Lynn One, Purl Two

"Nice Knitwear!"

2012-01-30T10:46:00.000-05:00

On Friday night, my dear boyfriend and I decided to go on a date that consisted of dinner at a pub and some skating at the public rink. (Yup, you heard me. We're still together despite the fact that I knit him a sweater. That dumb curse is nothing but a hoax).

The rink is next door to the high school that my baby brother went to, and while he is in Halifax to further that education of his, we thought that we would do a cheesy self portrait with my phone and text it to him. While I was hoping for a response that said 'WOW!!! That totally makes me homesick! Come and get me!', instead what I got back was a message that read 'Nice knitwear!'

Well...you know what?

He's right.

Knitwear is nice.

And I just wanted you guys to know that we do actually wear our handknits.

I will not be held responsible for how he chooses to wear his hat

Pictured here...

On me.
Hat
Yarn- Two balls of Smart.
Needles- 4mm.
Pattern- From an amazing hat book by Sandenesgarn (pattern #11)

Cowl
Seriously? You don't know?

On him.
Hat
Yarn- Two balls of Zara.
Needles- 4mm.
Pattern- Pressed Rib Hat and Muffler by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas.

What you can't see.
My new poncho that fits perfectly under my coat (which makes me love it even more)
My socks buried in my skates.
His socks bured in his skates.

So let's keep on keeping those loved ones warm people.

Especially if they actually wear the stuff we make.

My Peer Pressure Poncho

2012-01-23T10:17:00.000-05:00

It's no secret that I'm an absolute sucker for knitting-peer-pressure. I see something I like that someone else has made, they merely suggest that I make one too, and I almost always secretly cast on in the quiet of my own home. (It happens more than you think... you just only ever see the projects that I actually finish).

This poncho, is one of those peer pressure kinda projects.

Churchmouse released their new line up of patterns a few months back and my head was just spinning. I was entirely unable to focus on just one (or even two, or THREE!) patterns that I was going to cast on. I wanted to go home with the binder full of patterns and cast on every single one in ONE NIGHT.

But that... would be really stupid (even I know better than that...).

However, after many conversations with friends, family and customers about how wonderful this poncho was, I just couldn't resist. I felt like I had to 'take one for the team'. I had to cast on, and cast off so that everyone else who was admiring it could decide for themselves if this was a project they wanted to tackle.

If you're on the fence, I hope that seeing it modelled by someone who isn't actually a model (if you thought I was a model, I'm flattered- you're obviously new to this blog...), and photographed by a photographer who isn't actually Jared Flood (sorry Heather) you will be able to make up your mind.

It's just so easy to be seduced by the styling of a pattern sometimes! (Hello, Rowan?)

Hopefully these photos will un-seduce you and help you decide with a clear head if this is something you actually want in your wardrobe.

As for my train of thought, it has gone something a little like this...

Did I ever think I wanted a poncho?

Heck no.

Am I ever glad that I have this one though?

Heck yes.

Even if I don't look exactly like the model on the pattern.

But I can always try.

Info you might want to know (I'm totally trying to peer pressure you here).

Pattern- Churchmouse Yarns and Teas Easy Folded Poncho (we have copies at the shop)
Yarn- 8 balls of Filatura Di Crosa Sportwool
Needle- 4mm 60cm Addi Lace (it's just what I had in my giant bag of knitting needles... and I absolutely enjoyed knitting with those lethal sharp tips!)

A brief lesson in tension- I'm a super tight knitter (or so I'm told), and I used almost eight balls of yarn to power through this. A dear customer however used only five. Granted, she didn't knit the cowl, but I assure you that there isn't three balls of yarn in that cozy little cowl neck.

I just... thought you'd be interested to know.

To all you tight knitters out there- always buy yourself an extra ball of yarn.

And to all of you who planted your amaryllis at Christmas time...

I hope it has finally popped open to say 'hello'.

On My Needles Today...

2012-01-16T23:16:00.000-05:00

Was this sweater.
Out of Berroco Ultra Alpaca in shade 6281.

And on the stove...

Was a pot of split pea soup.

You could say...

It was a very good day.

Down On Fraggel Rock

2012-01-10T08:09:00.000-05:00

Because of course his sweater needs a lime green stripe...

I was just thinking the same thing about my current project yesterday.

My Year In Knitting

2011-12-31T10:16:00.008-05:00

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year,

Filled with good health, finished projects, and yarn stashing.

Keeping Mother Mary Warm This Winter

2011-12-30T09:19:00.000-05:00

Not much Christmas knitting happened this year for me. I knit these, and I knit those, but that's old news to you. I had good intentions (I always do), but then that sweater took over my entire knitting life which left me with little time to crank out much else.

That is until... I came across this lovely little project.

We have had these kits at the shop for a while, and everyone who knits one raves about it, and usually casts on a second one no time after the first one is finished.

After knitting one myself, I can see why.

I'm still not sure if it's the hustle and bustle of the holidays that has left me a little brain dead, or that big ol' sweater, but in any case, this was the perfect project to get me back on my knitting track.

Quick, inspiring and just oh-so-super soft. (Seriously... it's living at the shop for a while and you're welcome to pop by and have a squeeze).

I like to knit for my mom at Christmas (knitting is sort of our 'thing', you know? It's what we do), and these days, I try to knit something other than socks (I save those for Mother's Day). This Christmas was looking like it was going to be a Chapters gift card until about December 10th when I finally kicked it into high gear, wound the yarn, and knit like the wind.

By Christmas Eve, it was in a box, wrapped up in some pretty paper and I even managed to slap a sweet little bow on there. The best part? I wasn't feeling stressed about it and my shoulders weren't in agony from too much midnight knitting. This project just seemed to sort of fall off the needles.

Good thing too because now that it's finally cold, that woman is going to need this. Her house is absolutely freezing, and I don't even feel the cold the way that she does. Better bundle up mother!

There is no such thing as 'too much' fringe

Info you may want to know.

Pattern- Mountain Colors Warm and Wooly Throw Trio (I did the Easy knitted Throw)
Yarn- It's a kit! But in that kit there are four yarns as follows
-Mountain Colors Mohair
-Mountain Colors Moguls
-Mountain Colors Merino Goat
-Mountain Colors Merino Ribbon
Colourway- Harvest
Needles- 8 mm Chiaogoo bamboo

And just a wee piece of advice to those that might want to knit this. I followed the pattern exactly, but the kind people over at Mountain Colors are more than generous with the amount of yarn in the kit. If I were to knit this again, I would most definitely add one more repeat.

So dear knitters, I hope that the holidays have left you feeling all warm inside- whether you have a new throw to cuddle up under or not.

The end of December means that it's finally time to knit for ourselves.

So, get cracking already!
What are you waiting for?

Merry Christmas To All

2011-12-25T23:07:00.000-05:00

And to all,

a good night.

In Which I Overcome My Susperstitions

2011-12-21T08:28:00.000-05:00

I knew when my boyfriend showed up for our first date wearing a knitted (albeit not hand knitted) sweater vest, that perhaps this could be the man for me. (Way to jump to conclusions Lynn!!!) I vowed that I wouldn't dive right into the "I'm knitting my boyfriend a sweater" stage for a while as I didn't want to freak the poor guy out. As we sat over Indian Food on that cold and rainy night however, he spoke of how many siblings he had, where his family was from, what kind of food made him sick (thankfully, not Indian)... While he filled me in on first-date-details, I did my best not to look like I was doing a brain scan of my stash. I have a mental rolodex of yarns I own, yarns I could own, yarns I want to own, patterns I love... and if I meet you and really, really like you, I start a search of that catalogue- without even knowing it.

When I heard it through the grapevine that his 30th birthday was looming, I felt that that was my green light to go. Interesting, because I'll have you know, I'm quite a superstitious person- this is something I'm not proud of. For those that missed the memo, there is a well known superstition amongst the knitting world known as the 'sweater curse' which essentially tells us to 'never knit your man a sweater, unless you have the ring'.
Five months before his 30th birthday however, I gave myself a pep talk, made the decision to test fate, and cast on.

By the end of November, I handed him over his sweater.

Honeycomb cabling on a man??? Yes please.

When I first made this crazy idea known at the shop, many eyebrows were raised. I can't say I blame anyone for doubting me. My track record is pretty shady when it comes to actually finishing projects. So for me to get through this sweater is a major milestone in my knitting career- especially, getting through it on time (deadlines are something that I desperately struggle with, even outside of my knitting life).

Since when did I get all grown up and pay attention to the calendar?

I'm pretty sure I'm going to get 'spoken to' about this posting this photo

My mother also had her doubts when I got the crazy idea to get knitting a project bigger than a foot. So much so that she even called me at home on a Sunday after I had swatched a couple of yarns (which is to say that I must have meant business) to try and talk me out of it.

You see, my mom actually really likes my boyfriend, and hated to think that I might dump his sorry (and cold!) self if I tried to knit him something other than socks.

Turns out, I didn't. I made it to his 30th birthday and was able to gift him a sweater. It's been a few weeks now and at this point, we're still a team (which is to say that we have overcome the sweater curse- thus far).

Sorta neat, right?

Should you want to make this sweater for your favorite man's 30th birthday, that's neat too.

Here is what you need to know.

Pattern- Sandnes Peer Gynt Fritid 9809-1 by Halla Einarsdottir (out of print)
Yarn- Sandnesgarn Smart, 18 balls
Needles- 3.5mm and 4mm Addi Turbos

And if you're still having a hard time believing that I actually knit a sweater for a grown man all by my lonesome (for which I wouldn't blame you)...

The proof is in the sweater tag.

Deck Those Halls

2011-12-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Well if I didn't open my email this morning to the most perfect Christmas/knitting image I've seen in a while... from none other than guess who!?!?!?

Yup- the mastermind (or maybe I should say part of the mastermind) behind this wreath.

And this one.

Oh yeah, and this one too.

Those knitting needles are surely moving faster than the speed of light.

I hope your decorating isn't getting in the way of your knitting dear knitters!

'Super Cupcake' Indeed

2011-12-08T15:29:00.001-05:00

I am going to start by saying that the name of the pattern I am about to share with you is called 'Super Cupcake'. I would be lying if I didn't admit that the name was the inital draw to the pattern.

Why? Well (if you must know), I like cupcakes -A LOT.

Then, a yarn arrived at the shop that I wanted to knit with (shocking, right?).

And then came an opportunity to sit in a car for four hours as a passenger (Oh Motor City, how we love thee).

By the end of the drive there and back (well, plus maybe a bit more time on the couch to be perfectly honest with you...) my very own 'Super Cupcake' of the fat free variety was born.

Cowl and hat.

Easy as pie, simple as punch, cute as a cupcake on a birthday.

All I need is a cape to take this to the next 'Super Cupcake' level.

('Super Duper Cupcake' perhaps?)

Gift giving season? HAH! Hilarious.

I'm keeping this puppy all to my greedy little self.

(Judge all you want. You'd do it too if you gave these accessories a squeeze).

Pattern- Super Cupcake by Bonne Marie Burns over at Chic Knits

Yarn- Cascade Eco Cloud in shade 1802- two skeins for the cowl, one for the hat (if your math is anything like mine, you'll be curious to know that equals three skeins total)

Needles- 4.5 mm and 5 mm, both 60 cm circular

Three cheers for Shaker Rib!

And three more for bolts of Liberty fabric.

Jingle All The Way With Some Wool

2011-12-01T20:29:00.000-05:00

As I was working my way through my Google Reader list this morning I came across this video, on this blog.

I present you with the same dare that she presents to her readers- just try not to smile.

It's December 1st my pretties.

You'd better get your knit on.

Because He Is (Still) A Patient Man

2011-11-25T08:35:00.000-05:00

I have happened to notice that the weather outside is getting... a little more frightful, and the fire a little more delightful. Since this is the case, I thought that I would finally once and for all give back the hat and scarf that I so lovingly knit my boyfriend last Christmas (who so lovingly 'lent' it to me for the shop... a year ago!)

Since no yarn shop should be without a mans hat however, I whipped off another one, in other colours, really just for my own personal knitting interest. (It's incredibly difficult to knit the same thing, in the same colour, twice!!! Which makes me wonder how I ever finish a pair of socks!?!?!)

The model? Same guy as last time- my cousin (yeeeah... we're related).

But this time, he's no longer looking for love. (Sorry ladies).

While this brown version of the hat suits my red head-ish cousin quite nicely, I long ago decided that this particular boy will never get another hat from my needles ever again.

Especially since I knit him one when we were about 14 years old (in navy Patons Classic Wool I recall) and not only does he not know where the hat went... he has absolutely no recollection of me ever knitting him a hat.

While he might be all smiles and charm, he has been forever blacklisted from my 'To Knit For' list.

