gartergiggles

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Happy Stitching...

For those of us with, and who enjoy our, addictions...  Pay attention at .50 time stamp :)
ENJOY!

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? 

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...

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."

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

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.)


Are you looking for something useful, pretty and functional?

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.

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). 

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.

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?

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).

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.