The Fix is in!

There are times when you agree to stuff and you end up thinking you should have your head examined!

A good friend at church had a little problem, that wasn’t so little. She was knitting this lovely little cardigan for her great grandchild and something went wrong.

Having sewn in one sleeve and the right side up. The other however was sewed up without the sleeve. This is were the trouble began.

I must say that this very experienced knitter is a very exceptional seam sewer! While trying to open the seam at the shoulder to insert the sleeve, things went pear shaped.

I have to admit I would most likely have thrown in the towel. While trying to remove these very well concealed stitches 3 or 4 edge stitches in the front panel got snipped. Luckily the back was fine, however a hole 9 stitches deep and 5 rows long developed… Yup! 

The final row wouldn’t come out smoothly when grafted. The stitches were too mangled. I figure a blind man would be happy to see it.Starting from the most secure stitches at the bottom of the hole, I matched the colour and patched the 10 st across, knitting the side stitches seamlessly on the right side. The 7 rows join up and lay smoothly below.
Fixing a patch against an open edge was a first for me and a little nerve racking.
Very pleased with the overall result :0)

Remember my post on mending? Well I went back and forth three sides of the hole, using the most stable stitches. The tricky part is working a patch against an open edge. Wasn’t holding a lot of hope that this would work out. 

Finished it up by fixing the shoulder seam and inserting the sleeve. Then with a long thread secured the underarm leaving 1/2 the yarn to sew the sleeve, and the other half to mattress stitch the side seam. Then returned to the under arm to continue to sew the sleeve together.

Visualize, visualize, visualize, work at it till it looks as you see it in your mind. Be optimistic and plaster a smile on your puss!

Finishing advice:

I am a great advocate of sewing knitted garments together with the outside facing you. Follow the rows on either side to make a straight and seamless line. When working a shaped edge, I lightly pin (Coiless pins preferably plastic) the front and back, then working as smoothly as possible, easy the pieces together using the closest stable stitch to fit them together. Really important to match increases or decrease where possible. This is so much easier on the front side of the work. A knitting teacher once told me “That sewing it together right side out and seam to seam, made for a better finish as you can see what is actually happening. You don’t wear sweaters inside out. If you sew it together inside out, the inside will look lovely, but the outside will look like you sewed it together inside out!”

Part of my family is Catholic, so for the each of the children’s first communions I have made them a Rosary. Only one more to go after this. Finally finished this one. Thank goodness the other side isn’t, I would have 18 more to do! The Protestant side is very prolific!

This is a Catholic Rosary for my cousins daughter. Catholic uses 5 decades of 10 beads.

I also do Protestant Rosaries. For those that are interested in this meditative prayer practice. I am considering making some for my Etsy shop.

This one is mine. Note that the Protestant version of the Rosary has fewer beads. 4 wks of 7 beads.

If anyone is interested in Rosaries, let me know in the comments and I will provide links for making and use of both kinds.

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 = 8 + 1 = 9

WIPS 2015 = 9

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 13

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.

WIP Wednesday- lush update

because wool fixes everything

I’ve been working surprisingly faithfully on three big WIPs this past week. Surprisingly for me anyways, as there is nothing more alluring to me than a great hat pattern. Oh-la-la I get weak in the knees. Nothing like a good hat to cure what ails you! But I have resisted, I have persevered, and I have some nice results for my efforts!

Beauty #1… The ever gorgeous Lush cardigan. She’s been on my needles since May of last year, and I have finally buckled down and put some mileage on her!
After months of black hole body stockinette…the bottom is bound off!

And hark! It’s one completed arm!

There is nothing I love more than a malabrigo rib. It’s simply glorious, yes?

I’ve got the second arm underway, and all day long to knit (other than feeding and entertaining children. But I’m damn good at playing babies and crash…

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The post in which we all *squee* in girlie delight

Wishing I had a little Ballerina, I gotta boy which is good too :0)

because wool fixes everything

My baby girl has made all my girl momma fantasies come true.
Adorable and sweet- check
Brilliant (obviously)- check
Loves pink- check
Loves tutus- check
Loves sparklies- check
Loves ballet – check check check!

As a redhead, pink is like the holy grail for me. I love it. It makes my heart pitter patter. I tried to wear it a few times as a kid…any fashion is cute under 6. After that, yikes. I have some unfortunate pictures of a nine yr old me, in a pink leisure suit, with pink glasses, and a really bad hair cut. *shudders*. Thankfully I embraced my ginger status and put aside the pink. Good decision!

