RoxyKnits

Cor Blimey

2009-10-18T23:00:00.000+01:00

Yes I am still alive. Not blogging but definitely doing ok. So much has been going on that blogging is way way down on the priorities. Gotta admit I love Twitter and prefer that. Nice and quick. Suits me down to the ground.

So what have I been up to? Well we moved into our newly renovated detached bungalow last weekend that has taken 6 months to renovate from when we purchased it. It needed everything doing but is just gorgeous now. We even had an extension built :)

Luckily we still had our old place to live in but still its been a hell of a slog. DH has been working all day then going straight to the bungalow every evening and working there all weekends. He's exhausted but the worst is over & we totally love living here. No darned stairs - yippee!! And a fab new south facing garden that Scruffs and me both adore :)

We live in a very quiet area with a lot of bungalows and a lot of friendly elderly neighbours. The man next door has 2 dogs which Scruffs loves and he gives Scruffs treats so he has a friend for life now lol.

Knitting is sporadic as you can imagine. My projects are on Ravelry though photos are really behind. I did manage to get some knitting out last night for the first time in a week which was a lovely feeling. Mostly though I'm too exhausted.

Things should start to slow down now, though there is a ton of stuff to move from our old place, some stuff to finish here and then our old place to sell. Oh yes, and we're still waiting on an oven. It's only been on order for a couple months........

I have been trying to read blogs but just haven't had time to comment. I'm here in spirit though! Would love to see you on Ravelry or Twitter. Have fun x

Boo!

2008-12-21T21:30:00.001Z

It was all going so well last post wasn't it? But the jobs took their toll and I started getting a sore throat every day and swollen throbbing glands. Not a good sign so I cut down. Too little too late I'm afraid and had a relapse once we came back from our annual week in St Ives. I knew it was risky going but we discussed it and made sure we would have rest breaks for tea/food throughout the day and get taxis back to the flat. And we did. But I didn't have the best sleep there due to work on the water mains and after coming back home woke up feeling like I'd been run over by a bus.

I was so unprepared for a major relapse. I really thought things would eventually just keep getting better, though really slowly. To find I could hardly do anything for myself again was crushing. A visit to the docs and my meds were increased. Thankfully I feel better in myself now which is good. Body is still crap though. Walking is a challenge and now I have pain in my legs so have painkillers for that. But I'm still knitting and have gotten some lovely pattern books too, like Kim Hargreaves ones and the fab Love to Knit Socks. I just couldn't resist getting 2 skeins of Malabrigo Sock Yarn which is gorgeous and asking nicely to be knitted up.

After the shock of the relapse I talked to my doctor and realised that not reading up about CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) was a seriously bad idea. And pretending that Post Viral Syndrome is not another name for CFS is frankly, quite stupid. But PVS doesn't sound so bad does it? And not so permanent either. Though it can be depressing reading about CFS, you also learn that you can deal with it and more importantly, how to pace yourself to avoid those relapses! So I've been doing a fair bit of reading and practising this pacing lark and making sure I have breaks during the day. Surprisingly, knitting in front of the TV doesn't count as a break! Who knew? I'm not very good at total relaxation but I'm learning and getting better at it.

So back to the knitting. I would so love to show you a bundle of FOs. Like I used to. Can you believe I've been ill for over a year now? But I need to accept that I won't be able to churn out 20/30 projects a year now. That it doesn't matter as long as I'm still knitting and enjoying it. And enjoying it I am. But I do have one lovely FO I finished last month from stash. Gorgeous bedsocks :)

My finishing/WIP pile grows and grows. I rarely have the energy to complete the finishing bit as it takes concentration and I'm such a perfectionist. It's frustrating but there's no point stressing over it. They'll get done when they're done. Currently I have 1 and half socks sock, one snug boot and one slipper. Plus Dawn and Cherish to finish sewing up. Though to DHs amazement I've been walking round wearing one slipper. He thinks I'm crazy. Who cares, I love the slipper! It's sibling will arrive soon and I won't look so mad then :) Pics will go on Ravelry before they get here lol :)

Last but definitely not least, we have a new addition to the family to keep me company. His name is Scruffs and he is TOTALLY ADORABLE!!! Isn't his sweater cute? A real quick pattern from Ravelry using less than a ball of Big Wool.

So have a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year!

Oooh Hello!

2008-07-30T23:00:00.001+01:00

Well it's been a while hasn't it? Summer has arrived, well kind of, one day glorious then the next chucking down with rain. But it's lovely to see the sun, however long it decides to stay out! So what have I been up to? I finally finished my STR Firebird socks from last years club kit which are fab and fit just perfectly.

I managed to start a 'proper' pattern and have finally finished the back of Joy from Kim Hargreave's Nectar which is an amazing book and am almost finished with the struggle of the first front. I'm finding the pattern a bit of a challenge, brain fog/tiredness and the inability to follow a pattern properly has lead to rather a lot of frogging! But I'm plugging away at it. It is a gorgeous design though definitely does not come natural to me, especially right now. Of course had I chosen a plain SS pattern I'd have been fine I expect, but I didn't. I fell in love with Joy so thats that and I'm so glad I actually managed to find a book to buy for the spring/summer season. Hope I get a chance to wear her though before it gets too cold!

Being part of the Socks That Rock club has continued to be great with the most amazing colourways arriving in the latest and previous kit. As I only just got the latest kit will post a pic next post (ha ha!) but will tempt you with pics of the previous one. As usual purples never photograph well and it is much much nicer in the flesh. I was almost tempted to start them but this is one season of the year I can live in flip flops so usually give sock knitting a little break. Not for long though!

I've been to the docs and the homeopathic hospital and both are pleased with my progress. I feel better in myself, brighter and more confident. It's a good feeling! The tiredness still continues, but we're all hoping that will catch up with my brain. I always keep myself busy and occupied as its great to feel like you're accomplishing something. Whether its online competitions that I'm currently addicted to or becoming self employed so I can earn a few pennies here and there, much of it from home.

The main reason for becoming self employed is that I start to pay Class 2 NI contributions and so qualify for benefits in due course in case I should need to. Working part time unbelievably meant I could claim nothing. So even though I was able to claim Incapacity Benefit, I wasn't entitled to it. Being short of money when you're ill isn't a great combination. We're not in dire straits but my wages used to pay for all the extras and of course my yarn addiction ;)

So our annual holiday to somewhere exotic in May was off this year. Not helped by the fact that I wouldn't have the energy to get to the airport never mind anything else.........but still, I missed that we weren't going anyway. So it cheered me right up to win a 2 night break with Premier Inns. I've wanted to go to Monkey World forever so we're going to Bournemouth next month and will get to visit Monkey World. I'm really looking forward to it ;)

Thank you all so much for the lovely birthday wishes. I did indeed have a lovely time and could quite get used to being pampered all day and got some lovely gifts, some of which you can see. I surprised myself by enjoying the sauna and aroma room though couldn't stay long the first time lol! But the massage........ooh........was to die for ;) Our meal that night was perfect in our favourite indian and I got lots of lovely pressies. And finally got to wear my gorgeous eternity ring that DH had bought for me for my birthday. Lucky me eh?

Lixie Knits It tagged me ages ago and I did say I'd do it so here goes:

1. What I was doing 10 years ago
Blimey. I can't remember 10 days ago but here we go. Living in Finchley, North London in my gorgeous garden flat. Had recently split up with seriously bad news part-live in boyfriend. Decided I needed to get my head round things so went to Maldives for the first time where I had an amazing time. Was working in the City of London for a commercial bank that was part of the HSBC group. Yes, those were days when I earnt good money and got great benefits......

2. What 5 things are on my to-do list for today (but won't get done)
DH's self-employed accounts
Dusting - ha ha ha!
Catch up with online comps
Check online accounts
Sort out old DS & PSP games to sell

3. Snacks I enjoy
Kettle Lightly Salted crisps.......oh yum yum! I did love the Chilli flavour but it gives me blisters and other unwanted side effects :( Oh, yes and Hula Hoops. Perfectly portable in case of an energy boost. And peanut tracker bars. I have one with a banana for breakfast. Or that would be lunchtime by everyone else's standards.

4. Things I would do if I was a billionaire
In view of umm the current political climate in a certain African country I'd rather like to hire an assassin. Really necessary me thinks and can't understand why it hasn't been done yet. Also, would travel all over the world and either fund or set up an animal sanctuary, or several. And build a eco-friendly home with solar panels and other lovely gadgets.

5. Places I have lived
Hornsey, Finchley, West Hampstead, Kilburn, Kentish Town, Finchley (again!), Bristol & Weston-Super-Mare.

Thats it folks. I will try post quicker next time though I'm finding if I over do things workwise (yes again) I go backwards and absolutely nothing gets done and it takes ages to try and catch up. But I will make an efffort, especially as I need to show off my lovely STR kit AND the goodies I bought in the John Lewis sale. Noro Kochoran for £2.70!!! Yup, you read right. So obviously I HAD to get it. I mean at that crazy price. They'd just reduced it again and I knew the sales assistant and she told me. I hadn't even spotted it. And she told me about the 90p a ball Rowan 4ply Cotton that may or may not have jumped into my shopping bag! It's been a while since I bought some stash and boy did it feel good.

Oh yes, and now we have fish. Yes I persuaded DH that yes we did NEED a tropical fish tank as I was fed up with the 'yes you can have one when we move' response. The fish are great, I'll try and sort out some semi-decent pics soon :)

Oops & Birthday Celebrations!!!

2008-04-29T23:30:00.001+01:00

Here are the finished lovely Evolution bedsocks :) Lovely and cozy to wear. Unfortunately they only lasted a week! Read on........I have a couple of stupid things to own up to!

The first would be putting the bedsocks in the washing machine. It does say gentle machine wash on the label, and I've put plenty of socks in there before though not STR ones as I learnt from that mistake! Although they never ruined the socks thankfully ;)

So I was rather suprised when they turned out like this........DH was laughing his head off though I think he's more bothered about it than I am. Not much I can do about it is there. So if anyone has a little girl that wants some felted socks, just let me know. They were lovely while they lasted....... and now I know Evolution felts like a dream :(

The other stupid, or daft thing just shows why I can't follow patterns any more. I'd been working on and off on my Colinette Point 5 jacket and decided to sew up the ends on the final 2 pieces left in the lounge. The rest I'd already pressed in a mad half hour ironing spree. So there I was, trying to make sure the ends didn't show on what would be the zip sides of the front, but I couldn't understand why I had so many joins on those sides. Usually I only join in yarn on fronts where it will be hidden in seams. Anyway, as puzzled as I was I carried on quite content. I then laid out both the fronts and got totally freaked out as I couldn't get them to match up. One seemed to be shorter than the other and I just couldn't work out why. I spent 10 mins trying to match them up but eventually gave up and went to bed, figuring I'd try and work it out the following day.

The next day arrived and whilst I was pottering about it suddenly dawned on me. I'd been trying to 'match' the sleeves to one another. The fronts were upstairs already pressed!!! I never used to be stupid, honest. But its one of the side effects of either the illness or the meds. It's rather funny when you think about it, but slightly worrying how long it takes me to figure out what on earth I've done.

But I have been getting better and am managing to make the Firebird socks from the STR kit quite nicely thank you ;) Curly Cable inspired me when I saw how lovely hers were looking on Ravelry and I've already finished one sock. I only knitted the cuff for 5" as I don't like my socks too high, but realised after working the foot long enough to try it on that 5" would have been ok as the sock has a garter stitch heel which is alot shorter than my usual heel flap heel. It didn't matter anyway as when I tried the finished sock on, it fit perfectly :) I'm now working on the 2nd sock and can't wait till their finished. I thought I'd taken a pic of it but haven't so you'll have to wait till next time ;)

The lovely Curly Cable nominated me for the You Make My Day Award a while back and I was chuffed to bits so thank you very much :) My nominees are:

Knit Only But Also for her fabulous style (we like the same things lol), wacky humour, awesome knitting, superb finishing, kindness and for being my blog friend ;) She always makes me laugh and goes on fab trips and makes me jealous with wonderful photos.

KnitDevil for being a wonderful cyber pal who's so much fun, generous beyond words, incredibly kind and makes me laugh even when things get tough. She got me my KP Harmony's AND my STR sock blockers. KnitDevil also has a wicked stash which I love to watch grow on Ravelry!

I could nominate some more but then the post would never ever get finished.........

And the reason for another post so soon (for me anyway) is that its my 40th Birthday on Wednesday! I know, I'm quite shocked too. How did this happen? Knowing how long I usually leave it till posts thought I'd announce before rather than weeks later..... I'm going to a local spa for a top-to-toe day and DH is coming with me until after lunch when he'll come home and clean the house whilst I continue being massaged and generally pampered. They know I've been ill a while so its no problem if I need to crash out at any time. I have to get up earlier than I'm used to so that will be quite a shock. I'm looking forward to it and my homeopath did suggest massage therapy :)

I had a good doctors visit last Friday and she was really pleased with my progess. The black bags and listlessness are gone and its nice to have someone notice improvements. We discussed ME/CF again as my energy levels are still pretty non existent. But baby steps are the way to go and I'm managing my 5-8 min daily walks quite nicely. In addition CF would be treated the same way as depression anyway, so I continue on the meds, take plenty of vits and go on my little walks. She also suggested trying yoga or yogalates too. I've done yoga before and really enjoyed it so that will be good for rainy days. Like today!

Of course I can't go without leaving you with with this unusual animal video. Our animals are all well and healthy and currently Roxy is sat in his new sand bath looking really cute and trying to chew the ceramic edge. He's rather puzzled why he can't. Bless. There is a reason we bought a ceramic one to replace the chewed plastic one!

Is It Spring Yet?

2008-04-08T20:00:00.000+01:00

I had in my head the idea that I'd post once a month. Seemed fairly reasonable. Until I got the cold from hell that quite a few people have suffered with and it managed to wipe me out for over 2 weeks. Not fun at all. Needless to say, very little knitting got done ie. even less than usual! I have my DH to thank for the cold as he generously passed his on to me.

I got my own back though on his birthday by being really ill so we couldn't go out for a meal. The culprit this time looks to be an egg yolk. Trust me, you do not want to suffer from allergies and food intolerances. The egg caused another week of illness and flu like feeling. None of which is helping my weight gain. I'm already lactose intolerant and have to be careful with egg , milk & cheese, but for some reason I react much more to the tiniest amount of dairy nowadays so thats it for me with dairy from now on. Apart from butter which seems be ok.

On the good side, my strange red, blistering tongue allergy issues seem to have cleared up. One day I just looked at my tongue and could hardly recognise it. Its been a couple of years since I had a normal tongue, but there it was, all looking lovely as it should be. I have to thank homeopathy for that and am so pleased I can eat without getting blisters. Wonderful! Fingers all crossed it continues ;)

I had a review with my doctor and she's pleased with my current dosage. And taking the meds first things seems to work much better and I've had hardly any nausea or side effects. Yippee! I'm still trying to put on weight but haven't lost any more so thats a start.

I have to apologise for being behind on replying to posts and reading blogs. I'm the same with household post and bills too. They just seem to pile up and up.........

And for some knitting news. Not much but here we go. I got my 1st STR kit of the year and am super pleased with it. Makes me even more glad I rejoined. Isn't is pretty? I've actually just got the 2nd kit (can you tell I started this post a while back but never managed to actually post it....) which is gorgeous. As its newish I won't post a pic yet, but will do next time.

The lush Jailhouse Rock STR socks are done and dusted and have been several times. I love them. Can't get over their amazing colours.

Remember the Evolution I showed last post? Well they're being knitting into bed socks and I've finished the first sock and working on the second. It was real slow going for a while, they yarn is really soft but has no elasticity, and I started to lose interest. But now I've tried the sock on, I love them. Boy is this stuff soft. Won't be hardwearing, but I don't need them to be. So hopefully it won't take too much longer to get the 2nd one done. It's already taking forever as it is. Then I can get back to my favourite STR ;)

I didn't buy any yarn at all in Feb or March. I thought the new Rowan mag was uninspiring and neither VKI or IK had anything that really excited me. I managed to find a preview of Rowan Studio 9 that has Calmer designs but didn't like that either. Oh well, at least I can't spend what I don't have. But surely there must at least a booklet I can get! I mean, to go another month without knitting purchases is unheard of. I don't count subscriptions but I've even cut down on those. And may cut down on Let's Knit as well if the next issue is as awful as the one before last. Shame as that one seeemed to be different to the others at first.

Update: I managed to make knitting related purchases - only small ones and not yarn but much wanted.

This is just a perfect easter picture and just made me laugh. Can't imagine Thunder like that :)

Hope everyone had a lovely Easter. We had a nice quiet one. Wasn't the weather awful though? Thank god it won't be that early for a long time.

This is a photo of what my windscreen looked like after being vandalised a week last Friday night. Yes, it was outside my house and CSI have been and taken photos and measurements as there were footprints all over the bonnet. As well as scratches and dents. Hmm, teenagers are definitely not my favourite species at the moment! As if we haven't got enough stuff going on as it is! But its now been replaced so once more driveable.

I'll leave you with this video. I don't whether to laugh or cry. It takes spoiling animals to a whole new level. The last part is just unbelievable! And there's more on this one, it looks all quite normal at first, then just gets crazier and crazier....... the quality isn't great and the sound track is urmm, not my thing but you have to just watch it :)

A New Year

2008-01-31T22:30:00.000Z

Happy New Year! Can't quite believe it's the end of January already. But I always find Jan & Feb fly by and to be honest, I'm rather glad. Cold, wet gloomy weather really doesn't do it for me funnily enough! Roll on spring please...........

To prove I've been knitting here are my last 2 FO's of 2007 which brings a grand total of 26 . Substantially down from previous years but never mind. I've given up knitting anything that requires reading a pattern so that really leaves just plain socks. But combined with STR yarn they are the perfect project for me right now. The gorgeous STR colours keep my interest and I don't have to (mis)read a pattern and so don't make any mistakes. Good news all round ;)

The scarf is gorgeous and is the Purl Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. A fab stashbusting pattern too and would also make a lovely gift :)

The final FO are my Cherry Tree Hill Louet Gems socks which really seemed to take forever. I kinda went off the yarn a little when knitting the second sock, something that doesn't happen with STR!

Check out the gorgeous Blue Moon sock blockers sent from the lovely Madge. Aren't they just beautiful? And they arrived in the most perfect packing too! How cool is that!

We had animal shennanigans again just before Christmas when Roo and Chilli had an 'encounter' resulting in more being bitten off from Chilli's paw. Yes, it was the same paw Roo bit off again! So another vet visit and 21 days of antibiotics ensued. He seems to be ok now though not sure either of them have learnt their lesson.

Thunder has been super cuddly and generally pretty good apart from his new trick of jumping onto my laptop - when I'm using it! He's not a small rabbit and has taken a couple of keys out. Luckily I put them back ok. To make it worse, Chilli and Roo have decided this is a also a wonderful game and do the same. Luckily they don't weight much but really, come on guys!

The last STR kit of 2007 took4 weeks to arrive (cheers UK post!) as they got caught up in the xmas post. Though I have to say I love the kit and have loved being part of it. Pre illness I'd already decided I would rejoin but after becoming ill and leaving work started to wonder if I would rejoin. Money issues and the fact that I can't read patterns anymore (correct that, I can read them, just can't follow them correctly anymore) made me think it might be better to leave it. But I couldn't bring myself to let Blue Moon know and ummed and aahed about it for 5 days till me & DH had a discussion and agreed part would be Valentines pressie and the rest from birthday money. So I rejoined and once I'd done it felt so pleased and actually rather relieved. So I'm in the 2008 club and the first kit should be arriving any day soon ;)

Here is my current WIP that is keeping me happy. Gorgeous STR socks in Jailhouse Rock. I can't get over the colours in the yarn and how different it all looks knitting up compared to in the skein. You can never see all the amazing colours till you start knitting with it. I've made good progress too and am now on the 2nd sock.
I ordered the extra Harmony sets as soon as they were in stock at Get Knitted and how have the complete set. I love em. But I am on a cutting down splurge. I've cancelled 2 of my knitting subs already and may do another 2. I'm also planning on selling some more yarn on Ebay that I know I'm unlikely to use. After hearing about various yarn diets I've decided to record all the yarn and yarn related stuff I buy this year. I don't think I got that much last year but reckon if I added it all up I'd be quite surprised. I'm not on a yarn diet, oh no, but more of a 'only get it if you really need it' type of thing.

So obviously buying a pack of 10 balls of my much-loved Rowan Calmer for £24 is perfectly fine. It's the only yarn I've bought this year and was reduced from £65 to £30 and then an extra 10% off. I try and steer clear off sale yarn these days unless its a couple of balls or so. But this is Calmer, and there is always an exception with this gorgeous yarn ;)

Healthwise there have been quite a few things going on. Asthma is under control though I'm still on a high steroid dosage. Virus and tiredness has improved so that I'm not spending half my life (or more) in bed. My homeopath recommended a light box and that has helped my excessive sleeping. She was pleased with my progress and I had some more medication sent to me. My lovely GP has now left the surgery and I saw another one in a very long session. We went through everything but she wasn't happy with my current antidepressant dosage which had been reduced a month ago as I'd lost a lot of weight due to them making me nauseus. Which was quite a surprise as I thought I was actually doing ok. But thinking about it she is right, I have been getting more and more upset for longer. So I'm back on the higher dosage and hoping no more weight loss occurs. Or nausea as I'll then have to change meds and I'd really really rather not go through all the side effects again.

It's kind of funny that after Christmas most people are thinking about dieting but I actually have to put on a stone in weight, which isn't actually all that easy. It would be nice not to be called skeletor by DH really but I can understand, bones that stick out are really not that attractive (or comfortable either).

It's the new knitting season very shortly and I'm hoping my Rowan mag arrives quickly and gets my creative juices flowing. Even if it doesn't, you can't have enough socks can you lol?

Here is the gorgeous Evolution bought at the Knitting & Stitch Show from Jo for part of my xmas pressie. Lush isn't it? And the other 2 yarns I got for xmas are from The Natural Dye Studio and some more Tait & Style.

I'll leave you with a cute iPhone Cozy I made to keep my lovely new iPhone snug and warm. Yay - my first FO of the year. The iPhone was my BIG christmas present from DH and I absolutely love it ;)

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T20:30:00.000Z

Just a short post to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and hope that Santa brings you all you wish for!

I wanted to especially thank everyone who commented on my last post. Words can't explain how much it helped me and I'm so grateful for your comments.

I have been doing a little knitting most days and finished these lovely Cozy House Socks from 101 Skein Wonders. I loved them so much I've cast on for another pair in cream. I used Jaeger Matchmaker Aran from stash which is machine washable and so nice and easy to care for.

And I finally finished the Log Cabin Blanket from the Mason-Dixon book. It's only been a WIP for over a year! But it's lovely and snugly and perfect for cuddling up on the sofa with.

For my lovely Harmony needles I found this lovely DPN/circ case on Ebay which holds them all perfectly. I know have the larger additional sizes and so have a complete set ;)

See you all in the New Year!

A Difficult Post

2007-11-23T21:15:00.000Z

The latest Socks That Rock Club Kit arrived just before I did my last post but as they were still arriving didn't want to spoil it for anyone so waited till now. Hard to photograph but a very unusual colour and gorgeous in the flesh. Notice the little friends attached? They really are a little lifelike......

The pattern is lace and we know lace isn't my thing so I'll use something else. I did start the Firebird sock kit thinking it would spur me on, but I find the pattern a little beyond me right now so thats sitting waiting patiently.

I have managed a little progess on the 2nd CTH Louis Gems Merino sock though. Eventually it will turn into a complete sock and join its pretty brother and make a pair! It is a lovely colour but fingering weight yarn and teeny needles aren't what I need right now so its gone into hibernation for a while.

I started making this shrug from the latest Yarn Forward magazine while I've been ill as it was so simple even I could manage to knit it without totally messing up. Brain fog you see ;) I wasn't sure whether I'd like it and thought it might get frogged but once I'd finished the main body which is just a rectangle, it kinda looked rather good. Perfect for just slipping on when its a little nippy indoors or maybe for wearing in the car. And the yarn is from stash that I've had years. I like using yarn from stash ;)

I still haven't managed to take a picture of the almost FO blanket.......which is now having its ends sewn in, as I just keep forgetting. DH glued the defective Harmony which worked a treat, so I was able to carry on using it.

Ravelry forcing me to face up to my stash mountain has been good in some ways. Time to get rid of stuff that I've had for years, especially anything with manmade fibres in it. Not the Calmer of course, that doesn't count! And realistically, now matter how much I'd like to make Bomber, the jacket in Rowan Denim, it is never actually going to happen. It gives me chronic arm ache and the pattern is a pain as its not a standard rib so mistakes are far too easy. And even worse, you have to knit it longer than normal to allow for shrinkage! Knitting should be fun, and though it might be painful selling the packet of 20 balls I fondly remember buying in House of Fraser, I think I'll feel a lot better when its frogged and gone. I hope so anyway.......

Is anyone else feeling maybe its time to destash a little or sort out after Ravelry has made them face the reality of the size of their stash? Or is it just me......

I don't really know quite what to write about my illness. It's tempting to ignore my blog as I actually have to write stuff and at the moment I find Ravelry easier as I can just post pictures and say nothing. It's been a difficult time and rather than recovering, the minute I attempt to do anything requiring energy, I end up worse. As yet another failed attempt to go into work a few weeks back for an hour or so proved. Not helped by boss saying 'so you won't be doing end of month then' after telling him I wasn't better. I broke down in tears and more doctors visits ensued. I've been diagnosed with post viral fatigue and depression on top of the severe asthma. The fatigue explains a lot. The depression I've found hard to accept and deal with, but am now on medication and not so embarassed about it as I was. Neither have been helped by my asthma being the worst ever. I'm now on another lot of new medication for that too. My peak flow was so low when I saw the asthma nurse I was totally shocked. So, all in all, things haven't been good. I've been signed off by the doctor again and now won't be returning back to work. I never thought I'd suffer from depression, but the stress of my illness and the pressure of being forced to keep returning to work was just too much. I have no trouble standing up for myself but when you're already unwell you expect more from your employer than a load of stress and pressure. I wasn't even going to mention the depression on my blog initally, due to embarassment. I'm past that now. Funny how we react to things sometimes.

