Midnight Crocheter

Leafs Nation Beanie all done...#1 that is...

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 01:20:00 +0000

Leafs Nation Beanie #1 was completed last night.

Here's a picture of little man wearing it.

And here's what he thinks of it.

On a different note, here's what's slowly boiling on my stove right now.

A beef stock. Recently, because I didn't have any in my freezer, I had to resort to using some tetra version from the grocery store. To my horror, there were ingredients listed such as yeast and caramel colour. Yuck. Luckily I had saved the large beef bone from a roast (don't worry, it was in the freezer), and I had some veal bones and stew meat that I had frozen after a visit to the local butcher a couple of months ago. Together with lots of veggies -- I included mushrooms this time too -- my stock is happily boiling away and making the house smell lovely. After straining it later tonight, I'll have many one & two cup beef stock increments in plastic containers ready to freeze. Tetra/canned no more for a long while.

Leafs Nation Beanie

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 04:20:00 +0000

As soon as I finished the Amanda Hat, I started to contemplate the new hats I had promised to make the boys. Demetri asked for one first.

Well, on Saturday, I attended my crochet guild's monthly meeting where a member was selling some stash. I picked up a bag of discontinued Mondial Artico (8 balls navy and 2 balls dark charcoal) for $5. A sure deal. I figured the navy especially would be perfect to make things for the boys.

So, I quickly made use out of it by casting on a new London Beanie in the navy on Monday. Demetri suggested adding two white stripes to match his Toronto Maple Leafs scarf. I'm calling it the Leafs Nation Beanie. :)

The yarn is bulky weight and I'm using the 4.5 mm needle stated in the pattern hoping the tight stitches will make a nice warm hat. It is however it turns out that it fits Lucas (the almost 4-year old) to a T. It's too small for Demetri. Demetri is so good-natured that he's ok with me finishing this one for Lucas and then starting a new one for him. I'm starting on the decreases for the crown now. I love this pattern.

Winter blahs and other ramblings

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:09:00 +0000

You know it's February in Toronto when it's dreary outside, your one child has a low-grade fever that came back after a day of supposed recovery (and so you can't go anywhere), your other child doesn't feel like doing his homework and you don't feel the greatest either. The couch is just calling to you. Winter blahs at their best. And it was raining today to boot.

So, after humdrumming on the couch for a long while this afternoon, I decided to make us some fresh homemade chicken soup. With all the goodness of nothing artificial in it. Even the salt was sea salt. A chicken leg quarter, two whole chicken breasts and lots of veggies (onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, green pepper, fresh parsley) were the makings for a yummy chicken stock. I kept around three cups for freezing and used the rest to make the soup. We ate a wonderful dinner and I had lots leftover for freezing. I'm stocked for a while. Lots of wholesome goodness for everyone, especially for the children.

Lucas is doing much better with the fever now...we shall see what tomorrow brings. Since it's Family Day tomorrow, we want to go to the ROM so we hope it will all be gone...whatever his little body is fighting. The poor thing also had chicken pox a couple of weeks ago, so he's hardly been able to recover fully. Oh, and had I known today that mushrooms contain Vitamin D, I would have included them in the chicken stock (I learned about it on a tv commercial tonight). Then I wouldn't have to think of the opinionated lady who just had to tell me yesterday that Lucas was looking quite gray and that he needs some Vitamin D. Yes, I bit my tongue, number one out of respect for the other ladies around me...number two because I didn't want my youngest to hear me arguing with someone. Of all the gall. She's practically a stranger to me but just couldn't help herself. To boot, the child was wearing a gray top & sweat pants, so of course he looked gray. Little children don't wear lipstick to boost their colour like grown women do. So unfortunately, he couldn't help but look gray. We all have this lovely gray pallor during the Canadian winters...what would make this any different for my 3 1/2 year-old son? But of course, she had to continue on by saying that changing his shirt colour wouldn't help...that she's raised (or raising) three and that she knows that he needs Vitamin D. Well lady, I assure you yet again, that no, my son doesn't have allergies and that yes, his Vitamin D intake is probably ok...most likely the same intake as the majority of the population. He's just had a few hard days in the past couple of weeks...and did I mention that he had a fever last night, but I brought him to the Guild meeting anyway, so would you like to watch him for me as I go to refill my coffee? I'm sure he'd love to spread his germs and any other "goodness" he has to offer... (Yeah, I'm still pissed at her, even if I do know that she's opinionated and self-righteous anyway and really shouldn't let it bother me. You just don't say that to a mom, and so openly in front of her child & others too!)

