Cute teapots and cute faces

I was wasting a fw minutes, while supper cooked, looking up Wensleydale Longwool sheep-they have the sweetest faces. AND I came across these teapots-they are too dear for words- right here http://www.teapottery.co.uk/ - and they say they are the home of the eccentric teapot!!!Aren't they totally cool? It is worth it to go and see what they have-brings new meaning to a spot of tea!!!!!!!!See what I mean by cute little faces??

Wasn't that a party!

Last night we had our annual "End of the Block/End of the Summer" Backyard BBQ. It is great fun- we invite the neighbours who live at the end of our block, and it is one of those pot luck affairs. We had great fun. In the picture, that's Annie with the big grin, and her friend (who has dyed her hair blue for the start of Grade 8), and, as Sean says, the rest is the "load test" on the new deck (it all held, thank you very much). You can see what Bear was up to-wanting to know what he could schmooze from someone (mostly me!) The kids- and some of the adults- all got into the pool. Then we barbecued (well, Sean did) and ate and drank, and for dessert, I had a "brain flash". I bought these mini frozen cream puffs (filled with some sort of cream). I set them out, with chocolate sauce, and sprinkles, and butterscotch sauce and whipped cream (the real thing) and just let everyone make their own dream dessert. I would highly recommend it!!!!

And this is what happens when a wee Bear parties just a little bit too much. (He slept in until almost 10:00 this morning!)

Have a good Labour Day, whatever you do- and to all returning to school- good luck!

Added later................................

Shout out to JULIA and to JANET and to any of my other teacher or EA friends out there-have a good Tuesday!!!!

Annie and Bear

This is me, Bear. Me writing the blog for today. My monkey has been very very bad. So he has to be dealt with. So I tackles him and makes him be a good little monkey. He ususally likes to be tackled. I have never heard him complain, and I have very good hearing.

And this is my big sister Annie. She thinks she is all that because she got to go to Bob and Sandy's and drive their golf cart. Me could do that too. Couldn't you see dear little me doing the driving? Poor Mr. Bear.

My skin Mommy says she is going to go back to work next week and that me has to be the house watchdog again.

Me no like it.

This is it!

Up early this morning (fantastic thunderstorm-not much rain, but an amazing light show-at 4:30 am), and I got to thinking-this is it. Summer is over for me. I had planned to do a bunch of things- as usual, but....... It's been a bit of a strange summer-at the beginning of July, I was so wiped, I could hardly stay upright and making intelligible conversation at the same time (this past school year was the first time, since the early 90's, that I worked full time. Combine that with chronic pain, and well, you get the definition of tired). We put in the pool, the fence, the decks-July was a blur! Sean worked really hard all month-so we kind of held each other up!!! Annie was in that pool just about everyday-so it was kind of nice to just sit and watch. But not very productive for other things I had planned to do! And August was not much better. But you know, it was a good summer. But now it is back to books and kids and regular schedules. I am going to go in to school today to try to get the last of the classroom work done and ready for Tuesday. I have a straight Grade 7 this time-and I am so looking forward to it! Straight grades are pretty much a rarity these days. The reasons for so many split grades are varied, but I think part of the issue has to do with capping the early primary grades. (That means limiting the number of bodies in Grades 1 and 2) So, here's how it works. Only 20 kids in Grade 1 -so an extras go into a Grade 1/2 class. Only 20 kids in Grade 2-so the extra kids (at this point, less than 20 Grade 2 kids in that class, because of the overflow of Grade 1's)go into a Grade 2/3. And on it goes. Combine that with a general belief in school boards that every child should have at least 2 potential spots in a school-to avoid clashes with a particular teacher, or potential "bad mixes" with kids. In order to do that, the splits end up happening. So how did I get a straight grade this year? A matter of numbers. We are not a large school, by any means (a total of under 275 kids in K-8). But the way the numbers turned out, there happened to be a Grade 5/6, a Grade 6, a Grade 7, a Grade 7/8 and a Grade 8. Will it happen again? Not very likely. At any rate, I am going to enjoy it while it lasts.
So now-off to finishup my coffee, run through the shower and get my classroom all finished-before it gets too hot.
So-what are your fall plans???

new contest

Go and see- here-http://goldenpurl.blogspot.com/2007/08/contest.html-all about your favourite date.

