Baad Medicine

The socks were made for walking

2011-06-12T02:19:00.000-07:00

And that's just what they'll do.

In orange shoes of course.

Sometimes

2011-06-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you finish a piece and you think, crap, that sucks. It's ugly and I'll never wear it and what a waste of all that precious knitting time.

And other times you finish something and think, wow. That's awesome. It turned out way better than I anticipated.

Any guesses on which one this is?

A Lot of Things Can Happen in a Year

2011-05-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

In this case, I knit a shawl.

I started this project last June. I had my eye on the Icarus pattern since it was published. It is so lovely. Simple lines with a lacy edging. Big enough to wrap around yourself and stay on your shoulders.

I did one less repeat of the body than was recommended as I wasn't sure I'd have enough yarn. Even so, this shawl, from tip to tip, is longer than a queen sized bed.

Now. Where will I wear it?

Being Crafty

2011-05-22T00:35:00.002-07:00

I don't consider myself a crafty person. Yes, I knit but other than that, I think I'm pretty un-crafty. I'm no Martha Stewart. I don't have a craft room. I don't sit and make paper lanterns with my children. When I need cards, I buy them (or get the kids to fold up paper). I just knit.

However, I did go to a craft show today. I had heard there was yarn and where there's yarn, I'm not far behind. And I learned a number of things.

Lesson 1: There are a hell of a lot of quilters in the world
Every 2nd booth was a quilters booth, or fabric, or sewing machines. And there were quilted bags and jackets and people everywhere. Quilting seems to be where it's at (how is it that even at a craft show I'm not in the cool crowd?)

Lesson 2: Whenever you find cute buttons, buy them.
Lesson 3: I'm not meant to be a crafter.
Yes - I made this lovely jewelled book mark. It wasn't that hard really. But, it was too fiddly and there were too many pieces involved and there were so many tools, needle-nose this, and wire cutter that. They roped me in because I learned Viking knitting. Which was interesting, but likely won't be used 'round these parts again. Into the Christmas gift pile you go....

Lesson 4: Stainless steel in yarn is pretty darned cool
Saw a scarf knit in this that I must replicate. Must.

Lesson 5: You're NOT an idiot, even if after months of owning a spinning wheel you still can't use it.
At least, that's what the ladies of the Spinning Guild assured me. So, I'm supposed to go on a Saturday, Istvan (that's what I call my wheel) in hand, and learn from some greats. And I hear there's cake.

So, it was a good day out. I even brought along J., virtually. It was almost as good as having her with me. Ok, maybe that's stretching it....

So Pretty

2011-05-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to knit Rhombus socks since I saw the first previews of Knit Sock Love.

They came up for May in the Knit Sock Love knita long on Ravelry. I am delighted with these socks.

They are knit in Wollmeise Twin yarn which I think really shows off the pattern well. Lots of twisted stitches and tricky cables to keep you paying attention.

Aren't they lovely? My usual photographer was out of town today, so P1 (who turned 5 in April) stood in. Didn't she do a great job? I think the Dude has been replaced as my photographer of choice. P1 is excited to help and doesn't complain nearly as much.

Four times a charm?

2011-05-15T22:48:00.000-07:00

Neck edging attempt #1: Couldn't get over my head.

Neck edging attempt #2: Went up 3 needle sizes, couldn't get over my head.

Neck edging attempt #3: Same needle size as attempt #2 and did loose bind-off. Way too loose and flopping. No structure to it.

Neck edging attempt #4: (to be attempted at some point in the next 24hours) - Same needle size as attempt #2. Same bind-off as #3, but will tighten up each stitch.

If that doesn't work, I'll just hit the scotch.

More Socks

2011-05-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

I need to branch out. Its seems like all I've been knitting lately is socks. But WHAT socks. If I had to only knit socks, I would pick Cookie A's patterns.

Here is the second pair for April.

They're Mona in Dream in Colour Smooshy. I didn't love this pattern the first time I saw it. Having knit them, I do like them more. They're not my favourite socks ever but they were fun to knit, easy to memorize and a pleasant addition to my sock stock pile. The Smooshy yarn didn't really impress me. I loved the colours but the yarn itself was very thick and thin in spots. Maybe this is not the norm. (Let me know what your experiences are with this yarn. I would try it again if I knew that there were knitters out there

who love it.)

May brings Rhombus, which looks like a floral lattice pattern to me. I'm using Wollmeise Twin yarn in a bold turquoise colour.

With all this sock knitting going on, is anyone going to Sock Summit? What classes are you interested in? Maybe I'll see you there...

Wedded Bliss

2011-04-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a night at home, champagne in had, toasting the lovely royal couple. The hype is a bit much I think, but I did get swept up in the excitement.

Highlights for me were her sister's bridesmaid dress (loved it) and William looking like he was holding back a giggle.

As a knitter though, when I saw the pic of Kate in her party gown, I wondered immediately if the cardigan was hand knit. Can you imagine that job? Knitting an angora cardigan for the new Princess? No pressure.

And although I'm the only girl in my house, my boys let me be a girly girl and gush over the fashions and the hats. My youngest decided that I am the Queen of the house - Dad is the King, and the boys are the dragons.

I'm good with that.

Spring has Finally Sprung!!!

2011-04-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

I live in the north, so winter does not come as a surprise to me. I actually like living in a place that has all four seasons. Each is distinct and has it's charms.

This year, winter came early and over stayed its welcome. We had piles of snow that were taller than me. (Clever readers might note that I am not very tall. This may be true, but a pile of anything that is as tall as me is too much in my opinion.) The weather would warm up a bit and then it would snow again. I started to think that the winter was getting to me. And hearing all about a certain someone's times at the beach or in a winery or barbequing wasn't helping the situation at all.

So I cast on some bright socks to brighten my mood. I was originally going to knit these socks in a deep purple but thankfully I realized that I was going to need all the help I could get seeing the pattern in these intricate socks. They were time consuming and fiddly but I really love them.

And by the time I finished these sunny socks, most of the snow had melted and the birds have started singing. Spring. Just what I was hoping for.

Not to be outdone

2011-04-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

A shawl.

Stay tuned for some blindingly orange socks.

A day of firsts

2011-04-17T04:22:00.001-07:00

First day I've ever tackled my taxes on my own (and lived to tell).

First day I've worn a shawl to the beach.

First day of the year that I truly felt chilled.

First day I didn't let the boys go in the water because it was too cold.

First day of my new niece's life. Wish I could meet her soon and wrap her up in this shawl....I'm willing to share it.

A Follow Up Report

2011-04-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

Acclaimed knitter J continues knitting orange socks. The first one is finished and is indeed meant for J.

Witnesses stated they are planning to have J's eyesight checked after concerns that the colour of these socks might be blinding.

Five

2011-04-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today, my pretty little Princess, you turn five. Sometimes I catch you in the corner of my eye and I am amazed at how tall you've grown. Your hands are solid in mine.

Sometimes, you are so independent. You want to do things your way. You are stubborn and strong. I try to tell myself that that is the kind of woman I would like you to be when I'm not frustrated with your obstinence.

Sometimes you are so kind and nurturing. You are worried about teaching your sister all the things she needs to know as if you were the only one who could. You look after your friends at school and make sure no one is excluded.

You surprise me with the words you use and things you know. You light up when you smile.

Keeping growing and learning, my Pretty Little Lady. But not too fast.

Happy Birthday.

Mocking me

2011-04-10T00:12:00.000-07:00

Here it sits. Laughing at me. Saying "you're almost done, you're almost done" but with an evil giggle through out.