I have been to the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital though as I managed to get a cancellation which I was pleased about. Unfortunately the effort of getting to the hospital totally wiped me out and I'm still recovering from that. But the process has started and I've had my first remedy and have my next appointment at the beginnning of January.

So the knitting, blogging and leaving comments will be sporadic for a while. You'd think I'd get more knitting done but there are days when I can't manage a stitch. So I'm sticking to simple quick knit projects that aren't challenging and are easy to pick up and put down. And finishing something always gives you a boost doesn't it?

And this is one of my quick knit projects from 101 One-Skein Wonders (how I love that book!). the hat is really cute and I'm really pleased with it. It's called Ela's Favourite Hat for anyone interested and just uses a skein of Noro ;)

I also got the wonderful 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders which recently came out and is just as good if not better than the first book. There are several designs I already have plans to make. It's the perfect book for me right now, small, simple projects. My homeopathic doctor was quite impressed with my felted bag and said knitting was really good as it uses the other side of the brain. We already know that its good for us, don't we?

I also came across this book by Maggie Pace, who of course designs the Pick Up Sticks kits and patterns which I adore. She has a newer book which I'll get at some point. Meanwhile this book is full of patterns I'd like to make. Not yet, but hopefully soon.

Refusing To Give In

2007-10-27T21:00:00.000+01:00

I'm determined to show some knitting this post and not have a post just about my latest problems. No doubt you're as sick of hearing about it as I am of being ill! So briefly here we go - I reacted to the scented? air purifier and ended up on steroids in the end anyway. Couple of days later I had breathing problems again and my nose was blocked. So back on antihistamines and nasal spray. Made it to work on Tuesday, coughed all morning, should have left work early. Didn't. Big mistake. By the time I left the glands in my neck were swollen and throbbing and I got home in a terrible state. Back to the docs on Weds and left with another additional inhaler, sick note for my asthma and the news that I now also had a viral infection. That would explain the swollen glands then! Downside to steroids is they lower your resistance to infection.....

But I'm determined not to get more miserable as it just hinders your recovery and am just resting in bed and doing nothing. Apart from a little knitting, playing on my Nintendo DS and of course going on the internet. Things kind of hit a peak on Weds, not a great surprise after everything, and I wasn't happy to wake up in the afternoon to find an email from work asking if I could come in to finish the payments. I realised my health was far more important than work and to keep struggling through when I wasn't right is just making me worse and worse. So I'm not worrying about work anymore.

As I'm still waiting to hear from the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital and realistically may not get an appointment till next year as the referral letter hasn't been done yet. Thanks to the new computer systems at the doctors. So I've booked in for allergy testing with a local homeopath for the time being. She knows I've been referred and frankly, I can't wait and do nothing. I've gotten some books on homeopathy to read up and learn a bit more about it. As my first aid kit consists of aromatherapy oils rather than creams or lotions it makes a whole bunch of sense to me.

My recent hospital visit for my anaemia was fine and the very well spoken jolly doctor I saw looked through my files and said humourously, is there any part of you normal? I thought about it and replied my heart. He's happy for my doctor to continue blood tests and monitoring of B12 levels so thats quite handy not having to go to hospital for that.

You know when things start to wrong, then everything kinda follows? Well.....we ordered a new Animal Dyson vacuum and it arrived and DH was happily putting it all together whilst I was resting. He tried it, it wasn't working properly. So we rang them and they're sending replacement bits. Poor DH, he was so excited ;)

And then I was knitting my blanket with my lovely new Harmony's when the wooden tip came off!! And don't mean the cable unwound either. So blanket is on hold and KnitPicks are sending a replacement to my US pal (sorry!) They were really quick getting back to me and apologised for the defective needle. Thats great customer service for you. So thats it for the blanket for the time being as they're OOS till the end of Oct......and it was doing so well. I only had 2 skeins left to go. It will be a lovely big blanket though not exciting to photo which is why I haven't for a while. I love my new Harmony's so much I did a bad thing and changed from my Denise circs to the lovely Harmony Options. Bad because they're not exactly the same size as Denise are US sizes and Harmony proper metric ones. But as its a blanket I'm not too worried. The difference was amazing. The stitches flew along instead of dragging and it was so much easier to knit.

I'd even got the hang of screwing them tightly enough so they don't loosen. I also wish I'd asked my lovely US pal to get me the larger additional sizes too. Seeing as some of the sizes are OOS already, I'm worried their arrival at Get Knitted might be delayed you see....... and I'm not going back to the Denise circs now!

I also had to throw away the stinky plastic case that the Harmony's came in as that gave me a headache straight away and instead ordered a lovely needle case from Pavi Yarns instead. Which I've just been told is sold out. Would have been nice to have been told earlier, as I ordered it a week ago. Oh well, never mind. I'm sure I'll find something else.

So back to the promised knitting. Here's a pic of the sleeve on my Crochet Trimmed Hoodie. I finally managed to start tackling the crochet edging a few weeks ago before I got ill and found it a real challenge. A total learning curve for me as I've no idea what I'm doing not having done many of the stitches before and its all a bit of trial and error. It does look lovely though, but takes forever and needs a lot of concentration, which is just beyond me right now.

Here's a close up of the edging so you can see it in full. I'm rather pleased with it myself. Good job the photo doesn't show the edges as they flare out....but hopefully that can be sorted when I sew it up. If not, flared sleeves look lovely anyway ;) I do wonder how long the front and back will take, seeing as how long just doing the sleeve took......

Last Saturday DH drove me to Get Knitted to get me out where I did a little yarn therapy which was just what I needed. Isn't the Malabrigo gorgeous? Just had to have it. And I changed some Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Yarn for the Sea Wool in a similar shade as the LL has nylon and with all the recent troubles have decided its not worth the risk. I can usually get away with nylon in sock yarn but never in normal yarn without risking an asthma attack. So all sock wool with nylon will shortly be disappearing from my stash...... I much prefer sock yarn without it anyway so no loss there. DH also drove me to my favourite Fresh & Wild Store where I got a new pretty organic lipstick which I love. Shame the retail therapy boost didn't last longer but it was lovely while it did :)

If you haven't seen this video of the outrageous dancing cockatoo you MUST. The end bit just cracks me up. Honestly, I laughed so much and had to watch it again. After I'd seen it, it appeared on Cute Overload as well. Gotta be the best video ever.

And you gotta see this too. Wonder if Thunder would let me knit him one? I think not.......but boy that made me smile.

Lastly, a big thank you for the lovely messages. You have no idea how much they really help when you're feeling lousy ;) And take care too, all I seem to hear at the moment is bloggers being ill or suffering allergies or allergic reactions. It's all very odd.....

Autumn Tales

2007-10-18T17:30:00.000+01:00

Phew what a busy time its been! Not much knitting done yet again for a variety of reasons, more on that later. My life seems to be like my knitting, up and down and not much progress happening.

Firstly the computer crash is a whole lot better and I'm almost back to how I was. Not helped when I discovered all my iTunes songs had vanished. I got them all back but like everything, it took some time.......

My savings account issue has been sorted. My credit card not and makes me fume. An official complaint has been made and yet again, I'm told to wait for a reply. Oh I can't wait till I get to close the account.

Despite the postal strike this gorgeous Hyacinth Handspun Yarn from Etsy seller Pigeon Roof Studios finally arrived. The seller forgot about me so kindly sent some extra yarn, the colour is Dovecote. Believe me, this stuff is well worth waiting for. I saw the handspun made into socks somewhere in blogland and immediately HAD TO HAVE SOME. You will of course understand this. But the seller doesn't dye the handspun to order and I kept missing out on buying it due to time difference. Finally I snagged myself some and can't wait to knit them. They will make gorgeous bed socks indeed ;)

I very nearly never made it to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Ally Pally last Thurs as I was very poorly indeed and had been in bed for 3 days without the energy to even make myself a drink. Things were not looking good and I couldn't cancel either the train tickets or the show tickets. But I did make it and though very tiring had a great day and very glad I went. I'm afraid all I bought are 2 balls of Tait & Style and 2 magazines, the new Let's Knit and Yarn Forward and a KP needle gauge. I really like the look of Let's Knit and find its more trendy and contemporary compared to Simply Knitting and so far has no boring reader letters, horoscopes or other rubbish womens mag stuff. Let's hope it continues ;)

Yarn Forward was ok, better than the last issue which I didn't buy and has a much better layout. I wouldn't bother subscribing but will look at each issue when it comes out to see if I want it or not. With Ravelry and the amount of patterns available on the internet I think I'd rather have one of the UK mags full of lots of lovely adverts for even more yarn........

Thought I didn't buy much it was great to chat to other knitters and have my Fletcher coat oohed and aahed over. It was funny to see knitting whispering.....is that Noro to themselves as we were leaving. Obviously it was too hot to wear at the show but at Socktopus they spied it in my bag and I had to get it out. It really is fabulous and so great to have other knitters appreciate it too ;) It was also wonderful for all the travelling I did and kept me nice and snug. And what kept my fingers from burning and the cup of tea nice and hot on the way home? My latest FO of course, the Coffee Mitt from 101 One Skein Wonders in Malabrigo. A super quick knit and very handy if your partial to buying hot drinks.

My best friend Joanne though bought me several lovely yarn purchases for Christmas which was why I didn't really need to buy much myself. It's not about how much you buy anyway, its just nice to see whats new and whats about and did I mention the chatting! And the downside to taking stash photos for Ravelry is the realization of just how big you're stash is and that there's no need to buy stuff just because its there........no matter how tempting the Marshmallow at the Colinette stand was! So for Christmas there's more Tait & Style that I've never come across before and who have amazing colours, some Natural Dye Studios Mirage who haven't exhibited at AP before and had a great stall. Lastly some Evolution from Socktopus which is all prettily wrapped so you can't see the lush colours. But believe me, it was oh so soft!

And also as I'd only just gotten some fabulous Harmony Options from my wonderful US pal that actually arrived the morning I went to the show. I expect that gave me the boost I needed to manage to get to the show. They're absolute gorgeous and I love them. Funny how it was only a while back that I mentioned about Options needles hitting the UK at Get Knitted and how not interested as I was as they were metal...... and then KnitPicks bring out the Harmony Options! Get Knitted will be getting them towards the end of the year but of course I couldn't wait that long. I have Snugs to be made and needed a nice harmony circular. Plus the blanket I'm doing is on Denise circs and I don't like using plastic needles for long either and I'd really like to finish it this century.........

Back to my illness. It started with itchy eyes on Saturday and then my asthma was bad Sat night. By Sunday I was listless so we didn't go out the door. I wasn't sure if it was an allergy or virus so we had a think about what could have caused an allergy and came up with 2 ideas. The needle felting I'd been doing that week - quite possible if the fibres started to irritate - though I'd been doing it for several days. The other possibility was a new dressing gown I'd started to wear on Friday. Never happened before but the only other new thing I'd done.

So I put both away but on Monday spent all day in bed in the most miserable mood. I ached so much and couldn't stand for more than a minute without needing to sit down. It was awful. Tuesday, more of the same though I felt a little brighter mentally, though not physically. More miserable on Weds though my asthma started to settle down thankfully. I'd already upped my meds and antihistamines in case it was an allergy but as they didn't appear to work thought it was a virus.

Then I washed the new dressing gown on Friday and put it on in the evening. Immediately I started to get a headache and my chest started to hurt........yup, it was the darned dressing gown! Some internet searching found 'chemical sensitivity' a well known problem and often related to food intolerances and allergies which of course I already have. I've had to avoid all chemicals in perfumes, cleaning products & toiletries for several years and only use organic or natural products already. At work they know not to wear perfume when I'm in but reacting to clothing too was a bit too much.......I got really down after as I couldn't believe how ill it made me. I avoid so much already and its like what else now? Just ridiculous.

So back to the docs I went after only managing a few hours at work this week before I got worse again as I was just reacting to absolutely everything. To say I was unhappy is a gross misunderstatement! But my doctor is absolutely superb and offered me more steroids if I wanted (I'd rather not if I can manage though) and has also referred me to the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital. Conventional medicine can't do anything to help so it's time for alternative treatments. I've absolutely had enough of feeling ill, especially as it takes so long to get back to normal. Allergy UK have also been great and gave me a lot of helpful advice and also suggested a personal air purifier which I can take to work with me. If it helps, it will be well worth it! The dressing gown was polyester, which apparently often contains formaldehyde which explains the reaction. So no easy care, polyester clothing for me. Which I don't actually wear apart from fleeces. So bye bye dressing gown. It'll be back to cotton thanks very much from now on!

So, apologies for the long post and the lack of knitting. Hopefully everything will settle down again soon and I can get some much needed therapeutic knitting done. At the moment I'm on a stop, start, frog mission and can't settle. Maybe I need to start a STR sock, all those hypnotising colours might just do the trick..........

Mother Of All Computer Crashes

2007-10-07T20:30:00.000+01:00

Our holiday in St Ives was lovely. Some fabulous hot & sunny weather, lots of shopping, dining out at different restaurants each night........no wonder we didn't want to leave. Sometimes you don't realize how much you need something till you're doing it. This break was just that. So what we needed and so perfect. We even had some hot days where we could wander round in just a t-shirt!

Unfortunately the holiday feeling didn't last that long as my computer froze late on Sat last week and Sunday found after rebooting that everything was gone! Oh my, it was not what I needed. So I spent the whole of Sunday reinstalling and trying to get everything up to date. I lost a months worth of stuff and 2 of my calendar. I always back up monthly though for some reason missed the calendar. Of course I was due to back up while I was away........its been a hectic week though I think I'm finally up to date. Phew!

So of course blogland and Ravelry have had to be pretty much forgotten, as has knitting pretty much. I've done bits here and there, but nothing major. I'm working on a blanket which I took with me to St Ives so there's very little to show really. I started it last year and have just picked it up again. Hopefully I'll get to finish it this year. At least now its big enough to have on your lap whilst you knit ;)

Though I did manage to get all my yarn out on a lovely sunny day and photograph the bulk of it to list on Ravelry. It was quite enjoyable really. I hadn't thought I'd enjoy it, but it was a great chance to reorganise it all in to weights and label the boxes. And won't having all the colours to view be brilliant? Clever Ravelry ;) I have to wait for another sunny day to photograph the rest though.....

In all the holiday rush I forgot to mention that poor Thunder is on a mini diet and exercise plan. The evil vet thought he needed to loose a little weight so now he runs up and down the stairs to his hearts content. He doesn't eat much anyway but he's a darned lazy bunny and will sit for hours and hours just laying in between your feet. Very cosy and friendly yes, not particularly healthy though. He had another vet visit though and has lost a little so the vet is happy.

The Knitting & Stitching Show starts next week and I'll be there on Thursday. Can't wait. Funny how it seems ages away and now is just days away. Where does the time go?

Work has been pretty crap for a while now and I resigned a couple of weeks before our break. Though my boss was hoping I'd come back having changed my mind and asked me not to tell anyone. Though whenever I thought about work it just made me miserable, even when we were away. Now my boss has asked if I could stay till Christmas then come in on an ad-hoc basis as needed. I might be able to manage to last till then, its not that long away now is it? At least I feel better knowing I've got an actual finish date at last.

This was the only knitting related item I bought when away. A cute organic sheep kit bought in Penzance. Then a mad hunt to find the right size needles in bamboo. Which are too long and will go on Ebay no doubt. Then I decided the wool was too rough.........and promptly frogged it. I will make the sheep, though in something much softer. I'm happy to support local organic yarns and I can always felt it or use in a needle felting project.

Yes, I have a new hobby. Needle felting. This is just a sample of wool tops. Look how pretty the colours are. This is a nice inexpensive hobby that is great fun. The book I ordered is stuck in the post office strike so I'm just trying different things out. No actual plan, just see how it goes.

And here are a few practice bits and pieces that I played around with. Just grabbed some wool tops and started needle felting.......the tomato pin cushion is really handy. Now I know where my main sewing up needle is ;)

So I was really pleased when my sheep landscape picture came out so well seeing as I just made it up as I went along. Its the width of a credit card, just a little taller. It's my first proper design and I love it. In fact we'll have to get a frame for it.

I wished I hadn't mentioned credit cards, its reminded me that my stupid cc company has taken a fraudulent item off dispute and charged me interest for not paying it. What a joke. This is for a July transaction and they keep telling me it will get sorted and each month it gets worse. Looks like I'll just have to close the account. No way am I paying for a transaction I didn't make nor the interest.

And if that isn't enough, a savings account of mine that are useless have managed to lose £50. I don't want to go into it. It just makes me so mad. So when the money reappears that will be another account closed.

With that and the crash its no wonder there has been little knitting done is there really? And of course a nice calming project is just what I need. Maybe next week then ...... as the Drops headband I knitted this weekend looks awful and was promptly frogged. Oh dear. No wonder needle felting is so appealing right now. Easy to pick up and put down and no frogging involved;)

Holidays

2007-09-21T15:30:00.000+01:00

Let's hope my broadband stays working now. What a nightmare it's been. On the phone to the support team who are great but I tried so much stuff it took forever. Another laptop, different connections, different routers, the BT test socket. Oh it went on and on on.........then decided to fix itself. I'm still monitoring the speeds and logging them for tech support in case it happens again so they can pass the info to BT. I can't tell you how much I've missed not being able to comment or read blogs. So yet again, I'm all behind and had only just managed to catch up!

Anyway. Onto more interesting things. Such as my gorgeous funky Felted Triangle Bag.

We have a before and after photo. I LOVE this bag. It is so great and such a perfect size and just too cute. I love the design. Pick Up Sticks patterns are just so cool.

And lookie here! The Snugs arrived. With a Daffodil Kit that asked to be ordered. Who could resist? The packaging is so unusual. And what about the funky bag pattern? Gotta have one of those too!

I've also managed to start getting projects onto Ravelry. WOW. BTW my ID is RoxyKnits - no surprise there! It really is amazing and now I can understand why everyone raves about it. Many hours will be needed to get everything up but I'm just taking it bit by bit. I was quite wary of wanting all my stash in full view but as I take pics when I buy it anyway, and list it on my own spreadsheet, it will actually be nice and rather handy to be able to see at glance what you have and even better, see the actual colour. Cos most of us have far too much yarn to remember each and every colour ;)

It was our wedding anniversary on Monday and we went out for a lovely Indian meal. I wore my lovely Fletcher jacket out for the time time and just felt so comfy in her. We love her ;)

And these are my pressies. Some gorgeous flowers.

Some lush Malabrigo for another Hoooded Pullover and the yarn for a Felted Tote by Pick Up Sticks. Chosen by myself of course ;)

We're usually in St Ives, Cornwall for our anniversary but couldn't book this week this time so are off on Sat for a week. Can't wait. See you when I'm back ;)

I'll leave you with the promised holiday photos of Kefalonia in May. Better late than
never...............

First we have some lush Greek salad. Eaten for lunch every single day. Very yum yum. Next the beach with the bright parasols. Then a view of our room - we were top right in the gorgeous blue building. Next up the lovely wall with plant pots taken from the outside the pool area. Then a view of the gorgeous blue Myrtos Beach. Cute kitty cat in Fiskardo. Drogerati Cave. Beautiful Mellisani Lake. Next up, Fiskado harbour, where the rich and famous visit to park their yachts, shop & dine. Another shot of beach & sea. A town where we had lunch. Pretty tiny orthodox church set in the hotel. Monastery.

Summer At Last

2007-09-12T20:50:00.000+01:00

We've finally had some summer in the UK and have had some glorious days at the beach and pier, especially over the bank holiday weekend. You don't realised how much of a difference the weather makes until the sun appears and suddenly your mood just lifts ;)

The lovely weather must have given me the urge to do some cardmaking as I made a whole bunch. Here are just a few. I sold my old Sizzix on Ebay and bought myself a Cuttlebug which I adore. Far more portable and easier to store. I also had a clear out and tidy up of my cardmaking stuff so making cards is a whole lot easier now. I always feel so much better after a good sort out and organise ;)

I held out till just now before placing an order for Snugs as it has to be said, I've been buying quite a bit recently. Not major purchases, but quite a bit anyway. And when you see it all on your blog you kinda realise exactly how much you've bought. Buying in dribs and drabs isn't quite as noticeable is it lol?

After my last post a trip to John Lewis resulted in 2 lush skeins Misti 100% llama for wrist warmers and the Jane Ellison Mirasol book. OMG is this stuff soft. Unreal, it just has to be caressed to be believed ;) The book is great, I like a lot of the patterns though there was very little quantity of the yarns at the time. Hopefully there will be more in stock when I decide which one I have to make.

I have not 1 but 2 FO's for you - and they're both socks! First the much stressed over STR Silkie socks in the not to be mentioned method that caused me so much angst! But now they're done they are gorgeous and I love them. You can't describe how they feel to wear but the silkiness is just so wonderful on your feet. Not that there has been much too much wearing as its finally been flip flop weather, but that doesn't stop me parading round the house showing them off! So thats 2 out of 4 STR kits made so far. Not bad really ;)

And many thanks go to Piglottie for this Knitty link to the easiest explanation of EZ's sewn bind off ever. Having tried the russian, then the crochet, then the suspended, I was delirious with joy and excitement when the sewn bind off produced a TOO LOOSE BIND OFF!!! Who knew such a thing existed? So I redid it normally (I'd left a lot of slack the 1st time) and it is perfect and the best looking bind off I've seen on a toe up sock. I am a convert. For toe-ups, this is the only bind off to use!

The second FO is the pretty Lorna's Laces Happy Valley socks that were started on holiday in May and promptly forgotten about. I'm glad they're done and can't wait till they've been washed and soften up a little. I'd forgotten how different socks yarns can feel compared to STR, which is just the most amazing feeling yarn. And reminds me why I'm so addicted to them!

But remember the gorgeous Cherry Tree Louet Gems Merino that I started on the trip to see my dad. It is soooooo soft........and is now my no. 2 all time favourite yarn. STR being no. 1 of course - no surprises there. I will definitely get some more of this - it is just gorgeous to knit with. And I noticed the normal CT Supersock yarn wasn't as soft as this either........

The visit to my dads was really quite stressful and umm, upsetting too. He is old but it was a shock to see how different he looked. Not helped by his barber shaving his head!!! But he's happy and thats the main thing and he didn't realise I was upset thankfully. It was a long and very tiring day. Thankfully the rest of the Bank Holiday involved beach trips and visiting pet centres and was gloriously hot and sunny. Bout time too!

The fourth STR sock kit arrived 14 days after posting! For some reason no UK members got their kits any earlier. Weird. But better late then never. Can't believe it's the 4th kit already. Where does the time go? Haven't decided whether I'll make the pattern yet. I'll see what everyone does with theirs and decide later on. Maybe I'll do the pattern in a different shade. Who knows? I've got plenty of other stuff to be getting on with first!

OK I lied. I actually have 4 FO's but 2 have been done for ages and were waiting present giving so I almost forgot about them. They were for my friend's new baby boy and very cute he is ;) First we have a wee washcloth and then a lovely cute bib from the Mason-Dixon book. Don't you just love the button on the bib. Too cute!

And this is my belated birthday present I got from my friend. Aren't the colours lovely? Notice how the notepad which has come in very useful already matches the yarn.....too pretty ;)

And the excuse for the much later than usual post (apart from dreadful network problems not letting me upload anything for a whole WEEK and making using the internet a total PITA)? Pokemon. Yup, Pokemon are to blame. No, really! I finally succumbed to a Nintendo DS Lite and have become totally addicted to Pokemon. So much so that I didn't knit for 3 whole days!!! I'm sure normal service will resume soon. I hope.......but funnily enough while playing More Brain Training guess what it also recommends for getting all that grey matter working? Yup, knitting of course. I did laugh, knitting is just everywhere these days ;)

I Give Up

2007-09-10T20:05:00.000+01:00

I've tried and failed for days to post. Having broadband troubles and can't upload photos. Even doing what I need to on the internet is a real pain. Kinda like being back in the days of dial up...........

I even have my Ravelry invite but can't do much with that either. Pah! But let me have your Ravelry ID and I'll add you to my friends so that when I'm up and running again I can check your out ;)

And would you believe I had my holiday photos ready too for another post.........piddle ;(

Luverly Bloggers

2007-08-19T22:00:00.000+01:00

Boy you lot sure know how to swell a girls head!!! The comments I've received have been just lovely, in particular about Foxglove. I can't tell you how much they made me smile ;) I should have mentioned last post too that all your comments on the awful time I'd been having really did cheer me up. Hugs through the internet really do work!

I'm yet again behind on blog reading and desperately trying to catch. And so jealous of those of you who manage to keep up with everyone's blogs!!! I have enough trouble keeping mine updated........

All the new seasons books and yarns are out for preview, if not all out for fondling. And finally my copy of Rowan 42 turned up. It had already arrived in the US and New Zealand so frustrating not to have it here. Not helped by the postal strike of course. I actually like the mag much more in the flesh, although there are only 2 patterns I'd consider making. And realistically I'm not sure I will make either. I know most people love it, but I'm not one of them. Many of the designs contain mohair, and of course I'm one of the many allergic to it. There are also a lot of wraps or shapeless blanket looking garments held together with a pin. These would drown me, I need fitted things please. Some of the designs I find really quite hideous, and it was quite amusing looking through with DH and hearing his reaction which was far from complimentary, apart from 3 designs. But never mind, I always make more from the spring/summer mag. It has made me miss Kim Hargreaves and her Big Wool designs though. Only the first Rowan Big Wool booklet produced after she left did nothing for me and I haven't bought last years and won't be buying the latest one either.

But the lovely Pure Noro arrived full of Jane Ellison's gorgeous designs and this one definitely lives up to expectations. There are several designs I like though this time there are no accessories in it, which I do miss a little. You can't have enough accessories now can you?

