KnitPlosion

Sunflower! My first dishcloth...

2010-09-20T07:00:00.005+01:00

Yarn: Rico Design – Creative Cotton

Needles: KnitPicks Options Interchangeables – Acrylic 3.5

Modifications: None

Verdict: A good pattern kept my interest and looks good so far. Recommended.

Apparently, dishcloths are what you knit when you are bored with your current project. I got bored with mine. It has been on the go for 4 yrs; the cardie we shall not mention. I still have to finish it though before I can start anything else. And guess what? I have a birthday coming up soon…

Believe it or not I cast for this dishcloth three times! Third time lucky they say. Actually, I gave up by the third time. Why? Well… The first two times I cast on using 4.5 and 4.0 mm needles. When I waved it about (half way through the knitting each time) to my darling hubby and eldest daughter, they tried hard to see what it was. Not a god sign. So I ripped - twice. On casting on for the third time, I was pleased with the feel and carried on. I have yet to ask my family what they see…

Bounty!

2010-09-13T12:32:00.006+01:00

Not much knitting to show for this last week but oh look what bounty we harvested from our garden.

My first pumpkin ever, lots of tomatoes and courgettes (zucchini). To turn into a coach, footmen and horses. No wait! Food - pumpkin pie, salad and gratin. Yum!

Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit…

2010-09-06T07:00:00.003+01:00

That will be the sound I will be hearing soon! I have now resigned myself to frogging my dear Martha (Rowan Magazine 28 - Felted Tweed). She was a pleasure to knit and will be remembered well for hugging me, warming me, complying with me and now pleading with me to be recycled before she is completely devoured.

Why does she have to be frogged? Moths!!!!! They have consumed my dear Martha. Actually they have made three holes in the cardigan. Two by the front button bands and one in the back. It would have been sensible to save the cardie had these holes not been so wide or conspicuous!

Never mind! I plan to salvage the yarn which could (in theory) be recycled into Tangled Yoke by Eunny Jang. That is… After the yarn receives some Yarn Harlot treatment (freeze and thaw repeatedly until satisfied) and then stored in one of those vacuum bags until I am ready to use it. Sadly but understandably, this yarn must be denied the company of other yarns – just in case.

Boleros Done!

2010-08-30T06:40:00.012+01:00

Pattern: Sirdar 2174 – Bolero for Girls 1-12 yrs

Sizes: 1-2 and 3-4 years

Yarn: King Cole Premier Value DK – Pink (022) - 2 skeins

Needles: KnitPicks Options Interchangeables – Nickel 3.25 and Prym Circulars - Metal 2.5

Modifications: Looser gauge and lengthened sleeves

Verdict: A good pattern, and although one might find the lace irritatingly fiddly, it is worth the effort. Recommended.

They are finally done. What a race to get them done; to match the dresses my girls wore for a friend’s wedding last Saturday. The second one was completed literally half an hour before we left for the wedding (about 30 minutes drive away from where we live).

And… They only wore the boleros for another half hour... The sun came out! All that effort to get them done in time! Never mind. Winter approaches…

Look at these little beauties.

2010-08-16T15:12:00.011+01:00

Pattern: Provence Baby Cardigan by Classic Elite

Sizes: 12-18 months and 4-5 years

Yarn: Sirdar Country Style – Greystone

Needles: KnitPicks Options Interchangeables – Nickel 3.25 and 3.5 mm

Modifications: Looser gauge (to get larger size)

Verdict: Great pattern and highly recommended.

I taught myself continental knitting whilst making the first cardigan. It was a bit slow to start with but I soon found my rhythm. I wanted to learn continental knitting because I have heard that it is quicker than English style. With two children under 4 years, I need all the knitting speed I can get. I will keep you posted on this front, but so far, so good.

I finished the second one last weekend. My older daughter was so pleased with hers when it was finished that she danced around in it and (much to my delight) wore to the (windy) beach. It is a tad big on her (probably suited for 4/5 year old) but will see her through at least two winters! I hope…

This End Of

2009-09-27T07:00:00.002+01:00

…the bargain has been fulfilled! I may have not been successful with my yarn diet but I have not cast on a new project since. And that my friends, is quite an achievement with me. And…

I finished my Purple Ripple. Yay!

Pattern: My own
Yarn: Sirdar Country Style – Heather
Needles: 3.75mm and 4 mm
Size: 18 – 24 months

A bit late for intended recipient, who now has a sibling. Hoping it will fit the younger sister.

It did not last…

2009-09-23T22:30:00.001+01:00

Yarn diet! Tcha! No sooner than I said that I would not buy anymore yarn… I went and bought some more…

Recently, I bought this Jaeger yarn (20 skeins!)

and then I bought some more of the lovely Araucania yarn.

But wait for it… I did not stop there! I also bought a skein of Noro yarn.

I can’t wait to cast on with them.

To buy or not to buy?

2009-09-18T22:29:00.001+01:00

That was the question recenlty, when I was surfing the net and found some heavily discounted yarn. How long do you think I lasted?

That’s right a minute and I splashed out on some Debbie Bliss Stella (my first DB yarn ever).

I bought two packs of the yarn enough for some cardies for my girls and something for me. I did not stop there... I also bought a skein of Araucania Ranco Multy, just in case I fancy knitting some socks...

But, I have promised myself that I can only cast on with it, once I finish two of the pending projects. I am a sucker for yarn… I have already spotted something else though.

So you see, I have been busy in the knitting department just not knitting! Must dash now, write soon!

Buttercup!

2009-08-10T07:00:00.002+01:00

It is finally done!

Here she is modeled by my DD1 who loves the cardie.

I have to admit though… My DD has long arms so I have had to extend the sleeves. Other than this I am very pleased with the final outcome.

Now… On to those other projects I have to complete… Watch this space!

The best laid schemes of mice and men…

2009-08-03T07:00:00.012+01:00

Go often askew! What did I say I would do last week?

Ah… Yes… Finish the two buttercup cardigans and start another project by the weekend. Did I do this? NOPE!

What did I do instead? I decided to catalogue all my yarn. That is right, catalogue all of it just so I know what I have. I started on Thursday and finihsed on Saturday. And frankly I needed to do this. I forgot what I had!

I forgot I had this

and asked myself why I bought it… Then I remembered this

and planned more scarves… And I got excited about this

vintage yarn (Sirdar). What will I knit with it? Ahh... Yes... the pleasure of fantasizing... It was all worth it in the end.

This week I will definitely finish one of the Buttercups. I think!

Oh dear!

2009-07-27T10:00:00.007+01:00

I have got startitis and stashitis again. I am dying to cast on for Provence Baby Cardigan (below), one of the projects I have in my queue on Ravelry. I know, I know… the queue down the side needs to be updated and I will do this as soon as possible. I never seem to stick to what I have planned though.

My next project should really be the Lotus Blossom tank

but I fancy casting on for Provence, which I plan to knit two of. One for Elizabeth and one for Catherine. I think I shall knit Catherine’s first, as she is growing rather fast. Then next, Elizabeth’s which I will need to resize, as the pattern only goes up to 24 months. I need to knit it for 2-3 yrs. Any suggestions as to how I resize a pattern.

I know what it is! The thrill of using a new yarn. I have never used Jaeger Aqua before; the yarn I plan to use for Provence. But like LBT, these cardies are planned for august, so I am sure I can cut myself some slack. For now maybe I should just swatch. My goal then is to finish both Buttercups by 31st July – next Friday! Yikes!

As far as stashitis goes… I am not able to cure it quickly. No money in the bank you see... But, I have promised myself that as soon as finish one of my hibernating projects, I can buy more yarn… And now I can also buy from the US (another story!) I don’t know what to do with myself! I must finish that Loll as soon as possible – I only have the sleeves to go. Deadline for this??? Well that depends on how quickly I can knit all the others in the queue to allow me to get back to Loll.

Oh dear!

Nearly a year…

2009-07-20T11:00:00.012+01:00

Has gone by and not much knitting since. But I have been productive! Here is to introducing Elizabeth’s baby sister Catherine.

Catherine was born in May is 8 weeks old. She is a very content baby and loves her older sister and we are very happy to have her. Indeed blessed to have her.

I am currently working on Catherine's first knitted garment i.e. by me. It is the same pattern as the one I have been working on for Elizabeth, which is nearly finished.

My own pattern (Buttercup cardigan) which has evolved as I have gone along… Will share once it is complete.

Aleita is done!

2008-08-16T19:24:00.000+01:00

Yes! I have finally completed her. My verdict

Well, I like (love is too strong a word to use at the moment) her, even though she curls at the bottom, does not quite sit where I want her to nor does she hug me…

But I am sure that after a lovely scented bath, massage and some sun bathing, she will comply.

Then I will love her…

Ravelympics

2008-08-12T17:00:00.006+01:00

It is a sad fact, but I have bowed out of Ravelympics. I was so excited too but…

1. I had not finished Aleita by the start and I did not want to have another UFO
2. I did not fancy knitting to deadline another so soon after the last one, and
3. I had/have lots of domestic stuff to catch up on.

So, from here on in I will be a spectator and not a Ravelympian. It has taken all my strength to make this decision, but I must remain on the sidelines. I am sure that spectating too will bring its own pleasures.

Good luck to all Ravelympians.

Vintage Patterns?

2008-08-09T12:00:00.013+01:00

I don't know what one would call them or when a pattern becomes 'vintage'. But, look what I found in a charity shop last week...

The ones that really caught my eye...

this one because it looks so elegant, and

this one because it reminds me of my Sahara, and finally

this one because I know of two friends' babies in the making.

I know I will never knit all the patterns but they are nice to have and to look at.

Mosaic me!

2008-08-06T12:00:00.000+01:00

I saw Joanna’s mosaic and could not resist the urge. So I came up with this…

1. Tramonto a Castel di Tusa #2, 2. Salmon Gums in the Fog, 3. Lake Tanganyika, 4. Go Green!!!, 5. Johnny Depp, 6. Bombay, 7. Zanzibar Doors 1, 8. vanilla custard: multiple preparations, 9. good friday, 10. Family moments, 11. 19/365- The Luckiest, 12. [16:92] Do not be like the knitter who unravels her strong knitting into piles of flimsy yarn

Questions to answer…

1. What is your first name? Tusa
2. What is your favorite food? Salmon
3. What high school did you go to? Tanganyika
4. What is your favorite color? Green
5. Who is your celebrity crush? I had to think about this one but… Johnny Depp
6. Favorite drink? Bombay Saphire
7. Dream vacation? Zanzibar
8. Favorite dessert? Custard
9. What you want to be when you grow up? Good
10. What do you love most in life? Family
11. One Word to describe you. Lucky
12. Your flickr name. KnitPlosion – I could not find an image for this so I used 'knit'.

Then you plug the answers into flicker search to find images to chose from. Then you plug the image urls into this mosaic maker et voila.

See if you can resist the urge to find out what image you can make.

Figured out…

2008-08-03T12:00:00.007+01:00

It was my row gauge after all! I feel like such an amateur.

Anyway above picture shows my re-workings in an effort to get it right this time.

Hope I can count this time…

Big Aleita Troubles…

2008-07-31T23:28:00.008+01:00

I am having big troubles with Aleita. I am now at the stage where you knit the two fronts. Technically I am about 80% through. This seems to suggest that I could have 2-3 hours of knitting and finish it.

But…

Last night as I was knitting the left front, I noted that it had gone past the back in length. I went back to the pattern and studied it intensely. I recounted the increases etc. and noted that I was on the right track then decided to go to bed.

When I got up this morning however, I recalled another Raveller saying that her armholes were getting far too long and she questioned whether there were too many decreases “after every 3rd row 21 times and then every other row” (to paraphrase) and so on…

I am not sure what to do. I will have to spend time reading up on people’s knitting adventures with Aleita before I can carry on – frogging is out of the question. This suggests that I will miss the KAL deadline (31st July - today). However, I might still be in time to join Ravelympics.

I Can’t Count

2008-07-21T12:00:00.000+01:00

A few nights ago I got to the part in the Aleita pattern where you split for the front. I was rather pleased with myself when I read through and managed to follow the pattern to the letter; except that it appeared off centre. The preparation for the armhole did not seem to match with the side seam decreases…

So I slept over it and by the following morning I decided that frogging Aleita to that place where I should have had a lifeline (yes I got cocky and did not put one in…) would be wise. Not wanting to wait any longer I frogged her.

