Traveling in style? What self respecting traveler wouldn't pack her knitting???? Here is my travel case ready to go and filled with all sorts of knitterly notions - including the Harmonies, a few projects, extra yarn (whatever would I do if I happened to finish two sweaters and a few pairs of socks before I even got to Brooks?). Always be prepared is what I say. The trip was wonderful, even though I wasn't able to get any LYS's. I knitted my heart out as my husband took care of the driving. It was a wonderful Easter trip.

Four weeks worth of Knitting...even with TAKE on active duty!

Four weeks worth of knitting, what does it get you? Well it results in a finished Titania top. I originally began this project in honour of Shakespeare's birthday (April 23, 1564) and endeavoured to complete it by April 23. Success!

It began like this:


And as time went on it began to take shape. Eventually I ended up with the thrill of being "done." "Done?" Well, not quite. There was still the seeming and endless end tucking to be accomplished. I hate these tasks as they are mundane, time consuming and not nearly as exciting as the knitting itself. However, in order to end up with a finished object they must be done. But in the interest of avoiding the ever dreadful hearding of the dust bunnies and the quashing of thier revolution...seeming and end tucking did I. On went the soap operas and coffee being poured I accomplished these tasks in a few hours and ended up like this...


April 4, 2008 - I seemed away until my brain felt like it would go into a mush like state. It did not seem to end (punn intended here). Young and the Restless kept me company. Avoidance is bliss. I validated my putting off of the major house clean (in preparation for the arrival of family and friends for my husband's 40th birthday celebration) with the need to complete the task at hand. It wasn't all that terrible, after all it was still knitting related.

By noon I had the seems the done and had to put it away to continue preparing for the birthday celebration. Even though my mother-in-law, a knitter as well, would surely understand my avoidance of house work in honour of a completed project, it would not do to have everyone walk into a house hold disaster. I admit it...I knit more than I clean and I'm totally okay with that.

The birthday celebrations went ahead, the house was cleaned and laundry was done. All the partiers took their leave and I sat and end tucked, again until my mind was numbed with the montony. At last the end were tucked and the top went into the Miele washer (on hand wash, of course). 38 minutes later she was set for the magical blocking experience!
Titania is now resting upon my deep freeze, drying into place. She is ready and willing to adorn me with her beauty. After all, she is named after the Queen of the Fairies herself! This pattern was inspired by the words of the Bard who describes Titania's boudoir thusly...

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.

The lace work reminds me of a Titania wardrobe. It is flirty, airy and delicate but strong, endearing and ever lasting. I can hardly wait to put this beauty on. Here's hoping she's dry in time for S'n'B Show and Tell.

Happy stitching everyone :)

An Interesting Perspective

Several weeks have passed since I've been able to attend an S'n'B. I miss my knitterly cohorts and the interesting perspectives they have on the universe and the worlds from where they hail. We have a new yarn enthusiast who crochets creations at a speedy rate. We have a scientific researcher who can almost stitch a BSJ in her sleep. We have a retiree whose unique perspective on children keeps us all in stitches. We have an administrative professional whose love of the macabre adds a dash of spice to our conversations. There is the fine arts graduate who enthusiastically stitches up shrunken heads and has formed a connection with our resident computer guru, whose love of unique items has led her to create a (are you ready for this) a knitted version of a dissected frog that reminds us all of Grade 11 Biology class. Yes, our little group has certainly grown and the perspective each member brings only adds to our world view and fuels our creative energies. I've missed the chats, the friendship and the knitterly connections.

Perspectives are an entity unto themselves. Whether we are mired in a work-a-day world or free to indulge our own creative fantastical notions, we all have a perspective. Many of them differ. Some issues give us pause, while they excite others. Yet other issues can bind us together in like opinions. But often, our perspectives are unique on many topics and issues prevailing in our world. The only similarity, it seems, is that we all do have a perspective and an opinion no matter what the topic. However, and this is the one valuable lesson I've gleaned since beginning our weekly knit and knatter, the one thing that binds us all and gives us a sense of communal collectivity is that we all enjoy playing with sharp pointy sticks and string and we certainly know how to use them.

