Sile's Knittin' & Kittens

2012-01-30T07:54:00.001-06:00

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2012-01-29T08:50:00.001-06:00

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2012-01-27T22:48:00.001-06:00

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2012-01-27T10:44:00.001-06:00

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Happy New Year (yeah it's late)

2012-01-21T15:05:00.000-06:00

I'm afraid my computer is still down with a virus; wonder if its the same one that I had just before Christmas? ;)
It appears that I'll be having a bit of an adventure soon enough. An opportunity has come my way to relocate to the lovely province of Newfoundland and I find it impossible to let it pass. I know I always said I'd stay in Saskatchewan but things do change as one gets older. I've got a birthday looming and another year of nothing in my personal life to keep me here. That said, I will miss certain things but such is life.
On the knitting front, pictures of my Dahlia sweater can be seen above in the montage. It turned out beautifully and despite having 5 days of illness and not being able to knit, I finished it in exactly one month :) Currently working on a Clapotis (knitty.com, designer Kate Gilbert) for a birthday present and will start a pair of "smoking mitts" for a friend. They have a seperate fore-finger and thumb so you can do things outside in cold weather without removing your mitts and freezing your hands. Very practical.
I'd be remiss if I didn't comment on our lovely January weather. We've had windchill temperatures down to -47C this week. And just over a week before that we were sitting at +6C. Gotta love Saskatchewan winters lol Today, we're sitting at -11C; -22C with the windchill, so kind of balmy ;)
The fur-gang is fine and dandy. Am trying to locate a carrier of the required size so I can include Maureen on my adventure East. You honestly don't expect me to leave her behind, do you?
I think that's all my news that's fit to type. Keep warm all!
TTFN

I Was Doing Well...

2011-12-02T17:09:00.000-06:00

Until my computer caught a virus and has been off for the passed bit. But I have lots of knitting finished :)
First off, both the Sparkle Sparkle Wings and the Shimmering Leaves were well received by H and S respectively :) I also started and finished another "Pimpeliesse" (entitled "Ocean's 11 Peasy-easy Scarfy-dealy" on Rav) for this year's GBS WinterAngels Gift Swap :) It turned out fabulous :) I used Zitron Trekking HandArt Flame in "sanisbar"; blues and greens, very oceany.
On a sad note, I've lost my Peasy-easy Scarfy-dealy :( Wore it to work Monday and it's disappeared no-one has seen it and I've checked the lost & founds of the mall, bus and library :(
On to happier events: I finished "Twisted Leaves" (knitty.com/Twisted by Jodie Gordon Lucas) :) I now have a properly fitting pair of my own handknit socks to enjoy this winter :)
Progress is slow but steady on both "Galaxy 660" (pattern: In The Pink) and "Kinelea Lace" (pattern: Ardrum) and I'm happy to say I'm taking a break from lace by knitting a sweater for myself. Currently titled "Teal Sweater" on my projects page, it's the "Dahlia" from knitty.com (designer: Mary Weaver) not sure which issue but it was 2007. It's a lovely top-down raglan with cabling in the 'skirt'. Am using Bernat Natural Blends Wool Blend in "New Teal" which is a lovely rich tone :)
I have 3 minutes left in my library time so I will tag this the next time I get a chance.
TTFN

Bits and Pieces of News

2011-10-22T09:50:00.000-06:00

This is a bit of a catch up post. Bear with me; I'm supposed to be getting ready to dance.
I'll start with that since I mentioned it. Me and four of the other ladies in the Adult class at PGSID are dancing at a telethon for the Weyburn and Area United Way this afternoon. Our first performance of the 2011-12 season :) I'm sure we will rock the house. I also admit to being completely biased ;)
On the knitting front, Dianna is nearly finished and I've started another Pimpeliesse (check Rav; this is an awesome free pattern) for my GBS WinterAngel Exchange partner. A knitter from Connecticut :) It's going well. Dianna should be off the needles soon: I've got 3 sections left on this tier and then the border triangles.
I'm only going to say that work is a huge pain right now and is leaving me almost too exhausted to do anything.
And if you've peeked at the pics across the top of the page, you've probably guessed I'm getting my outfit for Hallowe'en settled. I'll be going to Bushwakker's Hallowe'en do on the 29th, to see the awesome band (And dear friends of mine) Rogairi. That's going to be a fab evening, for sure :)
Ok, that's all I've got and I've got 45 mins to round up dance shoes and all my what-not for this performance.
TTFN

Happy Gobble-Gobble

2011-10-09T13:24:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody :) Here in Canada, Thanksgiving is tomorrow. A day to think of the things we are lucky to have in our lives. Here's a list of the things I'm thankful for:
First and foremost: my friends; I'm truly blessed to have such people in my life. I love you all.
My job: pain in the butt though it can be, it still allows me to do quite a lot of things in my off time.
My LYS: fabulous service, beautiful yarns, inspiring and supportive. (For the record: Golden Willow Natural Fibers on 13th Ave, right across from the Cathedral)
My cat: just for being her cute furry self.
My health: I celebrated 5 years clear this spring :) That's an amazing feeling.
Have a great day, everyone :) The sun is shining here so I'm going to go for a walk. That's something else to add to my list: this beautiful fall day :)
TTFN

Interesting Sources

2011-10-06T22:05:00.000-06:00

I confess: I've actually been checking where people are finding my blog from. There are the usual suspects: Ravelry, Facebook and Twitter. Then there are two others that one sort of makes sense to me and the other out and out baffles me.
The one that makes sense the more I think about it, is Gothise. It's a social site for alternative minded people. A lot of people knit as a means of expression and for one of a kind items that are not mass-produced. This fits. I'm assuming a specific knitter has been checking my blog. Very cool and welcome.
The other site though is an Asian clothing site for ready-made clothing. Sewn clothing. It doesn't have any connection to knitting, cats or anything else I prattle on about here. Very strange. And my blog doesn't appear in their list of blogs trying for inclusion on the site either. Which is good because that site is so anti-me it's almost ridiculous. I have no idea how my blog is being linked from that site, but someone is reading from there, so welcome to you too.
I find it interesting to see how my little blog is being found. It kind of gives me an idea of what people like. Seeing as how comments here are few and far between... hint lol
Speaking of knitting, I have another tier done on the Dianna :) I may actually get it done on time :)
And to be mean and tease you all that are reading, I have started a new design. I will only say it is similar to one of my other pieces. I don't want to spoil the surprise.
Early work day tomorrow; no rest for the wicked they say. I will add "Happy Thanksgiving" wishes to my Canadian readers and "Happy Columbus Day" wishes to my American readers. Also Happy Birthday to my Grandfather; he'll be 88 on Monday.
TTFN

FO: Sweet Little Cat Paws is done :)

2011-10-01T23:57:00.000-06:00

Finished, right down to sewing in the ends :) Yay, me!! Lol

Pretty self explanatory pics, I think.
TTFN

I'm bad

2011-10-01T16:18:00.000-06:00

I am. I completely have no desire to work on the Dianna. I got the idea into my head for my next design and that's what I want to do: start work on the new design. I'm a very bad friend. The Dianna is supposed to be a present for someone's birthday. sigh
If I hadn't seen and bought the new yarn last night this wouldn't have happened. I picked up 6 balls of Bernat Mosaic in "optimistic" (kind of a rainbow colorway) with no thought of a project in mind. Then today at the library an idea struck. That's all I'm gonna say for now. I got the crazy idea that I may try to submit this one to knitty or something. Silly me. The only one of my designs anyone actually knits is one of the hats and a friend of mine has knit four of the twelve listed on Ravelry lol Ah, a girl can dream. Off to finish the bands on the SLCP :) Pics soon, I promise. Then I swear I'm going to work on the Dianna.
TTFN

Progress on WIP Challenge Week

2011-09-30T00:49:00.000-06:00

Attended a stitch & laugh at one of the ladies from the ICoR house tonight. Oh did we laugh :) And I got the 2nd sleeve done on my SLCP :) Just need to knit the bands before Saturday :) I confess though: I haven't even picked up Dianna this week. Oh well, soon that will be my focus project.
TTFN

WIP Challenge Week at the WokBox Knit Night

2011-09-26T23:11:00.000-06:00

This is cool: my knit-night is having a challenge week. We're all challenging ourselves to work on (& hopefully finish) some of those pesky WIPs. I've committed to 2 things: #1- finishing my "Sweet Little Cat Paws" and #2- getting at least 2 more tiers done on the Dianna. It's nearly October: I gotta get cracking on these birthday pressies!
Progress on SLCP is good: I have 9/14 lace repeats done on sleeve 2. Then the cuff and the front edgings and it's done :)
Progress on D: I have 6 tiers finished. I want to do at least 13 so the piece is of a comparable size to the DW.
Good luck to everyone on their WIPs :) Happy knitting to all the knitters :)

TTFN

This is sort of cool...

2011-09-24T17:15:00.000-06:00

And has nothing to do with knitting or cats or music or dance. Weird huh? And what is this sort of cool thing you're asking? Let me explain.
I was checking the stats for my photos on Flickr and there was this blog listed as referring one of my pics. Cool, I think. I click on the link. It's all in Spanish or Italian or some language other than English that I can't read. But I get the gist of it: it's a walking path along a river and they're trying to raise funds for continued improvements. Now just take a wild guess at the name of the river... C'mon, I know you're smart... It appears in the title of this blog... The river is called Sile. Ain't that a kick in head, as Dino would say. And that's an appropriate person to think of since the river is in fact in Italy. The things you learn on the internet. I wonder if it's pronounced the same? (My name is "She-la" for those who don't know)
Now I need to find a map and see where it is. Maybe someday I'll visit it.
TTFN

It Was Time For a Change...

2011-09-24T02:59:00.000-06:00

I used the same template for this blog as I did for my original blog; definitely time for an update!! So, here it is the new and improved blog :) Well, it looks better; I'm not guaranteeing better posts since I am still the one writing them lol But hopefully this will be more easily read. And I've added a link to my Flickr photos and you can even see some of them there at the top of the page. That's all the news that's fit to print.
TTFN

Fur-Gang News: Kitten has a name!

2011-09-19T02:08:00.000-06:00

It's true :) The little girl has a name: Ziva. And before anyone asks, yes she was named for the character on NCIS. They're both dark haired beauties with slightly mercenary tendencies. It works. And the Fur-Gang now covers A to Z; that is Annie to Ziva
TTFN

Fall is here!!

2011-09-17T15:31:00.002-06:00

Autumn is here and the knitting is easy...
Ok, maybe not easy lol But progress of all kinds can be reported on most projects.
First up "Sweet Little Cat's Paw": I finished the back and the right sleeve :) Working like a dervish on the left sleeve; I really wanna wear it!!


