Chic with Stix

settling in...

2007-09-16T17:19:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks...

I am settling quite nicely over at Wordpress.com

My new blog home is: http://chicwithstix.wordpress.com/

a new home

2007-09-08T13:31:00.000+01:00

This afternoon (after much nailbiting and squirming during the importing process), the chic with stix blog made the move over to wordpress.com...

you can now find me at
http://chicwithstix.wordpress.com/

SnB the LK way...

2007-09-08T09:29:00.000+01:00

As busy as my days were, I made it out to Kensington Market in Toronto for one of Lettuce Knit weekly SnB...

As hot and humid as it was on August 21st, these witty knitters were sprawled out on the steps of Lettuce Knit

The LK witty knitters are alive and well…Megan has added a dyeing studio to her ever popular and growing knitting business.

Of course, visiting LK means…yarn, yarn and more yarn!!!

tired and jet lagged

2007-09-07T21:22:00.000+01:00

I am back from the other side of the pond...tired and recovering from jet lagged. As I get older, I am finding it more difficult to adjust to these transatlantic flights. I am taking this weekend to catch up on knitty blogging...

However, I did manage to get some knitting done....

Comfort foods of home...

2007-08-30T19:21:00.000+01:00

Poutine the French Canadian version of chips and gravy, however, these chips are smothered in gravy and fresh cheese curds….yummy!

Devoured in no time with a large Root Beer.

Why not add more calories, and head over to Tim Horton's for a "medium double double" and a maple dip doughnut...

****note: I ate these "treats" on different days!

auto reply: I’m on vacation…

2007-08-25T15:41:00.000+01:00

I was able to get my bamboo dpns through the security checks and x-ray detection at the airport.

The flight was quite turbulent. Drinks were swishing around, almost spilling and I had to stop knitting for fear I was going to poke myself in the eye. My actions proved to the Spouse that I am not an obsessive knitter since I was not willing to risk an injury to myself and those around me.

**note: I forgot my USB cable to upload my photos. to be uploaded at a later date**

***P.S. I also extended the "early bird" registration for the Dublin Knit Collective: Autumn Show 'n Tell Event by a couple of days due to my limited internet access while I am away.

stashbusters...

2007-08-18T16:44:00.000+01:00

Committing oneself to a yarn diet is enough to put an obsessed witty knitter into withdrawal. I keep saying to myself, "I have will power", over and over again, as I stand next to the new shipment of Noro at TIK.

I call upon my good and practical self, and spend an hour or two searching through my yarn stash. Ahh haaa....I come across an unidentifiable yarn...I picked it up at a garage sale several years ago, no ball band, looks and feels like fancy acrylic.

I picked up a set of 5mm Addi's, and started knitting a hat...
hmmmm not bad...knits up as a chunky, dense, and fuzzy hat. I actually like the colours, it reminds me of a watercolour pallette.

Oh yeah...I'm a stashbuster!

sew...what?

2007-08-12T10:09:00.000+01:00

After months of neglect, I am finally lining my knitted shoulder bag. I scrimmaged through my fabric stash and found some gray broadcloth, however, it looked too plain. So I took a fine black permanent marker and scribbled on it…and since I do not have the luxury of a sewing machine, I handstitched the seams…not very straight, eh?

Then oversewn the lining into the bag…too puckered!
I know of a woman who sews in the lining of her daughter’s felted bags…hey, Ger and Mary, do you think your mom will adopt me?

Dublin Knit Collective: Show 'n Tell

2007-08-11T08:37:00.000+01:00

Whether you are a novice or an expert knitter…join the Dublin Knit Collective’s First Autumn Show n Tell, it is a spin-off of a knit-a-long...click here

Is that an autumn breeze in the air?

2007-08-09T21:30:00.000+01:00

Thursdays is late night shopping in the City Centre... so I spent a couple hours in town walking along Grafton Street. The summer sale items of July have all been picked over, the Back to School and Fall fashions are front and centre in all the shop windows.

while I was walking home, I noticed the chill in the air this evening...it feels like a September evening.

It won't be too long before I start wearing my latest FO...my mohair/boucle shawl

and the winner of the sock is....

2007-08-07T19:40:00.000+01:00

Using the old fashioned method of writing names on slips of paper and placing them in a paper bag, shaking it around, picked one...the winner is:
Kristen! Congratulations!

Kristen, please send your mailing address to me at chicwithstix@gmail.com.

WIP update: the beaded cami

2007-08-05T12:45:00.000+01:00

Completion of the beaded cami was a very slow WIP due to the poor showing of sunshine and summer heat on this side of the pond. This weekend is the last Bank Holiday weekend of the summer...and guess what? It is raining again....so this is my weekend to complete the beaded cami...

It is very close to completion....it's been blocked

The cami's designer, Nora is a very creative and talented fibre enthusiast. When I started this WIP, I had some initial problems with understanding the pattern, so I emailed her and she helped me tremendously. She was so kind to send me some beads to embellish my cami...

I'm having slight difficulties handling and fiddling around with the beads...maybe it's the arthritis starting to set in my joints or just the excitement of finishing this WIP...

It is almost done...

one year later...

2007-08-01T19:49:00.000+01:00

Oh what a year...

It's a wonder that I have any free time at all...Blogging, knitting, spinning, felting, dyeing, Stitch n Bitching...anything related to the fibre crafts...

Today, I am celebrating one year of blogging...in honour of this special occasion, I am giving away a Mobile Phone Sock to one lucky winner...all you have to do is leave me a comment on today's post. I will randomly pick one winner on the Bank Holiday Monday (that will be on August 6th...)

Also watch this space for more knitting news...

a new kid on the blog...

2007-08-01T18:58:00.000+01:00

The world of the knitting blogsphere is an infinite and vast place to explore...and make it so, a blog about knitting in Dublin…Dublin Knit Collective

Liverpool: finding a LYS is not easy...

2007-07-28T13:04:00.000+01:00

The visit to Liverpool: 1.5 out of 4 days of sunshine, not bad considering of the floods in the south of England.

Local yarn shop: 1

Other store to buy yarn: 1

SnB: 3

People knitting in public: 1 (that is me, myself & I)

Finding the local yarn shop was the knitting highlight of my trip. I found Knitwise . The shop is located approximately 10 minutes (by bus) outside the Centre City. I found the atmosphere quite cozy and warm.

I met the shop’s proprietor, Angie, who is very friendly and welcoming. Her handknitted and felted creations are proudly displayed throughout the shop. I was quite intrigued by a scarf and found out she is the designer of Twister featured in the March 2006 issue of Magknits.

I am always in awe of the enthusiasm and commitment of the knitter who venture outside of the knitting box who contribute to the knitting economy.

While shopping in the City Centre, I made my way to the Haberdashery Department of John Lewis in the City Centre. Where I came across this…and a wall full of Rowan.

trying to find some sunshine...

2007-07-24T17:58:00.000+01:00

The Spouse, Stepson and I left Dublin for a mini-vacation. We arrived to a "sunny destination" on Monday.

