Monika Stramaglia's Rainbows

Upside down and backwards

2012-01-18T08:31:00.001-05:00

Well, I've done a fair bit of ripping out, but am quite pleased now with the way this is working out. Two color stranded work is really quite simple with the Portuguese style of knitting. Only problem is it's really warm here in Florida, and the yarn does not move very well when I get too hot.

How many variables???

2011-12-29T09:00:00.004-05:00

While at home, I tend to mostlymachine knit. There’s always ahand-knitting project on the go, for knitting in front of the TV, and in thecar, waiting in lines, at the doctor’s office, at YRKG meetings, etc.

For our annual trip to Florida, Ienjoy picking a hand-knitting project to knit along the way, and also duringour stay, and the drive back. That’s afair amount of knitting time. I pickmultiple projects, so there is variety, and of course, so I don’t run out ofanything to knit.

Well, this year, was a little morehectic than most, in December, and clearly, I did not read the materials verywell.

Project #1. Harvest Jewels,in Knitters Magazine K104. I thought this was a top-down knit, withfair-isle at the yolk, knit in the round. Great project to try the Portuguese style of knitting, for thecolorwork. Well!!! Not a top-down, but Ican do this, knit it “upside down”. Oh yes!And backwards, since the Portuguese style of knitting is easiest when doing thepurl stitch. This style of knittingreally reminds me most of machine knitting, as I am looking at the purl side asI am working. Well, it’s started. I did decide ahead of time to use only oneyarn for the fair-isle, so that should make it a bit easier?!?!?

I’ll keep you posted.

Teaching in 2012

2011-12-15T14:28:00.000-05:00

I'm very excited about the coming year, and all the teaching opportunities that have come my way. It's still hard to believe that 2012 is just around the corner.
Now, there is a new LYS minutes down the road, where I will be teaching quite a few classes in the new year. The Quilt Store has posted the classes on their web site, so please check them out. There are beginner knitting and crocheting classes for adults and kids, as well as a introduction to machine knitting, and ravelry.

Knitting for the Hospital

2011-11-07T08:59:00.002-05:00

As a member of the York Region Knitting Guild, we knit for several charities in York Region. Personally, I like to knit for the hospital, as we have been asked for lap blankets for the oncology unit. After dropping this group of blankets off, I received a lovely card from a volunteer, who informed me that the paliative care unit received the lap blankets, and mentioned that full size, single bed blankets were needed. That's what I am working on now. Should have three of them ready before Christmas.
Happy Knitting!

Crochet Wise!

2011-09-25T15:30:00.002-04:00

Here's another crochet class for those of you who know the stitches and want to move forward.

In this class you will learn how to:
*Read a pattern and follow a chart;
*Understand gauge and needle size;
*Work pattern stitches straight and in the round;
*Select a pattern and yarn;
*Finish your projects, and much more.

This is a technique class.
You will be working on samples. All yarns are included!
Please bring your crochet hooks.

Wednesday, October 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2011, 7:00pm to 9:00pm $80.00
Call now to book your spot!

At Needles & Knits, 15040 Yonge Street, Aurora, 905-713-2066

Sheep Strings Cafe

2011-09-11T11:03:00.002-04:00

I will be hosting the Sheep Strings Cafe at the Heritage Centre in Richmond Hill this coming Thursday, September 15 and the following Thursday, September 22nd.
The information can be found on the Town of Richmond Hill Web Site, in the Leisure Guide on Page 13.
Hope to see you there! Happy Knitting and Crocheting!

Crochet Class coming up!

2011-09-04T11:41:00.004-04:00

I will be teaching an eight week crochet class for the Town of Richmond Hill, beginning on September 19th, 2011.

Information can be found in the Leisure Guide, Adult Programs on page 8.

Registration is through the Town of Richmond Hill.

Hope to see you soon!

Happy Crocheting!

Shawls are the thing...

2011-07-07T20:49:00.003-04:00

This one is based on a pattern on Ravelry. I've done several of these as blankets, and thought I'd try it in a laceweight yarn from KnitPicks. I just love the border, knit on after the panels were done. Love how it striped.

February Blah....s!

