yarNZ4knitters

Letter to blog

2011-08-07T10:55:00.003+12:00

Dear Blog

Sorry for neglecting you! Wow has it been that long.

I promise to get back to you one day. In the meantime I have a new job in the film industry which is eating up my time. Lots of fun and exciting to see from the inside the development of this project.

I am working as a costume assistant which is all I can say, having signed an agreement to confidentiality with New Line cinemas. 10 + hour days up to 7 days a week doesn't leave much time for personal work. However that been said I did have a 5 week break when there was a pause in filming so am still managing to keep up with the City and Guilds work. Have nearly finished module 5 now. Speaking of which I am meant to be working on a Linen assignment so better go do it.

Will get back to this again one day.

Cheers

Depression to expression

2009-03-08T22:42:00.005+13:00

Hi All

Yes I am still around , and still reading [ thanks Jean ]. Just life has been a little mad and work frantic. Many challenges and demands both at home and work....

It hasn't helped that my employer has locked down the Internet so much that I can no longer have access and read most of my favourite blogs. I can also no longer blog in my breaks and as life has been equally as frantic at home getting near the PC is a challenge to say the least! [ They did this because of the latest round of virus and password threats]

So what have I been up too...!!??

1. Gardening , the veggies are doing well altho the weather this year hasn't favoured the tomatoes , too hot and dry when the fruit was setting and then tropical storms to knock them off as they are ripening. We will have a bumper crop of corn soon and I have already frozen bags full of butter beans. The courgettes are doing their usual run amok and I have just tried making chutney with them tonight for the first time. Not sure how that will taste but if it passes the kiddy taste test may be a way of getting rid of [ I mean using up ] the surplus in the fridge.

2 Deck, we are currently extending the deck area off our lounge. The small one present when we moved in wasn't big enough to have a couple of chairs let alone a table. We are looking forward to enjoying this next year. As we get a sea view and we are planning to put up a shade sail if next year is as hot and humid we will at least keep cooler.

3. Kid minding. As DS2s job, kindy teacher aiding starts a full week to 10 days before the schools go back [ Not sure who dreamed that madness up! ] I helped out looking after the DGC then of course DS2 gets the tummy bug going around [ I am sure DS1 remembers the fall out from that episode 5 years ago! ] This meant more kiddy minding and meal making etc etc. Of course DGD has now started Brownies, and loving it but guess who is involved with that. I will have to watch it or I will end up a leader at this rate.

4. Exhibition #1 for the year meant working very hard on producing 25+ pieces of jewelery to enter. This opened 10 days ago and runs until this coming weekend. I am thrilled as I have sold 10 pieces so far!!!

Here is a rather bad pic of some in progress. We had a quick trip to Auckland just before I had to have them finished [ in another storm , it poured!! ] So forgot to get a "finished pic" , will have to go and take some in the gallery this week. But 3 pieces went to some buyers from a cruise ship so are already by now on the other side of the world. I have been getting a lot of favourable comment re these.

It has been many years since I did any metal work at college. I do enjoy it but it is a means to an end. If I can sell on average one piece a week I can afford to take off a day a fortnight to work on more important things such as C & G knitting. So I figure I am now owed 10 days off over 20 weeks!!

5. Knitting!! Yes there has been knitting. Mostly samples for C & G but I have finished my wrap using browns and cassette tapes knitted in a stripe pattern. This baby is big... just as I planned.

Here it is blocking... rather hard to get in one pic...

I am planning on making a fringe threaded through the border. As this is for an exhibition piece tied into a listening post of old music from the 60/70's the fringing will be long and I will attach cassette cases from the tapes. The idea is that in times of trouble and stress and grief we tend to turn to the familiar music from our past. So the wrap will be hung so you can stand in it and listen to the music. I am still working on including text on tape threaded through the holes from the lines on increasing. Have yet to write the poem for this... oh for another day a week!

The next piece has yet to be decided... either the copper wire "cobweb" or white curtains knitted from hand spun recycled plastic shopping bags or perhaps the net curtains knitted from old video tapes...

Anyway that is me for now, off to plan a trip to the wool festival [ perhaps]

No promises but I will try and be a better blogger.

Cheers and knit on !!

"Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They're what make the instrument stretch - what make you go beyond the norm" Cicely Tyson

Yes I am still here...!

2008-11-09T17:51:00.007+13:00

"God never puts any man in a space too small to grow in"

Some times I think I will just start using numbers, you know post 125 etc! As for space being too small sometimes it feels much too big.... "as in I have all this to do, what first?"

I am so enjoying my design work.. and yes as per last post have made the last paymemt on my credit card so can hopefully in a week or so start having a day off every so often to catch up on art work.

Perhaps if I made a list... hm lets see now...

1. Module 3 of City and Guilds hand knitting. I have done my edgings and am now working on bias and modular samples. I have looked out my yarns and pics for colour sources and can start tonight.

2. Have 3 exhibitions next year to work towards. Our Council gallery runs an exhibition for staff to enter so will, hopefully enter some jewellrey for this. I am been sourcing a piece of NZ Jade for a present and every shop I went into loved the items I was wearing.."Oh where did you get... etc" So really must make an effort to make some.

These are some pieces I have cut and hammered. Sorry about the awful pic had a lot of trouble getting one with out the flash reflecting.

These are the same pieces once I have used the blow torch to put patina on them. DP has now put up a light for me over my work bench in the garage and I have a new bench top vise to hammer on. Just need to fold, stitch and add found objects and I will have 5 items to sell.

I am also still working on my first piece for our exhibition in Sept, Oct next year. I am up to the edging and am busy designing the next to start. It will either be the copper wire cobweb or tin leaves. No pics yet, next time if you are lucky.

The third exhibition is our National society one. I normally enter every year and next years is in Timaru. I may try and enter some copper jewelery as it is woven and stitched. Would certainly be easier than trying for any knitting with the time restraints I am under.

3. Next weekend I am doing another course of box and book making. This time it is local and involves a covered box with an insert piece in the top. The piece needed to be 6 inches square and was I suppose really meant to be embroidery or weaving. I decided to knit my piece and after a couple of weeks work and unpicking and redoing 3 times am happy with it. Here is is blocking....

I want my box to contain "sea treasures" so made a piece to look like waves, ripples in the sea and sand. Thought it also came in with "chevron's and bias" knitting in my course. Not so happy with the colour as I wanted it to look sea like but the range of pearl cottons is only so big and it had to go with the dark blue linen I will be using to cover the box with. The "white" is silk and I have done some french knots to make it look a bit like the foam at the sea's edge.

The narrow piece I am hoping to use on the book cover. We are going to make a book to go in the box. So hope I can use this. I have also looked out some shells to sew on the top and am working on some poetry to put in the book with some pics transferred to silk.

4. Gardening.... we have been enjoying a good crop of cauliflowers and cabbage and broccoli. But really must get it dug over to plant the summer veges. Just as well they are not in yet. We had a cold snap last week. I mean snow in November!!! At least it was fine yesterday for our general election. A good turn out even if I don't agree with the result! 3 years of National now at least..sigh hope they don't do as much damage as last time.

5. I have had the urge to try felting again. I am playing with needle felting on knitting and also making rolls of colour and then cutting them into flat beads.... a sample I tried....The "cigar" on the right once cut makes the beads on the left. I need to get some better colours to try. Thought I may incorporate them with the copper but the colours need to be better.

We have been taking advantage of the warmer weather and have been enjoying sea walks again. This one was on one of our more rugged coasts.. where lots of driftwood is washed up. [ I had another motive as I was looking for pieces to include in my jewelery.]

Some one had gone to a lot of trouble and made a little house on the beach.....

This pic shows how rough it was. Believe it or not the main highway hugs this coast line you can just see the railway overhead wires in the distance around the point. The road is between the sea and railway. Stunning views.

The last two pics today are just things I thought some one in the "ether" may find interesting. The first is a hawk I spotted out of our bedroom window. Excuse the awful pic... I sneaked the camera around past the curtain and the flash of course has "bounced" off the window. But when I tried to go out side to get a better shot he flew away. [ Of course it must have been a "he"!] It wasn't until the next day I realised why he was only feet from our window on the neighbours roof. Just below the peak on the roof the neighbour has a rabbit cage with a lovely white bunny... he must have thought free dinner! Thank goodness the cage is strong.

This pic I couldn't believe.... I mean to get here the driver must have hit a light pole, spun around hit another with the back of the car then down the bank and into the drink...the motorway is up the hill behind the bush in the back. The two light poles ended up in the lagoon as well. This was just down the road from home. Must have happen in the early morning... some one had a bad start to their workday.

Anyway off to knit some samples...

Knit on all >^..^<

Changes

2008-10-26T17:23:00.006+13:00

"Everyone thinks of changing humanity, no-one thinks of changing himself"

Hi all

Yes I know it has been awhile since an update. Without excuse really other than being very busy at work which means been rather brain dead at night and too tired to be bothered.

We have had a series of upgrades, as in email , phone, and programe upgrades with another library system upgrade due in November which has meant we have just finished a week of training. Most of the systems are much the same but acquisitions , which is now part of my job description is much more complicated and different. As in it took us a couple of hours just to figure out invoicing alone.

So the past couple of weeks we have had eftpos, phone and cash receipting outages as well as library systems outages on top. So work has been "a pain"! Only words for it really.

Also last weekend we had the dear grandchildren to stay for 3 nights. Their dad was involved as an exhibitor in an photography exhibition in Auckland. [ His first ] He was one of only four and it meant his traveling up to be there for the opening function. As this coincided with "his" weekend they needed a place to stay. They were very good , much easier now than when they were babies in nappies etc. There was much excitement when "dad" was on TV3 news on Friday night and his pictures were shown as well. We ended up going to the movies to see " Chihuahua" a movie about a dog that gets lost. Once you get over the fact that the dogs "talk" the movie was rather funny and we enjoyed it much more than we expected. They thought it was great of course!

But joy of joys this weekend is a holiday , long weekend in New Zealand. Labour weekend to celebrate the start of the 40 hour week. The weather has been a throw back to winter with a cold wet southerly. But this has meant an excuse to stay inside and keep warm. Haven't done alot other than try to do some gardening before the rain drove me back inside. DP has put up another flourecent light above my work bench in the garage so have finally put my blow torch together and cut out several pieces from copper and annealed them. I did try hammering one piece but the cat went crazy so will have to do some more later.

I have been slowly knitting a piece to mount in a box as I am doing another course in a couple of weeks and we need a piece of weaving or embroidery to mount in the lid. So decided to do a piece in pearl cottons. It has taken a couple of goes to get it right. Not too happy with the colours but it will "do". Other than that and slowly plugging away at edging samples for my city and guilds have been rather slack in the knitting department.

I am in the middle of trying to arrange a trip to Washington DC next year some time. A friend is planning on going to the US open tennis champs [ in New York ] so we are hoping to travel together. So perhaps can plan some side trips to Soar, or Stitches or Rhinebeck I will have to see.

Anyway I have to think of our exhibition as well. I am in the process of making a big change. Just have "to feel the fear and do it anyway." I very much want to take some unpaid study leave to work on my art projects but as I support my grandchildren alot this has been something of a mission. I am fearful of "losing" money by not working but really want to work some more at home. So when my credit card is paid off [ next pay hopefully] am going to try a day off a fortnight and see how it goes. I have been told I can have "unpaid study leave" which means I can go back to full time if I need.... we ...will ...see... watch this space...!

Anyway one thing we did do yesterday was go for a walk on the beach in the showers. We decided to go to a different beach and it is more rugged and exposed. Lots of sea weed and floatsom. A very grey day.

Knit on all, hope you are all having a great weekend.

W.O.W

2008-10-12T22:41:00.009+13:00

"Inspiration is just around the corner, the effort comes in taking the trouble to turn the corner and look for it!!

How can I descibe the past 3 weeks, fantastic, mind stretching, inspirational, fast [ as in can I have a replay, a bit slower this time] or merely as W.O.W.!!!

It started with being lucky enough to get tickets to the WOW awards dress rehearsal. This show is just mind blowing and if you ever get a chance don't miss it. I really enjoyed it and we had front row seats right where the models paused to turn so got a great view.

This show is a real culture treat, the audience dresses up and they always have audience involvment and "happenings" outside as well. Of course I wasn't able to take any pictures but took a couple outside of the costumes of participants.

Believe it or not but these three are "alive" and slowly moved through the crowd milling outside.

Next up a very tall "creature" who posed for me.....

This is the back view of another with an old wharf building behind.

Next up was the junior school production staring DGS as a chicken and DGD as "Happy" the dwarf. The storyline was based on the 6 o'clock news and told the story of several fairy tales. Each class put on one story. It was very well written and the usual cuteness of small children .

Then it was packing up and going to Aotearoa Textile fibre forum as mentioned in the last post. As usual this was a wonderful learning masterclass with an American tutor Mary Hettmansperger, a jeweller from Indiana. A lovely lady and an excellent teacher.

I learnt so much and produced over 20 items. I had a wonderful time and have spent the past week, as well as catching up at work, and housework getting my work space freed up in the garage to set up my new blow torch. Thats right once the course was finished I brought some of the equipment cheap and am going to try and make some items to sell. I have received so many favourable comments if I can just sell a little I can take a day off a fortnight to concentrate on study.

So have the equipment, most of it and the materials. Just watching on the metal punch to arrive from America. Couldn't buy it here , worst luck as the exchange rate with the world economic crisis at the moment is pitiful.

So here are some pics of some items I made. I have slowly being finishing some off, still some to do and have been drawing up some designs to cut and burn and stitch.

I have been doing knitting, just incase you thought I had forgotten my pointy sticks. I have been working through my sample knitting for city and guilds and am currently doing edgings. This time I am making a concentrated effort to make enough samples without going over board. I am trying tho to draw up some of my own designs rather than just using ones from books all the time.

The week is a time of leaning, inspiration and a chance to meet with other artists from around the world and hear them talk about their work, lives and inspirations. We had Alexander from Russia, Glenis and Carolyne from Australia, Mary from USA and Pauline from the UK.

So it has been a great weekend, The physio won't be pleased as I have "tweeked" my back moving stuff in the garage but much better to day so hopefully it will get better quick.

Eek is that the time... better away to bed.

Knit on all >^..^<

Wellington art and self revelations

2008-09-21T17:57:00.006+12:00

Hi all

A quick post today as I am nearly ready to head off for a 7 day week of jewelry making with Mary Hettmansperger , a USA tutor at the Aotearoa textile fibre forum which starts this afternoon with a Maori welcome, dinner and a slide lecture. Classes start tomorrow and end on Saturday. There are lectures and dinners most nights then on Sunday a craft market where the artist attending can display and sell their arts.

Anyway before I head off a catch up and a few random things, thanks Diantee!

We enjoyed the two exhibitions the first being the Rita Angus one at our national Museum and art gallery Te Papa. Of course photos weren't allowed so check out the link. This was very interesting and have now got her book to read.

We then went to the City Gallery which is near civic square and saw the Australian artist Fiona Hall's exhibition. This was great , plenty of ideas. Many friends had said you "must see" this as she also knits with video tape and coke cans, yes you heard right coke cans. [ Now on the hunt for some cans to try, don't drink it so hope to source some emptys!]

I really enjoyed this day out or tho my partner found all the walking and standing hard work!

These two pics show the hanging scupture outside the city gallery. On the right day you don't notice the guy wires and it just appears to hanging in mid air. At night it is lit, great!

Of course on the way to the car found some man hole covers, thanks to Loraine I now look down and up as I walk around and many is the time I wish I had my camera.

The next two pics are the "poles" along the side of the Wellington city council public library. They are metal representations of Nikau palms. These are lit at night with blue light, another must see if you make it down this way.

And last but not least saw this on the way to the car. See the blue covered construction... well that is a building being built on top of a bridge between two other buildings!!!

Not sure who approved this but I sure wouldn't want to be any where near this in an earthquake, and Wellington sits on top of several fault lines... and they say we are long overdue for a big one.

Now the fun bit , I was tagged thanks Diantee to reveal 6 random things about me and to pass on the favour. [ Tagging a strange title, hmm are we grafitting the web...!! Just a thought]

I guess that random facts are more intesting if [a] I haven't mentioned them here before and [b] have nothing to do with knitting.

So here goes....

1. I was born in Wellington hospital and lived most of my early years in Upper Hutt where I attended Trentham primary and Upper Hutt College.

2. I married young, at 18 and moved to Australia for 6 months where I lived and worked in Brisbane. For a while I lived in New Farm. I also travelled as far north as Carins and Green Island and as far south as Melbourne. It was meant to be the start of a work around the world trip but as I got pregnant with son #1 we came back to NZ where I have lived ever since. By the way I worked a couple of months at the Golden Circle canning factory.

3. Hence at nearly 55 I already have a 35 year son. Who lives in Washington DC and I haven't seen for 4 long years. So I am planning a trip to the States some time. Next year if I can get the money and leave together. I figure it would be best to go when something else is on eg Rhinebeck or Stitches East.

4. Hmm this is getting hard... let me see.... Ah I am hard of hearing as in I wear two hearing aides. You wouldn't know if you met me as I cope well with it. I have been deaf most of my life and they thought it was English measles but as son #2 and my DGS have the same hearing loss pattern they now think it is genetic. This leads to fact....

5. I have very long hair as in down to my waist at this point in time. It used to be down to my hips but has been shorter for a while now. Reason why you wouldn't see the aides. I do tend to wear it up at work and with Wellingtons winds .....!!! This is my Grandmothers fault as she had long hair when younger and when as a child I saw the pics of her wanted long hair as well. I wasn't allowed until I could look after it myself as I wasn't very good about brushing. As a result once I turned 13 grew it and it has been long ever since.

6. I am a second generation NZ on my mothers side as her parents arrived from Scotland in 1929 and on my fathers side they arrived from Scotland in 1852 on one of the first 3 settlers ships to arrive in Canterbury. My mothers great greats supported Bonnie Prince Charles and fled to France with him so have some french in the mix as well. As a result one of my must visit countries is Scotland and would love to go to the Shetland islands as I have been a passionate lace knitter in the past.

Anyway enough about me it is now your turn.

The rules are as follows.

1 Link to the person who tagged you. Diantee

2 Post the rules on your own blog.

3 Write 6 random things about yourself.

4 Tag 6 people at the end of your post.

5 Let each person know they have been tagged.

6 Let your tagger know via comment to their post you have passed it on.

So without futher ado these 6 have been tagged, hope you don't mind too much!!

Jean, Gillian, Jenla [ hm does this count as two?] , Ann and Kay [ another two! ]

Ok this will have to do for now most of my links are at work and I need to leave will have to link some more later.

Have fun and knit on.... >^..^<

"From white to yellow"

2008-09-17T23:39:00.005+12:00

"Much of what we see depends on what we're looking for"

Hi, still here and still knitting.

The weather has improved dramatically with sun and warmth and best of all no rain. I guess I shouldn't hold my breath it is nearly time for the equinoxticals. [sp?] That is the strong northerly winds that we get every year around Oct/Nov.

Got up on Thursday and this is the view from our kitchen window. It was cloudless until I had rooted around for the camera and made my way outside to take a shot... then clouds!! still you can see the lighter sky. Day light saving starts in a week and then summer will feel on the way with Xmas just around the corner.

It is now Saturday night and I have spent the day gardening, car cleaning and some knitting. I am still in the black hole of "the brown wrap" Down to the last 3 rows of cassette tape yarn then 2 or perhaps 4 of the dark brown wool crepe then the edging. I think I have decided to knit a sideways border rather than just knit one straight. As I have a small 5 stitch garter stitch edging running around the shawl want the bottom to be continuous from this. So I guess this means biting the bullet and counting all those stitches and doing the math to fit in the correct number of repeats. Ugh!!!

I also want to tweek some short rows at each end on the border to "turn the corners" so the edging "grows" from the border. Make sense? If not all will become clear. I hope anyway. I have decided that I prefer a zigzag as opposed to a sawtooth edging. I am just trying to make up my mind if I want to knit in the cassette tape or thread it through as fringing afterwards. [ This would be far easier so will probably do this. ]

It is quite a bit longer than this picure shows. Colours a little closer to "real" here.

I am still on the leg of the first pair of rainbow socks . Had a fitting as look tight but fit snugly which will be an improvement on the last two pair which are a little loose. A pic next time if you are lucky.

Until I moved into the present house I lived for 24+ years in Whitby. Whitby, Wellington that is not Whitby, Yorkshire. This is a "village" where everything is named after something to do with Captain James Cook. When living there at this time of the year the bush behind our house would develop a dusting of white. Real pretty snow like. This would be the Manuka flowering. I miss the bush as the birds would visit and would come when I whistled to be fed.

This is a close up........

But where I live now is also very beautiful at this time. I now live in a suburb called "Papakowhai". This is a Maori word... Papa = earth or ground and kowhai is the Maori word for yellow and is the name of a yellow flowering native tree. So literally "land covered by Kowhai trees. You may guess the bush around here, [and Most of New Zealand homes are near bush or parks] are now dusted with yellow as all the Papakowhai's are in flower. Again not easy to photograph. So here is a close up of a tree in the school grounds where the GC go. They have several trees around the edge of the quad.

The native birds love the nectar and Tui's [ or parson bird ] can be seen and heard with Fantails flitting about feeding on the insects drinking the nectar.

Well nature lesson over.. I will go and do a few more stitches on the black hole hmm mean wrap. Tomorrow off to our national museum Te Papa to visit a Rita Angus exhibition and then to the City gallery to see an art exhibition many have been telling me I "must see" as the art uses cassette and video tapes knitted. Fun... and inspirational.

Just finished reading

"Death by cashmere" by Sally Goldenbaum

A murder mystery with a knitting group who solve the case .A fairly light read but enjoyable. Good for night-time reading when tired and you don't want anything too heavy just before sleep. I must try and track down some more of her books.

Now started

"Things I learned from knitting whether I wanted to or not" by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

Finally got hold of a copy and none to soon as she has just released another! Very productive writer! Once again Stephanie gives a knitters slant to everyday expressions. I haven't read a lot yet but do enjoy her wit and insight. Having being brought up with " if at first you don't succeed, try try again" etc great to read and apply it to my consuming passion at the moment. [ I have treated myself to her calendar as well but will wait until the new year to open this]

Off to knit... knit on >^..^<>

"Mind expanding"

2008-09-15T22:13:00.003+12:00

"God never puts any man in a space too small to grow in"

Hi all

Hmm you might be thinking after the past few posts , where's the knitting. The truth be told it is all on the needles.

I am having a ball , loving my knitting or the production of it but nothing finished recently. Not unless you count the 86 samples I did for City and Guilds module 2. I am now steadily working on #3 and finding it slightly easier going. Have done nine samples so far but really they are not riverting blogging fodder. [ especially unblocked ]

My rainbow socks move on. My first pair of socks from the toe up and have to admit I am converted. Such a great feeling, knit to the end of the ball and know, with confidence that I can get a sock out of the ball left. None of the having to rip out the ribbing and reknit to get yarn from the first sock to finish the second then going back to do the same with the begining of the second to match the now shorter first sock. Believe me "I know" having had to do that with the last pair. [ I am designing these as I go, hope I can remember how to do the second LOL]

I think my biggest problem is that my brain moves faster than my fingers. I keep getting these great ideas for projects and design them from start to finish but lack the time to create them. I won't just be leaving a stash beyond life expectancy but visual diaries full of sketches. Why just today sitting in the waiting room at the physio's [tweeked my back long story, but on the mend] I was debating getting out my latest sock. Would I have time for a row or two? I thought no I didn't but I digress. A paitent was waiting for help from the receptionist and I was just looking into the distance when I examined the pattern of her quilted jacket and thought "what if...??". Just had time to whip out pen and paper and make a quick sketch when I was called in. I really must try this stitch pattern. You will be the first to hear if I can make it work.

Anyway where was I...? I think the mind expanding thing with knitting and design is that you realise that you are always learning, always looking for ideas. Well in my case I have almost got to the stage of putting blinkers on. Really the ideas just buzz in my head , many is the time when a hot flush strikes inconveniently mid night that I have laid in the dark drawing pictures in the air. Of some fanciful garment ... be it sock or jersey. Or perhaps I am just getting old..!

I am fortunate in having many chances to do art courses and in working next to an art gallery. [Just today I toured an embroidery exhibition in my lunch break and must go back with my sketch book.] Yet I am aware of comments made by some [ who shall remain nameless] that "I won't do....take that course." It won't teach me anything I don't know already".

I consider myself an experienced knitter but learn so much all the time. In two weeks I am really looking forward to attending the Aoteroa textile fibre forum. A really intense 6 days of workshop. This year I am doing jewellery with Mary Hettmansperger from the USA , woven jewellery that is. It will be a mind expanding week if last years is anything to go by. Who needs drugs... just pick up your pointy sticks.

I have been to many knitting classes, many have covered topics I am familar with, yet I always learn at least one thing that makes it worth while. I have taught many classes and I find I learn just as much as the students. [ Or am I just obsessed with knitting...hmm].

I suppose what I am saying is keep an open mind , learn and stretch the mind daily you may be surprised at what you have been missing.

All this to reach my point.... I have been revelling in words, poetry and writing. The last few posts I have enjoyed writing... if you enjoy reading?... only time will tell. I am enjoying the "knitting" of words together to tell a story, inspire a thought or convey a memory.

