I’m finally starting to believe that spring is here! Seems so strange to see a cherry tree blooming on the beach!

There is an old house a few miles down the road from us. I have always secretly thought of it as “The Ghost House”. I think it looks happily haunted. Imagine my surprise when I drove by on the weekend to find that the entire front yard had been sown with tulips! Nice!

Against my will and better judgement, I have, by actual count, spent 27 hours this week in traffic. I’ve been driving “Canada’s Worst Commute” every weekday for the past few weeks, plus driving home on the weekends. The beatings will continue until moral improves. I had a little Facebook rant about it the other day so I think I shall not dwell upon it here.

Teddy had a wonderful week…the water is finally warm enough for him to dip his toes in and let the waves chase him back to shore.

With the commute, the kid’s show and knitting a stitch or two, I am also trying desperately to get my application ready to submit to the One Of A Kind Craft Show, Toronto’s enormously popular handmade show and sale which takes place at Christmas. It’s a juried show. They want to see where the products are made and how. I spent some time on the weekend photographing the little church and the workroom I’ve carved out.

Finally, the knitting. My Highclere Cardigan is a delight to knit! The yarn is soft and silky in a shade I adore but have never worn. I love the trim lines of this design and the slim band of lace that runs down the center front and the sleeves. I think I’ve chosen the perfect yarn for this project. While I’m on the subject…may I extol the virtues of KnitPicks? I LOVE these guys! Often, when ordering for delivery in Canada, time loses all meaning. You wait. And wait. And wait and wait and wait. Things get tied up in customs. Snow falls. Etc., etc. Not with these guys! I ordered this yarn on Friday night and received it on Wednesday. No muss, no fuss, no mistakes. The color choices they offer are current and broad and the yarns are lovely, well-conceived blends. Throw in that they are unerringly friendly and eager to please and…Huzzah! Happy Camper!

I have many sterling qualities but a gardener, I ain’t. Compared to Miss Laura, Cousin Joyce and my friend, Kerry, my thumb is withered and brown. The saddest part is that the urge to grow things is in me, kind of like a bizarre, ticking biological clock with no hope of fulfillment. Also, I feel a certain responsibility toward the little church to make it look pretty and summery and, well, to keep up with the other sweetly landscaped properties in our area. Each spring I puff myself up with ideas from Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Canadian Living and other publications where ‘Perfect Garden People’ can be found. This year is no exception. This year, I want Lavender.

My research tells me that lavender can be grown quite easily in Prince Edward County owing to its dry, rocky soil and hot sun. The nice lady at Reddick Studio Porcelain, who is something of a gardening guru, says that “lavender thrives on neglect”, which tells me I might have a shot at it.

But how to do it? Do I buy seeds? Do I buy plants? I can’t remember seeing lavender plants for sale while buying any of my other victims, so I consulted Prince Edward County Lavender, a mother-lode of information and support. They sell seeds, baby plants and all kinds of lavender products, even (and this makes me swoon) Lavender Honey!

Lavender is just about my favorite scent. It’s the go-to when I’m shopping for hand soap, air freshener, candles etc. I’ve long been a fan of Crabtree & Evelyn and have recently become addicted to two particular products: Lavender Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy and the Lavender Eau de Toilette. And…fun fact for my Canadian peeps…select items from the hand therapy line are now available at Rexall. Brilliant!

This superbly creative lady uses lavender (and other esoteric flavorings gathered from the four corners of the globe) for baking. Diary of a Mad HausFrau is a blog well worth reading.

