I've graduated ....

 I have completed my new graduate degree, I am now a clinical mental health counselor. It's bittersweet ... a challenging three years .... working full-time, family responsibilities, stress of the world, the death of my mom .... I made it through. Patting myself on the back here .... it's important to remind oneself how resilient we are. Life is not always a piece of cake. Thank you for being on this life journey with me.

On another note, now that I have some free bandwidth, I started a new knitting project. The pattern is called Aristea by Evelyn Siatra. 

I purchased the yarn at Les Laines Biscotte in St Eustache. Love the hand dyed look. The yarn consist of 90% Merino SW and 10% Silk. It's so soft!

It took me forever, like three (3) days to figure out how to properly do a 2 x 2 Tubular cast-on. OMG, what a nightmare ... but persevered and finally got it to look right. I wouldn't get that continuous look from front to back.

It's been pushing my comfort zone ... slowly moving into more complex patterns. I'm enjoying creating new pieced for my wardrobe. 

Thanks for stopping by .... Peace to all! Namaste

Almost done ....

Hello, it's been a while. I'm still here. Just trying to button things up with school. I'm almost done! A bit about a knitting project. 

I started the, The Felix Cardigan, back in September 2023. I had to put it aside to finish my daughter's version for Christmas. Mine is in dark blue. I purchased the yarn at Three Bags full of Yarn Emporium in Moncton, NB on my first trip to Newfoundland. 

Voila!

It's almost a done deal. All I have left to do is sew some buttons on. I don't usually button my cardigan, which made me wonder why I knit a button band. I mean, I could finish it a different way. Oh well, I have the buttons, it's just a matter of doing it. The cardigan is a nice memory of my first trip to Atlantic Canada. 

Thanks for stopping by! Cheers!

Self-care ... immersed in nature

 While in St Luniere cricket, I relaxed ... I even let my hair down .... the vacation look! LOL

Bought some yarn and a book while in Newfoundland and did a lot of knitting. Finished two projects during my stay.

And this pattern ... a gift for my dad.

I was also able to enjoy a daily latte and my favourite treat at Cafe Nymphe - The Dark Tickle Company ... A carrot and partridge berry cake .... OMG .... Yummy! I'd go back just for a piece of cake! lol

My ride home ... what a beauty!

I would recommend visiting Newfoundland. It is such a beautiful and serene place. I will leave you with the sound of the Atlantic ocean ... Enjoy!

Take Care ... and thanks for stopping by. Cheers!

One stitch at a time ....

Back in May 2024, I had started a gorgeous shawl pattern called, Skovbund by Fiber Tales. I had put it on hold for a bit because ... I could not get the stitch count to work out. Well, it turned out to be a knitter error! lol Off I went stitching away ....

I did almost complete it until the it came to the last 8 stitches. Yes, you read that right .... I stopped with 8 stitches on the needle. I could not wrapt my head around doing the Kitchener stitch on a shawl. Seriously?!

In June 2024, it was put on hold while I mulled this over. Truth be know, I did not want to frog it if it was a pattern mistake. I've lost count of how many times I frogged this project. Sigh!

Picked it back up early December and did the kitchener stitch, as per the pattern instructions, and voila ... it worked. I blocked it this January.

For the record, blocking a shawl is my least favourite ... weaving the wire on the edge takes sooooo much time! But ... blocking makes all the difference.

A close up of the stitch pattern.

The colour in the picture is not the true colour. It is more purple and not so much burgundy.

The yarn, which is a truer colour ... although much richer. 

Glad that I finished it. I love that I learned new stitches. A lesson learned here ... trust the pattern designer. 

Thanks for stopping by, Catch you all later! Cheers!

It's been a while ...

 It's not that I don't have anything to blog about .... it's just that life is requiring from me to make some adjustments. I've always been in introvert .... and quite enjoy being by myself ... and when life gets intense ... I just retreat and spend time evaluating and adjusting. I know this about myself, so I do make time to be with family and friends .... however some things fall in the neglect category, like this blog. 