I hope your space is always large enough to grow in.

knit on >^ ..^ <

"I want to be all that I am capable of becoming...." Katherine Mansfield

"Lest we forget"

2008-09-11T22:47:00.005+12:00

"Think globally - act locally" Biologist Renee Du Bois"

There are days in our lives we never forget. We can remember where we were, what we were doing, the smells, food and clothes are as sharp in our minds as if it was yesterday.

The birth of a child, our wedding day. A special birthday or our first day at school/college.

Some days we wish we could forget and they haunt us still, the death of a spouse or loved one, an accident or getting lost.

Seven years ago this coming morning I arose early as I was still not sleeping well. So was planning on going to the gym. I had just passed my drivers licence a few days before hand so was able to drive myself there instead of lugging my gear up to the top of the road and getting the bus. To while away the time as it was so early I switched on my computer with the intention of checking my email.

In those days I was on the Knit U list and the Lacy knitters guild list and would read and post messages most days. I started at the top with the most recent......" when the first plane..."" "...is it war......." etc etc. I thought...."What...???!!! what has happened?

So went into the bedroom and put on the TV.... what a shock... the world trade centre...!! I couldn't watch. At this stage I was still suffering symptoms of post trauma after my dear husbands death. So rang a friend said.."Turn on your TV, I am coming up" So I hurriedly dressed, got in the car and drove around to his place. He was fixated to the unfolding horror but I couldn't bear to see the screen. So he related events as they played out before him. We eventually managed to get ready and went to work to find the whole place was in shock. They put a large TV on in the passage way between the gallery and library and all day there was a crowd around it.

Even today I can't look at the pictures of that tragic day, so many lost. I couldn't turn on the TV or read a newspaper for days.

In New Zealand and Australia we remember the fallen on ANZAC day once a year in April by wearing a poppy to represent those loved ones lost. So here is my poppy for you. I will be remembering the time and day. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who lost a loved one in such a tragic way. May our small efforts in our lives help toward global peace if not in our time then in our childrens.

Perhaps we can truely "knit the world together"

In memory...

"A letter to my father"

2008-09-07T19:50:00.007+12:00

Dear Dad

It is now over six years since I needed to buy you a fathers day card and six years plus since I carefully selected a gift. Much water has passed under the bridge but never has a day gone by when I haven't thought of you and missed your loving guiding hand in my life.

I thought I knew you well but since that March day we said our goodbyes I have learnt so much more. Your loving kindness and gifts used, expressed in loving memory by your friends made me realise there was so much more to you than being just "my dad".

Your selfish love and kindness since teenage years used to guide and mature boys into strong men with your years of voluntary work for the Boys Brigade. Work recognised justly with being made a "Companion of the Queens service order". All your life you truely knew how to serve.

But you were even more than that. A talented photographer , gifted picture framer, art gallery owner, award winning weaver as well as in your later years a writer. Your mediation skills well used on the meetings you chaired and led. You have been sorely missed by many.

Our first house you helped us buy, my first car you lent me money for and in those worrying hours of labour that may have gone so horribly wrong a comfort and strength to David and your smile of joy as you greeted your new born grandson long remembered.

I never knew or guessed how hard it is to be "head of the family". [ I sometimes so wish to give this position up, did you so wish? ] You never let us see the stress and strain you must have felt. Never a cross word let alone a "swear" word was heard. No strong drinker or absent father were you. Always present and ever loving with strength and silent nuturing love.

You guided me in my first weaving project, taught me to fish, showed me the wonder of the developing print in the darkroom, let me start my working life in your gallery and when I strayed from the straight and narrow path you were there to pick me up and lead the way home. Not once, not twice but many times! Always loving never judging.

When I wanted to garden you built the compost bins and the raised beds. Every year a load of mushroom compost appeared and many a seedling "left over from planting" came my way. Many was the time you arose from your bed to "rescue" us when one of our many cars needed a tow. When times were hard furniture "appeared" as you had fun at the auctions on our behalf sometime being more generous than we had room for!

You gave me away twice , paid for two weddings and twice it was you I rung when I was left behind by loved ones passing. Your strength and love always only a phone call away.

Dear dad I miss you still! I sometimes think I would give anything for one smile, one hug, one phone call. When times are hard I miss your wisdom and strength, those phone calls for guidance. But I think that was your greatest gift.... somehow , somewhere you gifted me some of your strength. Each day I get up and get on.... because of lessons learnt well at your knee. If I can be half the wo[man] you were I will be well pleased.

One day , somewhere over the sunset I hope to see you and thank you as I never did. I love you dad.

Happy fathers day.

"Mana island sunset from Plimmerton beach, a view you knew well."

Dear reader

My dad was a very special man and one of the things Mum gifted me with recently when I helped her move house was a bag of quotes he had saved from news letters and the like. I thought this treasure richer than gold. Quotes my dad found good enough to save so I have been using them to head my messages. Here is another and well did my dad live by this:

" I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing that I can do or any kind word that I can speak, let me do it now, let me not neglect or defer it, for I shall not pass this way again."

May I remember this in the years to come and if you still have your dads make the most of them, love them, spend time with them as one day they too will be over the sunset.

Knit on >^..^<

"Comments please"

2008-09-06T13:04:00.008+12:00

" If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything!"

Sorry another photoless post, I really must get motivated to get out the camera. Especially as I have a brand new one to learn to use. Hm perhaps that's the problem. [ edited to add pic. Sun came out briefly so went out to hang some washing perhaps the wind will try them as the sun disappeared the minute I did this..!! Still got some pics to share.. enjoy]

Another bleak, wet, cold, windy day. So much for it being spring! The daffs, tulips and iris' are taking a hammering today. As good excuse as any to stay near the fire with my knitting and laptop. That and the annoying fact that I have tweeked my back again. [ Too much house moving [ 4 in the past 18 months], not to mention lugging wood for the fire]

Some spring flowers... I see a bit of dead heading is needed..

Should really be out in the garden weeding! The weeds are taunting me through the window and I dread to think how the vegie garden is. Mercifully out of sight from the lounge room window. I did manage to get it half weeded, enough to see how little everything has grown this winter. Too much rain and not enough sun. We won't be feasting on many broad beans this year. Hardly any have dared to spring up through the mud. I can see over to my neighbours gardens and they have the same results.

Hmm some slug damage.... still not bad... we have baby broccoli!! [ By the way this is the half I weeded two weeks ago before I tweeked my back, I resisted the urge to turn around and show you a pic of the beds behind me... some work is needed! ]

All this may explain the horrendous price of vegetables in the supermarkets!! I never thought I would see the day when cabbages, caulis and broccoli would be $5 each!!! How those with large families and just as small incomes are managing....!! I know my DS2 with his two eating him out of house and home is finding shopping for food a real challenge these days.

Anyway having got right off of the topic...

With enforced inactivity and the fact that it has been quieter at work I have been able to do a bit more net surfing and reading and catching up with some favourite sites/blogs. [Also finding old friends, hi Gillian!!]

I am forever amazed at the problems some well known bloggers, site owners and pod casters have with comments fired at them. [ I suppose I am leaving myself right open here to some myself but my blog doesn't generate enough traffic so think I am fairly safe.]

I don't have any problems with:

1. Supportive comments in a positive way.

2. Well thought out constructive criticism of preceived faults or problems.

3. Greetings and positive feed back on content.

But I can't understand these:

1. I hate...... whatever. This equals "I don't like your blue eyes" type of comments.

2. You are really "bad/wicked for ....."

3. "You are doing...... wrong and you should stop......"

Is there something about the internet that makes us think we are safe to say and do things that we wouldn't say and do in our own homes!!!!

Heh, aren't we all controllors of our own "mouses". [ I suppose strictly thinking that should read mice, but "mouses" seems to better decribe what I mean]

We have choices here, if we don't like a site do we have to take it as a personal insult and take it upon ourselves to "make them change" for " their own good". If we don't like something in "real time" we just don't go there, do that or whatever. So you don't like a site, the topic, the owner the content, or style of speaking.....remove it from you favourites....easy peasy!!!

Anyway down off my soap box, I just can't believe the rudeness of some.

As an aside my poor DP has a nasty virus on his PC. He was running spyware as well but it still got past. [ Made me rather nervous to go on line I kid you not! ] He has spent the last two days trying to back up files and rescue as much as possible so he can run recovery. Brought a backup hard drive and is busy downloading as I write] Hope it works. This is another senseless thing.

You get these, I suppose teenagers who have nothing better to do with their time than make someone elses life a misery by hacking and creating viruses. I mean it is not like they even get the amusement of watching and seeing the results...what do they get out of it beats me!! My DP's comment " They just wanted to give me a bad day..!"

What am I working on? you may well ask. Some City & Guilds, I have just started module 3 having received 2 back with some positive comments and a pass. I must not knit so many samples this time, I think 86 was a bit carried away. It cost far two much for us both to post. I have read through and taken notes and started knitting, fire here I come this pm.

I am also still working on my exhibition pieces. 1st one nearly finished. It has got to the black hole stage with it taking an hour to do a row. It is all very well to start at the neck edge on a few stitches but........ have a zillion stitches now to plough.. through... each... row. Roll on the edging.

The observant among you will notice it is a little bigger, pictured next to the "yarn" I am using.

My next piece will be the shetland cobweb lace in copper wire for my old window. By the way we were sorting out the garage, trying to anyway and caught my DP just about to wire brush the old window I had brought complete with peeling paint and dirty cobwebs. What!!! I said. Just cleaning it for you....NO!!!! I want it dirty...thanks all the same that was close.

Part of the old window, cobwebs not so noticable here. Forgive the rubbish pic drew the line at opening the garage door to get a better shot, too cold brrrr.

Then there is the spinning wheel I look at longingly each time I walk past. So close to finishing the first ply of Little Wool co pumpkin and silk sliver. Beautiful!! Then to spin the silk to ply with it. Must do some today... if the back will let me sigh!!

Anyway off to do some knitting...perhaps some spinning, the joys of wet saturdays.

By my bed reading...

The latest copy of "knitting" magazine. an English publication. Very handy to keep up on the latest yarns and what is hot in the knitting world. Esstential with the C & G course. Visit their website you maybe tempted to.... http://www.knittinginstitute.co.uk/

Wish I could be in England this weekend as there is a large knitting event and the Yarn harlot is attending... would love to be there...sigh

Knit on all >^..^< as you can see I have been beaten to the fire!

"Manifesto"

2008-09-02T14:05:00.010+12:00

"Lord,
Where I am wrong make me willing to change, and
where I am right make me easy to live with!"

Am I the only one who is rather behind the play having only discovered Cast-on and the joys of podcasting?! I admit I have only had my I-pod a few months but really I did "find" the podcasts early on and DID download some. [The ones whose titles appealed] But the past couple of weeks I have been hooked on listening to Brenda's smooth tones while extrollling the virtures of knitting and more.

Never been much of a conformist I have listened to some out of order but have now begun back at the begining. So have just listened to episode #2 "A knitter's manifesto" .

This has got me thinking, after looking up exactly what "manifesto" meant what was "my policy"? My rules or lack of ... how did I approach my knitting..

So better or worse... here goes..

1. Knitting being something I started before I can remember , it sometimes feels as if I was born knitting. I mean I can't even remember those first stumbling attempts of knit and purl I guess I will knit until my hands no longer can hold needles or the brain fogs over. This hopefully leaves me many years ... I mean you just have to see the stash!

2.I will always be open to new techiqnues and fibres. Always learning and being willing to learn. Never have a "know it all attitude". After all there is more than one way to do anything!

3. Never miss a chance to pass on the addiction. Spread the fibrey goodness around after all it is the best form of stress release going. Have a willingess to share and teach.

4. Also never miss a chance to enhance the stash. I have to be able to have plenty to share if I am to do the above two , now come on!

5. Always be true to my instincts....... if I "know" it will be too short/long/wide give in early and rip before I waste a "lifetime" knitting what will be ripped anyway.

6. At the moment , put my "soul" , meaning into my work. Try and convey the message strongly.

7. Always try and "never" follow a pattern.... make it my own! Even in a small way.

Edited to add: [6.9.08]

8. When asked to comment on a fellow knitters work, blog etc always try to be honest in a kind and positive way.

Hmm that will do for now... what do you think?? What and how would you write your own manifesto? If you haven't heard Brenda do go and listen. I must admit to a slight feeling of guilt. I mean this enjoyment is free!! One day, when I have my life back and am not supporting [ helping ] two grandchildren I will be able to pay something for the efforts of such as Brenda. At the moment tho charity definately has to begin at home.

Enjoy >^.^<

Reading at the moment

"Knitting by the fireside and on the hillside: a history of the Shetland hand knitting industry c.1600-1950"

by Linda G. Fryer

A fasinating read. It is based on a thesis that Linda did so the book is very comprehensive indeed! But if like me you have an interest in Shetland lace and in anything to do with the history and background of knitting in general you will enjoy this book. I am only up to chapter two , reading in bed being the only time I normally get and only as long as I can stay awake this will take a while. But worth a look at.

Details for those who want to know

Printed and published by The Shetland Times Ltd in 1995
ISBN 1 8988852 01 4

Knit on

"A blue aran"

2008-08-24T22:08:00.014+12:00

" Love is communucated not in the big event, but in the small acts of kindness"

Way back when I started this blog, you know around the time of the winter olympics and the buzz of the yarn harlot's quest for us to join in. Blogging was new to me and the whole world seemed to open up.. and get smaller and it seemed that knitters could truely change things for the better ...! In choosing a name for my blog I wanted to talk about yarn and also tell "yarns" or stories.. about life and families... hopes and dreams...

I have a "yarn" / story tonight for any who may have held on all this time and still be reading this poor missive of mine.

I give you the story ... of "A blue aran"

"Yes , but chances of you finishing it..!" So did my then dear husband meet my desire to knit him a jersey for his 21st birthday. Well he may have been right to be sceptical, my history until then didn't include large areas of knitting. At twenty my knitting to date included some designed on the needles dolls clothes, a bright pink jersey in a rather rough wool that my mother had to finish for me as I had run out of steam [ and yarn, it had short sleeves] , a bulky knit bright orange jacket for me and two items for our then 8 months old baby son.

These were a baby jacket which though lovely was knitted a little loose and he wasn't able to wear until 8-9 months as rather big and a "Bubbles" baby shawl. [ There may have been a pair of booties or two but memories been what they are , they are forgotten in the mists of time]

Many of you older readers may remember the Bubbles shawl pattern put out by Patons in the 50-60's , a circlar shawl with feather and fan increasing out. Knitted on straights, circulars were not the thing in those days in NZ. This meant a join once finished. The shawl ended up lovely if I may say so myself and baby Richard did use it but I was rather ignorant of what blocking meant so it was never properly dressed. [Moths got it too... so unfortunately too late now, shame]

Anyway I digress, having decided to knit a jersey and determined to show him I could and would finish [ his statement being a red flag to my stubborness ] I went off to our local department store James Smiths. [ Long since closed]

Then began the search for the "perfect" pattern. A long look through all the pattern books , baby in pushchair at my feet sucking on a rusk. I wanted to knit one that he would wear and be proud to show off my handy work. So I decided to do not just any old stocking knit jersey in a thick wool but a lovely aran in a good quality double knit crepe. I had never knitted an aran before but was confident if I just followed the pattern closely "she would be right".

So once I had choosen the pattern then the yarn, hmm what colour with his fair hair and blue eyes that was easy so a lovely royal blue good quality crepe wool went home with me that day to cast on and begin.

I was hooked from day one and slowly progressed up the back, then the front and finally onto the sleeves. Being a smoker in those rash days of youth, fortunately long since given up I discovered that cable needles been somewhat slippery and easy to lose a match made a good subsitute. With a young baby to care for and feed I was able to work on the jersey during nap times and at night.

My dear husband had just started a new job as manager of a new food bar and this meant he was not home until 10.30pm most nights. So nights were spent in front of the fire, it being winter at the time and I knitted the nights away in front of TV while the nappies quietly steamed on the clothes horse. Only black and white and one channel in those days, how times have changed!

The twisting of the cables, the texture of the double moss stitch and the crossing of the travelling stitches became a fasinating journey of yarn. But he was right! I didn't finish at least not in time for his 21st. His mother also had knitted him, and me matching jerseys of rib and textured basket stitch. [ I still have mine packed away, sadly a little small now] He was proudly wearing his 11 days later as he went off to work on his motor bike. Another pride and joy of his.

I knitted on through the day determined to finish. That night , a Friday there was a movie on TV and I twisted and cabled away as the story unfolded before me. So engrossed was I in the plot and the very nearly finished sleeves I didn't realise that 10.30 came and went and then at 11.15 a knock on the door... "who, at this hour!? "

Throwing down my meedles and being cauious and home alone with only a young baby for company I looked out of the window first.... "Police...there has been an accident" then a feeling of dread and so it started the phone calls to Mum and Dad, trusty Mum and Dad always relied on and turned to in need. The rush to get to hospital, the Doctor's face as he tried to tell me , too late.. the goodbye visit and hand holding of a still quiet man.

Then home, where Mum held fort with baby on her knee. Dear Mum , as I walked in and saw the knitting so close to finishing yet never to be given, dear Mum " should I finish it.." Mum ever practical later , "Yes your Dad would love to wear it" They must have had a quiet talk.

So the jersey was finished , sewn up and presented to a loving father who wore it with pride. How he thought about it I never knew... but it was well worn and passed on to my brother and I think back to Richard when he grew enough. Where it ended up ..?? I am not sure. But I did finish it and it was worn , with love. And in my stash still, is the pattern and a small blue ball of royal blue crepe.

And since.!? well knitting became a passion, a retreat, an outlet for expression and now my art form to tell my stories... and my baby ?

The biggest and best gift any man can give of himself and leave behind , a son. A son who in a gesture or turn of the head and especially his laugh can remind with loving pride of a childhood sweetheart once loved and long gone. A special son with a special place in a proud mother's heart who, this week turns 35. Happy birthday son... you make me proud.

A mothers' small loving act and a fathers' too meant a jersey finished and worn that would have been a long ago UFO.

Knit on >^..^<

A time of revival!

2008-08-17T23:18:00.006+12:00

Hi all!!

Ok! I know it's been awhile. No excuse really other than I promised myself I would finish module 2 of my City and Guilds before posting again. Just didn't realise it would take so long....All in all knitted 86 samples this time. I think I may have got a bit carried away. I am really enjoying the course and find my head just buzzes with ideas.

How's life you say...hmmm two house moves, [ DM and DS2] DP misplaced a disc in his back, sick cat [ better now ] frantic at work [ wet and cold brings them in, what else to do but read of course] house full again of "stuff" to be sorted and moved otherwise much as normal..

The weather here in NZ hasn't helped either. The computer room being at the back of the house in the smallest bedroom cum office [ as they usually are ] means it is freezing in here. We have had the cold wettest winter since some time in the early 1990's. Rain, wind, rain, snow, rain, thunderstorms and did I mention rain! The poor sports teams have had more games cancelled than they have played, with 7 continuous wet weekends and of course rain mid week as well. I don't think I have ever seen, or heard so many thunder storms with them lasting for hours and accompanied by the heaviest of hail storms.

It is fine tonight but the promise of more to come and the prospect of a heavy frost tonight. Brr sitting here with a wheat sack and blanket. See ...

I did make it over to the Hutt to a club spin-in.. brought some lovely hand dyed, hand spun silk for Module 3 and took a pic of the hills....

But all said and done spring is in the air and with the cold we now have an early sign with the garden starting to look a lovely sight with daffs and tulips etc.

As a result of all the rain and occasional sun we discovered this historic oak log in the backyard covered in fungi.....

It is an amazing sight.. forgive the rubbish photos still trying to learn my new camera. This log by the way is from a tree grown from an acorn grown from a tree that grew from an acorn my great, greats brought out from Scotland in 1852 when they first came to NZ!

Oh exciting news ... a group of five of us "The substainable sisters" are going to have an exhibition next year. The emphasis on reusing, recycling, and enviromentally friendly mesages to our art. So have to produce at least 8 pieces. Plenty of ideas but time...

But I have made a start with a semi circle wrap knitted from cassette tapes and yarn.

This pic doesn't look like much ... and the sun has washed it out somewhat as it is a real rich chocolate brown worked from the neck down in stripes of tape and yarn using garter stitch and stocking stitch and edged with the lovely rich dark chocolate wool. Cassette tapes are somewhat of a challenge to knit .. have a tendency to split quickly, some mending has been done already.

Next up a curtain out of video tapes and to dress a window with copper wire "spider webs" in Shetland lace and plastic bag lace curtains to create an outside scupture. I am also still working on my "boxes, hope chests" with mini quilts and found objects.

So art and knitting wise have been very busy, just wish I could afford to give up work. One day...

I did treat myself tho once my module was posted and did some spinning... a lovely deep pumpkin and silk mix... am thinking of plying with pure silk ... should come in handy for module 3 as this features silk.

Anyway my fingers are going numb, time to warm up with some hot milk and off to bed. I leave you with this......

Anyone for a ride... suns nice and warm in here think I will sleep on the back tray for a while.

Cheers and knit on >^..^< it's nice to be back!

Holidays are fine things!

2008-03-21T18:28:00.006+13:00

Hi again

As promised back with some projects. We have taken a couple of weeks off after Easter and so looking forward to making the most of the last of day light saving and getting caught up on some chores. Such as finishing putting in the extra storage in the roof. [No not for stash... but if we make more room in the house....!!! ] Then there is the small matter of emptying the garage. At least making enough room to put in the new car which is another project for the next 2 weeks. At least to find and buy one that is.

But most of all I am looking forward to getting some projects done for exhibition and also some City and Guilds. [ Today was a rest day and have already made inroads]

But here are the promised pics.

Firstly this is my first small quilt knitted from embrodiery threads. It just needs the binding hand stitched down on the back.

Next is the finished squares for my nine patch quilt. This one was knitted in crochet cotton 30.
Each square has a small lace heart which I will back in a contrast colour. Still all the ends to darn on this one... !!

This is a hoodie for DGS. I must admit didn't enjoy knitting this one as I don't really like knitting with novelty yarn. But being thick and wool it will keep him warm in the winter.

Now this isn't knitting but was rather pleased with it. Two of the exhibitions have a recycling theme. So am making some projects in throw out plastics etc. This is the first one , a neck piece made with silver chain, glass beads and the plastic tags from bread bags. It looks rather good on. Of course you can't have a neck piece and not make ear-rings to match!

Lastly I have some exciting news. I applied for a grant to cover fees etc on my City and Guilds and have heard that they are giving me enough to cover fees and some costs. Very excited about this and with the discount our local art shop is giving me will help a great deal. I am getting so much from the course and am teaching already this year.

Anyway as this seems to be a rather "boring" post will go and get some dinner. Fish and chips tonight. Oven baked that is not quite as exciting as take - away's but better for the blood pressure.

Knit on all >^..^<

Sunset

2008-03-15T22:25:00.004+13:00

Hi all

Yes I am still in the land of the living... at least let me check.. yep still here!

Lifs as always gets away with me. What with the garden and an endless supply of tomatoes, doing city and guilds study, grandkids and work for exhibtions life is never boring.

Oh for more hours in the day or an extra day a week. Now that would be good.

I have finished one hoodie for DGS, a guernsy for DGD [needs sewing up] and nearly some socks for DP. I must get some pics. I have also nearly finished my first mini quilt.

I have also made a neckpiece and earings for a recycled jewelry exhibition in July. So am ahead so far on work.

I have now been getting several requests to teach, next door at the art gallery, Pataka and at Knitworlds knitters weekend in May so no rest for the wicked.

I am going to try and make a real effort to resurect this blog tho as I enjoy the contact and inspiration I get from my web friends.

So I leave you with this beautiful sunset from our lounge room and promise to try and get back to you all soon with some pics of knitting . I love the way the sea takes on the colours of the sky.

Knit on >^..^<

Back again

2008-02-14T21:37:00.006+13:00

Hi all, at least if any still bother to check here!

Sorry it has taken so long. Life seemed to get away with me. Not least two house moves, DS2 and DMum. One just before Xmas and the other 2 weeks ago.

The garage needs serious work now... can't even get the car in.. oh dear! The sallies [ salvation army ] is going to do well out of us again.

Xmas passed in a bit of a blur. But did achieve something. With work being closed due to maintenance.... The library only closes normally a couple of days a year so we all had 5 days straight. You can get a lot done in 5 days if you put your mind to it. LOL.

My craft room cum studio space got a huge clean out. I had a new bigger table from Mum to use ... equals more space to spread and do assignments and work on exhibition work. I also had a major sort through the file cabinet full of loose patterns and all my craft, knitting books. I now have a pile to donate to our next spin in on the 27th Feb for the sales table. I must admit to finding it hard to part with some of it.... but lets get real I am definitely to the point of SABLE. [ Stash acquired beyond life expectancy ]

Ok .... so I have been away for a while but Blogger hasn't changed I see. Hmm can't post pics..

I have just lay-byed a new camera so can do better close ups. The sony has been fine but really the quality hasn't been that great and I find I need to keep better records. So am getting this .
It will take a month or two to pay off put worth the wait. Sooo if I can get back into blogging will have much better pics to share. At least if blogger lets me.