So now I have this smart, gorgeous, blonde little bundle of pink loving ballerina, so what else could I do but outfit her in the best pinks the yarn world has to offer!

Exhibit A. Her ballet shrug!

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Inspiration Monday – yarn for the greater good

because wool fixes everything

We’ve had a bit of a week round these parts. My oldest turned 8 (woot!) in the middle of March break last week and so the whole family took off for a fun filled day in Toronto. Train ride, eating out, hockey hall of fame…we packed it in. Meanwhile, earlier in the week he had stepped on a needle, and unbeknownst to us, poor kid had a chunk about an inch long stuck in his foot. An ER trip finished off his birthday. He’s since been limping around while we fight the infection. Did I mention he has an extreme needle and blood phobia? Oh yes. Fun times indeed.

In the midst of this chaos, I got wind of the fundraiser Three Irish girls wool was having, and was tossing around the idea of buying a skein of the ‘you are my sunshine’ sock yarn. Not only did I need…

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WIP Wednesday- thrummed goodness

A newer Blogger and a friend!

because wool fixes everything

Another polar vortex is upon us. I’m not quite sure what makes it a polar vortex, but my weather app assured me it’s stupid cold out, so I’ll drink the kool-aid and be all affronted that it’s so cold 😉

I’ve been limping my way through this winter wearing a cheap pair of fleece mitts. Considering I have to be out at least twice a day in the howling winds of these numerous polar vortexes doing my mothering bus meeting duty, It baffles me why I didn’t fix this situation earlier. Not to mention the hours upon hours I’ve spent in hockey arenas this winter! My poor cold fingers.

I decided last night watching the weather forecast on the news that it was time to get going on my thrummed mitts. I’ve been sitting on the wool all winter, and since my long cord is now free (cancan! She is…

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WIP Weds: Welcome to the finish line!

It’s over, but what great moments!

Congratulations Team Canada!

10 – Golds, 10 – Silvers, 5 – Bronze

Ravellenic Games is also over

Team Canada

Pattern list: 8 in 17 days

 Woodland Sprite Bonnet 

Oh Canada Coffee Cup Sweater

I designed this for the Olympics – freebee people. Enjoy :0)

Drip Stopper 

A toque fit for a Canuck, eh!

 Another Pair of Mittens 

This little nesting doll was a gift from my husband many years ago :0)

 O Canada Mittens 

This is a double barreled entry. Ravellenic Games and Soper Creek Yarn Challenge :0)

This one is doubling as my LYS 2014 yarn challenge entry. The yarn we are to use is Red and White too :0) 

The Palms

 Worsted Wingspan

Buttermere Shawl 

The WIP’s List will be back on Friday :0)

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

FO’s 2014 =  13 + 1 = 14

WIPS 2014 = 11 – 1 = 10

 Stash Used 2014 = 33 + 1 = 34

Yds of Handspun 2014 =

Sewing FO’s 2014 = 

Books 2014 = 4 + 1 = 5

Thanks again cya at the Finishing line :0)

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

come join me in the blogpond :0)

For my Green Entries 

1. Alpine Abode Enhancement (Oh Canada Coffee Cup Sweater )
2. Flying Camel Spin (Alchemy 100% Merino Handspun)
3. Free Dance (Drip Stopper) 
4. Hat Halfpipe (A toque fit for a Canuck, eh!)
5. Mitten Moguls (Another Pair of Mittens)
6. Scarf super G (Worsted Wingspan)
7. WIPs Dancing (Buttermere Shawl)

For Purple Entries

1. Charity Curling (Another Pair of Mittens, Woodland Sprite Bonnet, coffee Cup sweater, Drip Stopper)
2. Junior Ravellenics (Another Pair of Mittens, Woodland Sprite Bonnet)
3. Beadathon (Buttermere Shawl)
4. Lace Luge (Buttermere Shawl, Woodland Sprite Bonnet )
5. Nordic Colorwork Combined (A toque fit for a Canuck, eh!, O Canada Mittens, coffee Cup sweater, Worsted Wingspan
6. Single-Skein Speed Skate (Another Pair of Mittens)
7. Stash Skeleton (Buttermere Shawl and A toque fit for a Canuck, eh!, Woodland Sprite Bonnet, Oh Canada Coffee Cup Sweater  ,Drip Stopper, Worsted Wingspan

WIP Weds: Happy Halloween all!

Happy Halloween everyone.

