Unfinished Business

Wow! I thought I took the cake when I revealed I had such an old WIP! But, judging from the comments, it would seem that there are those with some just as old, or older...

Which makes me feel better about mine.

So, here she is.

(She is displaying her displeasure with me by refusing to photograph properly.)

The Gingko Leaf Tunic, from Fiddlesticks Knitting here in Toronto. Don't get me wrong - I love Fiddlesticks Knitting - Dorothy Siemens is fabulous designer, and she makes me actually believe I will use the shawls she designs. And, you've probably seen or read about some of her shawl designs on other blogs - Peacock Feathers, Tina Shawl and Lotus Blossom to name a few.


I've been thinking back, and I'm reasonably sure I started her in 2004. I really don't know what it is about it - I mean, it's a relatively simple pattern repeat. It's worked with Ecoknit organic cotton, which feels more like wool than cotton to me. I was doing fine up until I reached the underarm. Up until that point, the piece was worked in the round. Which was a good thing, as you were yo'ing on all rows, which is pretty simple on the RS - even for me. But, once you split up the piece at the underarm and worked the front separately from the back - you started working RS and WS rows. The WS rows have you "lacing" (as I call it) as well - yo's, P2TOG and P2TBL. And that seriously messes with Brigitte's head, Knitsters...and frustrates the hell out of her. It was taking me close to 10 minutes and sometimes more to work the WS. Mental block, I suppose. Although I'm better now, I shoved the poor tunic in a bag and forgot about her for over a year. Once in awhile, I'd take her out, work on it a bit, then get frustrated. But, over the past weekend, I pulled her out again, and managed to finish the back (ok, almost finish).



So now it's just 2 sleeves! I figure at this point, I'm doing pretty good. I feel much more comfortable with the WS lacing stuff, and of course, the rows aren't anywhere near as long.


*sigh*


Believe me when I tell you that you will not find a more thoroughly written pattern than a Fiddlesticks pattern. You really can't go wrong. I'm just clumsy when it comes to this particular one.

I'm going to do my best to work on her as much as I can, and finish her up. Ugh! *pumped with motivation*


FOR SALE!


You know, I've been a bad blogger this week - I actually wrote this post on Wednesday, and did not get around to posting it with pics until today. I've been too distracted selling stuff on eBay - yarn I KNOW I will not use ::cough::cotton::cough::, and some other stuff as well. The next batch is some Noro Kureyon (9 balls) and Silk Garden (10), and some Zara (10 and another mixed bag).

If anyone is interested before I post them to eBay (probably by early next week), drop me an e-mail (bdepocas@rogers.com), and I'll give you the details.

My handsome lad (not for sale)!

I've been trying to get a shot of Gandalf lounging in the "Kitty Kave" - the little section at the bottom of their kitty condo, but everytime I find him with his little wee head sticking out of it, and run to get the camera, he gets all goofy and starts running after me.

"Am I getting a pot belly?"

What a life, huh? Chittering away at birds and squirrels, talkin' trash with Guido the Outdoor Cat on who's tougher, eating, sleeping and playing.


Lorraine said it before - I want to be a pampered house kitty in my next life.

Why Steeks Are Your Friend.

Really! Absolutely nothing to be afraid of...

See?

Here's the thing. Do you see where I cut? That's the "seam" at the beginning of the sleeve. Also notice that it hasn't unravelled. The Shetland yarn "sticks" to itself, and prevents it from running amok. Not a stitch has come undone.


When you knit traditional Fair Isle using good quality Shetland yarn, steeks are inserted at the start of an armhole, at the neckline (when knitting a pullover), or started at the very bottom if knitting a cardigan, and then incorporated until the end of the piece. I usually give myself 8 stitches, with an edge stitch either side for a total of 10 steek stitches. Everyone has their own method that works well for them - I like to alternate my colours across the steek. If you go have a peek at Marina's site, you'll see her Rona, complete with a really nice front steek (it's a cardigan).


Then, when it comes time to cut - you just center your scissors in the centre of the steek (between stitch 5 and 6), and snip away. And trust me - nothing unravels! And, you know what else it great? Minimal finishing! Despite what it may look like, Fair Isle knitting does not require alot of weaving in of ends. As long as you are diligent and neat about changing your colours along the way, you'll be fine! And - when you knit a Fair Isle cardigan? Even better! You can switch your colours as needed in the centre of the steek. After you've cut open your armhole steeks, you pick up your stitches as indicated around the opening, and you're on your way to knitting up your sleeve. And there is NO seaming, which makes this little knitter very happy. :D

What could be better!?

