'Knitting Group Makes Shocking Discovery'

Knitting isn't all we do!



We also eat cereal.

If I Could Knit This Fast...

I might actually have some knitting to share.



Just sayin'.

A Bit 'O Baby To Lift Those Spirits

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...

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!

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

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?

Rolling through San Francisco?



Yes please!

Because Amy is 'Kool' Like That

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?

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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...

 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

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.