WIP Weds: Zonked!

On friday I told you about all the firsts I would be involved in last weekend…

My friend Bonnie and I went into Toronto for the DKC Knit Frolic!

2013 DKC knit frolic – Bonnie and I high on fibre fumes :0)

Lots of people and potential treasures

Some friends from home

The Girls!

 and hi Debbie D! (wish I took your picture too)

Treasures that came home with me :0)

I will highlight my purchases on Friday, so you can get a better look.

 First Communion of my Cousins little girl.

First Birthday of their little boy.

1st Birthday Party

and I actually learned to Crochet a strip of Mile a minute afghan 

Dk weight yarn

well more like a foot in and hour… Cool, my only crochet accomplishment has been granny squares to this point!

Really good video instruction!

Background for this success story: Crochet has never really appealed to me, I had a brush with brain tumors, a few years ago. Stuck in bed with mobility issues, and knitting being a little too much to wrap my head around, my darling mother brought me a crochet hook and a Ball (a round ball) of yarn, and a book… needless to say the book and hook went into beside table drawer and ball is still on vacation with the dust bunnies somewhere! Totally frustrated…who wants to crochet anyway (this was probably a really bad time to start a new skill) DH brought me a spindle and a hand full of fibre, tranquility was restored :0)

and the Scrap Jar for April

Oh and Jack is famous, he’s in the Guardian Uk news 

And after all this I am Zonked!

Current WIP List (13)

I am starting to note how close to done my WIP’s are.

1. Sssydney and friends two more to do
2. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project
3. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf 45% Done
4. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
5. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
6. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
7. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
8. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
9. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
10. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
11. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
12. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
13. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 36

WIPS 2013 = 13

Used of 37 purchased patterns from Rav = 8 (29 to go)

Stash Used 2013 = 34

Books 2013 = 14

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: Looking forward to a weekend of Firsts!

TGNP (Thank God No Physio) today!

Saturday promises to be a lot of fun.

Bonnie and I are heading into Toronto for the DKC Knitters Frolic!

This is a first, because I have never been on a road trip with my friend Bonnie! I will report on this Wednesday…

First Communion of my Cousins little girl. Here is her gift.

Handmade Catholic Rosary.

First Birthday of her little brother. Here is his gift.

Size 2 for 1st Birthday :0)

and  there will be a large family party on Sunday.

Finished a few friends for Sssydney!

Sssydney’s friends

and an XL Coffee Cup Sweater 

Doing these for the Craft sale in June.

Both Sssydney and XL Coffee Cup Sweater are my freebies on Ravelry.

The usual installment of found on Ravelry: Milly by Vanessa Ewing  would look rather nice over a tank top.

and I came across this rather good Crochet Tutorial for Mile a Minute Afghans. I am going to start linking anything I find that might interest you… Look under Techniques and Video Tutorials :0)

Current Book: Badger’s Moon by Peter Tremayne

The Sister Fidelma stories are set in the middle of the 7th century, mainly in Ireland. She is a Celtic religieuse, a legally recognized lawyer and sometimes Judge. So far I am really enjoying it. There is an interesting and informative introduction which explains the Celtic legal codes of the time.

Current WIP List (12)

I am starting to note how close to done my WIP’s are.

1. Sssydney and friends six done a few more to do
2. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf  45% Done
3. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
4. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
5. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
6. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
7. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
8. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
9. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
10. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
11. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
12. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 30 + 6 = 36

WIPS 2013 = 13

Used of 37 purchased patterns from Rav = 8 (29 to go)

Stash Used 2013 =  33 + 1 = 34

Books 2013 = 12 + 2 = 14

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds: The War continues…

Sssydney the sssnake and friends 

XL coffee cup sweater - to be one of many for Craft sale in June

From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf April Kal

Really lovely lace yarn. Using thread for lifelines.

A non-knitting project, a Catholic Rosary for a first communion on Sunday. I was at the LCS with my diagram collecting all the odds and ends for this project, a women looked at me like I didn’t know what I was doing…she was totally right! lol

Making Catholic Rosary

The Catholic Rosary has 10 beads (decades) and 5 decades, between the cruciform beads.  

I have only made Anglican/Protestant Rosaries in the past.

So after lots of research I took a stab at it.

This is a Protestant rosary. Unlike a Catholic Rosary, there are 7 beads (weeks) and 4 weeks between the cruciform beads.,. A crucifix or cross ia acceptable on an Anglican Rosary (cross is more common)

Knitting technique video link:  Tubular Bind-Off from VeryPink Knits Just love her instruction videos!

Found on Ravelry: Philosophers Walk Socks by Lesley Melliship one talented knitter, this is her 1st pattern on Ravelry and it’s a freebie

Current WIP List (13)

I am starting to note how close to done my WIP’s are.

