Shall We Dance?

Back in the early nineteen-nineties, the public school a few blocks from our home in Calgary was a "community school".  This meant that the city's Parks and Recreation programs were able to be offered in the school for community residents to enjoy.

Included in those classes was "Introduction to Ballroom Dance" -- and somehow I persuaded my husband that we should go.

We ended up taking at least two sessions of this class, as well as going to Friday night dances in order to practice what we'd learned -- fox trot, waltz, rhumba, cha-cha and two-step.

When the school stopped offering the classes, we sought out ones in other locations and commuted downtown for them focusing -- because it was a favourite -- on Latin dance.  This means that in addition to learning more advanced moves in the rhumba and cha-cha, we took up the samba and...TANGO!

The tango became my husband's favourite of all the Latin dances.  It's mainly a 'walking' dance, but because of the count of the tempo and the moves of the upper body as well as the legs, it is fairly tricky.  Also very romantic...and sexy!

When Scent of a Woman came out, this scene became a lovely memory...

Now...this week's Super Special yarn is named "Tango" -- after the dance, and after the wonderful music of composer Astor Piazzolla, whose music elevated it from the streets to the ballroom.

Why Ice Yarns named it that, I confess I have no idea.  Perhaps it's because a little lace can add a lot of flirty fun to the hem of a dress made for dancing...

So...if there's a tango in your future -- or a wedding dance, a prom, or just a fun night out on the town, perhaps adding a bit of lace to the edge of your gown or your shawl, or knitting up a frilly scarf to conceal a bit of -- ahem! -- decolletage...

We offer you

Ice Yarns

Tango

75 grams = 29 metres (32 yard)

100% Acrylic

Regular Price: $22.00

Sale Price: $5.50!

As for me...my last tango in Calgary was in 1996.  Later that year my husband, a man with Type 1 Diabetes, hurt his left foot.  Within a few years, he had no legs to stand on, let alone dance on.  So...it remains a sweet memory.

But someday we'll meet again, and we'll dance...

*Written by Margaret, who believes that she was born knowing how to knit -- and how to dance.

Easter, Passover, Celtic/pagans and Spring

Easter, Passover, Celtic/pagans and Spring           

I am NOT a theological student (someone who studies/has studied) religion over the centuries. From my very limited knowledge – all focus on new life, second chance, hope and a spirit of thanksgiving we have survived the winter.

“The Easter narrative draws us into Christ’s life, death & resurrection. He gives us ‐ individually and as a Community ‐ our identity, our life and our future.   This is a time for all of us to explore our journey of faith and for Community” quoted from Northumbria Community website.

There is green in the fields around Lacombe and Bentley, the ice is slowly receding off the lakes, many of the birds are starting to come back – and I saw a butterfly in my strawberries on Friday. I was just disappointed when my great-grandchildren were here on Saturday for Easter dinner the butterfly would not come out.

I had found two damaged bird nests. One fell out of a tree during a winter windstorm and the other was blowing in a ditch – so neither would be used this spring. I brought them home and we had a great time trying to speculate on what kind of birds might have created them.

When you step outside in the country, often you now can hear the birds calling as the build new houses for their mate.

People are starting plants in side, spring cleaning and freshening their homes – even spring cleaning the car! How radical after the winter collection of “things”.

I walk in the Summer Village of Gull Lake almost every day. I pick up garbage and the “gifts” dogs and people leave behind. As the snow has receded, on 1 walk – less than a half mile – I picked up after 5 different dogs (judging by color and size, several candy wrappers and 67 cigarette butts.

Please people, this is so damaging to our environment – please take all your butts home!

Back to spring and hope – as we clean our closets, please remember there are many places to donate items you will not be able to wear this summer. I know I am reducing the number of tops in my closet! Leggings and slacks have been purged over Lent, shoes are also on the list – my husband just staggered and had to sit down 😌

I have not worn several of my good heels lately as I have damaged my knee (a great excuse to be allowed to sit and knit) so the spikes and heels were the first to go. I was talking with friend over the weekend and her challenge was her purses – she has or had 47 purses. I don’t have enough storage room for 47 purses! If I did, could not have all of my yarn stash!! Each to our own stash

While cleaning and looking in hope, is it time to add a bit of sparkle to a room?

This week's 75% off special is definitely sparkle and fun, limited quantity and Not yarn. 

