jazzycrafts

Out with the old, in with the new

2008-03-26T08:33:00.004Z

http://riggwelter.wordpress.com/

Y Pasg Hapus (Happy Easter)

2008-03-23T03:55:00.011Z

Happy Easter to you all whether you celebrate it for what it is or drown in chocolate, it's a good excuse to have fun!
The above pictures are from the Easter Bonnet Parade we had on the last day of term, and yes the staff have to join in too, hence my very quickly put together Easter headband, notice the stitch markers!

The kids made all these themselves, apart from a little help given to the little ones, who needed pointers on where the glue was meant to go!

Jasmine, being in the junior class, was too old for Easter bonnets and their Easter task is to decorate an egg, this year I left it completely up to her, and not very surprising, this is what she came up with...

*rolls eyes*

On the knitting front, there's no knitting front, it's more like a lagging behind. I've not had a great deal of time to knit, although I am hoping to get this cardigan finished for church today.

The Pinwheel Sweater knitted in Posh Yarn's Eva (Blue Murder) and Splish Splash cotton on a size 4mm circular.

It was actually a very quick knit and I've only had one sleeve to do for about 2 weeks, which has been totally frustrating!
I've only got about 10 rows of garter stitch to do now.

I'm leaving you with my favourite song of the day , yeah and it's only 5am!!

(click the widget at the top of the page, on right)

The Kindness of Strangers

2008-03-10T18:52:00.012Z

I received my UK Swap Parcel on Saturday, and what a wonderful package it was.
This was a person who really thought carefully about the contents, the yarn, the treats, everything. She said in her note
"I decided to make the parcel a bit of a luxury for you as it seems you spend a lot of time doing things for other people".

And that it was:

The items came from all over the world, Clare, for a start is an Aussie originally. I had German orange flavoured bubble bath, French biscuits, Italian sweets (I still have no idea what the packaging means, and if anyone would like to tell me, feel free!) which are a bit like the Parma Violets you get here.

A beautiful pair of hand warmers knitted in Rowan "Calmer", so soft and came in nicely with the storms we're having here at the moment.

And, oh, the yarns...

100g of Artesano 100% alpaca in the most wonderful colour green. I can't wait to knit this one up and I don't care how much it hurts! Not that I feel any less about the other.
100g of Natural Dye Studios alpaca/silk sock yarn in a beautiful blue (I've actually been eying this one up for a while).

And last but certainly not least, a CD of music from Australia and New Zealand, it's fantastic, I particularly like "The Cat Empire" and will definitely be looking them up on iTunes.

Such a wonderfully thoughtful, interesting, amazing package (you can stop worrying now Clare) and I can't thank you enough, consider yourself hugged and kissed (if that's ok with you!) Clare.
Go check out her blog!

I can only hope that the package I have sent is received in the same way (I hope so Heather!)

Talking of Australian musicians, I had another lovely treat this weekend, J surprised me with Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds new album:

Oh Yeah!

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Now playing: The Cat Empire - Sly
via FoxyTunes

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Now playing: Nick Cave - Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!
via FoxyTunes

Feeling pleased with myself...

2008-03-07T06:07:00.009Z

This morning I have shaken off the poo feeling, I have no aching in my shoulders and I feel I can relax again.
World book day was, I feel a success in the Harwood house.
Dylan got to go as a Thunderbird (although my argument with him still stands - it is not a book!)
I had a bit of a Blue Peter moment and cracked open a new pack of sticky-back plastic and unused boxes - and this emerged from the mess...

Good fun, well I'm sure it would have been more fun if I wasn't doing it in the middle of the night.

Jaz went as Dr Who... Which was easy enough

No need to make, fix, sew anything here, just a bit of ironing (shock, horror!) Which was lucky really as most of my time this week was spent making these...

Upsy Daisy and Iggle Piggle.

Mavis' skirt was an old one of Jasmine's, shortened and white petals (made from a white shirt) added. Ollie had the biggest make over, with a red comfort blanket made from an old shirt of J's, little bells were sewn onto the inside, so it jingled when he shook it. His trousers were made from 2 pairs of pyjama trousers, one sewn into the other and a little rattle sewn inside, so when he shook his leg, he rattled, (just as Iggle Piggle does) and finished off with their new hats.

(some have asked for the pattern - they can be found here).

To add to the feeling of self gratification, I have, for the very first time won a prize:

A Sheep tape measure from Lantern Moon, Sheep Stitch Markers from Viking Knits, and some pampering goodies.
Thank you so much to the UK Swap girls.

And, yep, there's more... I have received two awards from the most wonderful InkberryBlue,
the "You Make My Day" award and this one:

The Art Award.

"Post the award on your own blog.
Indicate its original link and link to that site.
(The Award originally came from http://artepico.blogspot.com/ from Uruguay)
Give the Award to 5 other blogs that you enjoy, find creative and inspire you."

I forward the Art Award to Artis-anne, Black Dog Knits, The Hook and I, Quartodeideias, and last but not least, Napkin Please.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Dydd Gwyl Dewi...

2008-03-01T11:45:00.009Z

is best when celebrated like this...

Tomos Watkins Cwrw Haf (Summer beer) and Cwrw Braf (fine beer).

Happy St David's Day

I've received a lovely gift from Purlywurly for the St David's Day swap:

The yarn is "splish splash" 4ply, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it yet, and some stitch markers hand crafted in Wales.
Thank you so much!

It seems like ages since I have posted, although it hasn't been really, just feels like it.

I've loads of things to keep me busy at work, with Mothering Sunday and St David's Day falling on the same weekend, preparing for Easter and then there's World Book Day at the end of the week.
I have made Ollie's costume: the twins are really into "In the Night Garden" at the moment so Ollie wants to dress as "Iggle Piggle".

I have just started Mavis' "Upsy Daisy" hat which will be fun! Dylan wants to go as a Thunderbird and Jasmine as Dr Who (eeek!)
I don't think I'll have much time this week for much else!

I'm going to leave you now with some photos of the kids (apart from the eldest as her concert is on Monday) dressed for their St David's Day Concert.

Mave in traditional Welsh Dress. Behind her is a traditional Welsh woven blanket, which I bought in a charity shop for £30, trust me, that's a bargain.

Dylan and Ollie the "Rugger Buggers!"

Have a wonderful weekend.

Reduce, re-use, recycle...

2008-02-24T06:20:00.017Z

What a day!

As mentioned in the previous post, there was a "Recycling Day" held at the Youth Centre here, with Fair Trade people, Cloth Nappie promotion, swap shops, Composting people, a very nice lady making things out of old tyres and rubber, who I had intended to go and see, and have a go, but alas, I didn't have the time, I was too busy in my own little corner, recycling old clothes.
And as usual, I forgot my camera, and it seems everyone else did too! I did have my phone, so although the pics aren't very good, there are some.

With the help of some old clothes, crafts glue, invisible seaming bond-a-web
a Gem thingy, and some very enthusiastic children, we had a fantastically great day!

A friend's daughters made loads of items, including these jeans:

A bag and purse set made from an old jacket and a tee shirt:

I had a couple of lads who were very interested in making things for their younger siblings:

There were dressing up clothes, dresses,

hair accessories, scarves, blankets for dolls and all sorts made...all designed by the children (obviously I gave them a few pointers and help with the iron) and it was great to see them rummaging through the clothes, checking colours, sizes, possibilities and really thinking things through.

Well done to you all!

While I was looking through websites during this post I found these which may be of interest:

Bondaweb
Bigwardrobe.com

I had a great surprise on Friday afternoon, I had purchased some yarn from the one and only Posh Yarns:

and

on Friday morning, probably around 6am, J handed the parcel to me that evening! They were hand delivered, all the way from Bosherston. To get anything in the same week is pretty good going for Pembrokeshire.
Thank you so much Dee, they feel yummy!

UK Swap:Topic of the Week #6: Swapping

2008-02-23T06:38:00.004Z

Q: Have you done a swap before (doesn't have to be a knitting swap)? What do you like best about swapping? Are there any personal "requirements" that a swap has to have before you will join?

I have done several swaps before, most of them good though I have had bad experiences in the past. My only requirement I have is that it has to coincide with a pay day, so I know I can afford to buy and send the items. I love the swapping, I love to "meet" new people who have similar interests and I adore buying gifts. The thought of making someones day is amazing!

I'll write another proper blog post later, after todays adventures, which is going on at the Youth Centre here (Pembroke Dock) where I shall be holding a "recycle your clothes" workshop from 10am-4pm (I think there's a free lunch too).

Topic of the Week #5: Anticipation

2008-02-20T05:25:00.003Z

What kind of Spoilee are you? Are you paranoid that it's not being sent, or lost in the post? Do you want it to arrive quickly? OR Do you enjoy the anticipation? Sitting and pondering when it will arrive... and anxiously waiting for it, close to the deadline?

I tend to post quite close to the deadline, but not really because of the anticipation factor (although that can be fun at times) but because I like to take the time to buy the right gifts, and if it's something particularly expensive, or different, then usually I have to wait for the money or for it to arrive here first, as I'm not in the most "up-to-date" towns in the world and getting anywhere from here is a pain...so, sorry Ms Downstream Lady...you gotta wait!

Go ahead, make my day!

2008-02-15T05:53:00.010Z

(photo taken by Dylan aged 5)

I have been awarded the "Make my Day" by the wonderful Kath at Kath's Kreations, thank you so much Kath, this truly did make my day.

The Blurb...

"Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times."

Before I begin listing 10, let it be known that you all make my day, what I will do, is not pick any that Kath did,

Belaybunny at The Cabled Climber for her cycling, knitting and sewing advetures.

Lizet at Alice Jean for her thoughtfulness (coffee swap) and her amazing knitting and beautiful children

Angie at Blog Blethers for the wonderful things you say, ya minx!

Elizabeth at Deep Sea Knitting for her wonderful photography.

To Kendra and Fiberjinx for their wonderful knitting and brand new babies!
Talking of babies, Terri too, La lala lala la......

InkberryBlue for her amazing crafting abilities.

SouleMama for the inspiration.

and last but most definitely not least Seahorse for her wonderful garden.

Pass it on girls, spread the love...

So, it's been half term, so much time to do...stuff.
What have I done?
Absolutely nothing, not craftwise anyway, just a lot of swapping furniture around, tidying the house and all that rubbish.

What I have done is had a bit of a Stash Spending Spree (see, SSS need not be a dirty word/acronym/whatever!)

For Dylan...

and

For Jasmine...

Both patterns are in the March issue of Let's Knit.

The yarns are Sirdar "Calico", cotton/acrylic in a sweet minty green and for Jasmine, Wendy "Beach Baby", acrylic/polyamide, super soft and pretty pinks/blues and purples.

I also picked up these in a charity shop...

I don't think they even came to £1!

And, I did finish this yesterday (well almost, she's a bit naked at the moment!)

What I thought was going to be a quick knit, ended up taking 3 days! "Sali Mali" as she has been named started life as this...
but I couldn't cope with the idea of 4 needles for just 11sts, so I crocheted her arms and legs.

Made from acrylic, unlabeled stash.

She's loved!

Celebrations

2008-02-09T03:30:00.001Z

New Knitting! No, I haven't quite finished Big J's jumper, but the back is done and now the round and round bit is finished, it's moving on quite quickly, so I thought I'd treat myself by casting on something new.

While my sister was over for Christmas, she asked if I would knit her a bolero/cardigan type thing, so we went out and bought yarn, she chose a bright red JCBrett Merino and I said I would design something especially for her.

So I made a start on it on Monday:

I'm using a lace pattern found in The Harmony Guide to Knitting Stitches, called Fern Lace, pretty simple, easy to remember so I'm not likely to lose my place after trying to tear the kids apart (it's half term here)!

Ollie has a new toy:

He had been pestering for a cat ike Mavis' until her saw the pattern for this, and asked really nicely if I could make it, how could I refuse?

I have been tagged by the lovely Alice Jean, thank you very much, to list "4"

4 jobs I held
Flaying Start LSA
Craft teacher
Care worker for the elderly
Events organiser

4 movies I like
The Last Samurai
School of Rock
The Empire Strikes Back
1408

4 places I've been
Paris, France
Edinburgh, Scotland
Betws Y Coed, N. Wales
Nottingham, England

4 places I lived
Penrhynduedraeth
Talybont
Leicester
Greenock

4 TV shows/programs I watch
The Bill
Primeval
The Simpsons
QI

4 Radio-shows I listen to
Planet Rock
Q
6 Music
Radio 2

4 favorite foods
Cheese sandwiches
Lasagne
Rissoto
Steak

4 places I'd rather be
Betws Y Coed
On the beach
Ireland
In bed

The 4 I tag

Ms Blethers
Dierdre at Unravellings
Jo at FreestyleFibre
Terri at KnitKnack Paddywack

Don't feel you have to do it girls!

I had a great time in school last week, making Chinese dragons to celebrate the Chinese New year.

I had to prepare 50 of these things, at school the children painted the dragon faces and chose the colours for the tissue paper tails.

I love learning about different cultures, and is one thing I really miss about living in Leicester, is being in the middle of a hugely multicultural society and being able to see the various festivities and traditions first hand, from Diwali to Gay Pride.
I was quite sad when Jasmine stopped wearing Indian Bindis, she used to love them, but here, no one else wears them, so she got a bit self conscious and naturally they're not so readily available!

Talking about traditions...

Topic of the Week #4: Valentine's Day

I know this isn't knitting related, but I thought I'd ask you to share your favourite Valentine's Day memory, or your current plans for this year. Just to share some love. :)

I am so not romantic, at all! J and I rarely celebrate Valentine's Day, simply because it's a waste of money. We decided not to celebrate Valentine's a long time ago, although he did surprise me one year, I was heavily pregnant with my first daughter and knowing that I don't like cut flowers (I prefer them to grow in my garden - alive) he bought me a miniature rose bush...sadly I had to leave it in Leicester when we moved (with all my other house and outdoor plants) as we had no room to bring it with us :(

Favourite love songs:

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Now playing: Richard Thompson - Uninhabited Man
via FoxyTunes

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Now playing: Marilyn Manson - Personal Jesus
via FoxyTunes

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Now playing: Ween - Help Me Scrape the Mucus off My Brain
via FoxyTunes

Topic of the Week #3: Project Process

2008-02-02T05:28:00.000Z

Q: What is your process when planning a project? Do you shop for yarn and then find a suitable pattern? Do you find your pattern and then go out to buy the yarn? Or are you stash-busting? If your stash is out of control, how did it get that way?

Uh, yes, yes and yes...It depends really, sometimes I like a pattern, so buy it, see if there's anything in my stash that can be used, if not then it sits in my pile of patterns either collecting dust or when I see the yarn for it, I buy it.
Or...sometimes I see yarn, buy it anyway with no particular pattern in mind until I find the time to leaf through all the patterns which are sitting in the corner collecting dust.
Is my stash out of control? Oh yes, although not as bad as some, I still don't have the room for it all.
How did it get that way? I have no idea...(smiles sweetly and flutters eyelashes)

This WIP came about by finding a pattern and the yarn within a week of each other, which is quite amazing for me, but then Big J has been hassling me for some time about knitting him something and quite frankly I just want to get it over and done with now. Having had to knit the body twice, it's getting boring, although I am enjoying the Durrow Cable,

so the sleeves are nearly done...just gotta get on with the round and round and round thing....(sighs)

After talking about favourite knitting magazines last week, I searched the net for somewhere in the UK where I could get the Knit1 magazine and found one right under my nose! K1Yarns stocks it, so, naturally I bought the Winter edition right away!
Oh and it's good!
I don't think I could survive the summer without making this...

And there is a gorgeous "Baby Doll" top/dress which involves a bit of this...

If you don't know, it's for knitting pleats...how many needles are there? Got to be done, or at least tried!

Less of the dreaming now, gotta get on with this endless round and round and round thing

If at first you don't succeed...