But.. wait I now have joined Flickr.... back in a minute... Alright I think I can sort this by a link. Once they finish loading will link to Xmas pics. [ edit to add.. ok have to figure out how to link to the pics... watch this space ! ]

Anyway I have also been very spoilt. DS1 sent me at great expense a new laptop for Xmas. I had great fun tracking it... as he sent it via Fedex. So am now the proud owner of a new Vostro 1500
and not a moment to soon as my old 98 PC died 2 weeks ago. We have fixed it but really.... sooo slow.

So with broadband and a faster computer with DVD writer etc and new camera soon am set for a while.

So really no excuse really.. to post. must. post. reguarly.

As for summer... an amazingly hot and humid one. The vege garden has just taken off. Corn 7 foot high. But of course with a treatened drought have had to water every second day by hand as we can't use sprinklers. The tomatoes are starting to ripen so will be making relish again soon.

But am back at the work, City and Guilds and exhibition work that is. Am busy apply for a grant to continue and am busy transfering images to silk and making neck pieces out of bread tags.... the exhibition has a recycling theme this year. I have until July so must get on ....

Anyway am also a little hooked on this at the moment as well .... so off for a quick game before bed.

I won't promise, but will try not to take so long to post this time.

Knit on all >^..^< it's good to be back.

Obessions and new beginings

2007-09-07T14:05:00.001+12:00

Hi all, hmm has it really been that long.... oh dear I am still here and have been reading everyday or most anyway. Life just got in the way a little.

It started out with the flu which lead to a chest infection then I had just got rid of that and then went here... [ OK that links to last years but you will get the idea] So from the Monday until the Sunday morning was nearly 24 / 7 immersed in the art world. Fabulous but very hard work.

Then of course back to work to a back log of problems not to mention the house work and garden at home. No rest for the wicked as they say.

Being sick wasn't so bad... other than the cough that wouldn't leave. I had worked hard to get my C & G's away before it hit. Mostly just sat in the chair and read, watched DVDs and knitted. Bit of a hard life really:)

Anyway got to try one or two things lying about for a while. First up a crocheted bracelet. OK I know this is meant to be a knitting blog but I will get there in a minute..... Squares with covered rings and added beads. From a book whose title escapes me at the moment. [ Feel free to remind me ...] It has been favouritely received so can't be too bad. The catch is a bit fiddly so must change it one day.

Next up , knitting content now I had been wanting to try some log cabin knitting. So got out the pearl cottons and had a go. You can blame these two for this one.

I was reasonabley pleased but not with the colour choices so back to the stash and came up with this....

Now I am totally hooked.. an idea of scale....

This piece has now been finished. The front at least. I knitted dark blue around each square before joining then knitting a mitred border of dark blue with a narrow stripe. I am going to wash,. block and then pad and quilt. What am I going to do with it you say... well ...

All my life I have been surrounded with the art world. I started my working life for my Dad at age of 11 as a runner between his art galleries. By the time I left school I was working full-time for him in one of his galleries in a place called Upper Hutt. I have for the past 10 + years been taking art courses of one sort or another. Including a whole year of art which taught me I can draw after a fashion. Unfortunately with the trauma of the past few years it has taken me time to get back to it.

Now I feel as If I am suffocating in my job. I would so like to leave and study art full time but money is an issue. So I do what I can when I can. I have done drawing , painting, 2 months of life drawing, stone lithography, etching, book making etc etc. This over and above my passion for knitting.

Now this brings me to the point. I registered for Textile fibre forum... I had heard how great it was but it was even better than that. We had the most wonderful and inspiring tutor in our class. Sandy Webster, [ Hi Sandy!! ] an American artist. Go on check her out I will wait... If you ever get a chance to take a class with her, don't jump ...run for it. It is worth every cent.

Perhaps it just was the right thing at the right time for me. But it seems to crystallise everything I had learnt and was learning. I have so much wanted to take my knitting over into the "art" as opposed to to the "craft". The technique and craft I have but I wanted more. Sandy has shown me a direction I can now go in. For this I heartily thank her.

This course was to do with the making of book, basket and box - a placement of memory. I decided to make a special place for the treasures from my Grandma. I worked hard and did a lot of research of photos etc. I visited her grave and her old garden for soil and worked solidly for a week.., even wrote a poem. So here is the "Grandma box".

It includes five handmade books as well as spun paper and a small basket. I made the box with a drawer and lift up top to resemble an old jewelry box. The box at the bottom is her old embroidery box which we placed in the bottom. My Auntie was over whelmed when she saw it and had begged me to take it back to let her "savour it" some more.

The funny thing is this box is so not me.. rather twee [ dare I saw it] but it really tells the story of my Grandmother. In fact so much so I find it hard to believe. It nows lives in pride of place on top of the sideboard I inherited from her. I touch it lightly as I pass and remember her. It was a wonderful way of bringing back treasured memories and storing them as well.

So I am now working on the next piece. I find it consumes my mind and find it hard to concentrate at work. I am including knitting in the next piece and am working on the contents and "words" to include. So this will remain a knitting blog but excuse me if I am obessed and side track at times.

Anyway once again it is late. So away to bed to read and study the colour red.

Cheers >^..^<

Checking in

2007-08-21T11:19:00.000+12:00

Just checking in...still here just busy and trying to finish my C & G assignment. Nearly done.

See what I made yesterday.... a bit rough but cool , if I do say so.

A needle felted face.

Cheers

Yes, I am still here!

2007-07-24T12:08:00.000+12:00

Just a quick check in to let you know I am still here and still knitting. :)

Have been some what busy trying to finish the first module of my City and Guilds hand knitting.

Forgive the rubbishy pic [ flash didn't work] but it gives an idea of a small portion of the samples I have nearly finished mounting. Only 3 more assignments then in the post. Great fun just time is as always my biggest restraint. I can highly recommend this course.

The other, small matter consuming my time is MS3. [ Mystery stole 3 ] Yes I got tempted, thanks Stephanie and joined the 6,000+ doing this KAL. I have now managed to knit up to clue 3. Here is a shot 2/3rds of the way through clue 1. This is a great knit if a challenge. I have been a fairly experienced lace knitter so admire anyone who is a beginner attempting this.

On the family front we have , I hope finally after 5 years reached a conclusion to the custody battle my DS2 waged. He will have "primary care giving" with the mother having access. So this past month was the last round of lawyers, councellors and court. The last hopefully for a very long time. I have learnt more than I ever wanted to know re the court system in NZ.

Anyway as I am "meant" to be working better be off and do so. Still thinking of 8 possible things anyone could likely be interested in me. :) You will have to check back for this.

Cheers and knit on.

>^..^<

100 today!!

2007-06-26T13:12:00.000+12:00

Hi all.

Ok I know I have been a bad blogger this pic is my excuse.....

See that mess...that's my desk at work. They were building two offices around me. As a result I was verrrrrrrrry cramped and got seriously behind. [Never mind nearly caught up now.] Hmm you blog at home you say...well how about this for a reason...

After the warmest May on record, thank goodness as we had 18 degrees + while DS was moving it has been freezing cold with strong southerlies and rain off and on ever since. [ Southerlies in NZ mean winds straight from the South Pole so brrr snow to low levels etc.] Ok this is not half the cold you readers may put up with but consider this. Very few NZ houses have central heating. Normally just heaters or fires altho heat pumps are gaining in popularity.

We have a lovely enclosed log box which can pump out some heat but when it is very cold the computer room being the furtherest from the lounge is frigid. So hence the reluctance to blog. I tend to hover around the fire with my knitting. Great for getting it done...or it would be if the resident feline didn't consider my knee her exclusive spot at night.

I have been dare I say it ...crocheting a blanket and she has been a real pain. When knitting the ball of yarn moves steadily along but crochet makes it move quicker and jump about more.. and I guess it is too cold to hunt....!!!

I have been knitting tho. Nearly finished my samples and am up to the sleeves for a jersey for my DGS. I have also just started a lace project with this........

Remember I said I had been spinning.[ Excuse the poor pic, oh for a new camera..! ] Well this is the small skein I produced. Merino and silk. A very yummy small 164 metre skein. I have drawn up a design for a cravat and hope to have enough to finish. I can always spin a little more of the silk mix for the edging but am hoping it will go the distance.

Sorry no pics of any knitting that will have to wait for some better light.

This post is my 100th...weeeee!!! I am not the world's best writer or conversationist, as DS1 will testify. But I have made it through a year and a half of this. So for any readers who may still lurk along in the hope that I haven't fallen off the face of the earth or long abandoned any writing I am putting a couple of items up for a lucky draw in a small celebration of my 100th.

As I have just got back into spinning lace weight I have discovered that I have two copies of Margaret Stove's Merino spinning book so will give one away.

I also have two copies of the Ashford book of spinning , an older ex library edition so will pass one copy on to a good home.

Last but not least for the knitters I have a lovely fine skein of Margaret Stove's designer fine 2ply Merino. This has to be the best, softest yarn. I may be able to find a little something to go with this as I think I have a ball that I started knitting but ripped out. So will put that in with it.

As I strongly suspect there are not many readers who have hung on this long in the vain hope of a post I will give a couple of weeks say until the 10th July for names to be posted in the comments then I will get my DP to drawn three names out of the hat. First name gets first pick etc.

Stell has also tagged me for "eight intereting things" but as I knew this was my 100th post thought I would save that until next time.

Knit on all, hope all are warm, cold or whatever suits.

Cheers >^..^<
PS I am blogging at work, though my desk is now clear , still cold at home hmm will post at work in the warm during break.

Whew! What next?

2007-05-06T18:04:00.000+12:00

Well that was a month and a half. After DS2's landlady announced that they were going to sell the house he was living in, it was all on. Land agents ringing and visiting not to mention the several open homes. As she wanted a large price on the house, even more than the current housing boom warranted we thought it would take a while but it suddenly sold which left us with 6 weeks to find him another home.

This proved nearly impossible and we thought that we would have to have him and the kids here. Fortunately we have a reprevie. A lovely little cottage a stone's throw from their school. Only fly in the oinment is that it is only for 6 months so we can have a rest over winter and start over again. We are hoping that the market will free up a little with more available.

As for the move... well exhausting. I am getting too old for this. We had to move in the middle of the week which mean DS's friends weren't able to help. It took from 6.00pm Monday through until noon Thursday. It didn't help that the 3 1/2 ton hire truck got stuck in the gravel up DS's new drive. They tried for nearly 2 hours to dig it out until we gave up and rung a tow company who took another couple of hours under spots [ dark by now ] to winch it out. Believe me when he moves out we will try car and trailer anything has to be easier than that $200 tow. Oh of course the large flight of stairs up to the house didn't help either. As the house is somewhat smaller that the last half his stuff , including fridge and washing machine is now stored guess where? Yes that's right in our garage!

The only plus about that... we didn't have to carry it up those stairs. Who needs the gym, by Friday I could barely function. At least with a long week-end this week we have had a couple of days to chill out. [ After the trips to the tip and Sallies that is.]

At least I now have my chest freezer back. I had lent it to DS as his fridge wasn't working well. As he now has a new fridge I now have room to freeze the garden vegies. So today was spent cleaning out 3 freezers and reorganizing them,. Yeah for room and ease of finding things again. I then froze 3 containers of tomatoes as well as making more relish. Just have to cut up and freeze some of the 14 pumpkins. That's right found another hiding under the tomatoes when I was pulling up some of the vines to make room for the winter vegies.

The weather is so topsy turvy at the moment. We had a freezing winter last year with a short late summer and now May has been the warmest on record. 18 + degrees this past week. So the tomatoes are still ripening well.

I think I have found a cure for startitis. With this course I am doing it needs a few samples knitted. They have been such a life saver this past month. A bit of mindless knitting with enough of a challenge to keep me interested. I have really enjoyed all the cast-on's , cast-off's etc. But now find I am hankering after a "bigger" project. So what next?

I want to knit some more of these for a dear Aunt to keep warm when the cold finally hits.

I know this yarn looks purple but believe me it is a dusky rose. Hmm amazing how a camera can chamge a colour.

These yarns are more true to colour. I am planning a knee rug for DM out of these from here.

I havc some spinning on the agenda as well. Here is some yummy mulberry silk silver in pastel colours and white China silk to ply with it. Oh just remembered I am spinning some at the moment. I did a workshop with Jo Reeve on carding colours and liked the results so much I have spun it up. I have also spun some silk to ply with it and thought something lacy to make it go a long way. Will have to take a pic of this for next time. This is in a lovely orangey hue.

Just incase you think I haven't been knitting I am working on some socks for DP. They are in a deep burgandy and the pattern is by Nancy Bush from Piecework. An old Weldon's pattern. They are going well. When I get time that is.

I suppose it is bed and off to work again tomorrow. Could do with a couple more days, hmm migrane coming on. :)

Anyway something to tempt the pics are up from our Creative fibre festival, go have a look....here.

Knit on all, cheers >^..^<

Finshed, ripped and choices.

2007-05-06T13:37:00.000+12:00

Hmmm a quick post before bed. Some maybe wondering did I make it...?? To 9+ feet that is. [The knitted silk/wool kimono obi for new lurkers]

Yes I did !! and in time, well I did deliver it by tea time Saturday , the latest possible. Thank goodness for some sunshine as I was able to get it dry.

Here it is in the sun. I had to fold the ends in once the middle was dry as the weak winterly sun was only shining so far. Of course everytime I turned around there was a furry body trying it out as a scratching mat.

This pic doesn't do it justice but the light wasn't the best. Here's a close up...... again the colour isn't quite true the silk is brighter than appears here.

I also managed to finish weaving the Japanese placemats using the handspun linen and chopsticks. I had one or two issues and would have liked longer to play to get them right but was up until 12.30pm as it was to finish them. So in the end I "cheated" and brushed a small amount of craft glue on the back on each chopstick between the warp threads. It just gave me more confidence that the chopsticks couldn't be pulled out. I really like these. Here they are "posed" for a shot....

Now the freedom I hadn't realised but I have been working to self imposed deadlines since before Xmas. It feels great to just sit back and think...what will I knit next? No due date or pressure to complete.

What with , exhibitions, fashion parade and knitting and pattern writing for the new Devore book by Anne Field it has been somewhat busy.

Now just find DS2 a new home to live in... 3 weeks to go before he has to move and we haven't managed this yet. There is a lack of rentals available at the moment. It goes to family court on the 16th and he should finally get offical full custody of his two so the timing is a bit stressful to say the least. They might end up living here with us again...!!!

But the feeling of freedom today has been marvelous. Had a good hunt through and tidy in my craftroom cum studio and am trying to restrain myself to finishing a few UFO's.

I did a few rows on this last night....

I knitted the back and fronts a few years ago just needed to do the side panels. But now on reflection it is too big and I don't like it. I like the pattern but not in this yarn and would never wear it so into the frog pond. rip rip. [ Well when I get to it in a day or so. :) ]

So tonight I really enjoyed just sitting back and doing a few samples for my C & G's 5 cast ons done already. It was so nice to do some mindless knitting.

Now what to do next..?? You will just have to check back and see :)

Now an interesting sidetrack... when I brought my first car 5 years ago it only had 81,000 k's on the clock....see how much kiddie running about I have done.....

Ok the pic is rather small but that reads 200031! Yes 2nd 100.000. Now my car is my baby...well she is not been used so much now. DP is meant to be buying a new one having been stopped and offered an offer he couldn't refuse for his "classic" Mazda we are now down to 2 cars again.

Here it is sparkling and waiting for it's new owner, who is going to restore it fully.

So we are car and house hunting..

Cheers all ...knit on >^..^<

Just to prove I am still knitting.!!

2007-04-25T15:01:00.000+12:00

I am hard at it , only 4 more days before the entries have to be in for our exbibition. I have now knitted 7 1/2 feet so about another 2 feet to go and this Obi [ kimono sash ] should be long enough. If the yarn holds out that is. Looking good tho......

These two pics show how different natural light and flash can effect the image. The first pic is by flash and the next is natural light.

Hmm, I think the natural light one is the closest but neither do it justice.

At least the shading shows and you can clearly see the multidirectional slant to the sash. I have 2 1/2 triangles to go then just the end half triangle to do and finished! At least there won't be hundreds of ends to darn in just the two then wash and block. This has to be delievered Saturday pm at the latest.
Hopefully the spolights will show up the silk nicely.

I have also finished spinning and plying the linen for the chopstick placemats. I have tried dying with tea to give an "aged" apperance but I think it really needed boiling in the tea to have much of an effect.

Here is one ply before I plied them together....

Oh I must find time to do a festival 07 report to... here's my fashion parade outfit hanging with the others. As soon as the prize winners are posted I will link to the site.[ It didn't sell so will have to decide what to do with it.]

Mine is the brown dress and wrap on the left.

Now what do you do when your household staff are hard at it...!!!!

Well the best spot in the house. Knit on all.

[I just have to find a house for DS2 to live in by the 30/5 , finish a sash, weave some placemats, pulp tomatoes.....oh and not to mention the longdistance study. You could say live is not boring. Hmm I suppose I should get around to updating the side bar as well...>>>>> :) ]

Year of the pumpkin

2007-04-22T18:20:00.000+12:00

Anyone for pumpkin soup, or perhaps roasted with gravy????? 13 this year best yet.

Sunday sky, somehow matches the mood, back to work tomorrow.

Great weekend as usual much too short, didn't help that I tweaked my back yesterday and have been hobbling around since. 17 for dinner last night but went well. Someone shoot me if I suggest such bright ideas as, " lets have a pot luck at our place instead of going to a resturant". It was more fun and I think the food was yummier as well.

Knitting is coming along slowly over 2 feet long now ... will it make the 6 feet...hmm watch this space.

Off to spin hemp for my chopstick placemats.

knit on all >^..^<

Excuse me a personal message...

2007-04-20T21:21:00.000+12:00

Hi Libby

Thanks for your comment. I have had trouble however accessing your blog and can't email back.

I have checked the site you recommended and yes I did know about the knitting retreat. In fact the two tutors , Kathy and Billie are personal friends and in fact belong to the creative fibre group, The Gear creative fibre group that I belong to. So named after the restored historic homestead where the old stables cum woolshed is used by several local art, craft groups as their club rooms.

I am not sure if I will attend as I already know what they are teaching, will have to check rest of the activities, won't mind meeting for coffee etc.

Get back to me if you read this.

Cheers and knit on

Bad blogger

2007-04-19T23:30:00.000+12:00

Hmmm, Ok I finally get on top of the Blogger problems, and post in a hurry before going here and post to the test blog I set up while trying to fix the above problem.....Duh!

Anyway the problems I have been having seem to have vanished. :) So must try and post more. I must admit they put me off trying to post for a while,

The wool festival was great. managed to get an entry in both the fashion parade and the exhibition. No prizes and neither have sold yet but still after 7 years I am back to it. Now busy working toward the next exhibition in May. So busy trying to knit a 12 foot sash. That's right 12 feet. I must be mad but have hand spun random dyed silk and plyed with fine wool. As our exhibition has a Japanese theme this year am trying to knit a Komono sash. It has to go around the body twice with some to hang so figure 12 feet should be about right. Must be done by the 1st May , will I make it --- watch this space. Oh I have nearly done 2 feet so far and and knit about 7 inches or so a night.

Here is the silk while nearly spun...

Not to mention the place mats woven from chopsticks and books to bind.

I am enjoying the flow tho. Great to be back at the art, craft again. Now if I could just drop the job....!!!

The only fly in the ointment , DS2's landlady has sold the house he is renting so he has 30 days tp find another place to live so guess who is helping.

We also had a 7th [ where have the years flown too] birthday with a a rather wonky castle cake. Oh and a very special trip to the SPCA to pick out a new companion as in a very cute pale gray tabby for said DGD who has been begging for a pet for months. Of course this makes house hunting slightly more complicated , sigh!

Anyway rather late so off to bed. Now I know I can post without fighting the computer for hours will be more inclinced to be more regular.

knit on all >^..^<

I don't believe it ....!!!

2007-03-17T16:02:00.000+13:00

Ok I have tried several things and it now appears to be working... for now anyway. So will do a post to make the most of this. Will take the chance that it "saves" once published.

One plus that has come about from the past 2-3 weeks of frustration... as from today we now have broadband at home. Telecom - our provider of xtra had a special offer of free modem and connection if we signed for a year and as we already had dial-up from them anyway it is only another $10 a month. It is certainly faster... :)

Hmm now can't seem to post pics but at least I have text!

So where was I , have been busy trying to get the garden straight before winter hits. May have left it a bit late as we have had a cold southerly and wind and rain this week. We are not going to have a problem of oversupply of tomoatoes this year. [ Just as well still eating last years from the freezer] But it is the year of the pumkin and runner bean. Guess I will be busy slicing, blanching and freezing for a few days yet.

Not to mention the overabundance of blackberries. At least two ice cream containers in the freezer and as well as 3 lots of jam made. [ I got fed up of jam making and when we discovered how yummy they were in a trifle my DP made, have been freezing the rest for crumbles and pies, so when DS1 comes home yummy hot desserts... hint hint]

As for knitting you may ask..well have heard my entry in the Creative Fibre fashion parade was accepted... yipee and still waiting on the exhibition news, they are selecting this weekend.

The commission piece for Anne Field's new book is nearly finished and I am busy spinning for the next club exhibition in May. This is going to be a push as the commission deadline was brought forward so have had to put my work aside.

The great news tho is she has put us in touch with her publisher and it looks like we are going to do our own book. That is 3 of use will put in several designs each. As we all have our own strengths and areas of interest it should make interesting reading. To this end we are going to start our own blog to chart the "work in process". Will have to come to terms with the internet and blogging ins and outs.

I have started my second sock and am on to the sewing up of DGD's jersey. Hopefully next time I post I can add some pics. It is only 3 weeks to festival so must get these problems sorted so I can show you all pics etc.

Anyway off to do some more spinning. Hopefully this will work.

Cheers all

Thank-you to whoever....!!

2007-03-14T23:12:00.000+13:00

At last I think it is going to work. The buttons are back with the tool bar on the "create" and new post page and it certainly loaded much quicker so here's hoping.

A small break while I check....

Ok I seem to be having trouble posting , it won't save the text of the message only the title and labels. So any with helpful ideas!!!

2007-03-13T21:45:00.000+13:00

Ok lets see if this works!!

Yipee it did!!! Only problem I am on the Public access internet PC at my place of work. [ I work at a Public library] So I am hoping this will work at home tonight.

I haven't been able to post in soooo long. I wasn't aware of making any changes but all of a sudden I couldn't get the text content of my posts to save. So after hunting through the blogger site , post messages and emails to help I can only hope that they have managed to find a fix...!! :)

[Excuse me a minute while I check this is stilling working.... back in a minute. I hope...]

Yes still all OK... hope it works at home, don't want to have to do all my posting from work.

Anyways will try tonight and post some pics too.

Knit on all, cheers >^..^<

At last!!!

2007-03-08T22:49:00.000+13:00

Testing , testing hmm blogger is being a right pain!!!

After several days of trying and finally getting "on" last night, writing a lovely lonnnnnnng post when I hit publish it dumped the lot. So tried again and again and again.........!!!!!!

If I was a swearing woman!!!

Soooo lets see if this works. hmm

Ok that worked, we are just going to have to get broadband at home... off to do some work will be back later.

Cheers >^..^<

UFO at last

2007-02-28T23:13:00.000+13:00

A little bit of eye candy to start. Saturday sunset reflected in our harbour. Makes a bit of rain worth it. Just saying!

Anyway after a concentrated effort I have finally posted off my entry for this years fashion parade. I was glad to see the back of all that stocking stitch. It wasn't bad , a bit of mindless knitting but there is only so much of that one can stand...!!

So for better or worse here is the dress. Forgive the night pic but I needed to label, wrap and get ready for posting. With dial up I have only put up small images. I am still finding my way around New blogger and I can't seem to access Blogger from work anymore. They have been having a security lock down of sites they don't want us to access. So no more loading pics at work to type up later...:(

Here it is with the wrap that started off this whole journey. In real life it is more chocolate brown and colours are brighter. [ Hm US visitors can read color here. hehe ]

It wasn't a hard one to design but the shaping took a bit of ripping and redoing in parts, especially the sleeves. I was going for a slight bell shape with a retro look and a more contempory longer length. The modular squares at the bottom give it weight and a fur trim effect. Anyway I am happy with it. Hopefully it will get accepted and I will see it modeled. Being a size 10 no way was I about to deflate my ego by even attempting to try it on! :)

On the home front, summer having finally arrived we have been working hard to get the grounds and garden in shape before winter sets in. With all the stresses etc of the past few years not to mention all the child minding we have been doing it was starting to look a bit like Tarzan would swing through any minute. So slowly a bed at a time it is appearing and being replanted.

We spent one exhausting Saturday laying concrete slabs and gravel to tidy up the compost area at the back of the section and a dead plum tree is slowly being chopped up and removed for fire wood. Last Saturday the herb bed by the back door was weeded, dug over and replanted with a new trellis up the back steps with a passion friut and new herbs added to the old ones. The best thing about this is the fact that this bed is so close to the back door for a quick dash out to grab a herb at night while cooking.