And let me tell you, I take that list very seriously.

Pattern? Churchmouse Yarns and Tea Pressed Rib Hat and Muffler (I added an extra inch to the depth of the hat again to cover up those cold ear lobes).
Yarn? Two balls of beautiful, beautiful Zara.

Needles? 4mm circular and double points.

And now that I have returned the hat and scarf, I can forever say 'good bye' to that blasted acrylic Pittsburg Steelers toque that the dear boyfriend has insisted on wearing... in protest?

HA! Wishful thinking Lynn.

London- See You in Ten

2011-11-19T07:51:00.000-05:00

So today is my birthday and I'm a mere 28 years old (having a Grandma who is 90 makes me realize that 28 is just that- a 'mere' 28 years old) .

While in London last week, I made sure that I got myself on the London Eye (best city view ever invented). After taking the obligatory touristy shot I realized... that I had the exact same photo of me already.

Only 10 years ago.

Yes, 18 year old me did love to accessorize.

Guess I know where I'll be spending my 38th birthday.

Time certainly does fly when you're having fun.

Here's to another 10 years of knitting (and accessorizing).

Keeping It Real (Warm) in London Town

2011-11-18T07:44:00.000-05:00

Lucky me has just arrived home from spending a week in London with my bitsy sister Emma. (She moved there the weekend of the Royal Wedding and has no immediate plans to come home- after my week with her, I can see why).

In an attempt to be the least offensive house guest I can be, I thought I'd kick off our week together 'in style' by presenting her with one of the mega-chunky-cowls that I just can't seem to get enough of. (Don't believe me??? Click here and here for some pretty solid evidence).

And so I have for you, a photo essay of us in London, with our cowls.

(Yeah... we're totally huge losers for wearing the same cowl in the same city on the same day... but since she's a waaaay faster walker than me -note the height difference-, I don't think that anyone noticed as we were rarely seen side by side).

We have 'turtle necks' alright!

How about a round of 'Name that Bridge'?

Emma at Borough Market (our keens eyes sadly didn't spot our favorite chef shopping for ingredients on Saturday morning- BOO!)

Emma giving me a lesson in how to lock her fancy blue door. (She's the safest she'll ever be inside of that flat, let me tell you!)

Glamour shot on the Millenium Bridge.

Dumb tourist shot in front of St. Paul's Cathedral (just moments before we saw Mayor Boris trot by in a fancy red and gold carriage).

Emma enjoying her chorizo sandwich after strolling the Columbia Road flower market.

And myself doing... much the same.

Conclusion.
Need a hostess gift?

Look no further my friends.

This chunky cowl has got you covered.

Goliath? I Have Your Sock

2011-11-02T08:51:00.000-04:00

Driving back from Collingwood two weekends ago, I was sitting in the passenger seat knitting away and enjoying the lovely scenery. (I had a gift certificate to this place, and finally got to use it. Even if you aren't lucky enough to have a gift certificate, you must go now. Or at least add it to your Christmas list!) Seemingly, I was enjoying my knitting so much, that I neglected to look down the entire time we were cruising and I found myself with a massive sock.

Not just a 'Whoa! That's a big sock! Maybe I can get my brother to shimmy it up his foot and make it work!' sock.

More like a 'Holy smokes. Where's Goliath when you need him?' kind of sock.

I looked online to see what this sock measurement equals in terms of men's shoe sizes.

Apparently, it's a size men's US 14.5.

Is it just me...

Yarn- Mountain Colors Crazy Foot

Or am I the only one blushing here?

That sock looks a little obscene if you ask me.

Happy Hallowe'en!

2011-10-31T09:08:00.000-04:00

Since I am pretty positive that one can never be too old for Hallowe'en costumes, I thought I'd share with you this years version.

(If you missed the past few years, just click here and here).

Time seemed to slip away on me this year and on Friday morning, I ran into Value Village to drop a bunch of stuff off. I then gave myself 10 minutes, and $20.00 to find a costume.

After immediately spotting an a-line skirt from Peach Berserk with 'kissy-lips' all over it (that would have made 14 year old me ECSTATIC!), I left with $14.00 and 8 minutes to spare.

What you can't see is the little pink, red and white bunting hanging over my head

Oh, the things you can do with the boxes that your yarn is shipped in...

Wishing you all a Happy Hallowe'en!

Mohair/Silk (Burlap) Cowl

2011-10-26T19:21:00.000-04:00

Last night I was sitting at my kitchen table, knitting away when my cousin/roomie asked me 'Lynn? What's the difference between burlap and knitting?' Since this wasn't an entirely odd question (as far as questions from him go), I took my time giving him an answer. He thanked me, shared his Kraft Dinner with me and carried on with his evening.

When he came home a little later in the night, I proudly modelled my brand new, hot-off-the-needles project (inspired by a customer who was at Show and Tell two weeks back).

The project? A mohair bias looped cowl.

His reaction? 'Lynn- That looks pretty itchy. Doesn't it feel sort of like you're wearing a strip of burlap around your neck?'

Boys...

Thanks heavens I don't allow other people's comments to affect my level enthusiasm for my latest project (remember this???) Especially since- I absolutely love this project.

So just to clear the air, I gotta tell you- this light and airy mohair/silk cowl does not in fact feel like burlap against my most sensitive skin- it feels more like little angels are kissing my neck.

HA! And the yarn used is called 'Angel'!

What the HECK are the odds?!?!?!?

What's more? You can wear this little number in a multitude of ways! (Does three ways count as a 'multitude?')

Heavenly.

As I mentioned above, this project was inspired by a customer who brought her mohair cowl to the shop's annual Show and Tell two weeks ago. I cast on a few days after I saw her version, and after running into her at an Indian Restaurant over the weekend (and gushing over how I loved it so much that I'm making my own...), I thought I'd be a big fat phoney if I didn't follow through and get 'er done.

(So is that the secret to finishing projects!?!?!?!)

Pattern? Churchmouse Yarns and Teas Mohair Bias Cowl (we've got copies at the shop!)
Yarn? Two balls of Debbie Bliss Angel in 'Chestnut'
Needles? 6.5 mm circular by Chiagoo

Stay warm folks.

And remember- leave the burlap to the roses this time of year.

Baby's Got A Brand New Blog

2011-10-20T08:47:00.000-04:00

So, this is a picture of my dear sister and I in Florida last February. (It's nice to have a face to the name sometimes... you know?)

Oh, to be wearing a bathing suit again...

And I just thought I'd tell you guys that she has been bloggity-blog-blogging out in Kitchener over the past few weeks.

So, add it to your Google Reader, Faves list... whatever floats your boat.

Just thought I'd pass that news along.

Happy reading!

Happy 90th Birthday Grandma!

2011-10-14T12:38:00.002-04:00

Since one doesn't turn 90 everyday, I felt as though it was appropriate to wish my dear Grandma a very Happy 90th Birthday today in blog-land.

If it weren't for her... my mother wouldn't have likely knit (click here to read a summary of how Mother Mary learned to knit)...

And while it wasn't my mother who taught me, being surrounded by knitterly things growing up certainly planted the seed that grew that knitterly beast within.

Need photo evidence that our family's knitting history runs deep?

You got it.

Photo taken from a scrapbook that my Mom made me for my 21st birthday. Photo circa 1940-ish I would guess.

Happy Birthday to you Grandma.

This photo was taken last week as the birthday celebrations were just kicking off. Two generations of knitters (the third generation was snapping this pic).

Thanks for passing down those mad knitting skills.

We love you lots.

xo

ps- how fitting that today also happens to be 'I Love Yarn Day'... what a day to celebrate!

Fraternal Triplets

2011-10-13T09:06:00.000-04:00

So, I've had this plan that I will knit a pair of socks each month from now until Christmas. This will ensure that there will be none of that panicked Christmas Eve grafting which has become a part of my Yuletide tradition. (This is one tradition that I will be happy to leave behind one of these years).

Everything was moving along fine and dandy until I cast on the second sock of a pair mid-September.

I finished the cuff and thought to myself 'Really!?!?? This matches???'

After consulting with many a knitter, it was established that no. This isn't a pair (in the traditional sense of the term).

My man friend (who already doesn't understand how I have the patience to knit socks seeing as I barely have the patience to wait for water to boil) said that he would happily wear them, even though they don't match.

But, I didn't cast these socks on with him in mind, and I have some Christmas gifts to knit already!

So, I finished the second... and then cast on a third.

There is a first for everything, and this is the first time that I have ever knit three socks to make a pair.

All I can imagine is that the sock-yarn-spinning-machine hiccuped, causing one ball to be vastly different from it's cousins.

I'm ok with it. While it's thrown me off schedule, it's not like I don't like knitting socks.

Besides, everyone is permitted to make mistakes every once in a while- even yarn spinning machines.

I have forgiven this yarn. So much so that I might have even cast on a turquoise pair for me...

Yarn? Sandnesgarn Strompegarn (I'm pretty sure that means 'sock yarn' in Norwegian) Fantasy
Needles? 2.5 mm double points
Pattern? It's still in my head... I should really get it out there and into the world someday.
Size? Mens 10

So, I suppose that it's time I think of a recipient with a need for three socks.

Or two people with the need for three socks?

As for that 'Sock Plunge' I commited to a while back... does this count as 1.5 pairs??? That would put me at 2.5/26.

Let me know.

In Which We Must Thank the Sheep

2011-10-05T14:52:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was the much loved Markham Fair. I make a point of going each and every year with my buddy Amy. We always end up stuffing our faces with Tiny Tom's donuts while we moan and groan about how adorable barn yard animals are and oogle the lovely quilts and knitting. (A big 'congrats' to all of the knitting winners out there!)

It just so happens that every year we go, it's absolutely freezing outside. It always feels like the first official 'cold' of Fall arrives the moment we step onto the fairgrounds. Since I am getting wiser with age (ha!), I planned ahead this year and made sure to knit myself an ultra warm accessory.

Sorry dude... I've got your wool.

I even made a point of posing with the producers of the fibre. (Thanks guys!) I would have given my left foot for one of their fleeces that night had I not taken matters into my own hands.

But either way, I owe them a big thank you.

Info on cowl? Well... I've knit this cowl before, and I promise you I'll knit it again! This baby whips up in about as much time as it takes to go grocery shopping. (Now what would you rather do???)

Pattern- My Kind of Town Cowl by Trish Woodsen
Yarn- Cascade Magnum- 1 skein
Needles- 12.75 mm (SEE! I wasn't kidding when I said it knit up at warp speed)

I suggest you make one for yourself for the next time Markham Fair rolls around- you've got plenty of time to make a few of them actually... Oh heck- enter one in the fair if you really want. Just be sure you have one to wear when you go collect your prize winnings.

Speaking of entering things into the fair... here is a sampling of my Uncle's winnings- first prize tomoatoes! (There was also first prize peppers, watermelons...the list goes on!)

Oh Markham Fair...

I love you.

Even though you're colder than winter camping in February.

Wreath In Action

2011-09-25T08:10:00.000-04:00

I believe that I promised you guys a shot of the wreath after I mounted it and hung it.

And since I know you have all been waiting with baited breath...

Here it is!

I still can't actually believe it's mine.

I Guess It's Time To Grow Out My Hair

2011-09-23T07:44:00.002-04:00

We've been stocking Chic Knits patterns at the shop for quite a while now, and I am a major fan. While I have only ever knit the Mondo Cable Hood, I have wound yarn for about oooooh... maybe 7 of her sweaters? I just always seem to get distracted (that can't be shocking news for you now... really!)

Her pattern Cassidy's Cap has been calling my name for a while however and I finally picked up on it.

I banged this cabley beret out in about two days.

Unfortunately for me, I just don't have enough hair to fill this hat up. I had added a touch of extra length since hats are usually way too small for my giant melon, but I should have considered that since I don't have the mess of hair I once did (it's been a while since I've knit myself a hat).

I should have also considered that trying on a hat while it's still on the needles isn't really an accurate way to fit a hat. (I swear it looked good while on the needles!)

In any case, I suspect that if I knit it on slightly smaller needles on a slightly thinner yarn, I shall get exactly what I had in mind. I will keep you posted on my success of 'beret version 2.0'.

Info you might want to know.

Pattern? Cassidy's Cap by Bonne Marie Burns over at Chic Knits

Needles? 3.75 mm and 5 mm (next time will be 3.5 and 4.5)

Yarn? Diamond Luxury Collection Superwash Merino Aran in shade 8824 (next time will be worsted)

So, if you know anyone with giant hair (dread locks perhaps?), introduce me to them.

They might just leave with a new hat.

