Knitting In The North

Fibre Finding

Of course, on any trip, it's important to find a LYS.  Why would going to Maui be any different?  I did a bit of research before we went, and found two small shops, both in Lahaina (a main town on Maui). 

The first was called Yarn & Needlecraft, and it was a nice, small shop.  It happened to be right next door to a dive shop, so Stuart happily went next door to talk scuba while I looked around.  There was some luscious silk that was difficult to walk away from, but ultimately I decided that pretty much everything there I could find from home, and moved on.

 

The second, The Needlework Shop, was a mult-crafting shop.  They carry yarn, cloth, thread, needlepoint kits, ready-made items, and also offer classes in many different areas.  I purchased there one skein of sock yarn, hand-dyed on Maui.    It is called Maui Sunset, and if you'd like your own little taste of Maui, the dyer has an etsy shop for you to explore.

 

I also indulged in a half dozen batik fat quarters.  Although I'm still so new to sewing, I couldn't resist all the colours and patterns, so full of possibilities.  I also picked up a pincushion kit, which I hope to make up soon, to keep in my studio and remind me of Maui.

While in Vancouver, I found a few treasures, although some are for gifts, so are top secret.  At Christmas, Stuart gave me a gift certificate to Birkeland Brothers, with the thought of taking me yarn shopping while we were there, and I purchased 6 skeins of NaturLin, in a navy blue (which sadly does not photograph well).  At Three Bags Full, I picked up a couple of skeins of Shetland wool, found in their sale (!!) basket - I've never used Shetland before, so I'm looking forward to giving it a try this winter.

I feel I was pretty restrained, at least for me, in my purchases this time around.  I have been talking for ages about knitting from my stash, but it is only recently that I've found my perspective changing.  Rather than dragging my heels and making myself use what's here, I'm quietly enjoying my stash, planning and admiring the treasures I already have!  It's amazing how much things can change, depending on how you look at them, eh? 

Happy Thought

Here's my happy thought for the day!  This lovely yarn arrived just this afternoon.  I was on my way out the door to pick up the big kids from school when I saw the package peeking out of the mailbox.  I thought it was some boring astronomy thing for Stuart, and was so excited to see this instead that I took along with me in the car, cutting at the packaging with my tiny Swiss army knife at red lights!

Now I'm in a quandary trying to decide on the perfect sock for it.  I really, really want to cast on for it Right. This. Second., and can't decide between a simple stitch pattern and a plain ol' vanilla sock.  I will admit I have a great weakness for vanilla socks, but have a serious problem with ladders that I'm always afraid will show itself when I least expect (or want) it.  Maybe garter rib?  Hmmm.  Much to think about.

The thermometer has taken a nasty, sick, disgusting dip, and we're looking at freezing temperatures all this weekend here.  Yuck.  I recently borrowed a copy of The Bountiful Container from my library, and have become enthralled with the idea of planting a succession container garden.  Much more manageable than the big garden (which, if Stuart has his way will be given over completely to potatoes, and maybe a few viney things like zucchini) considering my rather large belly, and still productive, frugal(ish) and fun!  Sigh.  I guess next weekend will have to suffice, I really can't see Stuart filling pots and dragging them up onto the deck for me to plant, nor do I have any desire to be sitting on the deck in freezing temperatures.  I'm a bit of a baby that way.  How about you?  Any big weekend plans?

Indulgence

I have really been focusing on using yarn in my stash lately, and actively trying not to buy new yarn.  I found a big sale on at Yarnsale.ca, though, and indulged in one order.  Above is a lone skein of Noro Iro, in a red colourway.  My mum noticed the tea cozy I knit for myself, and really liked it, so I thought I'd take this along on my trip to Winnipeg next week, and offer to knit her one while I'm there.

Here are 3 balls of Rowan Plaid, in the Spicy colourway.  These are for Katie - she was soooo happy that I found a bright yarn, with orange in it, that didn't also have pink!  I'm planning some winter outerwear for next fall with these, for sure a hat, and then something else with whatever's left.  I had no idea this yarn was so nice, and am having a hard time not ordering more, in a different colourway, for myself.