Just remember - good quality Shetland yarn! That's what makes the difference. If you are going to put that much patience and attention to detail that knitting a Fair Isle deserves, you really should use the best quality. Just sayin'...


But hey - this is my opinion and method. If you check out Anne's online shop - She Ewe Knits - she has an excellent tutorial on Fair Isle knitting.

And Wendy has a lot of Fair Isle examples as well, and she has a great tutorial on Norwegian steeks. I've only ever worked Norwegian steeks twice - they are done differently than Shetland yarn ones. Again - no need to be afraid! As long as you trust that thousands of knitters can't have been wrong when doing this steek thingy.


And here's my progress on Amphora -

"I just came over to say hi to Mom, and I end up getting used as a prop..."

Sleeve #1? Check. Collar? Check! Start of Sleeve #2? Woo! Check!!


Birthday boy Gandalf would like to thank all his wonderful friends for all the wishes he received. He may be classified as a "cat" now as opposed to a "kitten", but try telling him that. He's still as goofy as ever. And sleepy. So Mae graciously agreed to pose for today's kitty cheesecake photo.

"No I didn't."

I think I'm going to 'fess up next post, and introduce you to my oldest WIP, a poor sweater that has been patiently waiting to be completed for over 2 years now. Or maybe it's 3? Anyway - you will meet her and I'll hopefully get the virtual kick in the pants I need to finish her up.

Happy Birthday Gandalf!!!

OK. A few days late, but nevertheless!

"I have big ears. And big eyes. And big feets. Some call me a goof."

Awww. My widdle Gandalf turned one year old on Friday, May 18th! Hard to believe - it seems like just yesterday that I brought him home. Look at him all fuzzy and small!

Gandalf (in the back) and a litter-mate doing their best impression of a 70's album cover.

Gandalf...he is unique. All my cats are special in their own way, and Gandalf is special in a silly, goofy way. I've never had a cat as curious, affectionate, purr-y and just plain silly as he is! He is the only one of my guys who will let me pick him up and hug and kiss him whenever I want, and he LOVES to sit on my lap while I'm on the computer. Although not as independant as his sister Mae, he also does not shadow me as much as Atticus does. He can be on his own in a quiet corner.

He is incredibly curious, and DOES NOT LEARN HIS LESSON THE FIRST TIME! With one exception - he no longer wants to help me with the box-cleaning. After that uh, episode where he sailed down the stairs in the litter box lid. How many times has he fallen off the bannister, tried to get outside, annoyed Mae once too many times or eaten fluff off the floor?! He's a funny one.

But, most of all, he is loving and affectionate to everyone he meets - including other animals. He will snuggle with Atticus and/or Mae, right after chasing them ragged around the apartment. I cannot go to bed without rubbing his belly.

"Hi. Just taking a breather. Silliness will resume shortly."

An oldie but a goodie picture!

Next time around - knitting pictures! Because Amphora has a collar, and the start of her second sleeve. And Carrie, although I've already cut the steeks, I'll show you why you shouldn't be afraid of them!

Me! MeMe! And the Little Dudes

I've been tagged by Nicole - cool!

So here is the red-tape:

1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

And here's some stuff about me.

1. I LOVE buttertarts. I will always love buttertarts. No, they are not gluten-free. No, I don't care.
2. I'm a Dove girl, and have been for about 15 years now. I've recently switched to this one. Everytime I thought "let's try this new brand...oooo...", my skin reacts.
3. I have a brother in the Canadian Navy, whose ship was amongst the first to set sail to the waters of the Middle East after 9/11 and the invasion of Afghanistan. (Hi Dan!! *waving*)
4. I will not watch "The Bridges of Madison County" with ANYONE. I bawl my eyes out from beginning to end. *sniff*
5. I dream in colour.
6. While on a trip to Morocco in 2002, my tour group was fortunate to have been introduced to the King of Morroco, Mohammed IV. He happened to be in Rabat, visiting a tombsite while we were there. He very graciously came over to us, and talked to us for a good while. A very kind man.
7. My SIL says I'm so funny because you could give me an wrapped, empty box for Christmas or my birthday, and I'd still be as excited as a little kid (uh, but please don't Susie...). I love the holidays. I was never big on them, but now that I spend them with my sister and SIL, I just have a blast and they've taken on a whole new meaning for me.
8. My oldest friend Joanne and I have been friends for over 30 years now. We met in Grade 3. We quickly decided that when we grew up we'd live on a farm and raise all kinds of animals. Still waiting on that...

