Friday, May 03, 2019
Friday, March 08, 2019
Putting the "wear" in Knitwear!
Since October 1, I've worn at least one knitted item a day. Whether it's socks, a cowl, sweater or scarf, each item has been pulled from my ever-growing collection of knitting artistry and appreciated for its uniqueness, design, warmth and luxury! How many artists can say they can proudly wear their work -- daily!?
A shoutout to the designers, dyers and spinners who give us the tools to make this artistic magic. Without their artistic talents, the knitters, crocheters, weavers and fibre artists amongst us would not have the tools to create. And create we do.... here is one incredible item that's come off my needles recently...
The pattern is "Wild Swan", an incredible co-creation of designers Anne-Lise Maigaard and Nim Teasdale. And the yarn (shown here while the project is still on the blocking mats in it's full spread-out glory) is Wendy's artistry of Wendy's Wonders fame.
Every so often, a knitter is fortunate to find the perfect match of yarn to pattern. This was the case for me with this project. And the pattern, as well as the gradient colours, made it a project I didn't want to put down. If you look closely, there are beads hidden in there -- not too contrasty -- and echo the shading of the yarn. I have a few more skeins of Wendy's, and look forward to new projects/designs to use these. Her gradients never disappoint with such seamless colour transitions.
There are also a few other gradients in my yarn collection -- these from Vivid Fiber Arts -- a New York dyer who works with tencel yarns.
I've lusted after "Haunted Forest" -- a rich teal green to black gradient -- for some time, and because Amy's rotation of colours has meant that colourway is now available... well... there was no doubt it had to be added to my yarn stash! (That's not to say there aren't a few other VFA yarns waiting patiently in my stash too!)
.....(with thanks to Vivid Fiber Arts for the photo)
And in between these 600-800m projects, there are a few smaller projects on the needles -- a crescent-shaped shawl/scarf with loads of texture, and a couple of pairs of socks. The plan is to stockpile more knitted wooly goodness for next year's "Knitwear Challenge".... and to kick it up a notch, maybe I'll see if I can wear something knitted every day without a repeat performance by the knitted item....
Anyone up for a similar challenge?
A shoutout to the designers, dyers and spinners who give us the tools to make this artistic magic. Without their artistic talents, the knitters, crocheters, weavers and fibre artists amongst us would not have the tools to create. And create we do.... here is one incredible item that's come off my needles recently...
The pattern is "Wild Swan", an incredible co-creation of designers Anne-Lise Maigaard and Nim Teasdale. And the yarn (shown here while the project is still on the blocking mats in it's full spread-out glory) is Wendy's artistry of Wendy's Wonders fame.
There are also a few other gradients in my yarn collection -- these from Vivid Fiber Arts -- a New York dyer who works with tencel yarns.I've lusted after "Haunted Forest" -- a rich teal green to black gradient -- for some time, and because Amy's rotation of colours has meant that colourway is now available... well... there was no doubt it had to be added to my yarn stash! (That's not to say there aren't a few other VFA yarns waiting patiently in my stash too!)
.....(with thanks to Vivid Fiber Arts for the photo)
And in between these 600-800m projects, there are a few smaller projects on the needles -- a crescent-shaped shawl/scarf with loads of texture, and a couple of pairs of socks. The plan is to stockpile more knitted wooly goodness for next year's "Knitwear Challenge".... and to kick it up a notch, maybe I'll see if I can wear something knitted every day without a repeat performance by the knitted item....
Anyone up for a similar challenge?
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
I love this time of year....
....with the great fall colours, the wind blowing them around, the nip in the air, and the contrast of the thunderous grey fall skies with the remaining golden tamaracks!
And then there's that first snow. It doesn't stay, but it's a reminder of what's to come. It gently dusts the branches, adding even more contrast to the fall colours....
I have the pleasure of being able to enjoy two areas of this beautiful province -- central Ontario where fall has come and gone, and southern Ontario where the vibrant reds and oranges are still adorning the maple trees.
