tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59785954254995492552024-03-13T09:17:33.401-07:00Cinched KnitsRhonda Potteethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16105817306818759131noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978595425499549255.post-52918329004014627862014-01-14T09:19:00.002-08:002014-01-15T13:17:33.015-08:00Spring-Inspired Surprises.It's a new year! As my budding orchid reminds me, a new year is a fresh opportunity, fresh new ideas! <br />
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One major change in this brand-spanking, fresh new year is to start offering patterns! I have learned the painstaking process that goes into designing and creating patterns--writing each step as you create an item, ripping and ripping until you get that perfect fit, paying attention to details that make these items stand out. Then to try to make it easy enough for most knitters to understand...phew! It is a job. But, I love it. So, as you can see from my Etsy shop, I am ready for Spring with its creamy and sunny hues, and laces or delicately cabled designs. I'm hoping to have more patterns and Spring-y knits available soon! My patterns can currently be purchased via Etsy as a PDF digital download file, which you can instantly download after your purchase. These patterns will also be available on our Thread Bears® <a href="http://www.threadbears.net/patterns.htm">website.</a><br />
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One new pattern available for purchase is for these Budding Foliage Fingerless Gloves (Click on any image to get details and to purchase):</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175739585/pdf-pattern-knitting-fingerless-lace?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175739585/pdf-pattern-knitting-fingerless-lace?ref=listing-shop-header-2" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GV5V11opr5w/UtVl1bMQUsI/AAAAAAAAAWU/lj1BpJeHp4s/s400/IMG_4327-2.jpg" height="640" width="513" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175739585/pdf-pattern-knitting-fingerless-lace?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175739585/pdf-pattern-knitting-fingerless-lace?ref=listing-shop-header-2" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ol1rDQ86wo/UtVl_LJH5kI/AAAAAAAAAWg/McRGHXS637U/s400/IMG_6185-2.jpg" height="640" width="409" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175739585/pdf-pattern-knitting-fingerless-lace?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175739585/pdf-pattern-knitting-fingerless-lace?ref=listing-shop-header-2" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iSiHgp82Hsk/UtVm2BodHNI/AAAAAAAAAWw/ih5zDWeIk18/s400/IMG_5938.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></div>
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My "Kaleidscope Cap" PDF Pattern:</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175731672/pdf-pattern-knitting-lace-eyelet-cabled?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175731672/pdf-pattern-knitting-lace-eyelet-cabled?ref=listing-shop-header-1" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-taykzDUdXQc/UtVnKL7v9LI/AAAAAAAAAXA/G45-SdNwTC0/s400/IMG_5917.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175731672/pdf-pattern-knitting-lace-eyelet-cabled?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175731672/pdf-pattern-knitting-lace-eyelet-cabled?ref=listing-shop-header-1" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEK7_cVAFZA/UtVm-Y1P_ZI/AAAAAAAAAW4/UFHdSEU0Sbk/s400/IMG_5908.jpg" height="640" width="489" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175731672/pdf-pattern-knitting-lace-eyelet-cabled?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175731672/pdf-pattern-knitting-lace-eyelet-cabled?ref=listing-shop-header-1" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rWwq1GJqjRM/UtVmTS2pWGI/AAAAAAAAAWo/vdxr0LzScgs/s400/IMG_5685-4.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also have these completed leggings/leg warmers available:</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175745457/cable-knitted-leggings-leg-warmers-boot?ref=related-1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175745457/cable-knitted-leggings-leg-warmers-boot?ref=related-1" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VkOtGwCbzOw/UtVofk0SLTI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/oCl2Fpxc2b8/s400/IMG_6197.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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These adorable, super-soft, delicately cabled leggings were created from many tiny stitches. They are lightweight, yet warm for bare legs. The best thing about these are that they will fit pretty much any baby and toddler sizes 6 months up to 5T! They make perfect boot cuffs for toddlers, since they are no-bulky. The fresh, mint hue is perfect for Easter!</div>
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Photographed on a 12 month:</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175745457/cable-knitted-leggings-leg-warmers-boot?ref=related-1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175745457/cable-knitted-leggings-leg-warmers-boot?ref=related-1" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0HyWd8UvXRw/UtVoauq8iMI/AAAAAAAAAXI/r4KCEH0FjFA/s400/IMG_6212.jpg" height="640" width="412" /></a></div>
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Photographed on a 5T:</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175745457/cable-knitted-leggings-leg-warmers-boot?ref=related-1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175745457/cable-knitted-leggings-leg-warmers-boot?ref=related-1" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYcfLy336X4/UtVu5NIVSRI/AAAAAAAAAXg/r1NxcB1pV4I/s400/IMG_6250-2.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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<br />Rhonda Potteethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16105817306818759131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978595425499549255.post-72045421631202361712013-11-12T08:07:00.003-08:002013-11-12T08:10:52.964-08:00Notes of Autumn.It seems as though Fall is finally making it's debut here in Desert, Arizona. Though Japanese Maple and the Mighty Oak are rarities in this part of the country, we are still lucky enough to see some color-shifts amongst the trees. <br />
