knittybetty bits

an elephant never forgets

2012-02-18T17:33:00.000-08:00

air is invisibilty, you just can't see it ~ zd

italian abandonment

2012-01-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

welcome, christmas, bring your cheer

2012-01-03T13:33:00.000-08:00

happy wishes for a prosperous new year

~ 2012 ~

zed and the dalmatian maple

2011-11-21T22:15:00.000-08:00

zee stream strolling

~~~~
autumn casts its bluster upon us, to the joy of few

whispering hushes of sleep and lullabies to the trees and plants of northern jungles wild

the birth of babes rejoice the solemn season, where delicate lay the unborn

a beauty beheld in her fiery decor, til the wind and rain pluck each to the floor

the winter calls them home

wet, the stones shine

slippery the rocks

and still i await the spring

~~~~

dee on the ledge of giants

a whole lotta yakking going on

2011-08-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

kayaking in 'sammy' our keowee 2

Vespa-rado

2011-06-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, talk about when the bug bites...just try to keep me off my new scoot! I think I just hit pre-mid life crisis. In any case, I have a fabulous excuse; (besides fun) the fact it has saved me at least $150 in gas this month alone! I drove a Silverado 4x4 as a daily driver...so this is quite the change.

Gepetto, is a 2005 ET4 150cc Vespa, and my new love. I found him on Used Victoria. The previous owner had only ridden him for 1700km, which was to head to the 'backyard' Golf Course and home again. I think there were a couple wobbly nights on the way home as he came with a few scrapes and dings.

I just began my mods and replaced the plastic standard mirrors with chrome ones. One of the originals had cracked anyway, so now he looks more presentable, and is a little safer...

I've yet to ride on a rainy day. I am looking into getting a scooter skirt for those dirty, wet and chilly rides. So I'm pretty much still a rain virgin.

Will post some photo's soon...so scoot soon, scoot often and keep that rubber side down...(har har har)

Peeps for the Peeps

2011-04-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

The kids and I crafted up lemony fairy cakes for our easter luncheon today at G*ma's. They did such a great job...we can't wait to munch on these
'cheep' treats.

pop goes the world

2011-04-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

Coral used to live on a chop stick under my bathroom sink, well her head anyway. It was all i had left of my beloved sea wee. When we moved a couple years ago, i beheaded my chop stick and sent coral to the "land of lost toys" recycle department. ( i'm not sure how well a be-bodied doll does, or should that be be-finned?) it was a difficult decision none the less, and a very adult one at that but purging is a necessity when you have children...i just wished i hadn't done it...and could also have remembered how she came to be body-less. what had become of her body? as well as her friends. YES! i had all coral's friends and baby's too! These were my tubby toys. My wet and wonderful watery nymphs from sea wee land, who had befriended the smurfs along the shores of bathville.. Hours would pass and my mother would have to drag me from the stew that had been my tub, with wrinkles that had been my toes, and jammy me up and off to bed.

sigh

insert final line from the 'all in the family' theme song here

Forward 30 years, grown, with daughter...and has she got a sea wee?

not an Ariel...

(which she does.

which i think of as some sort of filler for the lack of 'real' mermaids in her tub repertoire.)

Thrift storing some years back I had spied a pink scaly textured mass with blonde hair. it was amidst the $.50 bin. Adrenaline surged through me, flashes of joy and cleanliness strobed through my funneled memory as i reached into the dirty bin. Rocketing past the barbie's and unhappily tossed happy meal toys, i held in my hand, the dear mermaidress herself, the first of them all, Sandy.

It felt good.

The curvature of her fin, the stiffness of her arms and tiny molded fingers. The plasticness of her locks. It all seemed so unbelieveable, and yet so familiar. I stood there with the stupidest grin on, glowing in the 'after-find' of this treasure.

I had a 2 year old son at the time.

He craved tug boats, sea creatures and sponge letters you could fish...not a pink scaled, blonde, over sized head, mermaid doll from the '80's.

That's when i did it.

i acted all growed up and mother-like.

i was self-less.

HE didn't need a sea wee.

and i smugly placed her back in the bin and nodded

"Oh, you don't need a silly little tub toy from your childhood just because you enjoyed it when you were young. It'll just take up more space in a bin somewhere...don't be silly, maybe some other little girl will find her and create her own life long adoration for this sweet kenner kreation"

Those words.

i regret each and every one of them every day since.

I even returned to the store a day later with the hopes of correcting my misled wisdom and to whisk her home with me...where she should've been.

where she would belong.

Dashed.

