Could it be?

I’m truly not a big Christmas person. Maybe it’s because I was raised to just give gifts for no reason, or maybe I’m just really not all that sentimental. 

But then this year I bought a tree (after a fashion). Then I bought some ornaments. Then lights! I might actually be feeling a little twinge of that oft talked about Christmas Spirit. 

Maybe it’s wanting to make it special for my grandkids that is stirring this up ... I really want coming to Nana’s for Christmas to be memorable. Not just the presents, but the atmosphere and the food. Fingers crossed this is the first year of many to come. 

I have gotten some knitting done on my friends Burberry Socks  Just the gusset shaping and foot to do! 

The Top Secret Project continues at a good pace. It’s been a busy weekend at Dairy Queen getting ready for our weeks closing. I have. A few days that I have work to do and family celebrating, so I will need to jealously protect any spare hours for knitting. We do not miss deadlines. 

I’ve got the sleeve shaping all planned out. I think about doing two sleeves at the same time, but unless there is involved shaping/patterning I find it quicker to do one at a time. Or maybe it just feels that way ... not being any faster just thinking about it!! Back at it, with my nightcap of Golden Mylk  turmeric is supposed to help ulcerated stomachs, and it’s a lovely change from water. 

I hope so hard that even one of the yarn packages that I have ordered arrive tomorrow! I’ve been a little generous towards myself ♥️ 💞♥️

Shawls Organized

So my shawl collection has been steadily growing over the last couple of years and the corner of the shelf that I was hanging them on was becoming woefully inadequate. I’ve been looking for a solution that was functional, attractive, and not take up too much space. A quilt rack has become a shawl rack! 

It’s Mary Poppins (practically perfect) and has room for many more shawls - yay!! 

While I was in The City picking up the loom on Saturday, I was just up from The Purple Purl, so I popped in to see what was to see. I don’t get into Toronto much, there had to be something new in the last 3 (?) years. 

I picked up a skein of a new-to-me yarn from Leo & Roxy  The name was the clincher. “Son of a Nutcracker” is my go to safe swear at work; it was the last skein and it was like it was just meant for me. It will knit up like a candy cane with a hint of the green. Gotta get these knit up for Xmas — next year!! Realistic goals - lol. 

Click on the photo and enlarge the fibre content - I love their sense of humour. 

It’s beginning ...

So I haven’t ever had a Christmas tree for various reasons, (mostly I’m a Scrooge) but the kids will be coming up this year with my grandkids, and there’s nothing like babies to make you want to do things. 

So when I saw this tree at the Alliston Home Hardware, I knew that it was perfect! 

It takes up no floor space, which is becoming more and more a premium up in here, and suits my style. It looks painfully bare though!! I def need to go ornament shopping, but I don’t want just random generic ornaments, I want ornaments that have meaning, so it may take some years to deck out the tree. 

Craig and I dressed up for my works Christmas party last night.

We clean up well and the food at Tangle Creek was delicious and the company was delightful - all the Dairy Queens were beautifully turned out. 

I can share the afghan now that Julie has it. 

Have I mentioned that I love Bernard Blanket for afghans?!! Lol

I had the opportunity to buy a loom. The last few years at every yarn show I found myself looking at the Schact loom at the Gemini Fibre booth. I tried to justify the price and tell myself that I’d totally make all sorts of scarves, but I knew that knitting is my first love and I couldn’t just put her aside. So I just left the looms and kept thinking about them. 

An opportunity came up where a friend was selling her Cricket rigid heddle loom and it was a case of right time, right place. I couldn’t resist!!  

My sister jumped in to weaving with proper massive looms and her work is impressive and inspiring. I’m starting small, and while I have a loom now, with knitting deadlines looming (no pun intended) I’m not sure when I’ll get to YouTube and get it warped. But I am thrilled to have a new skill waiting to be learnt and mastered. I’m waiting to be inspired with a name for him/her. 

Top Secret Knitting has gone well today ... having live tv on the android box is a treat!! I watched my Vikings and Steelers take their games today. And I’ve indulged in some ridiculously trashy tv this evening - it’s easy to knit to. 