Rant coming-be warned

Ahhh-summer is certainly coming to an end around these parts. The air is a bit cooler in the morning, and those "fall winds" are certainly in evidence. Now, that said, the word is that tomorrow will be humid and hot. (I can handle a "dry heat"). But the other indicator that summer is almost over...those damn ads for school supplies ("It's the most wonderful time of the year..........") Gag me. I love my job-I really do. And this year, I will be teaching a straight grade 7 (no splits this time!) But those ads-c'mon now! They have been running them since July (along with the Halloween displays in the stores-Costco even had their Christmas decorations and wrapping paper out in the first week of August). I went in to Staples last week-and Holy Cow! It was like Christmas shopping! The parents and kids were so hyped up about getting the "right" supplies and backpacks. It's craziness! And if you have multiple kids-I don't know how some families do it. But Annie is all set up. And I have a list of things that I need(like a day book-those run about $25)(and we are required to keep an accurate day book-outlining the day's lessons, as well as long term and short term plans, and all marks/evaluation). Teachers also have to have a decent computer-the report cards are on line-only. If you have a slow, dial-up connection, then reports are going to be even more of an onerous task. At one point, earlier in my career, teachers had everything they needed in the stock room. Not so anymore. So the start of a school year can be quite expensive.
Now for the real rant. Like I said, I love my job. I really really do. I have been teaching in this county since 1981. And I have seen many changes over those 26 years. But the one thing that doesn't change, it appears, is the general belief that "teachers have it easy". I had a discussion recently with an acquaintance who informed me that teachers (every last one of them) have 1 hour of planning time (or, as he called it "free time")PER DAY, and that every teacher makes a minimum of $80,000, and that teachers have too many holidays. Hmmm, truth be told-sounds like a dream job. But it isn't so. Yes, we do get prep times-a total of 110 minutes per week (to prepare materials, to photocopy, to make phone calls, etc., etc., etc.) If you are at the top of the salary grid, and are in administration, your income would be in that $80 000 category. But somebody like me-nope. No 80 grand for me. The holidays? Yes, we get a lot of them. And that is a perk of the job. But we work 5 days a week at school. And we drag work home-to mark, to plan, and to totally screw up weekends. Yes, it's a great job, but it is in no way a "free ride" or "easy street". This guy went on with other bits of totally stupid "facts" that he knew about teachers (that just made me mad).
But like the bumper sticker says,"If you can read this, hug a teacher."
Rant over. We will return to the regular programming shortly.

Storm and long haired sheep

As I said earlier, Annie has been at Guide Camp ( a day camp) all this week. Last night was the big celebration-a barbeque, an evening at Queen's Observatory-talking about the stars, and then an overnight camping trip. Rain or shine. So, around 2:00 this morning, I woke up to the loud crash and bang of a thunderstorm at full boil. Holy Cow- what the heck is going on down at the camp??? There is a large house on the campsite, as well, with enough bunk beds to house 24 people. Anyhow, that old reliable "Mommy Brain" took over at 2:30....."Is Annie okay? Is she getting wet? Is she scared? Did the Guide leaders put the kids in the house?" yada yada yada............. Now, I know that they are going to take care of her. But do you think I was ever able to get back to sleep???? Uh no. And do I have a vivid imagination? Oh yeah. Anyhow, we are to go and pick her up at 4:00 this afternoon. I imagine we will have a slightly damp. sort of tired little puppy. We'll see.

onto other things.........................

School is starting-I'm sure you've noticed all those ads ("It's the most wonderful time of the year..........POOF!") And, I swear, I am like one of the kids- I like to have a new school outfit. So off I went, in search of that perfect piece that will make me feel as confident as I look, right? And I found it-the perfect skirt. Glen check plaid-grey and black with a tiny thread of light blue. Looks like a simple, tailored knee length skirt from the front. BUT-the interest is all in the back-sewn down pleats from the waist to just above the knee, with the hem a series of flouncy kick pleats. Way, way cute. And, when I got home, I realized I had the perfect project (yes, another one) to go with the skirt. A while ago (last year? year before?) I stumbled upon a feast-there was a stash of "Sheep Shop Wensleydale Longwool" on ebay for a very low asking bid. So, of course, I jumped on it. And I scored big time-each skein has a whopping 257 yards per 100 gm-and the stash included 8 charcoal grey, 5 light blue (I used some of that for a baby gift), 2 orange, and 1 each of cream, butter yellow, purple and rose. I thought, at the time, of a fair isle tunic sweater or something. This stuff is like pure gold- the sheep are a rare breed-known for their lustrous wool-see the picture? Aren't they sweet?????Hey-don't just take my word for this beautiful yarn- Bonne Marie from Chicknits (http://www.chicknits.com/rambles/) had an entry yesterday about her love song about the Wensleydale Longwool. Anyhow, I have over 2000 yards in the grey (and I have it in the dk weight). I have had a love affair with Arisaig (at knitty.com-a design by a very talented Ysolda S. Teague), wondering what I could wear it with, if I made it. Now- just look at the way it goes with skirt (that big white fluff in the corner of the shot is not a sheep- it is a Bear) It would be lovely! With a little playing with the gauge, it could happen. As well, I might do a little short rowing (yes, in lace) in the boobage area. But obviously, the sweater won't get done for the start of school- but it is just one more thing to put on my "To Do" list- and hope to get it done before the skirt wears out!!!!!

Today is my lazy day- Annie will be back at supper time, and I have to start going in to school next week-so I think it is time for a little "Crossing Jordan" reruns and some knitting therapy.

TA!

Another day of wandering.....

So, Annie was to go to a friend's for supper (to be picked up from the day camp) so I had my day open until 7:00pm! What's a girl to do? Well, it was a toss up between shopping and knitting. Shopping won out-mom and I went to Westport, Ontario -a great place to shop, or hang out, or whatever- go and see the shopping here- http://www.explorewestport.com/Shopping%20In%20Westport.htm It is about, say an hour or so drive up Division Street/Perth Road from Kingston (here). We also took in Kilborn's, in Newboro (http://www.realontario.ca/listings/listing.asp?id=9079 )-another totally amazing place. We wanted to check out yarn stores, but didn't see any. Does anyone know of one in the Westport area? For next time?
Anyhow, it was lots of fun with Mom- we don't get out together as often as I'd like.

