Merry Christmas everyone! I hope Father Christmas was kind to you.
So what have I been up to for the last few months!! Was it really back in October that I last posted something?!
Well for a quick update:
I sat the STAT (Special Tertiary Admissions Test) in the middle of November and achieved good results, so now just waiting for the round of offers from the Uni in January next year.
My home loan went through 2 weeks ago.
The Property Settlement has been finalised at last and Mr Ex is now out of the house. Everything now remains where I have put it and stays cleaner for longer. Miss A seems to be coping okay. She still gets to see him on occassion.
I had been spending an awful lot of time cleaning and tidying and sorting the place out - I now have a Knitting Room complete with 2 comfy recliners and in a few weeks there will be verticals on the windows so that we can sit out there at night time and noone can see in. Must get some pics up.
Hmm what else....
There's a mouse plague in my kitchen cupboards! Eww, so far we are tigers-2 mice -0. The battle continues.
Oh, renovations - I've had my chimney remortared by a lovely old man who climbed up on my roof - in 37 degree heat - supported only by the small planks that he fashioned into some sort of ladder. I didn't breathe until he left I thought for sure he would either fall off my roof ( see I said my roof- I own a home!!) or fall through my ceiling but he did a terriffic job and now it won't fall down anytime soon.
I fixed my pantry cupboards and gave them a coat of paint - forgot to take before pictures of both of these jobs duh!
The Central Park Hoody stands at a back, 2 fronts and 1 and 3/4 sleeves. I am not knitting anything else but this and still it is not growing. Ah hopefully now that I have 5 weeks holiday I can finish it shortly there is only one thing in the way -
you can't knit and drive at the same time -
I have just bought a new to me car, a really modern car which is soo different from the Kingswood ( read tank ) that I have been driving for the last 8 years. (Mr Ex is not happy with me ;) )
I will post a picture when I can but I my batteries are flat at the moment so when I charge them I'll try to restrict myself to one or two photos.
Have a great Christmas and don't drink too much eggnogg!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
I have just been gifted with these.....
Wanna closer look?
A friend's mother cannot use them anymore and was giving them away and my dear friend thought of me.
I will certainly appreciate and use it. I have a had a bit of a play and have just about worked out how to use it. It's not that much different to my Ashford.
Now today was spent knitting and the shoulder bind offs on the Central Park Hoodie had to be ripped out several times before I could complete the last cable and bind it off right. Unfortunately when I got home and had the left front and the right front sitting together I saw that I didn't have a matching cable on the left front so had to rip out again the shoulder of the right front. Are you with me? I sat for ages binding it off so that the right had a cable on the very top when I later found out the left didn't have one?!
Sheesh, now having cast on for the sleeve, the rib is not as tight as I like it. I like my cuffs to sit around my wrists snuggly and not flop about. I'm thinking of casting on a tighter cuff and graphing up the increases and adjusting them so the sleeve cap will fit the armholes. That'll have to wait till tomorrow cos I have no graph paper. I will be soo glad when this hoody is finished.
My motto: Nothing is ever as easy as it seems.
Not another update?!
Ahh so much is happening here I have limited time to actually post. Feel free to skip straight to the knitting part.
Let's see...
The Centrelink issue is now done and dusted with a resolution in my favour, worth the fight I must say.
Mr Ex is dragging out the Property Settlement. He has has it for 8 weeks now and he and his lawyer are taking their sweet time contacting my lawyer. Funny that, he always insisted on a fast and amicable settlement when he is the one doing the stalling. Let me tell ya their are dirty little tricks happening here at home. He is getting really good at setting Miss A and me up. It took me a while to realise the extent of the set ups but he is good. Lots of things that he knows will upset me.
I'm sure I'll laugh about it later but man he is doing me in. Should be all over in 6 weeks but that's what I said 8 weeks ago. sigh
Preparation is going well for tertiary entry right on track there. STAT test is in 3 weeks.
Knitting Part
Been concentrating solely on the Central Park Hoodie, which had me stumped there this week. The 2 fronts are not going to line up perfectly they are 1 row out which won't be a problem. The cables will match though and that's the main thing right?. A quick call to Jess got things sorted and now I'm on my way.
Looking forward to an afternoon of knitting with Jess and Miss B today.
Giving up on knitting group today for several reasons:
One being that on such a great day it has been scheduled for the library cafe (our winter location) and I am getting tired of going there (overpriced food, mouldy cheesecakes and not much choice in the way of food) The ones that actually attend regularly are itching to get back to the gardens and the people making the decision don't always attend.
Two: most people cannot attend this week anyway and I'd probably end up sitting there on my own. Knitting in public is fine if you are not the only one.
Thirdly: Jess is still recovering so staying home will be good for her today.
Better run I need to go and have a shower,oh and must duck to the shops for cake.
Knitting goes so much better when there is chocolate cake don't you think?
Let's see...
The Centrelink issue is now done and dusted with a resolution in my favour, worth the fight I must say.
Mr Ex is dragging out the Property Settlement. He has has it for 8 weeks now and he and his lawyer are taking their sweet time contacting my lawyer. Funny that, he always insisted on a fast and amicable settlement when he is the one doing the stalling. Let me tell ya their are dirty little tricks happening here at home. He is getting really good at setting Miss A and me up. It took me a while to realise the extent of the set ups but he is good. Lots of things that he knows will upset me.
I'm sure I'll laugh about it later but man he is doing me in. Should be all over in 6 weeks but that's what I said 8 weeks ago. sigh
Preparation is going well for tertiary entry right on track there. STAT test is in 3 weeks.
Knitting Part
Been concentrating solely on the Central Park Hoodie, which had me stumped there this week. The 2 fronts are not going to line up perfectly they are 1 row out which won't be a problem. The cables will match though and that's the main thing right?. A quick call to Jess got things sorted and now I'm on my way.
Looking forward to an afternoon of knitting with Jess and Miss B today.
Giving up on knitting group today for several reasons:
One being that on such a great day it has been scheduled for the library cafe (our winter location) and I am getting tired of going there (overpriced food, mouldy cheesecakes and not much choice in the way of food) The ones that actually attend regularly are itching to get back to the gardens and the people making the decision don't always attend.
Two: most people cannot attend this week anyway and I'd probably end up sitting there on my own. Knitting in public is fine if you are not the only one.
Thirdly: Jess is still recovering so staying home will be good for her today.
Better run I need to go and have a shower,oh and must duck to the shops for cake.
Knitting goes so much better when there is chocolate cake don't you think?
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Another Quick Update...
I am soo tired...
I have spent the day at a course to help me prepare for the STAT test (mature age entry for Uni)7 no we finished an hour early, 6 no we had a half hour for lunch, okay 5 and a half hours of test questions.
My brain is busted.
Not much knitting has taken place here lately. The Central Park Hoodie has a back, a left front and half a right front. Each evening this week I have had good intentions of picking it up but have been side tracked by one thing or another (mainly going to bed really early - at 8pm!) It's been my first week back at work this week.
Going out for tea with friends and Miss A tonight and really looking forward to a Schnitzel Parmigiana yum, my fave! Luckily I don't have to work this Sunday so hopefully I can slot in some knitting, but I really have to get stuck into my Personal Competency Statement for Uni entry.
I got word last week that I have indeed passed my Cert 4 in ICT (hip, hip) and the Cert 4 in Business Admin has been finished too. I've signed up for a Cert 3 in Disability Work and can transfer credit across from the other two Certificates lessening my workload by 5 units out of 11. At least it has paid off completing them.
My to do list now stands at:
I have spent the day at a course to help me prepare for the STAT test (mature age entry for Uni)
My brain is busted.
Not much knitting has taken place here lately. The Central Park Hoodie has a back, a left front and half a right front. Each evening this week I have had good intentions of picking it up but have been side tracked by one thing or another (mainly going to bed really early - at 8pm!) It's been my first week back at work this week.
Going out for tea with friends and Miss A tonight and really looking forward to a Schnitzel Parmigiana yum, my fave! Luckily I don't have to work this Sunday so hopefully I can slot in some knitting, but I really have to get stuck into my Personal Competency Statement for Uni entry.
I got word last week that I have indeed passed my Cert 4 in ICT (hip, hip) and the Cert 4 in Business Admin has been finished too. I've signed up for a Cert 3 in Disability Work and can transfer credit across from the other two Certificates lessening my workload by 5 units out of 11. At least it has paid off completing them.
My to do list now stands at:
- Property settlement, going slowly but progress is being made there.
- Uni Personal Competency Statement.
- Maths for STAT course in a few weeks.
- Actual STAT test in a few weeks too.
- Cert 3 in Disability.
'Keep yourself unstressed' recommends the instructor...ha
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Addressing comments
Thanks for the comments...I've decided in future to try to reply to the comments in a post otherwise they get lost after a few days and unless you go looking for a response (I do) it's difficult to find. And I know I get excited to get a reply to my comments.
2paw : Thank you, I'm so relieved that it ended up looking ok.
Jessica : Yes, I remembered the Yarn Harlot did a post about fixing cables with pictures that really scared me. And now I have one of my own, hee hee. Must admit I was shaking the whole time I was fixing it. (and not breathing much)
somebunnysloveDOTcom : Imagine doing that with LACE? uhuh, I can't even knit lace let alone rip it and fix it like that. shudders Although I am leaning towards lace in future projects....
