Tick, Tock

So, the countdown is on. Three more sleeps until I have a husband. Holy smokes.

Like... REALLY! 

Holy smokes.

With only three days to go, I am under the illusion (more like delusion?) that I am going to finish knitting a bolero out of some beautiful mohair to keep my shoulders warm on what I imagine will be a sunny, but chilly November afternoon. I don't like the idea of being covered in goosebumps in all of my photos! So a bolero should solve that issue.

I only have a sleeve and a half left to go... and then I need to sew it up.

But I can do it- right? Because I don't really have anything else going on over the next few days. (HA!)

It's funny how my wedding is all of a sudden starting to feel like Christmas Eve. You know when the clock continues to tick as you stare down the barrel of all those knitting deadlines you've set for yourself? You've been busy driving across Hell's half acre to get Uncle Donny the perfect tie for under the tree or a box of the best truffles in town. You've been up until the wee hours perfecting this year's batch of Christmas cookies, or getting the piping perfect on your gingerbread house... and somehow (don't ask me how!), the knitting gets put on the back burner.

The only difference here is... an "IOU a knitted bolero for your wedding" doesn't photograph too well.

Thank heavens I at least had the foresight to whip off a wedding themed cowl to keep me cozy.

Yarn- 1 skein of Cascade Magnum
Pattern- My Kind of Town CowlNeedles- 12.75mm

Is it the "Kate-Middleton-on-her-wedding-day" look that I was going for? 

Not really.

But then again, I'm pretty sure that it was ME who my man proposed to six months ago...

Not that Kate Middleton character.

Pfft...Her loss!

Stay warm friends. ♥

Building Blocks

This wedding is a funny thing. With less than three weeks to go now, I'm starting to feel slightly overwhelmed. I know it's coming soon, and I know it's coming fast. I also know that everyone that's coming will leave well fed and that no one will notice if my shoes don't match my nail polish perfectly. I know that details like whether or not we opt for square dishes or round dishes will be lost on every single person in the room. I know that if I have mascara running down my face, or fake eyelashes stuck to my cheeks, someone there will let me know. And most importantly, I know that by the end of the day, I will be married to the one guy I want to spend the rest of my life with- which I realize is really the only thing that anyone at my wedding will remember.

We are down to that point in the planning process however where it's all about the details- the little bits and pieces. All the fun stuff like colour scheme, dress shopping and flowers are behind us. Those decisions have been made (thank God!). Now it's all about the "Who is going to sit with who? Who needs a vegetarian meal? Are there any allergies? What time should people show up to the reception? What order should the speeches be in? What am I going to do with my 1" long hair-do once I take off my veil? What shoes am I going to dance in? Should the groomsmen have little pieces of fabric that poke out of their suit pocket to match their tie?" It's all about the details. And as soon as one detail gets nailed down, there seems to be a sea of more details just waiting for us to sort them out. While I have never made so many rapid fire decisions in all my life, it still feels as though nothing is actually getting done.

Amongst all of these details, I often find myself loosing sight of the bigger picture- the reason why we're going through with all of this. Which brings me to... my knitting.

It's a vicious circle, isn't it? When one finds themself too busy to sit down and knit, that's exactly when they need it most. Knitting's soft rhythm soothes the soul and calms the nerves, which is precisely what I find myself craving these days. Right now, I feel as though all I what is a good three week vacation full of nothing but... knit time. Nuts to this wedding! We can make a pit-stop at City Hall when we get back (Er...just kidding Mom and Dad!).

Last week at the shop I taught a class to a group of lovely ladies on 'Entrelac'. This particular technique is achieved by knitting little squares that build on one another resulting in a fabric that looks like woven strips. So tricky! So clever! Right? I have knit entrelac in the past, but it had been a while since I had played with the technique much.

Yarn- James C. Brett "Passion" in shade P3
Pattern- Danica by Jesse Loesberg

Turns out, entrelac is exactly what the knitting doctor should have ordered this bride-to-be long ago. Nothing is more satisfying than building blocks- ask any child out there. You can knit up a 'little block' in no time and when you finish one, you end up feeling like you've accomplished something- like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Even if you intend to knit a 40 foot scarf, you can still see that light. You can pat yourself on the back and say 'Good job Lynn! Look at what you did! You made something!'

A friend once told me that no matter how big or small your wedding is, there is drama and stress that goes along with it. While my wedding is certainly no Kate Middleton/ Price William affair, it's enough for me.
Perhaps if I think of all of these little tasks that I have left to do as if they are tiny knitted blocks, it won't seem quite so daunting.

Besides, I work best when knitting is involved, so I'm just going to stick to my entrelac. Chipping away at it bit by bit.

And if my scarf ends up being a few feet shy of 40 feet, I'm pretty sure that no one is going to notice.

Happy knitting dear knitters!

It's November now... only 53 more days until Christmas.

 So you'd better get your knit on.

Late Night Cravings

Late this past Friday night, I found myself craving a big bowl of something. But what???
Ice cream? Chocolate chips? Betty Crocker icing?

