Happy Halloween

knitting along to: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cAzlfgaKjbo

Smaller than small

In interest of enabling all knitters to complete a sweater during the time allotted for the "Sweater Bliss" I present...

What size are you?
Small or smaller...
It should be a fun workshop. I hope you have registered - only ten days remain.




And still my neighbour rests.
To view more of my photos, please log on to: http://oknitting4.blogspot.com Photos by Leanne (my hobby blog)

counting days

I am counting down the days until B.C. 's Creative Expo. There are only 11 days left. 11 days to do what I must do. Like, knitting.
In my stash, I found this beautiful acrylic/mohair blend.
And it will become...this.

"Pulse" is just one of the patterns in my new book: Yarn Therapy. Fun to knit and I should be done by Wednesday. ...keep your fingers crossed because I have lots more to do. Lots more to do while "some" others just rest. : )

More pictures added to: http://oknitting4.blogspot.com/

knitting along to...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwx-UGSvqCQ

Today's To-do List

-add finishing touches to the book reading and workshop for November's BC's Creative Expo in Abbotsford
-continue knitting "Islandia" s for December's Wintercraft on Salt Spring Island
-work on ebook version of Yarn Therapy
Some of you will have noticed that a new book has been added to www.oknitting.com 's Book page. Yarn Therapy is a learn-to-knit pattern book stuffed cover to cover with information and patterns. Please check it out.

New book

I have been sitting on some news. I have been waiting for just the right moment to share it with you. I had planned to share the news with you this morning. ...but when I woke I couldn't access the Internet. I was disappointed because I had to run down to the Post Office so time was of the essence. While down town I spoke with friends and shared my frustrations about the Internet connection. They looked at me clearly puzzled. It seemed that mine was the only computer that was suffering such problems. So when I returned home I was cruel to my computer I rebooted it. Stood back and waited for magic to happen. Here I am, now ready to share the news.

Background:
Do you remember this post?

(2/19/07)
"I am almost finished Yarn Therapy...for the third time.You see I have been very fortunate with the help I have received on the book. The first time I received the manuscript back from my editor I got into a conversation with the owner of my favourite yarn shop. She advised me to add instructions on finishing the accessories. So this I did.
With the second finished manuscript in hand, I got into a conversation with a friend that just happens to be a workshop instructor. She advised me to add information on the basics like casting on and off and the stitches knit and purl. My immediate reaction was to justify this omission. After all, it was a first knitting pattern book not a how to knit book. With a smile, she re-stated her advised and changed the subject.
Later I began to think just why I was recoiling at the very thought of adding this information. Usually I have a reason. I knew the reason I gave her was lam. So what was the real reason? Slowly it raised it's ugly head. You see knitting is such a part of my life that describing how to knit was like attempting to describe how I walk, talk or breathe. I would have to slow down and analysis each and every step. The idea overwhelmed me. I challenged myself to attempt to do so. I wanted to present a through, well-written description of each process. I am very pleased to say I reached my goal. I can't wait to show the final (underlined three times) manuscript to my editor. I can't wait to share the book with you."

And yet I did wait. It pained me to wait. You would not imagine how it pained me. ...but finally I can share the news that Yarn Therapy now exists...

I plan to have the book launch at BC's Creative Expo on November 10th. I hope you can be there. I also plan to begin work on the ebook version. It should be ready...soon.

I will be adding details (i.e. price) about Yarn Therapy on the www.oknitting.com soon...hopefully by the end of the week.

It could clear

Today the sky is looking far more friendly. It has stopped raining and it looks like it could be sunny. Ya!
So, I now can share more of what I have been working on.
That's the sleeve I am working on. Once it is done all I must do is attach the pocket and sleeves and sew seams. I should be finished on or before Sunday.
Today I have to finish preparations for my book reading. My next book reading is on November 10th from 1 to 2 pm at the Abbotsford Tradex during BC's Creative Expo. Immediately following the reading will be a book signing from 2:15 to 3:15 pm. I will keep you posted regarding this event. Wish me luck with the writing of my little talk. It will be interesting to know how it all turns out. I do need a name for the talk. Here are some of my thoughts on that:
"Reading Knitting Books"
"Knitting Books Past, Present, Future"
"Exploring Knitting Books"
"Spinning a Knitting Yarn or Two"
I would really appreciate help with this. So if you have a suggestion or a favourite from the list above please share. Thank you.

