Take Each Day, One Stitch at a Time

Diamonds Are Faux-Ever . . . and other stuff

2012-01-19T17:43:00.000-08:00

Well, the dreaded holiday season is over, we are all running back to the gym and living on lettuce. What a perfect time of the year to start a new adventure - say perhaps knitting.

That said, I did slow down over the break, but am back at full speed.

The Sock Monkey's were a great hit

My Mom LOVED her Valour vest, and my Mother-In-Law loved her Saturday Morning Hoodie, and I finally wore my Birthday Sweater.

And now I have two new designs (one already live with KnitPicks), the Brava Colourwork Pillow and Diamonds Are Faux-Ever (which is the Pattern of the Month at Spun Fibre Arts.

I have a few other items coming up, but I will save them for another post.

Shhhh. . . . It's a Surprise

2011-11-15T06:46:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for Christmas is always so much fun. And this year I am having huge amounts of fun.

I have finally moved into the realm of toy maker, and my two little, adorable nephews are my test market for the 2011 season.

I have decided to begin my journey with the tried and true sock monkey pattern from Paton's Classic yarn. I have make some adjustments to their pattern as follows:

Casting on both feet using the Magic Loop Figure 8 cast on, so both legs can be worked at once (will also use this technique to knit the 2 arms and 1 tail simultaneously).

Also, I have substituted Cascade 220 Superwash for the yarn (as I want to make sure these little friends can enjoy bathtime as needed).

I have both legs completed and about 1 inch up the body. So far everything is coming along very smoothly, and I can hardly wait to start stuffing them.

I will continue to post photo's of my progress and here is to making my deadline!

The Simplicity of a Sock

2011-08-31T04:41:00.000-07:00

So as of this morning, everything I am working on became too big to walk around with.

The Tranquility Afghan is thankfully way to big to fit in my purse
The Helmsley Men's Vest #1 - has only the neck band to do, so a little awkward to work on while travelling
The Helmsley Men's Vest #2 - front done, back in progress, still no way it is purse worthy

And so I find myself looking for a simple project that will fit in my purse, and after many months of complex, large, time consuming projects I find my self enthralled at the thought of mindlessly knitting around in a circle, over and over and over again.

The Simplicity of a Sock - my new meditation for today.

Paton Kroy Sock in Mulberry - just cast on, loving the colours.

Tranquility

2011-08-22T02:31:00.000-07:00

Well, after 6 weeks the first part of the Tranquility Home Spa collection has been released.
http://youtu.be/fbMPjFeuj98

It is made with Knitpicks Comfy Worsted, which is an amazing yarn. It is a Cotton Blend, and has an absolutely luxurious feel to it. I am currently working on the co-ordinating afghan which should be completed by Mid September.

I am also working on the Helmsley Men's vest which will also be released by the end of September (just in time for vest season). The Helmsley is an updated slim fitting vest, perfect for todays urban fella.

What is a knitter to do when its 40 degrees outside?

2011-07-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

Why work on an amazing fall sweater, what else.

Sept. 20th, 2010 I began working on Berroco Nonpariel, a birthday gift to myself that did not get finished in time. You see, I got that call from the design house in December, and stopped all work on non essential items until I finished all the pieces for the retail collection. . .

Then came Florealis Feet for http://www.knitpicks.com/

Then came Florealis Fingers for http://www.knitpicks.com

Then came Aragonia for http://www.knitpicks.com/

Then came The Gambler for http://www.knitpicks.com/

Then came The Kobi - eReader Cover for http://www.knitpicks.com/

Then came Apple of My Eyelet Fingerless Gloves for http://www.ravelry.com/

And I am now in the middle of Tranquility ~ Your Home Spa Collection, 3 pillows and an afghan, hoping to have it released by September 1, 2011

But as with every Sunday, it is an open knitting day, I have an agreement with myself, that this is the one day I can knit anything I want, with total disregard for deadlines, contracts, delays to other projects. Really, what difference will one day make?

With that said, I decided last night to pull out the Birthday sweater and see where I left off (hoping that I also took fantastic notes so I would be able to pick it up 8 months later). Well, the notes were fantastic, turns out I only had the Right Front to complete.

All pieces have been blocking today, and I will be ready to sew it up next Sunday and begin the edging and collar.

There are a few changes from the original pattern as follows:

1. Waist band was changed to the woven cable, try as I might, I just could not get my fingers to work out the pattern as written, even watched a video on it.l

2. length adjusted both from armhole to waist and waist to ribbing, wanted the waist to fall on my actual waist, not be an empire waistline.

Watch out for my next post, which hopefully will show the completed sweater!

