Mastering Short Row Heels for Sock Knitting This technique is for experienced or adventurous knitters. You will need to understand the basics of socks and also how socks fit on your feet. But mostly you will need to read carefully and be willing to pull out your knitting if at first you don't succeed. I love learning something new. I hope that you will too! This is an alternative to traditional heels or toe box shaping.

Mastering Short Row Heels for Sock Knitting

This technique is for experienced or adventurous knitters. You will need to understand the basics of socks and also how socks fit on your feet. But mostly you will need to read carefully and be willing to pull out your knitting if at first you don't…

Starting My Granny Blanket: Excitement and Challenges Firstly, I have finally updated the Granny Blanket pattern. So if you have been waiting to start, now is the time. I am starting the blanket itself today! The stitches will need to be doubled from the pillow cast-on and the yardage needed per wedge, tripled. This will be a lot of work. But so worthwhile in the end. It is a good accompaniment to the long term Blanket Squares Project that I have going on as well.

Starting My Granny Blanket: Excitement and Challenges

Firstly, I have finally updated the Granny Blanket pattern. So if you have been waiting to start, now is the time. I am starting the blanket itself today! The stitches will need to be doubled from the pillow cast-on and the yardage needed per…

Exciting April Knits: April Square and Mending Kit Designs It is April first and I was scrambling last night to finish the Fancy for this month! Where ever did March go? Though I am rather pleased with both the fancy and the square for this month. The Square The stitch pattern for the square was new to me. I found a picture on Pinterest and turned it into a pattern!

Exciting April Knits: April Square and Mending Kit Designs

It is April first and I was scrambling last night to finish the Fancy for this month! Where ever did March go? Though I am rather pleased with both the fancy and the square for this month. The Square The stitch pattern for the square was…

Meeting Hank: My New Induction Stove Experience Post Script I know that a PS is supposed to come at the end. But life interrupted the blog post and so it is at the beginning this time. There has been a real flurry of activity around here. The inside of the house is complete. There is still the wool room, but it is on hold for a couple of weeks.

Meeting Hank: My New Induction Stove Experience

Post Script I know that a PS is supposed to come at the end. But life interrupted the blog post and so it is at the beginning this time. There has been a real flurry of activity around here. The inside of the house is complete. There is still the…

Living and Knitting Through a Renovation: Kitchen Revamp Updates Kitchen I have been living though a major renovation and the cold of the year over the last month. The cold, though as aspects of it linger, is finally moving on. The cough is the pits and surprises at the most annoying times. The renovation is now in its final stages, except for the Wool Room! Finding that the small room needed a new roof was a bit of a setback.

Living and Knitting Through a Renovation: Kitchen Revamp Updates

Kitchen I have been living though a major renovation and the cold of the year over the last month. The cold, though as aspects of it linger, is finally moving on. The cough is the pits and surprises at the most annoying times. The…

Knitting a Colorful Blanket: March Square Tips Year of Blanket Squares The old saying for March is: In like a Lion and out like a Lamb. I have often wondered if the opposite is true. I should pay more attention. Right now March is coming in like a Lamb. It is beautiful out there today in my neck of the woods. So clear, and a little warmer, it is really feeling like Spring.

Knitting a Colorful Blanket: March Square Tips

Year of Blanket Squares The old saying for March is: In like a Lion and out like a Lamb. I have often wondered if the opposite is true. I should pay more attention. Right now March is coming in like a Lamb. It is beautiful out there today in my neck…

Embracing Granny Chic: A Cozy Home Makeover Journey First and foremost, I am getting too old to live out of boxed and canned foods! And who knew that eating out all the time wasn't fun! I have also been dealing with the "cold", you know the one that won't go away. I took the last week off of work in order to power through some knitting. That didn't happen.

Embracing Granny Chic: A Cozy Home Makeover Journey

First and foremost, I am getting too old to live out of boxed and canned foods! And who knew that eating out all the time wasn't fun! I have also been dealing with the "cold", you know the one that won't go away. I took the last week off of work…

Progress Update on Home Renovation and Knitting This is going to be a short post. I am not sure when the dry walling team are arriving. Most of the tradesmen arrive around 8:00 am - which is when I like to work on the computer. The work on the house is progressing. They are about to drywall the kitchen and bathroom. After that paint, then cabinets and finishing.

