The Funky Hooker

Happy Anniversary, Kniterary

2011-12-07T14:29:00.000-05:00

This past month, November, our Kniterary Nights at the Peterborough Public Library turned 2! Erica Patterson, an EA at my high school, helped us out by creating this amazing knitting cake. Yes, those were real knitting needles! The yarn balls had lovely spheres of cake inside!

Kniterary Night: November 2011

2011-11-14T13:03:00.000-05:00

Happy 2nd Anniversary, Kniterary!

Kniterary Night: October 2011

2011-10-07T14:22:00.002-04:00

Kniterary Night: Breakfast at Tiffany's

2011-08-29T09:57:00.002-04:00

New Classes at Michaels

2011-08-25T13:43:00.000-04:00

Kniterary Night: June 2011

2011-06-16T10:49:00.004-04:00

WWKIP - Peterborough

2011-06-07T11:21:00.002-04:00

Great Garale Sale Find

2011-06-07T10:25:00.003-04:00

Went garage saling with mom last weekend in Campbellford and found this awesome makeup/jewelry tote box. I knew it would be perfect for a knitting notions organizer and it is...

Which means now I have some makeup bags and notions boxes, and a handful of crochet hooks, up for grabs...

First Project for "Diana Prince"

2011-05-31T10:33:00.000-04:00

Although this may not seem to be fit for Wonder Woman, this basket is just the kind of a project that "Diana Prince" would use in her quest to save the world!

From the meager beginnings of a ball of garden twine...

to the important stature of knitting bicycle basket...

But we must wait a little longer, for the sewn liner and handles.

Kniterary Night: May 2011

2011-05-11T14:23:00.000-04:00

More Markers...

2011-04-14T15:28:00.000-04:00

I've got some new markers done. I'm taking them to my knitting group tonight, but they'll also be available at Needles in the Hay, in Peterborough ($7 set). Some are for crocheting or knitting, some are just for knitting.

Peterborough's First Annual Fibre Arts Festival

2011-04-11T13:56:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday was the first annual Fibre Arts Festival at the Peterborough Public Library. Demonstrations and vendors in various fibre arts, we also had two great presentations by local artist, Sandi Luck.

Needles in the Hay

Crop Circles

Kawartha Wilds Stoneware

Lane's End

Kawartha Eclectics - Sandi McNeil

Mary Charles felting

Tatting and knitted beading

Closeup of gorgeous tatted Queen

Weaving

Hand embroidery

Quilting

Dyeing

Sandi Luck, Haliburton artist

Rughooking

Kniterary Nights

Kawartha Hooks & Needles Guild

Kniterary Night: April 2011

2011-04-11T09:48:00.002-04:00

My Awesome, Yet Horrible Rainbow Socks

2011-04-02T17:31:00.000-04:00

Made with Shoppel Woole Zauberball in Tropical Fish, I loved these socks until I got to the point on the one socks where there was a join. Then I became even more upset when that one still hadn't reached 'red'. So on the ribbing, I pulled through the green so that I would reach red before the end. Then I just kept ribbing until the red was done.

Voila! Even though they aren't perfect, I still love them.

Kniterary Night: March 2011

2011-02-23T12:36:00.000-05:00

We'll be steeking...

Another Kniterary Night: Charity Knitting

2011-02-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

Knitting in the Classroom

2011-01-17T09:36:00.001-05:00

This is Old but...

2010-12-15T13:48:00.002-05:00

I made this half-assed toy out of cotton scraps and when I asked Harper what kind of face he wanted "A happy face, or an angry face?" he answered, "yes".

Here's what left right now...

2010-11-25T17:02:00.000-05:00

The sample bowl that Carolyn put out at the Craft Sale (which was to be mine) sold immediately. Now I only have these four left!

Yarn Bowl yumminess!

2010-11-25T14:36:00.000-05:00

It just feels so luxurious to knit with a handmade pottery yarn bowl.

More Yarn Bowls

2010-11-23T08:48:00.000-05:00

Carolyn Cisco is a fantastic potter, who teaches high school physical education and dance. KennerCVI is hosting a Craft Sale, from Tuesday November 23 until Thursday November 25, featuring her pottery, as well as photography by Ellen Bond and Deryck Robertson, basketry by Sandi McNeil, stained glass by Melanie Licht, beaded jewellry & ornaments by Melanie Boyce-Collins.
Here are Carolyn's displays:

And she just finished another round of yarn bowls for the Elegant Spiders!

New Stitch Markers...

2010-11-22T20:44:00.000-05:00

Yeah...Yarn Bowls!