She was a treasure

Not to be.

yes until ebay. until a daughter, until i finally fessed up to the fact that i have wanted her and all her friends back again since that very day.

i will find them,

i will purchase them.

my daughter will know them.

and i will be happy.

i might even begin tubbing again...

how much fun is a mermaid in the shower?

secretly, i still hold onto the hopes that when water splashes on me, i'll turn into

daryl hannah

thank you Splash

and thank you magical toy store house place on oak bay avenue that has now become some sort of orthapedic shoe factory.

and most importantly...

thanks mum

on wednesday he ate through three plums

2011-02-09T10:02:00.000-08:00

VeSUsius Vest

VeSUvius (Mondo Cable Shell/Vest) has been a real pleasure to do, it's a great pattern, and I think I'll get one made for me this year as well. I found that when I bound it off too loosely it rolled a lot on the bottom ribbing. So I ripped out the cast off edge and re-cast off. Working with the black yarn was indeed a challange, especially when there are two kitties (one being white) in the house! After blocking the heck out of it, it seems to be keeping tame.

My latest discovery in the knitting world is these gorgeous YARN BOWLS by Angela Ingram. I am now on a quest for a holy bowl. It would be really nice to replace the ol' plastic bag with a gorgeous ceramic...

I thought I would feature my gorgeous new button necklace I got for my birthday. A couple gals in Victoria make them; MiLe Zero Designs. This colour combo was called 1950's Kitchen. It's all made with retro buttons! What a cool idea and great way to get those buttony beauties out of those collector tins in the closet and give them the respect and attention many of them deserve. Seriously, just like most things made way back when, there are some real gems and many of them are like works of art. I loves me some groovy buttons.

you had me at binary reaction

2011-01-23T22:47:00.000-08:00

Probably one of the quickest garments I've finished in a long time, since socks and mitts anyway. Completing something for someone, when you are completely guessing their size is really mystifying and tragically nerve wracking. I had lost all confidence in this piece once I blocked it and put it on myself. What? Cropped rib warmers went out with stir ups and mouse sweat shirts. Thankfully though and not to the antiquated trend, this toasty topper fit my DG to a T. A great relief. I really liked the pattern and the ease of it's finishing requirements, although I might chose a different lace pattern next time, as this one and I seemed at odds at most times.

Turns out these past two projects have jettisoned me into some new stitch territory. I just found out after all these years, i was doing SSK completely wrong. I thought i had it figured, and yet the pattern would never seem to turn out 'quite' right. Darn that Errata I figured...Ha. And with some help from utube, the provisional cast on is now a part of my knitting repetoire. Made me remember just how awkward knitting is in the beginning, and probably why so many people I know pick it up and put it down just as fast. It ain't easy being green, but it sure boosts the experience.

Beginning the mondo cardi vest has been a challenge. How can the words 'every SECOND row' slip the proverbial ease of an advanced beginner pattern, only to become so apparently apparent only after the two fronts have been satisfyingly completed. Thus beginning the wonderment of how on earth two arms are supposed to fit through those armholes. That's when working with black becomes a menace. MIL and MIR are my new favourite acronyms. A little frogging and this peice will once again be in the go.

a jaunt to the dark side

2011-01-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

veSUvius
Mondo Cable Vest

Happy New Year! So begins another year of projects and inspirations. The new Knitty is out today and i am very excited about many of the patterns. I love the cape Constantine, looks so smart and cozy...Joanie and Jaquiline are swell too. Now if only i didn't have a backlash of unfinished knitmas gifts to complete...i think everyone on my sock list assumed i considered them one legged this year, as everyone received ONE,.. yes, one sock of a pair. They received their sock (which they weren't aloud to take home, so as i could match them of course) and a 'coupon' entitiling them to cash in for one sock in the new year. I know, how classy ~yeesh.

So, needless to say, the socks are on hold...yes, i need a 'time out' from those tubular stylings and have begun a couple new projects. Both of them being vests. My nearly 90 year old grandmother had a bad fall and fractured her arm, we all are so grateful it was just an arm, and her left one at that. Obviously a great discomfort for her, but she is a real trooper.