Then I counted, as I should have counted much earlier in the pattern when it asks you to mark the start of the round and half way around the knitting. Ahem, after convincing myself that the designer had got it wrong and having mentally written a note to her pointing out this error; I decided to count again. Yes, I am afraid I had miscounted at the beginning. I have one side seam off centre by about five stitches.

Now, here is where I get to pigeon hole myself. I read somewhere that you can fall into one of two types of knitters.

1. those who are perfectionists or
2. those who accept the imperfections in their efforts

The first would see me frog Aleita to the beginning. This prospect I could not bear to think about. Therefore, this left me with the second option. Given that the garment is for me, and that this slight imperfection makes it that much more unique. I can live with it as long as I make sure this is the only unconscious imperfection or ‘tailoring’ I make to the garment.

As for which camp I fall into… I am (I think) a pragmatist at times. If the garment were smaller and perhaps a gift, I probably would have frogged it to the beginning.

Yours truly still counting…

Guess what arrived in the post this week?

2008-07-17T13:58:00.008+01:00

Rowan 44 in commemoration of Rowan's 30th anniversary…

And the patterns are gorgeous. The one I want to knit the most is Fontaine…

But it will have to wait until the queue is shorter…

If you have not got a copy yet visit these blogs for a preview.

Blocking Frenzy!

2008-07-11T12:00:00.000+01:00

Why? Oh why? Oh why? Did I never listen to anyone about blocking? I have finally come around to it. How?

Well, the other day I was listening to the Knit Picks podcast. Kelley Petkun mentioned that when she prepares her knitted garments for blocking she washes (by hand) then spins it in the washing machine to get the water out efficiently. I tried it and it works beautifully.

I now realize that what held me back with blocking, was my inability to get the water out of the garment without wringing it. I found this rather difficult. And of course, I could not get the water out to lay the garment out properly. I therefore ended up with rather badly blocked garments. This also meant my knitted garments went for a while before I decided to wash them… Yes, really…

Anyway, I tried this new method with my Roadster as it was looking rather sad and it came out very well. Then, I blocked Sweet and she came out rather smart. I am now blocking Onza before I move on to Forecast. Although… I don’t have the schematics for this so not sure what to block to. Has anyone ever got the schematics? I am on a roll!

See ya!

My Forecast

2008-07-06T12:00:00.006+01:00

…is finally done.

Yes! My Forecast is finished. I am still dancing around as I type this.

It took 18 months to complete but I am very pleased with it. It was worth it. I have yet to block it though…

The Yarn is Here...

2008-07-03T12:00:00.001+01:00

(Sung to the tune of 'My Way')

And now
The yarn is here
I am still excited

And then
I sit and think
What lies before me

Some swatching
Some frantic knitting
And restless nights

Chorus:
I sit,
Try to sit still
But I’m still aquiver

I am
I’m still excited
At what I am making

I know
The journey is long
But it will be worth it

In the end
When all is done
I will have made Aleita

Repeat chorus

I am so excited…

2008-06-29T12:00:00.000+01:00

And I just can’t hide it! Whilst revisiting blogs and drumming up interest in my EZ Prize Draw, I rediscovered the Sexy Knitters Club. How did I let that slip for such a long time? I have decided to join the current SKC KAL so that I can knit Aleita Shell by Bonne Marie Burns Published in Interweave Knits, Spring 2008 .

The suggested yarn for the vest Plymouth Linen Isle which is a DK yarn with a gauge of 21 stitches and 28 rows in Stockinette on 4.0 mm needles (for the vest). I have decided use Muskat by Drops Designs which is also a DK yarn but 100% Egyptian mercerized cotton. It has the same gauge in stockinette and on same size needles. Looking at the comments on Ravelry, others have substituted successfully with other yarn; so I hope it will workout. I am going for the second size which will have 0-1” negative ease.

I can’t wait until the yarn arrives. This is the only downside to buying online. The wait. It feels like I have been on a yarn diet for a long time but I am sure I have bought yarn recently. Perhaps I was not as excited before, as I am about this project.

While I was shopping, at one of my favorite haunts – Scandinavian Kitting Design, I added some yarn for Trellis for my little girl. Might as well – postagewise… That was my justification anyway. I can wait to knit that too, and as it happens both are on my Ravelry queue.

Now, all I have to do is be very strict with myself and finish my Forecast this weekend so that I can start Aleita and be finished in time for the Knitting Olympics which I am really keen to take part in.

Wish me luck!

And the winner is…

2008-06-25T20:23:00.004+01:00

Blakdove! Congratulations! I will be contacting you via Ravelry for postal address details. Well done you and looking forward to seeing more of your projects. Yes I did have a snoop around all the entrants’ projects. Some fab knitting going on out there. Where do you all find the time?

Last but certainly not least... commiserations from Elizabeth,to those who did not win. Better luck next time and thank you for coming to play.

Until next time my friends.

EZ Book - Prize Draw

2008-06-13T14:30:00.007+01:00

Last year, I bought a few Elizabeth Zimmerman books. I wanted to find out what everyone was talking about plus I wanted to knit that “Baby Surprise Jacket”. I trawled the net to find EZ books at the most competitive prices. One supplier sent me two copies of the same book. This one…

I forgot all about it, until I decided to transfer my knitting from one end of our living room to another. After much deliberation about what to do with this extra book, I have decided to offer it up to you my readers for free. All you have to do is leave your Ravelry name in the comments section; providing you don’t mind being added to my Ravelry friends list, so I can visit your blog and checkout your projects.

The draw will take place on 20th June (extended to 24th) and the winner will be announced here and contacted via Ravelry.

Good Luck!

More knitting betrayals

2008-06-09T20:30:00.017+01:00

The ‘other’ interests... More than week has passed and I have managed to snatch a few moments to post – twice!

In my former post I mentioned my other craft interests. I only managed to post about one – card making. So today I thought I should share my relatively recent experiences with another interest; machine sewing and/or dressmaking.

About a month ago, I was looking for a dress for my little one. A nagging thought reminded me that I have always wanted to make little dresses. I ignored it. After getting Elizabeth and I sorted and ready for an outing, we set off into town. I could not find anything I liked. I came home rather dissatisfied and I decided that if I want a particular dress in a specific colour, then I should make it.

So, I ordered a few patterns from Jaycotts and few days later the patterns arrived.

I thought it would all be straight forward and I could just get to it and get started… Oh noooo! How wrong I was. Instead I was faced with this…

And wondered whether I was meant to understand it???? I reviewed my collection of sewing books then found one with some help…

A visit to the library elicited this…

Next, I decided to buy some fabric and notions and this is what I got…

Later, I showed that pattern to Elizabeth’s Godmother, who is very good with her sewing machine. She tells me that the pattern I have selected is very simple but… She also noticed that I had diligently cut out duplicates of the pattern (in the size required). Apparently, I don’t need to do this!!!! All I need to do is cut out the bigger size then fold it in for the smaller sizes. I feel like such a beginner. I know... I am... It all reminds me of my knitting beginnings. Although that was the wrong way around - I skipped stages like swatching and much to my horror the garments either grew after washing and/or looked nothing like the ones in the patterns.

Apparently, after the cut, sewing is pretty straight forward. Just joining up the pieces, they say. Feeling rather nervous, I decided that I need a decent pair of scissors to make my life easier.

Do I hear procrastination out there? I still have not cut out the pieces…

Another work in progress for flickr. Until next time my friends.

Home Coming!

2008-06-06T10:22:00.003+01:00

Hey! Look who came back from Afghanistan yesterday…

…here is Elizabeth showing Ian the new routine to “Row your boat” of course… One must get their priorities right!

Time Flies...

2008-05-29T14:08:00.022+01:00

Where does the time go? It seems only yesterday when I declared my return to blogland, only to have a few months pass me by again. I know though that I am not on my own on this one.

Since I last blogged, very little knitting has taken place. Only one project to boast about and when it was finished it was too small for my little girl. She can squeeze in though, probably for another month or so…

Podcasts have really kept me going. At the moment I am really hooked on Ready Set Knit staring Kathy and Steve and featuring various guests with Pixie in a great supporting role. Cast On by Brenda Dayne is still a regular on my listening list too; and I miss her weekly editions.

I have also had the occasional visit to Ravelry. Can you believe that??? Occasional visit!!! Once upon a time, I visited Ravelry two or three times a day if not more… Those of you, who have left messages for me here and on Ravelry, thank you so much. I will reply to your questions as soon as I can.

I also have a confession. I have been unfaithful to knitting!!!! That said, many of you have mentioned in the past that knitters tend to have more than one crafting interest. Just take a look at Marietta. Where does she get the energy?? My one newish interest is card making; there are more believe me, but this one has renewed interest for a number of reasons some of which are:

- Near instant gratification
- Very quick, complete in less than 4 hours
- Easy to manage with toddler
- "A change is as good as a rest"
- Quick feedback from recipients

Most feedback has been good; except one who told me not put their age on future cards. Shop bought card for that one in future… Maybe. I know, I should have thought about that one a bit more… If that were knitting… Any way a sample of the cards completed so far…

Oh and they are not my designs. They are from You Can Craft. Suits me so far and would recommend for anyone getting into card making. I love the freebees you get with it, probably why the price tag is on the hefty side. Who's birthday next?

Until next time (not sure when) and enjoy your crafting.

I am Back!

2008-02-23T21:51:00.012Z

I think. It is amazing how much a young one occupies ones time. The last time I wrote here was before Christmas. In that time I had lots of knitting plans but I tell you, my eyes were bigger than my time! But look at my little one...

The Evergreen stocking for Elizabeth never got done, Forecast never got finished although I am still working on it but, I persevered with the little number below just to make sure I kept my finger in there.

The magazines have really kept me going however Interweave Knits has somewhat taken me aback and I am not so sure I like the new look. Perhaps it needs to grow on me, or I just don’t like change…

I will keep it short just to make sure I return. Until next time, that is if I have any readers still…

It is finally done!

2007-11-30T00:11:00.000Z

Yes but for one button, Sahara is complete and not without challenges. It has been a long journey for such a small cardigan which my poor daughter will be subjected to wearing for a while.

And there have been some lessons along the way. Now I know…

- There is a reason people stick to EZ’s percentage system and not tinker with it… I did and came up with short sleeves which I had to extend then after that noticed that the decreases were very noticeable. Something I can live with but notable.

- That I should have just bought Sweater Wizard before attempting this little project. It would have saved me lots of time and angst that is why someone came up with the programme.

- How to calculate garment (read sweater) proportions and I would have never known that one needs to pick up fewer stitches than rows for the button band so that it does not pucker.

- Why designers are called such… It takes a lot of figuring out to come up with a garment that hangs together and looks good. I bow to them.

One day, I will write out the pattern and offer it out for free…

Finishing Sahara

2007-11-10T17:40:00.000Z

I am nearly there. I am not idling, I promise. I would have been there had my calculations been correct. Can you spot the difference in this photo?

You got it in one. One sleeve is shorter than the other. The reason for this is that I am reknitting to extend them. When I finished the collar the other week, the garment looked fine but unbalanced as far as I was concerned… Unless of course one is going for the ¾ sleeve length. I then looked at Elizabeth’s arms… I was way off with the length. Much to my annoyance I had to frog a bit and restart. But I am nearly there now.

It has been an adventure, as there has been a lot of frogging and restarting. The collar was a challenge and I am pleased with how it turned out. When I knit this again in the future, I will change a few things, but they are minor to note now.

Talking of notes, if I had to write the pattern to this… Let’s just say that I started off with good intentions and because of my frustrations along the way, I lost sight of notation.

Voila! The next time you see her she will be complete and on my model.

So what else have I been up to? I will update you soon, but I have also been catching up with Knitpicks podcast. I am really enjoying it and the lessons therein. A bit like an audio knitting book. Great stuff.

Start how you mean to go on…

2007-10-24T10:16:00.000+01:00

What did you say I should be doing with this, Mummy?

Needles next, my sweet pea…

Knitting Fool?

2007-10-01T20:50:00.000+01:00

One would say so. The other day I had a random thought, to keep me inspired with knitting. Well, knitting little hats that is… What if I visited Knitting Fool when ready, and whatever stitch was featured that day would be the one I use for the hat?

Good one I thought, as long as it is not lace stitch as the hat has to be functional. Never mind that I have a stitch dictionary that I could peruse at my leisure. Anyway, I settled Elizabeth. Did some housework then went online. With much anticipation I surfed my way to Knitting Fool… Wait for it… K2P2 was the stitch featured!

