tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182980652024-03-13T12:24:45.326-07:00Needles, Notes and NewsJeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-49068707650247089322010-07-22T20:20:00.000-07:002010-07-22T20:22:53.096-07:00Summer 2010 Mystery Mittens and Hat - Clue 6Don't be concerned if your stripe pattern doesn't match up with mine at the thumb stitches. The photo is of a prototype - the number of rounds got tweaked in the final pattern.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/TEkKw5XAn7I/AAAAAAAAAXE/4TUllqnL_UU/s1600/MittenClue5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/TEkKw5XAn7I/AAAAAAAAAXE/4TUllqnL_UU/s320/MittenClue5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496936655329730482" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos.imageevent.com/jeansideaalbums/knittingprojects/Summer%202010%20Mystery%20Knitalong%20Clue%206.pdf">Download Clue 6 as a pdf here</a>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-83833347738702906432010-07-19T21:07:00.000-07:002010-07-19T21:11:09.954-07:00Summer 2010 Mystery Mittens and Hat - Clue 5Mitten cuffs (either hand) should look like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/TEUhYqccO4I/AAAAAAAAAW8/3tSuChPks3M/s1600/MittenCuff.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/TEUhYqccO4I/AAAAAAAAAW8/3tSuChPks3M/s320/MittenCuff.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495835627869715330" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photos.imageevent.com/jeansideaalbums/knittingprojects/Summer%202010%20Mystery%20Knitalong%20Clue%205.pdf">Clue 5 can be downloaded here</a><br /><br />Clue 6 (final clue) will be available on Friday, July 23.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-92048222440801225392010-07-15T18:25:00.000-07:002010-07-15T18:28:52.774-07:00Summer 2010 Mystery Mittens and Hat - Clue 4The last clue finished your hat. Hopefully, you have something that looks like these!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/TD-1VRTi3UI/AAAAAAAAAW0/sDShU-l0-dc/s1600/Hat1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/TD-1VRTi3UI/AAAAAAAAAW0/sDShU-l0-dc/s320/Hat1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494309447442554178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/TD-1VLRGUMI/AAAAAAAAAWs/QpxlNOJKjRU/s1600/Hat2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/TD-1VLRGUMI/AAAAAAAAAWs/QpxlNOJKjRU/s320/Hat2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494309445821681858" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos.imageevent.com/jeansideaalbums/knittingprojects/Summer2010MysteryClue4.pdf">Download Clue 4 here</a><br /><br />Clue 5 will be available on Tuesday, July 20.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-18787664448492507992010-07-12T20:27:00.000-07:002010-07-12T20:31:12.441-07:00Summer 2010 Mystery Mittens and Hat - Clue 3Here's what you should have at the end of Clue 2.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/TDvdKiP7g8I/AAAAAAAAAWk/lhFmkt8z9D8/s1600/Clue2Solids.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/TDvdKiP7g8I/AAAAAAAAAWk/lhFmkt8z9D8/s320/Clue2Solids.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493227343570502594" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos.imageevent.com/jeansideaalbums/knittingprojects/Summer2010MysteryKnitalongClue3.pdf">Download Clue 3 Here</a><br /><br /><br />Clue 4 will be available on Friday, July 16.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-7560604745725105312010-07-08T19:21:00.000-07:002010-07-08T19:25:48.312-07:00Summer 2010 Mittens and Hat - Clue 2Here's what you should have after Clue 1.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/TDaIgYuAKhI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Ng7ljiNbyWs/s1600/4746585265_b46ab2b4c5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 248px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/TDaIgYuAKhI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Ng7ljiNbyWs/s320/4746585265_b46ab2b4c5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491726885597489682" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos.imageevent.com/jeansideaalbums/knittingprojects/MysteryHatAndMittensClue2.pdf">Download Clue 2 as a pdf here</a><br /><br />Clue 3 will be available on Tuesday, July 13.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-35951013899811223362010-07-04T20:53:00.000-07:002010-07-04T20:59:45.714-07:00Summer 2010 Mystery Mittens and Hat - Clue 1A mystery knitalong intended to produce a hat-and-mittens set for charity donation or personal use. The resulting hat and mittens will be a child size L/XL or adult size S/M, depending on your yarn and exact gauge.