</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000YQKIDY&camp=217145&creative=399373" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> on the ends to keep them from unraveling.
<br />
<br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/6047835193/" title="FO: Drop Stitch Scarf by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6047835193_8e8ff99e16.jpg" alt="FO: Drop Stitch Scarf" height="500" width="397" /></a></center>
<br />I used US Size 9 needles and one skein of a discontinued <a href="http://www.knittingfever.com/c/on-line/yarn/">Online</a> yarn called Linie 118 Vision that I got in <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2008/06/thrifted-gifted-and-made-spring.html">a swap</a>.
<br />
<br /><center><b>2. Light and Lofty Garter Stitch Scarf
<br />
<br /></b></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/6047835659/" title="FO: Light and Lofty Garter Stitch Scarf by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6047835659_d1f4484744.jpg" alt="FO: Light and Lofty Garter Stitch Scarf" height="392" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />This one is a pretty straight forward garter stitch scarf with fringe. I actually worked on this a couple of times while I was lying in bed trying to sleep.
<br />
<br />I used about one and two-thirds skeins of <a href="http://www.coatsandclark.com/Products/KnittingCrochet/Yarns/Super+Bulky/Red+Heart+Light+and+Lofty.htm">Red Heart Light and Lofty</a> in "Cape Cod Multi." I think it came from a yarn swap somewhere along the way. I also used US Size 13 needles.
<br />
<br /><center><b> 3. Drop Stitch Chenille Scarf
<br />
<br /></b></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/6048388550/" title="FO: Drop Stitch Chenille Scarf by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6048388550_8c40a40fc7.jpg" alt="FO: Drop Stitch Chenille Scarf" height="379" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />For this scarf, I used a different type of drop stitch than I did on the first scarf. I knit the whole thing lengthwise, then dropped every third stitch so it created a ladder all the way down.
<br />
<br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/6048388184/" title="Drop Stitch Chenille Scarf by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6048388184_b6319584c4.jpg" alt="Drop Stitch Chenille Scarf" height="375" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />I had some issues after dropping the stitches. The bind off (the top row in this picture) made one edge of the scarf nice and neat. However, every third stitch of the cast on row came undone, which made the other edge loose and messy. And for some reason the second rung of each ladder was looser than the first. So I crocheted along the cast on edge to neaten it up.
<br />
<br />It's hard to explain what what I did on the cast on edge, but I'm going to try.
<br />
<br />First, I slip stitched over the two intact stitches, leaving one loop on the hook when I was done.
<br />
<br />Then I took the hook and twisted the first rung of the ladder around it to created another loop, so there was two on the hook.
<br />
<br />After that I pulled the second rung of the ladder through the loop I made (the first one on the hook), leaving two loops on the hook.
<br />
<br />At this point I <i>think</i> I pulled the yarn through both loops on the hook. (I <i>might</i> have pulled the first loop on the hook through the second, but I doubt it.)
<br />
<br />Then I'd start over from the slip stitches.
<br />
<br />If anyone really wants to to try to recreate what I did, e-mail me or comment, and I'll see if I can explain it better. This is one of those things that most people don't care about, but I want documented for myself.*
<br />
<br />I have mixed feelings about the end result. If I do something like this again, I need to plan ahead more. And I need a yarn that's thinner and easier to deal with.
<br />
<br />I used one skein of <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/ch-thick.html">Lion Brand Chenille Thick and Quick</a> in Royal Blue and US Size 11 needles. Once again, I used Fray Check on the fringe. Then I twisted the ends to keep the yarn from coming undone.
<br />
<br /><center><b>4. Color Waves Scarf</b></center>
<br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/6063014379/" title="FO: Color Waves Scarf by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6063014379_6069b4ff9d.jpg" alt="FO: Color Waves Scarf" height="361" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />Finally, I made one more garter stitch scarf. This was made with one skein of <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/colorWaves.html">Lion Brand Color Waves</a> that was leftover from <a href="http://sally-unraveled.livejournal.com/72707.html#cutid1">this ancient project</a>, and US Size 8 needles. Like the Drop Stitch Chenille Scarf, I used a little Fray Check on the fringe and twisted the ends to keep the yarn from coming apart.