Talking of accessories, well obviously you can't see the new season in with just one mag and a book so after seeing KnitDevil's gorgeous Pick Up Sticks Triangle Bag knew I had to have one. This led me to the Pick Up Sticks website where I discovered even more lovely patterns and kits so obviously had to have several. I found an online seller Supercrafty that has very reasonable shipping and had several items I wanted. She also has an Ebay store with some items there too and is very friendly and quick to respond.

The rest I ordered from Pick Up Sticks direct after emailing asking if they shipped to the UK as it wasn't too clear on the site. Needless to day, they do ship and were exceptionally helpful with a shipping problem I had. So much so that I have to place another order for Snugs which are too cute for words with umm, a couple more bits. Me, addicted, nope, not really. Well, maybe a little. But their patterns and kits are truly amazing and I'm so pleased with them. Plus currently if you spend over $25 your get a free pattern which is just lovely too. Their designs are truly unusual and I have to make them all!!!

Then I discovered The Woolly Workshop have just got some Louis Gems sock yarn so of course I ordered that the second I discovered it, which was a few hours before the newsletter even went out. Oh I can't tell you how good my internet splurge felt. But then again, many of you already know exactly how that feels LOL! And isn't the colourway Cherry Blossom so pretty? More colours are to come - perhaps I'd better not look!

These are the colours I chose for my Felted Triangle Bag and can't wait till its finished. I just know it will be fabulous. It was great fun choosing the colours at Get Knitted too as the colours online aren't quite what you always expect so I needed to choose them myself. I wanted the brightest colours possible. I think I managed it and will be like a beacon, you'll see me for miles ;)

I've ordered my train tickets for the Knitting and Stitching Show on Thurs 11th October and am looking forward to that. Apart from getting an 8pm train home as that was the only direct train after 6pm. Crazy. I would have booked the 6pm if I could but couldn't get any reasonable priced tickets. As I'll be on my own I don't want to go changing trains with bags at night (I'm sure there will be bags of course......)

Chilli's paw seems to have healed very well and we've not had to take him back to the vet thankfully. Thunder has gotten even more jealous and whenever I have my knitting next to me will jump on the sofa and lay on the knitting or even sit on my laptop if its in his way. As long as he can sit next to me and get cuddles and head rubs, nothing will get in his way.! He used to wait until there was room or look longingly. He's given that up. Just dives up and crashes over whatever happens to be there. Funny thing he is. He's 2 now. Bless ;)

And for anyone that hasn't heard, Get Knitted will be stocking Knitpicks needles including the much loved Options. Yes, finally there will be a UK stockist. I must be the only one not particualrly bothered by this - the needles are metal and I don't do metal. If they were bamboo or birch that would be different. I'd be like a mad crazy thing. But it gets better! The Malabrigo Worsted has finally arrived at Get Knitted and obviously I have to have some more. I even thought about not mentioning it in case it flies out the door too quick. For anyone that wanted to try some, here's your chance. I don't think you'll be disappointed........

And having Malabrigo at Get Knitted makes up for the disappointment of not being able to visit Stash Yarns in Putney when we visit my dad next week. Unfortunately I only found out the shop will be closed for its holidays after I'd booked the train tickets. Piddle. Of course Stash is where I first discovered the much loved and coveted Malabrigo.

I have actually been knitting though everything seems to be in that in between stage and not worth a picture. However I'm so pleased I've actually finished one Widdershins/Grasshopper sock in Socks That Rock Silkie. I won't go into much detail as I'm working on the 2nd sock and don't want to put myself off any more, but this pattern has been pure torture. Never, ever again will I do a toe up sock with a heel flap. Yuck! BTW, the extra large buttons I got from the new LYS I visited recently in Clevedon.

At least though the Socks That Rock promised by DH arrived and waiting patiently their turn. This time we have Pebble Beach and Jailhouse Rock. Needless to say, they will either be top down with a heel flap, or maybe toe up but with a garter stitch heel. Not that other awful not be mentioned version I'm currently regretting I ever started :(

And of course I can't forget the bits I ordered from The Wool Sanctuary either. The yarn is for a bag that I started.......and promptly left to start something else!

Gotta go - had 4 knitting mags in the post Friday including Vogue Knitting International and Interweave Knits that are demanding attention. Yippee ;)

Anticipation

2007-08-01T18:00:00.000+01:00

Yup, its that time of year again when all the new collections and pattern books are due out. I'm excited about the new Rowan mag which I'm waiting for and also Jane Ellison's new Noro book. Though I've succumbed to the Rowan 42 previews and definitely don't like what I've seen so far......though I'm hoping there's more in the mag I do like when it does arrive. Yarnwise I don't think there's anything coming out to thrill me, a lot of it has mohair or something else I'm allergic to but thats ok, I have plenty in my stash including some Noro Kochoran and plenty of Noro Iro just waiting to be knitted up. I really can't wait to put away all my summer projects and get started on something for autumn. Not exactly helped by the awful weather and floods we've had in the UK, though thankfully everything seems to have settled down the last few days and we've had some lovely sunny days.

I've not had a chance to wear either of the summer vesty type tops I made from Summer Tweed earlier this year which is a shame. Maybe next year eh? Though I'm hoping to get some wear of the Crochet Trimmed Hoodie from Blue Sky Alpacas.......as and when its finished of course. I'm on the sleeves, but of course all the edgings have to be done then. Why have I chosen so many projects with edgings that take longer than the main garment to complete??? Remind me not to do it again, it really is not the best of ideas and looks like I've knitted a lot less this year.

You'll be pleased to hear that no major events have happened over the last couple of weeks and I'm just so relieved. I've finally gotten my car back from the garage which of course is now costing more than expected and was also in for longer than expected which was such an inconvenience. Add that to a very expensive van service for DH at a new garage that we won't be using again. But neither of these has stressed me out for long though I was very annoyed when 2 of the guys at worked were mucking about and sprayed deodorant behind me!!! Of course that set off my allergies and I was back to full meds for asthma and of course my exzema flared up badly. I really could have done without that but all things considered, it hasn't been a bad couple of weeks.

We joined our local Gala bingo hall and had a good night out a couple of Saturdays ago. I love bingo though usually only play online every now and then, but now that there's no smoking inside we thought we'd try it out. It was fun, though extremely tiring as we had to concentrate so much. We must have enjoyed it though as we've been back twice since! DH loves it, which is good.

And I even wore the much stressed over Foxglove in Rowan Calmer that is finally finished and a certified FO! Oh the relief, I can't tell you. I was very close to chucking it out the window BUT after finishing the belt etc decided it was rather nice actually. DH loves it and says I looks very pretty in it ;)

I really need to tackle the rest of my almost FO's including the long avoided Tulip. I'lll feel better when its done, really, I'm sure I will. Yes, I'm trying to persuade myself.......

We also went to see Harry Potter & The Order of The Phoenix which was quite enjoyable once it got going. I found the beginning terribly boring but luckily had brought some knitting so that kept me out of trouble till it got more exciting. We even managed a couple of trips to the beach and pier on the few sunny days we've had which was also made much more enjoyable without any smokers. It really makes a huge difference ;)

Back to knitting news. The shock of the week was that Rowan yarns have come to Weston. Yes, really! The Wool Sanctuary has its official opening day on Sat 11th August and is the brainchild of the very lovely Suzie Johnston who has worked for Rowan for a number of years and who hosted the very popular John Lewis Saturday knitclub at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. She will open for appointments in the evenings during the week and during the day at weekends and hosts a Saturday knitclub where you can even have lunch. Of course I've already been round and sank into a very comfy sofa whilst drinking a cup of earl grey tea AND looking at yarn. What more can you ask for! Suzie will be hosting workshops too and these are all detailed on the site and look most interesting.

Another surprise was that Jaeger will be discontinued. I think we all knew it was on the cards but seeing as new yarn ranges were only brought out in Spring, I didn't expect it would happen this quickly. I'm not too bothered as long as I have enough Extra Fine Merino Chunky to finish a cardi thats been waiting patiently since last year!

If that wasn't enough I discovered a yarn store in Clevedon, which is one junction away from us on the M5. It stocks a little Rowan, and other cheaper brands with a little Lorna's Laces. But also has fabric, haberdashery, needlepoint supplies and will be quite handy when I need bag lining fabric. More interestingly though is a lovely holistic store that stocks many of the organic toiletries I need to buy online or have to travel into central Bristol for, and even better, has a treatment centre downstairs for various holistic treatments and even allergy testing!!! So I might have to book myself in for that.

My much frogged Walking on the Wild Tide STR Silkie yarn is happily turning to socks. Strangely enough the fabric from 2.25mm needles was a little too firm and lost of all its softness and silkiness so I frogged yet again and they're going quite well on 2.5mm, being a cross between Widdershins and Grasshoppers, which is basically the same toe-up style. Mind you, I'm about to turn the heel and don't yet know if they will actully fit ok yet. It has to be said, this is what puts me off toe-up socks. Hopefully they will be fine, as I'm not sure the yarn or me are up to any more frogging really!

Crash Bang Wallop

2007-07-13T20:30:00.000+01:00

I can't tell you how much I wish for a post full of this and that, nothing happening, blah blah blah. Of course judging by recent events, its just not going to happen anytime soon. So here goes.

Firstly, I had a back tooth causing me pain when I brushed my teeth. After a few days of this I realised something wasn't right. Surely a sensitive tooth wouldn't throb for hours after you'd had something cold to eat? Did some googling and confirmed my fears, yes a trip to the dentist was indeed in order. Piddle. Extreme piddle. I hate the dentist with a vengeance. It terrifies me. Even a routine check up makes me break out in a cold sweat. I think you get the picture. So I get an emergency appointment lunchtime and leave work warning them that if I need anything done I won't be back and take a bunch of paperwork with me. I had to wait over half an hour with the child from hell screaming 'mummy' constantly while his mum was in the dentist. His father unfortunately seemed to have the intelligence level of the child and did nothing about it except play music on his phone to try and distract the evil child - but it actually just made him laugh and scream louder.

So my nerves were even more shot to pieces when I finally went in. I won't bore you with the details and frankly, I don't want to even think about it, but I had a filling and left with the ominous words 'make sure you have plenty of painkillers handy'. Oh boy, he was right about that. All is well now though and maybe the threat to see how its going next month won't amount to much. He did take a picture of the the tooth to the what the root canal was like.......yeah right, he hasn't got a hope in hell of getting anywhere near that I can tell you!

Then we have a few days of relative calm, well a week almost. Then as we're leaving Weston-Super-Mare last Saturday to visit Get Knitted to buy a swift for me a gift for doing DHs tax return, the ruddy idiot drives into the car in front at a roundabout. Which wasn't even moving......

It ruined the day, the weekend and the week. I've been so cross with him as it was so avoidable. DH always drives too fast at roundabouts and too close to the car in front. And did the same thing last year in his van. Not at a roundabout though. But we were in MY car and there is a lot of damage. Luckily the other car only ended up with a small dent on the towbar - which explains why there is so much damage to mine. Of course, who deals with it all. Me. And I am not happy. I have to be without a car when its being fixed in a week or 2 and frankly, I'm bloody fed up.

The only possible good thing to come out of it is that DH seems to have calmed down and isn't driving like an idiot any more......and it had better stay that way or else!

Anyway, back to nicer subjects. We did actually make it to Get Knitted though I was a million miles away from a good mood, and my swift was duly bought as you can see. See how well it goes with my nostepinne that I'd ordered from Woolly Workshop as soon as they got them in. That's what prompted the yarn swift, as DH said as I had the nostepinne why not get the swift as a pressie. Yes, I know he can be wonderful, just wished that extended to his driving. It was a great idea as it is far easier using the nostepinne with the swift rather than on its own and I'm quite pround of the center pull ball in the pic. I had tried several times, but found winding a real challenge with the nostepinne on its own. So my yarn winding issues are solved and I don't have to wait for DH to be home anymore. Its far from a necessity, but a really nice gift that makes life a little easier ;) And lets face it, anything that does that is well worth it right now!

I also got a skein of Fleece Artist Sea Wool as an extra gift which is gorgeous. The shade is Sorbetto and its just too yummy for words and it comes with a free Bordello pattern too which is lovely. I also did such an embarassing thing that I'm just quite horrified about while in GK. I'd been talking about what to do with Foxglove and the edging which I'd brought with me and looked at a pattern in a book for a design that was on display as I quite liked the edging of. And thought I'd put it back. I mean, the booklet was full of mohair designs which I'm allergic too so would never use. So.........you can imagine my horror when I got home to find the booklet in my bag with Foxglove! I must have put the booklet in the bag when I put Foxglove back. It is just too awful for words and I can't believe I did it. Must have been the shock and stress of the accident making me so absentminded. Of course I emailed Sue and will return the book. But how embarassing ;(

I'm now working on a very simple border for Foxglove but until its finished won't know if its worked or not. The crochet ideas and lace ones just didn't work out. As you can see from the pic, it needs a rather wide border as there is nothing on the shoulder area at all! So anything too fussy will not look good on such a big area. And of course it needs to fit well as its covering the shoulders and neckline. Talk about a challenge. Calmer is such a stretchy yarn too and that certainly doesn't help either. But its looking ok so far, and fingers crossed I don't have to redo it..........

Sock knitting has been very stop and start. I tried and failed to make the Grasshoppers pattern included with the 2nd Socks That Rock Kit. And this was as far as I'd got before I realised the pattern wasn't for me. No, I don't really want large holes in my socks. But I'm glad I started it and got the hang of the pattern. Though I frogged it twice before that happened.

Then I moved onto Monkey socks which I love. And happily had done the first repeat when my nagging fears were realised. Yup, too big. So frogged and cast on with smaller needles. Did pattern repeat. Yup, same again. Still too big. Is pretty though isn't it? See a theme developing here. So I posted on the STR sockclub blog and luckily was given instructions for making the sock smaller. As the pattern is a 16 stitch repeat it didn't look like it could be done. But it can. However, all this frogging has taken quite a toll on my Silkie yarn so decided they wanted to be plain. So Widdershins they will be which follows the style of the STR pattern anyway.

I will still make Monkey socks, but probably will use Sherbet for them as I think they look better with brighter colours. So I can now add the backwards loop cast on for another toe up method. A very fiddly method, but something else learnt all the same :)

I finished this washcloth in Sugar'n Creme a few weeks back for DH, but some reason forgot to take a photo of the FO before it got used. But its still looking good and DH is very happy with it.

This is Chilli having a little chat with his dad. Probably telling how much a bully Roo is and it really isn't necessary for 3 weeks of antibiotics. But it goes in one ear and out the other as his wound has gone down and is healing rather nicely. Or of course he could just be about to nibble his ear ;)

I love this photo of Roxy. He's gone into hiding in his plastic tube away from his bully of a brother Roo. Who is in the pic at the back, no doubt scheming up some more bad behaviour! Doesn't Roxy look so cute though ;)

I'll leave you with this. An oldie, but I find it rather soothing. And frankly, I need plenty of it! Plus who doesn't want to be described as an accomplished knitter and purist? And of course, I am a self confessed yarn snob ;)

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Purist. You are an accomplished knitter producing beautiful pieces with a classic feel. You sometimes lament losing half of your local yarn shop to garish novelty yarns. Perhaps you consider fun fur scarves the bane of knitting society and prefer to steer new knitters towards the wool and cotton blends. Some might call you a bit of an elitist but you know that you've been doing this craft long enough to respect the history behind it and honor it with beautiful piece that can last a lifetime.
http://marniemaclean.com Take this quiz!

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Rainy Days

2007-06-30T20:00:00.000+01:00

Honestly, I just don't know where the time goes to? It's been almost 3 weeks already since my last post and I haven't got anywhere near as much done as planned. Not helped by having to be driven home by my boss from work the day I went back to work after being off from my asthma attack. I only lasted a few hours. It was not good. I knew I wasn't right but just couldn't believe how long it was taking to get back to normal. I was seeing the doc anyway the following day and she was great. So now on stronger steroid nasal spray and stronger antihistamines. They have made a difference thankfully and I actually managed to stay at work the last 2 weeks. I've been exhausted after, not surprisingly. I've also bought an air purifier for home - basically if it helps even slightly it will be worth it. I'm still on max asthma & hayfever meds and it would be so nice to reduce them..........

++++STR sock kit spoiler alert++++

My STR kit was late this time as it got held in San Francisco for no apparent reason for 5 days. How annoying is that? So I had to avoid blogland till mine arrived as I so hate spoilers. Luckily mine was one of the first to arrive in the UK after its vacation in SF and it is just wonderful. I love it, love the pattern and the colours are just so bright and cheery. I would say summery but with all the flooding going on in the UK its feeling far from summery!

I even managed to finish my rude Monsoon socks before the new kit arrived and am so pleased with them. I've even tested them out in trainers and they were very comfy indeed. I thought they may be a little loose for trainers and become house socks (which I would have been most pleased about) but they were perfect and oh so cushy. I am so pleased I joined the club. It has been so worth it ;)

Whilst hunting for a replacement DPN that DH broke on hol I stumbled across a great find - a site in the US offering free international shipping for orders over $35 that don't contain heavy items like mags and books. I was hunting for a supplier that had all the Crystal Bamboo DPNs I needed that didn't charge extortionate shipping costs. So to find one that had a free shipping offer was truly amazing. I placed my order and got an email a few hours later to say the items in stock had been shipped the the OOS items would be shipped as soon as they arrive. I knew not all the items were available but had expected the order to be held until ready. So to hear part of my order was on its way was just well, the most amazing and unexpected customer service. The fab store concerned is The Yarn and Fiber Company and they have lots of lovely goodies to tempt us with. The needles arrived the same day as the STR kit turned up. Oh it was such a good day that day ;)

Until now I didn't even know Crystal Palace made 9" bamboo straights but as soon as I saw them knew I had to have some for the lace shrug I'm making so very little progress on. I thought the lace would be easier and I was right, it just slides off these needles. They're an unusual length but perfect for this project. I still hate knitting lace though and only time will tell if this shrug ever gets the back finished, never mind the rest of it!

Foxglove has progressed a little - the knitting has all been finished, its pressed and the sleeve heads are sew in. Its starting to look lovely and actually a lot easier to visualise what sort of edging would be best now its starting to resemble something wearable. It never ceases to surprise me that all these flat bits of knitting can become a real garment......

Even though Thunder tried laying on it to stop me working on it I have another FO. Yup my Crochet Bag is finished and is gorgeous. I thought I wouldn't be using it quite yet, but its actually perfect for this rainy weather. I used 2 shades of Big Wool and one of Point 5.

Kitsch has been perfect for this lousy weather too and finally I have a photo of me wearing her. She is fabulous. Even if I do say so myself ;)

I've been destashing quite a bit of sock yarn on Ebay and I'm quite pleased as I knew I'd never use it. I'm too much in love with my STR to spend hours on a standard sock yarn. I know, I'm such a terrible yarn snob ;)

Here's a photo of my purchases from my last Get Knitted trip I mentioned last post. I love the Rectangular Shawl pattern and the Blue Sky Alpaca Handspun Organic Cotton is such a fantastic yarn. Of course the yarn isn't for the pattern, in fact I've no idea what its for yet. But I just had to have it!

I've bought no other yarn supplies though I went to both the House of Fraser and John Lewis sales. Except for some Rowan buttons that were 10p each at HoF. There was nothing else that screamed 'buy me' so I didn't. Quite good really.

Poor Chilli was recovering really well from having his toe bitten off by Roo. I'd been putting tea tree oil on it which he does not like one bit but is good for him so thats that. Due to his wound we couldn't let him have his sandbath for about 10 days and boy did he miss it. When we finally put it back he wouldn't stop going in and out of it for ages. Bless ;) But now the wound has swollen up. Possibly from sand! So we went to the vets and now he's on antibiobtics for 3 weeks. Hopefully it is an infection, as it will need to be amputated if it doesn't go down. The vet did think they're might be a bit of bone protruding thats causing the trouble........but fingers crossed the meds work. After Chilli nearly died twice when being neuteured, anything involving surgery is a huge risk for him :(

Roo got a very good talking too and isn't allowed anywhere near Chilli's cage. We're now letting Chilli out first so that he gets tired and lays down away from the front of the cage whilst Roo and Roxy are out.

We've now got an oven that works! It wasn't the cheapest of repairs not helped by the repair man managing to break both the lamp and the lamp cover. Of course they would deny all knowledge so I ordered it online only to find the lamp blew as soon as DH put it in. So another is on the way. Amazing how much these 2 little items cost too. Expecially when you compare it to STR ;)

The car insurance saga is settled and I got some vouchers which I spent on a PSP game, Ratchet & Clank which I'm now quite addicted too. The hours that can be wasted on game playing is unreal. But its fun while it lasts ;)

I know I keep saying it but I really will try and sort some of my holiday photos out......

Things Not Going To Plan

2007-06-10T14:30:00.000+01:00

As soon as I'd published my last post I realised I hadn't said thank you to everyone for their lovely comments after Custard died. I tried to thank everyone individually, but in case I missed anyone they were lovely and much appreciated.

I've been trying to play catch up with emails (over 300) and blogs (100+) and am failing miserably. I use Google Reader for posts but it just seems to remind me how behind I am......this hasn't been helped by having to change broadband provider. The service from Virgin has been awful for the last few months since they became Virgin Media and using the internet has become a painfully slow process. I'm on ADSL Max but am lucky if I get a download speed of 200/300 which is just crazy especially as my profile is 4000. Apologies for the geeky speak but it will make total sense if you're that way inclined ;)

The big downside to changing broadband providers is that I used the same ISP email address as my main email addy since the days of dial-up. And that is a lot of years and several hundred accounts need to be changed. Fun huh! I haven't used the email address for months as I realised the nightmare it would be getting everything changed over and signed up for a Google Mail address which I've been changing everything to as I go. That unfortunately still leaves over 100 accounts to be changed. Yes I know, I use the internet A LOT! You live and learn though and I would never use an ISP email address as my main email addy again.

Back to the knitting which has been rather strange. I've been working almost non-stop on Foxglove and am now on the 2nd sleeve. Usually I get bored and pick up a sock or something for variety but nope, I seem to able to just work continually on it. When I actually get the time to knit for long that is.......

Knitting and well absolutely everything has been brought to a halt by a bad asthma attack that started on Monday. By Tuesday I was climbing the walls and unable to get a doctors appointment. It was very scary and just awful. DH was about to take me to A&E when finally I spoke to my doctor who said the locum doctor would see me as an emergency. So now I'm on steroids plus maxed out on antihistamines, preventers, relievers, nasal spray. Good job we don't smoke, I'm sure I'd explode!

So that ruined this week as i've been unable to do a thing. I'm also a ghastly yellow colour and have red eyes from lack of sleep. Trust me, it is not attractive. Not that I particularly care as I'm too intent on breathing, but really, it surprises me each time I look in the mirror. Perhaps I'll just give it up. The mirror that is!

Of course when I saw the locum doctor she said just make sure you get added as an emergency patient. Yeah right, try getting past those darned receptionists..........I won't leave it so long if it happens again thats for sure. But its never been so bad before and never in warm weather. As it all my allergies and intolerances weren't bad enough now I seem to have allergic asthma triggered by weather changes. I think a visit to the asthma clinic is in order ;(

I haven't mentioned much about my hospital visits and referrals for allergies and anaemia because its never ending. But I have found the most wonderful consultant for my anaemia who is just brilliant. I have to have regular blood tests and visits to check everything is ok so not much to report. She did say that my tongue issues aren't because of the anaemia and was surprised the allergy specialist said it might be. So thats still an unknown and still affects me but not as bad.

I did manage a trip to Get Knitted the weekend before my asthma attack where I just had to buy 2 skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca Organic Cotton as it refused to let me go without it! You wouldn't think it was cotton it is so amazingly soft. Plus another of their patterns. I did have a look at the latest copy of Yarn Forward. It did nothing for me so didn't bother getting it.

My Rowan membership renewal kit arrived and I'm rather impressed. The waistcoat pattern isn't for me but I'll definitely try the shawl. I really will actually finish one one day, and maybe using a thicker yarn might help me reach that goal ;)

The only other knitting related goodie I've had is 101 One Skein Wonders which I've been coveting for ages. I wasn't disapointed and it is a fab book, definitely a must have book in the knitters library. For anyone that has the book and not downloaded the errata you can do so from here. There are several patterns I want to make. And probably will once I've decided what border to use on Foxglove. Looks like it will much more of a challenge than I'd anticipated....

As promised here's a pic of my lovely Lorna's Laces Happy Valley sock that I knitted most of on my sunbed on holiday. She's so lovely. Eventually her sibling will arrive ;)

And a pic of Thunder showing what he thought of my plans to make a new bag. Yes, sitting right on the yarn always works. Nope, Thunder isn't jealous, not at all.

So no holiday pics yet I'm afraid. Hopefully if nothing else happens they'll be in my next post. Fingers crossed eh?

Spoke too soon. The oven broke last night. Cold indian for dinner anyone? Doh!

Could it get any worse? Oh yes, Roo bit Chilli's paw through the cage and wouldn't let go. Looks like he's bitten part if it off....... Oh man.

We're Back!

2007-05-22T19:00:00.000+01:00

We had a fabulous time in Kefalonia. The weather was hot and sunny and Kefalonians are so friendly and helpful. We enjoyed it a lot more than expected. It was certainly a lazy holiday, much more than usual on our long haul trips, and mostly revolved around eating. Boy the greeks love to cook and eat and it was great dining out each night at a different restaurant or taverna trying something different. Even I was fine being a lactose intolerant veggie. I did get rather addicted to greek salads and had one every lunchtime ;)

Photos will come eventually. Probably once the mountain of paperwork and washing has gone down a bit........

For the first time I actually knitted by the pool. Only after lunch and under an umbrella whilst lying on the sunbed. It caused quite a bit of interest as you can imagine and I almost finished it before I went, just finishing the toe when once we were back. The colourway is Happy Valley which is such a pretty summery colour and will always remind me of Kefalonia. Pic will follow next post.

