tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043262277939128882012-01-31T10:34:58.975-05:00Updates from the studio of Valerie JohnsonWanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.comBlogger6491100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-58878864847498399002012-01-30T20:48:00.003-05:002012-01-30T21:00:07.741-05:00

By this time last year - I had 16 blog posts for the month. Today is the 30th... and this month I've blogged 9 times... wtf?I really can't explain it. Maybe it's a combination of not much to blog about (too much work - too little knitting), coupled with the fact that my camera batteries are dying. Dave keeps promising to bring me home new ones - but he keeps forgetting. If I want to use the

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-63672229152685342672012-01-25T22:10:00.003-05:002012-01-25T22:21:13.451-05:00

I still seem lost in some weird time/space continuum- days are whipping by with out heed - though it's not quite as bad as last week.Tonight, I refused to work late (I did so Monday and Tuesday...) and came home and promptly sat my butt in front of the TV and knit. I got a few more leaves done on my colleague's shawl.I know. I know. You're saying, "but you said you'd have this done on the

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-55309294440573605632012-01-21T11:16:00.005-05:002012-01-21T13:06:01.590-05:00

Because I'd really like to know.Wait - I know where it went - I want a do-over!Monday I worked from bed because my back decided it wanted a day off. Of course, that doesn't mean I can take a day off.Tuesday I worked a 14 hour day helping a colleague get some last minute uber urgent work done.Wednesday it was a 10 hour day. And Dave emailed me about the stone chip he got in his window that

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-44716334072293489822012-01-15T13:45:00.010-05:002012-01-15T14:08:01.867-05:00

I went upstairs to make the bed this morning and found this..."Hey...." says Rocky."I didn't say you could use my butt as a pillow...""And now she's taking embarrassing photos she's going to splash all over the internets.""That's it, I have to do something drastic to rectify this situation..."And after that, it quickly degenerated into a full scale wrestling match.Boys will be boys....

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-36133183077062273052012-01-14T14:43:00.003-05:002012-01-14T15:02:13.977-05:00

... for a very important knit.I finshed the hood on Lore last night, so all I have left are the bands and finishing - but I've set it aside for now.I have some very serious shawl knitting to do.Yesterday, a coworker informed us that she's just been diagnosed with bone cancer. She start chemo next week, so I thought a shawl would be a nice way to keep her warm and let her know we are all thinking

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-58875611550166590472012-01-10T22:59:00.008-05:002012-01-10T23:17:24.489-05:00

One of the great things about knitting a garment in one piece (besides no-to-minimal seaming, of course) is having something on your needles that actually looks like a garment.Yeah - that's the Lore hoodie. Just the hood and front bands left to go! Provided nothing catastrophic happens, I expect this baby will be off the needles by the end of the weekend.That's of course.....if someone will give

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-39894607219485617512012-01-08T10:54:00.003-05:002012-01-08T11:01:10.153-05:00

You'll be pleased to know, both sleeves are now complete on the Lore hoodie. They've been set aside and are waiting to be added in when I start the yoke.In the mean time, I decided to cast on for something new. The hoodie is all stocknit stitch from here on out, so I though I needed a project to spice things up every once in a while.And what's spicier than lace-weight yarn and beads?Last night I

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-11249229478146258082012-01-04T23:44:00.005-05:002012-01-04T23:55:25.834-05:00

For once, I am actually ahead of my goals on a knitting project.As you might have guessed, the Lore hoodie is steaming right along, mostly thanks to super-chunky yarn and tension of 3 stitches/4 rows per inch!I put the second lace half of the sleeve on the blocking board tonight, and since the first one was dry, I got a head start on knitting the upper half.As mentioned earlier, these sleeves

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-10035320864873186662012-01-02T18:10:00.006-05:002012-01-02T18:35:24.257-05:00

Dave has headed to the cottage for his annual 'boys' week' and I'm home enjoying my last day of vacation in peace.Rocky is watching the snow fallIt's not a lot of snow, just a dusting, but considering it's January 2nd, and it's the first real snowfall we've had this winter - I'll take it.It also gave me a reason to plop my butt on the couch and work on my 2012 knitting goals. And I've already

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-25228520338952194892011-12-30T12:59:00.006-05:002011-12-30T13:16:05.548-05:00

The year is almost out the door and I've managed to get a couple more projects off the needles before it left.First up - 198 yards of HeavenAs I mentioned - this one is for my coworker - but after seeing how well it goes with my coat, it's really hard to give up.I had one skein of Tosh Merino left over from my Tea Leaves Cardigan and this was the perfect use for it.I love single-ply yarns, but

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-69303068112262755352011-12-29T23:34:00.006-05:002011-12-30T12:24:53.698-05:00

Like many others, in 2012 I plan to surmount my stash along with the Delusional Knitter.While my stash isn't as large as some (*cough*Mom*cough*) it would still take me more than a few years to knit through what I've got, so 2012 will be the year I try to put a large dent in it.Here's my plan:1) SweatersI'd like to knit at least four sweaters: At last count, I had enough yarn for 12 sweaters, but

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-74528364223121911172011-12-28T18:49:00.006-05:002011-12-28T19:03:21.062-05:00

After all that Christmas knitting, I was feeling a little burnt out in the crafting department. But I really wanted to get a move on some of the projects that were left behind by gift knitting (not to mention the socks for my coworker).Yesterday, I tried - so hard - I finished the heel on my coworker's sock, but I just couldn't bring myself to keep knitting on it.So I picked up my Lore hoodie.