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The Mulberry in my front yard has finally yellowed and begun to lose its leaves...</div>
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...so I finally felt inspired to finish up a few fall knitted items that I had begun in-between our home renovations. I created these "Fall Foliage Fingerless Gloves" from 100% Peruvian Highland Wool from Knit Picks Palette in a beautiful cornmeal color.</div>
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The upper-side has the bobbles and leaf motif. The underside is just the leaves. </div>
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I created this aran cowl from Debbie Bliss' Cashmerino Aran in a lovely pumpkin hue.</div>
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And, since I loved the aran design so much, I created a super-slouchy hat with the same design. Created from a cashmerino in a spicy cinnamon color.</div>
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I possibly have some patterns in the works, so I will be sure to post as soon as (if) they are available! ;)</div>
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Rhonda Potteethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16105817306818759131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978595425499549255.post-67022733225403753652013-09-07T10:52:00.001-07:002013-09-26T05:41:38.140-07:00Bits of an Inspiring Road TripAfter a month-long "vacation," my items are back on Etsy and ready to be bought up for the Fall! I have a couple of goodies in the works that are pumpkin-pie-, oak-leaf-, and crisp-air-inspired. <br />
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Though at times it still feels like we are experiencing those dogs days of summer here in the Southwest, I got to experience the soon-comings of Autumn on my month-long road trip. But I don't know if it is really considered a vacation when you are trying to entertain two children under four years, I mean, how many wild horses or fields of corn can you really try to get their attention with... And somewhere around Minnesota we realized our GPS was just messing with us. So we resorted to the ol' fallback--the atlas. <br />
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But the slight change in the colors of the leaves, the feel of the Midwest's cool and brisk mornings, the taste of the sweet, fresh pumpkin butter, and watching the kids collect the fallen acorns and maple leaves on our daily walks--all of it has me inspired. <br />
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I'm hoping to feel even more inspired with my cozy knits in the very near future, since I am leaving this desert and relocating to a part of the country that actually has seasons! Fargo is definitely a contender right now. And so is basically all of Minnesota and Michigan.<br />
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The drive from Romeo, MI was still bright green and barely dappled with golds and reds. But it was still beautiful.</div>
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Here in the Southwest, the leaves start to change colors closer to Christmas, and Halloween usually entails trick-or-treat-ers sweating their makeup off. But, no more lighting a cinnamon-apple candle and watching Fantastic Mr. Fox for Fall inspiration! I will soon be able to look out my door to see everything that Autumn has to offer. Another bonus: I will be much closer to my Michigander family!<br />
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The kiddos with grandma and grandpa at Westview Orchards in Michigan, enjoying the finer things in life like family, fresh fudge, and peach ice cream. Grant is eyeing the fudge, obviously.</div>
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And, well, you know everyone has to see this at least once.</div>
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Rhonda Potteethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16105817306818759131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978595425499549255.post-32853116796512568062013-06-13T21:27:00.000-07:002013-06-13T21:29:03.179-07:00Knits for summer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOUUdUbSjv0/UbqSJIQlD4I/AAAAAAAAAP0/asSj9qfG3UE/s1600/cinched-knits-sweetpicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOUUdUbSjv0/UbqSJIQlD4I/AAAAAAAAAP0/asSj9qfG3UE/s640/cinched-knits-sweetpicks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Moms--toss out the drool bibs! These hand knit, beautiful, berry-tinted collars are lightweight, airy, and still absorbent! They are created from a cotton/kapok (silk cotton) blend, which makes them so soft and smooth against the skin. The openwork lace makes them comfortable to wear in the middle of summer, but still keeps bare necks dry. Who says knitted items have to be warm, heavy, or bulky??<br />
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These summer knits are great investment pieces, since they fit most children sizes 12 months to 5 years. They are also versatile--each collar has two options on how to wear it. Finished with delicate scalloped edges.<br />
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Available in Thimbleberry:</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153985243/handmade-lace-knit-collar-for-baby"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--PXt3pQLvuM/Ubqa7aWKD9I/AAAAAAAAAQM/MML0VtcBWbA/s640/berry_tint_thimbleberry4+(1+of+1).jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Vintage Raspberry:</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153981921/handmade-lace-knit-collar-for-baby?ref=v1_other_2"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w27jx88iZNA/Ubqa7fHz7eI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/r4gNcHfSOgM/s640/berry_tint_pale_raspberry4+(1+of+1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cherry (No longer available):</div>
