Woolly Tales

The Proof

2008-09-17T20:31:00.005+01:00

I said I'd been knitting in my prolonged absence, didn't I? Well I'd forgotten just what I'd started and finished til I got it all together to photograph it for the blog and Ravelry.

Back in June, Jomps and I became Auntie & Uncle to our new Nephew, Anthony. I, of course, realised 2 weeks before he was due that I HAD to knit him something. This was the first family member who has had a baby since I've been knitting and it was on the In-Law side so no pressure there then...NOT! Anyway, Jomps' brother knew it was a boy so I picked out this little set:

Pattern: Snuggly Baby Bamboo #1734 Striped Baby/Child V-Neck Pullover or Slipover Vest from the booklet Baby Bamboo Knits and Simple Baby Socks from the booklet Fiber Trends -The Magic Loop .

Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo. Various colours

Size: 3-6 months in the vest and 0-12 months socks

Knit for: Anthony James

Comments: Loved this pattern and the yarn which gives clear crisp stitch definition. The only issue I really had was weaving in ends as the yarn is so slippery. The neck opening on the vest seemed small but I did offer to take it back to add some buttons on the shoulder seam if need be.

This was also the first time I had tried Magic Loop which I really liked, surprisingly! I think I'll be sticking to my teeny tiny circular or Harmony DPN's though!

After these were finished I found out I was pregnant and also found myself unable to knit much at all. I tried...I really tried:

Both these socks were knit with yarn that lovely Cheryl, my SP11 spoiler, sent me last year. The shorties are Cascade Fixation which is a really weird yarn to knit with, soooo stretchy! It took me three attempts to get the tension right and still ending up with completely different pooling on the two socks. The red stripey socks are in Regia Cotton India Color and are my first try at a picot hem. Despite being cotton...they are still pretty warm and I love the colours. They are also identical twins...a first for me!

And then, of course, I had to knit a little something for the bump:

Pattern: Baby to Toddler Socks by Miriam L Felton

Yarn: Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino (KPPPM)

Needles: 2.5mm Harmony DPN's

Size : Newborn

Knit for: the bump!

Comments: Oh my, I'd forgotten how cute baby knits are and how quick they are to knit! LOVE these socks even though the foot section looks huge...I guess they'll fit at some point!

So..there is the proof that I haven't been entirely idle!

Pull up a pew

2008-09-09T15:47:00.020+01:00

I know, I know. It's been 3 months since my last confession... I've decided that it makes me a real blogger. Many blogs that I read have summer holidays, long breaks without posts, and I still read them. It doesn't put me off so I'm hoping the same can be said for anyone still remaining out there in blogland that bothers to read my little blog.

So, go on, make a brew and I'll fill you in on the news in Woolly Tales.

The kids are back to school and the summer has been a wash out. We had Jomp's kids here for half the holidays so we were busy on days out, picnics and general family stuff. My beloved Pickle continues to grow like a weed. Her vocabulary increases by the day along with her understanding that she can get anyone to do anything she asks if she just flutters her eyelashes at them! Potty training is a laugh...NOT! Still, she'll get there in the end.

Jomps and I have just celebrated our 4th Wedding anniversary and decided, as we do each year, that we'll try for another year. I thank my lucky stars to have him in my life, and I can only hope and dream that we'll be trying for another year together in 40 years time.

I guess this is as good a point as any to tell you that we have another mini Pickle on the way, due March 3rd 2009. We are both thrilled, excited and nervous about how we will cope with another little one in the house but any worries we had faded the minute we saw this little person waving at us:

I have felt terrible almost from the word go and precious little of anything, knitting or otherwise, got done for quite some time. Thankfully I'm now 15 weeks pregnant and feeling much better so on with the show!

Talking of shows.... we spent our Anniversary weekend in London. We saw Joseph starring Lee Mead which was just mindblowing. It was such a colourful show, so much to look at on stage and very funny. I really recommend it.

Then on saturday, another show... I Knit day 2008! I booked the tickets (yes, Jomps came with me, bless him) months ago and couldn't wait! It was a great day and I was thrilled to be in the company of so many knitters, everywhere you looked there were people knitting. I was very restrained:

Yes, only ball of yarn..Noro Kureyon Sock. The new Yarn Harlot book, natural Knits for Babies & Mums, a tiny sock blocker, the kitchener dog tag (I always have to stop knitting and look up the Knitty article) and a new mug.

The talk by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee was so funny. I'm not someone who laughs out loud at the cinema or the tv but she had me in stitches! I had to put my knitting down in the end or I'd have made a terrible mistake. It was such a fantastic atmosphere, everyone there for the same reason, mostly with their knitting in hand, listening to someone talk about the health benefits of knitting and telling us all how we are like Buddhist monks! It was the best 90 minutes I've spent in ages.

I was very lucky to be about 10th in the queue for the booksigning and was a bit stage struck but Stephanie made everyone feel at ease and had something personal and genuine to say to everybody (even those 3 hours back in the queue!). Jomps made her laugh and I even made it on to the Yarn Harlot's blog, scroll down to the pic of Jenny holding a picture of her daughter and baby...well that's me to the right in a LOVE(1) t-shirt talking to the better half of Jomps! Not a great picture but I don't care!

So, there you have it... all the important news. I have of course, done some knitting but I'll leave that for another post!

I'm pleased to be back.... I've missed you all. x

Tagged!

2008-06-12T12:53:00.002+01:00

My lovely friend, Cheryl, just tagged me in a thinly veiled effort to get me blogging again so here goes!

The Rules - Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.Since I don't do this very often, here goes:

1. What I was doing 10 years ago:

I was living in London with my two very best friends 20 minutes outside London and having a ball! I was working at Great Ormond Street Hospital which I loved and was also right in the centre of London so socialising after work was a lot of fun. I was also dating my aerobics instructor...need I say more?!

2. What 5 things are on on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):

Take Pickle for her very first visit to the dentist (that should be fun, not!)
Pick up Jomp's Fathers Day Present from Pickle (more on that after Fathers Day)
Put a ton of clean clothes away (I always leave it til we have nothing left to wear!)
Have some tickle time with Pickle (Thursdays together after 3 days at work/Nursery are fab!)Catch up with letters/bills/emails (This is on my to-do list everyday!)

3. Snacks I enjoy:

Banana's - as long as they are just on the yellow side of green, I hate them if they're too soft
Cadbury's Fruit & Nut - the bigger the better
Cheese & Onion crisps - all varieties except the really cheap ones

4. Things I would do if I was a billionaire:

Have at least 5 more babies! Still, at 35, I'd have to be pretty quick!

I've always said if I won the lottery I'd like to own a bookshop. It would be full of very old leather 1st editions that smell just like old books should. It would be stocked from floor to ceiling with books stacked higgledy piggledy all over the place. On one wall there would be a huge open fire, always burning whatever the season, surrounded by lots of old leather wing backed chairs. My customers would be my friends and there would be free fresh coffee whatever the hour. Of course, being a billionaire, it wouldn't matter if I never sold a single book!

5. Places I have lived:Not very interesting:

Lancing, Shoreham, Surbiton, Kingston-Upon-Thames, New Malden, Worthing

So, let's see, who shall I tag??
1. Vikki
2. Lucy
3. Fiona
4. Charlie
5. Claire

It's taken me ages to think of these answers and to find people who haven't already done this meme. Right, I'm off to let you all know you've been tagged!

A change is as good as a rest?

2008-05-31T20:09:00.006+01:00

It's been quiet over here, hasn't it?

I've been trying to put into words how I'm feeling but couldn't. Down? Yes but it's not descriptive enough. Fed up? Definitely yes but who isn't? Depressed? Maybe but that sounds such a serious word.

Then I was reading a blog, I forget what the subject was as I was just going from click to click, and there was the word I needed. 'Flat'. The author described how she was feeling and she was describing me.

So that's how I'm feeling. Flat. I think it sums my feelings up perfectly. There's no great ups but neither, thankfully, are there huge lows. Just this sense of being very low and not quite sure how to climb out of the little pit I find myself in.

I know why I'm feeling like I am and I know that those reasons aren't going to go away anytime soon. I really need to come to terms with a few things and get on with my life but for once, I'm finding it very hard to do.

So today, I sought solace in food! Not just any old food... home baking!

I know, I know! Food is not the answer but I needed to be busy and I've been reading lots of cupcake blogs so I fancied giving some a go!

While I baked cupcakes, the bread maker rocked and rolled it's own merry rhythm and produced this.

And whilst I iced the cupcakes

Jomps baked his first Victoria Sponge!

Surely all these goodies would make anyone feel better? I'll let you know when I've finished munching!

Lots of stash, not much knitting!

2008-05-11T13:39:00.008+01:00

All of the above sock yarns have been bought or swapped for my sock blanket. It's so nice to get your hands on so much stash and know exactly what project it's for! The best thing is that when I've bought a ball, I know that I will get more yarn from it. What I mean is that from each 50g ball I get 5 10g mini balls. 1 goes into my blanket, 4 are for swaps. So I get 5 different sock yarn mini balls from one 50 g ball. It's a great way of satisfying my addiction to sock yarn!

The blanket is growing slowly, will post a pic when I've got to 50 squares!

Of course, now that I've cast on for the Apres Surf Hoodie, the blankie is going even more slowly! I'm really enjoying this knit so far:

It's going to be a lovely hoodie, so feminine and pretty. Really not my usual style but it will be nice to wear something light & airy on summer evenings. The RYC Cashcotton is yummy, very soft, especially surprising considering the cotton content. And I love the colour, such a pretty blue.

You would think that I would be knitting like fury with such lovely projects on the go, wouldn't you? Well I would but things keep distracting me! I ordered a copy of Elizabeth Zimmerman's 'Knitters Alamanac' which is keeping me amused. I've never read any of her books before but I think I need to buy more as I really would like to be able to have the courage to make pattern mods which EZ really encourages.

And, of course, then there's the distraction that is the mighty Ravelry!

When I'm not swapping yarns or posting on the forums, I'm looking at so many beautiful projects that I lose track of time and the knitting lies beside me looking forlorn. Last night was worse than usual! I'd read that the Ravelry shop was about to open and I wasn't going to miss out!!

Fast forward 3 hours and many thousands of F5 presses later....I was lucky enough to get in quickly as one of 5 test shoppers to try out the checkout process before the shop went live!! I was SO excited as I managed to order one of the very few Tote bags in stock, a Ravelry pin and a T-shirt! I then spent the next two hours worrying that I'd missed out due to a hiccough in the checkout but it appears that all is well and my goodies are on their way!! Woo Hoo!!

So no, not a lot of knitting has been done....but there has been lots of stash enhancement going on! It's hard to say which of these two activities I enjoy most - what about you?

Blogiversary!!

2008-05-07T19:44:00.005+01:00

Happy Blogiversary Woolly Tales!

Yep, it's a whole year since I started my blog. Funnily enough, I had completely forgotten til I got a comment earlier reminding me! And rather conveniently I have spent rather a large amount of money of yarny type stuff today so at least I have an excuse!

So Jomps & I have had the last 2 days off and being the bad parents that we are, we still sent Pickle to Nursery. We just felt that we both desperately needed some adult time, just the two of us. I think the last time we had any of that was when she was just a bump.

We've got loads done round the house (funny how having a little person around generates so much more to do but eats all the time you have to do it all in!) and then had a fabulous lunch out today and a wander round the shops. It was SO nice to leave the house without the buggy, clean nappies and a drink/snack for Pickle!

Anyway, I know you want to see what I bought!

Well, the other day Interweave Knits arrived through the letterbox. It was my second edition since I subscribed and I wsa a bit disappointed with the Spring issue. However, the summer issue is fabulous. Plenty of patterns that I like and am capable of knitting.

I have been itching to start a new project so today was the day! I bought 10 balls of RYC Cashcotton 4 Ply in a pretty pale bluey turquoise to cast on the Apres Surf Hoodie. This is definately the most I have ever spent on a project but I just love the pattern and the yarn feels fantastic, soft yet practical. There is a lovely sheen to it and gives such a crisp stitch definition.

I am even swatching! I figure that if I'm going to spend nigh on 50 quid on yarn, the finished article better fit!

I also bought Knit Today to read over a Latte. I like it better than Simply Knitting but the patterns are pretty horrid! I won't be buying it again!

The best bit of having no buggy with us is that we could wander around the charity shops. Usually we can't fit in! So I searched for some yarn bargains but no luck. However I scored well in a new Oxfam book shop:

The Rowan Babies book does have some cute patterns in it and both of these are in mint condition for only £1.99 each... bargain!

I had sort of thought of running a contest for my blogiversary but I don't think I've got anything you lot might want! So you'll just have to make do with my ramblings and the promise that I will continue to bore you all senseless over the next year! Thank you for all your lovely comments and friendship over the last 12 months. xx

Nooo Shoo's!

2008-04-27T19:59:00.009+01:00

A while back, I said I needed new shoes to show off my handknit socks.

Here they are! Aren't they fab? Trouble is... I feel a bit stupid showing off my socks!! I'm going to end up wearing them with blain black shop bought socks! Well, to work at least!

Have a good week everyone!

Socks!

2008-04-23T16:12:00.007+01:00

Hello my friends. Sorry I've been MIA for a while. I've no excuses really. Just been feeling a bit down, low, blue. Call it what you will. I think I need some sun.....it's brighter here this afternoon and already I feel a bit better. Roll on the summer!

I have been knitting in my absence. It takes a lot to keep my needles and I apart these days!

So I have one FO and two WIP's to show you!

Pattern: Monkey by Cookie A.

Yarn: Posh Yarn Helena. Colourway: Maidenly

Needles: 2.5mm 12" Addi Turbo circular

Size: 4UK

Knit for: me

Comments: I must be the last person in the entire knitting world to knit Monkeys. Why did I wait? I love these socks, I love the yarn and I love the pattern!

BUT! My beautiful socks are too flaming big!!! I've yet to wash and block them so I'm hoping they shrink a bit! If I were to knit them again I think I'd leave out one pattern repeat. If they don't shrink I may have to gift them but I'm not sure I know anyone with little wide feet!!

I've also decided never to knit myself heel flap socks again. They just don't seem to fit like short row heels do. And, while we're on the subject of socks fitting...what is a high instep?? Lots of people mention it but I just don't understand what part of the foot they're talking about!

