 This shawl has been created in honour of Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900). He was an Irish playwright, author and poet. He spent much of his days enjoying life to its fullest and sharing clever witticisms with everyone. He absolutely LOVED interesting names and “Speranza” is just that. It was also his mother’s pen name when she wrote fairy tales. (Besides, Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde would be too long for a shawl name). If I could have lived in the Victorian Era, Oscar and I would be great friends, drinking absinthe (or Darjeeling tea), going on adventures and enjoying interesting company. I wanted this shawl to reflect a similar style that the Victorians would wear, while also keeping it an accessory that would be fit for a well-dressed person regardless of gender. The stitch pattern creates O’s & W’s and is a simple repeat that also looks like books stacked on shelves. “The mark of all good art is not that the thing done is done exactly or finely, for machinery may do as much, but that it is worked out with the head and the workman's heart.” - Oscar Wilde
Materials
Gauge 10 X 10 cm / 4 X 4 inch =18 stitches X 10 rows in dc (stitches unblocked) Measurements Before Blocking: 32” X 27” X 23” (81 cm X 69 cm X 58 cm) (a, b, c) After Blocking: 45” X 39” X 30” (114 cm X 99 cm X 76 cm) (a, b, c)  Abbreviations ~US Terms Ch – chain Dc – double crochet Hdc – half double crochet Puff – puff stitch (see special stitches below) Sc – single crochet Sk – skip stitch St(s) – Stitch (es) Yo – yarn over Special stitches used: Puff Stitch – YO, insert hook into indicated stitch. YO, pull up loop. (YO, insert hook into same stitch, YO, pull up loop) 2 times. YO, pull through 6 loops on hook, YO, pull through last 2 loops on hook 
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 Baby Susie I found an old crochet hat pattern I wrote to teach crochet classes about 11 years ago. Jeremy aptly named it Hatkuna Matata. I have just uploaded it to Ravelry, and also to my crochet patterns page. If you would like to use it to teach someone how to crochet please do! Difficulty: Beginner Materials: - Super bulky yarn (90 Yards) SMC Bravo Big Color
blp – back loop only ch - chain dc – double crochet flp – front loop only hdc – half double crochet rnd – round(s) sc – single crochet sl st – slip stitch st – stitch(s) Hakuna Matata ~ it means “no worries”, a great philosophy, and a good basis for this hat. Easy to create and even easier to wear, and you will look good too! This hat can be made for men, women or children by adding or omitting extra repeats of round 5 in the crown. Embellish it as you like with big buttons, flowers or leave it simple.
It is literally faster to crochet this hat than it would be to go to the store and buy one. Take that Walmart!
 I finished my Hotel of Bees Shawl by Christina Hadderingh recently and boy did I love entire process! The pattern is very well written and easy to follow. Each section is interesting enough to keep your focus and also jut the perfect length if you wanted to just work a section a night. I used Madeline Tosh Merino Light in Fragile & Hosta Blue. I did have quite a bit of yarn left over. I just love how it blocked out so nicely (Thank you Nicole). I am teaching 2 classes this month working through this shawl. Check my class schedule for dates/locations. I can't wait to hook my second one!    If you are ever looking for a great crocheted mitt pattern that is super customizable and fits great then look no further than "The Perfect Fit Mittens" by Left in Knots. I use Malabrigo Worsted which is suuuuuper squishy and soft. This yarn was a gift from my Fibre Share partner this year and I have 1 more skein of it left! I think I will make a cowl or hat with that one. I finished these on the way to Edmonton and was able to wear them on my trip.
 I finished a crocheted shawl this week that I wanted to share with you. The pattern is Doris Shawl by Kat Goldin. I had started with a G hook and felt the shawl was going to be too small... that's when I actually did a gauge swatch and realized I needed to go up to a J hook. I also didn't work in the back loop of the stitch as I wanted to make this shawl slightly larger without going through too much yarn. I used The Wacky Windmill Tough Stuff Sock yarn in the colourway "Remnants" and Knit Picks Stroll in Butternut. I was working on this with two friends of mine; Donna and Kim, who's shawls are beautiful. My next project is the Degreenify Shawl by Josh Ryks using Knit Picks Hawthorne Sock yarn in these colours <3  I am also heading to Carberry, Manitoba next weekend for the Blue Hills Fibre Festival. I will be judging the wool show and selling some of my handspun, and other goodies. If you see me, say hi!
 I finished my crocheted shawl this week and after blocking took pictures. It turned out just as I had hopped. I wanted a relaxing project, crescent shaped that could be adjustable, using a skein of sock yarn. The pattern is currently in the testing phase and I hope to have it out near the end of September, just in time for fall weather. The pattern will be both charted and written out. I used Hilori's Magical Yarnorium Cosmic yarn (which has sparkles!) in the colourway "You Remind Me of the Babe". Such a gorgeous gradient! I picked this yarn up at the Manitoba Fibre Festival last year and plan on getting more this year. I am making another and started it last week as soon as I finished this one. I am using a tonal sock yarn (Tough Stuff Sock) dyed by Kim from The Wacky Windmill in a beautiful blend of pinks. It has a bit more yardage so I shouldn't have to worry about playing yarn chicken this time around.  I was so excited yesterday as I watched my Cosmic Cozy pattern work its way up the top 20 list on Ravelry's Hot Right Now section in the Patterns tab. I was hoping to make it into the Top 5 and I did!