So far, so good...no rain in Liverpool. Pictured here are the "three Graces of Liverpool", taken from the Albert Dock along the waterfront. The architectural aspects of these buildings are simply grande. We're off for some sight-seeing and of course, the search for a yarn shop...

a quick fix

2007-07-21T14:40:00.000+01:00

I wanted to knit something quick and easy with instant gratification...

Mobile Phone Sock Pattern (adapted from Fetching)

Yarn: Left over sock yarn
Needle size: 2.0mm

Cast on 55 stitches.

Rounds 1-4: K4, P1
Round 5: C4B, P1
Repeat rounds 1- 5 three (3 ) more times.

Continue in 4 x 1 rib (K4, P1) to desired length.

Graft ends to finish.

This pattern can easily be adapted to fit any size of mobile phone. This sock also fits over my digital camera.

weKnit on Fridays...

2007-07-21T14:21:00.000+01:00

In order to get myself out of this depression over the weather, I invited a couple of knitting friends over this past Friday. Mary, Olive and I enjoyed the delights of the Spouse's culinary talents...and spent the evening enjoying each other's company...food, drink and knitting.

We were oblivious to the fact that it was indeed raining again because Olive and I were cooing over the softness of Mary's latest WIP, a lace cashmere scarf. Mary's cashmere swatch and the Lace Addi's:. Mary and I were trying to encourage Olive to start a blog...hmmm the "Olive Tree" or "the Olive Branch"??

fibre content

2007-07-16T21:14:00.000+01:00

This was the weekend to spin...

and ply my singles...

note: a big thank you to Holly for giving me this beautiful handdyed fleece to spin : )

how kool is that???

2007-07-15T19:48:00.000+01:00

Lately, the topic of conversation is the weather...in fact we've been talking about the rain, rain and more rain. It is rather depressing...

Instead of moping around the house this weekend, I decided to turn this negativism into something more creative and maybe brighten up my day.

I searched through my fibre stash and found some bland yarn...
Perused the internet and found an article on Kool Aid dyeing.
I looked over my collection of Kool Aid packs and chose my favourite flavour, Cherry Red.
After it was "cooked" in the microwave...The colour was a little on the light side, so I over dyed it with another packet.

I have it drying out on the clothes line this Sunday afternoon...crossing my fingers for NO rain.

ahhhh...just relaxing

2007-07-08T15:45:00.000+01:00

I've noticed the blogs are quiet...summer is a time to relax, take time to enjoy your time with the kiddies and start the count down when it is time for back to school...

Happy Canada Day...

2007-07-01T09:20:00.000+01:00

the next felting project???

2007-06-30T23:07:00.001+01:00

The Lizard Ridge blanket is probably going, going…almost gone. I do not have the energy or the concentration that goes along knitting short rows. It will be a felted something…my guess is as good as anyone’s.

a bit of sunshine

2007-06-29T23:25:00.000+01:00

I saw the sun peaking through the clouds today...

The sunshine hand towel will someday grace a towel holder a gentle reminder of the warm sunny days to come...

back on track...knit on

2007-06-28T19:54:00.000+01:00

I don’t know if summer will ever arrive on this side of the pond, since the month of June has been mainly cool, damp and rainy…I am hoping for some warm weather by the time I finish this cami.The progress has been slow since I had to "frog" 10 cm of the bodice when I noticed a mistake I could not live with. So now I'm on the right track...

curled up on the sofa with a good book...

2007-06-27T10:42:00.000+01:00

Has it really been raining here for two and a half weeks straight?

I decided to put my knitting aside and read a good book. I got myself a library card and spent an hour or so perusing the bookshelves.

I came across a familiar author, Margaret Atwood. It has been a while since I sunk my teeth in some Canadian Lit, so I signed out, The Blind Assassin.

With my beaded cami set aside, my free time has been spent wrapped in a blanket and curled up on the sofa, a mug of hot tea on the side and Ms. Atwood’s Booker Prize Winner (2000).

The novel’s title, The Blind Assassin, is actually the title of the story within, written by the narrator’s sister, Laura Chase, who on the very first page of the book, drives herself off a bridge ten days after the end of World War II.

The unusual structure of the novel is one of the great strengths in Ms. Atwood’s writing…a story within a story within a story…many layers to discover and unfold.

This novel is a literary piece of fabulous writing. The reader is drawn into the narrator, Iris Chasse Griffen’s reflection of her life and the perspectives of the people around her. The backdrop for this novel is set in a fictional small town Ontario with many references to Toronto, a place very familiar to me.

Of course the knitting perspective had a minor role in this novel…Atwood (she also knows how to knit) made references to the women who handknitted socks for the soldiers in World War I and II.

A very good read…now back to some knitting.

click on over to...

2007-06-20T08:15:00.000+01:00

The weather here has been cool, damp, and rainy...so I've been catching up on my blog reading.

In addition, I've decided to rename my "Blog of the week" post to "click on over to...." since I never posted a "must see" blog every week.

So, click on over to ...Vintage Purls

I don't have any future plans to knit from a vintage pattern, however, I do enjoy admiring and connecting with these knitters from days gone by...

something old is vintage

2007-06-16T22:28:00.001+01:00

I love to collect things that have a significant meaning to me. My latest acquisition has an interesting Canadian/Royal connection...
This is my first vintage knitting pattern...
To commemorate Princess Elizabeth’s first official visit to Canada in 1951, the T. Eaton Co. Limited (one of Canada’s greatest retail and social institution) produced and promoted a special knitting pattern in honour of the Royal Visit.
Now there is an Irish connection…
Timothy Eaton who founded Eaton’s in 1869 was an Irish immigrant.

World Wide Knit in Public Day...Dublin

2007-06-10T15:26:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, 09 June 2007 was World Wide Knit in Public Day...

Lien and Jackie did a fantastic job organizing Dublin’s first WWKiP Day.

Non-Knitter Friend from Canada and I made our way into Bray yesterday morning to meet up with Jackie (who I never met before) from Wicklow. Non-knitter Friend asked, "if you've never met Jackie before how will we recognize her?" I replied, "Just look for a female carrying a big enough bag that could carry knitting paraphernalia." That being said, Non-Knitter Friend excitedly spots a female walking along the platform, "Look over there, she's got a big bag!" Female with the big quilted bag sits next to us and I turn to her and say, "Hello, are you Jackie?" She looks at my felted knitting bag, she smiles and that instant recognition of fellow knitters happens...we reach over to shake hands, "I'm Diane, pleased to meet you..."

While on the DART, Jackie shows off her felted samples...

Marta, admiring the felted bowl...it only takes one skein of Rowan's Big Wool...

A great knitting day enjoyed by all....

rain, rain...

2007-06-04T21:28:00.000+01:00

Blogging and knitting has been put on the back burner since Mother-in-Law and her Friend arrived last Tuesday. Spouse and I have been promoted to Dublin Tourist Guides, however, the rain has made it very difficult to get around in Dublin...now, if the rain, rain would just go away...

I made it to 100

2007-06-02T22:38:00.000+01:00

"the medium is the message" ~Marshall McLuhan

Blogging is a communicative tool to extend oneself and connect with others to communicate a concept, idea, thought or a vision.