Who is the knitting fool? And the stitch featured today? Double mock ribbing…

p.s. photos are from knitting fool, I hope she does not mind as I did not ask permission.

Knitting Sails…

2007-09-28T16:31:00.001+01:00

The other day I had a panic. Not a major one but enough to put some wind up my knitting sails.

It was a rather cool day and I was out and about with Elizabeth. Then I started to think about the winter and how much I am looking forward to Elizabeth’s first Christmas. Then thought about how many sweaters and cardigans I could knit for her. STOP! What about the little things… What little things? I asked Jiminy. Mittens, Hats etc. Oops! I had completely neglected this. So, when I got home and declared to Ian that I would be knitting hats for Elizabeth.

There was a part of me that also appreciated quick and easy knitting for quicker results… Yup! At least one FO this year! But… I am not an experienced hat knitter, so where to start? All the books came out (not magazines that would be too easy). Ravelry and Flicker were searched. I was after a basic baby hat. After much flapping I decided to find one with a pattern and adapt it. I should have started here I would have finished the hat that night!!!! Anyway, I looked at the many baby knitting leaflets I have picked up and found one.

Without even thinking I cast on using dpns. The pattern did not call for these and tension was igonred for brevity. When it came to changing needle size I got stuck. No 4mm dpns in sight. You see, I inherited the dpns and assumed I would have the right size in there. So necessity being the mother of …. I recalled a blog I read where two circular needles were used instead. Well, I only had one set of 4mm needles so I used 3.75mm for the second set (bought the second 4mm the next day).

It was quite satisfying seeing the little hat grow and then finally worn by Elizabeth. Now I have to knit mittens to match too.

Darn Typical!

2007-09-25T20:21:00.000+01:00

There I am minding my own business. Elizabeth and I had just come from a music group at the library. This, I might add, is two minutes away from my LYS…

Anyway, we stopped in there. Elizabeth was not too pleased about this and proceeded to screech, while we were in there. My time in there was limited. Then it happened, I looked up… And I saw the exact same ‘Belle’ pattern including rib on an adult’s sweater, top actually but I didn’t care at that moment. Then I wanted to take a sneaky photo to show you on here but Elizabeth put her foot down. So I memorised that it was a Patons pattern in their vintage yarn.

When I told my husband about this, He very sagely said that it is the same with music – there aren’t many ‘original’ pieces…

Janey and Sarah - thank you for the encouragement.

Original Belle?

2007-09-23T20:42:00.000+01:00

Is there such a thing as an original pattern out there? Here I am figuring out a pattern, well I already have and I am knitting it. I really wanted to knit a baby cardigan with a 'bell' fringe at the bottom. Yes this bit is common... I have seen it in many books including on of Debbie Bliss’. The difference is that I decided to rib the body so that it looks like this.

As for the name, well, this is where this blog comes in… Nope! I am not asking for a poll as I have already decided but in the future I might hold a "name that pattern" contest. For now, I narrate my adventures. I decided to call it Megan initially, after the person it is knitted for. Then I decided to call it Bell, then the other day I amended this to Belle.

Later whilst updating Ravelry, I had to refer to a Patons pattern book. What did I find in there? A similar pattern excluding the ribbing called Bella! Fancy that!

She is growing…

2007-09-21T15:53:00.000+01:00

We are weaning Elizabeth. She is rolling over and wanting to crawl. She can say ‘tata’ or was that ‘dada’? We know she can say abooo! We hear it at night! All in all we are having so much fun that I have not had time to knit! Literally!

Happy!

Yesterday, for example, we went to a baby signing class. The classes are interesting and it is impressive to see the little ones watching intently. Especially when they realise that they can use their limbs a lot more than before. Elizabeth has somehow managed to grasp ‘stop!’ at meal times. I might be imagining this, as it seems to be combined with ‘pick me up’ and cuddle me – usually nuzzling into my chest with pureed carrot still on her face. And carrot stains… The top or the baby? No brainer…

More...

Back to knitting… Ravelry has put the wind up my sails again and I need to make time for my knitting especially as I will soon be cataloguing my hibernating projects. Perish the thought!

p.s. I left out some details on the baby signing classes’ front. Yesterday, on the way back we went over dog poo with Elizabeth’s push chair; whilst she screamed all the way home (half an hour), because I thought I could get away without feeding her until we got home. To compound the problem, she only had 20 minutes for her lunch time nap. Needles to say we had lots of cuddles later

Ravelry!!!!

2007-09-19T23:46:00.000+01:00

I received the invite last week. It read as follows…

“Hey there,frecklegirl has invited you to Ravelry!"Here you go! Thanks for your interest in our little site.Let me know if you have any questions or problems!Jess”

I am so excited!!!! And now I am photographing my stash and I am finding yarn of yesteryear.

I have also been browsing other people’s projects especially those I would like to tackle in the future and... you can cue future projects. It is such a great tool and it is huge!

The good thing about it is you can do little bits at a time which comes in handy with my little one. Oh and the other day I found this hibernating…

A Kim Hargreaves pattern from Rowan Magazine 32 - Pearl in Wool Cotton. Why have I not finished it???? I still like the pattern and yarn.

Blocking Sahara

2007-08-22T20:42:00.001+01:00

So much to tell all and so little time. Well, I finished the main part of Sahara and blocked her. Yes blocked her, which also means that my blocking board is finished. Finally! And thanks to Ian.
So, once the board was finished there was no excuse for not blocking Sahara and here she is in all her glory…
well not quite as I have the collar and button bands to complete. I am happy with her so far. I also discovered another thing about myself; I love to see the finished pieces laid out on my blocking board. So much so, that I kept Sahara on the board for nearly two weeks! Does anyone else do the same?

Meanwhile, thanks to Marietta’s advice on how to use Sweater Wizard (fab software there is no stopping me now!) I started another project. Can’t quite decide what I am going to call it but it is for a friend’s baby. And if all turns out well I could knit that one for Elizabeth too. I will elaborate on this project next time…
I leave you with our little one’s photo.

More Jabs…

2007-08-02T20:43:00.000+01:00

My little girl had her third lot of jabs today. It was horrible but she did not cry for long. After a drink for Elizabeth that is, although I could have done with a tall one myself, we ventured out to head home. And what did I spot?

This lot outside a Sue Ryder Care charity shop. Aahh… Now that was almost as good as a G&T.

p.s. I have been meaning to post this for a whole week! Fancy that for time warp.

Book Comment – Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter

2007-07-26T20:55:00.000+01:00

Oh my goodness! I have just finished reading 'Yarn Harlot' by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. It is such a good read. I found it a very inspiring, light and cheerful read. You know how they say a book comes to you when you need it. Well… I think they say this or I might have made this one up. Anyway, I think it was the exact right time to read this book for me. Whilst I read it for my knitting interest it offered indirect advice on parenting.

I especially appreciated the last few chapters (in connection to parenting) where Stephanie compares her parenting experience to knitting shawls for her babies. And notes that she learnt as her family grew but regrets (with her first one) that she spent too much time cleaning and less time rocking (I paraphrase here). This resonated with me and as I have recently been preoccupied (read obsessed!) with Elizabeth’s sleeping. After reading this book, I have decided (don’t know how long it will last…) to still manage the sleeping but not let it take over. I am refocusing to also take care of those periphery (and some central) issues and relations which help make the whole (another paraphrase from the book). Funny how one learns something from a very surprising source.

On the knitting front, I also found that Stephanie provided logic behind certain techniques. For example, using her witty manner she gives reasons for why some patterns call for separate knitting of the button/collar band. I this found pertinent to my current knitting adventure – Sahara. Progress report on latter to follow; needless to say I have had some adventures.

p.s. I did not call this a book review because it is not a proper review on content, style etc. And I am sure it has been done elsewhere.

In My Backyard…

2007-07-19T21:42:00.000+01:00

It has been a while since I blogged… The sleep stuff with Elizabeth went haywire. We tried controlled crying, medication, cuddling, rocking, walking, gradual retreat etc. – some of this on Elizabeth too. As for controlled crying – she was controlling, while I was crying… The upshot of it all is (and I am nervous about typing this... fingers crossed) that she has started settling herself. Not counting my chicks though…

Now, about my backyard. If you saw the comments from others on my last entry you would have noticed that Jo left a message about her stand at a fair in my town. So last Saturday morning, I bundled our little treasure in her pram and set about finding the venue, a mere ten minutes from home. I got there rather eager to see what was on sale and I was not disappointed. Jo welcomed me very warmly and she had lovely stuff on her stand. Having forgotten to take my camera I can’t show it here; but she had felted bags, sewn cushions, hand spun yarn. Oh, the joy when I saw what she had.
And while Jo was there she was spinning and gave me a brief introduction to spinning. I was also impressed by her thirst to learn more via City and Guilds qualifications. Not only this but also her eagerness to share her learning with other people. We only spent about 20 minutes chatting but we covered recycling, spinning, toe up socks and possible workshops. Oh, and babies. On the former she noted that she would be keen to run workshops in my town. Oh, the joy at hearing all this - can you tell how excited I was? I want to learn to knit socks properly. I am still a novice. My last attempt is about to be ‘scarfed’… Anyway, I enhanced my stash with above yarn - Crown Mountain Farm superwash - which might turn into a Baby Surprise Jacket. I have a whole other story on this too… Time is short though so maybe next time.

Meanwhile visit Jo’s online shop – LimeGreenJelly too. She has some fab stuff.

Subscriptions

2007-07-09T16:16:00.000+01:00

The other day I received the latest Knitting magazine (British). After a long break from the knitting world, I welcomed it and sat down to browse. Lo! What happened while I was away making a baby and did not have time to appreciate the magazine? The set up is all new. It looks rather snazzy.

However… I can’t quite put my finger on it but… I also felt really let down. Why? I don’t think there was a single pattern in there that inspired me. There is not one pattern that made me want! Or made me think I need to get the yarn for it. Instead, I flicked through it rather quickly and sighed at the end. I am hoping that things get better as I have a subscription.

Perhaps after a fourth look something will appeal to me. Or maybe I should just be thankful that I am not coveting yet another cardi. As you my have noticed I love cardigans.

Talking of which, I finished Elizabeth’s little cardi and here it is

It has not been worn yet, but I think she needs a few more weeks before she can fill it adequately. When she does, I will post a photograph here so that you can see how it looks on her. I love it and I think I will make another one in the future but with a different lace pattern and maybe with a cotton yarn.

Froth

2007-07-06T15:13:00.000+01:00

Oh it is a long road to that sleep rhythm, but we are getting there. Meanwhile, the whole exercise leaves me frequently frothing at the mouth, as a result of biting down on my lower lip once to often. I hate to hear Elizabeth cry.

Yesterday, I received this...

...through the post from Rowan as the membership gift; to knit "Lauryn Shawl" by Lisa Richardson in All Seasons Cotton (Pansy). I am toying with the idea of knitting Trellis with the yarn for Elizabeth but I am not too sure about the colour on her. I think it might be too dark. From swatch photo on the Rowan website I thought it would be lighter than it is.

Receiving the package brought back memories of another Rowan subscription gift I knitted ages ago (2005, I think). I love Kidsilk haze, and was really excited when I got the gift to knit "Froth" in Trance.

It was such a pleasure to knit. Because of this I decided to knit a hat to go with it. It turned out really well until I washed it. It now looks like this.
I am not really sure what to do with it as it is too big. I had a flower on the front but once the hat got too big the flower drooped over my forehead. Sad really. I am thinking of felting the hat but I have never done this before. So, I will experiment with putting it in with some wash and seeing how it looks after that. The alternative might be to thread the hat with some knitting elastic I bought last year. Any suggestions on how to make the hat wearable again?

Sahara

2007-07-04T15:58:00.000+01:00

It has been a while since I wrote anything, but I have also been visiting other people's blogs. Meanwhile, I have not been able to write anything, as Elizabeth’s sleeping was thrown out of whack by the vaccinations. So we are back to square one, but hopefully it will not be long before she resumes her rhythm.

Elizabeth’s cardigan was finished on Saturday i.e. the knitting finished on Saturday. But because I have not been able to do much, the sewing and blocking has not been completed. I am hoping as I type this that she will sleep for at least an hour, so that I can complete that little cardi. And show it here... otherwise you will see the semi finished article.

