I'm Baaaaaccckkkk!!!!

Well now that I have probably lost all 7 of my usual readers...I am now back. I needed some time away from the computer to complete all kinds of things. Like report cards. I always hate writing the report cards- I am always nervous about getting something wrong. I mark all kinds of last minute assignments, with the great hope that I will have a revelation of sorts- but, no. Afraid not. So they are all done. And I took a group of 25 kids to camp overnight- they were awesome. No major issues- we survived it all-including a bonfire with s'mores! The ESL students from Korea thought I had lost my mind when I set up a fire- they had never seen such craziness before! And I have been painting. Since I know how to paint, it is quite common for the gift committee at work to come to me and request some custom work-for free. I don't really know why they don't offer me any money for it- if they had someone else commissioned, they know they would have to pay them. But I guess, since I work on staff, they figure I somehow owe them something. Anyhow, I have only accepted one project- to paint a boat propeller with the scenes from the local outdoor ed. facility. Still quite a lot of work. Initially, they wanted about 7 different scenes, including a picture of the guy's dog, and of the guy himself. I told them that I don't do tacky, and that since they weren't paying me, I would do whatever the hell I wanted. So I did. But I imagine they won't ask me anymore once they realize I won't do "like they say". It's a funny thing- people seem to think if you can knit, you are dying to knit something for them, out of your own pocket, and for no money for the work. Hunh? It's like the painting thing- I can paint, so it is what I want to do for them to look good for gifts? Mind you, since I agreed to do this one project, since the guy is retiring, I guess they feel I will do more. Not without being paid. What I am owed- since commissioned artwork is what they want, I will charge them a price up front, and let them turn me down. Works for me.
Recently, I was asked to reproduce a Noro Silk Garden sweater, done in entrelac. The "customer" was hoping I would do it for under $200, including the yarn. Hmmm-judging by the size of said lady, that would mean I would be paying her to knit it, since 20 skeins, at $12.95, plus tax, will take it over the $200 mark. So I explained this to her-she then asked if I could make her a deal (??) Uh- the price of the yarn is set at around $300, and what kind of a deal did she want? It seems she felt I could get a discount on the yarn, so she thought I could do it for around $350. Well, no discount, and no deal. She said that I couldn't expect to get more than one would pay at a store. Okay-but lady, you came to me-I guess abuse is part of this? Hmmmm. Rant over.
But I have been knitting-baby booties for a coworker. Pictures later-batteries charging) And a couple of things I will be keeping rather close for awhile longer.
But speaking of knitting- my KIP draw! I read all of the entries- great fun! And I put everyone's name into a hat- and drew out.............RUBY! Since I know her, I won't have to ask for her address. Ruby knit with her group- and won a prize-as the member who does the most to promote her guild!!!!! So Ruby- expect something in a week or so. Thank you to all those who entered- they were fun to read!!!!!!

KIP Day

Hey, everyone! Did your Knit In Public Day plans turn out???? I am afraid that mine did not. I had planned to go and sit somewhere very public, and knit my hands off, but, you know what they say about "best laid plans". I have two deadlines this week. One-my backyard will shortly be "enhanced"- with a new fence (underway) and a large above ground pool with all of the decking and such that camouflage the fact that it is above ground. And I have been called into service to "hold this" or "write that down" or "where did that go?" (Is it not amazing that once you get married, your husband immediately assumes that a uterus must be some kind of homing device, and that a woman must immediately know what he did with this little slip of a scrap of paper, that he wrote something way way important on. maybe two-no, three-months ago. And also where he put his watch) So that kept me busy. The second major thing-I have report cards due-this week-and I am also taking my class on an overnight trip this week-yeah, I know, bad planning-anyhow, I need to get them done, out of the way.So I have been marking papers, and chasing down assignments, and writing up reports. I always stress out about these report cards, because I worry about being totally accurate, with enough to back up my opinion of a child's progress.
So, my KIP plans bit the dust.
But what did YOU do? Let me know, and the most interesting one will find something sent to them! (no, no-not nasty-it'll be nice-from my stash) Leave me a message, or an email (see last blog entry for address). Or hey-tell me why you didn't get to KIP-maybe THAT will win?
Cheers-

KIP Day

Well, whaddya know?? June 9th is Knit In Public Day!!! See all the info here- http://www.wwkipday.com/ What will you do to celebrate it??? Send me a notion of what you are going to do- or hey- even a pic of what you did- maybe I will send the most entertaining one a little something from my ever-growing stash!
My email is... debDOTseanATsympaticoDOTca Just get rid of the big words and put the right symbols in- you'll do okay!

For the next two weeks-

Things are going to be a bit "hit or miss" for the next couple of weeks. I have final reports to write (I teach Grade 6/7), as well as a class overnight trip (we are going to a Guide camp!!!) and about a gazillion things to do before our above ground pool arrives. Yeah, we decided to put one in, so A. can just step out into the back yard for her swims. It will be fun for all of us, I think! So-hopefully, I will have something to show (in knitting terms) in a couple of weeks-because I plan to knit when I have down time!
Take care- see you in a bit-

Holy SP 10 Package, Batman!!!!!!

I think all of you who have secret pals(in the last round of SP10) had better step up to the plate- since I got the parcel to end all parcels today-obviously, my secret pal is the BEST. I ripped everything open (there were , like 15 packages inside this huge box!!!!)-except the things for my dog (!), my daughter (!!) and even my husband (!!!) (he will be beside himself- he often feels a bit put out when I get these parcels, and he doesn't get anything) Suffice it to say- my Secret Pal ROCKS!
A million thank you's-
Okay- here are the photos- taken when I got home after work. There are a couple of things not in the photo, I see- but here is the list of it all (I am sooooo very very spoiled)
First of all- this HUGE box-I think it cost my SP over 20 dollars to send it. The return address was Colorado Springs, but she said she is Canadian from Northern Ontario. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.........

First of all- everything was wrapped. Everything, including a dog bone for Bear (the packaging is there, because this is what happened to the chew bone--and he is not about to give it back for A PICTURE. You can see he has chosen the bone over his leash, in the picture. So- imagine it. My daughter is a crafty one, soo my SP chose a lovely potholder making kit from Klutz books (very very appreciated- she loves it. And today was the first day of Grade 3 testing-it couldn't have come at a better time). My husband's gift was an LED Tuff Lite (his comment when he opened it? "Excellent! Just what I need!") And now- my haul. (And what an amazing group of beautiful things!)The yarn: 3 skeins of Cascade 220 in a lovely dusty green, a lovely skein of Tofutsies by SWTC in a mix of green and blue and yellow for socks (and two patterns as well) and a lovely skein of Euroflax Linen ( a blend of pastels). Thank you, thank you, thank you. AND TWO (!!!) sets of Brittany straights-oh my heart- I love them! AND a wonderful knitting bag-an Eagle "Good To Go" knitting bag. I haven't seen this one before- it is totally awesome! And a cotton scented candle (pretty). And notes and a notepad and a stunning blank book for my notes (I go through these rather quickly) and two stamps and a silver stamp pad and a tea towel and lovely hand made stitch markers (I think you should make more-even though you said you were new at making these-they are really lovely) in a bag in a little Mary Englebreit box, and some mints in a jewelled metal box. And a pair of socks-"Well Being"-restorative Sea Cell Socks- very interesting!!!. And a mini cross stitch kit. And a hand made "dish rag" in lovely rainbow cotton. And a key chain. And last but not least-3 white chocolate Kit Kat bars!!!! (Okay- 2 now-yum yum)
I don't know if I have left anything out, but let me tell you, Secret Pal-I have had a pretty nasty week (work things) and this came at the very best time.
You have spoiled me too much, and I love you for it.
Thank you.