2010-11-11T09:42:00.000-05:00

While writing up the Knitter's Anniversary guide I was tempted to find a yarn bowl. Then I remembered that one of the teacher's at my school does pottery in her home studio. I sent a few pics to her and the next day she said she'd thrown one! After mentioning this at the Elegant Spider, a few spiders were so excited that they wanted to put in an order.
At $15 a bowl, they are an amazing handmade steal!

The blue one on the right is deliberately made with the spiral to the left, as one of the spiders wanted one with a "j".

The spiral sometimes bow out, but I think that lends to the handmade charm...something you would never find in a mass-produced piece of crap!

Another Kniterary Night

2010-11-01T10:52:00.001-04:00

Its Worth the Drive

2010-10-23T19:39:00.000-04:00

I spent last night in Campbellford and this morning mom and I took the trek down to Picton. My folks had been a couple of months back and had found a yarn shop that she knew I'd love.

Rose Haven Farm Store sounds like feed and manure, but the shop is to die for...

It took my breath away when we walked in and I didn't know where to start. So I took out my camera and the woman working the shop (the owner was at the Creativ Festival) was gracious enough to let me snap away. So many wonderful yarns to choose from, as well as tons of finished items, made by employees and local crafters.

They also have a great selection of books and magazines.

Then she informed us that they also have a basement. They do workshops and lessons and have a great selection of roving and...

a bargain corner.

I finally settled on a couple of skeins of Mirasol Sulka, for a cowl for a teacher I work for. She's an Anne of Green Gables red head and I know this chunky, green, merino and alpaca blend will suit her just fine.

Making a Resolution

2010-10-20T11:33:00.001-04:00

Right now I'm feeling a little ambitious, so I'm going to resolve to start blogging regularly. I often have these feelings, but I rarely act on them.

Despite the fact that there are a million things going on in my life, just like everyone else, I'm going to make an effort to blog about what's on the sticks.

So, firstly, I've been working on the Presto Chango for a co-worker, with a couple of extra panels in different stitches. She delivered early on Monday, so I've got to speed it up. I've finished two panels (one in the pattern, and one in Eifel Towers...she's a french teacher), and am working on the last one, in waving rib stitch.

As soon as the last panel is finished, I'll be starting on the Gooseberry Hat (one of my go-to patterns) to go with the sweater. I'll be seeing her this Monday for my parent helper night (15min visit with a homemade dinner dish...co-ordinated with other staff to diminish their own cooking time and limit visitors), so I'll take the gift with me then.

I also am finishing a bunch of squares for my Kniterary Night at the library. I'm doing a workshop called "Crocheting & Knitting, Sitting in a Tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G", about adding crocheted trims and edgings to knitted items. I have a sample ready, but I wanted to have a handful of little knitted squares ready for people to use.

And, lastly, I have purchased two balls of absolutely delightful rainbow sock yarn for ME. I'm going to make a pair of plain stocking stitch knee highs. Its autumn and I don't like to give up my skirts for the cooler weather. So, it seemed like a logical choice to cover my legs with some pure happiness. Toe-up, two-at-a-time and magic loop! Can't wait to cast them on!

So much fun last night

2010-06-18T09:37:00.000-04:00

The Elegant Spider Strikes again, participating in World Wide Knit in Public Day!

We sat on the benches along Hunter Street and managed to get in the paper! One more step towards knitting domination. Today Peterborough, tomorrow the world!

Peterborough's WWKIP Day

2010-06-16T13:49:00.002-04:00

CGK KAP

2010-05-18T17:23:00.001-04:00

As part of my membership to the Canadian Guild of Knitters I have also signed up for the Knitting Accreditation Program.

These are my exercise swatches, so far:

And this is my final project, so far:

The Elegant Spider Strikes Again!

2010-02-11T09:13:00.005-05:00

The Elegant Spider bombed the Art Gallery of Peterborough in honour of Robyn Love's "Knitting Sprawl".

The Elegant Spider

2010-01-28T14:03:00.003-05:00

I've been knitting up a storm these last few months. Since I reconnected with my knitting group, I've had a constant stream of inspiration. And ravelry has been a huge boon!

My latest WIP is this Gooseberry Hat in Elsebeth Lavold's Hempathy, which is a cotton hemp and modal blend. Apparently it washes up softer than its hempy feel.

BANG!

2009-11-21T14:20:00.001-05:00

Love this:

Where will it strike?

BAM!

2009-10-28T12:52:00.003-04:00

I have finally been inspired by the Yarn Bombing book to contribute my own piece of guerilla knitting.
I placed my piece on a fence post near the former Peter Robinson College of Trent University, so it should get plenty of notice.
Here is the pole beforehand, in all of its plain and boring glory:
And here it is after I sewed up my ribbed tube of frilliness: I'm quite happy with it and I think I'll take a quick drive by today to see it again. If its sunny enough I'll take another picture in the daylight.

