Christmas eve...

WHAT? It's already here?

I know - i was taken aback as well.

In an attempt to help you all out who may have "misplanned" or "mistimed" your gifts,
we will remain open on Christmas eve until 2 p.m.

Hope that helps.

Happy holidays.

Christmas Hours

On The Lamb will close Thursday December 23 at 5 p.m. and reopen Tuesday January 4th at 10 a.m.

Yup. I'm having a break.

HOWEVER, we won't leave you high and dry; if you really need to get to On The Lamb, please leave an email at purl@onthelamb.ca, with your name, date you'd like to visit and a return phone number. We will do our best to accommodate.

Happy Happy Holidays!

... 10 more days

I don't want to be an alarmist, but there is only 10 more days until Christmas.

WHAT?

If you're stuck, do what i do.

Last year i knit DH a beautiful cashmere sweater, but hadn't put it together. No problem. I wrapped it up anyway ... in fact, in think there was even a sleeve left to do. Then, for his birthday in February, I put it together. I still have to sew on buttons and sew in ends. So i'll do that this week, wrap it up and give it to him, finally complete, for Christmas this year.

The gift that keeps on giving.

This blog is NOT about Frill Seeker!

It's the "Neck's Big Thing!" Cowl's!

(get it? "Neck's big thing", not "next big thing." I just thought that up. Actually no, i didn't. It's in the book. Rats!)



We've got chunky, bulky, varigated, super soft and tweedy.

You pick. We gottem.

a chuckle for you...

Darling Husband has been telling me for years that he can knit.

Here's proof.



Yes. He can.

(snicker, snicker)

Frill Seeker is Back!

IT'S HERE!
AND IT'S SNOWING!
And i took a picture of Frill Seeker in the snow!
Thrilling!

Just so that there is no confusion, i am attaching a picture of the colours that arrived. If you are looking for a repeat of your previous colour purchase - those colours will arrive in January.

... phew!

been a little absent from blogging ... been selling. Selling what, you might ask?

FRILL SEEKER! Can't keep it in stock and i really, really hope that there is more coming.

However, i wanted to mention that, if you're not knitting a Frill Seeker Scarf, and are on the hunt for Christmas presents, we have lots of things for the knitter on your list.

Like what, you ask? How about:

• Namaste Knitting Bags
• Starter Kits for new knitters
• "Shots" of stitch markers
• Circular Knitting Needle cases
• Straight Needle Cases
• Notion Bags
• "Soak" for the perfect care of the perfect yarn
• Tape measures
• Fun Specs for those who need "just a little help" reading the pattern
• Beautiful Brooches handmade by our friend Bijoux Belts
• Fabulous Pendants also by Bijoux Belts

AND

... we can make up kits for:
• sock knitters
• scarf knitters
• hat knitters
• shawl knitters
• knitters on the lam
• knitters moving "beyond the scarf"

Get it? Lots of choices, lots of options.

See you soon!

funny Elizabeth Zimmermann

really busy in the shop these days but i just had to share this from the "Queen of Knitting":

"Really, all you need to become a good knitter are wool, needles, hands, and slightly below-average intelligence. Of course, superior intelligence, such as yours and mine, is an advantage."
- Elizabeth Zimmerman.

Still snickering...

Pay attention - lots of good information here!

First off: This weekend in Uxbridge is the Christmas House Tour - 6 fabulous homes! Get your inspiration for this years Christmas theme. Or just get in the Christmas spirit! It's a wonderful tour and the money raised goes to a good cause, Precious Minds.

Remember, here at the Tin Mill, we are a delightful destination. (yes, i did just call us delightful!)
The Passionate Cooks Essentials is everything the Foodie in you needs And Desires. And they have a wish list. And Cooking Classes. And the delightful proprietor, Lisa. So why wouldn't you visit?

On The Lamb is your favourite neighbourhood knitting shop with fab sales... beginning tomorrow until November 18th!
Not all wool will be in sweater or garment lots - that's kinda why it's on sale!!! Now, there's a lot here; what i suggest is you print out this page and highlight what you think you might like. Come early. Come often!