It's a bit humbling....

And here I was, thinking I was a unique old girl.........but I wonder how many Canadians share my name?

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 13 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Thanks to Sad Lonely Crafter for the link!

Don't Forget......

This is coming up this weekend......
On Sunday, May 27, the Toronto Spiders will take up the International Wool Challenge (Back to Back Competition) for the fourth consecutive year. This competition, involving teams around the world, requires that a sheep be shorn and the fleece spun, plied, and knitted into a sweater (according to a standard pattern) in one day.After two years at the Ontario Handspinning Seminar and a year at Toronto's Riverdale Farm, this year the Toronto Spiders will be at the Pickering Museum in Greenwood, as part of their Opening Day. The team is made up of Wannietta Prescod (the Fastest Knitter in North America in 2005 & 2006), Barbara Aikman, Julia Lee, Judy Pergau, Denise Powell, Karen Richens, and Lorraine Smith of Spinners Quarterly. Our shearer is Bob Comfort, and Joan Kass and Judy Findlay will be our timekeepers and educators. We look forward to having lots of interest and support from passers-by. Like all Back to Back Challenges, we will be raising money for cancer research.We will be attempting to beat our Canadian record time of 6 hours, 51 minutes, and 15 seconds, so hope to finish some time between 4 and 5 p.m.If you are in the neighbourhood, please do drop by and wave, say "Hey y'all", but don't expect us to stop what we're doing to chat with you until the sweater is done!

Wish I could be there-good luck, guys!

Hey- Knitting Content! Whaddya know?

So I figured, this being a knitting blog, that I should, perhaps, start doing some knitting. Right? And "the broken finger, thanks to the Bear" is healing, and will now let me knit. Hmmmmm. What to knit? I am still working on the Big Red-Orange-Pink Kimono- I have just hit a "think spot" (I have to think about what I put in, where I am going, and what do I want to do next) So that is in the "marination chamber" (aka-in a bag, beside my bed). I had a couple of yarns I have been dying to play with- so out they came. The first is a Blue Heron Yarn-Rayon/Metallic. in colourway Macaw. Think rainbow bright with glitz. I wound up one of the skeins (I have two-for a total of 1100 yards)-and started entrelac (8 stitch squares on a 3.5 mm ) And this is what I got-

the two skeins-both wound up and in a skein( I love the way it looks in a skein!!!!!), as well as the piece of knitting, and a closeup. I think I like it-it is the middle panel for a wrap-I would like to frame it in black.

The other piece of knitting involves an unknown yarn (to me)-it is Persimmon Tree Farm, hand dyed "pot luck" yarn-wool/mohair. I have about 500 yards of that one. So I cruised around, looking at lace patterns, and thought-gee this looks interesting-it is soft as can be, with a lovely hand, and just a bit of fuzz. I think it will be a lovely, triangular scarf to wrap around my neck in the winter- I kind of want a new coat for next year- in a dark green. The colours in this are a rose, a bright lizard green, a darker green, a gold-peach-kind of sweet.

Otherwise, all is quiet on this front. I have to hunker down and get my report cards finished (didn't I just do those darn things?) And I have a couple of sweaters and a mitten up for show and tell at the local Wool Tyme- there is a bit of a shinding there tomorrow- I thought I might drop in.

I leave with you a question-a customer came into the store, and said she would love a sweater just like mine- Noro Silk Garden, entrelac front and back (small stuff- it was a 4 st entrelac-lots of turning), with a funnel neck and plain knit sleeves-what would you charge to knit it?

I got a TREAT!!!!!

Lookee!!! Lookee!!!!!
A while ago, I signed up for Knitter's Treat Exchange. The deal was this- a one time only, knit-treat-whatever, you reveal yourself, boom, you're done. I kinda liked the whole idea of that.
And today was MY day-The parcel was from Brianne in Richmond, Virginia. And check out the spoiling!!!
First of all, a great bag-just the right size to pop in a pair of socks, or a sleeve, or a piece of knitting-perfect. Some yummy coffees (I do love a nice cup of coffee- was never much of a tea person), candles (that "mandarin pomelo" smells awesome), a sheepy notebook, a satiny sleep mask (later about that), and 3 balls of scrumptious Classic Elite "Wool Bam Boo" in a stunning green-wow!!!! My treater must know how hard it is to get Classic Elite yarn around here- I haven't met one of their yarns I haven't liked. Sooo-as I was admiring my treat, in walks the Big Giant Poodle Head. Sniff Sniff, Snort, Snuffle- next thing I know, he has a sleep mask up over his nose.

So, he decides his job is to lay down amongst the spoils, just to see if there was anything for him, of course (he denied it, but I knew he was looking for a little somethin' somethin")


It is kind of hard to get mad at him, though. Especially when he flashes those big browns at you.

Thanks Brianne-in the words of one of my Grade 7 boys...."Ya done real fine." Thanks!

Garage Sales

Our street had its annual garage sale-it is quite the circus. You basically scour out basements and garages, and pile it all out, pour the coffee, and hope for the best. The big draw at our house was the Bear. He was Mr. Personality-he "schmoozed" all of the people coming by-kids and babies right on up. It was interesting-he came with a choke chain (which I removed-I really don't care for the things on a daily basis). Since his behaviour has been impeccable (when we are out in the yard, for example, he doesn't even try to leave the boundaries- and we don't have fences...yet), we haven't needed to use it for training. So I thought to put it in the yard sale. But nooooooo. Bear grabbed it and lay on it, and wouldn't leave it alone. Tail wagged the entire time. So what gives? We finally had to put it in a drawer. That is part of the mystery of rescue pups-you don't really know the whole story. But it obviously meant something positive to him.
So after a whole morning of selling our wares, we packed up, started the housework for the week (why do we always leave it for the weekend????), and ended up hitting the local "East Side Mario's" with the neighbours for supper. I had placed my order at the same time as everyone else, but when the food came-nothing for me. It seems my plate had inadvertently gone to another table. Okay, things happen. So the manager came over, very apologetic, says that they are making up a fresh plate for me (thank goodness-I really didn't want to eat something that had been sitting at someone else's table- you just never know). The manager came over later, with a little note for me, saying how sorry she was. I ate, paid the bill-off we went. Then I thought-maybe I should check that note. It turned out to be a gift certificate for $20! Works for me!!!!!
I am involved in two Secret Pal Exchanges-SP10 and Knitter's Treat Exchange. I enjoy these exchanges-I like the giving part, and as well, it is interesting to see what you will get in return, based on your answers to their questions. I have sent out both of my parcels (quite some time ago) and got positive responses. I am getting my second SP10 parcel ready-trying to get it sent out this week. So tell me- what sorts of things have you gotten in secret pal exchanges that you truly appreciated and enjoyed???? Anything innovative that made you smile? I want to make this a special package. Suggestions are welcome!!!!
I also have been knitting-pictures later-when a little more is showing.
Have a great long weekend, fellow Canadians!!!!!

