Newest Passion

Four weeks ago I started a class on Wire Work. I have had so much fun!
Yesterday we learned how to bead and create Dragonflies. I wasn't really into it at first but ended up thoroughly enjoying the process of putting the beads together! Yum...colour!

Then we got into the Rock Wrapping. This is my favorite way to work with wire! No preplanned course to take. Just be one with the rock and wrap.

This first one is a landscape Jasper rock that I cut and polished about 20 years ago. The only rock I managed to ever cut and polish to date. The silver hanging bit was also done about 20 years ago while I was taking a jewellery course at George Brown College in Toronto. Both pieces have been waiting for the perfect moment to become something and last night was the time. I am so pleased with how it turned out!

This Chrysophase jumped into my hand while I was in my local spiritual shop. I was walking around with a piece of amethyst but was called by this rock so I threw down the amethyst and bought this piece.

It is wrapped in Copper. At first this wrap did did not seem to be coming together and then with a twist here and a swirl there it came to life. I think this will end up on a purse somehow.

Chryophase is supposed to help with a restful sleep and sharpen perception.

This class has renewed my love of jewellery making. I can't wait to do more.....when I am not knitting.

A Day at the Alpaca Farm

Last saturday Kniterary had a booth at the Spinning WHeel Alpaca Farm Open House. It was just so fun to be around these lovely beasts for a day. My booth (of which I took no picture) was set up beside an enclosure for the sheared Alpacas. They all look so pretty with their Fluffy heads and winter boots on! They are literally their winter boots too. When an alpaca is sheared the hair on the the leg is only trimmed because it does not grow as fast as the on the rest of their bodies. If their legs were also sheared they would be unable to keep warm in the winter!

Also in the alpaca enclosure was 2 lovely big white guard dogs and this funny, freindly pot belly pig.

When I grow up I want to have an alpaca farm with a pot belly big too!

My creation

My creation
Originally uploaded by martianknit.

This is a fun mosaic Creation from Flickr.

The concept:

a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker.

The Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name

If you click on the mosaic and go to Flickr you will see my answers!

Looking Good!

I just had my hair done! Don't I look good?

Kessie

EEEk!

I have been asked to go on the local television station to talk about Kniterary! I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow afternoon.

For those of you in athe Oshawa /whitby area. Rogers Channel 10 at 4PM and 11:30 PM are the air times.

EEEk!

The Sign

The Sign
Originally uploaded by martianknit.

Kessie the Celebrity

anniversary

anniversary
Originally uploaded by martianknit.

Rhea helps with Fiona Visit

Fiona Ellis visits Kniterary
Originally uploaded by vhartog.

Fiona Ellis was in the shop on Saturday. Rhea minded the kits and books while the Twisting with the Cable Girl went on.

The Hedgehog is a coming!!

Someone (Judy) pointed out to me that a few posts back I had alluded to big changes that I couldn't at that point talk about.

Sorry to leave you all hanging!!

The big change is the expansion on Kniterary and the imminent arrival of HedgeHog Stitchery in one of the rooms on the 2nd floor.

HedgeHog Stitchery will be supplying Durham Region with Cross Stitch and other needle arts supplies. Vickie H. will be stocking the room and be running the room on Saturdays. She is in the process of getting her web site up and running but for now you can check her out at her blog.


Vickie is an amazingly gifted woman who will be able to offer lots of support for cross stitchers as she has with knitters in Kniterary.

Also upstairs is a full classroom and an extra room that I hope to be able to invite local artists to show their wares on consignment. I am hoping to concentrate on Textile artists.

Stay tuned for the official arrival of the Hedgehog!!

And still more Knitting

At the shop I am organizing an Cable Afghan Knit a Long. All the cable patterns have flower names so I am doing my squares in greens and carnation peach.

This is the first square. Rose Garden.




I have almost finshed my Berroco Comfort short row bag. It is all together and blocked but it really needs a lining.

I think that the colours may be hard to match so it may be a while.


I do like the colour combo though.



I am almost comleted my Pullover from Weekend Knitting by Teva Durham. Instead of cashmere I used Patagonia Nature cotton.
It will be a great summer warmer!

I just love the colours in this yarn



Don't you?

More details about this project are on Ravelry where I am martianknit.

My Weekend Away

On Saturday I put Vickie in charge of Kniterary and I went on a trip to see my sister in eastern Ontario.

The drive was really good. Clear highways et al..

On Sunday we went first to the Textile Museum in Almonte. Not much there but a Cross Stitch display and a cute little store. They have bigger displays when it gets warmer because half the building is not heated. I will have to go back in the summer I think. Beside the museum are condos that have been built in the manufacturing part of the mill. I so want to buy one there but I am sure they are very pricey!

Later in the day we went around the corner of my sister's place in Oxford Mills to Hollyhock Alpacas.

Hollyhock Hill Alpacas
Quality breeding stock, breeding, fiber and products. Visit us soon, to learn more about these amazing animals - their history, their care, and their luxurious fiber. We are located in Kemptville, Ontario 613-258-4806

Phone:613-258-4806
Fax:
Street address:1920 County Rd. 18
City:Kemptville, Ontario, Canada



I am in love with Alpacas!


