Long Time No Post - I am Back

Catch up time: 
First of all I want to thank Cynthia McDougall, http://www.cgknitters.ca/ for the write up in the current issue of "Knit Together" (the quarterly publication of Canadian Guild of Knitters).  I was featured under the category "Meet a Canadian Designer" and am totally flattered by the recognition.

As I mentioned in my last post I am going to be a vendor at the 16th Annual Christmas Art and Craft Tour in Oro Medonte.
You all know I have lots of stock but, hopefully will need more.  I will also take my Huggy and Hoodie Bear Patterns for sale.  I am working hard, finishing up the Baby Compass pattern, making smaller items for display and hopefully they will sell at the November event.  I just finished a child's version of a hooded sweatshirt style pullover and of course more socks, hats and mitts. 

Pictured here are more of my stock.  I cannot believe it, I have even started to knit Fingerless Gloves.  I never could see the reasoning behind them but they are popular and as I worked through several pairs, I began to like them on my hands and I bet they will be handy when I walk Cruster Ruster. So, I will likely keep one pair for me.   I am also working on a updated version of my Sam's Delight pattern, it will be called Samorel and will be written for children 1-6; 8-14; and an adult version will eventually be available, likely not until January at the earliest. (Picture will follow, I have completed the yoke and about 3 inches of the body.  Still have to do the sleeves.) 

Deb, Dana, Lynda, Sophie and I have held our first meeting to discuss yet another Cabin Fever Book.  It will be different from the previous ones, and will feature some very interesting designs.  Keep watching the Cabin Fever Sisters, for the release of another pattern book------------ 

Until next time ---- MommaBearKnits.

BACK ON TRACK

I went to the Waterloo County Knitters' Fair with Deb on Saturday.  A whole day spent in the company of other knitters was great.  Of course Deb had to work in the Cabin Fever Booth, but I had the freedom to wander.  I did purchase yarn even though I have lots in my stash.  How can a knitting kook like me resist.  I met with friends that were also at the show as well as networked with others of similar interest.  You always learn something at an event like that.  It was a great show and the drive to Aurora with Deb was an opportunity to talk about, what else, but Knitting and Designing.  Then we joined the Aurora Guild and had a wonderful time on a school bus full of knitters from Aurora to the show.  The guild held draws for great prizes on the way to the show and of course Show-and-Tell on the way home.  Full Day!


JJ Jacket is done!!!! 


Now I am back at the keyboard, determined to get all the designs that are in my head on paper.  Baby Compass is my first project to finish.  It is multidirectional and after discussing the difficulty of writing, what is so easy to knit, with Deb; I am taking her advise and creating schematics for the sections.  It is time consuming but really will make the pattern easier to follow.

Above are sections 1-4 of 8 sections when complete.  Make any sense to anybody?  Trust me it will.  I am back in the saddle and loving it. 
- MommaBearKnits on into tomorrow

Well I am on the home stretch for my first baby leaflet which will include three different but somewhat the same baby cardigans. The white one above will be placed on hold for now and will get the opportunity to shine soon. Remember Baby "K"? Well now it has been upgraded, changed a bit, and has become "Katie". The lace trim version is "Sadira" named for my new grand neice Sadira, a.k.a. Sadie which will be the name of the basic cardigan that is also included in this pattern. I am fine tuning the writing and once again, with a sad heart will part with Sadira, Sadie & Katie a.k.a SSK and send them off into the knitting world. This whole process will still be dependent on Deb and Lynda of course.

I am also working on hats! hats! hats! Deb has decided to publish a hat book with a very unique turn. All the hats will be compatible with any yarn weight; from fingering (my fav), DK (second fav), Worsted (least fav), and Chunky (not my choice). It is a real challenge but one that I am willing to meet (or try to meet). I am looking forward to seeing all the hat designs from all the very different designers that are truly dedicated "Friends of Cabin Fever." This book will be a new kid on the block for sure. So, everyone, sort through your stash, this hat book will eat into your stash big time; that will make room for more stash, how good is that?

As always, no surprises here,

"MommaBearKnits"

Baby Patterns Crossing the Finish Line

I met with Deb today and showed her all my samples and we selected two sets of three to be featured in a 1-2-3 pattern. (Three levels using the same basic design). We decided to go with the (1) purple lace; (2) a similar style to the pink Baby K shown above (it will have twisted stitch collar and cuff instead of the whole body) and a (3) basic cardigan similar to the navy one below only using a k2, p2 border. This pattern will be a girly style except for the basic one. The white huggy will be on the back burner until the other two are done. I don't know if it will just be single style with perhaps socks and a hat to match or will I go the next step to make this one also a 1-2-3 pattern.

