Montreal This Weekend

Stop by and say "hi". My son and I will be testing out the water with our new 100% washable merino wool slouchy hats. He co designed them and I knit them. They'll be the best hats in town!

One of a Kind Coming Soon to Toronto-Get Your Discount!

Hello internet friends. Just wanted to let y'all know I will be participating in the Toronto One of a Kind Show and Sale this coming November 25-December 5th, 2010 with Vintage Baby Revival. I'll be in the Rising Stars section as this is my first year participating in the show-so I thought this would be the best place to start! I hope that some of you will be able to visit me. Please take advantage of this discount offer good on the price of admission to the show.

Reflections on the Parkdale Bazaar

Parkdale is a neighbourhood in Toronto that may be considered by many to be scary. But like many old 'hoods in the T-Dot, things are a-changin'. The Parkdale Liberty Economic Development Corporation just may have something to do with the changes that are happening in the area.

The Parkdale Bazaar is just one of the projects initiated by this group. This outdoor, free admission Bazaar features work from 40-60 local area craft vendors. Offering tables at just $10 a pop to the vendors it almost seems irresistible. I purchased a spot for LadeeBee Supplies Handmade for four out of the five possible dates. Our next event, the Harvest Bazzar, is happening October 9th, 2010. The Bazaar is located on Queen Street West, near Lansdown-right next to the Public Library. If you are in Toronto make plans to check out the Harvest Bazaar.

Here is a look what I brought on August 14th, the last Bazaar:

 My table. A very simple set up. No muss, no fuss. On this day my son helped me out from open 'till close! What a great kid!

 Japanese paper under glass tile pendants. For $20 you purchase a little piece of wearable art, and that includes a silver plated snake chain!

 I can never get enough of this paper. I just keep making and making and making these pendants. The glass is a nice way to showcase the beauty of these designs.

 Some papers used for the pendants come from Italy and others are recycled out of date school atlases, like the pendant pictured below.

 Places are very meaningful to people and carry lots of sentimental value. Many folks stopped by my table to see if I had a pendant of the place they are from, whether it be in Canada or abroad. I have lots from places all around the world, but Toronto is always the first to sell out.

Click on the pic of the maps to enlarge. See if you find a place that means something to you.

If you're not into rectangles I also have circles, well imperfect circles. The circles are handmade by another craftsperson. I really believe that there is something for everyone and people often pick one up as a gift.

The Montreal (Craft) Experience

Last weekend was my whirlwind trip to Montreal for the Spring Puces Pop hand made marketplace. It was a fantastic trip and it provided me an opportunity to meet some great folks, to knit a little somethin' somethin' for myself, and to shop some products from great artisans.

My table neighbours were Coucou Salut, a fantastic little shop providing unique screen printed and hand crafted plush toys, cushions, coin purses, coasters, and tea towels. I picked up a tooth monster to give to my son.

I also met half the team behind one of my favorite Toronto shops, Bookhou. Bookhou is also a master at screen printing original designs on linens, sweet hand embroidery, and maker of stunning tote bags. I picked up a plush sparrow pin and a gently hand embroidered pin backed button.

I had an opportunity to try hand crafted edible treats as well. I brought home some creamy caramels, and mouth watering gluten free peanut butter cookies.

I picked up a wonderful print from Todd Stewart of Montreal. I highly recommend checking out his work!

On Sunday evening I had a chance to take a walk in the neighbourhood known as the Plateau district. I dined on Chicken Roti, fried plantain, and mango juice. Walked a few blocks to a book shop open late and picked up a sweet French language book called "Coeurs". 

This book is full of the sweetest heart themed embroidery patterns. I couldn't resist purchasing it as it included a piece of canvas, embroidery needle, and DMC floss to get you started on a project right away.

I am working on the girl on the right.

So I flew home on Monday. The flight is just under 50min, however we were delayed 7 HOURS!! I worked on this sock the whole day, sipping Second Cup Coffee, Strawberry Chillers, and finally 3 glasses of red wine WHOO HOO!

Worked on 4 needles from the toe up.

The pattern I chose is the Dead Simple Lace Socks from "Socks form the Toe Up" by Wendy D. Johnson. I reduced the pattern by 1 repeat for this particular yarn because initially the socks were just coming out way too big. (thought that I DID check my guage, oh well)

Well, that pretty much concludes my show and tell from last weekend, hope you enjoyed ;)