Knittingnix

I got an award!

2012-01-27T19:29:00.000Z

Oh my goodness, I have been nominated for a Liebster Blog award. I am absolutely and utterly stoked!

Thank you so much inthesky1 / Lucy for nominating me. I am beaming from ear to ear as I walk up to the podium to accept this prestigious award, praying I won't trip and rip my dress bearing my knickers to all of blog land (oh crap, did I wear good knickers??). I would like to thank ....

Ok, so that is a wee bit dramatic but it sure feels good to know that someone takes pleasure in reading my nonsensical musings. Thank you and I will do my best to write interesting blog posts in the future.

Now for the Liebster Blog award rules. It is really simple and in a nutshell, pass it forward. You link to the blog that nominated you. Then you choose 5 blogs of your choice to pass the award on to. These blogs have to have less than 200 followers to be eligible for the Liebster Blog Award. Share a link to your chosen blogs and lastly, but not least, display the Liebster Blog Award button on your blog.

And the nominations are ... (drum roll please)

1. literaryladybug (I love her blog, she often makes me laugh out loud and tells it "like it is")

2. sophieslim (Lovely blog and the cutest baby to boot!)

3. ozzyblackbeard (Great blog and boy can this lady sew!)

4. kidsandcapers (This blog is pretty and always a great read.)

5. journeynorthof49 (Lovely blog, one of those that you always look forward to a new post)

I recommend all of the blogs I have nominated, grab yourself a cuppa and some cinnamon rolls (haha!) and enjoy some good reading.

Canoes and Buns

2012-01-25T21:11:00.001Z

I finished my first toe-up sock yesterday. Well, I intended it to be a sock but really, it is more of a boat, or a canoe (go Barbie go!). This sock is ginormous.

I am not too sure how I messed up my foot measurements so badly, considering I tried this sock on 1000 times while I was making it (one of the perks of toe-up, apparently). It is about and inch and a half too long in the foot. In my wisdom I decided it would be fine pulled up and only did 2 inches on the leg but now it is finished, it looks silly. The heel flap is nowhere near my heel. Epic fail.

This whole bit folds over :(

I have cast on for the second sock but I am having a dilemma. Do I knit the second sock to the same proportions and size and then find someone with feet bigger than mine to wear them? The other half refuses to wear hand-knitted socks so he is not an option, and I made them ankle socks so that was a definite no go zone. (I am a UK size 5 so these would probably fit a UK 6 -7 if there are any takers). My other option is to knit the second sock a better size and fit and rip back this sock and re-knit it. Or, option three, which I am really liking right now, is send socks to the naughty step and cast on shiny new socks.

Right enough of the silly socks. This morning I found another recipe for cinnamon buns and had another go. I can now tell you that I have really had enough of making and eating cinnamon buns. I liked the dough texture and taste better in these but the filling wasn't quite right. When I can stomach them again, I will fiddle with the recipe some more and try again. I am sure I have picked up half a stone in two days. Well someone had to sample the buns!?

Until next time ...

Culinary Delights

2012-01-24T14:20:00.002Z

Last night I was catching up on my blog roll and came across Lucy's most recent post with a recipe for cinnamon rolls. I did the school run this morning and took myself straight off to Tescos to buy the ingredients.

Before

I don't have a bread machine, I just have a hand held mixer, which fortunately has two dough hooks on it. Mixing that dough together though sure is hard on the arms!

After, nom nom

Almost two hours after I began, I have some lovely cinnamon rolls. They taste lovely. My only critisism about my rolls (not the recipe!) and I am sure this is something I have done wrong as I am no Nigella or Gordon, is that they are rather "cakey" or "stodgy". I expected them to be lighter. Perhaps someone can shed some light on this for me? Perhaps I didn't knead my dough enough? That aside, the kids are going to love them and my house smells delicious.

Did I stop there, oh no! I also popped a curry in the slow cooker for dinner and chicken in the oven once the rolls were done, for school sandwiches tomorrow. Gosh I am feeling all Martha Stewart!

Curry

Marinating chicken

During all this kitchen dominance I have almost finished my ~~boat~~ sock but I will tell you about that another time.

Until next time...

Parcel of goodness

2012-01-23T13:49:00.001Z

After a crap weekend (I won't bore you with the details), the postman came today and delivered a parcel of heaven. I am now smiling again. My Easyknits order arrived and I am certainly not disappointed. Just look at these beauties.

The colours are so saturated that my camera couldn't possibly do them justice! I am now plotting away as to what to make with them, but for now I will keep petting them, rather possessively (insert manic laughter here).

I didn't get much knitting done this weekend but I did manage to make some more progress on my sock. Have a great week.

Until next time ...

TGIF!!

2012-01-20T15:55:00.001Z

Yay, it's Friday. I love Fridays, the promise of the weekend still lies ahead but the week draws to a close. I started my day with a knit and natter at the local coffee shop with my friend Catherine and her friend Lorna. This coffee date was no mean feat, we have been trying to get our schedules to match up since before Christmas! I had a great time and lots of laughs, thanks ladies! I then met with another friend for a cuppa at my house and a catch up with her. What a social butterfly I am, lol.

Thank you for all your kind comments on my cardigan and my socks. I thought I would share the yarn with you, which I should have done in my post. oops.

The yarn is Woolhunter's Outback Sock and is beautiful. I have brought a few of her yarns and they can be found here. I spoilt myself today and bought ~~two~~ three (damn 5pm update!) skeins of Deeply Wicked sock yarn from Easyknits. I know I said I would knit mainly from stash but I couldn't resist the super saturated colours. I can't wait for them to arrive.

Have a lovely weekend.

Until next time ...

Back to normality

2012-01-19T09:24:00.000Z

This week life in our neck of the woods has started to return to normal after Christmas. Everyone seems to have settled into their normal daily routines again. I went back to gym yesterday to make some headway into my Christmas overindulgence and I am certainly feeling it today!

Knitting wise, I have made some progress on the grey and pink featherweight but not enough to warrant a photo. I have cast off the body of the grey and blue featherweight and will now start the sleeves. I am a bit worried about running out of yarn on this one. I wanted to knit it purely from stash and not buy new yarn, I will see if I have enough for the bands once the sleeves are done. Fingers crossed!

I cast on a sock yesterday to have a portable project and something else to do when sweater knitting gets on top of me. I have a horrible history with socks. I have only ever finished two pairs and frogged plenty more than that. I even have some sock wips lying about somewhere. However, this sock is exciting because even though it is a vanilla pattern, it is a toe up pattern, something new for me. This is my second attempt at these socks. The first ones I tried yesterday turned out too big and could of kept Big Foot warm in winter.

Until next time ...

Progress Report

2012-01-13T12:22:00.000Z

It has been an interesting week. Slow in some ways and fruitful in others. I didn't get to the gym this week, or venture out much at all, other than the obligatory school runs and grocery store trips. No big plans for this weekend, perhaps a nice long walk on Sunday and without doubt some sleeping in!

I haven't renewed my world of warcraft subscription yet this month and it is amazing the amount of crafting I have got done because of it. I have managed to catch up on some tv like biggest loser USA and UK, CSI and I even watched Pretty Woman this morning. I love this movie, and being a hopeless romantic, I have probably watched it a hundred times but it never fails to entertain me. Well it does have Richard Gere in it ... enough said!

I have started a new audio book which I will give some feedback on once I am a little further in. I am a bit of a sucker for self-help / motivational type books, I hope this one is a good read.

The voices episode of the other day resulted in the casting on of another featherweight cardigan. I must be mad knitting the same pattern, twice, at the same time! This one is double knitting and is going to be shorter and I am thinking 3/4 sleeves.

Have a great weekend! Until next time ...

The voices made me do it!

2012-01-11T16:11:00.003Z

When I start knitting a project, I sort of obsess over it. I knit a little and browse on Ravelry a lot. I search through all the projects for that particular pattern, again and again. I find colour combinations that I love, I find helpful notes, and so it goes on. Then I knit a little more. Then I go back to Ravelry for more "research".

When I go to bed all the delicious Ravelry images float about my head and then ... the voices start. They tell me to cast on a new project. They tell me to search my stash for great colour combinations. They have me lusting over possible yarn choices. Then, just to confuse the issue, they tell me not to cast on, that I have enough on my knitting plate, that I will never finish anything. The voices make rather a lot of noise. Eventually, I fall asleep.

On most occasions after a voice episode, I wake up and immediately cast on a new project. I need a new project like I need a hole in the head. But until it is cast on, the voices can't be silenced.

All is peaceful now.

Until next time ...

Weekend Roundup

2012-01-09T15:52:00.001Z

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. Ours was quiet, yet productive. We had dinner at my sister's house on Friday night and that was as much of the outside world that I saw this weekend. I caught up on so many movies that I had wanted to watch while making progress on my wips. I also got my hair done. By My Daughter!!

Inwardly I am crying!

What a fashion statement!

My featherweight cardigan ended up being re-started. The pinks altogether were just too much. I just knew that I wouldn't wear the finished cardigan so I ripped it and re-started adding grey into the mix. I really like how it is knitting up now. Although the pinks are all fancy sock yarns, wollmeise, yarnaddict and knitting goddess the grey is Stylecraft Life 4ply. I use a lot of Stylecraft yarn but I have never tried this one. The verdict is it's the softest yarn I have worked with in a while and much softer than the sock yarns. It is almost like knitting with alpaca. It can be a little splitty, but that is a minor irritation.

I made a little progress on my Tinder cardigan too, but the featherweight took preference over the weekend.

I went to my sister's house for coffee today and we had a little chat about businesses we would like to open. I can't say much, but I am super excited about our idea. It will take an enormous amount of work and more than a little luck, but if we pull it off it will be a dream come true.

Until next time ...

Cat in Heaven

2012-01-06T10:17:00.000Z

I received this in an email this morning, certainly worth sharing. Have a good weekend everyone.

A cat died and went to Heaven. God met her at the gates and said, 'You have been a good cat all these years. Anything you want is yours for the asking.' The cat thought for a minute and then said,

'All my life I lived on a farm and slept on hard wooden floors. I would like a real fluffy pillow to sleep on.' God said, 'Say no more.' Instantly the cat had a huge fluffy pillow.
A few days later, six mice were killed in an accident and they all went to Heaven together. God met the mice at the gates with the same offer that He made to the cat.
The mice said, 'Well, we have had to run all of our lives: from cats, dogs, and even people with brooms! If we could just have some little roller skates, we would not have to run again.' God answered, 'It is done.' All the mice had beautiful little roller skates.

About a week later, God decided to check on the cat. He found her sound asleep on her fluffy pillow.. God gently awakened the cat and asked, 'Is everything okay? How have you been doing? Are you happy?'