The second project will be a basic cardigan using a k1,p1 rib; a hoodie, and a very boyish overall patterned cardigan. This pattern will appeal more to the little boys even though girls like hoodies too. Life is good here in Lake Country, MommaBear will knit all winter, no hibernation for this old bear.

MOMMABEARKNITS on into the future, Freedom 65 her she comes.

What Else Is New --- MommaBearKnits of Course

Finished the lace version of Baby K. I think this one will be "Sadira"

One more pattern with the Baby K #'s. I think Hoodies are cute and will stay on the baby better than hats. I think this one will be called "Huggy Bear". Along with the basic cardigan, the basic wrap around, the textured diamonds and the colour patterns, I think I have lots to choose from. The basic wrap can also be done with various patterns, such as lace, textured and colour patterns. WILL IT EVER END???

MommaBearKnits

Tuesday is Canada Day

I am taking an extended long weekend in celebration of Canada Day. Saturday, Sunday, Monday (yes Monday too) and Tuesday Canada Day. I guess I am pretty lucky to be here in Lake Country; having a four day weekend; no need to travel; just hang out in my sanctuary, eat, drink a little beer, and be a little merry. Oh yeah! Knit, Design, and write and rewrite my Baby K and its offsprings.

Butterscotch has requested a Canada Day Teddy's Picnic. I guess I will try to work around the rain and let him do it. I will dress them all up and we will all have fun. Lot's of pictures will follow. This party, hopefully, will be outdoors, perhaps even in the woods. Keep watching for more postings and pictures of the party.

Our guild had a great wrap-up meeting last Wednesday night. See the pictures on Deb's blog http://cabinfeverknittingdesigns.blogspot.com/ Ann is a wonderful hostess and her home is awesome, both indoors and outdoors. A wonderful neighbour and knitting buddy.

Will definitely be back with the party photos. Signing out as always MBK

I am Still Knitting

I have been absent from my blog for a while but I assure everyone that I have been knitting and designing. See above, the hat and baby sock (Lynda's Pattern) but with my baby V pattern. It will be included in the Cabin Fever Book. How proud I am to be a Friend of Cabin Fever.

We recently had a night out.....rare for us old folks. We went to Casino Rama on Thursday night and had a great dinner at Rinaldo's then we proceeded to a fabulous show "Andre Philippe Gagnon" there are no words to describe the show, Awesome.

Jerry and I have finally got around to putting up our Gazebo for the summer. Our back yard is our sanctuary. We have plants (that live in our dining room all winter and this time of year I am very happy to move them out, now we can walk around our table).

This crazy plant (see above) has completely outdone itself. We cannot kill it and not sure if we can live with it one more winter. I don't know what to do with it......................

We call this area our Hanging Gardens of Babylon. (above and below)

The gazebo is where we spend private and quiet times. We eat out here and sometimes even stay outdoors until bedtime. (bug repellent, dinner, black and white TV and radio for music)

Our back yard is our space. Our home is not real special but it is ours and our back yard is our private space. Gazebo, hanging gardens, humming bird feeder, and a great BBQ. Why would we go anywhere in the summer. We already live in Lake Country.

Can you see the wild turkeys that come to visit regularly. We are getting reports from all around us that there are bears on the prowl. MommaBearKnits and walks the CrusterRuster, wish me luck, bears are scary even for a mommabear. We also had a visit by a very handsome Buck (Deer) the other night. No pictures yet but I will keep trying. Until we meet again remember......

MommaBearKnits

It is the Weekend !!!!! Summer is Trying, Very Trying!!!!

It is beautiful here in Lake Country today, a little cool but sunny and quite breezy. This morning I walked the bugler and he dragged me into the woods and stopped at a wild apple tree. I could not resist taking a little bouquet home for the dining table, I like wild stuff and it is just as pretty as any florist's work of art. Chocolate, of course, jumped at the chance for a photo op. Isn't he just too cute...........

Now on to the creative stuff. I have placed Baby "K" on hold for now, until Deb crawls out from under her huge project..... "The Baby "V" Neck Cardigan Booklet." Judging from what I have seen so far it will be great. The pictures are just soooooooo cute.

What I am doing now is taking my baby "K" numbers and working each size in a somewhat basic design; cardigans and pullovers with the neckline that I used for the Baby "K" Jacket (or Cardigan, not sure yet what to call it). While checking the #'s for each and every size, usually one of the five just don't jive and it takes a little tweeking, I will let the creative juices flow and work different patterns, such as Colours, Lace, Cables, Knit and Purl patterns and whatever else enters my my head while working, lazing around and even sleeping. Dreams are an amazing source for the creative spirit.

