Canary Knits

Ranty Rant in my Pants; It's my Body and I'll Wear What I Want To

2012-03-07T12:12:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking lately.

There's this super dramatic, moralistically encompassing, and horribly guilty-tripping argument going on in my head. I've had it there for years, ever since my feminist switch was turned on.

How can I justify the exorbitant amount of pleasure I get from fashion, beauty and (in particular, and some would say arguably) pedantic and prohibitive television shows like What Not To Wear with my feminist ideals?

For a while there it just ate me up; I thought about constructing internal arguments in regards to sexless, genderless beauty, glorying in the sometimes mystical battle cry of art, culturally symbolic skewerings taking on conceptual levels of probing critique and intellectual insight.

But truthfully, none of those stuck.

It finally dawned on me, as I was staring at one of the many fit-yourself-into-this-shape resources (you know, the ones that compare your face to geometry and your body to fruit?)

I was desperately trying to figure out which one of these face shapes fit me. Yarg! I thought, metaphysical fist shaking, round or heart? ROUND OR HEART! If only they could make it clearer, I'd be able to choose the perfect haircut, dammit!

The thing is, they're right: if you have large (insert body part) and a small (insert body part), and if you dress in XYZ, then you'll draw attention away from your "flaws" and towards your "assets".

The visual principles upon which they're basing the advice are sound.

The problem is 1) the language these guidelines tend to use and 2) the fact that they assume if you have large (insert body part) and a small (insert body part), you want to draw attention away from whatever flaws they claim you have.

What they do is give you an entry point to the information that's predicated upon a series of questions, meant to sort you based on your body shape. This has nothing to do with what you particularly like about your physical self.

These shape comparisons, all these guidelines, they're all pointing you in a direction which will make you (in your flawed humanity) look as much like what you're supposed to look like as possible.¹ Using words like flaw and asset make it clear that they're working from this basis: you want to look like (for lack of a better term) Barbie. So logically, your "disproportionate" waist-to-hips ratio should be "disguised", and your "correctly" proportioned bust line, an "asset", should be played up.

What they should do is change their language and general attitude. Treat women like fully actualized adults with a brain and the ability to decide on their own what they like and what they want to do.

But! My brain shouts, the visual principles are sound! They might be talking down to me, they might be assuming I want to accentuate my waist but draw attention away from my non-existent bum, but they're right: wearing a baggy, high-necked sack dress without a belt will make me look like a stumpy and lumpy tent.

Yes, the visual principles are sound. Certain lines, textures, colours, and other tactics will draw attention to one part or disguise another.

The crux of the issue (for me) is this: you need to flip this "advice" around and use these tools, these visual principles, for what YOU want.

Who cares if you're a bloody "pear", "apple", or other such nonsense? Let's be positive here! If there's something about your body that you like, you can use visual principles to accentuate it.

I suppose the easiest way to utilize the existent information would be to work on it backwards. Do you like your bum? Read through the tips/advice for whichever shape happens to glorify the bum and use it for yourself. Skip the stupid sorting questions at the beginning. They just tear down your self confidence and make you feel like dirt anyway.

And that ends my ranty rant.

____________
¹ That is, accentuate your sexyhawtbits so that the menz will be able to use you for your express purpose: visual gratification.

Sugary Learnins'; Or, Cupcake Decorated Part Sixtus

2012-03-03T09:04:00.000-05:00

This cupcake class has made me look at the possibilities of apparently humble sugary candy.

In this case, it's Starburst.

Here's the cupcake (meant to look like kids in sleeping bags - I decided I need it to be me.)

What you need

-white icing
-mini marshmallows
-several colours of Starburst
-scissors
-rolling pin
-jelly beans
-knife
-nilla wafer cookie
-brown icing (red, or whatever hair colour you'd like to use)
-plastic baggie, or piping bag

How you do it

It's all about the Starburst here.
Roll out each candy. This is a bit tricky, and you can warm up the candies a bit to make them more easily pliable.

There's all sorts of great ways to decorate your blanket. I didn't get all too creative with mine, but decided I would manipulate the Starburst into a yarn ball and some knitting. Super easy. Just treat the Starburst as though it was silly putty. It's actually pretty simple to work with.

With the white icing, slather some on your cupcake, and place a couple mini marshmallows where your little person's body will be, and one for a "pillow".

You can make the face before you place it on the cupcake or after: the bonus of doing it after is that you can artfully decorate the hair, and have it extend onto the blanket/rest of the cupcake.

Now, for the face:
Using the nilla wafer, pipe hair, eyes and mouth on.
Place on pillow, and then cover with the blanket.

Tada!

The jelly beans come in for feet and hands. Just slide them under the blanket.

Indie Designer Day

2012-03-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

Designer: Amanda Rios
Blog: Bobby Soxie
Etsy Shop: Bobby Soxie
Rav ID: BobbySoxie
Some Great Designs: BobbySoxie's Rav Designer Page

I can't tell you how much I dig Bella Rue
(pictured), but I'm gonna try:
The pattern's designer, BobbySoxie, is very adept at integrating interesting shapes and texture into her work.
Bella Rue is a wonderful example of Good Design. This cardigan is wearable and functional; it includes a variety of design elements, but all are combined very harmoniously. The sleeve detail is lovely on its own, but there's also the very interesting lines, shape and texture to the back. The front of the sweater continues the pleating/gather detail with adorable pockets.

Perfecto! Wonderful design.

This sensibility is carried forward to her other work, some of which I'll briefly point out here:

Baby it's Cold Outside Poncho certainly is a poncho, and one with a good amount of relaxing stockinette. But, Good Design strikes again with a nice subtle neckline detail and ridged texture along the poncho's bottom edge. The yarn overs draw your eye up and toward the wearer's face, which is always flattering!

Stripes of Betsey is a shawl where wonders await: the potential for colour combinations and the very satisfying ability to use up beautiful stash yarns and bits and bobs is almost irresistible.

Finally, Soxie's: an embellished set of slippers. What a great idea! Use those pretty buttons on a cute pair of socks, where you'll always see them!

Happy Birthday! You get a Coupon!

2012-03-01T13:26:00.003-05:00

Just popping by for a quick announcement:

All CanaryKnits Ravelry group members receive a discount coupon off any CanaryKnits pattern purchase on their birthday!

Just join the Ravelry group here (it's all entirely free!) and leave a message in the thread titled "Happy Birthday! You get a Coupon! " so that I know when I can pm you the coupon code.

Happy be-earlied birthday, all!

How To: Wear Bobbles

2012-02-27T09:43:00.010-05:00

Oh, poor bobbles.

This much maligned knitwear design element strikes fear, hatred, and disgust into the hearts of many.

Even the most fair-minded knitter can fall prey to the bobble prejudice, and I really don't blame them. Bobbles are tricky things to get right.

This post is an attempt to make a case for the bobble. Particularly, because I think it's wise to explain how they're best worn before I show you how to make them next week. Responsibly.

Please note: while I understand it's really quite useful to have images to illustrate something done wrong as well as something done right, this blog will refrain from naming the guilty.
You'll know them when you see them.

Here's the Rules for Wearing Bobbles

Watch the placement.
Cluster carefully.
Keep yarn weight in mind.
Combine with other design elements sparingly, if at all.
Contain bobbles visually in a motif or other restraining surroundings.

Now, let's see how these talented designers apply these rules, in variation, to their successful and really very tasteful en-bobbled patterns.

Big Bobbles, Little Bobbles

Yarn weight is very important: obviously, heavier weight yarn's going to give you larger bobbles. This, though, isn't necessarily a bad thing. See the large bobble used in the Woodland Mittens.

It's the weight of the yarn that makes these bobbles great, adding visual interest and texture to these otherwise basic mitts.

Socks, and their attendant weight of yarn, make a great backdrop for bobble play. The Bacchus Socks (photo © Interweave Knits 2008) are one of my favourites (I totally made a pair for myself, I love them so).
Here, the bobbles are well-placed, and not overwhelming to the garment, even though there are a fair number of them. Using bobbles as part of a logical motif (in this case, grapes on a vine) helps to restrain, contain, and maintain order with a knitwear element that could, let's face it, get easily out of control.

Many Bobbles, Few Bobbles

Let's compare two similar items, and see how bobbles are tastefully applied to the design.

First there's the pretty and slightly whimsical Orchids and Fairy Lights.

Bobbles are used in an all-over motif but aren't overwhelming. This is achieved through a variety of means: first, they're visually restrained within the motif. Second, while there are a lot of them, they're balanced out across the hat. This creates a rhythm, where your eye is drawn through the design equally, waving slightly up and down with the bobble placement. It's a pleasing rhythm, one which is the central interest point in the hat. It's not cluttered by loads of other elements (lace, tassles, thick cables, and so on).

The second example, Bobble Cap, utilizes this element sparingly. There's a visual rhythm here too, but one that isn't dominated by bobbles. Rather, this design has them take a back seat to the more eye catching cables and textural stitch. It's the cables that lead your eye around, not the bobbles. They're just there, clustered in little contained areas, to add a punch of design interest.

Bobble Placement

The garments we've looked at so far don't really run the risk of anatomically-suggestive bobble misplacement.

This is certainly an issue to keep in mind with bobbles on sweaters. See here some examples of it done right.

Look at what the Breena cardigan does: rounds of bobbles and cables (again, contained within a motif and balanced out carefully with other design elements) draw the eye upward to the wearer's face. Always a flattering design tactic. These bobbles are reasonably sized, and kept away from any particularly "bad" placement.

The Grown Up Girl cardigan sprinkles bobbles on different parts of the design, creating a balanced and interesting piece of knitwear (this might be, incidentally, my new pattern crush. I just think it's awesome).

Keeping the different bobble placements visually separated (between the back, front and cuffs of the design), keeps the fun and surprise level of this piece really high. Again, note that it's within a motif, combined sparingly with other elements, and carefully clustered to create popping points of interest.

Bobbles on Items

So far we've focussed on en-bobbled clothing. It's also worth pointing out that they're a great, and very fun, element to apply to non-wearables.

The Winterberry hot water bottle cover follows the same successful bobble rules as all the above-mentioned garments.

see the designer's blog here

The adorable whimsy Sea Urchin takes bobbles and visual motifs to the next level. The bobble become so much of what describes the urchin shape, it's really very charming (

see the designer's blog here

Hope this defense of the bobble has (maybe? possibly? hopefully!) won over some previous bobble haters.

Sugary Learnins'; Or, Cupcake Decorated Part Cinq

2012-02-25T09:04:00.000-05:00

The springtime edition!

This week we got to create our own little army of bunnies.

What you need

-pink decorator sugar
-marshmallows
-white icing
-knife
-scissors
-jelly beans
-pink or red wee heart candies
-shredded coconut
-red decorator's gel
-black licorice lace

How you do it

Ice cupcakes.
Roll in plateful of shredded coconut.

Using scissors and cutting on a diagonal, chop marshmallow in half. Dip into pink sugar.

Artfully stick ears atop head (adding a bit of icing to the bottom of the ears helps them to stick. Plus, you get even more icing on the cupcake. Yum).

Now add the face: cut jelly bean in half. Tip: the face looks cuter if the eyes are juuuuust a little far apart.
Plop heart candy onto bunny face, upside down, for nose.
Chop 1" lengths of black licorice, and place for whiskers.
The mouth was drawn on with red decorator's gel, but I'm not sure how happy I am with it. They were kind of better looking without it.
(and, as you'll notice on the bunny here, I added a wee tongue sticking out with some pink icing. I couldn't help myself :p)

And here's the last one I made, on purpose, to look goofy.

And we got a little side-lesson in basket weave.

Now, I didn't do all too well with the weaving, but it was certainly fun and delicious!

Indie Designer Revisited

2012-02-24T12:04:00.001-05:00

Designer: Linda Wilgus
Blog: Woolly Mammoth Knits
Rav ID: linw
Some Great Designs: linw's Rav Designer Page
Original Indie Designer Post: April 24, 2009

My my, the things you can do in three years!

When I first profiled linw in 2009, she had just under ten patterns published. Taking a glance at her body of work, you'll see a wide range of techniques and pattern types: a truly versatile designer, linw has successfully applied her skills in many different publications.
She's been featured in Knitty (twice!), PopKnits, Yarn Forward and Creative Knitting, to name a few!

She has so many new designs, it's difficult to choose where to begin, but I'll reign myself in with four:

Maratea (pictured, and featured in her 2011 ebook, Knit, Block, Love) is a geometric and eye-catching shawl. Worked from the centre-top down, it has my favourite shawl construction: every row is getting shorter!

Peggy Sue is a very wearable wardrobe item, and one that would make for a great process knit. This free pattern was inspired by 1950s cardigans, and features delicate cables and a cropped waist.

Meanderlust is an adorable buttoned cowl, including fabulous texture, fun cables and interesting lace edging. For a great quick knit, this is a go-to pattern (also fantastic for showing off your favourite pair of buttons, methinks).

Ripples is a chunky weight beret, featuring pretty lace details. I love the combination of lace and chunky yarn!

Before I go, I want to also point out linw's Ravelry group: here you can find pattern support, but also knitalongs and pattern giveaways.

This designer is so talented, versatile and prolific, I can't wait to see what the next three years produce!

What is This?

2012-02-22T08:01:00.002-05:00

In one of my jaunts to the goliath Value Village (no judgey - they have cheap housewares and very cheap books and mags!) I came across this, still shrink-wrapped.

It's absolutely adorable, but, what is it?

My current theory is that it's a phonetics game, and likely a Dutch one. It also came with a punch-out cardstock sheet with, what looks like, vowel combinations.

What it is and how it works is a mystery to me, but I thought perhaps someone could smack their eyes on it and know immediately.

Can you solve this mystery?

ps: You know I had to pick it up: sheep appear on it twice, they have a very cool goat, and a couple sweet dogs! Oh, and the pigeon. And the kitty. And the creepy-as-hell clothed monkey.

How To: Respond to Rude Comments

2012-02-20T10:36:00.003-05:00

I'll tell you a story.

Picture it: mid-summer, sudden downpour. Carless employee arrives to work after five minute walk from bus stop. Thoroughly soaked.

Sitting in back room, knee socks peeled off, feet resting on shoes. Miserable and wet. Minding own business.

Another employee enters room, saunters passed soaked employee and loudly exclaims, "Wow! You have really wide feet!"

This, friends, is a true story.
(I'm totally the soaked employee, and ever since this incident several years ago, I've been self-conscious about my feet.)

I wish I had been prepared with a great response to this person. I know he didn't mean to be hurtful, but he was hurtful nonetheless.

Of course, directly after this encounter you know I researched "how to respond to rude comments"!

Here's what I wish I had been prepared with on that day.

Maintain YOUR dignity, even if the other person does not
According to Miss Manners, it never pays to be rude, no matter how rude the person is to you. Your dignity is maintain through the shield of your politeness. Deflect the rudeness with this shield.
Some retorts could be: "Why do you ask?", "I'm sorry, am I offending you somehow? I do apologize".

Responding with politeness puts the ball back in their court
Retorting with "Why do you ask?" allows you to avoid the question and put the burden back on the rude inquirer. The idea here is that this will make them see that the question was not appropriate, or at the very least not welcome. At worst, you can just nod in response to whatever they have to say for themselves.

Responding with a witty retort
Unfortunately, I'm not a quick-witted individual. Miss Manners often suggests responses to rude questions that contain a bit of cheeky humour. I like the idea of this, but unfortunately... (see above comment).

Of course, not only will your dignity be maintained with this route; if this person is someone you'll have to see every day, then you can feel confident that 1) any splash-back from this encounter won't stain you with any sort of office gossip, or worse, work-place reprimands, and 2) you can deal with this rude person without necessarily feeling embarrassment.

And, how did I respond to that rude comment, lo those years ago?
I was so taken aback by the question; things were running around in my head, so many things. "What? I have wide feet?" "I never thought I had wide feet?" "God, I'm so miserable and soaking wet", "Hey, who the #@*% does he think he is saying that to me!"

All I could get out was a very loud "WHAT?!"

I'm sorry Miss Manner, I'll do better next time.

Sugary Learnins'; Or, Cupcake Decorated Part Four

2012-02-18T09:03:00.000-05:00

Oh my my...

