Something new!

It’s been another rather busy week. I’ve been beavering away finishing a few things, and starting my next Kal.

Pretty Basic scarf – May Kal

3 pattern repeats

 One pair of Yoga Socks done and handed in 

Yoga Socks for Sick Kids Hospital rehab program

Published 2 new Patterns on Ravelry.com this last week.

Be Simply Different scarf – a freebee 

Be Simply Different

and The Herman Hat 

Made for our friend Herman

I came across 2 interesting Articals:

A Quick Guide to Stitch Markers and 

Make your own Stitch Markers

by Ashley Little

WIP List = 13

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

WIPS 2015 = 16 – 3 = 13

FO’s 2015 = 19 + 4 = 23

Other FO’s (not fibre) = 14

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 21

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 6 + 1 = 7

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.

Finishing bee!

A day of mild celebration!

Yes I sometimes actually finish stuff!

Without Moonlight Shawl (Kal)

I am delighted with how this turned out.

Be Simple Scarf 

This is a lot brighter than it appears. getting to be my favourite scarf for my Royal blue overcoat

Untangled #1 / Untangled #2 / Untangled #3

And the artical of the week, by Ashley Little

7 Tips for Knitting Garments During Weight Fluctuations and Growth Spurts

WIP List = 13

1. Be a Little Different Scarf
2. Drip Stoppers – for church craft sale
3. Dish Soap Poncho #3 – for church craft sale
4. Buttermere #2 – ran out of yarn!
5. EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket – Fb/Kal almost done!
6. Zuzu’s Petals
7. His/Hers Socks 
8. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
9. Sea of Dreams Blanket
10. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
11. Rose Harbour Shawl 
12. My Fair Cardi 
13. Simplicity Lace Scarf –  Kal/feb2015 almost done 
14. Without Moonlight shawl – Kal 
15. Be Simple Scarf 
16. Untangled #1
17. Untangled #2  
18. Untangled #3

FO’s 2015 = 11 + 5 = 16

Other FO’s (not fibre) = 13 

WIPS 2015 = 13

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 16 + 3 = 19

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.

The week that was

Last week was super busy! First true signs of spring, I’m still recovering.

Last Wednesday morning I went to Craft Group at Church

Working on Soapdish Ponchos/ Pot holders 

Dishsoap Poncho, dresses up a dishsoap bottle while drying.

and Drip Stoppers for tea pots and wine bottles

Drip Stopper PDF.

Great stashbuster for leftover dishcloth cotton.

and in the evening a Handspinning Demonstration at Farm Connections with the Durham Handspinning Guild.

Beth, Gwen and I getting ready to demonstrate for the public.

More progress on Romney finger roving

Planning on Christmas mitts for the guyz

Saturday, Bonnie and I headed for The Gathering in Port Hope Ontario Cda.

Wall to wall fibreholics, fibre fumes everywhere!

This was a Spin-in for the local Fibreholics. Some things followed me home.

Some hand dyed Romney wool, equal amount undyed Romney wool. A small spindle, heavy for it’s size, 33gms. I have been looking for a plying spindle with a little more heft. Also a selection of cabled dk cotton for Icord projects.

See posts for each event :0)

I’m also working on my carry along kal.

Without Moonlight bulky shawl, on Row 83

I have my purse project. 

I have some finishing modifications planned for this…think large button holes on finished edge!

and something to work on in the car. 

Be a Little Different Scarf, I started this on Sunday afternoon at the Knitting group meeting in The Fire House Bistro in Orono, north of us.

This week promises to be just about as busy, Dr. appointment, Craft Group, Knit Nite,  shopping and lunch with MiL and a possible lunch with guildiez. And I wondered why I was so tired last week?

WIP List = 14

1. Be a Little Different Scarf
2. Drip Stoppers – for church craft sale
3. Without Moonlight shawl – Kal
4. Dish Soap Poncho #2 – for church craft sale
5. Buttermere #2 – ran out of yarn!
6. EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket – Fb/Kal almost done!
7. Zuzu’s Petals
8. His/Hers Socks 
9. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
10. Sea of Dreams Blanket
11. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
12. Rose Harbour Shawl 
13. My Fair Cardi 
14. Simplicity Lace Scarf –  Kal/feb2015 almost done! 

