Basic chunky knitted slippers

Gord asked me to knit him some slippers and I used this pattern (I made small). They were quick and easy. I used Bernat Softee Chunky (the colour is teal) and 6.5mm needle.

Sizes:
To fit lady’s shoe size 5/6 (7/8 - 9/10).

Finished Foot length
Small 5/6 - 9" (23 cm)
Medium 7/8 - 9½" (24 cm)
Large 9/10 - 10½" (26.5 cm)

Abbreviations:
Beg = Beginning
Inc = Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch
K = Knit
K2tog = Knit next 2 stitches together
Rep = Repeat
Rem = Remaining
RS = Right side
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side

Instructions:
Note: The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).

• Beg at back, cast on 2 sts.
• 1st row: (RS). Knit.
• 2nd row: Inc 1 st in first st. K1.
• 3rd and 4th rows: Knit.
• 5th row: Inc 1 st in first st. Knit to end of row.
• Rep 3rd to 5th rows 4 times more. 8 sts.
• Next 2 rows: Cast on 10 sts. Knit to end of row. 28 sts after 2nd row. Place marker on last st of last row.

Work in garter st (knit every row) until work from marked row, measures 4½" [11.5 cm]. Place second set of markers at each end of last row.

Knit for a further 3 (3½ - 4)" [7.5 (9 -10) cm] from 2nd set of markers, ending with a WS row.

Shape toe:

• 1st row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row. 23 sts.
• 2nd and 4th rows: Knit.
• 3rd row: K3. *K2tog. K2. Rep from * to end of row. 18 sts.
• 5th row: *K2tog. K1. Rep from * to end of row. 12 sts.
• 6th row: (K2tog) 6 times. 6 sts.
• Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread end through rem sts and draw up firmly. Fasten securely. Using a flat seam, sew instep to 2nd set of markers.
• Sew edges of back triangle to cast on sts of sides to form heel.
• Sew a pompom to each slipper if desired.

Be a Santa for a Senior Holiday Gift Drive, Toronto, ON

When I'm watching TV, I like to keep my hands busy so I knit small quick projects.

This is the fourth year I've knitted for the Be a Santa for a Senior Holiday Gift Drive program, run by Gwen (she's in my 'hood). Gifts donated go to recipients of the Meals on Wheels program run out of West Neighbourhood House (Ossington/Dundas W). Most of these men and women are over 55 and live alone. 

I knitted 95 hats (79 were the same spiral pattern and 16 were random patterns) with different colours, yarns and weights and 5 scarves, and Gwen picked them up this afternoon.

Book ~ "Murder on the Inside: The True Story of the Deadly Riot at Kingston Penitentiary" (2021) Catherine Fogarty

From Goodreads ~ On April 14, 1971, a handful of prisoners attacked the guards at Kingston Penitentiary and seized control, making headlines around the world. For four intense days, the prisoners held the guards hostage while their leaders negotiated with a citizens' committee of journalists and lawyers, drawing attention to the dehumanizing realities of their incarceration, including overcrowding, harsh punishment and extreme isolation. But when another group of convicts turned their pent-up rage towards some of the weakest prisoners, tensions inside the old stone walls erupted, with tragic consequences. As heavily armed soldiers prepared to regain control of the prison through a full military assault, the inmates were finally forced to surrender.

"Murder on the Inside" tells the harrowing story of a prison in crisis against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in the history of human rights. Occurring just months before the uprising at Attica Prison, the Kingston riot has remained largely undocumented, and few have known the details--yet the tense drama chronicled here is more relevant today than ever. A gripping account of the standoff and the efforts for justice and reform it inspired, Murder on the Inside is essential reading for our times.

I like reading true stories and Canadian stories so this book caught my eye. It's about the riot that happened at the Kingston Penitentiary in April 1971. I was young and don't remember it happening.

Kingston Penitentiary was a federal prison that opened in June 1835 and was the oldest prison in Canada before it closed in 2013 (now it's a museum). It was widely considered to be the harshest prison in Canada and in 1971 was overcrowded with 641 prisoners. Prisoners were not permitted to speak outside of their cells and solitary confinement was frequently used as a punishment for inmates. 

When the federal government started construction of a new prison at Millhaven to replace Kingston Penitentiary, there were rumors that Millhaven would be more harsh than Kingston Penitentiary. Billy Knight planned an uprising to protest conditions at Kingston penitentiary and it happened on April 14, 1971. Six guards were taken hostage but protected by a few inmates. Knight presented their demands which included better living conditions. Some prisoners eventually lost patience and, figuring they had nothing to lose, tortured the "undesirables" (child molesters, rapists, child killers and police informers). Eventually the prisoners, led by Barrie MacKenzie, surrendered. Many had to accept the consequences and were beaten by guards and/or faced their day in court for their actions.

If you're looking for a detailed account of the 1971 Kingston Penitentiary riot, you should read this book. In addition to information, there is also 24 pages of photographs.

