Category Archives: gifts

Acquisition

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 A yarny package in the mail is the perfect pick me up after everything that went on last week.

Last year, and it has almost been a year now, I received the most wonderful birthday gift from Monika. A gift certificate for the Wandering Cat Yarn’s etsy shop. *Thank you Monika* I didn’t want to make a spontaneous purchase with no project in mind so I held onto the gift certificate and kept my eye on the Wandering Cat’s shop updates waiting for THE yarn to pop up.

If you read Monika’s blog you know she uses Wandering Cat Yarns in a lot of her projects so there are always tons of colourways been thrown at me.

A few weeks ago she flashed a new acquisition and I knew immediately it needed to be mine.

I contacted Rhonda and in a matter of days she custom dyed me a skein of Alley Cat BFL in the English Toffee colourway and had it on route. Now that’s customer service!

Here is my lovely just waiting to be knit!

Monika has already made her skein into a pair of beautiful Hex socks.

I have just the pattern in mind for mine and once the Business Casual KAL is over I’ll be casting on!

Do you have an acquisition’s just waiting to be knit up?

ISLAND// Review and Giveaway

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I am so delighted today to bring you a review and giveaway of Jane Richmond’s first published book, ISLAND.

The book contains 5 designs, a pair of fingerless mitts, a cowl, a hat, a scarf and a cardigan all in Jane’s modern simplistic style.

 Photography in the book is done by Jane’s brother, Nicholas Kupiak. His partner Kylee Shaw modelled all of the pieces. All photographs in this post are © Nicholas Kupiak.

Jane also worked with Shannon of Luvinthemommyhood to create an aesthetically appealing coffee table book. The first half of the book features Kupiak’s stunning pictures of Jane’s designs in the beautiful nature the Island has to offer, while the remainder of the book contains the written patterns.

Lets have a look at the patterns you will find on the pages of Island.

RATHTREVOR

A simple pair of fingerless mitts with detailed cuffs perfect for everyday wear.

ARBUTUS

A uniquely constructed cowl that uses short rows to create what looks like stacked columns.

RENFREW

A reverse stockinette beanie/slouchy toque with a cabled panel running up the side.

A great unisex hat to have in your library.

STRATHCONA

A fingering weight scarf that really appealed to me.

I’m not usually one for scarves but I love the construction of this one and think it would be a perfect Spring accessory.

Any of these accessories are a great way to use those single skeins of yarn that have been in your stash just waiting for the perfect project.

GRACE

My favourite piece in the collection, Grace, is a raglan cardigan featuring a simple lace motif on the front and back that really turns this cardigan into a gem. Jane’s pattern writing style for garments is probably my favourite to work through. She sets the pattern up as a fill in the blank. You simply choose your size from the table and fill in the correct numbers and you have a pattern written for your exact size. Genius!

If you would like to get your hands on a copy of Island , it is available for purchase through Amazon and digitally through Ravlery as an ebook or individual patterns. When you purchase the hard copy of the book a code is attached to the back cover so you can add the digital pdf’s to your Ravelry library as well.
Jane generously sent me 2 copies of Island, one to review and one to giveaway to one lucky reader. If you would like to try your luck at winning a copy of this beautiful book please leave a comment on this post telling me which design you like the best. I’ll draw a name one week from today Jan 24th 2013.
The Pagan Knitter interviewed Jane in December about the book and some of the places where the pictures were taken.
I was completely taken by one of the last pictures in the book of Kinsol Trestle in Shawnigan. Jane talks a bit about it in the interview and it is definitely somewhere I would love to visit if I ever have the chance to visit the Island.
Thank you so much to Jane and Shannon for letting me be part of the blog tour and being able to share this little gem with all of you.
If luck is not on your side this time check out the remaining stops on the blog tour below for another chance to win.
J A N U A R Y
   8th - Vancouver Yarn
 10th - KD Quilts
 14th - Canadian Living
 17th - Celtic Cast On
22nd - Canary Knits
 24th - Hey Jen Renee
 29th - The Yarniad
 31st - Knitted Bliss
F E B R U A R Y
   5th - French Press Knits
   7th - Truly Myrtle
 12th - Noodlehead
 14th - Miso Crafty
 19th - SweetGeorgia
 21st - A Playful Day

Surefire

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I better get this one in before we’re into 2013.

The other gift I knit this year was Surefire Hat by Susan B Anderson.

This was for a friend that is finding it rather chilly when walking her dog *a shepherd I must add* ( totally off topic T can pick a shepherd out anywhere and I often hear “Mummy did you see that shepherd, that was a shepherd mummy!” from the back seat)

I did some secret squirreling to get the style and possible colours right on this one. I found out she was receiving a new winter jacket this christmas with a bright purple zipper so I went with the purple and the other colours just fell into place.

I knit this with 4 different colours of  Cascade 220. I didn’t end up using the striped sequence that was on the pattern and there was definitely ripping and re knitting to get the sequence the way I wanted it but I think it turned out well in the end.

