Sadly, all good things come to an end…

Well it has been absolutely beautiful, sunny day, with warm, light breezes, simply gorgeous! A great day for a new start!

But, sadly all good things come to an end.

As wordpress.com has a limit on uploads and that’s it!

I have really enjoyed my experience here with this host, however it’s time to move on.

Kittens with Mittens is signing off for the last time. 

Thanks for sharing your time and comments with me.

Here are some of the great things shared on this blog…

Since my first post on Jan 22, 2011
Project 1 -2011: One skein shawl

To this last post July 4th, 2015. There have been 617 posts, and 26,173 visitors.

I guess we covered a little of everything, the good times and one or two sad ones. Places to go and things to do. Funny things, useful things, and shared things.

Some stash diving!
Believe it or not this collection of awesome sock yarn has out grown the boxes, since this was taken. But as usual, I have a plan!

Something special things like my
Afternoon Tea shawl

And some very quick and useful projects.
The Yarn ball Cosy!

Some longterm stashbusting projects
This is my Beryl Blanket made out of odds and sods of leftover fingering yarn.

The antics of my furries
Cat inspection of the Scrap Jar (Jan 2013) just one of many jars of clippings that grace our local birds nests each year.

Some projects that made me smile.

A little Handspinning here and there. Singles Spun on my Lendrum, turned into 2 ply laceweight

I have shared my reading habit, which covers a surprisingly substantial amount of ground.
27 Books Bedside table and yes at the time I was reading them all! There is a new pile now!

A few sewing lessons; I also enjoyed giving a Bra Making class. Hopefully I took the mystery out of Bra construction, and gave you some simple tools to make your own.

Though I mostly covered knitting, this was and is something that I use almost everyday.
Assorted buttons that are really to small to be used from my button Jar :0)

Wishing you all the best. I have deeply enjoyed my time here.

I am looking for another host for my blog.

If I find one I will add the address here so you can find me.

Take care, signing off…Bye for now

Tools: Nostepenne for Knitters and Handspinners

Good Morning all.

I apologize for the radio silence recently.

My son had is 2nd post graduate, Commencement,

In September he goes off for yet another round of University, this time for a Bachelor of Education, and he has begun a new job as a line cook at a local restaurant. They are training him. He figures this is an excellent skill to have, as cooks are always in demand and he can work it around school.

I also celebrated my Birthday, there was much talk and excitement in Hobbiton. Another trip around the sun!

There have been some developments at church also. Our Rector is retiring so there has been a lot of things to do. I have been working on a couple of programs that need to be in place before he goes. He will be greatly missed. However we look forward to welcoming a new incumbent in September.

Well, I’m back!

Tool: Handy tool to add to your project bag.

Nostepenne, I have several of these. Easy to make, or get on Etsy.com. Basically a ball winder with no moving parts. Really useful for Knitters and Spinners. Makes a centre pull ball! 

Here is a video on it’s use by Ann Kingstone .

What have I been working on?

Namaste Yoga socks #2

These are for Toronto Sick kids Hospital, Rehab Yoga program.

Be Basically Warm 

something brainless to knit when in a group!

Itasca Poncho – Kal 

Planning on travelling this summer and as I use a wheelchair sometimes, a sweater is just not practical. Thought this would go with jeans.

WIP List = 9

1. Namaste Yoga socks #2
   
2. Be Basically Warm
3. Itasca Poncho – Kal 
4. Without Moonlight #2 
5. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
6. Sea of Dreams Blanket
7. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
8. Rose Harbour Shawl 
9. My Fair Cardi 
10. Namaste Yoga socks #1  
11. Pretty Basic scarf – May Kal 
12. EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket – frogged!

WIPS 2015 = 9

FO’s 2015 = 25 + 2 = 27

Other FO’s (not fibre) = 14

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 23 + 2 = 25

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 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.

I have a Plan!

Pretty Basic scarf – May Kal

Only a few more rows to go!

Raglan Baby Cardigan – Church fundraiser done!

Namaste Yoga socks #1- Finished!

My design, will publish soon.

This is a fundraiser for the Sick Kids Hospital Yoga rehab program.

Aquisition: Crown Jewels by The Yarn Therapist

Self stripping, designed for shawls! I have plans on knitting this on my vacation :0)

WIP List = 9

1. Namaste Yoga socks #2
2. Pretty Basic scarf – May Kal
3. Without Moonlight #2 
4. EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket – Fb/Kal almost done! 
5. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
6. Sea of Dreams Blanket
7. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
8. Rose Harbour Shawl 
9. My Fair Cardi 
10. Buttermere #2 – ran out of yarn!
11. Zuzu’s Petals  – frogged I have a better plan
12. Namaste Yoga socks #1 – done
13. Simplicity Lace Scarf – Kal/feb2015 done 
14. Raglan Baby Cardigan – Church fundraiser – done

WIPS 2015 = 14 – 5 = 9

FO’s 2015 = 23 + 2 = 25

Other FO’s (not fibre) = 14

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 21 + 2 = 23

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 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.

