Knitting in a castle? Sign me up!

This is really happening.

A year ago I had hosted a workshop for Pacific Women's Day here, at Hatley Castle. (cue X-men... yep, this was their school!)
I had such a lovely time, that when I was asked to participate in a knitting workshop again this year, I jumped at the chance!

Of course, teaching here, at Royal Roads University is pretty nice on my ego too.. I get to play knitting professor for the day, no? hahaha I'll buy it.

So this is where I will be this weekend. :) It's really the perfect place to knit. We've got 14 people currently registered, and I couldn't be more thrilled.

I will be sure to take a moment to walk around the gardens after the event. Because really, it's just so lovely!

I remember feeling so inspired by this place last year... Even though I will only be spending a few hours here,  I'm sure my needles will be happily clicking away all weekend long! I mean, how can you not want to sit here, knitting needles in hand, sipping tea. Yes. this will be good.

Tell me, what are your weekend plans? xo

Guess who?!

Well hello there!!!

Yah, I realize I haven't been very vocal here the past few months, but I'm here now! I can't believe we're into 2015 now. So crazy. Knitting has of course taken hold and really, that's the main reason I've been so quiet here. Work knitting has kept me very very busy. So of course, I can't complain! The market went oh so well, and Christmas was lovely.

Our little family headed to Alberta for a few days between Christmas and New Years, and then my little man turned 7 on the 3rd! How on earth do they grow up so fast? Oh my heart. But I was strong. No tears. ;)

And now comes the much needed routine! I've been making a few changes here at home. I am no longer offering knitting classes through the cloth castle, rather I'll be doing private lessons, and mini classes.

It has been a very rainy few days here on the Island. And today is no different. So on this dark, dreary, & cozy day I'll be baking bread and of course, knitting ;)

Tell me, how were your holidays? Anything memorable happen? Have you started off the new year with any selfish knitting? Do tell, I really have missed you! xo

hatley castle.

a couple of weekends ago i had the fantastic opportunity of teaching a knitting workshop at the hatley castle in royal roads university. holy smokes guys... this place is stunning!
of course, knowing this is the x-men school was pretty cool too! ha.

dating back to 1908 this place is just oozing charm and of course, history... it once served as dormitory and mess hall for cadets and staff officers. this facility was going to close in 1995 but due to huge support from the public, the province went into negotiations with the federal government, and it's now continued to be used as a university. 
 i couldn't have asked for nicer weather, and really, i think this place and knitting just goes together.. hey? 

i wish i could have spent more time in the castle, but that's ok. next time. i made sure to get some pics of the grounds...

the workshop went really well! i look forward to more opportunities like this. everyone left pretty excited about knitting :) which is just perfect in my books....

i have to admit. it felt really neat to teach here! of course, now i have to call myself a professor of knitting or something. ;) haha.

i also feel incredibly lucky to live so close to this stunning piece of property! have you ever had a chance to visit? xo

routine = busy.

spring break is over, and we're diving back into a routine! ... sort of. hhaha. really i just think chaos and general busy-ness is our routine ;)

how was your spring break? did you pack heaps of fun things in? did you get a chance to knit at all? i promise this week i have a few things to share with you...

link

first up... this weekend is  pacific women's day, and i'm hosting a knitting workshop at  royal roads university!
i am really excited to be a part of this experience! the grounds are stunning! (you may or may not have noticed, x-men was filmed here) and i'm looking forward to a fabulous turnout!

be sure to check out their site, and if you're local and want to learn to knit, and just be a part of an amazing environment, register!

also i just might be winding a certain skein from this pile of goodies...

any guesses??? hee hee..

i'd love to hear what you've been up to for the spring break! come chat! my needles are busy clicking away... and i've made coffee! xo

happy weekend!

hurrah for the weekend! my kiddo has a pro d. day today, so our weekend has already started, and our jammies are still on :)

though i still have to teach tonight... (cowls class here we come!!!) i still plan on staying as comfortable in my pj's until i absolutely have to get dressed lol!

of course, i've been trying to watch some of the Olympics as well... i'm certainly proud of our group of men and women! and i'm not gonna lie, i'd LOVE to find some "Canada yarn" to make a lovely self striping sock.. wouldn't that be awesome???

what are your weekend plans? hopefully i'll have some more selfish knitting to show you after the weekend! xo

Pacific Women's Day

The MFRC's annual women's conference for military members, military spouses/partners and DND employees includes workshops, a keynote speaker, a buffet lunch and lots of activities designed to relax the body and re-energize the spirit. It will be taking place on Saturday, March 29th. 
I am pleased to announce that I will be giving one of the workshops! Adventures in Knitting! 