A Public Service Message......

Well, I tried knitting last night- the broken finger gets in the way- but I can knit!!!! Amazing how much I have missed it.
And now for the public service message........................


On Sunday, May 27, the Toronto Spiders will take up the International Wool Challenge (Back to Back Competition) for the fourth consecutive year. This competition, involving teams around the world, requires that a sheep be shorn and the fleece spun, plied, and knitted into a sweater (according to a standard pattern) in one day.After two years at the Ontario Handspinning Seminar and a year at Toronto's Riverdale Farm, this year the Toronto Spiders will be at the Pickering Museum in Greenwood, as part of their Opening Day. The team is made up of Wannietta Prescod (the Fastest Knitter in North America in 2005 & 2006), Barbara Aikman, Julia Lee, Judy Pergau, Denise Powell, Karen Richens, and Lorraine Smith of Spinners Quarterly. Our shearer is Bob Comfort, and Joan Kass and Judy Findlay will be our timekeepers and educators. We look forward to having lots of interest and support from passers-by. Like all Back to Back Challenges, we will be raising money for cancer research.We will be attempting to beat our Canadian record time of 6 hours, 51 minutes, and 15 seconds, so hope to finish some time between 4 and 5 p.m.If you are in the neighbourhood, please do drop by and wave, say "Hey y'all", but don't expect us to stop what we're doing to chat with you until the sweater is done!

Looks way cool- if you are in the area- drop by and let me know how it all went!

I have been memed!

(by Miss Scarlett)
And here it is........
Here’s how to play…
1. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules3. At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 interesting people and post their names 4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
My 8 things…
1. I have an unnatural dislike of the colour blue- sky blue and royal blue in particular. I swear I was scared by something blue as a child, but...? For years, I refused to wear blue of any sort (including jeans) I have relented somewhat, but.....
2. My second toe is longer than my big toe, and this bugs me- even though other people seem to be like that, and don't seem to be bothered. (Their toes don't bother me, just my own)
3. I have a flannel quilt, lap size, that I take with me to the couch when I can't sleep at night . I wrap my legs in it, or put it around my shoulders, and it somehow comforts me when insomnia hits. My mom made it, so this is likely the connection. (by the way, I am 48- well past needing a blankie)
4. I often tell people, when they ask how old I am, that I am thirty-eighteen. That "40-something" is a real problem, because, in my head, I am about 25 or 26.
5. I always have at least 4 knitting projects on the go, often more.
6. I have a love hate relationship with crochet. I see something that someone else has made, and I think-"Gee, how pretty." Then I try it myself- and ugh. Lump it.
7. I don't drink milk- at all- and I haven't since I was about 2. I had anemia or something, and Mom put drops of some sort in my milk. It made the milk taste foul, and so I stopped drinking it. And even now, when I taste milk or "something milky", I get that very sour, acid taste. Gag me.
8. Years and years ago, in Grade 8, I held a provincial shot put record for about 3 hours (when someone else at the meet broke that record). I am built like a shot putter, not like a ballerina, by the way.

And now, to send the meme to 8 other people- here we go...................
Ruth http://impulsivearts.typepad.com/knitting/
Ruby http://gaspe-knitting.blogspot.com/
Anne http://www.wooltymekingston.blogspot.com/
Robyn http://redbirdknits.blogspot.com/
Rochelle http://www.notesonbeing.blogspot.com/
Renee http://www.froggiemeanie.blogspot.com/
Lynne http://iwasknittogetherinmymotherswomb.typepad.com/i_was_knit_together_in_my/2007/05/post.html#comments
Mandy http://yarnageddon.com/

This collection of ladies is a most interesting, and vibrant group. Should make for good reading!!!!!!!!
Good weekend, all-

I forgot to say that the person who "won" my chair at the auction was the organizer of the whole thing!!!! She had told me that she wanted the chair- and , well, I guess she wasn't kidding!!!!!!
As I was cruising around, I found a meme at Miss Ewe's (http://missewe.blogspot.com/)- While I don't normally do the meme thing, I enjoyed this one- And I challenge anyone reading this to add it to their own posts-

Mark with bold the things you have knit (or are knitting), with italics the ones you plan to do sometime, and leave the rest.
Afghan
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up -tried this once-unsuccessfully-plan to try again- anyone have a good pattern?
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting -used to do this by accident now and then. Now I say I did it on purpose.
Participating in a KALSweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting -I watched a display of group knitting once- with 4 knitters- is that what this means?
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting (hunh??????)
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book (- yeah, when flying monkeys come out of my....never mind))
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting
Knitting to make money
Buttonholes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on one or two circulars
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living (One would have to work long and hard to do that!)
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks-next on the list!
Knitting art
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener stitch
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards-and hated it- it didn't feel right
Machine knitting
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair-when it gets wet, does it smell doggy?
Hair accessories
Knitting in Public


Hmmm- I guess I have tried out a few more things than I had thought!

The Results are in!!!!!!

Wow- what an evening that was! The "Chair Affair" was attended by many-it also was a real nerve-wracker for me. It is very difficult, as an artist, to put your work out there, and know that your abilities and the whole elan of the final product are being judged. And that money is involved. (All well and good for your friends to tell you it is a great piece, but when it comes to people actually doing the BUYING- another story). Anyhow, the bidding started off rather quietly- lovely chairs were going for $200, or $300. Bidding was tough- even for the very talented Alicia Gordon (the auctioneer). And I was shaking in my boots. My chair was in the last quarter of the program-just long enough to get me through every last fingernail!!!!! When my chair was brought up on the stage.........I think I was hyperventilating at that point.........the bidding STARTED at $500. Final bid- $1300!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was pretty happy. Then the next few chairs were by recognized artists in the area-and the highest bid on any of those was $1200. There was one chair, done by a fellow who builds custom furniture, that went for a huge amount- $2800. But that chair had been altered considerably. It was a lot bigger, and had inserts of cork and carving in the wood. (Also a lot heavier, judging by how it was carried up to the stage). But of all the non-modified ones, mine ended up making the most.
Okay- brag over.
But one more thing- the $1300 that was made by that chair will go to feed two families, 5 children each, for a year, and still have $300 left over for another family. For more information, go and see www.g2gkingston.ca
The Stephen Lewis Foundation will thank you for any support you can give.

What am I going to wear......