Beaded Tassel

Reg. $ 6.69

75% Off

$1.68

Posted by Anne, wishing everyone a Blessed Easter, Happy Passover and Hope for a new season

All Toned Up!

Do you live a colourful life?

By that, I mean, do you knit, crochet, embroider and/or quilt by following patterns exactly -- right down to the colours used?  Or do you take the pattern and run with it, colour-wise?

I confess I'm of the latter group.  I love to play with colour -- and use colours that make me feel good or that suit the person for whom I'm creating, regardless of what the pattern's designer originally used.

I wasn't always this way, though -- especially in my quilting life.  When I began as a quilter about 25 years ago, I bought pre-selected bundles of fabric -- where all the fabrics were co-ordinated -- or I bought and assembled kits.

Over the years, though, I studied some Colour Theory, and have learned a LOT!

Source: Color Wheel Artist

In addition to the primary hues (red, yellow and blue) and the neutrals (black, white and grey, which aren't hues), there are tints (hues with white added) and shades (hues with black added)...

And there are tones -- hues with grey added, as you see in the picture on the right.

Tones are popular because the grey that's been added to the original hue(s) reduces the intensity.  Just the right amount of grey creates a more complex colour that is also often considered more sophisticated than true, bright colours, which are often associated with children -- especially in the realm of clothes, toys and/or furnishings.

In the last few years, for both fabric and yarns, tones -- greyed colours -- have been offered up in layers of tints and shades, for what's referred to as a "tonal" effect.

And we have as this week's Super Special such a yarn, which will give you a fabric that is textured with tints and shades of a single colour.  It's chunky, so it's just right for hats, scarves, mittens, boot toppers or cowls, when you're in the mood for accessories that have subtle texture, and perhaps just a bit of sophistication.

King Cole

Big Value Tonal Chunky

100% Acrylic

100 grams = 152 metres (166 yards)

Regular price: $8.00

Sale Price: $2.00!!

Note how it knits up to show off the tints and shades of the tones of colour:

Pattern: Mountain Nights Slouch Hat
Designer: Kelly McClure
Free Ravelry Download

This crocheter created a wonderfully textured sweater with this yarn.

Pattern: Veronica Cardi
Designer: TLYarn Crafts
For sale on Ravelry

Time to tone up!

See you in the shop!

*Written by Margaret, who prefers toning with yarn to toning at the gym!  😉

Thanks - New 75% special

When the first 75% off sale is sold out on Monday, we offer a second option - store policy!

The Cozy Soft Chunky was such a great deal it has all been sold!!

Second chance for this week -

Kilt

by Katia

46% virgin wool, 46% acrylic, 8% polyamide

Machine wash

50g/60m 

Reg. $12.00

Sale

$3.00

Limited quantity!!


Teaser - On April 17, the Lacombe Kinsmen are hosting a Silent Auction, fundraising for the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre. Note: The Crafty Lady is a board member of the LPAC.

Our donation to the Silent Auction is this shawl - knit from KFI's Luxury Collection Albina - gorgeous colour changes, soft and comfortable to the touch, light and warm.

Please come out to support the Community Fundraising Event!!

Easter vs Spring?

What does Easter mean for you and your family?

Passover, also called Pesach, is the Jewish festival celebrating the exodus of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery in the 1200s BC. The story is chronicled in the Old Testament book of Exodus.

Jewish people celebrate Passover with a ceremonial meal called the Seder. During the Seder, foods with symbolic significance are eaten, prayers and traditional recitations are performed. 

Pagan Origins

In pagan celebrations, Easter was typically a celebration of fertility. Many cultures associated the celebration with the Germanic goddess of fertility, Eostre, which is where the holiday’s name came from. 

The Easter Bunny is a result of folkloric tradition. Their association with the holiday comes from their ability to procreate, making them symbols of fertility. German settlers brought the Easter Bunny tradition to America in the 1700s.

In Australia, the Easter Bilby delivers eggs rather than the Easter Bunny, as bunnies are viewed as an agricultural pest. The city of Haux, France, make an omelet big enough to feed 1000. The dish is often has about a 10 inch diameter. Easter is an important holiday in Greece, where on the island of Corfu, residents toss pots of water out of windows, following the Venetian tradition of breaking pots in celebration. They also bake cakes in the shape of doves, called kolompines. Guyana flies homemade kites, a tradition often participated in by citizens of all religions.