As with all communities, we have a set of rules to follow; a culture that dictates what our norms are; a hierarchy of talents and skills; and the provision of an environment where we can all excel, learn, and share. The rules are simple: we drink coffee, tea or our beverage of choice; we discuss what's on everyone's needles; and we stitch. The norms formerly mentioned include the necessitated need to spread our disease love of our craft to others; sharing our knowledge amongst each other; and always being there to lend a helping hand when needed (although the latter may change if there is a yarn sale that we all attend…go figure). The latter is almost self-explanatory: we meet where ever we have space and our creative juices exude and meld and enhance one another and cultivate our inspirations (although many of these inspired moments remain within the group. Oh sure they may get cast on, but are quickly set aside to finish up other UFOs or delve into the next project that takes our fancy).

Now that I've let you view a snapshot of the whims that whirl around within my brain, I'll move onto other more knitterly things. So what's on my needles, you ask? I'm still working on Titania. She is coming along nicely and I'm very impressed with both the yarn and the pattern. Hopefully I'll have a picture for you in the near future, as I've just completed one half of the last sleeve…then it is onto seeming (and we all know just how much fun that its, don't we?).

So what's on everyone else's needles these days?

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

New encounters...

Meeting up with Knitterly friends was a most exciting event today. Much stitching was had, new friends were made, finished projects were shown off, and we even had to disband early due to another group of coffee lovers invading our stitching corner.

To those of you who were unable to join us today, and you know who you are, you were missed. However, we brought in a new round of stitchers. This is an official welcome to Trisha, Leanne and Jennifer...a few new gals with as much a love of all things yarn as we have. Yes, I'm glad to announce that our little group is growing fast and we filled out the back room of MacKenzie Coles quite nicely. As I mentioned we needed to break up a bit early today due to another group of coffee lovers having booked the room. We have, however, cured this issue in the future as the room is now reserved for us every Sunday between 2pm and 5pm. I'm so excited that we actually NEED to book space for our growing little circle.b

Jennifer, a computer lover as well as an eclectic knitter, was working on a knitterly version of a dissected frog. Yes, you read right (no need to re-read)...a dissected frog. She is a self pronounced knitteress of all things strange and wild. (I'm quite excited to eavesdrop on the conversation between Jennifer, Gale and Alison - when she returns to us. It should be a fairly interesting bit as Jennifer was keen on viewing Alison's Shrunken Head purse...)


And here is a preview, just for you Jennifer, of Alison's Shrunken Head purse:


PS: Alison, bring it along with you when next we meet...

Leanne kept her hands busy creating a pair of beautiful yellow baby booties. They were adorned with a ruffle cuff and are sure to please the recipient.

Trisha, enjoyed passing her love of crochet onto Summer (Jan's Granddaughter). Summer's relationship with knitting is currently on a time out. However, she seemed to enjoying the hooking until it bored her - we shall keep trying to infect her with our disease.

And, a big welcome to Nadia. Nadia was working on a pair of felted mittens. She wore her knitted socks and has plans to expand her repetoire of knitterly experience into a pair of slippers.

We had a great time getting to know the new gals in our group and truly hope they shall return.

Jan remained dedicated to finishing the shawl that was begun months ago. Last week it grew and this week Jan stitched speedily on finishing the last cuff. Here is hoping that next week she will model it for us.



We welcomed back our sunshine, both inside and out. Welcome back Pam. She brought some beautiful show and tell and spread her infectious giggle throughout the group. Pam has been busy crocheting up hats and scarves for her loved ones. Those pictured below are to adorn her lovely little niece:



Jeanette attained a record today. She actually stayed and stitched for about 2 hours! She made great progress on a baby blanket that is to be gifted to a very good family friend recently had twins. The Hoodie Baby Blanket is stitched from Lion Brand's Cotton Ease (50% cotton and 50% acrylic), which makes it wonderfully machine washable and absorbent at the same time.

Gale has made great progress for she busied herself seaming her Hoodie / Bunny Hug made of Homespun. We are looking forward to her modeling the completed item next week.

We even had a brief visit with Melissa and Acadia, sans stitching. You see, Melissa has suffered a knitting related accident that is keeping her from knitting. It would appear that knitting can be dangerous, my friends, as Melissa's sprained thumb is proof of. Her vigorous technique has left her knitting-less. We all offer her our heart felt empathy. Melissa commiserated with me over the mis-adventure of the book, the car and the credit card :) She so totally gets it ! You can look into all Melissa's adventures over here.

