I Spy With My Little Eye...

An adorable music video, filled with adorable knittings!



Happy Monday everyone!

The Week That Was A Whirlwind

Amazing how much can happen in a week. 

Really though. It is.

My sister finally tied the knot. And my family? We couldn't be happier.

No detail went forgotten

She certainly snagged herself a pretty solid dude.

So why wouldn't we be thrilled?

 My other sister made the trek from London, England and managed to wrangle her dear man into coming along for the ride.

This is one brave Brit- what a lot of family he met in a mere four days!

 And then my brother and I jumped into the car and drove ourselves out to Halifax so that he can begin yet another school year.

Bathroom break in New Brunswick

Interestingly enough, Halifax happens to be the same city that my sister and brother-in-law (Ugh! I LOVE saying that!) met. So you might say that the wedding celebrations continued onwards as baby brother and I made our way out east.

Citadel

While it was a total whirlwind 22 hours in a city that is very near and dear to my heart, I did manage to swing a trip to one of my favorite spots- the Public Gardens.

Turns out that dear Halifax continues to be the same beautiful city that I remember it being.

Dahlia

You could say, it has been... a very good week.

But if you'll just excuse me for a moment.

I need a little nap here...

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Little Boy Blue

There seems to be a trend right now that involves giving birth to baby boys.

While it's a trend that I'm not quite ready to follow (not just yet anyway), I am pretty thrilled to know so many adorable little men entering this world these days.

And how exactly do you think I am celebrating all of these little lives?

I'm knitting baby man sweaters.

Come blow your horn. The sheep's in the meadow! The cow's in the corn.

In blue.

I don't tend towards traditional in terms of colour when I knit for babies, but this case was different.
Maybe it was because the pattern showed the sweater knit up in blue. Maybe it's because the exact number of balls I needed were on the shelf (that's how yarn shop people knit- use up the colour that has the exact amount on the shelf, rather than rip into a new bag).

I'm not entirely sure. But this shade of blue spoke to me and as a result, a sweater was born.

Where's the little boy who looks after the sheep?

The recipient has yet to be determined. I'm going to let this little sweater shine in the spotlight for a while at the shop before making up my mind. There are a couple of really great babies out there who totally deserve this soft and squishy sweater, so we'll see.

Speaking of boys, I realize that I never told you that the man in my life became an uncle back in May! To a healthy and happy little baby boy- with flaming red hair! And lots of it! He of course, is in the running to becoming the owner of this sweater. A red head in this shade of blue?

Absolutely, heartbreakingly adorable.

He's under the haystack.
Fast asleep.

Fun Sweater Facts

Pattern- Finn's Cabled Baby Sweater by PollyMacc Designs (a new line of patterns for us at the shop!)
Yarn- Four balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in shade 71
Needles- 3.75 mm
Size- the smallest (Which as it turns out, I don't think can actually be considered 'newborn', as the pattern states. But bigger is always better!)
Bonus Prize? It's knit in one piece!

So my friends, the count down in our family is on. Only three more days until my sister says 'I Do!'

One never knows how these things will fall into place, but it just might not be too much longer before a baby boy joins our immediate family.

The Love Birds

Better keep those knitting needles knitting!

(Wink!)

Short and Sweet

Despite having not been in touch with you all in what seems like FOREVER, I am going to keep this post short and sweet. As a way of warming up for 'back to school', why don't we indulge in a little point-form-post, shall we?

- Mary's Yarns is having a sale!

Yeah... a big one. Starting tomorrow (that's Friday, August 17th) until Sunday (that's August 19th). We've extended the hours at the shop for all of you hard working knitters, and we hope to see you there!

Hours are as follows

Friday, August 17th- 10:00am -7:00pm
Saturday, August 18th- 10:00am -5:00pm
Sunday, August 19th- 10:00am -1:00pm (Sunday you'll find a Farmer's Market across the street from us!)

This weekend also happens to be the Unionville Jazz Festival. So, why not buy some yarn, grab a drink, and listen to some tunes? All whilst knitting the night away perhaps?

-We can't keep up with the new yarns that have been rolling in.

For reals.

"Startitis" is at it's worst this time of year.

Frog Tree Pediboo 80% merino, 20% bamboo

-But the Garden is at it's best.

Real knitting content coming soon.

See you at the sale!

xo

More Show, Less Tell

Despite some worries I had earlier on in the year regarding whether or not my sock knitting had taken a back seat to my baby knitting, it turns out that 'Ms. Overly-Dramatic' (that's me) needn't stress anymore. Turns out... that my sock knitting mojo is still entirely intact.