This is the first go at it .........Preemie cardigan with seed stitch borders. I am now working on a pullover with pockets and a ribbed border in a size 3 Mos. Both of these are knit in Berroco Comfort DK. Next size, next style, I will use another yarn just for the fun of it.

Signing Out, Please Come Back for an update............ MommaBearKnits "on and on"

May "24" Holiday Weekend

Here we are in Ontario's Lake Country. The Port of Orillia is open for business once again. A lot of work for me, and others, but it is "The Jewel of the Trent Severn Waterway". My job at the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce ties me to the Port from May 9 to Labour Day Weekend. I do the books, Susan (my boss at the Chamber) is the Harbourmaster, and all members of the staff do a fantastic job of welcoming our guests. How good is that. And that is why I would not chose to travel on the busy highways this weekend----- why would I, we live here where everybody wants to visit. The weather is not so great for the beginning of the summer season, but that is not our choice. Rusty, the CrusterRuster has found solice in my bed, on my comforter and hugging my afghan. Lucky little devil that he is. I, on the other hand, can knit, design, and veg out on my three day weekend.

Baby "K" has aquired some accessories; a hat and socks. Of course Baby "K" is related to my blanket "Kimm's Baby Blanket" (Another Cabin Fever Pattern).

I do sometimes go overboard with knitting and reknitting when I work out a design but it does eliminate the weird little glitches that crop up on one (of 5) of the sizes for some crazy reason. I can always find a home for the rejects and the tests.

Baby "K" -------

The work is done. I am just fine tuning the socks and the rest is history. I will hold off on Butterscotch's Goodbye Party for "K" until Deb is ready for yet another labour (hopefully, a labour of love, and profits). Watch for the party, Butterscotch would like this one to be out in the woods, a true Teddy Bear's Picnic.

Until then ......

MommaBearKnits

Designs

&

Dreams her Creations

Most of the time they look good in dreamland but do not make it into the real world

Baby "K" back on the Burner

Well I have parted with the Baby V cardigan. Watch for the pattern book to be released. It is amazing just how much work still has to be done. Deb and Lynda are by no means near finished with the project.

As always, I am proud to be a friend of Cabin Fever and a small part of the big picture. On to (or back to) Baby "K"................

Now Baby "K" is finished too. I am working on a hat to be part of the pattern, if it is wanted or needed.

This hat is a Preemie size just as a test. I have worked the #'s and am working on a larger size. The jackets in these pictures are size 6-9 mos. I am now working a final version in Preemie just so that I can knit the rows, write (or in this case check) the rows, and then Butterscotch will likely want another party.

Of course I don't know when or if Deb will want or be able to cope with this pattern. She is very very busy and I understand. This jacket has been designed to match the Cabin Fever Pattern # 801 "Three Baby Blankets", my contribution was "Kimm's Reversible Baby Blanket" that was worked in the same twist 2 stitch pattern as this Baby "K" Jacket.

Until the next time MommaBearKnits..........................

Deadline for Baby V and Guild Night, how good is that!

It was a great night, as usual. We enjoyed dinner at Zat's, a new Italian Restaurant and then on to Cabin Fever for the guild meeting. We enjoyed Knitting, Talking, Networking, Show & Tell, and a preview of the Baby "V" submissions. How good is that?
Overview of some of the group. It always amazes me that, although we are all Friends of Cabin Fever and are following their criteria, we all are the same only very very different in our designs.

Deb's basic and also, in the back ground the design that Deb will feature as her own.

Sophie's, Oh Boy is she brave, a lot of writing I am sure, but oh soooooooo tailored in the bamboo and super cute in the Cabin Fever Cotton Tweed. Two very different looks, both are super.

Dana's submission, a real baby sweater and a very cute hat. We all remember these and still love them. A style that will never never go out and will be knitted forever, especially by loving grammas. I am sure I will save the pattern for this one, someday, maybe even soon, I will become a great gramma and will start all over again for the third time.

Megan. Oh Megan. You are such a colour person. Your design is modern, grown-up and will look good on the babies when they are dressed in those wonderful grown up pants and T's that we see on babys these days.

Lynda. What can I say. Cute as can be and just look at the socks. Looks good and the colours are to die for.

Karen's is on the way.

Lynda has gone off to photo babies for the book.

I can hardly wait to see the published pattern booklet.

And of course, if you have been following, I was ready with my Baby Bear. I am sure that everyone is sick of my pictures ----- so ------ none in this posting.