The Felted Bag

One of my coworkers hosts a golf day/silent auction/fundraising day once a year to support her husband's trust. He died ( 20? 25? years ago) after an accident while on holiday in Mexico. He was also, at the time, at the top of his game in the economics department at Queen's University. So this trust is a way of the family giving back to the community, with scholarships and awards and such like for economics students. So, every year, she asks if I would donate a little something for the silent auction. This year, I decided to design and knit a felted bag- and here it is......

The body of it is knit from Cascade 220 (felts very very well), and the flap- about a ball and a third of Noro Kureyon. I did a little needle felting detail-I won a set of the needles and the foam and a pile of dyed thrum a while back-so I put them to good use. I also had my mom line it (she is good at that).

And if you look closely, you will see that I stiffened up the edges by using attached icord all around the edges (as well as sewing pieces of plastic canvas along the bottom and up the sides-but you can't see that part).

So that will go into the Silent Auction on the weekend.

And Annie is at day camp everyday. And Sean is in Ottawa. And me? Time to knit my hands off. Ba bye!

Knitting...isn't that what this blog is about???

Okay-so, school is starting in a couple of (ever shortening) weeks. Husband needs to go out of town for a few days. Little one is off to a day camp for the week. So, what's a girl to do? Well, get heavily involved into work avoidance and KNIT! Of course!
So, first of all, I needed to finish up the felted bag-and coerce my mom into lining it (My sewing skills are, at best,at about a 7 year old level !) When it is back into my hot little hands, I will take a picture of it. And what else? Oh yes- my trip to Pennsylvania yielded a bit of stash enhancement. I had so many choices-from that great store, Kindred Spirits, in Franklin- I ended up getting, among other things, enough teal coloured Donegal Tweed (Takhi, Colour #809) to make a vest. This one was designed by one of the owners. And it is simple, and sophisticated, and an easy knit. See???? So I could get it done by the start of the school year, right? So why, oh why, did I go looking for trouble? I flipped open "Cheryl Oberle's Folk Vests" and saw that Bookworm vest pattern. So, now, let me tell you, the two patterns saw each other and decided to merge on the spot!!!! So here is what I did-I am knitting the vest in parts (not all in one to the armpits- I like a seam up the sides to stabilize the knitting). I left out the up and down lines-I might put them in later-don't know. And, since I am bigger on top than on the bottom, I started the vest in the smaller size. Then I added stitches at about the band of my bra. I marked the middle stitch, and then increased like this:

Row 1- RS- K to the marker. YO, slip marker, K1, YO, to the end.

Row 2 and all wrong side rows-Purl

Row 3- K to one stitch before marker, YO, K1, slip marker, K2, YO, K to end.

Row 5- K to 2 sts before marker, YO, K2, slip marker, K1, YO, K to end.

Keep increasing in this manner (keeping an odd number of stitches between YOs in this sequence-1, 3, 5, 7, 9.....) until the right number of stitches have been reached (in this case, the number of sts for the next size) So, this way, you get a nice looking detail (which I will pick up somewhere on the front-maybe on a pocket), and the extra you need to avoid the dreaded "GAP-OSIS" on the front button band.

Click for BIG to get a better idea.

The other yarns in the picture are : 1 skein of Cherry Tree Hill Super Sock (in the greens) and a really spectacular skein of Mountain Colors (60% merino, 25% mohair and 15% nylon) I thought I might make a short lacy scarf with that one!!!

And here's one for the dog days of summer- what a funny moose that dog of mine is! (Yes, he's laughing his head off in that one)

That husband of mine.......

He keeps on getting better and better. When we were first married, the first thing we bought together was a dishwasher. I like to cook, and he hates to do dishes. So do I, as a matter of fact. So, we figured this was a good way to avoid spats. So we spent all of $250 on a small portable one. Fast forward to this past week. The dishwasher has been going for over 13 years. It has had some parts replaced, and has been built in to the cupboard. It has also had some serious rusting of the racks, with bits literally falling off into the bottom. And getting rusty marks on some of my dishes. UCK. So-he and I go on a dishwasher hunt. Right now (until November, I think) if you buy appliances with "Energy Star" on them, you will not have to pay provincial sales tax on them. And we looked at all of the offerings, and ended up with a new tall tub dishwasher by Maytag-if you really want to see it, go here- http://www.maytag.com/catalog/product.jsp?cat=3&prod=52&successful_search=MDB6601AWW I can't seem to be able to lift and copy the picture from the website. And he went over and collected it, brought it home, disposed of the old one, and then installed this new baby!!!! Unreal! He is a good guy. I will keep him. And my new super quiet, tall tub dishwasher.

I hope to be able to put up some pictures tomorrow (now have batteries in the camera)-keep fingers crossed-

New Free Pattern

You know, Annie Modesitt has a real talent. I can't say I love all of her designs, but, anyone must admit, the gal has talent. And she has another winner out there in the "Romantic Knits". And Potter has a free pattern from it- http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/pottercraftnews/aug07/pattern.html Look at it- is it not cute?????? And it goes to a finished 56""!!!! Now that girl has style! There's a transcript from an interview with Annie- here- http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/pottercraftnews/aug07/interview

Now if only I can figure out how to look like that model....hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Stay tuned later to get a view of my stash enhamcement from Pennsylvania.

And we're back.....