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos.imageevent.com/jeansideaalbums/knittingprojects/2010HatMittensClue1.pdf">Download Clue 1 as a pdf here</a>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-5364863918439218372009-09-05T21:47:00.001-07:002009-09-05T21:49:08.997-07:00ConversationMe: I'm going to the grocery - anyone need anything?<br /><br />Son: Is it OK if I give you a list?<br /><br />Me: Of course.<br /><br />Son: Are you going someplace that they sell mussels?Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-80267589448594871132009-09-02T21:16:00.000-07:002009-09-05T21:54:40.594-07:00Shawl Collar Charity Sweater Patterns for download<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SqNAhCfzfOI/AAAAAAAAAWU/av6oIZ94hzc/s1600-h/Aqua.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 366px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SqNAhCfzfOI/AAAAAAAAAWU/av6oIZ94hzc/s400/Aqua.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378213316360633570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SqNAgz8u54I/AAAAAAAAAWM/eVMfaYExerQ/s1600-h/Green.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SqNAgz8u54I/AAAAAAAAAWM/eVMfaYExerQ/s400/Green.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378213312455436162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SqNAgg0oHzI/AAAAAAAAAWE/VADaXG-WFlM/s1600-h/Stripes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 385px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SqNAgg0oHzI/AAAAAAAAAWE/VADaXG-WFlM/s400/Stripes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378213307321163570" /></a><br />A lot of people have been patiently waiting for this pattern to be made available, so...here it is.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos.imageevent.com/jeansideaalbums/knittingprojects/Lattice%20Wrap%20Sweater.pdf">Lattice Wrap solid color with textured pattern</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos.imageevent.com/jeansideaalbums/knittingprojects/Scrap%20Wrap%20Sweater.pdf">Scrap Wrap sweater designed to use up leftovers</a>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-72470364885541124962009-04-17T16:38:00.000-07:002009-04-17T16:40:23.765-07:00Homework ExcuseSame story, new verse, today, with a surprise ending…<br /><br />“Mrs. G, I KNOW you’ll think this is not true…I feel SOOOOO stupid, but it’s TRUE, it IS! I put my binder on top of my car and…”<br /><br />Right. I did believe her. Totally.<br /><br />I told her she was just lucky it wasn’t a baby in a car seat that she’d set on top of the car and driven away…not that I really believe that particular urban belief tale, but I might personally know someone who has set her coffee mug on top of the car, then headed off down the street…<br /><br />Much to everyone’s amusement, an office aide interrupted class about an hour later, with the binder…a bit worse for wear after having survived its tumble off of the car roof, but more or less intact. A neighbor had seen her take off and watched the binder fly.<br /><br />The homework was deemed by me to be “on time”, as class was not yet over…Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-6823350650272181172009-02-28T06:04:00.001-08:002009-02-28T06:22:58.726-08:00My Favorite Class (II)Let me tell you about 8th period.<br /><br />They're my favorite class.<br /><br />Eighth period is scheduled differently at our school. Period 1-6 meet on a block schedule. 80 minutes twice a week and 45 minutes on Fridays. The last two classes, 7th and 8th periods, meet M-Th for 50 minutes and 45 minutes on Fridays. Do the math, and right away, you see that 8th period gets an advantage. I see them for 245 minutes per week, whereas I see my other classes for 205 minutes.<br /><br />It may not seem like 40 minutes a week would make much difference. It does. Eighth period is the class that actually gets time in class to work on the homework. They get more time to ask questions. We cover less per day, but we cover it better. I'm not a huge fan of block scheduling, and I'm REALLY not a fan of the last 20 minutes in a block class. <br /><br />Here's the real difference in this class, though.<br /><br />Eighth period only has 14 students.<br /><br />My other classes are in the 20-25 range and I know that's nothing to my colleagues who regularly see 30-36 in a class, but 14? That's practically private tutoring! We can have class discussions without resorting to "holding the speaking stick" and "lab groups" tend to be a little more free-form since there's more than enough equipment to go around.<br /><br />This is teaching at its best. Time, space and resources in abundance.<br /><br />And here's the kicker, for anyone who thinks these things don't matter.<br /><br />EVERY student in 8th period is passing the class. I can't say that about any other class period.<br /><br />Eighth period. That's my favorite class.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-80951315375220471822009-02-22T17:19:00.000-08:002009-02-22T17:43:23.191-08:00My Favorite ClassWelcome back. The status chart tells me that I have "followers". To my followers, my apologies. What can I say? I've been busy.