tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63454649897591444922024-03-05T19:46:30.932-05:00Grandma Coco's DesignsCheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.comBlogger621125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-79893940448742326932018-04-17T12:14:00.002-04:002018-04-17T12:14:33.128-04:00It's rainin' cats and dogsWhat weather we've been having!! Rain. Snow. Freezing rain. We had more spring in March than we're having now. Only thing for it is to <strike>eat</strike> make cookies! These are for the Gananoque & District Humane Society's booth at the business showcase this weekend in Gananoque. Friday from 4 - 9pm and Saturday from 9 - 4, at the Lou Jeffries Gananoque & TLTI Recreation Centre.<br />
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<br />Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-31312012832866574792017-09-07T15:08:00.000-04:002017-09-07T15:08:54.150-04:00There's nuthin' like a friend to pull you out of a rut.So, things have been a little tense in the Kingdom this summer. Lots of stuff goin' on. Not all of it good. However, my good friend <a href="http://artsandsocks.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Kate</a> had just the remedy. 'Let's knit a really, really complicated lace shawl!!' And you know what? She was right! A girl can't dwell on the dark side of things if her mind and hands are focused somewhere else. So, here's what we're knittin'. With Cassie's help, of course.<br />
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It's a new shawl by Anne-Lise Maigaard who designed the shawl we knit last year. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/GrandmaCoco/alberta-shawl" target="_blank">Alberta</a>. Kate's knitting a bigger size with lots of beads. I'm taking it a little easier. Mine will have beads at the cast-off edge. Kate's will be fully loaded with 'em.Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-71530186662771279932017-08-22T12:31:00.002-04:002017-08-22T12:31:56.020-04:00Cruisin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's time for the annual Fur Ball Cruise! This is a fundraiser for the Gananoque & District Humane Society. These cookies will be available for sale during the cruise. For more info about the event, please click here:<a href="http://www.ganhumanesociety.ca/uploads/2/2/0/7/22072986/furball_2017_poster.pdf" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<a href="http://www.ganhumanesociety.ca/uploads/2/2/0/7/22072986/furball_2017_poster.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.ganhumanesociety.ca/uploads/2/2/0/7/22072986/furball_2017_poster.pdf</a> <br />
It should be a rockin' good time!Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-54344554726315401942017-08-01T16:06:00.000-04:002017-08-01T16:06:00.572-04:00The colour-of-the-day is ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are lots of tutorials on the internet for dyeing animal fibres with Wilton food colouring. It's not hard. It doesn't require fancy equipment. It's non-toxic.<br />
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For this shade, I used Teal plus Ivory, plus a little extra yellow. Nothing precise. I just aim for a shade, and accept what comes. <br />
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This could also be the secret to happiness.<br />
<br />Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-30862984877262346042017-07-30T11:13:00.001-04:002017-07-30T11:13:58.079-04:00Sophie Digard and meStill infatuated with those Sophie Digard designs. Here's how my scarf turned out:<br />
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12 inches x 60 inches. And since Sophie signs hers with a label, I had to, as well. I think I'm on the right track. I like how the colours work together, but I think maybe smaller motifs might work better next time.<br />
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In this photo, you can see the cone of white cashmere I bought <a href="http://colourmart.com/" target="_blank">here</a> that I dyed with Wilton food colouring to get the gorgeous coral skein and the warm yellow-green. The cashmere is lovely and soft. I'm playing with some off-centre circles, and putting them together free-form.<br />
