Anything Knitted and Crocheted

Welcome to my blog. I hope to blog about my knitting and crocheting as well as everyday life. The patterns that I post are original and as such there is copyright on them. When they are based on another pattern there is a link to the pattern.

My husband and I adopted a beautiful dog named Leo. He is a dachshund and absolutely adorable! we adopted him on June 23, 2010 and he has become the love of our lives.

I love to share patterns that I find along the way or to talk about some of the neatest designers that are out there today, so I love to post links to the designs or the designers.

So grab a cup a and sit and enjoy the blog.


Cora

Friday, January 29, 2010

Alan Dart and Haitian Ada-the toy he disegned for use in Haitian Relief Efforts.

I am so very excited...shortly after the earthquake that hit Haiti, I was talking with my husband about what could I do to help the relief efforts.  He said well pull out some yarn and needles or hook and work on something.  I really wanted to use a toy pattern but wasn't sure which one.  I have loved Alan Dart's designs ever since I first start buying Simply Knitting. Alan is their toy designer.

So I emailed Alan, asking if he would be interested in designing something that could be used for raising money or even to send to the children later on.  I have seen the benefits of a child who has gone throuhg a traumatic experience through the Victim Services Teddy Bear program her in Edmonton.  Nothing is comforting to a child tahtn to receive a teddy whne dealing with something traumatic.

So I heard from Alan yesterday, he had finished his committment ot Simply Knitting early, he had a deadline if January 22, 2010 to submit his design.and then he would work on this design, in fact he had been researching an animal native to Haiti, called Hispaniolan Solenodon (pictured below)


 

So here is Haitian Ada who will be released on February 1st, 2010 on Alan's website, http://www.alandart.co.uk/pages/products, also Carol of Knitting, Beads and other things has a kit available on her website as well.  Ada is a free pattern download available directly from Alan Dart at www.alandart.co.uk. $1.00 USD of Ada in a Bag's proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund. Our price: $17.99

Here is a picture of the finished design.  So please donate the amount that you would have paid for the pattern (Alan usually charges £2.50 for his downloads, this works to approximately $5.00 CAD) for Haitian Relief Efforts.  Also think of purchasing the knitting kit from Carol so that she will be able to donate to Haitian relief.  Carol's kits are wonderful and the service is great.


Cora



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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

BC sex laws trial continues,,,

SEX WORK / Federal lawyers argue former sex worker should not be permitted to challenge prostitution laws

Jeremy Hainsworth / National / Monday, January 25, 2010

SEX WORK IS WORK. Montreal's  sex worker group Stella has produced a booklet titled Sex Work: 14 Answers to Your Questions. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/8WwiBp
 
The shadow of convicted serial killer Robert Pickton hung over the BC Court of Appeal Jan 21 as a group of Vancouver sex workers sought to have Canada's prostitution laws overturned.

The case is an appeal of BC Supreme Court Justice William Ehrcke's December 2008 decision that the Downtown Eastside group would not be permitted to challenge laws that criminalize sex workers. The appeals court heard arguments from Jan 21-22 and has reserved judgment.

The Downtown Eastside Sex Workers United Against Violence Society (SWUAVS) say the laws are unconstitutional.

It's a fight for safety, human rights and equality before the law, say SWUAVS and former sex worker Sheryl Kiselbach, who brought the case.

However, Ehrcke ruled in December 2008 that neither the group nor Kiselbach could bring the case as they had not been charged with any of the offences — a standard precursor to a constitutional challenge.

And, in their presentation to the appeal court Jan 22, lawyers for the federal attorney general agreed with Ehrcke.

"Ehrcke... correctly found that the impugned laws do not affect Ms Kiselbach because she has not engaged in prostitution since 2001 and has no intention of returning to prostitution at this time," the federal submission said. "Ms Kiselbach has failed to demonstrate she has any personal stake in the outcome of this action."

However, SWUAVS lawyer Joe Arvay took issue with that. He explained that Kiselbach has spent several decades as a sex worker although she is not currently in the trade.

He wondered if Ehrcke's ruling meant Kiselbach would have to return to the street sex trade to gain standing.

