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)

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)

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: 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)

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)

WIP Wed: Progress in the war on WIP’s

The Soper Creek Yarn Challenge

My entry unveiled!

another view of Briar Bunny

The good news, my friend Frances Ivy won with her Jubilee vest by Cecily Glowik Macdonald. See it on Soper Creek Yarns on fb.

I continue to work away on my WIP’s list.

From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf  

Working on chart C, 2nd repeat

Huston, we had a problem… Yes I had to frog from 1/2 way through chart B, transition between chart A & B run amuck! Back on track now finished 1st repeat of chart B. Life-lines! Lace weight is a pain when things start to go pear-shaped. Otherwise enjoying this project :0)

Ruffle Scarf 

and started something new for the craft sale in June

I’m thinking up a new pattern Sssydney the Sssnake and Friends

Doing a whole passle of these guyz, they are blind right now, need to put eyes on. I rather like hoe the tongues worked out.

Another installment of found on Ravelry: Sassy Summer Satchel by Tanya Thomann

This weeks musical interlude: THOMAS TALLIS, Spem in Alium, Motet for 8 Choirs, I Fagiolini/R. Hollingworth (composed in 1596)

Trent Durham Area Day of Celebration 2013 was last Saturday

here are the highlights…

Current WIP List (11)

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

1. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf 20% Done
2. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
3. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
4. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
5. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
6. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
7. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
8. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
9. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
10. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
11. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 29

WIPS 2013 =  11

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)

WIP Weds: Yarn and Book tourism in Toronto

On Saturday DH, DS, and I made for Toronto. The trip from here takes about and hour. After dropping DS off at “Adastra”, a sci-fi convention in the north of the city, DH and I headed down the Don Valley Parkway and into Toronto.

CN Tower downtown Toronto, Canada

First stop Romni wools, where I adopted some poor lost wool and some other stuff…

Then Bakka Phoenix Books specializing in Sci-fi and fantasy books, we liberated a few.

Then off for lunch in Greek-town on the danforth, next stop The Sleuth of Baker Street bookstore, wonderful store full of detective and crime novels. Needless to say we did a little more liberating.

On the way home we gathered up DS from the convention, one of our favourite authors Jim Butcher (Dresden Files novels) was speaking and darling DS brought us an autographed book and DH bought another book… “Ghost Story”

Basically Yarn and Book tourism in Toronto :0)

Meanwhile back at the ranch…

I continue to work on Playful stripes

2yr size in Dk

and a new Coffee Cup sweater pattern

Jack being a little too helpful

and The Carry Along Forums latest KAL

From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf by Tetiana Otruta

Sorry the picture is so fuzzy

Current WIP List (12)

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

1. Playful Stripes Cardiganby Alana Dakos (due Apr) 85%
2. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due July) 5%
3. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf 1%
4. New Coffee cup sweater
5. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
6. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
7. My Spring Socks – My design 98%
8. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
9. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
10. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
11. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
12. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
13. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
14. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 26

WIPS 2013 = 12 + 2 = 14

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

Stash Used 2013 = 25

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)

WIP Weds: Tired of looking at WIP’s

I am getting fed-up with my WIP list. I have decided that several of my projects need finishing, they have been on the list too long.

So once a month I am going to finish and feature a UFO from my WIP list. This was on my New Years Resolution List 2013! 

Kelp Forest Shawl Begun June 10,2012 98% done

Kelp Forest shawl, So close to finished! Will finish this in April!

I have to admit that this has not been finished for 2 reasons.

1) not fond of the colour 

2) looks impressive however like most round shawls, lacks wearability (looks terrible on) will finish it anyway and get it off the list!

Unfortunately while retiring one WIP will be adding another. My cousins little boy, Jackson is turning 1-year-old this month and I have started Playful stripes for him.

Body knit first, sleeves worked together on same needle, as I had only one 3.5mm circ – note this is going to present a problem when setting the sleeves in the body for the yoke…

I have no idea what to do for his sisters First Communion, on the same day. Quick ideas would be appreciated. As a Protestant, not sure of the etiquette for this Catholic celebration. 

The March is over so here is The Scrap Jar so far for 2013

3 Months of Scraps from knitting projects!

Found on Ravelry: Cladonia by Kirsten Kapur This shawl has an intriguing cast off edge

Current WIP List (12)

1. Playful Stripes Cardiganby Alana Dakos (due Apr)
2. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due July)
3. Kelp Forest Shawlette - very close to done
4. Sea of Dreams Blanket
5. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done
6. My Spring Socks – My design
7. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
8. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
9. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost
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 = 25

WIPS 2013 = 12 + 1 = 13

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

Stash Used 2013 =  23

Books 2013 = 11 + 1 = 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)

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)

WIP Weds: Last weeks disasters finally sorted out

Hope you all had a Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

Well the Soper Creek Yarn Challenge entry has been finished and delivered! Will post pics and link when challenge ends.

More on that later.

All the little disasters of last week have been sorted!

Sea of Dreams Blanket

24″ x 18″ so far, great pattern.

Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift

Finally finished casting on, after a poor start! We’ll see if I recommend this pattern as I get further into it…

Found on Ravelry: Just love these little guyz! Voodoo you love me?by Susan Claudino. I love what KnittinOn did with this pattern.  Liked it so much bought it and making a few.

The guys like the X for one eye and a button, yuck! I like the smiley one…

I am making them for my fellas.

Current WIP List (13)

1. Soper Creek Yarn Challenge – Done, will post pics and links after challenge ends.
2. Voodoo you love me?
3. Sea of Dreams Blanket
4. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift
5. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done
6. My Spring Socks – My design
7. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
8. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
9. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost
10. Kelp Forest Shawlette - very close to done
11. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry
12. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest
13. Cozy Winter Shawl
14. Pine Forest Baby Blanket

FO’s 2013 = 22 + 1 = 23

WIPS 2013 =  13 – 1 + 1 = 13

Used of 36 + 1 = 37 purchased patterns from Rav =  7 = 28 to go

Stash Used 2013 = 19 + 2 = 21

Books 2013 = 10

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)