My Mom brought one of these from Austria in 1954

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

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???

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

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!

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

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!

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.