Quick Post

2009-07-23T15:32:00.004-04:00

Just a quick note to post a current photo of my slowly advancing lace shawl. I started it some time ago and I intend to be done to give to my mom for Christmas. I really should call it my "Realistic Shawl"...

Bad, bad blogger!

2009-05-28T08:59:00.004-04:00

I have been sorely neglecting my duties as a blogger and now I'm going to post the world's shortest blog.

This is what I've been working on...

There are many others, but they've already been given as gifts, or as raffle prizes for my school's hairdresser department.

How Could I Resist?

2009-04-22T17:00:00.010-04:00

He is the perfect inspiration and the perfect model.

I present to you....Harper Heath Williams Labelle is his new spring cotton ensemble.
The sweater is the Seamless Kimono Sweater from the Complete Fabrication.

The Circus Knit Bits is a great pattern that can be done in the round or on straight needles and is actually written for three colours. Its difficult to see the knotted i-cord at the top, but that is the cutest part of the hat!
My next project is to start the Christmas gifts. I'd really like to make something for everyone and the first on the list is my mom. I want to do a shawl, preferably from Victorian Lace Today. I complicated and challenging design is what my brain really needs right now. And if I get that done before Christmas, I'll have accomplished something!

Seamless Kimono Sweater

2009-04-14T17:16:00.003-04:00

I have wanted to do a sweater like this for some time and finally found exactly the pattern that I wanted in the Seamless Kimono Sweater at the Complete Fabrication. You can check out my Ravelry page to see my progress, but here are some pictures so far...
I am almost done the first sleeve, and as much as I hate using DPNs I am finding this a little better than my sock endeavour. I'm pulling tight on the first and last stitch of each needle to erase the ladders and that's helping. I am the most excited because when I'm done I won't have to sew anything up! Ah, the seamlessness!I wanted to have a roomier sweater and one that had a bit of a tunic feel, so I made a 2stitch increase at each side, every 9 rows. Then, when I got to the hem part, I divided the sweater onto 2 separate circular needles, knitting the front and back separately, so that there was a side slit...making it more tunic-like.The hem is a little different than the original pattern...I knit & purled so that the purl stitches showed on the outside for 2 stitches on the first row, 4 for the next 4 rows, then all the way across for 4 rows, then a knit row, then cast off.Can't wait to be finished!

So neglectful...

2009-03-27T09:34:00.012-04:00

I've been too busy at home to update anything here in soooo long. I finally had a free minute at work, and despite the urge to post to A Free Minute I am posting her instead.

I finally finished the toddler dress and it turned out great.

In a strange twist of fate (pun intended), as I had put the piece away for so long, I was doing the yarnovers differently on the second half of the back fan & feather portion.

To that end (pun intended again) the bum portion is denser than the front. Its still looks nice and I can pretend that it was intentional . The best part was finishing it with the mattress stitch, which is completely invisible.

I am planning on giving it to my lovely niece, Rachel; her fifth birthday is in June and she will look wonderful in it!

Now, I'm using up the rest of the silk/wool yarn to knit the drop stitch scarf Fascinate from Berroco. When I'm done, I'll post another picture. I'm still trying to decide to whom I will give it. There is a lovely teacher on staff at my school who is due to give birth anyday. She is already a mom to several kids and I think instead of a 'baby' focused gift, I'll give her the scarf. She has a gorgeous head of bright red hair and this will look great on her...I just have to get it finished.

Knitty Gritties

2009-02-16T22:02:00.005-05:00

Long, long ago, in a house very near to mine...okay, my house, a woman lived who attended her knitting group regularly. Every other Monday night she would pack up her most recent project and head out to Lakefield, usually with Annie in tow, and she would knit and chat and laugh and she would feel content.

Then she got pregnant, and she continued to go to the Knitty Gritties. Then she had a baby and she went a few more times with a sleeping baby. But then one night, that baby got too big for his carrier and he started to crawl and get into things and she couldn't find the energy come Monday night to drag her arse to her favourite place.

Weeks turned to months and then one day, she check out her Facebook and lo, and behold, both Annie & Jenn both were asking her to come to knitting. Well, she couldn't very well turn down that chance! She missed them. She missed the knitting and chatting and laughing. Of course, she would go. And so I did!

On the drive out I explained to Annie my current hatred towards the socks that I was sllllloooooowwwwllllyyy knitting. She reminded me that I really didn't have to finish them. And unlike a book that you are not enjoying, you don't have to just put the knitting away. So I spent most of my evening frogging the afforementioned sock...

Then I sat staring at it for some time. Meanwhile, Annie had not brought any knitting per se. Her first project was to finish the Snoodle (sp?) that she had started to make for Lulu. It is basically a square of flannel, folded in half, with a ball of stuffing in the middle for a head. Then you knot each of the corners, to make hands and feet.