On another note, I finished an Amanda Hat tonight. I got inspired after roaming on Ravelry and on a friend's blog. It's made with Mission Falls 1824 Wool in Amethyst colour. It's so nice & soft. Very quick to make and I really got the hang of the lace pattern. The only thing that bugged me is that after I finished the garter stitch ribbing at the beginning, the wool was not so nice looking...it's like the plies "untwisted" themselves and so most of the first section of the lace pattern doesn't look the greatest. See pic below. It's ok though. I didn't feel like frogging the whole thing and starting again with the other skein. The rest of it turned out ok. Plus, I figured it's for me and no matter what it would look much better than anything else I bought. I will note that I am not a hat person. I just don't look good in them. So, I was really mulling over a variety of patterns for a long time and finally settled on this one. In general, this one looks good. It's the first hat I've made for myself and I'm darned proud of it. And thanks Jennifer from The Purple Purl for helping me with choosing the yarn!

And here I am wearing my new hat. I can't wait to wear it outside! My head and ears will be thanking me...I hope.

Lovelies

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:33:00 +0000

I come from a line of very talented ladies who were/are very proficient in their needlework. My mother is a seamstress, as were two of her sisters (they were five altogether), and all of the women on my mother's side of the family were taught just about all forms of needlework -- either by my grandmother or in some sort of school. Just about all of their work is just beautiful.

When I got married 8 1/2 years ago, my Aunt Kiriaki, one of my mother's older sisters who lives in Greece, sent me a gorgeous set of knitted doilies which she made herself -- in size 10 thread no less! Actually, they are knitted for the most part, with some rows of crochet, and all have crochet edgings. There are two round and one oval and they have been safely stored away until now. :) This past Christmas season, I decided to break them out...well at least two of them...the round ones. (I still need to find a place for the oval one.)

Here is the large round one on my dining room table. I'll have to block it properly so that it doesn't ripple.

Two pictures of the detail:

This is the smaller doily.

And here is the smaller doily in its "place":

This last picture shows the smaller doily on top of the larger one. From this perspective, I'm just amazed by the work my aunt put into them, as the larger one is so much bigger!

I have so much more to take out, made by either my mom, my aunts or my grandmother. I can't wait when I start having more furniture to display all these lovelies with pride.

And so today, I attribute my hands, my own efforts and talents to the talented ladies on my mother's side of the family. May they, or their spirits, live on!

Organization, on it's way!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 04:21:00 +0000

Well, it's already a great start to the New Year! This was on sale at Canadian Tire, and hubby graciously picked it up for me. It's the Project Organizer by Sauder. Yes, an organizer. Finally...

And here's a close-up of what it will look like after we assemble it (the next step, of course). A crafter's dream!

And where will this baby go? Right here, in my corner of the spare room in the basement.

Originally, this room was to be for me and my stuff. My own craft room. Ah, I had dreams for it. But this was not to be. We changed our minds and decided to make my dream room a playroom...in which I could have a wall and a corner for my stuff. The stuff is in the picture (don't worry, there is more... around 5 more photocopy boxes full of things, all in the next room and two garbage bags full of yarns in the closet -- the big bins in the corner are full of yarns too.) Anyhoo, in addition to the vintage night table (the one with the orange bottom), the filing cabinet, and a small bookcase (unless the kids take that over too), this project organizer should help me a lot. And help me feel like I have some real space of my own in that room too! :)

So, my more realistic dream of organizing all my stash may soon be a reality. It's enough to make a girl just....well, enough said. ;)

Baby, baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:24:00 +0000

Not so recently, I came across the Mossy Jacket pattern on one of the lists I'm on. I just couldn't resist saving it. Soon thereafter, I learned that my sister Leah is pregnant with her first baby (Yay!!!) and so I decided to make it for this little bundle of spring joy -- or Baby-B as I like to secretly call him/her (B represents my sister's married name).

