Designer's note

Heads up quilters

2008-07-23T12:28:00.001-07:00

Not as infrequent as Brigadoon (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046807/) but just as magical.
The Mayne Island quilt group is a force on the island. Every four years this talented group of artisan display their work. This Saturday July 26th at Dinner Bay Park they will once again delight the masses with their work.
Come, treat your eyes.

For those who can't attend, I plan to attend and will report back.

Oh, yes and yesterday's marketing trip was a success. I will tell you more as plans are finalized.

Beginning, Middle, End

2008-07-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

I fly from knitting project to knitting project. It seems I am in a never-ending state of creating. In my own timid way, I boldly go where few have gone before.
Beginning...
I bought this variegated sea silk last year. It called to me and I had to have it. You know how it is. I bought one skein because the price made me shy. All the projects that I thought would do it justice demanded at least two skeins. At last years Church fair, I found the cotton crochet yarn. The two fibres lived happily in my studio until today. Today they were wedded together. I love the combination. My plan is to create them into a shrug. I didn't do the whole swatch wash thing. I have no idea if they will live happily ever after. (Don't do this at home boys and girls.)

Middle...
Someone gave me their old stash. Some of the yarn was wrapped in yarn bands. These yarn bands told me the fibre content and care instructions. Some yarn didn't. I fell head over heels in love with some burgundy yarn. It didn't have a yarn band. Some of this burgundy yarn felt like mohair, some didn't. I threw caution to the wind and cast on. I loved my creation. I knew I would wear it often. I had a skirt that cried out for it. I finished this much...

then I abandoned it for another project. Today I found it again and want...need to finish it. However, I have a whole list of questions. How many stitches did I cast on. The bottom section appears to be 4 x 4 rib, the top section appears to be moss. Am I right? How long are each section? You know I am committing many knitting sins with this little number. I know I am but I can't help myself. Please forgive me. Please wish me well.

End...

I finished this sweater just in time for tomorrow.

"What is happening tomorrow?," You may ask.

Well, I am marketing my baby sweaters to a children's clothing boutique.

Your positive thoughts are appreciated.

Knit on...

Working to a deadline

2008-07-18T09:39:00.001-07:00

Due to the success I have had selling my baby sweaters at ArtCraft gallery on Salt Spring Island, I have been encouraged to market more of my baby sweaters in a similar venue. So I'm currently looking for another gallery that may be interested in selling them. Mass knitting is hard on my wrists. So I am only interested in one more gallery. ...at least for now.

I have had repeated offers of free and inexpensive machine knitters. However, I would rather stick with what works. For me what works is hand knitting. So, even though, machine knitting may be easier on my wrists I am and will remain a hand knitter.

Next Tuesday I have an appointment with a children's clothing boutique. I am hopeful that they will be interested in these sweaters.

I still have to sew seams and make the finger puppet for this purple version of "Pumpkin" (To view the patterns, please log on to www.oknitting.com and go to the For Children page).

This orange version of "Puddin' Pie" is ready to go.

In Celia's garden

2008-07-17T08:10:00.001-07:00

Sadly, I don't spin. I view those who do as no less than alchemists.
I have been enjoying following the Yarn Harlot's Tour de Spin. http://yarnharlot.ca/blog/ (scroll down to July 15th for an especially interesting post)
And yesterday I had a special treat. I visited my friend Celia Leaman's garden and found...

a fluffy mint cloud

hand-dyed yarn drying in the warm island sun

Not only is Celia a talented spinner and knitter but she is also an entertaining author. Please visit her site at: http://www.devonshirebabe.com/

Arm yourself

2008-07-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

A tourist travelling to Mayne Island is well advised to arm themselves. You need not arm yourself with guns and bullets. In fact the discharge of guns is prohibited on the island. No, instead arm yourself with information. Pick up these four brochures...
These four brochures are...the BC Ferries Schedule (so you know when you need to catch the next ferry back), the Mayne Island Map & Visitor Guide (included in this brochure is information on accommodations, camping, restaurants, services, farms, real estate agents, and transportation), the Mayne Island Hiking & Walking Trail Map (included in this brochure is information on public beach access and woods & view hikes) as well pick up the newest brochure...