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Sophie's designs also include bags made from her crocheted 'fabric', as well as embroidered scarves. Doesn't embroidery sound like fun?Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-64834978310458318052017-07-09T11:00:00.000-04:002017-07-09T11:00:42.471-04:00More crochetStill workin' away on the Kitty Face Granny Squares, but I'm also insanely in love with Sophie Digard designs. She's a Parisian designer who has her work made up by women in Madagascar. It's supposed to be a Fair Trade arrangement, but I haven't actually confirmed that. Not that it matters. Her scarves are crazy expensive, and for me, the attraction isn't really in owning one. It's in figuring out how they're made. I don't mean the crochet patterns. That seems simple enough. They're mostly crocheted motifs that are joined to make a rectangle. What's extraordinary about her scarves is the way she manipulates colour. And THAT is what I'm grappling with.<br />
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Here are a few of examples of actual Sophie Digard scarves, but you can search her out on Pinterest to see more.<br />
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Heaven knows I have lots of odd balls of wool leftover from previous projects. I read that some of her scarves are made up of as many as 60 colours/shades that she has dyed for her. So, OK, I guess dyeing is part of the deal.<br />
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I've made several starts at this, but always get distracted by 'nice colours'. I've decided I really need to tighten the colour palette. Then, I got the idea I should START with the colour palette. How 'bout this one? Pretty, eh?<br />
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So, I sifted through my stash, and chose all the teals and turquoises and beiges and browns. I'm sticking with wool and wool/nylon (sock leftovers), because a scarf doesn't get washed much, so hand washing shouldn't be a problem. I dyed some off-white with Wilton food colouring, and I over-dyed some turquoise with tea.<br />
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I think it's interesting that there are so many similarities between quilting and this type of crochet. Still working in squares, and still joining them together. The success of the project depends on the colour chemistry in both media. Of course, I've had to go back and re-learn my basic crochet skills, but that's been enjoyable, too. Much easier now with YouTube than it was when I was 13. And I get to work on my deck under Cassie's watchful eye. What better way to pass a July morning? Or several. I have 32 motifs made, and I calculate that I need 45. Some assembly required.<br />
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<br />Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-25562027403035871932017-05-23T19:25:00.001-04:002017-05-23T21:11:04.748-04:00Crochet along with me, the best is yet to be<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have this idea!! There's this really cute pattern (no, it's not mine) for a kitty granny square. Really cute. If you've got some yarn and a hook, and you'd like to crochet along with me, just keep reading.<br />
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If you'd like to do some good with a granny square or 2, you could consider sending them to me, and I'll put them together into an afghan to try to raise money for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LyndhurstFeralCats/" target="_blank">Lyndhurst Feral Cat Project</a>.<br />
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Here's the pattern. It's free. <a href="http://www.sewrella.com/2016/07/kitty-cat-crochet-granny-square.html">http://www.sewrella.com/2016/07/kitty-cat-crochet-granny-square.html</a><br />
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It's written for worsted weight yarn. I used Bernat Premium and Bernat Satin. Both are classified as #4 Medium. It's acrylic, so it's easy care. If you're making your squares for the LFCP afghan, use any colours you like...... the brighter, the better. I used buttons for the eyes and nose, because I don't intend this for a baby.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE2Qzxl7xMoDYTxjrCzO9npDS236fVYWaKbXhiIqFgTrT2hKtzwlvGU4oF__ERJUn55Ka4TxBqaUJOGKNnn8MM5EqYV9ux2lFz64UuJD1c6uasjVHW_WycviKVmIp4r1atTpMJVQcCXw/s1600/CatGrannySquareWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE2Qzxl7xMoDYTxjrCzO9npDS236fVYWaKbXhiIqFgTrT2hKtzwlvGU4oF__ERJUn55Ka4TxBqaUJOGKNnn8MM5EqYV9ux2lFz64UuJD1c6uasjVHW_WycviKVmIp4r1atTpMJVQcCXw/s400/CatGrannySquareWEB.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cassie approves!</span></td></tr>