Wow...this is my hundredth post. I have connected with so many other bloggers since the creation of this web log. I have been inspired by the creativity and eloquence of other bloggers. I wonder if McLuhan envisioned this "mass age" of the web log?

what is on my stix? a progress update

2007-05-15T19:53:00.000+01:00

beaded cami
I got off to a slow start on this one, but once I got my stitch markers in place...

and Nora cheering me on...

I am on the second repeat of the pattern on the hem

the ethics of consumerism

2007-05-15T16:57:00.000+01:00

activism: noun
the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change

In this consumer driven society, am I a minority who is not comfortable purchasing consumer goods manufactured under unethical and unfair labour practices? I have made a commitment and a conscience effort to purchase products that are manufactured in countries that follow and respect the ILO standards.

As a shopaholic, I was very impressed to see this soccer ball at Heatons a few weeks ago..

a day to dye for...

2007-05-13T15:46:00.000+01:00

The Eastern Group of the Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers held a Dying Day at Kathleen's lovely home in Co. Kildare. Holly demonstrated chemical dying techniques using and Kool Aid (scary thought... Kool Aid as a chemical dye???). In Kathleen showed us some natural dying techniques using bark and onion skins.

My enthusiasm of this new experience is chronicled in photos, as you can see from the length of this post. I was "little bit" snap happy with the camera...

Here Holly demonstrates dying some of her homespun using powered dyes:

Wow...

I assumed that mixing dyes was an exact science, however, Holly proved me wrong when she mixed in the left over dyes into the pot...

and cooked up a lovely hue of magenta...

I am amazed with what you can do with Kool Aid...

Holly started to using the grape flavoured Kool Aid to over dye some yarn...

however, the brown in the yarn over powered the purple of the Kool Aid, so she switched over to the lime...

then, into the microwave it goes...

and viola... no it is not a veggie...

Now for handpainted roving or fleece tops as it is called on this side of the pond...
Using, a medicine dropper Holly paints the dye onto the roving...watch how it absorbs the colours

wrap in "cling wrap" and steam...

hand painted roving....

Kathleen also showed us some natural dying tecniques using natural dyes...

Here Kathleen demonstrates dying with the bark of logwood

Moving on to veggie peelings...Kathleen boils up some onion skins, strains off the liquid to dye the yarn

30 minutes later...

I was overwelmed with the wealth of knowledge of Holly and Kathleen's dying experience, I begged Kate to take notes for me too...

While, the yarns were "cooking"...I took the oppportunity to take more photos...

as a certified "city slicker", I had no idea what this was....gigantic rabbit pellets, maybe???

no...peat...I'm used to going out to the local garden centre and picking up a bag of peat

willow "twigs"... just waiting to be weaved into a basket...

or

how about this awesome fence...

a part-time yarn snob??

2007-05-11T22:27:00.000+01:00

Over time, I developed a passionate obsession for the luxury fibres, never to go back to acrylic. I always thought I was a yarn/fibre snob until I found this yarn...
I couldn't resist the earthy and warm tones of this yarn, the price point was just right for my yarn stash budget but ***gasp***, it is... 50% acrylic and not eco friendly!

I tried my hand at knitting up a baby hat...

blog of the week goes to....

2007-05-05T22:24:00.000+01:00

I have been catching up on some magazine reading lately...
While reading the May issue of Food and Wine, I came across a short story on "What to pour on your ice cream"...

Check out Kieran's blog for some great recipe treats.

legwarmers

2007-05-03T21:46:00.000+01:00

The Sibling sent me a photo of the Niece wearing the legwarmers I sent for her birthday. Apparently, the Niece loves wearing them with her skirts and dresses...

is it summer yet?

2007-05-02T08:19:00.000+01:00

At one of the SnB nights, I was sitting next to Heidi and mentioned I was looking for a summer top pattern. Soon after, she sent me this link. I perused through the extensive links looking for a pattern that would call out to me, "knit me, knit me..."

It was 1:30am on a Saturday night, when I found the beaded cami. This was it...my summer cami.
The following Thursday, off I went to This is Knit with the pattern in hand. In consultation with Lisa, I choose this yarn:

The next step was to knit my swatch... After swatching and checking my gauge, I dropped to a 3.5mm size needle instead of the 4.0mm.

After many false starts and an email to Nora, the designer of the beaded cami. I finally cast on 242 stitches on circular needles.

epicurious

2007-04-30T22:40:00.000+01:00

epicure (noun): a person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment, especially food and drink.

The Spouse and I have been on several lunch dates to experience the pleasures of food and drink. On one of our lunch dates, we went to Luigi Malones in Temple Bar. I have read reviews of this restaurant , some good and some bad...but in our experience each visit has been a pleasant one. The thin pizza crust was baked to perfection on my roasted vegetable pizza.

that's a wrap...

2007-04-29T21:23:00.000+01:00

One of my favourite knitting projects was a shawl made with yarn from Fleece Artist. I have received so many nice compliments whenever I wear it as a wrap. I was so flattered when the neighbourhood butcher even commented on how lovely it looked.

I originally purchased the yarn kit at Village Yarns in Toronto. It was my first "luxury yarn" purchase and I've been a fibre snob ever since. The yarn is Goldilocks hand dyed in the amber colourway. Its fiber content is 56% kid mohair, 24% silk, 20% nylon spun into a boucle which gives the shawl a nice texture. The skein is 125g/500m.

The pattern for the shawl is included on the ball band. Very easy...

I used 6mm circular needles (100cm length)

Cast on 3 stitches.

Working in garter stitch, increase at the beginning of every row.

Continue until yarn is almost finished.

Cast off loosely....sorry folks, I did not count how many stitches I had in the end

ahhh...sweet knitty treats

2007-04-29T13:00:00.000+01:00

The Knitters Treat Exchange is my first experience in swapping. On Monday, my spoiler was revealed to me when a package was delivered to my door. There was a sense of joy and anticipation while opening the package. It was just like Christmas. My spoiler was Sarah from the USA. She sent over a skein of Duet handpainted sock yarn, decadent chocolate, the novel Love Walked In, spring issue of Interweave Knits, my first set of handmade stitch markers, bling for my mobile (difficult to see in the photo, it's my initial). lovely lip balm and luxury soap. Thank you Sarah for an awesome package.

Thanks to the great enthusiasm and organization skills of Isobel and Sara, the Knitters Treat Exchange was a lot of fun. I enjoyed shopping and creating a package for Jodi. She received her KTE package on Friday (I am impressed with the Irish Post Office since I posted her package Monday afternoon).

The KTE has been fun and I now have two new knitty blogger friends in the blogshpere...A Caffeinated Yarn and The Plucky Knitter.

there is a reason to my madness

2007-04-27T16:20:00.000+01:00

I found my USB cable for the digital camera. It was tucked in between yarn, needles and patterns. The reason why I placed it in this basket in the first place?

