Joining yarn

I don't know "the" right way. I do know my way.
I add new yarn at the beginning of each row. At first it may be difficult to maintain the consistency of your tension while you work the first few stitches with the new yarn. To combat this leave at least four inches of the old and new yarn at the beginning of the row. Tie these two pieces of yarn together.
More on this in future postings.

Spreading my addicition: What could be better than singing along while you knit? Here's what you do.... visit http://oknitting3.blogspot.com
and click on the first link provided.

http://westcoastknitters.org/

I continue to be amazed by the generosity, support and encouragement to be found in the knitting community.
There is no better way to spend your day than with a fellow knitter.
Time was it was the urban knitter who had that luxury. They had access to the guilds and yarn shops.
Not no more. Thanks to the computer it matters not where you live. You can order knitting patterns, yarn, knitting needles, and almost anything else that a knitter wants over the internet.
I, as a knitwear designer, have made all my contacts by way of the email. It is my favourite form of communication.
What about knitting guilds. Well, up until recently I have to admit participating in my guild was a bit of a challenge.
There is a group of knitters who gather on Mayne Island the last Monday of most months.
But participating in my guild was a challenge. You see I am a member of the West Coast Knitters guild. I thoroughly enjoy reading the newsletter. I have even submitted an article that I hope will appear in a future issue. However, my participation in the guild is greatly limited by my location. Or I should say
"was" greatly limited by my location. Thanks to the dedication of a few volunteers my guild is now online. I invite you to visit them at http://westcoastknitters.org/

Oh the joys of the computer age

Computers were designed to make our lives easier. On the whole they do do that. On a good day we contented to the world 24/7 from all four corners of the world. Even from my tiny little island. On bad day ...oh on a bad day. Today is a bad day. I logged on. My homepage is my web site: www.oknitting.com Or should I say my homepage is usually .... mostly ....my web site. Today my homepage says that that page is down. Alarming? Yes. Thankfully I have a reliable host and so I know that this too will pass. I apologize for any inconvenience this is causing you. Believe me I feel your pain. : )

Write a letter

We are writing to enlist the help of Assembly of BC Arts Councils members and supporters to urge the provincial government to increase its investment in BC’s arts and culture sector through increased funds to the British Columbia Arts Council. The Assembly has been working with a coalition of arts organizations under the banner of Arts Future BC to lobby for this increased support delivered through the BC Arts Council. The arts provide our communities with a heart and soul that must be nurtured. We believe that that BC Arts Council is the best vehicle to deliver provincial investment in arts and culture into the hands of individual artists and arts organizations throughout the province. During September and October Arts Future BC has been busy rallying artists, arts organizations and supporters of the arts to make their voices heard. Arts supporters in eight BC communities have made presentations before the government’s Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services in support of increased investment in the arts in BC delivered through the programs of the BC Arts Council. It is this committee that will bring forward recommendations to the Minister of Finance for the 2007/08 provincial budget. We have had a real impact with these presentations. But we need more support to drive our message home! It is of utmost importance that our elected officials get the message that arts and culture are important, and that a significant portion of electors care about government support for the arts. Please write to your MLA , lobby community leaders, and get the word out that arts and culture are vital to our communities, and direct funding to arts and culture practitioners is the best way to keep the sector healthy and growing -- and providing social and economic benefit to our communities.
To find your MLA’s contact information, go to MLA Finder on the provincial government web site: http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm .
For statistics and quotes on the importance and contributions of the arts to our province, visit the Assembly website “Advocacy” pages at http://www.assemblybcartscouncils.ca/WebSite/gAdvocacy/index-2.asp.
The Assembly has also posted Arts Future BC’s written brief to the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services on our web site at http://www.assemblybcartscouncils.ca/WebSite/bNews_Home/NewsEventsProjects/ArtsFuturebrief.pdf> Write to your MLA immediately, before the 2007/08 budget is finalized, to urge him or her to support government funding for arts and culture through the BC Arts Council.
Please circulate this information to your members, friends, colleagues and supporters asking them to contact their MLAs too.
Thank you for your support
Gina Sufrin Executive Director
**Assembly of BC Arts Councils**

I'm off to write a letter.

