Wip Weds: Just about ready to hand in Fair entries!

Life is getting a little busy this week!

Looking for prayers today, my nephew in Wisconsin is going in for surgery. His knee was badly damaged in a football game this week. Doctor is going place screws through the right side of his knee, across the two broken pieces and up from the right side into the top of the bone.  In six weeks or so these screws will be removed and the ACL  will be sown back together.  After that it’s physiotherapy for four or five months to get everything working again.  Surgery is at 2:30pm.  When offered Wed or Thur for the surgery my nephew chose Wed so he could go to the game on Friday against Osseo.

 Tonight is the first “Knittin nite” at my favourite LYS, yay. I have missed this group over the summer. On Thursday get my entries ready and handed in at the fair grounds between 8-10am. DS goes back to start his 4th year of University. On Friday I have physiotherapy in the morning, lunch with my MiL and giving a knitting lesson at 2:30pm, then to Fair to see the entry results. Saturday off to the Kitchener / Waterloo Knitters fair. This is the only knitting event that my guys take me to. My DH, and DS take turns driving me around the enormous halls full of fibre! Then we go to lunch on the way home. Sunday I will be spinning all day in the Bunny Barn at the Fair with the “Durham Handspinning Guild”. Hope to see ya there :0)

The Jar - I haven’t decided if spinning fibre scraps are Jar worthy.

The Jar Sept 2012

Handspun Artical is complete

and Tea Cosy is well on the way.

My unfortunately named Tea Cosy

This year I have a long list of entries. (items with an * are in production)

1. Tea Cosy *
2. Shawl – Afternoon Tea shawl
3. scarf – wingspan with beads
4. Cowl – horseshoe cowl
5. Cardigan Childs – Autumn cardigan
6. Headgear – Because of love beret
7. mitts – Arc mitts
8. Any other knit garment not listed – Barley Corn Newborn Cuddle Cocoon
9. Socks – Sue’s Boxes with a twist socks
10. Christmas stocking – Christmas Sock
11. decorated hat – Easter hat
12. child’s stuffed toy –  Pookies
13. small novelty item for Bazaar – Untangled #5
14. handspun skein - 2ply seawool
15. handcrafted jewellery – Rosary
16. small christmas tree decoration – Christmas Balls
17. handspun article - 100% Superwash Merino Claret Cowl

Current WIPS

• Cozy Winter Shawl/scarf – my design   (90% finished)
• Knitting In Nature Beaded Moebius Kal forum July (75% finished)
• Easy Peazy Shawl  – (80% finished)
• Kelp Forest Shawl (75% finished)
• handspun article – Claret Cowl – Orono Fair (Sept)
• Tea Cosy  – (80% done)

FO’s 2012 =  52 + 1 = 53

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 = 6 – 1 = 5

Stash used 2012 = 64 + 1 = 65

Stash Purchased 2012 = 79

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books =  25

Take Care and cya next week

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

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

The not so FO Friday: Claret well on the way

Good morning everyone!

Here in Canada we are beginning the Labour day  Holiday weekend.

I am beavering away on my Claret Cowl. The yarn is done and the knitting begun.

I decided at the last moment that the fair judges needed a little eye candy and added beads every 8 rows.  They are slowing me down a bit, but I think I can get it done by next Thursday when all entries must be in. Hopefully I can get my tea cosy done too.

Working on 4.50mm circ

I cast on 99 st instead of the 88 st in the pattern

close-up of beads

Currently reading: Tenant of  Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte

I read this some years ago and just picked it up to reread. Written in 1848, (Anne died in 1849) the second of the two novels she wrote (Agnes Grey 1847) I don’t understand why Anne Bronte is not as famous as her other sisters. She was over shadowed by her far more popular sisters Charlotte and Emily Bronte.

In this novel,the main characters, Hellen and Gilbert, have a very difficult time of it, but everything comes out right in the end. Virtue triumphs, the depraved get their comeuppance. I highly recommend this book the writing and langauge make this a really and excellent read!