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I'm not a big-time crocheter, so my experience may differ from yours, BUT I think the first ring of the block should ask you to make 9 DC in the magic ring, so you end up with 10 stitches. The first chain 2 is really the first stitch.<br />
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Also, the pattern doesn't really tell you where to start the frame around the cat's face. I found it was easier to mark the cat's face like the hours of a clock (an old-fashioned clock). Put a safety pin at each hour of the clock, and start at the 2 o'clock point. I didn't count stitches as the pattern instructs. I just slip-stitched into each hour of my 'clock'.<br />
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Oh, and for some reason, my kitty cat granny square measures 8 inches square, not 6 inches as it says in the pattern. No matter. One of the great things about crochet is that it's so 'fudgeable'.<br />
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That's it! Have fun! And if you want to send me a block to add to the afghan, please just let me know. Just leave a comment on this post, and I'll get back to you with the address. The cats and I would be very grateful. Thank you!Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-74069739628527537152017-03-23T12:21:00.002-04:002017-03-23T12:21:57.291-04:00Cookies! Olé!After taking a cookie-making break, here are some Mexi-cats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBFCZhMvIj7YQEBQ5b_Xr1cJF5rZkXEg2rA6qTn-DmjH8_KRyJJHA_KQfgJb0oTCXwpwrdD_kWL-s8HWl8i9Vwv0EM2w67j8qGkYInIW8Ej-vhbg3Q3r8d3zEzp6IcynAYotlYBNfTfE/s1600/MexiCatsWEB-WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBFCZhMvIj7YQEBQ5b_Xr1cJF5rZkXEg2rA6qTn-DmjH8_KRyJJHA_KQfgJb0oTCXwpwrdD_kWL-s8HWl8i9Vwv0EM2w67j8qGkYInIW8Ej-vhbg3Q3r8d3zEzp6IcynAYotlYBNfTfE/s400/MexiCatsWEB-WM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cats in sombreros and mariachi cats, born from a doodle I did earlier this week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0jj8oQwxJrZBsHMqrURPRafl_LWnIvKKXgTzDFPocg4p4WxJEjBACz_xOEHWZRcMcv-QcWGANaLtKzOkcFfsq5W2lV9Na8RQdU1brzDcrQv-aaqzm6JKfKcbDSZfSc2BHdlOZhO-8iA/s1600/Chili2WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0jj8oQwxJrZBsHMqrURPRafl_LWnIvKKXgTzDFPocg4p4WxJEjBACz_xOEHWZRcMcv-QcWGANaLtKzOkcFfsq5W2lV9Na8RQdU1brzDcrQv-aaqzm6JKfKcbDSZfSc2BHdlOZhO-8iA/s400/Chili2WEB.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
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The cookies will be on the bake sale table at the annual Chili Cook-Off that the Gananoque & District Humane Society is holding on Saturday at the Lansdowne Community Centre (Jessie St.) from 11 to 2.</div>
<br />Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-23457306389035126652017-03-08T15:33:00.000-05:002017-03-08T15:33:20.861-05:00For everything there is a seasonI'm still playing with baby sweaters, but a girl can't knit all the time. It's not a good idea ergonomically-speaking. :) Fortunately, I have a nice collection of partially finished projects in several media. It's not huge (that collection), but when a project falls out of favour, I do tend to neglect it for a while. And I do that in a heart beat. And without a shred of guilt. I know its day will eventually come. Today, is the day for this one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mDQpSjogixcQwKUWY3SgQY-4Vp-6xZeb_3Hg3p8Ar-GlWBv150xZ1kKRn75QPFdu8rKWZhLdSC25J27kAp6EShwiLeWxSN2Z0dpbUkpKLEIpII3SbhyphenhyphenGGBaJzYKp2i5-eQehkfyNPX8/s1600/IceCreamSketch-WM-WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mDQpSjogixcQwKUWY3SgQY-4Vp-6xZeb_3Hg3p8Ar-GlWBv150xZ1kKRn75QPFdu8rKWZhLdSC25J27kAp6EShwiLeWxSN2Z0dpbUkpKLEIpII3SbhyphenhyphenGGBaJzYKp2i5-eQehkfyNPX8/s400/IceCreamSketch-WM-WEB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I can't remember exactly when I drew the sketch, but I wrote a little poem (doggerel, really) to go with it that's dated April 11, 2006, in my notebook. So, the whole project's been languishing for a while. I hope to embroider the poem around the border.<br />
