The weather has become decidedly autumnal – and by that I mean that it is chilly and raining. The upside is that I can definitely justify wearing the results of my knitting challenge – scarves, shawls, hats and gloves. As it is “Socktober”, I really ought to be working on some socks, but I have so many other projects on my needles at the moment that the socks will have to wait. I’m doing another test knit for a designer at the moment (third designer, fourth project), so my own projects are languishing in their respective WIP pouches – which, incidentally, I need to make more of!

This is one of the knitting projects I have completed:

Dolcetto

This is ‘Dolcetto‘, designed by Dani Berg and featured in the Fall issue of Knitcircus magazine. I was fortunate enough to win the pattern collection and started with this beauty. I knit it in Madeline Tosh ‘Toshlight’ in the Vermillion colourway.

I have also knit a couple of purple hats for the Click for Babies Purple Cap Campaign to raise awareness of shaken baby syndrome.

In order to compensate a distraught child after she realized we had sold the play kitchen, I knit this lacy, ruffled scarf with beaded cast off in a really soft, pretty yarn. Did she know about selling the kitchen (two months ago)? Yes. Has she worn the scarf yet? No.

Ruffle scarf with beaded cast off

I have actually done some sewing, too! Here is a large yoga bag I made for someone who has trouble rolling her mat tightly enough to fit in a regular yoga mat bag.

Yoga mat bag

Black and white messenger bag

Interior of black and white messenger bag

These two shots are of a custom order messenger bag. The exterior is plain black, but in a beautiful, soft, yet heavyweight fabric, whilst the interior is in a combination of black and white prints. The lack of vibrant colour is a bit of a departure for me, but I think it is fabulous and the new owner is delighted! The bag has an adjustable strap with the new deluxe hardware, a side release clip closure and padded pockets and a zippered pocket under the flap. The interior features two key clips, a cellphone pocket and expandable pockets for the particular things this lady carries. It also has a water bottle holder and a magazine pocket on the rear of the bag.

I will be participating in the Treasure Chest Christmas Extravaganza at the Costin Hall in Lantzville on Saturday, 3rd December. It will be a fabulous event and we will be partnering with the Child Development Centre in our “Share the Magic” campaign! We will be collecting donations of unwrapped toys, clothes, and other gift donations to share with families of the Child Development Centre. Admission and refreshments are free and there will be a great selection of quality vendors. Mark it on your calendars and come join in the fun!

Dolcetto shawl on the needles

This is “Dolcetto”, a beautiful shawl designed by Dani Berg. It was one of the patterns in the latest issue of Knitcircus. I fell in love immediately, chose yarn, then joined in a Knit Along on Ravelry (a completely fabulous resource for knitters and crocheters). I’m using Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in Vermillion, a sumptuous, rich colour and a beautiful yarn.

Saroyan

This is Saroyan by Liz Abinante and is knit in Vintage DK by Berroco.

Asking for Roses

This is “Asking for Roses” by Amy Swenson, knit in Tosh Merino Light in Smokestack.

Just one more bit of knitting for now!

Holden Shawlette

This is the Holden Shawlette by Mindy Wilkes, knit in two strands of Centolavaggi Laceweight yarn in a beautiful teal – my go-to colour this year!

I have also been doing some sewing, surprise! Last Saturday, I participated in the Treasure Chest Local Business Fair.

Booth at Treasure Chest Local Business Fari

Diaper bag

This is a messenger-style diaper bag, designed to fit everything you could possibly need for an outing with baby, but not look like a diaper bag! The adjustable strap means it can be adapted for use across the body, on one shoulder, or strung across the handles of a stroller. There are ample pockets inside and out, of course, a water bottle holder, key clip and parachute clip closure.

WIP pouches

These are a couple of the large WIP pouches I have been making for knitting projects. The front is clear vinyl, which is ideal when you have multiple projects on the go. These WIP pouches have turned out to be pretty popular, as they are so practical, made to order and unique.

Just one last thing before the end of this photo-heavy post! Last night was domestic bliss for us. We live in the city, but are hearts are a little more rural and after a few games of hangman together, Daddy read “Little House in the Big Woods” to the girls while they took turns making butter and I sat in my chair, working on my Dolcetto knit-along! It was relaxing, peaceful and a great end to the day. Now we’re looking forward to lovely, buttery toast for breakfast!

Homemade butter

If you are in the Nanaimo area, please stop by and support local businesses, see some fantastic handmade products and perhaps check some things off your Christmas list!

This is a messenger-style bag with a dark/neutral exterior to suit her active lifestyle with her young boys, but the interior is bright, vibrant and fun. Practicality is paramount in my work and this bag is filled with great features, such as a magazine pocket at the rear, a wide, adjustable strap, divided pockets under the flap and inside the bag, a zippered pocket, key clip and a water bottle holder. Roomy, yet not bulky.

Butterfly bag - interior

Messenger bag exterior

Messenger bag - front

One thing I am not sure about is whether people would want a separate project bag or a handbag that carries a knitting project too. I would appreciate any feedback on this! Obviously, each knitter will probably have different requirements and my bags are custom made for each individual, so they can certainly be tailored to suit. However, I need a starting point and asking more experienced knitters seems the most sensible way to go. If you have any thoughts, please email me.

This first bag is one I made for a customer for his wife for Christmas. It is a spacious, but sleek shoulder bag with a removable hard base, padded strap, magnetic clip closure and key clip. It also has several divided pockets, both under the flap and in the interior. The exterior of the bag is an Amy Butler print, whilst the interior is a combination of two super soft, coordinating cotton fabrics.

This second bag (picture on the right hand side) is a special order for a lovely returning customer. The main exterior is heavy weight chenille fabric, combined with a vibrant cotton accent panel. The rear of the bag has a messenger bag pocket and a concealed zippered pocket. Under the flap there are divided pockets and a zippered pocket. The interior of the bag has bellows pockets to accommodate the customer’s belongings.