Aspiring blogger

First finished project for 2010

2010-01-13T20:50:00.004+11:00

Well a new year has begun and my first finished project is...wait for it...another shawl!! I started working on Gudrun Johnston's Wast Side Shawl just before Christmas and finished it last week after having left it alone for a week or so. The construction of this shawl is different from anything else that I've tried in that you start with the border (which becomes a huge long chain of points) that you then pick up so that you can work inwards until you get to the top where you usually start a triangular shawl.

The border seemed to take forever, but the pattern works to a really good rhythm that is very easy to memorise, so it's not too painful. Then you work on the Fern lace, which again is pretty intuitive and easy to remember and on to the stockinette portion which just flies off the needles. Before you know it you've finished - smiles all around. Especially when your almost three year old son says "That's brilliant Mummy!".

As for the yarn I used, well yes, it's Malabrigo Sock again. I love this stuff, the colours are great, the yarn is lovely and soft and the yardage is really good for making shawls. Luckily I have a bit more left over in the stash so I'm off to see what else I can make - yippee!!

Oh yes, and I do believe that I've managed to produce something for the Summer of Lace that I told Bells I would join in on. I was starting to worry for awhile there as everything I tried just wasn't working. I've even got a couple of other things in the works that should hopefully count too. So stay tuned!

Yes, I've been AWOL

2009-12-10T21:25:00.007+11:00

My, how the time has flown! Now that I look back I've been missing in action from here for quite awhile. Nothing serious, just not much to talk about I guess, and I was sick for about three weeks with the dreaded cold that has been going around so I wasn't really feeling up to anything much.

As you can see by my pictures, I've got knitting, or lack of it, to talk about! I'm sad to say I seem to be struggling with my knitting a bit at the moment. Lots of frogging has been taking place which is annoying, but also liberating. Back in March I think it was, I began work on a beautiful Kim Hargreaves cardigan, but as you can see by the first photo here it's now gone. I'd managed to complete the back and almost finished the left front piece, and then I'd made a mistake. To me, mistakes seem to be the signal to stop a project (until recently that is but I'll get to that later). Needless to say this project languished in it's bag for many months until last month when I decided to take another look at it. I looked, then looked again and it just didn't seem to be right, so I measured it, then I measured it again, and I was right, the whole thing was completely the wrong shape and size. Not sure what happened but I think that my tension is totally different when I'm just doing straight garter stitch and not stocking stitch. So the yarn has been bagged up again until I can find the perfect project for it. There's a few ideas floating around so I'll see what happens with those when the need arises.

I did, however, manage to finish my Eyelet Cardigan and it came out quite nicely.....BUT.....it just does not suit me. I'm not sure if it's the colour or the shape or a combination of the two but whenever I tried to put it on I felt like a complete frump, it did not look good at all. So, it's been packaged up, and we'll see if Mum likes it at Christmas time. If not, I guess it will be frogged and the yarn used for something else. You see, my fear of frogging has finally gone!

Other attempts at shawls this past couple of weeks have also fallen by the wayside. Firstly I tried Traveling Woman by Liz Abinante (Rav link). It's a really nice, simple shawl pattern that I thought would be good for a friends birthday present. It went along swimmingly until I got to the last row, I made a tiny mistake which I just left thinking nothing of it. Then, I was silly and did an extra row that wasn't necessary, again I left it thinking it would be ok. After that I did the bind off, hmmmm, this didn't look so good. Tried blocking it, still not good. The bind off was obviously way too tight, the shawl just looked misshapen and wanted to fold itself in half when I tried to stretch it out. It sat, forlorn for a couple of weeks until today when I thought I would try to rescue it. Then I thought, why bother, just start again. So it's been......frogged!!

Next, I tried Miriam L. Felton's Seraphim. I thought I would use the beautiful Malabrigo Sock yarn that I have here in the Turner colourway and it was going very well. I spent a week slogging away on the very large, and boring, stockinette section of the shawl and early this week got to the first chart. Something wasn't right, the second half of the pattern isn't matching up with the first half. I counted my stitches, then I counted again. WEIRD!!! I ended up with seven extra stitches on one half of the shawl. Really don't know how that happened, so I paused and thought, and realised that the colour just wasn't working for me in that shawl. Needless to say, it's now gone and another project has been started with the yarn. I'm not going to mention it yet in the fear that I may jinx myself to another failure!!!

One project that has been successful this past month has been gifted, so I can't even pull it out to remind myself that I have managed to finish something lately! It was Gudrun Johnston's Aestlight Shawl (Rav link). Quite a few of these have been popping up on Ravelry and I can add that it's a fun and interesting knit. The construction is quite different from any other shawls I have made. I'm fairly certain that it is mistake free and it blocked out rather nicely. The fact that my friend put it on straight away and left it on for our entire dinner out made me feel good about the fact that I'd passed it on to her. After all, I can always make another one!!

Silent Sunday

2009-11-01T21:43:00.002+11:00

Bye Bye Blogtober

2009-10-31T21:37:00.005+11:00

I've noticed that many of us that have taken part in Blogtoberfest are looking back today at the month that has passed. I too have been thinking about what I would say in this post and basically my main thought is...I've really enjoyed it!

