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I am no longer at this blog address. I have changed direction...you'll find me here. Hope to see you there :D

Thank you for all your visits!!!

I'm Alive!

..., originally uploaded by Knit Girl (loving autumn colours).

Hi All,

Sorry it's been awhile since I've posted ... not even sure who's out there anymore.

I (and the rest of my family) have suffered through the flu/colds. But I'm back. Knitting classes went well for fall. I'm still needing to finish one more before Christmas, but I'm waiting for materials to arrive. I'm hoping to get everything this week.

I also have to finish a few hats this week. I'm knitting them to sell for commission so I'd like to get them done and sent off by Friday or Saturday. I"ll post pics later this week.

Need to get my girl to bed...goodnight and I'll talk to you soon.

B.

THERE is another Loneliness

THERE is another Loneliness, originally uploaded by ✿ Eἧchลn†resŞ ✿.

This picture was found on Flickr -- what I wouldn't do to be able make magnificent shots like this! *sigh*

Hmmm...not sure why the picture is cut off on the right -- just click on the photo for the full experience :D

I Don't Tweet...*gasp*

Hello All,

So, as some of you may or may not know, I don't trust robots! I have claimed they will take over the world some day -- and you can take that to the bank. In fact, I have recently been told that I am a Luddite. And after doing a bit of review, I think I would concur with that statement. I really do not like technology: I have a Facebook account, but I rarely check-in (yes...*gasp*...there are some people in the world that can get along just fine without checking in every five minutes to make sure nothing new has happened, or whatever they seek to find); I have never checked out Twitter (I don't need to know that you picked your nose five minutes ago and the bleeding just won't stop); I truly hate cell phones (I mean, what phone call is so important that you have to answer your cell in the middle of the freezer section in Costco!); I've never owned a PDA (since I prefer to handwrite all my to-do lists...anything else is just, well, wrong!); and what is up with people downloading books to read on their i-phones? Do they not know there is nothing better than the feel of an old book in your hand (not to mention the great "old-book smell"!).

Perhaps it is because I am a tactile person. I love the feel of something real in my hand -- the silkiness of a child's hair, the rough texture of my dog's coat, the buttery-goodness of alpaca mixed with wool or other loverly fibres. I suppose I'm a bit old-school. I have no desires for new technology. Okay, yes, the internet is a valuable tool and I love that my house is heated because someone took the time to invent the furnace. But when it comes to these other things, I just can't get on board. I've had a couple friends and family members try to give me the hard-sell on the importance of technology and the advances it could make in my life. But in the end, I would rather sit curled up on the couch on a snowy day, wrapped in a blanket with a steamy cup of chai tea at hand, and a wonderful novel in my other hand. Or my latest knitting project. But this world is free of beeping noises that can drive a person crazy if they are left unattended to.

So I am proud to say, I don't tweet...and my life is richer than I ever thought it would be!

Has It Been 10 Days???

Woah, ten days since my last post! I've been busy prepping for upcoming classes, working on my Knitting Accredidation Program, getting ready for company, and on and on.

Tonight while websurfing I came across this great video -- for all those knitters who always need to be doing something with their hands, I give you...The Last Knit.

Enjoy,

B.

First Day of Grade 5

Hi Everyone,

My dd had her first day of Grade 5 -- it was an exciting day as she started at the middle school! She was a bit nervous last night, but came bounding in the house today exclaiming school would be a piece of cake this year.

On the knitting front, I've been working on a pair of worsted weight socks for a class I'll be teaching at the end of the month. It's a pretty easy pattern and works up quickly because of the weight of the yarn. I'm just making ankle length socks -- wasn't sure how the pattern would knit up, and I didn't want to waste a lot of time frogging it if pattern didn't work. But it is great basic pattern and you could do a lot with it.

On the reading front, if you haven't read her book series, I highly recommend you pick up Kate Jacobs' books The Friday Night Knitting Club and Knit Two. Such lovely books! I could read them again and again. After you've read them, here is a fun website to go to.

Well, that's it for tonight. I need to get my girl into the tub and off the bed! Have a great night everyone!!!

Fiberlicious!

Fiber is yummy!

Look at these beautiful colours! Anyone would be crazy to not want to pick this up and feel how squishy it is in your fingers. It just begs to be held and made into something extraordinary. In fact, my toes are screaming at me to create, create, create so that they will be warm and toasty -- and gorgeous.

The possibilities are endless. I could do a plain sock and let the colours blend themselves into loverly patterns, I could cable them, I could make them lacy, I could zig-zag the striping! My head is swimming with ideas.

