Arabella - On The Needles

Started this great sweater on January 6, 2017.  I love this pattern - Arabella designed by Ann McCauley of  Brooklyn Tweed.  I'm using yarn from Virtual Yarns.  Colourway: Erica - Hebridean 2ply direct from Scotland.

Socks and More Socks

I love knitting socks, and I especially love this beautiful hand dyed merino and kid mohair yarn called Kidazzle by Fleece Artist, from right here in Nova Scotia.  The colours are gorgeous, and so much fun to wear.

Keith's 2017 Hat

This is Keith's 8th hat.  He gets a new handknit hat every winter.  This is Fortnight - by Brooklyn Tweed.  Made with Cascade 220 Charcoal Heather.  I love the addition of garter stitch which makes for a thicker, warmer band.

Getting Ready for Craft Market

I'll be selling my pillowcases at a little craft market this Friday at Parkland senior's complex on College Street here in Halifax.  This will be my first show, so it will be a good chance to see what people want.

I really dislike "matchy matchy" and have decided to make each pillowcase unique.  Even if the fabric is the same, I'll change up the colour of the trim so they are not the same.  I like the idea of mix and match.  Coordinating colours and/or patterns for a more creative style.  What do you think?

A New Direction

I've found a new passion.  I've been sewing pillowcases using these gorgeous 100% cotton fabrics, then finishing them off with hand crocheted lace trim.  Having so much fun!

Mittens

Handmade wool, mohair and silk mitten.  100% Local.

Keith's 2015 Winter Hat (2 in 1)

My husband Keith has been getting a handknit winter hat every year for the past seven years.

This hat is reversible so technically this is his seventh and eight hat. The pattern is called Holly Jean by Mandy Powers and is available at www.ravelry.com  I made this with Berocco Alpaca which resulted in a very soft, and extremely warm and cozy hat. 

I call this the inner hat since I knit it last

The outer hat was a bit tedious but a lot of fun to knit.

In this photo you can see the two patterns.  The two-tone hat was made first, then you just pick up the stitches around the starting edge and start knitting the three-tone hat.  One fits inside the other and makes two hats in one.  

Anytime is a good time to knit

Isobel of Mar

Hands at work.  Isobel of Mar cardigan - designer:  Alice Starmore of Virtual Yarns - Scotland.

Getting closer to the finish line.

After blocking.  Really happy with the outcome, but I overblocked it and it's about one size too big. 

Back view.

More detail.  Would make this again.  The Virtual Yarns are beautiful to work with.

Knitting Brings Joy

Diane's Cowl

Diane's Cowl

Evelyn's Shawl

Evelyn's Shawl

Anita's Nightcap

This was such a joy to make.  An 1890's traditional nightcap knit in pink cotton.  If I was to keep in tradition, it should have been made with an unbleached cotton yarn.  Wanted to make this more feminine for my dear friend Anita.

Rae's Feather and Fan Scarf

Angora is such a treat.  Not only to work with but to wear.

This little gem was a Christmas gift to my mother-in-law two Christmases ago.

Northman Mittens

Northman Mittens made for Amy last Christmas.  Really happy with the outcome except the lining stretched.  Would use smaller needles for the lining next time. 

Next Project

As you know by now, I'm a huge fan of Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed.  His knitting patterns are impecably written and are absolutely gorgeous to look at.  This is my next project.  Pattern is called Autumn Leaves Stole.  Yarn is 100% wool, worsted weight also by Brooklyn Tweed.  Colour: Plume.   The stitches are on the needles and I'm ready to start the pattern.  Stay tuned for photos of work in progress.

The Guernsey Wrap

Finished in just a little over a month.  This piece is not very difficult - just combinations of knit and purl stitches, yet I've had more compliments on this piece than any. 

I'm loving all Brooklyn Tweed designs.  Jared Flood has such an eye for detail and his patterns are beautifully written.  Yarn is Shelter in Almanac by Brooklyn Tweed. 

It's been a while!  Getting back to my Blog is at the top of my to-do list, so here I am.  I won't bore you with an update since my last post but I thought I'd start where I am and move forward.  Recent highlights: 

• I've started a knitting group.  We meet here at my place every second Friday morning.  Just four of us.  We have a great time sharing ideas, and cheering eachother on.
• My wonderful husband Keith had a big job interview this afternoon.  Please send positive thoughts his way.
• Just finished putting together a book log for my Mom.   Since 1995 she has read over 1,200 books and has documented each title and author.  I offered to type it for her.  I had no idea what I was in for.  It turned out to be a six month project.  Mission Accomplished!
• Just ordered 24 skeins of yarn from Booklyn Tweed.  Jared Flood is my all time favourite pattern writer.  His work is pretty amazing.  http://brooklyntweed.net/about.html   My winter projects are three of his designs - Ashby, Kindling, and the Guernsey Wrap.  LOVE!

Well that just about covers all the important stuff for this week.  Will post photos of projects soon. 

Hope you're all staying warm and cozy with project that make you smile.  xo

More Wooly Socks

I've been busy knitting for my Christmas stash.  I love watching the colours change and seeing my work transform before my eyes.  Did you know that one average size woman's sock has about 20,000 stitches?  That's a lot of meditating!