Charity Knitting: Stitches to make the world a better place

Spring has sprung in these parts, shorts and tshirts have been pulled out of winter storage and sandals are abroad in the land. The sun is shining and the cats are at the front door watching the kids heading off to school. 

Jack and Willow watching the kids go off to school.

The garden is coming up flowers too.

Tulips and Grape Hyacinths

Meanwhile I have been working on a couple of Charity projects that my local LYS is sponsoring.

Yoga Socks – for Sick Kids rehab 

I leave a long tail when casting on. Weaving back and forth at each pattern repeat. Works for me!
Knitting these magic loop.

Raglan Baby Cardigan (Top-Down)by The Students of Subway Academy II

A 6 month sized cardigan for the Church Craft Sale May 30th.

6X6″ afghan squares or Ukrainian Orphanages 

One a week, to be delivered on Knit night.
2 so far.

FO: His Birthday Socks

Finished these beauties just in time for my sweethearts Birthday. Every year he asks for socks for Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Christmas. He doesn’t always get them, but this is a special one so why not?

WIP List = 15

1. 6X6″ afghan squares or Ukrainian Orphanages (2)
2. Raglan Baby Cardigan – Church fundraiser
3. Untangled #4
4. Without Moonlight #2
5. Yoga Socks – for Sick Kids rehab
6. Be Simply Different Scarf
7. Buttermere #2 – ran out of yarn!
8. EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket – Fb/Kal almost done!
9. Zuzu’s Petals
10. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
11. Sea of Dreams Blanket
12. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
13. Rose Harbour Shawl 
14. My Fair Cardi 
15. Simplicity Lace Scarf –  Kal/feb2015 almost done
16. His Birthday Socks

WIPS 2015 =  13 + 2 = 15

FO’s 2015 = 16 + 3 = 19

Other FO’s (not fibre) = 13 

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 19 + 2 = 21

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 5

cya next week :0)

I’m off on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0 

I also have a Ravelry shop and an Etsy shop!

for my Literary blog, see Totally Austentatious.

Frustration knitting and Prize winner!

What do you do when you are almost finished a Kal and the yarn comes to the end in your hand?

 EZ Baby Surprise Jacket for my facebook group Kal. Ratz!

You knit one or two of these 

(2) XL coffee cup sweater, I’m doing about 1/2 dozen of these for our church craft sale.

and more of this. 

Be Simple Scarf almost done!?!

and read some of this 

Totally awesome sequels to Pride and Prejudice. Just love the relationship that Linda Berdoll has envisioned.

and wait for the LYS to open. 

Picked up the needed yarn for my Kal 

Oh, and I won 3rd place in the Soper Creek Yarns Challenge!

Bunch of great work! Congratulations everyone!

My effort!

My own design; Sanquhar cowl

WIP List = 9

1. EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket – Fb/Kal
2. Zuzu’s Petals
3. His/Hers Socks
4. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
5. Sea of Dreams Blanket
6. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
7. Rose Harbour Shawl 
8. My Fair Cardi 
9. Simplicity Lace Scarf   Kal/feb2015 

FO’s 2015 = 6 + 2 = 8

WIPS 2015 = 9

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 10 + 3 = 13

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 4 + 1 = 5

cya next week :0)

I’m off on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0 

I also have a Ravelry shop and an Etsy shop!

for my Literary blog, see Totally Austentatious.

Autumn has arrived!

My guy at 1yr old

It was on this day 24 years ago, my DS hit the atmosphere.

He has grown into a fine young man in spite of us.

Wishing him a very Happy Birthday, and many more!

In celebration of the season, I am doing a super secret coupon code for 25% off on both my Etsy shop and my Ravelry shop.

Visit Willows Pocket Facebook page Please Like, Coupon code is amongst the more recent posts.

Sadly I don’t think I am going to get my Kal done this month. However the book is almost finished. 

Quicksilver Lace Shrug 

Book: Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman by Maria Hamilton

I have also had a run on Flashy Earbud Sweaters in my Etsy store. 

So I’m busy making more.

 My Birch Leaf  is coming along nicely. 

But I can honestly say this is the Ball that never ends!