Since I can't wear my snazzy jacket, since I can't seem to knit very well these days....................I had to figure out what to wear for Thursday night. Mind you- I am quite comfortable in jeans and a cotton and lycra t-shirt. Seems to be my uniform these days. Sooooo-I had a little look around and did a wardrobe inventory-found that I had absolutely NOTHING to wear to such an event. Like NUTHIN'. I have way dressy (like evening weddings) or I have "barely getting dressed to get out of bed" (like pj pants). Neither of those would work. Then I had "stuffy" things- like interview material. Nah. No good. Now this is $25 per ticket shin ding. So I feel a bit obligated to look like I put some thought into my outfit. So I went shopping (what else could I do????? I was injured!!!) I got a pair of gray chalk stripe pants, a white tuxedo shirt with French cuffs, and a plain black sweater with some cute details with sleeve and high waist. Put it all together with black flats and a long LONG black and clear necklace- I'm set.
I don't think I thought so much about what to wear since I got married.
Now THAT is a fairly sad statement of affairs.

OOOOWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!

Yup- broken finger, dislocated joint-needed two ring nerve blocks to get the damn thing straight again . Soooo- it appears that my hopes of getting my amazing sweater done for the big night (Thursday) are right down the tubes. And how did this happen? First, you take one giant Poodle Head. Add a smidge of spring fever and a tendency to bolt when scared. Now throw in a neighbour's Soft Coated Wheaton (same age as Bear). I dropped his lead because he was getting frisky. When I bent to pick it up, I had just caught my ring finger in the loop and he bolted. Caught my finger and pulled. I even heard the snap. When I looked down at my finger , my fingernail was facing my middle finger!!!!!! "Oh man. This can't be good," I remember thinking. I figured I was in shock, so I tried to straighten it a bit. Yeah. Dumb.

Anyhow- 4 to 6 weeks like this. No knitting for awhile. I tried, mind you, but I was awkward, and it hurt.

Now I have to go shopping to try to sort out my wardrobe dilemma for Thursday.

Onto other news- I saw my chair over at Chapters-it was way cool. I also met the husband of the chair of "The Chair Affair", and he wanted to know more about the chair, and implied that if his wife wanted the chair, so be it. What a sweetheart.

And so it goes...........................................................

PS- Bear actually seems to feel bad! He snuggles and tries to put his big furry head on my shoulder. He has sniffed my finger at least a dozen times, and then looks at me with those great big eyes. I know- he's a dog. But I think he "gets" it.

Update

Oh the interview was a blast-the interviewer made everything so easy. My knees DID wobble a bit- but I think I was fairly coherent. If you are in the Kingston area- go check out CKWS-TV, 5:30 on Monday. And you will see the chair. And me. If you can't get that station- I will try to describe myself as accurately as possible-....I am tall, willowy, blonde, everyone says I look exactly like a high fashion model............okay, maybe not. (My husband has*ahem* lovingly referred to me as a "Shetland Pony"-short sturdy legs and a square body-so get THAT image in your head!!!!!!!!!!!!) But listen to the big BIG BIG news- the chair of "The Chair Event" is a well known Kingston person- and she wants to buy my chair!!!!!!! She said she loved it and that it was her favourite one-isn't that a blast!!!! And my chair will be on display at the local Chapters on upper Princess Street on Saturday and Sunday (11-5). A rep from the organization will be there to talk about Africa and the great needs of these ladies.
So-find yourself a moment to look up the Grandmother Connection, and see how you, too, can give. It makes you feel like a million!

You'd never guess....................

I was sitting in the chair, before supper (of fabulous Chicken Souvlaki-from Costco-you bring it home and BBQ it yourself-I will buy it again)-and I was working on "the sweater"-You can see some shots of it here. I must admit-the yarn is Silk Stream, by Fleece Artist-and the colourway-Sangria- is miserably hard to catch on digital camera. Take my word for it- it is stunning- an absolutely wonderful blend of crimson red, fuchsia and vermilion. I have the back done, one part of one front, and the sleeve started-I am designing as I go-and this one will be a winner, I think. It has a panel up the back, then it is knit sideways from picked up stitches, with ridges knit in between the sections. The band around the shoulder, and hem to hem, is a mosaic stitch. The part with the short "lines" on it is the part that goes under the arm and along the sides-so that part wider than the back. You can sort of see my circular needle- I am making a sleeve.

The front will be scoop-necked, with a little mandarin collar, a nice fancy frog attachment high up on the left side, and left open from there down. I will probably just do an icord edge around the fronts and the hem- but I would like to do a fancy edge to the hem, say 6 inches deep, of some stranded knitting, and some embroidery. And I think I am going to love wearing this sweater/kimono- if I can actually finish it in time.

So what is the crazy rush for this? Next week is the auction, to support the grandmothers in Africa who, due to AIDS, have had to take in their grandchildren. I painted a Muskoka chair, and I was pretty proud of it. And, since all of the artists are to be recognized at the event, I want to look sufficiently "arty"-so I want to wear this damn coat. Anyhow........tonight, just as I was settled in to do some knitting, I got a call from Carol (my "handler" I call her- she is the rep from the organization that tells me what to do when)-anyhow-she wanted me to know that everyone has been oohing and aahing my chair, with its absolutely fabulous finishing (my husband put a high lustre automotive clear coat on it- it looks like it is sopping wet). AND, the organization would like to use my chair as their focal point (!!!). AND they want to interview me (!!!!) on TV (!!!!!!) On Wednesday at lunch (!!!!!!!) Little old me. Cool.

Pink Suede Shoes

Tonight, my little girl is at a sleepover, and my husband and I decided it was time to just kick back and relax. We went out to a local "greasy spoon" for some of the best clubhouse sandwiches we have ever had (real turkey, shaved, lots of it, bacon, tomato, lettuce, a touch of mayo, with great fries and oil and vinegar coleslaw) (yee ha!) And the little shop down thew way from this place is a shoe store. "Thanasis Shoe Store and Repair Co."-one of Kingston's best kept secrets (email me if you want a phone number or an address) We were looking in the window- at the new Birks, and then I saw them-the "I MUST have those shoes" kind of shoes. I went in, tried them on-perfect fir- I fell in love with them- and bingo bango- I now have my early Mother's Day gift from my husband. And, without further ado- here are my new Mephisto Special Edition Allrounders- (aside....when I tried them on, my husband told the owner that I make all my socks-and then he said-"Hey, Deb- You should get these shoes- they will show off all of your hand made socks!!!!!!" The owner just kind of rolled his eyes at us, but...I am so pleased that my husband "gets" my socks. And yes, he has hand knit socks, too)

For all of you who are looking for specialty shoes in Canada- this store stocks many kinds, many brands-I don't know if they ship, but the service is spectacular, it is worth a visit.

They are the special "Breast Cancer Support" edition ($10 from every pair gets donated). I have wide feet (and big feet, as well) and these fit like a glove. While I was there, the owner suggested a lift for my Birkenstocks- to make them easier on my "plantar fascitis"sp????-so, for $30, I said, "Sure!"

My husband really is a keeper, don't you think?

Wow- what a haul!!!!