Secrets

I finished the blanket, but will wait to post a picture until it’s gifted. I am pleased with it. You all know what a fan of natural fibers, but at the risk of actually gushing, I am passionate about Bernat Blanket for blankets - adult and children. It is so cozy - both to knit with and snuggle into - and it washes well. The colour range is fabulous; something for everyone. 

My next project is a Top Secret Project, so that’s out. 

So I bring to you my latest yarn purchase! I’ve gone a little Turtlepurl fan girl lately. I’ve become a real fan of the dyed-to-match contrasting heel/toe skein. 

I know one young lady who will be stacking a claim to the Rasta. Winter is Coming and Dream Room are for my cold little piggies! My socks are starting to wear out at an alarming rate, so once I’m done the ones that I’ve promised for my workbesties, I’m onto socks for me. 

There are also cute puppy pics to fill the actually knitting gaps. 

I am also proud to share this year ago comparison pic.

I’ve been living la vida keto for 9 months now, and seeing a side-by-side like this makes every choice I’ve made worth it. It’s been a long row to hoe. Deciding to start and making that 100% commitment to myself was the key for me. I’ve done it (and continue to do it) one day at a time. It’s not a struggle; I enjoy the foods that I eat, and don’t generally long for sugars or breads. I choose the rare days that I moderately indulge in empty carbs, then get right back to the course that I’ve set myself upon. My knees are so much better, even the swelling on my (previously) broken ankle is significantly reduced!! 

The unrelated ulcer is further reducing my food choices, and I bitch every day about this, but I’m on new meds for that and have my fingers crossed that I’ll be able to have coffee, fizzy drinks, spices, and an occasional adult beverage again soon. 

Ok. Back to my TSP, while watching Ink Master on the buzztv android box that Helen sent me. This thing is terrific and I’m likely to subscribe to the live TV option to make watching my sports easier. Thanks Helen - this is epic knitting enabling!! 

Deadlines

So Hartwist is finished and ready to take up to Julie’s.

I’m going to deliver it in person rather than post it because I really want to see the new Namaste bags in person!

I was set to start on my next project, but I’m stuck at the cast on waiting for clarification - not an auspicious start. 

Fortunately, I have a few other deadlines to choose from, so my hands aren’t idle. 

This one is only kind of a surprise, but I’m trying to keep the colours a secret, and most of the pattern, so it’ll be black and white until it’s done and received. Petey is keenly watching my progress ... or rather watching me. He’s being especially clingy lately; not sure what that’s about.  He’s clearly feeling some kinda way, I wish that I could figure out what it is and/or why. 

Maybe he’ll settle down if I pick up the knitting again ...

Final Stretch

What a great weekend!! 

I am on the homestretch of Hartwist! After what felt like a never-ending collar, it is cast off and I’ve set in the first sleeve. 

I really do love finishing a garment. There is a skill to it, and I take as much pride in the quality of my finishing as I do with my knitting. It makes such a difference - poor seaming can detract from beautiful knitting.  

I need to be up early for work tomorrow, but I might just use concealer and foundation to cover staying up late to finish. Shhhhh!!! 

Craig and I had our pictures done yesterday. Craig and I really enjoyed going through the gallery and picking our favourites. I don’t usually think of myself as photogenic, but Jacqueline really captures some lovely moments and I’m so pleased with how the pictures came out. I am so excited to see the final proofs and get prints made!! 

Petey helped today. 

Petey has been extra special attached to me today. I even captured him giving me a look of pure love and devotion. 

He really is my best buddy. 

Photos

So I booked a mini photo session today for Craig and I to have our pictures taken. Even though most of our picture-perfect snow has melted, Drysdales still looked fantastic and Pink  Champagne Photography had a fabulous antique sofa and chair to brighten the scene. 

Craig & I took a couple amateur pics while we were waiting. I can’t wait to see what Jacqueline captured!! 

I am making progress on the collar ... still 9cm to go.

There are a lot of stitches to make this collar so voluptuous & cozy.!!

So I had a coffee this morning. This doesn’t seem so odd, except I quit coffee last Friday to help help my persistent ulcer. I’ve been slowly giving up the things that can irritate it and prevent it from healing. Coffee was putting me into rather severe pain, so it was the last to go. I suffered migraines for 2 days in the quitting, but it’s for a grater good. I’m doubling down on my ulcer meds (on Dr orders) for two weeks. If that doesn’t start to sort it out, it’s a referral to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy. Totally not my idea of fun, so fingers crossed!! 