Progress Update on Home Renovation and Knitting

This is going to be a short post. I am not sure when the dry walling team are arriving. Most of the tradesmen arrive around 8:00 am - which is when I like to work on the computer. The work on the house is progressing. They are about to drywall the…

Renovating Our New Home: A Yarn Lover’s Journey The waiting is over. We moved in to our new place last May. We downsized from our home of 30 years to something a little less than half the size. But it had potential. Including extra space to turn into yarn storage and a very small bedroom for our grandson. We bought it for the main room. A large living area that covered the living, kitchen, dining and entry way, a Great Room.

Renovating Our New Home: A Yarn Lover’s Journey

The waiting is over. We moved in to our new place last May. We downsized from our home of 30 years to something a little less than half the size. But it had potential. Including extra space to turn into yarn storage and a very small bedroom for our…

Hearts Ease Stitch Pattern for February Square Make-A-Blanket - February Square February is the month we celebrate Valentines. It calls for hearts and flowers and all things romantic. So I went looking for a heart pattern. I found a stitch pattern called Hearts Ease. I thought it would be perfect for the February Square. Mostly because I could use the stitch pattern to create rows of multiple hearts.

Hearts Ease Stitch Pattern for February Square

Make-A-Blanket - February Square February is the month we celebrate Valentines. It calls for hearts and flowers and all things romantic. So I went looking for a heart pattern. I found a stitch pattern called Hearts Ease. I thought it would be perfect…

Creating Beautiful Knitting Patterns: Jelly Bean Hat & More It has been very foggy around here for the last few days. It does create a very different world when it surrounds and softens our world. Even as it lifts in the morning it leaves behind traces of singular beauty. The Frost this morning was amazing! It gives of the sparkle of diamonds in the sunlight and rims each petal and leaf in lace.

Creating Beautiful Knitting Patterns: Jelly Bean Hat & More

It has been very foggy around here for the last few days. It does create a very different world when it surrounds and softens our world. Even as it lifts in the morning it leaves behind traces of singular beauty. The Frost this morning…

Creating a Cozy Afghan for My Grandson: A Knitting Journey Remember the Granny Afghan? Well, after writing about it and how much it means to me I realized that I had never made an afghan for my grandson Logan, not even a baby blanket (a story for another time). I have knit him quite a bit, but not "keeping" or "memory" things! I think this needs to change. I have remade my Grandmothers crocheted blanket, copying it carefully, counting every stitch and crocheting painfully from start to finish quite a few times.

Creating a Cozy Afghan for My Grandson: A Knitting Journey

Remember the Granny Afghan? Well, after writing about it and how much it means to me I realized that I had never made an afghan for my grandson Logan, not even a baby blanket (a story for another time). I have knit him quite a bit, but not…

Exploring Hemer Park’s Serenity Amidst Fog We went for a walk at Hemer Park this morning. Hemer Park is beautiful all year round. Ducks, Swans, Yellow Iris, Indian Pipe, Beavers and birds, so many birds. But this the time of year that the Swans start to show up! I had been hoping to see a swan or two this morning, I had seen them many times before, but that was not to be this time.

Exploring Hemer Park’s Serenity Amidst Fog

We went for a walk at Hemer Park this morning. Hemer Park is beautiful all year round. Ducks, Swans, Yellow Iris, Indian Pipe, Beavers and birds, so many birds. But this the time of year that the Swans start to show up! I had been hoping to see a swan or…

Latest Knitting Inspirations: From Puff Vests to Chintz Haps My last few posts have all focused around the the Make-A-Blanket project. Getting the first couple of squares up and available, using them to describe some of the possibilities for blanket construction, setting up the start of the design process for all the knitters involved. Hopefully getting everyone, including myself thinking forward to what they/I want to do with our squares.