It knows although I'm on the last instruction in the pattern, I'm far from being done. It knows that "4 inches of border" sounds completely easy and innocuous, but really it means 4 inches of never ending garter stitch.

And then it laughs again.

Late Breaking News

2011-04-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

There is some concern at the home of world renown knitter, J. People close to J are concerned about her mental health as her behaviour has become erratic.

"She's always been an avid knitter. That isn't anything new" stated the Dude, J's loving husband. "But lately, she's been knitting a lot of socks."

Ravelry project listing confirm the extensive collection

of Cookie A socks being produced by the fibre artist. The latest pair have experts baffled as their are intended for J herself....

...and are being knit in orange.

Updates as they become available.

Just when I go and fall in love with a pattern..

2011-04-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

I've been knitting stripes. It is so much fun. Each stripeis slightly wider, slightly longer. I can't wait to finish each one to see how the whole piece will look.

And now I'm on the last stripe. It's almost done. I've been dreaming about new colour combinations with 2 or 3 or 4 or 6 colours. I'm wondering who I can knit another for.

And then Veera comes up with another version. It's hard to keep up.

Veera's Vision

2011-03-30T03:31:00.000-07:00

If you don't know Veera - you should check her out. Seriously. Go right now and then come back. I can wait.

Veera is brilliant. Simple, beautiful well thought out patterns are putting it mildly. Every pattern she has, I could imagine myself wearing. Every one.

So as my first Veera pattern, I decided to try out her Stripe Study Shawl. Along with J. Freakin' brilliant. I don't want to put it down because I keep wondering how wide the next stripe will be or how much more asymmetrical it will look. It allows you to knit with gorgeous yarn in amazing colours and that's the primary focus of the work.

I figure a mix of Wollmeise and Koigu is perfect for this study of stripes.

Trendspotting

2011-03-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

As you may have heard, March is for Monkeys and far be it from me to miss a trend.

This last pair is knit in Socks that Rock mediumweight on 2.5 mm DPNs. It's been a while since I knit with variegated yarn and the pooling can be a surprise. On one of the socks, the colours made candystripes around the leg. On the other, the colours make columns of colour.

Lovely.

I'm tempted to cast on another pair. (I might be addicted.) These will be a birthday present for a friend.

Now I've cast on for another trendy knit, the Stripe Study Shawl.

More Monkey March

2011-03-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it seem like things come in waves? Weddings, new houses, babies.

Here is a baby that we met in August. She's grown a lot since then and she has her Uncle, the Dude, wrapped around her little finger. See?

Some other friends are having a baby next month so, of course, I had to knit something.

And since March is for Monkeys, I thought why not?

Who you lookin' at?

Source of Angst

2011-03-21T04:43:00.001-07:00

Some days I have many sources of angst - kids, husband, work, dirty house, traffic.

Other days there is only one major source.

We need a day apart and then we'll try again.

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

March is for Monkeys

2011-03-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

One of the first sock patterns I tried to knit was Monkeys. I made myself a pair in shades of brown. They are my most worn hand knit socks and they have nearly worn through. When the Knit.Sock.Love knitalong picked Monkeys for March, I knew I had to make myself another pair of brown monkeys.

Here they are. These are knit in Wollmeise twin yarn in Feldmaus. I love the chocolatey tones in this yarn. I still love the pattern. I think I have some new favourite socks.

Next up, more Monkeys, but maybe not what you'd expect.

There's something I've been keeping from you...

2011-03-13T11:50:00.001-07:00

It's not that I'm ashamed of it. I still knit. I knit every day. Sometimes, though, I need a little something different.

Something that moves quickly. Something that allows me to use up my stash and make gifts in less time.

My name is J. And I'm a (beginner) weaver.

There is something very satisfying about creating a fabric by passing yarn back and forth. Colours emerge in different ways when you're knitting and the fabric is different. I find myself looking at the way the yarn goes over and under.

So far, I've only made scarves with simple fringed hems. One day, I'll try weaving in the ends or sewing the long strip of fabric into a bag or weaving a hand towel. For now, I will enjoy tossing this scarf over my shoulders and feel good about learning a new skill.

To you, with love

2011-03-09T00:36:00.000-08:00

You aren't even born yet, and you are loved. You are loved by a mass of people who are anticipating your imminent arrival and love you for who you are and who you will become. We love you already, in spite of your parents (who are a little weird, but you'll figure that out sooner or later). We already say your name when we say prayers before bed. At least your 4 year old cousin does, every night.

We love you even though we won't be there when you arrive. We will send you this blankie full of love and kisses and hugs and slobbers. And we will meet you as soon as we can....

(A blankie, for our newest niece/nephew/cousin - due to arrive at the beginning of April)

One-a-baby, Two-a-baby

2011-03-07T02:42:00.000-08:00

One-a-baby (for a baby girl due in April)

Two-a-baby (for my new niece or nephew due in April)

Three-a-baby, Four. (I don't think there's any more babies to knit for....is there?)

Unlimited Potential

2011-03-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

I've been winding a lot of yarn lately. Sometimes I can get the whole skein caked up without a hitch. Sometimes I fight and fight with tangles and snarls and knots.

In the end, I have this lovely cake of yarn. It could be anything: a hat, mittens, socks, a shawl. It's like this cylinder of wool holds all of this potential energy and it's just waiting to meet some needles so it can start becoming whatever it was meant to be.

This cake is going to become a pair of Thelonius socks. I queued this pattern when it came out years ago. I have always meant to get around to it, maybe for myself or for a friend's birthday, but it just never happened. Now I have beautiful yarn and a knit a long to spur me on to greatness. Or at least warm feet.

The Things You Do

2011-02-23T05:48:00.000-08:00

When you live here and everyone else lives way over there, there are crazy things you do to keep in touch.

You text your morning routine to your best friend (with pictoral evidence) to give them an idea of what it looks like.

You prepare for Christmas and birthdays months in advance to allow for mail time.

You learn how to convert time to multiple time zones within a second.

You spend your Saturday and Sunday mornings with the computer on waiting for the Skype phone to ring.

You accept ridiculously generous gifts so that you can do an across the ocean KAL together. Ridiculously generous gifts that make your week.

You make every effort possible to keep them all close even when they are not.

And it's worth it. Every minute spent is so worth it.

Worth the Wait

2011-02-20T20:42:00.000-08:00

Sometimes things take longer than you think they will.

These socks took a couple of weeks to knit, partly because they have a lot going on and partly because I had a lot going on.

I really like how they turned out. Marilinda's for the Knit.Sock.Love knitalong on Ravelry.

Coffee anyone?

2011-02-19T18:05:00.000-08:00

(that's my handspun.....)

I Spy

2011-02-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

Yarn!

Crocheted Hearts!

I can't tell you how delighted I was to spy this on a dreary winter morning.

A Sock and a Princess

2011-02-15T05:51:00.000-08:00

P2 would like to show you what her Momma has been up to.

Momma has knit a sock. Just one. It took a while. The other sock has been cast on, so there will be two eventually. It's tough to knit when little Princesses want to play.

There's a fancy pattern on this sock. See?

Now, let's go have a snack.

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T07:02:00.000-08:00

I always feel it's important to accessorize.

KAL-ing Along

2011-02-10T02:45:00.000-08:00

Miss J. has been excellent at showing off her beautiful new socks as part of the Knit. Sock. Love. KAL on Ravelry. Amazing stuff.

I have been remiss. I too am part of the KAL, however have hit a few road blocks along the way. My first pair of socks, the Pointelles, are back on track though, I'm happy to say. I took the advice you all left, and decided to rip back the 2nd sock, and reknit Chart G. The first sock is lovely - just too small for me. So I figure I have a couple options (1) block them or (2) give them to my almost 11- year old niece who has size 10 feet. If they don't fit her now, they'll certainly fit her soon enough.

