Busy Needles

The needles are never idle for long around here. Sometimes the projects are quick and fun; sometimes they drag. Like this one.

Karen saw the pattern and showed it to me. I loved it. Wouldn't that make a perfect coat topper? For decoration and for warmth. In my oh-so- typical, spur-of-the-moment
'en -toos- iasm', I volunteered to make one for the store.

Well!!! The yarn decided upon was Briggs & Little Super. It knit to gauge. We had lots of stock. It seemed the natural choice.

Now, I do love Briggs & Little yarns. I love the fact that they are Canadian. I love that they are the oldest continually operating mill in Canada. I love that they rose from the ashes of a terrible fire a few years back to spin again. I love that when you call there, you could be speaking to a Briggs or a Little. But I do have to admit to having never used their Super before.

Super is very heavy. So heavy that it hurt my hands which meant that I could only knit on this cute, coat topper for short periods of time. And that meant that the topper took forever to complete.

But it is done now. And cute it is.

In the grey it would look great over a red or navy coat. I would make this again but in a different yarn. There are lots of bulky yarns with 'loft'. Loft makes the yarn airier, lighter. A lofty yarn would be easier to knit and lighter to wear.

Sorry Mr. Briggs. And Mr. Little. The rest of your yarns I love.

And for those readers basking comfortably in the warmth and sunshine of a warmer clime, here is our weather today.

Thursdays Are For Knit Group And Survivor

Despite the first, serious, snow-squall warning of the season, most knitters made it out to the Christmas lunch. Although my pictures seemed to have missed the frivolity, there was lots of laughter, good food and fun.

Being the only exuberant, 'talk-with-my-hands' knitter at the table, I was the only one to bring my water glass crashing down on the table breaking it into several pieces. Oh well. No extra charge.

After lunch, we headed off to knit. Gail liked the Martini Glass Dishcloth I took in last week and googled the pattern to make one for her friend.

She finished her 'newfie mitts',

and when Sandy admired them, said " Merry Christmas. Please keep them."
Sandy showed them off in her best Wilson (TVs, Tim Taylor's neighbour who never showed his entire face) pose.

Here's Sharon doing her 'dog look'. She knit a little dog sweater. Slightly felted for extra warmth. Whatever happened to dog fur/hair? That is what used to keep dogs warm.

On to Survivor. It amazes me that a rocket scientist and a doctor - both smart people obviously - haven't yet caught on to Russell. Will tonight be the night someone sees the light?

Just Like Rice Krispie Squares

Last night was Book Club and being December, the club does a Pot Luck dinner. I offered to bring dessert and this year made a new-to-me recipe.

Doesn't that look wonderful? But, so easy it reminds me of those television ads where, before presenting a platter of Rice Krispie Squares, the cook splashes flour on her face to give the appearance of having worked all day in the kitchen.

Last summer at the family reunion, my now-American cousin brought this same dessert.
Both the appearance and taste immediately said 'keeper' to me. I am happy to share the recipe with you for all your Christmas entertaining.

SUGAR COOKIE FRUIT PIZZA

*One Tube - Sugar Cookie dough (In the refrigerator section at the grocery store where they keep Pillsbury Crescent Dinner rolls etc.) I've learned that this product is only available in Canada at Christmas time. All year long in the USA so if you are really desperate for a quick and easy dessert, at any other time of year, you might have to do some cross-border shopping.

*One Tub - Strawberry Cream Cheese

*Various fresh fruit

Roll cookie dough to fit a large circular cookie sheet. Bake as directed on the package.
Let cool. Once cool, spread with cream cheese, then decorate with fruit.

Oh - and don't forget to splash a little flour on your face. Appearances must be kept up.