Countries all over the world celebrate Easter differently. Italy holds reenactments of the Easter story held in the public squares. Cyprus holds bonfires in the yards of schools and churches. In Germany, eggs are set in trees, called Easter egg trees, similar to the Christmas tree.

The Czech Republic and Slovakia have several unique Easter traditions. One features the males of a family spanking females with a homemade whip decorated with ribbons. The spanking is lighthearted and is believed to bring health over the next year. The men may also dump cold water on them in some areas. It is also a day for men to pay visits to objects of their affection.

In the United Kingdom, observers participate by rolling eggs downhill. In some areas they also perform the Pace Egg play. A big part of Jamaican celebrations is to eat a spiced bun that may contain raisins with cheese. In Scandinavian countries, like Norway, people ski and relax at mountain cabins. Some areas feature children in costume going door to door for candy or flowers. Nordic countries include salmon or another type of fish with the feast. 

Many Christians begin the celebration with an Easter Vigil the night before, sometimes called Easter Eve or Holy Saturday. Church services on Sunday typically follow regular church service tradition with a sermon or songs concerning the Easter story. Some churches hold mass or other services at sunrise. Other common traditions include: 

The Easter egg hunt originated with pagan spring festivals that celebrated fertility. Like many pagan traditions, Christians intertwined the practice with religious significance. Easter egg hunts feature eggs hidden by the mythical Easter bunny, which may contain candy or other prizes. Hard-boiled eggs may also be used. The children will go looking for eggs to put in their Easter egg basket. On the day before Easter, many families decorate hard-boiled eggs with paint to use for the hunt. Eggs are also part of the tradition because of the ban on eggs during lent in Medieval Europe, meaning they were often included in the Sunday feast.

• Churches are often decorated with flowers. A significant theme for Easter is rebirth, which flowers can emulate and symbolize. Traditional Easter flowers include Easter Lilies, which are believed to have grown in the Garden of Gethsemane, the site of Jesus’s arrest. Other Easter flowers include pussy willows, daffodils, narcissuses, and red tulips, which symbolize Jesus’s shed blood.
• Including the candy hidden inside of Easter eggs, many children are given a basket of goodies at the day’s beginning. A common gift is a chocolate bunny. Note: Easter is the 2nd most popular time to give chocolate, just behind Halloween. 

If you are planning to create Easter treats in yarn, this week's 75% off special is just for you!

Cozy Soft Chunky

Ella Rae

75% acrylic/25% wool 

Machine washable

100g/120m

Reg. $8.00

75% Off

$2.00

Written by Anne, TCL employee who has planned Easter dinner, but not knit any treats

Cotton: Part III

I'm writing this on a cloudy, chilly Sunday afternoon, having driven home from Lacombe an hour or so ago.  It was snowing there -- the big, fat flakes associated with spring snow.  Blessedly, as I travelled farther East, the snow stopped.

Snow -- and tomorrow it's April.  Sigh.

The photo at left is of a robin I spotted on the ornamental cherry tree in my front yard on March 17 -- 2013.  I don't recall seeing one that early since -- and that wee fellow looked distinctly shivery at the time!

Will Spring ever arrive this year?!

In last week's post Crafty Lady colleague, Anne, refused to predict anything.  I don't blame her.  As she said, it's a given that the weather in Alberta reflects what I hold is Mother Nature's truest personality trait: unpredictability.

That said, Spring eventually does arrive, followed (whether quickly or slowly) by Construction Season Summer.

In anticipation of those eventualities, The Crafty Lady is once more enticing you with cotton.  While you can use our Super Special offering for home decor items, the bright colours we have in stock will make for fun in the sun in a beach cover up, or as a tee-shirt top to pair with shorts or Capri pants.

If a home decor item is your preferred project, these yarns will work for place mats or facecloths or dishcloths...but are also ideal for funky market bags for picnics or Farmer's Markets or road trips to your favourite Alberta craft shop(s).  😉

Without further ado...here are the cotton yarns we've put on Super Special this week -- the Circulo sisters:

Anne

100% Mercerized Cotton

#5 Weight

500 meters (547 yards)

Regular price: $11.00

Sale Price: $2.75

and

Clea

100% Cotton

1000 metres (1094 yards)

#10 Weight

Regular price: $11.00

Sale Price: $2.75

Why wait for Spring?  Start your Spring/Summer cotton wardrobe now!  See you in the shop!

*Written by Margaret, happy TCL employee who has to admit that at her age, her "beach body" is best hidden under a cotton beach cover-up!