EBay

Okay let me start today's post by stressing that I do not sell on eBay. No oknitting products may be found there. If you find oknitting products on eBay please let me know. Because that will mean that someone is using my business name in vain and would explain an email I received today.
Apparently Tom has tried repeatedly to buy an oknitting product over eBay. In his email he expressed how frustrated he was. Well I can understand his frustration. It's like traveling to the far North in hopes of seeing an elephant. All that will happen is disappointment and frustration.
So I am sorry Tom. I truly am. If you would like one of my patterns or my book Novelty Yarn please log on to: www.oknitting.com . I am more than happy to help you.
Of course I would like to contact Tom directly. Unfortunately, the email was generated by eBay. So contacting Tom is impossible.
I also attempted to find an oknitting product on eBay. This also was futile.

Grinning from ear to ear

Novelty Yarn (www.oknitting.com) is reviewed on
http://www.sheeptoshawl.com/blog.php

Time keeps ticking away

Well I just finished the first Islandia. Weaved in all the ends. Added the tassel.
I am almost finished knitting the second.
Yet the time keeps ticking away.
Who will win. The time or me. I'll keep you posted.
Deadline: November 10th.
Wish me luck.

Artic Lace

Artic Lace is a well-crafted, informative book. Far more than a knitting book it is a book of discovery. In it we are introduced not only to working in lace but to the rich northern culture.

Traveling "north" is a treat that due to the expenses incurred not all may enjoy. Yet while reading Artic Lace I felt I was there. Donna takes us with her to Alaska. You meet the people, hear their stories, experience their culture.

One of the stories Donna shares is of the Oomingmak Musk Ox Producer's Co-operative. As a rural woman I know how hard it can be to make a living. The story of the co-op speaks of ingenuity, perseverance, and dedication.

Donna also introduces us to the gentle creatures whose luxurious fibre every knitter longs to knit.

Then in the final chapters Donna's thoughts turn to lace. A knitter inexperienced with working in lace may be apprehensive Donna addresses your concerns and puts them to rest. She outlines steps to ensure your experience is rewarding. Her lace-knitting workshop in words and pictures is clear and concise. The patterns included offer hours of knitting enjoyment for knitters of all skill levels.

I highly recommend Artic Lace to both those who dream of artic travel and to those who like to or long to knit lace.

To order: http://www.amazon.com/Arctic-Lace-Knitting-Inspired-Knitters/dp/0966828976/sr=8-1/qid=1161704301/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-7797712-7201753?ie=UTF8&s=books

To visit the author: www.sheeptoshawl.com

Islandia

"Islandia" was inspired by the Greenland hood that was high fashion in Iceland during the 1300s. Islandia may be worn over or under your fall or winter coat. Currently I am making a batch for "the" Craft Fair. I have one almost finished. I am half through another. And 1/4 finished a third.
I knit the way I cook. I use a pattern as a guideline. This way I don't have to knit the same thing over and over again. What intrigues me is creating something new with yarn.
Hence the version pictured above.
I searched my stash looking for inspiration. I found three colours of bulky lopi yarn: white, light grey, and dark grey. Because I was working with bulky yarn I did not need to cast on as many stitches as the pattern called for. The bulky yarn moved quickly over my needles. On the whole I like the effect I achieved. I need to knit more on the I-cord streamer. They are a little shorter than I wanted. It is easy to add on. Then I have to weave in the ends and add the tassels. This hood should be finished today.
Don't be afraid to play with a pattern. It's fun. If you don't like the results it is relatively easy to frog (rip out) and try again.
Add fun to your knitting.

My life in yarn

I just got an email from one of my favourite yarn manufacturers. They will be sending me a box of wonderful yarn. It is so nice to be supported by a talented yarn company. I am nothing without yarn. Much like a potter needs clay or a painter needs paint. I sit on needles (no pins) waiting for the yarn to arrive. Those among you who suffer from the same addiction will no doubt understand.

Gaze into my crystal ball

Do you want to know the future. Well, sit tight my knitting pals and I will reveal all...
Monday, October 23rd: I am currently knitting "Islandia" for "the" Craft Fair. I have made some alternations so that each one will be original. I will start sharing these creations on Monday.
Tuesday, October 24th: I will be reviewing Artic Lace on my blog. Donna will be reviewing Novelty Yarn on her blog.
Sunday, October 22nd: Who knows what will happen. It may be worth logging on.

What day is this?

