Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Finally...Knitting Nirvana

Unlike my favourite group, U2, I have found what I've been looking for. Yes, dammit, after tens of hours searching the net for a knit pattern for a poncho that my daughter is pleased with, and all thanks to http://faerycrafty.blogdrive.com/ The most comprehensive poncho list I have ever seen. Wow, talk about dedication, you must check this out. Ya gotta love knitters. Come on, really, they are some of the most helpful, kind people. Last year, when I started knitting the charm bag from the SNB book, I bought the wrong needles and the woman at the knitting store took off all my work and put them back on the proper needles. And aren't they always willing to give free advice? What about the woman in the Knitlit book who owns the store and when she is too busy to stay she leaves the store open with a sign to take what you need and leave a cheque. Where do you find people this kind and honest? I don't know but it does make you think doesn't it? I mean which came first the chicken or the egg? Are people who knit naturally like this or does the actual "act" of knitting restore something in you, something left over from childhood about always being nice to people and to share and help. Too be honest, I have yet to meet a knitter I really dislike. Not that there is a lot of people on that particular list but truly, most people who share the love of this craft with me are, on the whole, fairly nice. I mean there may be a few I don't "connect" with but I still respect them and certainly don't hate them. Maybe there is something to this "knitting for peace" movement. Hey, I'm getting just a tad too philosophical for this time of night. I gotta go to bed, tomorrow is go get a new hairstyle day (how interesting is that with four women in the family?) Goodnight and Peace Be with You.

Wednesday, August 18, 2004

Lovin' Yarn Harlot's Poncho

Okay, trying to be very Martha today and it ain't easy in this Malcolm household. Awoken this morning by dog next door that starts barking at 7:00am EVERY morning (Sat and Sun included). Got my butt moving, DN3 dressed, load in washer, folded laundry, and out door to pick up bag and card to deliver tea cozy I knitted for housewarming gift (was suppose to be given when we visited 3 weeks ago but perfection takes time right?). Picked up some groceries as well, delivered gift, back to another grocery store for fresh fruit and veg then home to prepare lunch as DN2 will be home for 12:30 from hockey clinic. Made lunches, and prepared Paul Prudhomme's Cajun meatloaves to go in oven at 3:30. Cleaned up from lunch, loaded dishwasher and left to go pick up gifts at one of my husband's clients for a charity golf tournament on Sunday. Stopped at 3rd grocery store on way home to pick up DN2 eczema cream and extras for dinner tonight that I forgot at previous two stores. Came home and tidied up some more, picked some pears from trees in back yard and peeled potatoes for dinner. All this is leading up to the fact I have not picked up my knitting all day and am ITCHING to cuz I am loving this pattern from Yarn Harlot. She has requested everyone should knit this while she is on holiday and I am doing what I am told dammit! If anyone out there is looking for a nice simple pattern then this is your baby. I've done about 15 rounds and it is looking FAB. Need to start something else though, I don't know what yet. I like having 4 or 5 things on the go for variety. Well, gotta go, DN3 has Kumon and DN2 has a hockey game at 7:30 so better get moving.

Monday, August 16, 2004

I'm Baaaack!

Here I am back from vacation (last week) and thought I should be doing some serious updating. While I was away on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron I visited Philosopher's Wool. Stunning colours for those that like working with pure wool. Their farm/home/store is brilliantly organized and very welcoming. For those that are in the area I strongly suggest visiting them, however, she did tell me they would be at the knitting fair in KW in September.

I know some of you may be wondering why I am not posting pictures as promised. Well it is kinda a long story but needless to say the camera is broken and going back to Future Shop for replacement or repair. Please stand by.

What is on the needles you ask? Well, finished pink poncho for DN3 and it turned out perfect, only problem was finding a ball of Bella to finish fringe. Have made 4 of the umbilical cord hats from SNB book and am TOTALLY addicted to them, I just can't stop. I am also working on a scarf for a Christmas gift from the "Little Book of Scarves". Beautiful book/kit, I strongly suggest this, wonderful patterns. Still have not repaired Mission Falls sweater and have not frogged too small sweater for hockey player daughter. DN1 still wants a poncho or shawl so I guess I should start one for her. That's about it although I must say I am thoroughly enjoying this summer and love the cooler temperatures, lack of "poor air quality" days and no hydro threats (no one is using their a/c). So as un-Canadian as this sounds, too bad.

Knitting Forever,
Housework Whenever