Last WIPs of the summer

Reading: Outlander...still
Took a break, to reread: The Giver....I truly did not remember the storyline....but from reviews I've read, they changed the movie quite a bit...

Today I am going in to set up my classroom....I'll post pics of it....next Monday, the teachers start back with a week of workshops.....so my crafting time is definitely reduced....but didn't stop me from starting something new...

I started a cowl for my swap partner, as the gloves I started were coming out WAY TOO BIG, plus I am a slow as molasses knitter, and I was not going to finish on time...

I'm gonna rip them out and start over with smaller needles, but I don't have the time before I mail them for the swap, so they will probably end up being for me....although my sister has asked for a pair, so maybe I'll give them to her...

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

We only went into Toronto for a day...what I didn't realize was that it was a holiday weekend and Monday was a holiday...many places were closed for the holiday weekend.....not the important ones..the yarn shops..but many...

We took the bus into Toronto from Hamilton, about a 50 minute ride...but we did not need to worry about driving in the city or finding parking..and I'd done enough research to know there was good public transportation....

So we got to Union Station....which was under construction....all I had was a subway map, and some addresses....so we walked..and walked...and walked...and then we stopped and took the streetcar.....but with the walking I found the original Hudson Bay building...that was COOL!

The driver of the streetcar was a bit of a crank...I wanted a daypass...he didn't carry them...so I paid the fare and we got on....we went to the first yarn store...and then went to get on the second streetcar to take us to Kensington Market...same driver...but he let us on for FREE!  Awesome!

We ended up getting off and walking through Chinatown...(which was again ripped up with construction..it looks like they are putting in more streetcar access)

And by the time we got to the next yarn stop, we were tired.....so we got on the streetcar...it took us to the Metro/subway.....our streetcar tickets got us on the Metro...and we took that back to Union Square...where we wandered around lost for a bit, trying to find the bus back to Hamilton (because of the construction)..we got back on the bus..and we back in Hamilton by 3:30....
The subway had some plush seats...

But we saw some cool buildings and again..lots of street art....Hey I go to NYC all the time and see street art....but nothing like what I saw in Canada...it was way cool...

The Hubs is not fantastic with heights, so didn't want to do the CN tower....I would have loved to walk the glass floor....but walking around the city was fun..we popped into some shops...looked at and smelled strange things in Chinatown (I lost him once, as he was looking at stuff)...

So even though we didn't do the "tourist" things, we did enjoy wandering around the city...

YOP week #33

This past week was really my last full week of summer....next week I have to start setting up my classroom....that takes hours and sometimes days....since I did not pack up my room this years, since I was not in school for the final week...I have no idea where anything is....it'll take me awhile to unpack the room...dealing with some other personal issues, so did not craft as much as possible...

So I finished a pair of socks and started a capelet

There are two projects I must work on...the first being the swap mitts and the second being the Lanesplitter...not sure I'll get it done by the end of the round, especially considering the unpacking of the classroom....

I started a tenth wedge on the Rainbow Wings, as I have the extra yarn...so I keep adding to it...it's my go to mindless knitting...

2014 Completed Projects:  Gift Cowl 1/3/2014
17/17 Hats for students (December/January 2014)
Chicago Mitts (1/15/14)
Take Two Cowl (1/11/14)
Take Three Cowl  (1/22/14)
Twin Cowl (1/23/14)  
It's a Flesh Wound cowl (2/3/14)
BOK BOK (2/23) Ravellenics
Rainbar (2/22) Ravellenics
Rainmitts (2/22) Ravellenics
Rainbow Pom (2/9) Ravellenics
Helmetbow (2/22) Ravellenics
Jasper Hat and Mitts (2/23)
Elegant Downton Hat for swap (3/16/14)
Leprechaun Tam and Beard (3/16/14)
Baby Jacob Hat (3/23/14)
Sockhead Hat (3/28/14)
Dr. Who Scarf (2/13/14)
Oliver's Hat (4/8/14)
Crochet Crown (4/6/14)
Crochet Mermaid Barrette (4/6/14)
Crochet Rose Barrette (4/6/14)
Bunny Hat (4/17/14)
Snake bookmark (4/28/14) 
Tutti-Frutti Cowl (5/11/14)
Fifth of November (5/22/14)
Apocalypse gloves - for a swap (6/8/14)
Swap Secret Sprock  - for a swap (6/28/14)
Out of Gas - for a swap (7/7/14) (sooper secret project)
Hop on the Bus, Gus (7/20/14) NW T11R2
2 Stargate keychains as prizes
Zelda Cloche (7/21/14)
Spring Gloves (7/20/2014) NW T11R2
Chiana Cuff (7/20/2014) NW T11R2
Guantlets (8/6/14)
Vanilla Latte (8/14, /2014)  