Wishing you and yours a happy week till we meet again :0)

WIP List = 12 

1. Quicksilver Lace Shrug started Sept 5/14
2. Flashy Earbud Sweaters started Sept 23/14
3. Birch Leaf started Aug 18/14
4. My Favourite Top-Down Clog Socks 
5. Left over Cowl started feb 23/14
6. Cabled Hood with Pockets Started Sept 27/13
7. Foots First Sox My design Started Jul/11
8. Sea of Dreams Blanket 85% done started Mar 9/13
9. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  60% done started June 18/13
10. Rose Harbour Shawl 85% done started Jun 28/13
11. My Fair Cardi Started Apr 8/14
12. Simplicity Lace Scarf 

FO’s 2014 = 34 + 1  = 35

WIPS 2014 = 9 + 3 = 12

 Stash Used 2014 = 60 + 1 = 61

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 = 313 yds

Sewing FO’s 2014 = 

Books 2014 = 25 + 1 = 26

Thanks again, cya next week :0)

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

come join me in the blogpond :0

WIP Weds: Knit night & The curse continues

I hosted the Knit Nite Girlz Summer Edition last Wednesday, (10 plus 2 infants). What a great group! I particularly want to thank SH for finally getting the fire started, DH for making his delicious Oatmeal Apricot Cranberry Cookies and DS for setting up and putting everything away. By the Bye our knitting smells like smoke, thank goodness it’s washable.

My smokey Butterfly’s shawl  

Trying to get this as close to the end of the ball of Marble chunky as possible.

a little tinking to have enough for the garter stitch edge.

Simplicity Lace Scarf  (25″) 

I have been taking this with me when I go out

Glass sweatsuit  

(my design – will be published next week)

The fair is coming up and I will enter it.

Glamshell shawl Blocked

Glamshell shawl 67×45″

Remember that shawl with the curse. It continues! Soaked it out in the wash, so I got a little distracted… what started as soak ended up being jean wash cycle, OH NOOOS! Rescued it from mechanical malling. Pinned it out on the kitchen table so I could keep and eye on it. Ok I’m human, so I needed to step away to the WC… one furry felon hanging from a hanging thread at the cast off, the other laying in the middle needing it like there was no tomorrow. Contemplating violin strings!

Being blocked

Began Little Varya for a friends 6yr old grandaughter.

Love the rolled cast on edge on this pattern.

WIP List = 12

1. Little Varya Started July 29/14
2. My Favourite Top-Down Clog Socks 
3. Left over Cowl started feb 23/14
4. Cabled Hood with Pockets Started Sept 27/13
5. Foots First Sox My design Started Jul/11
6. Sea of Dreams Blanket 85% done started Mar 9/13
7. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  60% done started June 18/13
8. Rose Harbour Shawl 85% done started Jun 28/13
9. Butterfly’s shawl in blue – started Jan 30/14 Test knit
10. My Fair Cardi Started Apr 8/14
11. Simplicity Lace Scarf  
12. Shazzas Bucket Hat for my June Kal group
13. Glass sweatsuit Finished July 30

FO’s 2014 = 30 + 1 = 31

WIPS 2014 = 12

 Stash Used 2014 = 56

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 =

Sewing FO’s 2014 = 

Books 2014 = 18 + 2 = 20

Thanks again, cya next week :0)

(Note for the summer I will only be posting on Weds.)

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

come join me in the blogpond :0

FO Friday: Psst! Only 7 more Saturdays till Christmas

Fred and Ginger, love old movies. Hunting for pics of famous people knitting :0)

Christmas knitting well under way!

Finished!

My Andy’s Capp #3 My design

(3) Wooly Bracelets – Done!

Icord with leftover sock yarn on some wire bracelets.

Working On:

My Favourite Scarf Ever 

21″ so far

Warm Collars in 4 yarns My design

Love the colours of this yarn

 A new invention!

Christmas Tree Skirt My design

Did some braided knitting under the band.

There is a story behind this one. The Church craft group was looking for something around 100gms in worsted that would be good for the Christmas Craft Sale. My Challenge!

Latest book: Suffer the Children by Peter Tremayne

Current WIP List – 13

• Andy’s Capp #3 
• Christmas Tree Skirt My design Started Nov 7/13
• Warm Collars in 4 yarns My design Started Nov 6/13
• My Favourite Scarf Ever  Started Nov 2/13
• Cabled Hood with Pockets Started Sept 27/13
• Iced Cardigan  Started Oct 1/13
• Foots First Sox My design Started Jul/11
•  SPROUT – Growing Roots sweater 60% done started May 17/12
• Top Down Swing Pullover – 98% done started Jan 1/13
• Sea of Dreams Blanket 75% done started Mar 9/13
• Mile a minute afghan – crochet 50% done started Apr 24/13
• Isla lace Pillowcase edge  52% done started June 18/13
• Rose Harbour Shawl 75% done started Jun 28/13
• Fanflower Fling  50% done started Jul 12/13

 FO’s 2013 = 97 + 4 = 101

WIPS 2013 = 12 + 1 = 13

 Stash Used 2013 = 86 + 2 = 88

Sewing FO’s = 4 

Books 2013 = 35

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)

Find me at my Etsy shop: Willows Pocket and on Ravelry.com  

Psst! Only 7 more Saturdays till Christmas!

WIP Weds: Tomorrow’s the day!