<br /><br />The second year of teaching. It's night and day different from the first. It's better, no question. I know what's coming, sometimes. I have lesson plans, and even when the lesson plans are sketchy, I have ideas. Things I can fall back on when things get hectic.<br /><br />I'm no longer "The new teacher". Students and parents both appreciate that, but then, last year I tried desperately to downplay "the new teacher" role, so there were plenty who never knew. This year, I have no excuses.<br /><br />And with experience comes...commitment. Without trying, I find myself on 2 committees, coaching an academic event team and co-sponsoring an organization. I just THOUGHT my Saturdays were going to be mine after my own classwork was over...<br /><br />As a parent, I've considered the question "Which child do you love the most?". Of course, there's no answer, but I do like the quote I picked up somewhere..."I love the child most who needs me the most". It changes from year to year. Sometimes, from day to day.<br /><br />And so it is with my classes. Which one is my favorite?<br /><br />***********************<br /><br />Let me tell you about 3rd Period.<br /><br />They're my favorite class.<br /><br />They're easy to love. That's the "Honors" class. It's filled to the rafters (next year, can there PLEASE be two sections of Honors?) with the brightest and most motivated. They love a challenge, they want to succeed. They do the homework, they study for exams. Many of their parents have contacted me during the year, and then, satisfied that I'm at least minimally competent, have sat back to enjoy the ride with me, with their children, with my students.<br /><br />There are 5 girls in 3rd period. And 20 boys. How did that happen? Despite the gender disparity, we survive. We laugh a lot, and I roll my eyes some days when the silliness gets out of control and they know I love them anyway. <br /><br />They read the textbook, they read the assignments, they read the instructions, and when they question me, it's because they truly want to understand.<br /><br />They're easy to love. With them, I am an education genius, I am a success. I make them look good, and they make me look good.<br /><br />It would be easy to say that they are my favorite class.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-85208482372218052632008-09-30T03:51:00.000-07:002008-09-30T03:56:33.627-07:00Mittens '08<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SOIFakeBobI/AAAAAAAAAVI/sRJ8rzF-USM/s1600-h/P1040383.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SOIFakeBobI/AAAAAAAAAVI/sRJ8rzF-USM/s400/P1040383.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251766069491769778" /></a><br /><br />Mittens, knitted here and there in between other projects all summer long. On their way to the Cheyenne River Youth Project.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-68424070156670333272008-07-21T06:59:00.001-07:002008-07-21T07:07:47.488-07:00Snowman Mittens Pattern<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SISWhXaaWSI/AAAAAAAAAQA/ws_iH_1Pe-Y/s1600-h/P1050595.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SISWhXaaWSI/AAAAAAAAAQA/ws_iH_1Pe-Y/s400/P1050595.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225466967621261602" /></a><br /><br /><br />These mittens are quick to make, and the smaller size only needs one 50-gram ball of worsted weight yarn. The design uses simple cable stitches and is charted in the directions. Enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="http://photos.imageevent.com/jeansideaalbums/knittingprojects/SnowmanMittensDirections.pdf">Download a .pdf of the pattern here</a>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-24671925326941265702008-06-27T08:06:00.001-07:002008-06-27T08:28:46.615-07:00Summer Vacation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SGUCi_Rn-lI/AAAAAAAAAM0/FlWTYmohasw/s1600-h/P1050433.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SGUCi_Rn-lI/AAAAAAAAAM0/FlWTYmohasw/s400/P1050433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216578543502752338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SGUCjLWUJqI/AAAAAAAAAM8/Zgz_h6o-R6M/s1600-h/P1050439.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SGUCjLWUJqI/AAAAAAAAAM8/Zgz_h6o-R6M/s400/P1050439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216578546743649954" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Out of the frying pan, into the fire, so to speak. School ended, company came, the graduate graduated, the company left and I was right back at school, since somewhere along the way I agreed to tutor students who did not pass the state-mandated exit exam.<br /><br />It's been an learning experience.