The animals were all pleased to see us back, especially Thunder who has been running round excitedly for days now. Bless ;)

This is what I got for my birthday the day before we left....... yes more Socks That Rock and the yarn to make the Blue Sky Alpaca Crochet Trimmed Hoodie pattern that I bought a little while back. It's in the most luxurious alpaca/wool yarn and in the palest pink ever. Hmm, can't wait till I can start that one. A fabulous new black Lumix camera which I am just in love with. Of course I've actually been using it for the past month or so, just to test it out of course, but had to give it back to DH so he could wrap it up. A knitted wire bracelet kit from TajCrafts that I really wanted to try. And a lovely Dr Hausckha gift set. Not bad eh he he? I also got a few holiday clothes too and some money which I used for some pretty M&S undie sets and also to renew my Rowan membership.

Here's a close up of my latest STR babies - 1 skein in Rhodonite and 1 in Chapman Springs. They're both absolutely gorgeous but Chapman Springs is really to die for. The colours are so vibrant which of course never shows onscreen.

We did end up going out for an Indian at our favourite restaurant and I'm glad we did. And finished off my birthday by watching Happy Feet on DVD! Boy I loved that film, it was excellent. I wasn't stressed in the evening as I'd done pretty much everything I needed and DH was also nice and helpful too.

The STR April Sock Club Kit arrived a few days before my birthday.... and I just love it. The new Silkie yarn is so tactile, you can just sit and stoke it for ages........of course it will be a little while before I get to start the sock what with holidays and the fact I haven't finished my Monsoon sock yet. Hope to get back working on that again soon.

Remember all that finishing I was doing before we went away. Well finally I got round to finishing my Fletcher coat in Noro Iro and it is beautiful. Of course it is totally the wrong time of year for a jacket or coat but who cares, she will be ready and waiting for me come autumn. The sense of accompliment once she was totally finished was truly amazing. This was some serious project!

Also finished is Soleil in Rowan Summer Tweed and I can't tell you how pleased I was with this top, especially the edging which I replaced as I wasn't keen on the original. Summer tops are usually very hit and miss and I'm rarely ecstatic over them. Maybe because the fit and shape of tiny summer tops are much more crucial, or maybe because knitting yarns are much thicker than the little stretchy vest type tops I wear. Whatever the reason, they're never in the same league as the wraps, shrugs, cardis etc. that I make. But not this one, this one is beautiful and something I would definitely wear out. It's a fabulous design and if anyone was thinking about making it, I'd definitely recommend it.

I tried to show a close up of the crochet border but it isn't that clear. If I remember I'll take a macro shot. The crochet edging is from Crochet Edgings & Trims by Susan Smith that I bought sight unseen from Amazon. A bit of a gamble but luckily it paid off as this edging has worked out brilliantly. It also boosted my crochet confidence too. Which is well needed for when I attempt the Crochet Edged Hoodie......

I've decided to have a yarn stash clear up and sell any yarns that I've had a while and still have no plans to use. Mostly from the days before I realised how often yarns are discontinued and sold off cheaply. Nowadays I'm a lot fussier on what sale yarns I buy. Which means I should have more room for my ever increasing STR sock yarn stash ;)

My last post was full of things that had gone wrong and it was quite a stressful time. Our holiday of course was totally relaxing and enjoyable, so you can imagine why I hit the roof the the evening we came home when I discovered my car insurance had expired 3 weeks before!!! A horrendous mistake which shouldn't have happened. I only rang up to ask for the 10% discount I was due to be applied to the renewal, so how that ended up with me having no insurance I have just no idea. A 2 page complaint letter is currently being drafted. Just what you don't need..... of course I'm now insured again but still amazing such a mistake can happen. Luckily I have my lovely knitting to keep me calm :-)

Oops - somehow Blogger's default setting was at 'no comments'. Thanks Chris for letting me know - all fixed now!

Life Gets A Bit Weird

2007-04-23T13:00:00.000+01:00

You know things aren't going great when you come home from a manic morning at work to have your lunch to find the police have sent you a summons. Yes, apparently I went through a red light somwhere in Leicestershire at 8.15am on a Tuesday morning. Bit difficult when my car was outside my house at the time before I trundled off to work. In Weston-Super-Mare I might add. This kind of thing just sends your stress levels haywire. You know it isn't you, but the summons form didn't have an option for that. So then begins the fun of trying to ring and speak to a person.....

I did manage after several tries to leave a message and thankfully a few hours later was called back with an apology as it had been an error. I'm really glad I managed to get it sorted the same day. It would have played on my mind terribly.

Good news at work though. We interviewed 3 people in the morning and I rang and offered the position to our favourite in the afternoon. And even better, she accepted! Usually the manager does interviews but he's on holiday and the new person would be working with me and the other office administrator so it made sense we chose and interviewed. Though timewise we could have done without it, it all went well and finally there's a little light at the end of the tunnel.

I did more hours overtime over the last month than hours I work per week which is fine for the extra money but not good for my sanity and definitely not good knitting wise. Though I've said no more o/t or not much now as we'll shortly be off on our hols and no way will I get stressed from work before we go. I'm behind as it is without work stress. Is it just me that sorts everything holiday related out or does anyone's DH help out too?

I've also realised going away the day after my birthday is not actually a great idea. Not sure if I'll feel like a meal out as I'll be running round like a headless chicken trying to get everything ready. Oh well, we'll see soon enough won't we?

Added to the fun of receiving the summons we're having trouble with our burglar alarm and have been let down by a recommended company 3 times out of 4. Not good before you go away. Neither is having your electricity meter stop working again. Its lasted a year! If that hasn't been enough I've had an absolute nightware with the edging of Tulip. The knitted on edging is fine, but the edging knitted separately has been horrendous. The pattern isn't clear and the instructions make little sense. If you look at both pics of it in Rowan 41 you can see the edgings have been done completely differently on both tops - 1 has the ws edge facing and the other rs facing. It gets worse. The sleeve edging isn't long enough to go around the armhole. I've tried and failed to get it right countless times. Frankly, I'm sick of the sight of it. The main body edging is done and I don't care how it looks anymore or even if it wants to stick out a little. I shall bash it about with the iron a bit. No way will I redo it!

I will start again with more stitches for the sleeve edging though after sewing up the sides and deciding how long the edging really needs to be. Then finish the ties one which is almost done. Amazing how long that takes too. I really hope its worth all this trouble in the end.....

All this ranting might make you think I wouldn''t have much to show for my recent efforts, but surprisingly I have quite a few FOs to show. DH scared me last week when he said you realise its only 2 weeks till we go away and it dawned on me the amount of finishing I had to do. So rather than start a nice new calming project I've done non-stop finishing.

And first FO is the lovely Monsoon sock from my Blue Moon Feb Sock Kit. I haven't managed to start the 2nd but hopefully will get around to it once all this finishing is out the way ;) I've really enjoying knitting the sock and though it had lots of firsts for me, I found it all relative simple and easy to follow and lots of fun. The shape still amuses me no end ;)

Next FO is the Halterneck Top in Rowan Calmer. Officially it is the last 2006 FO as that was when it was knitted. It always amazes me how long a crochet edging or tie can take. DH loves this top and asked if I'll be taking it away with me on our hols. Praise indeed!

Third FO is After Dark in Rowan Summer Tweed which is a really pretty top. The Rowan beads look fabulous and I'm really glad I got them. I will try something else for the ties though as I'm not totally keen on using the same yarn for the ties. It looks ok but think they could look better. It'll do for the time being though.

Last but not least are my Mango Speed Demon Sweet Georgia socks. Boy are these lovely & warm and oh so comfy. Perfect house and bed socks especially for those cold spring evenings.

This will be my last post till we're back from our hols. Its my birthday at the end of the month and we're off to Kefalonia the day after for 2 weeks. Fingers crossed we get warm weather! Being used to the tropics and not going to the Mediterranean for 20 years we could be in for quite a surprise. I'm sure it will be lovely though doubt much time will spent in the sea ;)

PS Sad news I'm afraid. Our beloved hamster Custard passed away on Sunday in his sleep. I know he was 3 years and 1 and a half months old but it was still a shock and we both really miss him. We gave him a little burial and hope he's happy in Hammy Heaven feeding on a never ending supply of organic sunflower seeds.

Finally.....

2007-04-08T21:00:00.000+01:00

Yup, at last, Tulip is almost finished. The fronts and back are done and shoulders bound off. It's been pressed (this is definitely a yarn that looks much better after pressing) and is ready for edgings. Which will take forever no doubt. I feel really relieved the main body has been done. It's really felt like its dragged on, though maybe this hasn't been helped by the multiple WIPs I seem to have right now.

There is the Kim Hargreaves lace shrug which I wanted to take on holiday this year. Which is next month. Yes, you can stop laughing now. Problem is, I can't stand lace. Really, it winds me up. I keep asking DH if he can imagine me wearing it as I'm not sure (in the hope he'll say its horrid and I can frog it) but he keeps insisting he can picture me in it. Darn! So its a very slow going project as even 10 rows of lace is enough to send me barking mad ;(

So I need a nice 'proper' project to keep my sanity going in the evenings after I've done some horrible lace. And I think it has to be Foxglove in Rowan Calmer. Soft, soothing & oh so pretty. Perfect ;)

But I've been really good and carried on with my other WIPs first so I feel I've actually made some real progress at last. A good feeling ;)

I've actually gone and done some pressing. Well quite a bit in fact! This was quite a surprise but unfortunately rather necessary before I drowned in a pile of FOs waiting for pressing and finishing. So After Dark is pressed and a matching yarn found. Thats it so far though, whaddya expect - miracles? Soleil is also pressed and waiting some attention. And a couple of bits that needed seams pressing have been done too. Phew, glad the pressing is all done for a while......

My lovely STR Fairgrounds sock now has a mate! Yippe, another pair of socks have landed ;) I love them. They love me. All is good. Except I've had to start handwashing my handpainted socks yarns. No more chucking them in the machine for me I'm afraid. My X-Mas Rock STR became a struggle to get on........making me wonder if my ankles had grown. But no, they've started to 'bloom' quite a bit more than older socks. The machine has to be blamed (though possibly I could have washed them on the wrong setting...) but to be safe and keep both them and me happy handwashing is the way to go. It's not a big deal I've found out, especially using Lakekand's Lavender Wool Wash which is a wonderful no-rinse product.

My washing machine is notorious for felting things when its not supposed to and I know it shrinks my socks a little each time. But they usually stretch back again. Obviously this isn't really the best way to treat expensive handpainted yarns.......no matter what it says on the label!

My STR Monsoon sock is doing rather well. Even DH commented on how fast it seems to have grown ;) The garter stitch heel was rather fun to do until I realised the sock was too long and I had to frog 10 rows of rib and do it again! I can't quite work out how you make sure the sock is the right length when doing toe up. Especially as I like a snug fitting sock. But not having to decrease on the gusset was truly wonderful and the cable leg part is flying along. I do wonder though if the 2nd sock (when I get there that is!) will drag and I'll suffer from SSS. Time will tell no doubt :)

Does anyone else think my sock reminds them of umm, something usually related to male anatomy??? Makes me smile whenever I knit the sock. DH thinks the same too. Sure is one strange looking sock ;)

The garter stitch toe (yup, another first) was simple to do and a success until I realised it was much too big so I had to redo that on fewer stitches. All good fun though eh and practise does make perfect doesn't it?

Good news on my Fletcher coat. It's all sewn up now. Just seams to be pressed then the fun of making loops and toggles. Why is this prospect just so not exciting me......hmmm could it be the fun of making loops out of Noro Iro which just loves to break? Ho hum.

Hope everyone is having a good Easter. It's the first time I can remember it being sunny all Easter for a long time and its great. We were at the beach and had chips on the pier Friday which was fab ;)

Highs and Lows

2007-03-25T15:30:00.000+01:00

What an interesting couple of weeks its been. The highs are easily the long awaited arrival of my first Socks That Rock February Club Kit!!! The lows were the long waiting time which caused much anguish and frowning of brows and almost endangered the life of our postie. Turns out the package cleared customs on the 11th March, but didn't arrive till the 19th! What was it doing for 8 days - crazy huh? So it actually took longer to reach me once in the UK than it did to get to the UK in the first place. Oh I was so not happy ;(

But joy was back in the house once again after arrival of said and much loved parcel. I was so impressed with the kit and the colourway. I love those colors. Reminds me of rainforests and my trip to Kenya which brings back great memories. I'm even 'shock horror' actually going to attempt the pattern too! This is a highly unusual step for me, as I'm a cuff down plain sock slip stitch heel flap girl all the way. But there's something about it that makes me want to try. It will be the first time of using mediumweight STR as well as a toe up sock and all that entails. Should be fun........oh where is that Lucy Neatby DVD hiding ;)

Of course due to the delay and my very obvious disappointment lovely DH took me to Get Knitted to cheer me up. However I didn't think he was that lovely after the parcel arrived on the Monday and he said 'so you'll be taking it all back then'! Of course I ignored him as seriously, he must have been joking. I mean, what was he thinking. Take back.....what does that mean exactly???

The taking back would have deprived me of the lovely Blue Sky Alpaca hoodie pattern (yes, another hoodie), the lovely skein of Jitterbug in Alizarine and the gorgeous skein of Lucy Neatby's Celestial Dream in Fiesta. Not forgetting the Lucy Neatby Socknitting Techniques DVD 1! Of course taking any of this back was never going to happen and although not the cheapest of retail therapy shopping trips, I was extremely happy with my purchases. Good job I did all that overtime then.....

Tulip now has one front and back which were attached with a three needle bind off. And to my delight I didn't even have to think about the short row shaping for the shoulders! I was rather impressed with myself. It's nice when that happens ;) I've just started the right front though admittedly it is taking longer than I'd anticipated. Reminds me why I like chunky yarns so much!

I have one STR sock in Fairgrounds the second is half finished. I really should finish it before starting on my sock kit.......we'll see shall we. My Mango Speed Demon Sock has had some progress too and I'm now on the gusset and finished all the dreaded ribbed cuff. Remind me not to do that again.

Thats it really knitting wise. Work has been manic and I've done hours and hours of work at home too so have only really managed to knit for an hour or so each evening as I'm just so tired. We're advertising for some help so I'm hoping we get someone in quick so I can stop bringing so much home.

I did do some sewing up that I'm rather proud of and now my Fletcher coat has one side and sleeve seamed. She looks fabulous and I can now try her on. She's kinda jacket length rather than coat length which is just perfect for me. Maybe soon she'll get to go on an outing!

I've been watching bits of the Lucy Neatby DVD Knitting Essentials 1 that I mentioned previously and am so impressed. Already I've picked up hints and tricks that I will definitely try. Reading about other methods doesn't really inspire you to try them unless its because you're unhappy with your current one. But seeing other methods in front of you is superb - finally you can visualise them and see their benefits. I can't recommend the DVD highly enough and I expect the Sock Knitting DVD to be just as great. It really is excellent for anyone wanting to improve their knitting or try out new methods whatever their skill level, or not as the case maybe ;)

Before jetting of to Dublin I just had to make myself another mini sock to attach to my bag. This one is in the colours I did for my friend Joanne that I forgot to take a pic of, so I can now put a photo in for the keyring in my 2006 FO list. Although of course I have one attached to my keyring, if I'm out with DH we usually bring his keys so my lovely mini sock has to sit at home all alone. Now I have a portable one too and all is well ;)

Sweet little Custard has had his home renovated after I found him struggling to get up the tube to get to his bedroom & bathroom which are on the top level of his cage. So now he has a bungalow ;) He was not happy at first but I couldn't bear the thought of him strugging to get upstairs again. It was quite awful to watch as he struggled for what felt like a few minutes and I couldn't help him at all. Poor old thing. He has settled down now and has a new ground floor bedroom and bathroom. Doesn't stop him from climbing the sides of his cage now though ;)

A Short Break

2007-03-09T22:00:00.000Z

It's all been a bit busy here lately, hence the later than usual post. DH & I went to Dublin for 3 nights to celebrate his 'special' birthday which was on Tuesday which was lovely. Neither of us had ever been to Ireland before so it was a real treat and great to do something different. I hardly did any knitting at all while away, though I did finally manage to cast on the second Sweet Georgia Speed Demon sock........ though have managed only about 20 rows so far ;)

I was surprised at how little yarn was on sale in Dublin, and not one single skein of Rowan was seen! We popped into a shop that I'd heard had some but only had acrylic and eyelash yarn so that info was out of date. We happened to spot it as we were wandering around so at least hadn't made a special journey. There is a shop listed on the Rowan site but as it was a bus ride away didn't think it fair to DH to drag him off, especially as the break was for him.

The only knitting related item I bought was a pair of angora/wool socks which are lovely and soft. But when I put them on was really disappointed with the toe seam. Boy doesn't making your own socks really appreciate well made socks! They are comfy though and are great bed socks.

We did manage another visit to Get Knitted the previous weekend where I stumbled on some GGH cashmere in the sale for £1 a ball! So of course I had to buy some. You can't turn down bargains like that, I mean.....100% cashmere! I also picked up the sock yarn in the sale too and the latest issue of Knit Simple which I really like for once. It is a surprisingly good issue. And somehow the Lucy Neatby DVD managed to fall in my basket - how did that happen? Unfortunately I've not had any time to watch it yet which kinda says how its been round here lately. And lastly some DPNs in the new Clover sizes, this set are a 2.75mm in case my new sock kit contains some mediumweight STR. Ya gotta be prepared ;)

Work went absolutely manic before we left and it was a pretty stressful time and all the things I'd planned to do just didn't get done. Happens that way sometimes doens't it? I have done quite a bit knitting wise these past few weeks but just haven't had the time for finishing, sewing up or photos. Maybe next post eh?

I did manage to finish After Dark which only used 3 skeins of Summer Tweed for the size 8. She looks really lovely already and I think will be fab when all complete and beads added. Talking of beads, I was kinda shocked when I realised they would cost £9! I mean, thats almost the price of a couple of skeins....but then when I had a look at alternatives realised there were plenty of beads far more expensive and of course I really wanted the Rowan ones as they look so lovely. So DH got them for me as a little treat. I would have got them eventually, but it is nice to have them all ready and waiting ;)

Tulip has been started and the back isn't far from completion with only the short row shoulders to do but no photo yet as there isn't much to show really. I'm loving knitting with Damask though which is much softer than I expected. Its a very tactile yarn which surprises me considering the composition. Though I'm finding it a little hard going using 3.75mm needles. It definitely feels like its taking forever. Definitely not a quick knit for me ;)

I was so expecting to have my Socks That Rock Sock Club Kit arrive whilst in Dublin but they didn't which was a little disappointing, but they're on they're way and hopefully will arrive really soon. I can't help hoping they'll arrive each day and have given reading up the KAL as I don't want to hear about everyone else having theirs already! So instead of a pic of my not yet arrived kit here we have a WIP of the lovely colourway Fairgrounds which is not far off finished now. Only one more sock to go then......

Our super duper lovely hamster Custard also celebrated a special birthday and has now reached the grand old age of 3!!! He is still lively if a little wobbly on his legs which explains why its so hard to get a photo of his face these days as I don't like using the flash much near him anymore. Doesn't my Iro coat look lovely though (yes, its still waiting to be sewn up...). Custard is such a sweetie and really quite tolerant of his daily eye drops and totally addicted to organic sunflower seeds ;)

Hurrah!

2007-02-18T22:30:00.000Z

Finally. It's here, at last. Yup, Kitsch has landed and been finally sewn up. Just waiting seam pressing now. I won't describe the very colourful language used during said sewing up. Use your imagination ;) It was so difficult to get the stripes on the sides to match up and I had to restart several times. Weirdly though the arms were easy peasy......funny that. Anyway, she looks lovely and I'm very happy with her and can't wait for warmer weather so I can actually wear the little darling.....

I visited Get Knitted again a week ago last Thursday with my mad knitting friend Jackie and it was just such a fabulous visit. Imagine being surrounded by loads of lovely yarn, knitting books, knitting magazines, Brittany needles and Clover doodahs. If that wasn't enough you can make yourself a drink and looks through all the lovely books and magazines.....honestly, it really is knitters heaven ;)

Sue has been ever so kind and let me swap my skein of Colinette Jitterbug Popsicle sock yarn for a much brighter version. No doubt to stop me harping on about how different some of the skeins are compared to others .....can you believe this is the same shade? Now we all know I love bright socks so I am just delirious that I can change the much greener version for the funky bright lary one! Very big thanks to Sue ;)

I was very restrained with my buying and bought enough Damask in Zircone for Tulip from Rowan 41 and a Cropped Cardi pattern from Blue Sky Alpacas. I'd seen the shade cards but boy was it different seeing them in the flesh. I totally changed my mind from what I'd seen in the shade cards. They really only give you an idea. This design is my favourite from the new magazine and the one that as soon as I saw it just had to have it! Of course, you will know exactly what I mean ;)

It's been a busy time with all sorts going on. I upgraded my Blogger template so had some tidying up to do as re-inserting all the various HTML codes that hadn't migrated. Amazing how much time that takes but all is well now.

I've done lots of knitting but not so many photos. I've finished the knitting part of Soleil from the new Rowan Kasbah Collection and its waiting sewing up and then the border to be added. The pattern has a sewn on knitted border but I don't fancy that so will try some type of crochet border me thinks.

I'm now working on After Dark also from the Kasbah Collection using yet more Summer Tweed from my stash. Oh it does feel good using yarn from stash :)

My Fletcher coat has all been knitted and pressed and is now next in line for sewing up. I was so elated after finished Kitsch that I sewed a sleeve on straight after. I surprised myself totally by doing this but was glad I did. Thankfully sewing up Iro is far far easier than the dreaded stripes of Kitsch. So not too long now and I will have me a knitted coat! YAY!!!

I've also had lots of time to think and decide on what else I want to make from Rowan 41 so here goes:

Foxglove just wowed me straight away. I almost have enough Calmer from stash but not quite and as I didn't fancy frogging the vest top that is just waiting to have crochet straps added I managed to order an extra 2 balls to make sure. The shade I have Flamingo is discontinued and I wondered if I'd manage to get any more, but luckily I did. It might not be the same dye lot but hopefully I'll get away with using for edgings & the tie.

The only thing I'm not so keen on is the crochet flowers which are really too girly for me. So any suggestions for an edging would be gratefully received! I did see a book on Amazon for 150 Crochet Edgings - maybe that would be a good idea especially as I need an edging for Soleil too! If anyone has seen the book, opinions would be great ;)

I love this vest top Juniper. I love Calmer. What a perfect partnership. And yep, I get to use more stash! Though of course I don't expect I'll do stripes, maybe just a little border instead.

Spice tempts me too and I was umming and aahing between this and the next design Maris. They're still on my possibles but I think Foxglove is the way to go. Isn't it fab there are so many garments in Calmer to choose from! This makes me v. happy indeedy ;)

I think Maris is the more versatile of these 2 but we'll see how things work out. By the time I've finished the next few planned projects who knows what I'll want by then ;)

And last but definitely not least, my Valentine's Day gift from my DH. Yup more Socks That Rock, this time in Fire on The Mountain and Fairgrounds. I've started Fairgrounds already, I kinda feel lost without having a pair of STR on the go. They relax me so much watching the fabulous colours appear, kinda like therapy really, but much more enjoyable ;)

It's Arrived!

2007-02-02T20:30:00.000Z

Thank you for the lovely comments on my hoodie. It is indeed the softest yarn imaginable and this is one yarn you can wear next to your skin without any irritiation whatsover. In fact I would wear it with nothing underneath except for the fact I'd need to wash it each time. Thats how soft it is.

Get Knitted a week ago last Saturday was amazing. The shop is LARGE, light and airy full of wonderful yarns. Sue & co have really done a fantastic job and it is well worth a visit, or preferably several. Having only just paid for my STR Sock Club I only bought a couple of items but it is just so good being able to see and fondle all the lovely yarns in the flesh ;) There is just so much yarn though its a little hard to take it all in. Most yarn shops are teeny and you're falling over people. Not here, oh no, there are sofas and drinks and magazines, oh and did I mention all the YARN!!!

The Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hook I bought is truly amazing. I've been crocheting a dish/washcloth and finding my finger got very sore and almost blistering forcing me to stop. It was metal as a smallish size so I really needed an alternative so I tried one. And I love it. So much so I've had to order a set from Web of Wool with case of course and will probably sell my old ones. I can't stand metal anyway so the smaller ones will definitely have to go. I thought crocheting dishcloths might make them a little more hardwearing and also would avoid the dreaded cotton arm ache. But defeats the object if the hook makes my fingers sore. Hurrah to Clover! Clever lot they are.

I also picked up a tip for the KnowKnits case which I've found to be pretty useless as I can't get it to close it properly. Again, defeats the purpose. But Carol said some vaseline on the cord sorts that problem out. Good idea, cheers Carol! I tried it with some lypsyl and that worked a treat - yay :)

It is that time of year again. Oh yes, the new Rowan collection came out on the 1st Feb accompanied by new yarns and new booklets. I absolute love the new Rowan Magazine 41 which arrived yesterday to my delight and surprise which will explain the late post! Sorry guys, but I had to drool over the new mag. I love this mag and already have several items I want to make. I'm ecstatic, a lot of it will be from stash which is even better though I can't wait to try the new yarn Damask. More next post, once I've whittled down my many favourites ;) Oh so different from last season when I struggled to find new things to make.

Also arrived were the fabulous Crystal Palace DPN's in the 2.25mm sizes that I'd been desperate for. They are indeed stronger as I'd been told and I so wish they were sold in the UK.

And I forgot to mention the Rollie Stitchkeepers I got from Web of Wool. They are really handy when you're knitting the cuff or foot but I discovered are no use when you're knitting the gusset. But a great asset to the sock knitting addict who likes to take a project with them wherever they go.

Oh yes, what have I been knitting? Well the Fletcher coat in Noro Iro is 5 cm off from being finished. Can you believe I ran out - seems to be a habit with Noro as it rarely if ever happens with any other yarns. Anyway as its the hood I'm not worried about dye lot so had to order another skein. It sure makes it an expensive knitted item though quite reasonable really for a coat.