In the mean time I also started my February / March socks and have cast on some Marilinda's. I'm not sure if I have enough yarn to make them big enough for me, but that's ok. If they're not, I'll save them for Christmas.

Maybe the March / April socks will be mine.

In and Out Quickly

2011-02-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

Another pair of Cookie A socks have flown off my needles.

I was using some leftover yarn to knit some birthday socks for a February birthday. (No, T. It wasn't you.) I had 100 g of wollmeise sock yarn leftover from this little number that I knit myself for Christmas.

(It's the Still Light Tunic from Veera. I love her.)

So I was pretty sure that I had enough yarn going in to these socks, but I quickly realize that knitting this many cables takes a lot of yarn. I only did one pattern repeat on the leg and they are still a generously sized sock.

I really love this pattern. I even thought about making myself a pair but the completed foot pattern with toe made the sock too long for me. It's a good thing they are intended for someone with bigger feet.

Happy Birthday, T!

2011-02-04T09:53:00.001-08:00

T. I know moving to Oz wasn't the easiest thing in the world to do. You left your parents, your friends, winter (I'm a little jealous about that) and regular hockey games on the CBC. You had to learn a new language and a new culture. You had to find new ways of doing things (I'm more than a little jealous about grocery delivery. Maybe you could bring that back with you.) You get to knit beach cover ups instead of toques and mittens.

The great thing is that you are up to that challenge. You can move to a new continent and figure out how to make things normal for your family. You settle in and you get things done. You are so smart and saavy that you don't miss a beat. And somehow, you've managed to continue to be the friend I rely on for advice and support.

Today is your birthday, so go out and celebrate. Celebrate what a great job you've done making a new life in a new place. Celebrate the friends you have, where ever they are. Celebrate the person you are, and know that we're celebrating right along with you.

Happy Birthday!

Epic Fail

2011-02-03T04:10:00.000-08:00

So, I'm knitting socks.

These ones.

As part of a knit-a-long no less.

First sock - done. BUT.....doesn't fit. Too tight in the arch.

Second sock - just turned the heel and

FAIL.

I missed stupid gosh-darned Chart G. VITAL Chart G that is. Chart G that sets up the foot.

SO - frog back to where Chart G should be?
Or, frog both (as the first doesn't fit anyway) and start anew?
Or, another option??

Small Packages

2011-02-01T06:09:00.000-08:00

I have a little sister. She's 8 years younger than me, so we don't have the usual sister relationship. When I graduated from high school and went away to university, she was 9 years old. She used to follow me around. She would sneak into my room and play with my things. She would get on my nerves.

We don't look that much alike. I take after my Mom and she looks more like my Dad's side. I have brown hair and eyes, she is blond with blue eyes. (She'll tell you that they are green but I have my doubts.) People used to ask if she was switched at birth. She was always teeny tiny and I wasn't. That got on my nerves, too.

As she grew up, we got to be friends. She went to university. We went out for breakfast and I helped her study. She even moved in to my basement for a while.

Now she's having a baby. My little sister is going to be a Mom. I have a feeling we'll have a lot more to talk about...

like how to keep her little monkey happy. (Baby Monkey in KnitPicks Simply Organic Cotton.)

or how to dress babies in cute knitted outfits (Pepita in Wollmeise Twin.)

I have lots of advice for her, but she might not take it. And that's ok, cause she's my sister.

Showing off Australia

2011-01-30T03:21:00.000-08:00

Time has passed quickly this January. My parents arrived at the beginning of the month and we've spent the last 3 weeks showing off Perth in all it's glory.

I think the highlight for my dad was the kangaroos.

He said it wouldn't be Australia if he didn't see kangaroos. So we delivered. We called him the kangaroo-whisperer. Not bad for a farm boy from Saskatchewan.

My mom on the other hand has the "take the bloody picture now before I pee my pants" look about her.
We even got a chance to have a quick family picture taken (this almost never happens - all cleaned up and sitting pretty).

And to top if off, I made a scarf. It's a silk-bamboo yarn blend from Kauai - soft and light and perfect for summer.
Next up - February. It should bring finished socks and maybe a sweater started....just maybe.

Knitting Along

2011-01-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

I just finished my second pair of socks for the Knit. Sock. Love knitalong on Ravelry.

When I first got the book, I wasn't sure if I would knit all the patterns. Some were previously published on Knitty or in other places. Some I have already knit. Some just didn't really appeal to me.

Then I joined the knit a long and my attitude has changed. So many knitters are making the same socks as me at the same time. Knitters can seek advice on patterns or yarn selections. We can oh and ah at the finished socks. It's really very motivating.

I wasn't going to knit the Hedera pattern as I had already completed one of the patterns for January. I got drawn in by the excitement and the chatter. And I got my sock knitting groove back.

Snow Princesses

2011-01-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, you have to forget about all the responsibilities of your life and have a little fun.

The weather has finally gotten a bit warmer and we are able to enjoy all this snow. We built a fort and made snow angels. I can't remember the last time I made a snow angel.

It's fun introducing the Princesses to the fun of digging around in the snow and building castles. They pretend to climb the snow mountains and slide down the other side.

The adult in me has been complaining about all the snow that's fallen. Yesterday, I reminded myself what the world looks like when you're a kid.

And then I came inside, drank hot chocolate and knit cashmere socks. Because being an adult can be fun, too.

Freo Fighter

2011-01-20T05:10:00.001-08:00

I have learned that Australians love to shorten everything. The afternoon is the arvo; biscuits are bikkies; and Fremantle (the port of Perth) is Freo. We live relatively close to the ocean and in the summer a strong south western breeze blows in from Fremantle. It's known as the Fremantle Doctor and it makes summer bearable here. Actually today, I was quite cold with the breeze blowing in.

Introducing the cutest, most knitterly way to deal with the Doctor.

The Peyton cardigan from the Twist Collective. Plain, but cute. Warm, but not too warm.

It's knit in a fingering weight cotton from Bendigo Mills - thanks to Amanda for introducing me to Bendigo!

I've already worn it a couple times, and know this will be well worn. Not a bad way to kick off my 2011 knitting.

Now onto some Cookie socks and a baby blankie....

The Usual Excuses

2011-01-18T21:24:00.001-08:00

I've been busy, I haven't had time, blah blah blah.

The usual.

I even have something finished to flaunt, but as of today, no pictures have been taken.

My parents arrived last week from Canada (well, California actually, but that's a long story, and if you had forgotten....I'm too busy to explain), and we are keeping them busy at a blistering pace. Beaches, and more beaches, and Cricket matches, and shopping, and eating out, and enjoying all that is Perth. Hence, little knitting.

I'm looking forward to February when life gets back to the normal, school-going, work-going, knitting-time friendly, routine, but I'm also not wishing away this time we have right now.

Gotta run....I'm busy.

Itchy Fingers

2011-01-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

I have itchy fingers. I want to start about a dozen new projects which is strange because I'm a monogamous knitter at heart. I think there are a few factors at play here:

1) I have worn through several pairs of socks lately. These were socks that I really loved and wore a lot especially in the winter months. I haven't been knitting socks for myself lately so I'm feeling the need to replace them.

2) Ysolda has a new book coming out. It should be published in March, but we've been expecting it since September. I pre-ordered the book because I like to support the arts, but mostly I wanted to get a peak at those new patterns. There are 7 sweaters in the book. I have plans to knit at least 5 of them.