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-24575957136875632852011-12-26T11:48:00.013-05:002011-12-27T12:55:49.547-05:00

I hope everyone had a terrific Christmas. I had planned on posting several times over the last few days, but time just got away from me.I even had a whole rhyming Christmas Eve post written out in my head - but then, one of the final Christmas projects went all pear-shaped on me and I was left, with six hours left in the day, scrambling to get another present together. It all worked out in the

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-51663686790914810912011-12-21T20:38:00.002-05:002011-12-21T20:48:10.137-05:00

It's Wednesday, so I'm busy working on finishing Christmas knits, but I wanted to let you know that Mom updated the shop today - the last update of the year!Those beautiful Twinkle DK skeins are in there, as well as some new Sophisticat, House Cat, and Alley Cat Falkland.Mom also marked down a whole bunch of skeins for clearout so we can start with fresh inventory in the new year.It's too late

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-82260936722674957232011-12-20T20:55:00.007-05:002011-12-21T11:28:27.986-05:00

I've mentioned before that we knew we would have a few bumps integrating Mopar into our household.For 17 years, he'd been an only cat. And while my cats were use to feline compatriots, introducing a new member into a cat-filled household is always interesting.Based on all the cats' personalities we were very sure we could predict how thing would go.1) We figured Miss Penowould be the first to

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-10846878897613395892011-12-18T15:28:00.004-05:002011-12-18T15:56:01.823-05:00

I was really hoping to accomplish more this weekend, but all I have to show you is half a pair of socks.It's 3:30, Sunday afternoon and I haven't even cast on for the second one. I was so sure I could get the whole pair done this weekend.So what happened, you ask?Well Saturday, I couldn't seem to pull myself out of bed, so I didn't get up to Mom's until after noon. We dyed yarn until 3ish and I

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-26415315422191464452011-12-15T23:01:00.005-05:002011-12-15T23:21:23.246-05:00

I looked at the calendar today and realized - Christmas is NEXT weekend. How in Hades did that happen. Why was I thinking I have two more weekends - not one????With that realization,drastic action had to be taken. As much as I love Mom's Wandering Rose pattern, it is a little labour intensive. But I'm determined to make my coworker a pair of socks, so I need something a little speedier.I bit the

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-43187708332833645252011-12-13T23:12:00.004-05:002011-12-13T23:22:06.152-05:00

Thank you for all the birthday wishes. I had an awesome day. I came home with red-violet streaks in my hair, a belly full of seafood and the coolest pair of slippers ever.These are a small birthday present to myself. I have perpetually cold feet and while I have several pairs of slippers and countless pairs of hand knit socks - I just couldn't pass these by. They are what I imagine Princess Leia

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-71174369487115618072011-12-12T11:08:00.005-05:002011-12-12T11:25:55.948-05:00

... as he promised, my house is clean(er) and I'm back with knitting pictures.On Friday I finished up Mom's Dalhousie mitts. If she didn't know I was making these for her, I would totally keep them for myself.If you haven't gotten your hands on a skein of Bugga, I do recommend it. Soft, squishy, and a dream to knit with. The only downside - this one bled quite a bit. My bamboo double point are

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-84670898662699201892011-12-10T11:20:00.003-05:002011-12-10T11:33:19.910-05:00

Rockster Weewigles reporting again, as Mummy has gone off on another crazy cleaning binge. She keeps muttering about having the house sparkling for company that's coming on Monday and how it smells like cats and meat pies.I don't see what the problem is - meat pies are delicious and I smell wonderful. Well - that weird old cat Mopar the tall blonde guy brought home is kinda smelly. But he looks

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-57529278166463131082011-12-07T23:07:00.013-05:002011-12-07T23:29:45.397-05:00

1. Christmas knitting is progressing nicely. Second mitt for Mom is almost of the needles. After that I just have a hat (which is 85% done) and a pair of socks (25% done) to finish.2. I even have my Christmas cards addressed and ready for stamps. And I found leftover stamps in my junk drawer - enough for all my letters!3. I think I might actually have some time to knit something extra for Dave. I

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-10892098973060415542011-12-06T21:05:00.002-05:002011-12-06T21:12:25.385-05:00

I just wanted to let you all know, that we've got another kitten for the Wandering Cat Yarn litter....See that sparkle? Yep - It's Twinkle Cat - but DK!!!!! I dyed some up on Saturday. Two of those skeins have been claimed already, but the rest will be in the shop soon. And I'm thinking I might just dye some more this weekend.Twinkle Cat DK is just a pretty as our Twinkle Cat Lace and Twinkle Cat

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-77472889143078302882011-12-04T21:11:00.008-05:002011-12-04T21:43:20.213-05:00

There are several December babies in my immediate family (myself included), and today we had a little informal celebration up at Mom's.Miss Pee is the first of the Sagittarians, and certainly the most spoiled. Among her presents were her Buddy socksI gave up on trying to embroider them - but she loved them anyway. She also got a stylin' beret.I got a little early birthday present too...A spindle

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-44425091810444757192011-12-03T23:14:00.003-05:002011-12-03T23:23:39.048-05:00

I'm halfway through Mom's Christmas present.A pair of my Dalhousie mitts.You might be wondering why I'm showing these, when Mom has access to the blog.Well - she already knows about them.You see - Mom is notoriously hard to knit for. Not only is she particular about the things she likes and wears, she's also an incredibly talented knitter herself. There's really not much I can knit her that she