2008-01-26T15:40:00.001Z

Short rows...personally I hate them. I just feel there are tidier, easier ways to shape the toes, there are smarter and more hard-wearing heels and don't see the point in hassling myself with the short row versions. The first sock I attempted to knit suggested short row toes and heels, I made a right mess, you could have used the heel as a tea strainer, there were that many holes!
But, whether I liked them or not, I had to perfect them.
Remember the little competition I had about finding me the perfect sock, which ended up being this one, which also uses short rows.
Originally I used the figure-of-eight cast on and a gusset&flap heel, but after reading Knitting Daily recently, about fearless knitting, I felt I should master the short row toe and heel.

after several attempts, I ended up with these...I think I got there in the end.

The heel is still a bit holey, but not too bad.

Jack Sparrow's favourite socks, knitted in Patons Diploma Gold and Freedom Spirit (Twilleys of Stamford) on 5 2.25 dpns.

The next UK swap contest thingy:

Q: Do you subscribe to any magazines (knitting or otherwise)? Or do you prefer to purchase magazines at the newstand? Do you subscribe online to any knitting magazines/newsletters? What does a knitting magazine need to have to catch your fancy and get you to fork out that well-earned cash?

I used to subscribe to Simply Knitting but got bored of it, so stopped that, I then started buying Let's Knit, but they don't sell it here anymore which is annoying, if I want a magazine regularly then I have to subscribe.
I came across Knit1 from a secret swapper and love it, the patterns are so different and unique, but as it's from abroad, the chances of getting it are slim.
I'm considering subscribing to the magazine "Knitting", again because it's a bit different from the norm.

I've never even seen this one!Knit Today

As for online, I do subscribe to Knitting Daily, which does have some lovely free patterns now and then, and that's free!
And this one, Rebecca, has some nice cheaply priced patterns too.

What does a magazine need to catch my eye? Patterns I'd like to knit, interesting articles about new yarns and inspirational designers, not much to ask for is it?

UK Swap contest:Topic of the Week #1: Knit-Years Resolutions

2008-01-22T03:46:00.000Z

With 2008 in full-swing, do you have any knit-years resolutions you are trying to keep to? Stash-busting? Knitting just for yourself? Gift-alongs or starting Christmas knitting early? Do your knit-years resolutions affect your other resolutions? Such as watching your spending, or putting yourself first, or even loosing weight (yarn weight....)?

I actually only make Knit-Years Resolutions, the others always go down the pan before the first week is up. At least the knit-years resolutions I tend to keep to, she says:

I made my new years resolutions earlier this year, which was: As I am now working full time, I need to finish a project before moving on to the next.

Which I think is best if I edit it a little to something more like: As I am now working full time, I need to finish a (knitting) project (unless the new project can be finished within 24 hours) before moving on to the next.

As you can see below, the original resolution wasn't going very well at all. Btw, Big J's jumper was going quite well until he tried it on and decided it was a bit too tight around the tummy, so it has been frogged, more stitches added and being re - knitted! I will finish it by the end of the month, I will!

All aboard for Mount Ararat!

2008-01-20T10:04:00.000Z

What do you do if it rains for 40 days and 40 nights?

You build an ark, silly!

My BIL, is the best present buyer in the world and no doubt you will see what he bought for us all in due course, this one was bought for Ollie.

A pop-out-and-put-it-together-yerself Noah's Ark.

The kids have great fun with it for ages, which can only be a good thing considering it has done nothing but rain for what feels like forever and there's even more to come!

What have I been up to? Apart from making 40 odd shape collage snowmen and making rain plates (a variation on rain sticks but without the nails!) made with rice crispies.
(You fold the plate in half, put the rice crispies inside, seal with selotape and decorate - when you shake it, it sounds like rain - honest!)

I have knitted another quick knit hat, the one and only "Tychus", which is a pretty effective pattern, but bloody boring to knit, thankfully the yarn I was using, coupled with me being a loose knitter, I only had to do 3 panels instead of the 5 that are called for in the pattern.

(knitted with LionBrand Wool-Ease (the green) and some 100% acrylic Chunky Aran (the cream)I had lurking in my stash on 5.5mm straight needles)

Jasmine has asked me for a multi-coloured one and Mavis piped up with "Can I have a monkey coloured one too?"

(rolls eyes)

With Clarabelle recently venturing into the weaving world, made me kinda homesick for my weaving a little and while there is still not enough room to get the table top loom out, i did bang a few nails into my tapestry loom, which is just the right size to make a bag.

Nothing fancy, just a plain weave and let the various yarns do their thing. Woven in oddment wools, alpaca, handspun BFL, big slubby wool, chunky pure wool...you get the idea, and if I feel like felting it, I can...

.

I've just been asked to do another paid workshop for the 16th of February, which is lucky as that is then end of the half term holiday, so I'll have time to prepare and organise. I'm going to make it fibre based, maybe needle felting if I can get the materials fast enough, but not entirely sure what yet ... watch this space.

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Now playing: Kevin Coyne - Lunatic
via FoxyTunes
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Now playing: Radiohead - 15 Step
via FoxyTunes
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Now playing: Nick Cave - King Kong Kitchee Kitchee Ki-Mi-O"
via FoxyTunes

The force was with me...

2008-01-12T14:41:00.000Z

I was reminded this morning whilst wandering aimlessly (well no, there actually was an aim, maybe I should say gormlessly) around Asda, that Dylan had a birthday party to go to, as if that wasn't enough, I was then reminded it was fancy dress! BUGGER!

Now I don't know about you, but I refuse to pay £20 odd for a suit from high street stores for something kids are only going to wear once or twice (If I'm lucky) before the child has grown out of it.

So, in a mad rush we scooted around all 3 of the charity shops to see what we could find, and then decide on what he was going as...

We found a very long Laura Ashley skirt for £3 and a pair of battered leather gloves for £1:

(I will not fight you - yeah right!)

With the help of a black dress I didn't wear anymore and a light sabre Dylan was given because it didn't work, the skirt became a cape, I made a hood out of the dress and cut the tops off the gloves (so they fitted) and in 3/4 of an hour my little boy became a Jedi Knight.

(Obi Wan pose)

Beat that Yoda!

UK Swap questionnaire

Part One: Crafting

Do you knit, crochet, or both?
I can do both, though I am a better knitter.

What do you like to make? Do you have a favourite project?
I don't think there's anything I wouldn't have a go at.

Do you have a favourite type of fibre or brand of yarn?
I love alpaca, although I am slightly allergic, I can't resist the softness of the yarn.

Do you have a least favourite type of yarn?
Don’t like the novelty yarns too much.

Do you do any other crafts?
All sorts, I do a lot of papercrafts, sew, weaving, you name it, I've probably had a go!

What knitting do you bring ‘on the go’?
Small, mindless projects like hats or bags.

What do you carry your ‘on the go’ knitting in? Do you want something new?
I only have my handbag (which is quite big) to carry my knitting in.

Are there any knitting gifts (book, toy, yarn, item, tool) that you have been lusting over?
Oh yes, loads of things, you want a list?

Part Two: Your Favourites

What is your favourite colour? What is your least favourite colour?
I like most colours, dark greens, blues and reds are the best. Least favourite? I suppose neons.

What scents/smells do you like? What don’t you like?
I like the more fruity or minty smells, not too strong. And I hate the smell of vanilla!

How do you like to pamper yourself? (bubble bath, hand creams, massage, manicure)
I like bath oils and body lotions

What goodies to you like to treat your tummy with? (chocolate, biscuits, truffles, etc.)
biscuits...no chocolate!

Do you prefer tea or coffee while you knit? Any particular kind? Favourite mug/cup?
I’m a coffee addict, though I drink tea every now and then. I love mugs and cups.

Do you listen to/watch anything while you knit? (TVshow-Along, movies, music, podcasts)
I love sci fi dvds, siderman, star wars and all that! I'm a big fan of Nick Cave, but listen to all types of music really.

Part Three: Living & Past-times

Where do you live in the UK? (General idea not address)
south wales

Have you always lived here, or did you grow up somewhere else?
I was born in scotland, lived in south wales, then to gloucestershire, then to north wales, then to leicester, and back to south wales!

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Greenland or egypt

If you couldn’t go to a knitting group, what other kind of gathering would you go to? (book club, tea party, yoga class, jewelery class, etc.)
craft, book club, poetry groups

What’s your style? (elegant, traditional, glamourous, girly, natural, sporty, outgoing, etc.)
I suppose kinda emo/grunge kinda thing, you know, dark clothes and cargo pants!

Final Part

Any allergies/preferences (fiber-wise or treat-wise)?
I'm slightly allergic to wool, I can't wear it, but I can knit with it. Chocolate gives me migraines.

Anything we missed that you’d like your partner to know?
Not that I can think of.

"It was a long and very ferocious night..."

2008-01-07T03:49:00.000Z

(John Finn's Wife - N. Cave and the Bad Seeds)

It bloody is too! The wind here must be hitting at least 70 mph and it's noisy and I can't sleep due to nervousness and/or excitement, not sure which really. Today will be pretty easy as it's an inset day, so there's no children around, tomorrow it's in at the deep end!

(Edited later: Found this on the BBC Weather website:

Monday 7 January WEATHER WARNING Severe gales are expected over Wales, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside early this morning. Coastal areas and higher ground will *expereince the highest gusts, which may reach 70mph. Driving conditions will be dangerous. Valid until 1000GMT.

*they can't spell!)

1 week and I've already broken my new year resolution!
I bought myself some yarn just before Christmas which I'd had my eyes on for ages,

It's Jo's (FreestyleFibre) Romany Handspun yarn, and I love it! (thanks for the super quick delivery Jo)
I'm not a big fan of variegated/self striping yarns generally but I do love the complete randomness of handspun yarns. What I really loved about this one is the tiny areas of really bright threads, fantastic!

(I'm easily excited!)

In the dead of night, I could here it softly calling to me, after casting on for Big J's Jumper, after making resolutions, it was still calling to me, scrolling through my Ravelry queue, wondering what I was going to knit next (as you do when you've decided you're not allowed) and came across WoollyWormhead's Jester Hat Pattern (pdf).
I'm weak and I caved in and cast on before I realised what I was doing, although I did finish it in a day, so that's ok isn't it? Right?

So there we have it, "Jingle Jester Hat" my first FO for 2008.

The base of the hat was knitted in Romany, on 5mm dpns
(I recommend really long ones) I was worried about not having enough yarn to finish the whole hat in Romany, so swapped to a mixture of Wendy Merino in purple and Freedom Spirit (Twilley's of Stamford) in blue, then changed back to Romany to finish off and added some bells (from a Christmas decoration I bought in a sale from Tesco) onto the ends of the curly bits.

I'm well chuffed with it, it's cosy and snug so I'm not likely to loose it in this wind...and everyone will here me coming a mile off!.

Talking about sales, I popped into Brantanos to get some school shoes for the bigger two and found these for Mavis:

She squealed with delight and said "They're like yours mammy!" Oh, can you imagine, New Rock boots for toddlers?

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Now playing: Jackie Leven - Come Back Early or Never Come
via FoxyTunes
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Now playing: Eels - Novocaine for the Soul
via FoxyTunes

Happy New Year Folks!

2008-01-04T04:41:00.000Z

The Christmas festivities are over, the new year seen in and now I suppose it's time to set out New Year Resolutions and all that.
I was just looking back through my bloggin' archive and dug up last years resolutions and funnily enough I did keep them.
What did surprise me was that I have come a long way in my knitting life in just a year.

I'm also still knitting Big J's jumper, although it has changed pattern and colour since!
I bought some cheapish yarn the other day, it's Marble Chunky by James C Brett, 100% acrylic,

and while you're all groaning, I am allergic to wool, and while small projects don't bother me so much, large one's, such as J's jumper left me in a considerable amount of discomfort, sore hands and sneezing.
So, this one is loosely based on this pattern and is knitting up pretty quickly and I'm hoping to have it finished by the end of the month.

I also bought some Merino to knit my sister a lacy bolero/cardigan/shrug type thing.

Which brings me back to resolutions.

1: Finish projects before starting another. I'm not going to have as much knitting time as I used to, so this will be important if I want to finish anything this year!

2: Knit something for Ollie and Dylan, the girls seem to get everything.

what are your knitty plans?

Without getting to soppy, I would just like to say thank you to you all who read and comment on my blog, for the inspiration and encouragement, for the laughs and friendship. It's a wonderful community I have found myself in and long may it last.

Finally, I leave you with a photo of Ollie, who was sneaking a little play with the decorations on the tree...

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Now playing: Kaiser Chiefs - Modern Way
via FoxyTunes

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Now playing: Alabama 3 - Woke Up This Morning [Chosen One Mix]
via FoxyTunes

ssshh...

2007-12-25T05:13:00.000Z

...the children are still asleep.

So I am taking this little window of peace to say Merry Christmas to you all. From deep down in my heart I wish you all best wishes in the new year and hope 2008 is as wonderful as you want it to be.

Oh and p.s. Clarabelle, your present is being posted asap, I didn't forget, just didn't have time!

If you remember, the title question for my Blogversary: Which poem did the sentence "Of the brighter, cold moon..." come from?

Clarabelle get it right and it was Evening Star by Edgar Allen Poe:

'Twas noontide of summer,
And mid-time of night;
And stars, in their orbits,
Shone pale, thro' the light
Of the brighter, cold moon,
'Mid planets her slaves,
Herself in the Heavens,
Her beam on the waves.
I gazed awhile
On her cold smile;
Too cold- too cold for me-
There pass'd, as a shroud,
A fleecy cloud,
And I turned away to thee,
Proud Evening Star,
In thy glory afar,
And dearer thy beam shall be;
For joy to my heart
Is the proud part
Thou bearest in Heaven at night,
And more I admire
Thy distant fire,
Than that colder, lowly light.

A beautiful poem!

Well done! As I said, your present is all packaged and ready to go when the post office opens again.

Oh and p.s, I got my job!
I shall start work on the 7th January, as a classroom assistant for Flying Start, looking after 2-3 yr olds...I can't wait!

Merry Christmas all.

Oh and p.s. It was lovely to finally meet Terri (TutleyMutley) and witness her beautiful knitting in real life! My offer still stands...anytime!

Winter Solstice...

2007-12-15T05:54:00.000Z

(I'm warning you now, this is a photo heavy post)

Continued from previous post...

The Angel's wings and hair had to be made by other people as I wasn't able to make Saturdays session, but it was a lovely surprise to see her all finished on Sunday, apart from having to see all the "papering queen's" work ripped to fit the lights.

She was tried on before we set about patching her up again. I hadn't realised how tall she was going to be! Sadly I wasn't able to carry her because of the concentration needed to keep her out of trees and if the weather was bad, I'd have the kids with me and would have to keep an eye on them.

seeing these photos put in me in mind of this:

My eldest daughter is so excited about Christmas Day, not for the presents, not for her favourite Auntie coming to stay, certainly not the food. Nope, she's looking forward to seeing Dr Who again!

But then, who wouldn't?

Anyway, back to the lanterns:
Willow Angel

Winter Sun

Moon

Very, very big Dragon!

It was really difficult to get a photo of the little lanterns

as they were lit with candles, so the light wasn't as bright as the bigger ones. No doubt I'll be able to link to some better quality pics soon enough, but for now:

These were behind me,

and these were in front.

It was a brilliant night and as far as I was aware, went well with no trouble. It was great fun to be able to work with SpacetoCreate and look forward to their next venture in this area.

That's that then, now I have to prepare for my interview on Monday morning (yes, I finally got a date) and an NVQ observation in the afternoon! No doubt I shall be drinking monday evening, just to stop myself from shaking!

Of the brighter, cold moon...

2007-12-10T04:58:00.001Z

I've been promising you, whether you are many people, or just me...
Which reminds me, thank you very much girls for all your comments, they make me feel all yummy inside and help me realise that there are some very kind people out there. xx

Regains composure and hardened outlook...