This guy is the main male in the group. Because of his grey coat alot of the offspring also have grey. Apparently it is not a very usual colour.

Isn't she a little beauty? Such a pretty face and happy eyes. The owner told my sister and me all the names but I no longer remember them. This sweety I remember is 2 years old.




Can you tell it was raining? This lady has the messy hair to show it!

The males and females are kept separate but close to each other. Almost all of the females are pregnant from their June breeding. The gestation time is 11 1/2 months so I'll be back in May or June to see all the wee babies!

This male seems to be wondering what we are doing there.

These ladies are hoping to get some of the food the farmer was giving to the males. He did share with them later.

Apparently Alpacas love to eat but don't need that much food. The 10 or so males only eat 1/2 a bale of hay a day (which Brian said was a very little amount). Did you know that Alpacas make really good therapy animals too? They are so calm, so seemingly accepting.

Today we went into Ottawa and saw a small exhibit by Bobbie Burgers who does incredible Acrylic paintings of flowers.

Then we wandered around for a bit during this first Family Day Holiday in Ontario.

Once done we headed back to Oxford Mills where I gathered all my stuff and prepared to return to reality at home.

Highways were still good thankfully. Busier but accident free.

And now to knit.

Practice makes Perfect

I have been busy knitting. As always my needles are never empty.

The latest on the needles is the Fiona Ellis scarf Practice Makes Perfect. The yarn that it was originally done in for her book Inspired Cables is no longer available so I decided to try it in Estelle's Alpaca Cashmere Tweed. I am not sure I like it. The yarn is just not luxurious enough for this particular pattern. I like the yarn well enough but just not for this pattern.



So I decided to try it in Debbie Bliss Alpaca silk Aran. Much Much better. Also more expensive. The silk adds the necessary sheen and the drape is going to be fab. The picture is not great and I haven't got much done but I can tell already.

Right now I am knitting the DB scarf by copying what I have done on the Estelle scarf. I forgot the pattern at the store. I am going to have to pop by today to get it.



All this knitting of the scarf is taking me away from what I really need to finish! Betty! It is almost there. I am assembling. I need to put aside the scarf for today and focus. The client is picking it up on Tuesday. I will be so glad to see it leave the store. Betty and I will be breaking up after a long tormentuous relationship. Whew.


Also done recently was felted hearts. Small and fun and quick.

The bag below is done in Berocco's Love It. I improvised the pattern all the way and now have the task of writing up the pattern. It took 2 balls and will make a great beach bag.

Soon Kniterary is starting a cable Afghan knit a long. Below is the first square. The cable is In the Rose Garden. We will be doing 9 12" squares and then assembling them in fall just in time for cold weather.

Recent personal events include my 51st birthday. How did I ever get this old?

The children started their second semester at highschool. Both have math this semester.

It is closing in on a year since I purchased Kniterary and a few big changes are on the horizon! Exciting changes! I can't wait to tell you about it but I must not for now!

I am a Dweeb

I have been playing a bit of Solitaire on the computer.

No, that's not the dweeby part.

I have my deck picture set at a lovely drawing of a palm tree on a beach with the sun shining. It makes me feel sunny and warm.

No not dweeby yet.

As I am playing the sun will occasionally smile and wink at me. I am not imagining it. I guess the deck is animated to do it.

The Dweeby part is that I always smile back. Always. It makes me feel happy. I feel as if the sun is smiling only for me and me alone.

I just love it when my sun says hi to me.

What a Dweeb.

Sorority Night at Kniterary

I invited a group of ladies to Kniterary on Tuesday evening. I all I think there were 20 in the shop. It was crowded but fun.

We were knitting the flower of or Sorority, the Yellow Rose. Some people were very experienced knitters some were beginners. I was so pleased to see the beginners give it an honest try! We all ended up with roses to felt.

Afterwards there was fruit dipped in a chocolate fountain and cider.

Yum!

Mom in her Swallowtail

Finally! My Mother has her own Swallowtail shawl!

Swallow Tail Shawl

Swallow Tail SHawl pre block
Originally uploaded by martianknit.

After nearly a year I am pleased to announce the arrival of my Swallowtail Shawl!

Only blocking left to do!

One Computer, Two Teens and Fifteen Knitting Projects

One of the problems with having only one computer in the house and two teenagers is that the computer is always in use. Harumph.

After a lovely Christmas of lounging around at home while knitting, reading and sleeping I got up early to download some photos to share. There are a gazillion (I never exagerate!) wire hook ups for computer stuff but the one for my camera is not among them. Harumph.

Now I have to wait for the afor mentioned teenagers to make their entry into this Boxing Day so I can calmly ask if they can track it down for me because I have not been able to download in what seems like weeks and now when I want to I can't and for all that they are given in this world they can just stop giving me the attitude and respect me and look for the GD thing!!! Ah yes I will be calm....Harumph....Ohmmm....

I will now put the impending rant in the unused portion of my brain and TELL you about my knitting this season.