Knitted lap blanket

I finished knitting a lap and/or pet blanket. I used 2 skeins of Loops & Threads Sweet Snuggles Lite (the colour is coral dot) and 6.5mm needles. It's really soft and cuddly and about 30 inches by 30 inches.

Cast on 4 stitches.

Knit 2, YO, Knit to end. Turn work.

Knit 2, YO, Knit to end. Turn work.

Keep doing this over and over and over and over and over until you've used half the yarn.

Knit 1, K2tog, YO, K1, K2tog, knit to end. Turn work.

Knit 1, K2tog, YO, K1, K2tog, knit to end. Turn work.

Keep doing this over and over and over and over and over.

Cast off the final 4 stitches and darn in the ends.

"The Bee's Knees", The Theatre Centre, Toronto, ON

I spent the afternoon volunteering at The Theatre Centre on Queen Street W (west of Dovercourt Road) ushering The Bee's Knees, which was really good. 

It’s the early 1920s and for the first time, women can run for parliament. Bernie, a rebellious young flapper convinces her older sister, Dolores to run for office. Her opponent is the local incumbent Jerry Fields, a charismatic yet unscrupulous politician and self-proclaimed 20th-century man.

For a woman of her time, going into politics is a scandalous, dangerous act. The sisters must deal with smear campaigns and death threats, a catatonic mother, the betrayal of friends and family, and Dolores falling in love, all while running a campaign.

With original jazz-era music, The Bee’s Knees is entertaining and hopeful. It takes you back to the Roaring Twenties but shines a lens on the 2020s, forcing the audience to examine the landscape of modern leadership (because for women in politics, fashions may have changed, but not much else).

It’s a good reminder of just how far women have come. It takes place in the early 1920s ... women in Ontario had recently gotten the right to vote and it was expected that our role was to marry and have children. As the audience is entering the theatre, there are a couple musicians playing music from that era, which was fun. It’s at The Theatre Centre until November 24 so go check it out.

Book ~ "Murder: Twelve True Stories of Homicide in Canada" (2011) Edward Butts

From Goodreads ~ Who committed Toronto’s Silk Stocking Murder? Why did a quiet accountant in Guelph, Ontario, murder his wife and two daughters? When did police in Alberta hire a self-styled mind reader to solve a mass murder? How did an American confidence man from Arizona find himself facing a murder charge in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia? 

These questions and more are answered in "Twelve True Stories of Homicide in Canada", the latest collection of thrilling true Canadian crime stories by Edward Butts. 

The keenly researched chapters tell the stories behind some of Canada’s most fascinating murder cases, from colonial times to the 20th century, and from the Atlantic provinces to the west coast and up to the Arctic. 

You’ll meet John Paul Radelmuller, the Gibraltar Point lighthouse keeper whose murder remains an unsolved mystery; wife-killer Dr. William Henry King; and Sinnisiak and Uluksuk, Inuit hunters whose trial for the murder of two priests became a national sensation. 

Butts also profiles the investigators who tracked the killers down, and in some cases sent them to the gallows in this collection of true tales that range from shocking and macabre to downright weird.

I like reading true stories and Canadian stories so this book caught my eye. It contains 12 true stories of homicide in Canada ... some I'd heard of but most I hadn't. They ranged from the 18th century to around the time of WWII.

I found this book interesting and I liked that there were pictures with some of the stories. I liked the writing style ... there was enough information but it wasn't too detailed. It's crazy what led some of these people to commit murder and expect to get away it.

“God is a Scottish Drag Queen 2: The Second Coming”, CAA Theatre, Toronto, ON

Franca and I saw God is a Scottish Drag Queen 2: The Second Coming this evening. 

God, dressed in a floral power suit, comes down to set the record straight and expound on everything from Pocahontas to the Platypus and answer humankind’s most asked questions in a hilarious and unforgettable sequel! Loved by Preachers and Atheists alike, this franchise has quickly become one of the most popular one man shows touring today and has received critical acclaim for its non-stop brilliant look at pop culture and humanity through the eyes of a silly, foul mouthed, and very loveable Scottish Deity.

Me and Franca

We didn’t know what to expect. The fun started with the audience singing The Proclaimers’ I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles). Mike Delamont is God in 1980s flowered dress suits complete with shoulder pads and was so funny! Go see it! We both agreed we’ll go see “God” the next time they come to town. 

Artful Dodger Pub, Toronto, ON

I had supper this evening with my pal, Franca, at the Artful Dodger Pub (on Isabella Street, just east of Yonge Street).

We both had chicken fingers and fries … yum! 

It was fun to chat and catch up.

Island Foods, Toronto, ON (Gladstone Avenue)

I had lunch today at Island Foods at Gladstone Avenue/Queen Street W.

I ordered what I always order at Island Foods ... a boneless chicken roti. As usual, it was delicious!

“The Bidding War”, Crow’s Theatre, Toronto, ON

Gord and I saw The Bidding War tonight at Crow’s Theatre (Carlaw/Dundas E). 