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Rhonda Potteethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16105817306818759131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978595425499549255.post-87351557042705370792013-05-31T09:13:00.000-07:002013-05-31T09:33:14.888-07:00Hey, it's not ALL about knitting.A few days ago, my husband and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. I know, the big five! Wahoo! It doesn't even seem like five years since we said "I Do," but a lot has happened in that short amount of time. <br />
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Through running three businesses, buying and renovating a house, gaining and losing many family members, having our two beautiful babies, then ending the businesses to work from home and be with my children--it just seems like a whirlwind. I feel like I have had little time to stop and soak up everything that our life together has created and endured. Through all of the well or weary points, my husband has stayed supportive and faithful. And, I just wanted to say thank you.<br />
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Thank you for wanting me to stay at home to raise our beautiful babies...<br />
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And thank you for being such a great father and supportive husband. I'm sure you wouldn't want your manly friends to know that you help me decide on color choices for my knitting, but what the heck. I appreciate it and I love you. Here's to fifty more years!<br />
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Rhonda Potteethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16105817306818759131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978595425499549255.post-36828372384552696852013-05-22T11:41:00.003-07:002013-05-31T08:36:14.330-07:00My first knitted animal!I'm relatively new to knitting, yes. However, I can gladly say that almost everything I have ever made has been from my own brain. Though it may take days or even weeks to create, perfecting it to the best of my ability--I like being able to say: "This is my design." <br />
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Don't get me wrong, I have used a few patterns... literally, a few. I could probably count how many on one hand. Maybe it's because I'm crazy! Maybe it's because I like to challenge myself to make something better. And, typically, this example is what has happened on those rare occasions of pattern-using...I change it. I can't just make what someone else tells me to make, I guess. <br />
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This dapper little monkey was adapted from an Alan Dart pattern. Originally, the pieces were to be knitted flat and sewn in place to the body. I decided to make him jointed, instead! He is my first knitted animal design, and I cannot wait to create a little character entirely from <em>my own design</em>! I love the way this little guy turned out, and I plan on making a lady-chimp-friend for him, along with a whole knitted tea set from the pattern...with my own changes, I'm sure. From his little top hat, to his cheerful little bow tie, with ten fingers and toes, I'd say this "first" was a success. I'm ready to create my own Thread Bears® animals!<br />
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Rhonda Potteethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16105817306818759131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978595425499549255.post-49841762489859547882013-05-10T16:48:00.002-07:002013-05-12T07:57:23.222-07:00Sidebar: Sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While I'm putting the finishing touches on a few more knitted goods and waiting for a tear-less, teething model, I've decided to go a little off-topic. So, I sew... a little. I may eventully get ambitious and decide to add some sewn-on details to my knitted items. Who knows, maybe I'll just use my skills to sew a lining in a cabled purse or something. Anyways, after dealing with <u>two</u> broken sewing machines this last week, I've finished six throw pillows, a roman shade, and have made almost all of the linens in my daughter's nursery (including the curtains). After making all of the pillows, I think that zippers can just go kick rocks. All in all, everything turned out, but I think I'll stick to my knitting!</div>
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Baby-girl's Babushka Nursery</div>
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Double-sided, paprika-hued sofa pillows </div>
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Bright Green Bedroom Throw Pillows</div>
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<br />Rhonda Potteethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16105817306818759131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978595425499549255.post-62192929645192950242013-04-19T16:25:00.000-07:002013-04-23T08:39:17.442-07:00Putting it out there!Okay, it's official--items are for sale! I've listed a handful of items I have completed, and there's even more on the way! These items are featured on the website, <a href="http://www.primiteds.com/wearables.html" target="_blank">Thread Bears®</a>, and available for purchase on Etsy. Click on the pictures or captions if you wish to view the listings:<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129872092/baby-toddler-infant-child-accessories"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URqP5AllA40/UXG4oVupmlI/AAAAAAAAAMI/Bvr7qvgTEcQ/s400/IMG_1084-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129872092/baby-toddler-infant-child-accessories" target="_blank">Serendip-minty Headband</a></div>