In a Spin

As most of you are aware, I not only knit, I also Hand spin.

The weather this morning was so nice, I pulled out my wheel and started to work!

Light grey Romney like wool. Thinking of Mittens for the fellas.

I’ve been making singles, 229gms worth! Now to ply, that should take no time. The end is in sight; Mittens here we come! What are you working on? Pictures please!

I don’t add yardage until the spinning is actually finished, washed and blocked. Singles are spun “Z”.

Namaste Yoga socks Just turning the heel on sock 2.

Working on my Pretty Basic scarf for May Kal

Only 3 more Eyelet rows then finished! May even get it done before next months Kal, lol

WIP List = 11

1. Namaste Yoga socks
2. Pretty Basic scarf – May Kal
3. Raglan Baby Cardigan – Church fundraiser
4. Untangled #4
5. Without Moonlight #2 
6. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
7. Sea of Dreams Blanket
8. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
9. Rose Harbour Shawl 
10. My Fair Cardi 
11. Simplicity Lace Scarf – Kal/feb2015 done 
12. Buttermere #2 – ran out of yarn! 
13. Zuzu’s Petals – frogged
14. EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket – frogged

WIPS 2015 = 14 – 3 = 11

FO’s 2015 = 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 = 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.

Event: Happy Victoria Day Canada!

I have to admit I have been percolating a bunch of ideas.

Let me see, what first?

Remember these Yoga Socks for Sick Kids Yoga rehab program. Well I don’t like them! They are like standing on marbles,

Yoga Socks for Sick Kids Hospital rehab program

so I am making up a more comfy pattern that can be easily sized up or down.

Namaste Yoga socks – for Sick Kids Hospital Yoga Rehab Program. (My design)

Namaste Yoga socks – and my new project bag.
It reminds me of my first reader, guess that is a bit telling ;0)

I’ve also been motoring away on my latest Kal. Must finish by the end of the month!

Pretty Basic scarf – May Kal 

At 201 stitches, starting the border.

Oh, and all you Canadians out there Happy Victoria Day!

Queen Victoria, the longest serving monarch in British history. Elizabeth will reign longer in a few months.

FYI: For you non-Canadian types;

Elizabeth is also the Queen of Canada, as was her Great, Great, Grandmother, Victoria.

Canada is part of the Commonwealth of Nations (one of 16 nations Elizabeth is Queen of)

We are a sovereign state, with a Constitutional Monarchy.

Therefore we celebrate with a long weekend, and a few fireworks! 

We are taking a stay-vacation. Almost as good as a vacation, but you can sleep in your own bed with your books, knitting and kitties. Kitties don’t like it much, lots of hiding going on.

WIP List = 14

1. Namaste Yoga socks
2. Pretty Basic scarf – May Kal
3. Raglan Baby Cardigan – Church fundraiser
4. Untangled #4
5. Without Moonlight #2 
6. Buttermere #2 – ran out of yarn!
7. EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket – Fb/Kal almost done!
8. Zuzu’s Petals
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 done

WIPS 2015 = 13 + 1 = 14

FO’s 2015 = 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 = 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.

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.

Event: DKC Knit Frolic in Toronto Ontario Cda

Whata busy day Saturday! My friend Bonnie and I set out for Toronto, (about 45mins east) it was a lovely bright sunny day. 

First up went to the DKC Toronto Knitters Frolic with Bonnie Bedford-Jones who did a stellar job of getting us there even though the DVP was closed and traffic was heavy. Bumped into bunches of knit night friends and enjoyed all the enthusiastic fibre fiends, and the lovely knitted items they were sporting. Knitters are the friendliest bunch of people.

Fibreholics congregated at this incredible annual event!

This line looks long, and it was however this event is so well organized that we were in in no time!

We arrived nice and early as I was booked for a family occasion in the afternoon. Yes the line up was long but full of happy and enthusiastic knitters, festooned in beautiful hand knitted items. 

First stop The Purple Purl!

Always busy!

Found this lovely ball of Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal fingering in red. (What not blue or purple?)

Lovely Merino/cashmere

The off to Dye-Version

I invested heavily here last year, so restrained myself this year. 😉

The off to see the girls at Raventwist

Look at the delicious colours!

And I bought Charcoal gray :0)

I just love Starry fingering, this is Spider woman. I have a plan!

And in my perambulations I kept finding knitters that I know.

Some of the giirls from my Knit night group having too much fun!

and

Other lost souls, high on fibre fumes, also from my Knit Night Group.

And this rather talented friend

Wearing her latest creation

and another friend showing me her precious

I spotted this beauty at the frolic. 

It’s called “Vine Bolero” by Emily Johnson. Made in dk. Sadly either I am too fluffy or this pattern is designed for woman who are less Rubenesque! I am contemplating how much alteration would be required to make one to fit…

I stopped at the Fleece Artists Yarn tasting and received a lusciously soft skeinette of BFL,

The Volunteers were busy winding skeins into balls, to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Very well organized too. You can go shopping and retrieve your ball, neatly wound for a small donation, very convenient!