Now after all that fixing I'm thinking that the size I chose may be a bit big - not by much but I'm thinking as a jacket it might be ok to knit it a tad smaller than a jumper.
It works out the same size as my favourite jumpers but as Jessica suggested jackets are open in the front ( yes it did need to be pointed out to me) and it'll gape anyway. So it will be bigger because of that openness.
No drama because I've only nearly completed the back and am quite ok with reknitting it.
It's hard to judge how it's going to turn out. Deep down I've had this inkling that I should be knitting the next size down.
Should I follow my intuition or keep going? I think I'll restart it, wool stretches so it should be no problem in a smaller size. That way it won't look like a dressing gown as I fear it'll end up.
I actually thought I was knitting the 44" size all along until I checked and found out this week that I was doing the 48" one. Don't know how that happened!
2paw : Thank you, I'm so relieved that it ended up looking ok.
Jessica : Yes, I remembered the Yarn Harlot did a post about fixing cables with pictures that really scared me. And now I have one of my own, hee hee. Must admit I was shaking the whole time I was fixing it. (and not breathing much)
somebunnysloveDOTcom : Imagine doing that with LACE? uhuh, I can't even knit lace let alone rip it and fix it like that. shudders Although I am leaning towards lace in future projects....
Now after all that fixing I'm thinking that the size I chose may be a bit big - not by much but I'm thinking as a jacket it might be ok to knit it a tad smaller than a jumper.
It works out the same size as my favourite jumpers but as Jessica suggested jackets are open in the front ( yes it did need to be pointed out to me) and it'll gape anyway. So it will be bigger because of that openness.
No drama because I've only nearly completed the back and am quite ok with reknitting it.
It's hard to judge how it's going to turn out. Deep down I've had this inkling that I should be knitting the next size down.
Should I follow my intuition or keep going? I think I'll restart it, wool stretches so it should be no problem in a smaller size. That way it won't look like a dressing gown as I fear it'll end up.
I actually thought I was knitting the 44" size all along until I checked and found out this week that I was doing the 48" one. Don't know how that happened!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Knitting when you should be sleeping: a cautionary tale
It was just after lunch when the thought occured to me that I should check the cables.
To my absolute horror I discovered a misscrossed cable about 3 cable crossings down!
Ack.
Turns out it was one of the first ones I did at 4 am this morning.
There was no way in h*ll I was going to rip back all of those rows - that was about 10cm work.
So I bravely read up on dropping stitches to fix cables.
I forgot to take a picture of the misscrossed cable but remembered once I had dropped all the stitches off, so here's the first part I call Come Undone ( notice the reference to the Robbie Williams song that I slipped in there?)
To my absolute horror I discovered a misscrossed cable about 3 cable crossings down!
Ack.
Turns out it was one of the first ones I did at 4 am this morning.
There was no way in h*ll I was going to rip back all of those rows - that was about 10cm work.
So I bravely read up on dropping stitches to fix cables.
I forgot to take a picture of the misscrossed cable but remembered once I had dropped all the stitches off, so here's the first part I call Come Undone ( notice the reference to the Robbie Williams song that I slipped in there?)
Here it is all fixed up, phew this only took 45 minutes to complete (best song reference here is Phoenix From The Flames) The cable in question is just above where the armhole shaping starts.
I feel that I am evolving as a knitter - deliberately dropping stitches to fix mistakes. That's something I once thought could only be fixed by a complete restart.
For Miss A's patience early this morning we are going to a Beanie Baby Party at our local shopping centre. Although I'd rather hop into bed than spend 2 hours frolicking with pricey Beanie Babies.
Robbie, Robbie, Robbie (chanted)
Miss A and I scored some tickets to the Robbie Williams concert! Aaaayyyy :)
We woke up at 3am, got ready and headed down to the nearest outlet which was 5 minutes away.
By 4:10am we were happily sitting (and knitting) second in line, can ya believe it second!
I got heaps done on the CP hoodie.
The Newsagency opened at 8am but we were lucky - we only had to stay till 7:15am when the newsagent decided to take pity on us and hand out place-holding number cards. That left us free for an hour to go home, have breakky, go to the loo and be back there at 8:40 to register and wait.
Still holding our breath at 9am cos they might sell out before we get a chance to purchase.
But we were really lucky, scored two Gold seats (seats! I'm taking Miss A and thought seats would be the go if we could get 'em ) In a really good spot too.
We are sooo thrilled!!
sings: Let meeee entertain you, do do do.
We woke up at 3am, got ready and headed down to the nearest outlet which was 5 minutes away.
By 4:10am we were happily sitting (and knitting) second in line, can ya believe it second!
I got heaps done on the CP hoodie.
The Newsagency opened at 8am but we were lucky - we only had to stay till 7:15am when the newsagent decided to take pity on us and hand out place-holding number cards. That left us free for an hour to go home, have breakky, go to the loo and be back there at 8:40 to register and wait.
Still holding our breath at 9am cos they might sell out before we get a chance to purchase.
But we were really lucky, scored two Gold seats (seats! I'm taking Miss A and thought seats would be the go if we could get 'em ) In a really good spot too.
We are sooo thrilled!!
sings: Let meeee entertain you, do do do.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Be afraid, be very afraid....
Blogger is really messing this post up- it's not letting me separate the paragraphs so it all rolls into one, sorry.
I took this quiz and just look at my result!
Of course I knew that I was so it's no surprise really. I took it twice and got the same results.
Of course I knew that I was so it's no surprise really. I took it twice and got the same results.
What Type of Lunatic are You?
I haven't mentioned my stalker before have I?
Well when my marriage ended I went along to one of those COPE courses on how to move on after separation. Well this guy there wouldn't stop emailing me saying how we'd be great together and how much he liked me ?! Geez I'd only just met him and only knew his name! Turns out he'd tried this with other members of the group and one member's daughter. Well every now and then he'll still email me with links to -ooh lets see how compatible we are / let's see if we like the same movie quizzes and photos (that I would never open I'd just delete) Anyway it made me feel creepy so I refer to him now as my stalker. The last email was a couple of months ago - now this course ended 2 years ago!! and it was only for 6 weeks.
I wasn't real worried because I knew I was a bit
On with the knitting content:
Ahh the Central Park Hoodie is coming along nicely:
Blogger isn't playing nice though and wont upload the picture! I've tried four times so maybe in a few days we'll see four pics of the hoodie's back. Sorry Jess, I know you really wanted to see it. You'll have to wait till knitting this afternoon.
Surfing this morning I came across this pattern. Hmm, it is specifically for beginners and looks good, I'll definitely add this to my 'want to knit' pile.
Cat content:
As I've been typing this there has been a strange noise from the backyard. Something jumping up and scraping the back fence. I thought it was Kitty because I did see her on the roof of the house behind us. Obviously it was a cat jumping up and not quite making the top of the fence and sliding back down again. Upon looking out some time later I could see Kitty coming back from over there but the banging/screeching continued.
I went out there several times and it wasn't until I did a head count that I noticed Andy missing. Gathering courage I climbed onto the rabbit cage and looked over the back fence. It's 6:45am mind you. I don't think we have neighbours there yet it's been very quiet and the dog that was there I haven't heard for a while.
Anyway looking over the fence yep, it was Andy. Poor thing was soo tired from jumping up and sliding back down as soon as he saw me he started meowing. A sad, sorry meow. How was I going to get him back, Kitty had been over there but she had obviously seen the trellis going up to the little shade area and uses that to get back. I think it was Andy's first time and he must have followed Kitty.
What was I going to do?? The big ladder we have was way too heavy for me to lift over the fence and I could just see over that fence standing on a rabbit cage. Would the rabbit cage continue to hold my weight?? Could I lift that heavy ladder over the fence?? Should I go and get help my friend two doors down has a teenage son?? But it'sonly 7am on a Sunday!! What if someone does live there how is it going to look when they see a woman in her pyjamas hoiking a ladder over their fence?! Looking around the yard I found the old beanbag that I'd been meaning to wash after a cat had piddled on it. An idea struck I'd hold the beanbag over the fence and then Andy could climb onto it and I'd pull him to safety, with him sitting nicely on the beanbag. hmmmmm.
Yeah, but as soon as I threw it over the fence he ran. Bugger. Ok, so I called him and then slowly put it back over the fence and after four tries he managed to hold on enough to be able to lift him.
I didn't count on him seeing my arm as an extension of the beanbag and he ran straight up it onto my shoulders. Luckily I had a thick jumper on over my pj's.
The beanbag is now part of the cat rescue kit.
Must add that Mr Ex and Miss A were not home as they had gone away for the weekend and every weekend Mr Ex has gone away in the past something has gone wrong with the cats be it sickness or one of them getting run over, it's always something!
It's times like this that I wish that I had a partner to help me, so I didn't have to do it alone. Some one I could be cacking myself laughing with over this ( I'm feeling my quiz results are justified cos I'm cacking myself laughing all by myself ). In the past I could call Mr Ex and know it'd be taken care of. But hell, I managed by myself and I'm none the worse for it.
So all of the cats are grounded for the day and they can stay inside, they've just used up one more of my nine lives. :)
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Lucky I can type cos I can't talk!
