Happy Stitching...
- We've moved....
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gartergiggles- May 2nd, 7:47
Come on over to http://saskatoonstitcher.wordpress.com/and follow us at our new home!
Happy Stitching...
- Yummy Addictions...
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- gartergiggles
- April 1st, 14:48
For those of us with, and who enjoy our, addictions... Pay attention at .50 time stamp :)
ENJOY!
- Alive and still stitching!
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- gartergiggles
- February 8th, 16:16
And we are now moving through February! Where did January go? Life seems to be moving than my old bones can keep up with. I've missed several S'n'Bs as of late, due to a variety of reasons, but the biggest is due to my health situation. Before we get to the important things, let me give you the Reader's Digest version of what is going on in my world these days.
I've recently been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in my neck spine area. I've also an abnormally curved neck spine (actually curves in the opposite direction to what is considered normal) and nifty little bone spurs. What does this mean? My working hours are cut to part time and so are my knitting hours! I can deal with the work cut, but knitting? I mean, really? Sadly it is true as the pain that comes along with all this arthritis stuff keeps the fingers from moving in a knitting friendly manner. However, I do still knit on! If interested, you can check out the Arthritis Society for some more interesting facts...the most amusing is that I'm about 10 or 15 years ahead of the curve as onset doesn't usually occur until late 50's or 60's. I always knew that I was special :) Since today is a relatively low pain day, I wanted to take a moment and share with you...so read on...
Now onto the important things. What's new in knitterly creations?
A few weeks past Melissa busily stitched up these beauties from Favourite Socks. Here version is much prettier than that in the book.
In honour of Chinese New Year, Dael was stitching up pigs (complete with curly tails!).
I put the holiday yarn gift to good use and am creating socks from the 2 at a time sock book. Multi Melli is their name in honour of the giver. These are my "purse / work" socks and only get attention in the brief moments that I need a break from the stressors of the outside world.
Kelsey returned and brought colour to our world. She was busy stitching up some socks.
I received a new Sock of the Month from Red Bird Knits. The yarn is cashmere / silk and so gorgeous I don't think I enough words to convey the soft lusciousness that it offers. The pattern is intricate, but not difficult. They are not suited for 2 at a time socks but are a joy to knit. These are my quiet moment socks. I love this sock club. Even though I don't have the time to knit each arrival in the month it arrives, I'm forming quite a collection of special additions to my stash.
I began a knit along and didn't even know it. It would appear that the Yarn Harlot is also stitching up the Febrary Lady Sweater that I started in anticipation of the arrival of my Knitpicks order. (Needless to say it is taking a time out due to the arrival of the Cabled Yoke Sweater).
The yarn is Wool of the Andes in Bordeaux. The subtle gradiations formed from the kettle dying process add depth to the reverse stockinette and pop to the lines of cables. The shaping is intricate and femine, accomplished at either side of the cable ropes. This one will be a while before it is done. I think I've already been sucked into the black hole of knitting. I shan't give up!
New books and more yarn came in the Knitpicks order. The sock yarn is Gloss and is a luxurious blend of wool and silk. I can't wait to get this on the needles.
Today, we welcomed yet another new member. Fiona found me on ravelry when admiring my version of Alan Dart's Sack Boy Pattern. (PS: I hope this link works...if not this pattern is easily searched on Ravelry and downloadable.) Alan Dart is one of the world's most accomplished knitted toy designers and I for one give him my gratitude for writing out the sack boy pattern.
Here's our version of the little guy. While knitting this up I put a lot of trust in the designer as the pieces either seemed way too big, not big enough, or just plain odd. But once he's stitched up, he's great. I did change the mouth though. Here's the trick: cast off the middle 20 stitches on the first row of the first set of knit 7 st stitch rows. When purling back re-cast on those same 20 stitches and continue on as normal. When the head is compete do an afterthought toe. Pick up the stitches and knit a toe as you normally would and VOILA! Sack Boy now has a mouth and expressions!
It was so nice to visit with Mary, Jan, and Shakthi today. I've missed them. Mary brought a show and tell:
A beutiful drop stitch scarf. The pattern can be found on Ravelry. Please direct your questions on yarn and pattern to Mary! I don't have much more info other than it is truly beautiful.
Who says an English degree isn't helpful? Look at the ingenuity Shakthi shared. The sock is gorgeous, but the sock blocker is WOW! She cut it from a vinyl placemat (available at any self respecting Dollarama). I was amazed.
Sadly, the Frog Queen, Dael, and Kat and wee ones were missing in action. We missed you guys and hopefully will see you next week!
On another interesting bit of news: I've been accepted to publish a sock pattern in PopKnits. I am totally thrilled! Meandering will appear in early spring. I've promised not share photos until after publication but if you promise to come to group next week I will let you see them in person! Up for a sock knit a long with my first ever design?
- Welcome to 2009...
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- gartergiggles
- January 18th, 15:58
You might have noticed that I have indeed been remiss about posting. Well the holiday and life schedule has kept me pretty busy. Most of us have been out and about (even in the -30 + degree temps!) taking care of our worlds. However, now that 2009 is well on a roll, we've come back to stitch and sip even stronger.
2008 has been a good year, knitterly wise. We've made new friends and enjoyed the benefits of adding one more year onto previous friendships. We've discovered new yarns and attempted to use up older ones. We've delved into new techniques while keeping up the practice of the old. We've held true to our roots and indulged the good old stockinette practice and even found we can spice it up with new techniques.
Two at once socks that I designed myself! Stay tuned for news on the printed pattern (thanks, Melissa, for the test knit).