Back to this mornings coffee. I didn’t really miss food since I’ve switched to a ketogenic diet, but I desperately miss the taste of coffee.

It doesn’t look any different from any other coffee, but it is deeply different. It is soulless coffee. I don’t know if it’s just in my head but caffeine free coffee just doesn’t taste the same. It was good, but not the same. 

So I basically have no vices left. No alcohol, no sugar, no chocolate, and no coffee. I drink water. Just water. Sometimes an herbal tea. Then more water. 

So I’m going to go back to my collar and my water. 

Final Stretch

I am working on the collar! 

After a few “oopsies” on the final sleeve, I got it done and they’re blocking. Even with the ceiling fan on, it’s taking a bit for them to dry. 

I have covered it so that Robbie doesn’t dig in it. The puppies are rather awesome at not playing in anything that I’m blocking; Robbie is bigger and hasn’t been around knitting since he was a baby, so I don’t take the chance. 

We’ve started on the Christmas cakes at work. 

It’s really a fun season for cakes! Alhough I don’t think that there’s not a fun season for decorating cakes. 

Are you a Charitable Knitter/Crocheter?

Yarn Canada is partnering with Bernat and Patons Yarn to give yarn to knitters (individually and groups) who do charitable knitting. 

Follow this link if you would like to apply. 

I don’t know what to title this one

The electric blanket is all that I hoped for and more!! It is a warm, full-body hug from a lover who doesn’t snore or fart or steal the warm blankets! This is the kind of thing that deserves a Nobel Prize!! Who wants to go to war when they can be warm in bed?

I am making swift progress on Hartwist now that I am on to the sleeves. Perhaps it’s the fewer stitches, or maybe it’s the Signature Needles  I’m happy to be feeling like I’m making progress, whatever the reason! 

I didn’t do the top shaping on the sleeve. On a sweater this bulky and boxy, I didn’t feel the value in it, so I just did six straight rows and cast off. 

We went to my dads family brunch on the weekend. Amanda is always fun to do selfies with!!

She was treated like the guest of honour with a special slice of cheesecake and mood lighting - she totally deserves it. 

We went shopping and she received her presents early!

I forgot to take a picture of her with her jacket. D’oh!! She needed one for everyday so she doesn’t get her nice one messed up, and since winter is coming, giving it to her now was just practical. And I am nothing if not practical. There was of course the requisite care package of food sent home with her as well - a mother’s duty of care never ends. 

I’ll Never be Cold Again

I am still knitting on Hartwist  It certainly doesn’t make the work go faster when I forget a cable row. So that was yesterday’s work for nought. Good thing that the felted tweed Aran is so lovely to knit with - small bonus of having to knit more. The yarn is a more lovely soft blue - even with an Ott light, I can’t seem to capture it. 

I finally bought an electric blanket for my bed. I have thought about it for years, but the irrational fear of somehow electrocuting myself was persistent. So far this year the hot water bottle hasn’t been enough to warm my cold toes and cold everything, and it hasn’t even gotten truly cold yet!! Dying of hypothermia seemed a more real threat than electrocution, so I did the deed. 

Petey wasn’t sure at first either, but he seems to be on board now. 

Craig and I went on a craft brewery tour of Black Oak Brewing Co  with friends, and while I made an effort and tried all the beers, it is clear that I am a Philistine and have no appreciation for craft beer. Craig certainly did enjoy the samples on offer though! 

The crystal malt was tasty though, and the tour was interesting. 

Hartwist

Just a quick post. 

I have finished the back - it’s a lot of knitting, but it is pleasurable, relaxing, and just challenging enough to keep me counting. 

I have modified the shoulder shaping with short rows so that I can do a 3-needle bind off once I’m done the front. This will make a more neat shoulder seam. 

Not much else to report. I have sorted out new rims (Costco and they UPS delivered them free!!) for my winter tyres and they’re on. I have also ordered winter boots and an electric blanket, so I’m just about physically ready for winter; mentally, perhaps not. 

Something Seems Amiss

The easier the thing, the greater the likelihood of mucking it up. 

Just merrily knitting along on Hartwist  and as I didn’t pause to admire my own work, as one is wont to do occasionally, I didn’t notice the glaring error until a few rows up. It was just one cable; it was the whole row. Definitely faster for me to re-knit it than try to ladder them all down. 