Tomorrow morning at 10:00 am the Judging begins, the stress begins!

The Handspun Article  is done!

60″ x 9″
30% Seacell / 70% Superwash Merino
2ply fingering, 16wpi, 172yds, 35gms

Doll dress, with Underwear and a Hat 

Not the best pic of the hat

and undies

These were a little fiddly but fit well.

I made up this post on Tuesday night, I have till Thursday morning to finish these.

Working on mittens,

Mitten #1 – classic 2 needle option, done on a circ

Baby Blanket if I have time I’ll finish this.

Have about 7″ more to knit. Not sure it’s going to the fair this year.

My 18 Entries: class 56

• 12a – Crib Afghan knit (wip)
• 13 – Tea Cosy 
• 26 – Ladies Dress The Dress 3.0
• 37 – Shawl
• 39 – Scarf knit
• 40 – Cowl
• 44 – Cardigan Child’s knit
• 49a – headgear – knit
• 50 – Mittens (need to make)
• 51 – Any other knit garment
• 52a – Socks
• 52b – Slippers
• 66 – Fabulous Fake Fingerless Mitts
• 75 – Child’s stuffed toy
• 76 – Doll Clothing knit (Dress, Underwear, and Hat)
• 77 – Small Novelty item suitable for Bazaar
• 80 – Handspun skein : Pastel rainbow Superwash merino Cream/pink/green/sparkle
• 85 – Handspun Article

Wish me luck!

The Scrap Jar as of August 31,2013

Current WIP List (11)

1. Foots first Socks – my design  45% done started July/13
2. Rose Harbour Shawl 75% done started Jun 28/13
3. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  52% done started June 18/13
4. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  ( 28 squares) started Jan 23/13
5. Beryl Blanket – Long term project (67 + 3 = 70 hexes) started Nov 21/11
6. Mile a minute afghan – crochet 50% done started Apr 24/13
7. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 50% done  started Jan 11/12
8. Sea of Dreams Blanket 75% done started Mar 9/13
9. SPROUT – Growing Roots sweater 60% done started May 17/12
10. Top Down Swing Pullover – 98% done started Jan 1/13
11.  Fanflower Fling  50% done started Jul 12/13
12. Ruffle Scarf   Done started Dec 3/12 finished Jul 7/13
13. Cozy Winter Shawl   Done started Dec 1/12 – finished Jul 11/13
14. Eileen Dress  Done started Jun 21/13 – finished Jul 11/13 
15. Easy Peasy Shawl – Done started Jul 14/12 – finished Jul 17/13
16. All about love shawlette   Done Started Aug 3/13 – finished August 17/13

FO’s 2013 =  84 + 4 = 88

  97 Squares & Hexes

WIPS 2013 = 11

Used of 38 purchased patterns from Rav = 9 (29 to go)

Stash Used 2013 =  71 + 3 = 74

Sewing FO’s = 3

Books 2013 = 25 + 1 = 26

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)

Find me on Ravelry.com and also my Etsy shop

Oh and FYI I have 50% off Back to School Sale at my Ravelry Shop, now we all have so much time with the kids in school. Sale lasts to the end of the month. 3 months till Christmas people!

FO Fri: It’s that time of year again…

Well today is my birthday. Pardon me if I don’t divulge my age, I can only say that the numbers add up to 8 (ok I’m not 80!) ;0)

My teaser from Friday, a Useful Umbrella Cord. 

Useful Umbrella Cord PDF Happy Birthday gifty!

Unfortunately no one won the prize this time, watch for the next contest! I still have a nice prize I want to send someone :0)

I have 2 Golf Umbrellas, so I made one for each.

I made one for my Burgundy Brolly

Unfortunately I can’t leave it on my umbrella, as the furry children can’t leave them alone.

and this one for the Blue one

I’m posting this pattern on Ravelry this weekend :0)

Super easy and useful, freebie

I am also working on Pillowcase Lace edging for wedding presents

(2) 2″ x 40″ Very happy with these.

Finished two of these Flutterby lace edgings, washing the pillowcases before application.

Harley and I are finally on the road again. 1st time out each season is always a nail-biter till I get used to him again. We made it all the way to Knitting Nite at the LYS on Wednesday night. About a 20 minute trip. We both arrived safe and sound. DS came and picked him up so I wouldn’t have to drive home in the dark, with headlights. I should add the sun had not set…lol  ;0)

Current Book: Absolution by Murder by Peter Tremayne

This is the first book in the Sister Fidelma series. Reading it on my Koboglo. Very good so far.

