MAZZAM AGAIN

Knitting in Public Day

2011-06-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

What a lovely way to spend a Saturday when I should have been at work. When I knew Sarah Hatton was coming to John Lewis in Nottingham for the day I had to book leave so I could be there. We were fewer than I thought but the store was busy and lots of people came over to see what was happening. One knitting person commented that she knew now what monkeys in the zoo must feel like! My Friend and I were laughing saying wouldn't it be funny if someone we knew happened to pass when suddenly there was Fran who I used to be very close too many years ago! How fabulous to reunite! I'll definitely be keeping in touch.
We had a competition to knit bunting and one for the fastest knitter. Cast on 60 stitches and knit for 3 minutes. I managed 131. Not very impressive when you know the world record is 255 but still enough to win me the prize! A set of bamboo needles, a ball of Rowan Cocoon and a copy of Sarah's book. How lovely!

Pay it Forward

2011-06-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

I recently received a gift from Squirrel from her Pay it Forward competition.

There is a lovely lilac washcloth, stitch markers and an Aero sheep which arrived just in time to accompany a mid-morning coffee. Yum!
So now it is my turn to pass it on. If you would like to play just leave a comment on here before June 24th. I'll randomly select 3 visitors to receive a small gift from me. Go ahead. It's easy and fun.

Dabbling

2011-06-06T03:55:00.000-07:00

Isabel and I love to dabble in new crafts. A short while ago we went to the Beetroot Tree gallery in Duffield to have a go at crocheting in wire. When we went to the Sewing for Pleasure / Hobbycraft show we tried silk painting and drizzle embroidery but I think the one that gave us both the most satisfaction was the mosaic mirrors we made at Shipley Country Park.

I wish I had thought to take a photo before I grouted it because the difference it made was incredible. I guess if you have ever blocked lace you will know exactly what I mean.

Speaking of blocking lace seems a fine opportunity to add a photo of my latest Icarus. This was for the Ravelry International shawl swap. My shawl is still travelling to me internationally. I am really looking forward to it's arrival.

Six months

2011-06-06T03:40:00.000-07:00

It seems it is just six months since my last post here. I'm not sure how that happened although Ravelry and the Phoenix forum could be the explanation as I post my projects on the first and my thoughts on the second.
Would you like to see some projects here??

Was it silly of me to be unreasonably excited to have a message from Ravelry asking if they could use it as the feature photo for this pattern? Probably, since mine is the only finished one on there! I really don't know why. I love it. It is Glimmer by Grace Melville from Studio 20 in Rowan Denim but with plain sleeves.

Next we have Fiore di Mare.

I have knitted this twice but both have gone off for swaps. I shall do a keeper though before the autumn comes.

Another twice knit project is Sleeping Baby's Castle blanket. I did one full size and one smaller one by reducing the turret rib surrounding the picture part.

My friend for whose grandson I knitted the smaller one was showing some professional photos that had been taken of the baby and I was so thrilled to see they had chosen that blanket for the pictures.

Friendship blanket

2011-06-06T03:32:00.001-07:00

On the Phoenix Forum some of us are knitting squares for each other, two per month for different people. I knew I was enjoying this, we send postcards too with greetings for each other but it wasn't until I was explaining to Millie why I had an envelope with 2 pieces of knitting that I realized how wonderful it is. When my blanket is finished it will be made up of gifts from online friends all over the country who I most likely will never meet in person and it will be all the warmer for that.
Here it is so far. I have asked for the colours to echo the 'Dandelion Clocks' I have as my curtains and cushions.

Finished!

2011-01-04T12:15:00.001-08:00

I knitted Audacity a free pattern by Faye Newport. I really like it but it is far too big and seems to hover over my head. I can't face reknitting it so I might try felting it. I only wear hats when it's very cold but find it really difficult to get one I feel comfortable in.

The felted tweed I used for the hat was left over from my very favourite Flared Cardigan by Sarah Hatton.

The colour in the hat picture is much truer.

2011-01-04T12:05:00.001-08:00

The socks to go in the Towers of Wonder were ready in time.

Embossed Leaves for DD1, Plain ones for Mr DD1, These for DD2 have spiders on the front from the Barbara Walker pattern (I really really don't know why I put them on the front rather than the side) Plain again for Mr DD2
And here are the aforementioned towers which take the place of stockings.

They were all well received. Millie finds them tickly so I was excused knitting smaller ones.

I have put away the decorations now. I made some Christmas bunting which I loved but I couldn't get a very effective picture. Here though is my willow wreath made for me last Christmas by Isabel. It stays up all year round as a memory wreath but I added some extra pieces for the season.

Snow joke

2010-12-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

Where's Lily?

Projects since June

2010-10-07T03:55:00.001-07:00

Spring Thaw in Ranco Aurocania

Martha Rowan Scottish Tweed 4 ply

Saroyan in Alpaca

Annis in grey silk laceweight which was rather too thin.

Coquille in Noro sock yarn

28th June??

2010-10-07T01:25:00.001-07:00

I knew it had been a long time since my last post but couldn't believe it when I came back and saw the date of my last post was June 28th! I seem to have missed the whole summer.
Of course I had lots of trips out with Millie during the school holidays. We went to Conkkers with Auntie Isabel, Drayton Manor with Mummy, Bluebell's Maize Maze, Make It! in Mansfield, Manor Farm Donkey Sanctuary, Rufford Country Park, Shipley Country Park and I'm sure there were others I have forgotten

Ah yes, a check in the photos reminded me of Cadbury World. Here is Millie, enjoying the playground.

We took Grandad to the Heights of Abraham in Matlock. This is reached by a cablecar and this is Millie in the exhibition of how it works.

It was the summer of the crystals when Millie started a collection so we took her to the National Stone Centre where she had a lovely if damp time panning for gems. It was terribly stressful though as she was traumatised at the thought of loosing any of the chips over the side of her pan!

Conkers

Catching up (yet again)

2010-06-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Again I have been neglecting the blog! Where have I been? What have I done? Struggled to tame the garden which is a mass of geraniums and alchemelia. The roses have done extra well this year, they are flowering their socks off. The vegetable beds (new this year) look as though they are doing something but the proof will be in the pulling.
I have had a lovely pair of packages from my Secret Pal. They both arrived on the same day so here is a combination picture..

The book Knitted Gifts came directly from Amazon. What a lovely treat. It is full of great little projects. It the big parcel was Juvel yarn, Viking brand Dpn's, handcream, a sweet little heart decoration, a notebook, ceramic buttons and see those great sock yarn slippers! Some paper napkins and a needle guage.There is also chocolate but that is hiding in the fridge!

It's Isabel's birthday tomorrow. Her main present was chicken wire! This has been used to build an enlarged rabbit home for the outdoor ones.It seemed a bit of a poor pressie, although it was received happily, so I added The Rabbit Problem An awsome book which is like a vintage calendar taking us through a year in a rabbit's field, starting with a lonely rabbit looking for a friend and ending with a rabbit explosion in December. I think it is February when it is the cold rabbit problem month with a little pattern to knit arabbit suit complete with ear covers. It is a delightful book. She also got a Sambucus Nigra which we both fell in love with when we visited the open garden trail in Ladybay last weekend. I bought myself one too and it smells amazing. I knitted her a Windmill Bag from various organic cotton leftovers.

We had a lovely aternoon with her and James yesterday. The menfolk were watching the England/Germany match while the rest of us enjoyed the sunshine.

It's been so hot again today. Millie had an inset day off school so Rosemary and I took her on a trip to Bakewell. We had a lovely day, the market is still thriving, unlike a lot of them. I bought myself a hat, mainly for gardening, although I wore it all day. No pictures!

What have I been knitting? I don't know. There must have been something. I do have a Ravenscar knitted in the Freedom Organic cotton I bought on holiday.

I have also just finished a shawl knitted in some sock yarn from Skeins but I am a bit worried that when it is worn it will leave a turquoise tidemark. My bamboo needles had a tinge as I was knitting and I had a line across my tensioning finger. I have washed it well but it still seems to be bleeding colour. I'll have another go at rinsing it sometime but I'm not very impressed.

Late Birthday Present

2010-06-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

I was in the Ravelry birthday swap and largely because of the volcanic ash cloud which grounded so many planes, my package from mullub in Ontario only arrived today. It was worth the wait - there is Koigu in there and Sublime.

Also 2 of my favourite indulgences, a new magazine and some of those fancy extortionately priced tissues. Missing from the picture, I'm not sure why it got away, is a shiny green tape measure. Do you remember the cbbc programme where the characters were rewarded for correct answers with a 'shiny'?

Millie's new cardi

2010-06-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

When Millie was 3 I knitted her a little lacey cardi in lilac Sirocco. I hated knitting it. The yarn feels quite harsh. But Millie loved it and has been struggling into it until a couple of weeks age. I remembered I had bought some pale green to knit myself a top but had been put off by the feel of it. I have knitted the same cardigan 3 sizes larger but I'm not sure the colour will be as popular. We'll find out tomorrow.