<br />
<br /><i>* - You could say that about my entire blog, but that would be mean.</i>
<br />Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-74976869255905190172011-08-04T03:04:00.000-05:002011-08-04T03:04:38.939-05:00FO: Diagonal Magic Ball Scarf<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/4663003071/" title="Magic Ball by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4663003071_16369f4a40.jpg" alt="Magic Ball" height="375" width="500" /></a></center><br />Last week while I was <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/07/it-doesnt-even-look-like-fish.html">sorting my yarn for freezing and microwaving</a>, I stumbled upon the Bluebonnet Magic Ball that I got a <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2008/01/yarn-pr0n-yarn-swap.html">yarn swap</a> way back in 2008. Since the <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/search/label/Epic%20Adult%20Surprise%20Jacket">Epic Adult Surprise Jacket</a> has been in the finishing phase, I've been craving a quick and easy knit. So I decided it was time to use the Magic Ball.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/6007702538/" title="FO: Diagonal Magic Ball Scarf by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/6007702538_f628aaf85d.jpg" alt="FO: Diagonal Magic Ball Scarf" height="500" width="341" /></a></center><br />The label on the magic ball came with two patterns. The first one was for a "Basic Garter Stitch Scarf." I chose the second pattern, which was for a "Diagonal Garter Stitch Scarf." I considered just making a lengthwise scarf. But that would have required calculating the gauge to make sure it wasn't too short, and I just wanted to start knitting.<br /><br />The pattern says to cast on 13 stitches, but I decided to only cast on 12 stitches because I wanted the scarf to be nice and long.<br /><br />Both patterns call for US Size 13 needles. Because my gauge is so loose, I used US Size 9 needles.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/6007702684/" title="FO: Diagonal Magic Ball Scarf by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/6007702684_576656ec78.jpg" alt="FO: Diagonal Magic Ball Scarf" height="375" width="500" /></a></center><br />In knitting and crochet, the term "magic ball" can mean two different things. It can be a ball of yarn that is wound with little gifts and toys in it. These are usually given away in swaps. There's a Flickr pool with pictures of Magic Balls <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/magicyarnball/pool/">here</a>.<br /><br />Then there are magic balls like the Bluebonnet Magic Ball I used for this scarf. They are made by tying together lengths of different yarns into one ball. <a href="http://besweetproducts.com/yarns/">Be Sweet</a> sells its own <a href="http://besweetproducts.com/yarns/magic-ball/">Magic Ball</a>. <a href="http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/">Jimmy Bean's Wool</a> has a <a href="http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/secure-html/onlineec/instructionalArticle.asp?iaid=55">tutorial</a> showing how to make your own magic ball. There are other magic ball tutorials <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/19680430/The-Magic-Ball-Tutorial">here</a> and <a href="http://www.knittersreview.com/article_how_to.asp?article=/review/profile/010726_a.asp">here</a>.<br /><br />Since I received this yarn in a swap, I don't know much about its origins. I know it came from <a href="http://www.knittersreview.com/article_how_to.asp?article=/review/profile/010726_a.asp">Bluebonnet Yarn Shoppe</a>, which closed more than a year ago, but I don't remember them actually being sold at Bluebonnet.<br /><br />According to her blog, <a href="http://www.amyklimt.com/">Amy</a> made <a href="http://spinalcat.blogspot.com/2006/12/magic-ball-scarf.html">her own magic ball scarf</a> back in 2006. She won the yarn from Bluebonnet. However, her scarf looks much different than mine. The stripes are longer, the yarns in the ball are very different and the whole thing is bigger. Her scarf is the only evidence I've seen that another Bluebonnet Magic Ball ever existed.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/6007159257/" title="Aaron models the Diagonal Magic Ball Scarf by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/6007159257_4ca40a4c73.jpg" alt="Aaron models the Diagonal Magic Ball Scarf" height="500" width="359" /></a></center><br />Aaron was nice enough to model the scarf for me. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it. I don't think the color scheme suits me. I may donate it or give it as a gift.<br /><br />The gauge stayed somewhat steady between the different yarns. The overall width of the scarf varies somewhat. One yarn in particular doesn't want to line up with the other stripes. It's almost like the diagonal line is at a different angle than the rest, and it makes it hard to get the scarf to lie flat.<br /><br />Overall, I'm pretty happy with this quick knit. It makes me want to make my own Magic Ball. And it makes me miss Bluebonnet Yarn Shoppe.Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-40651773847725960212011-07-31T02:09:00.005-05:002011-07-31T04:21:48.364-05:00It Doesn't Even Look Like a Fish<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5992642461/" title="Microwaving Yarn by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/5992642461_22147a7d4b.jpg" alt="Microwaving Yarn" height="375" width="500" /></a></center><br />This past week I finally quit procrastinating and started dealing with my <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/06/frayed-knot.html">moth problem</a>. That means there's been a lot of a yarn everywhere. It's on the living room floor in organized piles, double bagged and stuffed in the freezer, and, of course, in the microwave. It's nice to have it out of storage, but I think Mom and Dad are getting tired of it, but I think they understand.<br /><br />While inspecting the yarn, I saw at least one ball with frays like I found before. I see specks on some of the yarn, but given the state of my apartment at one point, it's very likely that they're just pieces of lint.<br /><br />I've come up with my own method for dealing with the infestation based on the information I found online. I've been focusing on animal based fibers, since they attract moths.<br /><br />I choose yarns to freeze based on how much I care about them (all my handspun is being frozen), how expensive they are and how likely they are to have pests.<br /><br />With the freezing, I'm going with three days in, three days out and three days back in. Everything I've read said it's waste of time to freeze if you only do it once. The second freeze gets the larvae.<br /><br />The rest of the protein-based fibers are microwaved for 10 to 30 seconds. I'm taking out staples, and I'm being careful not to out in the acrylic blends for too long.<br /><br />I'm cleaning the tubs themselves with vinegar and water. Then I'm making sure everything is in plastic bags before it goes back in the tub, along with some cedar chips.