The Paddling Knitter

The Special Ones in my Life

2006-08-29T09:04:00.000-04:00

Another thing about this summer...getting to spend special time with the little ones I love! It's amazing to feel this amount of love for children that aren't even my own. Yes they are my nieces and nephew; however, sometimes it can be so overwhelming....I can't imagine what it will feel like when I have my own.

The newest addition to my heart: Fiona! Now 9 weeks old. I am so excited to see how she will grow and learn!

And a big treat!!!! Ramona Mae. Her mother and father live in Texas so I only get to see them once or twice a year :( ...so when she came to visit!!!!!!! I WAS PUMPED!!!! Look at those blue eyes!!!!!

The oldest of them all, and for that he is definately special: Ben! As always...goofing off with Uncle Darryl.

And the sweetest girl I have ever known...Charlotte (a.k.a. Charlie). She is definately a princess! And like all princesses do in their young age...they play with goats!

More Algonquin Pics

2006-08-29T08:55:00.000-04:00

The four of us at the beginning of our portage from Ragged Lake - Big Porcupine

More calm waters.

Ben actually made a bow! A BOW!! He found a stick, stripped it, notched it and used standard rope to create the stringy thing....the men continued to shoot makeshift arrows at everything.

Our last day...tried, dirty, but not wanting to leave.

Algonquin Portage Trip - Aug 18-20

2006-08-29T08:50:00.000-04:00

Even though we have had a crazy busy summer, we still found time to take a break and go to our special place: Algonquin. It was only a three day trip, but it sure was awesome!!!!!!

Our paddling partners: Brad, Darryl, Ben (I'm behind the camera).

GORGEOUS SKY! Glass lake water...what more could you ask for.

Darryl relaxing (and later trying to nap) solo.

Our camp site view.

Apology's to Lady Bug

2006-08-29T08:37:00.000-04:00

My apology's to the Lady Bug knit-a-long. I have not sent anything or posted any new progress since the falling apart of my blog. I guess I was so upset with all that lost work, that I have pushed it all to the back of my brain. I do have two projects to send Lady Bug...

One is the white burial gown...however, I have not completed the hat or booties to match.
Also the green preemie cardigan is still in the works. I'm hoping to get that complete during my week off this week.

Once again, I am so sorry...time flies when you're too busy to notice.

Long Time...

2006-08-29T08:34:00.000-04:00

Well it's been a long time since I've posted anything on here. What I was hoping to be a nice knit-summer turned out to be a very busy summer! With work and other summer activities cramming my schedule, I honestly did not get much done at all. That pinwheel sweater...yeah it's still not done, although I only have to complete the sleeves...other projects...nope...have not started any projects that I planned for christmas gifts. And now that the new school year is approaching I'm seeing my leisure time slipping away. Oh well, I guess that's the way life goes.

SCREAMING!!!!!

2006-07-04T08:55:00.000-04:00

Oh my goodness!!! I am ready to FLIP OUT! Last week I was editing my template by adding a new link to a friend's website...so I save the changes and republish the blog and kaput! NOTHING! My blog had NOTHING!!! No posts! No links! No buttons! NOTHING! Of course I freaked out when I saw it, but was on my way to leave for the long weekend. So I've had all weekend to cool my head and think about how to fix this mess. I reloaded a new template; however, I still lost all my custom stuff, like colour changes, and my header! (oh I loved that header!). I spent so much time and energy on this darn blog! So I am pretty much starting from stratch. It will take me a while...and this time I will save all html coding on a word document. Stupid Blogger!

Cute LadyBug Hat

2006-06-29T09:20:00.000-04:00

I stumbled upon this cute lady bug hat for a preemie on a free pattern webpage. Thought I would share with all of you.

Algonquin Pics

2006-06-25T20:51:00.000-04:00

Well Darryl (my fiance) came back from his Algonquin backcountry portage with the boys today, and he brought back some beautiful pics...thought I would share them with all of you. The biggest event of the weekend: they saw a bear!!! Wish I was there...am SOO jealous!!!