This lovely purple brochure is the artist's guide. Debbie Bowles and the members of the Trincomali Community Arts Council assembled this brochure.

Flipping it open you will notice the first listing on the right hand side is Olavia's, Leanne Dyck knitwear designer and author. That's right yours truly.

On the back you will find an event calendar. Included among those listed are the Mayne Island Quilters Show (Saturday, July 26th 10 am - 4 pm) and TCAC 3rd Annual Celebration Show (September 26 & 27). I will write more on these events as we grow closer to the date.

Report from the fair

2008-07-12T15:54:00.001-07:00

I climbed up the hill on the way to the ground I was immediately confronted by the swarm of busy, happy people. Encouraged by the sweet sound of talented island musicians, I ventured further and found...

an old goat...

...a lady in vintage attire...

...I even met Queen Victoria.

I did find the crafts...

and even the art. This portrait was done of a local celebrity. Who that celebrity is makes one ponder...

Unexpected stitches

2008-07-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

When last I mentioned my cardigan, I had made much headway. I was almost finished in fact: I only had the sleeves and pockets left. Then as sometimes happens my attention swifted to a project that had a deadline. My cardigan must now wait while I finished this baby sweater.

Who knows where my needles will take me next: life is a journey.

Please attend the church fair tomorrow: 10 am to 3 pm. You're guaranteed to have a good time!

Just another day in paradise

2008-07-09T10:36:00.001-07:00

My front yard continues to be a problem. It largely takes care of its self. We have done some mowing there are many levels and it slopes so much that it makes maintenance difficult. Thankfully I have been able to find some local gardeners. Though they work when and where they want on the plus side they are cheap: they work for food. ...and they're just so darn cute!

Yes, that is a deer fence that you see. The wind blew a hole in it and we weren't in any rush to fix it. Our gardeners (For clarification, when I write gardener you should read deer) are now free to come and go when they want.

The twin fawns have been hanging around for a while. So, Mom has become very use to our strange human ways. She now posses very nicely for her picture.

Have a lovely Wednesday.

Ferry trouble

2008-07-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, listen to this one. Imagine you're a business person or a cancer patient living on a southern gulf island in beautiful British Columbia.

Which one?

Oh, I don't know, let's pick Galiano Island. You have a meeting or an appointment on the mainland. So you drive down to the dock. You arrive on time to catch the ferry. The ferry workers welcome you on board. You settle in for your sail to the mainland. Oh, but wait for what ever reason the ferry workers decide to kick you off the ferry. They kick not only you off but also 49 of your fellow islanders. If you refuse the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) use force to kick you off.

Think it can't happen? Think again. It happened last Saturday. The reason given was that there were too many passengers.

I have two questions:

Question number one: Hasn't anyone told them that its summer? In the summer there are usually a lot of people who want to use the ferry. Are the ferries so sure that you don't want to travel to the southern gulf islands that they can travel with a limited number of staff? ...because they do and they did last Saturday.

Question number two: How fast can ferry workers count? We line up to take the ferry. We all do: cars and foot passengers. You mean to tell me that they can't count us then and there. Or even maybe when their selling the tickets.

Oh, yes, and if you think your save because you are a foot passenger (as I always did). Then think again. They kicked off everyone drivers and "footies".

Lesson learned: If you want to use the ferry don't live on a small island. The high ferry tickets slice through your wallet and they kick you off when ever and for what ever reason they want.

Don't miss it

2008-07-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

It made the cover of the Mayneliner (our island monthly magazine) and you would be well advised not to miss it. Its always tons of fun! This years theme is Klondike Daze. Mayne Island was a main spot for miners on their way to seek their fortune during the Cariboo Gold Rush. In their memory, the organizers offer new kids games, prizes, a silent auction, pies, cakes, plants, hot dogs & hambergers, live entertainment, The Chilcotin Pass cafe and much more. So bring your pan, pick and shovel and join me this Saturday, July 12th from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. You'll probably find me admiring the crafts at the craft table.