I am also dabbling in designing, if one can call it that. I am going to be using the yarns below to create something for my little one (orginally intended for someone else).

The design is called Sahara. Knowing that there is another design out there called by the same name, I feel obliged to explain why mine is called Sahara.

About a year ago while watching Michael Palin travel across Africa, I spied a wonderful Kanga/Chitenge while he boarded a train in the Sahara desert. Because it caught my eye so much, I wondered whether I could reinterpret the pattern for a cardigan. I quickly drafted a sketch and ordered the yarn. Remember this entry? I think I have now worked out the dimensions. My only hope is that it turns out. My poor daughter is going to be subjected to wearing it regardless!

That thing called 'Tension'…

2007-06-27T16:50:00.000+01:00

Well I am tense. Remember I said that Elizabeth’s cardigan was looking big? Well it is big. I am too far gone to frog it and besides she can still wear it later. But I am frustrated that it is not turning out the way I wanted it to. The pattern calls for 22 stitches and 36 rows; I made three tension swatches and ended up with 20 x 38 (on needle size called for in the pattern), 21 x 38 and 23 x 40.

I decided to go for the middle tension. I made this decision without really thinking it though. If there are fewer stitches it means that the fabric produced will be looser and more likely to be on the larger side. Had I thought it through I would have gone for the last tension and managed the length of the cardigan; which is easy to do as it is the length you work to in the pattern not the number of rows. That cardigan would have probably ended up closer to the size intended. Added to this there are no schematics to measure against. So I am a little disappointed…

On the brighter side of things, Elizabeth is growing so fast that she will be wearing this cardigan in the not too distant future. With this in mind I am determined to have this little cardigan completed by Sunday.

And by the way, I also came across these via flicker. Is it not great that there are other similar ones out there? I have not read the pattern through to see who the designer is but I bet it is derived from Elizabeth Zimmerman’s February Sweater. I love looking at other people’s projects. Why did I not think about adding more buttons? I will have to knit the original to redeem myself.

The Day After…

2007-06-22T22:51:00.000+01:00

It was not too bad after all. Yes, Elizabeth screamed her head off to start with. It was heart wrenching stuff. We had cuddles afterwards and took it easy. She was better for it. Last night was a struggle though. She was very restless and the fact that her dad came back added to all the excitement.

We had some dramas… Nappies were changed in quick succession. And remember the sleeping bags? Well, we had a new one on last night and that got soiled. Some throwing up too… Then she wanted to go to bed with mummy; so we did. But because I was expecting to get up soon after, we slept on top and in the middle of the bed. That left little room for Ian. Bless him, he decided to sleep in the living room until I came down to collect him. He was all cramped up on our sofa.

Elizabeth’s thighs are still sore but she is better today. Taking it easy also included some knitting progress. So her cardigan looks like this so far…

And the sleeves…

Oh, and I asked hubby if he could complete that blocking board but I can’t find the fabric! How frustrating is that?

Think of us tomorrow… Needles

2007-06-20T23:21:00.000+01:00

Today, as I gave Elizabeth her bath and prepared her for bed, I cast my mind forward. Tomorrow, we are going to our local surgery in order for her to receive her second lot of vaccinations - yikes! I also thought how funny it was that I spent some of the afternoon today, knitting with her on my lap, and taking great care to ensure she was not poked with the knitting needles. Yet, tomorrow I will be holding her on my lap and letting two people poke her in the thigh.

For the first lot of jabs, Ian came with me. My little girl did not know what was happening and let out such a cry during the jabs. I held her while it happened and Ian stood behind me. Once it was all over I cuddled her and then gave her a little feed. I did not cry (then) but watched over her very carefully. Elizabeth slept for most of the afternoon after a little Calpol (she spat out most of it). Then, I made the mistake of waking her up (gently) for her bedtime preparation. I had (until then) never heard her cry with such pain before! I started bawling too. My poor hubby did not know who to console first. We soon calmed down and changed Elizabeth without the bath etc., then cuddled and settled her.

So you see, I am not looking forward to tomorrow. I am dreading it. I will be without Ian and I know Elizabeth will be sleepy and unhappy for at least two days after. Think of us tomorrow…
On the knitting front her cardigan is coming along nicely. Yes, this afternoon I also thought about blocking it before I assemble it. Then I remembered that I have not finished that blocking board... I was so close! I am such a starter... I need to finish a number of things - just look at the project bars down the side here. Let’s not mention stash busting (nil) and stash enhancing (lots) efforts...

Current W.I.P.

2007-06-17T23:44:00.000+01:00

I could not think of a more imaginative title than above. Creative juices are a bit low this late in the day! But, I wanted to share a picture of my current W.I.P. This is the pattern from UK Hand Knitting Association...

It currently looks like this…

Knit as one piece up to the arms, then sleeves seperately. It should be quick but for time...
I am not sure whether I have got the tension right. In fact, when I did the swatches, I was off a bit, so I chose the closest. It might not have been that close after all. We will see when I am done. It just kind of looks too big for Elizabeth right now, although it is meant to be just right.

Talking of which, I am finding buying/receiving clothes for Elizabeth rather interesting. Every time I purchase or receive something, I think it will be fine for the future. By the time I get it out she has nearly outgrown the item. What to do? Only this morning dear hubby noted that her vest was too tight (I double checked and it was); she only got into it two weeks ago!

I better go before she outgrows my current W.I.P.!

Reminiscing

2007-06-15T23:30:00.000+01:00

Today we experimented… well we just changed a couple of things about Elizabeth’s bed time routine. We brought it forward which meant she had to stay up longer in the afternoon (she was not happy with a few winks here and there) and we put her in her spanking new grobag (I am sure she is thankful for this – no loss of warmth). This combination seems to have done the trick. She has been asleep since 8.30 (now 11.30 pm) with minor complaints in between. And she did not put up much of a fight when we put her to bed. So, tomorrow I am going shopping to pick up some more of these little beauties for my great beauty.

Today, I also spent some time thinking about the lead up to Elizabeth’s birth. We had some dramas (which will no doubt fill these pages in the future). Being superstitious we did not buy very much until January, which meant we went into a shopping frenzy once I went on maternity leave. But this also meant there was so much to do and being heavily pregnant was a challenge at this time. Not only was I tired and lacked sleep but I also had oedema and carpal tunnel. This last bit has not disappeared completely. I am thankful that I did not have morning sickness on top of this. And yes, we panicked that we would not be ready in time.

Anyway, the point of my recollection is that I wondered why I did not blog much; I was not idle. I was also busy on the craft front. My major challenge was to wield my huge belly in an effort to make new interlined curtains for Elizabeth’s nursery. They look like this.

I am now selling these beautiful interlined silk curtains which were the previous window dressing.

Yes, I made those too. I say this because I am proud of them and I know a number of people who say curtain making is not a big deal. It is to me!

Knit and Natter!

2007-06-13T23:31:00.000+01:00

Ah well! It all started with good intentions. So there we were, four mums, four babes and four intentions to knit. What we did not count on were three intentions to fill their nappies! Our little flowers had other ideas for our hour and a bit.

We all rolled into my home, made teas, sat down and got the needles out. Then the babies declared their intentions. They all wanted to eat, and then the majority decided they wanted their nappies changed. Then they wanted to be cuddled [to sleep]. What was it that we had planned? Ah yes, knit and natter - I am ‘really’ getting the hang of motherhood; don’t plan anything! We managed to natter but the knitting…

Still determined, we consoled ourselves that talking about knitting counted. Only one of us managed to use knitting needles in the time; to cast on for a hat using this yarn in 'air'. The pattern is from Rowan magazine # 26. I was jealous. Hopefully, I can show you the progress here in future.

Although… I did manage to show off my current project. It is progressing nicely and keeping me sane on the knitting front. I no longer feel desperate to knit, as I have taken heed from Marietta and employed that sling. Wonderful things. But, as luck would have it I am also tempted to run around and do other things instead. Those quiet moments are few and far between.

That said, I would not have it any other way. It makes it all worthwhile that my current w.i.p. is for our little one. Oh and that second cardigan in __ months…

Any tips???

2007-06-11T23:34:00.000+01:00

And now Elizabeth is fast asleep. Bless her! I am looking forward to tomorrow. As mentioned before a bunch of mums and babes are coming over for a knit and natter.

Since the last post, I have tried to get on with some knitting. I figure if I am to post any knitting related articles here, I have to get on with some knitting, no? So, whilst Elizabeth is asleep in my arms (she refuses to be put down during the day), I knit using circular needles to save the poor child from being poked by her mother.

Any tips out there on how to manage knitting and babe, when babe refuses to sleep elsewhere but mummy’s arms?

Oh and last time I mentioned that I knitted a couple of cardi’s for Elizabeth before she was born. Here is one.

I still have not managed to photograph the other. Time! Things I used to take for granted…

Introducing…

2007-06-09T22:51:00.000+01:00

…little Elizabeth. Well it has been a very long time since I blogged. In the interim we had our little girl who was born on 10th March weighing 8lb 2oz. It was a long labour but still went according to our birth plan. We are both very proud parents of Elizabeth who delights us all the time. We love her very much!!!!

On the knitting front… I have only managed two baby cardigans in the time! I so miss knitting and hope I will get back into it soon. Next Tuesday I have other mothers from my antenatal group visiting for a knit and natter. Perhaps this is the beginning of it all again, or maybe I should just give up on sleep…

Forecast's Progress

2007-01-02T19:15:00.000Z

Oh what a day. Today was my first day working from home this year. It was quite nice not having to battle the commuting masses for seats on the train but I must make sure to get some fresh air and see other people at some point!

Not a long blog update but I wanted to share my progress with Forecast so far.

I was very pleased to be able to get this yarn in the UK from Pavi Yarns. It apparently arrived within two days of ordering – this had to be kept secret you see, because I would have stolen a look. Would I really? Really???

I have not shared pictures of my attempt to knit socks properly for dear hubby so herewith a photo of that too… I got to a critical point (the heel) and thought the needles needed a rest! Mmmhhhh….

My first socks, and heartburn

2006-12-29T03:56:00.000Z

It is 3.00 in the morning. I can’t sleep because I have heartburn. I need sleep but it won’t come. Elusive when it chooses. Instead, I decide to get some milk (helps with the acid reflux) and blog. As we are on hols it is the only chance I will get to sit at the computer... Dear hubby is glued to it most of the time – that is most of the time he is not doing other things asked to, such as decorating that nursery… That is another story of its own.

Anyway, thought it was about time you heard from me. The bump is getting bigger and my knitting mojo is still with me. Since my last blog, I also completed small project and started (yet) another big project. I made these for my mother-in-law who appreciates a fine thing or two; and she was very pleased when we gave them to her as part of her present. She put them on immediately. I was pleased to see that they fit snugly.

They are done in Rowan Kid Classic yarn, which is a favourite of mine. This was my first time knitting socks and I was surprised at how easy these ones were, however there is one down side to them. Simple as they are, they have a seam on the inside of the foot. As this is my first time knitting socks, I thought I was allowed to get away with this. The pattern was taken out of this book (I not on commission, honest!)

As for the other project… Yes, I started another and have not yet finished any of the other big ones listed down the side. It is called Forecast! I know a number of you have already knit this little number, so I have decided to join in. More about that later. Meanwhile, I panic that I have no desire to knit little things yet…

Your nursery ideas are needed

2006-11-24T19:06:00.000Z

Thank you all for your kind reassurances. After much angst and deliberation we have decided that I should stop commuting in 3 weeks time – we are 6.5 months now.

(I am blooming!)

There are a number of considerations we have had to take account of:-

- I spend 4 hours commuting – door to door
- As I get bigger – it is taking me longer to traverse distances which were previously deemed ‘short’
- By the time I get to my return train, most seats are taken
- Nobody, absolutely nobody will stand to give a pregnant woman a seat
- Much as I love my job it is stressful

Ian and I agreed that the aggregate of above might have negative effects on our health. So, I work for another 3 weeks in London and finish with working from home for another 3 weeks in January.

Then, the other day one of my friends sent me a little mum-to-be package in the post. It contained contact details for non toxic paint suppliers (for nursery) and an overview of child development (benefits of different sounds at certain stages) among other things. She will also be giving me all her terry nappies, as I am keen not use disposables and she will lend me her Moses basket as she thinks babies do not spend much time in them so worth borrowing. She is so generous, lovely and considerate. Sarah I love you!