I have been sitting here sipping my tea (yes, the caffeine addiction has taken a back seat to some yummy Earl Grey Cream blended tea leaves)and contemplating the year past. 2008 brought a wealth of knowledge, a plethora of personalities, and cemented my love for all things knitterly. What were my favs from 2008, you might ask? Well read on, my pointy sticked little friend...
Friendships:
How do we learn about new techniques, new yarns, and new ideas? Why, we hear of them from our friends. Old techniques have been visited but new techniques have come to hold honoured places in the queue. My favourite technique that I learned in 2008 has to be knitting two socks at once. I've done several pairs now and can say with confidence that I love the process. I enjoy having two complete socks by the time I cast off. It gives me an excuse to buy not one but TWO balls of my favourite yarns. There is a down side to this technique, though, and it is the black hole of knitting. At times, depending upon the pattern, it may seem as if one has been knitting forever with no discernable progress. However, the pay off outweighs this little pit fall.
Meet Kayla (left) and Kat (right) stitching up a storm.
Sock of the Month Club:
Not being a designer myself, I often find it troublesome to make that decision of which yarn and which pattern to cast on when doing up the socks. I like interest. I like different textures. I like new yarns. I hunted and hunted and finally found a wonderful Canadian Sock of the Month Club. Red Bird Knits is wonderful and offers a number of pleasing patterns in a variety of techniques. Finally, I have been able to remove myself from the clutches of the American marketing industry and some of my dollars are going towards keeping a fellow Canadian knitter in a living.
December 2008 Sock of the Month - Adante. Using Lana Grossa Meilenweit Tweed yarn this bleded 80% Schurwolle (Virgin Wool) and 20& Polyamide, stitches up fast and is soft to the touch. The pattern is a chevron that is fast becoming one of my favourites.
Notions and other knitterly acquisitions:
My favourite knitterly aid of 2008 came to me in the form of a carryall. I have been hunting for just the right bag to haul around my projects and books and yarns and needles and...well you know. I finally came upon Deb Donnely Designs. Her expert creativity and stiching prowess designed these bags. They are available on her Etsy site.
This bag is designed to offer ease of yarn feeding with the nifty little semi circle opening in the flap.
Some of the pluses: They are made with heavy weight fabrics and lined with vinyl. They have more pockets and cozy corners to hold patterns and notions and projects than any other knitting bag I've seen. They are constructed with the knitter in mind and come in two sizes (large and small). I highly recommend them to all knitters...and Moms...
The cool perk that these bags offer is that they often double as a diaper bag. The vinyl inserts are easily washed and there is enough room to house baby and knitterly items at the same time!
New friends:
A number of new friends have dropped in on our regular meet ups (each and every Sunday!). New knitters are always much fun and create an excitement. It is always enjoyable to see our craft through the eyes of someone new to the knitterly lifestyle. I am looking forward to seeing more and more people becoming our friends.
Experience meets inexperience. Jan is willing sharing her knitterly knowledge with Kat - a new Mom who joined us this year.
Favourite LYS:
Saskatoon is lucky enough to have two LYSs. This year Prairie Lily has changed hands. Charlene Oleskyn took over the shop and has offered us new and innovative classes, interesting yarns, and other knitterly interests while keeping true to the origins of the shop. It remains to be a down home and friendly atmosphere where we can peruse in peace, knit in comfort, and welcome inspiration from all sorts of sources.
Speaking of LYSs...2008 summer vacation took us to Edmonton, where we discovered a great little shop, River City Yarns...Jeanette fondled the yarn in the ROOM of sock yarns!
Those are just a few of my favourites from 2008 that I'm carrying into 2009. No matter the chaos in my universe, my respite is knitting and Sundays is no longer just a day of the week, it is THE day of the week to sip and stich and enjoy!!!! Join me in drooling over some of the yarns, books and projects that have been our members busy over the past few months....
Thrumbed mittens are popular during the arctic cold snaps...Dael is speedily stitching his pair.
Melissa has been busy collecting more stash...
Yarn isn't the only present gifted to us knitters over the holidays...books and more books line the shelves of our knitterly libraries.
More thrumbs and hats to keep our hands and heads warm during our wintery spells.
Our young knitters were hard at work spinning up a storm.
Mary decided to give a lace sock pattern a try for the first time and Shakti's well on her way to aiding her coworker keep warm with these arm warmers.
Melissa shocked us all by refusing to frog this sock, even though she professed to hate it and its pooling ways.
To conqueur the poolable yarns, Melissa invested in this book. Seems to be a great little source and we'll look forward to seeing the results of some of the patterns contained within.
Jeanette conquered colourwork and stiched up these fingerless gloves.
Jan conquered the weather with this beauty!
Kat, Dael, and Link - our favourite new additions!
Jan's birthday yarn turned into lovely ped warmers!
See you next week!!! In the meantime, leave a comment on what your favourite knitterly pursuit of 2008 was and what you are looking forward to doing in 2009!
Happy Stitching
...
- A movie about socks...
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- gartergiggles
- December 15th, 2008
happy
In case you aren't Knitting Daily by now, I thought I'd share a neat video I learned about through them. Check this out and please do put aside any liquids before you click play...
- A brief update...
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- gartergiggles
- December 9th, 2008
Well the holidays are fast approaching and I think my Christmas knitting is well on track! I've stitched up a few things, but am now turning my attention to sewing. I have a knitting bag for a special someone in the works.
As most of you know, I've been remiss at attending our regular meetings. However, this weekend should see me back to it on a regular basis. I'm hoping to bring along my sister in law from Vancouver this Sunday.
So what's been on and off my needles in the last while? Here's a look:
I finished a present for me (at least I hope it remains in my wardrobe and doesn't succumb to the thievery by those in my family who refuse to knit...you know who you are!)
