Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Just a quick post to wish everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

I'm currently losing my voice and suffering from a bad cold! Back soon when I'm feeling chattier.

Gift knitting

Up until November, I was still hoping to make at least a few hand knitted gifts - for hubby, a few really good friends, make Christmas cards for every one, make a Christmas stocking for baby, make some new decorations for the tree. Realisation slowly dawned that I'm not actually going to achieve most (possibly even any!) of these goals. As of today, I have not even started on the list. So I'm going to have to prioritise. Christmas stocking - a must as both Aidan and Keira have one. Everything else - I'll do the best I can!

Over the last few weeks, I have managed to start and finish a few more small projects. After a quick trip to Stash Yarns in Putney, I was tempted by the Misti Alpaca Chunky, all encouraged by Michelle. So I purchased 1 skein and made the Quickie Cowl. A few hours of knitting later, here is the finished product. Hurray!
As the weather is now freezing, I have made a new slouchy hat for me. The pattern is Coast from Rowan the Next Big Thing and the yarn is Rowan Big Wool. Another super quick and easy pattern. I am all about the instant gratification!Have you noticed my little model needs some serious orthodontic work once she gets older?!!! I'm trying to get her to stop sucking her thumb. No success..... yet......

I also have to perfrom major surgery on my Clapotis. I somehow snagged it and broke a strand of knitting. What am I going to do!!

A star is born

Here is my little star fresh fom his Christmas concert performance. I am particularly proud of my effort at making the costume. I even knitted a white hat but he refusee to wear it. It brought a tear to my eye when i saw him walking out onto the stage.

Hello.... hello... anyone there??

Hello world. I am here. Just being crap. I know of people who manage to blog everyday, with wonderful interesting posts. I know of people with loads of small children who have full time jobs (apart from being a mum, that is), knit and blog (again with wonderful posts!) Me - I have no excuse, actually maybe I just spend too much time surfing the net, checking out Ravelry and Facebook and making loads of bids on ebay. Anyway, mustn't beat myself up about this.

On the knitting front, I have been knitting and finishing some projects. (Shock! Horror! Will wonders never cease!) I started and finished Beau from Rowan's Big just got Bigger booklet. I resized it for a much smaller model. I used up some old Rowan Biggy Print which I recycled from a very failed project. In fact, I made 2. One was for friends daughter, who just turned 8. And, one was for Keira. I think she likes it. this isn't much of an achievement when you realise it was knitted on 20mm needles. It took probably just over an hour each.
I have also been busy making a "star" costume for Aidan for his school Christmas play. I have finished it but I forgot to take a photo of the finished product. I'm hoping it won't look too shabby!

I can't believe it's Dec 1 already. The Christmas songs and carols are driving me crazy! Where has this year gone? Blink and it'll be 2008.

Life with 3 kiddies

Life with the 3 little ones is just one BIG hectic party where I'm the party organiser, driver, cleaner, cook, entertainer and general do-everythinger. Good thing I'm great at multi-tasking!!!


Speaking of parties, both the Big man and the Little man had their birthdays in the last few weeks. The Big man's sweater is almost finished - the sleeves are too long (but I'm not reknitting that, after ripping back and reknitting the sleeve caps twice already!) and the body is a tad too short (I will undo the cast on edge and add a few rows of ribbing for length). It will be done in the next few days. Can't wait to start something new!!!


The Little man is 5. I still remember the day he turned up (6 weeks early), like it was yesterday. I can't quite believe its been 5 years. I decided to take a little trip down memory lane and looked through a few photos. I found some interesting phots - I think the kids look a lot like each other . Here's 3 photos of each of them , all at the same age. Do you think the resemblance is uncanny?

Radio silence

Blink and suddenly it's weeks since my last post! I don't really know why either. I have been knitting. I've been on the internet - catching up on blogs and shopping (shh! don't tell hubby!). I haven't been spending hours on Ravelry. But time just flies.

I can hardly believe that it's the second week of November. Suffice to say I wasn't even close to achieving my October goals. I did not touch a single WIP. Now with Christmas coming up, I'm sure I won't have the time finish them. Ugh!

