More FO and prgress

Finally finished the Wave Jacket for Aidan. I think I started this in July last year. Here 's Keira modelling it because I forgot to load the flash card into the camera when I had the original photoshoot with Aidan. Doh!




Pattern : Wave Jacket from Miss Bea's Seaside
Yarn : Rowan Denim in Memphis and Tennesse
Needle size : 4mm
Notes and modifications:
The largest size was for a 4 year old so I made a few calculations and added a few stitches and rows. The problem is that my finsihed garment didn't shrink as much as the 20% as stated or as much as my swatch. So the jacket is a bit BIG! It still needs a zip but I'm calling this done.


I also picked up another WIP which I started (some time in winter?) . This is Viv from RYC Am to Pm. I'm knitting this in Rowan DK Soft rather than the RYC Baby Alpaca, although it looks just like the book.

Awww, you guys!

Firstly, thank you for all your lovely comments.
Polly - Juliet was finished a month ago, I only found buttons for it recently. I wore it buttonless a few times though.
Kathy - Here is the chubby arm look!!!

I think women are funny creatures. I don't think I've met one who's completely 100% happy with how she looks. For myself - I could lose a few more pounds (post baby) especially around the tummy area. I could be a bit more toned in the arms and butt and tummy. I'll have to wear padded bras and "chicken fillets" to have womanly curves. Having said that, I'm generally happy with what I've got - so long as it's not falling apart!!! So thank you again, for ALL your lovely comments.

Apart from knitting, I've also been doing a few other things. I went on a beading workshop and made this bracelet and pair of earrings. The workshop was about the exploration of colour and basic techniques. I had a great time and I'm going to be digging out all my old beads for more projects.


Finally, I made banana fritters (Malaysian style). They were super yummy. And enjoyed by all including Aidan, who doesn't normally eat bananas and Zoe, who is so picky about food.

Stick a fork in me...

I've finally finished Bella Paquita. Apologies for a very crap picture. You will note that it's missing some sleeves. I took the executive decision to leave it as a sleeveless top. Not because I couldn't be bothered to knit them, but they made my arms look very chubby. It was the dreaded bingo wings effect. Sooo not sexy!

Here it is:
Pattern: Bella Paquita by Marnie
Yarn : Rowan Calmer in Coral 4.5 balls
Needles : 4.5 mm
Size : Small
Modifications : As mentioned, I've made this into a sleeveless tank. To stop the edges rolling too much, I added a single crochet edging. It fits really well and I think it will get a lot of wear.

I also thought I'd show my Juliet top with buttons. Really love this top! Goes with a lot of my wardrobe.

More knitting progress

I am nearly finished with Bella Paquita. Ribbing - finished. 1 sleeve started and hopefully , not long to go before I'm finished......

I haven't had time to take progress shots, but I thought I'd show how much I've progressed on the Ruffley dress (which might end up being a Ruffley top). 4ply knitting is not fast going!!!

More snow in April

I really do worry a lot about changes in the climate. I do try to make an effort in being green and reducing my carbon footprint, but, I fear, this might not be enough. This was taken from my garden at 8 in the morning. There were huge snowflakes falling from the sky.

And just for Kathy, I am knitting and making sloooow progress. Dammit - I'm stuck on 2x2 ribbing hell!!!! It is a slog. I should be finished soon. (Famous last words!) (Did you see that flying pig go by!)

We're back

Apologies for not posting for such a long time. I had planned on posting about my small knitting progress before going on holiday, but just didn't get round to it. Oops.


We took a family trip to the Lake District. It's about a 5 hour car trip from London , but it's worth it because it is just gorgeous there. The weather was very changeable with driving rain one day and beautiful sunshine the next day. The kids loved being out and about. Once they are bigger, we'll certainly be doing more hiking with with them.


This is Lake Windermere , on a gorgeous day.
This is Ullswater, another lake in the area.
The kids also loved meeting the animals (as you do in the countryside!) We even found some alpacas! Aidan was convinced he saw a llama on one of our drives. I haven't got the heart to tell him it was only a sheep.
We had such a lovely time. The only thing I missed was the internet connection. No wifi anywhere. No internet cafes. No hot spots. Just the local library and that was a 15 minute drive away. Well, we're back in London now and it's supposed to snow later today and tomorrow. Joy!

Bella Paquita

I can't believe I only have 5 days to finish this. The knitalong started in mid Feb and it is due to finish at the end of March and I've made no significant progress since the progress pics. Oh well...... I guess I won't be meeting the deadline. My only excuse is that I have tendonitis is my wrist which has been hampering progress. I'm off to see the physio tomorrow, so I hope help is at hand.

Pattern: Bella Paquita by Marnie Maclean
Yarn : Rowan Calmer in Coral
Needles : 4.5mm
Size : small
Thoughts so far: I've forgotten how much I love Rowan Calmer! I can't wait to finish this.

Easter bonnet

I can't believe that it's almost time for the Easter break for the kids. I'm sure it was only yesterday that they had the Christmas break. Anyway, I'm sure I'll enjoy having them all at home with me. (NOT!)

We've been busy with some Easter preparations. Aidan will be participating in the Easter bonnet parade in school and we spent the last week making the bonnet. Most of the discussions went something like this:
Aidan : But Mum, I don't want to wear a bonnet, it's too girlish!

Aidan: But Mum, why do you have to make it. Why can't we just buy one!
(Obviously, my son has no faith in my crafting ability!)

Aidan: I don't want any flowers or daffodils. That's too girlish! Maybe just some grass.

So after all that, I made him a top hat, with grass and glued on some Easter chocolates. I hope he's happy.




I've also been suffering from slight tendonitis in my right wrist. Although it's too painful to knit, I can't seem to knit for long before everything feels stiff. So I cast on for a super quick and easy hat for Keira. The pattern is Lola from Rowan Babies. I knitted it in GGH Samoa. It took a few hours to finish. And I loved making the flowers.
This is Zoe modelling the hat.

Spring???

I had a post prepared (in my head) about how lovely March has been. Sunny, bright, cold (ish) and wonderfully spring-like. But the weather has turned disgusting - wind, rain and yucky grey skies!!

This is what is was like out of my window on Monday.
These 2 photos were taken last Friday, what a contrast.

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.