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-72437691015294072002011-12-01T22:57:00.004-05:002011-12-01T23:04:18.297-05:00

Wow - the first of December already - this year really is flying by.Well I managed to get Miss Pee's socks done in time for her birthday next weekI was planning to do a little embellishment on them, but my limited embroidery skills are not co-operating at the moment.... we'll see if I can get them to play nice before her party on Sunday.These were knit in Tabby Cat, dyed by Miss Pee herself this

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-79393712780295514962011-11-28T22:52:00.004-05:002011-11-28T22:58:34.086-05:00

I'm still slogging away on my "required" knitting.I've turned the heel on Miss Pee's second "BuddyCat" sock. (And since these are for her birthday, not Christmas, I have even less time...)But I'd really rather be making a fairy.Mom got this book for me from Amazon. I've already got presents for the girls, but if I can I'd really like to knit them a couple for Christmas.So I guess I better go get

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-18904952247412980782011-11-27T20:31:00.002-05:002011-11-27T20:34:37.984-05:00

Yup it's a double post today...I couldn't resist mentioning that Mom's famous Peacock Slinky Cat is in the shop right now...Hard to say how long it will last - but there are several other pretty new skeins up too...

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-3238702343230984402011-11-27T19:36:00.004-05:002011-11-27T19:41:38.580-05:00

As you can probably guess by the lengthy silence between posts - it's been a little hectic around here.Despite that - I have managed to knock a few things off the Christmas list.another Barbie outfit......and a watch-cap inspired toque.Both are my own design, and both will be available as free patterns sometime in the (hopefully) near future.But, as there are still several things left on the

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-80197118926208465862011-11-22T21:35:00.005-05:002011-12-02T17:33:06.186-05:00

To distract you from my lack of knitting, I'm going to tell you a goat story....When I was just about to finish Kindergarten, my parents made the best decision of their lives (I mean aside from having me - though really, I was more of a happy accident than a decision). They decided to move us to the country.We moved to a little town in Southern Ontario called Jerseryville. It's population was

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-51182958507788415732011-11-21T21:41:00.001-05:002011-11-21T21:45:37.704-05:00

I stopped at the grocery store to get cat litter tonight - and they had some pots of cat grass so I picked a pot up for the kids.Normally when I get home, I'm being mobbed for kibbles, but as soon as they realized there was a treat in the bag, they had no interest in cat food.Well.. except for Mopar - he had no interest in the salad bar and demanded the main course straight away.I don't have much

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-64173727255502311002011-11-19T15:56:00.005-05:002011-11-19T16:07:09.246-05:00

Try painting a set of stairs with four cats in the house.It doesn't matter how high you build the barrier, at least one will always find a way over it and onto the wet paint..."What? you mean that barrier at the bottom of the stairs wasn't made to test my magnificent jumping skills?And naturally, once she did it, both Tux and Rocky had to do it too...Fortunately, it's latex, so it washes easy.

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-84139568772656658452011-11-18T21:52:00.001-05:002011-11-18T21:56:01.319-05:00

...at least Barbie isI whipped these up last night. More Barbie stuff to come before Christmas.And the FO train derailed on the other projects I was knitting - the townhouse complex I live in has been sold, and the new owners want to come and take pictures on Sunday.That means a Saturday of cleaning for me.... and probably very little knitting.*Sigh*

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-6021695168281132972011-11-14T22:45:00.005-05:002011-11-14T22:59:41.517-05:00

I haven't really been loving it, but stitch by stitch, I've been making progress on my Christmas knitting.One sock is (hopefully) complete for Miss Pee.I haven't kitchenered the toe yet, because I'm waiting on confirmation of her foot length from my sister-in-law - I may have to rip back and lengthen - that girl grows like a weed.This is using the Tabby Cat she dyed this summer to match her cat,

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-8949684058464065332011-11-12T14:08:00.008-05:002011-11-12T14:46:39.728-05:00

This morning I was up bright and early to take Mopar to the vet. Everything checked out good. (and he was such a good boy - even when they had to take blood right from his jugular!)Since Mom lives just around the corner from the vet, we stopped and picked her up on the way home. Then we dropped the 'Par off (he was more than happy for that!) and headed to our favourtie LYS - The Needle

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-45743505127388057132011-11-11T20:44:00.002-05:002011-11-11T20:54:10.800-05:00

What's more pathetic than a partially blind, 17-year-old cat with diabetes?A partially blind, 17-year-old cat with diabetes that's just had a bath! Mr. Mopar has a visit with Mr. Vet tomorrow (nothing serious - just going to switch him to the same insulin Tux is on, so we want to make sure everything is ship-shape) so he got a nice warm bath to make him all sparkly clean! Now he smells like

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-42395515498149750742011-11-10T23:09:00.005-05:002011-11-10T23:16:57.638-05:00

I finally got around to finishing the details on the baby cardigans tonight.Buster got buttons:I was planning on buying some star-shaped buttons for this one, but in the end I was too lazy, so I just raided Mom's button jar and found these green ones, which match pretty well.Splash got buttons AND blanket stitchIt's my first time doing blanket stitch, and I need a little more practice, but it's

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-38168419606178066712011-11-07T21:31:00.003-05:002011-11-07T21:44:38.281-05:00

I've mentioned before the wonders of overdying.Put overdying isn't just limited to fixing things I've dyed for the shop.Long-time readers may recognize the following picture as a huge hank of Fiddlesticks Country Silk I got about two years ago.Over the past two years, I've started several patterns with it, but nothing suited it. Honestly, I think I've just out-grown the colours a little. If they