2011-02-28T09:30:00.004-05:00

Well it's the last day of the month. Just read in the paper that March will be wet and dreary - oh great. Well, as soon as I get all the book-keeping out of the way, I plan to spend some major time in my studio. I'm slowly re-organizing my space, since our son has moved on, and fluctuate between organizing, and knitting. I have a new machine to set up, as soon as there's room, and am looking forward and planning for the week in Haliburton. Tomorrow is the first day for signing up! I'm soooo excited.

Sheep Strings Cafe

2011-02-19T12:19:00.002-05:00

As part of Ontario Heritage week, The Town of Richmond Hill is inviting us to join in some of events, one of them being the Sheep Strings Cafe, held every Thursday evening at the Heritage Centre. A great opportunity to meet fellow knitters, enjoy sharing your handiwork, and some great company. I'm planning to attend. Hope to see some of you there. Happy Knitting!

Teaching!

2011-02-14T16:10:00.002-05:00

Teaching machine knitting is my passion. I am delighted to announce that I will be teaching at the Haliburton School of The Arts-Fleming College this summer for one week.
The course is titled "Tips, Tricks, and Techniques" and is suitable to beginner and intermediate knitters who want to have some fun with their machines.
I plan to post a little more regularly, so that you can see what we will be working on.
I'm excited!!!

Gifts that were knit

2011-01-18T17:55:00.001-05:00

I just cannot get over how quickly time flies, and it has been months since I last posted. Could it be that I was busy knitting. By all means. I knit two shawls as gifts. One is the short row technique that I used in my capelet, done in a beautiful mohair and silk yarn. I'll post the exact details on Ravelry when I get back home, but here is a picture of that shawl. It turned out gorgeous, as it is so soft and light weight.

How Time Flies!

2010-11-20T22:37:00.002-05:00

Well, my husband and I just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. 40!?!?!?! Not quite sure how that happened. Anyway, we spent a week in Vegas, did a lot of walking, and saw a lot of really great shows. And now it is 5 weeks till Christmas! I've done a fair amount of knitting, both machine and hand. With hand-knitting I'm still on my lace kick. As for the machine, socks are on there now, as they are real quick Christmas gifts. I did knit a shawl for my daughter's birthday at the end of October. It is a take-off on the Summit Shawl. Not the best picture, but here it is.

It's not that I haven't been knitting...

2010-10-18T11:32:00.003-04:00

It's just that I forget to record it here. I am busy preparing for the Creative Festival in Toronto, so time is at a premium. Here is a close-up of the "Summit" shawl,that I will be teaching in the "Lace on the Machine" class.

Me second lace shawl - 198 Yard of Heaven

2010-06-06T16:53:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm quite pleased. This really is a great pattern to start with, as the pattern repeats are separated by purl stitches on the right side. I'm not sure I totally like the edging, but it sure looks great blocked. I knit it in Hand Maiden Cashmere and Silk for my SIL who is dealing with some serious health issues. She'll be getting it shortly.

Fluffy

2010-05-23T08:19:00.002-04:00

Fluffy is now 3 months old. When I picked her up, she was 8 weeks, and weighed 850 grams. She is an absolute delight.

I've adopted a kitten!

2010-05-22T21:01:00.003-04:00

My grandson was soo disappointed that we couldn't bring her home on our first visit, he asked if I could knit him a kitten. And he wanted it to look like "Fluffy". I remembered a crochet pattern I had from Annie's Attic, called "granny's comin'".

It's not that I'm not knitting!

2010-05-20T21:40:00.002-04:00

Although I have to admit, I'm not knitting as much at the moment, it just seems that time flies by, and months have passed since I last posted. Well, the Conifer Shawl is done and blocked. I'm pretty proud of it. Even though I found out about the errata after I had finished that section, and chose not to take it back. So today, I share the picture of the blocked shawl, in all it's glory.

It's Done!!!! Go! Canada!

2010-02-28T20:06:00.001-05:00

And not too soon. I would not have been able to knit during the hockey game today. That was an amazing game, with two absolutely terrific teams. It's too bad someone has to "lose", although I don't consider a silver medal a loss.
Wow! Am I proud to be a Canadian today!
I'm planning on relaxing and enjoying the closing ceremonies tonight.

GO! CANADA! GO!

2010-02-17T11:51:00.001-05:00

I'm sooo enjoying the Olympics, and the knitting!

Opening Ceremonies! WOW!