As I was saying, willow sculpture, what more can I say, I love it!
I've been taking my Wednesday group (which will be finishing after Christmas)down to the Youth Centre to take part in the lantern making for the Winter Parade.

Photo taken by Mike Odlin (Llanion Communities First)

The lanterns are, naturally made from willow, which when wet, it's really bendy, so with a bit of masking tape and no-one stood within 1m circle (if you accidently let go, chances are you'll whip someone in the face! I know, I've done it!) You can create all kinds of shapes:

This moon is by no means all my work, I just finished it off, I love the nose.

Once the frame is done, it then gets passed over to the "papering queens" (they know who they are!) who take squares of the same paper that haidressers use for perming, but on a larger scale, soaked in PVA glue. When it dries, it stretches over the frame and dries solid.

Ta-da! Then it gets passed to the electric people and they fit battery packs and lights.

This one is my own creation,

Willow Angel, she's looking a bit Venus-esque at the minute, but hopefully I shall have her arms and wings finished this week.

On the fibre front, I've been working on this:

Freeform crochet, completely inspired by these people...Quartodeideias and Prudence

As I was giving my blog a bit of a spring-clean, I realised it was a year old last month and I missed it!

So, as I'm not prepared for this blogversary, it's only a small thing but:
the first person who can tell me which poem the title comes from, can have a Christmas present from me.

Have a great day!

"Make and do is what we do...

2007-12-02T06:26:00.000Z

... here we go doodle do" (the theme tune to this)

Thankfully the theme tune isn't on the site otherwise you'd all be humming it for the rest of the day! I know I will be now. It's a great show though, I always try to watch it for ideas for my Wednesday group.
Chris Corcoran is a star!
But whilst I was searching cyber space for info on him, I found this...National Doodle Day, a date for the diary!

While we're talking about searching the WWW, I also found this (click this link or the button on the right and made my pledge.

I have been a busy bee the passed week making things for the CANdo Christmas Bazaar we had yesterday and made a little bit of pocket money selling hand stitched Christmas stockings sadly I couldn't photograph them as my camera was feeling poorly - he's all better now though - phew!

I got photos of these though:

Clock and coasters made from the Alpaca that Xantia sent to me for the coffee swap, crocheted and felted in a washing machine on 30.

And these were made from the paper haul I had from Lidl a couple of months back.

I can't remember where I got the idea for this, recycled watches, my new craft adventure.

I think I might open an Etsy shop...hmmm

Apart from making a lot of mess

eeek!

I've not been up to much, I did finish my tank top last week though.

Knitted and crocheted in Debbie Bliss silk/alpaca and Harmony Yarns laceweight wool.

Here's to a ~~relaxing~~ less busy week!

Ravelry Caffeine Addicts Swap

2007-11-24T05:23:00.000Z

Oh was I spoiled by my coffee swap gal, Xantia (ravelry link)from Ireland, just over the water from me.

(sorry about the rubbish pic, my camera has died so had to use my son's which is pretty basic)

She sent 200g of "Quito" 100% Alpaca yarn from the Knitshop.co.uk, 100g in brown and the other in beige and as she so rightly pointed out looks like an Irish coffee, so she sent me a little bottle of my favourite Irish whisky "Jamesons" (such a smooth whisky) with a recipe for the coffee.

Talking of coffee, she sent a bag of Cuban whole coffee beans and Guatamalan ground beans...I've already tried the Guatamalan, it's wonderful.

And the mug...is just so me, I love it!

And a brilliant card too.

Xantia, thank you so, so much. You have truly spoiled me.

Learning something new everyday ...

2007-11-22T04:58:00.000Z

I was so excited when I got up yesterday morning, not only was I going to have time to do something for me for a change, it was going to be something completely different:
I suppose you would call it "Willow sculpture". Pembroke Dock Festival Group are celebrating the Winter Solstice with a parade of lanterns (not a very good photo I know, but that kind of thing) made from willow and paper. Sadly I didn't take my camera to this weeks session, but definitely next week!
It's fantastic fun, and a chance to learn something new is always exciting isn't it...
and I've "bagsied" any willow that's leftover woohoo!

If you're local and you can get down there...GO!

My busy week was as busy as busy weeks go, the interview hasn't happened yet (they're having to advertise the job externally now...blah blah blah) so now I have to wait, I HATE waiting. Anyway it all got done, if you would like to see the new CANDO website click on the logo on the right.

In between all the chaos I had this great need to make stuff, knowing I didn't have a great deal of time, I pulled out the crochet hook and practiced some "granny squares" with the intention of making a blanket with them all, but ended up with these:

Green/cream - Wendy Luxury Aran - Wool/Acrylic
Pink/Charcoal/Beige - Rooster - Merino Wool
Bronze - Berroco - Bamboo

I'm really interested in this supposed rivalry between crocheters and knitters (does it actually exist?)

Ah-ha, a chance to put in a new gizmo from Blogger - which is also on the right. Do you prefer one to the other? Do you do both? Would you consider combining the two? Would you NEVER even consider picking up a crochet hook/knitting needles?
I learned to crochet for the sole purpose of combining the two, why not, both produce similar fabrics, both use fibre, so why not?
I started small, with this necklace I made some time ago now.

(if you'd like the pattern, it's here)

The silk top I am working on at the minute was always destined to be a combination of a crocheted bodice and knitted "skirt", while I was doing the crochet bit I thought well let's take the learning curve a little steeper and venture into lace knitting.
There's not much to see at the minute, but here's the start:

It's being knitted in laceweight something or other (there's no yarn specs but it feels like wool to me) from Harmony Yarns that I was given somewhere down the line, as you do! I'm enjoying it, which has really surprised me as I usually have neither the patience nor the time to knit lace, but seeing all the wonderful FOs being produced has really spurred me on.

Just before I go, I took this photo last weekend, (in my socks, in the rain!) it's by no means a great photo, but I just loved the colours in the sky that morning

isn't that a pip...

This is so damn funny!

2007-11-14T05:33:00.000Z

I had to share it with you.

Knitting Vs Crochet

The calm before the storm...

2007-11-10T06:38:00.000Z

It's going to be a busy week next week, so I am planning to relax this weekend, planning to, that is, it probably won't actually happen!

Things to do next week:

I have applied for a job in the school that I work voluntarily in, just a temporary, part time post until Christmas, if I get an interview, it will be on Wednesday...eeek!

Friday I have my NVQ assessor coming to watch me teach music and movement. I've done my lesson planning, and am going to do some dancing and make instruments just need to gather the materials and make sure I know what I'm doing.

Also on Friday "Children in Need" day so Ollie and Mavis need to be dressed up as farm animals, so costumes are to be made for them, just something simple, I also need to dress up as a Pirate for the class that I will be teaching.

I have to deliver leaflets for the Christmas Trip I am organising for CANDo and get their website finished and put out into cyberspace andget a 3ft banner finished.

I know I'm not going to get any knitting done next week, so I'm just going to sit and knit all day! I want to get the back of "Vintage Lady" finished,

I'm just coming up to the armhole shaping, so I should be able to get that done today.

I'm also hoping to get some of these slippers done for my sister. I was getting bored of knitting them, so came up with a crochet pattern, and they can be made much faster.

You know when you're aware that there's a lot to be done, so you do the ostrich thing and bury your head in the sand...well that's just what I've been doing!

Noctambulating around blogland I discovered some cool things like:

Dipsy Doodles Doily
These fruit hats for babies...so sweet!
And this yarn from Jo

wonderful stuff!

Talking of being inspired, I was working on my Silk top the other night and suddenly realised I would need some stitch markers, completely inspired by The Cabled Climber I made my own, out of whatever I could find in my craft box. They're crudely made, but they do the job!

A picture of them in action:

Oh and I've also joined the "365 ers group" in Ravelry, as if I haven't got enough to do. Mind you taking photos is like breathing to me, having the time to upload them.... that's something else.

Finally, for Seahorse, although I didn't think it at all possible to beat her crochet monstrosity I though I'd share this with the '70's babies and the obsession with "all-in-ones" urgh!

(from "Joan Fisher's Guide to Crochet")

So, with time on my side, I'm off to do....something.

I'm What???

2007-11-06T11:32:00.000Z

I tried out this test that was on Freestyle Fibre's

you are mediumorchid
#BA55D3

Your dominant hues are red and blue. You're confident and like showing people new ideas. You play well with others and can be very influential if you want to be.

Your saturation level is medium - You're not the most decisive go-getter, but you can get a job done when it's required of you. You probably don't think the world can change for you and don't want to spend too much effort trying to force it.

Your outlook on life is brighter than most people's. You like the idea of influencing things for the better and find hope in situations where others might give up. You're not exactly a bouncy sunshine but things in your world generally look up.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Is plain "purple" not good enough then?

Happy Hallowe'en

2007-10-31T06:47:00.000Z

(it's nearly Christmas....)

and it's no good hiding behind the sofa hoping the day will never come, it will, and it will be soon...
I have to get my skates on getting cards done, I always leave it too late! I try to do something different every year and as I learned a new craft, I'm going to show it off.

This is what I've been working on.

If you would like full instructions on how to make them, visit here.

I had a wonderful package in the post today, totally unexpected, I love surprises, especially one as wonderful as this.

My No Sheep swap pal was having a hard time when she joined up, and I had written her off. I am sometimes overwhelmed by the generosity of fellow knitters, this one is no exception.

I had all these...

Knit.1 magazine from Summer 2007,

2 skeins of Berroco Bamboo yarn (reddy-brown), a skein of beautiful hand painted cotton/nylon yarn from Zen Yarn Garden (blue, purple, beige) and a skein of something else blue, sadly there are no yarn details. Also a pretty porcelain spoon which I forgot to photograph. Thank you so much.

The only bad thing about getting new yarn...I want to knit it all, NOW!

To finish off, I'll leave you with a Halloween face and a dress I made for Jaz.

all things vintage

2007-10-25T04:07:00.000Z

It seems like it's been ages again, but actually it hasn't been that long ago since I last blogged, just seems that way. The Big Stitch/National Knitting week thing went ok, not as busy as I had hoped, but there's a few people knitting red squares out there now.

My toddler twinkle toes are now finished and have started on a pair for my eldest daughter, which is the next size up. I'm doing these in a pink cotton.

I finally got the new knitting magazine "Let's Knit", which quite frankly looks like Simply Knitting to me, but some interesting bits, such as the Pretty Knitty Lady, Leah Sutton, I love these buttons. (*cringe* at that silly rhyme).

And this competition...

Knit a vintage pattern in modern yarns. As you probably know, I love my vintage patterns and this gave me an excuse to wade through them.

I have started on this one for the childrenswear...

I've had to do a bit of maths as the yarn I'm using (Needles Quality Knitting Yarn - cheap, washable, but pretty) is a lot bigger than the Patons Quickerknit that is recommended!
The pattern is from the Beehive Baby Book, for 1/6....I missed out on the whole decimalisation thing, it must have been strange for all your money to mean something completely different.

And this one I have chosen for the adults...

With this one I am just doing one repeat less, knitted in "Donna" by Wendy. This yarn reminds me of willow patterned plates.
The pattern is one of the Bestway Leaflets (for 3d) for Emu Unshrinkable Wools, I haven't seen Emu yarns for years, I'm sure my mum had some in her stash.
I like the shape of this cardigan and the cable and eyelets is enough to keep me interested without having to completely concentrate.

I know I wouldn't normally bring my other craft stuff in here, but I am particularly fond of this one...
Home made Lava Lamps.

Made with a clear plastic bottle, this one is a bubble bath bottle, but a drink bottle will do.
Half fill it with water, add a couple of drops of food colouring then fill to the top with everyday cooking oil.

That's it. You could add some glitter or little plastic toys for more fun.

National Knitting Week

2007-10-16T12:30:00.001Z

I tried really hard to avoid this one, I mean, really, really hard...
I have enough to do without organising knitting events but when a member of Llanion Communities First sent me this email I thought, well, I could do the two together, couldn't I?

And that was it, the seed was sown and I couldn't let it go.
(detailed info is incase there are any locals reading this)
So, to celebrate National Knitting Week, I shall be holding a "Knit Together" at Mag's Cafe in the Govans Centre in Pembroke Dock (the one that used to be Liberties) on the 20th October
From 11am - 2pm

Bring your knitting, have a coffee, pick up new tips....you know the score.

And in association with The Children's Society and The Big Stitch, I will be bringing along sponsor forms and red wool for anyone who wants to get involved.

phew! Can I breath now?

No, I didn't think so.

As for my knitting news...Ididntgetmysecondsockstarted! oops. I do have a reason though, I wasn't that keen on the navy yarn, it was itchy and scratchy, so I have opted for 2 other colours. I don't have a photo yet, I have nearly finished the first and if I haven't got the 2nd cast on this time next week, feel free to boot me up the arse.

I do have a photo of this though

Twinkle Toes

Knitted in Sheena Ann "Bobble Top" this one is toddler size and are quick to knit. I'm going to knit some for me and my sister for Christmas.

and The Beetle looks like this at the moment,

but I have run out of Stainless steel so it's hibernating for a bit. I am sorting out pattern instructions though and will publish them for free on here.

See you on Saturday...right!

By the time you read this....

2007-10-13T05:42:00.000Z

...I should be knitting my 2nd favourite sock!

This one is the first:

Knitted in Wendy Peter Pan 4ply (light blue) and some stashed 4ply acrylic I had. I haven't really followed the pattern much, apart from the fair - isle skull band. I use a generic toe up pattern that I found here, because I just can't get short rows to work, I am absolutely useless at them and for some insane reason, I prefer the figure of eight cast on!

Anyway, the second sock ~~should~~ will be in the opposite colours.

If you have visited (or even bother visiting) my Ravelry profile, you will have seen that I started and finished a crochet bag for my sister, lined an' all!
Crocheted in a aubergine coloured aran acrylic and lined with an old skirt of Jasmine's, all in 2 days!

And for the dodgy crochet pattern especially for Seahorse.....

Beat that! Go on, I dare anyone to venture into the world of dodgy patterns, knitted or crochet.
There's no prize...just a lot of fun!

Next on the agenda?

I'm gonna see if I can come up with some crochet patterns for these "C'mon Dolls", you know the ones in the Corsa advert?

And this too, Bing Bunny

He's a star!

Bargain!

2007-10-04T04:26:00.000Z

I am in paper heaven!

I found these in Lidl yesterday...

Almost A3 sized card, paper, corragated (sp? I've tried every vowel and it's still not right!) card, printed vellum paper, printed card, faux handmade paper and that slimey plastic-y paper stuff, plus an A4 sized cutting board and, yes, and a craft knife, with a good weight on it too.
All for £2.99

You can pay £2.99 just for 5 sheets of plain vellum in some places!
As you can tell, I am well chuffed!

Oh and I got these too, which will be fab for Christmas pressies...

Calenders with blank spaces for kids to draw on!

Talking about Christmas, we were making mitten tree decorations at "Family Crafts" yesterday, some have come out really nice.
I won't bore you with it all, but if you want the full story, go on over to "CandoCrafts"

I don't think I have ever mentioned to you, my crochet sampler. I only thought about it when I was uploading stuff for Ravelry (No, I don't think I'm addicted, although it is fun, and useful, but as a lot of people have said, very, very time consuming!)
Anyway, here it is...

Basically, all I'm doing is practicing crochet stitches, hopefully by Christmas it will be big enough to call a throw, and I'll give it to my mum.
The yarn is Wendy Allegra that I've had in my stash for a while and wasn't sure what to do with it. That you can see is 100g worth, I'm now starting on the Wendy Sheepskin.

This is a fantastic piece of crochet... Seahorse's Babette...just stunning!
I must add, I can beat that "dodgy pattern"! I'll sort it out another time though.