Just too funny not to share lol

Andy’s Capp Two, – Done!

Both sizes: smaller 9 1/2″ larger 11″

4 more to go!

Oct Kal for the Carry along forum on Rav: Iced 

This is going to be a hang over into next month. The collar is just eating the yarn, and going on and on!

Getting ready for the Church Bazaar on Saturday

Did some beading.

Cross weave Bracelets

and raided the button Jar for these

These are fiddly but fun

and a second one,

Roses, Pinks and a little burgundy

and one more

Violets and purples

If they don’t sell look for them on Etsy next week.

The last opportunity to vote. vote here!

I’ll let you know on Friday what it will be

Is anyone interested in a Sports Bra, Ladies Underwear, or Unisex Boxer Shorts Tutorial? I am thinking of making some and will record the process. Please list which you are interested in. So far there has been one vote for a Sports Bra. Anyone else want to weigh in? I will probably be doing an example of each. So I am going to try a poll to determine which to plan first.

Current WIP List (7 + 2)

• 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 = 96 + 1 = 97

WIPS 2013 = 7 (+ 2)

 Stash Used 2013 = 84 + 2 = 86

Sewing FO’s = 4 

Books 2013 = 34 + 1 = 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 

Psst! Only 8 more Saturdays till Christmas!

and on Ravelry.com  

FO Friday: I actually have some FO’s!

With this and that, I haven’t been as productive on the knitting front as usual. I have a real sense of achievement this week.

Not only have I broken the tech barrier, I managed to convert some of my favourite PDF books on my old Sony Ebook to Epub for my Kobo glo. this sounds small but it took me all day to figure it out. The computer geeks were no where to be found, so I did it myself.

The old Sony and the new Kobo glo. I use both, but they’re different formats. No it didn’t come in pink. DH & DS tried. They like their gifts to me to be pink. My camera is pink too.

Second achievement, Bunnstible the Christmas present for DH is done and my Christmas ball is finished before the end of this months Kal.  I have also developed a new line for my Etsy shop! All in all a very productive week. During all this we celebrated DS’s 23rd Birthday!

My guy at 1yr old, hasn’t changed much a bit taller, but still the same sunny disposition :0)

Well Mr Bunnstible is finished (he also has a little brother here)

This Months Carry along forum Kal on Rav: 

Balls up! one done!

Gave up looking for the cheap Christmas ball I bought for making these last year and bought some 2 1/2″ styro balls at the craft store.

New on my Etsy: Eye glass jewelry

Made with Czech glass Seed beads and crystals

True and very funny story:

Harley the Geobike

Ok so I was riding Harley home on Wednesday, after knit nite at Soper Creek Yarn. I have my headlights on and fuzzy gloves, fleece vest, stylish furry jacket in the leopard print and my helmet with earmuff thingy on. It gets a little chilly at speed. I’m toddling at what feels like a ripping pace, wind whistling in my ears. I look down to my right, and a brown rabbit with a white tail is gaining on me, I am serious! He pulls past me and heads across the street and into some ones yard, no hand signal or anything! What’s with that? lol

Current WIP List (8)

1. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 50% done  started Jan 11/12
2. SPROUT – Growing Roots sweater 60% done started May 17/12
3. Top Down Swing Pullover – 98% done started Jan 1/13
4. Sea of Dreams Blanket 75% done started Mar 9/13
5. Mile a minute afghan – crochet 50% done started Apr 24/13
6. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  52% done started June 18/13
7. Rose Harbour Shawl 75% done started Jun 28/13
8. Fanflower Fling  50% done started Jul 12/13  
9. Mr Bunnstible  started Sept 17/13 – finished Sept 26/13
10. Ruffle Scarf   Done started Dec 3/12 finished Jul 7/13
11. Cozy Winter Shawl   Done started Dec 1/12 – finished Jul 11/13
12. Eileen Dress  Done started Jun 21/13 – finished Jul 11/13 
13. Easy Peasy Shawl – Done started Jul 14/12 – finished Jul 17/13
14. All about love shawlette   Done Started Aug 3/13 – finished August 17/13
15. Calimetry Started Sept 6/13 finished Sept 6/13

 FO’s 2013 = 90 + 2 = 92

WIPS 2013 = 9 – 1 = 8

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

Stash Used 2013 = 77

Sewing FO’s = 4 

Books 2013 = 32

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 at my Etsy shop: Willows Pocket 

and on Ravelry.com

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!

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)