Maybe extending the season makes it more enjoyable. Maybe it's just the colours, the temperature and the changes in seasons. My husband used to say spring was his favourite season -- the renewal of life, the bright, hopeful greens in their newness -- but that's not to say he didn't enjoy the fall as well..... hunting, the crunch of leaves underfoot... and the memories of appreciating both seasons lives on!
I've said it before, one of the benefits of this season is the opportunity to bring out the woolies again -- all the scarves, sweaters, mitts and other yarnie goodness.
For those who know me, it's no surprise to know I have a lot of these wonderful handknits, and so since October 1, my goal is to "wear a woolie every day"..... Success so far!! And it's a great opportunity to sort through those "I'll save it for _____" projects and wear it now. It a wonderful way to appreciate the time, effort, fibre, design, and the benefits of the warmth and comfort of each of these pieces of art!
One more surprise benefit is the memories each piece stirs up -- the yarn I bought in Kensington Market when I was touring with my friend (originally from Toronto, but now in Krakow, Poland) and her group of students, is now an airy scarf. It's the perfect colour for Halloween (I tend to like orange!), but the added benefit is it makes me think of her and the fun we had that day. The wonderfully soft and warm alpaca sweater which led me to meet a new knitter in Nova Scotia. And there are other pieces that tie me to a dear friend in Fredericton, NB, or one in Calgary, AB, or another in Lithuania, and yet another in Bulgaria.
While the fall leaves may be changing here in Ontario, the appreciation of the season (at least for me) extends world wide!!
And then there's that first snow. It doesn't stay, but it's a reminder of what's to come. It gently dusts the branches, adding even more contrast to the fall colours....I have the pleasure of being able to enjoy two areas of this beautiful province -- central Ontario where fall has come and gone, and southern Ontario where the vibrant reds and oranges are still adorning the maple trees.
Maybe extending the season makes it more enjoyable. Maybe it's just the colours, the temperature and the changes in seasons. My husband used to say spring was his favourite season -- the renewal of life, the bright, hopeful greens in their newness -- but that's not to say he didn't enjoy the fall as well..... hunting, the crunch of leaves underfoot... and the memories of appreciating both seasons lives on!I've said it before, one of the benefits of this season is the opportunity to bring out the woolies again -- all the scarves, sweaters, mitts and other yarnie goodness.
For those who know me, it's no surprise to know I have a lot of these wonderful handknits, and so since October 1, my goal is to "wear a woolie every day"..... Success so far!! And it's a great opportunity to sort through those "I'll save it for _____" projects and wear it now. It a wonderful way to appreciate the time, effort, fibre, design, and the benefits of the warmth and comfort of each of these pieces of art!
One more surprise benefit is the memories each piece stirs up -- the yarn I bought in Kensington Market when I was touring with my friend (originally from Toronto, but now in Krakow, Poland) and her group of students, is now an airy scarf. It's the perfect colour for Halloween (I tend to like orange!), but the added benefit is it makes me think of her and the fun we had that day. The wonderfully soft and warm alpaca sweater which led me to meet a new knitter in Nova Scotia. And there are other pieces that tie me to a dear friend in Fredericton, NB, or one in Calgary, AB, or another in Lithuania, and yet another in Bulgaria.
While the fall leaves may be changing here in Ontario, the appreciation of the season (at least for me) extends world wide!!
Wednesday, July 04, 2018
Summer....
....after a long and busy spring.
It's been an interesting few months -- learning more about people you thought you knew, learning the value of living in the moment, and valuing what's important.
Be safe this summer. Life can change in an instant....
It's been an interesting few months -- learning more about people you thought you knew, learning the value of living in the moment, and valuing what's important.
Be safe this summer. Life can change in an instant....
Monday, October 16, 2017
Repeat Offenders
I partially blame social media. I also recognize people's inability to be self-aware.
People have become far too obsessed with the minutia in their lives, and play it out on various platforms with the expectation their self-interest needs to be extrapolated to others who should be equally entranced with their self-obsession.
