Nova Scotia Summer

My summer plans were unexpected delayed, so lately I've been enjoying what Nova Scotia has to offer in the summertime. Here are a few photos, taken in June, at some of my favourite places. 

Gaspereau Valley Fibres is always a must visit when I find myself in the valley. This time it was a slightly rainy day and all the animals on the farm were curled up in a cozy spot. Perfect weather for knitting, however, I managed to restrain myself to buying only a new pattern and a handful of cards at the shops. 

When possible, my family spots in at Tangled Gardens to stock up on jams and jellies, directly from the source. I'm envious of their massive collection of pussy willows. 

Photo Credit: @dotsandloops

When I find myself on the South Shore I can't help but to stop in at Dots & Loops for a browse. Unfortunately, I haven't been recently but in my place I have sent the shop my last collection of Green Forest Gang mitts. Knit by me, this set will be the last for a while. 

Aureus

I did not need to knit myself a sweater last month. In fact, it was the last thing I needed to do. I had plenty of deadlines and other projects that actually needed my attention, yet stress knitting somehow manifested in the form of this sweater. Aureus, by Michele Wang, had been on my 'Only if I had the Time to Knit for Myself List' since seeing it in Pom Pom Issue 7 last winter. 

The combination of cables and lace is what peaked my interest. I love cables and I sort of like lace. Not many lace cardigans have caught my eye. The small amount of lace, mixed in with cables and Stocking Stitch, adds flare and elegance to this design. 

This was the first cardigan I knit. I followed the pattern almost to the letter. When it came to piecing it together, I wasn't happy with how my shoulder seams were lining up. I decided to redo the shoulders with short-rows which led to a better finished result. I used Cascade's Superwash Sport for this project. I don't particularly like superwash yarn but this soft merino was eyeing me from my stash. This was my first time using this sport weight from Cascade, if it wears nicely over time, I would knit with it again. 

Green Forest Gang Members

At the beginning of this year I made a resolution to start self-publishing my own designs. I'm excited to announce that I have followed through with this goal and will continue to add to my collection on Ravelry this summer. I have also started to expand on this idea by working on an addition to select patterns. I am now offering knitting kits! 

My collection of Green Forest Gang members are know available as kits. Each one provides enough yarn for one pair along with the pattern. Cricket Cove is now carrying my knitting kits at their locations across New Brunswick. They make a perfect gift for a knitter or if you're a traverler passing through.  Support a Maritime business and designer!

You can choose from foxes, wolves, bunnies, bears and deer. If you're not in the area, don't worry. You can find them through my Etsy Shop. 

Unwind Brighton

In recent and exciting news, my design 'Salt Air' has been shortlisted for the Unwind Brighton Design Competition! The entries have been narrowed down to seven and I'm lucky to be alongside six other gorgeous knits. 

Vote Here for 'Salt Air' by Fiona Alice. 

This scarf is a compilation of fond memories from my first trip to England.  I remember discovering delicious teahouses and being mesmerized by the lace collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum. I have chosen a favourite lace pattern, English Mesh Lace and have paired it with two very aptly named colours from Madelinetosh, Earl Grey and Well Water. I am venturing to England again and I hope this piece will also reflect my summer to come. This delicate and lightweight scarf is an ideal accessory for layering with summer outfits. It is a perfect portable knit to take on an oceanside adventure accompanied by that perfect cup of tea

This infinity scarf is knit with Madelinetosh's Tosh Merino Light. Finishing touches include a wee bit of crochet and seven dainty buttons. The longer version could be unbuttoned and worn as a scarf. 

My pattern even includes a smaller cowl version. I used Astrid Grey and Nectar for this sample.   

If this design is the winner it will be published in Unwind's programme. It will later be made available through Ravelry for free. Thank you for your support and votes! 

Laura's Dream

I made this shawl over the long Easter weekend. The body of the shawl is from a favourite pattern, Mountain Moss Shawl by Beth Kling. With spring just around the corner, I decided to switched up the lace trim and used Eye-Spot Ending from one of Barbara G. Walker's KnittingTreasuries.

I used up a small portion of my Madelinetosh stash. I picked Opaline and Astrid Grey in Tosh Merino Light. This shawl will be donated to Laura's Dream, an event to help raise money and awareness about Metachromatic Leukodystrophy. This event will take place on June 7th, at Brewster Bar & Grill in Bedford this year. 

Here is a quick peek at the before and after blocking process. Blocking knitwear can be a tedious and annoying part of the finishing process. Yet this step always adds a professional finish to each piece. Not only did this shawl grow in size, but it is also softer and drapes beautifully after being washed and stretched. 

This shawl with be a hard piece to part with. I hope whoever takes it home from Laura's Dream will enjoy it immensely.