This is such a fantastic event, and sure to be so much fun. Every year I hear of how much fun many of the military wives have at this conference. I can't think of a better way to spend my Saturday. 

want to find out more? 

Location: Royal Roads University
Saturday, March 29, 2014 
8:30am-4pm
$60 by March 1, be entered to win an $800 makeover 
$65 after March 1 

find out more on the website. i look forward to this! hope to see you there!
xo

breathe...

right now, i'm cozied up with coffee, and eva cassidy singing in my ear.... i'm pretty excited today because knit city is just 2 days away!! I've been very busy tying up loose ends in preparing for the weekend getaway. and oh i'm so looking forward to it!!

so many exciting things! if you haven't already seen or heard, a few books will be making their debut at this event! you can bet i'll be snagging copies of both Cascadia and Journey. i'm so very happy that the sample I knit for Cascadia made the front cover! you can bet you'll see the sample at knit city.
I am also so incredibly proud of jane and Shannon for pulling off a beautiful new book in record timing! journey is a beautiful book, much like island. the photos are stunning, and something you'll love to have on display. the patterns all look amazing too! I had the opportunity to test one of the patterns. but you know i'll be eventually knitting them all. xoxo

of course I had mentioned that I needed to search out my queue to determine my yarn purchases... i'm feeling pretty overwhelmed with the size of my queue right now. hahaah. it seems to be largely sweaters and shawls. hmmmm that might not help the budget. haha.

I am also beyond excited to attend the yarn harlot's speed knitting class. i'm sure i'll be learning so many new techniques!

most of all though, I am just really excited to surround myself with amazing knitters, to meet bloggers and ravelry friends for the first time in person, to knit, enjoy lovely coffees, and all of that yarny goodness... you know what i'm talking about. oxxoo

happy

It's Friday already?! honestly, this month seems to be flying by faster than last month, if that's even possible... and I wish it would slow down already, because October is one of my most favourite months!!!
I bet most knitters think that... but I like it for other reasons too. It's my birthday a week from Monday, and I couldn't be happier as I'll be spending next weekend at knit city! Surrounded by good friends, good food, and amazing yarn! yes.

So this weekend, my plan is to go through my queue... because I'll need some sort of direction with my yarn purchases ;)
Will you be going to knit city this year? Please make sure you say hi to me if you see me! I'll be spending most of my time in the marketplace, save for the speed knitting class on Sunday, with none other than the yarn harlot! squeeeeeeee!!!

Isn't this the prettiest??? I thought so. one of these days I'd love to own it. ;)
and so of course, as with any other day, I have heaps to do. But I'm so grateful that I get to do what I love. my knitting needles will be flying today, and hopefully I'll be choosing a selfish knit to take with me to knit city!

what are you going to be up to this weekend? xo

these boots were made for....

being adorable. ;) bahahah, yeah,  had to go there!
often times when you go to teach something new, you learn something new :) and cute! that's sort of totally what happened with these booties!

