peace and joy

I found these Christmas action photos my daughter took on the camera. Sorry for the holiday knitting-induced silence over here. I lost my mind a bit a week ago when I decided I could make 2 sweaters before the 25th, but everything's going fine. I'm looking forward to seeing our families and enjoying the gorgeous weather.

I wish you the happiest of holidays.

crazy month post

December and June are always such madness. I have been knitting like a fiend, but I can't show you much. Except for a sweater I hope to post soon because it's not a surprise for its (very patient) recipient. I hope your holiday knitting isn't overwhelming you.

In the meantime I thought I'd pass along this charming video. Because really. There's nothing cuter than singing lambs.



I also decided when I braved the mall yesterday that I'm really loving the current trend of 'outdoorsy' wear - plaid flannel, cabled sweaters, fair isle. I've always loved this stuff but now it's everywhere (including lots in acrylic that I know would be sooo much better in good wool...). This is truly my favourite season, knit-wise. I saw some springwear in one store and thought 'Already? Let me enjoy the wintery stuff a bit longer!'

Oh - also, I'm reading all your great blog posts, everyone, but not commenting because recently Blogger refuses to let me, for some reason. I've been through all the (so-called) Help info and can't find the problem. So, I'm mute and frustrated. But I'm here for you.

Happy weekend.

out of this world

Look around you, in this extraordinary Country, and contemplate the various Shows and Diversions of the People, and then say, whether their temper or mind at various periods of our History, may not be collected from them?

G.S. Eckham, 1840, Exhibitions of Mechanical and Other Works of Ingenuity

We went to Orlando last week. It was the first time we've gone there and it was utterly perfect. Off-season, so not a lot of standing in lines, great weather and lots to do and see. Seaworld was fabulous, as was Disneyworld. Kennedy Space Center was a nice diversion. Even met a real shuttle astronaut, though my favourite part was the IMAX movie shot on the Hubble Telescope. We conquered all the crazy rides. Even the classic Space Mountain. It's a Small World was cool from a retro graphics perspective, but oh, that repetitive song. I can't imagine working in there.

It was great escapism. I was actually able to forget the holidays are so close. The mall's crowds were a shock when we got back. Maybe I could just get everything online if I hurry? I also have lots of knitting to finish and not enough time. Same as every year. It's so cold here now I'll just put my sandals away, make some tea and get to work.

I'm dyeing here...

doing some colour experiments...

and spinning some fibre others have dyed...

and bundling up with the sudden onslaught of winter. But not complaining because in a week we're going south to see the sun.

Hope your weekend is fab.

ridge

Yes. Two posts in one day. I'm so reckless.

This is something I've been working on lately - a top-down raglan cardigan in Shalimar Yarns 'Breathless'. It's a merino / cashmere / silk blend that is absolutely amazing to knit with. Her colours are wonderful, too. This is shown in 'Glacier' (MC) and 'Gunmetal' (CC).

I have loved welts and ridges for a long time, and I really liked how this yarn felt when folded, so I decided to use welts in my design. The sleeves have three of them which form a sort of extended cuff, and this is repeated on the front edges. Then the top and bottom of the body are hemmed. I think this gives nice structure to the fingering weight sweater, as does the gauge of 26 sts / 4" (10cm). I debated for a time about closures and settled on eyes and hooks on the upper front, so as not to distract from the ridges.

I was also wanting something, similar to the ridge, on the back for interest and came across Erica's ingenius decrease pleat, which she kindly permitted me to use and reverse for a top-down. Overall, pleased.

11.11.11.11

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada, so we are not at work or school but instead are taking a moment to remember all those who have fought so hard and given their lives to ensure we live in a safe and peaceful country. 11:00 am is the time, specifically, we do so. We wear a poppy over our hearts as a symbol of this. I knit one for myself and 3 others from Laura's pattern and wonderful post here. The size variation of the ones above are due to using and subsequently breaking several of my 2.25mm wooden dpn's (using worsted weight wool; it needs to be tight) and then going up 2 needle sizes and also adding one extra round of stitches on the next ones.

Whatever you're doing this weekend, I hope it's peaceful.

wovember

Wool. The most wonderful fibre in the world. Also highly misused as a term to describe multiple fibre combinations that contain no sheep's wool at all. There's a campaign this month to inform people about wool and its properties - the amazing Kate Davies is starting it here, and the official website is here and under the button at right. On the heels of Shetland Wool Week, Jamieson and Smith is involved and offering prizes for the Wovember photo gallery - also check out their new book Knit Real Shetland here.

Speaking of wool, Jared has a new fingering weight version of Shelter yarn which looks wonderful.

Winter's coming. Put on some real wool.