Crochet Inspiration

I've borrowed a number of knitting books from the local public library this winter. The useful ones I've tried to purchase, so that I could have my own copy - and not worry about library due dates.

A while back, I borrowed some amazing knitting books by Welsh designer, Sasha Kagan. I quickly realized that I wasn't ready - at this time - to make any of her complicated but amazing knits. (She also has a website where I could order them as "kits" with yarn included - if I ever changed my mind.)

But another book, a crochet reference, intrigued me - so I ordered a used copy online.

What a wonderful reference book!

I'm delighted with it!

The color combinations - as well as the designs - are inspiring me to get back to crocheting - or crochet weaving - again!

Winterlude Begins!

Ottawa's mid-winter festival - called "Winterlude" - began last weekend.

Terry and I happened to be downtown last Friday and caught glimpses of people preparing for the big event.

Wandering around the park where many ice sculptures are displayed, we watched the sculptors hard at work.

This sketch that one sculptor was referencing reminded me that a lot of planning go into these massive - if temporary - works of art.

Artists from many countries compete.

I was impressed with this ice igloo and polar bear.

This ice sign reminded us that both Canada - and Ottawa, its capital - celebrate their 150th birthdays this year. The biggest celebration will be on Canada Day - July 1, 2017.

Nearby, in the market area, snow sculptors were working on this large "Father's of Confederation" snow sculpture.

So much work for something so transitory, that melts in warm weather...

I hope to see it completed - before it melts.

You have to have a lot of passion to do this type of art! After spending so many hours on a work of art, you don't have long to enjoy it.

Winter Reality

Winter is really here...

For me, a non-skier and skater, there isn't much fun outdoors.

I only venture out walking if sidewalks are bare...

Eating out is always fun...

Knitting and pottery are keeping me busy these days - as I try not to think about the weather.

But I am thankful that this our coldest season is half over!

What to Make With This Colorful Yarn?!

A while back I came across this colorful French yarn...

I couldn't resist! I bought two balls - the amount suggested for most sweaters - and then wondered what to do next.

Online I found some French patterns specifically for this yarn, but none of them appealed to me.

Among my knitting patterns, I found this pattern for a crocheted wrap. I could see myself wearing something like this.

Using the dimensions given, I determined that I'd need about 100 stitches across.

I started to knit a wrap in seed stitch, with garter stitch borders.

At this stage, I can still modify it and make it into an afghan, if I decide I don't like it as a wrap...

(Perhaps it could even be part of a sweater!)


Or, I could even tear it apart and start over! It wouldn't be the first time I've done that!

Looking For the Perfect Buttons

I've completed my second "baby surprise jacket"...

Now I'm hunting for five perfect buttons to finish it off!

The sweater yarn was all leftovers from my mother's stash, so I was hoping to find vintage buttons that match.

So far - lots of vintage buttons - but no luck!

My Knitting Goal

I would love to be able to create my own knitting patterns - to imagine a garment and easily work out how to knit it. I'm not sure where I could learn this skill. Some of the knitting books I've been perusing give hints on modifying garments.

One book I bought recently explains how to create garments top down, the opposite way garments are normally knit.

There are instructions for garments I never ever thought of knitting - like skirts and reversible pants.

Perhaps I should simply try to follow the instructions in one of its chapters and see where it leads me...

(Following instructions would be a real discipline for me!)

Snake Plant Divides Itself

Not long ago, I was watering my snake plant...

I pushed a leaf aside - and part of the plant toppled over!

Was it telling me that I needed to start a new plant?!

I put the plant in water until I was able to transplant it into soil.

It's so top-heavy that I needed to support it with these wooden poles (chop sticks from a take out restaurant!)

I hope the plant survives. Snake plants are good for purifying the air. I'd happily have one in every room.