As Canadian as possible under the circumstances, circa 2011

Canada Day did not find us revelling on Parliament Hill with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. In quintessentially Canadian fashion, I was plying my nursing skills in an American hospital. And I did so in style.

Pattern: Spring Forward, Knitty Summer 2008
Yarn: Dyeversion Bamboo Sock yarn in Candy Apple Colourway.

Hand knit by yours truly.

I believe I won the Dominion Day Sartorial Throwdown. Take that, Kate!

Perhaps I should have set my sights Altius?

So, my friend Marlyne threw down the (beautifully stitched) gauntlet, and challenged me to sign up for the Yarn Harlot's Knitting Olympics. I thought I'd branch out from my usual single skein sock and/or hat habit, and add a little more colour and difficulty to my project.

I was pleasantly surprised at the ease and speed with which this mitten pattern from Lion Brand came together. By Saturday afternoon, the first mitten was done .. and despite having knit to gauge with a larger set of needles, it was too tight for my rather small hand. The imaginary gold medal seemed out of reach. I reminded myself that there's no crying in knitting, and busied myself with making dinner.

But, in a dramatic turn fit for the Olympics, my son came bounding into the kitchen, mitten on hand. "It's a perfect fit, Mom! Thanks! When will the other be finished?"

I set a personal record for completing the second mitten. The view from this imaginary podium is just spectacular!




S