Bank Holiday

2010-06-01T09:47:00.001-07:00

I've had a lovely time over the weekend. On Friday I had a day out with janiannie We had been invited to a sale at Heath's Country Store and it would have been rude not to go, or not to take advantage of the discount Offered. I didn't spend so much but we carried on to Thorsby for lunch in The Bay Tree and a quick browse around the lovely shops and the especially good plant shop ...that was where the money went but I did get lots for it!
Saturday was work so we will gloss over that and go straight to Sunday which I spent trying to take in as many venues as possible in the Derbyshire Open Arts event. We started at Skeins in Glossop and that was far too tempting! Grey silk laceweight, Fabulous sock yarn, Noro sock yarn half price. Oh dear! We went to several other places too, ending up at Cromford Mill for coffee and scones. I was so tired I accidentaly ordered cream with mine but I'm sure I'd used the equivalent calories going up and down steps.....

On the needles

2010-05-16T03:31:00.000-07:00

On the way home from Wales we stopped off at Abakhan which was astonishing! I bought some Freedom Organic cotton at half price (1.49) and have been knitting Ravenscar from Rowan 45. It's going very well but I am taking a quick dalliance with a Lacy Baktus which is becoming a bit addictive! No wonder it is such a popular pattern on Ravelry - free too. It's an 8 row pattern which I am knitting in a stripe producing sock yarn so double the reasons to knit another row, or 2, or 8! I have however noticed I have no socks in progress. This could lead to a panic attack later as I am going on a spree with my friend and she is driving. Must remedy lack of travelling project immediately.

2010-05-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

Sunflower Sunday

2010-05-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Today was Sunflower Sunday at Attenborough Nature Centre and as Rosemary was doing an art workshop making a giant sunflower I went to take care of Millie. This was not much of a challenge as for quite a lot of the time she was happy with the paint and paste involved in the sunflower. We also searched compost for mini beasts, tasted (and bought) local honey and made a butterfly peg and a badge. I bought some plants and Millie made a willow pyramid plant support which meant I had to return to the plant stall for Morning Glories for her to grow through it.

Resolution

2010-05-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

I resolve to pull up my blogging socks (not hand knitted - the daughters claim all of those) and update more regularly as the next round of Secret Pal has finally got started.
We have just returned from a lovely week in Anglesey. We were all there. Mr M and myself, Both daughters and their menfolk and Millie. We spent time on various beaches
and visited Foel Farm Park which we were all very impressed with.
It was my birthday while we were away and we spent the day in Beaumaris. I had hoped we could all take a boat trip to Puffin Island but it was too windy so we had ice creams in the Red Boat Ice cream parlour (highly recommended.)An evening meal at The Ship in Red Wharf Bay began a week long love affair with that little place. I loved Moelfre where I found this tiny but very friendly Wool Shop.

On the way home we stopped of at Abakhan What a wonderful place! I bought some Twilleys Organic cotton at half price with which I have started knitting Ravenscar from Rowan 45. It is really soft and is knitting up nicely. I also bought a length of cotton fabric to make a skirt for just over £2.00. We then went into Chester which is really beautiful. I haven't ever been there before.

I did very little knitting while I was away being too busy playing word games and drinking wine and too dozy after days in the fresh Welsh air.

Millie's New Outfit

2010-04-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

Millie was very pleased with her new top today. It is Tait a hooded top by Sarah Hatton in Rowan Cotton Glace with the addition of a Hello Kitty from an old Chinese knitting book that used to be in the library. It must have been withdrawn - sorry I missed that one but I had photocopied this motif which I used on a sweater for baby Millie.

Unfortunately for Grandma's wallet, it apparently needed a whole new outfit to show it off. Thank goodness for Tesco's sale rail!

2010-04-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Once again time has whizzed by with no record making. Too much time is spent lurking around Ravelry. Yesterday I received a package from the Ravelry Secret Scarf Swap (#2 Whimsy) It is a lovely cowl, happily not too whimsical but knitted in the softest of green Malabrigo with a jaunty red rose.

This is the one I have sent off for the same swap. This probably only just scrapes by as whimsy. It is Myrna knitted in Knitpicks gloss in purple. Beads curtesy of the leftovers from the bridesmaid's wraps. The dangle at the other end I took from a necklace.

Although I thought a cowl wouldn't suit me because of my lack of swan-like neck, it actually sits cosily around the base of my neck and has been very welcome in this cold snap.

I have been mostly knitting kidsilk Haze in the delightfully named 'Drab'. I bought 6 balls of this in the January sale in John Lewis and have managed to knit 2 Lacy tops, one for Isabel and one for me although you may notice mine is distinctly unlacy. I forgot to photograph Isabel's before I gave it to her as usual.

I have also knitted Travelling woman #3. It's for another swap. Maybe I'll make one for myself one day. It is a good satisfying knit.

Ravelry Spring Swap

2010-03-22T13:26:00.001-07:00

When I saw the size of the parcel that had arrived I thought Susan may have smuggled herself over in it - I hoped so, she sounds nice.

Well there was no Susan but there was all this;

The wool was dyed for me in such lovely colours, perfect for a small shawl. The mitts are knitted from hand spun wool and Susan sent the rest of the lot. Will it be a little hat or a small something to warm the neck - not sure yet. See the beautiful green pottery leaf - love that, a silver journal a beautiful bauble which I have hung in the conservatory as it is too pretty to save and can you see that needle case at the back? Well inside was this;

Soap and a bath bomb, notebooks, tea towel, chocolate x 2 and coffee.Also a bookmark and postcard from her library.

What a fabulous parcel. Then after pouring over everything and taking the photos I read the letter and realised there was something else....I checked the needle case again and there in the pocket I found this pendant with stitchmarkers that Susan made for me herself. These are the best stitchmarkers ever, really efficient. I have some in use already.

SP 15 Questionaire revisited

2010-03-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?Natural fibres, not usually thicker than aran..

What fibers do you absolutely not like?

100% acrylics, eyelash, boucle

What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

A rather elderly knitting bag bought for me by my mother as a gift from my daughter 20 years ago

How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting for many years, I can't remember how I learned. I know we had lessons at junior school but I think I knew how before that. I think I am a good intermediate

Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/wishlist/HTOA0ORNWS24

What’s your favorite scent?

Rose

Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite
candy?

Yes, I have a sweet tooth. I like dark chocolate and turkish delight

What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

sewing, gardening, wet-felting

Do you spin? Dye?

neither

What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your
buddy wants to make you a CD)

I don't play music much

What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand?

Blues and greens, rose pink and plum

What is your family situation?

Married with 2 grown up daughters and a 6 year old grandaughter

Do you have any pets? Are you allergic to any pets?

One dog. I have a slight allergy to cats but it seems to be getting better

Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or
ponchos?

Scarves yes usually in the shape of shawls, hats if it is really cold. Mittens yes, ponchos NOOOOOO

What is/are your favorite item/s to
knit?

Socks and shawls. I knit cardigans because I like to wear them

What is on your needles right now?

A bag, socks ( always my travelling project) Martha by Sarah Hatton, one of my favourite designers. A shawl which is currently resting because I've stupidly lost my place in the pattern.

Do you read knitting books? What kind of books i.e. technique, pattern, fiction?

Yes, all of the above.

Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

yes, very much

Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I like bamboo straights but aluminium circulars, depending on what I am knitting.

Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

I have a vintage and inefficient swift

How old is your oldest UFO?

About 5 years old

What is your favorite holiday? What
winter holiday do you observe?

Christmas is my answer for both

Is there anything that you collect?

Beside yarn I collect stoneware baskets

Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?

Made in Brooklyn

What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Vogue Knitting ,Interweave Knits, Piecework, Knitting magazine

Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?

I'd like to improve my fairisle

Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I knit socks but mostly for our daughters and their partners. My foot is size 4 / 37

When is your birthday?

May 2nd

Are you on Ravelry? If so, what’s your ID?

mazzam

Are you on KnitPicks Knitting Community? What’s your username?

No

Scarf swap

2010-03-12T08:40:00.000-08:00

I went to get the car out and found that once again there was a package there! The post lady kindly slides things under the door if there is a gap as Lily-the-Dog likes to check them out for any enclosed sweeties.
This is what I found inside.....

You might be able to guess where it came from thanks to the extras but mainly it is the scarf! It was woven by Heidi and the weft was actually spun and died by herself. It is lovely to have something I would never have done myself and I shall wear it with much pleasure and new socks!

Concentration

2010-03-03T05:21:00.001-08:00

It's obviously genetic - check the black and white to the side.

The disappearing shawl

2010-03-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

I was putting on my Icarus getting ready to go out with Millie and she asked if I would knit her 'one of those fleece things'. When we arrived at my house there was Travelling Woman lying around waiting to be blocked. 'Do you mean something like this?' I asked. 'Oh yes! I like that one. I like those colours. I will have that one, thank you.'
I had to convince her to block it which we did together but it wasn't quite dry by the time she was leaving so it isn't quite as blocked as I would have liked. Millie is quite happy with it though. It is knitted from some lovely soft yarn I got in the Christmas swap on Ravelry.

I just hope the person for whom it was intended will be just as happy with the replacement I had to quickly knit!

International Shawl Swap

2010-02-10T12:02:00.001-08:00

I have had the most amazing box of loveliness from wonkydonkey for the Ravelry International Shawl Swap.

There are toiletries and lip balm which Carrie makes herself. How did she know I really needed new lip balm. These smell wonderful. There are post-its and notelets and fabulous chocolates- coffee flavoured (my favourite) caramels garnished with roasted salt (how fabulous) and a little bow of truffles so special that one is even gold! A stainless steel water bottle because somehow she knows I need to drink more water.