The city’s last affordable house is for sale. Heads roll and shrimp tails fly when a frantic, 12-hour bidding war erupts during what was supposed to be a routine open house. Agents turn on buyers, buyers turn on agents, and everything spirals into an uproarious dark comedy of desperation and anxiety. 

This season’s largest cast brings everyday homebuyers to life as they grapple with extraordinary circumstances, skyrocketing housing costs, gentrification and sabotage.

Book ~ "Someone You Know: An Unforgettable Collection of Canadian True Crime Stories" (2023) Catherine Fogarty

From Goodreads ~ "Someone You Know" is an anthology of twelve unforgettable Canadian true-crime stories. Each story reveals the haunting truth and statistical reality that a person is more likely to be murdered by someone they know than by a stranger. And while “stranger danger” is often the stuff of our nightmares and Hollywood horror films, sometimes those who are closest to us are even more dangerous than strangers.

In this uniquely Canadian anthology, Fogarty digs up famous historical cases, often revealing new twists, and explores more recent murder cases that will shock even die-hard true-crime aficionados.

I like reading true stories and Canadian stories so this book caught my eye. It contains 12 true-crime stories with Canadian connections ... some happened in Canada while others involved a Canadian but happened in the USA.

The book is divided into four sections:

1. Fatal Friendships - when your best friend turns out to be your worst enemy
2. Family Ties That Bind - when family dysfunction becomes deadly
3. In the Name of Love - when obsession and jealousy lead to murder
4. ’Till Death Do Us Part - when matrimonial bliss turns into the kiss of death

I found this book interesting. It's amazing what would drive someone to commit murder. I liked the writing style ... there was enough information but it wasn't too detailed. I'd known some of the stories (like the Phil Hartman, Glen Davis and Jane Stafford stories) so it was interesting to get more info about them. It would have been nice to have some pictures, though ... I'm visual so I found myself Googling to see what everyone looked like.

Knitted Twisted Hat

I knitted another twisted hat. It’s a fun and easy pattern once you get into the repetitive groove. I used Caron Anniversary Cake and the colour is Pebbled Path.

I found the pattern here.

I converted the pattern because the yarn is thicker than the pattern. I used 6.5 needles and 6 ply yarn. 

Hat is worked in the round on double pointed needles or circular needles.

Cast on 84 stitches. Place marker for beginning of round. 

Ribbing Round: 

[K1 through the back loop, p1] around. Repeat ribbing round for 8 rounds..

Round 1: Change to larger needles and knit.
Round 2: [K2, yo, k2, k2tog] around.
Repeat round 2 for 30 rounds.

Shape Crown

• Decrease round 1: [K2tog, yo, k2, k2tog] repeat
• Next round: [K1, yo, k2, k2tog] repeat
• Decrease round 2: [K1, yo, k2tog k2tog] repeat
• Next round: [K1, yo, k1, k2tog] repeat
• Decrease round 3: [K2, k2tog] repeat
• Decrease round 4: [K1, k2tog] repeat
• Decrease round 5: [K2tog] repeat

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull to gather. Secure end. Weave in ends.

ABBREVIATIONS
k = knit

k2tog = knit 2 sts together

p = purl

St st = Stockinette stitch

st(s) = stitch(es)

yo = yarn over

Remembrance Day

The federal department of Veterans Affairs Canada states that November 11 is of "remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace"; specifically, the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and all conflicts since then in which members of the Canadian Forces have participated.

Remembering my father, Frank (1935 - 1971)

Honouring Gord's dad, Ken (1925 - 1971)

Honouring Gord's paternal
grandfather, Sid (1890 - 1963)

Knitted Twisted Hat

I knitted another twisted hat. It’s a fun and easy pattern once you get into the repetitive groove. I used Caron Anniversary Cake and the colour is Pebbled Path.

I found the pattern here.

I converted the pattern because the yarn is thicker than the pattern. I used 6.5 needles and 6 ply yarn. 

Hat is worked in the round on double pointed needles or circular needles.

Cast on 84 stitches. Place marker for beginning of round. 

Ribbing Round: 

[K1 through the back loop, p1] around. Repeat ribbing round for 8 rounds..

Round 1: Change to larger needles and knit.
Round 2: [K2, yo, k2, k2tog] around.
Repeat round 2 for 30 rounds.

Shape Crown

• Decrease round 1: [K2tog, yo, k2, k2tog] repeat
• Next round: [K1, yo, k2, k2tog] repeat
• Decrease round 2: [K1, yo, k2tog k2tog] repeat
• Next round: [K1, yo, k1, k2tog] repeat
• Decrease round 3: [K2, k2tog] repeat
• Decrease round 4: [K1, k2tog] repeat
• Decrease round 5: [K2tog] repeat

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull to gather. Secure end. Weave in ends.

ABBREVIATIONS
k = knit

k2tog = knit 2 sts together

p = purl

St st = Stockinette stitch

st(s) = stitch(es)

yo = yarn over