Well, as you'll notice, there's only one, really rather sad, cupcake photo to represent my fourth class at the community centre.

This past week was something of a... wash...
The ellipses will be used with impunity in this post, because I generally hesitate to complain or speak negatively about people.

Suffice it to say, our cupcake class instructor is an (apparently hard-working) college student (likely about 18 years old). She's a busy gal, I'm sure. And I suspect that teaching five grown women how to decorate cupcakes is likely at the bottom of her list of Very Important Things to do in a week.

That's ok; I get a great deal for my (very small) financial input. But I feel the need to explain this sad little cupcake...

It's supposed to be a flower. I think that might have been made more clear if the icing was yellow. The green jujube and red smartie are, of course, wee leaves and a ladybug.

Something interesting I did take from this class? Rolling out jujubes, cutting them up, and then forming them in to various shapes is pretty fun!

And, I got an extra oreo to eat at the end of class. Mmmmm... oreo...

Here's to hoping week five is a smashbangPOW awesome-o funtime success.

Indie Designer Day

2012-02-17T11:55:00.000-05:00

Designer: Christina Werge
Blog: Herrlichkeiten
Etsy Shop: Herrlichkeiten
Rav ID: schneefloeckchen
Some Great Designs: schneefloeckchen's Rav Designer Page

First off, this designer's blog is attractive: clear, crisp, interesting photographs laid out with a great design. It's a hint as to her pattern design aesthetic!

I've chosen to feature her Sailor Blouse photo
because its clever twist on an otherwise simple, stockinette, bottom up top, make for an appealing and interesting piece. The cute collar edging adds such personality. It's fantastic.

I would say, however, that you'll have to get a look at her other patterns here to get an idea as to the other side of her design "personality". That is, fine detail and texture.

First here's the Drop Dead Gorgeous Loop & Hat, a cowl and beret set that utilizes delicate, all-over texture wonderfully. I dig the seamless way the ribbing dancing up and across the top of the hat, and how the cowl/loop is such a simple, yet very versatile shape.

Knit sideways and in one piece, the elegant Elinor Shawlette is a great little knit for just-that-bit of scarf/shawl goodness surrounding your neck and shoulders.

And, in a return to her simple-and-clever design "personality", there's Gardening. Love a good zippered sweater? Look no further. The cables a placed perfectly, skimming along your torso, creating the very right amount of texture and interest.

Knitting Schedule; And The Winner Is....

2012-02-16T11:27:00.003-05:00

The Random Number Generator has spoken, and the winner of the patterns giveaway is Denise! I'll be in touch with the patterns shortly.

And in other news:

I've been finding it challenging as of late to find time to knit.
I know perfectly well that I have the very same amount of time as I've always had. There's some sort of force, I'll call it eeeevil, that is using its magical evil powers to drain my knitting time away into other ventures.

And suddenly, poof! The time has been stolen.

I'm wondering, do you go out of your way to schedule knitting time? Is the (really rather pesky) rest of life get in the way to the degree that you have to make yourself a schedule?

This issue is getting me to the point of scheduling my days up into micro-managed chunks.

How do you keep the eeeevil time-stealing forces at bay?

Touch the Art; Or, Give Me Some Point of View

2012-02-14T09:38:00.001-05:00

You might know I work in an art gallery.

Unlike some of my colleagues and friends, I didn't grow up familiar with galleries. My parents weren't the type to bring me to those sorts of places, and somehow, I never had a class trip to an art institution.

I'm not sure where my awareness of art gallery etiquette comes from; it seems like I've "always known" how you're expected to behave in thesesuch surroundings.

So, this post is a request for some information. Enlighten me.

Is it common knowledge that you're not supposed to touch artwork in art galleries?

I would have thought so. I assumed so. But my day to day existence is peppered with the statement "Please don't touch the art", "Please step back from the art" and my current favourite, "Please don't pick at the art".

Now, for those of you who are tactile learners, or just perhaps really keen to pet artwork, I understand the appeal. Let me tell you, there's a few artworks with some great, thick impasto paint that are very difficult for me to resist.

But touching it? Don't people know you're not meant to?

Granted, there are no velvet ropes, no barriers, and in some cases, no glass to "protect" the pieces, and I have to admit, I like it that way. It's nice to walk around and not have your experience hampered by physical obstacles that shout "we don't trust you to have common sense!".

Buuuut... is it common sense?

You tell me! Please leave a comment. Tell me about your art gallery experiences, if it is indeed common knowledge that you don't touch artwork, and especially, give me your opinion on the topic!

How To: Shovel Snow

2012-02-13T09:55:00.000-05:00

Snow shovelling is no joke, and certainly not for the faint hearted. No kidding: people die each year from heart attacks related to shovelling snow.

You can also easily injure yourself if you aren't careful when undertaking this, well, let's face it, fairly stressful workout.

Taking a few steps with ensure that you stay safe and clear your sidewalk, driveway and other footpaths safely.

Stretch before you start

It really is a workout! And you always stretch beforehand.

Dress warm, but not TOO warm

Being a workout, you need to dress for the job. Just keep in mind that you'll likely start sweating in no time, so layering is a good idea. You don't want to get soaked in sweat.

Take breaks

It might be soul crushing (oh, I know it can be very...) to look out and see over 2/3 of that, now suddenly vast, expansive and huge, driveway to clear. You need to get to work! It's cold! I hate this! But taking breaks is important.

Try to keep your shovel under-loaded

It's tempting to fill up that shovel, but it's best not to. Muscle strains are no fun, and you can easily hurt your body in a variety of ways.

Moving the snow: don't twist, don't move it twice

That is, find the most efficient way to clear your space before you even start. You're essentially dealing with a rectangle to clear, so just move the snow to the closest edge. It gets heavy after only a few minutes, and you'll have greater snow-shovelling stamina if you enter with a plan first.

When you dump the snow, try not to twist your body. You're carrying a heavy load, and one that's not close to your body (which is the best practice when carrying loads), so twisting your body is particularly treacherous.

If you can, get a head start and a hand

It's easier with help! Enlist people to grab another shovel and help clear, if you can.

Getting a head start, while the snow isn't too thickly laid on the ground, will make you a happier camper later (after the other hours of snow have come to rest on your preciously cleared walkways). *frowny face*

Keep your neighbours in mind

Let me tell you, you can raise the wrath of those around you if you put the snow somewhere it shouldn't be! Don't shovel it onto the road (I see so many people doing this... it's not cool), know your neighbours are trying to clear their sidewalks and driveways too. Putting your snow there, also not cool! And, a bit of kindness: elderly neighbours, or people otherwise unable to shovel, you'd be doing them a solid if you did their sidewalk. In some municipalities a homeowner will be fined if snow is not removed within 24 hours (or however long the bylaw states).
Also, keep in mind that this snow will melt at some point: piling it against the house isn't the greatest plan, unless you're cool with the possibility of water in your basement.

Shovel safe!

Instant Pictures: Fun in the Minutia

2012-02-12T13:47:00.002-05:00

That old timey (read: 1970s) camera icon is meant to represent a superfun new (to me) app I've downloaded for me iPhone. It's called "Instagram", and it allows for pretty awesomely instant uploading of pics. Not only that, it has pretty funky filters that you can place on your images. Makes them look all profesh. Or nostalgic. Or atmospheric. Or just plain neato.

Follow me here to be in on the stuff I, for whatever reason, deem to be photographable.

You'll likely catch the fever too.

If so, let me know your username! I'm keen to follow your daily ins and outs and pretty photos too.

Indie Designer Day

2012-02-10T08:55:00.000-05:00

Designer: Jennifer Thompson
Blog: Fern Knits
Rav ID: fern1knits
Some Great Designs: fern1knits' Rav Designer Page

I've had my mind turn to all things floral lately. Delicate green shoots were unexpectedly spotted sprouting up in my garden just days ago. I was aghast.

That lovely delicate beauty is something that I see in the patterns by this week's designer.

I picked her cozy colour worked Botanical Doubleknit Caplet as the featured photo for this post. This newly published piece already has a few FOs listed on Rav. I'm really digging all the different colour choices! This caplet is a wonderful piece, but the next few items by fern1knits I'll be discussing demonstrate her designing strength in other areas.

Namely, delicate lace. First, here's Zest Cardigan. Another recent design, this piece combines open lace work and solid cables so wonderfully, you have to look twice to see them separately. They blend so well together, and the lines all interweave so precisely, that this design leaves me in awe. Oh, the planning that must have gone into those barely-noticeable details!

Ooo shawls. Lacy, lovely shawls. There's no shortage of the lovely with this designer. First I'll point out Dreaming, a triangular piece that looks wonderful draped across your shoulders, as well as scrunched up around your neck (incidentally, this is one of my personal "good shawl pattern" sign posts).

Also, there's the (free!) Roadtrip Shawl. I'm particularly in love with the modular, shoulder-wrapping shape. And the great use of a ruffled edge (such an easy design element to get wrong! But, done wonderfully here. That in and of itself is virtuosic!) Oh yes, and the combination of solid knit, textured areas, and lacy yarn overs. Yes! I'm particularly in love with many/lots/all of this shawl.

And all of this designer's aesthetic! Check out the linkage above for more of her work.

This is for the Commenters

2012-02-08T09:49:00.002-05:00

I'd like to take some time out to salute, thank, and otherwise recognize all you wonderful readers /commenters on this blog.

To show my appreciation, I'd like to give away to one winner their choice of one (or, if you like them all, I'm happy to forward each!) of my for-sale patterns:

Dolce Far Niente

White Horse Hill

Amie Mitts

Just comment to this post (and let me know how I can get in touch with you if you win!) by 11:59 pm on February 15th.

I'll be drawing the winner via random number generator on Thursday February 16th.
For the winner, I can email you the pattern, or gift it to you on Rav.

Good luck everyone!

Musings on SABLE and the Like; Or, How I Nest

2012-02-07T09:46:00.000-05:00

We all have our talents.
We also all have our desires.

It seems like those two might be the same thing.

They're not.

I'll tell you, a friend of mine, in her teenage years, was a gifted athlete. She was encouraged to pursue this talent, join teams, win prizes.
She hates athleticism, and revels in the joyful Piscean pursuits of food, relaxation and general lay-about-ness (and no, it's not me. Though that list of traits is really rather accurate!)
Her desires lay outside of (at least one set of) her talents.

A lucky number of people do have their best and brightest talents align with their true and most heartfelt desires.
I hope you're one of them; I'm beginning to think I might be myself.

The desire to nest, to perfect my surroundings, make them the most beautiful, comfortable and welcoming reflection of myself that I can is something that I certainly like doing.

Any you might not believe this, but I think I can relate this back to the beautiful monster stash.
Watch me try.
Here it goes:

Yarn and knitting mean (most likely) something different to every knitter. Personally, the attraction lies, to a great extent, in the fibre, the colour, and the hope of possible handmade beauty that can come from these raw materials.

Surrounding myself with beauty, as noted above, is something I like doing, and seem to be decent at.
Yarn, in its raw, unknitted form, is certainly beautiful. Its potential is beautiful.

Therefore, my desires and talents have happily aligned in a collection that has likely reached SABLE¹. And I mean, it reached that level several yarn festivals ago.

My nest is populated to a great extent by yarn. Most of it lives hidden in a large cedar chest, but some of it sits prettily on display, like so many delicious photos I've spied online. You know, those ones that yarn shops use to make their yarn look its beautiful best?
I like to put my yarn under glass. Gives me the mental security that there's at least some sort of layer of pest-protection. Plus, I can see the glorious stuff.

All this is not to say that I continue to be (or maybe even ever was) an irresponsible yarn purchaser.

To a very great extent I've cut back on gluttonous yarn binges.
Not to jinx myself, but I'm hoping this is the Year of the Stash.
And even if it is the year of the stash, my sweet little SABLE filled nest need not worry.

They don't call it SABLE for nothing.
____________
¹ Chances are you're well aware of what SABLE means. But, just to keep everyone up to date, SABLE is an acronym which stands for Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy.

How To: Deal with Negative Ease

2012-02-06T08:59:00.014-05:00

What is ease?

In a knitting pattern, ease refers to how loose or tight a garment is. Designers write their patterns with a particular "fit" in mind, and will base their numbers for each size on whether they want their garment to be loose, tight, or otherwise.

How do you know what ease a pattern is written in?

Any good pattern will have a garment schematic. Referring to this garment schematic will show you the numbers the designer has calculated for the finished size of the garment, not the human (or dog, cat, bird, reptile, and so on!) who will be wearing the garment.
A designer may also choose to add notes or suggestions to the pattern. Check these as well for any ease information.

How do you choose your preferred ease?

Each pattern and person will be a different case, but as a general rule, ask yourself these questions:
-Do I like the way the garment is fitting the model in the pattern photograph?
-Do I want the garment to fit me in the same way that it fits the model in the pattern photograph?
-What information does the designer provide/suggest in any pattern notes?
-What do the garment schematic numbers tell me?

What does negative ease look like?

A negatively eased pattern is a garment that is designed with dimensions that are smaller than the intended wearers' actual body size. Negatively eased garments can, of course, run the gamut from body skimming (just an inch or so less than your actual measurement), to snug (up to around 5" smaller than your actual measurements) to really rather tight! (generally, 6" or more smaller than your actual measurements).
The number of inches of negative ease will also, in some cases, be effected by the gauge of yarn being used (for example, extremely bulky yarn, in a elastically-inclined fibre, will want even up to 10" of negative ease in order to fit snugly).

For illustrative purposes, here are a few images of the same sweater pattern, Corona, in a variety of negative ease sizings:

astrahl and her very slightly negatively-eased sweater.

luvnary and her moreso negatively eased Corona.

impostinator's negatively eased Corona.

LonghornDiva's negatively eased Corona.

What does zero ease look like?

Zero ease is a garment that has the same numbers as your actual measurements.
If the schematic shows that the cross-bust measurement is 16”, and you happen to be a 32” bust, then the finished garment will be the very same size that you are (that is, it will have zero ease).
Zero ease garments hang close to your body, without being snug or tight.

See examples of the same Corona pattern, but knit with zero ease.

bamboonumner1 and her zero-eased hoodie.

SophieAnn's no-eased Corona.

What does positive ease look like?

A positively eased pattern is a garment that is designed with dimensions that are larger than the intended wearers' actual body size. Positively eased garments can range from almost-body skimming, to loose and comfy, to definitely over-sized.

Here, a selection of the same sweater to demonstrate a variety of positive ease.

AshleighPie and her hoodie.

WorstedKnitt's positively-eased Corona (blog here: WorstedKnitt).

2muchfun's positively eased sweater.

jiva's positively-eased Corona.

What if a pattern is written with negative ease, and I want zero/positive ease?

This can be an easy fix.
Firstly, check the garment schematic. Sometimes it's as simple as going up a size or two. You can do this by checking the numbers you see on the schematic, and comparing them to your own body measurements.
If this solution isn't a possibility, you have other options:
-going up a needle size/yarn weight
-doing some math (any good pattern has the basic tools you need to do this, including gauge and the garment schematic)
-and, the always fantastic and helpful Ravelry. If you're lucky, there's another knitter out there who's posted their modification notes - perhaps you can even ask them yourself!
-and certainly, the designer can be of help her/himself.

Any other questions about negative ease?
Please check out CanaryKnits on Facebook, or ask here. I'm always happy to help!

Sugary Learnins'; Or, Cupcake Decorated Part the Third

2012-02-04T09:03:00.000-05:00

The third week of my cupcake decorating class was a bit more challenging than the first two.
And I'll show you why.

What the sugary hell is that?

Oooo, a DUCK BUM!

Indeed, it is.

See him with his brethren.

I'm not particularly proud of these ducks, delicious though they may be have been.
But, here's how I did it nonetheless.

What you need

-a cupcake
-a timbit (what do people actually call these? Canadians, we know what timbits are. Are they "balls of fried dough"? "Spherical doughnuts"? Help me out here people. I'm flailing and failing)
-knife
-wide-mouthed bowl for icing
-white chocolate wafers (about 5 per duck)
-lollipop sticks
-icing (white, yellow, and an optional orange)
-raisins (for the eyes, but I think a chocolate chip would be MUCH more delicious. Just sayin)

How you do it

Chop your timbit in half. Dab a wee bit of yellow icing on the cupcake (where you want the head to go). Place the timbit here, securing it with a couple inches of lollipop stick.
Chop a chocolate wafer in half. This will be the bill. Dab some yellow icing between them to make a sandwich, and affix this to the front of the duckie face with, yes, some more icing.

