Month: July 2017

Volver

“When you die, don’t you dare come back and visit me,” I said to my dad one day. He just stared back at me, grinning.

We share the love of horror movies, ghost stories, superstitions – you name it! I remember once as a kid, we went into a haunted maze together. He was holding my hand as we tried to find our way out. He let go for a minute then grabbed my hand again. It seemed like we were walking in circles forever – we were so lost. I was talking to him but he wasn’t answering so I turned around and imagine the horror when what I saw was not my dad, but a terrifying masked man! Just a few steps behind him was my dad, grinning from ear to ear. No wonder he wasn’t saying anything. I was so mad!

That’s my dad! Always the joker.

I share this story because I can relate to today’s design inspiration:

Part 4 // Volver by Debby Reece 

I was contacted by Debby Reese, the other half of the Periscoping Sisters, just after Christmas. She asked if I had some time to test knit a scarf. It was perfect timing. The holiday rush was over, and I just finished all the gift knitting for the family.

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‘Volver’ is a verb of Spanish origin which means “to return”.

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Bumblebee

I have been following Verena Cohrs on Instagram for some time now. Known as TheWoolClub, Verena creates modern and sophisticated designs time and time again. I’m in so much awe of her talent.

Part 3 // Bumblebee shawl by Verena Cohrs

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I was at the library with my son when I saw Verena put a call out to test knit this shawl. I really wanted to apply, but had limited internet access at the time. Worried the spots would fill up by the time I did, I sent her a message indicating interest, but wouldn’t be able to log on to Ravelry for a couple of hours.

I was humbled to be chosen amongst a handful of talented makers to test knit this shawl.

She partnered up with Julie of Sweet Sparrow Yarns for this design. Test knitters were given a discount if we used her yarn. Whaaaat! Yes, please!!! It was a no brainer. Her colorways are right up my alley.

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Oy Vey!

Yesterday, I shared my very first test knit and how I met the lovely Amy Meeks.

The series, a year of test knits, continues today with another one of her designs:

Part 2 // Oy Vey Wrap by Amy Meeks

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The phrase, “Oy Vey” is a Jewish form of expression indicating dismay or grief.  In English, we might say “my goodness”. Amy describes hearing her mom repeat it while raising her and her siblings adding, “My parents were a little crazy to have three little girls, in three short years. “

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A year of test knits – part 1

On my previous post, I talked about my most recent test knit, the Navigate pullover. A cabled men’s sweater designed by Annie Lupton for Rib Magazine’s second issue.

I completed several other test knits in 2016 and I’d love to share them with you. This is the first of a 4 part series where I will go through each one in detail. As with anything, practice makes perfect and though I’m far from it, I am thankful to these designers who entrusted me with their work, helping improve my skill as a knitter. 

PearadiseIsland-Ayearoftestknitting

There are 2 shawls, a cowl and a scarf.  

I’ll begin with the cowl, my very first test knit.

Part 1 // Because I Love You Cowl by Amy Meeks

I had just completed my second shawl, the Because I Love You Wrap by Amy Meeks and shared this photo of my daughter wearing it on Instagram. Her sister, Debby, saw it, tagged her, and before I knew it, began a wonderful friendship with the Periscoping Sisters, particularly, Amy, the designer for the wrap. She and I got to talking and as it turned out, she was working on a new pattern, a cowl version of the wrap, and asked if I would like to test knit.

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Test knit // Navigate pullover

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I was asked to test knit a men’s sweater by my friend, Eric Lutz, host of the Sticks + Twine podcast and Publisher for Rib Magazine back in March. I said yes, flattered by the fact that I had only been knitting for 3 years and recently finished my first adult sweater, Boxy.

Then he showed me this photo:

Navigate_pullover_sample_photo_ribmag

Jaw drop.

I felt excited and intimidated at the same time. Look at those gorgeous cables! I thought to myself, “Can I do this? I’d hate to disappoint!”

I have worked on several cabled projects prior, like this hat, this other hat, and these beautiful socks. I also have this shawl that’s been on the needles for forever. I had frogged it countless times due to error after error on my part, and sadly it is now languishing in a corner waiting patiently for me to pick it up once again.  

Self-doubt consumed me as I waited to receive the pattern. As Jameson Frank quotes, “Our greatest battles are those with our own minds”.

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CozySquishyWool – 2nd edition

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Summer is finally here!!! How is yours going so far? We only get 2 months of this glorious weather here in Canada and that means busy, busy, busy for me and the kiddos.

I meant to release this second edition of the cozy squishy wool gift tag in June but it’s ok, better late than never right?

Keep a look out for the third version to be released late October/early November of this year 🙂

Please note: This is a subscriber exclusive freebie! If you are an existing email subscriber as of July 3, 2017, check your inbox for the link to download!