Friday, September 28, 2012

Indie Designer Revisited

PhotobucketDesigner: verybusymonkey
Blog: Verybusymonkey Designs
Rav ID: verybusymonkey
Some Great Designs: verybusymonkey's Rav Designer Page
Original Indie Designer Post: January 22, 2010

In my original post about verybusymonkey, I focused on her fabulous sock designs and interesting pattern set up and back story. This time around, there's oh so many beautiful shawls to show! (That's of course not to say that she hasn't designs more socks - there's plenty of those too! Head on over to the rav designer page to see more, plus this1 great deal!)

First up is the Hyde Park Shawl. I'm really digging the thin, scarf-like shawls lately, and this one is a wonderful example of all that's great about these knits.  Inspired by the serpentine at Hyde Park, this top-down, centre-out pattern has the magic words, "Worked entirely in one piece, with no seaming necessary!"  Oh yeah. No seams.

Second is the fantastically named Mulled Raspberry Shawl. This lace-covered beauty features a centre-out design and pretty picot edging.

Finally, check out the simple and fantastic Coast Starlight Shawl. It's hard to choose, but this might be my favourite, with its lengths of garter, interrupted most pleasantly by sweeping lines of yarn overs and a great lacy edging.

You can join her group on ravelry here.
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1"In honor of me being one of the featured designers for SKA’s October 2012 sockdown, I am offering a coupon for 10% off my sock patterns from now until the end of October, simply use: OctSKAVBM
NOTE: Helen Socks will not be discounted, but all other socks are!"

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Ghost Knits; Or, I Make an Intro Video!

The launch of Ghosts is only five days away! Here's a little video teaser about the sort of information you'll find in the essay portion of the ebook.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Ghost Knits Collection: Sneak Peek

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This week's peek at one of the patterns, set to be published this October in
Ghosts: historiographies, cultural manifestations, and the knits they've inspired.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Indie Designer Day

PhotobucketDesigner: Brenda Burrell
Blog: Artemis Adornments
Rav Group: Artemis Adornments
Rav ID: brendadada
Some Great Designs: brendadada's Rav Designer Page

Only a few weeks ago, I featured one of the other members of Artemis Adornments1, Boknits.
This week's indie designer is yet another talented member of this group, brendadada.

Pictured is the very pretty Seaham Sheer Poncho.Check out the pattern page for many more beautiful colour combinations (but I think this one is my favourite!)

Her Rigoletto Capelet is another warm and wonderful looking piece. The talent and element focus you see with colour in the Seaham Poncho is echoed in gorgeously textured cables in Rigoletto.

And lest you think ponchos are her only game, check out the necklace with many possibilities,
Seven Sisters - Six Loops. This piece can dress up a casual outfit, and I immediately think of the possibilities it holds for all those bits of left over yarn!
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1 More about Artemis Adornments:
"Artemis Adornments designs and makes interesting and original knitting patterns, mostly available to download and for free. We can also redesign your personal wardrobe, and we are beginning to make garments for sale or trade, including a range of hats, bags and modular bodycoverings in colourwork, cables and felts"
Members of the group:
brendadada, Lisa Procrastinator, Boknits, and Anna Kuduja

Thursday, September 20, 2012

How To: Make Olde Timey Ice Cream

Of course I post this at the close of the summer.
But, I'm one of those who thinks there's no season to ice cream!

After sadly having to miss a local festival devoted to this delicious dessert, my cousin and I decided to have our own ice cream fest.

She and her husband made a batch with this recipe.

Her flavour choices were vanilla/Coffee Crisp and vanilla/Kit Kat.

I, being a history nerdette, took this 1908 recipe and set off to cook up a batch.
(I think I've been watching too much Breaking Bad. That last line there sounds nefarious).
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I used the basic neapolitan recipe, and, because I am who I am, totally subbed stuff.
No milk? Just used coffee cream and water.
Creamier is better, I thought, so subbing cream for whipping cream be genius.

Ooooh yeah.
It's ice cream time baby.

Divided the batch into four.
Experimented with peaches and pecans, mint chocolate chip, ginger, and coffee flavours.

The consensus?