Tequila Sock or Why Dyelots DO Matter

2011-06-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

So I bought two skiens of the most amazing Paton Sock Yarn, colour name is Mexico. Now I know that I picked up two skiens, checked the dyelots (because I know how important that is, in fact it is the first thing I tell all my students). But it appears a shopping gremlin replaced one of the skiens while I was in line checking out.

Now, I must confess that I did realize the gremlin issue before casting on, but figured, hey, its two socks, colours look the same, really - what difference will it make.

Now, if you actually drink enough Tequila, they should start to look the same - really, don't believe me, try it!

Looking for something new to work on . . .

2011-05-20T15:52:00.001-07:00

I have a few new pattern releases this week available on Ravelry, as well Florealis Toes and Fingers will also be released shortly at

Knitpicks.com

please be sure to stop by and see them. And if you require any yarn this would be the place to get it, they truly have perfected providing luxury yarns at affordable prices. The Stroll Tonal was a pleasure to work with, I am sad that this project is completed (Florealis). The CotLin (Aragonia) is also an amazing product, wonderful drape and stitch definition.

I am working on a eReader cover right now with Dishie (Kobi), and the colours, sheen and stitch definition are fantastic, it is definately not just for the dishes.

Up next is the Gambler redone in the Chromo worsted by Knitpicks, and the gradient colours in this shade (Mesa) are unbelievable, this project will be another one that will make me sad when it is done. I will post photo's as soon as I get a good portion completed.

All for now - back to my sticks.

Coming Soon . . .

2011-04-24T15:45:00.001-07:00

Florealis, the next pattern soon to be released. Just finishing off sock number 2, but could not hold off showing it to the world.

Update on Saturday Morning Hoodie: Completed, will be picking up the most amazing button's on Tuesday and will post photo's then.

Sunday Knitting Saturday Hoodie

2011-04-11T03:40:00.000-07:00

I have decided that with how busy I am, Sunday knitting will be whatever I want to do, not what has to be done. That puts this knitter in a strange place, do I actually pick up a WIP (one of 9 on needles) and work towards finishing it, or start a new project. Well, after wandering aimlessly for a few hours, I of course went rummaging through my stash and then tried to find a pattern to fit. Just so happens I had 8 balls of Paton's Shetland Chunky and that is just what the Ladies Sizing of the Saturday Morning Hoodie calls for. Cast on the back at 4 pm, cast it off at 8 pm, started left front. This morning I completed my first pocket facing, and am half way up the left front. Great fast knit, but it will have to rest until next Sunday when I can pick it up again (well maybe I will steal a few hours away from my real work).

Amazing!!

2011-03-13T16:29:00.001-07:00

All I can say is the collection is amazing and I am proud to be a part of it, still have 2 pieces to be photographed but here it is. . .

http://www.larkandhazel.com/

Check out the whole collection! (photo and link courtesy of Lark and Hazel) I have already had people requesting the Cape, and another stated that the White Leather dress is going to be their wedding dress!

Knitting Like the Wind

2011-03-02T04:15:00.000-08:00

I am being held captive by a Toronto Design firm to create their Fall/Winter 2011/12 knitwear line - 4 amazing pieces - one huge project. Yarn received Friday of the Family Day weekend, so knitting began full force on Feb 22nd, pieces due for completion by 8 am March 8th for the Media Launch.

Knitting so many hours that each day is running into the next. Children being bribed with the occasional trip to DQ.

Blogging will continue once project is complete.

I will see you all again once I escape their clutches (yes, and post photo's once they release them)

Only true blessing in all of this is that I am working on amazing designs and a yummy 100% cashmere from Loro Piana in Italy!

And here they are

2011-01-17T16:20:00.001-08:00

I have two new pattern releases this week, one is Aurelie, which was the tease last week

The other release will be Brokk, a yummy 100% cashmere cowl/scarf

I am also finishing up an amazing ribbed, 100% alpaca vest with a low scooped front, a great transitional garment to get you from the dead of winter to early spring. Once size will form-fit from 34" to 40" , perhaps it can be named "The Sisterhood of the Travelling Vest".

Such a Tease. . .

2011-01-05T15:47:00.001-08:00

Here is your first peek at my new pattern release - should be out by the end of this week!!! I will keep you guessing on what it might be.

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T06:32:00.001-08:00

I have always believed that how you ring in the new year sets the tone for your journey through the months ahead. And even for those years when the Christmas season may have been spent at the hospital or visiting a funeral home, you know that those most important to you were always surrounding and supporting you.

So may you ring in the New Year with . . .