Now for me, what have I been up to? Baking for one in the new KitchenAid Convection oven!! Yes, it arrived and is well loved and used. While out and arranging for its delivery last week, I found myself mere blocks from McNally Robinson. The car, being possessed by some knitterly entity, forced me into the parking lot of the book store. What was I to do? Just sit there and wait for it to get the notion to become mobile once again? Well, that didn't seem right. Into the book store I go.

Where do I find myself, but in the knitterly book section. What do I find there? Why, a new knitterly book to add to my collection of course!!!! I left the store with Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Sock Book. An interesting compilation of history, technique and design that is a wonderful addition to my library (all the other books have welcomed her with open arms and no complaints can be heard from the library shelves). I was excited to see a contest connected to this publication: The Ultimate Sock Contest. Since the deadline is March 15, I have my doubts if I'll have the time to put in an entry :( However, I cannot wait to see what sort of creations the knitterly sock maids of the world come up with.

PS: I take no responsibility for being forced into the situation that lead to the buying of this book. For, as you all know, the Knitting Goddess works in mysterious ways and who are we to question her ultimate wisdom and direction? That could prove dangerous, as we all know.

On the project front: The Confused Cardigan is still in the works but the Jaywalkers are nearing completion. I am on the final few rows of the toe and hope to be wearing them next week!


Until next week, my friends...Happy Stitching :)

The Fearless Knitters...

Fearless knitting was our theme. We fearlessly discussed the ins and outs of meat knitting. We showed our wares. And, best of all, we tackled new techniques.

We began our knit with some knatter. Meat! Yes, my friends, there is a whole hoard of knitters out there who knit meat and meat related items. They, in my opinion are indeed fearless! Surf on over to Melissa's Blog for some really cool meat related tid bits, sites and discussion. An entire culture has been built around the construction of food related items. Knitters are indeed the creators of a mirror of life in that almost everything edible has been made from putting two pointy sitcks and some yarn together.

Show and tell came next. Just take a look at Alison's first attempt at felting. A beautiful carry-all created from a palette of colours pleasing to the eye and spiced up with an intricate geometric pattern. After expertly putting yarn to needles and stitching up a storm, Alison threw the fabric through the felting process and, VOILA, out came a beautiful accessory big enough to carry knitterly items, books, or anything her heart desires.

During the show and tell we deviated from our normal knitterly discussions to listen to Alison's review of the latest series of books that she is tackling. The Book of Shadows, The Book of Spirits and The Witchery by James Reese are " a remarkable trilogy of magic, upheaval, lush sensuality and epic history." Alison successfully piqued the interest of several of our knitters / readers.

Next on the show and tell agenda was Mary. Although she did not create these beauties, she did regale the tale behind them. Mary's daughter is a Tibetan translator and through her professional pursuits, Mary had formed a knitterly friendship or two. These socks, knit in what we assume is the Tibetan tradition, were recently sent to Mary. In return Mary agreed to dye some burgandy yarn and send back a pair of hand knit beauties of her own making. The only down side is the socks seen in the picture below are a wee bit too small for Mary to wear herself.
Now, onto to our own experiment in fearless knitting: Toe up socks. The internet is plied with numerous free patterns, hints, and techniques in relation to this style of sock making. There is a plethora of cast on techniques, a few types of heels and numerous patterning techniques to make the sock interesting. I'll leave it to you to seek out your own, but will say that Ravelry is a superb resource for anyone looking to give this mode of sock construction a go.

Jeanette (our apprentice knitter) put aside her Teddy Bear Construction in favour of creating some socks. We made a trip to Prairie Lily on Friday and picked out new yarns (for as you all know full well the current stash was just not offering any inspiration - besides a new technique is a great reason to shop for more!). She was thrilled with the wall of sock yarn in Prairie Lily and picked out two slightly matching balls of sock yarn. As anyone with teenagers will tell you, matching socks are boring. Therefore, Jeanette's plan is to create a stash of mismatched hand crafted beauties to keep her tootsies warm.


After an afternoon of stitching and some very interesting false starts here are the results. The toes were completed by Jan, Melissa and myself. Not everyone took on the challenge of Toe Up Sock Construction: Kristin brought along her Chevron Crocheted Afghan, Gale kept on stitching her Homespun Bunny Hug and Mary opted for the cuff down variety and made use of her beautiful hand dyed yarn.