2010-02-13T19:29:00.001-05:00

Spectacular! Knitting not so good! I managed to get started, but when I looked at it this morning, I realized one of the cable crosses goes the wrong way, so it will be ripped back to below the cable.
GO CANADA GO!!!

Olympic Fever - ish Knitting

2010-02-12T16:38:00.005-05:00

Wow, it's finally here! And I am ready. I've reserved my place on the couch, and the remote, for the next two weeks. And the new flat screen TV was set up last night, so I get to watch the Olympic 2010 experience in HD! How lucky can you get!!!
My project is ready to go. I'll cast on when the opening ceremony begins - well I'll cast on during a commercial break, since I don't want to miss a single minute. I was there, when the torch came through our town, and I was soooooo moved.
As for my project, I've decided to try to knit a lace shawl, my first one. The pattern is in the winter/spring 2010 issue of Knitscene, and is called "Conifer Shawl" by Kate Gagnon Osborn. I have a beautiful Organic Wool (hand dyed) from Fleece Artist, in a wonderful greenish-blue colour. I've got a brand new circular needle, already uncoiled in a hot water bath, the pattern graphs have been enlarged, and I bought a brand new row counter, too. Yes, my basket has some basic supplies - scissors, needles, tape measure, snacks, and the tissues for all those emotional moments I know I'm going to have.
GO! CANADA! GO!

PS: I have a back-up shawl project, just in case this one proves too difficult during the games, or, heaven forbid, I get bored with this one. I'll fill you in on the back-up project tomorrow.

Update!

2010-01-28T07:58:00.002-05:00

It's not that I haven't been knitting, it's that I haven't been posting, so here are some pictures of scarves that were given as Christmas gifts.

On with the "Top Down"

2010-01-18T10:40:00.003-05:00

I've been working away at the top down sweater, passed the fair isle section, and on to the lace at the bottom. It is working out the way I imagined. The weather has warmed up quite nicely, so not always comfortable to be knitting on this warm garment, that has gotten to be a good size in my lap.

Socks!

2010-01-12T16:00:00.003-05:00

I really do love knitting socks. They're relatively quick, I can try out new patterns, I love working with hand painted yarns, and they're so portable. I have a couple of grandchildren, that have asked me to knit socks for them. One of them just had a birthday on the first of January, and she asked for socks. So I knit knee-highs, such a good choice considering the cold weather we've been having. I used a handpainted yarn from my friend Liz.

Just great to work with, and feels lovely and soft after washing. The pattern is from the Vogue Knitting Stitchionary called foliage lace, which I ran up the front and the back of the sock. Really pleased with the result.

Top Down Creating

2010-01-11T08:50:00.002-05:00

Well, this is an adventure. I used Cabin Fever's Book, Button Up Your Top Down, as a guide, but I wanted a pullover. This yarn, Chamonix by Jaeger, has angora in it, and sheds like crazy, so I thought a pullover might be a good idea. The cable came from Fiona Ellis's book Inspired Cable Knits, with a little modification so that it has a great beginning at the neckline.

Great Knitting Weather

2010-01-10T22:13:00.002-05:00

Well, we made it to Florida, only to find that it's cold. We went biking today with jackets and gloves on, and I was freezing. Oh well! It is good knitting weather. I started a top down sweater on the drive down, ripped it back three times, but am well under way now. I'm working in worsted weight, not my usual, and am creating as I go along. I'll try posting a picture of my work in progress tomorrow.
Also knitting kids socks. I love working on kids socks. I get to work with bright colours, play with patterns, and they're small, so they go quick. We're getting a lot of rest.

CSNF 2010

2009-11-24T11:01:00.002-05:00

Oh yes, plans are already being made for the Creative Festival, October 22-24, 2010. I will be teaching the beginner machine knitting, as that is a very popular class. However, I would like to teach something beyond beginner, and am looking for some feedback. Anyone interested in taking classes, please let me know what you might be interested in. Some of my thoughts include the Knit Radar, Entrelac, Holes for Buttons, and Sideways Knit garments.

Superfine Alpaca Paint

2009-11-09T18:29:00.003-05:00

Soft and cuddly and ohhhh so warm. Now this is as a yummy yarn. I bought it on sale in the summer, and had the right person to knit it up for. My daughter celebrated a birthday on the 30th of October, and was the recipient of this zig-zag scarf knit on my LK100.