Need proof?

Pfft.

Not a problem.

After finishing these puppies, I realize that no matter how soft and gooey finishing a baby sweater makes me feel (Oh, come on! It's a miniature sweater! SO! CUTE!) I still find that knitting two socks, that actually slightly resemble the same size as one another is the most satisfying thing to ever come off the needles.

That's right.

EVER.

Especially when they fit ME.

This kind of fun just never gets old.

However... I realize that reading about yet another pair of plain vanilla socks might start to get a little tiresome after a while... So I'll keep this post short on words, and heavy on pictures.

I always tended towards books that were heavy on the pictures anyway.

Details? (For those of you that haven't given up on the reading part of this just yet)

Yarn- Misti Alpaca Sock in colourway 'Reggaeton' (coming soon to a Mary's Yarns near you!) 50% alpaca, 30% merino, 10% nylon, 10% silk
Needles- 2.5mm
Pattern- It's in my head
Soft Factor- SO soft. I can`t wait for boot season! These will be ridiculous.

And so my friends (who are readers), since I tend to end off each post with a flower picture for you (especially this time of year!), I thought I'd share what I carried down the aisle as a bridesmaid last weekend instead of some lovely flowers.

Something not quite as fragrant, but something that is still completely lovely.

Glorious, Glorious Garter Stitch

When I cast this project on, I knew that it would be a bit of an undertaking, but a pretty straight forward, easy-peasy kind of undertaking? Right?

 

Well, yeah... sort of.

While it was pretty easy (not going to lie), it wasn't as easy as I'd hoped. Garter stitch can be one temperamental son-of-a-gun when it wants to be! But I found that once I stepped back from it (and gave it the occasional 'time out'), I realized that it really wasn't so bad.

We knitters just often get to be way too close to our knitting, thus in turn making us way too critical. (Why are we so hard on ourselves anyway!?!?? Isn't this supposed to be a relaxing sport?)

Not only did I find myself a bit discouraged in regards to the quality of my work... but the hours. OH! The hours! I lost track (not that I ever keep track...) after about hour fourteen ka-jillion.

Having said all of that however, was it worth it? All that time and frustration?


Well yeah... It kind of was.

And would I do it again?

Well yeah... I think I would.

At the end of it all, I really and truly love this thing.

It almost makes me wish it was freezing cold outside again. (Yeah. I said it. So sue me.) 

It's just so dang versatile!

No joke. This feels like some kind of heaven.

And just so huge!

A customer knit one of these up and said that her husband uses it for his afternoon naps.

He sounds like my kind of guy.

See? It's massive.

Especially if after his nap he agrees to take her out for a lovely dinner so she can throw it casually over her shoulder like this.

Yeah... Totally terrible picture, I get it.
But I just want to show you that there are options!!! OK?

 

My soon-to-be-brother-in-law would appreciate the multi-functionality of this piece. Perhaps I should consider making another one for him as a wedding gift?

Details you might just want to know (in case, you know, you also have about fourteen ka-jillion hours that you're looking to kill, or you need a wedding gift).

Yarn- 9 balls of Sandnesgarn Mini Alpakka in shade 2025
Needles- 4.5mm
Pattern- This one! (Go on! It's free!)

So dear knitters, despite the hot, hot heat, I pulled this off. I knit the biggest piece of garter stitch I have ever knit out of one of the warmest fibres out there.

But since it might be a little too toasty out there to wear it these days... (but clearly not too toasty to knit!)

I guess I'll just have to sit back and enjoy those beautiful yellow sunflowers until it's time to toss my new yellow wrap around my shoulders.

Stay cool!

Nesting

This past weekend, I took the opportunity to 'nest'. My dear man was out of town and I made a point of making absolutely no plans, all in the name of getting through some knitting (and cooking... and cleaning... and laundry... you get it, right?). And you know what? It was successful. I knit until my needles wore out (and my house is pleasantly tidier). It's funny how rare weekends like these are... especially in the warmer months! There's another barbeque, pool party or wedding around every corner! (Not that I'm complaining of course...)

The only exception to my 'no plans' rule however, was a great big ol' family dinner on Sunday night, prepared by none other than Mother Mary herself (and those who know her cooking, know what a treat it is to eat one of her dinners!).

As is usually the case in my family, we all threw on our sandals and strolled down to the garden after dinner to check out what was going on with all of the plants and animals.

