Mother's Day

I know this is not celebrated on the same day all around the world. But it's Mother's Day in the UK. Look at the wonderful cards which the kids made.
This is from Keira. It's a flower made from her hand prints.
On the back of Aidan's card, it said "My mummy is special because she helps me with my writing and gives me lots of hugs".

I never thought I'd be a mummy, let alone a mummy to 3 beautiful lil ones, but I couldn't imagine doing anything else. Love you all, lots!

Projects for the month

It's been a long time since I started a new project. And since I have been super good (in my opinion!) at finishing a few old WIPs I felt very justified in casting on for a few (well 3 to be exact!) new projects.


In the last few years of blog reading, I have been following the participants of Project Spectrum have been very impressed by their influences and projects. This year it is PS Elements -(Fire, E arth, Air and Water). For Feb and March, it's Fire the colours red, orange and pink. I had that in mind, when I cast on for my new projects.


First up is a dress for Keira. A basic bottom up, knit in the round variety, with ruffles at the hem. (made up as I go along!) I must have been mad when I decided to knit this in Rowan 4 ply Soft. I had to cast on about 600 odd stitches to create the ruffle. Ugh! It's not better now, it's still about 300 odd stitches per round. UGH! As you can see, progress has been slow. It didn't help that I left my knitting at the gym for about a week.
Secondly, we have Socks on Fire in Araucaunia sock yarn in variegated reds. The sock pattern was specifically written for PS Elements and is a free download on Ravelry. I'm really enjoying knitting socks again! The only problem is that hubby broke one of my dpns. They were Brittany Birch ones too!!!! his only comment was - "Oh, I thought they were normal bamboo skewers and that you were being very inventive." This project is on hold until I can get into town. My LYS has no dpns, actually their stock of needles was very poor.

I'm going to write about new project number 3 later. Baby has been trying to help me type and this is taking forever!!!

Update

I am currently using 2 different cameras. One, which I've been using for a few years now - a Sony Cybershot and my new one, a Canon D60. I've been taking most of my current pictures with my new toy. It's great for close ups of my knitting and it writes so quickly that I can take loads of the kids (without them realising!) I suddenly remembered that I have taken pictures with my Sony and I need to download them. So here are a few pics.

First up, this is pic of special dish that we had for Chinese New Year. It's called Yi sang and is made up of raw fish (salmon), grated carrots and daikon, and loads of pickled veggies and a yummy sauce. Everyone gets involved in mixing it all up and eating. Yum!

I also finally finished one of my long term WIPs. This is Flicca, design by Anna Bell. I started this project almost a year ago in March 2007. I finally finished it last week. I don't know why this took so long to finish because it was quite an easy knit, I like the design and it would have come in so useful during the cold winter months!

Pattern notes:
Pattern : Flicca by Anna Bell
Yarn : Rowan Polar in Chocolate Truffle, 8 balls
Needle size : 8mm
Modifications : I used 8mm needles instead of 7mm as recommended in the pattern. I made the smallest size instead of the next size up. I cast on a lot less stitches for the sleeves. Apart from that, I don't really remember! Oops!

Gong Xi Fa Cai

It's a good thing Chinese New Year is celebrated over 15 days, otherwise this post would have been long overdue. Just a quick note to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Henry Moore at Kew gardens

When my sister was here, we took her to Kew Gardens (one of my favourite places to visit). The weather was cold but bright and really condusive for a nice long walk. After a picnic and a play in Climbers and Creepers (the children's play area), we set off.

I had for gotten that they were showing Henry Moore's sculptures around the Gardens. And by some luck, I'd taken my camera along. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to see all the sculptures, there was much complaining from the children after what must have felt like a marathon for their little legs!!

Anyway, here are some of my pics.

More FOs

I am on a roll!! I have another WIP finished. Break out the champagne!

Pattern: Iceland from Rowan 42
Yarn: RYC Soft Tweed - 10 balls
The recommended yarn wasRowan Cocoon but I couldn't really justify spending on more yarn as the stash is extensive.
Needle size: 7mm
Thoughts: I really liked the pattern when I first set eyes on Rowan 42. Now that its on me, I love it even more. The only drawback is that I attach myself on doorknobs and other protusions. The pattern is pretty easy. The yarn knits up well even though it is bit squeaky on the needles. I had to knit and reknit the ribbing a few times to get it right. It's not perfect but I'm willing to ive with it.