Faith;

Your family and friends close by;

Money in your pocket (even if everyone only has a penny);

Food on your plate;

And a full stash of yarn! (to keep you warm)

And What is on my Menu you ask:

Appetizers

Chorizo in red wine, carmelized onion and brie pizza, cheese platter, olives, sea scallops in white wine

1st Course

Tomato Soup with Basil Mousse

2nd Course

Salad of lentils, blue cheese and cranberries on field greens with a Sherry-Shallot Dressing

3rd Course

Roasted baby root vegetables, Parisienne Potatoes, Beef Tenderloin

Dessert

Raspberry Tiramisu

MAY YOU ENJOY ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT THE NEW YEAR WILL BRING YOU!!!!

Happy Holiday's

2010-12-29T16:17:00.000-08:00

I hope that you and your families are having a fantastic Holiday Season.

Please check back next week for a photo update on all those wonderful projects I am working on.

Nonpariel - back, sleeves x 2 and left front are complete

Swatches - so many swatches I don't even know where to start

New designs - beret and fingerless gloves for spring - pattern will be released shortly (okay - once the beret and gloves are complete - hopefully before April)

NaKnitMo - Day 28 Ends

2010-11-28T17:33:00.000-08:00

82,829

How did I get this far you ask

Fallen Leaves Socks - Completed

4 Pom Pom Scarves - Completed

The Ashley Beret - Below

2 sleeves - Nonpariel

Socks from Iron Knitter - only 18 more rounds to go

1 Military Style hat

Library Capelet

Chicago Bears Cowl and Fingerless Gloves

One ever growing Pinwheel blanket in worsted weight yarn, outside edge currently has 340 stitches - growing 10 stitches every other round.

And probably a few other projects that are long forgotten

2 days to go - can hardly wait to see how far I can take this!

NaKnitmo Day 24 Ends

2010-11-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

I have been too busy stitching to blog, but let me just say this

66,970 stitches completed

Photo's and details will be posted shortly

NaKnitMo - Day 20 Begins

2010-11-20T08:05:00.000-08:00

Day 19 ended with a total of 44,604 stitches completed, including the Library Capelet done in Lion Brand Homespun. The biggest issue that I had in finishing this was decided which one of the amazing antique buttons I would put on it. The buttons shown were purchased at a lovely antique store in Huntsville, Ontario. The Library Capelet added a total of 8,320 stitches to the count for the NaKnitMo and I can hardly wait to wear it. And the button winner was. . .

Another project off my TODO list is The Ashely Beret - once completed the hat will add a total of 11,800 stitches to the count. As of this moment I am 3,300 stitches into the project with 4 repeats of the lace pattern to complete.

Which means at this exact moment in time my total stitch count is 47,904, and I still have 10 days to go in the competition.

NaKnitMo - Day 14 ends

2010-11-14T15:58:00.000-08:00

So here we are, 14 days into NaKnit Mo and things just keep showing up in my house that were not on my TODO list.

Oh well - at least the stitches count. Pictured above are the layered wristlets in the Chicago Bears Colours. I did the mix and match just because its me! What you can't see clearly in the photo are also my Bears fingernails, navy with orange and white stripes.

So how am I doing at my challenge you ask - well here is the update. (noting that I am not finished knitting for today.

30,164 stitches completed

19,836 left to go, which means approximately 1,240 stitches per day will get me to goal.

Now I think I do need to get back on track with the TODO List - so here are the items left to complete

Jake's Sock - Done - shown to left

Falling Leaves Socks - 1 done

Nonpariel Sweater - 1 arm done

Leg Warmers - Done

Pattern Stitch Hat - Done

The Ashley Beret - For Audra

Cambria Sweater

Pink Lace Wrap

Chocolate twist Sweater - Done

Mosaica de mi corizan

Scrap Sock Yarn Blanket

Zauberball toe up sock

Master Knitter resubmissions

Pink Bustier

Flaminco Shawl - Done

As you can see I have not crossed a lot of stuff off that list - but I have also finished 3 pompadoodle scarves and 4 wristlets. I will try to stay on track for the next 16 days.

Happy Knitting!!!

NaKnitMo - Day 10 ends

2010-11-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

What a great week for finishing up projects, mind you, most of those projects were not on my already on needles to do list. But they came and went so fast they really don't count, do they?

You see - my goal for National Knitting Month and the NaKnitMo challenge was that I would finish up most of the 17 projects I have on needles already and my promise to Tammie and Linda was that I would not, under any circumstances, no matter how much the yarn was calling for me, cast on anything new. Well - I have finished off 4 from the list, but also have cast on and finished three other projects not on the original list.