Once the monkeys were cast off I fully intended to get going on my CPH once more but alas...I was bereft without a pair of socks on the go so I cast on some socks for Tom, Jon's 14 year old:

This yarn is Opal Silk that Cheryl, my SP11 spoiler, sent me for Christmas. The yarn is so soft and Tom choose this for his socks even though the blues are pretty bright in the ball. However, it knits up into lovely denimey (is that a word?) colours so I think he'll be pleased with them.

So that's the first WIP. Onto more exciting things now!

I have been stalking all the projects on Ravelry for Shelley Kang's fabulous Sock Yarn Blanket. And I could resist it calling to me no longer! I figured that I need to get rid of all these little balls of leftover sock yarn around the house and it gives me an excuse to knit more socks thereby using up more stash! See.... it's a win-win project!

That said...I don't have that many little balls of sock yarn around. Certainly not enough for a blankie! So if any of you want to get rid of yours please drop me a line! I'm happy to pay and will accept anything so long as it contains some wool and is 4 ply! Please?? Pretty please??

Daisy daisy give me your answer do

2008-04-09T14:28:00.003+01:00

Pattern: Daisy Cardigan by Marie Grace
Yarn: New Lanark MillsDK yarn. Colourway: Blossom & Clematis
Needles: 3.75mm Boye's Interchangeable 24" circular
Size: Size 2
Knit for: Beth
Comments: My first top down raglan. I really enjoyed knitting this all in one piece even when all the increases were done and each row was 200 stitches!

I substituted the picot hem for the picot bind off and find it works really well. It also stops the stocking stitch rolling. I also added two ties instead of one and cast on 50 st for each tie instead of the 40 as stated in the pattern.

I'm supposed to embroider daisies around the hem but I think I'll leave it as it is...don't want anything too fussy as I'm hoping Pickle will get lots of wear out of it this spring.

The fit isn't great...quite big over the shoulders and across the front but nevermind.

This is my first project using the New Lanark yarns and definately won't be my last. This cardi cost me £3 to make, you couldn't buy acrylic that cheap! The yarn was a bit scratchy but has softened considerably with washing and the drape is lovely now it's blocked. I urge you all to try it!

What goes around comes around

2008-03-28T13:45:00.003Z

I had a lovely surprise in the post today. It's really made my day at the end of a pretty grotty week.

A while ago Vic contacted me to ask if I had any yarn left from the Round Dishcloth as she was crocheting a sweater for her niece and was running out of yarn. I'd bought a pack of six balls from Lidl and it was only 100% cotton so it was very cheap. So, of course I sent as much as she needed plus a bit...just in case!

Fast foward to today. Vic sent me a lovely parcel to say thank you!

In it was a cute card with Iced Gems on (do you remember those?), a bag of very tasty , very posh white chocolate raspberry eggs, a lovely little suitcase with choc eggs inside and a stunningly beautiful crocheted book mark.

I'm already tucking into the posh chocs! The book mark will be used in my knitting books which I have a habit of leaving open so the spine gets knackered and the little tin will be used for stitch markers etc when pickle has eaten all the chocs!

I certainly hadn't expected anything in return for the yarn so thank you SO much for the parcel Vic! Vic doesn't have a blog but here is her Ravelry page. Isn't that sweater cute?

BOGOF!

2008-03-20T20:00:00.010Z

Buy one, get one free. Or in Gracie's case, knit one, get one free!

Back on Halloween, I showed you some Trekking XXL that Jomp's girls, Jess & Gracie had dyed. Jess is now at the toe of her first sock and doing really well...I'm thrilled for her!

Gracie, being only 10, wanted to do her own socks but as she has yet to finish her first scarf in chunky wool, I said I'd do them for her:

Pattern: Knee Socks from Streets & YO's
Yarn: Gracie's Hand-dyed Trekking XXL & oddments of Opal Uni 4ply. Colourway: Purple, pink
Needles: 2.5mm Addi Turbo 12" circular

Size: Size 6ish uk + made to measure around Gracie's calf
Knit for: Gracie
Comments: My first knee socks and I love them. I adapted the pattern slightly as Gracie is shorter than the average adult women so made the calf increases slightly closer than than the pattern calls for. That said, the socks are just a little shorter than I wanted! I also used the sewn bind off which take's forever but my normal cast off in rib is soooo tight!

I had quite a bit of yarn left and wanted to treat her as she's having a bit of a hard time at the mo, so here is a little sock pouch that she'll fill with trinkets or shells or whatever she's into this weekend!

Pattern: Soft Drawstring pouch by Joelle Hoverson from the book Last Minute Knitted Gifts Yarn: As Above!
Needles: 2.5mm Addi Turbo 12" Circular
Size: One size
Knit for: Gracie's socks!
Comments: I love this little bag! What else is there to say?

She'll be arriving in half an hour for the long weekend and no doubt I'll have to remind her to take them off so they can be washed!

All that remains now is for me to wish you all a very Happy Easter! Hope the Easter Bunny is kind to you!

Cake! Oh and a bit of knitting!

2008-03-09T20:39:00.004Z

Today is my little pickle's 2nd birthday. I can't quite believe that it was 2 years ago today that she was dragged from my belly. Stubborn even in the womb, she was a breech baby who refused to be turned so a caesarian it was.

Stubborn, she still is! I have been waiting 2 whole years for someone, anyone, to tell me that she looks like me. But no. I'm still waiting! Her temperament though, is mine, all mine! She is stubborn, independant, headstrong, intelligent. She gets her sense of humour and her quickness to laugh from her Daddy.

So today we had cake and she played in her new play house.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PICKLE!

In knitting news, remember my knitting resolutions? I said that I wanted to try some form of colour work. Having searched Ravelry and also bought some yarn off a fellow Ravelry member, I deciced to try the Fake Isle Hat:

Pattern: Fake Isle Hat by Amy King published in MagKnits
Yarn: 1 skein Dale of Norway Heilo & 2 half skeins of Noro Kureyon

Needles: 4mm Boyes Interchangeable 16" circular & 3.75mm DPN's (don't own any 4mm!)

Size: Smallest
Knit for: ?Me
Comments: I practised knitting continentally first so that I could hold one colour in each hand using TECHknitter's advice. This wasn't as difficult as I first thought and I really enjoyed watching the pattern appear as if by magic. My tension was nice and even. That is until I had to switch to DPN's after the crown decreases. Then I really struggled with the tension, especially where I had to carry floats from the end of one DPN to the beginning of another.

Nevertheless, I'm pretty pleased with this hat. I love the way the Kureyon changes. The hat is a bot big and it's not really my colours but hey ho, if I ever go skiing it will be perfect!

This is certainly not my last attempt at fair isle!

Sock Blockers Rock!

2008-03-08T22:03:00.018Z

A good while back I left a comment on Lixie's blog as she had mentioned that someone had contacted her to say that sock blockers might be available in the UK soon. I was thrilled and left a comment saying so. Time passes. I forgot about the comment.

Then I had an email from someone saying that it was her and her husband who had started producing sock blockers. She asked if I'd be willing to test a prototype blocker and maybe write a small review for use on their eBay shop. Was I willing? Well, as you can guess, I jumped at the chance!

Nicky then sent me a prototype blocker in my size and I set to work!

The blockers are made in sustainable birch ply wood and then varnished with/without the birch tree logo.

Anyway, what did I think of the blocker?

Well, I've always wanted sock blockers but thought they were a lot of money for things you dry wet socks on! However, when mine arrived I was surprised by how weighty it was, and the thickness of it. No flimsy thing here, this little beauty is a good half an inch thick and beautifully finished.

For scientific purposes, I hand washed two pairs of my hand knits. I dried one of each pair on the blocker and the other one was dried flat.

Having never blocked socks before, the difference was amazing. In both the blocked socks the patterns were really opened up and much more visible. The Hedera on the right a just a tad snug but after blocking the sock was much more comfortable to wear. My cast on for toe down socks is always a bit tight but again, blocking relieved some of this tension making the socks easier to put on.

Let me just mention that I am in no way connected to Nicky or her shop Wightwood Sock Blockers and I'm sure that any well made sock blockers perform just as well as my prototype.

That said, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these blockers and I think it's nice to support a British company, not too far down the road from me as they start a new venture. I'm even going to order the 2nd blocker from them so I have a matching pair!

So, if you fancy treating yourself to some sock blockers, give Wightwood Sock Blockers a try! They even do children's sizes, starting at newborn, to give those gift socks a professional look!

Happy Mothers Day

2008-03-02T15:00:00.004Z

To all Mums out there, I wish you a Happy Mothers Day.

This is my third Mothers Day with Pickle in my life. Since her arrival I have valued my Mum so much more than I ever did. It seems to take being a mum yourself to truly appreciate what your mum has done for you over the years.

Since I am adopted, my mum didn't get up with me in the night for feeds and nappy changes. She didn't see my first smile or hear my first word. She didn't witness my first steps or take me to school for the first time.

But she loved me when it seemed that no-one else would. She told me that I was important when no-one else cared. She opened her heart and let her love surround me, wrapping me in it's warmth and keeping me safe.

Most people aren't able to choose their mum. It's a lucky dip if you get a good one or not. I was able to choose mine. And I chose good. My mum doesn't even know I have a blog but nevertheless, I will say it here, I love you Mum. Thanks for all that you do, all that you have done, and all that you will do. I couldn't have picked a better mum.

Where oh where

2008-02-29T20:38:00.013Z

can my little dog be?

Uh no......Can my knitting mojo be?

Seriously. It's gone. Kaput. Finis. Vanished.

I've been ill the last week with tonsillitis. The antibiotics are making me feel horrid. Jomp's kids were here for 4 days over half term. Pickle is 2 next week but thinks she's 16. I guess all these things have made my mojo run away in despair.

I've tried to hard to get it back. I've tried a few rounds of Gracie's knee high socks that are sitting woefully on the side making me feel guilty every time I walk in the room.

I've bought some yarn to make Tom a We call them Pirates hat. It's Dale of Norway. 5 balls in black.

I've browsed Ravelry for hours on end til I'm even bored of that.

I tried something new:

Pattern: How to Log Cabin by Kay Gardiner & Ann Shayne from the book Mason-Dixon Knitting Yarn: Various Lily Sugar n Cream Cotton
Needles: 3.5mm Rosewwod Straights
Comments: My first attempt at Log Cabin. It's really quite addictive!

And then I tried something else new:

Pattern: Stripes (and Stripes) Forever by Chelsea Fowler-Biondolillo from the book Happy Hooker
Yarn: Various Lily Sugar n Cream cotton
Hook: 5mm Clover Soft Touch
Crocheted for: Me
Comments: My first crochet project. I'm a bit worried I might be going over to the dark side as I really enjoyed it once I got past the few row.

Then I tried something old:

These are my Hederas shown originally here but the dye had faded so I overdyed them with more Kool Aid. The keen eyed amongst you will notice that one has been blocked, one hasn't. More on that to come soon.

But alas, there is no sign of the aforementioned mojo putting in an appearance. Woe is me. What am I to do?

Edited to add..I've given up trying to format this post properly, apologies!!

May the force be with you

2008-02-22T20:48:00.005Z

The sign ups for Sock Wars III are open. I've read quite a bit about it and fancy giving it a shot.

But it would take me about two weeks to knit a pair of socks so I imagine I'll be killed in the first round. At least you are guaranteed a pair of hand knit socks, knit by someone other than me!

So, your advice please! Has anyone participated in Sock Wars I or II? Is anyone having a go this time? If not, why not?

Love and hate

2008-02-18T20:12:00.005Z

I hated knitting them, hated them with a passion. But now they're finished I think they're pretty cute!

Pattern: A very vintage (pattern cost 9p!) Emu Dolls Clothes

Yarn: Various acrylic from stash & Patons Fab DK. Colourway: Pink and variegated

Needles: 3.5mm Indian Rosewood straights
Size: Fits 18" Doll

Knit for: Eevie-May's Dolly

Comments: I will NEVER knit these again...nor any other doll's clothes!

So, I did manage the crochet edging using my copy of Happy Hooker and I have to say that this edging is very easy and really finishes the pieces off. I won't be so afraid of my crochet hook in future. The ribbons also tie everything in together.

All in all, I was really pleased with the items and was very pleased to wrap them up and gift them to a very happy 4 year old! BUT NEVER AGAIN!! You can hold me to that!

Souper socks

2008-02-16T14:21:00.003Z

I have finally managed to get some good pictures of my lastest socks. Not that I've been waiting for the weather, hasn't it been glorious? No, I had to get a very important prop to get the best pics of my best socks!

Pattern: Baby Cable Rib by Charlene Schurch from the book Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Posh Yarn Emily. Colourway: Peasouper
Needles: 2.5mm Harmony DPN's

Size: UK4
Knit for: Me
Comments: I know I say this every time I knit with Posh Yarn but I am in love! I've not tried Emily before but I heartily recommend it, so sproingy (is that a real word?) and soft. It's a bit thicker than I'm used to but it knits up into a lovely dense fabric.

I used my Harmony DPN's that my SP11 pal Cheryl,sent me, for the first time and they are a joy to work with. There is absolutely no slippiness but no drag either, the yarn just seems to know where it's supposed to be on them. They may even have changed my mind about DPN's as I usually knit socks on a 30cm Addi Turbo circular.

The pattern was so easy to follow and had just enough to do to stop the sock becoming boring. When I first flicked through SKS, I really didn't understand the instructions but now that I have worked from the one of the patterns it makes complete sense!! Again, this was a present from Cheryl so thanks again!

And lastly, I must, just must talk about the colour. I am so not a green person. I don't think I own a single thing that is green. I grabbed this skein in the madness that was the Posh Yarn New Year sale, and when I say grabbed, I mean grabbed! It was a case of get what you can before it was gone. so this one ended up in my basket. When the lovely pink parcel arrived, I loved them all but this wasn't one of my favourites. I mean it's green....but not only green...it's almost neon green!! But it leapt out of the stash basket and said "KNIT ME"!! And now I just love the colour, so cheery and bright. And these socks look fabulous with jeans.

Now all I need is some Mary Janes so I can show them off!!

My name is Jane and I'm an addict

2008-02-09T21:12:00.000Z

Hello!

I've come to the realisation that I am indeed an addict. Nope, not the knitting addict that you were expecting (well I am but you and I both already knew that!) but I am addicted the the web.

