More This & That

I came across an interesting item about a group of Danish seniors who get together to knit and visit. The article was entitled: "Knitted by nanas: the octogenarians behind Denmark's fashion designers." They call themselves the Kaffesblabberas and their knitting is in high demand. There is a video of them knitting and an interview of one of the knitters. Denmark is high on my list as a travel destination and I know one of the first places I'll visit in Copenhagen. http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/fashion-blog/2011/nov/15/denmark-knitting-fashion

I always find the Tales from the Trail newsletter from Rabbies tours to be good reading and their latest submission didn't disappoint. Have a look at a lovingly restored Model T Ford. What caught my attention was the upholstery which was covered in Harris tweed. http://www.rabbies.com/newsletters/12_11_content/model_T.html

As with many of you, I receive notice of the monthly offers from http://www.elann.com Even though I haven't yet ordered from them (although have been seriously tempted, but then remember my large 'stash'), the company enjoys an excellent reputation for value and service. I took the time to have a thorough look at their website and was amazed at how comprehensive it is, with a long list of archived yarns and many free patterns.

For anyone who is interested, the hole in my shin is noticeably smaller; from originally approximating three stacked Toonies, now to one single Loonie. (Canadians will know what this means.) It's been 17 weeks since my mishap and I've been faithfully going to the clinic several times a week--have now graduated to visits just every third day.

This & That

I receive a number of enewsletters, and one which arrived recently in my inbox was from Breanish Tweed, http://www.breanishtweed.co.uk/, the small mill in the countryside of the Hebridean island of Lewis. Their fabrics differ from the more typical Harris tweed fabrics, as they use a finer-weight wool and frequently mix it with silk and cashmere yarns. (I learned about the mill in the British magazine, Country Living, before one of our first tours to Lewis. The article was about the founder of the company, Ian Sutherland and the distinctive fabrics he created in the small weaving shed behind his home. Ian was very gracious and welcomed us for a visit.) The company was sold several years ago to a family of weavers in another part of Lewis. It's always a treat to visit them and their site, located with sweeping views of the hills and the sea.

Earlier this month, I also received the latest bulletin of the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Weavers & Dyers. This issue included a number of photos of our visit this past July. A treat to relive this memorable afternoon and the warm welcome extended by members of the guild.

Also, a mailing from Shetland tourism. Have a look at www.SHETLAND.org to learn more about in this special part of the world.

Now that I'm not as busy, I'm determined to learn to use the Ravelry site. Frequently at the Ottawa guild meetings, during the 'show and tell' portion, people will say that they found a pattern on Ravelry or had a design which was featured on Ravelry. The whole size and intricacy of the site has daunted me in the past, but will apply myself to learning how to use it. I feel more than a little stupid that it doesn't seem so bewildering to so many people.