There is some grey hand spun, enough for a hat. How did she know I wanted to knit a grey hat? Is she hiding in my wardrobe?

And the shawl..................................

This is Percy and not only is he extremely handsome but he smells delicious too!

Remember the grey merino Carrie spun for me? Here it is now..

Just in time for this second spell of winter we seem to be having right on time for half-term holidays.

Lots of Thanks to Wonky Donkey. It's a truly great package.

Valentine Swap

2010-02-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

Here is the Valentine heart swap from Rachael on the Phoenix Knitting forum.

As well as the knitted heart there is a felt bag, chocolate eggs and some red heart stitch markers.

My Cardi's

2010-02-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

This is my current favourite cardigan. It is the Textured Cardigan from Rowan Studio 8 but after 2 attempts at getting the cabled sleeves to a fit I liked as they are rather wide, I decided I didn't want to introduce a 3rd texture so I used the seed stitch from the yoke. The clover pink isn't a colour I would normally choose for me but the Felted Tweed was half price in the last John Lewis sale and I have had lots of compliments.

This kidsilk haze cardi is also from a Studio booklet. I knit it some time ago but forgot to photograph it. It is another favourite.

I have also been wearing Stockport but perhaps not as much as I would if I had knit it an inch or so longer. I did alter the neckband slightly. I found it was standing up rather so I re knit it with some short row shaping and it now sits better.

A parcel arrives

2010-01-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

My upstream Secret Pal disappeared but yesterday I received a wonderful Angel Package full of woolly sockiness and chocolate.
Yes, you are right, that is Socks That Rock...isn't it fabulous. Also my first Kroy experience. How soft is that? I think I shall be trying this out for my next sock knitting. Then we have some lovely Regia in great shades of blue and a skein of Lavender sheep from an Indie dyer on Etsy. Apparently one other skein made a break for freedom but is hopefully travelling on solo. Note also the chocolate, one bar of dark and a big bag of coins some of which have already disappeared.
Many thanks Angel for making it better.

SP 15 Questionaire

2010-01-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely not like? I like natural fibres not thicker than double knit

What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? A really old knitting bag bought by my daughter and late mother for me as a birthday or Christmas gift circa 1983. The ones I use most often are stuck in the corner of a big old basket where I keep a selection of yarn by where I knit

How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting for very many years and I am intermediate.
Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Amazon

What’s your favorite scent?
Rose

Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Oh yes. dark chocolate, ginger,

What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I don't spin but I sew and occasionally wet felt

What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I'm afraid I am not very musical

What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand?
I like greens and blues, plums and dusty rose
I don't like beige

What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live with my husband and neurotic dog. Our daughters are grown up and we have a 6 year old grandchild

Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
scarves and mittens yes. I have one knitted hat I can wear -Quincy by Jared Flood

What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Shawls, socks, cardis

What are you knitting right now?
One of each of the above

Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes I do

Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
bamboo or plastic, as short as I can get away with

Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have a vintage inefficient swift

How old is your oldest UFO?
Possibly about 5 years. Not so much a UFO as some yarn which I can't quite find the right project for so keep unravelling

What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
Christmas

Is there anything that you collect?
Pottery baskets

Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I'd love a copy of Made in Brooklyn.
I subscribe to Knitting, IK and Piecework. I keep meaning to subscribe to Vogue Knitting but haven't got round to it yet.

Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?
rather than new techniques I'd like to improve my fairisle

Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes I knit socks but mostly for other people.
I have a dainty size 4 Uk 37 continental

When is your birthday?
May 2nd

Are you on Ravelry? If so, what’s your ID?
Mazzam

Call me crazy

2010-01-06T07:50:00.001-08:00

I had a bad experience in the last round of Secret Pal, not for the first time. It seems though, from the Ravelry group that no.14 was unlucky for lots of people. So obviously I took a firm decision not to sign up for the next one, to satisfy my need to swap with short term one-offs. Mmmmmm. I now have a very nice hostess from 14 who is sorting out a parcel for me. I have really enjoyed making contact with all my downstream partners. I have read the promise of better monitoring and believed it. I am very impressed with the professional look of the website . What can I say? I have signed up for 15 but at the lowest level of financial commitment and can only cross my fingers, although not whilst typing or knitting. So call me crazy and we'll see!

Subscriptions

2010-01-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

I am always really happy when the first copy of a new magazine subscription arrives. Rosemary continued my sub to Coast as part of my Christmas present and she got a fantastic 2 for 2 offer so I am getting Country Living as well which is a big favourite with both of us. It's a good thing she had told me as the first C.L. turned up before Christmas. It's actually a doubly good giving experience as I pass on the copies to Rosemary! I have also recently received Good Housekeeping which I got with Tesco vouchers. The best was when my first copy of Piecework turned up today. It is the annual historical knitting issue. Joy!

Happy New Year

2010-01-05T06:35:00.000-08:00

So how are you saying it? Two thousand and ten or twenty ten? There seems to be an even split among the people I have asked.

I am at home at the moment, three days into a horrible cold. At least it is giving me lots of knitting time as I have no energy for much else. I am well into the shawl I am knitting for the Ravelry Worldwide Shaw Exchange and have only about 12 more rows but each row is about a million stitches long so I am taking a break and have started on the wool I bought in the John Lewis sale. I've gone first for the last purchase. Rowan felted tweed in pink. Now I have used and loved felted tweed before but pink???? It's quite a subtle pink though so I think it will be wearable. I am knitting Textured cardigan form Rowan Studio 8. I am having a bit of a crisis with which size to knit.
I also bought two lots of Regia sock wool, some olive green Kidsilk Haze and some cinnamon coloured Pure Wool 4ply.

Challenge!

2009-12-24T08:42:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago rosemary and I were having coffee and scones at John Lewis and each had a tiny jar of jam. We were discussing how we always felt we should find a use for these and the idea emerged that we would challenge each other to decorate our jars and present them to each other on Christmas day. Isabel got involved too. I finally did mine and was asked to do one for Millie so she doesn't feel left out.

This is the one for Isabel who keeps rabbits;

Millie has a bit of a thing about Frosty the Snowman;

It's a bit of a squidge but he does fit inside.

Look at this....

2009-12-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

I had my Christmas present from Isabel in November. It was a willow basket workshop.Whoo Hoo! We went together to a Wildlife Trust nature reserve near Newark where lots of willow grows. We cut lots of willow and then were told to use the withies provided by the leader cos ours weren't long (they meant good) enough. Well we had a fabulous day. We had wrapped up warmly but had to take off a few layers as it was a lovely day and here is the result;

Yes, it's a proper basket with a handle and everything!

Well I never!

2009-12-21T07:22:00.000-08:00

ever since I started using this laptop instead of the big computor which is slightly unwell I have assumed I would have to do something tricky to post pictures WRONG! I just attached the camera and it did it by itself. Who knew??? This means I have not recorded any knitting for ages and have given most things away being socks for Rosemary and mitts for Isabel. Oh well at least I know I am back functioning again and so all I need to do is remember to take the pix.
What prompted the picture loading was receiving a box of Christmasness from bluenail in Canada for the ravelry Christmas Swap.

See all that lovely yarn and all that yummy chocolate. There is also a bag of interesting coffee beans, a gingerbread man cutter with a suitable recipe a decotation ot put on the tree and a present to put under it. (I haven't opened it Honestly) A handmade item was part of the swap and here are the mitts bluenail made for me.

New Knitter on the block

2009-10-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here is Millie when she was about 3 years old, trying on a new waistcoat. She is now 6 and wants to learn to knit.Last night the penny dropped and she took off with her little kitten head needles flying and some pink wool turning ito goodness knows what. She says we can now be knitting buddies and I have to get her a knitting book and buy her some more wool for Christmas.

I'm still here!

2009-09-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

I was reminded by Janiannie that I have not posted for absolutely ages. She is quite right but her last one was June 25th so I think she should practice what she preaches!! My excuse has been that I have been spending a lot of time helping Rosemary cope with 2 broken arms but she is now out of plaster and back at work so that excuse is no longer valid! The next excuse valid for one week only was an excursion to Norfolk for me him and the dog. We stayed in a cottage in Syderstone near the beautiful north coast and the weather was fine enough for several visits to various beaches which was very restorative. We visited the Woad Centre which was very interesting. Ian is such an enthusiast. I had got it mixed up with indigo but managed not to embarrass myself by going on about the properties of a completely different plant. I visited Knit Wits in Dereham and bought some grey tweedy yarn for a cardigan in the current Designer Knits.
Friday being the day of the Macmillan Cancer Carity biggest coffee morning Janiannie and I went to Nottingham John Lewis where Clare the Rowan design consultant is organising a blanket from squares which we were all knitting. I have managed to do four in total. Not, of course on the morning but before and since.

A parcel arrives

2009-08-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight I arrived home exhausted after 2 days of trauma with Rosemary who had a really bad accident on her cycle, no other vehicle was involved, just tram tracks, to find a package arrived from America. My Secret Pal has sent the Nora Gaughan booklet I wanted and love along with some wonderful Alpaca and Cotton yarn in a beautiful blue along with a pack of chocolates with caramel. Photographs have been taken and I promise, promise, promise as soon as I am less tired I will sort out getting them on here, promise.