Its adorable and simple and so soft!

Her next project was some needle felting. She's starting out making a mobile (again for Lulu) with little felted balls of swirling colours. The roving yarn is gorgeous and soft and looks absolutely delicious...like beautiful, multicoloured cotton candy.And when she started to needle felt, it looked like the kind of zen work that I live for. There's not watching TV while you do it, because you can easily prick a finger with the barbed needle. But its a simple poking process and when she got going, it was a almost like watching a manual tattoo artist, her hand was moving so fast.Meanwhile, everyone else was working on various parts of various projects. Jenn was adding fringe to the ends of her new scarf; she's adding her Guide's badges later, which is priceless! There was also much sharing of baby photos; Annie hasn't been to knitting in some time either. She brought a gorgeous calendar with photos of Lulu's first year. I had my camera with some pics from today, and I also had my digital keychain with pics of everyone, and loads of Harper.

Needless to say, it was a fantastic night and I'll be sure to start going regularly again. It fills up my cup and then I'll at least have some fortnightly blog fodder!

Okay, so why does everyone love socks so much?

2009-02-14T12:20:00.004-05:00

I've heard so much about socks. First of all, a lot of women I know are cold...my mother, my mother-in-law, my best friend (whose been known to go for a walk in a parka in July, I shit you not). They all complain about being cold all the time. They bring slippers to my house. Granted, I have hardwood floors, but seriously! Its not that cold in my house!
Anyway, in my knitting group (which I've been neglecting terribly the last year) everyone loves socks. They go on and on about knitting socks, almost like its a religious experience. Now, I thought before Christmas, okay, maybe in August, that I would knit up a few pairs of socks for Christmas gifts, for the aforementioned cold nellies. I figured I'd be conservative and start with a couple balls of Patons Kroy Socks in Denim Jacquard. They were to be for my mother-in-law, just because she's the most difficult to buy for of the three.
I cast on and the first problem I had was in the joining, but I got out my copy of Domiknitrix and, of course, found some great instruction. So, the pattern was easy enough (it was the one on the Patons website), but my passion for it waned immediately. I've kept at it, but certainly was not finished 3 pairs in time for Christmas. Actually, I wasn't finished one pair in time for Christmas. Okay, OKAY!! I wasn't finished a single sock in time for Christmas. In fact, even though I still have worked on it little by little all along, this is where I am today...Just barely passed the halfway point. Anyway, the other problem I had was with the spaces that were appearing between the needles. These ladders are ugly and everywhere I look, the advice is just to keep practicing, that they'll disappear with practice. Well, for Christ's sake, I don't want to practice doing socks, just so that I can get rid of unsightly ladders. I DON'T LIKE KNITTING SOCKS! So, when I do finish them, whoever is the lucky recipient better appreciate them, because they are going to be rare. Much like my experience making pumpkin pie from scratch...it just wasn't worth the immense amount of effort. I can get really cool, well-made socks in many stores, at a great price. So, why would I continue to waste my time knitting these ladderfilled monstrocities!?

And here's the ladders...

My Christmas Present to Myself

2009-02-14T11:33:00.006-05:00

My husband listened to my complaints this year and bought me a new winter jacket. And he did a fantastic job...I wasn't with him to try it on and I didn't give him any clues as to what I'd like. But he bought the perfect jacket. Its a thigh-length, brown and black tweed, with a detachable hood and zippered pockets. Its simple and classic and bookish looking...just like me!But I needed a new scarf to go with it. I wanted to do something a little different. Within the fabric of the jacket are fine threads of green and teal. They are so faint that you can't even really see them unless you get up good and close, and I point them out to you. I wanted to draw attention to them. So, I chose Lionbrand Wool in Lemongrass and Dark Teal; 1 ball of each. Then I decided that I wanted the actual scarf to be original, but classic. This sounds simple enough, but I wasn't. What I ended up with was a scarf that wasn't striped, or braided, or tassled, or weaved.

So, this is the pattern that I came up with...

Cast on 26sts, on 8mm needles.

Continue in 2X2 rib until you're nearly out of the first colour. Knit next row with the other colour and continue in 2X2 rib until second half is the same length as the first. Bind off.

I know, I know. Its incredibly complicated. But if you keep a stitch marker and stitch counter and don't watch TV while you work, you should be okay. My other piece of advice on this complex scarf, is to try not to smoke TOO much pot while you knit...I found that the needles looked REALLY REALLY BIG and it freaked me out a little.

Here is my finished scarf, which looks great with my jacket, by the way.

Another Old Project...

2009-02-14T11:10:00.007-05:00

The story behind this is simple. I bought some yarn on eBay and didn't know what to do with it. It was a nice cotton/poly ribbon yarn, in a great creamy peachy colour. There was enough for a small garment, but I'm not a small girl! So, I thought a poncho would be nice.

