About a month a go, I bravely went to The Little Red Mitten, for knit group, with my bank card. I told myself, “Just get the 4mm Chiagoo needle tips and NOTHING ELSE!” Right! I’m sure you can all say you’ve been there.

Hanging teasingly on the peg board was that beautiful Orchid, multi-shade, Malabrigo wool and….it was on sale! I made myself go back to the knitting group. I pulled my knitting out of my bag, berating myself, “NO! You don’t need it!”

Suddenly, I stood up, grabbed my wallet and walked to the front of the shop. I knew it……all was lost……that wool was coming home with me! I mean after all, my good friend had given me a beautiful book about Estonian Lace. It doesn’t have to be white, does it? Really? Imagine how happy my friend will be to see me working on a pattern from that lovely book. Perfect logic, right?

My beautiful Malabrigo wool has become the bane of my existence, my Nemesis if you will. Three different cast-ons and many rows of stitching later, I came to realize it may be some time before I find the right project. The hurdle is the preciousness of this wool. My budget doesn’t typically allow for this type of expense…. so I’m a little protective of this soft, wonderful fiber.

Thumbing through this book, trying to picture each piece knit with my orchid yarn, I decided the “Lilac Leaf Shawl” would be perfect. So I cast on and knit 32 rows…..

It was very pretty but I just wasn’t feeling it. Nupps are a new technique and I was enjoying learning how to do those. The various little tricks to make them stand out. (Here’s a tip for an Estonian Lace newbie: place a stitch marker at the beginning of your nupp and at the end. It’s a Godsend on the return row.) I think my friend my be onto something…. When I tackle an Estonian Lace piece I’m going to use that ball of white lace wool she gave me.

So I pulled it out. What now? Ravelry of course! How many of you have spent countless hours surfing Ravelry? After all there must be thousands of patterns there. NOPE. Nothing really caught my eye. WTH?

Putting this beloved wool aside I decided on Socks. Knitting socks usually fills my void and gets me fired up again… and they have, sort of. They are quite pretty I.M.H.O..

This piece is soft and light. I like the way the various shades stand out with the stitches used. The chart is easy to read and the stitches are simple. I can picture myself wearing this shawl on a spring day or a summer evening. Hopefully, I complete the shawl without loosing faith in it.

I have to think it’s just an “after the holidays knitter’s slump”. I spent four months frantically knitting sweaters and hats. I stressed out over getting done in time to not feel stressed over Christmas. I did get them done….but I still stressed over Christmas. LOL!! I guess that’s part of the appeal? As usual, I vowed to start my Christmas knitting right after New Years. Have I? Not yet but I’m going to guess I’m not alone.

Until next time friends…

When I stumbled across bullet journals on social media I had no idea what they were. I knew I wanted to know!

Last week yakk’n in the PYPT after chat, when several people expressed an interest in the topic (and suggested it would make a good post) I decided to share! LOL

In a nutshell, a bullet journal is a system that allows you to make short or “rapid” notes about EVERYTHING in your life while having it organized. WHAT??!! It really is just such a system and it works for everyone. Consider it your analog environment where you are the programmer.

Before you go running for the hills…wait… it’s really easy and enjoyable. BEST of all you don’t need to buy any fancy tools. I mean you can, but in my case the Dollar Store is my friend.

I started out using a simple everyday, spiral bound notebook, a small ruler and a set of 6 Sharpie pens. The Sharpie pens were an expense but I bought them with my birthday money. (These are nice pens for drawing knitting and crochet diagrams. )

What is Most Commonly Included if you like.

An Index is a good idea.

(This note book is a specialized product for Bullet Journaling. It’s called “Scribbles that Matter” …love that name)

In order to use your index you must number your pages. Here a nice trick: in small lettering write the topic on the corner of your page. When you are thumbing through it helps you find things fast.

The idea of rapid note taking is that you write your “notes” in very short (five words or less short …if you can) point form. Just write it where you need it… i.e. to-do list or your current day spread. Then when you have a minute you use your symbols to categorize your rapid notes.

Next on your list is A Year At A Glance

The best feature of this form of journaling is the freedom to create it however you choose. I’ve seen sites where artists have created water colour paintings on many pages. Over this they would draw their layouts. They were stunning!!

I prefer a simple approach. I do enjoy playing around with layouts and colouring but I don’t always have the time. If you are interested in some eye candy go to Pinterest and search “bullet journal layout”. Grab a cup of tea because you may be awhile.

I like my year at a glance to include birthdays, anniversaries or any important recurring dates. Colour coded circles can help track events such as holidays, workshops etc..

The Monthly Spread

For me the monthly spread is more of a habit than a need. I make them thinking I’ll use them but I rarely do. I tend to write what I need in my weekly spread. You’ll see why. If you are a “monthly spread” type of person there are lots of great ideas out there for the more creatively inclined.