Urgh I feel sick. I still have this horrible virussy thing from the end of August - this'll be my fourth week.
Surely there is a limit to how much green sh*t a body can produce. My voice disappeared for two days and all I was left with was a squeak, then it turned husky.
It was suggested to me that I could get another job - another job I already have two!! -while I had a sexy, husky voice. I can just imagine myself describing some frilly, feminine lingerie whilst sitting in my daggy pj's with my knitting in my lap. I could call myself Kandy or something like that. "What do you want me to be wearing?", I'd ask. *shudders* Anyway it's not gonna happen.
I've taken on some more study this time in a Cert 3 Disibility Work program dealing with challenging behaviours and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Because I've already completed the Cert 4 in ICT I can get credit transfers for 5 out of the 11 units which cuts down the workload heaps. So now only have 2 Cetificate courses to complete. This is one that I really wanted to do and begged the assessors for a place if there was a vacancy and was very lucky to get in.
The lawyer stuff is happening and papers have been drawn up and served regarding property settlement. This is costing me a fortune! Mr Ex has started cleaning out the shed. The shed, I forgot was extra space think of how much stuff I can put in there!
The home loan is approved and waiting for me. So that's one thing I don't have to worry about.
Still debating as to how much I should borrow, should I take the extra amount and pay for it for the next 30 years or should I take less and put the extra amount that I'd pay weekly into a savings account.
eg: borrow an extra 15,000 be locked into the high repayments for 30 years or borrow 15,000 less and be locked into lower payments for 30 years while saving the difference and ending up with 28,000 at the end of 30 years?
I think I just answered my own question but then it means that not all the renovations will be carried out straight away and I'll have to save up for them. And I am a very impatient person! But in the end I'll have 28,000 to renovate with compared to owing 15,000.
It is a bit scary being the one to make the financial decisions but exciting too. I need to cover myself if I lose my job and become unemployed and if I borrow less then I could sleep better at night knowing that it's not going to be a problem making the repayments.
There are so many fees and hidden costs like insuring myself so that if I die the loan will be paid out for Miss A. Changing from the current loan to a new one, breaking the fixed rate lock in contract for the current loan. groan
Ugg, this is why I haven't been knitting very much I've been going over the figures trying to work out what to do.
The Central Park Hoodie is almost up to the third cable on the back, veeerrrryyy sllloooww going.
Oh and I went for the Bendigo Damson (purple) and am loving it.
Surely there is a limit to how much green sh*t a body can produce. My voice disappeared for two days and all I was left with was a squeak, then it turned husky.
It was suggested to me that I could get another job - another job I already have two!! -while I had a sexy, husky voice. I can just imagine myself describing some frilly, feminine lingerie whilst sitting in my daggy pj's with my knitting in my lap. I could call myself Kandy or something like that. "What do you want me to be wearing?", I'd ask. *shudders* Anyway it's not gonna happen.
I've taken on some more study this time in a Cert 3 Disibility Work program dealing with challenging behaviours and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Because I've already completed the Cert 4 in ICT I can get credit transfers for 5 out of the 11 units which cuts down the workload heaps. So now only have 2 Cetificate courses to complete. This is one that I really wanted to do and begged the assessors for a place if there was a vacancy and was very lucky to get in.
The lawyer stuff is happening and papers have been drawn up and served regarding property settlement. This is costing me a fortune! Mr Ex has started cleaning out the shed. The shed, I forgot was extra space think of how much stuff I can put in there!
The home loan is approved and waiting for me. So that's one thing I don't have to worry about.
Still debating as to how much I should borrow, should I take the extra amount and pay for it for the next 30 years or should I take less and put the extra amount that I'd pay weekly into a savings account.
eg: borrow an extra 15,000 be locked into the high repayments for 30 years or borrow 15,000 less and be locked into lower payments for 30 years while saving the difference and ending up with 28,000 at the end of 30 years?
I think I just answered my own question but then it means that not all the renovations will be carried out straight away and I'll have to save up for them. And I am a very impatient person! But in the end I'll have 28,000 to renovate with compared to owing 15,000.
It is a bit scary being the one to make the financial decisions but exciting too. I need to cover myself if I lose my job and become unemployed and if I borrow less then I could sleep better at night knowing that it's not going to be a problem making the repayments.
There are so many fees and hidden costs like insuring myself so that if I die the loan will be paid out for Miss A. Changing from the current loan to a new one, breaking the fixed rate lock in contract for the current loan. groan
Ugg, this is why I haven't been knitting very much I've been going over the figures trying to work out what to do.
The Central Park Hoodie is almost up to the third cable on the back, veeerrrryyy sllloooww going.
Oh and I went for the Bendigo Damson (purple) and am loving it.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Saturday Update
Yesterday Miss A and I went to the Royal Show. We were lucky to have some free tickets as we were working a shift in the Handspinners and Weavers Guild's stall. It was the most fun day we have had for a while.
First we had to go and get the showbags - not too bad Miss A only wanted 4 of them. I'd been planning ahead financially so it wasn't a great blow to the budget. It was a 'stuff the budget' day and the fun we had was worth it. I must add here that I hate going to the show and I still have that coughy infection but I had the best time and want to go again. ( I've seen the Twistie bag and reckon that'd be a good knitting bag as well ;) )
I bought the Coke bag because I thought it would make a good knitting bag, it has 2 sections both zippered one for purse and phone etc and the bigger section for my knitting. I can't help buying knitting bags it's like my obsession with tables ( I really like tables for some reason!) Anyway if I see a bag that can remotely be used to carry my knitting then I just gotta have it. ( I have about 15 bags suitable for carrying knitting at the moment but can't stop myself)
I was a bit nervous turning up for duty at the stall as I haven't really met anyone from the guild before, I normally just lob in to the monthly meeting buy fleece and go. But they made me feel at home and got me spinning pretty much straight away. I was even able to get some show goers to sit and spin. I got a real buzz cos I know what it's like to go and watch someone spin and want to try it cos they make it look so easy, but this time it was me giving the demonstration and answering questions. And my spinning has improved, I was able to spin nice and evenly with only a few accidental slubs, joining on was easy. Although I must say the fleece had quite a long staple which made it easier to spin - it was a Corriedale/Romney X if I remember correctly from Lomman's near Burra - they have nice fleece. I do have a bag of their fleece that I have yet to spin and this has renewed my interest in spinning.
Miss A bought along her french knitting and did some of that during the afternoon. There were a few people interested in her work and asked where they could get a french knitting thingy. Looking back we should've made a few out of popsticks and cardboard rolls (clingwrap rolls not loo rolls I know the hygiene issues there) and made up little kits with yarn to get the kids started.
I'm thinking of getting a new wheel. Mine is hard to treadle and it walks away from me while spinning and the one I used yesterday was so easy I don't even feel sore today yet after half an hour on my wheel I get a sore back.
So any ideas for what makes a good wheel and any recommendations as to which brand?
Single or double treadle?
Single drive or double drive?
First we had to go and get the showbags - not too bad Miss A only wanted 4 of them. I'd been planning ahead financially so it wasn't a great blow to the budget. It was a 'stuff the budget' day and the fun we had was worth it. I must add here that I hate going to the show and I still have that coughy infection but I had the best time and want to go again. ( I've seen the Twistie bag and reckon that'd be a good knitting bag as well ;) )
I bought the Coke bag because I thought it would make a good knitting bag, it has 2 sections both zippered one for purse and phone etc and the bigger section for my knitting. I can't help buying knitting bags it's like my obsession with tables ( I really like tables for some reason!) Anyway if I see a bag that can remotely be used to carry my knitting then I just gotta have it. ( I have about 15 bags suitable for carrying knitting at the moment but can't stop myself)
I was a bit nervous turning up for duty at the stall as I haven't really met anyone from the guild before, I normally just lob in to the monthly meeting buy fleece and go. But they made me feel at home and got me spinning pretty much straight away. I was even able to get some show goers to sit and spin. I got a real buzz cos I know what it's like to go and watch someone spin and want to try it cos they make it look so easy, but this time it was me giving the demonstration and answering questions. And my spinning has improved, I was able to spin nice and evenly with only a few accidental slubs, joining on was easy. Although I must say the fleece had quite a long staple which made it easier to spin - it was a Corriedale/Romney X if I remember correctly from Lomman's near Burra - they have nice fleece. I do have a bag of their fleece that I have yet to spin and this has renewed my interest in spinning.
Miss A bought along her french knitting and did some of that during the afternoon. There were a few people interested in her work and asked where they could get a french knitting thingy. Looking back we should've made a few out of popsticks and cardboard rolls (clingwrap rolls not loo rolls I know the hygiene issues there) and made up little kits with yarn to get the kids started.
I'm thinking of getting a new wheel. Mine is hard to treadle and it walks away from me while spinning and the one I used yesterday was so easy I don't even feel sore today yet after half an hour on my wheel I get a sore back.
So any ideas for what makes a good wheel and any recommendations as to which brand?
Single or double treadle?
Single drive or double drive?
Friday, September 01, 2006
Ready, Set, Go!
The Central Park Hoodie officially starts today, so last night I decided on a size (finally) and cast on my 110 sts and started the ribbing. I've done a total of 4 rows so far.
