Neutron Dance

I went down the rabbit hole.

No willingly mind you - typically autumn ratchets up dramatically from the more genteel summer pace. This year has been a bit more challenging than most. The harvest has been challenging since that magnificent September gave way to a wet October. The winemakers say aromatic whites will be great - Bordeaux reds...jury's still out. These are the vintages that separate the men from the boys. Where a skilled winemaker is the "make or break" element.



Speaking of elements -the boys started college and Twin A has a pretty heavy load of sciences and maths. He's studying the environment. I was a science major (back in the day) so I've been dusting off my Chem 100...aka killer chem skills in an attempt to help him out. When I took that damn course I said to myself "Self: you will never use this on the job." Little did I know it would come in handy as a parent. Perhaps the most important aspect of a good education is that it helps your offspring obtain...a good education.



We finally got a break in the weather to get the new roof on. Here are the before and after shots (it looks much better under a sunny sky). I love the way it looks. It's amazing how 12 men arriving at 8:20 am can create such a mess yet leave the place spotless by 5:00 pm.







On the knitting side, finishing Bijou has made me eager to complete Roam and Cobblestone Pullover. Roam is done except for the zipper and side seams so look for that FO soon. Cobblestone body and sleeves are done, I just need to join them and start on the fun part - the yoke. I've started going to a local "knit night" at a cafe downtown. To have a straightforward project to work on - I've hauled out an old UFO Manhattan by Jane Ellison. I have completed one front and have started the back.


In the midst of the Autumn chaos, I did run away for a few hours to the Toronto Knitting Guild October meeting. This guild boasts Fiona Ellis, Robin Melanson and Barbara Gregory as members and this particular meeting was a fashion show featuring sweaters from The Twist Collective. These garments are even more beautiful in person and while I want to make them all - the Vine Yoke Cardigan, Pas de Valse and Maire are calling to me. I'm in the mood for some cables and lace. Maire should be a good fit for some Louisa Harding Kashmir DK I have in stash. It's a pale aqua colour. The hallmark of the Twist patterns is the unique construction each pattern employs. Kate Gilbert moderated the fashion show via Skype from Montreal while Fiona Ellis introduced the designs in Toronto. It was quite fitting that a magazine the owes its premise to technology conducted a fashion show using it. I did treat myself to a few skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in the colourway "Cookie's Deep Dark Secret" to make The Vine Yoke Cardigan. I have Dream in Colour stashed but in larger quantities so I don't want to waste it on a project requiring less. At least that's my story.

With a little luck - I'll be able to show you a completed Roam soon.

That is - once I get through my midterm exams.