When I was in the spring cleaning mode, I put it in with all the other knitting WIPs. Uploading photos of my knitting was a WIP. At the time, it made sense to me…. So now I’m off to organize my photos…

a little too much, may be hazardous to your health

2007-04-26T16:15:00.000+01:00

My spring cleaning frenzy is definitely over. I have "over organized" and de-cluttered my creative work space. Of course when I need something I have no idea where I set it aside. To date, I can not find my USB cable for my digital camera and my hole puncher. Oh well, I just hope I don't clutter the house looking for all the stuff I can't find...

knit night at TIK

2007-04-22T17:12:00.000+01:00

Last Thursday. I made it over to Blackrock and joined Lisa and Jacqui at their new This is Knit location for their weekly Knit Night. I love their new place. It is quite cozy and welcoming with the bean bag chairs. It reminds me of my weekly jaunts to Lettuce Knit's SnB Nights.

Also, I am looking forward to their Offical Grand Opening on May 10th...

NB: photo is from Lisa's Blog.

blog of the week goes to....

2007-04-22T16:54:00.000+01:00

In addition to cleaning and reorganizing our home this past week, I've spent this afternoon organizing my bookmarks on my computer. After perusing the whole lot of blogs...I thought I would resume my Blog of the Week post...

So, the Blog of the week goes to becks and posh.

How found this blog: while doing a google search on Avoca, and I bookmarked this page.

more spring cleaning...

2007-04-19T10:19:00.000+01:00

The hedges and shrubs have been cut back and trimmed. The half the backyard has been weeded (yes only half...I gave up this time around).

So now I've moved my cleaning frenzy into the bedroom closet. I went over to my favourite store, M & S to pick up some hangers and here is what I picked up... When, I looked closely at the packaging, and noticed this... hangers made in France...I've only seen these here on this side of the pond. ... now all I need is a cafe au lait with a croissant.

what is on my stix?

2007-04-17T09:40:00.000+01:00

My spring knitting is in full swing...

Goldielocks Triangle Shawl is coming along very slowly...

My sunshine handtowel was started to celebrate spring fever.

This is my second square of my long term WIP, Lizard Ridge.

spring cleaning

2007-04-16T22:40:00.000+01:00

Spring has sprung in our household…the sunshine along with the mild temperatures since the Easter Bank Holiday weekend brought about spring fever. The Spouse and I rolled up our sleeves and cleaned, polished and organized our home.

We cleaned up the backyard, brought out the patio furniture and I am ready to decorate after perusing the M & S Summer Home catalogue....hmmmm, garden lights, patio umbrella, plates, glasses...

colour coordination

2007-04-15T18:45:00.000+01:00

I enjoy perusing through the fashion magazines to update myself on the latest fashion trends. I enjoy shopping to follow certain fashion panache if I feel the style and colour will suit my body type and colouring. Since, I do not have any formal training in fashion design or colour coordination, I rely on the visual merchandising that I see displayed in the stores. I also like to "people watch" to observe fashion styles.

Friday morning, I was on the bus during rush hour...knitting and when I paused and looked across from me...eeegads, what was this woman thinking????

My camera phone does not fully depict the actual effect of this lady's fashion sense...

toffee coloured shoes, chocolate brown tights, navy blue and white striped stretch skirt with a black t-shirt and a green hand bag...a fashion faux pas or a fashion statement...pret a porter?

Belinda's list of things to do...learn to knit???

2007-04-12T17:05:00.000+01:00

My witty knitty friend, t sent me an update on my "favourite" Canadian politician. Maybe she plans to taking up knitting and get over to a SnB night. Is there one in Aurora?

Happy Easter

2007-04-08T21:19:00.000+01:00

What a wonderful Easter weekend we are having here on this side of the pond. The temperatures are reaching as high as 15 Celsius, with bright blue and sunny skies. I have spent some time in the garden...weeding and trimming back the shrubbery.

I also took some time to go shopping...The Spouse and I made our way over to the shopping mall. It felt like home....the big mall with tons of shops and restaurants.

if a picture is worth a thousand words....

2007-04-01T20:29:00.000+01:00

I am experiencing writer's (blogger's?) block...

Remember my birthday gift from Holly?
Pre-draft...
waiting patiently to be handspun...
getting started...
look what I can do in a few hours...

Knitters Treat Exchange Questionnaire

2007-03-25T23:07:00.000+01:00

1. What is your favourite type of yarn? >>> natural fibres and blends…wool/merino/cotton/silk/alpaca.

2. What is your least favourite type of yarn? >>>I do not like 100% acrylic and novelty yarns such as fun fur. Since I’ve been knitting with some the of the luxury yarns out there, I’ve become a "part-time" yarn snob.

3. What’s the first thing you do when you visit a new yarn shop? I am attracted to colours and I love the way some yarn shops display them…I will walk around the shop and look and feel every yarn in the store…then move onto patterns, books and magazines. One my way out, I will take a look at the knitting accessories....also, I look out for the "specials"

4. What other crafts do you do? >>>Decorative painting, quilting, sewing, spinning with a drop spindle, some cross stitch (but I am still working on a 4” x 4” kit which I started in 2002!)

5. What crafts would you like to do? >>>At some point, I would like to learn how to crochet, felting, jewellery making, spin (with a wheel), and weave.

6. What magazines do you current subscribe to? >>>None at the moment

7. Put this type of magazines in order to preference: knitting/crochet/other craft/food/home/fashion/celebrity gossip/garden...
>>>knitting>food>fashion>other craft/home

8. What types of things do you like to knit? >>> socks, sweaters, shawls, scarves, hats, lace...do not like knitting dolls or toys (too fiddly for me)

9. Are you allergic to anything? >>>fish and walnuts

10. What do you like to smell like? Very light and fresh florals during the day, a trace of fresh and fruity after a shower, something more exotic and alluring in the evening.

11. What is your favourite way to relax? >>>Other than knitting?? I like to read the newspaper on a Sunday afternoon…also, I will read “chic lit” (should I have admitted to this???) since I do not have to concentrate too much on the plot. Also, I’ve recently discovered yoga…great way to relax the mind, body and spirit.

12. Where would I go first? >>>The Italian café…love a good cup of cappuccino and a biscotti.

13. What do I come out with? I will take home a cannolli filled with whipped cream for the Spouse and myself.

14. Where do I go next? >>> the bakery

15. Any other words of wisdom for your pal? I love colour and the lustrous illusions it creates. I have an eclectic taste for style…I will wear classic style and accent with something whimsical…like a funky piece of jewelry (bling).

what is off my stix

2007-03-25T22:20:00.000+01:00

It was a friend's birthday last week, so I decided to make her a felted case for her mobile phone.

Using Kilcarra in aubergine and lavender, I made a rectangle

and stitched the side and the bottom to create the pouch

Although, I put it through the wash cycle twice... It was still to big for a mobile case...

So I searched through my stash, and found some cotton and whipped up a garter stitch face cloth...

and used the case as a gift pouch for a bar of olive oil soap...

this is a birthday that never ends...