We lost our broadband connection on Monday and got it back today (having paid BT £160 to come out and tell us the problem was our two routers rather than a problem with the line....gutted!). I really hadn't realised how much time I spend online and how much I rely on it.

Nevermind all the time I spend on Ravelry or all your blogs, I would think about baking flapjack and think I'll look a good recipe up......oh no I can't. Or Pickle needs a new hat, I'll look on Ravelry.....oh no I can't!

Of course, not having the web at your disposal does have it's advantages. Pickle has had a wonderful time with Mummy rolling around on the floor. The house is clean. And, wait for it, I have been knitting! I've finished my lovely Posh Baby Cable Rib socks and only have the finishing to do on the dreaded dolls clothes. Pics to follow on both.

So, I'm back. But I do think I'm going to try to spend less time on Ravelry. Not reading every single forum post really hasn't done me any harm, neither has not drooling over other peoples stashes! So I'm going to try limiting my time on there. Try, I said!

Before I go, the dolls clothes need a single crochet edging added and I'm no crocheter! Do you know of any good tutorials?

Wow!

2008-02-02T22:30:00.000Z

As of 10 minutes ago, there have been 2000 visitors to my little blog.

When I started out, I didn't think I'd get many, if any, readers so I guess I must be doing something right!

So this is a very quick post to thank each and every one of you that takes the time to read my mutterings and an even bigger one to those who leave comments. You're a lovely lot!

First FO of 2008

2008-02-01T09:33:00.000Z

Well here she is. I'm not hugely impressed and I don't think I'll be trying any more knitted toys any time soon!

Pattern: Teddy Bear by Debbis Bliss from her book Simply Baby

Yarn: Sirdar Bonus DK. Colourway: White & Pink

Size: One Size

Knit for: A co-workers little girl, Tadiwa

Comments: This was such a quick and easy knit. But she looks cuter in the pic than in real life! I was umming and ahhing about wether or not to give her as a gift as I'm not that pleased with her. Pickle made my mind up for me as the minute I finished the eyes and nose, she grabbed the bear and has hardly let her go since! She even sleeps with her....very sweet!

I will knit Tadiwa some little booties instead, have some lovely KPPPM that will be perfect.

And to finish off...here is a pic of Pickle's first attempts at baking. Hope it brightens your day!

Life skills in knitting

2008-01-22T21:05:00.000Z

I knit because it helps me to relax. I knit because there is sod all on the tv to watch. I knit because I love watching a length of yarn and two needles make something with shape and form, something beautiful. I knit for many reasons.

Knitting has taught me to have patience. Knitting has taught me that it's better to go back and correct a mistake rather than leaving it and regretting it. Knitting has taught me that I do possess some creativity. Knitting has taught me many things.

Today I realised that it has also taught me something very important....how to hand wash clothes! There have been a number of things at the bottom of the laundry basket that require hand washing for quite some time. I keep avoiding them. Today was the day.

There was an angora mix Tommy Hilfiger cardigan of Pickle's (Tommy Hilfiger on a 22 month old I hear you cry?.....don't ask...a present from MIL!), a beautiful hat and gloves also belonging to Pickle and Jomp's lovely Husband socks. As I swirled the items very gently in luke warm water, then carefully rinsed them in water at the same temperature, then rolled them lovingly in a towel before laying them out on another towel to dry, I realised that this was the first time I had taken such care over such a chore.

Less than a year ago I would have slung them in the washing machine and hoped for the best. Or, at best, I would have run the water far too hot, rubbed the items together vigorously and then rinsed in an ice cold rinse before wringing every drop of water out and hanging them on the line.

I've read many blog comments and forum posts lately about why people knit. Usually the answer is to relax, to forget or as a cheap form of therapy. It does do these things, true, but I like to think about all the many little, inconsequential things knitting gives me.

Like teaching me how to hand wash!

A fine vintage?

2008-01-21T21:40:00.000Z

Well, there we are. It's 21 days into the new year and one of my resolutions has been broken. Bah! I said I would blog at least once a week but now it's been 8 days. I did try to post yesterday... honestly...but my stupid new laptop is playing silly buggers, or the broadband connection is. One of the two.

I don't quite know what's come over me recently. In the last two years or so, my knitting has come on leaps and bounds. Heck, I can even knit socks! Funky socks! Pure wool hoodies. Cute trendy baby raglans. You name it, I'll try it. Cashmere? Yes please. Handpainted sock yarns? Bring them on. Cotton dishcloth yarn? Oh me oh my!

So, why oh why have I started knitting like my much missed Grandma?

Last week, a work colleague's little girl was born at 36 weeks. I went stash diving and Ravelry searching and what did I come up with? A bloody teddy bear knit with acrylic (well it did need to be washable!). It was a quick knit and is pretty cute but is awaiting eyes and a nose so pics later. Jomp's hates it.

Not quite as much as he hates the most recent WIP:

My mum asked me to knit some doll's clothes for a friends little girl. It's the first time my mum has asked me to knit anything so of course I agreed. However, I didn't expect her to provide a pattern that is at least 30 years old and some pound shop acrylic! I even started knitting them on awful very old steel needles but they were so heavy and slippy I very quickly changed to my new Brittany's.

Jomp's is not a happy bunny. He says my knitting has taken a step backwards. It would seem that he is secretly proud of his wife knitting young, fairly funky designs in ever more beautiful yarns. He cannot understand why I would want to knit such awful patterns when there is such a wealth of lovely stuff available.

To be honest, I'm not sure I understand either! But I said I would knit these god awful dolls clothes and knit them I will. It means alot to me to have my mum's approval, which is not easily given, so I will finish this set of clothes then never again knit stuff my Grandma would have loved! That's a promise!

My lovely husband

2008-01-13T20:09:00.000Z

Is indeed lovely. Why else would I have married him? He's gorgeous, he makes me laugh, he scratches my back in the most perfect way only he knows how, he gave me our beautiful Pickle and he likes to cook a mean roast dinner!

What more could a girl want?

Ummm.... someone with smaller feet perhaps? He has enormous feet, size 11!

Ummm... someone who dislikes hand-knit socks? He is a total convert now he has a pair of his own!

Ummm... someone who is not so hard on their socks? My lovely Jomps' asked for some Cashmere socks, chose the yarn and even paid for it! I did explain that socks made from 100% Cashmere would not be very hard wearing and would be house socks but he still wanted them. So I made them:

Pattern: Boyfriend Socks by Alice Bell
Yarn: Sophia 4ply Posh yarn. Colourway: Shadows
Size: UK11!
Knit for: My Lovely Husband
Comments: I love these socks! I love this yarn! They are much shorter than I would have liked but each skein is only 55g and we only bought two, due to the cost. Thankfully I knit them from the toe-up and knit til I ran out of yarn.

You can see in the pics that there is already some piling present where Jomp's insists on wearing them with shoes. The stitch definition isn't so crisp as it once was as they hardly ever leave his feet.

But, I don't care about the piling, or the fact I have to hand wash them, or even the fact that he wears them til they are practically crawling on their own. Because he loves them!

He says he not only loves them because they fit well, and because they are the softest socks in the world. He says he loves them because I knit them. Because he watched me knit them. Because he knows how much hard work and love went into them.

And for that, I love him. He can have as many pairs of hand knit socks as he likes!

Another year older

2008-01-12T12:28:00.000Z

Another year wiser. Is that how the saying goes? I'm not so sure it's true in my case but I guess it's a bit early in the year to see.

It was my birthday last week. I have always hated having my birthday 9 days after Christmas Day. When I was little, people always gave me joint birthday and Christmas presents ( meaning less to open on your birthday - important when you're small!). Those who did get me a present always wrapped it up in Christmas paper (I wouldn't notice that now but boy did it matter then!) As an adult it's even worse! Most people are so thankful that Christmas and New Year are over and that they can finally relax, that they forget altogether. Or send a cheque or vouchers.

I know, I know! I know I sound like a spoilt brat, and really I'm not! Honestly!

But I'm one of those people who think long and hard about what to get for people. Jomp's always says I spend too much and that I worry far too much about what to get for people, especially as most of them forget mine!

Anyway, this year was very quiet. Jomps was back to work so it was just me and Pickle. However, the presents have been slowly but steadily trickling in since then. That is one bonus, you always get late presents..either because of postal delays or people forgetting!

Pickle is already showing very good taste when it comes to knitting notions -

She brought me two pairs of Indian Rosewood needles, some Brittany needles and a fab Lantern Moon bag made out of Cambodian Fish Feed sacks! Very eco friendly and I love it.

Jomps's 3 kids bought me Favorite Socks. I'm thrilled because I bought this for my Secret Pal and had a really hard time putting it in the box to send to her! It's a lovely book and I can't wait to start a project from it!

I bought myself a couple of Birthday presents too! I got the Debbie Bliss Simply baby book for £3 in a cheapy book shop. Brand new, what a bargain! Oh and 4 skeins of Koigu KPPPM from a fellow Raveller:

As the sun is shining today, I have finally managed to get a modelled pic of Jomp's in his Lovely Husband Socks but I think this post is pic heavy enough so I will save them for another time!

Til then, take care and happy knitting! xx

A picture paints a 1000 words

2008-01-06T20:55:00.000Z

so what about 8 pictures?

These are the results of frenzy that was the Posh yarn sale! Aren't they gorgeous?

Don't look back....

2007-12-31T14:02:00.000Z

...always look forward. I think that might be my motto for the coming year, what do you think?

But before I take it on board, I may just take a peek at what 2007 has brought to my door:

My most amazing accomplishment is, of course, my little pickle. She started the year crawling, being spoon fed and kicking up the most amazing fuss at bedtime. Now she walks, runs, feeds herself, speaks many words (my favourite being 'Tuddles' when she wants a cuddle), goes to bed like a big girl and is generally just a joy to be around, even in the midst of a tantrum. I love her so much more than I thought possible.
My love for my darling Jomp's has changed as pickle has grown. We are closer than ever with a growing understanding and patience of each others faults. He is my world.
I worked hard at further developing my relationships with my step children as they grow towards adulthood, accepting that they are not perfect and nor would they be, even if they were mine!
I went back to work part-time. I was always a career girl but no more. I don't get on with my new boss but needs must so I'll stick with it and keep my mouth shut.
I have taken on and conquered my fear of socks, even trying short row heels and toe up socks.
I have made new knitting friends through Ravelry, many blogs and SP11. Long may these friendships continue.
I have moved far far away from the acrylic that I was perfectly happy with. Now I prefer cashmere, dishcloth cotton and merino.

So, what about 2008?

I will endeavour to keep my family happy, healthy and with toasty warm feet!

I promise to keep adoring my Jomp's, despite his size 11 feet that have become accustomed to 100% cashmere socks!

I will try to accept that my superiors at work know what they are doing even though it does seem like they couldn't organise a p*** up in a brewery!

I want to try colour knitting, either stranded or fair-isle.

I'm going to try to be a better blogger, blogging at least once a week.

I will try to be a better friend. I do read every single new blog post but often when pickle is around so I don't get chance to comment. So I'm only going to check my bloglines once she is in bed.

I'm sure there are many things I should try to change about myself but as I approach 35 (OMG! in 3 days time!!) I'm starting to be comfortable with who I am and accept that I cannot change what's inside me.

I wish you all a very Happy New Year, thank you for your friendships during my first year of blogging and I hope 2008 brings you that you wish for.

See you next year!

Goodies, goodies everywhere

2007-12-29T19:43:00.000Z

Well hello fellow bloggers! At least I hope there are some of left still checking in. I wouldn't blame you all for leaving, it's been so long.

I do hope you all had a lovely Christmas and that Santa brought you all that you wished for, knitting and otherwise. Now that the festivities are all but over, I'm sure you are longing, as I am, for peace and harmony to reign once more!

Talking of harmony, look what my SP11 spoiler sent me for Christmas:

KnitPicks Harmony DPN's! Aren't they lovely?

Along with some very soft Opal Silk. This gift sat under my tree for almost a month, taunting and teasing me every time I came into the room. But I was strong, resisting temptation save for the odd squeeze, til Christmas morning. Thank you so much Cheryl!

I got lots of other knitterly goodies too. From my lovely step-kids I received the fabulous Mason Dixon Knitting which is a very entertaining read. And Jomps really outdid himself... along with other bits and bobs he got me 2 knitting mystery novels "Died in the Wool" and "Knit fast, Die young" both by Mary Kruger, the fantastic Colinette Perugino Throw kit in Charade which I have been lusting after for a year

and wait for it, a rather large Posh Yarn gift voucher! I am absolutely over the moon and can't wait for the PY sale tomorrow! Didn't I do well?!

I promised my beloved Jomps that he would be wearing his PY Sophia socks on Christmas day. And I was true to my promise... just! I finished them at 10.30pm that evening and personally put them on his feet. I don't think he's taken them off once yet. Pics to follow, as the light has not been good.

I have also finished my first ballband dishcloth which is such a simple knit but so effective. I might still gift it so I won't post pics yet.

Anyway, we took our decorations down today and the house was cleaned from top to bottom so now I have a date with my couch, a huge tin of Roses and the Perugino for an evening of unadulterated knitting pleasure.

I shall post once the PY sale is done, and please forgive me if you plan to be there too....it's all mine, keep your thieving fingers off!

A catch up

2007-12-10T21:16:00.000Z

Hello lovelies! It's been a long time, no?

Still, I do keep meaning to post but I've been wanting to take pics and this awful weather has meant no light to take said pics in! Still, I will perservere and press on for your yarny entertainment!

So, where shall I start? First off, I can now present my Secret Pal Secret Knitting Project:

These are Basic Cabled Socks by Brainy Lady, knit in Opal Uni 4 ply in Purple. They are size 4 and Lou says they fit perfectly so I'm pleased! She says that she will send me a modelled pic so I'm looking forward to that. These socks were my second attempt at short row heels and toes and they came out pretty well. I can't take all the credit though, I had an awful lot of help from Misocrafty's tutorial which helped me get rid of the holes that seem to plague most short row knitters!

----------

I've also been working on Jomps's Lovely Husband Socks:

The first one is done and I'm hoping to cast on for the second one tomorrow. Every time I pick up the luscious Posh Yarns Sophia I'm in heaven! I tell you, it's better than sex! It's like knitting with silk, not that I've knit with silk, but the feeling of that cashmere running through your hands is absolute bliss! If you haven't tried it already, you must!