I've encountered this phenomenon on more than one occasion recently and break down the culprits with the following definitions:
⇒The Self-Absorbed Repeat Offender
This person can be clearly identified by the rapidity in which conversations return to topics involving them. "Return" is key in this definition. Not only will a Self-Absorbed Repeat Offender dominate the conversation with minutia and drivel about themselves, their viewpoints, what other people thought about them, how others reacted to them, how they are the centre of everything important.... (you get the idea), they will also ignore or deflect any attempts to talk about anything else. Despite repeated attempts to change the topic, a Self-Absorbed Repeat Offender will continually -- and often not subtly -- return the conversation to one they are interested in, and more likely one in which they are the centre of focus.
Unfortunately these types of interaction with a Self-Absorbed Repeat Offender are usually not a one-shot wonder. You will find a SARO's self-absorbed topics will be repeated and repeated in subsequent conversations over time. The same egocentric diatribe you heard before may well be repeated at another time and place, and another, and pop up yet again as the topic of conversation weeks or months later.
A SARO has no self-awareness; however this is a trait not uncommon to all Repeat Offenders. Specifically, a SARO is unaware they are dominating the conversation; they don't realize no one else really shares their level of interest. Their stories do not vary widely in topic leading one to believe their life experiences also have a narrow scope, and they have no long-term memory to know their conversation has occurred previously -- at least once, and most likely several times. A daydream or brief mind-vacation is the only way to deal with this without being blatantly rude -- although that may earn you descriptions (albeit true!) of indifference, derisiveness or disinterest.
⇒The Butinsky Repeat Offender
Directly related to the SARO, the BRO is also unaware of others around them and use this to dominate conversations. The BRO is indiscriminate in the conversations they will insert themselves into, whether it's between a few people, or in large groups.
The distinguishing difference between a SARO and a BRO is the topic of conversation. Where a SARO will revert conversation back to one that focuses on them, a BRO has an underlying belief they are a self-proclaimed expert on everything. Compared to the egocentric focus of a SARO, this gives a BRO the ability to jump into any conversation uninvited. Keep in mind, a BRO is not necessarily an expert (other than in their own mind). They will also dominate the conversation from their viewpoint -- their personal experience, or that of someone they know -- whether it's relevant to the original conversation or not. This also allows them to steer the conversation in a direction that further serves their need to share their self-proclaimed expertise, and viewpoints. There is no combating this repeat offender.... just walk away!
⇒The No Short-Term Memory Repeat Offender
You can discern a No Short-Term Memory Repeat Offender by the number of times you are asked the same question. Don't be lulled into thinking they are listening to your answer, as often they have absolutely no recollection of the answer you've given -- nor the question they've asked.
There is also evidence that the NSTM trait may have some basis in heredity. My own recent experience had the offspring of a NSTM Repeat Offender ask me the same question four times within a 2 hour window. The parent then asked the same question two additional times.
The repeated questions posed by a NSTM Repeat Offender are often an attempt to look engaged in a conversation, or feign interest in those they are speaking to, but don't be fooled. Your answer really doesn't matter. This opens up avenues to have some fun if you feel so inclined. Why not vary your answers slightly from question to question and see if there's any cognitive awareness. Chances are there won't be, but at least you're entertained!
⇒The Repeat Repeat Offender
This is the easiest offender to spot, as they will repeat a comment you've just made in conversation. This will often cause you to seriously ponder your own ability to speak a different language, or question whether you've lost your voice. It's neither. It's actually more like plagarism. The RRO is unable to form an intelligent or contributing comment on the spur of the moment, so grasps onto the last thing they've heard, and repeat it as if it's their own creation and contribution. The trick in dealing with an RRO is not to gape in astonishment when they repeat what you've said just moments earlier. Remember repetition is the highest form of flattery, and if that doesn't appease your sense of incredulousness, feel free to stare at them as if you're questioning their right to use your oxygen!
People have become far too obsessed with the minutia in their lives, and play it out on various platforms with the expectation their self-interest needs to be extrapolated to others who should be equally entranced with their self-obsession.