2007-03-24T23:11:00.000Z

This is a birthday that never ends, it seems to go on and on…
The Spouse returned from the other side of the pond last week and brought two birthday presents for me. The Sibling sent over a book titled, The Secret.
The Mother-in-Law spoiled me with a home spa kit and the hottest fragrance, Vera Wang Princess.
Just when I thought my birthday moment ended…it resurfaced last Tuesday night, at the weekly Rathmines knit night where Holly surprised me with a gift of her dyed roving. I can’t wait to spin this yummy fibre. Then, Isobel presented me with another present…soft and springy laceweight yarn from Avoca. Ahhhh…I am starting to like birthdays…

customer service

2007-03-23T23:19:00.000Z

I love to shop for yarn, call me a yarnaholic... On this side of the pond I know of four shops that sell yarn.

The mother and daughter proprietors of the lovely shop in Blackrock Market are like rays of sunshine. They are friendly and happy people. Their enthusiasm for knitting is contagious. Customer service is excellent and I enjoy being in their store.

There are two other shops on the north side of the Liffey, however, the sales staff at both make me feel like the invisible woman...they are not aware of my existence. I walk around in these stores and no one seems to care or take notice that I am a yarnaholic and I want to buy yarn.

The fourth store on this list is a little out of the city centre, however, they have a large variety of the blended yarns. The customer service at this location is the total opposite of what I experienced in Blackrock. The words that come to mind…unfriendly, unhappy, unenthusiastic…get the picture??? The customer asks the seller, "what is the yardage in one ball of kilcarra?" and his response is a non-verbal cue, a person’s body language is worth a thousand words… the seller rolling his eyes at the customer.

As a consumer, let us take a stand… speak up and demand for good customer service.

St. Paddy's Day 2007

2007-03-17T09:55:00.000Z

Today marks my first St. Patrick's Day in the Emerald Isle. Lots of fun stuff on this Bank Holiday weekend ...it is a three day weekend for us folks here.

I am off to enjoy the Irish festivities this weekend. May the luck of the Irish be with me as I search for that pot o' gold (yarn???) at the end of the rainbow...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

the first time

2007-03-14T05:39:00.000Z

I am participating in the first ever Knitters Treat Exchange. It is a one time only thing so I thought I would give it a try. The first task was to sign up...Deadline to sign up is March 31st...still have time.

The second task was to answer the Knitters Treat Exchange Questionaire which I posted on my sidebar.

no blogging today

2007-03-11T16:32:00.001Z

no time for blogging today...just knitting, and fitting in some housework too!

the comforts of home

2007-03-10T18:33:00.000Z

I missed the post man when he came knocking on our door. He (I should not assume, could have been a she) left the standard note, “we attempted to deliver your parcel, but you were not at home. Please pick up your parcel within three days.” The Spouse braved the cold, rainy and windy weather as he walked to our local post office to pick up my package for me.

I opened it with excitement since it was from my best witty knitter friend, t. in Toronto. She spoiled me by sending me the comforts of home…
Tim Horton’s!
and
some warm and toasty yarn by Fleece Artist.

progression

2007-03-08T23:19:00.000Z

On a recent Sunday outing to Blackrock, I had to take a double look when I saw this…I stood and watched this group of people on horses as they disappeared into the sunset…errr, cloudy day? My amusement with this herd only confirmed my status as a city slicker.
It was a short trip on the Dart to Blackrock, home to This is Knit. I was like a child in a candy store…savouring the colours and textures of all the yummy yarn. I met the proprietors, Lisa and her mom, Jacqui. They are a great mother/daughter team. When I arrived at their store, Jacqui was teaching Herbert how to knit a scarf.
I left feeling satiated, having my fill (feel?) of the yarns. Since I am replacing all my straights with circulars, I also came away with some new Addis.
Oh yeah, that means I am progressing…dpns will become my new hair ornament. With a little help from my Irish knitting friends, I hope to knit a pair of interesting socks.

lost, but not found

2007-03-06T20:57:00.000Z

I knit in public places…an oddity here on this side of the pond. Most times, I have my knitting bag with me, so I can knit while waiting for the bus, I knit while I am commuting on the bus, I knit at cafes while sipping on my cappuccino, I knit when standing in the Q at the bank....

A few weeks ago, I decided to knit my last pair of Fetchings for this winter season. Fetchings has been my choice of "knitting in public" project because of the portability. I choose an unknown blue worsted yarn from my yarn stash. The first mate was knitting up quickly until I finished the first skein. I reached into my knitting bag…no second skein. I searched and search every nook and cranny of my home and it is not to be found. It must have fallen out of my bag. Anyone seen a blue ball of yarn somewhere in Dublin 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12????

knit as u go

2007-03-05T22:07:00.000Z

I have a new WIP called “knitting as u go”. I started to knit Lizard Ridge. However, this pattern uses approximately 21 skeins of Noro and is overwhelming on my budget if bought all at once. By "knitting as you go", I can buy 1 or 2 skeins at a time and knit a square or two at a leisurely pace.

a bit of Dublin history

2007-03-04T10:30:00.000Z

With every new adventure, I take the opportunity to explore my new surroundings. Yesterday, I took the bus to the National Museum of Ireland: Decorative Arts and History. It is locally known as Collins Barracks. When the bus driver realized I did not have a clue to where I was going, he proceeded to give me very clear directions. Thank you, Mr. Bus Driver for providing me with the following history lesson:

Croppie Acre:

A memorial park across from Collins barracks. Thousands of bodies are buried here. They were the executed rebels during the uprising of 1798.

great morning to enjoy the daffodils...

Collins Barracks:

It use to be a military barracks, named after Michael Collins, leader of the Irish Free State in 1922.

The history can be found here.

The purpose of my visit to Collins Barracks:

To attend my first spin-in with the Eastern Region Group of the Irish Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. The venue for the spin-in was held in one of the museum's meeting rooms within the Square.

So along with my drop spindle, I joined the other spinners, along with knitters and weavers...and enjoyed my first spin-in.

my birthday continues

2007-02-24T19:59:00.000Z

While living in Toronto, I never had the opportunity to attend the Toronto Film Festival. I just never got around to looking at the program and planning which movies I wanted to see. When I did finally got around to choosing a movie I wanted to see... I was too late, tickets were sold out.

This year, as part of my birthday celebration, the Spouse and I decided we would attend the 5th Jameson Dublin International Film Festival. We were a little too late in the planning, since some of the tickets had sold out before the festival started. However, we did choose a couple of films to see this weekend.

On Friday, we viewed My Best Friend (Mon Meilleur Ami). The Spouse and I enjoyed this fun and witty French film about finding your best friend.

This morning, the Spouse and I went to see the Curse of the Golden Flower. I enjoyed Chow Yun-Fat's performance in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. So I was expecting the same sort of storyline/martial arts thing. We were a little disappointed with this film. Don't get me wrong, it was a good "blockbuster" of a movie...sort of Asian Hollywood style.

As an interesting aside, I learned a few interesting things about going to the movies on this side of the pond:

going to the movies = going to the cinema
watching a movie = watching a film
popcorn = very pricey movie snack on this side of the pond

one year later...

2007-02-21T19:39:00.000Z

How many of you remember the 2006 Winter Olympics? How many of you witty knitters started a knitted project during the Opening Ceremonies? How many of you watched the events on the television and knitted your Olympic project for your country’s Olympic Team? How many of you actually completed your project on the night of the Closing Ceremonies? All of you…judging by the gold medals awarded to the witty knitters in the blogsphere… I must be the only knitter in the blogshere who took one year to complete my Olympic Challenge.