Well, It's like this- I won a contest, for being the 201st commenter, over at Knittnfool (here- http://missscarlett.wordpress.com/) And this is what Michelle sent!!!! A beautiful skein of Spunky Electric- "speedy super"- a sport weight merino(Pie in the Sky), a pattern for socks, a pattern for a cool belt, knitting needles (metal ones! I do love me good metal needles), seeds for my garden (how could she know how barren my garden is looking these days???) darning needles, chocolate (okay- so I am showing the box only- my bad), and, down in the bottom- a treat can for Mr. Bear!!!! (filled with doggy breath mints) It seems that Kira was able to sneak something into the envelope for Bear-and Bear, well, he was so pleased. He shook hands, he "High fived"- did all his tricks.
Thank you, Michelle! I love it all!!!!!

And may I present......

So-what do you think? Sean took it to the shop and put a super clear, super shiny car finish on it- so it will be able to live outside. Because I used a lot of darker blue, I worried about fading and what not.
When I was speaking to one of the organizers, she told me that she is hoping to get at least 200 dollars for each chair (during the auction). I just hope my chair isn't going to be the one that everyone looks away, doesn't make eye contact with anyone, and goes for fifty bucks. I won't be able to keep myself from wailing if that should happen!
So- May 10th-here we come!


I have the back of the kimono done, and part of one front. It'll be close, but I think it will be okay. Keep your fingers (and your knitting needles) crossed!

The Gala......

Well, my husband took the painted chair in to the workshop (he teaches tech at a high school) and, let me tell you-he finished it beautifully! He used an automotive car finish-very shiny, very hard (when it is finally cured), but applied thinly, so that the brushstrokes from my work were still there. This guy has the heart of an artist. But the chair glows-like from an inner light. This weekend, I will take a better picture of it- I will set it outside for maximum impact.
Now- about the date-and the winner is.....my husband. I asked my mother if she would like to come as well- her answer-"I don't think I would be comfortable going to a shindig that cost $25 just to get in." I said that I would spring for the ticket- but she felt it would be better to go and have a date with my husband. Okay, then.
And the wardrobe- I have been knitting like crazy-I have the back done and one of the fronts started. Of the kimono inspired sweater. I think I should be done by the time the 10th rolls around. I hope I will be done. I might have to pull an all-nighter to get it all done!!!!!!!! Picture will come when it looks more like a sweater.
And I don't want to bring my cane (I have walked with it for years)
Now to figure out my shoes.............................................................................................

The Gala

Well, I am starting to get kind of excited about this big gala thing on the 10th of May. This is where all of the painted chairs will be displayed and then auctioned. I found out this weekend that the tickets are 25 bucks each! Holy Cow! This is a pretty swanky event!!! So I am starting to rethink my wardrobe. I guess it is not formal-but nice clothes are required. Soooo-here is the thing. I am wondering if I have enough time to finish my kimono style jacket (the bright red-orange-fuchsia Silk Stream from Fleece Artist) I have the back about 70% finished. That leaves the fronts and shorter sleeves (sort of wide). And then I have some of those separates- you know- the slinky knit that is really heavy when you hold it and doesn't ever get wrinkled? I have a tunic, long skirt and pants in dark navy blue-I could wear the jacket over top, right? Hmm- what else do I have....I have a hand painted silk jacket (sort of pumped up pastels). I also have a lovely linen blend suit- long navy blazer with a lovely goldenrod (hey- they named the colour) skirt and matching silk blouse. And navy pumps. I guess I want to look more "arty" (and less like a middle aged teacher). Apparently, the artists will be wearing name tags and will be introduced as "the artists" Hmmmmmmmm. What else do I have? Not much. I have a couple of dresses that are more summery (hey-this is April, now, and it is snowing to beat the band out there). I also have one extra ticket- should I take the husband (who is putting the clear coat on with a sprayer) or my mother? (who can't believe I actually have done all of this creative stuff- designing clothes, getting into books, painting chairs, and on and on).
Suggestions for clothes? For my "date"?????????



Edited later:
Oh no. It has happened again. Those poor people at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. Bless those families who are looking for their children's names on the lists of those hurt and killed. I don't think I could bear it.

And we have a winner!!!!!!!!!!

I actually had a total of 19 suggestions-in my little "Name the Big Furry Sheep" Contest- and the ideas were truly marvellous. Now, remember- in this family, when left to our own devices, we name things in totally odd ways- our last dog was Mr. Boufu Butterscotch, with a runner up name of Colonel Joe Pinocchio-and yes, people were worried when we had a baby-sooooo, I figured I would let "the expert" choose the name. The expert is, of course, my 9 year old daughter- when she was a wee toddler, she "created" a large, integrated family of invisible mice-Clown Face was the patriarch, Daisy was one (!) of his wives , Ruby, Angel, and thousands of little baby mice- they used to drive around in a rainbow glitter limousine (in fact, when driving along in our car, she would often point out the window and tell us that the mousies were just barely catching up to us) Anyhow, imagination is not a small commodity in this house.
And the winner is............................RAMSES (ikkinlala was the email name)
And, because there was a need for a last name.............WOOLINGTON (Renee of Froggie Meanie)
So winners- send me your full names and snail mail addresses- so I can send you something luscious in the mail! (Oh- and an idea of colours you like might be of some help-if I have something in the stash that might work) My email is debDOTseanATsympaticoDOTca (and take out the BOLD words and replace with the right stuff- you know the drill)
Thanks to everyone for sending in their suggestions!!!

PS- My husband feels that he has been slighted- he named the big sheep Lam-bo, after a super high-end Lamborghini extreme sports vehicle (the nickname for it was the Rambo Lam-bo)I can't see the resemblance. You? Tee hee

Contest

C'mon now- it'll be good stuff for the prize- try a name for my big sheep/ram- (scroll down) Contest closes tomorrow!

I am such a kid

Okay- so I got up and turned on the television, because I wanted to see Amy Singer "do her thing" on television. You see, it always interests me about what people look and sound like-after I have gotten to "know" them on line. Amy has always been great to work with, very personable. And of course, I knew what she looked like from the books. But such a kick to also hear her! (and she sounds like I would expect) Anyhow, she also brought along the trunk show from "No Sheep For You." And what do you know- the first of her models had on the robe that I designed and knit. What a kick. What a kid I am to take such pleasure from seeing it on tv! And her models were other knitters/bloggers that she has spoken of, on her blog (knitty.com/blog). I just peeked at Amy's blog- she has the whole piece from the tv show up! Go and see it- I'll wait. Back already? Wasn't that cool? Now to get them to mention my name......hmmmmmm (mine was the green silk robe, by the way).

Happy Easter! ... and a contest.......