3) I had a peak at the stash last night. Wow. I happen to have yarn to knit the 5 sweaters mentioned in point two on hand. I foresee a lot of yarn winding in my immediate future. I also recently purchased some really large zipock bags so that I can wind the yarn and put it into bags in preparation for March.

4) It's cold and snowy here. By cold, I mean that will a wind chill factored in, it feels like -35'C today. And by snowy, I mean we've received about 40 cm of snow in the last week and it doesn't appear to be stopping anytime soon. Nothing makes for better knitting weather than cold and snow.

So, I'll just keep my head down and finish the few projects I have on the go. (They are secret projects that involve a birthday girl down under and a baby due in February.)

Hopefully March will come soon and bring Spring with it.

J.

2011-01-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

The Spectacular Ms J. will be celebrating her 29th (sort-of) birthday on Wednesday. Her birthday will arrive here in Oz before it arrives in Canada, so I figure we can make this a 37 hour sort of celebration.

Every year I've tried to celebrate her birthday here in a different way. This year, I thought I'd try and express what J. means to me. What her friendship means to me.

I came up blank.

How can I describe it?

Friend seems like such a silly word. It is not a word I throw around lightly - there are truly few people I'd call "my friend". The world however, looks at it differently. Friend is used by many to describe their 532 acquaintances they've acquired on Facebook. So, by todays standards, friend doesn't have the same meaning anymore.

BFF is even more ridiculous. It conjures up visions of giggling girls on their cell phones, and high school; and who really wants to relive high school? Again, not an appropriate word to describe what J. is to me.

Mate might be more appropriate in my new land, but its a silly word to say. And is J. my schoolmate (we did go to University at the same time, but we didn't really know each other)?; or is she my workmake (we did work together but havent' for a long time, and workmate just implies someone you see and interact with at work)? And soulmate has connotations which are inappropriate to describe a relationship between two married-to-men women.

Chum seems like a word my parents would have used, and comrade makes me think of Soviets.

Maybe sidekick? I'm tall, she's short. She's friendly, I'm not. We complement each other in many many ways. However, I think superheroes or Western movies with that word.

Thesaurus.com also recommends consort and accomplice. I could possibly consider accomplice, but we haven't really committed any crimes - we've only thought about it.

So, I come to the end of the synonym recommendations for friend, and I conclude that there truly are no words to describe it. I just looked up "indescribable" and one of the words was transcendent. Maybe I'll go with that.

Or I'll just stick with keeping it between J. and I. I know she gets it.

Happy Birthday, Dude!

2011-01-10T05:44:00.000-08:00

You know how sometimes you notice little things about the people in your life that make you appreciate them?

Well, this weekend was like that for me. My husband works long hours. He tells me he is very busy and important. Well, on Friday night, he was home at 5. That might be a record.

On Saturday, it snowed. And by snowed, I mean the snowflakes started falling Friday night and continued well into Sunday morning. There are little flurries of snow outside right now. At last count, we received over 30 cm of snow. (That's about a foot.) The Dude shovelled. He shovelled again. He shovelled once more then again. He pushed our neighbours cars out of snow drifts. He drove us around to do our errands and never once made us feel like we were in danger. (There's nothing better than a man who makes you feel safe.)

When our date night got cancelled (we didn't want our babysitters to have to drive in such crappy weather), he piled us into our car and took us to the local pizza joint.

So today, I celebrate the little things that my husband does that make our lives better. And today I celebrate another year that he's been in my life. Happy Birthday, Dude!

Plowing through....

2011-01-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to get a few things here finished up. Not really lingering things, but just odds and ends. There are babies coming in the spring that I need to knit for, so I need to get some other projects out of the way (NOT babies in my house, or J's house - just for clarification).

First up, my Peyton Cardigan. Cute, cute. My other black cardigan I own has two small holes in it so a hand-knit black cardi is necessary. (I'm hoping the holes are not from moths....I'm trying to ignore the problem).

Next, my KAL socks. Turned the heel on the first one, and on the straighaway. These are freakin' gorgeous, and the yarn is unbelievable (Wollmeise Twin purchased from Jo's stash).

Finally, a scarf knit in yarn I bought in Kaua'i over Christmas. It's a bamboo silk blend and it's as soft as can be. It should be light enough that I can wear it now.

After these 3 are complete (or almost complete)...a baby blanket and a baby sweater are next. Pictures will be posted only on completion!

No rest for the knitter.

Birthday Cookies

2011-01-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's funny how quickly a project can go when you really enjoy the pattern. I cast on these socks on New Year's Day and I cast off yesterday.

As you would expect from a Cookie A pattern, these were challenging. There are 4 pages of charts to work through and get lost in.

(Pointelle by Cookie A in Knit.Sock.Love knit in Dream in Color Smooshy with Cashmere)

I love how the pattern becomes clear as you knit along, watching a lace pattern turn into diagonal ribs that run into each other and then give way to lace again. I love how once you knit the heel flap and turn the corner, you only have to worry about patterns on the top of your sock and the rest is simple knitting. I love how pretty these socks turned out.

I love that I will get the chance to knit all the patterns in this book if I like and I love that these will be on my feet for my birthday.

What I learned on summer holidays

2011-01-06T01:21:00.000-08:00

I spent the last 3 weeks in Hawaii.

I know - you all feel real sorry for me.

In an effort to not end up in a psychiatric institute for my first major holiday away from family, we decided to meet with family "half-way" (it's really more 2/3 - 1/3 way, but that's not important).

We spent a lot of time doing nothing. We hung out with my sister and her family and visited beaches and ate shave ice and bought ukeleles and saw celebrities (well, my sister did). It was perfect. It also reminded me of a lot of things I enjoy doing and just don't seem to have the time to do.

Knitting.

Reading.

My love of knitting have waned a bit over the last few months. I blame Jo. Her not being around to keep me on my toes has had an effect on my production. But I'm hopeful that 2011 will bring heaps of finished objects.

I read good books. Books I couldn't put down and wanted to stay up all night to read (I didn't of course, but at least had the urge to). I have decided to try and broaden my reading horizons in 2011 and only read things I want to. Have you read an amazing book lately? Let me know.

I had forgotten

2011-01-04T11:57:00.001-08:00

I had forgotten how much I like the challenge of working a complicated pattern with charts. I have been making lots of stocking stitch and garter stitch and straight lines and simple tubes. I need to flex my knitting muscles and stretch. I'm very grateful for the Knit Sock Love knit a long for reminding me to branch out.

I feel like this pattern has helped me to find my delight in knitting again. What a lovely way to start a year.

A New Start

2011-01-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

It's a New Year and I'm turning over a new leaf.

Having a friend move to the other side of the world is a difficult thing. You have to learn all about time zones and mail deadlines. You have to talk less and text more. You have to accept being covered in snow while your friend goes to the beach. You have to find ways of keeping in touch.

T and I have managed to do all of the above. (But I still miss her. Christmas was hard.) And now, in an effort to continue to do things that are normal for us, we're starting the Knit.Sock.Love knit along on Ravelry. Cookie's new book is bright, colourful and inspiring and after a season of knitting mostly plain socks for men or kids, I'm excited to start working my way through this book. Each month, the knit a long chooses two patterns to knit. Each knitter can knit one or both if they like. This month, we're starting with Pointelle and Hedera. I'll be attempting to knit myself a pair of the former for my birthday on the 12th. (That was not a shameless plug. It was more of a statement of intent.)

My hopes for the knit along are many. I hope that I manage to work through a number of challenging and pretty patterns. I hope to participate in the knit a long on line and with my dear friend. I hope to stockpile socks for gifts and for myself. (I picture my own little sock store where I can shop when I wear through a pair.) And I hope that we'll have something to talk about, if you're interested.