I haven't knitted anything in about a month I reckon, I've had too much here, thinking and preparing for the future. Starting to get excited about this again and look forward to knitting it later today.
I've had this sucky cold/fluey thing this week and now Miss A has it we are having so much fun here with snuffling and coughing and crying.
I start my second job today...did I mention that before? Respite caring for people with disabilities in the community. Really looking forward to starting but not nervous because I know the person that I'll be regularly working with. There's also an opportunity to increase the hours by working with other people, and to be called in as a back up, so that will help with the finances.
So what colour did I choose for the Hoodie?? Well you'll have to wait and see.....remember it was a toss up between Elm and Damson from Bendy.
Happy Knitting
I haven't knitted anything in about a month I reckon, I've had too much here, thinking and preparing for the future. Starting to get excited about this again and look forward to knitting it later today.
I've had this sucky cold/fluey thing this week and now Miss A has it we are having so much fun here with snuffling and coughing and crying.
I start my second job today...did I mention that before? Respite caring for people with disabilities in the community. Really looking forward to starting but not nervous because I know the person that I'll be regularly working with. There's also an opportunity to increase the hours by working with other people, and to be called in as a back up, so that will help with the finances.
So what colour did I choose for the Hoodie?? Well you'll have to wait and see.....remember it was a toss up between Elm and Damson from Bendy.
Happy Knitting
Friday, August 18, 2006
Fantastic Friday!
Okay, there hasn't been much knitting this week - well none at all!
I've been ringing lawyers and banks and downloading divorce papers and preparing to start my second job.
Yep, that's right a second job. Which requires me to have an ABN (I think that's Australian Business Number??) so now I have my own business.
I will be subcontracting my services as a respite carer. This involves taking a person/child with disabilities out for a few hours each week, so we get to do fun stuff like go walking on the beach, play sport etc. It has the scope for me to expand the hours and work evenings and nights and weekends, which will fit in if I decide to study further.
Mr Ex and I have agreed to settlements regarding property and child support and care of Miss A.
I get to stay in the house, YAY!
I visited the bank this afternoon and I was pre-approved for a home loan. With more than the amount I wanted to borrow! Enough to pay the lawyers and a few small improvements to the house (which, no doubt, I'll be showing off on the blog) Only need to go and see the lawyer next week to get the agreements in writing and approved by the family court. Then back to the bank and there you go.
We'll be sitting down to fill in the divorce kit this weekend so it's all happening here.
Oh and the uni course I'm thinking of doing (Bachelor of Education) is being offered waay closer to home so I'm definitely looking into that a bit further.
Funny how things are just slotting into place right now. It's going to be a greatweekend future.
Oh, forgot to add, remember I purchased Damson and Mariner from Bendigo? Well the Mariner was still not going to be ready for another few weeks so I asked them to substitute Elm for it. I'm going to knit the Central Park Hoodie with Elm. Now I'm not a green person but that one just caught my eye and I've been dreaming of it - you know how it is.
I've been ringing lawyers and banks and downloading divorce papers and preparing to start my second job.
Yep, that's right a second job. Which requires me to have an ABN (I think that's Australian Business Number??) so now I have my own business.
I will be subcontracting my services as a respite carer. This involves taking a person/child with disabilities out for a few hours each week, so we get to do fun stuff like go walking on the beach, play sport etc. It has the scope for me to expand the hours and work evenings and nights and weekends, which will fit in if I decide to study further.
Mr Ex and I have agreed to settlements regarding property and child support and care of Miss A.
I get to stay in the house, YAY!
I visited the bank this afternoon and I was pre-approved for a home loan. With more than the amount I wanted to borrow! Enough to pay the lawyers and a few small improvements to the house (which, no doubt, I'll be showing off on the blog) Only need to go and see the lawyer next week to get the agreements in writing and approved by the family court. Then back to the bank and there you go.
We'll be sitting down to fill in the divorce kit this weekend so it's all happening here.
Oh and the uni course I'm thinking of doing (Bachelor of Education) is being offered waay closer to home so I'm definitely looking into that a bit further.
Funny how things are just slotting into place right now. It's going to be a great
Oh, forgot to add, remember I purchased Damson and Mariner from Bendigo? Well the Mariner was still not going to be ready for another few weeks so I asked them to substitute Elm for it. I'm going to knit the Central Park Hoodie with Elm. Now I'm not a green person but that one just caught my eye and I've been dreaming of it - you know how it is.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Quick Update:
My Bendigo order came yesterday, and I am in love!
The Damson is more beautiful than I could have imagined and I can see it as a Central Park Hoodie, and can't wait to start. It is great to have a project that I am excited in.
The Mariner that I ordered is on back order so I get to be surprised when that comes. In the meanwhile I'll just pet the Damson.
I have had the worst birthday of my life this year! If I could have stayed home in bed I would have - and looking back I wish I had called in sick.
Centrelink are being difficult giving me the run around and one person told me they had lost my paperwork so when I went in to see them - on my birthday - I waited for ages and lo and behold, there, on the desk in front of me, was the missing paperwork!
Turns out it wasn't missing at all. If they could all just get their story straight they'd do a lot better. So I am fighting them (still) and it's the principal of it all now, not just the financial benefits.
The kids in the class I work in all made me gorgeous cards which I'll treasure and we shared cake.
We went to see Hoodwinked yesterday, my choice, the verdict - eh. Okay for little kids but the storyline could be confusing for them. Miss A and I had a whole, huge cinema just to ourselves.
This post been a little disjointed but I didn't want to put all the bad things up. It's funny cos that's what I started the blog for, an outlet for what I was feeling, what I was knitting etc. But now that I know people read it - gasp - I find I censor what I say otherwise it'll be a whinge session again. Sure there's going to be conflict with Mr Ex and the Centrelink issue will be ongoing so I'll just write little updates. And it's important to stay positive.
I may have to start a good thing for the day and a bad thing for the day and keep it small. Or a whinge session warning so that you can skip that part.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the weekend, it's knitting group this Sunday!
The Damson is more beautiful than I could have imagined and I can see it as a Central Park Hoodie, and can't wait to start. It is great to have a project that I am excited in.
The Mariner that I ordered is on back order so I get to be surprised when that comes. In the meanwhile I'll just pet the Damson.
I have had the worst birthday of my life this year! If I could have stayed home in bed I would have - and looking back I wish I had called in sick.
Centrelink are being difficult giving me the run around and one person told me they had lost my paperwork so when I went in to see them - on my birthday - I waited for ages and lo and behold, there, on the desk in front of me, was the missing paperwork!
Turns out it wasn't missing at all. If they could all just get their story straight they'd do a lot better. So I am fighting them (still) and it's the principal of it all now, not just the financial benefits.
The kids in the class I work in all made me gorgeous cards which I'll treasure and we shared cake.
We went to see Hoodwinked yesterday, my choice, the verdict - eh. Okay for little kids but the storyline could be confusing for them. Miss A and I had a whole, huge cinema just to ourselves.
Oh and the hot water system broke last night at midnight so it was washing by bucket this morning. This I didn't mind so much.
Mr Ex now has another thing to hold over me as he has the finances to go out and get one today and I don't.
This post been a little disjointed but I didn't want to put all the bad things up. It's funny cos that's what I started the blog for, an outlet for what I was feeling, what I was knitting etc. But now that I know people read it - gasp - I find I censor what I say otherwise it'll be a whinge session again. Sure there's going to be conflict with Mr Ex and the Centrelink issue will be ongoing so I'll just write little updates. And it's important to stay positive.
I may have to start a good thing for the day and a bad thing for the day and keep it small. Or a whinge session warning so that you can skip that part.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the weekend, it's knitting group this Sunday!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Ready for the Knit A Long
Okay, I have everything ready for the Central Park Hoodie Knit A Long.
This'll be my first KAL (apart from the disastrous Knitting Olympics effort of 2006 - but I just won't mention it again and it'll disappear, right?)
Remember when I ordered the yarn and then I said I hoped that I could live with it if it turned out darker? I mean it couldn't be that much darker could it? It looked pretty.
Well...I must say it is a very dark plum bordering on a brown.Wild Plum my a** I would have called it a brown geez I should've bought something from Bendigo instead of something fancy.
Okay that's way dark but it does have some pretty bits in it. I wonder if the dye will fade after washing. Knowing my luck I'd end up felting the thing ;)
This'll be my first KAL (apart from the disastrous Knitting Olympics effort of 2006 - but I just won't mention it again and it'll disappear, right?)
Remember when I ordered the yarn and then I said I hoped that I could live with it if it turned out darker? I mean it couldn't be that much darker could it? It looked pretty.
Well...I must say it is a very dark plum bordering on a brown.
Okay that's way dark but it does have some pretty bits in it. I wonder if the dye will fade after washing. Knowing my luck I'd end up felting the thing ;)
When I arrived home today I found the Knitscene Mag in my letter box (I hope it's the right one - I'll open it later)
Just to be sure there is some Mariner and Damson on the way from Bendigo. (It's my birthday on Wednesday so this is a present to myself) I think Rogue would be good in Mariner and yeah a purple jacket is to my liking more than this Rowan. I'll swatch it though and see how it turns out. I'm thinking trying to knit cables with it may be beyond my patience.