Buckets

It is raining literally buckets full. Effectively curtailing my plans of sharing my knitting. I should of taken more pictures when it was sunny ...but when it was sunny I was out enjoying it. Oh, well this too will pass. A picture of Mayne Island in the sun...yes, that's what I need to see. If you too need some sunshine please log on to: http://www.oknitting4.blogspot.com

Do you see what I see?

I know, I know I'm much too early. Please forgive me but the Salt Spring Island craft show (Wintercraft) is just two short months away. ...and besides it's just a long, red and white hat. Ya, that's all it is. One more and I'm on to something else. Check out what is on my needles tomorrow.

Knitting

I have added posts to both "Leanneism" (accessible from www.oknitting.com 's link page) as well as to "Photo by Leanne" (http://oknitting4.blogspot.com)
And I have been knitting. I would like to share what I have been working on. Please keep logging on here. I will post again when I can. Until then my needles call.

Knitting in Iceland

You caught me with my pants down, I am in the middle of writing an account of my travels in Iceland from a knitters perspective. Once the article has found a home and appears there I will post it on my blog. Please wait for it - it will be here. Until then please log on to Leanneism (a blog accessible from www.oknitting.com 's link page) for an account of the last leg of my trip.

As well, I have post a new picture on my blog: Photos by Leanne (http://oknitting4.blogspot.com)

What's new

I have started a new blog. http://oknitting4.blogspot.com
In this blog I will be showcasing a new hobby: photography. Hence the new blog is called: Photos by Leanne
I have also added to my Icelandic saga. Please read Leanneism. (This blog may be accessed from www.oknitting.com 's link page)
Enjoy.

This week-end: ACHF Fall Virtual Group Show

I received an email from ACHF's Web Site Maintenance Co-Ordinator.
In short, the email said:
"Sunday's Opening on October 14th, 2007 is at noon Pacific Time
The Opening on Sunday will feature music by the virtual band Aztech Rising
This link is our Artshighway Group Show Invitational page - http://www.artshighway.net/art/invitation.html
New visitors to virtual spaces should go to www.activeworlds.com to download the small, free 3D software plugin that allows you to roam virtual worlds, install it and then look in the Worlds List Tab for "Artshiwy " --- click it and boom you will arrive at the entrance to the Virtual Arts Highway --- It is totally *easy* you then just use arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate forward, back and side to side."
Enjoy the beautiful art
Leanne

Oh, baby it's a sleepy autumn morn. So grab your yarn, sticks and knit along to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vocEYP0NsI
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nInR2LetvIg

Ethnic Knitting: a book review

After reviewing Artic Lace I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Donna Druchunas' latest book. Ethnic Knitting did not disappoint. It serves as both a design primer as well as an exploration of knitting traditions. These diverse topics are skilfully knit together.

In Ethnic Knitting ‘s introduction, Donna clearly states the book’s objective: “With the skills you will learn in the following chapters, you will be able to design and knit beautiful, one-of-a kind sweaters that fit perfectly.”

Chapter 2 serves as a knitting design primer. The lessons include but are not limited to basics about sweater shapes, silhouettes and sizes.

Chapters 3 to 6 serve as an introduction to the knitting traditions of the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and the Andes. Each of these chapters ends with an invitation. Donna invites you to implement what you have learnt in chapter 2 to design and knit projects, which adhere to the knitting traditions of each country, you have visited.

The only note of disappointment is that there are no photos of the finished projects.

(a note from Donna: 'Just FYI, I have about 5 or 6 knitters working on sample sweater that will go up on a gallery on www.ethnicknitting.com as soon as they are finished. I hope in early November. The reason I didn't include photos in the book is that I want people to use their imaginations and not copy the sweaters that I've designed')

As I finished reading the book I found myself saying, “Where will you take me next time? Wherever it is Donna, I want to go.”