Wow! So, did you learn anything new?!

OK. I have a confession to make. Everyone I wanted to tag has already been tagged! So, to make up for this, I give you another list.

Eight Random Facts/Habits of Atticus, Mae and Gandalf!!!

1. Atticus is TERRIFIED of thunderstorms.

"Oh geez...oh man...ok...ok...enough...thunder...breathe Atticus...breathe...breathe..."

"Dude, you OK?"

2. When Mae was a baby, she got her head stuck between 2 window panes. Oh, that was fun getting her out. She is so sweet-natured, that's about the worst thing she has ever done.
3. Gandalf was born with a malformed left hip joint. It doesn't seem to bother him, just makes him walk a little bow-legged.
4. When Atticus was a baby, he managed to break or destroy: one coffee machine, one toaster oven, a FULL pottery cannister of rice (nice...), one glass candle holder, 4 throw rugs, countless boxes of, uh, "chick stuff" and Kleenex, and a keyboard. Then I figured he probably needed company, and adopted Mae.
5. Atticus and Mae have the same mother, but come from different litters.
6. Gandalf snores with his mouth open when he sleeps on his back.

"...hnnnnkkkkk...hnnnnnkkkkk...hhhnnnnnkkkkkk...hhhhnnnnnnkkkkk..."

7. Mae is the hunter of the lot (typical of female cats). Although she is fearless in defending herself against Gandalf's play fighting, she is shy. Some of my friends and family have never seen her...
8. Gandalf has eaten, and enjoyed: curry paste, tandoori sauce, broccoli, a Colace tablet (don't ask...), beer, rice pasta, apple pieces, Cheerios, my sister's bread and butter pickles, and shampoo (again with the asking...) from The Body Shop. You cannot turn your back on him for a SECOND. Wonder why I call him a pooper?!

Now I'm sure you've learned something new about the kitties!

And guess what else? Amphora has a sleeve. Look -

I will be cutting open the neckline tonight (or soon...), and working on that. Then it's one more sleeve.

And how about these -

Wow, finished socks! Not the best picture, but, well, they're socks after all.

Stay tuned - a little black kitty turns 1 on Friday...!

Yes, I Do Knit Socks

I may not be the most prolific sock knitter. Or the most imaginative. But I do knit socks!

See - Ooooo...aaaaaaa... It's taken me, oh, about 5 weeks to work the above (made with Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarn in the "Wildflowers" colourway). I would usually only work my socks on the train home (all of about 15 minutes knitting time) or during lunch time at work. But, as I've made a commitment to myself to finish up some WIP's - one at a time - I'm finding I need something relatively easy to do when either easily distracted, or have too many cats on me. So, the second sock has been knit rather quickly. I have accumulated quite a sock yarn stash, so the quicker I can make them up, the better! I work them toe-up, and use Wendy's pattern (thanks Wendy!). I also use my Mom's old size 14 metal knitting "pins" as they're called. They must be over 50 years old, and they are my absolute favourite to work with.


Gandalf and Atticus, during their daily stare-down with the neighbour's fluffy Maine Coon Guido.

"Mae! Get over here! Guido's come around again and he's STARING at us again! Do SOMETHING!"

" *sigh* Why can't you guys do anything for yourselves? Genius, he's OUTSIDE. We're INSIDE. Just...oh forget it. I'm coming over."

My smart little girl!

As for Amphora. Well, she's there. She almost has ONE sleeve (wow!). It'll be done today, most likely. *crossing fingers*

I also received a really nice comment from Amelia a couple of posts ago (Hi Amelia!) - thanks for delurking! Send me an e-mail at bdepocas@rogers.com, and I can help you out with the Ziploc bags.

And - Happy Mother's Day! To all my Blogging Mom friends, and my own Mom, looking down on me from above and probably wondering why the hell it's taking me so long to finish Amphora's sleeve... :)

Think I Have Too Much Yarn?

That's nothing! Check out the summer shoes. Um, *cough* some *cough* of the summer shoes... *cough* But really, is there such thing as TOO many shoes? Don't answer that.