Nah, I'm sure it'll turn out okay and I have a few small projects to finish off before the KAL starts - Fetching for Miss A which is going good so far.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Fetching is finished
After some furious knitting fetching is now complete.
I did modify them and I am perfectly happy with them. I have put the changes here incase I lose my notes so I'll have a record of them.
I thought they'd look better if the cable up the top was repeated so you have 2 down the bottom and one up the top.
Mods:
Hand
At the end work 5 rows k4p1 rib, then work a cable round then:
round 1: k4p1 rib.
round 2: Decrease by k1, k2tog,k1, p1 all around.
round 3: K3, p1 around.
round 4: Cast off - regular plain cast off.
This gave it a completed cabley (??) bit at the top and made them fit snuggly, just covering the base of the fingers.
Thumb
Pick up 3 sts at each side instead of two and it helps to eliminate holes.
Round 1: Decrease by knitting 2 tog at each side, thus eliminating the extra stitches.
Knit 6 more rounds for a total of 7 for the thumb ending just below the thumb joint.
Working with the yarn was a treat and it took less than one ball. Just don't pull too hard on it because it'll break - I was tightening up a stitch - luckily I still had enough to weave in, but did not pull as hard on the second one.
I can understand how addictive these are, and I am off to start another pair for Miss A. I think hers will be in the pink Cleckheaton Country Silk. I'm itching to knit with that and she wants a pair, so her scarf will have to wait a little.
I did modify them and I am perfectly happy with them. I have put the changes here incase I lose my notes so I'll have a record of them.
I thought they'd look better if the cable up the top was repeated so you have 2 down the bottom and one up the top.
Mods:
Hand
At the end work 5 rows k4p1 rib, then work a cable round then:
round 1: k4p1 rib.
round 2: Decrease by k1, k2tog,k1, p1 all around.
round 3: K3, p1 around.
round 4: Cast off - regular plain cast off.
This gave it a completed cabley (??) bit at the top and made them fit snuggly, just covering the base of the fingers.
Thumb
Pick up 3 sts at each side instead of two and it helps to eliminate holes.
Round 1: Decrease by knitting 2 tog at each side, thus eliminating the extra stitches.
Knit 6 more rounds for a total of 7 for the thumb ending just below the thumb joint.
Working with the yarn was a treat and it took less than one ball. Just don't pull too hard on it because it'll break - I was tightening up a stitch - luckily I still had enough to weave in, but did not pull as hard on the second one.
I can understand how addictive these are, and I am off to start another pair for Miss A. I think hers will be in the pink Cleckheaton Country Silk. I'm itching to knit with that and she wants a pair, so her scarf will have to wait a little.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Next project started.
Okay, so I finished the mittens and was in that dreamy stage of what to start next. It was either the light pink scarf for Miss A in Cleckheaton Country Silk which would have been a rib pattern or Fetching. I couldn't wait to play with the new yarn I purchased last week so Fetching won.
Specs:
Yarn: Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed in Festival
Pattern: Fetching from Knitty
Needles: 2 x Boye size 5s
Specs:
Yarn: Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed in Festival
Pattern: Fetching from Knitty
Needles: 2 x Boye size 5s
I somehow accidentally, in the second cable, knitted 1 row short before crossing the cables - I must have clicked the row counter on mid-row. It looked a bit funny and I tried to let it go, but I knew it was there so this morning I took a big risk ( 'twas a big risk for me) and yanked out both needles and ripped back to the cable row, carefully pulled the yarn out of a stitch, picked it up with a needle and thread all the way around and carefully put it back on the needles, phew. It is now fixed and even though I was shaking when I did it I figure the more times I do it the less scared I'll be - not that I'm going to deliberately make mistakes just to rip 'em out ;)
I had to figure out how to cross the cables, I now know that the working yarn needs to stay at the very back behind the stitches on the cable needle, and that you don't knit the stitches off the cable needle out of order or from the same side they went on. It has been a great introduction to cables and I can't wait to finish/wear them. Now if I could just get off the internet I may have them finished by Monday like the designer says.
Oh and the yarn I ordered for the Central Park Hoodie is now on the way as well as the pattern for it. Perhaps I should join the knit a long.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Oh Bugger!
I've done it now.
You see if you go here the price for Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Aran is AUD$31.90 per ball. (and I reckon shipping would be extra) Yep, that's right!
But here the same yarn is only US$7.00 which works out to just AUD$9.34 per ball. You can do the math cos I need to go lie down now. (Turns out a saving of around $330.00 Australian)
So I now have enough to do either the Rogue Hoodie which is a jumper or the similar Central Park Hoodie which is a jacket.
You can see I'm trying to justify it but I hope you'll all agree it was too good to pass up. I just hope I can live with it if the colour turns out way darker than the monitor shows ;)
Now Jess what was that about a yarn diet?? Sounds good to me, lets start tomorrow.
You see if you go here the price for Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Aran is AUD$31.90 per ball. (and I reckon shipping would be extra) Yep, that's right!
But here the same yarn is only US$7.00 which works out to just AUD$9.34 per ball. You can do the math cos I need to go lie down now. (Turns out a saving of around $330.00 Australian)
So I now have enough to do either the Rogue Hoodie which is a jumper or the similar Central Park Hoodie which is a jacket.
You can see I'm trying to justify it but I hope you'll all agree it was too good to pass up. I just hope I can live with it if the colour turns out way darker than the monitor shows ;)
Now Jess what was that about a yarn diet?? Sounds good to me, lets start tomorrow.
TaDa..
At 6:30pm last night we had mittens!! Want proof? Here it is...
Currently eyeing off the Central Park Hoodie. There's a Knit A Long starting in September..Hmm what yarn to use? Do I go all out and get some Rowan Yorkshire Tweed before it all disappears and if so what colour, and what if the colour is different when it actually gets here? I can't decide.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Mitten update
Last night I finally sat down to knit, I now have this much more of the mittens done:
See Andy's paw in the bottom left corner? Just before he pounced on them!
I hope to have them mostly complete tonight...then I can decide on the next item to work on.
I really want to make Fetching with the yarn I bought yesterday, so I think they will be next. Plus it's a good introduction to cabling.
Happy knitting ;)
See Andy's paw in the bottom left corner? Just before he pounced on them!
I hope to have them mostly complete tonight...then I can decide on the next item to work on.
I really want to make Fetching with the yarn I bought yesterday, so I think they will be next. Plus it's a good introduction to cabling.
Happy knitting ;)
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
The trip to the yarn stores was great fun, it's just a pity there aren't many of them and we can't go more regularly. ( I don't think their stock changes too much) Unfortunately I didn't find much that I really wanted to make something out of so my total purchases were:
Patonyle in cream to dye, I am planning to make a variegated pink pair, with a few stitches in each colour shade of pink from very pale through to very dark. Might be able to do it this Sunday.
Some Jo Sharp DK Tweed for Fetching, and Cleckheaton Country Silk because I liked the colour and thought Miss A might like it for a scarf.
More things to add to my 'to do' list! I still haven't done anymore on the mittens, I am so slack these holidays, although I have the best intentions of actually knitting it just isn't happening.
I plan to watch some episodes of "Buffy" and knit - I really do but the weather is so nice at the moment I can't settle inside.
I did however dye something else. I have this Bodymate pillow which lays across the back of the pillows on my bed and it had been a very bright peachy pink - a little like the top colour below. I did go looking for a purple cover for it but at $30 I couldn't justify buying a pillowcase. So my next option was to try and dye it purple. After one and half hours (and $11.00) it is now a beautiful royal purple colour, darker than the bottom colour, but you get the idea. 
Not wanting to let the dye bath go to waste I searched for other items that I could dunk into the mix.
The t-shirt in front was next, followed by some white towels, flannels and socks. They didn't turn out a nice purple though, but a paler blue. But it was fun to do anyway, and I'd definitely recommend it.
Dye used: Dylon Cold Dye A26- ultraviolet.
I conned asked Miss A to make us some muffins so I'd better go and eat one get 'em out of the oven.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Yo Ho, Yo Ho or I want to be a pirate!
Because it's the holidays we have a list of things that Miss A wants to do. One of them was to go to the pictures. It was either Over The Hedge or Pirates 2, and after Piglet's Big Movie I will not let her pick the movie ever again! - I haven't fallen asleep at the cinemas since. So I had to talk her into seeing Pirates 2 - which wasn't as difficult as I thought it would have been, we've been watching Pirates of the Caribbean heaps these holidays and I don't mind watching it over and over, really ;) Aah, Captain Jack Sparrow.
Ice skating was another activity that I promised her these holidays so yesterday we forked over $27, donned ice skates, and for 2 and a half freezing hours I saved Miss A from breaking her neck/arms/legs/fingers etc, on the ice. I hadn't skated in, ooh about 17 years (used to go ice skating regularly in high school) She of course, has never strapped on a pair of ice skates in her life. Last time I went I'm sure you had to tie them on, now there is a ratchet/lever system to secure the blades to your feet.
If you were lucky you could snaffle a chair to push on the ice which helped with stability. So once she was able to get her hands on a chair whe was off. After about an hour with the chair she was ready to try it by herself. Not too bad for a beginner. At least I can say I didn't fall over or cause anyone else to fall either, it was quite fun and I reckon we'll go again.
Now a knitting update:
I am not knitting very much at all and really should get stuck into it while I have the time.