I am on the scrounge for ideas for the nursery. We do not know the sex (will find out at birth) and not sure of essential furniture/equipment. Sarah has already given me some tips but would also be good to hear from you knit sibs. So what is essential and what is a waste of time? Which makes are good and which are also good value for money?

Oh and the book from whence the knitting adventure came from is Textured Knits by Julia Cooper. There are other interesting knits in the book. My verdict of the project completed is that it is quick to complete, has lovely combination of yarn (I love the feel). Only one downside to it – it curls inwards? Aargh! That blocking board I started over the summer will need to be polished off for things like this.

Fellow adventurers how goes your project?

My, aren’t you big!

2006-11-19T19:06:00.000Z

Isn’t it funny how once you are pregnant you become public property. You receive comments you would not otherwise. I wonder whether everyone who has gone though pregnancy has had the same response. Whilst I appreciate the attention I am also intrigued. I expected everyone to want to stroke my belly but actually they have kept their hands to themselves. It must be something in my body language. But… They do open their mouths! The conversation usually goes like this…

Admirer: “Wow! look at you!”
Tusa: “Hi” (shyly)
Admirer: “You are blooming. When are you due?”
Tusa: “February”
Admirer: “My, aren’t you big! It’s going to be a big baby…”
Tusa: silence… thinks… yes that might be the case you are probably the thousandth person to say that and I am really getting fed up. But replies “yes, maybe. See you later”.

At home my poor husband has suffered the perennial “do I look big?” question. His answer is always charming… “Darling you are a small person and the belly looks big on you in relation to your normal size. You look pregnant darling. You look wonderful”. And I skip away having had my ego stroked. No wonder I married this man.

But despite the reassurance from Ian, and after a few more encounters, I asked my midwife about this at the last appointment. “It is usual” she said “and don’t get offended. The next time someone says something like that tell them that your midwife says you are right on target”. Then she showed me my measurement and the chart. Fantastic! I walk out with a huge smile on my face. And… I have used that line already.

As for knitting? I have finished my Secret Santa Scarf

And, here is the rest of that project.

With right side facing, pick up 44 sts evenly along the other side ends of the fabric using yarn B

Then starting with a purl row work in stocking stitch as follows:-

Work 37 rows in yarn B
Change to yarn A and work for 8 rows
Change to yarn C and work for 12 rows
Change to yarn B and work for 4 rows
Cast Off

I have not finished this but I should by Tuesday. I the last stage for myslef to read:-

With right side facing, pick up 44 sts evenly along the other side ends of the fabric using yarn C

Then starting with a purl row work in stocking stitch as follows:-

Work 37 rows in yarn C
Change to yarn A and work for 8 rows
Change to yarnB and work for 12 rows
Change to yarn C and work for 4 rows
Cast Off

You must have guessed by now. Source of the pattern in the next blog.

Enjoy!

The Wrong Red

2006-11-17T20:07:00.000Z

I love this time of the year. It has a special feel to it. Although dark, wet and windy, I still think it has a magical feel of its own.

Every year in my office we buy each other presents for Christmas - in secret. Ever done secret Santa? Yup! The last two years through were a shambles, and apparently I was the only one who did not know my secret Santa… I felt so left out…

This year though the team has agreed that it should be completely secret. Separate shopping (they went to the same market last year), no hinting etc. So mine would like her gift brought from India (a member of the team is out there travelling) but tough! Had we sorted this before Australia, I could have got something from there. But we didn’t and it will just have to have my signature on it!

My SS loves the colour red, and would appreciate something luxurious but I can only spend maximum of £5. So, after a few head scratching moments, I settled on the good old scarf. I headed out to my local to see what they had in stock. You know how it is you have one project in mind and by the time you leave you two other projects in mind. I will only share these other two with you once I cast on – just to be sure.

Anyway, how did I decide? I saw a lovely fluffy scarf in lavender in the shop. I touched it, stroked it, and fondled it. Yeeees… My precioussss.... Mmhh. So, next I peaked at the instructions attached to the scarf - my local, English Yarns, is really good at this. I committed the pattern to memory then decided to look for red yarn. But oh nooo… It was not going to be that simple (a scarf for crying out loud!). The colour did not quite look how I had mentally pictured it. Rather than holly red it is cranberry red. It was the wrong red! But I need to make something and soon as our reveal date is 4th December. So, I reasoned that at about £3 I could buy it and if it did not work out I would wear it.

As you can see from the photo it has turned out really well. This is the first time I have worked with eyelash yarns and it is surprisingly easy. I always thought they would be very hard to work with. This scarf feels soooo good I will have to make one for myself.

Oh and that adventure - I know that one person has joined me… The next steps for your project are…

Change to yarn C and work for 10 rows
Change to yarn B and work for 4 rows
Cast off

With right side facing, pick up 44 sts evenly along one of the side ends of the fabric using yarn B

Then starting with a purl row work in stocking stitch as follows:-

Work 37 rows in yarn B
Change to yarn A and work for 8 rows
Change to yarn C and work for 12 rows
Change to yarn B and work for 4 rows
Cast Off

Have you guessed yet?
Laters!

Adventures Down Under…

2006-11-13T20:39:00.000Z

So the other day I set up a mystery knitting adventure. But let me tell you about my recent travelling adventure.

At 5 months pregnant we decided to head to Australia… Yes! Down Under, to Perth where we have friends. It has been my hubby’s dream to visit the place again after his initial visit 15 years ago. So off we went. Bring pregnant I did not plan to do very much apart from visit the Swan Bells Tower where Ian’s uncle worked at the turn of the millennium to hang some bells.

I also wanted to see some of the outback so we went on a tour which passed by the Pinnacles. My first time ever in the desert – fantastic. And also see a bit of Perth and the surrounding areas. Actually, I ended up being pretty active throughout with some rest days of course!

Anyway, while we were there I thought what better time to find out if I can by some Aussie yarn especially Kaalund. I have always thought it to be very expensive but thought I might have a go this time. To commemorate a special occasion. Nyet! The only outlet I could find was in Victoria! Hours and hours away! I was so disappointed. Yet there are more outlets over here and in the US… What’s up with that? It also brought to light why Australia is also called a continent it is so huge. I could not just pop over to Victoria – much to Ian’s relief!

Ok so that mystery knitting… I am assuming you have some yarn in your stash and now ready to cast on…

So now, using Yarn A and 4 mm needles cast on 176 stitches

Beginning with a knit row and using stocking stitch complete rows as follows:-

Yarn A = 2 rows
Change to yarn B and work for 2 rows
Change to yarn C and work for 10 rows
Change to yarn A and work for 4 rows
Change to yarn B and work for 18 rows
Change to yarn A and work for 10 rows

It should end up looking like this…

Good luck! More my next blog.

Mystery Knitting Adventure

2006-11-10T19:56:00.000Z

Are you in? Good.

Well I have so much to share with you but most importantly I want to share this journey with you. I started yet another project. Yup! I am back with knitting. Got my mojo back!

I have also discovered that many women actually go off knitting at some point during their pregnancy. It does not make sense… The only thing I can think of is that one’s body goes into energy saving mode… What are your thoughts about this? The bump is developing and here is a picture of us.

Anyway, I wondered whether you might be interested in a mystery knitting adventure. It will make a great Christmas gift for someone but you will have to trust me through this journey. It should last a week or two at most depends on how much time you have…

You will need

4 mm needles
Yarn A – Jaeger Extra Fine Merino DK or equivalent 1 x 50 g ball
Yarn B – Rowan Kidsilk Haze or equivalent 1 x 25g ball (use 2 strands together)
Yarn C - Rowan Kidsilk Haze or equivalent 1x 25g ball (use 2 strands together)

I don't think you need to worry about tension but if you want to... it is 22sts x 30 rws to 10 x 10 over stocking stitch using 4 mm needles.

The colours are up to you really. I can share mine here…

More in the next posting!

p.s. this is not my design therefore will share the source at the end of the adventure...

Bun in the oven

2006-08-27T22:46:00.000+01:00

A Belly full of arms and legs
Knocked up
Expecting
Up the duff
Preggers
With child

Please add to the list - yes we are!

Baby is due on 23rd February 2007... We are thrilled to bits! I am getting over the morning sickness which was just awful. And the exhaustion - my goodness I don't know how those of you who have or had toddlers at the same time did it! It must have been trying.

Ahem! This is why you have not heard from me recently... Now I am getting my energy back, my cravings seem to have tailed off, my waistline is disappearing but we are happy. I may actually pick up my knitting again and blog some more...

For now, I am taking my dear hubby on a surprise birthday trip for his 40th on Tuesday! I don’t think he has guessed but he knows we have an early morning tomorrow. What fun! Read you all in two weeks.

Silent and Imaginary…

2006-08-18T17:33:00.000+01:00

…knitting. There has been no progress on this front. But I thought I should put in an appearance on two counts one of them related to knitting.

Firstly, I wanted to share the good news that Ian and I have just celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. And in style I might add… It started as follows.

Three days ago my husband arrived home from work looking rather excited and mischievous. After much questioning on my part and getting ‘nothing’ for a response I gave up the inquisition. Little did I know… I would also learn that my husband can’t keep a secret! Ian decided to reclaim my attention by asking whether I wanted to know what we would be doing on our anniversary (17th August). “Only if you want to tell me” I answered. He continued to smile at me inanely. There was a part of me that wanted to find out but I also wanted a surprise.

Anyway, I thought of it no more, he was after all smiling through it all. Had it been a sad face I would have pushed harder. I continued to run around to prepare for my day at work the following day (16th August). I went to bed rather tired and woke the next morning proceeded with my normal preparations. When I came in back into the bedroom to say goodbye for the day (Ian currently has so much annual leave time it is just not fair!), that inane smile re-appeared. Even more surprising Ian was awake enough to hold a conversation. I will rephrase that… he was just so excited about our adventure on Thursday that he could not contain himself! Do you want to know what we will be doing tomorrow? After similar response to the night before, he replied with “we are going to Venice for the day!” Oh my goodness! I was so excited! Of course he received lots of kisses for it. I did get to work but did not sleep much that night because I was sooooo excited!

And it was absolutely fantastic! I will never forget the day and what an array of activities we had too… A ride on the Grand Canal to the Lido for lunch then some 'culture' at St Mark's Square and getting ‘lost’ in the back alleys of Venice where we discovered some gorgeous Jewellery (of course) and I bought some Murano Glass (how could I not??!)

Knitting did cross my mind (please don’t gasp – it is just a phase and I will overcome it) but somehow finding our way to the Rialto bridge and visiting the market there dominated my head before we made our way back to Marco Polo for dinner and jetting back home. What more could I ask for? Nothing, it was just perfect.

Oh, after seeing the length of this post I have decided to leave the other news for a separate post. Later!

RSS - Reading, Sudoku and Scarf

2006-07-28T13:30:00.000+01:00

That is my version anyway...

On the train home, I usually try to find something very engrossing to occupy me for the 1½ hrs home. Depending on my mood this is knitting (very little lately) reading (lots more recently) and games. Recently, Sudoku has occupied this time, however, yesterday I was foxed! No matter how I looked at this puzzle, I was stuck! Can you help? Once you crack it please let me know the answer! Blogger is playing up so to find this please go here

You might wonder what I am reading... An intriguing book lent to me by a good friend. The book is titled “Afghanistan, Where God Only Comes to Weep”.

I have a few more pages yet, but I will share my thoughts when I have finished.

Alice asked about the Kidsilk Haze scarf pattern. I was initially going to reply to her personally, but then thought there might be others interested. The pattern was shared for free by Shoreham Knitting, so I feel I can share too.

Kidsilk Haze Scarf Pattern

You need one ball of KSH, beads (optional) and needles (any size between 5mm - 8mm)
Depending on width you desire – cast on between 45 – 60 stitches
Knit in moss stitch i.e.
Row 1 = k1, p1 to end
Row 2 = k1, p1, in other words knit so that you avoid ribbing
Row 3 = as row 1 (& add beads evenly across the row)
Row 4 = as row 2
(Repeat rows 1 – 4)
Continue until ball is about to run out then cast off (bind off).

I have made a few of these and the one pictured above includes beads.

Happy knitting!

A Prayer...

