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)

WIP Weds: It’s a secret, more clues part 3!

Yup, the Yarn Challenge continues and I am making progress!

Another Hint! Can you guess yet? Clue 3,

Clue 3

Clue 1, Clue 2, The readers that guess right win a prize!

Not a Poncho, little bag, or a tea cosy, keep guessing…

Woot! we have a winner!

Yes this is a bunny! Right this is the leg. Karen at http://nothingbutknit2.wordpress.com/ wins!

Sea of Dreams Blanket

This little blanket is for a silent auction fundraiser in June.

Love the way this is working up, thanks for the inspiration mrsmommy a friend and a really talented knitter!

Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift

My cousin is getting married in July, so lots of time to make this.

Lovely yarn!

Rereading:  Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart

A fanastical Quest, ala Princess Bride, set in ancient china. I read this many years ago. My son just finished it, so I thought I would read it again…Delightful! 

Position is everything!

Jack ran out of naughtiness and fell asleep

Current WIP List (13)

1. Soper Creek Yarn Challenge
2. Sea of Dreams Blanket
3. Dripping with Lace-Your First Knitted Lace Shawl -A wedding gift
4. Top Down Swing Pullover – One sleeve 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 = 22

WIPS 2013 = 11 + 2 = 13

Used of purchased patterns from Rav = 35 – 7 = 28

Stash Used 2013 = 19

Books 2013 = 9 + 1 = 10

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 Celebration Continues!

The festivities continue! My 2nd Blogaversary was yesterday, 

Last Friday’s gift was Toddler Tootsies pdf  so today I have a 2nd present for you :0)

Micah’s Blanky

Great gift for a Baby Shower, or child’s birthday. At 24”x36” it is the perfect size for a crib, stroller, or a car seat.This comfy little blanket is knit from the bottom-up with Garter stitch borders and a flat edge stitch detail. Knit in worsted, so works up quickly. The lace design is worked over 4 rows with only 2 lace rows to remember.

Micah’s Blankie

So on to my Works in Progress, it is Wednesday after all!

DH has been bugging for a new hat since DS pinched his. Truth is they both need a new one! Well I had been thinking about doing The Modjeska Hat that  texaspurlgurl gifted me last month. So here we go!

I modified the pattern by making a facing rather than ribbed edge. Living in Canada, my fella prefers a double thickness over his ears.

I continue to work on what I have now dubbed my Christmas sweater!

Moved to box as it is getting too large for my bag, and my furry children were getting too interested in it.

It may not be done till next Christmas ;0)

I have been Spring cleaning or fresh starting would be more accurate.

In shuffling through my Ravelry pgs.

I realized I have purchased 34 patterns and have only made 6!

New List! I love lists they make me feel so organized!

Current WIP List (9)

1. Modjeska Hat
2. Top Down Swing Pullover
3. Beryl Blanket – Long term project
4. Easy Peazy Shawl - almost done
5. Kelp Forest Shawlette - very close to done
6. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry
7. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest
8. Cozy Winter Shawl 
9. Pine Forest Baby Blanket

Audiobook I am reading while knitting:

Walden by Henry David Thoreau Read by Gord Mackenzie. I read this years ago, and found in it a call to simplification of life.

Book this week: The Warden by Anthony Trollope (Ebook)

I am so fond of The Barchester Chronicles Series I bought the Complete works of Anthony Trollope for my Kobo (only $2.88) There are books in this collection that are no longer in print, plus other writings and biography! This book is a particular favourite. The main character is such a nice little man and you really feel for him all the way through. Delightful, a classic worth reading!

Music offering: ”Great Big Sea” was such a success last week here is

Old Brown’s Daughter beautiful  acapella.

FO’s 2013 = 5

WIPS 2013 = 9

Used of purchased patterns from Rav = 34 – 6 = 28

Stash Used 2013 = 2

Books 2013 = 8

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday

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

come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: Twas the Last post before Christmas

I have to admit I am hopeless about sending Christmas Cards!

So this year I am going virtual.

This will likely be the last post before New Years.

Happy news! MiL is no longer stoned (as my DH pronounced to his mother, always the good and thoughtful son that he is :0)

The ERCP procedure worked a dream, 3rd times the charm. She is free and clear of Gallbladder, stones and all for the first time since last January. Now she can actually enjoy Christmas dinner.                              The best Christmas gift for us all!

I have a sweet treat for you.

Here is a fast and super easy recipe for Mincemeat Squares

an old Christmas favourite from my mother’s family.

2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs

1 1/2 cups Mincemeat

15 oz can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk

Mix ingredients together, Bake in well-greased 9″x 12″ pan

on 350F for 30 mins. Cool then Cut.

chop candied cherry and decorate top with a small piece.