Stockport

2009-08-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Well yes, the front was done and then the back, then I unknit most of the front and redid it. I have started the neckband but I am saving it to take to the Rowan coffee morning at John Lewis next Saturday. I have finished another pair of socks and carried on with the simplest cardigan in the world aka Windsor. It was plain before I started it but I even forgot to divide for the pockets and couldn't be bothered to tink it so it is even plainer. Has anyone noticed a certain dearth of photies? No? Good. Well it's because I am using a laptop and have not yet sorted photo adding.
Today i have been mostly wrestling with brambles at the bottom of the garden. At least I didn't find an enchanted castle....just a frog. The plan is to grow vegetables in that area but first the hard work as it is rather overgrown.

Just one week later

2009-08-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I wrote that I wanted to knit Stockport (you need to scroll way down and you still won't be able to see it because of the arty photograph) from the new Rowan magazine but needed to acquire 6 balls of Cocoon. Done it! Six of Mist a lovely soft blue snaffled from ebay. It arrived so quickly and is knitting up just as fast. The front is already done. Yay!

Rowan 46

2009-07-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

The new Rowan magazine has arrived, full of lovely things. I really want to knit Stockport but must first acquire 6 balls of Cocoon. In the meantime I am contenting myself with Windsor, the simplest Kimono shaped cardi in the world, in the double knit I bought from the Colinett workshop

It's wonderfully soft and is knitting really nicely.

School's Out!

2009-07-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

The school holidays have started and it's gone crazy at the library. We are getting lots of children signing up for the summer reading scheme which is good but is making us extra busy.
After long discussions on Wednesday morning Millie and I decided to go to the science museum at Snibston but about 10 minutes into the journey we changed our minds and went on to Conkers. We had a good time although we had to dodge a few showers.
Millie discovered the principle of the Archemedes Screw.

Finished!

2009-07-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here then is Rosemary's cushion cover, completed in good time before her August birthday. Now I just have to find a cushion to fit it.

Progress (of sorts)

2009-07-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Union Jack cushion cover is knitted and blocked and waiting to be sewn up. It's only two seams. Come on get on with it!
The Glace cardigan is almost to the point of separating the sleeves. The rows are endless but soon will be more manageable. Come on what are you waiting for?
The shawl is pretty and a simple lace but I've left it for a while and forgotten the pattern. Come on you could easily re-establish it!
The Kidsilk Haze cardigan languishes in a bag left off when it was too hot to knit fluffy stuff. Come on it has cooled down now!

So I am knitting vanilla socks.

Secret Pal 14 Questions

2009-07-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

Here is my questionnaire for SP14

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I really prefer natural fibres. I don't like the fancy eyelash type ones.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a really old knitting bag bought by my older daughter and my mother many years ago, plus a vase I made in a wet felting workshop

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting since I was about 6 years old. The avatar on here really is me.
I am pretty competent I think.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have one on Amazon

5. What's your favorite scent?
Rose

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Unfortunately I do. I love dark chocolate, coffee flavour things, Turkish delight.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I don't spin. I wet felt occasionally.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I'm afraid I don't listen to music much

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like greens and blues, also pinks and plums. I'm not keen on acid colours.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live with my long standing, slightly faulty husband and Lily-the-Dog. We have 2 grown up daughters and one grand-daughter

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves yes, hats not so much, mittens yes, ponchos no way

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
At the moment shawls but also socks and cardis

13. What are you knitting right now?
A shawl, socks and a Union Jack cushion cover

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
certainly

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
It depends on the project but always as short as I can get away with.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
An inefficient vintage winder no swift

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
24 years

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
Christmas and Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Besides knitting stuff Pottery baskets

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to Interweave knits and Yarn Forward.
I'd really like the Berroco Norah Gaughan leaflet 3

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'd like to improve my colourwork

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I knit socks but mostly for my daughters. I wear size 37 shoe

23. When is your birthday?
May 2nd

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
I am. Mazzam

New Shawl obsession

2009-07-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

I have received a parcel from a Secret Pal swap swap on Ravelry. It is from rdodo and here it is

There are lots of rosey things in there, coasters, address book, candles, chocolates, post-its, a tiny knitted sock on a keyring with some stitchmarkers hidden inside, bamboo sock yarn and some lovely Fyberspates lace weight. It was such a pretty tempting summery colourway I just had to get started on a new shawl and having sworn off Icarus had to look for another pattern. I found the North Roe on Ravelry and decided this was the one. Here it is so far

and yes, it is the one!

2009-07-04T01:34:00.000-07:00

Last week was Isabel's birthday. This coincided with an inset day for Millie so the birthday girl decided we should pick fruit.

We picked yummy raspberries, strawberries. gooseberries, redcurrants and blackcurrants. I couldn't believe how busy the fields were as it was a weekday but when we had our fruit weighed it was really cheap so people were probably stocking up for freezing and jamming. We were just doing it for eating.

I really don't like colourwork. This is why I have a pack of beautifully coordinated Jamesons shetland sitting on a shelf which has been there for about 5 years, suposedly waiting until I find the perfect pattern. Well it will have to be perfect for me to tackle it. However when Rosemary suggested she would like a tapestry cushion for her birthday I baulked at the £50 price tag when a day later I found the perfect pattern in a magazine, knowing I already had the yarn in the stash. Amazingly I have quite enjoyed watching the emergence of the design which will match the painting Rosemary did and hangs on her wall.

Having reported my enjoyment the back of the cushion will deffinately be stripes!

You'd think I'd be sick of Icarus by now but here's another;

I am going to try something different next though honestly.

Sunday

2009-06-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Today Denby Pottery was celebrating the bicentennial. I thought I would like to see what was happening so, after baking and filling macaroons and whipping cream to cover a 'Dougal cake' (this is a line of chocolate chip cookies dipped in coffee and stood on end then covered with whipped cream so looking rather like Dougal from the Magic Roundabout) and walking Lily-the-Dog and before going to Sainsbury's to buy Soya cream for the vegan daughter's variation (naked Dougal;ginger biscuits dipped and stood with single cream poured over on serving) and going to Isabel's for a birthday lunch, I went along. It was great fun and I was very excited by the craft tent and food market with locally made chocolate, cupcakes, bread, cheese etc until I realised I had dashed out with £2.75 in my purse. Well I flexed the plastic in the gift shop as everything was 20% off and then heard an anouncement for someone to return to their car. Oh the shame and embarrassment! I don't know why I felt like that....nobody knew it was me. Apparently in my hurry I had left the window completely down! So I never got to see most of it as I realised time was rushing away. I'm sure everyone else enjoyed it though, there was a Victorian fairground, Pinxton Puppets and a charity stall staffed by a nice lady in Georgian costume complete with authentic anorak. (It was a chilly spot she was in)

Home again

2009-06-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

Well we are back. Lily has been sprung from doggy jail and is snoring on the setee.
What a wonderful place we stayed in! This picture really does not do justice to it. You need to go round the back to see the view over the valley and sit out at breakfast on the decking to watch the finches, tits and woodpeckers feeding in the garden. We drove miles to the Llyn Peninsula to this beautiful cove

We walked all around a lake up in a mountain

Millie drove a train

We went to an Edwardian stables which had been converted to a craft centre. In the folly was a swift's nest with the mother flying in and out of the window feeding her young.

The wall inside was painted with farm animals

Llandudno was fun

On Wednesday I took James to the Wool & Willow festival. It was rather a long drive through the rain and I'm not sure it was really worth the trip but I'm glad we went or I'd have been wondering what I'd missed. On the way back we called in the Colinette Mill shop where I bought a skein of Jitterbug and some bargain skeins of Cadenza in Mist colourway.

It was really fortunate I bought the sock yarn as I got to the neckline of Millie's top and finished the back of my cardigan and could go no farther due to lack of appropriate needles. I did have some dpn's though and there was a pattern on the yarn band so I was able to crack on with some socks whilst Rosemary and Johnny discussed who should wear the results!

There was also wool at Trefriw Mill

Excuse me for a while

2009-06-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

My new Cath Kidston knitting bag is packed with W.I.P's and random things I think I need and tomorrow we are off to North Wales for a week.
No one believes that I didn't realise the Wool and Willow Festival is on but it is and I hope, although it is quite a drive from where we are staying, that I'll be able to make a visit.

One named Peter....

2009-06-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

Me: I think I'll knit some seagulls.

Anne, a work collegue: I don't know anyone else who would ever say that.

Well here they are, ready to help at the seaside themed Totstimes we are planning for some of the summer Thursdays at the library.

'Two little seagulls, sitting on a wall,
One named Peter, one named Paul.'

Icarus Flies again # 4.5

2009-06-07T03:37:00.000-07:00

Icarus is my favourite shawl knit. It si quite straightforward and enjoyable but no less impressive for that. This is in the sage silk/merino from Black Cat Fibres. Lovely yarn, I think this is my favourite one, shame it's for a gift!

Blogging resolutions.

2009-06-07T03:26:00.001-07:00

So.....despite deciding against joining Secret Pal 14 at the end of the 13th round there has been a nice break before the next one and as soon as I saw sign-ups were on I dived straight in again. This means I have to pull up my blogging socks and make sure I post at least weekly.

