S is for...

... so long summer!

For me, this is not such a bad thing... I have always loved fall the best! All those wonderful sweaters, hats, scarves and felted bits and bobs finally have a raison d'etre....

Happy Fall to All!!!!

For your listening pleasure...

WOW!!! I came home late Sunday from a weekend away to the following email:

Hi Mags,
I am the host of a knitting podcast, called Cast On.
Marie Sauvangac,whom you met in Paris last spring, got in touch with me to ask if I'd be interested in the interview she recorded with you. Of course I said yes! I was thrilled to be able to use the audio Marie recorded in my latest podcast, which you'll find at the URL below. Your interview was a great addition to Cast On. Thanks for being a part of it. I've linked to your blog in the show notes, but if there's another link you'd like me to use, I'm happy to make the change. Just let me know.Your modern quilt wrap is my favorite pattern from Folk Style. I've attached a photo of the one I knit, taken on a knitting cruise to Alaska last May. The model seemed to enjoy wearing it as much as I do! I get many compliments, every time I wear it.
Thanks for a great pattern.
Best regards,
Brenda

http://www.cast-on.com/

Brenda's MQW

18 days...

.... without a post!!! I have been busy, busy, busy! Combine that with my current disinterest in "words" and... oh well.... sorry!

Being Wednesday I will add some quick Web Wanderings for your/my/our crafty pursuits.....

A perfect quick stash reduction and Holiday gift idea is here....

Yarny bits in a cheerful non-knit confection is here....

And, for sewing? I finally took time to make a bag from the beautiful fabric I picked up in April. I love this bag and have plans for it to have many offspring...

I am so thankful for Lulu Louise!!! She has made the instructions available here. I like a long strap-- so that the bag sits squarely on my hip-- so I added about six inches to the pattern's template. Oh, the skirt is also a newly completed sewing project. I used the ever-inspiring book, Sew What! Skirts, along with a favourite skirt in my closet to create my own pattern out of kraft paper..... this pattern is certainly a keeper! Now, if I could only create more days in my hour....

Q is for...

... quilt.
Specifically, all the beautiful and unique Modern Quilt Wraps that are out there!
Thank you... your creativity is thrilling!!!


A true coincidence....
I had this post already done and scheduled for today when I got an email informing me that Knitting Daily TV had just aired their segment on Modern Quilt Wrap Variations!!
You can watch it here....

WOW!!! You guys are truly inspiring!!!

Colour...

If I only had a nickel for every time someone asked me how I developed a palette... well, you know the rest...

This site makes life easy for those who consider themselves "colour challenged". I am a big believer, however, that each and every one of us has a unique and wonderful sense of colour. Once in a while we just need a little reassurance.

These are some that I whipped up. Have fun, but don't let the fun suck up too much of your real creating time!

Portland Flowers Colourway

San Diego Treats ColourwayPrince Edward County Poutine Colourway

One year ago...

today!!!
That is when I began sharing my wabi sabi country life.
Yipppeee!!!!
I found it fun reviewing my year...

First...

magazine cover... ever!! It is always fun anticipating the arrival of a publication containing a project I have contributed... and a good smattering of patience must be kneaded into that anticipation.

This cover story started way back in February....

As with most publications, a "Call for Submissions" is sent out to designers on a list and--- these days--- announced on web sites. I found the "Call" for the Interweave Felt issue on Ravelry. Though I had a lot on my plate at the time, I also had a felt project rattling in my head waiting for a reason to pop out.

My drawing skills are sketchy-- just a bit of a pun intended--so I thought it best to quickly whip up a prototype to best share my idea. With a shallow dig through my stash, I found a few hanks of discontinued Rowanspun 4ply in the fantastic and aptly named shade Squirrel. After some serious quick-step knitting in very loose stocking stitch, a rapid run through the washer-- fingers crossed-- and some flat drying I was ready for the fun part... needle felting with some stashed sliver!

Then, the final step... get it "submission ready" for the editorial eyes of Lisa Shroyer and the rest of Felt's selection team.

Tada!!! This was my submission....

Curious..... the styling of the cover?.... the styling of my submission?..... hmmmm..... curious.... ;-)
Look for this issue of Felt-- sporting my Suri Spot Mitts on the cover-- on newstands everywhere starting September 9th!