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Marian Cowl - Quick, Inexpensive & Really Nice

October 19, 2014, 10:03 am
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Cowls continue to be an extremely popular accessory.  Ravelry has a little over 17,000 cowl designs. While searching for  a cowl to knit a store sample in Big Softie, I found Marian. It is shorter/narrower, I'm not sure which descriptive is correct, of the very popular Gap-tastic. The original Marion by Jane Richmond is knit in a super bulky yarn (knit at around  6 sts over 4 inches) on a 15mm circular. Link Below.
 
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marian-2
 
  
 
Marian in the original super bulky from Ravelry.
 
With a bit of simple math, I adjusted the pattern to use Big Softie (9sts over 4 inches) on a 10mm. Lots of Ravelers have done the same thing. We currently have 6 colours of Big Softie, 3 solid and 3 of their new tweed look. Big Softie is well named. It is a deliciously soft wool/acrylic blend- machine washable but dry flat.



 
 On a 10mm needle with an adjusted cast on increase to 55 sts, the resulting cowl has a 23 inches circumference for a comfortable single wrap style of wear.

 
 
 
I couldn't resist the feline model post below. I love Ravelers who use their pets as models.


 
 
Marian is a simple, reversible seed stitch design easily accomplishable by even a beginner. The pattern has an interesting option to purposely place a twist in your cast on round. Yes, purposely put in that twist all circular knits warn you to avoid. I have always wondered about this technique and decided to try it. I like it. Works very well with this simple design.
 
My store sample was finished in a couple of hours (and I am a slow knitter) and used 2 balls of Big Softie. At $5.50 a ball, total cost $12.43 with taxes, it makes a very quick, inexpensive project - perfect for yourself or gift knitting. Christmas is just a little over two months away!!!
 
Happy Knitting
Beth


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OPAL YARNS SWEET & SPICY 2

October 21, 2014, 11:47 am
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Opal Sweet and Spicy 2 - 1 x 8 100g Balls



Just arrived, the new

OPAL SOCK YARN COLLECTION - SWEET & SPICY 2

We could not decide which ones we liked the best, so we ordered them all.



Opal Sweet and Spicy 2- shade 8610 Watermelon
Watermelon

Opal Sweet and Spicy 2- shade 8611 Peppercorns
Peppercorns

Opal Sweet and Spicy 2- shade 8612 Honey
Honey

Opal Sweet and Spicy 2 shade 8613 Sprinkles
Sprinkles

Opal Sweet and Spicy 2 shade 8614 Grapes
Grapes

Opal Sweet and Spicy 2 shade 8615 Red Cabbage
Red Cabbage

Opal Sweet and Spicy 2 shade 8616 Chilli
Chili

Opal Sweet and Spicy 2 shade 8617 Lolly Pops
Lollipops

Sock knitting does not get much better.

Happy knitting
Beth


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New magazines

October 24, 2014, 5:43 pm
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Some great new magazines have just arrived

 
 
Knit Simple Magazine
 


 
I had a quick look through the Vogue Holiday issue and came across something very interesting.
 
Knitting in Alaska
 
Here is the link for details. I am not familiar with all the instructors but I love Cat Bordhi 
 
http://travelingtogether.net/knitting.htm
 
I am very tempted. Anyone else interested??
 
Happy Knitting
 
Beth
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Yarn Harlot

October 31, 2014, 10:02 am
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 I totally had a moment this morning. If you are not aware of , aka, the Yarn Harlot, do yourself a big favour and check out her blog

http://www.yarnharlot.ca/

And read any or all of her books.



The Amazing Thing About the Way It Goes: Stories of Tidiness, Self-Esteem and Other Things I gave Up On
All Wound Up: The Yarn Harlot Writes for a Spin
Free-Range Knitter: The Yarn Harlot Writes Again
Things I Learned From KnittingWhether I Wanted To or Not
Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts OffThe Yarn Harlot's Guide to the Land of Knitting
Knitting Rules!The Yarn Harlot's Bag of Knitting Tricks
Yarn Harlot:The Secret Life of a Knitter
At Knit's End:Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much
Knitlit Tooedited by Linda Roghaar and Molly Wolf
 
I have read all her books, some multiple times but her first,  Yarn Harlot:The Secret Life of a Knitter,
holds a special pace in my heart. Stephanie is laugh-out-loud funny.
 
