The Doodler

I'm finished. Blocked. Ends sew in.

Pattern: The Doodler (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 3 skeins of tosh merino light
Colours: Court and spark, chicory and wellwater
Needles: 3.5mm

Another fun knit from Stephen West.

 

We received good news last night from madelinetosh. Our next shipment should be leaving Texas by the middle of January and we will have it by the end of the month. There are new colours coming.

All 16 colours are coming in tosh merino light. Then I had to pick and choose for the other yarn bases. We can't order every colour of every yarn although I would really like too. I was ordering colours from the computer screen and until I see them in real life I'm guessing what you and I will like. Here are the bases and the new colours coming. If you see a colour you are interested in but I didn't order it, I can on our next order which should be arriving in April. There will also be lots and lots of existing colours coming.

ASAP
Electric Rainbow
Geyser Pool
Rocky Mountain High
Pelican

Home
Undergrowth
Electric Rainbow

Tosh DK
Electric Rainbow
Pelican

Merino
Electric Rainbow

Pashmina Worsted
Undergrowth
Pelican

Prairie
Undergrowth

Silk/Merino
Undergrowth
Pelican

Merino DK
Electric Rainbow
Pelican

Twist Light
Rocky Mountain High
Arctic
Brick Dust
Cactus Flower
Electric Rainbow
Found Pottery
Geyser Pool
Glass Bottom Boat
Pelican
Undergrowth
The Radness

Pashmina
Undergrowth
Pelican

Sock
Electric Rainbow
Undergrowth
Geyser Pool
Pelican
Found Pottery
Rocky Mountain High
Coquette-Deux

Sport
Undergrowth
Pelican

Vintage
Electric Rainbow
Undergrowth
Pelican

Football is going to start soon which means it's time to stop working and time to knit. We won our first playoff game in Fantasy Football and need to win this week to make it to the finals. Pressure!

Big Box of Freia

Mr. Canada Post surprised me with a box from Freia Fibers this morning. It left California last week and I didn't expect to see it until after Christmas.

I ordered in three colours of fingering weight Flux colours. These colours come in 50gram balls.

This colour is Ultraviolet.

Each 50 gram ball begins and ends with the same color, making for easy transitions from one ball to the next and leading to less waste. Flux Handpaints will have a base of 8 colors per ball, though the dyes blend together and form additional colors. Each ball is unique but we dye in batches of at least 24, ensuring overall continuity through sweater quantities within a single dye lot.

 

 Bird of Paradise

 

Tapestry

I looked on Ravelry and a pattern that looks great in this yarn is Wingspan. 2 balls will make the scarf.

We received more Lace as well. These are Ombre colours.

Smooth, slow gradations are the signature of the Ombré color range. Ombré yarns come in 75 gram balls in super bulky, worsted, sport, fingering and lace weight wool and wool blends. We carefully transition five or more colors/shades per ball making for very long, yet still dramatic color changes. We suggest working from alternate ends of each ball as you go for smooth color transitions since every ball will begin and end with different colors.

The Sonoma Scarf (we have patterns in the store or you can purchase on Ravelry) takes one ball of Lace.

Diamond shaped panels of trellis and leaves surrounded by a slim garter stitch border travel the length of this single ball project. Pattern is charted and easy to memorize after the first few repeats

See our stock of Lace colours...
 
We are stocked on Super Bulky again too.

Dirty Hippie is my favourite colour - I think I need to knit a cowl in it.

That Big Hat (free pattern on Ravelry) knit with one ball of Bulky. The cowls are a free pattern in the store when you purchase the yarn. One ball and 15mm needles.

See the stock of Super Bulky...

I was so close to finishing last night. I had 15 stitches to go but I was so tired that I couldn't see. I finished this morning. The Doodler needs a good soak in Soak - maybe tonight.

That is three finished projects in the last week. I'm scaring myself :)

Lazy Sunday

The cast off has been started on The Doodler. It's an I-Cord bind off which isn't hard but it isn't quick. Plus I have over 600 stitches on the needle. This could take a while. You might be asking "What is an I-Cord bind off?" Take a look at this explanation on Knitty.com.

Today was spent knitting and watching football. We're in the first week of playoffs for our Fantasy Football. It's a nail biter - very close.

We found a surprise box yesterday morning. The yarn was put away a while ago because we didn't have anywhere to put it. Mini Mochi from Crystal Palace Yarns. There is a basket full of pretty colours including

A Slow Striping fingering weight, single ply yarn for any fine knit projects: baby, socks, lace, scarves and more.

195 yards (178 meters)

50 grams (1.76 ounces)

6.0 to 8.0 sts = 1 inch

US 1 - 4 or 2.25 - 3.5mm

80% Merino
20% Nylon (Polyamide)

The Topsy Turvy Cowl takes one ball and is free..

This design is called "Topsy Turvy" as you can wear it with either side up at the top, effectively giving your self two cowls in one knit. It makes a lovely sampler project since it has 3 different stitch pattern areas.

The Fair Isle Hat pattern is free...