When it turned cold I decided to knit the second Fuzzy Feet slipper sock which was whipped up in no time. Here we have a pre-felting picture - my they are large!

And then a post felting FO picture. This is after the second time in the machine. Just one wash proved very unsatisfactory but they're better now, though still too wide for my liking. Maybe they'll have another trip through the washer at some point. But no way are they as nice as my Kureyon felted slipper socks which are far nice and a much much better fit. The Fuzzy Feet have a kind of pixie foot shape thing going on which I'm not so keen on. They do the trick though, but I wouldn't make another pair. I kinda expected Lopi to felt quicker than it did, but I know for next time.

This is the wonky crochet washcloth that gave me a blister I mentioned earlier which is really rather embarassing and shows off my crochet skills to a t. But hey, I got the hang of it after a while as you can see and managed to do the rest of it straight. Practice makes perfect eh? And I'm sure the next one will so much easier with my lovely Clover Soft Touch hooks ;)

I've also been working on a few summer bits that were hidden in the depths of my Bagsmith bag but there's nothing to show yet. I'm just picking up whatever I fancy. I'm holding off starting a new big project till I've made a decision on the new Rowan collection and had a look at the new yarns in the flesh.

But I couldn't leave you without this fabulous FO. Yup, another pair of Socks That Rock, these in X-Mas Rock. I can't tell you how much I love these socks. Just amazing ;) And I just love the flash pooling on the gusset - just like go faster stripes!

Now Thats Over With

2007-01-18T18:00:00.000Z

Now the weirdness is done with perhaps I can get back to normal. Though I have to say my DH was rather surprised I mentioned the assassin business. He was expecting the police to turn up any time.....why I don't know..... I've never even seen a real firearm never mind used one.

Yay - at last, FO pics of my lovely Blue Sky Alpacas Hooded Top in the lush Malabrigo. I'm so pleased with it. It is so snug and warm and sshh....don't tell anyone but I hadn't even pressed the seams before I wore it and these photos were taken....

Isn't that hood just the best? It is a PROPER hoodie! I've seen lots of hooded tops and recommendations but none have been proper hoodies. This is, for real ;)

It's been such a mild winter that the multitude of planned scarves, hats and gloves didn't really materialise and I already I'm thinking of the new season and the nice new stuff I can knit. The Vina Bag from Rowan 39 has been started. Well, 4 rows of 3 coloured fairisle IS a start. It will take me forever, I'm sure. Cotton and me really don't have such a close relationship but it is so great for bags. And as the fairisle is so slow I shouldn't have any trouble with cotton arm ache for once!

I had a little clear out of my knitting bag and found a surprising number of half finished/just started items in there. A hat needing ends weaved in. From last winter....oops ;) A camisole on circs that took me a while to figure out what pattern it was from. I had to count the number of stitches.....unlike me not to have notes.
A cotton bag that needs a cabled strap which may have been around for over a year too. A half finished Fuzzy Feet felted sock which was finished in a couple of hours. Wonder when the other foot will be done? A gorgeous cami in Rowan Calmer that just needs crochet straps. That one I will do soon. Well, before holidays anyway.

I just can't bring myself to finish an item when I know I won't be able to wear it for months and months. I'd rather leave it unfinished or I'm sure I'll just forget about it and it will lie unloved and unworn somewhere in my wardrobe which would be truly awful. If I finish something I can wear straight away I'm always so delighted. Which could explain the sock addiction for 9 months of the year!

The Bomber jacket in Rowan Denim also found hiding in the bottom of the bag will probably take years to finish. I mean, a row or 2 here and there won't get far. But it will get done and most importantly, I won't get the dreaded armache. Remind me NOT to buy more cotton unless I absolutely MUST. Like the lovely Kim Hargreaves kit last year, Buttercup. Note to self, must knit this to take on holiday this year.

A few of my FO's are missing from 2006 so I'll try and get pics of stuff missing and added in the next month or so. Yes, that means doing the crochet straps on my cami - I don't count that as knitting therefore technically it is an FO. And can you believe I forgot to mention my last FO of 2006 was a lovely snuggly scarf in Big Wool Tuft. So quick to knit up and amazingly tactile. It was a hit. Though not been worn so much. No, I'm not complaining the weather hasn't been cold enough, honest!

My love of STR has continued and though I had to repay my Sock Club as their daft now ex-bank decided the club was a scam and refunded all our money! I know, too ridiculous for words. But its all sorted now and I can't wait till Feb and the first package. Gosh, its so exciting ;)

So no surprises that I've finished one Xmas Rock sock (photos next post) and the other is on the needles. Which brings me to another point. Why are there no UK stockists of Crystal Palace bamboo DPNs??? This is scandalous and should be addressed immediately. They are the only bamboo DPN manufacturer of 2.25mm needles that I need for my lovely Socks That Rock. I use Brittany's but am tired of breaking, sitting, rabbit eating them etc. Rant over. I've now ordered from someone on Ebay in the US. UK retailers, please take note!!!

Healthwise things are erm, rather odd. My allergy RAST blood test has disappeared off the face of the earth and no trace can be found. Brilliant. Since having the B12 jabs my reactions haven't been so severe, but are still occuring. And no, your tongue bleeding after brushing is not an enjoyable thing. So back to the docs we go to discuss all this stuff plus the latest tests. Which I had to postpone as I caught a virus and have been poorly all weekend and only just starting to feel alive. Thats a new one, changing a doctors appointment as you don't feel well enough to go. Oh dear. I thought I'd done well and managed to avoid all the bugs but I obviously didn't. One of the guys went off sick from work. For sure a possible culprit.

Anyone leaving comments recently will have noticed I've changed the settings so that comments are now verified. I hate typing in those letters and always do it wrong myself, usually several times, but too many rude spam posts kinda forced my hand. Sucks I know.

Well look what we have here. Yes, its an amazingly soft lush skein of Posh Yarns Sophia 100% cashmere 4 ply sock yarn gotten from one of the sale days. Words can't describe how this stuff feels, it is the softest yarn ever. Fabulous service, quick delivery. What more can I say?

Aren't these glorious colours. I ordered it from HipKnits in their sale at the beginnning of December but didn't get it till well into the New Year. Don't ask, lost parcel and other issues BUT it all ended ok. Its the Mango colourway from Sweet Georgia yarns and called Speed Demon Sock. Think they might be the next socks I cast on....or should I go for Posh Yarn instead. Decisions, decisions ;)

Of course Saturday is the opening of the new Get Knitted shop in Bristol. I hope to get there at some point in the day, and wish Sue all the best!

OK OK, I give in....

2007-01-06T16:52:00.000Z

Having been tagged now 4 times by Piglottie, Queen Frogger, Curly Cable and Mandella I guess I'll play. So here are my 6 Weird Things. Though of course I won't be tagging anyone cos ya know I just can't follow rules ;-)

1. I've wanted to be an assassin ever since I was a teenager. All that secretive sharp shooting and travel sounded so appealing. Not quite so keen these days....

2. I go sleep by laying on my left side till I'm sleepy, then I turn over and go to sleep on my right side. I'm not alone in this particular weirdness.

3. I'm often aware of when I'm dreaming and can manipulate my dreams. Rather cool really.

4. My best friend has always called me a boy. Tomboy, boy racer, boys toys, computer games, fast cars, tatoos, martial arts, boxing, gangster films, loud rap & hip hop and a love of jeans and trainers could explain. No wonder no-one believed I actually knitted.

5. I never thought I'd live past 25. Boy was my life CRAZY. I've gone from a club lovin dancing boozy smoking trendy tomboy to a home loving, organic addict non-smoking practically teetotal housewife. Who'd have guess hey?

6. I prefer animals to humans and when younger always thought having a litter of kittens far preferable to a baby. I'd go for a litter of rabbits now though ;0) Also explains my menagerie which currents consists of hamster, 3 chinchillas and rabbit. Oh and 1 husband.

Of course a lot of you already know that I'm allergic or intolerant to practically everything so I didn't count that in my list. Anyway, the list would be too long!

Now thats done back to the holidays. Christmas was lovely as was New Year. Having been ill for 3 weeks over the holidays last year it was just great to feel ok. Santa brought me some lovely yarns - as you can see.

I went to the sales but bought NOTHING in either House of Fraser or John Lewis. Says it all really. Quite shocking though. And unexpected. But probably a good thing as I've now paid my membership for the Socks That Rock Club and I can't wait. I am truly addicted to the stuff and its awful as they keep bring new lovely colours on the website that I am just totally powerless to resist ;)

I finished my lovely STR socks for Christmas and happily spent 15 minutes deciding which yarn I'd cast on next. No surprise really, yup, its another STR skein, this time in Xmas Rock which I LOVE too much for words. If this carries on I'm gonna have real trouble casting on any other sock yarn!

Another FO for you are my fingerless gloves in Catalina Baby Alpaca Chunky which are lush and oh so warm. I've really never felt anything like this yarn.

Also knitted up is the Rowan Country Kit I got and as well as getting blue fingers now have all the pieces ready to be sewn up into a bag. I didn't follow the bag pattern but prefered the scarf pattern so used that.

I also managed to fit in some sewing up too and my fab Malabrigo Hoodie has just been sewn up and is beautiful. Pics will follow next post. A little sewing up was done to Kitsch which was not fun and only reminded me why I can't stand stripes. They are a real pain to sew up ;-(

Another pressie I got that has kept me occupied for hours is Daxter on the PSP. I can't put the darned game down. It's wonderful and oh so addictive. I'm kinda looking forward to finishing it so life can get back to normal. Yeah I know, some hope ;)

The Knitting Pattern-A-Day Calender was quite a disappointment for me this year as only I really liked 2 patterns. Having got quite a collection already there was very little exciting in it for me. So that will be going in the charity bag.

Though the holidays have been nice they went so quickly due to multiple visits to the doctors for B12 jabs. I got a call from the consultant quickly followed by the doctor as my test results showed I was anaemic. The jabs were very painful and a nightmare to schedule over the holidays. I had 3 a week for 2 weeks and I can't tell you how pleased I am their done now. So the useless receptionist that told me my blood test looked ok was talking total rubbish. Oh how reassuring I don't think! I also had a visit to see a consulant dermatologist at another hospital which was such a waste of time it was unreal. Oh well, what can you do? So back to the docs again in a week or so to review my latest blood test results.

I did the stupidest thing too - I sat on a Brittany needle which promptly snapped. Couldn't believe it. Especially as I'd only just got back from having my 5th jab in the same area! No, trust me, it was not funny. Nope, not at all ;-)

Poor old Custard is back on the antibiotics as he's got another eye infection. We're trying liquid tears this time as well to try and stop his eyes getting so dry. Fingers crossed it does the trick and no more trips to the vets are needed...

Only One Week To Go!

2006-12-18T23:30:00.000Z

Well its been a busy couple of weeks! TypePad gave me some grief and I was unable to leave any comments on TypePad blogs. I contacted their technical support who were absolutely brilliant. Tons of emails flew back and forth between us and after a few days, all was sorted. They were really grateful for my patience and help and I was happy with their excellent service.

Work has been better. A new system has been implemented for one of my bugbears and is working well. So it does look like they are now keen to bring other systems and procedures up to date. Good. I love new systems ;)

Unfortunately my own system for doing some sewing up each weekend has failed miserably. My poor Malabrigo is still waiting for some loving attention. But I've finished work now till the New Year so I have great plans this week.....

I have been knitting though and the back and left front of my Fletcher coat in Noro Iro are now done. After taking the photo though I ended up having to frog all the moss stitch at the top. It was only after I started the garter stitch rows that I realised the left front did not match the right! And darned, it would have to be the back that needed redoing....I'd misread the amendments and started the garter stitch rows on the wrong side. Oh well. All re-done now and looking good.

The 2nd STR sock is almost done and should be finished this week. So it will be new STR socks for Xmas then. Cool!

I've had a card making blitz as you can see. I always put off card making till the last minute but once I get going enjoy it. Knitting calls to me you see and card making is an awfully messy and time consuming business! I'm just so fussy - what can I say ;)

Online bingo has grabbed my attention a little too. I used to love playing bingo on holiday when I was young in the seaside resorts. I've never joined a bingo club but saw an offer I liked the look of and its surprisingly fun. Well it was for a day or so till I got bored of not winning. But I've had a few goes since and won a few pounds. Keeps me out of trouble anyway......

I have bought some bits and bobs recently but nothing out of the ordinary. A few Lana Grossa mags from Germany and a ball of Regia Stretch that asked to come home with me. Obviously I couldn't refuse. But I worry a little about my sock stash. They take so long and I've gotten so particular with the brands that my old regulars are still sitting patiently waiting in the sock yarn stash box. My favourite regular sock yarn is Milenweit but I gotta admit I just love handpainted yarns. They're just too pretty to resist you see...

Yup, so of course I couldn't resist the offer of more STR from DH for Xmas. Aren't they gorgeous? I haven't opened it yet though as am not allowed. Though it didn't go quite as planned as DH said to order an extra skein and order 3. Which seemed fine at the time until the parcel took longer to arrive and I realised it was probably held up in customs! I was right, unfortunately and had to pay £8.11 for VAT & PO charges. Won't be doing that again. Will stick to 2 skeins in future ;(

DH had also promised a skein of Colinette's Jitterbug too and Popsicle was the shade I chose. Even Thunder was interested and got in the way but I managed to take another without the furry beast.

Thunder says its important to keep warm in the cold winter and snuggling on the sofa in mums dressing gown (whilst she's wearing it of course!) is a great way to keep warm ;)

Custard says hello to everyone and asks for more organic sunflower seeds please ;) And not to worry about his eye. At his age his tear ducts don't work so good so mum has to help him open his eyes most days. Can you believe he's 33 months old now!

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and New Year!

Where does the time go

2006-12-03T23:50:00.000Z

After my last post and the crappy time I'd had I was kinda hoping for a better time. It didn't quite materialise but there is light at the end of the tunnel......maybe normal service will resume soon!

Work has continued to give me stress. Different reasons this time. Mostly that its antiquated and outdated and though I was brought in to make changes and bring it more up to date, in reality it just hasn't happened. You just wouldn't believe the stuff I have to sort out because other staff aren't capable enough or have never been made to do their jobs properly. I'm not learning anything new in fact am going backwards. It's a very small company and hasn't been working out as expected, or as I was led to think it would.

So of course I went in last week to hand my notice in. But didn't quite manage it. I ended up agreeing to see how it goes. They've promised to give me full support in the changes that need to be made and have agreed 100% with the issues I raised. So not at all what I expected but it was nice to be so clearly wanted! So, we'll see how it goes. It's given them a real wake up call and they've realised that if I leave and someone else comes in, the same problems will happen. As I've been there 2 months already, a little longer is ok. Otherwise I'll just temp.

No results yet from my tests as they've turned into a quite a disaster. I got a letter from the hospital which started off ok with the first paragraph being about me, but then it went on for 2 pages talking about someone totally different. So apparently according to the hospital I'm now a policewoman with a cat and dog allergy. Frustrating isn't the word really. It didn't help either that I had another reaction last weekend. I woke up the next morning with a puffy face - even thats a new one for me!

At least DH now has a new van which I found for him after a lot of searching around the main dealerships on the internet. We viewed it and knew my DH would like it and so we picked it up last weekend. There were fun and games with the paperwork that I really didn't need, but hey, we got it and its happily parked in it space ;)

Of course all this has meant knitting takes a bit of a back seat and I don't have a great deal to show. I have been making good progress though and finished my Hoodie in Malabrigo which is even all pressed too. Just the lovely sewing up to do......

But I just haven't got round to taking any photos this post. I should have some next post. She says hopefully :)

To soothe my work troubles I started the Fletcher coat in Noro Iro which I got 2 Xmas's ago. It is perfect as it feels so earthy and tactile and the perfect calming yarn. My gauge is spot on and I'm lovin knitting with it. It is a very sturdy yarn so perfect for a jacket or coat. The silk in it means it sheds a few fibres which show up quite well on our cream sofa. Remind me not to get a cream sofa again please ;)

Why is it I keep remembering something I should have mentioned after I've posted? I did it again, but I can't believe I didn't mention that I signed up for the Socks That Rock Sock Club and have my ID. Here's hoping I have the money ready in the New Year....

Though it certainly was a surprise to see the cost it is without a doubt my favourite sock yarn and I love the idea of getting packages throughout the year. I'm putting my bonuses from work towards paying for it and I really think it will be worth it. Having been disappointed with handpainted yarns before, I know this is highly unlikely to happen with STR. There is something so magical about this yarn that I can't wait to pick up a sock I'm knitting with it so I can feel that amazing texture. It really is addictive.

I'll leave you with some more holiday photos. Yep more still from Malaysia this year. Just what you need in this cold winter weather ;)

Wadda Week

2006-11-19T23:30:00.000Z

I forgot to mention that my copy of Vogue Knitting finally arrived a week or so back and as usual I'm so impressed. Though there isn't anything that jumps out at me as a must knit, I love the designs. You know you're reading Vogue. There really is nothing quite like it ;)

I visited my mad knitting friend and this is what she brought me back from her trip to the US. I asked for a couple of balls and she brought me back 12!!! This is what happens when you ask a yarn addict to bring you back some yarn ;) I couldn't believe my eyes and I was so pleased to get it. So thank you again Jackie!

It's been one of those weeks. First of all I had my hospital appointment at the allergy clinic which turned out to be quite useful and definitely not a waste of time as my doctor suggested it might. I had pinprick tests - 8 of them - and reacted to trees but not to tomatoes. The trees was no surprise as I have hayfever. The tomatoes negative result was no surprise by the consultant either. He said that test is notoriously reliable. I was tested for cat, dog, horse and rabbit amongst others but knew I'm not allergic to those. What was most odd was that whilst waiting to see the consultant again after the first tests I reacted to something and red lumps came up on my hand. The consultant suggested it might be the tape but I know it didn't touch my skin. Thats me all over. I have 9 pinprick tests on my arm and react on my hand! Perhaps it came out in sympathy ;) The consultant said 'you are quite an allergic person aren't you?' whilst DH was sniggering quietly as I said yes to all his questions asking what allergies I had. Tell me something I don't know!

Next I had a RAST blood test and another blood test for vitamin deficiency. Being a long term lactose intolerant veggie I could be vitamin deficient. The blood tests took forever as the nurse just couldn't get any! I always have trouble unless its a very experienced nurse. I'll get those results in a few weeks. Depending on what they are the consultant suggested I go on the ward to be fed sliced tomato!!! I am so not keen on this I can tell you.....

I've also been referred to yet another hospital for investigations about my tongue. In the consultants own words 'that is definitely not quite right'. My tongue is where the reactions are occuring but now I constantly have blisters or lumps or blotches even a couple of days after the reaction and it hasn't been normal for months.

So I now have been referred to 3 hospitals all to due with my allergies. I think this is a good thing. At least its being taken seriously though all these different hospitals makes it all a tad confusing ;-(

Then I got really upset at work by the awful language used by one of the guys. I would never repeat it but would describe it as explicit pornographic. I just couldn't believe my ears. They guys involved were made quite aware I won't tolerate that kind of behaviour but to be honest, I don't want to be anywhere where that kind of thing is acceptable. There are so many laws about behaviour in the workplace that are supposed to prevent exactly this type of thing. It was not a good day. But when I came back from lunch one of the guys apologised - not the one that uttered the words, but the guy he was talking to. So they're now aware as is the boss.....we'll see if it happens again.

The day after that the garage rang to say my DHs van isn't worth repairing. It failed its MOT disastrously and would cost around £2,500 to fix. Uneconomical to repair was the advice. So now we have to look for a new van. Why do these things always happen in the run up to xmas?

I wasn't joking about the kind of week I'd had.....but it ended quite nicely when I was wearing my Biggy Print Jacket out and I was asked where I'd got it as a woman really wanted one. Then she spied my Sherbet bag from last post and said her daughter would love that. Its always nice when that happens ;)

I thought I'd see what happened if I felted my oversized Big Wool mitterns that were far too large. The result was hilarious. They'd probably fit a 6 year old now. Wow did they felt quick. I didn't mind as I don't wear them anyway. At least I now to be very careful when felting Big Wool :)

I'll finish off with an FO that I'm really pleased about. The Lana Grossa Mega Boots are finally finished! They're lovely and fit perfectly. And of course now I can cast on for that 2nd STR sock!!!

And leave you with the kind of week I would really like to have - a real chillin' one.....just like Thunder's!

Ta Da

2006-11-10T23:50:00.000Z

My Knitting Pattern A Day calender arrived a week or so ago and I put it with the presents waiting to be wrapped to get it out of the way and my DH got carried away with wrapping presents and wrapped it up too. So another pressie from him he he;)

DH also wrapped my Colinette Marshmallow yarn by mistake and was most cross about that. You'd think he actually knew what he'd got me but no, obviously not. I was pleased as it saves me doing it. Though its actually from my friend we take our own pressies home after the show as it makes more sense seeing as we only usually meet up once a year. This year she fell in love with the new Wrap Cardigan Kit from Web of Wool which was introduced at the show and seemed to be very popular indeed so that was her pressie sorted ;)

Last year I bought her some lovely Colinette Point 5 to make a pretty cardigan which has been finished for months and months and currently resides under her bed! I thought maybe writing about it on my blog might shame her into pressing it and sewing it up. Boy is it nippy out now and it would be perfect for the cold. We don't want it living another year under the bed now do we Joanne???

All this cold weather has brought out the accessory urge in me and I made some fingerless mittens using this fabulous Custom Fit Fingerless Mitts pattern. It's a really simple pattern to follow and the easiest way to actually make a pair that fit. Normal patterns are always huge on me so its great to get a proper fitting pair. My hands are rather petite you see and almost permanently cold, so good fitting mitts are essential. Work is getting cold too so might need some for there too. I cannot bear to be cold and get very irate indeed :(

As you can see my Sherbet bag is all finished and lined so finally I have my winter bag. Pretty isn't she?

Poor old Custard had to stop the eye drops and was prescribed liquid antibiotics which he HATED. The poor thing is so trusting and happily started to drink it till he realised how awful it tasted then went absolutely barmy running round his cage like a wild thing and refusing treats!!! This is unheard of but thankfully it was only a short course and now he is back to his lovely self which I'm so glad of. He's such a sweet old hamster I really didn't like him being stressed ;)

You just wouldn't believe how terribly jealous Thunder was of the attention Custard was getting. He would do anything to get some including jumping on Custard's cage, jumping on my back while holding Custard or even resorting to kicking over Custard's climbing tubes! Naughty jealous thing. Amazes me how he can be jealous of something so small compared to him. Funny creatures aren't they ;)

Yippee! I made myself a mini sock and it lives happily on my keyring. I still can't get over how cute they are. Must make more!

I'm up early for my hospital appointment at the allergy clinic tomorrow and now have to attend another hospital next month to see a dermatology specialist for my other allergies. It's all getting a bit confusing. And you should see how long my allergy list is......it would be far easier to list stuff I wasn't allergic too. At least I'm getting referred even if it is to 2 different hospitals!

I sent my dear friend that I spoke of a while back this chemo cap in Rowan Calmer which has been a great success as Calmer is the softest gentlest yarn imaginable. I used a pattern from Headhuggers which has a great selection of patterns. The mini sock was also for her and I managed a better photo of it before I sent it off.

It looks like the days of being able to post once a week regularly are a distant memory. So much to do and so little time. Never mind, we get there evenually ;)

Cutest Sock Ever?

2006-10-29T23:30:00.000Z

Poor Custard has had an eye infection and for the first time in his long hamster life had to visit the vet. He was very well behaved and the vet was ever so congratulory on the weight and health of our long-lasting hamster. She said it was lovely to see such a well cared for friendly hamster, and said she was sure it had made a difference to his lifespan ;)

I was pleased as punch I can tell you. We were given the obligatory eye drops and then the fun and games started. Have you ever tried to give a hamster eye drops??? Impossible almost - the furry wriggling beast won't stay still for a nanosecond. The eye drops went everyone except his eyes. We've nearly used the whole tube only because it was so difficult to get any drops in. Why oh why couldn't they have given us liquid ones - you'd have more chance with those. Anyway we've persevered but another trip to the vets might be in order.

Last weekend we visited House of Fraser who still had a sale on and also had an extra 20% off sale prices. So I got a few balls to add to my stash for bag making, accessories etc and of course couldn't resist more Rowan Calmer which I plan to turn into bed/lounge socks. Eventually.

I finally finished my Socks That Rock sock and am so pleased with it. Unfortunately its sibling will arrive a bit later than planned as I broke another Brittany and haven't received replacements yet. Thats the only downside to the STR, that I have to drop down a size and use 2.25mm DPNs which aren't the strongest needles for sure and only Brittany seems to make them as I have to use either bamboo or birch. DH suggested it would be a wise move to order another packet judging by the rate I'm going through them. He is very wise sometimes ;)

So I did order some and of course had to order a few extras from Web of Wool. Their service was super fast and my packet arrived next day! Oh I like that..... I'd ordered a copy of Yarn Forward as I'd heard good things about it and can definitely agree it is totally different to the other UK mags. A refreshing change for sure and already a pattern I love in it and actually want to make! It's almost a miracle and even DH loves it too. Sorted.

But back to the STR - boy have I loved knitting with it and am totally overjoyed at how soft and comfy the sock feels, especially as its such a tightly spun sturdy kind of yarn! I imagine these will wear very well. I'm still deliberating on whether to join the sock club when it comes out or not. I've kind of had my xmas pressie limit already so we'll see. Decisions, decisions. It doesn't help either that Colinette are bringing out a new sock yarn Jitterbug. Oh can you imagine the colours! Apparently they were at the Kniting & Stitching Show but amazingly I actually managed to miss their sock yarn - oh you have no idea how much I want to kick myself for that!!!

I still feel like I'm chasing my tail trying to get the ton of paperwork I have piled up still but I have progressed a little with my knitting, thankfully! I've finished both sides of a bag, the pompons and twisted cord. Pattern is from 25 Books to Knit and I'm using Chunky Print for the main part and Colinette Zanzibar for the pompoms, top and strap. The pattern says to knit only one strap but I'm not sure it will be strong enough so I'm going to knit another.