 
 
I have been home sick for several days. Do yourself a favour, if you have not yet had your flu shot, get one. This morning I was working on a pair of socks. I knit on Addi 12" circulars, switching to dp's for the heel and toe. I had reached the heel and set aside a couple of dp's to knit the heel flap. I had knit the requisite number of stitches of onto a dp and put them aside to get a cup of tea. When I came back, my second dp was no where to be found. Although the remaining 3 of the set   of 5 were sitting on the coffee table, I became obsessed with finding the missing dp I just set aside. I moved couch pillows. I looked under the couch. I emptied the knitting bag that was on the floor by the couch where I had been knitting. I went back to the kitchen to see if it was over by the teapot. I even eyed the cats suspiciously. They steal yarn, measuring tapes, stitch holders and constantly re-arrange my patterns and magazines, maybe needle thieving had just been added to the list. I finally gave up. It would turn up eventually, hopefully before I needed it for the toe. By this time, I had wasted so much energy and time looking for the missing needle I had run out of time. I needed to get showered and dressed. My son was driving me to pick up my car at the garage. Getting ready to hit the shower, I pulled my hair back into a  ponytail to get my shower cap on - Missing dp stuck behind my right ear.
 
Happy Knitting
Beth
 
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Open House Recipes

November 23, 2014, 7:23 am
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Every year we get requests for the same three recipes so I have re-posted an old recipe blog from 2009. ENJOY!!! 
Beth

Serenity Knits celebrated its 7th Annual Christmas Open House this past Saturday, November 17th. All the treats were well received but we had repeated recipe requests for three in particular. So here they are!!


Karen’s Chocolate Christmas cake

Ingredients:
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 250 g pkg Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup candied cherries, cut into quarters
1 cup candied mixed fruit
1 tsp almond extract

Directions:
Melt chocolate chips in microwave oven (medium setting, stirring often) or in top of double boiler over hot water. Add softened cream cheese, stirring until well blended and no visible streaks of cream cheese remain. Stir in candied fruit, cherries and almond extract. Add marshmallows last, stirring gently. Press batter (thick) into a waxed paper lined loaf (approximately 4 x 8 inch) pan or 8 x 8 inch cake pan (if you prefer squares). Chill well before slicing into slices or squares. Store covered in the refrigerator. Enjoy!



Leslie's Cheese Dip

1 lb shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 medium white onion, finely diced
2 cups Hellmans Mayo (full fat, not lite & only Hellmans)
Mix well. Place in oven proof container. Bake at 350 until top is brown. Serve with crackers or bread.
Note: This dip can be made in advance, stored in frig and reheated by stove or microwave to serve.




Sugar Plums: From “Victorian Christmas Crafts”by Barbara Bruno

Sugar Plums are an ancient treat probably originating in the Middle East where whole figs were transformed into the original glace fruit by long and repeated simmering in sugary syrup. Victorians, always ready to guild the lily, added nuts, orange rind, a variety of dried fruits and brandy, to create the “Sugar Plum visions dancing in heads” in the Victorian Christmas poem, the Night Before Christmas.
Ingredients:
3 pounds of dried mixed figs, dates, raisins & currants
1 ½ pounds of blanched almonds
½ pound unsalted shelled pistachio nuts
½ pound of crystallized ginger
finely grated rind of 2 oranges
2-3 tbsps brandy (or orange juice if you prefer)
white granulated sugar

Method:Finely chop and mix all ingredients except brandy and sugar. Use a food processor or grinder because you want the ingredients to be well chopped/ground. Add 2-3 tablespoons of brandy to help make the mixture stick together. If you would prefer not to use brandy, use the juice of one of the oranges instead. Mix WELL. Form the mixture by hand into small balls, approximately a tablespoon at a time. Roll them in sugar. Store the Sugar Plums in a covered container. It is best to let them meld for a few days but they can be served right away. They will keep for several weeks in a covered container.


