Mayday

Happy birthday to my sister who turns $#% today! Ya still got it sis!

Trini and River

On Mondays I feel like saying, "On your marks, get set, GO!"..but that would imply that I was starting something from a standing position and that would be wrong. I am bored of saying how busy I am. I'm too busy to complain about being busy! It's all getting a bit Groundhog Day-ish.

I am sneaking in some stuff for myself today. I have spent the past few hours in the kitchen, hovering over bubbling pots of yarn immersed in cochineal, Turkish madder, and pomegranate dye,  AND reading 'Cousin Bette' by Balzac, while eating snacks (I stand beside the fridge door...it's a conveniently small kitchen). At the same time I'm updating this blog. Well, obviously I've taken a break from reading because not even I am so talented I can type and read a book at the same time. I am getting close though. And I'm wearing my running stuff because I may attempt to go for a run later. Oh, and I'm trying to fit in some guitar practise so I can take the guitar in to preschool. I like to call it extreme multi-tasking. It's living on the edge and definitely not for the faint of heart.

It's great working at the preschool, I feel like a rock star when I'm out and about. Little kids run up to me and shout, "Victoria, Victoria!" with huge expectant smiles on their little faces. So much fun! Some days I'll have to wear a wig and dark glasses...when it gets too much...ha ha!

I am seriously considering getting back into academics; educational research. A couple of years ago I applied for an M.ed, but didn't get in. Then I began a post-bacc diploma (don't worry, no one knows what that is...you are not alone), at SFU in Early Education. That got side-tracked by breast cancer. I should have gone back to it but blah blah...excuses. The problem with getting back into education is that it is bloody hard to do when you've spent a few years out of it. And it's expensive. (that's two problems, I know). When my friend Mark was here we talked about it a lot and he gave me some hints. I am trying to find out how I can get back into an academic program. We'll see what happens. When would I fit it in? Obviously, something would have to give. Most probably I'll have to give the kids away. That's a joke...don't call social services. I'd never just give them away.

Still here

Yes, I'm still here. Still plodding along, like a dependable donkey, draped with jolly bells, trudging back and forth along the seafront at Cleethorpes beach, lugging ornery kids overstuffed with fish and chips and ice-cream. Rumours of my taking off to a tropical island with a handsome billionaire who wants to 'take me away from all this' and feed me those delicious little French cakes and pour wine while we discuss knitting patterns, have been grossly exaggerated. I have been busy. It's my mantra.

But it's not all drudgery and endless chores...there is some fun stuff. Really. Among other things, I have started on an exciting project with my friend, Helen. We are both keen knitters and she came up with the idea of our collaborating and creating knitting patterns and hand-dyed knitting kits to sell on the web (and perhaps in stores). We have a website (which I will link to this blog...eventually). It is www.stitches-studio.com...check it out! We will be putting knitting patterns up there, as well as interesting articles. And we're blogging about the creative process. It's a lot of fun, and great to collaborate with Helen. I have been doing a fair bit of dyeing and have become very interested in the whole process. There is something quite satisfying about dyeing your own yarn. Also, it means I can move all my knitting chatter over to the other blog.

I have also been trying to enjoy my last weeks before I start work. On Monday I begin work as the Assistant Preschool Teacher at the local preschool. I am looking forward to it for a number of reasons; making money, having an activity outside of the home...called a job, getting to know other people and, of course, working with a very sweet group of children. My first job in over 5 years; part-time and not terribly lucrative, but in the teaching field and incredibly convenient. I am hoping it will be a good bridge between not having paid work for 5 years, and whatever I do next (become rich and famous, obviously). There will have to be a few changes around here once I begin work. But I can't see it happening without a struggle. The donkey is growing wings and becoming Pegasus...outta my way! Okay, not quite.

We've had a few sunny (but cold) days here and have managed to get down to the beach a couple of times. Here's a couple of pics of the kids.

Yeah, we build sandcastles...even when it's freezing!

"Thanks for taking me to have so much fun, mum" awww

Nothing like hitting a log...

Who needs shoes?

Perhaps footwear is a good idea after all

Aint we bootiful!

Yay...finished...

I actually finished a couple of knitted projects recently. Part of my continued campaign to finish projects that are languishing, neglected and half-completed at the bottom of my knitting basket. I finished Bronwyn's Owl Sweater and she wears it all the time...here's a couple of pics. I used a really soft yarn by Rowan; Cashsoft Chunky, so it is warm and bulky without being scratchy against the skin. It is my first sweater knit in the round...and I'm not sure if I like the technique or not. I think I'll make River one too, in blue...or is it too girly?