My Favorite, Most used Module in my Journal is The Weekly Spread

This is the layout I was playing with during my “Pre-Steem” days. LOL It’s so handy. The little month at a glance and the habit tracker are ingenious. Oh yes…. I borrowed bits of many journalers’ designs. Thank you to all. If you find something of mine you like please use it! Play around and have fun.

This is my current spread. Ultra Simple. But it still works. Everything I need for Steem and the real world are all in one place.

From this point on it’s all up to you. You can store your contacts (I belong to a knitter’s group at the local library and can quickly find an email address.) It’s a good medium to track your goals and use mind maps. You can write your daily devotions. If you are a writer you can free associate, write key word pages etc. What ever helps your creative process is possible. As long as it’s analog….

I like to organize my holiday activities, meals and gifts. Or whatever we happen to be doing..LOL!

This is my main Christmas page. As a knitter, during the holidays, this has saved me so much hassle! I listed what page each of my projects was on. Each project is different so I needed various ways to create and track my progress. Here are some of my spreads:

The left page helped me track all of the Christmas projects in production. On the right page I drew the chart for a simple scarf with a DNA helix. I knew I would need it although I was in the middle of my grandson’s sweaters. Perfect.

Create it! Label it! List it!

This is my daughter’s sweater. (Oblique from Knitty )There are several charts and I have to be able use my pencil to keep track of where I am. This is a valuable tool for me! It works! When I leave for knitting group on Wednesdays I just grab my knitting bag and my journal. I have everything I need.

You know those pesky but very important “Laundry Care” symbols that are on clothes and balls of fiber?

Yes it took me a bit of time but now I have them at my fingertips!

If you have a notebook laying around give it a try. You may find it is just what you need!

Until next time friends…

Hey fellow fiber enthusiasts! Since the ’90s, I’ve had the joy of watching fiber artists’ online communities flourish. It’s been a journey full of inspiring people, some of whom leave a lasting impression in your heart. One such remarkable person was Mary Ann Beatty, affectionately known as “Queen Kahuna,” renowned for her “two at a time, toe-up socks.” She was not only kind and intelligent but also shared her expertise by self-publishing “Crazy Toes and Heels.” In my opinion, this book is the ultimate guide to crafting gorgeous socks. Unfortunately, Queen Kahuna has passed away, making her book a rare gem to find.

Sock making, my friends, is an art form filled with numerous techniques and creative decisions. From choosing the perfect toe style (I’m a big fan of Judy’s magic toe cast-on – just Google it for tutorials!) to deciding on the heel and gusset designs, and whether you want an intricate or plain foot. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend visiting http://ravelry.com. It’s a fantastic free community with more patterns than you can imagine. Take some time to explore and admire the vast array of designs.

How many of you can relate to this: I’m working on a pattern that I would love to put down permanently but I can’t. It’s for my daughter, who is very patiently awaiting it. It’s called Oblique from Knitty.com.

I have it set up in my bullet journal. (If you don’t know what that is look here) Each chart has been checked and double checked x’s 2. You can see where I’m keeping track of every row, increase and decrease with my pencil on the chart page.

I carefully knit swatches with the amazing Camel Hair wool my friend Jackie gave me. She was cleaning out her stash and said, “Here. I’ll never use it.”…. I Love My Friends! I love working with this wool so much I took a picture…..GRIN Took a bit but my swatches for gauge are dead on.

My daughter has auburn hair and deep brown eyes. This will look dynamite on her! …… I hope. That is if I ever get it finished. Each piece I’ve knit, even the back, has 6 stitches too many left on the needles after the raglan decrease. ARGGGHHHH!

You know how I said I like it when you share your frustrating moments? This is why….I’m feeling a little better as I’m writing this because I’m hoping one of you dear friends may know what I’m doing wrong. Or just a “There. There.” wouldn’t go amiss. GRIN

I’ve been in touch with the pattern designer. Very helpful person. It has something to do with what I’m doing when I’m trying to keep the pattern while decreasing.

Here’s the back and left front:

The picture quality isn’t the best but you can see the pattern. It’s quite lovely.

Here’s one of the arms. Both are knit up to the raglan decrease.

I won’t let this sweater defeat me but it’s really trying. If anyone has made this sweater successfully please give me some suggestions? I would really love you forever! LOL!

I’ve set a deadline. Her 33rd birthday is April 25. I will have it done by then or fall off Hive trying.

Until next time friends…

Hey there! Have you ever felt something so heavy on your heart that you just feel out of sync with everything? Like you’re wrapped up in a warm alpaca blanket of anxiety? That’s been me for the past few days. I’m pretty sure I’m doing the right thing, but parenting can be tough – no sugarcoating it. To all the new parents out there with your little ones safely in your arms, just know that kids do grow up and become adults. But don’t worry, I won’t go into details; no need to scare anyone!