I embarked on a new technique and fell in love. I steeked! Yes, I knit for a month straight on a beautiful fair isle sweater. It came with me to Nipawin, SK, accompanied during a conference, and travelled with me to the homes of friends and family. Housework and other obligations took a back seat as I speedily stitched toward the ever scary steek. Melissa joined me one afternoon to provide the moral support needed as we dived into cutting our knitting apart... I have titled it "Rosebuds for Christmas."And that very same afternoon, we adjusted Melissa's Titania to fit! A misjudging of size left her with a sweater that was miles too big. We stitched and surged and then cut. The result was spectacular and Melissa has been united with beautiful Titania...
As always, this time of year calls for those last minute gift items to bring to parties and the like. I am mentally challenged at times like these and totally forgot about the office gift exchange. What was I to do but turn to my stash and stitch up a handy gift giving keyhole scarf ensured to bring the wearer warmth and comfort during out chilly winter days. I used Moda Dea Washable wool (same as Rosebuds...this was some of the leftover contrasting yarn) and stitched up this keyhole scarf in just a few hours.
I was bitten by the designing bug this past little while and decided to put some creative into a pair of socks. Self striping yarn is an amazing yarn to have and when it is Knit Picks Felici...well, the results are amazing. I found a chevron stitch in a stitch dictionary, readjusted the stitch counts from a basic sock recipe, and VOILA! I ended up with these... I have called them Meandering ... The colourway is Martinique and the picture is of the unfinished project. Rest assured that only the toe decrease remains and then they will be keeping someone's (if not my own) tootsies warm over the holidays
So here is hoping that your holiday preparations are going well and that life is treating you good. I hope to see you all this coming Sunday at the regular SnB time and place.
Don't forget about the Christmas party at Melissa's on December 20!
- Crochet Pin Cushion / Fashion Doll Chair
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- gartergiggles
- December 5th, 2008
I thought I would gift a pattern to the crocheters in our group. I hope you take a moment to stitch one up. The uses are many, including a cute way to store your DPNs. They fit around the outside of the chair base!
Happy Holidays and Happy Stitching...(PS I'd love to see your creations so please send pictures and progress updates.)Chair PincusionAre you looking for something useful, pretty and functional?
(or Doll Chair)
This easy pattern for crochet uses up your scrap yarns, recycles your tuna cans and provides a unique
place to rest your pins, needles and sewing supplies.
It can easily be made in an evening or two and is sure to please anyone. It can also be used as a comfy
seating place for one's favourite fashion doll!
Materials:
4 oz. Worsted weight yarn (Main Colour MC)
1 oz. Worsted weight yarn (Contrast Colour CC)
4 mm crochet hook
Empty tuna can and lid (washed and dried – 184 g)
Batting for stuffing
Directions:
Back Top of Chair:
Piece No. 1:
With MC chain 4. Slip stitch to form ring.
Row 1: Chain 3, make 14 double crochet in ring, slip stitch to chain 3. Fasten off.
Row 2: Attach contrasting colour between any 2 double crochets, chain 3, make 1 double crochet in base of chain 3. Make
2 double crochet in each stitch around (30 double crochet). Slip stitch to top of chain 3. Fasten off.
Row 3: Attach main colour in between a 2 dc, chain 3, make 1 dc in base of cha3. * Make 1 dc in next st, make 2 dc in next
st. * Repeat between * around row. Sl St to top of ch 3. Fasten off. Make 1 more piece exactly the same as above (Seat of
Chair).
Piece No. 2:
Make 2 more pieces as above using rows 1 through 3, only using MC for all rows. Place the solid main colour wrong side
up, place the tuna lid on top of it, place some stuffing on top of lid; now place first piece made with 2 colours right side up
with MC, sc around both circles. Set aside.
Seat of Chair:
Using the second pice No. 1, attach MC in between any douc in row. Ch 3, make a dc in every st around, sl st to top of ch 3,
ch 1. Make a sc in every st around row, sl st in ch 1. Fasten off. Change to CC and make a ch1, and make a sc in each st
around, sl st to ch 1. Fasten off.
Attach MC in any sc and ch 3, make 1 dc in each st around, sl st in ch 3, ch 1 make 1 sc in each st around, sl st to ch 1.
Fasten off.
Attach CC, ch 1, make 1 sc in each st around, sl st to ch 1. Fasten off. (This should just fit over a tuna can, adjust by adding
any rows needed. If it is too large, use a smaller hook.)
Fill tuna can with stuffing until it is over flowing. Place crocheted seat over can. Turn seat upside down, place MC piece
No. 2 over bottom of seat. Hold both pieces together, turn work to front, attach MC yarn through both pieces, ch 3, make 2
dc in same st. make 3 dc in each st around (For ruffle) St st to ch 3. Fasten off.
Side Arms (Make 2)
Ch 5, sl st to form ring. Ch 3, make 19 dc in ring. (20 dc). Sl st to top of ch 3, ch 1, make 1 sc in each st around. Fasten
off.
Sew back top of chair to top seat of chair. Use 7 or 8 sts on each. Sew firmly in place. Sew a side arm to each side of back
of top of seat with main colour attach to bottom of seat and side arm. Make a reverse sc in each free st of side arm and
around back of chair, then around second arm side to top of seat. Fasten off.
- A Knitterly Update...
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- gartergiggles
- November 27th, 2008
Hello everyone. As you might have suspected, TAKE is alive and well in my world and I've not been attending our Sunday gatherings. That does not mean I haven't been stitching up a storm, though.
First, let me send a big virtual welcome to all those who are new to us. During one of our meetings a number of you have popped in. Alas, I wasn't there. Here's hoping that you come back once I get back to a regular schedule.