<br /><br />I have a group of about 25 students, from which about 10 show up on any given day. Some are dedicated. One young lady even brought her two young babysitting charges with her one day so she wouldn't miss the 2-hour tutoring session. The children, roughly age 8, sat quietly in the hall and waited and I felt terrible because I didn't even have any crayons to offer them. The dedicated ones are "getting it", this time around.<br /><br />Then there are those who see the tutoring sessions as 2-hour time blocks in which to text-message their friends. They are not "getting it".<br /><br />Sweaters and socks for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CIC</span> have been accumulating in a box since mid-April. In the record-setting Texas June weather, it's hard to imagine wearing all that wool...Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-36624571866203066922008-06-01T15:12:00.000-07:002008-06-01T19:40:40.755-07:00By the Numbers36 (+1 for finals that I hadn't figured in up front) down. Zero to go. The first year is over.<br /><br />Some numbers for the records:<br /><br />140 - Number of students on my roster on the first day of school.<br />156- Number of students who were on my roster at some point in the year.<br />120 - Number of students on my roster by the end of school.<br /><br />1 - Number of physics students who dropped the class.<br /><br />6 - Classes assigned to me.<br /><br />3 - "Preps", or unique classes assigned to me.<span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><br /><br />4 - Number of Physics students who went the entire year without ever turning in a homework assignment<br /><br />4 - Number of Physics students who failed the class<br /><br />3 - Number of Physics students who failed the class by fewer than 10 points (Note to the wise: Homework counts for 10% of the grade)<br /><br />90 - Percentage of Physics students who said "Homework" was their least favorite part of class<br />95 - Percentage of physics students whose advice to next year's class would be "Do the homework"<br /><br />1 - Number of blank notecards allowed to fill with formulas to use during tests.<br />1.8 - Average number of "new" notecards required per student.<br />13 - Maximum number of "new" notecards requested by a single student. That would be...one for each of 12 tests, and one for the final.<br /><br />70 - Number of "2 for a dollar" lab notebooks purchased at the beginning of the year<br />6 - Number of lab notebooks still in the box at end of year<br /><br />250 - number of short, eraserless "golf pencils" taken from the spare pencil cup<br />Innumerable - number of complaints that "These pencils don't have an eraser!"<br />Equal to above - Number of times I said "Too bad. Next time, bring your own pencil"<br /><br />1 - Number of "feature movies" shown during class time. ("October Sky")<br />Large - Number of students who suddenly developed an interest in model rocketry.<br />10 - Number of model rockets launched at least once<br />18 - Number of rocket engines used<br />4 - Number of model rockets sacrificed to the education gods and to the delight of students<br /><br />Unknown - Number of marbles and bouncy balls which disappeared over the course of the year<br /><br />96 - Percentage of my Junior students who passed the exit level state science test<br /><br />12 - Number of seniors in all my classes combined<br /><br />12 - Number of those seniors who graduated this week<br /><br />They are a varied and fascinating group, these seniors. Nearly half speak English as their second language. There's a talented musician and a phenomenal photographer and an impressive dancer. Two of them graduated in three years. Two have signed on with the military. Some are going to college, one hopes to be an architect. Others are already a part of the work force. <br /><br />Rebecca.<br />Shawn.<br />Andy.<br />Erica.<br />Justin.<br />Patricia.<br />Justine.<br />Priscilla.<br />Irving.<br />Josh.<br />Aaron.<br />Derrick.<br /><br />Thanks for your hard work, the laughter and for your patience with the novice teacher.<br /><br />The numbers are all in your favor, now. Make the best of them. <br /><br />I couldn't be prouder of you if you were my own.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-39778150833557605142008-05-10T15:26:00.000-07:002008-05-10T15:32:23.919-07:00Waffles #9 - Pattern available for download<a href="http://photos.imageevent.com/jeansideaalbums/knittingprojects/Waffles%20For%20Brunch%20Sweater.pdf">A pdf of the pattern can be downloaded here.</a><br /><br />Intended for personal and charity use.<br /><br />For free distribution only.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-42317305307114076302008-05-10T06:56:00.000-07:002008-05-10T06:58:52.617-07:00I Love my Students...Sometimes they play RIGHT into your hands... <br /><br />Brenna is a dance team star, cute, bubbly, and so BLONDE it's not even funny. No offense intended to anyone blonde, but the term is commonplace and gets the point across...