Slide a chocolate wafer on each side of the duck body for wings, and one in the bum area for the tail.

Now, here comes the fun/scary part.

Nuke the yellow icing so it's all liquidy. Holding your breath, and going slooooowly, dip the whole duck in to the icing. This is the technique that makes them look all smooth.

Once this dries (and it doesn't take too long), dab some white icing onto your raisin/chocolate chip and affix to front of duck head for eyes.

Now, as for the bill, we all had a bit of a fail.

The nuked orange icing just made a hot mess. It's next to impossible to spread a non-nuked icing onto the beak without ruining it. The only other option was orange sprinkles, but I didn't care much for that look.

So, as you'll see, each of my three ducklings have different bills.

But they all have the same mama.

Cupcake number two!

COOOOOOKIE Monster!

What you need

-cupcake
-icing (blue and white)
-piping bag (with "star" tip. If this sounds stupid, I apologize. I'm not an expert!)
-chocolate icing (if you so choose, but I'll explain later)
-sprinkles
-two white chocolate wafers
-two raisins (and again, I prefer chocolate chips!)

How you do it

Super easy, my friends.

The blob of chocolate icing with sprinkles on top is supposed to be a cookie in his mouth. I'm not seeing it. At least, it's not readily apparent. While I love chocolate, and this seems so very counter-intuitive to type, I'd skip the blob of chocolate icing and just draw on a mouth. Or maybe not. Haven't decided what I would theoretically do.

With your piping bag filled with blue icing, dab dab dab dab across the whole surface of the cupcake.

Stick the chocolate chips to the top of the white wafers, slide into place for eyes, and tada! You're complete!

I've been told next week is all about making the actual cupcake ourselves. I'll have a report on the deliciousness index, and deliciousness-to-workload ratio.

Indie Designer Day

2012-02-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

Designer: Lorna Pearman
Blog: Peargirl Knits
Etsy Shop: Peargirl Knits
Rav ID: peargirl
Some Great Designs: peargirl's Rav Designer Page

Looking for a way to brighten your day? Add a bit of pretty and a bit of cheer? The patterns from this week's designer are sure to please!

You can see her style at work in the pictured knit, Enchanted Arrows Hat. Making great use of some lovely yarn, the motif staggers out the colour changes quite nicely.

I don't usually feature knits for children or babies, but I couldn't resist the A Sky of Honey Hat. Just click on the link. I'll wait.... Ok, had a look? Isn't it adorable! (plus, there's actually a size for growed ups too).

I've always loved the leaf-lace shape, and here it's used to perfection in Idrial's Elvish Slippers. You can't tell me those aren't awesome. I particularly like the attention paid to the ever-so-slightly pointed toe. Fantastic! I'd say these are elvish without necessarily being childish.

Oh, and speaking of children... the last piece I'd like to point out is peargirl's Clown Fish Love Anemones Earflap Hat. Again, great use of colourwork. Comes in kids' size; I love Nemo enough to dig one for myself!

How To: Embarrass Your Dog

2012-02-02T09:16:00.000-05:00

Yeah, that's poor Ellie.

She's not too pleased with this handmade, lovely couture addition to her wardrobe (which really only consisted of a collar. Otherwise, she's always naked. Shocking!)

This post is dual purpose.

First, to share this adorable picture (like how I snuck that one in there!)

Second, to announce a new feature I'll be regularly posting: How To.

I've toyed with this idea for a long time, and have held off because I feel like I lack expertise on so many levels.

But I do have a degree of knowledge in several areas, and it certainly wouldn't hurt to share!

I'd also like to "learn along" with you all. There's so many things I'd like to try. And I'll do you all the favour of making the horrid mistakes. I give you permission to laugh and point.

I'm looking for them to begin regularly every Monday starting next week. It'll be a grand variety of stuff. Admittedly, it's also another thing for me to research. I love researching. Man, I enable myself!

New News!

2012-02-01T09:38:00.001-05:00

I've done it, folks. I've entered the 21st century (about twelve years too late) and now have a FB page for all things CanaryKnits. Check it, linked to this wee pic.

You may be wondering why, and let me tell you: while I love me this blog, its got some great strengths, and its very good for serving its particular purpose, its weakness is in the lack of an (easy) way to get in touch with any readers. I'd love to be able to respond to comments (easily), ask a quick quiz, post a fast update (see my Twitter page, which is getting much more action lately!). The Facebook page will facilitate a conversation between us all in an efficient manner.

Also, got the blog all profesh and stuff by purchasing the domain name CanaryKnits. I'm told that all your old bookmarks should just forward you from the old dot blogspot addy.
The www.canaryknits.com makes me smile. Don't know why!

Oh yeah, and I (finally) have a feed! Subscribe for automatic CanaryKnits funtimes (linky above, in the right-hand column of blog).

Hope to see you round the interwebs some time.

Sugary Learnins'; Or, Cupcake Decorated Part Two!

2012-01-31T09:01:00.001-05:00

What with one thing and another, I have fallen a step or two behind in updating you all about my (super extremely fascinating) cupcake decorating class.

This second week of class saw us make a "mini cake" with seven cupcakes. Here's what mine looked like.

And here's how we did it.

What you need

-seven cupcakes
-a solid, portable surface upon which to place your cupcakes
-a knife
-a small cup of water
-a lot lot of white icing
-a variety of coloured icing
-piping bags (one per colour - you can always just use a plastic bag with a snip at the corner)
-wax paper
-a marker
-a simple image you'd like to copy
-a decorator's clear gel (for which we did not receive a name, but I'll explain further)

How you do it

With your portable flat surface at hand and the weird decorator's transparent gel (but icing sugar can work as well, I'm told) arrange your seven cupcake in a circle and dab a wee bit of the gel/icing on the bottom. This will "cement" the cupcakes in place, since you'll be working a lot of icing on top of them in the next step.

Next step! Work a lot of that white icing on top of the cupcakes. The idea is to get all the nooks and crannies filled, fooling the eye into thinking you have one solid mini cake, and not seven individual cupcakes.

Helpful tip (that we weren't given until I asked almost at the end of the class: use the knife to dip in a bit of water to help smooth out all the icing, making it flat and lovely. Otherwise it sort of chunks up, and might disarrange the cupcake or icing below it).

With your marker and wax paper, trace your simple image onto one side of the wax paper.
Flip the wax paper over.
Using the weird transparent decorator's gel, trace the image you've just created.

Carefully, slap the wax paper, gel-side down, on top of your cupcakes (note: you can sort of see the remnants of this gel on my cupcakes in the top image).

Helpful tip: if you have any ability to draw whatsoever, just skip the whole tracing-with-gel-onto-wax-paper step. Just draw with the gel directly onto your cupcakes. As you know, I like to take as many short cuts as I can!

Ok, I swear you're almost there.

Now you get to mix up your colours, and fill in the image-outline you've just transferred onto the cupcakes.

That's basically it!

Now, as far as my cupcakes go, I didn't use the pre-selected images to trace. Obviously. I mean, what are the chances they'd actually have something I'd like to create? :)

And, just as a warning: as awesome as it is, black icing will absolutely change the colour of your fingers, tongue, and clothes.

Knit-Strology; Or, Extrapolations Based on General and Specific Nonsense - Pisces

2012-01-30T09:16:00.000-05:00

Sketching a Personality; Or, How I Have fun with Knitting and Astrology

Pisces: The Fishes
February 20 - March 20

Hi Pisces.

Dreamy, creative artists, you're likely to be (or dream of being) a knitting designer. You've got the patience and introspection to be quite successful at this endeavour.

Your knitting friends really appreciate your presence at knit night. You're always very giving, make a great teacher, and give out a general chill vibe that makes the whole evening quite pleasurable. You'd go out of your way to help a friend; overheard a conversation where she said she was missing just one skein of that colourway to finish this project that has to be done rightnow! You dive to the bottom of your stash where you know the saviour skein lies and you deliver it to her home the next day.

This could also be a bit of a Pisces' downfall. You're so very sympathetic, you might take on your friend's worry and make it your own! Focusing on the ways you so naturally help those around you might ease this stress.

You might be the sort who does a lot of knitting, but you're likely to do just as much (if not more) imaginary knitting. You think often about wonderful patterns, different designs, how great they'd look, how happy you'd be wearing them (and likely, how happy the person you've gifted the project to would be!)

This giving, thoughtful and sensitive nature leads you to, indeed, be something of a knitting-for-others knitter. Those who are worthy of your knits rejoice! Though perhaps not the best at working to a deadline. Just send along that Leo friend's birthday gift in November - they'll be just as pleased to receive it then.

Pisces rules the feet, so get those dpns and superwash yarn; it's sock time!
Mauve, lilac and sea green are colours sure to make a Pisces smile.
Start your Piscean projects on a Thursday or a Monday. They're lucky for you.

Knit-Strology; Or, Extrapolations Based on General and Specific Nonsense - Aquarius

2012-01-28T09:16:00.000-05:00

Sketching a Personality; Or, How I Have fun with Knitting and Astrology

Aquarius: The Water Bearer
January 21 - February 19

Hello Aquarius.

You know that original and inventive pattern? That one that's caught everyone's eye? You're either knitting it, or have just finished designing it.

Your intellectual skills and friendly inclination make you a great and useful knitting friend. As something of a free spirit (they didn't write that dawning of the Age of Aquarius song for nothing!) your comings and goings at knit night are met with hearty hellos and genuine pleasure at your attendance. This is because you're a great source of positivity, passion and inspiration. When something motivates you, you get super motivated!

You do indeed come and go with the group. They motivate you too, but you often need time alone to focus on creativity and to recharge your spirits.

With an open mind and interest in all-things-new, stagnation is your ultimate enemy; you like to try out different patterns and techniques, even those which other might shun as being unconventional. If it floats your boat, you pretty much don't care what others may think.

Yarn purchasing for you is often contingent on that particular yarn or yarn company's commitment to your shared cause or passion. Read: you're environmentalist? You're keen on the recycled fibres yarn. Vegetarian? You're looking for the most animal-friendly skeins on the market.

Aquarius rules the ankles and lower legs. I think this calls for some pretty socks!
Your lucky days are Sunday and Saturday. Start projects then!
Colours that are sure to please any Aquarius are blue, green, grey or black.

Indie Designer Revisited

2012-01-27T11:47:00.000-05:00

Designer: Breean Elyse Miller
Blog: Breean Elyse
Etsy Shop: Breean Elyse
Rav ID: breeanelyse
Some Great Designs: breeanelyse's Rav Designer Page
Original Indie Designer Post: February 20, 2009

I think it's so cool that, over a relatively short period of time, people can create such wonderful bodies of work.

This week's Indie Designer Revisitee was profiled only a few short years ago. Way back whens, she had only one (quite cool!) pattern posted.

See her very recently published Tribune Scarflette, right. It's part of a Malabrigo Freelance Pattern Project ebook, a collection of five patterns entitled Hot Child in the City.
It's a great little collection of wearable, young, fashionable and uncomplicated accessories, perfect wee knits to start and complete, just in time for the chilly winter weather.

This ebook isn't BreeanElyse's first Malabrigo project. See also her piece, Twisted Cowl, part of a collection featuring other great designers like Stephen West. Fantastic work. This cowl is chunky, textured, fabulous.

There's really quite a lot to talk about, but I'll limit myself to just one more knit: the Anna Cowl. This is a long, delicate and lacy accessory; just the right amount of lace, mind you. Just the right amount to say, peek above your coat collar, and with a great amount of full-on knit to keep your neck nice and tidywarm.

I'm really looking forward to BreeanElyse's future designs. Her aesthetic is well developed; one that I think is wonderfully wearable and attractive.

Knit-Strology; Or, Extrapolations Based on General and Specific Nonsense - Capricorn

2012-01-26T09:15:00.000-05:00

Sketching a Personality; Or, How I Have fun with Knitting and Astrology

Capricorn: The Goat
December 22 - January 20

Hi there Capricorn. How lucky - you're a goat! (all we need now is a bunny astrological sign and we've covered the major fibre-bearing animals!)

Ok, let's get down to brass tacks, here: you have great initiative. Indeed, you might have been the person who set up the knit night group in the first place. Where you fall down is your reticence to ask for help, and false pride to see that you might need it. You're pretty methodical, so believe you've picked out a pattern that perfectly suits your skill level and desires. But you make mistakes too, and can find yourself lingering in unhappy-project hell due to your unfortunate mistake.

You'd make a great teacher; you have the patience to sit there with someone and go over technical details and you love to feel useful, just like the other earth signs Taurus and Virgo. You're someone who knows how to do things, and get things done. You set high standards for yourself and for others, and will accomplish that goal, climb that mountain, and reach the summit of whichever-challenging-project you've picked.

Many knitters turn to you for advice. Your practical and well-thought out responses always seem to solve the problem of which lace shawl should I knit for my sister's wedding, and, do you think I'd actually get use out of this poncho?

You value tradition over innovation, and so your knitting projects will use tried and true techniques to get things done (remember: you shine in that department!)

You are very practical and possibly the most resourceful sign of them all. Your projects will likely utilize the perfect yarn in your stash, and be something that avoids overly trendy looks that might be out of style sometime soon. A beautiful, traditional aran sweater or fair isle gloves will suit your tastes just fine.

Capricorn rules the knees and lower legs. I think some legwarmers are in order!
Lucky day Saturday! Start your projects then.
Gift a Capricorn a skein of brown, grey or black yarn and they'll be very pleased.

Knit-Strology; Or, Extrapolations Based on General and Specific Nonsense - Sagittarius

2012-01-25T09:15:00.000-05:00

Sketching a Personality; Or, How I Have fun with Knitting and Astrology

Sagittarius: The Archer
November 22 - December 21

Halloooo Sagittarius! I'm very glad to see you!

You're such a positive, optimistic person, it's a joy to know you.
Others you knit with will say the same thing. They're glad to see you walk in the door. You're a great example of a positive approach to life; even when a particularly stubborn pattern or technique is causing you problems, you don't let it get you down. You can take repeated troubles or disappointments with aplomb.

Knitting is great for you; you love starting new projects, and there's always a new one in every skein. You're a very forward-thinking individual, and I have to say, it's really rather difficult to write anything bad about you!

Difficult, but not impossible.

Your blind optimism can lead you to carelessness. Fortunately for you, it's not such a big deal if you chose the absolutely totally wrong-o yarn for a particular project. Just start again with another!
It could be tricky to find you at knit night - you're restless, and might not be so very reliable a face around the table as a Taurus or a Libra. Exploration is your thing, so finding new places, new people and new yarns are right up your alley.
You can be impatient (you know, wanting to move on and all), so your projects might tend to be either small or unfinished.

Sagittarius rules the hips and thighs; shall I suggest you make some legwarmers? Possibly a knit skirt?
The lovely colours of violet, purple and red are sure to please the Sagittarius.
Thursday is a good day to start projects - it's lucky for you (but then again, what isn't?)

January Sneak Peek; Or, YLYS in (semi) Hiatus

2012-01-24T09:23:00.000-05:00

Well then.

My unfortunate predictions about my wrist have come true, and I fear it's highly unlikely that January's (and likely February's) editions of YearLong YarnSong will be published on time.

What with my wrist looking gross and icking me out, my progress has been much.... slower.... than it's normal pace.

Alright, boo hoo session over.

I do have a sneak peek photo for you!

This particular pattern, I'm very keen to have finished. Certainly so that I can share it with you all, but also, rather selfishly, because I WANTS to WEAR IT!

*insert evil laugh here*

Knit-Strology; Or, Extrapolations Based on General and Specific Nonsense - Scorpio

2012-01-23T09:15:00.001-05:00

Sketching a Personality; Or, How I Have fun with Knitting and Astrology

Scorpio: The Scorpion
October 23 - November 21

Greetings, Scorpios.

