Finally.....

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

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

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!

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!

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

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....

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...