So a bit of garden colour to brighten up a snowy northern winter.. :)

At work we have been having a bit of fun as well, for a change. Our library is part of a complex which includes a museum and art gallery. At the moment there is a Canadian exhibition of masks and totems. So staff were encouraged to make masks and faces for a totem. This was fun and here is my "mouse" for the pole. Still needs a paint yet.

They run an excellent school education programe as well so the kids have been having fun doing this to.

Anyway inbetween jam making , read trying to keep up with the blackberries gardening and project finishing I haven't had much time for anything else.

I have still managed a little ordinary knitting tho. Have finished the sleeves for DGD's jacket and am on to the second sock of a pair.

The next projects are, an item for an author for her new book, sorry can't tell yet, some linen to spin for mats and some silk to spin and knit for a sash for our exhibiton in May. So as my Grandmother would have said I should be safe as "the devil makes work for idle hands" and mine certainly ain't!

Happy knitting all.

Getting there

2007-01-24T18:05:00.000+13:00

Just quick post to let you all know that I am still in the land of knitting. Just working hard to get this project finished. Will be so glad once it is done!!

Anyway have finished the body of the dress now. I knitted it in the round so just the neckline to do. I thought some rows of garter using the yarns from the hem line.

I have made a start on the sleeves. Yes that's right sleeves!! Well you can't have a knitted dress without sleeves. It doesn't seem very practical to be warm all over with bare arms. LOL.

So have done the domino knitted band for the first one working on the second now.

These will be slightly bell shaped to mactch the bottom of the dress and decrease to the elbow and increase again to the top of the arm. Wish me luck!!

Off to so some groceries.

Knit on all

Back to the grind

2007-01-16T21:15:00.000+13:00

The only problem with going to art school and stretching out of your comfort zone? Well it can be harder to get back to the daily grind of every day life and work and... well you get the picture.

Summer school is always such an intensive experience. You learn so much squashed into a few days that you barely have time to think and then poof it is over .... for another year. You come home with some great images, hopefuly and no time to do more just when creatively you want to hide away and work...... Oh well it is better than having no time at all!

I definitely enjoyed the collage more than I thought. I have already started work on a collaged journal cover .. pic later perhaps :) [ Well it is hardly knitting lol]

The last couple of days we did surrealism, montage, chemical transfer and most interestingly - encaustic. A very old painting technique using beeswax and pigment with heat.

Of course one day back at work and I feel I have never left. Still the same old, same old. To make matters worse they up and annouce changes that effect my job while I am away without talking to me first. Now of course the manager is away for 3 & 1/2 weeks... but I can wait! I am like an elephant. Perhaps they they will make me redundant. I wish, they couldn't afford to I have been there too long. Seriously tho that won't happen but I would so like to leave ...so bored now. But at least it pays the bills.

Enough blabbing here is one pic I tried to post last week. One half of a pair , which will be lonely for a while longer until I finish my fashion parade entry.

As you can see plain stocking stitch, it was a jaywalker but some how my guage was way off so as we were away at the time and I needed to knit so just did it plain. Fits Ok and will be warm. If this summer is anything to go by we will need them sooner rather than later. The weather has gone mad. Freezing long winter and no summer , well a couple of days this week are finally warm enough to think beach but will it last.. hmmm.

Here is the bottom border of the knitted dress I am currently working on. You may just make out the modular squares and diamonds that I worked together and joined in the round before picking up the stitches to start the rest of the body. I have until the middle of Feb to get this baby finished so the chase is on....

Some of you may remember this wrap I knitted as the result of a club challenge. We all swopped small lengths of yarn and had to use them in a project. We were allowed to add our own colour. So I made a wrap using the modular squares and triangles. Then added a border and pom poms with beads.

Anyway to cut a long story short I ended up deciding if I knitted a dress to go with it it could be entered in our national fashion parade.. so much knitting later I am now up to the bust line nearly. [ Of course now it is big enough to be like a blanket on my knee the weather warms up and with my menopausal body, boy is it hot at times!!]

Another PS , no way is this for me, with a shape like that definitely a "10". Trying to resist the temptation to make it strapless.

Only the top then sleeves and neck band to go, will I make it ... watch this space.

Knit on all I am off to do some more rounds of brown.... Cheers

Goodbye christmas and hello summer

2007-01-09T17:41:00.000+13:00

Well we hung on until twelveth night. But it was rather strange all around us christmas decorations came down and summer sale and back to school sale signs poliferated. We did our bit and had the lights on, watched christmas movies and gave gifts etc but we were definately in the minority.

So all is away again until next year and the house looks kind of sad and bare. A bit of sun would help!! Hmm it has warmed up a bit as in I can now leave off the coat but the layers stay.

Here is our tree in all its glory of the old and new and treasured.

But a least now our "New Zealand" Xmas tree or Pohutukawa is in flower. They say you can tell how hot the summer will bne as to when it is flowering. Well this year it waited until after christmas so guess we are in for a late and cool one. Surprise, surprise...!!!

But it is summer and now is time for my annual treat. That is art school. I wanted to do jewelery this year but was a bit slow to put my name down so am doing collage instead. I am really enjoying the process and it is much easier than the stone lithography I did last year. I have heaps of ideas already. Here are two works in progress.......

Picasso style...

and Matisse ....

Hmmm and here I was going to show you the latest pics of knitting and blogger won't play ball... ah well guess it well keep until next time.

Cheers and knit on >^..^<

Happy new Year all!!

2007-01-02T14:46:00.000+13:00

Hmm , hi and happy New year to all. I can't believe it is 2007 already.

This year DP and I have been trying to keep the "spirit" of Xmas alive a little longer. Everything is so geared to commericalism these days. Xmas starts even before Halloween, decorations up and all the ads "pushing" buy, buy, buy. Once the 25th arrives Xmas is just forgotten when really it should be the 12 days from the 25th. Soooo we have been trying to stretch it out. Everyday we have been doing small things. Such as on boxing day for the past two years we have taken plates of homemade shortbread and chocolates to the Police station, Fire station and Ambulance station. This year we took hot muffins and shortbread and chocolates to work on the 27th for afternoon tea break and so on.

We have ideas for next year already, Xmas cakes and shortbread to the old peoples home down the road and we are going to find out who has no visitors and send cards and cake to them.

Family Xmas's can be stressful this year a case in point. DS2 is still not talking to me when I had to "rescue" the situation over access with the grandkids who are back home with him now. [He'll get over it. Hopefully sooner rather than later.]

Anyway New years resolutions.... well I have made mine just have to see if I can stick with it all year. And no it is not "not buying any stash".!! I am realistic as to what I have a hope to stick too. One is to refuse to be the "piggy" in the middle!!!! They are just going to have to grow up and talk to one another.

Anyway my "Xmas " thing to share today is a small "tour" of some cheer at home.

First up when you have walked up the front steps past the garlands with fairy lights and candle lit lanterns to the front door.......................

The green door pull plays up to 4 Xmas tunes in rotation. This was DP birthday gift as he was really taken with it. We have more garlands and wreath with of course the special key for Santa to get in as our chimney is on the small side.

Welcome in.... past the small gold Santa and two small trees and candles and tinsel, oh and the bells on the back of the door more fairy lights with garland tinsel and "merry christmas".

Next into the ktchen and dinette past the advent house complete with a door for every day of December to the small display on top of the TV.

See the small bear, well he has Washington DC on his tummy. He lives there to remind me of DS1 in Maryland. There are elves and and more candles etc on the table.

Next up the dinning room cum library. Here we have a large Xmas arrangement and more candles Santa ones this time with wooden folk art trees and a handwoven santa mat.

Oh a half eaten Xmas cake , want some tea and cake??? Perhaps shortbread... or a chocolate or two?

The dining room also has our fibre optic tree and rocking chairs complete with matching Santa hats etc. We have been sitting here at night listening to Harry Potter and the Half blood prince while doing the Xmas wasjig.

Now the lounge coffee table has a very large arrangement of pine and candle. We have a small collection of Xmas books collected over a a few years so please few free to stop for a read. The most popular one has been the old second hand one which tells you how to have a sucessful house party complete to presents, menus and games.

We have had 2 small gatherings this year around this table. One the week before and one on boxing day.

Now meet the boys...They are been added to yearly and welcome a cuddle or two. The grandkids love these, especially baby as he "talks".

Now our lounge TV. A small wooden tree and in the background a wind up one that snows while playing Jingle bells, this to go with the small Xmas candle lights that were my DP families and all the hanging balls etc from the beams.

This lot has been nearly moved today as it has been so cold...brrr. But we did add to the village this year with some that light up at night. There is a star hanging above the houses not visable in this pic.

Well that shows a small portion of our Xmas decorations all of which will have to go away until next year come 12th night. Such a pity as the house looks merry and bright. Oh should have mentioned the soft music as well , we have several CDs to play.

Of course we have our main tree as well some of which shows in my last post. Sorry blogger only lets me post 10 pics at a time.

Just in case you are wondering if this is still a knitting post, lol I have been slowly working on my entry for the Creative fibre fashion parade this year. I really must get on with it as it has to be finished by mid Feb. I promise a pic of this next. Oh and I have nearly finished the toe in the ex Jaywalker sock.

Hope all is well with you and yours. All the best for a happy and properous 2007.

Xmas greetings [ belated ! ]

2006-12-28T08:11:00.000+13:00

Hi all, I can't quite believe it has been nearly two months since my last post.

At times life just gets away with me. No excuse really other than at times like that I don't always feels like putting pen to paper or in this case finger to keyboard. Even this post "feels" a little hard.

So what has happen... well mostly non-knitting related so a brief overview....

A birthday... hmm at my age one wants to forget these. Has it been really that long since I left high school.

A systems upgrade at work.. enough said other than it involved alot of training, testing and once we went off line for two weeks and then back on a huge back log using an unfamilar system which is slower. Yes I know upgrades are meant to improve function but when you move from a system typist based to one windows based which means using the mouse alot it is a real pain. Anway as I said enough.................... other than I really didn't want to face a computer at home after that.

My DP also had a birthday, a significant one at that. So we went to the mountain so to speak and visited with his family in our "garden city" of Christchurch for a party. A barbecue alto it is meant to be summer.............brr. We have yet to see much sun, mostly cold wind and showers, not to mention the icebergs. But that is another story.

But the gardens were very beautiful and the one long walk we managed was hot and lovely.

The trip involves a 4 hour crossing of the strait between our North Island and South Island. It can be a rather rough stretch of water and it certainly lived up to its reputation!

Once off the boat it was a 6 hour drive to Christchurch. This was a better day and the mountains were lovely. I even managed a little knitting. Until I tried on the sock. The observant will notice that I was knitting the jaywalker socks. I don't know what went wrong but just after this pic I tried it on. Too tight so rip, rip. I redid it in stocking stitch as no other pattern with me. Hmm up to the toe I must finish this.

Anyway once back home we were back into the custody battle in the family court. Which only took two visits to court over two weeks then a further two weeks of deciding to make an interm order. Fortunately in my DS2 favour. But right before Xmas which made it a rather stressful time trying to arrange access over the break. So now DS2 is not talking to me. I'll live but one could get angry about it. Once they arrive back from their Mum's and he needs help no doubt he will come around.

Then of course all the rush and bustle of Xmas. It has gone smoother this year altho I left it rather late to post DS1 parcel to Maryland. Then discovered I couldn't send him his usual treat of Kiwi chocolate without a pin number on the parcel. So had to repack it at the post office and then paid an arm and a leg to make sure he got it in time for Xmas. But it was worth it. I so much miss him. It has been a long 3 years with out a hug. Hmm if he is still there next yeat will have to try and find the money to visit.

Anyway as usual time is slipping away so just to prove that I have been crafting I have finished two more scarves on the knitters loom. I am also working on the knitted dress to go with my wrap for the fashion parade at this years creative fibre festival but no pics of this yet.

Here are the scarves tho.

Oh and it hasn't been really warm enough for the garden but we have had a bumber crop of cabbages, cauliflowers etc this year. Thses babies are rather large. One on the right is 5 kilos and the other is 4. [ Garden fork for scale ]

I had better be off to bed , but a little Xmas flavour. Patches was making sure that santa knew where to leave the catnip mouse. Xmas stockings make such comfy beds.

Knit on all I will endevour to be a better blogger..

Hi , inserts wave here.

2006-10-29T22:01:00.000+13:00

Hmm having just freely handed out business cards to family and strongly suspecting that they may just come "visiting" it is well overdue to do an update. [ Warning here to the sensitive spelling and grammar are not my strong points ]

Blogging now... well it is rather addictive. It is all Stephanies fault. Her and her ideas re knitting olympics. It really started with me treating myself to some early christmas pressies and buying her first book. Then of course discovering her website and becoming hooked on daily updates and of course chat at knitty.com. not to mention all the links to other sites.....

And of course the Knitting olympics...!! Just trying googling that one... go on I'll wait. We even made the Time mag.

So of course I wanted to take part, but that entailed a rather steep learning curve. Html is not a familar language. To the observant you will notice that my side bar needs serious work. Hm oh dear I will get around to it one day. Then of course winter came around and the computer room was a fridge . Daily updates were no more.

Why the need to "air" my feelings and knitting updates out to the ether...??? Hmm perhaps I was always a bit out spoken. I can remember a few runs in with a dear auntie in my teens but then perhaps we were too much a like. Strongly opinionated. But we are the closest of friends. And I think that is the appeal. I now have many friends world wide. We may never meet but share similar likes and dislikes. We rejoice and grieve together. Share receipes and photos. [ Talking of grief please spare a thought for Kristi and Noel as they have lost one of their prescious 3 babies ]

But most of all we knit. And boy do we knit... the world together hopefully. We laugh a lot as well as let it hang out.

So an update you say.. to start a DM's birthday dinner yesterday with said family. An ice cream cake...hmmmmm!

Inbetween spring cleaning the underhouse space and trying to reclaim room from DS's x2 stuff I have done a little weaving.... on this

[ Since this photo was taken I have nearly woven half ]

Remember this..... well it turned into this a small first size baby jacket from here which will be posted off tomorrow for DP's great nephew Harry. I am now working on another for the next baby due in 3 weeks. I must admit tho that I am making slight changes to it as I am not keen on the neck in the book.

I have also finished a pair of socks to go with the next jacket This is a great pattern and I can easily knit a sock a night. Much quicker and easier than booties.

I have been doing a little of this altho the weather has been the pits lately , wet cold and windy. Yuk! But we have now had 3x 5lb cauliflowers as well as the broccoli and the broadbeans just about ready to pick.

And what can you do when it is the above mentioned wet, cold and windy.......

..........why catch up on the beauty sleep of course. All 23 hours a day of it.

Cheers , knit on all in hope and confidence

Guess what?!!

2006-10-15T14:37:00.000+13:00

Busy with kids today so a little something to tease.

First up one of my lastest knitting projects....

What is it????

Then have been spring cleaning , have 5 [!!!] of the left item and 2 of the other, what are they....!!!!???

Cheers, normal service resumes soon.

Black dog days and therapy

2006-10-10T22:24:00.000+13:00

Hm, this post was nearly started several times but really when one is having a black dog day one isn't company even on a blog.

This year has been so great, it was like New Year rolled around and I had this "This is going to be the year life gets better and more normal" feeling. Then I discovered blogging and friends far and wide , then the knitting olympics and well the rest is history as they say. [ Altho have to be honest must spend time figuring out and tidying up the sidebar.!]

But only now just the odd day that black pit of grief opens and I whallow for a while. So many losses and so much buried grief..... This past month has been so strange. The kids go to their Mums' now every second weekend. This is great and I really enjoy having every second Sunday "off" but I am like a lost soul. So much I could do with the time but can't seem to get to it. I realise they were a good distraction , kept me busy and "out of my head". So this week Sunday rolls around and I sink into grief, no kids to distract. How one can feel so lonely in a crowded room. But now at least I had the sense to go do some gardening , go for a walk, drive up and visit Mum. By then feeling more "normal". Nothing like pulling a few weeds to dispel a black mood.

Nothing like getting in a car , turning the stero up and putting the foot down as well, but that is not the safest option. :)

When my husband was so sick and begging me to "let him go" I said that I couldn't as when he went I would lose myself as well. And in a way it feels like that at times. He was the one I shared so many memories with, the kids growing up , holidays, no one who remembers those days now. I feel on these times that I have lost myself as well. It is not easy rebuilding a life at 50, starting out again is so hard.

But I AM MAKING IT..... it is just taking longer that I thought possible and I am old and tired at times.

Anyway that was Sunday. Yesterday had such a lovely day at home pottering about , tidied the garage , got rid of lots of junk and best of all, knitting , weaving and spinning. See this is my therapy.

But I tell you, what I wouldn't give for an electric yarn winder.....!!!!! After winding 5 balls of fine 2ply Merino in black and white for my next weaving project my arm was ready to drop off.

Two pis of the loom ready to go.....

But I think I may need to borrow a finer reed with more DPI this one seems a little to wide...hmmm.

Next up, finally I have managed to find a brown yarn that goes close enough to the yarn I already had. Remember this... well in the pic below you can see a square I had left + the one in the middle which was the original sample and one on the right which is the first of the squares knitted to go around the hem of the dress to go with the above. I hope to finish it to put in our fashion parade next year.

Next up is a rather blurry pic of some spun hemp plyed with silk. Half of a sample I am doing for our advanced spinners group. Will do the next half and ply with linen. So must get on with it as it should have been finished weeks ago. [ post script - have now spun half the rest of the hemp so getting there.]

Now a finished object with a banana for scale. They are so "cute". I am now up to the heel on the second pair so they should be finished in good time.

Last but not least a new project. Some tencil to spin. Hmmm it should dye well and be part of a devore project. Perhaps plyed with silk and knitted into a lacy scarf with burn out areas.

Anyway you can see what a lifeline craft has always been for me. Better away to turn a heel. Knit on all.

Cheers >^..^<

Action updates!!

2006-10-06T18:14:00.000+13:00

Hmm I think after a few more months I will have to start using the old "vol 1 # 3" etc. In other words title ideas are drying up.

Anyway readers may remember me mentioning doing a course a couple of weeks ago by a well known NZ weaver, Anne Field. The subject was devore. Now this was aimed at weaving but 3-4 of us in our club requested being able to do it with knitting. Now Anne is in the process of writing a book on this techinque so was more than happy to do so as she wants to include knitting in her book. So I can only give you a short idea of what is involved.

Basicly we knitted samples, put on templates and painted on the solution either with the templates or freehand. Once dry the solution was heat set to acitvate it then washed out. The idea is to use both plant and animal fibre. The plant fibre is etched out of the final fabric.

It was a great day and produced some differing results. Definately a learning process. Some samples worked well and some didn't. But it has given me many wonderful ideas. Now just to find the time.....!!!!

This is a before shot. It shows the knitted sample and the stencils applied.

This pictures shows two finished samples. You can see the "washed" out patterns where the solution was applied. The lower one the white areas is the washed out patches.

The next pic show another sample where I tried using text.

The finished sample. It was difficult to keep the solution in the right area so the letters became blurred.

The small sample to the left used over twisted yarns. This baised and pleated on washing out.

Anyway a very interesting day. By the way I attended the Textile fibre forum lectures today. I would have loved to go to the workshop but couldn't really afford the $500NZ for the week. Perhaps next year.

Now some finished objects. I discovered that our young cadet at work, a 20 year old young man was "expecting a baby" not only that it was his second!!! So knitted these. Of course the baby arrived early before I had finished. But they have now been passed on.

It was rather fun to knit booties again. I can't think how many years it has been....!!

Next up I finally got around to twisting the fringe on my red scarf I wove. Here it is waiting to be washed.

Now talking about baby clothes DP has two nieces expecting next month so after enjoying the booties decided to knit some more. Now having an aversion to making more than one of anything hunted up this.....

.....from here.

An early birthday present, which I am enjoying reading at the moment.

Now I also am in sock mode so ........

No pic yet but have now got this far on the second of the pair. Knitting one at a time this time.

By the way while talking about babies do go and visit Kristi. She needs all the encouragement she can get as she is on bedrest for another 6 weeks or so ... go on I'll wait.

See the scans aren't they cute already.

Now a bit of excitement at work, we have had another southerly with cold biting winds and snow from the south. It was peeling off the sign next door to work so the fire brigade came to take it down. Of course it was when I had the kids so they had a great time watching out the window as the fireman chased the pieces across the carpark.

Now last but not least.....the Model railway clubs had their annual show so DP and I took the two DGC along. Great fun was had. Here they are "driving" Thomas. Of course the favourite of DGD
was the one complete with smoke and sound effects.

Oh well late again and working again tomorrow, better be away to bed.

Knit on all see you soon.

Warning: this may take awhile, pic heavy post!!

2006-09-26T23:01:00.000+12:00

Finally!!! after a few days of frustration and fiddling around I have managed to get some of the pic loaded.

I am now using my laptop having brought a small computer desk for the back bedroom cum office. Ok, ok it is in front of the wardrode, only available space but at least it is easier to move than the bookshelf on wheels which was there before. [ Now in the passage awaiting a new home. Hmm perhaps over 32 bookshelves in even a 4 bedroom house is a little much.]

I think, after some playing around that XP may be more Blogger friendly than Win98 hence trying the laptop. Which by the way still needs reloading but seems to be running better after a clean up and removing some games, eg Age of empires, Civilisation, Cluedo etc.

Again life has been somewhat full. We are still upgrading at work and this will take some weeks yet. We are also short staffed and I have been trying to do 3 jobs this week.

Anyway on with the pics promised last post. First up remember our weekend trip?

Well it was rather dark in the hall to take many pics but here is the lake we had our lunch next to. It is in a large park with adventure playground, train rides, boat rides and funny enough a large cemetry in the middle with graves of early setters to New Zealand.

But it is spring and the gardens were beautiful. Masterton always has a lovely show at this time of year, here is a magnificant Magnolia tree in full bloom.

Next up is DGS and his 5th birthday celebration at Kindergarten. They are currently on holiday for two weeks and he starts school next term. On their leaving day they get to have their face painted [ he's spiderman] and to ring the bell to bring in all the kids for a special birthday mat time. It is so hard to realise he is 5 already.

Here is one of the reasons I have been busy... another train cake. James this time as he is #5.

I must admit I kind of hope he is into something easier next year.!!

While at his leaving day I managed to get this nice shot of DS with "his kids" at work. He is so enjoying his new job at the kindy. There was a program on the news the other day saying how few men work in a preschool situation. They are frightened they will get wrongly accused of child abuse. There is such a need for men to take part to make it more "balanced" for the children. So sad these days that the best get put off by a few.

Anyway this is meant to be a knitting blog so here are my two entries in our area exhibition. It is the one on the right which was given a merit award.

I will have to go back tomorrow for some closer shots as it closes on Sunday. Oh and remember the socks knitted 2 at a time on 2 circulars? Well just to prove I haven't been sitting around here they are finished. It was good to finish both at once but if I repeat this will try to get some shoter circs, the ends nearly drove me nuts.

Oh I have been trying, vainly to catch up on some gardening as well...look what I found under the plum tree at the bottom of the garden. There is one more spike in bud as well.

Anyway considering the lateness on the hour I am away to bed. Gillian I did make my Tangelo marmalade as well. Came out lovely although not as tart as I like it. But not everyone likes it that way. My DP thinks it is great. Now to try the ginger one...

Cheers all, knit on

Yes I am still alive!! [ and kicking ]

2006-09-18T23:08:00.000+12:00

Contary to popular opinion I have neither been blown up, dropped off the face of the earth or , more likely carted off by men in white coats.

I have however been keeping up with reading my fav sites. I need something to keep me sane.

No pic this post that will have to wait to come with the details. However I can fill you in quickly with the reasons I have been so slack about this writing business.

Now where did I leave off...hmm let me see.....

Oh yes we had recovered from the big birthday bash and had headed over the Waiarapa [sp. will need to check this one] to a spin-in. Well the trip was great if somewhat delayed due to having to attend a car accident just outside of kindy when I dropped off my grandson on Friday morning. I have the dubious pleasure of been the first aider at my place of work. My employer pays to have this updated regularly. [I have had to use it occasionly have even preformed CPR once.] So when I heard the squeal and following crunch knew I had to go see if all were OK. Thank goodness for car seats. The 2 year old was Ok other than a cut tongue, from her teeth and her nanny's seat belt saved her. A truck had crossed the centre line and written off the drivers side of the car. They were very fortunate they were travelling fairly slow at the time.

So after that slow start we set off and had a lovely time window shopping on a lovely sunny day. So nice to feel the warmth of the sun again. Heh remember this when I complain about a hot summer. I managed to time our trip with the last day a yarn shop was closing in the Hutt so managed to get some last bargains. Mostly some small needles as in short circs. Good for sock knitting.

We also did something I have never done stopped for lunch in the summit cafe. Now this I can recommend. We had a yummy soup and roll. In fact the bowl was so large we couldn't eat the cake to follow.

Then on to Masterton and and a nice Motel and stroll around the centre and shops.

The next day was just as warm and fine. Had a lovely morning catching up with friends and a little stash enhancement. Didn't manage to get the brown yarn I wanted tho so will have to go back to the drawing board on the design I was planning. Hmm did get some ideas tho.

We have now had two week-ends without the childern. It feels so strange. We almost don't know what to do with ourselves. Note almost...!!!