Baby Ull - 100% wool - regularly $5.99, now $3.25. 10 balls for $30.00
Bamboo Soft - reglarly $5.99, now $4.25. 10 balls for $42.00
Classic 100% Wool - regularly $7.99, now $4.25. 10 balls for $42.00
Comfort DK - Acrylic - regularly $3.25, now $1.75. 10 balls for $16
Creative Focus Chunky - 100% wool - regularly $8.99, now $4.75. 10 balls for $45.00
Donna - regularly $4.99, now $2.75. 10 balls for $25.00
Falk - 100% wool - regularly $5.99, now $3.25. 10 balls for $30.00
Freedom Wool - 100% wool - Regularly $5.99, now $3.25. 10 balls for $30.00
Iona - silk/Wool blend - Regularly $25.00, now $13.50. 10 balls for $100.00
Julia - wool/Alpaca blend - regularly $8.99, now $4.75. 10 balls for $45.00
Lambswool 100% - regularly $8.49, now $4.50. 10 balls for $42.00
Lang Merino - merino superwash - regularly $7.99, now $4.25. 10 balls for $42.00
Me - regularly $15.99, now $8.25. 10 balls $80.00
Merino et Soie - regularly $6.99, now $5.00. 10 balls for $50.00
Nature's Way - 100% wool - regularly $7.49, now $3.75. 10 balls for $36.00
Perth - wonderful Merino - Regularly $7.49, now $3.75. 10 balls for $35.00.
Torino Bulky - Regularly $8.99, now $4.75. 10 balls for $45.00
Wool Gatto - 100% wool - regularly $7.99, now $4.50. 10 balls for $42.00
Zoom - regularly $11.99, now $6.00. 10 balls for $60.00

And don't forget our wonderful "Basket of the Ridiculous" - everything in the basket is $2.00 each

Tin Mill is a wonderful Restaurant and Jeffrey Ross is a fab jeweller.

All here at the Tin Mill.

... not much stops me

from knitting.
I knit watching tv.
I knit in the car.
I knit while chatting (sorry, but it's compulsive!)
I knit while reading.
I have even knit myself asleep.

But there is one thing i will stop knitting for ... 2 minutes tomorrow at 11 a.m.

It's the very least i can do.

and ...

Rizo has arrived. This is the final in the triumvirate of fancy schmancy scarf yarn.

It's a beauty. It's elegant and soft, available in 7 colours and has just enough flounces to be girly!

A Perfect Gift!

Triumvirate. Good word eh?

Here's what i think ...

I think people should knit more.

I think people should smile more.

I think people should be more kind.

I think people should be compassionate.

I think everyone should have a dog.

I think not everyone should have 3 cats, like we do.

I think you should grab the world by the balls.

I think you should be enchanting while you do so.

I think people should think more and speak less.

I think some people should mind their own business.

I think you should proooobably open another bottle of wine.

I think through and through, be yourself and own it.


Some of these wisdoms are Christopher's, and some are mine.
But they are all good.

I especially like "Be Enchanting" and i intend to "grab the world by the balls" while i am!

How about you?

Owwwww ...

... i think i have tunnel carpel, or carpel tunnel or tunnel vision or just a really sore elbow.

Why?

Too much knitting.

Going cold turkey tonight - no knitting! And none for 24 hours! What will i do?

What do people do who can't knit?

Hmmm. The mind boggles.

COME FOR THE THRILL OF A LIFETIME!

Ok. It's a little thrilling.

Frill Seeker is here!

We've got lots (except for one colourway and i'm looking into that!) of most colours!

Did i say lots? 200 balls!!!! Yup. Lots.

If the sales of the last week are any indication - it won't last long!

Come for the Thrill! Take away the Frill! (seeker) That didn't work very well, but you get my drift!

you feel good ... i feel good ... they live good ...

What am i talking about? Lantern Moon: a Fair Trade Women's Collective in Vietnam. They make wonderful and beautiful accessories for Knitting, and would be a FAB gift! And we are helping women achieve a lifetime career.

To quote Oprah "It's a good thing." Oh wait. That's Martha.

This Knit Out Box is brilliant - wool stays clean and tidy on your floor or table and looks beautiful at the same time!















AND this beautiful Silk case for your straights, dpn's and circ's. Plus a pocket for notions. I challenge you to find a more breathtaking case.
















And if you are just after a little something for a stocking stuffer (remember Christmas is only 2 months away!), how about this little cutie?

Beauty ... and the beast

Okay - this is another BEEUUUTIFULLL scarf for Christmas (which is 2 months away today, right?)









This is me making it.










This is, again, why Purl cannot come to the shop and the mess that she can make. That WAS some beauty Mohair.



BAD DOG!

New Stuff

LOTS OF NEW STUFF!

For the months of November and December we are open Thursday evenings until 7:30.
This begins on November 4th. AND on November 18th, we are open until 10 p.m. to kick off the holiday shopping in Uxbridge. Hopefully this will help you out with your Christmas shopping.
(There's only 9 weeks left until Christmas, but no pressure!)

AND we now have a Christmas Wish List - Come in and fill it out. Leave it with us, take home the perforated tag from the bottom, present the tag to your loved ones, and Shazamm! They know where to come, what to buy to make you happy for Christmas.

ahhhh... Frill Seeker

it's coming - we've been promised.

Our FIFTH shipment is on it's way. It's flying here and has to go through customs.

So It's coming.

But no guarantees for delivery.

Check with us November 1st if we haven't notified you.

It's coming, we promise.

... 'cause everyone needs a chuckle ...