It's that time of year where I pack away my fall / winter clothes and shoes, and put out my spring and summer ones. It always amazes me what I have. "Hey! I forgot about these!" - was said frequently... Oh, there's a cat somewhere in the picture...of course. It's a messy closet, why wouldn't they (Gandalf) want to explore and help make an even BIGGER mess?!

*sigh*

No, I haven't picked up my air conditioner yet. Yes, I'm still buying one. It's still cool in here, but with the way the weather changes here in Southern Ontario, it could be any time now.

What have I been knitting? Well, I was going all out on the Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk cardigan, when it hit me! Oh right! Now I remember why I haven't used this stuff *slaps forehead*! Because it irritates my little girly hands like and SOS pad on a sunburn! I *think* it might be the dye. I've knit with alpaca/silk blends before with no issues. But this stuff? I don't know... Is it possible to have issues with the dye? I know there are some Rowan yarns that I have problems with because of the dye - maybe it's the same thing with the DB yarn.

So, I've been working on Amphora's sleeve.

"You are making this for me, right? Right??"

Although it may not be the best shot of the sleeve, little Mae looks so cute, I had to post this. I had all these wonderful plans on the weekend to complete most of it, but an icky "reaction" to lactose and "King Kong" on the Movie Network kind of took away from that... I think I managed, oh, 8 or so rounds on the sleeve while watching it. It's not a good idea to knit Fair Isle while watching this movie. It's a little distracting...

I also was patting myself on the back about how quickly it was going until I realized there was another chart to do! Another 28 rows! *clapping hands* And the facing!

I'm going to need the air conditioner.

Oh, and go pop by Jewel's blog, and send good wishes to her sweet little Mia, who's having kitty orthopedic surgery on May 10th. The little Dudes send you big hugs and kisses Mia!

Distractions

Because my batteries are kaput, and I'm unable to take knitting type pictures, I instead give you this AWWWWWW moment:

No no no! I haven't gone and gotten another few kitties (but c'mon...ahhhnnnn!). Gandalf's foster Mom Raven from the Annex Cat Rescue gave me a CD just chock full o' cute baby pictures of the little goof. I'm saving a few more for his birthday later this month, but I thought I'd show this one. He's the little one squeezed in next to the orange kitty, second from the right.

The Annex Cat Rescue do great work here in Toronto, rescuing kitties, feeding and rescuing feral colonies, and of course, spaying and neutering as well. Raven took in this knocked-up street Momma, and was working at home the day she delivered the baby kitties. She helped take care of them, took them to the vet, and fed the runts (including my little Gandalf); and made sure they all found good homes, including Mom. And she has a full time job, and a family!! It's great volunteers like Raven that really make the Annex Cat Rescue work so well.

Oh, OK! Here's another cutie picture:

*blink blink blink*

More to come!

There is knitting! Amphora has almost one full sleeve! Wow! Imagine how nice it looks...ooooo...

And, I will admit to having started something new. Oh yes. A little cardigan being knit in some Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk DK in a lovely shade of green. Why? Oh, because I can. And because this is one yarn I've loved since I purchased it, and stares out at me from it's Ziploc XXL storage bag, pleading to be worked. OK!

I will post pictures next time around.

And thanks to everyone who left such nice comments on my new job! Thanks everyone, it's so wonderful to know you have so many rooting for you. And Gandalf promises NOT to get into any more trouble. Although when he does I end up posting it, and then he gets all sorts of fun comments from his lady friends - May and Suzy and Lucy ... and I think I'd better keep a better eye on the little ladies man...

Good Times

"Why would I ever want to spend another day outside when I can stay in and sleep under Mom's flannel blanket?"

Gandalf would like to thank everyone for their concern about him after his little adventure outside on Monday! He's not likely to do it again. He ended up in the kitty hospital later that night. After vomiting blood and being generally lethargic, I decided to take him to the clinic just to be safe. He ended up staying the night, being stuck with an IV and other needles, and recovered just fine, as you can see. Little pooper... The kindly vet thinks he may have chomped on a bug or a slug while outside. I was very concerned he had licked some motor oil, or something equally dangerous. He's all better now!

Phew!

Knitter's Frolic

Lorraine and I spent a wonderful morning yesterday at the Toronto Downtown Knit Collective's annual Knitter's Frolic. Lots of good stuff to be had!