"It would be horrible judicial policy," he said.

Further, Arvay argued, current sex workers in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside are hardly in the situation to mount a constitutional challenge to the law.

He called the case unique.

He said the onus is on the government to find a way to allow sex workers to challenge the laws.

"[Kiselbach] was threatened, raped, almost killed working the streets," Arvay said. "This court must take note [that] at least 30, 60 or even more women have gone missing and are presumed dead."

And, several intervenors — the BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA), the Trial Lawyers Association of BC and West Coast Women's Leaf Education and Action Fund (LEAF) — agreed.

The Trial Lawyers' Megan Ellis said standing is needed to allow to "most vulnerable and marginalized" access to the courts.

"It's unreasonable to expect a woman who's [had] sex with a stranger in a dark place for X amount of money and has been arrested to mount a monumental [court] challenge," she said.

And, West Coast Leaf lawyer Melina Buckley told the court allowing the case to be brought would "ensure laws are not immunized against review."

"Sex trade workers are constitutional citizens," Buckley said. "They have a right to assert rights, not just defend them."

Further, added BCCLA lawyer Jason Gratl, the law often works against the people of the Downtown Eastside.

"The rule of law does apply to sex trade workers," he said. "They are victim to assault, rape and murder."

Arvay told the panel of three appeal court judges that while prostitution is legal in Canada, laws prohibiting communicating for the purpose of prostitution, operating a bawdy house and living off the avails of prostitution put women at risk.

He said if sex workers can't communicate in public, they move indoors which puts the bawdy house rules in effect. If they try to work with a helper, the avails and procuring law kicks in, he added.

"For street workers in the Downtown Eastside working alone is not only dangerous but as we all know, in this province, can be deadly," said Arvay.

He said allowing SWUAVS to bring the case is like a union pursuing collective bargaining.

"This is he perfect example of freedom of association," he said.

Arvay said the laws must be struck down as unconstitutional, violating the rights to association, freedom of expression and the right to safety.

There were frequent allusions to the missing women's case in which Pickton was convicted in the deaths of six drug-addicted sex workers from the Downtown Eastside. Pickton is currently appealing his case to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Ehrcke had rejected the plaintiffs' argument that the highly public nature of the court process effectively prohibits active individual sex workers from launching a challenge due to fears of arrest and retaliation, as well as social censure and discrimination against themselves and their families.

Ehrcke ruled court processes existed to protect the identity of witnesses.

Indeed, Arvay, said, publication bans can be put on witnesses names.

But he said, the case was not about witnesses but rather about plaintiffs.

Ehrcke's decision was being roundly condemned by sex-trade worker groups and human rights advocates.

Pivot Legal Society's Katrina Pacey said constitutional challenges by marginalized groups or individuals may be impossible in the future if the appeal fails.

A similar case is awaiting a decision from Ontario Superior Court of Justice Judge Susan Himel. Arguments were heard in October.

Federal lawyers in Vancouver further argued the same issues are being argued in the Ontario case so standing for Kiselbach is not appropriate.

Valerie Scott, executive director of Sex Professionals of Canada (SPOC) and fellow sex work activists Terri Jean Bedford and Amy Lebovitch filed the case in 2007, challenging that several sections of the Criminal Code related to sex work violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

While it is legal to sell sex in Canada, many of the activities related to the sale of sex are considered criminal offences.

SPOC's case takes issue with Section 213(1)(c), which makes it illegal to communicate for the purposes of prostitution; Section 210, which makes it illegal to run a common bawdy house; and Section 212(1)(j), which makes it illegal to live off the avails of prostitution.

Those laws, said Scott, are putting sex workers at risk because it makes it illegal to take safety precautions including hiring security staff and working in groups.

Christian Legal Fellowship, Real Women of Canada and the Catholic Civil Rights League were granted intervenor status in the Ontario case.

Scott believes no matter who wins, the case will likely wind up in the Supreme Court of Canada.

The same might happen in the BC case. That will not be known until the appeals court releases its ruling.

Justice Mary Saunders said Jan 21 the court will be reserving judgment in the case.