1. Sssydney and friends one done a few more to do
2. XL coffee cup sweater for Church craft sale
3. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf  40% Done
4. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
5. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
6. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
7. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
8. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
9. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
10. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
11. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
12. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
13. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 30

WIPS 2013 = 12 + 1 = 13

Used of 37 purchased patterns from Rav = 8 (29 to go)

Stash Used 2013 =  33

Books 2013 = 12

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

Trent Durham Area Day of Celebration 2013

Trent Durham Area Day of Celebration 2013

I attended last year and enjoyed it so much,

I was looking forward to going this year.

It started with registration from 8:30 to 9:30 (I was a little late but still managed to enjoy a coffee before it started)

Then into St Peter’s Anglican Church, Cobourg. A really beautiful old Victorian church, light and airy with impressive stainglass and marble memorials. The service began at 9:40.

This years theme was “Hidden Treasure: Discovering Gods Kingdom”

An excellent band “Wine before breakfast” from Wycliffe College lead us with music.(I have linked the versions of the hymns where I could find them)

The Service opened with the Gathering of the Community,

Hymn: Jesus Come, for we invite you

The Apostolic Greeting

The Collect for Purity

The Gloria (I totally enjoyed this, haven’t sung this for years!)

Opening Prayer

First reading – Proverbs 2:1-11

Hymn: Jesu, Joy of our Desiring (this was the processional at our wedding)

The Gospel reading – Matthew 13:44-46, 51-53

The Creed

Athem: The Power of the Gospel by Ben Harper

Plenary “A Romp Through the Bible” – Dr.Sylvia Keesmat A delightful sprint though the themes in the bible, done with hand drawn bristle board pictures, clothes pegs and a clothes line… great presentation!

11:15 Then off to my first workshop: Praying the rosary with Deb Irwin & Lyn Bradshaw. Great presentation, last year Deb Irwin gave the workshop on making Rosaries that I attended. This was a great follow-up. I make Protestant Rosaries for fundraisers, but I couldn’t help myself, I bought this one.

This is a Protestant Rosary. Unlike a Catholic Rosary, there are 7 beads (weeks) between the cruciform beads.

12:15 We adjourned for lunch. Coffee and a box containing a choice of sandwich, in my case egg salad, olives and pickles, a small bag of raw veggies with cheese, an apple and a chocolate brownie, and coffee. Nice conversation with people at my table.

This is only part of the group that was there

Then off to the book table. “Journeys: Books, Gifts and Meeting Place” is a new Anglican Bookstore that is attempting to fill the gap left when the ABC Bookstore closed. I liked their selection, bought an NRSV Bible and Beginning Prayer by John Killinger

At 1:00 Workshop two began: The Kingdom of God in Icons. Well researched and lovely visual presentation. Discussion of symbolism, history, the nature and use of Icons in prayer and meditation. The art was stunning!

At 2:15, back into the church to finish the celebration of the Eucharist.

Hymn: Athem by Leonard Cohen

Bishop Nicholls Reflect

Prayers for the people

The Peace

Offertory Hymn: Take my Life by Scott Underwood

Prayer over the Gifts and Blessing of the Rosaries

Eucharistic Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

Communion Hymns: Seek ye First the Kingdom of God and The Kingdom of God is Justice and Peace (Taize chant)

Prayer after Communion

Blessing

Hymn: Guide my Feet

A terrific day of worship and fellowship, it was raining and cold outside but warm within…

WIP Weds: Old pattern renewed…

Holy week is keeping me busy; Holy Wednesday today, Maunday Thursday, Good Friday, Saturday Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday. Our Choir is singing at most of the services. Tuck in a Craft Group meeting, a Bible Study and a Knittin Club meeting. So I might be a little pokey with my next posting. If I don’t see you, wishing you and yours a Happy Easter!

Looking back through my early patterns, I thought a little updating was called for. I am rediting and reknitting this little sweater.

Feathers and Fans for Baby Cardigan

The skirt of te sweater

Making excellent progress!

Hope to be done by Friday!

Newest version of Feathers and Fans for Baby Cardigan

Current WIP List (13)

1. Feathers and Fans for Baby Cardigan
2. Sea of Dreams Blanket
3. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift
4. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done
5. My Spring Socks – My design
6. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
7. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
8. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost
9. Kelp Forest Shawlette - very close to done
10. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry
11. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest
12. Cozy Winter Shawl
13. Pine Forest Baby Blanket

FO’s 2013 =  24

WIPS 2013 = 12 + 1 = 13

Used of  37 purchased patterns from Rav = 8 (29 to go)

Stash Used 2013 =  22

Books 2013 = 10 + 1 =11

Thanks again for visiting,

cya on Friday :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

How to Celebrate Christmas…NOT!

My mother painted this porcelain Nativity set many years ago. I sits on the mantle every Christmas season

I just got over the sniffles, yay!