Since getting dressed will be a little difficult for awhile i wanted to make her a simple vest she could slip on and off and found this one called Vine Lace Vest. I'm certainly not the most prolific lace knitter, but i'm sure my grandmother will love it even with all it's imperfections (kind of like me)

I've also taken on my first commissioned piece. Chic knits Mondo Cable Vest is a top down vest, which will be interesting as i haven't worked a pattern like this before. It's a top down knit with a provisional cast on...was a little confused by it all, but aint it just like ravelry to be so helpful to those of us somewhat confused by top down creations. Don't get me wrong I love top down, i'm just not quite down with reading the patterns for them. She chose Berroco's ultra alpaca (yum) in black...i've never worked with black yarn before, and now i see (or can't see) why. the stitches seem to disappear in a haze of gothic dimensions...seems i have joined (in the round) the dark side.

royal kobenhavn
(vine lace vest)

Hempathy Spa Cloth

2010-11-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

As knitmas is upon us once again, I decided this year to try and design a quick but lovely project for the stocking. Or wrap this up with some ribbon and a lovely home-made soap (or one from The Rocky Mountain Soap Company, my personal favourite)

One side of this cloth is kind of nubbly for a good scrubbin', and the other is smoother for those more sensitive spots. I've used a 40 lb hemp twine, found in arts and crafts, and beading stores. It is a little stiff to work with, but will soften up after blocking. For the featured photo I've used a size 4mm needle.(If using a heavier lb twine use 5mm, and for lighter than 40 lb twine use 3mm)
It is mainly knit in the coral knot stitch pattern and goes as follows:

Cast on 24.

(or any multiple of 2 & add 3 stitches on either side for border)

Row 1-4. knit

Row 5. knit 3, *k2tog* til 3 stitches remaining, k3

Row 6. k3, *k1,pick up strand between this and next st and k it* til 3 stitches left, k3

Row 7. knit entire row

Row 8. knit 3, purl til last 3 stiches, k3.

repeat this pattern (rows 5-8), until you have your desired length, ending with a complete knit row, continue knitting 3 more rows, then cast off.

this should give you a stiff spa cloth. once you block it, it will become softer, as well as with continued washings. enjoy!

please let me know if there are any discrepancies as I haven't test knit my written pattern yet.

domo arigato noro

2010-10-31T23:09:00.000-07:00

Harvest

As I nibble on warm Bragg's infused oven toasted pumpkin seeds and listen to the snap, crackle, pop, of halloween's eve, I settle into the remainder of October with a reflective sort of sigh. We gave many thanks on the holiday weekend, my Scorpian daughter turned her quattro year, my brother took his last digit in his thirties and my two little goblins spooked away the dwindling days of the month. There is two sacks of candy at my side, awaiting the parent's secret night time invasion, a nest of two 'yin-yang ' kitties on their woolen Binky and my brand spanking new FO radiating its woolly warmth onto me. Life is good.

My Rayne Wrap Cardi is done, and i love it. It's such a malleable piece which can be worn in so many different ways. Super easy knit. Noro looks really stunning in this pattern. Yep, a whole new binky this fall.

stripe-a-thon

2010-10-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

It appears as though manual and self striping is the latest craving at the moment. I sort of 'wung' it with these; casting on 40 then mitering the thumb til 20. my d-man is looking forward to a pair as well, sans the pink. Patons makes a gorgeous 'summer moss' in the kroy sock. A lot of projects in the queue. The kids both want a hot water bottle cover knit up as a turtle and ladybug...inspired by the latest Knitsimple magazine. Then i'm hoping to grab a copy of the safari buddies pattern and knit up the zebra, lion and 'heffalump' for zed. then get knitmas started again.

Jiffy Mitts

Cast on 40 stitches on size 3.25mm dpn's.

(for children's sizing use smaller needle)

Join. Place Marker.

K1, P1 for half an inch.

Knit however many inches of stockinette you want (as long as it is longer than 1 inch) then begin thumb miter

K1, pm, k1, *kfb1, kfb1, k1, pm knit to end.

Knit entire row (K1,pm,k6,pm, knit to end)

continue miter row as follows: place marker, k1, kfb1,k....knit til two stitches before next marker, kfb,k1 pm.

Repeat the two thumb mitering rows until 20 stitches are between the two markers (60 stitches).

knit one row.

Slip 20 stiches onto spare yarn. knit til end.

rejoin. you now have 40 stitches again.

repeat stockinette stitch for another inch, then finish with half an inch of k1,p1 ribbing. CO

slide reamining 20 stiches onto dpn's making sure to pick up a stich or two on the glove side. knit 3 rows, then ribbing for 1/2 inch. CO

hope you enjoy this pattern and your new mitts!

