A Shiny New Year

Happy New Year everyone. We had a white Christmas and lots of snow shovelling, good exercise and lovely weather to be out and see neighbours after the holidays…..also time to keep knitting and create warm things to bolster us in the Canadian Winter. Here’s a shot out of my dining room window of our street in a storm and I think that’s my neighbour Susan shovelling her front walk.

So, speaking of knitting I’ve been wearing this beautiful scarf nearly every day, even indoors as it’s light and not too long. I got the yarn at Sheep Thrills just over a year ago when I was down in Syracuse NY for a workshop weekend. I had a blast and love the yarn shop…I must return soon (if I can make it through the Lake Effect blizzards that happen between Watertown & Syracuse!!!).I purchased the yarn, one skein of soft rainbow dyed Merino, and got the pattern from Beth. Do visit and meet Brenda (head to the site and see Brenda…I love her).

For Christmas gifts I made everyone a pen/stylus, finding the hardware from a Canadian company (quick delivery and no duty). Here they are….I didn’t make one for myself but I got one from my great friend Georgia who made some for her gallery Artemisia in Westport ON. I used my polymer claying skills to make them. It was hard to decide which was going to which family member. Now they can write on paper and on their tablets or iPhones.
…and hopefully, think of me?!

Here is a shot take on my phone of a jacket I’ve been working on….not just the design but the pattern. When I get it finalized I will put it up on my web site and on my Etsy shop for sale.  LOTS of work!!!  I have been using Garment Designer from Cochenille and then translate the numbers into instructions…I’ve only done medium so far and it turned out more of a 10 than a 12….maybe I used a slightly smaller stitch size on my machine…oh well, back to the drawing board! The collar is too big and the sleeves too small.

I’ve also been doing a lot of hand knitting…yes, my socks, which I have up on Etsy but they don’t stay there long…I’m about to ship a third pair to Sweden! But also I’ve been knitting something I haven’t done in a while, celtic cables and a lot of knit purl. In payment for a large amount of yarn from a friend I am knitting a sweater for her. Her hands aren’t what they used to be and it is difficult  for her. I’m doing it through Downton Abbey, and the Inauguration today.

The yarn is Canaan mohair  and lovely to knit with. It’s designed by Marlena de Leskie back in 98/99. I might have a hard time handing it over when it’s done. I’ll have to make or find some lovely buttons for this, or maybe my friend has some.

I’m having some workshops this Winter: Check out my web site barnett-knits.com