We are glad you enjoyed our Christmas treats and are pleased to share these recipes with you.



Beth & Karen
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"IT" AGAIN

December 3, 2014, 5:04 am
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I have a couple of days off to try to get a bit more organized for Christmas. Do you remember when you were a kid and Christmas seemed to take forever to arrive? And you had no idea how much work was involved in getting ready? As I head off to the mall today, I remember with great delight  Stephanie Pearl-McPhee describing her experience getting ready for Christmas. The following is part of a post  from a couple of years ago.

From June 2011:
Do you follow the Yarn Harlot? I think Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, a.k.a. the Yarn Harlot, is one of the funniest people I have ever known. ( I use the word "know" rather loosely here. I have never met Stephanie, but have read all her books multiple times and regularly read her blog, so I feel like I know her.) I heard her speak once. By the end of the evening, my cheeks were aching from laughing so much. My favourite of her books is "Yarn Harlot, the secret life of a knitter" (A great gift for any knitter if you need a gift idea)

I am particularly amused by a chapter titled simply "IT". Let me quote part of the opening paragraph:
"Once again, it's Christmastime. How can I be completely blindsided by a holiday that happens on the same day each year is absolutely beyond me. You'd swear they only announce the date for Christmas in November and I have maybe three weeks to cope with the news. Once again I am nowhere near ready....."

The first time I read that, I laughed out loud, that is so me. So when I read it again the other night, I said to myself : "Not this year. You are going to start early!!!!"

Before I move on, if you are a knitter and do no not know the Yarn Harlot, do yourself a favour. This is her blog address;
http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/ .
Visit it and see what she is up to. She also has seven best selling books.

Back to avoiding "IT" (not to ruin the story, but "IT" is the crazy state of mind and circumstances the overambitious knitter finds them self in, when it is almost Christmas, and all those hand knit gifts you had carefully planned and depended upon having to give away by December 25th are not finished). .

Any way, for a change, I am in pretty good shape this year, just 2 hats, a cowl and one pair of socks to finish. I think I will make it. How are you doing??

Beth

PS I will let you know if I see any great bargains at the mall.



 
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Snow Days

December 11, 2014, 7:48 am
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Well, it is official. It may not be the 21st of December, but winter is here.

 
I know someone who is probably happy.

https://www.youtube.com/user/TorontoZooChannel

I have no idea how many pairs of mittens I have knit but this morning, I could not find a single pair of matching mitts. I usually like to blame the cats for events surrounding missing knitting but I don't think it will work this time. One can never have enough mitts.

Beth
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VOGUEknitting Winter2014/15

December 11, 2014, 10:22 am
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The most recent issue of VOGUEknitting has just arrived and to my delight, it features one of my knitting inspirations, the legendary Barbara Walker. Barbara Walker's stitch dictionaries have inspired many knitters. Even if you are not familiar with Barbara Walker, if you spend much time on Ravelry, you will often see where designers credit a particular stitch they have used to one of her incredible stitch dictionaries.
  

My favourite of her dictionaries is her book on Mosaic Knitting.
 
Below, Barbara in one of her fabulous Mosaic creations.
 
 
 
Vogue's Winter 2104/15 has 9 fabulous designs inspired by Barbara Walker stitch motifs. A couple below.
 
#1 Mosaic Cowl desinged by Kristina McGowan in <em>Alpaca Sox</em> and <em>Pirouette</em> by Classic Elite Yarns.
  
 
#8 Mosaic Sampler Pullover designed by Pat Olski in in <em>Alpakka</em> by Dale Garn/Mango Moon Yarns.
 
 
#5 Long Fringed Scarf designed by John Brinegar in <em>Sport Weight</em> by Blue Sky Alpacas.
 