You're great knitters for your determination. You'll finish any project you set your mind to. You have almost limitless energy which you generally harness constructively. That's where your productivity as a knitting comes in. You've got plenty of finished garments, and you're very proud of each and every one.

Scorpios work very well on their own, and are quite happy being in their own company. You may be the type of knitter who knits with others, but you're more likely to not.

If you do have knitting pals, they are all inspired by your passion for knitting. Your resourcefulness, keen observance and intelligence comes in handy in many-a-situation. Someone's lost their stitch markers? (and there's no perpetually-prepared Virgos at the table to lend one?) Well, the Scorpio can MacGuyver something very impressive in no time.

When a Scorpio gifts a knit, they are very, very good gift givers. Your probing insight allows you to determine the best kind of gift for any one person; what garment, colour, yarn, will please them the most.

On the darker side, you might be a bit suspicious or jealous of others. You'd never bring a new pattern you're designing to knit night. Someone else might steal your idea!

The yarn you're likely to choose will be whatever is most suited to your current project. You wouldn't be the knitter who foolishly chose 100% bulky alpaca for a winter beret. Not you! You'd have done your research and known that something thick, with no elasticity, as lovely as it is, is not suited for a garment that's going to be worn in precipitation and needs to be fitted.

Scorpio rules the genitals. What should I recommend that you knit? I think I'll stick to the high road and say... socks.
Strong, fiery colours or red and rust do well to make you happy! Pick up a skein or two in their colour family.

Just a Bit of Cute Birdie

2012-01-22T09:40:00.000-05:00

Title is pretty self-explanatory.

Here's Hilts, grudgingly sitting still for his picture.

Knit-Strology; Or, Extrapolations Based on General and Specific Nonsense - Libra

2012-01-21T09:15:00.001-05:00

Sketching a Personality; Or, How I Have fun with Knitting and Astrology

Libra: The Scales
September 23 - October 22

Oh, hi there Libra. Sorry, was just lost in your eyes for a minute there. You're so damn charming! I blush :)

You're probably one of those people who show up to every knit night. You love to be around people, and especially love to be in posh, lovely surroundings (make sure your knit night's in a trendy new cafe for ultimate Libra pleasure!)

Your easy going, sociable nature makes you a much welcomed fixture at thesesame knit nights. Others appreciate the vibe you set out, making knitting in a group a great way to unwind after a busy day. You love beautiful things, and seeing all the gorgeousness of other people's knitting is very pleasing. You're the diplomat of the group, balancing out difference of opinion and finding a good, common way to maintain harmony. It's true, people's hackles can be raised if such a salacious remark as "continental is the only way to knit!" is spoke, but you're very good at calming those treacherous waters.

You may think less of someone for buying (in your humble opinion) cheap, horrid and useless yarn. But my goodness, you'd certainly never say anything about it! You loathe confrontation, and keep your "sophisticated tastes" to yourself.

When it comes to projects, you like your sophisticated, pricey and luxurious yarn. Unfortunately, you don't care for tedious, hard work, and will usually either work in very quick, simple projects or be a habitual starter and stopper of knits. Those quick projects are also a great choice for you, since you're sometimes indecisive and changeable.
You're artistic and talented, but might steer away from that intricate, 2,000-hours-of-work-shawl due to your underachieving tendencies.

Libra rules the kidneys - maybe a luxurious, comfy sweater is the thing to knit for you? (well, your kidneys are in your torso... come on! Work with me here people!)
Friday's you're lucky day to start projects.
You'll be sure to make a Libra happy if you gift them some (expensive!) blue or green yarn.

Indie Designer Day

2012-01-20T11:54:00.000-05:00

Designer: Dóra Stephensen
Website: Knitbook
Rav ID: dorabs
Some Great Designs: dorabs' Rav Designer Page

I can't believe how awesome this cape is.

It's Reykjavik, by this week's designer, dorabs. It looks warm, high-fashion, comfortable, and like a fun knit. This was my first experience of dorabs' design aesthetic, and believe me, it made me click superultrafast on her "other designs" link to see the other wonders she's created!

The November Cardigan is another great example of fashionable warmth and an interesting knit. I can see myself (and so many others!) happily sporting this lovely piece. I particularly like the long ribbing on the sleeve cuffs.

She's also great with colourwork. Here's Haust, (which means Autumn in Icelandic), a sweet top-buttoning cardi with simple and pretty fair isle running along the yoke.

Dorabs has plenty of other designs - check them out by clicking the link above.

Knit-Strology; Or, Extrapolations Based on General and Specific Nonsense - Virgo

2012-01-19T09:15:00.001-05:00

Sketching a Personality; Or, How I Have fun with Knitting and Astrology

Virgo: The Virgin
August 23 - September 23

Bonjour, my fellow Virgos! I'm keen to intellectually penetrate and critique our shared personality strengths and defects (haha, look what I did there! I like, totally proved I'm a Virgo in the first sentence. I'm just so damn clever!)

Virgos are precise, analytical and are often labeled perfectionist. You've got the most perfectest knit garments on the block! You certainly wouldn't be the type of person who, upon noticing a mis-crossed cable back near the beginning of your sweater, would just plod on and sport that handknit, shameful, glaring error and all! No! You'd frog, my friend. You'd frog.

You might have the most perfectest knit garments on the block, but you're shy and modest about it if people compliment you. You worry that perhaps it's not as perfect as it could be, you could certainly have made those stitches more even and done a much better blocking job.

It might have taken you a while to get comfortable with the new knit group you joined, but you've settled in well and are much appreciated for your dependability and helpfulness. Someone's messed up their lace pattern. Emergency! Hand it to the Virgo, who is certain to have the patience and analytical skills to work backwards through your piece and discover the root of the problem.

Industrious and efficient, Virgos might find themselves to be the knitter who shows up to knit night one week to cast on for a sweater, and two weeks later is in the process of sewing up all the seams. You manage your time well!

And the yarn you're knitting with betrays your practicality and love of all things natural. You're drawn towards that environmentally-friendly eco wool; it would be perfect for the timeless, classy cardigan you've been raring to knit for yourself.

Virgo rules (rather unfortunately) the bowels and guts and icky stuff. That's not particularly helpful when it comes to knitting garments, but Virgos love a good practical knit, so anything useful is a winner in their books!
Start projects on Wednesday - it's lucky for Virgos (though you're likely to always have some project on the go - you're uncomfortable if you're not constantly working!)
Colours for Virgo are like their personality; subdued and unassuming. Pick up a classy grey, beige or solid navy blue to make your Virgo smile!

Knit-Strology; Or, Extrapolations Based on General and Specific Nonsense - Leo

2012-01-18T09:15:00.001-05:00

Sketching a Personality; Or, How I Have fun with Knitting and Astrology

Leo: The Lion
July 23 - August 22

Leo Leo Leo!!!

I've been looking forward to writing your profile? Know why? Cause you have such powerful traits. And I'm not going to sugarcoat them for you, since you're so confident you can totally take anything lil' ol' me has to say.

People love it when you're there at knit night. Encouraging, inspiring, energetic and exciting, you infuse the drive and desire in others to try some new knitting trick, or tackle a pattern that might be challenging.
And you love to be loved (though, who doesn't, right?) The admiration you can see reflected in other's eyes just makes your day.

You're attracted to the finer things in life, and you work hard to get them. You're the one who's saved up pennies to afford the yarn for that indulgent baby alpaca and silk sweater. And you'd be able to pull it off, too. You've got that regal bearing! People notice when you enter a room.

Buuuut, my lion friends, if you, by some bizarre chance have your dramatic entrance go unnoticed, you might be put into a really rather foul mood. And when you're foul, the melodrama comes out.
While you are a natural leader, and are really a rather clever person, don't interfere where your two cents aren't needed. Leos can be bossy, so try not to tell that knitter that she's doing her yarn overs wrong. Just wrong! She's doing them wrong! It's ok. She'll let you know if it's a problem, because people know to turn to you for encouragement if she needs it. That is most definitely where you shine.

Leo rules the heart, so wrap yourself in a beautifully knit shawl or dramatic sweater.
Think fire, and you've got the lucky colours for Leo; orange, red, and yellow will make thost big cats purr with happiness.
While your confidence and ability to control situations are a great strong point, try starting projects on Sundays - they're lucky for you!

Sugary Learnins'; Or, Cupcake Decorated!

2012-01-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

I like to learn things. So the opportunity to play with sugar and icing and sprinkles and cupcakes and call it a class wherein I learn stuff? Oh yes please!

A couple friends and I have signed up for a cupcake decorating course through my city's rec centres (you should absolutely check *your* city's rec centre instructional classes. You might find something kickass).

The first class was this past Friday, and we did a total of seven "chrysanthemum" cupcakes each.

At first I conformed:

But you know I had to be a total rebel and try other shapes, too:

This is a very easy, if slightly time-consuming, cupcake decorating technique.

What you need
Mini marshmallows
scissors
coloured sugar crystals
cupcake
icing

How you do it

Spread your icing on the cupcake (one at a time, mind you. I iced all mine at once and found I had an issue getting the marshmallows to stick once the icing began to dry/harden).

Cut each mini marshmallow on an angle, dip in coloured sugar, and place artistically upon iced cupcake.

Voila!

Knit-Strology; Or, Extrapolations Based on General and Specific Nonsense - Cancer

2012-01-16T09:14:00.000-05:00

Sketching a Personality; Or, How I Have fun with Knitting and Astrology

Cancer: The Crab
June 22 - July 22

Hi Cancer!

You're the knitter who others turn to for support. You're wonderfully nurturing, and being around you creates an atmosphere of quiet calm that can really balance out a knit night (especially if you're there with some fiery Aries or Leos!)

Not the centre of attention, and you like it that way! Seated securely and comfortably in your home will make you just as happy as going out to the low-key cafe where you meet your buds to knit. And, don't stay away from knit night because you think that comment someone made was a slight on your knitting. Cancers can be overly sensitive; sweep the comment away and meet up with your pals - they'll miss your caring, sweet and supportive self!
You also need the support of other knitters. It's nice to hear that your knitting really is great. Your projects totally are lovely! They'll encourage you to try something new, or to keep plodding away at that ambitious lace shawl you'd love to finish.

Your great memory serves as an encyclopedia for yourself and others; no need to lug that heavy techniques book around, or worry about a wifi connection. The Cancer is here! Likely to remember just how to make that tricky entrelac square.

As an emotional, sentimental person, you cherish the hand knit blanket passed down from your grandmother, and you surround yourself at home with items of nostalgia and comfort. You're also very creative, and likely have at least thought of designing your own work, if not already sporting your very own sweater and hat patterns.

Cancer rules parts of the torso; that's fantastic for patterns! Knit yourself some pullovers, cardigans, wraps and the like!
Orange and white are Cancer's lucky colours. When in doubt, grab these eye-catching hues for that hard-to-buy-for Crab.
Try to start new projects on Mondays or Thursdays - you might find that they're lucky!

Urban Fervour; Poultry Panic

2012-01-15T09:41:00.000-05:00

I'm not a confrontational, politically passionate person.
Shameful admission? I guess that depends on your stance.

Morality is individual in this day and age, etc, etc.

With that preface over and done with, I'll launch into the post:

I'm the native and current inhabitant of a city which has recently decided to have a look over its bylaws surrounding pets and animals kept within the urban city limits.

Until a few weeks ago, one was only allowed to have three or fewer pets in one's household.
Ok.
That's been repealed.
You can have as many kitty cats as your heart desires, according to the bylaw.

But goodness gracious, you certainly can't own a chicken.

Admittedly I have a limited practical sphere of experience with these creatures. I'm well aware that in large numbers they create a stink that will melt your face and make you most unpleasant and eager to shower.

I have, though, read some research. Research based on facts and all that stuff. Not just some city councillor's subjective, biased, personal experience.

Backyard chickens, it's feared, will spread disease.
In fact, there's plenty of evidence from people who know this sort of stuff that this danger is no greater from your (reasonably sized flock) of chickens than it is from your pet cat(s).

Noise level? Dogs are certainly louder than chickens! The decible level of hens, even in the "loud" times after laying their eggs, are the same as the decible level of people having a conversation.

So, I ask you out there:
(No matter where it is that you live:) Do you care one little bit about this issue, one way or the other?
Do you have any objective, or even subjective, information you can share about it?

Responsible pet ownership needs to apply to all animals people keep, and I'm just not sure that the reasons for banning urban chickens hold water, if people are held to certain reasonable standards.

And, a little bit of self-promo:
It's unlikely that any of you are Hamiltonians. If you are, and have anything to say about this issue, you can email your councillor.
Even better (for me, that is!) sign this petition if you agree with the stance.

Thanks to everyone for your input.

And now, back to knitting!

Knit-Strology; Or, Extrapolations Based on General and Specific Nonsense - Gemini

2012-01-14T09:13:00.000-05:00

Sketching a Personality; Or, How I Have fun with Knitting and Astrology

Gemini: The Sign of the Twins
May 22 - June 21

Howdy Gemini!

Are you a process or a product knitter? Do you have a love/hate relationship with your stash?
Does your clever wit uplift a possibly downbeat knit night?

You might be a Gemini!

This sun sign says you're meant to be dualistic; possessing traits, likes and dislikes that are, apparently, contradictory. Now, for this author, that seems like I could say anything about you, and it'd adhere to the "Gemini" personality sketch.

But lo, this may not be so!

Gemini love change, freedom, independence and communication. When you do show up for knit nights (sorry, you can be flighty! things don't always hold your attention for very long), you're the one to ask for advice. What should I knit for my impossible-to-knit-for brother? Will this variegated yarn compliment my hair colour?

Your restlessness might lead you to be one of those knitters who has, say, 30 WIPs and perhaps only a handful of FOs. Your voracious appetite for knowledge and learning may lead you to be attracted to projects because they'll teach you something new.

Remember how I said you rule in communication? That applies to more than just chatting with your friends. You might make a great knit blogger, too! Try setting down some of your clever ruminations on knitting and sharing them with the cyber-public.

Gemini rules the hands and arms. Mitts, gloves, and armwarmers will all be welcome gifts for a Gemini!
Your lucky day is Wednesday, so starting projects then is a good idea.
Lucky colours for Gemini are lemon yellow and orange. I'm jealous! Such lively and happy colours. Pick up some sunny skeins for yourself or other Geminis you know.

Indie Designer Day

2012-01-13T10:34:00.000-05:00

Designer: Boo Knits
Blog: A Contented Life
Etsy Shop: BooKnits Too
Rav ID: generous-gardener
Some Great Designs: generous-gardener's Rav Designer Page

If you like floating, dancing, ephemerally gorgeous lace, then this is the designer for you.

Boo Knits has a fabulous collection of such garments, and I'll briefly point out a few of them for you today.

First is the pictured Cloud Illusions. It was difficult to choose which pattern I'd feature in the photograph, but this one was the winner because of it's quintessential lace edge points and stylish thrown-over-the-shoulder look. I think it's pretty important that your time-comsuming labour of love lace shawl look good scrunched up around your neck; not just when you've got it spread across your shoulders, wing-style.

Ictis is another example of prettiness in both stretched out and scrunched up forms. In particular, the optional addition of bead details on this piece makes for a wonderfully elegant accessory.

Dragonfly Wings, a fantastically free pattern, looks really cool wrapped around your shoulders and pinned in place. It's another example of that great wide scarf/shawl shape that I love so much. The layers of wrap with it's overlapping points create an apparently seamless rhythm, drawing attention to your face and making you and your outfit look amazing!

Knit-Strology; Or, Extrapolations Based on General and Specific Nonsense - Taurus

2012-01-12T09:13:00.000-05:00

Sketching a Personality; Or, How I Have fun with Knitting and Astrology

Taurus: The Sign of the Bull
April 21 - May 21

Hiya Taurus!

You're the knitter that will sit there and frog and frog and frog. You'll frog something for yourself. Not because you're a perfectionist, but because you're patient. You'll find your knitting friends will hand you their projects to frog, their stubborn skeins to untangle. That's because you're just as stubborn as that knotted skein!

It's also claimed that your lazy streak could lead you to simply drop a troublesome project - I prefer to think you'll take that bull by the horns and utilize your persistence (read: stubbornness) to a positive end.