Heather To The Power Of Two

2011-09-20T22:53:00.001-04:00

I was in the shop last weekend, just going about my business (which is of the yarn variety), when my sister and her adorable man-friend stopped by to pay me a visit. This is always a nice treat, especially since they live waaaay out yonder in Kitchener (but thank goodness a move to Toronto is in the near future for them!!!)

I noticed that my sister had a plant in her hand, which prompted me to feel badly rather quickly... she had gifted me a chili plant not more than two weeks before! I just can't keep up with the girl`s generosity...

But that feeling of guilt quickly transformed into happy screams and yelps when I took a closer look at the heather plant that my sister (whose name also happens to be Heather), plopped into my hands.

The neighbours truly must have thought I was being murdered (although I do find it interesting that no one came to my rescue...)

Look right down in there now...

Heather was the only one of us four 'kids' to be named after a plant, and the only one to pursue a career in the 'plant' world- so just keep this in mind when naming your kids

For those of you that are having a hard time picking up what I'm laying down... let's just say that the heather plant they presented my parents had a tag that said 'We're getting married'.
They're gettin' hitched.
And this is awesome.

Absolutely awesome.

And for those who might be wondering, the answer is 'yes'. My Mom did have a wedding shawl on the needles within minutes (no joke).

Besides, this is a 'knitting blog' afterall. I would have kept this news to myself if there wasn't some sort of a tie in. (HA! Right...)

His & Hers

2011-09-14T07:38:00.000-04:00

Recently my man friend asked me to 'pick up a baby gift' for his cousin in Switzerland who just became a father. I tend to seriously over think tasks as such and obsessed over this gift for days, picking the brains of anyone who had ever had a baby for ideas.

Clothes? They are likely giving away outfits to the Swiss Salvation Army since this is a first grandchild on both sides (and who doesn't love to play dress up with little family members???)

Toys? Ditto.

Books? They speak German.

But baby booties!?!?!? AHA! It's getting chillier over there, so let's keep those little toes warm! (I realize that these might fall under the category 'clothes', but please don't rain on my parade.)

Knitters want to knit for those they love, but knitters also don't always have the time to knit for each and every loved one in their life.

People like that, should consider themselves blessed (and I do!).

But baby booties? There is ALWAYS time for baby booties.

I whipped up a pair of grey ones for the wee Swiss babe out of some yarn that I picked up at the Sock Summit back in July. Realizing that these were soon to be sent off with the UPS man, I felt sad that there wouldn't be any booties to leave at the shop.

So, I knit pink ones.

If this little baby boy ever finds himself with a baby sister, I'll be sure to pay the UPS man another visit with the pink ones in 'toe'. (Did you catch that!?!?!?! I just cracked a 'sock joke'!)

Yarn
Grey- Sophie's Toes Merino Sock
Pink- Shibui Knits Sock in 'blush'
Needles- 2.75mm
Pattern- Churchmouse Wee Ones 'Stay-On Booties in Three Gauges' (we've got copies at the shop if you're wondering)

So there you are little Swiss baby.

Sorry I had no luck finding you a 'Baby's First Fondue Set'.

Booties it is!

These Aren't My Colours But...

2011-08-30T09:00:00.004-04:00

I'm going grey.

My Mom (who doesn't colour her hair for those that don't know) has said many times over that once you go grey, the colours you wear change dramatically from the ones you wore when you were young and well... not grey.

I remember my Mom wearing more soft yellow and peach than you could shake a stick at when I was a child. Now, if that colour gets near her, she looks like death (sorry Mom). She's a charcoal and deep purple kinda girl now.

Perhaps I'll head in the other direction? I have spent my youth wearing rich jewel tones and dark greys, now I'm headed towards those soft pastel colours.

While I am not grey enough at this point to make the switch entirely, I suppose you could say that I am just 'prepping my wardrobe' for the future.

Saturday afternoons at the shop are the absolute worst time for inspiration. And I mean that in a good way... We are closed Sunday and Monday and panic sets in at about 2:30 each Saturday afternoon when I know that I will be away from that 'house full of yarn' for two whole days. I always (and I mean always) wind up a skein or two to take with me to get me through the weekend (just in case I knit through everything I have at home in those two days- you know?).

This scarf has been super popular around the shop for a while now, and while I had my eye on some yarn that I wanted to try it out in, I refrained. It looked to be a rather time consuming project for something in colours I don't wear...

But one Saturday afternoon about a month and a half ago, I was weak.

And I wound.

The end result?

A linen stitch scarf in feminine greens and soft pinks that drapes like a dream.

Will I wear it much? Oh yeah.

But not for maybe another year or two.

Then I'll really be grey.

Pattern? Linen Stitch Scarf by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas

Yarn? Staccato by Shibui in shades (left to right) Poodle Skirt, Spring Garden and Twin Set

Needles? 4 mm, 80 cm circular

I've taken pictures of this rose in years gone by.

And here she is again.

Almost as happy as me to see scarf weather just around the corner.

It's Like I've Become A Member Of Some Exclusive Club Or Something

2011-08-26T08:55:00.001-04:00

You know what this is.

Right?

If not, click here.

And here.

Yeah-huh.

I was given one. I'm in. I'm somebody special.

You heard me.

Special.

Or... that's how I feel anyway.

My Mom and Grandma made the trip up to North Bay to visit 'Cousin/Aunt Lynn' and 'Aunt Helen' this week, and brought this back for me.

I guess the next trip to North Bay, I'm going to have to join in. We'll pick up another wreath and whomever the inteded recipient is, they must join us three ladies on the next voyage up north.

You see how this works?

Who would be up for a road trip in the near-ish future? (It seems to not take her as long as it would certainly take me to make one of these).

I feel so lucky it hurts my everything.

Thank you, thank you, thank you dear North Bay Knitter and North Bay Wreath-Assembler (that would be Aunt Helen and Aunt Lynn, respectively).

In other news...

Peaches are ready!

Faster Than The Speed Of Light

2011-08-24T08:50:00.000-04:00

That's how fast I've been knitting these days anyway. No joke! I have simply been knitting up a storm.

But, I also happened to take up a new hobby this summer. Which I didn't think I would actually like... (Don't ask me why... I was just sure I would hate it. I just had to do it to find out for sure).

Turns out, I love it.

And it greatly cuts into my 'finishing' time.

I predict... some finished objects in this blog's near future.

Promise.

(And that's really only because there are no rules about knitting on the golf course).

One Down, Twenty Five To Go

2011-08-08T10:20:00.000-04:00

While in Austria back in May I came across Hundertwasserhaus- a community designed by the Austrian artist himself. As I was snapping photos and rambling on and on (and on, and on) about how much I would adore to live in a place that looks like that, I was reminded that I had cast on a pair of Opal Hundertwasser socks while watching the Royal Wedding back in April.

Nothing fancy... just plain ol' vanilla socks- but oh such beautiful colours!

I did my best to explain to my travel companion that I had some 'Hundertwasser yarn in my stash', but it was lost on him. Upon arriving back home however, I dug these socks out of the deep dark depths of one of my many UFO bins and knit onwards and upwards.

In case you haven't noticed... I don't tend to 'match my stripes'. Apologies if it hurts your eyes.

Around the same time that I returned home, a customer challenged me to a '26 pair plunge'.

The goal? To knit 26 pairs of socks in one year (we have until June 30th, 2012). Now, you can include pairs of socks that you have already started... you just have to have finished up 26 pairs in one year. Now, since that's the case- I'm game!

I have more 'single socks' tucked in various bags and drawers throughout my house, I can't even begin to tell you.

Since this Christmas looks like it's going to be 'The Year of the Sock' for many of my gift recipients, I figure that this challenge is just right up my alley. Let's git 'er done.

Shall we?

Yarn? Opal Hundertwasser shade 750 'Blinde Venus'
Needles? 2.5mm
Pattern? It's in my brain

So there you have it. 1/26 complete. And I grafted that toe on the plane to Portland. What a super way to kick off the Sock Summit. (And what a great trip to kick off the 26 Pair Plunge with!)

So, thanks Hundertwasser. For beautiful yarn inspiration, and beautiful water treatment towers.

You're the best.

People And Food

2011-08-05T07:50:00.017-04:00

Since I seem to love looking at pictures of people, but taking pictures of food, I thought that I would do a little 'one of this, one of that' post for you. Some people I took classes with, some food I stuffed myself with.

Ready?

Person- Fiona Ellis. I took a class with her our first morning in Portland called 'Morphing Cables'. I'm not going to lie. My head felt like it was going to explode when she asked us to make up our own cables using an odd number. HA! And I thought I preferred odd over even... apparently this isn't the case when it comes to cabling!

I had the pleasure of boarding the plane with her and having a wee chat, she is truly a delightful person.

Her asymmetrical hair cut should have been an indication to me that this woman also loves asymmetric cables

Food- A beet and chevre sandwich (that stained my pale wash jeans- but was totally worth it) from a food cart in Portland called 'Picnic'. Too cute for words, too delicious to care that I had to sacrifice a pair of jeans for this lunch.

People- You saw this photo in the last post, but since this woman (Anne Hanson) is my mother's very own personal knitting hero, I thought I would include it again. Mother Mary emailed Anne one day to ask her about a recipe she had posted on her blog and when she got back to her immediately, you'd think that Kate Middleton had just showed up for tea. She was just that pumped about it.

I took a class with her on Friday afternoon about lace. Lacy, lace, lace.

She's a treat.

Food- I honestly could have eaten this every day for every meal. Raw pasta. That's zucchini pasta in a pesto sauce. Holy cow. It's currently 8 am as I write this, and my mouth is watering just thinking about it. We bought it here, and I'd buy it again.

People- Nancy Bush. Yeah. That Nancy Bush. I took a class with her all day on Saturday on Swedish Twined Knitting (Sweden has a very tight grip of my heart strings... so this was just wonderful beyond words). Certainly a highlight for me.

I showed a photo of the sock in the last post. I intend to finish those (someday...) and will give you a re-cap of the class then (just don't hold your breath please).

Food- A donut from VooDoo Donuts. Yeah-huh. That donut totally has Captain Crunch cereal on it. I'm pretty sure that every food group has been covered on this donut right here. It's a meal alright. A fully 100% complete meal.

Anyone else here noticing that there seems to be no 'middle-ground' when it comes to my diet??? It's one extreme or the other apparently.

People- Ann Budd! Yeah! Ann Budd! (I had a completely different picture in my head of what this woman looked like. I thought she'd have hair to her waist... don't ask me why).

I took a class with her Sunday afternoon on knitting socks at any gauge. Have a yarn you love but don't know how many stitches to cast on??? Well... 'swatch it'. That was her answer for everything that day.

Oh the fury!

She did just come out with a great new book though called Sock Knitting- Master Class. I picked up a copy and may already have a skein of yarn wound to cast on something sweet from this book. OH! And there's a bonus! It comes with a DVD. (You will find out within the next month or so how hard I have fallen for knitting DVDs).

She's a class act that woman. A class act.

Conclusion- Now... I'm home.

Oh, the sadness.

BEEP! BEEP!

It So Doesn't 'Sock' To Be Me

2011-08-03T09:50:00.000-04:00

We came for the socks.

We knit some socks.

Twined Knitting Sock by Nancy Bush

We wore some socks.

Tara's foot/sock, not mine! Yarn- Opal

We met sock knitting celebs.

Anne and I go to the same salon apparently

We even ate donuts shaped like socks.

So, you might think we'd be ridiculously sick and tired of socks by now.

But oh no. Not me!

Pass me another donut please.

I need some fuel for this sock knitting fire.

Camping With Some Acrylic

2011-07-27T09:25:00.001-04:00

A few weekends ago, I took off camping with my man-friend and a giant posse of his family members and friends. Not sure how much knitting would get accomplished, I did what any good knitter would do and packed enough projects to last me until my 90th birthday. (God forbid I get lost in the woods with no knitting!)

Little did I know that the one ball of acrylic yarn that I threw in the bag as I was running out the door would be what I felt like knitting with once I got a load of some fresh air.

And with that ball of acrylic (Yup! That one ball!), I knit this baby sweater.

Yarn? 1 ball of King Cole 'Big Value' in shade 151
Needles? 4 mm
Pattern? Elizabeth Zimmerman's 'Best Baby Sweater'

Are you feeling like you've seen this sweater somewhere around here before?

Well, that's because you have.

Zimmerman doesn't call it 'Best Baby Sweater' for nothing.

Now, I gotta run.

The magic carpet to Portland is pulling outta here any minute now, and I've got a golden ticket.

Knitting With Julia

2011-07-20T22:03:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine passed along this video that she found on this blog.

My favorite part???

When I discovered that Julia Roberts and I knit in the exact same way. (Which is that super inefficient way when you drop your right needle to throw your yarn).