<br /><br />She's struggled all year to maintain 70-73 grades so she stays eligible for the dance team. She's a busy, busy, busy young lady, and Physics just isn't at the top of her priority list.<br /><br />However, this final 6 weeks, dance is winding down and somehow, circuits and electricity have caught her attention. Three-week progress reports were just mailed, and she came to class yesterday practically screaming. "Mrs. G!!! Do you KNOW what my progress report said??? 95! Ninety-five!!!"<br /><br />I said that yes, I did know that, and congratulated her.<br /><br />Then...I wish I had this on tape. She turned around to the rest of the class and said...<br /><br />+<br /><br />+<br /><br />+<br /><br />+<br /><br />+<br /><br />+<br /><br />"Just SEE what happens when you do all your homework?!?!?"Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-82761085003521087662008-05-02T17:03:00.001-07:002008-05-02T17:06:01.397-07:00Waffles #8 - All Done!And here's the finished product.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBusJbPEO9I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/VQMvV4AtM_8/s1600-h/P1020800.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBusJbPEO9I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/VQMvV4AtM_8/s400/P1020800.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195935873031748562" /></a><br /><br /><br />If you have a picture to share, please post a comment with a link, and thanks for playing along!Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-55043517573198872712008-04-30T17:47:00.000-07:002008-05-01T21:19:22.685-07:00Waffles #7 - SleevesSweater so far:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBOjP7PEO3I/AAAAAAAAALg/91wxv7lKluE/s1600-h/Waffles7.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBOjP7PEO3I/AAAAAAAAALg/91wxv7lKluE/s400/Waffles7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193674289282562930" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Pick up 54 stitches around the armhole opening. <br /><br />The stitches should be arranged as follows: 2 stitches over cast-off stitches at underarm, 26 stitches to shoulder, 26 stitches back to underarm.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBOjQbPEO4I/AAAAAAAAALo/Ey4W8VJk1jU/s1600-h/WafflesCOSleeve.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBOjQbPEO4I/AAAAAAAAALo/Ey4W8VJk1jU/s400/WafflesCOSleeve.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193674297872497538" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sleeves are worked in the round, with no underarm seam.<br /><br />Begin work in pattern stitch at the 2 underarm stitches. The two underarm stitches will be "purl 2" of the pattern and a "knit 4" rib will be centered at the top of the shoulder.<br /><br />On the first round, P1, place marker, continue to end of round. The marker is at the center of the underarm.<br /><br />Work pattern stitch for 5 more rounds.<br /><br />Begin sleeve decreases on next round Decrease one stitch on each side of marker, every third round.<br /><br />In other words, decrease 2 stitches at underarm every 3 rows, 12 times. (30 stitches remain). <br /><br />(Hint: I found it easiest to keep those two underarm stitches as "purls"...one on each side of the marker, adjusting the next stitch away from the marker as the pattern gets decreased away)<br /><br />Continue to work even in pattern stitch until 7 complete pattern repeats have been worked (7 purl ridges), ending with row 6.<br /><br />Change to smaller needles and work 6 rounds in P2, K4 ribbing.<br /><br />Bind off all stitches.<br /><br />Work second sleeve to correspond to first. <br /><br />Weave in all yarn ends.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-66032843961330065042008-04-28T19:41:00.000-07:002008-04-28T20:20:18.961-07:00Waffles #6 - CollarFrom the last set of instructions: Sweater is inside out, ready for 3-needle bindoff at right shoulder.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBaTMrPEO8I/AAAAAAAAAMI/aLVn3wWYRqg/s1600-h/Waffles5a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBaTMrPEO8I/AAAAAAAAAMI/aLVn3wWYRqg/s400/Waffles5a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194501066192075714" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Left upper front is removed from holder and ready to be worked. Yarn is joined at neckline.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBaTMbPEO7I/AAAAAAAAAMA/fUBBJlXvEec/s1600-h/Waffles5b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBaTMbPEO7I/AAAAAAAAAMA/fUBBJlXvEec/s400/Waffles5b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194501061897108402" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />34 neckline stitches picked up, ready to work collar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBaTMLPEO6I/AAAAAAAAAL4/jNGSGkvUrzM/s1600-h/Waffles6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBaTMLPEO6I/AAAAAAAAAL4/jNGSGkvUrzM/s400/Waffles6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194501057602141090" /></a><br /><br /><br />COLLAR:<br /><br />Knit 3 rows even.