 
These designs are much easier than they look, especially when knit using the super easy to understand chart system created by Barbara. Unlike Fair Isle knitting, this is not stranded knitting. You are only knitting with one strand or colour at a time and the patterns are created by slipped stitches.
 
If you are interested and not sure your skills are up to it, I am offering a class this winter on slip stitch and mosaic knitting.
 
 

 
Class
Slipped Stitch Knitting   (Beth) Three 2 hour Classes $60 plus supplies
Date & Time
Thursday, February 5, 12 & 19    9:30am – 11:30am
Description
 
Slipped stitch, and a subgroup of this category of knitting stitches mosaic, appear quite similar to fair Isle knitting, but you are only knitting with one colour strand at a time. Stitches are slipped or knit to create the design. Once you understand a few simple basics about slipped mosaic, you will be able to use these designs in a variety of projects. In this class we will practice the techniques by swatching a few patterns you are sure to want to use later. Then really get to it with either the Frieze Cowl or Shawl.
Prerequisites
Intermediate. Good basic knitting skills.
 
 



Do yourself a favour and explore this unique and versatile knitting technique.
 Beth









 
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Sock Club KAL, Monday, January 12,2015

January 9, 2015, 12:46 pm
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Class
 Sock Club – Beyond the Basic Sock,
FREE KNIT-A-LONG   (Beth)
Date & Time
Monday Afternoons in January starting January 12
   1:00pm – 3:00pm
Description
Once you have mastered a basic sock, it is fun to try
out some new patterns. Each Friday I will post on our
blog the description of the sock we will be knitting.
I will recommend a specific yarn and let you know
where to find the pattern. A call to let us know if you
are coming would be appreciated. Yarns used must
be purchased from Serenity Knits. We will start with
one of my favourites - Jaywalker
Prerequisites
Intermediate. Good basic knitting skills.
Must already know how to knit socks.
 



Sock Club Knit-a-long starts Monday, January 12th with one of my favourites, Jaywalker. The pattern is FREE on Ravelry at the following link. Jaywalker is fun and interesting in just about any yarn but I like it best in something a bit stripey which shows of the angles of the pattern stitch beautifully.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jaywalker

Remember, the class is Free, but please, only yarns purchased at Serenity Knits. A call or e-mail to let me know you plan to attend would be appreciated.

Beth
January 9
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An Unusual Post for Serenity Knits

January 14, 2015, 9:51 am
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This is not the usual  post you expect when you visit Serenity Knits blog. I received this notice from a friend on FaceBook who lives  in New Brunswick. As someone who routinely closes a store and walks to a car in an empty, secluded parking lot, it struck a rather strong chord with me. A worthwhile warning and good advice I thought I would pass on. Be safe.
Beth
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Cooking School Knitting Night with Chef Heather Goodman

January 21, 2015, 7:53 am
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One of our customers is a chef and Coordinator of the PC Cooking School at the Superstore on Bayview Ave just south of Serenity Knits. Heather is offering a class which beautifully combines her love of knitting and great food. I will be attending. Hope you will join us.

Cooking School Knitting Night with Chef Heather Goodman 

  • Real Canadian Superstore -
  • Aurora Superstore,  
  • 15900 Bayview Ave, Aurora 
  •  $35.00 * per person
  • Tuesday, January 27, 7 - 9:30pm
  • register on line through the link at the bottom of the page      
 

If you’re a knitter, we invite you to bring your WIP to class tonight, then eat, tink and be merry! As you sit and knit, Chef Heather Goodman we’ll cook up a delicious feast for you that’s the culinary equivalent of a warm, woolen sweater, featuring Chicken & Dumplings; Simple Green Salad; and Apple Crumble with Crème Anglaise. After dinner, we’ll discuss the projects we’re working on and share our knitting wisdom! Wine tasting included in this class 
Please be advised that our Cooking Schools are not allergy-free zones. 

 

Instructor - Heather Goodman

Heather Goodman is the Coordinator of the PC Cooking School in Aurora, Ontario. She has been in the food industry for a number of years, and used to own Scrumptious Fine Foods in Newmarket, Ontario.