Now back to the knitting that I've been doing. I've almost finished Iceland from Rowan 42. I've just got the ribbing on the back to do. I haven't finished that because I got sidetracked into knitting a jumper for hubby's birthday. I got a stack of Rowan Big Wool during the sales and decided to make Bisto from Rowan's Big just got Bigger. I gave myself 3 weeks to finish this project. Chunky yarn, big ass needles - that's pretty achievable. Right? I could not be more wrong. Hubby's birthday was yesterday and I presented him with a partly finished jumper - it has a front, back and collar and the start of 1 sleeve. I blame lack of sleep, sick children, lack of motivation..................Anyway, now that it's no longer a surprise, here's a progress shot.

Shock of the day

My shock of the day went something like this:
Scene - Aidan playing on the Ninetendo Wii (baseball, I think)
Aidan - "Look mum, I've scored a home run."
Me (distractedly cooing over baby) - "Great, darling."
Aidan - "Argh. I'm not doing very well. I can't hit the ball."
Me (still distracted) - "Don't worry, darling. Keep playing."
This carries on for a few minutes.
Aidan - "Arrghh. This f**king thing!"
Me - "Hmm. Hang on, what did you say?"
Aidan - "Nothing"
Me - "What did you say?"
Aidan - "Nothing"
Keira - "He said "f**king"!"

At which point, I was so shocked, I couldn't speak. Both kids swore, one of whom is almost 5 years old and the other is 3.5 years old. How did this happen? Hubby and I are very careful about swearing in front of the children because they are such sponges. I guess it's quite easy to pick up from anywhere. I'm not going to beat myself up about it. We'll have to keep educating them. And, there's not point making a big deal over it.

Can't even talk about knitting just yet.

Progress

It's been difficult trying to carve out some "me" time these last few weeks. A lot of my waking hours is revolved around the kids . Whatever time I have I'm trying to knit, read some of my favourite blogs and of course, looking at Ravelry.

I know I said I'm going to tackle some of my WIPs. I have taken them out of the WIP pile, assessed the situation, but I haven't done anything about them. So instead, I start a new project. I've been wanting something new and fashionable to wear this autumn/winter. So I decided to cast on Iceland from Rowan 42. The recommended yarn is Rowan Cocoon, but I've decided to use up some stash yarn and knitted it in RYC Soft Tweed in Mist (a bluey grey). Here's the progress so far. I had some slight gauge issues, which I think I've resolved so we'll see how it'll look.

About 10 years ago, hubby and I planted some dwarf fruit trees (apple, pear and cherry) in our tiny London garden. They didn't bear fruit for about 8 years, in fact, the pear tree still hasn't. Then in the last 2 years, we've had lots of apples and some cherries. I don't know what the cherries taste like because it's always eaten by the birds before we get a chance to pick them. We've had loads of apple. As a result, I've been making lots of different appley desserts - apple muffins, apple crumble , apple turnovers and a chocolate apple betty (recipe from Nigel Slater). I'm surprised that they are such tasty apples as I don't look after the garden very well!

Ballet wrap cardigan

Hmmm, it seems quite quiet here in blogland. It must be because everyone seems to be getting onto Ravelry! I must say I've had a lot of fun poking around. I'm in danger of joining lots of groups and disclosing the full extent of my stash and WIPs. Yikes!


Speaking of Wips I have managed to finish a few things. One of them is the Ballet wrap cardigan for Keira. She recently started ballet lessons and needed a cardigan for the colder months. I thought I won't buy one, I'll just knit her one. I have a lot of pink yarn and it won't take too long. I did forget about how much time that I would have for knitting. So here we are 2 months later, the cardigan is finished.

Pattern : Ballet wrap cardigan from Knits for Children and their Teddies by Fiona McTague
Yarn : Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Pink-a-boo instead of the recommended Rowan Kid Silk Haze (used doubled!)
Needle size: 4mm
Modifications: I added a garter stitch border on the hem of the body and added a few rows to the length of the cardigan. I didn't make the folded sleeve version and I have foregone the crochet picot edging in Rowan Lurex Shimmer. I also didn't make the 7 foot garter stitch ties. I sewed on a pretty ribbon instead. I just wanted this finished! She loves it and that's all that matters.



My mother in law had bought some novelty yarn when she was last in Hong Kong, to be knitted into fluffy, airy scarves. So I obliged and made 1 for her and with the leftover yarn, made a matching one for the grandaughter. Now I just have to make another one with the multi-coloured pom-pom yarn. (Not high on my priority of things to knit, I have to admit!)