My thoughts race through the countless sock patterns I have in my library -- each one beautiful in it's own category. This is going to require some thinkin'.

Until then I will hold it's squishy-fiberlicious goodness in my hands...

B.

Why I Do What I Do

Hello my loverly friends!

In my office/yarn studio I have a lovely little Christmas tree decoration my mom gave me this year. I keep it out though, because it sums up what I do. It is a knit sweater with a ball of yarn and knitting needles -- it says "If I'm sitting, I'm knitting"!!!!! It makes me smile every time I look at it. Not only because it reassures me that my mom "gets me", but because it affirms that I am not the only one in the world who fills their free time with wonderful art of knitting.

So, one might ask me, why do you do what you do? Well, I love to create things...plain and simple. That is why I love doing pottery -- you take a hunk of clay and with the use of a wheel and water, you can create anything from a small bowl for trinkets to a huge vase as tall as a man. Creating is why I love painting and drawing -- you have a blank canvas in front of you and your imagination guides you. Being creative is why I love photography -- you can manipulate light to create beautiful images out of simple every day things. Being creative allows me to discover new things as I knit -- you can make a simple pair of baby booties to warm little ones on cool days or can knit a shawl with cobweb-weight fibre that is so light and airy, and so complex, that even the spiders bow down to you in humble adoration!

I think the other reason I love to create something from simple items, is because I find it extremely therapeutic. The rhythmic spinning of the potter's wheel, the pedalling action of spinning wool on a wheel, the gentle breath held while pressing down the shutter button...or the quiet clicking of knitting needles. It helps me relax and puts me in a great frame of mind. If I am angry, I create. If I am happy, I create. If I am sad...I create. There is something wonderful about doing something creative to take your mind off the worries of the world. There is something wonderful about doing something creative that puts you in a better frame of mind. There is something wonderful about doing something creative that helps you relax and put everything into the proper prospective.

Hmmmm...I just had an epiphany...

What better form of therapy for inmates than to teach them to knit. Can you imagine the peacefulness of a knitting circle reforming convicts everywhere? Men (and women) righting their wrongs through the power of fibre! Maybe they could knit for a good cause -- Hats for the Homeless...Ascots for Addicts...Scarves for Smelly Cats...

However, they would probably use the knitting needle as a weapon. Whew...who knew knitting could be so dangerous!

Poster Idea

What do you think? If you saw this poster, would you want to take a class? BTW, that is my picture I took so I'm not breaking any copyright laws...

So Hot!

Okay, I have realized the last couple of days that I do not do well in extreme heat. Don't tell anyone, but I am longing for those cool crisp sunny days of fall. I love the sun, but there is just nothin' better than taking a walk on a sunny fall day, coloured leaves crunching under my feet, and a crisp cool air that invites one to curl up after with a good book, or a ball of yarn and some sticks.

I really don't like this heat. Perhaps if our home were air-conditioned, thus allowing me to comfortably curl up in the evening with my knitting in hand and a cup of chocolate caramel chai tea at my side, I would feel joy that we are in the middle of a heatwave. However, the house doesn't even begin to cool down (with the windows all wide open in the evening) until well past midnight. So I sit in sticky sweaty clothes, staring at my knitting bag. I tried to knit last night, but quickly gave up because my hands were sticky-feeling and the yarn just doesn't run through the fingers like it should.

Autumn has always been my favourite time of year, and right now, with the excitement of knitting classes coming up, I just can't wait for fall to arrive. *gasp* I know, I know. We had a long winter and a cold, crappy spring...why kiss away the warm dog days of summer? Only a true knitter would understand, I suppose. Or maybe as I grow older (and more grumpy) the heat just gets to me. I like days around 22 degrees (Celsius), but nothing makes me happier than waking up in the morning with the window open allowing a crisp, cool breeze to wash over me.

Have a great night everyone -- stay cool!

Exciting News

Hi Everyone,

Sorry it's been so long. I've been busy with photography as of late and I am returning to my other true love...knitting...and writing...hmmm...so many loves, so little time.

Well, as for me I have decided to take the plunge and start up a small business here in our new community. I am going to start out of my home teaching knitting classes, selling finished projects, and selling a few products. The closest knitting shop is about 2.5 hours from here...too far in my opinion. I am going to be offering knitting classes starting this fall as I work on my business plan. After a year I will re-evaluate where I'm at, and hopefully find a storefront I can work from. Oh, what a dream come true that will be!!!

Why now? Well, I am currently working two part-time jobs which, let's be honest, I don't exactly jump for joy about. And for the amount of money I bring in each month, I could be making the same amount (or more) and really love what I'm doing.