And so, during a trip to The Purple Purl's grand-opening on November 15, I chose this yummy yarn (Mission Falls 1824 Wool) in these yummy colours (Thyme for the main colour & Spice for the trim...much like the pattern photo itself!)

Well, I've never used this wool before and I've come to realize that it's as soft as a dream. A lovely, supersoft merino wool that's just perfect to keep a baby warm and not itchy nor scratchy at all! My hands aren't complaining, that's for sure! And it's superwash to boot, which is perfect for any mom, new or otherwise! The only thing is that it's not tightly plied, so it can split, but it just means taking a little extra care when knitting, that's all.

My progress on the little cardi has been pretty good considering I'm not knitting as often as I'd like. After a couple of phone calls to my friend Sherri (who knew internet patterns would be so hard to read?), I'm just going along just fine...so far. I've learned that you have to read some of these patterns like they're being spoken to you. Then it all hits home. So, here is the front progress, as of last Friday. And just below is the back. I've done more since, and will take pics tomorrow.

Oh, I also forgot to mention that I've since changed my mind on who will be the recipient of this little garment. My good friend Sue is having a little boy (Baby-TC) around Jan 15, and so I'm thinking it will go to him instead...my progress is pretty good and I may even be able to make a couple extra little things for him too! (I know, I'm being ambitious again...more to come about that later.) For Baby-B, I'm thinking I may make the same in a different colour, or maybe choose another pattern altogether. Baby-B isn't due to arrive until the first week of May, so I have lots of time... ;)

Back to Postcrossings

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 04:50:00 +0000

I've been on a Postcrossings hiatus for a while. Well, so long that my account became deleted and I had to create a new one. Heck, the last time I posted about some postcards I received was in May '06!!

Get this: Since April '07, if you're inactive for a while, you don't lose your information anymore...but my inactivity went further back than that. So, I lost my "maggiemum" id and had to think of something else. Oh well.

I've got these two postcards ready to send out. One is to Munster, Germany and the other to Kalajoki, Finland. I wonder if Pirk knows Kalajoki or has ever been there...

Back in the game again

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 17:18:00 +0000

Well, it's been over a year since I've posted here. I guess life just became busy and some things had to go, blogging being one of them. Most of my needle arts kind of went by the wayside as well, but I'm back in the game again.

Of our exciting news in the past few months, we bought a house and took possession in July. It's fun going through all the boxes that were packed away in storage for almost 18 months. Many of them being my crafts, yarns, etc. I've come to realize that my stash is huge. My tastes have also changed. So, in the coming months, I hope to do much de-stashing, whether by giving to friends, donating, selling or trading.

On a project note, I have a few projects started or finished. My most recent is the Men's Cashmere Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Mine is done in two strands of wool. I love the burgundy colour and decided to add a few stripes at each end. It's really warm. I made it purposely for the coming winter walks in the snow/cold.

I bought the wool at my knitting guild around last March or so. The wool is what I call the "natural" type -- I have no idea what the correct terminology is. It's worsted, quite rough and has little bits of hay in it. What's this stuff really called??

I love fall, except for the dampness. So, to cheer me up (it's also that "SAD" time of year), I decorated the house with some fall & Halloween items. Here are a couple of the fall "scenes" in our house.

I'll post the Halloween decorations another day.

The boys had fun playing in the leaves yesterday.

Silly ramblings....pink!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 23:33:00 +0000

Around two months ago I showed up at the ROCK meeting in colours especially chosen for my dear friend Sherri. She had already teased me about my pink cell phone and so just to show her how much I love pink (and that I just had to irritate her that night 'cause she doesn't), I showed up in a pink top and these:

What fun they were to do! The ladies at the guild also had a good giggle -- Sherri included. :) Well, she actually rolled her eyes at me. :) Goal accomplished.

Oh, and here are a couple of my favourite ladies (pics taken that same night):

Sherri (Stashaholic) and Maggie (maggiemum -- me!)
-- it would have looked better if I wasn't slouching...or is the sleeve off-kilter that's making me look like that?

Maggie, Sherri and Pirk

Love ya both & miss ya lots!! SWAK!!!