More Algonquin Pics

2006-06-25T20:49:00.000-04:00

Pinwheel Mayhem

2006-06-24T15:50:00.000-04:00

Haven't been able to knit alot this past week. I was just finishing up a summer class so studying had to take priority. Below is my progress on the pinwheel spiral sweater as of last weekend. I spent all weekend getting this project going...however I hit a snag...I divided for the arms wrong!!! So I had to rip out about 10 rows and pick all the stitches back up...and AH what a mess. So I think thats another reason why I haven't knitted alot this week: frustation!!!

I have also started to look at patterns for Christmas presents. Since I have no school stress this summer I thought I would knit my a** off. Usually when school picks up in the fall I am way too absorbed (or perhaps swallowed) by the amount of work to do, that I feel guilty about not studying or reading or researching....so thats why I'm looking forward to a wonderful knit summer.

You've got YARN!

2006-06-17T15:38:00.000-04:00

My first online yarn order...and viola!!! It came!!! Now I know how everyone feels when they receive that special package!!! I ordered Peruvian Highland Wool from elann.com to create the baby girl's pinwheel sweater (see pic below). This pattern won a contest on elann.com and the pattern can be found for free on their website. I plan to make this for my niece Ramona's birthday (she will be 12 months in September) so that gives me lots of time. I dedided to use slightly different colours than the one specified in the pattern. I will still be flowing from neutral to green to red, but just different greens and reds.

So now I have all the gear (needles and yarn) and am all set to go. With this project I will be knocking off a goal for his year: to use circular needles!!! I'll be using DP's as well, but have already made socks (well almost completed two socks), so it won't be my first time around.

Wish me luck!!!

Update on LucyBug Projects

2006-06-17T15:25:00.000-04:00

A little update on my projects for LucyBug.

Below is the preemie cardigan I've been working on (it's a light green, but my flash was acting funny, so it looks a little different). I have completed the back (below) and the left front. Only sleeves and right front to go. It is knitting up nicely, and very quickly considering it's size. Hope to have completed and shipped by June 30th.

This is my second project for LucyBug: a preemie burial gown. I am completing the skirt (3 more inches to go), then can go on to the arms. It's going along nicely however I am finding that I keep putting it down to continue other projects. With this one as well, I hope to have it completed and shipped to LucyBug by June 30th.

The skirt looks a little lopsided. It's just the way that all the stitches are on the needle. Stitches holder are holding sleeve stitches.

WELCOME FIONA JANE!

2006-06-17T01:06:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the world "Princess" Fiona (my newest niece)! She was born this morning (12:15) weighing it at a healthy 6lbs, 15oz. Baby and Mom are fine and bonding beautifully.

Look at that hair!!!!

Look at those cheeks!!!

I am just rearing to go! Have to find patterns, have to find yarn, have to knit, knit, knit!!!

LucyBug Preemie Gown

2006-06-14T14:17:00.000-04:00

I decided to start another preemie project, and I found this beautiful pattern here.

I am knitting it from the top down, and as you can see below, all in one piece. The stitch holders are holding stitches for the sleeves.

The skirt will have a different pattern, because the website offers two ways to complete the skirt, and to tell you the truth, I didn't know which looked like what, so I went with the one that I understood better (the baby lace option).

Included on the webpage are patterns for a bonnet/hat and booties to make a complete set. Hopefully I will have all these projects completed by the June 30th deadline for the contest entry. LOVE that felted bag...must win felted bag...yes yes...

Girl's day...

2006-06-13T18:26:00.000-04:00

Travelled to Huntsville today to visit with my very pregnany sister and her daughter Charlotte. I finally was able to give Charlie her birthday presents (over a month late!).

It fits!!! Well kinda...a little too big but it will give her room to grow.

She's gonna blow!!! Carmen, very pregnany, is waiting patiently for her 3rd child to come...I'm not so patient and am very excited and eager for him/her to show their face.