Have a great day everyone -- it's good to be back!

Missing Thunder Bay

Split Rock Lighthouse, originally uploaded by Knit Girl2006.

I'm really missing Thunder Bay lately. There is just so much to explore and capture with my camera that I didn't have a chance to do before we moved.

This picture is of Split Rock Lighthouse in Minnesota. I REALLY had wanted to go back and take more pictures some day, but we have since moved two provinces away. They have a neat Visitor's Centre with tours that we never had a chance to do. I took this picture at the end of the day as we were driving back to Thunder Bay from Duluth, MN. The ladies were really kind to let me race outside and snap a couple pictures before they closed up for the day.

Such a beautiful and amazing place!!!!

I have been knitting a ton of stuff lately. I'll take a few pictures in the next few days and post them. I've been doing a lot of commissioned knitting projects, and still selling at our local shop. Actually, one of the ladies I've knit a few projects for lately has asked if I would consider teaching knitting here in town. She and a few others are interested in learning. I told her I would think about it this next couple of weeks and get back to her. I would really like to -- it would be a great experience!

Well, better sign off. I have to work at the restaurant tomorrow so my boss can have the day off. I'm pretty tired, so I'd better get to bed! Have a great weekend. I'll be away until Tuesday...tah tah for now :D

B.

It's Been A Busy Week...

Hi Everyone,

Crazy times around here this last week. My daughter was involved in a play which she had a lot of fun taking part in. I was so proud of her -- I think I had the biggest smile in the whole theatre.

Life at the restaurant/shop has been busy. I knit another couple of scarves for the shop. The one was only in the shop for two hours and it sold! I was pretty happy about that -- however, that means I need to get some more of that wool. I really liked the design I came up with. I even sewed three wooden buttons along the one edge. That way when you wrap it around your neck, you can fasten the buttons to make it into a chunky collar.

I really liked knitting this one -- it was fast! I think it only took a couple of hours to knit and sew the buttons on.

The other scarf I made was a more "Christmasy-type".

I knit up some corkscrew tassels for the ends and knit a basic stripped rib-style scarf. There has been a lot of interest in this one too.

Even better news, a lady came into the shop on Tuesday and asked if I could knit up a commissioned scarf for her for a Christmas gift for her mom. I got all the details she wanted written down and I had a chance to start it last night. I'm pretty excited about this one! This is my very first commissioned private sale!!! :D

I'd better scoot -- gotta get my daughter to bed so I can keep on knittin'...

B.

"And the 'Lame Parents Award' goes to...

...me and my hubby!

So here's the story. Our daughter is in a play in town and today was the dress rehearsal. She needed to have her outfit there -- simple...black pants, black socks, a colourful t-shirt, and black shoes.

So it was about 10 mins before we were to pick her up from school and take her to the theatre for dress rehearsal. I gathered up everything we needed and found her black shoes. I checked the size because they looked a bit smaller than the shoes she now wears. I panicked when I saw the size -- I was sure they would be too small. And I compared them to a pair of her current sneakers which revealed they were a pinch smaller. Okay, okay...don't PANIC!!!

So my hubby and I started to bounce ideas off one another -- she could wear a pair of mine (too big), she could just wear socks (stage might be too slippery or her toe will get stepped on and she will have a meltdown), what to do, what to do...

Then I saw a pair of white sneakers you can buy at Wal-Mart for $3.98. I joked that I had a black permanent marker upstairs. Perhaps we could paint them. Then hubby had the brainstorms to end all brainstorms. He had black spray paint in the garage! We could spray paint them black -- after all, it would be quicker.

So with minutes to spare before having to pick up baby girl from school, he sprayed them black. At first, I thought to myself, "Hey, not bad!". But then I ran them into the house and pulled out my hair dryer to dry the paint on the rubber while hubby went to pick up our girl. As I was drying these horrible looking shoes, I told myself, "Don't worry. It will give her something to talk about in therapy one day." Thankfully they dried rather quickly, but they reeked of spray paint! Poor kid...

Just then my hubby got home and said that she tried on her old pair and they fit...barely! Woo Hoo! She won't be a social outcast!!! You can take that "Lame Parents Award" and shove it...well, until we might possibly need to receive it again at a later date. :D

B.

Winter Is Coming...

Pumpkin Graveyard 2, originally uploaded by Knit Girl2006.

Hi Folks!