The cat replied, 'Oh, it is WONDERFUL. I have never been so happy in my life. The pillow is so fluffy, and those little Meals on Wheels you have been sending over are delicious!'

Until next time ...

Calligraphy

2012-01-05T11:01:00.000Z

My first sweater of 2012 is finished! Calligraphy was a great knit. Plain and simple but resulting in a classic, wearable, everyday cardigan.

I washed it last night and pinned it out overnight. This morning I sewed on the buttons (yawn!) and took a couple of pictures. Well, if you can call mirror shots pictures of course. I am saving up for a dressmakers dummy, I can't wait to buy one so I can properly photograph my knits.

I have cast on my next two projects for my 12 sweater challenge. The first is featherweight-cardigan. I am knitting this with the copious amounts of pink sock yarn I have stashed. It is going to be loud and very pink. The perfect dash of colour after rows and rows of charcoal grey!

The second project is Tinder. Another grey cardigan, but I am using the same yarn as my Idlewood. I just love the easy care of wool blends. Even though I have cast on for this project I am worried about the sizing. It is written with 1-2 inches of positive ease. So choose one size up from your size. I am a bit worried this is going to be too big. I think I will persevere with my chosen size and see what the back piece looks like when it is finished and decide again from there. I'm convinced that if I stand around with a tape measure around my boobs and bum once more, my family may have me committed.

Until next time ...

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T10:59:00.001Z

Happy new year to all my blog friends. I hope 2012 is all you wish for.

Audio Books

2011-12-30T12:56:00.002Z

The one thing I miss since taking up knitting and computer games is the amount of time left to read. I have always been an avid reader but lately I have found that by the time I fall into bed at night, I am normally too tired to read.

Last night I discovered that I can download audio books from the library. This is probably old news to you but this is new and exciting territory for me. I can have 9 a month, this is such great news and I don't even have to remember to return them.

After an hour and a half slog of figuring out the software, updating media players on my pc and figuring out what formats would play on my phone or mp3 player, I managed to download a book. I downloaded Echoes by one of my favourite authors Danielle Steele. Unfortunately the narrator's voice nearly drove me insane and it did not read like it would of in my head (make any sense?).

This morning I decided I would download a new book, but one by an author I had not read before so there were no expectations. I settled on The Law of Second Chances by James Sheehan. It is a courtroom drama about a man fighting for his life on death row. The narrator is much better and has an American accent which makes it sound like I am listening to the soundtrack of a movie.

I have listened to about an hour of the book and I am hooked. Now I can read and knit, and with all the garbage on tv at the moment, this is most excellent.

Until next time ...

Plans for 2012

2011-12-29T09:15:00.004Z

As you can see I have changed the look of the blog, again. I do the same with my living room furniture, my friend says it is a sign of a disorganised mind. Mmm, she could be right. I was going for a look that was a bit more peaceful, easier on the eye and tranquil. Not sure if I have quite hit the mark, but I like it.

This week I have done a lot of thinking about what I want out of 2012. I am useless at resolutions, but have a few goals. I have decided to concentrate on the ones that will have the biggest impact on my life, my emotions, my environment and the people around me. If I put them down here, they become official I guess.

Be more more frugal and more aware of where and how I spend money
Start saving, even if just a little
Look for some part time work. I need to interact with people more and gain back some Independence
Stop yelling so much, relax a little
Apply the 80/20 rule to my eating habits instead of being on a constant diet
Walk more, drive less
Spend less time in front of my pc

They are all inter-linked but these are the things that I think will improve my quality of life and that of my family.

Then of course there are the KNITTING GOALS AND RESOLUTIONS ....

I have joined two groups for 2012. The first is 12 Sweaters in 2012. This group requires you to knit 12 sweaters of any size and type in 2012. Wips count ... woohoo! The second one is IntSweMoDo2012 which requires you to knit any 12 adult sweaters in 2012, wips also count.

The second group, in case anyone was wondering, stands for International Sweater a Month Dodecathon. After searching google and Ravelry for ages trying to figure out what Dodecathon means, I eventually found the meaning on mzknits' blog where she explains dodecathon: (''dough-deck-uh-thon'') ''dodeca'' means 12 sided and ''athon'' means an event of unusual length. Who knew!

Now you probably think I have completely lost my mind given my track record, which may be true, but there is a little method behind my madness. I have decided to knit things in the coming year which are practical and useful. I never buy sweaters or cardigans because I always think I could make them, and then never do. This way I will have some nice new sweaters and make my way through some of my stash. Win win.

Until next time ...

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T16:44:00.000Z

Christmas was lovely although things were a little different around our house this year. It is the first year none of the children believed in Santa (yay - we finally get the credit lol). Instead of leaving stockings out this year for Santa to fill we put all the presents that would of gone into the stockings under the tree and we let the children open one present on Christmas eve (pjs!). Although it felt strange and foreign for a while, it was actually really nice and I think we all like our new traditions. We made Christmas lunch at my sisters' house and one of my brothers is here for a visit and it was a lovely day. We don't exchange presents with adults, except my brother as for us Christmas is all about the children. They loved their gifts, which made me very happy.

The best part of all was the weather. It was so mild. 12 degrees Celsius on Christmas day.

I would also like to say a special thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. It is nice to know there are people out there dishing out virtual hugs and support when you need it.

Until next time ...

Seasonal Affective Disorder

2011-12-15T10:07:00.001Z

I seem to get this most years. more information I find it hard to do anything at this time of year. I battle to socialise, to get moving, to do anything but vegetate. I really dislike being cold. I hate the fact that the sun is setting by 1pm in the afternoon and it is pitch black by 5pm. The constant layer of ice that covers everything annoys me to no end. It is miserable, inconvenient and dangerous. Last year I nearly ended up in a car accident while Christmas shopping because of the ice.

I do apologise to my regular readers for my miserable pity party of a post, but I need to vent a little. I long for a South African Christmas. I want a tan, a mongolian braai (bbq), to spend Christmas day around the pool watching my kids swim. Sigh. I know it was my choice to move to Northern Ireland, and for the most part it is a good thing, but every now and again, I just feel homesick and downright miserable.

Beautiful Cape Town

I am battling to commit to any knitting project with several new cast ons over the past couple of days. I am looking for inspiration, somewhere, anywhere.

Until next time ...

Honey, again.

2011-11-28T14:40:00.000Z

The last week or so has been rather busy. Joining the gym has taken over three mornings a week. Not that I am complaining, I actually like going. Not seeing much movement on the scales but I am sure if I stopped buying Christmas Mince Pies to counteract all my hard work at the gym, this would probably change.

I finished another Honey Cowl this weekend. I love these and already have more yarn on the way for another. My husband asked me how many cowls I am actually going to make, my reply was I will continue making them until I make the perfect one.

The cardigan is still a WIP but I haven't cast on another big project so that is something right? Not quite monogamous but almost.

This week is a little crazy again with schools closing on Wednesday as staff are taking industrial action. (I reserve judgement on this). I am trying to make some headway into Christmas shopping this week and the plan is for the tree to go up on the weekend.

Until next time ...

Monogamy ~ is it for me?

2011-11-20T20:08:00.000Z

You will notice on Ravelry and on my side bar that I only have one WIP. Yes, just one. My calligraphy cardigan. I cast on last week Sunday and have cast on nothing else since. This is not to say that I have not been tempted of course. This cardigan in particular is haunting me to cast it on. Tinder I have even bought the yarn but not the pattern. My thinking is that if I only have one or perhaps two projects on the go, I might actually finish more of my bigger projects. So if my intentions are pure, why does it feel so awful. Sigh.

In none knitting related news, I have been to gym three times. Very proud of me. The toothache has gone too, which is an enormous relief.

This time of the year seems to be so busy with parent teacher meetings, starting to plan for Christmas, exams for the kids to name a few, so if I fall off the radar for a bit, I am still about and checking your blogs to see how you are all getting on.

I will leave you with this picture, kind of thought provoking don't you think?

Until next time ...

Tuesday Catch up

2011-11-15T12:54:00.000Z

Things have been somewhat insane since Friday. Saturday morning I woke up at 3am with horrendous toothache and an acidic stomach. I took pain medication (not the best idea in hindsight) and went back to sleep only to wake an hour later with terrible stomach cramps. I have had gallstones before and it was the same pain. Panic. I paced the house for a while and eventually fell asleep on the couch. I woke again at 7am, still sore and spent the next half hour crying on my husband's shoulder about how unfair life is. It was spa day for goodness sake.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, with more medication and my big girl panties on, we went off to Newcastle for our spa day. Well, it was absolutely fantastic. I am so glad I sucked it up and went. Think sauna, jacuzzi, massage, facial, lunch - pure decadence.

Unfortunately since I have come back I have developed an abscess under said tooth and have been climbing the walls. I went to the dentist yesterday and got an antibiotic and am due for an extraction under sedation (I am a terribly nervous patient) next week Wednesday. So for the moment I look like a hamster and can't really open my mouth. My daughter did ask me if this was actually a bad thing!! Cheeky moo.

In amongst all my medical drama I managed to knit this

Windschief for my handsome boy

and this

Star crossed beret for my sister

(more details on both hats on Ravelry) and join the gym. First gym session is tomorrow -wish me luck, I am going to need it.

Until next time ...

Spa Day

2011-11-11T13:26:00.002Z

So I have had this song on my mind all week ....

Why you may ask? Well, firstly because Phineas and Ferb rock, yes, really, and secondly because my brother in law won a Spa Day at Slieve Donard Spa and has given it to my sister and I to enjoy. Woop Woop!

Tomorrow is Spa Day baby.

I have never been to a Spa before and I am beyond excited! (I am sure you have guessed that by all the !!) Seriously, this is like Christmas for grown ups! We are even taking my other half's car so we arrive in style.

LOL, ok so it's cheesy but we are getting to play princesses for the day and who knows when it will ever happen again, so we are milking it. Moo.

Enjoy whatever you may be doing this weekend.

Until next time ...

Idlewood complete!

2011-11-08T12:38:00.000Z

Idlewood is finished and I am completely in love with it. It was a pleasure to knit and will be a pleasure to wear. Thank you again for the pattern literaryladybug. As usual there are more detailed notes on my changes on Ravelry.

Until next time ...

If X-Box made knitting games...

2011-11-07T14:17:00.000Z

This is the funniest cartoon I have seen all year!

Until next time ...

So Who? has a cute hat then?

2011-11-05T10:08:00.000Z

A hat in a day, there is nothing better than a little instant gratification knitting.

The pattern is Who? and is a great free pattern on Ravelry. It is easy to follow, even for someone who hasn't ventured into cabling yet. There are three sizes available, toddler, child and adult. I knitted child for Kayla. Next time I would do the ribbing with a smaller needle and perhaps do a couple more rows of ribbing.

Until next time ...

