Sakiori II (Short Version)

Above is my version of the Sakiori II (short version) vest which pattern I found in Interweave Folk Vests by Cheryl Oberle. This was a special order for a friend ;c) For this project, I used the Noro Silk Garden Yarn which I found suited the pattern quite well. I modified the pattern slightly and replaced the original ties with a button - which, by the way, is made from the branch of a deer antler; how cool is that!

Sockies

The red socks were a special order. I used the "Cauchy" pattern by Cookie A. from the Sock Innovation book. I've since knitted many patterns from this book and would highly recommend it to all sock lovers.


The blue socks were a gift for my friend Pam who was kind enough to send me a picture ;c) The pattern is called "Waving Lace Socks" (Evelyn A. Clark) from Favorite Socks Book by Interweave Press. The yarn was made from hand dyed rovings which were spun by yours truly ;c)

Another awesome book is The Joy of Sox by Linda Kopp (Oct 2009) which features 30+ must knit designs.

Curiously Clever Clogs

I knitted these during the holidays and used the lopi wool I had purchased during my last visit at Wellington Fibres (Elora, ON). The pattern I got from Stitch Diva Studios and is called "Curiously Clever Clogs".

The first photo is the before and after - how cool is that!



They are very comfortable and especially warm. I wear them all the time ;c)

Show and Tell

I knitted this beautiful Debbie Bliss sweater (shawl collared pattern) using SRK Perth (70% Merino, 30% Acrylic). I've knitted this pattern twice before. I love following Debbie's pattern instructions - always clear and easy.

Shearing Day

Last Friday was shearing day at Cindy's farm. It was a beautiful day for shearing. I got a beautiful brown merino (lamb) fleece which I can't wait to spin. Following are pics which I took during shearing...

I wanted to take this little guy home so badly - isn't he the cutest!

Harrowsmith Country Life April Issue

If you haven't already done so, I would strongly suggest you pick up the latest issue of Harrowsmith Country Life magazine. In it, you will find an article by a friend, guild member, shepherdess extraordinaire, Cindy Osland. The article is entitled "Three Bags Full" and shows beautiful pictures of Cindy, her farm (which is situated North of Port Hope) and of course, her gorgeous sheep.


I plan on helping Cindy at her farm during sheering time and look forward to seeing her beautiful yarns and rovings at this year's Gathering which is held in Port Hope on Saturday, April 18th from 10am - 3:30pm at the Town Park Recreation Centre, 62 McCaul Street. Hope to see you there :c)

Note on the Gathering: The Gathering is a spinning/knitting (yearly) event which is organized by our 2 local guilds (the Great Pine Ridge Spinners & Weavers and the Northumberland Hooks & Needles). It's a fun day of knitting, spinning and shopping. This year, we are expecting 18 vendors selling everything from rovings, yarns, fleeces and accessories. (Note: As not all vendors accept credit cards you may want to bring some cash with ya). The door entry fee is $6 which includes a ticket to awesome door prizes. Also coffee and snacks are provided free of charge. Cindy Osland will also be in attendance to provide lunch for the non-lunch packers with her fresh BBQ Lamb or Beef Burgers - YUMMY! So be sure to bring your wheel and or knitting needles; it will be a fun filled day.

Latest Spins - Match Made Au Naturel!

Plying, in my mind, is probably the most rewarding aspect of spinning. It's when everything comes together and your fingers just itch to start knitting. Working with hand painted/dyed fleece can be a lot of fun but lately I've been finding that plying a natural dark wool with bright hand painted/dyed wool just as rewarding. See it for yourself...