Those of us who attempted the feat were not swayed by the confusion of learning a new cast on method. Although it took a while to get the technique down pat, we were soon off stitching up a frenzy. For a very simple cast on method please direct your browsers to Denise's Toe Up Sock Lesson One. A great sight for everything toe up related. Another good resource is Knitty.com where a number of various patterns and techniques and tutorials can be located. Hear is a group picture of some of our progress:

Finally, I was able to get some knitting time in this past week and finished the Presto Chango baby sweater. A friend is about ready to have her baby girl very soon (due date is March 2, 2008) and absolutely loved this little creation. It was a joy to create a baby item. I find them to be fulfilling, joyful and a pleasure to craft plus they offer the added bonus of satisfying the quick fix or instant gratification portion of my personality. Now onto creating some items for another friends set of twins. Jeanette and I have both decided to knit up something special for the little boy and little girl to help keep them warm. She'll take on the boy and I'll do something for the girl. Any ideas? Pass them on...

As always, my friends, keep on stitching. Don't forget to check out the Saskatoon Knitting Circle on Facebook for updates and information and event postings. We are still looking for new members to join us on our Yahoo mailing group as well, so check us out and sign yourself up! As always we meet every Sunday at 2pm at MacKenzie Coles Coffee here in Saskatoon, SK.

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A few weeks of Stitching...

It has been a few weeks since I've found the time to post. Much stitching has gone on and a few new people have joined our close knit group. First, let us start with some introductions and welcomes.

From the world of communications have come some new friends. Two ladies devoted to creating fabulous communication strategies around snow and ice whoose love of knitterly pursuits brought them to our table. They were able to find us through the Lion Brand Yarn website. Our little group is listed under "find a knitting group" section. It is always wonderful to bring new stitchers into the fold!

We must give a warm returning welcome to Pam J. She brought her hooks and her yarn and joined us once again, bringing her infectious giggle and special brand of sunshine. Pam has committed to join us on a more regular basis in the future.

Kristin joined her in the creation of crocheted warm woolies. While Pam stitched an oversized crocheted granny square blanket, Kristin was busy creating pillow covers to accent her home.

Mary has had a busy week. She is our resident yarn dye expert. Creating her own colourways and stitching them into beautiful woolies, Mary brought along her latest Baby Surprise Jacket (EZ).

As an added bonus, Mary had caught the beading bug that has infected a number of us over the past few weeks. She coffeed and beaded with a friend over the past week and brought the results to share with the rest of us. Each member was able to leave the meeting with a pair of beautifully crafted stitch markers. The creativity and talents of our group never ceases to amaze me!

As always, socks were on the needles of many stithers. Melissa had finished a Jaywalker sock. Here is a sample of a few of the accomplishments of our sock knitters (along with a lonely heart dishcloth in hot pink). Remember that this coming Sunday February 24, 2008 will be a fun filled afternoon of sock knitting as our group of fearless knitters will attempt a new technique to most of us: the toe up version of socks. You can find some patterns listed on our yahoo group, Saskatoon Knitting Circle, or seek out your own as many exist on the World Wide Web.

As many of you know, people are not the only ones who enjoy knitting. Oliver, our family cat, has discovered the joys and comforts of my knitting corner. My knitting and numerous supplies reside in the corner of living room beside my couch. It is secluded and filled with yarn, needles, UFO's and other knitterly notions. Oliver has taken to relaxing upon the UFO's that live in this corner. He watches the yarn creep towards my needles while I knit and wishes he could "catch" it with his paws. Oh the anticipation and frustration he must feel knowing that he wants to grap onto that string but also knowing that it is muchly NOT appreciated by the owner of that same string...me! He does a great job at keeping me company while I knit!

All in all, in has been a busy few weeks. I've been able to keep on stitching and so has everyone else. Although TAKE is alive and well in many of our world's, we all continue to come together to form stitches and nurture the growing friendships over a warm cup of coffee or tea at MacKenzie Coles. We hope to see you there for the Toe Up Sock Learning Afternoon and continue on with your own fearless knitterly pursuits.

A new addiction to BEADS!!!

As a number of you know, I recently received my Harmony knitting needles from KnitPicks. I love them and don't think I'll ever knit with anything again. I only found one issue...the beauty of the Harmonies demanded something more than the tired little plastic rings and waste yarn I used to use as stitch markers.