I had someone who is learning to crochet, and was determined to make these for her new niece... and boy are they cute! so while I was sorting out the newer to me stitches and techniques, the first of these booties came together pretty quickly!

it's definitely one of those patterns that looks much more difficult than it really is... and the possibilities are endless in terms of "style" go.

here are the deets:
pattern: crocodile stitch booties by: bonita patterns
yarn: worsted odds and ends... mostly are cascade 220 I believe...
hook: 3.5mm (E)

I definitely loved creating these... they are a super fast pattern to hook up, and I totally recommend them! I thought the pattern was fairly well written. there is heaps of info and pictures. I did make sure to mark the beginning of my round with a safety pin.. helpful for me for sure...
a part of me thought I would add decorative buttons to it, and sew some Velcro on the insides.. .though I'm nervous as all get out with my machine... especially when I'm dealing with worsted weight wool... and then I thought I'd hand sew... but clearly I haven't gotten around to it... maybe I'll just leave it for now. I think they're pretty cute as is, no?

now to find a baby to wear them!

do you enjoy a quick satisfying crochet project? any faves? xo

come knit with me!

can you feel it? the routine is hopefully for most of you, starting to fall into place.. the mornings are crisp and cool... the air smells different, yeah.. fall is fast approaching! and this year we want to be ready for it! creatively if nothing else, right?

want to learn to knit this year? local to Victoria, BC? my class schedule is now up!! and i'd love love love to knit with you!!

I have a feeling this will be a busy year with homemade gifts, markets, and new accomplishments.

this is the best time to be inspired, and excited! and I promise you, knitting is super fun!
and really... there is nothing better than a handmade gift xoxo

want to find out more?
you can check out the complete list of classes here. and be sure to give the cloth castle a call to reserve your spot before all are taken!

 

knitting classes with Rebecca of nook.

where?: cloth castle

          786 goldstream ave

         Victoria BC



Phone:1-250-478-2112
Fax:    1-250-478-1050
Email: theclothcastle@hotmail.com

 

when?: first class starts September 18th! check the schedule for more details.

 

 

I really hope to see you there! and if you're not local, I can't wait to hear of all of your knitterly adventures this fall!! what do you have planned for holiday knitting?? come chat. xo

crazy proud!

i'm sure a lot of you know that i also teach knitting at a local craft store. it's actually a fabric store (which used to be a yarn store back in the '80's). a lot of my students are avid quilters, and are very talented in the crafting department. honestly sewing is something i'd love to be good at,but i'm pretty much a deer in the headlights with my sewing machine. lol!

anyways, there is this one particular woman who took my intro to knitting a while back... and she admittedly told me she didn't like knitting, and was really there only for the social aspect. ha! gotta love that kind of honesty! in the past she had tried knitting before, but had a really bad introduction to it. she's also the kind of person who doesn't really like following a pattern.

guys, she's got a serious creative side. she loves to take things and run with it! well after my class, i'm happy to say that she honestly decided to give knitting another chance, and she has really run with it!
one of the things she wanted to tackle were cowichan sweaters. now that's ambitious!
guess what. she's knit 3 of them! 3! and all in adult sizes.

it's always nice to give encouragement wherever possible. i certainly didn't want her to loose her fire. so when she asked me to help with seaming, and knitting and adding button bands, i was more than happy to oblige.
now she has 2 beautiful cardigans to gift to her family overseas.

there have been a few bumps along the road... learning the importance of gauge, of how to carry the alternating colour strands behind, and more importantly the importance of sticking with the project... and that all of her efforts are so worth it!

granted.. she admitted to be very happy to see these sweaters finished... but she's learned that process knitting is incredibly educational. i'm so proud of her! and that spark is still very much alive in her! i'm so glad she gave knitting another chance! aren't you??

i'd say it's a job very well done! xo i can't wait to see what she knits up next!

what's on your needles today? are you a fan of the cowichan style sweaters? come chat! xo

weekend celebration

it's friday! can i get a woop woop hurrah!!!!??
it's an incredibly wet and grey and windy morning here, but no matter.. because since it's technically the beginning of the weekend, we can watch a few movies and knit away, no? :)

and since my post yesterday that included the adorable crochet bunting, i've had buntings on my brain ever since. of course i have... and look what i just spotted this morning?