We spent a few days in Pennsylvania- in a town called Franklin-we have friends there. And there has been a great improvement since we were last there- a terrific yarn store- walking distance from the hotel!!! (more on that and my purchases tomorrow) (oh yeah, there was a little bit of stash acquisition). But before we got there, my husband decided I needed a little something-so he bought me a GPS for my car. You see, truth be told, I have a terrifically poor sense of direction. I can even get lost in the town I have been living in for about 25 years!!!!! So this way, I could go off shopping or sight seeing when we were on holidays, and "Bitchin' Betty" could get me around and then back home again. It is quite interesting- you are driving along, and then "Betty" sings out "Turn left in 500 metres." She seemed to get quite out of sorts if I ignored her and went somewhere else (she would say, "Recalculating....." in that tone of voice) I think the people who make these machines should put a bit of attitude into Betty- for example- if you go over water (like in a ferry), Betty should say something like "Oh, fer the love of all that is mighty, don't let me get wet!", or, if you decide to ignore her, she might say, "Well, you asked ME, ya know!" Hmmmm, all the things she might say................................

Anyhow- more later, I just got back from (finally) seeing the Harry Potter movie- and I want to go and check a couple of things from the book................................... Ta!

Congratulations!

Congrats to all of those businesses out there in Canada who were mentioned in the new Vogue Knitting! But in particular-
Robyn Gallimore, of Red Bird Knits (redbirdknits.com) and
Ruth Stewart of Impulse of Delight (impulse-of-delight.com)
These are both wonderful women with tremendous talent. About time they were recognized!!!!!!
Huzzah!!!!!!!

Eggs and Hat

I finished the hat for Wilton Mill (I talked about it last week-here is the site- http://www.wiltonroad.com/mill/index.html ) (thank you, Rosalie Bear, for the modelling) I used the same Merino and Sea Cell that I knit the little baby bolero in, and let me tell you, LOVING this stuff! I based the hat on 4 squares, then picked up and knit the rest. The hat pattern will be available at the mill in a few days (I have to finish the editing process and get it up there). I zipped up there on the weekend-and you should see all the fibre she has for spinners. As well as some arty felt mats-even the "landscape mats" for the gardeners. And the Sea Cell and Merino- she has it in CHARTREUSE! (Okay, I liberated some of it) Gotta go visit.

Now that I see these pictures-the one of Rosalie Bear on her face looks a little odd-I just wanted to get a pic of the top of the hat. (No- I don't have dreams of abusing little stuffed bears).

On Sunday morning, my daughter (who is 9) decided she wanted a "fancy breakfast". I had my nose in Harry Potter (so far, loving it)-and about 20 minutes later, she appeared with this plate-poached eggs, bacon, toast, home fries. I asked her if Daddy made it for her-she said nope-she had made it herself! And the kitchen wasn't a mess!!!!!! Gotta love that microwave! (We have a microwave egg poacher, microwave ready bacon-so no stove use) I had a fleeting moment that perhaps she had made it for me, but noooooooo. She sat and scarfed it down (called it "Sunday Brunch") My little girl is growing up.

Bear report: It is after 8:00 a.m. and rainy. The big old Mr. Bear is still in bed!!!!!!

The lemming trail

I gotta admit- I am a "joiner"-not so much in social or work situations- but most definitely in the world of knitting. But the lure of a new yarn, a novel technique, something bright and sparkly (oh- did I mention- I am not only part lemming but part crow)-I just cannot get these things out of my head! And so- the next tantalizing bit-the Kauni sweater. Oh my. Oh wow. How cool is that? I got the required amount of the EQ rainbow (gotta have me some serious colour)(from Fun Knits-see the sidebar-she got some more in, and some is still unclaimed!)-but the pattern-hmmmm. What to make? Should I do as the Harlot herself has done? Make the standard steeked cardigan? Or RedBird Knits Robyn-who has a Kauni not -cardigan underway (yeah, fancy way of saying a tunic)? Or should I just go break off on my own? I ventured over here- http://www.kauni.com/?id=a&id2=kat and downloaded their catalogues to look at some mighty fine sweaters. Since I don't have the patterns, I have to decide what I can and cannot accomplish- but I liked the look of the rose motif in this Kauni yarn and the side fastening sweaters (although honestly- how practical are they if you want to leave your sweater open? Especially when you seem to have an internal blast furnace working on overload?)(Yeah, my husband says I am still hot- only now it comes in flashes) (funnneeeeee guy) You will have to go and check out the patterns for yourselves, since I can't seem to figure out how to copy and save them-but it is worth a look! The 2006 I catalogue has a style (T301) that is particularly attractive. Oh what to do, what to do? Maybe a tunic with the rose motif and plain arms? Or use a Dale pattern as a starting point and go from there? Or..? I have also seen a lovely lacy shawl knitted out of this stuff- way gorgeous. If any of you are knitting the Kauni and are not following the cardigan pattern- shown here- http://www.ruths.dk/kauni%20regnbue%20engelsk.pdf -can you let me know how it is going?
Until then............................. I am now working on a baby beret to go with the baby bolero (from the Wilton Mill lovelies)-more later....................

By the way- I am in Kingston, Ontario-
Is it HOT ENOUGH for you?