Yesterday was a reunion for a toddler group I used to go to about 100 years ago. I was really excited when I first heard about it - then totaly went off the prospect. Well it was yesterday and I made myself go and I had a really good time . The years disappeared and we never stopped talking. It helped that there were not many there and some had kept in touch and I knew one as she works in the library service too but it was good to catch up with the weddings of the tots we knew back then.
Earlier in the day I went to the John Lewis Rowan coffee morning in Nottingham. This was not as busy as usual and we guessed some had gone off to the Ravelry day in Coventry. It was good though. Not much knitting seems to get done but lots of chatting coffee drinking and danish eating. We always seem to get lots of interesting tips though, a free pattern and a look at everyone's projects. It's only bimonthly which is a shame, especially as I sometimes miss it through work intruding.

Where's the knitting??

2009-05-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

I have just started Icarus number 5.5. (The .5 refers to the wedding shawl I abandonded in favour of the fancier one in VK)
I recently completed one in a sage merino and silk dyed by Cinders from her Ravelry shop. This is a present for a friend who is about to reach a notable birthday. The one I'm knitting now is for another friend at the same life stage. This is in yarn also from etsy
They will both be revealed post blocking.

Bank Holidays

2009-05-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

On Bank Holiday Monday I had arranged to go to the Draycott Arts and Gardens Festival like we did last year but when I checked the times I discovered it was held over the May Day weekend! We remembered the Derbyshire Open Arts event was on though and had a wonderful day at Cromford Mill and Denby Dale. There was some interesting textile art at the mill and we were inspired to rush home and start sewing - we managed to resist though and included Cauldwell's Mill and the Peak Shopping Village in our itinerary instead!
Half term week meant a sleepover for Millie. We made use of a free child entry voucher to go to Sherwood Farm Park where we fed lambs and goats

rode a miniature steam train and did quite a lot of climbing.

Wednesday we went to a Wild in the City event at the library where we cuddled a baby guinea pig which shot straight up my coat sleeve and made a willow withey lantern which was quite as difficult to make as it is to say. After lunch we went to see Horrid Henry Live and Horrid at the Theatre Royal.

I finally succumbed

2009-05-16T11:38:00.003-07:00

The newlyweds are honeymooning in Australia and have chosen to keep in touch via Facebook so I have finally given in and joined.

The Wedding of the Year

2009-05-16T10:41:00.001-07:00

Millie knew she was going to be the most beautiful bridesmaid but my neice, Anna, came close

and here is the full set. Rosemary was the chief bridesmaid so had sleeves, the other two are Eve and Rachel, friends of the beautiful bride.

Here comes the (very smiley) bride........(photo curtesy of janiannie)

Here I am (in the hat!) with my friends 'The Girls'

and with janiannie.

The reception was at Sutton Bonnington Hall which I would recommend to anyone looking for a venue. The hall was beautiful and we had full use of it. The staff were so helpful and the food was wonderful. The gardens were fabulous.
Here are Johnny and Rosemary who is wearing the wrap.

Rosemary with Mr M (who scrubbed up pretty well)

Cutting the beautiful cake made by James' mother.

Millie sayed up way past her bedtime- and has cried every morning since because she wants Auntie Isabel to have the whole wedding again every day!

Oh and Lynn made a friend

what a weekend!

2009-05-04T07:35:00.001-07:00

While I was out on Saturday I had a text from my husband 'If you are shopping we don't need any bananas or any flowers'

These from himself

These from my brother

These from a friend

and these from another friend

and these from a colleague who I have worked with for several years

Why all the floristry? A very big birthday.
I also had presents! A coffee machine from the dear daughters, a Cath Kidston Knitting bag and picture frame from a friend, a cheque from 'the girls' a group of friends one of whom I have known since my first day at school the rest from Art college. From Janniannie a Touche Eclat and a very significant pendant. Mr M is buying my wedding shoes and bag (he doesn't yet know how much they cost) and also paid for Rosemary, Isabel and me to have a bronze day at Lakeside. What a wonderful day we enjoyed, swimming, sauna, a very lovely lunch, a manicure, a facial and a back massage. We managed a stroll around the garden too.

On Sunday, lunch had been booked at a pub in Swarkeston. I arrived expecting the family but I was delighted to find the afore mentioned 'Girls'. It was a complete surprise. Apparently I almost caught them having a drink outside, they had to move very quickly for old people to take cover inside! Also Isabel's James commented on a sports car parked outside."My friend has one of those" I told him...

Now we have the countdown to the wedding. Last night was the rehersal. The vicar fell up the step, Mr M fell down the same one, Rosemary is doing a reading and has a very sore throat. The pews on our side are really small so there isn't room for all the bridesmaids and Millie cried when we left her behind to pretend to sign the register. I'm sure it will be fine won't it?

FINISHED!!!

2009-04-15T03:59:00.000-07:00

Easter Monday

2009-04-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Cromford Mill for lunch. They were having a Georgian Weekend which meant that as I was enjoying my jacket potato I had the disconcerting sight of a number of Redcoats (not from Butlins) marching past the coffee shop window with bayonets drawn!

Recent Knitting

2009-04-12T07:08:00.001-07:00

Most of my knitting recently has been aimed at May 9th......the wedding day. At last all three bridesmaid's wraps are ready.

The last one is currently blocking after a dunk in Floral flavour Soak so Isabel's shawl is still looking like this;

a heap of nothingness awaiting it's turn on the spare bed.

I have also taken it upon myself to embroider a cover for the Guests book. I have stamped the same design as on the stationary and gone over it in silver thread. There remains some wording to add and then the stress of trying to cover the book neatly - what was I thinking?

I nearly knitted myself a Veronique from 'French Girl Knits'

Doesn't it look lovely? Mine didn't, it looked strange, so it is frogged and I have started a Pashmina shrug from Interweave Knits Spring 2003.

This is rather a simpler design being just 2 sleeves and a back so I hope it will be okay but I still hanker after the Veronique.

Days out

2009-04-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday was the first time for ages that Millie and I had a day out. Even Millie reminisced recently about when we used to go out. We spent a cheap(ish) day in Nottingham. Well the tram fares are pricey and I didn't think the conductor would believe that the giant child was under 5. We went first to the library for a Gruffalo Party. It is 10 years since Julia Donaldson wrote the first Gruffalo book and although I don't really like going to my place of work on a day off it is actually quite nice to see the place from the other side and Millie had a lovely time playing games and making masks, especially as Other Millie who we used to see at Attenborough was there!

After we prised them apart with promises to get together at half-term we went up to see the Lauren Child exhibition at the Castle. I think Millie actually enjoyed the Seaside room more but that's okay. Then came the ice cream

You would have been proud of me - I didn't have one!! Okay maybe I finished off Millie's leavings but you can't be too careful about littering these days.

Millie then persuaded me that I wanted to go on the Wheel of Nottingham. We are no longer able to call it The Nottingham Eye after London threatened to sue because obviously people don't know there capital from their provincial city.
I actually enjoyed this until we were stuck right at the top whilst people got off the bottom for what seemed like ages and I was just beginning to think I didn't really like it when we started moving again.

Green Drops and Moonsquirters

2009-04-01T04:51:00.000-07:00

Although not really able to carry a tune in a bucket I regularly lead the Thursday morning Totstime at the library which is mainly rhymes and songs for pre-school children and babies. When I was asked to do a session during Lauren Child's exhibition at Nottingham Castle I agreed but was then full of trepidation. Well it happened yesterday. I went up with a colleague, a bubble machine and a flip chart with the words on and it went very well. We had a lovely enthusiastic group of mums and children and a great grandma who said we had brought back lots of memories with some of our old favourite like Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken. The bubbles were very popular once we got past the health and safely tests and the Lycra with bouncing guinea pigs was really successful. I really recommend the exhibition, it is really well mounted and I can't wait to take Millie during the Easter holidays.

Dinosaurs at the bottom of the garden

2009-03-04T05:21:00.000-08:00

Totstime at the library this week has a dinosaur theme as it is World Book Day and that is what the free book for Under 5's is about. In a moment of I don't know what I decided to knit a couple of dinosaurs to use during the session. This has reinforced my antipathy to toymaking but here they are;

I found the pattern in www.knittingpatterncentral.com

Last Saturday was the first fitting for Isabel's wedding dress. Thankfully she still loves it. It needs taking in quite a bit. We had a look around for something for me but it just wasn't happening. Then on Sunday it was the first reading of the banns and a chance for Mr M and me to take a look around the church. It was lovely to see it and meet the vicar.

Serendipity or Don't Tell the Bride!

2009-02-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

Don't tell the bride that I have taken time off from the wedding knitting to knit myself a cardi. I used some British Alpaca bought at Wonderwool last year to knit a pattern from Rowan Studio 11. It's the Cardigan with Ties but with three quarter length sleeves and in a totally different yarn with a completely different gauge.I managed to work out that knitting the smallest size would come out just about right and happily it did.

Here above is a detail of the lace part.
Serendipity, after trawling Ebay, Etsy and the Heanor Antique centre for a buckle, brooch or some kind of fastener as I didn't care for the bow at the front, I found this

in the staff room at work. A few of us had organised a charity sale/swap of costume jewellery and there, waiting for me was the perfect piece!. We have so far made over £80 with the sale to be split between Barnardo's and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (just because Isabel works there)

A package from my no-longer-secret-pal

2009-02-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

My secret pal has revealed herself as 5elementknitr and I have received the final package which proved exceptionally suitable for me.