Right, I'm off to sit naked in my mound of gorgeous paper...(ahem!)

J is off to Cardigan, gigging again, so I may well spend the evening scrapbooking with a glass of whiskey...if I can stay up passed 9pm that is!

itchy fingers...

2007-09-30T19:10:00.000Z

I'm in!!

4 Birthdays and a Funeral

2007-09-29T04:14:00.000Z

Firstly...Thank you Yoshimi for joining Pay it Forward, it will be a joy to make something for you. If anyone else would like to join, I still have enough space for another 2.

Well, I'm glad that's over! I always dread September, for financial reasons more than anything, with J, the twins and Dylan (my sister too, but she doesn't live with us, so that's ok) all having birthdays within days of each other, makes for a bit of a struggle.
Thankfully the twins are young enough to throw anything at them, and they'll be
happy.
Dylan was pretty easy to please too and had himself a Dr Who (baddies) skateboard. He's got pretty good balance on it, though we only let him play on the carpet at the moment, one day we might let him venture outside!
J wanted to try his hand at pyrography. We have a stunning piece of oak given to us by my "dad" ages ago and J has always said he wanted to burn a backgammon board into it, so while he is still off work, he's gonna have a go!
I'm not holding my breath.
He also wanted one of them fancy flatscreen TV's (as our original had ended it's life with a bang - and a smell of burning plastic which lingered for days!). The new one is just your average 19" screen with built in freeview box.

Excellent,
we could take the old digibox upstairs and watch "posh telly" up there too. Perfect.

Nah! It just wasn't going to be that easy was it?
The flatscreen was upstairs for a while (until we got rid of the biggie) and worked perfectly...the TV we now have upstairs with the digibox works perfectly, but the damn flatscreen will not work downstairs! (Due to living in an area where the TV signal strength is..well...shit) Despite having drilled holes in the wall and had a fancy bracket with swivel arm, so when it wasn't being used, could be tucked out of the way...

Do you think we discovered this before 28 days?

Do you think we still have the packaging?

Of course not!
But J and his magic way with (certain) words, has managed to wangle us a refund. So this morning is to be spent at Tesco, (no doubt J will have to use his magic words there too) re-buying a TV & separate digibox, get it all set up, so I can get a TV set up in the boys room before Dylan's mates come around for a birthday tea party!
Oh Joy!
Funnily enough, the last time I bought something TV related for his birthday (we're going back to pre-child/marriage days now) it was just as difficult...some things never change do they?

Anyway, enough of the rambling!

I found this in my little newsagent
yesterday...

Sadly it's not a regular thing, otherwise I'd have replaced Simply Knitting with it, which is seriously beginning to bore me!
There are some nice patterns in here, definitely 3 I'm going to have a go at, along with many others in my list!
At the minute I'm doing some Christmas knitting.
This one I call "Autumn".

It's a scarf, knitted in "Needles" Quality Knitting Yarn, 70%Acrylic 30% Nylon, which I found in a charity shop, 200g for £1!
The pattern is "Falling Leaves" which is in Jan Eaton's book "200 Ripple Stitch Patterns"
I doubt very much I'm the first to come up with this idea, so I'm not going to call it my own!

For a decent sized scarf, I reckon it's going to take up all of the 200g.

A friend has asked me to knit a baby boy set too. I'd forgotten how fast these knit. I finished the back this morning.

wish me luck for all the patience required for dealing with customer service people....(sigh)

Pay it Forward

2007-09-24T05:25:00.000Z

Look at that, 2 posts in 24 hours,

you want more?

I can give you more!

I was just browsing through these wonderful blogs and on Blog Blethers' came across this...

It’s based of the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward” where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness are passed on. You all know I’m already a PIF type of person. So here’s how it works. I will make and send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I do not know what that gift will be yet, and it won’t be sent this month, probably not next month, but it will be sent (within 6 months) and that’s a promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

My gifts may be knitted, or may be another craft ... I will do my best to pick something that the recipients would like. So - the first three people to comment and say that they would like to PIF, will be my recipients :-)

Woohoo!

Funnily enough I began knitting for Christmas gifts yesterday...so I'm in the mood!

Uh...what day is it?

2007-09-23T06:49:00.000Z

It seems really weird to have gone from posting once a week (or two) to hardly posting at all, what's even weirder is that I have absolutely nothing to show you!

oh apart from a little sample of banana fibre:

(10sts - knitted on size 9mm straight needles. Blue fibre is 100% Polyester Knitting yarn. hmmmm).

I couldn't wait to see how it would knit up, and I really want to get my current projects finished before I start anything else.

Winding the yarn from hank to ball (with the use of a nifty swivel chair!) I discovered it is spun really tightly and often wound around itself...still, ever the optimist I carried on...disregarding the fact it was quite a tough yarn and slightly worried about whether it would be suitable for a garment.
So, I knitted up a little sample to see if a wash would soften it up a bit.

At first I didn't think it had. It behaved pretty much like cotton and bamboo, that is, it looks like it's shrunk, but left to dry and put back into shape, all is ok again. The wash worked and it is very much a softer fabric, definitely wearable. It still has that lovely sheen and a nice drape too, the knit has loosened up a bit, the afterwash sample is very slightly larger than the first.
But....It reeks! Really badly, like wax jackets when they get wet!
Next on the list is to give it a soaking in fabric conditioner!

Apart from that...my new Wednesday craft club was poop! But I am standing by with faith that it was the weather that put people off! That was poop too!

And then this:

Which I have been spending all my knitting time on at the moment...It's not quite finished, but getting there. I need to visit all the clubs and get photos done and write reports and things.

Well, gotta get back to it. Kids to feed and all that.

Jo...your parcel should be with you on Monday.

Love you all!

Technorati Profile

And the winner is...

2007-09-11T20:04:00.000Z

That's Jo , for the "Jack Sparrow's Favourite Socks" from this site.

(sorry I am a day late: excuses to be reeled off later!)

It was such a hard task trying to decide which was the best sock, I mulled over them for a day (excuse no. 1) and in the end wrote all the names down and asked Mavis to pick one out...

So, Congratulations Jo. I do like these socks, I haven't done any colour work in socks which will be a new challenge (as you know, I love to learn something new) I also like my pirates, although the films I haven't seen!

If you could email me with your address Jo, I'll get your yarn off to you asap.

A great effort from everyone though, thank you for taking the time to enter my little competition.
Also thanks for all the well wishes for J. He's home now and slowly recovering. He's been told he can't cycle for at least 2 months which is killing him! (not literally I hasten to add!) (excuse no.2)

Whilst J was away I had a bit of a re-shuffle (excuse no.3). You know how you start one thing, and it leads to another, and then another...and so on. Well, the original task was to put my stash into boxes as they had been messed about a bit due to laziness. I decided I didn't have enough room for all my craft stuff. J is always complaining that I have bits everywhere, so I suggested that we swapped offices. He ~~has~~ had the "dining room" with loads of space and an empty cupboard and a huge desk.

It's now mine...all mine!

I've not done a great deal of knitting, with me and the kids being back at school, I've just not had the time, but, my alpaca/silk tank has taken on a whole new look.

I'm happier with this one, it's moving with much more speed.
The pink bit is still the Debbie Bliss alpaca/silk blend. The purple yarn is Wendy Merino, which is so soft once it's been washed.

And as if I am not busy enough (I work better under pressure anyway, so I'm not complaining) I have been asked to move my craft class from the family centre up to the community school...woohoo...and I start next week! (and I'll get paid...YAY!)
I'm really looking forward to that.

For the local folks who read this: Look out for the flyers for a "CanDo Promo" thing we have going at St John's Church on Thursday ( 13th Sept) morning 9am - 12pm
I'm going to do a bit of machine knitting and scrapbooking this time and there will be few stalls going on with Needles and Pins and Yo-Yo Yarns and the Thursday Social Club. Refreshments, raffles and bargain stalls and a peek into the future of Community Activities Network Do!
Be there...please. :)

When the going gets tough...

2007-08-30T16:33:00.000Z

...the tough get knitting!

J has been in hospital this week for what should have been a 24 hour affair, but alas, he is still there (problems with the plumbing, if you see what I mean!). So what do I do? I break out the Merino and knit a Kokopelli Bag (from Knitting Daily).

and felted...
Knitted in Wendy Merino (blue and purple) Jaeger something or other with wool (light pink) and the bright pink used for the base was just an unlabled wool stuff!

I've also been working on The Beetle. I am so in love with this yarn, I'm going to have to be really good and write a letter to Santa for some more!
You can stretch it like this...

and it stays put until you smooth it down again.

I wanted to knit a textural pattern into it to give it a slight riple so I've knitted a little lozenge type pattern into it,

but I'm finding it hard to photograph it, this is the back though...

I'm quite pleased with how it's coming along.

Naturally it's been another busy week, just when I thought I could relax a bit before school started again (and I start my NVQ in Childcare Learning and Development).
Apart from trying to find friends and family to look after the kids while I'm rushing up and down to Haverford West (we have no transport at the moment so have been depending on the buses) to the hospital, one of the jobs was to sort out the twins' new glasses...

Don't they look sweet?

Thank You All!

2007-08-25T04:58:00.000Z

I would like to give each and every one of you a great big hug, it's hard to put into words, how much all those comments mean to me, without sounding false, soppy and ostentatious.

So, consider yourself hugged (I wonder if I could create a button for that?)!

Before I forget, can I please remind you of the Competition I am holding...you'll find the details in the right column under "Little Competition" (scroll down to the bottom of the page) the closing date is the 5th September so there is still time left and it is open to anyone.
Thank you (again) to everyone who has taken part so far, the socks are great, it's going to be a tough decision!

It's been another busy week craftwise.
I had been booked for an Art & Craft day at the Family Centre in Monkton on Thursday.
I was so impressed that the parents were willing to get involved and get as messy as the kids (it doesn't happen much in Pembroke Dock) and again "Thank You's" to everyone who helped out, especially Tracie and Becky who do a wonderful job over there.
To save bombarding everyone here with loads of photos, there is a post on my "Can Do Crafts" Blog about the day.

It was fun!

I am pleased to say "Alexis" (Lois Daykin - From the Rowan book "Little Treasures")is finished. A really easy and quick knit, and was there not so many other things that got in the way, it ~~would~~ should have been finished ages ago!

Knitted in most of the cotton, cotton/acrylic, and bamboo (mostly unlabled) that I had in my stash, on 4 1/2 mm straight needles.
There is supposed to be a hood, but because I desperately want to be working with the steel wool, the thought of picking up and knitting 200+ sts for the 1/1 rib button band and hood edge just filled me with dread!

So that's it, I'm off to play with some yarn....I may be some time!

Feel the love!

2007-08-21T06:04:00.000Z

I have to totally agree with Artis-Anne for her blog about communication. I love blogland, I thoroughly enjoy getting lost, going from one link to another visiting other crafty (and sometimes not) people, reading about their countries, their knitty/crafty information and all those amazing FOs WIPs UFOs out there.
There is some brilliant work going in blogland and as we are all linked in this hobby or job we are so proud to share, I always let them know I have visited regardless of whether they are successful designers or total beginners. I know when I receive comments on my work, it makes my day, it makes me feel proud, so why not do the same for others?
I guess that's why I have received this award, The Schmoozer!

I copied this from Anne's blog

"Schmoozing is the natural ability “to converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection. Good schmoozers effortlessly weave their way in and out of the blogsphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. They don’t limit their visits to only the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. They are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello - all the while fostering a sense of closeness and friendship".

And I thank her with all my heart for this award!

But, yet again it leaves me having to pick out people to forward this on to and that is the hardest job...ever!

Bella Blu Mama - I have only just come across her blog, we have a few things in common and although I don't "know" her that well, she took the time to reply to my messages, that's enough for me.

The Cabled Climber - Christina - another reasonably new blog to me, we "met" during the Tour de France KAL, visiting other members as well as me, giving support and inspiration.

Blog - Blethers - for her endless support.

Right, well now that's over, I'd like to introduce you to some...uh...thing.

I have been working (when I say working I mean, mulling things over in my mind, I have even lost sleep and patience over her!) on her for a while, and am pleased with the result...so far!

This is...The Beetle

Habu stainless steel wool ("wine" colourway) and 3 strands of Indian embroidery threads, 0/2 denier Viscose (Navy, Turquoise and Deep Green). Knitted on size 4mm Bamboo needles (I found these much easier than knitting this on the aluminum ones)

I searched and searched through my stash of machine knitting yarns for ages, twisting them and the stainless steel together, imagining how the fabric would look and feel, not completely happy with any one of them, either to harsh, too heavy for the steel to do it's thing, or just the wrong colour.
I sat, head in hands, I wanted something light, something that would soften the wool, something with a bit of colour...I suddenly remembered my Indian embroidery threads that I had sent to me from Bombay...oh a long time ago now, when I worked in the fashion industry.
As I was going to knit with thread anyway, why not knit with two! Actually four, to make knitting easier. Well, I don't know about you, but I'm pleased with the results.

Her intention is to become a rather long scarf, she'll fit perfectly into my wardrobe of mainly black clothes!

Best keep knitting then eh?

Save me from my own hand...

2007-08-18T06:17:00.000Z

arrrrggghhhh! I'm on a crafting overload at the moment, I have so much going on in my head that I can't focus on one thing.

Firstly, Alexis had been put on the back burner for a few days as I wanted to knit something for my friend's daughter who has just turned 1yr.

I searched through all my patterns (not that I find that a chore...I love looking through them all, imagining what yarn I have in my stash could be used to make each one...is that wrong? Am I going a bit insane? Please don't answer that!)

Anyway, I decided on the Peapod Set found on the Knitting Daily site. I didn't do the hat though, just the cardi and a little crocheted hairband...

Knitted in 170g Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, on size 4mm straight needles.
The pink stripe is Wendy 100% cotton.

It was really quick to knit, the back and fronts are knitting in one, and then sleeves sewn in.

Did you see that?

Yep, I can now crochet well enough to say..."I can crochet". It all just suddenly clicked, and I was left thinking, well, why couldn't I do this before?

So now my fibre possibilities have doubled, tripled even, how much can you do with a hook and yarn?

See the problem I'm having?

I still have this stainless steel thread going around my head too. Because just 14g is quite alot of money, what I do with it needs to be perfect. I suppose I could just do the kushi kushi scarf and have done with it. hmmmmmm

In the meantime...my wonderful anniversary present from my husband...

Ardbeg whiskey glass and water container (not that I would ever use it, the only thing you put in a whiskey, is another one!)
The glass has to sit on a leather ring as it has no bottom, that is, it's not flat.

J also bought me some of these...

Indian sweets from here.

He had to go back to Leicester, sadly, to the funeral of a very good friend of ours, JimG. He will be greatly missed.

One of the things I do miss about Leics are the Indian restaurants, not the ones for students, I mean the ones for Indians. Beautiful food, wonderful flavours and the sweets...to die for!

Finally, the tank I'm working on is coming along...well, slowly.

right, I'm off. I'm doing a craft stall for Kavanagh Park fun day today (fun? it's chucking it down!)

I Rock!

2007-08-10T18:38:00.000Z

...apparently!

I have been awarded this...uh...award (good job I'm not a speech writer isn't it - just excuse me, my brain is mush - I'll explain later), from Yoshimi. She reckons she's a naughty blogger, I reckon she produces some wonderful knits and yarns and she is supportive and inspiring. The first time I posted on her blog was in response to some coffee and tea dyed yarn (back in April)and recently discovered we lived in the same city...quite close too at one point.

Cheers Yoshimi...you're a star!

So now I have been left with the dilemma of who I choose...eeeek!