2006-07-22T08:05:00.000+01:00

I have been debating with myself whether or not to share something with everyone. I have debated long and hard and decided that I should. I am not forcing (I hope) this on anyone therefore if prayers are not your bag, you are best placed to come back tomorrow. If, however, you could do with one, or know someone who could do with one, here is one that packs a punch. For some background information just google ‘Saint Jude’ and see what you get.

St. Jude Novena
(A novena is a nine day prayer)

“Oh St. Jude
Apostle and Martyr
Great in virtue and rich miracles
Near kinsman of Jesus Christ
Faithful intercessor of all who invoke you
Special patron in times of need
I humbly beg you to whom God has given such great powers
To come to my assistance now
Please help me in my present and urgent need and grant my earnest petition
In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked
St Jude pray for us and all who honour thee and invoke they aid
Amen”

Say 3 Patters, 3 Hail Marys and 3 Glorias

How I came across this prayer? I attended a catholic school many, many moons ago where prayer was at the forefront of our daily lives. However, this is not where I discovered the prayer, although the discipline meant that I was open to prayer. I found it in a local newspaper and used it when my father was very ill. I was only about 13 yrs (I am over 30 yrs now). I have kept it since and gone back to it over the years and in desperate times.

I hope above does not aggravate/annoy anyone. What ever your choice, look after yourself physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.

I am off to prepare for my knitting club now. Later, knit sibs.

Scorcher!

2006-07-21T18:10:00.000+01:00

What a scorcher of a week. This week has been the hottest week of the year (with the hottest day of the year) in the UK. I must admit I enjoyed the hottest day very much. I have enjoyed the last week. You see, deep, deep, deep down in there, I am a tropical bird. And guess what. It was so hot that my employer decided to buy everyone ice-cream, ice-lolly or sorbet. All 350 of us in the building. I was so impressed. It only lasted a day though.

BEFORE I GO ON, I MUST SAY SORRY FOR NOT BEING HERE KNIT SIBS! I have just not been able to and I want my blog to feel optional, otherwise… can’t bear to think about it.

So how is Loll doing – not well and I think I will stop writing about her now. Otherwise it will be moan moan moan. So tonight I will swatch for Tempting II. I want to be well on my way, ready to cast on when I get to my club tomorrow.

I have to let you in on household thing… The other day I went to turn our dishwasher on and got stuck. Admittedly, I have been a bit lax with some housework recently but for good reason. Anyway, I got the box of dishwasher tablets only to find it empty! I hate it when this happens, I really do. But there we go, so yesterday after work I popped into our local cooperative supermarket to get the supplies.

I started typing this on the train, and just as we get home the aircon really kicked in. Typical but actually I didn’t mind the warmth. You can’t win.

Have a good w/e!

A Quickie…

2006-07-16T23:41:00.000+01:00

Well, since I last wrote, I have received words of reassurance which has helped me a lot. Thanks guys. I have now completed the second front for Loll and working on the sleeves at the same time. I don’t think I could bear working on them separately – I would die of boredom!

I have not started Tempting II but, next Saturday I will (whether or not I have finished Loll). I will be attending one of our knitting get-togethers and I am really looking forward to it. I know this will put the wind in my sails (as it were!) and perhaps I will get my mojo back.

Oh yes, a moment of revelation for me. I spent some of this morning watching the motorbike racing with my hubby.

You see, he is a biker and loves fast bikes. I have toyed with the idea of joining him but I will have to see. What does he have? Well, until recently he had two Kawasaki Z1000s one classic (blue) and one new (orange). Sadly, he sold the classic. I was very sad when it went but I understand why it had to go. Anyway, I think I needed some sort of sport to keep my knitting going (and I did some knitting today) this morning which is why I joined him. I really enjoyed it too and of course supported Valentino Rossi all the way...

I did say it was a quickie so I will leave it there. Manana!

My Knitting Mojo

2006-07-12T21:18:00.000+01:00

Where is it???? I well and truly have come to an impasse, or what I think is one. I have completely lost interest in my current project – Loll. Has anyone experienced this before? At the moment we have the completed back...

And one complete left front...

Some of the right front...

And some of the sleeves...
I always do this with any knitting project, which is why I have gazillion percentage bars over the side. I usually start very well and then lose interest, then play around with another project, and eventually come back to the previous project and finish it.

I am in a bit of a bind now though because I promised myself to finish this project before moving onto another. And I really want to start on Tempting II. Argh! What to do? HELP!

By the way have you seen Eunny's FO? That girl's got knitting mojo!!!!

Last kicks of a dying horse

2006-07-09T22:13:00.000+01:00

Zidane! I have just finished watching the World Cup finals. Another intriguing match. I spent most of the actual play running around and doing other things with one eye on the game. I saw France score but missed Italy’s score. I must have been loading the washing machine at this point. Sometimes domestics get in the way! Then I decided to get busy with other things but I settled down for the last few minutes. I saw Zidane do his thing. What a shame! I thought his move to announce his retirement was a good one, whether France lost or not. It would be his grand finale; but instead it was the last kicks of a dying horse! A great shame that a great football player should go out like that. Now we are not connected to the French (I told you I get choosy) at all! Pah! Sorry sis.

Note to all: I will not blame the critical match loses on my evident ‘kiss of death’ as far as football is concerned. I would rather blame it on more tangible reasons: Rooney and Zidane. That's just me…

Congratulations Italy! I will never hear the end of this one from my Italian collegue at work. I have to brace myself.

Meanwhile, not much knits while running around the house which is why Loll has not progressed much since last night. I will keep at it though. I should be done by next weekend. I will no doubt get to that finish line steadily without pressure of those (psychological) sprinters I talked about. I will not give up. It would be too expensive and my dear husband would not forgive me after running around all DIY shops last weekend (when we were meant to be preparing for the family’s arrival) so that I could get all the material needed for the blocking board; which was of course urgently needed!

Tusa and her antics! I must dash my dear friends. More housework beckons before bedtime.

p.s. I had more picutres lined up for today's blog but blogger wont let me. Hope the blog is still entertaining.

Trouble with Loll…

2006-07-08T22:06:00.000+01:00

...is that I have lost interest in her. I went for a whole week without picking her up, partly because I was travelling up and down England and partly because she didn’t challenge me anymore. The travelling was productive though, but rather exhausting. I spent two nights in York and I managed to see some of the place but not much as I had to speed away to Bath vicinity (yes another historic town of England) but I did not get much chance to see that either. Now I want to go back to both and do them properly. By the way, if you clicked on the links, you can zoom in and out to get a sense of where the cities are in England.

So, much belly aching about my ‘duty’ to finish Loll by the end of the KWC tomorrow. This reminded me of my attempt to take part in athletics. Well the story goes like this. Many years ago while in school, I took part in athletics. I was proud to be one of the fastest runners in school. Then one season our school entered the city school athletics. After much training etc., we turned up for the competition. The our race came on and using the usual techniques I started rather steadily believing that the others in the race would tire out, as they had in the past. You know who tired out first? Me! Why? Because I had to try and keep up with them. Realising that there was no point and that they were 'fit as a fiddle' and could run miles at full speed, I gave up. It was the first time I got beat. I was so sad... But my Daddy came to pick me up and my Mummy cooked me a nice meal and the world was right again. After the lesson of course – know my limits and do my homework! I think this pertinent, now.

OK back to Loll and KWC. I remembered something I read about the Knitting Olympics. I think it was on Yarn Harlot’s blog, she advised to enjoy the games and not get too obsessive. So, ultimately, I want to enjoy Loll and not dread every minute I pick her up (at least that is what I am saying to myself, so indulge me here...); and this means I might not be finished by tomorrow, but I will be close. I feel much better having faced this reality; and given that I have lots to do around the house and the garden.

While I was away, my dear husband took it upon himself to put the plastic cover over the blocking board. I have to finish it though by stapling the gingham cover over. I should be able to use it from tomorrow. At leasst one project will be completed on time... A sense of satisfaction!

I am also looking forward to tomorrow’s match between Italy and France – I vote for France of course. Funny how the French connection is now at the forefront in the family... Usually we keep quiet about it. Indeed the (sibling like) rivalry between the British and French is such that we do not mention that side of the family unless necessary. I guess we are all holding onto something.

And what about Wimbledon? No British players in the game anymore... What happens to the British with international games? Is it not one of the games they introduced to the rest of the world? And now they can’t play it? I continue to be amazed. OK, now I am getting choosy about my nationality – I know that... But sometimes it is good to get choosy! Now back to Loll...

They think it is all over…

2006-07-02T23:04:00.000+01:00

And it really is! What a day yesterday. Had the family over again to watch footie, only to be so disappointed. We lost to Portugal and we were all very shocked. And Rooney! Could he not see that he was being set up? All he had to do was hold out and not give into the taunts. Conspiracy theories abound over here... some think Sven took a backhander to ensure that England did not play very well. And to top it all, our England captain – David Beckham – resigned. That was very sad to hear but professionally (and tearfully) done. I think there is more to what he is saying but, nicely done Becks. Well done and thanks old chap.My family’s only consolation is that France went through. We have a French side you see... No name dropping. But even that was shocking. Brazil are out! Gordon Bennett!

I am not getting on well with the knitting. Nervous tension from yesterday, then disappointment... So, today I finally got down to making my blocking board. Nothing like using a staple gun and imagining stapling... oh no, really, I don’t have a mean bone in me. So it went from thisto this...

And I got as far as gluing the foam to the chip-board - hubby helped me of course. Still the plastic sheeting and gingham to staple. [I lost interest and,] I wanted to do some knitting, as I am behind, and I have yet to start on Tempting II...

Also, had to prepare for the week ahead, I will be on the road for four days and I am not looking forward to it. Can you not tell? So, if you don’t read me, I have not had the chance to blog but maybe I would have had more knitting opportunities... Goodnight knit sibs and knit easy.

Sexy Knitters Club

2006-06-30T20:28:00.000+01:00

What a day so far. I have joined the Sexy Knitters Club and I will be knitting the current choice for the July KAL - Tempting II. Much excitement! Oooh! Aah! I think it is sexy…

I left my first blog at SKC this morning. I lamented my indecision on yarn therefore the very last minute dash to buy the needed yarn for the project. No sooner than I had posted than the yarn arrived. Three hours later actually but I want to exaggerate – blogger’s prerogative, exclamation marks included! I was so pleased with MCA direct. The only thing with internet buying is you are never quite sure what the yarn will look like colour wise. So, as it turns out the yarn is two shades darker than I anticipated but I still love it! Calmer in Kiwi. I can’t wait to cast on for the KAL. The lesson? There has to be one, no? Always imagine the yarn two shades darker or buy shade cards. I know, I am a skinflint sometimes…

And the footie… Well I am working from home today so I am ‘reduced’ listening to the commentary via BBC online. As my husband’s best friends said earlier today – it is not to be missed. It is a ‘final’ match and a “Clash of the Titans”. I am not sure who to support. Completely torn here. I know who Marietta is supporting. I am listening, but it is hard to write a report and listen to all the excitement. So far though I am holding up. If it comes down to penalty shoot outs I will have to go downstairs and watch… I can’t miss that!

My word! What a penalty shoot out. I am so impressed with Germany and pleased that England did not meet them here. They were so determined and they got through. Anybody who plays them better watch out! There is nothing like playing on home turf to pep that determination. Wow! Germany beat Argentina, who would have thought.

And what about tomorrow? I am already having anxieties about that – how will I manage it??!!! The family are descending on us so, DH and I better go food shopping - now. I will either be ecstatic or depressed when I blog tomorrow…

Bring it On!

2006-06-27T22:14:00.000+01:00

The title is in reference to knitting but before I talk about that, I want to update you on my work life. I can do this too no? I do like a detour.

This week has turned out to be much better than last week, so far. As I type this I am on the train home… The conductor has just come through and wants to see our tickets. Why is it that they decide to come through just when I decide to occupy myself intensely? Mhhh? It is beyond me. Can’t they see I am busy???? They should ask in advance...

Anyway [ticket shown with a smile], as I was saying, I am on my way home and usually (last two weeks) I am working on Loll, as I inch my way home. Yesterday though, I had to do some work. I thought I would be able to dedicate some time to knitting too but ohh noooo, I worked all the way home. Blast! I was not too impressed with myself or my work but you know what, I had a less stressful day at work today. It was all worth it in the end.

My confined space is making me look funny while typing. My shoulders are hunched up rather high and I am beginning to feel tense around the shoulders perhaps typing this on the train is not such a good idea after all. No matter, I will persevere.