Now, I don't have to tell you that I have finally figured out the secret to her success.

Do I???

I thought not.

Exposed For Who I Really Am

2011-07-14T09:19:00.001-04:00

I had a new air conditioner installed this week. Awesome- right? I can now sleep through those hot and humid nights and actually get under my sheets instead of just sweat right through the top of them???

Well, yeah. It is awesome.

Or, it was awesome until I realized that in the process of installing the new air conditioner a water valve had broken and a large selection of my personal stash was absolutely dripping wet.

Yeah. I know. I should have it in rubbermaid bins and Ziplock bags.
I get it.
A large portion of the stash is suffocating under plastic.

But.... a chunk of it is not. This is so that I can enjoy it every time I throw in a load of laundry (it happens to be right next to my washing machine) and easily access it when... I feel like it.

Well, well. Did the 'Gods of Proper Yarn Storage' ever have their way with me this week!

After finally getting my first blast of cool air this summer, I went downstairs to admire all the handy work that the AC men had done... and there was the mess.

They had warned me that a bit of yarn had gotten wet in the process, but yarn dries- right?

Right.

And now my house is absolutely covered in every nook and cranny possible with drying yarn. My bathtub, bedroom floor, hallway, kitchen counter (this is making food prep sort of difficult), family room floor... I mean every nook and cranny is covered in drying yarn.

I know that even my roomate/cousin who has lived with me for a year and a half didn't even realize that there was this much stuffed in our teensy house (I'm barely showing you a fraction of it BTW)... and he even knows all about the other Rubbermaids tucked safely in the corner.

It's... a bummer.

Fortunately for me however... it's this time of year.

And the flowers are a-blooming.

That always cures my mood.

Time to empty out the dehumidifier tray.

Woolen Welts and Straw Hats

2011-07-06T10:27:00.000-04:00

I have made it quite clear here once or twice before that my feelings for Jared Flood are stonger than they probably should be. But I am not afraid to re-state that fact here.

Especially after casting off yet another one of his wonderous pieces.

And while it might be too toasty outside to wear a cozy cowl, it's never too warm to knit one.

So, that's what I did.

Should you be wondering- this hat was one my Grandpa bought himself in 1961. Trendy guy, eh?

Pattern? Setzer by Jared Flood aka Brooklyn Tweed
Yarn? Naturally's Harmony 10 ply (this seems to be my current go-to yarn for accessories)
Needles? 5mm 60 cm Chiaogoo Red

POW! POW!

While it looks like lots of lovely welts while wearing it, to lie it out flat gives a whole different story thanks to my favorite knitting technique in existence- short rows!

See the curves and winding bands? Looks kind of like a gentle ski slope? (My favorite kind of ski slope...)

It's a little secret that only you will know until you yank this little number off and toss it on the hall table.

I do love finding little secrets in other people's knitting.

And while peony season is now behind us (where IS this summer going? I ask)...

It never hurts to look back on days in the garden gone by.

Why I Don't Get Invited To More Dinner Parties

2011-07-05T07:51:00.000-04:00

This is the book I have on my night table.

This is the DVD I watched last night (more on that later).

And this is where I am headed on my next vacation at the end of the month.

I've got a 'one-track-mind' of a different sort.

But you know what?

I'm OK with that.

I'd rather be knitting anyway.

Wouldn't you?

I'm Feeling Well On My Way

2011-06-27T11:34:00.001-04:00

HEY! Did you know that Christmas is only 6 months away!?!?!? Yeah-huh. I know.

Right?

Time to start cranking out some stocking stuffers.

Or... some stockings.

This my friends, is my third pair for Christmas DONE. Only... a ga-dillion more to go. But I'm OK with that.

Knitting socks isn't exactly something that feels like a chore to me.

Yarn? Drops Fabel shade #330P

Needles? 2.5mm double points

Pattern? It's in my brain.

Recipient? Someone who doesn't even know this blog exists... but I dare not risk using her name (just in case a 'surprise spoiler' is reading this right now).

And as a little side note- look who paid us a visit at the shop on Saturday.

It is possible to die from cuteness overload.

I just know it.

Who Says They Can't Wear Yellow?

2011-06-14T08:17:00.000-04:00

I knit myself a summer top each year, and while I always plough through the knitting portion of the project, I don't seem to get around to sewing it up until it's too chilly to wear it (you thought you were the only one... didn't you?).

Having said that... this is not a recent project. But it is a recent addition to my wardrobe.

This... is last summers project.

While I continue to be on the hunt for the perfect red dress to wear with it, I am more than happy with the finished result.

Yarn? Calico by Sirdar in shade 728 'Bandana'- 5 balls (this stuff has NEVER ENDING yardage- which is a good thing, of course).
Needles? 4 mm.
Pattern? Sidar 9009

And to top it all off? Wee glass flower buttons.

Flower buttons, to go with my flowery garden.

Happy Tuesday everyone.

Laufmasche

2011-06-09T21:58:00.001-04:00

As promised, today is a knitting day here. Or at least... a 'knitting content' day.

When in Vienna, I scouted out some yarn shops. (It's something I do in any city I find myself in- as I'm sure you do too). After polishing off that schnitzel I so kindly shared with you a few days back, I suggested to my man-friend that we go on a hunt for a yarn shop that was supposedly right near where we were staying/eating schnitzel.

Since we were due to burn a few calories, (and because he is terribly supportive of this 'habit' of mine), he agreed to the stroll.

Well much to my surprise, less than 10 minutes and we were there.

Now... do I know how to choose my hotels or WHAT!?!?!

The shop? Laufmasche.

While I forgot to take a photo of the sign, I shall take you on a virtual tour.

Through the door and to the left.

It's like shopping for shoes! Pick the one you like and the clerk gets you what you need.

And do a 180 degree spin and you're faced with this.

I might have picked up a few skeins from that centre unit- made in Austrial!

A cozy corner to curl up in.

And a happy shop owner who was super cooperative when I suggested that we do a 'photo shoot'.
('Stupid tourist'... she actually thought).

And my knitting? I did a lot more ripping than knitting on this trip (or it would seem, anyway).

But regardless, this is what my tray looked like on train from Vienna to Munich.

Now, do I know how to have a good time- or WHAT!?!?!

What Yesterday's Title Said

2011-06-08T19:32:00.002-04:00

I have had a habit of taking pictures of flowers and plants for quite some time now. (I am told it is a family trait.) When on vacation, I am one of those unapologetic tourists that keeps my camera looped around their wrist (if it was fancier, it would most definitely be looped around my neck) and snaps photos in every direction I turn.

When I see flowers, I get camera happy and click, click, click. Without fail, almost every time I took a picture of another flower, my boyfriend/trusty travel mate would say to me 'Lynn.... What on earth are you going to do with all of these flower photos?' (Remember when I said that he is an incredibly practical guy? This doesn't just apply to his winter accessories.)

So, I told him I was going to share them with you.

Water lilies in Vienna. (I would buy one for the kitchen table every Monday if these were available at my local florist)

Pretty flats of annuals. (This certainly isn't how my local big box displays their cell packs).

Swiss Forget-Me-Nots on the ladder hike.

Stunning bouquets of cut flowers that my travel mate had to talk me out of buying myself daily (he didn't want to get stuck carrying them across the city to various train stations, etc)

Bitsy-bop daisies (or daisy look alikes) peeking out from a chunk of Alp.

A sea of red roses that we can thank the Austrian Imperial Family for.

And some woolen/felted flowers from a housewares shop in Munich (which somehow followed me home to Mary's).

Tomorrow- we knit.

Food Today, Flowers Tomorrow

2011-06-07T17:38:00.000-04:00

It was not until this most recent trip that I realized how much I adore taking pictures of food, and flowers.

So, please bear with me as I take you through a wee tour of what I tasted, and stopped to smell while away.

Cheese in Munich.

Cherries in Vienna.

Bright yellow egg yokes.

Colourful fruit stands.

And a shade of aspharagus for everyone.

Weiner Schnitzel in Wein.

Followed by Sachertorte in the Sacher Hotel.

And of course, a plate of every kind of meat ever invented.

I think it's time to pre-heat the oven... I'm hungry.

What Happened Last Week When I Wasn't Knitting

2011-06-06T17:38:00.001-04:00

Last week I went on a ridiculous hike that involved LADDERS. (Have you ever even heard of such a thing!?!?!?)

Note- these shoes that look incredibly too large for body look that way because... they are. They aren't my shoes. But I was warned this wasn't the kid of hike that I could get away with wearing Birkenstocks.

But when I made it to the top, I must say that the view was entirely worth it.

Wouldn't you?

If only it wasn't so darned hard to become a Swiss citizen...

I might never have come back.

At Least My Insides Will Always Be Warm

2011-05-31T07:44:00.008-04:00

I recently recieved an email from a friend with the subject line "This is what you look like inside".

Transcending the Material by Ben Cuevas

Look close.

Look veeery close.

No wonder doctors have a hard time performing x-rays on me.

Details of this piece are posted on the artist's website here.

Plant Life

2011-05-28T20:41:00.000-04:00

These are the tulips I picked from my parent's garden.

(Have YOU ever seen spikey tulips?)

These are some trilliums I saw while walking through a park last weekend.

This is the first peony in the garden this season (my absolute favourite garden flower of ALL time).

This is the lilac bush at the side door of the shop that is making my world smell a little more fresh.

And this is my favorite shade of green.

C'est tout.

When All Else Fails- Sew A Bag

2011-05-25T08:44:00.000-04:00

Last week I had a day all to myself, where I planned on doing nothing but knitting from dawn until dusk. Before the clock struck noon however, I realized that I had ripped out a pair of mittens, posted 'HELP!' on a knitting forum for not understanding a pattern (which was a result of stupid me not printing out all the pages to my pattern) and bailed on a sweater. Just as I was about to give up all hope, my sister sent me a text message that said 'Have you sewed that bag you bought the materials for yet?'

Brilliant.

I hadn't.

So I did.

Turns out that while my knitting mo-jo was lacking that day, but I was able to sew like a champ. My costume studies instructors would be proud- especially since I was far from a 'sewing champ' in University.

Let's do the same thing here that I do when I knit.

Pattern? Vest Bag from the fine ladies over at Quilt A Bag (if you haven't been yet, you should go)

Fabric? I don't know the name (fabric doesn't come with a 'ball band' oddly enough) but I know that it's from Japan. I seem to have a love for all things Japanese and fibre related (did someone say Noro?)

Needles? Er... the one in my sewing machine.

And lucky for me, the flowers in the garden match my new accessory perfectly.

Lovely.

It's Not Easy Being Green

2011-05-11T22:04:00.000-04:00

First off- I cannot believe I am putting this photo on the internet for you to gawk at in disbelief (what WAS she thinking!?!?!?!). I realize what an idiotic picture this is and that it won't make me any friends- I just felt that this picture captured that feeling I get when I finish a sweater better than any other photo ever snapped of me.

How convenient that I actually happen to be wearnig a freshly knit sweater in this shot...

You heard me. Fresh off the needles. Never been worn. Newly knitted.... That's right. A baby sweater (in my size) has been born.

I feel good about this one. I am happy with the fit, happy with the drape, happy with the colour, happy with the subtle sparkle, happy with the overall everything of this sweater. It's exactly what I had hoped for when I cast on.

Which is actually a little bit shocking since this sweater and I have had our fair share of ups and downs already. But we've made it. And I'm looking forward to many more days spent together.

I've talked a bit about this sweater already on this here blog, so I won't wax poetic about it too much now. I have a strong feeling that these stupid pictures of me say more than I could ever say with words.

Doing this is a lot harder than I remember...

Despite me having very strong feelings towards this sweater however, I understand that not everyone has the same taste as me- and that's ok. This point was made quite clear this evening as my darling cousin and I were out at the park taking photos. As we made our way back to my place, two lovely neighbourhood children who live a few doors away stopped us to say 'hi'. It had been a while since our paths have crossed due to the awfully terrible long winter we've had so we had a little chat that went something like this.

7 year old girl- 'Lynn! I haven't seen you in SOOOOO long! You look SOOOOO different!'
Me- 'Really?!?!?! What's different about me? Perhaps that I cut my hair?'
7 year old girl- 'Noooo... you have cut your hair, but that's not it...'
Me- 'Hm. That's odd. Perhaps I have packed on some winter weight.'
7 year old girl- 'Nope! Not that either...'

7 year old girl's 4 year old brother-'No silly! Lynn looks the exact same! She's just wearing a REALLY weird sweater.'

Sigh...What's there to say?

It's just not easy being green...

