FO Friday: Getting ready for the Craft Sale

Our Craft Group at St Georges Anglican Church in Newcastle, Ont, Cda, continues to raise funds for a wheelchair ramp into our hall that was built in 1856. This is the 3rd craft event our little group has done for this project. There are between 12 and 14 members in this group (with a combined age of 1050 yrs,) making a variety of things for the sale on June 8th.  This time we are trying something new, a Silent Auction, and a Craft Supply Table to sell odd balls of yarn, yardage and other notions.

Sassy Summer Satchel

Slightly modified this pattern. Rather than sew the last 2 wings together to finish, I k2tog as I did the last wing. I figured the base would be more sturdy if I knit them together as I went.

Quick Knit Baby Shrug #3

These work up fast and are rather cute :0)

Cable Braided Necklace

17 eyelet version

 Drip Stopper

Modified from
Tea Spout Drip Catcher by Becky Kiddlewhite
Cast on 15st
knit in the round for 14 rows
Cast off loosely.

XL Coffee Cup Sweaters

Only 6 more to do

Tomorrow I gift away my precious From Dusk Till Dawn Shawl

16″ x 68″
One last fondle before I wrap it up to go to the wedding shower on Saturday. It goes to a good home. I wish my cousin the Bride, all the happiness in her marriage that I have had in mine and Blessings!

Found on Ravelry:  Chemo Do-Rag (AKA Scarf) by Rae B. Creedle I’m going to make this for a friend who is having chemo

 Current WIP List (12)

1. Cable Braided Necklace - 
2. XL Coffee Cup Sweaters 
3.  Drip Stopper (2)
4.  Sassy Summer Satchel  MayKal  
5. Quick Knit Baby Shrug -
6. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 25% done  
7. Piles of Smiles socks a new pattern I am working on 40%
8. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
9. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
10. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
11. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
12. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
13. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
14. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
15. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
16. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
17. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 47 + 6 = 53

WIPS 2013 =  17 – 5 = 12

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

Stash Used 2013 =  39 + 8 = 47

Books 2013 = 17 + 1 = 18

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next week :0)

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

come join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds: Victoria Day long weekend

We just had the Victoria Day Holiday weekend here in Canada. It was gorgeous, sunny, warm with a breeze, 26 degrees.

Just about everything is closed during holiday Monday, except the garden centres and coffee shops.

We planted the deck planters, Pink and white impatients, ivy, sweet peas, Bocas and some golden creepers. 

one corner of the deck, the other is the same. Except I planted some catnip for the kitties :0)

and the veggie garden.

This years garden plan

DS topped up and planted the garden for me this year. He gets better at small-scale farming every year.

Then we had a humdinger  of a storm in the evening, don’t you love when nature waters your just planted garden?

Been working on my Kal – Carry along project for May

Sassy Summer Satchel

Jack inspection

And another shrug for the church craft sale in June

Quick Knit Baby Shrug #3

This is a great little pattern!

I was thinking… always dangerous! I go to numerous knitting and spinning events in warm weather. I decided to make something for these outings:0)

Cable Braided Necklace Cool!

This cable is not really cable knitting, it is made of two simple strips with eyelet holes – amazing!

Found on ravelry: Every now and again I see something a little off the wall  pimp your car by Florentine Going to yarn bomb DH’s car one day :0) 

 Current WIP List (15)

1. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 25% done  
2. Cable Braided Necklace - 50%
3. Quick Knit Baby Shrug - 50%
4. Sassy Summer Satchel  MayKal  Haven’t started yet
5. Piles of Smiles socks a new pattern I am working on 40%
6. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
7. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
8. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
9. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
10. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
11. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
12. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
13. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
14. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
15. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 47

WIPS 2013 =  13 + 2 = 15

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

Stash Used 2013 =  39

Books 2013 = 17

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: Wedding gift Done!

Took a hard fall yesterday, so today is not so good. I will probibly be much better after a couple of days. However the wedding shawl is done and a week ahead of time. I would happy dance if I could move :0)

From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf  

16″ x 68″

A closer view

It’s so soft, the silk and alpaca is awesome!