1. Dipsy Doodle - She is always so cheery, supportive, her blog is amazing and churns out socks like I do children!

2. Jo of Freestylefibre - Totally inspiring and yarn to dye for!

3. Mazzam Again - My SP10, who spoiled me so much during the swap.

4. Anne of Artis-Anne, again a very inspiring lady (and her daughter), supportive, produces amazing work and lives in the only part of the country that's better than here!

can I have more than 4? No? Bugger....actually I think you all rock!

OH YES! (meg ryan style)

2007-08-08T03:40:00.000Z

I was hoping to have an FO for you but a strange feeling came over me, I had this urge to catalogue my stash....
It's OK, I'm over it now! I don't have a huge stash, but it did take up all my knitting time over 2 days.

Alexis isn't far off now, 1/2 a sleeve and the hood. I'm dying to see it on Mavis.

Dylan bought me this for my birthday. This was the Dr (Peter Davidson) I watched as a child. J and I laughed our heads off! Dr Who is well known for it's cheap set and effects, but to see the difference between now and then...fantastic!

I also had these. I'd seen Wild Swans in Tesco and uhmmed and ahhed over it for a while as it had been recommended to me, I'm looking forward to reading it but I am enjoying Hangover Square too much to just put it down.

I also had these...

I help friends out in their pub from time to time, it gets me out of the house and them out of sticky situations (like, no staff turning up) so to say thank you they bought me these chef's clogs...I love 'em!

I also bought myself a few knitty books from Amazon, I've not had them yet (did they not know it was my birthday!?).

The very bestest treat was this...a UK site! Selling unusual (for me anyway) yarns. And because Nora keeps taunting me with her stainless steel silkyness...I just had to buy this.
I got the wool version because it has a better colour range (LOL). I really want some of that Shosenshi...I'll have to wait for Santa I think.

Heaven!

To add to my great gifts, a wonderful cake made by J and decorated by Jas and Dyl.

**AND a booking for an arts and crafts session. For the benefit of local people who read my blog, it will take place on the
23rd of August from 11am to 2.30pm in the Carousel Family Centre in Monkton.
Everyone welcome.
I'm not going to say exactly what we shall be up too, but there will be a bit of jewelry making for kids of all ages..and some bubbles!**

As this is my 100th post, a little competition:
I would like you to find me a sock pattern, not just any sock pattern, but one you think is perfect for me.
Anyone can join in, even if you have just stumbled across my blog.

Just send me the link to the sock pattern and a reason why you think these are MY socks, to my e mail address which you will find on the top of the page on the right.
Type "My perfect sock" in the subject line.

The prize! I hear you all scream.

You have a choice. Either:

200g of Crystal White Banana Silk

Or:

100g of Banyan Neptune from Colinette

The closing date for the competition is the 5th of September.
I shall contact the winner via email on the 10th of September.

Have fun!

A wise person does at once, what a fool does at last.

2007-08-03T06:03:00.000Z

It's my birthday on Sunday, I shall now officially be the wrong side of Thirty, the kids think I'm well old, and still not particularly wise! Charming!

J decided to buy me a guitar. It was always my intention to learn to play, so I could teach Jasmine (when we lived in Leics she grew up around music festivals and gigs as a lot of our friends were musicians and she thoroughly enjoyed it).
I assume he's decided to get it now before I get to old eh?

It's one of these
J asked the elder kids to choose a plectrum each for me....

Heh, heh, heh! They know me well!

Knitting is going well. "Alexis" only has a sleeve and right front to go, I'm not sure if I'm going to bother with a hood...we'll see.

As I said in an earlier post, I wanted to work on designing something for myself. It's been a while since I started from scratch and I want to keep my hands in, make sure those old grey cells are still working! Hah!

I've done my swatchin' like a good girl, damned if I can find the thing to show you guys tho'.

This is it so far:

Knitted in the Debbie Bliss Baby Alpaca and silk blend, that my SP10 kindly sent to me.
It's intention is to be a scoop neck/vest/tank type thing!

I'm off now to get an anniversary present for J, as it's our wedding anniversary on Sunday too.

Talking of anniversaries...my next post will be my 100th....so there will be another little competition....watch this space!

La Fin

2007-07-29T05:45:00.000Z

La veste est finie!

(excuse the bad hair, it was nearly midnight!)

Knitted on size 12mm needles with 600g of Robin Super Chunky (100% acrylic), Pewter colourway.

En tout :
J'ai appris comment tricoter 2 chaussettes en même temps sur une aiguille circulaire;
Tricoté 2 paires de chaussettes de cette manière;
fini une paire de chaussettes de mérinos sur DPNs
et fini la plupart d'une veste.
dans trois semaines!

(in English):
In all:
I have learned how to knit 2 socks at the same time on a circular needle;
Knitted 2 pairs of socks in this way;
finished a pair of merino socks on DPNs
and finished most of a jacket.
in three weeks!

During the final sprint I had to resort to the Paracetamol and Codeine as the pain in my wrists was becoming unbearable. I had to finish the jacket last night as I couldn't face another day of pain.
The jacket has turned out ok, it's not one I would wear myself as it's far too bulky, but quite a nice design, none-the-less.

I missed the time trial yesterday (though did manage to catch the highlights) as we had a good weather day so the kids decided to have their own Tour de France:

Tour de L'Ecole:

The school has a huge car park, and naturally it's empty during the holidays, so the kids had a race around it.

(can you see J in the background taking pics for his blog?)

J'ai tout à fait apprécié ce KAL, un grand merci aux organisateurs et j'attends impatiemment de le faire de nouveau l'année prochaine

(I have thoroughly enjoyed this KAL, a big thank you to the organisers and I look forward to doing this again next year)

I've tested positive for ...

2007-07-25T09:50:00.000Z

Knitting avoidence!

I have been wandering around blogland and knitty-sites. Knitting with size 12mm needles is hurting my wrists, I'll get going with it later, but first, let me share with you, what I found.
Firstly, inspired by Nora at Black Dog Knits, I have a little idea brewing in the back of my head based on this truly amazing scarf (and size 12mm needles) she has on her blog (I can't remember whether it's hers or not).

From the Tour de France KAL, all the knitters there are inspiring and I don't want to single anyone out, but pop on over there and have a look, there's some great stuff going on. Through Aunty H, I found this gorgeous hat from Knitty.com that is begging to be knit, I have the perfect yarn.

I have joined Knitting Daily, there are loads of free patterns incliding this, lacy thong!

And I thought I'd sign up for this Ravelry thing...is anyone else waiting or already in?

Found you!

* You signed up on July 24, 2007
* You are #20142 on the list.
* 13013 people are ahead of you in line.
* 883 people are behind you in line.
* 32% of the list has been invited so far

I won't hold my breath then!

For Dipsy Doodle: Recipe for Welsh Cakes

For Artis-Ann and Diedre: The pattern for the Robin Super Chunky Jacket

Here's some great pics from the Tour de France so far. I love the one with the sunflowers.

Just when you think you've got it all worked out....

2007-07-24T19:59:00.000Z

Well, I am so disapointed, have you heard the news about Vinokourov? What I don't get is how do they think they're going to get away with it, they get tested all year round?
Photo from here

Still, it was a good race again today...I bet they're all really feeling the pressure now they are so close to the end.

Me? I got injured on a rest day! Cleaning tins ready for recycling, there was a little "nick" on the edge which gave me quite a scratch:

The annoying bit is, it's just where my needles rest on my hand when I'm knitting!
My intention was to say that like Vino, I'll forget the pain and climb on up my mountain, but in the light of things...

My rest day consisted of some easy knitting:

This is the back of "Alexis", a toddler's coat from a Rowan magazine "Little Treasures", designed by Lois Daykin. Patterns like these, I feel are the best, totally simple, but eye-catching and intricate.
Knitted in whatever cotton; cotton acrylic mixes or babmboo I have in my stash, on size 4 1/2 straight needles.

After two and half pairs of socks, a steep learning curve on circular knitting, I need you all to give me a final push up the last hill climb, which will be to get this chunky cardi done. I have half done as you can see here:

and 12 rows away from finishing the 3rd quarter, I can do this!

For all you Tour de France boffins: If you haven't got this book yet, get it. I've not read it myself yet, but J assures me it's a brilliant read.

The "Soler" Sock is born...

2007-07-21T07:01:00.000Z

After posting every other day for the Tour de Frnace KAL, it seems like ages since I posted last time.

I did say that I would name the socks after the rider who won the Polka Dot Jersey on the day I cast off.

The lucky guy is....(drum roll).... Mauricio Soler!

I have been writing a pattern for the "Soler" Sock, the cure for SSS! I had a whole pair finished in 3 days it would have been 4 days had I actually made them knee length socks, but I thought, while I'm at it, I'd see if I could find the perfect cuff (for me) too.

Here is the Pattern for the sock.

I've not written many patterns for socks (and I have a terrible habit for forgetting to write things down) so if anyone does have a go, let me know if there are any problems.

I have also finished the never ending Husbeast socks!

These were knitted in Wendy Merino 4ply on size 3mm dpns (5)and used roughly around 70g

And the cycling socks have been tried, tested and approved. J says he couldn't tell he was wearing them! Job well done I think.

I have a few other projects on the go. I am determined to knit something for myself and have started work on something I am designing myself, I'll post pics another day,I'm also working on baby patterns for a craft stall I shall have at the "Fun Day" in August sometime.

Oh and the Robin Jacket which is being knitted for my LYS, which is half done now and although once you get started it knits quite quickly, it is so goddam boring!

But first...another pair of socks to find the perfect cuff!

Meet the family! (TdF knittin', bikes and welshness)

2007-07-16T06:17:00.000Z

The bikes had a wash yesterday, so while they were all out (and it's Tour de France week) I though I'd introduce them all to you.

These are J's who takes his cycling very seriously and is also a volunteer for the council to look after local cycle paths.
For a reason completely unknown to me, he decided to name his bikes. This is Charlotte (church)

This is the road bike, Catherine (jenkins)

This is mine, Bryn (Terfel)

Little J's bike is called Aled (jones) :

Have you noticed what's happening here? Yes, they're all named after Welsh opera singers...the problem we have now, is what to name Dylan's bike...

any ideas?

On the knitty front...the Japanese lace socks are coming on very well. I have turned the heel on both socks using a gusset (not sure if there's a proper name, but it's the one where you knit a panel, then pick up the sts along the edges) a much tidier heel I find!

I might even get these finished before the end if the Tour de France. Therefore, on the day I cast off the socks, I shall name them after the rider who wins the Polka Dot Jersey for that stage.
And, if I remember to write down all the instructions, I'll share the pattern with you too.

Just in case you haven't seen enough photos today...We had a bit of a baking day yesterday for Dylan, as he has an end of term party to go to this morning and needed to take nibbles:

Treacle Scones:

And Welsh Cakes:

Iechyd da i pawb!

And they're off...

2007-07-14T05:52:00.000Z

...the needles that is!
I have finally finished what I am calling the Tour de France socks.

Specifically designed for J to wear with his cycling shoes. Made with Wendy Merino 4ply, he says they are very comfy, though he's not road tested them yet.

I have learned so much on this Tour de France KAL, apart from the knitting socks on circulars, in my search to find the perfect sock pattern for me, 2 socks at the same time is a definite! While the figure of eight cast on I love, short rows for the heel are a no-no!
All the knitty stuff aside, I have also learned the various rules of the race, the team structure, the points system....it's been fantastic!

The guy I've been rooting for (any Australians sniggering at the moment?) Bradley Wiggins, (just coz he has great hair!)did well in the race yesterday.

I'm looking forward to todays race, this is what the polka dot jersey is for!

I have cast on my blue socks in the acrylic/cotton mix. I've decided to knit these in a japanese lace pattern (I'm going to make knee highs, not sure if I'll have these finished by the 29th, we shall see) from one of my books.

Talking about my books, I had a good book day last week. I found these in The Works (a cheap bookshop)for £7 for both!

Then went into the charity shop next door and found this for £1!:

As most of you know, I love old patterns, but particularly the 70's...look at this:

I love it!

Socks, glorious socks.

2007-07-11T04:49:00.000Z

I made good headway with the Tour De France socks yesterday evening whilst watching the highlights on ITV4. Another great race and thankfully no big crashes!

Photo from ITV.com
Didn't Cancellara do well? And how nice of Miller to share his polka dot jersey!

I'm now alternating between the green and the blue so I shall have both pairs finished at more or less the same time.

Tour de France socks.

"Husbeast" Merino socks.

J and I had a rare treat yesterday, as all the children are in school on a Tuesday afternoon, and instead of me disappearing to the knitting group, we decided to take a bike ride around the dock as the weather was dry.
We had a race to the top of the hill, which I won! hee hee!

We then had a quick cup of tea in peace before 3 o'clock came and we had to pick them all up from school. I always feel a bit like Cinderella having to leave the ball at midnight!

King of the Mountains!

2007-07-08T13:20:00.000Z

The sock tutorial I found was for knitting 2 socks on one circular and although it wasn't the challenge I had set out to conquer, it was still a challenge none-the-less and a pretty painless one too.

I bet Miller isn't saying that though! I hope he does get his polka dot jersey after all that hard work.

Edit 9.16pm:

And he did! Did you see McEwan's sprint? Where did he come from? Well done that man!

Onto that knitty thing: The needle I am using is slightly too big for this 4ply yarn but it's not too bad, I'm not starting again, I'll just learn from my very small mistake! That's what challenges are about afterall, right?
I have turned the heel on one of the socks. There is one method I really can't stand when knitting socks and that's short rows...I have never, ever been able to make them look good, but I think I did ok this time. As things are going well, I shall probably have these socks finished before the 29th so I shall knit myself a pair, using the original 2 circulars (if I can find the right pattern, feel free anyone to point me in the right direction) in this:

Which is a combination of an acrylic yarn I've had in my stash for longer than I can remember and Wendy Pure cotton in a fantastic turquoise.

Thank you for all your comments and good luck to you all in the Polka Dot Group!

Prologue

2007-07-06T21:39:00.000Z

I've been getting ready for the start of the Tour de France KAL. Researching the knitting of 2 socks on 2 circular needles and found what looks like a very helpful site here.

I've printed off a copy (for personal use obviously) to get a bit of practise in now.
I'm so looking forward to this, and pretty glad I'm not doing the actual race! Have you seen the route?

I had chance of a bit of me time today, with all the kids in school and an offer of a haircut for half price. I was a bit nervous to be honest, the last time I went to a hairdresser I spent £21 on a crap haircut! Since then I have just shaved my hair off during the hot weeks. As it doesn't look like it's going to get that warm this summer I decided not to get rid of my winter coat...and did this instead...

I'm well impressed, I had it washed, cut, blown dry and straighted all for £4.50. It was done by a trainee, but with supervision by a professional so really there was no risk of it getting messed up. I'm chuffed!
So, Pembroke Dock Community Web Blokes...spread the word, The Orange Room are doing half price deals if you get your hair cut by a trainee, well worth it!

And...I've been given a little present from Llanion Communities First and the Midsummer Festival Group for all my help....thanks guys!

ce week-end je ferai la plupart du temps...

2007-07-04T20:38:00.000Z

Les chaussettes !

I have joined the Tour de France KAL and have decided to go for the "Polka Dot" group, The Mountain Climber:
• Polka Dot Jersey – also known as King of the Mountains. You are choosing a project that is a challenge for you. You do not have to finish it before the end of the Tour. This category is all about learning something new, perhaps a new technique like entrelac or lace knitting, or maybe you’ve got a UFO that’s been hiding under the bed for way too long and you need a challenge to finish it!

I intend to learn how to knit two cycling socks (merinos for J again)on two circular needles. This will be a challenge, I'm terrified of circulars at the best of times! But this will also be fun. Sadly J has decided not to go to London to see the Prologue as he's a bit poorly, still, we can watch it from the "comfort" of our sofa together.

Talking of J, he has bought me a new toy...no! not that sort of toy! A new camera!

Which has Macro, which means instead of my close ups looking like this...

they now look like this...

woohoo!
And it was only £70!