LucyBug Knit-Along

2006-06-12T18:14:00.000-04:00

So I've decided to make my first project for the LucyBug knitalong. It's a preemie cardigan from the Sirdar Early Arrivals knitting book.

When I was looking into knitting for a charity, I came across the LucyBug knitalong where knitted items are made for preemie or newborn infants who have sadly passed before their time. At first I thought it was kinda morbid...why would you anyone want to make something for a dead child? But I was still drawn to it...it reminded me of my maternal/child clinical nursing rotation. During my time at the hospital, a child passed away tragically during labour. The nurses were responsible for cleaning and preparing the child to be taken back to the parents. I assisted them in dressing the little boy in a beautiful blue cardigan, pant, hat and booties. Afterwards it really affected me...dressing a cold, white child in a moment when we should be happy and joyful. I think that's why I choose to knit for LucyBug.

I guess now Im hoping that when an outfit I created was given to grieving parents, they may feel that someone took time and love to create it...prehaps it may give them some comfort in some way...I dunno...my wishful thinking.

Finished Magic Ball Scarf

2006-06-12T18:13:00.000-04:00

Well here's my finished magic ball scarf. It's super funky, but not quite long enough for my liking. Next time I will just keep attached more strands of yarn.

Sock Update

2006-06-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

Jackie

So I have completed the first sock!!! And it turned out pretty good. Above you see my cat taking interest in the needles as I tried on to check measurements. The heel turned out perfectly and shaping the foot and toe was not that difficult. Also grafting was surprisingly easy. I don't see why I was so afraid of making socks before! I LOVE IT! Now onto the second one...

Magic Ball Scarf

2006-06-07T12:45:00.001-04:00

Magic Ball Scarf

So I was getting bored and needed an interesting project...so I read on the knitter's review website about the Magic Ball. Essentially you take all your odd leftover balls of yarn cut various lengths of them and tie them together. I used pastel colours (mostly leftovers from baby projects). They suggest to use yarn with similar gauges but I threw that idea out the window (my gauges ranged from 8sts to 22sts...BIG difference). I used 5mm needles, cast on 20 stitches and just started going in stockinette stitch. I wasn't sure what I was going to make...it just kinda formed into a scarf. It was exciting to wonder what the next row would look like. I didn't want to look at the ball as I was knitting, to be surprised about what yarn was coming next. Since the wrong side has MANY loose ends, I'm not quite sure what to do...it would take WAY too long to hide them all, or I could stitch the scarf into a tube-like thingy. That would still be a pain, but I'll give it a shot.
I really suggest this method to anyone who wants to venture away from patterns, techniques, and rules about knitting. The knitter's review website gives suggestions about what kind of projects you can do, and the possibilities like pillows, afghan squares, etc. I became so fixated on the scarf that I kept knitting late into the night. I'm eager to do something like this again...I find myself wondering if I should try it with my good balls of stash.

LOOK! I'm making socks!

2006-06-05T20:04:00.000-04:00

Well I'm gonna give it a try...I am attempting to make my very first pair of socks! I'm using Bernat Sox in this funky variated colour. I am just using the pattern that came with the yarn (see picture below - click for pattern). I had to begin and cast on a few times because it took me a while to get used to working with these needles (I have never used DP's before). Also I had to restart a few times because I kept changing my mind about what size I should make. Things are going a little smoothly now...I have only 2 inches so far but I'm getting the hang of it. Still learning how to comfortably hold the needles and keep the stitches tight around the "corners". I'm very optomistic about it though. Lets just see what will happen when it comes time to shape...wish me luck!!!!