Brooklet

2011-11-04T08:47:00.000Z

I have a finished project!! I took a break from knitting Idlewood and finished off my Brooklet. I didn't knit the lace portion and just did the whole thing in stocking stitch. I really like how this has turned out and it will get loads of wear this winter. I have more comprehensive notes on Ravelry.

Have a super weekend! Until next time ...

An Idle Fitting

2011-11-02T16:55:00.000Z

Last night I divided for the sleeves of my Idlewood and knit 2" before the waist shaping. I have really made some changes to the numbers and I am knitting between sizes so it was with trepidation that I pulled it over my head and prayed for the best, but, IT FITS!! I have even managed to get a wee bit of positive ease in there as I am not a fan of negative ease (on me). I am so excited to finish this.

Until next time ...

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T16:02:00.001Z

Blogtober Fest Day 31

Happy Halloween and farewell Blogtober Fest. It has been fun trying to post everyday, and I very nearly made it too. I discovered some lovely new blogs and gained some new followers, which is always exciting. I am looking forward to taking part again next year.

Thanks to Blogtober Fest I have written more posts in 2011 that in any year since I started the blog.

Idlewood is coming along nicely, I have almost finished the increases for the sleeves and have a few more rows to go before they go onto waste yarn.

I am sure yesterday's post had some readers think that I am a raging binge drinker, but rest assured this is not the case, LOL. I just came to the realisation yesterday morning that I cannot tolerate alcohol the way I could in my younger days - anything over one or two have me feeling like death warmed up the next day.

Sigh ... aging ~ it isn't for the faint hearted.

Enjoy whatever you are doing for Halloween, we are heading out to a fireworks display this evening. It is already pouring with rain - should be fun!

Until next time ...

Never Again.

2011-10-30T07:12:00.003Z

Blogtober Fest Day 30

Me + alcohol =

Not a happy bunny this morning.

Until next time ...

Saturday

2011-10-29T09:30:00.001+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 29

It's Saturday ~ yay!. It's the last Saturday in October, the last Saturday of Blogtober Fest and the last Saturday before Daylight Savings time ends. I think this weekend really signifies the beginning of winter.

It is miserable and overcast this morning, perfect for pj's, knitting and tv (I am noticing a trend here!). That being said, I will have to pop out for Halloween treats as trick or treating always starts three days before Halloween. I don't claim to understand it, I just accept it.

I have knitted about 12" of my Idlewood cowl now, so I should move onto the body today.

Until next time ...

Grey Loveliness

2011-10-28T11:16:00.001+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 28

I have knit 6 inches of the cowl of my Idlewood. It is pure grey loveliness. I don't really want to do much else than knit and watch television today - which is why I am still in my pajamas at this time of the morning.

In typical me fashion though, I am already thinking of the next pattern in my queue, and this has caught my eye, plain-and-simple-pullover. I think the part of knitting I enjoy the most is the pattern browsing, the planning, agonising over yarn choices and researching other's projects for hours.

Enjoy your weekend, whatever you are doing.

Until next time ...

Idlewood

2011-10-27T15:19:00.001+01:00

Blogtoberfest Day 27

I am one happy girl !! The lovely Literaryladybug has gifted me the Idlewood pattern that I have spend the last few days lusting over. Thank you so much. Despite casting on various other projects this week, I have immediately swatched (lol, ok, my version of swatching) and have almost got gauge and am ready to cast on. The excitement, I was seriously dreaming about this project last night.

I would love to buy new yarn but I need to make a dent into what I already have so I am using Hayfield Bonus Aran in Celtic Grey. Nice yarn and at least it has some wool content.

I weighed in today and lost the 1.5lb that sneaked up on me last week (whoop!) but I am feeling frustrated as I have only lost 4lb in total since I started. Slow and steady wins the race they say, I think a few less treats would help too. I have taken a holiday from weighing in next week as the kids are on half term so will only weigh in again in two weeks time.

Until next time ...

I got it bad!

2011-10-25T15:59:00.000+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 25

Startitis. It has completely overwhelmed me. I have cast on four new projects in the space of a week. I know I will ~~probably~~ definitely frog two. But still FOUR PROJECTS - holy smokes batman! I seem to be growing my cowl passion into something bigger - cowl neck sweaters. My obsession is morphing!!

Francis

I am really frustrated though as the project that I really REALLY REALLY wanted to cast on, Idlewood, I can't. Why? Because Paypal in their infinite wisdom have decided that they no longer accept payments using a Maestro card for purchases in a foreign currency. When phoning, Paypal blames the bank, when phoning the bank, they blame Paypal. Hence - no more Ravelry pattern purchases unless my Paypal account is cash funded. Awesome. Not. Sad face.

Cable short sleeve sweater

Still not managing to keep up with Blogtober Fest. There just seems to be so much to do at the moment, and that is the important stuff, let alone the hours and hours of Ravelry browsing time I seem to have had lately.

Until next time ...

Oops, I fell off the Blogtober bus.

2011-10-21T12:21:00.000+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 21

Oh dear. I missed a few Blogtober Fest days. Real life just comes along and takes over sometimes. My dad in law has landed safely back in South Africa this morning, my sister in England is being released from hospital today (long story for another day) and everything is settling back to normal.

I found this little post on facebook this morning which I thought I would share because it is so cute.

There is no poll this week and yesterday's weigh in was not so great - I had a 1.5lb gain. On the bright side, I know exactly where it came from and am most grateful it is only 1.5lb. The food we ate when my dad in law was here was delicious, including take out...tut tut. Now I am back on plan though.

I have started a new knitting project, details over the next few days. I also have that second assignment still to do over the next week, my tutor was nice enough to grant me an extension...phew!

Hope you have all had a great week.

Until next time ...

At a loss for words

2011-10-17T20:47:00.000+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 17

For a change I have nothing to say. Nothing, Nada, Zip.

Until next time ...

Happy Birthday

2011-10-16T16:19:00.000+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 16

Today is my daughter's 9th birthday. It is such a cliche to say, but I really don't know where the time has gone! She has had a great day receiving loads of presents and phone calls this morning, a special breakfast and then out for the day at Castlewellan Forest Park. I think this picture sums up the day, what a better way to spend your birthday than hand in hand with your Granddad who is visiting from South Africa, walking around a beautiful lake. Happy birthday my darling.

Castlewellan Forest Park is lovely and we took a great 3.5km walk around the lake. I was rather in awe of this lady who was jogging the path and lapped us three times!

Here is a picture of my silly cat who needed to be towel dried after going out in the rain last night. Normally she howls a howl when getting dried, but last night she purred and fell asleep in my arms. Silly pud!

Until next time ...

Baby Hedgehog

2011-10-15T12:23:00.001+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 15

Look at this hedgehog baby, isn't he sweet? My son found him last night. I phoned the vet to see what to do with him and was told as it was twilight, just to pop him out in the alley way and he would be fine. So we did and he toddled off on his way.

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

Until next time ...

Toast on Friday

2011-10-14T09:23:00.002+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 14

My new toast mitts are finished, I love them! Instant (ish) gratification project. I changed this one slightly by casting on 40 sts and then decreasing it down to 34.

I would like to make some progress on my Calligraphy cardigan but in the back of my mind I keep thinking will it actually fit if I lose the weight I plan on losing. I am hesitant to put all that work into something that I may not be able to wear. I am undecided.

I cast on a new cardigan for Kayla last night. It is a Sirdar pattern which she chose. I tried to finish off her butterfly cardigan and only had one sleeve to go, but I didn't like the way the yarn had knitted up so we decided to abandon the project.

Enjoy the weekend, I will try and keep up with the Blogtober Fest posts over the next couple of days, but with my Dad-in-law arriving tomorrow it may be challenging!

Until next time ...

Second Weigh in Day

2011-10-13T15:01:00.002+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 13

I weighed in again today. I lost 1.5lb. I am very pleased. My sister had a gain, she was devastated, and I felt really awful for her so it did take the shine off things a wee bit. We celebrated and commiserated by having a lovely cream eclair. It was delicious. I am now tired and lethargic. Hello Sugar my old friend!

Until next time ...

The Wednesday Poll

2011-10-12T12:57:00.002+01:00

As I am sure you must of noticed, my blog got a make over. This was a two fold idea. The first part of my idea was to aid all forms of procrastination regarding finishing my assignment. The second was to add my own flavour to the blog and move away from stock standard templates. I learnt two things. Lesson 1 - no matter how hard I try to avoid it, that assignment still has to be done. Lesson 2 - I am more computer savvy than I thought.

So, this make over is the topic of this week's poll, please vote over on the right hand side.

Last weeks results were : The biggest % of those who voted said their homes were clean but lived in.

Thank you everybody for the finger wagging yesterday. Being the Queen of Procrastination, all finger wagging is most welcome. You will all be happy to know that I finished off the assignment this morning and course A is done and dusted. Relief. There is still the assignment due next week for course B, which I will try and have done by Saturday.

I think I will reward myself with some Slimming World chips and a spot of knitting this afternoon.

Until next time ...

More Toast Please

2011-10-11T15:05:00.000+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 11

This is the 11th day of Blogtober Fest and it is starting to become somewhat of a challenge to find interesting things to blog about.

Yesterday I managed to finish three quarters of my first assignment so I rewarded myself with a new cast on. More Toast! I love these fingerless mitts, they are fast to knit and easy to wear. I did a bit more on the first mitt at Catherine's lovely kitchen table this morning over a cup of tea and a chat, and finished the first one when I got home. I should have the second one done tonight. I think these would make great Christmas presents too. I didn't do a thumb on this one, just a wee buttonhole instead.

Autumn has certainly been in the air the past couple of days, together with rain and more rain. The only thing that looks nothing like Autumn is my roses. We re-potted them early in the summer and they have only decided to bloom now. Something pretty to look at against all the grey gloom!

Until next time ...

We interrupt this transmission

2011-10-10T14:09:00.002+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 10

I wish I had a nice knitting related post today, but I don't. I am feeling rather stressed out trying to get my final assignment finished for course A (due on Thursday), and the first assignment for course B is due next week.

My father in law arrives on Saturday from South Africa (Yay!!) and leaves a day before assignment number 2 is due. No chance of getting it done next week. Result - two assignments in one week. Help!!

Knitting related posts will hopefully resume shortly.

Until next time ...

Yarn Review

2011-10-09T09:12:00.001+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 9

As you know last week I was sent a beautiful skein of yarn from Lisa Jane at yarnsville.com to review. Here is my review.

Yarn: Manos Wool Clasica
Colour: 8931 / Athena
Yardage: 138 yds / 126 m / 100gr
Gauge: 14-18 sts = 4" / 10 cm
Recommended Needles: 8-10 US / 5.0 - 6mm
Care Instructions: Handwash / Dry Flat
Supplier: yarnsville.com

The first thing that struck me about this yarn was the magnificent colours. There are burnt oranges, deep plums, sky blue, olive and cream to name a few. It was difficult to decide a pattern because although the yarn gives a gauge recommendation, the yarn runs thick and thin throughout. Not just little changes, really lace weight thin to extra chunky.