---------

CPH is coming along too. I've now finished the back and both fronts. Trouble is, I promised myself that Jomps will be wearing his socks on Christmas Day so I've said I'm not going to cast on for the sleeves til his 2nd sock is done. Stupid girl, why do I make such promises?

---------

I'm not usually one for enhancing my stash but you lot are such a bunch of enablers! Look at what I bought, just because I could!

12 balls of Rowan Soft Tweed in Blue Slate which is almost grey. I love it, it's so sft and was 50% off at Web of Wool as it was the last 12 balls in stock. I just couldn't resist such a bargain! Any idea's what I can knit with it?

Ooooh, and these...

All bought from another Ravelry member at a bargain price. Enough to keep me going I think! Cheryl, I blame you entirely!

I have already started my first, but not last, ballband dishcloth. What a great pattern.

Well, I think that's enough for today! I leave you with a question: Shall I knit both sleeves of CPH at once on a long circular needle or should I knit one at a time? I've never done both at the same time before. Give me your thoughts please!

Revealed!

2007-11-30T20:17:00.000Z

Oh happy day! It's the final day of Secret Pal 11 and my reveal parcel arrived! I have been stalking my postman all week - boy he's going to get a big tip at Christmas!

As usual, Cheryl managed to brighten my day. As usual, Pickle is poorly, very unwell this time so today we made the 3rd trip to the doctors in a week. Anyway, I desperately hoped I wouldn't miss the postie whilst we were out and he kindly stayed away til we got back!

Here is my lovely parcel:

What a lucky girl I am! I got 6 cakes of Lily Sugar'n Cream cotton which I plan to use to fan the flames of my dishcloth fetish. Also some Knit Picks DPN's (yippee!) and a funky DPN holder which I really need. Along with plenty of sweeties to keep my company whilst I read Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch!

Ooohh, the bonus is a present which Cheryl told me to put under the tree (which is going up tomorrow BTW!) and save for Christmas. I've been a very good girl and put it away without so much as a squeeze although I will say it is soft... so maybe yarn?

The best bit of course, is finding out who my wonderful spoiler is! Cheryl's blog can be found here and I can't wait to get reading. We really seem to be on a similar wavelength and have lots of similar stuff going on in our lives so I'm thrilled we were paired. Long may our friendship continue.

THANK YOU SO MUCH CHERYL!! To use an americanism, YOU ROCK!!

It's done

2007-11-21T21:36:00.000Z

Thanks heavens, the secret project is finished! All I need to do now is pick up a parcel from the post office and wrap everything up before I send it off to it's final destination, my Secret Pal!

I have decided that I hate Secret knitting! Not only was it the first time that I've been forced to knit to a deadline, I hate that I cannot post a picture here. Well, not only the recipient has tried them on at least!

I cannot wait to pick up my CPH once more. Oh and Jomp's socks which I promised he would be wearing on Christmas Day. Oh and Beth's toddler scarf...and her dolls blanket! There will be pics a plenty again, soon!

Excuse my ranting!

2007-11-18T20:22:00.000Z

I've decided not to start yet another post apologising for my prolonged absences so you're not getting an apology ......... (although I am sorry!)

Having been under the weather for a while now, my knitting time has increased, due to being off work for a couple of days, but my mojo has obviously felt unwell too because it seems to have taken itself to it's own sick bed.

When I have been bothered to pick up those pointy sticks, all my time has been spent on a secret project for my Secret Pal that I started back in September. With each of the two parcels I've sent so far I've apologised profusely and promised that the project would be finished for the next parcel. And as the end of SP11 is fast approaching, I am now knitting to a deadline. I only have about 20% to do, having done about 70% in the last 10 days, but now I'm not only worrying that I won't get it finished but also that Lou won't like it! We shall see.

So, Sp11 finishes on 3oth November. It's been my first SP and, whilst both my pals are fab, I'm not sure if I'll do it again. I have adored spoiling Lou, spending hours trawling sites looking for stuff that she might like and buying her bits that I would love to buy for myself. And my upstream pal, Cheryl, has brightened many of my days. Not only with a great parcel but with her kindness and intuition, and understanding of how difficult being part of a 'step-family' can be. I've a feeling that we may continue to be friends for quite some time.

So, you'd think I'd be raring to go for SP12? Nope!

There are a number of reasons:

I expected the blog to be updated regularly and for it to be a sort of 'meeting place' for the pals. In actual fact the blog has only had 7 posts since August, 2 of them in the last couple of days. I guess Ravelry has been the 'meeting place' but not all the secret pals are on Ravelry so they will have missed out on alot.
I had hoped for a vendors page with discounts for pals but this seems to have fallen by the wayside. The blog page for that says that 2 vendors will be showcased each week but that hasn't happened, as far as I can see.
Early on, I noticed on quite a few peoples blogs, that their hostesses were holding 'mini contests' in an attempt to get all the participants posting regularly on their blogs in an effort to win yarn prizes. I hadn't received any such info so I asked a simple question on the Ravelry forums, asking if I'd missed something or an email from my hostess. I hadn't realised that not all hostesses run these contests and that the prizes came from their own stash. When a couple of people told me, I just thought oh well, never mind. Anyway, the forum discussion became quite heated with a few pals saying it was unfair that some pals got a chance of winning yarny goodies whilst others do not. At this point, a moderator, one of the hostesses ploughed in and deleted all posts telling us all that these mini contests are not the point of SP and that we were all being selfish, 'expecting' stuff from our hostesses. I really don't appreciate being spoken to like I'm a naughty child. And I don't appreciate an open discussion being censored because a moderator doesn't like what's being said.
Take a look at this recent entry on the blog. I don't really think I need to say anything more...read the comments too. Again, people are being admonishing for expressing their opinions and we are being told to stop moaning and that the hostesses have lives to consider. Whilst I appreciate that it is a massive job to do, and my hostess has been great, I do wonder why people take such a huge commitment on if they know that their life is going through one of those hectic periods that we all have? All people were doing is saying that as pals, we are expected to communicate twice a month and blog at least 4 times a month, therefore shouldn't the hostesses have to follow that same commitment?

Anyway, my rant is over. I haven't posted this on the Ravelry forum as I don't want to get flamed but I desperately wanted to express my opinion!

I have had a great time overall with SP11 but all this griping has left a rather bitter taste in my mouth. As I said to Jomps, I have better things to do with my life than get involved with playground fights. So if anyone knows of any other smaller swaps, please let me know!

Bloggers virus

2007-11-11T20:55:00.000Z

I know. I know. I know I said I would be a better blogger last time. And now it's been 11 days since my last confession....... I mean blog post!

But I do have a good excuse. Honestly.

I'm ill. I feel pants. Rubbish. Bleurgh.

And be careful because it seems to be catching.

I started off reading my SP11 spoilee's blog where she mentioned that she wasn't well and I told her to get herself to the quacks asap. Then I also read that Sarah was under the weather. Then I got it! I lost my voice for a day, I ache all over and I need to sleep at least 15 hours a day. Or at least I think that's how much I need, Pickle never lets me have more than 8 hours!

So I just thought I would pop in and tell everyone, well anyone that cares, that I am still alive.

Normal service will be resumed shortly.

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T21:24:00.000Z

Happy Halloween Everyone!

I just wanted to pop on and show you my home made Niddy Noddy:

An idea given to me by PinkPhish back in July. I've been saving the insides of foil and wrapping paper rolls ever since but Jomps didn't realise and kept throwing them away! All I did was tape one roll either end of the longer roll and hey presto! It works great!!

Now that Jomps has spent the last 3 evenings untangling Jessies yarn, they are neatly skeined:

Jessies on top, Gracies underneath. Pretty good for their first attempts, don't you think?

Cherry Pickings

2007-10-29T20:21:00.000Z

What a bad blogger I am... over a week since the last post. Never before, and hopefully never again!

We had such a good weekend with Jomp's kids. It's not often you'll hear me say that! The girls and I did some Kool-Aid dyeing which they thought was great fun! I did too. Well I did til I discovered how tangled Jess had got her skein. Jomps has now spent over 4 hours trying to get it untangled! Still, she was really pleased as it's something she can add to her A'level Textiles folder that no-one else will have.

Then we had an early firework night, gobbling down hot dogs and jackets, wrapped up against the cold, whilst Jomps set off feeble fireworks. I was certain that Pickle would go berserk but she amazed me, as always, by pointing and saying "Wow! Nights!" meaning Lights!

I have developed this reputation amongst the three of them. My nickname is 'The Maker' as I'm always 'making things'. They especially love home cooked food, something they never get at their Mums. On Thursday I made Gracie a birthday cake and on Sunday I made Treacle Tart but they got gobbled up before I could get the camera!

They all had such a good weekend that they even helped clean the house on Sunday morning! I want the clocks to go back every weekend because we got SO much done!

Knitting time was, understandably, limited. However, I've finished the left front now as well as the back:

The colours in these photo's are pretty true. I know the front looks shorter than the back but I can assure you they match up.

Here's my artistic shot that I love, just look at those cables!

And would you look at these! Aren't they pretty! They remind me of Pac Man, wasn't the bonus item always cherries?

Made by Vikki, they arrived prettily wrapped this morning. I've been stalking the postman for weeks but I guess they were caught up in the postal strike backlog. Make sure you check out her Ebay page!

An even quicker knit, and I'm happy

2007-10-21T16:48:00.000+01:00

Well, here it is...Pattern: Beth's Beanie by Mummy!
Yarn: Colinette One Zero. Colourway: Blue Saturn
Size: 18" Head Circumference
Knit for: Beth
Comments: This version took less than 2 hours knitting and fits perfectly! I left out the roll brim and added 4 rows of 2x2 rib which holds the hat in place much better. The yarn slubs seem to congregate in patches giving a nice textured appearance that I really like.

Pickle seems to like it, not that you can tell at the moment as she is utterly miserable! We'll all be much happier when she's feeling better!

CPH news for Jo: The back is done and I'm up to the armhole on the left front although I need to tink back about 6 rows as I cabled too early (not the first time that has happened!). I promise I will post pics later in the week!

A quick knit....an even quicker frog!

2007-10-19T20:34:00.000+01:00

What a god awful wek it's been. Our little pickle threw up 8, yes 8, times on Saturday night. Most of it all over me! Diarrhoea on Sunday. Poor little thing was not a happy bunny. Neither was Mummy!

Monday I came home sick from work. I thought I was getting the same bug but no, I was fluey and horrid. Spent two days on the couch, too horrid even to knit. Back to work Wednesday.

Cue the next bout of throwing up from pickle. Everywhere! More diarrhoea! Yuck! Then today she's got a nasty cold! Aaaaagh!!

Still, I managed some knitting yesterday. I had a lovely delivery from Get Knitted this week and couldn't wait to get started. We've bought pickle a new winter coat and she needs a hat to go with it so:

Pattern: Eazy Roll Brim Hat by The Knitting Fiend
Yarn: Colinette One Zero. Colourway: Blue Saturn

Size: 18" Head Circumference

Knit for: Beth

Comments: Such a quick knit! Less than 3 hours start to finish! The pattern is actually a hat generator where you plug in the head circumference and your guage and a pattern magically appears!

Surely this would mean the hat would fit? Or at least nearly fit?

You'd think so wouldn't you? Well, the bugger doesn't fit, not nearly so!! It's at least 3 inches too big in circumference! And I hate the roll brim!

So, 3 hours knitting equals approximately 3 minutes frogging! I've started again and I'm doing my own pattern this time, 1st time ever not knitting to a pattern! We shall see how it goes...watch this space!

Fit For Purpose?

2007-10-16T13:29:00.000+01:00

Being that I work in the NHS, the phrase 'Fit for Purpose' is ingrained into my brain.

With that in mind, I present my latest FO for your perusal:

Pattern: Round Dishcloth by Amy Carpenter

Yarn: Zettl Colorado 100% Cotton. Colourway: 9036 Green/yellow
Size: One Size
Knit for: Gracie
Comments: My 2nd dishcloth. Picked by Gracie herself. Used one whole skein with only 12 inches left!

Ok, so it's a dishcloth! But Gracie (Jomp's youngest, age 9) asked me to knit her a facecloth. I think it's far too pretty to be used for dishes anyway, don't you?

It has sat in my WIP basket for the last 6 weeks, 80% done and poor Gracie has asked every weekend "Have you finished my flannel?". I've been preoccupied with other knits, primarily my CPH but today I'm at home sick so decided to get it finished. It only took 20 minutes! I wish I'd done it sooner!

I want to knit more dishcloths but there is such a lack of nice cotton yarn over here. I really want some Sugar 'n' Cream cotton, widely available in the States. It comes in such lovely colours but I've yet to find it here. I'll keep my eye on eBay! Not that I need an excuse!

Oh dear!

2007-10-15T16:50:00.000+01:00

Is what my darling Jomp's utters as I try my hand at yet another hobby!

In my time with him (7 years) I've tried cross-stitch, designing blinkies, fish keeping, going to the gym (!), crochet, home-baking, blah blah blah! And over and over again, he's seen me try something, realise I'm no good at it and then resolutely put it in a corner to be discovered and binned years later.

The same with knitting....or so he thought! 2and a half years later and my skills are going from strength to strength! I have finally discovered something that I'm good at. I can't see a time when I will stop knitting. Perhaps when I'm old and grey (well, greyer than those awful few that keep cropping up now!) and my eyes are failing. But until then, never! I LOVE KNITTING!!

So now Jomps has forgotten all those failed hobbies, I thought I'd try a new one! Stitch markers! I've been looking at the efforts of Liz and ViKnits and decided to try my hand at a few myself. I only had a few beads in my button tin:

I really like the two with pink beads but I hate the pearly one! Nevermind, I thought! I'll try again, this time with Fimo, grown-up plasticine that goes hard once it's baked. That wasn't as easy as it looked either, will post pics of those when the light is better, along with pics of the back of my CPH and most of the left front.

Anyway, the moral of the story is: "If at first you don't succeed, try and try and try again (with a new hobby, then another and another!)

Alternatives to Ravelry??

2007-10-10T20:35:00.000+01:00

Mmmmmmmmmm.........