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

how cute are these?!?! this pattern is called farm stand flags and is by sarah young. see the rav link here. the one pictured is a knit variation of it, but guess what, she's got crochet instructions too!! wahoo! so we're all happy, really.  i just think buntings are such a great way to celebrate anything really.weddings, birthdays, change of seasons, and even just decorating! yeah, i love me some colourful bunting...

this weekend i'm actually planning on going to knit night! i can't tell you how happy and excited that makes me! i love my knit night girls, and it's been far too long since i've been able to attend one... so there will be much chatting, coffee, giggles, and knitting away.

of course, i'm also teaching both tonight and on sunday.. so we'll be having a very very full weekend stuffed with knitting :) sunday's class is all about cowls! if you're in the area and want to knit one, come on by for a class! you get your choice of 3 of jane richmond's cowls offered at the cloth castle. it's gonna be fun!

tell me, what are you up to this weekend? are you doing anything special with this last weekend in february? i'd love to hear about it! happy weekend, friends! wishing you a lovely one full of yarn, good coffee and tea, yummy treats, giggles, and snuggles with your loved ones. xoxo

seeing hearts....

this is the final week before the fox fair! things are definitely in overdrive now, in terms of making sure my booth is just as lovely as ever.

i'm really looking forward to this event, as i know there will be a lot of fantastic vendors there!
last week, i was uber busy with knitting classes being completely booked up... thankfully this week, i have more time to focus solely on the market... and i know it's going to be so much fun!

Source: hankandhunt.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i think it's a great time to find that really unique gift for your valentine... someting extra special... and something even for you!
i don't know about you, but lately, i've been seeing hearts ;)

Source: craftsy.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

aren't these the cutest arrows ever? yeah. i think so! wanna make your own? i found the link on craftsy. :) i don't know what it is, but i love the market feel. i don't mind the stressful week beforehand... the lack of sleep, any of it... i get really excited in the market zone though... and i love meeting other vendors, readers, and crafters/shoppers alike!
if you're in the area, i really urge you to come check out this market. just look at the vendors that will be there!!

all of the info is also on the event page on facebook. on behalf of all of the vendors, i know we're really excited for this event, and hope you can make it!

are you a market lover like i am? are you a vendor who gets uber excited in the prep even if it means very late nights, and lots of coffee? come chat :) i'm here.. .knitting and crocheting away.... xo

good chaos...

i have to be totally honest with you guys. it's chaos in my home. we've decided to give it a little upgrade. mostly in the form of a furniture upgrade... but as a result, our countertops in the kitchen are completely covered, because we have yet to stain furniture before i can put things back in a new space. there's also a trip to the mainland to make....after all is said and done though, it will be lovely... and so worth it...
... now if only i could find this bookshelf... that would be amazing!

Source: Uploaded by user via Rebecca on Pinterest

there have been some exciting things happening with nook. as well! it's a busy space! the teaching classes are filling to max quickly, and there are even private lessons being thrown in. my needles are clicking happily away...
let's not forget that we're only just over a week away from the february fox fair!!!

Source: thinkdesignblog.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

yes. just about every spare minute is filled with knitting, and cleaning, and reorganizing. although there are a few things i can't divulge with you just yet... there are some very exciting things happing with nook.... and 2013 has really only just begun!

i so appreciate how patient you've been with me being a little sparodic with this space... i wish there were more hours in the day! but i know you are always here, and soon i'll find the routine that works best for the blog :) 

today i'll be winding yarn and knitting away for the market... which i hope to chat more with you on that tomorrow :) what are you working on?? xo

emerging from the deep.

and we're back!!! oh i've missed you all!! it's amazing how quickly this year is already flying by. i know i say that a lot but it's true. we're back from visiting the most darling, adorable, sweet baby boy! i'm so excited to be an auntie again! babies are the best, aren't they? hee hee..

