WWKIP Day

It is almost upon us, World Wide Knit in Public Day! We've been looking forward to gathering with all knitters across the globe to knit in public for yarn and sharp pointy sticks surely do provide comradery, solidarity and a fun way to pass the time. We truly do have more fun than a room full kittens!

This is just a short post for I must return to my charity projects to give away tomorrow. Our little group of yarn enthusiasts has decided to donate our FOs to local charities in honour of our giving spirits and to spread the love of knitterly pursuits.

Today I have completed a baby set:

A few weeks ago we gave Kudos to Pam, for finishing her very first project and for mastering the art of DPNs. This little strawberry hat is just too cute for words.

Pam is indeed a very lucky gal for Kevin, her friend, has been joining us. We suspect that he has taken up the needles to impress her. Wow...that is way cool :)

Gale worked on, and has since completed, her cotton tank top that combined crochet and knitting. It actually fit and she is, as she should be, proud of her accomplishment. She has come a long way from dishcloths.

Last on the show and tell pile is a nice shot of our door prize for WWKIP in the park on Saturday June 14, 2008. Glenda, of the Wool Emporium, was kind enough to finish this donated shawl and then turn around and donated it to us as our door prize (to be drawn at 4pm - you have to be there to win it). I'm sure everyone will covet the softness of the cotton, the beauty of the colour and wish it to be theirs! But only one can win...

And a close up:

Yes we still have our regular meet up going on Sunday June 15 at 2pm at MacKenzie Coles Coffee...

See you there? Now back to the needles :)

Happy Christmas Knitting....

Christmas is fast approaching. Our group of dedicated stitchers has long been creating wonderfull and warm woolies for gift giving this holiday season. We are crocheters and knitters who enjoy the process of making hand crafted gifts from the heart. We all agree that the process of creation is a joy in itself, but when we see the smiles that the gifts give, our hearts nearly burst with pride. The creations area always received with many thanks and gratitude.


Traditionally, I usually make up some sort of Christmassy type ornament. This year I found (on the Stitchbook portion of Facebook) a pattern for a beautiful hand crafted angel. She is stitched with a 1.5mm hook with crochet thread/cotton. She can be made to match any decor as this cotton usually comes in a variety of colours. I've been thinking of developing a larger (suitable for a tree topper) angel out of worsted or sport weight yarn. I'm sure she'd be a welcome addition to any Christmas decor.

How many of you have hard to buy for teenagers? I certainly do. My 17 year old usually has everything she needs and when she wants something tends to go out and get it on her own. This cycle doesn't leave many ideas left in the giving basket. However, I hit pay dirt this year. I've noticed that fetchers (fingerless gloves) are all the rage amongst the younger set this year. They are quite a nifty little creation that add a fashionable accent along with a splash of practicality. By keeping the hands warm and letting the fingers be free to do their business, these lovely adornments add a touch of class to any young gals ensemble. I stitched them up in a mere weekend. They work up very quickly and the pattern can be adapted to suit any yarn weight. The matching hat is an aran inspired knit from "Charmed Knits." Hermione wore it in Prisoner of Azkaban on her trip to Hogsmeade. I've made a number of them for holiday gifts this year and even found some time to make one for myself as well. The pattern is now forever burned into my brain.

Our regular members have been busy stitching away as well. Kristin decided to give a camouflage bag a try. She's making wonderful progress and has become an accomplished crocheter. The pattern, according to Kristin, is very easy and the stitching is uncomplicated. However, she soon tired of the monotony and decided to set to work on a very cute and Japanese inspired toy. Kristin has been working on amigurumi (which means knitted or crocheted doll in Japanese) toys. Her current project is a lovely bunny loaded with character and love in each stitch. She has promised to bring the completed bunny to the next SnB. We can't wait to see it, Kristin!

Alison brought a beautiful eyelash sweater for show and tell. She spent hours of stitching and frogging, while working a night shift, designing this sweater for her daughter. Her daughter begged for this piece. As is the case quite often, she decided that she no longer liked the sweater (as it made all 92 lbs of her look fat!) and Alison inherited her own handiwork. She is beautiful in this caterpillar"ish" feat of stitching expertise!!! Way to go Alison!!!! Jeanette will surely covet this beauty as she has taken to enjoying the eyelash yarn and even created a beautiful scarf from the stuff for her own sister (who, by all accounts, loved every stitch of it).