Though I’ve never used lavender in cooking (which apparently you can) I did make little jars of Lavender and Sweet Almond Bath Scrub for my Christmas baskets this year. Here is a simple recipe using ingredients that can easily be found at drug stores and health food stores. I have a feeling I’ll use this to soak out the kinks after gardening. ‘Cause you know, I’m so good at it…

Lavender & Sweet Almond Bath Salts

2 cups Dead Sea salts

2 cups lavender epsom salts

1 cup Kosher salt

1/2 cup cornstarch

750 ml bottle of sweet almond oil

1/2 cup lavender buds

Several drops of lavender essential oil (to your taste)

The Dead Sea salts I found were very coarse, so I mixed all of this up (except for the essential oil) in my food processor. I picked up some cute little sealer jars at the dollar store, trimmed the jars with 1/4″ lavender double-sided satin ribbon and…Huzzah! Makes a nice hostess gift, too

It’s been quite a week. Quite a week. I started my first week of work by witnessing a horrific car crash on the 401 where a car actually flew into the air in a spiral, hitting the road and rolling over and over. Two hours later, some nut bar bombed the Boston Marathon. Quite a week. So, amidst the madness, I thought perhaps I’d share a few photos of the week just past, from a personal perspective. 

I have a contract at the present time that requires me to leave my cozy country home and work in the city. It’s a fun project, a kid’s version of a Japanese game show; the first 40 episodes are pre-sold to Disney.

Marblemedia is a great place to work. The office is a re-claimed carpet factory in the heart of Toronto’s trendy Liberty Village neighborhood. As an Art Director, my work so far has consisted of buying a ton of kid’s toys, bikes and costumes. That’s what I’ve been up to when I’m not turning my boss into a human gumball machine…not so bad

As it happens, Carl also has a contract that requires him to be away from the ranch. Carl’s company has therefore rented a fabulous little apartment in Hamilton Beach. It’s an old beach community that 90% of over-populated Southern Ontario doesn’t know about. Hard to believe that it’s 45 minutes from Toronto, tucked in under the Skyway Bridge. Don’t tell anyone…we don’t want any company Gorgeous! If I have to be away from home, this is IT!

I was the first one home on Friday night as Carl and Teddy had business in town on Saturday morning. In addition to having my heart in my mouth all week (as we all did), I  got all the way through the heel and instep of this fair isle sock before I realized they would never, never in a million years, fit. And here was I, feeling extremely chuffed with myself for having knit some very nice color work. C’est la guerre.

To lessen the sting of ripping it all out, I went to KnitPicks with a l’il glass of wine ;^ I cleverly picked up 10 skeins of this…

…to make this…! The Highclere Cardigan is named for one of the country houses on Downton Abbey. Perfect.

Filed under: Uncategorized, WIP Tagged: blackberry, colorwork, double points, fair isle, hamilton, hamilton beach, knit picks, knitting in the round, lake ontario, merino, silk, socks, stranded knitting ]]> http://pearls-toronto.com/2013/04/22/my-life-the-week-in-pictures/feed/ 3 pearlstoronto Emma's Back Porch IMG_2058 IMG_2060 IMG_1905 IMG_2047 IMG_2054 IMG_2048 IMG_2051 IMG_2050-001 IMG_2076 Emma's Back Porch Doomed Fair Isle Socks Gloss Blackberry from KnitPicks Highclere Cardi by ClothesHorse http://pearls-toronto.com/2013/04/14/masters-ful-knits/ http://pearls-toronto.com/2013/04/14/masters-ful-knits/#comments Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:49:30 +0000 Pearl http://pearls-toronto.com/?p=971 Continue reading »

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it’s Masters Weekend. As we tuned in to enjoy the show on Saturday morning, hubby confessed that he wanted one of these…

And, as he is known for his sartorial savvy, he shall have one. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but he shall have one. In the meantime, perhaps some of these?

Golf through the ages is full of wonderful clothing. As I mentioned in my previous post, “Argyle”, the Duke of Windsor, known for his impeccable taste, represented the gold standard for gorgeous golf duds. Even so, the average golfer in days of yore, male or female, certainly showed a greater sense of style than the microfiber-clad, Nike-sportin’ dandies of today. 