And, I was good. I picked up 2 skeins of sock yarn - one "Fleece Artist", and one "Socks That Rock" (Fairgrounds). Also, some new Fiddlesticks patterns and a copy of Poems of Color. The book in the background is titled "Your Cat's Just Not That Into You", was a pressie from Lorraine! Thanks Lorraine! It has the funniest caption at the top (you can't see it, it's written on the kitty - who looks surprisingly like my Atticus), and reads "what part of meow don't you get?". Hee hee... I also picked up some "Soak" fabric wash, not pictured though.

And this? It may be my favourite purchase!

A very bright pink insulated lunch bag! With little sheep on them! I'm going to be the hippest lunch carrying girl at work. It's so cool.

Well. I, uh, think so...

And...

Yay me! I have a new job! Still within my company, but more in line with my skills. Of course, it's a bit more money, but the best part of all? No more after-hours support!!!! Music to my ears. And another Yay Me moment - I won a contest! The first time - for commenting on my favourite birthday moment. Thanks DeeAnn!

So, it's been an interesting week, stressful at times yet in the end, all's well that ends well.

I hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Gandalf's Big Adventure

"Me sorry, Mom..."

Oh. My. Stars.

I leave from my backdoor nearly everytime I leave the apartment, and come in from the front when I come home. And everytime, Gandalf plays a game - runs to the door, and won't let me leave until I rub his belly.

Only today, he slipped out. And I didn't notice.

Until I came home.

"Where's your brother?" - Me

"I dunno..." - Atticus

"What, he's not here?" - Mae

I looked everywhere in the apartment - under the bed, in the bathroom, the closets, even the fridge - he was nowhere to be found. But I did hear a faint little "meow..." coming from somewhere. Outside.

I looked out, and there he was, huddled under a little table on the deck. In a wet little ball.

For the first time in my life, I think my heart stopped beating. He was outside all. day. Alone. And we had a thunderstorm earlier.

I feel AWFUL. Poor little guy! :( But, he's fine. Hungry, and pretty much back to normal. He doesn't seem to have been affected by his little adventure, although I don't think I've recovered yet.

My mind hasn't stopped racing about what could have happened. My neighbour's dog...the raccoons...other cats...cars...non-cat people...

I need a stiff drink.

My Opinion On Cotton

With emphasis on *my*!

I've been working away on this -

"Peace", by Kim Hargreaves. Don't get me wrong, I love Kim Hargreaves, I always have. And this is a lovely design. It's knit with Rowan Handknit cotton. I mentioned in the previous post that I actually don't mind this cotton too much. I'm normally not a fan of working with cotton, but I found the Rowan Handknit to be quite nice, and the stitch definition is lovely. It's good quality cotton, without a doubt.

Where I lose it? Finishing. Finishing is just part of the process, and I neither like or dislike it. However, with cotton? It drives me *mental*. I was ready to chuck the thing, or start using it as a rag to clean my windows. No matter how hard I tried, it was near impossible to get a half decent seam! It looks bumpy, increases/decreases stick out like a sore thumb, and the yarn piece used for seaming "pulls" if you so much as tug on it. The seam looks crooked, regardless if I used mattress or backstitch. Cotton has NO give. At all. OK, I'm sure if I were to work a bit more in cotton, things would be better. But I'm a wool girl. Wool is flexible, forgiving, and in my opinion, softer. I love my wool, *sigh*...

So. This is being done for someone else, but this will be the end of my cotton experience. I think I may have to go through my stash and see what I have...

Stick to what I'm comfortable with...wool! Look here -

A lovely shot of Amphora, basking in the lovely spring sunshine. Her sleeve is coming along nicely. I worked on her yesterday, but didn't get as much done as I'd hoped. You know how there are days when you're just all thumbs?! Yeah. That was me.

OK. I have a bit of a confesion to make. Nothing serious. I do not own an air conditioner. It gets hot here in the summer. And, my main sitting/TV room faces west, and can get VERY hot in the late afternoon/evening as the sun begins to set. Every year I get through the summer, and say - next spring, get an air conditioner, you dummy! And every year, I forget. But not this year! I'm getting one - primarily so I can keep working with my beloved wool. Oh, and the cats will be more comfortable. And me. But mainly for the wool. I love you, wool.

Priorities.