Stephanie (The Yarn Harlot) Says:

"You know you knit too much when ... you know how to hold your novel open with a can of pop and your cell phone so that you can read while you knit!"

"The best thing about babies is that they can't refuse to wear the sweater you knit for them."

"The first knitting guild was founded in Paris in 1527. Only men were admitted, and it took six years of training for them to become master knitters." (obviously never took a course at On The Lamb!

"You know you knit too much when your kids know the phone number of the yarn shop by heart and dial it when they woner where you are."

"You know you knit too much when you let people think you take public transportation because you care about the environment, but really it's because you can't knit and drive."

AND MY FAVOURITE!

"YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT WITH THIS INFORMATION, BUT THERE ARE ABOUT NINE WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS. I DON'T KNOW HOW FAST YOU KNIT OR WHAT YOUR PLANS ARE, BUT I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT IT. NO PRESSURE."

Ahhhhhh.......

The seasons are changing, but not too fast or too early.

This is what i see when i arrive every morning.




Take a moment to enjoy the beauty around you.

Ohm.

TURKEY DAY!

I hope you all have a wonderful turkey day with your families!

I'm going to as well - so to that end, i will be closing at 3 p.m. on Saturday and remain closed until Tuesday.

I've got to - my guest list just went from 5 to 15!

SOMEBODY's got to clean the toilets!

Peace.

.... a treat for you ...

i have had several customers ask me about a pattern for a chunky knitted jacket pattern like the Canadian Jacket worn at the closing of the Olympics in Vancouver. Thus far, i haven't had any luck other than recommending graphing out your own design. Too much work, right?

Well, i have just discovered that our very own Briggs and Little in New Brunswick, the oldest Canadian woolen mill, supplied the yarn! AND have made the pattern available FREE!!!!!

AND this baby's going to knit up fast - 8mm needles and Rovings as wool!!!!!!



You can go to www.briggsandlittle.com and download.

You're welcome.

FLASH KNITTING! TREE COZIES!

Mob Knitting, Guerilla Knitting, Yarn Bombing- whatever you call it, it's hilarious!

Doesn't solve crimes, resolve world hunger, shoot the satellites down or get the wood in for the winter. All it does is make you chuckle ...

This Flash Knitting was done by the Knitwits and friends for the 25th Celebration of the Arts. There are 25 Tree Cozies (for 25 years, get it?) and they are still there.Will be there until the elements (or hooligans) do them in. AND we just may be adding more stuff for Christma!

Drive, walk or pedal by and ... chuckle.

"Scarf" this down people!!!

Ooooohhhhh, the weather outside is 'delightful'!
For Knitting that is!

This is the year of the scarf at On The Lamb - we have lots of versions of 'quickie doodle' scarves that can be done in 'one movie', just in time for Christmas!

Here's one that we CANNOT keep on the shelves! Frill Seeker is Thrilling!



How about this baby? Looks so elegant with little fur bobbles ... except they're not fur! But they look like it, eh? (what is it in us that loves the look of fur, but not the idea of it?)



Our very own Sandy whipped up this little beauty; takes 3 colours of similar wool - easy peasy - pattern is at the shop and so is the wool (yeah! it's true! go figure!)



We are waiting on two more beauties ... should here by end of the week! Stay tuned!

TEXTING GLOVES!

How adorable, and necessary, are these? Of course, you are not texting while driving, sitting at a stop light or in the line up at Timmies (although i don't know why you can't at Timmies - i'm always in that lineup!)

But when you are walking around, hitting the grocery store, walking the dog, chopping wood or need a really cool Gift (oh oh - here comes Christmas) and need just a little warmth and want to keep in touch with the kids at the same time ... TEXTING GLOVES!

I love them! And you will too.

And ... coincidentally ... we have a class for them! This is a good intro to knitting on 4 needles and cables. You will fall in love with cables!

Class: Dec. 8 & 15 at 10:30.

.... where has the time gone?

... I'll tell you - So much time is spent unpacking boxes, getting out the new stock, running classes, running classes, ordering new stuff, unpacking boxes.

But i can see the light at the end of the tunnel ... and i don't think it's a train coming towards me!

I have a bunch of new stuff to share with you and i will later in the week , but i wanted you to see ...
THIS! Available in 4 colours - soon to be 6 colours. The Scarf takes 1 ball, is 6' long. You could get two scarves of 36" out of one ball! $14.99.

I KNOW!

Wonderful expressions i thought up ....

... well i thought to look at the Yarn Harlot's Page a Day Calendar, and type them here.

OKAY!!!

They are not mine at all. They are STEPHANIE PEARL-MCPHEE's. Okay? She's the smarty pants, not me.

Anyway - they are goodies:

"Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic."