You will have noticed that I have joined the Rowanette Blog Ring which has provided me with more opportunity to visit knit sibs as Brenda Dayne calls them. I just want to see what everyone is creating and knitting. I am amazed at what is out there. Apart from, this I love Rowan patterns. So, I thought it would be fun to see what patterns others have decided to knit. Also Rowan yarns being expensive, I wanted to spy what yarn substitutions people have made in the past.

I must also add that my first proper adult cardigan... after learning to knit at the age of 5 or 6… no, wait for it… then rediscovering knitting when I was… well around 6 years ago… was a Rowan pattern - Onza it was/is called. It was so simple and straight forward, that I fell in love with Rowan. I remember mentioning the cost of the yarn to my ‘mentor’, but all she said at the time is that it is worth it. Which I have discovered is true but since then the yarn world has moved on. More suppliers are coming on line, therefore more competition, therefore cheaper yarn available but not necessarily lower standards. Even in the UK. It is happening. Bring it on, I say! Laters!

Bend it Beckham!

2006-06-25T21:22:00.000+01:00

He did too. The old Beckahm was back. What an afternoon for England! So many moments of ooooooohhhh… Agonising close calls but we pulled through.

We had the family over with us to watch the game and my little niece who is just under two years old started imitating my [rather] loud expression of oooooohhhhh! Then we scored and I raised my hands with a verbal expression of ‘yeeeeessss’. That was the expression for the afternoon for her. Bless her. So every time she says yes now she raises her arms in the air...

Some knitting accompanied the footie watching but not very much. I was too excited. Which was fine but I have still to complete the front. My intention was to compete it yesterday. Oh, and the family were drinking bud-wei-ser, mind boggles…

The photos? I just thought to share more of our garden piccies…

Nag, Nag, Nag…

2006-06-24T18:54:00.000+01:00

Oh what a bother! Earlier today my dear hubby got really annoyed with me. I didn’t mind because I knew it was for a good reason that I nagged him. You see, we both were in the garden enjoying the sun and really chilling out. Then, I suggested that although he had put some suntan lotion on he should not sit directly in the sun just after midday. Oh, my goodness! You would have thought I asked him to eat worms… He was so resistant. Talk about one digging their heels in! But you see I had good reason. Last year the docs found a melanoma and removed etc., etc. So, I didn’t stop at his annoyance, which annoyed him even more... I kept going until he moved into the shade. It was warm enough.

Anyway, we soon made up and went to a local fete but I forgot my camera so I can't show you what they had there. But we bought plants for the garden for all of £2, crystal glasses for £3 and a picture frame for £2. Not bad eh? A bargain I say.

We also got to enjoy our first ever home grown strawberries. They were very sweet and tart... No pun intended. Seriously, it was lovely to enjoys the fruits of our labour.

I nearly forgot. That update on my knitting adventures... Well, Loll is coming along. The back is complete as I mentioned earlier, and I should finish the front today. More pictures when I am feeling happy about where I am... Actually, forget that here is one...

Oh, yes and the footie... The whole country awaits with baited breath. England v Ecuador... Not to be missed!

When it rains…

2006-06-22T22:59:00.000+01:00

...it really pours! This week has really 'had' me at work. I have been working long hours and today, oh, is unmentionable.

I have been determined to do my knitting though which means that I have broken the back of Loll... ahem, I have completed the back that is... Now onto one of the fronts. It feels good to be here. I am actually progressing.

Meanwhile, thinking ahead, I have started contemplating blocking. I have never blocked any of my knitting and I would like to block Loll. Any advice out there. I have read about people making blocking boards or using space beds etc but what exactly do you guys do with the garment while blocking? Being new to this realm, any advice would be good.

Oh and the world cup... I could not for the life of me type while England were playing. Something happened to my fingers and they froze! Even when I tried to knit; which would have been detrimental actually, as it would have turned out very holey. England v Sweden was an absolute nightmare to watch. I have stayed away from the television since then – well actually, I could not get to it, seeing as I have collapsed into a tired heap every night. Tonight, I have just about mustered the energy to stay up and do this.

Until the weekend my friends.

You knit too much when…

2006-06-19T23:05:00.000+01:00

...you try to knit with your eyes closed and, pretend that it is the calming effect of knitting lulling you into a sense of calm... WHAT! I think I have a serious problem here. I know I am tired, but I am still trying to knit so that I can literally break the back of that Loll.

Meanwhile, I received some very good news today. One of my oldest friends is going to have her second baby. I have not seen her for ages but you know, it is one of those friendships you know will last a lifetime. Congratulations matey!

I wonder what my needles will be up to until then… Nightly, night.

Oh! And that photo of Loll, lolling around last Saturday…

No footie for me today...

Game of Attrition…

2006-06-17T22:21:00.000+01:00

Disallowed, disallowed why oh why??? It was in! The Italian pulled a fast one – injury indeed. If it was an injury surely he would have stayed off the pitch, but he came back. Can you tell that I am supporting the US? I think they have played very well. I am so upset with the referee though. Three red cards, countless yellow cards... Heart breaking stuff. So, is Italy out? 1 all at the moment and we are at 74 minutes. Loll is lolling around as we speak, she was this afternoon too...

Ok so what else did I get up to today... spot of gardening. You see I love our garden but it is on the bigger side of average English gardens. This means (for us at least) that we cannot go long without any garden attention.

Back to footie, hubbie has just commented that the game is really now a war of attrition – two foes slugging away trying to wear each other down. I want the US to win ... 13 minutes to go and it is lively. I like a lively match but please don’t let the Italians score. The US is really on the attack here and looking good. Come on USA score for crying out loud!!!! Sort those Italians out! Oh... it is tense people, tense... 8 minutes to go and then extra time after that. If I had beer in the house this would be the time to have it – to calm the nerves. They are fraught I can tell ya. Knitting? What knitting? Scared of making mistakes... lack of attention you see. The footie wins without a doubt.

It is interesting you know. Any other time of the year, I would not be interested in football. You see when I was young (this makes me feel old) my father watched football all the time... The Italians nearly scored again. 3½ minutes to go... As I was saying, Dad watched football all the time. As we had one television, we (the children) could either watch or leave. Most of the time, we left. Looking back, it was not all the time that Dad watched football actually, just when we wanted to watch Dynasty (oh yes, we watched it!)... 90 seconds away!!!! Breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe... So... I developed an aversion to football in my younger years, however occasionally; I get involved as I am now. I am sure Dad will be pleased when I tell him... (This is a diversion tactic by the way - to pass time quickly). Italians nearly scored again. COME ON USA!!!! HOLD IT TOGETHER! You have done so well, so far. 9 against 10... 90 minutes er... seconds, to go of the extra time. HANG IN THERE USA... I c..a..n..t t y p e a n y m o r e... it is too tense. It is over! It is all over! America 1, Italy 1. Amazing!

OK, I have to see to dinner now… Yes, it is late but I was watching football...

p.s. can't add photos to this thing... again... maybe tomorrow. I wanted to share more of the garden and Loll lolling around.

Swatch & See

2006-06-17T16:15:00.000+01:00

Aahhh! Another glorious day in the garden. Here is a picture of dear hubby enjoying the weather outside. He is also trying to educate me on bird watching. I love it, but I just can’t remember the birds nor recognise them!

Meanwhile, I had a brainwave (sp) – a stash busting idea! Lotus Blossom Tank could be my next project after the next one... I run up to the spare bedroom but... lo and behold the yarn I had in mind does not have the tension required. Not being experienced at yarn substitution, I thought it best to give in here. The original tension required is 22sts/36 rws the said yarn tension is 24-26 sts... I have just realised as I write this... I could increase the needle size and still get the right tension, no? I think I have enough yarn to make it. Yipee! OK, ok! I am excited about LBT but I will have to contain myself. I will only start it when I finish one of the other projects... Lets see how long I hold out... Now to swatch and see... I will keep you posted.

Can you tell I am getting bored with Loll? Yes, I am... I always get like this after I have done most of the back. I enjoy seeing the pattern unfold and when it does, I get bored. Get me out of here I am only a knitter! No wonder people knit in the round. You don’t have to do it all over again. I will perk up honestly...

No footie recently. Two late nights at work (even when I was working from home) have meant little blogging, knitting, or footie. Anyway, back to the garden... Yup those roses are really in our garden. We planted them on the day we moved into the house. Aren’t they beautiful?

Multi-tasking – Knitting, Blogging and Footie

2006-06-14T22:35:00.000+01:00

Oh what to do? Watch football, knit or blog? I have decided to do all at the same time – well kind off. I am taking break from knitting as I write but I am still watching the footie. Germany against Poland. I am supporting the ‘said’ underdog as usual - Poland. But you know they have just lost one player to a red card! What are they doing – 74 minutes under their belts and what’s that, a red card? Why???

Talking of which, I have been close to giving Loll a red card as well. Those shapings people talked about. While doing the research mentioned in an earlier entry, I discovered that the shapings of the cardi are not quite to… and Germany nearly scooooreeed! Ohhh! Thank goodness for that… as I was saying the shapings of the cardigan are not quite what is written down. You have to try and imagine what the designer would have intended – physical and visual shaping – then adjust the placement of markers accordingly. What I have ended up with is what you can see in this photograph. Not bad but I have not written it … oh Germany are rather aggressive now, 84 minutes into the game… Good for you Marietta no?… down.

This multi-tasking is wearing me out. Oh by the way, I am also conversing with my hubby as I do this. I am not doing any of these things well but it has to be done otherwise a long night is ahead of me. So, I have not written it down which means I have to be careful when I come to the front but hopefully a visual reference using the back will be enough. Germany have just missed again – yeesss!! But the Polish goal keeper has just got a yellow card for not collecting the ball quick enough – WHAT! When did that rule come in? NOOooooooo! The ball just bounced off the Polish goal three times and then Germany scored! But the whistle had blown phew! No, they have just scored, again!!! Germany that is – tears for the Polish, it means they are out unless Costa Rica beat Ecuador! Torturous! Pleased it was not England though…

OK I give up on trying to blog about knitting. Needless to say, I have survived the alternative shaping. Manana people.

Knit One, Frog Two

2006-06-12T22:05:00.000+01:00

I am glad I read other posts about Loll pattern before I started it. Mind you, I had already committed to it, eh. The posts gave me an idea of what to expect and, I think, reduced what would have been plenty of frustration.

So far, I have used that life line three times and I am not even half way up the back! How many times would I have frogged this if I had not done some research? Boy am I pleased... As you can see from my progress bar, I have made some steps forward since last time but I would like to have been further than this. I will keep those fingers flying!!!

Now, I hope some of you heard my contribution to Brenda Dayne’s pod cast – for Today’s Sweater. I was not expecting this to happen soon but I was very ‘chuffed’ as they say over here! It was wonderful to be included in Brenda’s show. I only hope you enjoyed listening to it. My thanks to Brenda for including me.

Taking the Bull by its Horns

2006-06-11T08:49:00.000+01:00

Finally! The KWC started, it is here. All that build up left me exhausted. Did I cast on at kick off? Nope! Instead I procrastinated. You see I was nervous about starting Loll, and also reluctant to lose that anticipation you get before you start a new project… But what motivation! I finally managed to cast on late Friday night. The timing was perfect, as it also coincided with another of my knitting adventures.

Over the last month, I have been trying to set up a ‘knitting circle/club’. You see, in the last year I attended knitting workshops including some by Emma King and they always left me wanting more. I very much enjoyed that knitting and chatting atmosphere including hints on best techniques from others. It seems other ladies who attended these workshops felt the same way. This year we finally took the bull by its horns and I offered to host the first meeting (10th June). Although there were lots of keen people, the take up was not high for the first meeting. I suspect it had something to do with England playing. So how many came?? Two! That includes me by the way.

We had great fun though, knitting, chatting and eating most of the day. As it was a gorgeous day outside, and we sat in my garden. Fabulous! Guess what I worked on? I didn’t get very far though because of the chatting and eating part. And other bloggers were right; the loll fringe does take ages. Because of this I am using ‘lifelines’ for the first time ever! And yes, I have frogged to that lifeline already… Anyway, one ball down and eight more to go, it is the KWC after all! I am hoping to fly after this, err… hurdle.

