Show and tell

Each Friday it is my habit to report on what I have been working on...

Well, while in Iceland I meet my newest relative: an adorable baby boy. I had heard of him before I meet him. He was such a good baby. Meeting his Mom gave me an opportunity to talk over some plans I had. (I proposed to knit him a sweater as a way of thanking my relatives and to honour the new arrival.) She thought that was a nice idea.

So I set to work with first pen and paper. Then needles and yarn. This is the results of my labour.

It leaves for Iceland at the end of January.
I have left to sew seams and weave in ends. The first items on my 2008 to-do list.

Happy Holidays

Today the weather is fine. Not to cold...no snow...no rain...no wind. All of this adds up to a perfect night around the tree...I hope. It is Mayne Island tradition to gather with family and friends around the community Christmas tree. (Think Whos in Whoville) We sing Christmas carols and drink warm cider. It is a special night. I wait for it all year long. Have a special holiday.

Happy solstice

I love the sun and so it pains me when nights grow long. Lately it has been dark by 4:30 pm. 4:30 pm. Not good.
However, tonight is the shortest day of the year. That means, my fellow knitters, that from here on we will be gaining light (you can't fool me).
To which I say, "Hip, hip, hurray!"
This kind of good news requires celebration. So join me as I bring out the colour.
Here is what I propose: Search your stash. Find the yarn which is the most vivid. ...and knit with it. It matters not what you knit. Just knit. Sound easy? Sound fun? Good, party hardy my fellow knitters.
Here's what I found...
It is a 1240 yards of hand dyed Falkland Superwash Marino
by Hummingbird Fibre Arts
What will I knit?
Not sure...but I will knit...that's what's important.
What am I knitting to?
Need you ask...
Of course http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuUhZxkr194
"Hail the return of the invisible Sun"

My Christmas Sweater

...and so

You: "So, what happened did you finish your Christmas sweater in time...or what?"
Me: "I apologize. I should have reported back sooner."
You: "No, duh...so what happened? Spill the beans."
Me: "Well, I was knitting and knitting and knitting right up until the deadline. The day before on the 13th I sewed seams and weaved in ends. It was already for the 14th. I wore it with pride. ...and if you see me at Christmas you will no doubt see the sweater."
You: "Oh, so I have to travel all the way to Mayne Island in order to see the sweater?"
Me: "No, need. I will be happy to post a picture of the sweater."
You: "So where is the picture?"
Me: "I promise to post one as soon as I can. Currently it is raining all over my photo shot but I will hunt down a photographer and as soon as the sun shines I promise to post a photo."
You: "Thank you."
Me: "You're welcome. Thank you for your interest."

Saga

I just added part four to A Saga Old and New. Check it out. It is on http://oknitting3.blogspot.com/2007/12/saga-old-and-new-part-four.html
Thanks for reading.

New blog

Some of you may have noticed that I have joined Author's Den.
What is Author's Den?
It is a web site that highlights the work of authors. As Author's Den states, it is "where authors and readers come together!"
I am excited by this opportunity to gain more exposure for my writing. I enjoy reading the comments that my writing has solicited.
This morning I embarked on a new relationship with Author's Den.
When I joined I joined for free. I wanted to check it out. What exactly did or could Author's Den offer me? Was it worth payment or could I access all I needed for free? I was impressed by the amount of exposure I would access for free. However, I soon became aware of the additional advantages available for a minimal fee. In short, I joined. The first change I was able to make is that I know have a new blog: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewblog.asp?authorid=73154
My first post is entitled "Writing a novel". Please go, read, and hopefully enjoy!

You did what?

It's Friday. Time to stand up and be accountable.
Just what did I accomplish this week...?
Well, I delivered my inventory to Wintercraft on Salt Spring Island. In fact, today is the first day of Wintercraft. So why not stop by ArtCraft, enjoy, and please buy. When you buy you will be supporting the Southern Gulf Island economy.
Not only that but I also received my latest batch of 'Yarn Therapy' s (my learn to knit pattern book). Just in time for Mayne Island's Farmer's Market Christmas Craft Show. So why not stop by the Agricultural Society Hall this Sunday, December 9th 10 am to 2 pm.
And to top it all off, I am so close to finishing my cardigan I can taste success.
I have the back, one sleeve, and more than half of the front done.
Close oh so close.

Seeing is believing

I didn't think you would believe it unless you saw it for yourself...so here it is...
This picture was taken on Sunday.
This picture was taken today.

What a difference a couple of days make. The prairie flower in me still can't completely believe it. It is so warm outside today that you can comfortably walk around without a jacket. Oh, BC how I love you.

Though we do have wind...which can be a rather destructive force.

I'm going to Salt Spring Island today to drop off my inventory for WinterCraft.

Type to you soon.

An update on the plan

We are suffering under Mother Nature's hand.
For pictures of our weather, please go to: http://oknitting4.blogspot.com/
I know, I know it may look pretty. It may look like a typical Canadian winter...but let me assure you it is not typical for our tiny paradise. Mayne Island does get snow once or twice each winter. It may last as long as a week to a week and a half. It's new to us. ...and it takes a little to get adjusted to.
This has kept me inside - knitting.
What did Robert Burns say, something about the best made plans. Well, "the plan" has revealed its self to have flaws. Well, maybe simply one flaw. You remember the post: The plan, Stan. If not please re-read it. I'll wait here...
I am currently designing and knitting a cardigan. I can do both at the same time.
All say, "Wow!"
Well, what I failed to realize when I was planning was that the front of a cardigan should really be thought of as two separate pieces when knitting. I, foolishly, thought of it as one piece. I suppose you can knit both pieces at once - you can knit two sleeves or two socks at once...so why not. But I don't. I knit and am knitting cardigan fronts one at a time.
So this means that I will need three more days to finish the cardigan.
My deadline is December 14th. Let's see I do - shall we.
Back to the slush.
Yes, that's right now it is slush. It snowed on Friday. It snowed on Saturday. It snowed on Sunday. ...and now being Monday, of course it is raining. Welcome to winter on Mayne Island.
Just to keep you current. The rain has just stopped (for how long? I have no idea)...and now we have wind. The snow is gone from the trees but we still have it in patches on the ground.