Pacey is hopeful the Ontario case will have a positive outcome.

She previously said if SPCO wins on the safety rights argument in the Supreme Court of Canada, it would be binding on a decision in the BC case.

http://www.xtra.ca/public/Vancouver/BC_sex_laws_trial_continues-8155.aspx

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Homelessnes...how should we as a society address homelessness?

Pivot Legal and the Citywide Housing Coalition launch Red Tent campaign Vancouver - January 25, 2010 For Immediate Release

Red Tent, a national campaign that invites the participation of all persons and organizations wishing to end homelessness in Canada, is being launched in Vancouver.

The goal of the Red Tent campaign is to persuade the federal government to enact a funded National Housing Strategy that will end homelessness and ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for all persons living in Canada. Its strategy is to use red tents and like items as symbols on the streets and in the media during the 2010 Olympics to draw attention to Canada’s homelessness crisis, educate the public about the need for a funded national housing strategy and mobilize people across the country to pressure government to take action on homelessness.

Laura Stannard of the Citywide Housing Coalition, a partner in the Red Tent campaign, says “In the 1970s and 1980s we had excellent federal housing programs and there was very little homelessness in Vancouver. The federal government must take responsibility. Permanent programs that build more social housing each year leave a legacy of healthy, affordable communities for future generations.”

The Red Tent campaign follows a BC Court of Appeal decision in December 2009 that gives homeless people the right to erect a shelter on City property if shelter spaces are full.  Pivot Legal Society has provided City Council with a legal opinion from Joe Arvay, QC, which sets out some of the implications of the new ruling for enforcement of City bylaws. The broader impact of the decision is profound; homeless people can now sleep at night on public property free of harassment by police, municipal officials and security guards.
Pivot Legal Society has asked the City of Vancouver to address these new legal implications for City by-laws. “The Adams decision means that current enforcement policies which have been used against homeless people taking shelter on public space may now be illegal,” says John Richardson, Executive Director of Pivot Legal Society. “It’s imperative that the City ensure the Charter rights and safety of homeless people are protected as we enter a period of competing demands for public space and an intense security, police and military presence.”

Red Tent is an open-source, grassroots campaign, supported by individuals and organizations who have agreed to a Basis of Unity available here. Supporters can help Red Tent succeed by sponsoring a tent, or by taking an action to end homelessness.

- 30 -
For more information visit www.redtents.org.

Questions and Answers:

Is homelessness a problem in Canada?
Canada's homeless population is somewhere between 200,000 and 300,000. In Vancouver, there are about 2000 homeless people living on the streets.

Isn’t homeless really complicated to solve?
Canada is the only industrialized nation without a national housing plan. The cost of keeping people off the street is significantly cheaper than the medical and other associated costs of leaving them on the streets.  Solving homelessness isn’t as complicated as curing cancer – it’s a matter of building homes and putting supports in them so people are successful

What are the implications of the Victoria (City) v. Adams BC Appeal Court decision?
The Court of Appeal decision in Victoria (City) v. Adams requires changes to how the City regulates public space. The Adams decision means that the City now has an obligation to accommodate the right of homeless people to temporary shelters on public property.

Are Pivot and the other partner organizations trying to make the City look bad during the Olympics?
No. Homelessness is a reality of our city – it is important for visitors and the media to see the real Vancouver, which is more nuanced than Olympic branding. Only with media attention, will we be able to push politicians to create a funded national housing plan.

Is it exploitation for the campaign to give tents to homeless people?
Homeless people, as all people involved, have a self-determined role in the campaign.  Homeless people involved with the project are aware of the risks and goals associated with the campaign and participate knowingly. Our Basis of Unity states: “the empowerment and genuine participation of people who are homeless, working to ensure their safety and working from a foundation of respect for their experiences, perspectives and needs.”

What if people take tents and participate in civil disobedience?

Red Tent is an open-sourced campaign with a statement of unity that connects many different individuals and organizations working around housing issues. The statement of unity includes a commitment to peaceful protest and resistance and tactics that do not lead to harm to people or destruction of property. See the full Basis of Unity here.