The socks are....coming along!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 03:26:00 +0000

When I told Sherri that I'd be knitting socks for The Knitting World Cup, she told me she's expecting a call when it comes time to turn the heel. Well Sherri....I did it! I turned the heel and didn't even tink once! See below:

I know, I know. The World Cup will be done on July 9 and I haven't even completed one sock yet. Well, I couldn't stand knitting with the 7" metal dpns (they just clanged too much) and I didn't have time to go to a yarn shop to pick up shorter needles because I had just started a new job (I actually had my eye on Bryspuns). Finally last week I went to The Knitting Basket in Bridlewood Mall in Scarborough...they didn't have any 5" Bryspun needles in stock at the time and not even the size I wanted in the 7" length. However, I was convinced by the nice (and smooth) saleslady to buy these really cool Swallow needles that are made out of milk casein. Easy to work with and no clang! I became a happy knitter!

I also frogged the sock I started. I didn't feel like doing up a sock made up in ribbing in the leg...it was just irritating me (maybe I was blaming my frustrations with the needles on the ribbing?) So, I changed to a slouch sock instead as featured on the cover of the same book. Just a short ribbed edging and then plain 'ol stockinette stitch all the way through.

And so, in a few short days I have progressed to over 1/2 way on the sock. Considering that the heel takes so much work and may not always be easy to figure out the first time, I will daresay that I'm 2/3 way through. ;) And hey, even if I only get the one sock done, this has been a huge experience for me…I know many a knitter that can’t get past the one-sock syndrome, so the fact that I’ve gotten thus far in the past 5 days is pretty good IMHO.

Oh, and about the Swallow needles, the saleslady at The Knitting Basket told me that Swallow has shut down and is no longer making these needles. She told me to be careful as they do break. Which means I have to keep these out of the rugrats' hands....and buy up as many of these needles that I can while I can. Feeling sorry for the yarn/knitting/crochet budget right now!!!

Oh, and token child picture. Taken today. So cute (JMHO).

Recent FO's & Exchange Items

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 17:51:00 +0000

Ok, I'm a little behind on posting. Since I started my new job on June 12, I just haven't had the energy to sit down and update my blog.

To keep you a bit up-to-date, here are some photos of some recent work.

This is a stroller blanket I made for my friend's little baby as part of his gift for his baptism. I used my friend Sherri's Brain Dead Afghan pattern. To be honest, it actually planned to make it bigger, but time contraints dictated that I finish off at the point I did. I added a scallop border to finish it.

Next, I was farting around with some baby sport cotton and made this bib using a free pattern from the Bernat site. All it needs is a cute button to finish. I'll be keeping this on the side for the next time a little girl is born.

My favourite online crochet group/list is Happyghan. The next two photos are the exchange items I made & sent to my partner for the last Happyghan Kitchen Exchange.

All the patterns were found online as follows:

The two dishcloths (Ch-8 and Pinwheel) and butterflies are from www.crochetnmore.com
Market bag is from the Bernat site

Finally, these hot pads are what I received from my partner. These are the first crocheted hot pads I've ever owned. (Growing up in my house we didn't have crocheted kitchen items so a lot of the items I receive or make are new to me.)

DPN distress

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 21:15:00 +0000

Well, I'm not sure if I like knitting with dpn's or not. The first two rounds felt so awkward. But I was determined not to give up. Plus, I think I need to find some shorter needles. All the "extra" needles feels like I'm fighting with a gangly octopus. Yes, I think a trip to Romni by streetcar after work this week is needed. Oh crap...I just checked their site and their summer hours are until 5pm -- I work until 5pm. Maybe I can make it there and back in time during lunch...will I be able to do it in one hour only? (I work at Queen & Yonge Sts.) And with probably no time to browse the store either? Hmmmm, I don't know.

Anyway, here's what I accomplished last night. I feel like I'm moving at a snail's pace. No wonder people only finish one sock.

Once I master knitting socks with dpn's I will try the 2 circ method. I used 2 circs to close up the London Beanies I made so maybe I'll be able to master that as well.

I started this crocheted stole last Thursday. It's the freebie pattern that was posted to the Annie's Attic site this past week: Pretty in Pink Stole. It's also in the Feb 2003 issue of Annie's Favourite Crochet. I'm almost sure I've seen it somewhere else as well. Anyhoo, I can't link to it because the freebie pattern is replaced daily. Sorry.