Reason #1085 To Love Atticus

I lay down the other day for mid-afternoon snooze, and left the bedroom door open so the Little Dudes could come in and snooze on the bed if they wanted to. Normally, Gandalf will, Mae will creep in sometime during the night, but Atticus? Hardly ever. Just the way the little man is, and always has been.

I tend to get nightmares, I have for most of my life. I'm not sure why - anxiety, stress, an over-active imagination? Probably all of them. On this particular occasion, I was having a doozy of a dream. I know I was in the half-awake, half-asleep zone. In my dream, I kept telling myself that this was so weird and creepy, I knew had to be dreaming, but when I would try to wake myself up, I'd find myself to already BE awake. In my dream. OK.

I started feeling someone poking at my head. Poke. Push. Poke. Push. Push. I finally woke up, a bit confused, to find Atticus on the bed next to me, trying to wake me up.

"Meeerrrooorrrwwww Mom?"

I got up, and he jumped off the bed, looked back at me, and went back to his sleeping spot, and just fell back asleep. He didn't want to be fed, didn't want to play, or want attention. He just wanted to wake me out of what he must have sensed was a bad dream.

*sniff*

I challenge anyone who does not think animals possess the capacity for love and caring, or can sense beyond what we allow ourselves to see and feel in this plastic world of ours, to spend a day with Atticus. He'll change your mind.

"Aw shucks Mom! You would have done the same for me!"

No Knitting Content!

None! It's been a quiet week.

Actually, I have been knitting, only I can't post what I have been working on. It's another stealth project for a friend - worked in cotton (!). It's not as bad as I thought it would be. It's no secret that I'm not a fan of cotton. I've always had problems with tension, and I don't like the look of most finished cotton items, except when worked in stocking stitch. Just a personal preference... But, I will say - this cardigan has some moss stitch, and I really do like how firm the stitches are. It seems to be a good stitch combination, perfect for this sturdier cotton. I'm using Rowan Handknit cotton. Pricey, but if I'm going to work with cotton, I'm glad I'm using a good quality one. And - it doesn't irritate my wee girlie hands, which most mercerized cotton will do (this one isn't mercerized).


King of The Castle

"...la la la...I'm the king of the castle...and Atticus an' Mae are the dirty rascals...la la la..."

Gandalf explores the new Kitty Condo/Jungle Gym climbing thingy I picked up while away last week at my sister's. He loves it, as does Mae. Atticus, not so much. He tried exploring the little cave section at the very bottom, and uh, didn't quite make it in. At all.

I'm thinking he's quite offended by it all.

Next time around - some showable knitting content. Oh, in the meantime, go have a look at Lorraine's Kilkenny! Her latest design, this one an Aran, and it's just a beauty!

(Hey, this little, dull post marks my 75th post! Yay me!)

It's Good To Be Home!

"You smell. Like dog. What? You think presents and treats will square it up?! Well...maybe. Later though...sleeping now. You go think about what you did."

"Oh, don't listen to them. If they want to sulk and won't eat their treats - hey, more for me! I love you Mom!"

Awww... They were happy to see me! Uh, well, they kind of had to. There was an unfortunate incident while I was away. Let's just say that the person who was looking in on them couldn't get into my apartment, and they were alone...the whole time.

Such. A. Bad. Mom. :(

But they were fine! Happy to see me, and no worse for wear. I had left them a ton of food and water, but it still makes me sad to know they were alone and foodless for some time. I know cats are resilient, but I still feel soooo bad! And so does my cat-sitter... I just remind myself that they're fine, had each other for company, and they weren't too overly upset with me.

Look! Someone had a birthday!

"Oh, you think this is funny?! Do you do this to the cats?? No? I didn't think so. That Bil-Jac pancake you're making me better be good. I feel like an idiot."

Finnegan was good enough to pose for a few pictures, despite being less than pleased about the birthday hat. And the birthday boy-puppy is 1 year old today!!! Happy Birthday Finnegan!