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I have the appliqué layered now with a lovely bit of right-sized Tuscany silk batting that my friend <a href="http://sewkaren-lycreated.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Karen </a>sent to me as a gift-in-the-mail in September 2014. That batting has been waiting all this time for just the right project. I've never worked with silk batting before, but I'm loving the way it sticks to the cotton backing and top.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl26j_ggs7b9gqUfidU5H-1xKGClEacHwHUyE977OD2ikVMofDr0MRzjA7ym5vJVhNOfkHuLnX1_5fFryxcpZHw5pfDTlc76VSGoy5fRCwRYOfIRys_8gsvNUzcgIC0NwGJxWZryjylt0/s1600/IceCreamWEB-WM-AppliqueBase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl26j_ggs7b9gqUfidU5H-1xKGClEacHwHUyE977OD2ikVMofDr0MRzjA7ym5vJVhNOfkHuLnX1_5fFryxcpZHw5pfDTlc76VSGoy5fRCwRYOfIRys_8gsvNUzcgIC0NwGJxWZryjylt0/s400/IceCreamWEB-WM-AppliqueBase.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm planning to quilt it by machine, and then, hand embroider the details. I know that seems counter-intuitive, but I'm confident I can hide all the knots and thread tails from the embroidery. The last embroidered quilt I made was hand-quilted, so I embroidered first, layered and completed the quilting on a frame. I don't think I want the machine quilting to cross over the embroidery anywhere, and I think embroidering on the layers will be easier than embroidering on one flimsy layer. Check back later to see how that goes, if you're interested.<br />
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Ode to Ice Cream<br />
26 inches x 30 inchesCheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-774065931149719782017-03-01T13:00:00.000-05:002017-03-01T13:00:29.087-05:00More boy stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEqrRViEwZdpQpYQOP7GYkhaDj-qmzihK3m3i0m8RHVIWeejculP7lmQUDYug00wNge1W_UJhZLCmXd1-25ngaZHi5oz6SwrkmjyIopcVojSdCzeF-c4pD5P98XJOTusNVvJbjr_qJSI/s1600/TurquoiseBabySweaterWEB-WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEqrRViEwZdpQpYQOP7GYkhaDj-qmzihK3m3i0m8RHVIWeejculP7lmQUDYug00wNge1W_UJhZLCmXd1-25ngaZHi5oz6SwrkmjyIopcVojSdCzeF-c4pD5P98XJOTusNVvJbjr_qJSI/s640/TurquoiseBabySweaterWEB-WM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Still researching what makes a baby sweater suitable for a boy baby. Babies of either gender are sweet and cute. Do we treat boy babies differently from girl babies? I've never seen even the most rugged of men, slug a baby on the shoulder, and ask, "How's it goin', buddy?". However, there does seem to be some unwritten rule about how boy babies ought to reflect their 'boy-ness' in their dress.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjzAaFwgSLIavsOKrTUwzAx8Gw7EgvYj8Cm-mJhzxMjZ0FGBJLD_9w4XNgLpYpj3Qc3r3eKbizH1wsl6K6fQ30E3s2CCL7jgQTJUPP6U6FFobfvARlZ4eF2dAH6X8EDiqNZTHQwB85uc/s1600/TurquoiseBabySweater+DetailWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjzAaFwgSLIavsOKrTUwzAx8Gw7EgvYj8Cm-mJhzxMjZ0FGBJLD_9w4XNgLpYpj3Qc3r3eKbizH1wsl6K6fQ30E3s2CCL7jgQTJUPP6U6FFobfvARlZ4eF2dAH6X8EDiqNZTHQwB85uc/s400/TurquoiseBabySweater+DetailWEB.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
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Blue is the quintessential colour for boys, right? Turquoise is a member of the blue family, specifically blue-green. Therefore, this is a boy colour, right? Let's push the envelope and add an appliqué patch for decoration. Are cats OK? Lions are pretty man-ly. Is this happy cat face OK?<br />
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I'm still not sure I have a handle on all this. What I do know is that it's fun to knit these little sweaters. I've donated this one to the online auction that the Lyndhurst Feral Cat Project is running right now on Facebook. Proceeds from the auction are going to the Gananoque & District Humane Society who help us so much with our cats. In fact, without the G&DHS, we wouldn't be able to do what we do.<br />
