Free to help me this Saturday?

I was thinking of having a garage sale buuuuuuut all my peeps who thought they could help when I initially hatched the plan are all now unavailable. Is there anyone who could help me on Saturday from like 8-2? I'll buy you lunch!

Last chance to improve your knitting/crafting/blog photography!

EDIT: I think all typos are fixed. I think?

For the final time, Michelle and I will be teaching our Improve your (Knitting) Photography class at In The Loop Café on Sunday, July 27th.

The official class description is below and if you're interested give In The Loop a holler at 416-652-1024 to reserve a spot. Class size is limited. Hope to see you there!

Do you wish you took better photos of your knitting? Are you tired of washed out, blurry pictures of projects that you put hours and hours of hard work into? Are you confused by the buttons and features on your digital camera? Do you feel like your friends point and laugh at the photos you post to your blog or Ravelry account?

Take your knitting photography to the next level with this introductory course in basic photography techniques. Anyone can learn to take beautiful photos of their knitting and other craft projects, and you don't need a fancy or expensive camera to do it! In this hands-on course you will learn the basics of:

* Composition
* Lighting
* Focus

Bring your camera, the user manual (if possible) and a small knit project or two to practice on.

A looooong overdue thank you...

So I've been on the coast and in the desert of So. Cal. to help my employer with some riveting market research for the last week which has made it virtually impossible to blog about the most aweseomest par-tay. The coolest thing? It was for me!!

On July 4th (how fitting, eh?), the knitters of Toronto gave me an amazing send off at The Purple Purl organized by the delightful Lady Lung Doc. The party wasn't a surprise (especially since my work threw a wrench into the party cogs) but I have to say the turnout was. I really felt the love. And the biggest surprise? The community afghan! I didn't take any photos but Michelle has a great recap (and the most adorable picture of me that I've seen in a long time... ok, maybe ever).

There was lots of almost crying from me. I was proud that I was able to keep it together enough that I didn't start blubbering all over the place.... cuz that's what I do when I'm met with any type of happy/sad emotional situation... the waterworks start. I hope that everyone that was there felt the love back. I am so happy that I found this amazing group of folks. You are seriously some of the nicest people I have ever met. I'm devastated that I'm leaving such an amazing community. I am seriously going to miss EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU!!!!!! As I've said before (and I really mean it) you are all welcome to crash on my couch/Aerobed® when we have a place to call our own - which at this moment feels like never but that is another post for another time.

A giganto shout out goes to the Lady Lung Doc herself. (Wootwoot!) Check out her flickr set of the afghan and if you contributed a square than make a note on one of the close up shots she's got going. I want to know who did what square(s)!

Also a big thanks goes out to Jen and Miko for always making the Purple Purl the most welcoming place on earth.

And hugs to everyone who came to the party!

Ok, now I'm gonna go cry. But it's a good cry, I promise! *sniff!*

PS: If you're in TO, I'm hosting my last knitting at the HOS on Sunday (the 20th). Drop me a note if you need the deets.

Happy Fourth of July!!

As many of you know I'm an American living in Canada, so even though this pic wasn't technically taken on the fourth or in America it is still fireworks. And I love the fireworks. It's great that I can celebrate two fireworks happy holidays in a weeks span - even if one of them is in spirit.

Happy (belated) Canada Day!

So an FO and a frog walk into a bar...

GOOD NEWS: Michelle helped me finish the (OMG!!1!ponies) dragon PJs and they are more adorable than I could have ever imagined. Thanks Michelle, for being a sewing rock star!

BAD NEWS: My "Lace On a MFing Plane" scarf has been frogged. The reason being? It was unanimously voted as looking like bloody flesh.

Spinning at The Purple Purl (a shameless plug!)

My friend Lorraine is teaching two spinning related classes in July. If you haven't taken a class from this spinning genius than you should! Contact the Purple Purl at 416-463-1162 or check out their official class schedule here.

