Almost Over . . . .

Pretty cone flowers

The days are getting shorter and the nights a little cooler . . .  In a few weeks, the fall fair comes to town and then school will start up.  Summer will officially be over. 

Tomatoes are getting big

Meanwhile I've been busy doing nothing.   That's right.  Nothing.  No crochet.  No knitting (hence no blogging).  Actually, there has been some knitting, but I've been distracted by family events, outings to the big city, games and technology.  Truthfully my knittin' mojo had been waning and now it's MIA!  I'm gonna have to find it if I want to finish those Christmas hats.

The beans that survived . . .

Hanging basket

Meanwhile I've been putterin' 'round in the garden: watering my flowers and veggies, pulling weeds and trimming over-grown bushes and trees.  There's something very primal 'bout planting seeds and watching them grow . . . 

Tomorrow I step back into the mundane ordinary life, and I'll have to re-focus my energies and prioritize my time. I'll keep you posted. ;)

Home Sweet Home

Nathan Philips Square decorated for PanAm Games

It was great to finally visit my family.  It had been four years since I'd last been out to Toronto.  And I missed so much!  The city has grown, especially on the periphery where homes mushroom like weeds.  

Old City Hall

There was much knitting as there was lots of waiting in airports, on airplanes (I am not a good flyer--not one bit) and in subways.  And of course I got to shop at one of the best yarn shops--ever!  Romni Wools on Queen St W.  I was so intoxicated by yarn fumes that I forgot to take photos inside the store.  But yarn was bought--and I am happy, happy, happy! :)

Knitting, tea and good company

Most of all, it was good to catch up with family and friends: laughed and giggled with my sisters; chatted with my bro and mum; got to see my nephews and meet my niece; and re-connected with friends (and I mean really good friends.  The kind that when you start chatting, it's like you've never been apart).  Most of all, I got to spend time with my dad. 

Dad enjoying time with family

He's been ill with one thing or another and we had a few health scares in the last 10 months.  So I was happy to spend time with him, just shooting the breeze . . .  

There's still lots of summer left, even though In a few days I'll be back to work.  Hope you're enjoying your summer.

Summer's Whimsy

There's something rather whimsical abut capturing the colours of summer.  There's always a surprise in the garden, from the wild roses pouring over the fence from the neighbour's yard (these beauties are my absolute favorite with their intoxicating fragrance.  And they require minimal care). 

Staple of Nova Scotia: wild roses

To the wild flowers announcing their arrival and joining lovely green space in the lush backyard (wild phlox and some variation of Queen Anne's lace). 

Nature's natural beauty

Even something as mundane as laundry hanging on a clothesline can be beautiful.

Rainbow clothesline

Beauty lies all around.  You just have to open your eyes and see it.


PS (I'm on vacation and where I'm going there 's little or no access to internet.  I'll see you on the other side--and yes, I will bring my knitting. )

More Stash?

Squinting in front of Baadeck Yarns

Yup, another road trip resulted in a visit to yet another yarn shop . . . This is Baadeck Yarns in the lovely town of Baddeck on Cape Breton Island, off the Bras d'Or lakes-- a lovely and scenic part of Nova Scotia.

Waterfront View of Baddeck

The shop, which is located at the back of an old home, has lots to offer!  Nice selection of pretty handcrafted buttons and pins, tools, and of course lots of fiber and yarn, including Debbie Bliss, Malabrigo, Fleece Artist and Noro.  The staff were helpful and we even chatted with the friendly owner (and just an aside, even the Yarn Harlot loved this place when she visited in 2004).

Pretty Nordlys from Viking of Norway

On this excursion, I couldn't resist this bright fingering with it's rich saturated colour!  Even though it's sock yarn, this soft wool is meant to be something special: perhaps a shawlette or pretty lacy beret?  Must peruse Ravelry . . . 

Road Trip!

So we're on our first week of vacation, and we haven't been home . . . 

Yesterday we ventured to the big city and visited our favorite places: yarn shop for me, comic book stop for the boys and music store for hubby.  And of course, we hit the bookstores . . . !!  Fun was had by all.

Needless to say I added to the stash: sock yarn, double pointed needles and some lovely chunky stuff with awesome yardage.  Squee!

Sock yarn from Drops Fabel

Marble Chunky at over 300 yards!

If you're ever in the Halifax area, check out LK Yarns.  The staff was friendly and helpful (feel free to browse, even with hubby and kids in tow).  The selection was great: lots of different yarns at different price points.  And sweater quantities too!

I am one happy crafter. :)

A Little Diversion--Geek Style

Yeah, I've been busy . . . 

School work has been manageable, but there's a bit of reading.  There's also a research paper and everyone loves those (not!).  It wouldn't be too bad if I didn't have a full-time job and a family.  And when am I supposed to knit? :S

Don't worry.  I'm slipping in some fun too.  We indulged and hit Hal-Con last weekend--our first ever!  So much to see and do, especially if you're a comic book fan, love video games or appreciate all things creative.  It was awesome!  