My version uses Patons Brilliant. Because the original pattern calls for fuzzy ww yarn and a 6.50mm hook, I had to adjust a bit to make the stole wide enough to cover my long arms (did I ever mention I'm 5'10" ?). I tried using the required hook but it didn't look right. I changed to a 6.00mm hook and added to the base chain. The basic pattern is 8 ch +1 and so it was pretty easy to figure out how to go from there. I then realized I wouldn't have enough yarn...the Brilliant came from my stash and I only had 4 skeins. (It was originally meant for a knitted stole using a variation of a Classic Lace Poncho from the Patons leaflet "Simply Brilliant".) So an emergency trip to Lewiscraft was in order -- the one at Eglinton Square in Scarborough is open until June 30...oh and the one at Bloor & Yonge is too -- and lo & behold I found lots more in the same dye lot! Yay! I bought enough to finish the stole with and then some. At 50% off ($2.50 each!) I just couldn't resist. :) And to finish the story for today, the stole is working up very very quickly...I'm imagining I could have had it completed by now had I been using a ww yarn....

Olé Olé .... Knitting World Cup Here We Come!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 01:28:00 +0000

I signed up for The Knitting World Cup this past week. I meant to post about it on Thursday night, but when I finally decided to get on Blogger around midnight that night it was down for maintenance. Terrible timing I must say.

As my challenge, I chose to knit my first pair of socks: the Hiking Socks from the Patons leaflet Pull Up Your Socks. Will be using Patons Classic Wool in a dark grey.

And here is the swatch I finished on Wednesday. I know some may laugh that I did up a swatch for socks, but I wanted to make sure they're purrrfect for my dad. Happily, my tension was dead-on at the first try.

I had bought the leaflet and the wool in a little shop in Lakefield, ON while on vacation last summer. I had meant to make them for my dad for Christmas thinking they'd be great for him as he gets terribly cold feet in the winter. Of course, I never even cast on the stitches...mostly because I wanted to learn to knit with shorter needles as I used to be (and still am) one of those "needle under the right arm" knitters (just like my mom). So, in between then and now I've accomplished knitting using shorter needles (dpn's with point protectors on one end) and with circs. Now, I will try using 5 dpn's...trying to knit socks the traditional way. I will be casting on tonight. Sherri and Pirk will be so proud of me. :)

Cool Cards!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Sun, 14 May 2006 00:55:00 +0000

Here are the Postcrossing cards I've received in the past two weeks, in order received. Thanks so much everyone! My oldest son, Demetri, is enjoying them too! They've all been added to my postcard photo album -- this way we can tour around the world whenever we want. It's a great geography lesson for Demetri too!

From the town of Veenendaal, Holland

Postcard of the Province of Utrecht
From Vienna, Austria

Postcard of a view of St. Stephen's Cathedral
From Lohja, Finland

Postcard of a view of Lohja
From Tampere, Finland. Really cute!

I recently sent out five postcards of Toronto: 2 to the US, one to Finland, one to Germany and lastly to Luxembourg. The one I sent to Turkey seems to have never arrived there. Oh well.

Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Wed, 10 May 2006 04:07:00 +0000

Well, as you know, I'm done the back on the Weekend Wonder. Now I'm around 24 rows into the one front panel. I don't know why though, but this pattern is starting to bore me a bit. Well, not bore me....I like it, but I need full attention to concentrate on it which I don't have lately especially with the two monkeys (I mean kids) at my feet and generally not sleeping well these days.

On the knitting side, I've picked up the Leaf-Edged Bolero from Knit Bits. I'm using Shine Sport, a really nice & soft blend of 60% Pima Cotton, 40% Modal. Orchid colour. I've done around 20 rows of the back so far since yesterday...yeah, I'm a slow knitter but hey at least my tension's muuuuuch better now, thanks to mastering circs. I also learned a new stitch M1. I knew how to do KFB but not M1. Silly, isn't it? Oh well. I'll be learning some other stitches that are new to me with this pattern. This will be my first knitted "full-size" garment and it will be all for me! Yay!