While plucking raspberries off of the raspberry bush, what do you think I happened to stumble upon??? But a mother duck who was also nesting! As it turns out, I am not the only one who likes to nest when it's this this stupid-hot out. Looks like in just 12 short days from now (give or take), my parent's pet duck Clark is going to be a father! His girlfriend Lois was sitting pretty amongst those raspberries like one proud momma atop of some beautiful, warm, baby eggs.

What a wonderful and welcomed addition to the family that will be.

Shame she has been so resistant to picking up the art of knitting... she could have had those 12 baby ducks outfitted in no time! Clearly, she missed the memo that told her how nesting works wonders for one's knitting production.

As for my 'nesting knitting'... progress report to come.

Growing Garter Stitch

After discovering that my garter stitch is far from perfect, I reminded myself that it's practice that makes better (I'm not going to aim for perfect... no one's perfect!).

So as evidenced in the photo below...

The garter stitch continues to grow.

Aaaaand... have I noticed much improvement over the miles and miles of yarn knit? 

Not in the least.

I have a hunch that this garter stitch rectangle is going to be epic if I hope to see any sort of improvements.

Happy hollyhock season everyone!

Black Socks

They never get dirty.

Yarn- 2 balls of Waikiwi by Naturally (amazingly beautiful yarn FYI)

 The longer you wear them,

Needles- 2.5 mm

 The stronger they get.

Pattern- It's in my head

 Sometimes, I think I should wash them.

But something inside me says....

No, no, not yet...

Not yet...

Not yet...

Blossom Everyday

I'm no fashion blogger (and you readers surely know that by now), but the fabulous shop 'Blossom Lounge' asked if I would like to be be featured on their weekly 'Style File', a weekly style profile that they do on their blog 'Blossom Everyday'.

My answer? Naturally, yes! How flattering!


And while I'm no fashion plate (not like the girls at Blossom are), I can't help but feel a little bit excited that the art of knitting somehow found it's way onto a blog like theirs.

Photo courtesy of Blossom Lounge

Click here to read the full post.

Photo courtesy of Blossom Lounge

And for those of you wondering... the bright blue top I'm wearing is a very recent Blossom purchase. As is pretty much every bottle of nail polish that I own...


Be sure to stop by their website- and their shop!

Thank you Blossom Lounge!

xo

Knitting Stars

Have you ever met a celebrity, or even watched an interview with a star that you've been admiring for years, only to be entirely disappointed? You discover that maybe they're entirely full of themselves? Or they refuse to give you the time of day? Or you realize that they forgot their manners at the back door?

This past weekend my darling mother and I trekked down to TNNA, (The bi-annual trade show that we attend to pick up fabulous ideas, and products to bring back to YOU!) in Columbis, Ohio. The show floor was crawling with yarn shop owners from across the continent, suppliers, manufacturers and of course- knitting stars.

What I'm happy to report in regards to the stars that were there is that each and every one that we spoke to was an absolute delight. What a treat it was to talk to them all!

Two that stand out however? Read on dear knitter, read on.

First up- Cirilia Rose, creative director at Skacel, and designer of the ever popular patter 'Aidez' (a shop fave).

Not only does this girl know a thing or two about knitting, she was the first to speak to me... and the topic?!?!?!?

NAIL POLISH. This girl could have been smacking gum in my ear and picking her nose while talking to me and I still would have loved her (this of course was not the case- she was clearly raised to be polite to strangers). Anyone who opens a conversation about nail polish with me- it's love all over.

It doesn't hurt that her knitting and designing skills are top notch.

Next fave knitting celeb? The ever-so-gentlemanly Martin Storey. He signed a copy of his latest book for me and he was nothing but lovely. Really, really lovely. We all talked London, knitting and pattern writing- if only he had brought up nail polish, it would have been the definition of a perfect conversation.

This time, I'll cut the guy some slack.

Myself, Martin and Mom

So the trip was a success. Lots of yarn was bought for all of our favorite customers, and lots of catching up with old and new friends took place.

And after a busy weekend away, full of fun and fibre, we came home to this.

Ain't life grand?

Bride Brain

I swore that it wouldn't happen to me. I swore that I wouldn't let a wedding take over my life, but it seems to have somehow done just that. I realize that most brides make a little personal promise to themselves that they won't let things get out of control, but they always do.