Details (I won't tell my 4 year old neighbour that you asked)

Pattern- Berroco Glint Book #306 'Madleen'
Yarn- 8 balls of Berroco Glint in a looooovely shade of green (in case you didn't catch that)
Needles- 4mm for the ribbing, 5mm for the rest

So, despite what the neighbours may think (or in my case, say) , I plan on wearing this sweater again and again and again.

Especially since it matches my very favorite scarf.

Pfft... 4 year olds...

What do they know anyway?

My Weekend In Pictures

2011-05-09T14:52:00.002-04:00

This weekend was aboslutely to die for. Beautiful and fresh outside. And all the fresh air made me camera-happy.

So I share with you what I saw.

The shop amaryllis popped three lovely blooms with red centres.

Liberty Wool by Classic Elite arrived in some glorious spring shades.

Purple spikes were popping up out of the earth that looked a little threatening (thumbs up to whomever knows what these will become some day).

The neighbour's llama showed up in my parent's backyard for Mother's Day lunch.

The chickens were a laying.

The cat was a hunting.

The duck was a feeding.

And I was gifted a stunning skein of some lovely blue yarn.

Now, does this shade of blue remind you of anything??

Oh yes my friends. I now I have a skein of yarn to go with my mug and tea towel.

I'm set.

He Is A Patient Man

2011-05-05T07:40:00.001-04:00

It's done. My boyfriend's Christmas gift is done. And it's May, and the flowers are popping, and the tree buds are about to burst... and it's done. The most shocking part of all of this? He's still my boyfriend. (I might have bailed if I had to wait that long for my gift). Especially since... now it's warm outside and he has no use for it, I am keeping it hostage at the shop as a sample. (HA! I just KNOW that I am going to jinx something here. He won't be my boyrfiend for much longer if I don't hand over that Christmas gift!)

I woke the model from his beauty sleep.

In any case, I am thrilled with this project because of it's simplicity. The man is my life is not into frills and ruffles (how DO we get along, you ask?) but is the most practical and classic kinda guy going. Think button up shirts and sweater vests, with the odd pair of hand knit socks. (Again... how DO we get along? I am wearing DAY GLOW nail polish today! Not classic. Not practical. It's going to cause a traffic accident today. I can feel it.)

So with this project, our personalities were able to meet half way. A practical set of winter accessories for this climate (well, our December climate) with some colour blocking to hold my interest all whilst being knit in the most squishy and soft yarn out there.

The yarn? Filatura Di Crosa Zara. 100% merino.

If everyone in the world was taught to knit on this stuff, we would have a planet full of knitters.

Zara knits up the way I imagine a bag of jet puffed marshmallows would.

The pattern?
Pressed Rib Cap and Muffler by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas.
(We've got this pattern at the shop).

The model?

No. Definitely not my boyfriend. It's my cousin/roomie.

And ladies???

He's looking for looooove.

I hope you're enjoying the Spring bulbs eeeeeeverywhere.

It finally smells like Spring out there.

She's At It Again

2011-05-03T07:40:00.000-04:00

I know that many of you will remember this amazing little gift that was sent to my mother from her aunt in North Bay over the holiday season. In fact, I am positive that many of you remember it, because it hangs proudly in the shop. Plus, I have seen some projects made by you, inspired by this.

Well, you know... it's amazing what happens when you make a fuss about something as much as my Grandma did about this here wreath.

Becaaaause... surprise, surprise!!! Dear Grandma opened up her mailbox one day a week or so ago to find THIS lovely wreath rolled up in there for her front door. (She figures that if anyone in her building has the guts to steal this off her front door, it won't take her long to track them down...)

Too cute! Non?

There's not much to say that I didn't say the last time about these. But, I can repeat myeslf for those that don't know.

The yarn? Sock scraps! We are still more than happy to accept sock yarn scraps from those that have no use for them.

The pattern? There isn't one! That Aunt Helen up in North Bay is just too clever. She whips these up all while being... patternless. Can I get an 'Oooooooooooh'???

How can I get on the list to receive one of these puppies? Just email me all of your love and praise of this wreath with your address at the bottom, and you just never know... the 'Miniature Sweater Wreath Fairy' just might leave you a little surprise in your mailbox.

But... don't hold your breath.

May is here.

So enjoy this ridiculously pretty multi-layered amaryllis that I found on my parent's kitchen counter.

Are You Ready?

2011-04-28T07:59:00.000-04:00

Must I really clarify what I'm taking about? Come on now... I don't know about you, but I have my kitschy William and Kate coffee mug all washed and ready for tomorrow morning- bright and early! Of COURSE I'm getting up early to watch!

Yup. We had a British themed party at my parents on the weekend. And it wasn't because of the Royal Wedding... I'll reveal why soon.

And OF COURSE I have some plain-jane socks to work on (I suspect that I shouldn't challenge myself too much in the knitting department at that hour).

But if you're keen to knit something Royalty-related... here's a knitted corgi to satisfy that hankering.

The pattern? It's right here.

I hope you're staying dry in this oh-so-London-ish weather.

Whether or not you are loving the dampness, my parent's pet duck Clark is on Cloud 9.

Colourful Zigs and Zags

2011-04-22T13:21:00.000-04:00

It's Good Friday... and how 'good' it is! And that's becaaaaause... I finished a project that has been 'on-the-go' for almost a year now (admittedly, it took a 'time out' on my basement floor for a number of months... but no matter- it's done!

Doesn't it just feel SO darned good to finish something? Especially because now, I can go downstairs and cast on about fourteen new projects (did you not know that's how it works in my house?).

This started out as a store sample last summer when my Mom and I fell in love with it on the back of a Sandnesgarn Mandarin Baby book (so no, I can't take credit for the colour scheme, as much as I would love to).

Since I tend to crochet a touch more than my Mom does, I was elected to make it for the shop.

Now that it's all said and done (and ends woven in), it almost makes me want to go out and get myself pregnant.

BUT, I won't. I'll hold off.

It's just that... I absolutely adore this blanket. And I want to carry it around with me everywhere I go. If I were to just carry around a blanket however, people might whisper. If I had a baby in my arms however, they would gush over the baby and (hopefully) the blanket. (I'm just so selfish... aren't I?)

Stairway to Crochet

Deeeetaaaails (ugh details?) Just kidding. I love details.

Pattern- Crocheted Zig Zag Blanket from Sandnesgarn Mandarin Baby book 0906
Hook Size- 3 mm
Yarn- 10 balls of Mandarin Petit cotton in the following colours
Pink (4505)- 2 balls

Ecru (1002)- 2 balls
Pale Pink (4301)- 1 ball
Yellow (2003)- 1 ball
Orange (2708)- 1 ball
Light Green (8514)- 1 ball
Green (8143)- 1 ball
Teal (6855)- 1 ball

Buuuuut... to make your life easier, we just might have kits at the shop. (Awwwww yeeeeeah).

Reasons to love?

It's light and airy, but little baby fingers won't get caught in the zigs and zags.

It's also massively huge and will work wonderfully as a crib blanket (or so I'm told by all the baby mamas out there) coming in at a whopping 37" x 40".

It's 100% cotton, making it breathable, washable and au so naturelle...

It also left me with enough little bits and pieces of yarn to leave my neighbourhood birds a little Easter treat for their dwellings.

And as for my dwelling, I have a co-ordinating wreath.

Joyeuses Paques everyone!

Morning Has Broken

2011-04-17T07:58:00.001-04:00

So dear readers, I present to you the shawl/scarf/wrap that I had originally intended to present to you last week but I was happily distracted by Kersti's handy-work. (Note- it's the same blasted denim shirt).

Last December, a dear friend of mine sifted through my queue on Ravelry and 'gifted' me this pattern (I didn't even know you could do that! Did you?) I logged on one brisk morning and there was a happy message waiting for me that said, "You have been gifted this pattern!" Oh the sweetness... How fun! I can't thank her enough.

While I was bustling around the shop recently, I stopped dead in my tracks and decided that I had to cast on my gifted pattern, in this yarn. We have been stocking this yarn for about three years now (meaning to say that it isn't exactly 'new'), but for some insane reason, it's taken me this long to cast something on with it.

Now that I have knit with it I wonder where exactly I score on the 'lunatic-scale'. What took me so long!?!?!?

Every stitch was a pleasure and every row, a treat.

The yarn? Shibui Sock.
Four skeins total.
Two skeins of the shade 'Honey' and two skeins of the shade 'Peacock' (which appears to be discontinued judging by the current online shadecard- WAAA!).

This is all that I had left.

The pattern?
Daybreak by Stephen West (available for purchase online).
I made the largest version but ran out of golden-honey yarn so I was unable to complete all of the 'ridges' at the edge of this shawl.
I'd say that the size is more-than-sufficient however.

Needles
3.25mm 80 cm Chiagoo circular needles.
I doooo love those Chiagoos.
The pattern calls for 3.5mm needles, and I found this set hanging out with all of my other 3.5mms... It wasn't until I was well into this project that I discovered I was in fact using smaller needles than called for.

Ah well.

Nobody got hurt.

And even if they did- Spring is here.

So buck up.

Wooly Wedding

2011-04-16T08:27:00.000-04:00

I have a very dear friend who is a very amazing florist (check it!) and she cruises wedding/flower blogs the way I cruise knitting blogs.

During one of her blog sessions, she stumbled upon this wedding held in Denver and naturally... thought of me.

I naturally thought of you.

While I don't want to start any rumours here... (there is no wedding in my near future if you're wondering), Isn't this just perfect? Yarn-y flowers, wooly centerpieces and crocheted candles?

HELLO! Nuts to getting married. I think I'll just throw a yarn-themed party! I can't wait a minute longer!

Check out the original post here.

And to those of you who are planning a wedding- may wool find it's way into your special day.

Somehow.

Dressed Up In My Denim

2011-04-15T07:51:00.002-04:00

As you have likely noticed if you are a regular reader of this blog, I tend not to write much about other people's knitting. Believe me... I could, and I would have enough material for about 16 posts a day if I did. I am fortunate enough to be one of the lucky few who spends her 'work' days gushing over yarn and other people's creations. However... I feel as though for me to blog about these sorts of things is really not... 'my business'.

But, I must make an exception to my (seemingly loose) rule.

Bear with me here.

I marched into the shop today, all dressed up and ready to take some blog-worthy photos of a scarf/shawl that I just released from those nasty looking blocking wires. (Yes. This is me 'dressed-up'). HILARIOUS!

BUT, I had been mulling about my morning business for no more than 20 seconds when something caught my eye.

I promptly stripped myself of my handy-work only to throw on someone elses.

We have Kersti to thank for this one.

I loooove it. Too much. And while it's hers to keep, it's mine to have fond dreams of. It's mine to lust after when she's not looking (or working at the shop) and on those days that I decide to wear my oversized denim shirt (in some parts, clean denim really IS 'dressed up'- I swear), I just might even 'borrow it'. (Sort of like I did today as evidenced by this photo-documentary).

It even looks beautiful skeined!

Ah... the life cycle of yarn.

The story of this cowl? (Nope. It's not a scarf. It's a loooong scarf sewed together at both ends.)

4 skeins of Berroco Origami
Needles- Erm. I don't know. (I haven't even talked to Kersti about this fabulous finished project yet).
Pattern- Just rib those four skeins of Origami until you run out! Sew the ends together.

So, I'm thinking I'm due to knit one for myself in this colour. Jusy because... cleary, I'm in love.

And these are just because...

I feel like I should share something with you that I actually did make.

Bon appetit!

You Know What's A Good Feeling?

2011-04-05T07:56:00.000-04:00

Grafting the toe of a sock that has been sitting next to your knitting chair since late November....

I finished the knitting part of this project. I even finished (in it's entirety) the first sock. The second one just desperately needed a good ol' toe graft.

Yarn- Regia by Erika Knight in shade Mind Julep

Needles- 2.5 mm

So yesterday, I managed to find a moment is my ram-packed schedule (pfft) and I got around to it.

And thank heavens too! Because it looks like I might need them for a liiiiitle while longer. Especially if I continue to hang out in places like this (much like I did last Sunday).

And you know what else gives me a good feeling?

Pink roses on an orange table cloth.

Dreams Can Come True

2011-04-01T11:09:00.005-04:00

What I want to know is- where was I when this storm hit?

I'd better go check my rain barrel.

Just Push Through the Pain, Baby

2011-03-31T11:23:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning with my forearms feeling terribly stiff.

I find myself struggling, trying to decide whether it was the multiple sets of burpees I did at my Monday evening 'boot camp', or if these sore arms are because I have been hammering through this lovely striped project on 3.25mm needles faster than the speed of sound. (I might have even decided to knit instead of shower yesterday... that's how much I love this project).

Oh, pfft. Who am I kidding? Nuts to healthy living.

Pass the bonbons! I have some 3.25mms waiting for me!

You can be sure that next Monday evening I will most definitely be passing up the burpees for more stripes.