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5993201270/" title="Cobwebs by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5993201270_da293467e1.jpg" alt="Cobwebs" height="375" width="500" /></a></center><br />I found what I assume are cobwebs on the outside of one of the tubs. I don't know if this helps identify the problem, but I thought I'd share.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5993201072/" title="Evidence by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6016/5993201072_7957439241.jpg" alt="Evidence" height="375" width="500" /></a></center><br />I'm not sure what this is. I've been taking the tubs outside to clean them with the water hose. This was still stuck to the inside of one of the tubs after the first rinse. I saw something like it stuck to the outside of the wrapper of my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/4663003071/">Magic Ball</a> from the late <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/search/label/Bluebonnet%20Yarn%20Shoppe">Bluebonnet Yarn Shoppe</a>.<br /><br />It could be a piece of a moth, but I think it might be a baby silverfish. Mainly because I saw a grown-up silverfish crawling around the same tub while I was sorting through it. I didn't have my camera on hand, but it looked like <a href="http://www.naturephoto-cz.com/silverfish:lepisma-saccharina-photo-5338.html">this</a>. I'm very confident of my identification.<br /><br />Everything I've read says it's unlikely that silverfish would eat yarn. However, I've seen silverfish in other boxes that had been in storage at the same storage place.* But now that I've actually seen them in the yarn, I'm considering the possibility that they are causing the problem. The good news is that what kills and repels moths also kills and repels silverfish.<br /><br />The problem is that silverfish tend to be attracted to cotton and linen. Like the cotton and linen I didn't bother to microwave. Crap.<br /><br />However, moths are still a possibility. All the frays I found were in wool yarn,and the owner of the storage place advised us to put moth balls in the storage unit. I can thank Dad for actually taking the initiative to do this. Perhaps we waited too long to change them out.<br /><br />I still refuse to put moth balls inside the tubs with my yarn.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5992642617/" title="Microwaving Yarn by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/5992642617_215a4105b5.jpg" alt="Microwaving Yarn" height="375" width="500" /></a></center><br />Who wants some piping hot yarn?<br /><br /><i>* - We've moved units a couple of time depending on how much space we need.</i>Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-78212633074872478942011-07-20T02:23:00.001-05:002011-07-20T02:23:31.922-05:00Aw, Crap<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5920395001/" title="Katie "tries on" my Epic Adult Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Katie "tries on" my Epic Adult Surprise Jacket" height="360" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5920395001_52faf0ede0.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
Last week I bound off the <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/search/label/Epic%20Adult%20Surprise%20Jacket">Epic Adult Surprise Jacket</a>, and Katie decided to "try it on" like <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/06/frayed-knot.html">I did</a> a couple of weeks ago. However, I've been stuck since then. Because...<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5920958870/" title="Do I want to redo my bind off? by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Do I want to redo my bind off?" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/5920958870_b0fb9f159c.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
I messed up.<br />
<br />
It doesn't look "messed up" here, but I managed to miss an important detail when I was reading the pattern.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5920395173/" title="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket" height="354" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5920395173_dce0762a2a.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
To do the edging and button band on the Adult Surprise Jacket (and the Baby Surprise Jacket), you have to pick up stitches around most of the rectangle, including several nooks and crannies. This requires negotiating several corners and trying to fit a lot of stitches on one needle.<br />
<br />
I thought the pattern said to purl the wrong side <i>rows</i>. While I was working on this blog entry, I checked the Adult Surprise Jacket pattern in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0942018265/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=salcomunrtheb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0942018265">The Opinionated Knitter</a> again, and I realized it said to only purl <i>the stitches at the corners</i> on the wrong side. If I'd followed the directions correctly, I would have had a garter stitch button band that would lie flat. I ended up with a stockinette button band that wants to curl.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5920395523/" title="Do I want to redo my bind off? by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Do I want to redo my bind off?" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6126/5920395523_3b70647bf6.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
At first I liked the idea of a stockinette button band. I assumed if Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen recommended it, it must work. But now that I've finished it, seen how it curls and learned that this is not what Elizabeth Zimmerman and Meg Swansen had in mind, I don't like it. And seeing all the neat, flat button bands on other people's sweaters <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/adult-surprise-jacket/people">on Ravelry</a> makes me like it less.<br />
<br />
So I decided to unravel the button band and do it again in garter stitch. Or maybe seed stitch.* I think it will be worth it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5942516326/" title="Experimenting with Bind Offs by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Experimenting with Bind Offs" height="388" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5942516326_2bcf208a7d.jpg" width="500" /></a></center> <br />
I know I read the instructions for the bind off correctly. The pattern says to bind off in purl. I liked the look of the knit bind off on <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/05/fo-baby-surprise-jacket.html">my Baby Surprise Jacket</a>, so I tried that first.<br />
<br />
Before I realized my mistake, I thought that the knit bind off may have been causing the curling. I undid part of the bind off and redid it in a purl bind off. They both curled anyway. You can see both bind offs in the picture above. It's hard to tell the difference.<br />
<br />
I was glad I didn't break the yarn the first time I bound off. That left me with more options. Of course, I haven't let <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/06/frayed-knot.html">breaking yarn</a> get in my way so far.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5920958978/" title="Buttonhole by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Buttonhole" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5920958978_bfa8716d24.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