These just followed me home! Raventwist- starry fingering “spider woman” Charcoal gray, Debbie bliss “Fine Donegal in Red. a BFL samplette from fleece artist. 2 small project bags. Lucet and tool, stitch markers disguised as a necklace, a needle case, notions case, a knitters abacus, a card weaving shuttle, and 3mm 40” magic loop circs.

The best part is enjoying the knitwear parade, I like how people are willing to tell you where the pattern for the item they are wearing came from and what it’s made of etc. Only knitters would get it.

One lady informed me that a knitters hand shake is petting something hand knitted someone else is wearing! Lol!

I guess a Spinners hand shake is picking chaff off of something hand knitted someone else is wearing!

Bonnie and I had a wonderful time. We headed home and as my fellas had to cross paths with us on the way to my next engagement, we decided to stop for a delicious lunch at a restaurant along the way. The guyz picked me up from there and we headed to Brantford Ontario, another (2 hours west) for Ashleys first Communion. 

Isn’t she pretty, and she was marvelous! Family and friends went out for dinner and a visit afterward.
We were quite a crowd, I love being part of this big happy family!

We had a great time with family and friends. It was almost midnight by the time we finally made it home.

Totally exhausted, but fell asleep with a smile on my puss!

WIP List = 13

1. Untangled #4
2. Without Moonlight #2
3. Yoga Socks – for Sick Kids rehab
4. Be a Little Different Scarf
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 = 16

Other FO’s (not fibre) = 13 

WIPS 2015 = 14

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 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.

Suffering from Startitis!

Oh noz! I have itchy palms, itching to start something new! Someone stop me I still have…
– Zuzu’s Petals
– His/Hers Socks
– Cabled Hood with Pockets
– Sea of Dreams Blanket
– Isla lace Pillowcase edge
– Rose Harbour Shawl
– My Fair Cardi
– Be Simple Scarf
to finish!

Initially I opted to be responsible and finish my

Be Simple Crayon scarf!

Love how the self striping yarn is working in this.

But the urge was still there!

In an effort to control myself, I decided to work on 2 Kals that I’m a member of.

On Facebook: Fans of Elizabeth Zimmermann Knitting Group This months Kal is EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket 

My modification: Centre double decrease.

On Ravelry, The Carry Along Forum Kal is Horseshoe Lace Cowl by Sashka Macievich (not started yet, but imminent!)

Thinking maybe…

This last week I finished 

This was my Carry along forum Kal for last month
Be Simple Lace scarf.

And my Soper Creek Yarn Challenge Contest project

Which I can’t show you till all the votes are in. I can only tell you that it’s Brown, gray and cream…and very nice ;0)

Bunch of really creative entries! Voting ends on the 14th.

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 = 4 + 2 = 6

WIPS 2015 = 8 + 1 = 9

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 6 + 4 = 10

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 3 + 1 = 4

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 scarf that never ends?

“This is the scarf that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friends. Someone started knitting it not knowing what it was, and now they keep on knitting it forever just because…”
Do you get where this is going?

Be Simple Variations Scarf

It feels like this is just going on and on. I am enjoying it and it isn’t entirely mindless. This project is a subtle pleasure which I have been breaking up with other things.

Zuzu’s Petals

This project needs a little more attention. Maybe next week.

His/Hers Socks 

Ready to start the inserted heels for these puppies!

This weeks Fo’s!

Bandana Cowl #2 Febkal

DONE Woohoo!

For DH :0)

WIP List = 8

1. Zuzu’s Petals
2. His/Hers Socks
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   Kal/feb2015
9. Bandana Cowl Kal/feb2015

FO’s 2015 = 3 + 1 = 4

WIPS 2015 = 9 + 1 = 8

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 5 + 1 = 6

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 3

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.

WIPs: Carry Along Projects for February

I have been a member of the Ravelry.com Carry Along Forum since 2012. Each month we make a list of projects and vote for the 3 that everyone likes best. You can knit whichever one, two or three you like. The only criteria; must be free on Ravelry, and hopefully small enough to take with you on your travels.

This month I have opted to do 2 of the 3 Kals.

Be Simple Variations Scarf

and

Bandana Cowl

Thinking this might make a nice Christmas present.

Both of these came from stashed yarn!

Since 2012 I have completed 30 KALs with this group of great people!

The scrap Jar for 2014 ended up being 58gms!

The Jar 2014 dec 58gms
2013 – 63gms
2012 – from Mar to Dec 40gms

January begins the new Scrap Jar for 2015

Slow start for January!

WIP List = 8

1. Zuzu’s Petals
2. His/Hers Socks
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   Kal/feb2015

FO’s 2015 = 3

WIPS 2015 = 8

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 5

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 3

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.