This is Debbie Bliss SoHo, in Magenta/Purple.  These are for Gwenyth, also for winter outerwear for next fall.  I will admit that I am a real sucker for Debbie Bliss yarns.  I don't know what it is about them, and I know there are other yarns just as good, but if I find Debbie Bliss anything on sale, I have an incredibly hard time resisting.  I was pretty proud of myself that these two were my only DB weakness.

My largest purchase was several balls of RYC Soft Tweed.  I was going back and forth between this and the Jaeger Natural Fleece I bought for the Drops sweater that I've been drooling over, but Stuart finally stepped in and told me to go with the Natural Fleece (he doesn't think red makes me look tarty at all, and also feels that I don't wear enough colour, so he's constantly making colourful suggestions for my wardrobe).  I'm really unsure what to do with this yarn now.  I have enough to make a really nice sweater for myself, or even a long sweater coat, but I'm really loving the Juliet pattern as well, and can totally see it in this yarn.  I guess I have lots of time to make a decision, I'm still buried in Katie's hoodie, Gwen's sock yarn sweater, and have started a little Sheldon for my daycare guy.  What I didn't show in the pictures was I also bought myself a copy of Knitting on the Road, full of lovely sock patterns!  I'm thinking Conwy will be the first pair, that Welsh name just grabbed me.  Now I'll have the fun of digging in my sock yarn stash for the perfect yarn! 

Isn't It Romantic?

Yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised to find the last installment of the Woolgirl Sock Club in my mail.  I had forgotten I still had one more to go, so was extra happy to see all these goodies!  Enclosed was one skein of Zen Yarn Garden, Squooshy - this yarn is so soft and lovely.  I have never, ever felt the need for pink sock yarn before, and yet I am thrilled at the idea of pink, lacy socks.  One of the things I really have enjoyed about this Sock Club is all the really thoughtful extras included - this time, there was a charming drawstring project bag, pink hot chocolate, romantic M&Ms, and a pretty little stitch marker.  The project bag is really awesome, I can hardly wait to tuck something away in it!

I'm saving the pink hot chocolate, though, for a special "tea party" with a little girl.  It seems just right somehow (but I'm not sharing the M&Ms - those are all mine!).  This club has always included a great pattern with the yarn, but this time we got a bonus, and there were two!  Both very suitable for a February parcel - although I think I'm leaning towards Love in the First Degree.  I'm also thinking about the Quill Lace Socks I've seen out and about recently.  Any suggestions? 

Winner

One of the podcasts I listen to, Socks in the City, recently had a contest, and I was a winner!  I feel so fortunate, I've won a couple of contests over the last year or so, and the prizes are always so fun!

The prize Carrie sent was a skein of Austermann Step, in colourway 27.  This is a great blend of black, orange, magenta and purpley blue.  I'm thinking Katie would really love a pair of socks in this, and I'll probably have enough to make a pair for Gwenyth, too!  I really like working with the Step yarn, it's very soft.

If you haven't checked out this podcast before, and you like knitting socks, I recommend you check it out.  Carrie is a lot of fun, and very enthusiastic about sock yarn, and different patterns.

Hey, guess what?  The doorbell just rang as I was writing this, and it was my postman, bringing me the yarn for my maternity sweater!  Hooray!  Now, I just need to feel well enough to knit!  Think healthy, non-nauseous, non-dizzy thoughts for me - I've been feeling pretty rough the last little bit, and haven't even been able to knit for the last two days!  You know things are really bad when that happens.  I want to knit, but when I sit and look at it, I feel dizzy and tired, so I'm giving myself a bit of a break.  But I'm so close to finishing Brian's car sweater (I'm on the second sleeve!), that I really want to get it done for him.  And get this sweater done for me!  Pretty soon, I'm going to need it!

Stash Flashing

Now that I'm on Ravelry, I've been trying to catalogue my stash.  Wanna see my progress?

Louet Gems Pearl, for the ever popular Endpaper Mitts.

Noro Cash Iroha, intended for a sweater for myself!

