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.

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.

 

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.

Wed: Been and Gone :0(

Hey, the boy came home early from a 12 day business trip today! We spoiled him silly, Roast Beef dinner with all the trimmings, took him out to a movie, made him mow the lawn, and help plant the veggie garden. 

And pull the old dry stocks from the Wild Flower/ Butterfly Garden along the back fence. 

In a few weeks will be gorgeous!

Then this morning he is off on 10 day holiday with my parents to visit family in the States.  I really miss him when he is way.  He may be all grown up but I still text him to remind him to brush his teeth… makes him laugh. Hey I’m a Mom!

June 8, 2014 is International Yarn Bombing Day 

The options are endless!

June 14-22, 2014 –  World Wide Knit in Public Day

Looks like my group will be knitting in public on the 18th 

And my Ravelry Carry Along Kal Forum has been busy voting for the next 3 great summer projects. Fun, and creative group II would highly recommend.

My 30th Anniversary and my 3rd 18th Birthday is also this month ;0)

One exciting month!

Toddler Tootsies! 

Well only one more pair to go.

Beryl Blanket

85 Hexes

FYI: An interesting artical on Picking up Stitches by Yarnharlot

WIP List = 12

1. Tweed Baby Blanket  Started Mar 7/14
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. Butterfly’s shawl in blue – started Jan 30/14 Test knit
9. My Fair Cardi Started Apr 8/14
10. A Sun Hat #3  started Apr 11/14
11. Simplicity Lace Scarf 
12. Toddler Tootsies! 

FO’s 2014 =23 + 1 = 24

WIPS 2014 = 12 – 1 = 11

 Stash Used 2014 = 45 + 1 = 46

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 =

Sewing FO’s 2014 = 

Books 2014 = 12 + 1 = 13

Thanks again cya Friday :0)

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

come join me in the blogpond :0

Stashbusting, Projects using Leftovers!

Would you trust these guyz?

DH’s Birthday on Monday, so for “The Lord of the Rings” biggest fan.

Bombur’s Traveling socks

His favourite gift is always socks!

Went to a Family Baby shower on Sunday. 

Toddler Tootsies – my design

Little socks decorated the parcel

Pine Forest Baby Blanket

The expectant mother was more impressed with the socks… lol

As some of you know I have a few on going projects to suck up leftovers from my numerous projects.

Left over Cowl – Fingering 

Beryl Blanket – Fingering 

67 Hexes

Box of Boxes Blanket – Fingering

Not sure what to do with Dk bits and pcs.

Maybe Stone Soup Throw – in Dk

I plan to do Hexaghan Blanket – for my Worsted odds and ends. 

WIP List = 10

1. Tweed Baby Blanket  Started Mar 7/14
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. Butterfly’s shawl in blue – started Jan 30/14 Test knit
9. My Fair Cardi Started Apr 8/14
10. A Sun Hat #3  started Apr 11/14

FO’s 2014 = 19 + 2 = 21

WIPS 2014 = 10

 Stash Used 2014 = 40

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 =

Sewing FO’s 2014 = 

Books 2014 = 12

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

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: Wedding gift Done!

Took a hard fall yesterday, so today is not so good. I will probibly be much better after a couple of days. However the wedding shawl is done and a week ahead of time. I would happy dance if I could move :0)

From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf  

16″ x 68″

A closer view

It’s so soft, the silk and alpaca is awesome!

Even closer

(2) Quick Knit Baby Shrug (s) For the Craft Sale next Month

Finished 2 this week

Tea Sprout Drip Catchers  These are for the craft sale

My mother is a china artist. I love this pot…No it doesn’t actually drip :0)

Found on ravelry: for those with ebooks,

eReader Pillow Prop by Elizabeth Arundel

Another useful tutorial:  Italian cast on by oftroy

Blog visiting: Soper Creek yarns by Tina My LYS is expanding, Yay!

This weeks musical interlude: 

The Night Pat Murphy Died by Great Big Sea Another Cdn band

Current WIP List (13)

1. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 25% done  
2. Tea Sprout Drip Catchers 
3. Quick Knit Baby Shrug 
4. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf 
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 = 42 + 5 = 47

WIPS 2013 =  16 – 3 = 13

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

Stash Used 2013 = 34 + 5 = 39

Books 2013 =  16 + 1 = 17

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: Cast on mania, 28 on and 28 off!

 Well Cast on Mania is over, Hurray! What a wild ride.

27 of 28 projects

Family friend, visiting to watch the Hockey game on Saturday adopted it :0)

wk1, wk2  and wk3, finished everything to date.

Cast on Mania Ravelry Forum

(here’s the to do list for February)

Week 4 – The final push to the finish

2/21/13 A Box of Boxes Blanket My stashbusting design!

Box 16, I lightly steam pressed this project, the sock yarn responded brilliantly!

 2/22/13 Toddler Tootsies #1 My stashbusting design, 

 2/23/13 Toddler Tootsies #2 

pair #6

 2/24/13 A Box of Boxes Blanket Another stashbusting design!

box 17

 2/25/13 Beryl Blanket by Juliet Bernard

hex 59

 2/26/13 Toddler Tootsies #1 and 2/27/13 Toddler Tootsies #2 

This is the 7th pair for a fund-raiser at Church

2/28/13 Beryl Blanket by Juliet Bernard

This is the 60th hex, I have a long way to go yet. It is big enough to cover my lap so far!

2/18/13 Easy Peazy Shawl For my Kal group This is a largest project, I  did this month.

took 1 1/8th ball

Well I can say I would think twice before I would attempt this again. I was exciting and interesting to watch all the projects develop on the Forum. It definitely was a challenge and I am delighted and enervated that I managed it!

The Jar for february with all the little snipits

Current WIP List (10)

1. Top Down Swing Pullover – One sleeve done
2. Easy Peazy Shawl 2.0 For my Kal group
3. Toddler Tootsies #1 Pair 6
4. Toddler Tootsies #2 Pair 7
5. My Spring Socks – My design
6. Beryl Blanket – Long term project (2 hexs for Cast on Mania)
7. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project (2 Box for Cast on Mania)
8. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost
9. Kelp Forest Shawlette – very close to done
10. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry
11. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest
12. Cozy Winter Shawl
13. Pine Forest Baby Blanket

FO’s 2013 = 19 +  3  = 22

WIPS 2013 = 13 – 3  = 10

Used of purchased patterns from Rav = 34 – 7 = 27

Stash Used 2013 =  11 + 8 = 19

Books 2013 = 9

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next week

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

come join me in the blogpond :0)