To start with gingerbread man soap, beads and needle holders. The hook is a stitch saver which 5elementknitr makes and sells through Etsy and just look at that.. the Yarnharlot calendar 'Never Not Knitting'! How brilliant is that?

Next, as well as personalising my stitchsaver she knitted me a pair of Fetchings in a lovely bluey colour. There are 2 bars of chocolate (well 1and a half now) and the black nylon is actually a tote bag which has folded up to nothing and hidden in a pocket in my bag. Actually so well hidden I forgot about it today and accepted a plastic devil in Tesco - I did pass that one on to a library user for book transportation though.

And then there was yarn! Soft, soft thick alpaca for a warm scarf to be got ready for the next cold snap. The sock yarn in the very beautiful colours is called Aspen and then there is a little kit to knit an assortment of designs with beads.

My thanks to 5elementknitr. She has been a great pal. Go and read her blog.

Please Explain

2009-02-14T04:31:00.000-08:00

Having bought two plastic storage boxes I have just spent some time tidying my stash and I just want to ask 'WHERE DID THAT ALL COME FROM?????'

I don't remember buying all that!

A lot of it is part balls left over from past projects but that doesn't explain it completely.

I need more boxes.

Snow business

2009-02-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

Well it is no longer news that there is a bit of snow around here - rather more than we are used to so no one is prepared. It started round here on Sunday and by Monday it was pretty bad. Luckily it was my day off and I only went out to feed the birds.

By Tuesday the snow had stopped and the roads were clear but I went to work on the bus because I was worried in case the local roads got bad again. I went to get my wellies from the garage - wondered why one was a bit heavier and found it held 3" of water! Dragged out my fake walking boots which I think I've had since the days of the Easter Hikes we used to go on from church about 15 years ago when it was guaranteed to rain or snow. I left by the front door and found I couldn't open the gate. Left by the back door and garage. Of course I had missed / not even tried for the 7.30 bus and the next one doesn't leave until 5 past 8. It's supposed to get into Nottingham at 5 to 9 so I knew I'd be a bit late so I rang in to say I'd be there by 9 (I start at 8.45) In the event it was more like 9.15 and I walked right into the middle of a ground floor staff meeting so no sneaking in there. Back before I left Heanor - half way onto the market place aka skating rink I thought 'what's that stuck on my heel' but on checking I found the sole of my boot was off from the heel to the ball of my foot!! I had some shoes with me but I knew they wouldn't cope with the snow so I had to sluther the rest of the way to the bus stop and hope and hope the pavements were clear in Nottingham - which they were. I managed to get the sole re-stuck in the shop across from the library and he only charged £1.00 for the charity box which I thought was brilliant- I had been worried about walking back from the bus as I knew I wouldn't get back until 8pm. I mostly walked on the roads though. I only saw 2 cars so I was quite safe.
P.S. Yes, that is me in the photo

Angel package

2009-02-02T06:31:00.000-08:00

I have received a wonderful Angel package from Robyn, one of the SP hostesses. It is choc full of lovely knitty bits and bobs. She says she loves all the knitting notions and absolutely so do I.

Can you see, there are needles and stitch markers, notelets and a magnet, a sock blocker key ring, tea and gum to accompany the knitting and a needle gauge which was rather camera shy and hid while the camera was out. There are also patterns, one of which has gone right to the top of my post-wedding to-do list. She also sent Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitter's Almanack which has been on my Amazon wish list for ages. I haven't read any of her books before but I have dipped into this and enjoyed it very much so far.

These nearly didn't get photographed too because they were in my ears! I love these Scrabble tile earrings and will wear them lots. This was a fabulous package and I thank Robyn so much for it.

Itty Bitty knittys

2009-01-28T05:41:00.000-08:00

Taking a break from the wedding knitting I have made a few little thingies for Rosemary's shop Charming Rosebud.
First here are two Inhaler socks created because once too often I have used my inhaler not realising it has picked up a bit of grit from inside my bag and then recognising the foot-like shape of the thing.

Next a case for paper hankies. The picture is an image transferred from one of my old black and white photographs.

Lastly two cases for phones or cameras again with transferred images.

It was really good using the Image Transfer stuff.

At last Millie and I have had a day out together again. It was an inset day at her school on Monday so we set off for Snibston Discovery Park We had such a good time, we lifted up a mini car, shot a ball in the air, walked through a tornado, found out about generating electricity and loads of other things which Millie did not realise was science. Outside in the play ground there was a seesaw with the fulcrum (I failed physics O Level but still remember about fulcrums) so far to one side we could actually get the balance which meant we could really see-saw!I'd love to have a photograph but there was no one else about to take it. There were lots of climbing opportunities too. The only thing is I wasn't allowed in the Fashion Gallery which I would love to have seen as apparently a phobia about shop window dummies is genetic and Millie has inherited it from her Mummy.

Lazy Sunday afternoon

2009-01-18T11:29:00.000-08:00

I hope you have had a lovely relaxing Sunday. Would you like to know how I spent my afternoon???

The answer is I have been helping Isabel make about 9 million wedding invitations / order of service covers. Neither of us have really done any stamping before apart from a very short workshop at one of the shows a few years ago but we managed between us to produce the required amount with only about 3 abject failures. There are sprays of wild flowers and appropriate wording and it was really quite satisfying and much less frustrating than the search for suitable bridal shoes. Yesterday she was measured for 'the' dress and we need the shoes for the first fitting in February. It was getting a bit worrying but we appear to have tracked down a couple of suitable candidates

More pictures

2009-01-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

Here is the lovely second package sent by my Secret Pal #13.

There is the cute sheepy bag into which I will be putting some special and favourite knitty tools. See the ball of Habu cashmere. The colour is surprisingly accurate - a lovely green which came with a pattern for a lacy scarf. I love Habu yarn but have never had chance to knit with it. I always stand and stare when we see the stall at the Knitting and Sewing show but I have never indulged so I am really grateful and happy. Then there are the 2 tasty lipbalms and the bag with the selection of stitchmarkers which are here helping with the set up row of one of the bridesmaid's wraps. You might glimpse in the corner the silver beads I am using and note I am using the traditional method of threading them up first. I tried the crochet hook gig but found it more fiddly in this case although I can see times when it would be easier.

Then here is the one wrap I have finished but not yet blocked. The pattern is
Waves of Grain from Knitty Fall 08. I have increased the width by one pattern repeat and I am using Rowan Kidsilk Night in Oberon which is actually a wedgewood blue and not the grey it appears

I am enjoying knitting these wraps but I find it one of those patterns I am liable to make silly mistakes with as I get going. Once it's set up I can whizz away.

This is the bride's shawl so far. It's knitted in some laceweight bamboo from Yeoman's stand at the Birmingham K&S show. It's very fine and very springy. The pattern is the beaded shawl in the Holiday issue of Vogue Knitting but without any beads so far as they would be too heavy for the yarn. I think I will put some on towards the end - if I ever get to the end. As I said to my Secret Pal when she mentioned my finishing the wedding web - sometimes I wonder if I will even finish the row I am on. I will have to do more repeats of the design than the pattern calls for but the bride is happy that the thread is not animal based - yes there is a discrepancy in that she is also pleased with the woolly kidsilk - don't ask, I don't!

I'm back!!!!!!!

2009-01-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

Yay! hooray! and much thanks to a certain Colin who is Scottish, patient and persistant. He sorted out my problem even though we were on the phone for over an hour and I ended up offering to send him a Christmas card next year and he wished he could come round and sort it out himself..together we did it!!!
Now at last I can add some photos for your delight and delectation.

This here is the first package I received from my Secret Pal in round 13. It is beautiful Japanese yarn which I am sure will knit beautifully. Unfortunately I am not allowing myself to deviate from the wedding shawls until they are out of the way so I must be patient and content myself with admiring them on the top of my yarn basket.

Next we see the purple Icarus which I knitted for my friend's Christmas present
She has always been very fond of the poem 'Warning' so I thought it appropriate. The laceweight merino came from Cinders' Etsy shop and is a much richer colour than it seems here.

Lastly a picture of a sweater I just about remember knitting for Rosemary from some Crystal Palace yarn.

My Secret Pal

2009-01-13T05:56:00.000-08:00

My Secret Pal is evidently a person with taste otherwise why would she send me Habu natural cashmere with a lovely assortment of stitchmarkers and delicious lipbalms all contained in a fabulous sheep adorned bag? I love it all and know you will too when I get the mucky Internet set up at home so I can add the rotten pictures! (can you tell I am fed up with it??????

2009-01-05T05:14:00.000-08:00

Oh dear, I hadn't realised quite how long it has been since my last post - what a bad blogger! We should be back on at home by the end of the week though so stand by for some pix. Not that there is much knitting going on that doesn't involve a) lace b) Kidsilk Haze c) Bamboo the thickness of sewing thread d) weddings e) lace.
So I missed the last SP13 question - are you doing any holiday knitting? but of course the answer is a resounding No! See above. The last few years I have knitted for James and Johnny so I don't know if they were relieved or disappointed to get shop - bought gifts this year.
My memorable Christmas moment was Millie sitting on the floor wearing a round gift box at a jaunty angle.
Me 'You look like Jackie Onassis!'
Millie (quick as a flash) 'You look like Spongebob Squarepants'

Mitts away1

2008-12-17T05:29:00.000-08:00

Rosemary asked if I could do a little knitting to add to her Etsy shop. I made two pairs of mitts and one has sold and been shipped to America. I can't tell you how happy it made me! Of course now my Etsy partner wants more..... I am being careful not to infringe pattern copyrights so it's not that straightforward. We both have lots of ideas - just no time!