Rowan Summer Tweed, no plans as yet.

Berroco Touche, no plans as yet.

Peruvian Luxury DK, maybe for the Tangled Yoke Cardigan.

allhemp6, for the Lovely Leaf Lace skirt.

1 skein of Blue Sky Alpacas Melange, any suggestions?  I have no idea what to do with it, but it was too pretty to pass up.

I admit, this isn't the whole stash, but it's a good part of it!  I'm trying really hard to revel in the stash, instead of the online yarn store!

Vacation Gluttony

During our holiday, I had the pleasure of teaching Stuart the finer points of a good yarn crawl.  We really only visited three different stores, but one involved a ferry ride, so I figure that counts for bonus points.

Fun Knits is a place I'd heard a lot about, so I was really excited to take the ferry over to Quadra Island and pay a visit.  I spent a nice hour or so there, exploring and visiting, and found a few treasures I couldn't leave without:

 

Here are two big balls of Hemp yarn, destined to be the Hemp Bag in No Sheep for You, and some superwash fingering merino, which may be socks, or something else, like a small, lacy shawl.  Maybe this would be good for a Swallowtail?  It's almost too nice to make socks out of!

As we were driving through Campbell River, we happened across Needle & Arts Centre.  They were super friendly, and had a great selection, but to be honest, I was tired and getting yarned out that day!  Who knew it was possible?

We dropped by Uptown Yarns in Courtenay not once, but twice over the week!  I couldn't find a site for them, but the lady there assured me that they will post yarn if needed.

I picked up a ball of Phildar sock yarn in dark blue, to be the solid part of the Bees Knees pattern I bought to make for Gwenyth.  I also brought home a ball of Lanett superwash merino.  My thought was that if I used it as contrast toes and heels (and maybe cuffs, too?) with the blue-ish Lorna's Laces I ordered recently, I could stretch it a bit.  I didn't have the LL with me, so was just taking a shot in the dark, but they match perfectly!  I can't wait to give it a try.

Naturally, when I saw Panda Wool I had to get a couple balls, these are Jet Black.  I also found Regia Silk on sale, so picked up two of those, as well.

There was a sale bin of Light Lopi!  I have heard a lot about this yarn, so didn't want to pass it up.  There are three balls of red and two of white, and I'm envisioning some crisp colourwork.

This one skein of Sweatermaker handspun was too good to resist!  I came away with a pattern for a cabled headband, and the shop lady said she figured I would get two bands out of one skein.  Or maybe a baby hat?  We'll see.  The bamboo needles are 4.5mm, since last time I needed a pair that size, I found at least three pairs of 4.0mm, and no 4.5mm ones.  The rosewood needles are 5.5mm, and a special treat (from Fun Knits, though, not Uptown Yarns).  I bought them to knit my scarf out of the Sea Silk that I bought for my birthday - Sea Silk on rosewood needles sounds like the height of luxury to me!

I have heard Peg mention the $2.00 sale bin at her LYS, so of course I had to check it out!  And look at the yarny goodness I found!  Five balls of Louisa Harding Kashmir Aran, and one ball (I can't remember exactly what is was) of a brown/blue blend to make Katie a winter hat.  I'm thinking just a basic rolled brim would be great - she values simplicity, just like her Mum.

Phew!  Are you tired out yet?  I know I am!  What a lot of goodies - I feel so spoiled, which is good, since I'm pretty sure this is my last yarn purchase until next year!  At least I'll have lots to keep me busy, right? 

 

Let the Finishing Begin!

You know the labels you can assign to each post?  Is it just me, or is almost every single entry of mine tagged "Stash"?  Hmmm.

My Kpixie order arrived today!  Hello, yarn!

Goodbye, laundry, camping preparations, housework!  The Blue Sky Cotton is a different dye lot than what came in the kit, but so far I don't see a big difference between the two lots.  I'm hoping that using this one skein for all the finishing will help it not be too noticeable!  Also, see the extras!  Two skeins of Lorna's Laces, both closeouts, plus a skein of the famous Tofutsie yarn!  There was also a little something else, but it's for a gift for a friend of mine who's expecting, so you'll have to wait until next month to see that.  Come to think of it, maybe that's what I should take along with me on our trip!  What do you think?