With this in mind I chose simple-ribbed-cowl. Although this pattern specifies it is for bulky yarn and bigger needles, I felt that it would work well with my yarn for several reasons

1. Gauge issues with my yarn
2. It was a lovely free pattern!
3. It was within my yardage requirements.

While knitting with the yarn I was mesmerised by the constant colour changes and I even found the thick / thin of the yarn rather alluring. Working with the yarn was quite drying on my hands (minor issue!) and it was very loosely spun in places to the point I thought it would break. However, the yarn stood up nicely and didn't break or split at all. It is lovely and soft and resulted in a nice warm garment. It really was a pleasure to knit with.

In conclusion I was very pleased to work with a yarn that I would not ordinarily of bought. I am converted and would certainly recommend it and purchase some for myself. Head over to Lisa Jane's shop, www.yarnsville.com where she stocks 29 beautiful shades of this yarn retailing at £11.99 a skein. Thank you Lisa for letting me review this lovely yarn for you.

Until next time ...

Slow Day

2011-10-08T18:56:00.001+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 8

Today has been a really slow day. I haven't achieved all that much, but I kind of like days like this every now and again. Here is a sneak preview of what I have managed to achieve ..

Hopefully back with a more productive report tomorrow. Of course this will only be after the Bokke play Australia in their match in the morning ....good luck bokke!!

Until next time ...

Plans for the weekend

2011-10-07T11:25:00.002+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 7

TGIF! Time to plan the weekend....

My parcel arrived today from Lisa Jane at Yarnsville, so I will spend some time deciding what to knit with this lovely yarn for the review. (Might even cast on!!)

I want to finish my Brooklet.

I MUST make progress on my assignment, which I started yesterday.

Those are my plans, enjoy your weekend, whatever you may be doing.

Until next time ...

Weigh In Day

2011-10-06T14:24:00.000+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 6

Thursdays are weigh in day for me at my Slimming World group. Today was my first weigh in and I lost... (drum roll please)

I am really pleased!! I then went back to my sister's house for a lovely slimming world inspired bacon sandwich brunch, with fruit and a great cuppa on the side. I fetched my beautiful niece from nursery and was presented with this..

The plan for the rest of the day is fetching my daughter from school, a trip to the library, making a start on my final assignment (I have been saying this for weeks! I need to stop procrastinating) and, of course, knitting. Enjoy the rest of your day everyone.

Until next time ...

The Wednesday Poll

2011-10-05T10:46:00.000+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 5

** THE WEDNESDAY POLL **

I have decided during Blogtober Fest to run a poll every Wednesday. It is totally random and just for fun, and anonymous as well. It can be found over on the right hand side of my blog. Please play along!

This morning while washing my kitchen floor I was thinking about the general state of my home. It is really more often than not, NOT guest ready! I have three of the untidiest children in the entire world. Mess manifests itself in every room of the house. I try and keep on top of it the best I can but unless I want to become a cleanliness Sergeant Major, barking cleaning orders and pointing my marigold clad fingers all the time (I do it sometimes), I let a lot slide. Even so, I do not enjoy housework (does anybody?) and would rather be knitting. So I do enough that my home is not a health hazard, but if you ever decide to pop over for coffee, watch out for that skateboard on the stairs and do check the toilet seat ... I have two boys!

Until next time ...

Happy Tuesday

2011-10-04T15:09:00.003+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 4

When I lived in Johannesburg I always listed to a radio station 94.7 Highveld Stereo. The morning presenters were hilarious and really got most mornings off to a great start. Each day started with a little song and I always laughed about Tuesday's song because it went on about how Tuesday is the most boring day of the week. Not Monday, not even noted for being the halfway mark like Wednesday or as great as Friday. Just a boring Tuesday.

Well today has not been boring. It has been fabulous. I made a new friend and went for coffee with my new knitty friend, Catherine (check out her amazing blog kidsandcapers). Thank you Catherine, I had a fabulous time and Tuesdays from now on will be anything but boring.

I have also been invited by Lisa Jane from yarnsville to do a blog review on some yarn from her newly opened online yarn store. I am really looking forward to receiving my package - thank you Lisa!

Yesterday afternoon I purchased a new pattern for myself which is the lovely Brooklet by Cecily Glowick MacDonald. I was so excited to start. I spent ages choosing my colour scheme from the shop that is my stash drawer (how good am I?) and found the right size needles and I was ready to go. I started reading the pattern, all eager to cast on, and the words that my nightmares are made of, flashed out at me ... PROVISIONAL CAST ON. I nearly cried. I can't do a provisional cast on I whinged to myself.

I spent the next few hours searching Ravelry and Youtube looking for videos and tutorials to find out how to do this elusive cast on. I tried so many different ones and just as I was about to throw the towel in I found the perfect cast on, on fleeglesblog. Oh my goodness, I did it first time, it worked, I was so excited...I learnt something new. Thank you Fleegle, you rock!

Until next time ...

Warm and toasty

2011-10-03T08:27:00.000+01:00

Blogtober Fest Day 3

I have another FO!! I am on a roll. I finished my toasties last night and they are lovely. I really enjoyed everything about knitting them. I used Classic Elite Yarns Portland Tweed and I really like the yarn and the finished mitts. They will definitely be a wardrobe staple when the weather gets colder.

Until next time ...

Blogtober Fest

2011-10-02T09:35:00.001+01:00

Download or print these fab calendars at rottencupcakes.com

October is one of my favourite months. The air changes, the colours are magnificent and so inspiring. Knitting takes on a whole new purpose of being practical with gloves, hats and scarves coming to the forefront of my queue. Last but not least Halloween! This year I have also joined Blogtober Fest. The aim is to blog every day during October. Obviously the rules are flexible and nobody is going to arrive at your front door with the Blog Police if you don't manage it, but it seems like a nice way to celebrate October and other bloggers. If you fancy joining just click the link above and add you blog to the list.

Until next time ...

Millwater

2011-10-01T14:52:00.003+01:00

I finished my Millwater today. The pattern was superb. Well written, easy to understand. I made myself a little excel spreadsheet which I printed out to keep track of my rows. The Sirdar Snuggly Kisses disappointed me a little this time around. My second ball was knotted in places. In other places it wasn't spun properly so I had to cut and re-join the yarn. It is still super soft though. I am happy with the finished cowl, the only negative to it is that because the cable pattern lies off centre, it is quite awkward to arrange attractively around your neck. It doubles up on itself. However, if you are happy with that, then I heartily recommend this pattern.

I think I am going to cast on a pair of toasty(ies) this afternoon as the weather is awful (unlike the rest of the UK) and catch up on some Grey's Anatomy.

Until next time ...

Recorder Bag

2011-09-14T09:36:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I dusted off the sewing machine again to make a recorder bag for Kayla. She is really into skulls at the moment, I think it is a pink rebellion! I had to break the the all black/grey theme though with a pink ribbon and she was happy enough with that. The bag is useful although the finishing on it would have any professional sewer turn several shades of pale! But the girl child is happy so c'est la vie!

Until next time ...

Tail lashing

2011-09-12T13:27:00.001+01:00

Today reminds me of the story of Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day as Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK get a lashing by the tail end of Hurricane Katia.

Illustration from Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day

Hurricane Katia from the International Space Centre

It is very windy and wet and I absolutely love it. I am really intrigued by extreme weather and a Category One storm in Northern Ireland is probably about as extreme as it is going to get here. So while others batten down the hatches, I headed for the beach. It was magnificent. The wind was blowing a gale, there was spray off the sea, it actually smelled like the sea for a change. The sky was dark and stormy and the sea was wonderfully choppy. As I walked along the beach this morning, I felt so alive. It was exhilarating to walk along the beach alone (and I really was alone!!) with the sound of waves, wind and lonely seagull cries for company.

Loughshore towards the harbour

Loughshore out to sea

I went back to the car after about half an hour or so as staying on my feet was challenging and it started to rain, but I was not ready to go home so I whipped out my knitting and watched the choppy waters with Nickelback, Adele and James Blunt for company. What a great couple of hours.

The view from my car

My knitting

The view again

Until next time ...

C'est la Vie ...

2011-09-08T11:24:00.000+01:00

C'EST LA VIE BABY!!

a nicer way of saying, oh well, shit happens. I have decided to take a different outlook on life and look karma square in the eye, raising the proverbial middle finger and shouting at the top of my lungs, c'est la vie baby. So many little niggly things have happened over the past week, which ordinarily would have me irritable, raging and more than a little grumpy, but I have decided to become a duck. Yes a duck. Everything is going to slide right off my back. Or is that an ostrich with it's head in the sand? Well whatever version of our feathered friends I decide to be, I am going to take a lot more in my stride. That's the plan anyway. I do, however, reserve the right to change said plan if needs be.

Knitting wise, I mentioned in my last post that I had cast on Paulie. It was a disaster ... C'EST LA VIE! It was just huge across the back, I could of gotten two of me in there. Trying to knit a 4ply cardigan with DK wool and 4mm needles without checking gauge was probably always destined for failure. It is living out the rest of it's days, as pretty as it was, at the bottom of the frog pond.

I have now cast on calligraphy-cardigan which is plain but lovely. I did not do a gauge swatch ... life is too short for that, but I do have the correct weight yarn and needle size and so far things are going swimmingly. I intend on finishing this one. No really!

Calligraphy Cardigan

Pretty! and pretty ENORMOUS!

Until next time ...

No longer MIA

2011-08-29T09:51:00.000+01:00

My goodness I can't believe my last post was in July. My poor blog has been abandoned for a while in favour of the summer holidays, uni assignments, house guests and days out. Even my knitting mojo went on hiatus for a while. I am pleased to say though that all the children go back to school this week, I found my knitting mojo again and life seems to be returning to normal.

I have started knitting Paulie for myself. I have decided to use dk yarn instead. I am sure my gauge will be way off, but I am not about to start swatching now :) The only thing I ever swatched for didn't fit. It is an omen, oh and I am a lazy knitter.

I have one sleeve to go on Kayla's cardigan so that should be done in the next week, all ready for Autumn.

The weather is already changing in this part of the world. There is a definite nip in the air, especially in the mornings and evenings. Although I love summer and warm weather, there is just something so comforting about being curled up on the sofa with your knitting in the dead of winter.

On Saturday we went on a Ferry day trip to Stranraer Scotland and back. It was a family fun day for the kids with entertainment, face painting etc. Besides the occasional bout of sea sickness a great day was had by all.