"It is a well-knwn fact that if you use knitting to manage your stress, you're going to have to choose the project carefully. Small stresses usually demand complex work that can take your mind off your troubles by engaging your intellect. Big stresses, like death, divorce, or medical tragedy, usually call for large, simple, mindless work, since your intellect has already been trashed by what you're going through."(ellen says - TOO TRUE!
)
"A whole lot of methods have been explained to me to keep me from running out of "tail" yarn when i do the long-tail cast on. I've resisted learning them because i love the element of surprise. Will i run out? Will i make it? Will i have to start again? Once? Twice? Nine times? I know there are knitters whom this would drive insane, but me - i think of it as one of the only exciting risks i have the nerve to take." (ellen says - 1" per stitch usually does it for all but the bulkiest wool)

"You know you Knit too Much When you have invested money in a yarn storage solution that involves more than one room of your house." (ellen says - Tupperware doesn't count!)

AND MY FAV!

"It has taken me years and years of knitting to learn that with few remarkable exceptions, the rule "crap in, crap out' applies to knitting (as well as children, but that's a story for another day). I have several sweaters that were impeccably knit and would be fantastic, but they are pilling and and looking worn-out after no time because i decided to save a buck on the yarn. Knitting is too slow and too much work to waste time with poor yarn." (ellen says - gospel people. Gospel!)

... the perfect little gift

It's a beauty and it's perfect for that .... indifferent puggy!

Only takes one skein of Mohair Splash (and because the Mohair is of such high quality - it won't scratch a delicate neck) , the pattern is a beginner lace pattern (4 row pattern repeat) available here, and then you go until you are done.

You can't tell me this wouldn't be great for your mother-in-law!




I knew you would like it ... and so will my aunty!

oh. It's Saturday...

Mini kvetch

Geeze - off i go to talk to my local fireman expert, and oh, it's Saturday. Then i thought i would call my bank and see if i could straighten out my banking charges (read, reduce them) and oh, it's Saturday. Then i thought i would contact my suppliers and find out exactly where all my ordered wool is anyway, and oh, oh. It's Saturday.

WELL. I gotta work. Why don't they?

Mini kvetch is over.

Prepare to get excited - new yarn arriving weekly! I've been pushing and shoving (not people, yarn) and selling like mad to make space for the new beauties! New ArtYarn has arrived - just look at these beauties. And the softer-than-air wonderful one skein scarves for someone really special - like you!



Here for your shopping pleasure... today and tomorrow.
(Except i'll be opening tomorrow at 1:30 for that day only. Funeral. Sorry.)

We have a new member of our family!!!!

Two announcements ... and they are earth shattering!

First, we are now open on Sundays from 12 noon to 4 pm.

I KNOW! It's been a long time coming, but here it is, and here we are, for your shopping pleasure!

Second, I'd like to introduce you to ANNE - our wonderful, cheerful and ever so helpful 'Sunday Slave! '(Her words, not mine!)

Anne is an experienced knitter, she know the value of great customer service, and she's cheerful! PS She's also a professor at York so she's tough. But cheerful! And positive.

Come on in on Sundays - we're here for your knitting pleasure!

Hot enough for you ...

Think it's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk?

It ain't the heat; it's the humility. (i know, it should be humidity but ...)

If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back?

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Okay, I got that out of the way - no more heat comments. Enough's enough.

BUT! You can't get away from the fact that fall and Christmas are coming ... this is your friendly reminder from your friendly yarn shop owner ... get going on those Christmas presents!

Knit a Christmas Stocking! Knit a glam shawl! Knit a chunky scarf! All easy. All quick. All delightful. All in classes.

And remember! With every class you get a cup of coffee (and Air Conditioning, but i wasn't going to mention that!)

ooohhhhh!

I know! I say that a lot.

But new product has begun to arrive.

Ooooohhhhh!

Here's a really sweet sweater knit by Mariane: one skein will do the little beauty! Yarn by Painted Fleece with 2% Sterling Silver!

A little bit of luxury for your little bit of a thing.

It's a long weekend, and i'm off home at 3 today to knit another tea cozy, 2 cupcakes and a vest. If i get all that done and i'm a good girl, i can start a simple sweater in Campus! It just arrived and it's chunky and i can hardly wait for fall.

That's not exactly what i was thinking ...

I love Debbie Bliss patterns for little ones. They are quick and easy, and she has wonderful, brilliant colours to support her patterns in all her lines.

I decided to knit a wee little jacket in the Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran, in a wonderful shade of pink. It is an "all-in-one" pattern so i cast on the back, knit up to the sleeve, cast on for the sleeve, and carried on down the left front. At which point a lovely customer bought all the rest of that colour lot.

Heck, i had to sell it to her. In fact, i wanted to sell it to her. After all, why am i here if not to sell and make my customers happy?

But now i had a jacket 1/2 done. No more yarn in that colourway.

So i improvised. And i think you'll agree, and perhaps even Debbie Bliss would agree, that we have a cutie patootie jacket here! The colourways are unexpected but they work. And the buttons tie the project together.