My Fair entry List

Current WIPS

• Cozy Winter Shawl/scarf – my design   (90% finished)
• Knitting In Nature Beaded Moebius Kal forum July (75% finished)
• Easy Peazy Shawl  – (80% finished)
• Kelp Forest Shawl (75% finished)
• handspun article – Claret Cowl – Orono Fair (50% finished)
• Tea Cosy  – (not started yet)

FO’s 2012 =  52

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 = 6

Stash used 2012 = 63 + 1 = 64

Stash Purchased 2012 = 79

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books =  25

Take Care and 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: Step one of Claret Cowl

Good morning all! I have been a busy girl. MiL is much improved and heading toward part two of medical issues. She has lost 52 Ibs. 1/3rd of her weight, thank goodness she is improving. She is getting up and around again. More on this next month.  My back has been improving also, slowly but surely. DS is preparing for return to University for 4th year, it was only a little while ago he had is first day of school, 18 years ago! Who woulda believed it…

With all that has been going on I am rushing to finish my spinning for

The Claret Cowl by Jennifer L Gillis

Fibre & Singles superwash merino ready to be 2 plied

I have finished the singles and am ready to ply, here is my project pg.

Finished skein

208 yds 40gms 24wpi

Superwash Merino

My Fair entry List

Current WIPS

• Cozy Winter Shawl/scarf – my design  
• Knitting In Nature Beaded Moebius Kal forum July
• Easy Peazy Shawl 
• Kelp Forest Shawl (3/4′s done)
• handspun article – Claret Cowl – Orono Fair
• Tea Cosy 

FO’s 2012 =  52

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 =  7 – 1 = 6

Stash used 2012 = 63

Stash Purchased 2012 =  77 + 2 = 79

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books =  25

Take Care and 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: Working toward the Orono Fair Entries.

This is indeed  the silly season. Busy, busy, busy, the Craft Fair, Visitors, Ravellenic Games and now the Orono fair. Three items to be finished and all items to be delivered by Thursday September 6th between 8am – 10am.

This week working on #17, not sure what the artical will be yet

Superwash Merino – Gorgeous stuff I won from Rosehaven farms Picton Ontario, at Campbellford spin-in a couple of years ago.

A peek at my pocket Garden!

Garden patch on deck Grand Rapids – lettuce and 5 types of patio tomatoes

The lettuce is already finding its way into sandwiches!

This year I have a long list of entries. (items with an * are in production)

1. Tea Cosy *
2. Shawl - Afternoon Tea shawl
3. scarf - wingspan with beads
4. Cowl - horseshoe cowl
5. Cardigan Childs - Autumn cardigan
6. Headgear - Because of love beret
7. mitts – Arc mitts
8. Any other knit garment not listed – Barley Corn Newborn Cuddle Cocoon
9. Socks – Sue’s Boxes with a twist socks
10. Christmas stocking – Christmas Sock
11. decorated hat – Easter hat
12. child’s stuffed toy –  Pookies
13. small novelty item for Bazaar – Untangled #5
14. handspun skein - 2ply seawool
15. handcrafted jewellry – Rosary
16. small christmas tree decoration – Christmas Balls
17. handspun artical *

Current WIPS

•  Handspun Heptathlon – ravellenic2012 and the fair (Aug)
• Cozy Winter Shawl/scarf – my design  
• Knitting In Nature Beaded Moebius Kal forum july
• Easy Peazy Shawl 
• Kelp Forest Shawl (3/4′s done)
• handspun artical 
• Cowl  
• Tea Cosy 

FO’s 2012 =  52

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 =  3 + 4 = 7

Stash used 2012 = 63

Stash Purchased 2012 =  77

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books = 20 + 1 = 21

Take Care and cya next Friday

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

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

FO Friday: The Ravellenic Games 2012 Finishing up with the Handspun Heptathlon

The Olympics are drawing to a close, as are the Ravellenic Games 2012.

My final event the Handspun Heptathlon is done!

Seawool: 30% seacell / 70% Superwash Merino

On the swift

2ply fingering 16wpi, 172yds

Lendrum Handspun seawool singles

My Single Treadle Lendrum Spinning wheel

swift by Alvin Ramer of colbourne, ontario Cda

My Swift by Alvin, he also does beautiful woolcombs

Now to get ready for the Orono Fair, in September.