“More, better, faster—spindle like you mean it” Saturday, July 12: 9:30am-12:30pm This workshop is designed for spinners who have made yarn before (at least a little), and are ready to use their spindles to become effective, productive, happy spinners. The focus will be on greater control of the process and therefore increased opportunities for creativity. We will explore the fundamentals of different spindles, drafting techniques, and plying options, creating a range of their own singles and two ply yarns. The intention is to minimize effort (or in some cases, anguish) and reveal beautiful, practical yarns with the gentle turn of the spindle. Note: While we will explore a range of spindle types, participants will need a balanced, high-whorl spindle for this workshop. Cost - $65.00*** Class materials included: various different fibres and preparations of fiber! Instructor: Lorraine Smith

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Re-invent your wheel (spinning)

Saturday, July 19: 9:30am-12:30pm

This three-hour session will help you develop good habits to consistently create the yarn you want. Emphasis will be placed on fibre preparation, drafting techniques and wheel mechanics that can work to your advantage. If you have been making the same yarn over and over, or if you find the yarn "just does stuff" without your wanting it to, this is the session for you. It's time to remember why you fell in love with spinning: not just for the pretty wheel, but for the gorgeous yarns you can make with it.

Note: You must bring their own spinning wheel to class...after all, it is your own wheel you need to do precisely what you want!

Cost - $65.00***
Class materials included: All fibres for class work will be provided.
Instructor: Lorraine Smith

I'm back!

San Francisco was wonderful! Unfortunately I don't have much to say about the flat we're looking to buy so probably best you don't ask. Or if you ask, don't be surprised if I kinda shuffle my feet and exhale heavily. It's not you... it's the situation. I promise!

However, I will try to sum up the best I can here. We're still in negotiations and it seems that we will be in negotiations for a while. Not fun! I mean, we have a LOT to figure out before we can even consider ourselves in the homestretch. But we did accomplish quite a bit in a short amount of time: we had the inspection, met the other potential (uncooperative) buyers and learned that there is a stubborn-as-hell/disillusioned tenant in the first floor that is going to throw everything into flaming tailspin. But besides all that, I did have time to have a good time.

I started a new project that I call "Lace on a Motherf#cking Plane." But I think the official pattern name is Wabenshal.

Yes, it looks like a g-string but I promise it is not. This was taken at the beginning of my first leg out of Toronto. I've done a lot more but not as much as I would have liked. There was a bit of unknitting and cussing. Hence the name I gave it.

Just as a side note, I have a new fascination with sitting in the window seat. I've been an aisle seat girl for quite a long time. I guess since I've been flying so much in the last two years, my actual fear of flying has started to diminish - which I guess is good as I like not getting rammed by the food/drink cart all throughout the trip! Anyways, I loved these cloud formations and I wanted to share.

Things I did while in town:

- checked out SF Opera's Lucia di Lammermoor FREE simulcast in AT&T Park and got to hang out with my very good friend.
- went to the SFMOMA and elbowed my way through the Frida Kahlo exhibit
- danced to afrobeat at the Stern Grove Festival
- ate awesome food with more good friends

I know you're probably like, "Ummmmm...that doesn't look like food." But it is. And it was deelish. It was "white chicken and sausage in a tomato curry sauce" with french fries. Don't ask me what the actual German name was because I definitely don't know. But I will say that if you ever find yourself in Hayes Valley on a Sunday morning you should run to Suppenküche for hearty (or heartstopping) German food that will make you cry like a baby. It's that good.

Oh, and their beer list will make even make this man want to come to brunch EVERY Sunday.

Who wouldn't be impressed?!

more cat pictures

Thanks, Paul!

OMG fat dragons blowing fire!!!1!

Michelle is teaching me how to sew!

I was helping Michelle look at patterns/fabric for her wedding dress, and I spied this totally cute flannel. After I became completely smitten she said she would teach me how to make jammie pants. I bought all that they had in stock and luckily it was just enough to complete the pattern. (Although they may be a weeeee short. But who cares?! They're jammie pants!) The pants were started last week and they are still in progress. This was just a small sample I brought home to petandsqueezeandcallgeorge.

WWKIPD!