Yesterday I learnt that Iceland is one of the featured countries in Ethnic Knitting II. Oh, ya, I will be reading that book.

The book is available from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0966828933/ref=s9_asin_image_1/104-9223946-7498367?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=04PR1D0BT62KK9PXCJNY&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=278240701&pf_rd_i=507846

Ethnic Knitting

Have you been following Donna Druchunas' blog tour
Today she stopped here:
http://knittingasfastasican.com/2007/ethnic-knitting-discovery/
Tomorrow the blog tour stops here:
www.oknitting.com
I will be reviewing Ethnic Knitting
I hope you will join me.
Until tomorrow

Wow-wow

another busy morning. I just sent my latest book to the printers. More on that in future posts.
I also sent a proposal to a mainland gallery more on that if the whole thing floats.
And I will post more regarding my recent trip to Iceland - so help me I will. Check it out on the Leanneism blog (the blog is accessible from www.oknitting.com 's link page).

Good-bye

Well, it was cold and wet and grey. Thank you to those who braved the weather and joined us at the last Farmer's Market for this year. Tonight a meeting will be held to capusilate the year. Then all will be over...for this year. After the meeting we will all go our separate ways forward towards a bright sunny new year of farmer's markets.

Farmer's market

Tomorrow is the last Saturday Farmer's Market on Mayne Island. Well, I say last in reality we do manage to squeeze one in before Christmas but this a little teaser. So if on Mayne Island please plan to attend. Look for the booth with the blue tablecloth.
I have added a line or two to my Icelandic saga. To read it, please log on to: Leanneism (the blog can be accessed from www.oknitting.com 's link page.)

Lucy Neatby's retreat

Lucy Neatby, knitwear designer (Tradewind), during her recent visit to Salt Spring Island.

My booth at the mini market.

Lucy will be visiting again in about four years. So mark your calendar's now and please plan to attend the mini market. What-the-hey, why not even sign up for the retreat. I was told so many times during the market by a variety of sources that the retreat is FUN.

Later today I will adding an important link to this post.

Also later today I will be adding to my Icelandic saga on Leanneism.

Many reasons to stay connected.

As promised the link: http://www.lloydstravel.com/knitting
The stuff of sweet knitting dreams.

Dream on, dear knitter, dream on.

Busy day

I apologize once - again I find myself in a hurry. I will be going off island today. Tomorrow I will be participating in a vendor's market at Salt Spring Island Harbour House resort. You see Lucy Neatby is on island. She is a classy lady and being a classy lady she arranged to support local businesses by inviting them to participate in a mini market. I am thrilled to say that I am among those who were invited. And so today I am running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. I feel that I can do little else today but prepare for this event. Please plan to attend the mini market at Harbour House on Wednesday from 2 to 5 pm. See you there.

More about the new pattern

This design ushers Olavia's designs into a new land. The land of set-in sleeves.
Most of my designs do not require increasing or decreasing. Well, set-in sleeves require both. ...but you know they really aren't that hard. Take your time, stay calm - the results are well worth it.
That's only one thing that I love about this cardigan.
I also love the fact that it is so easy to wear. Simply toss it on...
and it looks great.

Or if you have a pin. Pin it closed.

The ways you can wear this cardigan are limitless. All great!

I wore this cardigan on my travels. In fact, it was the only sweater I took. A really test for a new design. It's like going on an extremely long road trip with a new boyfriend. The result of the test: I fell more in love with it.
Oh, ya, and you may be interested to know: the sizes

I have included sizes ranging from XS (bust 30 inches) to 5x (bust 62 inches). Oh, yes I have.

New pattern

I love this cardigan - it's ease of wear and changeability. More on that later today.
The "Autumn Harvest" cardigan is now available: be one of the first to knit it. (Please log on to www.oknitting.com 's homepage for pattern costs. Then click on the Order page to order.)