Χριστος Ανεστη! Christ Is Risen!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 02:14:00 +0000

Χριστός ανέστη εκ νεκρών, θανάτω θάνατον πατήσας και τοις εν τοις μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.

Christ is risen, with his death he won death, and he gave Life to those who were in graves.

Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is risen!

Happy Easter to all my Eastern Orthodox friends, family and fellow bloggers! I apologize for being so late with this Easter/Paschal greeting!

If you would like to read the Pascal greeting in other languages, see Monachos.net. I've also given some of the versions below:

Albanian Krishti u Ungjall Vertet Unjal!
Arabic Al Masieh Qam! Haken Qam!
Bulgarian Hristos Voskrese! Vo Istina Voskrese!
English Christ Is Risen! Truly He Is Risen!
French Le Christ est Ressuscite! En Verite Il est Ressuscite!
German Christus ist Erstanden! Er ist Wahrhaftig Erstanden!
Greek Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!
Italian Cristo e Risorto! Veramente e Risorto!
Latin Christus Resurrexit! Vere Resurrexit!
Romanian Cristos a Inviat! Adevarat a Inviat!
Russian Khristos Voskrese! Voistinu Voskrese!
Ukranian Khristos Voskres! Voistinu Voskres!

In addition, many wishes to all Georges, Georgias, Raphaels, Raphaellas, Irenes, Nicholases and Nicolettas.....

Yesterday was the feast day of Saint George, The Great Martyr and Triumphant (yes, the same Saint George who slew the dragon, although there is much more history accredited to him).

As liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the ailing, and champion of Kings, beseech Christ our God, O great martyr George, Standard Bearer, for the salvation of our souls.

I wish my darling Uncle George M. (and our other uncles and cousins, friends, family friends) many years of happiness and good health.

Today is the feast day of Saint Raphael the Archimandrite, Saint Nicholas the deacon and Saint Irene the 12-year old martyr. My best friend's daughter is named Raphaella...she was dedicated to Saint Raphael...I wish her life-long happiness and health.

A blessed life to all. May we rejoice in the presence of our Lord and may he grace us with his blessings.

A new look

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 04:51:00 +0000

Well, I'm still awake due to a feverish toddler, for which I must thank my older child. So, I thought to add some more ramblings, non-yarn related.

See anything new here?

Yep, my hair is longer and blonder. Gone is the dark & reddish colour. I have pretty blond highlights now. No, actually look closer (click on the photo if that helps). Yep, that's right. I have added a piece of wire & plastic to the contents of my mouth. I now wear a retainer since Thursday.

Although my teeth were not at all horrible, the dream of straight top teeth finally got to me and after the suggestion of my dentist (who's also a family friend), I decided to go for the retainer as it may work for my teeth and isn't such a pain as full braces. He preferred I try veneers instead but who has $300+ per tooth? Certainly not me. Dental benefits wouldn't cover them because they'd be considered cosmetic. Plus, veneers look like Chiclets to me. (No offense to anyone who has them, especially if they look great.) However, I am covered at 60% for orthodontics (mind you, isn't that cosmetic?) and since I'm covered under health & dental benefits for the duration of my severance period, I figured why not.

Well, I now ask myself WHY???? My teeth are slightly sore, my tongue has been cut on the little wires behind the front teeth, the roof of my mouth is sore, I'm still not used to talking yet with this apparatus in my mouth (I sound like someone whose whole mouth is frozen), my saliva production has increased what must be three-fold in my view, and I can't chew gum to my pleasing! My sister, who has what I call the million-dollar mouth due to extensive orthodontic work in her teens, has comforted me by telling me that at least my speech will get better within the week.

After that work is done, I will be considering bleaching my not-so-pearly-whites (they're more like yellow and have been so for most of my life). But we'll get to that road one day.... Plus, I need to quit that occasional sin stick (cigarette). No use to invest in bleaching if I'm still smoking, even casually.

Old friends and new ones

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 04:20:00 +0000

Remember this? The "Weekend Wonder"?

(See this post in case you need to refresh your memory.)

Remember it started out like this during the Crochet Olympics?

Well, that's as far as it got during that whole event. Some weekend wonder, huh? I had so much other garbage going on at the time and in the period just after that I just ignored the sweater until last week.