Will the knitting club meet again? Yes, yes, yes!!!!! We decided to give it another try next month, by which time the two founding members agreed to have finished current projects. It fits in with the KWC too. Fingers crossed! Or should I say fingers flying…

The Best Laid Plans

2006-06-10T08:53:00.000+01:00

Those knitting world cup training sessions I mentioned were planned as follows…

The plan was to do this swatching on the train journey to and from work. I have an hour’s commuting time each way. Forget that work I need to catch up on this is more important…

Hello!!!! Reality check, plan very unlikely. The training sessions instead went like this…

Thursday as you can tell was frustrating… But I was also relieved actually. I caught up with some sleep. Beautiful except the train was so cold. Why is it that at the mere glimpse of sunshine all air conditioners go on? The result is that you wear cardigans all the time – well most of the time. My office is the same, the minute there is sunshine outside, the air cons come on. So, the only opportunities I have to show off my shoulders are at home and when walking back and forth between the train station and the office. Does this make sense? It makes stash enhancement excuses for me but come on!!!! I want to wear other knitted garments too!!! OK so that is the knitting link. Rant over… for now.

So back to my training sessions. They are not going well. I initially started with what I thought was a shortcut - knitting just over an inch square then counting the rows and stitches in an inch square. Multiplying these by 4 to get the proper picture. Clever no? Noooooo. It all got too much by Tuesday. After starting with the 5mm needles then moving down to 4.5mm because my tension was too loose resulting in too few stitches and rows; the figures got to me. How could smaller needles producing fewer stitches? They were meant to be increasing.

Jiminy was at it again. “Start again! You should have done this in the first place!!! Ha haaa!”. Aiyeeeee! So, I settled down to doing the full swatch first with the 4.5mm because earlier attempts indicated that this would hit the nail on the head. Nada! Zilch! Way to big. Reduce please… 4mm did the trick but brought up another dilemma. The pattern calls for one whole mm less needles to start with do I adjust accordingly or do I make a different call?

I will sleep on it but I CANT WAIT TO CAST ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Loll and World Cup here I come… What an excellent excuse to watch footie.

Acts of Kindness

2006-06-08T13:14:00.000+01:00

You know after my last blog, I wondered whether I would get very far with my unfinished project. It is called Sahara by the way – did I mention that? I don’t think so. So yes, I called it Sahara because of that travel log I alluded to . I will revisit this particular side of my knitting adventures later…

For now, those emails I sent out in desperate search of discounted yarn were answered most impressively. I got a very gentle response from the online yarn shop I had originally ordered from – Scandinavian Knitting Design. Yup they came up trumps and I was very pleased but not only this, it is the way in which they answered my plea.

First of all they wrote back to me within hours of me sending out my email. Bruce, who was my main contact, said he should have a look around to see if they could find anything. By the time I got home last night - tarrah! There were emails waiting for me. Emails of joy! Bruce had managed to find two balls of the yarn I was looking for, in their demonstration box. AND… wait for this, it was discounted… Now fellow knitters tell me – an answer to a plea or what??? He promised to send it out to me as soon as possible. Bless him and Karen who was the other person involved in saving this knitter in distress. Kni[gh]t in shining amour he was.

Hand on your brow pleaaaase damsel!! Kni[gh]t on that horse – keep that armour polished! He didn’t stop there! I was looking for three balls of yarn. The hardest to find was the main colour of course, for which they were missing one. Murphy’s law? I prefer to call it by its other name S*d’s law… Anyway, as I was saying he had another trick up his sleeve – he contacted one of the other customers, who had bought the last of this orange yarn, and asked her whether she would be using it all and whether she could spare one for a fellow knitter.

And she… bless her cotton socks… responded immediately. Her name is Claire by the way and she has her own blog (Claire I hope you don’t mind me mentioning your name and blog). Fine, Claire said. She didn’t mind helping a fellow knitter out. Of course I responded quickly… Thank you very much Claire, where, when, how? I asked. You know what she said? Free of charge. If this is uncomfortable with you, she added, then donate money on my behalf to charity. What a woman. Thank you so much Claire!!!!

Meanwhile, my kni[gh]t was still producing the goods. I wanted to receive the yarn ASAP of course, so asked how I could pay quickly in order to get the yarn and given that this was an unconventional order (I think?). Not to worry Tusa, he replied I will send you a Paypal button. He had actually gone into previous records and found out that I was Paypal set… I tell you, I was impressed. The button arrived a few hours later. On I clicked, directly to Paypal with the right amount. As easy as that.

Aahh… What a relief, my yarn distress sorted out through acts of kindness. I am charged with being a recipient of these acts of kindness and as a result want to say to anybody who is reading this, please pass it along in whatever way you can – make someone’s day.

p.s. This entry was intended for 6th June but I had connectivity issues with blogger…

Against the Wall

2006-06-04T23:31:00.000+01:00

You know, you read about these things in other people’s blogs and think – no not me I would not do that… Well this w/e I discovered that I had made exactly the same mistake as others have.

Last month I spent a whole day (well almost a whole day) having knitplosion moments. I had discovered that I could design my own sweaters rather than find a pattern to suit my stash… Well maybe I am stretching it here, this is more of a stash enhancement excuse.

Anyway, I don’t know why this had not dawned on me before but there I was making my first calculations for my first sweater. I researched the net and found some instructions on how to make a drop sleeve sweater. Now… I like cardigans, so I thought I wanted my first design to be a cardigan. While I was at it I decided to calculate for other sizes too.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention, I thought that it would be best to start with a child’s sweater. Small, short, quick and would make a perfect gift. After much time calculating the dimensions noting them down etc., I ordered the yarn from an online shop and it arrived two days later. At the time of ordering I checked out how much was in stock with the company and I noted that they had plenty…

The yarn arrived and I very excitedly cast on to check my gauge, so that I could adapt the pattern I wanted to knit. A television programme had inspired this cardigan – a travel log actually (more on this later). Now, it was time to turn this pattern into fabric… I swatched and cast on.

As usual, I flitted between this and the project I have recently finished. Normal state of affairs for knitters no? After completing the other project, I decided to pick this other one up. Happily knitting away, then I realised that I did not have enough yarn for the main colour. So I thought, easy, I will just order some more and maybe some spare for some socks later on. On, I logged, poised with card details but then smack! I ran into a dead-end… no more yarn in stock. Then I thought ok, so I will see whether other suppliers have any in stock, another wall… They don’t do mail order.. Aaarrrgghhh!!!!.

OK, I thought, I will email this and other suppliers, meanwhile I will see if others overseas stock this yarn. Of course they do in the Scandinavian countries (where the yarn is from) but I could not read the websites, they are all in Scandinavian languages… Ok, deep breaths… Q. do I have friends in these countries, I can't remember! Deep breaths... I am sure I have friends over there, but of course I could make one now!!!!

Seriously, what to do? Patience my husband cautioned, wait for a reply and then if need be find a stockist in another country. But I wanted to finish this project before next Friday!!! Well, my jiminy cricket said, you should have ordered more in the first place, how many times have you heard this happen to other people??? Shut up! I think… I hope at least one of them stocks the yarn…

Who am I kidding?

2006-06-02T22:55:00.000+01:00

I have finished it!!!! At last...

Am I pleased with it? Well, I have mixed feelings. I have checked and re-checked the pattern to see whether it looks on me, as it does on the model. I think it is close... The only thing I did different was to add the toggle because I prefer to have my cardis closed, partly closed at least. The loop was made out of a two stitch I-cord.

The construction once it was all knitted went well no major hiccups except I had this dread at it not looking as it should. Well, here is a photo. Let me know what you think. Does it look half decent? I think the lack of shaping is what is holding me back. I like them fitted and not sure why I did not think about this before I started. Ho, hum - you live and learn.

Tomorrow is Saturday so I will wear it all day and then make up my mind. In the past when I have not been sure of my sweater, I have waited a little and it has grown on me... Hubby says it is fine but he knows I am a little sensitive at the moment as I have just finished it after a long slog – he is nice like that.

The Art of Knitting… with chopsticks?

2006-05-31T23:04:00.000+01:00

Well, sort of.

I wanted to tell you about my day today but thought perhaps it would be better if I stuck to blogging about knitting. I don’t think I have managed this so what I have ended up telling you is a bit about my day through an account…

Recently at a meal out with work colleagues, I commented how the chopsticks we were eating with, could be used for knitting. I was having one of my ‘KnitPlosion’ moments. Not thinking much of what I had said, I noticed that at least one pair of ears picked up and hey presto (!), I had a keen learner.

Having survived the Spanish inquisition, we agreed to meet up the following Wednesday. On the day, I brought along some yarn for my colleague’s use. After a shaky start she quickly mastered her not so pointy sticks and she was very pleased. So was I, I have actually passed along the art of knitting… This was about 3 weeks ago, she is still using the chopsticks – the scarf has a few rows now.

Meanwhile, another colleague commented how she had just been to a wedding where the bride’s mother had the idea that the bride’s friends should knit squares to make up a honeymoon blanket. Although she had knitted before she was unsure how to start again or continue in order to make her squares. After a few knitting tales from my side (some tall), we both got really excited about knitting and agreed to start a lunch time knit. We were joined by our keen starter (above) at our second meet.

Isn’t it funny, once you start talking about it you can’t stop? I have also managed to convince two other colleagues to join the group. They have made positive noises and both currently knit, but I get the sense that they don’t want to do it in public… Actually one of them mentioned today that she has thought about knitting in public but she is too embarrassed. I thought I should keep WWKIP quiet… for now. Next week they both promised, today. Next week being the next meet, they will be there…

Until next Wednesday then… and with photos, perhaps…

Loll cardigan

2006-05-30T08:48:00.000+01:00

I have finally decided what project to knit for the KWC 2006. It is a pattern (Loll) by Kim Hargreaves and I already have the yarn in a fabulous pink colour called 'flamingo'. Yes a de-stashing project in a discontinued yarn colour. No room for errors here. Do you think it is going to be a challenge?

By the time I construct the garment I hope it looks something like the picture… Oh yes, no lace in sight – I changed my mind.

I have noticed that a number of you have already knitted this cardi. From what I have read, it IS going to be a challenge. Any advice? I can’t wait to start but – patience! I will use the lead time to get to grips with the yarn; do a gauge swatch… a ‘fringe’ swatch…. a pattern swatch… Training in progress, no?

Oh and a thought, just a thought… I would love to see all the different versions of Loll out there in one place, perhaps worn by the owners. What do you think? ‘Calling all Loll cardigans to the Loll Gallery’?

Knitting Gallery

2006-05-29T11:37:00.000+01:00

I want to share my work in progress and completed projects through this blog. But maybe I am trying to run before I can walk because it is all beyond me. It is getting rather technical. I have managed to put some headings but, oh boy! How do I do this? Help!!!!

Knitting World Cup

2006-05-28T20:20:00.000+01:00

Yup! I have signed up for those knitathons. Am I mad? Some time back I wrote in my knitting journal that I hate knitting to deadlines yet here I am signing up… I love the challenge really. I have yet to decide what to knit!!! But I know I want to do something with lace. Much inspired by Interweave Knits (great magazine).

Meanwhile, I want to finish that shrug. I am knitting the sleeves at the same time in the hope that (a) I will not loose interest and (b) it will finish soon. I can’t wait to try it on.

A Shrug?

2006-05-28T08:21:00.000+01:00

On the needles at the moment is a shrug...

I fell in love with this shrug pattern earlier this year. It appealed to me because it looked so simple. You knit a rectangle. Fold it in half and voila, you have a sleeveless shrug… Maybe too good to be true… Mine does not look like a shrug, more like a cardigan!

I love cardigans but I want a shrug! What did I do wrong? Ok maybe I am also getting impatient as I have sleeves to go as well and this might help with holding the structure of the ‘shrug’ together. Have you ever made a shrug like this? Let me know and please give me some advice…

Today's Sweater

2006-05-27T17:05:00.000+01:00

Today I took the plunge, well a couple actually. I recorded for the first time ever an mp3 and sent it to Brenda Dayne of Cast-On in the hope that she will use it. The piece is for 'Today's Sweater' which is part of the Cast-On podcast. I also enclosed as a part of this contirbtuion a photograh of the sweater I talk about.

The second plunge? Well this! I cannot believe I actually have a blog. Lets see how it goes but I am pleased about it.

KnitPlosion

2006-05-27T16:17:00.000+01:00

Hi there. Welcome to KnitPlosion, my blog space for my knitting explosions! I intend to post commentary on my various projects and knitting adventures here. Not sure how this works but I will give it a whirl. Until then...