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If you're in need of a baby sweater for a boy, size 6 to 9 months, made of washable wool/nylon (or over a 100 other items on offer), please check out the auction page. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LFCPAuction2017">https://www.facebook.com/LFCPAuction2017</a> Bidding ends Sunday night, March 5, at 9 pm sharp.Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-86659090701689135052017-02-17T16:14:00.000-05:002017-02-17T16:14:11.023-05:00Cats knit?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsuE_tt_qa-6Jw1Y3WneLyxUd0imQTx6OPRjTWaV2VYXhLRyhRdjnmesgnLLbPUzxjgvaCHp5TvO6VJNsWyPJN8wSSz22kOCuFJeaeEbp9-9xLvNwctcFW3BpHxHMz5aPfWfucAZ6uZU/s1600/KnittingCatsProjectBagWEB-WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsuE_tt_qa-6Jw1Y3WneLyxUd0imQTx6OPRjTWaV2VYXhLRyhRdjnmesgnLLbPUzxjgvaCHp5TvO6VJNsWyPJN8wSSz22kOCuFJeaeEbp9-9xLvNwctcFW3BpHxHMz5aPfWfucAZ6uZU/s400/KnittingCatsProjectBagWEB-WM.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
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This is a knitting project bag (or a lunch bag, I suppose) that I made out of some fabric I had printed through <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/" target="_blank">Spoonflower</a>. This time, I had them print on cotton twill, and I really like how nice and sturdy the fabric is. Perfect for a bag.<br />
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This bag measures 7 inches wide and 7-1/2 inches tall and about 3 inches deep (at the bottom). I think it's perfect for a pair of socks on-the-go. The zipper keeps everything safe. The strap makes it easy to carry. And because a friend had a very near miss with one of her bags (briefly lost! :( but then found! in a most unlikely place - a parking lot! - by her husband -The Hero!), this one comes with an ID card that fits into a pocket in the lining.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dATPsrtUtTWtIr73jUg0scTItZX3LJU25SLodS_cGfRPaC7-Hy3v3WWyyFX7ijhy2FIdMpu6Jp4kJrIpSuyFqAz-060QntfV4oyyWFUvIV8q3FGTDQ1dqeiLPVdhTzggLUP1ECuXI6s/s1600/KnittingCats-2insq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dATPsrtUtTWtIr73jUg0scTItZX3LJU25SLodS_cGfRPaC7-Hy3v3WWyyFX7ijhy2FIdMpu6Jp4kJrIpSuyFqAz-060QntfV4oyyWFUvIV8q3FGTDQ1dqeiLPVdhTzggLUP1ECuXI6s/s400/KnittingCats-2insq.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm putting this bag in the online auction that the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LyndhurstFeralCats/" target="_blank">Lyndhurst Feral Cat Project</a> is holding to benefit the <a href="http://www.ganhumanesociety.ca/" target="_blank">Gananoque & District Humane Society</a>. The auction runs from March 1st to 5th this year, and I'll be sure to share the link the Facebook page for the auction when it goes live.Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-88774638319652402572017-02-14T13:41:00.000-05:002017-02-14T13:41:43.261-05:00Boys will be boysA very good friend is expecting her first grandchild shortly, and that baby will be a boy. Of course, I want to make something for her (him). One thing I've been struggling with is that all my baby designs look sorta girl-y and precious. I think my next quest will be for boy-friendly designs. Toward that end, here's the base sweater I'm knitting right now. Masculine, right? :) Well, at least it has blue in it. That counts, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm501ki6lnZpmPYisCSUqOxjjEYpj3ywJJBYnHYDtTE0AmodNOSBAlQfkTdIDBx7QVfV8WdRI462M_mgv2XMrkSKVOpaKD2V4EaDsk1GcFW-4_UDNCbXoFRF-aElPlsVRJxKhG8Ol9XU/s1600/BabyBoySweaterWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm501ki6lnZpmPYisCSUqOxjjEYpj3ywJJBYnHYDtTE0AmodNOSBAlQfkTdIDBx7QVfV8WdRI462M_mgv2XMrkSKVOpaKD2V4EaDsk1GcFW-4_UDNCbXoFRF-aElPlsVRJxKhG8Ol9XU/s640/BabyBoySweaterWEB.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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For those who will want to know, it's Meilenweit Merino sock yarn, 80% wool and 20% polyamide, and fully washable.<br />