Prizes in the post

Hurray! Hurray! I've won a prize! Kathy at Irisheyes Knitting was hosting a postcard competition and I sent her a few postacrds before Zoe arrived. My name was pulled
out of the hat and look at what she sent me. Socks that Rock in Ruby and a Gone with the Wind mug. I am currently looking for the perfect pattern for such a lovely colourway.


This brings me on to my next distraction - Ravelry. I've got my invitation and I've logged on and I'm completely distracted. it's great to look through everyone's stash and projects. I'm currently queueing up loads of projects which I have no time to make. There are loads of sock patterns which I haven't seen and I'm tempted to cast on. I'm also a bit worried about fully disclosing the size of my stash. Uggh!

My aim for October is to finish a few WIPs which have been languishing around for some time. As the weather is turning colder, I'm very motivated to finish my Flicca coat in Rowan Polar. I've actually finished the back, 2 fronts and 1 sleeve. So hopefully that won't take too long. I also have the Rowan Denim jacket to finish for Aidan. The back and fronts have been completed and seamed, both sleeves are also finished. Unfortunately, the pieces didn't shrink 20% after the first wash, so the sleeves aren't fitting into the armh0les. A quick fix is required (I just haven't had the concentration!) There's also the Mitred Square blanket which needs another 20 squares and a hell of a lot of sewing up. This is all I'm going to disclose at the moment! The trouble is I'm being distracted by the 3 little monkeys!

The time blackhole

It's been 13 days since I last posted, but it really only felt like yesterday. Time seems to be flying by and here I am completely oblivious to it. Who would have thought that it's the 18th of September today and we're in the middle of autumn! Certainly not me!

I'm finally settling into the routine of life, which consists of running around for the kids and after the kids. Knitting and blogging have taken a slight back seat. Apologies. I have been knitting (I promise) but I haven't had much time to contemplate or blog about the knitting. I might have to set aside some time each week to blog about WIPs, progress, wish lists and even just general thoughts.

One highlight during the past week was a very quick meet up with Kate in Putney. After a quick coffee and a chat, off we headed to Stash. Michelle was trying to tempt us with loads of new arrivals in the shop, which included new colours of Koigu and Dream in Colour yarn. I said to Kate as we were about to enter the shop, that I was on a yarn diet. That quickly flew out of the window the minute we stepped into the shop. I might as well admit it, I bought 2 skeins of Dream in Colour to make a shrug. The colours are gorgeous. Hopefully, there will be progress shots of actual knitting soon.

Milestones and progress

Another milestone is being achieved in our little household. Aidan starts "big" school today. I was feeling rather emotional at the school gate this morning as I dropped him off. He was all dressed up in his new uniform with his little lunch bag in his hand. I'm sure he'll do well (or least OK) in the academic aspect (he likes learning) but I'm worried about the other things (eating lunch, going to the toilet, getting dressed after PE). Hopefully he'll cope and I'm just being a typical worrying mummy.On the knitting front, I've managed to finish a little something for Zoe. This is the Daisy hat from Itty Bitty Hats. There are some super patterns in there and I'm sure there'll be a few more finished hats soon. Watch this space.

Progress on the knitting front

Life is settling well with a newborn in the family. She's now sleeping for longer periods and is feeding better. She doesn't sleep so much during the night but we're going to try to change that soon.

I've also realised that I just haven't got a lot of time for me. Knitting and catching up on blogs tends to happen on a very ad hoc basis. Hopefully, that will get better when Aidan starts school in 2 weeks time and Keira is back in nursery for 4 mornings a week.

In the meantime, I've only managed to start and finish small projects. One of the small projects happens to be a super fun project from Zoe Mellor's Knitted Toys book. It was Aidan's choice of project - Rainbow snake.
Pattern : Snake from Zoe Mellor's Knitted Toys
Yarn : Huge selection of colours from Rowan Handknit Cotton
Modifications: In the pattern, the snake is knitted flat and then seamed. The thought of seaming a 3 foot long snake didn't seem exciting, so I knitted the head as recommended and knitted the rest of the body in the round on 2 circular needles.