It has also been my DGS's 5th birthday and we have had cake and Kindy parties etc. So have been somewhat busy again in the kitchen. Another train cake this time James as he is #5 in the series of Thomas the tank engine. Here's hoping that this is the last train cake I will make for a while.

On the work front , well it has been rather frantic. What with restructing, short staffed and interviews etc for new staff it has been busy. I have been given more responsilbility , which of course means more work. So have been somewhat busy trying to keep up. I am starting to see the woods for the trees now tho. On the down side we have a major systems upgrade happening. Altho the boss of course says only minor changes. Yeah right pull the other one. The section I work on as in borrower records goes from 3 pages of data to over 10. I can see that throwing some. Anyway as from tomorrow I am having training on this so this busyness is not going to go away in the near future.

This of course means I get home in front of the TV at night and either doze off or can't be bothered facing another computer screen. So sorry about the blogless state...

Oh what's that you say...??? Knitting?? Oh yes I have been doing some of that. The world would have to stop to make me put down the needles. But even here I have been busy. The Wellington area has it's exhibiton on at the moment. This meant finishing my last entry and getting all four ready to send , plus the form filling etc. I managed to get two items in and oh I sort of managed to pick up a merit award for my brown domino wrap. The selector loved it apparantely. So we had the award presentation and opening last Sunday. So that kept me out of trouble.

I have also just attended a workshop taught by Anne Field a well known weaver and author. She was treaching weavers the devore techinque which she had spent some months working on with Ann Sutton in England. A group of knitters, 4 of us from our club convinced her to let us attend and try the method on knitting. Most interesting. I will show pics of samples later. However this meant having to knit 3 fine samples on small needles in time to take. This proved to be quite some knitting...!!! Anyway Anne is going to write a book about it and will now include knitting.

So that is about all. I must admit to being glad that things have quieten down.. I can now plod away on next year entrys and some "normal" knitting. Perhaps even get some WIP into FO. Oh and also more blogging... with pics next time. And a meme I have been tagged with.

Knit on all I am off to bed.

Musings of a mother

2006-08-29T21:54:00.000+12:00

Hmmm if you are looking for knitting not much this post, call back again.

No pics either although the temptation to post a baby photo or two was strong!!

As mentioned in the last post, a dear friend celebrated his 50th birthday last week, He mentioned that he wanted to remember his Mum in a special way as not only was it the day he turned 50 but the day to remember that she gave birth 50 years ago. He thought that was rather special.

That got me thinking in that birthdays are not only about us but our parents, especially our Mum's. [ Been one I know what they go through to get us here and raise us!!]

Yesterday , or today just been in the States was/is my DS1 33rd birthday. I just can't believe it has been so long....!!! Sorry son, yes 33 today!! """"Happy birthday ....!!!!"""

We may have modern tech but trying to get commication these days is not always easy so the much anticipated phone call today didn't happen.

So DS I hope you have had a great day, quiet I suppose as I guess you didn't let on to friends at all. Hmm!!!

This got me thinking, yes I know frightening thought!! Back 33 years in fact. When I was one week overdue in fact. They thought I may have problems so rushed me to theatre and had a "look see" so to speak. What I didn't know at the time was my husband at that time rung my parents and my Dad came in to keep him company while I was in labour. But as they didn't want to worry me he told DH not to tell me. So my first memory after seeing your blue eyes and mop of blond hair was my DD's huge smile of gratitude at his new grandson. That was a special moment. If I only knew that I would lose your Dad only a short 8 months later. Now my Dad is gone to so this remains a very special memory.

Hmm now another memory springs to mind. That of DGGM, [ dear great-grandmother]. A dear lady of a very strong fortitude!! [ Sadly no longer with us.] In those days one stayed in hospital for about a week after the birth and visiting times were inforced. So as she was a little early I walked down to the waiting area outside the ward doors. DH , now he was a man's man so to speak was waiting too. DGGM had as usual brought an expensive gift. In this case a teddy bear that could talk when you pulled the string!!So another special memory is of her continously pulling this d...med bear and talking in a loud voice while DH was going shh!!! shh!!! :)) [ We still have the bear , but he sadly no longer talks.

Anway now I have hopefully embarased DS a little I am off to do some knitting and or twisting of scarf fringe. The tassels are all finished on my wrap and I just need to wash and block before I attached them. But I will need to wait until the weekend as I think I need to supervise that if I don't want a good dose of cat hair included.

I am at that happy state of altho I have one or two items needing finishing I can start a new project....hmmm socks or jersey for me or that dress to go with the wrap or..... call back to see what I have decided.

We have taken Friday off work as there is a big Spin-in on in Masterton , a short trip away. So we are leaving and driving slowly over and window shopping all the second hand books shops , wool shops etc on the way. We will stay one night away and come back late Saturday. [I must remember the camera.]

Knit on all >^..^<

Where did the last ten days go ...??

2006-08-17T23:12:00.000+12:00

Hi all

I do swear someone up and stole them! The last ten days at least. Contary to the date that may appear on this post it is now the 27th of August and this post was started 10 days ago.

Life has been full, as usual but changes are afoot as Sherlock may have said to Watson. The family court degreed that the Mum now has access visits on alternate weekends from Friday pm until Monday am. Of course in their wisdon they just picked a date which has meant that this past weekend I haven't seen the kids at all. The house has seemed so quiet and still. No "Nannnnnaaaa" every 5 minutes. Ok I suppose but of course they just happened to pick the day of DGS's 5th birthday so I and his Dad weren't even able to ring him on the day. [ I did try but of course Mum has caller display and wasn't picking up. Felt rather sad about that.!!]

The time has been great, no where near so tired tonight but as DS now has them Tuesdays because of his new job I won't get to see them until Wednesday. I do miss them so. You know that "great they are on school camp, break , summer school , but this house feels empty ...etc", feeling. [Their Dad coped by going to friends for the weekend. But he does get to see them until Friday fortnight now.]

Of course it means we get our Saturday nights back as well. No more having to see the Mum when she drops them off and waiting for DS2 to come collect. We may even be able to manage a dinner or show out again ..!!!! Not to mention the mad rush home sometimes in order to be there in time for the drop off. I will not miss Saturday at all...!!!

On the knitting front I have been plodding away on my "wrap" and have now done half of the tassel's to attach. I was going to make silk cocoon tops to them but they didn't look right somehow. Also I decided that they need to have a little "weight" to them to give the whole thing more drape so have added beads instead.

Here it is with the first batch just laid in to see what it looks like. I will have to wash and block it before attaching them.

Only nine more to go..

I have also been twisting the fringe on the red scarf I wove. [ no pic yet] I am happy with this , my first weaving for over 20 years and am keen to warp up again. The knitters loom sure makes it easy.

I have also been making progress on the kiddies socks. Hmmm not sure if I like this method of working or not, jury is still out on this one. I think it would be easier with shorter circulars and also if the needles were different colours. You see if you pick up the wrong end you can get in somewhat of a muddle. Especially if the cat is asleep on your lap and "attacks" your knitting while you are trying to sort out where you are and it takes you half an hour and fiddling to get back to where you were.

Anyway as the pic shows I am knitting two socks at the same time on 2 circulars. Basically you are knitting one side and then the next using one circular needle per side. It does work well and I have now got up to the heel. [ 2 inches further on than this pic shows. ] Hmm this may be a challenge... More pics to follow later.

I have now got only 1 1/2 sides to knit on Aunties blanket and have cast on the fronts for DGD's jacket so am starting feel a dent in ths stash somewhat.

I have also been busy with more Marmalade and am sooooo pleased with the recipe from Gillian. Thanks so much!!! This has to be the best I have ever made. You see I have always done a lot of pickles and vegies but the past 2 years is the first for jam and marmalade for ...hmmm a few years :)) Since college anyway. Now I feel I have an understanding of the basic recipe I am keen to try other fruits eg Lime and Oranges.

Oh and this past Saturday a close friend had asked if he could have his 50th birthday party at our place as his wasn't suitable. So as two hoarders and hmmm shall we put it sometime housekeepers Saturday and errr Friday night as well was spent, putting away, picking up and cleaning. The bonus is of course a clean house. Hmm perhaps we can get away with it for a while now.

Of course I am still going to have to cook a birthday cake for DGS's party at kindy. He wants James , as in Thomas the tank engine this year sometime this week as well.

As well as fill in and post off my entry forms for our area exhibion which is on next month. I have four entries this time. First time since 2000 I think so good going.

And what do you do if your household staff is busy cleaning ... play with your favourite stuffed toy and when they "hide" you food on the counter because of mopping the floor...well just find it and eat it where it is!!! After having been out side in the pouring rain, yes that's right raining again and leaving muddy footprints on the clean floor, tablecloth and bench.... urrrrr.!!

Hmmm just been warned to go pick up my wrap as I had left it on the floor. You can guess why!

Catch y ou all again soon I hope.

Oh and by the way , many happy returns dear Son #1 for tomorrow!! :)) [ our time that is, next day for you ]

Busy, busy, busy.....

2006-08-07T23:00:00.000+12:00

Where have I been you may ask..?? Hmm I have snuck in here a bit guilty as I did post these pics as a draft 10 days ago but ...hm well life I suppose! So regular readers...sorry to take so long.

What with two car break downs, lawyers, WINZ , court councilors, school productions let alone try and keep up with housework and finish a project for our area exhibition next month.

But then I have always been one for a busy life.

First up school production, darling DGD looked lovely as a "rainbow dancer" and we enjoyed the show, as much as you can enjoy 5-7 years olds singing and dancing altho we were rather puzzled by the first number , "I am a little white duck..." when they had yellow costumes on. [ Decided they were ducklings!!] But all in all well put together and the kids really enjoyed themselves. [ Even the little sunflower who had to be rescued as he was falling off this seat asleep!]

Here she is , a ripped shoulder to her costume didn't stop the smile when she realized her Mum had come out to see her. That's right for the first time "both" parents were able to share in an important moment. Not at the same time tho. That will take a bit more time!!! Guess we are moving on and there is hope for the future yet.

She growing up so fast, hoping the past few years won't have a pay back when she hits 13. At least she can always come to Nana's.

Here is my exhibition project being given the once over by the resident inspector of all woolly comforts. Since this pic I have finished the knitting, at last and have now moved on to the long job of darning in ends. I know, I know I could have knitted them in as I go but as I wanted this to be reversible I wanted to make sure that the ends were not visible. [I will also need to give a little tug here and there to line up the points to the triangles]

Then it is on to the orange silk cocoons and tassels at the points. As you can see once again I am cutting it fine to the line. Entries have to in by the 7th Sept. There is only a zillion ends sigh!!

I have tho taken a little time out to work on this.....

Really keen to finish it but see above...sigh , my spinning wheel has been beckoning as well. But will treat myself to a few more rows before tea. We worked all day Saturday so had today, Monday off. Hence time to blog. Another cold southerly of course meant no gardening again. So inside by the fire. Hmm at least will be later.

Thanks so much to Gillian I think I am really happy with this years Marmalade. Altho it is definitely of the "Bitter" variety. Which is OK as we like it this way. Had more lemons than grapefruit so used half and half. There are nine jars + , there is always just a little too much for the last jar and not enough for another sitting on the bench cooling. Spooking the cat out as well as the lids "pop" sealed.

There is another large bowl full of fruit pulp in the fridge waiting for a trip to get more sugar. So later this week one night. But am so pleased as it was much easier than the recipe I have used in the past as it didn't take near as long to set.

Oh there are 5 large jars of pickled onions keeping them company so you can see I haven't been idle today.

I have also been working out this method too... I had a little trouble getting going but have now done the ribbing and have started the legs of a pair of junior socks. Remember the small ball of Opal I found in an op shop, well should be just enough for a pair for DGD. This has been a bit of a challenge and I recommend not trying this when tired!! Picking up the wrong end of a circular can take a bit of putting right! [ pic next time of progress ]

Oh and I have been here again as well and have picked up a large cone of boucle to ply with a half breed. Once spun of course....

Also paid a visit to Spotlight in their sale and got one or two novelties to use in woven scarves.

Anyway the news is on, better go and tackle the mountain of dishes and get tea. If you're lucky will post again in a day or two.

Knit on >^..^<

Circulars anyone?

2006-08-01T13:18:00.000+12:00

Hi

Just a quick post from work to show you all....look what arrived yesterday!

Very pleased with them and can't wait to try them out. They should be great for lace shawls as well as the magical knitting technique.

My only problem is [a] I need to finish my current project first before casting on and [b] bigger visa bill. Hmmm don't think I have ever spent so much on knitting needles before but they are certainly the creme la creme.

As for the supplier I am impressed they were ordered last Thursday via the internet and were here by Monday wow way to go. :)

Anyway in more general terms rather tired today, the funeral took more out of me than I thought. My MIL [ husbands that is ] would have been nice to have some support but DS1 is in Maryland USA and DS2 couldn't face it so ... But on a more positive note DS2 starts his new job as teacher aide on Thursday so as from next week should only have the kiddy run one day a week. Roll on October when I only have them alternate Sundays as well. I may have a life again.

On the knitting front ..well haven't got much done. Being too tired and last night woke up with the Patches [ the resident feline ] curled up on my knee with my knitting halfway through a row resting on her. Hmm she could have had some fun there.. just as well she was more interested in a nap.

But really must press on - entry forms have to be in at the end of the month and the finished item given in by the 7th Sept so most be more focused.

Back to work..

Spring is in the air...

2006-07-29T16:43:00.000+12:00

Ok so today is colder and showery but at least I can bear to sit in my craft studio and type without several jerseys, 2 wheatsacks and or a heater.

Our first daffodil for this year is out and braving the chilly blast from the south. There are heaps of buds so it won't be lonely for long.

I could have gone out today to a spin in but decided my time at home was more valuable to me than going out and spending money on yarn I didn't really need. You see if I went to a spin in there would be traders and traders mean I would have brought something. All the good intentions in the world would not have meant I could resist.

Now I had recently purchased some books if you remember this.. Well having read the book I really wanted to try out the technique so off to get a 120-150cm circular. Yeah right! Not one to be had. Not stocked in NZ , well not in Wellington that I could find. So after having read this.. decided to visit here and ask Wendy for ideas as to where to best obtain the best. I did considering doing this but after using the circulars we made to knit some of the armour for Lord of the Rings wasn't keen. I found the cord we were using "caught" on the varnish on the dowel. It annoyed me and I wasn't keen to repeat the experience. Perhaps unvarnished would be better.

Now thanks to Wendy mentioning my request on her blog and the kind suggestions and offers from knitters world wide I have now got several long circulars in the air as I write. I decided if I was going to do this that I would get [a] needles I know I enjoy knitting with [b] several as I am a lace knitter, or at least have been and want to get back to it and [c] Stick to your knitting had a sale and the prices seemed the best. At least the postage was not as high and I won't have to wait as long. :) [The new knitpicks have a wait on their order, I haven't tried them and they are heavier in weight, well so I believe. I will try them one day but decided I couldn't wait!]

So once again many thanks for all the kind offers and suggestions via comment and email. The world is in indeed a smaller place these days.

I have been slowly plugging away at this and am now nearly finished with the third and final strip. Just the side triangles to be knitted and the tassels to make. I suddenly remembered that our area exhibition is on in September so need to get busy if I am to finish it in time to enter. The theme is spring and looking out the window ... Yeah right!!! Rain and blustery wind again tonight. I will enter this and this again as well. Will put a low price on the cape and hope to sell it as the colours aren't quite me.

I did a little shopping some brown to go with the dress I want to knit to go with this for the fashion parade next year. Still having trouble getting the main colour for it but hope to pick up some that is close enough once I have finished the latest project. I did fall in love with these and may go back for some more. Shades of autumn..Beautiful Italian yarn.

I have been rather frustated in the lack of time to get the hundred and one projects done. Managed to get a little more weaving done as well as hoe the vegie garden during a dry period between showers. Took the kids up to see their great nana and spent an afternoon watching them play with her cat in the court yard garden. Until it climbed up a pergola and had to be "rescued".

It's back to work tomorrow, a funeral to go to and to help DS2 with the junior school production this week. DGD is a "rainbow" dancer and is all fired up for her first stage appearance. Her Mum is going Wednesday and Dad on Thursday so at least both parents get to see her. These split family situations can be a pain especially when you know who is piggy in the middle.

We have new coins being introduced tomorrow and as I am cashier at work among other things not looking forward to the next few days. Had a bit of work to prepare staff for the change and guess we will have a few problems , not all adapt or pick up new things so well. It will be intesting to see how often we balance this week.

Anway I am off to read the new Simply Knitting , my treat for a busy day with kids. Perhaps some more of Wendy's book and some hot milk. Gyming tomorrow.

I will leave you with this sunset from the other day. It might rain and blow but .......!!!!

Knit on >^..^< See you all again soon.

Arrival's

2006-07-21T13:18:00.000+12:00

Now call me silly and please excuse the inmature ravings but my parcel from DS1 has arrived! Admitedly can someone please explain how New Zealand became part of Australia!!! Australians please excuse this comment but us Kiwis are rather proud of being independant!

This will explain while having paid an exhorbiant amount for airmail postage it took twice as long to arrive as it should have. [ Really son , I could have waited ... $30US was rather a lot..!!]

[ Reads missent to Sydney....]

Excuse the enthusing but a box full of parcels to unwrap!! I waited until after tea then opened them slowly over the evening. Just to prolong the pleasure. [He had kindly wrapped each item separately.] It gave me such a funny feeling, he had wrapped and touched these...OK I know I am being silly but it has been so long since I have seen and given him a hug.

First up was a grey hoodie with the emblem of his work place. Very useful for walks and gyming.

Next up a couple of friends to keep me company on my knitting light. Again these little guys have jerseys with the emblem on.

Also a lovely table mat, runner. Now the pic doesn't do this justice at all. It is a lovely dusty rose and fawn. It will look great on the lounge coffee table which is very large and a dark wood. It happens to match the new chairs and seatte very well. I will however keep this a while before putting it out as I don't want the kids on it. [ They play down there with the toy box in the corner]

And last but not least three, yes that's right not one but three PC games!! Just my / our sort as well. We have had a lot of pleasure with Age of Empires, Myst etc. It just so happens that I have been a great fan of Agatha Christie for many years, have all the books. So I am really looking forward to playing this one.

As you can see 4 pens as well. Three with tip up moveable figures in and one which will be going straight into my bag to use.

I have missed DS1 so much that to have such a wonderful parcel of things to enjoy and feel close to him is something I just had to share.

But i have also been busy with this... An all day spininng and knitting course with one of out national tutors. We played with spinning mulitcoloured slivers and mixing colour into plying.

We also experimented with patchwork knitting and a sample including a ribbon woven effect. Ok I have to admit that I already knew most of the course content but it was so lovely to sit and spin / knit all day. A rare pleasure. I would so much like to get back into my spinning. It's not like I am short of spinning fibre....!! Hmm better not own up to how many fleeces I have stored away , not to mention slivers. Shhh!! But as usual time is my enemy. Lack of that is. One day... watch this space.

On the knitting front I have got more done than anything else. You can blame the weather here. What else can you do when it is so cold and wet but sit next to the fire and telly and knit.

So I have now finished the second strip to the wrap and have started the third. Pic shows the end of the second being worked.

I have sewn up and ended off all the ends for this. I am now half way around with a knitted on border. Just a plain one 9 sttiches incorporating an knitted I cord edge. This was meant to be a birthday prensent for my Auntie in april but better late than never. i hope to give it to her next time I see her. I also forgot to take a pic of the finished Fetching as I was in such a hurry to send them up to Mum but the came out really well with the little pearls sewn on in the folds of the cables.

Now a pic of the loom and the "inch" which all I have had time to weave as yet. You can see the noverty yarns I am using to make my scarf. It was certainly easy to warp up and the weaving is easy, once I get time that is!

Now some excitement while finally getting to hang some washing out, yeah a fine day. Sun what's that...!!

An Iris and the Camelia is flowering perhaps there is life after winter after all!

Well I am off to bed to read. Kids tomorrow so if it's fine we will be off to the park, feed the ducks etc. My DGS is 5 soon so off to school after the next school holidays. Access visits are changing so every Sunday may be a thing of the past soon. It will seem strange having Sundays to myself again. I supppse I will really miss them... but not at first!!

One bit of good news tho DS2 has been offered a job at the Kindy as teacher aide. He is so wonderful with children and really wants the jobs so this may be a new begining for him as well.

Knit on all , see you soon >^..^<

Knitting at last..!!

2006-07-09T22:57:00.000+12:00

We have just had the most wonderful two days! At last sun and calm. In fact one could be forgiven for thinking that spring may be just around the corner. I sure tho that winter hasn't quite finished with us yet. But hope does spring eternal.

One thing we will have to do come spring is dig under the house. Whenever we get really heavy rain the water seeps through the bank of earth under the house and gathers behind the garage concrete floor. So the only option appears to be to dig a soak pit. There is no where to run a drainage pipe to so we will be "trenching" come spring. Any volunteers to help...!!!??

I have been busy in the garden again, this time planting garlic, shallots and leeks. The garlic was a little late but who in their right mind was going out there is the dark in that storm on the 21st June..!!! This is also a first to plant shallots. I believe they bunch and grow fairly quickly and as we are a fan of onions and make our own pickled ones, note Gillian I am keen to try these. As for the leeks I had hung out to buy a bundle rather than a pot as I wanted large ones and less to plant. But whoever bundled them told a lie when they labeled them as 30 to a bundle..!! There had to be 50 at least! I gave up after doing about 45 or so.

Anyway as promised .... I also went a little for a little stash enhancement, as in fossicking in the specials bin at our nearest yarn store, shop.

Orange, one of my favourite colours as well as two kid mohair balls. They can go with my next purchase , from here more over... Thats right 37 balls of the finest kid mohair for just over a $1 a ball. The seller even threw in some free patterns, This is over 90% kid mohair and should make a beautiful jacket for work.

I also picked up for 50% off three balls of an Italian yarn. It has a lovely glitter eyelash ply. I have used some of this in the past two challenges and it knits up beautifully. Just a row or two here and there goes a long way.

Now what have I being getting up to besides kids, work, garden, moaning about the weather etc etc. Well I was talking to my DM the other day and it seems this very cold weather we have been having has made her thumbs ache quite badly so I remembered these from here. I cast on last night and have finished the first one. I am now nearly 2" done on the second and hope to have them finished and posted to her by Wednesday. I am making a couple of small changes to the pattern. they don't fit as snug as I would like about the knuckles so will decrease across as I cast off and do the picots to draw them in little. Also as it is her thumbs that are aching I have knitted the thumb a little longer as well. They are certainly quick and the cables make for a nice fit. I may even sewing on some small beads in the folds of the cables to dress them up a little. I personally would prefer the green of the original but DM is a "pink" Person.

Next up I have finally warped up the knitters loom and have just to thread the reed and tie off at the front and then I can start weaving. I am starting with a red scarf for me and if this goes well will try some for gifts.

Here are the yarns I am using, a feathers, a ribbon, a eylash and another smaller eyelash as well as the doubleknit I will use to for the weft.

Red is another favourite colour by the way!!

Next up is the challenge #2. It is coming along well and I have 2/3rds finished the second strip. Just one more strip then the side triangles to knit and tassells to stitch and hang.

This is proving interesting to knit but rather boring as well. [ If this makes sense] One of those wish it would hurry up and be finished projects.

Anyway that is it for me tonight, better get off to bed! By the way the weather has been so cold I have been reallt pleased and getting a bit of wear from my festival jacket and some hand knitted knee high socks as well.

Knit on all >^..^<

When it is not snowing.................!!!

2006-07-05T15:44:00.000+12:00

This pic was taken on Monday the 3rd of the Center of the North Island and now we have ............. flooding!!

It has been raining cats and dogs today.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3722273a10,00.html

Looking forward to spring and some of this... my favourite walking spot!!!

More knitting news soon.

Knit on>^..^<

If you can't beat them.........................

2006-07-03T21:02:00.000+12:00

Hi all, thought if you can't beat them join them! In other words the craft cum computer room is so cold these days that posting doesn't hold the same appeal. So here I am in front of the fire with my laptop. And of course who has the best spot , on the sheepskin and twitching no doubt dreaming of catching mice....!! The fire must be getting up heat as she has moved a lttle , she did have her tail right up on the slate health earlier.

Anyway the laptop does have the advantage of being portable but really needs reloading. I had a hacker on it with virus's etc. it is now "cleaned" up but needs reloading to get it running better. Just haven't got around to it. [ read here don't know what I am doing so have put it off! It could end up worse!]

The past week has been a better one and now it is school holidays for 2 weeks which makes life easier. As in the next two days only have to run the kids to one place, day care instead of school, kindy with a real rush after work to get to pick up DGD by 5.55pm. So life is slightly easier. Roll on August when DGS turns 5 and they are both at school. I can't believe he is going to be 5. He was only just one when they first moved in with me. So much water has been under the bridge since!!!

I haven't done alot this past week. Still getting back into routine and resting after the "kiddy challenge"!

I did manage to do some more planting and hoeing in the vegie garden. Planted some more cabbage, cauli, broccoli etc. I have got garlic, shallots and leeks to plant this coming Saturday and except for hoeing can forget it for a while. The winter garden always looks a little tidier as the weeds don't grow so fast.