Taurus are sensual, as in, taking delight in all the senses. This leads you to pick a pleasantly textured yarn, comfy warm sweater, snuggliest seat in the house and most delicious snack to nestle down with to do your knitting.
You are very practical, though, and while you love the luxurious softness of the qiviut, you're much more likely to pick up that soft blue (and reasonably priced!) superwash merino.

Your practical nature also leads you to be very adept in knitting emergency situations. Yet another reason why your (perhaps more impulsive and impatient) fellow knitters hand you their frustrating project! You're a very reliable friend.

With your respect for tradition and established, reliable techniques, you might not be the first person to jump on the trend bandwagon. You'll be the one utilizing the successful, good, well-tried skills and will generously help anyone experiencing issues with their new-fangled work.

Taurus rule the neck and throat; you have a plethora of projects that would suit you wonderfully! Pull out that scarf pattern, knit yourself a quick cowl.
Try to start your projects on Mondays or Fridays - they're your lucky days.
Stuck on what colour yarn to pick? Taurus' lucky colours are blue and blue-green. Very soothing for those bulls!

Completing the Quartet: Winter Little Seasonals

2012-01-11T15:10:00.002-05:00

I'm pleased to announce the publication of the fourth and final installment of my pattern writing partnership with Hannah Poon (aka mousewife), Winter Little Seasonals.

Like always, we've each contributed two patterns to this issue. Mine are a set: Snow Honey (the cowl!) and Snow Honey (the mitts!)

These are a matching set which utilize the honeycomb stitch as well as an interesting shape to create interest and uniqueness in an otherwise very regular and functional gathering of garments.

Hannah's patterns are very cool. Check them out: Plaited Warmth Cowl and Plaited Warmth 3-in-1 Gloves.

Clicky here for download.

Knit-Strology; Or, Extrapolations Based on General and Specific Nonsense

2012-01-10T12:52:00.000-05:00

Sketching a Personality; Or, How I Have fun with Knitting and Astrology

I'm far from being an expert on anything (except perhaps the dietary inclinations of yellow songbirds and which specialty cheese would best match your current mood), but I've decided it might be great kicks to manufacture some amusing knitting-personalities based on the sketches astrology provides.

Disclaimer: I don't believe in astrology.
Full Disclosure: I LOVED astrology in high school. Thought it was the bee's knees and so forth. So, I'm familiar with the proclivities and fatal traits associated with each sign.

So, for your amusement and reading pleasure, I'll be posting these sketches every other day til they're all up.

First, I'll start where the astrological wheel starts: Aries.

Aries: The Sign of the Ram
March 21 - April 20

Hello Aries.

You have a ram as your sun sign counterpart; talk about serendipitous!

Your courageous and optimistic nature leads you to gallop headlong into new projects and challenges. Good for you! It's wonderful to expand your knowledge base and take on new skills.
The downfall here is when that new challenge is proving to be more trouble than its worth; across the room it flies! Impatience and a short temper can adversely affect the outcome of these brave new endeavours.

Take heart, though! You might have faults, but you have plenty of positive traits as well!

Your generosity leads you to be something of a gift-knitter, one of those whom put their knitting time on the line to give to others.
Your enthusiasm for your knitting brings excitement to those other knitters in your group who may be of a more subdued nature.
And speaking of that knitting group; your natural confidence and leadership skill make your absence from the regular meetings very much missed, but don't feel bad about your independent nature leading you to seek more "alone time" knitting.

While you might not be the best person to teach someone else to knit (patience isn't one of your virtues!) you're great with advice; your frank, direct and candid countenance will stop someone from buying that horrid yarn you know they'll regret later. Your recommendations on good patterns for taste and skill level will be much appreciated!

Aries rules the head and face: knit hats for yourself and other Aries in your life.
Red is your colour; if you're stuck and don't know what colour yarn to buy for an Aries, a beautiful fiery red is the answer.
Try to start your projects on Tuesday; it's your lucky day of the week.

Another Great Way to Waste Some Time

2012-01-07T10:26:00.000-05:00

And, I mean "waste some time" in the most fulfilling sense possible!

Here's a link to a vid, the first part in a 2004 reality tv show called Regency House Party. They throw men and women together in a period house with period clothes and period courting rules. History lessons, drama and hilarity ensues.

I'm currently addicted, though really rather late to the party.

Enjoy!

Indie Designer Day

2012-01-06T16:35:00.000-05:00

Designer: Kristina Vilimaite
Rav Group: ANIMA Knitting Club
Rav ID: AnimaKnits
Some Great Designs: AnimaKnits' Rav Designer Page

Let's start off this year of indie designer profiles with a knitter who has a lovely, delicate and wearable aesthetic.

AnimaKnits, recently featured in the Winter edition of Knit Circus, has only a handful of patterns. But it's a handful of patterns that are all so attractive and knittable!

I'll point out two:
First, there's Hana Shawl (pictured). I'm a big fan of the wide scarf/shawl garment. I have a couple myself, and find them to be very functional garments. A great way to add a bit of lace to your wardrobe.

There's also a shawl-proper, Late Hours Shawl. Fun fact: this shawl comes in 11 different sizes. Baroo? Whatcoo say? Eleven sizes? Not only is it given in S, M and L, she's also provided different instructions for different gauges.
Very cool.

Ultimate Fruits of 2011 Gardening; Or, How I Have Learned

2012-01-05T13:22:00.000-05:00

I'm not a gardener.
My dad is, but I'm not.

I'm hoping that there's some sort of positive, genetic connection that will give me great talent, wisdom, or perhaps even luck, for my planned 2012 garden.

The above picture is pretty much the height of success I had last year in my community garden plot.

I spoke briefly (but sadly far too soon) about the rambunctious growings of my pumpkin plants this summer.
The suckers ended up getting fuzzy mildew and I got one good, ripe pumpkin out of it. Well, two, but someone stole one before I harvested it.

This picture below is one I took (clearly months ago!) of my backyard.
For this year's garden, I suppose it's not human thieves I need to be concerned with, but rather the local cats (a number of which I've already met, as has Elbie!¹) and likely ravenous birds.

This L-shaped strip of garden will, with hope and plans and fingers crossed, become my fruitful joy of the season.
We'll see.

But for now, I've ordered my seeds, and am anxiously awaiting their arrival.

I think I just like getting mail, since it's certainly not because I can plant them. I can't even start the wee ones out for months!
____________
¹ At the risk of sounding like a doting mother, I have another Elbie story for you.
When I was moving in to the new place, I was parked across the street and physically toting a couple boxes or two to the front porch, and then would lug them inside.
Well, didn't I just take the risk of leaving Elbie on the porch for a very short second, to jog across the street and grab one more box.
And don't you know, without a lie or hyperbole of any sort, three neighbourhood cats appeared mere moments after his cage was set down and began, very interestedly, trotting up to my poor lovebird.

Zebra Finch Fantastic: Peg, the One-Legged Bird

2012-01-04T11:16:00.001-05:00

I hemmed and hawed about whether or not to post this post; it's a good story in the end, but scared me very much when it happened.

Ultimately, I thought it would have made me feel much better if, in my desperate google searches for "zebra finch leg break", I found some reassurance that it's not necessarily the end of her little bird life.

So, to the story:

One morning, I awoke to discover one of the three month old zebra finch females had her leg caught in part of the cage. These birds aren't the cleverest or strongest of creatures, and when stuck, they'll thrash in order to get away.

On closer inspection, it was clear (and I'm not going to get too graphic here) that her right leg was broken.
I felt so sick and terrible and afraid.
Of course, I carefully freed her immediately. She flew off, and, while clearly struggling to remain balanced on one foot, she seemed absolutely fine.

And of course, I was still very worried.
Her leg was broken in such a way that it was obvious that splinting it was not going to help. I knew she'd have to lose her leg.

Fear not, folks. Remember: happy ending.

I took her to the vet. He explained how lucky I (well, how lucky she) was: the way she had broken her leg had ensured that she didn't bleed terribly. He amputated the leg, and gave me some antibiotics for the newly named Peg.
(naming her Peg - does that make me evil?)

She got her two drops of antibiotics twice a day for a week. Her stump still looked suspiciously red and a bit inflamed (to this untrained eye), so I still worried.

Now it's been several months, and she's thriving.

She very quickly learned to compensate for her new balance. She's back in the cage with her mom and sisters. She eats as heartily as ever - most of the time she beats the other birds to the feeders. And her poor little stump leg has healed perfectly.

Birds can be mean to each other, and I keep a watch out for any bullying. They tend to pick on the weakest member of the flock, but it seemed Peg happily eats, chirps and snuggles into sleepytime perch alongside her family.

So, take heart: if you have a zebra finch who's broken her leg, and it's clear she'll have to get it amputated, this will not end her life. She still has the ability to be a happy, funny, curious, chirping little feather face for a long time to come.

2012; Or, How This is Not a New Year's Post

2012-01-03T14:42:00.002-05:00

Colour of the Year, Tangerine Tango¹

I was pleased to discover that the colour-mascot of 2012 is this fantastic shade of red-orange.
Apparently it was picked because of its "sophisticated and dramatic undertones". Shall 2012 be sophisticated and dramatic, then?

I hope not.²

I prefer to hitch my cart to this colour with the invested symbolic meanings of "fire in the belly", the drive to get things done, choose your goals, choose your desires, choose your path and actually ~~do it~~ work towards it.

To that end, I've made me a list of goals for 2012. And, while this might sound... ridiculous? overly impersonal? twitchy? I heard some advice that setting yourself a personal mission statement can be very helpful for clarity of mind.
I've set that down, too.

I've chosen to focus more, more and more greatly on designing. I want to show you all the lovely things that are dancing around in my head. I want to work with wonderful yarn and gorgeous colours. Maybe even some Tangerine Tango itself.
So this year, plan to see even more from me. *grin grin*

Now, hmmm... I feel that my postmodernist foolishness of a post title needs to be addressed.
Well, I've never been one for resolutions. It seems very much like setting yourself up for failure.

So, I'm re-naming this activity. It's not resolutions I'm making. It's choices and decisions. With no connection in the least to the flipping of a calendar. Yes. No pressure, folks, no pressure.

____________
¹ Linky here. Tells more about Pantone, how they choose colours, and who this affects. Namely, everybody! It's like that scene in The Devil Wears Prada, where Meryl Streep goes on and on about why Anne Hathaway's shirt is blue.

² I don't like drama (that's skirting far too closely to change, and change is frightening), and I'm certainly not sophisticated!

December YearLong YarnSong

2011-12-30T19:50:00.002-05:00

I made it! Just in under the wire.
Hey, I have a New Year's Eve party to plan tomorrow :)

But now, here's December's YearLong YarnSong.

Solstice Stag
Solstice Stag is a warm, beautiful, long-sleeved and cowled sweater. With a staghorn cable running along both arms and sides of the pullover, it creates a very sexy silhouette.

XS(28-30") to XXXL (52-54")

Berries and Sugar and Joy
A very versatile piece, Berries and Sugar and Joy can be a wrap, a cape, a hood, a shawlette and a scarf. All in one!
Grab a cute pin and fasten it to accessorize a dressy outfit.
Flip it over your shoulder, or wrap it over your head, to keep the cold winter wind at bay.
Two sizes: S/M and M/L

Home Glow
Home Glow are a textured pair of mitts, with a simple cable detail running up the edges. Keep warm this December with hand-wrapping moss stitch!
Two sizes: S/M and M/L

For Candles
For Candles is a versatile, simple knit. Wearable as a long cowl, close neck warmer, and even ear warmer, a basic moss stitch shows off your lovely yarn to perfection!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T21:57:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
And especially, it seems, for wee Ellie.

Here you see her sporting her new sweater. She's not so keen on getting her paws through the arm holes, and has to be bribed with delicious, delicious dog treats to be en-clothed.

Below is a pic of the samesaid dog, this time enjoying another part of her gift. She seems to be fully in love with this new squeaky toy.

She just got it last night, at my parent's Christmas Eve shindig. It's already fully displaced all other toys.

Enjoy your time off!

Holly Day Time; Or, Here Be Some News and Stuffs

2011-12-22T13:16:00.003-05:00

I had these grand plans of posting all sorts of questions and info re: holidays this year, but I guess the whole crux of the thing is that it's busy at this time of year, thus the posts would capitalize on that, but then I got "too busy" for the posts.
Gracious.

So, I've decided to give ya'll a bit of an overview as to the knitty-and-otherwise-general-goings-on round my woods.

Knitting! I was busy working away, happily, on the YearLong YarnSong knits (which I always test knit myself, buuuut) which lead me to discover I have a bit of a .... wrist problem. This is incredibly frustrating, as it prevents me from knitting. The doctor says it's nothing to worry about. He says, "Just lay off the knitting for a while, and it'll be fine".
HA! Mr. Man, methinks. We need to come up with a better solution than that, because I needs my knit times.

This unfortunate situation has led me to scale back my gift ideas, and I'm afraid it might affect the publication dates of upcoming YLYS issues. So far, I'm behind, but hope to still publish within the month it's meant to be published! (she typed, as she also realized THIS month's issue is so-very-close to done, and yet just not).

Me, hamming it up at the photoshoot for the December issue of YearLong YarnSong.
Coming soon.
I swear.

And, Otherwise!
Ok, I'm trying to compile The Ultimate Christmas cd. I have a few favourite songs, but I was wondering: What's your favourite holiday music?

And, if you've read the above, you'll see that my knitting Christmas gift ideas were spoiled. I shake my fist at my wrist!
Regardless... I generally don't knit gifts for people, but I was wondering: Do you knit gifts? Who do you knit for? Is there a general, go-to pattern (or type of pattern) that you find to be a crowd pleaser?

Shortly, I hope to return triumphant, virtual book in hand, glorious trumpets sounding around me, colossal arches built to my honour, doused in delicious expensive wine and riding a chariot filled with sweet desserts and pulled by prancing alpaca.

Indie Designer Day

2011-12-21T12:35:00.000-05:00

Designer: Kristen Fanning
Blog: Knits Who Say Needles
Rav ID: texotexere
Some Great Designs: texotexere's Rav Designer Page

It's that time of year!
I was so busy, I failed to post Indie Designer day on Indie Designer day!

And so, I present to you, rather late, last week's Indie Designer, texotexere.

See the pictured Amphitryon for a great introduction to her aesthetic and designing strengths. A great gift, this beret has lovely, simply shaped cables which show off a beautiful skein of hand-dyed.

The Crooked Cable Hat utilizes cables and lace in a great dance around your noggin. A good, basic shape with interesting design elements, I'm a bit surprised that this free pattern only has 4 projects listed on Ravelry!

And one more hat for you: a pretty beret, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. Feminine, pretty lace stretches out across this knit, creating a piece that looks fantastic from all angles!

I, I Love You Like a LoveBird Elbie!

2011-12-13T10:01:00.000-05:00

And You Keep Tweet, Tweet Tweet Tweet Tweet Tweet Tweet Tweet!

(I thought myself very clever when I stumbled upon the really rather perfectly serendipitous alignment of Serena Gomez's "Love You Like A Love Song" and the silly insertion of Elbie-inspired lyrics. I had to share).

Ok, here's the story of Elbie:

Back in March, I had this great desire to add to my (sadly dwindling) flock. It was around that time that I only had Butters and Hilts (the elderly canaries), and so added Henry and Anne. Shortly thereafter, Henry and Anne added a total of six finch babies for me.

Hanging out on Kijiji can be a recipe for disaster (for the pet lovers among us, certainly). I spotted two ads that were almost impossible to pass over: a lovely male Gouldian finch, and a hand-raised peach faced lovebird.

Elbie was born/hatched in March, so he's still just a wee young one.

But my on my, let me tell you, after having had only "simple" birds (canaries and finches) for a very long time, adding a clever, curious, loud, playful, destructive and downright adorable lovebird to the mix does tend to change one's attitude towards birds.

That is, the little jerk is (most likely) smarter than me.
This, I do not care for.

I like to be able to outwit my birds. I know, I'm petty. I can predict their movements, laugh at their silly ineptitude and feel certain that their food likes and dislike (yes, birds do have these, and they're all individual from each other!) will remain constant.