Back, just before Seed edging was added

Right sleeve in progress

"Galaxy 660": restarted on 3.25mm bamboo needles last Sunday. Going awesome :) Am already onto a circ and rnd 38 :)

After Rnd 31


Rnd 36 in progress

Present #1 ie Shimmering is going well. Currently working on it. Started a new section today.
Present #2 ie Sparkle, Sparkle I haven't worked on for a bit. I admit to being distracted by SLCP for nearly a month.
As you can see, cooler weather has inspired me a bit. And the recent magazines I've picked up have had some really beautiful patterns too. Today, I bought The Knitter issue 35; have queued 4 patterns and favorited 2 others. All the fall magazines have been like that. Also worth mentioning in my queue: "Quercus" from Knitty First Fall 2011. I'll buy extra wool and lengthen the sleeves. Thinking of a nice blue or purple in Plymouth Galway... But that will be for later.
Hope you're enjoying your Fall knitting.
TTFN

New Member of the Fur-Gang!!

2011-09-10T14:12:00.002-06:00

You're hearing it here first, unless of course you saw it on Facebook lol. The Fur-Gang is back to 9 members. A new little girl has been added to the household. She arrived on Monday (Sept 5); followed dad right into the house, bold as brass. So far a name has not been settled on. She is mostly black but has a small white patch on her chest and 2 on her tummy. Also some white between her toes. And a single white whisker. Very cute. She is livening up the rest of the Gang as she loves to chase and jump them. Maureen's nose is seriously out of joint, as is Buddy's. I need to get the picture of her uploaded to the computer so I can put it here. That's all for now. I'll update when she has her name. Hopefully this won't be like poor James; he was nameless for 3 months!!
TTFN

Edit: Here's some pics of the new little girl


Hi!

I Got a Little Distracted...

2011-08-27T15:35:00.000-06:00

So here I am, a month or so later. The birthday pressies are all well under way. Sparkle, Sparkle is a touch over half done & Shimmering is a little less than halfways. Of course, knitting presents for people you see on a regular basis leads to a problem: on the days I will see them, do I forgo knitting or have another project? I opt for the latter. My lovely decoy projects are almost always for me & sometimes take on a life of their own.
Which is the situation I find myself in now. I decided Kay Meador's "Sweet Little Nothing" (free pattern on Rav; it's really cute!) would be a perfect thing to wear when mornings are cooler & I wait for the bus. And I have some Bernat Satin in "foliage" (a bright green) that will knit up nice & be washable should some fruit get spilt on it at work. Of course, being a sweet & simple pattern, I immediately had to modify it: I added Cat's Paw motifs to it, willy-nilly. You can see the results on my project page; it's listed as "Sweet Little Cat's Paw". Here's a pic:

It needs a bit more length which I'll be using the small lace from Cherl Oberle's "Irish Diamond Shawl" to achieve. It's one of my favorite lace patterns, ever.
So my little jacket is nearly done & I've still got quite a bit of work to do on the girls' presents. And I haven't done anything overly crazy lately, so....
Go do a Rav search for "In The Pink" by Izzy ?; It's a lace shawl. It's a wow pattern. I have 2 lovely balls of Marks & Katten Fame Trend that are dying to be knit up. I started it once & then frogged it as the needle size wasn't right for the yarn. I did take a pic of that first try though. I need to get some bamboo dpns in 3.75 or 3.5; my nickel plated ones are too slippery to get it started again.

I've dubbed this one "Galaxy 660" as the colorway is 660 & the finished piece resembles a galaxy or nebula or some-such. A quick peek at the project gallery for the pattern will give you all sorts of astronomical names :)
That's all the news that's fit to print! TTFN

Fur-Gang Update!!!!

2011-08-13T02:10:00.001-06:00

And now for the latest on the fine & funny felines that run my life:
1)July 30th saw the celebration of 6 years of Buddy living with us :)

2)As if that weren't exciting enough, August 4th we celebrated 13 years of my own messy girl, Maureen

3)But the cake was really & truly iced on August 6th. I still can't believe this. Eddie, aka King Edward the Furred, aka Shreddy-Eddie, & the rest of the family celebrated 21 years!!!!! Crazy, right? 21 years of Eddo :)

The King in his chair :)
That's all the fur-gang news that's fit to print.
TTYL

Long Weekend

2011-07-29T08:33:00.000-06:00

It's the August long-weekend here in Saskatchewan & I'm taking advantage of the nice weather to go camping with some friends :) But I'm not neglecting my knitting, have no fear. I have "Sparkle, Sparkle" & "Anchors & Ropes #2" all ready to go with me :)
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend & gets lots of knitting time!
TTFN

No, I Haven't Forgotten about Knitting

2011-07-26T08:59:00.001-06:00

With all my GBS challenge posts, some of you (if there are any) might be concerned about my knitting progress. Have no fears; I'm knitting like a demon over here.
My "Dragon Wing" (Patti Winters, Knitty First Fall 2011) is on hold after completing the right wing. I've decided to get some birthday pressies done before completing it. That may seem odd but there ya go lol
Two of the gift recipients may be reading these words so I'm going to be mean & refer you to Rav ;) Heehee. The first project I've started I entitled "Sparkle, Sparkle" and it's almost to the halfway point. Lovely pattern & yarn. The yarn is Lion Brand "Vanna's Glamour", very soft with a twist of sparkle through it.
I may have to put this one up a bit to have it done in time but there's a fella I'm thinking needs a hat. And what hat would be better than my own "Anchors & Ropes"? None! lol (Shameless plug!!! Go look at it! lol)
Next up, check my queue & you'll find a pattern entitled "Dianna". Doesn't that look cool? I think it'll look neat in the yarn I've chosen.
Haven't chosen yarn or pattern for Mom's pressie yet. Thinking I may skip her knit gift this year just because of time constraints. I'll be taking 2 dance classes this fall plus work & I'm toying with ideas for a new design, possibly more lace. Stay tuned!
That's all the time I've got this morning. Got to get ready for work!
TTFN

30 Days of GBS Challenge: Days 15 - 26

2011-07-26T08:31:00.000-06:00

Day 15 - A song you prefer live: Besides all of them?!?! Ummm, "Mari-Mac" because they always insist on the audience getting involved.
Day 16 - Favourite Itunes sessions song: I don't have iTunes so I haven't heard any of these.
Day 17 - A song that is "yours": Easy one!!! "Fast As I Can" I am a fool; I admit it freely.
Day 18 - Favorite cover song: "End of the World as We Know it" because I love how fast Alan can sing those lines!!
Day 19 - A favorite acoustic version: the "living room" version of "Sea of No Cares'
Day 20 - A song that reminds you of someone: Hmmm... this may seem odd but "Old Black Rum" reminds me of my friend Heather. That's actually the ringtone for her on my cellphone!! lol
Day 21 - A song you would like to know how to play: I'd like to actually be able to play an instrument lol Hmmm, "Dear Home Town" would be appropriate I think.
Day 22 - A song to cheer you up: Any of them, other than the noted tear-jerkers!! Ah, specifically though... ok, I never fail to smile when I hear "Ordinary Day" no matter my mood. I often hum it at work to keep calm lol
Day 23 - A song that makes you dance: This is on the list twice lol And there are so many great ones! What to choose? What to choose? What to choose?... The song I'm listening to right now!! "Jack Hinks" lol Great song for bopping about :)
Day 24 - A song to sing in the shower: Not that I sing in the shower, mind you... but if I did I would most likely be singing "French Perfume"
Day 25 - A song that makes you laugh.: Oooh, so many to choose from... latest gut-buster though "Hit the Ground & Run"
Day 26 - A song that reminds you of somewhere: "Dear Hometown" 'nuff said

Had got a little behind here but all caught up now :) There is no video for French Perfume on youtube that has the b'ys singing :( It's on the "Sea of No Cares" album. Enjoy.

Pyewacket: a shawl

2011-07-17T00:19:00.000-06:00

This is a top-down shawl in a sort-of half-circle shape. There is a minute amount of lace in the pattern. The pattern is written line by line to preserve the mystery of when and where Pyewacket appears. Pyewacket is the cat in the movie "Bell, Book and Candle" starring James Stewart & Kim Novack.

Materials:

2 balls of Opal Hundertwasser sock yarn (original knit in color 1434)

2 balls of Schoppel Wolle Zauberball sock yarn (I used color 1536)

4.5mm circular needle or size needed to get gauge

Gauge:

5sts = 1" (unblocked)

Abbreviations:

W&T (wrap & turn)- bring yarn forward, between the needles. slip next st, return yarn back between the needles. turn work. slip st to right needle. work row as described in pattern.

M1 (make1)- an increase. In the case of this pattern, using right needle, pick up strand between just worked and next st, front to back. Knit this st as it lies. DO NOT Twist this st!!

SSK (slip, slip, knit)- a right leaning decrease. There are several ways to work this abbreviation. The method I used is this: slip next st knit-wise to right needle. slip next st knit-wise to right needle. wrap yarn around right needle as if to knit and lift the 2 slipped sts off the right needle. This looks much more complicated than it is.

Pattern:

Cast on 25 sts. Knit 2 rows.

**Next Row: K23, W&T. K to end.

K21, W&T. K to end.

K19, W&T. K to end.

K17, W&T. K to end.

K15, W&T. K to end.

K13, W&T. K to end.

K11, W&T. K to end.

K9, W&T. K to end.

K7, W&T. K to end.

K5, W&T. K to end.

K3, W&T. K to end.

K1, W&T. K to end.

K25, turn. K to end.

Repeat from ** five times more. (6 wedges total), but on final repeat, DO NOT knit back. Instead cast off 25, keeping last st on the needle. Rotate the piece and pick-up & P 1st for each ridge around the outside of the half-circle. [77sts]

Row 1 (right side): Sl1, K2, M1, K10, *M1, K1, M1, K12; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K10, M1, K3. [89sts]

Row 2 & all even rows: Sl1, K2, P to last 3 sts: K3.