Report from the front

2008-07-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the progress I have made on the sweater. It doesn't look nearly as unusual as I thought it would. You never know exactly what it will look like until all the pieces are assembled. Who knows what the pockets or sleeves will look like.

Here in BC we don't pay to drive our vehicles on the highway. We all contribute - by way of taxes - to the upkeep. Living on an island we must rely on the ferries. The ferries are our "marine highway". I maintain that ferry transportation should be free for islanders. The hike in the cost of ferry transportation has greatly effect our island economy. Today rural islanders will be protesting ferry hikes. For some background information on this topic please read: http://www.islandtides.com/assets/reprint/ferries_20080403b.pdf

For information concerning today's rally please read: http://www.willthomasonline.net/willthomasonline/Hornby_Denman_July_4th_Rally.html

Happy independence day to all my American readers. Today I am knitting along to... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7cwsXDPuGQ

Speaking of Rock Band (in case you were wondering what Rock Band is: http://www.amazon.com/MTV-Games-Rock-Band/dp/B000WPTGOY), I can sing this on expert. And yes you should be very thankful that you can't hear me. Rock on dudes.

Bonne fete Quebec

2008-07-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EfMhmdNpLY
I had the good fortune of visiting Quebec several years ago. I was warned before I went to keep my mouth shut. I was informed that they wouldn't appreciate my western Canadian ascent. I was in Quebec for three months. I did speak. I tried my best to speak French. All of my attempts were very well received. They tried to put me at ease by speaking English. Between the two languages we were able to communicate successfully. In fact, far from feeling prejudice I felt very welcomed. I recall roaming the streets of old Quebec city. I was charmed by its beauty and culture. Today I would like to add my voice to others in saying, "Bonne fete Quebec."
Read more: http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=4e61710f-cfc9-4284-94db-9d4e46efe713

The confession of a lazy knitter

2008-07-02T11:36:00.001-07:00

Sample swatches are important...and if you don't respect them you will suffer the consequences. I am currently working with the fallout of yet another incorrect estimation. Can you hear me weeping?

Happy Canada Day

2008-07-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

Knitting along to:
http://www.truveo.com/Stompin-Tom-Connors-Cross-Canada-country-music/id/3053151586

Today hubby and I will be walking down to Dinner Bay to join our fellow islanders in the celebrations. I hope you have a happy Canada day.

my writing

2008-06-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

This month on Author's Denhttp://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=73154, the piece of my writing that you read more than all others was my tourist account of my trip to Iceland. I include it here...

Knitting in Iceland
by Leanne Dyck

My Icelandic-Canadian Grandma taught me to knit. The craft has been handed down in my family for generations. Traveling to Iceland is very expensive so my ancestors left never expecting to return. Most Icelandic emigrates left with few belongs as space on the ship was severely limited. I imagine one of the things my great grandmother brought with her were her knitting needles. It has taken my family 150 years to return but on September 4th, 2007 I did. Now that I am back home in Canada I would like to share my experiences with you.

Iceland has had a significant influence on knitting. Lopi yarn and the Icelandic sweater are fine examples of this influence. This is impressive, indeed, when you realize that these adaptations have come from such a tiny island: Iceland’s population is only 306,000.

Icelanders were introduced to knitting in the 16th century. Traditionally, both girls and boys were instructed in the craft. Their needles soared through many projects. Two examples I saw in the Textile Museum in Blonduos (www.simnet.is/textile) were a woollen undershirt and fisherman’s leggings. These leggings encased the pant leg from toe to upper thigh. The scratchy undershirt was worn next to the skin. My husband thought the itching would drive him crazy but had to agree it would keep him warm.

I saw an example of traditional Icelandic mitts while at the Icelandic Emigration Centre at Hofsos (http://www.hofsos.is/) Traditional Icelandic mitts had two thumbs, one on either side of the fingers.

Why?

The design adaptation prolonged the life of the mitt. Icelanders knew that the first part of a mitt to wear out was the thumb. By knitting a second thumb, fishermen could go on working simply by turning the mitt around. Now that’s Icelandic ingenuity.

Upon a visit to the National Museum (http://www.natmus.is/english), I was surprised to discover that traditional Icelandic sweaters did not arrive on the fashion scene until the 1940s. A recent adaptation of the Icelandic sweater features detachable sleeves.