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: argyle, cables, colorwork, duke of windsor, fair isle, golf, golf attire, masters tournament, stranded knitting, vintage golf clothing, vintage knitting patterns ]]>

For some time now I’ve been scouring yard sales and second-hand stores for vintage knitting patterns, for their graphic appeal as much as for the esoteric information stuffed inside. Last weekend, while leafing through the “Hand Knit Socks by Beehive” book, I thought it might be time to take a stab at a pair of argyle socks. I remember my Mom making them for my uncles when I was a little girl. Sure wish I’d paid more attention!

The classic argyle diamond (or lozenge) pattern was derived from the clan tartans of the Scottish highlands in the region of Argyle, specifically the Campbell tartans. Originally, these patterns were woven, with knitted versions appearing in England and the US after the first world war. The ever-natty Duke of Windsor helped to popularized the design, wearing it as part of his golf attire. (Incidentally, the argyle pattern has been adopted by my favorite cycling team, Garmin-Slipstream, known as “The Argyle Armada” so I figured I’d better take a crack at it

In the process, I’ve discovered a couple of delightful new yarns. For starters, Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine…just when you thought Ultra Alpaca couldn’t get any better, they come out with a sock yarn. Regia has invented an utterly delicious blend of merino and angora (I have future plans for this yarn) and the Araucania I was sure I didn’t like has shown itself to be a real gem.

Knitted argyle patterns are generally worked using the intarsia technique; each color block is knitted using a separate ball or bobbin. Yarns are twisted at the color changes to avoid creating a hole. (Simple enough if one can manage all those stringy balls.) The strange part is working back and forth while knitting an article that began in the round. It feels very counter-intuitive, especially since it means a seam up the back of the sock.

In the hope of eliminating the seam, I tossed the Beehive book aside thinking there must be a better way. The most-touted modern method is wrap-and-turn. Yuck. Nasty. Back I went to the old Beehive pattern which works in a little, knotty selvedge edge at the beginning and end of each row which can then be mattress-stitched together. As determined as I was to avoid a seam, this old method is really the best and because of the selvedge, the seam is barely noticeable.

And speaking of interesting seams, this pattern book includes instructions for a nifty little contrivance called “The Aladdin Heel”. This magical heel is knitted in such a way that, in the event of a hole, the heel stitches can be unravelled and re-knit without unravelling the entire foot. Neat, huh!?!

It’s very quaint and useful but honestly, for all the extra seaming and weaving in of ends, I think I’d rather darn

Aaaand…we’re back! 

That was quite possibly the longest winter ever. I still don’t quite believe that it will ever end, but I have my fingers crossed. Since spring’s official start-date has passed, any further snowflakes will be ignored. I simply will not accept them. That is all.

A lot has been accomplished during my brief hiatus from the television show, most notably the addition of my new workroom out here at the ranch. It took a minute, but I’ve finally been able to round up a next-to-new industrial sewing machine, pressure iron and a couple of nice big work tables.

Sample work has poured in whilst I’ve simultaneously designed the new line of handbags which I’m hoping to launch in August. (Forgive me if I hold back photos until I get them just right.) Hopefully, we’ll pass the juries of the Toronto Creativ Festival and the biggie, the One of A Kind Craft Show. I’ve busily sourced fabrics, frames and findings over the last 4 weeks. Next will come the drafting of patterns, cutting and sewing like a banshee. That should keep us busy until fall, especially since I’m due back in the city next week.

In my spare time (?) I’ve been a-knittin’! I’ve finished the Irish Birthday Cardigan, heretofore to be known as the most boring knitting project ever. It took every video in my classic film library to get through it, many of them more than once, especially since I had to knit the front band twice. Since Carl has been working out of town, I haven’t been able to snap a good photo, but he is wearing it in this family photo taken at Easter.

And speaking of Easter….

…a wonderful time was had by all

I’ve managed to get through the first nordic mitten from my own chart! I’m quite chuffed about that one.

Being that this is the year of color work, my latest project is argyle. I’ll keep you posted!