SO, what is a self-respecting crafter to do? Learn a new trick or two and design something deserving. So I did. I have searched catalouges and the internet far and wide to find something pretty. Many of the offerings were so beautiful, but a bit beyond my meagre crafting budget. I thought to myself and pondered about what to do. I said "Self, you can do this on your own!"


I have been busy creating "sets" of knitterly companions and accessories that have become quite popular in my circle. The black and white set is for my sister (a crocheter not in need of stitch markers but appreciative of matching earrings). These little accessories work up so quickly and are such fun. They are practical and beautiful and even serve to satisfy my sense of "instant gratification. What more could one ask for?






Then I designed one for myself in one of my favourite colours, pink. The matching stitch markers are indicative of the upcoming St. Valentine's day celebrations and of one of my beloved causes, breast cancer. The markers adorn my latest project and are serving my needs well.





Then, I met an online friend who wished to trade her KnitPicks Binder for something. I offered up my version of the row counter and stitch markers in her favourite colours - oceanic blues and greens. I surely hope she enjoys them.


Finally, let me say that, although this new addiction to beading is fun and rewarding and challenging, it only has one issue. It is taking time away from my knitterly pursuits! But all is good in my world as it certainly enhances and beautifies the process of knitting. Who could complain about that?

I encourage all of you to head to your local bead store (or dollar store) grab some wire, some pretty trinkets and let your creativity carry you away :)

This week was a very busy week in my universe. But the one bright spot was meeting up with new friends. We held a mini S'n'B at the regular place and time. Since Melissa was kind enough to host an "Escape the Super Bowl Mania" potluck S'n'B at her home, those of us who couldn't quite make it out decided to meet up for a shortened more compressed Knit and Knatter. I'm hoping that Melissa will also be kind enough to update the world on the Potluck S'n'B through her own Live Journal blog. Keep checking for updates.

Gale, Jan, Jeannie, Mary and I had a great time updating each other on the states of our projects and the goings ons in our worlds since last we met. With deadlines looming some our knitting time has been drastically reduced. However, we were able to progress quite nicely on other projects.

The Pirate Booty Bag remains to be a work in progress. Socks are flying off the needles and baby items are being produced at lightening speed, with hopes of finishing on time for the impending arrival of the bundles of joy. Mary is near completion on the Baby Surprise Jacket and My Presto Chango sweater is just about complete. Jan is hard at work on some beautiful "Snowflake" socks and the shrug keeps making an appearance.


So what have we been up to for the past week. The Harmonies have been hard at work! The lustre has not worn, the novelty remains fresh and the joy they provide cannot be described within the confines of our language. The beauty and quality speaks for itself. My first Harmony sock is entitled JayWalker (which I found on Ravelry). The zig zag patter is created by a series of increases and decreases across the patterning rows. Other than that, this sock is formed by using your favourite sock recipe. Sometimes I marvel at how the simplest things can be so interesting and pleasing to the eye.

Due to the lure of the socks, my other inaugural Harmony project, Double Play Raglan Cardigan from the Top Down Sweater Book, by Doreen Marquart, has not received much attention. However, rest assured, it won't reside in the WIP basket for long and will soon be growing by the stitch as the JayWalker sock and Presto Chango projects are completed. For now it is perfectly happy to be resting upon the Harmonies.


Speaking of the Harmonies and their beauty...I've discovered a new addiction this week. Let me first say that the beauty of the Harmonies do not deserve to be dulled. My collection of stitch markers consists of little plastic rings that rest upon the needles. Although they are practical and serve their station in life well, they do not seem right on the Harmonies. For beauty deserves beauty, right? What does a self respecting crafter do?

Why we search for something better, we journey to the land of inspiration and then we set to work. After hours of reviewing knitting catalouges and the internet and seeing the numerous options out there, I finally found some beaded stitch markers that would certainly compliment the beauty of the Harmonies. However, they were quite pricey (a set of 6 cost anywhere from $20.00 to $40.00!) Well, my pockets are not that deep.

So, I searched some more and found a number of tutorials on how to create this knitterly notions on my own. I found an excellent site, created by a GUY knitter , Michael Cook, (I knew they were out there!) who takes us through the process step by step in a practical manner. This is what I came up with! the pink hearts and shoes are my own hommage to Breast Cancer Research and the hearts are in honour of upcoming St. Valentine's Day. I'm sure the coming weeks will see more postings and pictures showing off my daughter's creativity and my ingenuity in learning a new trick of the trade.