Even closer

(2) Quick Knit Baby Shrug (s) For the Craft Sale next Month

Finished 2 this week

Tea Sprout Drip Catchers  These are for the craft sale

My mother is a china artist. I love this pot…No it doesn’t actually drip :0)

Found on ravelry: for those with ebooks,

eReader Pillow Prop by Elizabeth Arundel

Another useful tutorial:  Italian cast on by oftroy

Blog visiting: Soper Creek yarns by Tina My LYS is expanding, Yay!

This weeks musical interlude: 

The Night Pat Murphy Died by Great Big Sea Another Cdn band

Current WIP List (13)

1. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 25% done  
2. Tea Sprout Drip Catchers 
3. Quick Knit Baby Shrug 
4. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf 
5. Sassy Summer Satchel MayKal  Haven’t started yet
6. Piles of Smiles socks a new pattern I am working on 40%
7. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
8. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
9. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
10. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
11. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
12. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
13. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
14. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
15. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
16. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 42 + 5 = 47

WIPS 2013 =  16 – 3 = 13

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

Stash Used 2013 = 34 + 5 = 39

Books 2013 =  16 + 1 = 17

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next week :0)

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

come join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds: Canada, looking for warm weather here!

Welcome back! The weather this week has been cold, rainy with some hail, yes hail! Only in Canada, in May, can you get a sunburn one day and frostbite the next! Things are supposed to improve in the next week.

The Tulips and grape hyacinths have been glorious. The fellas have been working on the garden, weeding, mowing and preparing the veggie garden and planters. We are trying Corn Gluten on the lawn for the weeds. I am so glad I didn’t succumb to the garden centres lovely ready to plant flowers and tomatoes, must wait, must wait till May 21st, green thumbs are itching… I continue to sit inside where it is warm knitting, and watch gardening programs :0)

Meanwhile…

From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf   Almost done!

Hope to be finished by friday!

Piles of Smiles socks a new pattern

These are a travelling project. So they are progressing slowly.

Quick Knit Baby Shrug For the Craft Sale next Month

The ladies in the Craft Group provided the cotton for this. We are all working on cotton projects for the summer sale.

Found on ravelry: Oma’s wanten by huizeStinesen I know this is not the season for mittens, however they do make a good carry along project and stashbuster!

Another useful tutorial: I have been looking at beading videos lately, this one is very good. Super Easy Cross Weave Bracelet by offthebeadedpath 

Blog visiting: A Glimpse into our life

 This weeks musical interlude:

Loreena McKennitt  Marrakesh Night Market Beautiful, eclectic, music

Prayers for Tim Bosmas family and friends, he was missing since May 4. He took two men out for a test ride of a truck he was selling, and never came home. Sometimes it is impossible to understand why people do what they do.

Current WIP List (15)

1. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 25% done 
2. Sssydney and friends  6 done!
3. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf 90% Done
4. Quick Knit Baby Shrug for june craft sale 30% done
5. Sassy Summer Satchel  MayKal  Haven’t started yet
6. Piles of Smiles socks a new pattern I am working on 40%
7. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
8. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
9. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
10. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
11. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
12. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
13. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
14. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
15. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
16. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 36 + 6 = 42

WIPS 2013 = 16 – 1 = 15

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

Stash Used 2013 = 34

Books 2013 =  16

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: And this was supposed to be a quiet week!

DH’s Birthday, Maplefest (annual local event), Chapters book browsing, seeing Iron Man 3 (which was awesome!) watching Leafs tear your heart out, Craft group, lunch with the girls, Knittin club and Physio followed by lunch out with MiL (who has completely recovered, yay)  and through all this I am beavering away on my Dawn till Dusk Lace shawl, this has indeed been a humdinger of a week…

I’m in the middle of a pile of projects, embarrassed to say nothing done this week. Well started weeding the garden, we dug out 2 dead bushes and filled the planters with fresh soil… and making plans for the big event for my DS (more to come on this next month).

I adopted a couple of new books this week :0)

The Knitting Stitch Bible by Maria Parry-Jones

you can never have too many stitch dictionaries!

and Take-Along Knitting

Found on ravelry: Damask by Kitman Figueroa I liked this so much I bought the pattern one day I will knit it.