So. If you run out of yarn. improvise. Just make sure your gauges and weights are compatible. It may not be exactly what you were thinking you would get, but gives you a far better result in the end.

(yes i know i could have re-ordered the yarn but where's the fun in that?)

Hot enough for you?

It's hot. Okay. I said it. We don't need to say it again.

HOWEVER, cool summer evenings and cooler days are approaching. AND. So is Christmas. No really. It is. It's coming. And remember how you promised yourself last year that your Christmas knitting would start earlier this year? So you weren't casting off, or worse, casting on, on Christmas eve?

I'm just sayin'.

I've been reorganizing the shop because in two weeks we're going to be inundated with new lines, new colours, new patterns!

So get thinking! Here it comes!

Yup ... Still New Stuff! and ... THAT word.

I found this wonderful handpainted yarn, done in Toronto by Painted Fleece. I LOVE IT.

We've got merino with 2% sterling silver; just a little bit of glitter, not tooooo much. Will work for socks and shawls AND the perfect amount for a little summer dress (for a little one, not you silly!)

Sea cell and Silk - do you remember this from when we did our dying workshop last summer? It just simpers and simmers, and at 7oo yards, more than enough for a wonderful shoulder wrap. We also have merino and cashmere; very chi chi, very new, very now!

Come and see; they really wont' last long once we start thinking about .... (DA DA DUHHHH) CHRISTMAS!

There, i said it and probably said it first this year. We have to start planning! These projects don't just make themselves! Let's go!

okay - i've been away awhile ...

But it hasn't been all fun and games ... the refurb of the hard drive continues (and i don't want to hear from all you know-it-alls about external hard drives - where were you 4 weeks ago, i ask!? Yeah. Huh.)

You know that expression, "Hindsight is foresight?" Well, it turns out it's right. Hummmph.

On to better things ...

Since we last chatted, i finished my beeeuutifullll summer sweater. It's so easy, so quick and wonderful. In fact, i call it the "Pretty Easy Peasy Summer Sweater." AND you can take a class to finish! It's done in a luscious merino and silk - knit in one piece from the neck down, and for a little added touch of elegance, the neckband, waistband and cuffs are baby cables!

And ... well, the inevitable has happened again this year. I had a birthday. BUT my baby girl made me these glorious cupcakes and brought them to the shop. If you were lucky enough to be here yesterday, i graciously shared them with you. She's a smarty pants. AND she has a new company called Cutie Patootie Cupcakes - she can make custom and original cupcakes for any event! She made my day! AND she's a teacher!

I can't help it!

I'm so excited, i just can't hide it.

I'm about to lose control and i think i like it!

Just. Look . At . This . Beauty!

Uh huh. What on earth are you waiting for? One skein of this ArtYarn will do a wonderful Arrowhead stitch scarf ... starting ... now!

Need we say more?

Come and gett'em! We've GOT to move the Cottons to make room for the stock arriving in the Fall! Good time to make that Market Bag!!!!

I know, i know! (and i cringe ...)

Well, it HAS been awhile since i've updated y'all!

Here's the thing; did you really want to hear about my computer/technical problems as well as my accounting difficulties? Also how awful it is to do physical inventory? I didn't think so. BUT i can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel known as "Accounting and Computer H-E-double hockey sticks."

I now repeat my frequent lament; i need staff! particularly Accounting/IT/Computer staff! Too specific? ... gee, i dunno. I think one such person could make a mint!

And really, don't you think we are all programmed ONE way? I'm not programmed the accounting/computer way. I'm programmed the "pretty colours/soft textures/customer service/knitting way." Good for you, huh? Hard for me ... but it wouldn't be if ... I HAD STAFF! (see, it's oft repeated!)

Anyway......

To take my mind off these issues, i sit, i caress the beeeyyooootifullll ArtYarn that just arrived. Mohair ... Beads ... Sequins ... Gold Filament! Only 4 or 5 of each skein; very chichi, very popular, very lovely.

I yearn. I desire. I want. And you will too!

Come and see!!!!!!

And we will speak no more of this thing called accounting.

Just because it's necessary, doesn't mean it can't be pretty!

We all know that there are lots of us who deal with cancer treatment. And we know that hair loss is sometimes a side effect of the treatment.

We have wonderful volunteers who knit chemo, or Wellness Caps for donation to Sunnybrook Hospital here in Toronto.

Here is a new pattern for those who are a little bit bored with the basic cap pattern that we have in our shop.

It's a perfect chance to try a little lace! This pattern comes to us from the "Look Good, Feel Better" people!

(www.lookgoodfeelbetter.ca.ca)

Lace-edged Women’s Hat

This pattern can be easily adjusted to fit smaller or larger heads-the lace pattern is worked over a multiple of six stitches. Simply add or subtract six stitches for each 1.5” of desired head circumference.

