WIP Weds: The Gift of Christmas all the way from Switzerland

Hey! My Pay it Forward from Marigold’s Loft arrived, all the way from Switzerland! What a delightful surprise, with all the stuff going on, thank you so much Natalie. They really made me smile!

Fingerless gubbies

I am keeping them in the pocket of my favourite coat, so I am wearing them everyday :0)

The bad news. Today I am at a major hospital in Toronto, MiL is going in for a tricky procedure to remove a giant gallstone, that was leftover after she had her gallbladder removed. Surgeon commented he had never seen one so large. We are all very worried about her. Last 3 times were no walk in the park! Think I will work on Wellengang / Swell scarf for her while I wait. She prefers me with her rather than her sons, no surprise there, lol. Here’s hopeing she will sail through it!

Well I continue beavering away on presents as deadline looms!

Picot edged baby blanket by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas

Just turned the corner

Ruffle Scarf #6

Leaving this one for between christmas and new year as I am not seeing the person till then

Wellengang / Swell scarf by Christiane Stemberg

Motoring along on this, must be done before christmas eve

I highly recommend this one for self stripeing fingering yarn, it really makes the stripes dance :0)

Shawl Collared Cowl by Alana Dakos

Shawl Collared Cowl, planning stage, this one has to be done for BiL B-day New Years day.

Christmas Audiobook:

The Grinch that stole Christmas  part 1 and 2

by Dr Seuss (Read by Boris Karloff)

One of my favourite Christmas Carols:

The Holly and the Ivy King’s College Cambridge 2008

For other music links and other Audiobook links 

FO’s 2012 =  76

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 = 3 + 1 = 4

Stash used 2012 = 84 + 1 = 85

Beryl Blanket Hexes = 48

Books = 43 + 2 = 45

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)

Oxfam

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)

WIP Weds: Scarves, Scarves and More…

  Good morning all, so nice to see you again. <sniff, cough, shiver> yes, I have a hum-dinger of a cold!

And Jack is back. For the last week he has been the quiet guy, napping most of the time since he was remodeled. This morning Jack returned to his old self. The morning began with a kitten in the face, then proceeded on to a moving lump under the kitchen tablecloth, which knocked everything off the table. He visits with everyone carrying on a churping conversation, too bad if you are busy in the shower, or on the computer, or knitting. He is also demanding cuddles.

Willow was hoping that the vet had removed Jack’s bounciness.

On to the important stuff

The Jar December 1,2012

Begun Mar 1,2012, almost full…

“Bombur’s Travelling Socks”.

One done

Ruffle Scarf #4

Ruffle Scarf #5

done for friday, forgot to take progress photo

Ruffle Scarf #6

I couldn’t get the colour of this photo quite right.

Favorite Scarf Ever

I really like this pattern, a pleasure to knit.

This weeks Audio book: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

One of my favourites, written in 1855, along with “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, this would be a must have on a desert island.

Chapter 1,  2,  3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,

13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,

25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,

36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45,

I want to thank all those volunteers who contributed reading chapters for this free recording.

Oh I made a new page for Audiobooks

FO’s 2012 = 73

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 = 1 + 4 = 5

Stash used 2012 = 81

Beryl Blanket Hexes = 48

Books = 40 + 1 = 41

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: Poor Jack and Small favours

Good morning all!

Poor Jack is now 9 months old, and is on an overnight visit to the vets to be remodeled. He will return this morning. I always feel guilty about being a good cat parent, but in the long-term everyone is happier. Willow has totally enjoyed his absents as she finds him an awful pest.

The guys sleeping

Working on projects for the next Craft Sale at the Church, December 8. We are still raising money to build a wheelchair ramp into the church hall.

Frill Seeker scarf # 1

Ruffle Scarf

Ok, you’re not seeing things. I swore up and down I would never do one of these things! Well there is an older couple at church and she was very taken with a similar scarf at the church Bazaar. Her husband a very kind man asked me if I knew anyone that would knit her a red one for Christmas… what could I say?

And another for the Craft Sale

Frill seeker Twilight scarf

And another for the Craft Sale

Bernat Twist & Twirl scarf #3

Fabulous Fake Fingerless Mitts

Fabulous Fake fingerless mitts front and back

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

“Bombur’s Travelling Socks”.