2 pom pom scarves - finished last night 1,354 stitches

1 chicago bears neck cowl - GO BEARS - 3,600 stitches

Oops and how did those navy wristlets get on those needles, I don't remember starting them!Hee hee. I am actually doing a collection of the 3 different sizes so that I can layer them for different looks, they will be in the Bears colours of Navy and Orange. I am using the Vanna's Choice yarn and they are coming together very nicely. Total so far of 1,000 stitches.

So to recap the end of day 10

Goal 50,000

Stitches completed to date - 22,444

Stitches left to goal - 27,556

So with 20 days to go - I need to knit 1,253 stitches per day minimum to reach my goal.

Check back tomorrow to see how I am doing.

NaKnitMo - Day 8 Ends

2010-11-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

November 8 - 1,792 Stitches

Total Stitches Completed to date - 16,490

Stitches Left to Complete to reach goal - 33,510

Too tired to write anything else!!

NaKnitMo - Day 4 Ends

2010-11-04T16:53:00.001-07:00

At the end of day 4 I have surpassed my goal of 1,666 stitches per day!

To recap

Nov 1 - 3228 (sweater)

Nov 2 - 570 (ruffled shawl edge) 1028 (sweater)

Nov 3 - 2834 (sweater)

Nov 4 - 3690 (sweater)

For a brand new total of 11,450 Stitches

Leaving only 38,550 stitches to go!

NaKnitMo - Day 4

2010-11-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

Lost some knitting time due to meeting regarding the

FRONTENAC FESTIVE FAIR
NOVEMBER 13th 10 am - 2 pm
5140 Pinedale Avenue

Photo's with Santa
Craft Show and Sale
Bake Sale
Gently Used Book and Movie Sale
Kidz Kraft Zone
Silent Auction
Raffle Prizes
Bistro for lunch

Come on out and enjoy a fun family day!

Now on to the Knitting

42,240 stitches left to go

got in 2,834 stitches tonight, for a total to date of 7,760 stitches. Hopefully tomorrow night I can get a bit more completed, I would like to hit at least 3,000 by the end of Day 4.

NaKnitMo - Day 3

2010-11-03T03:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finished 18 rows on my Nonpareil sweater, photo by Berroco. Can hardly wait to see the finished product.

Also finished the trim on the flaminco shawl (will post photo's later, total of 570 stitiches.

Grand total now 4826/50,000

45,174 stitches to go - 28 days left

NaKnitMo - Day 2

2010-11-02T04:35:00.000-07:00

In order to reach my goal of 50,000 stitches I must maintain a stitch count of 1,666 stitches per day.

Yesterday I ended up at 3,228. So far for today I am at 1,053. For a grand total of 4,281 which means I have only 45,719 stitches to go.

Having never counted my stitches before I was quite surprised with the total amount done, and can hardly wait to count it out on a weekend day when I can put in some real time.

I will post photo's of what has been completed later today.

Happy Knitting!!!

NaKnitMo - Day 1

2010-11-01T03:32:00.000-07:00

Well it has begun, as of Midnight the NaKnitMo challenge is underway. In the last hour I have knit 870 stitches. I will post my daily totals here as well as photo's of the projects.

I have set my goal at a lofty 50,000 stitches for the month of November (which means I have 49,130 to go) , and here is how I will do it.

Non-Pariel Sweater
1 sleeve = 10,425 stitches
Other Sleeve = 10,425 stitches
Back waist band = 2,160 stitches
left front waistband = 990 stitches
right front waistband = 990 stitches
lower back = 7,588 stitches

Jakes Sock = 6272 stitches
Harvest Sock - 7128 Stitches
The Ashley Beret for Audra = 9844 stitches

For an estimated total of 55,862 stitches

National Knitting Month

2010-10-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

Well - it is almost here - National Knitting Month and to celebrate I have been lured into the game of NaKnitMo. What is NaKnitMo you ask? It is a challenge like none I have ever faced before. Each registered knitter keeps count of every stitch knit from Midnight on October 31st to Midnight on November 30th - the stats will be posted daily. Base goal that all knitters must surpass is 30,000 stitches for the month to qualify for a chance at any of the prizing.

All competitors are tuning up their math skills, calculators beside each chair, awaiting the midnight hour!

I decided that in a math warm up I would do a 6 day stitch count beginning October 26.

STITCH TOTAL: 12,731

October 29

October 28
pattern stitch hat - class sample - 3,195
pom pom scarf - 1,200
Jake's white sock - 1,008

October 27
Leg warmer - Class sample - 3,200
11 rows of cowl @ 100 stitches per row 1100

October 26 -

9 rows of the brown sweater @ 92 stitches per row = 828

22 rows of the class sample cowl @ 100 stitches per row - 2200 stitches

So check back often as I will be posting my progress here regularly as well as the stats for the other competitors.