Before I finished the button band, I had to decide which buttonhole to use and how to place them. I went with the <a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/howto/archive/2008/05/15/2-3-4-5-stitch-one-row-buttonhole.aspx">one row buttonhole</a>.<br />
<br />
It took some algebra to place the buttonholes. I had to account for the number of stitches I wanted at the top and bottom of the button band, the number of stitches between the buttons and the stitches used for the buttonhole itself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5920958590/" title="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket" height="379" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5920958590_30db7b382b.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
I managed to avoid picking up stitches on the wrong side when I did the button band by breaking the yarn and starting to pick up stitches on the end of the row, rather than starting in the middle. It's hard to explain without pictures.<br />
<br />
I found the trick <a href="http://www.knitting-and.com/wiki/Baby_Surprise_Jacket#Avoiding_picking_up_stitches_on_the_wrong_side_of_the_row">here</a>. It took some thinking to translate it to the Adult Surprise Jacket, since I don't have the same number of stitches <br />
<br />
I'm going to try not to stall on the button band. It's a pain to redo the entire thing, but I've put a lot of work into this project. I don't want to see a curly button band every time I look at it. I also don't want to see it stuffed in a bag, still untouched, when it's finally cold enough to wear it.<br />
<br />
That being said, I'm in pain. More pain. Different pain. With the bonus of more injections coming up and <a href="http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm">COBRA</a> running out pretty soon.<br />
<br />
And I still haven't dealt with <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/06/frayed-knot.html">the moths</a>.<br />
<br />
I need something to lift my spirits. So I'm giving myself permission to start a new project. I'll probably look for something to knit in that sweet spot of not too easy or too hard, not too long or too short and using some really nice yarn.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><b>Parting Shot</b></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5878370947/" title="Spiny meets Bunny by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Spiny meets Bunny" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6050/5878370947_89653674b8.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
A couple of weeks ago I had another <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/05/twice-more-without-feeling-and-my.html">weekend with Shiloh and her friends</a>. I have pictures of everyone <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/sets/72157626938750041/with/5878370947/">here</a>, but I like this one of the family's new cat, Bunny, meeting Spiny. (Don't worry, the standoff ended peacefully.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>* - If you are new to this knitting thing, and want to know the difference between stockinette, garter and seed stitch, There's a good explanation <a href="http://www.knitsimplemag.com/node/7">here</a>.</i>Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-88826065693643501402011-07-10T01:28:00.000-05:002011-07-10T01:28:07.148-05:00No Lesson Today<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-30dt4bi0R4" width="425"></iframe></center><br />
<br />
It's Saturday night (technically Sunday morning), and it's time for me to blog. I was going to blog about knitting, but right now my shoulder and back hurt too much to do that much typing. So in the tradition of <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/05/crochet-win.html">my middle school</a> with its <a href="http://www.channelone.com/">Channel One</a> televisions, I'll be showing you a video instead. Enjoy.Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-34542040719938193972011-06-27T22:42:00.001-05:002011-06-27T22:43:11.635-05:00Frayed Knot<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5862675450/" title="The yarn is frayed :( by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="The yarn is frayed :(" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/5862675450_8424ce3dc7.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<i>A piece of yarn walks into a bar and orders a beer, but the bartender snarls, "We don't serve your kind here!". The yarn is forced to leave.<br />
<br />
While sitting on the curb feeling sorry for himself, the yarn is suddenly hit with a brilliant idea. Working quickly, he ties himself into a knot and unravels his ends. Taking a deep breath, the yarn marches back into the bar and orders a beer.<br />
<br />
"Hey!" says the bartender. "Ain't you that piece of yarn I just threw outta here?"<br />
<br />
"Nope," replies the yarn, "I'm a frayed knot."</i><br />
<br />
I've heard this one before, but I found this version on the <a href="http://socknitters.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1767">Socknitters Forum</a>. (It was post by someone named "silfert.")<br />
<br />
This past week I got a lot of work done on the <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/search/label/Epic%20Adult%20Surprise%20Jacket">Epic Adult Surprise Jacket</a>, but I had a problem. The yarn started breaking.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5862124073/" title="The ball of yarn fell apart by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="The ball of yarn fell apart" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/5862124073_a9fd942c29.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
It started with my second ball of <a href="http://www.knittingfever.com/c/yarn/queensland-collection-rustic-wool/">Queensland Collection Rustic Wool</a>. I started pulling the ball from the middle. When I started to run out of yarn the ball started falling apart. (See the picture above.) I assumed the first couple of breaks were a fluke, but after the first couple of frays I realized something was wrong. I wondered if the yarn had been in contact with something with something sharp in my yarn bag.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5862124869/" title="Why is the yarn breaking? by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Why is the yarn breaking?" height="366" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5862124869_62897d84f1.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
After much <a href="http://morcatknits.typepad.com/spitsplicing/2005/03/or_how_to_join_.html">spit splicing</a>* I finished off the Rustic Wool and continued with the last little bit of <a href="http://www.yarndex.com/yarn.cfm?yarn_id=1695">Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted</a> leftover from <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2008/12/fo-le-slouch-code-name-pink.html">Katie's Le Slouch</a>. This time I started using the yarn from the outside of the ball, and the same thing started happening right away. (You can see some examples above.) The breaks stopped when I got farther into the ball.<br />
