Coucou

Ouf.


Things are so hectic! Work is super busy which doesn't leave much energy for anything else. Gris production is in full fall swing. And then there's that October marathon I've been training for. I did my last long training run last Sunday. 37 kilometres. Yes, I've been questioning my sanity.

Been listening to WAY too much Kate Bush while I write, stitch, and run. Do you have any good music recommendations to carry me through these next few weeks?


I would be much obliged.



 I should mention that some of my hand-made goods are available at Bookhou right now if you're in the GTA. It's getting to be that time...

Got the blues

I picked up a little treat at the Twist Fibre Festival.
Some lovely silk/mohair laceweight in tealy blues.



I'm thinking of an ombré effect shawl.
Not sure what pattern to use. Perhaps this, this or this.


Any thoughts?

Yummy fibre

Got a lovely package in the mail this week.

 Some very pretty merino I ordered from Wild Plums.





This pretty stuff is making my fingers itch for my wheel, but I need to concentrate on replenishing Gris stock for the fall. Even though the heat's made a bit of a return in these parts, there's no denying that woolies will feature prominently in my near future.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Ahhh....

The insane summer heat is finally just a sweaty, sticky memory. I actually pulled a shawl out this morning. I never showed you this one. It's one of my favourites.


Textured shawl recipe by Orlane, a free pattern on Ravelry. There are lots of beautiful examples of this pattern. Like this one, this one, and this one.


I used Madeline Tosh Eyre, in a lovely greyish blue colourway (sadly discontinued)


A pure knitting and wearing pleasure.

How about you, are you excited that cooler days are back?

Untold Imprint and Craft It Forward

 
Do you know Phoebe Stout? She's the talented lady behind Untold Imprint. Several months ago, she posted about a lovely project called Craft It Forward. The first 5 people to comment on her blog received some lovely handmade goods and agreed to do the same on their blog.


I jumped at the chance. I'd be a longtime fan of Phoebe and thought the project was such a lovely idea. I received a lovely necklace/wrap bracelet, as well as a pretty tea towel and hand printed card.


The sweet tea towel graces a wall in my work studio.

I've purchased several of Phoebe's pieces since, and they've been in heavy rotation all summer.






The little green necklace features a lovely brass bell that gently tinkles when I move.



This photo is for my husband, who complains that I never include photos of me fully smiling.


Phoebe has such a lovely sense of aesthetics: calm and natural. And very beautiful quality!

So, if you would like to receive a little handmade treat, leave me a comment. The first five people who do will receive a package from me. Once you do, write a blog post about it and continue the project by sending something handmade to the first five commenters on your post. Send anything handmade by you, before the end of 2012.

Vitamin P

My, that went by fast. I've been on holidays for the past 2 weeks and can hardly believe it's almost over. The first week was blissfully spent by the ocean, at my parents in New-Brunswick. Sorry, no photos this time. We were too busy doing nothing (aka reading, knitting, swimming, beach-combing, eating, domino ass-kicking).



This second week, I tried to catch up on non-work life, and managed to cross off barely 10% of my to-do list. Oh well. One thing on my list was to take photos of some past FO's that I had yet to document. Which is why I am wearing a wool sweater in the height of summer. What I won't do for you guys...

 

Meet "Vitamin P", my take on Heidi Kirrmaier's beautiful Vitamin D pattern. I knit it in Madeline Tosh Light, in the Briar colourway, which may not have been the best choice for this ode to short rows (a brilliantly written pattern by the way). I find that the construction of this garment really accentuates the stripey effect of the semi-solid yarn (love striped, not so sure about stripey). I've always had a complicated relationship with variegated yarns.

And it kind of takes me way out of my neutral comfort zone. (To get a taste of my neutral obsession, take a look at my homage to bland).

Also, I'm not convinced this is the best silhouette for me. But I think it looks good with charcoal, which constitutes 98% of my wardrobe, so it's all good.



Speaking of charcoal, the dress I'm wearing is one that I picked up at a charity shop yesterday for practically nothing and I lovelovelove it! The fabric falls so beautifully, it's the perfect length for me, and best of all, it has pockets.

So I've got another 48 hours of freedom before I return to my cubicle (boohiss), and I plan on spending them wisely with:

 - Lots of (secret) knitting



- A crazy 27 km run, according to my marathon training schedule (lordhelpme)

- Some desperately-needed laundry

- And more excitingly, I need to tell you about a little giveaway I'll be having.

Make sure you stay tuned! Have a great weekend.

Walpole sample

© Brooklyn Tweed/Jared Flood

When Hannah asked me to knit a sample for a design she wrote up for Brooklyntweed's Wool People vol. 3 I was thrilled. I mean, really, how could I say no? Knitbot+BT+Loft = knitting nirvana.

© Brooklyn Tweed/Jared Flood

© Brooklyn Tweed/Jared Flood

Walpole is miles and miles of stocking stitch, but oh so worth it. It's a light, super-wearable, everyday piece. And Loft is gorgeous stuff to work with! You should knit one!

© Brooklyn Tweed/Jared Flood

© Brooklyn Tweed/Jared Flood

(Thanks to Jared Flood for kindly giving me permission to use his beautiful photos. And thanks to Hannah for the great opportunity!)