You'll never have to ask this question again if you follow my advice.
My advice.
Get one of these...
http://www.accordpublishing.com/knitting/knitting.htm

It's a great little desk top calendar. Jammed packed full of must-knit patterns. Patterns for all skill levels, all ages, all styles.
Mine arrived yesterday.
What did I do? I poured over the pages. I flipped from January 1st to December 31st. I searched for my patterns. Along the way I was inspired by the talent of my fellow knitwear designers. Wow!
Okay, I know what you are saying.
"Leanne, that's extremely bad luck."
I know this because my own Hubby will not stay in the room when I engage in this activity.
But I don't buy into this song and dance.
Quick where's some wood to knock on... : )

A preview of a review

Can you do me a favour? Log on over to www.sheeptoshawl.com I'll wait here while you go there.
Minutes...hours...Ah you're finally back. Glad you are. I know there is a lot to see.
Believe me I know how interesting Donna is. You see am reviewing her latest book: Artic Lace. Yup, I am one lucky knitter. You're lucky too because I will be posting the review right here on this very blog.
Why don't you buy Artic Lace and then we can compare notes.
http://www.amazon.com/Arctic-Lace-Knitting-Inspired-Knitters/dp/0966828976/sr=1-1/qid=1161275772/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-7797712-7201753?ie=UTF8&s=books
Happy reading

Surprise

Wow! Look at all the changes we have made. Finally Novelty Yarn is on the site. I am eager to travel to your knitting group or knitting event to share it with you. To make arrangements, please email leanne@oknitting.com
As well don't miss the new patterns on the For CHILDREN page.
Log on to: www.oknitting.com

knitting class: Knitting exercises

No, I'm not talking about visiting your local yarn shop to bench press some mohair. Although that may work. And if it does go for it.
What I'm concerned with today is caring for your body so that you can continue your life in yarn.
I speak as an addict. I have knit for eight hours straight. No break. Smart? No. I became concerned when I started having pain in my wrist. When I brought this pain to my doctor's attention she restricted me to four hours a day. Friends have advised that when it starts to hurt take a week off. Nice thought but I can't always afford this. Yarn is my career.
What I did in the past was work through the pain. I had a deadline I worked towards it. Nothing would stand in my way. ...NOT SMART.
What I do now is stay tuned in to my body. When I feel pain I take this as a sign that I have done too much. I slow down. I ice my wrists. (Wrap ice in a facecloth and lay on my wrist. No more than ten minutes on each wrist). I also do some of these exercises.
http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/zm2666.asp?printing=true
SMART.
My new goal is to stay healthy so that I can continue to enjoy my life in yarn.

New hat pattern

Do you watch reality TV?
I do.
Sometimes I even gain inspiration from them.
Case in point...
I saw something similar to this hat being worn on Big Brother. The designed intrigued me. A hat with a hole in the top. Much like a headband only much bigger and worn differently.
I think it's cute.
What do you think?

Personally

Please read: http://oknitting3.blogspot.com

Scarving

Okay, here we go. Notice that we have stitches on two needles. Notice as well that these are not two pieces of knitting.
Here's is the resulting scarf.
One way of wearing it...
Another way. I think I like this way better.
I think Elizabeth Zimmerman would be pleased. What do you think?

Spun on Mayne Island

I am busy working on more patterns for my kits (see yesterday's post).
Currently I am working on this awesome idea for a scarf. It uses another technique I have discovered: three needle cast on. It's along the lines of the one Elizabeth Zimmerman made famous. ...but of course she didn't use the three needle cast on technique. I hope to have a picture tomorrow.
This Mayne Island homespun just begs to be knit. : )

Christmas knitting kits

Do you remember this picture...
I posted it saying that I was challenged to develop new patterns in hopes to make Christmas knitting kits. Well I have developed my first. I call it the "Kitty Cat hat".
Now I think you know why. It is worked using a technique I discovered: circular knitting on two straight needles.
A few other ideas for the hat:
add tassels to the ears,
add an I-cord closure to the neck.
What do you think? Please email leanne@oknitting.com with your thoughts/ suggestions. I'm interested.

knitting class: knitting bag

I surfed around the net just now. I was on a mission. I was determined to discover what knitters where looking for in a knitting bag.
A short tour of the net yield a wealth of knowledge.
Yes, knitters are concerned about their knitting bag.
I found a whole forum on Knitter's Review (www.knittersreview.com) dedicated to the topic.
Amy editor of Knitty (www.knitty.com) reviews her favorite knitting bag. Her bag is available from http://www.knitone.com
The Canadian Guild of Knitters (www.CGKnitters.ca) has one for sale with their logo.
So what are knitters saying about knitting bags. What do they want in such a bag? Well, they want a bag that is roomy, stylish and that doesn't look like a knitting bag.
I played "looky-lou" and discovered that you can pay up to $120 US for a knitting bag.
Did I pay this much? Well, ah, no.
Here's my knitting bag...