Elbie is another story.

Being stubborn, he refuses to eat his veggies.
Instead, he picks them up (very carefully) and deposits them in his drinking cup.
Little jerk.
Broccoli that's been sitting in water all day just isn't a great scent to be greeted with upon your arrival home.

While he's never bit me, it's quite clear that he hates hands. I guess they're big, scary things for birds.
So, after he's let out for a fly, I have to retrieve him with a badminton racquet.
Srsly, a badminton racquet.
Little cute jerk.
He'll happily step onto this bird-wrangling device, and be delivered back to his cage in a usual huff.

Here, in this picture, you see him bugging Butters.
Butters, I think, looks really rather annoyed.
"Hey you! Get off my cage you jerk bird!"

Thus is the story of Elbie. He's generally naughty and funny. I promise if he ever does anything amazing (like, behave himself!) I'll get photographic proof and show you.
For now, he's quite keen on thrashing his bell toy against the cage, and snacking on the random (and much appreciated!) sunflower seed or rice cereal puff that's gifted his way.

Indie Designer Day

2011-12-09T11:34:00.000-05:00

Designer: Mindie Tallack
Blog: Knitting if not Eccentric
Rav ID: Mindie
Some Great Designs: Mindie's Rav Designer Page

Looking for some lovely, comfy and cozy wee knits for gifts? Mindie, this week's designer, has a nice selection for the whole family.

There might be nothing better than a nice pair of warm, hand knit and felted slippers.
Duffers - Revisited are adult-sized slippers
which would suit the purpose nicely. (pictured right). I really like the colour-change detail on the toe.

Want some slippers for the little ones? Little Duffers is the child/toddler version of the above pictured slippers. It's a very cute idea to have matching family slippers!

Lest you think slippers are the only item Mindie designs, I'd like to point out her Greengage Scarf. This scarf is very versatile. I can see it being worn on men or women, young or old. The basic stitch texture and detail creates visual interest, but remains wonderfully evasive of gender or age categorization.

Help Me Plan My Holiday Bash, Part Two; Or, The Massive Cookie List

2011-12-07T10:33:00.002-05:00

I promised last week that I would share the Massive Cookie List, and here it is:

Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies (with my own home made apple butter! Boo yeah!)
Apricot-Chocolate Triangles
Brown Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Covered Coffee Bean, Toffee and Almond Cookies
Chocolate Covered Port Cake Balls
Chocolate Espresso Balls
Chocolate Mints
Chocolate Orange-Cream Bars
Cinnamon Buns
Coconut Dreams
Date Squares
Empire Cookies
Double Chocolate Espresso Brownies
Ganache-Covered Mini Cakes
Graham Cracker Sandwiches
Gingerbread
Green Tea Shortbread
Holiday Candy Fudge Bars
Iced Sugar Cookies
Lemon Squares
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Orange Date Nut Cookies
Orange Dream Cookies
Pecan Butter Cookies
Peppermint Candy Shortbread
Rice Krispy Squares
Rum Balls
Shortbread
Smoky Bacon Ginger Cookies
Tartufi
Tipsy Date Squares
Whoopie Pies

Many of these recipes come from the book I've photographed above. This is, rather unfortunately, now out of print. I've found it to be the best collection of cookies recipes I've come across; they're really reliable, simple, easy to follow recipes with readily available ingredients.
I've bolded the recipes on the Massive Cookie List that come out of this book.

The italicized recipes are from one of my many Martha Stewart mags. Now, I love Martha, her stuff is always beautiful and wonderfully put together. But I've found the majority of her recipes I've tried to be overly complicated, with hard-to-find ingredients.

Case in point: Smoky Bacon Ginger Cookies.
These include smoked sea salt (who knew? I might be living under a rock, but I'd never encountered this before), as well as sorghum syrup. I've done my googling, and discovered that this is a popular ingredient in the southern parts of the States, but (again, possibly due to my habitation under aforementioned rock) I've never heard of this syrup before.
Substitutions suggested have been unsulphered molasses, but with the caveat that "it's just not the same".

Has anyone ever tried sorghum syrup before? I suppose it must have a distinctive flavour.

Anyway, after that tirade, you might wonder why I've still included so many of her recipes on the Massive List. Well, I like to try new recipes, and they all do look so very delicious! You can likely find some of them by googling the recipe name and Martha Stewart.

As a parting note, I thought I'd share an image from my so-far-very-successful goodie baking extravaganza.
This is (me version of) an Empire Cookie.
I make the (basic sugar cookie) dough with icing sugar, not granulated (makes it yummier!), I don't put that icky maraschino cherry on top (because it's icky!) and the icing has fresh lemon juice in it, instead of almond extract. These are possibly the yummiest cookies ever.

Indie Designer Day

2011-12-02T10:34:00.000-05:00

Designer: Michelle Blohm
Blog: My Daily Fiber
KnitPicks Bio
Rav ID: MyDailyFiber
Some Great Designs: MyDailyFiber's Rav Designer Page

In my present-making mode, I present you today with a designer who's created an array of pieces that would all make for great presents! (that's right, present three times in one sentence. I could have said gift, but I chose present and I ran with it!)

With beautiful crochet work, The Diamond Exchange scarf (pictured) makes great use of a shell pattern and coloured yarn. I can't think of a single knitter/crocheter who wouldn't love a piece like this!

Cascading Stylish Shawl is another wonder in crochet. If you ever hear people (ahem... knitters...) bad mouthing crochet, send them that link and I think they'll have their minds changed. This is a delicate pattern, with variety and interest created through changing textural effect/crocheted shapes. Utilizing the strengths of crochet in the best of ways!

Finally, I'd like to point out her Plumeria Frill scarf. This piece is no-kidding-fantastic. I love the ruffle shape it creates, and how great it looks in both self-striping yarns and solids. It's also pretty rad that it's categorized under scarf, cowl and collar. Depending on how you wear it, this piece could be all three!

Help Me Plan My Holiday Bash, Part One; Or, This is Far Too Exciting

2011-12-01T09:57:00.000-05:00

Lifelong learning is important. Certainly, when it intersects with fundamental, as-yet-undiscovered and untapped internal resources and inclinations, it can be downright exciting.
That's where I find myself at the moment.

It's pretty clear I like making things; but over the past few months I've discovered I'm really way super keen on party planning.
Arranging the house, planning meals, creating decor, all these things float my boat.

And with a house at my disposal this year, it seems the stars have aligned and I'll be able to host my very own family Christmas dinner.
Actually on Christmas! No joke! It's true; I'm all grown up now.

The guest list stands at nine adults, and I can't wait to get going on planning this shindig!

But first, I have the Massive Cookie List to tend to.

What, never heard of the Massive Cookie List? (likely not, since I just made it up. Like, right now).

This Massive Cookies List is a personal challenge I've issued myself over the last few years.

For the holidays, I bake goodie platters to give to (usually around) 25-30 people. The challenge lies here: each year, I try to make more recipes.

The first year came in around 24: this year, I'm shooting for 33.

I'll happily share with you my list (in a few posts!) but first I wanted to ask: what are your favourite goodie recipes? I've learned the hard way that some recipes in my massive collection don't really yield the greatest end result, despite any mouthwatering photographs accompanying said instructions.

YearLong YarnSong: November

2011-11-28T11:28:00.004-05:00

And now it's finally time for the third installment of my year-long ebook project!

Here's November.

Spiced Heads and Dead Leaves
Spiced Heads and Dead Leaves is a slouchy lace toque. Worked entirely in a Fir Cone Lace pattern, this hat has a subtle loveliness that’ll make a breezy November day just that bit warmer!
one size

To The Ground

To the Ground are a pair of over-the-knee legwarmers with a delightful bit of slouch at the bottom.
Beautiful yarn is shown off wonderfully with this simple 2-stripe repeat.

Sizing: there aren’t any standard sizes for legs/legwarmers, so this pattern contains two sizes. Everyone has different legs! I’m very happy to help anyone change up sizing if necessary.

Garden Cover
Garden Cover is a warm, simple shift dress that is universally flattering and available in a varying size range.
Listed are sizes S-XL; this in fact covers the CYC standards for sizing from XS up to XXXL. Due to the oversized fit of the dress, each size range is covered under these four sizes.

Season's End
Season’s End is a colourwork yoked mini sweater. This piece is just the right size to use up some extra, lovely yarn you have left from another project. For an adding bit of warmth on an increasingly chilly November, Season’s End will serve the purpose well!
XS(28-30") to XXXL (52-54")

Indie Designer Revisited

2011-11-25T11:08:00.000-05:00

Designer: Lauren Osborne
Blog: Hungry Knitter
Rav ID: lauren0
Some Great Designs: lauren0's Rav Designer Page
Original Indie Designer Post: March 13, 2009

When I first profiled laurenO, she had one design published. It was such a great piece I knew I wanted to share it with all you readers.

Fast forward about 2.5 years, and she now has more, and even more fantastic, patterns posted.

As both a knitter and crocheter, laurenO displays great design talent in each craft.

I chose to include a photo of her
Brocade Socks for several reasons. First off, they're beautiful! But also, something about that colourwork is getting me in the seasonal mood. Possible suggestion for a knit gift to a much beloved recipient?

Her first pattern was self published, as is the pretty Macro Mitts. A pair of knit mitts in great graphic colourwork, these are a wonderful, traditional-looking project that can suit a very wide range of people: men, women, children, young, old, and all!

She's also been published and featured in a variety of other arenas, including this Knit Picks design, Frank. Frank is a pair of mitts with yet another example of great colourwork. This time, it's architecturally inspired and wonderfully geometrical.

Crochet Today has also published her work: the Stuffable Stockings (which are defo time appropriate!) would make a fantastic wee gifty for many. I think I just might make one for my (as yet un-stockinged) lovebird Elbie.¹

Keep a look out for laurenO designs - they're always bound to impress.
____________
¹ It's just occurred to me: ya'll haven't met my young, and rather naughty, lovebird Elbie. Hmm... that's for another post!

Tuesday Musings: Or, What To Do With This Nook?

2011-11-22T16:10:00.002-05:00

As you may (or may not) know, I've recently moved house.
Specifically, from an apartment building to a real, actual, detached house.

This is a fantastic house with wonderful family history. I love this house.
I had some great help getting this place to look more "me", and so have had house-nesting and room decorating on my mind for the past few months.

After all was said and done on the September 30th move, I somehow fit all my copious amounts of crap into this (really rather small) abode. (yes, that's right. The abode is small. This has nothing to do with the aforementioned crap of copious amounts).

Many of the little details have been tended to; I've discovered a bit of a routine, things have their places, nooks have their nooklets.

But, along with all that framed art and photo hanging that I have to do, there's also the question of this interesting kitchen feature.

My mother tells me this once was a nook for an ironing board (that's right - in the kitchen).
At the moment I have my calendar hanging in this space, but that sort of seems to be a wasted opportunity.

I've had spice rack suggested as a possible use for the once-ironing-board-bed, which would be very cute.
But I thought I'd poll ya'll and see: What would you do with this space?

Indie Designer Day

2011-11-18T10:34:00.000-05:00

Designer: Leah Coccari-Swift
Blog: ruby submarine
Etsy Shop: RubySubmarine
Rav ID: RubySubmarine
Some Great Designs: RubySubmarine's Rav Designer Page

It seems even earlier this year that the stores have become holiday-shopping-busy: decorations are up, and I've even heard the music of the season being played/blasted from various and sundry shops in the mall.

I can't say it's gotten me in a bad mood at all, I really like this time of year! It's certainly got me primed for gift-planning, and this week's designer has a great selection of cool knits for those cool people on your list.

The pictured Kitefish Shawl is a fantastic stand out piece. I love her colour combinations. A great way to utilize some lovely hand-dyed yarn, create an interesting shape, and have a finished product that you certainly won't want to give away!

Another cute suggestion for a quick gift-knit is her whimsical Realistic Octopus. This little crocheted masterpiece in yarn really does look like it might come to life and start scuttling across the floor! (I'm a little creeped out by octopi, and it's a testament to the realism of this wee creation that it puts me on edge. Just a bit.)

I'm also a fan of her pretty Scallop Lace Hat. I really dig the shape the lace gives to the hat, and the slouch it's got as well. I'd really, really have to like someone mucho to knit this and actually gift it away!

In one of the most uniquely fashionable, interesting and wearable pieces I've seen, the Medusa Look Scarf is an eye-catching knit. Please click on the link and you'll see. This is the sort of versatile piece that could dress up a plain outfit; a fantastic accessory that would showcase shape, drape, and the beauty of your yarn.

I'm really keen on RubySubmarine's aesthetic in designs. Really looking forward to any other patterns she publishes!

One Last Bit o'Halloween: The Sweet Stuff

2011-11-17T15:54:00.002-05:00

I've just located some last little pics from Halloween.

For the party, I wanted to give people a special bit of something sweet in their goody bag.
Of course, I looked to Martha for some great ideas.

These are some yummy and cool looking skull cookies, seen here.
I switched up the recipe, and just made a basic sugar cookie with some cocoa thrown in for colour.

Incidentally, you never realize just how stick marshmallows are until you try to cut them up with scissors. Nightmare! After just 2 cuts, they gum up the blades and you've got to either slog though the mess, or spend the time cleaning up and wiping dry the scissors between each couple of cookies!

So worth it, though. They looked cool and were defo yummy.

Now, on to the next holiday!

Halloween: Oh How I Love Thee. Party Time!

2011-11-15T12:21:00.002-05:00

I thought perhaps before it gets too late, I should post about my Halloween party!

Here's me costume. It turned out mostly alright. I was quite happy with the belt, but still didn't get the hang of sewn in sleeves (thanks to my blogless friend Krista for taking these pics!)

Some of the mucho sugar that populated the party.
After that evening I was like a desperate soul, begging people to take some food! So much food. Food that lasted for days and days!
Note: next year, invite more people. Threaten them if they don't take lots of munchies away with them.

Which pumpkin would you vote for? I had a few prizes and draws: best carved pumpkin was one of them.
FYI, the winning pumpkin was the one at the bottom right. It was actually tied with the pumpkin on the upper right.
I carved the one that looks like windows, sitting on the ground there. It actually wasn't finished. It was supposed to have a carved vulture sitting inside it, à la Martha here.

Just flame, no heat: this was a part of the backyard. The plan had been to have my patio heater there all set up and good to warm all the becostumed partygoers as they enjoyed the clear October evening. Didn't work out quite like that. The heater looked awfully cool, but didn't really heat so well.

So very much looking forward to next year. What should I be? Hmmm.....

Indie Designer Day

2011-11-11T11:33:00.001-05:00

Designer: fallmasche
Rav ID: fallmasche
Some Great Designs: fallmache's Rav Designer Page

Simple shapes; subtle colours.

This week's designer has a graceful, understated style that translates beautifully into a variety of knits.

Versio (pictured) is a comfy-lovely seamless knit. There's something very fashionable yet casual about this piece. It's the whole aesthetic, methinks: just the right amount of ease, the wide stripes, the colour choices.

Rotation also uses stripes to great effect, this time both wide and narrow. The combination of these two stripe sizes and negative ease gives this comfy-lovely pullover a very attractive look and inviting feel (and bonus: it's a free pattern!)

It's really great to me when designers put in those extra details that show they're really thinking about their pieces. The Strandlaeufer (sandpiper) cowl was fallmache's first pattern, but she demonstrates her thoughtfulness with this colour suggestion:
"For the darkest color...maybe choose the color of your (or the one who will wear the cowl) eyes."

And finally I'll point you to April in Berlin. This elegantly simple tunic top is the sort of thing that makes my heart go thump. Now, if only I could gather together more time in the day to knit one for me!

Adventures in Apple Butter

2011-11-10T12:16:00.000-05:00

My dad has a farm out in the boonies. Beautiful, beautiful boonies. (funfact: it's the location for the photos for the September YearLong YarnSong).

This farm has a great little orchard, from which he's kindly collected some apples and pears for me this year.

Once again, I'm on a mission to make my house smell amazing, and make some apple butter!

Since these are organically raised apples (read: not sprayed, and basically left to fend for themselves...) many of them were, let's say, less-than-photogenic. Under the surface peel, though, lay delicious, delicious apple meat :)

My dad tends to do things thoroughly, and when I asked for "some apples", he brought be about 4 barrels full.
So merrily I went on, peeling and slicing away.