I had yet another reaction to tomatoes last Sunday and getting fed up with the whole business. I'll have nothing left to eat at this rate! It's not long to go till my hospital appointment so hopefully it will help.

I'm waiting on my copy of Vogue Knitting again. Its late arriving in the UK, yet again, and as its my favourite magazine quite frustrating. Though I have to admit to being impressed with the 2nd issue of Knit Today which has two patterns I actually want to make. This is almost unheard of in the UK knitting mags - mostly I get them for the articles as I find most of the patterns awful. So this is a good thing and am happy at least one UK knititng mag I subscribe to has stuff I like. But oh, what am I saying, now we have Yarn Forward too. My my, I'm just spoilt for choice ;)

I'll leave you with the cutest mini sock imaginable. It really is too cute for words and I love it. However, it is sadly not for me so we'll say goodbye to it. Though I will definitely have to make one for me to keep. I was surprised it wasn't as fiddly as I'd expected and I had real fun making it and it counts as an FO too! Looking at it just makes me smile and it just so tempting to keep ;)

The Knitting & Stitching Show

2006-10-19T20:30:00.000+01:00

The show was fabulous this year. I can't believe I was there a week ago today! Doesn't time fly ;) There seemed to be much more knitting related stands this year and far less cross stitch which great and most welcomed. It also seemed a little quieter too. Maybe the coaches head already gone when we arrived, but it definitely wasn't as packed as before. For once we could actually get to the Colinette stand without having to come back later when it was quieter. I'd be interested in hearing other visitors opinions - was it just Thurs pm that was quiet and the rest of the time busy as usual?

The downside of all this yarn was that I ended up totally overwhelmed by all the lovely colours everywhere and choosing what to get was quite a challenge. The variety of hand dyed sock yarns had to be seen to be believed but eventually I made my decisions and am very pleased with my purchases. The first of which was at the Cherry Tree Hill stand with Gill from the Woolly Workshop and some gorgoeous Potluck Sock Yarn in Brights. Gill managed to give me quite a fright by coming over and saying 'you're Anita aren't you?'. I was in 2 minds whether to admit I was or not, but having decided I hadn't committed any major sins recently agreed I was. Of course Gill recognised me from my blog, but it was still a surprise and quite amusing. It was lovely to meet Gill and to put a face to a name.

I also got some Fyberspates sock yarn from the Fyberspates stand in the lovely and very apt Happy colourway and an amazingly cute mini sock blocker. And of course a visit to Web of Wool is always essential where I got some more Clover goodies. And my absolute bargain of the show was some Rowan Plaid in Seagull for £20! Oh yes, now that is what I call a bargain. Its my favourite shade and though I've seen other colourways on sale before, they didn't have this one and also were more expensive. So no way could I leave without having some. Though admittedly I wasn't looking forward to the journey home armed with a full pack of yarn plus xmas pressies and the other goodies I'd bought. But hey, I managed somehow ;)

I'd fallen in love with some fingerless mittens knitted in the most amazingly soft alpaca from Catalina Yarns as we first walked round. So as part of my xmas pressie my friend Jo got me some Baby Alpaca Chunky in shade 117 and I got the pattern with it for free. This stuff is so soft, if you get a chance to try some do. You really won't be disappointed. I've never seen it before so this was my new find of the show. My friend also got me some Lana Grossa Milenweit from the lovely Sue at Get Knitted that came with a Milenweit leaflet and free glove pattern. I fell in love with the shade so of course had to have some. And finally the last part of the present, though certainly not the least, 4 skeins of Colinette's new show only test yarn Marshmallow. It's the same gauge as Point 5 and very similar, though much softer. It is glorious and I chose the shade Popsicle which will be made into felted slippers, from the Rowan Felted Collection.

So didn't I do well? I couldn't help but fondle all the glorious yarns on Hip Knits, or gasp in amazement at the Tilli Tomas yarn at £75 per skein, and be surprised at the Australian stand that had come over just for the show and also the number of US companies that were here just for the show. Wow, knitting is seriously HUGE and even I was surprised to see the number of new yarn exhibitors. It really was the Knitting Show this year....

You won't be surprised to hear I've been bogged down by paperwork again which explains the late post, but I'm trying to catch up on stuff and hopefully in a week or so things will get kinda back to normal. Knitting has been sporadic, as has cleaning and studying too.

But I did manage to finish the Andi Messenger Bag the night before the show. Yep, I was still sewing on the pocket in the evening before putting in the washing machine for felting. It turned out fabulously and after a night in the airing cupboard, happily joined me for my trip to London. Apparently I've been told this kind of behaviour is quite typical of me. Why I don't know, it makes life a little more stressful than it needs to be, but hey, at least I got the bag done and have another FO to show;)

One bad point about the Rowan Felted Collection is that no approximate sizes are given after felting. I know it varies, but a rough idea really is needed. Personally I would have made the bag a little narrower, as its just a little too big for me for normal day to day use, though of course very handy for trips etc.

So now another bag is on the needles.....more on that next post.

I've been meaning to mention this video that appeared on Cute Overload a few weeks back for the animal lovers amongst us that haven't seen it. Its a cat nursing puppies! Yep, you read right.....

I took advantage of Rowan's offer to subscribers for discounted kits and ordered 2 before we went away which arrived just before we got back so of course got forgotten about. They were such good value and to be honest, even if I never made both kits, the yarn, buttons and toggles included make it extremely worthwhile. Cheers for that Rowan ;)

Another thing waiting for me at the library was One Skein which I'd ordered a while back. Maybe cos I'd waited so long it was a bit of an anticlimax but as I looked throught it, kind of though, oh, is that it? So not for me and glad I waited for a library copy. I'm definitely getting really choosy in what books I buy and keep nowadays. Pretty much everything I rarely use or want has been sold. Which means more yarn money of course!

Though I did have to order the Knitting Pattern-a-Day Calender 2007. I enjoyed last year's one and found lots more UK retailers selling it this year so managed to get for even less than last time. I do love a good bargain. Lets hope it arrives soon;)

Ooh Its Getting A Bit Nippy

2006-10-08T23:55:00.000+01:00

I've got so much on at the moment its making my head spin. In between the new job, new course, dreaded management accounts plus my husbands accounts as well our own, I am literally drowning in paperwork and trying to fit everything is a challenge to say the least!

However the management accounts should be gone within a month as we have our AGM tomorrow and both me and the chairman are resigning. Of course I have to organise the handover but I can see some light at the end of the tunnel....

So not much on the knitting front at all worth showing as I haven't managed as much as I'd like. I have started tackling the strap of the felted bag in the slight hope that I can get it ready for Thursday and Knitting & Stitch Show at Ally Pally. Yeah, I know, some hope ;)

I have done really well with my new sprouter and sprouting hobby though as you can see. I love being able to pick fresh sprouts to go with crackers and humous for a healthy snack and am sure they are working wonders for my health. A supply will be coming with me for the long trip on Thursday to keep my energy up. Its always good fun but such a long exhausting day so anything that helps is a good thing.

As the weather has got a little colder I managed to wear York a few times and I am really happy with her. She is certainly unusual and very easy and comfy to wear. DH thinks she looks brilliant which is always nice to know ;)

I didn't mention much about our holiday in St Ives last post, which already feels like a distant memory. We go each year and have done so for a few years now but this year was one where we ended up having to change several of our usual evening restaurants. We dine out every evening and like to go somewhere different each night, but couldn't manage it this year. One had closed due to a fire, another had changed its menu and had nothing for me to eat so we had to try somewhere new.

We found a new Thai restaurant that had a lovely atmosphere and my DH loved his meal. I lucked out and managed to pick what I though was a veggie dish and asked for no soy or fish sauce - but would you believe it - had egg when it arrived though wasn't mentioned on the menu. Oh boy. I ended up ordering another starter which was lush. I'll remember for next year though and we'd definitely try it again.

Even the lunch cafes had a complete overhaul too. Our favourite cafe in St Ives became no longer our favourite and we found a lovely place selling lots of homemade dishes and my favourites such as humous with olives and fresh sprouts. Oh so healthy and so yum yum. And the tea came in a pot so perfect for me and DH loved the hot chocolate. So a new lunchtime favourite was found.

Our usual cafe in Penzance has changed hands and we ended up having the most awful all day breakfasts we've ever had. Yup, it was worse than service station food! It was truly hideous. They'd tried to make it trendy and added aubergine to the veggie breakfast - seriously aubergine??? And put herbs all over what looked like yesterdays left over baked potatoes....needless to say we won't be back.

Neither will we go back to St Agnes either which is quite a shame. We've always loved it there and it has some amazing shops full of local art. But the beachfront cafe staff were incredibly rude and I walked out. So now the whole village will lose our custom too. But that's life. Instead we drove to Truro and found a lovely cafe and plenty of new shops to spend our pennies in. So lots of change this year but it all worked out really well in the end;)

It was so nice to come home after our daytime outings and sit down with a cup of tea gazing out to sea whilst doing some knitting. Of course our flat comes with a seaview! And again after coming back in the evenings after our meal and trip to the arcade I'd do some more knitting before we went to bed. Oh what a life ;)

Maybe soon I'll get some more knitting time....oh yes, I lots of travelling time coming up on Thursday don't I?

Yep, the amazing long living Custard is still going strong at age 31 months. Check out that cheek stuffed full or organic sunflower seeds!

And lastly Thunder with his "I'm sorry mum for being so naughty but I promise to be good now" look on his face. Usually lasts of all 5 minutes ;)

Back to Reality

2006-10-01T17:00:00.000+01:00

We had a lovely time in St Ives and had a wonderful anniversary. Thanks to everyone who sent me kind wishes ;) The weather was great with a few really hot & sunny days so I managed to wear my flip flops and cropped trousers a few times so that was a nice bonus. The Saxon Noro felted socks were a big hit in the evenings especially as the floor is laminated so too cold for bare feet.

I put them in with my normal washing and they're fine. They shrank a little more but that was expected and I tried them on straight away again to make sure they fit nicely. They're a brilliant alternative to slippers as you can wear them all round the house and even on the sofa too!

I did a fair bit of knitting on the drive down on the Andi Messenger Bag from Rowan Felted Collection using some Rowanspun DK in Icy from my stash. I'm now on the strap but its boring so hasn't been touched since I got back. Maybe it will be my car knitting project. Passes the time and gets it done - if slowly. Though I really do need a new bag asap - the time for pretty summer bags looks like its gone for sure.

Whilst away I started my Hooded Pullover from Blue Sky Alpacas but had trouble with the gauge so frogged it and restarted it when I got back. And made a mental note not to start a new major project when away. Best to take stuff thats already on the needles and where you know the gauge is perfect. But oh my did I love Malabrigo as did my DH......it is like knitting with candy floss or cotton wool. Its so hard to describe but there is really nothing else like it. So another great hit!

As you can see the back is now done and it only took a ball with a little left over. That is seriously good going. Unusually the pattern is written so you do a 3 needle bind off on the shoulders. I do that anyway but its lovely not to have to work it out yourself. If only more were like it!

I finished the foot part of the Lana Grossa Mega Boots sock in St Ives and did the toe shaping and finishing at home. It is lovely yarn but does seem to take longer to knit than most sock yarns. Maybe because they're not as bright as my usual socks - who knows? So I'm afraid I've not cast on for the second sock - but I will after I finish my next pair of socks.

Which brings me nicely on to the current socks. Yep, I couldn't resist and had to bring my Socks That Rock with me. This stuff is amazing. So tighly spun there's no chance of splitting the yarn - unlike the Mega Boots. I really can't wait till its finished and I get to do the wear test. And all the talk about how wonderful it is - well now I know exactly what everyone means. It really does live up to its image. It is so different in texture than any other sock yarn I've used and what I love about the colours is they change so often - you really don't know what will happen next so you're constantly gazing lovingly at the pretty colours than turn out. Yes, I think I will have to ask Santa Claus for some more STR and Malabrigo.

Of course all this wonderful new yarn had a downside. For the first time I bought NO YARN!!! Yes, you are reading correctly. Not one little skein nor even a knitting accessory. And I visited all the yarn shops I could - 1 in St Ives, 2 in Penzance and 1 in Truro. I could hardly believe it myself. I did try and visit another in St Agnes but that had closed down. I guess I've been spoilt with such unusual luxurious yarn that everything else kinda pales in significance.

This doesn't meant I didn't spend anything. Far from it. DH requested various Quiksilver items of clothing and DC skate shoes for Xmas. So of course I returned the compliment which means we've made a good start on our xmas shopping. We also got various bits and bobs in St Ives, as usual....my favourite of which is my Sprouting Kit. Yes I have a new hobby and have already harvested my first bunch of alfalfa which was very tasty indeed. Currently we have mung beans germinating.

I got some more seeds at the weekend and now want a germinator. The sprouts taste so delicious and being organic as well as extremely good for you makes them just perfect for me. And might help with my latest allergy to postage stamps - you know the ones you lick. They didn't have any self-seal ones at my new work nor a stamp sponge......and the following day I was really ill with a bright red sore, blotchy and blistered tongue and felt so awful all I wanted to do was cry. I managed to get a doctors appointment and thankfully feel better now than I did. The doctor is trying to hurry my allergy clinic referral. My allergy list seems to growing weekly right now ;(

Finally we have my Noro Kureyon York zipped cardigan in all its glory. I managed to finish it before we left and took it with me, though of course it was too warm to wear - hence no photo yet of me wearing it. But it is lovely on and I'm really pleased with it ;)

St Ives Here We Come

2006-09-15T21:00:00.000+01:00

Aren't these just the best felted socks ever? I love them. They've been simple to make and look just great. The felting process was easy peasy. I put the socks in a lingerie bag and put a pair of jeans in the machine and did a quick cotton wash at 40 degrees. And they came out perfect! I tried them on straight away - yes they were a bit damp - but of course had to make sure they fit and they did. So I straightened them out gently and left to dry. So yippee, they're ready to take with me ;)

Here we have a pre-felting photo. For some reason one looks quite a bit larger than the other but its probably due to the angle of the camera. I used Noro Kureyon 92 and 154 - 2 balls of each. But only used a small amount of both second balls so if you wanted to do them in just 1 colour, 3 balls would be plenty. But those stripes are so cool.....and would look good I reckon with whatever shades you did them with.

Yep, its that time of year again and we're off for a week to St Ives for our anniversary and are staying at our favourite place. Meals are already booked for the weekend, our favourite Indian for the Saturday we arrive and my husbands favourite for the Sunday, our actual anniversary. The restaurant does an amazing vegetable fajitas which I have every year. Its traditional you see ;)

Of course I've only just started packing as I've been more concerned with knitting. I'd been racing to get my felted socks finished so I could felt them in time. I tried hard to get a felted bag done too but there's no way I can get that done in time. Oh well. But as the weathers gotten a bit sunny again I don't mind as I can still use my nice bright summery bag.

Talking of felted bags I love the Ayla design from the latest Knitty. Its great. Another one to add to the list maybe?

I have been just bogged down with paperwork recently. Partly my husbands accounts but also I've recently taken on the role of Secretary for the Management Company where we live. I decision I bitterly regret as it is definitely not 'just signing a few cheques'. Its in quite a mess and there are lots of problems that need sorting. Which I don't get paid for so very frustrating as I'm not going to spend hours sorting it out for nothing. But we won't be here forever and I'm hoping once its more organised it will settle down. I guess the take-over part is the worst, especially if it hasn't been managed properly beforehand.

I've also started a book-keeping course which will lead to a recognised qualification. I've not had any formal training so it would be nice to find out how its done 'properly' and will help with the new role I've been lumbered with.

Talking of new roles I've just accepted a new part-time role just 5 mins drive away from me. Guess what I'll be doing there? Yep, lots more paperwork as I'll be office administrator. Environment is very relaxed though and I can wear jeans and trainers so I'm happy about that. I start once I'm back from my hols.

This is what Thunder thinks of us going away. Totally unimpressed!

So see you when I get back. This is the only time when I have no computer access so won't be able to reply to anyone till I'm back. Bye bye ;)

Big Foot

2006-09-07T22:30:00.000+01:00

Isn't the bed sock wicked? No of course my feet are NOT that big, this is a pre-felting photo of course, with a a normal trainer sock for comparison. It was fun knitting and I liked the way the stripes turned out, even though the twisting of the 2 colours can get a bit tedious when knitting in the round. I'm working on the 2nd sock and am hoping to have them ready to take with me to St Ives. Pattern is from the wonderful Noro Unlimited by Jane Ellison.

Wanting to get the sock finished (and a bag too but thats a different story!) meant that I didn't get quite as much finishing done as I would have liked. But I have done some. Kitsch finally got its collar sewn on using slip stitch which I very rarely do so am not comfortable with at all. But I got my Finishing Techniques for Hand Knitters out and read all instructions carefully and even though I say it myself, ended up sewing a pretty near perfect collar on. Whew, I was relieved when that was done. Only 1 sleeve needing its ends sewn in, sleeves pressed then sewn up. How come it seems to be getting further away rather than closer to being all done?

I used the fabulous Knit Klips for the first time and was amazed at how good they were. No pins dropping on the floor or stabbing you in the finger. It was so quick to pin the sleeve - literally a minute instead of the usual 5 or 10 then wondering if there are any stray pins lurking around - which is not a good thing when you have a nosy fury creature around! So to anyone wondering if they're worth getting, oh yes, they are an absolute must have. I got a pack of 10 and that seems to enough. Even DH was impressed with them.

What I used the Knit Klips on was York and I happily sewed a sleeve into the armhole quickly and easily without worrying about those darn pins. The second sleeve has been knit klipped all ready to go. I ended up using some 6 ply sock yarn doubled for sewing up. We all know not to use Kureyon for sewing up unless we want to risk losing our sanity - or what we have left of it anyway ;)

Which reminds me. I totally forgot to mention last post that I had no intention of making the sleeves match so well on York. I knew I had 2 balls that started at roughly the same colour, and it would have been nice to end at about the same place, but that was about it. With the very real possibility of running out, colour matching the sleeves wasn't really an option. It was more a case of trying to match the joins as best I could so they weren't very obvious. So it was a real bonus that they ended up quite close. See, the Kureyon all worked out ok in the end. I was so relieved I had enough - I don't want to go through that again in a hurry!

Its been a few weeks since I had an FO to show but finally I got one. Yup, its the shrug I had so much trouble with last post. Its an ok FO. Nothing special though the Rowan Polar yarn is gorgeous to knit with and very soft and warm. It really needed the sleeves to be knitted in the round to avoid a seam, especially as it uses chunky yarn. Having a seam makes it too snug to wear for long though it is handy to have. I thought about frogging but probably won't bother now. You live and learn eh? I never seem to have much success with online patterns - I am so fussy you see. I guess thats why I love Rowan designs - they're designs are tried and tested and I can't remember ever making anything that didn't fit really well. And you don't need to rewrite the entire pattern either.....

My copy of Vogue Knitting finally turned up on Monday. Only 6 weeks till the next issue. At least its here - better late than never!

What a sad loss to the animal world there's been this week with the death of Steve Irwin. He'll be really missed. He was such an enthusiastic conservationist and such a character. There was no-one quite like him.

So it seemed like a good time to post more of my holiday pics. These are from a mangrove tour which was just brilliant. We have me & a ray, eagles, wild dogs and monkeys. Enjoy ;)

Moo & Atchoo

2006-08-29T22:20:00.000+01:00

The funniest story this week was on our local tv news about the sounds cows make in different areas and they played a Birmingham cow mooing followed by a local West Country cow mooing. The difference was amazing. You could spot the West Country cow a mile off. It was really funny and we did laugh. Yes, our locally news is definitely not wildly exciting!

Then a couple of days later this hilarious panda video appeared on Cute Overload that had me in fits of laughter. Showed it to DH and then we were both in fits. Nothing to do with cows of course but explains the atchoo ;)

The nearest think to a miracle occurred last weekend. Remember I wanted to get the zip for York? Well, I brought it with me to the shop to choose the colour and found the perfect zip. Off home we went and suddenly I had an urge to pin the zip in. Followed by another idea of 'well I might as well sew part of one side'. Followed by 'I might as well finish one half completely'. Then I put it back and it stared at me, you know the way these things do. So I picked it up again and finished the whole darned zip. In one go! It is truly amazing and I couldn't believe. Usually any form of sewing up is kinda hidden and pushed to the back of your mind. So it was best to get it done while the urge was there.

Unfortunately the urge went and no other finishing has been done. Oops. I will tackle it soon, honestly.....it's building up into quite a pile, but I just can't put my knitting down in order to do some finishing. Funny that ;)

Knitting wise the week was mostly taken up working on the sleeves from York. As you can see they're finished and admittedly were a bit of a pain. I really wanted some nice simple brainless knitting but Kureyon had other ideas. We got there in the end but it was real close. All I got left with was these few oddments below. I used a whole extra ball too which is really unusual. Last time I knitted a Noro garment with Shinano I was left with a ball over. This time it was so close - this combined with the knots made it quite stressful indeed. Boy I was glad when it was all done ;)

I am cross that the fall issue of Vogue Knitting still hasn't been sent to UK subscribers. Its only just hit UK suppliers which makes it over 2 weeks late now. Everything else has been out for weeks for the new season. By the time we get our copies the winter edition will be on its way. Its crap isn't it? Apparently its due to a mistake by the shipper. No doubt it was sent surface mail.....and we know how long that takes!

We have had a brand new knitting magazine come out though just this week to keep me occupied. I got the first issue and am rather impressed so far. Mostly Rowan/Jaeger or decent quality yarns for once and only one nasty shiny cheapo fashion yarn thankfully! But what really made me mad wasn't the mag itself but the freebie gift, a preview of Alison Dupernex's Knitting for Beginners book. And in particular the picture of a load of horrendously long metal needles that look so very old fashioned. And it got worse with her words "plastic and bamboo are becoming fashionable, but they bend are are not so easy to use ". Lordy lord, how long ago was this book written? It certainly doesn't apply now. What a turn off. I don't know. How does this stuff get published. What was the book editor thinking???

The new mag is called Knit Today and had a lovely shrug pattern in it by Laura Long, a Rowan designer. I fell in love with it at first sight and had to have a shrug. Decided to double up some Cashsoft DK as it specified an aran weight yarn. Then was disappointed to find I didn't have any bamboo DPNs in 6.5mm so had to use some crappy metal/plastic hybrid which were not smooth at all. Combine this with a lace pattern and no surprise, it all went horribly wrong. Trust me, don't try and double up Cashsoft DK if there's any chance it all it might get frogged. It fluffs up really easy and was a real headache to separate and frog.

So back to the drawing board we went. I didn't want a lacy shrug. I wanted a warm shrug with no holes to let the cold in. That was the point. Of course there was nothing exactly like I wanted but I liked the style of the Magknits Hug shrug and happily cast on for that. Till I saw more pics on the designers site and knew I did not like the back at all. Of course by now I was almost at the back.....so a bit more searching on the web looking at shrug construction and I changed the pattern to one I liked. Phew. What a performance. Now of course I wished I'd knitted the sleeves in the round. But maybe next time eh?

We spent one day of the Bank Holiday weekend visiting my stepson in Wales who will be 19 in November. Some of you might be surprised to hear I even have a stepson, never mind an 18 year old one! I don't think I've mentioned him before. But seeing as he turned into the teenager from hell from the moment he turned 12 could explain it. But over the last few months he seems to have calmed down a lot so we're hoping its the end of his nightmare teenage years. I've always got on well with him, probably because I'm so direct. He knows where he stands and he seems to like it. We had a nice lunch and it was good to see where he's living now and that he's doing well.

How come day trips are so tiring though? We picked a bad weekend to drive to Wales. It took forever to get there but luckily the drive back was much quicker. After that we weren't in the mood to go to far over the bank holiday so had a relaxing time enjoying the break.

Here's a pic of the lovely Thunder having a real laid back moment. Bless. He looks about as tired as we were after our day trip ;)

It's Arrived!!!

2006-08-20T19:20:00.000+01:00

Yippee - my Socks That Rock order has arrived!!! Shipped Friday, arrived Tuesday. Wow, the US Priority Service is very, very good! I had to wait a bit till a new lot was dyed, but it all adds up to the excitement doesn't it? DH let me take a pic of the STR and Malabrigo before they get wrapped up. At least I won't forget what they look like.

The Malabrigo is in Emerald and is just divine.....words can't express how soft this yarn is - it's almost like cotton wool.

The STR colouways are 1 skein Sherbet and 1 skein Watermelon Tourmaline. Both are lightweight. Sherbet is so bright you almost need shades. As you know, I love bright colours and as DH said, who wants boring socks? The WT is such a yum yum colour you can't help but stroke it! I'm so pleased with these pressies I can't tell you.

What I find quite amazing is that I've seen more than one blogger buying 12 skeins of STR at a time!!! The first time my eyes nearly popped eyed, then a few days later someone else had ordered loads. I mean, 12 SKEINS!!! I guess its the same amount you get as if you'd joined the sock club, but I gotta admit, I'd love to be getting a package from STR each month rather than 12 in one go. Kinda makes my 2 skeins seem very minimal indeed ;)

And if that wasn't enough the most amazing pattern book arrived from Get Knitted. I've been waiting for it to be released and finally its here. Yup, its the latest Noro book from Jane Ellison, Noro Unlimited. It has way surpassed all my expectations and I love it. You know when you start to get excited as you turn each page, not quite believing your eyes. There are so many patterns I want to make I don't know where to start. The felted socks, felted bag, fingerless mittens, Kochoran zipped hoodie and Kureyon hoodie are the first that spring to mind. Also a skein of Lorna's Laces sock yarn in Childsplay somehow managed to order itself with the pattern book. You know how these things happen :)

I am so glad I love the new Noro pattern book. Its made up for my disappointment with Rowan 40 and all of the new Rowan and RYC booklets. I didn't like any of them except for Rowan Felted Collection which was this seasons saving grace for me. And the only booklet with some funky trendy designs. Even Arabesque left me cold as it uses mostly Little Big Wool yarn which has been ruined by adding 33% nylon! Its just shocking I tell you. A third plastic and a whole lotta money. Not good. And Country Escape had nothing I liked either. Designs are too fussy for me I'm afraid, especially combined with multicoloured yarn, though the yarn itself is lovely.