Needle & Hook Tracker

2006-06-05T18:32:00.000-04:00

Getting this idea from a knitting shop, I created my own needle & hook tracker. It's a simple table that lists all the possibilities of needles (straights, double-pointed, circulars in 40mm, 60mm, and 80mm) and crochet hooks, from 2.0mm to 10.0mm, and is approximately the size of a business card. The metric measurements as well as US numbers in brackets (for those patterns that don't give both). It's very useful to keep in your purse or wallet to refer to when your out shopping. Myself, I am always forgetting which needles I have at home and which ones I am currently using (sometimes I have two projects going that require the same size needles). It is double sided (straights, DP's and crochet hooks on one side, and the three lengths of circulars on the back) and has a spot to note other tools or sizes. All I did was circle the needles and hooks I have. I'm trying to figure out how to post the word document to share with everyone...still working on it.

The Next Project...possibly yes?

2006-06-05T17:58:00.000-04:00

Well I have been in a little bit of a lull. I have picked up some small projects but nothing too exciting. I think thats why I want to create something different, something big, something I have never done before...a SWEATER! (or something like a sweater). I want to create an adult size garment that I myself can wear and be proud of. The thing is, is that there are so many options out there. For instance...

I absolutely love this one from the recent issue of Vogue Knitting. It's so delicate and pretty and...YES I LOVE IT! Problem: the yarn suggested for this pattern is expensive ($12 CDN for a skein and I would need 12 skeins! Thats alot of moo-la for a broke student). So I keep looking at other yarns I can use with similar gauges. I found out that Bernat Satin (super cheap but still soft) would possibly be compatible. So I whipped by a gauge swatch (Honestly...I have never done a gauge swatch before), and it was too big. So went down a needle size and did another...still too big. So once again down to 4.5mm...and it's too small. So if I want to use this yarn I have to either go for the larger nedle (5mm) and knit tighter...or...go with the 4.5mm and knit looser. I'm just afraid that if I do use this yarn that I will end up with sizing and shaping complications. Perhaps I should just not do it. But it's soooo pretty! The search will continue for a substitute.

Eye Mask Finished Product...with a little tweaking

2006-05-30T22:36:00.000-04:00

Since I couldn't seem to grasp the circular needle fringe, I did decide to crochet it! And here's how it turned out:

I double crocheted around once making sure to space evenly, and give extra stitches around the corners. It turned out pretty nice. I would suggest to have the wrong side (the side that will go against your eyes) facing you while you do it because you can see small stitch marks along the white. Overall I'm pretty happy with it. Things I would change: definately the colour. The white and black are nice, but not as nice as a sexy red wine and black. Also I would like to try and modify the pattern to use bulkier yarns, like Patons Allure and Lion Brand Velvet Spun; however, I am not that skilled yet...
Ok so on to the next challenge!

Velvet Oblivion Beauty Sleep Eye Mask...or something like it.

2006-05-30T21:39:00.000-04:00

Another of my stash busting goals was to create with beautiful velvety eye mask. I was actually stoked about this one because I think I could actually use one of these. I decided to use Patons Pixie (a discontinued yarn) that I've had for well over a year, with nothing to do with it (I actually don't enjoy working with it). My first attempt was with the Lion Brand velvet spun (SOOO soft!), but it was way too bulky. So I used this, which is still soft; however, I'm not sure that the white yarn will serve the main purpose: keep the light out. I guess we will just have to see...or not see (HA HA!). So my version of the eye cover area turned out like this:

It only took me 40 minutes to knit this up on 3.75mm needles. The pattern was very easy to follow (click the picture above for a link to the website). So now I just have to put on the fancy trim right? Right! However, it really isn't that easy. Since I am not used to working with circular needles (this was my first time using them actually...come to think of it, there are many things I have not tried yet...perhaps they are out of my "comfort zone"), I found it a little tricky to pick up stitches:

As you can see, it got kinda tangled and a little messed up. But I still kept pressing on. Using the Bernat Boa in black I picked up stitches all the way around, knit one row, then bound off. Simple right? Well maybe for everyone else; however, I always seem to mess up. This was my finished product:

As you can see, not quite the same is it. I blame it on my inexperience with circular needles (this is the exact reason why circulars and me don't mix!). While I was creating the trim, I kept it too tight, and the result shows that the only eyes this mask is going around are people suffering from exothalamus. So now I have to rip out the trim and try again. Or perhaps find another way...like crochet it on? That may work.