Latest Knitting Inspirations: From Puff Vests to Chintz Haps

My last few posts have all focused around the the Make-A-Blanket project. Getting the first couple of squares up and available, using them to describe some of the possibilities for blanket construction, setting up the start of the design…

Make-A-Blanket – Modular Square I am working on a year long Blanket Project. It is supposed to comprise of one blanket square per month with tip and advice on how to put the squares together. I think that the project is definitely going to be bigger than I anticipated... An Extra Square idea came to mind and I just had to try it out!

Make-A-Blanket – Modular Square

I am working on a year long Blanket Project. It is supposed to comprise of one blanket square per month with tip and advice on how to put the squares together. I think that the project is definitely going to be bigger than I anticipated... An Extra Square idea came…

Why Knitting a Blanket Matters: Personal and Symbolic Value Why did I choose to knit a blanket this year? The simplest answer is that I need one. I am finding my new home cooler than my old one and I am not going to add to my bills by putting up the heat! But for some reason buying more yarn makes more sense! Go Figure! It is also a way of adding more of "me" to my home!

Why Knitting a Blanket Matters: Personal and Symbolic Value

Why did I choose to knit a blanket this year? The simplest answer is that I need one. I am finding my new home cooler than my old one and I am not going to add to my bills by putting up the heat! But for some reason buying more yarn makes…

Create a Colorful Knitted Blanket: Tips & Patterns – a year long exploration of squares Make-A-Blanket - January Square This month is set-up for the Blanket. Pick your colours, decide on the style and knit your first square. The instructions for each square will be both charted and written. I am working with Cascade 220 wool. So my basic gauge is 20 sts in 4inches worked with a 4.5mm US #7 needle. After knitting my first square I think that these (my) squares will be about 10 inches wide, approx.

Create a Colorful Knitted Blanket: Tips & Patterns – a year long exploration of squares

Make-A-Blanket - January Square This month is set-up for the Blanket. Pick your colours, decide on the style and knit your first square. The instructions for each square will be both charted and written. I am…

From Traditions to New Memories: Our Unique Holiday Story This year was not a traditional Christmas for our family, but it was perfect nonetheless. Quite often our Christmas Day is culminated with Christmas Dinner that will encompass everyone, friends and family - up to 20 or so bodies at the table. And it all started as the smell of the turkey pretty much enveloped our guests as they walked in the door and up the stairs to the living room which had a center table set-up with a cheese board, and lots of baking.

From Traditions to New Memories: Our Unique Holiday Story

This year was not a traditional Christmas for our family, but it was perfect nonetheless. Quite often our Christmas Day is culminated with Christmas Dinner that will encompass everyone, friends and family - up to 20 or so bodies at the…

Just a few of Barbara Walkers' knitting stitch libraries. My first one is dogeared, has a broken spine and the "very" occasional scribbles upon its pages. They are all well loved and reached for often ❤️

Barbara Walker passed earlier this month. Where would we knitting designers be without her work? She will be remembered.

#knitsky #stitchlibraries #barbarawalker #knittingdesigner #letissierdesigns ##nevernotdesigning #rip

A Walk in the Sunshine Wednesday in Nanaimo was gorgeous. The sun was shining, the skies were clear and it wasn't even looking like rain. Rain which had been pretty continuous before Wednesday and again after Wednesday was nowhere in sight. This morning the skies were dark grey and the rain was pounding down and, at times the rain was a little chunky with bits of snow!

A Walk in the Sunshine

Wednesday in Nanaimo was gorgeous. The sun was shining, the skies were clear and it wasn't even looking like rain. Rain which had been pretty continuous before Wednesday and again after Wednesday was nowhere in sight. This morning the skies were dark grey and the rain was…

Are You Feeling Lucky? Are you Superstitious? I am, just a little. Most of my superstitions center around numbers. For example, my lucky number is 13. Many good things have happened for me when that number is involved. And a Friday the 13th is the best. I am participating in the MarlyBird 24 Days of Quickies which is 24 days of free patterns, each day a new knit and a new crochet pattern!

Are You Feeling Lucky?

