tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74716604066749553752012-02-19T06:34:35.417-05:00Musings of the Needle Beetle.Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.comBlogger441100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-72403966029700488812011-09-10T22:15:00.000-05:002011-09-10T22:15:56.494-05:00

Finally, I've updated the website, take a peek at Needle Beetle! It's been awhile since I've done such a major overhaul but I hope you all appreciate the new squeaky clean look and have more fun snooping around. Within the next few weeks I plan to offer 3 new free patterns as well as a new cable pullover design. Stay tuned for updates and thanks for visiting!

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-9683652590487797682011-01-15T16:16:00.005-05:002011-01-15T16:24:31.717-05:00

This is my current knitting project, not my design, but definitely my knitting.:-)Love how it's turning out and am on to sleeve #2.You can find this pattern by Heather Dixon at www.armyofknitters.comI love the intricacy, the collar, the sleeves, the cables. It was too pretty not to knit it.

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-87538254323844873802010-08-23T13:33:00.006-05:002010-08-23T13:39:53.295-05:00

Finally, I have something to share, it's been awhile but I hope the wait was worth it. If you'd like to order this new pattern it will be available for shipping the second week in September. I LOVE dragons, and am pretty stoked I came up with a design that shows off my favourite winged reptile.

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-34105983581954826572010-06-19T18:34:00.002-05:002010-06-19T18:38:54.207-05:00

Sorry, no pics for this one, but I promise, cross my fingers that eventually I will find time to be "more timely" with my posts. Aarggh, life really does get in the way, but it's all good.2 new designs are in the works, I've had a hankering to design something with a fantasy theme in sock yarn, and that is in the works, as well as a lacy top with Clea #10 crochet cotton. Tiny stitches makes for a

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-38683484989209626452009-09-05T12:28:00.005-05:002009-09-05T12:38:57.581-05:00

Hello all, I'm sad to report that the world hasn't changed from a 24 hour day, so I'm stuck juggling with all of my pursuits (knitting, running, reading, cross-stitch) and making them fit into my spare time. But, FINALLY I have managed in the midst of running and knitting to actually come out with 2 new patterns for your knitting pleasure. White Water Rapids is a v-neck cardigan in the colours of

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-84649425599815949712009-05-09T11:08:00.009-05:002009-05-09T11:44:32.453-05:00

Well, it's been quite a time in my Needle Beetle life, recently (okay Mar. 1) I ran my very first half marathon "The Chilli-Half" (21k/13 miles) and actually finished in a "half" decent time, 2 hours 13 minutes 58 seconds. For a runner, it's all about your time, so seconds do count. I'm now in training for Run for the Toad, a 25k held at Pinehurst Conservation. It's a 12 1/2k loop of trails,

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-84947612128013982132009-03-21T12:45:00.011-05:002009-03-21T13:16:50.649-05:00

It's almost spring, I can't believe it, where has the time gone?! Today I finally found some time to scan some pics. Thank goodness. I've been busy running, busy knitting, busy with everything. My son is becoming quite the photographer and when I developed my last set of pics, I was pleased to see he caught me in action. Here I am coming into the finish line at the Oktoberfest Run in Waterloo

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-27782845400503752022008-12-28T17:23:00.006-05:002008-12-28T17:49:20.260-05:00

Okay, since my photos of me in my Santa outfit before the Santa Jingle race I entered Dec.13 are not yet available (not on a digital camera), I will treat you with this mini shot of all 1500 Santas starting the race. This race was not a personal best for me, I think I will blame it on the freezing cold weather down by Lake Ontario, running in Santa pants and all those jingle bells on the shoes

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-10249732128178506052008-12-06T15:19:00.003-05:002008-12-06T16:34:57.025-05:00

I know, I know, it's been awhile. I've been knitting, honest! And to prove it, here's a tidbit of a sock I'm giving as a present, soooo, shhhhhh. I'm working on washcloths too for gifts and will take a pic of all together when I'm done. They are very pretty and all are from free patterns that designers generously share on the internet.I've also been busy training for running races. This past

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-82597594478458914162008-09-25T13:03:00.005-05:002008-09-25T13:51:40.618-05:00

I've promised more pics of my latest projects, here's the back and a bit of the collar of Autumn Asters, a Michelle Rose-Orne design, in which I used Elann's Peruvian Highland wool. Love the colours and love Michelle's design. I just have to attach the other sleeve, figure out button bands and then embroider little asters (daisies) all over the shawl collar. When it's finished, I will take a

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-21839128514417571952008-08-28T07:51:00.007-05:002008-08-28T08:21:26.934-05:00