Happy Monday

Filed under: WIP Tagged: argyle socks, cardigan, colorwork, cupcakes, easter, fair isle, hot cross buns, nordic mittens, pearl*s handmade bags, prince edward county, snow, snowflakes, spring, stranded knitting ]]> http://pearls-toronto.com/2013/04/08/hey-where-yat/feed/ 1 pearlstoronto Spring Grass Picton, February 2013 New Workroom Suede! Family Dinner IMG_1993 IMG_1991 IMG_1989 Snow Storm Nordic Mittens http://pearls-toronto.com/2013/02/13/shes-a-knitter/ http://pearls-toronto.com/2013/02/13/shes-a-knitter/#comments Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:24:13 +0000 Pearl http://pearls-toronto.com/?p=914 Continue reading »

For the longest time, I’ve had it in my mind to introduce my niece, Magda to knitting. Because I don’t get to spend nearly as much time with her as I’d like, I’d never had the opportunity. So, as Christmas approached and I was tussling with what to get the kids in my life, I thought this might be my shot at it. Though I was very excited about the prospect of Magda knitting, I honestly did not know how she’d take to the idea. I picked up big colorful needles and some sparkly chunky yarn. I did a little research and found that Martha was endorsing this book:

Author Melanie Falick is the editor of Interweave Knits, a source I’ve always trusted for inspiration. Her kid’s book is bursting with bright, fun projects that go beyond the classic scarf. There is no dumbing-down here; I knew my Ladybug would never go for that In fact, this book goes from basic knit-and-purl right through knitting in the round, so I think it’s something that will grow right along with her.

We’d had the chat about how knitting needles are tools, not toys, how they’re pointy and could do some damage if not handled in a grown-up way. She gave me her solemn promise never to run with needles or to use them for any purpose other than knitting. Thus armed, we jumped in. Magda was keen right away. With dinner barely over, I found The ‘Bug seated quietly on the sofa, a giant blue needle in each hand, waiting to start. 

Now, maybe it’s just because she’s my niece and I love her but really…the child is a natural! I cast on the first row and told her “It’s just like you forgot your lunch…in through the front door, all around the house, pick up your lunch, off to school.” There was no stopping her after that. She was off and running! Look at the progress…!

Best reward ever: “Mama, can I take my knitting to bed?” I almost cried

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: beginner knitting, chunky yard, kids crafts, kids knitting, knitting kit ]]>

Mardi Gras is early this year, Tuesday, February 12. Here’s where I am instead.

Last week, I got a nice, new-to-me Saturn Sedan so that I could get home to the country on weekends. I’m traveling this way instead.

Thank you, Alberta Clipper and shame, SHAME on you, Mother Nature. Seventeen inches of snow in 24 hours? Really? Bah, HUMBUG.

I’ve been wet, frozen, snowy and stuck. I’ll be at this lovely train station, waiting for a train (for which privilege, I might add, I was forced to pay an extra $22.60) for the next 3 1/2 hours. There are so many places I’d rather be instead.

Still, a girl’s got to count her blessings. I’m grateful for my nice warm snow boots, my fluffy pink cowl, my computer for keeping me connected, my wonderful, resourceful hubby and my sweetie-pie pup waiting for me at the other end of the line. I’m also grateful that I picked up those two skeins of Arucania hand-dyed sock yarn last night so that I have something to do…instead.

In all the world of knitting, this c.350 km. sq. just has to be the cradle. Civilized and agrarian for about 5,000 years, this little spot on the globe has produced the most lovely and sophisticated knitting in the whole wide world as far as I can tell. Shawls so fine that they can be drawn through a wedding ring, sweaters so thick that they repel water, and mittens and hats warm enough to hold back the very breath of the North Sea: now, that’s some knitting!

I’ve been up to my snoot in stranded knitting lately and just the other day, out of the blue, became drawn to some traditional Shetland lace stitches. What’s the connection? And why do I continually confuse traditional Fair Isle stranded knitting with its Scandinavian counterpart? Woefully ill-equipped when it comes to geography, I took a look at a map. It’s all right there in that little square.