Are you Superstitious? I am, just a little. Most of my superstitions center around numbers. For example, my lucky number is 13. Many good things have happened for me when that number is involved. And a Friday the 13th is the best. I am participating in the MarlyBird 24 Days…

Thinking About Christmas Rituals Right now I am behind and I will never catch up to my normal Christmas rituals! You know the traditional foods we like to make, or the items we like to create. This is because we (my husband and I) have downsized this year and everything we normally bring out at Christmas is at the back of the storage locker! …

Thinking About Christmas Rituals

Right now I am behind and I will never catch up to my normal Christmas rituals! You know the traditional foods we like to make, or the items we like to create. This is because we (my husband and I) have downsized this year and everything we normally bring out at…

Make-A-Long a Blanket 2026 is going to be the Year of Making a Blanket.  I need a new blanket for my new living room with my new couch and my new carpet! Every month I am going to make a new square or two. Do you need a new blanket or Afghan? Do you want to join me? This will be free. With a Blog post every month with a new square.

Make-A-Long a Blanket

2026 is going to be the Year of Making a Blanket.  I need a new blanket for my new living room with my new couch and my new carpet! Every month I am going to make a new square or two. Do you need a new blanket or Afghan? Do you want to join me? This will be free. With a Blog…

Here’s a Little More Merry for your Season Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Happy Hanukah, Blessings, or however your culture may celebrate or note the passing of the Winter Solstice.  I have noted that most of the celebrations involve gifts.  So here is my gift to you.  For the month of December and until Midnight of Jan 1, 2026, the Arrow Slouch will be available for free on Ravelry.

Here’s a Little More Merry for your Season

Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Happy Hanukah, Blessings, or however your culture may celebrate or note the passing of the Winter Solstice.  I have noted that most of the celebrations involve gifts.  So here is my gift to you.  For the month of December and…

Feather Mittens My Feather Mittens Class went well yesterday. Well enough that I released the pattern on Etsy and Ravelry this morning! You may have noticed the Video blog I released earlier today! And I have already started on some new things! Right now I seem to be attracted to all shades of Green. It is Winter here so the predominant colours are shades of Green and Grey.

Feather Mittens

My Feather Mittens Class went well yesterday. Well enough that I released the pattern on Etsy and Ravelry this morning! You may have noticed the Video blog I released earlier today! And I have already started on some new things! Right now I seem to be attracted to all shades of…

Feather Stitch Video

Feather Stitch Video

A Time of Giving It's time. Knitters warm your needles. There are many reasons' for why we knit so crazily at this time of year. For me and perhaps to you, It is simply that this season of the year, what ever and how ever you celebrate always seems to involve gifting and sharing what we have and like you I like to create gifts for those I love and for those in need.

A Time of Giving

It's time. Knitters warm your needles. There are many reasons' for why we knit so crazily at this time of year. For me and perhaps to you, It is simply that this season of the year, what ever and how ever you celebrate always seems to involve gifting and sharing what we have and…

Squared Off A square is a pretty simple shape, but it hold so many possibilities. For a knitter a square is often a nuisance, an "I told you so!" and "...really, do I have too!" And yes "Really you do! Or should!" I swatch a lot. As a designer it is really important to understand the yarn chosen, what it can and cannot do and make sure before you start that the results will be as expected.

Squared Off

A square is a pretty simple shape, but it hold so many possibilities. For a knitter a square is often a nuisance, an "I told you so!" and "...really, do I have too!" And yes "Really you do! Or should!" I swatch a lot. As a designer it is really important to understand the yarn chosen,…

Yup, multiply hours by wage - you can purchase a new one. You can never get the time back.

Up and Coming In this last week I have been very busy. Thanks in part or whole to GoSadi and the designers I am in contact with there! I have spent the week setting myself up for the three following events/activities! Lots of computer work and learning curves. First up - the Indie Designer Gift-A-Long - which runs from Nov 20th until Dec 31 on Ravelry.

Up and Coming

In this last week I have been very busy. Thanks in part or whole to GoSadi and the designers I am in contact with there! I have spent the week setting myself up for the three following events/activities! Lots of computer work and learning curves. First up - the Indie Designer…