LOVE AND KISSES COWL

Hey everyone......It is STILL COLD!!  I know that I have kind of harped on about this....but really???  I know I live in Southern Ontario and that we do tend to have somewhat of a cold winter....but for the love of Pete!  I cannot remember a colder winter since I was a kid!  It has been a long time since the temps at night have been consistently below -20C and wind chills in the minus 30's!!  Roll on spring......
So I know that Valentine's Day is just around the corner....and I have had an idea for a cowl in my head for quite sometime......so was born the Love and Kisses Cowl:

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love how this one turned out.  It is exactly as I envisioned.  It was just one of those designs that fell together really well.
The yarn that I chose for this project is Berroco Vintage.  I bought it at one of my LYS- Joanne's Knit n Stitch here in Burlington.  I have wanted to use this yarn for quite sometime.  I highly recommend it for many projects.  To me it us that kind of yarn that is a true workhorse.  Knits up beautifully, has great stitch definition and will wear really well.  It has just enough wool in it to keep me happy.  But it doesn't have a harsh feel to it.  In fact it is quite soft- this is in part to the content: 52% Acrylic/40% Wool/8%Nylon.  I know that I will be keeping this yarn in mind for future projects.  I needed to purchase 2 skeins,however, I only used part of the second ball. Used approx. 250m total.  So I have some leftover for my stash!!  I wanted to do a full on Valentine thing....hence the red.  It is the kind of project that keeps you focused but not so much that you feel like you are loosing your mind.  It can be knit quite easily in front of the T.V- kept my notes on my lap for reference! I just love cables- as you all know.  And this one ticks all the boxes for me.  I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did in designing and knitting it.
I LOVE IT!!

Anyways, as always if you have any comments or questions please feel free to contact me.  Oh I almost forgot- you can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

EASIER THAN PIE

Hey Everyone.......Hope all is well?  It is yet again FREEZING HERE!!  Just the right kind of weather to knit a lovely scarf.......And speaking of scarves.....I have another pattern ready for you all!  I was quite industrious before Chirstmas and was able to start a few projects. I finally finished it up and here it is....

I have to say that creating these kind of scarves is my absolute favourite thing to do.  I love designing them and I LOVE to knit them.  They are filled with detail yet have a simplicity about them at the same time!
I chose to name her Easier than Pie since she evolved from my other pattern Easy as Pie.  I wanted to make a lace pattern that seamed on the surface complicated yet was so not difficult to execute.  In this little lovely there isn't any cables.  There is however, ribs of K1TBL (knit 1 through back of loop).  This lends a level of stability to an otherwise lacey pattern.  I love how TBL looks in a pattern.  It is a rib that looks that much more sophisticated-well it does to me anyways!  This pattern is quite easy to memorize and to knit.  There is only 4 rows to memorize. Once you have done a few.....and there are a few.......120 repeats all told.....it is very easy to get along with.  She is 8 1/2" x 65".  Just the right length!
I have never knit with this yarn before and truth be told I am not a huge fan of Alpaca.  I find that it can be a little "wimpy".  What do I mean by that?   Well...... It can tend to be a little too drapey for my liking. However, this yarn is quite lovely.  It has a really nice twist to it.  Which is why it seems to have a little more body than the average Alpaca.  I would knit with this yarn again in a heartbeat!  It is St. Denis- Sommet.  I bought it at Webs  I love buying from Webs- they are great to deal with.  Even with me living in the Great White North, buying from them is very easy.  Never had a problem!  Always a great selection.  The only issue is that I can't have it right away...usually takes a week to get here.  Which in yarn years is like 100yrs! It is very hard waiting for yarn to arrive when one has a project on the brain.  It's like Christmas when the package arrives....always makes me happy!!  Anyways......it is such a lovely yarn.....It is 100% Baby Alpaca with a great twist to it.  It is rated as a Sport weight with a gauge of between 24-28sts.  I used 3.5mm needles for this scarf and I must say I am over the moon with it.  I only wish they had way more of it, but alas it is on clearance and there isn't much left.  That being said this pattern would look stunning with Classic Elite Fresco.  As you know I am slightly obsessed by that yarn.  It would also look great in Paton's Lace.  I think that any yarn with a slight halo would look lovely.  I find that a yarn with good stitch definition would also work well.
So there you have it....another pattern.  It can be purchased here.  And as always if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Have a great day everyone.