Buttons are added to the simple cable design to suggest "owls"

And I finished the toy crocodile that I began...ahem..a while ago. I am very pleased with how it turned out and Bronwyn loves it. A few days of being her favourite and then it will lay in the pile of stuffies at the the bottom of the bed; remembering the time when Bronwyn loved her best...awwwww.

 I am thinking about designing some knitting patterns. I have done it before, but I neglect to write them down. Here is a little "beach" sweater pattern that I designed and knit a couple of years ago. It is knit in a lightweight hemp yarn and I gave it to a friend. Hang on a minute...the same bloody "friend" who ditched me for no reason but said she won't actually blank me if coincidence puts us in the same spot on the planet at some time... Anyway, I like the sweater and I'm sure if I dig around in my piles of papers and notebooks I will find the design.

Knitting is sexy...apparently

In an effort to get back to doing something creative...and relaxing, I have been attempting to finish some knitting projects. Actually, scratch that, I have been thinking about attempting to finish some knitting projects. As well, I have been thinking about doing some painting...errr...and writing...and making Christmas cards. Phew, hard work all that thinking! Among "stuff to finish" is the other sock (well, 3 other socks actually), a scarf, a sweater for Bronwyn, a sweater for River, for me, a stuffed crocodile who just needs her limbs sewn on...blah blah. All that thinking made me tired and in need of diversion. Thankfully, God, in His infinite wisdom, created the Internet (kind of)! So I was browsing patterns on Ravelry, the Internet knitting site, the other night (why finish a project when you can start another one?), when a category called "Intimate Apparel" caught my eye. I am aware of a trend over the past few years to make knitting sexy and to create so-called "subversive" knitting patterns in an attempt to reinforce the forward-thinking idea that knitting is no longer a pastime relegated to grandmothers and moms-to-be. But as much as I love knitting, I just don't find it that sexy. Nor for that matter have I personally ever thought it boring or old-fashioned. Nevertheless, sexy knitting is here!
 

yes, my skein is warm and soft...

Some attempts to make knitting sexy are fairly obvious. Photograph a naked, or semi-naked woman....knitting. After all, who doesn't knit semi-naked with a coquettish expression and strategically placed skeins of yarn? But an erotic picture that features knitting is not the same as a "sexy" knitted garment. Call me old-fashioned, but I don't find knitted lingerie particularly sexy. I can see the fun - in a 50s pin-up or a burlesque sort of way. But even then, it is the knitted aspect of the garment that I find off-putting. It just doesn't "do it" for me texturally.

In my search I came across a couple of questionable patterns. This little number for example:

I am not a fan of thongs in general. I am less a fan of knitted thongs...and even less a fan of knitted thongs for men. I mean, I like the male "physique"...but wrapped in a knitted thong? I don't think so. I made the mistake of opening the "projects" tab, where knitters post their finished projects. As we all know, underwear looks quite different on a mannequin, or a model, than on real people. So here was an assortment of members (pardon the pun) showing off their knitted thongs. It was (to put it bluntly) a kind of "amateur gallery"...if you get my meaning, and I think you do.

The pattern description of the thong read, "This sexy men's thong brief covers just the essentials while lounging, sunning, or under clothes while running around." It occurred to me that none of the adjectives used in that sentence should ever be used when describing a knitted thong. Ever. One woman stated her reason for knitting said male-thong, "A male friend of mine, while very supportive of my knitting habit, keeps harassing me to make him a “self-scratching” thong.".... Here I paused for a while to count my blessings. Among my blessings I count that never has any partner or a male friend of mine ever "harassed" me to make him a "self-scratching" thong. Then again, perhaps they really wanted one but were afraid to ask incase I looked at them oddly (aghast, perhaps) and then crumpled into hysterical laughter...which undoubtably would have happened. But maybe there are hundreds of men out there who secretly long for a self-scratching thong. I just don't know.

I found a pattern for a knitted corset. I have nothing against corsets. And if you're into dressing up then all is fair game. But I'm not sure about a knitted corset. It's gone from being a shape-enhancing intimate garment that some (many) find sexy, to a woolly scarf tied around your waist with ribbon. But you may disagree and I'm posting the pattern in case any knitters feel inspired.