This beautiful matching set of hat and mittens was designed by Sandi Rosner for Crystal Palace Yarns. The fair isle pattern is a simple one and only ONE color of Mini Mochi is used, but due to the long, slow stripes the pattern looks much more complex than it is.

Here are a few other pattern ideas
Cowl Fantastic
Pleasing Reversibility in Lace
Conyonette

Back to my knitting. I don't think I can finish tonight but I'm going to give it a good effort.

The Doodler

This was The Doodler at 4pm yesterday afternoon. Clue 2 is finally finished.

Then I went crazy. The first wedge of the third clue is finished. I'm back on track and on a mission to finish. My hands were very sore when I went to bed last night.

 They are better today and when I'm finished my post I am going back to it.

Beth came home tonight with a new Christmas tree. We gave away our tree when we moved and thought we would get a new one that is pre lit. Oh my goodness. We haven't had fun this evening. There is one part of the tree that won't light. We've been undoing lights and replacing them and can't find the bad bulb. I finally convinced her to stop and the tree is going back tomorrow. We thought that tree lights had improved and that if a light went out the rest would work. Not so. We are going to get one that doesn't have lights and we'll string our own (as long as they will work if one bulb goes out). We can't spend hours every year trying to find a bad bulb. That will only lead to fights. I might be able to decorate later this week. I can't wait. My good decorations haven't been out for a few years.

Gift-A-Long

Do you know about the Indie Gift-A-Long on Ravelry?

What is Gift-A-Long? It’s a multi-designer promotion to help you kick your holiday gift-making into high gear!
The Indie Design Gift-A-Long is a 6 week long KAL/CAL of holiday gifts made from patterns designed by a rather extensive list of independent designers. From Thursday, November 19th at 8:00 pm US EST - Friday, November 27, 2015 at 11:59 pm US EST tons of indie designers will be discounting between 5 - 20 of their patterns 25% for this event. Use coupon code: giftalong2015. You can read all about the details in this post: link coming soon
Once you’ve got your Gift-A-Long patterns, we encourage you to join a relevant KAL/CAL! (For instance, if it is a cowl, please join the cowl KAL/CAL.) To join, simply write a post in the KAL/CAL thread you want to join, including the pattern name you will be knitting and a link to your project page. KAL/CAL participants are eligible for lots of lovely prizes but you gotta post to win!
KAL/CALs will run from Thursday, November 19th at 8pm (US-EST) through our New Years Eve party, Thursday, December 31 at midnight (US-EST), plenty of time to knock out all your holiday knitting and crocheting. We have games, tons of prizes, great conversation, and a lot of fun, so pull up a chair and join us!

Jump over to Ravelry to read more...

To make life a bit easier - here is the list of the designers...

We had a cute little girl in the store yesterday wearing the Baa-Ble Hat (pattern free on Ravelry). She didn't want her picture taken so I snapped this when she wasn't paying attention.

Her mom knit the hat in Cascade 220.

I'm into the last colour of the Ombre Cowl Hood.

I worked on it last night but set it aside this morning and worked on my Doodler. I figured it was better to work on the cables when I was wide awake since I've been making mistakes.

Now I'm on a mission. I want to start the third clue and see how my next colour looks.

The Doodler

Clue #1. I'm almost there.

I hope to say goodbye to this clue very soon. I'm ready for #2.

I was taking a spin around the Rowan website and found patterns for socks. Six patterns and they are free!!!

These decorative eyelets in this ladies’ sock pattern look tricky, but are deliciously simple with its written instructions. This toe-up pattern also incorporates a gusset and short-row turned heel flap to create a closer-fitting sock.

Download Calendula....

Twisted stitches are used to create texture in this cuff-down ladies mid-calf sock. A classic heel flap and short row gusset compliment the detailed pattern.

Download Espalier...

See all 6 patterns on Ravelry... 

The new Knitter's Pride MarblZ Double Pointed Needle Set has been ordered and I hope they will arrive soon.

Range of eye catching colors
The hand-crafted colors and patterns have been developed in a special way by a group of skilled workforce – so each needle appears exclusive and different than the other
A great aid to simplify the difficult part of knitting!! MarblZ needles provide the right ‘grab’ that allows for easy handling of slippery yarns, picking up stitches in a fast manner and helps in controlling those difficult stitches!
Sharp and Gradually Tapered Points are ideal for all knitting projects
Lightweight, smooth, with the right flexibility – yet exceptionally strong & durable
Warm to the touch and gentle in the hand
Available in sizes – US 4 (3.5mm) to US 9 (5.5mm)

The set sells for $90.

Now it's time to relax. I've been home for over 2 hours and I don't think I've sat down for more that 10 minutes. 

Chesterfield

 

Fiona Ellis does it again. What an amazing cardigan in Mrs. Crosby Steamer Trunk. The pattern is called Chesterfield and you can purchase it on Ravelry...

Fiona is known for her amazing cables and she doesn't disappoint with her latest design.

The Doodler is growing. I'm on the ninth wedge. Stephen's patterns are well written and I highly recommend knitting one of his designs if you haven't already.