The other day I bought Jomp's a bag of Revels. As he ate them, trying to avoid the coffee flavoured ones, I wasted yet another hour of my life on Ravelry. He, being a man of no hobbies, was utterly bored and whilst he munched, he came up with a number of plays on the theme of Ravelry:

Revelry for lovers of Revels

Navelry for those who like navels:

Devilry for followers of the dark lord:

Gavelry for collectors of little wooden hammers:

My most favourite I've saved for last. Savillery for fans of Sir Jimmy Saville!

Can you think of any more?

Bits and Bobs!

2007-10-04T20:38:00.000+01:00

I've been meaning to post all week but I've felt pants all week. Nothing in particular, a bad headache for the last week and overwhelmingly tired, too tired to knit even! I was beginning to think I might be pregnant until Jomps started showing the same symptoms! We've decided it must be the doctors old favourite, "a virus"! Why is it that all GP's diagnose a virus when they don't know what else it is?

Anyway, this post has no direction and lots of 'bits and bobs' to talk about!

On Tuesday evening, I went out again! It was my friends hen night and as she's pregnant she didn't want a boozy night clubbing, thank God cos I'm too old for all that! I think she thought we'd have a quiet meal but no, we all had other plans! Instead, 10 of us went to see 'Puppetry of the Penis'. I have to say it was very very funny but really there are only so many ways that a man can bend his bits! Jomps asked if it was in any way sexual, the answer is a resounding no! Definitely not the females equivalent of a strip club!

In SP11 news, my downstream pal received her parcel last week and seems to like it. She has even guessed who I am since I'm on her blog roll and I stupidly left something with my name on it in the parcel! What a dunce! Anyway, my pal is Lou over at Enchilada Sunrise. Check it out to see pics of what I sent!

I've been trying to work on the CPH but it's slow going as I just seem to have lost my knitting karma a little. Perhaps it's just because I'm under the weather? I do hope so! I'm also supposed to be working on a secret project for my Secret Pal that I wanted to send in October's parcel but there's no way I'm going to get that finished in time either!

And now I shall declare that I am indeed the saddest person on this planet, nay, in the universe! You remember that my upstream SP11 pal sent me a dishcloth that she knit whilst on the treadmill? Well, it has sat on the arm of the chair and I kept looking at it, not wanting to use it, it being my first handmade gift that anyone has ever given me! Well, I am a convert! Gone are the days of crappy old blue J-cloths, I am in love with my knitted dishcloth! There's just so much more 'substance' to it. If you haven't tried one yet, give it a go!

Oh, one more thing.. nip on over to Queen of the Froggers and leave a comment as she's donating 5p per comment during the whole of October to Cancer Research UK as it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A fantastic and very generous idea! Which reminds me, I must learn how to check myself...do you? We must!

A renewed social life

2007-09-29T20:48:00.000+01:00

In the last 18 months I've been out about twice. Not that I'm complaining, I'm just too bloody knackered! And of course, hiring a babysitter really adds to the cost of an evening out. Added to that, our little pickle is a nightmare at going to sleep so I haven't wanted to inflict that on a babysitter.

However in the last week I've been out 3 evenings! We went to a wedding last Saturday night, I went to a work leaving do on Thursday and out to a friends for dinner last night. I thought I was tired before but now I'm exhausted! And I've discovered that having a social life really really interferes with my knitting time!

Even so, I have managed a little:

My Central Park Hoodie is cast on and I've managed about 6 inches of the back. The wool is Kilcarra Aran Tweed which is lovely. I' ve even taught myself to cable without a cable needle with the help of Grumperina's tutorial which means knitting the cables is much easier. I recommend you have a go if doing a cable pattern.

I googled Kilcarra Aran Tweed to show you guys a picture. This was the first link, take a look at some of those sweaters! Is this your thing cos it's definately not mine!

Or this?!

Hope I haven't offended anybody!

Coming of age Part II

2007-09-24T22:17:00.000+01:00

Last week, I posted that my knitting had come of age. This was because I had decided to forego cost for quality when choosing the yarn for my Central Park Hoodie.

I think I'm going to reneg on that, ie, I don't think my knitting has come of age....yet! I've decided that I will know that it has when I feel competent enough to attempt Eunny Jang's Deep V Argyle Vest. I am desperate to knit this! Quite apart from the fact that I've not really attempted any colourwork, there is steeking involved! Yikes!!

This has been brought on by a friend at work. Twice now I've seen her wearing a lovely v neck argyle tank top and admired it from afar. Well today I plucked up the courage to ask her where she got it from. It was from Boden but what I was really interested in what the inside as it was clearly knit by machine. It was of course very neat but did resemble the back of colourwork I've seen knit by hand.

So, my new years resolution is going to be to attempt some colourwork in preparation! I say New Years Resolution as I definately have enough projects lined up to keep me busy til then! Maybe even 2009!

Sugar rush!

2007-09-20T19:56:00.000+01:00

Yes...it's true. I am in the midst of an extreme sugar rush, the sort you had when you were a kid. I can't sit still, and I can't stop grinning. At least I think it's a sugar rush. What do you think after looking at these pictures?

Yes, my first package from my secret pal has arrived! Just look at all those goodies! And I don't just mean all those sweeties (but, BOY!, they are SOOOO good!). Here's what my wonderful package contains:

Regia Cotton India Colour

Regia Royal Color

2 balls of Cascade Fixation

A beautiful bracelet handmade by my SP which is on my wrist as I write

A dishcloth made by my SP whilst she was on the treadmill..can you believe it?!

A felt sheep

A lovely book that I can't put down!

A gorgeous candle that weighs a ton and smells fantastic.

Masses and masses of US candy!! Yippee!!

A lovely card with a note from my SP, Cheryl, explaining some of the gifts.

I really couldn't tell you which gift I'm most excited about! You'd think it would be the yarn, wouldn't you? I mean there's enough yarn for at least 3 pairs of socks and some of it is cotton which I've been wanting to try. And when I first opened the parcel, that was the best part. But now, a few hours later, the handmade bracelet and dishcloth and the book are the best bits. Cheryl has put alot of love into these 3 items. She sent the book as she is also a step-mum and so knows how very difficult it can be. So, in each of these 3 gifts, there is a little piece of Cheryl!

So, thank you so much Cheryl! I love all my gifts and I'm thrilled to have you as my pal!

Oh, but maybe the best bit really is the sweeties?!!

Coming of age

2007-09-19T22:08:00.000+01:00

Look what the postman brought me today:

Part of my evergrowing queue of projects on Ravelry is the Central Park Hoodie. Yes, I know I'm at least 10 thousand years behind every other knitter in the world but I'm desparate to knit CPH! And it's all for me. I've never knit myself a big project before or anything this big for anyone else, for that matter!

Anyway, I have been obsessing, really obsessing, about which yarn to order. Having never done something so big, I've been really worrying about spending 30, 40 or 50 quid just on yarn for me. Finances are pretty tight at the mo, aren't they always? So I was finding it really hard to justify that sort of expenditure on myself.

Today I went to my LYS to see if they had anything I could fondle to help me decide. It did help me decide but not as I thought it would. There was no suitable aran weight yarn except a Wendy Aran which was 75% Acrylic, 25% Wool. It comes in huge 400g balls and costs £7.99. I would need 2 balls so that would only be an £16 spend! Just what I wanted? Right? Deal done?

Nope! My knitting has come of age today! Up until very recently I would have grabbed those balls, paid and run home to cast on. And I would have loved the finished CPH. But I would have wondered why it didn't look quite as good as the pictures.

Today as I fondled the Wendy yarn, I realised that it just wasn't good enough for my CPH. I knew instinctively that I wouldn't be happy with the stitch definition and the drape of the fabric. And, for the first time, these qualities were so much more important than cost. I want to love my CPH, not just like it. I want it to be the sweater I live in all winter. So I ordered this:

Kilcarra Donegal Irish Tweed Aran in Violet. I think it will work a treat, don't you?

Yeah for the hard earned knitting experience that told me the right way to go!!

It must be love

2007-09-14T22:07:00.000+01:00

It really must be!

Jomp's worked last night then spent 3 hours stuck on the M25 trying to get home. So I, being the good wifey that I am (not!), offered to drive him the 5 hour return trip to pick up the kids for the weekend. He very quickly accepted my offer so off we went. All was going well and I even enjoyed driving his 'new' Ford Galaxy. All was going well til he pointed out that someone who was overtaking us, not that there were many of them, was knitting. He did, of course, mean the passenger but I was most put out as I had given up 5 hours as a passenger to sit and knit just so that he didn't fall asleep at the wheel and die!

Had I been able to knit, this is what I would have been working on:

My Boyfriend socks for my lovely Jomps. In lovely Posh Yarn Sophia. Posh yarn... mmmmm. Sophia......cashmere....mmmmmm! I do so love these socks and I adore the combination of the pattern and the yarn. The colours are wonderful, very oceanic. I cannot say enough good things about this pattern! I did say that I would try my hand at toe-up socks again very soon!

Honourable Mentions

2007-09-09T20:13:00.000+01:00

There are a couple of people who have been deserving of a mention in the last few weeks but I've been a crap blogger and a crap cyber-friend so my apologies to:

Fiona from Knits, Knots, Gnats who nominated me as a

I'm such a saddo as I'm really thrilled to have received my first badge! I guess it's because it's a validation that someone out there takes the time to read the drivel that I write and perhaps even likes it!!

Fiona has done a great step-by-step guide to gloves that removes (at least for me!) some of the mystery that surrounds gloves! Check it out!

Another person who has brightened my day, more than once, of late is my secret pal, Cheryl. I've no idea who she is, or where (although I think she's in the US, yippee!) but I've a feeling that she's a lovely, kind, thoughtful person who I hope to keep in contact with after SP11 finishes. When I got back from our holiday with all the kids feeling knackered, exhausted, plain old worn out, call it what you will, there was a lovely e-card from Cheryl welcoming me home. Yesterday, in the midst of a rare but horrible 'radio silence' between Jomps & I she sent me a question asking which sock needles I prefer! It was so nice that even though I was feeling miserable at the time (all healed now, of course) someone was thinking of me!

So, Cheryl, if someone hasn't already recognised you, please award yourself the above badge and display it proudly for all to see! And thank you!

I must also mention my other secret pal who I'm having great fun stalking and buying for! I would love to show you what I've put together for her but I know that my blog is in her blog roll so she does occasionally visit and I don't want to spoil the surprise. I've got over the fact that she lives about 30 miles from me, rather than the 3000 or so I was hoping for, as at least we have the possibility of meeting up in the future if we wish. I do hope she likes what I've bought. I take refuge in the fact that I would love to receive the same parcel so fingers crossed!

And, whilst I'm on the 'I love everybody' path... to everyone who writes a blog that I read, thankyou! Almost every post that I read either raises a laugh or a smile or a knowing nod etc. I do feel like I've made some 'friends' through this blogging lark which I never expected. so thank you everyone!

Sock it to you

2007-09-09T19:32:00.000+01:00

Do you remember when I told you about my hand dyed self striping sock yarn and when I mentioned the universal toe-up socks that I'm knitting with it?

No? Well go check those links!!

Yep? We'll the socks are finished!

Pattern: Universal toe-up socks by Amy Swenson

Yarn: Hand dyed Trekking XXL. Colourway: Berry Stripe

Size: Shoe size UK3

Knit for: Me!

Comments: I HATE HATE HATE HATE these socks! I love the colours, I love the way it stripes pretty evenly, I love that they are trainer socks, I love that they don't have a heel flap and that the stripes continue round the heel. I hate the not so little holes that seem to appear at the end of the heel when I start to start in the round again. I also hate that the bind off is a little tight, not tight round the ankle once on but it's a real squeeze getting them over my heel! Even so...I will not give in, I will try short row heels again. And soon. Very soon!

Guess how much I love him

2007-09-04T20:55:00.000+01:00

A play on words from my favourite book.

I'll explain in pics......

It's our anniversary today and instead of the roses he usually sends (which I adore), today Jomps went on a hunt for a knitting book for me! You have to understand just how alien this behaviour is. When I visit my LYS, he waits outside with the pretence of looking after the buggy. When soft, squidgy parcels arrive, he looks the other way.

So, for Jomps to venture into the knitting aisle of the bookstore, and even into a yarn store(!), he must really really really love me! And even better, he picked a fantastic book. He said that all the books looked like they were aimed at 'knitting beginners' so that implies that he thinks I'm pretty good at this knitting lark!!

Did I tell you how much I love my lovely husband?!

Must dash now...have a date with a large box of Thorntons! Oh...and my husband of course!!!

I survived!

2007-08-31T21:38:00.000+01:00

Caution: Photo heavy post....none of which are even remotely knitting related!

Well, we made it. 5 days at Pontins, Brean Sands. 4 kids, ranging from 16 (going on 40) to 17 months. 2 adults (now feeling like OAP's). A great time was had by all...well, almost all!

Thankfully, we didn't have a drop of rain, I didn't spot one cockroach (you should read the reviews, no wonder I was dreading it!) and the car that we hired (as our car died) got us there in one piece!

We visited Tintern Abbey, an Animal Farm and Stonehenge.

Tintern Abbey is just beautiful and well worth a trip across the Severn Bridge. We went last year when Beth was just 13 weeks old. Now she's approaching 18 months and had a great time exploring!

The Animal farm was fantastic for little ones, really tame animals, so tame that even Beth managed to feed a cow! She had a lovely afternoon with me & Daddy whilst Jess, Tom & Grace were at an amusement park. (Have you ever tried to keep such a broad age range happy? It's bl**dy difficult, let me tell you!)

Then we stopped via Stonehenge on the way home. They're all a bit tired, can you tell?!

So, as we approached Stonehenge, a little voice from the 9 year old piped up, "What's that?". Thinking she meant the big circle of stones I started to speak then she added "Is it a car boot sale?"!!!! She'd spotted the car park! I'm hopeful that this is the first and last time that a World Heritage Site is described as a 'Car Boot Sale'!!

During our last evening's dinner, we asked if they'd all had a good time. The response was "well, it's not our sort of holiday but we've had a good time". I wanted to scream " Do you think it's our bl**dy sort of holiday...crammed into a sardine tin with you lot trying to keep you all happy?" But of course I didn't, we just smiled!

Kids...who'd have 'em?!!

Me?... I need a holiday!!

Edited to add: Oh, and I managed a whole 10 rows of another dishcloth...whoopy doo!

2007-08-27T09:02:00.001+01:00

Have a great bank holiday everyone! Make the most of it as it's the last one til Christmas!