 I wondered why this pattern became popular so suddenly and I saw the front page of Ravelry. In the Community Eye Candy ChristalLittleK's "Nid pour ratous" is featured and what an adorable little rattie peaking out! This cozy was also featured in an article in Issue 92 (May 2015) of Let’s Knit magazine about knitting for pets (and if you know me you know how much I LOVE animals). The base is crocheted and then you pick up stitches along the sides and decrease quickly to create the shape of the roof which is knit quite densely to hold its shape. Wool yarn is a great choice for this cozy because it has a natural absorbency which will eliminate the smell of urine, wick away moisture and if you use a superwash wool it is easily washable. The pictures were taken by my sister Nancy and the rats (Isabelle & Grace) in my project pictures belong to a sweet girl named Bryn.  I had been watching my way through The X-Files while making this and its design reminded me of a UFO which was also the inspiration for its name. If you have a small animal why not consider making a Cosmic Cozy for them to snuggle up in. You can find the pattern for FREE in my Patterns section and also on Ravelry.  I updated my Etsy shop with some new handspun this week. The top skein (Between Generations) is a gorgeous mix of jewel tones on top of a natural oatmeal BFL base. The very neutral and so incredibly soft skein on the bottom right (Milk Mustache) is spun from some very luxurious Superwash Targhee into a delectable gradient going from white to grey to brown and black. The third skein (Ambient) surprised me - I LOVE it and I am not a red person. Luckily I have 8 more ounces of that fibre to keep for myself :D  I also listed this super cozy infinity scarf I crocheted from 100% baby alpaca. It is such a gorgeous colour and can be worn many ways. These cowls/scarves are a must have accessory in my wardrobe. One main benefit of this one is that it isn't bulky, so you can wear it at work without feeling like you left some outerwear on. Classy and warm <3
 I didn't have much left after the Etsy Holiday Pop-up Market but I did a bit of a shop update with some yarns and hats - including the original Frosty Morning hat! I've been holding onto it hoping to keep it for myself but I've never worn it and I hate to see it go unused. Its crocheted from Noro Kochoran which is a wool/silk/angora blend - super luxurious! The cloche hat is a new style for me. I've added some handspun buttons as a bit of a detail on the side. The slouchy brown wool hat is similar to my other slouchy crocheted hats but with a cute nest button. The yarns are spun from fibres I have been hoarding in my stash as they are just so gorgeous. More to come :D
 I have a new pattern up on Ravelry called the Cosmic Cozy. I knit it with super bulky yarn and big needles. I have been binge watching X-Files so that could be my inspiration for the shape of this bed. You can find the pattern here, and here is a link to my project page on Ravelry The rat's used as my models are named Isabella and Grace and they were very cute little girls. I was very happy that Bryn - their "mom" let me come over for a photoshoot with little notice. My sister Nancy Morrison of Landlocked Design took all the photo's and did a wonderful job! This cozy was listed as a "Fab Freebie" pattern in Issue 92 of Let's Knit Magazine!!
Hats are one of my favourite things to make. I have a couple to offer for today's deal; one knit and one crocheted  The horseshoe beret is handknit with a merino/corriedale blend to give you softness and durability. One of my favourite hats, I have made a bunch of these. Nice natural shade of oatmeal/brown. The sock monkey hat has been crocheted with hand dyed merino which is the softest wool out there. This hat will fit a small child. You can't help but smile when you look at it. This hat is one of a kind. These hats would make awesome Christmas gifts if you're last minute shopping but don't wait too long because this deal will only last until the end of the weekend. Today's Deal ~ $15.00 off
This marks the halfway point in the 12 Days of Christmas Sale. I've been having a lot of fun with it :) The next item to offer, has been a popular one. My spa milkshakes are packaged neatly to make a great gift. Ingredients include: an extra large spa cloth, bath puff and a homemade soap all with a cherry on top! The spa cloth and bath puff are made with a high quality cotton/acrylic blend, so you get the softness and absorbency of the cotton with the lightweight characteristics of acrylic so these cloths will stay soft when they dry. The soap is an organic base. Today's Deal ~ $15.00 each (Regular price is $25.00) 
I have been reading a new magazine for the past several months. Its called "Simply Crochet" and oh boy do I love it! Not only are the pictures gorgeous, but I find the projects do-able, useable and interesting. This magazine can make the simplest coaster look SO amazing all I can think is "I have to make this NOW". If you ever thought about crocheting and were turned off, just check out this magazine and you will fall in love. They have had a monthly mandala pattern lately and they are made by a woman named Marinke or "Wink". She has Aspergers Syndrome. She uses crochet as a form of therapy to help her get through the tough times she encounters in life. She posts a different mandala pattern on her blog every month. The repetitive stitches are calming and her use of colours puts her in total control of what will happen next. Crocheting is a way for her to express herself and just be herself while being productive and creating beautiful works of art at the same time.  She is not alone. While I was searching for crochet as a therapy, I found many websites that proclaim that crochet saved their lives. They are many people out there that turn to this art form to calm their souls, make use of their hands, create with their minds and love the process. As a psychology graduate, and someone with a strong love for fibre arts this subject really peaked my interest.