I have some pictures saved up from the last few meetings I did attend, and I'd love to share them with you now. Lots of our members have been very productive and here is what has come off their needles...
Socks, of course, are in good supply.
'T is the season to keep our digits warm. Jan has been stitching up these flip tops, which will come in handy when she needs her fingers free for other things.
Myrna joined us and showed off her completed shell.
Selena stitched up collars for her kitties.
Melissa is keeping her toes warm with coquette's.
The warmth continues as Jan shares her experience with Kat.
I'm finally finishing up the last little toes on the Santa Toe socks!
The Sleeved Poncho (from Mary Maxim) finally made it off the needles as well and is ready for giving.
I'm hoping my own sister will enjoy this version of Mr. Greenjeans made from a combination Alpaca / Wool yarn from Elann.com.
Jan will be keeping herself toasty in this beautiful sweater vest.
Another sweater came off my needles: The Snowflake sweater made in the cashmere blend from Bernat yarns.
Another Mary Maxim kit: Mittens that serve as holiday stockings.
Jan celebrated another milestone and enjoyed her gifted cherry tree hill yarn!
This was the closest we could find to Toronto Blue Jay blue!
That's it for now, folks. I will see you very soon at a Sunday meeting or the Christmas party (December 20 at Melissa's house).
- Pearls and Politics...
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- gartergiggles
- October 10th, 2008
Greetings all:
Thanksgiving is upon us and we must skip a beat here. As it turns out MacKenzie Coles is not open on Sunday October 12. Therefore, our meeting will be a go this coming Thanksgiving weekend. No worries, though. Several of us are out of town and others are busy in their kitchens entertaining family and friends. However, I know we will all be stitching in spirit!
This past week saw the close out of our Politically Correct stitching and bitching marathon. We closed out our meet ups with the politically inspired on October 5, 2008. Karen Prarhar of the Liberal party joined us and entertained our political savy notions with grace and knowledge. This beautiful young woman came prepared to back her aspirations up with knowledge and determination. She is fully subscribed to the Liberal notions of government and was able to address our concerns on the environment, arts and culture, senior issues, family issues, and the economy - to name only a few.
Karen is a practiced academic currently completing her PhD in criminal psychology. She has a flare for bringing the issues of Justice and social humanities to the "ordinary" people. Her experience in marketing and as a film worker will surely aid her in attaining her political aspirations. She is a well-spoken young lady who will attain the heights she reaches for and, I'm sure, will break through that glass ceiling and turn the "old boys" clubs on thier ears.
Linda's flare is mixed with a base in academia, an experience with non-profit / health care organization research, and grounded with a practical sense that surely comes from her love of the arts and culture and a determination to enable the youth of our society to begin that long journey of life with a well balanced and healthy base. Her community mindedness and down home attitude will surely take her far.
I must say that I'm completely impressed with the willingness of this year's crop of candidates to come out and meet us. The sharp pointy sticks didn't even frighten them off. They were amazed at the level of intelligence that sat around our table. They indulged our questioning. They graciously accepted defeat when confronted with inarguable notions backed up by well-researched facts. They put on their politically correct hats and, I think, enjoyed themselves. Here's hoping the winner comes back to us sometime in the future!
Now onto progress, or a lack thereof:
I have, once again, jumped the Frog Queen's Band Wagon and indulged in a little frogging. I was working on Alexi, but decided that the yarn and the pattern didn't quite mingle to my liking. So I've switched to Mr. Greenjeans. I'm much happier with the way this is turning out. However, I am making several modifications to the pattern as I go along.
(The back of Alexi - the only piece that was finished - which turned out to be miles and miles too big)
I've begun a new project. This beauty is a sleeved poncho from Mary Maxim. I have modified the pattern to be doable on my knitting machine (NO this is NOT cheating, but an attempt at saving my sanity)! The pattern, as you can see, has lots and lots of stockinette - we all know how much I enjoy that, don't we?(The front - or back - piece of the sleeved poncho. Progress is being made as I've only the centre and one sleeve panel to go before I can begin stitching up the collar and cuffs.)A brief update on the war of the pens. As you know Kate brings her Ugly pens to each meeting. I bring my prized beauty - the Italian, 14K white gold tipped Aurora. You decide: Which is better? (I think mine matches Kate's sock much better).
(The pen of beauty is the pink one in the front. The Ugly pen is attempting to hide in the background. Isn't the sock gorgeous?)
Well folks, that is it for this week. Don't forget to get out to the polls on Tuesday and enable your voice. Yours could be the one that makes the difference.
Happy stitching and Happy Turkey Day!!!!
- Are knitters politically correct?
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- gartergiggles
- September 29th, 2008
enthralled
Leanne (front) and Kate (back) listening to the rhetoric, stitching with ever increasing speed, and formulating their arguments (it only took Kate about 45 minutes to mention misogyny and patriarchy)
Politics and knitting are two of my favourite topics and have been mixing it up for a few weeks now. We've invited the local federal candidates to come and speak with us on Sunday afternoons. We've received JP Ducasse of the Green Party, Scott Ruston of the NDP and Brad Trost of the Conservative party, who is also the incumbent during this particular campaign. Needles kept time with the metre of the conversation, debates flared, Knitters knit, and Politicians "politiced."
Scott Ruston (NDP-Saskatoon Humboldt)
Scott Ruston was the first to appear on our docket this past Sunday. Scott, a potash miner and family man with a naval background, is world travelled and no stranger to politics. Education, arts and culture, child care and a sense of community governance came forth throughout the Q&A. Aboriginal issues and health care also topped his list of important issues. It was refreshing to hear his commentary be mixed with a sense of down home Saskatchewan values. His belief in a "different" style of governance and campaign flare came through loud and clear. Scott noted, numerous times, that a sense of community and connection needs to be preserved and this has coloured his campaign style. Getting out to the people, discussing their needs, being involved in their interests, and keeping a high level of personal contact with constituents is the only way he can effectively receive input from the people. Since he could be our representative and present our issues and interests on Parliament, it is his firm beleif that this is the only way he can get a feel for what the people who elect him need and want.