It was my birthday this past Sunday, and I was the lucky recipient of love from family and friends along with tasty meals and gifts. I can't quite decide which gift is my favourite, surprisingly no knitting tools or fibery gifts were involved, but that's okay. I can live without knitting, really,...okay, maybe not, but it's still okay. My new Garmin Forerunner 405 keeps me in check with my

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-43860639705938024792008-08-01T13:25:00.000-05:002008-08-01T13:25:00.861-05:00

I couldn't resist, here's a finishing photo of my running buddies after the Nissan 5k & 10mile race. Photographers were snapping pics and our group was chosen for a finish finale. See, we really do like running. :)

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-3928841418830809202008-07-23T13:31:00.003-05:002008-07-23T13:31:00.821-05:00

As promised, here is a photo of my Autumn Asters cardigan, I'm still working on the shawl collar. I ordered the Highland Chunky from Elann and started running out of some colours after starting the body when the sleeves were done. I expected that and started substituting. I'm so glad I did, I will have little yarn left over and still a great looking sweater. I'll show you the body next week, stay

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-46892784873234430232008-07-16T13:19:00.003-05:002008-07-16T13:31:25.449-05:00

This past weekend I was in the Nissan 5k race down in the distillery district in Toronto. I've been training since March to get my running back up to par as I did take quite an unwanted break this past winter. Well, for the second race I've ever entered, it was quite exciting to run and pass people at the same time. Pictured is the bib I wore, time 28:04 min, I was 4th out of 12 women in my age

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-53917340818120387682008-06-04T15:32:00.008-05:002008-06-04T15:50:54.352-05:00

Okay, I finally did it! All 3 new patterns, Elvenwood Stole, Autumn, and Milk & Honey are finally up for pre-orders. "The stole" which really wasn't a supposed to be a secret has kept me occupied for over 2 months, I simply couldn't put it down to take a pic.

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-24467094438868724882008-05-14T08:39:00.002-05:002008-05-14T08:57:03.265-05:00

May is already halfway gone, I can't believe it. I am still working on my next 3 designs, photos need to be taken, patterns need to be edited and proofed. This will be the first time I'm publishing 3 designs all at once, so, I hope that there will be something interesting for everybody. To keep your interest from lagging, here's a photo, keep in mind this one is right off the needles, it still

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-8281438308598979892008-04-19T11:21:00.003-05:002008-04-19T11:27:48.159-05:00

I love this colour combo, almost as much as purple and green together. This is another viney design coming soon (I hope). It's spring time and although I love designing and knitting, the outside world is calling to me, and I've been running more instead. I promise to keep working at it (the knitting/designing thing) and plan to offer at least three brand new designs, 2 colourwork patterns and 1

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-35598373540330877212008-01-20T15:49:00.000-05:002008-01-20T15:57:13.542-05:00

Hmmm, it's been awhile since I posted but, it's okay if I haven't because I'm having too much fun knitting. At the moment I'm working on 2 things at the same time, I NeVeR do that. It must be the weather. On days that it's warm, I work on a sock, on days that it's cold, like today, I work on my new sweater. Here's another peek at a new design I'm working on. I'm afraid that colourwork has become

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-13919535998135473292007-11-10T13:47:00.000-05:002007-11-10T13:51:20.860-05:00

It's chilly time here in Kitchener and for fun I decided to knit a new design with berries and leaves. I love curvy patterns and this one definitely does it for me. The brown yarn is most likely a mix of acrylic and wool, I'm not too sure as I picked it up at a garage sale years ago and finally found a use for it. I love the brown and I love the red with the brown.

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-39977345616522869562007-09-23T13:09:00.000-05:002007-09-23T13:21:17.189-05:00

September 9/07 I received the news that I had won one of the only 5 http://www.cgknitters.ca pendants and then I received it in the mail on September 20/07. It's so pretty and I'd like to publicly thank Cynthia MacDougall, the editor of Knit Together and administrator of the CGK for her generosity! This pendant was created to celebrate her 5th year in business.Cynthia wrote to me and explained

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-7786705858809326372007-08-18T19:51:00.000-05:002007-08-18T19:55:40.703-05:00

Finally, I have my latest design ready to be printed within the next 2 weeks. I had so much fun using up more of my Lisa Souza sock yarns in this sporty corrugated rib zippered cardigan. I can't wait to wear it when the weather gets a little cooler. It's so comfy and goes really well with a skirt or pair of jeans.

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-34631118681678517682007-07-12T14:06:00.000-05:002007-07-12T14:14:17.988-05:00

Originally, this was going to be a vest, not anymore, sleeves have been added and still, there is some Lisa Souza yarn left over. I decided to knit it on slightly bigger needles than Coral Reef, I know, going from 3mm to 3.25mm isn't much of an increase in needle size, is it. :)What do I call this one? I haven't been able to come up with a suitable name. Help!