I have been enjoying reading other people’s blogs, I’m going to start linking to some you might enjoy too :0)

Blog visiting:  Peacefully knitting with Tina

Inspiration to add to my large collection of what happened next in the Austen novels.

What am I reading? Mr Darcy’s Diary by Maya Slater

Picked it up as a discard from the local library. Very entertaining so far.

Another useful tutorial:

Toe-up socks 2 at a time by Tii Casa (part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

This weeks musical interlude:

The Last Saskatchewan Pirate by the Arrogant Worms another great Canadian band! :0)

Current WIP List (15)

1. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 20% done 
2. Sassy Summer Satchel  MayKal 
3. Piles of Smiles socks a new pattern I am working on 30%
4. Sssydney and friends two more to do
5. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf 45% Done
6. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
7. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
8. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
9. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
10. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
11. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
12. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
13. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
14. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
15. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 36

WIPS 2013 = 15

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

Stash Used 2013 = 34

Books 2013 = 15 + 1 = 16

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next week :0)

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

come join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds: Adding a few to the list…

After last weeks craziness, I am hoping for a more restful week… The weather here in Ontario is lovely, and sunny. Good for sitting outside with a cuppa and knitting, while listening to Bach!

Need to move the fire pit and bring down the coffee table. and my netbook works out here too!

The Boyz put up the awning and gardening season is about to begin :0)

From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf  deadline is coming fast!

The dark pink makers are the half way point, all down hill from there :0)

Must be done by May 25th.

Mile a Minute Blanket This has been a delightful experiment!

Coming along nicely! I have another stripe ready to attach.

 Sassy Summer Satchel  MayKal 

The ball on the lower right has much more of the centre green than appears in this picture.

Piles of Smiles socks  a new pattern I am working on

Really makes plain old stripes dance!

Found on ravelry: OctoCrush Hat by Ellen Taylor. Nice summer sun hat

I have been enjoying reading other people’s blogs, I’m going to start linking to some you might enjoy too :0)

Blog visiting: Of Yarny Notions: Tales of a Nerdy knitter

Another useful tutorial: A Sock Surgeon’s Afterthought Heel Technique I frequently use this technique, or knit in a waste yarn so there are no ends to darn in!

This weeks musical interlude: The Best of Bach (this is a whole album)

And last but not least what am I reading?

The Golden Thread: A Readers Journey Through the Great Books            by Bruce Meyer

A wonderful overview of the seminal works of Western literature and why we still read them. I’ve read this several times and still find new insights. Just finished the Bible and am working on Homer’s Odyssey.

Highly recommend this to literature lovers.

Current WIP List (15)

1. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 20% done  
2. Sassy Summer Satchel  MayKal
3. Piles of Smiles socks  a new pattern I am working on
4. Sssydney and friends two more to do
5. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf 45% Done
6. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
7. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
8. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
9. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
10. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
11. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
12. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
13. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
14. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
15. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 36

WIPS 2013 = 13 + 2 = 15

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

Stash Used 2013 = 34

Books 2013 = 14 + 1 = 15

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: My Treasures from the DKC Knit Frolic :0)

I didn’t get much done this week, but I promised to share my treaures from The DKC Knit Frolic in Toronto Ontario Canada April 27th.

Purchased  - 5 skeins from Grand River yarns 

Hope to make a summer tshirt from this.

2 balls of sock yarn

a pattern book

The smallest size for me ;0)

a From Sweet Paprika designs

  Theme and Variations

some smaller odds and ends

Top left clockwise: sock needle storage case, folding bag for shows, plastic safety pins, double ended crochet hook on a ring, 2 sizes of stitch markers.

A new flyer for my Lendrum Sprinning wheel and drive bands and connectors

Lendrum flyer, drive band, treadle connect.

As far as finished objects, this week was a bust…

However the weather has been splendid and Harley and I are out and about

Harley is my electric Geobike, first time out every season is a nail biter for me, till I get used to him again.

Wow!, awesome! Showed the guyz and they said NO! :0( They are no fun… Harley would so love to be yarn bombed, maybe I could start with my helmet :0)

Current WIP List (13)

1. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 20% done
2. Sssydney and friends two more to do
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)

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)