Jan stitching up a baby blanket as she listens to Scott explain the NDP plan for seniors.
Brad Trost responding on the issue of a National Child Day Care program.
Brad Trost was next on our docket. Brad came prepared with seasoned political experience. He doled out the Conservative party line and moved through the heated discussions with the expertise that only comes from experience in the trenches of federal politics. Other candidates are more expressive in educating us on their platforms and ideologies. However, Brad was prepared to stand by the Conservative record. He is a geo-physicist that, given the opportunity to manage his favourite portfolio of Natural Resources, felt he could increase the economic climate of our northern portions of Canada, enable companies and corporations to tap into our natural resources of the north in an environmentally responsible manner, and, thus, create a better environment for all residents of Canada. After an hour and a half of banter, debate, accountability, Brad left our table.
One of the heated debates between Brad and knitters, Kat and Dael. The Conservative policies on family and social issues were being brought into the lime light.
We have yet to meet with our Liberal candidates. Deb Ehman and Karen Prahar will join us Sunday October 5, 2008. This will be thier chance to convince us why a Liberal government would be the best choice for us. So far many issues have come forth from our members that have also been on the minds of many consituents and voters. Equalization payments, cuts to the arts and funding, Order of Canada recipients, gas prices, disposable income in families, copy write legislation, Education, and Health Care funding are only a few. Politics is indeed alive and well.
Even the younger set listened with eager interest. Fleur and Tayna (baby), friends of mine, joined us. Even though Fleur is not a knitter (but appreciates a good hand knit garment, she joined in the politcal fun!
The one constant this knitter has noticed to date is that with each visiting candidate a sense of surprise and amazement has presented. We as knitters are not known as accomplished, intelligent, well-educated, informed, or professional. Our group is here to change that perception and we are starting at the top - our politicians. Most were quite surprised at our invitation and even thought it to be a "bit odd." But most were wiling to give us a chance and amazed at the level of education that sits around our table. We are not the home bound, house wives and grandmothers of days past. Knitting is no longer a woman's activity. We are diverse and eclectic and, it is my firm belief, most likely wouldn't have met otherwise if it were not for our love of string and sharp pointy sticks!
Now onto the real business of the day: Show and tell:
Jan's purple sweater, nearly complete. The only thing that is left is the buttons. Beautiful job!!!!! Notice how it matches our logo colours.
Mary completed her breast. It is slated to adorn the desk of a friend. She weighted the bottom with a bean bag. For those of us who support Breast Cancer Research, this item holds a special place.
- Calling All Political Junkies, otherwise known as Obsessed Knitters!
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- gartergiggles
- September 23rd, 2008
Hi folks:
As you know, Melissa and I have been busily working to get our federal candidates out to meet with us. We've have success in this area. JP Ducasse (Green) has already been to visit and it was a hit, even though our numbers were low. I'm hoping our numbers increase for upcoming politically motivated SnBs. Check out the post that follows this one and discover that Politics and knitting DO indeed mix!
In order to accommodate our eager candidates we've changed the time on September 28 (this Sunday)from 2 pm to 1:30 pm.
Here is our schedule:September 28:
Scott Ruston (NDP) 1:30 pm / Brad Trost (Conservative incumbent) 3 pm
October 5:
Deb Ehmann (Liberal) 2pm
Lets get lots of stitchers out to talk to these folks. They are very excited that we took the initiative to invite them to our little shin dig. They are eager to field our questions and talk about the issues.
Don't forget that this is your chance to speak directly to the person that might possibly represent you and your issues for the next 4 years.
Politics are alive and well!!!!
- "Knit"olitically Correct
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- gartergiggles
- September 21st, 2008
Politics is what drives us.
So? What do a group of knitters and politics have in common? Issues.
(Jill Smith (CBC Reporter); Len Sawatsky (Campaign Manager) and JP Candidate (Green Party federal candidate)
JP Ducasse is a local high school biology teacher, who recently married, and is intent on bringing the issues of his constituents to Parliament Hill. He was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1968 and raised in North Battleford, SK. He has Saskatchewan friendly views on the environment and eager to bring a grass roots style and the Saskatchewan spirit to government. JP is a member of the Saskatoon Symphony Board and has a keen awareness of the importance of the arts and culture in todays society.
Jill, doing her reporter thing, Paul (Kelsey's friend and a new knitter...WELCOME Paul), Kelsey working on teaching her friend some knitterly ways (who is also a former student of JPs); Jan who expertly worked knitting into a political discussion and the back of Kristin's head.
Issues present themselves in many ways. From considering the environment to picking yarn for a project. Today was an issue oriented SnB. We invited JP Ducasse to join us and discuss the issues surrounding the upcoming federal election. Although our numbers were a bit smaller than usual (and what I would have liked) rousing conversation was the topic at hand. Inviting our candidates to discuss these issues with us was a brilliant idea (even though it began as a whimsical mention). We are working on getting more of them out to see us so stay tuned.
Topics of discussion ranged from the environment to equalization payments. They melded into comparisons of the Green and NDP social program platforms and post secondary education funding. We discussed mass transit and the better use of our railway infrastructure, which led to discussions on energy options. Population health and the Canadian international image popped up. The arts and culture were front and centre in light of the drastic cuts the Harper government has made across the board. Who wouldn't agree, other than the Harper"ites", that writers, actors, musicians, painters, and other arts workers contribute the knowledge economy just as much as business contribute to the economic status of the market place or athletes contribute to the interenational status of Canadians?