The Little Muchkin is READY TO RIDE! (Even though he/she's not even born yet)!

2006-05-30T21:05:00.000-04:00

Well it is finally finished!! I'm ok with the finished product; however, it is not exactly as the pattern shows it to be (the length of the torso is not quite right, and the hood opening is kinda small). But there is nothing else I can do with it.
I put in a heavy duty zipper, and was considering a button at the top, but changed my mind. It just seems a little disproportionate...oh well. I guess you just have to be more careful about what patterns you choose. Also it is definately a little "holier" than what I thought it would be. Other things I would change about it are to create a tight zipper lining (you know..that part of the garment that you will sew the zipper into). Overall, it's cute, somewhat practical, and pretty straight forward to make. Perhaps it's better for a different size. Anyhoo, I would second guess attempting this project again.

Munchkin Velvet Hat

2006-05-30T21:03:00.000-04:00

Munchkin Velvet Hat

I knitted this very quick hat for MY little munchkin on the way (well my sister's...but I like to claim them every once in a while, then hand them back). I thought it would go well with the car seat suit, that is near completion. Also it's a stash buster! It only takes about half a ball of Lion Brand's Velvet Spun, but still helps to deplete that growing stash. I recommend this very soft, quick, cute hat for all children. It only took 40 minutes!!!

On to the next stash busting project.

Silly, willy, nutty, buddy!

2006-05-29T17:37:00.000-04:00

Amanda and Kerry

Me and my bestfriend just acting silly on Saturday night, taking pics with my cell phone...there was nothing better to do that night...but looking at these pics, definately brightens my spirit!

Beautiful flowers to cheer up!

2006-05-29T17:20:00.000-04:00

Wild Trilliums

Thought I would just post this beautiful wild trilliums to cheer myself up. Even though my latest crocheting project just went down the drain...oh who am I kidding. It still drives me crazy, but I'll get over it and soon find another project that gets me all gidding inside.

Enjoy the flowers!

(Taken at Six Mile Lake Provincial Park)

From YIPPEE!! to ARGG!!

2006-05-29T17:08:00.000-04:00

Pattern details

Well I attempted a new pattern...one that I thought was adorable and pretty simple to create. I found it on the DROPS Garnstudio website and was drawn to it. My intentions were to make this ensemble (the dress, cardigan, booties and hat) for my niece's birthday in September. She will be 1 year old, and I thought that 4 months was plenty of time to create all four pieces...I did not decide to use the yarn indicated for the pattern as I am broke and couldn't afford it...so I went and bought lots of Red Heart Lustersheen, which I thought was the same gauge, and began to crochet:

I followed the instructions to a T for the prescribed 12-18 month pattern...

1st downfall: After completing about 3 inches of the front bottom dress, I realized that it was much too wide. The pattern indicates that it should be 39 cm; however, I had 46 cm. Ok so then I checked my gauge again. Yes, it's fine...so whats the problem? I spoke to my very crafty and expert sister Carmen and discussed my issue...with no resolution to be found, I decided to attempt something...I cast on (or chained) the number of stitches for a 1-3month child, and viola! I had the right width! Hooray!!! So carefully I followed the directions, still for the 12-18 monther to make sure I would get the correct length...As the piece got longer, I got more excited...it was looking beautiful and felt beautiful and I was super pumped that it wasn't taking that long...