Source: ashleyskjaveland.com via Emilie on Pinterest

and now that we're home, i can finally say it's time to find our routine. .... at the end of january! crazy!

and there's nothing like diving into routine with a full plate of things to do... work, kindergarten registration (i'm-gonna-cry), actually for real exercising,  classes, and markets! i have heaps to organize, but i'm so ready for it! i feel like we're still on christmas holiday mode. for real. but now we're getting serious.

while i was away in alberta, i was a busy bee... as you know i have a market coming up. but i was also busy with selfish knits. shhhhh. ;) i promise to have a nice f.o post for you in the very near future... :)

but here i go, trying to find my footing, and you know i'm making lists for my lists! hah. i have the february fox fair coming up in less than 3 weeks! and my needles will be flying. no kidding. i have lots of lovlies planned for the market, but i also have sold out classes to start teaching! starting tomorrow! honestly, there's nothing like diving in head first, don't you think? ;)

so even though i'm a little late to the party, routine-wise.. i'm back, and i'm so ready to have you a part of my routine... i've really missed all of you so much! i feel like with christmas and winter market prep, i've been out of it a bit on the blog... no matter.. i'm here now.. and raring to go! hahaha

Source: printshop.urbanoutfitters.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

... um have i already had too much coffee? lol! so today i'm doing ridiculous amounts of laundry... and finding my pretty f.o's from the trip, as well as a few goodies from a little yarn and tea date i had while in calgary :) ohhh i'm excited to show you!

tell me, how was your week? what did you tackle? are you full on back into your routine from the holidays? any tips for me? (lol) what do you have on your needles? i've missed you! come chat.. there is lots of coffee (ok i'll make more). xo

psssst!

remember this?

well guess what?! the pattern has been released! i honestly loved knitting this cowl... and i promise you will too! it was a fun and quick knit. perfect for that last minute christmas gift, or for a gorgeous cowl for you to wear on your night on the town!

 

i really love annie's tastes in design. it's a simple knit, but offers beautiful lines, and amazing fun bobbles.
i knit mine with the softest yarn yet. it was devine! and soooo soft! check out this post to read more about my take on the pattern, and my yarn info :) and check out my ravelry page for heaps more photos.

go knit it. you'll love it so much you'll want to knit one for yourself to keep ;) and the bonus is it uses up all of your yarn. like all of it. (if you knit with what it's called for) you only might have enough to use as a bow on the wrapping when you gift it. xo how's that for not wasting an inch? love it!

you can purchase the pattern on YARN and read more of the ravelry info here.
head on over to annie's blog to show her some love, i know she'd love to hear from you! i think she's done a fab job on the cowl.. and i can't wait until it gets just a little bit colder here, so i can wrap myself up in mine ;)

also... for those of you who have been waiting so patiently on pins and needles for the new class list for 2013, it's up!! i'm so excited for this!  there are some fantastic classes lined up, and you'll want to get in quick. they'll make great christmas gifts, and perfect for those new years resolutions of learning to knit! make sure you call the cloth castle to reserve your spot! i can't wait to knit with you! xo

how's that for a surprise post? so there you have it. last minute christmas gifts for every type of knitter. a pattern and classes!!! we've got you covered. xo

my classic raglan

 i. love. this. sweater. a lot. i actually finished it a long time ago ... but i really wanted nice pics of it. for that i have to thank one of my besties, shannon... aka luvinthemommyhood. :)
i loved knitting this sweater. the whole process really...
in fact, i've knit it twice, and i plan on knitting another one. it`s such a great go-to sweater project, with limitless possibilities.

the knitty-gritty of this pattern is:
(hee hee i'm so clever )
pattern: classic raglan pullover by jane richomnd (no big surprise here)
jane's designed this with so many sizes in mind. really it's a sweater everyone should knit.
yarn: i've used cascade 220 in the mustard-straw colourway. it's really one of my alltime faves. this colour. i loooove it.
needle: 5.0mm

the fit is perfect, i think :) it's warm, and seriously the sweater i almost always go for.