I have only this much done on my mittens:
At least they won't take much longer to finish.
Unless....Jess and I are off to the LYS's this afternoon! We did plan to go last week but Miss A was hit by a virus that makes you ralph a lot and lay there like a limp ragdoll who can't tolerate light of any kind. That was scarey cos it came on so suddenly but luckily only lasted for a day and was recovering the day after. Thankfully she didn't pass it to me, normally she shares her bugs.
Just don't know what to buy yet, maybe some sock yarn cos we all know I really need more of that.
I want something to dye, something for Fetching and Coronet perhaps.
So buying yarn and knitting said yarn will be taking place today, better go and get ready.
Ice skating was another activity that I promised her these holidays so yesterday we forked over $27, donned ice skates, and for 2 and a half freezing hours I saved Miss A from breaking her neck/arms/legs/fingers etc, on the ice. I hadn't skated in, ooh about 17 years (used to go ice skating regularly in high school) She of course, has never strapped on a pair of ice skates in her life. Last time I went I'm sure you had to tie them on, now there is a ratchet/lever system to secure the blades to your feet.
If you were lucky you could snaffle a chair to push on the ice which helped with stability. So once she was able to get her hands on a chair whe was off. After about an hour with the chair she was ready to try it by herself. Not too bad for a beginner. At least I can say I didn't fall over or cause anyone else to fall either, it was quite fun and I reckon we'll go again.
Now a knitting update:
I am not knitting very much at all and really should get stuck into it while I have the time.
I have only this much done on my mittens:
At least they won't take much longer to finish.Unless....Jess and I are off to the LYS's this afternoon! We did plan to go last week but Miss A was hit by a virus that makes you ralph a lot and lay there like a limp ragdoll who can't tolerate light of any kind. That was scarey cos it came on so suddenly but luckily only lasted for a day and was recovering the day after. Thankfully she didn't pass it to me, normally she shares her bugs.
Just don't know what to buy yet, maybe some sock yarn cos we all know I really need more of that.
I want something to dye, something for Fetching and Coronet perhaps.
So buying yarn and knitting said yarn will be taking place today, better go and get ready.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Red sky in the morning...
This was the sky that greeted me this morning, (yes, it was that red) I remember this old saying whenever I see a wicked sunrise/sunset:
Red sky at night shepherd's delight.
Red sky at morning shepherd's warning.
Shepherd's warning was that he should get the sheep in quickly as it was going to be a stormy day. Well it was quite windy here overnight, settled now and the sun has started to come out, it's supposed to be an okay sort of day, a top of 18, but tomorrow's forecast is rain.
Yesterday afternoon was spent at knitting group, and I've come home with an 'I want to make that' attitude. Although I have my mittens to finish, Coronet and Fetching are now on my to do list.
Now as to the yarn, I don't think there is anything in my stash that will do so perhaps a trip to the yarn stores should happen these holidays.
I should put a 'To Do' list in the side bar but I fear it will grow waay too big, then I'd have to add all of my UFOs and that means a hunt through all my knitting stuff but now I am happily in denial and don't have to admit that the mermaid toy has not been finished or the blanket that was going to keep me warm during winter is just a really long scarf right now. Perhaps confrontation would be good and make me finish them off.
I do have some finished items I haven't been completely slack:
Last week I completed Miss A's grey/pink mittens - well they were supposed to be mine but they are a bit small so she can have those and I started another pair. A work colleague admired them and I sold them to her :( Now I have to knit another pair for myself. Next time I will knit to a price as what I sold them for barely covered the yarn. Lesson learnt.
Pattern Specs
Yarn: Piuma from Spotlight - 2 balls
Pattern: From Ann Budd's Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns
Needle size: 5.5mm (US 9) - 2 circs.
School Holidays are here now and there are two whole weeks of prime knitting time.
Miss A should be suitably occupied as she now has one of those sets of knitting ring/looms from Spotlight and thanks to Miss B we can now make Scoobies. What do you do with them once they've been made?...we are yet to find out. But Miss A is loving them, so I can see another packet will be purchased when we come across them next.
Red sky at night shepherd's delight.
Red sky at morning shepherd's warning.
Shepherd's warning was that he should get the sheep in quickly as it was going to be a stormy day. Well it was quite windy here overnight, settled now and the sun has started to come out, it's supposed to be an okay sort of day, a top of 18, but tomorrow's forecast is rain.
Yesterday afternoon was spent at knitting group, and I've come home with an 'I want to make that' attitude. Although I have my mittens to finish, Coronet and Fetching are now on my to do list.
Now as to the yarn, I don't think there is anything in my stash that will do so perhaps a trip to the yarn stores should happen these holidays.
I should put a 'To Do' list in the side bar but I fear it will grow waay too big, then I'd have to add all of my UFOs and that means a hunt through all my knitting stuff but now I am happily in denial and don't have to admit that the mermaid toy has not been finished or the blanket that was going to keep me warm during winter is just a really long scarf right now. Perhaps confrontation would be good and make me finish them off.
I do have some finished items I haven't been completely slack:
Last week I completed Miss A's grey/pink mittens - well they were supposed to be mine but they are a bit small so she can have those and I started another pair. A work colleague admired them and I sold them to her :( Now I have to knit another pair for myself. Next time I will knit to a price as what I sold them for barely covered the yarn. Lesson learnt.
Pattern Specs
Yarn: Piuma from Spotlight - 2 balls
Pattern: From Ann Budd's Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns
Needle size: 5.5mm (US 9) - 2 circs.
School Holidays are here now and there are two whole weeks of prime knitting time.
Miss A should be suitably occupied as she now has one of those sets of knitting ring/looms from Spotlight and thanks to Miss B we can now make Scoobies. What do you do with them once they've been made?...we are yet to find out. But Miss A is loving them, so I can see another packet will be purchased when we come across them next.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Thank you Secret Pal!
When I got home today I had a surprise waiting for me to collect at the post office (We all love getting parcels now don't we?)
This is from my Secret Pal. This post is big on pictures as blogger was behaving today.
First up is the magic box - Customs had a peek inside and confiscated the kitty treats :(
Inside we have a lovely selection of lollies, yumm. I give 'em till the weekend then they'll be all gone. There is some jam too. Wonder what flavours looks like umm raspberry and apricot but I'll let you know when I taste 'em.
Some lovely hand creams and toiletries. Can't wait to try these.
Kool Aid for dyeing - soo much Kool Aid. Now I have to go and buy some yarn to try it on. I've used up all my Patonyle dyeing stash. Thinking about trying some Bendigo sock yarn......
Oh and I thought the little round things were lollies, hah luckily I read the packing slip, I think they are the Easter Egg dyes...would've been nice to try and eat those. (No wonder customs had to open the package)
This is some Silly Putty I had some of this when I was little and played with it for hours. I think this was supposed to go to Miss A...hmm maybe I'll have to have a go at it first ;)
PomPoms you should have seen Miss A's face when she saw these. She has a PomPom fetish big time. The cats now have some new toys aren't they just great it seems a shame to let the cats have a go at them. Andy loves the balls!
Some yummy Knit Picks yarn...Shimmer this I chose for a shawl. Some sock yarn we have Stargazer Lilly, Pansy and Grandma.
These were the best part of the surprise. My Secret Pal took all sorts of photos and had added some notes on the back. These were very interesting. See the one of the Coral snake? This actually bit her soon after she took the photo! Ouch! Beautiful pictures SP.
So thank you, this has made my day!
Now if you'd like to leave a comment and let me know where your blog is I'd really like to take a peek.
This is from my Secret Pal. This post is big on pictures as blogger was behaving today.
First up is the magic box - Customs had a peek inside and confiscated the kitty treats :(
Inside we have a lovely selection of lollies, yumm. I give 'em till the weekend then they'll be all gone. There is some jam too. Wonder what flavours looks like umm raspberry and apricot but I'll let you know when I taste 'em.
Some lovely hand creams and toiletries. Can't wait to try these.
Kool Aid for dyeing - soo much Kool Aid. Now I have to go and buy some yarn to try it on. I've used up all my Patonyle dyeing stash. Thinking about trying some Bendigo sock yarn......
Oh and I thought the little round things were lollies, hah luckily I read the packing slip, I think they are the Easter Egg dyes...would've been nice to try and eat those. (No wonder customs had to open the package)
This is some Silly Putty I had some of this when I was little and played with it for hours. I think this was supposed to go to Miss A...hmm maybe I'll have to have a go at it first ;)
PomPoms you should have seen Miss A's face when she saw these. She has a PomPom fetish big time. The cats now have some new toys aren't they just great it seems a shame to let the cats have a go at them. Andy loves the balls!
Some yummy Knit Picks yarn...Shimmer this I chose for a shawl. Some sock yarn we have Stargazer Lilly, Pansy and Grandma.
These were the best part of the surprise. My Secret Pal took all sorts of photos and had added some notes on the back. These were very interesting. See the one of the Coral snake? This actually bit her soon after she took the photo! Ouch! Beautiful pictures SP.
So thank you, this has made my day!
Now if you'd like to leave a comment and let me know where your blog is I'd really like to take a peek.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
The scarf is done!