There is a pattern for cute pink, lacy knitted handcuffs...knitted bondage? ...mmmmkay. I would show the picture and the pattern in case you are interested in knitting them, but the designer asked me to take it off here.

And even a knitted whip: "Crack. Tell mama you're a bad boy." Okay, I thought that was quite funny and obviously there is a fun side. Not sure there'd be much of a "crack" though.

As the description reads, "This whip/belt combo is a must-have for the dominatrix on the go." I suppose so. Although I would have thought a resourceful dominatrix, who comes across a "naughty boy" while on the go, could "punish" him with any old belt in a pinch.

"Booby-trap" by ADHD knitting

I'm not sure what I can say about this (these). Certainly not your grandmother's knitting...that's for sure. Perhaps I can take some comfort in knowing that, should the need arise, there is a pattern out there for knitted boobs...and it's a free Ravelry download too. So forget expensive breast-enhancing surgery. Just knit yourself a pair of boobs in the shape, size, and colour you want. You could have multiple pairs. And they look and feel...errr..similar...if it's dark...and you and/or your partner is very drunk.

But still, for me when intimate apparel is knitted it seems to lose any kind of sex appeal it might once have had (except for thongs which had no sex-appeal to begin with). I love knitting and knitted garments, but I suppose I find it difficult to see a knitted item as something sexy. Intricate, beautifully crafted, texturally interesting, comfortable...all that and more, but not sexy. Perhaps I am out of date. Mind you, I am all for anything that gets people interested in knitting...as well as having fun. So if it is sexy for some, then great. Well, I guess it's time to stop browsing, get naked, and finish one of my projects.

Hip in Hemp finished...

Here is the finished skirt for Bronwyn, who felt that it was best shown if she perched on a bicycle rack and threw her arm back. The pattern is from Knitty.com, Summer '07 It is an easy knit and the Hempathy yarn is lovely to work with. I am reasonably happy with it. Bronwyn is suitably UNimpressed, but it's hard for her to get excited by clothing...she's not that type of girl...yet. Mind you, now that it is finished I can't help wishing that I had used brighter colours. Having said that, I used what I had in my stash, which is good. I was going for a summery, faded denim, beachy type of thing. She chose to wear it today and I missed out on getting some good pics at the park. She may never wear it again! It's not going to be useful for climbing trees, I can see it snagging on all the branches, but we shall see.

Here is a picture of my new "knitting perch" sun-lounger. I received it as a gift for Mother's Day. It will be my base of operations for the rest of summer. What more could I ask for (besides a small table with a frosty beverage perched on top. Note to self: get that magic bullet)? I actually found a small table in the alleyway yesterday (on the right). It was all alone hiding beside some garbage cans so I rescued it and put it up on the deck where it will enjoy a new life as a plant holder. And I must get a water-table or some other such distraction for the kids so that they can play while I watch over them from my reclined (well, semi-reclined if I am in a knitting or reading) position. When mummy is happy, everyone is happy...it's a win-win situation. And familial harmony is what I am all about.

I have put a couple of "Wintery" projects on hold. It's hard to knit a chunky sweater when it's beautiful sunshine outside..."Owlet" will have to wait. Having said that, it's probably a good idea to knit wintery stuff in summer so that I have them ready for Fall...but I just can't do it. So...I have begun work on a cardigan in Rowan Bamboo Tape. It is a nice soft yarn and knits up quite quickly. I've ummed and erred about the colour. I'm not sure if neutrals work on me. But I heard that neutrals are IN for this summer. So even if I look sick and washed out and blend into my clothing, at least I'll be in fashion. Anyway, it might work, so I'll go with it for now.

I also need to begin a denim-knit sweater for River. I've chosen Guernsey Frock by Kim Hargreaves (pictured below, except I'll knit River's in denim) from one of my old, old Rowan patten books, # 11. I have some Rowan Denim I'd like to knit into something. I feel quite proud that I'm actually using up stash and, although I am beginning a new project, I did actually finish one.

Having said that...you know how I said I like knitting with Hempathy? Well, I just found this pattern by Heidi Kirrmaier (via a cool blog, Junior Deluxe...thank you!) and Ravelry.

This is just the type of thing I'd like to make, lightweight and summery. So, good intentions aside, I think I feel a yarn purchase coming on...shhhh. And Heidi Kirrmaier has some great designs and I agree with Junior Deluxe, Heidi needs her own book. A website would be a start...just something worth considering.