After of 28 years of marriage, I have spent 21 (now 22yrs) being sick or damaged at Christmas.

I was feeling good, and a little sassy. Nasty cold behind me.

• house clean and tidy, check
• the tree was trimmed, check,
• the food was purchased for the Christmas eve feast, check,
• Dessert purchased for Christmas day Supper, check
• Gifts made and purchased, check
• parcels wrapped, check,
• stocking stuffers stuffed, check.
• Good nights sleep, check

Get up in the morning, shower, dress, looking good, feeling better.

Proceed down the stairs…

Fall down the stairs!

Emergency trip to clinic, wait, wait, wait,

(did I say I had people coming for dinner?)

Trip to Hospital, X-rays, wait, wait, wait, wait

(did I say I had people coming for dinner??)

Emergency dept to see another Doctor, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

(did I say I had people coming for dinner??? panic was setting in!)

Finally Doctor, the place was really busy, and boy did I have pain!

Loads of soft tissue damage to Right shoulder Rotator cuff and Right knee.

Upside nothing broken,

Downside feel like I fell downstairs, and got run over by a bus!

This is what happens when you step around a sleeping Cat!

DH was wonderful, finished up all the little things that needed doing, cooked roast beef dinner with all the trimmings, which was wonderful, and cleaned up.

Then we all went off to midnight Communion at Church. Somehow I felt a little better celebrating Christmas by going to Church. Not my best idea, but this is the part of Christmas that means the most to me, my family all together at church Christmas eve.  The evening was magical, as we left Church the snowflakes were sparkling in the lamp light, dancing in the air. It had begun to snow.

In the morning we had our own little family Christmas, DS, DH, myself and the furry children. Willow and Jack really enjoyed their “Marinated Mice” (toy mice in a container of catnip)

Then packed up parcels and headed over to my families for lunch.

The Tree at Mom and Dad’s

Everyone else arrived for dinner. Lovely visit with everyone!  My brother and his family were sorely missed, as my nephew was not fit to travel from the states after his knee surgery. Maybe next year…

This year everyone received a knitted something, scarves, socks, and washcloths. This was last years New Years resolution! Everyone was very happy with their gifts :0)

DH and DS gave me some lovely knitting related gifts

and some patterns

I intend to knit both of these this year!

and

BiL gave me a knitting book (well $ to purchase one)

received bunch of dvd’s, (Casablanca, Gone with the wind, Singin in the rain, A streetcar named desire, Dr Zhivago, Showboat, Anne get your Gun, Kiss me Kate and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) the family knows I have a thing for old movies. :0)

MiL gave me a Koboglow, not sure how it works yet.

and a set of new everyday dishes, from Mom and Dad. Our original set is looking a little dog-eared, what is left of it.

Well it is Boxing Day, and the guys dragged me into every Electronic store and I nodded and smiled, about gigs and ram and rpg, then they took me to lunch, so fun was had by all.

I am healing up but still pretty uncomfortable.

I want to thank everyone for making this Christmas a merry one in spite of everything.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Next Year

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds: Good news and treats!

Good morning all!

First of all, I am delighted to report that the St.George’s Craft Sale was a great success. We made more that ever before. We are well on our way to a wheelchair ramp for the church hall. Our small group is very pleased, and we are already thinking of having another in the New Year. :0)

Things are improving on the cold front. I was very disappointed that I could not attend the Craft Sale. I am recovering slowly, but bugs seem to like to hang around and tire me out. My fellas are both better, and taking great care of me and Willow and Jack have been snoozing with me.

Meanwhile I continue on my WIP’s

Ruffle Scarf #6

Not much progress here

Picot-edge Baby Blanket

This is working up very nicely!

The Hobbit: Bombur’s Travelling Socks

Special features: Toe-up, spiral toe, with after thought spiral heel. Chart and video references provided. The sock for non-sock knitters!

In honour of the release of the Hobbit, here is a new pattern free to my Blog readers. It will be going on Ravelry sale on the 14th. 

Merry Christmas enjoy!

Ravelry page

This weeks Book: Cold Days by Jim Butcher

#14 in the Dresden File Series

Was a really good read! Like usual from the frying pan into the fire. Harry has to save everyone, he has only 24hrs to do it, and only his magic and his brains.

FO’s 2012 =  76

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 = 2 + 1 = 3

Stash used 2012 = 84

Beryl Blanket Hexes = 48

Books =  42 + 1 = 43

Thanks again for visiting,

cya on Friday.

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

For links to my blogwalk come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: Finally, the finish line! Almost!

Hello all, yet another busy week.

It began with the a visitors on Saturday, out of town Christening on Sunday, trips to the vet, craft group, physio, Advent study, and knitting lots of knitting.

The Ladies knitting and crocheting, I need to get a picture of the quilters too. This is the only photo I have, sorry girls.