NEWS FLASH! Gale finally completed the purse sock! (please stand for a round of applause). This sock has been in regular attendance at each SnB since the summer of 2007. It has been frogged many times, caused issues with heel turned, suffered a chronic case of dropped stitches and has been Gale's faithful companion for many months. The set is now complete! Gale expertly turned the heel, cured the dropped stitches, and flawlessly grafted toes each week. This past Sunday saw success!!! (Picture to come :) )

Jan, our most regular and faithful attendee, has been busy stitching up socks for her grandchildren. She's bound and determined to adorn each set of busy feet with pairs of love inspired warm woolies this holiday season. We were amazed that in a mere few hours she was able to complete a foot and a heel without any issue. Gale may have to forfeit her Sock Diva title and pass it onto Jan as she's a sock making machine.

The holiday season has kept many of our members from joining in the fun. We would all like to take a moment to wish them happiness for the coming season and into the New Year. I'm sure many thoughts are already turning to stockpiling gifts for next year! In fact, Melissa has noted that she plans on giving hand stitched socks. She's becoming another accomplished sock knitter!

Happy Stitching and here's hoping we will see you at the next SnB!!!!

Sunday December 23, 2007
McKenzie Cole's Coffee
Gray Avenue and Central Avenue
Saskatoon, SK

2 pm

Progess was made...

Sunday December 15 found a group of yarn enthusiasts stitchin', bitchin' and sippin'!
We held a mini sock seminar, cast on cuffs, stitched up mittens and shawls and solved world issues.

Gale and Melissa both fought with thier respective socks. It would appear that Melissa has a tendency to try things backwards. She fought with learning the ins and outs of sock construction and made some progress under the fine tutelage of our very own Diva, Gale. Jeanette, our smiling bit of Sunshine, once again pulled out her mousy mittens. We are almost done these fine examples of knitterly expertise. She completed her eyelash scarf for a Xmas gift and continued on with the completion of the final mitten! All that is left is to embroider the face and stitch up the ears and these beauties will adorn her hands and keep her fingers toasty for the remainder of the winter. I'm very proud of my gal.

It would appear that not all teenagers are as eager to join in the fun. Alison's very own 17 year old would rather stab herself in the eye than be caught with our group. Keep up the recruitment efforts for I'm sure your gal is as eager to discover her inner knitter as mine was :)


Many of you wonder what exactly we do with our free hours during the week. Well we stitch and we dream of interesting, yet somewhat twisted ways, to spend our time. Our resident twisted expert, Alison, is showing off her Shrunken Head purse. What self respecting woman wouldn't love to complete her ensemble with this whimsical yet useful accessory? One can put all their particularly "nasty" thoughts inside :)

Mrs. McCready, Gales Mom, finally completed the bulk of her shawl. She busily learned to pick stitches and continued on - nearly completing one cuff! Even though we were patternless (we all agreed that it surely must have been Gale's fault as the pattern was left behind, we were able to make well-educated "guesstimates" on how many stitches, how many rows and the type of ribbing to complete. In a richly deep blue/navy, Gale's Mom will be warm and toasty all winter long.

Since Mrs. McCready's shawl was stitching up so beautifully, Jan decided to start on her own. The colourway is forming a beautiful pattern in hues of blue. Although she expressed concern over "never being able to complete something for herself," Jan has made great progress and I'm sure will show off her finished project in the weeks to come. It would seem that Jan suffers from a rare form of Startitis: whenever someone sees a bit of her work, she must once again cast on a project for someone else and leave her beloved WIPs to the mercy of the UFO pile. On the up side, though, it would seem they are keeping one another great company. Sweaters and Shawls have become fast friends.

As for myself, I've finally been able to cast on a sweater destined for myself. I plan to deflect and ignore all the cries of "but I need one;" "it is so beautiful, I just must have it!;" and the ever popular "PLEASE oh PLEASE let it live with me." Even when the begging is combined with the puppy dog eyes and the getting down on the knees I shall resist the urge to give up my chocholate brown faire isle pull over for this time it will rest upon my very own shoulders!

The sad part is that I cannot use my knitting machine as it is done in the round and. therefore, I must suffer the madness that miles and miles of stockinette construction induces. So come on and join in my madness. We'll be meeting again at:

Mackenzie Coles Coffee
Gray Avenue and Central Avenue
Saskatoon, SK

2 pm

Sunday December 16, 2007

Happy Stitching!