The black alpaca scarf is complete and is now blocking on Miss A's bed and will probably be there for the next few days. It is in her room with the door shut so no puddy cats can mess it up. It's cold in there with the door shut so I am disappointed to find it is going to take a few days to dry.
I have cast on for some mittens with Spotlights Piuma yarn (very soft). Knitting them one at a time with 2 circulars. Unfortunately I mucked up the first two increases and had 2 little holes where the thumb gusset stars so I ripped it back to the ribbing this morning. Luckily I was able to rip back successfully, and ended up with the right amount of stitches on each side, and the correct amount of rows worked as well. So It's ready to go later on today. It is more of a grey and then a pinky purple not the nice blue/purple it looks like on my monitor.
I am just starting to take risks with my knitting, like ripping back a bit and not restarting the whole project from scratch. Also considering deliberately dropping a stitch on something just to see if I can pick it up without panicking.
Oh also considering lace! Evolution of a knitter??
Today I finished the last assignment for one of my Cert 4 courses. Yay. Hopefully not much will come back with more work needed to be done on any part of it.
It is a beautiful day outside here it's a bummer I can't move the scarf and put it somewhere warmer to dry. I dare not move it.
Yesterday Miss A and I baked. She made Gingerbread Biscuits and I made my favourite, Lemon Slice.
Gingerbread Biscuits are from the book: Women's Weekly Kids Cooking.
Lemon Slice is an old family favourite. I remember it being called Marie Biscuit Slice because it uses Marie biscuits.
Recipe as follows: I double it cos otherwise you have half a tin of condensed milk leftover.
Lemon slice
1 tin condensed milk
250g butter
grated rind of 4 lemons
500g crushed plain biscuits
6 tablespoons coconut
Lemon icing
Icing sugar mixed with lemon juice
Melt butter and condensed milk over a low heat, do not boil.
Add crushed biscuits, coconut and lemon rind.
Mix well.
Press into a shallow tin, set in the fridge.
Ice with lemon icing cut into fingers (or big huffing chunks) to serve.
Really healthy.....yeah, right.
Oops, when doubling this to write out I just realised I only used 125g of butter and only 3 tablespoons of coconut and it still tastes good. Hmm ,well there you go, I just halved the amount of fat in it perhaps now it's a bit healthier? Better go and have another piece just to check.
Have a good weekend.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Guinea Pigs and socks....
As promised earlier, here are the pictures of the finished socks, we also have Guinea Pig pics!
Made from cheap Big W acrylic and some eyelash yarn - pattern link in a previous post cos I'm too lazy to add another link and must do some more of my assignment tonight.
Isn't he the cutest? I am soo glad he's done as I think the gauge was wrong it was tight to knit, so next time I'll use larger needles. He needs a friend and some babies. Oh and some food too.
Here are the socks in Opal Magic - yellow. I should have made these a bit bigger too as I don't think they'll fit for very long. And she won't wear them now!!
Top view:
Bottom view:
Side view: You can just see the Eye of Partridge on the heel ;)
I have only three assignments due (two are half done) before I finish up the Cert 4 in ICT yay! Then the Cert 4 in Business Admin starts up this Wednesday. phew.
Knitting Knews
The yarn has come in for Rogue and I haven't had a chance to swatch yet but definitely will.
I am lusting after some Bendigo Rustic in 12ply so that will have to wait till next pay day.
I am still on the 4x4 ribbed scarf and think that I am about one third the way through, so I'll do some more this weekend.
I've had a bad cold this week I think I had one weeks break between this one and the last one I posted about and am looking forward to the long weekend.
I knitted a quick scarf in some pretty yarn from Needlenook this week while I was sick and should block it this weekend, I'm trying to make it a little bit longer and open out the stitches so will post pics when that's done - don't hold your breath but.
Have a great weekend wherever you are.
Made from cheap Big W acrylic and some eyelash yarn - pattern link in a previous post cos I'm too lazy to add another link and must do some more of my assignment tonight.
Isn't he the cutest? I am soo glad he's done as I think the gauge was wrong it was tight to knit, so next time I'll use larger needles. He needs a friend and some babies. Oh and some food too.
Here are the socks in Opal Magic - yellow. I should have made these a bit bigger too as I don't think they'll fit for very long. And she won't wear them now!!
Top view:
Bottom view:
Side view: You can just see the Eye of Partridge on the heel ;)
I have only three assignments due (two are half done) before I finish up the Cert 4 in ICT yay! Then the Cert 4 in Business Admin starts up this Wednesday. phew.
Knitting Knews
The yarn has come in for Rogue and I haven't had a chance to swatch yet but definitely will.
I am lusting after some Bendigo Rustic in 12ply so that will have to wait till next pay day.
I am still on the 4x4 ribbed scarf and think that I am about one third the way through, so I'll do some more this weekend.
I've had a bad cold this week I think I had one weeks break between this one and the last one I posted about and am looking forward to the long weekend.
I knitted a quick scarf in some pretty yarn from Needlenook this week while I was sick and should block it this weekend, I'm trying to make it a little bit longer and open out the stitches so will post pics when that's done - don't hold your breath but.
Have a great weekend wherever you are.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Tigers' Big Day Out
Yesterday I had a day off of work and decided to skip town to the country for the day. Miss A and I went to Hahndorf. My friend Jess went there last weekend. We have a lot in common Jess and I - she goes to Hahndorf, I go to Hahndorf (totally coincidental) She's knitting Rogue, I want to knit Rogue (okay this is after she shows me the pattern!) Did I mention she is a great enabler??
First off we went to the Farm Barn (had to put in a fun thing otherwise Miss A wouldn't have come)
Miss A got to milk a cow, bottle feed lambs, feed guinea pigs. They have different types of sheep there that you can pat: Damara, Liecester, Suffolk and Merino. Outside they have a huge fenced yard that contains wallabies (I think they were wallabies definitely not kangaroos), geese, ducks another Damara sheep, and several deer. Inside they have a beehive and chicks hatching in an incubator, an alpaca, rabbits.
All was going well until this big deer targeted Miss A and began to eat the bottom of her pants. She's standing there squealing and I'm laughing, then I come to my senses, if it keeps going it'll wreck her good pants and she's just standing there so I grabbed her and pulled her away and out come her pants from the deers mouth luckily unharmed.
They have a show that goes for about an hour and they bring out the different sheep to meet everyone.
After that we went into the city itself. There's lots of shops to visit - a beeswax shop with lip balms and creams, a lolly shop with boiled lollies, oh a soap shop - I bought 2 bars of Frangipani and 1 of honeysuckle. There's an alpaca shop with yarns and garments already made to purchase. There was a nice jumper there for only $199.00 !
I didn't buy any yarn there and decided to stop off at Needlenook on the way home for a quick fix.
I didn't purchase anything there either but I've ordered yarn for the Rogue.
Miss A fell in love with a guinea pig at the Farm Barn and in Needlenook decides that I could knit her one. Yeah right I said, but after sleeping and dreaming of knitted guinea pigs I think it's possible - they make Hedgehogs right? How hard can a guinea pig be.
Mine will be very simple - a knitted tube stuffed with embroidered eyes and mouth. She also wants a carrot - a knitted triangle sewn up with a bit of green out the top, and a piece of lettuce - I'll make this up as I go along. Oh and then there's babies it has to have babies! Simple - smaller tubes.
So we are off to Big W today for some supplies to knit guinea pigs.
Watch this space for the birth of guinea pigs!
I've promised her by tonight she'll have a guinea pig.
____________________________________________
Added:
Here is a ready made one.
Did you know that there are patterns for this!! Wow this looks a lot like a guinea pig. Miss A has decided this is the one she wants, don't know if I'll finish it tonight though we'll see.
First off we went to the Farm Barn (had to put in a fun thing otherwise Miss A wouldn't have come)
Miss A got to milk a cow, bottle feed lambs, feed guinea pigs. They have different types of sheep there that you can pat: Damara, Liecester, Suffolk and Merino. Outside they have a huge fenced yard that contains wallabies (I think they were wallabies definitely not kangaroos), geese, ducks another Damara sheep, and several deer. Inside they have a beehive and chicks hatching in an incubator, an alpaca, rabbits.
All was going well until this big deer targeted Miss A and began to eat the bottom of her pants. She's standing there squealing and I'm laughing, then I come to my senses, if it keeps going it'll wreck her good pants and she's just standing there so I grabbed her and pulled her away and out come her pants from the deers mouth luckily unharmed.
They have a show that goes for about an hour and they bring out the different sheep to meet everyone.
After that we went into the city itself. There's lots of shops to visit - a beeswax shop with lip balms and creams, a lolly shop with boiled lollies, oh a soap shop - I bought 2 bars of Frangipani and 1 of honeysuckle. There's an alpaca shop with yarns and garments already made to purchase. There was a nice jumper there for only $199.00 !
I didn't buy any yarn there and decided to stop off at Needlenook on the way home for a quick fix.
I didn't purchase anything there either but I've ordered yarn for the Rogue.
Miss A fell in love with a guinea pig at the Farm Barn and in Needlenook decides that I could knit her one. Yeah right I said, but after sleeping and dreaming of knitted guinea pigs I think it's possible - they make Hedgehogs right? How hard can a guinea pig be.