As much as I am enjoying the process (I do love to plan a good party!), I am a touch grumpy about how much time it is taking away from my knitting. Not only that, but also the brain power. I am having troubles stringing together a proper sentence it would seem, let alone knit anything beyond the basics.

I guess I could also blame the heat, but let's be real... it's the wedding. Not the flaming hot, hot heat that has recently ensconced the Greater Toronto Area. Because if it was the heat... I wouldn't be knitting what I am knitting at the moment.

Which leads me to my current project.

 

Garter stitch.

Miles and miles of beautiful alpaca garter stitch.

I cast on this garter stitch about two weeks ago as a solution to my bride brain problem. I wanted something that I could pick up and put down easily without much mental effort.  I can surf the web, read papers and chat on the phone, all whist clicking away.

My thoughts on this garter stitch project at about the halfway point however?

It's humbling.

Really humbling.

Because despite casting on what I considered to be one of the easiest projects on the planet, it's not perfect. It's really far from perfect in fact.

And something tells me it's not the bride brain that's causing this.

It's just the nature of the garter stitch beast.

So a big thumbs up to all you beginner knitters out there working on your first garter stitch project.

I have nothing but mad respect for you.

I promise you that stocking stitch is a heck of a lot more forgiving.

No word of a lie.

Spontaneous Projects Are Best

My mom and I have the same discussion every time one of us goes on a vacation. It goes a little something like this.

Mom-"Isn't it funny how as soon as you know that you're heading off on a trip, you obsess over what knitting projects you're bringing with you???"

Me- "Tell me about it. Who cares about what bathing suit I'll be wearing on the beach, I just want to know what I'll be knitting on the beach!" (I only have one bathing suit, so I guess that helps a little).

Mom- "What's weird though, is that it's the project you grab last minute as you're running out the door that you end up working on the whole trip- and loving!"

She's right... remember that acrylic baby sweater that I knit last summer while camping? I can't say it was a project that I had been dreaming of... I just wanted to knit with the confetti style yarn at the very last minute- so I did!

While I haven't been on vacation in the very recent past, when I have a day off without any commitments, I look forward to that day (full of knitting, of course!) as though it is a tropical week away.

This project, is a result of one of those days.

I was sitting in my recently assembled Ikea Poang chair, surrounded by yarn galore. In the midst of all the chaos, this one little ball spoke to me from the deep, dark depths of my stash. It's not a yarn that I had been thinking about, it's not even a project that I had been thinking about... But it spoke to me that day and I powered through this project like a house on fire.

It just goes to show you that often spontaneous knitting is the best kind of knitting. (It also goes to show you that yarn hoarding isn't such a bad thing- you just never know what wool will speak to you).

I bought two balls of this yarn many moons ago, and knit the first ball for my Mom for Christmas 2010. I decided to knit the second ball up for myself this time around. (I'm really just trying to freak out my siblings who are all dumb founded that I am slowing morphing in my mother- RIGHT BEFORE THEIR EYES!!! But let's be honest... who isn't!?!?!?)

So you ask, did I love this yarn any less the second time around?

Oh no... not at all. My ultimate #1 fave kind of yarn to knit with is...(are you ready for this?) scratchy, scratchy 100% wool.

You can keep your cashmere and baby alpaca. I want my wool that smells like it`s fresh off a sheep. (Uhm... this doesn`t mean I'd turn away any cashmere that you`re willing to offer up).

I'm just saying that if I was told I had to pick only one kind of yarn to knit with from now until the end of the world, scratchy wool would be it.

And you know what's so magical about scratchy wool like this??? A little bath in Eucalan and it transforms into the most beautiful fabric ever. Scratchy wool is beautiful to knit with, but not always so beautiful snuggled up against your neck. That of course, depends on the person however.

This scarf/shawl is exceptionally difficult to photograph I have found

Yarn-150 grams of Kauni Effektgarn
Pattern- Hitchhiker by Martina Behm (available for download for $3.80)
Needles- 3.25mm Addi Turbo
Mods- The pattern says to knit until 42 'peaks' have been completed. I just knit until I had used up every last inch of that 150 gram ball. I have yet to count the peaks I ended up with...

So, since the weather outside is far too beautiful to be enjoying my new scarf, I am taking some time to enjoy the peonies instead.

The shop is surrounded by them... and I just can't seem to stop snapping pictures- kind of like I'm on vacation!

I hope you had the good sense to plunk a peony plant in your garden at some point... and if not- get on it! It's too late for blooms this year I suspect, but you'll thank me next year.

Promise.