Here we have Jan, Shakthi, Kate (in the midst of a heated discussion with JP), Mary, Melissa and Kristen.
We were also joined by Jill Smith, the local CBC Radio reporter and will certainly get some air time tomorrow on CBC Radio 1. She plied us with questionsn about our origins as a knitting circle, what it means to be member of this close knit group and just what benefits we receive by forming tightly bound relationships with those that we otherwise wouldn't have met - were it not for our obsession with yarn. She personally interviewed myself, Melissa, and JP and has kindly offered to pass our information onto the program managers and producers at CBC radio. We just may have more air time for us knitters!
Today's SnB brought new life to this political scientist in that I have a higher level of respect for the hearts and minds that surround our table. Even Mr. Ducasse noted that the level of intellect and intelligence around our table is quite surprising. We are not the matronly stereotypical knitters of days past. We are well educated, interested, and eloquent professionals who take our role in society as seriously as anyone else. We are slowly changing the perception of what it means to be knitter, one stitch at a time. Gone are the days of knitting as work. Gone are the days when we were considered house bound matrons working to outfit our families with warm woolies. We are entering a new age of perception where knitters are everywhere - we exist in the home; we knit in the boardroom; we spread our obsession with sharp pointy sticks to all walks of life; and, most importantly, we bring our love of yarn to political arena. So beware world, we are here, we are not meek and we aim to take over the world one stitch at a time!
Be sure to bring your issues and creative spirits to the table next when we will entertain the notions of the conservatives. The Saskatoon Humboldt incumbent, Brad Trost, will join us for another politically correct knitting session. This SnB is sure to enlighten, entice, and excite knitters of all walks. You don't want to miss it. We are taking wagers on just how long it will take Kate to bring up patriarchy. Place your guesses in the comment section on this blog.
Now to the business at hand...more pictures and some FOs that are amazing...
Kristin's motifs for her soon to be kitty warming blanket.
Shakthi's baby ensemble.
Until next week my friends!
- Finally a moment to post...
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- gartergiggles
- September 3rd, 2008
Yes, it has been a while since I've had a moment to post. There is no drama to report on, only creative spirits living in harmony and peace stitching up warm and wonderful woolies.
The Lonely Lama Liberation Front remains active and has decided to include in its rescue effots Alienated Alpacas. First on the list is Al. He is a furry cutey living just outside of Regina on my parent's farm. He offers up warm beige fibre that begs to be knit up into matching aran knit sweaters, scarves and other winter essentials. Here is Al in all his glory...
Now admit it, you just want to take him home and cuddle with all that cuteness, don't you? Be patient, for spring is coming and Al is very much looking forward to a hair cut!
I suppose my previous declaration of no strife is a bit misleading. For, very recently, we had a bit of jealousy happening. The back story is this... A VERY new knitter (who shall remain nameless) showed us all up. She finished Titania in less than a week and caused us all to take a moment of pause. How can one who has been knitting for mere months be so speedy. We all felt that she was "doping." You see, she works in a coffee shop and is infused with an endless supply of caffeine. Seriously, though, she did an expert job. Her stitches are beautiful and uniform and not a mistake can be had. Although others of us, myself included, spent months and months on our versions of Titania (complete with the odd mistake or two) we still wish the nameless knitter well. We are proud of her and we shan't let her caffeinated driven speed make us feel inferior. We love you nameless knitter!
(Please note that the sweater is unblocked)
(Also note the much deserved self pride in this beautiful smile...we really are proud of you)
Now, onto other accompishments...
Recently we were joined by an expert knitter, which we imported from the US. She joined us for an afternoon of fun and made some progress on her many hand knitted Xmas stockings for her grand children. We hope she joins us again for she was a joy to have with us. Beth promised to return as one of her sons and new grandbabies reside in the bridge city. Welcome and we hope to see you return to our group soon.
We've had other new members join us too. We had the priviledge to meet a knitting family. Kat (the Mom) crochets up baby items. Dael (the Dad) knits his heart out to keep the babies warm. And they 9 year old daughter spins up a storm. She could teach us all a thing or two. Recently, they introduced us to our youngest knitter yet...Link. Trust me, he stole the show...and the hearts of everyone.
Much fun and progress has been had by all over the past few weeks. We've finished socks, baby items, dreamed of more alpaca, watched a nine year spin her heart out, greeted new members and lauged with old. Here is a collage of accomplishments for your enjoyment...
And finally, I have to acknowledge the presence of my best friend and sister. Shannon Isted joined us this past weekend (as it was Jeanette's celebratory Happy 16th birthday weekend). She crocheted a beautiful angel doily that will adorn my table this year.
Here's hoping she comes back soon :)
See you next week :)
- River City Yarns...THE place to be.
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- gartergiggles
- August 6th, 2008
Greetings from Edmonton, fellow knitters. We've shopped and I've dropped and decided to blog a bit before supper on Bourban Street in the West Edmonton Mall. We've knit and knit. I have to say, though, that the best part of the trip was stopping by River City Yarns once again.
There was a new supply of Socks that Rock and both Jeanette (in the picture above) are bringing home a new skein. I picked up another book, Folk Knitting in Eastonia by Nancy Bush, and a custom made swift (pictures to come). This little shop is wonderful. It is packed full of must haves. However, if you can find it Walmart, you won't find it on the shelves here. There is the room of sock yarn of all fibres. Hand painted and carefully delivered. One can find all the hard to finds here.
