Knitting

Cinnamon recently clocked in at a little over eight pounds. This is a huge victory, considering that she was over eleven pounds when we started the Purina One True Nature of Cats program. The program isn’t specifically about weight loss, just about improving your cat’s health and outlook. But by doing those things, kitties can really shed the pounds. Cinnamon is getting about two tablespoons of canned food a day in her little dish, about 1/4 cup of dry food in her favorite puzzle feeder, and 1-3 play time sessions daily (depending on her interest level) of about 10 minutes each. Eight pounds is a perfect weight for an average-sized female cat. But Cinnamon is small. Wee, even. The vet has said that six pounds is probably her perfect weight, but he would be happy to see her at seven. As you can see, there is still plenty of cat meat left on those bones. I continue to struggle with getting her to face the camera for a picture. After a lot of kissy noises and clucking, this is the best I could do. “What do you want, I’m busy.”

Dear everybody, I didn't know Kathreen in real life. We weren't regular online correspondents, either. But I felt I knew her. Her voice was strong and clear. Her writing on the Whip Up blog was smart, fair, kind and...

There is something about the way that I am put together. something hidden on my genome somewhere, some experience or virus or something, some little mysterious part that takes who I am, and everything I believe and how I want...

A time for Beatles to roll in the fresh cut grassA time for glorious flowering irises A time for American flags of all shapes and sizes and a time for cold pasta salads and grilling. Not to mention:porch knittingcar trip knittingpicnic knittingvacation knittingsitting in the car with the windows rolled down knittingdock knittingpier knittingbeach knittinglawn chair knittinghammock knitting pontoon boat knittingand evenfirework knitting....Happy SUMMERTIME we deserve this!

Hi everyone, I am testing my ability to write blog posts from my iPhone. I love the future! It is, after all, where we will spend the rest of our lives. Here is the giant blob of purple fiber that is sitting beside me in the car.

Dear everybody, Welcome to a weekend of remembering and celebrating the creative spirit and work of Kathreen Ricketson. For those just joining us, we are trying very hard to make some lemonade here out of the sourest lemons imaginable....

Every Friday we feature one of the garments from the magazine in a post about styling. We suggest different ways to wear the garment in question using mock-ups from Polyvore. We encourage readers to tell us what they think about these outfits via our Facebook page or Twitter, and if folks want to make their own outfits, please tweet them at us with the hashtag #twiststyle. You can find all of the Style Friday posts here.   It was a good day for wool in Toronto yesterday folks! I wore handknit socks and a scarf while working on the styling last night for this post. I almost packed away my wooly sweaters and accessories when I moved at the beginning of May, but spring here can be a tricksy sort of season.   If I had one right now, I would totally be wearing Alvinda. An all-over lace cardigan always looks pretty and put together, whether you pair it with an evening dress or with jeans. I'll admit to feeling very very lazy about putting together cute outfits (to wear myself) this week. I've been to three weddings in as many weekends, most of which had additional rehearsal dinners or Sunday brunches, and they were all extremely lovely, but I had to look cute pretty much all the time. On purpose! I will leave you with just one piece of advice from all these nuptial adventures; if a chef invites you to his wedding, you should go. The food will be marvelous. I took a picture of my plate, and I almost never take pictures of my plates.     Alvinda can go with you to a fancy occasion such as the wedding of a chef or other sort of elegant friend. Perhaps a whimsical teapot themed party? Brunch with friends?     I want all of those shoes, just so you know. You can also wear Alvinda more casually, with separates. Like so:     Now I better go get knitting. I give handmade gifts, and I am behind! The last of the three happy couples got an IOU.   How would you wear Alvinda?

Pattern: Simplicity 1614 Fabric: Rayon Challis (ebay purchase) Notes: I am seeing this high/low hem tops everywhere this season.  I made one last year, which didn’t turn out so well.  I didn’t like how much longer that top was in the back – I prefer the more gentle rounded hem of this pattern.  I also think rayon challis is a much better choice, as it allows the pattern to drape naturally. Because my torso is incredibly long, I haven’t found any hi-lo tanks in the stores that fit me.  They all cut off in the front at precisely the widest part of my hips, and I don’t find that flattering on me.  I knew I would have to lengthen this top, so I added 3 inches in cutting.  I was worried that was too much, but it turned out to be just right! I should probably mention that you won’t find this version of the top (rounded hem in with the front all one piece) in the pattern.  This version is cut in stripes on the front, but I taped the pieces together in order to have only one seam (the bust line, which is on all versions.) I was really excited to use my striped fabric – I’ve had it for ages, but it was too overwhelming for a dress.  Imagine my dismay when I realized that the piece was actually vertical stripes!  No matter, I cut on the cross grain.  In fact, in order to get the stripes to line up I had to cut the yoke entirely off grain.  Luckily, that doesn’t seem to have caused any issues, but I’m sure it would in a more fitted top. I cut a straight size 8, and I did not make any sizing adjustments (except the length) but for one.  I made the view with the single back strap, but after carefully assembling the straps I realized that the strap was really wide on me – several inches too wide!  Because it was already sewn into the seams, I ended up just folding under part of the strap and securing it under the armholes.  It’s invisible in this fabric!  I took out 2.5″ inches overall.  I probably have a narrow back: I am exceedingly proud of the back seam matching – I can’t even see it, can you? On the subject of the pattern – it was generally pretty good, though I had one issue.  The pattern has you staystitch the neckline, but unfortunately the front neckline has a 3/8″ seam allowance, which isn’t marked.  Be sure to keep in to a quarter inch or it will show and have to be removed! I think the pattern wanted a hidden bias finish, but I wasn’t thrilled with that on the neck.  The armholes have visible black binding, much neater imo! In all, a very successful top.  I’m not done with tops for the summer, but I need to pause to make dresses for a few events I have coming up… look for that soon!

We are loving the feedback we’re receiving on the Craftsy classes. I think everyone is enjoying the fact that they can take a class from Anne in the comfort of their living room. And they can watch the classes over and over! Thank you to everyone that entered the contest for a FREE Button Bands and Buttonholes. I have a winner! Drumroll please… Cheryl A, enjoy your free class and finishing your garments with the help of virtual Anne! Speaking of contests, I’m having a lot of fun with the Countdown to Father’s Day KAL on ravelry. Each day I post a knitting pattern ideal for dad that can be knit in time for his special holiday. There’s a grand prize given to someone that posts pictures of their finished object by Father’s Day. Right now, I’m awarding a $5 knitspot gift certificate to one lucky person that posts a pic of themself with dad in the thread, or their husband and child, or a daddy with his dog…by Sunday (may 26 midnight EST). I kicked it off by posting a pic of me with my dad and I’m loving all the cherished photos rolling in. You can see them all here and there’s still time to enter the contest! You can also check the daily countdown of knitting pattern ideas on facebook and twitter. I am turning in for the night. I just got back from a mani/pedi and I need to get my beauty sleep. Why? Because I have a lot of things to do over the next couple days. My brother is getting married Saturday!! And I’m in the wedding!! I am busting at the seams with excitement. He has found the perfect girl and I am so happy to be a part of their special day. There will be a lot of running around the next couple days and also down time in between things. I have cast on a Sculling in Yarn Hollow to keep my hands busy as I wait in the queue for hair and makeup. Have a great weekend everyone!

The blasted elves still haven't shown up here.  Not a single sign of them,  but with my wool as my witness, progress was made here yesterday, and the humans in my immediate vicinity (the ones who count on me to...