I had a great time in St. Catharines, and got a lot of rest and relaxation in. Oh, and shopping. Living within the city of Toronto, we have quite a few large stores, but none of the "super stores" are close to me. You know, the big ones that have everything AND the kitchen sink? So, I need to go to the small town of St. Catharines to discover the awesome power of the Great Canadian Superstore. Oh. My. Stars. You can buy 48 rolls of toilet paper? AND shoes? AND turn around and buy ALL your groceries? *thump*

But no yarn! I don't even think there is a yarn shop in St. Catharines, come to think of it. Look what else I managed to do:

I finished Amphora's body! And all that running around looking for a 60cm 3.25mm needle? For nothin'. Because it turns out the neckband is done with a 3mm needle. Had I taken the time to READ this before I left...what a concept! Oh well, I started on a sleeve instead. I ripped that out 3 times before I was satisfied that the centre of the motif lined up with the shoulder join, and that I had the correct amount of stitches picked up on each side of it.

It's a good thing Shetland wool is so resilient...

Thanks everyone for all your "Feel Betters!" for my shoulder! Which is, for the most part, better, although I do have the odd twinge now and then. I'm pretty sure posture, and scrunching myself on my left side while trying to fall asleep at night is contributing to it not healing as quickly as I'd like.

"I really miss you now Auntie Brigitte. Do you miss me?? Huh? Say Hi to my cousins for me, and come back and visit soon!"

It's A Good Thing...

...that it's still cold outside, and I still need a coat. Because I went to the grocery store yesterday with my shirt inside out. *both thumbs up* Good job!


I think I need a vacation. Oh hey! I think I'm going to have one too - I'm heading out this week to visit my sister, SIL and puppy Finnegan in St. Catharines, just west of Toronto.


And I have NO knitting to show! Nothing. For one, I've been finishing up my stealth knitting these last few days, and I can't show it just yet. And, I have a pinched nerve in my left shoulder, and it's causing me a bit of grief, although it's getting better now. Serves me right, I think I swung my backpack over my shoulder a bit too roughly.


Let's see. My backpack. Home away from home. It's always packed with stuff, and last Thursday, I had - my breakfast, lunch, and 2 snacks; my blood glucose monitor; 2 magazines (an issue of Canadian Living, and another one on Container Gardening); my umbrella; a juice box; my notebook; of course, my knitting (socks); work stuff, as I was on call last week; and a bunch of batteries for recycling.


No wonder I pinched a nerve.

"It may be pink and fluffy, but I'm no less a boy-kitty. And I'm comfortable. And no it's not too small. Go away now."

Atticus enjoys Mae's favourite resting spot...

Have a wonderful week everyone, I'll catch up with you all when I'm back!

OK. So It's Like This...

"Uh oh, I think Mom's on to my obsession with fridge magnets... Oh, there she is! Play dumb Gandalf, look busy!" - Gandalf

OK. It really doesn't matter that the picture is blurry. What you need to look at is that strange empty spot on left side of the picture. It seems I'm missing a few things...and you know, the fact that one of them is partially OFF of the fridge tells me someone is pawing after the magnets from the counter. And last I checked, my name wasn't "Rigitte". I found the "B" under my bedroom door.

No. It's not Atticus. Have you seen his girth? His lovable, huggable girth? And it's not Mae. Believe me. It's not Mae. Which leaves Little Gandalf. *sigh* I keep telling myself that no matter what he does - his antics are no where near as crazy as Atticus' were when he was kitten. More on that on another post...

Uh, Knitting...

It's been a productive week, but unfortunately, I can't post any pictures! Covert, secretive knitting...

But - I have been working on Amphora quite a bit -

Oh, and Marina? It's also done in a dark red/black colourway... Just sayin'. However, I've been unable to do much on it lately. Why? (And this is driving me kookoo.) I cannot find ANY of my 60cm 3.25mm needles. Anywhere. And I know I have at least 2 of them. They're not in any project bag. They're not where they SHOULD be. So, I'm stuck, because I'm about to cast off for the back neck, and the 80cm will be too long. I suppose I could use 4 longish DPN's, but I know they have to be here somewhere!!!! Arrrggghhhhhh!!!!!

Also - a few people wanted to know why I swapped my Henry VIII kit. Well, it's not because I didn't love the design - it's beautiful! But, I've had it in my stash for over 2 years, and I knew I would never work on it because the colourway didn't suit me. It has a good and happy home, and will be worked on now.

"I had nothing to do with the disappearing needles. Seriously. Mom, I'll help you look, OK?!"

...As Promised!

Dalarna! Fitting like a charm! So. Loving. It. The red is nowhere near as bright as it looks in the picture. I was finally able to tame the edging thanks to a LOT of steam. A lot.

*sniff* I love this sweater...