I spent most of my time visiting with relatives in Hofsos. Hofsos is a small town with a population of 170. This meant sacrificing big town charm for an opportunity to be with family. For most of our stay we had no car and the buses only run three times a week from Hofos. Not for me the opportunity to roam through yarn shop after yarn shop. Which would you choose: family or wool?

One day our host, my husband and I walked into Hofsos’ convenience store. There among the brown bread and hardfish I saw it six shelves of yarn. Our host and my husband left me to engage my senses. The information on the yarn bands appeared in Icelandic so I had to speculate as to the fiber content. I could tell by touch that the majority of the skeins were wool: “Lopi” and the like. Also present were acrylic and cotton blends. The experience left me intoxicated.

Eventually, we did visit larger towns, which meant more yarn and even knitting magazines, but unfortunately still no yarn shops. Although I am told they do exist in Iceland. In a Blonduos department store our host pointed out the book section. There among shelves upon shelves of magazines I saw them: knitting magazines. There were knitting magazines from Sweden, Britain and one from Iceland. I bought the Icelandic knitting magazine. Flipping through its’ pages I noticed large and small projects – much eye candy. The magazine is organized similar to a North American knitting magazine: glossy pictures in the front with black and white instructions in the back. I was surprised to see no schematics.

While in Hofsos, I had an interesting conversation with a graduate of the Icelandic school system, Rosa Tryvadottir. She informed me that the equivalent of the North American grade school only goes to grade ten in Iceland. Upon reaching this level of education students have the opportunity to enroll in the studies of their choice. Rosa elected to enroll in a school that offered needlecraft classes. She took quilting, embroidery and knitwear design. After two years of study she had the opportunity to choose one of these needlecrafts and further her study in university. She said that some of her friends had chosen knitwear design. Upon university graduation her friends had banded together to form an association that sold their knitwear designs – much like the Handknitting Association of Iceland (http://www.handknit.is/)

While in Iceland I heard about Snorri Plus (http://www.snorri.is/snorri-plus.htm). Snorri Plus is a unique program offered to Vestur Islendingur . (“Vestur islendingur" is an expression used by Icelanders to describe Icelandic-Canadians and Icelandic-Americans. It means "Western Icelanders".) This program is much like the original Snorri program. However, were as Snorri participants are from 18 to 28 years old Snorri Plus attracts participants who are over the age of thirty. Snorri Plus participants spend fifteen days living and working (or hobbying) with their Icelandic relatives while they tour Iceland. What an opportunity for a knitwear designer or knitter!

I snapped this picture of my husband when we were at Hofsos. The pattern “Byron’s sweater” is available from my web site: www.oknitting.com

Counting my stitches

2008-06-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and for me this means time to be accountable. Just what have I accomplished? Well, I have worked on the front.

You may have noticed the rectangular of reverse stockinette stitch. You may noticed it and shook your head.
"Why is it there?" You may have asked.
Well, this is all part of my plan. You see I have an uneven eye. Because of this uneven eye I have trouble making things square: things like pockets. So I thought if I knit this rectangular patch and sew my pocket over it my pocket would be plump. Makes sense? No? We will see. If it works I will patent the idea and you will have pay millions to learn how to do it. If it doesn't I'll give you the idea for free.

There is only so long that one project can capture my imagination. Its only a matter of time until my eye begins to roam. I have such beautiful yarn in my stash. Its really not my fault. I can't help myself. So as you can see I have begun working on something else.

...and Ticky likes it too.

Have a wonderful weekend. If you're on Mayne Island go to the farmer's market tomorrow and buy Celia Leaman's new book: Writing Creatively http://www.devonshirebabe.com/. I highly recommend it.

tutorial added to oknitting.com

2008-06-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

I have added a tutorial to www.oknitting.com Please visit my sample pattern (http://www.oknitting.com/freesamples.htm) page to learn how to make I-cord and tassels. Happy knitting

How my cardigan grows

2008-06-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I finished the back.
I've started on the front.

...and then I found these...