From the Felted Collection though I'm desperate to have Big Wool felted slippers (not Little Big Wool you understand, the proper original 100% merino stuff)......though mine will end rather multicoloured I expect as I've enough oddments in my stash for them. As tempting as it is, I really can't justify buying 4 balls of Big Wool just to felt them, though those cream slippers are as cute as can be. But they wouldn't stay cream for long though would they? No, best make some coloured ones.

The rest of the week was fairly quiet. We managed to clip bunny's nails without any major dramas and under 5 minutes so were all rather pleased. Bunny didn't sulk and seemed ok to be wrapped in a towel. No doubt the more we do it the easier it will be and hopefully Thunder will get more used to it. I actually managed to trim 4 of them on my own whilst giving Thunder a cuddle. But he cottoned on that I was up to something so had to wait till DH came home to finish off.

We don't have any trouble with cute Custard the hamster. Mind you, he's so tiny he's easier to control. His claws are so small though that I have to use embroidery scissors.....I can't remember cutting hamsters claws before. But then again, none of them ever lived to be as old as Custard ;)

York has gone really well with the fronts, back and collar done. I managed to get the fronts to match up with a little trickery and realised it would be much easier if I had them both on the same needle whilst working on any 'knot and colour issues'. I think Noro do it on purpose. Kind of like a puzzle or something to keep you on your toes. Anyway it all worked out and I'm working on the sleeves now. I did the collar straight away so I could get a zip over the weekend so that will be all ready to go. Told you I was organised ;) It's really nice not having to press it either - the benefit of a totally ribbed design. Which I though which start to bore me but luckily, it hasn't in the slightest. This is a very good thing.

Finally more holiday pics for you. This time we have the monkeys that live in the forest where our resort was. I did mention the resort was in a forest didn't I? The cheeky devils use to love running across roofs frightening the lives out of any guests underneath :)

So So Tired zzzz

2006-08-13T21:29:00.000+01:00

Well we're back from our daytrip yesterday to London to see my dad and are both absolutely shattered. Our train was cancelled so we didn't have our reserved seats and although did have seats the train was packed and we arrived an hour late. However, there was no way I wasn't going to miss out on visiting Stash. I don't know when I'd next get the chance to visit.

We found Stash easily and it was only a few stops on the tube out of our way and direct from Paddington anyway so that was good. But we definitely did not dress for the occasion as it was COLD and windy and we were wearing O'Neill cropped pants. We're used to the wind but it was colder in London than at home. We'd been living in croppped stuff and me in flip flops but everyone in London was wearing jeans. Weird, I don't remember it being colder.....anyway I'd prepared well and had brought some hand knitted socks to wear on the train. And very warm they were too.

Stash was totally amazing and it would have been lovely to spend ages browsing but it wasn't to be. We had to get to my dads asap before starting the trek back to Paddington and finally home. What caught my eye straight away was the Malabrigo. Oh it whispered sweet nothings to me and was just so luxurious and soft to touch. Oh and the colours were to die for..... DH really liked the Lorna's Laces Worsted Merino but it was almost twice the price. I ended up getting some irresistible Malabrigo for the Blue Sky Alpacas Hooded Pullover pattern I got a little ago while which it will be perfect for. I was happy to have some beautful yarn I've never seen before and DH was pleased as that was my main anniversary pressie sorted. So no photos yet till I'm allowed!

So off we went on yet another tube journey to my dads who I haven't seen for a while. It was really good to see him and we had a laugh, especially at the awful school picture he has up of me. He really couldn't of picked a worse photo if he'd tried. I couldn't believe my eyes......so after a good chat, some tea and a couple of hours rest we were off again on the tube, then onto our train and finally, hours later, home. We were too tired to hardly speak and couldn't wait for a bath, hot food and finally bedtime ;)

What - haven't we recently seen a picture of Noro Iro??? Well yesss, but this is the latest addition to the family. The Ebay seller I bought from last time had some more wonderful bargains going and I could not resist. It is so beautiful and I do love Noro yarns, as challenging as they sometimes are. More on that in a bit.

The latest issue of Interweave Knits arrived and is probably my favourite issue so far. There are several designs that have caught my eye and will be added to my list of possibles. So well done IK for a superb issue. Though I'm still missing Vogue Knitting. Where is it? It's been out in the US a while now but has yet to hit the UK. And according to the distributor, might not appear for a week or so! Oh piddle. I mean, I cancelled my direct sub with VK as the UK distributor was always getting their copies before me, now of course they're getting them late. It is just not good enough ;0(

My urge has been satisfied ;) Oh yes, I'm happily knitting York from Noro Knits in Kureyon and I just love the earthy feel of Noro yarns. That rustic, real 100% wool feeling is just heavenly. So much so that I can hardly put it down and will happily pick it up for a row or 2 here or there instead of picking up my sock, which is my usual in between project.

It's knits up quite stiff but those that have used it will know, softens up considerably after washing. The yarn of course has a mind of its own and has totally paid no attention to what I had hoped would happen with the colours. A knot in the middle of the first ball on the back put paid to that. I tried continuing but the join stuck out like a sore thumb, so I had to get a new ball that started with a similarish colour. So now I definitely have a unique design. Kureyon likes to do as it pleases you see, you cannot tame this yarn unless you wish to drive yourself mad. It forces you to just go with the flow......which sometimes is just what you need ;)

In all my excitement about the new season last week I totally forgot to mention my other excitement - yep, the trial of NeoCounter showing what countries have visited my blog. I loved this counter! It was superb. I can't believe I've had over 500 visitors from 23 countries in just 2 weeks.....its amazing. But the trial is over and I haven't upgraded, so the counter is no more :(

I cam across this photo of my Linen Drape halterneck top and will replace the one that is currently in my 2005 FO list. Somehow I had the same picture of me wearing the halterneck and my favourite Calmer zipped cardigan Hike, so thought it time the halterneck had its own photo. Though it appears quite a relaxed fit in the photo this was before washing and now it fits much better and is definitely figure hugging. This year I've managed to get lots of wear from my knitted summer tops thanks to our heatwave. It certainly made a change - last year I hardly remember wearing any tiny tops. Apart from on holiday of course ;)

Which brings me nicely on to some photos.......yes I know its been ages but there are so many. Here are just the lizard ones around the resort! Mostly monitor lizards, but another too. And yes, some were huge, some sunbathed under the sunbeds and yes, they drank and swam in the pool occasionally too.....

Green With Envy

2006-08-05T20:00:00.000+01:00

All this talk about Socks That Rock and even worse, the darn pictures, have been making me go green with envy for some time now. Yes, you know who you are!!! Jealousy is an understatement.....so I got to thinking. How could I justify getting some? I mean, Christmas is way too far off and I'm a Taurean. So of course I just don't do waiting. And my birthday has already gone so no good either. Then it dawned on me......it's our wedding anniversary in September!!!

So I 'persuaded' DH that STR are the perfect anniversary gift. It only take a day or so for DH to agree - I knew he would, it was all a matter of time! Of course I could have just got them myself but then there might be guilt involved and where's the fun in that?

Talking about presents remember all the Dr Hauschka goodies I got for my birthday. Well I'm still using them all and have only had to replace the cleansing cream so far which great. The original lasted me well over 2 months and as I use it twice a day is excellent value. I LOVE that stuff. I'd never have thought I'd be addicted to the whole cleansing routine but I am. And as promised, I don't need to use any night creams, though I still put a drop of oil around my eyes to keep my eczema at bay!

The new autumn/winter knitting season has arrived at last. I say at last because I have been desperate to knit with 100% pure wool for a few weeks now. And finally, I can. Especially as Kitsch is now all knitted up. Just needs finishing and sewing up ;) I didn't quite make my July deadline, but it was only a couple of days after that I finally cast off her collar, which I shortened quite a bit. Didn't really fancy the sailor look you see.......

But I did manage to finish these lovely Opal Petticoat socks. They sure are purrty!

Anyway, back to the new season. First I got the latest Knit Simple. I'm not currently subscribed, as it ran out with the previous issue, not that anyone bothered to let me know! However, I'm rather glad I haven't resubscribed as I thought the new issue was rubbish. The adult designs were just ghastly. Kids stuff is good as usual, but thats not why I get it. So boy was I glad I'd only just purchased the single copy.

Next to arrive was the new Rowan Magazine 40 and once again it came early for UK subscribers. Yeah!!! BUT, I'm really not keen on this one. Looking through it reminded me of older Rowan magazines and was quite a disappointment. There are lots of colourwork designs which just isn't my thing and tons of designs using furry yarns!!! And I mean tons! Kid Silk Haze and Kid Classic are definitely the latest thing as it isn't just Rowan. Everyone is bringing out new mohair yarns and patterns. This is not a good thing, apart from my wallets point of view, in which case this is a good thing!

Of course I could sub, but it isn't always the same is it. And the thing is I don't find the designs at all inspiring. Nothing interested me.......nothing that grabs you and makes you rush to your LYS demanding the yarn immediately. Which is admittedly, rather unusual. There is generally at least one must have. Not this season. Not for me anyway. Must be quite a lot of disappointed people around though, as mohair must be the most common yarn allergy. Oh well, I've got plenty to be getting on with.

Well, going back slightly on what I've just said....... I do love this design, Cobweb. But again, its in KSH and I'm not sure if it will work in anything else. And not sure if I can be bothered to try either.

And I also love these Anna socks, but hey, they're just socks. Surely there must be more in the mag. But no. I'm definitely in the minority though on this issue as it is really popular, judging by the comments on the Rowan International forum. I noticed that there are a number of great mens sweaters, but again, no good for me. Everything is either too colourful, too furry, too fussy or for guys. Darn. You see, there is a lot of stuff in there, just nothing I would wear. Sob, sob :(

I haven't even mentioned the new yarns used in the book have I? Romance looks awful in the photos and from the composition I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole. And in the flesh is like a neon light. Someone mentioned 'my little pony'. It reminded me of gaudy Christmas decorations.......

Tapestry though looks very nice and is ever so soft. Being a DK weight though wouldn't be my first choice for cold weather and of course I didn't like any of the patterns using it. There's a theme here isn't there.....

My local John Lewis has the Arwen Gown on display. Oh my. All that KSH.......not good. I had to do a very large detour around it to make sure none of the irritating fibres didn't find their way up my nose! I must admit it is quite amazing. And doesn't bear thinking about how long it took either.

So for the time being I won't be going on a Rowan spending spree which is probably a good thing as we have a lot going on at the moment. We're visiting my dad next weekend in London and will of course have to pop into Stash while we're there. I mean, it would be rude not to really.

And in September we're off to St Ives for a week and of course there are a couple of yarn shops that must be visited. Then its October and the Knitting & Stitch Show at Ally Pally. Whew! I'm getting all weary just thinking about it.

I haven't yet checked out all the new booklets and yarns yet although I've seen some - more on that next post........

See, even dear Thunder has his own cuddly toy. This is Lamby, and he's often dragged about the cage and often found hiding in the den at cleaning out time ;) We've realised Thunder is a very, very nosy rabbit. And also rather jealous. When I was feeding Custard the other day and had my back turned away, he decided he wasn't happy with the attention Custard was getting so jumped on my back! He is a naughty thing. But he does love Custard though and is always going over to have a look at what he's up to. Shame there's such a size difference though, I'm sure they'd make great playmates otherwise ;)

I'm A Sexy Knitter ;)

2006-07-28T23:49:00.000+01:00

When I spotted the link for the Sexy Knitters Club from Annarella's blog I knew this was the club for me. I just love making sexy knits - all those cute halters and curve hugging knits..... oh yes, just perfect! Perhaps this will be the push I need to finish the crochet edging on that cute vest top thats sitting waiting patiently ;)

Though I haven't mentioned it for a while Kitsch hasn't been forgotten and I'm now working on the sleeves. The back shoulder seams were reworked and the three needle bind off worked perfectly! Oh I was happy and it looked so much better. Should be finished about the right time weather wise. Is still hot here in the UK but no doubt will ease off in a few weeks and Kitsch will be the perfect cover up. DH asked if she'll be coming to St Ives in September with us. Maybe......see how the weather is by then.

I'm really quite desparate to get an FO or two done by the end of August. I feel like I haven't done one for a bit and it would be nice to start the new season all fresh with maybe just a couple of WIPs hanging around. WIPs become FOs once the knitting part is done as I don't count the finishing part (which includes crochet)! It's all part of finishing isn't it?

The Curious Yarns bleeding dye saga has finally ended after waiting 2 weeks for the replacement yarn to arrive. It wasn't posted out when promised - the postmark gave that away and I was really quite disappointed. Seeing it was a gift and I'd had problems with the dye, I would have at least expected it to be shipped when promised. Oh well, we live and learn. Think I spoke too soon about the great customer service didn't I?

And to make matters worse I'm not that impressed with the colour of the replacement yarn. Its supposed to be Ocean, green/greys/blue. But where is the blue? None in my skein......ho hum. Not the best of experiences and I totally regret all the time and effort I spent trying to fix the bleeding yarn too. The owners suggestion didn't work and now I have half a ball of totally faded yarn, and another half a ball of a different colour. Right now I don't even want to look at the dratted yarn. Thought at least I did eventually get a replacement.....

As you might have noticed I've been doing a bit of work on my blog and now have a list of my 2006 FOs so far as well as all my 2005 FOs with links to pictures. I'll update the pictures as I go, if I get a nicer one or me wearing the garment, then I'll replace it. A few pre 2005 knits might appear too, if they're extra special. See how it goes.

I found I had quite a few FOs that had never had pictures taken of them for various reasons. So as I need to upload them anyway thought I'd add them here too with a wee description. So here we go.

1. Regia 6 Ply Bonbon Bed Socks - how did I miss these out?
2. Jerez Celeste Halterneck Top - I always take this away on holiday. Its superlight and doesn't crease and unlike most cottons, is very cool indeed.
3. Pop Cotton Braid Bag - quite a useless bag really but just perfect for putting my wet underwater digital camera in to dry off. Always comes on holidays too.
4. Cotton Braid Bra Top - never worn. What was I thinking - that bra will not contain my boobs!
5. Souk Cotton Rope bandeau top - I had to add a haltertie to stop it falling down! But its now acquired a sun stain that I can't get out....
6. Chunky Print legwarmers - very handy in winter to keep my ankles and feet warm at home and much used, to my surprise ;)

Well look at Custard! He looks an absolute devil doesn't he. We can't quite believe how old he is. He's 2 years and 4 months old and still going strong. He comes out every day into his tunnel maze and stuffs his face silly with organic pumpkin and sunflower seeds - as you can see! It must be the seeds, none of my other hamsters lived past 18 months, and Custard is now 28 months. Wow, a super amazing hamster for sure ;)

Sadness

2006-07-21T21:45:00.000+01:00

This week hasn't been a good one. It started with the news that a lovely friend has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Truly awful news. So everything thats gone on since has been tinged with sadness. My dear friend is a knitter and regularly reads my blog and as this is such a personal issue I won't say any more. Except to remind everyone to never ever miss a mammogram check as this is how it was found.

Knowing how generous knitters are I'm sure you'll join me in sending her your healing thoughts and many, many hugs.

If ever there was a bright and cheery yarn to try and lift the spirits this is it. I was lucky enough to win an auction on Ebay for this beautiful Noro Iro yarn which I've coveted for a while. I got it for an amazingly cheap price, just over £21!!! And that is including postage ;)

Straight away I kind of thought I'd really like another lot of 5 skeins to make a zipped jacket I'd seen in one of Jane Ellison's books so I got up early one morning to make sure I won another lot, as this was one of the two final lots! And can you believe someone had the cheek to bid against me. Unbelievable. Anyway I ended up getting it £27 including postage so still a very good bargain indeed. Hopefully it will arrive soon.

The bleeding sock yarn saga continues. The vinegar solution didn't work on its own and after rinsing, and more rinsing got rather fed up and then quite cross when I got blue hands :(

However, after getting some further advice from very helpful knitter I tried heat setting in a microwave. The results were definitely better and a lot less dye came out when I rinsed and washed. The yarn is still in the sun so will get a knit test soon no doubt. I'm not sure you can tell from the photo but one half is much lighter than the other. Darn!

Unfortunately, the promised replacement yarn has not arrived. It was sent out over a week ago 1st class post but never arrived which has been most disappointing:( Another should be on its way to me shortly though.

The thought of the new autumn/winter season starting next month has got me a little excited though and stopped me fretting too much over my missing yarn. The Rowan mag will be out on the 1st August as will the new brochures and new yarns. I saw a couple of previews in a mag.......and yesterday saw a preview of the new Jane Ellison Noro book which excited me even more. So looks like lots to look forward to. Good.

I even remember seeing an ad for a totally new yarn range, Sublime. Don't know any more than that, apart from it says 'natural yarns'. Oh yes, music to my ears ;)

I picked up this foldaway garment dryer thingy in the John Lewis clearance sale for £5 and very handy it is. Each week I've been washing a knitted garment for the last few weeks, in readyness for the new season and the sad end of summer. But best to wash it all now as don't woollens take forever dry when its cold? Aren't I organised ;)

I have managed to finish something, event though its only a sock. Its Opal Petticoat and looks lovely on. Interestly it looks a bit boring on its own, but is so much nicer when worn. I was just trying it on after grafting when dear Thunder bombed over and crashed on my feet for snugs. He obviously approves ;)

Those that have read by blog for a while will now I suffer from a lot of intolerances and allergies. Add that to the fact I'm a veggie it makes life shall we say, rather interesting......so I was very cross indeed when I suffered an allergic reaction last night to fried tomatoes. I won't go into details but having a burning tongue and blisters all over it is extremely painful. It is also most difficult to try and sleep with your tongue hanging out. Which I needed to do as it was too sore to leave in my mouth.

So no surprise that a visit to the doctors today was necessary and I'm being referred to an allergy clinic. So that just about sums up how the week ended. Oh and did I mention my DH came home today with a great gash in his hand. Roll on next week....purrrlease.

Time for a change

2006-07-14T23:50:00.000+01:00

As I've been blogging for over a year now I thought a little change of template and tidy up was needed. Bright isn't she? Don't you just love that font.....

Knitting wise everything has been fairly quiet. I've made good progress on my Log Cabin Blanket which is not far off half finished. Yes, this is definitely destined to be my first completed blanket. I can't wait!

My little sock break has finished as the lovely Splash colourway from Curious Yarns just begged to be started. And it would have been rude to refuse right? It started wonderfully, lovely yarn and gorgeous colours......till I noticed my fingertips were changing colour! Yep, they were going blue and as it wasn't mid winter you couldn't blame it on the cold. I stupidly carried on the next day before doing any investigating. By then I was rather suspicious that my beloved Inox bamboo needles were starting to change colour too. Darn & drat.

So I stopped the sock and emailed Curious Yarns and the next day received a lovely reply offering to replace the skein with another from the current range or even dye my another skein as my shade was now discontinued. Wow - how is that for great customer service. And I got to keep the skein with the suggestion of soaking it in a vinegar solution then leaving in the sun for a few days.

Jury is still out on whether that will help or not. I tried the vinegar solution as you can see but when washing it out in warm/hot water the water quickly turned a lovely aqua shade. But I washed it as best I could and now its drying in the sun. Worth a try though eh?

Look what arrived from Ebay. Yup, more sock yarn ;) this time though its some Regia Bamboo in the pretty Papillon colourway. It was quite a good bargain as its in odd weights and unballed but I've wanted to try it as soon as it came out so here's my chance. Reviews I've heard so far are all good, soft and silky, though not as stretchy as usual wool sock yarns so probably an idea to make a size larger as I usually like 10% negative ease. Don't want our sock to be too small now do we?

I promise I haven't forgotten about my holiday pics and I am working on them. I don't think even 2 posts will cover them though.....there are just so many!

I'll leave you with some pics of my footwarmer, aka Thunder. He just loves to sit under our feet or inbetween them and will spend hours happily sitting there in the evenings whilst I knit and DH watches TV. Can you believe Thunder is almost 1! I didn't realised myself till the other day, but its his first birthday on Sunday. Wow I can't believe how quickly the time has gone...

So happy 1st birthday Thunder! Just check out his legs - this is one cool relaxed bunny ;)

Finally A Blanket Is Due

2006-07-07T23:00:00.000+01:00

Remember I mentioned the trouble I had with the short row shoulder shaping on Kitsch last post? Well now I know why I couldn't do it! It only dawned on me as I was finishing the front that I had a lot less stitches left on my needle than I had for the back shoulder. DUH! Yep, I'd been trying to shape the back neck along with the shoulder. No wonder it wouldn't work out right. I was really pleased when I realised though, as now it should be nice and easy to short row. YAY!

Following last weeks visit to the vet poor Thunder was eventually cajoled out of hiding after several hours. Well, when I say cajoled I mean I had to rescue him from his hiding place as he hadn't eaten or drunk anything for ages. He was not going to come out on his own even though I'd been stroking him and trying to comfort him. So I had to 'remove' him and snuggled him real close which usually he lets me do for about a minute till he's off for some investigations. This time of course he let me hold him for quite a while longer.....poor thing.....but eventually had had enough and went and laid in his litter tray which also doubles as his chaise-longe. He looked so miserable and dejected still so we sat next to him and took it in turns to stroke and comfort him. Several hours later, he finally came out of his litter box and had some food and wandered round. And slowly he got back to his usual bouncy self. By the next morning he was totally back to normal and all was forgotten. Thank goodness! Boy that was worrying.....I'd never have dreamt he'd have reacted so badly. Poor baby.

I am so pleased that I've finally found a pattern for a blanket that I really like, no, to be correct, I LOVE IT! Yep, that fab Mason-Dixon Knitting book has worked its magic and while I was looking through spied the Log Cabin Blanket and had a sudden urge to dig out the current blanket WIP and frog it (yet again.....) and cast on. And would you believe it, I'm still working on it which is a major accomplishment I can tell you. Its so easy to pick up and the most headache free pattern I've come across.

Which has been really necessary this week as I've had headaches daily, as well as very bad asthma. No doubt its all to do with our heatwave and will no double settle down soon. It even involved a trip to the docs which I try to avoid if at all possible, but my meds are upped and my asthma is improving so thats good.

I reckon the Log Cabin Blanket would be superb as a stashbuster, especially for those sock knitters amongst us......I'd probably double the 4 ply sock yarn and add some leftover DKs as well. I wonder if I'm going to get addicted to the pattern.....

So meanwhile Kitsch is having a rest till the headaches are gone and I'm just working on my blanket which is so soothing. Doc did offer me tablets for headaches but I declined....take enough stuff for hayfever and asthma as it is.

I went ahead and ordered my beloved Bagsmith Project Bag which is a huge success. I've never bought a project bag before, maybe because I've never seen one I've fallen instantly in love with. But this one, oh yes, this one is good. Very, very good. Its happily replaced my rattan storage box and within 5 mins of arriving looked like this....I love the fact it stores balls of yarn! It is truly fabulous. And no doubt will replace other little small storage bags and boxes that holds odds and ends. Oh, and did I mention the other side has a plastic compartment for the pattern ;)

And lastly, a pic of me wearing Shingle in Rowan Cotton Tape which I finished the end of last summer, unfortunately too late to be able to wear it last year. I won't be making that mistake again this year :)

Too Busy For Words

2006-06-30T22:30:00.000+01:00

Well what a week its been. Full of accounts, tax returns and being lumbered with the management accounts of where we live as well. Hardly any time for anything at all never mind lots of knitting......

At least my husbands tax has now been submitted so thats good. Perhaps I can get back to some soothing knitting now thats out of the way.

The only thing I have managed to work on is on Kitsch, which now has a back finished and I'm on the front. I had real mental breakdown trying to short row the shoulder shaping and after 2 evenings admitted defeat. Maybe I was just too tired from all that paperwork. Who knows, but my poor brain just couldn't manage it. I might try again but for now have had quite enough.

I started sewing in some of the million of ends on the back too. There are so many it looks like a tassled rug and I cannot believe how long it took me to do just one side of them......I honestly thought it would take me a year to get them all done. On the front I'm trying to get a few less ends by transfering stitches onto the other needle if I don't have to carry it too far rather than cutting the yarn. Using 5 colours I haven't even bothered trying to carry them all up the sides, it would just be too bulky at the seams. Of course using a circular needle would have made the transferring of needles unnecessary, but just not enjoyable enough as using my lovely Brittany's.

I haven't bought much recently yarnwise and not a great deal accessory wise either, which is always good for the wallet. So when the House of Fraser sale was on and I spied a packet of RYC Cashsoft in Crush that my DH insisted would look lovely on me, I was quite happy to buy it. Already I've got a tie cardigan planned for it....

Then what happens! Get Knitted has the cheek to get the Bagsmith Project Bag in stock. And of course I HAVE TO HAVE ONE. Now preferably. I have managed to restrain myself so far but have saved it in my shopping basket and will order it very shortly!

How is this for a belated birthday pressie? Fab isn't it! I'd being eyeing up Curious Yarns sock yarn for ages and finally I get my paws on some - so thank you Jackie very much!

Thunder is really really unhappy. We took him to the vets today to have his nails clipped by the nurse and he's been hiding in his house ever since. And that was hours ago.....he seems to be really upset with his dad though for some reason, though it was me that held him so the nurse could trim his nails. I bought some nail clippers while we were there so next time hopefully we can avoid the stressful trip to the vets. Poor Thunder. I hope he forgives us soon......

Challenges

2006-06-23T15:30:00.000+01:00

The lovely vest top in Calmer that has been so easy to knit requires a crochet picot edge. I kind of ignored this fact, as the memories of Elspeth's crochet edging shennanigans are still too clear. But now I have to face the fact that I have to do it again. Please, please let it be easy this time......

And whilst knitting the top I again was reminded how useful my Denise Needles are. I might not use them a great deal but when I do, boy are they handy. I was worried that the tube part of the top would be too small as its all ribbing. So what did I do? Added some cords and put stoppers on the ends so I could try it on. Perfect. They were definitely a great buy.