FO’s 2015 = 9 + 2 = 11

Other FO’s (not fibre) = 13 

WIPS 2015 = 12 + 2 = 14

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 15 + 1 = 16

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.

 

What’s up?

Good morning all, I hope you all had a nice holiday weekend.

I am as busy as a one armed paper hanger today!

Our Wednesday morning Craft Group at Church, has decided that May 30th would be a good day for a Craft sale and tea.

This is number 3 of the 5 I’m making for the sale.

Soapdish Poncho # 1 – finished!

Pattern from Soper Creek Yarns, designed by Tina Barrie

Makes a great potholder too! It can be left on the soap bottle to dry…

In the afternoon, I will be demonstrating Handspinning with the girlz of the Durham Handspinning Guild, at Farm Connections in Brooklin Ontario Canada at the arena. We are delighted to be invited again this year.

Clearing my bobbins.

So I am getting things ready to go. I’ll post more after this event.

Meanwhile I am up to my eyeballs with Kals.

The Carry along Forum chose 3 optional projects this month.

One down, the “Bring me with you Bag” my design.

Here is the Take me with you bag pattern Pdf. if you wish to make one for yourself.

I have moved on to the second choice

“Without Moonlight” shawl

On row 49. Lovin this pattern!

The remaining option, Edison shawl has been in my queue for a while.

Hope to get it done this month too.

designed by Lynn Di Cristina

I continue to work away on my facebook Kal – Fans of Elizabeth Zimmermann Knitting

Just about done!

EZ Baby Surprise Jacket. 

Another almost done.

And almost finished my Be Simple scarf, thinking a row of large button holes along the edge to thread the tail through.

WIP List = 12

1. Without Moonlight shawl – Kal
2. Dish Soap Poncho #2 – for church craft sale
3. Buttermere #2 – ran out of yarn!
4. EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket – Fb/Kal almost done!
5. Zuzu’s Petals
6. His/Hers Socks
7. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
8. Sea of Dreams Blanket
9. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
10. Rose Harbour Shawl 
11. My Fair Cardi 
12. Simplicity Lace Scarf –  Kal/feb2015 almost done!

FO’s 2015 = 9 + 2 = 11

WIPS 2015 = 11 + 1 = 12

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 13 + 2 = 15

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.

First past the finish line of 2015!

Well it’s a brand new year and we all survived Christmas!

Hue and Value Shawl 

Hue and Value Shawl

Finished in the wee hours of January 1/15. It was a challenge in my flu and drugged state, but we both survived! I think I would do this one again :0)

First new project of 2015!

It’s -30 with the wind chill here in Canada tonight, so the mind turns to hot chocolate and warm clothes!

Sanquhar Cowl by Wendy D. Johnson

Fell in love with this as soon as I spotted it!

Wendy’s version

My version, I have my eye on a new blue winter coat.

Chart A&B another longterm project.

I begin 2015 with WIP List = 8

1. Sanquhar Cowl – Long term project
2. Left over Cowl – Long term project
3. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
4. Sea of Dreams Blanket
5. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
6. Rose Harbour Shawl 
7. My Fair Cardi 
8. Simplicity Lace Scarf   
9. Hue and value shawl 

Thanks again for an interesting and eventful year.

It wouldn’t have been the same without you. 

FO’s 2015 = 1

WIPS 2015 = 7 + 1 = 8

 Stash Used 2015 = 3 

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 1

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!

Happy New Year 2015!

Well it has been an active year. 

Fibre related Christmas gifts from my family this year!

Book: Knit Nordic by Eline Oftedal and a skein of Madeline Tosh Sock (spectrum)

The last few projects of the year 

Knit by the dozen socks my design 

Knit by the Dozen Socks. I started knitting these while I was ill socks.
Modification: Inserted heel rather than Short row in the original pattern.