I’ve noticed that rainy days seem to go hand in hand with a heavy heart. As I’m tidying up, my mind wanders and frets. But you know what helps? Socks! I’ve got this lovely little ball of wool that’s just waiting to be turned into a pair of socks. It’s been a while since I’ve tackled socks – specifically, two-at-a-time, magic loop, toe-up socks. My “arch” enemy (yes, pun intended).

Years back, I picked up a book by Mary Ann Beatty called “Crazy Toes and Heels by Queen Kahuna.” It’s an amazing, detailed guide on sock-making, and Mary Ann even helped me turn my first heel via an email group – a huge thanks to her! This book is like my sock-making bible, and I’d recommend it to any sock knitting newbie. It’s a great way to learn and even design your own socks.

A little side note: I tried finding Ms. Beatty online recently but had no luck. So, if you come across her book, consider it a lucky find. And if you happen to find her online, do let me know!

Starting with the toes: I’m using a technique from the book called the “Fan Toe.” It’s a favourite of mine.

Notice the marker on the right has a silver bead but the one beside it has a dark blue bead? This silver bead marks the beginning of a round. Very helpful.

I had already knit and frogged out three other single toes before I remembered what I liked. That was when the MAGIC LOOP, TWO AT A TIME, TOE UP! challenge was accepted. (Yes…I talk to myself). This was also when I realized I couldn’t find my stitch markers. MY fabulous homemade markers. (yes…sarcasm is alive) What to do?

Thankfully I keep EVERYTHING crafty. I Grab my jewellery making cookie tin and look inside. YES! I have the tools. Okay so a little side tracked but it only took a few minutes to whip up eight stitch markers. One stitch marker is made by using an earring “dangle thing holder”, a few beads and a pair of needle nose pliers. Yes, they do catch a bit on wool but I will fix that later with a bit of solder.

Every stitch I knit helps frog stitches from that Anxiety blanket. Every stitch I’ve ripped has been fraught with turmoil and doubt but then re-stitched with more and more confidence. Knitting, or whatever your passion, doesn’t allow you to hide from your worries. In fact the opposite is true. It takes you out of your head so that you can see a clear picture of the whole situation. And hey? Who doesn’t need beautiful socks with kitty cat ears?

Until next time friends…

Hey everyone! I had such a fun day! One of my good friends convinced me to join a knitting circle, and I’m so glad she did. Now, I’m usually not the biggest social butterfly, but I’ve been curious about this shop ever since we took our grandsons to St. Thomas (Ontario) three years ago to see that huge statue of Jumbo the circus elephant. What a memorable trip that was!

I looked across the street and saw the sweetest old house turned into a yarn shop, Little Red Mitten. It’s what I picture The Shop on Blossom Street (by Debbie Macomber) would look like. So I tucked it away to explore another day.

BTW aren’t my Grandsons ADORABLE? We had so much fun that day, touring around and enjoying new playgrounds.

I have to tell you I was not disappointed. From the moment we pulled into the ample parking lot I started to feel excited. It’s not often that I go to a yarn shop that carries all the soft, colourful yarns that you just don’t find at Len’s Mills, Micheal’s or Walmart. I could picture sitting out on the front porch on a sunny spring day working with these fabulous fibers.

So, I open the front door and there it is!! Colours and textures beautifully displayed. Honestly you just can’t control yourself, you have to TOUCH THEM! And this was just the first room. This shop is room after room of well organized rainbows of fiber. Talk about overload! I was in heaven. Walking around touching each different fiber made me feel as giddy as a small child at a petting zoo. There was Alpaca, Camel, Llama, Yak and yet no Angora?

I discovered something new today about luxury yarn. Did you know that The Little Red Mitten doesn’t carry Angora yarn due to the unethical ways it’s often harvested? I was totally unaware! In my mind, I always imagined bunnies being gently brushed, but that’s not always the case.

I have to say, I got so caught up in the experience that I completely forgot to take photos. If you’re curious, I highly recommend visiting the shop or exploring a local yarn shop near you!

The back of the shop was where the magic happened – a cozy group of ladies knitting and chatting around a table. I was a bit shy at first, but my friend introduced me and, to my surprise, I felt right at home. No cold vibes like I’ve felt in other places, just a shared love for FIBER. It was like finding my tribe!

We spent the next three hours knitting, talking, and exploring various yarns. I even learned a new casting-on technique and was amazed by the incredible talent of these ladies. Then, another surprise – I met the shop’s owner, Joan. She’s created a colorful haven for fiber enthusiasts like me. Thank you, Joan!

Little Red Mitten has classes and knitting circles several times a week, and the staff there are just as passionate and helpful as can be. If you want to know more, definitely check them out.

And for those of you on the hunt for your own little piece of Blossom Street, keep looking. It’s out there. I think I may have just found mine!

Until next time friends…