Muskoka Cruise with Debbie Bliss

Friday September 9, 2011
Debbie Bliss Dinner Cruise
Gravenhurst, Muskoka

This past weekend I went on yet another knitting adventure. I joined the well-known knitwear designer, Debbie Bliss, on a dinner cruise in Ontario's beautiful Muskoka region. It was good to see Debbie again and to meet and chat with her daughter, Nell. Thirty-five Debbie Bliss fans each received a gift bag with a book of Debbie's latest patterns.

Debbie signs my book!

I had so much fun and can't remember the last time I was that excited. Debbie is really easy to talk to and so approachable. If you are a fan I highly recommend taking advantage of an opportunity like this.

The second day I attended a lecture by D.B. She discussed a little bit about her background, her design process, and her current designs. We had a chance to play with her samples, try them on and even model them for one another. Of course, shopping was part of the day.

Before heading home we made sure to stop in at an awesome fibre arts shop and mill in Gravenhurst, Gateway Fibreworks.

Shop and Mill

A selection of beads and findings, hand dyed wool for spinning,
natural alpaca rovings, felting fibres, yarn , fabric and art kits are available
to satisfy your  fibre, sewing and bead crafting needs.

The entrance to the retail store. Beautiful knit shawl in natural
  alpaca and printed with leaf motif. 

A cozy nook to relax and work on projects within the shop.

The yarn wall. Gateway has their own yarn that is spun in house.

Alpaca is being pre-drafted in preparation for spinning.

A single ply wound on a bobbin sits ready in the machine.
Tours of the mill are possible but you must call to request.

 What's your favorite yarn shop? Leave the name and link in the comments section below so that I can enjoy a virtual tour of your favorites!

Next week I will be sharing another Ontario knitting adventure...so check back!

Book Review: Knits to Give by Debbie Bliss

Here she goes again! The hard working knitter extraordinaire, Debbie Bliss, adds another book to her growing catalogue of patterns. This one is just in time for you to be inspired to begin your holiday knitting projects. It's got something for everyone in your life: men, women, children, and pets!

Knits to Give 30 Knitted Gift Ideas - Debbie Bliss
Hardcover $30.47 CAD on Amazon.ca
Release Date: Sept 5th, 2011
image:  © Penny Wincer

The book kicks off with Debbie reminding us that our hand knits deserve to beautifully wrapped. She gives nice suggestions on how you can achieve simple yet memorable gift packaging.

If you've ever been curious about knitting with beads, the "Beaded Clutch Bag" is a good place to start for a fool proof tutorial. A large chevron pattern is incorporated into the design of this elegant clutch you'll want to take with you on all of your special events at holiday time.

"Beaded Clutch Bag"
image:  © Penny Wincer

Lace and cables are prominent design features in the "Gifts for Her" section of the book including patterns for "Covered Bangles", "Lacey Stole", "Cabled Arm Warmers", and the "Ribbon Tied Belt".

Stripes and simple stitches make up the main design features in the "Gifts for Him" section. My favorites are the "Rice Stitch Scarf" and "Moss Stitch Tie".

Bunny Booties
image:  © Penny Wincer

The book is chalk full of gorgeous knits for babies and kids. "Bunny Booties" would pair nicely with the "Garter Stitch Jacket" for gifting to the latest addition of your family. A "Ladybird Backpack" is a fun knit sure to be loved and admired by young school children.

Ladybird Backpack
image:  © Penny Wincer

The last chapter, "For Home", has some practical items to knit up for anyone on your list. For instance the "Tea Cozy Wrap", "Moss Stitch Table Mats", and the "Hot Water Bottle Cover". Just for fun there is a sweet pattern for a "Pot of Pansies". 

Tea Cozy Wrap
image:  © Penny Wincer

"Knits to Give-30 Knitted Gift Ideas" by Debbie Bliss is definitely a book of patterns worth adding to your library. Now is the time to start those knitted gifts for the holidays and this book has patterns to satisfy any knitter. 

Happy Knitting!

-LadeeBee xx

Pot of Pansies
image:  © Penny Wincer

Debbie is to Me as Beiber is to Tweens

The first ever Vogue Knitting Live took place this past weekend in New York City. It was a mecca for yarnies near and far. It seemed as though all of the industries top knitters/designers were on hand to impart their knowledge through a huge selection of classes. Classes took place over three days and morning and afternoon sessions were offered. Also, there was a Marketplace packed with amazing vendors for our shopping pleasure.

Friday January 21st will be a day I will always remember! I traveled to NYC by myself (I realize its nice to spend time with oneself but I missed having company) on Thursday, checked into my hotel and got an early night. Bright and early I set off for the Hilton Hotel to register for VKLive. After a leisurely coffee and banana bread breakkie at Starbucks I decided to head to Central Park. What a beautiful winter day!

 After I visited the American Folk Art Museum which happens to be right down the street from the Hilton. I will post my pics of the tour another time (here's a hint "quilts").

Class included instruction, yarn for the project, and copy of Debbie's
Design It, Knit It: Babies

Me and Debbie Bliss!
I think I was crying.

Yeah I know, I'm adorable right? Debbie stopped by all the students individually to give us an opportunity to ask questions and get help. I basically took the class so I could stalk D.B. ( I don't think she was offended). My questions were "can you sign my book?" and "can I take my picture with you". I also told her I was designing and creating baby knits myself and selling at the One of a Kind. I found out that Debbie used to do some machine knitting herself. She was so nice! I wish I could've had her all to myself...I think we'd have a lot to talk about. I hope I can be half as cool as her when I grow up.

...stay tuned for more on Vogue Knitting Live