It was at the height of the poncho comeback and although I was up for making one for myself I knew it had to be a simple design. I also hadn't started to knit, so it had to be a crochet design.

The pattern was the simple Incredible Ribbon Poncho at Lionbrand. Its a basic rectangle, then you sew up one side part way, leaving a hole for your head, so it fits asymmetrically.

I still wear the poncho now; its a great weight for spring when the weather has started to get good and warm. And the colour is nice on my olive skin tone.

Catching Up

2009-02-05T21:09:00.007-05:00

Well, I got a digital camera for my birthday. Ah, I know...only now do you have a digital camera, you say? Shit, that is simply the plight of any middle-class parent. My daughter has had a digital camera for over a year, and actually had the audacity to ask for a new one when she thought it was broken!

Anyway, I've taken some pics of some past knitting and want to catch up the blog with them.

So, let's start with the least recent.

My brother-in-law managed to get his hands on some vintage knitting books (back when I was only doing crochet). This was one of them...

I was so enamoured with this pattern...

that I couldn't help but teach myself to knit. I really only wanted to make the pants (the jacket just seemed too daunting at the time). This was also before I was even pregnant with my little man. And considering the fact that I had no interest in doing the 'gender' ultrasound, I think it was fortuitous that I made these in Bernat's Baby Coordinates in Sky. They turned out perfectly, although they failed to inspire me to finish the rest of the outfit.

A close-up shows the soft boucle of the yarn; its kinky and entwined with a sparkling white thread. It's great to work with; so soft, silky and warm.

The pants are great and are just fitting him now (at 12mos), so he'll be able to wear out the rest of this winter in them.

I'll be posting some other pieces in the next few days, so stay tuned!

My next project

2009-01-19T08:06:00.004-05:00

Okay, so even though I have a few UFOs (a monkey bag, a shawl, a toddler dress, to name a few, socks), I finished my scarf (pic to come) and feel justified in starting something new. I got my Knit Bits newsletter from Berroco and in their new booklet #285 there is a pattern for an apron/garment called Paron.

I love the look of it and want to make it, but I'm such a cheap skate and don't want the rest of the booklet. So, design one I will. I sat last night sketching out the pattern and measuring myself. I'll be using Bernat Baby Coordinates (R & the kids bought some for my birthday last year), in sky, soft blue & white. I knit up a swatch and calculated the decreases, and God, math is not my strong point, but I got it. And it is just for me, so if it doesn't work out perfectly no biggy.

I'll try to post this one as I go.

And now 2 more!

2009-01-14T10:44:00.002-05:00

This just keeps getting better. Except that now I feel such pressure to post. I need to get a hold of the camera in our house and take some photos of my current projects. My UFOs could warrant a blog of their own!

Welcome Jain & Shannon!

Also, feel free to check out my other blogs too, Haiku Mama & A Free Minute.

WOW!

2009-01-08T08:30:00.005-05:00

I signed into blogger this morning only to discover that I have 2 followers to the Funky Hooker! I feel like a super star...okay, okay, I know its not much to some of the huge blogs out there, but its a big deal to me. And that is definately going to make all the difference in how frequently I post my knitting and new patterns.

Right now, I'm working on a few different projects at once. The most important (and most recent) is a plain 2x2 rib narrow scarf in LionBrand wool, that I'm making to match my new coat. I'll post pics later.

I'm also working on a mohair shawl (that a couple years UFO), a 12mos lacy dress, a monkey bag for a friend, and a pair of self-striping blue socks (my first attempt at socks). I usually have a few things knitting at any given time. Crocheting is on the back burner, but I can guarantee that any crochet projects are finished too fast to put away for a time.

So, thanks a million, Fae & CMC Avon...you made my day!

Harper Leg Warmers

2008-12-19T08:20:00.008-05:00

With the goal of practicing elimination communication with my new baby boy, I was struggling daily with pants, domes, socks, diaper covers, and diaper domes. I needed to reduce the number of layers between us without compromising his warmth. Any leg warmers I found in stores were simply too girly for my little man. So I decided to create my own simple pair of neutral leg warmers.

You can find the pattern here.

Rock the Casbah Baby Leg Warmers

2007-12-02T08:05:00.000-05:00

Well, its been a long time since I've posted anything on this blog; I just haven't been inventing new patterns, although I've been crocheting and knitting up a storm. My baby is overdue now and I'm getting so excited and anxious and impatient. But, mostly I'm kind of excited to start using Elimination Communication. And because my little Harper is due in the middle of winter, I thought that using baby leg warmers would make a whole lot of sense. The nicest ones I've found were Baby Legs, but I'm not in a position to pay upwards of $20 for a pair of leg warmers...especially when I have an evergrowing stash of yarn and the time to knit my own.