Catch up

I've been meaning to blog for the last week, but unfortunately, Aol disconnected our broadband service without telling us. ARRGGHHH! As a stay at home mum, my connection to the outside world is via the internet. It had been so bloody inconvenient. Anyway, rant over.


I have an enjoyable week, last week. My sister from Malaysia, came over for visit and spent some time with us. It was lovely to see her as the last time I saw her was in January 2007 when we were in KL. For her, she probably felt like a glorified baby sitter as I was constantly asking her to keep an eye on the kids or feeding them or bathing them or reading them as bed time story. I think she enjoyed herself. I know the kids loved having her. Keira kept giving her big hugs and loudly proclaiming - "I love you". Sweet!

This is for Mary- here is Juliet modelled by me. Sorry for the flash! It is just so dark and grey and foggy here in London. It still needs to be blocked and buttons attaching.

B is for Blue

Unbelievably, I have some FO's to share. Having been struck down by the lurgy seems to have rejuvenated my knitting mojo. I've finished the knitting portion of my Juliet. I just need to hunt down some buttons and block it and it would be done.

Pattern : Juliet from Zephrstyle
Yarn : Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky in blue
Needle size :6.5mm
Size made : extra small
Thoughts: Easy pattern and with the large sized needles, it just flew along. With the top down knit, it was easy to adjust the fit. I think I'll get a lot wear out of this FO.

Next up, is the Koolhaas hat for hubby. I made an error on repeat no 5 and had to rip that out and reknit. That delayed the finishing somewhat. But it's now done and he loves it!!!

Pattern : Koolhaas hat by Jared Flood from Interweave Holiday 2007
Yarn : Malabrigo Worsted in Stone Blue
Needle size : 4mm and 5mm
Thoughts : Gorgeous pattern. Lovely yarn. The only difficulty is one of the cables where the yarn at the back and you have to knit through the backloop. Ugh! I didn't have my cable needle when I was carting it around, so that round just took forever to knit. Love it!!

Hopefully, over the next few days, I aim to finish a few more WIPs. 2 are also in blue and the other one is chocolate brown. Keep watching this space!!

Illness galore

I've succumbed to the dreaded flu for the last week. Not just me, the whole family was afflicted too. I have to say, I'm glad that we are almost through the worst patch. If baby's cough and runny nose would clear up, then I'd be a happy bunny.


The only thing that I could do was internet shop. And look at the amazing bargain I had on ebay. 2 skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd sock for £9 and I will admit to going a bit mad (considering my sock knitting is almost non-existent!!) But anyway, I got Pinstripe, Aslan, Happy Valley, Baby Stripe, Bucks Bar, Purple Iris, Mt Creek and Tahoe. I guess I should make knitting a pair of socks my goal for January!!

Newest WIPs

Amazingly, the sun was shining today. I always cope better with winter when the sun shines!

I haven't cast on for anything new in 2008. I have a bunch of stuff to finish off from 2007. I am going to aim to finish a few projects before Chinese New Year (Feb 8), as Grandma always used to say I should start the year with a clean slate and no debts overhanging over my head. I would consider my WIP pile a serious debt!

Here's my newest WIP. Koolhaas hat by Jared Flood (from Interweave's Holiday Knits) in Malabrigo in Stone Blue. This was going to be hubby's Christmas present but it's going to be his first present of 2008. I haven't decided if it needs another repeat before starting the decreases. We'll see.....

I also started Juliet by the Zephr girls. I had every intention of joining the Sexy Knitters Club kniatalong when it started but somehow never got round to it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I might finish it before the new knitalong starts. I really want Bella Paquita to win so that I can join in again too. (Late of course!)

New year, New me, New goals

Happy New Year everyone.

I'm not sure I'm going to make any resolutions this year. Every year I try make achievable resolutions and somehow, never achieve them. Like last year, one of my resolutions was that I'm on a yarn diet and I'm going to knit from my stash. That went so wrong - so much so that I haven't really even admitted it to myself. (Hangs head in shame). So this year, I'm not going to make any at all.

Having made that admission, I have to come clean and say that I did succumb to the yarn sales at Liberty and John Lewis. I only (only, she says!!!) bought 10 balls of Rowan Cotton glace in Maritime and in purple, some Noro Silk Mountain and some Noro Cash Iroha in purple as well. I guess I have been struck by the NoroVirus.

But on the other hand, I have been knitting. The only problem is that the light is so poor that I haven't taken any pictures yet. Here's hoping for some better light.

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.