For gifts I knit 2 scarves, 2 hats and 1 pairs of fingerless gloves for members of my family. For clients I knit a cardigan, 2 pairs of socks and one pair of Mrs Beeton's ruffled wrist warmers. It doesn't seem like much but the shop was really busy so me knitting at Kniterary was next to impossible.

Yes the knitting business was great! More and more people are discovering my little gem in Whitby Ontario. I couldn't be happier that I took the plunge!

On the needles now.
Still.. the Swallowtail Shawl from Interweave. It will be done this January!! Right now it takes me a good half an hour of concentrated work to get one row done so most days I can only get one or two rows done.

Socks that have gone into the frog pond and are now being reknit as Rainbow Socks.

Thrummed Mittens.
A Scarf.
Malabrigo gloves.
Rowan Betty cardigan.

I hear teenagers moving. I must go and prepare my calmness.

Hopefully there will be pictures soon.

Happy Boxing Day!

Help For Young Mothers at Christmas!

May you never wonder again why children slept so well in Victorian times!

I was looking for Mulled Cider and WIne Recipes and came across this lovely recipe....



Hot Milk Posset - to help kids sleep


In Victorian England, children were allowed small glasses of wine at the dinner table. Alcohol was a traditional sleep aid for all ages back then. This posset was a classic drink that nannies gave to tykes that were having trouble falling asleep. Apparently it worked very well!

1/8 tsp almond extract
1 pint milk
1/2 tsp grated lemon peel
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg white
1/4 cup dark rum
1/2 cup brandy

Heat in a saucepan the milk, lemon peel, sugar, and almond extract. When it begins to scald, remove from heat. Beat egg white and add in. Now add rum and brandy. Serve hot.

I am intrigued and repulsed all at the same time. Do you think the recipe is for one serving or several?

The Mess on My Desk

You know...I Try.

I really really do.

Sigh...

FO's of November

All the above are a drop stitch shawl that I knitted over 3 days. I used Ultra Alpaca from Berocco and Sea Silk from Hand maiden and knitted on 7mm needles. Much like the Clapotis but not diagonal. I needed a quick knit and I got it.

Argyle scarf knit from Hempwol. The white lines were duplicate stitched. I am not sure I like the look but I am sure the recipient will. Next time I knit the lines in.

Tis the Season

Unbeknownst to me I have been living with Santa Claus all these years.

Well, he has the white(ish) beard and the rosy cheeks.


I found out what a fortunate person I have been yesterday while Santa and me were having coffee at Starbucks. Also at the coffee shop was a young mother and her children. As they were leaving the middle boy gave Jim a shy look and waved at him. Jim waved back.
I looked in wonder at Jim and all he said was "Santa Claus".

I guess every year at this time young children wave at him on a regular basis. I mean who's to say Santa can't be out having a coffee with the Missus on a Monday Morning. He needs to keep an eye on everybody while the elves are at work.

So far this year he says he has had about 3 children wave at him.

And you know what makes him truly Santa? He waves back with a smile and, so he says, he occasionally gives them a little Ho Ho HO.

Now isn't that the sweetest thing. I love my Santa man!

I am Selkie

Which mythological creature is most like you? (with pics!) created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Selkie You are rare and wonderful. Your home is the sea. You are graceful and loved by all, you can melt the heart of anyone. Selkie 100% Mermaid 88% Nymph 88% Unicorn 75% Dwarf 75% Vampire 63% Elf 63% Faery 50% Giant 50% Phoenix 50% Ghost 38% Pixie 38% Angel 25% Centaur 25% Minotaur 25% Dragon 25% Veela 13% Gnome 0% Were-wolf 0% Demon 0%

Aw. Crap.

Aw. Crap.
Originally uploaded by martianknit.

And that is all I have to say.

Some Sock Knitting

I have been into some sock knitting lately.

Oh, I still have the other projects on the go but socks it is right now.
First I got an order for some toddler socks to wear under boots. I was given the vague colour direction of "oh...blues and greens..." So I am keeping myself from getting too bored by making some nice stripes. They are knit out of King Cole Anti Tickle DK because the client wanted 100% wool and a heavier weight than sock yarn.



The top ribbing is meant to fold down over the top of the boot.



Then, Lisa picked up some Regia Galaxy for me (this colour #1554). She mentioned a pattern in Magknit October 2007 issue called Rainbow Socks.

I decided to give it a try.

Doesn't the sock look terrible warty to you?

It uses short rows and stresses the importance of purling very tightly. I thought I purled tightly but I still got warts.

Maybe they will fit Kessie?

She doesn't think so.

They have fallen into the frog pond. I am now trying again. I really like the challenge of the pattern and I hope I can make it work this time.

Fingers crossed everyone!

Achy Breaky Facey

I got a tooth extracted this morning. Ouch.

Funny thing.
A woman walked into the store on Saturday wearing a sweater that was very familiar to me.
I had knit it for her about 10 years ago.

The picture is one I took just after it was finshed. It still looked great!

And now the woman is knitting herself!

And shopping at Kniterary.

Now must go lie down.