WIPS: Crochet:
Mission Falls Poncho: (Started 2006)
Round Ripple: (Started 2006 (?) Aiden)
Aran Blanket: (Started 2009): two panels done
Around the World Afghan: (April 2010): about ¼ done
Betty Shrug: I don’t know how long I’ve been working on this, but it only has an arm and a border to go.
Sunrise Sunset Afghan: this has been hibernating awhile, 6 squares done.Orange cotton wrap (started ?)
Tis the Season (11/10/13)
Tabard Tunic (NW Diss 2/1/14)
 
Knit:
Learn to Knit Afghan: (started 2010): 3 squares done
Knit the Sky (1/1/14)
Light in Shadows (1/14/14) 
Rainbow Wings (2/8/14)
Fire and Blood (5/4/14)
Garter Path (6/1/14)
Lanesplitter (7/7/14) NW Diss
Outlander MKAL (8/8/14)
Swap mitts (8/9/14)
Turtleneck Capelet (8/12/14)

Socks:
Kai-Mei: (April 2012)
Faces in Wallpaper (Sept 2013)
Adele Socks (April 2013)
H's Everyday Socks (Jan 2013)  
Johnny's Socks (Jan 2013)


Scarves/Shawls:
Splashy Flowers: (May 2011)
Larry Stashbuster Scarf (2012)
Bags:
Beach Bag: (started May 2010)  Just needs lining sewn in
Misc:
Sunflower: (August 2012) Need a back and to felt
Water Bottle Cozy
 
Gifts/Charity: 
Owl for Rose
Hats for friend's babies

WIMs: Projects I have the yarn and the pattern
Sweaters:
Test Pattern Sweater
Car Coat
Cowl Vest
 
Shawls/Scarves/Cowls 
Rockefeller
Wholehearted
West End Scarf 
Gathering Leaves
Alhambra
Petal Edge Scarf
Filippi Scarf 
Firefly Scarf 
Fraxinus 
Danube Cowl
Simple City
Fire and Ice
Multnomah
Leylines 
Holden Shawlette
Daybreak
Trellis Shawl
Bedford Springs Shawl   
 
Hats and Mitts
Hermione Hearts Ron
Nehalm Hat
Felicity
Stellar
Cabled Headband
Fetching  
Cayunga Hat and Mitts set
Preposterous
Ruffled hat and mitts
Evergreen Gloves
Sheepy Cuffs
Twisted Rib Mitts and Hat
 
Socks:
Memento Mori
Rubus
Siren Socks
Hey, Have I Ever Steered You Wrong?
Savory Lace Socks
Autumn Flame
Firebird
Rescue Me, Chin Boy and Show Me the Stars
Twin peaks
 
Bags:
Sarape Shopper
Pleated Purse
Circular Felted Bag

Happy Friday!

I have 2 finished projects to share....the first are my gauntlets...when I made my Katniss inspired cowl last fall....I decided I needed a pair of gauntlets to wear with it...so I came up with these..

I'm going to love wearing these this fall!

I also finished my Vanilla Latte socks last night!..I absolutely adore this yarn, Knit One, Crochet Too Ty-Dye Socks..it is one of the softest most squooshy yarn I have used and these socks are very comfortable...again one sock is a smidge short, but not too bad...I also have to learn how to shape around the arch...I have hard feet for socks...

but I know I will wear these a lot...and I actually have enough yarn left over to make another pair...

Joining up with Fiber Arts Friday, Creative Friday, and FO Friday

Yarn Along and WIPing Wednesday

Reading:  Outlander....okay I enjoy historical romances....and I understand this series has a devoted following, but I'm just not falling in love...While I will finsih the book..I doubt I'm going to read the sequels...

Projects:  As if I do not have enough projects started, I cast on two more this week....a pair of fingerless gloves for a swap..

And I bought the new Knit Simple magazine and had to cast on this...

I didn't have enough for the main color, which is that darkish pink, so I am adding a third color, the red to the mix...there are bits of red in the pink, so it should set it off well....

I am almost done with my Vanilla Latte socks....on the foot...

Today is a rainy, crappy day outside, so I plan to knit all day...

Hooking up with Ginny

Hamilton, Canada, part 2

Earlier this year, I made the Hubs get his passport.  He really has never traveled.  I took him to Chattanooga, TN a couple years ago..that was his first time on a plane...this was his first time in a foreign country....He does not do change well....although he enjoyed himself...he is glad to be home...and he is open to other possibilities....in 2 years will be our 25th....I was going to do a trip to Alaska...but now we are thinking Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island (home of Anne of Green Gables)...we shall see....