Just popped on to say that I'm going away today, back on Friday. Forgot to let my SP know so "sorry SP!"

Back on Friday to regale you with stories of a week with 4 kids in a crappy holiday camp in the rain! Can you tell I'm not really looking forward to it?!

TTFN!

I'll wash, you dry!

2007-08-25T20:37:00.000+01:00

How sad am I? No...actually, please don't answer that!! I know that I am actually very sad indeed. Knitting dishcloth's just reinforces this fact even further!!

Pattern: Garterlac Dishcloth by Criminy Jickets

Yarn: Zettl Colorado cotton

Colourway: Blue

Size: One size

Knit for: The bathroom!

Comments: My first dishcloth and I really enjoyed it. A really brainless knit for watching TV etc. Fab! I'm going to use it to wash my face rather than the dishes!

Fetch!

2007-08-18T20:12:00.000+01:00

Here they are! Can you tell how much I love love love my fetchings?

Pattern: Fetching by Cheryl Niamath
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. Colourway: Kingfisher
Size: One size
Knit for: Me!
Comments: What more can I say....great pattern, gorgeous yarn, easy & quick to knit...what more could you want! The first pair but definately not the last!

And they're off!

2007-08-17T20:29:00.000+01:00

Off the needles....my fetchings are done! Quite possibly the quickest thing I have ever knit. No pics to show yet as the light is bad but I love them soooooo much! It's a fantastic pattern with beautiful wool....what more could a knitter want? I have a feeling that I shall be making many many more pairs but I really don't mind because I LOVE MY FETCHINGS!!!!!!

The Secret Pal's are off too! I received my match on Wednesday evening and have had a good stalk of their questionnaire, blog and Ravelry pages. I was a little disappointed as she lives in the UK and I was hoping to spoil a foreigner with such lovelies as Posh Yarn cashmere, humbugs and Yorkshire tea but nevermind! I sent her an anonymous email saying hello but haven't heard anything back yet not have I heard from my upstream pal either so it's all a bit quiet on that front! I've already placed an order for my pal's first package tho! I could really get into this S.E.X. that's not for me, I always feel a bit guilty buying yarn for myself!

I realised I hadn't said 'hello!' to my Secret Pal in case they happen to pop in so 'Come on in, pull up a chair and make yourself at home...kettles on and biscuits are in the tin!'

Right...must go do some knitting!

Old and new

2007-08-10T21:06:00.000+01:00

Look what I found for the princely sum of £1 today...

I remember having one as a kid and being thrilled that I could produce coasters and the like! Now of course I know how to produce I-cord on DPN's and also know far more uses for it so I doubt this will even come out of it's box til my little one is 7 or 8 and wants to learn how to knit but it took me on a quick trip down memory lane!

I've been in a bit of a slump knitting wise. The MS3 bug bit me on the bum then flew off somewhere never to be seen again. Clue 6 came out today and I'm only 25% of the way through Clue 2. I will get it done but maybe not in the next few months!

I've finished one of the toe up socks (forgot to take a picture and now there's not enough light). I stopped just after the heel so they're trainer socks. The self striping yarn that I dyed does work well and was worth the effort but I'm not happy with the sock overall. I love the short row toe and heel (especially the heel as they look more like socks you buy) but I have holes at the ends of the short rows. I've done some reading and will try to knit the wrapped stitches through the back loop on the next sock to see if that gets rid of the holes. I also tried a picot bind off twice but it just looked stupid so I did a couple of rows in rib to finish.

Today I bought myself some 4mm DPN's and have started swatching for my first pair of Fetching

I love the way the fabric is knitting up, lovely and firm. Great colour too!

"I want never gets"

2007-08-09T20:58:00.000+01:00

Do you remember your parents telling you that when you were a child? I do and I also remember trying to figure out how people would know what I wanted if I didn't tell them. My retort was often "If you don't ask, you don't get". Shortly followed by a clip round the ear being told not to answer back! Fond memories!

Anyway, having posted my SP11 questionnaire to help my secret pal, I find myself mulling over all my answers. I mean do I really consider myself an advance beginner? Or am I heading towards an intermediate knitter? I'm not used to boasting about myself so I'm still erring towards my original answer.

Really it's Question 20 that has got my tiny little brain ticking: Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Ever since I answered that question I have been coming up with things I really really want, nay, need to make my life complete! Things like Cascade 220 in every single colour, some Koigo KPPPM, plenty of Lorna's Laces, and Posh Yarn in all available colourways. Of course putting all that in my answer would have made me look like a right greedy guts! And even posting it here makes me uncomfortable as I want my Secret Pal to know even before the off that I am guaranteed to love whatever they send me! I'm so excited to receive a parcel or two!

That said, I've never really compiled a knitting wish list before so having to do it has been addictive. Every time I've had a quiet moment (there have not been many with it being school holidays!) my brain starts filling up with all the knitterly goodies that I would treat myself to if I won the lottery.

Oh, a girl can dream, can't she?

Questions..questions... SP11 Questionnaire

2007-08-06T21:25:00.000+01:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I am in no way a yarn snob! Acrylic has a very large place in my heart as it really is the only thing to use for my young daughter! As my knitting knowledge has increased so has my liking for more luxurious yarns…. Cashmere sock yarn is my favourite at present. I also love Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran.

The only yarn I really really hate is eyelash type yarn…urgh!

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have some great tins from The Knit Tin, a round long one that holds my knitting pins and a rectangular one that holds scissors, gauge and all those other bits and bobs that I just can’t do without! The only problem is that the one that holds the needles isn’t quite long enough for the longest pins so I can’t use the lid!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I learnt when I was a wee girl from my Grandma but gave up very shortly after! I taught myself again from a book about two years ago, shortly after discovering I was pregnant with my daughter. My love for knitting just continues to grow and there is nothing that I wont try. Hence I would call myself an advanced beginner.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

I have the humble beginnings of a wish list on Amazon.co.uk.

5. What's your favorite scent?

It’s so hard to choose…. I adore both vanilla and lavender but I also can’t keep my hands off fruity stuff that I’m sure is meant for teenage girls rather than Mum’s in their 30’s!

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Who doesn’t?! I have family in the USA so my favourite memories of childhood holidays were discovering all the sweets in the supermarkets! I loved ‘fruit roll-ups’, ‘Wonka’ candy and anything grape flavoured!(We don’t get anything like that here in the UK) I was thrilled when m&m’s came out over here but they never do those massive bags that my Aunt sends at Christmas! Basically, I LOVE sweets and chocolate, but fruity sweets are the way to win my heart!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I don’t spin nor do I have any inclination to try. I have tried crochet but I just can’t seem to get the hang of it! I’ve had a cross-stitch kit on the go for the last 10 years! I have recently tried hand dying sock yarn with Kool-Aid which is great but I would like to get some Acid dyes to create stronger colours.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Yes we have the ability to play MP3’s, I’m hoping to get an Ipod soon!

My kind of music? What an impossible question to answer! I like all sorts, most things except for most of the rubbish that’s in the charts!! I sound just like my Mum, that must mean I’m getting old!

I love 80’s stuff, some 90’s tracks and recently, although I can’t believe I’m admitting this in public, I’ve developed a liking for soppy 70’s tracks, in particular The Carpenters! There, I’ve said it….. please forgive me!!! Sssshh, don’t tell anyone!

I like a lot of the popular Classical stuff interspersed with some Robbie Williams, The Doors, and The Rolling Stones. A very eclectic mix.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Thankfully I love pink, all sorts of shades from baby pink right up to bright cerise. I say thankfully as my DD wears nothing but!

As my love for variegated sock yarns grow, I particularly love bluey/greeny/turquoisey colourways.

There really aren’t any colours I wouldn’t touch…perhaps dark brown but other than that I’m not fussy!

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I’m very happily married, have one gorgous girl (16 months old) and have 3 step children who visit 2 out of 3 weekends. They are 16, 13 and 9 so we often find it very difficult to keep both a 16 year old and a 16 month amused!

Our mad house is made complete with our 3 cats who have decided the only way they’re going to get any attention is by meowing at 5 in the morning!!

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes to all except Ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks! And anything for my DD as they are small so are finished quickly!

13. What are you knitting right now?

MS3 (is there anyone that isn’t?!), Universal toe-up socks using hand dyed yarn (my first attempt at toe-up), some stupid elephant toy for my DD that is really cute but I hate it!!

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

I’m going to say yes for this one but the honest truth is that I don’t know! No-one I know is in the least bit crafty so have never received anything hand made. I imagine that I would love anything made with me in mind as I know how long it takes to make gifts! Of course any gifts I have made have been given to non-crafty people who tend to under-appreciate them..I would love to make a gift for someone who knew how much love (and sometimes blood, sweat and tears!) went into ther gift!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I’m not fussy! It is nice to work on a wide piece on circulars and I always work socks on one teeny tiny circular but other than that I have no preference. I would love to try bamboo needles sometime, never tried plastic (not sure I want to either!).

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

I have a ball winder but I am absolutely desperate for a swift. I keep trying to persuade DH to make me one but no luck so far!

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

About 8 months old. I started a blankie when a very good friend told me she was pregnant. Unfortunately she had a miscarriage and I just can’t bring myself to frog it or to finish it. I really don’t know what to do with it!

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas by far. I always get very excited and love to have twinkly lights all over the house. We always put our tree up very early and I sing carols as I wrap presents. I’d love to visit Austria/Germany for the traditional Christmas markets and one day I’ll make it to New York for my Christmas shopping!

I really do think I must have American blood in me somewhere…. I love everything about Christmas, especially decorating the outside of the house (tastefully of course!) but that is often frowned upon here in the UK!

19. Is there anything that you collect?

The plain and simple answer is no!

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Oooooh, what a question… I have so many things I want to try! If only I could win the lottery! I would love to have some Lantern Moon needles, some glass needles, some Brittany Birch dpn’s (do they do teeny tiny circular’s too?!). Most of my needles came from a job lot off Ebay when I first started so would love to replace them all with beautiful pins!

I’d like to try some bamboo yarn, also maybe a small item in sari silk. One day I WILL buy myself some Socks that Rock yarn! I also fancy some Opal Feelings yarn too.

I can never have enough books…. I love books, any books! I’ve got my eye on both the Sensational Knitted Socks books. I also love Debbie Bliss and Zoe Mellor patterns for my DD.

I'd also like to subscribe to Interweave Knits.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Entrelac is high on my list, along with improving my crochet skills. I’d like to make a big snuggly afghan on eday. As I said earlier, I really want to try hand dying with Acid dyes. I’d also like to have a go at rug-making (latch hook), I did some as a teenager and quite enjoyed it.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Ooooh yes! I love knitting socks! I am a size 3.5 (UK)

23. When is your birthday?

January 3rd – 9 days after Christmas and I hate it!

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

Yes and isn’t it great? I go by the name of MuppetMummy.

My favourite waste of time

2007-08-05T22:03:00.000+01:00

You know, I spend an awful amount of time reading other people's blogs. And, invariably, after 3 hours of looking at beautiful objects people have knitted, I wonder why I don't have anything to show off on my blog.

Clearly, apart from the obvious time spent blogging, there must be other reasons why I don't get as much knitting done as I might like?

This is the first reason. Please excuse the absolutely horrific picture of me and my fat arms! I wanted to show you my beautiful step-daughter learning how to 'purl'! She and her brother are with us for lots of the summer holiday and I think she decided 'if you can't beat em, join em!' Her nan has taught her how to knit and she looks so awkward but she tries really hard. She was getting a bit bored with 'knit' every row so she asked me to teach her how to purl... she took to it like a duck to water! Her needles were flying much faster than mine do on a purl row and not a dropped stitch in sight!! I like to think it was the way I taught her but it's probably coincidence!

However, spending time with her did mean that I got very very little of my own knitting done! The constant 'I think I've gone wrong' comments did sort of hamper my attempts at the toe-up sock. I've already frogged the first sock as it was too big although it had taken me to the heel to decide it was too big!

And here is my most favouritest waste of time.....completely unsolicited pics of my baby girl on her first day out at the beach today and in the garden!

If I spent just a little less time marvelling at how wonderful and amazing she is, and more time knitting, I'd get so much more done..... but then again, I can't think of a better way to spend my day!

Secret Pal 11

2007-08-01T21:50:00.000+01:00

Yippee! I have finally recieved my confirmation email for Secret Pal 11. I signed up on July 3rd but there was a problem with the sign ups. I have been frantically checking my in box waiting for confirmation that I haven't missed the deadline and today was the lucky day!

I've never done a swap before so I'm a bit nervous about getting my pal something they like but if they're anything like me, they'll be thrilled that someone out there has thought about them!

Unfortunately sign-ups have now closed so you'll just have to watch to see what I get!! I can't wait to get going!!

I love little feet

2007-07-31T15:57:00.000+01:00

I have finished the Hedera!

Pattern: Hedera by Cookie A
Yarn: Hand dyed Trekking XXL. Colourway: Summer Pudding
Size: Shoe size 3 (UK)
Knit for: Me!
Comments: My first lace socks and my first attempt at hand dying. I adore these socks even though the heel flap is too long so the fit isn't great. I'm not so enamoured with the pooling of the colours but you live and learn!

Having such little feet has many advantages, one being that socks are fairly quick to knit, another is that you have lots of yarn left over:

How cute are these?

Pattern: Opal Yarn basic sock
Yarn: Hand dyed Trekking XXL. Colouway: Summer Pudding
Size: Shoe size 3.5F Toddler(UK)
Knit for: Beth
Comments: None except I love these! So quick to knit, less than 8 hours total knitting!

Untangled and tasty!

2007-07-31T15:42:00.000+01:00

Well here is my spaghetti, hand dyed with Kool-Aid. I have 'designed' (oooh, look at me...'designed'....how posh!) this yarn to self stripe over a 60st sock. Will cast on later so pics in a few days.

Well, hopefully a few days, as I plan on trying 'toe-up' socks!

Spaghetti anyone?

2007-07-25T21:28:00.000+01:00

Doesn't look very appetising does it?

I have spent 8 hours, yes 8 hours, today unravelling this bl**dy mess! I had hoped to try dying some self striping sock yarn this afternoon. So last night I set up my skein, 405 inches long, down the hallway, over the stair gate and into the kitchen. yarn everywhere!