<br />
Both balls had breaks and frays on the outside part of the ball and not the inside. And most of the breaks weren't clean breaks. Individual plies had been broken. This leads me to one conclusion...<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/a1Y73sPHKxw" width="425"></iframe></center><br />
<br />
<b>I HAVE MOTHS!</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Here are the facts:<br />
<br />
1. Both of these yarns have been in storage since November. <br />
<br />
2. They were in plastic tubs, but not in plastic bags within the tubs. <br />
<br />
3. They were stored in two different tubs. <br />
<br />
4. They're both wool yarns. <br />
<br />
5. I've seen silverfish in the unit before.<br />
<br />
6. We've been having lots of triple digit days recently, and the unit is not climate controlled.<br />
<br />
7. Dad put moth balls all over the unit when we moved my stuff in. This was recommended by the management at the storage unit.<br />
<br />
8. Both yarns have been in my stash for at least a couple of years.<br />
<br />
I'm seeking input on this issue. We haven't been back to the unit since this discovery. I guess I've been putting it off. I'm also wondering if it could be a different pest, like the silverfish I saw before, or if the yarn is so old that it's disintegrating.<br />
<br />
In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0740750372/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=salcomunrtheb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0740750372">"The Secret Life of a Knitter"</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=0740750372&camp=217145&creative=399369" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Yarn Harlot</a>'s talks about her battle with moths in her stash. It was an ordeal. She had a complicated system of freezing, thawing, freezing again and inspecting. (I seem to remember a microwave being involved at some point. I could be wrong.)<br />
<br />
Like the Yarn Harlot, I have a large amount of yarn. Unlike the Yarn Harlot, I live in a hot and dry climate that rarely has snow (especially in June.) I don't have the option of putting my yarn outside to freeze, as she did. Our freezer is packed, so I can only fit in a skein or two at a time. <br />
<br />
I'm planning to start by taking the two tubs that the frayed yarns were stored in out of the storage unit. They will probably get some sort of Yarn Harlot-esque treatment.<br />
<br />
Then I'm going to ask Dad to put in more moth balls, even though I hate them. (He puts them outside the tubs, so hopefully they don't stink too much.)<br />
<br />
Mom got fresh lavendar for her birthday. I'm considering drying sprigs and putting them in the the tubs themselves.<br />
<br />
I know moth balls and lavender won't do much if there's already moths in the yarn. I'm wondering what else I should do. Should take out every tub and "treat" all the yarn? (We're talking about approximately 10 tubs.) And exactly what type of freezing/microwaving type of treatment should I do? Should I bag all the yarns within the tubs?<br />
<br />
Can I use your freezer?<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5862675694/" title="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket" height="369" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5862675694_2d9c5da0db.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the Epic Adult Surprise Jacket is coming along nicely. I'm at the phases where you only knit the stitches in the middle of the rectangle for a while.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5862676144/" title="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket" height="429" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/5862676144_d9baaebbd3.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
I've done even more since these pictures were taken, including using that Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted with all the breaks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5862676038/" title="This is how you try on an Adult Surprise Jacket in progress. by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="This is how you try on an Adult Surprise Jacket in progress." height="383" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/5862676038_8558604938.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
The problem with the Adult Surprise Jacket is that you can't really put on your work in progress to see how it's going to fit. Mom helped me "try on" the jacket while I was lying on the floor. It was great photo op, of course.<br />
<br />
I was trying on the jacket because I'm not sure what my desired length is. I'm supposed to go to the next phase when I'm about one inch from my desired length. <br />
<br />
The pattern recommends using the length of your favorite sweater, but I don't have a favorite sweater. I may go by the length of my favorite t-shirt. That's why I haven't worked on it for a few days. I need to decide both the length and what color to use next. I'll keep you updated.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I'll leave you with this:<br />
<br />
<i>A guy walks into a dentist’s office and flops right down on the couch.</i><br />
<br />
<i>“Doc”, he says, “Here’s the problem. I think I’m a moth”</i><br />
<br />
<i>“Well”, says the doctor, “That certainly is a problem, but why did you come into a dentist’s office?”</i><br />
<br />
<i>“The light was on.”</i><br />
<br />
-From <a href="http://www.free-funny-jokes.com/moth-man.html">www.free-funny-jokes.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>* - I know spit splicing isn't supposed to work with superwash wool yarns like Rustic Wool, but it worked well enough for me.</i>Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-8068224249130989272011-06-19T03:00:00.002-05:002011-06-19T18:30:55.574-05:00I Know Why the Caged Bird BitesI'll get back to the title in a moment. I'm going to start with a different bird.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5847202927/" title="Mom's Owl Potholder by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Mom's Owl Potholder" height="412" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5847202927_9ea47dea37.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Mom finished crocheting this a couple of days ago. This is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/katyscrochet?ref=ls_profile">Kate Alvis</a>'s <a href="http://www.etsy.com/transaction/50242417">Funky Little Owl Potholder</a>, made with dishcloth cotton.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5847202613/" title="Mom's Daisy Coasters by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Mom's Daisy Coasters" height="386" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5847202613_8f9f2869a0.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Then she got on a roll and started looking online for more crochet patterns. This time she found <a href="http://whiskersandwool.blogspot.com/">Doni Speigle</a>'s <a href="http://whiskersandwool.blogspot.com/2011/03/flower-coaster-free-pattern.html">Flower Coaster</a> pattern. I think she's planning to make more. They may be gifts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5847232911/" title="Pretty Yarn by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Pretty Yarn" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2692/5847232911_aa43fe78e2.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
