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A Shawl for Mom
December 5th, 2009
Mom doesn’t ask for a lot of handknits, so when she mentioned that she’d love a new black scarf for Christmas, I decided it was a great opportunity to design one just for her.
Instead of a rectangle scarf, I chose a small shoulder-shawl, perfect for draping around her neck. I used Fresco by Classic Elite; a warm wool/alpaca/angora blend that’ll keep her cozy. With just two skeins, this shawls knits up with less than 350 yards of sock-weight yarn; perfect for all those gorgeous skeins in my stash.
The shawl begins at the top center and works out, with a knit-on sawtooth border that’s then continued around the cast off edges.
Maybe because a good part is stockinette, but I found this design absolutely addictive and am already casting on for a second version in a multi-colored sock yarn.
Look for the pattern to be available soon!
Wisteria Garden Shawl
August 11th, 2009
Earlier this summer, I was tasked (by myself!) with designing the shawl project for the June Year of Lace. If you remember my early summer, it was kind of… well… stressful. This project, rather than making things worse, actually kept me sane.
It was great to just focus on a short-term deadline, and the yarn as it passed between my fingers and the needles. It was great to design. To plan. To chart. And then to see it become something beautiful and tangible.
The yarn is a seasilk from Zen Yarn Garden – one of my favourite Canadian hand-dyers. It’s got a soft hand, and a lovely luster, and it made for happy knitting.
For now, the pattern is only available to current Year of Lace subscribers.
For the full flickr set, click here.
Toronto Dogs
July 6th, 2009
The dogs are doing great in the big city. At first, Jackson was a little nervous about all of the new sights and smells, and especially, people. He can be an anxious dog at times. We suspect it’s because he had been abandoned at 4 months, and went through at least four homes in a short period of time. The first few walks were an adventure for sure. He’d take offense to someone – anyone – and start barking his head off.
Great welcome to the city, eh?
Now, a little over a week in, he’s doing a lot better. He seems more relaxed, and really is enjoying walks down the sidewalk rather than through the woods.
Sandra and I have been exploring the various off-leash options available to Toronto dogs and their humans. Last Sunday afternoon, we went to Kew Beach and let them play in the water (green flag, I think) for a bit.
Naturally, they were extremely happy.
Toronto dog owners, if you have any tips or advice for us, we’d love to hear it!