A Felted Water Bottle Carrier

Waldorfmama put this pattern out on Earth Day this past Spring and since then I have seen many beautiful versions on her blog. A few nights ago, inspired by a crochet cover my mom made for a glass container to use as a water bottle, I decided it was time to make one of my own for a water bottle I stopped using because of the pattern on front. I just wasn't into it anymore.

This was a very quick knit. If you know anything about my knitting experiences, you know that it takes me several months to finish any project. I got through this one in two short sittings, which means most knitters could probably bust it out in just a couple hours.

One thing I was worried about with this project was the felting. I have an LG front loading washer, and I've heard felting just does not work well in these things. I decided to try it out, using tips I picked up through a quick google search. Here's what I did: I put the project inside a cotton pillow case and threw it into the machine along with a pair of old sneakers to help with agitation. I set my washer to a hot wash, cold rinse, and added only a tiny bit of soap. For the cycle, I used water plus (to make sure the project was thoroughly soaked through rather than just wetted) and no spin.

After running through one cycle the carrier was felted a bit, but it had not shrunk enough, and all of the stitches were still highly visible. I ran it through again, and it was the perfect size. The stitches are still more visible than I was hoping for, especially on the handle, but I think it turned out pretty well considering.

This was also a project full of new knitting experiences. First time knitting a square bottom and picking up stitches all around, first time knitting an i-cord bind-off, and first time felting a project I had made myself!

Fabric Wreath

I bought this form three years ago intending to make a fabric covered wreath, but somehow it never happened. Earlier this week, this beautiful pile of vintage reproduction fabric, to use for a wedding project, showed up on my doorstep..

and well, I may have dipped into it for a couple of other projects too, like this holiday wreath. I had originally envisioned using actual holiday print fabric, but I think these prints were a much better choice. They still seem festive, without being in your face about it. I added a few favourite notions - red ric-rac, lace trim, and some favourite vintage buttons. It was a quick project, but adds such a fun and colourful touch.

I almost want to make another one with different combinations of prints!

A New Tradition

This year I discovered something wonderful in our city - the Toronto Christmas Market. This is its second year running, and it is quickly growing into a fun holiday tradition, with vendors, shows, a couple rides, and food. It has a long way to go before it becomes like the German Christmas markets it emmulates, but it will get there over time.

The market is located in the Distillery District - one of the beautiful, historic parts of the city.

There was only one booth selling handcarved German ornaments and toys, and that was by far the busiest place to be. I spend a good deal of time there, and brought home a treasure for our own tree.
There was an area devoted to the little ones, with a maze with a visit to Santa at the end. Another area I'm sure will grow and improve over the years.

We visited during a weekday afternoon, and I imagine it is much more lively on a weekend or evening when more people are about.

We will be back next year, looking forward to the growth and changes to come!

Flowers flowers everywhere

This past week it hit me that I can no longer say our wedding is a year away and put off all those things that need to be done. I'm making all of the decor and favours myself, and a dear friend is designing the invitations. I got into gear and spent a lot of time confirming bookings and booking what hasn't been, discussing ideas, and working on what I've already started.

I'm up to 33 flower pins now! About 50 more to go. One of those new fangled fabric cutting machines would be useful right about now!

Finishing..

It may have taken six months, and the button band may need a little fixing, but I finished my first knitted sweater. Yes, the Tea Leaves is done!

It does need some better pictures though.

I was hoping to cast-on another, much smaller sweater next, but unfortunately that will be put on the back burner for at least another month. Soon, perhaps, a pile of tiny handknits!

The Folksy Flannels quilt is probably next on the list of in-process projects that need finishing, but every time I pull it out this cat perches herself on it. This cat, she has a thing for blankets. Can't say I blame her.

Antiquing and Some Crafting

On Sunday, Jer and I went for a fall drive to pick out some pumpkins. We stopped at one of my favourite antique malls and got so caught up in all the treasures to be found that we ran out of time and missed our pumpkin farm date. Oh well, there will always be next year!

It's been a while since I found so much Pyrex, so I let myself go a little crazy! I had been looking for the daisy casseroles for a long while, so I even overpaid a little for them. The rest were priced very well.

I've also started a couple new craft projects recently, of course without finished up the ones already on the go! That's just how I roll.

Stripey knit baby blanket - going to have so much fun weaving in these ends, but it sure is cute!

I've re-started this one about 6 time and am still not happy with it. It looks better the further I get in it, so I'm not sure if I'll keep going for a while or re-start again now. It's hockey season again, so I imagine I'll have a lot of crafting time while Jer and I watch!

At the Orchard and in the Kitchen

Jer and I took to the apple orchard on Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. I had been hoping for some beautiful fall weather - cool breezy wind, that fall smell..you know the one I mean, cosy sweaters, wool socks, light scarves, and slouchy hats, finished off with a mug of hot apple cider to warm up our hands. Instead, we got 30 degrees(celcius) and sweaty gross. Summer in October, oh yes. Still, the sights were beautiful and a good time was had.








It sure looked like fall, even if it didn't feel it.

Since then we have been enjoying apple goodies - sauce, pies, crisps, and of course just straight up apples. Some into our bellies and some into the freezer for later.

My first homemade pie was not very pretty, but it was given positive reviews by our Thanksgiving guests.