Sunday, November 23, 2025

A Tale of Three Purses

 I thought about calling this Goldilocks and the three purses, but it has been a long time since my hair was golden.

About 4 years ago, I made this bag.


I liked it, except the front pocket had a zipper that made it hard to get your phone out. It had 6 card pockets inside as well as a place to store your cash.

About a year later, I made this bag.


It had  flap to make it easier to get at your phone, but it was too small. My phone didn't actually fit in the phone pocket. It also had only 3 card slots and no other pockets.

Recently, I was asked to make a phone wallet, and this was my chance to fix the problems with the first two.


This one is the same size as the first one, and has the card pockets and a place for bills and change. It also has unicorns.


It even has a leash for my keys. 

I kept fairly careful notes, and now I am making another one for my friend. I need to have it done by Wednesday, so I hope everything goes well (and I remember to sew on my label.).

i finished a couple of knitting projects.

This is a hat for my sweetie, who asked for a new warm hat. He seems to have worn out his last one.


I used my usual hat pattern, Bankhead. I made the ribbing longer because he likes a double layer over the ears. The yarn is Revival Worsted from Ancient Arts Yarn, in Calgary.

I also used up the remainder of the ball from my most recent pair of mitts, to make some toddler mitts.


Winter has decided to stay, so someone will need mitts.

The other morning, we had fog, which left frost on the trees. It looked very pretty.


Have a good week. I'll be sewing to a deadline.

Sunday, November 9, 2025

M Is For Mitten

 This past week, I was between knitting projects, so I knit a pair of mittens. 

Every Canadian has at least one pair of mittens. Most of us have more. From October until May, every coat has a pair in the pockets. They are an essential item of a Canadian wardrobe.

I taught myself to knit mittens when I was 9 or 10 years old. I came from a large-ish family, and my mother found a sale on yarn, and suggested I could make some for my younger siblings. I need to note that my mother did not knit, and I had a committee of knitters (aunts, mom's friends, my friends' mothers) who could help me when I got stuck and I had a book from Beehive Yarns. How hard could it be? I had already mastered hats.

So, I knit mittens. I knit them for my family, for gifts, for donations. Some of my mitts have no fingers, so the wearer can answer their phone. Some of my mitts have lace patterns, so they can look pretty. But most of my mitts are intended to be warm and serviceable. 

This pair will likely go to the local food cupboard. They are always happy to receive another pair of mitts. These ones will fit a young teen or an adult with small hands. A gift of warmth on a snowy day.


I'm sure I'll make another pair soon.