The Linen Drape vest top got frogged and I started the Silk Vest from Last Minute Knitted Gifts using the Linen Drape. That idea lasted all of 10 minutes before I frogged it again. Realised that lace and Linen Drape are not good partners and then found a lovely halterneck vest top in that dreaded Rebecca magazine I nearly sold on Ebay. BUT I checked the pattern first and all seems ok. And the gauge is spot on to Linen Drape so fingers crossed I get a bit further with this top. The omen was good as I just cast on a load of stitches and thought I'd count them later. And when I checked, I'd casted on 194 and actually needed 196. How cool is that. It was all looking so promising.......

Of course this was not to be. For some reason using the smallest size Denise needle is not very easy, the stitches have to be persuaded over the joins. This doesn't happen with larger sizes, just this one. So I started to get arm ache, yet again, so another WIP on hold for the moment.

So I started Kitsch from Rowan Magazine No. 37 in the lovely now discontinued Cotton Tape. This is my own colourway and very bright and colourful it is. Its lovely to knit with and even all those stripes and joins aren't putting me off.

Meanwhile I've fallen in love with this design from Blue Sky Alpacas. It's gorgeous. So I ordered it from Loop and delivery arrived as promised, after 3/4 days all wrapped up in pretty tissue paper. I'm not using the recommended yarn as it would just be too costly and the alternatives contain cotton so no good for me. Don't want another project sitting around waiting to be done because it hurts too much to knit.

So current alternative choices are Noro Kochoran or Colinette Point Zero. Jury is out on this one but I'm planning on going to this years Knit & Stitch Show at Ally Pally so maybe I'll get the yarn while I'm there. I already have some Kochoran waiting patiently to be knitted into a lovely sweater, so can't really justify buying any more till I've done that.

I don't know whats going on with Amazon.co.uk at the minute. First my order of Mason-Dixon Knitting gets confirmed with an August delivery, yet is supposed to be ready to ship in 24 hours. Then my order gets split and I get charged postage. All due to technical errors. Oh boy, what is going on. Oh I'm having the postage refunded but having to send 2 emails on 1 order isn't good. Lets hope the technical glitches get fixed asap.

On the subject of technical glitches, my local tenny weeny library and all the libraries in the area have finally joined forces and you can reserve a book in any of them and have it delivered to your nearest one for 50p a book. Excellent idea. No more buying knitting books sight unseen and being disappointed and having to sell them on Ebay. Well thats the idea, but in practice bit more of a challenge. As I mentioned the new system has what you'd call teething troubles. Ordered books never arrive as the library doesn't get the request.....the wish list doesn't work so all the books I'd added to my wish list just vanished into thin air. It will get better of course and we have another large area near us joining the same system so we'll have even more choice. I've had a few books, but nothing worth mentioning yet.

I have some more pics of me wearing some of my FOs. First is Kitty in Cotton Braid. She was going to be a holiday beach top as is my previous Kitty but somehow has turned into a proper summer top. The beach is one of our local ones, the ones on holiday were far more beautiful!

And secondly we have me wearing Chardonnay. She is ever so pretty and delicate and I have to admit, not really 'me'. I don't think I've ever been decribed as 'delicate'....and that picture focuses on a certain part of my anatomy which doesn't help either. She was easy to knit but I wouldn't make anything similar again. We live and learn though.

Apologies for the late post but the reason is below:

Yes its a PSP and its mine. Recognize the game anyone? It's Lemmings. Pure addictive fun! Its a gift from DH for doing his accounts. Except that I got the gift before I've actually submitted them and its really hard tearing myself away....normal service will be resumed shortly I'm sure ;)

Lastly, a big thank you for the wonderful comments I've had. I try to reply to each if I have an email address but I've had some recently that really touched me so thank you very much, they mean a great deal to me!

What to do?

2006-06-14T18:57:00.000+01:00

Ho hum. Knitting has not been going smoothly. Oh no, not one little bit. First of all I really didn't know what I wanted to knit. Nothing jumped out screaming from my stash which was a bit of a surprise really. So I went through my spreadsheet to see what stuff had been on my to do list for a while and narrowed it down to 3. Then had a little think and after a quick chat with DH, decided on Tempting II in Rowan Calmer in the now discontinued Chiffon shade 462 colorway, a lovely lilac. All was good till an inch or so into the project and boredom set in. Yep, the dreaded 'I hate circular knitting it bores me to tears' affliction had returned and I was not happy. Couldn't see me knitting for another 2 rows never mind 2 hours. So I put it aside till another day.

Back to the drawing board. Maybe rather than choosing from already planned projects I should just choose what I really wanted to knit, maybe that would do it. And I wanted another zipped jacket. The lovely Bomber in Rowan Denim has been patiently waiting in my stash for ahem, 2 years.....maybe it was now time to start this bigger project. I love denim yarn. Wonderful stuff. Only problem is the awful arm ache it brings. And so I started it on my lovely Brittany Birch 10" needles (I'm using Ecru so no colour transfer troubles!) and happily commented to my DH that the shorter length needles must be helping with arm ache as I hadn't had a twinge and I'd knitted a couple of inches by then. Oh oh. Should have kept quiet. Twenty minutes later I didn't get a little twinge, but real pain in my arms. Oh poop! So that got put down and was the end of any knitting that evening. My arm was still sore the next day.

So I had yet another think. Decided Tempting II would need to be frogged. It really needed smaller needles anyway so I didn't mind. Lovely though it is, I like jackets, cardi's and shrugs much better and really couldn't imagine it getting much wear at all so for me it defeated the object. The Bomber cardigan will be lovely, if it ever gets finished. Thats the only problem with denim, apart from the dreaded arm ache, you have to knit it longer than usual to allow for shrinkage....but I do love the design so maybe it will become my long-term WIP and I'll just knit a few rows here and there. We'll see.

I quite fancied knitting with wool after all this arm ache but seeing as we've finally got some beautiful hot summery weather in the UK it seems a shame to be knitting with wool and not with more summery stuff. So what to do?

Luckily the latest Lana Grossa Filati Handknitting No. 26 arrived last Weds from Rikes-Wollmaus in Germany. Excellent delivery as usual, I only ordered it on the previous Friday. And would you believe it, contained several summery tops I wanted to make. My favourite of course needed a yarn I didn't have but I though sod that, I'm making it in Calmer and thats that. It's only a tube with bra bits attached so easy to adjust stitch count. Funnily enough its knitted in the round but somehow I don't mind that so much with this design. Maybe using smaller needles helped. Somehow getting a nice tight gauge with circs holds my interest a bit more and boy is this project portable. And as it doesn't have arms it will be a much quicker knit and I definitely would wear this design. I love little vest tops. So finally, a hit!

I'm making it in Flamingo, another discontinued Rowan Calmer shade from my stash. Oddly enough it looks quite girly sickly pink in the ball but knitted up changes ever so slighly and is a really beautiful colour now, kinda pale rose. So finally, I'm happy and settled with my knitting....until the next project that is!

I know you love to see pics of me wearing my creations so here we go. Firstly, that halterneck top in Rowan 4 Ply Cotton that nearly killed me as it was knitted in once piece and I was using straight needles. Learnt that lesson the hard way, but the top does look lovely though definitely needs a tan to go with it.

Then we have the ever so pretty Elspeth on an evening out in Langkawi. Yes, that crochet edging looks fab after all that work and she fits really well.

And another pic in Langkawki of me wearing Kitty in Rowan Cotton Braid. Just check out that view!

Finally a pic of me in Deep knitted in Summer Tweed. Deep is ever so comfortable, easy to wear and looks great. What more can you ask?

And I couldn't leave this one out now could I? Not sure whats happened to my camera though - think it needs a bit of TLC. As does Thunder....he is one cool laid back bunny ;)

I'm working on the holiday pics, but as there are over 500 it might take a while.....

I'm Back

2006-06-05T17:36:00.000+01:00

We had a fantastic time in Langkawi, Malaysia and can thoroughly recommend it. Where else could you see monkeys every day around the resort, monitor lizards walking around the grounds and round the swimming pool and even occasionally taking a dip in the pool, squirrels just everywhere - in trees, on balconies and anywhere they could jump to. Usually you have to do some touring to see the amount of wildlife we did, but we definitely picked the best resort. Not is it called the forest by the bay for nothing! And the amount of birds was unbelievable and the sound all the wildlife made in forest has to be heard to be believed. Boy these critters can be loud. We saw a fabulously beautiful type of pelican but have no idea of the exact name. It really was a wildlife lovers paradise. Bliss. So much so that I didn't miss Thunder and Co as much as I thought I would. I had too many other creatures to occupy my thoughts.

Thunder is so pleased to have his parents home and is just like a playful puppy. He has so much energy and just bounces round the room playing games. The chinchillas are sulking a bit but thats usual. They'll be ok in a couple of days. Custard seems to have enjoyed himself and is quite happy.

I only did a small amount of sock knitting whilst away. A bit in the airport lounge at KL waiting for our connection flight and one afternoon sitting on our balcony in the forest listening to all the wildlife singing their songs. A lovely idea but guaranteed to get you bitten by a mosquito or 2. And on our last day waiting to be picked up from our resort. And that was it. Not much at all and I didn't miss it either. The yarn is Regia Silk by the way, and fabulously soft and silky.

Now of course I'm full of ideas and desparately need to decide which project to start next. I've kind of gone off the Linen Drape top I was making so that might get frogged. And as I finished almost all my WIPs and all of my finishing before we went, there's nothing left waiting for me to finish. Yeah!!!

I forgot to mention last post that the pics were pretty lousy and that Elspeth had had her picture taken before she was pressed so looked a bit worse for wear. Not surprising after the amount of crochet I frogged on her. After pressing though she was transformed. I took her and my holiday poncho Martini and am so glad I did. The evenings could have a slight breeze and being a cold person meant I needed something on my shoulders. And Elspeth was perfect for any any outfits in white, aqua and blue, whilst Martini was superb for any in pink,cream, beige and brown. I hadn't realised this at the time I packed but wow what a great choice of colours that was.

I do have one FO to show you that I spent knitting the night before we went - an iPod Sleeve. My DH decided he liked my iPod case so told me I'd better make myself a new one. And this was the result and I was very pleased indeed. I only took my iPod Shuffle rather than original iPod so there was plenty of room for headphones in the bag, and the drawstring worked really well. What a great way to use up some leftover Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Yarn! Now I have matching iPod sleeve and ankle socks ;)

Of course I'll post some holiday pics once I've got through them, which could take a while as I took so many......

It's All Go

2006-05-13T22:30:00.000+01:00

Everything has all gone a bit manic around here. Why is it everything always happens just before you go away? The plans for Thunder to go to his holiday home had to be changed and he's now staying at home with the chinchillas and Custard. He'll have less company of course but at least he knows his surroundings and can chat to Roxy, Roo & Chilli. He'll be visited at least once a day but I expect will be most unimpressed with not being out for hours each evening.....c'est la vie!

The road tax on my car runs out while we're away.....so I'll have to get that a day or 2 before we're off. I have a lovely new linen holiday skirt that we got last summer that has no matching top so we've got to try and find one. And though I wasn't going to have my hair cut till I was back I changed my mind the other day. Luckily I got an appointment ok.

The emergency trip to the dentist has thankfully been and gone and I was in and out within 10 minutes! And in that time the dentist did a few minutes drilling WITHOUT AN INJECTION!!! Oh it took hours for me to calm down after that. But filling was duly repaired and it was all over very quickly.

Last but not least, we have a new working electricity meter. Whew!!!

The suitcases are finally out though as usual I'm behind with packing. We're still having to get stuff - not for me of course, but my DH! Of course I do all the organising, packing and arranging and its not till the last minute till I find out he's not got this or that.....I don't know why I'm surprised. It's the same every year!

What I wouldn't give to be able to start a new project and just sit and knit for a few hours each evening....it's not to be though till I get back so for the time being I'll just have to get on with finishing :(

I was kind of hoping to sort of just leaving the finishing and hope a fairy comes while we're away to do it all for me. Well, you never know do you? But unfortunately DH said you are taking that with you aren't you - meaning Elspeth. Darned, so I've had to tackle the ties. You would think that 2 teeny weeny ties wouldn't be fiddly would you, but they were. I really shouldn't have been surprised as every bit of crochet related to Elspeth has been a challenge. Anyway she will be ready in time as I've only got to sew them on, and even I can manage that.

She does look lovely though and after all the crochet edging challenges, fits really well and looks gorgeous. I really like her in plain stocking stitch too rather than lace, as I'm not really a delicate kind of gal!

It is quite amazing what you can accomplish once you get your head round it and just actually get on with it. Yes, my lovely bag is sewn up and is ever so pretty though she won't be accompanying me on our travels. Interesting this new pink shade of Summer Tweed did not have the same smell as the previos ST I'd used and so did not smell like someone had died once damp and being pressed. Thankfully.....

And in the same evening I sewed up the side seams of Kitty and did the crochet edging on her too. Wow, there's just no stopping me! I made the front in a S, and the back in XS and she fits much better than my previous one. She will be accompanying me on hols and will be one of my beach tops. Did I mention how soft & soothing Cotton Braid is on your skin so just perfect for the beach.

Did you think that was it? I'd finished the Socka Polycon socks days ago and they're are lovely and comfortable. I'll be taking these with me - perfect flight socks.

I got kicked off the Rowan discussion forum! Not for bad behaviour or anything like that, just that my membership expired and I was waiting for the new gift to appear before renewing. Then to my surprise I couldn't log on. But as soon as the renewal gift changed I quickly renewed my subscription and now I'm allowed back on the site. Hopefully the gift will arrive before we're off.

I found there's a business centre in KL airport that has showers, hot food, tea, coffee, beer, massage chair (I want one!), internet access, TV, games etc for about £12. So no surprise where we'll be spending out 5.5 hours transit time. At least it will pass quite comfortably and I'll be happy with internet access.

Our resort has internet access too so no doubt I'll be checking that from time to time. Its a long time for me to be away from my beloved iBook you see ;) Knitting wise I'm planning on taking some sock yarn on the flight in case I get the urge to knit or need something to do to help me drift off to sleep but that will be it. Our holidays abroad are the one time when we like a complete change - that means no no TV for DH and no knitting for me. As I only knit in the evenings when the TV is on anyway at home it makes a superb break and I come back all refreshed with lots of ideas and eager to start a new project.

I'll leave you with the 8 new baby cygnets from our resident swans.

See you when I get back ;)

Birthday Celebrations

2006-05-05T18:00:00.000+01:00

My birthday was last Sunday and I had a lovely day. I didn't get much in the way of yarn this year - can you believe all I wanted was the Buttercup Kim Hargreaves kit? Very different from last year when I'm sure I got quite a bit more. Is it just me or are others cutting down on their yarn purchases? The kit is lovely though as you can see.

I did get a couple of other knitting bits including some Colintte Zanzibar, probably for bag making. Another ball of Regia Stretch yarn and some 15cm Inxo bamboo needles as you can never have enough needles can you, and finally the Holiday Knits book which I'm rather pleased with as it has a few patterns I'd like to make.

My main pressie though this year was Dr Hauschka products. Boy aren't there a few of them? They are totally divine and once tried you become addicted. For a top quality holistic range there really is nothing better. They believe we shouldn't use night creams which is kind of strange if you've used them for years but it all makes total sense, even though I only used my own blend of essential oils. And yes my skin does look and feel wonderful using these products. Lucky me eh?

Coincidentally I attended a focus group on organic issues in the week one evening which was rather interesting and the money I got paid came in very handy indeed, with the holiday looming ever closer. If only my DH would actually get the suitcases out instead of promising to, maybe I could tackle a bit of packing. Looks like it will be last minute, as per usual then.

Finishing projects has been bad this week again due to birthday celebrations and also due to my DH trying to poison me. Yes, my dear husband painted the loft hatch with an oil based paint and surprise surprise, I reacted really badly to it with awful asthma and incredibly painful eyes which took days to settle down. Thankfully its all recovered now - you'd think he'd know by now though wouldn't you? He is of course suitably contrite and promises never to use anything similar again. Bad husband.

A recent comment about socks shrinking in the washing machine made me think about my cotton Regia surf socks which are really a few rows too short and so are my least favourite socks to wear. And it dawned on me that all I had to do was undo the toe shaping, add a few more rows, and redo the toes. So I did. Well one of them anyway. The 2nd is due to be done. So hopefully I'll be able to test them out shortly and see if that does the trick. Funny I didn't think of that earlier......

On the subject of socks, my lovely pink Lana Grossa socks are really the most comfortable of all my socks. Maybe its the higher than usual wool content. Whatever the reason they are just so comfy to wear all day. Perfect travelling socks me thinks.

Doesn't Time Fly

2006-04-28T23:59:00.000+01:00

The annual craft fair at Shepton Mallet was on last weekend so on a gloriously sunny Saturday off we went. We had to take the very scenic route due to roadworks but had a fabulous drive enjoying all the lovely scenery. We really are lucky to have so much beauty all around us. I have to admit I wasn't greatly looking forward to the fair as it is a very average fair, and if it wasn't for Web Of Wool I probably wouldn't bother. But to my surprise there were some new exhibitors including Taj Yarns so I was quite happy. Shopping was restrained as expected, but I'm really pleased with the bits I got. The 3 balls of bargain Rowan Big Wool Tuft will be for a scarf that I wanted to make last year and finally I had a chance to fondle some Regia Silk and it is indeed lovely and very soft and silky. So of course I got 2 balls - and some more Clover accesories as you can never have enough of those can you ;)

On the drive home we stopped off at the new garden Centre in Cheddar which was very nice and managed to find another food bowl for Thunder. He has more than one but hates the ceramic one and chucks it over as soon as it goes in his cage. Finnicky thing he is. So now he has a plastic rounded one that is exactly the same as the bowl that came with the cage and peace is restored at feeding time as he most definitely approves of this one.

My recent post mentioning Custard made me realise that many readers might not have seen him before, as I've not posted a pic of him for ages. Bad hamster mum that I am! So here he is. He's getting on a bit these days but is still as much a houdini as he's always been. Just getting thinner now!

I also forgot to mention last post that my copy of FCEK & Crochet arrived from the US and luckily it was as good as before and I was pleased. It certainly was much better than Knit Simple. I expect when the next issue is due I'll get it again as it only seems to be printed twice a year.

After my recent slowness with sock knitting I've played catch up and have another sock for you. I have so much enjoyed knitting this sock. Partly due to the muted pastel colours - so very different to my normal brights - but also due to the yarn itself. Its Socka with Polycon and is a really bouncy yarn, if that makes any sense. I just love the way it feels and looks. Sock no. 2 has been started and is currently waiting a heel flap. I love this yarn so much I got another colour at the fair - must be in my pastel phase.....

Finishing has been very poor this week I'm afraid as I just haven't been in the mood. It seems the closer to holiday I get the less finishing I'm doing. Strange isn't it. There will be a sudden mad rush to get it all done no doubt as I won't want to leave anything unfinished before I go.

There has been the 3 accident syndrome again. First my lovely expense glass electronic scales go kapput, not helped by me dropping them first. Then I discovered my electricity meter is no longer working. And the third is I have a filling that is starting to crumble away, which is of course just what you want a few weeks before your holiday. Such is life eh!

We had a little day trip to Cornwall which was lovely though very tiring, and ended it sitting in a cafe by a beach watching the waves crashing up on some rocks. It was very beautiful though I didn't have my camera with me so no pics I'm afraid.

I'm finally well on the way to getting me a new knitted bag after the sari silk saga. This is one side of her and she is lovely and bright. The other side is almost done and I've done both sides the same rather than have a front and back. I wonder how the handle will hold up as that part won't get lined. All my other bags have had handles attached. Mind you, only shoulder bags get lined straps so maybe nothing to worry about....

I've Cracked It

2006-04-21T22:00:00.000+01:00

At last I managed to conquer that darned crochet edging on Elspeth. In the end I did the picot row with a 2.5mm crochet hook instead of a 3.5 and still missed some DCs out. Oh boy was it hard work! I've done plenty of crochet edgings and never had any trouble with any of them. They were all simple and easy to work and looked great, even with my limited crochet skills. Phew, I'm real glad it's over with....just the arms now to do!

I really can't explain why its taken so long for the 2nd Lana Grossa sock to get done. I just seem to have totally gone off sock knitting. Yes, unbelievable but true! Maybe its been the challenge of that darned edging and the other finising thats just taken over my sock knitting time. Thats the downside of knitting summer tops and smaller items like bags. So much finishing to be done!

Talking of socks, I found one in the washing machine. Nothing unusual you think? But this one was wrapped round the drum! I just saw what looked like a bit of fluff and found it was the top of a sock (my DHs of course...). I pulled and half of it came out then jammed. So no washing could be done and it kind of explained the peculiar noise the machine had been making recently. Of course once DH was home he managed to get the whole sock out. I just wonder how many more are hidden in there. I'd heard about machines eating socks, but had never experienced it myself. Oh my, what if it eats one of my precious handknitted socks!!!!!

I kind of feel I wasted my weekend finishing time on the sari silk bag. It is done and I really do not like it. It doesn't hang straight and although blocking would help, I'm really disappointed with the bamboo handdles. They don't hang straight either and I think they look rather cheap and tacky. And to make things even worse, they are also very uncomfortable to hold. So the bag is going in the charity bag. I didn't bother to line it.....just not worth it. So a disappointment overall and no, I won't be using recycled sari silk again. The variety in quality and different thicknesses just do not do it for me I'm afraid. It wasn't helped by the skein I bought consisting of 2 very different colours and thicknesses, as you can see from the pics. I did like the colour of the side shown in the first pic though. Oh well, we live and learn eh :(

So still no new bag so of course I went back to my favourite Emma King book 25 Bags to Knit and have started another bag from there. Should do the trick lovely.

I did have some good news though. As you can see in the pic I've finished the back of Flame, and would you believe it, I managed to get away with using slightly under 2 balls which is great news as I'll have enough to finish her. She won't be able to have the tie straps but thats fine, as I wasn't too keen on those anyway.

Thunder and Custard had a close encounter the other day. The little escapee Custard ran over to where Thunder was and guess who was scared! Yep, you guessed it, Thunder who is so much bigger than wee little Custard was the scaredy rabbit! It was really quite funny. And a couple of evenings previously I had Custard on one side of the sofa and Thunder on the other, and they just totally ignored each other. Weird eh?

This evening it finally felt like a real spring evening - for the first time this year it was warm and sunny. Lets hope it continues eh....

April Showers

2006-04-14T23:20:00.000+01:00

Well Sophie is finally complete which is good. She fits perfectly and in fact reminds me of a swimming cossie, thats how snug she is. Downside is that the colour is really too dark for me. The yarn was bought for a totally different project which didn't work out and the shade chosen by my husband. I ended up taking back the unused balls and Sophie seemed like the perfect project for the 4 remaining balls.

I will wear her but only once I have a tan and at home, rather than on holiday. Linen Print is rather heavy and not something I'd want to take away with me. So that is the end of my first and last time knitting with Linen Print. I find teeny summer tops and halternecks never quite work out as planned, especially compared to the jackets & cardigans I've made which I'm almost always absolutely delighted with. And compared with the amount of wear summer tops get anyway, it doesn't seem really worth the effort sometimes. This may explain why I haven't bought any yarn this year for summer! I think I'll stick to shrugs, boleros and cardi's as I always get so much more wear out of them.

So exactly why I've started on Flame, a vest from Rowan 31 in Linen Drape I'm not quite certain. Except that its in my stash and has to be used. Whats worse is that the pattern requires 5 balls and I only have 4. And I'd forgotten how long Linen Drape takes to knit up! It is a gorgeous yarn though and will make a pretty vest, if I have enough that is. I'll find out soon enough, as both the back and the front are the same. The pic shows 1 balls worth so we'll see. I've seen some on Ebay but not sure of the dye lot. Hopefully the seller will let me know. And if anyone has a ball of Seahorse Shade 854 Lot 23I2 they would part with, I'd be most interested ;)

Still on summer tops, I've started another Kitty halterneck top in Cotton Braid which is just so lovely to knit with. I know I've said it before, but it really is like knitting with cotton wool and knits up amazing quickly. I got 2 balls from the ever so generous Linda all the way from Australia, and managed to get 2 more of the same dye lot. Perfect! This Kitty is in Klimt colourway and is one of the very few knitted items that I will be taking away on holiday. I wore my one in Botticelli last year over my bikini several times and loved how soft it was. So this year I will have 2 with me. Of course I already have a pink Animal beach skirt that will look fab with it. So thank you very much Linda - I can't wait to wear it! Reminds me, better get on with finishing it then.....luckily the crochet edging on this one is really simple so won't take long, thank goodness!

A quick mention on Elspeth then. I've been ignoring her as I was a bit wary of doing the picot edge again.....and finding it wasn't working out right. I finally plucked up courage Wednesday to try her and as I thought, it took a few goes before I was finally happy with how it was looking and ended up using a 2.5mm crochet hook. Fingers crossed it still looks ok around the front shaping......I haven't got that far yet!!!

I'd understood that Family Circle Easy Knitting was no more and that it was replaced by Knit Simple. Well thats kind of true, the subscriptions for FCEK were indeed taken over by Knit Simple. However there's been a change of publisher all round and FCEK has now reappeared as FCEK & Crochet. I managed to order a copy from the US as its only available on newstands in the US. Lets hope its worth the price, as the postage was almost double the price of the mag!

But as I've sold some Jaeger Albany yarn on Ebay I thought I'd treat myself. Ebay can be funny at times. I'd tried selling 2 lots of Albany together with a pattern booklet, but had no takers. So I thought I'd split them up this time and only listed the yarn. And guess what, the same person buys both lots of yarn for more they were originally listed and now don't get the pattern book. So a lesson to learn, lumping stuff together doesn't always work so well!

Thunder says hello and wishes everyone a good Easter. As he's moulting the poor thing is rather fed up of his parents constantly attacking him with a brush. Aah!