A small trip to Dollarama, Walmart and a quick perusal of Michael's offerings set my daughter and I up with the tools and supplies to make hundreds of little beauties, and it cost much less than $40.00!

While searching for the Stitch Marker tutorials, I found a gem of an adornment that provides both beauty and practicality. I came across a Row Counter Beaded Bracelet and just had to give it a go too. These knitterly notions work like an Abacus (by pushing beads back and forth to keep track of competed rows, stitches or repeats). While beading up my new treasures, it occurred to me that the Bracelet and Markers could match a set of hand beaded earrings too! The possibilities are endless. A set could be made to match the yarn of the project. They could be created and given to knitterly friends as gifts. Their construction would certainly provide hours of entertainment and a creative outlet for the children of the house. Yes, beading has now been added to my repertoire of addictions. Trust me, if I can accomplish this, so can you. And I do hope all of you give the beading a go and create your own treasures...doesn't your knitting deserve to feel pretty too?

So that's the update for this week. We hope to see everyone next week at:

MacKenzie Cole's Coffee
Corner of Gray Avenue and Central Avenue (Sutherland)
Saskatoon, SK
Sunday February 10, 2008
2 pm

New friends, new stitchers, warm coffee...what more could you ask for from a Sunday afternoon?

It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks in my world. The one staple in my world has been our weekly S'n'B. The members of the Saskatoon Knitting Circle have been busy stitching up a storm and it is my pleasure to show them off here. We've discovered new friends, ogled new knitterly notions and even encouraged future yarn addicted enablers. As always, we have had a wonderful time Knitting and Nattering away the afternoons.

First up is the introduction and welcoming of our two newest gal pals. Acadia, Melissa's daughter, joined us on Sunday January 20, 2008 for an afternoon of discovery. She took to the needles like a pro. Gale encouraged and mentored her through a few rows and in no time at all, Acadia was masterfully completing rows on her rows. Melissa reported that her love of the craft remains strong. Acadia is becoming quite a dedicated little stitcher - so much so that she awoke at 5am one morning, turned on Treehouse TV and quietly knitted away. Apparently, the completed project (of which we are not sure of its name yet) will be gifted to Gale.

Next is Summer. On this cold and blustery day the addition of Summer to our little gathering was a joy. She is an 11 year aspiring stitcher (walking in her Grandmother Jan's stitching footsteps) who brightened our afternoon and learned a knitterly trick or two to apply to the construction of her very first scarf. We all have faith that Summer will become an expert knitter who will soon be stitching up her own socks and avoid the urge to appropriate her Grandmas hand crafted tootsie warmers.

Progress has been made. After weeks of lamenting over the dullness of knitting with gray, Melissa finally finished her Mother's socks. The colourway is quite pleasing to those of us who didn't have to knit with it day in and day out. Congrats, Melissa, on finishing the project. A round of applause to you.

Next on the needles is the Pirate Booty Bag. Gale is making progress and almost ready to begin the skulls. It is coming along nicely and has been dubbed her S'n'B meeting bag. It has received some attention and contention. Gale is desperately trying to decide whether or not to frog it and begin anew. She's unsure as to its finished size (whether it will be big enough) and whether the stitch markers are in the right place. Good luck, Gale, here's hoping the booty bag avoids the frog pond.

Our good friend, Kristen, has been a busy crocheter. She's been stitching up nine patches and granny squares into blankets. They are turning out to be highly coveted items in her world. She'd quite like to keep the purple one, but her Mom is giving strong hints that it needs to go live with her upon completion. Good luck, Kristen. I have the same issue in my knitterly world with sweaters. I make them and my Mom and Sister tend to steal them - NO they don't borrow, they are not gifted, they just mysteriously disappear out of my closet. A number of my afghans are surprisingly adorning the beds and couches in my sister's home too. Hmmmm.....is this an epidemic?

New friends are always nice to have at the meetings and today we formed a new friendship with a fellow knitter. A big welcome to Mary. An environmental researcher who has taken a liking to stitching, Mary joined us for the first time today. She was trying to decipher EZs Baby Surprise Jacket. So any of you out there who have tried it or completed it or even wish to try it, come and join us and let us discover together!