Travelling SnB

This past weekend marked another successful SnB for the Saskatoon Knitting Circle. Jan and Gale livened up MacKenzie Coles Coffee with their stitching and laughing while other members (like Jeanette and myself) were there in spirit.

My nephew marked another milestone in his life...he turned 18. So Jeanette and I travelled off to Brooks, Alberta to celebrate his coming of age. Yes, we took our stitching with us. I was busy handing out a number of handmade gifts. Michael loved his Saskatchewan Rough Rider inspired afghan. Michael is now a man, but still needs to keep warm and agreed this is the perfect gift.




















Jennifer Kent-Thistle coveted her Hermione inspired winter ensemble and other hand made items came to rest under Shannon's Christmas tree. Jennifer's favourite colour is red, which makes this ensemble perfect for her. She looks just like Hermione in Prisoner of Azkaban!



















On our trip home (a 5 1/2 drive) Jeanette decided to give stitching in the car a try. She chose eyelash yarn and created a simple yet beautiful scarf. By the time we arrived back in Saskatoon, she had completed just beyond the 1/2 way mark. Quite the knitter she is becoming. She has already suffered startitis and Second Mitt Syndrome. She's knitting almost everywhere and every chance she gets. My next mission is to get her hooked on socks. I just may need the Knitting Circle's help with this one as she is not all that keen on starting with the DPNs.





















This past week saw the completion of one more Xmas item. The list is now shortening, much to my relief. This Hermione hat and Fetcher set worked up well with Red Heart Acrylic. Since the recipient is a teen it needs to be washable, so Red Heart in Burgandy is the perfect medium.

I now have another Hermione hat on the needles for myself! Yes, I do knit the occasional item for myself but tend to do it last. With all the chill and snow around these days it is time for me to update my own winter ensemble. I plan to stitch up a pair of mittens to match the hat and am using the Red Heart Aran Fleck yarn (a creamy natural colour blended with flecks of other yarns to mimick the look of real wool - great for an Aran knit sit like the one above).

That's all the updates for this week. On Sunday December 08, 2007 at 2 pm we will all reconvene our group at MacKenzie Coles Coffee here in Saskatoon. I can't wait to catch up with the girls, meet some new members and enjoy the coffee.

SnB - November 18, 2007

Another successful meeting of the needles! We laughed, discussed social issues, drank loads of caffeine (even though one of our members admitted a dislike for coffee...shame on you!) and even got some knitting done!

Gale, our dishcloth diva, had an end pulling session with the latest additions to her cloth collection. She loves the projects due to their ease of construction and portability - they are perfect companions at the movies and if you knit carefully enough no one is disturbed by the clicking heard as she knits them up at marathon speed. In a plethora of colourful creations, these handy little kitchen / bath accessories are sure to please someone. Once the ends were all tucked in nice and tidy-like, Gale turned her attention to this keyhole scarf that she's stitching up for her brother in law. I think we decided that it would benefit from a small fringe to add a bit of interest.

Jan is our regular knitter. She is a whiz at sock knitting, she is expert with hats and she is a joy to our group. Each week Jan has something new and interesting in her knitting bag. This week, Jan excitedly showed off her new yarn aquisition (Patons Decor) and eagerly cast on a shrug to keep herself warm and cozy. Over the past few weeks Jan has not only been to EVERY SnB, she has been creating wonderful creations that are coveting by many a family member.




Some of our regulars opted out of joining us this week (you know who you are!). Many reasons kept them from knitterly pursuits - the weather (yes it snowed and snowed and rained and snowed here in Saskatoon) as winter finally arrived and made the streets a little treacherous; the Grey Cup playoffs - what self respecting Saskatchewanian would miss their home team in the play offs as it only happens every 20 years or so (just kidding...they are a good bunch of young lads who try their best, I'm sure); and other obligations. However, I do have a bit of news to report: Jeanette (my lovely 15 year old) finally completed the first of her "mousy mitten" set (seen here with our family cat Mia). Jeanette was not in attendance today, but she certainly has done a nice job. Her stitches are even and she's already suffering from SMS (Second Mitten Syndrome) and Startitis (she has a number of projects on the go). I'm happy to report that the second mitten is OTN (On The Needles) and the ribbing is nearing completion.