After a lengthy search of online patterns, I could find only one other pattern specifically designed for baby's legs! And they looked a little bulky for what I wanted. So, I managed to get a sample from my local baby clothing shop and did some simple math and gauge swatches and knitted up a pair of my own. This the first pair; they are quite stiff, but would be breathable in the summer. My husband came up with the name!

Pattern:

Materials
I used Bernat kitchen cotton, but any light-medium weight yarn will do, depending on your needs, approximately 100g
size 2.5mm knitting needles (circular or straight, doesn't matter; if you are comfortable with dpn's, it would save you knitting up the seam at the end), or size to obtain gauge
darning needle

Gauge
26sts X 32rows = 10cm (4")

Pattern
Knit 2 (I knit them at the same time, to ensure duplication)
Cast on 39 sts (if using dpn's, 13 stitches on each of 3 needles).
Knit in 1X1 ribbing for 2cm (.75"), approximately 6 rows
Knit is stockingnette stitch until piece measures 26cm (11.25"), approximately 91 rows.
Knit in 1X1 ribbing for 2cm (.75"), approximately 6 rows.
Bind off.
If knit on straight needles, use darning needle to sew up the back seam.

If there are any questions or corrections, please feel free to post!

Don't worry...I won't quit my day job!

2006-04-17T10:35:00.001-04:00

Well, I'm finally making money on my crocheting! Albeit very little...well, um, hardly any at all...but its something!? I've had a few requests for the Mini-handled Purse from co-workers who don't crochet. I've altered the pattern a little, by request, to make it bigger, by starting with 30 sc's over the handle edge. But I've also eliminated the rows of cross-double crochets and just done twenty even rows of dc. It makes for an easier pattern, and a slightly roomier purse. So I got another request on Thursday and finished it on Sunday. I had just enough Paton's Brilliant in Black Dazzle to make a short version of the Total Torque Biker Scarf at Interweave Press. Its a very 'holey' scarf, so the short version can be worn as a keyhole scarf.

Flower

2006-04-09T15:30:00.002-04:00

I originally planned to make a poncho with flower motifs, inspired partly by this one by Drops Design/Garn Studio, but the motifs of that one were a little 'pointy' for me. So I decided to design a flower myself. Then once I made a few, the idea of the poncho kind of became, shall I say, less desirable. But the flower is cute enough to be used in other patterns or added to other designs (as we shall soon see).

You can find the pattern here.

Toddler Sundress

2006-04-09T15:30:00.001-04:00

So the flower motif found a home, but only by accident. I had been trying to find a sundress to crochet like the knitted Victoria Sundress at Berroco. I'd tried at Crochetville, Crochet Pattern Central, and Google, all to no avail. So I figured, @$%& it, I'll design one myself. And so I did. I took measurements from a dress in Sears and came home to figure out the increases. The dress is made out of breathable cotton, but is heavy enough to stay down on windy days. And the straps are buttoned in place, so they can be crossed or straight, as well they can be raised and lowered to fit. I apologize profusely for the state of the photograph. Crappy cameras yeild crappy photos!

Materials
Lily Sugar N' Cream Cotton - 70.9 gm (2.5 oz) - 4ply, worsted weight cotton - 4 balls, Hot Pink (or preferred colour)
Size 5mm crochet hook
Yarn needle
2, 1/2" buttons

Gauge - 11 rows (in pattern) X 14 stitiches = 10cm (4")
Finished Measurements - Chest 24" (size 4), Shoulder to hem 23"

Front
Row 1 - Ch 65, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Turn.
Row 2 (RS) - Ch 3, dc in each sc across. Turn.
Row 3 - Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next dc and each dc across to last 2 dc, sc2tog. Turn.
Row 4 - Ch 3, dc in each sc across. Turn.
Row 5 - Ch 1, sc in each dc across. Turn.
Row 6 - Ch 3, dc in each sc across. Turn.
Repeat rows 3-6, 9 times, until piece measures approximately 15". Fasten off.

Armhole Shaping
Row 1 - Skipping 6 stitches, join yarn with slst to 7th dc, ch1, sc in same stitch and each stitch across, leaving last 6 stitches unworked. Turn.
Row 2 - Ch 1, sc in each dc across. Turn.
Row 3 - Ch3, dc in each sc across. Turn.
Row 4-10 - Repeat rows 2-3, decreasing 1 stitch at beginning and end of each sc row.
Row 11 - Reverse sc across to end of row. Fasten off.

Back
Work as for front, until piece measures 15". Fasten off.

With wrong sides together, sew side seams.
Join yarn at top left corner of bib. Ch 50. Dc back along chain, single crochet down left side of bib, along back edge, up right side of bib, ch 50, dc back along ch, join with slst. Fasten off.