The question was asked “What do you plan to do with your skein”

This year it will be for the Handspun skein entry in our local fair. Next year probibly Handspun Artical, probiby a shawlette. We live about an hour east of Toronto. Our local fair is a traditional Canadian country fair, with sheep shearing tractor pulls fruit and veg judging, Jams, jellies, pies etc. On Sunday my spinning group “The Durham Handspinning Guild” meet to spin for the public in the “Bunny Barn”. We are there from 10 – 4:00 if you would like to join us, knitters are welcome :0)

• Cozy Winter Shawl/scarf – my design  
• Handspun Heptathlon – ravellenic2012 and the fair (Aug)
• Knitting In Nature Beaded Moebius Kal forum july
• Easy Peazy Shawl
• Kelp Forest Shawl (3/4′s done)

FO’s 2012 = 51 + 1 = 52

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 = 4 – 1 = 3

Stash used 2012 = 63

Stash Purchased 2012 = 69 + 8 = 77

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books = 20

Take Care and cya next Wednesday,

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

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

WIP Weds: Ravellenic Games continue, Handspun Heptathlon

Hello, nice to see you again! Come in sit down, have a virtual cup of tea, and we’ll get caught up :0)

Saturday, Beth and I went down to the Darlington Provincial park on Lake Ontario. We demonstrated Handspinning for Pioneer day. I don’t remember such a hot and humid day as this down by the lake. No we don’t wear costumes while doing these demos, too hot! We do this event every year. It is amazing that the park was so full of picnicing families on summer weekends. Almost all were new arrivals in Canada. I think there is something to be learned from this!

The local fair is coming up so I have to get on the stick with my handspun and knit project. As the games are on till the end of the week, I thought why not.

I bought this lovely stuff at a “The Gathering” spin-in at Port Hope, Ontario.

Seawool: 30% seacell 70% superwash merino 4oz $16.00 Cdn

Seawool by Dyeing for colour fibre Works

Singles Spun on my Lendrum, will be 2 ply laceweight when finished

Very nice stuff to spin! (not true colour in this photo)

I am still working on the new shawl design for the Fall.

It’s my tote around project.

If you would like to do a test knit please let me know in comments and I will e-you the pattern.

Progress with “Harley” my Gio-bike

First driving lesson on “Harley” yesterday. School parking lot end of our street, left turn, ok, right turn, rusty. Stopping where I want, this is a bit of a challenge…
Only real problem, drove two blocks to our house and couldn’t get it onto fork stand. I almost killed myself trying, lol. Kick stand only works on very level surface, not like our driveway.
Said to DH, I’ll meet ya at the coffee shop so you can park the bike ;0)
Life is not always simple.

• Cozy Winter Shawl/scarf – my design  ravellenic2012
• Handspun Heptathlon – ravellenic2012 and the fair
• Knitting In Nature Beaded Moebius Kal forum july
• Easy Peazy Shawl
• Kelp Forest Shawl (3/4′s done)

FO’s 2012 = 51

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 =  3 + 1 = 4

Stash used 2012 = 63

Stash Purchased 2012 = 69

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books = 20

Take Care and cya next Friday, we’ll do Coffee

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

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

FO Friday: Happy Easter & Handspinning

It’s Good Friday and I am up to my ankles in alligators. As some of you know Easter is a big deal around here.  I attend most of the services, and am in the choir for the sung ones. Ya there are also Easter eggs and family dinners. So the week has been somewhat hectic.  There has been a movement at Church for the ladies to come to come to church sporting Easter Bonnets. Well here is my effort. Cost about $11.00 with the straw had. Made it in about and hour. Now I have to find something to wear it with. I bet I’ll be the only one wearing one this Sunday! (note the butterflies and I just love pansies and lily of the valley!)

Wednesday the Spinning Group did our annual “Farm Connection” Handspinning Demo. noisy and crowded, but fun! It’s a chance for the townies to see what farmers do. There were Cows, chickens, pigs, sheep, (and the odour that comes with them) and lots of produce. The arena was packed with farm equipment, displays and assorted demonstrations (eg. cheese making, cooking, shearing sheep).

Gwen, Beth and I spinning and visiting with the public

There were loads of good questions and spinning. The kids were impressed to find out that the Vikings that sailed to the New World used sails made from Spindle spun yarn, that usually gets the questions flowing!

Gwen has a real talent teaching the kids to spindle spin!

The men all seem to want to know how the spinning wheel works, the women all seem to think it’s too much work. The older folks reminisce about spinning where they came from and the younger folks are amazed when you point out how much of what their wearing is from spun thread, eg, the tape on zippers, shoe laces, jeans etc.

Here I am, it's a pleasure that so many people are interested in what we do for fun! PS. there is a giant tractor behind me!