The four of us busily worked on several projects as we laughed and drank coffee. We even had a show and tell. Here you can see both Allison and Jan proudly displaying their handywork. Self striping sock yarn is a god send, as we all agreed.

In keeping with the show and tell theme, I brought along a funky little Monkey back pack. The pattern can be found in the Stitch'n'Bitch book and is a breeze to whip up - especially on the knitting machine. Much to the chagrin of Gale, I do quite a bit of knitting on the machine. Miles and miles of stockinette stitch drives me insane with tediousness. Therefore, I invested in an Incredible Sweater machine years and years ago. I can now make it through sweaters, afghans, simple home dec projects and more in an instant. I often will construct the back and arms of swearters on the machine while accomplishing more intricate lace and cable patterns by hand. The machine is a wonderful invention, even though Gale asserts that is is cheating an just plain wrong. What can one do with those process knitters?

As the afternoon wore on, I received a round of applause for the completion of the Xmas Sweater. In a beautiful aubergine Patons Decor wool blend, the sweater knit up quite quickly. I completed the insertion of a zipper today and Allison was kind enough to model it for me. Thanks, Allison! As some of you know, Allison is our "invisible" member. For weeks, she promised to join us and for weeks the real world kept her from us. We welcomed her to our happy group today and enjoyed her style and watched her accomplish a couple more inches on her sweater (another project from the Stitch'n'Bitch book). Of course, the back (done on the knitting machine) is just miles and miles of *yawn* stockinette stitch. Once you see the front, that's where the magic is. A band of variated cables lies on either side of the zipper and hems the hood to add a bit of beauty and interest to this sweater that, I'm sure, a certain 15 yr old is going to love for a long time to come.

Our next meeting will take place at the regular time and regular place. Here's hoping that our missed members will be there to brag about their projects, update us on their progress and enjoy the company of one another. Our group is growing and includes house wives, accountants, youth workers, writers, and a host of other types. Blossoming friendships and a love of knitting are the threads that bind our group together. We are a diverse group who welcomes any and all interest (IN FACT, the hostess of McKenzie Coles expressed an interest in learning our craft and, when she has a Sunday off, has promised to join us!!!! - Yes, Pinky, this is how we will take over the world and dominate all with our sticks and string)!!!

So come on over and knit a round or two and have a blast!!!!!!!

Next Meeting:

McKenzie Coles Coffee
Gray Avenue and Central Avenue
Not so Sunny Saskatoon, SK
2 pm
November 25, 2007

Alpaca's R Us!

Exciting news! This past weekend saw the marking of my parents' 40th Anniversary! So to commemorate the occasion my Dad decided to buy an Alpaca for my Mom's anniversary present. We are so very excited! Fibre at our fingertips, literally! Al the Alpaca (no said my parents were very creative with the naming of beasts) is quite happy in his new and, I have it on good authority, that he's eagre to share his warm and wooly coat with the knitter in our family (okay this is mostly me although others have also given it a go).

Although the picture above is not our Al, it is a great one to show the warm and wooly content of their fibre. I am so excited about this new member of our family. However, I shall have to wait patiently until next spring when he will be ready to sheer and then a little while longer while the fibre is cleaned and spun and ready to knit up into some wonderful creation. It is touted as being one of the warmest, softest and silkiest fibres known to knitters. Added bonus: they are just so darn CUTE!

Anyone out there who has any experience with Alpaca fibre, drop me a line. I am eager to learn all I can about the care of Alpacas, processing of their fibre and knitting with the fine yarn produced. I'm looking forward to learning all there is to know about this member of the camelid family and maybe writing it up into an intriguing article some day.

Happy knitting!

OTN (On the Needles)!

Greetings to all! It would seem our little group is growing as we welcomed a few new stitchers into our ranks. Mothers, Daughters and Friends joined in the fun as the Saskatoon Knitting Circle met once again this past Sunday! OTN (on the needles) were several hats, mittens, scarves and a dishcloth. Progress was made amidst the laughter and copious amounts of coffee were drunk. Most importantly, fun was had by all.

My own knitterly adventures have been been ripe with enjoyment, challenges, unexpected jewels and much clicking as the needles and digits never rest. Amidst cries of "I'm hungry," "Are there any clean clothes," and "What about me's?", the members of TAKE (Those Against Knitting Enjoyment) have been active and well in my home. BUT, I'm smarter than they and trickier too! Through all their efforts, I've still maintained steady progress in working through projects on the ever expanding Christmas list.