I lent Mom some dishcloth cotton for for the flowers. She picked some out when I went to storage to get more yarn for the <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/search/label/Epic%20Adult%20Surprise%20Jacket">Epic Adult Surprise Jacket</a>. The different yarns looked so pretty together that I had to take a picture.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5847235567/" title="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket" height="337" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/5847235567_da3dc35eba.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
The Epic Adult Surprise Jacket is coming along nicely. I'm glad I found these colors. There's a lot of blue and green, and a big red and orange section. I think these pinks and purples will balance those colors out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5847238411/" title="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket" height="351" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5847238411_f384971ef2.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
This jacket is going to look a little crazy, but I think I can pull it off.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" height="225" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=803c5c066d&photo_id=5834341012"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=803c5c066d&photo_id=5834341012" height="225" width="400"></embed></object></center><br />
<br />
I'm ending with something sad. I don't think I've ever mentioned Dewi, the family parakeet, on this blog. Our family had her for 11 years. Last Saturday she quit eating. By Sunday morning, she was gone. The video above was filmed just four days earlier.<br />
<br />
We knew she had been having some problems. We took her to a bird expert at <a href="http://www.tomlinsons.com/">Tomlinson's</a> back in May after she started pulling out the feathers under her wings. He contributed the itchiness to old age, and he said she was thin. We knew her time was short, but we didn't think she'd be gone so soon.<br />
<br />
I've debated whether the title I used for this entry is mean. Since we <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/05/is-this-your-bird.html">found the other bird</a>, which Katie and Aaron have named Pico, I've wanted to write about Dewi. This was the title I had in my head.<br />
<br />
We wanted a male bird, since we've always read that male parakeets are friendlier and more likely to talk. We've had several parakeets over the years, and all but Dewi have been male. Dewi surprised us.<br />
<br />
Dewi was always angry and easily frightened. It was a long time before she showed any interest in interacting with us or even leaving her cage. And she was a biter. These are traits I've always attributed to her sex. <br />
<br />
After we had Pico in the house, I thought maybe we had been too hard on Dewi. Pico is sweet and didn't seem afraid of us, very different than Dewi. Maybe it wasn't fair of us to expect Dewi to conform to a role created by humans. The qualities that make a good pet bird aren't the qualities that make a good mama bird. Perhaps she was programmed to be more concerned with protecting her "nest" than sitting on our fingers.<br />
<br />
I started to wonder what other birds would have thought of Dewi. What would have her role been if she lived with a flock of birds?<br />
<br />
I had planned to expound on this further before we lost her. Now that's she gone, I can see that we accepted her, even if she wasn't what we were expecting, and in return she accepted us. Over time she began to come out of cage and sit on our shoulders while she picked at our shirts and our hair. She would get on our plates and try to eat our food, and we would let her. We were friends, and that's what mattered.Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-8636459593755995762011-06-06T23:46:00.003-05:002011-06-06T23:49:00.915-05:00"Nothing Happened"I kept diaries off and on when I was a kid. Sometimes I'd have trouble thinking of something to write about. Sometimes, the day was just boring. And sometimes I'd miss several days, and I would be stuck with blank pages with the dates printed at the top. On these days I would simply write "Nothing happened."<br />
<br />
Over the last two weeks I broke my <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/01/first-blog-of-2011.html">New Year's Resolution</a> and didn't write a blog post. So if you're wondering about last week, don't worry. Nothing happened.<br />
<br />
For the past two and a half weeks I've been house sitting for the third time since January. This time it was for <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/search/label/Lyndsey">Lyndsey</a>'s family. That's part of the reason I didn't blog. Since all my <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/search/label/pain">pain issues</a> started, I've had trouble finding a comfortable place to use my laptop. With all the furniture in Lyndsey's house, I couldn't find a spot comfortable enough to use my computer for long periods of time. And blogging takes time.<br />
<br />
I did take some pictures. Here are:<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5770295066/" title="Mercy by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Mercy" height="358" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/5770295066_053c058ba8.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
Mercy,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5770295468/" title="Kelly by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Kelly" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/5770295468_57f58aaf42.jpg" width="500" /></a></center> <br />
Kelly<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5770295788/" title="Lady by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Lady" height="497" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/5770295788_bdec6bbe42.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
and Lady.<br />
<br />
I also took this picture one evening of the view from their deck. I wish it turned out a little better:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5770295300/" title="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket and the Skyline by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket and the Skyline" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5770295300_34d27d38d6.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
I included my latest knitting project, which I somehow managed not to blog despite all the progress I've made. Remember the <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-dream-of-sweaters.html">sweater I was dreaming of</a> that I eventually <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/03/wip-baby-surprise-jacket.html">decided would be an Adult Surprise Jacket</a>?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5795727044/" title="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket" height="313" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/5795727044_e6ca4a8581.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