Great Free Patterns

I like to go the the Knitting Pattern Central- lots of good patterns-go and see it here- http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory.php Another fave is the Garnstudio freebies- here- http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/kategori_oversikt.php And I think Vogue Knitting has the right idea with offering some sweet styles for free--http://www.vogueknitting.com/vkm/?q=node/403
And one cannot forget a local source- here- http://wtkpatterns.blogspot.com/ Oh- and by the way- Anne's got her August newsletter up -you can go here to sign up for it- http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101648092136
Gotta love it!

Added later.............................
Took the Mother Unit out for a spin in the new vehicle. Did she notice?
Nope.

Cars.............

I currently drive a Hyundai Tucson (or, as one of my husband's "reading challenged" students call it- a Toucan). It has been a bit disappointing-strange transmission changes, poor gas mileage-but it is a cute little SRV. We got it in white, (the colour is important for later on in the story) two years ago-and have had some troubles with it. Anyhow-we brought it in for its regular tuneup this week-and saw that the next size up, the Santa Fe, was on for 0% financing. Hmmmmmmmmmm Now, the Santa Fe has been rebuilt since we got the Tucson. We took it out for a drive-very nice. So-we decided to go for it. When we looked at the available colours in our package, they had black or white. So, not wanting a black car, we selected the white again. (although this picture of the Santa Fe is black).

Now here is the question-are people even going to notice we got a new car? yes, it is bigger-but would the average person notice it? So we are putting it to the test.

Here is the set-up-we haven't told my mom about the car purchase. She is notorious for going into a parking lot and standing next to the wrong car (thinking it was mine). So tomorrow, we are going to take her out for ice cream. Will she notice the difference? (and please, if you know Mom, PLEASE don't tip her off)

This might be interesting.

Happy Monday

Mother and I had a great visit from Ruby-an old friend and a knitter from Montreal
( http://onestitchforward.wordpress.com/) . Anyhow, I knew I should have put out traps of some sort before I left to take her to the train, because look at what has become of my pool!!!!!!!! A place for the neighbourhood guys to slug back beer!!!!! Oh the debauchery of it all! (BY the way, the kids were up on the deck!)

I did get some knitting done this past week, however....... Jan, from the Wilton Road Custom Mill, has been a very busy girl. She has put up some STUNNING Merino and Sea Cell (the site is here http://www.wiltonroad.com/mill/index.html). This particular colour is called "Little Boy Blue". Anyhow, she asked if I could design a little something for 1 skein. Many thoughts-but I finally settled on baby things- because this stuff is so soft and cushy.
With help from Hudson the Bear, may I present "Baby Bolero". It is based on 4 squares(I knit up a square to demonstrate-Hudson has it on his toe), joined with garter stitch, garter sleeves, and a wrap over 2 x 2 rib collar. When Annie was wee, she had some lovely dresses, with high waists, and often needed a little something to wear with them-so voila! A little dressy sweater! So I will write up the pattern, and if Jan likes it, you will be able to get it from her.

The yarn is so lovely- wonderful to knit-and here are the specs:
Wilton Road Custom Fibre Mill
Merino/SeaCell Yarn
Designer Series
350 yds/skein

And another thing I am playing with......................






I started knitting this as a soft triangular scarf to wear with my winter coat (a very staid navy blue reefer style woolen coat). And this yarn, from Persimmon Tree, has such lovely colours in it. But I got to thinking- I have about 18 balls of Mission Falls 1824 Wool in Rhubarb ( bright,rich pink- the pink of cooked strawberry rhubarb, actually). And if I use this lacy triangle (it hasn't been blocked yet, by the way), with some short-rowing to elongate the ends, I could make a wide collar out of it. Then change to the MF1824 for a top down, raglan sleeved sweater. Do some nice princess seam shaping, adding a real waist with some length below it to balance the collar. Whaddya think? Has anyone got a pattern for something like that? I am going to give it a try, see what I can come up with. I figure it would be a neat way to use that skein or two of something you couldn't pass up at the yarn store, but didn't have enough to make a sweater.
Now- on to playing with Annie and her critters- here are the names she has come up with- Snow Lensure (a dog), Frosty Glossa (a snowman puppet), FiFi Paytrick( a Shitzu dog), Ben Leekbeen(a teddy), Abigail Coattall ( a pink monkey), Hop Linguine (he's a frog) . And no, I don't know where she gets it.
Ta!

The new deck......

The yard is a construction zone!
This is the deck in progress-Sean has basically doubled the area of the existing deck (the one that is attached to the house and accessible out the family room sliding door). This way, we can get changed into our suits and then hop right out to the pool. The location of the stairs to the yard has been changed, and poor Bear is having such a problem with the change. It's like he knows where they SHOULD be, and they aren't there anymore, and it just isn't right. So he stands there with his head cocked to one side,willing the stairs to go back to the right spot!


I have noticed lots of knitters also like to garden-I am just learning (as in my thumb is brown with some green spots). But I am quite pleased with my "Love Lies Bleeding" (or Amaranthus-caudatus) See it here- http://www.rainyside.com/features/plant_gallery/annuals/Amaranthus_caudatus.html#amar
My apologies for the "iffy" picture-the chenille type flowers are really a bright pink, and the stems and veins of the leaves are the same colour. Really an amazing plant. The name of it was what really caught my eye!