I also hope that it keeps me busy until Ysolda's new book comes out, cause the only thing better than a new pair of socks is a new sweater.

Distract! Distract!

2010-09-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

I have been a bad blogger. I've been busy with little people and 10th wedding anniversaries. (Ok, just one. My own. Thank you very much. ) I have not been updating you on my knitting which has consisted mostly of plain socks for little people. On the up side, they work up REALLY fast. I do have one or two things to show you once I have a photo shoot.

SO, to peak your interest, I would like to tell you about the knitting books that are coming out in the near future that I am obsessing about. I feel like it's been a while since I have been excited about a new knitting book. There are good ones, but I am more discerning and am unlikely to buy a book if there are only a pattern or two in it for me. I also have a rather lengthy queue on Ravelry. (Go check it out. I think I'm on page 6 and it's likely to grow.) In spite of these factors, I will be heading to my local bookstore/yarn store/computer to check out the following titles.

1) More Last Minute Knitted Gifts The first book is one of my favourites. I look at the pictures. I browse through the patterns. I have knit several gifts from it and it is one of my favourite books to pick up when I lack inspiration.

2) Brave New Knits I read knitting blogs. It's like keeping in touch with my people. Knitters get me and I love reading about their projects. I like that other people have the same problems I do, that they sometimes have to start again, that in the end, they try to do their best to sharpen their skills or show their appreciation for someone they love.

3) Little Red in the City I heart Ysolda. I have both of her e books and find them charming and sweet, filled with little projects that teach me some new trick. She is so clever and her patterns are easily read and so amazing to knit. A whole book of new sweaters with information on how to tailor your knitting to your body will be a must have for every knitter. At least for this knitter.

4) Knit. Sock. Love Cookie A is the master of sock design. Each pattern is a master piece. (To confess, I still have many socks to knit from her first sock book, Sock Innovation. It is full of information on how to fit socks to your own foot as well as designing your very own master piece.)

Fall always reminds me of back to school. I guess I'll be hitting the books and trying new knitting techniques. Are there any new books you are excited about?

Inspiration

2010-08-24T04:44:00.000-07:00

Knitting hasn't been meeting my needs lately. I haven't thought much about it, haven't been scanning Ravelry, and just haven't been knitting. I think it's lots of things - the move, the new lifestyle, the new schedule. I haven't been able to effectively fit the knitting in, and haven't really made it a priority.

I had a little chat with J. the other day and that seemed to help the spark a little bit. Then yesterday I came home, and I went to the stash. I just looked. And moved it around. And put matching colours together. And smelled it. And tried to see what called my name (well, it all did, but what called it the loudest).

I pulled out a couple skeins. One new and one that has been lingering around. They screamed the loudest. I wound them up and have cast on something new. I want to knit it. It is sitting there right now, and rather than chatting with someone from home online, I want to knit. I want to knit rather than falling asleep (again) on the couch. It feels good.

It almost makes it feel like home.

Be Still

2010-08-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been enjoying quiet moments. These come infrequently and I cherish them when they appear. Life is hectic with work and life, a four year old who has found her voice and uses it constantly, an almost two year old who chatters and states her case with great force.

I find that when I have moment, I don't feel like talking. I feel like collecting myself and finding a little peace.

So I hope you are not offended if I don't blog as much as usual. I just need to catch my breath.

Four

2010-08-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

Four years ago, your dad and I woke up bright and early. We drove to the hospital and had a last minute discussion about your name choice.

Four years ago we found out what you looked like, but we didn't know you yet.

Four years ago we completed our little family.

Four years ago we wouldn't have predicted we would celebrate your birthday here.

Four years ago we would never have guessed you would turn out so amazing. You surprise us everyday with your will, your love and your charm. You are awes-mazing (your words kid, not mine).

Surely I Jest

2010-08-05T07:05:00.000-07:00

I have a plan. I've made a schedule. I've wound yarn. I am on track for my Christmas knitting this year.

I am feeling so confident that I cast on the most adorable vest. I usually have so many projects lined up that new patterns get relegated to the bottom of the queue. I look at them from time to time and wonder what yarn I will use in what colour.

This issue of Knitty came at the right time. The pattern is cute and I love vests. It is smaller than a sweater and doesn't seem like a big undertaking. I had the yarn and buttons to match. It was meant to be! I've named her Jest (J's Vest).

The only problem is I keep stopping to admire the pretty diamond pattern and the soft drape of my yarn. I bought some Knit Picks City Tweed DK quite a while ago intending to make it into a little cardigan but other things came up and the yarn just didn't seem right. I'm so glad I waited and T is, too, since I sent her half the yarn I purchased so she can make a vest of her own.

I can't wait to wear it!

The Welcoming Committee

2010-08-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

Last week I was ready to get on a plane and head home. Next plane out of Perth and I was going to be on it.

Then I arrived home and saw 3 packages by my front door. One contained mail from home. One had our modem and set-up package for our ADSL. And the last one had this.

Sent from Amanda who lives closer to me than any other knitting friends (although its still a long plane ride.....

I have to say I was gobsmacked (see how I'm learning the new language?). The package contains 2 lovely balls of Bendigo 4ply luxury in colours that match everything I own.

Thank you Amanda - you brightened my day and you are introducing me to new Australian yarn!! I can't thank you enough

One Sexy Beast

2010-07-29T04:27:00.001-07:00

These buttons can tell a story of travels from Oregon to Alberta and then to Australia. I have to say I wasn't sure if they'd be worth the wait....

(I think they were - they look amazing on it....)

My Love is one of the most patient people I know (he has to be - he lives with me) - but I think he was getting somewhat impatient about getting his sweater.

I'm pretty sure he thinks it was worth the wait.

Saving Summer in a Jar

2010-07-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

Knitting in the summer is somehow not quite right. For those of us who rely on multiple layers of clothing to protect our extremities for at least half the year, wool is our friend. We require much warmth and knitting is an excellent way to provide this warmth. It's so important that we often spend our summers knitting in preparation for the winter. (And also for Christmas, but I digress).

The last few days, I have been doing some other work to prepare for the short, cold days of winter. I made jam. I made raspberry-blueberry-strawberry jam. I picked strawberries in a farmer's field and turned them into jam. I added rhubarb and port and made another batch. Making jam is not knitting but I derive the same sense of satisfaction when I line up my pretty little jars on the shelf in my basement, waiting to opened one morning when the sun hasn't risen and the world is covered with sparkly snow. I'll open my little jar and the smell of summer will seep out. I'll spread it on my toast and remember when I was warm.

(Do you want some jam, too? Here's a quick recipe. Take 8 cups of sliced strawberries, 5 cups of sugar and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Mash them up in a pot and then boil it until it becomes thick. Pour it into jars and admire your work.)

Dion A

2010-07-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

I have a brother who became a physics teacher. He reads scientific magazines. He browses the non-fiction section of book stores. He designs science experiments that involve sending a current through a pickle. (No. I'm not joking. Why do you ask?)

He often makes fun of me. That's what big brothers do. But for all that, he is supportive when I need and he loves when I knit him socks.

So I did. He has a birthday coming up. I'm pretty sure he'll be showing these off to all of his science buddies.

New challenges

2010-07-14T03:45:00.000-07:00

I figured leaving my family, leaving my friends, moving across the world, setting up a new house and learning a new language (yes, it's a new language) was not enough.

I have started spinning.

Yep - spinning.

I'm very bad at it - but I'm doing it. I have made one small ball of something....well, I hesitate to use the word yarn.

I present to you my first attempt:

My plan is to use it as an edging on a toque. I am proud of it. I made it and I will use it.

Next up - some lovely orange and brown merino fiber.