Bombur’s Travelling Socks, just about finished

 Toe-up, spiral toe, with after thought spiral heel. Knit 2” to 3” past the waste yarn insertion for the after thought heel. I worked the heel from the other end of the ball of yarn. Then continued to knit the leg to desired length or run out of yarn. Working from a 50gm ball, this assures that there is enough to finish the leg of the sock.

Purchased Picot edged baby blanket pattern from Churchmouse Yarns at Soper Creek Yarns last week.

This weeks Audio book: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, (1 of 14)

FO’s 2012 =  69

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 = 2 + 2 = 4

Stash used 2012 =  77

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books = 40

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: Of Romantic evenings, Hobbits and Christmas Gifts

 Good morning campers, I hope you are all well and happy. DH has been treating me like a Queen! Yup, 2 movies since I last spoke to you “Skyfall” and “Twilight Breaking Dawn (Part 2).”  The former was rather good for a violent boy movie. I really like Daniel Craig as Bond. The other, well I saw all the previous Twilight films, and I particularly enjoyed the last book.  I did like the movie it was really well done. It was a little disappointing the lack of context and character development of the Cullen guests/witnesses as well as J.Jenkins interview. I guess you can’t have everything. I was amazed how packed the theatre was.

I do suggest reading the novels before seeing the series, it will add to your enjoyment, if you are considering watching it. At times the tale does seem a little disjointed in the films.

We also had a Marriage maintainance night, lovely romantic dinner at the local Mexican restaurant. Almost as good as a vacation, almost. The deal is no talking about the boy, work, games, (soccer or computer), knitting, church or any complaints. My DH being the most interesting man in the world (to me) was his usual fascinating self. Sometimes I could pinch myself, how I ended up with such a wonderful guy I will never know.  I am so looking forward to the release of “The Hobbit” on December 14th.

He has promised to go see “The Hobbit” on opening night too!

Still working on gifts for family and friends.

Fabulous Fake Fingerless Mitts

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

Fabulous fake fingerless mitts with the buttons

 Blissful moss rib washcloth

Another washcloth. I like this pattern, it works up fast and feels nice.

I am working on a Pink Version too

Blissful Moss Rib facecloth, can you tell that this is my go to pattern for Facecloths?

Elfish Hat

Elfish Hat

This hat caught my attention as the weather is getting a bit cold.

I’m putting along on the socks, thinking of calling them

“Bombur’s Travelling Socks”.

Bombur’s Travelling Socks

What do you think?

I am so looking forward to the release of “The Hobbit” on December 14th

This weeks Audiobook: Listening to the “Hobbit” by JRR Tolkien

This is an old favourite, I started this as a refresher for the upcoming film release. Here is the whole thing!

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (of 3)

I am looking for another audiobook for knitting time, meanwhile I am reading “The Girl who played with Fire” by Stieg Larsson

Yes, I started this a while ago. Someone around here pinched it and I had to start over again. I’m hiding it this time! Really enjoyed the dubbed swedish version of the movie!

FO’s 2012 =  67

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 =  1 + 4 = 5

Stash used 2012 = 75

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books =  39 + 1 = 40

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: Seeing Red!

Hello all!

I hope you have all been well and happy.

This week continues busy, the ladies of the Craft Group have decided on another Craft Sale, in aid of a Wheelchair Ramp into the 1856 hall of our Church. So next week I am going to have to get busy on that.

But currently I seem to be working to a theme, Red.  Not sure why, probibly the christmas season and the weather turning colder.

Latest Sock design (I haven’t named it yet)

Front of the socks

Underside of the sock, with the inserted waste yarn for the heel to be done after.

Cabled Feather Cowl

Cable and Feather Cowl

Another washcloth

Reversible Textured washcloth

Look what I found at Soper Creek Yarns.

Shawl / cowl / scarf pins

Book of the week: I have been listening to

“Lord of the Rings” on YouTube.

Here are the links to the complete book,

 Part 1 to 6,   Part 7 to 9.2

  Part 10, Part 11, Part 12  and Part 13

What a pleasure to knit and listen. Enjoy!

FO’s 2012 = 64

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 = 1 + 2 = 3

Stash used 2012 = 71

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books = 36

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday.

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

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

WIP Weds: Knitting and Listening

Hello all!

I hope you’ve had a nice week, and you’re enjoying this weeks WIPS.

I’m making progress on

Handledsvärmare Påfågel

Handledsvärmare Påfågel Kal Nov (wristlets)

This months Carry along forum project. Sadly this pattern required some modifications. My first attempt had to be frogged, it was too small. I opted to work this pattern in the round on 48 st, instead of the original (38 – 2 edge st) 36 st.