And, as promised... I allowed myself one purchase during the first 9 months of 2007. And of course, I made the purchase at Virtual Yarns.

It has arrived.

Such beautiful colours, you can't imagine. But, I will be good, and finish up a few WIP's before I start Rona. In the meantime, I'm happy to fondle and smoosh my face into the yarn.

And, guess what else?!! Now, this was totally unexpected, and such a wonderful surprise!

My Dale of Norway kit! (No! Wait! Don't get mad at me, I didn't break my promise! Come back!) See, this is how I received it. I swapped my Henry VIII kit with Jewel, and in return... I received my lovely Dale kit! It's the Sapporo 2007 Norwegian Ski Sweater, purchased for me from Spin Blessing. So, I should have a lovely ski sweater for the fall. I'm so excited - thanks Jewel - :D!

It's all too much for Atticus and Gandalf.

"Hoonnnnnkkkkkkkk...shu....Hooonnnnnnnnkkkkkk....shu..."

Happy Birthday Baby Mae!

Happy Birthday Baby Mae! My little fluffy girl is 8 years old today! Here she is on her first day with us, at 7 weeks old.


And meeting her big brother Atticus for the first time. We shall not speak of his slender physique back then... He sniffed around her a few times, shrugged his shoulders and decided she could stay. I adopted her through a lady at work.


She continues to be a joy to have around. Loving, sweet and tough when she needs to be, she's always been mild-mannered and gentle. She loves to have her tummy rubbed, and her ears scritched! Unlike Atticus, she's quite the hunter. Now, keep in mind I live in an old Victorian house - so the fact I get the occasional mouse is not unusual. In 9 years, I've only had 2, and both were stalked and caught by my little Mae. Atticus just lay on the couch like a slug, watching the action...


Atticus is less than a year old than she is, and they both share the same Kitty Mom.

"Happy Birthday Mae! You're the best big sister ever!" - Gandalf

"Happy Birthday Mae! Yeah, I guess letting you stay was a good thing..." - Atticus

Everything Old Is New Again

Phew! Here she is - Dalarna!

She's been sewn together and blocked, and awaits her crocheted border and buttons before she can make her debut. In my mind, she's done! DONE!

What: "Red and White" cardigan from page 164 of "Poetry in Stitches". Christened "Dalarna" by Wendy of Wendyknits!

Yarn: Hifa 2 yarn - yarn for this project was purchased from Nordic Fibre Arts, who supply all the yarn packs specifically for "Poetry In Stitches" and "Norsk Strikkedesign". I have A LOT of yarn left over, I'll probably be able to make a matching pair of mittens with what I have left over. I have teeny hands...

Needles: 2.5mm for the red upper portion, and 3.5mm for the stranded design.

How I Blocked Her (Finally): Eucalan, 1/4 cup of sea salt, and a sink full of hypothermia inducing ice cold water. I could barely stand to plunge my hands in the water! Instead, I used an old wooden spoon. A friend at work recommended the ice cold water - a non-knitter at that too! And not a DROP of the dye came out of place.

PITA Factor: Very low. I specifically chose this design as my first Norwegian design as it had everything I wanted to try out - specifically a new way of steeking. I did not find the knitting part difficult (let's not speak of the numerous attempts starting up the second sleeve, 'k?), however I did find that there was a lot more finishing involved than I'm used to with Fair Isle. The front bands alone took me a weekend to complete - probably 8 hours total. Not bad when you're picking up and knitting 150 stitches per side on 2.5mm needles, and knitting for 18 rows per side! The facings on the front bands and the upper sleeves were stitched down in place as well. This is something that I don't do with Fair Isle.

The steeks did not prove to be a problem, thanks to Lorraine and her sewing machine. She had come by awhile back and stitched them up for me.

I've never been one to swoon and faint at the cutting of steeks - it's never rattled me. Just cut. And trust that a few thousand + knitters can't be wrong! So - no issues there, and they worked out just fine. No unraveling at all. I did add a few more stitches to the front steek, probably the Fair Isle knitter in me thinking it would make a difference. But, it was completely unnecessary.

So, I'm very pleased! I was thinking as I was blocking it that it would have made a great pullover. But, I wanted the experience of Norwegian steeks.

What do you think!?!? I will post a modelled shot later in the week, once it's dry! Yay me!!!

"Guys, really - it's done! I saw it for myself. Are you as pooped as I am from the whole process?" - Little Miss Mae