The troops

Passing another ferry

Coming Back into Belfast

Belfast Harbour

Sunset over Belfast

Sailing into Loch Ryan, Scotland

Butternut Soup

2011-07-22T14:51:00.003+01:00

So this is not a knitting related post, but hey us knitters have to eat! This is one of my favourite traditional South African soups and so easy to make. It is low in calories and only 1 pro-point per serving for anyone following weight watchers. It is too good to keep to myself so here is the recipe.

Ingredients:

(serves approx. 8 people)

1 x large butternut squash
1 x onion (optional)
1 x glove of garlic (or dried garlic flakes work just as well)
2 or 3 oxo chicken stock cubes
3 or 4 medium potatoes
1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
2 x medium carrots (optional)
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp mixed dried herbs
4 tablespoons reduced fat creme fraiche

Instructions:

Score the butternut in several places and cook on high in the microwave for approximately 6 to 7 minutes. This makes it much easier to peel! Take out and run under cool water until it is cool enough to handle. With a sharp knife peel the butternut. Once peeled, cut in half and de-seed. Chop into cubes. Place into pot. Peel and cube potatoes and add to pot. (At this point you can add chopped onion if you wish or even two medium carrots for extra taste) Add boiling water until your veg is just about covered. Crumble in your stock cubes, herbs and spices. Simmer the veg until soft. Remove from the stove and leave to cool.

Once cool puree the soup in the blender or using a hand blender. Add the creme fraiche, stir in and gently re-heat.

Serve with some lovely crusty bread and enjoy :)

Until next time ...

Summer Wind

2011-07-21T19:03:00.000+01:00

I finished this infinity scarf today. I love it :) It was an easy knit, which was intermittently knitted over the past week. Mostly while on breaks from raiding on Warcraft.

The yarn I used is Wollmeise Twin, We're different. The yarn is the most beautiful colour, but I found it hard to knit with, almost cotton like and it was hard on my hands. It has softened up a bit now after washing. I am not blocking it for two reasons, the first is it is long and wide enough as it is, the second is that my pins have disappeared into thin air. The borrowers again?

I am ready to cast on another cowl, I really like them..., but I do need to finish some other half finished projects too. I am off to watch transformers tonight with the family, I can't wait. I get to wear my new glasses too...lol

Until next time ...

Cowl crazy

2011-07-11T10:05:00.001+01:00

I have spent the last few years on Rav looking at the cowls and thinking, why? Why would someone make one? Until I finished my honey cowl. I love it. I do prefer the infinity type cowls that you can either wrap around you twice or leave it loose, but I could be quite partial to other types too. My honey cowl only took a couple days of intermittent knitting and has been a great break away from the copious amount of sweater knitting I have been doing. I now have another on the needles and have spent many an hour searching for patterns. I think I have gone cowl crazy! Until next time ...

More Garden News

2011-07-02T19:13:00.000+01:00

My husband came home last night and happily informed me that my planters look totally lost where I had put them and they should be moved. Great. So today we moved things around and admittedly it looks better. We also transplanted our roses into pots. It's all done now other than repainting the fence and a garden bench I am looking at buying. The weather has been great and we all have a bit of sunburn but it has been a great day in the sunshine.

Until next time ...

Garden DIY

2011-07-01T18:10:00.002+01:00

I have been wanting to spruce up our outside living space for sometime, but it is not easy in a rented property. The problem with our back garden is it is open plan from the front and there is little privacy. I wanted to create some patio space that we can use to relax in during the summer. The project is not even close to being finished but I think what I have so far is looking good. I am also trying to do this project on a budget and recycling as much as I can around the house and garden.

The first part of the project has been to make a homemade planter box. I want two or three but I was experimenting with this one first. I used a 110L plastic storage tub which I previously used for storing yarn. Firstly I primed and spray painted it with a stone look alike product. I bought two small trellis pieces and cable tied them together. I drilled some holes into the bottom of the tub for drainage and into the sides to secure the trellis. Fill with potting soil, add plants and I have a planter box. I then added plants to some old window planters I had laying about from a few years ago.

Then I planted into an old water fountain I had and re-potted a kitchen plant into another pot laying about.

I planted into some other old pots to go on the other side of the step.

So that is what I have accomplished today, together with scrubbing down all the concrete. I am exhausted but pretty pleased with the day's progress. Time to pull out the knitting, take seat and relax.

Until next time ...

Some more sewing

2011-06-22T21:31:00.000+01:00

Gosh this sewing thing is as addictive as knitting. Who knew!? Today I made myself a skirt out of two men's XXL t-shirts. I also made Kayla a tunic out of two t-shirts and a skirt too.

Until next time ...

A sewing project

2011-06-21T19:11:00.000+01:00

Today I pulled out my sewing machine that was gathering dust and decided to sew Kayla a skirt using this tutorial Simple Skirt Tutorial. I am so pleased with how it turned out and I think Kayla will actually wear it as she chose the colours - black and red. Gone are the days pink, pink and more pink! I can't wait to make her some more. The tutorial is well written with lots of great pictures for a sewing novice like me. I feel quite accomplished now!

Knitting wise my striped cardigan is coming along nicely although I was almost at the point of dividing for the sleeves and decided my colours looked like clowns barf so I ripped it and started over with new colours. Small amount of progress on Kayla's cardigan.

Until next time ...

I got a present!

2011-06-16T11:14:00.000+01:00

This morning I was pottering about the house when Minxy jumped in through the study window. Now this is quite normal, and she normally greets me with very loud meows. However, this morning her meow was somewhat strangled and muted which of cause raised alarm. I looked up at her only to see something brown hanging out of her mouth. I panicked!! I thought she had a half dead bird or mouse in her mouth which I would have to dispose of. Ewww. I called her and she plopped my present on the carpet and came to say hello. I tentatively went over to check out the awful half dead creature she had dropped. It turned out to be this ...

A LEAF for goodness sake! Boy was she proud of it though, prancing around it like it was catch of the day. She really made me laugh this morning.

Onto the knitting front and guess what? Two new projects jumped onto my needles this week. Now I can almost hear you sighing and thinking not another one, lol. Well I was lying in bed last night thinking about how I could resist the urge to start a new project and feeling terribly guilty about my WIP pile. I came to the conclusion that knitting is my hobby. I don't need to prove anything to anyone with it. I am under absolutely no obligation to finish a thing. I do this for fun, and for me the fun is in starting a shiny new project. I am addicted to the excitement of reading through the pattern, choosing my colours, my yarn choice, taking the ball band off a new ball of yarn. It is all part of the fun for me. Sometimes my projects will get finished and sometimes they won't, but I don't think this is a bad thing it is just enjoying this wonderful craft in my own way.

So after all that, what have I cast on you ask? I have cast on little-butterflies for Kayla, using my favourite acrylic Stylecraft Special DK. I love this even if it is an acrylic. It is practical, affordable, soft, washable and comes in lovely colours. I am going to add some special touches to this project so stay tuned for updates (if I get that far of course...lol).

My second project that I intend to cast on right after this blog post, is this little beauty that I found last night staccato while browsing Rav. I am a complete sucker for stripes. Love them. Again using Stylecraft Special DK and all from stash too.

Until next time ...

What ya doin' ?

2011-06-13T10:58:00.001+01:00

What have I been doing? Well my needles are on fire at the moment. I finished my Annis shawl and I am so proud of myself for finishing a lace weight shawl. Actually I am really proud of finishing anything at all at the moment as this seems to be my year of knitting procrastination and some ADHD thrown in for good measure.

Annis is so soft and light and pretty. My husband though it was a pair of panties when I first showed it to him....really??

I have two other shawls on the needles too. I really need to catch up for the Ravelry 11 shawls in 2011 challenge. I have only completed two! My Contented cardigan is just sitting on the bench for a while. I have almost finished one sleeve but it feels a bit tight. I want to see if I lose any weight with slimming world and kettleworx before I decide whether to rip and increase the stitch count or leave it as is.

There are less than three weeks now until summer holidays start for the kids so I am enjoying the peace while I still have some. It is always a challenge to keep them amused for two months.

Not too much else exciting going on at the moment so I will leave you with some photos of Minxy, who doesn't love pretty kitty photos?

Until next time...

Finally an update

2011-05-31T10:57:00.001+01:00

Things have been somewhat crazy around here the past couple of weeks. There has been lots of knitting going on, but not much to photograph other than this contented cardigan action shot, finally onto the sleeves. Holden is slowly progressing and I have a secret project on the go.

We did Race for Life on Sunday which was awesome. It was just so powerful walking up to Stormont with hundreds of other women and girls all in the name of cancer research.(Especially in our cooky outfits!) I will certainly do it again next year and hopefully will be fit enough to jog it.

My study books have arrived and the course starts tomorrow so it is back to the grindstone. I am really looking forward to the course this time. Other than that, back on Slimming World and have a mini "biggest loser" type competition going on with my sister that runs until August. Nothing like a bit of healthy competition to keep me motivated. Actually, it is probably more than "healthy competition" as we are both super competitive!!

Until next time...

Knock knock...or not!

2011-05-16T17:15:00.000+01:00

Today feels like a total waste of a day. I have stayed in the whole day waiting for the courier to deliver my study material and it never arrived. Grrr...there is nothing more frustrating. Murphy's law guarantees that had I gone out, it most certainly would of arrived. So I guess that tomorrow will be more of the same. So, what does one do when stuck in the house, why knit of course :) I cast on a shawl this afternoon. I have knit so many cardigans lately (finished and unfinished) that I need a break. The pattern is the holden-shawlette which I have admired for some time. I frogged my lost in translation shawl to use the yarn.

I finished Kayla's lace bolero over the weekend which turned out really nicely. Suits her too.I fancy doing her another one at some point. I am making slow progress on my contented cardigan (amazingly this is one that is not in hibernation) but only do a few rows a week as the rows are now really long and tedious. I also knitted a monster last week, really cute. The kids all want one but my passion for knitting toys is always short lived.

Until next time ...

Far from purple perfection

2011-05-07T09:31:00.000+01:00

I finally finished something. Kayla's cardigan is finished but I am desperately disappointed with the FO. The shape of it is just so out of proportion. The top half too big the bottom half too small, the sleeves are going to be too short in a matter of weeks. Sigh. On the bright side she hasn't take it off since it was finished so it seems it will do for lazing about the house.

After much soul searching I changed my course of study this week too from Psychology to Health and Social Care. I really wasn't enjoying the first module on the Psych degree.

Until next time...

Wedding Anniversary

2011-04-26T09:21:00.005+01:00

Marry in April if you can, joy for maiden and for man ~ Folklore.

Today is our 14th wedding anniversary. Apparently you are supposed to receive gifts of Ivory. We went for chocolate instead! Time certainly has flown.

I love our little blue mini. It was in a shocking state, you could see the road in places through the floorboards!

On the knitting front everything has been put on hold for this cardigan for Kayla.