I've encountered this phenomenon on more than one occasion recently and break down the culprits with the following definitions:
⇒The Self-Absorbed Repeat Offender
This person can be clearly identified by the rapidity in which conversations return to topics involving them. "Return" is key in this definition. Not only will a Self-Absorbed Repeat Offender dominate the conversation with minutia and drivel about themselves, their viewpoints, what other people thought about them, how others reacted to them, how they are the centre of everything important.... (you get the idea), they will also ignore or deflect any attempts to talk about anything else. Despite repeated attempts to change the topic, a Self-Absorbed Repeat Offender will continually -- and often not subtly -- return the conversation to one they are interested in, and more likely one in which they are the centre of focus.
Unfortunately these types of interaction with a Self-Absorbed Repeat Offender are usually not a one-shot wonder. You will find a SARO's self-absorbed topics will be repeated and repeated in subsequent conversations over time. The same egocentric diatribe you heard before may well be repeated at another time and place, and another, and pop up yet again as the topic of conversation weeks or months later.
A SARO has no self-awareness; however this is a trait not uncommon to all Repeat Offenders. Specifically, a SARO is unaware they are dominating the conversation; they don't realize no one else really shares their level of interest. Their stories do not vary widely in topic leading one to believe their life experiences also have a narrow scope, and they have no long-term memory to know their conversation has occurred previously -- at least once, and most likely several times. A daydream or brief mind-vacation is the only way to deal with this without being blatantly rude -- although that may earn you descriptions (albeit true!) of indifference, derisiveness or disinterest.
⇒The Butinsky Repeat Offender
Directly related to the SARO, the BRO is also unaware of others around them and use this to dominate conversations. The BRO is indiscriminate in the conversations they will insert themselves into, whether it's between a few people, or in large groups.
The distinguishing difference between a SARO and a BRO is the topic of conversation. Where a SARO will revert conversation back to one that focuses on them, a BRO has an underlying belief they are a self-proclaimed expert on everything. Compared to the egocentric focus of a SARO, this gives a BRO the ability to jump into any conversation uninvited. Keep in mind, a BRO is not necessarily an expert (other than in their own mind). They will also dominate the conversation from their viewpoint -- their personal experience, or that of someone they know -- whether it's relevant to the original conversation or not. This also allows them to steer the conversation in a direction that further serves their need to share their self-proclaimed expertise, and viewpoints. There is no combating this repeat offender.... just walk away!
⇒The No Short-Term Memory Repeat Offender
You can discern a No Short-Term Memory Repeat Offender by the number of times you are asked the same question. Don't be lulled into thinking they are listening to your answer, as often they have absolutely no recollection of the answer you've given -- nor the question they've asked.
There is also evidence that the NSTM trait may have some basis in heredity. My own recent experience had the offspring of a NSTM Repeat Offender ask me the same question four times within a 2 hour window. The parent then asked the same question two additional times.
The repeated questions posed by a NSTM Repeat Offender are often an attempt to look engaged in a conversation, or feign interest in those they are speaking to, but don't be fooled. Your answer really doesn't matter. This opens up avenues to have some fun if you feel so inclined. Why not vary your answers slightly from question to question and see if there's any cognitive awareness. Chances are there won't be, but at least you're entertained!
⇒The Repeat Repeat Offender
This is the easiest offender to spot, as they will repeat a comment you've just made in conversation. This will often cause you to seriously ponder your own ability to speak a different language, or question whether you've lost your voice. It's neither. It's actually more like plagarism. The RRO is unable to form an intelligent or contributing comment on the spur of the moment, so grasps onto the last thing they've heard, and repeat it as if it's their own creation and contribution. The trick in dealing with an RRO is not to gape in astonishment when they repeat what you've said just moments earlier. Remember repetition is the highest form of flattery, and if that doesn't appease your sense of incredulousness, feel free to stare at them as if you're questioning their right to use your oxygen!
Wednesday, April 05, 2017
Signs of Spring...
Winter appears to have come and gone.... at least in some parts of our country. Having the luxury of living in Ontario's 'banana belt' makes winter a little less harsh, but 'up north' certainly experienced its fair share of snow -- most of it (3+ meters) before the end of January!
