Archive for October, 2009

Hi friends,

It's still super-busy around here (I don't see the pace letting up until we're done and dusted with our Christmas issues...hopefully just another week or so), but in between assignments I have been taking a few moments to daydream about things I'd like to be knitting.

This is my February Lady Sweater...more of a capelet right now, and it looks like it might be February by the time I get finished! Oh well, that's still sweater weather. Meantime, I'm also thinking about Christmas knits (ambitiously, I'm thinking about handknitting all my gifts this year), baby gifts, and lots of other projects. I'm heading to New York City in a couple weeks, and a trip to Purl Soho is at the top of my list!

What's on your needles? (Need an idea? Check out Canadian Living's huge collection of knitting patterns!)

Hi again,

Phew, it's just a whirlwind around here, so I'm going to have to keep it short today. I've got two great prizes again this week: for locals, one last chance at a pair of tickets and class passes to the Creativ Festival, and for everyone else, a chance to win a copy of "Pet Projects: The Animal Knits Bible."

You've read the Creativ Festival spiel here before; check in Tuesday or Wednesday for more information about activities for the scrapbookers among you. The more I learn about it, the more I think I'd better leave my wallet at home!

If you have a pet, want a pet, or are looking for a way to worm your way into the heart of someone with a pet, then Pet Projects: The Animal Knits Bible is the book for you. They've got knitting projects that range from hamster houses to cat nap maps (try saying that one three times fast) to collars and sweaters for your precious pooch. This is an office of dog lovers and we've spent many a coffee time oohing and aahing these projects. (I think my favourite is the balaclava – basically a hat with ear muffs – for dogs who are afraid of fireworks!)

You know the deal: For your chance to win, leave a comment on this post telling me which prize you'd like. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 11; a winner will be posted on Tuesday, October 13. (I hope that the anticipation doesn't get in the way of eating that second slice of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving!)

Hi friends,

I'm here with the winners of Weekly Giveaway #22. Drumroll please....

Congratulations to Pat and Katharine!

Pat, I'm sure you'll love the book, and Katharine, I hope you and your cousin have a great time at the festival. I'll be in touch with you shortly.

Stay tuned for Weekly Giveaway #23.

Hi friends,

It's super busy around here today, so I'm afraid I have to keep it short and sweet. That's OK, because I think that today you should go over to Yarn Harlot and read Stephanie's post "On Becoming Something."

There are many, many metaphors for life: running is one of them. What I know about both is that sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's hard, but that it's important to keep moving forward, even if you have to slow down and walk with your hands on your hips for a bit while you try not to look like you're covered in sweat and gasping for breath. (We all have days like that....don't we?)

I also know that it's important to help out the people you meet along the way. Which is why I'm going to go and sponsor Stephanie for this weekend's Run for the Cure. And why I hope you will too.

I'll see you on Monday.

Hi friends,

Did you know that there are multiple series of mystery novels for crafters? I knew about Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek Quilts novels, but I have to admit that I was a little bit surprised to discover just how many other crafty mystery novels there are out there. Just a sample....

• Maggie Sefton's knitting mysteries
• Betty Hectman's crochet mysteries
• Kate Collins's florist mysteries
• Mary Ellen Hughes's Craft Corner mysteries
• Terri Thayer's quilting mysteries

Have you read any of the books by these authors? What did you think? Any suggestions for the reading list would be welcome – just leave them in the comments!