I had great enthusiastic intentions to complete a knitted project during the winter Olympics last year. I choose to knit a small bag with a cabled pattern...It should be challenging enough, not to difficult since it was a small project..I worked on my cabled bag during the Opening Ceremonies, and continued on during the first week. I was still knitting this bag during the closing ceremonies...I decided to rescue this forgotten WIP and well, one year later
I can stand proudly on the podium with my gold medal and bouquet of flowers…while I emotionally listen to our national anthem of O Canada…

yarn: Lopi
pattern: Patons

older and wiser

2007-02-18T19:56:00.000Z

I celebrated my birthday yesterday.

The Spouse, StepSon and I celebrated my special day with a very nice lunch at the Mongolian Barbeque in the heart of the very eclectic and trendy area of Temple Bar.

I love the concept of this unique buffet style restaurant... select your own ingredients from the buffet and the chef cooks your meal in front of you .

Started our meal with a salad from the salad bar...

The variety of fresh veggies, meat, sauces and spices was delight on the palate...

Here was my creation…fresh veggies, sliced beef, honey & soy sauce, with some herbs and spices
Handed the bowl over to the chef…and watched while he grilled my creation

Enjoyed the meal with a bowl of rice and some wine…

Bon appetite….by the way, did I tell you it was an all you can eat buffet?

relax...knit...dinner...romance

2007-02-14T20:22:00.000Z

Happy Valentine's Day!

I am having a relaxing evening..., while the Spouse is cooking a very special Valentine's dinner. I am starting a new cardigan.

the view from the street...part II

2007-02-13T22:56:00.000Z

As a pedestrian on this side of the pond, I occasionally get disoriented while crossing the road. I have not quite adapted to “drive on the left hand side of the road”. My saving grace, are the painted cues at the pedestrian crossings. I just have to look down and the instructions are priinted in big letters....look left....look right....
Last Saturday, I explored another area of Dublin. I stepped off the bus and I found myself at the edge of a very busy
roundabout. I waited and waited for a break in the traffic, only to be bombarded by more cars from another direction. I finally darted across, when out of no where a single car came to a squealling halt ... made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
Thank you to my guardian angel who watches over me...and to the driver...for not losing control of your car.

The knitting perspective on this story: It was my first visit to Springwools.

the view from the street

2007-02-11T17:56:00.000Z

The Spouse and I made the decision in 2003 to give up our motor vehicle and rely on the public transportation system. We are viewed as an oddity since we are members of a minority group who have made it a personal choice not to own a vehicle.
I have been incrediously asked, “How do you get around without a car?” Duhhh, well... I have two feet that get me from point A to point B and this is called walking... and as an adjunct, I use a mode of transportation called a bicycle, bus, subway, train, taxi...for travelling great distances, an airplane.
I do not wish to offend those who own and drive their automobiles. Don’t get me wrong...I enjoy getting behind wheel of a luxurious car and hearing her engine purr...
As a transit user, look at the positive aspect...
I get a great view of the city.
and when I get a seat...I can knit!!! I started this shawl last weekend on my way into the city...
The traffic in and out the city, may be a pain in the neck for those that drive and need to be somewhere in a hurry. It suits me fine, since I am able to knit and knit to my hearts content...and one week later...I have accomplished several inches of my shawl.

knit in the city

2007-02-04T14:46:00.000Z

I have been a regular attendee of SnB gatherings for over a year now. . I think every witty knitter should experience a SnB at least once. My advice to the witty knitter: do not bring a lace WIP to a SnB because you will have so much fun, and not be able to concentrate on anything complicated. I usually bring a WIP that requires very little thinking, no reading a chart/pattern or no counting (unless you are very adept with a row counter).

Most recently, witty knitters, whether they are true beginners, novices, advanced and expert knitters, are coming out of the woodwork to experience knitting in the city. The first and third Saturday of each month is knitting in the city at Barnie's. A couple of hours are dedicated to knitting and chatting, as well as meeting new witty knitters. Yesterday, I met Heidi who is new to the knitting scene.

Another aspect of knit in the city, is exploring the city from a knitter’s perspective. Using my knitter’s instinct (that is reading Yahoo’s Stitch n Bitch IE discussion forum) This sign catches my eye:

I walked through the doors and found button paradise...

I spent a good hour looking at the haberdashery (a new word I learned, meaning all kinds of stuff) and came away quite satiated.

ahhhh... knitting in the city

if you knit, they will come...

2007-01-31T21:36:00.000Z

At last count, there were 25 knitters at the Rathmines' SnB last knit. I wish I brought my camera along... What a beautiful sight and sound. knitters having a great time. Spreading the good word about knitting is definitely working.

the end????

2007-01-28T12:17:00.000Z

This weekend marks the end of the "drop a jean size challenge." In honour of my committment to Special K, the Spouse made breakfast for me this morning....Did the program work??? Ummmm....I can't say for sure, however, my jeans and skirts have a better fit now (meaning I no longer have to deeply inhale when I zip up).

Next on the agenda?? I am moving forward with Mireille Giliano's philosophy...

Leeks anyone???

frogging in public may be hazardous to your health

2007-01-25T19:08:00.000Z

I was knitting a scarf using a linen/viscose blend, from my yarn stash, as part of my "spring wardrobe" using a linen/viscose blend. It was coming along nicely...

Two days ago, I was on the bus, minding my own business, knitting away in rush hour traffic.... I decided to count my stitches and take a closer look at my stitches. Urgggh...I noticed the stitch pattern did not look right and my stitch count was way, way off... so I pulled it off the needles and frogged it.

Then, I heard a gasping sound coming from the lady sitting next to me... I looked over at her as she clutched her chest...OMG, I thought, was she having a heart attack? The adrenaline coarsed through my veins, as the thought of performing CPR on a crowded bus set me into panic mode....I anxiously asked, "are you alright?" She responded, "I didn't mean to startle you, I've been watching you knit that lovely scarf since the we left town, and now it is just.... just string now."

Yep....another WIP in the frog pond.

drop a jean size

2007-01-21T17:37:00.000Z

Every year in January, society is amassed with advertisements for fitness memberships, exercise classes in pilates, yoga, and weight loss programs. The message to the consumer: "You ate too much during the month of December, therefore you need to lose weight".
Unfortunately, I am a member of this society who is influenced by certain advertisments and gimmicks. This year, I decided to devote two weeks to the "drop a jean size in two weeks" challenge.

Today marks day seven. One more week to go....

In between the bowls of cereal this weekend, I have been organising my knitting stash and perusing through the witty knitter websites.

A vision becomes a scarf...

2007-01-13T19:38:00.000Z

A scarf designed by moi. The inspiration and vision for this scarf came from Denny’s own wrap she made from her own handspun.

I decided to use up some mohair (don’t remember the brand, I’ve misplaced the label) from my stash. And my own handspun. I used the drop spindle, I purchased last October at the KW Knitter’s Fair.