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-27543843824915766632011-11-06T23:15:00.005-05:002011-11-06T23:30:47.404-05:00

Today Dave and I headed up to my parents. Dave was out back building something - I hope it was my time machine, but I suspect it was a guitar amp.And, while he was building - I was dying yarn of course!That's a small batch of Barn Cat, Alley Cat, Jungle Cat and Sophisticat - all (except the green in the back) coming to the shop soon.Mom also sent me home with two pairs of almost-complete socks

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-76618139226402312312011-11-05T17:02:00.005-04:002011-11-05T17:15:25.712-04:00

Recently, Dave has started working every Saturday. At first it was a little weird, but now I find I quite enjoy having the day to myself.Sometimes I use it to go up to Mom's and dye yarn for the shop. But most Saturdays, I spend at home. I do just enough housework to keep the place looking respectable - then I focus on things I want to do.Like finishing Buster.All it needs is buttons, which I'll

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-47137606460970333742011-11-02T22:22:00.004-04:002011-11-02T22:39:17.466-04:00

I woke this morning with a fever and body aches... so I took a cue from the cats...And spent most of the day resting and napping.When I did find enough energy for knitting, I ignored Buster, and opted instead to work on a different project.This one is on my list for Christmas, though honestly, I'll be surprised if I get it done in time(Three blocks post-blocking - two pre-blocking)The

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-84146679991697067332011-11-01T17:36:00.003-04:002011-11-01T17:52:48.418-04:00

Last night I got felled by something that feels suspiciously like the flu. I hope it's not.But today, I played it safe, snuggled up on the couch with the cats and lots of warm woolens (socks, cardi and crackghan). And, it gave me a chance to get started on the next baby cardi.I took another quick look through the books I borrowed off Mom, and came across Buster.I'm not sure how I missed it on the

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-92109067366993988302011-10-31T22:33:00.004-04:002011-10-31T22:50:51.939-04:00

Unfortunately, I get home too late now to hand out candy (and Dave works even later), so it was an uneventfull All Hallow's Eve at Chez Wandering Cat.So instead of monsters and mayhem, I decided to put in a movie and settled in for a quiet evening of knitting.Miss Peno had other plans..."You don't really want to knit... you want to pet me instead!"So we compromised. I pet her in between stitches

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-81739696587255450632011-10-30T20:19:00.005-04:002011-10-30T20:31:47.105-04:00

The first baby cardi is together...It's still boring and gender neutral (I really had to push myself to work on it) but I'm hoping the required buttons and blanket stitch detail on the edges will dress it up a bit.One version of the pattern is actually striped - and I think with the right colour combo, it could be a sophisticated little knit. Alas, I'm working with what I have, so boring blue

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-83754978548720670992011-10-28T21:32:00.004-04:002011-10-28T21:44:23.178-04:00

It's funny how much your life can change in a year.This time last year I was stuck in a horrible job, wondering if I would ever be able to escape that particular circle of hell.Fast forward 365 days, I have a job I enjoy and work with terrific people. I like the job so much, that not even an hour (or more) commute and frequent long hours can put a damper on my enthusiasm.And how terrific are the

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-89439691159071777752011-10-26T21:12:00.003-04:002011-10-26T21:36:14.530-04:00

With less than 60 days to Christmas, I decided I better start getting organized. So on Monday, I sat down, wrote out a list of who I needed gifts for, and what I wanted those gifts to be.Because of a tight budget (read $0) it was decided that this year, all my gifts will be handmade with materials I already have.I'm a lucky girl in that respect. I have a multitude of talents (knitting, sewing,

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-15581836261137822232011-10-24T18:42:00.006-04:002011-10-24T19:11:50.657-04:00

I've had several comments asking about Mopar's unusual name, so I guess I better explain.Mopar, as you know, is Dave's cat. Dave brought him home when he was a teenager. As mentioned on a number of occasions, one of Dave's hobbies is classic cars.He has two. A '67 Pontiac Bonneville......and a '67 Dodge Charger - which sadly, I don't have a handy picture of. The Bonneville sees more use, but at

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-72133161162912538162011-10-23T20:25:00.006-04:002011-10-23T20:43:41.009-04:00

I have mentioned my best friend Samantha on the blog here before.Sam and I have been friends since middle school. Scary to think... that was TWENTY FREAKING YEARS AGO.But anyway, now we are all grown up, Sam is married to a ridiculously nice guy and has three ridiculously entertaining children. And, despite the fact that we live less than an hour away from each other, we only see each other a

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-31642189042737812982011-10-22T19:54:00.006-04:002011-10-23T00:32:26.129-04:00

It's been a crazy week and I haven't had a whole lot of time to do anything exciting, so here's some random stuff to keep you entertained.Random thing 1: I've started a baby blanketThe blanket is Serenity. I actually tried to make this blanket a few years back, before I had much experience with shawls. I was using the written instructions, but wasn't following them well. That, coupled with the

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-48580350116525221732011-10-19T22:01:00.002-04:002011-10-19T22:04:36.690-04:00

It's always cool to see people knitting my designs. Lately there's been a rash of Elphaba WIPs on RavelryThese are just a few pics of recent ones. You can see all 72 pairs here. And maybe even make a pair yourself. The pattern is free!

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-38390565855105820102011-10-17T21:10:00.002-04:002011-10-17T21:20:13.969-04:00

It's hard to believe, but today marks nine whole years of togetherness for Dave and I!It certainly doesn't feel like nine years... and next year - it's a whole decade. It must be love!