My Rav project page

I originally did the crocheted edging but didn’t like the look on this particular hat in the end so I did an i cord bind off. I always do an i cord bind off with the ws facing, I think it looks nicer that way. I also lined it with black fleece for warmth and because the recipient finds wool itchy.

You should note that this hat is knit on 5mm needles and as a result is quite airy. It definitely needs the lining but if I were to knit this one again I think I’d knit it with the yarn held doubled throughout to hug the head a bit.

I think it was well received. It hopefully will go with her new jacket and keep her warm when she’s out in all the snow we have received this week.

Eastern Winter Shawl

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I don’t usually knit christmas gifts, in fact the whole gift giving has been scaled down to just the children in our family.

We do however have two very special people that have been very good to our little family and I wanted to make them something special.

I knew right away I wanted to make the first recipient a shawl. She is the shawl wearing type and she knits too so I knew this knit would be appreciated.

It must be noted that I don’t enjoy knitting shawls… I love how they look when its all said and done but the process is not my fav.

I chose to knit the Northern Summer Shawl by Jo Kelly in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine.

I love how this shawl intersperses sections of stockinette throughout giving me a little bit of reprieve between those yo sections.

I wanted this shawl to be geared more for winter than summer so I held the Ultra Alpaca Fine doubled for a thicker and larger shawl and named it the Eastern Winter Shawl.

I think it worked perfectly.

Warm enough to wear around her shoulders while working at the computer but still delicate enough to wear out, pinned with a brooch.

The shawl was gifted on Saturday and I think its safe to say she liked it.

I know it will be treated well in its new home!

THREE!

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Someone had a birthday yesterday!!

My goofy girl is offically 3!

We had fun celebrating over the weekend with family.

We thought the party was over until T received a special package in the mail today.

I recently won a giveaway on Victoria’s blog which was perfect timing for T’s birthday.Victoria kindly wrapped it up in pretty paper and addressed it to the birthday girl herself.

She even drew some fun flowers on the package!

T enjoyed unwrapping layer after layer to before finally getting to the surprise.

The bubble wrap will be an endless source of entertainment for the next few months I am sure!

Inside was a gorgeous Felt Celebration Crown and matching Felt Heart Wand.

The crown is double sided making it very durable and sturdy.

A wide elastic wraps around the back of the head and  is covered in a co-ordinating fabric that really ties it all together.

Of course once she had the crown on she immediately wanted to put on her skirt from dance class to go with it.

A perfect match for her new dress up accessories!

Thank you so much Victoria for your gorgeous creation!

If you would like to make your own Felt Crown and Wand you should head on over to Victoria’s Craftsy page where you can purchase the pattern to make your own.

Courtenay Reworked

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You may remember a few months ago I test knit Courtenay for my sweet friend Preeti.

Well I ended up gifting Courtenay in a Yankee Swap we had for a christmas party with my knitting group. It’s always so nerve racking when you gift a knit like this hoping that the recipient who ends up with it will like it.

 Michelle liked it so much she traded for it!!  There was of course  one *small* problem…. the hat which fit on my head just wasn’t big enough for Michelle so I told her no problem I’d frog back and add an extra repeat.

Yarn arrived for Sailing and I really needed to hunker down and get it done so the adjustment was put off for a bit. Then I ran out of yarn for Sailing and I had to wait for more to arrive so I pulled the hat out and added some length and volia!

Courtenay Reworked!

I’m hoping this works for her, that extra repeat really made a difference.

Knit East part 1

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So as  you know I attended Knit East this past weekend in New Brunswick`s lovely St. Andrew`s by the sea.

The event was held at the Algonquin Hotel

Sarah and I organized a shawl/cowl swap for the event.  We ended up with about 20 knitters taking part and we had a great time exchanging swaps.

Here’s a group shot taken by the lovely Heidi.

I knit the  Amberwell Shawl by Judy Marples for Sarah.

I used Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply its a merino/silk blend. I wasn’t sure what I thought of the yarn at first. Its kind of squeaky to knit with, I know thats the silk in it but it was different.  The colour is very saturated making the end result beautiful. I think I could handle a little squeak again if the project were to turn out as nicely.

Love those points!

I don’t overly enjoy knitting lace but I wanted to give myself a bit of a challenge. I think  this design had just the right amount of pattern before switching to something totally different. It definitely kept my interest by throwing something new into the mix.

If you noticed Sarah in the group shot wearing her shawl I think you’ll agree that she looks fabulous in this colour. She said she had nothing like it but loved it.  I’m glad it has gone to a good and loving home ;)

One last shot of Sarah with her shawl. *Photo taken by Sarah*

The shawl I received is up next!