So, I'm thinking maybe they could make the front pockets?

I tried weaving them into the front: yellow, green, brown, purple and the variegated trim...but it felt too much like work. I'm actually a very lazy knitter. The combination didn't work. That plan was scrapped. Instead, the front will be purple with variegated trim. The two front pockets will be the three colours I just found in my stash. Keep your fingers crossed that this will look okay. I will show you when I'm done.

What about the sleeves? Any good ideas appreciated. Email me with your thought: leanne@oknitting.com

Happy knitting

PS After months and months of absence I once again have pretended to be a photographer. Catch the results on "Photos by Leanne" http://oknitting4.blogspot.com/

Sun

2008-06-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day. It is summer solstice eve and I couldn't be happier. Tomorrow the sun will last longer than any other day of the year. I hope the grey fog evaporates and allows the sun to shine in its full splendor. Tomorrow is an eventful day on Mayne Island. Our local health food store is holding a information day. Our local tennis club is having the grand opening of the tennis courts: clowns and even sky divers. I may even attend some or all of these events. It depends on my stomach. If my stomach says no I will hide out and knit. I am almost finished the back. It is beautiful and I will post a picture so please watch for it.
Happy sun day!

I love this time of year

2008-06-17T10:23:00.001-07:00

Especially this week when the sun is lighting more and more hours of our day and it is warm but not hot. Yes, this time of year is perfect for a creature such as I. I purr like a contented cat. As a result of this bliss I am able to create. I have been writing. I am working on two novels: one for adults and one for teens. The writing has come easily this week. Good ideas bounce from my brain to my pen to the page. I have also been knitting. A few posts ago (or was it last post) I told you about a blue yarn that I planned to transform into a .... Well, that blue yarn has been abandoned in favour of...

Now if you had told me last year or even last month that I would knit myself a variegated cardigan I would have said, "Are you crazy. I would never. Variegated yarn for a baby sweater - okay but for myself are you nuts."

However, clearly I have changed my mind. I am capable of doing this. I love this combination. I bought the variegated and light purple when off island. The beige I had in my stash. The light purple and variegated are a acrylic/wool blend (Paton's Decor). Get this the light purple was on sale for $2 a skein. So I urge you to go yarn shopping. It is the time.

Knitting Publicly

2008-06-13T09:19:00.001-07:00

Just what did I accomplish this week?
Well, I took this ferry...
across the sea to Salt Spring Island. My destination was...

ArtCraft gallery in Mahon Hall. Mahon Hall (seen in the above picture) is located on 114 Rainbow Road in Ganges. Visit: http://www.gulfislands.net/directories/galleries.asp to learn more about the gallery. While there I delivered my inventory and helped set up. It was fun. The place was a hive of activity. Each year, I marvel at the professional displays that are assembled in this historic hall. It really is worth taking a peek. You may find the perfect earrings, painting, or even knitting kit.

Tomorrow...just what will I be doing tomorrow? Well, tomorrow is knit in public day. So I plan to knit in public. In order to accomplish this feat, I will take a ferry once again across the sea. This time my destination will be Vancouver Island. I want to find a partner for this lovely yarn.

It is a mohair and acrylic blend. I want to find an acrylic yarn to make the knitting a little easier. I am aware that acrylic yarn has and is falling out of favour with most knitters. My (once) favourite yarn shop supply of said yarn is now greatly reduced. So I will be forced to shop at a big box store. I really hope that they still carry my favourites. I love Patons Decor but if I can't find that I will settle for another of Patons yarns.

Why do I like Patons?

Knitablity, easy care, and quality of the yarn.

No, Patons hasn't paid me to advertise.

I do enjoy knitting with wool, mohair, bamboo, and the like but I am very attached to acrylic. I hope it doesn't become an endangered species.

Packing

2008-06-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I am in the middle of everything right now. I am packing to cross the sea to Salt Spring Island (the big sister of my beautiful Mayne Island). As you may recall, I was scrambling to collect my inventory for ArtCraft (a gallery on Salt Spring Island). I am packing framed photos, sweater kits, books (Maynely True), CDs (Novelty Yarn), children's sweaters, and baby sweaters. I am proud of what I was able to accomplish. However, unfortunately, I have fallen short of my goal of 14 baby sweaters. I only have 10 but that will have to do. I, of course, don't like falling short but I can only do what I can do. Watch for me on the ferry. I will be the one with the enormous navy blue suitcase. Have a happy week.