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Saturday, January 16, 2010

A research document on prostitution....

My husband sent me this interesting document on Prostitution, specifically on why Men Buy Sex. There are some interesting points in the document, althouhg I don't agree with all of them. Take a look at the documetn and let me know what you think.  There are some really interesting points in it.

Cora

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For those on Feacebook who would like to help in the Haiti Relief Effort....

There are two ways that you can help with Haiti relief today:

1. Give a Haiti relief charity gift to a Facebook friend.
When you give a charity gift on Facebook, you are buying a specific item needed on the ground in Haiti. We have several new gifts in the Facebook Charity Gift Shop, including:
Visit the Facebook Charity Gift Shop to see all the Haiti relief Gifts.

2. Join and donate to a cause.
Many nonprofits have started fundraising projects, with funds specifically for Haiti relief, such as:
Thank you for donating at this important time to those who need it most.

Please rember to donate to only reputable agencies...I can't stress this enouhg!

Cora


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Friday, January 15, 2010

Lola and some Patterns



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NEW: Beware of Haiti Earthquake Scams

In the wake of the earthquake in Haiti, we wanted to remind you that whenever there is a major natural or other disaster, scammers begin sending out charity relief scams and other scams almost immediately.  We've created a special update on what scams abound and how to protect yourself from Haiti earthquake scams here.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=Muce8&m=1ZLcyzq9kGtWfo&b=hrAwpDAF58vKA9BL5mArtw


Please remember to donate with a reputable company, such as the American/Canadian Red Cross, The Salvation Army P/Hop (more information on the top right side of the post) or one of your own choosing.  Many cell phone companies are allowing you to text an amount through your phone...in the  US, Text HAITI to 90999 or Yele to 501501, in Canada text text message "Haiti" to 45678 to contribute $5 to the Salvation Army's relief effort. They will then receive a follow-up text asking for confirmation, and must text back 'yes' in order for the donation to go through. Also in Canada, Rogers and Fido customers can also donate by sending the text message "HELP" to 1291.

Cora


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Wednesday, January 13, 2010

From the Yarn-Harlet

The Knit-Signal

A few years ago, Bookishgirl Wendy wrote here about throwing up the Knit-signal when you needed the knitting community. She said that she thought it was like Commissioner Gordon throwing up the Bat Signal when Gotham needed Batman.  She imagined that if we had a Knit-signal, we could use it when we needed to call our knit-posse, and she created this.   It was a good idea then, and it's useful today.



As I'm sure most of you know by now, yesterday, while we knit, ate, drank and slept - a massive earthquake struck Haiti, largely effecting the city of Port au Prince.  Haiti itself is a very poor country with other problems - and that means two things.  (Well. It means a lot of things actually, but lets only dwell on two of them at the moment.)  First, it means that they entirely lack the ability to respond to this emergency without a lot of help, and secondly, it means that when the quake struck, Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières was already there.

While you and I knit and we (or at least me) considered problems that now seem rather trivial, there are suddenly dead people, hurt people, trapped people, lost people and  hundreds of thousands of homeless - all struggling to figure out what comes next.  I spoke briefly on the phone this morning with the MSF office here in Toronto, and they confirmed several things.

Things are bad.

The MSF Hospital has sustained damage that means it isn't functioning as a hospital right now. Staff have moved to the courtyard and set up tents and what materials they could retrieve from the building and are doing their best to help people as they can. Doctors who were providing maternity care are now running a trauma centre.

They, and their sister offices in other countries spent all night figuring out who could go and how to get them there, and staff is packing as we read this to get there as fast as they can.  They'll be taking inflatable surgery suites with them so they can use that instead of their damaged buildings.

They believe that some of their staff are among the casualties.

They recognize the power of Knitters Without Borders and the force that we can marshal in a pinch,  and they are grateful that you've been able to help them in the past,  and  they would very much like your help now, and right away.

There are directed donation sites set up for Haiti on all of their websites, but I'd like to take a moment to ask you to please make your donation "undirected".   Money given to a specific fund can only be used for that area and making sure your donation is undirected helps them a lot.  It lets them keep serving other crises that continue to happen while the world watches Haiti, and more importantly, it allows them to be first responders.

