Louet North America - Spring 2014

What would be more inspiring to look at when the tempurature is dipping to -31 with windchill than a lovely collection of Spring Knitwear. Louet North America released their Spring 2014 collection today and I am very excited to be a part of this amazing collection. The photoshoot took place in Boston with the very talented Caro Sheridan behind the lense.

The Selway is feminine pullover featuring Art Deco inspired lace will compliment many body shapes whether worn loose or with a belt cinched at the waist. Top is knit flat with armhole and neck edge detail knit as you go which means minimal finishing.

You can see the complete collection at: Louet North America - Spring 2014

Individual patterns are available at: Ravelry: Louet North America - Spring 2014

Shhhhh. . . . its a suprise

So, it is that time of year again, when the secret bags of yarn get tucked into the corner, hidden from view. When I have to knit under the darkness of night while everyone sleeps. Yes the gift giving season approached and this year my goal is that in the boxes are finished projects, not those with needles still attached as if my gift to them is to have them knit their own gift.

I have designed a sweater for my husband, I had him spend hours going through the men's cardigans on Ravelry telling me what he liked and did not like. Running through the Cascade website choosing colours. He knows I am knitting for him, but his surprise will be when he opens it (hopefully one he smiles at).

I also have a little something special for my son, one that has more to do with November 23rd than December 25th - and yes the fellow nerds will know what I am talking about.

And for the first time ever, my father emailed me just minutes after I released my Pop Rock Vest and told me he found his Christmas Gift!!! In exactly those colours, and here are my measurements - I like it when a man makes gift giving easy.

So, we will get through the busy Christmas season . . . I will keep you updated on my progress and then the real fun begins!!!

New Name . . . Same Game

The name has changed, but the games the same.  Still knitting up a storm.  Although I do want to share with you my latest as my boys would say "Epic Fail".  Ever work so diligently that your concentration can't be broken, not even noticing an error, working past it without seeing it, then seaming in the sleeve, again, without seeing it, then 10 times you go past it while working on the button band, again, without seeing it any of the 10 times.  Then off to be washed - without seeing it, then lay it out flat on the drying board look down and go WT*. 

Yup - happened just last week with a lovely Raglan Sweater in Cascade 220 in a lovely wine colour.  Now as I looked down at the Epic Fail I did have an "Aha" moment.  Magic loop on the sleeve, one loop pulled itself into the sleeve, I promptly pulled it back out, apparently not making sure I was at the right spot.  Obviously not as the increases were down the centre of the sleeve not under the arm.

So okay - nothing to panic about, simply pull out the sleeve, pull down to armhole, re-centre and knit away. oh, yeah, have to pull out the button band first - there goes a few hours, unweave my ends (man, why do I put them in so well), unseam sleeve, pull down, centre and reknit.  But of course it is soaking wet right now so I have to stare at it for days while it drys kicking myself for not noticing an . . .

EPIC FAIL

Post Holiday Knitting Sweet Spot - Yes ME time!

What is on your needles right now?  Hopefully you are not still rushing through a gift to be delivered late. 

As with most knitters I know, after months of agonizing over what to knit for gifts, wondering whether or not they will like it, then the last minute knitathon that leaves you wondering if your fingers will ever uncurl; arrives that sweet spot in the year when you can go through your stash and actually wonder what project you want to make for yourself.

Perhaps the yarn beckoning you is that lovely alpaca lace weight you picked up at the show 2 years ago, or that amazing hand painted sock yarn you bought on that summer road trip with the girls!  What ever it is, yes, go ahead, pluck it out of your stash and cast on.  Enjoy knitting every yard at a leisurely pace, feel the texture as it slips through your fingers, look at amazement of the depth of the shades in that hand painted yarn as your socks begin to spring off the needles.

And enjoy every moment, because you deserve it!

Sweet & Simple Lace Socks

Fall into knitting

Ahhhh, my favourite season has arrived, one where you can be wearing all your wonderful hand knits. But also that time of year when you are happy to have a big huge afghan in your lap as you work on it.

And one of my favourite events of the fall season is the Port Elgin Pumpkinfest.  For this years event, I have crafted these lovely hats for all to wear,  our family will definately be easy to pick out.

Goal was to have 8 hats made up, so far I have 3 completed and #4 underway. Not quite where I should be, but there are still many hours left before it begins!

The hats are my own design, and each pumpkin is a little bit unique, just like each family member.  Crafted with Cascade 220, sure to keep our pumpkins warm!

Another favourite family stop is the Williamsford Pie Company located in Williamsford, Ontario on Highway 6, worth the drive anyday.  They have a Lemon Buttermilk Pie that is the best thing you will ever have on your plate.  I would suggest calling ahead if you are doing a drive by pick up as they sell out quite quickly, but are more than happy to accommodate any special orders.

And to get you in the Christmas Spirit, I have 2 new pattern releases at Knitpicks which I am sure you will enjoy:

Brava Holiday Tree Skirt

Brava Holiday Afghan

Happy Fall Knitting!!!

2013 Knitting Pattern A Day Arrives

Received a very exciting package today, copies of the 2013 Knitting Pattern A Day.  Two of my patterns are featured:

The Gambler (September 9 & 10) and

Kobi~your eReader Cover.  (November 15, 16 & 17)

Along with over 100 other amazing patterns as well.  I hope you will pick one up to enjoy throughout the year, or as a special gift for the knitter in your life.

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Knitting-2013-Day-Day-Calendar-Susan-Ripley/9781449419264-item.html?ikwid=knitting+calendar&ikwsec=Home

Day 23 - Great WIP Cleanout

Imagine my surprise when I arrived at the cottage over a week ago to find another Butterfly Shawl cocooning on our bench.  It took another few days for this lovely creature to spread its wings and fly, but I did manage to catch this breath taking shot prior to it fluttering away!

So for the great WIP Cleanout, I know have left
maze sock
mosiac sock
peartree sweater
Apple of My Eyelet Socks

Once I finish a weeks worth of laundry I will pick my next item which according to the Great WIP cleanout rules will be the only item I touch until it is completed. (well, maybe?)