As I was making my way down to the kitchen, it was a big bowl of a little something else stopped me in my tracks.

A big bowl... of leftover sock yarn.

All of a sudden the type of craving I was having shifted gears completely.

But I knew that my craving wouldn't be entirely satisfied until I did the unmentionable... which is 'cast on'.

  

So that's exactly what I did.

And what I ended up with... was utterly and entirely addictive.

Linen Stitch Scarf by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas

Normally I wouldn't think twice about casting on a new project- especially at the beginning of a weekend!

However... today marks the 'one month to go' until I walk down the aisle and say "I Do". (Yeeeeeah... so much for a Winter 2013 wedding- right?) November 17th it is! And the calendar indicates that today is October 17th... Whoops!

Between now and then there is lots to get through, and I should know better than to cast on a project like this one only because... nothing else is going to get done until I cast this scarf off. (And I'm not just talking about tasks that are knitting related that are going to be neglected).

Little flower fighting against the first frost at the shop

If my groom ends up waiting for me at the altar... tell him I just have to finish off the fringe, then I'll be right there.

He knows not to take that sort of thing personally.

That's why I'm marrying him.

To Baby, With Love

So, I think I've found it. My "go-to" baby sweater.

You know? The one that you lovingly cast on and churn through when you hear a baby announcement, or get a shower invitation in the mail? Of course you know it. Even if you don't have a "go-to" baby sweater, you will. And you know exactly what I'm talking about. Right? You think that you'll switch it up the next time, but try as you might, you just have to knit the same little number again (and again, and again) each time a new little life is announced.

There's a reason why we repeat the same sweater over and over again, isn't there?  In the case of this sweater, it goes a little something like this. I love knitting every stitch with this yarn, I find stripes entirely addictive- and adorable!, and being able to choose the perfect buttons for baby??? Pure bliss.

I like to think that the love I have for knitting this little striped cardi will translate over to my love for the little baby that will someday wear it.

Red pants were the obvious choice

Approximately five months back, an old high school friend of mine popped into the shop, and loaded herself up with some Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. Since I'm a pretty nosey person, I naturally wanted to know ALL the details of who this yarn was for and what it was going to be. My questions were being dodged (in the politest way possible), until my friend finally succombed to the pressure of my rapid fire questioning, and admitted that it was HER that was going to have a wee babe in the coming months! Oh the excitement!

There was simply no question in my mind that I would knit for the babe (knitters are just the BEST people to knit for!) and there was also no question what yarn I would use. (My shop counter, piled high with this yarn was the clear indicator).

So away I went.

Since this is the third time I have knit this sweater this year, I won't go on (and on and on) about the yarn and the pattern. But for those of you just tuning in- here's the scoop.

Yarn- Four balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, two balls in shade 203 and two balls in shade 21
Pattern- Striped Cardigan from the book Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino 2 
Size- 6-9 month
Needles- 2.75mm and 3.25mm
Cuteness factor- OVERLOAD!

I'll see what I can do about getting a pic of the dear babe modelling his sweater once he makes his debut into the world this November.

Just so baby knows that is was 'Specially' hand made for him

 So, baby! I look forward to meeting you!

You're lucky to have the mom that you have.

And once you're ready to learn how to knit, give me a shout. 

I speak from experience when I say that it's not always the best idea to learn that skill from your own mother.

It's That Time of Year Again!

It's officially Fall in my books. And not because my calendar says so... Not because I have finally put on socks for the first time in months... And not because my bathing suit has been lovingly folded up and put in the bottom drawer for safe keeping.

Autumn has arrived because The Markham Fair is here!

Growing up in the Markham area, the Fair always marked the official beginning of Fall. As soon as the Fair arrived, you knew that you could no longer get away with not wearing a jacket to school. You also knew that the excitement of new binders and fresh pens had worn off, and now the teachers actually expected you to get some work done. (UGH! Really though??? Is it Thanksgiving yet!?!?!?)

So last night, my good buddy Amy and I headed on over to the fair to celebrate this new season by moaning and groaning over how adorable all of the barnyard animals (OK... Mostly sheep) are.

See?


 
















You just moaned and groaned a little yourself there, didn't you?

SO flippin' adorable.

These creatures just make me want to whip out my woolens and cast on some mohair.

Even the sheep have the good sense to wear a jacket in the evening now

Or at least cast on something to enter in next year's fair! 

This category looks right up my alley...

Beautiful baby knits

 So you'd better be diving back into that knitting basket of yours, all you seasonal knitters!

And you'd also better be taking advantage of the Fall harvest! (Lots to do this time of year... isn't there!?!?!?)

I must also extend a big congratulations to my dear Uncle Guy of Farintosh Farms for winning a whack of 'First Prizes' for his beautiful produce.

I would expect no less! These peppers and tomatoes are perfect!

Top notch!

So while I do hope that you are maintaing a healthy diet (there is no better time of year to do that!), I also hope that you are taking some time to indulge.

Indulging in both some knitting time, and some donut time.

Cinnamon Tiny Toms please! A Markham tradition.

"Twist my rubber arm" you say!

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.