Attach buttons approximately 3.5" from side seams at back.
Attach optional flower motif (instructions below).

Lewiscraft Closing? What about the kids?!

2006-03-24T08:38:00.000-05:00

So its sad enough that Bentley group is closing all 80 Lewiscraft locations across Canada. It is also sad enough the Peterborough location was the only still-standing original retail store in our downtown mall. To be honest, I was ecstatic about the discounts on existing stock. But, I was nearly heartbroken when I realized that Lewiscraft was the other half of the Salvation Army's Knit for Kids program, which pays for the yarn for local knitters and crocheters to create hats, mitts, scarves, sweaters, etc, to be included in the Christmas hampers every year. Last year alone, the program collected over 40,000 items across Canada, a goal achieved after two decades of the program.
The Salvation Army fears that this program may see its demise this winter, without the co-operation of such a huge retail partner. But I call on all knitters and crocheters (especially the small business owners) to take up the torch. Continue to create these much needed items and donate them directly to the Salvation Army. Or donate your time to the collection and delivery on behalf of the program. You can also donate any yarn from your stash that can be used by others to help offset the cost of the program. Anything can help! But its up to the individual to continue this incredible program.
If you need any ideas, or have any other suggestions, please contact me. I'm doing my best in my community to get a couple of local shops on board for this coming winter. It may be a few months off, but the earlier we get started the better.
Let's try to beat the total from last year, despite this major setback!

Michael's Bunting Bag

2006-03-19T20:14:00.000-05:00

A friend was due back in December and I know how great bunting bags are for newborns in Canada. I used a sweater pattern of my own, altering it to a bunting bag. I also used a skein of sari yarn (a little pricey to buy more than that, alas...) combined with a skein of good ol' Red Heart!

Materials
2 skeins of Red Heart Super Saver in Soft Navy (or colour of your choice)
1 skien of recycled sari silk yarn (or silk/rayon blend)
size 5.5m crochet hook
2 (1" - 1 1/2")buttons

Size
Fits size 0-6 mos

Yoke (using RH)
Row 1: Ch 42, dc in 3rd ch from hk and in next 5ch, inc (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in next ch, dc in next 6ch, inc in next ch, dc in next 12ch, inc in next ch, dc in next 6ch, inc in next ch, dc in last 6 ch.
Row 2-6: Ch2, turn. *dc in each st to ch1 sp, inc (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, repeat from * across ending dc in each st to end of row.
Row 7: Ch2, turn. *dc in each st to ch1 sp, inc (1dc, ch1, 1dc) in ch sp, repeat from * across ending dc in each st to end of row.

Body
Row 1: Ch2, turn, dc in 19 sts, dc in ch1 sp, sk next 32 sts for sleeve, dc inn ch1 sp, dc in next 38 sts for back, dc in ch1 sp, sk next 32 sts for second sleeve, dc in ch1 sp, dc in last 19 sts. Fasten off RH. Join sari yarn with sl st in last stitch.
Row 2: Ch2, turn, dc in each st across. Continue until sari section measures approximately 6 inches (you'll need to reserve some sari for trim). Join RH with slst and continue in pattern until piece measures approximately 24 inches from neck to bottom. Fasten off RH.

Hood
Row 1: Join RH with slst to front right edge of neck. Ch2, dc in same st and in each st around entire edge of neck.
Row 2-?: Ch2, turn, dc in each st around. Continue until hood measures approximately 8-9". Fold hood in half. Ch1, slst through both thicknesses in each st to back edge of hood. Fasten off.

Sleeves
Row 1: With wrong side facing, attach RH with slst through the ch1 spaces at each end of sleeve. Ch2 (does NOT count as stitch), dc in each st around, join in top of first st.
Row 2-3: Ch2, turn, dc in each st around, join in top of first st.
Row 4 (decrease round): Ch2, turn, dc2tog, dc in each remaining stitch to last 2 sts, dc2tog.
Continue for a total of 12 rows, decreasing every 4th round. Fasten off.

Trim
Join sari yarn with sl st in last stitch. Ch1, working 2sc in end of rows and 1sc in stitches, sc evenly up right front edge (making spaces for buttons), around hood edge, and down left edge. Fasten off. Join sari yarn on sleeve ends and sc evenly around edge of sleeves.
If there is any remaining sari yarn, make 2 tassles and attach in bottom corners of bag.

Sew on buttons to correspond with button holes.