What are the chances!?!?!??????

2008-12-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

I have started knitting the bridesmaids wraps for Isabel's wedding. I am using some Kidsilk Night which I bought in the John Lewis sale in the summer - 2 balls - not enough for one whole stole!! Panic!! Well I just looked on Ebay and found enough to finish the one and knit the other 2. 'Wait!' I hear you cry..it's bound to be a different dye lot and it will look so silly with a slightly paler stripe down the middle! But No!!!! I enlarged the picture and I could read the dye lot and it's THE SAME!!!!!!!!!
I must appologise for the excessive use of the exclamation marks. I just feel a bit exclaimable at the moment. I have already stopped a passing library assistant to share my news!

Millie's Hat

2008-12-03T03:28:00.000-08:00

As I still haven't quite decided how to add a picture when I am not on my own PC you must trust me that I have knitted a hat for Millie for Christmas. It is in a lovely space dyed Mirasol yarn which was so soft and lovely to knit. I have made it to accompany this lovely book .A blizzard is forecast and mummy rabbit offers to knit her child a hat to keep his ears warm. So delighted is he with it that he asks her to knit hats to suit his friends and so comes an antler shaped hat for the deer, one to keep a gooses neck warm and so on. There is a large aaaaahh! factor here. I love it!

Lost

2008-11-28T05:47:00.001-08:00

On Wednesday evening between the checkouts at Ikea and Rosemary's house I lost a little card wallet. I've stopped my cards but I'm still feeling really sad about it. Rosemary and Isabel bought it for me some years ago and it also held photos of Millie, Rosemary and my Dad. There were also some labels from an old Grocers store which used to be next to Dad's barber's shop which a friend found and passed on to me. My loyalty card at the coffee shop was due to give me a free coffee and I had only to buy 1 more meal deal at Boots to get a free lunch! I know in the great scheme of things it is unimportant but...........I cannot fathom out where or how I lost it and it is puzzling me. I keep looking in the car and stupidly in my bag but it just ain't there. I am going to have to move on.

Rosemary's Shop

2008-11-26T03:19:00.000-08:00

Rosemary has started a shop on Etsy. Please go and take a look.She has some lovely things - just in time for Christmas and I'm not even on commission, just the bag making assistant!

Harrogate

2008-11-26T03:11:00.000-08:00

So that's another year gone by..... The Knitting and Stitching Show at Harrogate took place over the last weekend and Isabel and I chose to go on Sunday. Saturday had been an okay day but the weather forecast for Sunday was very worrying, however despite a bit of a snowy flurry before we left it was a lovely, if chilly day. The show was brilliant! We always really enjoy our day out. There is so much to see - not just trade stands but inspirational textile artists and students, fashion shows and workshops. Neither of us bought much but we were full of ideas. We went to the '50 minute fascinator' workshop but I'm not sure I shall be making one for the wedding - what if it collapsed during the service???
I have finished Rosemary's jumper and remembered to photograph it. I now have to work out, in the absence of the Internet on our home computer, how to get it on here.

SP13

2008-11-17T04:16:00.000-08:00

The new round of SP is set to run and for the first time in my membership I have been paired in both directions with people in the US. Looking forward to making and receiving parcels again. I have been keeping a low swapping profile as the postage was getting so dear but I miss the postal excitement.

Special Saturday

2008-11-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

What a lovely day I had last Saturday! First it was the Rowan coffee morning at John Lewis in Nottingham which has happily fallen on my Saturday off the last several times - it can't last. It's a really enjoyable couple of hours of peaceful knitting and Danish pastries. I had lunch in the coffee shop then crossed town to the Bead Shop where I met Rosemary and Isabel for a workshop in Chain Mail jewelry. What a challenge that was! I haven't done any kind of jewelry making for many years and then it wasn't much so to learn this completely new technique was a really big thing especially as I had just watched someone trying to teach a left hander how to crochet and felt really frustrated. My compliments to the patience of the tutor for the fact that I came away with a wearable bracelet and an urge to do more.

Secret Pal 13 Questions

2008-11-13T07:47:00.000-08:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I prefer any natural fibres, particularly alpaca. I really don't like novelty yarns at all.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
a) a knitting bag bought by my daughter many years ago b) a woven raffia bag presented to my other daughter's fiance when he completed his gap year teaching English on an Island in the Pacific. c) a vessel I made in a felt making workshop but mostly they just stick out of a basket I have where I knit. I guess I have quite a stash!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I am old enough to have learned at school very many years ago. The avatar on my blog is a genuine photo of me around that time. I think I am pretty advanced but still have things to learn
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon one which I will add later

5. What's your favorite scent?
Single flowers, particularly Rose

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Oh dear yes. Dark chocolate, real Turkish delight, coffee, nuttiness

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I do wet felting and have just done a class in chain-mail jewelry. I am a closet scrapbooker but we don't talk about that.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I'm not terribly musical. I like some Jazz, Leonard Cohen, odd things really.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
My colour choice at the moment seems to tend towards greens. I love teal too. I think the only colours I don't care for are powdery pastels and fluorescent.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live with my husband and Lily-the-dog. We have 2 grown up daughters and 1 granddaughter age 5.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves yes, hats seldom, mittens (fingerless) often, ponchos .....not even the first time around!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I am really enjoying shawls at the moment, fingerless mittens and anything my daughters ask for. Cardis for me when I get the chance.

13. What are you knitting right now?
I am about to embark on a shawl for my daughter's wedding knitted in laceweight bamboo which is rather like sewing thread!

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Very much

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Depends on the knit, but always as short as possible. Dpn's for socks. I don't understand the circulars gig, addi lace circular for shawls.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Unfortunately no but I have very convenient knees which just hold a skein

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
See my avatar....I never did complete the second mitten! Actually I have some beautiful alpaca/silk which doesn't seem to know what it's vocation is and has been frogged several times.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
We celebrate Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Do yarn and needles count? Vintage knitting things. Pottery baskets.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to Interweave Knits, Knitting, Simply Knitting, Yarn Forward.....far too many!

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'd like to get more confident with fairisle.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes I like to knit socks. I am an English 4, continental 37

23. When is your birthday?
May 2nd

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
I am although I don't take full advantage. My ID is Mazzam

Didn't we have a loverly time.

2008-11-04T05:54:00.001-08:00

Last weekend we had the best time although there was very little yarn involved (yes I took a WIP but that is understood) We went to Buxton for the weekend to celebrate a friend's special birthday. She knew nothing about it and was lured by a ride on a motorbike. She was brought into the pub where 12 of us were waiting. She went to the bar, took her drink outside for a ciggarette, came back to the bar, went to the Ladies, all while we were sitting expectantly. Eventually she noticed us! She was a bit put out at first but we swept her off to the hotel on the pretext of visiting the spot where her mother's waters broke, (forgot to mention that Buxton was chosen as the venue as it was the Birthday girl's place of birth. Someone had mocked up a blue plaque which was outside the hotel. Once she knew what was planned she relaxed and enjoyed the treat. The sewing machine we had clubbed together to buy was a real bonus. It's a pity I still can't add photos. Maybe later.

Didn't we have a loverly time.

2008-11-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

Half term

2008-10-30T05:46:00.000-07:00

Hooray it's Half Term hereabouts and just like old times. I have had 2 days of Millie this week. Whenever I ask her where she would like to go the answer is a) Ikea b) Attenborough so we went with plan b on Monday and took a trip to our old haunt at the Nature reserve. We had a walk around the Willow garden, fed ourselves and then the ducks, hence to MacDonalds as she now recognises the Golden Arches so I can no longer avoid it. Then TKMaxx where she talked me out of a dressing up outfit which involved a long visit to the changing rooms with arms-full of Ariel, Sleeping Beauty and the one out of Enchanted. We finished up in the Christmas department of Bardill's garden centre where she suddenly remembered there was a coffee shop, so more snacks!
Wednesday we went off to Conkers where it was freeeezing. Well I was, Millie was in a tshirt most of the day but even she decided to put on a cardigan eventually!

Role Call of knits

2008-10-23T04:39:00.000-07:00

It seems that whenever I knit for someone else I forget to take a picture before handing it over. Lately this includes a shawl knitted in Cherry Tree Hill to one of their patterns. I'm sorry I forgot to photograph that as it was knitted in the Shetland way and I didn't really enjoy it so am not likely to repeat the exercise. I prefer the kind that start with a little twiddle of 5 or 6 stitches and somehow grow and grow until something falls from your needles in the shape of a lovely big triangle with a fancy edge.
I knitted 3 pairs of mitts for Millie. Fingerless ones for 5 year olds take next to no time and look great knitted from left over self patterning sock wool, so great that I have orders from several grown-up ladies for similar.
At the Knitting and Sewing show at the NEC Isabel ordered a cardigan from the Kasbah Collection book. We found a bargain bag of Summer Tweed in just the right shade so that is done and delivered and worn. It is Dawn if you would care to scroll down and take a look. I have also finished a pair of socks for Rosemary who has ordered a plain sweater in Kidsilk Haze. I will be able to photograph my latest completed work which is a jumper from Debbie Bliss' Coastlines, reinterpreted as a cardigan. It is knitted in some Wool Cotton I am so proud of myself for economically frogging an old knit which I skeined and soaked and reused! It is the Yoke Detail Sweater and I am really pleased with it. Maybe I'll show you sometime..