Don't know how to crochet? Check my classes/workshops page to see when the next class is being held. Or ask someone you know who knows how to crochet. It's easy to learn and a great skill to know. Once I learned it wasn't long before I realized how much I love it :)  Knitting Sample Lots to do this weekend as the hours fill up with work that I've got planned in my mind and the need to create takes over. I'm sure you know what I mean ;P I am teaching my Learn to Knit class which lasts two weeks. I teach students two common cast on's, the knit and purl stitches, simple lace knitting and two bind off's. Students get to try out different needle types (circular, straight, wooden, metal etc) to see what they prefer. It never hurts to try before you buy and many new-comers to knitting are overwhelmed with the choices. I will also go over important tools/notions, how to read simple patterns, blocking and even laundering advice. I find it to be a very relaxing class, as we have fun chatting while practicing each stitch and isn't that what knitting is all about? Creating while having fun. If you are interested in taking this class, I will be offering more throughout the year. You can check the "Classes & Workshops" tab to see the schedule and if there is something you would like to learn that isn't on the list, please let me know. I am very accommodating and will offer private lessons as well.
I have been working on a lace collar from May's Piecework Magazine. It is based on a great story called "Of Heros, Hooks, and Heirlooms” by Faye Silton, about a girl who learns to crochet to share a portion of her family's history. Children in her class are asked to bring in a family heirloom and discuss it. The girl in the book's family was in WWII and had to leave all their belongings behind. She did have a photo though and decided to make the lace collar her mother was wearing and bring that to class as her heirloom piece. I'm still looking for the book so I can read it in more depth. I have also been crocheting buttons, they add a unique finishing touch to many projects. I have also been making buttons from polymer clay and find them so much fun!
I have been spinning a Romney sample for June's Sheep Study on my Forrester sheep spindle (how fitting!). I have processed it from its raw, dirty form to this shimmery beautiful form.
 The Cathedral Village Arts Festival is coming up next weekend (May 25th) and I have one week to get ready. I plan on spinning as many skeins as I can and working on some odds and ends. I need to finish making some felted soap, market bags, food baskets and mandalas. 
I have been knitting the Stripe Study Shawl with some handspun Masham wool and alpaca yarn. I'm loving the contrast. 
I have been crocheting some wash cloth gift sets. They are a nice take along project. Great to work on during breaks and when I'm stuck waiting for a train 
I have been spinning up club fibres as they arrive. I of course have more fibre than I can spin in a lifetime but it's what makes me happy. I am having a bit of a destash as well, my loss is your gain. Here is a picture of my sister Nancy of Landlocked Design and I taken by the QC photographer at Sask Fashion Week last weekend. More to come on that later ;) 
 Knit Natural has had a great year so far and there is so much more coming! I have been working very hard in the past month and a half making one of a kind items for designer Riley Lawson for Sask Fashion Week. I attended her photoshoot on Sunday and saw my items in action. It was very emotional for me because all my hard work paid off and everyone had such nice things to say about me and my knitwear. I can't wait to show you the amazing photos of her collection but you will have to wait until after May 11th when she showcases her work on the runway! Its a surprise :D You can still get tickets at the Cornwall Centre or through the Sask Fashion Week website. The Cathedral Village Arts Festival is fast approaching (Sat May 25th) you will find me there on Retallack Street with most of my stuff along with some new items that I will be adding to the shop shortly. I have been making crocheted mandalas (pictured above) as a way to use up bits of handspun. They are also fun to make and look really nice. They are just another project that can be made with my mini skeins I have for sale. I am going to be taking a spindle class at Olds fibre week this June and will be helping out with the wool show along with my friend Val from Newland Ranch. I can't wait! I have also been invited back to judge the wool show at the Grassland Sheep and Wool Exhibition in Drake Sask this summer. I will be promoting the wool industry as a vendor as well. I will have lots of items available as well as SOAK products which work wonders on wool. I'm really looking forward to attending this year and I can fully immerse myself in all there is to see and do. I'm interested in watching the sheep shearing, and would like to take a course one of these days.
Classes at Cindy-Rella's have been a big hit! I am usually there every weekend and it makes me very happy to see such an interest in fibre arts. If there is anything you may be interested in learning or would like a one on one lesson just drop me a line and I will add the class to my line up. If you haven't already been to Cindy's it is well worth a look. She has some very unique items and a great selection of yarns. She stocks everything from sewing and quilting to scrapbooking supplies and embroidery and everything in between. She has a beautiful store and you won't be able to leave without feeling crafty or inspired in one way or another.
I hope to see many of you at the upcoming events. Stop and say hi and tell me what projects you're working on, and don't forget you can find me on Facebook and Twitter |
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