In order to make this design my own, I wanted something a little more funky, spontaneous yet planned (is this an oxymoron phrase?) so I used the Fibonacci Sequence to plan the number of rows between mohair and homespun. I used a combination of 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 13 and 21 to knit the number of homespun and mohair rows.

The first one...off the stix in 2007

2007-01-11T11:39:00.000Z

Since January 1st, I have been frantically finishing my 2006 WIPs. I have marked January 10th as the date my first felted project was completed...the French Market Bag.

I started this bag last September with a little help from Megan. As this was my first attempt at felting, she recommended Lamb's Pride in the worsted weight. I decided on green, using kiwi as the main colour and oregano as the contrast.

I started with much enthusiasm...

until the frogging began.

It was laid to rest for several weeks, until the Spouse and I went on a weekend gettaway to Blue Mountain where it sat by the hot tub...

It managed to pass through the security checks at the airport and crossed the pond...

I continued to work on it, and brought it along to a SnB in City Centre.

a few days ago it was at the pre-felting stage...

Last evening, it went into the washing machine...

...after the agitation and drying process,

I have this....

blog of the week goes to....

2007-01-07T19:42:00.000Z

My witty knitter best friend, t. who occasionally comments on my blog forwarded my pick for blog of the week, Knitting WENCH. Thank you, t...

The pics on this blog are so inspirational...great way to feel motivated for the new knitting year!

Until next Christmas

2007-01-06T23:09:00.000Z

Today is January 6th, also known as the Epiphany or the 12th Day of Christmas. It is the official end to the Christmas season. Christmas decorations have been packed and put away until the next yultetide season.

Since I am still working on my 2006 WIP's, I've effectively blended them with the home decor.

The "We Five"

2007-01-05T18:50:00.000Z

I am just catching up on my blogging...it should have been posted last year....

My introduction to the Irish knitting culture began last spring as I lurked on Yahoo’s, Stitch and Bitch IE discussion forum. As I linked from one Dublin knitting blog to another, I found the “we five of Dublin knitters”, Cheryl, Holly, Isobel, Sara and Sharon. I've had the pleasure of meeting all five in person.

These five witty knitters, in my view have the drive, energy and committment to spread their creativity, enthusiasm, and passion for the art of knitting by networking at SnB’s and the blogshere.

The secret of their success? Pssst....knitting is fun and you can knit too! Pass it on....

Welcome, 2007!

2007-01-01T17:55:00.000Z

Happy New Year!

The first day of 2007 brings in an edge of excitement of what is to come for the brand new year. The next several days, witty knitters (including moi) in blogshere will be updating blogs and planning new projects.

I am re-energized and ready for a new year of knitting! I still have my WIP’s and here is an update what is on my stix as I begin 2007.

I am near completion to this Fetching's mate. I do not know what I was thinking when I chose the colour black. I am debating whether it is the poor lighting within my environment or just visual changes due to the aging process that makes this WIP drag on and on.

The French Market Bag is several steps away from felting. Just binding off and knitting in the contrast colour to create the handles.

This scarf's design was inspired by a similiar wrap made by Denny. Here, I used my own handspun with delicate and fine mohair.

Here is my Winter Olympics challenge. It is quite obvious this cabled shoulder bag was too much of a challenge for me to complete or the Winter games were too short. I plan to finish this WIP prior to the Summer 2008 games. The pattern is from
Patons.

Finally, the travelling sock is showing more progress. The toe just needs to be grafted and I'm onto its mate. I am using Stephanie's Sock Recipe in her book.

Looking forward to more knitting in 2007...

time out for Christmas

2006-12-25T19:50:00.000Z

It has been a hectic December, no time for knitting except for SnBs in City Centre and Rathmines. No time for blogging except for scanning through the witty knitters blogs every few days.

I am taking some time to sit back and relax with the Spouse this Christmas season.

i will be back to blogging soon...

weird but true

2006-12-18T00:26:00.000Z

I've been tagged by Cheryl

I am finally getting around to listing the 6 weird but true things about me.

1. I take notice of a person's shoes. Yes shoes..since I love to buy shoes, boots, sandals, clogs...

2. I met some of my friends through blogs (my non-blogging friends think this is weird).

3. I like vinegar on my onion rings and chips (also known as French fries on the other side of the pond)

4. I can not whistle.

5. I like to watch Nip/Tuck (I know this is a weird show)

6. I have a severe allergy to fish and scallops, however, I can eat shrimp, lobster, crab, calamari and mussels

So, I've been tagged, so anyone that visits my blog can make their own list of weird but true things...

another Sunday???

2006-12-10T13:37:00.000Z

Last Sunday was a rainy, wet and windy day...so here I am again, on this rainy, wet and windy Sunday. My time online has been fairly limited due to typing my assignments, reading and researching for a presentation.

Knitting has gone by the wayside for now, since I must concentrate on "school" work. In addition, Spouse and I are still unpacking the countless of boxes still piled up to the ceiling in every nook and cranny of our home.

With Christmas just around the corner, I decided to unpack the Christmas decorations....Santa, baby!

Also, the Spouse continues to find my yarn stash dispersed throughout several of the boxes unpacked so far. Last week he presented me with a spool of yarn (75% wool, 15% cotton, 10% nylon) by Rowan which I purchased sometime last spring.

I have no clue as to how much I have on this spool...

This ochre/tweedy yarn is laceweight (a guess)...

Plan for this yarn...for now I will keep it next to the computer...hoping I will get a vision of a lovely knitted something dance thru my head.

the Belinda update

2006-12-03T15:17:00.000Z

I have been following the Liberal Party Leadership Convention in Canada from the other side of the pond. This post is not an editorial, nor am I going to state my Canadian political views, however, I discovered that my “favourite” politician has transformed herself from a blonde to a brunette.

photo by ycanada_photos

See my previous post to see the relationship between Belinda and knitting here and scroll down to the October 2nd post.
Thanks to my friend, Matthew....I now have Ms. Stronach’s email to congratulate her on her new look and offer her some knitting lessons on a Friday night.

another rainy Sunday afternoon in front of the computer

2006-12-03T14:55:00.000Z

Blog of the week

Another wet and windy day spent in front of the the computer, browsing thru the knitting blogs. This interesting blog is non-knitting related, however, I have met a number of knitters like myself who enjoy food and healthy eating.

What happened to November???

2006-12-01T20:55:00.000Z

Where did the month of November go???? December 1st is here and will be gone in several hours. Christmas knitting???? I haven't even started...Arrggg. I think I will revert to by previous habit....decorative painting. So, where are my paint brushes?

I give up...

2006-11-26T19:26:00.000Z

I give up...Clapotis is permanently in the frogpond. I have no future plans to knit this beautiful wrap. I will have to admire Clapotis from afar....***sigh***

No knitting...no blogging

2006-11-24T20:21:00.000Z

I have not been able to keep up with the knitting and the blogging this week. The spouse finally arrived on Tuesday. I showed off my finished wrap cardi. I also wore my newly completed Fetching (yes, I did succumb to the ever popular handwarmers). These were made with my very own handspun. The spouse was quite impressed with my accomplishments. I am very happy he is home...and most importantly...He managed to squeeze more of my yarn stash and ball winder in his suitcase... Tee hee...