Paper Princesses

2010-07-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have been putting off knitting sweaters for my little girls for a while. There was always something else to do, a Christmas gift, a baby. I have finally started the Paper Dolls sweater, one for each little girl.

I am using Wollmeise Twin (80 % wool, 20 % nylon) in a lovely purple and a hot pink. The yarn has proven to be quite soft and the colours show off the pattern nicely.

This one is for the big girl. I plan to make another with the colours reversed. Now I just have to decide whether I wait to give them as Christmas presents or take a bunch of adorable pictures in them before the holidays.

Warm feet - Done!

2010-07-07T04:22:00.000-07:00

Yeah!! I have warm feet.

Life is pretty good so far.

Warm feet

2010-07-02T04:52:00.000-07:00

I've heard that it can be "cold" in Australia during the winter. Whenever I've heard this before I've laughed and then said "have you ever lived in Edmonton?". Seriously - being a Canadian and living in one of the coldest cities in the world, you'd think it would have me prepared for any level of cold.

I was wrong.

I'm freezing here. Especially in the house at night. Freezing. There is no insulation and minimal heating. I haven't removed my socks since I arrived, and my Love is walking around the house at night in his coat. I am concerned my Canadian passport will be revoked by admitting this. FREEZING.

I'm a knitter though - so I can easily resolve this. I've cast on some Philosopher's House Socks (from Cat Bordhi) in a mohair blend. I started about 24hours ago and am making good headway (aran weight yarn socks are fast fast fast). I hope these do the trick - otherwise I'll have to layer them with some fuzzy slippers....this is what my world is coming to. Whatever it takes to stay warm.

Life Goes On

2010-06-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

As you can imagine, we've had a lot of upheaval here at BaadMedicine. T has moved to Perth where I'm sure Australian knitters are working hard to make her feel welcome. Knitters here are keeping out chins up and are knitting on.

I finished these socks a few weeks ago.

They are Tall Tibetan socks by Cat Bordhi knit in Wollmeise Sock yarn. The colour is Kornblume and is an intense blue. These socks are meant for my nephew at Christmas time. They are interesting without being too obvious.

I have lots of this yarn left. Maybe another lucky boy will get some blue socks.

I'm now working on an Icarus shawl and a sweater for a little princess. Pictures and updates soon, but in the meantime I would like to know if any of you knitters are also weavers. I am considering branching out and would like some input. What loom do you use? What do you make? What kind of yarn do you use?

And so we move on. One day soon, T will surprise us with a post from Down Under. Maybe I'll take up weaving. The world is our oyster.

Dear Perth, Australia

2010-06-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

I know that we don't know each other. In fact, we haven't met yet but I have a favour to ask of you. My good friend T is coming to stay with you. You'll know her because of her love of the colours orange and green, her Canadian accent and her passion for footwear. She is tall, but don't point that out to her. She already knows. She knits. She may sound like she is speaking slowly and will not be using many of your common abbreviations or slang. (We in Canada must like the sounds of our own voices as we tend to not abbreviate anything.) She also lacks a tan.

She is moving to your city for a few years. I hope you make her welcome. She is really an amazing friend. She is a good listener and will make you laugh with her dry sense of humour. She likes red wine and is an excellent cook. T may seem a little shy at first. It might take her some time to break out of her shell. Keep in mind that she is moving far from home and the people and places that she knows.

Please make her feel welcome and look after her. She is very special to me and I will miss her dearly. And remember, she is only on loan.

Thanks!

Abrazo

2010-06-16T19:32:00.001-07:00

I finished this a bit ago but haven't had time to figure out my new camera - all it's settings and how to download onto the computer.

But despite these minor issues, I did manage to catch a few pictures of this little shawl that I knit for my sister.

The yarn is Silk Thread from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. I also used this yarn for my mom's Ishbel, and I still have enough to make myself a small shawl or large scarf.

The yarn is ridiculously soft and you just can't stop touching it.

I hope my sister likes it - she is having a hard time these days, and I hope this might cheer her up, even if it's just a little bit.

Catching Up

2010-06-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

A shawl for Baba's 85th birthday.

A blanket for a baby.

Socks.

I have been knitting and knitting and have finally finished some projects. It's nice to have a blank slate. What will I knit next?

The Move

2010-06-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

I don't mention it here very often. It's still on and is imminently close. But I don't mention it here because I don't want it to permeate EVERY part of my life.

But it does. I can't fight it. It effects my choice of clothing for work (what do I have left in my closet), my grocery shopping trips (will we eat this all?) and my conversations. It is hard - it is exhausting and emotionally gruelling.

But that's ok. It is part of the deal and we knew that going in. I am trying to make it part of the experience - knowing that every experience has good parts, bad parts and unbelievable parts.

The best part of this past week was when four amazing girls - J., Andi, Cathy and Lauren - knit me a blanket to keep me warm on Austrlian winter nights. The blanket is gorgeous and knit with amazingly soft yarn, but the best part - it was made by them with love. So when I'm sitting in Perth trying not to get homesick, I can wrap this around me and think of them, and their laughter and how much they make me smile. And they will continue to do so. Computers will be warmed up and the net will be buzzing with us girls laughing online. It'll work, because we'll make it work.

Look What I Got!

2010-06-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I received a package in the mail. It was from my swap partner in the LOST swap.

We were all excited to see what was inside.

Chocolate, a notepad, some cards and a scarf.

We were pleased.

Did someone say buttons?

2010-05-31T13:23:00.001-07:00

So J. and I are overcoming our button issues by turning to Etsy.

J. has found a lot of options for her Tempest at Buttons by Robin. We've both ordered buttons from her before, and they are gorgeous. She even has little boy options (which I assure you, are hard to come by). Go with what you know, I say.

I'm looking into a variety of wood buttons options, that need approval from my Love. I want his a-ok before ordering anything, because he darned well better like them, and darned well better wear the resulting sweater.

Update coming soon.....

Lost in Knitting

2010-05-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

I've been knitting on projects here and there lately. I finished my Tempest sweater, but it languishes in want of buttons. A familiar tune here at Baadmedicine.

I started a Flower Basket Shawl for my Baba's 85th birthday. It nearly succumbed to the Lost series finale, but I managed to fix my mistakes and found redemption before I had to frog it.

But time is flying by and I want it to slow down. T. leaves in a month.

The Ongoing Button Dilemma

2010-05-20T15:26:00.000-07:00

So the Beast is done and I can't wait to do the big reveal.

But there is a problem.

A button problem. Again. Still.

So the reveal has to wait a little longer. I have gone to two stores, but need to expand my search grid.

Can you wait one more week? I promise the wait will be worth it.

Mojo

2010-05-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. The leaves are on the trees. My plum tree is blooming. And I have written a Christmas list. For some reason, I like to take stock in the spring and plan my Christmas knitting. It's not looking good. 15 pairs of socks ranging from baby to big boy. I have a schedule. I have a plan. I probably even have all the yarn I need to make all those socks.

BUT do I have the mojo?

I've been a little off my game lately. I knit on one project. I pick up another. Nothing really seems to be progressing. Maybe if I could finish off a couple of these lingering projects, I could start with a clean slate. And knitting socks goes much faster when you actually knit on them. Right, T?

Here's the first of a pair of socks I've been working on.

They're great. I love them. So why aren't I knitting them?

I need to focus. I need my Mojo.

Item #2

2010-05-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

Again - I'll reiterate - I completed THREE things last week. Unheardof.

Item #2 - Socks with sparkles.

Knit with yarn from Andi and J. - they gave it to me when my oldest started kindergarten. It's from Zen Yarn Garden and it has silver in it (I of course can't find it on their website). They are perfectly plain socks - which I'm coming to realize, are truly my favorite kind of knit sock.