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<br />Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-74420876249799430062017-01-07T11:04:00.000-05:002017-01-07T11:04:28.583-05:00A great giftI think I've mentioned that my brother works in wood. He turns beautiful bowls, and he's given me several. Here's what he made for me for Christmas this year. Isn't it beautiful? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeYGuZ7hHPUzQxCMhCT2DeJK0HivFnY0xFIMAWSdLP4su-WhfsM1Wjf1dGcsJByrXOnTcOO3o_fw8Ws-X-tgdcIEkFnLcafyjPWbVZ-9RxxZY6z5wMa1puHtDFtrIouwPljnQQw1rToQ/s1600/StitchRipperWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeYGuZ7hHPUzQxCMhCT2DeJK0HivFnY0xFIMAWSdLP4su-WhfsM1Wjf1dGcsJByrXOnTcOO3o_fw8Ws-X-tgdcIEkFnLcafyjPWbVZ-9RxxZY6z5wMa1puHtDFtrIouwPljnQQw1rToQ/s640/StitchRipperWEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And extremely useful (once I figured out what it was!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPooDDkzwueXR3qs6f5QDSrzK8-SesmByt1rjzx2ql4XW78IUNdO9QPHrmfigguSoylmJKE_BdiO-9sZ1RJEFUsxO53ohqFcvCKNxgG8P07f2n1enxaR4GqRBny5AbTsxklLVnhdIjo8o/s1600/StitchRipper3WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPooDDkzwueXR3qs6f5QDSrzK8-SesmByt1rjzx2ql4XW78IUNdO9QPHrmfigguSoylmJKE_BdiO-9sZ1RJEFUsxO53ohqFcvCKNxgG8P07f2n1enxaR4GqRBny5AbTsxklLVnhdIjo8o/s640/StitchRipper3WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's really nice when someone knows you so well, they know exactly what you'd like. And even better, when they make it for you themselves.<br />
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PS....It's a very fancy stitch ripper (for those who might not be familiar with them). I'm a big fan of stitch rippers. They give you a second chance at doing a good job.Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-40858963761243113132017-01-02T15:56:00.000-05:002017-01-02T15:56:27.146-05:00Christmas finale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlZWmpWMDRw29OVPT1E1FtqZDYm2kc8HQcTgayJrJqNj0kLPJoRpr3yo4_PwLu7_uFUFLia4yozM3ZCQ3753y2weRYLfnN_LJ-8O_ScnZhmgTiRjeKz0ej-ursZksHVGI6xJmZi5i-s0/s1600/GizmoXmasSweater2WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlZWmpWMDRw29OVPT1E1FtqZDYm2kc8HQcTgayJrJqNj0kLPJoRpr3yo4_PwLu7_uFUFLia4yozM3ZCQ3753y2weRYLfnN_LJ-8O_ScnZhmgTiRjeKz0ej-ursZksHVGI6xJmZi5i-s0/s640/GizmoXmasSweater2WEB.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
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Finally, finally the weather cooperated, and people's sicknesses abated, so that we could get together to see Gizmo receive his Ugly Xmas Sweater!! As I stated before, everyone needs an Ugly Xmas Sweater. Gizmo loves his, and surprise! surprise! his owner doesn't mind it either. Gizmo's one handsome dude, no matter what he's wearing.<br />
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And Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a photo of Cassie. You'll notice she's not wearing a sweater.Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-18676386969776190482016-12-31T15:35:00.000-05:002016-12-31T15:35:04.389-05:00Not so fast!I thought the year would end with silly, but 2016 had one more surprise up its sleeve for me. As always, art is cheaper than therapy. Thank goodness.<br />
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<br />Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-20120888226354956682016-12-30T17:56:00.001-05:002016-12-30T17:56:48.707-05:00Something silly to end the year with<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-712678386790168902016-12-26T15:52:00.000-05:002016-12-26T15:52:37.121-05:00A new direction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJlyt0y0RYbtm0J61JqSkSxQ7dM6cw_Zh0_L1OVuqC7hLwiS8tj6DfOByzcES7yYSwQd0eQPViUDB-Rfph15YZ5C9ie8GA01-5a9OMqKiaL3qdpjjoeZXmMcUlKJwPuBMyxtcCV7EXBw/s1600/CatPortraitsWEB-WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJlyt0y0RYbtm0J61JqSkSxQ7dM6cw_Zh0_L1OVuqC7hLwiS8tj6DfOByzcES7yYSwQd0eQPViUDB-Rfph15YZ5C9ie8GA01-5a9OMqKiaL3qdpjjoeZXmMcUlKJwPuBMyxtcCV7EXBw/s640/CatPortraitsWEB-WM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In November, I was asked to make some cookies for someone who wanted to give them as Christmas gifts. The challenge was to make the cookies resemble the recipients' very own cats. You all know, I'm usually all about the silly and the whimsical. I've never tried to do actual portraits in Royal Icing before. However, I thought about it for about 10 seconds, and decided this challenge was just too good to pass up, Sometimes, we don't ask enough of ourselves, and it takes a gentle nudge from someone else to set us on a new path. In the end, I'm really happy with these cookies, and I hope the people whose cats these are enjoyed them, too.Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-55367057801259254952016-12-25T11:21:00.000-05:002016-12-25T11:21:43.392-05:00Merry ChristmasRemember when I was baking those Festive Cat in Santa Hats cookies, and I asked you all to guess what the baked cookie shapes wanted to be? You all had really good ideas. However, when I saw the photo on the blog, even though I knew they were FCinSHs, this is what I saw.......<br />