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-76803452052816448742011-10-16T18:07:00.005-04:002011-10-16T18:34:13.769-04:00

It's that time of year again. The time when the leaves starts falling, dad heads way up north to kill something (preferably a moose) and Mom gets itching to accomplish things around the house.Several years, she painted something while Dad was away. One year he came home to a cheery yellow kitchen, another year it was a violet bedroom, another year it was a light periwinkle kitchen (different

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-34406078373465077612011-10-12T20:14:00.003-04:002011-10-26T21:55:54.127-04:00

I finished up the Blackrose mitts for my coworker last night.I gifted them to her today, and it was a good thing, our office is darn chilly. These were knit in Top Cat (colour is Slate). The skein was set aside to do the heel and toes on my Cheshire socks, but since I haven't gotten to them yet, and I won't need the whole skein, it was the perfect choice for these mitts.I changed the thumb gusset

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-4351699515057236222011-10-10T22:02:00.004-04:002011-10-10T22:11:46.429-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all - it was a nice warm day filled with turkey and stuffing and pie - what more can you ask for?And here are just a few of the things I'm thankful for:1) The ability to make something that will bring a smile to the face of a co-worker who's been having a few rough days.2) Lace and silk... need I say more?3) A bang-on swatch (and 3 stitches to the inch - can you say fast

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-83346743880580891052011-10-08T18:22:00.006-04:002011-10-08T21:05:14.529-04:00

That's one of my favourite phrases when I'm talking about dying. And it's so true. You can step into the studio with a certain colourway in mind, but what comes out of the dye pot may be nowhere near it. It might be close, it might be better, or it might need a little (or a lot) of help.No two skeins are exactly the same. This is not a game for perfectionists.Case in point:This morning I set out

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-29416335468011109162011-10-05T21:39:00.005-04:002011-10-05T21:58:11.412-04:00

I just realized, Fable is done, I don't have a shawl on the needles (Purity got permanently sent to the frog pond - mohair is the devil!) , the only thing I really have on the go is two pairs of socks, and a sweater I'm considering frogging.What to do, what to do?I took a look at my queue, and while I wouldn't consider it out of hand (there are 25 projects in it), there are definitely some things

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-50213682178254430612011-10-04T19:39:00.005-04:002011-10-04T20:11:57.213-04:00

I realized that I promised you a detailed post on Fable - and while I flashed pictures, I didn't actually give any details.So here they are:(please forgive my grumpy morning face - I loved camp - but they made me get out of bed far too early - and I really should learn to stand up straight...sigh.)The pattern is Fable. And as mentioned, I modded the crap out of it. The original had a folded hem

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-83542434029576357362011-10-03T21:30:00.004-04:002011-10-03T21:47:53.050-04:00

Mopar continues to make himself right at homeHe's laid claim to the coveted curved scratcherIt's funny - we were all worried about Tux picking on him, and the poor old man getting all stressed out. Nope. He's the one stressing the others out.This morning at 6 am, he was lying across the top step, barring access to the bedroom to the other cats. Tux was not amused.Mostly he stays in the closet

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-40586419219556101672011-09-29T21:22:00.004-04:002011-10-01T22:08:18.997-04:00

Things have been pretty hectic since returning from knit camp - both at home and at work. So I've saved up a few little things to do one giant blog post to catch you all up.1) The most exciting new is that we have a new addition to our family, and the Wandering Cat clan.Meet Mopar:Long-time readers will recognize Mopar as Dave's cat. Well, both Mopar and Dave have moved in with us full-time (

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-58323487538814979782011-09-25T16:42:00.008-04:002011-09-25T17:20:08.331-04:00

Sadly, this morning was the last day of knit camp. It was up early for breakfast, the off to class. We were once again with Fiona Ellis, this time learning all the finer points of cables. If you're familiar with Fiona's work, you'll know this is her specialty!If you ever get the chance to take any classes with Fiona - take it. She's an excellent teacher with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-84547318706464803482011-09-24T21:44:00.006-04:002011-09-24T21:54:09.698-04:00

Camp began bright and early with breakfast. Then it was off to classes with Fiona Ellis.Today - Dive into design.Here's my workspaceMom and FionaThen it was time for lunch. And after lunch.... designing by the lakeand me in my new sweater with the best seat in the house:Tomorrow: It's all about cables.

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-3047906559634355772011-09-23T22:18:00.004-04:002011-09-23T22:25:16.462-04:00

Well - here we are at knit camp.It's dark and stormy on the lake...But it's warm inside and there is lots of yarn.We got here a little later than planned, due to an unintentional detour - or as I like to call it - unexpected adventure! But all is well. Tonight was just a fashion show and dinner - and Icecream!Tomorrow classes with Fiona Ellis begin!

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-78055926134034202592011-09-22T21:08:00.003-04:002011-09-22T21:21:54.871-04:00

"..can I go to knit camp with you?"Sorry Rocky, the resort says no pets allowed - and there's too many other things to put in my suitcase anyway. But don't worry, Dave is going to take good care of you and keep you company while I'm gone. (Try not to bug your sister Peno too much...)And for the rest of you who can't join us - be sure to check out the shop. Mom's got an update ready to go.