I love the hours of cooking involved with making apple butter. That might sound a bit off, but really, I like tending to the simmer pot of sweetness, watching it thicken and darken, always amazed at how much it reduces, and pleasantly soothed by the wonderful scent in the house.

This was, of course, only a fraction of the many, many apples I had waiting to be cooked. Let me tell you, I have apple butter to last a life time now.

Anyone want some?

Indie Designer Day

2011-11-04T12:28:00.001-04:00

Designer: MMario
Website Group: MMario KKnits
Rav ID: MMario
Some Great Designs: MMario's Rav Designer Page

I gasped and gasped again when I came upon MMario's wonderful designs.

Unbelievably, there are quite a number of beautiful pieces that are free!

First I'll point out the Uhura shawl (pictured). This intricate triangle shawl looks like the lace is dancing, the alignment of yarn overs and solid areas make for a vibrating and eye-catching knit.

Out of Cheese is another free shawl; a different shape this time, the large hexagon with its central detail and intricate wide edging looks fantastic draped over one's shoulders.

A cape: St. Jacques demonstrates MMario's great skill in lace design. I'm really quite amazed at the range of shapes he's able to skillfully create. He has over 80 designs. It's unreal.

And finally, a bit of whimsy, the Lobster Quadrille shawl. How cool is that? A lobster in lace!

October's Haunting Air: New YearLong YarnSong

2011-11-01T12:28:00.004-04:00

What with one thing and another, I've finally been able to publish October's edition of YearLong YarnSong.

This issue contains three patterns.

Eidolon

Sizes XS - XXXL
A long sleeved, historically inspired gothic fancy, this sweater has unique details such as a peplum, buttoned lace cuffs, ruffled neckline and three-button keyhole closure at the back of the neck.

Peat, Ghosts and Hurricane Lanterns

Sizes S - XL (note: this covers the CYC standards sizng from XS up to XXXL)
This knit (which has made it's way into my regular rotation!) is a pretty and practical piece to add to your wardrobe. A shrug with style, this garment includes a deep hood with gathers along the upper edges, a picot hem, short sleeves and a front closure clasp.

Cemetery Whispers

Sizes S - XL (note: this covers the CYC standards sizng from XS up to XXXL)
A quick knit with bulky yarn, this shrug has a large ruffled collar and sleeves.

Indie Designer Revisited

2011-10-28T12:07:00.000-04:00

Designer: Hanna Breetz
Blog: evergreenknits
Rav ID: evergreenknits
Some Great Designs: evergreenknits' Rav Designer Page
Original Indie Designer Post: February 6, 2009

Not only are evergreenknits' designs beautiful and consistently elegant, she's maintained her dedication to knitting green.
Her latest blog post talks about natural dying with pecans - really cool.
On to the knitting!

Since I first profiled Hanna in 2009, she's done much more great work. She's published a fantastic shawl pattern for Sanguine Gryphon, Industrial Revolution (pictured). I encourage you to check out the other photos of this shawl on the pattern page. It seems to morph wonderfully into several different shawls, depending on how it's worn.

Another beautiful knit, self-published this time, is Vermont Shawl. I love how it really does seem to reflect the lushy greeny leafiness of a strong, old forest.

And one more notable mention is the adorable Sea Urchin. This sweet little whimsy just might find it's way onto my Christmas knitting list!

Indie Designer Day

2011-10-21T11:33:00.000-04:00

Designer: Cecilia Flori
Rav ID: ceciknits
Some Great Designs: ceciknits' Rav Designer Page

With interesting shapes and attractive elements, this week's designer has a great talent for creating fabulous accessories.

One of the two patterns she has posted is the pictured a thousand splendid suns. Great name, right? I think it's rad gear.
The photograph shows off the beautiful way this seemingly simple knit can look so interesting, and I can imagine it really "making" an outfit.

The second pattern ceciknits has published is the long (and winding) mesh. Again, great name. Take a look at the number of photos she has posted of this piece. It appears to transform into so many different shapes! I really love the look of it all scrunched up, and the little flipped over cowl look is great too.

Thanks for the patterns! Looking forward to any new designs you may cook up (and the wonderful names to accompany them!)

Rhinebeck Redux;, Or, Here's My First Video Post

2011-10-18T16:16:00.004-04:00

Hi all!

As a bit of a recap, I thought I'd let you know a bit about how Rhinebeck went for me. And, in a video post!
I apologize ahead of time for the following:
-poor video quality
-obvious awkwardness
-any inability of the video to play

Rhinebeck Redux from canarysanctuary on Vimeo.

Beware: Four Hungry Knitters on Road to Rhinebeck!

2011-10-14T12:41:00.001-04:00

It's true. This year is the year.

I'm finally going to experience the consta-lauded, much-anticipated, always-venerated Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival.

I'm not new to attending knitting fairs, but by all accounts, this is a festival like no other. I'm pretty dern excited, and I'll tell you why:

This is going to be a superawesomesauce road trip for me and three other knitting buds. The Orange Beast¹ is up for the haul. I've done over 6 hours of straight driving before, but that was all within Canada. Crossing the border is new! So, that orange car with the Ontario license plate? That's us.²

As a big fan of cute animals (especially dumb cute animals), I look forward to meeting a few of the ovine persuasion. And, if anyone of you will be there, please say hi! Fair warning, you might have to pull me away from whatever shiny thing I'm fawning over at the time!

____________
¹ The Orange Beast is my fantastico car. Guess my favourite colour?
² I've coordinated with all the other orange-car drivers in Ontario - they're not going. I have the market cornered on Ontario orange cars.

Thanksgiving; Or, How Awesome It Is

2011-10-10T09:02:00.001-04:00

It's difficult to choose, but in the general rankings of holiday awesomeness, Thanksgiving's my second favourite of the year.

Previous years have seen me post a wee bit on this topic: a few years ago it was joy at the successful avoidance of mass familial poisoning at my first Thanksgiving as hostess.
This year, I sadly am stepping down as party-starter. My new home isn't up for company quite yet. I suspect the atmosphere might be ruined if the dining situation involved boxes-as-chairs and plastic cutlery (because you know, somehow, there seems to have been a bizarre migration of real silverware from the box they were supposed to be in to some random, foreign box, buried at the bottom of the bottomless pile of randomness in the fright-maze that is the basement....)

Aaaaanyway, I've always felt Thanksgiving is so wonderful and warm. Family together, that fantastic post-gorging bloat, the beauty of an Ontario autumn, and really, I dig the whole "taking time to be thankful" thing.
I'll tell you a secret: the apparently frivolous nature of this blog? It's silly and pleasant and happy and frivolous on purpose. This is itself a tool for being thankful.

I'm thankful for pretty yarn. For the inspirational creativity of others. For the fact that my life is prosperous and comfortable enough to allow me the time to indulge in frivolity. I have fantastic people around me who I can turn to for help; people who support (and even understand) my squeals of delight over a simple hank of yarn.

I hope you all have that level of happiness, too. And even more!

*ok, wiping away the superfluous amounts of saccharinity....

Let's go eat food! Because there's no joy in life like a full belly.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all, whether you're in Canada or not.

Halloween: Oh How I Love Thee, Part the First; My Costume!

2011-10-07T13:50:00.006-04:00

This year my new château will be host to Halloween!

October is the best for oh-so-many reasons, and Halloween is my list topper. I love this holiday. If it were a human, I'd be seriously inclined to marry it. At the very least we'd go out on a few dates. See how the chemistry worked out.

This post is a warning, beware and heads-up: I'll be re-entering the blogging world with a superfluity of Halloweeny party planning.

This post is also a discussion about, rant upon and general headdesking about women's Halloween costumes.¹

Here is what I wanted to be for Halloween: a Roman centurion.
Guess what type of costumes I found for a grown woman Roman centurion?

I believe the photograph, with it's ability to speak one thousand words, explains why I have not chosen this pre-fab.

With limited time and sewing skills, I didn't feel up to the task for doing any of the following:
-buying this.... costume.... and altering it to suit my tastes
-buying either a men's costume pattern or boy's costume pattern and modifying it to fit me
-searching (perhaps fruitlessly) for bits and pieces to toss together and hobble up my own no-sew version of a Roman centurion

And so, off to the fabric store I went, fingers crossed that somehow it would have a women's Roman centurion pattern that... suited my tastes... which the internet did not.

Lo, and to my everlasting non-shock, it did not.

But what the fabric store did have was an array of lovely historical dress patterns. Being a history nerd, I couldn't resist, and purchased Butterick's B4827 Misses Medieval Dress pattern.

Of course, I couldn't go as just any well-to-do medieval woman: I'm going as Eleanor of Aquitaine!

Boo yeah!

This costume suits my many costume guidelines:
-will keep me reasonably warm on what will obviously be a chilly October evening
-allows for freedom of movement (this guideline unfortunately rules out tons of kickass costumes)
-does not require any sort of thick face paint
-also, does not require a mask (clashes with the glasses. Glasses cancel out masks. I choose my ability to see over costume)

So, anachronistic as it shall be, I'll be a plastic-frame bespectacled Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Next time: costume sewing success (or failure. And if it's a failure, I promise it'll be a hilarious one.)
____________
¹ Wooo! Feminism post!
Yes yes, it's all very personal-as-political, but everyone has their bugbears, and sexualized Halloween costumes happen to fall in the category of things that yank my chain.
It highlights the masquerade parade that is acceptable "femininity" in this culture that women, when given the opportunity to dress up, are assumed to want to have every single costume choice be highly sexualized.
Even when you can find a costume for an adult female (and disturbingly, even for teenage girls and pre-teens!) that isn't by it's nature very sexual, it is morphed into a sexualized piece of women-hating garbage.
Want to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz? Be prepared to raise that hemline and expose some breast! For dog's sake, Dorothy was a little girl.
And, think there's a limit to what can be sexualized?
A few years ago a friend of mine saw a woman dressed up as a sexy Ninja Turtle.
End Rant.

Indie Designer Day

2011-10-07T12:33:00.000-04:00

Designer: Atelier Alfa
Blog: Making Things
Rav ID: al-fa
Some Great Designs: alfa's Rav Designer Page

This week's designer is fantastic with manipulating and utilizing interesting shape.

It's an aspect of knit design that's always intrigued me, and seen to great effect in the
escargot hat and scarf (pictured). This knit-in-one-piece hat has a matching scarf as well. Just look at the cool short row work. I'm imagination-drooling over the thought of this knit in a self-striping yarn.

Check out another project with cool shape (and lace this time too! with big and small leaves cardigan. With pretty detailing and bulky yarn, this sweater looks like a great, cozy, autumn knit!

She's also got several men's patterns; recto verso for men is a simply detailed pullover, with texture that would retain any knitter's interest, while still being masculine enough to appeal to many men.¹

Finally, I'd like to point out the awesomely adaptable hoodiescarf. I dig knits that can do a few duties, (one of the reason cowls rule the world), and this one combines all that you need to keep your noggin nice and toasty.

al-fa has so many more patterns for you to see - just check out her Rav designer page!

___________
¹ As a side note: being a female, I suppose I'm generally not privy to the sorts of special, gender-based information and rule that govern the Proper Clothing for Men. In a few (very few) conversations with those of the Masculine Man gender, I've discovered that baby blue is not appropriate for men. Too "soft", perhaps? This may be something for another post....

Indie Designer Revisited

2011-09-30T12:07:00.000-04:00

Designer: Jane Richmond
Blog: Jane Richmond
Etsy Shop: jane richmond
Rav ID: JaneRichmond
Some Great Designs: JaneRichmond's Rav Designer Page
Original Indie Designer Post: November 28, 2008

Right from the start, you could tell that JaneRichmond would do great things. With a fantastic eye for design, she's published many, very popular designs over just about two years. Just check out her designer page on Rav - so many patterns with hundreds of projects!

This is easy to understand; she's very good at creating knits which are stylish and wearable.
There's a lot of wonderful patterns to choose from; today, I'll point out two for you.
Pictured right is Hart, a new and very pretty shrug. It's got all the hallmarks of a JaneRichmond design, right down to the great photography. I really love her outfit, and the flower in her hand!

Also, I'd like to point out a pattern you've (very likely) seen, the incredibly popular Sedum. A cozy, wonderful piece, this garment also typifies her fantastic style and great skill as a designer.
I really admire knitters who can have the vision to be able to create pieces that are beautiful, wearable, classic and yet have that bit of a twist that makes it their own.

JaneRichmond is virtuoso at this. I can't wait to see what she designs next!

Indie Designer Day

2011-09-23T16:32:00.000-04:00

Designer: Ágnes Kutas-Keresztes
Blog: Ágnes Kutas Knitwear Design
Etsy Shop: Ágnes Kutas Knitwear Design
Rav ID: AgnesKutas
Some Great Designs: AgnesKutas' Rav Designer Page

Oh autumn, I love you so.
This week's designer has a collection of fab knits for fall, just a few of which I'll highlight here for you:

Pictured is the pretty Fresia. I can't tell you how much I love the grape pattern. This sweater rules (and I love that she's got photos in front of grape vines too. It's all about the details!)

Wish Me Luck also makes use of a nice repeated pattern. This cardigan is a good staple for any wardrobe.

I really enjoy when a designer shows off their ability to manipulate a variety of design elements and techniques. Not only is AgnesKutas great with textured patterning and lace, she's got a great eye for colour too! Check out Milano, a cute yoked sweater with lace-rib detailing.

I'll leave off with another wonderfully textural design, Spring Leaves. All over texture at its best!

Indie Designer Day

2011-09-16T12:00:00.001-04:00

Designer: Johanna Bibbins
Blog: Knitting My Day Away
Etsy Shop: KnittingMyDayAway
Rav ID: JohannaM
Some Great Designs: JohannaM's Rav Designer Page

Light and airy, the designs by this week's talented knitter, JohannaM, showcase a great selection of delicate pieces.

First up is Fönn (pictured). I love how JohannaM described it to me, a "...big delicious shawl." And oh my, it is.
This is a very recent publication - so much so that it wasn't out yet when I first approached the designer about writing this here post. When she mentioned she'd have a new pattern out soon, I was interested and excited.
When I saw it was this fantastic shawl, I was really excited! I couldn't wait to post it for ya'll.

Now, here's the lovely lacy Kyrrð. I really admire the photos JohannaM has for her patterns. They're always attractive, and display her knits in a variety of ways. Really shows off the pieces to their utmost.

While she has a number of other patterns, I'll share just one last one with you: Strokkur. This pretty cowl is sized for toddlers all the way up to adults. It looks fantastic! (not having any children within my regular circle of acquaintance, I wasn't aware how supercool cowls look on kids! Great idea).

Can't wait to be stunned by the next beautiful pattern JohannaM publishes!

Madam MIA: Or, This is How Busy Life Can Get

2011-09-15T11:18:00.002-04:00

Please see Vegan Yum Yum blog for a how-to for these fabulous knit-themed cupcakes.

I'm popping on the blog here for a mo to let ya'll know I could very possibly be a bit MIA for the next couple of weeks.

My life has suddenly become busy busy bee:

My sister is getting married on Saturday, and I'm one of her bridesmaids!
I have my 29th birthday on the 19th!
Currently, I'm living in the land of boxes: I'll be moving to a new place at the end of the month!
Oh yes, and I have a number of lovely and very fantastically fun and exciting super secret projects I'm working on!

Allllll in September!

I suppose you didn't think I could fit a whopping 5!! (now 7) exclamation marks in one lil' post.

See you soon! (8)

Indie Designer Day

2011-09-09T10:32:00.000-04:00

Designer: Fiona Barnett
Blog: de minimis
Rav ID: FionaJL
Some Great Designs: FionaJL's Rav Designer Page

Just in time for the start of school, here's a designer with a lovely cardi named Academia. Here's the designer's notes about this knit:

"Conceived, partly designed, and occasionally knitted on in the Palace Green Law Library at the University of Durham (UK), this cardigan is simple, elegant, and light but still warm. It’s perfect for knitting and wearing when your mind is focused on higher pursuits."

Fabulous, no?

