And the winner is...

Sabrina, SMF Sporty Chic

I wanted to say thank you to everyone who played along. Let's just say that there was such a variety of collections. I was very impressed. Collections varied from pearls to recipes, dust (yup, we all have that one) to horseshoes, bottles to Playboys.



My collection is hand made pottery. I love that they are mini pieces of art with a practical application. When I tried throwing a few years ago I grew to appreciate the effort that goes into making a piece of pottery even more. So that brings me to the prize. Sabrina will get a gifty of some of my favourite things: a box of Stash Morroccan Mint tea, chai lip balm from Moonsnail Soapworks, and a mug for tea (artist to be determined).

Please check out everyone's fabulous collections. I posted links below:



Kristin, A Few Things to Say
Suzanne, Yarnhog
Leslie, A Friend to Knit With
Sabrina, SMF Sporty Chick
Sonya, Knitting Issewes
Mellow Being
Meg—Vintage hankies
Kim, Chronic Ennui
Lydee, Thoughts of a Sometimes Stay at Home Mom
Sophanne, Becky Knits Too
Valerie, Wandering Cat
Clara, Bloomize
Romi, Rosemary-Go-Round
Patty, Fibreholic
Senja, Senja Knits,
Temperance, Cookie cutters and Tea Pots.
May
Keanalee

Good night!

It's a Contest Baby!

I am excitedly "collecting" items for my (first eva) contest prize. Bring on the entries, I will draw names after the contest closes Feb.29. If you are really stuck on ideas here's one—and I might add that this is very embarassing for me and I am very glad I do not have a photo of it—when I was about 7 I collected eraser shavings. Seriously. Not a highlight of my youth, but I blame it on a particularly non-attentive second grade teacher. She was not very engaging. To put a positive spin on it I will call it my deconstructionist period. Since I don't have a photo of that very early collection I will leave you with an image from Brita Hansen's crayfish collection.



Please note: I (almost absolutely) guarantee there will be no eraser shavings in your prize (probably definitely.)

A Stitch in Time and a First For Me

There is history in every stitch. I can't help but think of my Nana and my mother when I am sewing with this machine. I feel a connection to them—maybe the excitement over a new project, the monotony of an ordinary mend, the feeling of accomplishment over a job well done or just plain finishing another item on the to-do list. I wonder about the things on their minds as they worked away—foot to pedal, hand to fabric—maybe we shared some common thoughts. It gives me a feeling of past meets present meets future,

I finished the apron with a large front pocket perfect for hiding the collections gathered by young children. Photo number two is of snack bags I made, inspired by A Friend to Knit With, though I made a pillow fold as a closure instead of a zipper. Truth be told I have already ripped them out and re-sewn them since this picture was taken but they aren't nearly as nice now as they were before my adjustments "to make them better."

The idea of a collection has got me inspired to hold my first-ever contest. Anyone game can post an image of their special collection, or the collection of someone near and dear to them. My example is a collection my daughter put together of found objects near the cottage we stayed at last fall. I will assemble a "collection" of items as a surprise and draw names for the winner. Please post your images on your blogs and let me know in my comment box that you have participated by midnight Friday, February 29, I will post the outcome of the draw Saturday, March 1 (not February 29). I can't wait to see them.

House Keeping.

I have been keeping track of the photos I owe you so I hope you all forgive their lateness.

First the hat I knit for daughter one. I started with a twisted stitch for the brim continued the twisted knit in the body of the hat then decreased to eight stitches at the top, increasing between those to create a little sea anemone effect at the top. And because I learn as I go I realized the hat was too small after I finished it and picked up the stitches around the brim to lengthen it to fit. I am still in the process of knitting one for daughter two (but I have been a very, VERY lazy knitter lately so I am not sure when it will be ready.)



Here is the Monkey sock using Fleece Artist sokomo from Fibreholic (thank you again), the colourway is brilliant. I tried to get a bit of the accumulating snow in the background but was unsuccessful. Trust me on this it looked very winter wonderland.



Lately I have been re-bitten by the sewing bug. I have long admired A Friend To Knit With's sewn objects, and now Lululollylegs and A Few Things To Say add to my itchy stitchy fingers. These are some very talented people and I have been inspired by their many beautifully executed projects and fun and funky fabrics. I can't wait to build up my stash (which pales in comparison.)

Last week I brought my 1961 Singer for servicing and picked it up today. I forked over $84 for the servicing and two packages of needles and was feeling really confident about all my future sewing projects when it tipped over only seconds away from home. The fall caused my spool posts to snap and let's just say that I was "slightly" miffed. The girls were so concerned that if I hadn't been so grouchy as a result of the horrible accident I would have been chuckling at the worry on their faces. Luckily the glue gun came through once again and I was able to complete the better part of two matching craft aprons. If you don't look too closely at the stitches it looks not too bad. Have I already mentioned I learn as I go? The second attempt will likely look more tailored than the first. I used Ikea fabric, polka dot lined with an animal print, and I am going to add velcro to the neck ties, and a pocket on the front. Oh, and my other little girl, my standard schnauzer, decided that you would like to see her behind in the shot. I like to think she was being protective. So that is my big update. I have loved reading your blogs and peeking at what your up to. Yarn bee and Musindigo really got me with their fair isle mittens which are to die for—you have to check them out if you haven't already seen them.

Happy Snow Day Everyone!

Nothing new to report so I thought I would post a pic of a most excellent snow person made by three very talented people close to my heart. I am enjoying the snow—especially when inside by the fire!