Little bursts of colour

Even in winter, you can see brilliant bursts of colours. You just have to know where to look...

Thanks Margie for a magical winter walk! And thank you to everyone for the kind birthday wishes! You make my heart swell.

A northern girl

When I was a kid, I sort of resented having a birthday in February. I couldn't have a cool pool party like my leo sis. But now, it seems so fitting that my special day happens in the midst of my favourite season. I know I sound like a broken record, but I really, really love winter.


This weekend was perfectly cold, clear and sunny.


The ideal weather to don my skis and get out to celebrate turning 42.






The paired-down landscape revealed many treasures.


Also, left-over birthday cake and hot chai tea are the perfect post-ski treat. Who needs a pool party?! Not this northern girl.

Thank you everyone for your lovely comments on my last post. You're so encouraging!

Nonstop knitting machine

I've worked up a few new gris designs:





















And revisiting a few favourites in new yarns:













I just sent a big batch to Bookhou in time for a big design event on Saturday. If you're in the area, I would strongly suggest a visit to see Arounna and John's beautiful shop.

You'll also soon find a few more pieces on Wiksten's online shop, and of course some in my own shop.


And this weekend I'll be finishing up a few custom orders, and hoping to steal a few minutes to do a bit of selfish knitting.


Hope you have a lovely, cozy weekend.

Snowcheck

I've had to take a "snowcheck" on two outings this week because of the crazy storms we've been experiencing. Which in fact is fine for a homebody like me.

I always enjoy seeing other people's creative spaces, and thought that perhaps you would like to see little bits of mine.


Newly cleaned desk. My sewing machine is under the blue and white linen.


I love seeing my tools all organized and ready to be used.


A little collection of sea stones. I think they would like some pretty finery. I need to learn how to crochet.


My new el-cheapo-but-functional ikea book case to hold my growing stash of Gris Handknits yarn.


The artwork in the foreground was a christmas gift from my ultra-talented and dear cousin.


The dear little ceramic owl belonged to my paternal grand-mother Kitty. In her younger days, Kitty was the life of the party, and an incredible hostess. She collected owls, and I chose this one as a keepsake after she passed away.


I purchased this Edwardian blouse for a song at a vintage clothing show I had the pleasure of going to with Margie this fall.



I love wool blankets. The beautiful striped one was actually woven by my maternal grand-mother. It is incredibly precious to me.

Have a cozy weekend!

Fresh and fun

There's nothing like a fresh blanket of snow to greet the new year.




Though my busy schedule has left very little time for play, I couldn't help but go out for a bit of fun. The ski season is so short and precious.


I hope that you have taken some time to enjoy the fresh new year too!

All is calm

All is bright.

Phew! It's been a busy busy December. Thank you to everyone for your kind words about everything that is going on over here. I'm very excited to see what 2012 will bring.

I will be taking a little break till the new year, to rest, visit loved ones, and have a bit of fun in the snow (if my white christmas wishes come true). But I certainly won't be putting my knitting needles down! I just received a shipment of beautiful yarn, and have all kinds of ideas for Gris Handknits.

I wish you a beautiful holiday season. May you all bask in the glow of the people and the things that you love.

A flurry of activity

There's been a flurry of activity over here (but no actual flurries. Winter, where are you?) Lots of exciting happenings here behind the scenes (and very little sleep):

- I'm knitting another wonderful Knitbot sample, this time with beautiful Quince & Co. Tern
- My toddler knits will be featured in the upcoming B.A.H. magazine. Which is so exciting! B.A.H. is one of the best online publications, and is created by the wonderful Arounna of Bookhou.
- My Gris Handknits line is now carried in two amazing bricks-and-mortar shops: Bookhou of course, in Toronto, and ABK Custom Leather Craft in New York City (if you go to NYC, you MUST check out ABK. Alya makes the most beautiful leather bags, shoes and accessories. I own a bag similar to this one, and adore it. Worth every penny!)
- I just mailed off a few pieces to Jenny Gordy, the creative force behind the delicious Wiksten line. I am SO thrilled that she asked me to be part of her lovely shop! Jenny has made her own beautiful knits.
- I just opened my very own Gris Handknits Etsy shop! Right now it's a bit bare, but I'm working hard to stock it with all kinds of handmade goodies to keep everyone warm this winter.

Now if the snow could just come...

(Oh and before you think I am a poster child for industriousness, let me just say that my house is completely trashed, I've run out of clean underwear, we've been eating peanut butter sandwiches for diner, and I haven't even dug out my Christmas "box" from the basement yet. Such is the glamorous life of a knitter)