FionaJL has a plethora of great patterns, and because it was so difficult to choose, I've listed (almost) all of them here!

Uskglass is a winter toque with absolutely incredible texture; thick cables mix together to form a hat that I just can't seem to take my eyes off of.

November beret is another example of great hat design, and it highlights her talent for using great textures and cables to wonderful effect.

And finally I'll point out to you her Morstan mittens; I think her notes say it all:
"Who says lace can’t be warm too? With the addition of a healthy dose of garter stitch, these comfy, speedily knit mittens are just the thing for a bit of selfish knitting. Instructions are also included for fingerless mitts."
I've often dreamed about winter lace - this is a fantastic way to incorporate it into your wardrobe!

YearLong YarnSong; September

2011-09-06T12:47:00.002-04:00

Hello one and all!

This time has finally come for me to post the first edition of my twelve part project, YearLong YarnSong.

It's September!

This issue contains 4 patterns, which you can download by clicking here.

Dancing Fields;
a sweet pair of ruffled armwarmers
Sizes S/M and M/L

Corn Moon;
fingerless mitts with a corn-inspired twist!
Sizes S/M and M/L

Mead Harvest;
a simple, long cardigan with ruffled bust and puff sleeves
Sizes XS - XXXL

Autumnal Flight;
a single wing covered with beads, this shawl is unique, airy and beautiful

Indie Designer Day

2011-09-02T13:32:00.000-04:00

Designer: Arianwen Jackson-Verschaeve
Blog: The Silver Spider Presents
Rav ID: Arianwen
Some Great Designs: Arianwen's Rav Designer Page

Oooo, I'm getting excited, folks! It's my favourite four-month run of the year.
September brings all sorts of wonderful things, including that perfect crispness to the air.
A perfect crispness that is complemented perfectly by cowls!

This week's designer has a pair of pretty cowls.
First you see pictured Garter Stitch Cowl. I dig the simple, big stitches and shape of this piece. Great for keeping you warm, fab for looking awesome, and superb for a nice, easy knit.

Second, there's the more wee cowl Patience.
I like the pretty lacy detail, and the photo with the pin placed so perfectly (I must invest in more pins. I see photos like this where people use them to such nice effect, and I wish I could do it too!)

Indie Designer Revisited

2011-08-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

Designer: Morgan Forrester
Blog: My Amphetamines and My Purls
Rav ID: pomoboho
Some Great Designs: pomoboho's Rav Designer Page
Original Indie Designer Post: Friday October 17, 2008

Pretty whimsies is a wonderful way to describe pomoboho's (which is such a great screen name!) designs.

My first profile of this designer was almost 3 whole years ago, and since then she's been creating even more lovely little patterns in both knitting and crochet.

The pictured pattern here is Lady Parker's Beret. Perhaps I just have a thing for lovely berets, but I think this is a very attractive pattern; nice texture, great wearability, and certainly a practical piece of crochet.
(ps: I love the fibrey flames and the adorable sweater she's wearing. In fact, she inspired me to knit one of my own, lo these many years ago....)

I have little daydreams that I could be a ballerina (yes yes, I know...) and this pattern, Sugar Plum Thrums makes me want to get out there and earn those pointe shoes.

Once you've done your dancing, you can sit back and relax with these sweet Twee Cups. These are really very adorable, lacey crocheted tea cup and saucer! They're actually functional too, good for holding little objects and looking lovely!

While you're sitting "sipping" on your Twee Cup, you can cushion yourself with the pretty Pinwheel Pillow. I really love this pattern. I can't wait to make some up for me!

Also, you can check her out on the LYS The Loop's blog. It's a lovely place to visit!

September Teaser

2011-08-22T13:35:00.000-04:00

This here is the last teaser photo for the September issue of YearLong YarnSong.

Just about one more week, and it'll be ready for publication!

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful and helpful comments on my previous post.
Soon, you'll be seeing some changes around here :)

Making Me Readable; Or, How to Improve This Here Bloggy

2011-08-19T12:16:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone,

I’ve had my blog for over 5 years now. I love writing, posting, and otherwise sharing with the knitting community. I’m always very excited to publish new posts!

But, I have wondered: how can I make this blog better?

If you don't mind sharing, I'd love to know:

What makes you return to a certain blog?
What encourages your loyal readership?
What would you like to see on CanaryKnits?
Is there a feature, idea, etc that you think would improve it?

Thanks so much for your input!

Indie Designer Day

2011-08-19T11:31:00.000-04:00

Designer: Worsted Knitt
Blog: Worsted Knitt
Rav ID: WorstedKnitt
Some Great Designs: WorstedKnitt's Rav Designer Page

I can't wait for summer to be over. It makes me so happy to be looking at lovely, cold-weather knits.

This week's designer has a nice selection of thesesuch knits, including the pictured
Kuebel Hat. I like the little colour-changed detail running along the bottom edge.

Another great topper is WorstedKnitt's Chubby Cat Hats. How cute is this hat? I can't tell you how very many be-eared heads I saw jaunting around last winter. These toques were the thing to sport on your noggin! I think it's high time I make one for meself as well.

And, just for a taste of something different, there's Lacey Bubblegum Punk Mitts. These are a nicely detailed pair of fingerless mitts. I like the use of lacey elements, while still keeping the functionality and practicality of a good fingerless mitt.

Little Seasonals Autumn

2011-08-17T14:45:00.005-04:00

I'm very happy to announce that the Autumn edition of Little Seasonals is live and ready for your downloading pleasure!

Just click on this link which will whisk you away to lulu.com, where you can purchase the four-pattern ebook.

Mousewife and I are quite proud of this edition. It includes two patterns by each of us. Hannah's got a pretty set of fingerless mitts (her specialty!) and matching cabled cowl.
My two patterns are the Autumn Turret Scarf and Legwarmers.

I was inspired by the pretty crenellated edging design from Barbara Walker's second treasury. I'm particularly happy about the scarf, which makes use of some ribbon to prettify it up, as well as give you the ability to cinch up the scarf and make it a wee bit shorter.

The legwarmers are a tall and slouchy pair which make use of the lovely colour changes that Noro does so well. The edging sits on one half of the top of the legwarmer, and you can wear it turned out to the side, along the back, or anywhichway you please!

September Teaser

2011-08-15T13:35:00.001-04:00

Monday teaser!
Pattern the third from September's YearLong YarnSong.
I really can't wait to share this with you all.

Indie Designer Day

2011-08-12T11:31:00.000-04:00

Designer: Lucy Hague
Rav ID: franticthumb
Some Great Designs: franticthumb's Rav Designer Page

Organic forms abound in the patterns of this week's designer, franticthumb.

Pictured is the lovely Inganess, a shawlette (also with longer, shawl instructions) with eye-catching points and very tempting texture. I love how this seemingly simple lace pattern comes to life in this shawl, layered upon itself when wound around neck and shoulders.

Amerie is another fine example of simple lace with fantastic, layerable results. This cowl, designed with ease of knitting and speed of finishing, works with a two row lace repeat and aran weight yarn. The amazing thing? It looks so delicate in the photos, I wouldn't have guessed it was such a heavy weighted yarn!

Finally, I'll point out her Hands of Blue

September Teaser

2011-08-08T13:31:00.000-04:00

Monday teaser! Here's another project from my upcoming ebook.
Set to be published on September 1st.

Have a great Monday all!

Indie Designer Day

2011-08-05T12:31:00.000-04:00

Designer: Irina Dmitrieva
Blog: My Knit land
Rav ID: pinkerston
Some Great Designs: pinkerston's Rav Designer Page

Even a quick perusal of pinkerston's designer page will demonstrate her knit strengths: pretty, lace, wearable hats!

First I'll point out the recently published Yellow Dandelion Beret (pictured). At first I suspected my love of this hat was based (mostly) on that beauuutiful colour, but peeking at her other hats shows that it's more than just a hue: it's a design aesthetic.

A good example of this is Snowflake Hat. I love the (very satisfying) repeated cables and eyelets running up the sides, and I superlove the pom pom. I don't know what it is about a great pom pomed hat. Possibly a nostalgia thing, but this toque really does it for me :)

And, in a nod to unisex design, I'm highlighting her Men's Ski Hat. This is a very attractive, structural hat, wonderfully geometric without being overly manly or plain, and retaining the beauty of knit cables.

Sad Face Broken Needle

2011-08-04T12:14:00.000-04:00

It's been quite a while since I was enamoured by my straight needles. The Death Knoll tolled years ago, when I first discovered circulars.
I still have many straights, but most of them sleep in the needle-roll I sewed up ages ago.

Recently, I decided I'd get all retro up in here and pull out my pretty Brittany wood needles. I happily toted them along with me to my family's camping trip at the beginning of July.

Witness their physical demise, above.

They were sitting happily in my knitbag, overjoyed to be once again in use, when suddenly a Coleman cooler lid was slammed shut on one. Snapola.

The funny thing is, my sweet and very wonderful mom was the unfortunate murderess of said needles, and was afraid to tell me what had happened until the next day. She didn't want to spoil the evening's campfire, marshmallow roasting and other such funstuffs.

So I Macguyver-ed together a "solution", so that I could indeed knit on during the holiday. A simple elastic band did the trick.

So, the moral of the story... hmmm... well, perhaps the best travellin' needles are not the pretty wood ones.

September Teaser

2011-08-01T09:32:00.001-04:00

Hey hey, it's teaser Monday!

Here's a pic of one of the four patterns I've got designed up for the September issue of my upcoming 12-part eBook, YearLong YarnSong.

I really can't wait to show you this one, I'm quite pleased with it.

Indie Designer Revisited

2011-07-29T11:07:00.000-04:00

Designer: Stephanie Dosen
Blog: *tiny owl knits*
Website: Stephanie Dosen.com
Rav ID: tinyowlknits
Some Great Designs: tinyowlknits' Rav Design Page
Original Indie Designer Post: November 21, 2008

Almost three years ago I profiled the lovely and talented tinyowlknits. She's a fabulous knitwear designer as well as a musician and songwriter. Just check out her site here, and listen to her beautiful songs This Joy and Only Getting Better (some of my favourites!)

On to the designs :)

Here pictured is a perfect example of her fairy-tale-esque, whimsical and yet sweet and wearable style. Grimm's Cottage gives you fanciful fashion, unique little twists (just look at the cute use of ribbon!) and yet this is ultimately a simple shape and design. Pairing these two tendencies makes for knits that can complement many outfits and occasions.

(One of my favourite things about tinyowlknits' designs is how easily I can imagine myself wearing them on a beautiful walk through the woods.)

I'll also point you to a few more new (since I profiled her last!) designs:

Recently featured in Yarn Forward, catching butterflies mitts embrace the design tendencies of simplicity and whimsy to create a pretty little pair of mitts/armwarmers that integrate texture and colourwork to create a sweet design (with a little surprise in the palms!)

In one of the most eye-catching and simple designs, tinyowlknits utilizes a simple cowl with perfectly matched colours to create the warm and wearable ships & seasides.

I would certainly be amiss if I didn't point out the adorable sweet robin wrist-ees. That's right: robin, a nest and eggs. I love it!

I'm also in love with her woodland hoodlet. It's a very cool design shape, that creates a garment that's versatile and beautifully utilitarian. Incidentally, this might be the very best use of a tassel. The way the huge cables hug around the capelet part look so delightful and inviting.

There is so very much more of tinyowlknits' work to be seen. Please check out her designs on Rav. They never fail to make me smile (and take that fanciful walk down the green, wooded paths of my imagination).

Sneak Peek: Autumn Little Seasonals

2011-07-26T11:32:00.000-04:00

I'm not giving too much away today, but I thought I'd open a little window on to what I've been busying myself with over recent weeks.

Pictured is a close up of the two patterns I've designed, almost ready and definitely waiting to be featured in the Autumn edition of Little Seasonals.

My current stumbling block? Photos. It's quite something to pose for photos in hot hot July and pretend it's cool and comfortable October!

My Pumpkins Are Colonizing The Garden

2011-07-25T09:27:00.000-04:00

Setting out from their wee pumpkin seed mound, four strong and fearless seeds bravely took on the new territory of soil surrounding their land.

The pumpkin(g)s are now Emperors of the Garden, and have renamed it their Patch¹.

The new colony of Patch, this, the Patch of the Pumpkin(g)s, has a very few subjects, including the Purple Pod Bush Beans, the struggling Tabasco Peppers, and the young but rugged Broccoli. The beautiful flowers of Marigold and Hollyhock are attempting their own uprisings, but the might and power of the Pumpkin(g)s appears to be blotting out their efforts.

I must try my best to keep these Kings in check; they aren't satisfied with the Patch, and appear to be enamoured with development outside the garden bed.

But lo, we shall see who laughs last. The hour of October draws nearer every day, and the prophesy of the sage pumpkins, those horror stories they tell their young sprouts of vicious humans plucking them from their vines, heartlessly scooping out their delicious innards and placing (of all things!) candles in their bodies, just may come to be fulfilled.

Muhahahaa!

But no, really, I'm way stoked about how healthy my pumpkins seem to be. I hate to count my pumpkins before they hatch, but methinks a collection of sweet, sweet pumpkin recipes may have to be collected!

____________
¹ I have to apologize for the colonialist metaphor here. Perhaps I've been doing a touch too much research at work regarding those centuries of European empire building.

Indie Designer Day

2011-07-22T12:01:00.000-04:00

Designer: Jessika Ava
Rav ID: jessikaava
Some Great Designs: jessikaava's Rav Designer Page

This week's designer is not only creative and talented, she's also dedicated and giving.
She works at an organization dedicated to offering medical help to street dogs of Kathmandu: www.streetdogcare.org.
Check out the site - they can assist in international adoptions.

But now, on to the patterns!

Pictured is the unique sweater, Anais. I love this piece, so geometric, structural and interestingly shaped and worked. Just look at how those cables pop!

9 Days to Departure is a two-toned pullover which employs texture, lace and buttons in a wearable and exceptional way.

And, in a demonstration of her love of animals, check out Flies and Bees Catnip Toys and Perfect Fit Top-Down Dog Sweater. These patterns would be a great way to spoil your pet!
Keep your eyes open for her pattern, which will be featured in an upcoming issue of Knitty!

So I Can Sew a Salad

2011-07-20T11:00:00.001-04:00

I'll tell you what I've had luck with, and that's my lettuce!

The photo you see here is a couple weeks old, when my salad green garden was very happy. The current oppressive heat has pretty much done in any remaining bits, but I'm quite happy with the bit of harvest that I was able to obtain from my first sprouty endeavours (incidentally, so are the birds! They quite appreciate lettuce, as their green-stained beaks will attest!)

I've also recently learned that I've let my spinach, which I was very much looking forward to eating, bolt.
Well then, a gardener lives and learns.

Giveaway Winner

2011-07-19T11:48:00.002-04:00

Hi all!

I closed the contest for the Larry Crowne giveaway last night, and have just asked the Random Number Generator to tell me the winner....

Congratulations neferatowen! The generator said number 5, and that's you.

Thanks to everyone who entered.
Have a very happy Tuesday :)

Indie Designer Day

2011-07-15T10:30:00.000-04:00

Designer: Preita Salyer
Blog: Mr Poopers Day Out
Rav ID: Preita
Some Great Designs: Preita's Rav Designer Page

You'd think I'd be used to this experience: I trawl around Rav, looking for great designs and designers who haven't received the notice I think they deserve.

Today's designer, Preita, is even more astonishing. She has a wealth of patterns; so many different types of knits, all so pretty, knittable and wearable.

Not only that, she has a beautiful blog. It's illustrated with gorgeous photographs, many of which are the personality-filled animals from her farm. It's fantastic. Really, go check it out nows.

Well, maybe take a peek at these three designs first:

Pictured is the Fall Plumage Hat, a great example of her design style. That texture is so enticing. Makes me want that yarn, hat and pattern!

The pretty Pix Shawl is a play with texture (and colour) in a simple way to create a versatile garment.

Lastly, there's Sweet Corn Shawl, which does that magic shawl thing where it looks lovely laid out flat, but almost even lovelier when it's gathered up and draped around your neck.

Don't stop here! Preita is a prolific, talented designer. Check out her projects page on Rav :)