An On-Going Project: A Sampler Scarf

So I decided to learn and brush up on some knitting stitches. My husband had an interesting suggestion. He asked if there was such a thing as a sampler for knitting. I had no idea. So I looked it up on ravelry and found scarves and blankets with different "samples" of stitched squares. Then I had this neat idea of taking my favourite stitches and making my own scarf.

I was inspired by my love of short stories. Quickly read and then done. Then on to the next story… So I thought I would create a scarf that combined all my favourite stitches on one medium/narrow scarf. Then I don’t get bored doing the same thing over and over again. This scarf gives me a nice break from the monotony. And so... TA DAH!

My "Short Stories" Sampler Scarf

is now in the process of being made I can't wait to finish it! I'm finding a whole bunch of cool stitch patterns and it's coming together nicely! 

Woot!

Just Me: Inspired To Learn More...

After last night's Group Knit with E and D and finally learning to do a "long-tail cast on," I decided to try and learn to do other knitting techniques that sparked my interest. For a long time now I've always been curious about the Continental Method of knitting... So I went to KnittingHelp.com, watched a couple videos (several times) and gave it a shot! And it's great! Well... The "knitting" is doing great. The "purling" could use a lot more practice :D)
But we'll see which way works best for me :)

Knit Project: 3rd Rae Scarf Complete & Inaugural Group Knit!

Went to my first knitting group tonight. It was so much fun! There were only three of us but it was nice to sit around, relax, chat AND knit.

I had JUST finished my third Rae scarf (it turned out pretty well... I just love making these) and so I was trying to figure out what I was going to knit next... It turns out all I needed were my needles and some yarn because D taught me how to do the "long-tail cast on." I had tried to figure it out on my own but with no luck... and now thanks to D for the tutorial & to E & D for starting this group, I now know how. Woot!

Family: Fear and Relief...

Today was a scary day for me. Today was my appointment for my FIRST mammogram. It wasn't a routine appointment where it was just a good idea to get checked... I had an appointment because I found a lump a couple of months ago and I NEEDED to get it checked out. So I went to my doctor, she examined it and came to the conclusion that "It doesn't feel like cancer... (*phew*) but we'll schedule you for an ultrasound and perhaps a mammogram..." 

Mammogram... I had never had one before. I had heard stories. I had scary images in my head. My mind and imagination were becoming my worst enemy... 

Since my doctor was confidant that it was nothing to worry about she told me that I would get a call some time after New Years. And that I was to NOT worry about it. So I tried not to worry. I immersed myself in my knitting. So... Much... Knitting! Then Christmas came and so chaos ensued. And Christmas and New Years flashed by in the blink of an eye.

Then, four days into the 2013, I got the call to schedule my ultrasound & mammogram... And so my worries came back. I wasn't as scared at first. But as the day grew nearer I started getting more and more anxious.

Then now here it was... the day of my examination. 

I followed their pre-appointment instructions (no deodorant, lotion, talcum powder, perfume etc...) I dropped off my son at my sister-in-law's house and then drove to the hospital.

Thankfully I didn't have to wait long (hospital waiting rooms are not my favourite.) Then my name was called and I was greeted by the most wonderfully cheerful person I ever met. She was an absolute sweetheart. Her name was Lisa... and I will never forget her as long as I live. She eased all my worries and she made me feel like I was allowed to be scared and that she would be there for me. She talked me through the appointment, was gentle and attentive. She was such a phenomenal lady. We took our time. I was in tears a couple of time and then we hugged like three times throughout the appointment.

So then after everything was done, she smiled at me, she gave me my news and sent me on my way... 

I have no reason to fear these exams anymore. It was NOT as scary as my mind had made it up to be (lousy brain) especially knowing that whatever the outcome I knew I would be surrounded by comfort and compassion.

Thank you Lisa!

*hugs forever*

Knit Project: Stuff I'm Making...

The Rae Scarf - by Jane Richmond

I am so in LOVE with this scarf. I'm in the process of knitting up my third one. ^.^ It's a classic scarf and simple to knit.