 

it's just so perfect for layering, and just right for this fall weather we're having.  the pattern is knit completely in the round, with very minimal seaming, just under the arms! and you'll just pick up stitches for the neckband. jane breaks it down so that you pick up the right amount of stitches in each segment. honestly, she's written the pattern to make it such an enjoyable knit for the knitter. 

 we had so much fun photographing this sweater. shan had me laughing lots. haha. and i know it makes a big difference in showing off your knits, having great photos.
thanks so much shannon for doing this for me! and thanks jane for writing such an awesome pattern!

have you dabbled in sweater knitting yet? or are you still stuck on toques and scarves? this is a great first time sweater and i highly recommend the pattern. are you in the victoria/westshore area? i'm teaching this sweater in one of my classes in the fall/winter lineup at the cloth castle. interested? give them a call, and register!
it's really a sweater every knitter should own.
but that's my opinion.


what's on your needles? are you cozying up with your fave sweater and a mug of tea today? xo

all photos are copyright luvinthemommyhood  . (thanks a ton shan! xo)

exciting news!!!

can you believe that vancouver, bc has not yet had it's very own fiber festival?! well that's about to change. you may have heard the buzz about knit city. and if you haven't yet... well you should be hearing about it lots now.

i am unbelievably excited about this! i mean, go and check out the sponsors, the instructors, and the vendors at this event! it's gonna be amazing! i'm super excited to meet new fiber lovers, knitters, weavers, yarn dyers, you name it! i've actually been emailing a few to warn er.. tell them how excited i am to finally meet them face to face. lol.

and the highlight for me? umm did you check out the vendor list? go. do it. yah. that's me! wahoo! i'm just so excited to be a part of this. and the fact that i was approached to be a vendor still has me on cloud nine :)

of course, it means i have to be knitting more. and faster. yah. it's how i roll. if you've been thinking of going to a yarn festival but just weren't sure about it. this would be a fantastic one to go to. seriously. you'll meet so many incredible people, and want to walk away with bucket full's of yarn and everything else. you can take a class, there will even be a kick off party on the friday, to give you a chance to chat with the vendors, and just sit back and knit, and have a glass of vino if you'd like. ...yes please!

honestly, amanda and fiona (the masterminds behind knit city, and the talented event planners of knit social) know exactly what they're doing. they wanted vancouver's first fiber festival to be huge, to be amazing, and memorable, and have us eager to come back for more.

to find out more about knit social, and the knit city event check out :

website | facebook page | ravelry group | twitter

in other news, as of tonight after a sweater class i'm teaching, we're on holidays! the plan is to be on the road pretty early sunday morning. with a very full car, the (hopefully not too unhappy) cat, our super excited kiddo, a jam-packed tent trailer, and ridiculous amounts of yarn. i think it will be a grand holiday indeed! (we've even got a birthday celebration that we're sneakily planning)

remember though, we're glamping. i'll totally be online, and posting just as much (well that's the plan anyways). 

so mark it in your calendars! come to knit city. i want to see you...i'm off to the yarn store now :) xo

looking for a class?

i'm sure we all can't believe it... but it's true. this is the last long weekend of the summer! (here in canada, anyways) crazy. where has the time gone? but you know, i've had a fantastic summer. and i'm really looking forward to what the fall holds.
and i bet it will include a lot of knitting :)

the cloth castle is nicely stocked up with yummy yarns, and a huge array of classes ready for the cooler weather.

i'll be starting off the long weekend with a class. i'm excited about this class. this is the beginner knitting level 2 where we'll be knitting a chunky sweater.. (or jacket) however you choose to wear it. :)

how squishy is that? and really if that doesn't get you excited for the cozy comfy knitting season i don't know what will. ha.

the class is completely full, but don't worry another one is being offered in just a couple of months. still plenty of time to get those needles warmed up for holiday knitting.

are you starting to think about knitting? now is really the perfect time to start slotting in classes before your schedule gets too full, and all of the classes fill up.
you can find out everything you need at the cloth castle. and did you know they have a facebook page too? it's a great way to stay connected, and to put those requests in for specific classes, or product :) it's also just a very fun community, and a place for you to share :)

you can find everything you need at

website | facebook page | current class schedule

you can also find the knitting class info here on the blog.

as for the rest of the weekend, we'll be heading to the local fair for one of the days, and a bbq dinner with great friends as well :) cheers to a fabulous summer, and an exciting fall! don't be too sad about the end of summer, i have an exciting treat for you on tuesday!

are you anticipating the fall with open arms? and knitting needles at the ready? what are your fun plans for the weekend? come chat. i like your company :) xo