My Favourite Top-Down Socks 

These worked up just as nice as My Favourite Toe-up socks.

my design – yet to be published 

and I am madly casting off my Hue and Value Shawl 

Hoping there is enough yarn to finish casting this off…

As I look back on my New Years Resolutions for 2014, I am stunned by the number of things I finished this year.

In 2011 – 105,

2012 – 78,

2013 – 112 

2014 – 61

It’s been a good year!

Projects in 2014

Resolutions for 2015!

1. I will Complete 8 WIP’s on my list
2. I will knit the lovely Madeline Tosh Sock yarn (spectrum) my DH gave me for Christmas 2014! 
3. I have given up on organizing my stash, instead I will parcel up 15 projects with pattern,  stash yarn etc that I will make this year! Ok this sounded like a great plan, last year and yes I did parcel up 14 projects ready to go…still there nothing happened. Going to add one more for 2015…
4. I will make ALL items for the Church Bazaar and craft sales from stash!
5. I will not replenish my stash as it deminishes unless DH approves  (update this lasted for 25 days last year) I am going to see how long I will last this year!
6. Goal this year, significant stash reduction! Again!
7. I am counting making my studio usable as a minor success. However the Guyz tidied the house for Christmas and the a lot of stuff has disappeared and 4 laundry baskets are missing, I am guessing where… back on the list since 2013!
8. I will complete one handmade gift for each of the 11 people that will be joining us Christmas 2015 
9. I will make my DH and DS each a Scarf this year
10. I will spin more. I have been spinning a little more, and I need to dig out my sewing machine this year too.
11. I am going to invest in Shelving and containers and organize (sort of ) my stash and studio. 
12. I will join Fibreholics anonymous (Just kidding :0)
13. I am going to use more none virtual patterns, I have loads of knitting books, magazines and patterns I should use them!

Total of 13 Fibre Resolutions for 2015, we will see how this goes :0)

The Jar 2014

I begin 2015 with WIP List = 8

1. Hue and value shawl 
2. Left over Cowl 
3. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
4. Sea of Dreams Blanket
5. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
6. Rose Harbour Shawl 
7. My Fair Cardi 
8. Simplicity Lace Scarf  

Thanks again for an interesting and eventful year.

It wouldn’t have been the same without you. 

FO’s 2014 = 61

WIPS 2014 = 8

 Stash Used 2014 = 80 + 3 = 83

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 = 313 yds

Sewing FO’s 2014 = O

Books 2014 = 37

cya next year :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!

Holiday Season Treats!

Botticelli’s: The Mystical Nativity

We are still working on getting ready for Christmas in my household. The tree is up, the gifts are purchased (no handmade this year as I have been under the weather for a few months), baking happening today and maybe a little gift wrapping.

Meanwhile I have been working on my socks. 

Knit by the Dozen Toe-up Socks

At 1 1/2 of a pair of Knit by the Dozen socks with insert heels and toes in kermit the frog green :0)

and waiting till I am a little more organized to finish up my Hue and Value Shawl. 

Almost there, one more section then garter stitch band and done!

Last year I posted a pattern as a gift to my readers. This year I am posting two sweet treats! Enjoy :0) 

Here is a downloadable PDF: Christmas recipes  

DH made the chocolate things so they are a little large, and we didn’t have any candied cherry for the top of the Mincemeat Squares. They are delicious anyway.

Mincemeat Squares  (Moms recipe/ Dads favourite)

2c Graham cracker crumbs

1 ½ c Mincemeat

15 oz Eagle Brand sweetened condensed Milk

Mix ingredients together, pour into well grease 9×12 pan. Bake for 30mins at 350 degrees. Cool then cut and place a bit of marichino cherry on each piece. Cut into pieces about 1½ x 2”

Chocolate Things!

(Grandma used to make these, my favourite)

2c sugar

6 tbsp cocoa

½ c butter or margarine

½ c milk

½ tsp vanilla

3 c instant oats

1 c  grated coconut

Mix sugar and cocoa in sauce pan. Add butter, and milk and bring to a boil. Add vanilla. Remove from heat and blend in oats and coconut. Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper and chill till firm.