The Sweater Curse

2010-10-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

Seriously - look it up on Wikipedia.

I did not suffer the full sweater curse, but I did learn that a sweater should never be a surprise gift (unless it is a second sweater and you have all the full measurements).

Made DH a sweater for his B-day, knit it in secret - not showing it until the final day.

Now before I go on - I must state that I was not knitting all willy-nilly, I did measure another top that he wears quite often. But still, it was not a proper fit. Not badly constructed - just not the right fit.

So I have spent today dismantling said sweater and adding the additional 5 inches of length.

And what I have learned - before this ever comes off needles I will be sizing to make sure we are correct.

The Lucky Fry

2010-10-01T16:04:00.001-07:00

So we are out for an awards dinner at a undisclosed resort of some fame (think letter-number).

The appetizer was a blue cheese tartlet resting on a bed of mixed greens with candied pecan's and raspberry dressing. So my question in, how many plates out of the 600+ plated came with the Lucky French Fry, and exactly how, when the whole meal - all 600+ of them did not contain fries, did it arrive on the plate?

Where did the summer go?

2010-09-06T14:57:00.001-07:00

Can't believe I left my blog alone for so long. It has been an exhausting, busy summer, but it has all been worth it.

I completed the Craft Yarn Council of America's Certified Knitting Instructor Program. I am now available to teach in your home or mine, if you have every wanted to learn how to knit, or advance your knitting technique, now is the time. Why not host a knitting night with you and few freinds and learn a new craft together.

And the most exciting news, I have been hired as one of the knitting instructor for the DISCOVER Knit and Crochet classes which will start this fall at Michael's across North America. I will be based out of the Burlington store! I will post shortly when store demo's and classes will begin!

Completed 3 new designs, one -Shaeleigh, my 3rd pattern release is available for purchase through Ravelry. I will keep you updated on the upcoming design releases.

Shaeleigh is a 3 piece set, featuring a cozy cowl and fingerless ribbed cuff gloves, cuff rolls up to fully cover fingers on those cold days.

I must be out of my socks!

2010-07-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

So, Master Knitter Level 1 is at the Review committee, Craft Yarn Council Instructors Program Level 1 is out for Review, I am working on the Second Level.

So the question is this - should I continue to work deligently on all that is due, or should I stagger of the path and actually start a new project.

(insert Jeopardy music here)

And the answer is - why start a new project of course.

Sock Yarn Blanket by Shelly Kang

Photo by Shelly Kang

Pattern Available at http://shellykang.com

This is just an amazing project - that will use up all the sock yarn odds and ends I have in my stash, and can be worked on in small cramped areas like the car!!!! Can hardly wait to get started - what a great take along project it will be (well at least the first row of individual squares that is.)

Update on Tree of Life - it should be completed by August 15th (that is the date I have aimed for). I will keep you posted.

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's Off to Swatch We Go. . .

2010-07-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

We swatch all day and swatch all night, hi-ho, hi-ho. . .

only 3 swatches to go to complete the requirements for the Certified Knitting Instructors program with the Craft Yarn Council of America.

And the swatches and projects for The Knitting Guild's Master Knitter program left earlier this week. Have 6-8 weeks to wait to receive the Review Committee's report. Keeping my needles crossed that I have only corrective comments and nothing to re-do.

I can hardly wait to get back to a big project like the Tree of Life afghan!!

Question: What should you knit when its 40 degrees with humidity

2010-07-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

Answer: The biggest wool blend baby afghan in the world. Nothing keeps you as cool as having a pool of wool insulating your lap when you are having a heat wave, and when it gets big enough - it will also drape down your legs to keep them insulated from the heat as well.

Only 1 month to go until baby arrives! and I am almost 1/2 of the way complete! Stay tuned for more updates. It should move faster now that I am actually in air conditioning as I was only able to work on this daily from about 7 am until 9 am at the latest - after that it was actually too hot to knit anything. But at least the view was fantastic!

WIP it real good!

2010-06-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

It has been a wild race of WIP action this weekend. Projects have been queing up in the hopes of crossing the finish line this weekend. We even had a few contestants come to the forefront that we thought were long forgotten and never had a chance of getting back into the race.

And they are off - it is neck and neck to the finish line, I can't believe after all these months of work it has come down to this split second photo finish!

Number 1 position: Grey Striped socks - can't show you the actually knitted pattern - that is a secret.

And coming in second - Master Knitter Level 1 project - hat knitted in the round with jogless rounds.

