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.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
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.
Monday, August 06, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
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!!!
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!!!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, July 13, 2007
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!
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!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
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.
I'm feeling good. Still tired but feeling more happy and contented.
I'll also post a crafterly update soon.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
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!
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!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
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 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.
Monday, June 11, 2007
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:
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
Monday, June 04, 2007
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!
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!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, May 21, 2007
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............................................
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............................................
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
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!
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!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Time
Where does the time go? Blink and suddenly it's 12 days since I updated this poor neglected blog. Much has been happening in my life. The builders and decorators are still here. Most of the building work is finished and they are just finishing up the last few bits. I'm having my fingers and toes crossed that this will be finished by early next week. The new carpets are arriving on Thursday and I can spend the weekend tidying up and making our house a home again. I can generally live in a messy environment but even I'm getting annoyed with the mess and untidyness. What's worse I can't find a thing!
The other annoying thing is that I've had the worst back ache for as long as I can remember. I've had the slight dull ache in my lower back for a few weeks. But that's suddenly changed to sharp shooting pains from my glutes to my lower back. I've booked in to see my physio and thankfully the diagnosis isn't serious. Just muscular pain caused by an unbalanced pelvis, made worse by a growing bump. (The bump is seriously growing - I must take another photo soon!)
Enough complaining. I do have some WIPs to show. I'm suffering from startitis. I have TONS of WIPs which need finishing but haven't got the motivation to do it. So I just started 3 new projects. Yay!
Anouk from Knitty in Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Truffle and Pink-a-boo.
Jaywalker socks in Opal rainforest Tiger. A little bit late to the party but enjoying it never the less! These socks are hopefully for my May Sock-a-month along.
Rusted Root from Zephyrstyle in Brown Sheep Cotting Fleece in Wisteria, for the Sexy Knitters knitalong. I probably won't get to wear this until next summer!
The other annoying thing is that I've had the worst back ache for as long as I can remember. I've had the slight dull ache in my lower back for a few weeks. But that's suddenly changed to sharp shooting pains from my glutes to my lower back. I've booked in to see my physio and thankfully the diagnosis isn't serious. Just muscular pain caused by an unbalanced pelvis, made worse by a growing bump. (The bump is seriously growing - I must take another photo soon!)
Enough complaining. I do have some WIPs to show. I'm suffering from startitis. I have TONS of WIPs which need finishing but haven't got the motivation to do it. So I just started 3 new projects. Yay!
Anouk from Knitty in Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Truffle and Pink-a-boo.
Jaywalker socks in Opal rainforest Tiger. A little bit late to the party but enjoying it never the less! These socks are hopefully for my May Sock-a-month along.
Rusted Root from Zephyrstyle in Brown Sheep Cotting Fleece in Wisteria, for the Sexy Knitters knitalong. I probably won't get to wear this until next summer!
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