Lara Neel's Blog, page 21

One-Year Birthday!

Sock Architecture was one year old yesterday, so I did what any proud parent would do. I made gluten-free brownies and took a picture of my book with one. As you do. 
The pirate cupcake topper had to stand in for the candle because, well, fire.
If you don't have it yet and want it, where's the best place to get it? You can buy it from my publisher (they're clearing out their warehouse, so it's 30% off at the moment), online from at least two places, and I'll happily sell you a signed copy from my Etsy store. A digital-only version is available on Ravelry, too.
Already have the book, but want more sock-knitting time with me? I  have a Craftsy class, and if you use this link, you can get it for 50% off.
Here's to many more years of happy sock knitting for all!

Cascade 128, Woven

Dark, dark, midnight blue. It's so soft! I love it.

Whipped Shea Butter

I made whipped Shea butter! I kind of love it. The only thing I would do differently, next time, is use a smaller bowl. It was a little hard to whip it really well in my too-big bowl.

Biking to Downtown

I still can't believe that this is so close to my house, and all I have to do is take the bike path!

Math4Knitters: Episode 32

Show notes and more at math4knitters.blogspot.com.

Download/Listen to Episode 32.

The original show notes for this show.

This is when it's going to get a bit strange. I re-ran old shows, then, attached to new shows. So, you might want to keep your finger on the "skip ahead" button, if you have one.

Lake of the Isles

I love it! It's such a pretty place to ride around!


Ed. note - CLEARLY, I didn't take this photo today. Rain, rain, go away, come back in the middle of the night so that I can go on a ride!

More About Photo Stuff

Yesterday, I talked about blocking out that pesky daylight, so that you can get consistent results. Here's a little more information about the rest of my photo "stuff."



I could use softboxes, but I actually kind of prefer umbrellas for strobes. They're a little more portable, for if you are ever going to leave your house and work on location. I bought this set from Cowboy Studio and it's working really well for me.
The little squarish thing you see in the second photo is an optical flash trigger. This is not a fancy one. It's a cheap one ($12). In a darkened room, it works very, very well. In a bright room or outdoors - it may not. 
You can  buy really nice radio triggers, which will work every. single. time. I love them. They cost about $250 for a set and you need at least two, one for the camera and one for each flash you want to use. If you're in the market for those, I used PocketWizards for my entire photojournalism career and they were always wonderful. But, I'm not doing that sort of work anymore or trying to light up entire stadiums, so the price tag is keeping me away. 
Some flash units have triggers built in. These can be either radio or optical and they are usually pretty good. My newest flash has radio capability, but my camera's too told to use it! So, I'm totally fine with my $12 fix to keep everything working together. 

The Window Solution

Guest appearance by sleeping Boomer.
Let's say you want to set up a semi-permanent photo studio in your basement that has wonderfully-awesome windows. Now, windows are fantastic in a basement. I love them! But, if you want consistent results on your color balance/light levels, you've got to be able to block out light from said windows. Otherwise, you can only shoot at night, and where's the fun in that?
The solution: big ol' pieces of cardboard, custom-cut (sort of) to block off the windows.
Annoyed by my cardboard cutting, Boomer abandoned me.
Because NOTHING lets the neighbors know that you're normal and everything's fine like covering your windows with cardboard, I left mine removable. I pop them in when I need them and stash them under the futon when I don't need them. Spiderweb removal is a gross, but unavoidable simultaneous task.

Need a Little Help Finishing Your Knits?

No, I'm not offering to darn in ends for you. But, there is a sale going on at Craftsy on finishing classes. (If you use my affiliate link, it helps me, too.)

I have to admit, I have paid seamstresses to insert zippers for me. But, it would be pretty nice if I knew I could actually do it, for myself, if I wanted to.

Learn techniques for flawless finishing alongside the best instructors in the world! Shop the classes you need for $19.99 today (prices good through 8/17/15). Conquer skills for edge finishes, weaving in ends, blocking, seaming and much more.

State Fair Knitting Prep

You can't see the pills in this photo, and they weren't horrible, but they were there.

This weekend, I will do something I have never done before. I will enter a state fair. This one.

I'm a little terrified and very excited to see what the judges say! I looked over what I've made in the last year and decided that my Paris Wallpaper Socks were my favorite. But, they've been worn a few times and had some pills on them. So, I washed and blocked them, then brought out the razors.

This should only be attempted under good lighting when you are not tired and are entirely sober. To remove each pill, grab it with your non-dominant hand, then use the razor to cut the pill away from the underlying fabric. My set of 10 blades came with a way to store used blades, and I simply start with a fresh one every single time. I only do this once or twice a year, so it's pretty cheap to just start with a new razor.

If you just pull the pills off, without a razor, they will only re-emerge. This is a  more permanent solution, and it's easier on your knits.

The operation was a complete success! Wish me luck!