Bulbs anyone?

Little Gold Riding Hood

2011-03-30T09:01:00.000-04:00

One fine day back in February, I spontaneously cast on this lovely little hood. (It was one of those 2:30 pm urges at the shop to start something new that I just couldn't fight).

I finished the knitting of the hood in record time. Liiiike... pretty much by the time I went to bed.

BFFL

But then it lay on my living room floor up until this past Monday (thank heavens I live with the type of person who likely wouldn't even notice if I brought home a flock of sheep). After having little success with sewing up my green sweater, this golden hood caught my eye. So I picked up all those stitches and got 'er done.

I'd say it's the perfect little number for when you don't want to flatten your hair (although I must confess to not having much hair these days-CHOP!), don't want to deal with a giant scarf choking you (although admittedly, that's never been a problem for me) or just want... a hoodie without a body (this isn't the kind of hoodie you can wear without a bra however).

Well, if you didn't think you needed a hood before- you will now!

Project info for my pretties.
Pattern- Mondo Cabled Hood by Bonne Marie Burns over at Chic Knits (we have patterns for sale at the shop if interested)
Yarn- 2 skeins of Cascade 220 Heathers
Needles- 5mm for the hood, 4 mm for the ribbing
Pompoms- I learned my lesson last time. Thank you Clover for making this bitsy 'machine'.

And just because I've had this insanely gorgeous Stargazer Lily next to my bed for the past few days now... I just had to share it with someone I love.

YOU!

(I so wish my blog was scratch and sniff.)

Staying Out of Trouble While Staying Warm

2011-03-22T08:00:00.009-04:00

Just like the title of this post says- I'm staying out of trouble while staying warm (it's not short weather just yet people...)

I have been busying myself with lots of knits and purls. I promised to show you some knitting. I just thank the heavens above that I didn't promise finished projects. Because I got NOTHING.

Nothing but some brightly coloured new Noro Silk Garden Lite that is almost the front of a sweater. (I apparently knit the colour pink at warp speed).

Noro Silk Garden Lite, Shade 2038

And there has been some bright green to celebrate the first few hours of Spring. Speaking of this green sweater, remember when my knitting attacked? Well I fought back, and I almost have a sweater to brag about.

Which will be brag-worthy not because of it's quality workmanship (OH no...), but because it's DONE.

And my garden? I may have told some little white lies last we spoke.

This is more like it...

No Knitting Here Because...

2011-03-16T12:20:00.000-04:00

I have been really busy in my garden.

I'm pretty happy with how my tulips are looking. They frame my hedge just so beautifully.

This bed of bulbs is almost to my liking- could have been a little more densely populated if you ask me, but the smell is so outstanding that I think I can find it in my heart to forgive. (Better luck next year bulbs).

And this year I also decided to cover my retaining wall out of kalanchoe. I mean... why not? It's been done before, hasn't it?

More knitting to show off in the coming days- I promise. I just wanted to assure you all that I haven't just been lazing around, I have simply been 'keeping my knees dirty'.

For those of you looking for a little inspiration of the gardening type, this is the week to head down HERE.

Spring is almost here my pretties. Almost here... So get out in that garden of yours (and cast on some cotton while you're at it).

There's nothing quite like a stylish gardener... (or knitter!)

'Knitting Group Makes Shocking Discovery'

2011-02-28T21:49:00.000-05:00

Knitting isn't all we do!

We also eat cereal.

If I Could Knit This Fast...

2011-02-20T10:53:00.003-05:00

I might actually have some knitting to share.

Just sayin'.

A Bit 'O Baby To Lift Those Spirits

2011-02-17T08:03:00.000-05:00

Is all of this disgusting brown snow getting you down?

I hear you people.

Maybe this will help.

Ladybugs on a baby sweater?

Oh, yes please!

Yarn- Sirdar Tiny Tots

Pattern- Sirdar pattern #388

Knitter- Ben's dear friend Janice- thumbs up!

But if you're one of those heartless people out there who thinks that baby sweaters are stupid.

Have some left-over Vday candy.

That should do the trick.

Can you see the spoon? Yup. I eat the stuff like cereal.

Then you can join me as I nurse the worst sugar hang-over in LIFE.
(Serves you right for thinking baby sweaters are stupid).

Oh Valentine's....

For Those of You Who Like Your Small Needles...

2011-02-12T07:54:00.000-05:00

This is for you.

By the time you've knit a few of these, winter will be over.

So, get knitting!

A Cabled Helmet- A Wardrobe Essential, Of Course!

2011-02-10T07:58:00.001-05:00

If you live in this part of the world, you will recall the disasterous snow storm that hit us last Wednesday, February 2nd (yup, Groundhog Day). Schools were shut down, buses were cancelled and many people worked from home. While it's rather difficult to work from home when you work in retail (if you have any suggestions, I'm open), I still managed to swing a day at home (working with one's mother is truly not as bad as it sounds).

As I was 'working from home' and keeping track of all those various groundhogs and their shadows (Spring is coming people! Relax.), I happened to cast on this warm hat.

And by the end of the day, I had the large bulk of it done. (I also had a pesky twitch in my left eye settle in which I am still trying to get rid of).

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Lynn, you really should have used a lighter colour so that we can see the cables better". Yeah. I'm picking up what you're laying down- but when you're snowed in, you knit with what you've got on hand. Right?

This hat sort of makes me look like I could win a battle horseback- doesn't it?

Aaaaaand I happened to have three balls of Naturally's Aran Tweed in my house, originally intended for another snowy day stocking stitch beret.

I have doubts that that beret will ever come to be.

Head butt!

Yarn? Naturally's Aran Tweed in shade 85, 3 balls

Pattern? Deborah Newton's cabled hat from the cover of the latest Vogue Knitting Winter 2011

Needles- 5 mm

Love Factor- Big time

Now, in a perfect world I would have put a loooovely pompom on the top of this hat just as I would a cherry on a cake.

But check out my terribly pathetic attempt.

It was left for the birds.

And at $10.00/ball, I sure wasn't going to risk wasting even more yarn than I already did on this stupid thing.

Lesson learned- never try to make a pompom from wrapping yarn around a book of matches. Invest in a Clover pompom maker.

Dear knitters, I hope you also have a big hat/helmet to keep you warm.

Because baby, it's cold out there.

Fake Knitting Isn't As Bad As It Sounds

2011-02-08T11:11:00.000-05:00

I must start this by saying that BOO! My camera sucks garbage.

Then I must tell you (before you get too excited) that I cannot take credit for the knitting I am about to share with you (nor can anyone at Mary's for that matter).

BUT- I just had to show and tell a little something something.

First off- cute buttons. Right? I know. I love them.

Next up- cute sweater. Right? Yeah. I know that too. (See how fun it is to be cocky about other people's knitting?)

And lastly- HELLO ADORABLE FAKE KNIT PANTS!

Too cute for words.

My sister was doing a grocery shop at Loblaws when she happened upon the Joe Fresh aisle and scored a pair of these for a whopping $9.00. Sadly they weren't her size, but they were the inspiration behind this whole little get-up.

Look real close at how amazingly even those stitches are...

Details I want to share with you.

Knitter- My brother's friend in Ridgetown, Ontario, Janice.

Yarn- Duett by Sandnesgarn in shade 3381.

Pattern- A sweet little Sandnesgarn pattern leaflet (the number I forget...)

Does anyone else feel the excitment for Valentine's Day growing like I do?

It must be the heart motif in those fake knit pants...

A Giant Ball of Yarn?

2011-01-27T09:25:00.000-05:00

Rolling through San Francisco?

Yes please!

Because Amy is 'Kool' Like That

2011-01-25T07:49:00.001-05:00

Remember this? I knit a hat, I loved every stitch, but my head is too big. (As is every head in my family).

So, I decided it had to be sent to a well loved individual.

Meet Amy. A fabulous nurse, and a stellar friend. I met this woman when we were about 8 years old at camp, and our paths just kept crossing after that.

This dear girl has recently embarked on an already impressive knitting career of her own, so I felt that it was appropriate that she have a hand knit hat of her own. You know... it's a kind of 'evangelism' amongst knitters.

Stranger- "Ooooooh. I love your hat. Where did you get it?"
Person wearing handknit hat- "Thaaaaanks. I made it/someone made it for me."

Now if that won't get the world knitting- what will?

For those that missed the previous post about this creation, here are the details.

Pattern- Koolhaas by Jared Flood
Yarn- Naturally Harmony 10 ply
Needles- 4mm (brim) and 5mm (crown) 50 cm circulars

Oh, and in case you were wondering.

Yes. We were doing a photo shoot in the Sears parking lot.

Who Said Wreaths Are Just for Christmas Anyway?

2011-01-22T09:11:00.000-05:00

My mom has an Aunt named Helen who lives in North Bay and knits bitsy sweaters by the dozen. Not for babies, not even really for dolls. Just... because she wants to. And why not? When you've raised five kids who all managed to grow up into respectable adults, you can pretty much do whatever you want. Right?

Her daughter (my mom's cousin and my namesake), started to get her creative thought juices flowing when she realized just how many of them there actually were piling up in her mother's condo.

Well those thought juices were sweet because dear Cousin Lynn came up with a brilliant way to put some of those bitsy sweaters to good use.

One might want to make note that Cousin Lynn is actually the Queen of all things home decor.

And the best part? She surprised us by popping it in the mail for us! Well, actually- for my mom (since it was sent to her house, and not the shop), but I am going to take part ownership anyway. Joint custody perhaps?

And the cutest thing about this creation? Cousin Lynn designated a sweater to each one of my family members.

See the tags?

Funny... my 'wreath sweater' is in exactly the colour scheme I have on today.

Hello french knots, blanket stitched cuffs and buttoned collars! I'm in loooooove with those little details.

And the yarn? Bits of sock yarn. Aunt Helen won't dip into a new ball of yarn for these creations, she'll just use up odds and ends. (If you have any scraps kicking around, we'll gladly send it up to North Bay for you and be sure they get put to good use).

And if you should happen to want to go on a bitsy-sweater-binge, I don't have this particular pattern (I don't even think that Aunt Helen does- she's just pretty clever), but I do have this to offer.

Feel free to embellish as you choose.

And remember all those pretty flowers that I finished my posts with last summer?

Well, this is what they looked like yesterday.

Stay warm dear knitters.

I would hate for this to happen to you.

When Knitting Attacks

2011-01-20T12:29:00.001-05:00

I have been listening to The Knitmore Girls regularly for quite some time now. In this delightful podcast, there is a segment titled 'When Knitting Attacks'.

I must admit to not only enjoying this segment, but actually ADORING it. Not so much becuase I take pleasure in their knitting catastrophes, but because it makes me feel sooooo much better about my own.

Which brings me to this sweater pictured below.

We recieved six boxes of Berroco yarns over at the shop about two weeks ago. As always, I snagged a bag of something I loved (in this case is was Berroco Glint) and instead of returning the bag unused a few days later (which would mean that I hadn't necessarily fallen out of love with the yarn, simply talked some sense into myself), I cast on this sweater in green.

I ploughed through the back in only a number of days and enjoyed every stitch. I decided to take some liberties with the pattern and make some changes to the shaping.

Silly me...

I cast off last night only to discover that I have the back of a sweater that not only covers my back, but wraps around my front as well. (No, I will not post pictures. It makes me too depressed). Maybe I should cut armholes in the sides and make a cardigan? I'm at a loss. Actually... I'm not really. I know exactly what I need to do.

Sigh...

Fortuntely for me, I love the yarn enough that I am going to cast on the front and learn from my mistakes. Then return to the back afterwards. I think it just needs to take a time out for a bit while I deal with it's better half.

And so, I share with you pictures that make the yarn and the pattern pretty, only so that I can come back to this post and remember what I fell in love with in the first place.

Because if I don't do that... this girl will never have a green sparkly sweater.

Heaven forbid!

Even Tea Gets Cold

2011-01-19T11:37:00.000-05:00

I have been knitting a lot lately. And it feels goooooood. Finishing up gifts (the boyfriend scarf just needs to be blocked), starting Spring (GASP!) sweaters for me and whipping through samples for the shop (sorta, kinda... don't get too excited to see them the next time you're visiting me there though. They might disappoint).

What popped off the needles most recently? you ask.

A tea cozy. Because at this time of year, we're not the only ones who need a little extra warmth.

I must confess that I am a little embarassed about who this is for, and when it was actually supposed to be given to them. Brace yourself, because if you thought that not having a Christmas gift done by this point in the year was bad... how about this for tardy knitting?

My dear friend Liz and her man Daryl got married on OCTOBER 2nd!!! That was... over 3 months ago! Christmas was only 3 weeks ago! (Doesn't it seem like forever ago though???)

