Summer Knittin

Well, it's been a while. Mostly because these little hands have been a knittn'! Amazed by what's happening to me - this has turned into a complete obsession. My family will completely agree. I knit on the way to vacation...

I find farms on the vacation route...

Angora Bunny

See? That means farm...

And voila - they make yarn! They even had a yarn shop - I was shocked... well, Mr. jak and little jak were ... although, suspicious the entire time. They humor me. Needless to say, whenever they hear 'let's stop by at a farm I found online', they are prepared - now.

This particular farm was quite lovely. On our way to Cavendish, PE it's nestled in a little town called Belfast - you know the one don't you? Mini Mills! A family owned and operated yarn heaven. We walked around the farm looking at Alpaca's, Marino Sheep, Ducks, dogs, and chickens (see? farm), then ventured into the shop. The first thing I noticed was the wonderful contradiction of what knitting is today. Computers programming the loom that was behind the shop weaving wonderful shawls, placemats, and scarves - and an old fashioned antique cash register (cash only please - this is where Mr. jak handed over his wallet until we could get to a bank machine).

Looking around for a few minutes we found lovlies - hand knit baby sets, hand made soap, and just as we got our bearings a lady asked if we've ever been. Upon saying no, she gladly led us around and gave us a tour of the entire farm. Everything from shaving the sheep, washing the wool, drying it in cupboards, carding, cleaning, spinning, plying, and drying... it was an experience for me as a knitter, the kids, well, as kids, and Mr. jak as a supporter :) The people were wonderful, and the yarn was beautiful. A big shout out to Cookie ~ Hi Cookie ~ the little oreo cookie colored Shitz Tzhu (Harley would L - O - V - E you).

I managed to score some angora - of course. I think I will spoil myself with mittens. I couldn't resist the woven shawls... (sorry no pic yet, but soon). It's so beautiful and was reasonably priced. Motto, 'What if I never come this way again?' And so, it was done.

Some summer knittin' projects: A lovely Opera Scarf (Blue Sky Alpaca - in silk) re-named Gospel Scarf for a beautiful friend of mine:



So quick and easy I thought I should have one for myself:

And a cute little number in a ladder lace pattern:

I really like this one cause it can be worn around the head, waist or neck.

I've also whipped up a couple of Twitterpated bags (sorry again, no pics - camera was broke for some time). They are cute, but the lining sucks if you don't like to sew.

I have added to my stash. Ou ah! Home spun from Tangled Skeins yarn shop. I love, I love. Not sure what this will be moulded into, but something scrumptious... for me :)

Also managed to stop by London Wul in Moncton, NB for the purchase of some - are you ready? - sea silk from Hand Maiden. Ou - I'm so in love with it all I can do is smell it... that sounds bad.. out of context. Anyhow - I don't have a pic right now, but I'm searching for the 'perfect' shawl pattern. If anyone knows of one...

Well kids ~ I'm signing off. There's been so much going on, it's hard to keep up.

A special shout out to KOL! Thanks for having me last week. I rarely get an opportunity to join you. It was lots of fun. Loving the theme song... k 1 p2 what's a .........

jak - in - a - box