Lots of fun and educational too, in a society were clothes can be purchased cheaply at the store, people are often unaware that spinning is part of everyday life in 2/3′s of the world! I am a textile maker and appreciater from way back, in this day and age it is sad to see so many so disconnected from the joy of making useful things. I notice lots of people don’t know the difference between sewn, knitted, and woven textiles.

On a lighter note, As you know I’m a sucker for willow like kittens, my BiL’s Bunny was this brand. So you know I had to share and I thought this was cute :0)

FO’s 2012 = 17 + 1 = 18

Patterns from my own Library = 4

WIP’s 2012 = 10

Stash used =  23

Stash Purchased 2012 =  23 + 3 = 26 (naughty this wk)

Books = 14

links this week, on my blogwalk :0)

Tami’s blog, Keep Calm and craft on, Knit happy  

Creative Friday Fibre Arts Friday I’ve made Friday

Fibre on Friday Marigolds Loft The magic onions

Show your stuff Whimsey Wednesday

and Yarn along for more really neat stuff!

If you would like to be included in my Blogwalk please post your blog name and where abouts link under the Blogwalk tag/category so others can find you too :0)

Well wishing you and yours a Happy Easter however you may celebrate it

and if you don’t, enjoy the long weekend anyway :0)

Well TTFN, see ya Wednesday all being well.

FO Friday: Handspun Hat!

Welcome to another fun filled FO Friday, a lovely warm sunny day in Ontario, Canada.

Just an update, situation with DH has improved somewhat. Downside, his license has been lifted for the present, with no idea when he can drive again. (Law in Cda, you faint and you don’t drive, wise but inconvienient) DH is the only driver in our houehold, so life is a little complicated.  In-laws and parents have been great, his employer/friend has been and absolute brick, could not be more understanding. DH’s boss was scheduled for 14 day vacation, had to cancel plane tickets and reservations. DH felt awful about it, boss said “sh– happens” nothing more said. Well back to todays finished object!

Son's GF Sporting Hat (she's a good sport too!)

Pattern: Handspun Horseshoe cap by Janet Wray (from Spin-off Magazine Fall 2009) Fibre: 80% Merino / 20% Merino from Silver Cloud alpaca

Fuzzy Close-up

Handspun: 2 Ply, singles “S”, ply “Z”, wpi 14

Needles: 3.75mm, 4.5mm

Totally delighted with the butter soft result. Will be entering it in the local Fair.

For more fantastic FO Friday’s visit our friends at Tami’s blog.

WIP Weds: Getting ready for the fair!

Woot! Happy anniversary Tami! Thank you for the WIP and FO inspiration and gathering us together to share! 

The fair is coming fast and I have more to do than I thought!

Brightly coloured Tea Cozy

So this week I am trying to get a tea cosy done, finish a child’s party dress I have been designing and a skein of handspun yarn.

If I get these done I can get started on a handspun Artical

I have entered Tea Cosy every year for about 20 yrs and missed out on first twice, so I kinda have to keep up the

Knitted party dress

tradition. I think this year I will do this one.

I am handspinning some locally produced colour blended Merino Batt.

More details to come.

For more WIP Weds go to our friends at Tami’s Blog!

 

Spinning on Lendrum Spinning Wheel

 

Handspinning: Darlington Provincial Park Pioneer Day

2 Demonstrators

Every year at this time, we the Durham Handspinng Guild gather to do free spinning

demonstrations at different venues around our region.

This weekend we were invited to

Darlington Provincial Park on Lake Ontario  30 minutes east of Toronto, Canada.

We have been here many times before, and have enjoyed it greatly.

Unfortunately most of our merry band have other engagements this week end so only we two were available.

It was HOT!  Slightly cooler in the shade of the cabin where we were set up.

The Log Cabin

 Since we had been last time, reptiles had moved in! (in an aquarium) There was a milk snake, a rather grouchy snapping turtle, and several painted turtles.

At this point in our blogging there will be an eductional pause… fresh water turtles are not actually turtles they are Tarapins! Turtles are only found in salt water and on land are called Tortoises. Just thought this may be useful to you some day :0)

Back to the park; there was a wagon and a team of horses that took families on a short tour around the park and craft activities for the children. Most families brought a picnic and enjoyed themselves at the beach or under the trees playing games.

This way to the beach

A really delightful time was had by all!

Watch for Gwen’s post, I’m sure there will be one. She takes great pictures!