Time off for Good Behaviour…

Happy Easter to all! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind indeed. We had company in between taking turns incubating and entertaining a few nasty flu bugs. Family and friends have been popping by to view the new oven (gotta love KitchenAid!). And the weather has finally warmed and snow has melted so the draw to venture out into the sunshine has certainly been strong. However, this does not mean that knitterly pursuits have been put on hold. Even though, Jeanette and I missed the last Saskatoon Knitting Circle's gathering, we certainly have been keeping busy.

When the flu bug hits and takes hold we barely have energy to accomplish life's obligations. But I always find the energy to pick up the needles and cast on. As always, I've a few projects on the go. My favourite and proudest endeavour is below: A spring time beauty entitled Titania, designed by Elizabeth Klett. I chose to knit with Lion Brand's Cotton Ease in the colour Lake. So this:

Turned into this:

Which, I'm desperately hoping, will turn into something resembling this:

Elizabeth is an up and coming knitwear designer who takes her cue from the words of Shakespeare himself. This lacy cotton top is named for the queen of the fairies in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Her boudoir is described in these lines: "I know a bank where the wild thyme blows / Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows / Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine / With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine." Elizabeth definitely captured some of this magic and poetry in the design, which incorporates a simple scalloped lace pattern and a more challenging twisted vine pattern. The elbow-length sleeves are slightly flared, and the front piece incorporates a V-neck, making this top both pretty and easy to wear.

The front is now complete and the back is on the needles as we speak! I am very excited to complete this garment and aim to do just that by the time the Bard's birthday roles around (April 23).

Now onto other news: The Easter celebratory weekend is on the horizon. As many of you know, our little group of knitters has met EVERY Sunday since we all began to come together. This week, however, we will not be meeting due to the Easter Holiday. Mackenzie Coles is closing its doors and other venues just do not appeal to us. Therefore, it was decided that we would take a break from stitching in public. We will meet again on March 30, 2008 (same time and place). Here's hoping everyone enjoys their holiday.

I, for one, still plan to stitch. We will be spending 5 hours in the car on the way to visit my sister in Brooks, Alberta. Rest assured I will have the needles at the ready and hopefully complete the back of Titania by the time I reach my sister's door. The biggest question is: Have I packed enough knitting to keep me occupied. Let us see: 5 hours there (check, Titania ought to do it); two days of Easter and Family celebrations (well, Titania may be complete by this time…I ought to look around for another project…socks maybe); 5 hours back home (that decides it, I also need to pack extra yarn, the full set of Harmonies and some project books…for who can tell when inspiration strikes???) I just hope my knitting bag is big enough to hold it all

Now for the oven: It is a True Convection oven made by KitchenAid (check out link for full specs and particulars). I have been baking up a storm. I spent two full days baking (I only knit a few rows) when it first arrived. The oven is shiny, has beautiful sing song "I'm done" chimes, has a user friendly convection conversion setting, an auto light that illuminates the gleaming inside when the door is open, is equipped with an auto shut off option and self cleaning. Okay, am I wrong here, or does this appliance come with more benefits than a husband? Oh yes, I almost forgot, it has blinky lights and a touch pad…much fun will be had. I love my new oven.

Well folks that is it for now. Until next we meet, happy stitching.

Next Knit and Knatter

Sunday March 30, 2008

2 pm

MacKenzie Cole's Coffee

Saskatoon, SK

For more information you can email me at zink.bonnie@gmail.com