And limping in, in the number 3 position - the body of the Dessert Sky Shawl (lace trim will be added once appropriate coloured lace weight yarn is located!) The Dessert Sky Shawl was created using the most amazing Boucle Lace Weight Merino, hand painted in New Mexico by Fibre Artist Robin Pascal

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/rpascal21

Now you never know - the race is still on and we could have more entries racing over the finish line this weekend!

Lets take another look at those WIPS . .

2010-06-07T15:37:00.001-07:00

1. Grey Stripe Sock
2. DONE - Scarf
3. Green Fingerless Gloves
4. Tree of Life Afghan
5. Secret Sock Design #1
6. Secret Sock Design #2
7. Secret Sock Design #3
8. Secret Wrap Design #1
9. Capri Cardigan
10. Hat for Master Knitter's Program
11. And still on needles - sock from Iron Knitter Round 4 - got knocked out with 1/3 of a sock to go and put it to the side.
12. NEW - Desert Sunset Shawl

________________________________________________

Come and visit me at

http://www.canknit.com/

_______________________________________________

YARN REVIEW

I am working with the new Zitron Unisono Yarn, a yummy Merino wool, fine, with aloe and jojoba. It is a true joy to knit with, my hands will be sad when my project is completed. Amazing stitch definition and the colour ways are inspirational!

Available now at http://www.spunfibrearts.com/

When you can't knit - Garden

2010-05-22T13:09:00.001-07:00

And when the Gardening is done - take your knitting outside

From Riches to Rags, and back to Riches

2010-05-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

UPDATE - had to post this most amazing photo. One of the ladies at work, in celebration of my publication made me SOCK shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies!!! How much fun is that!!! It was a fantastic surpise, and a very yummy treat!

I must confess that the Tree of Life Afghan has not grown even a single row, but have no fear, next week I will impress you with its growth.

What did happen this week (RICHES) - is that UPS pulled up last night and delivered back home my lovely socks and Think Ouside the Sox book. How exciting! Still looking forward to walking into a book store with my entourage and seeing it on the shelf!!!

I gave these socks a stern talking to when they jumped on that plane in November of 2008, I bid them a fond farewell, but did warn them not to come home without bringing the goods! Hopefully I can be that convincing with my kids when the time comes.

On the non-knitting front (RAGS) - did my first Rag Quilting and I think I am hooked, made two pillow covers for the basement, and the turned out fantastic. (also a bonus was Fabricland's sale)

And back to (RICHES) - wanting to
be able to show off my love of knitting during the summer months, I am designing jewelry made from Linen and Silk, with Swarovski components that can be worn year round. The first piece - Floral Garden will be available as a free Ravelry download very soon, and completed pieces for sale will be posted at http://kdmcreative.etsy.com/ . Here is your sneak peek. The piece can be completed in one day, or over a weekend. Throw it on with a scoop neck T and you are ready for cocktails at the patio bar!

Photo by Jacob R. Marlatt

Purple Haze

2010-05-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

So, as I was getting everything ready for this week's posting I could not help but notice a slight colour theme. Perhaps it is the flowers growing in the garden, or perhaps the school colours, not sure, but definately Purple, Lavendar, Mauve, seems to be the recurring theme. In the fashion world purple has been called the new black, so I guess I am spot-on with the current trends.

Purple Number 1
You can visit this shawlette at http://kdmcreative.etsy.com/

Purple Number 2

A new line of knitted jewelry I am working on - can't give it away though, but here is a little peek!

Purple Number 3

This beautiful pair of ladies 7-9 handknit socks will also be available shortly on Etsy, just finishing up the last toe. Just in time for MOTHER'S DAY!

And now the photo you have all been waiting for; The Tree of Life Afghan. The forest has grown slightly since the last photo's although not as far as I had hoped.

It is my goal to have the first stand of trees completed by next posting (who's takin' bets on that one?)

Now out to enjoy the warm, sunny day and let my backyard inspire my jewelry creation!

Crack open the Bubbly!!!

2010-04-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

Stitches South - Altanta

the book is officially launched today at 3 pm.

Crack open the Bubbly

and pour me a glass!!!

The journey started at Spun Fibre Arts in Burlington Ontario in June 2008 with choosing the appropriate yarn (thanks Danielle for your help). Months of design work, planning, frogging, ripping, planning and more frogging. And finally in November 2008 "Apple of my Eyelet" headed of to the "Think Outside the Sox" contest headquarters.

Although not one of the finalists, it did merit being included in their book of the same title, which is a great honor.

The book will not be available north of the border until May 1 (according to Chapter's website). But you know I will be there to see it on the shelves that day!!!

Must go - don't want the Champagne getting warm!