Remember ----- MommaBearKnits on and on--------

GOODBYE PARTY FOR BABY BEAR

Butterscotch has been a great model for my designs and he approached me and asked if he could host a Goodbye Party for my latest pattern and denim sample, Baby Bear, who will be joining Cabin Fever in their V neck Cardigan Baby Book. His career will begin soon which will include, travel, admiration, photo shoots, and hopefully, he will end up warming the body of a very lucky little boy. The first arrival was Carmel, wearing one of MommaBear's designs in progress.

The rest of the guests also were outfitted in MommaBear Designs. The guest list included Butterscotch (host); Carmel; Chocolate; Vanilla; Mocha; and SnowFlake. It was a fun teddy bear's picnic and a good time was had by all.

Of course, saying goodbye to Baby Bear was a sad moment but the Teddys are all proud to be a part of the design process. Good Luck Baby Bear. Luv ya!

And as always----------

MommaBearKnitsToo

Baby Bernie "V" approaching the finish line..........

Whew!!!!!! I think I have finished. I am working the final sample in Cabin Fever Denim Tweed, the pattern is being twigged as I knit each and every row. I will miss you Baby Bernie "V". By the next posting, you will be photographed, delivered to Deb, and will likely have a new name. I have some suggestions "Baby Bernie V", "Little Man", "Bernie", "Baby BBD", "Baby Bear", etc. etc. I will consult with the Cabin Fever Sisters before the final name is selected, and it may be something entirely different. As always I will give you up like a child leaving home for the first time. Will Miss you "Baby Bernie V".
Onward and Upward

------ MommaBearKnits and Designs------

------What's Next-------

-----Time will Tell------

Baby Bernie "V" continued ..........

...................... Collar Up!................

................Collar Down!...............

......................Collar all around!......................

I have not lost my mind, I am just trying to do the fine tuning on the design and trying to cut back on the text in the pattern. Deb, what do you think. And the rest of you, I would like your comments as well. Can I start the cable after the short rows?

Momma Bear Designs as well as Knits. Must go now an walk the dog, that will give me the opportunity to figure it out.

Baby Bernie"V"

Knitting of the sample is done, now I must sit at the computer, knit and write, re-write and re-write again. Then the pattern will go to Deb, who is really really possessed with doing it right so that all you knitters out there can enjoy yet another Cabin Fever No Sew pattern and knit with ease and enjoyment. And the best part is 'when you are done, you are done.' I hate sewing up projects after enjoying the knitting to the tenth degree.

I have been on holiday this week from my job that I do mainly so that I can build my stash, knit my face off and join my knitting friends in such spaces that the picture above reveals. This Tuesday, Deb and I travelled to Huntsville and spent time in Sheepstrings. We had the opportunity to see Designs in Progress by Karen and Dana, that was very interesting. It is amazing how the Friends of Cabin Fever are the same only different. Dana, Karen, Deb, and myself had a good day, I bought yarn and am now working on another pair of socks, what else is new.

Then we travelled back to Huntsville today (Thursday) joined Karen, Dana, Lynda and Deb for a great dinner, and then we joined Karen's Stitch and Bitch knitting networking session. Lynda displayed her Baby V pattern and tiny socks that will match; the colour choice was amazing and the cardigan was adorable. I met some new knitters. Look at that picture of the shop, how much fun and touchy feely opportunities do you see. Love it and the creativety that abounds. Back to work Monday.

Until Next Time:

MommaBearKnits, Designs, Networks.

Up to my (V)knees in Deb's Baby "V"

Working on Baby "V" Top Down Cardigan is fun and challenging. I know that the pictures look somewhat like Baby "K" and the colour doesn't help but it is different. The cable/eyelet/twist stitch forms a baby style cable.
The sleeve will have a cable down the centre. That will take a little extra pattern detail but I truly think it is worth it.

The Front button band is garter stitch but has a k2 (RS) and p2 (WS) which seems to take away the pulling up of the edge. At least it looks like that now. The pulling up of the edge of garter stitch trim has always been the reason why I don't choose it very often. But I do like it and besides it helps when counting the ridges between the buttonholes.

The bottom will also have a garter stitch edge. I hope that this will give it a more boyish look while still working for the beautiful baby girls out there that all the grammas love to knit for.

I know grammas love to knit for the handsome baby boys too.

Signing out I remain..........

MommaBear the Knitting Kook.

Re-Designing of Deb's Baby "V"

No Comment as I am a firm believer in the phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words". I have been far to chatty lately. Don't want to talk any more today.

---MommaBearKnits and she designs----