and another baby hat...

Baby hat

I've noticed that the woman whose job I'll be taking over when she's on maternity leave, has really been gaining weight recently, and looks increasingly tired. The baby is due around the canadian Thanksgiving (October 10th, I believe), but I'm convinced she's not gonna make it to that date. So I've decided to start knitting things for the baby for a while. Here's a little hat.

Simple Stripes socks

This week's hot weather has not slowed down my knitting much. I managed to complete yet another pair of socks, this time with Knit Picks Simple Stripes in Blue Jeans. This pair will be a Christmas present for one of my sisters. The heel looks a bit weird on this picture because of the way it was laying on the branches of my dwarf lilac bush. The weather was somewhat cloudy, which explains the washed-out quality of the picture.

Next project!

Ball winding, and surfing pup

Look at the fun I had this weekend with my new toys. I had a few skeins that needed to be winded into neat little balls, including Charles' yarn (still haven't decided on a lace pattern for it). That's about the only exercise I had this weekend, except for a dip in the pool.













Speaking of dip in the pool, I think you'll agree that Sophie has recovered well from her broken toes...

Great buys day

Yesterday was a great stash enhancement day. I went to Romni Wools for their summer sale, and found a basement full of bargains. I bought enough DGB Confetti yarn (at $3.75 a ball) to make five pairs of socks. My husband wasted no time pointing out the colours he prefers, should I be tempted to knit him a pair or two.



I also bought a wool winder and a reeling machine. I had been envious of Kenny's since he blogged about it (June 02 entry) , and I have been purchasing a lot of skeins in the past few months. This will certainly come in handy. I also bought a book of traditional lace shawls. I may have found a project (not too complicated) in there to use Charles yarn.

Late last night, I also finished the second Socks That Rock pair of socks. The left sock is with Seal Rock colour, and the right sock is in Carbon Dated. I really like knitting this yarn, and I like the colours as well. I only wish the colourways would not make stripe patterns, and the colours would be spread all over the sock.

Sophie update

Sophie's bandage has been removed, and her paw seems to be healing well. In order for her not to lick the wound, and to allow it to dry, she was given a cone to wear. The plastic apparatus was making her quite disoriented, not to mention frustrated. After another visit to the vet, she was outfitted with an "Elizabethan collar". This collar is not as rigid, and can be worn up or down. Her frustration level has gone down a bit, and she can walk around the house with dignity... well, almost.

In knitting news, I completed the Socks That Rock socks in "Carbon Dating", and have started a new pair in "Seal Rock".

Cool Buddha Tonic Yarn!

Look at the amazing yarn I got in the mail today! This picture really doesn't do justice to the richness of the colors, sadly so (my camera really sucks). Charles at Cool Buddha Tonic dyes his own yarns. He is quite multi-talented, as you can see yourself from his blog. He also included a handmade card, which I'm tempted to frame and hang in my new office.
I'm not quite sure what I will be knitting, but I'm sure it will be for me. The beautiful shades of lavender, lilac and purples in this yarn are just my favourite! There is a feeling of sweetness to it, and Charles, quite appropriately named it Sweetness Memories. I just love the names he comes up with for his yarns!

Broken toes...

On Thursday afternoon, Sophie and the sitter went to a pet store to pick up treats and other things. As they were leaving the store, a loud thunder freightened Sophie, and she ran into an oncoming shopping cart and hurt her paw. By the time they got home, it was bleeding a bit, and was swollen. We took her to the vet when we got home, and she had two broken toes, and an exposed wound. We had to try to keep her from running, and putting too much weight on it, and let me tell you it wasn't easy. It's a good thing she has plenty of chew toys to chew her frustrations away! This morning, I took her back to the vet to get her bright lime bandage changed, and they made this cute bandage with a little heart on it. I love the staff there, they're so friendly and caring. I have to go back on Wednesday, and the vet will decide then if she needs to be bandaged for another two more days or not. Wish us luck!