Peaches and Pecans: need more peaches. Only used one. Still yum.

Mint Chocolate Chip: get smaller chocolate chips. Or figure out a better way to distribute them. They all sunk to the bottom of the container. Still yum.

Ginger: The (surprise) favourite!)

Coffee: Pleasantly bitter. Likened to a dark-chocolate-covered coffee bean. Super yum.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

How To: Turn 30

Today's my 30th birthday.

I had a party this past weekend, and I thought it might be fun to share in photos.
First, the invites and map.

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Me, sporting some beautiful handknit socks from an awesome friend.
Oh yeah, that's a BOUNCY CASTLE peeps. Bouncy castle.
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The tent, all decked out in banners and flowers.
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Building a fire pit
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Ellie dog got in on the party action too.
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Here you see her, searching for scraps under table.
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Kite flying. Goldfish in the sky.
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Cake!
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The farm looks creepy at night!
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Bonfire delight. There were s'mores to be had, and roasted apples to be consumed.
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Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Ghost Knits: Two Weeks Away!

PhotobucketThere's only two weeks til the publication of my upcoming collection, Ghosts: historiographies, cultural manifestations, and the knits they've inspired.

Here's some fun stuff to look out for:

KAL
There will be a KAL hosted on my rav group.
Find company, have fun, and be entered to win prizes with every FO!

Ravelry Ads
I created a few ads for ravelry. See if you can spot them :)

Blog Tour
Beginning October 1, there will be a blog tour with reviews, interviews and giveaways (details to come).

The image you see here is a preview of the ebook cover.
I can't wait for the publication date!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Ghost Knits: Sneak Peek

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This week's peek at one of the patterns, set to be published this October in
Ghosts: historiographies, cultural manifestations, and the knits they've inspired.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Indie Designer Day

PhotobucketDesigner: Sydney Crabaugh
Blog: Squidney Knits
Rav ID: SquidneyKnits
Some Great Designs: SquidneyKnits' Rav Designer Page

I'm excited to write about this designer for a bunch of reasons, not the least of which is this awesome pattern photo! How autumn is that!

The Leaves of Grass Capelet looks so cozy and perfect for this time of year. Another great thing about it is the fun it conveys; fun that can be seen in all her work.

Looking for a nice, small, quick project for your handspun? Check out Long Neck.

How about a neat take on the fingerless mitt?
Sideways showcases variegated or tone-on-tone yarn wonderfully.

And, if you're heading out for a autumn border crossing, don't forget your Going Global - Passport Holder. A cute little buttoned lace pouch will keep your passport good and cozy!

Can't wait to see what SquidneyKnits designs next!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Go Garden Go! Run! Autumn's Coming!

In a short few weeks, this garden's going to be going dormant.

Doesn't look like that right now, though!

Here's a few "last hurrah" shots of the Great Garden Caper of 2012.

Tomatoes, doing their tomatoey thing
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Marigolds, being all awesome and orange
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Wannabe strawberries (I did get a few this season!)
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Raspberry bush, doing what it can.
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Ground cherries, hooray!
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Monday, September 10, 2012

Ghost Knits Sneak Peek

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This week's peek at one of the patterns, set to be published this October in
Ghosts: historiographies, cultural manifestations, and the knits they've inspired.

Friday, September 07, 2012

Indie Designer Day

PhotobucketDesigner: Breeanna Sveum
Blog: Stitch, Brinn, Stitch!
Etsy: Stitch, Brinn, Stitch!
Rav ID: stitchbrinnstitch
Some Great Designs: stitchbrinnstitch's Rav Designer Page

See this designer's work for patterns with just the right amount of playfulness!

The piece that first caught my eye is pictured here, the Arrowhead Lace Shrug. So very pretty! I love the way the lace travels across this sleeves and shrug.

Don't have spats? Here's a cute pattern, Spiffy Spats. I like how they're worn in the photos. I never used to think I was a knit spat, or any spat, really, kind of gal. But I can totally envision myself with these on over a pair of footed tights and cute heels!

I'm a cowl, enthusiast, and the Marzipan Cowl is one of my favourite types of cowl. Delicate and interesting! I love a functional ruffle! Did you ever think you'd encounter one? Well, this one not only looks great, it helps to spread out across your shoulders and keep you warm.