I present the Epic Adult Surprise Jacket. I'm already at the armpits.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5795726788/" title="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="WIP: Epic Adult Surprise Jacket" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5074/5795726788_45b040e3e8.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
You can see pictures of the evolution of the jacket <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/sets/72157626473368086/">here</a>. Between the four stitches per inch gauge and the six inches of ease, I'm a little worried that it's going to be too bulky. I think it will be ok, since I am aiming for more of a coat than a jacket.<br />
<br />
Later on I'll list more details, including the different yarns I'm using. I'm trying very hard to choose yarn that keeps the gauge consistent.<br />
<br />
For now, I'll leave you with two things in honor of <a href="http://knittaporfavor.wordpress.com/2011/06/06/international-yarnbombing-day-2011/">International Yarnbombing Day</a>. First, a sighting from the <a href="http://drafthouse.com/">Alamo Drafthouse</a> on South Lamar on Saturday. I <strike>made</strike> asked Katie, Aaron and Aaron's brother Jacob to pose in front of the pipe with me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5807303822/" title="Yarn Bomb Sighting by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Yarn Bomb Sighting" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/5807303822_e19165ea1b.jpg" width="372" /></a></center><br />
<br />
The yarn is very soft. I wonder what they used. It didn't seem to be acrylic, but I didn't have a lot of time to examine it.<br />
<br />
Finally, I have more coverage of <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/search/label/A%20Knitted%20Wonderland">A Knitted Wonderland</a>. This time it's a short movie is by <a href="http://www.gonzography.com/index.html">Sarah E. Gonzalez</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7I6YGpWKAak" width="560"></iframe></center>Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-80249309413873562052011-05-22T03:16:00.000-05:002011-05-22T03:16:41.369-05:00Is This Your Bird?<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5717871820/" title=""Blue Boy" by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt=""Blue Boy"" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2402/5717871820_df5aebabf5.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
If this is your bird, you better claim him soon. We're working on naming him.<br />
<br />
Last week this little guy flew up to our neighbors at the UPS Store at the corner of Westgate Blvd and William Cannon last Friday. It was like he was looking for help. Since we already have a bird, they came to us for advice. We gave them food for a few days, put signs up around the neighborhood, I posted him on Craigslist and <a href="http://www.petharbor.com/">Pet Harbor</a> and I filed a lost pet report with the city. So far, we had an offer to adopt him, but no word from the owner.<br />
<br />
A couple of days later the neighbors gave him to us because they were getting too attached. We were close to asking the person who offered to adopt to pick him up, but Katie has convinced Aaron to take him in.<br />
<br />
This is one last shot at finding the owner before we name him. The neighbor dubbed him "Blue Boy." I've been pushing for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoff_Peterson">Geoffrey Peterson</a>.<br />
<br />
Comment here if he's yours.Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-32090191390662315572011-05-11T02:36:00.002-05:002011-05-11T03:37:42.407-05:00Twice More Without Feeling (and My Weekend at Shiloh's)<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5694691054/" title="Shiloh waits for her family by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Shiloh waits for her family" height="395" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/5694691054_5f530bd26a.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
I feel like this sometimes.<br />
<br />
About a week and a half ago, I House/Dog/Lizard sat for Aaron's family. You've met <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2008/07/happy-independence-day.html">Spiny</a> before. This is Shiloh. She spent most of Friday and a good portion of the rest of the weekend just like this, looking out the window, presumably waiting for her family to come home.<br />
<br />
Shiloh is a good little dog. She rarely barks, she won't chew on your shoes and she's housebroken. As long as she stays away from other dogs, she's very well behaved. Shiloh just wants to be loved. She greets just about everyone that comes into the house, hoping that they will pet her. Once she establishes that someone is a friend, she follows them all over the house.<br />
<br />
Shiloh doesn't like to be alone for long periods of time, especially at night. So that's why I spent the night there. I felt bad because she stayed up late with me the first night. I didn't realize that she wouldn't go sleep in her doggy bed until I went to the bedroom with her. In fact, she wouldn't even walk into the bedroom unless I walked in first, (Fortunately, she napped on the couch while I was in the living room, so she got some sleep in.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5694118655/" title="Shiloh by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Shiloh" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/5694118655_cc2abc4eac.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
By the second day, she was spending less time looking through the window. But she really perked up when Katie and Aaron dropped by.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5694692050/" title="Shiloh by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Shiloh" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/5694692050_7a2fe637e6.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Katie knew where Shiloh's clothes were, so we played dress up. There are three different knit and crochet items in this picture. Mom made the light blue dog sweater that Shiloh is wearing. She engineered it herself based on a store-bought sweater Shiloh already had. Later, Mom told me that she saw a bunch of knitting patterns online for basically the same sweater. She reinvented the wheel with this one. I'm still impressed.<br />
<br />
In the shoe box, there's a Shiloh-sized purple scarf that Aaron's Mom knit. And the blue thing just outside of the box is a little neckerchief that Katie crocheted.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5694692258/" title="Aaron and Shiloh by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="Aaron and Shiloh" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/5694692258_a8042ff708.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Shiloh makes me want to get a dog when I move to my next apartment. I could benefit from daily walks and waking up to a happy face and wagging tail. I've never been a dog person. When I was little I was terrified of them. I'm much better about dogs now that I'm older. Still, I don't know how I'd handle living with one. I'd need a dog as sweet and well behaved as Shiloh, and I suspect dogs like her are hard to find. <br />