Row 3: Sl1, K2, M1, K12, *M1, K1, M1, K14; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, K2, K2tog, yo, K1, yo, SSK, K7, M1, K1, M1, K12, M1, K3. [101sts]

Row 5: Sl1, K2, M1, K14, *M1, K1, M1, K16; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, K2, K2tog, yo, K3, yo, SSK, K7, M1, K1, M1, K14, M1, K3. [113sts]

Row 7: Sl1, K2, M1, K16, *M1, K1, M1, K18; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, K5, yo, K3tog, yo, K10, M1, K1, M1, K16, M1, K3. [125sts]

Row 9: Sl1, K2, M1, K18, *M1, K1, M1, K20; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K18, M1, K3. [137sts]

Row 11: Sl1, K2, M1, (yo, K2tog) x10, *M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x11; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x5, K2, K2tog, yo, K1, yo, SSK, K1, (yo, K2tog) x2, M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x10, M1, K3. [149sts]

Row 13: Sl1, K2, M1, K22, *M1, K1, M1, K24; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, K12, K2tog, yo, K3, yo, SSK, K5, M1, K1, M1, K22, M1, K3. [161sts]

Row 15: Sl1, K2, M1, K24, *M1, K1, M1, K26; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, K15, yo, K3tog, yo, K8, M1, K1, M1, K24, M1, K3. [173sts]

Row 17: Sl1, K2, M1, K26, *M1, K1, M1, K28; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K26, M1, K3. [185sts]

Row 19: Sl1, K2, M1, K28, *M1, K1, M1, K30; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, K25, K2tog, yo, K1, yo, SSK, M1, K1, M1, K28, M1, K3. [197sts]

Row 21: Sl1, K2, M1, (yo, K2tog) x15, *M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x16; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, (yo, k2tog) x12, K1, K2tog, yo, K3, yo, SSK, M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x15, M1, K3. [209sts]

Row 23: Sl1, K2, M1, K32, *M1, K1, M1, K34; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, K28, yo, K3tog, yo, K3, M1, K1, M1, K32, M1, K3. [221sts]

Row 25: Sl1, K2, M1, K34, *M1, K1, M1, K36; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K34, M1, K3. [233sts]

Row 27: Sl1, K2, M1, K36, *M1, K1, M1, K38; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K2tog, yo, K1, yo, SSK, K31, M1, K3. [245sts]

Row 29: Sl1, K2, M1, K38, *M1, K1, M1, K40; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K2tog, yo, K3, yo, SSK, K31, M1, K3. [257sts]

Row 31: Sl1, K2, M1, (yo, K2tog) x20, *M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x21; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K3, yo, K3tog, yo, K2, (yo, K2tog) x16, M1, K3. [269sts]

Row 33: Sl1, K2, M1, K42, *M1, K1, M1, K44; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K42, M1, K3. [281sts]

Row 35: Sl1, K2, M1, K44, *M1, K1, M1, K46; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K12, K2tog, yo, K1, yo, SSK, K27, M1, K3. [293sts]

Row 37: Sl1, K2, M1, K46. *M1, K1, M1, K48; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K12, K2tog, yo, K3, yo, SSK, K27, M1, K3. [305sts]

Row 39: Sl1, K2, M1, K48, *M1, K1, M1, K50; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K15, yo, K3tog, yo, K30, M1, K3. [317sts]

Row 41: Sl1, K2, M1, (yo, K2tog) x25, *M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x26; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x7, K8, (yo, K2tog) x14, M1, K3. [329sts]

Row 43: Sl1, K2, M1, K52, *M1, K1, M1, K54; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K52, M1, K3. [341sts]

Row 45: Sl1, K2, M1, K54, *M1, K1, M1, K56; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K54, M1, K3. [353sts]

Row 47: Sl1, K2, M1, K56, M1, K1, M1, K3, K2tog, yo, K1, yo, SSK, K50, *M1, K1, M1, K58; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, K56, M1, K3. [365sts]

Row 49: Sl1, K2, M1, K58, M1, K1, M1, K3, K2tog, yo, K3, yo, SSK, K50, *M1, K1, M1, K58; repeat from * 2 times more; M1, K1, M1, K58, M1, K3. [377sts]

Row 51: Sl1, K2, M1, (yo, K2tog) x30, M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x2, K2, yo K3tog, (yo, K2tog) x26, *M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x31; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x30, M1, K3. [389sts]

Row 53: Sl1, K2, M1, K62, *M1, K1, M1, K64; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K62, M1, K3. [401sts]

Row 55: Sl1, K2, M1, K64, M1, K1, M1, K3, K2tog, yo, K1, yo, SSK, K58, *M1, K1, M1, K66; repeat from * 2 more times: M1, K1, M1, K64, M1, K3. [413sts]

Row 57: Sl1, K2, M1, K66, M1, K1, M1, K3, K2tog, yo, K3, yo, SSK, K58, *M1, K1, M1, K68; repeat from * 2 more times: M1, K1, M1, K66, M1, K3. [425sts]

Row 59: Sl1, K2, M1, K68, M1, K1, M1, K3, K2tog, yo, K3tog, yo, SSK, K62, *M1, K1, M1, K70; repeat from * 2 more times: M1, K1, M1, K68, M1, K3. [437sts]

Row 61: Sl1, K2, M1, (yo, K2tog) x35, M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x2, yo, SSK, K5, (K2tog, yo) x30, K2tog, *M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x 36; repeat from * 2 more times: M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x35, M1, K3. [449sts]

Row 63: Sl1, K2, M1, K72, *M1, K1, M1, K74; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K72, M1, K3. [461sts]

Row 65: Sl1, K2, M1, K74, M1, K1, M1, K3, K2tog, yo, K1, yo, SSK, K68, *M1, K1, M1, K76; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, K74, M1, K3. [473sts]

Row 67: Sl1, K2, M1, K76, M1, K1, M1, K3, K2tog, yo, K3, yo, SSK, K70, *M1, K1, M1, K78; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, K76, M1, K3. [485sts]

Row 69: Sl1, K2, M1, K78, M1, K1, M1, K3, K2tog, yo, K3tog, yo, SSK, K72, *M1, K1, M1, K80; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, K78, M1, K3. [497sts]

Row 71: Sl1, K2, M1, (yo, K2tog) x 40, M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x3, K5, (K2tog, yo) x35, K2tog, *M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x41; repeat from * 2 times: M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x40, M1, K3. [509sts]

Row 73: Sl1, K2, M1, K82, *M1, K1, M1, K84; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K82, M1, K3. [521sts]

Row 75: Sl1, K2, M1, K84, *M1, K1, M1, K86; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K84, M1, K3. [533sts]

Row 77: Sl1, K2, M1, K86, M1, K1, M1, K3, K2tog, yo, K1, yo, SSK, K80, *M1, K1, M1, K88; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, K86, M1, K3. [545sts]

Row 79: Sl1, K2, M1, K88, M1, K1, M1, K3, K2tog, yo, K3, yo, SSK, K80, *M1, K1, M1, K90; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, K88, M1, K3. [557sts]

Row 81: Sl1, K2, M1, (yo, K2tog) x45, M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x2, K2, yo, K3tog, yo, K3, (yo, K2tog) x40, *M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x46; repeat from * 2 times more: M1, K1, M1, (yo, K2tog) x45, M1, K3. [569sts]

Row 83: Sl1, K2, M1, K92, * M1, K1, M1, K94; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K92, M1, K3. [581sts]

Row 85: Sl1, K2, M1, K94, *M1, K1, M1, K96; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K94, M1, K3. [593sts]

Row 87: Sl1, K2, M1, K96, *M1, K1, M1, K98; repeat from * 3 times more: M1, K1, M1, K96, M1, K3. [605sts]

Row 88: Sl1, K2, P to last 3 sts: K3.

The shawl is complete, but do not break the yarn.

Edging:

CO 3 sts using the working yarn. The edging will match the edges of the shawl.

Right side rows: K2, SSK the last edging st together with the next shawl st.

Wrong side rows: K3.

When you come to the corners, to have the edge lay flat I advise working some extra rows on the edging. When the next shawl st is a st you’ve worked M1s on both sides of: work a right side row without joining. Work the wrong side row as normal. Work the next right side row as usual (joining the corner st) & the wrong side as well. Work another right side row without joining. Work the wrong side row as usual. Continue joining shawl sts & edging sts until you reach the next corner st and repeat as above.

Block the shawl using pins &/or wires as you normally would. Make sure to stretch it out to open up Pyewacket’s appearances. There are several good tutorials on shawl blocking both on Ravelry & on youtube. I don’t have a favorite to suggest so have a look at a number if you’ve never blocked a lace-ish piece.

I hope you enjoyed the knitting of it and will enjoy the wearing of it. Please leave comments here on the blog or drop me a line on Ravelry; I love comments. And this is the first shawl pattern I’m offering so any advice is more than welcome.

Sile

30 Days of GBS: Days 11, 12 & 13

2011-07-13T22:55:00.005-06:00

And the challenge continues :) Have been good about putting my picks on fb both on my wall & in the note I created, but have gotten a couple days behind over here. Oh well. Be sure to check the girls' picks over at greatbigseaoffans as well.

Day11: song that calms you- fairly easy pick: "Let It Go" I think it speaks for itself.

Day 12 - Favorite music video: This was hard to narrow down!! I have always loved the video for "Lukey" but then I found the video for "Captain Kidd" with all the family members playing & singing along with the b'ys... Sorry "Lukey", ya've been replaced.

Day 13 - Favorite live song from Great Big Dvd: But I love the entire dvd!!! There's nothing like the b'ys live in concert *grumble grumble grumble* Ok, since I agreed to the challenge I must pick. "Excursion Around the Bay", one of the few songs that Darrell originally did the lead vocal for. And live, in concert with audience participation it's just more fun :)

And that catches me up to today with 43 mins left in the day lol :)

30 Days of GBS: Day 10

2011-07-10T11:51:00.002-06:00

Day 10 is: song that makes you dance. And while much of what the b'ys play is either jig or reel based and I can totally dance to it, there is one song that comes instantly to mind. "Little Beggarman" is the unlisted track on "Play". Why this song above the others? Because a few years back, me & 3 of my dance classmates, and awesome friends, used this song to dance our "Steppin' Out" reel for our school's "Rock Recital". Everytime I hear it now, I think of me, Sionan, Heather & Nat on stage together: good times :)

30 Days of GBS: Day 9

2011-07-08T23:57:00.003-06:00

A song that makes you cry. Is there another song as sad as "Safe Upon the Shore"? I don't think so.

30 Days of GBS: Day 8

2011-07-08T00:54:00.005-06:00

Day8 is favorite song from "Fortune's Favour". This was actually an easy choice: I wore out a song on the first cd I bought lol. That song is "Straight to Hell". Love it. "Oh Yeah" is the theme song to Republic of Doyle (awesome show!!!) & "Dance Dance" is the first song on this album I learnt all the words to. But its "StH" that has captured my days when I want to flip everyone off & do what I want instead of what I should.
TTFN

30 Days of GBS: Days 5, 6 & 7

2011-07-07T02:46:00.004-06:00

A little behind on updating ;) Big shocker, I know lol. Here's the next few days answers:

Day5: favorite song from "Hard & the Easy"- This is such an awesome album :) Not a bad song in the lot. How to choose my favorite... At the concert in November of 2008, Alan was talking about the lake here in Regina & the dog he'd found (he wrote a FTR about the whole adventure) and amidst some teasing from Sean the lead in for a certain song was slipped in. I was one of the first people out of their seat. The song? "Charlie Horse". Love it!!

Day6: favorite song from "Safe Upon the Shore"- The 'new' album ;) So many different sounds on this one :) Love it!! But my heart belongs to the album's finale piece: "Don't Wanna Go Home"It's jazzy. It's bluesy. Fabulous. Also love "Road to Ruin".

