Maritime Handspinners' Retreat 2011

Almost Time

I thought this day would never get here. I waited and waited. Patiently. Don't laugh. I am capable of patient, even if more often I hope/desire instant gratification. I mean, I wouldn't be a knitter if I wasn't capable of patience, right??

Anyway, I'm not talking about knitting, yet. It's time for the Spinning Retreat at the Old Orchard Inn this weekend! Woot!! I'm excited. Can't you tell? Ha! I've never been to one of these before but it's going to be great, I just know it. I'm planning on coming home to sleep in my own bed at night but a bit of extra driving doesn't seem like much of a sacrifice. My wheel is ready to go; I'm just contemplating which fibre to bring with me. Something easy that won't give me grief when I keep stopping to gawk at what everyone else is spinning? Or something more challenging, so other, more experienced spinners can give me tips and suggestions for a better learning experience? One thing I really want to learn this weekend is to Navaho ply. Ohhh, I'm so excited!

So now about the knitting. Yesterday I cast off from my latest blanket. It's a big (very) square based on the Barn Raising Quilt by Larissa Brown . It was originally designed as a fundraising project back in 2009 for Doctors Without Borders. It's super-simple, the single block. I just kept going and knitting until I ran out of yarn (and space on my needles) that I was stash busting. It's lap blanket size, and I intend on adding some sort of knitted on lace edging to make it lay flat. Because I used worsted/bulky yarn, the center has a bigger whole than you would get if you were using sock yarn so I plan on attaching a flower of sorts to cover it. Big plans. Photos when the whole thing is finished.

Since I wasn't in the mood to go digging for the pattern for that lace edging, I started knitting the very simple Prohibition Shawl. I'm about halfway done. I'm using Red Heart Cozy Wool, which is 70% acrylic(gasp)/30% wool which will make it machine washable, on size 9mm needles. It's cushy and drapey. And it's a stunning raspberry red. Not something the Prohibitionists would have approved of, but then again it's my shawl. (If I wasn't so mature and of that certain age, I'd stick my tongue out.) It's going to be lovely. I just have to think up what yarn to use for the I-cord trim. I'm not going to buy any fur yarn, just so we're clear on that! I do have this fluffy white yarn but that would scream Mrs. Claus a bit too loud. Maybe something in a brown or black with some texture. Yeah, that sounds good. Again, photo to follow.

Hey, did you notice the absence of photos on this blog? Yes, me too. Lazy. Must fix that! So here's a snap shot I took this morning. Enjoy your weekend!

Snortworthy!

I feel it is my duty to introduce you to a blog you may or may not have come across: Murrmurrs. I found her by way of Holly. Thanks Holly! This woman is a gem!! I snorted, more than once. If you need a laugh, a good belly-shaking laugh, and I recommend everyone should engage in such a laugh at least once a day for the good of your health, go visit Murr.

Happy Thanksgiving! (Turkey is in the browning stage. Yummy-to-be!)

False Sense of Comfort

It was so beautiful and warm in Nova Scotia today that it almost makes you forget those freezing temperatures yesterday. Apparently these unseasonably glorious temperatures are supposed to stick around for a couple more days but I won't hold my breath.

Technically an exercise in stash busting, I started knitting another blanket as well as continuing to work my granny square blankets. One can never have too many wool blankets. Especially since the ones in the linen closet are now in use on various beds.

I haven't cast on any socks for the son or a scarf yet. Can't seem to get that mojo going. I think he'll be getting an Irish Hiking Scarf. It's an interesting, good looking, and easy pattern.

What's on your needles?

Baby, It's Cold Outside

And suddenly there is a Demand (yes, with a capital D) for wool knits by my first born. He might have mentioned in passing last week that he needs wool socks because it's going to be winter soon and he's outgrown most of his other pair. Today when he came home from school, soggy and cold, the need turned to demand. As in "how fast can you knit me a scarf and some socks in blue and gold (the school colours)? Tomorrow?" He looked so cold and so hopeful. And obviously delusional.

Looks like I might have to pause the mitten knitting for now (I finished another pair this morning) to fill his order. Not by tomorrow, no matter how desperate and hopeful he is. I love that kid. Tomorrow I go stash diving. There might be something in there in the desired colours.