That is Big J's sweater by the way, it has seen the light of day once again...(sighs) I will finish it this year, I will!

Once I have finished this...

I'm knitting this for my LYS, it is an odd shaped Jacket from Robin, knitted in Robin Super Chunky Easy Knit(it does exactly what it says on the tin!)on size 12mm needles!
I say odd shaped because it's knitted in 4 quarters, i.e, half the sleeve and a front, the other half of the sleeve and back (and so on for the other half).
But it is knitting up pretty quick and I should have it done hopefully by the weekend so I can concentrate on the Tour de France.

Until then...Au Revoir!

She's done it again!

2007-06-26T07:47:00.000Z

This woman is a star, she is the perfect pal and has made this swap a truly enjoyable experience...I have had plenty of bad experiences and had lost my faith in swaps.

I gladly reveal to you...Mazzamagain!

Her final package consisted of:

200g of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino yarn in a beautiful aubergine colour.

a selection of odd balls of yarn for my crafts group:
we have 140g of Bernat Soft Boucle, which I have just this second discovered has a pattern for a poncho on the back of the label!
(left to right)50g of Eyelash yarn, 50g of Plymouth Yarn, Furlauro which is super soft! and 50g of Moda Dea, Cache which is a wonderful green and gold. (I see a felted something coming up!)
and these cute balls of fancy yarn.

Also this wonderful needle felted pot thingy, which is just superb (so much so that J has inched it for his desk!).

There's still more! A Mason Dixon washcloth which apparently she had difficulties with...I don't believe it for a second, it is beautifully knitted, as always, another gorgeous pair of handmade needles, 9mms. I can't express in words how much I appreciate these.

and if that's not enough, she also sent a relaxing lavender pillow, a knitted flower making kit and some Horse Chestnut Soap.

Thank you so, so much!

On the knitting front:

I have started on J's merino cycling socks.

I decided on the "Husbeast" pattern. It's quick and simple as J wants them for when he goes to see the Prologue to the Tour de France which is in London this year for some unkown reason!

What a day week!

2007-06-22T05:34:00.000Z

Well, it's been a funny old week, a very wet and windy week, and a pretty hectic one too!

The exhibition in town went ok, it was quiet but then the building it was held in is one that people tend to ignore unless they actually need to go in there! But the ones who did venture in, did enjoy what they saw, phew!

The Sunderland Flying Boat: In the glass boxes were parts of the engine that they have already retrieved, the rest of the plane is still on the sea bed in Pembroke Dock which they are hoping to raise soon. I'd have taken pictures but with them being behind glass, I'd have just got a load of glare from the flash.

Hobo's photographs: The title of the exhibition was "Past, present and future". While they are spending money on restoring places of interest and historical buildings, the rest of the town is going to ruin!

I asked the children from the local school to imagine what they would like to see in Pembroke Dock in the future: The pictures were amazing and they had some fantastic ideas like wildlife parks and aquariums...so let's hope the town councillers are taking note...after all the children are our future!

The Millenium Falcon: Was built here in the 70's: These are the only photographs left which is a big shame.

Funky Forum: which is a youth group get involved with local artists and crafters, these were made with Josie Coggins.

Sunday was the open art workshop on the park, thankfully it didn't rain, not just because it would have spoiled the day, but I was in a tent and undoubtedly would have been trampled! It went really well, sadly I haven't got any photos of this one as I was far too busy, but the kids got involved in some fabric decoration, cardboard loom weaving and card making.

Yesterday was pretty hectic too, we had to take down the exhibition as John needed his Flying Boat engine parts for another exhibition he has on. I can't thank John Evans enough, he was so helpful, supportive and a walking encyclopedia! Thank you to everyone else who helped me, especially Llanion Communities First, everyone who got in touch about the Millennium Falcon and Yvonne Earl.

I had a few hours then to put the finishing touches on the Welsh flag for the parade through town.

"Chryfder chan Hundeb" which means "Strength from Unity" which is on the Pembrokeshire County Council's coat of arms, only in Latin!

The head is made up of beads and buttons, the body and legs are padded, the wing was made using reverse applique, i.e instead of adding fabric as you would with applique, it's done by having a pile of fabric and then cutting it away to reveal different fabrics underneath. The tail in knitted and woven.

Jas and Dylan carried the flag through the town.

Other parade pictures:

Luckily the rain held off for the afternoon otherwise these wonderful, huge paper puppets would have been ruined. Aren't they fantastic, I love 'em!

While all this was going on, the twins became stars over night! See here.

and then there were interviews and meeting about starting an NVQ at the school for Childcare Learning and Developement, which I start in Semptember.

Think I may curl up and die now!

Silly daft bint!

2007-06-13T20:39:00.000Z

(me that is!)

I spent the very small hours this morning drawing a dragon and slowly enlarging it to this:

and tomorrow was going to the library to get it enlarged even further, so in the end would be A2 size.

I went to one of my drawers this evening and discovered I had this:

I'd completely forgotten about it. When we first moved here from Leicester, Jasmine had asked if she could have a Welsh flag for Christmas. J had to search everywhere (funnily enough) to get one. As Dylan got taller he kept pulling it down off the wall, so it was packed away until all the kids (as we then had twins too) were old enough to look after it!

Still, saves me a job in the morning!

This is all for a banner I am making for the Pembroke Dock Midsummer festival. I shall make most of it and then let kids loose on it at my art workshop on Sunday.

"I can do anything, she says,

2007-06-10T14:23:00.000Z

...she says, with a smile". (if you're interested, that's a line from "Anne's Song" - Faith No More)

WW Knit in Public Day went far better than I expected, I should have more faith I suppose but Pembroke Dock does seem to be notorious for broken promises...hence "The Pembrokeshire Promise"

Naturally my mates turned up they are good at supporting me which is wonderful and I love them all for it!

In all, 18 knitty people turned up, not all at the same time though and loads of passers-by stopped to see what we were up too, and not only too move us over either, (as we did start to spread out a bit!)but to share their own stories and memories of knitting, which was lovely, and after all, is what it's all about.

A big thank you to my mates "I love you!" (said in drunken slur), to everyone who turned up, Tony for letting us borrow his cafe and the girls working on the day and to Radio Pembrokeshire and Llanion Communities First for the "craft bags" and certificates which went down very well.

J has been on a mission of his own today. He has been cycling around much of South Pembrokeshire, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Research.

He managed 45 miles in 3hrs and 3/4. Not bad considering he's poorly.

EDIT 12.06.07: I have just been handed a few more photographs of the event:

(shhhhh: don't tell any one, but that pink haired one is a right geeky cow!)

I am such a geek!

2007-06-08T05:04:00.000Z

I seemed to have been knitting this for ages. Although the actual knitting didn't take that long at all, it was probably all the other stuff I've been doing!
Anyway, the bamboo cardigan I was working on for my LYS is finished and shown here, being proudly modeled by Jasmine (who is quite disappointed it isn't for her!).

another really nice lace border, just using YF, K2tog and so on,
the the last row is COff 3, place st back on left needle, CO 2, COff 5, place st back on left needle, CO 2, COff 5 and so on.

The bamboo was lovely to knit with, I didn't have any trouble with splittiness (is that a word?) at all, I did however, have trouble sewing it together, because it is such a drapey/flowey (I'm full of made up words today!) fabric, if I pulled the stitching even slightly too tight, the knitting got pulled out of shape. On the whole, a nice knit.

Communities First have very knidly laminated some certificate thingys for tomorrow, which was very nice if them, thanks guys!
I am sooooo nervous about tomorrow, I'm sure it will be fine, but that doesn't stop the butterflies from emerging!
My band has let me down (well half of it anyway) but the one guy won't play on his own, so it's a big hunt now to see if I can find a replacement. I'm not too worried about it though, it's not like people are paying to see them...sigh.

I am really excited about today though...

Katy Woodhouse (from the Western Telegraph) has put a piece in the paper about the Millennium Falcon being built in PD, which has generated people to come forward with their tales, having worked on it, or have pictures. I am meeting one of the people today and waiting for an e-mail from someone else....ooooh!

On a final note...I have a strike from Stashalong (well I will have, I've not told them yet!).
Since J is a cyclist, he know's that Merino wool is fab for cycling clothing, it's warm and being wool, draws sweat away from the skin. As a sweatshirt would prove to be incredibly expensive he has asked that I knit him some socks. So, off to the LYS I went...

and came back with these...

The three at the back are Wendy Merino 4 ply in blue and green (I have 2 of each) and couldn't resist the yarn at the front, Wendy "Supreme" Luxury 100% cotton 4 ply in the most gorgeous turquoise colour! I though these would make good socks too, for me!

I'm going to have a go at a pattern I found on the Anti-Craft site.

In a previous life...

2007-06-03T07:33:00.001Z

...I must have been a "Judoon" hee hee! We wear the same boots...

Okay, mine aren't quite that high, I only have 3 buckles.

These pics were taken on Friday, when we went to Cardiff to see the Dr Who exhibition. J and I had kept it a secret until we were queuing to go in, naturally the posters everywhere gave it away. The kids thoroughly enjoyed it (as did us adults) it was a bit small though and incredibly crowded, but worth it to see the kids faces when they discovered what was happening! Before that they were happy they'd been on a train and a bendy bus...

...seen the Millenium Centre

...and fountain...

Both were pretty impressive,

as was Dalek Sec! I won't bore you with the rest of the Dr Who pics,

I will leave you though, with a picture of a couple of winos I found sleeping on a bench!

You can't hide from me.....!

2007-06-03T06:32:00.001Z

I found this on Knifty Red's blog...

riggwelter --

[noun]:

A person with a sixth sense for detecting the presence of goblins

'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

(well it's a bit better that the result I got for Ang, which was "extremely flatulent")

Nifty!

2007-05-30T04:25:00.000Z

As you may have noticed I have had to change my progress bars because I stupidly deleted the ones I had, which had to be uploaded from a file in my documents. I was doing a clean out of pics and deleted the file too!

D'oh!

So, searching for more progress bars I found this nifty little thing

You add the CSS to the Template (if you're using Blogspot not sure about other blog hosts) click on Edit HTML, scroll down until you find SIDEBAR and C&P it in there.
If you want to find colour codes go to FONTS & COLOURS as you click on a colour, it gives you the code in a little box.

Then copy the HTML bit into HTML/Javascript on the "Add a Page Element" page.

And that's it.

Cool!

Spread the word!!

No Sheep Swap

2007-05-30T03:02:00.000Z

I have received my swap pal for the No Sheep For You Swap and have finally found the time to contact her...

And mine has contacted me and given me a few questions to answer:

What Items do you covet but they aren't readily available in the UK? (I live in Canada)

With the internet, pretty much anything is available, easy to get hold of is something else. Living in the middle of nowhere doesn't help! Seaweed Yarn is the one thing I have struggled with.

What fibers have you tried, what haven't you tried but would like to?

I have tried all the usual fibres, acrylics, wool (which I am slightly allergic to), cotton, bamboo, I haven't knit with silk yet but my SP10 has kindly provided me with some alpaca&silk, I would love to try the yarn made from seaweed and also recycled sari silk (the colours are always so vibrant).

What are your favourite colours? Do you prefer solids, semi-solids, verigated or self-striping?

I like most colours, I've never used a self striping, just because my LYS doesn't stock it (but I'm working on her). I have no real preference, though I don;t really like bright greens or orange.

What other swaps and KAL's are you in?

I'm Stahalong-ing at the moment (but that doesn't stop me being given yarn, I just can't buy any!). I'm also part of Fair Isle Forever and Design it Yourself but haven't made anything for these two groups for a while due to lack of time at the moment.

What kind of things do you enjoy knitting?

Hmmm...There's not a specific item I prefer to knit, I like to knit something that I will learn a lot from, a difficult pattern or a new stitch or technique.

Is there a technique that you have yet to try but want to?

Yeah, socks on two circulars (another item my LYS doesn't stock...which is annoying!)

What sort of movies, books and music do you like?

Movies: I like scary (but not gory) and I love my Sci-Fi and Kevin Spacey.
Book: Sci-Fi and Fantasy.
Music: I like my music loud, (I love Nick Cave), I like Classical, Folk, Ambient, but I listen to anything really, apart from Drum&Base and Rap.

Thank you Ms Mess! (great pseudonym by the way)

My first HL!

2007-05-28T02:27:00.000Z

To people outside of the Moblog world, this means nothing...to those inside, it means my pic has been chosen by the editors as a damn fine pic and has been HighLighted!

I'm chuffed anyway!

A man of many talents...

2007-05-26T04:05:00.000Z

My husband spent most of yesterday getting this...

(there is actually a celtic border on the right hand side, not sure why that's not scanning though...hmmm)

and the little certificate as mentioned in the poster, finished.

I'd say he's done a grand job!

I'm really looking forward to this, just hope people turn up now!

Oh WOW!

2007-05-24T18:34:00.001Z

Look what I discovered last week, I can't believe i didn't know this before, I suppose people had just got used to keeping this a secret...for nearly 30yrs? That's a well kept secret!

As I am organising an exhibition of Pembroke Dock's history, I'm going to make a big thing of this, it'll be great for the kids and as one of the gentlemen at the meeting I went to on Wednesday said "for the dads too" and why not throw in the mums, I love my sci-fi!

I'm also going to research the Sunderland (a flying boat) which sunk here.

Pembroke Dock is such a small town but has some wonderful history which I am slowly discovering, weazeling it out of people is proving difficult though, but I have faith (just about) and I'm sure it will all come together in the end.

Lots of pics...

2007-05-24T04:58:00.000Z

My SP has truly spoiled me yet again, I could marry her! Look at these...

200g of pure heaven! Debbie Bliss Baby Alpaca and silk blend, I can't put into words how soft this yarn is.

Another pair of hand made needles, 4mms this time...(eyes have glazed over...)

Lots of sheep goodies: a pen, a little money box for "mum's night out", a PEZ sweetie dispenser, the cutest note cards and Wool Fat Soap...from Malham...that's my most favouritest place in the world. Are you in Yorkshire Ms SP? I don't suppose you'll tell me yet.
Oh and yes, underneath that lot is actual real Liberty Tana Lawn...how wonderful!

It's fantastic isn't it? There's just enough to line a special handbag for me.

And last but not at all least, a card with a photograph of Katie Aggett's Wedding Dress (scroll down the page)
Thank you so, so much SP...

In Knitting land, not a great deal is getting done, I've been to meeting after meeting this week, but I'll bore you with that later!

The bamboo cardigan is coming on nicely and I have changed my mind, I will have enough, the front uses less than 50g so ...big sigh of relief.

I have to show you these puppets Dylan made for a puppet show we put together for a class at school. The poem I had to write was to be based on a nursery rhyme, Dylan chose Humpty Dumpty, he also like boats, so Dyl decided Humpty Dumpty was going to sea.

Aaaagh! She got me!

2007-05-16T18:36:00.000Z

I have just been tagged by Yoshimi for "7 random things about me"
hee hee!

Here are the rules:
"Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog."

My seven things:

1. I am truly British, I am a Welsh girl (i've lived here most of my life and my fraternal family are all Welsh), who speaks English, I was born in Scotland (and only stayed 2 yrs)and love Irish whiskey.

2. I shave my hair off every summer as I can't stand it in my face when I'm already stressed about being too hot!

3. I can't eat chocolate as it gives me migraines...:( I have to be careful with cheese too.

4. I love all music, and I mean all, there isn't a music genre I won't listen too, although there are genres I prefer....generally loud!

5. I am usually introduced as "Angie, you know, her with the boots that look heavier than her".

6. My school nick name was "Ang-Ganj" even though I never touched the stuff...(at the time - ahem)

7. My house is full of musical instruments, an electric double organ, a guitar, bodhran, penny whistles and a recorder, I can barely play the recorder!

Now...who do i tag?