The pattern is little-miss-greenjeans. She has had a growth spurt lately and none of her cardigans fit and after a trip to the shops it was evident we were not going to find anything suitable as the UK clothing industry is under the impression that summer is here. (Although the weather has improved!) So an emergency cardigan hit the needles. I have made some modifications like changing the raglan style and using two sizes. I am also knitting the sleeves magic loop instead of using dpns. Looking forward to having it finished.

Until next time...

In summary...

2011-04-22T19:40:00.000+01:00

It has been a bit of a mad week. The kids are now on Easter school holidays for two weeks. Monday saw the cast on of a (another!) knitting project for Kayla, which I haven't got around to photographing yet.

Tuesday has us walking up a (very large) hill with my sister and her family. It was a lovely walk, although exhausting. The flowers are from the gardens before you go up the hill, aren't they magnificent?

Wednesday was spent trying (rather comically) to walk at all. My legs have never been so sore in my life. By Thursday I could walk again with the aid of very strong anti-inflammatory tablets so I was able to take my eldest son to the dentist. He had a tooth pulled poor mite. He was so brave. I was ready to hyperventilate the moment I saw the injection..ha ha. I wished that I drove an automatic on Thursday as that clutch near killed me. I managed a walk around the neighbourhood on Thursday afternoon with my friend Joanne (5k walk for life prep) which must of really helped the legs because today I am no longer in severe pain. Yay! Today was spent studying and knitting. I intend to spend the Easter weekend eating chocolate, knitting and perhaps a walk on Sunday. Happy Easter everyone.

Until next time...

Fundraising for Cancer Research UK

2011-04-18T16:20:00.002+01:00

Nicola Payne is fundraising for Cancer Research UK

I will be taking part in Race for Life this year with my friend Joanne. Our 5k takes place at Stormont, Belfast on the 29th of May 2011. We would love donations that can be made at the link above. Every penny counts towards cancer research and we all know someone who has been affected by this dreadful disease. Thank you all in advance :)

Lost in translation

2011-04-14T12:50:00.000+01:00

Lost in translation, that's how I explain Spring in Belfast this year. It started off well. Flowers started to bloom, the trees have started to cover their modesty in a layer of green foliage, the sun shone brightly for about a week and temperatures peaked at around 18 degrees. Then it fell flat. It got lost in translation. This week has been wet, cold and miserable. I even had the heating on twice yesterday.

So to defend myself against the gloom of a stuttering start to spring I have cast on "lost in translation" which is actually Westknits' Daybreak I am knitting this from stash (yeah! go me) using Woolhunter's beautiful Luxxie Sock which is 80% superwash merino and 20% bamboo and The Yarn Yard's Bonny Sock in yellow. Nice spring coloured yarns to keep me going until the sun decides to come out and play again. I have made this shawl before for a swap on Ravelry's UK RAK but I think this one is going to be for me.

Until next time ...

Soul searching and a couple of penguins

2011-04-13T16:13:00.003+01:00

So I haven't blogged in a few days. I've been really busy doing everything and nothing at all. Contented is coming along nicely, although the endless stocking stitch is becoming a bit tedious. I have a love / hate relationship with stocking stitch. I've also been trying (mostly unsuccessfully) to study. Fortunately I have figured out I can knit and read at the same time which has helped the process along a bit.

Another thing that has been keeping me busy is a crisis of self... so to speak. I don't know if this happens to other people or not but every now and again I ponder the direction of my life. What I am doing, where I have come from. How things have effected me and how I come across to others. I need to stop putting so much pressure on myself for instance to lose weight. I MUST curb the negative self-talk (which I do an enormous amount of.) I need to learn to relax more and roll with the punches. Stop being so uptight and controlling. I need to accept the fact that other people can make decisions for themselves, even if they are bad ones, and come out the other side. This is especially true of my children. So there we have it...a lot of soul searching.

I've also decided to remove the feed of this blog through to facebook. As much as I enjoy facebook to see what everyone is up to, I firmly believe it is a catalyst for the drama llama to pay a visit. I don't think the content appeals to the majority of my non crafting friends and leaves me open to negative commentary - which, if the truth be told, my skin is not always thick enough to handle.

I found this cute clip on YouTube, it made me laugh. (I think we all know someone we would like to do this too!!)

Until next time...

Contented

2011-04-07T17:04:00.001+01:00

I am loving knitting my contented cardigan. I have split for the sleeves and done the little cable detail on the back. It is one of those projects you just don't want to put down. I think the pure simplicity of it is so appealing. I really like the yarn too. I read somewhere on Ravelry that the bands cause the cardigan to pucker, I really hope that isn't the case. Although I didn't notice any puckering on any of the project pictures.

30 day shred isn't happening this week. I am on a new kick right now of calorie counting. I'm also going to put a battery in my pedometer and aim for 10000 steps a day. (OK stop laughing I am serious!) I would really like to try a kettlebell work out (gawd, I am such a fad addict), check this out though, it does look fun... .kettleworx.co.uk Shame it is so damn expensive.

In other news, life without a tumble dryer stinks. Seriously, I had no idea towels could stand up on their own. To add insult to injury the hoover's belt went, I replaced it, that went too. Guess I need a new hoover.

Until next time ...

Did you say Monogamous?

2011-04-04T13:47:00.001+01:00

I knew it would happen. Who was I kidding? The moment I blogged about being monogamous with a project that little voice inside my head starts gabbing ten to the dozen about casting on something new. I planned to cast this on once I had finished B-Side, but convinced myself that I couldn't watch movies and do the cables on B-Side so I needed TV knitting. It's not like I don't have other half finished "TV knitting", but it just had to be this.

So I gave in and cast on my Contented Cardi. I am using Stylecraft Life in Oatmeal. Acrylic wool mix, so easy on the pocket and no hand-washing necessary - my kind of yarn. I also like that the yarn is not solid. It has a slight semi-solid look, which makes it look way more expensive than what it is. Win.

In other news this Monday, my tumble dryer broke. I am gutted. The house looks like an attempt at a Chinese laundromat with all the half dry clothes and the mountain to be washed abandoned in front of the washing machine. It's going to be a long two weeks without one. I put the clothes horse outside in the sun this morning to dry the clothes, it blew over. Result - dirty clothes. How am I supposed to be a domestic goddess without the tools of the trade? I guess I'm not.

Until next time...

Mothers day and a country drive

2011-04-03T12:13:00.002+01:00

Happy mother's day to all you moms out there. I woke this morning to cold toast and luke warm tea beautifully presented on a baking tray with two cards. It was completely adorable. It is the first year the kids have done something without prompting from Dad, so it was very special. My card from Devon included a note that my present for today was him being good the "hole" day. How cute is that. He has been out with his friends the whole morning, I don't think he is taking any chances!!

No exercise was to be had this weekend, but we did take a lovely country drive yesterday. We drove part way up the coast and then turned inland. It was amazing to see all the little lambs in the fields. They really do frolic about. Unfortunately they are a bit camera shy and hid behind their mothers when I tried to make them famous.

I got some more of my B-Side cardigan done last night. I am trying to be totally monogamous with this project so it gets finished and so far have resisted the temptation of a shiny new project, but its not easy.

Until next time ...

Bloomin' pink April Fools

2011-04-01T11:22:00.004+01:00

While I was outside wondering about looking for some inspiration for my daily photo on Life through a lens I noticed our pink flower bush has bloomed. It is one of my favourite places to photograph FO's at this time of year. It is a strange bush as it blooms really early every year and loses all its flowers by the beginning of June and doesn't bloom again until the following year. The flowers are so pretty so I thought I would take a few shots.

I did 30 day shred again yesterday and even though it is day three, my endurance is certainly improving and I am not sore today at all. It's Friday, I never feel like doing much on a Friday. It's also April fools day. I manged to fool the younger two children by telling them that there is a blizzard and tornado warning out for this afternoon so they need to hurry home after school to board up the house. They believed me for about 2 minutes. Tried to convince my husband via text that it was snowing at home, but he wasn't having any of it. I'm rubbish at April fools jokes. My B-Side cardigan is about half an inch from being divided so hopefully I can do that today. I am rather excited as today Hannah Fettig's Spring Ribbed Cardigan pattern is released Spring Ribbed Cardigan which I want to make for the summer. It looks like a nice, simple and versatile little cardigan.

Until next time...

When is enough actually enough?

2011-03-30T14:35:00.001+01:00

Today I decided to give 30 day shred a miss. My legs hurt and my husband convinced me to take a rest day before I end up injured. Done, you don't have to ask me twice. I caught up on the latest episode of the biggest loser USA - I am crazy about US reality shows and this one is just so much better than the UK version. Everything is so dramatic and done with panache. The prizes are bigger, the contestants are bigger and the results are bigger. Love it. I should of been American, I love America.

After that I pulled out the camera to start logging my stash into Ravelry. I started taking photos but became overwhelmed. Man, have I got a big stash! I know I was given, inherited, was gifted or bought each and every skein and ball for a reason (I am sticking to that!). There is a bit of everything in it, wool, blends, acrylic, alpaca. Singles skeins, two skeins, jersey quantities.

This is my sock yarn...

This is my lace stash (well what I could find, I know there is more in hiding) - fortunately it is a little more, errmmm demure

And this is where most of it lives

Then there is some hiding out here

and some more over here...

and a little more over here...

that shares the space with these hand knits...

Oh, and there is more upstairs, but this is getting embarrassing so I'll stop now. So why is it that crafters, whether we sew (yes I have a small sewing stash too), knit, do card making (got that), scrap booking, cross stitch (got a large stash of that!) or whatever, can never seem to be able to resist the next purchase. As we speak I am watching a cotton blend on eBay that I want for a summer cardigan. Why? I have loads. I could use something from the stash. Who knows, but whatever the answer is I like my stash and know that I am blessed to have the means to own one.

Day 2 ~ 30 day shred

2011-03-29T12:29:00.000+01:00

So I woke up this morning and instead of collapsing in a soggy heap next to the bed, much to my surprise I could walk. Painlessly! The legs felt a little heavy and the shoulders are a bit tender, but nowhere near the pain levels I experienced last time I tried this DVD. That being said, I headed off to the pharmacy this morning for some ibuprofen gel....I think this could be a case of beginners luck.

After cleaning up a bit and generally avoiding putting the DVD back in, I put my big girl panties on and decided to attempt day 2. Let me tell you it was tough. Much tougher than yesterday. My left thigh muscle hurts like nobodies business. I did it though, I sucked it up and got through level one again. Now I feel a bit like one of those rubber chickens. I have no doubt in my mind that tomorrow I will hurt.

I am now looking forward to taking it easy until the kids get home with a few episodes of Six Feet Under and making some progress on my B-Side Cardigan.

Until tomorrow....