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<br />Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-33665268969105222592016-12-24T18:31:00.002-05:002016-12-24T18:31:46.545-05:00Waiting for Santa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've never tasted a Whoopie Pie. Have you? I was intrigued by a recipe on the Crosby Molasses site, so I gave them a try. <a href="http://www.crosbys.com/gingerbread-whoopie-pies/" target="_blank">Gingerbread Whoopie Pies</a>. Wow. I don't know if they taste the way they're supposed to, but I'm sold. Hope Santa is, too, 'cuz these are for him.<br />
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<br />Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-72540134569942610472016-12-24T13:50:00.001-05:002016-12-24T13:50:38.014-05:00Hangin' aroundThe 2016 Christmas tree ornament. Don't worry if you've forgotten what the 2015 one looked like. These are the first in the series. :)<br />
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<br />Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-10229270498142667862016-12-23T15:17:00.000-05:002016-12-23T15:17:19.806-05:00Deck the halls!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-21749616237309294632016-12-21T16:12:00.000-05:002016-12-21T16:12:23.197-05:00Not a cookie....but it's pretty sweet!<br />
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An ugly Christmas (dog) sweater for Cassie's friend Max. Cassie says she wouldn't be caught dead in it, but Max is a dog. What does he know?<br />
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I started with a pattern which I actually paid money for on Ravelry. I won't name it, because it was really, really badly written. The numbers just didn't work, and a newbie knitter would be crying now.<br />
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I used the CONCEPT and built my own sweater, subbing in my own colourwork designs.<br />
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I'm not exactly angry about paying money for the crappy pattern, because I did get the sweater I was shooting for. However, every crappy pattern that's up for sale undermines all the rest of us, who try to offer decent patterns for a fair return.Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-2828994856132496592016-12-20T13:22:00.000-05:002016-12-20T13:22:20.842-05:00Sorta grinchy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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More Christmas cookies for the family who recently adopted not one, but two, bearded dragons. My vet has one in the waiting room, and I've actually had him sitting on my shoulder. Sort of a weird experience when you're used to dogs and cats (who actually seem to care about you). Bearded dragons are a little different. I found it really hard to make them even look friendly. However, if they could get out and buy their own little Santa hats, I'm sure they'd wear them with pride.Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-27030395906823334812016-12-18T18:27:00.001-05:002016-12-18T18:27:39.659-05:00SugarNow that Canada Post has succeeded spectacularly and delivered my Christmas gift cookies EARLY!, I can start showing them here. This is Sugar, a sweet pup.<br />
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<br />Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345464989759144492.post-52075212732395964082016-12-15T13:20:00.002-05:002016-12-15T13:20:57.422-05:00Gnomes Love CarbsSpoonflower has a design challenge every couple of weeks. This this time, it's all about Gnomes!<br />
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Here's the challenge prompt:<br />
No one appreciates getting cozy quite like gnomes, preferring to nestle into subterranean caves and nooks. Although we hear they DO love to travel.... Entries will be previewed on a 21" x 18" fat quarter and should repeat.<br /><br />And here's the watercolour I based my design on. I added some more cupcakes for interest. Still learning about repeating surface designs.<div>
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Cheryl Covillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837750218758240779noreply@blogger.com3