Before I knew it there were tangles everywhere you looked. And this is not the first time it's happened!

I NEED A NIDDY NODDY!!! Wouldn't you agree?

All welcome!

2007-07-22T08:05:00.000+01:00

0-120 come on in!

I must work harder, I felt sure my blog must be at least a guidance rating!! What's your rating?

Lead us not into temptation!

2007-07-21T19:54:00.000+01:00

Be warned, this post is full of temptation!

I have decided that I'm not getting enough traffic through my blog. I also know that I've got a reader in the Chicago area that checks my blog almost daily. So, in an attempt to entice more people this way and to encourage my reader in Chicago to leave a comment saying hello, here are some lovelies:

Is it getting close to bedtime? How about some milk and brownies?

Or is it midmorning where you are? Can I interest you in coffee and cupcakes?

Maybe it's mid afternoon? Any takers for tea and flapjack?

I've been busy baking for Beth's nursery summer fayre! If only all my wip's were so easy to finish and so wonderfully satisfying!!

A Dilemma...

2007-07-18T20:02:00.000+01:00

To knit or to blog/read blogs?

That's what I have to choose between each evening and invariably reading blogs wins! I just love to be nosy..peeking into other people's lives. That's why I love the autumn when you walk down the street at dusk before people have drawn their curtains but their lights are already on.

The trouble is that this is supposed to be a knitting blog but there has been little knitting going on:

3 inches of the 2nd Hedera

The booga bag is felted and dried. It's the one on the right and I'm not happy with it. It's too small and I hate hate hate the colours! It's for a friend who loved mine (on the left) but I'm not sure she's going to be pleased with hers.

MS3 Clue 1 is done!! Finally! I'm actually very pleased with it, I think the cashmere really works well and the yarnovers are nice and clear. On to Clue 2 now, hoping I can catch up in the 2 week break whilst everyone else is reading Harry Potter.

Slowly Slowly Catchy Monkey

2007-07-11T21:24:00.000+01:00

Where does the time go? Please, if you know, let me know cos I sure as Heck, don't have a clue! One minute the alarm is going off and next minute I'm climbing back into bed at the end of the day feeling absolutely wiped out! I guess it doesn't help having a 16 month old who has been quite poorly in the last few days (and nights!) but I'm cream crackered!!

Anyways, due to little pickle's illness, work and household chores, I haven't had alot of 'me' time which roughly translates into 'knitting time'.

I have about 12 inches of the i-cord handle to do before I can felt the booga bag.

I have finally, today, cast on for the very lonely Hedera's sibling.

MS3 is going very very slowly indeed! The trouble with it is that I need to be able to concentrate entirely on it. That means if Beth wants to read or Jomp's wants to talk, MS3 is an absolute no-no! I haven't even finished Clue 1 yet and Clue 3 will be released on Friday! It's a little disconcerting when other knitters post 'Clue 2' finished within 3 hours of it's publication. But I keep telling myself that I am slow, meticulous and methodical so I will get there in the end!

Not to be out done....

2007-07-10T21:25:00.000+01:00

Everywhere I look (within Blogland!) there are photo's of Alpaca's and sheep. Of course it seems like everyone in the entire knitting world was at Woolfest except me. I know that's not entirely true but I feel left out!

So, I am proud to say that I saw my every own alpaca this weekend. I even managed to get a good photo before it moved.....

..We bought Beth a small set of 'Little People' from Fisherprice. Imagine my surprise when out of the box popped 'Albert the Alpaca'! Jomp's reckons it's 'Larry the Llama' but I think I'm right!

Hope you're suitably impressed!!

Stash Diving!

2007-07-08T21:10:00.000+01:00

This evening I've been a very good girl! My stash, small as it is, was beginning to peek up from the side of the couch and out of the little 'stash' drawers that I have. Not only was it all beginning to look a real mess with carrier bags all over, I spilt coffee over it the other day! Thankfully most was saved by the carrier bags but there were a couple of fatalities!

So, I was prompted into action. I bought some stiff weaved bags on sale in the BHS kitchen section which are just gorgeous and perfect for the job! (Pics to follow) I have spent this evening sorting through and documenting my stash....Ravelry here I come.... so now I have one large bag full of stash that I have no idea what to knit with, one medium bag full of 'queued' yarn, ie, those that I already have projects in mind, and one smaller bag as my current WIP's bag. All very organised!!

I am a great fan of Sarah's blog. Not only is her writing always cheery, I just love her photos. She seems to have this knack of setting up a beautiful picture whereas I just point and click and forget to look at what I'm actually taking. With this in mind, I've set myself a mini project. I want to design my own blog template and have a picture in the title bar such as this or this blog.

If anyone out there has any handy tips on templates, please send them my way!

The good, the bad and the not so ugly

2007-07-04T21:37:00.000+01:00

Hmmmm, I've not enjoyed today.

Even though there are a number of reasons to be cheerful:

1) I only work a half day on Wednesday so I finished at 12.30pm.

2) Beth does a full day at Nursery which means that:

3) I get a whole afternoon to myself!

4) I managed to do a few more rows of MS3. My new Addi Lace circulars arrived yesterday so I tried them out and I love them! They are lovely and pointy (much like my Boyes) but they have a bit of drag to them so the yarn doesn't constantly slip off.

5) I finished the raglan sweater:

Pattern: Raglan Sweater from The Baby Knits Book by Debbie Bliss

Yarn: Debbie Bliss cashmerino Aran. Colouway: Kingfisher

Size: 3-6 months

Knit for: Sam (Firstborn of my best mate Sara)

Comments: The third time I've knit this pattern which meant that I was brave enough to try my first ever modification of a pattern! On both previous sweaters, I hated the neckline which jst seemed to end leaving a gaping great hole for the head to go through. So this time, I sewed up all the seams then picked up stitches round the neck. I knit 7 rounds then cast off so that the neck had a nice rolled edge to match the cuffs and hem. I'm pleased with the effect! And pleased that I was able to mod a pattern with no help! Surely that's a sign of my knitterly progress?

So why haven't I enjoyed today?

Because I took our car into the garage this morning as it's been misfiring. The prognosis is poor to bleak as the head gasket has gone! Even I, with my very limited car maintenance knowledge, know that this is fatal. The garage gave us a guestimate of £800 to repair!! Money that we just don't have! This news has wrecked my whole day but I'm sure I'll feel better once I've slept on it.

Hope so anyway.

Building blocks

2007-07-01T22:03:00.000+01:00

I really must be becoming a little, just a little you understand, obsessed with this knitting lark!

Let me explain... I hate, loathe, detest, call it what you will, that awful job that starts with an I and uses a hot implement to get creases out of clothes. From here on in, it will be called "The job that must not be named". Because I hate it so much, it also follows that I hate anything to do with it, i.e The Iron and the Ironing Board!

I really must be going mad because our old Ironing Board got thin and wobbly so we bought a new one. Normally I would have taken great pleasure in throwing the old one on the tip but I've kept it to use for blocking! Me?? Block?? Yes, that's right folks, Jane's marbles have left the building!!

Not only that, but the only thing I have to use for spritzing the items to be blocked is the Iron!! I guess it's good that these implements of torture are getting some use!!

Toss me a lifeline

2007-07-01T21:33:00.000+01:00

Did I mention in my last post that MS3 is my first lace project? Oh, I did?

Did I also mention that I always know best, no matter who tells me? No? Funny that!

I didn't start my first lace project without doing a fair bit of research first, which included stuff on chart reading and lifelines. I'd also read a number of blog entries where knitters had tried lace and had to frog the whole lot due to a mistake and a lack of a lifeline. But that was ok, because I wasn't going to make any mistakes was I?? So, I didn't need lifelines either, did I? And I certainly didn't need to learn from other peoples mistakes...no, definately not!!

Can you guess where this is going??

Yep, I had to frog the whole damn lot last night! The picture in the last post shows a distinct lack of a lifeline, does it not?

What about this one?

I have learnt my lesson! Well, the lifeline lesson at least!

But, it would seem, not the lesson about getting what you pay for. I bought beads from eBay but the paint rubs off the beads very easily so they end up sort of clear with a hint of shine instead of a lovely copper colour. It seems that in the case of beads, you definately get what you pay for!

Mass consciousness

2007-06-29T21:18:00.000+01:00

Today there has been a turning point in my experiences of knitting. Normally when I knit, it's late in the evening, after little pickle has gone to bed, dinner has been eaten, the house has been tidied and Jomp's is doing his own thing. I sit on my couch, in my corner and lose myself in that evening's current project. My thoughts often wander back over the days events and I find myself wishing I'd done this or said that. Jomp's and I periodically chatter but mostly it's a fairly solitary hobby.

Today has been different. The first clue for Mystery Stole 3 was released. I put the little one down for her nap and cast on.

It's my first lace project and I really had to concentrate on each stitch, no daydreaming for me this afternoon. But it was strangely comforting knowing that a large percentage of three thousand people world over were knitting the same stitches as I was. It was like coming home, familiar surroundings in a strange place.

I am not a joiner. Never have been, never will be. I've never had lots of friends, usually just a few very close mates. I join forums, each time swearing that I'll be one of those people who seem to spend every waking moment posting humerous answers to other peoples woes. But each time I join, I realise that I have absolutely nothing of interest to say so I do what I do in real life...blend into the background and keep my mouth shut.

If this sense of belonging, even a sense of community continues, I can tell that I shall be joining lots of knit-a-longs. I feel all warm and fuzzy!

But, knowing me, it will all wear off pretty damn quick and this time next week I'll be posting about how much this knit-a-long lark annoys me! That's me...fickle, fickle, fickle!!

As promised!

2007-06-26T20:23:00.000+01:00

Here are my 50 percenter socks!

I still haven't cast on for the second socks which is most unlike me but I do have a good excuse!!

I have signed up to the 'Mystery Stole 3' knit-along and have spent all my time trying to find the perfect yarn! I've decided upon some 100% cashmere from Colourmart and some beads from Totally Beads. I'm just waiting for the yarn to arrive so I can swatch before the knitalong starts on Friday. The group is closed for sign ups on July 6th so hurry up and get yourselves over there!

So far there are over 3000 members signed up so I think it's going to be great fun. I like the idea of only being able to do as much as each clue allows you to do each week. It also means that I should still be able to get the second hedera done too!!

The half time whistle

2007-06-23T22:59:00.000+01:00

is blowing.....

I've finished one Hedera! I'll post a pic tomorrow as it's late but I was so impatient to finish it tonight that it's just a fraction too short. I'm not happy but hoping it will 'give' a little with wearing. I'm wearing it now and it's so toasty!

I've also finished one cashmere sock for Beth with the leftovers from the Jaywalkers - I just cannot waste 100% cahmere Posh Yarn! Unfortunately it's also too small, far too small, but I didn't have enough left to keep going! It's so cute though! I don't have any baby girls to knit for at the mo so I may felt it and use it as a keyring?

Can you hear the sea?

2007-06-18T18:17:00.000+01:00

What a lucky girlie I am!

Today my marvellous postie brought me my prize from the Crafty yarns forum for winning the may sock-a-month.

It's the Yarn Yards new laceweight kindly hand dyed and sent by Natalie! I'm not a good photographer and really haven't managed to capture the beautiful vibrant colours too well... the greens are much greener than it seems and the blues are lusciously deep! Lovely oceanic colours!

Laceweight is sooooo fine! It's the first time I've seen it 'in the flesh' so to speak and I'm almost scared of it! Any idea's what I might knit with 50g (800m)??

Joining the crowd!

2007-06-17T21:59:00.000+01:00

I have finally cast on for the socks that everyone seems to either have knit already, in process, or planned... Hedera!

Yarn: My own hand dyed 'Summer Pudding' Trekking XXL

Needles: 2.5mm Addi Turbo Circular

So far, so good! I love love love the twisted rib! It's so neat and precise! I'm not sure about how the yarn is patterning, almost in a spiral but I'll reserve judgement for now.

A compliment? Maybe, maybe not.

2007-06-15T21:10:00.000+01:00

This morning Beth & I went out to her little group. The weather couldn't decide what to do so I put her in summer clothes with a cardi over the top and off we went. The group went really well ( Beth even took a few steps!) and so we got ready to leave. As I put her cardi on, another mum commented on it saying how lovely it was.

It was then that I admitted to my fairly new group of friends that I'm a knitter. I'd expected scorn and ridicule but everyone was amazed that I'd knit this cardi:

My most favourite comment was " It's lovely, I thought you'd bought somewhere like Next."

I came away glowing with pride. However, I've since thought alot about it.

1) Why was I embarassed to admit that I knit? I'm proud of what I've achieved knitting wise in the last couple of years and yet I expect to be scorned if I mention it?

2) Is it such a great compliment that someone thought it was from Next? Don't get me wrong, I love Next stuff, especially for my little one. But their items are mass produced, in far-off countries, probably by children being paid peanuts or less.

Whereas my little cardigan took hours of my time, each stitch bursting with love (corny, eh?!) and cost more in materials and time than any item on the high street. I like the idea that hand knitted items look handmade, that strangers can see that someone loves my precious girl enough to knit for her.

I know that my friend who made the comment meant it as a compliment and that was how I took it. But I think I shall be a little more careful when choosing my words to compiment other knitters items in future!

Raglan Sweater wip

2007-06-09T00:24:00.001+01:00

Raglan wip1
Originally uploaded by muppetmummy

Anyone paying too much attention to my blog might have noticed that my wip bar for the Debbie Bliss Raglan Sweater has been increasing steadily but I've not mentioned it yet or posted pics!

Well, here it is! Front & Back (identical). 2 sleeves to go, may even try them both at the same time on one needle!

Revelry at Ravelry??

2007-06-08T13:20:00.000+01:00

Today I received my invite to join Ravelry as a beta tester. It looks fab so far! I can see that I'm going to get even less done ( knitting, housework, laundry, whatever!) than normal as it's so much fun to plug in all your wips, stash, future projects etc! And when you're bored of that, you can then spend hours looking at everyone else's stuff!!

I put my name on the waiting list a good few weeks ago and waited patiently til my invite arrived. Although it seems that some people are not so patient and were harassing the developers! It's such a shame that people give up their time to help others and all they get is hassle! I, for one, send my thanks to Jess and Casey (the owners/developers) of Ravelry as this is going to be an amazing knitters resource when it's up and running.