Jillian Michaels 30 day shred

2011-03-28T16:06:00.001+01:00

This is my first post in a while. What can I say. I'm lazy. Busy, but mostly lazy. I have given the blog a bit of a face lift to inspire me to continue blogging. The studying is taking everything out of me at the moment. The more I have to study, the more I want to play warcraft or knit. Meh!

I have also tried to lose some weight since January. This has certainly been an up and down affair, I have lost 6lb since January. At least it is a loss but not great over an almost four month period. I sometimes think taping my mouth shut would be the most effective weight loss method for me, I just love food.

So, as if I don't have enough going on, I have decided to take on two exercise challenges.I have decided if I can quit smoking, I can quit being fat. The first is the walk for life race on the 29th of May 2011. I am joining with my friend and we will drag each other along!! The second one, in preparation for said race and to try and un-wobble some seriously wobbly bits is Jillian Michael's 30-day-shred dvd. Three work outs, level one, two and three over 30 days. The plan is to do level one for ten days, two for ten ect.

I did workout one today. I lived...barely. My legs feel like rubber and I can barely lift my arms but I am alive and barely breathing. I will post my progress as long as I can still type, over the next 30 days. I have taken all my measurements (sorry, not sharing those) and a before picture (nope not sharing that either) and if there is a wonderful significant change like the dvd promises, I will post before and after pics after 30 days.

Until tomorrow...

Minxy

2010-10-21T22:22:00.000+01:00

Introducing our newest family member Minxy. We got her on Sunday and she has already wormed her way into our hearts and left her scratch marks on our skin!! She is cute as a button though and already very much loved.

And so I sewed!

2010-08-31T13:16:00.000+01:00

So the kids all went back to school full time today and I have 6 hours of free time! I won't go into how quiet the house is blah blah, I do that every year. I decided to pull out my sewing machine which I probably bought about 6 months ago now and have a go. I made a project bag. Truthfully it is really badly made but I went for it hell to leather and created. I broke a needle in the process and punctured a boob - thank goodness they are my own otherwise I would of had a problem! Nevertheless - one by project bag. Very proud!

I did a great number of other things over the summer while I ignored my blog, including dyeing my hair purple and learning to crochet.

To gym or not to gym

2010-05-19T21:32:00.001+01:00

I found this on Ravelry recently and laughed so much I cried - I had to share.

A WOMAN’S WEEK AT THE GYM This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine Dear Diary, For my birthday this year, my husband purchased a week of personal training for me at the local health club. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. Friends seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

MONDAY: Started my day at 6:00 am. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god-- with blond hair, dancing eyes, and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!

TUESDAY: I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air, and then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile.. I feel GREAT! It’s a whole new life for me.

WEDNESDAY: The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn’t try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other shit too.

THURSDAY: Asshole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn’t help being a half an hour late-- it took me that long to tie my shoes. He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny bitch to find me. Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine-- which I sank.

FRIDAY: I hate that bastard Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic, little aerobic instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it. Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don’t have any triceps! And if you don’t want dents in the floor, don’t hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn’t it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

SATURDAY: Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

SUNDAY: I’m having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun-- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

Where did the last two months go??

2010-05-11T15:20:00.000+01:00

Gosh I am a bad blogger! The last post was in March and now we are mid May. I missed the blog's second birthday this year too. Tut tut. Much has happened on the knitting front since my last post. The twilight shawl was finished, I knitted Kayla a bloom and a skirt, and a baby cardigan and shoes for a neighbour to send to family in Australia.

On the go at the moment? Well, there is a jersey on the needles for me, a secret RAK gift for the Ravelry UK RAK friend event and a something something for my mom in law's birthday.

Besides all the knitting, I recently celebrated my 13th wedding anniversary, Tristan went away to Scotland on his first school trip away from home and I have a new job. My life reminds me a bit of the South African smarties slogan whatalotigot!!

March Madness

2010-03-08T12:36:00.000Z

I think March is such a great month, spring is almost here, the sun shines a whole lot more and just seems to lift the spirit. Friday will be my one month anniversary for quitting smoking, and I am so proud of myself. The fish have actually been put on the backburner for a bit as I don't "need" them as much now. I have started a garter stitch blanket now which I will sew all my fish onto because, honestly, I don't think I could knit the 100+ fish to make a whole blanket.

I have been busy with other things though. My twilight shawl is nearly finished and is so beautiful - photos to follow when it is done. The lace charts are taking some time though as each row is so long. I have knitted a load of gifts too including a beautiful plum scarf and a fugly (f. ugly!) cat as a birthday gift.

I have also knitted two beautiful bunnies, Bella and Bex for my daughter. I was going to knit 7, one for each of the kids and one for each of my nieces and nephews here in the UK for easter, but the finishing off and sewing up of these bunnies drives me around the bend, so I don't see it happening.

Happy March everyone ;)

Please extinguish all cigarettes, fish at the ready, GO!!

2010-02-15T13:21:00.000Z

I decided on Friday that I am done with smoking. I had my last cigarette early Friday morning and by the afternoon I was climbing the walls. I have all these 10 minute increments of time to fill where I would normally smoke. So I decided that fish was the answer. Knitted fish. I found a fab pattern on Ravelry to knit fish which will eventually be sewn together to make a blanket. Each time I want to smoke, I knit a fish instead. So far I have 11.5 fish. I have been smoke free for 4 YES FOUR!! days. The blanket will be a celebration of my achievement.

2010

2010-02-03T15:05:00.001Z

Happy 2010. Our holiday in SA was great, we had a fantastic time, but it was all over too soon and now it is February already, how time flies. I have been super busy since we got back with starting a new job and of course my favourite thing, knitting. Since the beginning of the year I have knitted two shawls, a baby cardigan, a hat, a scarf for Tristan and have various other things on the needles. Wishing everyone a great 2010.

Peaches!!

2009-12-05T08:19:00.001Z

It has been a trying week to say the least with personal issues getting the best of my good nature and sick kids to boot. Hopefully all the kids are on the mend and we can look forward to going on holiday next week. 7 days to go...I can't believe how fast the time has gone.

I am trying to wind down on all the knitting projects so have taken on small projects to keep me occupied for the next week. The first of which is Peaches the Wonderous Wonder Elephant. I made her for Kayla in a couple of hours and she is so cute!! Now the boys both want one too.

I also finished Kayla's Baktus which will be great for going under her coat.

This will probably be the last post for 2009, so thank you to everyone who has read and followed my blog this year :)

25 days to go!!

2009-11-16T21:03:00.000Z

Wow - 25 days to go until we go on holiday, how exciting! I have been exceptionally busy since my last post, knitting, sorting things out, knitting, dyeing, did I mention knitting? I finally finished my plain FLS, which although a nice practical knit - was terribly boring to do towards the end

I also finished my Baktus which I wear all the time. It is so much more practical than a scarf, but I seem to have lost the photos. I have also made a pair of mittens for Devon.

I dyed some yarn a few weeks ago and this weekend and came up with some lovely colourways

I love playing with different colour combinations and seeing how they turn out.

Last week Tuesday we also had Devon in the hospital with a suspected appendicitis. 4.5 hours wait later, several urine tests and a set of x-rays, he was fortunately given the all clear..here is a mobile pic of an exceptionally bored Devon at the hospital.

A little history...

2009-10-29T19:53:00.006Z

I cast on last night for a Baktus. Those who are Ravelry related will know exactly what that is, but for others it is a sort of scarf. It is a "kerchief" as such or a very shallow shawl used to wrap around your neck. Anyway, I am getting off topic!

While knitting the first few rows of my Baktus I started wondering about the history of knitting, when did it all start, who were the first knitters, why did they knit, how did they knit?

After a little research I found the most information on wiki and it is really interesting how knitting has evolved over time, for those who are interested you can read all about it here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_knitting

Then I was wondering about the history of the scarf, it is the item that most knitters knit first so it had to have an interesting history and found an article here (mmm, death by yarn, worse ways to go I guess)
http://dresslikeme.co.uk/scarf.php

Of course then my enquiring mind went further and searched on the history of shawls, wiki again had a good write up about them, and I found it particularly interesting that back in the day they were worn by men and woman! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawl

I think though out of all the research I did, the article in knitty.com really encompasses it all. http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEAThistory101.html

Wow - what a great history for such a great craft.

And just to make the post a little prettier - here's a picture of my latest knit for my niece.

More dyeing

2009-10-27T19:35:00.000Z

After a week of this nasty flu, I finally felt better enough to function yesterday, besides this stupid lingering cough, so I decided to do some more dyeing. I have moved on to Sugarflair and I think they certainly provide a bigger palette of colours to work with. I did two skeins of lace

Then I did two skeins of sock yarn. They both turned out beautifully, unfortunately this happened to the first one

What a massive spaghetti mess :( But the second one turned out ok

Then I moved onto a skein of Trekking XXL which I had in my stash but didn't like the colourway so I changed it from this.....

to this......

Happy days. They are all up for sale on my Ravelry stash page, except for the nasty spaghetti mess which is winging its way to America for a lovely Raveler to untangle and hopefully turn into something beautiful.

Understanding South African

2009-10-23T12:27:00.002+01:00

I got this email this morning - bloody brilliant, it makes me a little homesick :)

A special little lesson in Afrikaans language and culture for our overseas
family and friends - See you at a braai in 2010!

Subject: Understanding South Africans - Tips for 2010 Visitors

Braai What is a braai? It is the first thing you will be invited to when you visit
South Africa . A braai is a backyard barbecue and it will take place whatever the weather. So you will have to go even if it's raining like mad. At a braai you will be introduced to a substance known as mieliepap.

Ag - This one of the most useful South African words. Pronounced like the "ach"
in the German "achtung", it can be used to start a reply when you are asked a tricky question, as in: "Ag, I don't know." Or a sense of resignation:"Ag OK, I'll have some more mieliepap then." It can stand alone too as a signal of irritation.

Donner - A rude word, it comes from the Afrikaans "donder" (thunder). Pronounced "dorner", it means "beat up." A team member in your rugby team can get donnered in a game, or your wife can donner you if you come back from a braai at three in the morning.

Eina - Widely used by all language groups, this word, derived from the Afrikaans,
means "ouch." Pronounced "aynah". You can say it in sympathy when you see your friend the day after he got donnered by his wife.

Hey - Often used at the end of a sentence to emphasize the importance of what has
just been said, as in "You're only going to get donnered if you come in late again, hey?" It can also stand alone as a question. Instead of saying "excuse me?" or "pardon me?" when you have not heard something directed at you, you can always say: "Hey?"

Izit? - This is another great word to use in conversations. Derived from the two
words "is" and "it", it can be used when you have nothing to contribute if someone tells you something at a braai. For instance, if someone would say: "The Russians will succeed in their bid for capitalism once they adopt a work ethic and respect for private ownership." It is quite appropriate to respond by saying: "Izit?"