Oh what in yonder garden grows?

2010-04-19T15:31:00.001-07:00

Trees, Lots and Lots of Trees

It has been a very busy week here. The photo's show our newly planted 6 in 1 apple tree posing with the Tree of Life Afghan (each coloured tag is a different variety).

Behind the Tree of Life Afghan, posing on the bench, is our new Cherry tree (already in bloom). I am assuming that I will be lucky to make one Cherry Tart out of this years harvest, but it will go well with the Apple Tart.

Perhaps next year we will be able to move up to the whole pie thing (hey - isn't making pies the same way Martha Stewart started her empire, ummm, that tree may have been the best $49 investment I have every made)

And the a close up of the Tree of Life Afghan, not a bad start for week #1. I am hoping to get to the end of the first stand of trees by the end of the week! I will keep you posted.

Think Outside the Sox Book Launch, and here come the Tree of Life

2010-04-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

April 22nd, Stitches South

Book is due to be released

Check out page 38/39 "Apple of My Eyelet"

The little green lace socks left their Burlington home in November of 2008, and finally after a long journey they will be on display at the Stitches South, along with the book launch!

These lucky socks have been in the hands of Sandi Rosner, Cat Bordhi and Lucy Neatby!!

(I am hoping the socks bring some of their Knitting Karma home with them)

Once they are done visiting at Stitches South, the socks will come home to rest for a short time at Spun Fibre Arts before being retired to a lovely shadow box in my studio.

Watch for more details as they come in.

_____________________________________________

The seeds for the Tree of Life Afghan have been purchased, here they are prior to planting, it will be amazing to watch what will grow out of this seemingly huge pile of string (1,800 metres to be exact). I was actually going to calculate the number of stitches, but wow, that might make me run away screaming.

Baby is due in August, so wish me luck. I will post a photo once a week on my progress, hopefully I am not posting the same picture any of those weeks.

Also have a few other deadlines/items I am working on. Can't show you or tell you, but how about a little bit of tease.

Have a little something headed to Knitty.com for their winter edition. Berroco Peruvia Quick in a lovely teal/blue. That is all you will get out of me.

And for those that could not guess - this is a lovely pair of socks, you never know where they may show up.

And this is for the http://www.tkga.com/ contest, sponsored by http://www.yarnmarket.com/, due May 3rd, and all I can say about this lovely skein of Berroco Ultra Fine Alpaca, is lace, lace, lace and more lace, maybe for your feet, your head or your feet. I will let you take a guess on that one.

All for today, as you can see I have my needles a bit busy, but it will be all worth it. Remember to check back for the Tree of Life photo's

Cotton, Milk and Corn, oh my

2010-03-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

Spring officially arrives on Saturday, April 3rd when my local LYS http://www.spunfibrearts.com/ has their annual Spring Sale. So I will be stocking up on my cotton, milk, silk, bamboo and corn to create some amazing pieces to spruce up my wardrobe. Even just a few top down tee's in some bright colours will add what is needed to my spring wardrobe, and they can still be worn under a jacket if they mornings are still a bit brisk.

I will also be making a big purchase for the "Tree of Life" afghan for my (can't tell you niece or nephew) who will arrive in August, all I will say is I am thinking oatmeal, not pink. I will keep you updated on my progress here. I would not have chosen to attempt this piece, had it not been for the socks in Iron Knitter Round 4 (pattern: Maeve, available as a Ravelry download) which taught me to appreciate, but not love yet, wandering cable stitches and how to do cables without a cable needle.

and speaking of Iron Knitter - one of my team mates Ember (rav id) took the crown, unfortunately I was knocked out in round 4 with a chest infection (also the reason I have been quiet on the blog front. ). So a big congratulations to Ember!!! We started with 98 knitters back in January, and 6 rounds total.

All for now - am working on my entry for the Knitting Guild Association contest - details can be found at www.yarnmarket.com (contest sponsor), deadline is May 5th.

21 1/2 inches to go - 11 days

2010-03-10T04:02:00.000-08:00

Well it appears my previous math was right in line - I have just under 22 inches to go and 11 days to do this.

There are already 6 people with photo's of completed socks posted, hopefully mine will be there shortly as well.

Bustapurl from Texas (her rav name) has taught me a valuable lesson - and that is the secret of colour coding your charts, moving a lot faster now.

I will post photo's tomorrow.

Iron Knitter Round 4

2010-03-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

Well the pattern has been released, and now I have a choice.

Get completely freaked out at having to do my first "toe-up" sock with an incredibly hard for me to follow chart of symbols my brain can't comprehend or remember for more than a milli-second.