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-424076400549465082007-06-19T15:04:00.000-05:002007-06-19T15:10:39.464-05:00

Finally, I've managed to have my photo shoot for the two latest designs Coral Reef and Summer offered by Needle Beetle. I'm still in the midst of proofreading and plan to have these patterns printed within the next 2 weeks.And, because I still have Lisa Souza yarn left over I've created another design to use up your sock yarn stash. It never seems to end and I think I'm still going to have some

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-55450003293999184602007-06-11T15:26:00.000-05:002007-06-11T15:29:17.669-05:00

Mosaic knitting is my most favourite knitting and sometimes when you are on a roll you just have to go with it. I've decided to postpone my last mosaic design until this latest mosaic design is finished and then I will have 2 patterns to offer. Both are completely different, but both are equally fun, at least to me.

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-59619241295445211782007-05-31T09:23:00.000-05:002007-05-31T09:31:11.775-05:00

Woohoo! I received my very own personally autographed copy of Joan McGowan-Michael's most gorgeous book Knitting Lingerie Style. Chapter 3 on Corsets is my favourite section, I love the designs and hope that one day some of these pretty tops will be part of my wardrobe. If you have any tips on cloning, please pass them along as I will obviously need 2 or more of me to accomplish this feat.

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-9245806126831399662007-05-23T08:29:00.000-05:002007-05-23T08:47:05.110-05:00

I know I haven't posted in ages, but I have a very good reason for that, I've taken up running 3x per week with the Running Room with their "Learn to Run" clinic and it's been a fantastic experience. In 2 weeks I will be running in a 5k race. 2 months ago I never imagined being able to do so. I've signed up for the next clinic which is 5k to keep up with the progress I've made but at a

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-21262284625479908872007-04-29T09:57:00.000-05:002007-04-29T10:02:41.943-05:00

Yummm, doesn't the title of this post make you a little bit hungry? It could be for me because it's close to lunchtime. The photo is of more mosaic knitting, my favourite kind. I just realized this morning I hadn't posted in such a long time, oops. I've been very busy running, knitting and going to the gym and I keep forgetting. I'm itching to start my next project so will be very glad when I can

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-78191907702205369252007-04-11T10:10:00.000-05:002007-04-11T10:16:46.463-05:00

I haven't been knitting as much as I should be, but it's not my fault, honest. I've been busy working on my cousin Steven's website. He and his partner Shane make the most incredible collectible teddy bears and they've just been written about in the well known teddy bear magazine "Teddy Bear and Friends". The magazine came out last week and so the website had to be all spiffied up for the flood

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-77633113523669814162007-03-31T12:02:00.000-05:002007-03-31T12:06:27.570-05:00

I'm so sorry, I have been remiss in providing eye candy! Too busy knitting, yeah, I'll blame it on that. I finally scanned Watermelon and Emerald City playing together. Here you go, yummy stuff that Lisa Souza sock yarn, she always gets me with her colours.

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-55258106698310410222007-03-11T13:45:00.000-05:002007-03-11T13:48:11.969-05:00

Okay, 3 shots, I don't know what to call it but it's definitely not a bolero. :)

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-26664250985909118092007-03-09T18:02:00.000-05:002007-03-09T18:14:22.955-05:00

Whenever I come into contact with Lisa Souza's handpainted yarns, I have an uncontrollable urge to knit. Not just one colour at a time mind you, oh no, I have to combine them. 2 eye-popping colours together, being subtle just doesn't work for me. Mosaic knitting is one of my favourite techniques, here is Sapphire and Earth Birth together in all their glory. Hot, sssssssss.

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-33139306491243234192007-03-04T18:45:00.000-05:002007-03-04T23:17:19.413-05:00

I'm finished my cabled Bolero by Norah Gaughan. I changed the pattern. It was going to be a bizarre shape, too big and just plain weird, even in the small size with a finished measurement of 36". So, instead of following the diagram, I made up a new one. The sleeves became triangles instead of pentagons.I picked up 29 sts from #3 pentagon, 28 sts from #2 pentagon and then 29 sts from #9 pentagon

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-7423175614546043402007-02-26T18:35:00.000-05:002007-02-26T18:42:58.456-05:00

It was Janet's idea, Alpin Glow, Joanne also came up with Summer Dusk and that's nice too. But, I've decided to go with Janet's, sorry Joanne! Anyway, the silly thing is finally finished, now I have to work on the pattern. This one is a mind bender so I bet it will take me awhile before I decide it's ready for publishing. Thank goodness for the timer on my camera, proof positive that I really do

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-34911000174787606032007-02-17T16:17:00.000-05:002007-02-17T16:22:44.190-05:00

My Norah Gaughan cropped sweater is in progress. I have a few more pentagons to knit and I want to wear it before the snow completely disappears. It's coming along wonderfully and I just love the colour. Now to find a pretty button for it, it can't just be any button either. This deserves something special.

