Cuter Chemo Caps

My first batch of caps were a little conservative. I realize that I’ve known a lot of people with cancer (many surviving after many years!) and most are not conservative. They’re fun and strong and, frankly, stylish. While in treatment, why wouldn’t they and others want to wear something more fashionable. So I decided to be more daring. I found some patterns for the “slouchy” that are in vogue today. And I chose some beautiful yarn. And I knit with all the love and hope I could muster.

What I knit

My favourite is the ridged hat on the left made from the Stacked pattern. Then there’s the also perfectly - named Spiralini on the right. And there’s the “basic” (and it was) Slouchy Beanie. Again, I want the recipients to feel strong (and just a little stylish) when they wear these hats.

What I read

I’m having some trouble getting in to a book. I tried another Ann Hood and couldn’t get in to it (I always try to persevere, but sometimes I have to give up; it was too sad). I’m now trying “Miss Julia Takes Over” by Ann B. Ross (highly recommended by my retired library friends over breakfast). I’m not sure about it yet. It may just be time to reread an old favourite.

What I watched

Maybe I’m not reading because I’m doing a lot of watching. I’ve started “Downton Abbey” on Netflix and I LOVE it. And I’m watching the Olympics. One can only multi task so much!

“Great” Little Valentines

You have already met my “Greats”. And they ARE great. I continue to love knitting things for them, and have just received some pictures of them in my latest. Adorable.

What I Knit

I was very ambitious when I began these projects in October, thinking I’d have three sweaters completed in time to send for Christmas. Well, that didn’t work out (thus the football and Roughrider hats you saw in “Knitting for Kids”). But I am persistent, and I finally finished these:

When there are three children involved, there’s always an “occasion”, so these arrived in time for the eldest’s third birthday and the baby’s Baptism. The sweaters are even cuter when modeled by my “Greats”. Here’s the Quickie 5 Hour Baby Sweater and Hat (believe me, it took way more than five hours!):

I embellished the Child’s Basic Cardigan with Roughrider colours:

I am beginning to dislike patterns that say things like “quickie” and “basic” when nothing that involves sleeves and sewing seams is quick or basic for me. But looking at these kids in my creations makes it all worthwhile.

What I read

I read Kate Morton’s “The Secret Keeper” during this time. I love her books. As usual, it’s a story, set in Britain, about women whose stories cross time and generations. I seem to read a lot of books by women about women who either travel through time or who reflect on the past. Some of the best are by Barbara Erskine, Susanna Kearsley, and Diana Gabaldon (though I got tired of the “kilt up, kilt down” antics).

As I write this, I realize it’s almost time to stop knitting and get ready to head to some warmer weather and to write my other blog. But there’s still time for a few more projects!

Chemo Caps

I love knitting for friends and family. I’ve also been thinking that I should try knitting for charity. I found The Pridie Collection Boutique Yarn Shop on Facebook and read about their charity knitting projects. So I visited the shop, asked if I could knit Chemo Caps, and signed up.

What I knit

It was hard to get started because Christina said I could make what I wanted as long as I used the yarn she provided. Pressure. But, of course, the Internet came to the rescue. Sadly, a lot of people need Chemo Caps, so there are a lot of web sites with patterns. I made these three:

I made a Hurricane Cap (the one with swirls), a Striped Slip Stitch Hat (with the pink “ribbons”) and Side Step (the ribbed one).

I put a lot of love and hope and strength and power into these caps. I hope whomever wears these caps can feel that. And I hope they help.

What I read

I finished Fannie Flagg’s book. I laughed a little, cried a little and made friends with all of her wonderful characters. That was a great book.

Head and shoulders, knees and toes

Or a hat, two neck warmers, nothing for knees (what can you make for knees?) and slippers.

I have been finishing projects over the last few weeks. One big one has been mailed and will remain secret until delivered. But I did finish a “variety pack” of items for friends and loved ones.

What I knit

First, the “head”. And that’s David’s head! This man looks great in a toque, and I have made a few over these last two years. Some live in the ripped project pile, others are being worn, and the latest meets all the standards (I think). It’s a beautiful blue/gray, it’s snug enough, and it’s long enough. Phew. And I love it (and him!):

Now, my two “necks”. The first was for my Tweesta Maggie (you met another Tweesta, Deb, in her Contentment Cowl). Actually, Maggie gets to choose if these are “head” or “shoulder” items. She loves leopard print, and I found a leopard print knitting chart! So I decided on a headband. Version 1 (the orange leopard) turned out well, but a little tiny. The second, more subtle one, should work as a headband OR a neck warmer. Maggie is very flexible.

 

The next two projects (another neck and some toes) were made for my friends, Jocelyn and LeeAnn. I met LeeAnn at the college years ago. We reconnected at Curves and worked out side-by-side for a while. Jocelyn next joined us on the circuit. Then came Susan, a woman who was back exercising after treatment for Breast Cancer. We did some sweating and some serious bonding. When Susan became ill again, we started to meet at Starbucks then at Susan’s (with some restaurant visits, shopping, movies and a weekend in Toronto thrown in). We are the Coffee Girls (or Latte Ladies) and saw each other through Susan’s death and our grief. We have a strong bond.

I knit Jocelyn a lightweight drop stitch cowl in the most beautiful purple.

LeeAnn’s toes are being warmed in her Phentex Slippers (the only pair I’ve made this year). Her Mom makes these, too, and that, actually inspired me at the beginning of all this knitting. I wanted to give a pair to my friend, Heather, a couple of years ago. I was going to ask LeeAnn’s Mom to make me some. Instead, I decided to find the pattern and make my own. I’ve made several pairs now, but these are my favourites so far:

It was fun making all these items. When I knit, I think a lot about the people I’m knitting for. My thought were all good during these projects.

What I read

I started reading Fanny Flagg’s “The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion”. She sure can tell a story. And mostly about women. This one is the best I’ve read so far.