At the start of the month I wasn't sure how I would go with the motivation to keep going and thinking of something to post every day, but really it wasn't too hard. Of course there were days where I thought I couldn't be bothered but for the most part I've had fun with the process of thinking what I'm going to write about and finding the pictures to suit the topic. I wasn't always successful, but then that's also part of the learning process.

Some topics of the past month were geared towards giving me motivation towards a goal, unfortunately I still haven't gotten very far with that! My so called attempt at starting to get fit and healthy again have fallen by the wayside and I'm still trying to master the hula hoop. But I'll keep trying and maybe I will let you know how I get on.

Mostly though I have enjoyed reading other blogs taking part in this little festival, as well as some that aren't, and I can honestly say I've learned quite a lot. I look forward to continuing the learning process and in getting to know a few more of you a little better. I also want to give a big thank you for everyone who has been reading and especially to those of you who have left comments, it really does brighten my day to find that someone has taken the time out of their busy lives to write something in response to my ramblings.

Thanks again everyone and Happy End of Blogtoberfest!

Reminiscing.

2009-10-30T23:55:00.003+11:00

It's about this time of the year when I start to think more of my family and friends, seeing as they are interstate and I don't get to see as much of them as I would like. We usually book our Christmas trip around now so I start to get all excited about catching up with every one again.

Because of that I thought I'd look at a few old pictures, and also to share a couple with you here.

They certainly bring back lots of good, and happy, memories, as they should. Got to love those special dresses that Nana made!

CastOnItis Strikes Again!

2009-10-29T20:51:00.004+11:00

I've gone and done it again, cast on another new project! After yesterdays unhappy attempt at knitting lace I thought I'd try something else with some yarn I'm more comfortable with, a nice lovely 4ply!! When I say lovely 4ply I mean it, Malabrigo Sock yarn is lovely to work with and is fast becoming a favourite along with the Handmaiden Casbah Sock I've used a couple of times.
This time I'm trying Gudrun Johnston's Aestlight Shawl, which has rather a different construction. You start with just one stitch and add to it at the beginning of each row by looping the yarn over the right needle, it produces the open stitches on the edges so that they can be easily picked up for the border to be worked. So far I'm about 60 or so stitches in to a cast on of 154, not too bad for an hour or two's work for me.
This is the easy part, the proof of how successful I'll be in sticking with this project will be when I get to the trickier border and edging sections. But then again there are over 500 projects on Ravelry so it can't be too hard, I hope!

Calling all lace knitters.

2009-10-28T21:26:00.004+11:00

Ok, well I couldn't wait to start my Summer of Lace so I cast on the Hidcote Garden Shawl today and I'm not too sure about it. Even though I'm using smaller needles than specified in the pattern it's still looking a little too lacy for me. This is what I have after completing the first chart of twenty eight rows.

So my question is, does this look right to you? I get the feeling it needs to be a bit tighter but I'm also wondering if the yarn will bloom a bit after it's been soaked for blocking. I'm using Knitter's Addiction Lace Weight Cashmere, which I haven't tried before. It seems nice so far, but I'm just not used to using such fine yarn, the Malabrigo laceweight is nice and fuzzy so it doesn't seem so thin for some reason.

Seeing as I'm still very new to this I'm not sure if I should keep going with this needle size or try it again on much smaller needles. I must say that this attempt on 3mm needles does look better than the few rows I tried on the 3.25mm needles. Anyway, all tips and hints will be much appreciated. Thank You!

Teaser Tuesdays - A Favourite Author

2009-10-27T20:43:00.005+11:00

On the night of my thirteenth birthday, I made an announcement.
'I am never getting married and I am never having children.' (p.1)

The teaser lines today are the first two from the new novel 'Leaving the World' by one of my favourite authors Douglas Kennedy. When one of my friends asked a couple of weeks ago if I would like a copy as he'd seen it going cheap in the city I said "Yes please!"

Since reading 'The Pursuit of Happiness' back in 2001 I've pretty much read every other novel he has written. Some are gripping, thrilling and are great page turners. The last couple however I've found to be a little strange, they start out really good, with all of Kennedy's trademarks, but then they turn, become a bit too fantastical. There's something about them though that I still enjoy, so when a new novel turns up, I go out and get it and start reading it with a good sense of expectation. Hopefully this new one will be another gripping ride.

As for last week's book 'I heart New York' by Lindsey Kelk, I have to say I enjoyed it. At times it got a little tedious/predictable (like most chick lit books do), but for the most part it was a really fun read with little twists here and there to keep you guessing. It helped too that she evoked the city really well, and also mentioned one of my favourite works of art to boot. If you're looking for something light and fun to read, then this one fits the bill.

Laceweight.

2009-10-26T22:01:00.005+11:00

Since I started knitting lace earlier this year with Ishbel and the Adamas Shawl I've been getting closer and closer to trying knitting lace in actual laceweight yarn. It hasn't happened yet, but I am using the laceweight for the Featherweight cardigan at the moment and really, it's not that scary.