Just thought I'd drop by and say a quick hello. I sold another scarf today and as I was leaving work, my boss said, "Go home and knit!" Sheesh! You don't have to tell me twice :D

So what has been rockin' my world since my last post? Not much -- I was working on a design for a scarf, but I just hate the feel of the wool and the colour is just so "in your face". Today I began carding together some alpaca and border cheviot to get a nice heathered yarn. I was planning to doing a bit of spinning tonight, but I also need to get started on a couple more scarves for the shop. So much to do, so little time...

I decided to post this nice "pumpkiny" picture -- if you click on it, it will take you to my Flickr page and you can read the description about the Pumpkin Graveyard here in town.

Better get going! Lots to accomplish tonight.

B.

Skweeeeeeeee!!!!!!!

Woo Hoo!

Friday was an AWESOME DAY! Two of my knitted scarves sold at a local shop and I've been asked to make some more...SWEET!

Then my Knitting Accreditation package arrived in the mail as well as a spinning book I ordered.

Me soooooo excited! Just had to share -- back later.

B.

Oh How I Love Thee

Oh How I Love Thee, originally uploaded by Knit Girl2006.

As much as I like our new home, I am REALLY missing urban living!

Note: to the left of the picture is a scarf I knitted up with some handspun...alas, there was not quite enough to make it super long. I made it for hubby for Christmas, but he doesn't like short scarves. So now I am unsure what to do. Should I frog it?

Utterly depressing!

My daughter has a friend over tonight from school for a sleepover. They are busy playing Littlest Pet Shop while "watching" a Suite Life of Zach and Cody video that they absolutely needed to rent for the evening. Sheesh!

Better go pop some popcorn...and possibly frog this latest completed project. :( (*sigh...*)

Knitterly Love

After a long hiatus from knitting (and blogging) I have returned. I have been busy knitting to sell a few things at a local shop. Although there is no knitting shop within a 200 km radius (hopefully I can change that someday...), I have been using up my stash. Last night I spent two hours dyeing some handspun (I'll post pics tomorrow). Other than dyeing with Jello, I have never attempted this on my own. I wasn't sure how things would turn out, but I was quite pleased with the results. I chose to dye the yarn a combination of blues and purples. I also have a rust coloured dye, but I'll save that for another day.

I have started thinking of a couple projects to make my DH and DD. But this whole "working thing" sure cuts into production time! Yeah, yeah...I know. In order to replenish the stash, one must commit to some form of working outside the home. However, work must be done to earn the "moo-lah". So, hi-ho...

New Vintage Wheel

New Vintage Wheel 3, originally uploaded by Knit Girl2006.

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Well, I was able to win this lovely little wheel off eBay. I just got it this weekend. It was made in 1988 and needs a bit of lovin'. It has a shellac-type finish, so I am hoping to strip that off and it needs a light sanding. Some of the wood feels a bit rough to the touch, so I think a light sanding should help. Then I'll stain and wax it.

I also need to look into getting a few extra bobbins. It came with one tiny one with only one speed. I need to do a bit of research to see what will work since even the bobbin was handmade. I'm a little concerned about the orfice. It looks to be a bit rough where the wool comes through to feed onto the bobbin. I'm worried it will fray the fiber as it feeds through. It is also missing a piece of leather that holds the whorl onto the one maiden, so I need to figure out what I can do.

I am really looking forward to restoring this pretty little wheel. My hubby will help me out, so I'm pretty excited to get this going. Better go. Need to make dinner...

Lacy Bokeh

Lacy Bokeh, originally uploaded by Knit Girl2006.

Ahhhhhhhhh....

A combination of my two favourite things: knitting and photography! I have been busy working on five scarf projects. A local restaurant owner is expanding her business to include jewellry and a variety of giftware. She has asked me if she could sell some of my scarves on commission. I was pretty flattered and excited.

I'm also hoping to sell some of my photography in town. There are a couple of places I would like to check in to.

I also signed up through the Canadian Knitter's Guild for a Knitting Accreditation Program. It is a five level program that you work on at your own pace. By the end of it all, you are able to design your own projects, complete a thesis, and earn your accreditation of "Master Knitter". SWEET!

I would eventually like to open my own yarn shop. There are no knitting shops in the town we moved to and the next best place is two hours away. I've been trying to shop online, but quickly become frustrated that many places either don't have what I'm looking for or they are out of stock for various yarns or colours. YARGH@*%&*#&%!

Also, I miss having a place to gather with other knitters in a funky, warm atmosphere sharing a love for the craft and textile things. I am not finding that here -- I am definitely missing it.

Anyway, I need to go finish my last scarf -- the shop reopens next Tuesday and I want to have everything ready to go. I also need to design some funky tags for each scarf. Gotta go...wish me luck!

B.