New Camera!

2009-10-27T11:41:00.002-04:00

I'm excited! I got a new camera on the weekend, so pictures will soon follow. I've been tidying up the studio since getting back from the Creative Festival, and the ideas are popping up all around. I'm also working on finishing the blankets that were knit for the oncology patients. I'm so excited about the accomplishment.

What a GREAT weekend!

2009-10-24T07:20:00.002-04:00

I've been home for five days, and am recovering from the Creative Festival. Once again, I was the only one there with knitting machines, and to say I was busy is an understatement.
My "Classroom" was on the show floor, I taught 2 beginner classes, one entrelac class, and one on buttonholes.
It was so great to see the interest in the machines. Not a single person told me I was "cheating" this year. Also, no-one came wanting to get rid of their machine. Rather, everyone was looking for help, lessons, patterns and ideas.
I was happy to see so many machine knitters that I've met over the years come by to say"Hello!", and continuously encourage me to "keep it up".
My project to "Knit for the Oncology Patients" was a great success. I had set up a SInger 155, and asked everyone to try to knit a few rows. Some, although hesitant, had their first opportunity to try a machine, but many came specifically to knit for the cause, and every one of them had a special story to share. We knit 10 blankets in total. I'll finish them over the next couple of weeks, with edges and steaming, and they will be donated to our local Southlake Regional Health Centre.
Thank-You!!!

Socks!

2009-09-30T08:30:00.004-04:00

It's not that I haven't been knitting, it's that the camera broke, and I just haven't been taking pictures to post. I'll make up for it.
The "pink" pair is knit in "Clown" yarn, and I made them real short to wear with my runners in the summer.
The orange pair is Maxime print from Filatura Di Crosa. It is a beautiful yarn, knit in a pattern called "Mockery Sock" by Katie Grady and is available for free on Ravelry.

Another CROCHET Class

2009-09-21T11:01:00.002-04:00

The Town of Richmond Hill is offering Crochet Level 1 and Level 2, over 6 weeks beginning on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at the Heritage Center. I will be instructing this class. Anyone interested, please contact the Town of Richmond Hill. Please pass the information on to anyone you know who might be interested.

CROCHET Class

2009-09-16T10:04:00.004-04:00

Anyone interested in learning to crochet, I will be teaching a beginner class at Unwind, in Newmarket on Sunday, September 27th and October 4th, from 2:30 to 4:30. We will be making a dishcloth, and covering the basic crochet stitches, as well as learning to identify the stitches created, how to count your stitches, reading a pattern, and reading a chart. We will also discuss yarns, patterns and crochet hooks, and how to choose these items for your projects. Please contact Unwind to register.

Peacock Tails

2009-07-24T22:47:00.002-04:00

This little scarf is a direct result of the inspiration from Susan Guagliumi at Cardiknits. The pattern is hers, called Peacock Tails. It's soo easy, and interesting to knit. The yarn came from The Needle Emporium in Ancaster, where the Cardiknits Academy was held. It is Mini Mochi from Crystal Palace Yarns, and it's a beautifull colour and feels lovely.

Roman Holiday by Americo

2009-07-19T11:32:00.004-04:00

This is a beautiful yarn, and a very simple pattern. I knit it up for one of my LYS, Unwind. A very simple stocking stitch shawl, in a wonderful yarn called Cotton Flame from Americo. The yarn is thick and thin, thus creating it's own pattern as you knit, and the finished scarf/shawl has a lovely drape and body. I knit the shawl on the LK150, and added the two rows of rib on either end by hand. I also created one row of purl stitch on either side to prevent rolling, by latching up the third stitch from the end. Approximately 600 rows took no time at all.

My Mom brought one of these from Austria in 1954

2009-06-29T16:21:00.004-04:00

Shopping tote's are really "in" right now, but they've been around for a long time. I know I have one of these stashed away, that my mom gave me many years ago. As a matter of fact, my sister-in-law mentioned on the weekend, that she has one that my mom made. This pattern is available on the Talking Crochet website and is really quite simple to make. I did add the little tab, so that my button could be in the center, and I made the handles a little wider, so that I could carry a bit more weight in the bag. The green one is a fingering weight crochet cotton. I'm now working on one in a heavier cotton, in a dk weight. I've also been asked to design something similar in a knit.