<br />
Having fun with Shiloh was a nice distraction from all my pain problems. My <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/2011/04/cross-my-heart-and-hope-to-die-stick.html">procedure</a> a couple of weeks ago went pretty well. The good news is that I'm confident that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supraorbital_nerve">Supraorbital Nerve</a> is the problem. There was a very distinct heavy feeling where there is normally tingly pain.<br />
<br />
The bad news is that it didn't last. Some tingling was back by the time I was in the car to go home. Two days later, it was back to normal, if not worse. Now it seems like my supraorbital nerve is back to its usual tingly state.<br />
<br />
I finally had my follow up visit last week. We're doing this whole thing two more times, in hopes that the steroid will build up in the nerve. My next procedure is tomorrow. I'm up way too late blogging about this. It's hard to sleep, wondering how much relief I'll get and how long it will last. And I can't wait for more <a href="http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/trigger-point-injection">trigger point injections</a>. Those worked really well on my back and shoulder for about a week and a half.<br />
<br />
Through all this, I'll be staring out the window like Shiloh, waiting for a permanent solution.<br />
<br />
At least I've met my deductible.Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-75233506573999510022011-05-08T02:49:00.004-05:002011-05-08T02:50:20.169-05:00FO: Baby Surprise Jacket<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5632970017/" title="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket" height="384" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5632970017_51b9cb07e1.jpg" width="500" /></a></center> <br />
I actually finished <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/search/label/Baby%20Surprise%20Jacket">my Baby Surprise Jacket</a> almost a month ago, but I had trouble finding a model, then I was just busy blogging about other stuff. I don't see any babies on a regular basis these days. So I made do with this stuffed gorilla that I found on stuffed in a closet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5633553550/" title="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket" height="368" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5633553550_c59e02182a.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
He's no <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/search/label/Poncho%20Pig">Poncho Pig</a>. But Poncho Pig is living in storage right now, and even if he was here, his arms don't move away from his body. In fact, they don't move at all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5633554672/" title="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket" height="372" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5633554672_373ceec587.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
I used US Size 2 needles and <a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/needlework/yarn-baby-and-sock-yarns/sweet-delight-baby/">Baby Bee Sweet Delight</a> yarn in "Crayons Ombre" (115). I found the buttons with Mom's sewing stuff. I hope I placed them correctly. It looks like they're making the jacket gap in this picture.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5632972243/" title="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket" height="373" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5632972243_dbae295667.jpg" width="500" /></a></center> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Zimmermann">Elizabeth Zimmerman</a> recommends putting button holes on both sides and sewing buttons on the proper side <a href="http://www.bigsiteofamazingfacts.com/why-are-buttons-sewn-on-the-left-side-of-womens-clothing-and-on-the-right-side-of-mens">depending on the gender of the baby</a> once the baby is born. Since I will probably donate this to charity, I sewed them on the right side. Today it's more acceptable for women to wear buttons on the right side rather than it is for men to wear buttons on the left side.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5632972535/" title="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket" height="376" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5632972535_f802b8f683.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. I'm accepting suggestions for where to donate it. It's about the size a one-year old would wear. (According to Elizabeth Zimmerman, that's what you get when you knit a five stitches per inch gauge.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5633553250/" title="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5633553250_887b96b374.jpg" width="369" /></a></center>If you haven't made your own <a href="http://www.knitting-and.com/wiki/Baby_Surprise_Jacket">Baby Surprise Jacket</a> yet, you can buy the pattern <a href="http://www.schoolhousepress.com/spunout.htm">here</a>. It's essentially a garter stitch rectangle that folds into a cardigan. It's easy and baffling at same time. It will blow your mind.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/5632971413/" title="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket by sallyvillarreal, on Flickr"><img alt="FO: Baby Surprise Jacket" height="391" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5632971413_ebd3d14925.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
All my Baby Surprise Jacket pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22231134@N00/sets/72157626260438140/">here</a>, and all my Baby Surprise Jacket blog entries are <a href="http://sallycomesunraveled.blogspot.com/search/label/Baby%20Surprise%20Jacket">here</a>.Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984614606291557780.post-29282509092418230332011-05-01T01:07:00.000-05:002011-05-01T01:07:18.212-05:00Crochet WIN!<center><a href="http://wins.failblog.org/2011/04/25/epic-win-photos-crochet-win/?utm_source=embed&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=sharewidget"><img alt="epic win photos - Crochet WIN" class="event-item-lol-image" height="339px" src="http://hackedirl.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/f1278657-fdae-4345-9399-7d0801c563de.jpg" title="Crochet WIN" width="500px" /></a><br />
see more <a href="http://wins.failblog.org/?utm_source=embed&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=sharewidget">Hacked IRL - Truth in Sarcasm</a></center><br />
<br />
Fun Fact of the Day: When I was in middle school, they put up a large chain link fence around the school with razor wire on top. A few years ago, they closed down the school. The building is now home to <a href="http://www.annrichardsschool.org/">The Ann Richards School for Young Women</a>. They took down the razor wire. I haven't set foot on the campus since the Ann Richards School opened, but I'm positive it's much happier place.Sally Comes Unraveledhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06496100231900044761noreply@blogger.com0