For full details on this class and others offered at our local Superstore, visit the link below.    

http://www.pccookingschool.ca/LCLOnline/cookingSchool.jsp?catId=cat180013&type=details&productId=csaprod15110244&
                                                     
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Adorable Patterns for Little Girls

January 25, 2015, 10:45 am
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Yesterday we were visited by Dennis, the sales rep for Skacel Yarns. Dennis' wife runs a yarn shop, Wool & Wicker in Richmond B.C., so he always has beautiful samples for many of his yarns. One of his samples was the cutest little skirt knit from CoBSi sock yarn. CoBaSi is a blend of cotton, bamboo, silk and elastic. We have it in a variety of solids.

 
 And it also comes in 5 variegated colours.
 
cobasi801.jpg
 
CoBaSi makes beautiful socks, appreciated by all sock knitters, especially when knitting for folks that can't wear or don't like wool.
 
The little skirt Dennis showed us was Kowhai, from the collection of Rachel Evans patterns. You can view them on Ravelry at the link below

http://www.ravelry.com/designers/rachel-evans


The pattern for Kowhai can be knit from sport, DK or worsted yarn in sizes from 6 months to 12 years. The pattern for Kowhai is $5 US and is a pattern which can be purchased through Serenity Knits


 
Another of Rachel's patterns is Moana. a sun dress version
 
 
Another skirt, a full frill skirt called Pirouette Twirls
 
 
Another dress Nina
 
 
Kaia Babydoll
 
 
 
Paige Babydoll
 
 
All these dresses and skirts are knit top-down, one piece, minimal or no seaming required. All patterns have several size options and many can be knit in multiple weights of yarn.
Rachel has other designs for sweaters, hats and jackets. And they are all adorable. Check out the entire collection on Ravelry at
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/rachel-evans
 
All of these designs and suitable yarns can be purchased at Serenity Knits and if you give me a bit of time, I am knitting samples.
 
Beth
 
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The Knitter's Curiosity Cabinet Volume III

January 26, 2015, 1:08 pm
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Yesterday was a very lazy day for me. Took a nap in the sun, did a bit of reading, worked on some class notes and then knit a bit while I watched the movie Julie & Julia. If you have never seen this movie, I do recommend it. Amy Adams & Meryl Streep play Julie and Julia Child. Julie (Amy Adams) decides to cook her way through the famous "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" by Julia Childs (Meryl Streep) and blog about her experiences. It got me to thinking. Maybe I should try that. Last night I went to bed with 2 books - The Knitter's Curiosity Cabinet Volume III"& Cat Bordhi's "New Pathways Book 1". I have already knit several socks from Cat's book so I decided it might almost be cheating to select that one. So I have decided on Curiosity Cabinet. This book is the third in a series of absolutely fabulous books. I love my knitting books and am usually happy if I see 3 or 4 patterns in a particular book that I like well enough to consider knitting. This book has 18 original patterns - 9 socks and 9 accessories (hats, shawls, fingerless gloves) and I love all of them.

 
KCC2-Cover-for-PVP-site
 
I am going to start on the first pattern in the book, Conferva villosa Sock shown below.
Ravelry Link
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/conferva-villosa-sock
 
 





 
 

 
I am going to use some delicious red Misti Alpaca Tonos Carnaval Sock yarn that has been sitting in my stash waiting for the perfect pattern
 
 
 
 
I will force myself to finally figure out how to download photos from my camera to my new laptop and let you know how I am doing. I am a slow knitter but I don't think 18 small projects should take me that long.
If you are interested in seeing all the designs for this book, they can be viewed on Ravelry at
 
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/the-knitters-curiosity-cabinet-volume-iii/patterns
 
 
Beth
 

 





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Where to Find Great (and Mostly FREE) Knitting Patterns

January 28, 2015, 7:56 am
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There are probably thousands of cowl patterns on the Internet, so I was surprised yesterday when  we had two customers come in working on the same cowl. One customer had finished knitting the cowl and just needed a little help with finishing. I had not seen this cowl. This knitter had done an amazing job and I was really impressed. As soon as she left, I went on Ravelry to find the pattern. It is called Honey Stitch Cowl from Canadian Living Magazine
 


 

You can find this pattern at the following link - http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/knitting/honey_stitch_cowl_pattern.php

One of the recommended yarns is Berroco Vintage Chunky, one of our most popular yarns which we stock in several colours.
 