Ignoring my muse

2008-06-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

This is the children's sweater I finished last night. I am now finished knitting the sweaters. However...

I am lead by a fictional character. When my muse whispers in my ear, I yield to her will. I do whatever she asks of me without question. Currently, she has demanded that I write. She has insisted that I grip my pen firmly. When I politely pointed out that ArtCraft’s inventory delivery date is looming large, her response was…
“So.”
“Well, I need to have all the sweaters ready by June 10th.”
She assured me that I would. She said that, that would be a piece of cake.
Well, she was wrong. It is now June 6th and I still have tons of sweaters left to finish. Yesterday, I refused to listen as she screamed at me. I refused to listen and yet I still only got four sweaters done. Four. That leaves ten. Ten.I am headed into a full weekend. Believe me I have a need for speed. Your kind support is appreciated. Please send all your positive thoughts my way. Thank you.

Ticky, my Hawaiian kitty. Doesn't he look cute? (Yes, I am one of those knitters.) He was roaming through some broom and a flower was caught on his ear.

Favourite

2008-05-31T09:38:00.000-07:00

Good bye May. Where the month went is any one's guess. I certainly don't know. What did I accomplish this month.
Well, writing wise I sent three manuscripts away to publishers. I have a while to wait before I hear anything (I hope) so I have decided to try (it will be a brave attempt) to forget about them and move on.
Knitting wise let's just take it one week at a time. Shall we? Last week I finished these two sweaters...

Also this month I introduced you to my space on the Author's Den.
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=73154

It was very nice to see that some of you visited me there.

Your favourite piece of writing from that site was: A Love Letter.

Here it is...

We have always had a special relationship. When we meet you woed me with your clever tricks. You were never the same way twice. Sometimes your “b” looked like a “d”. Sometimes your “p” looked like a “q”. I was surprised to hear that you didn’t entertain everyone in this manner.

Later our relationship grew and I learnt that you could be collected into a group. I was informed that this group was read as a word.

Ah, how your words danced before my eyes. Sometimes “w-a-s” danced. How it waltzed. How it jigged. How it jived. Watch it now as it twists into “s-a-w”. Amazing! Thrilling! Yet you only danced for me.

Your behaviour does make our relationship challenging.

Words dance before my eyes…unclaimed. Sometimes I am forced to guess at your intent. You are always a puzzle, a surprise. You intrigue me. You entertain me. You embarrass me.

Do you remember the time I was reading you to a group of children? I thought we were having a merry old time until one of the children stopped me. It seems you had fooled me yet again but you hadn’t fooled the child. Perhaps it was my fault. Maybe I had upset you in some way.

Whatever the case, it was long ago and I have forgiven you.

My passion for you grows stronger everyday. I love you so.

So what if your relationship with others is easier and more harmonious. To me you will always be my A-B-C’s.

Nature and I

2008-05-23T11:41:00.001-07:00

I have, what others have called Iris, growing in my garden since we moved here. I don't recall actually seeing them flower. Although, Hubby ensures me that I am wrong. That they have indeed flowered. I insist they haven't. ...and on, and on like this.
However, regardless, they are flowering this year. In fact, they just started flowering this week. Aren't they beautiful? I love that shade of purple.

That's what nature completed this week.
And what about me...

As well as the sweater pictured here, I have the body of another sweater finished.

I am pleased by my progress. My goal is to have 13 baby sweaters and 4 children sweaters complete by June 10th. June 10th is the deadline for inventory to arrive at ArtCraft on Salt Spring Island.

What do I have left?

I have to finish the child's sweater I am currently working on. Then I have to knit the last baby sweater. Then I have to make tons of finger puppets. Lastly, I have to sew seams and weave in ends. I have two and a half weeks left (about 18 days). I should have no problem reaching my goal but let's keep our fingers crossed just in case...shall we?