Not glamorous but it does serve the purpose. My cloth bag holds all my knitting-must-haves and easily fits into my purse or backpack or messenger bag. Not only that but it was free.

A baby

I delight at meeting babies. I oh and ah and coo and fawn unashamedly. I fondly reminisce about the years I spent caring for infants and toddlers at a day care centre. This is all reflected in my child-friendly sweaters.
It all started with "Susie-bell". "Susie-bell" was my Dad's nickname for baby me. Why did he nickname me "Susie-bell"? I have no idea. I think it had something to do with the tinny bells I had on my baby shoes. I am looking at a baby picture. I can't be more than a year. Sitting on Daddies' knee. He looks so proud. We are dressed for the picture: Dad in suit and tie, I in a pretty white dress.
"Honey Bunny" the large neck and front pocket make this a sweater every child would love to wear. Easy knit in garter and Stockinette stitch ensures that this sweater will be knit before the intended wearer outgrows it.
"Pets" celebrates the special connection children have with animals.
Sammy was a German Shepherd I had when I was two. I say "I had" what I should say is she had me. There was no doubt that she looked on me as one of her puppies. I hate to admit it but I was not always an angel. In fact, I could be rather naughty. Case in point, I hated to have my hair washed and would avoid it at all costs. I loved to be outside. So Mom thought perhaps if she washed my hair outside that it would go more smoothly. Well, it didn't. I was so naughty that Mom felt she needed to discipline me. Sammy felt differently, however. She gently grabbed Mom's hand putting an effective end to any disciplinary action. From that time on, Mom washed my hair inside and Sammy remained an outside dog.
"Pets" has instructions for three sweaters: a puppy, a kitten, and a bunny.

Puddin' Pie fallows on the popularity of "Honey Bunny". It incorporates a large neck and front pocket. Instructions for the finger puppet are included in the pattern.
Cuddlin' is a cardigan perfect for days like this that start out cool and warm up. The body is knit in one piece to the arm holes.

Muffin is what the cool kids are wearing. The hoodie is the newest in the pattern series that started with Honey Bunny and includes Puddin' Pie. If I added two or three more sweaters to this series maybe I could put together a book of baby sweaters. What a great idea! Eh?

Please log on to http://oknitting3.blogspot.com for more on babies.

Enlargement

On the www.oknitting.com web site you will notice that most pictures are rather small. So the question is, "How do you go from this...
to this?" The answer: "Simply sweep your mouse over the picture and right click. A larger image will then appear on your computer screen."

Olavia's plus size patterns

You asked: Does www.oknitting.com (Olavia's hand knitting patterns) have plus size hand knitting patterns for woman?
My answer: Yup, I am proud to offer...
Sizes are based on the Standards & Guidelines for Crochet and Knitting (YarnStandards.com) that was compiled by Craft Yarn Council of America

Summer Sunset: sized up to 5x (bust: 60 - 62 inches)
September's Promise: sized to 4X (bust: 56 - 58 inches)
Hey Blondie: sized to 4X (bust: 56 - 58 inches)
Pieces: sized to 3X (bust: 52 - 54 inches)
Bunny Hug: sized to 3x (bust: 52 - 54 inches)
Sailor's Delight: sized to 3x (bust: 52- 54 inches)
Safe Harbour: sized to 3x (bust: 52 - 54 inches)
Island Dream: sized to 3X (bust: 52 - 54 inches)
Seeded Stitches Shell: sized to 3x (bust: 52 - 54 inches)
Show Your Colours: sized to 2x (bust: 48 - 50 inches)
Ferry Traffic: sized to 2x (bust: 48 - 50 inches)
Too Cool Halter Top: sized to 2x (bust: 48 - 50 inches)
Seaside Stroll: sized to 2x (bust: 48 - 50 inches)

Don't see your size. Ask me, I will be happy to resize it for you.
Happy knitting.

knitting class: a dropped stitch

Here's a scenario for you: You have just finished knitting a beautiful sweater. All that time and effort imagine. When you find...
horrors upon horrors a dropped stitch laddering it's way down. Left alone you know that this one simple stitch will ruin the sweater. Leaving big holes in it's path. What do you do?
Grab your weapon of choice. Some knitters use a crochet hook. I use a threaded needle.
Grab the dropped stitch. Then carefully row by row re-knit the stitch.
Once complete simply sew the stitch firmly in place.

I apologize for the quality of the pictures.