The good thing about this knit was that I usually only had enough time and concentration for 1 colour block. I could also involve the kids with the projects with colour choices and stuffing the snake. It took about 2.5 weeks to start and finish. At least one person is pleased with his new friend.

GIfts, gifts, gifts...

I've completety forgotten what its like to have a newborn baby in the house. They cry lots, needs changing lots, don't sleep unless they are being held or cuddled, takes up loads of your time, needs constant feeding..... the list goes on.

I feel very honoured that my lovely blog friends have been showering me with loads of gifts and not just for the new arrival. This big bundle arrived from Kate with gifts for all of us and she even thoughtfully included 2 little toys for Aidan and Keira too. There's a beautiful hand knitted bolero and matching party dress for the new party princess.

Polly also sent a beautiful hand knitted cardigan and hat. The cardigan pattern is one from Elizabeth Zimmerman and is in a beautiful rich red. It's a little bit big for now, but I think it would be perfect in a few months time, especially for Chinese New Year where all things red are considered lucky. The hat is so adorable, especially the frilly brim. I understand, that took forever to knit!
Thank you once again to all my lovely friends for your thoughts, kind words and gifts.

I hope to find some time soon to knit and blog. In the meantime, transmission will be intermittent.

Presenting.....

the newest addition to our little family. We took her out for a walk for the first time today and she enjoyed the sunshine. Here she is.

Baby update

She's here, she's here. She's finally arrived. Exactly one week late. But she's here. Baby Zoe arrived at 12.35am on Sunday. We arrived at the hospital at 11.20, after 2 hours of contractions at home and she promptly turned up at 12.35 after the midwife gave me a jab of diamorphine 2 minutes beforehand. I bonded with her for 15 minutes and just zoned out for 3 -4 hours after that. Great!

Anyway, she weighs just over 6 lbs (2.7 kgs) - which is quite tiny considering she is a week overdue. She is just gorgeous. Her big brother and sister love her. I'm going to have load pictures later, still looking for those cables!

I'll have more soon. Thank you also to everyone for your very kind, encouraging words.

Right here waiting

3 days past due date and still waiting. After having one child arrive 6 weeks early and the other one 5 days before her due date, I am firmly in unfamiliar territory. All this waiting is driving me up the wall. Obviously made worse by the "circus" of having parents and in-laws around 24/7. I know they only really mean well, but I don't need wrapping in cotton wool!!!!! I also don't need to be asked 200 times a day - "What still no contractions!" This is really enough to drive me up the wall. I also think my frustrations are caused by rampant hormones. Message to baby - "Please come soon. Once you arrive, grandparents will be able to devote lots of attention to you. That will save your mummy's sanity!"

On the plus side, I have booked in the induction for 8 August 2007. Hurray!

Apart from the rant, I was also going to post some photos of gifts for baby and me and the current state of my WIPs. But I can't locate my camera cables (no doubt after being tidied up by my mum!) So I'm afraid I'll have to talk about that later.

The waiting game

4 days and counting till due date. I'm still hoping she's going to arrive sooner rather than later, but we'll see. My in-laws have been around for the last few days and my parents are about to arrive later today. It's going to be all go around here soon.

In the meantime, I've been putting my time to good use and have been knitting up a storm! I've started 2 new projects . I've completed 1 and nearly completed the second. First up, a little bag from Barefoot Knits for my little Princess. A super quick and easy knit which took all of 3 hours to make. She hasn't stopped using it since I finished it.

Notes
Pattern - Bag from Barefoot Knits
Yarn - leftover Rowan Handknit Cotton from baby blanket in Shell and Rosso
Modifications - I crocheted the strap instead of making i-cord strap because the little Princess needed instant gratification. Button - chosen by the little Princess.


Next up, It's the Wave Jacket from Rowan's Miss Bea's Seaside. (I do love the Miss Bea's series!) . I've finished the back, the 2 fronts and most of the sleeves. I made it slightly bigger than the largest size. Hopefully in the next day or so, I'll be able to stick it into washing machine get it to miraculously shrink by 20% (in length) and fade a little. Ooh - the excitement!!!

One week and counting

Baby hasn't arrived even though I was convinced it was going to happen last Thursday. I'm at that stage where I think, please let it be sooner rather than later. I'm sick of waddling around, having heartburn, feeling tired. Sorry, enough with the complaining already.