And so, this morning, Annie had a wonderful time finding all of the plastic eggs that Ahab the Bun-Rab had hidden around the house (all inside- way too cold to be outside- we even had snow! In fact-it feels colder today that it did on Christmas Day!). And I found this-a huge stuffed lamb (that was addressed to "little Debbie" and has a "baaaaaaa" noise all its own when you squeeze his ram's horn) and a cashew-butter-truffle chocolate bunny-in a metal case. My husband, once I ooo-ed and ahhhh-ed over it all, said,"I thought the case might be the right size for your double pointed needles. Or you could use it to hold something or other for your knitting things. I got the bunny because of the box." Oh- he's a keeper all right. And the big sheep- he needs a name-anything good comes in, I just might have to send the suggester some yarn. Like some sock yarn or something or other. You'll let me know what you like- but it will be NICE- from my stash. Email me- debDOTseanATsympaticoDOTca (but fix it up first) or leave me a suggestion in the comments-and I will choose the best name for the giant sheep. By, say, Saturday? A CONTEST it is, then.
I am also fiddling with the bright BRIGHT Silk Stream (Fleece Artist)- something that Deborah Newton did in "Designing Knitwear". She made panels of textured knit, with some patterned, two colour stuff, and sewed them into a kimono type coat. So I have been playing with a big swatch- you can click it for BIG. I kinda like it. Anyhow., I was thinking of putting a big swatch down the middle of the back, with some two-colour ones beside it, then some sideways knit (pick up stitches and knit towards the side seams) next to that. I like the idea of shorter sleeves (like to the elbow) and longer body- to wear over a solid one colour outfit. Any suggestions? Has anyone done this before? I will keep on knitting-see how it goes. I thought I would use some charcoal tweed silk (It is almost jet black), as well as some of the blue left from Big Blue-the blue would be in thin rolled reverse stockinette strips between the larger parts-we'll see if it looks like what I have in my head. If not- well, to the marination chamber it goes!
Well, I have to go and check on cooking the supper- instead of ham, I thought I might go with salmon on the BBQ- but it is too cold. So I decided on a nice prime rib. But now I have to check how long to cook it-
Happy Easter!

PS- Two, very, very sad Easter jokes-
Q-What do you get when you have a line up of bunnies, and they all take one step backwards?
A-A receding hare (hair) line.

and, as ever....
Q- What kind of rabbit practices medicine in the operating room?
A- The Ether Bunny.

PPS- Bear got a new squeaky toy- he loves it!

Edited later- Oh my- Excitement time! --Amy Singer, over at http://knitty.com/blog , is going to be on Breakfast Television-in Toronto-this Wednesday, between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m.- with the trunk show for the "No Sheep For You" book. I wonder if they will show the silk bathrobe?

Later again- For some reason, the picture of the swatch I have been knitting is not always on the blog. Hmmm- let me know if it isn't there, would you? Thanks-

I won I won I won!

Yep- little old me, who rarely wins much of anything- I was the 201 st commenter over at KnittnFool (here- http://missscarlett.wordpress.com/) and I am getting some yarn for my trouble! Gotta love that!
The chair is off to get photographed for the event-it still needs a bit of a clear coat on top of it-but that will come-next week's job-
I ended up putting a quote from Henry Van Dyke on the bottom of it- "Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars." Kinda says it all for me.
The baby hats have been a huge hit-people are asking me if I take orders right left and centre. I never really know quite what to say- it's like saying- thank you for the compliment, but I am a busy girl. Ya know? How do you folks handle it? By the way, I quoted outrageous prices for a baby hat- they didn't even BLINK!

This is Bear-

I love this picture of Bear- he looks like a punch drunk puppy- doesn't he? He has a piece of chewbone in his mouth-and Annie's hockey helmet on. Poor guy- he doesn't know how entertained I am by this picture.

Speaking of pictures- check this out- this is in one of Lavold's books, and I just fell in love with it. And, elann.com had the Lavold angora on for half price, and in the bright red, and soooooooooo..... well, you can guess what happened. This sweater is for the next Christmas season, so I figure I have lots of time to make it. I think I might modify the sleeve- I don't usually do well with a dropped shoulder. We'll see. And I could wear it over black? Or dark gray? Or..? I think it will look quite smart.

Annie just got back from an overnight Brownie camp- and man- is she pooped! Off to go hose her down..........

Knitter's Treat Exchange Questionnaire

I signed up for this exchange- courtesy of Miss Ewe-http://missewe.blogspot.com/ and I swear, they should have called this the Q & D exchange (as in Quick and Dirty) Anyhow, you can sign up for another couple of days- here-http://knitterstreatexchange.blogspot.com/index.html and this is the questionnaire- Here goes...............
Knitters Treat Exchange Questionnaire
1. What's your favourite type of yarn? anything that really did come from a plant or an animal, and not from a chemistry set.
2. What's your least favourite type of yarn? crunchy acrylic and fun fur. Not my cup of tea
3. What's the first thing you do when you visit a new yarn shop? sniff. I smell the yarn and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Then I cruse through the fancy shmancy stuff.
4. What other crafts do you do / would like to do? I paint, and then I paint some more. I also do all kinds of crafty things. But I would love to learn how to spin.
5. What magazines do you currently subscribe to?Just about every knitting thing. I would LOVE the Feb. Piecework. My local store didn't carry it, and I guess I missed my chance to get it.
6. Put this type of magazine in order of preference: 1. Knitting /8. Crochet / 2.Other Craft / 5. Food /3. Home / 6. Fashion /7. Celebrity Gossip / 4.Garden
7. What items do you like to knit / crochet? Oh- anything, everything- I am on a kick lately of wild sweaters because I want to look arty (and not like a 48 year old mother of a 9 year old) (No, I didn't know what I was thinking) 8. Are you allergic to anything?Yup- I have contact allergies- to perfumes and colours and such. Particularly bad is PABA. 9. What do you like to* smell of?(*This is not a typo. The question is: What do you like to smell of) I love light florals and fresh cucumber 10. What's your favourite way to relax?Uh, is my husband reading this? Because he features greatly in this one. 11. You're stood in front of a Victorian style sweetshop, an Italian cafe, an old fashioned bakery and a dainty tea room. Where do you go first? The Italian cafe for a canolli and a cup of Italian coffee. What do you come out with? read back there again13. Where do you go next? Probably the bakery for some bread. Or some sweet rolls. mmmmmmm 14. Any other words of wisdom for your pal? Well, I am Canadian. So that will figure in the shipping if you are US or Europe. And I have a particular love of hand dyed anything. And, um, just read my blog for other hints!

OH I am too excited........................

Okay- I am really excited over this one. As some of you know, I have tried my hand at designing sweaters and such, and the last design (that I got paid for) was in the "No Sheep For You" book (by Amy Singer). I did a silk bathrobe in that one. I initially specified a silk and cotton blend, thinking that no one would even pay for a blend for a housecoat. But Amy was adamant that it had to be this absolutely decadent 100% shiny silk-and so, that was the end result. I loved it, but wondered who would ever make it. I got an email from Ann Budd (major player in Interweave) saying that she really liked it, and so I felt I had "arrived". Anyhow, today, I got my copy of Spring/Summer Vogue Knitting. In the Books section, right there on page 26, was a write up of the "No Sheep For You" book (and a very nice one, at that). I read along, happy that "the people in the know" liked the book. Then I got to the last couple of sentences-and there it was- in black and white........"You'll also be treated to a batch of modern designs for shimmering silks-you'll want to wear Deb White's silk bathrobe to the opera-...." The Vogue people mentioned me BY NAME! And they didn't talk about any other design! Oh my. I am so pleased.
By the way- I wore Big Blue today- got lots of compliments on it. I will try to get a picture-later.

Edited later..................
This is Big Blue laid out on the bed.