Separation anxiety

2008-09-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

The thing is, Mr M is in dispute with the internet/phone provider. (They think he should take an 18 months contract - he doesn't) So we dont't have access at home. I am in the library just now doing a quck and random trawl. It's really frustrating and as he doesn't use it it's likely to take time and reminding. Hey-ho.
Millie has started school now and suddenly things have chenged profoundly. No more afternoon jaunts to the 'featre'. No more Tot's time. Roll on half term!

Adventures with Millie

2008-09-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

I think it's some time since I recorded where I have been with Millie. Of course we went to Wollaton Park to see the famous foto on display. Disappointingly it was merely pinned to a board and not mounted and framed. There were comments from the judge though which went along the lines of 'the waving grasses and yellow flowers give the impression of a chill windy day enhanced by the bleached out sky' and something about the tiny crows I hadn't noticed. It made me smile. Millie is rising 5 and just saw the pretty coloured flowers.

We have been to Manor Farm Animal Centre which we heartily recommend. It's quite cheap to get in, the animals are good and there is lots and lots of indoor and outdoor play.

Health and safety donkey rides involve a crash helmet and two attendants per donkey.

We made our now annual expedition to Moorgreen Show this time in the company of Auntie Isabel who enjoyed helping with some weaving sticks in the craft tent.

Another place we have enjoyed was Conkers This was another reasonably priced venue but as I had some Tesco vouchers it was practically free. Millie had a fabulous time here. We were there practically the whole of the opening time and she is asking to go again.

We had a day out on Tuesday this week. First a visit for me to the dentist then an excursion to Attenborough. No Tot's Time of course, we were free-range but we had a lovely time in the willow garden making Teddy bear food like we did on the last one.
Now she has gone of to school and although I'll be picking her up at the end of the day on Wednesdays our trips are curtailed until half term. Looks like homework for her and housework for me! Booooo

Meanwhile, on the needles I have two shawls, a shetland style one in Cherry Tree farm and an Icarus in some purple laceweight from Cinders ,socks in some Opal self patterning yarn, one of the Hundertwasser ones, which I keep changing my mind about whether I like the colours and some in Noro Kureyon which I have a touch of second sock syndrome about.

SP Questions catch up

2008-08-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

I have just visited by Secret Pal's blog and realised I am way behind on the SP questions. She gives such great answers I am a little disappointed that I don't do better.
What is the best thing you've ever received in the mail/post?
Well I have received lots of thrilling swap parcels. I love to get things from these Secret Pal swaps as everyone is a knitting enthusiast and likely to chose good things. I became a bit obsessed with swap bot and got some lovely packages but also some not so useful and some not at all. I have now gone through that phase thank goodness, it was getting rather expensive.
What is your proudest knitting moment??
Again I am struggling to answer. Maybe the first shawl I knitted which was Flower basket, or the first time I turned a heel. I am currently knitting a Shetland style shawl and got completely stuck on 4 rows on the triangle part. I don't know how many times I had to frog them so I have decided my recent proudest moment was when I finally got past that that point.
What is that one project that you’ve never been able to complete?
This is easier. There are two yarns I love but am struggling to work into a garment; some Debbie Bliss pure silk in a lovely coral and some Alpaca & silk in teal. I guess I just don't do soft and drapey.

Millie is a winner!

2008-08-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

Millie entered the Children's photography competition at Wollaton Park a couple of weeks ago and has won 1st prize in her age group (under 6). Actually she would have prefered the third prize which was a £5.00 gift token but never mind.
She chose the subject herself and took the picture on my camera. The photographs will be exhibited in the Great Hall until September 1st.

Next Question

2008-08-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever entered your knitting (or anything else) in the fair? Would you ever consider it?

I never have entered a craft item in a fair but given the chance I think I would. I read on the Angel Yarns Forum that a member who had entered what we all considered beautiful items was unplaced and the competition was won by very traditional knits. I don't think this would deter me and I would give it a go if I had anything suitable.

Back to the Park

2008-08-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

Now we have discovered Shipley Park we just can't keep away. We went down on Wednesday - Little Grandad, Grandma, Millie and Lily-the-Dog.
Lily looked hot;

and Millie looked cute;

despite having a little tumble which grazed her knee.
The coffee shop was out of scones but we had a great time.

There has been some knitting. I have actually done half a pair of Jaywalkers at last ( don't worry -there is no second sock syndrome- I have already started number 2) The yarn was in my very generous Birthday Swap parcel from Ggirl on Ravelry.It is from Yarnpirate and is not only fabulous colours but lovely to knit with.

I have also finished a very green jumper in Rowan Wool Cotton. Another yarn which knits really well.The edging is from one of the Nicky Epstein books, borrowed from the library and the basic shape is my old friend Martha from Studio 2

How green is that? Move over Kermit!

SP Questions

2008-07-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, I am all behind again!
Here are the questions for last week
What is(are) your favorite place(s) to knit?
I knit in several places where I am happy. Mainly, I suppose, at home on a 2 seater settee, the end I use depends on which end Lily-the-dog chooses unless she opts to lie along the back then I have free pick. I also knit in the staff room at work, on the bus to work on the odd occasions I travel by bus, at the bi-monthly coffee morning at John Lewis Nottingham and anywhere else that seems appropriate.

What supplies (besides yarn & needles) make the setting perfect for knitting?
As well as a nice detective on the T.V. and a cushion for my back I like to have a bag of sundry accessories to hand - stitch-markers, tape measures, row counters, scissors, a tiny hook for dropped stitches and other nick nackery. I have a book called 'The Old Time Tools and Toys of Needlework' and this is how I love to think of my accoutrements.

What is your favorite supper for a hot summer evening?

A salmon fillet with herb butter, tiny new potatoes and salad followed by some lovely icecream with fresh raspberries.

The bottom of the road

2008-07-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

The bottom of our road literally runs into Shipley Country Park.Now, with all this beauty on our doorstep wouldn't you suppose we would be constant visitors there? Yes! So why do we never go? I had been thinking this morning of somewhere to go for a trip out and maybe take Lily-the-Dog for a nice walk and I suddenly remembered it, so, saving goodness knows how much petrol, that is where we went. We took a turn around the easy walk which suited James with his wobbliness. Lily-the-dog had a lovely time forging ahead but checking back frequently to see we were still following. We finished off sitting in the sun outside the visitors centre with coffees and a home made cake between us. Apparently the scones sell out as soon as they come out of the oven which, to me anyway, begs the question why don't they make more????

SP question of the week

2008-07-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

This week I am ahead of the game with the question of the week...in fact I am answering it in the actual week it is set!
Questions #6
What is your favorite type of project to take along on holiday/vacation?

The obvious answer for their portability is socks of course but I also love to take a nice lacy shawl.

Tell us about a time that you packed too much knitting or were stranded without knitting.
Well I have already told this story. See the post for Sunday June 29th.

Today I have been on strike along with thousands of other Unison members. We were on strike yesterday too but as I am usually off on Wednesdays Millie-minding, I didn't notice any difference. I took advantage of the day by having my eyes tested this morning. My prescription has hardly changed in the 3 years since I last went but glasses have so I ordered new ones. On the way I discovered, in an Ilkeston side street, a previously unknown LYS! For some reason (probably the cost of new specs) I didn't go in although I admit I was attracted by the King Cole sock yarn in the window. Now I have been reading how cheap and soft it is on a forum so maybe when I go to collect my glasses.....

This is a cardigan I have just finished in some Rowan Damask Bought at half price in John Lewis's sale. Did I mention I have hundreds of buttons, few of which are even pairs? Well I used some here. At least if I am bored it is something to look at.
Also today I have indulged in my slightly secret (people tend to smirk) pastime of scrap booking (no don't laugh- I can't help having a penchant for pretty papers and sticky bits) I have 'done' all the photos for our Welsh holiday and when I have the photos printed for the Yorkshire trip I shall defiantly do them too. So what if no one ever sees them.

Secret Suprise

2008-07-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

This lovely package arrived from my Secret Pal. The sock yarn is a beautiful variegated blue called most appropriately 'Summer Skies'. I am itching to cast on the accompanying pattern which is a pretty leafy pattern. Also included is a really cute tape measure.

Reading the blog of my downstream Pal I realise there is yet another 'question of the week' How these weeks fly by!!

1) Where is your favorite place to go for vacation/holiday?
We always holiday in England - and that is fine by me. My favourite place is usually the one we have just been to - currently the North Yorkshire Moors and coast.I also love Northumberland, Somerset, Shropshire,
2) Where is one place you’d like to go?
I'd love to visit Skye or the Hebrides or Shetland or Aran. I was traveling behind a Dormobile today and thought that might not be a bad idea................

Icarus flies again

2008-07-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

This is Icarus #2.
I knitted one last year in a plain red and wore it all the time. It's a bit tatty and needs reblocking but now I have this new.

It is a hand painted merino I bought on ebay many moons ago. I really like the colours. I had to omit one of the repeats on the stocking stitch section because of yarn issues but it is big enough.