Sirdar Camisole

2006-03-15T13:53:00.000-05:00

So, I'm working on a camisole for my mom (didn't have enough for the cardigan that I'd started for the Olympics, ARGH!) and I'm confused by the pattern. I've posted a new thread at the Crochetville Forum and hopefully I can get some help from someone there. This is the camisole.When I do finally get the piece done, I'll post a picture.
In the meantime, I'm also working on a metamorphosized skirt. I bought a pale blue sweater (cable knit) at Y's Buys in Peterborough for $6. I ripped it apart at the seams and I'm going to reassemble with the front as the front and the sleeves as the back (works well because of the increase working down to flare the skirt). Then I'm going to weave a thick satin ribbon for a gathering belt at the waist. In my mind, it looks great, but we'll see.

The Hooker is In!

2006-03-12T08:33:00.000-05:00

You know how they say that things always happen for a reason. I have always been a firm believer in that sentiment (and that it all comes out in the wash, which I guess is pretty much the same thing?!). Anyway, my mom and I experienced grave disappointment upon discovering that the college instructor strike in Ontario would preclude us from enjoying our biweekly massage at Fleming College! After confirming that in fact NO ONE was going to rub us down, we proceeded to Chapters, our usual post-massage destination, and sat with our Starbucks and chatted, flipping through magazines. When it was time to go, we took a quick stroll to the crochet section to see if there was anything new. Its been a while since anything new appeared on the shelf, I was absolutely delighted to see Debbie Stoller sitting on the second shelf in all her funky glory! And because I hadn't spent the money for the massage I could afford to finally get my copy of the Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker.
After returning home, I pulled out the 5-drawer wheeled cabinet where I keep my stash, pulled out two skeins of Red Heart Super Saver in light fuschia and proceeded to make the YeeHaw Lady, the cowboy hat pictured on the cover. I finished it in two days and my daughter loves it! I'm definately going to make another for myself and I can't wait to try another pattern, if for no other reason that to deplete my stash!

Crocheted Felted Diaper Bag

2006-03-01T10:20:00.002-05:00

My husband's exwife (my kids' biomom) is expecting another baby and in the name of being the 'bigger' person, I made a felted diaper bag as a gift. It turned out so well that I think I might make one for myself (it doesn't have to be a diaper bag). I was inspired by the knitted felted bags on Knit Kit Web Page, but designed this one myself. The picture shows my finished one in grey and blue, but have fun with the colours. Do one in one solid colour, or do something in rainbow stripes!

You can find the pattern here.

Dishclothes, dishclothes, dishclothes...

2006-02-19T15:12:00.000-05:00

So my mom dropped off a bag of 4 balls of Bernat Handicrafter Cotton so that I could make some dishclothes. Its a quick way to make a bit of change, so I crocheted them while watching a great documentary called The 70's Dimension. Its a steady stream of 70's era TV commercials that will have you in an acid flashback like no other. Some of them, like the L&M cigarettes and a seatbelt safety commercial put out by the State of Washington Traffic Safety Commission had me laughing out loud. I also managed to get a glimpse of my own vintage stereo system (apparently called "The Gothenberg") in a Packard Bell commercial. It is worth renting, if you can find someone that has it.
During the movie, I managed to get six disclothes done. I can get one regular square and then a smaller one (I did one triangle, one circle and one oval) out of each 50g ball. I can't get the pics to upload to the blog, so maybe I'll add them later. On the other hand, I suppose everyone knows what dishclothes look like; not terribly exciting shit, really.

Mini-handled purse

2006-02-18T12:25:00.002-05:00

I have a new pattern. I designed it one night while watching CBC's Hatching, Matching and Dispatching (Newfie comedic genius!). It was made to go with the Rebecca scarf from Cool Crochet which I made with the same Patons Brilliant. I also added purple glass beads to the edges of the scarf and the bottom edge of the purse. I think that Grandma Vereana will love them.

You can find the pattern here.

We're not gonna take it....anymore.

2006-02-16T09:48:00.000-05:00

I have been staying on top of my crocheting (trying to finish the cardigan and the preemie stuff for the hospital) but I have become completely obsessed with the two sisters from Mississauga who have been convicted of drowning their mother. I've read everything I can find online from the Bob Mitchell coverage for the Toronto Star, to the transcript of the judges findings at Murdering Whores, to the email conversations at TuckerMax. I am more and more stunned at every step. I was so sympathetic when I first heard about them; it seemed like such a tragic story, two teenage sisters so desperate for an answer to life with their alcoholic mother that they feel the only answer is to kill her. But the more I read, the more I see them for the twisted sisters that they are.

First Entry

2006-02-15T11:20:00.000-05:00

This is the first entry and I don't have much to say. I'm in the middle of my Olympic project, but have neglected it the last couple of nights. Monday I spent (into the wee hours) making a black on black [with funfur] shrug for my daughter to wear for Valentine's. Last night, we had a friend over for his birthday dinner and a movie.
So I've got to get back at it tonight!