New Socks That Rock yarn

After a great first day at my new job, I get home and find this in my mailbox. What more could I ask for?

Sorry socks, not much knitting tonight, I'm pooped!

New job, Socks That Rock, and garden pictures...

Don't you just love it when you get a job interview on Thursday, and get a call on Friday to start work on Monday? Yes, it did happen to me! I was hoping to get a week off to get a few things done, such as changing to my summer tires (yes, I do know it's almost July soon). At least I know I can look back, and not regret what I've done with my time off. I went to St Louis to see Cinder, the hairless chimpanzee, I went to Dominican Republic, did plenty of knitting, and started this blog (which I intend on still updating, even when I'll be busy, just not at the same pace), visited historic houses in the city, went to museums when it's not busy and truly took my time to appreciate the artwork, read books I had started but never finished. Yup, I'm ready for this new challenge!

This week, I almost finished knitting a pair of socks with my Socks That Rock yarn. This yarn knits up real well, and almost has a stretch to it, once knitted. I think these will go to my sister for Christmas, as she hinted she really likes this yarn. I might also buy her a few skeins, but with two kids, she has less time than I do to knit, or crochet ( we learned to crochet, and knit at the same time when we were kids, but I always preferred knitting).



Leaving you with a few pics that were taken in the Yo-Yo Ma Bach Music Garden around Harbourfront. I love walking around there. It almost makes you forget you're in the middle of the city...

Summer!

The weather was warm, the water was cool...
What more could you want?

Koigu socks done!

My Koigu socks are done, and I couldn't be happier with the colors. Even the concrete bunny that moved in my lavender patch (still waiting for first and last month rent cheque, by the way, Mr. Bunny!) can't believe the colors, and scratches his head (mind you, with his backpaws)! I would certainly not hesitate to buy this yarn again, and I can't wait to see if the colors are still as "punchy" after a run or two in the washer.

Next project? Well socks, of course! I'm just dying to try my Socks That Rock yarn, not to mention that I ordered another two skeins of two different colors.

Love my air conditionning today!

Koigu socks progress

This is the sock I had to start over. I had under-estimated the width of my foot, and ankle, thus making it kinda snug all around. Nevertheless, I still love the colorways, and it's taking me a bit longer to knit because I keep stopping to admire the colors.
I have noticed a change in my knitting habits and/or philosophy since I'm not working. Knitting used to be a way for me to relax, to get rid of the stress after a long day at work. I preferred uncomplicated and rather quick projects, without much caring about the yarn type or color. A plain scarf in one color was my favorite thing to knit, and I knitted plenty for a local women's shelter.
These days, I am more attracted to (or at least I like to think I do) slightly more complicated projects, or stitches (yes, I know my last and current socks were as basic as it gets). I've also noticed that I tend to appreciate the yarn color and texture a lot more than I used to. I'm not as concerned about the quantity of knitting I get done, as much as the quality of my knitting. In general, I enjoy my knitting a lot more, and get more satisfaction out of it

They're done!

I have finally completed the Parade socks in Checkers! They're a bit big on me, which means it will fit the recipient perfectly! She'll have nice warm toes on Christmas Eve (hint: French Canadians open their gifts on Christmas Eve, so sorry Sandra, they're not for you).

I have also completed Sophie's blanket, but unfortunately she wasn't quite in the mood for posing, resulting in a poor quality picture. You can see a bit of the texture towards the bottom of the image, but that's about it.

Socks that Rock yarn is here!

On Friday, I received my Socks that Rock yarn, and decided on the spot this will make amazing socks for MOI! I just love that yarn and the colors just rock.
I got really jealous of Kenny's swift and ball winder, so I started looking on the net for some. I found this amazing winder made out of LEGO! What an awsome idea! I might build my own if I don't find one at a reasonable price.
Oh and by the way, Chihuahuas Rock too!