The plans for the Craft sale are well on the way. The signs are up and ads are in the papers. The ladies are making last minute items, and arranging for baked goods. We are still raising funds for a wheelchair ramp into our 157 yr old church hall.

Saturday December 8th, from 10 – 2:00 at St Georges Church, Newcastle Ontario Cda. Please come if you can.

Fabulous Fake Fingerless Mitts

Made from stash with leftover buttons. The little straps don’t show very well.

This pattern was designed by and available at Soper Creek Yarns.

Frill Seeker scarves

 1, 2, 3 I have 3 more to do :0(

“Bombur’s Travelling Socks”.

This weeks Audio book: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4,

Part 5, (1 of 5)

FO’s 2012 =  69 + 4 = 73

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 = 4 – 4 + 1 = 1

Stash used 2012 =  77 + 4 = 81

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books = 40

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next week.

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

For links to my blogwalk come join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds: Getting ready for the Bazaar

Hello all, the weather here in Canada continues wet and cold this week. The leaves are starting to fall from the trees. The family out west in Calgary Alberta is reporting snow!

On Saturday we are having our annual church Bazaar. This is an old-fashioned event, bake tables piled with handmade pies, squares, cookies, jams and jellies. The craft group will load the tables with handknit articles, christmas decorations, and crochet items. There will also be a silent auction and a tea room.

We are all working madly trying to get things ready. I have most of my contributions packed ready to go. I just have to finish up a few more Here’s a Tissue 4u here is the pdf.

Three so far!

I continue to work on my October Socks, several test knitters are working on them. If you would like to be put on my test knitter list please contact me via Ravelry.

Only a few more inches then I can insert the heels. This is a carry along project, so it only gets attention when I’m out…

I am also plugging away on my 2 projects for the Carry along Forum for October.

My Drop Stitch Scarf is now 25″ long.

This project is going really slowly due to Bazaar projects. Hopefully I can get it done for by the end of the month.

My Oaklet shawl is now at the border stage.

Note the safety line, I use 8lbs fishing line with a bead at the end for wrangling purposes. I modified this by carrying the centre line through the border.

This weeks book: Hidden Currents by Christine Feehan

The seventh Drake sisters novel, I found the beginning rather disturbing however it is picking up. So far not my favourite, will let you know after I finish it…

Musical interlude: JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
“Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring”
Leopold Stokowski & his Symphony Orchestra

This piece of music holds a special place in my heart, it was played as the recessional at our wedding (28 years ago).

FO’s 2012 =  57 + 2 = 59

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 = 4

Stash used 2012 =  67 (this FO used left overs)

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books =  32

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next Friday

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

For links to my blogwalk come join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds: OMG! How Bazaar, and Christmas is coming!

Good Morning all! It’s Wednesday yet again. Happy to report that “Harley” my Gio-bike has returned from the shop. So I am motoring around town again.

The weather is becoming cooler here in south central, Ontario, Canada. The Annual Apple festival was on Saturday.

(bet you can’t guess what the farms grow around here :0)

The trees have begun to turn. Autumn is in full swing..

The Annual Church Bazaar is at the end of the month and I am still in christmas present high gear (only 69 days to go).

Sorry, wee bit long today, lots to share!

Progress on my 3 wips:

October Socks:

October socks and current book ”Mr Darcy takes a Wife” by Linda Berdoll – great follow-up to “Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen! (see review further down)

Drop Stitch Scarf:

Drop stitch scarf – truly yummy yarn! Sorry poor pic…

Oaklet Shawl:

Oaklet shawl with beads - about to but in the monofilament safety Line (8lbs fishing line) before starting the lace section of the pattern.

I bought “Nifty Knit Dishcloths” this week.

I plan to knit a facecloth, and gift them with a bar of soap in each stocking this year. Well that’s the plan!

Book this week: Mr Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll

Ever wondered what happened after Pride and Prejudice? This is a really delightful read, evidence I am reading it again. Wickham and Lydia continue in their selfish ways. Jane and Bingley are very happy. Mrs Bennet would still try the patience of a saint! Elizabeth and Darcy are very much in love. Realize, Miss Austen probably wouldn’t have continued the book in this way as she was a maiden lady, born in 1775 and died in 1817. This book is a much more contemporary and intimate portrait than would be acceptable at the time. A totally delightful and slightly racy read.

Music: As promised Gregorian Chant. I think this the hymns of St-Hildegarde of Bigen, I hope you like it, it’s very soothing.

Webwalk: “23 weird but awesome knitted things” (think outside the box)

and finally a Willow break :0)

Her Willowness looking quite regal, she was fed up with all the Jack pictures and insisted on a portrait of furry purrrfection :0)

FO’s 2012 = 55

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 = 4

Stash used 2012 =  67

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books =  32

All the Best,

Take Care and cya Friday

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

For links to my blogwalk come join me in the blogpond :0)