Here are the broad beans and cabbages from the last planting. See Monkee one of my favourite "paths".

Last Friday night had a night out, first in ages. There is a small hall near here that has been turned into a "lighthouse theatre". These are small cafe, cum movie theatres which only sit from 60 -80 people and have lovely comfy sofa seats. They are also licenced so you can have a glass of wine as well if you like. Anyway this one is new and has a lovely cafe and a view over the inlet and bird reserve. So some of us from work decided to have a "mid-winter" do. We had pizzas and drinks at work before heading out to the theatre for a showing and supper afterwards, Very nice. I would have taken knitting as it would be very easy to knit here as it is so comfy but didn't have anything with me that was easy to do in the dark. Ah well , next time.

It was so good thinking if having our Xmas do here. Have them cater a dinner and hire the whole theatre so we can request a movie. Would be something a little different anyway.

As for knitting slowly working on my next club challenge. I have knitted one strip and am 1/3 through the next, knitting it altogether as I go. The corner joins are a little tricky but it is coming along. Not sure if I like this one yet which probably explains why I don't have a pic to show you yet.

I have got a little side tracked with these.. and this and this and dare I say this as well!! I have also got a little hooked on this.... I didn't realise that you could pick up so much yarn cheap this way. I have just brought 37 balls of 70% mohair for just over a $1 a ball.

Anyway all these books and yarn ...I have so many ideas I want to start but need to finish some WIP. But some how at night it just seems easy to sit and knit what is at hand.

Must be the cold, apparently this winter has been the coldest in 30 years!! I would believe it too.
We have another cold southerly on its way north at the moment so was making the most of the sun today.

Anyway my knee is being "marked" out as a sleeping spot, the fire must be dying out a little! Better go and get supper. I will "tidy" and edit this up with links tomorrow from work so check back!!

Knit on >^..^<

"Catch-up.............time!"

2006-06-24T17:38:00.000+12:00

At last! Can believe so much time has past since I last posted. I haven't had either the time nor the inclination to sit and collect my thoughts to put "pen to paper" so to "speak". Hmmm.

"The" project my DS2 was working on has been finished by last Sat pm. As far as I know that is. He came home Sat night about 11pm and hasn't talked to me much since. Can't get anything out of him so have to presume all went OK. He seems very depressed and I can't make up my mind if it is because it didn't go OK or he is just very tired. He worked solid for 2 weeks with very little sleep and "lived" on his nerves to pull this one off, so this may be pure reaction. Anyway I have decided there is nothing I can do about it but move on as if all is OK. This seems to be working. So after a couple of sleepless nights worrying about him.... finally I am relaxing after having the kids for nearly 2 weeks straight.

In all they stayed with me for 5 nights in total and I baby sat them the rest until at least 10.30 each night. Oh as well as the usual running to and from school, day care etc etc. Man was I tired. How I did it first time around..!!!

I did try several times to get my laptop out and post but normally dozed off over the keyboard waiting for blogger to load. [ Did I mention how tired I was] As an aside am considering broadband. Xtra is offering free sign up ...it is very tempting , dial up is sooooooooo slooooooow!

Plus DP and I could be on at the same time...hmmm.

Anyway worked all day Sat as well so had today, Monday off. [ Ok the more alert among you will have noticed the date of the post is Sat, but I uploaded the pics at work on Sat hoping to post later but was so tired , did I mention how tired....]

So today was lovely. The house seems almost too quiet. No chatting 6 year old girl, [Boy even at 6 they can talk up a storm.] and no little boy playing cars and wanting to play Thomas and Friends on the internet. We caught up on some washing between showers did a little shopping and watched a movie and knitting, finally not too tired to do more than a few rows.

We did go over the Hutt and called in at Fenton's a yarn shop which is closing in about 8 weeks. I had hoped to get some more bargians but most of the best has gone now. Only got two more circulars , a couple of patterns and 3 balls of an expensive Italian yarn at half price.

Anway there has been between showers some of this................

Please excuse the angle of the pic and flash in the window. It was early morning and a bitterly cold frost outside but the sun was shinning with a rainbow. Very beautiful. [ I liked how the flash looked like the gold at rainbows end] Yes we have had sun. But oh so cold. I don't think we have had such a cold winter for years.

First the South got it then last week the North Island was cut off with nearly all the main roads closed through the centre with snow. The poor farmers have been feeding out and will run out of winter feed. The govenment has annouced its intention to help out with aid. They are still trying to restore power to outlying areas down south who have been without power for over 2 &1/2 weeks now.

Now to knitting....at last you may say!

Presenting ... the socks. It has only taken me 6 years to finish them. lol. I have now cast on a pair to try the 2 circulars method. I have taken it a step further tho and am trying a pair on 2 circulars at the same time. Will post when I have done enough to show.

My camera leaves a lot to be desired and the cables on the legs don't show but they are finished!!

The next pic shows my next challenge project. I tried several ideas with this including several different main colours. I had a hard task making up my mind and finding a colour I was happy with. I was determined to use some stash this time and not to buy any more. The yarns we all shared were a lot harder to put together than the last challenge. The yarn is a denim blue which seemed to match the best.

I finally decided on knitting strips using small amounts of the noverty yarns. I will knit 3 strips and knit them together as I go. Then will knit the side triangles and add beads and tassels. What is not apparent in the pic is that the strip is triangles knitted modular fashion and knitted together as you go. Where the rows of noverty are show clearly how the knitting goes in triangles.

I have 2 triangles to go on the first strip then I can start the second.

I did manage to get a half day last Thursday and took a class run by a friend who was teaching silk cocoon embelishment.

This is my test sample. It was meant to be a Xmas decoration but I decided that I liked the lime green and blue better then the red and green. It is shaped like a Fushia flower. My friend uses them to make earings etc. But I am going to use some of the cocoons dyed orange to decorate tassels for the above wrap.

Well that about sums it up. I haven't really done much as I have been a full-time mum for 2 weeks. Well it felt like it anyway. So am looking forward now to catching up on some projects. I want to get out another UFO, of which I have several. I decided that once the socks were finished that I should finish another outstanding project. So will it be the vest or should I try the little baby jersey...hmmm.

Anyway one thing hasn't changed it is frezzing in here! I am off to make supper and get into a warm bed with a book, catch you all soon.

"Rain, rain, go away..........."

2006-06-18T21:12:00.000+12:00

To whom it may concern,

The garden is now well watered, the house washed and the salt spray rinsed from the car. So it is quite OK now to stop raining. Else the basement is going to full up and the damp washing will litter the house.

Here is the view from the lounge window this pm. You may just make out the down pour and the overflowing birdbath!

Ok , hi all! Good news I have survived the first week and seem to have regained some energy and positiveness from somewhere!

DS arrived home by 12.20am last Thursday but I did sleep well that night and the next. I must admit to having the kids again to stay tonight but today was their last day/night of filming. They now have to get all the films developed and the editing and story writing continues. They have until Friday pm to deliver so guess I will be baby sitting again tomorrow and following nights. I have however been promised a couple of Sundays off so am tempted to "go away" next weekend. Even if the going away means locking the door and taking the phone off the hook!

DP and I have had much better space the past 2 days and in fact worked together to fix this.... [ I suppose I should be honest and say my helping involved helping to lift off and hold while nuts were tightened. DP did all the work]

Yes our clothes line had finally given up the ghost as in the main support pole had rusted through. And with a mountain of washing in the laundry had to do something...!!

So a new pole was inserted inside the old and 4 clamps and 3 metal stakes later........

It is stronger then before and hopefully will hold until we get a new one in the summer when concreting seems easier than now, see above re rain!

The observant will notice it wasn't raining while repairs took place and you would be right we did have a window when it was brilliantly sunny and calm and we managed to get all the washing half try before the rain. Now it is pouring again with a southerly and more snow down south predicted. I feel for those down there, last weeks has still not melted. The last I heard the army was taking supplies in by helicopter to isolated high country farms.

So the fire has been worth its weight in gold the past week or so and the soup in the freezer has been handy as well. Tonight made a quiche with onions and the last of the tomatoes. So from now on will have to buy fresh. Still 6 months of fresh home grown isn't bad.

I have managed to do a little knitting. I am up to the fronts of DGD's jacket and 2/3rd of the way to the toe on my sock. I think I have also managed at last to figure out my next challenge project. It is going to be another wrap but using a different strip knitting technique. After several starts and samples think I am happy with the results. The problem was the yarns are all so "out there" that they don't really go together well and need more "space" between them. So I will only be using a small amount every so often. I think this may work.

No pics yet, camera ran flat and I need to knit more to see what happens!

So all and all feeling much better than a week ago when we faced several days of the Gkids. At least it is only one night and a couple of baby sitting times this week. Roll on Friday. Of course the kids are happy and "love" coming here. I think I spoil them a little!!.

I am off to knit and defrost. Happy knitting all, catch you all tomorrow.

Argggggggggggggg!!!

2006-06-15T21:57:00.000+12:00

Well, DS2 had a safe if very snowy and cold trip home. As he didn't get in until 4.58pm the kids stayed with us. Once again DGD had difficulty nodding off however were both very good.

However the down side??... Well the comp doesn't finish until the 23rd June when the completed story board, film and photospread has to be in Auckland by 5.00pm that day. So will still have several nights of "baby sitting" this coming week.

So guess where I am? Yes that's right around at DS2's. Both are in bed asleep thank goodness so fortunately remembered my laptop.

Did doze off however while waiting for blogger to load!! Heh, heh this parenting is exhausting work. I am hoping he is home this side of midnight as I have work again tomorrow. "hardly worth going out if I can't have the flexibility..." tough! at my age you need all the beauty sleep you can get!!!

Last night didn't help by the time I got home it was 10pm and DP and I had one of those "I am so tired I will fight about any and everything" fights. So didn't sleep so well. We never fight!!! Seriously never!!! So this was hard. This whole bit of custody, court, child minding , battling WINZ etc is really getting us down. Over 2 & 1/2 years now.

Sorry if I sound so negative tonight just so tired. Nothing a good break and sit down with my knitting wouldn't help. But too tired even for that. Many try to tell me that DS2 takes advantage of my good nature but I find it hard too say no.

And to top it all off damaged my beloved car tonight on a concrete wall. My fault as I wasn't taking enough care. Fortunately not dented just scatched but it has scatched the metal so will have to fix or it will rust. So more good stash money ...!!!

Anyway just had to have a good moan. No knitting news other than I am slowly coming up with ideas for the next challenge. Have decided to join forces with two friends and make something as a team effort for next years fashion parade. I have also been checking out some Japanese design as our club exhibition has a Japan sister city theme. That and our area exhibition in September which has a spring theme is going to keep me out of trouble for a while.

Anyway this lap top is playing up again so will go do some knitting. Thank goodness I have bloggy "friends" to moan at! I would bust!

Knit on,I promise to try and bring some knitting news soon!!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

2006-06-13T09:30:00.000+12:00

A quick post as this room is freezing. I am huddled up here with 2 wheat sacks trying to keep warm enough to type.

One problem of being in air con all day at work, you feel the cold more at home. The fire is great but as the kids are sleeping in that room haven't been able to have it so hot.

They have been really good. Just a little slow to go to sleep at night as they miss their dad. Who is as I type headed home. They were meant to be home with him tonight but his friends car broke down last night which delayed their leaving Hamilton until 5 tonight. [ I do hope he drives carefully. ever since I lost my first husband in a car accident at 21 I am rather jittery about loved ones on the road and there is so much ice and snow about.]

Yesterday the weather really threw it at us. A strong blustery Northerly in the morning with heavy rain followed by a equally as strong southerly in the afternoon , evening. So cold and the most snow down south for more than 30 years.

Check this link to see...

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3699033a10,00.html

I had taken the afternoon off to pick up the kids and take them home to start the fire and tea. Got the fire going ok then the power started to fluctuate and then went all together. Of course DGD had hysterics as she is frightened of the dark and it was by then 5.00pm. So out came the candles and torch etc. We were warm enough but had to go out for take outs tea as the oven wouldn't work. They had cut the voltage to spread the load so we had dim lights but not much else. Anyway DGD decided it was fun once we had a candlelight dinner. Fortunately it came on in time to watch a little pony DVD to help them settle before bed!

So not much to report on the knitting front. I did try and do a sample of the next challenge but my brain is not co-operating with ideas at the moment. Might be something to do with the middle of the night visits from DGS. Don't know how I did it first time around. So tired!!! I am looking forward to a break.

Anyway I am off to thaw out and do a little reading before bed. May have more interesting news one day soon. Cheers!

Parenthood revisited!

2006-06-11T23:01:00.000+12:00

Hi all, yes I know it has been awhile but have been somewhat busy.

To answer Gillian's question from the previous post, the "brown and orange" challenge wrap/scarf is my own design. I tend to knit up my own or at the very lest make changes to any pattern I use. I find I don't like knitting patterns. There are normally mistakes etc. Besides as I get older if I use a pattern that means putting the glasses on at night to read it...!!! Rather tedious , especially as they always seems to be in the "other" room when I want them , just when I have got comfortable...!!!

With the scarf/ wrap I knitted the squares. then picked up the triangles from the sides and knitted them together. Note the middle triangles are more "acute" to make the wrap curve about the back neck area. Once all joined I used two circulars to pick up along the length of the top of the triangles. I then worked short rows to give a curved wedge shape at the top. I then continued in reverse stocking stitch in the middle third again using short rows to make a rolled collar. It seemed to work rather well.

I have now being trying to do the next challenge, in this case I was knitting another bag. But after doing a third decided I didn't like it so ripped it all out. Now trying to decide what to do next. Proablely a bag and or scarf but have to decide how and what with. The dark blue I was using with the random samples was too dark. I do have a denim blue from the stash which may work OK. Will have to sample and see.

I have tho almost finished the sock. I have also just about finished the back of DGD's jersey. But this weekend has had it own challenge. DS2 was invited to be the photographer on a 6 member team to take part in a competition run by Red Bull from Japan. 6 teams in New Zealand have been given $3,500 NZ each to film , photograph and come up with a story board which will be judged and published. [All 6 get published by the way.] This means however that from the 9th June to the 23rd he is very busy. He went away on the Friday 9th and won't be back until Tuesday night 13th. So guess who is "parent" of two darling children for the duration!!!! A 4 &1/2 and 6 years old!!!

They have been rather good altho the oldest is having trouble sleeping as she is missing Dad so much. Finally got her off at about 10.30pm so guess she will be rather tired for school tomorrow. I think parenthood is harder second time around. Guess I am getting a little old for this! Roll on Wednesday. Altho he will need a lot of baby sitting until this "project" has been put to bed. It was such a good oppurtunity but ....!!!!

Anyway the weather has been fabulous but cold with it. Last week we had some heavy frosts... as these photo's show. Can you see the white on the roofs?

In fact it has been so cold I have been wearing my woollen tights and shawls again. Here is a pic of the first shawl I knitted myself about 10 years ago. It is my favourite , no doubt because it is black and goes with everything.

This shawl has been worn and worn. It shows how durable a fine mernio shawl can be even when worn alot. It is so warm about the shoulders as well.

Oh well off to bed again. At least it will be warm there. There is now a howling northly blowing with rain gusts. Brrr. I am off to read up on modular knitting and see if I can come up with a design for the next challenge. If I don't get side tracked witht the knitters loom I picked up from Mum otday that is.

Knit on all. >^..^< I look forward to reading and catching up on your blogs tomorrow at work.

Finished!!

2006-06-05T16:20:00.000+12:00

At last pic's!! Here are the two from Saturday showing the new additions to the stash. Looking at the list of projects lining up I guess these will be next years winter warmers.

Golden for me and....

.... and Burgundy for DP.

The past 5 days seem to have flown. Not quite the break we expected due to heavy colds but so nice to be able to stay inside by the fire. Saturday DP's cold and cough had kept him awake on and off all night so I suggested he stay at home in bed and I drove up to see my Mum and Auntie. As you may remember I had convinced Mum to let me buy her the new "Knitter's loom" from Ashford.

I was able to help her warp up for her first scarf. It was a breeze! I am looking forward to seeing the results and to having a go myself. I have already decided to double, even treable some fine merino in black and white and do one in houndstooth check. This should be a good stash buster as I have a heap of fine merino from my days of lace knitting.

One of the reasons I have been buying a bit of wool lately is that most of the stash I have is not really suitable for jerseys. Mostly fine and odd balls. So this should work through a bit. May even bring in a bit of income as the gallery shop next to the library would sell them. Just need more time...!!!

Anyway Sat pm stayed in front of the fire and knitted. Once the kids went home that night was so tired from doing nothing dozed off and on. Anyway grandparent duties yesterday, Sunday that is. That was rather fun this week. Typical Queen's birthday weekend. Freezing cold southerly arrived which meant staying in side all day. So we made pancakes and had baths and peeled our own vegies for tea etc. I did make the mistake of not watching DGD closely and we nearly peeled the carrot right away but she had fun. She may be only 6 but is determined to have ago at anything. So may as well strike while the iron is hot. Won't be long before she is moaning about getting off the computer or phone to do anything...!!

We had an invite out for tea as well so didn't have to cook which was great but I do wish that people would realise that knitters need at least a small light to knit by as we watched a movie after and it was dark as... so didn't get any done. Now if I had thought I could have taken something plain ah well.

So today we decided to have a quiet day again in front of the fire as it has been so cold. The sun is now out but wouldn't melt an ice cream today, too cold brrr. So hopefully will have rid of this nasty cough by work tomorrow.

I did manage to finish this tho....

Finished off the last of the pom poms and sewed them all on. I happened to have some burnt orange wooden beads in the stash which added a bit of weight.

This second pic shows the rolled neck line I added to the middle third to give a nice edge to the back of the neck area.

So what next..?? Hmm let me see I have this sock to finish and the next challenge to start, looking like another bag at this stage and then there is DGD jersey not to mention... but the list could go on.

I just know it is freezing in this room so will go back to the fire to defrost. One thing about work is that as the internet is available all day on my desk top I can check sites on my breaks. It is warmer there. :)

So knit on all! >^..^<

Oh what a beautiful morning ..oh what a beautiful day...

2006-06-02T18:31:00.000+12:00

As you may have guessed things went well today.

It was a cold start, a bit frosty however but another glorious sunny and calm day. Anyone who lives in this area will know what I mean when I say calm!!! We normally have at the very least a slight breeze.

The lawyer was very encouraging and believes this is a last ditch stand of pique by the mother as she has been told she has "lost" her case. So we do nothing , just wait on the counsellor's report next month. Of course if she keeps refusing to go then there is nothing we can do about it. But she is NOT going to get any further access unless she is prepared to sit and talk about it. It really comes down to communication and if one party is not prepared to give up their alluison of control/power over and put the children first then it isn't going to work!

So feeling much better today. I did pop into the yarn shop sale but managed to restrain myself to the "real" bargians. This is where I was going to show a pic or two but of course unlike me Blogger is not having a good day! So will have to wait for that. I got enough 1o ply aran weight to knit two garments. A nice gold with a fleck for me and a burgandy for DP , his has a greeny blue fleck. They were only $1.95 for a 100 gram ball of pure NZ wool so a very good buy. [ Were about $8.95 ]

Then this pm have been back and forwards to the tip and recycling centre to help DS to clear out his garage. He has been clearing his section and needed the rubbish taken away. Have only just broken the back of this one as still more to do but we are waiting on the trailer.

Now just to get an early dinner and can sit in front of the fire with my knitting. I am now up to the armhole on the back of DGD's jersey/jacket. I have also made good progress on the challenge. Time to be thinking of the next one!

By the way no more mouse problems thank goodness. I think we will have to get a cat flap before next winter so we can keep the internal door closed to the garage. This may help a bit.

Still 3 more days to go , yipee perhaps some spinning tomorrow. Altho we have wood to move as the big wood box is empty which means moving it from under the house to the garage. I will earn a break tomorrow!

So knit on all. >^..^< From a much happier knitter tonight :)

Another day - a beautiful one at that too!

2006-06-01T23:21:00.001+12:00

Hi all

We have just had the most beautiful sunny clear windless day. It is funny but we quite often get our best weather in winter just cold with it. Tonight is going to be cold and frosty tho.

This week has been a better one. The stress level is still a little on the high side but as always life has evened out again.

Tomorrow is the day, but as before I suspect that it will be more of the same. Another affidafit and another few months will go by, then back in court for another round. At least the kids are happy and safe and hopefully reason will win through. I think we will just have to accept that this is the way it will be until they are 16 years or so.

At least DS2 has now had 2-3 years to give them a good grounding. They are very independant children and he is teaching them to look after themselves and each other. At four they can dress, undress, fold and put away their clothes, clean and tidy their rooms [ including make their beds], clean and wash their teeth and know to put their own seatbelts on in the car. He has been busy teaching them "to keep safe rules". As in with strangers, other men and road rules etc.

He is having a struggle with the GD in teaching her healthy eating as her Mum just lets her eat any rubbish but he is slowly winning there. Also Mum is not above starving herself and self image is a real problem so he wants her to grow up healthy with a good self image of her self.

They are delightful and very well behaved and polite. Still naughty at times but lovely children Can you tell I am proud of DS2? He is doing a much better job than I did!

Anyway I digress! We have today and tomorrow off and as it is "Queens birthday" weekend Monday is a stat day as well. So a nice break. Or is would be if we both didn't have colds. Ah well still enjoying some knitting and catching up with blog and book reading. May even manage a little baking and spinning...!!

I did see that a local yarn shop has a sale. May pop down there after the lawyer tomorrow....shhh it doesn't hurt to look does it!!

As for pumpkins , Gillian commented on soup, well this is my favourite as follows.

Pumpkin Soup.

Take 2 stalks of celery and 2 oinions and 2 carrots.
Chop and saute in butter until soft.
Then add 1/2 a large pumpkin skinned and chopped, 3 Tbsp of chicken stock then half fill pot with water. That is cover the vegies.

Simmer until tender then cool and blend. If reheating it pays to heat the soup by putting in a bowl and heat in a water bath as it can spit when boiling. I sometimes cheat by just taking the potato masher to the pot , I don't mind if it is a little lumpy and it beats having to blend it all.

I quite like adding 2-3 chopped bacon rashers to the pan with the carrots etc. Adds a little more in the flaour.

Enjoy!! By the way we had the first of the tomato soup for lunch today with bread. Hmm lovely. Just the thing when you have a cold.

Is any readers have a favourite way to use pumpkin please feel free to share, I still have 4 more to use!

Knitting you say?? yes I am getting close to finishing the first fibre challenge and managed some 3-4 inches on DG jersey. No pics today - sorry ! Perhaps tomorrow.

Anway I am off to have some supper , hot milk and chocolate biscuit and a bit of reading.

Knit on all >^..^<

"Dust bunnies" ... yeah right!

2006-05-29T21:53:00.000+12:00

Ok someone tell Rams we don't have dust bunnies, stash weasels or even dare I say it moths!

But we are having a small shh.....mouse.. problem. Just as well I am not screamish.

I think it all started with us emptying the compost bins and then of course winter has arrived. So all things small and furry are looking for a warmer drier home as in our pantry or worse still my craft room.

Anyway no way are they getting any of our food. Not unless they learn how to chew through Tupperware or glass. ALL and and mean ALL food is now under wraps. Of course this is not stopping them searching for it.

At least we have killer cat. She has been making hay I tell you. Of course it might be all her fault anyway as she has a tendancy to bring in her "kill" to show off. DP was rather white around the gills the other day on returning home from work to find a rather large rat under the kitchen table. But I do draw the line at having them running around my craft room. Hopefully that is the one she caught this morning and the one in the trap in the pantry tonight is the last of them. Or perhaps the one under the kitchen table tonight that she had left for us!

This week has been a rather bad one. [All knitters warning off topic here a bit.] For the past 2-3 years DS2 has been fighting through the family court to have custody of his two young, 4 and 6 years old children. He recently heard that he had an order to maintain day to day care. He was meant to be having counselling with his ex to better their parenting communication. That has all gone to custard as she is refusing to go and has now filed in court to go for custosdy for herself. So we are back to square one.

I am so mad and very upset by it all. Hence no blogging it took a few days to feel up to sharing this. The past few years have been a nightmare which we felt had resolved only we are back at the beginning again. We have worked so hard to get to where we are with the kids happy and settled and most of all safe. The past few years have not given me much confidence in "the system" so do hope all will be OK.

We have a meeting this Friday am with the lawyer to discuss this new development so please all positive thoughts this way.

Anyway enough about that, after a couple of tearful days with nightmares back again I feel a bit more"normal". So on to knitting. Oh and I have discovered this . The New Zealand version of ebay. It is so much fun. I don't think I will buy much but I am hoping to sell. We have such things as cots, high chairs and buggy to get rid of I mean no longer needed. Anyway I did buy nearly a kilo of cream and hand dyed double knit. Should make a lovely aran jersey for DGD. Some of it is machine washable as well.

Here it is......

Thank goodness for my creative fibre group and knitting etc. Just when I thought I would go mad went up last Thursday and here we are winding off the next project / challenge.

And here is everyone's share. It is mostly blue, rainbow colours with a touch of creamy brown. I think I am going to turn mine into a bag this time with the addition of navy blue.