Day7: favorite song from "Turn"- turning back the clock a bit ;) Another album that's hard to choose from; aren't they all? lol Ok, my 'favorite' song from this album has got to be "Can't Stop Falling". It just seems to describe everything just so. Perfect.

That's all for this update. Remember: if you love Great Big Sea, check out the blog http://greatbigseaoffans.blogspot.com
TTFN

30 Days of Great Big Sea: a fun challenge

2011-07-04T12:36:00.010-06:00

My good friends over at http://greatbigseaoffans.blogspot.com came up with something fun for the month of July to honor our favorite band. I've decided to keep track here as well as on Facebook. We started on July 1, so here's where we're at:

Day1: first song you ever heard- "Great Big Sea"! lol The first song on the first album. A very dear friend had it on cassette in the fall of '93! lol

Day2: your favorite song- Tough one!!!! I'll say "Goin' Up" :) It always makes me sing along and smile :)

Day3: least favorite song- Another tough one!! Hmmm.... I confess: I usually skip "Trois Navires de Ble" because I don't have a clue what's going on in it! I guess that makes it my least favorite. Which is a shame because it's such a pretty tune

Day4: favorite song from "Something Beautiful*" - Such a great album, makes it hard to pick!! But the songs I listen to the most are "Let It Go" & "Sally Anne". I can't narrow it further than that!

It's quite fun :) And it's a challenge to think of all the different albums & the songs you like from each one. Thanks, ladies :) greatbigseaoffans is moderated by Karina, Krista & Sara and they're wonderful :) Check out the blog as they always seem to have something going on over there; I have them listed in my sidebar as well :)
That's it for today!
TTFN

A Nearly FO & other news

2011-06-26T17:50:00.003-06:00

I'm very close to finishing the "Petal Shawlette" (aka Spring Shawl) :) I've completed what the pattern states to do and am well into a second rep of chart D to use up more of the yarn. It's looking really good :)
Knitty's First Fall 2011 issue is up :) I've queued a couple projects & started one: Dragon Wing Shawl by Patti Winters. There are 2 "sizes" and I have just enough Lion Brand "Vanna's Glamour" to make the small one. I have the sapphire color so I think that'll be a nice for a shimmery small shawl. Dragons & shimmer go together in my books! :)
I've been bad lately, I must confess. I've bought not only more yarn but a couple books as well. It's not my fault Sharon has started carrying some new & gorgeous yarns down at Golden Willow!! And Susie was at the KnitPicks place down in Portland & brought us back yarns. Lovely yarns :) So here's a list of the new stash acquistions:

* 2 balls (202yds each) of Lion Brand "Vanna's Glamour" in sapphire

* 6 balls (200yds each) of Bernat "Satin" in foliage
(those came from Michael's on the eastend of town)

* 1 hank (600m) of Zitron "Filigran lace no.1" in pfau (blue, green & purple laceweight merino!!!!! OMG!!! Heaven!!!)

* 5 balls (125m each) of Diamond Yarns "Luxury Collection Fine Merino Superwash DK" in 5050 (a beautiful bright blue :))
(those came from Golden Willow Natural Fibers on 13th Ave here in Regina)

* 1 ball (400?yds) of KnitPicks "Stroll Kettle Dyed" in spruce (shades of darker greens)

* 2 hanks (400?yds each) of KnitPicks "Shadow Tonal Dyed" in pacific (blue-green)
(what Susie brought and I chose)
So that's all the yarn I logged into my stash page on Rav today. A bit of a job.
And yes, I did mention books. I've got two new additions to the book shelf and I recommend them both. The new books are "Loop-d-Loop Lace" by Teva Durham and "Knits That Fit" from Potter Crafts.

"Loop-d-Loop Lace" is amazing. Teva Durham gives a fantastic overview of lace and where she drew her inspirations for the various pieces from. It's laid out in the same format as "Loop-d-Loop" was, in that there is a chapter theme (in this case Mesh, Eyelet, Samplers, Leaves & Doilies) and within that there are 6 patterns. Charts & photos for all :) I'm madly thinking of casting on "Shetland Shawl Dress" for myself. If you're on Ravelry, do search it out just to favorite it & shake your head at my lost sanity. The other pieces that leave me drooling are "Thistle Bodice" and "Hug-Me-Tight Cardigan". I've put the "H-M-T" in my queue; the other two I'm being good & only favoriting... for now ;)
"Knits That Fit" is a great book as well. It has designs by several designers (Sally Melville, Melissa Matthay, Annie Modesitt etc) as well as excerpts from some of Potter crafts other books on fit. (The 3Bs discussion is directly out of "Big Girl Knits" by Jillian Moreno & Amy Singer for example) Still, it's a great collection of tops to fit a wide range of women complete with tips on personalization. So, what's caught my eye in this one? Several as always! Melissa Matthay's "Sheila's Tank Top" is at the top of my list (and yes I find the name of this one funny!) although I'm envisioning a solid or tonal yarn for it. The "Seashell Cardi" by Berta Karapetyan is stunning & not a traditional construction, which really appeals to me. And Annie Modesitt's "Notorious Low-cut Top" I think is a must-have ;) This book isn't listed on Ravelry, but I think some if not all of the patterns are listed from being in previous Potter Craft titles. I need to do some investigating on that.
Speaking of patterns; where is the pattern for "Pyewacket"? Sorry but I've pulled a bone-head move: somehow I've misplaced the written directions for rows 57 to 74! I was in the middle of typing the darn thing in and have come to a standstill. I have everything up to there typed in & the handwritten sheet for rows 75 to 88 is sitting right here. I need to do a full-scale hunt for the missing page. I had really hoped to have it up by now. You'd almost think this project is cursed! Due to work, dance & other assorted happenings, I haven't been designing anything lately, although I'm positively itching to! I need to get organized and start working out a couple ideas floating in the ether that is my brain. ;) We'll see if anything solidifies into a pattern though.
TTFN

Done for another year

2011-06-06T02:08:00.002-06:00

Mosaic 2011 came and went this weekend. As is usual, I spent a large portion of my time at the Irish pavilion. I danced there each of the 3 nights. If you're one of my facebook friends, I posted 3 video clips to my wall. All are from the Saturday performance. Video was shot by my good friend Lindsay; big thanks to her :) That's all my news for now on the dance front.
TTFN

Mosaic is this week!!!

2011-05-29T09:22:00.006-06:00

Mosaic starts this Thursday, June 2, at 5pm. I hope everyone can get out and enjoy the festival of cultures! As always, I'll be dancing at the Irish pavilion every night. It is at the Caledonian Curling Club out by the airport. We're quite close to the Italian pavilion (mmmm, good food!) & I believe the Koreans are next to us this year. I won't be living at the pavilion however. I chose not to head up displays this year. My performance schedule looks like this:

Thursday, June 2: 8:45pm

Friday, June 3: 7:45pm

Saturday, June 4: 8:10pm

If you want to come see me dance, that's when I'll be there :) I'm also really excited that the adults now have embroidery on our dresses. Prairie Gael is gonna look really snazzy this year :)
If you're in Regina during Mosaic, I encourage you to check out a pavilion or 2 and enjoy food, drinks, music & dancing.
TTFN

New things happening

2011-05-28T05:02:00.005-06:00

So, first off, I have my own computer :) A cute little netbook, so hopefully that means I'll be updating more frequently. Don't faint on me!
With this change to my computing life, I really hope to get the pattern for "Pyewacket" up soon. And there is a new shawl pattern in the thinking stages that I may offer for sale via Ravelry. Watch this space for details!
Currently, I have only a couple things OTN: Pinwheel Sweater, Twisted socks (done sock one) & Petal Shawlette (from the book: 101 Sock Yarn One Skein wonders). I'm using some hand-dyed 80% merino/20% nylon that I bought at my LYS in March. Turning out really nice :) Pics are on Ravelry; it's listed as ''Spring Shawl''.
In fur-gang news, Eddie celebrated birthday 21 earlier this month :) Maureen will be 13 pretty soon. Ack, my baby a teenager!! Everyone is fine & furry.
In dance news, Mosaic starts on Thursday!!!! And even cooler, we have embroidery on the fronts of our dresses now :) Us are gonna look snazzy ;) I'll try to get some pics.
The birds are starting to chirp & I can see light peeping through the edge of the south curtain, so I better try to sleep some.
TTFN

I Don't Understand It: a rant

2011-04-13T17:45:00.004-06:00

I'm sure any knitters have heard of Cookie A. She has designed countless pairs of socks over the passed few years & is now the author of two books. I can not for the life of me understand the fascination people have with her patterns!!!! They're socks!!!!! Ordinary, cuff down, square-heeled, wedge-toed socks!!! There is absolutely nothing new here!!! She has not reinvented the wheel!!! She uses some lovely stitch patterns, but that's it!! The basic construction method is just that: basic! I love to knit socks. But I like to find something different. For example, I'm currently working on a pair of "Twisted" by Jodie Gordon Lucas ( http://www.knitty.com/twisted )Pretty basic to start but the decreases that wrap around the foot are definitely something new to see. Beautiful.
Lucy Neatby has a book titled "Warm Feet, Cool Socks". In it she gives various options for toe-up & cuff-down starts, heels & toes that you could knit probably 40 pairs without duplicating the various parts! Brilliant!! This is innovation, people!!
Nancy Bush has written countless books on socks & the history of various construction details. Not really innovative but interesting when one reads the historical info she gives. Fascinating. I knit the "Gentlemen's Socks with Fluted Pattern" from "Knitting Vintage Socks" for my favorite flautist several years ago and added a note to the card saying that the original of the pattern was published in 1883; he was impressed. This is something different! This is something to get excited about!
If someone can explain this idea that Cookie A. is the queen of socks to me, please feel free to comment. I don't get it.

Knitting Update

2011-04-09T10:27:00.001-06:00

Twisted: a new pair, a photo by Sile-Muirin on Flickr.