Her Seafoam Cardigan is a pretty pattern, with lace details and a nice little tie closure in front.

Oh, and want to knit a betta fish?
Look no further. These guys are adorable!

Thursday, September 06, 2012

Squashy Success

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Hooray!
Two of the first squash ready for harvesting.
I have plans.
Soup and pie. Oh yeah, soup and pie.

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

How To: Camp and Avoid Bears

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Ahhh, Algonquin.

A provincial park with almost legendary status, it's got a special place in many-a-Canadian's heart (right alongside that surge of pride you get when you eat a butter tart. Or is that a sugar rush?)

I've got me something of a life's to-do list.
Go to drive in. Check!
Try hot yoga. Check!
Camp in Algonquin. Super Check!

It was a fantastic weekend trip (the 4 hour drive each way flew by. We listened to nerdy podcasts about ancient societies from a U of T prof. Canadiana ahoy!)

I'll let my pics yak for me.

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Wildlife: fearless towards humans, these dangerously (cute) chipmunks and American Black Ducks have absolutely NO conception of personal space, man. They're all up in your campsite, begging for foods.1

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Canoe Lake: Kind of a big deal for Canadians (and Canadian art fans). Tom Thomson died here. We tried to paddle out to the island with his cairn, but the lake was all like, "nope, no you're not" and attempted to tip us into the water. Not cool lake, not cool.

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Greeted by this welcoming sign upon arrival at the campsite.
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And of course, knitting. Camping + knitting = goodtimes.
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Nighttime at the campsite. Ahh, conifers.
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1 While I'm sure this is the commonest of knowledge, it still bears repeating. Feeding wildlife throws off their ability to survive. Dependance on humans is not cool for critters. I say this with full knowledge of the bird feeder in my backyard. Yes, yes I do.

Monday, September 03, 2012

Ghost Knits Collection: Sneak Peek

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This week's peek at one of the patterns, set to be published this October in
Ghosts: historiographies, cultural manifestations, and the knits they've inspired.

Saturday, September 01, 2012

YES! SEPTEMBER!

I believe it's well documented on this blog how very much I love the September-December run of months.
The best time of year. The best weather, the best holidays, the best food.
Gah! I'm so excited.

So when a meme landed in my comments from Cleo14, I thought: What better time to share reasons why these four months rock.

Leaves - on blog Pictures, Images and Photos

1) I always liked going back to school, and still do (like the idea. I try to keep learning things, but must admit it's a bit more difficult in a less structured environment).

2) Unlike (what seems like) the majority of people, "good weather" to me is between 11-19 °C. Sunny or rainy. I do like a rainy day.

3) Autumn fashion is the best fashion cause the autumn fashion has great colours! And textures, layers, jackets, accessories. A knitter's paradise, no?

4) Pies of the apple and pumpkin variety are so good. I always looked forward to the apple cider season as a child (and still do!) There was a farm close to my parents' place, where we'd always get cider and buckets of apples. Buckets.

5) Thanksgiving and Halloween are the greatest holidays every. I think they're tied for first place, followed by Christmas (or, more accurately, the whole holiday season. So many different backgrounds celebrating at the same time. It's magic!)

6) Now, I'm as Canadian as the next canuck, and I know that snow-season brings dangerous driving conditions and a lot of heavy shoveling work but. Come ON! It's snow! It's awesome! Beautiful, fun, crunchy, soft, throwable, buildable, sno-cone-able gloriousness. With the caveat that snow needs to stop snowing after December 31. After that point it's like, go away already. I tire of you.

7) One of the best moments of any year is the first time you see that one, spectacular, amazingly-coloured maple tree. Leaves blazing. I'm always on the look-out for a good deep red one, or orange. Most go a lovely yellow, but getting that pop of red just makes my season.

8) Family birthdays. All my immediate family have their birthdays between September 19 (that's me!) and December 13. I also have an inordinate amount of friends with birthdays in this season, too. Celebrations are one of the things that make life worth living.

Do you like this time of year? Please share your thoughts!