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-83546359371224350192007-02-02T23:35:00.000-05:002007-02-02T23:44:48.067-05:00

Look at what I just ordered...pretty huh? Joan is offering this beautiful book in April 2007 but she's accepting pre-orders now.My copy will be autographed (lucky me), free shipping (lucky me again) AND a coupon for 15% off the purchase of any White Lies Designs merchandise (now I'm really lucky). Cool. Can't wait to see it in person!2 whole months of waiting, what will I do?

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-67111523540426748592007-01-31T14:15:00.000-05:002007-01-31T14:39:57.391-05:00

I've always promised myself that I would never make dead muppets. But, before Christmas while shopping for gifts for others, I came across these pretty pigskin dyed gloves and couldn't resist them.Unfortunately, I couldn't find any scarves to go along with them. So I hit the yarn isle and came across dead muppet yarn in two colour combos that went perfectly with my new gloves. Sigh, go ahead and

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-12636956411170604412007-01-23T19:30:00.000-05:002007-01-31T14:39:08.024-05:00

I know, I've been lax, I haven't posted. I'm sorry. I got caught up with everyday living. Oops. :)Today I treated myself. You know that gorgeous new design by Norah Gaughan on the cover of the latest Vogue Winter 2006/2007??? Oh my, I was beside myself when I saw it. Well, I just ordered this yummy colour of Carloway Mills Shetland Aran in Dewberry from Elann. Isn't it glorious? Now, to knit the

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-18102127114459590272007-01-15T13:55:00.000-05:002007-01-15T14:12:59.379-05:00

No school today because of ice pellets. Instead, a day for sledding and hot chocolate, and writing a resumé, writing a new pattern, calling the drugstore, finding a new doctor. Wow, a great day for doing almost anything except driving.Walking to the gym looked a little iffy this morning, so I decided to do an in-home workout. It's amazing what new muscles you find when you substitute placing your

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-78075626034480446092007-01-10T13:59:00.000-05:002007-01-10T14:16:02.637-05:00

Here's the promised sneak peek at my new cardigan design. I've been so focused on the design aspect that I haven't given much thought to a pattern name. I chose the colours because they reminded me of a summer sunset. However, "Summer Sunset" as a name just doesn't do it for me. I want it to be a little more exotic than that. So, if you think of something, please share, I need all the help I can

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-29611165985745249022007-01-07T17:20:00.000-05:002007-01-07T17:28:25.294-05:00

Well, I promised a photo and here I am delivering. Although this is not a sneak peek on the progress of this design, sorry about that. But I am sharing the colours it's being made with. Black, Aubretia, Lavender, Poppy, Flame & Buttercup (all from Anne). It's a work in progress, I'm not sure when it will be done. I'm still carefully figuring out what it will be. At this point, I know it will be a

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-66133796906068449572007-01-04T16:54:00.000-05:002007-01-04T17:09:39.695-05:00

I know I promised a sneak peek of my new design that I'm working on but the light is dreary now. So, in place of that, I will share my 2 favourite furballs with you.I have noticed that many people post pics of their pets on their blogs. Without further ado, I present these 2 fellows, Cinder Bear (13) and Blue Bear (5) who are Devon Rex kitties. Which means, their fur is wavy, soft and velvety and

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-54435026322014997492007-01-01T07:53:00.000-05:002007-01-01T10:18:52.039-05:00

I'm currently working on a stranded design in Anne's shetland yarn, and I will show you sneak peeks soon, but the other day I started obsessing about my next sock design. Summer has to be full of colour, so, where do I go for colour. You guessed it, Lisa's sock yarn page.Here they are in all their glory, I can't wait to start, hopefully in a couple of months. From left to right and starting at

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-9388760712556784912006-12-30T17:01:00.000-05:002006-12-30T17:18:10.674-05:00

My mom convinced me to go shopping at the Farmer's Market in St. Jacobs today and keep her company this morning. Why oh why did I agree? Look at what had to go home with me. 3 such pretty rings, I couldn't stop at one, oh no. I had to go for 3. On the right, Peridot, in the middle I think it's Tanzanite, and on the left, definitely not a diamond, but see, it sparkles.And then, we had to walk by a

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471660406674955375.post-63653836577412920972006-12-29T10:23:00.000-05:002006-12-29T10:36:23.350-05:00

Okay, so I finally did it. I've been brought kicking and screaming into this weird world of babbling all about myself. And now I'm wondering, who's actually going to read it? Who's actually going to care? I suppose that isn't really the point. Maybe this really is all about me, and it doesn't matter if other people notice.It's such a dreary day today in Kitchener, I haven't taken any pics. So to

Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16002794598636024109noreply@blogger.com9