Makes: 4 ½ dozen – 1” cookies

I also found this recipe that looked rather good for those with sugar challenges (Diabetics).

Chocolate Star 

Made with Pizza Dough and nutella.

Hashbrown Baked Potato Casserole

(I use green onions, and add well done crumbed Bacon)

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

WIP List = 10 

1. Hue and value shawl
2. My Favourite Top-Down Socks 
3. Left over Cowl 
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  
10. Knit by the Dozen Toe-up Socks

FO’s 2014 = 54

WIPS 2014 = 10

 Stash Used 2014 = 80 

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 = 313 yds

Sewing FO’s 2014 = 

Books 2014 = 33 + 4 = 37

Thanks again, cya soon :0)

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

come join me in the blogpond

I also have a Ravelry shop 

As a Christmas treat all patterns in my Ravelry Shop are on sale for 25% off with the coupon code willow42 till Dec 31st

and an Etsy shop!

Fair fun!

Well I had a great fair this year! 

We demonstrated Handspinning and Knitting on Sunday.

This is last years pic as I forgot my camera. Gwen was ill and couldn’t come and it was nice and warm, so no sweaters. Otherwise everything is just the same ;0)

5 -1st prizes 

 4 -2nd, 2 -3rd, 1- 4th, 3 honorable mentions 

I didn’t include the non-winners in this photo

1st – Dress socks 

Special feature: Simple texture design goes down the back of the heel.

1st Hat 

Andy Cap

1st Mittens 

Front and back

1st Boot Cuffs (other knitted)

Really pleased with these!

1st Handspun skein 

Handpainted superwash Lambswool “Mixed Gladioli” from Alchemy Fibre Designs

2nd – Glass sweatsuit 

3rd – Shawl 

Glam shell Shawl

3rd – Socks work 

Toddler Tootsies

2nd – Handcrafted jewellry 

Bracelet

2nd – Artical Handspun 

100% wool

And I won a $30.00 gift certificate from my LYS, for most points!

All in all lots of fun!

And the Funniest blog post of the week! Lol 

WIP List = 9 (doing a little list trimming)

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

FO’s 2014 = 34

WIPS 2014 = 9

 Stash Used 2014 = 60

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 = 313 yds

Sewing FO’s 2014 = 

Books 2014 = 23

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

Blocking frenzy

I have an adversion to blocking, not just because of these two try to help.

Jack and Willow, the moths in furry cat suits

But I haven’t enough room at the moment to do anything of any size but the kitchen table.  

Buttermere was finished feb 20/14

Glam Shells Shawl finished Jul 18/14

Glamshell shawl 67×45″

Butterflies Shawl finished Jul 31/14

and  I began Birch Leaf Shawl

WIP List = 12

1. Birch Leaf
2. Linus scarf 
3. Little Varya Started July 29/14
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 = 32

WIPS 2014 = 12

 Stash Used 2014 = 57

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 =

Sewing FO’s 2014 = 

Books 2014 =  21 + 2 = 23

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

Handspinning Demo with the Girlz

Saturday after a delightful lunch at Timmies.  (Tim Horton’s for those nonCanadians, look it up on google)  

The Durham Handspinning Guild

We three headed to Darlington Provincial Park to Handspin for Pioneer Day. We have been doing this for a number of years.  It’s always loads of fun. We spin answer questions and visit.

Superwash Merino

This stuff is a joy to spin 

I actually have more on the bobbin now.

Butterfly’s shawl is finished

All that was left. More on this next week.

Little Varya 

A little more progress

Linus scarf /shawlette

I have finished my last shawlette. I plan to revamp my wip list, more on this later.

The Jar July/14

WIP List = 12

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

FO’s 2014 = 31 + 1 = 32

WIPS 2014 = 12 – 1 + 1 = 12

 Stash Used 2014 = 56 + 1 = 57

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 =

Sewing FO’s 2014 = 

Books 2014 = 20 + 1 = 21

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