The Quilted Lily

2009-06-18T21:46:00.003-04:00

This has been a long project, as I only knit it in the car, to and from Florida, so it has taken 4 years. I was determined that it come home completed this year.
The pattern is a Lily Chin design, that was published in Knitters Magazine in the fall of 1999. Interesting pattern, where the size is adjusted by the gauge. I knit it in Angora Tweed from Garnstudio Drops, so it is incredibly warm. I bought the buttons in Florida, so it really is my Florida project.

Warm and Cudly in June???

2009-06-07T20:26:00.005-04:00

Back in 2004 I knit a cardigan in Fleece Artist Curlylocks in beautiful shades of red and orange, and I just love that sweater, so warm and cuddly. So I had to have another one. I wanted this one to be big and comfy, and have a bit of pizzazz, so here it is, in a beautiful blue, green and purple colorway. I added crochet triangles in Lanett to hold the buttons, and the button loops. Take a close look at the buttons, I put two buttons together to create a unique one. I added a triangle on each sleeve, just to add a bit of weight to the sleeve, as the yarn is so light and airy. I just love to wear this one, it really keeps my warm.

Stitching in Public

2009-05-24T10:45:00.005-04:00

Wow, it is actually starting to feel like summer, and I, for one, am looking to take my knitting and crocheting outside.
In June, there are two weekends set aside as WWKIP days.
WORLD WIDE KNIT IN PUBLIC DAY!!!!
What a terrific way to take our skills to the public. Check your local yarn shop to see if they are participating. Currently, Knitter's Attic in Richmond Hill is participating, as well as Ewephoria, in Oak Ridges.
Let's all get out there, enjoy summer weather, and show our skills in public.

Socks for a Grandson!

2009-05-15T14:16:00.002-04:00

Many times I have commented that I would rather spend time with my Grandchildren, than knit for them, but if one of them asks for something specific, Nonna just can't say no. So when my one grandson asked for socks, and then asked if he could have beads on them, I couldn't pass up the chance to knit them for his 5th birthday. Oh!!! to be 5.
The yarn is Garnstudio DROPS Fabel, in a fabulous colorway, and the beads were added on afterwards, with a nylon thread, so that they don't come off, unless of course I'm asked to take them off. I don't think that will happen any time soon, as he gasped in awe when he opened them up, and had to put them on immediately. They were still on his feet when we left the party in the evening. The pattern is "Most Basic Kid's Sock" by Evelyn Skae, and is available on Ravelry, as well as on her web site. Thank-you Evelyn.

Setting up the LK150

2009-05-12T15:56:00.002-04:00

There is a discussion on Ravelry regarding setting up the tension mast for the LK150.

Here is a picture of what the back of the machine looks like, with the assembly in place, as well as a picture of the base for the mast and a good look at where it needs to be inserted.

Occasionally, the base needs a really good push to properly fit into the holder. Sometimes, I find it necessary to put a piece of craft foam under the holder, to hold it steady, when the table is not quite flat.

WOW!!! What a great seminar!

2009-05-05T15:27:00.001-04:00

I attended the Cardiknits Academy this past weekend, the guest instructor was Susan Guagliumi, author or Hand-Manipulated Stitches for the Machine Knitter. She is an amazing instructor, with GREAT ideas. My only regret was that I did not have my LK150 with me in the hotel room, to start practicing what we learned on the Friday. I'm making up for it now, and have started 2 projects already. I'll have pictures in a day or two. Thank-you Pat for once again hosting a fabulous Academy.

The Many Benefits of Knitting or Crocheting!

2009-04-13T09:45:00.004-04:00

Now, those of us who knit and crochet, already know how good it makes us feel, and what a sense of accomplishment we get, when we master a new technique, and finish a project, but now it's "GOOD FOR OUR HEALTH" is a proven fact.

Feather and Fan

2009-04-02T13:34:00.002-04:00

I know I've mentioned that I love this pattern before, so here it is again. I knit this one on vacation, mostly during the driving, for my daughter-in-law who's birthday was in January. She got it after I got back, and was able to show it off at the York Region Knitting Guild meeting.