Jo
Kath
Fibrejinx
Kendra
Anne
Diedre
Jaime

I have had such a busy week, I haven't done much knitting at all. I did make a start on Big J again now my hands are looking a bit better.

The bamboo cardi is looking good too, but I think I'm going to run out of yarn, even though my tension is correct...hmmmm

Thank you all for the help with getting boys interested in finger knitting.
Had I remembered to take photos, you could have seen their faces light up when I mentioned guitar straps and spider-man webs!
I'm really annoyed with myself for not taking pictures because at one point the hall was completely covered in my yarn, with the ones who weren't that interested running around with it all!
It was a good evening though, and they want me back in 2 weeks time to teach knitting and weaving.

I've just heard a bloke on TV describe Swansea as the "Chicago of Wales", that's got to be the funniest thing I've heard in a long time! Apparently it's names after the vikings called the "Swanes" who settled there.

So there you go, a little bit of useless information for you!

Weaveworld

2007-05-11T02:22:00.000Z

Damn good book that one, if you like Clive Barker!

I digress...already!

Yesterday (assuming that it's already tomorrow...at 3am, it still could be today!)was the first day of my art and crafts group that I have been banging on about.
Having decided on teaching cardboard loom weaving, (something simple, easy to make and it can either be developed into something bigger or just left as a simple weaving and kids can have a go) I spent much of the night making my own and typing up a little hand out, then spent most of the morning wandering if I was doing the right thing, was the hand out going to be understandable, was I able to teach and would anyone really turn up?

No need for any of it.

It was a slow start, but that's fine, it gave me time to get a coffee in and calm down. 7 people turned up in the end, thankfully, not all at the same time!

Anyway, I'm not going to bore you all on this blog, if you really want to hear all the gory details, then click on "the Knitting tent" on the right there.

It's been confirmed, I am organising the setting up of an exhibition in Pembroke Dock, of Pembroke Dock (thrilling I know!)I have 4 weeks! It's going to be fun though, I love a new challenge and I've just had an email from a lady (her daughter is in the same class as my eldest) who's willing to help. Phew!

Since joining this Can-Do group I've been roped into all sorts. I am visiting a group called "Funky Forum" (I'd never heard of it before, which is typical of here, nobody shares anything, you have to go looking for it and it's not like it's a big town!...the girl who runs it lives two doors away from me, two doors!)to teach finger knitting to a bunch of 7-15 yr olds and I get paid for it! YAY! And once the summer holidays are over they want me in to teach crafts. Cool.

I could do with your input on this one, encouraging kids to finger knit.
Girls are easy, the knitting can be made into belts, scarves, hair bands...but how do I encourage the boys?

Then a finger knitting workshop, and a craft stall for the midsummer festival, which looks like it will be fun this year. Busy busy busy!

To YO or not to YO...?

2007-05-08T20:03:00.000Z

"I hadn't thought of that. When do you say YF and when do you say YO? I'm very confused now!"

Good question Kendra. (You have got to check out this lady's Stole!)

I personally would use a YO if I was making a new st between a purl and knit stitch, that is, the yarn is in the front and instead of YB (yarn back) you take the yarn over the needle to place it in the back ready for the knit st (does that make sense?)

As the new st is being made in between 2 knit stitches, the yarn is already in the back, so I would YF, then make the next knit st, which in turn would also be taking the yarn to the back, over the needle. But I would use YF as that is the first command, or, is it that the whole YO process is to bring the yarn forward and then over?

Oh damn! I'm all confused now!

I'm probably just reading it differently to everyone else, I did teach myself to knit after all!

So what are all your opinions?

(again, Nora, please don't take this the wrong way...I'm in no way saying your pattern is wrong...)

ssssshhhh.....

2007-05-08T02:55:00.000Z

*whispers* don't tell anyone, I've discovered (well I knew for a while) I've been knitting Nora's pattern wrong. I knew there was something not quite right, but I blamed it on the yarn being a bit bulkier. But when you see Nora's sock, she has holes in the middle of her cables, I, on the other hand, do not. So I checked out her pattern,

Rnd 2 P2, *K1, YO, K1, P2; rep from * to last 2 sts, K1, YO, K1.

and I realised that I was doing a "yrn" rather than a "yo". I think if I was writing it I'd have put a "yf" there instead, which then creates a hole.

(Don't get me wrong, I'm not dissing your pattern, just reading it differently).

So my next plan is, to finish the socks (as the 1st is done), then do another pair, toe - up, with holes included.

Which just goes to show, I can't stick to a pattern if I try!

what does your birthday mean?

2007-05-07T10:34:00.000Z

Yet another quiz I have pinched from Knitman (hope you don't mind Mr Knitter)...I like this one, it makes me look intelligent...hehe!

Your Birthdate: August 5

You have many talents, and you are great at sharing those talents with others.
Most people would be jealous of your clever intellect, but you're just too likeable to elicit jealousy.
Progressive and original, you're usually thinking up cutting edge ideas.
Quick witted and fast thinking, you have difficulty finding new challenges.

Your strength: Your superhuman brainpower

Your weakness: Your susceptibility to boredom

Your power color: Tangerine

Your power symbol: Ace

Your power month: May

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Listen to the yarn...

2007-05-07T05:33:00.000Z

When i found that Sirdar yarn stashed in a cupboard, the first thing it said to me was "socks", just quietly whispering away, everytime I passed the bag it would whisper "I want to be a sock". I ignored it and went about my intentions of finishing "Intoxicating", knitting more Bamboo, strangling the kids...
Which worked for a while (the ignoring, not the strangling)until yesterday morning when I was wondering around Black Dog Knits blog, drooling over the yarns and fabrics and patterns. I came across this one and the yarn screamed "That's the one, that's the sock I am destined to be!"

And here she is...

It's knitting up pretty fast, nice simple pattern, although I do still prefer a toe-up, I thought I'd stick to the pattern (for a change) as

I'm not that confident in my sock making.

I'm quite pleased with it, and a big thank you to Nora for sharing her pattern.

My husband has finished his second project, I can't help feeling proud, he's now on his third...no stopping him now!

I couldn't resist...

2007-05-05T08:36:00.000Z

I pinched this from Yoshimi...again!

Mark with bold the things you have ever knit, with italics the ones you plan to do sometime, and leave the rest.

Afghan
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colours
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies...)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items)on two circulars
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else's handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

It's done!

2007-05-05T06:12:00.000Z

Now I'm really feeling nervous. The posters are up, so it's just sit back and watch them roll in...ok so it's more like making a plan for the day print out copies of my knitting booklet, write a weaving one, collect as many bits of cardboard for making looms as I can, remember how to finger knit and I think I may go into town today and get some crochet needles, not that my crochet skills are that good, I'm gonna practise on a site I found through Brenda's blog, who still hasn't got back to me...hmmmm.

Communites First was actually open yesterday, apparently all the staff have been on holiday. Sarah knew who I was before I'd even given them my name! She's been after me to help organise an exhibition of Pembrokeshire artists, and organise schools to put something together for the exhibition too. "Pembrokeshire Through a Looking Glass" how crap is that for a title? I think I'll go for it, I love a challenge, and I love to do this kind of thing anyway, although it's all still voluntary work again...I live in hope that one day I will get paid for doing this.

I also told them about the World Wide Knit In Public Day on the 9th of June, as I wanted some funding to produce a little badge or something to give to people when they took part, but because the Can-Do group is not a constitution we can't get any (a bit of convincing is needed methinks) but they have offered me a craft bag...

Ha ha..Lovely isn't it?
They have said that if I produce a certificate, they'll laminate it for me and apparently the Family Centre have a badge - maker so I'm going to make it a project for the Can-do-arts group to design a badge for the event!

As for knitting, Billy's rompers are finished.

That's it!

I had so many plans for getting stuff done this week. I had forgotten that Jim was off to Cardigan on Thursday to do a poetry gig with Mark Gwynne Jones, which leaves me alone with the kids for 2 days, no chance of getting anything done then!
I spent yesterday morning moving out glass cabinet out of J's office into the space under the stairs, in there I found this...

I never intended to be a secret stasher, but it seems I am! I think this lot will make some nice socks.

This weekend I intend on getting the front of "Intoxicating" finished, I've only got one shoulder to do! and get started on a sleeve. I have to make sweaters...front, sleeve, back, sleeve...I just can't do the same part twice, I'd get bored!

Oh and if I haven't bored you already...
Kath pointed out to me that Bamboo didn't like getting wet...this is what I found out.
I'm usng a tape, and haven't had any trouble with splitting, I'm also using plastic needles (which are too light for me) which might be helping.

Anyway, just thought I'd let you know my findings as I'm going along.

Knitting adventurer eh?

2007-05-02T19:29:00.000Z

I found this quiz on Yoshimi's blog

You appear to be a Knitting Adventurer. You are through those knitting growing pains and feeling more adventurous. You can follow a standard pattern if it's not too complicated and know where to go to get help. Maybe you've started to experiment with different fibers and you might be eyeing a book with a cool technique you've never tried. Perhaps you prefer to stick to other people's patterns but you are trying to challenge yourself more. Regardless of your preference, you are continually trying to grow as a knitter, and as well you should since your non-knitting friends are probably dropping some serious hints, these days.

I'd pretty much agree with that, although I'd say I'm a bit more advanced than "following a standard pattern".

I do love to play rather than actually finishing a garment, that's my excuse anyway and I'm sticking to it!

Oh I so want some of this...

How yummy does that look?

And we're off...

2007-05-01T16:51:00.000Z

After a bit of a slow-go in the Knitting Tent department, due to silly rules and whatnot, I've managed to sort out venue with no childcare problems!
The problem at the church hall was what was I going to do if I was to end up with too many children to deal with, a problem I had thought of myself, but also thought, well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Chances were I wouldn't as toddlers go to school at 2yrs here, but I needed parents to have the choice, I didn't want them to feel they couldn't come just because they had children, I also wanted families to be able to create art together, thus building bonds between parent and child as well as bonds being built within the community.
The church hall owners were concerned about the insurance for children, with it being a community hall, I didn't think it would be a problem, but they did!
So I contacted a group here called the Genesis Project, who are qualified childminders used to help people on a low income to get out to work, go to interviews, to get training and not have to worry about paying for childcare. They said no as I wasn't providing a qualification and the creche would have to be separate...ok, so that wasn't an option.
Just when I felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall, one of those little light bulbs flashed above my head! The Family Centre! Registered childminders and space...

It was all sorted in a day. The first session starts next Thursday, so it's a night of redesigning posters for me, well no actually it isn't as I'm off to keep a mate who's feeling down company tonight, so it will be a very early morning redesigning posters, so I can get them out...everywhere!
I also need to change the name, long story, but it will be a Craft Tent, rather than knitting...some folks are very territorial and there is already a knitting group rivalry going on!

Sorry for the rant, but I do feel better now, and excited and nervous!

I am in love with this bamboo...it knits like a dream, very much like cotton, but silkier and has a beautiful sheen to it, I recommend trying it out, and at £2.50 ish for 50g, you can't go wrong.

Shoulder bag is finally finished and ready to be sent off.

There is a pattern here if anyone is interested. I'm quite self conscious (or is it paranoid?)when it comes to writing patterns and don't show them often in case I've missed out something crucial or not changed something I should have done, feel free to say if you think there's something wrong, I won't learn otherwise!

twice in one week!

2007-04-28T04:26:00.000Z

In fact, twice in 24 hours, I have been proved wrong again (naturally, being a woman, I am right most of the time!).
You remember in my last post I said that the Internet was the only place I could get decent yarns (not that the yarns in my LYS aren't 'decent' just dated and well, boring). After visiting Tony (who agreed to me having the WWKIP Day in his cafe. YAY!) I went to the LYS to see if I could get something for Jaime (I'll tel you about her later). Gwyneth proudly told me she had finally taken over the shop and was trying to bring in some new stock (phew!), and took me out the back, we're not
talking just out the back, but the very, very back, where she had odd packs of yarns she was intending on having a go at selling and I am pleased to say she made some good choices but the best of all was Bamboo, yes, Bamboo in Pembroke Dock! (can you feel the excitement?). Jokingly I said to her "so, what's next then, seaweed?" (a customer in the shop looked at me as if I was stupid!), Gwyneth agreed and said if I put together a list of what yarns are fashionable at the moment, she'll see if she can get them...Oh YEAH!!
She's asked me to knit up a garment to show off the Bamboo yarn before the other colours come in, although she can't pay me, she is going to give me a discount on the yarns I buy from her...woohoo!

The Bamboo smells so earthy, it's wonderful!

Look at all this yummy yarn! It's ok Stash-along-ers...none of it is mine (humph!)

The yarn in the box was sent from Jaime (Winged Orange) in America, donated to my craft group. I can't stop saying "Thank You Jaime!" your generosity is so much appreciated.

I had the daunting task yesterday of writing a CV, it's got so much harder than it used to be, nowadays you have to get down so much information using the fewest words possible. I'm applying for a job as a Dental Receptionist, all they're asking for is that I'm polite (I can do that) and computer literate (uh...), so we shall see.

Pleasantly Surprised

2007-04-26T04:51:00.000Z

I bought some yarn from the Natural Dye Studio via E Bay, oooh, a long time ago now. A pink cotton ribbon yarn, in a sale. Now, I know around here, it's the only way to get decent yarns, but I do hesitate when buying from the internet as I can't touch the yarn, I can't smell it (people must think I'm mad when I stick my nose in a ball of yarn) nor can I become one with it, and let my mind drift with the possibilities of what the yarn may one day become.
As usual, I uuuhm-ed and arrr-ed for a few days before I made the commitment to buy this yarn. I was so dissapointed when it arrived, the colour was less intense as in the picture on the net, it was dusty and felt awful, so, in the stash it went and was forgotten about. That was until my SP sent me a couple of balls of a deep red cotton and knew instantly it would sit well with this ribbon yarn, if I could face touching it again.

So last night I fetched it out, slung the skein around my feet (please God tell me someone else does it like this)as I don't own a swift, and made balls. I wrote a pattern for a little shoulder bag, without thinking about it too much, began knitting.
Now here is where the surprise came...

The yarn (which is something like flattened i-cord) was lovely to knit with, it behaved, knitted up pretty fast (on my new handmade 6mm needles, courtesy of my wonderful SP) and produced a smooth springy fabric.

After blocking the first side of the bag this morning, and was pleased with the result, (the stitches opened up and sat nicely together) I thought I'd see how well it would behave with a lace pattern...

I love this edging, the last time I used it was for a baby blanket I made for Jasmine just before she was born. I think it looks really effective, for such a simple pattern and a bit of casting on and off.

As for the rompers, they're looking much healthier now and should be finished by the end of the week!

See, all is right with the world again, it's amazing what a bit of a tantrum can do!

I'm also pretty enthusiastic about the WWKIPday which is happening on the 9th of June. I have a mate who runs a cafe in a shopping centre (don't let your imagination get too adventurous, it only has about 5 shops in there) in town which is under cover, has lovely food and coffee and close too toilets which is crucial to old ladies and kids, trust me, i know!
I also met a couple of musicians (one of whom is married to a knitter...see where I'm going?) who, if nobody else in the shopping centre minds, might like to play...
I shall have word with Tony today after my meeting with Communities First (a local work finding, grant finding, group) who aparently, already know me...hmmmmmm

Right, off to get the kids ready for school...have a nice day folks.

Hee Hee

Just when you think it's all going right...

2007-04-24T05:36:00.000Z

...it all goes wrong!

I've been continuously knitting these rompers for my friends' new baby, I had got to the 1st sleeve and realised that I wouldn't have enough yarn to finish the second! Arrrggghhh!! So I have ripped both front and back, back to the beginning of the 'jumper' part of the rompers (Deep breath) and will have to start again with a different yarn.

Ok, well that's not so bad, annoying yes, but fixable...