<br /><br />Increase row: Increase 3 stitches, evenly spaced. In other words, increase one stitch at each shoulder and one stitch at the center back.<br /><br />Repeat these 4 rows twice more. 43 stitches total.<br /><br />Knit two rows even.<br /><br />Bind off all stitches.<br /><br /><br /><br />Take a moment right now to search out a tapestry needle and weave in all of the yarn ends so far. You'll feel so efficient and when the sleeves are done, the sweater will be DONE.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-54958618672721499252008-04-27T13:18:00.000-07:002008-04-27T15:35:16.922-07:00End of an EraIn 1997 we moved a reluctant 7th grader 90 miles north to a new life, new district, new school. Elizabeth had already made quite a name for herself in the music, math and science programs at her previous schools and we were anxious to get her involved in something similar as soon as possible. Without much idea of what we were getting into, we encouraged her to try out for a spot on the middle school <a href="http://www.soinc.org">Science Olympiad</a> team. <br /><br />Unknowingly, we had stumbled on to one of the finest middle school teams in the state. Within 6 years, they qualified for National competition 5 times. Parental help was an expectation, and Dave and I discovered niches we hadn't looked for, but came to love, as "parent coaches". Dave coached winning teams of bridge builders, tower constructors and model airplane pilots. I quickly garnered a reputation as a very versatile coach, working with helium balloon lofts, graph and chart events, metric measurement and estimation, climate, oceanography, physics, chemistry. There's no question in my mind that the coaching helped me last year when I attempted teaching certification in "Composite Sciences" for the state of Texas...I'd been reviewing for years!<br /><br />As our children grew, each one earned a place on the middle school team, then advanced to the high school level. We learned to work around after-school practices, Saturday reviews and the weekend tournaments each year; Regional Qualifiers, then in late April, the State event. The school teams were excellent, each year the competition became more intense, the honor of reaching the State level more satisfying.<br /><br />And each year, the family collection of medals grew.<br /><br />Elizabeth stood out in middle school for her computer skills. Before the days of "Google", she was an expert (and State Champion) at combining keyboard and language in internet searches. We watched her friends grow up, graduate and move on, and last year, one of my early coaching proteges ended up working with Dave in the professional engineering world. We watched in awe as her team captured the first State championship of several we were to experience and wished her team well as they went off to the University of Chicago.<br /><br />In the following years, at least one child would participate in National Competitions in Colorado, Delaware and Pennsylvania. They learned the finer points of group dynamics, tour buses, shared hotel rooms and time schedules. As parent/coaches, one or both of us went along on most of these trips. We were honored to be a part of "that Texas team" with its signature black cowboy hats, neat tucked-in logo shirts and blue jeans.<br /><br />And the medals kept on coming home.<br /><br />When Alex was in middle school, a last minute event change meant that he'd be competing in an event he'd never studied for. In what I consider one of my finest moments of parenting, I drew on what I remembered from long-ago chemistry classes and coached him for just 3 days in "Polymer Science". He represented his school alone, without an event partner, and placed first in the state competition. Never mind the parenting...the child was willing and capable. The honor was his. At the high school level, he earned a reputation as a meticulous detail man in balsa wood construction. He, his event partner and Dave spent many afternoons fine-tuning wings and propellers and occasionally watching a competition-worthy plane fly directly into a gymnasium basketball hoop. <br /><br />Two years behind, Isaac observed and absorbed the knowledge. His forte has always been memory/recall and he quickly earned the respect of students, teachers and coaches in a variety of "academic events". Oceans. Glaciers. Insects. Water chemistry. Ecology. One year at the State level, he had the distinction of medaling in 3 out of his 4 events. <br /><br />I have great respect for the teachers who orchestrate the practices and the paperwork to make this event what it is. I'm proud to count several of our children's teacher/coaches as my mentors as I begin my own teaching career. In a world where the headlines include teenagers who seek to break down and destroy, it has been an honor to work closely with some of those who search for excellence and aren't afraid of the hard work necessary to achieve it.