And this is my progress last week. I managed to complete the back. Not bad, huh? I just hope it's not too wide for me. I usually wear size XS or S and I suspect this is a medium. Well, time will tell after I complete the front panels and sew the pieces together. In all, I'm quite pleased so far.

In other ventures, I've decided on my next project. This came to me during a chance visit to Lewiscraft last week. For those who haven't heard the news or visited Lewiscraft lately, all stores are closing...even the website has been shut down. A true shame as there are no Canadian craft store chains now. So sad. I purchased the pattern booklet and the yarn, Patons Brilliant, on clearance and at an additional 7% off due to my Lewiscrafter membership. Although I love this as a poncho, ponchos are on their way out. So, I've decided I'll knit one panel only but double its length to make it a wrap instead. I'm hoping it'll work!

And lastly, this free gift was included with an issue of Simply Knitting Magazine I purchased not long ago. I forgot all about them until I cleared out my knitting/crochet/yarn/needle/hook caddy after we moved. Aren't these labels great! Sooo much better than the usual "Knitted by Nana" type labels I've found here. The magazine is really nice too, especially at the price paid (it's a UK mag thus typical import prices apply): great patterns, cool tips and not too much advertising. Plus, gotta love those Brits for including a free gift in every issue! At least it makes the price worth it!! I may consider a subscription one day.....

Fleece Artist Bling

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 01:57:00 +0000

Yay is me! At the last ROCK guild meeting on April 6, my ticket was one of the ones chosen in the monthly draw. Out of all the available prizes I chose this pewter Painted Petroglyph Pin and Petroglyph Earrings. These are sold by Fleece Artist and handmade in Nova Scotia. I was soooo thrilled! Firstly, I love pewter. Secondly, I know that Nova Scotia pewter is of the best in the world and the craftmanship is just outstanding. Thirdly, I love lambs & sheep (as does my friend Pirk who had a greenish tinge to her face when she saw I chose this). Fourthly, I already understand the symbolism of the Petroglyphs as I spent my summers growing up at a campground right next door to the Petroglyphs Provincial Park (well, right south of it) and visited this park and its artifacts many times. And lastly, I have a beeeeautiful pin to hold my shawls together! I also vow to wear the earrings to each knitting & crochet guild meeting I go to from now on...well, at least for the next while. :)

Never able to resist...

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:42:00 +0000

...buying something in a yarn shop.

After dropping off eldest son at his Greek School class on Tuesday afternoon, I decided to venture to the Wool Mill with the purpose of investigating and possibly buying yarn for a yet-to-be-decided-and-if-I-will-make-it wedding afghan for a wedding gift. I arrived there at 4:55 p.m. and there was a notice on the door saying "Be Back at 5:00". So, instead of hanging out in front of the door I ventured over to a hobby shop a few doors down. I picked up the 2006 Thomas the Tank Engine Yearbook for Demetri, a little wooden glider kit for Demetri for only $3.95 and the cutest little kit for me. Actually, it's a pencil case kit for little girls, but I thought it would be oh so cute for my hooks. Plus, it's pink and I like pink (like you couldn't tell).

After I paid the damage at the hobby store (which was under $20 by the way so pretty good in my eyes), I ventured back to the Wool Mill. Now, I didn't find what I wanted there however I did drool over a gorgeous wool/acrylic blend, but wouldn't dare purchase at $8.99 a ball when 20 balls are needed for a crocheted afghan! Yikes! Maybe for something else, but definitely not for an afghan...unless I decide to do a knitted one one day. Seriously, after that venture, I began to really rethink whether I should do the afghan or not. I may decide better after seeing what's been registered at The Bay. BTW, I was asked to be matron-of-honour at this wedding so you can understand how special this is for me...the bride-to-be, my friend Sue, is one of my oldest and closest friends and this is such an honour. But, with the responsibilities of the bridal shower and girls' night out....plus dealing with my own brood, job-hunt and new job eventually, in addition to our future house-hunt, well, I think I'll have enough on my plate between now and September anyway. A lovely gift might do the trick instead.

Back to the topic in question. Now, after patting super nice aforementioned yarn, I found some nice little doo-dads and just had to splurge on myself. See pic below.