Megan

ONE DAY WONDER COWL

Hey Everyone......Hope all is well in your Universe.  I have another Cowl pattern that is available on Ravelry here.  It is a very quick knit....yes L it is!!  It is made up of two yarns..... Sirdar Country Style and Regia 6 Square Color.  I truly love varigated yarn.  It is like CANDY.  All those colours in one ball.  I love how they flow from one colour to the next.  LOVE IT!!  Without further ado...here is my new cowl:

It is such a simple yet graphic pattern.  It is easy, fun and a quick knit.  I love the staggered slip stitch pattern.  It lends so much movement and goes so well with the stripes and varigation.  Can you tell how much I love this cowl?  And what is so great about a cowl like this is that it goes with so many things.  So many colours to choose from........  I totally want to make a load of these in many different colourways......oh the possibilities.  
I have always loved Country Style DK- whether it is Sirdar or Berella.......This yarn is such a great workhorse.  And they come in so many colours.  I too enjoyed the Regia yarn.  A really great Wool yarn that has a lovely feel to it.  Wooly without being too scratchy.  But then again you know me....I loves me some wool!
And as always....if you have any comments or questions you know where you can reach me!

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

TWOFER INFINITY COWL

Hey Everyone.....Hope all is well.  I have a new cowl pattern available.  And as soon as I can load it up on Ravelry it will be available to all.  I have been having issues loading it up.  Not sure if it is them or me.  However,  I wanted to share it with you all anyways.  I have been wanting to do a cowl for awhile that can be made a couple of different ways.  I also wanted to make one in a super soft Acrylic Yarn for those out there that really don't like Wool- Yes I mean you L & K!!  I completely understand that not everyone is as jazzed about Wool like I am.  I understand also that there are those out there that wouldn't be caught dead in something that is 100% Acrylic.  Yes everyone there are indeed yarn snobs out there.  Those that say, "Life is too short to knit with Cheap Yarn".  Now in my books there is a difference between cheap and inexpensive.  So this particular Cowl was born.  You may be wondering about the name of these little pretties.....let me introduce you to them first:

As to the name....Well I wanted to name it something along the lines of "Two for One".  So I thought of "Twofer".  Here in Canada a Twofer is actually 24 case of beer.  The two-not related at all, except a play on the name.  I really wanted create something easy, fun and quick. I also wanted to prove that buying Acrylic yarn can be cool too.......You don't have to break the bank to make or wear something really nice.  I used Red Heart Soft Touch and Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable in each.  I used a different colourway in each one.  Each cowl has garter stitch.  However, it is made differently by using the stripes and lace in different ways.  In one Cowl it has a Garter Edge, the other has a Lace Edge.  You can totally play around with it and be creative.
I made these two lovelies for two special lovelies in my life.  My best girlfriends.  A girl cannot go through life without best girlfriends.  I am so blessed to have had these special ladies in my life.....well.....for most of my life.  We have been through a lot........  34 and 39 years will do that.  I like to make them special little things to show them how special they are to me.  Both were very grateful for their gifts.  The only stipulation as mentioned in a previous post is that I had to have them back for a brief time in order to write the pattern and to photograph them.  I can't wait to return them.  I know that they fit the bill for them......This really is a lovely yarn to knit with and to wear....super soft.  And the varigated yarn has such a great colour a varigation to it.  Highly recommmend it to those out there that like Acrylic.  And to those that don't normally knit with it-give it a try. It isn't crunchy at all.

So hopefully very soon.....The pattern will be loaded and ready for you all to download.  You all know that if you have any questions or comments you can contact me anytime.

Take care
Megan

NEW COWL PATTERN UP SOON

Hey everyone....hope all is well!  I wanted to give a sneak peak at my new Cowl pattern(s) that will be up and running very soon- hopefully tomorrow in fact.  I wanted to create an easy Cowl design, yet had visual impact.  I also wanted to create a Cowl with Acrylic yarn only. If you have been following my blog then you know that two of the dearest people to me( my two girl besties) aren't really a fan of Wool.  I know, I know....how do I stay friends with them!!  Unlike myself, they really aren't a fan of any kind of wool.  So in an attempt to prove haters wrong-both those that aren't wool fans and for those that are yarn snobs....well this cowl is for them:

This lovely cowl was created using two different types of Red Heart Yarn.  I just wanted to prove that 100% Acrylic or inexpensive yarn can look good too.  There are a lot of people out there who either don't like Wool or just plain can't afford $30.00 a skein.  So I created these two lovlies not just for that purpose but also as gifts for those two said besties.  I actually gave them the Cowls for Christmas and then promptly asked for them back so I could finish writing up the pattern as well as to photograph them.....kinda ran out of time over Christmas to do it all.  Thank goodness they were more than lovely to give them back and let me do my thing.  It is so great to have such great friends who are so loving and supportive.....
Anyways......They are similar patterns but on a variation.
Like I said- I hope to have it up and running tomorrow.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

SMALL BATHROOMS-USE WHAT YOU'VE GOT!!

Hey Everyone.....remember my post about Lego the other day.....well the firm that did that great Reno also did a couple of bathrooms.  And they were done very well and modestly too-if you ask me.