Sparkles in my eyes

I have such a bad case of startitis. It's like this- I have a ton of things I SHOULD be doing (like housecleaning, and gardening and stuff like that) I also have a couple of knitting projects to finish (sometimes, that last little bit is so hard to get done- it's hard to get over that hump!). So what happens? Startitis. It's like here is the summer, we are almost through July, and I want to start AND finish, something new! Like the Kauni sweater (I suspect that will be addictive!) Or the Ilga Leja sweater out of the Handmaiden Ottawa (I think I called it Fleece Artist in one of my posts-oops). And now the preview to the fall Interweave Knits is up. http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/2007_fall.asp OOO boy. More startistis! One of the things I have in my stash is a double bag (20 balls!) of an aran weight wool by Jaeger in a deep rich purple. And this looked liked such a good match (I borrowed this image from the Interweave site-the sweater is also on the front cover of the magazine). Is it not a stunner? The site also has bonus photos of the sweater. Oh my-so very, very wearable. You could wear it with pants, jeans, a skirt or dress. Hmmmmm. Oh startitis-you are killing me!!!!Oh yes- I also have my sangria Silk Stream sweater to complete. And I have that red Lavold angora put away fro a Christmas sweater. EEEEKKKKKKK. One of these days, I think I am going to have to hold a stash sale- I have large lots of a variety of yarns-like 20 to 25 balls of some nice yarns. I buy nice yarns because that is what I like to wear. o how do you folks feel about stash sales? What is a reasonable price to expect (as in percentage of buying price?) And how have you handled it-if you have had a bad situation? (as in a customer who didn't pay) My husband would be overjoyed if some of my stash went to other homes, let me tell you!!!

Well, off to knit up the "must do" things before I get into my stash diving.

Added later...............................

Husband blames dog.

Dog, blames husband.


Seems like 4mm rosewood knitting needles are an endangered species in this house.
Hmmmmmmm.

News!

Knitty surprise is up-go and see at http://knitty.com (Hmm- I wonder if I can make that top out of Fleece Artist Silk Stream?????)

Things I am not doing for the summer.............

Every September, like a good teacher, I have the students write me a wee composition, so I can get a sense of their writing skills (or lack thereof). In past years, I remember writing the Godawful "What I Did on My Summer Vacation". eek. Boring boring boring. So, what I generally ask my students to do is to write "What I Didn't Do on My Summer Vacation". Lots more interesting, IMHO. So here goes a starting version......
On my summer vacation, I didn't obsess about all the things I should be doing-instead, I have been spending some time reading really good books and watching late night movies.(we have the movie channels-got them last year when I had my knee replacement-we were going to get rid of them when I was up and around, but..... well, you know how that goes).
So far, I didn't get to go swimming everyday (as I had hoped) in our newly installed pool, because, well, the weather in July has been horrid.
I didn't get to finish any one knitting project so far- I love them all, so I knit a bit on everything! (Startitis is rampant here in the White household).
I didn't finish any major housecleaning. (no big surprise here)
I didn't get to sign up for the Mystery Shawl- I thought I had, and then found my message in the "outbox"-it had a slight error in the address (I am not a typing goddess) and so it didn't get sent. BUT, since I only tried to send it in the last day of the sign up, it would be my own darn fault for not checking. But, it would have been fun.
And, what else? Oh- I didn't get one report in for school- I still have to do that.

So many what if's.

At the end of the summer, maybe I will do a wrap up of all the things I did accomplish!

The family is off tomorrow to Peterborough for "an extended luncheon" in honour of Aggie (my husband's grand mother) who passed about a month ago. She didn't want a memorial. No service. Not even a service at the grave. Just an "extended luncheon" where we can all remember her.
What a class act.

Ilga Leja and Kauni and a sneaky peeky

http://www.ilgaleja.com/free_pattern.html This is the site that will take you to a free Ilga Leja pattern- it is a swirl of a shoulder covering- excellent for a cool evening or a wedding (but yes, wear something underneath- we don't want to be burning anybody's retinas, now, girls). I recently got myself set up with the yarn from Rochelle over at Grand River Yarns (go and see my sidebar- she's there!). The yarn is Ottawa by Hand Maiden (yum YUM YUM luscious) in the rain forest colourway. I know for a fact that Rochelle has 3 of the 250 gram skeins of it in Nova Scotia for sale(the colourway in the picture of the jacket) By the by- it is now packaged in 125 gram skeins-keep this in mind when ordering it from someone else (and I think the price has gone up, as well). Is it not a beautiful jacket?? Oh and Rochelle (Grand River Yarns) also has the pattern for it.

And, of course, I succumbed to the lure of the Kauni jacket-from Shelley over at Fun Knits (I do love me a Canadian supplier). This stuff is also like crack cocaine to an addict. (and yes, also in my sidebar-it is Fun Knits out in B.C)

And thirdly- a sneak peek at my messenger bag- pre felting and pre finishing-the yarn is Cascade 220- gifted to me on the last SP 10 round and some Noro from Robyn (at Red Bird Knits- also on sidebar) By the way, she had some amazing deals for Noro up recently on ebay (musthaveyarn is her name).

I am thinking of putting icord all around the edges to shape the thing, then pick up stitches and knit up twop ends of the strap to tie together on the top. Might just needlefelt a bit when I am done. (and the needlefelting kit is one I won from the local Wool-Tyme-Anne's blog is in the sidebar).

If you think you might like to have the instructions for the bag, let me know. If there is enough interest, I'll put it up as a freebie.