So what's on my needles these days? Did we mention needles? Oh I think we did. Now to the really exciting news. As most of you know my husband gifted me a set of the highly coveted Harmony needles by KnitPicks. Let me just take a moment to pet the needles....mmmm....smoothly goodness - I'm okay now. They are truly beautiful, a joy to work with, wonderful to look at, satisfying to pet and love and drool over! I am a lucky gal. Let us all take a moment and pay homage to the Knitting Goddess for allowing them to come and live with me :)
The cables are supple and forgiving. They have little to no memory, which make them a joy to work with. The wood of the tips and the sock needles (yes I have both...commence drooling again) are smooth and forgiving with just enough "grab" to keep the stitches from slipping off the end of the needles. I simply don't know how I did it before Harmony, for now that Harmony has come to my world, I shan't (if at all possible) knit with anything again. I shall pledge to love the Harmony, protect the Harmony, enjoy the Harmony and encourage and enable all others to partake in Harmony.
So now that my episode is complete, let me tell you what the Harmonies are hard at work on. First, I have cast on the Double Play Raglan Cardigan from the book entitled Top Down Sweaters: Knit to Fit from Top to Bottom by Doreen L. Marquart. This is my first experiment with this construction type and I must admit I am enjoying it.



Of course, the Harmony sock needles are getting a work out too. I've cast on the Jaywalker sock (found on ravelry.com - if you are not signed up for a membership yet I highly recommend you get in the queue and if you are a member I can be found as theknittinggodde - feel free to add me as your friend).
Last but not least is my Bobble Sock. I came up with this little cutey by flipping through my favourite stitch dictionary and combining it with my favourite sock recipe. Very quick to stitch up, very easy and nice and cozy on these blustery days.

Stitching Diva's...1

Due to the limit of words, I've had to post this weeks update in two blogs. Keep reading when you get to the end...


Happy New Year everyone! As you may have noticed it has been a few weeks since I've been able to post. With the rush of the holidays, the enslaught of real life (post holiday) and the regular workings of the world in general - well, let us all agree things have been a bit busy.

We are back to stitching after the hullabaloo of the holidays. Kristen is busy making up granny squares that will culminate in a beautiful blanket. She'll be at this for a while. Each 9 patch square is made up of 9 little tiny granny squares. The detail involved is quite impressive. Other projects have been quickly finished and round out Kristen's inventory of crocheted wonders. (This crocheted cat is slated to go to its new home...Kristen's nephew who desperately wanted a kitty to call his own -- Just as good as the real thing if you ask me). The kitty will join company with Kristen's other creations...the bunny and the French Hamster!

What is a S'n'B all about? Well good friends come together to st... and bi... We certainly had a great time with Gale's friend, Pam. She joins our little circle intermittently, but always brings a smile, an eagerness to learn the trade and a giggle. We are always pleased when new knitters and long time friends join our fold.

Gale is still hard at work on the Pirate Booty Bag. (Check out this link for the pattern and join the courageous and fearless knitters in our group and cast on for a journey that is sure to provide hours of entertainment, enjoyment and a beautiful carry all when complete.) Originally intended as a "knit-a-long" project, Gale is the only one in the group courageous enough to cast it on. I'm sure others will join her as the WIPs finish up. Interesting techniques involved include double knitting and faire isle / intarsia. We are very excited to watch her progress.


As always, Jan kept her fingers busy. She continued to work away on her shawl, using the same pattern as Mrs. McCready had used. Mrs. McCready's shawl was in dark navy blue and Jan chose a beautiful variated hue of blues. Other than that, Jan's other projects include snowflake headbands and a wool 1x1 ribbed scarf for her grandchildren. Although, Mrs. McCready missed our meeting this past week, she accomplished a speedy completion to her shawl the week prior. We are all hoping to see her model the completed project next week.

A few weeks ago, the Sock Diva's were hard at work. Gale has a pair OTN that have been the "purse sock." Although we don't have a picture to add here, be assured that they are well in progress. Melissa had finished her Confetti socks (blues and pinks) and I had proudly displayed my Meida's sock out of Bamboo (I still can't say enough good things about this fibre!). Alison was busy stitching up a pair of socks for her other half that are surely going to be toasty warm and pleasing to his tootsies.


Continued...On next post...(Stitching Diva's ... 2)