I will have to take a trip to one of my favourite yarn stores here in Vancouver, Urban Yarns. The store just moved to new and improved surroundings so I need to check it out. I stepped in briefly the other week and I said, "Wow, you've changed the whole look of the store!". The woman in the store said, "Yes, this is a new store, we moved a block up the road". Oops, I am useless at noticing things. Anyway, it's a much brighter store so I won't have to hang out on the sidewalk with different yarns trying to figure out what the "real" colour is. Now to check out their Hempathy stash. Oh, I mean finish-off my cardigan...

Clicking needles...

It occurred to me that what this blog needs is more knitting. In fact, my first blogging attempt was actually a knitting blog. This one has been relatively "knit-free"...and that just won't do. I will make more effort to include my ongoing projects, knitting and other. Maybe it will even help me finish some of them. I don't have any problem with starting projects. I excel in that regard, and in fact possess an enormous talent for "starting stuff". I can begin a new project every single day...multiple times a day. The problem I seem to have is finishing the ones that I start. Sometimes I get very close to finishing. For example, I can finish knitting a sweater, sew it together and then take 6 months to sew buttons on it. It will become apparent to the careful reader that one of my other talents is procrastination. The fact is that I'd procrastinate even more...if I could just get around to it (eh eh). Anyway...I am a knitter and have loved this craft since I was a little girl sitting beside mum on the couch watching her knit all kinds of stuff. She taught me to knit and crochet when I was a wee lass and I have always been fascinated by yarn and textiles in general. I have fond memories, as a teenager, of taking the bus into town after school. Eagerly anticipating my visit to the knitting shop in Cleethorpes, buying a ball or two from my layaway (in those days the store kept your stash for you!), and excitedly taking it home to continue my project. Yes, I know...a bit sad and nerdy. For years after that I had to hide my anti-social, filthy habit and knit in isolation. Now knitting is hip. It's popular. It is IN. So I need to be true to my knitty roots and post up stuff.

One of my goals for 2010 is to try and use up reduce (no point in getting silly about it) my stash and withhold cut-down on my yarn purchasing. Perhaps if I finish two projects then I can buy the yarn for a new one? I suppose two socks won't count. For some reason I am not good at knitting two socks. I only seem to be able to knit one. It ends up laying forlorn in its bag next to the rest of the yarn which might, one day, be it's other half. Poor socks. Here are two lonely soles (soles...get it?). I will try to finish their "other half" one of these days. The small sock on the left was knitted 3-years ago..for Bronwyn. The sock on the left you may remember. I won't hold it against you if you don't.

I will also share some of my guilty burden...my stash. I have a lot of yarn in my stash (not as much as some folk...more than others). Here's a couple of "What was I thinking?" purchases that are in the collection. These began life as the irresistible deal. This lovely soft angora/merino mix yarn was only $2 a ball. It's a pleasant shade of green with a silver sparkly fleck running through it. I thought at the time I bought it that I might knit myself a sparkly Christmas sweater.

I have not worn a sweater with sparkles since I was about 6 years old, neither have I knitted a "Christmas sweater". When I saw the nice yarn for $2/ball...with sparkles...I suddenly imagined myself sitting in a big comfy chair (I don't actually have one), drinking some egg-nog (I don't like egg-nog), and relaxing (ha ha...relaxing?! Christmas???), wearing a sparkly Christmas sweater. That is what makes it dangerous for me to enter yarn stores during sales; suddenly imagining myself in a completely different (better?) life that would incorporate and, dare I say be facilitated by, a relationship with me and the on-sale yarn in the form of a knitted garment. Strange, but true. Maybe it might work as a sweater for Bronwyn.

My sister mentioned one time that she'd love a chunky knitted jacket in a "cranberry" colour. I saw this Ribbon Twist and thought..."It's not quite Cranberry, but it's a bargain...close enough". But when I got it home I realised that it was actually a very bright red. Now I'm stuck with about 10 balls of it. Any ideas?

Here's a few of my current projects. A skirt for Bronwyn ("Hip in Hemp" by Gudrun Johnston, from Knitty: Summer 2007) in Hempathy by Elsebeth Lavold that is almost finished. The yarn for this project was meant to turn into an afghan...but that was me being really silly. This is the second skirt I have knit from this pattern. I love the feel of it and the drape is lovely. The colours don't look so good in this pic.