Size:

• Women’s Small (Medium, Large)

MaterialS:

• Yarn that will knit to gauge • Knitting needles-two circulars or

one 16” circular and one set of dpns (size uS6 or size to knit gauge)

GauGe

• 20 stitches = 4” in stockinette stitch

abbreviationS

• yo: yarn over • sk2p: slip one stitch purlwise,

knit next two stitches together, pass slipped stitch over

inStructionS

• Finished size: 18” (20.5”, 22”) diameter

• one stitch marker • Tapestry needle

• K2tog: knit two stitches together

Cast on 84 (90,96) stitches on 16” circular needle. Being careful not to twist the stitches, join and place marker at the beginning of next row.

RoW 1: purl.

RoW 2: *yo, k1, sk2p, k1, yo, k1* (repeat around).

RoW 3: knit.

RoW 4: *k1, yo, sk2p, yo, k2* (repeat around).

RoW 5: Knit.

Repeat rows 2-5 two times.

RoW 14: Knit. Continue knitting all rounds until piece measures 5 (5, 5.5) inches from bottom.

Begin decreases:

1ST decrease: *K12 (13, 14), K2Tog* (Repeat around). Knit next Row.

2nd decrease: *K11 (12, 13), k2tog* (repeat around). Knit next row.

3Rd decrease: *K10 (11, 12), k2tog* (repeat around). Knit next row.

4Th decrease: *K9 (10, 11), k2 tog* (repeat around). Knit next row.

5Th decrease: *K8 (9, 10), k2tog* (repeat around). Knit next row.

Divide stitches evenly between two circular needles or three dpns.

6th decrease: *K7 (8, 9), k2tog* (repeat around).

Continue in this pattern, decreasing every row, until 12 stitches remain.

K2tog around so that 6 sts remain; then pull yarn through remaining stitches with a tapestry needle.

Pull end through to inside of hat, weave in, and trim.

HEY! Did the earth move?

Did the earth move for you too?

We just had a mini earthquake - who knew? Here in Uxbridge!

Huh?

Just because ...

your kitchen needs cleaning ...

your laundry needs doing ...

your dinner needs fixin' ...

your dog don't hunt ...

your car is broke ...

DOESN'T mean you can't knit!

In fact, in my world, knitting fixes all those things and, world hunger. Well, not quite world hunger, but i'm working on it!

Projects don't need to be huge and hot and heavy in your lap for summer knitting. How about a summer sweater out of cotton? How about socks - pedicure socks - so cute! How about a chemo cap for someone in need? How about dishcloths? How about children's mitts and hats for those in need? How about an afghan ... done in small squares to be assembled later?

Do you need more ideas? Com'on in and have a look! The walls are bulging with fab wool and yarns and wonderful patterns. And of course, we're always happy to see you!

(PLUS we are a bit sneaky and have various things on sale, all the time!)

and along the same lines ...

from Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's calendar:

"You know you knit too much when ... you think that if knitting toned your abs, you would be seriously hot."

I'm just sayin'!

As if you needed one more reason ...

... to knit! You really don't.

But i have one. My biceps are amazing, my triceps a little less so, but these biceps!

AND my pec's - well, there's really nothing to add.

So next time someone nags at you about knitting too much, the size of your stash, your devotion to your local knitting store- tell them you're working out! And flash those biceps!

That otta shut'em up - at least until they figure it out!

Kaboom!

Yeah. I dunno what happened. I just went to turn on my computer and got that horrible, wicked, sinking feeling that accompanies seeing the BIG GRAY QUESTION MARK on my screen. And nothing else.

Yeah. Hard drive. Kaboom.

sigh.

Good news is now i have an external harddrive with back-up every hour and Apple Care Extended Warranty for 3 years.

sigh.

Too late.

i have a rhetorical question for you ...

If one was writing a pattern, and knitting the project at the same time to check for accuracy, how long should it take one to notice that their sun roof was open and it was raining?

Cause i really don't think it should be an hour.

Hmmm ... got any towels (and that's not rhetorical!)

... what is it? A Dress?

Okay - you know how the last sweater i made went? It's still sitting in pieces on my chair ... waiting for the winter ... and Warren's birthday. Here's what i think ... i figure i can KNIT it for one birthday and ASSEMBLE it for the next birthday. Are you with me? A two'fer!

Anyway - i've moved on to a Pretty Easy Peasy Cardi for the summer. Easy pattern, knit from the top down. Lovely wool (that i'm currently not stocking, BUT I CAN!), but can be done in cotton.

So, did you guess that this is not a dress for Puggy (wth?) but a lovely drapey summer cardi with bracelet length sleeves, with a twisted cable ribbing. Very elegant, very easy. You can tell all that from the picture, right?

Easy Pattern.

Easy Class.

Easy Peasy.