So my socks are going quite well, as you can see. Love this pattern as it's not hard but you do have to pay attention so it doesn't become boring. Unlike another WIP I can name... stupid Pinwheel.
It's a lovely, bright sunshiney day here today :) Great day to get out & do... anything really :) I love days like this.
This is just a quick note while updating my Ravelry projects/pictures. Enjoy the weekend!
TTFN

Via Flickr:
So I've decided to take the Fibranatura "Yummy" from the frogged "Eire" socks & turn it into my own pair of "Twisted" (knitty.com, Spring+Summer 2010). Loved making this pattern for Mom so I deserve a pair ;)

Trips to the Frogpond & other Adventures

2011-04-06T22:17:00.004-06:00

To start off, I don't recall making an announcement about this. CaoraCniotala on Ravelry, is no more. I changed my RavID to knit-dance-repeat in January. Now everyone can say & spell my name :) I'd like to thank sheepwokking ie Lindsay from knit-night, for uploading a pic for my Ravatar. Cathleen the (knitted) Irish dancer now smiles at everyone. Quite appropriate with the new name, don't you think?
I've been doing some traveling this year; to the Frogpond :p I had started "Eire" by Renee Leverington (Goddess Knits) last June. I was using Fibranatura's "Yummy" in lagoon (shades of green). Love the pattern. Love the yarn. The two have very seperate destinies. Frogged! I have started "Twisted" by Jodie Gordon Lucas (Knitty.com spring&summer 2010) with the "Yummy" and am soooo happy with the results :) I knit a pair of these for Mom's birthday using Punta Yarns' "Merisock Hand Painted" in shades of purple and they turned out fabulous! ("Twisted Grapes" in my Rav notebook) This is an awesome pattern & I encourage you to check it out if you enjoy sock knitting.
The Spring 2011 issue of InterweaveKnits has a number of must makes in it. Topping my list is the "Diminishing Gore Skirt" by Gwen Bortner. I cast-on using Bernat "Satin" in sultana (reddy-purple) Got nearly done the first tier of rectangles (it's done in entrelac), when I decided to try it on. Oh. My. Goodness!!!It was at least 10" too large! And I had gone down a pattern size to accomodate the heavier weight yarn :( Frogpond!
I acquired a Namaste Hip Holster a few weeks ago :) Love it!!! It's become my purse! I have id, debit card, keys & phone in the front pocket & a WIP in the larger section; perfect!
Speaking of WIPs, I've got a few ;) In addition to "Twisted", I'm working on "Ardrum" by Aisling M. Doonan; check her out on Ravelry. She designs gorgeous lace shawls. This is the 2nd of her designs I've done. Am using Fiddlesticks Knitting "Exquisite" in sapphire & this yarn is definitely that! It's a silk/merino blend in lace weight & is absolute heaven to work with :) I do recommend bamboo or other "sticky" needles. Also started "Abotanicity" by Cassie Rovitti (knitty.com winter 2007) for myself. Using some merino/nylon hand-dyed at my LYS. It's knitting up well :) Last active WIP is my Pinwheel Sweater (Shelley Mackie, Elann.com) which is also part of a KAL with my knit-night bunch. I'm using 5 shades of blue + charcoal & black in Briggs & Little "Heritage" & "Regal". This ones not going so well; I'm completely bored by it. Can't even force myself to pick it up. I'm about half through the second last color for the body & still have to go back & do the sleeves. Love the way it looks; just can't take the never ending plain rnds. I've got close to 500 sts in a rnd now, so a single rnd takes forever :P
My other adventures include walking over to Chapter's to check out the new books & magazines. In the past few weeks, I've added the following: "Entree to Entrelac" by Gwen Bortner, "A Knitting Wrapsody" by Kristin Omdahl & (last night) "Knitting Knee-Highs: Sock Styles from Classic to Contemporary" by Barb Brown. I love entrelac knitting, so it was only natural To get "Entree to Entrelac". I fell in love with 4 or 5 patterns in "Knitting Wrapsody"; the "Infinity Cardi-Wrap" in particular. And I needed a new sock book ;) This one is cool in that all the patterns are for knee-highs & she's included adaptations for nearly all the patterns to make them standard or ankle length; that triples the number of patterns!!! Yay!!! More socks!!!
Speaking of more socks, there are several in the Spring + Summer 2011 Knitty.com. It went up earlier this week :) I need to check that out further...
There we go; now you know what's going on knit-wise with me. Off for more adventures, hopefully avoiding the Frogpond!
TTFN

I can do this

2011-03-12T10:43:00.002-06:00

Here I am, 3 times posting this week :) Don't expect this to become a habit!
Great news on the knitting front: I started the edging on the Pyewacket shawl last night!! This is the design I started last February with the intention of offering the pattern here. It's nearly done!!!!! Only 540 sts (approx) to cast off...
TTFN!

MVP: a hat pattern

2011-03-09T17:47:00.004-06:00

We all know a sports fan. I knit this hat for a guy who lives & breathes for his team; he even had the elastics for his braces in his team colors! (and that tells you I've known him awhile, too)
I've used a DK superwash merino for warmth & acknowledging that this is going to a guy who will not handwash ;) Stripes that don't look like stripes are easy to substitute the proper colors for your MVP's team.
**The original was knit for a Calgary Flames man**
Onto the fun part!

DK weight yarn as follows:
100yds MC (black)
25yds C1 (red)
15yds C2 (yellow)
2yds C3 (white)
*I used Diamond Luxury Collection Fine Merino Superwash DK*

needles: 16" 4.0mm circular, set of 5 4.0 dpns

gauge: 26sts/28rnds = 4" in Linen Stitch

abbreviations:
sl1wyif- bring yarn to front of work as if to purl, slip next st purlwise, return yarn to back of work

PATTERN:
Cast on 120 sts with MC. Join in the round & work 3" in K2, P2 ribbing. Continuing with MC, start Linen Stitch.
Rnd 1: *K1, sl1wyif; repeat from * around
Rnd 2: K
Rnd 3: *Sl1wyif, K1; repeat from * around
Rnd 4: K
Change to C1 and work 8 rnds in Linen stitch.
Change to C2 and work 4 rnds in Linen stitch.
Change to C3 and work 2 rnds in Linen stitch.
Change to C2 and work 4 rnds in Linen stitch.
Change to C1 and work 8 rnds in Linen stitch.
Change to MC and work 4 rnds in Linen stitch.
Continuing with MC, work 6 rnds of K2, P2 ribbing.

Dec section- (switch to dpns whenthere are not enough sts to comfortable knit with the circular needle)
Rnd 1: *K2, P2tog, K2, P2; repeat from * around (105sts)
Rnd 2: *K2, P1, K2, P2; repeat from * around
Rnd 3: *K2, P1, K2, P2tog; repeat from * around (90sts)
Rnd 4: *K2, P1; repeat from * around
Rnd 5: *K2tog, P1, K2, P1; repeat from * around (75sts)
Rnd 6: *K1, P1, K2, P1; repeat from * around
Rnd 7: *K1, P1, K2tog, P1; repeat from * around (60sts)
Rnd 8: *K1, P1; repeat from * around
Rnd 9: *SSK; repeat from * around (30sts)
Rnd 10: K around
Rnd 11: *K2tog; repeat from * around (15sts)
Rnd 12: *K2tog; repeat from * to last st: K1 (8sts)
Cut yarn & draw through remaining sts 1 or 2 times, secure on inside of hat. Finish in ends. Give to your favorite MVP.

Oops! Little behind...

2011-03-08T10:13:00.002-06:00

So, Happy New Year! And hope everyone had a good summer 2010 & happy holidays & whatever else I've missed. Yeah, been awhile again.
In fur-gang news, Kitty passed away early on March 1st :( She was 18.5 years, so had a good life but it's still tough on the rest of us & grieving continues.
On the knitting front, things are much happier :) I'll be posting a new hat pattern here soon. I just have to finish the knitting of it! :) It's going to called "MVP" so watch this space; I hope to have it up by next week. It involves some colorwork (stripes) & is suitable for your favorite sports fan.
TTFN!

Safe Upon the Shore

2010-07-15T12:26:00.002-06:00

Picked up my copy of Great Big Sea's latest album yesterday. It is soo good :) Really like "Road to Ruin" & "Nothing but a Song". Many other gems :) The sound is them with a bit of a jazzy twist, so is fun & quirky. Unfortunately, no instrumentals for the dancers to use. That's my only quibble though and I've been saying that for the last couple albums.

Um, what was I saying...

2010-07-15T12:16:00.002-06:00

Here it is July 15th.
I've been knitting quite a bit. Have the "Aylesbury Shawlette" by Aisling M. Doonan nearly done (In my Ravelry projects as "Aisling Shawl"). Am working on "Eire Socks" by Renee Leverington (listed as "Lough Derg") & "Bombshell" by Stephanie Japel (listed as "Water Bomb") as well. Have several others I want to start.
Furries are pretty good. Kitty seems to be headed over the rainbow :( She can hardly see & her balance is getting worse :( Eddie, on the other paw, is still tearing around without a care :) He turned 20 in May :) The rest of the gang are well, too :)
Summer dancing is going ok. People need to come every week if we're going to get a new dance choreographed before September! Me & S were hoping for a 4 hand Reel this year. It partially done, but need to have 4 people present to see if parts will work or not...
That's all the news that's fit to print!
TTFN

I blame Ravelry!

2010-06-19T10:06:00.006-06:00

So here it is June 19th (cousin Mike's birthday, day after Dad's) already. I confess. I update all my projects on Ravelry & spend all my time reading the forums & queuing patterns, rather than blogging. I know this makes me a bad person & hope I'm forgiven. Of course that would mean someone's actually reading this blog :p Which I strongly doubt. I digress.
The "Anchors & Ropes" hat is proving popular. It's been queued by several Ravellers now :) That's a nice feeling. I'm working on a shawl (2 different versions actually) that I hope to make available when done.
In other knitting news, I joined a group of local Ravellers in January & we meet up every Monday night 7-9 at WokBox on South Albert St here :) Great fun & we actually do get some knitting done :) It's nice to have others to share with.
That's all the news that's fit to print; I'll try to get in here more often.
TTFN

So much for good intentions...

2010-03-10T08:22:00.001-06:00

Here it is March 10th & I haven't finished typing in the patt for the "Anchors & Ropes" & haven't updated this page for over 2 months. Can we say behind? Must try to do better...
TTFN

Happy 2010!!!