But before I can start that I have this to finish. I have now nearly knitted all the joining triangles of brown to join the squares and then have to cast on in the middle to knit the short rows to shape the small wrap. Altho it is turning out long than I thought so won't be so small. Then just to make and sew on the pom-poms. Note the middle triangles are sharper so the squares "curve" around the back of the neck.

Looking good...!!

Anyway this room is starting to freeze me so back to the fire and knitting. I have been reading all the blogs but haven't really felt like posting up to now. I will let you all know what happens.

And just to prove that grey pumpkins are indeed orange inside......................

Knit on all. I don't think you all realise how you help keep me sane!!! That and knitting too. :)

Days off are wonderful... but soon gone!

2006-05-22T18:24:00.000+12:00

What do you do when you have one day off a week and you wake to a glorious autumn day. Calm and still with the most sun you have seen for 2 weeks?

Well you rush about and put out the washing, make the bed do dishes and have a nice breaky of bacon, eggs and tomatoes. [ Ok so the bacon was grilled and the eggs poached , no fried bread either!]

Well then you head off out for the day to fossick around bookshops and trift shops and yarn shops and.......... but you get the idea.

We decided to head for an area called the "Hutt valley" two cities Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt. So named by the way from the two staging huts for the stage coach of about 150 years ago that used to do the trip through over to the Waiarapa.

This also happens to be my old stamping ground, grew up in Upper Hutt so it is great to see the familar and catch up with the new.... "heh they pulled down the church , I don't believe it" etc. My DP had to put up with a bit of this.

Anyway the autumn colours were beautiful as well. A small sample... missed the real beauty of red against white we were past before I could get the camera out...sorry!

This pic is not so clear as it was taken from a moving car but is shows how calm the harbour was, one of the ferries is coming in to dock and the sun and all in the back ground. Wellington can be one of the most beautiful cities espeically on a fine day!

Anyway Upper Hutt also happens to be where the yarn shop with a big sale on is as they are closing in August. This is my 3rd trip to see them. Only get the real specials tho. This pic shows some more sock yarn, half price. This time for DP so picked more "man" colours of green and burgandy. [ The white is for me]

I also managed to get some yarn for the next club challenge. I know, I know I was supposed to use some from my stash. But they wanted 100grams and everything I had was either not enough or too much to be worth spliting up. So the two balls in the front are some Italian noverty. It was half price as well and the last lot I brought knitted up a dream and looks fantastic in the squares. [ Doesn't show so well in the pics tho.] This colour is a real mix with even a copper and brown included so should be a safe bet to go with whatever other club members bring. I will take this on Thursday and let you see the results. As in what others bring.

Now it was rather slim pickings today in the trift shops but did pick up a bag of assorted odd balls for $1. See it included a small [36 grams] ball of Opal sock yarn. I thought this too good a bargin to miss. I should be able to get a small pair of socks for DGD out of this. Even If I have to knit the toes in a plain. Beter than $14.95 for a full ball anyway!

Anyway tea is a cooking. The sun has gone down and we only have a few hours left of "freedom" So some knitting DVD watching and perhaps some book reading.

At least we seem to have got rid of the mouse in the pantry. No more "evidence" to be seen. I suspect that the small "corspe" on the kitchen floor the other day was the one. So thanks to Patches, altho I suspect she may have brought it in , in the first place like the lizard I found this afternoon!!

So knit on all, will catch you in a day or two after the grandparent bit!

Progress report... or lack of!

2006-05-21T22:44:00.000+12:00

Ah another week has past. It seems that as the years go by that the days move faster.. or is it just I am trying to "squeeze" more out of each day.

It has been a rather quiet week really in that not much out of the normal. Work, work and more work!! Especially as DP and I had to work all day yesterday. But yipee we have tomorrow off as time in leu. Going to make the most of it.

The nights are longer and a lot colder. Have had the fire on most nights. When we can be bothered to carry up the wood from under the house. I am not so keen these days to spend time on the PC at home... too cold brr. So I have been doing a bit of knitting , and reading and DVD watching.

Still doing tomatoes tho would you believe! All the winter veggies are now in so can sit back and watch them grow until 21st June when it is time to plant the garlic. I suppose I will push a hoe around once in a while to prevent the worst of the weeds but thank goodness they are not so quick on the upshot during winter. Now if I could just drum up so enthusiasm for the flower beds.... may get rid of some weeds!!!

Wednesday was interesting. Because DGD has a broken arm in plaster and DS2 only has a shower offered to give them tea at my place so she could have a bath and wash her hair. Of course can't do one without the other so had them both in. Forgotten how much work it can be and how hard on the back. Got rather drowned and hot... like a saua.

Other than that on with the progress pics....

First up is DGD jersey. Not sure about this one but have used her favourite colours as in pink and purple. It is in a bulky thick and thin spiral plyed wool yarn. It is my "computer" knitting in other words what I can work on while I wait for pics to load etc. [There is talk about making broadband free to all consumers in NZ by the end of the year so these waits might disappear.] This is going to be just a straight stocking stitch jacket with 2 -3 buttons on the front. As quick and easy as possible as she really needs it ASAP. I hope to do her brother a hoodie in red and the navy as trim.

Next pic shows progess on the "lost pattern" sock. I have now turned the heel and have started the instep. On the race to the toe now. I was pleased in that I managed to pick up some 2 3/4 mm circs yesterday for less than half price. I am now keen to knit more , socks that is but want to try the two circ method. Still trying to make up my mind as to which sock pattern to use. Any suggestions out there??

Now this is what I have been spending most time on... my club challenge. I have now knitted 7 and half finished the next square. They look much better in "real life"! I hope to get at least 10 sqaures out but I am getting low on some of the colours ..Then I will be knitting the triangles to join the squares. I am keen to get on to the next stage so I can see how it is going. This is meant to be finished by next Thursday but i haven't a show! Will just try to get as much done as I can. So far others have made hats , scarves and a book cover and there is still more to see. Hope I can get a pic or two of the results. It has been a fun project and I can recommend it for any clubs , SnB's .

Now just a little SEX I was looking for a ball of yarn for the next challenge when I spotted this.

It was so unusal just had to get a couple of balls. It appears to be a felted strip machine stitched up the middle..............hmmm some ideas there. They had several colourways and it was very attractive ..... not sure what to use it for tho.

While there spotted this as well and as it was so cheap as in $11 got it as well. It is a pack of 4 circular knititng frames. Largest is about a foot across so good value. They are made of very strong and sturdy plastic. Should be good for the kids later. Can already think of some projects to make on them. Just the time issue again.

Anyway I have blabbed on about nothing long enough. Off to make supper and sit by the fire with my new "Knitter's".

Catch you all later, hope all are warm and dry, fed and rested. Knit on>^..^<

PS Leave you with one last pic. What do you do when your household "staff" have fed you the best in fish and put on the fire especially to warm the lounge for you?W hy curl up in your new "cathouse" for a kip.

Pics at last.

2006-05-16T16:29:00.000+12:00

After three days of trying I have finally managed to post pics. Blogger can be very obstainate!!!.

First up it the sock pattern book!! So glad to have found the pattern. I know I had worked it out but there is always that element of doubt, "does one have it right?" I am just about finished Stephanies second book and she mentions type A knitters. I fess up that would be me. So I can't stand a mistake and will unpick to fix even if it means ripping out most of what I have knitted. You have a problem with that...!!!

Seriously tho I can't stand knowing there is a mistake I could fix. It sort of worries at me until I do something about it. I have managed to "make" myself fix rather than rip sometimes. As in find a creative way around the problem. eg duplicate stitch or just run down the few stiches involved rather than rip out the whole lot. Have even managed to do this quite successfully in lace as well.

So here is the book.... some nice patterns and am busy deciding which ones to do next.

Here I would like some comments.... what, which is your favourite sock pattern?? I have done very few socks in my knitting life so would like some ideas or pointers in the direction of the best, most attractive, interesting patterns. Ta.

I have been doing some thinking about a comment Gillian left on my blog re my "busyiness". I do have to own up to having a very busy lifestyle. I know I complain at times re this but after honest thought I have always been this way from childhood. I prefer to be busy doing rather than sitting. Not the most restful companion to be with. I am happiest doing. Now on refection I do complain but it is really that I don't have the time to do all that I want not that I am doing too much or don't want to do it...!!! Oh for a 36 hour day or better still a 9 day week preferably 2 more days at home!

The next pic is of a challenge my Creative fibre group , the knitting group is running. We all took along a ball of yarn to match the starter ball. This was split between us all and we all got some of everyone elses. The challenge is to make something from these small balls. We are allowed to add a colour to go with them and to help make a project.

I decided to add brown you can see my balls at the top. The small balls are to the right. I am knitting domino squares and am going to make a scarf wrap using some triangles of the brown as well. I am now up to the third square so it is moving along nicely.

We are going to do another challenge this time taking along 100 grams of some favourite yarn. This time "blind" in other words we won't see what others are bringing so it will be a real challenge as the colours will be more diverse.

Now to finish of here is a pic of my DGD abd DGS enjoying the magican at the library last week.

They had a ball and you can see the cast on her arm. They are so sweet at times. I have to enjoy them as they will be teenagers so quickly!! Won't want to see Nana so much then. Unless they want to hit me for a loan!

Anyway it is still very cold altho now fine. I am off to go back to the fire and my knitting. Enjoy and knit on. See you all later.

"Heh, was that a penguin I saw?"

2006-05-15T20:36:00.000+12:00

Ok so still can't load pics. Blogger is being it's usual pain tonight. Camera battery ran out today so I couldn't load them at work will try again tomorrow.

This is going to be a very short post. Winter has arrived with a vengence. We have a southerly blowing at the moment and any one who knows the Wellington area will appriecate what that means.....freezing cold winter straight from the Antartic. Brrr minus wind chill factor outside. Ok, ok I know it is no where as cold as say Canada in the winter but we don't have central heating so the fire is doing its best to heat the house. As the craft room is the furtherest from the fire won't be in here long.

I spent time in the "Wharehouse" after work trying to find cheap heating for DS2 as they are all freezing in an old house. One bright spot tho we have received an offer to take part in a survey run over two years. As part of it we get free solar water heating among other things such as water efficent showers. So guess we will be tempted.

So I am off to do some knitting and perhaps spinning. Hope all reading this are warm and comfy. I am reall y enjoying the "challenge" project and have now finished two squares. No progress on the sock for a day or two put have nearly finished the ribbing on DGD jersery.

Knit on all >^..^< more news tomorrow.

What a week.....!!!!!

2006-05-14T23:05:00.000+12:00

Hi all, well it has been a few days since my last post. Funny that Gillian should comment re my busyiness!!! This week ended up been one of those "thank God it's Friday" weeks.

All started OK but DS2 came down with a tummy bug on the Sunday which meant I had the "pleasure" of the school kindy run on Monday as well as the usual Tue and Wed. Then at 3.50pm on Wed got an urgent call from the afterschool care to say that DGD had "fallen" [ read jumped here] from the flying fox and they think she had broken her arm.

So a panic drive to the school to arrive just before the ambulance. After much discussion decided the ambulance would take her to our local hospital. Now this has just been upgraded and now has 24hr emergency services!! Yeah right!! This turned out to be a mistake. Now their care was wonderful and we were only there until just after 7pm. [By the way to save on petrol we had only taken one car to work which meant that DP and DGS who had been collected from daycare were stranded at the library. Fortunately a workmate was able to run them to the hospital.]

But it turns out that 24 / 7 care didn't run to including a fracture clinic. So we were now faced with having to take her that night into Wellington to the regionl hospital and face a lengthy wait or take her there the next day. So you can guess which option we took!! But this did mean that I ended up doing the kindy run Thursday and looking after DGS until DGD arrived back at the library by 3.50pm!!!!

They were lucky tho as it has been book week and one of the childrens books nominated was a story involving magic. So a magic show was on in the junior library at 4.00. So they both got to go and once again DGS was picked to help the magican. This caused a few tears from DGD as he had been picked at the Xmas party as well and she was so keen to have ago as well. DGS didn't help at all as he had a decided swagger on the way out!!! Kids can be so cruel!!!

Anyway DS2 kept her home the next day as well so I was involved in caring for her so he could attend a family court session. So all in all I have been very "hands on" this week!! So Friday was a welcome relief. Saturday managed to get the final bed of the vegie garden ready to plant and planted cauliflower, broccoflower, broccoli, cabbage and two packets of broadbeans. Will plant the rest later. Very keen to try and "stagger" the crop after our flood of tomoatoes!!.

I have managed to do a little knitting , still working on my socks and having finally taken time to work out the pattern for the heel never guess what I have found?... Yes that's right after thinking, "would like to knit some more after this" now where was that book of patterns ...ahh .... [ This is where there was meant to be a pic... blogger is not co-operating will try from work... grrr.]

I have also started on my challenge from the knitting group. Where we all put in a ball and share and then add some yarn and knit a project. Again you will have to wait for this pic.!

Also having decided that DGD really needs some jerseys for the winter and I need some plain "computer" knitting so have cast on a simple jacket for her. In her favourite colours of course.....pink, purple and some dark blue.

Now where was I , ah that's right Saturday..even managed some spinning! Then it was time for "Mum" to drop off the kids. Well I am not sure what she fed them but it seems a good dose of caffiene via Coke. They were bouncing off the walls. I don't think I have ever seen them so wired!! DS2 came and picked them up early after I snapped at him on the phone!! Just couldn't control them at all. So glad she doesn't have them for more than a day and night!! Today was much better they were back to normal thank goodness. How DS2 copes at times I don't know.

We had a lovely day and visited Mum, Greatnana it been Mother's day in this part of the world. I also rung DS1 and had a "nice" chat with him, hi son!!! He has such a great sense of humor really miss him at times. Especially when the world seems so crazy.

Anyway that's my week. It has been a real... winter is here day today. Cold and wet and a bit wild wind wise. But so nice to have the fire on and sit and watch a movie while knitting. But it is rather late now so off to bed to have a read. Back to work and kids and gym etc etc tomorrow. Roll on next weekend.

Knit on all and to any mothers out there hope you had a great family day. >^..^<

Exhibition award winners

2006-05-09T11:39:00.000+12:00

A quick post to link you to the photos of the award winning entries at the festival.

Here!!

Enjoy!!!

Stash and UFO reduction

2006-05-08T21:26:00.000+12:00

All those who may be worried that I was getting "buried" in a mountain of stash can rest easy. I have two finished objects and more on the way!

Here is DP's new green jersey. [A little darker in real life.] It has come up well and I like the patterned yoke. It is in bulky so will be nice and warm for the winter.

The next one is the watch strap from Knitty. At the library when I am on the issues deck we use a desensitizing block on the books. Much the same as the alarm tags on clothes etc in stores. As a result the magnets affect your watch especially with prolong exposure. Because of this I always take my watch off. So I have worn out several straps with the constant undoing of the buckle. I thought that this would be good as I can just whisk it off and on again. However it is really more of a sports strap and is not so easy to fit under fittted work clothes. So I may keep this one as a sports wrist band. It is certainly keeping my wrist warm at the moment!. I will have to knit another for the other wrist. Winter is nearly here we have the fire on again tonight and it is fine but frosty cold outside. Anyway it is finished!!!

Now remember that sock I found in the stash of UFO's? Well here is it's mate. Note now nearly half way to the heel. Figuring out this much has been a breeze. The heel is going to be a challenge. If I remember rightly there are slip stitchs in the heel flap. I can tell as I can see the floats on the inside of the sock. Once I have got past the heel the rest will be easy. I guess the pattern will "turn" up once I have finished. :)

As I have finished DP's jersey I have started the green shrug. Here is the sample I test knitted. I am using only 3 yarns this time on #9 mm. So far I have done about 2 inches of the back. No pic yet.

You can see the three yarns in this pic above.... Looking good so far and my tension is spot on.

Oh yes just a small addition this time. Spotlight, a craft and homewares store was having a day sale with a draw for a new sewing machine and as my 40+ year old machine is in need of repair thought I would go in the draw. Of course they didn't have the fabric I wanted so brought this instead....

Once Mum gets her new Knitters loom these can be used to weave scarves. By the way it is a ribbon yarn. Talking of looms I have hunted up two of mine. The ridge heddle and the small 4 shaft sample loom , 16 inch. I have seriously got a heap of fine 2ply merino skeins. This is a carry over from when I was knitting a lot of lace. I have had the bright idea of weaving with them instead. [ I will save some of the better ones for lace] This should reduce the stash much quicker!! I have been cleaning them, the looms that is but will neeed to get hold of another 16 inch reed as this one is beyond saving!! Too rusty.

I have also managed to "squeeze" in some spinning time again. I have bag full of silk from a workmate to spin. Have managed a half bobbin, I think this will take a while!!

We had a great if busy weekend. On going up to visit Mum on Saturday morning come across 4 Pukekos crossing the road. Of course by the time I had the camera out they were disappearing into the bush...!!

You can just see one in the middle of this shot. They are a large bird about the size of a chicken with longer red legs. They seem to like to live in the bush by the side of roads so as a result quite often get run over.

After lunch it was out into the vegetable garden to spread 12 wheel barrows full of compost. Only one more bed to do then we can plant the winter crop. This coming weekend I hope. Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, broadbeans etc.

Here is our supervisor directing operations. Oh this was before she hunted up and caught the mouse in the compost bin...!!

And this is one of the resaons I have trouble in the weekends getting near my computer and on the internet. When his mum drops him off it is " Nana can I go on the internet" almost as soon as he is in the door.

It is so funny watching a 4 year old using a computer. The mouse is almost twice the size of his hand but boy he knows what to do! They were watching a DVD the other day and both came up to get a drink and biscuit. I went down to back up the disc so they didn't miss any story and it turned out they had "paused" it!!! I was impressed!!!

Then it was off to the park before feeding the ducks.

Anyway thats me for today. I am off to listen to a book and spin before bed. The next two days are busy ones so better make the most of it.

Knit on all>^..^<

"Normal service resumes"

2006-05-05T21:33:00.000+12:00

At last I can "catch" up on life post festival. Yes I know you have "tagged" me Gillian but that is going to take some time!

I have been rather busy at work as it doesn't seem to matter how much training is given etc I always seem to come back to a pile of work after leave. They don't seem to give it prority so it gets left. Considering my job description states "that 90% has to be done in 24 hours" they don't seem to care when I am not there. Rather frustrating as it means heavy work to catch up. However thanks to an exchange student we have managed it this week. So only 10 days after I got home finally have a clear desk. At work that is.

A different matter at home. So much for a clear up! I seem to keep adding to it.

So what have I been doing?? First up this post is dedicated to a very special lady. In fact she is really special as she taught me to knit when I was about 6! We won't go into how many years ago that was.

Here she is, at her 91 st birthday tea last week. My dear Aunt!! We surprised her for tea with her son and wife and my Mum and DP. She is such a wonder , can't walk much now but still so interested in all things crafty. So I have been buying many more knitting mags than I normally would as she gets so much pleasure out of reading them. Still does a little knitting.

As for the weather. Well winter is on its way. Raining and blowing a gale tonight. I am "Home alone" as DP has a "boys night". So the fire is on I have had tea and am settling in for some spinning and talking book soon.

Saw these on a walk last week.......

Our world is still a beautiful place but grayer now with drizzly days.

Also saw this on Saturday. Was sitting quietly having afternoon tea and looked across at the telly in the kitchen and thought "what's that....??" Only looking closer realised it was a weta. [ A NZ insect ] The weather sends them indoors on the wood for the fire. I also suspect that Patches may have something to do with it. So scooped it up and put it outside. They are harmless but not so nice to look at. Certainly not in the kitchen that is!

Now I have been rather naughty. Saw an add on TV for a yarn shop that was closing so went over on Saturday and made a "small" addition to the stash. Oh and found this at a garage sale. Some nice pink mohair. 7 balls for $5NZ. Now I don't like pink much but I could dye it but will no doubt use it for my DGD. She loves pink and purple of course.

I managed to get this Italian yarn at $2 per ball.

Now don't be shocked even brought some sock yarn Now I was going to buy this at festival and decided not to. I am so glad as I gotit for half price. Two colours one for me and one for DP.

I also picked up 4 balls each of a noverty. I have already got some of this and it knits up beautifully and feels wonderfully soft.

I was also tempted with this rainbow yarn to go with some I already had in navey for kids jerseys and as well as a couple of balls of italian fur yarn. All at half price.

This picture shows the the best buy tho. Some beautiful rust red Kid, silk and merino. Yum And some feathers which matches it well. The Kid was 50% off so got enough for a jersey for me.

Now in case you think that all I am doing is buying yarn I have been knitting. Will have to post these later tho as blogger seems to stop at 10 pics a post. I have finished DP jersey and have nearly finished my watch strap. Only have to graft the ends together. I have also started knitting the sock to go with the one I found in the stash as a UFO. This one will take time as I am going to have to "copy" the finished one. I must admit I can quite see why socks are popular. They are so portable!!

Anyway that is me for now. I am off to stock the fire and do some spinning. See you all tomorrow.

Knit on >^..^<

Fashion parade pictures

2006-05-04T15:49:00.000+12:00

Just a quick post to refer you to here......Fashion Parade award winners!!!

Enjoy!!

Last festival post!! At least until next year. :)

2006-05-02T13:26:00.000+12:00

At last I have managed to load the final pics!! I think that loading them at work may be the answer it certainly took a lot less time, and stress!!

Here is another pic from the sunny city of Hastings. The centre square with the fountain as in the previous post also had a lot of statues. [ Including the sheep which you can just see in the background of this shot]

The centre was very pretty and "green" Stephanie!!

Now some shots of Napier. Here is another statue. She is called "Pania" and is a Maori lass from local legend. She is also reknown as last year the statue was stolen from it's previous site. Tho what you would want to steal this for as it weighs well over a ton and is very well known!!. Anway for a few weeks there was much speculation that she may have been melted down or sold overseas. However she did turn up in someones garage. She is now "back" but in a different site , closer to the shops and safer.

Here is one of the main streets close to where my Mum was born and spent her first 16 months before the earthquake. Napier has many such beautiful trees.

This is another memorial. this time to the ship "Veronica" and her men as they were in dock when the earthquake struck and spent many man hours helping the people stricken. It has recently been rebuilt. My Mum could remember when it was first built. It is near the sound dome and people used to dance and skate here. The view in the distance is over the Pacific.

This shot shows a close up of a stained glass window in a shop frontage. Most of the shops in the centre business district are very art deco in style. Very attractive to walk around.

Now on the last night of the festival they always have a closing party. This year everyone was encouraged to dress as in the 30's. Complete with feathers and boas.

We had "desert" served and a skit with police and a robber who interacted with the audience trying to make off with handbags etc. We also had an old fashioned "radio" play using audience members as well.

Then once the raffles were drawn, spot prizes given etc etc it was time to hand on the banner to the next region to host the festival.

This banner is passed on from year to year at each festival. The only thing that is no longer happening at the moment is the action competitions. That is to spin , ply and knit a garment in teams of 6 for a trophy. There was also a weaving comp and a "Kiwicraft" one. I think it all got a bit competitive and it did take a lot of time and effort. Perhaps one year they will bring them back. They were exciting to watch and be in.

Anway once the banner was passed on and next years festival team had done a promo encouraging us to go and visit them in New Plymouth they rolled out the music and were teaching everyone how to charleston. Then party the night away. Altho we left at this stage as our room-mate had an early flight in the morning.

Anyway that is me. I have heaps more pics but I think I have "done" this subject to death. I have yarn, samples and hopefully FO to share. I do hope that I have managed to give you all some idea of it all tho. Lots of fun and sharing with good friends. Perhaps I may see some of you there one day!! Interweave used to run tours out this way at festival time....!!

Right I am off to crack out the spinning wheel. I have some serious stash reduction to do...!!

knit on

Festival again!! second to last I promise...!

2006-04-30T16:59:00.000+12:00

HI

After struggling with my Laptop and PC at home finally downloaded my pics to a flashdrive and brought them to work. Amazing how much quicker and easier it is using Jet stream instead of dial-up!! I can see some changes at home!!.

Well I have talked about the main events at the festival so now is the time to talk about the "extras". You see there is just so much going on. I didn't take any classes this year but they always get in at least one overseas tutor. By the way this is how I met Elizabeth Zimmerman one year. I decided to spend the time with Mum this time but normally take at least two classes. They range from beginning weaving , spinning, knitting, crochet, book making, exhibition display etc etc.

They also have lectures and also exhibition and fashion parade "floor walks" where the selectors talk about the entries etc.

There are meetings for the cross-country weavers, advanced spinners as well as an internet group meeting etc.

Every year they have a display of work from each tutor teaching so you can see examples of their work. I can't for copywrit reasons show these.:(

Here is part of a display put on by a member who has done a lot of work with dying.

They also have a "challenge" or small competition each year. This years' was to create a "boa".

Here are some of the entries....

Also each year one of the breeders association members donates a whole bale of wool to be tested and tried by the members in New Zealand. The results of members experiments is on display at the festival. This way members get to try breeds they may not normally try.

It was coarse breeds this year........ One of the many displays..... Mum liked the little dog!

There was also two tapestry weaving displays. One a New Zealand one and one a Australia and New Zealand combined one. Here are some of them.....

These were quite small.. I think about 6 inchs square?

Also when Mum and I went to the museum to see about the Napier/Hastings earthquake we also popped in and saw the exhibition on display.