I have not mentioned this, but I've been in school full-time for the past three (3) years. I'm presently working on another graduate degree ... a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. If full time grad school wasn't enough, until recently, I was also been working full time (40 hours a week). As you can imaging ... I've even busy. I am now a full time intern at the local hospital (37.5 hours a week), part time work (20 hours a week) and school work/class ... As I re-read the above ... I wonder how I am able to manage it all ... but not going to question it at the moment .... I'm doing it! lol Having said this ... I do enjoy blogging and plan on continuing. 

Now that's out of the way, I have not been quilting much ... as a matter of fact not at all. I do miss it but with my current schedule, picking up the knitting needles seems easier and more efficient than sitting at my sewing machine. 

On the knitting front, I have been attempting to finish some projects, one of which is Storm Sweater by Petite Knit, started in August 2023. 

It was knit with Australian yarn (Merino) sent to me by my dear Aussie friend Cheryl, back in 2015, when I was contemplating taking up knitting again. 

All that was needed to call it a "finish" was to knit the collar. Pumpkin has now claimed the sweater and it looks great on her. Pumpkin wore it when we attended the Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool festival last fall. She received so many compliments ...  I won't lie, it felt great .... I was beaming! lol

Well, that's it for now. I won't inundate you. Thanks for stopping by ... Cheers!

And so it goes .....

Life has been somewhat quiet. With my mom gone, there's such a void in my life. I miss her dearly.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying a small break before the hectic sets in again. I've started a new knitting project, a shawl. I wanted to challenge myself and a challenge it is. The shawl is worked bottom up. The pattern is called Skovbund by Fiber Tales 

Photo from Fiber Tales

The yarn that I'm using is Julie Asselin, Anatolia (60% Kid mohair & 40% Silk), and Leizu Fingering (90% Merino & 10% Silk) in the colour Purple Carrot. Such lovely yarn ... oh so soft!

So Far, I haven't made much progress ... I've been frogging more times than I would like to admit. I cannot seem to get the stitch count to work out.

I need to put this project down for a bit and figure something out before I frog one more time! Sigh!

Catch you all later. Thanks for stopping by.

March already?!

 I really had the intentions of posting regularly on this blog ... somehow that went out the way side. 

It has been an interesting year so far. I've been pre-occupied with lots, mainly personal life stuff. 

For me, thus far, it has been a year of evaluating what is beneficial for me? What can I cut out that has become a chore? I'm looking to have more joy in my life. Although I've implemented many new decisions, my life seems busier. How can that be???

I am still knitting away every chance I get. Seems quilting has been placed on the side line. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's because I feel ... gasp ... I have enough quilts?!!!! How can that be?

As a form of relaxation, knitting seems easier for me at the moment. I like connecting with the yarn. I do not use commercial yarns and do like to support small crofts. A new stage of creativity for me, perhaps all in acquiring new wardrobe pieces.

I started a new project. A shawl!

The pattern is called ... Aito by Melody Hoffmann

Photo taken from the first page of the pattern

This is my finished version of the pattern. I love the lace work!

It is knit with Istex Plotulopi unspun Icelandic yarn, which I absolutely love. 

It requires six (6) different colours. 

Since I had some left over yarn from the first project, I decided to knit another shawl but in reverse. In other words, I used the last colour first. I didn't have enough of the second colour so I interspersed the first colour in the second colour segment. I do love how it's turning out.

That's pretty much it for me at the moment. I'm actually procrastinating and do need to get to some other "stuff" ... Thanks for stopping by ..... Catch you all later!

Take three ....

I decided to attempt the Spruce Sprig mitten pattern from the book Maja's Swedish Mittens by Maja Karlsson.

 If you recall, my second attempt was using Jamison & Smith yarn. They did not feel warm and cosy, which was due to the size of the needles.

Third attempt, I went back to the original yarn I had purchased from Nova Scotia many many many moons ago and for the green I held it double using Rauma Garn Finull PT 2 (4130) and Kidsilk Haze in Jelly (597). 

I love how they turned out ... nice and fluffy!

Pattern wise, I made the mistake of not reading the instructions for the left mitten, which has you reading the chart from left to right. I was way too far into the mitten to frog and decided to let it be. I don't know what the difference would be ... and it's ok. I'm good with how they turned out. 