The good thing about this is that I've had the time to go see the new Harry Potter movie and start and finish the new Harry Potter book - all done since Thursday. All I will say is - WoW! I loved the movie - I thought it was the best movie so far. I know there are lots of people who are excited about the huge array of knits in the film. I am too! And the book is pretty amazing too!! I was gripped from page 1, and managed to finish it in 2 days. I won't give anything away by doing a review.

I have also been doing all sorts of crafty things but I haven't had a chance to photograph them. The weather here in London has been pretty awful. Torrential rain and a forecast for more rain over the next few days. I had to go to the hospital for a check up on Friday and it took me 2.5 hours to get home. It should take only 30 minutes. What's worse, the traffic was gridlocked and I had to walk the last 1.5 miles home.

Here's something I made earlier. The kids new room has a triangle window which is so difficult to make curtains for. So I customised the old set curtains into a triangular blind. I'm pretty happy with the results.

Diggerland!

The excitement has been mounting in our house for weeks. Before you ask, it's got nothing to do with the imminent arrival of baby. (I'm probably the only one excited by that!) The kids and Daddy have been waiting for July 14 to arrive so that we can finally go to Diggerland in Kent. It was a family day event with Daddy's work. The one and half hour drive across London didn't dampen spirits.

As they say,boys will be boys. The big boy and the little boy enjoyed every single digger ride. It was hard to decide who enjoyed it more. Even Keira enjoyed a few of the rides. A great day.

Blogging friends

I am constantly amazed by my lovely blogging friends. Look what arrived from California!! A beautiful baby blanket from Ruth. It's gorgeous and I love it. Baby is such a lucky thing! Apologies as the photo doesn't do it any justice - it's pretty grey in London at the moment. I'm just thankful it's not raining. I promise a better photo soon. What's even better, Ruth is visiting London in August and I hope I get a chance to meet up with her. (This might be a bit ambitious as I will have newborn in tow along with 2 kids on summer holidays. I guess, we'll see.)


I really seem to have neglected this poor old blog. I have been working on a bunch of stuff (mainly trying to clear some WIPs) but I have made great progress. Remember, the Cambridge jacket which I was knitting for hubby in the dark grey Cascade 220. Well, it no longer exists. I wasn't enjoying it and it wasn't coming out right. So off to the frog pond it went. I just need to decide what else to knit for him!

I also started Rusted Root, months ago when it was the winner in the Sexy Knitters Club knitalong. But I ran out of yarn at nearly the finish line and had to make a special order from the US. The dyelot is totally different but I'm just going to finish it anyway. I just have to finish the ribbing on the sleeves and they are done. Sorry, there won't be a modelled shot just yet, the big, fat belly is still in the way!

I have a small confession to make. With all the stress over the last few weeks, I have seriously fallen off the yarn diet wagon and I mean seriously. I have bought some yarn since the start of the year but it tended to be a few balls here and there for specific projects and got used - like 1 or 2 balls of the Noro Silk Garden. When I hit the Liberty and John Lewis sale, look at what I walked away with - it's another mountain of yarn. I won't say how many balls but I did buy Jaeger extra fine merino DK, Jaeger aqua cotton, Jaeger Siena 4 ply, Rowan Kid silk Night and Rowan Big Wool. I blame stress and the joys of retail therapy. OOPS!

If I wasn't pregnant....

I would have definitely packed up the family and booked a holiday to somewhere sunny. Anywhere. Not fussed. Just sunshine, warmth and no more bloody rain!!! Not bothered about a beach or pool. Just sunshine, warmth and no rain. Sorry rant over. The weather here in London has been and still is appalling. You might have noticed from the coverage of Wimbledon. It's July but it feels like April. UUGGHHHH!!


Enough about the weather, I have actually managed to get some crafting done over the last 2 weeks. First up, it was a friend's birthday and I remembered how much she liked my Noro tubu bag, so I made her a similar one but in Kureyon. The pattern is the Lotorp bag from one of the Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton books. Quick and easy knit. I think I started it in a Monday and had it done by Friday evening. I now just have to make the effort to meet up and give it to her!
Next up, I have been going through my cupboard and reorganising my clothes - putting stuff into storage, taking stuff to the charity shop or just plain throwing out. I came across some tiny tank tops which I must have worn a zillion years ago because I haven't got the flat washboard stomach since the kids arrived. (BTW, I don't think I ever had the flat stomach, just the confidence of youth to carry it off!) Anyway, I thought they would make perfect little tops for Keira. Out came the scissors and sewing machine, and here's the end result. The little princess seems to like it and I'm pleased with how they came out. Hurray me! Now if we could have summer weather, she'll be able to wear them. (more pics of the red tank soon!)