Hmm- did I mention I do like Canadian purveyors of fine yarns??????????

This is a knitting blog, right?

Well, I truly HAVE been knitting. On stuff. Things that I have to get done. Some sort of secret and under construction (more on that later) and some not. A colleague from work chairs a fund raising organization in memoriam to her husband (who taught- and chaired-I think-economics at Queen's University). Every year they do a silent auction kind of a thing- so I have been asked in the past if I would donate something. No sweat. But what? We settled on a felted bag-sort of a messenger style bag with Noro Kureyon on the flap, and Cascade 220 for the rest. I am also setting it up to pick up icord down the "corner edges" to give it some shape. And do I have a pattern? Nah. That's fer sissies. But if it all works out, I will photograph it (before and after felting) and write out the pattern for anyone who would like to try it.

I actually like making bags. I have a huge felted one (out of Lopi) that I use as a knitted bag (I know- pics) And I had some fun designing up a little "lunch bag" kind of thing with Jenanne, an old friend on the Internet.

It was knit out of ivory cotton and denim cotton (probably Rowan), with the band from an old pair of jeans as the trim. At the time, there weren't a lot of patterns out there for bags, so we thought we might flog it as a pattern, but...never got around to it. My other favourite bag was a Noro one- for a very dear friend, Julia. She used it for a lunch bag, or a carry-her-junk bag-whatever. But it turned out very well. It was a variation on the original Booga Bag. I had some feltable eyelash (from Phildar) that I used around the top- the coolest stuff- I think I have some left in the blue and also in a red. It had feltable fibers on a tough polyester thread-so the thread pretty well disappeared in the felting, and the fibers got all wild and wonky. Phildar no longer makes it, but it was really cool while it lasted.

So-when I have more to show on the new messenger style bag, I will. Until then...knit knit knit.........................

And it's not over yet.....

CLICK for BIG.

Houston, we have a problem. It seems one needs an opposable thumb to honk the horn on one's little boat. Poor wee fur man.

Summertime, and the Livin' is easy.....................

It has been established that Bear is not much of a water dog (see sidebar). Yesterday, it seems he has found the perfect way to enjoy the water, thanks to a blow up "inner tube" from the dollar store.

Ya gotta see what is happening in the back end. (He isn't moving his legs- they are just dangling in the water). As long as I was near him, he just sort of snoozed and relaxed in his inner tube.

The neighbours think we are insane.

AHHHHHHHH! This is the LIFE!

Crochet.......

Oh Crochet- How do I hate thee, let me count the ways...............

C is for the crappy way you look when I try to make a garment
R is for the release of all known patience
O is for the "Oh fer chrissake" I seem to be muttering all the time
C is for the crochet hook I lost AGAIN
H is for the helluvalottawerk for not much
E is for ending-my need to crochet-, not for ending it all (puh leeze- I'm not THAT bad!)
T is for the trials and tribulations that I have put myself through.

Nuff said.

And So It Goes.............

A while ago, I was involved in a Knitter's Treat Exchange, and the SP who treated me was Brandy from here http://purlparables.wordpress.com/ . I had taken to perusing her blog, and saw that she had a contest. Okay-it was all about her-facts that one could look up on her blog-sounds interesting, so I entered it. Well, come to find out- I won one of the prizes!!! When she said "sari silk", I thought- okay-one skein-I can find something to do with that. But noooo. 4- yes- F-O-U-R skeins of the stuff. Way cool. And so, I can make one of these http://www.recycledsilk.com/triangular.pdf or maybe even one of these- from Knitty.com (http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall04?PATTunbiased.html
Does anyone have any experience with either pattern and could send me some feedback? Brandi very generously sent two colours- more of a red for 2 skeins and a darker purple-y colour for the other 2 skeins. The timing of this gift of yarn is perfect- I have just had some serious summer purse failure (I guess a 20 dollar purse just ain't up to snuff anymore).
Now, in terms of school, I just have one report left to write ( report on the results of a grant that I received), and then it is stick a fork in me time, because I am DONE for another year!
And so it goes.......................

Scattergories

I borrowed this post from Miss Scarlett- she didn't meme me- I just wanted the challenge to see if I could do it- so here goes-

The game is SCATTERGORIES…it’s harder than it looks! Here are the rules: Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They MUST be real places, names, things…NOTHING made up! If you can’t think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person before you had the same 1st initial. You CAN’T use your name for the boy/girl name question.
Your Name: Deb
1. Famous Singer/Band: Def Leppard
2. 4 letter word: Damn
3. Street: Mulberry
4. Color: damask rose
6. Vehicle: Dodge minivan
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: dolphin key chain (this from my 9 year old- I couldn't think of anything!)
8. Boy Name: David
9. Girl Name: Denise
10. Movie Title: Die Hard, anything Disney
11. Drink: Double Gin and Tonic
12. Occupation: designer
13. Celebrity: Diana Ross
14. Magazine: Ducks Unlimited magazine
15. U.S. City: Detroit
16. Pro Sports Teams: Detroit Red Wings
17. Reason for Being Late for Work: Dog ate my homework! (hey- I'm a teacher!)!
18. Something You Throw Away: dirty Kleenex
19. Things You Shout: see #2
20. Cartoon Character: Dumbo

Okay- you try now-it actually is kind of fun! Or add to mine- if you can think of better ones! Maybe I will do an all Canada ABC, like the Harlot. Hmmmmmm
Cheers- Knit knit knit.

