WIP Weds: OMG! How Bazaar, and Christmas is coming!

Good Morning all! It’s Wednesday yet again. Happy to report that “Harley” my Gio-bike has returned from the shop. So I am motoring around town again.

The weather is becoming cooler here in south central, Ontario, Canada. The Annual Apple festival was on Saturday.

(bet you can’t guess what the farms grow around here :0)

The trees have begun to turn. Autumn is in full swing..

The Annual Church Bazaar is at the end of the month and I am still in christmas present high gear (only 69 days to go).

Sorry, wee bit long today, lots to share!

Progress on my 3 wips:

October Socks:

October socks and current book “Mr Darcy takes a Wife” by Linda Berdoll – great follow-up to “Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen! (see review further down)

Drop Stitch Scarf:

Drop stitch scarf – truly yummy yarn! Sorry poor pic…

Oaklet Shawl:

Oaklet shawl with beads – about to but in the monofilament safety Line (8lbs fishing line) before starting the lace section of the pattern.

I bought “Nifty Knit Dishcloths” this week.

I plan to knit a facecloth, and gift them with a bar of soap in each stocking this year. Well that’s the plan!

Book this week: Mr Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll

Ever wondered what happened after Pride and Prejudice? This is a really delightful read, evidence I am reading it again. Wickham and Lydia continue in their selfish ways. Jane and Bingley are very happy. Mrs Bennet would still try the patience of a saint! Elizabeth and Darcy are very much in love. Realize, Miss Austen probably wouldn’t have continued the book in this way as she was a maiden lady, born in 1775 and died in 1817. This book is a much more contemporary and intimate portrait than would be acceptable at the time. A totally delightful and slightly racy read.

Music: As promised Gregorian Chant. I think this the hymns of St-Hildegarde of Bigen, I hope you like it, it’s very soothing.

Webwalk: “23 weird but awesome knitted things” (think outside the box)

and finally a Willow break :0)

Her Willowness looking quite regal, she was fed up with all the Jack pictures and insisted on a portrait of furry purrrfection :0)

FO’s 2012 = 55

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 = 4

Stash used 2012 =  67

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books =  32

All the Best,

Take Care and cya Friday

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

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

WIP Weds & FO Friday: I’m Back!

I hope all you Canadians out there had a lovely “Thanksgiving”

I’m back! Well at least on my feet. After some excellent care from the people at Bowmanville Hospital, my Family Doctor and Bowmanville Physiotherapy, I am feeling better than I have in some time. No more wheels! I am still taking it slowly and carefully. My heart felt thanks for all the kind wishes and support from everyone here and on fb.

The upside of being stuck in my chair on and off for 4 weeks,

read 5 books,

and have 3 Christmas presents in production.

October Socks – my design

October Sock with Spiral toe and after thought Spiral heel

for my darling son, who held me while I was weeping in emerg

Drop Stitch Scarf by Christine Vogel

This is part of the Knit along forum for Oct. I think this will be for my BiL

Oaklet Shawl by Megan Goodacre

This is part of the Knit along forum for Oct. I knitted this for the first time in May last year. I’m thinking number 2 will be for someone special. It’s a secret :0)

I have been wiki-walking my way through my favourite music on you-tube. Have you heard of “The Celtic Women“? Here is a concert, really worth a listen! In the middle of the concert there is an aria that is incredible, Lascia ch’io pianga Aria from Handel’s opera “Rinaldo”, performed by Hayley Westenra. Not my usual music. I will start linking something once a week if you like… amazing what you can find :0)

FYI: Watch for the newest promotion at the grocery store!

Get one kitten in your case of bottled water :0)

Jack in the Box (6 months old) and still cuddly!

FO’s 2012 = 55

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 = 4

Stash used 2012 =  67

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

 Books =  27 + 5 = 32

Take Care and cya Friday

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

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

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)

Wednesday: The few daz from hell!

First I apologize for not working on WIP’s this week! Sunday started off lovely, beautiful day then OUCH! Yup, my back! Over the last few years I have developed Arthritis. Not fun. No sleep, can’t find a comfortable place to rest, this is hell!  I’m Wheelchairs R Us, for awhile. Well it will pass with lots of meds and tens-machine, my darling bought me.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, almost nothing but reading is getting done.

Since friday I have read

All three 50 shades books by E.L.James:

Ok, this series promises much, rumours about it abound, but all and all I found it rather disappointing. Whoever edited these books didn’t do the author any favours. There is usually an internal rhythm to the narrative in a book, this one constantly feels like this is the concluding chapter, everything is going to wind up, and then a new thread begins. As far as the sex (bdsm etc)interesting but not much of it, some “b” some “d” a very tiny bit of “s&m”. As far as the characters relationship, this book seems to revolve around trust, and learning to live together as a “normal” couple…
To sum these books up: Very messed up man, lets call him “Bossy Beast” meets Pretty, witty, virgin, lets call her “Challenging Beauty” take it from there. To be entirely truthful, I enjoyed it, but for the life of me I don’t know why, kind of like a bag of chocolates, when the bag is empty you wonder at how quickly they disappeared while licking your lips

and The Lady is a Vamp by Lynsay Sands

Just love Lynsay Sands. Great summer read, full of wit, and humour!
Put on your bunny slippers, get a cup of tea, and enjoy a visit with the Argeneau family, you’ll love them too…

Oh, Consumer Warning: When getting a newer model kitten, check the owners manual for the do not attack and subdue the kleenex in the garbage can monster, button. Some of the of the newest models are missing this feature. Note the newest model kitten then switches off until the batteries are completely recharged.  This model has been mentioned in consumer reports for issues with rolls of toilet paper too. Ask your dealer for further details… :0)

Basement kitten after garbage fiasco

WARNING! Be very careful when operating your kitten around fleeces or yarn, as stash damage may result!