Trying to Knit

2009-03-24T17:05:00.003-04:00

Well, we've been back for two months, but I have not been knitting. Life has a way of throwing some pretty intense, emotional curves, and my life has been turned upside down. Nothing we can't get through, but it is taking time, and a toll on my knitting. I'll share a couple of projects soon.
I'm also getting ready to start a crochet class, as well as teaching knitting for the Town of Richmond Hill soon.
Happy Knitting and Crocheting!

Machine Knitting Seminar!

2009-02-09T10:29:00.002-05:00

Just got back from holidays and am looking forward to getting back into machine knitting. The hand-knitting was great while I was away, and I've got ideas and inspiration galore.
The annual Cardiknits seminar is now available, and I've just sent in my registration. This is a stimulating, exciting seminar, and fabulous value for my money. Not to mention that one of the instructors this year is Susan Guagliumi, author of 'Hand-Manipulated Stitches for Machine Knitters'.

Holiday Knitting!

2009-01-27T00:21:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm on vacation, and it's a long, long car ride, and of course I can't use a knitting machine, so it's hand-knitting I'm doing right now. I started this scarf for my hubby on the ride down. I'm really happy with how it turned out. Knit in Berroco Jasper, the pattern is from the Lion Brand web site and it's free.

Bracelets and Beads

2009-01-19T21:09:00.003-05:00

Yes, I think I am addicted. Beads and cotton yarn and knitting needles, three variables, that allow me to create soooo many different combinations, one idea just leads to another, and more and more bracelets are born. Here is my creative space on holiday. Beads, in all colours, shapes and sizes, some already threaded up, and a few already knit and completed. Some of these will end up in my Etsy store, as soon as I am back home.

Socks Again!

2009-01-10T00:41:00.002-05:00

Here is a pair of socks, that has had the lace replaced. The first time I knit them, I used Sandnes Garn Lanett, and it felted in the wash, to the point where I couldn't wear them any more. So I cut off the lace, picked the ribbing up on needles, and knit a new lace in Mandarin Petit Cotton. The pattern is Lesley's Socks. The original socks were knit on my Singer 560, in South West Trading Company TOFUtsies, with the ribbing and the lace done by hand.

Socks and Socks

2009-01-07T20:45:00.004-05:00

Well, I'm back to socks. It seems to go with this time of year. One pair for me (pink and mauve), and one as a gift for my son-in-law. These took a bit of extra work in calculating, as he wears a size 13.5 shoe, and I had my grand-daughter helping her mom get the measurements, but I think they turned out beautiful. Hope to hear how he likes them.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-29T11:53:00.004-05:00

Well, I can't believe how much time has passed since the last post. Christmas is a busy time.
But I still find time to knit. I finished a baby blanket on the machine, with some hand work for the lateral stripes, and a crochet edge. This will go to charity, next December.

Quick Christmas Gifts

2008-12-08T09:21:00.004-05:00

Back in October, I knit a scarf for the Creative Festival, using Gedifra Filorosa yarn from my LYS. That yarn is simply a collection of yarns of different texture and colour, that go together, in the opinion of the yarn manufacturer. As a matter of fact, customers commented, that it looks like the manufacturer picked up a handfull of yarn bits, from the factory floor, and just tied them together.

Soooo, I thought, I can do that, with yarn from my stash.
Here is the result.

I collected all my single balls, and part balls of yarn in related colors into a bin, and then started to wind 5 to 7 meter sections, tied them together, and then knit a scarf. Using my LK100, bulky knitter, started at one side of the bed, crochet cast-on 25 to 30 stitches, knit 2 rows, decrease one stitch on one side, increase one stitch on other side, and knit two rows until I reached the desired length.

I think these are gorgeous.

Salad Wristers

2008-12-04T10:30:00.002-05:00

These are so much fun to knit, and even more fun to wear. This particular set, (my third) were knit to slip under one of those bell-sleeve tops, that just let too much cold air up my arm in our cold, cold winter. The pattern is available for free on line.

Crochet Angels

2008-11-19T07:38:00.002-05:00

With Christmas around the corner, here is a fun and fast crochet project. I will be teaching these angels at EWEphoria in Oak Ridges on Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Two classes have been scheduled, one from 1 to 3 in the afternoon, and in the evening from 6:30 to 8:30. Please call the store to book your spot.
905-773-9300

We knit on the weekend!