So Hamilton...I decided on Hamilton, because I thought it would be easier than staying in Toronto...it looked like an easy commute into the city...and I was right...they had an express bus to downtown Toronto...plus I knew we were going to stop there, so I could meet Holly of English Girl Canadian Man....

We stayed at a great hotel downtown...however there was a Little League tournament and there were kids everywhere.....normally I wouldn't mind this...but some parents didn't watch their kids and some of them really had very bad behavior....I went all teacher on the kid who ran into the elevator to push all the buttons and then took off....

But we did find the BEST FRENCH FRIES we have ever eaten!!!!!  We wandered around on Saturday and found these cute little street a couple blocks from our hotel...

It had all of these houses that had been turned into restaurants....we chose Koi...

As I said..BEST FRENCH FRIES ever!  The prices weren't bad...

Holly mentions the street art in her latest post...and it really is everywhere...here are a couple of pictures I took...

The buildings are a mixture of old and new...and the downtown area had these flower baskets everywhere..although the area where we wandered was mostly older buildings..but there is one shot with a high rise in the background.

 This reminds me of the Addam's Family's house

I enjoyed our visit..and I would go again, as we left LOTS unexplored....but I'm not sure the Hubs is up for it....and there is still so many other places to visit....but to learn more about Hamilton..you can always visit Holly's blog...

LYS: Handknit Yarn Studio

Of course, when I travel..I always look up local yarn stores.  I had heard about several in Toronto...but I also found out about this gem in Hamilton, Ontario...

Handknit Yarn Studio is a small space, packed with lots of fantastic goodies!  I had the hardest time picking things out...I also went into this with the intent of only buying one skein at each store (okay..you can stop laughing now!)

I finally came away with only three...because I restrained myself!

2 Indigodragonfly and 1 JulieAsselin....

I had a lovely conversation with one of the owners, Kate. She was restocking and reorganizing shelves of beautiful yarn up in the loft. She told me about her Rhinebeck sweater...I said I'd keep an eye out for her....

You can't see her in this picture, as she was behind that front shelving unit, stocking the lower shelves up in the loft...but that is Holly of English Girl Canadian Man

So, although a smaller store...it is packed with goodness...and just lovely owners..so if you are near Hamilton, Ontario...stop in..they'd love to meet you...

YOP #32

I actually have only worked on a few things this week.  I made some gauntlet gloves to go with my Katniss cowl...

I worked on my Raindow Wings...I have started the ninth wedge....

Put some more rows into the Lanesplitter...

And started another KAL...I did not do well on the GoT KAL, as I ended up having to make some things for swaps, so I put it aside after the first clue...I printed out the second clue and will continue with it...it is at this point..

It also was a bit complicated for me...the new KAL is much easier...and I ADORE the yarn..next clue comes out next Saturday..

I also started a pair of mitts for a swap...I have one more swap to make something for..but haven't decided on the what yet...

2014 Completed Projects:  Gift Cowl 1/3/2014
17/17 Hats for students (December/January 2014)
Chicago Mitts (1/15/14)
Take Two Cowl (1/11/14)
Take Three Cowl  (1/22/14)
Twin Cowl (1/23/14)  
It's a Flesh Wound cowl (2/3/14)
BOK BOK (2/23) Ravellenics
Rainbar (2/22) Ravellenics
Rainmitts (2/22) Ravellenics
Rainbow Pom (2/9) Ravellenics
Helmetbow (2/22) Ravellenics
Jasper Hat and Mitts (2/23)
Elegant Downton Hat for swap (3/16/14)
Leprechaun Tam and Beard (3/16/14)
Baby Jacob Hat (3/23/14)
Sockhead Hat (3/28/14)
Dr. Who Scarf (2/13/14)
Oliver's Hat (4/8/14)
Crochet Crown (4/6/14)
Crochet Mermaid Barrette (4/6/14)
Crochet Rose Barrette (4/6/14)
Bunny Hat (4/17/14)
Snake bookmark (4/28/14) 
Tutti-Frutti Cowl (5/11/14)
Fifth of November (5/22/14)
Apocalypse gloves - for a swap (6/8/14)
Swap Secret Sprock  - for a swap (6/28/14)
Out of Gas - for a swap (7/7/14) (sooper secret project)
Hop on the Bus, Gus (7/20/14) NW T11R2
2 Stargate keychains as prizes
Zelda Cloche (7/21/14)
Spring Gloves (7/20/2014) NW T11R2
Chiana Cuff (7/20/2014) NW T11R2
Guantlets (8/6/14)