After taking the twins to school (and after having to run after Ollie, falling out of my clogs, twisting my foot, pulling a muscle in my thigh, completely embarrassing myself by swearing, loudly, in front of a group of school kids and walking home in wet socks) I set about sorting out the kids bedrooms so they would have more space to play in (my house is far too small for 4 kids!) all going well, so far, then the twins get home and trash the place again!

My husband, as you know has joined the knitting world, so to make things easier for him to find the yarn he needed (I usually keep it under my desk as I know which box holds which yarn it's easier for me to just fetch it) so I rig up something to the back of the bedroom door as an experiment, to see how much yarn I can get in it, before the door won't open... It doesn't work, so in my frustration I think "Sod it all!" and promptly chucked it all in bin bags and throw it outside!

This morning I was feeling a bit stupid about my little tantrum and am lucky that I was able to save the yarn (it had been raining all night) I had a really good clear out and any yarn that isn't a full ball has been chucked in the shed to donate to the craft group I'm setting up. I've also done the same with all my papers/cardmaking stuff.

So, feeling a bit better about having less crap around (and a bit more space in the bedroom) I begin to take it upstairs, only to come back down to green glitter all over the living room (arrrgggghhhhh! again) It's 5am and I can't get the hoover out until I come back from the school run. So, no doubt the kids will go to school covered in the stuff! Does this tidying up malarky ever end?

Room for my Soul

2007-04-22T06:05:00.000Z

Pinched this from Knitty-Prof!

What Your Soul Really Looks Like

You are quite expressive and thoughtful. You see the world in a way that others are blind to.

You are a grounded person, but you also leave room for imagination and dreams. You feet may be on the ground, but you're head is in the clouds.

You believe that people see you for how you are, not how you look. But deep down, you know that's not exactly true.

Your near future is still unknown, and a little scary. You'll get through wild times - and you'll textually enjoy it.

For you, falling in love is all about flirting and feeling playful. You couldn't fall in love with someone who took life too seriously.

Inside the Room of Your Soul

Movies

2007-04-21T06:56:00.000Z

I stole this from my SP, so no linkies

1. Name a movie that you have seen more than 10 times.
The Last Samurai

2. Name a movie that you've seen multiple times in
the theater.
I don't go to the theatre/cinema multiple times, we don't have one near us!

3. Name an actor that would make you more inclined to see a movie.
Kevin Spacey

4. Name an actor that would make you less likely to see a movie.
Jim Carey (shudders)

5. Name a movie that you can and do quote from.
uh...Ghostbusters - "If someone asks if you're a god, you say YES!"

or Wayne's World - "Sha-wing" LOL!

6. Name a movie musical that you know all of the lyrics to all of the songs.
The King and I - "Getting to know you, getting to know all about you"

7. Name a movie that you have been known to sing along with.
Oh Brother Where Art Thou - superb soundtrack!
"I am a ma-an of constant sorrow, I've seen trouble all my days" George Clooney has a great singing voice (amongst other things of course!)

8. Name a movie that you would recommend everyone see.
Oh Brother Where Art Thou, one of the best films I've ever seen!

9. Name a movie that you own.
Many, many movies.

10. Name an actor that launched his/her entertainment career in another medium but who has surprised you with his/her acting chops.
Roger Daltrey of The Who.

11. Have you ever seen a movie in a drive-in? If so, what?
Nope, we're lucky we have electricity!

12. Ever made out in a movie?
uh, yeah...Candyman!

13. Name a movie that you keep meaning to see but just haven’t yet gotten around to it.
Oh there's loads, I want to see Apocolypto.

14. Ever walked out of a movie?
No, I could have walked out of Shrek 2, but that wouldn't have been fair on my daughter.

15. Name a movie that made you cry in the theater.
Little Voice.

16. What’s the last movie you saw in the theater?
Shrek 2

17. What’s your favorite/preferred genre of movie?
I hate chick flicks!

18. What’s the first movie you remember seeing in the theater?
It was either Ghostbusters or 101 Dalmations (the animated one)

19. What movie do you wish you had never seen?
The Bridget Jones Diary, I watched it to see what all the fuss was about, it was poo, as I expected!

20. What is the weirdest movie you enjoyed?
I can't remember the title, the french one about a cyclist...

Oh isn't Google a wonderful thing....Belleville Rendevouz

21. What is the scariest movie you've seen?
Poltergeist, I was 13 when I first watched it, I can't watch it now!

22. What is the funniest movie you've seen?
Road Trip.

New Baby in the Family!

2007-04-16T07:04:00.000Z

NO! Not mine...

Some friends of mine in Crewe have had a new baby boy, Billy.

So it was time to get those thousands of baby patterns out again. I have some great vintage patterns that I would love to work on, but I'm not sure anyone actually dresses their babies in pilches anymore!

I decided on a romper suit, pretty basic, quick to knit and I'm changing the pattern just slightly.

This is knitted from stash yarn, again, the ball bands are missing, the white is an acrylic boucle, knitted together with a cream cotton. The blue is also a cotton, which is amazingly soft, wish I could remember where I got that from.

Looking through the vintage patterns I found these peculiar things...

they are golf stocking tops! How cool are they?

Knitting Dads

2007-04-14T13:17:00.000Z

It would be cool to see more blogs like this...

KnittingDads

I'm on a mission!

2007-04-12T07:02:00.000Z

I went to a meeting on bank holiday Monday to give my ideas to a new community project starting up here.
One of which was a knitting tent (more of a craft tent really, it just depends on who, if anyone is gonna turn up)getting young 'uns and oldies together and promoting knitting to those who think it's a geeky thing (how dare they!).
The other was a touring knitting group to visit care homes for the elderly in the area.
Both have been accepted!
Woohoo!
I've been given the use of a church hall, and the land around it, so we can go outside if the weather is nice (the owners are just discussing days between them) and they are keen to get it going ASAP!
Eeeek!
A rather loud splash into the deep end methinks, still, it doesn't give me a lot of time to think about it, just get on with it!

I've done my poster...what do you think? Really, what do you think, your opinions, good or bad will be gratefully received.

I put an ad on freecycle for any donations and I've already acquired 2, yes 2 knitting machines (how can you have one of those in yer house and not use it?) and a bit of yarn.

If it is successful, I might try and get Brenda Dayne (of Cast On) over here as she's not too far away. How exciting!

Paradise!

2007-04-09T03:47:00.000Z

I spent most of today tinkering with my garden, I wanted to create a little space just for me, somewhere where I can knit, sketch and ponder.

With a great deal of lugging and digging, I think I have finally created (or will have done once the Hostas and Chinese Lanterns take hold) a little bit of paradise.

It may not look like much, but when I think back to what the garden looked like when we moved here nearly 4 years ago now.

For 2 of those years I couldn't do anything as I was pregnant with twins (luckily I had just finished laying the paving!) and suffered with cronic fatigue, it was heart breaking to watch the garden returning to a mass of weeds and brambles after the hard work I had put into clearing it up. The following year the twins were too young to be sitting outside for long hours so spent most of that year trying to keep the bindweed off. It's a shame that weed is disastrous to gardens as it has a lovely flower.

I love Alpines and Heathers, they withstand such harsh weather (good job too). They come in the most unusual shapes, textures and colours too.

This canoe I found in the top of the garden, what a waste! Sadly it would have cost too much to get it sea worthy again, which is a shame, I would have loved to get back in the water, I've kinda lost my confidence with the sea. I think the last time I had a canoe was when I was 13, that's a long time ago now! But I kept it for old times sake!

The next thing to do now is get some grass seed down to try and get some kind of lawn going on, instead of clumps of grass!

I sat out in the evening once the kids had gone to bed and spent it listening to the birds, mainly Blackbirds, Wood Pigeons and Starlings and was briefly visited by a Robin.
I've started work on a mystery piece of knitting, it's as much a mystery to me as it is to you. I have a couple of ideas as to where it's going, but I'm just waiting to see what the fabric is like once I've done a fair bit.

I leave you with my Easter Chick mug and Costa Rican Coffee. Good night.

a poet in the making?

2007-04-09T03:32:00.000Z

Jasmine greeted me the other morning with a poem she had written for me. This is the first time she's had a go on her own.

My Mum is kind, is kind,
she will ask you if you will mind.
Mummy, Mummy I wish on you.
When I stand in front of you
everyone will stand behind me,
we will make a queue.
My Mum is kind, is kind,
she will ask you if you will mind.

Jasmine Harwood 7yrs.

She's really into poetry at the moment and has grasped rhythm really well.

Success!

2007-04-06T10:35:00.000Z

My first felted bowl!

My sister gave me a lovely present of Colinette Point 5 (100%wool) Chunky and some Classic Adriafil Ibiza, which is a ribbon yarn (100% Cotton)

Stupidly I forgot to take a photo of it before sticking in the washing machine! I could have a had a great one too, Ollie was wearing it as a hat!

Blocking in the sun over a Pyrex bowl.

Et voila! One quite nice felted bowl, which is actually bowl-like!

I could have done with putting it on a lower temperature, I put it on 60 degrees, and it felted severely, but then it was pure wool.

Secret Pal Contest.

2007-04-04T04:14:00.000Z

I have been asked to answer these questions by the Secret Pal 10 hostess.

1) How old were you when you learned how to knit?
2) Who taught you?

I must have been about 7 years old when I learned to knit, I was still in Primary school as I remember having an argument on the school steps with another girl who could also knit and she thought she had invented a new stitch and I kept telling her "No, that's a 2x2 rib!".
I had a great little book from which I learned most about knitting basics, I can't remember what it was called now but it had lots of little frogs wearing scarves and leg warmers, I think there was a little baby blanket in there too, there was probably more but those are the ones that I remember.
My mum was a knitter, but I have no memories of knitting with her, she's not alive now, but I'm sure she'd be proud that I studied knitting technology.
I spent a great deal of time as a child playing with a huge black bag she had stashed in her wardrobe, full of knitting paraphanalia and was told off frequently for loosing needles and tangling wool!
It was probably then when she bought me my first pair of needles. I remember it was when I lived in Dursley, Gloucestershire. I was 6 then, but I can't imagine I understood knitting instructions at that age. The argument I mention before took place in Fairbourne, North Wales, I was 8 years old then.
After the "frog book" I moved on to one of those Harmony books of knitting stitches and made lots of little squares, familiarising myself with knitting instructions and terms.
Ok, so that answers question 2 too, one person who really stands out is textile designer Pam Hemmings (if I remember rightly she was taught by the John Allen) who I studied under at Carmarthenshire college, she taught me that knitting was so much more than scarves and sweaters, it was a much more versatile craft. She taught me about knitting yarns and what each one is capable of when manipulated and so my knitting became much more scuptural and free.

Pam supported me, inspired me and was very proud when I was involved in a Jaeger handknitting competition! She taught me all I know and even now I go back to her notes. Thank you always Pam! (This is quite possibly her...as there is no photograph I am not certain!)

"Little Competition" Winner...

2007-03-30T08:55:00.000Z

I'm having to do this now as I'm going to be away on the 31st.

The book was, of course...

Roald Dahl's "James and the Giant Peach"

The winner is Kath of Kath's Krafty Kreations

Well done Kath!

Please emai me with your address and choice of sweet/savoury and I shall send it when I get back on Wednesday.

So that's me finished here...SP's parcel has been sent off, now I have a load of stuff to do before we go to Leeds to see my baby sister. Sadly she's not on the net so I'm going to be itching to get back!

Have a good Easter folks, see you soon.

Charity Shops

2007-03-30T02:39:00.000Z

I love 'em (there's a lot of love flowing today isn't there?).

I found this great book yesterday.

Golden Hands are great! I have the whole collection of magazines at my parents house, (I must remember to bring them back with me next time I go over).

This is such an interesting book with loads if information, from Antique embroidery stitches to Zip fasteners. More importantly Crochet stitches:

and more knitting stitches (you can never know too many!)

Isn't this dress adorable?

I Love my Secret Pal!

2007-03-30T01:44:00.000Z

Thank you soooooo much for my pressies, they are brilliant!

I nearly didn't get it today as I was out, but the good thing about living in a small town is that everyone knows everyone! As I was walking to the shops the Postlady screeched to a halt and gave me my parcel, which I opened with my mates in the cafe, drinking good coffee, a perfect afternoon.
I couldn't wait to blog the contents!

She has sent me the most wonderful pair of handmade knitting needles, I nearly cried when I saw these...I have aways wanted to own handmade needles, my husband said last month that I could by myself a pair every month, and that would be my birthday present, but with this imminant move to Yorkshire, we need to save money so it has had to be put on hold. So thank you so so much SP!

Also, not one but two balls of Mission Falls 1824 Cotton in a lovely aubergine colour, I have the perfect yarn for this to go with in my stash, I didn't know what to do with it as there wasn't enough...this will go great with it!

I had added in the Pal Questionnaire that I collect old knitting patterns...I love these that my pal sent me, they are perfect! One of my friend worriedly asked me if I would actually knit these patterns! Oh definitley I said... I intend to bring back tank tops with matching socks! (I'll dig out that pattern one day!)

This is my favourite! I will have to use this one against my kids SP...

Also, yes there's more! A lovely smelling bag of bath confetti, a superb postcard and all wrapped in tissue paper of a gorgeous colour blue and green.

Oh and...

a plastic tube, hmmmmm...only joking although I could now publish a book titled "100 and 1 Things Children can do with a bit of Plastic Tube" !!

Thank you so much SP, I hope your secret pal treats you as you have treated me xx

2007-03-27T04:40:00.000Z

I've just borrowed this little exercise from Daisies Blog (I'm not even sure how I came across it) which I thought might be interesting.

1. Go to Wikipedia and type in your Birthday Month and day only.
2. List 3 Events that occurred that day.
3. List 2 important Birth days.
4. List 1 Death.
5. List a Holiday or Observance. (if any)

Events:
1305 - William Wallace, who led Scottish resistance to England, is captured by the English near Glasgow and transported to London for trial and execution.

1962 - Marilyn Monroe is found dead in her home.

1993 - Popular trading card game Magic: The Gathering is released. First collectible card game to date.

Birthdays:

1862 - Joseph Merrick, The Elephant Man

1930 - Neil Armstrong, astronaut

Death:

2000 - Sir Alec Guinness, British actor

Holiday or Observance:

Croatia - Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day.

...and it was!

Isn't it nice when things work?

2007-03-25T04:00:00.000Z

It seems like ages since I posted, and you'd think I'd have something to show for it!
I've not done a great deal of knitting at all. We have been seriously de-cluttering the house.
There is a possibility of a move up to Yorkshire...nothing is definite yet, but the house could do with a bit of tidying up anyway.
Whilst getting rid of junk on Freecycle, I came across this...

That someone was giving away, I couldn't believe my luck, it's a £230 bike, she had put on the post that it desperately needed new tyres...so what! I snapped it up!

It turned out that all it needed was a good clean and the tyres pumping up, it runs like a dream and all the gears work perfectly too.

During the de-clutter I got my old knitting machine out to see if it was still working, I've not had it out for ....well, a long time! Must have been my lucky week, she was still chugging along nicely too!

Jim asked me to make him something to keep all the remotes together and out of reach of the kids, (they like to use them as mobile phones!) so I knocked this up in 2 hrs! I forgot how wonderful a knitting machine is! I even remembered how to use the holding position!

It's made from a narural coloured cotton and a light beigey coloured chenille (from the stash) knitted together to give a firm fabric.
(there's a pattern here if you're interested)

And so while the creative juices are running...I've started on a bit of tapestry weaving too...which hopefully will turn out something like this...

Oh and another thing, I've had a request to make some felted bows for holding pot pourri from a local hand made candle shop! Best get going with those too!

The intention is (providing I can remember how to do it) that the leaves of the tree will be fluffy...You can make loops (using a pencil I believe) which can then be cut to make a pile. I love the way you can see the direction of the weave, oh I'd forgotten how much fun this is.