So with that behind us, it's definitely nice to see robins, green grass, and the red line of the thermometer inching higher and higher. I realize there is still the potential for an April snow storm, but I'm the eternal optimist... April showers are just fine by me!
This has been a productive knitting winter. I've managed to keep my stash acquisitions at the same levels as last year, and between my own projects and WWFY (Will Work For Yarn) initiatives, I've been able to add some really lovely knits to my collection...and met some awesome people in the process.
Nothing more profound than that for this entry...
So with that behind us, it's definitely nice to see robins, green grass, and the red line of the thermometer inching higher and higher. I realize there is still the potential for an April snow storm, but I'm the eternal optimist... April showers are just fine by me!
This has been a productive knitting winter. I've managed to keep my stash acquisitions at the same levels as last year, and between my own projects and WWFY (Will Work For Yarn) initiatives, I've been able to add some really lovely knits to my collection...and met some awesome people in the process.
Nothing more profound than that for this entry...
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Saying 'so long'...and holding onto my optimism...
It's been quite a year. The list of well-known people who have shuffled off this mortal coil in 2016 is extensive, and doesn't even recognize those 'regular' folks who have passed away outside the media spotlight. Nor does it touch on the struggles and challenges of those still with us. While I'm sure it could be said other years are similar, for some reason this year seemed more rife with conflict, tragedy and violence -- Syria. Trump. Berlin. Aleppo. Putin. Fort McMurray.
I'm glad to wave a weary good-bye to 2016, but do recognize it for its positives. A dear friend was given a life-altering gift of a kidney, donated by her heroic son. My Mom celebrated her 88th birthday in good health, good spirits and with her continued quick wit. And I continue to be blessed by very dear friends who I welcome in all aspects of my life.
I'm optimistic about 2017. Not only is it a fresh start -- out with the old, and in with the new -- but it is also Canada's 150th birthday. With everything going on south of our border, I'm truly hoping this will be a significant year for our country, and for much more than celebrating its sesquicentennial. This is our year to step out of the shadows, particularly those that will continue to be cast from the south for the next four years, and shine. It's our opportunity to showcase, share and role-model what we are known for -- inclusion, diversity, innovation, peaceful, respectful -- and so much more!
Let's stand up proudly; step forward and be independently recognized for being a country who is full of incredible people with incredible stories. We are folks who are willing to support one another -- just look at Fort McMurray, or the Syrian refugees who now call Canada home. We are, for the most part, politically aware and engaged in our country's direction. We are home to natural resources -- the physical/geological kind as well as the intellectual/human kind -- and should be protective and proud of both. We are Canadian, and if ever there was a year to stand up and be proud, this is it.
Happy New Year, and Happy 150th, Canada!
I'm glad to wave a weary good-bye to 2016, but do recognize it for its positives. A dear friend was given a life-altering gift of a kidney, donated by her heroic son. My Mom celebrated her 88th birthday in good health, good spirits and with her continued quick wit. And I continue to be blessed by very dear friends who I welcome in all aspects of my life.
I'm optimistic about 2017. Not only is it a fresh start -- out with the old, and in with the new -- but it is also Canada's 150th birthday. With everything going on south of our border, I'm truly hoping this will be a significant year for our country, and for much more than celebrating its sesquicentennial. This is our year to step out of the shadows, particularly those that will continue to be cast from the south for the next four years, and shine. It's our opportunity to showcase, share and role-model what we are known for -- inclusion, diversity, innovation, peaceful, respectful -- and so much more!
Let's stand up proudly; step forward and be independently recognized for being a country who is full of incredible people with incredible stories. We are folks who are willing to support one another -- just look at Fort McMurray, or the Syrian refugees who now call Canada home. We are, for the most part, politically aware and engaged in our country's direction. We are home to natural resources -- the physical/geological kind as well as the intellectual/human kind -- and should be protective and proud of both. We are Canadian, and if ever there was a year to stand up and be proud, this is it.
Happy New Year, and Happy 150th, Canada!
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