Yes I have put in some more spinning time and I continue to work on Easy Peazy, but generally working on getting better.

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 =  7

Stash used 2012 = 63

Stash Purchased 2012 =  77

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books =  21 + 4 = 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)

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

WIP Weds: Wingspan in full Olympic swing

Hello all, it has been a very busy week!

Friday was the start of the Olympics and the cast on for my Ravellenic 2012 project, Wingspan.

Saturday was an emergency visit to the vet for 3 month old Jack. I got up in the morning and found him with a swollen cheek and nose. He was a little angel, no fuss over 3 shots. Give him kitten cookies and you can do anything to him. Not sure what happened, either Willow was beating him into submission or something bit him. The following day he was back to normal but napped most of the day. Poor little man.

Poor Jack after the vet, 2lbs and 3months old with swollen cheek and nose.

On saturday afternoon we went to the loveliest wedding either of us have ever been to. The son of a dear friend married his sweetheart.

They are a delightful couple who are very much in love.

Allysn and Adrian making during their vows

Lovely sunny day for a garden wedding, beautiful happy couple.

Perfect day followed by a lively reception.

Wishing these two a long, happy and prosperous life together.

Meanwhile I have been plugging away on my beaded Wingspan.

Ravellenic Games Wingspan

Almost done, 14hrs and 46mins, 6 and 1/4 wings done

since the lighting of the Olympic torch!

The Jar Aug 1,2012

The Jar is filling up too.

Started in March here it is August 1st.

Take Care and cya Friday

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

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

WIP Weds: The Craft Fair and other projects

Hello all, I missed you last week.

Totally exhausted but totally worth it!

The whole event came together at the last minute.

On Thursday we had almost nothing for the bake table. I didn’t know what to do, we had advertised a Bake table. On Saturday morning people started coming with goodies, lots of goodies. This ended up being one of our most successful tables.  I am really happy to announce that we are well on our way to building the much needed ramp to our church hall!

A friend, Wilfred Reinke   aka “Oshawa Ogre” designed and produced our Craft Sale banner and the Kittens with Mittens Banner too.

St. George being a 12th century saint, Freddy used 12th century script :0)

Thanks Freddy, I highly recommend him if you need a Banner.

Kittens with Mittens booth

Funny, you’ll never guess what I almost sold out on. Yes Untangles! I guess I’ll be knitting more of these for the Christmas Bazaar :0)

St George’s Craft Sale July 21/12 Bake table

The Bake table, and there was more to arrive!

My mother paints china, tats, knits and sews.

 There is a full table on the right.

My Mom, I am so proud of her. She is a brilliant and talented artist.

My Mother handpaints china, beautiful birds and flowers.

Isla Skye and Dragonfly

Anne, a member of our church did a spectacular table with jewellry and ornaments.

The Craft Group, but together a lovely table,

Joan and Rose of the Weds morning Craft Group, and George W of the AMC in the kitchen getting ready for the exspected crowds. Dad is around the corner.

and my Father and the “Anglican Men’s Club” aka the boyz in blue, sold Coffee, Iced Tea and Cookies.

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you that showed up and supported our (hopefully)1st  Annual St. George’s Craft Sale.
It was a long day and lots of work, but well worth it.
I also want to thank all those talented people who baked, knitted, jewellried, china painted, sewed, jammed, and coffeed, we wouldn’t have been able to pull it off without you.

With all it’s highs and lows with the process of organizing this event, it says a lot that we are already talking about doing it again next year!

Now a touch of knitting

I wanted something to wear with jeans

Easy Peazy Shawl, and it certainly is!

and

Knitting In Nature Beaded Moebius KAL Jul

Knitting in Nature Beaded Moebius

Ok, I am really not enjoying this! Don’t feel comfortable with the inc, dec, at the end and beginning of the back and forth rows. I keep mixing up which end to do what. It is defeating me… this looks frog worthy. Help! We’ll see…

• Untangled (10 of 10 done) July
• XL Coffee Cup Sweaters (14 of 12 done 2 sold)
• Wingspan – ravellenic2012
• Knitting In Nature Beaded Moebius Kal forum july  
• Easy Peazy Shawl
• Kelp Forest Shawl (3/4′s done)

FO’s 2012 = 47 + 3 = 50

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 = 4

Stash used 2012 = 60 + 1 = 61

Stash Purchased 2012 = 69

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books =  20

Take Care and cya friday

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

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s