<br /><br />In Texas, the competition has become fierce. More and more schools participate, and there are more levels to the competition...not just anyone can go to "State". A few years ago, Regional qualifying tournaments were introduced, and the State competition was capped at 30 teams. A school team that advances to the State level has every right to be proud of the accomplishment. Regional competitions allow more local participation, and I'm always happy to hear the name of a "new" participating school. Best of luck to them...I hope they'll be back next year, and the next, and the next.<br /><br />This weekend was the <a href="http://outreach.science.tamu.edu/scienceolympiad.asp">2008 Science Olympiad Texas State Tournament</a>, and late last night, 4 weeks away from high school graduation, Isaac arrived home triumphantly displaying his final medal in the Science Olympiad. Second place silver in "Environmental Chemistry". A brilliant finish to something that has bound our family together for 10 years. It's truly the end of an era.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBTf17PEO5I/AAAAAAAAALw/iBrGj4PFXpE/s1600-h/StateSilver.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SBTf17PEO5I/AAAAAAAAALw/iBrGj4PFXpE/s400/StateSilver.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194022387791969170" /></a>Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-17876574719894167562008-04-26T16:11:00.000-07:002008-04-26T14:59:51.824-07:00Waffles #5 - Upper Front / NecklineSweater so far. Left front stitches are on waste yarn and right front is ready to be worked.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAn7V5XMhDI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/g3NZwCQzooU/s1600-h/Waffles5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAn7V5XMhDI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/g3NZwCQzooU/s400/Waffles5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190956399115142194" border="0"></a><br /><br /><br />The crossed stitches at the center front will provide reinforcement at the bottom of the neck opening.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAn7VpXMhCI/AAAAAAAAAKI/QPSRxPlvStc/s1600-h/Waffles5a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAn7VpXMhCI/AAAAAAAAAKI/QPSRxPlvStc/s400/Waffles5a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190956394820174882" border="0"></a><br /><br /><br /><br />RIGHT UPPER FRONT:<br /><br />Work back and forth for 10 rows, keeping pattern as established and ending at the shoulder edge. Break yarn, leaving about 4 feet.<br /><br />Use your preferred method to attach the shoulder stitches to each other. Either use a Kitchener Stitch from the "right side" to graft 12 front and 12 back shoulder stitches together, or turn the sweater wrong side out and use a 3-needle bind off from the "wrong side". Keep the last stitch "live, and place it on a stitch holder along with the 8 neck-edge stitches.<br /><br />(Hint: do not fasten off the yarn used to graft or bind off the shoulder seam. Leave 6-8 inches of yarn; you can use this tail later to draw up any slight "holes" at the shoulder after working the collar).<br /><br />LEFT UPPER FRONT:<br /><br />Take left front stitches off holder. Join yarn at center front. The wrong side of the sweater should be facing you. Beginning with pattern row 3 (and keeping neck edge section in garter stitch), work back and forth for 10 rows, ending at neck edge. Do not break yarn!<br /><br />Place back left shoulder stitches on a double-point needle and use reserved yarn at shoulder to graft shoulder seam (from right side of sweater) or work a 3-needle bind off (from wrong side of sweater). Again, leave the last stitch "live" and place it on the circular needle next to left front neck stitches. Again, break shoulder seam yarn, leaving a tail for later.<br /><br />Pick up the yarn at center front and with wrong side of sweater facing you, knit across 8 front neck stitches, 1 shoulder seam stitch, 16 back neck stitches, 1 shoulder seam stitch and 8 right front stitches.<br /><br />34 stitches total.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-13556562278834871842008-04-24T18:30:00.000-07:002008-04-24T16:34:31.620-07:00Waffles #4 - Front to NecklineUpper back with stitches divided for shoulder, back neck, shoulder. Yarn is saved at left shoulder for grafting shoulder later.