I finish the Picot edged baby blanket

It was a good fast and practical baby blanket to knit. I recommend this pattern. This basic blanket was lovely and warm on my legs as I knit it and will be a good stroller or car seat blanket. I used 2 balls of Northern Worsted, knitting the first ball expanding to the 1/2 way point and finished the 2nd ball reducing to the end.

During my travels Christmas Shopping, I hit the Dollar Store (a chain of stores in Canada, that has most items in the $1 – $2 dollar range, think up scale five & dime) to get some Christmas wrap and stocking stuffers. I lucked out!

Totally cat proof bags, till they learn to open zippers!          Look all you wanta guys, Wahahaha!

This weeks Christmas audio book: A christmas treat my Dad used to read to my Brother and I.

Twas the Night before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

More favourite Christmas Carols:

Coventry Carol by  Loreena McKennitt

And Amid the Winters Snow by Kings College Cambridge Choir

For other music links and other Audiobook links

FO’s 2012 =  76 + 1 = 77

Patterns from my own Library = 6 + 1 = 7

WIP’s 2012 = 4 – 1 = 3 (plan to start the year at 0)

Stash used 2012 = 85 + 2 = 87 (stunned by this total!)

Beryl Blanket Hexes = 48

Books = 45 + 1 = 46

All that remains to be said is,

I wish you all a Joyous and Merry Christmas,

and to you and ours a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 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)

FO Friday: Gift pattern for Newborn, A Cocoon Enjoy!

Well it has been a busy week, The knitfrolic, a new babies, Craft group, Knitting Club, Organizing a Craft sale at church in July, (more on this later)DH’s birthday, and New pattern released. Rather tired but a feeling of accomplishment this week :0)

First Cocoon this week Owlie Sleep Sack

Second one: Barley Corn Cuddle Cocoon & Hat

Quick and easy, for those last-minute Baby gifts that are sometimes necessary. This it a bottom up pattern, it takes 100gms of worsted yarn, and knit on 4.5mm / 7US needles. Patterns for both the Cocoon and the Hat, sized for a Newborn baby. (NOT meant for babies to sleep in unattended.)

Barley Corn Cocoon w/ Hat

Here is the PDF, I hope you enjoy it!

Pattern Barley Corn Cuddle Cocoon

And the Jar May 2012

The Jar: March to May 2012

Update Current WIP List

• Barley Corn Cuddle Cocoon (My design)
•  Abigail Vest  (frogged)
• Wingspan (May Carry along forum)
• Chinook Scarf (May Carry along forum)
• Hill Walking Socks (design in test knit stage)
• Pine Forest blanket
• Immie Blanket
• Cosy Winter Shawl (design in test knit stage)
• Roarin Cloche (resisting this felted project)
• Beryl Blanket (Long term scrap project)

FO’s 2012 = 21 + 3 = 24

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 =  7 + 1 = 8

Stash used = 30 + 3 = 33

Stash Purchased 2012 = 44  + 1 = 45

Beryl Blanket Hexes = 46

Books = 14 + 1 = 15

links for my blogwalk join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

FO Friday: Have you any Owls?

Leaving bright and early for DKC Knitfrolic tomorrow morning, squeee. We are carpooling it into Toronto, about 45 min drive. Will try to remember to take pictures for you. I have already made my shopping list. Debating if I should take lunch and save $$$ for treasures. Hubby suggested I have a look in the studio to see if there is room for more stash… he thinks he’s so funny :0)

It’s Spring and everyone seems to be reproducing! Isn’t it lovely? Well I started looking for something that would be useful and cute. The Owlie Sleep Sack seemed to fit the bill. As I have to do a few, your going to see these for a few weeks. Good thing they work up quickly.

Owlie Sleep Sack 12" long and 16" around

And between the covers, well on the ebook actually, I’ve been reading

Rented the Swedish and the North American DVD movies of this book. Rather haunting, and disturbing, but good… (prefered the Swedish dubbed version, if you’re tempted to rent it. The actress is more edgy and I think is more true to the main character.) I have been trying to get my hands on this book for a while but first DS then DH pinched it as I started to read.