To find the pattern, Ravelry linked me to the Canadian Living Website where I was surprised and delighted to find a large selection of FREE knitting patterns. Check them out at the link below.

http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/knitting/

There are many knitting websites offering wonderful (and frequently FREE) patterns. And new ones keep appearing. Over  the next few blogs, I will fill you in on some of my favourites. I certainly do not claim to know them all, so if you have a favourite you think other knitters might enjoy, please e-mail (  info@sernityknits.ca  ) a link and I will check it out and pass it on in a blog.

For now, my two  top favs many knitters already know -

Ravelry     http://www.ravelry.com/invitations

If you are not on Ravelry, click on the above link to sign up. You need to register your e-mail address, a user name and a password. You can purchase patterns through Ravelry, but thousands of patterns are available FREE. You are not required to provide personal financial information to Ravelry to access patterns unless you choose to purchase. You can then purchase via credit card or Paypal. I personally have used Paypal several times and have experienced no problems. Serenity Knits is an authorized Ravelry Retailer which allows you to purchase many Ravelry patterns through us.

Knitty       http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEw14/index.php

Knitty is an on-line magazine which publishes pattern and articles several times a year. If you Google Kntty, you will be linked to the current issue. Each issue has several FREE patterns and articles. You can view the pattern and just go ahead and print it if you like it. There is no need to sign up or provide any personal information. When you access the current issue of Knitty, there is a link at the top to their pattern library which is an archive of all previously offered patterns or articles. Many Knitty patterns go absolutely viral. One of my favourite shawl/scarfs is CLAPOTIS from Knitty.
http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html


 
 
On of the fabulous aspects of Ravelry is that knitters post pictures of their finished projects with information about yarns used etc. It is a very helpful resource to give you ideas for knitting projects. The last time I checked Clapotis on Ravelry, there were over 21,000 posted Clapotis projects. Many of the most popular designs on Ravelry were originally published on Knitty.
 
 And put a maple leaf beside it, Knitty is Canadian.
 
Over the next few posts, I will let you know about some other great pattern resources.
 
Beth
 

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Quispamsis

February 11, 2015, 12:14 pm
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Yes, it has been a rather bad winter here in southern Ontario, but we should be happy we don't live in eastern Canada. This is my nephew's home in Quispamsis, New Brunswick two storms ago.










This is my nephew Mark. I am not sure exactly how tall he is, but he is darn close to at least 6 feet!!!




I grew up in New Brunswick and there are many things about it I miss, especially all my family, but I don't miss this.

Beth



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Spring Magazines

February 13, 2015, 9:01 am
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Close this window


 

Enjoy a brief escape from our miserable cold winter. Spring magazines are arriving with lots of inspiration for spring and summer knitting.
 
 





 
 
Close this window





Interweave Knits, Vogue and Debbie Bliss are in store now.
Beth
 
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Cascade Yarns Websites - FREE PATTERNS you will love

February 15, 2015, 9:11 am
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Cascade -  Quality yarns, at fabulous prices, every colour under the rainbow.  Three of our favourites:

Cascade 220®
 


 

Fiber:100% Peruvian Highland Wool
Yardage:100 g (3.5 oz) / 220 yds (200 m)
Gauge:18 - 20 sts = 4" (10 cm)
US 7 - 8 (4.5 - 5.0 mm)
Wash:Hand Wash Cold
Lay Flat to Dry
 
Pacific® Color Wave


Fiber:40% Superwash Merino Wool
60% Acrylic
Yardage:100g (3.5 oz) / 213 yds (195 m)
Gauge:18-20 sts=4" (10 cm)
US 7 - 8 (4.5-5.0 mm)
Wash:Machine Wash Warm
Tumble Dry Low


220 Superwash®


















Fiber:100% Superwash Wool
Yardage:100 g (3.5 oz) / 220 yds (200 m)
Gauge:20 - 22 sts = 4" (10 cm)
US 6 - 7 (4.0 - 4.5 mm)
Wash:Machine Wash Warm
Tumble Dry Normal

What many of you may not realize, is that the two Cascade websites offer  an extensive selection of FREE patterns.