2010-01-04T10:23:00.004-06:00

Hello, 2010!
To start things off this year, I'm going to start putting some of my patterns up & have them linked to my Ravelry account :) My Ravelry id is CaoraCniotala. The first I've decided to try this out with is the Anchors & Ropes hat that I made for Andi during the GBS WinterAngels exchange of 2008:)
So I'm trying to get that typed in (anyone know how I can get graphs to fit on here? That would be sooooo much easier!)
Just a little note on my fur-gang: they're well & fine & wish everyone a Nappy Mew Year. I wish everyone fleece & love, as well as Happy New Yarn :)
TTFN

Anchors & Ropes: a hat pattern

2009-12-28T17:31:00.012-06:00

Here goes! My first foray into having a pattern available to others.
First the boring bits: please do not sell this pattern or the finished items as your design.
This hat is pretty simple & features an anchor on front & back. I knit the original for the 2008 WinterAngels exchange on greatbigsea.com . Andi was the happy recipient :)
Materials:
1 ball Bernat Wool Blend Natural Blends (I used soft denim)
set of 5 4.5mm dpns

Abbreviations:
-cn: cable needle
-LC (Left Cable): sl 2 sts to cn at front, K2, K2 from cn
-M1 (Make 1): insert left needle into strand between st just worked and next st, front to back; K into back of loop to twist the new st
-SKP: sl next st k-wise, K next st, pass sl st over & off
-3 from 1: K into back then front of next st. Now K into "bar" at base of this. You've added 2sts to your work
-pm: place marker
-B (bobble): K into (f,b,f) of next st; turn, P1, (P1, yo, P1) in next st, P1; turn, K5; turn, P2tog, P1, P2tog; turn, sl2tog-kwise, K1, P2SSO; done!
-LT (Left Twist): K into 2nd st on left needle through back of loop, K skipped st, sl both sts from needle.
-RT (Right Twist): K2tog but leave both sts on left needle, K first st again & sl both sts from needle.
-5stT (5 st Twist): sl 2 tocn @ F, sl 1 to cn @ B, K2, P1 from B cn, K2 from F cn.
-Dec5: with yarn in back, sl3 to right needle, *pass 2nd st over first st & off needle; sl first st back to left needle; pass 2nd st over first st & off needle**; sl first st to right needle; rep from * to **; K rem st through back of loop.
**A note on my cable notations: I write cables this way a/b BC or a/b FC. a is the # put on hold, b is the # worked straight, BC is Back cable: those held sts go to the back of the work, FC is Front Cable: held sts stay in front. If I've got FPC or BPC, the sts going behind will be purled (these may be the sts on the cable needle or the work straight sts) Make sense? I hope so!

Pattern:
CO 96sts.
Work in rnds of K2, P2 rib for 4".
Set-up Rnd:*K4, P1, P2tog, P1, K4, P3, K4, P3, pm, P23, pm, P3; rep from * once. -94sts.(Instead of pm, it eases the work if you split the work at these points. Then the ropes are on 2 dpns & the anchors are on the other 2; if you're using a circular needle place the markers & move them up every rnd))
Rnd1: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, sl m, P11, M1, 3from 1, M1, P11, sl m, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd2: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P11, K2, [K1, yo, K1] in next st, K2, P11, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd3: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P10, 1/3FC, P1tbl, 3/1BC, P10, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd4: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P10, K9, P10, P3;rep from * once.
Rnd5: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P8, 2/3BPC, K3, 3/2FPC, P8, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd6: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P8, K3, P2, K3, P2, K3, P8, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd7: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P6, 2/3BPC, P2, K3, P2, 3/2FPC, P6, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd8: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P6, K3, P4, K3, P4, K3, P6, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd9: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P4, 2/3BPC, P4, K3, P4, 3/2FPC, P4, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd10: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P4, K3, P6, K3, P6, K3, P4, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd11: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P3, 1/3BPC, P6, K3, P6, 3/1FPC, P3, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd12: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P3, K3, P7, K3, P7, K3, P3, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd13: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, K1, P2, K3, P2, K1, P4, K3, P4, K1, P2, K3, P2, K1, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd14: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, K1, P2, K3, P2, K1, P4, K3, P4, K1, P2, K3, P2, K1, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd15: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, 1/1FPC, P1, K3, P1, 1/1BPC, P4, K3, P4, 1/1FPC, P1, K3, P1, 1/1BPC, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd16: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P1, K1, P1, K3, P1, K1, P5, K3, P5, K1, P1, K3, P1, K1, P1, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd17: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P1, 1/1FPC, K3, 1/1BPC, P5, K3, P5, 1/1FPC, K3, 1/1BPC, P1, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd18: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P2, K5, P6, K3, P6, K5, P2, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd19: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P2, 1/1FPC, K1, 1/1BPC, P6, K3, P6, 1/1FPC, K1, 1/1BPC, P2, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd20: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P3, K3, P7, K3, P7, K3, P3, P3;rep from * once.
Rnd21: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P3, 1/1FPC, K1, P7, K3, P7, K1, 1/1BPC, P3, P3; rep from *once.
Rnd22: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P4, K2tog, P7, K3, P7, K2tog, P4, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd23: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P12, K3, P12, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd24: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P12, K3, P12, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd25: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P9, B, P2, K3, P2, B, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd26: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P9, K1, P2, K3, P2, K1, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd27: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P9, LT, P1, K3, P1, RT, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd28: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P9, K2, P1, K3, P1, K2, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd29: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P9, 2/1FPC, K3, 1/2BPC, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd30: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P10, K7, P10, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd31: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P10, 2/1FPC, K1, 1/2BPC, P10, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd32: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P11, K5, P11, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd33: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P11, 5stT, P11, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd34: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P11, K2, P1, K2, P11, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd35: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P9, 2/2BPC, P1, 2/2FPC, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd36: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P9, K2, P5, K2, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd37: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P9, 2/2FPC, P1, 2/2BPC, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd38: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P11, Dec5, P11, P3; rep from * once.
Work 1 rnd even, maintaining rope cables & purling in the "Anchor" sections.
Next Rnd: *K1, ssk; rep from * arnd - 64sts
Next Rnd: *K1, ssk; rep from * arnd - 42sts
Next Rnd: *K1, ssk; rep from * arnd - 28sts
Next Rnd: *K1, ssk; rep from * arnd - 19sts
Next Rnd: *K1, ssk; rep from * arnd - 10sts
Clip yarn leaving a long tail for finishing. Thread tail onto tapestry needle & run through rem sts a couple times to secure. Fasten off and finish in ends.

That's it! It was quick & easy. Even better my exchange pal loved it! :)

My Regina KIP Adventure

2009-09-23T13:09:00.001-06:00

What a fabulous day out in Wascana Park! I should explain why I'm not at work shouldn't I? Mom & I were supposed to go to MN to see the family, but things fell through. I needed the break so I took 2 weeks off anyway & decided to have a KIP adventure around Regina! Yesterday, I stuck around downtown (library, Victoria Park, Cornwall Centre). I worked on my Sheepy Shawl, as I went straight to dance class from downtown.
Today, I decided to up the visibility & walked down here to Wascana Park! It's been awesome! I'm hard at work on David's bday present: a knitted cake!! Been down here since abit after 9 & is now after 1! Am updating on Twitter regularily too (see sidebar)
TTFN!

Feeling Defeated By My Knitting

2009-08-14T14:52:00.003-06:00

Things were progressing on the Sweater. Then yesterday I discovered I'd made a mistake in the "Dutch Knitting" on the shoulder. Had to tink a couple rows. No biggy that. Decided I'd try the Butterfly st I'd used on B's socks to give the rest of the shoulder & possibly down the sleeve a different feel. (Really trying for a Kathryn Alexander look on this.)
This morning: I calculated the # of sts needed & started the set-up row... didn't come out. At all. WTH?! Counted sts on needle...uh-oh. I didn't inc back up to 83sts on the front after I knit the revK1b. I worked the "C.A." on 57sts. When I rejoined the front/back, I just knit right across, never thinking... (Well, I should've listened 2 weeks sgo when S said it looked like it was pulling up, but I figured it was because the needle was still very close to that section.) I wound up frogging the almost completed shoulder (7/9"), and the last 1 3/4" of the front!! (And when I checked my notes, I didn't even say that I'd dec'd for the revK1b!! So of course I didn't inc!)
All in all, I just feel very defeated. I get going along really well & it's looking great. Then I discover mistakes that will really affect the look of the Sweater ie the shape, the neckline, etc. I still love the yarn & I know when I quit making these little glitches, it's going to be a really cool piece. The kind people ask where I got it. I wonder if "real" designers go through this? Maybe they've learned to be more meticulous in their notes?

Fur-gang Update

2009-08-10T16:38:00.003-06:00

The fur-gang have gone techie on me! Somehow they've joined Twitter. No I didn't help them. In addition to their little foray into the world of "puters", we've had some major anniversaries lately. I mentioned Maureen's in a previous post but not Eddie's. As of August 6th, Eddie Rascal has been in my life/home for 19 years!!!!!!

I almost don't remember the time B.E. (Before Eddie)! That was major and I missed it; well not really. I did tweet it :)
That's the big excitement lately. Gearing up for Kitty's 17th late next month.
That's it on the furries!
TTFN

Latest on "The Sweater"

2009-08-10T16:36:00.001-06:00

8/10 - 3:27pm: have about 4 1/2" done on the shoulder (out of 9); feel the need to switch st patt again soon...

And more on the Sweater...

2009-08-04T00:11:00.002-06:00

8/03-10:51p The front/back are rejoined & am 1 1/2"into shoulder. Looks GOOD! Will switch to "D.K." soon...
That's the latest notes from my knitting notes.
(As it's now after midnight, I'm sending Happy 11th Maureen-iversary wishes to my Maureen. Special treats when I get home from dance.)

The Sweater is growing...

2009-08-03T23:46:00.002-06:00

8/02-6pm: have knit about 6/8" of back using the cellular automaton technique (several lovely mutations involved!) & am intending to finish back w/ this. I now notice that the Tweed st that ended the front seems to pull in & will have to tink this & do something else... Eureka!: use the c.a. & this can then join f/b & cont the first bit of the shoulder. am thinking the "Dutch Knitting"after that...
11:07p Finished back & tinking front. Starting c.a. ..

Oops!

2009-07-27T15:13:00.001-06:00

Kinda forgot a couple birthday, so here goes:
Aunt Cathy turned 54 on July 20th
Unca Jimmy turned 52 on July 24th
That be all!
TTFN!

Front of Sweater!!!

2009-07-27T13:00:00.002-06:00

This shows the entrelac section (right shoulder) and a good bit of the front of my sweater. The colors in this yarn are so pretty!

View Photo

Sweater Update!

2009-07-23T21:41:00.001-06:00

Have the front of the sweater done through the neck opening! H & S were impressed when I showed it to them on Tuesday. Now am debating patts for the back. Thinking of starting with Tweed st. It would blend the colors nice. Just not quite sure. May have to just start knitting & see how it goes. what's another trip to the frogpond? Am so happy with how it's looking. Will post pic(s) soon. I still need to take them. That's all my news that's fit to blog.
TTFN!

Sweater Progress Report

2009-07-19T17:07:00.002-06:00

Chose the "Dutch Knitting" pattern for next bit of sweater. Have done 12 rows & it looks really good. The colors are coming together so it looks like the entire piece was planned out! Very cool! Will continue with this for at least half the neck area. Not sure if I want to have back exactly the same or if I'll play with it as well. In other news: Maureen is mad because I sat here & let my Mom comb her. Oh the horror of it all! :) Heehee :D
TTFN!

Frogpond Express

2009-07-19T14:20:00.002-06:00

Have once again frogged the sweater back to the end of the E sec. The K1b was forming nice stripes but working side to side when turned the "right" way: horizontal stripes in green & purple across the "ladies". Not what I need. Am on couch, under fan, with st treasurys trying to figure where to go next. Like the "Diagonal bar" & "Dutch Knitting" out of Barbara Walker's 3rd book. Will have to see.
TTFN!

Passing this along: Attention Designers!