1) Super neat point protectors which came in a package of 4 for around $2
2) Needle & hook gauge I hadn't seen before (I seem to lose these to my children anyhow)
3) Very cute crochet hook case
4) 4.00mm circs for a future knitting project

(Super neat point protectors)

I've been wanting a crochet hook case for a while and even contemplated sewing or crocheting one because I was never happy with the ones I found out there. (The fabrics were all so tacky!) This one's definitely not tacky and just my style. Actually, I think Sherri will be jealous because of the lady-bugs. :) I must hide it from her! LOL! Oh and many many thanks to Sherri and sweet Janette at Wool-Tyme in Kingston, I now have a full set of Aero steel & aluminum crochet hooks...did I mention Aero hooks are my favourites? And so now I can keep them handy & nicely stored away in my adorable case! Yipee! And thanks again Janette for the order and thanks to Sherri to bringing them back from Kingston! SWAK to both!

Angelic faces

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 05:02:00 +0000

Now, tell me, how can I not be a proud mama? And I really don't think I'm too biased when I saw that these are two of the most beeeeeautiful boys in the world. :-) Blessed children, all changed and settling down for bed. Oh, to be (almost) six or (almost) two again....

On a knitting note, I completed my third London Beanie. The second one walked away before I could take a pic of it. It was done in all black, for Lucas' godfather. Just in time for the last cool nights of the spring (he works as the head doorman at a downtown nightclub).

This one, in the reverse colours of what I had done the first one in, is child-sized. I made it especially for our nephew/godson. I only changed the pattern as follows: 4 1/2mm needles and used a 1x1 ribbing for the bottom. It fits like a charm, with enough room for head growth as needed for any 5 1/2 year old child.

A New Pill!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 03:27:00 +0000

I just couldn't resist blogging this:

The website is valid too!

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:08:00 +0000

This is me...pretty much sums it up:

You Are an Espresso

At your best, you are: straight shooting, ambitious, and energetic

At your worst, you are: anxious and high strung

You drink coffee when: anytime you're not sleeping

Your caffeine addiction level: high

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Crossing over to Postcrossings

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 06:18:00 +0000

So I found this new site and I'm just so excited (well, it's new to me anyhow). It's called Postcrossing and if you join you would send postcards to people around the world and also receive from around the world as well!

This is the postcard I've chosed to send this time:

I'm sending three copies, one each to Turkey, Australia and Finland. So kewl! I can't wait to see from which neat place I'll be receiving my first postcard!

A bit of turmoil lately....

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie) — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 05:51:00 +0000

So sorry it's been a while. It just happened that three days after my last post I was let go from my job. 7 1/2 years later I was no longer wanted and given a notice of termination and a severance package. And this occurred 3 days before we were supposed to move too! Good thing we didn't put in that planned offer for a house two weeks prior! Good thing we had planned to temporarily move into my parents' basement apartment to save more money for our own house!

To say the least I was steamed, bitter, depressed and what ever else happens when you lose your job. It's funny that no matter how stressful a job can be and no matter how much you may hate it at times, when you lose it you go through a grieving period. Well, I've cried about it, accepted it, been angered about it (I still am, to tell you the truth), I've gone through intermittent periods of bitterness and all of the previously mentioned emotions as well. I'm also thankful. I've been battling post-partum depression since my second son was born and now almost two years later I can take the time to dedicate to my own physical and mental health. I also went through it after my first son was born. It's such a terrible thing to go through. So, I have my husband's and parents' full support to rest up, enjoy the time at home with the kids, get everything in order with myself and our family, and then take the time to look for a new job. Oh, and about the move? We went through it...95% of our stuff went into storage and the other 5% went to mom's house. We're moved in and just about settled...just a few minor details left to take care of.

someone mentioned to me that maybe this is what I needed to stay home with the kids. I'd really really love to but unfortunately we cannot do without my income from if we're to buy a house in this market. The real estate market in Toronto is just so expensive lately. Plus, we received a pre-approved mortgage based on both our incomes, not just my husband's. So, if I'm lucky to find another job within the next month or two, the majority of my severance package will go towards our own house. Pretty cool, eh?