2008-11-18T21:24:00.001-05:00

This weekend, I had two granddaughters for an overnight stay. Two and a half, and almost five. They love to craft with Nonna. So we made legwarmers on a plastic crank knitting machine from Michael's. The girls knit a long tube in the round, out of fun fur, and I added a one inch ribbing on either end. They were delighted. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture.

My Etsy Store

2008-11-11T21:55:00.003-05:00

Today I launched my online Etsy store, called MonikasRainbows. Please visit and look around. This is an amazing place, and I am so proud to be a part of this amazing group of people.
I create because I am compelled to do so. Ideas come, and ask to be created. And when I listen, and allow creativity to happen, I am extremely happy. I hope you all enjoy visiting Etsy.

Happy Birthday!

2008-11-07T13:24:00.002-05:00

Jane Thornley Organic Wrap number 3, is a birthday present for my daughter. I gave it to her this past Saturday evening, so now it can be posted. She has always loved pink, so I started with a skein of Handmaided Sea Silk, that had a number of beautiful shades of pink in it, as well as some beige/brown, and the green. Then I started hunting for the other yarns to pick up those colours, and to add texture. Yarn came from two different stores, and a tiny bit of pink eyelash came from my stash. This one was really interesting to knit, especially since the colours were not my usual pallette. I know my daughter was surprised, and pleased, that I had created this work of art for her. I was surprised how difficult it was for me to part with it, as it really had become a part of me for well over a month. I guess that's the "artist" in me, getting attached to my creation.
Enjoy!

Crochet! Crochet! Crochet!

2008-10-29T16:27:00.002-04:00

Just got back from a couple of days in Niagara-on-the-Lake, for some much needed R&R.

For all of you who want to crochet, my next class is "Let's Get Crocheting" at Unwind Yarn House , at 234 Main Street in Newmarket, on Sunday, November 9th, from noon to 2pm. This is for any help you need with a project, reading a pattern, or just help in selecting a pattern and yarn. You need to call to book your spot. 905-954-1153.

On November 11th, and November 18th, from 6:30 to 8:30pm, I'll be teaching a "Beginner Crochet Class" at a new yarn shop in the Oak Ridges Marketplace at 13085 Yonge Street, called EWEphoria. 905-773-9300. This is a 2-part class, where you will learn the basic crochet stitches, how to properly hold your yarn, and also, how to read a pattern. Please call the store to book your spot.

Let's get some of you "hooked"!

Creative Festival

2008-10-24T21:50:00.002-04:00

Well, I have to tell you, the Creative Festival was a huge success. I'm so happy, and encouraged, by all of the machine knitters, of every level, who came to say "Hello!", asked for help, made comments, and in general, were excited about machine knitting. To all of you, who come by year after year, and encourage me to "keep it up!", thank-you! I plan to organize some one and/or two day workshops around southern Ontario in the new year, and would love to hear from you, as to where you are located, and what you would like me to teach.
Here's a look at our booth, my machine knitting display/classroom and the Needles and Knits portion. We were all exhausted, but we had a great time.

WOW, What a Weekend!

2008-10-20T15:36:00.004-04:00

The Creative Festival was a huge success!
Here's my van all loaded up on Thursday, to go down to the Convention Centre, about a one hour trip.
We got there at 3:00pm, got into the loading dock really quick, and unloaded. The set-up, of course, took much, much longer. Our curtain, for the back of the booth, finally arrived about 9:00pm, and then we left to get some rest. Unfortunately, the hotel had overbooked, and even though I had a confirmation number, and they had my credit card, we didn't have a room, and were re-located to another hotel. Needless to say, we were beyond exhausted.
Things were a bit better in the morning, as we headed to our booth to finish setting up the back wall, and to get ready for the day, and classes.
And what a day it was. Classes were great, students were awesome, and the people just kept coming. I managed to grab a cup of coffee at the instructor's lounge in the morning, as I picked up my class list, and then I had a bite to eat at 3 in the afternoon. Joan, one of our staff, made sandwiches for us every day, and made sure we ate at least one per day. I had to excuse myself from the line of ladies waiting to talk to me, just to go to the bathroom. One lady even timed me. 3 minutes was all I was allowed (just kidding). You see, I was the only "Machine Knitting" person at the show, and people were coming just for that.
Machine Knitting is alive and well, judging by the number of people that came to talk to me, interested in techniques, looking for help with their machines, and looking for machines.
I am seriously considering setting up some one or two day workshops in and around southern Ontario to accommodate all the enthusiastic knitters who were looking for instruction.
Thank-You! to all of you who visited our booth, stopped to say "Hello!" and made me feel so welcome. I apologize to those I didn't get to speak to, and hope to see you soon.
More tomorrow.