We didn't do the costume thing this year--as it was our first time.  But rest assured we will dressed up next year.  Check out some of the other creative attendees:

Darth Maul

Superheroes and Villans:
Spidey, Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy

Steampunk

I expected lots of vendors, but I was surprised with all the neat stuff to buy (coming from a small town, it was neat to find many original items and collectibles).  And I was fairly impressed with the sheer number of workshops and info sessions available with well-known comic artists, novelists, actors and speakers (my fave was the one about how to survive the zombie apocalypse).  There was also some live entertainment, from medieval combat to a cute tongue-and-cheek performance by Halifax Circus.  And of course, a costume contest! 

Harley Quinn performs aerial acrobats

Medieval Knights in battle

We've already marked off the dates for next year's convention (checkout the official Hal-Con website).  Get your geek on!  Oh yeah! ;)

Yarny Goodness

So even though I didn't get to visit many yarn shops whilst in TO, I still managed to acquire a few tools and some yarn.  First off, I finally got a stitch gauge along with a bamboo circular and two cushioned crochet hooks.

Some Crafting Tools

These I purchased at a Mary Maxim shop at Yonge and Eglinton.  Although small, the shop carried a variety of fibres from acrylics to alpaca, silks and wool.  Lots of brands such as Rowan, Noro, Sirdar and Debbie Bliss, as well as basics like Patons and Mary Maxim's house brand (remember that there's no real yarn shop in my hometown, so for me there was variety). 

Mary Maxim Store in Toronto Mall

I also found a large Michael's outlet in Newmarket.  I love acrylic and acrylic blends and was happy to see a variety of brands from Red Heart to Lionsbrand along with Patons, Bernat and Michael's house brand.  My only purchase there was a set of Susan Bates crochet hooks.

Set of Crochet Hooks

Perhaps the most exciting excursion for me was a visit to Romni Wools on Queen St W in Toronto.  This was yarn heaven!  I must confess that if I lived in Toronto, I would be down at Romni Wools every weekend (even though it took about an hour and a half to venture down to the city).  

Yarn Heaven

It was two full floors of yarn (you name it, they had.  And honestly, if it wasn't there, then chances were you probably couldn't get it in the city).  Downstairs the store carries all discounted brands and discounted colours at discounted prices (I believe it was an automatic 20%).   Staff were ready to help, but I just wanted to browse and savour the yarny goodness because there was just soooo much! 

Upstairs was brighter and yarns seemed to be grouped by fibre (all sock yarns were together, all cottons, etc).  The variety was staggering!

Back of Store

Check out the photo above: that only represents one aisle out of four (and its not even the entire aisle 'cuz I was standing in the middle of the store).  Below is a section to the front where you'll find summer yarns and lots o' knitting books and magazines (again, that's only half of the front 'cuz the entrance and cashier are not visible).

Front of Store

And I'll confess that I didn't even see everything because there was too much to see.  If I had the time, I would have come back on my own (sans husband and children, although I was a good sport and waited patiently while they perused action figures at the comic book store or plucked guitar strings at the music store).

I had promised myself a lovely skein--just one.  I ended up buying two: 400+ yards of a pretty silk-wool worsted blend (regular $30 and on sale for $18) and 400 yards of super soft alpaca in fingering (only $10). 

Alpaca Fingering



Silk-Wool Worsted Blend

Mmmmm . . . . yarny goodness at its finest :D

Still on Vacation

Sooo Peaceful . . .

Greetings.  I haven't returned home yet, but I'll be back soon.  Hope you're enjoying your summer.  Talk to you soon.   :D

Oh My . . .

New projects!  I know I have lots on the needles already, but I wanted something new for my vacation projects.  If nothing else, I'm amply prepared--although seriously how much knitting will I get done?

I've already cast-on for the Dandy Neckerchief (Ravelry link) using the Patons Angora Bamboo.  Its a nice soft yarn--just right for a scarf.  Big plus for the pattern is that it starts at the point: I just keep knitting until I run out of yarn (although 400 yards should be plenty, right?).

Beginning of Dandy Neckerchief

And much to my surprise, I discovered extra balls of Patons Silk Bamboo: thought I only had 4, but in fact I had 7 of them!  Its the same yarn I used for my mom's lacy scarf back in Christmas 2009.  Instead of a scarf, I'm attempting a simple but shapely tank top: Soleil from Knitty Spring 2005.  Right now I'm still swatching: I either have to find smaller bamboos (only have 4.5mm, but probably need 3.75mm or 4.0mm); or I have to attempt a smaller size in the hopes that I end up with a bigger size.

Swatch for Soleil

I seriously doubt I'll have 'puter access while on vacation (my parents don't know much 'bout the internets, but at least they have air conditioning).  So there'll be "radio silence" whilst I visit with the family back in Ontario.  See you in a couple of weeks. :)

Progress and Maybe Something Else?