Knitting ... a creative way to meditate

I've always thought that knitting was like yoga ... and i don't mean because you can get tied up in knots with both activities! Knitting forces you to slow down, to take a moment to rid yourself of worrisome thoughts and life's complexities. It forces you to look at many parts and contemplate how they form a whole object. It also forces your brain to 'fire', concentrate and problem solve.

Like Yoga and indeed, meditation, knitting allows you to release stray thoughts that have been 'busying' up your mind. Because you are concentrating on a new task, your worries will move to the 'back burner' in your brain and simmer there. If you simply acknowledge your troubles but cease to concentrate on them, your mind will open and solutions will begin to appear.

The meditative state is easy to achieve while knitting; the rhythmic and repetitive quality of the stitches and the subtle clicking of your needles can actually induce your desired relaxation state.

It's almost like a mantra. I have actually put myself to sleep while knitting. Truly! I was embarrassed but oh, so relaxed!

So next time your troubles, worries and confusing thoughts threaten your peace of mind, pick up your needles, send those troubles to the back burner and ... relax.

Buttons, button, who's got the button?

Buttons.

I'm on the search.

Seems to be mostly American companies.

They say they'll ship (and sell) to Canada but their ordering system will not accept my address ... you know ... not being a state, and all.

Yeessh.

I persevere.

Stay cool.

reeeaallllyyy slouchy ....

So.

You know those really slouchy hats the kids are wearing?

Ok.

So.

I wrote a pattern, knit up a sample.

Hmmm. Now i sound like the kids!

However, it's REALLY SLOUCHY!

Were my needles too large?

No.

Could i be that i knit with too bulky wool?

Maybe.

The style is kinda wacky in the first place?

THAT'S IT!

Don't tell the kids but, shower cap comes to mind.

Come in and see for yourself ...

you might really like it!

Have a lovely long weekend! I'm outta here at 3!

Measure twice, cut once...

Well, this isn't exactly that. But you really should get all your information up front.

Case in point; my rep sent me a notice to tell me that Metallic Sox, a wildly popular sock yarn, was being discontinued. I had 4 colours (5 of each colour) and only have two left.

So i send rep an email; "This is excellent! What an opportunity! And on sale too! Send me a bag of each colour."

I did not know that they had twelve colours.

Would have been a good question to ask, huh?

My mistake - your good fortune.

Berroco Metallic Sox yarn on sale - regularly $14.99 - Now $11.99

'cause i've got some extra ...

.. must be spring cleaning time...

What is this?

Warren's Birthday Present.

It's a cardigan.

His birthday was February 18th.

It's Debbie Bliss Como - Cashmere and wool.

Pattern from Debbie Bliss 09 Winter Magazine.

Nice, eh? Late, eh?

..TA DA!!!!!

AND HERE IT IS, BOYS AND GIRLS!

The best market bag ever - people will stop you in the streets, they will stop you in the mall, they will stop you in Vince's!

It's a quickie doodle project done in a weekend - mercerized cotton is what gives it it's strength and the vibrant colours give it it's "cool factor."

Pattern is here. Cotton is here. Why aren't you?

They were wrong. It is easy being green...

... Lookeeee!

Is it a Market Bag?

Is it a Beach Bag?

Is it a ... (wait for it) ... a KNITTING BAG?????

This is the easiest all purpose bag ever! Do one band of colour a night; i started the green base on Saturday at the shop, finished it before dinner and picked up my stitches for the sides. After dinner i knit the first colour band - hot pink (while watching Amelia - did you see it?). I knit on Sunday after we went for a nice family walk; colour = orange. Monday, picked up the yellow and knit that band. Tonight - finishing with 6 rows of green and doing the i-cord handles.

(colour co-ordination, eh?)

P.S. Do you see the fire in the background? Did you notice the date? Is any one else climbing the walls waiting for summer.?

R-E-A-L-L-Y! Not even kidding. (just got a manicure - phew.)

and here come the sides ...

Happy Mothers Day all!

I am spending this very cold afternoon (did anyone else wake up to snow??) knitting away on my market bag - i love these hot colours! But you could just as easily do it in cool colours - or even neutrals!

This is going to be a class - stay tuned.

Happy Birthday Christopher!

Okay - you eco people ...

... it's time to put your money where your mouth is.

Whip up and take it to the market ... no more plastic!

This is an illustration of the pattern; clear as mud, yes?

I'll show you my progress as we go ... here's the beginning of the base!

Well, i said i would ...

Happy Mumma's Day!

Have you got your mumma' a gift yet? No? How about this wonderful lacy scarf?

Knits up in 3.5 hours on 8 mm needles - quickie doodle! You've still got time!

AND, because we have such a great relationship ... here is a gift from me to you ... the pattern!

Mothers Day Scarf

Materials: Bali x 2

8mm Needles

Makes a scarf about 5.5" wide - you may make it as long as you like - longer is better!