Next time - the Beast. Yes, you heard me. THE BEAST.

Yes it's true

2010-05-10T15:02:00.001-07:00

I finished, not one, not two but THREE projects last week.

But I'm going to spread out the goodness in more than one post (because I have to get the most out of my fruitful week).

First up, my little spring vest.

It was the project for which I ran out of yarn. I miraculously found some lovely Cascade 220 to trim the neck and arm edges.

I love the softest of the unknown Fleece artist.

The twisted stocking stitch, althought painful to knit, really adds nice texture.

And the buttons, those are from Buttons by Robin.

All in all, a wearable, cute and spring-y vest. Next time - socks with bling.

Monkeys

2010-05-05T18:06:00.001-07:00

Before I had kids, I got excited when people I knew had babies. That meant I could knit adorable little hats and sweaters. I loved buying soft cotton yarns and sifting through pattern books. Everything was just so cute and small. No project took longer than a couple of weeks.

Then I had my own kids and my ideas changed.

I knit them little sweaters and hats and socks. Most of my work stayed hidden in drawers. They only fit my little one for a month at most and then were packed away.

Now I am expecting a little niece or nephew late this summer and I have picked up my needles. I am knitting something that will take me a long time to complete. It has colourwork and steeks. It has fancy edging. And I hope it is loved and cuddled and dragged through mud. I hope it dries tears and calms fears.

Stalled

2010-05-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

I feel like my knitting is stalled these days. I've (finally) cut the beast, and am working on the button band - but am stalled because I can't find the right buttons (nice wooden ones are the request). I'm stalled on my little green spring vest because I ran out of yarn and have to find something I'm happy with in colour, texture and sheen (to at least somewhat match the main yarn).

I am also stalled in life. My life currently consists of lists and boxes and sticky notes denoting staying, selling, packing, exporting. Every cupboard I open, every closet I pass - I ask those questions. I feel like I'm stalled between living here and living there.

Stalled. But yet time seems to be passing too fast.

Can I Ask You Something?

2010-04-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

So, I signed up for a swap. I've never done this before, but I was caught in a moment of weakness.

The swap is being organized on Ravelry and is related to the TV show Lost. Now, I'm a fan of the show and have watched it pretty much since the beginning. (Ok, we kinda broke up for a while during the third season which was slow. I'm not the only one that jumped ship for a while.) I really enjoy the show but I am in no way an expert. I'm doing my best to put together a swap package that includes little bits of the show but also includes items (knitted and otherwise) that will appeal to my swapee. (I have stalked her on Ravelry. I'm sneaky like that.)

Have you ever been in a swap? Did you ever get anything that you loved? Did it not really work out for you?

To be honest, I haven't really thought about what I might get in the mail. I just want to make sure that the object of my swapping enjoys the package that I send.

Insanity

2010-04-26T06:10:00.001-07:00

Things here have been a little crazy, hence the radio silence.

I was out of town travelling quite a bit last week, however none of it very conducive to knitting. And the knitting at Chez T has been on hold a bit anyway.

The Beast is still NOT steeked.

The current project I'm working on is almost done but I'm COMPLETELY out of yarn.

I don't know what to start next and fear that J. may bug me incessantly if I start something new without steeking the Beast (she can be a scary little woman).

But I promise by the end of this week, I'll have something to show you ..... it may just be pretty pictures of my trees turning green, or gratuitous kid pics, but I promise, there will be something.

We Interupt Your Regularly Scheduled Knitting

2010-04-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, we have a knitting emergency in our house.

The first occurred around Christmas when the older Princess NEEDED a stuffed Bat. She needed this bat like flowers need the sun. At least, that is what she would have you believe. We looked for a bat. We hunted high and low but there were no bats to be found. In the end, I did a quick search on Ravelry, found a pattern and knit the thing myself.

Now she needs a snail. And you know I can't say no. Good thing I didn't throw out that cheap acrylic yarn.

Here are some lovely socks to distract you.

Knit in Twist of Fate yarn made of wool and seacell. The pattern is Cat Bordhi's Fountain Foxgloves.

A little bit

2010-04-15T15:12:00.001-07:00

He's seems to like this just a little bit.

He wears it proudly. He tells everyone who made it for him. He is excited about the colours he picked out.

I guess this means he'll get another hand-knit sooner rather than later.

Four

2010-04-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Four years pass so quickly.

Four years and eleven months ago, I dreamed of having a baby. A little person to hold and cuddle and love.

Four years and eight months ago, I discovered you and wondered what you would become.

Four years and four months ago, I saw an image of you. Two hands, two feet, a beating heart.

Four years and 1 month ago, I waited and waited. Scared to become a mother. Scared to not be enough.

Four years ago, we met.

And here you are. Four. Tall and strong. Funny and delightful. You dance, you sing, you laugh, you spell and tell stories and help me more than I would have thought you could.

And I love you more than four times as much as I thought I could four years and 1 day ago.

Distractions

2010-04-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

I am knitting socks. I really am. In spite of the fact that I am planning a 4 year old's birthday party, holding down the fort while my husband works long hours, taking a toddler for shots and checkups, I really am knitting socks.

But my attention may be focused elsewhere at the moment. Take my Tempest, for example.

It's stocking stitch will occassional changes of colour and it's such a relief for my overworked mind.

I'll get back to those socks soon. I promise. If I don't start another Tempest in the mean time.

Easter Presents

2010-04-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

The Easter bunny was able to find my boys on our little road trip for the long weekend.

The Easter bunny did NOT find me, so I had to take care of things myself.

Completed over the 4 day long weekend, and worn on the 1st day back to work (Montego Bay scarf - Interweave; slightly modified).

And look at all the other spring green yarn I have....what to make next???

In Which I Should Have Taken Your Advice

2010-04-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

Remember when I asked you what I should knit next? You voted resoundingly for the Coraline by Ysolda. I was a little surprised that it was unanimous. Nonetheless, I planned to cast it on to appease the masses.

BUT, it required a very lengthy provisional cast on AND I was going to be knitting it in wool with alpaca and that just didn't seem like a spring sweater, you know?

SO I was going to surprise you with my new project, Tempest. I was going to knit it in red and oranges and it would have knocked your socks off, not to mention match my new orange dress. I cast on all in one piece and knit the first stripe. The thing looked HUGE and my gauge was off. Back to the drawing board. I went down a needle size and started again. This time, I did two stripes and was admiring my work before I went to bed last night. The morning, we got a visit from the Easter Bunny and a good friend I like to call Reality. The two yarns I had chosen just didn't go. I frogged the second colour this evening and chose another from my stash.

So here I am. This sweater has had a few hiccups, but I think I will wear it a lot. The colours are much more harmonious and I think it will still match my orange dress.

And if it doesn't, it's not the end of the world. I plan to knit this sweater again some day in blues and greens. Catknip told me I didn't have to chose between the reds and the blues. I can have it all.

As long I don't make any more mistakes.

Progress

2010-03-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

Look! I finished something!

I knit a scarf. A simple scarf in linen stitch with Double Sea Silk I had just lying around. And it is just lovely, if I do say so. I really like linen stitch for it's texture, especially with multicoloured yarns, and it's firm fabric. I would knit scarves like this for the men or women if I were really motivated.

And it looks good.

I'm also working my way through my sock club. This installment is the Fountain Foxglove by Cat Bordhi in Twist of Fate yarn made of wool and seacell. It has a lovely sheen. These socks have a very high instep. It fits nicely but I'm not sure they're for me.