In other baby news, I've just had my 36 week hospital check up and it didn't go particularly well. I'm feeling fine (blood pressure's good, baby's moving lots, weight gain in control, no water retention, etc). But the doctor kindly informed me that my GP has been measuring my bump wrongly and now they are a bit concerned with the size of the baby. An extra ultra scan later,they cofirm baby is small. She's on the 3rd centile line and she weighs under 4.5 lbs. So they tell me I need to be monitored over the next few weeks. But the NHS being what it is, I can't have my appointment when I need it. They have training day, so the antenatal clinic is shut and I can't come on any other day because I am under the care of a certain consultant. Not that I've even met the consultant. I've only ever seen trainee doctors anyway! After some panicking, I've decided to book in to see an ob-gyn privately for a second opinion. So we'll know more next week. I'm certainly feeling less stressed about it. By all accounts, baby is well, just tiny. I'm off for more rest and relaxation.

This is me

Thought I'd share a recent picture of me - taken, I think, at week 33 of the pregnancy (2 weeks ago), when the weather was vaguely sunny and summery. I'm looking out of a window at the moment, and it looks like we might have more rain any minute now.



I'm feeling good. Still tired but feeling more happy and contented.

I'll also post a crafterly update soon.

R & R

That does stand for rest and relaxation - which I have been doing quite a lot of last week. By forcing myself to slow down to half pace, I have actually managed to start and finish an item. I have been quite inspired by this scarf.

So I started one too. It's a 1x1 ribbed scarf, alternating 2 different skeins of Noro Silk Garden, I think in shade 201 and 8. I cast on 43 stitches and the finished scarf measures 7 inches wide and 62 inches long. With a little bit of focus and time, this was a pretty quick knit. I love how the colours turned out. Hubby loves it too, so I might have to make another for him.

It still needs a quick wash and block and it will be ready to be gifted on Friday. It's for one of my very best friends, who is godparent to the children.

Here's the little man posing with the scarf!

Thank you my wonderful blogging friends

Just a quick post to say thank you to my wonderful blogging friends for all their encouraging words and advice. I feel very honoured to have such wonderful and caring friends.

I promise that I am taking it easy. I am letting a lot of things slide. (the kids are enjoying their more than the "occasional" McDonalds.) I just wanted an avenue to release some frustration. I've always been a person who does things and has loads of energy. I just feel different. Baby is growing well and kicking up a storm. We're all looking forward to her arrival.

I blame the pregnancy

My sporadic and uninspiring posting can definitely be related to being pregnant! I am tired (constantly!). I have lack of focus - I just flit between projects neither completing nor progressing on any project. I am about to start at least 7 new projects, but I haven't because I can't be bothered to look for the yarn, pattern or to swatch. Since the builders finished, I have been tidying up and reorganising what feels like the whole house. I am officially fed up of washing and folding tiny mini stuff.

My list of things to do before baby arrives include:

• finish packing the hospital bag. Find essentials like maternity bras!
  
• Put up blinds and curtains in the children's new bedroom so that they can move in. I certainly don't want them waking up at 5 in the morning
  
• set up the nursery in the room to be vacated by the children
• Spring clean the whole house as it's covered in dust (still!)
• Tidy up spare room so my parents can stay when they visit
• I'm sure there's more but I can't think of it at the moment

I must go through my stash as well because I am about to collapse under a mountain of yarn.

Knitting workshop

I have had such a fabulous time on Saturday. I signed up for the Professional Finishing Techniques course held at Stash and taken by Debbie Abrahams. I had persuaded Kate to come too. And we met Fiona and Heather. Being a mainly self taught knitter, I've kinda fudged my way through quite a lot of the finishing of a garment. Boy, am I glad I went. Debbie is a wonderful teacher - very knowledgeable, approachable and enthuastic. What's great was also knitters sharing experiences and tips with each other.