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-67869863939358139642011-09-21T21:51:00.002-04:002011-09-21T21:58:05.193-04:00

with my little eye... something purple and made of alpaca, silk and cashmere...I am amazed - but it's done and blocking. And it was done a day early! I knit my poor little fingers to the bone into the wee hours of the morning last night. I'm terribly sleep deprived now, but I've got a finished cardigan for knit camp.It will come of the blocking board tomorrow, and I'll put the closure on it that

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-58785749813285253132011-09-19T21:34:00.005-04:002011-09-19T23:41:08.212-04:00

...because I am stocked up on yarn!Mom's been bugging me for weeks to help her rein in her ever growing stash. But I don't think her idea of help involved me taking it all home....But really - all I said was - "I went to Lens, but I didn't like any of the 'baby' yarn and none of it was on sale, so I'm just going to dye my own"To which she replied "I have lots of yarn you can use for baby projects

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-52811763727987184892011-09-18T20:18:00.001-04:002011-09-18T20:26:54.243-04:00

Once again, I was overly optimistic about how long my knitting actually takes. I was hoping to have the body of Fable done by Saturday, leaving all day today to work on (and possible finish) the sleeves.But it was not to be so. Oh the body is finished....But it took me until 4 p.m. this afternoon to get there.I've got about 3 inches done on one sleeve.. but I'm not deluding myself any longer -

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-42812877832976023542011-09-15T21:49:00.003-04:002011-09-15T22:02:00.159-04:00

Nope... I just haven't had a chance to make the second one yet.I needed a break from the seemingly endless rows on the body of Fable (only 3 inches to go!), so I cast on for a pair of my Baby Janes. Can you believe there are 213 pairs of these on Ravelry - how cool is that?I'm using some leftover DK angora that Mom bought at the KW Knitter's Fair years ago. She bought several cones in a couple of

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-32262027526020846122011-09-11T16:27:00.003-04:002011-09-11T16:37:13.277-04:00

As promised....Dave is off working today, so I am devoting the whole day to nothing but knitting on Fable. Well, I'm doing laundry and watching pirate movies too... but it's mostly all about Fable.The above (crappy bathroom mirror shot) was taken at 4:20 p.m. Were I not modding the crap out of this pattern, I'd be just about ready to cast off the body and start on the sleeves.But, me being me,

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-63059555949493003062011-09-10T14:50:00.006-04:002011-09-10T15:09:12.409-04:00

Today was dye day - and while I was up at Mom's I took the opportunity to get some finished pictures of Haruni.I am definitely pleased with this one, even if I didn't have enough yarn for the i-cord edging.It turned out to be a good size for a small shawl - about 50 inches wide - just wide enough to wrap nicely around the shoulders.The pattern is very easy - and definitely one I'll do again -

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-82024606986554796452011-09-07T19:08:00.004-04:002011-09-07T19:15:09.094-04:00

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I only had four rows left on Haruni - not eight. And that I-Cord edging - I needn't have worried - I didn't have enough yarn any how.So, I did a stretchy cast-off and I think it looks just fine. It's happily blocking and I'll get some modeled shots this weekend.In the mean time, here's a little sneak peek at my bead workI love beads!So now it's back to

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-37057515038600513272011-09-06T20:00:00.002-04:002011-09-06T20:18:57.324-04:00

I was really hoping to have pictures of Haruni blocking for you today... but, alas, it was not to be.Despite knitting my fingers to the bone all weekend, I finally admitted defeat at 10 p.m. last night.There are just eight rows left - and I probably could have gotten them done by midnight, but it was really the thought of the i-cord cast off that follows that did me in - who knows how long that's

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-42851119885330974422011-09-04T19:24:00.003-04:002011-09-04T19:36:56.899-04:00

You will remember that this summer, I participated in a mystery KAL with designer Anna Dalvi. Anna is a fellow Canadian and her designs are beautiful! I first discovered Anna's talent for myself, earlier this spring, when she contacted us about using one of our yarns for one of her designs. A quick look at her design page - and you know there was no way I was saying no. So Anna chose her yarn

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-3786159518682128922011-09-03T16:27:00.004-04:002011-09-03T16:47:16.610-04:00

Haruni has been in my queue for a very long time - and I've had a skein of Wollmeise squirreled away for just such a shawl. I've mentioned before that Wollmeise is not one of my favourite yarns (I find the base a little too cotton-like for my liking), but it does soften when washed and some of her colourways are pure genius. Spice Market is one such - an absolutely stunning grouping of deeps

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-24258004736283635582011-09-01T19:50:00.003-04:002011-09-01T20:01:05.626-04:00

Seriously ... September??? Never mind August... what happened to the rest of the summer? Oh well.. no where to go but forward right. That means there's Christmas knitting to plan, babies to prepare for, designs to get underway. The good news is, I've got a little head start.The Shawl Collared Baby Sweater is done - all it needs is buttons - and baby isn't due until December! And is sounds like

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-15984782713001654382011-08-27T21:26:00.007-04:002011-08-27T23:18:37.845-04:00

There's a bit of a baby boom happening in my circle right now - four in the making - two friends and two co-workers. The first up is a girl to my co-worker - due this winter, so something warm and cozy was in order. I've opted for Mom's Shawl Collared Baby Sweater in Big Cat (colour is Miss Lillykins). I've knit this sweater before, and it's a great quick baby knit - perfect for boys or girls.