WIPS: Crochet:
Mission Falls Poncho: (Started 2006)
Round Ripple: (Started 2006 (?) Aiden)
Aran Blanket: (Started 2009): two panels done
Around the World Afghan: (April 2010): about ¼ done
Betty Shrug: I don’t know how long I’ve been working on this, but it only has an arm and a border to go.
Sunrise Sunset Afghan: this has been hibernating awhile, 6 squares done.Orange cotton wrap (started ?)
Tis the Season (11/10/13)
Tabard Tunic (NW Diss 2/1/14)
 
Knit:
Learn to Knit Afghan: (started 2010): 3 squares done
Knit the Sky (1/1/14)
Light in Shadows (1/14/14) 
Rainbow Wings (2/8/14)
Fire and Blood (5/4/14)
Garter Path (6/1/14)
Lanesplitter (7/7/14) NW Diss
Outlander MKAL (8/8/14)
 Swap mitts (8/9/14)

Socks:
Kai-Mei: (April 2012)
Faces in Wallpaper (Sept 2013)
Adele Socks (April 2013)
H's Everyday Socks (Jan 2013)  
Johnny's Socks (Jan 2013)

Vanilla Latte (June 1, 2014)  

Scarves/Shawls:
Splashy Flowers: (May 2011)
Larry Stashbuster Scarf (2012)
Bags:
Beach Bag: (started May 2010)  Just needs lining sewn in
Misc:
Sunflower: (August 2012) Need a back and to felt
Water Bottle Cozy
 
Gifts/Charity: 
Owl for Rose
Hats for friend's babies

WIMs: Projects I have the yarn and the pattern
Sweaters:
Test Pattern Sweater
Car Coat
Cowl Vest
 
Shawls/Scarves/Cowls 
Rockefeller
Wholehearted
West End Scarf 
Gathering Leaves
Alhambra
Petal Edge Scarf
Filippi Scarf 
Firefly Scarf 
Fraxinus 
Danube Cowl
Simple City
Fire and Ice
Multnomah
Leylines 
Holden Shawlette
Daybreak
Trellis Shawl
Bedford Springs Shawl   
 
Hats and Mitts
Hermione Hearts Ron
Nehalm Hat
Felicity
Stellar
Cabled Headband
Fetching  
Cayunga Hat and Mitts set
Preposterous
Ruffled hat and mitts
Evergreen Gloves
Sheepy Cuffs
Twisted Rib Mitts and Hat
 
Socks:
Memento Mori
Rubus
Siren Socks
Hey, Have I Ever Steered You Wrong?
Savory Lace Socks
Autumn Flame
Firebird
Rescue Me, Chin Boy and Show Me the Stars
Twin peaks
 
Bags:
Sarape Shopper
Pleated Purse
Circular Felted Bag

Stash Saturday

So if you've been around here much, you know I have a yarn addiction.....yeah well...

So I went away for 5 days....and in those 5 days, I stopped at 4 LYS in Canada....I was looking exclusively for Canadian yarn...stuff that I may have heard of, but not gotten, or had gotten..but now didn't need to pay the insane shipping prices to Canada.....I will blog about each stop individually...but here is the yarn...

Tanis Fiber Arts Yellow Label in tartan....heard about this yarn...had never worked with it

SweetGeorgia Yarns in DK..I do have a skein of something else in my stash..these are Oxblood and Summer Dusk.

Biscotte and Cie....the watermelon stripe, without the seeds (bummer)

ShantiKnits in Lettuce Knit

Julie Asselin Milis...in a limited edition color....

IndigoDragonfly...I do have a couple of her skeins, but they are hard to get...this is a Firefly inspired one..and the next is a Hunger Games inspired one...

And finally...Mrs. Crosby Loves to Play..this has been popping up recently..not sure if she's new...okay just looked her up...and she is based in Chicago.....

but the story of how I ended up with these two yarns is good....will tell during LYS post...

So then, of course, I came home to my yarn clubs....

Dizzy Color Sunnydale: Patrol 2...Happy Birthday Buffy...

MadColor Mad Posse: Titania's Bower

Nerd Girls in Smashing...The Shark Swallow You Whole..cuz you know Shark Week!

And also my yarn for the Outlander MKAL arrived...Lorna's Laces Sport Multi

Beauchamps

and Fraser

and I just received the first clue....so I am going to go and cast on....see you all tomorrow for Year of Projects....