2009-07-04T12:34:00.002-06:00

Just saw this on Twitter: modeknit Have a knit or crochet blog? Help me & spread the word that 1,000 Fab Knit Hats deadline's been extended to 7/15 http://is.gd/1nm74 TTFN

About my Grandma

2009-07-02T21:52:00.002-06:00

Speaking of grandmas, I mentioned mine doesn't knit. She never learnt to. She did learn to crochet as a young girl. As one of the middle children in a farm family of 12, crocheting was one of her chores. It amazes her that anyone would do it as a hobby. She's never touched a hook since leaving the farm & she doesn't miss it. Enter her only grand-daughter, a first-rate knitting addict. That I baffle her is an understatement. Grandmas should be treasured, knitter or not. TTFN

continuing

2009-07-02T21:43:00.002-06:00

What really amazes me is the number of women who find this ok. These same individuals have probably taken a co-worker to task for saying "Hey guys" to a group of women. I'd rather be doing my "grandma's" knitting anyway. She'd have been using proper wool & not some stupid plastic funfur that you can't cable to save your life! Thanks but no thanks! Bring on the grandmas, They have much to teach us if we pay attention. TTFN

About my earlier Tweet...

2009-07-02T20:11:00.002-06:00

Earlier today I tweeted my dislike of the lead-in "Not your grand-mother's knitting". As my grandma doesn't knit, I find it annoying. I find it offensive to the grandmas who do knit. Are they saying in order to be "cool" we should all knit, except the grandmas because that proves some sort of stereotype?

Happy Canada Day!

2009-07-02T00:52:00.001-06:00

Just got home from Wascana Park about an hour ago. The fireworks were awesome! Had a great time picnicing before that too. The fireworks capped off a perfect day. Family has now been in Regina 13 years. No big deal there. Would really like to leave but have to stay where jobs are. Being a grownup sucks. TTFN!

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http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com.

Birthdays and other Important Announcements

2009-06-29T12:43:00.002-06:00

Nearly done with June so need to catch up the calendar.
Birthdays in June (besides Dad):
Mike B (28 yrs, my not-so-little cousin)
Kitty (17 yrs!!)
Maureen (my baby's 11 now!)
Buddy (4 yrs)
Upcoming:
Aunt Cathy & Bob B married 31 yrs tomorrow (June 30)
HAPPY CANADA DAY!!! (Wed/July 1)
Happy 30th Birthday, Chris B! (Fri/July 3)
Double whammy: HAPPY INDEPENDANCE DAY!!! & Happy 32nd to Mom & Dad! (Sat/July 4)

That should take care of everyone for a bit.
TTFN!

Notes from this Knitter's Notebook...

2009-06-22T18:36:00.002-06:00

Have had more problems with the sweater so have tinked back on it. At least it wasn't a complete frog this time! Have decided to give everyone a taste of how the mind works. Here's a bit from my latest project:
Summer/Short Sleeved Sweater for Self
yarn: Noro Taiyo (6 balls from GW trip!); needles: 4.5mm circ.
Pattern: Garter Top from Spring/Summer Knit.1
not working out; frogged May 27

Attempt #2: self-design May 28/09
same yarn and needle
CO52sts. Seed St w/selvedges for 3".
CO57sts at beg of next 2 rows; cont in Seed for 1" more.
not big enough around for arm!

5/28: Attempt #3 self-design same yarn/needle
(*Crocheted CO looks nicest)
*CO 55 sts. Seed st w/selvedge for 1". 54sts=14 1/4"; 8 rows Seed st=1"
Inc each side of NR (57sts), work incs into patt.
Work 7 rows in Seed st; rep inc row (59sts). Work 8 rows in Seed st;
Next Row(RS):
CO 55sts, work in Seed to end (114sts)
Next Row(WS):
CO 55sts, work in Seed to end (169). Work in Seed St for 8 rows more.
Base Entrelac triangles: over 12 sts in Seed.
work 7 triangles: K2tog on last st of tri7, work 7 more tris (168 sts/14 tris)
Next Row(WS): Entrelac Rectangles in St st over 12 sts, picking up on WS. Ede tris @ each end, keeping neat edges.
First Side (WS): End Side(WS):
1)P2 PU&P12sts along the selvedge
2)K1, M1, K1 1)Sl1, K11
3)Sl1, P1, P2t 2)Sl1, P9, P2t
4)Sl1, K1, M1, K1 3)Sl1, K10
5)Sl1, P2, P2t 4)Sl1, P8, P2t
6)Sl1, K2, M1, K1 5)Sl1, K9
...last row(WS):Sl1, P10, P2t. ...last row(WS):P2t, sl last st to RHN

6/22: After almost finishing 3rd row of E rec, have admitted to self that the edges aren't deep enough & 12sts is too large for the E base: Frog/Tinked back to last row of Seed st.
SO: w/169sts on needle, am cont'ing in Seed until (4?5?) incehes from CO for Frot/Back

Am now thinking the "half-rib" from Mom's bed socks (Knitter's mag) over different st# may be better; all rows of pieces done in same st = better gauge than switching back and forth. Will see when I get there...

A Birthday!

2009-06-18T23:12:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to Dad from your favorite (ie only) daughter!

Annoying...

2009-06-12T15:04:00.002-06:00

Explain to me this: why do I only get 122 characters when texting my blog? Normally get 160 to peeps...

M's Bag

2009-05-25T22:32:00.002-06:00

Just got the lining done on M's bag! Turned out really nice I think.

View Photo

From my phone...

2009-05-19T12:18:00.002-06:00

Went to GW & spent more than I was going to. Not my fault: they had in the new Noro Taiyo. Bought 6 balls for self. Yes, going to actually make something for me! Well, that's the plan. We'll see if it actually happens.

This, That and Others

2009-05-13T19:02:00.003-06:00

B's bag was a hit! She absolutely love it! Yeah! M's needs straps and lining, so nearly there. Need to clean up abit, as not sure what I did with the "Ewenice" pattern... I wonder if Maureen knows where it is?
In other news, Eddie has turned 19 years!!! Can't quite believe he's been around that long; most cats don't get there. Kitty's nearly 17; month to go.
Need to find something to knit for...don't be shocked... me. Just have itchy fingers and want to do something different for me, preferably wearable. Gotta check knitty.com and see what's new there. Something just might jump at me... actually that could be scary. An online pictured item jumping out from the screen...
TTFN

Been awhile...

2009-05-04T15:23:00.002-06:00

Between helping out at the WCP Cup and working, I've had a bit of a time fitting in my knitting let alone blogging about anything. Had to work those 3 weekends in a row last month so really put myself behind.
M's bag is going quite well. Still need to line B's, though. Have the material just putting it off as it's sewing not knitting.
As I texted in, I've decided to work on a flock of "Ewenice"s at Mosaic this year. I've also decided that come next year I want no part in organizing the "displays" for our pavilion. I'm mad enough to spit nails still and the meeting was over a week ago. No more of this being taken for granted crap! I refuse to have my name associated with such tripe!!
I digress.
I try to update my Twitter daily, so look for me there if this space hasn't been looked at for a bit. Details in the sidebar.
TTFN

General update

2009-05-02T16:33:00.002-06:00

Progress on M's bag is good.
Thinking of knitting several 'Ewenice' (CottageCreations) at Mosaic. They're small and quick and sheep!

MS Walk update #2

2009-04-26T08:27:00.003-06:00

We're stopped @ Davin School. I'm having a chocolate bar while Shorty watches the dog across the street.

MS Walk update

2009-04-26T07:50:00.002-06:00

Maureen & I are on our way to do the MS Walk. We're just past Pasqua Hospital headed towards the ex grounds...

Twice in a day after so long!

2009-04-20T16:11:00.002-06:00

My current WIP (now that I got the pic of the previous one straightened out...) is another bag, this one for Monique & I'm playing with the same pattern but have changed up the yarns a bit. We'll see what happens!
In Other News: there's lots of exciting soccer action at the Event Plex. Until May 3rd, the WCP Cup is there bringing mens, womens, youth-boys and, for the 1st year, youth-girls soccer action. The fans are a sight as well!
Gotta get cracking at the Mosaic planning as am totally going against some of the "suggestions" I'm supposed to be following. I like how I don't know what I'm doing after 5 years of doing the job, and there's been no complaints about it. Until now. Some people want everything changed. Not try a couple new ideas; that I have no problem with. No let's scrap everything and start again, with ideas we've rejected in the past because they weren't feasible!!!!!!!! But i don't know what I'm doing. I'm completing what I started thisa year and the lot of them can go hang next year! And good luck finding someone else willing to put the time into it all. Will be nice to do a couple shifts and go home as soon as I'm done dancing of an evening... They have no idea how much I really do take care of; but they will!
Enough ranting. It's my day off. Will now head for home and wrap presents for Hannah's birthday (#5 tomorrow!) and Sarah's little girl: Nola Charlotte. Happy thoughts for happy little people...
TTFN

Bernie's Bag!!!

2009-04-20T13:32:00.003-06:00

This is the bag for Bernie's birthday. I used 3 shades of Bernat Satin, and the pattern is the "Bottom's Up" bag from Elise Duvekot's book "Knit One Below" (which is fabulous BTW!!) Especially love how the varigated (Florals) swirled through the piece; it looks so cool!

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Oops...

2009-04-20T12:35:00.001-06:00

Been a bit of awhile... have gotten hung up on Twitter and then I got stuck working 3 weekends in a row and couldn't get here to update anything. And apparently the pic of B's bag didn't get here so will have to resend it... WCP Cup going on now; awesome soccer in Regina www.wcpcup.com Check it out!
TTFN

New Sheep

2009-04-08T18:03:00.003-06:00

Got her this morning at Shopper's.

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Happy New Baby/Sweater Done

2009-03-18T09:23:00.005-06:00

Here's the sweater for Sarah's little girl, who arrived a few weeks early but is fine and dandy. Just finished the 2nd sleeve. Haven't run the ends in yet. (Well, she got here earlier than expected! I was working with April 2 as a deadline!)

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Some Really Cool News...

2009-03-07T13:37:00.004-06:00

The first bits have nothing to do with knitting, or the kittens, but is so totally cool I have to share it.
Firstly Great Big Sea is going to perform at the Junos on March 29! They're also up for (?)Group of the Year! This is soooo awesome and I'll actually watch more than 5 mins of the program this so I don't miss them.
Secondly, Russell Crowe is starring in a new Robin Hood movie. (This isn't the truly great part) Guess who's been cast to play minstral/troubadour Allan A'Dayle! Alan Doyle!!! One of our favorite minstrals! Is that type casting or what?! Alan on the big screen... (Too bad no Sean or Bob though... And no Kris or Murray... Especially Murray...)
I've added another links list to the sidebar: non-knitting yet very important sites. GBS, Shaun the Sheep and Wallace & Gromit. I'm listed under my first name on GBS (Sile), and as Muirin on the other 2 as my name was taken already! (Can you believe that? There's another Sile running around out there!)
In knitting news: I'm pleased to say that as of Tuesday (March 3), Bernie's sweater-jacket is done!!! Finished the washing, sewing on of loops and toggle on Sunday, but has been in her possession since Tuesday. And she loves it so all is wonderful.
Sweater for Sarah's baby: I'm well onto the sleeves now.
That's all the excitement from this end of things!
TTFN

Sound like anyone I know?...