As of October 2nd, I had the teapot, I had something to tuck into the teapot (I will be sure to leave a little note so that it doesn't get soaked in 100 degree water), and I had the body of this tea cozy made.

But for some reason... it took me 3 months to knit two i-cords.

Aiaiai... I tell myself that at least by this point, they have hopefully had a chance to find spots in their apartment to house all of their other gifts. Besides... I was waiting until tea drinking weather was in full swing.
Or at least, tea cozy weather was in full swing.

Besides, aren't you technically allowed one full year to give the happy couple their gift according to wedding etiquette? (Much like they are allowed one full year to write their thank-yous?)

I was just giving them a chance to get ahead on their thank you note writing.

The pattern? Kuryon Cozy by Emma Crew from knitty.com
The yarn? Noro Kureyon- 2 balls
The needles? 4.5 mm double points and straights
The teapot? William Ashley Gourmet Shop. They have loads of super colours and it set me back only about $25.00.

Speaking of gift-giving. Remember these? Well the recipient also bloggity-blog-blogs.

My knitting is travelling all over cyberland these days it would seem.

Check it.

Operation: Cheer The Place Up

2011-01-18T17:31:00.000-05:00

So apparently yesterday was supposed to be the most depressing day of the year- the third Monday in January.

Maybe this will help you beat those winter blues.

A Trip to The Bermuda Triangle Via Denmark

2011-01-13T08:06:00.000-05:00

Remember how I said that I was knitting to my work-out tunes and watching long movies just to get through those projects around Christmas time? Well this project my dear knitterly people, is what I was casting off as I was watching the final credits roll of The Great Escape.

This project I absolutely HAD to finish no matter what. Why? Because it was for my Mom, and I have given that poor woman more half-finished projects than I can count. I wanted to at least once in my life give her something that wasn't still on the needles. I am sure she is finding it rather tiresome that every holiday she gets just one sock, half of a scarf, or a promisary note wrapped up for her with my name on it. There was no question that I absolutely had to finish this.

So, I did.

Wearing scarves runs in my family.

What is it? The Bermuda Shawl by Ilga Leja
What did I knit it with? Kauni Effektgarn that I picked up on a family trip to Denmark 2 years ago.
What needles? Now you're asking me too many questions.
The model? My lovely cousin Nora who looks stellar in this. My mom was being camera shy- but I'll let her get away with it this time. She had just finished cooking a meal for 28 people. (And no, it wasn't Christmas. It was January 2nd. Who wants to cook for that many people on January 2nd???)

And the tag? It's hard to see, but is says 'Made With Love'. Cheesy? Maybe.

But true? Absolutely.

As for the boyfriend... his gift is still on the needles.

I'll have it done in time for next Christmas.

Perhaps.

By Golly, She Likes It!

2011-01-07T07:46:00.000-05:00

It's over. My tree is away, my presents have been presented and I was spoiled completely rotten myself. It's sort of a depressing feeling- isn't it?

I had a wonderful holiday (as I hope that you did too) although I didn't get through as much knitting as I had hoped (isn't that always the way?).

BUT- I have some posts for you that are mostly photos of gifts given.

And to top it all off??? You must recognize this project- and maybe even this person? Depends how long I've known you.

Here you have it.

My sister.

Emma.

Stunning Emma...

Who actually seems to love the cowl. (Her giant fake grin might not that express that, but the fact that this cowl stayed looped around her neck the entire holiday does).

Thaaaat's better.

I know I've told you once, but there is nothing wrong with telling you again.

Patterns- Welted Cowl by John Brinegar, Vogue Knitting Holiday 2010
Yarn- Harmony 10 ply by Naturally
Needles- 5 mm needles Chiaogoo Red

Even the cat begged to be enveloped in this cowl. (I swear!)

This colour was just perfect for Harvey to not let him give it a try.

So the moral of the story here is that sometimes, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Too bad I'm usually just such a know it all.

What's Old Is New Again

2010-12-31T16:23:00.000-05:00

Does anyone remember this sweater?

I do. And I promise you $100.00 that my sisters do too. This is because I think that I can safely say that I have never lusted after a commercially produced sweater as much as I did this one. I was obsessed.

I had just turned 16 when this sweater hit the shelves at the Gap. I had missed the opportunity to put it on my birthday list, and my sister's best friend owned it already. At 16 this is pretty major of course. Since we all went to the same not-so-densely-populated school, I sure didn't want an article of clothing that makes such a statement when someone already had dibs on it. God forbid I buy a sweater at the Gap and get labelled as a 'copy cat'.

The second factor that discouraged me ever purchasing this sweater, was that it cost cost over $100.00. I had quit my job at my dad's garden centre (it was an amicable parting of the ways) and when I figured out how many hours of babysitting that added up to, I thought I'd best be bet sticking to my strictly vintage wardrobe. Hrm. I probably should have kept that garden centre job... After some time, the sweater disappeared from the shelves at the local mall, and eventually from my 'Top 10 Things I Desperately Want' list. (Although I never fully got over it).

Fast forward 11 years. The Gap has decided that colour isn't cool this season, and the shelves do not reflect their rainbow past. BUT- the sweater came back from the dead to haunt me recently. In a Casper the Friendly Ghost kind of way. In the form of a... WINE COZY!

I met with a friend last Monday for brunch, and when she gifted me this- I almost had a heart attack right there. That sweater was finally mine. Hallelujah! Angels sing! She could have put an empty bottle of wine in that cozy and I would have been just as happy. I shall never drink the wine that is in there however, so that the sweater always has a body to cozy up to.

It's the New Year, and the theme of this celebration is new beginnings.

Here is to new projects, new friends and fresh starts.

Cheers.

And the Talent Goes On

2010-12-29T08:44:00.000-05:00

I seem to recall a promise I made to you regarding sharing some more talent before Christmas came and went so darned fast. Well, I apologize. But that's exactly what happened. Where did Christmas go? BOOF! And it was done. Was the knitting done? Not exactly. But it was a perfect Christmas either way.

As for the aforementioned talent- VOILA!

If only I had laid out a measuring tape next to this sweet little creation. It's plus petite! I swear!

Who made this you ask? Another dear customer! Who just so happens to be written up in the December issue of Canadian Living. For those of you who don't to have a copy of that magazine lingering in your washroom magazine basket, let me summarize for you.

Our customer and her buddy started making ornaments for all of their friends and their kids back in the late 80's. While their list of recipents started out at a rather modest number, it has since grown to 140 people. Yeah no... not kidding.

Now, the ornaments aren't knit each and every year- they switch up the medium each time. (The Canadian Living magazine gives the directions to make their 2007 wire and bead christmas tree ornament). But this year- it was bitsy stockings knit out of Lannett (a 3 ply baby wool that we stock). Not only that... but the stockings were stuffed with a marble, baby clemintine made out of Fimo, 2010 penny, candy cane, present and a reindeer.

Too cute for words.
Too many ornaaments to wrap my head around.

And what's on the agenda for next year you ask?

Tin angels.

That should likely go a wee tad faster than 3 ply wool.

Right?

Felice Navidad!

2010-12-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

It's too late now! What's knit has been knit and what hasn't- well... it's just gonna have to wait.

They'll understand.

Wishing you the happiest Christmas of them all!

Warm Greetings

2010-12-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

And so- I ended my last blog post with some mutterings regarding all of the talented people I know. Which got me thinking as I floated through the shop today... Ooooooh lala. Am I ever speaking the truth! I couldn't escape the talent, even if I tried!

Case in point.

Back in the summer I had helped a customer out with picking out some yarn to make Christmas cards with. She said that she was going to knit up some swatch-sized fair isle and pop them onto some cardstock. Voila! Fuzzy Christmas greetings! She had told me about their progress each time she came back for a visit/yarn fix but I had yet to see them live in the flesh (er, wool).

Yarn- Sisu. Knitter- Customer Pat who won a squash from us once in a draw at Show and Tell 2009.

Well didn't it just take me by surprise when I strolled into the shop on Tuesday morning to discover a card tucked into the mailbox. The enclosed note said that after making one of these cards, she realized that only knitters would (or could!) really appreciate them- so we were the lucky recipient of one. She asked us to overlook any mistakes that she had made, but really!?!?!? What mistakes? I don't see any mistakes. Do you? Of course not!

May this be a lesson to us all- our mistakes scream at us but the recipient won't find them, even if they look. Good thing too. Because this Christmas, there are going to be a lot of mistakes tucked under my tree.

So, stay tuned- will ya? Because tomorrow there's some more talent that needs to be showcased.

Christmas is Coming...

2010-12-22T10:08:00.000-05:00

The goose is getting fat.

And this girl is going to give herself arthritis before the 25th. (It runs in the family, so I know that this is a major possibility).

I do have some tricks for you should you want to speed up the knitting/gifting process. It's worked for me and I'm pretty much done (minus the boyfriend scarf- who will just have to accept a project on the needles. I'll tell him to finish it himself. I am ready to knit for me now anyway.)

Trick Numer One- Throw on your iPod and crank up the music that you usually run/workout to. If you aren't the type to do that sort of thing (work out that is), I'll send you along my playlist. Nothing like some Black Eyed Peas to get you through those final NEVER ENDING stretches of booooring stocking stitch.

("YES! Tonight IS going to be a good, GOOD night!" I sing along as I stitch away).

Trick Number Two- Throw in a REALLY long movie and don't allow yourself to get up until the credits are rolling (not even to go to the washroom. You'll lose your stride). Last night I popped in The Great Escape and by the time that nice credit music was playing, I was actually casting off (it was also WELL past my bedtime mind you, but I accomplished my mission). Sleeping is SO under-rated this time of year anyway.

Or, if you have friends who are knitters- don't knit for them. Not right now anyway. Pick them up some stitch markers from Mary's made by my sister dearest. Only $10.00 and 100% of the cash goes to adopt as many sheep as we can for a village far away.

I have some connections to some pretty talented people.

I know it.

Sometimes, It's Just Easier to Ask

2010-12-08T10:09:00.000-05:00

I have a sister, who has spent her life surrounded by knitters (naturally). As a result of spending countless hours around 'people like me', she is well aware of the work and time that goes into making a knitted gift.

The problem is, when she is gifted something knitted, she never flippin' wears it.

We have found beautiful cable knit sweaters smushed into the back of her closet, delicate scarves crunched under her bed and mitts without their mate far too many times to count. It makes me queasy just to think about it...

So this year, much to my surprise she sent me a text that said 'IF YOU WANT TO KNIT FOR ME THIS YEAR, KNIT ME A SNOOD'.

Done.

And done.

While I had wanted to leave an element of surprise to her gift, I gave up rather quickly after considering my hundreds of options and knowing her history. I decided to ask for more details.

The instructions that followed were as such.

'I WANT A SNOOD, THAT IS HUGE AND IN A NEUTRAL COLOUR'.

I could hide my dinner in that thing!

I delivered.

Details?

Pattern- Welted Cowl by John Brinegar from Vogue Knitting Holiday 2010 (on newstands now!)

Yarn- Naturally Harmony 10 ply 5 skeins in shade 802

Needles- 5mm 80cm Chiaogoo Red circulars

Sorry. I have a crappy camera. I can't help it.

Should she decide that this cowl just isn't neutral enough, or big enough- I have a solution.

But she'll wear it- right?

She'd better.

Or else.

How Mary's Yarns Stays Warm

2010-12-02T21:34:00.001-05:00

The other day as I was cruising through my emails, I came across this.

Watch it.

You will reconsider how you heat your home.

Yarn shower anyone?

November in Review

2010-11-30T23:13:00.001-05:00

This past month has come and gone at a rapid-fast pace, and I felt that point form was the best way to catch up with my knitting blog buddies. I have for you both knitting, but mostly non-knitting news.

-I went to Florida and got a bit of a sunburn, making my skin peel. I also knit myself a sock.

-My precious parents celebrated 30 years of wedded bliss. A party was thrown, but more importanty- somebody amazing made an equally amazing cake (in honor of the amazing couple).

Anyone who knows my parents, knows how perfect this cake is.

-I became uber obsessed with hats. I made a couple, but have more than a couple on the needles currently. This will make for more blog content where you have to look at my face as I awkwardly wear the freshly knitted hat. Perhaps I should hold a casting call. Our model is getting a little stale.

-I turned 27. No big deal, but I did start using under eye cream. I'm told my time has come. Better watch it with those sun burns.

Thumbs up for a homemade-personalized-Grasshopper-Birthday-Pie!

- I rediscovered my lava lamp. Am I ever glad that I kept that thing in my parent's barn all those years! TOTALLY worth the storage space.

-I finished two pairs of socks in one week. This might be some sort of record for me and my DPNs.