Countdown!

2008-10-14T16:34:00.002-04:00

New yarns come into the LYS and not always with pattern support. This is one of those yarns, that needs to be seen either knit or crocheted, to fully appreciate how great it really is.

The beige one is crocheted, and the blue one is knit (on the LK150 knitting machine).

Both will be on display at the Creative Festival, and the patterns will be available, with the yarn.

Preparations are in full swing!

2008-10-09T14:03:00.005-04:00

Wow! Next week is the Creative Festival, and Thanksgiving comes in between then and now. What to work on first, and next and in between!!!
Here's a look at my knitting room.

And my laundry room.

Yes, those are Christmas trees I'm working on for our display.
Part of our theme is "Gifts for the Knitter".
I'm also looking to sell some of my knit items, such as the lace capelet, and various shawls.
Now it really is one day at a time, the countdown has begun.

Teaching is the BEST!!!

2008-10-06T09:15:00.002-04:00

When I look at all the different things that I do, I repeatedly come to the conclusion, that teaching someone to be creative, be it knitting, crocheting, sewing, or just crafting, is what I love most. My life has been greatly enhanced by my creative endeavors, and to be able to pass this passion on to others is very, very rewarding.
This past Friday evening, I began a beginner knitting class for the Town of Richmond Hill. What an absolute pleasure it was, to see these ladies start knitting, and to be able to encourage them to think about projects they would like to knit.
On Sunday, I taught the second part of a "Learn to Crochet" class at Unwind. We started with a cotton dishcloth in single crochet, and this week we added a double crochet border. I was excited to show the students what they could now consider doing with their new-found skill.
This week will be busy getting my machines packed up for the Creative Festival.
Happy Creating everyone!

WOW! I like this!

2008-09-24T15:58:00.001-04:00

Today I found some really cool backgrounds, available for free. I really wanted to have something that was a little more creative, and I think this is it. You can click on the link in the top, left-hand corner, and take a look at all that is available. I will probably change the background periodically, to suit my mood. Who knows!
My daughter was here today, and really helped with navigating around to add things to my blog.
I'm learning.

Slideshow Breakthrough!

2008-09-24T08:55:00.001-04:00

I've been trying, and trying, to follow all the instructions in the help menu, to get my slideshow up and running, to no avail. Yesterday, I traded my knitting skills for some amazing computer skills, and my blog is looking a whole lot better.
I'm working as much as I can to get things ready for the Creative Festival, and really hope to get much more active blogging about my creative accomplishments.

Time Flies

2008-09-10T14:42:00.007-04:00

Well, it's been forever, since I logged on and updated my rainbows.
I will be teaching Machine Knitting at the Creative Festival in Toronto from October 17th to the 19th, and the preparations are going, going, going.
I'm sure that a few of my projects will not get done, but I'm prioritizing and working away.
Finished another Organic Wrap, totally out of my stash, so this one is for me.

Finished

2008-07-09T22:01:00.005-04:00

Oh my, I can't remember when I've had this much fun with odd balls of yarn. I look at my stash in a whole new way. I've finished, blocked, and given away my first Feather and Fan Organic Wrap, and am well into the second one.

Here's the finished one.

One Small Step

2008-07-01T12:57:00.004-04:00

Well, I've managed to add my picture. And I've changed the template, to better suit me.
I'd like to get my knitting pictures added as a slide show, but I think I have a lot to learn. In the meantime, one project currently on the knitting needles... Feather and Fan Organic Wrap by Jane Thornley, is my first foray into free form knitting, and I love it. Can't wait to finish and start another. This one was started as a gift, but I'm not so sure I can part with it.

Today is the Day!

2008-06-19T14:32:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to begin a new step in dealing with the internet technology.
What I hope to do is cronicle my creativity, and in so doing, share with anyone who wishes to follow my journey.