On Thursday May 14th, I was honoured to receive an award from Peterborough County Ontario. It is for Leadership in Arts & Culture, recognizing an individual or group that has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County of Peterborough, Ontario. It was nice to be celebrated with the many others who received awards in various categories. I feel very honoured to have been included in this recognition😀 I thought I would share some pictures from the event. The award was handed out by Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark and Otonabee-South Monaghan Mayor Joe Taylor.

This a variation of a Ladder Stitch (sometimes called Ladder Rib, Mock Ladder Stitch, or Ladder Panel Stitch depending on the pattern source). It creates vertical columns that resemble the sides of a ladder, with textured "rungs" crossing between them. Stitch Characteristics - Creates strong vertical lines. - Excellent stitch definition in solid or semi-solid yarns. - Looks intricate but is usually made from a combination of knit, purl, and slipped stitches. - Lies flatter than traditional ribbing. - Suitable for scarves, shawls, blankets, sweaters, and cushion covers. Yarn Suggestions This stitch looks best with: - Smooth wool or wool blends - DK or Worsted weight yarn - Solid or tonal colours (variegated yarn can hide the ladder effect) Finished Appearance - Right Side: pronounced vertical ladders and textured rungs. - Wrong Side: mostly purl texture with visible slipped-stitch floats.

The waffle crochet stitch is a classic, highly textured pattern that creates a squishy, thick fabric resembling—you guessed it—a breakfast waffle. It’s a favorite for cozy blankets, dishcloths, scarves, and pillows because of its beautiful depth and warmth. The secret to this stitch is a simple two-row repeat that combines standard double crochet (dc) stitches with front post double crochet (fpdc) stitches to lift the fabric and create those signature ridges. Skill Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate You'll need to know: - Chain (ch) - Double Crochet (dc) - Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) Abbreviations - ch = chain - dc = double crochet - FPdc = front post double crochet - st = stitch Foundation Chain a multiple of 3 + 2 Example: 20 chains (18 + 2) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Row 1 1. Dc in the 4th chain from hook. 2. Dc in each chain across. 3. Turn. Row 2 1. Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). 2. FPdc around next dc, dc in next 2 dc. 3. Repeat from * to * across. 4. End with a dc in the top of turning chain. 5. Turn. Row 3 1. Ch 2. 2. Dc in first stitch. 3. FPdc around each of the next 2 FPdc posts from previous row, dc in next dc. 4. Repeat across. 5. Finish with dc in last stitch. 6. Turn. Repeat Continue repeating: - Row 2 - Row 3 These two rows create the classic waffle texture. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tips for Success - Keep your FPdc stitches slightly loose to prevent puckering. - Use a larger hook if your fabric feels stiff. - Count stitches regularly; it's easy to miss the final stitch. - The stitch uses more yarn than basic crochet stitches, so plan accordingly. Best Uses: - Baby blankets - Throws and afghans - Dishcloths and washcloths - Cushion covers - Scarves and cowls - Bath mats

Save the Date: November 13-15, 2026 A Modern Fibre Gathering in the Kawarthas A soul-filling, creativity-sparking weekend designed for fibre lovers who crave connection, inspiration, and a little escape from the everyday. Hands-on workshops led by passionate instructors. Gather your friends, book a cottage and give yourself the experience of creative immersion, a restorative escape, and the chance to laugh, learn, and make beautiful things alongside people who understand why fibre arts matter. Create, Connect, Unwind Riversong Fibre Retreat 2026 Location: Elmhirst's Resort on Rice Lake, Keene, ON Length: 2 Days / 2 Nights ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Call the Elmhirst's Resort Front Desk at 1-705-295-4591 and request to book the Riversong Fibre Retreat The cost is $896.00 A non-refundable deposit of $224.00 is required to book. Accommodation is one person per private bedroom in shared cottages. *Guests are not guaranteed a private bathroom* You will be asked if you would like to be grouped with other attendees and be sent an email confirmation of your booking. The “cut-off date” for reserving rooms at Elmhirst's Resort is Monday, August 17, 2026 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The weekend package includes three fibre themed workshops of your choosing, comfortable shared accommodations in a lakeside cottage; Friday evening welcome reception; three meals served in the elegant atmosphere of the Hearthside Dining Room; use of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities. Riversong Fibre Retreat offers diverse fibre art workshops from passionate instructors, door prizes, a fashion show & tell, a pop-up marketplace, and lots of fun activities and learning for everyone.

Save the date for: Muskoka Fibre Fest – Ontario’s Premier Yarn & Fibre Festival Saturday, June 27, 2026 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. JD Lang Activity Park (Bracebridge Fairgrounds) 331 Fraserburg Road, Bracebridge, ON Connect with Ontario’s Fibre Artist Community Welcome to Muskoka Fibre Fest, an annual yarn and fibre arts festival in Bracebridge, Ontario. Join hundreds of knitters, spinners, dyers, crocheters, and fibre artists for a full day of handmade inspiration, local vendors, workshops, and community celebration. A Full-Sized Festival Experience in the Heart of Muskoka Muskoka Fibre Fest is more than just a yarn show — it’s a full-scale fibre arts celebration! Held in a massive 12,000 sq. ft. indoor venue right in Bracebridge, Ontario, our show brings together vendors and makers from all across the province. We also offer over 5 acres of outdoor vendor space, perfect for showcasing larger booths, demonstrations, and immersive fibre experiences.