Ja well no fine - This is another conversation fallback. Derived from the four words:
"yes", "well", "no" and fine", it roughly means "OK". If your bank manager tells you your account is overdrawn, you can, with confidence, say: "Jawelnofine."

Klap - Pronounced "klup" - an Afrikaans word meaning smack, whack or spank. If you spend too much time in front of the TV during exam time, you could end up getting a "klap" from your mother. In America , that is called child abuse. In South Africa , it is called promoting education. But to get "lekker geklap" is to get motherlessly drunk.

Lekker - An Afrikaans word meaning nice, this word is used by all language groups to
express approval. If you enjoyed a braai thoroughly, you can say: "Now that was lekk-errrrrrr!" while drawing out the last syllable.

Tackies - These are sneakers or running shoes. The word is also used to describe
automobile or truck tyres. "Fat tackies" are really wide tyres, as in: "You've got lekker fat tackies on your Vôlla, hey?"

Dop - This word has two basic meanings, one good and one bad. First the good: A dop is a drink, a cocktail, a sundowner, a noggin. When invited for a dop, be careful! It could be one sedate drink or a blast, depending on the company. Now the bad: To dop is to fail. If you "dopped" standard two (Grade 4) more than once, you probably won't be reading this.

Saamie - This is a sandwich. For generations, school- children have traded "saamies"
during lunch breaks. In South Africa you don't send your kid to school with liver-polony saamies. They are impossible to trade.

Bakkie - This word is pronounced "bucky" and can refer to a small truck or pick-up.
If a young man takes his "girl" (date) in a bakkie it could be considered as a not so "lekker" form of transport because the seats can't recline.

Howzit - This is a universal South African greeting, and you will hear this word
throughout the country. It is often accompanied with the word "Yes!" as in: "Yes, howzit?". In which case you answer "No, fine."

Now now - In much of the outside world, this is a comforting phrase: "Now now, it's
really not so bad." But in South Africa , this phrase is used in the following manner: "Just wait, I'll be there now now." It means "a little after now".

Tune grief - To be tuned grief is to be aggravated, harassed. For example, if you argue with somebody about a rugby game at a braai and the person had too much dop
(is a little "geklap"), he might easily get aggravated and say.: "You're tuning me grief, hey!". To continue the argument after this could be unwise and result in major tuning of grief..

Boet - This is an Afrikaans word meaning "brother" which is shared by all language
groups. Pronounced "boot" but shorter, as in "foot", it can be applied to a brother or any person of the male sex. For instance a father can call his son "boet" and friends can apply the term to each other too. Sometimes the diminutive "boetie" is used. But don't use it on someone you hardly know - it will be thought patronizing and could lead to you getting a "lekker klap".

Pasop - From the Afrikaans phrase meaning "Watch Out!", this warning is used and
heeded by all language groups. As in: "The boss hasn't had his coffee yet - so you better pasop boet" Sometimes just the word "pasop!" is enough without further explanation. Everyone knows it sets out a line in the sand not to be crossed.

Skop, Skiet en donner - Literally "kick, shoot and thunder", this phrase is used by many South African speakers to describe action movies. A Clint Eastwood movie is always a good choice if you're in the mood for of a lekker skop, skiet en donner
flick.

Vrot - Pronounced - "frot". A expressive word which means "rotten" or "putrid" in
Afrikaans, it is used by all language groups to describe anything they really dislike. Most commonly intended to describe fruit or vegetables whose shelf lives have long expired, but a pair of old tackies (sneakers) worn a few years too long can be termed "vrot" by some unfortunate folk which find themselves in the same vicinity as the wearer. Also a rugby player who misses important kicks or tackles can be said to have played a vrot game - opposite to a "lekker" game but not to his face). A movie was once reviewed with this headline: "Slick Flick, Vrot Plot."

Rock up - To rock up is to just, sort of arrive (called "gate crash" in other parts of the world). You don't make an appointment or tell anyone you are coming - you just rock up. Friends can do that but you have to be selective about it. For example, you can't just rock up for a job interview.

Scale - To scale something is to steal it. A person who is "scaly" has a doubtful
character, is possibly a scumbag, and should rather be left off the invitation list to your next braai.

Ja-nee - "Yes No" in English. Politics in South Africa has always been associated
with family arguments and in some cases even with physical fights. It is believed that this _expression originated with a family member who didn't want to get a klap or get donnerred, so he just every now and then muttered "ja-nee". Use it when you are required to respond, but would rather not choose to agree or disagree.

Over the Rainbow Shawl

2009-10-12T13:13:00.005+01:00

I knit this little shawl for Kayla in two evenings. It can be made as big or as small as you wish. The pattern notes are rough and it can be changed to suit you. Yarn and needle size are not important to this shawl nor is gauge. I used 100% lambswool dyed by myself (approx 330 m) and 3.75mm needles.

Pattern:

C/o 7 stitches, k for two rows

* Increases are on every rs row by doing yo’s after two stitches, one either side of centre stitch and one two stitches before the end.

1. Knit in stocking stitch (ss) for as many rows as pleases you.

2. Knit (garter stitch) two rows, knit one row of yo k2tog, knit two rows (eyelet section)

3. Knit another ss section

4. Knit 4 rows moss (seed) stitch

5. Knit another ss section

6. Knit another eyelet section

7. Knit another ss section

For a bigger version just repeat steps 1 - 7 before the garter section.

8. Knit in garter stitch for as long as you want

Knit an eyelet row, knit one row, knit another eyelet row, knit three rows garter stitch and cast off.

Block lightly and enjoy your shawl :)

Yarn to Dye for!!

2009-09-06T11:26:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I took my first leap into Kool Aid Dying some yarn. What a blast! I can see this becoming a new obsession. I basically mixed the KA with warm water. Soaked the undyed skeins for about 20 minutes. Then I gently squeezed out the water and lay the skeins onto some clingfilm. I also used newspaper underneath to protect the table. Then using a syringe I squirted the dye where I wanted it on the yarn and gently patted it with my fingers to ensure it went all the way through the skein.

Then I wrapped the clingfilm around the yarn and into the microwave it went. Two minutes on high, two minutes to stand, repeat. One last go on high for 1 minute. I took it out of the microwave - and glory is it hot!! Unwrapped it from the CF and let it cool. Then I washed it in some soak and left it to dry. I then wound it into cakes and ta-da... beautiful hand dyed yarn. How on earth anyone would want to drink this stuff is beyond me...bleh!

I can't wait for more supplies to arrive and try different colourways. Total, messy fun!!

At last, an update.

2009-09-01T17:27:00.005+01:00

So much has been happening in my life at the moment. I had an interview today and I have one tomorrow so I could soon be back in the land of the working parent. Less time to knit, boo, more money, yay! I have been knitting my butt off and loving it. I have also opened an ebay shop selling shawl pins and stitch markers which I have made. Let's hope it takes off. I am taking part in my first knit-along on Friday which I am dead excited about with a bunch of fabulous ladies.

I have knitted so much over the past couple of months it would take all day to upload photos so I will just do a few.

My mom in law was here for a few weeks over the summer and it was great to see her and my dad in law arrives on the weekend for a few days, can't wait to see him again. The best news of all is that my tickets are booked for our SA holiday and we only have three months to go!! So exciting. Kids are back at school, happy days!

One year gone!

2009-05-28T09:13:00.004+01:00

I can't believe that I have been a Ravelry member for over a year now. The list of things I have learnt and friends that I have made would go on for an eternity. Back on the home front I have a serious case of startitis and just keep casting on for new projects. Some will get finished, some...probably not!! I joined the gym last week in a last ditch attempt to get fit and lose some weight - so far so good. Knitting wise I recently finished a bolero for myself, a summer top for Kayla and a bunny for a friend.

Knittingnix's first blog birthday...

2009-05-02T16:01:00.002+01:00

Well this blog is officially one year old today. Happy birthday!! The needles have been clicking away furiously since the last post. I have been churning out birthday gifts, dishcloths, secret suprises and gifts for my RAK group ten to the dozen. As some are surprises I cannot reveal them as yet - but all in good time. So in the meanwhile here are some pics of some of the other projects I have been busy with. One is a shawl I recently made for my mom's birthday (another Ishbel) and the other is washcloths I made for the kids. Our bathroom is now full of bright washcloths!!

A month of birthdays

2009-04-13T18:01:00.003+01:00

This month is a crazy month for birthdays and I have been knitting my socks off. I finally finished Kevin's jumper and I have knitted a shawl for my sister with another on the needles for my mom. The shawl is beautiful and even though the lace nearly drove me around the bend it was worth it. Anyone who wants to knit a shawl that only has a small lace portion but looks spectacular should knit Ishbel by Ysolda Teague.

Tollymore Forest Park

2009-03-24T18:20:00.001Z

Pics from our mother's day walk.

Cave Hill

2009-03-15T19:42:00.004Z

This morning the walls of the house felt like they were closing in on me. I just HAD to get out the house for a bit. It wasn't raining for a change, so off we went for a hike up cave hill. I thought at a stage I might die. I am so unfit! The views from up there are magnificent. I was surprised as to how cold it was up there and very windy. I am convinced that tomorrow I will not be able to walk!

Sock it to me!!

2009-03-12T14:18:00.002Z

Over the past two week I have discovered sock knitting. Man I love knitting socks. Such fun and fairly quick, not to mention useful and super practical. Yay for socks!

I have also discovered facebook. I have made contact with so many old friends and family members over the last two weeks. It has been amazing to see what people are up to and catch up.

The finished orange variegated socks are mine and the brightly coloured one is Kayla's, I have to finish her second sock.

I must carry on with Kevin's never-ending story now, I am running out of time.

Stash

2009-03-04T12:37:00.003Z

I decided today to have a little fun taking some stash photos. Needless to say I didn't even get a quarter way through my embarressingly large stash, but I did some and thought I would post up my favourite ones. I need to get a better camera and go on a course - taking photos is so much fun!!

Bluebell and Socks

2009-02-23T16:28:00.007Z

I have been a prolific knitter of late. I picked up my copy of Stefanie Japel's Fitted Knits and finally decided to knit the Bluebell pattern. It is a top down raglan which is knitted in one piece. I am so pleased with the results that I bought some Cascade 220 to make a winter version.

Once I finished the top I decided to take my knitting abilities to another level and try socks. Millions of finished socks on Ravelry must mean that the rest of the knitting community is onto something!

(Excuse the face I am pulling in the above photo - it must of been due to something my husband was saying) LOL. I cast on the socks on Saturday afternoon with bamboo needles. Not good. Dangerous.

I almost did myself a serious injury with those glorified toothpicks! Changed to metal DPNS and I am much happier. Not as sharp and easier to use. I think I know what I am doing after watching some tutorials on YouTube.