A Crocodile for Bronwyn, by Twist Collective...I've mentioned it before...gathering a bit of dust and in hibernation. She's awaiting her arms and eyes and that's all...sigh...remember procrastination?

I have begun a lace scarf which may or may not ever be finished. Lace yarn is thin...very, very thin. We only have so much time on this earth...

A cardigan for me. I'm enjoying it. It's call "Toasty" and is from Rowan Studio 14. It's the same yarn that was going to be a tunic. But I went off the tunic half way through, "frogged" it, and am turning it into a cardigan. I'm knitting it in Rowan Kid Classic. But it's getting Summery out...so it will likely lie dormant until Fall. In fact...it may get reincarnated into something else. I'm not sure. Rubbish picture...sorry about that.

Finally, the beautiful "Owlet" sweater by Kate Davis for Bronwyn or River (whoever it fits)...I may make them one each. In Rowan Cashsoft Chunky. I've started a blue one. The yarn is chunky, but knits fast. I was thinking I may finish it so Bronwyn (or River) can wear it when we go camping. But maybe it's best left until Winter...I'm not sure. It's also my first attempt at knitting a sweater in the round.


Now I just hope that I can provide an update of these as finished projects...let's hope. There is still a chance for me!

Who can resist a bargain...

On Saturday a friend told me that a fabric store downtown called Dressew was selling Rowan pattern books and some discontinued yarn at really cheap prices. Rowan is a UK company based in Holfmirth, Yorkshire that produces incredible handknit patterns and beautiful yarn. Anyway, it was music to my ears. I wanted to dash down there on Sunday, but they don't open on Sunday. So I planned a trip for Monday morning when the kids would be firmly ensconced in their educational establishments. My plan was to have two hours alone to peruse knitting yarn and patterns....bliss! But it was not to be because both kids were sick and couldn't attend school. I shook my fists in the air, "Why me??? Why now? It's the only 2 hours I will have to myself this whole week!" Then I re-assessed the kids; too sick for mingling with other kids...but not too sick to accompany me on my knitting jaunt. Not ideal, but come hell or high water, I needed to get down there.

Once we were there, I couldn't believe my eyes. Loads of Rowan pattern books on sale for $4 and $5 (Usually $30 - $40). I've been buying Rowan patterns for 20 years or so (I really believe they have the best designs and yarns) and have never seen them so cheap! Lots of yarn. Lots of fabric and sewing stuff too. I'd even forgotten what a treasure chest the rest of the store is. It's a crafting/sewing dream store. I could have spent hours in there...

And I would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn't for those pesky, meddling kids. River immediately took off and started doing dangerous things. At least that's what I kept hearing from the sales clerks, "Oh, no...you need to get down from there...that's dangerous." Bronwyn was busy showing people an amazing invention she found, "Look!. It's an umbrella that you can wear as a hat!!!" I had a few minutes to grab some books and yarn (Rowan Ribbon Twist) before I had to go find River. I found him (and got him out of danger; climbing on some wheeled cart thing). I pushed a granola bar into his little hand and then I turned to Bronwyn and (forgive me, oh god of parenting) I said, "Look after your brother and I'll give you a really big treat!" Then I scurried off back to the knitting stuff. A few minutes later I heard River yelling, "Nooooo"...and Bronwyn yelling, "You have to come this way!" Again, I grabbed my stash and went to find the kids who, as I guessed correctly, were in the area that everyone had turned to look at. I rounded a corner to find River sprawled on the floor trying in vain to put up resistance, while Bronwyn dragged him along by his coat. It was at that point, while people were probably assuming that I was one of those parents, (the type who leave kids to go wild while they selfishly do their own thing.....ahem....), I figured I'd better make off with what I had and attempt another visit at some later date.

I was very pleased with the pattern books and yarn I got. I kept going on about it to Mark (imagine his interest). I will also head back there for fabric and sewing supplies. I don't think I'll take the kids. I suppose they got bored. How can a 3-year old and a 5-year old fail to get excited about knitting yarn??? Honestly, kids these days!!!

Ahhh....more of the wet stuff...

Good old Vancouver...start as you mean to go on. Rainfall warnings and dark wet days. The wet swooosh of cars going by. The eternal sound of the drip-drip-drop on the roof. And that one drip that always seems louder than the others...just to annoy you. You can make rhythmic patterns out of the sound of it. That's how much it rains here; even individual drip-drops have their nuances.