Or consider this a very zen learning experience, move slowly, and complete each stitch using all my powers of concentration and relaxation.

I has taken me the day to complete the toe and 21 rounds of the pattern (compared to my usual 1/2 of a sock done)

I have decided to attempt to follow a Zenlike path, I have until March 20th to get through this.

Here is my math - each sock will be approximately 14" from toe to cuff, that gives be 28 inches of knitting and 14 days. If I can keep on track with 2 inches of knitting a day I will be in a very calm place.

So from now until the 20th of March - you will see in the subject line of each post how many inches I have left to go vs. how many days (this is regardless of what the subject of my post may be).

And for those of you in a sporting mood, please feel free to make side bets on how long before I loose my mind and start teaching the children new and colourful language!

Must go - have to make my two inches for the day!!! (just about there and only took me 5 hours of knitting today.)

The Art of Design

2010-03-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

You just have to love it when a plan comes together. When the idea becomes a rough sketch. When a rough sketch becomes a trip to the LYS and you find the perfect combination of yarns.
When your swatch actually looks and measures up the way you thought it would.
And then you cast on, tentative a first, but then moving ahead with the excitement of seeing your idea come to life in front of you.

Notepad beside you, correcting, adding, rewriting the pattern you have created to match what is coming off your needles. Sometimes frogging your piece, or ripping out and starting all over again.

And finally, you can adore your creation as it sits on the blocking foam. Looking even better than you ever imagined.

It is truly an amazing story, I only wish I could post the photo's to go along with my notes, but alas we will all have to wait.

For now the piece begins its real journey, through the hands of the editorial staff at an industry magazine, photo's pinned up to the board, hopefully still up there as they remove those that do not make the final cut. Checking email daily for word that it has been accepted, the anticipation, hopefully followed by the excitement of a positive response. But for now we wait! and wait! and wait!

Waiting for Iron Knitter Round 4

2010-03-02T02:36:00.000-08:00

I have made it through the first 3 rounds of Iron Knitter. Now I am awaiting the release of the pattern for round 4. Iron Knitter is a 6 round knitting competition, with challenges at each level, winner of round 6 takes all.

We started in January with 98, round 2 was reduced to 64, round 3 saw 40 competitors, and we will find out March 6th how many have moved on to round 4.

Helen Waittes, our Supreme Commander, has made each round even more challenging by making us solve clues before she releases the pattern to us.

We have been challenged with Lacework, colourwork, and are biting our nails wondering what is coming next! Our only clue is Meg Ryan movies?!

Stay tuned!

You Spin Me Right Round Baby Right Round

2010-02-27T18:31:00.001-08:00

So I spent last night and most of today making friends with the drop spindle I picked up at the Creative Festival last October. And it works, it really works. Had to watch every video on youtube to get the idea, but yes, if you follow the directions and prep your rovings properly, you will actually get usable yarn.

And the best thing of all is that the kids think I am a magician because I made "sheep fuzz" into string! Can't say it takes a lot to impress my children!!

Weight is about right for socks, although I did not get as much out of the rovings as I thought I would. But at least enough to put some decorative colourwork onto a sock. (I will be rolling up my pants when I wear those baby's, worked so hard to get this yarn, want to show it off)

I used the Fibre Artist pre-dyed rovings in a bright pink and a varigated grey/red/orange combo left over from a pair of thrummed slippers. I was not brave enough to attempt to dye my own yarn and spin it, I will save that for another day. It is drying now - but can hardly wait to roll it up and see how it works.

Between that and all the gold medals Canada won today, I must say it has been a truly fantastic day!

Not a snow day :(

2010-02-26T03:30:00.000-08:00

My needles are sad today, and so are the kids. I think we were all hoping that today would be a snow day. I left one of my UFO's out ready to go, but no, it is off to school and work we go!

Welcome to Day One

2010-02-25T18:34:00.001-08:00

Take each day, one stitch at a time.
Imagine if you actually counted how many stitches you create each day - 10, 20, 1,000. Look at all you have accomplished. Sure, the laundry may be piled up, there is dust creeping from under the couch, and yes the fridge needs to be cleaned out. But really, just count your stitches, and you will feel like you have conquered the world.

I am a knitter, and I mean a really seriously obsessed knitter. If I do not pick those needles up daily, I feel like I have not lived! It is my daily meditation and trust me, meditation is exactly what I need. It keeps me sane! Or at least keeps me from teetering over the edge of insanity.

Current UFO's - 13
Current UFO's that should not be in hibernated - 2

So this is day one of my blog, a start on a new journey, one I hope you will follow along with me on.

Enjoy each and every day, One Stitch at a Time