2nd downfall: I almost completed the full front piece when.... I realized that the measurements for the rest of the piece was completely wrong!!!! Sure along the bottom was fine; however, along the chest (middle red line on pic) it was supposed to measure 29cm...and I have 25cm. And along the upper chest (the top red line) it was supposed to measure 21 cm and I have 15 cm.... So now I have no idea what to do...obviously I have to rip it all out and start again! This is so frustrating considering I probably spent about 20 hours already either crocheting the damn thing or trying to figure out what the hell went wrong! And to top it off, I have 6 large balls of this yarn...if I don't figure this out then what am I gonna do with this yarn and what am I gonna make my niece! ARGH!!! I had previously posted my concerns on the DROPS forum for pattern help and everyone was very thoughtful but no clear answers. Since this is one of the first times I have tried to attempt a pattern so intricate and pretty, yet it seems so simple, I don't want to look like an idiot and post stupid questions. I think that I may have to scrap the whole idea and find something else...but I LOVE this dress!!!

The Result of Neglect

2006-05-26T15:13:00.000-04:00

Because of my fascination and obsession with yarn, knitting and crocheting, the other aspects of my life has felt the remains of neglect. As you can see in this picture, my place is a MESS! Even Darryl is feeling a little left out. (Notice the kitchen counter...covered in dishes, the coffee table filled with my patterns, needles, hooks and notes...and Darryl...)

I find myself either spending all my free time knitting, crocheting, or searching the web for pages related to knitting and yarn. It has engulfed my life! For instance, last night at work, all I wanted to do was come home and work on my newest project. This type of entrancement is common with me, as I usually go through times where all I can think about is something that I am really enjoying at that time...and right now it's knitting. As my track record shows, this obsession will fade; however, with knitting...it has not. As I have discovered, many other people share the same passion (or obsession...depends on your point of view)...there are numerous blogs and websites about people spilling their guts about their fascination and preoccupation with yarn. To create some sort of comrodiry amongst these people, I joined some knitting blog rings...mainly ones where entry into them are based on inevitable characteristics (i.e. Ontario knitters: you have to knit and live in Ontario...well thats me to a T; RedHead blogs: you have to have a blog and be a redhead...another group that I fit into...YIPPEE).

Another knitting ring is dedicated to those that hoard and stash large amounts of yarn, creating an abundant stash. I, as almost all other knitters do, have a stash...mine not being as large of some others. Because of my growing and accumulating projects, yarn sales and giving into the must have yarn, the little corner of my living room has become this cluttered mess. I have this large basket that is overflowing with my growing yarn collection, current and completed projects piling on top of it. In the bags and small boxes on the ground is yet more projects, some completed, some half done, and more yarn! As I was looking through this mess last night, I was thinking that I should really use up some of this yarn before I go to purchase more...and thats what got me to thinking about joining a yarn hoarder blog ring where your sole purpose is to make a dent in those stashes. Also I found a site about creating knits for unfortunate children in Mongolia...another possible solution. I figure I should start using up this yarn before it gets out of control.

To sum up, I need to practice more self control, make sure that other areas of life are addressed (especially the most important: Darryl), and take time to keep the house maintaince up. If I will be able to do this successfully is another matter...(considering right now I should be studying instead of writting about yarn).

Car Seat Suit Update

2006-05-24T09:26:00.000-04:00

Well it has definately come a long way...over this past long weekend I had the opportunity to really sit down and get lots of work done. All thats left is to knit the hood, sew it up and put in a zipper. As I have started to put it together, I realized that the torso is not as long as it should be...oh well, it's for a small child anyways (considering his/her parents are short). So hopefully soon it will be all complete.

Click picture for link to Paton's website showing the pattern book detailing this car seat suit.

May Long Weekend - Six Mile Lake

2006-05-23T11:17:00.000-04:00

Well we did our traditional camping on the May long weekend...however, it wasn't as nice as previous years. We camped at Six Mile Lake, just north of Honey Harbour and Georgian Bay. It was a beautiful lake, and we had a beautiful site....but with weather concerns and "technical" problems the weekend was not a cup of tea. First we were missing poles from our big tent...had to set up our backpacking tent which is much smaller but still comfy...however, when it's raining there isnt much room for anything except laying down. So that was the first snag. Then came the difficultly of finding a good spot to set up the tarp...as Darryl was working hard on that, I decided to light the latern (a coleman latern that screws into a propane tank)...and sure enough it caught on fire! I burnt all the hair on my hands and fingers! It continued to burn, the whole latern and tank being engulfed in flames. Darryl grabbed it, ran to the lake, threw it in the water and in the process smashing the latern glass. This did not work though...it still kept burning. Of course, I was worried about it exploding or catching the brush on fire, so I drove to the front office and reported our incident. Soon after, rangers came and extinguished it. Thank goodness.