Yup, I couldn't resist casting on for the body (I'll get to the second sleeve eventually).  My mods thus far include casting on 206 stitches (I subtracted the 10 stitches for steeking 'cuz I'm working it back and forth).  So far so good.  I should probably use another circular needle to spread out my work and measure the width.

Bottom Ribbing-Cables of Bohus

With vacation coming up, I hope I'll be able to work on the Bohus and thus complete much of the body.  I'll be flying out to visit family (haven't seen them in 'bout 4 years--that's a long time!).  I'm wary of taking metal needles in my carry-on baggage (even though the airline's website says its okay to take knitting needles); instead I'll work on a scarf or shawlette in-flight (What?  Another project?  Aren't there enough WIPs 'round the house?).  My reasoning is that bamboo circulars are less likely to be confiscated (being that since bamboo is not metal so the metal detectors won't go off--right?).

What yarn shall I use?  Last year I acquired some lovely Patons Angora Bamboo (about 5 balls) in brandy wine.  

Some Soft Angora Bamboo in Lovely Colour

So I've been eyeing projects that require less than 400 yards.  I've only a few days to find something suitable. 

Historical Adventures

Main Street at Sherbrooke Village

So we took a trip to a pioneer village and had a blast.  The boys enjoy history--as do I and dear hubby.  Let me tell you that there's nothing so peaceful as a rural setting with lovely artifacts and antiques . . . very, very nice.  And of course, it's neat to watch artisans at work: woodworking, blacksmith, weavers and spinners . . . ah, it all makes the crafter's heart go a quiver.

Sitting Atop an Old Bicycle

We even came home with a book of old-fashioned recipes, a handcrafted wooden tasting spoon and a spinning toy.

Momentoes From Our Excursion

Funny story: my son lost his sunglasses in one of the old buildings.  We retraced our steps, but couldn't find them.  Our little tour ended up at the gift shop.  Wandering about upstairs amongst the quilts and hand-knit sweaters, guess what we found?  The lost sunglasses!  There they were on top of some lovely scarves.  How did they get there?  Talk about a weird mystery . . .

None, Nada, Zero, Zilch

That's how much I worked on my lovely Blue Sprout.  To be fair, there has been knitting, mostly on my "secret" Bernat project.  You'll have to follow that progress on the Bernat Blog (and I have recently finished a cute little something for my nephew--part of his Christmas package).  Hopefully I'll get to my Sprout this week.  The sleeves shouldn't take too long . . . right? 

Lots of plans for this week: it's my second vacation week--woot, woot!  There shall be day trips to historical places and jaunts to the local beaches.  And yes, there shall be knitting . . .

Comfy Chair and Chilled Wine . . . Ahhhhh

Life is good. :)

Summer and Vacation

Sailboat Near the Shore

Vacation time should be filled with sunny days, cool breezes, shady trees and salt water beaches . . .

Strolling on a Sandy Beach

Days off should be filled with beach days, picnic lunches and road trips to city museums (and maybe a comic book store too).  And even if the rain should fall, there's popcorn, funny movies and board games to pass the time. 

'Nuff said ;)

Where the Country Road Leads . . .

So hot the last few days . . . we've been on little jaunts through the countryside to catch a cool breeze.
And maybe stop for a little picnic lunch or snack.

The air can be as much as five degrees cooler, depending how close to the ocean you are--a very welcome cool, indeed! I guess ya never know where the country road leads (well, dear hubby knew where it led, but I didn't and that's okay since I wasn't the driver--ha!).

And this countryside got me thinking . . .and dreaming . . . **sigh** Some day, we'll be living on a country road--at the very least, in the country on a little farm.

We visited a little place last night. It needs work--a lot of work--but its a definite possibility. We'll have a huge vegetable garden and also a greenhouse to extend the growing season. Definitely need a cow (to fertilize that garden--nothing like cow poop to make things grow!), some chickens (for eggs and meat) and a few pigs ('cuz who doesn't like pork?). Eventually, we'd have goats (and they better stay out of my flowerbeds!) and of course sheep. I'll need to learn how to spin . . .

It's fun to dream . . .
:)

Vacation!

Just got back from vacation with the entire clan. We visited PEI. Never been. It's been over 12 years since I've moved to the east coast and this was my first visit to the island. Thank heavens the weather cooperated. We drove and part of our journey included a ferry ride (I highly recommend making reservations either online or via telephone).

We stayed in Cavendish. Although touristy, its a good starting point especially if you have children. Lots of family activities. Great spending time with the kids throwing 'round the football, flying a kite, building sandcastles, swimming, roasting marshmallows or getting dizzy at the amusement park. I even managed to sneak in a little knitting . . .

Always a little sad when its time to leave, but awfully nice to finally get back into your own bed. Still have a few more days off till we're back at work. Maybe get some more knitting in before then. Hope your summer is nice wherever you're at!

:)