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAk5wfTEldI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/eV2AwnnHvHA/s1600-h/Waffles4b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAk5wfTEldI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/eV2AwnnHvHA/s400/Waffles4b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190743550719202770" border="0"></a><br /><br />Yarn is joined at right underarm. The first row worked on the section will be a "wrong side" row.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAk5vfTElcI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Bj2xHDVsKps/s1600-h/Waffle4A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAk5vfTElcI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Bj2xHDVsKps/s400/Waffle4A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190743533539333570" border="0"></a><br /><br /><br />You will begin the pattern stitch with row 5. Work back and forth for 11 rows, ending with pattern row 3.<br /><br />With right side of front facing you, work 12 stitches in pattern, place marker, K 16 stitches, place marker, work 12 stitches in pattern.<br /><br />Keeping the side panels in pattern stitch and the center panel in garter stitch (K every row), work 9 rows.<br /><br />With right side facing you, work 12 stitches in pattern, slip marker, K 7, cross the next two stitches, K7, slip marker, work in pattern to end of row.<br /><br />(To cross stitches, remove the first stitch from the left hand needle, hold that stitch at front of work, knit the next stitch, replace the first stitch on the left hand needle and knit it. You have made a mini "cable twist").<br /><br />Place the first 20 stitches on waste yarn or a stitch holder. These will be worked as the left upper front later. Work will continue on the remaining 20 stitches to form the right upper front.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-23464200982328575142008-04-22T16:59:00.000-07:002008-04-22T14:13:37.103-07:00Waffles #3 - Upper BackBody worked to front/back dividing round:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAk30PTElbI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Nf5qBSe3zM0/s1600-h/P1020731.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAk30PTElbI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Nf5qBSe3zM0/s400/P1020731.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190741416120456626" border="0"></a><br /><br /><br />Body after front/back dividing round: yarn is at the left underarm of sweater. "Wrong side" of back is facing you and you are ready to start working "back and forth" on back section.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAk6RvTEleI/AAAAAAAAAKA/SUqFD-05dV8/s1600-h/Waffles3b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAk6RvTEleI/AAAAAAAAAKA/SUqFD-05dV8/s400/Waffles3b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190744121949853154" border="0"></a><br /><br /><br />Work back-and-forth across these 40 stitches for 32 more rows, ending with row 6 of pattern, and with yarn at left shoulder. Break yarn, leaving about 4 feet of yarn. This yarn will be used later to graft the shoulder seam.<br /><br />NOTE! Remember to reverse the pattern stitches when working "wrong side" rows - knits become purls and purls become knits when the wrong side is facing you.<br /><br />Place back stitches on stitch holders or waste yarn as follows: 12 stitches (shoulder), 16 stitches (back neck), 12 stitches (shoulder).<br /><br />Turn work so wrong side of front is facing you and join yarn at the right underarm.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18298065.post-61579888051590986982008-04-20T16:42:00.000-07:002008-04-20T13:57:57.296-07:00Waffles #2 - Main BodyHere's where we stopped:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAkyTPTElZI/AAAAAAAAAJY/IkJvPdqc6Cg/s1600-h/P1020723.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JZXWDRyEtms/SAkyTPTElZI/AAAAAAAAAJY/IkJvPdqc6Cg/s400/P1020723.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190735351626634642" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Continue in pattern stitch for 27 more rounds, ending with row 3.<br /><br /><br />You should have a total of 6 purled "ridges" and be at your beginning-of-round marker. This is the left underarm of the finished sweater.<br /><br />Bind off two stitches, work across next 40 stitches in pattern as established. Place these 40 stitches on waste yarn or on a spare double point needle. They will be used later for the front of the sweater.<br /><br /><br />Bind off two stitches (right underarm) and work across the remaining 40 stitches, keeping pattern as established.<br /><br />NOTE - To center the pattern on the top of the sweater, the two bound-off stitches at each underarm should be the "Purl 2" stitches of the pattern. Both 40-stitch sections, front and back, should begin and end with the "Knit 4" stitches of the pattern.Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889453252192422630noreply@blogger.com4