The course was based around knitting and finishing a sweater for teddy which has all the elements of full sized garment. So , I turned all this.......

into this.....

Teddy is one happy bunny. Did you notice the contrast colour neckband? It wasn't intentional. I've been having pregnancy related forgetfulness and just plain forgot to bring my yarn and notes! But I managed..... I'm very proud of my mattress stitch. Look - all perfectly matched up and you can't see the purple yarn which I used for sewing up!

Now I just need to finish up some of my WIPs to practise my professional finishing!

My baby is 3 today!

Another little milestone today. My little baby, Keira, is 3 today. Gosh, how time flies. I remember her birth like it was yesterday. Waters breaking, bloody painful contractions, long labour (in comparison to Aidan, but not really in actuality). And now, she is a little girl, a proper little girl who loves pink, princesses, pink, ballet, pink, dressing up, shoes. Did I mention she loves pink? We will be having a few friends over on Thursday for a fairy princess party. Heaven help me.


Here she is with her big bro, modelling my latest FO. The skirt is the ruffles skirt from Barefoot Knits. Project specs:
Yarn - Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Truffles, Tea Rose and Pink-a-Boo.
Needle size - 4mm
Modifications - knitted in the round instead of flat, which meant I had to cast on 324 stitches for the ruffles. Urgghhh! But there was minimal sewing up!
I really like this book, which I purchased from a LYS in Denver. There are several patterns in the book which I would definitely make.

7 random things about me

I've been tagged! For the first time by Kim for 7 random things about me.

Rules:
1. Each player starts with 7 random facts about themselves.
2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their 7 random things and post the rules.
3. At the end of your post you need to tag 7 people and post their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Well, here is my list:
1. I love pickles. I like pretty much every kind of pickled vegetable
- from Europe - capers, cornichons, gherkins, olives, artichoke
- from Japan - pickled ginger, radish, cucumber
- from Korea - kim chee
- from Malaysia/Singapore - achar (pickled vegetable in a spicy, nutty sauce) and my grandmother makes the yummiest pickled chilli stuffed with raw grated papaya
and also pickled salted vegetable and szechuan vegetable, pickled mango.
There's at least 6 or 7 varieties of pickles currently in my fridge. Yumm....

2. We have a king sized bed. But I always sleep right on the edge of the bed. There's about a 3 foot gap between hubby and I. Actually, I like having a cuddle before bed, but there should be no touching after that! I can never understand in the movies when the actors are all cuddled up before and wake up all cuddled up as well.

3. I have a freaky second toe (actually both second toes are freaky!) They are affectionately called ET toes by my entire family. Luckily, this is a trait I haven't passed on to my kids.

4. I can eat most anything for breakfast - cake, curry noodles, leftover pizza. Anything! But I need a cup of coffee with it.

5. I am the most impatient person I know, except when it comes to dealing with the kids. I don't often lose it them. Hubby and my parents think that is so amazing!

6. I tend to do things on a "all or nothing" basis. Take knitting - I have purchased hundreds of balls of yarn and books and magazine in the last 5 years when I took up knitting again. Last year, apart from knitting books or childcare books, I read a total of 6 books. But this year, I have read loads (at least 2 or 3 a month so far).

7. I used to be a complete party girl, out most nights of the week. But now, I am so happy and contented to be at home, watching tv, knitting and reading blogs.

Now - I have to decide on 7 people to tag............................................

Feeling virtuous

Today I handed over the baby blanket and Anouk pinafore to my friend who will be attending her goddaughter's christening in 2 weeks time. I agreed to knit a baby blanket for her in November and only fiinished it in March/April. The baby was born in Oct. Boy, do I feel bad about it!! So bad that I knitted her the Anouk pinafore to make up for it!!! But now that they are both finished and handed over, I feel very virtuous and relieved. What's even better, she loves both of the items. Hurray!Two WIPs done - more projects to start. Oohh, what shall I start next?

I've also decided to show a picture of my orchid. I got it as a gift about 8 years ago - all beautiful and full of flowers. That was the only time it ever flowered. Since then, nothing! Suddenly, it's decided to flower again (well it has one flower!) but I'm so impressed and overjoyed by this prospect.

Ps - you can tell I'm not very green fingered judging by the dried stems and chewed up leaves!