Now, must go do some laundry..... or shall I just have another 15 minutes surfing?!

Trying to Kool off

2007-06-04T22:05:00.000+01:00

Goodies....

Everywhere!

I've had a couple of deliveries in the last week... 50 packs of Kool-Aid finally arrived all the way from The US. I was hoping there would be some blue ones but they were replaced with other colours. I've been wanting to do a blue/turquoise/green yarn so I'll have to buy more...what a shame!!

I also got 4 balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in Kingfisher to knit a raglan sweater for my best mate's little boy, Sam, now 3 weeks old. In the same parcel was 3 balls of Rowan Cotton Glace in Pier to knit him a lovely little jumper for Christmas!! (I know I said I wouldn't knit gifts again but babies are different!)

Don't those packets of Kool-Aid just make you smile? They are so cheery!! And so American? I can't think of anything British with such cheerful packaging, can you?

Shall I try lace??

2007-06-03T15:58:00.000+01:00

A very quick post as I forgot to post on Friday when I found out that I WON, yes I WON the may sockamonth on the crafty threads forum with my Jaywalkers!! My name was picked out of the hat!!! HE He He!!

I am a very lucky bunny as I get to chose my prize from The Yarn Yard. I have been stalking the shop waiting for Pay Day so I can join the sock club and lo and behold I win a prize from them! Think I have settled on some lace weight yarn (new to the Yarn Yard and not on sale yet) as I'd like to try lace sometime soon!

Will post pics when it arrives. But here is another chance to send my profuse thanks to N from the yarn yard!

Tag..you're it!

2007-05-31T17:33:00.000+01:00

Sarah tagged me last week with the random things meme. It has taken me this long to think of some mildly interesting answers and to try to find someone who hasn't been tagged already!

Here is how it works: Each player starts with five random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their own blog with their five things as well as these rules. You need to tag five others and list their names on your blog. Remember to leave a comment for them letting them know they have been tagged and to read your blog.

1) I can read a map. Contrary to the opinion of most men, there are women out there who can read a map and I am one of them! Granted, I have to 'get IN' the map (ie, turn the map the way we are going!) but Jomp's knows that he can ask me to get him anywhere and we will get there.

2) I don't have a sense of humour! Well I don't think I have but everyone else disagrees. I tend not to laugh out loud at much, except other peoples misfortunes! You know, someone slipping on a banana skin type of thing! However, my favourite TV show at present is 'Peep Show'. It's the funniest thing I've seen in ages.

3) I really really want to learn to play the piano. I'll do it one day. A very old friend of mine plays amazingly. Every time I hear her play I wish I could play.

4) I met Jomp's on the internet! People always look shocked when I tell them but, done properly, it's much safer than meeting someone in a pub and going home with them. We 'chatted' online and on the phone for a couple of weeks before we met. In fact Jomp's says he fell in love with my voice before he even knew what I looked like! I would recommend it to anyone.

5) I was adopted when I was 13. My adoptive parents, known as Mum & Dad for that's what they are, are fantastic. Not only did they take me into their lives but also my brother. We'd been split up a couple of years previously. If it were not for Mum & Dad I'm not sure that my bro and I would be in contact now. The funny thing is that both my bro and my adoptive brother have the same name so I have 2 brothers with the same name! My Mum used to tell anyone who thought it was a bit odd that she had two sons called the same that she 'just liked the name!' You can imagine the looks people used to give her!!

There you go folks..now you know a very little about me!

Unfortunately I didn't find anyone to tag as I think I must be the last person on earth to do this! However, if by chance you haven't done it and fancy a shot, please be my guest but let me know so that I can read your answers!

A valuable lesson learned?

2007-05-30T22:08:00.000+01:00

I'm feeling just a tad cheesed off tonight. I suppose it's my own fault...I've read enough posts on the angel forums to know I should have expected this!

I saw my sis tonight and gave her the newly finished Jaywalkers. I knit them for her because we both have a bit of 'a thing' for soft, thick socks. I thought she would love them, as I do! But I was disappointed with her reaction...

She was pleased I think but her reaction was fairly muted. She didn't even try them on til I asked her to to see if they fit.

So, I have learned a lesson today...not to knit gifts for people who haven't asked for them! (Babies excepted!) Jomp's says that it's just that people don't appreciate how much time & effort has gone into them. Which I guess is true. Still disappointed tho........

How time flies...

2007-05-27T20:04:00.000+01:00

...when it's peeing down outside. Yes it has rained all day long (it's bank holiday weekend, what else do you expect?) so I've managed to finish the jaywalkers:

Pattern: Jaywalker by Grumperina.

Yarn: Posh Yarn Sophia 4ply. Colourway: Tada!

Size: Shoe size 8 (UK)

Knit for: My sis

Comments: My first patterned socks. I love this yarn, cashmere is definately the way to go! I made one mistake - didn't read the pattern and slipped the heel stitches knitwise when they should have been purlwise but I still like the effect.

When will it be over?

2007-05-26T21:17:00.000+01:00

It's official! I HATE HATE HATE my Jaywalkers! But it's ok because I shall love them again in a few days!

Let me explain... I don't suffer from 2nd sock syndrome. I'm usually so thrilled with finishing the first of a pair that I can't wait to cast on it's sibling. This was as true as ever, if not more so, in the case of the 2nd jaywalker.

Unfortunately I suffer from half finished 2nd sock syndrome! I get to the point, when I'm not very far from finishing, that I just want to hurl said sock out of the window. It takes on a demonic like quality..calling to me and laughing at me...."You know I'm here, come finish me!" but I'd rather boil my head than keep going round and round and round and round!

Then I had the 'great idea' of joining the sockamonth thing so now I have even more pressure to finish the blasted socks! All because I live in the vain hope that I might win some more sock yarn so I can start the whole vicious circle all over again!

Here is the offending article, only 35 more rounds plus the toe to go but only 5 days left to finish them:

Let the fun begin...

2007-05-23T17:05:00.000+01:00

3 good things have happened to me today.

1) I just got back from Weight Watchers and have lost 3.5lbs this week. Yippee!! Total in 2 weeks is 5.5lb.

2) I had to pick up a parcel from the post office and thought it was boring book for Jomp's but I was wrong! It's my new wool winder from eBay. I only won it on Sunday and it arrived yesterday even though I was out. Fab service! Can't wait to have a go at it!!

3) When I got home there was a fabulous pink squishy parcel waiting on the doormat....... more Posh Yarn!!!! It's soooooo lovely. Sophia 4ply (100% Cashmere) in colourway 'Shadows' for Jomp's socks.

All I need now is to finish the Jaywalkers and find a less boring pattern than the Opal basic one for Jomp's!

200 knitted blocks - #1 of 200

2007-05-21T20:39:00.000+01:00

We had the day off today and needed cheering up so off we headed in to town, despite the fact it's Payday this week and we are broke! I bought a new book in the hope of finding some enthusiasm for a big project. It's 200 knitted blocks by Jan Eaton:

Pictured underneath is my 1st square, or part thereof, named 'Plain leaf':

I chose this one as it looked unusual and was really pleased with my progress. I was thinking how clever it all was, making a 3D object out of a flat length of wool. Then Jomp's ruined it by snorting "What IS that meant to be??" All he could see was something that looked really rude!! What do you think?

Saving my sanity!

2007-05-20T15:56:00.000+01:00

How bizarre that such a strange looking contraption might be the thing that stops me going round the bend on a one way visit to the funny farm!

Winding skeins into balls drives me potty. I tried it myself with the skein round my knees.. that one took me about 7 hours to untangle. I got Jomps to hold whilst I wound..that nearly led to divorce! And dont even speak to me about my hand dyed wool! That was a nightmare!

So I'm going to buy a ball winder. This one is on eBay so hoping to get a bargain. Off course, then I will need a yarn swift too. Roll on pay day!!

Knitting backwards.

2007-05-18T21:56:00.000+01:00

Grrrrrr. I made a mistake in my 2nd Jaywalker. Jomps and I were fantasising about winning the lottery whilst I was knitting last night....lost my concentration and messed it up! Have spent this evening tinking back 3 and a half rounds!!! I'm not a happy bunny!

So then I needed a break and thought I'd find out why it's called 'tink'ing, thinking there must be some really clever reason. Found my answer on Angel Yarns: It's just 'KNIT' spelt backwards because you are knitting backwards, ie, unpicking stitch by stitch!

Gosh, my blog is grumpy tonight. Lots going on around here and I guess it's rubbing off a bit online. I will make sure my mood has improved before I post again, I promise!

Feeling uninspired....

2007-05-18T19:19:00.000+01:00

I really don't know what's the matter with me at the moment. Normally I have at least 2 WIP's on the go usually involving 1 pair of socks and 1 larger project. But ever since I finished Beth's Little Princess Cardigan, my knitting mojo has got up and gone! I have at least 10 pairs of socks planned and can't wait to start the next pair but I need a 'big' project to really get my teeth into.

I've been thinking about trying some lace, maybe the forest canopy shawl or the kiri shawl. Either of these would at least give me an excuse to buy more Posh Yarn but I just don't know!! Advice please!

Sock-A-Month 2007

2007-05-16T20:04:00.000+01:00

I have joined my first knit-a-long type thingamyjig! It's sock-a-month 2007 and looks great! I may use the Jaywalkers to get started although I tend to think that's cheating a bit. However, everyone else has had a whole 16 days more than me so will probably use the Jaywalker in the end. One lucky person each month wins some luscious sock yarn....mmmmm!

I picked up my new glasses today, super funky they are too. Completely not me at all but I love them! So I should for what they cost... could have bought many many skeins of yarn instead! I guess it's better that I can see properly, don't you think?!

My 1st comment!

2007-05-15T21:58:00.000+01:00

Forgot to mention how thrilled I am that some kind soul (Emma) has taken pity on me and my very new blog and left a comment! Please do leave a comment if you time!

The postman always rings twice....

2007-05-15T21:46:00.000+01:00

The first time was on Saturday! I forgot to tell you that I had a lovely delivery from the Knit Tin. Unfortunately the site is closing down but that does mean some great bargains!

I got a needle tin, an accessory tin (full of accessories), 3 (yes 3!) pairs of Brittany Birch needles, some spare DPN's (to allow more sock based wips!) and 6 balls of Paton's Fairytale DK for a pound a ball.

Now I'm waiting for the next postman's ring! I'm excitedly awaiting a delivery of 50 packs of Kool-Aid so I can have another go at dyeing. I really should buy some more undyed yarn too.... perhaps after pay day if I can wait that long!

Socks...socks...and more socks!

2007-05-14T21:44:00.000+01:00

Considering that I have a bizarre dislike of feet, even my own, I am curiously obsessed with socks. All I seem to knit are socks. When I'm not knitting, I spend hours looking at pictures of socks that other people have produced. Or it's hours conjuring up wish lists chocka block of sock yarn, preferably hand dyed, hand painted. Then I have to whittle the list of potential patterns for each particular yarn down to one or two. After trying each pattern out and disliking the effect I have to spend more hours looking for another pattern! This coming from the woman who has only knit 2 pairs of socks!

Make that 2 and a half pairs!

The 1st Jaywalker in Posh Yarn Sophia is finished! Must cast on the 2nd one!

Anyway, back to the obsession....I now have added to my sock repertoire - following on from attempt at dyeing, I keep finding myself daydreaming about colour combinations to try! I'm waiting for a big box of Kool-Aid to arrive then I will crack on. I'm really looking forward to trying to green/blue combo's.

Which reminds me. Jomps has said he wants some cashmere socks after helping to wind the 2nd skein of the Sophia into a ball. Must go look!!

Summer Pudding

2007-05-11T16:30:00.000+01:00

Here it is, in all it's beauty!

Oh boy do I love my first attempt at Kool-Aid dyeing! It's 100g Trekking sock yarn dyed with 1 sachet of Strawberry and 1 sachet of Grape.

When it was drying I really wasn't very impressed but since I've rewound the skein, the colours are really shown off. The colours range from a bright red thru pink to white to lilac to dark purple.

It reminds me of summer berries so I've chosen to call it Summer Pudding!

Armed & Dangerous!

2007-05-09T13:15:00.000+01:00

I love my postie! He left me a soft squidgy parcel today full of undyed Trekking sock yarn:

My mum recently brought me some Kool-Aid from the states so I'm ready to go! Can't wait to get started on producing some handpainted original sock yarn!

Also in my parcel from Get Knitted was a pen, sweeties and 30cm 2.5mm Addi Turbo as I've wanted to try socks on 1 circular for a while. I've already tried a few rounds of the Jaywalker and it feels great!

Previously finished articles.

2007-05-08T21:24:00.000+01:00

Having told you how I got into knitting again, I don't want to bore you with endless descriptions of what I knit and when! Therefore, I'll post pics when I can in the finished articles list.

Hope that's ok!

Pretty skeins....ugly balls!

2007-05-08T20:48:00.000+01:00

Back to work I went today..... and pretty horrible it was too.

The one light spot was my lunchbreak when I managed to get a good few rounds of my Jaywalker done. I was knitting in the staff 'tea room' and noticed lots of people casting sideways glances at me to see what I was doing. This made me think about how my knitting must look to other people....DPN's everywhere linked by a ball of wool.

Now I'm in love with my Posh Yarn cashmere. I would have it's babies if I could! But, I realised other people wouldn't like it so much as me.....because I've seen it in a skein! It's just so pretty in a skein, I could look at it (and stroke it!) for hours but I love it far less when it's been wound into a ball. Why is this? Am I the only one to feel like this? I may have to post a Poll on the Angel Yarns forums to find out!

Back to work tomorrow

2007-05-07T22:10:00.000+01:00

Gutted!

We've had such a lovely week off and our break at Center Parcs was fab! I should have spent this evening getting ready to go back but have spent it all blogging and reading other people's blogs!

Of course I should be knitting too but I'm feeling very uninspired at the mo. I have a pair of Jaywalkers in Posh Yarn cashmere on the needle but nothing else really. I need to find a 'big' project to enthuse me again, any ideas?

...and a bit more...

2007-05-07T17:01:00.000+01:00

That weekend, I ran out and bought the Stitch & Bitch book, some very cheap acrylic DK yarn and a pair of needles. Slowly but surely, what my Grandma had taught me so long ago came back as I learnt how to knit, purl, rib etc. I still have the very first item I made, a little stripey hat for our kitten "Pig"!