The kids have been sleeping-in (very nice), although it meant waking them up for school today. It was okay. We'd prepared everything the night before and we were ON TIME! This is quite a feat for us...we've yet to get to school on time for a whole week. So it's back to the grindstone. My New Year's Resolution is to have more fun...do more fun things and generally not get stressed out about things.

In that vein...kind of...I've begun a new knitting project...yay. I was getting tired of knitting hats, cute as they are. It is a Rowan Pattern. It's call Kid Classic Snug Tunic. Why the model is wearing Mickey Mouse ears, I guess we will never know. Lately, I've only knit hats and gloves. I needed a more substantial project. I am also working on a small cute project for Bronwyn for Bronwyn. A knitted Crocodile. A while back I planned to crochet a blanket. I ditched that idea after about 5 squares. That's how long it took me to realise that it was going to take a loooong time (though I may pick it up now and again).

Still waiting to hear from the doctor. I almost managed to forget about it over the holidays. Now it's back to haunt me. I hope it's good news. I can't say I'm not worried about it.

Rain, rain...and a bit more rain.

It's been raining almost non-stop here for the past week or so. However, there has been a bit of a break today so I will have to get out soon and make the most of it! Yesterday Bronwyn and I walked down to Jericho Beach...this is how dark it was at 3:30pm! Yes, it's that time of year.

Having said that, Jericho is beautiful whatever the weather. We enjoy the beach rain or shine. There is something peaceful and contemplative about having the beach to yourself and feeling the elements. But then I'm a bit of a romantic that way - I enjoy rugged beauty. And we are only a short walk away...I am loving that !

The trees around the duck pond are fabulous. Mind you, I call it a duck pond, but it has already overflowed and so it's more of a general duck area. Of course they stick around whatever the weather because people feed them and they eat too much. Bread is very bad for ducks...very bad. Stop feeding ducks bread. If you want to feed them then buy something like duck feed pellets (they are cheap), or feed them peas or grapes cut in half, or wheat. Or don't feed them at all, just watch them. One of my little pet-peeves...

Anyway, we had a fun walk. We are settling in and enjoying the new place. Not much else to report. My surgery is coming up soon. I am quite nervous about it - but I'm trying to be stoic and think positive. And I have some knitting on the go (a hat for River) to help me relax. I just finished Bronwyn's hat...it's very cute!

afghans and knitty stuff...

Poor River got sick...again. He only just had the flu! All this sickness is wearing us out. We are not normally sick and it gets depressing. I forgot the last time we were all healthy! I hope we can all recover soon.

In the meantime, bear with me while I write some nerdy knitting stuff....so a short while ago I mentioned that I wanted to knit a blanket...or an afghan. I prefer to use blanket. For me, the word afghan conjures up a smelly, scratchy blanket full of dog hairs that squats on the back of the couch, host to the aged germs from every sickness that it ever got wrapped around. We never had one at home so I have no idea why I have that image. (Maybe I found one smothering me as I awoke on someones beer-stained couch one a morning - way back in my misspent youth). Anyhoo...it so happened that I saw this beautiful crocheted granny-square blanket (or afghan) in the yarn store the other week.

Inspired to crochet this blanket, I asked the store what it would cost to make. "Hang on", said the friendly assistant. She checked the pattern and clicked some buttons on a calculator. "$297 before tax", she said in a breezy, sing-songy voice. I tried hard to look like someone who could buy $300 of yarn just like that and said, "Ok. Thanks. Do you have all the colours?

"We have most of them", she replied.

"Damn!" I thought. But then I told myself to stop pretending and said to her that unfortunately, I didn't think I could ever justify paying over $300 for a granny-square blanket...that I made myself. Having said that, I don't actually have $300 so it was an easy decision to make. So then I thought in the interests of thriftiness I would use up my oddments and make a traditional granny square blanket. So I started a couple of squares and used some Hempathy yarn I had left over. Hempathy by Elsebeth Lavold is lovely yarn and I think I may stick with it and get some more. It's quite economical and it's a natural yarn, a mix of cotton, hemp and modal (from the beech tree) with some lovely shades. It won't cost anywhere near $300 - but it's not totally thrifty either. Having said that, I want something I will actually like. I have started some squares and will update on my progress...yes, I know...it will take a while. The colours don't come out so well in this picture.