Good Hubby

Yes, I did get "one of the good ones". And the reason for this revelation? because of this-a "Lafuma" gravity lounger. It is a sleek, wonderfully comfortable lounger that adjusts itself easily just by shifting your body weight. I have chronic pain issues-knees, hips and back-so he thought, when we are out at the pool, this would be a good place for me to knit/read/snooze.......isn't he cool? It is incredibly comfortable-in fact, I am sitting in it right now with the lap top. I LOVE it. And I love Sean for thinking of it. (by the way, he got flying time-he is a pilot who currently does not have an airplane-he builds custom ones, but doesn't currently own one)

Since the traditional gift for the 13th is lace, and the modern gift is textiles, I think I am going to curl up on my Lafuma with a bit of Sea Silk for a shawl???? Works for me!

I made it.

Holy Mother of all things precious- but I made it through another school year. And for those who are counting-that is 26 years of teaching. (Yeah, I know- I started teaching before some of you were even born) (Just be quiet and don't point it out and everyone lives another day) So- does that make people think I am a little old blue headed granny???? Absolutely not. This is an not entirely flattering picture of me (and my ever loving pooch, the Bear). I guess I stopped getting older "in my head" when I was about 24- I can't seem to get any more mature than about 13, most days, but hope to God I don't look like I am almost 50 (my last birthday, I told the kids in class that I was thirty-eighteen). And no, that isn't meant to be shopping for flattery- I just think that one's picture of a teacher who has taught for over 25 years needs to be updated. I get a kick out of my class of 12 and 13 year olds- lots of times, they even ask where I buy my clothes- and would they be able to get an outfit like such and such (Isn't that a hoot- a teenager wanting to dress like a middle aged teacher!)

But on to other major issues -today is our anniversary! I married my sweetheart, Sean, on this day, 13 years ago! The wedding took place out in my in-laws garden (a beautiful spot) and, at 7:15 pm. just after our vows, over 400 little twinkly lights came on in the trees (thank to my husband's good planning and lots of work).

This is one of my favourite pictures of my husband.

Happy Anniversary, Sean! Here's to another 13 years- at least!

(dinner out and other celebrating later this week)

Another finished project....

Annie has two teachers-and so, two gifts at the end of the year. In the staffroom (I teach in the same school), I overhead a discussion between the two about how expensive the gifts are getting for teachers. Well, I look at it this way-I usually put $20 to $30 (for each teacher) into a Christmas present, and about the same at the end of the year-but they were talking things like cases of wine, and sweaters, and $75 gift certificates for dinner-hmmm. I teach, too- and I have never seen that kind of craziness (I do teach older students, not primaries). I dunno. I think that I am at the high end of expectations- over that, you wonder what you are paying for (as in- is it $40 or $50 for an A?) What about you guys? If you are on the giving or on the receiving end, what is the norm in your neck of the woods for teacher gifts? And what is a great teacher gift? I am giving one teacher the merino and cashmere baby booties (she's pregnant) from the last post, and the other is getting this scarf. It is made from something called Fiesta Yarns Zia- 100% Egyptian cotton (the colourway is Coyote). The repeat worked its way into a rather interesting pattern- the edges are solid and the middle has some tweedy variegation. I used 8mm needles, 18 stitches with a 2x2 rib. Dead easy. But quite effective, if I do say so myself. This teacher wears a lot of scarves, so this is a good present for her. In fact, she has bought a number of them from me.

And, as I had said, we now have a pool. And the Big Bear has never in his life been swimming. Soooo- we got him into the pool........that's Sean, my husband, holding the big goof (and yes, Bear has one paw on his head as if to say,"Oh Lord, they are doing something strange now..."

And this is what happens when one lets go of the big guy.

And as soon as he got out, he ran in to the family room (just off the pool) (yeah, that is his raggedy old chair, next to Annie's toys).

I don't think he is much of a swimmer. You?

Not sure what to think of this one......

You Are: 70% Dog, 30% Cat

You and dogs definitely have a lot in common. You're both goofy, happy, and content with the small things in life. However, you're definitely not as needy as the average dog. You need your down time occasionally.

Are You More Cat or Dog?

My husband says he agress with it. Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Baby Booties

I love to knit baby things- they are quick, invariably cuter than cute, and often, since I know the baby or the mommy, full of happy thoughts about the recipient. Soooo-enter my daughter's teacher-she is due in October. I understand that before they had babies (their son is not quite two), their babies were two Labs- a golden and a chocolate. So, I went into Zoe Mellor's Baby Booties book (worth every penny), found a bear or a bunny slipper, and changed them just a bit. So here they are................I made them out of Lana Gatto VIP (80% merino, 20% cashmere) (hey- it was on sale for half price at our local Wool Tyme!). I thought I would use the leftovers for a baby cap in the fall. But I love the way these little puppies went together! You knit them flat (on two needles) and sew up the sole with a flat seam at the end. There is short rowing along the top of the foot, and then a bit of decrease, and about 30 rows of ribbing around the ankle. So they should stay on! I wish I had seen this style of bootie when my Annie was wee- she kicked everything off with Olympic fortitude.

Now to finish something for Annie's other teacher. Maybe a quick scarf???????? Any other ideas??? (remember- this is for next Thursday)

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-