I picked up the autumn/winter 2010 Rowan magazine while at Romni Wools last weekend. I drooled over the pattern preview and couldn’t resist the chunky cables of the Nomad collection and vibrant colours of Russian Doll. I think I might have to tackle the Tamara mitts (in a different colour scheme) – just the thing to try out some colourwork!
[All photos from Rowan Magazine 48. Patterns clockwise from top left: Meander, Rover, Rambler, Tamara, Maya, Wayfarer]
I loved working with this colour. There’s just something about greens! I’m definitely looking forward to autumn, and this shawl will be perfect for chillier days. The pattern is Gudrun Johnston’s Wast Side Shawl and the yarn is Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine in Peat Mix. I’m a big fan of Gudrun’s patterns. In fact, this is my second in a row. The shawl is worked from the edging inwards, so once you move to the body you feel like you’re almost done!
Wishing my knitting partner for life a very happy birthday today!
[Photos courtesy of Chris]
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This is Gudrun Johnston’s Bousta Beret – a birthday present for Jane. I love the Horseshoe lace pattern, and the fact that the name – Bousta – means farm in Old Norse. It seemed like the right beret for Jane!
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I’m an even bigger fan of Martha Wainwright after seeing her show in Toronto last night, at The Great Hall. Truly spectacular.
Martha sings “UN CHANT D’AMOUR” from Martha Wainwright on Vimeo.
In addition to Edith Piaf covers from her latest album – Sans fusils, ni souliers, à Paris – she sang two of her mother Kate McGarrigle’s songs. One of my favourite moments of the whole show was her version of Kate’s Tell My Sister. I found this version performed by Lisa Hannigan from this year’s Meltdown. A really lovely song.
Lisa Hannigan – Tell my sister (plus intro from Rufus) from Studio54 on Vimeo.
Wishing Jane a very happy birthday today!
Last year, Chris and I celebrated World Wide Knit in Public Day at Broadview Espresso. This year, after hearing about Streetknit’s plans for a group knitting world record attempt, we went out to the Junction to join in.
It would have taken more than 1,000 knitters to set the record. I actually thought it was possible so I couldn’t help but feel some disappointment when the final count was somewhere between 150 and 200 knitters. In a crafty city like Toronto!? Maybe next year.
[Photos 1 & 3 courtesy of Chris]
My dear friend Erin has a brand new niece! I picked up some sweetgeorgia Superwash Merino in Savory (a nice, vibrant colour for a baby, I think) and knit up a cardi and hat set for little Madeline. The cardi is Debbie Bliss‘ Ribbed Baby Jacket and the hat is my go-to pattern for baby hats – the Umbilical Cord Hat from Stitch ‘N Bitch.
It’s been so warm and summery here in Toronto that it really doesn’t feel right to be modelling knits! I can imagine though, that once the summer is over this will make quite a cozy cowl. It’s a simple, infinity-style knit with dropped stitches forming ladders at either edge.
Destroyed Cowl is a free download by Martha Merzig (Ravelry link) and takes just one skein of worsted-weight yarn. I used Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Pearl. Love it, but I’m giving it up!
[Photos courtesy of Chris]
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I made these fingerless mitts in thanks for a box of mystery wool. I was the lucky recipient of a box of super bulky yarn and a mix of brightly-coloured fleece. A friend of a friend gave it to me and thinks it may have originated with family in Poland. I think these mitts should make it a fair trade! I’m really happy with how they turned out – delicate and feminine with their buttoned lace cuffs.
The pattern is Veyla by Ysolda Teague and I used Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine in Pitch Black. I love the yarn and I should have enough leftover for another project. Something soft and lightweight!
[Photos courtesy of Chris]
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My dear friend Lara got married this afternoon at city hall. She gave me her bouquet after the ceremony – a very pretty, simple bunch of lilies of the valley. I’m convinced the bouquet of lilacs I’m bringing to the reception will suit her perfectly! Jane suggested a new shop that opened up on Queen Street West in Parkdale – Coriander Girl. The owner Alison put together this lovely bouquet – I just hope that the lilacs survive the wind en route to the reception. It’s been such a stormy day!
[Photos courtesy of Chris]
I started this cardigan way back in September. During the many months between then and now, I came full circle on bottom-up seamless construction. It was my Moch Cardi, another bottom-up sweater, that turned it all around. I loved the neatness of the underarm seams and how effortless the yoke felt after finishing row upon row of the body. So I picked it back up and finished the sleeves and yoke, and I’m happy I did. I love it – the smocking, the I-cord edging and cuffs, and the Rowan Felted Tweed that I used. The pattern is Ysolda Teague’s Coraline – highly recommended!
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