So with that drama over, we snuggled up infront of the fire and relaxed for the rest of the night. On Saturday the weather was not any better. It was FREEZING and RAINY all day...we got a glimpse of nice weather at around 6pm and enjoyed it for two hours before the sun set again (see me sitting by the lake, knitting!). On Sunday we awoke to another cold rainy windy day...and that was enough for us to call it quits...we packed up, got a refund for the last day we were scheduled to stay, and drove home to our comfy, warm apartment.

Overall, it kinda sucked. The park was crazy busy and there were so many motorized boats that we didn't even attempt to get into a canoe. We had a gorgeous view of the lake, but we could also see the close by dock where everyone was fishing or docking. At night, there were many drunken partyers walking around, getting arrested, making LOTS of noise, that it was difficult to enjoy the outdoors. Needless to say, I learnt my lesson: camp at campgrounds that you know, make sure there is lots to do during the day (i.e. trails, protages, etc.), and make sure that you are well off the main road with lots of privacy.

So our next camping adventure, which is not scheduled yet, should hopefully be a portage trip into Algonquin with some friends. Also on the roster is camping with Ben and Charlie, nephew and niece, at either Arrowhead or Algonquin (I AM SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THIS ONE!!!!).

Projects in the Works

2006-05-16T12:18:00.000-04:00

Below are some pics of some projects on the go...usually I have several because I find it fun to switch between projects as to not get bored with them.

Handle Purse

2006-05-16T12:08:00.000-04:00

Handle Purse

I'm getting really into making bags and purses! They are fast and easy to make...This one will be a handle purse using Bernat's Denimstyle...

Click the picture for a link to this free pattern from the Coat's & Clark's website .

Little Girl's Cardigan

2006-05-16T12:07:00.001-04:00

Little Girl's Cardigan
This is just the start of a cardigan I am knitting for my niece using Bernat's Coordinates...self-striping adds the extra cuteness...

Click picture for link to pattern from Bernat.

Mixed Scarf

2006-05-16T12:07:00.000-04:00

Mixed Scarf
This is my own creation...kinda...using Paton's Allure and Bernat's Satin (double stranded)...it makes it very soft and warm...thick too for the extra cold days...

Car Seat Suit

2006-05-16T12:05:00.000-04:00

Car seat suit
In the process of completing this one using Paton's Melody...looking forward to the finished result...

Completed Projects

2006-05-16T11:39:00.000-04:00

Below are pictures and patterns from some of my recent completed projects...I'm still very new at knitting and crocheting (even though I learnt when I was 8 years old)...It wasn't until recently that I actually started following patterns and trying new techniques...some have turned out amazing while others...not so nice...

Bib & Bootie Set

2006-05-16T11:36:00.005-04:00

Bib and bootie set

I crocheted these set using Bernat's Cotton. It was very easy to work with and the pattern was very fast. My only concern is the size of the booties...they look like they would fit a 2 year old...and I had intended the set for a 6 monther...oh well...It still looks very cute.

Click picture for link to Bernat's website listing the pattern book for these cutie booties!

Hat & Bootie Set

2006-05-16T11:36:00.004-04:00

Hat and Bootie Set

I quickly knitted these booties and hat using Paton's Pixie. The yarn is now discontinued...thats why I got it on sale...however, I had a difficult time finding some patterns to work with it...I still have 4 balls left and am not real sure what to do with it...oh well...these turned out nice though.