Currently OTN:

Another Hermeione inspired toque...(So far a purple and red version have been completed).

My Afghan that incorporates someone special's favourite colours is almost complete but awaits patiently rolled up in my knitting corner for the addition of more rows. Crocheted in a 1/2 double stitch on a size 4mm hook it is growing far faster than I can supply yarn to it. Who was it who noted that crochet uses up 3 x the amount of yarn than knitting? As a saged crocheter / knitter, I must agree. It has already eaten several super saver red heart skeins and now needs more. Although if the recipient was shorter, I probably could bind off now and save myself the efforts by creating a lap throw. Alas, this crocheter is not so lucky. On the upside, Oliver, our resident Knitterly Familiar, enjoys the progress thus far.

Other recently completed projects include a passel of toques to keep the heads of my loved ones warm throughout our long and chilly winters. I've recently rediscovered my love for Faire Isle. My current Fair Ilse hat jag has brought me a newfound love for the building of a pattern based upon stitching two colours together in sequence. Although, the technique is not new to me, it was made much easier by the inclusion of Continental (European or left handed) knitting. I have become quite proficient and comfortable with carrying my secondary colour in my left hand. This ultimately avoids the pitfalls of twisted yarns and the challenges in keeping the colours from mixing up and makes the reading of the chart all that much easier in that each colour resides on a separte side with the pattern cradled comfortably in my lap. Why didn't I ever teach myself to knit left-handed before?

My most recently finished toque incorporates this technique in a traditional motif built with burgandy and orange. What little guy in the midst of a Canadian would not love to show off this piece of art?

His sister will be equally as warm and stylish in this charming pink/peach coloured traditional Mediterranean/Arab motif.





Other completed projects have been discussed and described in earlier blogs. However, you might enjoy viewing my passel of toques completed thus far. As each one receives the final touches, my list seems to grow. Requests for Harry Potter inspired adornations and warm woolies keep coming in. My fingers remain ever vigilant to the quest of someday reaching the end of the list. Each year I start my Christmas creations earlier and earlier and each year the list grows longer and longer. This year, though, I have a secret weapon...I have taught my teenager to knit too and surely she'll help her Mom in completing the quest!

Happy Stitching!

Next Knit & Knatter:
Sunday October 7, 2007
McKenzie Coles Coffee
Saskatoon, SK
2 pm

A Frustratingly Stitchin' Good time!!!!

Okay, I give up for tonight! I actually had a pretty productive knitting day (in between quashing the dust bunny revolution and minor conflicts between the laundry machines and the vacuum) and finished up most of the housework. Completed a set of ankle socks (albeit there are plain with nothing fancy but a bit of self patterning yarn...I always feel so very talented when looking at the completed product). They are for my sister...so one person is done and off the Xmas list!!!! Woo hoo am I good or what?

I've come to discover that non-knitters of the world do not see the finishing of a beautifully hand knitted a priority above that of having clean clothes to wear to work or school, having a meal or two in between, and they have actually had the nerve to expect me to TALK to them in the middle of counting rounds! I believe this is a conspiracy, I tell, the non-knitters of the world are attempting to overturn our addictive tendencies and drag us away from sock knitting.


However, the Knitting Goddess is NOT pleased with me. I not sure what I did but she saw fit to blow on through and totally destroy my attempts at knitting lace for a sock cuff tonight. After hours of searching through pictures of pretty tootsy warmers all over the internet, I finally found one that pleased me and begged me to make it up...the cuff is actually knitted lace in the Baby Fern Pattern. You can find proper credits on the Yarn Harlots web log (where I found these beauties).

Construction is not rocket science, but my attempts were thwarted by husband and kid and yes cats too. After three frogs I finally saw some hope and the pattern repeats were actually working for about 6 rows and then WHAMMO the Goddess got me. Turned out I had 2 too many stitches and that is why my work didn't closely resemble hers. So that's it for this eve! Stupid LACE!!! Can I stab a 2.5mm through my eye now?

At any rate, I shall return to it tomorrow. Trust me this is NOT a Stitch'n'Bitch type of project. It takes real concentration and even involves a bit of MATH (Sorry for using the 4 letter word). I think I need some actual peace, tranquility and many spells cast about me to keep the Goddess's playful tricks away :)