Finally, off my stix....

2006-11-18T03:20:00.000Z

and the I-cord ties...

No double double in Dublin

2006-11-16T13:39:00.000Z

While walking about in City Centre, I looked up and saw this familar logo...my heart went a flutter....

But this all they have... no double doubles, no flavoured hot smoothies, no steeped tea, no ice caps....just doughnuts.

Blog of the week goes to....

2006-11-13T15:28:00.000Z

I was compelled to start my own knitting blog to show case my own perspectives. It has been three months since the creation of my blog.

At the novice level, with no prior knowledge. I am learning as I blog along, admiring the writing talents and the digital collage of my favourite witty knitters.

A couple hours of my Sunday afternoon was spent in Blogland, linking from one blog to another. I immersed myself in the virtual world of knitters.

The blog find of the week goes to: this blog

I will have to forward this link to my "favourite" politician, Belinda Stronach....does any one have her email address?

Lest we forget....on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month

2006-11-11T12:30:00.000Z

Last year, the spouse and I had the opportunity to be in Ottawa, our nation’s capital on Remembrance Day. It was an honour to see our veterans and those who served our country.

photo: Whimisical Chris

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
( John McCrae, May 1915)

O Canada.....my Canadian (knitty) list

2006-11-10T10:46:00.000Z

O Canada, a tribute to my “home and native land”....

1) Wednesday evenings at LK

2) Mary Pat and Patrick from Village Yarns offer great knitting advice

3) I met my witty knitter friends through LK’s SnB

4) I look for a single seat on the TTC subway or streetcar so I can knit without giving anyone the elbow

5) our famous witty knitters, knitty.com and the Yarn Harlot live in Toronto

6) look how much of my travelling socks, I can complete from Toronto to Ottawa and back

7) Fiona Ellis was in my Learn to Drop Spindle class

8) The witty knitters offered me my first drink of Strongbow...and cider is currently my drink of choice (when I go out for a drink of course)

9) Richmond Rogue my favourite free Wi-Fi zone and place to meet and knit

10) Sea Silk is my favourite yarn...my pride and joy is "Lacey"

Oh Canada..."with glowing hearts we see thee rise..." feel free to add to my list.

I'll be back...

2006-11-05T17:36:00.000Z

I am taking a bit of a break from blogging to organise my life in Dublin. Will be back soon...

I am still knitting!

I couldn't resist meme, I had to play, too

2006-11-01T05:44:00.000Z

1. FIRST NAME? Diane
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Yesterday, I have a lot of emotional stress to release
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Genoa salami
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? This is it
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Never
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? anything by Kashi
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? sometimes
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Toasted marshmallow
14. SHOE SIZE? 6
15. RED OR PINK? Pink
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I am a compulsive shopper
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? my family, when I am away from them
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? No
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? denim skirt, striped leggings, denim shirt, sweater & black clogs
20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Mac & Cheese
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? top 40 tunes from the radio
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Violet
23. FAVORITE SMELL? homemade bread
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? my mom
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Their personality and how they interact with others
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? Absolutely, I admire her knitting and academic talents
27. FAVORITE DRINK? Tim Horton's double double
28. FAVORITE SPORT? I don't have one
29. EYE COLOR? Dark brown
30. HAT SIZE? I have no idea
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes
32. FAVORITE FOOD? shrimp and lobster
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?I am a sucker for happy endings
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? spring and fall, but they were not on the list, so I'll say summer
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? strawberry/ rhubarb pie
38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Probably no one, this meme has been around for a bit
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Everyone
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?Nothing right now
41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? No mouse pad. No mouse.
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Gilmore Girls
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? music
44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles
45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Asia
46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? creativity
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Canada
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I pinched it from Stephannie

no Hallowe'en post here

2006-10-31T19:43:00.000Z

I do not have a Hallowe'en related post for today. I have never been very enthusiastic about this festival of pumpkins and dressing up.
That being said, I spoke with my sister this morning and told her I would blog the progress of the knitted kerchief I am making for her. I am using Blue Sky's hand dyed chunky in granny smith.

I finished one for myself in pearl pink.
The pattern is from Melanie Falick's book, handknit Holidays

I really like the centre seam...once it is blocked, the centre of the kerchief has a pseudo lacey/funky touch to it.

Btw, my niece is dressed up as a dinosaur today...Happy Hallowe'en!

non-knitter tales

2006-10-30T21:04:00.000Z

My spouse is a non-knitter. He simply does not comprehend the meaning and importance of a knitter's yarn stash.

I am in the midst of packing my life’s belongings in one suitcase. The airline restricts me to one checked in baggage and one carry on.

I am in a state of panic because my suitcase is bursting at the seams and it is over the weight limit...this does not include my current yarn stash and knitting accessories.

The spouse says, “Honey, only pack what you need, your wool is not a priority. We can have it shipped over later or maybe your parents can bring it over when they come to visit.”

I say, ‘uhh, nooo, I don’t think so. I really, really need all my knitting stuff. I’ll take some other non-essential stuff out. Leave it to me.”

My darling spouse does not understand my stash includes merino, alpaca, cotton, silk and even some unknown fibres. What about my Addis, bamboo circulars, dpns, and straights? Most of the weight lies in the metal knitting needles (I can’t seem to part with the metal staights just in case I will need them).

Yesterday afternoon, I re-packed my stash into Ziploc bags, and prioritized the yarns I would be bringing over. I set aside a few baggies for family members to take over when they visit.

In order to fit my precious possessions, I am taking out 2 suits, 2 blazers, 2 dresses and 2 pairs of dress shoes. I just hope that I won’t have to go business casual for a while. but then again, I can always find my way to Grafton Street (Toronto equivilant is Yonge/Bloor shopping district). I never said that I only shop for yarn....

what is off my stix

2006-10-28T15:20:00.000+01:00

Today is cold, rainy and windy. I packed all my winter woolies and they are on a ship, sailing to Ireland. I need something wooly and warm. After scouring my library of patterns and the internet, I decided to knit a hat for myself using one of my handspun skeins. I used my drop spindle to make a two ply chunky yarn using Black Lamb's handdyed roving.

from novice to expert

2006-10-27T21:40:00.000+01:00

A comment made by Cheryl during our first meeting in Dublin, planted a seed in my mind. She said, “ you must stop calling yourself a beginner knitter”. At the time, I made a mental note to myself to update my blog profile.

I was at William’s Coffee Pub this afternoon, having a coffee and catching up on my blogging. I was re-evaluating my knitting skills and then an “ah hah” thought came into my mind....Patricia Benner.

As a Registered Nurse, I apply Patricia Benner’s conceptual framework in my clinical practice . Patricia Benner is a nurse theorist and author of From Novice to Expert : Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. I have often cited Benner in many of my scholarly assignments and applied her concepts to my clinical practice.

Wow....Knitting is all about the journey from novice to expert: excellence and power in knitting. Thank you Benner, I plan to use your concepts and apply them to my knitting experience.

Reference: Benner, Patricia. 1984. From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.