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-39640926449817226432011-08-23T21:24:00.003-04:002011-08-23T21:36:58.203-04:00

Yes... Magpie is finally ready! I have a feeling this is going to be my most popular pattern so far - the feedback I've gotten has been great - with lots of people asking for the pattern. It's definitely one of my favourites. It's also a surprisingly fast knit, despite the long cast on and beads. I had this one done in just a few days. The lace pattern is easy-to-memorize, and before you know

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-67387312526020742622011-08-22T20:02:00.003-04:002011-08-22T20:08:38.550-04:00

When my coworker and I stepped out for our lunchtime walk today, both of us remarked on how it felt like fall. A cool breeze, geese in the park - such a change from the heat and humidity that it makes you want to grab a cup of cider, pull on a merino cardi and go hunt for the perfect pumpkin! So I guess it's only fitting that I announce the winners of Dalhousie. Congratulations to: Lexa

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-77344233372036392062011-08-21T18:23:00.004-04:002011-08-21T18:30:45.873-04:00

If you're interested - the yarns from Miss P's dye session are now in the shop - they include several one-of-a-kind colourways created by Miss P herself There is Tabby Cat (worsted and fingering), Fluffy Cat Lite, Alley Cat, Stray Cat and some Twinkle Cat Gold. And I'm still playing with my hankies. I've started a simple feather and fan scarf. I love how its turning out. It's need how the

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-78456757927123879192011-08-20T18:26:00.003-04:002011-08-20T18:37:17.260-04:00

There was yarn dying today - but since you've seen so much of that, I thought I'd share something new. I mentioned a few posts back that I had purchase some silk hankies - or mawatas - to try some dying and knitting. Here they are hanging out to dry. Each of those hankies has several layers - this is going to take a while to draft.But I do love the shine.

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-63334285953971691042011-08-18T21:11:00.004-04:002011-08-19T09:40:00.579-04:00

It's ready!My lovely coworker helped me take photos on our lunch today And now Dalhousie is all put together and you can make your own pair! And to celebrate - we are going to have a little contest - leave a comment any time before Monday, August 22 and you could win a copy of the pattern! I'll choose five winners on Monday evening at about 8 p.m. Good luck! Tell your friends!

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-68174745974058788702011-08-17T19:31:00.004-04:002011-08-17T19:44:04.110-04:00

Summer seems to be flying. I remember summers that appeared endless when I was a child. But here we are - already half way through August. Oh well - not much to do but enjoy each day while you can - right? Mom got the sock machine together without me She hasn't had too much of a chance to play with it, as she's on a knitting deadline. I'm waiting for her to work all the kinks out before I play

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-75274055970697306162011-08-14T19:37:00.008-04:002011-08-14T19:56:57.797-04:00

Despite being Sunday - the sun has been notably absent. Rain clouds have hovered since morning, but not a drop has fallen. Tux declared it was a good day to stay inside and relax. It was hard to disagree, so we've been snuggled up on the couch, knitting (well I've been knitting, Tux has been doing what Tux does best - napping and hogging the afghan). And what have I been knitting? A new design

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-15236897348661149372011-08-12T22:21:00.004-04:002011-08-12T22:27:23.053-04:00

Look what Mom just got in the mail.... A sock machine - we are going to have socks coming out the waazoo.... if we can figure out how to put it together...

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-38959476525961683012011-08-11T21:05:00.005-04:002011-08-11T21:15:31.816-04:00

I was going to wait until the pattern was ready to share these, but it's so pretty, I can't wait.Yarn is Slinky Cat - colour is Tempest (Mom's creation)I think I'm going to wear this to work tomorrow. It will look so nice with my jeans!

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-86317129788396910242011-08-08T19:48:00.004-04:002011-08-08T20:04:34.022-04:00

... but it's over here. You may remember me mentioning that Mom and I were asked to design patterns for the Honeysuckle Project. My pattern - Katherinehas been released. And Mom's Wandering Rose is as well. And we have two lovely skeins of Honeysuckle Pink left, so she's having a little contest (my pattern will be thrown in as well!). Go check it out!

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-3773703232261535422011-08-07T15:55:00.004-04:002011-08-07T16:16:42.234-04:00

I'm suppose to be mopping floors while Dave is out of the house fixing his Grandma's sump pump (I hate mopping when he's here - the man doesn't understand the concept of a freshly mopped floor and how I'd like it to look that way for at least an hour) but instead, I took a little extra time and finished up the second version of Magpie.It's blocking now, and I think I'll sneak up to Mom's after

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-6500653178004513972011-08-05T18:59:00.004-04:002011-08-05T19:08:00.349-04:00

Miss P is safely home, and Miss Peno is enjoying life out from under the bed again.And I've been knitting:Work has begun on the smaller version of Magpie. Mom dyed this yarn for me last week (colour is Tempest), but the beads I'd been hoping to use didn't match quite as well in real life as they did in my head.So today, Dave kindly offered to drive me to the bead store (the fact that the guitar

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-53433821623973568102011-08-04T10:16:00.003-04:002011-08-04T10:25:51.521-04:00

Today is Miss P's last day here. This morning is a lazy morningBut soon enough we'll be packing up and hitting the road - three hours to Owen Sound.So, I'll leave you with some truths I've learned from a seven year old:1) Fields are forests to bugs2) Astronauts wear space suits because the universe is too bright3) The word syllable has three syllables4) The moon would be cooler if it was made of

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-37721782340425135652011-08-02T22:22:00.004-04:002011-08-02T22:32:28.332-04:00

There has been ship buildingand yarn dyingand now we are definitely ready for bed! Too bad she won't let me sleep in...

