Just bits of this and that!

I thought I would show you some of the beautiful hats that Roger, who was on the retreat this past weekend, knits. His wife spins and dyes the yarn and then Roger knits these beautiful hats. He gives - yes, that is correct - he gives them to the boys about the Island he lives on and the men and boys (probably women too) who go out on the boats love the warmth. You can see that with 100% wool and layers being made by the patterns that they would be warm. He has knit a Bohus patterned hat, but unfortunately I did not get a picture of it. Roger's wife was there, but she is not as in to knitting as Roger is and so it nice that their skills compliment. They live on an Island between Vancouver Island and the mainland that is accessible only by private boat. If you need large items, such as lumber, appliances, trucks, etc. moved to the island, a barge can do that for you!

I wondered how Roger and his wife felt when they returned home. Their island is home to about 50 people and with the staff at the camp and knitters we were about 50 in number. Can you imagine the over stimulation of that many people in a small place to Roger, who probably may go a day or two and see no one but his wife !Just had to include this photo of my friend, Charlotte. On Saturday evening for dessert, the staff brought out a large tray of fresh fruit - some strawberries as large as plums - and in the centre was a lovely bowl of melted chocolate! I loved watching Charlotte as she enjoyed this delight. Remember being able to eat just anything you wanted and the word calorie never entered into your mind!! Young people make us remember the world anew and also give us delight to watch them enjoy their world! I have two delightful granddaughters and a step-grandson, and it is wonderful watching them as they make their way in the world. My family enjoys a chocolate or butterscotch fondue too!!
I just had to share this little story. It was on my Stitch 'N Bitch calendar for today!!

Knit Bit

Oil spills threaten the lives of many sea creatures, among them the "fairy penguins" that live near Melbourne, Australia. Experts have found that wrapping the penguins in wool sweaters helps keep them alive! It prevents them from preening themselves and possibly ingesting the harmful chemicals contained in petroleum-based oil, while also keeping them warm until their bodies can regenerate natural oils. After a spill in 2000, knitters all over the world donated their time and extra yarn to aid the Australian penguins in need. The penguins received thousands of sweaters, which not only kept them healthy but also served as a welcome wardrobe change from the been-there, done-that tuxedo.

I love the story, and since I have a quirky side to me, I could just hear the conversations among the penguins!! There would be great discussion about the colours, pattern and yarn. I wonder how much effort was involved in getting the 'sweaters' on the penguins and if they just let them 'fall' off or wear out! I can imagine a sweater knit from the wools used in Ganseys would last for ever! Jo, the wonderful Irish Bainin you sent to me would be perfect, if you wanted to knit a 'penguin' sweater. However, the fashionable 'fairy penguin' might like the yarn to go into the dye pot for a beautiful mix of colours. Wonder what is fashionable in the penguin world these days?


I can just hear one penguin, "Do you think these stripes make me look fat?"