Next level knitting & Janna Maria

Let's just say I've got a basic scarf down. No pearling yet, just knitting, but I've been coveting some patterns.  And maybe a beret, or a tuque, or perhaps, just some hand-warmers.   I realize this might take a little more concentration on my part, and maybe even a knitting class but recently a skein of beautiful yarn makes me kind of giddy.  Is that normal?  Walking into a yarn shop and drooling over yarn?
I recently re-connected with Janna of Janna Maria through my sister.  A very talented knitter (and weaver), Janna is currently in a Textiles program at Capilano University, soon to be off to Concordia in Montreal to complete her degree.  I'm always excited to talk to people who are laying the foundations for their career by going to school.  There is something so enriching about the experience of school, even though, really, most 'professional' knitters out there probably haven't gone to school to make a business out of it.  Janna's work is exquisite, and I can't wait to see where she goes from here!

To purchase some of Janna's work please go here.
To purchase the pretty gray scarf with the scalloped pattern check out the listing the Namolio Etsy shop here. I've just added it to my favourites- lovely stuff!
And for some patterns for the more experienced knitters out there of the Beret/tuque/gloves, check out the Purl Bee shop blog- they have patterns for so many amazing things on the side bar!  Next time I'm in New York, I will be sure to visit this store!!

knotty knitting

My boys have been asking to learn how to knit ever since I learned how. Here they are, PJ's on, knitting together on the couch before bed.  Johnny's knitting a red neck-warmer, Sasha picked out rainbow yarn for a scarf.  Tonight Johnny mentioned that perhaps he could bring the knitting to school to work on during the lunch hour.  Made me smile from ear to ear. 
I hope he turns out to be as crafty as this dad who's interview on Bloesem Kids was full of great ideas of things that dad's and mom's can do and make with their kids.  (Found the link for Joel Henriques over at Fine Little Day)

Learning to knit

I've been wanting to learn to knit for a  while now- it's been on the mental to do list, and I finally got to it this week.  I picked up the yarn (and borrowed really thick knitting needles size 17- thanks Megan) from Room6.  It's an Alpaca/wool mix, super thick, super soft and I loved the midnight blue colour!  Then at home I looked up the directions with drawings on the Learn to Knit website.  I got a wee bit confused when the second row came along though and headed over to a U-tube for the 'How to knit' video, which was golden as far as I'm concerned! Super easy folks, really! It only took me one evening to get a ball of yarn into this super cute neck warmer.  I did happen to have a porcelain button I had made a while ago with the midnight blue ovals on it.  And for some reason it felt more relaxing to me than reading a book, although that's also on my to-do list during the holidays too.  Any good reads anyone?