Mine will be very simple - a knitted tube stuffed with embroidered eyes and mouth. She also wants a carrot - a knitted triangle sewn up with a bit of green out the top, and a piece of lettuce - I'll make this up as I go along. Oh and then there's babies it has to have babies! Simple - smaller tubes.
So we are off to Big W today for some supplies to knit guinea pigs.
Watch this space for the birth of guinea pigs!
I've promised her by tonight she'll have a guinea pig.
____________________________________________
Added:
Here is a ready made one.
Did you know that there are patterns for this!! Wow this looks a lot like a guinea pig. Miss A has decided this is the one she wants, don't know if I'll finish it tonight though we'll see.
Well, off to Big W to buy yarn. Have a great weekend.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Ahh, we're both sick here, my cold has reached the two week mark and Miss A's just started yesterday.
The lack of posting bothers me but I just can't be bothered grabbing Miss A and stuffing the yellow socks on her for a photo. Hope you understand.
The good that has come from this is that I've completed 3 assignments in this week alone. I tell ya - I've gotta do them when I get them and not leave them till the last minute!
So Communicating Electronically, Produce Complex Business Documents and Develop and Use Complex Databases are all finished (whether they are correct and I pass are another story)
I haven't been able to settle to knit much of anything. I took on a project - I think I posted about it before - a black alpaca scarf. It's kicking my butt 160cm of black 4x4 ribbing.
Each time I sit to knit my new cat jumps up on my lap and sleeps, I can't disturb him. If I start to knit he wants to play with the needles. Always wanted a cat to snuggle on my lap, none of the others are lap snugglers.
Uh Oh, this is where it gets whingy back away now.
So my list of things to do is as follows in no particular order:
The lack of posting bothers me but I just can't be bothered grabbing Miss A and stuffing the yellow socks on her for a photo. Hope you understand.
The good that has come from this is that I've completed 3 assignments in this week alone. I tell ya - I've gotta do them when I get them and not leave them till the last minute!
So Communicating Electronically, Produce Complex Business Documents and Develop and Use Complex Databases are all finished (whether they are correct and I pass are another story)
I haven't been able to settle to knit much of anything. I took on a project - I think I posted about it before - a black alpaca scarf. It's kicking my butt 160cm of black 4x4 ribbing.
Each time I sit to knit my new cat jumps up on my lap and sleeps, I can't disturb him. If I start to knit he wants to play with the needles. Always wanted a cat to snuggle on my lap, none of the others are lap snugglers.
Uh Oh, this is where it gets whingy back away now.
So my list of things to do is as follows in no particular order:
- Complete Cert 4 in ICT by end June
- Begin Reclassification process (going from SSO1 to an SSO2)
- Start Cert 4 in Business Administration next month
- Fight Centrelink for benefits
- See lawyer regarding property settlement and stuff
- Initiate divorce proceedings
- Knit something
Now number 4 above: Centrelink does not agree that I am separated and trying to live on my own meagre wage. They say that being separated under one roof is too hard to prove and keep sending me away. However in desperation I sought legal advice with Legal Aid here in SA. They say that Centrelink is not doing the right thing at all and I am indeed entitled to said benefits and need to keep appealing their decision. Just have to have few letters of support from like the therapist that I visited each week for over 8 months (at a cost of $50 per session) when I first split up, the teacher that supported me when I had a mini melt down at work (the students still say to me - "Remember when you cried that day? That was funny". Luckily I can counter with some crap about us all having bad days and that I can remember consoling each and everyone of them when they have cried) and my doctor who is very supportive.
Not separated indeed! If I want something for Miss A, I have to buy it and give him the receipt and he'll think about paying half!! We don't even talk to each other.
Which begs the questions -
Why am I still here?
And no, it's not because I still hope to get back together, he is a different person now and I've seen his dark side and have no desire whatsoever in that direction.
Because this is my home, my cats are here and I know I'll lose at least 2 of them, Miss A can see her dad whenever she wants (although he hasn't been here much lately and mostly just sleeps after work), I have too much on my plate at the moment, we have too much stuff to move, I love the area, but the bottom line is that Miss A and I have talked it over at length and she wants to stay. Perhaps if I keep ignoring the problem long enough he'll go away.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Quick Update...
Wow, it's been two weeks since I last posted!
I've finished the socks and have made progress on the 'crayon' socks.
I've been asked to knit a scarf by a work mate. A 4x4 rib with some lovely black alpaca.
The yarn is soft and yummy. So I am hoping to cast on for this tonight.
I will post pics of the finished socks - if Miss A can find them - haven't seen 'em for a while, and the socks in progress.
Looking forward to the Mother's Day knitting meet this Sunday.
I've finished the socks and have made progress on the 'crayon' socks.
I've been asked to knit a scarf by a work mate. A 4x4 rib with some lovely black alpaca.
The yarn is soft and yummy. So I am hoping to cast on for this tonight.
I will post pics of the finished socks - if Miss A can find them - haven't seen 'em for a while, and the socks in progress.
Looking forward to the Mother's Day knitting meet this Sunday.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
We have heels!
Last night I completed both heels in record time - 2 hours each - perhaps it's because they are a smaller sized sock and perhaps it's because I finally get the construction of them.
There's four steps in the Crazy Toes and Heels method:
1...Short row down
2...Turn the heel
3...Short row up
4...Meld gusset stitches with the heel stitches.
There's four steps in the Crazy Toes and Heels method:
1...Short row down
2...Turn the heel
3...Short row up
4...Meld gusset stitches with the heel stitches.
They fit well and it's good to be on the home stretch. The cuffs will probably be plain ribbing, maybe 4 knit and 2 purl??
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
After some furious knitting the last few days, we have completed gussets. Heels are the next step.
I said that I'd try not to cast on for the next pair of socks until I was at this stage. For once I managed to stick to it. Last night I cast on using "Crayon" from my hand dyed stash. Can't wait to see how this knits up.
Hopefully I'll get to the heels Thursday if I can drag myself away from these ones.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Update
The socks are coming along nicely, I am now up to the gusset increases and almost ready to start the slip stitch pattern under the heel. I think I'll try the Eye of Partridge this time. Almost ready to cast on the other pair! - I am still on holidays this week and have plenty of time to complete the heels, so shh, we'll keep that a secret.
I can't remember how I divided this ball up, but you can see that I picked the right starting point for them. The pattern lines up well. I know they have a long pattern repeat but half a sock?! Don't know if I can do this again. With all my hand dyed yarns they are just going to be cast on, there is no way I can line them up as I just chucked the dye on willy nilly and fudged it to get the same effect overall. Busting to see how they turn out though.
Pattern: Queen Kahuna's Crazy Toes and Heels Book - standard pattern I always use.
I can't remember how I divided this ball up, but you can see that I picked the right starting point for them. The pattern lines up well. I know they have a long pattern repeat but half a sock?! Don't know if I can do this again. With all my hand dyed yarns they are just going to be cast on, there is no way I can line them up as I just chucked the dye on willy nilly and fudged it to get the same effect overall. Busting to see how they turn out though.
Pattern: Queen Kahuna's Crazy Toes and Heels Book - standard pattern I always use. Needles: 2 x 60cm circulars.
Yarn: Opal Magic Yellow.
The little guy is settling in, the others only growl at him in passing. This morning he was playing with Scrappy and Kitty in the yard. He has really made himself at home, last night he bounded onto my bed and plonked himself down with his head on my pillow and his butt in the bed!
He is fascinated with my knitting and will attack the needles which makes knitting difficult until he falls asleep. You just have to get his attention and he'll jump on your lap for a cuddle and a snooze.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Sock Progress
Now that the weather is getting colder, I feel more like knitting.
There's been some steady progress on Miss A's socks. Enjoying these, love making socks and I am restraining myself too because I really want to cast on for socks in some of the yarn I dyed last weekend. So I 've made a deal with myself, knowing heels take all day (3-4 hours each to fully complete, so I need to set aside a good part of a day to solidly knit heels) When I get to the heels and there's not enough time to finish one in one sitting then I'll cast on new socks.
D'ya reckon I'll last??
There's been some steady progress on Miss A's socks. Enjoying these, love making socks and I am restraining myself too because I really want to cast on for socks in some of the yarn I dyed last weekend. So I 've made a deal with myself, knowing heels take all day (3-4 hours each to fully complete, so I need to set aside a good part of a day to solidly knit heels) When I get to the heels and there's not enough time to finish one in one sitting then I'll cast on new socks.
D'ya reckon I'll last??
I finished this scarf for a co worker - finally - I had to choose a yarn that I didn't like so that when I was finished I wouldn't want to keep it. I've kept two others for myself. Even though this is very soft and warm, and the colour is not what I would usually buy, I like it. There were so many knots in this yarn I hope my joins hold out. Part of me thinks that I can't risk giving it as a gift if it'll come undone....fingers crossed.
Here is one that I just had to keep myself, I love this yarn, love the colours. So much that I had to make a matching hat.
This hat worked up quickly, but alas it is not deep enough for my big head. So another will be made shortly. Miss A is the owner of this now.
See what she's done with it?
It's perfect for a nest for her two Egg Flips - a new collectable (bird ??) toy here in Oz. They know how to market to kids don't they, cute looking, different smelling, you don't know which one you'll get when you buy 'em and you gotta get the whole set! Yeah right!
Aaww, aren't they just the cutest faced toy you've seen lately.
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