There is wool, locally produced alpaca, silk (pure silk and blends), Addi Turbo needles, glass needles, every notion you can think of, and - this is the best of all - a wonderfully helpful and friendly staff who's combined knitterly knowledge rivals any other LYS I've visitied. Yes, I love this little shop and even designed our family vacation around my second in person visit to the store.
It still amazes me that the West Edmonton Mall does not house a LYS. It is home to every other store you can think of. Many many restaurantes and multiple food courts. But no LYS. There are theme parks, theme rooms, books shops, and funky little fashion houses. It is home to an exciting and fun water park (complete with water slides of doom and a wave pool that makes one think of a tropical island beach). However, no LYS lives here. I wonder who one would talk to to remedy that...
But we did knit...
Nicole knitting in the car on the way to Edmonton.
Nicole and Jeanette knitting in her room before the Edmonton drive (Jeanette is knitting socks on 2 circs and Nicole is knitting a trippy mitten).
Jeanette and Nicole Knitting in the hotel room.
And the blog wouldn't be complete without a shot of Candy, the Sea Lion, performing for the crowd.
See you all when we make our way back to Saskatoon!
- Lonley Llama Liberation Front
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- gartergiggles
- August 3rd, 2008
artistic
Another Sunday has passed. I have returned from our weekly meet up and am sitting on my own version of a "big comfy couch" and listening the silence of my abode. Glenn and Jeannie have taken off for a session of evening golf at Moon Lake and I have the house to myself, save a couple of cats. Today's meeting of the needles went off without a hitch and quite successful as much yarn was shared, projects were finished, new friends were made and giggles were the mode of communication.
The afternoon began with Jeanette and I, Leanne joined and then Melissa and Mary arrived. Each of us eager to share our stories from the weeks past. We chatted and sipped and then Kelsey, Kristin, Lisa, Alison, and Jan joined. We had a full house and poor Kristin kept being relocated to make room for another table and a few more chairs. We were excited to see Nicole join us for the first time and show off her preemie wear.
Let us start with yarn:
Leanne, as promised, regaled us with her hand dyed yarn. She just dumped into the deep end of the pool and began on her birthday afternoon. (A big belated Happy #22 to Miss Leanne - she was the belle of the ball today). The yarns turned out well. Melissa was excited and nearly fell off her chair as snapped up her favourites. Alison happened to pick the same pieces as her favs as well.Leanne has become a talented knitter as well. She graciously accepted the oooh's and awe's over the yarn, which quickly turned into excited compliments over the skill and beauty of her completed Bellatrix Socks (that's the leg of my Zig Zag Sock at the bottom).Next up is a new version of my very own hand dye. I tried to recreate the colours of the SPHERU Logo. My first attempt was good but I wanted to perfect the colour scheme and thus ended up with these blue beauties. Captured in this picture are Leanne's Bellatrixes and some more new yarn that made it into my stash...Imagination Yarn from Knitpicks. Before you get all excited, it would appear that Knitpicks has sold out of these beautifiul colourways until fall. The purple colourway is Damsel and the lighter is Pixie Dust. Both are an alpaca / merino blend and so very soft to the touch. Melissa had started a pair of socks from her own Imaginations but, you guessed it, frogged them!Mary had her own progress to report. She was happily stitching away on a pair of warm tootsie toasters for a friend with "Hagrid" type legs. The colours are of her own creation and, as always, her stitching flawless.I do hate to mention it when the weather remains in the midst of the lazy hazy days of summer. However, here in Saskatchewan, cooler temps can be upon us sooner than we think. In keeping with this horrible thought...Jan designed and stitched up a glove that will enable her to indulge her habit and keep her fingers warm.Kelsey returned to us with her hat on the needles. She's been working on this project for the past few weeks and found it completed today. What a great job she did too. The funky coloured and wobbly textured yarn stitched up into a beautiful brain cozy that indeed matched Kelsey's colourfull personality, not to mention her hair.Great job Kelsey! All commence a standing ovation at her accomplishment (care for the wave anyone?)Kristin returned from her Minot vacation with new yarns and has taken to a sock jag. As many of you will remember Kristin began with us to learn the arts of knitting, but decided crochet was easier. However, since she mastered the art of crochet she has returned from the dark side and turned inot quite the knitteress. Kristin proudly showed off her sock progress.Now for our Frog Queen! She has rescued Titania from the FO basket and showed off her stitching progress. Congrats, Melissa in beginning the back of the pretty top and for finishing the front. Soon we just may see a sleeve or two as well.Back to Leanne and her hand dyed. The varied greens and yellows in this skein are created a waving lace scarf. The hues remind me of spring and summer. Whoever has the privilege to wrap this scarf about their neck will surely be a lucky one indeed!And now for a brief update from the Lonely Llama Liberation front. It appears that the Llama Melissa wishes to rescue resides just outside the city and is standing guard over a hear of miniature ponies. According to Leanne, these are the strangest little creatures and, I must admit and agree with her, really don't have an obvious purpose. That poor Llama is surrounded by a bunch of small animals, vaguely reminiscent of the My Little Pony mutations most of played with. Therefore, Kristin had enough fore thought to return from holiday with Vanilla Milkshake flavoured pop tarts, which will surely please the Llama (we have it on good authority that to lure lonely llama one does indeed need pop tarts and the only good flavours are available in the US not Canada) and entice it onto the back of Leanne's Dad's truck. I think the pieces ar ein position and the Front may now be ready to formulate a liberation plan.
Although, liberating a Llama just may come with some risk of jail (which none of us thought of). Our local scientific PHd gal, Lisa, came up with a brilliant solution. We can all dye and sell our yarns in order to fund the purchasing of some lonely Llamas. Melissa has gained a new co-worker who has plenty of room to keep Llamas on his plot of land. This may be a plan that could work...if only we could get past the viscious Ravelry yarn dyeing crowd.