There was a cabinet of natural dyed skeins... donated by a man's wife after he died. All his own spinning and dying. All labeled with what he had used....

There was a retrospective of a past well know local spinner and weaver. Some of her garments as well as her wheel.

Here it is. Very unusual...hand made.

We saw the Art Deco displays in the museum collection. Clarence Cliff... etc.

On the Sunday morning I took Mum to Hastings, a city about 20 minutes drive from Napier. While there we visited the farmers market. Lots of yummy things to try. I brought chilli, peppers, cheese, lime curd [ yummy ] and feta. Mum got tempted with fresh bread, mushrooms and home made ice cream. [ By the way by peppers I mean a whole large bag full, they are now all chopped up and in the freezer. :) ]

Here is a view...

While there I finally managed to meet up with Irene Young, hi Irene from Cape Cod who had kindly brought over some Wiltons Gel cake colourings for me to try. [ Haven't yet...]

I also took Mum to see the city centre as she hadn't been there since her honeymoon over 55 years ago.

This is the lovely fountain in the middle of the city. It has the train line running right through the middle. Quite a sight when they are running. [ Not on Sundays]

We also stopped and checked out the locals.... Here's me sitting on top of one..!!

Ok , Ok they aren't real!! :) But still fun. The clock tower in the back is a memorial to all who died in Hastings in the same earthquake.

Ah, at last I have managed to post this!! I have one more to do re festival them business as usual. I have the pics loaded and saved now so should be a breeze later.

Err better go do some work.. Knit on all, catch you later.

PS Go leave Stephanie a message, she is feeling rather sad as it is her sister's first birthday after her passing last year.

"Another festival update" or in other words #2, 3 or is it 4?

2006-04-30T16:45:00.000+12:00

Hi all, so much for 2-3 posts today to "catch up with postings! What with blogger playing up, kids all day and laptop throwing wobblies this will have to do.

I am running out of ideas for titles as well!! I want to try and "catch" up with my trip so I can "move" on.

Now I think I had got as far as talking about the fashion parade and exhibition. These are wonderful events and must take a lot of work to stage and run. The fashion parade had singers , a wearable art competition from local schools as well as a retrospective of previous winners. A truly wonderful stage production. Unfortunately as they video tape the show I couldn't take any pics. I would have a problem with copywrite anyway in publishing them. The catalogue was great this year with pictures of all the entries.

They had the garments on display for 2 days after the parades so we were able to get a good look of them. There are always details that didn't show on the catwalk. Our web site should have pictures of the winners later so will let you know when you can go see them.

As for the exhibition because of copywrite I don't feel comfortable showing you to much but will show a few "general" views without close ups to give you an idea. Again our website will have pics of the prize winners late. Our exhititions are run slightly different in that it is very similar to having you garment/item entered into a gallery exhibition. In that they have to go through a selection process. There are awards but not blue ribbons. The awards given are mentioned on our web site if you are interested. It can be hard to "get in". So to be accpeted can be a real buzz.

First up , because of the theme there were displays around the whole venue such as this one at the exhibition.

This gives you a little idea of the way it was laid out.

Oh and this one is guess who's...!! I wasn't a 100% happy with the way it was displayed as you couldn't see the inside but heh I was accepted so who's complaining!

My cape and other goodies...

The display artist they used this year was a retired draper/shop window artist. He liked to hang things in "colour bays".

Another group....

And another......

These few hopefully give you an idea of things. I took a picture of everything so Auntie could see. I am trying to sort into folders the 300 old pics ....!!

Now an overview of the trades hall at a quiet time.

Now this is where blogger tried to get stoppy so will have to show you some more tomorrow.

The weekend has been a good one. More garage saling and a closing down sale at a yarn shop... not to mention spreading 3 bags of chookie manue, pumpkin soup making and yet more pulping tomatoes.

And surprise , surprise I even got some knitting done. I have now reached the sewing up stage of DP's green jersey and have got over half way with my new watch strap. Having the DGK's today did cramp my style a little but ... amazing what you can get done when you try.

As for now it is well past bedtime. So knit on and I will see you all tomorrow I am off to read the yarn harlot, tell me does anyone know what happened to the gray squirel??

Festival bargins!!

2006-04-27T21:27:00.000+12:00

Hi all

So much for posting again last Tuesday!! I just crashed that night and by the time I had done the kiddy run last night did pretty much the same thing!

So instead of giving you more festival news thought it about time to add a "little yarn" content. lol!

First up is 4 small skeins in a bulky that will be good for adding a bit of zing to a jacket etc. These were only NZ$2 each!

[The colours, as usual are not quite accurate]

The same with the next photo. Here is 1 kilo of a random died LARGE skein. It will be a bit of a challenge to wind off. Thanks goodness for niddy noddy's and skein and ball winders!

I can think of several projects with this. The best it was only $36NZ for the lot! A festival special. It is pure wool, double knit weight and is more blue than the pic depicts.

Now for my most expensive purchase.... , other than the petrol to get there that is!!! Wow now up to $1.79NZ per litre!!

Two books , one most of you will be famillar with. That is "yarn harlot" and when I am awake enough will enjoy this having finished her first book. The next "A knitter's template" is one I haven't seen before. It also was on sale. I have a similar book, older tho and only has templates for up to double knit. This one has them for up to 2 stitches per inch. So should be handy. I prefer to "do my own thing" using templates as a guide to stitches and shapes. I think mainly as I find it much easier to knit my own designs than to figure out the mistakes of some one elses.

Now something a little different, and yes somehow I am going to find time to get back to my spinning. Perhaps as the yarn harlot, will designate a day for it.

The bag on the left holds a small sample of hemp. The advanced spinning group, of which I somehow seem to have found myself a member of is tackling hemp as it's next project. Thought I would get a head start and try a sample. Watch this space....!

The top right is a small bag of 50% silk and 50% bamboo. I love silk spinning and this should be interesting to dye. Last bottom right are two bags of silk rods. When they dye the silk cocoons the sticks they stir the pots with become coated with the silk. Once it has built up they cut them off which leaves these "rods" which can be cut and embelished with embroidery etc. Thought they would be fun to try.

Now a little something to fasten my green shrug. Green shrug you say?? Yes I did manage to knit a small sample for this while away. This time I will only use about 5 threads. The result will not be so "fur jacket" like!! This catch is pewter and I will post a pic of the sample when I get around to taking one.

This pic shows the small sample bags of dyed silk silver I got at $1 a bag. Handy for the silk leaves I have been planning for a project. The flower is a felted wool, silk and beaded pin. I also picked up another lace bobbin for my spinning wheel. Which by the way is a Maji-craft Susie. If you haven't seen a lace bobbin before they have a thicker core. When you spin very fine the "take up" of the singles onto the bobbin is "stronger" at the beginning of a bobbin. The thicker core "mimics" having already got some singles on the bobbin before you start. It does make quite a difference. I was lucky because this bobbin has a "knot" in the wood they let me have $5 off.

That's about it! I did buy some lavender handcream and body spray. But I have already given the hand cream to my Auntie tonight for her birthday. 91 today!! I also went to the Sunday market and picked up some food. But that is another story for later....

Now I think that "Patches" may have missed me........

I tried to unpack but she slept here all night and followed me around the next day.

Oh and one last thing. When you register at the festival on arrival you receive a "goodie" bag. This contains all sorts such as vouchers, chocolate, tissues, lollies etc etc. This year there were small sample skiens of hand dyed embroidery threads in lovely random shades. The item at the back is a hand knitted pin cushion.

Anyway I am off to read the yarn harlot. I promise some more festival news next time.

Knit on, I have been enjoying catching up on reading all the news.

"I'am back!!"

2006-04-25T15:37:00.000+12:00

Hi all.

I am finally back home and a little more rested. As in no longer feeling zombie like from the long trip and many stops back yesterday.

It is ANZAC day here and so a holiday. Which is great as I was able to lie in this morning before going for a walk in the rain, yes rain after 5 days of beautiful, hot, fine sunny days!

I have seriously taken a lot of photos as in over 300!! It takes about half an hour to view them via a slide show. I did this so my elderly Auntie , 91 could see what we had been up to as she would have loved to go. She can no longer walk much and has too many health problems unfortunately. So I don't plan on posting all!!! But will share some over the next few posts. I will start up with the trip up and the motel we stayed in plus one of the reasons Mum wanted to go.

First up, here is Mum all packed and ready to go. She was so excited, and had a great time. And no she seemed quite relaxed about my driving!!

We did strike a bit of traffic as mentioned in the last post. This was one of the stops we had. It was taken in the Manawatu gorge. This gorge was closed for several months after heavy rain had nearly washed the road out. They were working on the wall put up to prevent washouts.

I did make up some time but was a little delayed in getting to Napier. As a result I didn't make it to the airport to pick up our room mate for the stay. So met at the motel instead. A very flash one at that. We had a very comfortable stay. Not a lot of cooking was done tho!! :) But a lot of talking and a small bit of knitting.
Here's the Motel.

And here's the visitor we had most days! Him and his sister were only about five months old and looked identical. We saw him most days as he stopped in for a nose about and a cuddle!

I think in the last post I mentioned that we had a big festive opening? Well this is one of the acts. As the theme was the Art deco period they are "The Andrew sisters". They did a really good job but as the pics weren't coming up well didn't take any more pics.

Now one of the reasons for Mum wanting to go to Napier. Well she was born there in 1929. In 1931 her Mum had her baby brother called David. Unfortuntely as her Mum required an operation straight after the birth they were in hospital for 6 weeks. My Mum was sent down to a place called Upper Hutt to stay with cousins for this time. Just before her Dad was to collect his wife and baby, in fact when he was at the gate of the hospital a major earthquake hit the area. It caused major damage and lost of life. Including Mum's Mum and brother. It is all very sad but was 75 years ago now on the 3rd Feb 1931.

So Mum wanted to visit the grave and memorials. On the Saturday morning ,the day after the fashion parade we went up and went to the museum and saw the earthquake display plus watched a 30 min movie about it. It was a good chance for Mum to talk about her family and life. Not something that she gets to do much these days.

This picture shows one of the displays in the museum with some of the rubble from the earthquake.

We then headed out to see the graves and memorial. It took a bit of finding as since the last time I went they had built new roads and roundabouts. Only got lost once or twice but eventually located it. [ It did mean I was too late back to attend the internet meeting, sorry Lorraine!!]

Here is the big memorial to all who died, and here is Mum's Mother and brother's grave.

It is sad but a long time ago. Mum was only 16 months old so has no memory of it. But it is the reason that Napier is a bit of a tourist spot. A fire swept through after the quake so the city had to be rebuilt. Of course when they rebuilt they built in the style of the times, that is Art deco. As a result most of the buildings etc are in this style and also the reason the festival had this theme. More pics on this in a later post.

Anyway after this headed back to the centre that the festival was held in. I was too late for a meeting I had wanted to attend but never mind as I might not get the chance to do this with Mum again. We had a bit of lunch and then another look around the trades as well as the tutors and area displays. [ More pics later]. I finally convinced Mum she needed a bit of a rest. As in I could see her wilting!!! Took a bit of convincing tho!! But while she had a sleep went back and caught up with friends and had a bit of a shop!!! Sorry you will have to wait for those pics too!

Ayway that is enough for today. I suppose I better go pick some tomatoes, sign! even in the rain it has been nearly a week so quite a few ripe ones. And then????!!! Well some knitting and sitting around is looking good. Will post more later on the trip and more pics if you are lucky!!

Knit on all, it is good to be home. >^..^<

"Absolutely spiffing darlings"

2006-04-21T21:33:00.000+12:00

Greetings from the Art Deco centre of New Zealand. The theme for this years Creative fibre festival.

I have at great expense, or at about $8 an hour got a link. It is however only dial up as my laptop is too old to be capable of wireless so this will be a short post and pics will have to wait until I get home. [ And I thought the home connection was slow!!!]

We had a terrific trip up here yesterday. Only a little held up with traffic and road works. Arrived at 3.00pm in time to go down and register and get our "goodie bags" and badges etc. "Goodie bags" have coupons, chocolate, yarn and gifts etc. We then discovered that the trades were already open so had a quick wander around. I brought some small sample bags of dyed silk silver in a green/purple colourway. Only $1 a bag.

Then it was back to have tea/dinner at the motel before heading back for the offical opening and prize giving for the exhibition. Still didn't know if my entries had been accepted. But did discover someone with a catalogue so finally found out that both my knitted basket and KO cape made it in!! Yipee!! Then was able to text a friend to let her know hers was in as well.

After a lovely sleep up to check out the exhibition this morning to take pics and have a look. It was rather packed out however so will go back tomorrow when quieter to take more pics. [ Not sure how many of those I will be able to share because of copywrite etc. Wouldn't want to upset anyone with posting pics of their art work. Perhaps some general shots??]

Then back to the trade hall to shop and check out the tutor, and area displays and drop off my folder of work from the Merino course I did with Margaret Stove. [They wanted it to show future students.] May do the design course this year.

By this stage Mum, who by the way is now 76 was starting to get rather tired. So I talked her into going back for a rest. I then "escaped" back to the trades where I met up with a friend and did a little damage. As in buy two books, one of which is Stephanie Pearl-Mcphees second book. I also brought a whole kilo of rainbow dyed worsted/double knitting weight yarn for $36NZ. Oh and a lovely felted flower pin as well.

After rushing back for a quick change and waking Mum up it was back to the fashion show. That was great as usual and also with the usual discussions about what got in and who won what etc. I wasn't able to take photos of this unfortunately as they were filming it. They will put pics up on the web site so will let you know when this happens and you can check it out.

The weather has been fab so haven't worn much "wool" yet. But will wear the "festival" jacket tomorrow night to the AGM.

I have been having a lovely time catching up with friends and making new ones. Rather lovely to see ones I haven't seen for a few years. [ And to know they are really pleased to see me "back" again.]

Anyway better get off as this is costing an arm and a leg. More news to follow.

Hope all is well with all. Knit on >^..^<

On the way! Finally!

2006-04-20T09:58:00.000+12:00

Hi just a quick 5 min post to let you all know that I am finally packed and ready to go. Only 1/2 hour late!! Have to make Napier by 2.50pm to collect some one from the airport up there so Mum may have a quicker trip than she anticipated. [ Have already been told to stick to the 100!!]

Not sure what the internet access will be like but I have my laptop and camera so hopefully I can do at least one post while away.

I still haven't heard re entries so will just have to find out when I get there.

Happy knitting all until I return. >^..^<

FO - and more

2006-04-19T00:00:00.000+12:00

Just a quick post before I go to bed to show you this.....

Yes the festival jacket is finished. Was done last night but late. A bit hard to see in the pic, a new, better camera would be nice:)

Boy it is heavy!!! But still looks great. Just will have to wait for snow!!:)

I have spent most of the night trying to produce some business cards to take away with me. PC's!!! I managed to get a design I liked but my printer won't work. When I tried to copy to disc and print on DP's PC of course his won't open the document. Go figure!

Anyway , wonderful man he has somehow copied it when it won't and is now printing as I "speak". Just wanted something to advertise my blog etc.

I better go get him some supper. I would have better spent my time packing. Will have to do it all tomorrow after kids and shopping!!

One thing tho I haven't heard yet if my things have been accepted or not into the exhibition. Some have and some haven't heard so not sure what is happening. I am hoping that no news is good news. I am not really bothered just hoping they get in but I know one or two are rather stressed out with the wait. Especially when they heard some had found out on Saturday. Not good!!

Just a thought if you look here 12 is Wellington where I am leaving from and 10 is Napier where we are going.

Anyway off to get supper. Good night all, only 2 to go!!

Knit on >^..^<

Last day :(

2006-04-17T21:13:00.000+12:00

Like all things that you enjoy most they seem the quickest to pass. This weekend has been a great one for all I hoped to do.

We went for another walk today. The weather was not as as good but still warm if a little windy. [ Remembered the camera this time!] The swans were still feeding but it was too windy on the water to watch the fish. We did watch a man trying to berth his boat with his dog running up and down excitably. But didn't feel he would appriecate a photo shot as he was having problems.

After another late brunch it was off to work for an hour to do the cash. The problem with the library is that ever since the museum and art gallery moved into the same building we are expected to be open as often as they are. This of course means been open alot of stat days. So of course as I am cashier this means someone has to do the cash if we are open more than one day without full time staff in attendance. Fortunately this is only 2-3 time a year!

Then after picking up some essential supplies such as bread etc it was off to "the section". My DP owns nearly 2 acres of ground behind the nearest primary school. It is a rather steep site and is covered in bush and pine trees. Last year we gathered 6 sacks or so of pine cones and they were great on the fire.

Here he is walking over the school field ready to "tackle" the hill up. It is easier to go through the school to drag the bags full down as it is much easier than carrying them up to the road.

After 4 full sacks full it was home for a late lunch. Then I cleaned my "baby". That is I washed , vacumed and cleaned windows etc of my car in prep for going to Napier with Mum on Thursday. I hadn't done it for a while and the kids tend to "write" on the windows and drop alot of crumbs etc so wanted to get it nice for the trip. Here she is....... all clean and ready to go.

She has been my one major indulgence and I love every minute driving her! We have been through a lot together.

It is not so clear but "she" is called "Blaise" see number plate. I picked this at DP suggestion. I wanted a personalised plate but couldn't make up my mind. He knew that I liked "Modesty Blaise" books and as she is a female James Bond it seemed to fit the car.

After that it was more gardening before lazying in front of the telly again.

Anyway baack to the stash. Here is another project sorted. This one is for the bracelet I was talking about from here.

The next one should be quick these are for a few of these.... see here.

It should be a good way to use up some lovely leftovers. Heh stash reduction!!

Now for the next big project to start I am going to do another bulky knit but this time with only four or so yarns together. I have the last sleeve to do on my festival jacket tonight and have tried it on. I love it but it is heavy to wear. so this one will be lighter. Thought I might try this if I can get the guage right. [Ok so it won't give me the link from home. It is the fishermans shrug from the Lion Brand home page. Will try from work]

I am also going to try and finish this as it is so nearly done. this one is from here the bias knit vest.

Now for the last pics I found the baby shawl I had knitted for my grand daughter 6 years ago. My son has given it back as it has a thread that needs repair and it needs a wash and block. I designed it myself. It has hearts in the middle with family trees and hearts in the border and the edging has more hearts and a cable running around the outside. One day I may even knitted another. By the way it is about 5-6 feet square.

Well after readin gover my last couple of posts I can't believe that I completely skipped over the fact we did the housework on Saturday. Perhaps because we would have rather done other things but I suppose it needs doing once in a while. Now haveing two bathrooms etc is great especially when in a hurry in the morning but that means two to clean and having four bedrooms an heaps of rooma nd by the way heaps of stuff as in lots of books and collections of "things' makes a lot of cleaning. Thanks goodness that is done for a while!!

Right I am off to bed for a read and supper. Knit on all >^..^<

PS Thanks for the kind comments re stash but I have to admit that what you have seen is only about a third , have yet to show you the double wardrobe full of fleeces and cones and ..... you get the idea!!

Two down, two to go # 2 [ I hope! ]

2006-04-16T07:48:00.000+12:00

Right , this is where I try and remember what I wrote so well yesterday. Of course it isn't going to "come out" as good but oh well!!!

I can remember saying what a great two days I have had so far. The weather has been brillant warm, calm and sunny. Friday morning actually laid in bed until 9.30am. I know this doesn't sound like much but for someone who has trouble sleeping much past 7.00 and is normally up by at least 8 every morning , more like 7 this was a very relaxing start. I even managed to read and finish the new Vogue knitting mag.

DP and I went for a lovely walk before a late brunch. Down to the harbour to watch the wild black swans feeding. The water was so clear that you could see their legs paddling and necks under the water as they fed. Then under the bridge to watch a school of fish rising with their scales glistening in the sunlight while a ganet swam and dived among them. Of course who forgot to take her camera!!!

Then after lunch into the craft studio/room to tidy and hunt up new projects.

Some before shots........................

The pile of wool, knitting machine etc in the middle.

The table and cutting board swamped with goodness knows what...

Now some after shots. You may say ... not much difference but I can now use my table and cutting mat, find my sewing machine cabinet and the wool/yarn is all sorted and packed away in the boxes and bins in the background. Of course the boxes are still stacked in the middle but I have a slight problem of more yarn than will fit in the bins. Either have to do a lot of sitting around knitting or ... sugggestions please.

Now one or two items found and projects hunted up. Here I will have to admit defeat. Blogger only seemed to want to let me post so many pics so the rest will have to follow.

First up some hand-dyed silk coccons. Brought at the last spin-in and waiting to be embelished and embroidered. (The colours by the way in these pics are a little off. Real life is more colourful , the sun has "washed" them out a little.)

Next some black hand-spun and silver to be used for my new watch strap see pattern here.

Next some reds [ not orangey as appears in the pic] and black for the new wristwarmers to keep me warm when the cold weather fianlly arrives. I thought I would cheat and sew the beads on after. I know I have some jets and reds in my bead stash. My winter coast is black so this will do nicely. Anyway who cares about colour when the air con at work is so cold.! brrr!!!!!!!!!! Pattern here too.

Now drum roll please , presenting a sock. Knitted about 6 years ago and forgotten. I tried it on and thought wow cosy I need to finish #2. This prompted an hour and a half search for the pattern to no avail. :( Not surprising considering the house moving etc done in the past 5 years.)

However I have started the next one so should be able to "read" the other one and copy it. A nice little challenge for the winter months. But if anyone can recognise the pattern and point me in the right direction I wouldn't say no.

Anyway that's as far as I have been able to get. Blogger has not been very co-operative. So next pic next post!!

As for Saturday once I had finished in the studio I went out side for a while and dug up bed #2 in the veggie garden before the kids were dropped of by Mum after their access visit. By the way another bucket full of tomoates, these things are never going to give up. Then to laze about um I mean rest in front of telly before the abborted post and bed.

Anyway today, Sunday?? Well it was rather busy with kids. Their dad was rather late picking them up so today has been a bit of a wash out really. I did try and get on the PC to do this post but made the mistake of showing my grand-son the net - that is the Thomas the tank engine site with games. Well!!! he is completely hooked. I had to prise the mouse off of him to get him to go home. HIs words .." I will ask Dad if I can come back tomorrow to play"!! Sorry mate we're going out tomorrow!!! Quick take the phone off the hook and lock the doors!!

Tomorrow up the section to collect pine cones and bed #3 in the veggie garden as well as compost spreading etc.

What's that you say? Knitting content? Well I did get quite a bit done while lazing about in front of Telly. I have nearly finished sewing up the festival jacket only one sleeve to go and have just finished the back of DP jersey only the front yoke and the neck to do now. So should finish both of these tomorrow. Then what next!!!???

I am off to bed to read, novel better than expected I may see who dunit tonight. See you all tomorrow with the next part of the stash sort and perhaps a pic or two of FO's.

Only 4 days to festival, yeh...!

Knit on >^..^<

A break at last!

2006-04-13T23:21:00.000+12:00

I have been looking forward to this weekend so much! A whole couple of days to catch up and do the hundred and one things I have wanting to do for ages. [ And I don't mean housework either!! :) Although some of that will arise I am sure.:(

Perhaps if I list them here they might get done!!! A daily reminder of "Now what about....?"

I would really like to get my craft room cum studio space tidied. What a mess at the moment!! All this stash buying and garage saling is all very well, but one needs to put away! I tend to go in , put down and put away later so you can imagine ....!!!!

As the festival jacket now awaits sewing up, another thing I would like to do this weekend and I am now knitting the yokes of DP's jersey I need another couple of projects to start. A mindless computer blogging one as well as a TV watching one and perhaps a small going away one. Great I get to rifle the stash tomorrow. Already have the projects lining up.

The watch wrist strap for one. Here. My shrug with the greens I have been collecting. I have some white bulky to dye to make a wrap/jacket and a little braclet to crochet. In this.

This is just the tip of the iceberg... I could so easily start several projects including socks. Me socks.....!!! Hm we'll see...watch this space.

Some serious sitting around watching TV, knitting and or reading would be good as well. Two new books arrived at work to day, guess who gets to read them first...shhh!!!

This is the first one, so far looking like a good read.

There is also pinecone gathering to do from our section for the fire. We have a nearly 2 acre section about a 1/2 mile away. It is rather steep with a lot of pine trees that make good fire material. Last year we collected several sacks full but have yet to make the attempt this time. Not to mention gardening and walking and .......I could go on but you get the idea!

Tomorrow tho is going to be devoted to not worring about getting up or having to "do" anything!!! Such a change! I "never" get to lie about so will enjoy immensely. The arm is a bit sore tho so hope it doesn't keep me awake, got my flu jab today.

I also went around and helped Lily as she had a dress up as a story book character today. She really wanted to be Cinderella but we settled for Snow white. I used to make so many costumes when my kids were little, white wizards, knights, etc but working eats into ones time.. drat work! I suppose I do need to eat!!??

Oops !! This was around the right way when I went to load it. Now how did that happen? You will have to look sideways , lol until I figure this one out.

The day started so well this is the sunrise..note sunrise. It turned the harbour all pink including the water. Very beautiful.

Hm at this rate the sun will be up before I finish this post I am away to bed. See you all tomorrow.

Knit on >^..^<