Little Boy's Cardigan

2006-05-16T11:36:00.002-04:00

Little boy's cardigan

I crocheted this cardigan for a friend of mine who is expecting a little boy...in the picture I had not sewed the buttons on yet...still trying to find the perfect ones...It has some nice detail along the bottom and the sleeves that gives it the extra sweetness...I used Bernat's Softee Baby and found the pattern in an American School of Needlework pattern book called Dear Baby (bought at Walmart).

Little Girl's Shrug/Wrap

2006-05-16T11:35:00.001-04:00

Child's Shrug

This shrug/wrap I made for my 5 year old niece. It was very fast and easy to make using Bernat's Boa in this beautiful variated colours...very suitable for a young lady...
The pattern can be found on the yarn itself...or click the picture for a link to the free pattern from Bernat.

Infant's Bunting Bag

2006-05-16T11:35:00.000-04:00

Close Up Bunting Bag

I completed this bunting bag in a matter of days. It was crocheted using Red Heart's Teri...very soft and easy to work with.
See full completed picture below.

2006-05-16T11:34:00.000-04:00

Bunting Bag

Backcountry Clean Up Weekend

2006-05-15T23:44:00.000-04:00

Well we survived the rainy weekend in Algonquin Park. We arrived around 8pm on Friday at the park, registered with the organizer and began to set up...soon we realized that we forgot two major essential items...ice and wood. Thank goodness we were camping with lots of other paddlers that helped us out. In total there were approximately 100 paddlers helping out this weekend!!! We camped along with several other couples, groups and families on one site...and we had a blast. Sitting around the campfire making great conversation, and enjoying the company of other people with the same interests.

On Saturday we paddled around 16 kilometers stopping by sites and trails to pick up litter...surprisingly we didn't find much. But we had a great time doing it. It was a little windy and drizzling all day but it felt great to be back on the water. As we enjoyed the scenery around us we got excited about our next paddling trip. Very eager to get out there and stay out there for a few days.

We saw several moose....

...and Darryl also discovered a dead moose...well the remains of one...just the bones...I decided not to look...

On Sunday we packed up, dropped off our rented gear and had some breakfast at a restaurant in Whitney. We also stopped by a resort that I was scouting for a possible wedding location...and I think we found it!!!! It's the Bear Trail Couples Resort and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! We got a tour of the rooms and the facilities and instantly fell in love! So now that we have decided on a place, we need to set the dates and time...if anything it will be a very small intimate wedding...I am so excited that these plans are starting to roll into motion!!!

Check out the website http://www.couplesresort.ca/

Next weekend: Six Mile Lake car camping!!!

First camping trip of the year

2006-05-11T00:47:00.000-04:00

Well we are packing for our first camping trip of the year, and it's a very special one. We have decided to volunteer for Algonquin's annual spring clean-up weekend. The plan is to spend all day Saturday portaging and paddling to the park's interior camp grounds and basically clean-up. In exchange for our efforts we receive a free campsite for two nights and a free canoe rental! We could not pass up this opportunity. Not only are we helping out the best place we have ever camped, we are also getting to do it for very cheap! Will update after the trip!

Newest Project Completion

2006-05-11T00:40:00.000-04:00

Well this has been fun. I found this beautiful yarn at Michael's for super cheap cheap! Wasn't sure what I was going to do with it but I didn't care because it was SOO cheap! This beautiful Moda Dea ticker tape has been so lovely to crochet with. And the colours are amazing (the one I used was Charade). When done up it kinda feels like suede!

When I got home, I searched the Moda Dea website and found this awesome bag pattern. It only took me two days to complete this project and I am so happy with it (minus the fringe...I just didn't do it). I decided to line the bag with standard broad cloth in complementary colours (which I found extremely cheap at Fabricland). I can see myself making many many more of these (if I can stock up on the yarn while it's still on sale)...especially since the grand total for the bag, zipper, yarn, lining and all, was...drum roll...$15!

(Note: In this photo I had not finished sewing in the zipper)

Click the picture for a link to the free pattern from Modadea. What beautiful yarns and patterns they have. I highly recommend this yarn!

On to the next project....