Franchesca

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Pattern: Penelope by DangerCrafts

 Yarn: Cascade 220 and Vanna’s Choice Solids

Needles: 5.5mm

Franchesca is the fraternal twin to Penelope that I knit for T last year.This one will be going to one of 3 young cousin’s on Moose’s side of the family, once I get two other gifts finished.   

 Again I held the yarn doubled in order to make a good sized huggable  monster.

 It’s not very often that I knit a pattern twice but these monsters are so cute that I just couldn’t help myself. I does help that the colour possibilities are endless and make each monster unique.

It only took two nights to complete all the pieces and then over a month to find time to  sew them up… such is life!   

 

 

I have another DangerCraft pattern at the ready but it will have to wait until after christmas. I still have a few WIP’s lingering in the basket.    

One Sock Two Sock

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I’ve been working away on my mystery socks. Time is definitely a ticking and I’m unsure at this point whether I’m going to make the June 30th cut off.

One sock is complete and the other is in the works….

I was trucking right along until last night when I picked up my sock and realized I had  skipped the cuff altogether and started off with the leg chart. *groan* I made sure to use my highlighter second time around, highlighting CUFF, LEG and RIGHT SOCK. This was just before I frogged the entire thing. Hopefully it won’t take too long to re knit.

I’ve had lots of questions about the yarn I’m using. It’s  A Piece Of Vermont in the Jam colourway gifted by Lynne. The dyer is no longer making this yarn which is unfortunate as I have really enjoyed working with it  and seeing the subtle colour changes as I knit. It looks quite a bit different knit up than it did in the skein, I was quite surprised to see deep blues and some pinks throughout.

Boston and Molly are enjoying lots of outdoor time but wish black fly season was over. It’s much more enjoyable when you aren’t getting your ears eaten.

Boston : “I know I heard something squeak in here, you find it yet Moolee?”

Moolee: “sniff sniff sniff, Nope!”

I’m so happy with my little Lupin bed. Two years ago I made the bed and planted two packets of Lupin seeds just before Fall. Last year only two plants grew out of about 20-30 seeds with 3-5 flowers on each. I was quite disappointed as I was expecting it to be full of them. This year however the Lupin’s have bloomed VERY early and I have over 20 flowers on each plant. I just need one more plant in the front there and my little bed will be perfect. Can you imagine what it would have been like with 30 plants?? lol I bought some more Lupin seeds yesterday, packets with multiple colours, with plans for more Lupin growing this year. We have a whole side hill that would look sooo awesome covered in colourful Lupin’s.

 

Package wrap up!

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This post is long over due! We all know my excuse soo lets just get right to the good stuff.

This package was sent from Denise. I swear she can read minds because it was on my list of things to knit for Tadpole. I didn’t have the yarn on hand to make it with so it was bumped to the bottom of the list.

It was only a few days later that the little hat arrived on my doorstep. This hat has plenty of stretch and rolled up brim that it should still fit by fall. I love it, thanks Denise!

The next package actually arrived the morning I had Tad. Moose brought the package to the hospital for me to open.

These super cute socks were knit by Hanna and have a very cool story behind them.

Hanna tells me,

A woman was travelling in a train with her 2-month-old baby during the
war in 1939. Their journey was cut off as the railroad had been
damaged in bombings. A retired crafts teacher was travelling in the
same train and she felt sorry for the baby who had no warm socks. She
unravelled her own hand knit sweater and knit a pair of socks for the
baby. Later on, the baby’s mother knit several pairs of socks using
the original socks as a model and also taught her daughter to knit
them. Now the pattern is very popular in Finland and ofter referred to
as the “train socks”.
Hanna also sent this really cute onesie! It is unlike any that I have seen over here, it wraps around like a kimono and has snaps on either side.

Thank you for your wonderful gifts Hanna!

The cutest little rectangular box arrived in my mailbox not too long ago housing these:

The sweetest little pair of mini knee socks from Kathy.  She adapted Kristen`s Mystery Sock pattern to fit Tad  in one of my favourite shades of green at the moment. These are so adorable I almost can`t stand it! 

While she has been wearing them regularly there is still quite a bit of room to grow into yet.  Thanks Kathy they are perfect!

Lastly I must tell you about a package I received from my Twinny Kelli. This package came in the summer wayyyy before the shower even started.

Kelli knit a gorgeous blanket out of alpaca for T. It is super duper warm and gets rave reviews when its out and about with Tad. The first thing I get asked is did I make it…………errrrrr yyyyyeaaa….. no no I didn`t make it, a friend did! As much as I would like to claim it as my own knit I simply can`t. I was soooo excited when I opened the card that said there was an alpaca blanket in the box. I immediately started rooting in search for the blanket, I was not disappointed. An alpaca blanket was more than enough but Kelli filled the box with some cute twisted stitch socks, a bib and yarn! Talk about spoiled. Thank you Kelli for your amazing package.

That my friends wraps up the package posts. Thank you sooo much to everyone that took the time to make something for our little Tadpole, she has been truely spoiled by you all.