As for the thumb instruction, I did not follow the pattern but did it differently. I tried the pattern's method on the second attempt and could not figure out how to catch the stitch properly. I reverted to using a true and tried method. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Back to our regular schedule programming

 Wow! The holidays are over. It's back to a regular work week. I do hope you've had a wonderful holiday season.

We FINALLY had a snow storm in way up Northeast New York. I know that some are not a fan of snow, but I am. It's gorgeous out there!

This year, I decided that it was time I knitted myself a pair of mittens. Little did I know that this simple project was going to turn into quite the production with lots of frogging. 

The first attempt was from the book Maja's Swedish Mittens by Maja Karlson, the pattern is called Spruce Sprig. I used a wool I had purchased in Nova Scotia many many many moons ago. I didn't like the yarn I used for the trees. Frogged .... Rip it ....  

Then, I decided to used Jamison & Smith Jumper weigh yarn and found the mittens to be too flimsy. This was mainly due to the size of the needles I was using.

I put that pattern aside and decided to go for a tried and true mitten pattern, Bromont Mitts designed by Dianna Walla for Espace Tricot. This time, I used Rauma Garn Finull PT2 colours, navy blue, gold and gray.

Although I liked the feel and thickness of the mitten, I did not like the gold accent and the blue didn't do it for me. Frogged .... rip it!

Switched things around a bit and went for the gray as the main colour with the navy blue as the accent colour. I had one mitten done, minus the thumb, brought it for show and tell at a luncheon with friends and realized that I had made a mistake on the chevron. Frogged .... rip it!

Finally .... we have a pair of mittens!

I haven't blocked them yet. I'm just so happy to have finally finished them! I tweaked the patten a bit to fit my hand. They are warm and cozy!

Thanks for stopping by! Cheers!

Advent sharing

I thought I would share a final photo of my Advent Calendar by Firefly notes. I will admit, I've enjoyed this one. 

Aside from the fact that Celestial is one of my favourite theme, I like that the stitch markers are a variety of colours and not all gold or silver.

The tin is cute too!

A nice addition to my knitting notions.

Thanks for stopping by! Cheers!

Cutting it close ....

I thought I would knit Pumpkin the Felix Cardigan by Amy Christoffers as a Christmas present. Back in October, I bought the yarn at one of my favourite only shoppe The Woolly Thistle. 

The Felix Cardigan is such an easy pattern that I figured it would be done in no time. Well, life has been quite stressful as of late ... in between the chaos of life, I managed to finish it ..... today! A good thing as Pumpkin and Goofball are coming up tonight.

I used eight (8) skeins of Ístex Léttlopi colour 1406, Spring Green Heather. Pumpkin loves green! It's a top down knit, raglan constructions .... I love the lace work on the sleeves. It gives it a nice touch. 

I have another Felix Cardigan on the needles that I started a while back ... Hum ... haven't blogged about that one yet! That one is for moi.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you're not cutting as close as I am for your holiday!

Catch you all later!

December already

 Wow, time is just flying by. It's a blur at the moment. I do love the month of December. There are so many wonderful celebrations to be had. 

This year, I forwent my annual Harry Potter Lego Advent Calendar and went for a knitting theme. Back in late July I purchased, from my favourite yarn shop in PEI Fleece and Harmony, the Flirefly Note Company celestial advent stitch calendar.

I love anything having to do with a celestial theme. This was a must for me.

December first is finally here. 

The stitch marker is lovely. Looking forward to revealing a new surprise until the big day.

Do you enjoy advent calendars? If so, what is your favourite on? 

Catch you all later! Thanks for stopping by.

Plugging away ....

The weather here has been lovely. We even have a blanket of snow! 

I've been knitting away on the Storm Sweater by Petite Knit. It's an easy knit ... the pattern mainly consists of strategically placed knit and purl stitches. 

This is what it looks like once you have joined the front.

I did manage to finish the sweater ... well except for the collar. With everything presently going on in my life, I'm just not in the mood for anything complicated or requiring thinking. I've put it aside until my mind is uncluttered. So close and yet .... lol

On another note, if you like reading about sheep farming, Adventures in Yarn Farming by Barbara Parry is a wonderful book. 