I also decided against buttons, so I used a lovely pewter and wood shawl pin (by Perl Grey) I got the pin at Grand River Yarns (see sidebar for link)


Gratuitous shot of Bear...."This is me, Bear, with all of my toys. I need someone to play with me. Anyone? Please? You can even pick first."

Progress

First off, this is a shot of "the boys" watching the races on a Sunday afternoon. All they need is a beer and a dog cookie (and I am not saying who gets what!) And yes, Bear often crosses his paws like that.

I have lots of progress to report- for one thing- BIG BLUE is finally done! I had sleeves on, sleeves off, different sleeves-you name it-even different buttons. But I have finally decided to finish the poor thing- with narrow sleeves and an extra big collar. It is currently lounging on the drying towel- after a swish in the sink to block it. Bear spends his time trying to roll on it, and to give his face a wee bit of a wash while he's at it. Bad puppy. Every time I take the big towel out and lay it on the floor, Bear seems to think I am doing it for his pleasure- he gets himself on it, couple of twirls around, and settles in for a snooze. Anyhow, better pictures when Big Blue is dry. (That is the "proof picture"- that it really IS done!) (you can click on the sweater picture to make it big- and lighten it up a bit).

And my mother, bless her soul, volunteered to knit me some socks (with my yarn). I chose two kinds, to let her have her pick-and she knit them BOTH up! Aren't they gorgeous????? The one on the left is Opal Petticoat, and the one on the right is one of their newer yarns- "Feeling" in colour 1705. I'll be wearing a pair tomorrow, for sure!

The apple hat for the up coming baboo is made- and looks quite sweet. (I used Paton's Classic Merino in red, and I have no idea for the stem and leaf) The"way girlie" hat is halfway done- I used some hand dyed angora I had kicking around- in shades of blue and mauve- I think it will be quite sweet. It is all "yo, k2 tog" lace-in a swirl pattern, with a wee knitted flower on the side. I have one more to do-a bunny hat (baby is due around Easter)-and I have some "local" alpaca (the yarn is called Hidden Touch, 80% alpaca, 20% kid mohair, from Osgoode, Ontario) for that. This stuff is pure heaven- soft , lovely hand-if you want some of your own, their address is Hidden Touch, Nature's Way, 5815 Main St., Osgoode, Ontario, K0A 2W0. Each 100gm skein (3 ply) is about 230 yards, and I have no idea what they cost (this was a "stash enhancement" from a while ago, and I forgot to write the cost down. I thought it would make a great bunny hat for a baby.

I also worked for an hour or two on the Muskoka chair- I should have that done this week (May 10th is the gala).

So, all in all, a fairly productive weekend!

One down................

So this is the first hat. I took Sarah Peasley's "Cameron's Cap" pattern- a freebie (http://sarahpeasley.com/freepatterns/cameronscap.pdf)- and, if I might add, a truly perfect hat pattern for all ages. It is shaped with short rows, so it fits extremely well. Anyhow, some Paton's Classic Merino, a couple of pompoms and some felt-and ta da! A Kermit the Frog Hat! I think it's kinda cute.
I found a pattern for flipper socks on the internet-here- http://www.p2designs.com/images/patterns/set-froggy.html#website/p2new%20folder/p2new/images/patterns/set-froggy.html except that I turned it so that the smooth side was out. I just liked it better. And, yes, I know, I have another flipper to finish.
Bear couldn't stand seeing those pompoms-it was all he could do not to chomp them!

Decisions, decisions......

One of the itinerant teachers to our school is having a baby, (number two) and she turned down our offer to have a baby shower. So, of course, we are still going to have one- but this is a book shower-hey, we're all teachers, so it works. So, everybody is to hand over $$$ and the committee is going to go out and buy books. Everybody, that is, except me. Why? As it was put to me....."Well, I know you knit, so we thought you would do a little knitted something or other". Yeah, while everyone else gets to hand over cash and the present and wrapping is all done for them. Hmmm. Not quite sure what to think. But anyway, I have decided to make a mini-wardrobe of baby hats- there are so many out there on the web these days. So, I have a froggie one started (have one flipper bootie made to go with it), and I thought I needed to do a bunny hat (baby is due in about a month), and the kitten hat out of the "Vogue on the Go" series for babies (I think it is actually a second volume? I will have to check it). And...? Any other ideas out there? We have not had confirmation that it is a girl or a boy (wee babe likes to keep the knees crossed during those peek-a-boo scans!) But the mother is quite sure it is a girl. (I do think soon to be mommies have a sense of who they are about to meet, don't you?) So I do want to make something truly girlie (maybe an angora one, or that cute cupcake hat I have seen out there as a freebie.

Soooo- here's the question...

Should I make the Viking hat?

Or a lady bug?

Love that leafy one, too (or maybe it is just that sweet baby!)

So tell me-do you have any great ideas for baby hats?

PS- All of these hats were on a website of free patterns- here- http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory.php under baby hats. Great site, by the way.

Lots of pictures coming............

First off, this is what happens when a wee girl, all sleepy on a Sunday morning, decides she wants to lay down, in exactly the same spot as a giant Bear feels is his rightful throne? I am not entirely sure I would trust him enough to put MY nose that close to his tail!!!! (Once I mentioned that, she moved very, very quickly)

That stuffed basketball is Bear's most favourite toy these days. He is too funny. I don't think he had a whole lot in the way of toys when he was a pup. He is 18 months old, now, and he snuggles his toys, even when he sleeps.

In other news- I have been working on "the chair". It is coming along- see?

You can click for B-I-G. I still have to add details to the arms of the chair.

Here is an up close of the seat-I am not done this part yet-I still have to add sepia and black details. But there is enough there to give you an idea.

The back of the chair will be swirled blues and some yellow- with a few of Van Gogh's "stars" sprinkled in for good measure. I hope the thought of someone sitting on his masterpiece wouldn't have made Van Gogh cut off his other ear, but...? We'll never know.

I have been knitting on the Silk Stream sweater, and you know, I am concerned about weight and drape. It is quite soft, and I think the jacket needs a firm hand, so I think it is back to the drawing board for this one. I have the back (and the back of the sleeves) almost done-and man, it IS bright. But I got to thinking- I have some black silk (it is Fleece Artist, from way WAY back-before they started all the colours). The silk is ever so slightly tweedy-more of a dark charcoal. So I might figure out some way to use the two together. That mosaic piece in "No Sheep For You" is rather sweet, don't you think?

Or maybe I could try something like this from LaLana? (I copied this picture from their website)

Any other ideas out there?

The time has come,I decided, to paint the chair. Yeah, the one I talked about in my last post. The one that has been in my basement for about three weeks. Yeah- that one. Sooooooooooo....This is what I started with, my "blank slate", so to speak................


Add my inspiration-a Van Gogh print, "Starry Night", and two hours later.......a start.........

I still have another couple, three hours left-but it is coming. The group will put a clear coat finish on top of the paint.

IN the meantime, I have this old, beat up chair in the family room- and Bear has claimed it as his own-I mean, hey- what's not to love? A couple of old blankets, a perfect view out the sliding door into his own backyard, and a way to keep an eye on the rest of the family......