I was a little shocked to find that there actually is a “Fair Isle” which had heretofore existed in my mind as some sort of fantasy realm like “Atlantis” or “The Shire”. In real life, it is part of the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland, way out in the North Sea. Though part of the United Kingdom, the Shetlanders have more in common culturally with their Norwegian neighbours, who are actually closer as the crow flies. HUZZAH! The Nordic/Fair Isle connection de-mystified.

Having sailed tall ships and lived over ten years in Denmark, Carl has a theory. The Norwegians, Danes and Swedes were (and still are) seafaring cultures, as are the North Sea islanders. He figures that the sailors, back and forth regularly across the North Sea, traded, as gestures of goodwill, the knitted goods crafted for them by mothers, wives and sisters. Probably, the women took a look at the new yarn-works, copying, adapting and trading techniques. Interesting to speculate, isn’t it?

So naturally, I started to follow some of the highways and byways of the internet regarding this region. I found the utterly divine designs of Kate Davies, so unique, so whimsical and so evocative of the Shetland world that had only existed in my imagination. I read the captivating writings of Paul Kelly, “Living in the Shetland Islands”, and then went promptly to Travelocity. I wish I could afford a pilgrimage. 

We met in the middle of 9th grade. If Jeanne ever had a thought about what was ‘cool’, it was immediately dismissed as unimportant. She made her own ‘cool’ and she stuck to it. She knew everyone and what they were up to. She knew the lay of the land and had her own compass. There was just no arguing. A more confident 9th grader, there has never been.

I was the child of a very public and acrimonious divorce who had been literally plucked from downtown Toronto and deposited at Bigfork High School in Bigfork, Montana one snowy Monday morning in the middle of the term. Of course, my clothes were all wrong, my hair was all wrong, my attitude was all wrong and I talked funny. What a sad and sorry figure I must have cut, shivering in my city snow boots. Still, she swooped down and tucked me under her wing as if we’d known each other since childhood, and I went, in a heartbeat, from a woefully lonely (and in hindsight, traumatized) child to a teenager with girl friends and sleep-overs, make-up experiments and secrets.

Jeanne came from a ‘real’ family with a Mom and a Dad, a sister and a Grandpa. They did exotic things at Jeanne’s house, like planning practical meals and sitting down together around the big kitchen table. They talked and argued amicably. They did things like homework and chores. The best part was that Jeanne lived on a farm. In fact, her family had lived on a farm so long that they named the road after them. She therefore possessed all sorts of arcane knowledge and could answer questions like “What’s alfalfa?”, “Why are we picking rocks out of this field?” and “Why do you have a gas pump in your yard?”

So, due to her willfulness, we grew up together. We learned to drive on her mom’s blue chevy. We got our first corsages, had our first dates and first boyfriends together. We got into a little trouble together too, but not much. I don’t remember watching TV with Jeanne one single time. We had too many important things to do.

She’s done everything right. Her personal compass is, as it has always been, true. She married the right guy and had ridiculously beautiful and talented children. To quote my New Year’s Eve post: “…Jeanne and Jeff and their amazing brood (now that they’re potty-trained, grown-up, college-educated and have their own apartments, I really wish they were mine)”.

Jeanne was ‘the practical one’. Though she has admired and generously nurtured creativity in others, she has always claimed to be singularly uncreative. Imagine my surprise when, a week or two before Christmas, I received a series of confusing and cryptic Facebook messages from Jeanne concerning, of all things, crochet. Oh, the moaning and gnashing of teeth, and the threats to crochet a noose and hang herself! I quote, “I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE FUN. THIS IS NOT FUN. THIS IS THE OPPOSITE OF FUN.” I was encouraging but non-commital, not wanting to upset her time/crochet continuum, but then during Christmas week, I spied this:

Then this:

Then THIS!

Delighted, yet stymied, I messaged her, suggesting we do a Crochet-Along project. Her answer: “Gee, I’d love to but I have too many projects going.” Well, how do you like that? She still swears it’s no fun, that she doesn’t enjoy it, that it’s merely some sort of weird obsession but I know the truth. She’s “hooked”.