Oldie but Goodie!

Before I talk about being re-united with this sweater I want to thank you all so much for your birthday wishes and wonderful words of encouragement re the pattern collection. It helps a LOT to know I have folks eager to see the fruits of my labour!

So, the OBG! I haven't had this sweater for almost 3 years but it made it's way back to me last week. It is of course my Slipped Hours design that I made for the Sanguine Gryphon using her Dance yarn.

I was really satisfied with this design (an early one in my short career as a designer) and am very happy to have it as a new addition to my wardrobe (this sample fits me so well too)! I love the pleasing, simple shapes of the slipped stitch pattern, the 3/4 length sleeves and the floppy cowl.....

Unfortunately the yarn used for this is to be discontinued but I have plans to re-knit it using a different Sanguine Gryphon yarn and then re release the pattern here on my blog.

Now to choose a yarn and colour from all the wonderful ones on offer over at the Sanguine Gryphon!

A Wee Revelation

What isn't a revelation is that I turned 36 today! However as I'm feeling in a celebratory mood I thought it was an apt day to share important news on the knitting/designing front!

I've been keeping this to myself until I felt sure that enough of the pieces were coming together and I'm now at the point where I think I can safely nod the affirmative to that.

So....the real revelation .....I'll be self-publishing a collection of Shetland Trader patterns! There will be around 8 or so designs, all Shetland inspired (mostly lace influenced) and all to be photographed in that beautiful landscape this summer. The designs will also be available individually.

As it is going to be a bit of a wait before this collection is ready I felt the need to be able to share some of the process here with you on the blog. I won't be giving you full disclosures but rather snippets here and there....to whet the appetite as it were!

Hope you'll stick with me as I attempt what feels like an exciting and hopefully rewarding new venture!

Reasons To Be Cheerful

Hello! It's been a frighteningly long time since my last post as my husband keeps pointing out so I'm popping in with a brief recap as I emerge from my semi-hibernation!

So...reasons to be cheerful:

1) It's March and spring is in the air (as can be seen by Maya's colourful wellies and socks above). I'm so happy to be leaving February behind...always a tough month for me. It might also have something to do with the fact that March means birthdays in our house, one of which is mine!

2) I'm grateful for my beautiful friends who I'll be hanging out with on said birthday to make hula hoops and have henna tattoos applied!

3) Enjoying watching my kids grow and find their way.

4) We almost have a new mud room (interior work still unfinished)! It's maybe a little reflective of the tidy parent I have become that this makes me so happy!

5) Making music with my friends Jenn and Gerry has been a big part of my life these last couple of months. We're all in a band together (with some others) and have been jammin (it's a reggae influenced dynamic)! Here's a sneak listen!

6)...and last but not least knitting....always makes me cheerful (well maybe not the ripping). The hap shawl shown above is in preparation for a retreat I'm teaching at this coming weekend for Green Mtn Spinnery.....2 nights at an old inn and knitting...can't wait!

There is of course a lot of other knitting going on but I'll save that announcement for a different blog post!