So this is Bear, keeping watch, to make sure I didn't paint anything weird (please excuse the faded and torn upholstery-what can I say? Bear likes it).

And finally- proof positive that my wee Annie is growing up- she now can make poached eggs on toast, without any help- and will even take orders in the morning!!!!!!!

Ahhhhhhhhhhh...............

First of all, hubby has done it again!!!!! In the interest of reclaiming a corner of our bedroom (previously known as a rather embarrassing mish mash of yarn and books and magazines), he invested in a lovely drawer unit(see above)(from one of our favourite stores- Canadian Tire!). He helped me organize stuff. He even did the dozen or so trips up and down the basement stairs to stash my stuff!!! (Don't worry-we have an elevated bungalow, and the basement is very high and dry). But the drawer unit is for ongoing projects and needles and gizmos. I thought it was a great idea, because the wool would be quite happy in wicker (and there are no errant twigs or nasties that would pull on the yarn). He says I can consider it my birthday present. Works for me! I love you, Sean-it is the perfect gift!

My other major job this March Break (well, other than showing my husband how much I appreciate him, and, um, knitting) is a painting project. "The Kingston Grandmother Connection" is a group that raises funds that go to support African grandmothers. (These are the grandmothers whose children have died of AIDS, and who have then taken in their grandchildren). In the spring, they are holding a big shinding-the main event being an auction of "one of a kind" Muskoka chairs. There are 21 adult chairs, 4 kid sized ones, and a table or two. The deal is this- the association has contacted local artists and such to volunteer their time and services and talents-to do the painting-and I HAVE BEEN ASKED TO DO ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh I was thrilled. Totally blown away. Anyhow, there is also a big night (in May, I think), that I will be attending. I have an idea for the chair (I will take pictures when it is done), and I also have an idea for some knitting to go with it. So-no worry. But.....what does one wear to such an event????????? I have, in my stash, 3 skeins of Fleece Artist Silk Stream ( 50% wool, 30 % silk, 20% something else-nylon, maybe?) in a rather electric colourway-called Sangria. It is bright pink, with orange overtones. Yeah, I do love me some bright colour. It works well with black, or with white. Anyhow, I tried on a jacket that looked similar to one from "Andean Inspired Knits". And I loved it! I am bigger on top than on the bottom, so I was a bit skeptical as to the way this would look. But it is on of those tricky ones-it actually minimizes some things, and accentuates the fact that one has a waist!

So here is my question-too weird? Not right? (I would probably choose all black underneath it) With a great chain link belt. And, since I am still using my cane, I will have to redo it (the last paint job is looking a bit tired).

Ideas? Suggestions? Please help!

Flushed Away

http://www.flushedaway.com/flash/index.html
You must rent, buy, steal, whatever-you must watch this movie-it is an absolute scream! There are parts that are just plain funny-silly, and other parts that are more sophisticated-so that parents can get a kick out of it, as well. I've watched it twice now, and every time I watch it, I laugh some more!
By the way-anyone notice the lack of school buses on the streets? The pile of abandoned lunchboxes at the back door? The Big Giant Poodle Head wandering around, wondering why everyone is still in pyjamas?
AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH-it is MARCH BREAK!
Time to wander around with that extra cup of coffee. knitting in hand. Geesh I love a holiday.

Knitting, by the way, is taking the form of a snake scarf (kit from Morehouse Merino, via Destash blog)-for Annie. It is really quite clever-it is striping in a pea green/sunshine yellow combo-and she loves it. Pics later..............................

I got it, and I am on a website

Yeah, my husband took a picture of the airplane, and I happened to be in it (imagine!) So he sent the pic off to the guys who supplied the engine to the airplane-and they put it on their web site! Here- http://rotecradialengines.com/customers/MurphyRebel.htm You can have a peek at the story of the airplane-quite interesting. I am the one in hot pink (ya gotta love schizo pink-it's my favourite colour).
And I went to the mailbox today- and I got a little parcel-all wrapped up-lots of padding-it was my necklace!~ All wrapped like a present-nice gauzy ribbon- and what's that attached to the ribbon????? STITCH MARKERS!!!!!!!! (girl after my own heart!)And my beautiful necklace inside (see yesterday's post) Oh it is such a beautiful thing- dainty and pretty-Ruth has done a beautiful job on it. Thank you Sean! Thank you Ruth! I love it!

Edited later-this is the picture I was talking about- some people had trouble getting there-

I got my wish(es)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, it rained, and froze, and snowed- and not only did the school buses get cancelled, the Board CLOSED ALL THE SCHOOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is usually unheard of-even though the powers that be deem a day unsafe for travel by children and school bus drivers, teachers are told they have to go to school (either their own or a closer one to their houses)or risk losing a day's pay, or a day's sick leave.(hmmm- so how valuable are we as teachers????) So I usually have to lose a day of sick leave, because travelling on the ice with a knee replacement is verbotten- ya don't want to fall on the thing-and break bone around it. But this time- NO GUILT! I spent the day at home with Sean and Annie and Bear-it was like a stolen day!

And my second wish-This stunning necklace (not the earrings, though- I do not have pierced ears) is on its way to my house!!!!!! A present from my husband!!!!!!!!!! It is called "Woodland Harvest", courtesy of a Canadian designer- Ruth Stewart, of "Impulse of Delight" (http://impulse-of-delight.com/ )- a lovely, lovely lady to deal with, and very quick to respond to your emails. Oh I am so excited!!!! But please! do go over there and see what she has made. You will surely swoon.

Did March come in like a lamb, or....???????

Does it count if the first day of March starts off nicely, with some sun and a promise of spring, then turns into a nightmare kind of a night????? Apparently, the weather is looking like freezing rain and then rain, and then snow-I know I have been doing the "freezing rain cancel the buses" dance for a couple of days (boy do I need a day at home)-one of my students asked me how to do the dance- I told them I really didn't know, since I can't seem to do it right-but wow- that is a whole lot of weather in one day! So what happens for the end of March? Start like a crazy thing and end up mellow? Hmmm.

Aren't these the coolest mittens? They are from the Morehouse Merino Knits book, and I was thinking- I have to go to a baby shower at the end of the month, and wouldn't some of these designs look grand as a little sweater? Like use the colours and stripes or dots on the bottom, and plain on the top (like the yoke) and then put some buggy eyes and antennae where the two meet! I think it would look sweet! The only thing- not sure if a girl or a boy is expected-so I wonder if some look more feminine? (I think lady bugs are more girlie, for some obscure reason) Hmm- we'll see. Any other ideas for a neat baby shower gift?
Oh- before I forget- I was checking out this new-to-me jewellery store-this one- http://www.impulse-of-delight.com/index.htm -and I was sighing with all the beautiful necklaces and such (I love necklaces and pins). And my husband was peeking over my shoulder- I showed him one particularly lovely necklace, and he said, "Well, order it." Hunh? What did he say???????? So- before he could change his mind.............there are two that I have narrowed down-and as soon as it is ordered, I will show you my choice. But oh my- really spectacular pieces.
Off I go to do the report card shuffle...........................................................