The pictures are lovely. She touches on all aspects of the processing of fleece from shearing to dying. She even includes different projects.

That's it for now. Thank you for stopping by my little corner in cyberspace.

Cheers!

Inspired ...

 Way back in 2015, my friend Cheryl from Australia had sent me a box of Aussie yard that I blogged about here. 

I have been waiting for the right pattern for this yarn to show up. Yea, it's been sitting patiently ... waiting! Well that day finally came. On August 8, I casted for this project.

The pattern is from a Danish designer ... Storm Sweater by PetiteKnit. It is available here. 

I love this designer! Her designs push my comfort zone. The construction of this sweater is nothing that I have ever seen. Her instructions are clear, making it easy to follow and learn new technics. 

The sweater is worked in the round but you begin with the back and connect accordingly. 

At this point I am ready to work on the front. As I mentioned, an interesting way of knitting a sweater. I'm certainly enjoying pushing my comfort zone. 

Aside from knitting/self-care, I have not been up to much. Not sure how the weather has been in you area, but here, in way up New York state, I can see Canada from my house, it's been quite a wet summer. It certainly makes it easy to stay home and knit. I'm enjoying my quiet life. 

Thanks for stopping by. Cheers!

How can it be .....

Wow, hard to believe that summer is almost over. In a few weeks I'll be back to this insanely busy schedule. I must admit, I've been enjoying this down time, getting lots of knitting and reading done.

 I FINALLY sewed the buttons on Pumpkin's cardigan. OMG, was she not coming up I think the buttons would still be waiting patiently to be sewn!

She loved the cardigan ... It's such a great feeling when a hand made gift is appreciated! :)

Then, all of a sudden, I was in a "let's get this done" mode. I had a of pairs of socks on the needles and it was high time to finish them. I started that project last year, late September, and had very little left to knit. The pattern is called Gretel by Winwick Mum. It's a free pattern! Click here. I used the recommended yarn, West Yorkshire Spinner's Signature yarn. It was a kit from Wool & Company, which is still available here.

I am ready for the holiday! I do like how they turned out. 

August 2022, I visited this wonderful yarn store in Belfast Prince Edward Island called Fleece & Harmony. Every year, they offer a stitch marker advent calendar from Firefly Fibers. This year's theme is Celestial ... I couldn't pass it up.

I also purchased two skeins of yarn ... colour .... Mermaids Tail. I mean, seriously! I love Mermaids! No plans yet for the yarn.

BTQ, they are sold out of the advent calendar, however if you are interested, you can purchase it from Firefly Fiber here.

Well, that's it for now. I do hope you are safe and enjoying the season. Cheers!

Knitting my summer away

Still in recuperating mode! Not really in the mood to do anything besides spend time with myself knitting away. Self-care is so important and I will admit I have been neglecting myself for the last five months. No time! I'm playing catch up!

Have you heard about the fires in Quebec, Canada? OMG, we are feeling it where I live. I thought my area in the US was bad ... Montreal has one of the worse air quality at the moment ... here I am! :-/

On my way into Montreal, as I crossed the Champlain Bridge, I could not see the city of Montreal. That's how much smoke there is. The haze/smoke is so thick!  It was a clear sky, but you wouldn't be able to tell.  Sadly, the Canadian news stated that the fires could be getting worse. Below is a map of the wildfires. It's insane!

I'm trying to stay positive, focusing on gratitude ... it's become more and more difficult with all that is going on in this world .... focus ... happy thoughts!

I finished piecing my daughter's cardigan ... I just have the buttons to sew on. I had three skeins of organic cotton yarn left in Bone and 2 .5 skeins in Thistle. I thought I would knit something else. I really did not want to have any left overs. I bough another skein of the background and decided to make the Tolsta Tee by Rebecca Claw. You can find the pattern here.

Yarn, Blue Sky Fiber organic cotton ... as I mentioned ... left over yarn.

It is now all done .... and even blocked ready for Pumpkin to wear.

I would recommend this pattern. An easy knit ... very potato chippy! lol

Thanks for stopping by. Hoping for peace and harmony in this world! Cheers!