2009-02-13T17:59:00.003-06:00

Those born on Feb 13th are energetic & spontaneous individuals who seek out excitement. They tend to be spirited & uninhibited, sharing every thought and emotion with those around them. They can be very frank and blunt with their personal observations.
Well someone thinks a lot about me! This is what it says on the keychain Mom gave me for my day. Wow, 4 again. I like 4; it's a decent age. I can act goofy and silly and get away with giggling uncontrolably... Yep, 4's a good age to be.
In more knitterly content: my capelet was a success at the ceili. Even pinned my hair up to show off all the details. Am currently back working at Sarah's baby's sweater. Going real well; am onto the body already.
Stumped on what to knit for Bernie this year. Have been going through the books and mags but nothing's jumping out. May have to resort to socks for everyone again...
TTFN

Detail: Sheep Closure (big surprise)

2009-02-06T22:34:00.003-06:00

Ta-da! Here's the top shot. Literally. My neck must be wider than others' as wouldn't look right to put loop on 2nd set as planned. Now am ready for the ceili! And my birthday!

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Detail: Loopy Cable

2009-02-06T20:56:00.003-06:00

This cable from Alice Starmore's St Ciaran shawl made a neat bridge between the gore sections. I mirrored it on each side of the center gore.

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Detail: Center back

2009-02-06T17:59:00.003-06:00

This knot is from Elsebeth Lavold's 2nd book of viking patterns. She called the sweater Trud. I thought it was different looking.

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Happy Waitangi Day!!

2009-02-06T12:05:00.002-06:00

Happy New Zealand Day! They have the highest sheep to person ratio in the world. That's a lot of sheep. Way to go, New Zealand!

Nearly done My Capelet!!

2009-02-05T17:28:00.003-06:00

Here's my capelet as it is right now. Still 8 days to my bday. Since am so close I want it for Sat @ MWCF. Gotta show off now and then don't I?

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Ireland is back in Mosaic!!! Help me pick my project!

2009-01-26T13:10:00.003-06:00

For those not from Regina, Mosaic is our annual multicultural festival, held the first weekend of June. The Irish pavilion took last year off to rest and regroup but we're all fired up about 2009! I'm heading up displays, as is usual. One of the things I do every year as part of the displays is to act as a living display and knit something "Irish" during the 3 days of the festival. I've done a toddler sized Aran sweater, an Aran-"fleeced" sheep (Sam the Ram; pattern from Three Kittens Yarn Shop in St. Paul, MN)... So am wanting to get some feedback on what I should go for this year. I don't like too large a project as I do have to set it down to go and dance (Prairie Gael School of Irish Dance Adult Advanced class), and also get up and answer questions about the various display items... I pride myself on knowing little tidbits about each and every item I put on display. So start suggesting things; my needles are waiting to fly!
TTFN

Cuddle a Koala! Emulate an Emu!

2009-01-26T12:37:00.004-06:00

Happy Australia Day! This wonderful country produces the majority of the world's merino wool. And about 30% of the total wool in the world!!! On top of that it's home to a lot of really interesting animals and birds that aren't found anywhere else. G'day, mates to any Australian friends out there!

Hallmark has sheep!!!

2009-01-24T15:49:00.002-06:00

Whoo hoo! Found 3, count em 3, sheep at Hallmark today! This is a great day for sheepdom! Capelet going well. Update soon.

MY CAPELET!!! (Well, the start of it...)

2009-01-09T19:57:00.004-06:00

This is a fairly decent view of the knotwork lace and simple edging I've chosen for my capelet. Am roughly 1/4 the way through this portion of the project. The lace is from a project out of "A Gathering of Lace", gathered by Meg Swansen. The project is "Ingrid's Bridal Shawl". I've moved the chart a bit to knit the border as a flat piece for the bottom edge of my capelet. The edging is one I found in a Debbie Bliss baby book (can't recall which one) on a simple little white dress. I didn't want anything too lacy or too wide. Also needed it to fit the lace reps evenly! 8 rows to the edging and 16 in beg and end sections of the knotwork. Actual lace has 20 rows, so twice through is 40, which works!

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Jethro and Eddie

2009-01-09T19:39:00.004-06:00

Haven't had a kittens photo for a bit, so here's one. It's not a great shot but here are the oldest and the youngest of my gang. Can you guess who's who?

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Quote for today; New Features for Sile and the Knittin' Kittens

2009-01-09T00:29:00.004-06:00

One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries. - A.A. Milne

I got a copy of Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's "Never Not Knitting" page-day-calendar. It is so fabulous! So everynow and again I plan to throw out a quote or make mention of a special (knitting) day. Please note I've alsao added a poll to the sidebar. Since we're just past the holiday season, the first poll involves gift projects. Be honest now!

Happy New Year to Everyone, whether Knitter or Non-knitter!
TTFN

The Other Sock

2009-01-06T17:16:00.004-06:00

The title says it all. I should note that the yarn I used was NOT one of the sponsering yarns. I used Opal, which is one of my favorite sock yarns. I love to knit with it. Lovely. And it's a wool blend. Mmmm, wool...

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Think These Are Outside The Sox?

2009-01-06T17:00:00.003-06:00

So here is Sock 1. Each sock turned out just different enough to warrent it's own pic. I think they'll catch the judges eyes.

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Time For a Wish List

2008-12-30T14:07:00.002-06:00

Almost to the end of another year. So on that note, here's some things I hope to accomplish in 2009:

1)Colorwork: my gauge in colorwork sucks. Starting with my first project in the New Year though I will try to make this better. For this "test", I'm knitting the "A Family Affair" hat out of Elise Duvkot's new book "Knit One Below". 5 colors, stranding is fairly minimal, but gotta start somewhere.

2)My Capelet: other than our Dancer dolls, this'll be the first time I have something the rest of the gang does. Maybe we can wear them at St. Pat's?...

3)Mom's socks: yeah, didn't quite get there. Again.

4)Something signifying my allegience to Great Big Sea: this will have to be designed by me. Possibly a sweater with their names knit in and use the anchor I put on Andi's hat... cables (fun), and colorwork; helping me to accomplish 1). Hmm... Must give this more thought...
TTFN

Getting Closer...

2008-12-30T13:03:00.004-06:00

View from the front, right after completing the side seams. Progress is being made, people! Let the Knitting World rejoice! Progress is being made. May I add, I hope to never knit another sweater that needs seams sewn!

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Bernie's Jacket!!!!

2008-12-30T11:45:00.003-06:00

Finally getting around to those darn seams!! (Have I mentioned lately how much I hate sewing seams?) Am at the library, so no excuses or distractions. This was taken right after completing the sleeve-into-shoulder seams.

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Sheep Scarf for Lesley

2008-12-29T17:28:00.003-06:00

Here it is: Lesley's birthday gifty! I made one of the sections for the Sheep wrap in Vogue's Knitting-on-the-go Shawls book. Chose green buttons instead of white ones to give her more character. (Mailed off 12/30/08)

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Mitten Pic#2

2008-12-18T22:00:00.003-06:00

My Mitts

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Mitten Pic#1

2008-12-18T21:48:00.004-06:00

Right Mitten Palm Shot

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IDEAS and Woolgathering...

2008-12-15T14:40:00.002-06:00

Been looking at Elsebeth Lavold's 2nd book of Viking Knits (as well as Michele Rose Orne's book) and there are 3 designs incorporating cabled motifs into gore sections. In the case of EL thse are outlined by St sts on textured bkgrnds and these sts then carry up into the main body of the piece.
My thought is to put 2 "gores" with motifs, at the back/shoulders and have them dec down to their defined lines and then CABLE these lines (mirrored, of course) to the end. Need to find suitable motif(s) and what should be used as the bkgrnd? One jacket uses a wide ribbing and the other uses Moss st. MRO uses her gores to seperate other fancy cable work section. Must continue to play with these ideas...
Have already chosen Bernat "Satin" in an icy blue shade. Also am wondering what to do about an edging. Should I keep it simple or blow everyone's doors off?! I want this one to completely rock. Not that the others didn't, but this one is personal. Besides, shouldn't the designer get the best one? After all, I'm doing all the work!

Sile's Knittin' & Kittens

Happy New Year (yeah it's late)

I *Was* Doing Well...

Bits and Pieces of News

Happy Gobble-Gobble

Interesting Sources

FO: Sweet Little Cat Paws is done :)

I'm bad

Progress on WIP Challenge Week

WIP Challenge Week at the WokBox Knit Night

This is sort of cool...

It Was Time For a Change...

Fur-Gang News: Kitten has a name!

Fall is here!!

New Member of the Fur-Gang!!

I Got a Little Distracted...

Fur-Gang Update!!!!

Long Weekend

No, I Haven't Forgotten about Knitting

30 Days of GBS Challenge: Days 15 - 26

Pyewacket: a shawl

30 Days of GBS: Days 11, 12 & 13

30 Days of GBS: Day 10

30 Days of GBS: Day 9

30 Days of GBS: Day 8

30 Days of GBS: Days 5, 6 & 7

30 Days of Great Big Sea: a fun challenge

A Nearly FO & other news

Done for another year

Mosaic is this week!!!

New things happening

I Don't Understand It: a rant

Knitting Update

Trips to the Frogpond & other Adventures

I can do this

MVP: a hat pattern

Oops! Little behind...

Safe Upon the Shore

Um, what was I saying...

I blame Ravelry!

So much for good intentions...

Happy 2010!!!

Anchors & Ropes: a hat pattern

My Regina KIP Adventure

Feeling Defeated By My Knitting

Fur-gang Update

Latest on "The Sweater"

And more on the Sweater...

The Sweater is growing...

Oops!

Front of Sweater!!!

Sweater Update!

Sweater Progress Report

Frogpond Express

Passing this along: Attention Designers!

About my Grandma

continuing

About my earlier Tweet...

Happy Canada Day!

Birthdays and other Important Announcements

Notes from this Knitter's Notebook...

A Birthday!

Annoying...

M's Bag

From my phone...

This, That and Others

Been awhile...

General update

MS Walk update #2

MS Walk update

Twice in a day after so long!

Bernie's Bag!!!

Oops...

New Sheep

Happy New Baby/Sweater Done

Some Really Cool News...

Sound like anyone I know?...

Detail: Sheep Closure (big surprise)

Detail: Loopy Cable

Detail: Center back

I Was Doing Well...