 The first one was done using Lion Brand: Martha Stewart merino yarn in "pewter." I wanted to try out the pattern on a thicker yarn so I could easily see how the pattern worked. I had to alter the pattern a bit because was running out of yarn. :( But it knitted up quickly and It's thick and warm. Good first try it think. Sorry about the picture. The lighting was terrible and so was my camera :(
 



The second one was made using Aslan Trends: Royal Alpaca yarn in "plum." I knitted it using a larger needle so it has more drape. It's incredibly soft and light but warm and cozy too. Perfect for the transition from winter to spring.






And finally (for now... ~.^ ) I'm in the process of knitting my third Rae scarf with Regia Design Line Hand-dye Effect by Kaffe Fassett in "fog."  It's a light sock-yarn and I'm using a slightly larger needle for a lighter scarf. The hand-dye effect is beautiful on this yarn. Going through varying shades of grey. From light pewter grey to yellowy grey to a lavender grey... it looks just like fog. It will be light and lovely for spring and summer.




Knowing me I will knit up at least twelve of these scarves... Three per season should be enough for me... Lol!

~.^

*Sigh* So Torn...

I've got a dilemma...

Several years ago I bought a cardigan because I totally fell in love with the yarn... Not necessarily the sweater. I find myself "trying" to wear it but it's just not the right shape.

So my dilemma is this... Should I risk taking it apart and unraveling it so that I can recycle the beautiful yarn and making something I KNOW I will wear all the time...? OR... Should I leave it as a frumpy cardigan only to wear it occasionally around the house or even stare at it for the NEXT several years.

I DO wear it... I just know it could be so much more...

Just Me: SCORE! New Yarns, New Coat, & New Robe!

What a FANTASTIC day!

I went downtown during my son's preschool time and stopped by the Beehive Woolshop. I needed to browse for some yarn for a project I'm knitting up for a friend. What a fantastic store! My mind was swimming in inspiration! But then I noticed on the "50% off wall" was the yarn I had bought after Christmas that I splurged on. It was the most beautiful yarn. Variegated lavender & grey. It's regular price was $25.95/hank and there it was... reduced to $12.98 (SCORE 1). There were three left so I scooped them all. Woot! Now I just need to figure out what to do with them. ^.^

Also... I decided I needed more colour in my life/wardrobe so I picked up a hank of a merino/cashmere blend yarn in... wait for it... butterscotch yellow! It was on sale for $7.95 from regular price $14.95 (SCORE 2). You see, the last memory I have of EVER wearing yellow was when I was a baby. So with spring just on the horizon... One small step in yarn... One GIANT leap for me!

And so, rounding out the day...

After my son's swimming lesson, He and I went to a clothing store and I found a teal wool coat (regular price: $70) on sale for $20 (SCORE 3)

AND last... but certainly not least...

Walking through Winners after dinner I stumbled upon a "Hello Kitty" hooded robe (in that thick baby-minkie fabric) on clearance for $13... (Super SCORE 4)
Here, of course, is the BEST thing about it!

Today was the BEST shopping day I've had in a long time... So I'm gonna savour this moment. I'm sitting on the couch with my feet up and knitting while I'm wearing the luxurious hooded robe... Ahhh... life, she is good!

Knit Project: Mmmm Tea...

I came across a fantastic set of cowl patterns on Ravelry by Laura Aylor called Cream Tea. In this collection are three different cowl patterns: Hot Tea, Cinnamon Scone & Devonshire Cream (mmm they all sound yummy! ^.^) I will be making all of them... but alas... All in good time.

Hot Tea: Lovely little thing. No chance of a draft seeping through this neck-warmer. It's a close-to-the-neck almost turtle-neck cowl designed in garter stitch. It looks so cosy.

Devonshire Cream: This looks absolutely luxurious. It literally looks like a soft fluffy cloud around your neck. I've never tried cabling before but I WILL learn just so I can make this beautiful cowl. Beautiful and decadent.

Cinnamon Scone: I will be starting with this one. I just love the diamond pattern. The simple diamond design uses just knits and purls. It's a great pattern for knitter who knitted a LONG time ago when she was a little girl and has just recently fallen back in love with the craft (namely someone like... ME! :D)

I love all of them and can't wait to get started...

Just Me: Hello... and Welcome!

I've been meaning to give blogging a serious try for a while now but I never really knew what I wanted to say... or even if I had anything TO say.

There are SO many loves in my life. My family... my friends... music... fantasy... sci-fi... all things geeky...  and all things crafty are what make my world go 'round.

~.^