And, hey, I can always turn it into a dress like Cate Blanchett (I won't add the frilly bottom to mine though). Seriously, Cate...you've got money and an extensive wardrobe...why, why??

I finished a pair of fingerless gloves. These are pretty much instant gratification. The pattern is Fetching from Knitty.com. I'm not sure the point of fingerless gloves...I find my fingers get cold. I do remember that they are good if you have a morning paper-round. And they look quite nice too.

I need to work on making better pictures.

I can finish something....I really can.

River is wearing a sweater that I finished knitting recently. My mum sent over the yarn in summer. I intended to have it finished a while ago, but better late than never. I don't know how long it will fit him...the little bugger keeps growing. But it looks very cute on him. I am keen to get back to knitting and crafting. I have not been very creative lately. I also have a lot of unfinished projects around - so I was glad to actually finish this sweater. The rest of the unfinished projects will have to stay in hibernation for a while....because I have my mind set on knitting this Lizard Ridge Blanket...

Of course it will take me a while...but I'll just do a square every now and again until it is finished. That's the idea anyway. I haven't gone out and bought any yarn yet.

My other crafty enterprise is felting old sweaters that I find in thrift stores and making something out of them. I'm just beginning, so more on that when I actually have something! (Of course I enjoy anything that gives me an excuse to poke around in second-hand stores looking for treasures and vintage curiosities). Like this little find I made recently...

It's an old Fisher Price push-a-long toy that makes a beautiful, strange tinkly bell sound as you push it. Funnily enough, most people who hear it say it seems like an eerie sound that would be good in a ghost movie...(have we lost our innocence?)

This weekend was Labor Day Weekend. It's a holiday weekend here. The last hurrah that marks the end of the summer and the beginning of the school year. The weather was iffy, which was okay because there were jobs that we needed to get done. One of those jobs was the purchase of a new bed. Mark and I have not been getting our "beauty rest". We were sleeping for too long on a not-very-good mattress and waking up with all kinds of aches and pains. But no more! We decided to buy a new foam mattress and a new bed. Our current mattress and box spring had done it's job and needed to be retired. The bed frame was okay condition - but we were fed up with it. It was also slightly too big for our room and so we kept stubbing our toes on it. And that hurts. It's amazing how many aches and pains you can get from a bad mattress. After a brief dilemma about what to do with the old mattress we decided to put it on Craigslist for free. Within about 20 minutes we got about 20 responses and a guy came and picked it up a few hours later. Amazing. So now we have our new bed frame (cheap and simple Ikea, like almost everything we own!) and a new foam mattress. And I woke up this morning with no back ache! I will need my sleep...busy week ahead.

It isn't a Sealy...the one we got rid of was...and it cost more than $39.50...but it is like "sleeping on a cloud".

We also went to Granville Island. I forget how much I love Granville Island. Mind you, with the kids it's difficult to look at the stuff we want to...we spend more time looking at the Kidsmarket. Bronwyn bought a lizard thing that squeaks and sticks its tongue out...she's been squeaking it none stop and I fear it will lose it's squeak in a mysterious accident if it doesn't stop soon...

Sand in your toes...

We have been enjoying the beach. We spent hours there this past weekend. Here's a couple of pics...although I suspect they are all starting to look the same! I just love it at Arcadia and am constantly amazed by how serene and beautiful it is.

River often enjoys his little hide-out...

And there's nothing like a warm rock to lay on when you come out of the cool water...

Actually, we've been experiencing a heat wave here in Vancouver. Temperatures got to nearly 30. We're not used to it here and people get cranky and a bit stir-crazy. There are also warnings about forest fires. We are hoping that they won't start putting in campfire bans. We have a couple of trips planned and camping is just not the same when you can't have a campfire. Mind you...what am I saying...it will most likely rain on us!

We go for quite a few forest walks, it is a place to go that is always shaded. This time of year it is lush and green. The berries are ripening and everything has sprung to life. Ferns cover the ground and moss grows over all the fallen tree trunks. The smell is wonderful; fresh and earthy. It is in contrast to the dry grassy areas that are already yellowing...and it's only mid-July. It may be a dry (rest of the) summer. Unfortunately, River is uncomfortable in the heat. He gets prickly heat and his eczema flairs up, poor thing. He hasn't been sleeping well either so we are all getting a bit sleep-deprived.

I mentioned I taught Bronwyn to knit...well here is proof. She has taken to it like a natural (what else!). I will be interested to see if she keeps it up.