The Millenimum Trillogy has an interesting history, Larsson died 9 November 2004 in Stockholm at the age of 50 of a heart attack after climbing seven flights of stairs to his office because the lift was not working, When Larsson died, it was discovered that he had left behind manuscripts of three completed but unpublished novels written as a series. He had written them for his own pleasure after returning home from his job in the evening, and had made no attempt to get them published until shortly before his death, they were published posthumously.  Sad he was unable to enjoy the books success…

Update Current WIP List

• The not so Koigu Linen Stitch Scarf (April)
• Horseshoe cowl – April “Carry along Forum” (April)
• Afternoon Tea – April “Carry along Forum”  (April)
• Owlie Sleep Sack (april)
• Abigail Vest
• Hill Walking Socks (design in test knit stage)
• Pine Forest blanket
• Immie Blanket
• Cosy Winter Shawl (design in test knit stage)
• Roarin Cloche (resisting this felted project)
• Beryl Blanket (Long term scrap project)

FO’s 2012 = 20 + 1 = 21

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 = 8 – 1 = 7

Stash used =  29 + 1 = 30

Stash Purchased 2012 = 32

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  44 + 2 = 46

Books = 14

links for my blogwalk join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

 

WIP Weds: Pay it forward and preparing for new arrivals!

Still looking for participants in the “Pay it Forward” project. I am responding to 2 Pif’s at one time. So, I hope you will join me in spreading the warm fuzzies! The first 6 people to make a comment on my PiF post and then post the “Pay it Forward” on their blog, will receive a surprise parcel sometime in the 365 days following. If you have ever thought about participating in a swap and would like to bring cheer to someone you’ve never met (other than virtually). I invite you to join me and share your talent!

(I will actually be accepting six comments which represents,

three for each of the two “Pay it Forwards” I am responsible for.

Please note you will only be responsible for 3 projects for other people)

This week I have been busy working on “The Owlie Sleep Sack” for one of the many Babies due this spring and summer.

Owlie sleep sack

Oh and here is a glimpse at the Beryl Blanket I have been working on. I really like this project, easy to add to and good as a TV watching project!

As you can tell I like Lists!

Here is a new one… Challenges!

The Jar – This is a one year challenge. Get a jar and fill it with all your scraps, weigh it at the end of the year and make something to be stuffed with it! Prize for most inventive! Start today and end next April!

Use 12 patterns from your own library this year!

Join the “Pay is Forward” – giving is its own reward!

FO’s 2012 = 20

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 =  7 + 1 = 8

Stash used =  28 + 1 = 29

Stash Purchased 2012 = 32

Beryl Blanket Hexes = 40 + 4 = 44

Books = 14

links for my blogwalk join me in the blogpond :0) 

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

TTFN see ya Friday <wave>

FO Friday: Baby Blankets Past

Winter has finally arrived, with only 2 weeks till spring. I am on the north shore of Lake Ontario. We usually get pasted with snow. Not this year! However lovely snow fall this week. Great big fat flakes, that stuck to everything.

This week has been a perfect storm of activity. It started with last Saturday: DH and friends usual evening Hockey Bananza.  Sunday: Church, then lunch with family and friends, Monday: Gave 4+ hr knitting class, Tuesday: zzz and knit, Wednesday: Posted WIP, am. Craft group at church,  pm. Knittin Club at LYS, Thursday: Lenten program week 1 at church, Friday: Post this FO, Physiotherapy, Lunch and shopping with MiL, Saturday: I’m off to a church Area day Conference.  I didn’t get my home work done, (hanging head and scuffing toe) next week I promise! I am already exhausted!

Sorry, I usually have something done on friday. Currently most of what I have on the needles are large or almost finished projects. So I was digging around to find something that might interest you.

One of my favourites last year “Micah’s Blankie“

Micah's Blankie

Another Favourite made in 2010 before I joined Ravelry and the Blogpond

Fibre Trends Easy Knit Baby Blankets – Collection 2 It’s so cushy:0)

Heart Blanket

I kinda like to invent my own baby blankets, there is something special about giving a new baby a new blanket that is entirely theirs :0)

In 2011 I made “Caitlin’s Blankie“(sorry pattern is not available)

Caitlin's Blankie

And Ashley’s Blankie  also in 2011

Ashley's Blankie

 I never seem to get a picture after they are blocked, before they go to a new home!

Currently working on Immie blanket,  and Pine Forest blanket

Blue Jean Baby is on my to do list as well! I am trying to get ahead of the rise in population.

New Pattern Published this week! “My Favourite Socks” hope you like them

My Favourite Socks

Books: I have been reading Charlotte Gray’s

 ”Canada: A Portrait in Letters 1800 -2000″

Comments: Really interesting, short intro to each letter, Charlotte Gray never disappoints, yes this is Non fiction, not just for Canadians!

FO’s 2012 = 11

Patterns from my own Library = 3

WIP’s 2012 = 8 + 2 = 10

Stash used =  15

Stash Purchased 2012 = 13 + 2 = 15

Books = 11 + 1 = 12

Well hope you weren’t disappointed, see ya next week TTFN (wave)

Visit Tami’s blog,  Knit happy , Wisdom begins in wonder,  Creative Friday and Yarn along for more really neat stuff!