1. Cast on 19 stitches - to make it wider you may add more stitches, just make sure

you have an odd number of stitches.

2. Knit 6 rows in garter stitch

3. K1, *yarn over 3 times, k1. Repeat from * across row (you will end up with a knit stitch)

4. Knit the next row, dropping yarn over's off the needle as you go.

5. Knit another 3 rows.

6. Repeat rows 3 - 5 until the scarf is as long as you want.

7. Cast off LOOSLY.

Add fringe if you wish.

What to do when the weather turns ...

We knit! We just knit small projects ... i'm knitting a beautiful hot pink bamboo drop stitch scarf - so easy that i expect it to be done tonight! Stay tuned for the picture tomorrow!

I have finally whittled away at my UFO's; i finished the teddy bear for Anna, i completed 4 more knitted knockers and ... well that's all. But it's better than last weeks completed projects.

Here: A Challenge.

We have an increasing need for Knitted Knockers. I am down to my last pair ofKnitted Knockers and more and more women are learning about our fab project. SO. Here's the deal. You knit 2 Knitted Knockers (pattern available on my website), drop them off and i will GIVE YOU a $10 gift certificate. Think about it - it's a win/win situation. Our ladies are helped and you are, in effect, paid.

(If you are depleting your stash for knitted knockers, remember no wool or scratchy acrylic. Bamboo, cotton and soft acrylic work nicely.)

What say you? Are you up to the challenge?

Earth Day! Too much fun?

We did it! Lisa Kitchen from the Passionate Cook and i took our travelling road show to Blue Heron Books and did our dog and pony show for the nice folks.

What did we do? We talked about our business'! Lisa made smoothies and served pea salad - it was pea-tastic! Lisa had a little pea-tastrophy getting the peas inside - thank goodness Lisa had extra - peas!

I talked to the nice people about wool/ bamboo/ cotton / knitting green 'til i was blue in the face. And i spent a lot of money on books - a hazard when you display in a bookshop!)

And i met the most adorable baby lamb - see? Isn't he a cutie? I figured i could bring him home, tell darling hubby that he was a big puppy and bob's your uncle!

No?

Didn't think so.

Hope you could do your part for Mother Earth.

And just when you thought ...

it was a blouse ... it's not! TaDa!

The ultimate 'green' knitting project! My blue (not green, sorry) silk blouse was getting very tired (and i was very tired of ironing it) so it has a new life as a scarf.

Wonderful look- you won't get anything tailored or refined using this technique, but it's very edgy and current!

I will be demonstrating this technique at Earth Day this Thursday, April 22nd! You can find me from 6 - 10 p.m. at Blue Heron Bookstore, located at 62 Brock Street West Uxbridge.

Come. See. Learn.

P.S. Here's another little funny from Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. "I think knitting is just about perfect. In fact, I would change only thing: it'd be great if it counted as a cardio workout!"

(teehee)

Earth Day - are you ready?

April 22nd - 6 - 10 p.m. is Earth Day here in Uxbridge!!!!

On The Lamb will be joining The Passionate Cook (Lisa Kitchen, for those not in the know) and we will set up shop in Blue Heron Bookstore for the evening.

Why? Because we are honouring Earth Day here in Uxbridge.

How? Bamboo, people!!!! And frankly, isn't wool the original 'green' product? We even have Eco Cotton that has never been treated with chemicals or other bad stuff.

Will it be fun? You bet! Be there! (aren't these babies cutie-patootie?)

It's New! It's Exciting! It's Back...

I know ... continuity issues in the Title BUT ... now that i have your attention! Taadddrruuummmmmmmmmm (that's a drum roll.)

This weekend, Saturday April 10th, 10 a.m.

THE BIANNUAL YARN CRAWL!!!

On The Lamb, your favourite yarn shop is offering 20% discount on everything in the store INCLUDING all the new stuff! AND, to further sweeten the pot, 25% discount on Cotton. EVEN the new stuff.

AGAIN, this year, by popular demand, 5 knitting shops offering all kinds of discounts, prizes, coffee and general feelings of wellbeing!!!!

AND while visiting On The Lamb, please also visit The Passionate Cook, Jefferey Ross Jewellery and Tin Mill! They are ALL offering specials, sales and special presentations. Also, we are so pleased to also include Quilters Cupboard, located in Uxbridge. Sue and her gang will greet you with enthusiasm and show you the wonders of their world of quilting!!!!

Just For You. Just One Day. Just In Uxbridge.

(okay, i'm tired of writing in colours and uppercase, but aren't you excited?)

And just a little funny for you, from our friend Stephanie Pearl-McPhee:

"You know you knit too much when ... you really can't imagine what people are talking about then they return "extra yarn" left over from their project."

Hmmm? What's up with that? Haven't they heard of STASH!

(ooops, more colour and uppercase!)

See you here! Saturday!