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This adjustable headband is so light and airy that it can be worn</div>
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year-round. The pale mint hue is the perfect compliment for any</div>
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little outfit.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129869169/baby-toddler-infant-child-accessories?ref=v1_other_2"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MoKCMhO1yUg/UXG5FapEDcI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/_KfkkqEl4g0/s400/IMG_1119-1-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129869169/baby-toddler-infant-child-accessories?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">Rippled Tide Collar</a></div>
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This collar makes a lovely alternative to a drool bib!</div>
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When it's not being used to catch drool for younger ones, it makes a lovely</div>
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finishing touch for a toddler's outfit! Fits most children 6 months- 5 years.</div>
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I also have a couple of simple, spring-friendly cowls that have just-right luxurious touches</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129864570/womens-luxurious-hand-knit-cowl-smocked?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">So Much Honey Cowl</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129861456/womens-luxurious-hand-knit-cowl-spring?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">Thawing Pond Cowl</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129857441/womens-luxurious-hand-knit-cowl-spring?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">Gilded Goldenrod Cowl</a></div>
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And I'm hoping there is someone out there who is more </div>
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This <u>very</u> large stocking will match any Christmas decor,</div>
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and still look great kept out year-round!</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129874614/hand-knit-luxurious-large-cable?ref=v1_other_2"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GU7h-R-2KY/UXG660n9P1I/AAAAAAAAAMw/HTTSiLVpGHw/s400/IMG_1229-1-1.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129874614/hand-knit-luxurious-lofty-large-cable?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">Alpine Cabled Stocking</a></div>
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Rhonda Potteethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16105817306818759131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978595425499549255.post-35980655698931149012013-04-08T12:48:00.002-07:002013-04-12T05:45:10.103-07:00What the hiatus?So, it's been over a year since I've posted on here... Between renovating our home and having a beautiful baby girl, my knitting was very sporatic in the first half of 2012. Can you imagine an almost 6-months-pregnant woman scooting around on the ground to lay flooring??? It was something... but, I kicked into gear this last fall, designed my own products, and will have some new items available in the next couple of days. I'm so excited to offer my products, made from my own hands! Here's a sneak peek: <br />
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I have an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cinchedknits" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> almost up and running, a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/cinchedknits" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>, and in the meantime--you can check out <a href="http://primiteds.com/">primiteds.com</a> to see if any of my items are available on there as well!</div>
Rhonda Potteethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16105817306818759131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978595425499549255.post-64683899602682053572011-12-12T06:12:00.000-08:002013-04-08T12:55:10.856-07:00Zealous Hands Honestly, when I first registered a blog nine months ago, I had no idea why or what I would even be blogging about. I just knew I was inspired to be here for some reason. In my defense, though I have been incognito, my hands have been diligent little workers for about the last three months. Solid. <br />
My mom taught me to crochet years ago, and I've made a handful of decent items, but the craft just didn't hold my attention. Almost exactly a year ago, my grandma gave me a little kit that had a few knitting needles and a booklet on how to teach yourself to knit. So, I taught myself the basics: knitting, purling, casting on, binding off--doing a couple of rows at a time, then pulling them out and starting again. I practiced a couple of times, then decided to actually make something that only included all of these techniques...but I couldn't just make any ol' dishrag. So, I made a mum:<br />
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Well, I had been so busy at the time with preoccupying a one-year-old and running three transportation businesses that I practically put down my needles indefinitely. That was, until my grandma donated to me her huge knitting needle collection, so I had to put them to good use! Since then, I can't make my hands stop. I've made dozens of things trying to teach myself everything that I could possibly learn. I am so thankful that God took advantage of my availability and has allowed me to learn quickly. I have decided to start selling my own designs on my mom's website: <a href="http://www.primiteds.com/">www.primiteds.com</a> and on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cinchedknits" target="_blank">Etsy</a>. I will post items <u>very</u> soon!</div>
Rhonda Potteethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16105817306818759131noreply@blogger.com0