Do you like my sock blockers? They were made by a friend's brother and I just love them. They are solid with nicely finished and rounded edges and I love that they were made my someone's hands to block the socks made by my hands.

Avoidance

2010-03-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

In an effort to avoid the Beast, I decided to make my Stink a new sweater. Everytime, every single time, I pull out my knitting, he asks me if I'm knitting him a sweater. So, I figure it's time he gets one.

He helped pick out the colours (from the stash) with significant involvement and suggestion from me. It's actually good - getting rid of stash so I have less to move. There's some Cascade in blue and a heathered brown, with a little bit of Galway Paint mixed in for good measure.

And he's excited. So very excited.

Back from the Dead

2010-03-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

I've been sick. The kinda sick that makes it hard to get out of bed. The kinda sick that leaves you with no energy to sick up, much less knit.

I will post pictures of the few things I've managed to accomplish in the last couple of weeks. For now, perhaps you can tell me how much yarn is too much yarn to buy when you're home sick.

And be kind.

Time to Cut

2010-03-22T15:39:00.001-07:00

I'm prepared to steek the Beast. It is all done but the cutting. And a little bit more knitting.

I can't do it yet. I'm not mentally prepared yet.

I think I will undertake it on the weekend. It's not a "weekday" activity as it were.

Wish me luck.

And send scotch.

It's back

2010-03-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

The Beast.

Which is the size of a beast currently. Two arms were joined to the body just last night and produced a mass of yarn and cables and stitch markers.

I'm hoping to have this ready for an Australian winter. I'm under the assumption that we won't have central heat, and will be in need of a few warm woolies.

Let's Poll the Audience

2010-03-08T18:47:00.001-08:00

I'm at a bit of a stand still. Since the excitement of the Olympics, I've been a little slack in my knitting. I decided to start my personal sock club, which has me knitting a pair of Wanida socks by Cookie A in some Claudia Handpaints. I cast on a scarf.

I find myself looking around for my next challenge and can't make up my mind. Would you like to help me?

Ok, here are the options.

A) EZ's Green Sweater

B) Coraline

C) Mystery Project

Leave your vote in the comments. Help a knitter out.

A Sweater.

2010-03-05T14:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday when I read the Yarn Harlot's newest post, I felt a little disappointed in myself. I don't cherish or covet any of my sweaters enough to wear it multiple times a week, let alone being my "go to" piece of wardrobe.

I LOVE the sweaters I make. I love them so much I feel like I need to save them. Save them for something special. Or when I know other people will see them. Or when I'm going to a knitting event. I keep them specially folded in my closet for special occasions (which truly are few and far between at my house).

This is not a well thought out plan.

I should cherish them by wearing them. Wearing them as much as I can (factoring in my intense vanity that does not allow me to wear the same thing two days in arow). And not wearing them just to show them off.

This morning I pulled out a sweater. And I wore it for no particular reason other than to wear it. I'm doing the same thing tomorrow. And the next day.

I'm going to cherish them. And cherish wearing them. That's why I made them.

It only took 3 years

2010-03-03T11:48:00.000-08:00

One day, a knitter saw a pattern for knee socks that she loved. She bought yarn. She bought needles. She cast on and knit a while. And then some new pattern caught the knitter's eye and the socks were put aside. Time passed. The socks waited. More time passed. The socks were patient. They were put away in a cupboard and still the socks remained optimistic.

In the winter of 2010, the knitter pulled out the socks and finished them in what can only be called an Olympic effort. Now the socks no longer wait on the needles. They cuddle toes and swing jauntily from a bench.

The end.

Double Gold

2010-02-28T07:09:00.001-08:00

You Go, Girls!

2010-02-25T05:41:00.000-08:00

Canada is a nation that likes sports on ice. We hear a lot of hockey news leading up to the Olympics. We also watch with anticipation to see which curling team will represent us at the Games.

We don't hear about the bobsledders, the lugers, the speed skaters. We don't hear too much about the women.

But guess what, Ladies? Yesterday, Canada won 4 medals. All earned by WOMEN. We won Gold and Silver in Bobsleigh, Silver in Short Track Speed Skating Relay and a Bronze in the 5000 km Long Track Speed Skating. This last medal was won by Clara Hughes. Clara has 2 bronze medals from the Summer Olympics in cycling and 4 Winter Olympic medals in Speed Skating. In fact, she is the only Olympic athlete EVER to win multiple medals at both the Summer and Winter Games. And she has a smile that lights up the rink.

As the mother of two girls, I am inspired and excited about the possibilities for my little ladies. These Olympic athletes have opened doors and eyes. And they make me proud to be Canadian, and proud to be a woman.

What is Canada?

2010-02-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

Awesome!

But look at this video of Tom Brokaw explaining it to Americans.

In a nutshell, we rock. We just don't have to tell everyone in the world we rock.

Go CANADA Go.

A Distraction

2010-02-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the Owl sweater that I finished prior to the opening ceremonies to distract you from my Olympic Knitting.

I am essentially a lazy knitter. Instead of sewing on too many buttons, I used beads, strung them on the yarn and then knit them in between the second row of purl "eye" stitches.

I knit a size smaller than I normally would. The sweater fits snugly, which I am not used to.

But I like it.

Proud

2010-02-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

To be Canadian!

Proud of our athletes, especially Maelle Ricker and Alexandre Bilodeau. They are truly amazing Canadians, in all aspects of the word.

Proud of the description of us as "the true north strong and free".

Proud that the world is watching us and the sea of red at the hockey games.

Well must run - the TV is calling me yet again, and I want to be proud of the progress of my Ravelympics project.

Olympic Knitting

2010-02-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

I love the Olympics. I love the drama and the passion. I find the Games inspiring. They fill me with national pride and the desire to do my best.

So here is my progress on the Vine Yoke Cardigan that I cast on Friday night at 7 pm MST.

I have knit up 2 balls of Knit Picks Wool of the Andes yarn. I am moving quickly through the first sleeve and am delighted with my progress. I chose to knit a smaller size than I normally do since many knitters on Ravelry recommended down sizing. I sure hope it stretches in length as promised because right now, it's looking a little short. Oh well. There's always blocking, right?

Happy Valentine's Day, Dear Knitters. I have to get back to my Olympics.

The Truth

2010-02-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

My Love and I are home from the Land of Oz.

We went to the beach with a rugby team (the Western Force).

Drove on the other side of the road.

Had a flat white.

Tried on hats for the Melbourne Cup.

Watched Cricket.

Played Cricket.

Found a knitting shop.

Had dinner on the beach, with the sunset.

And, have decided to move there. Seriously.

As Promised

2010-02-07T12:04:00.000-08:00

So, I have some things to show you.

A happy family on vacation.

Socks.

These are the last kit from last year's Rocking Sock Club. Raven Swirl Socks in Blackbird. I'm wearing them right now. They are pretty and comfy.

An early Valentine.

This is my holiday Damson. It is my first project with Wollmeise. I just have to block it and then there will be more pictures, but I love it already.

And a work in progress.

I have been working on an Owl sweater in my free time.

This pattern is very popular on Ravelry and I can see why. It is knit in a fat yarn (Wool of the Andes bulky, in my case) and it knits up quickly. I plan on using beads for the eyes, but I'll keep you posted on how that works out.

There are still a couple of little things in my knitting bag but they are waiting to be gifted before I can show you them.

And in other news, I have picked out my Ravelympics project. T and I are both knitting the Vine Yoke Cardigan by Ysolda. (Are you surprised that we're knitting the same thing? Great minds think alike.) I have the yarn, the needles, the pattern and I'm ready.

I'm hoping to have all my current projects finished before the Olympic Flame is lit. Wish me luck.