Snakes & Ladders Washcloth

Snakes & Ladders Washcloth a gift for DS Christmas stocking, his univ colour.

Earlier this week I posted a recipe for a Sore Throat remedy to add to tea. I’m linking it here as flu season is beginning. Hope you don’t get sick, but if you do this may help :0)

Book of the week: I have been listening to

“Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings” on YouTube.

Here are the links to the complete book,

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, (of 13)

What a pleasure to knit and listen. Enjoy!

FO’s 2012 = 61

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 =  2

Stash used 2012 = 69

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books =  34 + 1 = 35

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)

WIP Wed: Happy Halloween!

Hello everyone! Happy Halloween

Where more pumpkins come from!

I hope everyone out there that had a brush with “Sandy” is ok. We had 87km winds and a lot of rain here along the north shore of Lake Ontario in Canada. The boys put everything that might fly in the garage. Lucky we have a new roof so we were warm and dry. Very short lights out. Some trees came down and some people had basement flooding. Unfortunately, a women was hit and killed by a large glass sign that blew down in the wind in Toronto. We are still very wet around here… liquid sunshine till friday.

The Bazaar on saturday was a great success, in spite of the cold and rain. The hot lunch went over very well. Business was steady all day. (sorry I was too busy to take pictures) Everyone did a great job, and it was nice to see so many people who braved the wet weather.

I was very pleased with the response to my FO Friday post, about Contemplation on the “To do List”. I have made a big change in my gift giving. A few will get a larger handmade gift every year, others will get a small handmade gift, yet others will get one once in a while, and more than a few will get something special via retail. This relieves the pressure and allows me to enjoy the creative process and allocate my time more effectively.

I have been working away on my Drop stitch Scarf

Just about done, maybe tomorrow. The marker in the middle shows progress today.

Have to block the Oaklet shawl. Hope to have it for friday.

This weeks Music:  Last Rose of Summer - Singers: Hayley Westenra, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha

This weeks Book: Spirit Bound by Christine Feehan

Second in the Sea Haven novels, so far so good. The premise is that a group of women who are elementals, each has an affinity to some element. I liked the last one “Water bound”. hoping this one will be as good.

FO’s 2012 = 59

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 = 4

Stash used 2012 =  67 

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books =  33 + 1 = 34

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: Contemplation on the “To do list”.

 Mixed martial arts and crafts posed, what I feel is a very important question last week. Refering to a post by The Underground crafter about reconsidering the list of people on your list that are given Handmade gifts. I have given this a lot of thought. With 2 months to Christmas I am reviewing my gift giving.

Over the last few years I have attempted the impossible, a little something for everyone. Looking back, I was spending most of my year working on lovely stuff that some of my loved ones never wear, or value. In examining my feelings on the matter, I have decided this doesn’t hurt my feelings, but it does make me sad. Maybe if these people received only the occasional handmade gift it would hold more meaning.

There are some thickies in my family tree who see this kind of a gift as cheap, handmade equals more junk for the back of the closet or drawer, needless to say these people are the first to go off my list, gift cards I think.

So in attempt to rationalize the list, I am going to trim it down and reconsider the size and amount of time, and money I am investing in this endeavour. After all this is supposed to be for the pleasure of making and giving!

I have decided to give priority to those closest to me. I cannot show the gifts yet as those who will receive them read my blog on occasion.

The still to make for list:

My DH and DS both are very pleased to receive that little parcel of handmade specialness :0) (maybe more than one gift each)

My Mother is a crafter and gets it (medium gift, I already give her handmade on almost every occasion)

My Father tries, but it must be useful and come with a book. (so something small)

My Brother and SIL, I have come to the conclusion the one handmade item between them will work best.

My BiL really appreciated the Handspun hat I made him a few years ago. (occasional gift list)

Maybe list

My MiL doesn’t really want a gift at all and tends to put them in a drawer… (purchase something special)

Niece – Occassional list

Nephew – purchase something special

Bumped off the list

Thickies in my family tree who don’t get it! (this covers a few people)

Ready for the Bazaar tomorrow!

Book of the week: Water Bound by Christine Feehan

Another of the Sea Haven novels that began with the Drake sisters. Rather good read.

This weeks Music: “Bailero” – Sung by Netania Davrath

FO’s 2012 = 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 + 1 = 33

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)