-I discovered the 'Shellac' manicure- and I will never be the same.

-I took someone's hand-knitted-sock virginity- and he will never be the same.

- I re-discovered my love for point form notes.

Because I'm 'Kool' Like That

2010-11-20T16:51:00.000-05:00

Oh hello beautiful knitters/readers (I don't discriminate... if you can't knit, I suppose that you can still read a knitting blog). Here I am and believe it or not, I have knitting to show off to you. And much more to come! But before I get ahead of myself, I want to show off something recent.

It's... a hat.

And... it's a colour that I have never knit before.

Cream.

Yup.

Cream.

Looks to me as though my neighbour is clearly up to no good.

I must admit one small thing though... and that is that this yarn comes in a limited range of colour. Cream was pretty much the most 'vivid' option available but it's just so darned beautiful to knit with... that I care not! While this yarn's rainbow doesn't extend much past neutrals, I simply tell myself that I'm knitting the shade of some precious New Zealand sheep out there and then suddenly all is well with the world.

Why New Zealand you ask? Because that's where this yarn reigns from. Where the sheep are cream, charcoal, and various shades of brown. (In my New Zealand anyway...)

Yarn? Harmony 10 ply by Naturally

Needles? 4mm for the brim, and 5mm for the main
Pattern? Koolhaas Hat from my boyfriend Jared Flood over at Brooklyn Tweed (jealous much?)

It's a Chrismas gift, but I can't decide quite yet for who. I have made a list of possible recipents, I'll just see who treats me like gold for the next month and who doesn't.

And just in case you were wondering where I have been since I took off that sugar bag, here's a hint.

Baby trees and lizards anyone?

Only Because You Asked

2010-11-05T07:39:00.000-04:00

Some of you have been inquiring so I thought I would oblige.

Voila.

Instead of going as a baked good this year, I thought I'd go as an ingredient.

I am thinking next year... a stick of butter perhaps?

There Just Weren't Enough Ruffles in My Life

2010-10-21T10:17:00.000-04:00

So I knit some more!

I must tell you that this scarf was a result of two things.

1- I cast on a hat out of Veronik Avery's new book Knitting 24/7 (the best knitting book I've gotten my dirty paws on in a long time) out of this yarn and it pooled... this isn't always a bad thing- in fact, I thought it was a good thing when it started to happen. But the deeper I got into the hat... the more I fell out of love with it.

So, I rrrrrriped it out.

And promptly cast on this lovely little ascot- because I felt this yarn just simply couldn't go un-knit.

Which leads me to # 2- When Estelle's fancy-fun novelty yarn Frill Seeker graced our shelves a couple of weeks ago, we couldn't keep it in stock. Our inventory is now rather depleted and the supplier is clean out. It occured to me that Mary's Yarns just couldn't handle not having an alternative ruffly-scarf option for even a moment.

Aaaannnnnd... queue the Churchmouse patterns.

I cast on the required 648 stiches and off I went. Nothing but a whole lotta knits, purls, increases and decreases. The most time consuming part was casting on (which I believe I spread out over two days) but after that, it was all fun and games (seriously).

Info you tend to want to know as follows-
Pattern- Churchmouse Classics 'Barb's Ruffled Scarf.
Yarn- 2 skeins of Shibui Staccato in shade Bohemian
Needles- 4mm and 3.5mm.

BOOM! There are your ruffles folks.

And so, I leave you with this sheep today.

Thank you for your wool.

Baaaaah.

Keep those Pumpkins Warm

2010-10-13T09:19:00.001-04:00

This past weekend I was thankful for many things- safe cars, cupcakes with plastic rings nestled into a mound of phoney icing on top, health (which is likely to deteriorate at top speed if I continue to eat aforementioned things at the rate I do), family, friends, food, people that knit... and hats that looks like seasonal produce.

Above it all though, I am thankful that I have a mother who can knit such things.

Not only am I thankful for all of her mad knitting skills, but also that she has passed along (some of) her knitterly abilities to me. Oh, how thankful I am.

The details? (I am also thankful for details)

Yarn- Smart by Sandnesgarn.
Pattern- Patrick's Pumpkin Hat by Fiber Trends
Needles- I don't know (since I didn't make it- my mom did, in case I had you confused)... but I can make a sort-of-educated guess. 3.5mm-4mm double points? (If we're lucky, she'll let us know in the comments)

So, she might have been a little on the skimpy side when knitting for this beast, but I'm sure we can find a deserving little pumpkin for this hat. Especially since I happened to notice that we got our first decent frost when I walked up Yonge Street to pick up a carton of milk this morning.

We best be keeping those pumpkins warm.

They need to make it to Hallowe'en yet.

I'll Have Another Order of Purple Milk Please

2010-09-30T08:10:00.000-04:00

Can you smell the crispness in the air? Do you know what that means? Do you know why Mother Nature is gently nudging us towards our jackets and hats once again?

She wants us to know THAT CHRISTMAS IS COMING HOLY SMOKES GET KNITTING!

So, I did. Er, I am.

I recently cast off a Christmas gift and am feeling pretty good about myself. Too bad I made a list this week of everyone I intend to knit for- I'm so hilarious sometimes. The list was absolutely laughable. I'll be lucky to get a pair of chunky socks done.

Well, at least I can feel good in knowing that there will be at least one lovingly handknit item under the tree from me. (For a certain VERY loved one who just purchased purple glasses- the colour was choice was very intentional).

What is it? I hear you ask.

Look familiar?

I bet it does!

Because you saw it here not so long ago! (I'm getting pretty boring and predictable, aren't I?)

Details please.

Pattern- Milkweed Shawl by Laura Chau
Yarn- Tosh Sock
Needles- 3.5 mm

Thank you.

Happy Fall.
Flowers for all to match the shawl.

(Did I just leave you with a rhyme there!?!?!? I DID!)

I KNEW I Chose this Polish for a Reason

2010-09-11T07:43:00.000-04:00

A few days back as I was digging through my extensive nail polish collection to pick out my 'shade of the week' (don't laugh). I landed on this milk-chocolatey-rusty-cinnamon shade (how's that for a colour description?). After I had slapped some onto my nails I admired them (but only for a moment) until I realized "Gee Lynn... you really have kissed summer good-bye".

Where has all the hot pink and vivid read gone!?!?! I took myself by complete surprise. I felt like I didn't even know myself anymore.

That is until ... I walked into the shop and my mom asked me to close my eyes and hold out my hand. I did this with some hesitation (I always think that someone is going to put a mouse in my hand when that happens) but low and behold, there was no mouse. But a BISON-BAMBOO wrist warmer!

Holy heavens how wonderful!

If you recall... I am a total sucker for ensuring that nails match fingerless gloves. I knew there was a subconcious method to my milk-chocolatey-rusty-cinnamon madness.

The details? NO PROB!

Pattern? ACTUALLY! How about kit? Fibreisle's for "Zoe's Wrist Warmers" (we have them in the shop)

Needles? Whatever came in the kit! (Remember now, I didn't knit them) 2.25 perhaps?

Yarn? Again... came in the kit. BUT, it's Fibreisle's Bamboo-Bison blend in laceweight. So warm... and such pretty colours!

So I guess I didn't completely write-off summer afterall. I was just prepping for all the Fall accessories that are about to come my way.

Le Sigh...

Seriously Lynn???

2010-08-25T10:19:00.000-04:00

I had a week off recently and thought that I'd be oh-so-clever and get cracking on some Christmas gifts. I raided my stash, pulled some fun sock yarn from the deep depths and got rolling.

Much to my amazement, a pair was completed.

Cute enough.

Right?

Look closer.

I panicked, concerned that my knitting had become so inconsistent I couldn't even get socks to match anymore. Had I knit one before I had completely wound down from work that it was that much tighter? One sock representing my state of mind at the beginning of holidays... and one at the end?

HAH! No. (This realization was a bigger relief than you know!) It was just me getting bored with this project and itching like mad to start something new. I ended the second sock an entire repeat before the other (making it three fat stripes shorter).

Aiaiai...I am not convinced that my holiday did what it was supposed to.

I think it just made me even more daft than I was going into it.

Peaches anyone?

Lions, and Garter and Lace- OH MY!

2010-08-10T08:26:00.000-04:00

Well I'll be... Do I look overly pleased with myself or WHAT!?!?!? I mean really, it's just ridiculous! Not only is it a million degrees outside and I'm wearing long sleeves and a scarf/shawl, I am smiling so big it looks like my lips are going to disappear!

And why is that? You ask.

Because I have used up yarn that has been staring at me for over a year from my bookshelf, AND because I was able to use that yarn not only on garter stitch (I love me some decent garter!), but LACE also! I often worry that my brain is rotting because I knit so darned many plain-jane socks, that it feels MIGHTY good to have popped some lace off the needles. It is nothing epic mind you, but it feels rather good none the less.

Can't you tell?

You want the deets? I'll give you the deets.

Pattern- Milkweek by Laura Chau (available for purchase through her site)
Yarn- Cadenza by Estelle- 1 skein! Love that.

Needles- 3.5 mm, but I think I'd bump it up to a 3.75 next time around (I must have been stressed... SO TIGHT!)

Fun factor- It's fun. Believe me. It's fun. HELLO! It's garter stitch and LACE! Together at LAST!

And lastly, look at what a dear friend recently gifted to me!

May this act as a gentle reminder to me each and every day.

Summer Tiiiiiime...

2010-08-03T23:43:00.000-04:00

And the living is easy

Fish are jumpin'

And the cotton is... being crocheted!

Mandarin Petite cotton that is! Into a sweet little chevron patterned baby blanket.

And while that's all happening, the tomatoes are ripening.

And there are sweeeeeeeet blooms everywhere.

This sure beats working with that heavy mohair/wool blend yarn from last summer! Aiaiai... What exactly was I thinking???

In this hot, hot heat... I'll stick to the Mandarin, merci!

A Feast for the Eyes (and Soon the Belly too!)

2010-07-26T18:21:00.000-04:00

How about a healthy helping of some Handmaiden Sea Silk...

Some Madelinetosh Sock...

New Noro Silk Garden colours...

And my first ever bitsy cucumber that's growing as fast as it can.

My life SO doesn't suck.

Cotton, Coral and SUMMER!

2010-07-14T10:13:00.000-04:00

I have discovered that when new yarn starts rolling in to welcome a new season, I immediately cast something on. It's like I just black out and before I know it, I am 4" into something. I actually sometimes have to go back and remind myself exactly what pattern it was that seduced me into knitting it.

Back in April/May, this was the case with this lovely cotton coral vest.

A new yarn showed it's face called 'Replay' by Tahki Stacy Charles. It's a 100% recycled cotton (I am still sort of trying to figure out what means exactly since I don't throw my jeans in the recycling bin- do you?) and aran weight. It comes in fabulous colours that remind me of the shelf of very loved t-shirts in my closet. The book that accompanied the yarn was equally enticing and before I knew it... I had knit the body of this baby!

Sigh... when you finally come to terms with posting photos of yourself online, you have to be ok with the fact that not every single image will be FABulous. In this case, I ask you to please just revert your attention to the vest- not the face.

Now- as with most projects, I learned a very valuable lesson here. In this case it was read the pattern before you just charge into a project. If I had read through the pattern, I likely wouldn't have cast on. Why you ask? Because the neck line asks you to kindly pick up over 400 stitches in cotton yarn- not the worlds most forgiving fibre. (Did you feel me just throw up a little???)

Having said that... It was probably super good for me to have to do this and work outside of my comfort zone. Did I particularly enjoy that part of the vest? Heck no.

Especially when I realized I had made a massive mistake and had to rip it all out and pick up those stupid stitches all over again.

BUT- look at what a lovely vest I now have!!!

Feeling kinda groovy

I must say though that I am entirely tickled with the finished product. What the pattern lacked in laze-factor, it made up for in fit-factor. I love the fit! Now, enough time has passed since completion that I don't feel like I want to throw it into my recycling bin along with my jeans. I tend to have to let my projects marinade for a while after finishing them before I wear them (and in this case, blog about them).

I don't know why that is... it just is.

Want some details???

Well, twist my rubber arm!

Yarn- Tahki Stacy Charles 'Replay', 100% recycled cotton. 7 balls.

Pattern- Washington Square Vest

Needles- The pattern called for 5.5mm, but I used 5mm (because I guess I just felt like rebelling when I saw the number of stitches I was picking up).

Size- Medium. 37" finished bust. I went up a size than I normally would since I bumped down my needle size. Sometimes that's a scary thing to do, but it this case it worked out looooovely like. (I tell you, I am just SUCH a knitting risk taker!)

Summer is still young... cotton vests for everyone!

I hope you all have functioning air conditioners!