Cascade Yarns USA

http://www.cascadeyarns.com/index.asp

Cascade Yarns Canada

http://www.estelleyarns.com/cascade-yarns.php

Looking for inspiration for your next project? And wouldn't it be nice if the pattern was FREE? Treat yourself to a browse on the Cascade websites.

Beth
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Heaven in summer ..........

February 17, 2015, 7:49 am
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Pure heaven in the summer. This is looking down the beach from our family cottage on Grand Lake, New Brunswick.

 
Trans Canada Highway just outside Moncton February 2015.


My brothers deck and backyard in Kingston, NS (the Annapolis Valley) last weekend.


Unfortunately that screen door opens outwards!!!
 
Yesterday, as I sat in the sun, enjoying Heritage Day, I happened to watch the noon hour news showing poor Eastern Canada getting hammered again. Decided to call my family to see how they were holding up. No answer in Quispamsis, the village where my brother and nephew live  - I showed you Quispamsis about 5 storms ago in an earlier post. Talked to my sister-in-law in Nova Scotia. The pictures above are theirs. They were just hunkered down happy that they didn't have any where they needed to go. In addition to all the snow, it was very cold. My brother is retired Air Force. He put on his military grade survival suit to keep warm enough to go out and shovel a path from the house. He couldn't get out either door, the snow was piled up against them, so he had to crawl out through the sliding glass door from the dining room to the deck.
 
My sister-in-law in Riverview, New Brunswick (right beside Moncton, a sort of Newmarket/Aurora thing, if you did not know they were two different cities you would not even notice) was happy her apartment was on the second floor. She was not sure if the ground floor folks could even still see out their windows. Every thing in Moncton/Riverview was closed. No public transit, most businesses closed. Found out from her that my brother from Qusipamsis was supposed to have been leaving for Arizona yesterday. In an e-mail yesterday, I found out  they have made it to Bangor, Maine to catch their flight.  I am keeping my fingers crossed for them.
 
Again, heaven in summer.

Beth
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Kitty Tube Socks

February 18, 2015, 7:08 am
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Snow Days

February 21, 2015, 7:16 am
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It is a little warmer today, but now it is snowing. I know I should not complain. Poor Eastern Canada and the North East USA. We should be grateful we only have a couple of feet of snow. But I was so tempted to post a sign on the door..........
 
Closed due to illness
Sick of the Weather
 
....... and just stay home.  But then I thought of the knitters we often get on bad weather days like this.
 
Group One - The lucky people getting ready to go some place warm and wanting a couple of balls of sock yarn to knit on the plane and on the beach while drinking strawberry daiquiris and soaking up the sun. I apologize in advance if I insult any one, but I find it a little hard to feel too sympathetic for this group if they were to arrive and find the store closed. I am sure they will have no trouble finding other ways to entertain themselves.
 
Group Two - All the other knitters like me who on a day like this want nothing more than to snuggle up on the couch with the cat, put on some silly chick flick, put on a fire and just knit. But nothing in your knitting stash appeals to you. Or all your 4.5mm needles are occupied. Just a quick trip to Serenity Knits for needles or a new ball of sock yarn and then you can relax. On bad weather days like this, 8 of of 10 customers are from this group. Wanting nothing more than to hibernate and knit but missing some crucial piece of the solution. It is for those knitters I am here today because I know how disappointed you would be if you bundled up to come get your needles or yarn and we were not open. So I am here waiting. See you later.
Beth
 

 
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