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Whether the above renos are your style or not, I wanted to talk a little about space.  Personally I love the above Reno's.  They blend Traditional with Modern. I too love the finishes they chose.  But that is neither here nor there........whenever I see a reno one of the main things I look at is the space.  What I mean is the actual physical dimensions of a room.  Most of us out there do not have the luxury of a lot of space.  Don't get me wrong....we have more than most of the people on this planet.  But for many it is very modest and to some, down right small.  However, most of us have what we have and that is it.  What I most get annoyed with when I see a certain reno is when builders/designers add too much too a room-especially a bathroom. You can hardly swing a cat in there...but Oh....gotta have a separate tub and shower!!!  See my posting on this very same isse here. Somtimes you WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE EVERYTHING YOU WANT!!!  Sometimes you WON'T BE ABLE TO HAVE BOTH A FREESTANDING TUB AND A SHOWER!!YOU JUST WON'T.  If the above Reno's show anything.....you can have a modest Reno and still have it look Fab!!  Really Fab!!  It's OK to want something....however, sometimes the space just won't allow.  MAKE THE BEST WITH WHAT YOU HAVE GOT!!  I think more of us have to live by this motto.  And I think more of us have to really take it to heart.  There is nothing wrong with dreams of a stunning large bathroom with all the bells and whistles......but stay grounded.....make an awesome bathroom with the space you have.  Choose amazing finishes.  Choose a great toilet or a great sink.
Here are some great examples of small bathrooms that fit the bill!!

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I could have found a ton more but I think you get the point!!
Use what you've got and be creative.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

LEGO HEAVEN!!

Happy New Year everyone!  It is very cold and very snowy here at the moment.  Did I mention IT IS VERY COLD.  It is -15C here at the moment.  For many people that isn't very cold.  However, for those of us in Southern Ontario.  It is downright frigid!!  And you all know how much I love the cold!!
Anyways.......in the interest of getting organzied for the new year I found this amazing home and wanted to share it with you all.  What I most wanted to share was the way in which they store Lego.  Yes Lego-notice how I didn't say Legos.  Like I always tell people- Lego is a toy, Lagos is a country.  Just think of it like the word Moose, or Mice.  It works for both the single and the plural. Now the actual Lego storage doesn't come into nearly the end of the posting....but it is oh so worth it for you Legoites out there.  I know that when we have the money to do so I want to do just like they did.  It is amazing!!   Anyways........here it is:

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Even if you don't like the actual colours chosen for the outside of the house, you can really appreciate that they went for it and chose colour.  I know I did.  Instead of the deep pink I would have done turquoise-but that's just me.  I still think it looks amazing.

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 Adding a heat lamp to the roof will really add to the time that can be spent out on this amazing porch.  If you have the means it really is a great little detail to add!!

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The counter tops in this kitchen is Ceasarstone 4030 H (honed).  Love them here in this space.
The Wall Colour is Techno Gray SW6170 Sherwin Williams.  It is used throughout the main floor and used in the basement as well.

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The red used in this space is Fireworks SW6867 by Sherwin Williams.
I am not sure what green was used in this space. However, you would definitely want one with a brighter yellow undertone to it like Pear Green 2028-40 BM.  I do have another green in mind but I can't find my smaller Sherwin Williams fan deck and I can't remember the name...Lemongrass maybe- ARGH!!

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 The darker gray used throughout the space is Kendall Gray HC-166 by Benjamin Moore.  It really looks amazing against that great orangey red-LOVE IT!!

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 This colour may be Moderne White 6168 SW but don't hold me to it!!

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 The blue in this space is Georgian Bay SW6509 by Sherwin Williams.  I love this Blue-such a great colour for an Office or Bedroom.  I also think it would be great painted at the back of a bookshelf/wall unit for a splash of colour.

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And now the most amazing Lego storage EVER!!!

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 Kendall Gray HC-166 BM and Techno Gray 6170 SW

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How incredible!!  All that Lego!!   And it could definitely be a DIY project.  Just use loads of Ikea bins!!  I love too how they used cork in the main part of the Lego area.  Cork is very comfy to be on, warm to the touch and would have the added bonus for our Lego afficiando's to build directly on the floor- which is something I am sure they thought of when choosing for this space!!  If you have Lego or know of someone who does then you may have heard of the stories of Lego and carpet.  Using cork here is a great solution to a "Lego problem".  You can easily scoop it up, it doesn't get "lost" in the carpet, and as mentioned before you can build deirectly on it- BONUS all around.
And I thought we had a load of Lego!!

So there you have it....my dream room for Lego.  Oh how I hope I can build something like this for my guys before they are too old to appreciate it.  Then again, any Lego afficiando will tell you that you ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO PLAY WITH LEGO!!

Have an amazing day everyone.
Megan