Yes, my friends, beware the questions you throw out on the dyeing groups on Ravelry. The turfs are all spoken for it would seem and if someone new expresses wishes to create and put for sale the musings of thier creative spirits they best prepare for a backlash of turf protecting yarn dyers. So take your chances fellow colour enthusiasts.
Until next week, enjoy the sun and be sure to join us next week for further updates on knitterly progresses and discussion upon the acquisition of yarn bearing herds.
- Our new home and a gentle reminder about respect!
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- gartergiggles
- August 1st, 2008
WELCOME! to our new web home. You might be wondering, "Why the change?" Well Blogspot.com has been experiencing issues for some time now and the latest straw that broke the knitting needle was thier deeming our blog as "spam." What does that mean? Well read on...
I received an email requesting immediate action due to the flagging of our blog as a spam blog. So I checked it out. As it turns out, it could have been anything that flagged us, including other users. I immediately made a request for a "human review." This review is not guaranteed and it they do not give us a timeline as to when our little blog will be released from the grips of indiscrimanant forces holding it hostage until some unkown set of mouse clicks releases it. The more I thought about this the closer I cam to the conclusion that this is ridiculous. Therefore, I followed the Frog Queen's lead and moved us over to LiveJournal for the time being. So far the plus's are:
1. Much faster picture uploading.
2. Much more user friendly Rich text editing.
3. More options to store and play around with pictures and video.
So far I am pleased and I do hope you are too.
The next order of business is somewhat disconcerting. For quite a while now our numbers were growing. We were fast becoming the most popular knitting group in town, and the province (from all accounts). Our group was becoming a close knit community of yarn enthusiasts intent on spreading the love of knitting. However, as of late, we've had a bit of a drop off in knitterly cohorts.
I've noticed that the past few weeks have been a bit dwindled. Fewer of us were coming to group. I originally thought that this might be due to summer holidays, work schedules, other obligations, etc. (you know TAKE has its successes with us all at one time or another). Well, that is what I thought. It appears that my thoughts were being lead down a path that did not lead to the truth.
Our group is comprised of many personalities and represents people from all walks of life. We come from a diverse background but I always felt that we melded together quite nicely and joined our differences to create a beautiful and interesting tapestry of knitterly cohorts. This is why what I am about to tell you disconcerts me.
Recently one of our members, a beautiful person whoose talents in the felting arena far outwiegh my own, decided to not return to our group. She was offended and hurt within our group. Although she tried valiantly to befriend one very strong personality within our group, she was met with rudeness and crudeness. When conversing with other members, our now past member, was continually interrupted. Her accomplishments were met with negative comments. She felt disrespected and has thus decided to not return. Her efforts of friendship and commradery were not returned and she left very early and very upset. She did say that she was very sad to have to do this, but no matter what she tried the other member did not receive her attempts at forming a friendship with the grace and respect that we should all provide to one another.
This saddens me. I began the Saskatoon Knitting Circle in an attempt to meet the knitters of Saskatoon and broaden my own circle of people. I had high hopes for this group. But, as with many situations in our lives, there always seems to be an issue around respect. Whehter it be in our professional lives, in our highschool experiences or within our own families and personal circles someone always exists that creates discomfort. Often these people are touted as bullies. In our case, however, I do believe that offender may not be aware that her behaviour is affecting people in a negative way (not everyone is a culprit here, but we must all work together to remedy this situation). Strong personalities are one thing, my friends, but when it becomes rude and inappropriate behaviour we must all take a step back and re-evaluate the way we conduct ourselves.
Feelings are a fragile entity and must be cared for with the upmost thought and consideration. We all have them, we've all had them hurt, yet we all end up hurting them at some point or another in our lives. Feelings come in a variety of styles, colours, and sizes:
No matter what they look like, though, all of our feelings must be respected.
Our leaving member is not the only complaint I have heard of. Others have expressed similar upset over being spoken to rudely or being ignored or have been upset by the occasional inappropriate remark (often this comes from the fact that one person may not like another and the rudeness is apparent to all). In light of this, I thought it was high time that I reminded everyone that The Saskatoon Knitting Circle's Sunday afternoons are for everyone. All who wish to join us for some good stitching fun are welcome. However, it is up to all of us to ensure that the afternoon provides a safe and enjoyable atmosphere. Here's a small reminder of our rights, obligations and expectations to which we are entitled:
We all have the right to participate without feeling bullied.
We all have the right to participate with an expectation of being respected and welcomed.
We all are obliged to treat others with much respect and ensure that others accomplishments are celebrated (not met with negativity).
Everyone has a right to an opinion or thought, but none of have the right to judge it.
We all researve the right to not like another personality, but we are obliged to continue to treat that person with respect.
We must all remember that feelings are fragile and can be hurt easily.
We must all remember to conduct ourselves and censure our own language in an appropriate and respectful manner.
We must all remember that everyone has the right to discuss, converse and share without being interrupted by childish comments (they truly are not humourous).
Above all...
We are all friends so let us remember to keep our group a friendly and welcoming place where everyone can learn and excell in knitterly pursuits.
I would love for The Saskatoon Knitting Circle to continue. I would hate to see it come to an end due to the inappropriateness of only one. However, should this sort of behaviour continue and cause us to loose members and cause our new friends to choose to not return then the group will have to come to a close. This is not at all what I signed for nor, do I suspect, did any of you.
I do hope you join me in embracing the right to respect cycle and let us all create a wonderful environment where people are hard pressed to avoid instead of what I'm hearing from those who have experienced the lack of respect.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to post your comments and thoughts here or email them to myself or melissa