*(kfb = knit front and back. knit as you would regularly but instead of sliding the stitch off left needle, pull right needle forward (purlwise) and purl into it, then lift off left needle)

please let me know if you encounter any issues with the pattern. thanks!

~~~*~~~

Whipped up these leg warmers for z to wear in her ballet class (or any other fashion opportunity ). They reminded me of the chesire cat from Alice in Wonderland.

feign in the rayne

2010-05-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

I had some balls of noro and just really needed to put them to work. found a pattern I liked called Rayne Cardigan. I'm not sure how it's going to turn out, or if i even have enough yarn, so as i work on it, 'the boneyard' is taking the co-pilot seat. frogging my pickled ginger rowan summer tweed tank, never wore the thing, and it's going to be a shawl, a very bright green silk/cotton shawl...would love to design a silver brooch for it.

cookie monster

2010-04-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, I got me some fancy socks ~ angee, It is a really beautiful pattern from cookie a. the cherry tree hill yarn is quite pretty put does kind of pool a little much for the pattern in them. A more fitting yarn would be in a heather or solid.

clash of the tartans ~ revisited

2010-03-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

It has been a l-o-o-o-o-ong go of it, but i have FINALLY finished my drops a-line jacket i started last june! many side projects took over and this little beauty just vanished into the stash baskets, like a velveteen rabbit of yarns. i adored working with this wool. jo sharp's silkroad tweed aran...wool, silk, cashmere...yum. i was amazingly blessed to find 14 balls of this 'tartan' colourway, in it's original bag for $19 one fine spring morning. this was one of those flukey days i just had an urge to pop by the local sally ann...my yarn-y senses were tingling off the charts. after having it for a year, i finally built up the nerve to give this pattern a whirl. and yippee to that, it's my binky cardi now. i'm thinking of doing one up in rowan summer tweed as well...

i am in the middle of two projects (that seems to be my style as of late). a 'back to school' cardigan for my littleman...yes i realize it is now spring and there is only 3 months left in school.

with little league just around the corner, it should come in handy for those breezey nights at the park.

the other is one of cookie a's devine sock patterns. i've never done a 'fancy' sock before, so i am very excited to finsh them up.

here they are in progress with cherry tree hill's supersock semi solid ~ gingerSNAP!

knitty knoels

2009-12-18T23:54:00.000-08:00

lion brand, how i adore your thick and quick. well...during the month of decembrrr. i'm not a huge fan of acrylic but the fact it contains a small amount of wool deems it worthy for gift consumption. this year i found a snow bunny beanie that should look pretty as a peach on the girls on my list. being able to knock these off at the rate of an h/h (hat per hour) makes for easy goal gifting success.

Really Warm Hat by Melissa LaBarre, a free pattern on ravelry, was a great find.

oh, and santa baby slip an lys g/c under the tree for me,

i've been an awful good girl...too good. must find some trouble to get into next year...

one skein wonder

2009-12-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

my marmalade skies stole/scarf has definitely been my binky of the year. through the summer and now into winter, my neck has quite the affinity for this lovely knitty.

a great free pattern from katty on ravelry. a great mix of yarn and design.

sharon watterson at the examiner.com has published an inspiring article with some great little one skein wonders you can have done for knitty knitmas, and the best part is some of the patterns are free!

don't forget to visit your local library for patterns as well. they stock lots of great knitting books from many popular designers. my local library also subscribes to a number of different knitting mags as well.

i think grace mcewen's twisted vine neckwarmer looks like a another great giftie idea...

check out sharon's artical here...

happy holiday and knitting noels!

sugar n' spice

2009-11-02T14:05:00.000-08:00

it's exactly a year later, birthday's done, halloween over, and knitmas has begun! this year will be a little more sensible and a common theme among those in exchangable sights has relinquished thoughts of outlandish possiblities. it's about simplicity.

i'm working on my drops double breasted moss jacket/sweater and would love to finish it soon, but should put it away til january.

beehive had a wicked sale on their noro, and i scooped up some kureyon in their new black/red/grey blend. looking for the perfect project.

knitmas season has begun

2008-10-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

Now that the october birthday's festival of knits has come and gone, it's 'knit'mas time. I've collected all my patterns for everyone on the list and my stash will soon be looking rather slim.

I'm realizing i should have begun my winter knit sweater in august as i won't be able to finish it till january, and i'm dreaming of a toasty snuggle for our heatless house. Next time i won't choose a pattern with size 3.25mm needles. Hmmm maybe i could start a 8mm project and have it whipped up in a weekend.

Z is dancing to the tunes of 123 Sesame Street, and we've got a monster ball to head off to. Just a few more ghoulish tailoring's to do on the costumes, and we will be off.

Happy Haunting!

writer's blog

2008-09-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

Raffi is playing a little jug song and zed is happy with her wooden dress-up bear, and dee is off at school. Sunny day, just another beautiful day in Victoria.

I've accumulated a plethera of knitting projects, and am hoping to have most of them done before Christmas (har, har, har...that's funny. )

Well better pick up the sticks.