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-62940759184229113072011-08-01T18:11:00.010-04:002011-08-01T18:25:57.706-04:00

Miss P did indeed come home with Dave and I after the wedding.Poor little Peno cat is firmly ensconced under my bed. I did manage to get her out for a few moments. I closed the bedroom door and an hour later, Miss P was at the top of the stairs petting her.Of course, as soon as the bedroom door was opened again, Peno found her way back under the bed and won't come out again.Miss P also manged to

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-38715791797523086922011-07-31T18:01:00.005-04:002011-07-31T19:04:16.592-04:00

Yesterday morning I got up far earlier than I normally would on a Saturday. I kissed Dave goodbye (lucky jerk was still sleeping) and headed up to my grand parents farm.It was finally my aunt's wedding day, and I'd made myself head of the decorating committee.While everybody else was scrambling about, getting bride ready, and shuttling the groom's family about, I was working away, transforming

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-82638695650928973972011-07-28T21:59:00.006-04:002011-07-28T22:13:08.543-04:00

....Hey, Miss Peno...."What...? Can't you see I'm enjoying the 16th hour of my 22 hour nap?"I just wanted to tell you... on Saturday, there will be another Miss P in the house"Sighhhhhhhhhh....fine. I'll stay under the bed."Ummm... she's staying until Thursday....."WHAT?!?!?!? Oh crap.""Fine. I expect ALL my meals to be delivered under the bed. And move the litter box there too, slave."

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-41831884409035910612011-07-25T19:37:00.003-04:002011-07-25T19:44:06.753-04:00

I might not have won Delusional Knitter's Contest, but I decided I had to try her yarn anyway.I had my eye on a skein of Butterscotch, until I saw FaireAnd it's even prettier in person. touches of purple, taupe, blue and black - I can't wait to see this knit up.I don't usually do lace weight, but I'm glad I made and exception for this!

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-10848193895985926252011-07-24T16:23:00.009-04:002011-07-24T16:45:50.646-04:00

Thank you to all of you for your compliments and suggestions for Magpie.And thank-you to Mangofeet who reinforced my thought to make another one and offer both versions in the pattern . That's just what I'm going to do. Especially after seeing the first Magpie in her final photo shoot today.This one is done with just one skein of Slinky Cat (colour is Steel Magnolias) and several hundred beads (I

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-79627565469816896332011-07-23T22:46:00.005-04:002011-07-23T23:06:29.091-04:00

Well I guess this is the end of the bead-a-long for me... but not in a bad way.Nope, I cast off my project today.My newest design - called Magpie - it's hard to see, but it's chock full of beads. I'm pretty pleased with it, for the most part. It's just... well... it's wider than I planned.My plan was to make a wide, but shallow shawelette, absolutely glittering with beads. I was aiming for at

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-6558300970848910242011-07-21T21:29:00.005-04:002011-07-21T21:34:17.240-04:00

Hot enough to bake a cat on the sidewalk!This is Mom's cat Deuce. Don't worry - he was enjoying this. He didn't want to be inside.Neither did this one:Or this one:I have some awesome footage of the pair of them doing face-plants into the pool. I just have to figure out how to edit it, and put it to music. Hopefully this weekend.

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-86051248526550361992011-07-20T19:43:00.005-04:002011-07-20T22:51:59.936-04:00

Yep it's hot. Disgustingly sticky, drippy, hot.But I'm happy! Why am I happy? Because I can drive down the QEW with the top down singing "Rock Lobster" and "Clap for the Wolfman" at the top of my lungs!If you gotta commute, you gotta make it fun, right?I haven't knit a stitch all week. And probably won't until Friday. It's just one of those weeks.But today is also Dave's birthday! Funds are

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-4671378663756706502011-07-17T18:21:00.004-04:002011-07-17T18:36:44.883-04:00

Sorry for the extended silence - it's a been a little hectic at Chez Wanderingcat.But I do have some knitting news to reports, so let's dive right in, shall we?I think you all are far more optimistic about my chances of finishing Fable than I am. This week I've managed to complete six rows on it. Yep... six. Well maybe September is a more realistic goal.At the moment, it's brooding in a corner,

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-55318787646131048602011-07-12T22:39:00.003-04:002011-07-12T22:58:05.383-04:00

... I started a sweater and neglected it forever and ever and ever and ever.But then a magic knitting fairy came along and gave me the urge to knit on it again...You might remember - this is Fable - I'm knitting it in Fluffy Cat. As you know, Fluffy is one of my favorite shawl yarns, and I've got to admit, it's just as nice for sweaters.Due to the fibre content (alpaca/silk/cashmere) I wouldn't

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-43210651383405350572011-07-10T16:01:00.006-04:002011-07-23T22:45:27.365-04:00

It's far too hot today to be wearing a shawl - but for you dear blog readers, I endured.Yep - Midsummer Wreath is off the blocking board! And my dear Dave was kind enough to accompany me to the park by the lake to get some shots of it.The shawl used just over a skein of Fluffy Cat (colour is Teddy). If I hadn't done a swatch, I probably would have only had to use the second skein for the

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104326227793912888.post-8564624003255671072011-07-09T21:40:00.004-04:002011-07-09T21:50:35.412-04:00

No beading update today - I've been focusing on the mystery shawl - and after working all day on the edging that never ends...It's a long (over 70 inches) shawl - but shallow. As you can see, it's pinned out right now - and I'm blocking the bejeezers out of it to get some depth, and nice sharp points.Hopefully I can talk Dave into helping me get some modelled shots when it's dry.Now, I did tell a

Wanderingcatstudiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11459444703722115118noreply@blogger.com6