Current WIP List (12)

1. Useful Umbrella Cord Making 2 of these
2. Flutterby pillowcase lace edgings (2)
3. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 25% done 
4. Piles of Smiles socks a new pattern I am working on 50% Carry along Kal forum
5. Camellia shawlette –  5%
6. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
7. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
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 = 68 + 4 = 72

+ 77 Squares & Hexes

WIPS 2013 =  14 – 2 = 12

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

Stash Used 2013 = 56 + 2 = 58

Books 2013 = 18 + 1 = 19

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)

FO Friday: Celebrations and Convocations!

Yesterday was an exciting day, my DS (Darling Son) the University Graduate had his Convocation.  He now has his Bachelor of Arts Honours in English Literature Degree.

This was an outdoor event. It was very cold and overcast,  fortunately the rain held off until we were on our way home.  It was wonderful anyway!  

My awesome son!

He was also selected to be published!  “The Machine Among the Trees: Essays on Contemporary Canadian Poetry” for Advanced Studies in Canadian Literature. We are very proud!

Well I am as ready as I will ever be for the craft sale tomorrow. We are setting up today and open tomorrow at 11:00 am.

Cable Braided Necklace for my Kal group

17 eyelets, I made this reversible by adding a button on both sides.

XL Coffee Cup Sweater

(6) tea toters

Quick and easy, made from leftovers and buttons from the jar :0)

and 11 Drip Stoppers

These are actually much more colourful. Great stashbuster!

Current WIP List (14)

1. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 25% done  
2. tea toters last minute for the craft sale
3. Cable Braided Necklace  for my Kal group
4. Piles of Smiles socks a new pattern I am working on 40% Carry along Kal forum
5. Camellia shawlette –  5%
6. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
7. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
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 =  47 + 19 = 66

+ 77 Squares & Hexes

WIPS 2013 = 14 + 2 = 12

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

Stash Used 2013 =  50 + 4 = 54

Books 2013 = 18

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)

FO Friday: Work, Work, Work!

Super busy!

I know it seems a little weird that I’m working on everything at once, but there is method in my madness. I am trying to get an assortment of small things ready in a short period of time. Some of these are good carry alongs, some aren’t.

XL Coffee Cup Sweater (2)

Still have to make a few more of these

Drip Stoppers (7)

and

Cable Braided Head Band

Hahaha, this one was sold right off the needles :0)

Untangles (4)

I have one more of these to do.

 race for Life 2009 chemo cap 

Chemo Hat made from lovely Bamboo yarn.

And last but not least The Jar! 

5 months of scraps!

Current WIP List (12)

1. XL Coffee Cup Sweaters  (4 done)
2.  Drip Stopper   (11 done)
3. Untangleds (4) done)
4. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 25% done  
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 =  53 + 19 = 72

WIPS 2013 = 15 – 3 = 12

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

Stash Used 2013 =  47 + 3 = 50

Books 2013 = 18

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)

FO Friday: Getting ready for the Craft Sale

Our Craft Group at St Georges Anglican Church in Newcastle, Ont, Cda, continues to raise funds for a wheelchair ramp into our hall that was built in 1856. This is the 3rd craft event our little group has done for this project. There are between 12 and 14 members in this group (with a combined age of 1050 yrs,) making a variety of things for the sale on June 8th.  This time we are trying something new, a Silent Auction, and a Craft Supply Table to sell odd balls of yarn, yardage and other notions.

Sassy Summer Satchel

Slightly modified this pattern. Rather than sew the last 2 wings together to finish, I k2tog as I did the last wing. I figured the base would be more sturdy if I knit them together as I went.

Quick Knit Baby Shrug #3

These work up fast and are rather cute :0)

Cable Braided Necklace

17 eyelet version

 Drip Stopper

Modified from
Tea Spout Drip Catcher by Becky Kiddlewhite
Cast on 15st
knit in the round for 14 rows
Cast off loosely.

XL Coffee Cup Sweaters

Only 6 more to do

Tomorrow I gift away my precious From Dusk Till Dawn Shawl

16″ x 68″
One last fondle before I wrap it up to go to the wedding shower on Saturday. It goes to a good home. I wish my cousin the Bride, all the happiness in her marriage that I have had in mine and Blessings!

Found on Ravelry:  Chemo Do-Rag (AKA Scarf) by Rae B. Creedle I’m going to make this for a friend who is having chemo

 Current WIP List (12)

1. Cable Braided Necklace – 
2. XL Coffee Cup Sweaters 
3.  Drip Stopper (2)
4.  Sassy Summer Satchel  MayKal  
5. Quick Knit Baby Shrug –
6. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 25% done  
7. Piles of Smiles socks a new pattern I am working on 40%
8. Camellia shawlette – A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
9. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
10. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
11. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
12. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
13. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
14. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
15. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
16. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
17. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 47 + 6 = 53

WIPS 2013 =  17 – 5 = 12

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

Stash Used 2013 =  39 + 8 = 47

Books 2013 = 17 + 1 = 18

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)