Like Minds

A little bit ago, an old friend came for a visit.  She doesn't live here anymore, but was up visiting family, and we bravely merged our children for an afternoon.  (It was actually quite fun, and made me long to have a few more babies!  Our oldest three match quite well, being the same gender, and less than a year apart in each case.  When I asked Stuart, though, if it made him long for a huge family, he just laughed.)  What a treat to have someone sit down on my bed and rifle through my yarn basket!  (She also rifled my sock yarn bin, exclaiming with pleasure at a "new" yarn, or a particular colour.)  It did my heart good to spend some time in the company of someone who appreciates fibre the same way that I do.  I've often felt a bit envious when I read of other bloggers meeting up with friends "in real life", and have wished for a chance to do the same.  (If my plans work out, I'll have a few more chances later in the month on our camping trip to the Island.)  Like many knitters, I have stash packed away safely in bins, but the yarn in the photo I couldn't bear to put away.  It's too pretty, and I like to pet it every now and then, and gaze at it for inspiration.  Look, now, two more things to add to my Thankful List!  Good friends, and good yarn, what could be better?

We had an Interesting Learning Experience with Brian yesterday.  You see, a week or so ago, the big kids had their annual eye exam, and Katie is in need of a new pair of glasses.  We went into the vision centre to pick out some new frames, and while she was trying them on (and trying them on, and trying them on...), Brian fell in love with a pair of Spiderman frames.  They aren't anything too exciting, plain blue fronts, but have a web pattern on the arms, and his little heart struggles against the injustice that Stuart, Katie and I all wear glasses, and he doesn't.  Yesterday, we popped in to see if Kate's new specs were ready, and visited for a few minutes; then we headed off to the museum for some rainy day fun.  I had just settled down with my sock knitting, when I saw Brian run past in dress up clothes, including a pair of glasses.  "How strange," I thought, "I don't remember them having glasses to try on before?"  Then, I saw the price tag.  After a Very Serious Discussion on what it means to take something that doesn't belong to you, we packed up and headed back to the vision centre so Brian could apologize, and return the frames.  It was very sad for him, and very difficult, but he did it, and I'm glad.  Now, let's hope the poor little guy has learned this lesson!  Whew!

30... the new...

What?  I have no idea what the new 30 is, but whatever we're calling it, it's not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  I'm not sure what weird personality trait this is, but it is my habit to make a big freaking deal out of something - worrying and fussing and complaining, and then, when the moment arrives, just doing it with no fuss whatsoever.  I've been like this in situations as varied as new jobs, exams and childbirth, so I guess significant birthdays aren't too far out of the park.  At any rate, my 30th birthday came and went, and I still feel like myself, so all is good.  How could it not be good, when I spent the weekend looking at this:

Don't you love how you can see the rain falling over the valley?  This is the view from the top of the Jasper Tramway.  Incredible, no?

This was the view from my hotel room - when you're faced with God's amazing creation, is it really possible to stress about a birthday?  I needed to change my attitude, and this weekend definitely did the trick.  Spending time appreciating creation, and reflecting on all I have to be thankful for, definitely helped me stop worrying about the fact that I haven't changed the world during my first 30 years on it.

It certainly didn't hurt that I found a yarn shop in Jasper, and treated myself to this amazing Sea Silk - I've longed to get my hands on a skein of this luscious yarn for ages, and I was so excited to find it!

And this: Trekking Pro Natura (wool/bamboo), and a ball of Mandarin Petit.  Also, a Bee's Knees pattern for a very cute, lacy sweater for Gwenyth.

It was an amazing weekend away, and I feel refreshed and inspired, and my fingers are soooo itching to make good stuff!  I spent my knitting time working on the Eyelet Cardi, during which I finished the back, and started the front.  Now, I'm reminded that I'm not quite finished my second Sockapalooza sock, so I'm off to get busy with that!