Today was World Wide Knit In Public Day! And I think I knit about a total of 15 minutes in public while on the longest streetcar ride from one side of the city to the other. But I had lots of knit-like fun.

Looky that hottie who's in front of the lens. Woooot! That's Franklin adding me to his "1,000 Knitters" project. Although making faces like that I may have gotten myself cut from the whole project. Hey, it looks like I'm doing some knitting there though! Cool. Thanks to the Yarn Harlot and Rachel H for making Franklin's trip possible. And thanks for the prizes! Totally awesome.

Then I wandered (this is where the long streetcar ride came in) over to the little park next to The Purple Purl for a little hanging out at their KIPD. And Fenner decided to bop around without any pants on soooooooooo I took some pictures. Awwww, how cute! Baby bum!

Then I had to get home and wait for a call from my real estate agent back in SF. I got great news and it looks as if the Hubs and I are buying in San Francisco! We have 10 days to confirm and in that time weneed to get an inspection, meet the other buyers (it's a TIC, after all... uhhh, I know it's confusing) and make sure some things can be done before we ACTUALLY sign our names on the dotted line. It seems like we are on our way to an address on the other end - even if it's just a partial piece of property. Yippee! More info later once we do actually get it. I'm in SF next weekend.

Show me the progress!

Hey, this is a knitting blog right?! The last time I gave an actual knitting report it was back in March. Unfortunately I don't have any FOs to show off but at least I do have a few things on the needles. With everything going on it's hard to find time for them but I am plugging away. So, it's time for a little show and tell:

I started this at the end of April and even though it's a brainless knit it's too heavy to carry around with me. Made out of Dye-Version's Chunky Cotton (colour: Smoke) which I bought at last year's DKC Knitter's Frolic. I love the subtle colour change between the black, silver and mint. I'm not a big fan of cotton because of its splittiness but I do like the feel of this yarn after it's knit up - it has a really silky smooth feel. And it smells yummy! Maybe from the dye? Once I couldn't carry it with me on the TTC I lost interest in working on it and so it's been sitting around since then. In addition, in it's unfinished state it doesn't photograph very well. Good news is I'm very close to being done. What will the be when finished? A wrap. Hopefully.

This project I'm very excited about. If I could only manage this simple lace pattern! The yarn (Firbra Natura Mermaid) at first didn't thrill me but the more I worked with it the more I loved it. It's soft, light and has a great depth of colour (Turkish Tile - how exotic!). I can't wait for it to be done. However I've done as much unknitting as I've done knitting. But that's okay! It's a vest, right?! It won't take THAT much more time. I guess.

a new look...

Could it be because I'm moving back to California? Or the hotter than Hades days we had earlier in the week?

Either way, I have a new 'do.

Stephen Colbert & HNIC Theme

For the love of god, watch this:

"Punching beavers in the face!"

My love for Thriller continues

And it comes in the form of a scrappy duo of ordinary dudes on Britain's Got Talent. Even Simon can't help but to smile!

Knitty Yarn Roundtable - this Friday!

It's not too late to join in the yarny goodness that is the Knitty Yarn Roundtable at the Purple Purl on Friday, June 13th, at 7:00pm. Go to the official blogsite to register!

REMINDER - Knitting/Blog Photography Class!

Just a reminder that Michelle and I will be teaching our ever popular Improve your (Knitting) Photography class at In The Loop Café NEXT Sunday, June 16th. If you're interested give In The Loop a holler at 416-652-1024. Class size is limited. Hope to see you there!

House of Sammon - SOLD!

Actually it was sold last week but the experience was faaaaaaar from ideal. A friend did say to me that "sometimes done is better than perfect" and those sound like good words to live by. I wish I could say it went to someone who will continue the knitting traditions but sadly it was sold to someone who I don't think knits at all.

Anyway, I'm sure you're dying to know how much longer I will be in this fine city of Toronto? Close date is August 1st, so that probably means I'll be leaving a few days before that. That should allow one or two more knit dates at the House of Sammon. Will keep you posted!