It is sunnier here today. Not really bright but it's trying.

It's much later in the day and I took a spin in the PT Cruiser with the top down. It was nice to play in the sun. Then I went to my parents to call XM radio. The satellite on their new car was out. That took some doing but it's working now. Companies try to make things hard. It's a good thing I was here to make the call because my parents would have hung up and gone without it until they got home for Beth and I to make the call. We had dinner out at one of their regular restaurants. They know all the staff. The house clean up has started. Towels are in the wash. Garbage is out. Dishwasher is running. Now it's knitting time. There is another Law and Order marathon. I've seen most episodes so I don't need to pay too much attention to the TV.

Lazy Monday

I woke up to rain. And chilly. Not a day to inspire you to do anything. I went to my parents and dad made bacon and eggs for breakfast. Them we visited a new store, Gander Mountain, which just opened near our houses.

The store was mainly hunting and fishing. I'm not into hunting so we bypassed half the store. I'm not really into fishing either. Dad likes Bass Pro Shops better because they have boats and a tank of fish. I think that we could used some of our old, out of date yarns to make outfits like this.

Then I headed to the mall to pick up some things for mom. Beth asked me to go to Kay Jewellers to pick up this season's bears. Trey and Travis.

Kay Jewelers is raising money for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This year you can choose between two plush teddy bears Trey & Travis which retail for $13.99 each. 100% of all proceeds will be donated to St. Jude. So stop in for more info & help a child in need. It's well worth it and just in time for Back to School. Join in to help fight childhood cancer.

All profits no less than $7 of the purchase price of each "Trey" and "Travis", will be donated to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

 

The Doodler is slowly growing. It would be further along except for the afternoon nap, dinner our, grocery shopping for mom and dad and then doing a tosh order (I received an email today with the new colours for spring.) Oh yeah, there has been time trying to get email working again on my computer, iPhone and iPad now that the website is back up.

We might see the sun tomorrow so I can get a better picture. The stripes aren't bold but I'm carrying on. Things could change on Friday when the next clue comes out but I really like the teal/brown main colour.

Now I'm going to sign off and sit for a while.

Wacky Wednesday

I was taking a look on Rowan's website and noticed that they were offering the pattern for Stockport for free (you can download it on Ravelry or on Rowan's website)

The pattern was originally featured in Rowan Magazine 46 and is knit out of Cocoon.

This wonderful soft roving British yarn is a designer's dream. Made from a blend of merino wool and kid mohair, it creates beautiful textured and cable stitches and lovely striping and pattern effects.

We have been going through the store straightening up the shelves and garments. It's been a long time since I've talked about The Honey Cowl. Maybe you've forgotten about this pattern. Maybe you haven't heard of it.

A simple slip stitch pattern cowl creates a dense waffle-like fabric for warmth and supple drape. This flexible pattern can be worked in four different sizes using just one or two skeins of yarn. The short and longer versions are lovely viewed on both sides.
Knit in light worsted yarn, this cowl is perfect for a bright pop of color and a warm hug around your neck.

The pattern is suitable for beginners and it's also fun for advanced knitters. And you get to knit with madelinetosh.

Download the pattern for free on Ravelry...

I was just looking in our Ravelry group and we have some takers on the Stephen West MKAL - The Doodler. Lorraine asked if we had seen the video that Stephen made. I hadn't, but I just did and here it is. It will put a smile on your face. (And remember, Stephen is wacky - in a good way - but wacky)

Lots of New

Part of the tosh shipment is in the store. So far we have brought over some twist light, sock and merino light.

twist light
75% superwash merino wool / 25% nylon
fingering weight - 420 yrds / 384 meters
knit / 26 - 30 sts = 4in or 10cm / US 1 - 2 or 2.25 - 2.75mm

tosh sock
100% superwash merino wool
fingering weight - 395 yrds / 361 meters
knit / 26 - 30 sts = 4in or 10cm / US 1 - 2 or 2.25 - 2.75mm

Here are a few more colour combinations for the new Stephen West mystery KAL.

Mrs. Crosby Satchel in
-barn swallow
-vintage port
-boston fern

Tosh merino light in
-chicory
-court and spark
-well water

Last night I took a trip to Urban Barn in Oakville to see the dining table that we are thinking about. The Hamilton and Burlington stores don't have the table yet and I'm not the most patient person. I want it now :)

The Distillery collection is a juxtaposition of materials and textures. Constructed from solid wood and metal each piece has a raw beauty. This rugged collection with its variety of wood grains will add natural character to any dining room.

 

This is the matching chair. It is surprisingly comfortable. The last two pieces we need to see are the dining bench and the sideboard. Remember the not too patient person? We might be placing the order without seeing them.

One great thing (or it can be a bad thing) about blogging every day is that my parents know what is happening in Ancaster while they are in Myrtle Beach.

Now I need to sign off and get ready for the baseball game. I hope that the Jays put in a much better effort than they did yesterday or they will be on the golf course this weekend.