On their websites (Canada here, USA here, Other countries can find their site here) when you give there is a drop-down menu that you'll see called "I would like my gift to be directed to..."  and you'll see a lot of choices.  Please consider selecting "Greatest Needs" or "Emergency Relief" so that they can have the flexibility that they need to do their best work.

I'm going right now to give my share, and I know from my inbox that many of you have already done the same.   Really, it's pretty hard to sit here with a Bohus, a pot of coffee, a laptop and this much sock yarn and do otherwise.  I hope you feel the same way.  They need you knitters,  I hope you can help, even if it's only a few dollars of your yarn money. 

I'm going to go and keep the Knitters without borders tally running, since it's a tangible way to see how donations, even little ones,  add up like stitches on a sweater, and people are already offering karmic balancing gifts for any draw I might do... though I know that really, nobody cares about that right now.  If you're like me, you're too busy being grateful that you're not a mother in Port au Prince right now.

Boldly go, Knitters.
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New Alberta Government Cabinet Shuffle...

http://tinyurl.com/abcabinetshuffle More of the same old, same old...and people wonder why the Wild Rose Alliance has sprung up? Albertans are tried of the same old excuses. Expect more cuts to Health, Education and other social programs. This is disgusting! We need a new and responsible government...one that will listen to the people, the very people that hired them to do their jobs. I am often asked why I vote NDP well this is why!
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Friday, January 8, 2010

PlanetJune is having a Groundhog-Along



This pattern is available for download  for $5.00.


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New Catalog Pattern Preview: Stylish Ways to Start the New Year


Crochet Bella Luna Shawl
Knit Soft Rib Cardigan
Crochet Evening Allure Cape Knit Island Shawl
Crochet Bella
Luna Shawl
Knit Soft Rib Cardigan Crochet Evening
Allure Cape
Knit Island Shawl
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A simple tapestry crochet bag from Carol Ventura on Hooked on Crochet....

Good Morning Crocheters, 
Sister is a great word I love to say. I have three of them myself and I would love to crochet them something nice whether it's a scarf, a sweater or even a cute little handbag.

This felted amulet bag is so cute and it's a perfect size. Learn how to make a small bag with tapestry crochet. In tapestry crochet, one or more yarns are carried while another is single crocheted. The fabric looks as if it were woven on a loom.

Click here for the pattern and additional crochet tips.


Happy Crocheting,


Editor of AllFreeCrochet.com
 
P.S. If you're one who loves flowers then these patterns are great for you. Here are 4 fabulous crochet flowers for you to make.


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Now that the holidays are over...we can look forward to Valentine's Day. Please check these crafts out from favecrafts.com..

Good Morning Crafter,
While Valentine's Day is over a month away, the FaveCrafts editorial team understands that you may want to start on homemade gifts, decorations and cards for your loved ones early. Crafting little by little in your precious free time, you won't feel rushed closer to the holiday. Here are some ideas:
Express Your Affection with Card Crafts
  1. Our Love has Wings Card (shown)
  2. Heart Stamp Card
  3. Love is a Beautiful Thing Card
  4. Felted Hearts Card
  5. Scalloped Heart Card
Show You Care with Homemade Gifts
  1. Kiss Me Pillow (shown)
  2. Heart Boxers
  3. Textured Heart Picture Frame
  4. Cute Valentine Magnets
  5. Valentine Bracelet and Earrings
Spread the Love with DIY Decorations
  1. Valentine's Day Pennant (shown)
  2. How to: Fabric Yo-Yo Heart
  3. Valentine Ornament
  4. Crochet: Pink and Red Hearts
  5. Frosted Heart Votives
Have Fun with Valentine Crafts for Kids
  1. Valentine Bag (shown)
  2. Candy Cane Valentine- Recycle from Christmas
  3. Foam Candy Hearts
  4. Melted Crayon Heart Valentines
  5. Pencil Perfect Valentines
Happy Crafting,
Caley Signature
FaveCrafts.com Editor


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