Naming characters by Leanne Dyck

Here are some tips on how to find a name for your character.

Typing 'baby names' into your favourite search engine will yield a wealth of candidates. Adding girl or boy as well as the year of your character's birth to the search words will help pin point your search.

Cemeteries as well as telephone and history books are excellent sources for last names.


As I am Icelandic-Canadian, I like to use names from this ethnic group. Nelson S. Gerrard's book The Icelandic Heritage has helped increase my list of names.


What do you do if you can't find the perfect name?

Create your own.

Try combining names. For example, I combined 'Pat' and 'Ann' to create 'Pathan'.

Assembling a sweater by Leanne Dyck

Today we'll discuss the sensitive topic of how to finish a sweater. It's sensitive because each knitter has their own way of attacking this goal. In truth, my approach varies slightly with each sweater. Here's how I spent two hours this morning. I collected all the little pieces--the sleeves, body, pocket and toque -- plus my supplies -- ruler, needle, pins, and scissors. I folded the sleeve in half horizontally and match the centre of the sleeve to the... where the sleeve will go on the sweater. I pinned the sleeve in place.

Attached one sleeve.

Then I attached the other and laid the sweater inside out on the table.

I folded the sweater in half horizontal to locate the centre of the sweater.

Next I attached the pocket.

I used mattress stitch to sew the seam on the cuff, hem and collar.

As well as on the underarm.

I don't use the mattress stitch to sew the body of the sweater. Other knitters do but I prefer to simply use what -- I think -- is referred to as a tailor stitch. It's both easier and -- I think -- is a nicer finish.

Last I sewed the seam on the toque using the mattress stitch.

I think this may be the cutest sweater of the litter. I'll take pictures of the others once they are finished so you can pick your own favourite.