So now that my secular work is done, I am setting to making up some lost time. 

I popped into the LCBO to pick up some thank you gifts and wouldn’t you know, it turning into the best time of year!!! Gifty Booze!!! I couldn’t resist the lovely Reidel glasses in with the Steamwhistle  Especially since I have the Steamwhistle bottle opener and lunch tin from the last couple of years ☺️☺️

You know, I think that it really does enhance the taste of the Pilsner! 

I have to say, at the risk of tempting The Fates, that I am

content. Nothing is perfect and there’s always some challenge to overcome, but I am satisfied with my lot in life. I dare say, I may even be happy. 

New yarn!!!

So excited to have finally ordered from Mothy and the Squid  I’ve been following her on IG for awhile and her poinsettia colour way tipped the balance for me. The sparkly one is for Helen - she *does* love a sparkly anything!! 

I’m going to be swatching - spell check keeps replacing “swatching” with “searching” ... not entirely inaccurate - for a Sweet Spot strip. If it works out, I’ll have to order a couple more skeins. 

Jillian shipped the yarn straight away and it was here in 5 days from the UK!! She also added a little snipper gadget - and you know how much I love my gadgets!! 

I have made some progress on the Trenchcoat socks for Julie. Emily’s yarn is SO soft ... it’s such a pleasure to knit with. 
And the swatch for Hartwist is done and blocked. Julie gave specific instructions that I wasn’t to do 30 swatches as the sweater is quite generous in ease. Did it 1.5!! LOL!!! 


The yarn is a much nicer light denim blue in real life. I haven’t knit in such large needles - 5.5mm/size 9 - in a long time!! This is going to go quickly!!

I’ll Need 3 Forks please

Till Death spoiler pics below!! 

It’s been quite a busy week for me at work, but I have managed to get some things done at home too!! 

I finished my Wonder Woman Cape!!! 

This is the pic of it blocking; I’ll have someone take a pic of me wearing it tomorrow. It didn’t block out quite as large as it could have - my short row wraps were a bit tight. Still, I’m chuffed af with the final result!! 

Then I finished my Till Death MKAL mittens. 

Not blocked yet, but I am thrilled with them. I wore them this morning and the beads on the palms are already driving me bonkers, so I think that I’ll be cracking them off. They do need blocking, and then I’m ready for Día de los Muertos. 

And then I made Wonder Woman cuffs. I could not be more pleased with how the colours worked out, finishing with the white/gold at the edge of the ruffle!! 

The beads are so sparkly that I imagine that I really could fend off bullets with them!! 

It also gave me the opportunity to use my tiny bead spinner - still one of the best gadgets ever!!
I popped into The Needle Emporium today (yes, when I’m in the mood for a drive, a 3 hour trip is “popping in” LOL!!) to pick up the yarn for my Throwback Cardigan  as well as yarn to knit a sweater for Julie. I haven’t knit with Rowan yarn in a while, and I’m especially happy to be able to give the felted Aran tweed a go in the Hartwist Sweater. 


I could help but grab another Cheshire Cat kit. 
I was so excited that they now came with variegated colours!! I know, it seems a bit muted, but it just called to me. It’s destined to be another Hitchiker scarf. 

Almost ...

I’m almost done my Wonder Woman cape !! Literally like another hour. But today was back to work, so I will set

to it as soon as this is posted and I’ve eaten. 

The yarn is a bit of a bleeder already; I’m going to have to rinse hard and often I think when I’m done.

I finally succumbed to the lure of Charmed Aroma. I’m

A skeptic by nature, but opals! Not my birthstone, but I do love them. They seem so alive to me. 

I have to say that I’m not disappointed.

I really do hope that they wear well and don’t start tarnishing. 

Tonight’s dinner is home made spaghetti sauce and shiritaki noodles. 

Nothing is ever going to replace pasta - there is nothing like the tender bite of wheat pasta. But I have come to appreciate konjac noodles and spaghetti squash for their own unique textures and flavors. Though the konjac noodles really have no flavour, they are an excellent conduit for a flavoursome sauce. 

Okay - on to the finishing. Despite the ungodly hour at which I need to be awake tomorrow.