Seeing as Bells is talking of doing the Summer of Lace again this year I thought I would join in and have been trying to decide which pattern I'm going to do. I think I've worked it out and am considering using some beautiful cashmere that's waiting in the stash to make Miriam L Felton's Hidcote Garden Shawl (Ravelry link).

Then again, I could end up making something completely different, we'll have to wait and see what I come up with, sometimes I surprise myself!

No words Sunday.

2009-10-25T20:29:00.002+11:00

Some knitting.

2009-10-24T18:07:00.003+11:00

My knitting project at the moment is a little on the tame side, loads and loads of stocking stitch, but at the same time it's quite soothing, and the yarn is just beautiful. I'm making Featherweight Cargidan by Hannah Fettig and am using the yarn called for, Malabrigo Yarn Lace. This yarn is the softest, lightest and finest yarn I have ever worked with and so far I'm loving it. I just keep laying the piece down on my lap so I can touch it, and have been known to rub it against my cheek from time to time too!

I'm starting to reach that point though where my mind starts to wander off to other project ideas, what else can I do, what yarn can I use........yes, castonitis is trying its influence yet again. So far I've been strong, mostly I think because I can't yet decide which new project I want to cast on, there are so many calling to me. Luckily there isn't just one with the loudest "Pick Me" call yet, so Featherweight is safe with my affections, for now!

Attempts at fitness.

2009-10-23T20:35:00.003+11:00

In an attempt to boost my motivation for getting fit and healthy I thought I would try something fun that the Lukester and I can play with together, I bought us each a hula hoop!

We had lots of fun this afternoon trying to use them but they're not as easy as I remember. I couldn't get it to work at all, it kept just dropping to the floor. I'm determined to be able to use it though, so hopefully by the end of the weekend, I'll be hula hooping up a storm. Yippeeeeee.

This is funny!

2009-10-22T21:26:00.005+11:00

The other day we found the baby dancing to Beyonce on YouTube which is hilarious, they must have had a heap of people using it though because they've now disabled the embedding function, you can still go and check it out here.

While I was looking for it tonight to show you, I came across this other video which I thought was just as good, stick with it as he has some good moves towards the end. Little ones certainly know how to move!!

>

Date night.

2009-10-21T22:57:00.004+11:00

Tonight, I met my Handsome Husband in the city for an evening out together, we thought we'd try the Night Noodle Markets which are an annual event in Sydney. It was a lovely night, but very crowded with massive queues waiting for the food, and in the end we didn't even bother with lining up to get drinks, just made do with the bottle of water that we had. The atmosphere was pretty happy and relaxed though, I think because it had been a really nice, warm day today, so everyone was enjoying being outside.
It's so nice to spend some time together just the two of us, it's a pretty rare occurrence these days. I think we'll have to make more of an effort to make "Date night" a bit more of a regular event. What do you think Rob????

Teaser Tuesdays - Some Chick Lit.

2009-10-20T20:41:00.003+11:00

Her perfect wedding outfit was carefully folded over the back of a chair and I hesitated for a moment before looking down at what she was wearing instead. It's a bit weird to see your mum wearing an old Blondie T-shirt and a pair of your boyfriend's boxers. (p.12).

I've started a new book today, 'I heart New York' by Lindsey Kelk. I've got a nice pile of books to choose from at the moment, but I can't seem to bring myself to read anything other than fluff, hence the chick lit. At least it's set in my favourite city!! Judging by the first twelve pages I think I should enjoy it, I'll let you know how it goes. What are you reading today?

Clothilde

2009-10-19T13:42:00.004+11:00

Yay, another shawl is done, that makes seven finished since June! There's also a looooong list of more to do yet, at the moment I'm trying to decide which one to try, there are so many beautiful patterns to choose from.

This pattern, Clothilde, took me a week to do (again I was very good with my monogamous knitting) and I thoroughly enjoyed it, there's enough happening in the pattern to keep your interest going without it being too taxing. I think this is a first for me in not having any mistakes in it either, none that I know of any way!
I think I mentioned before that the yarn is Fifty Fifty by Knitabulous and it was really lovely to work with, beautifully soft with great stitch definition and drape. The only pity is that the colours don't show up well in the photography. I know I had my reservations about it when I first started, and although it's not usually a colour I would go for, I found myself seeing something different in it every time I picked it up.

In hindsight I think I could have made it a little larger, again I have ended up with at least 15 grams of yarn left over, and my bind off mustn't have been stretchy enough as I didn't get the points with the spearhead lace, I didn't try it too hard but it did seem a bit resistant.
All in all I'm happy with the outcome (it helps that the designer Kristen Hanley Cardozo and Ailsa Daily from Knitabulous have both faved my project on Ravelry!!) and I would definitely recommend it as a lovely shawl to make. Go on, you know you want to!

Well...

2009-10-18T21:27:00.005+11:00

Tonight I was going to do a 'No Words Sunday' post, but Blogger has other ideas and won't post any of the pictures I've tried uploading for the past hour.......so I'm not happy! I have some lovely pictures I took down by Lake Illawarra this afternoon when we went down for some fresh air and sunshine. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to post something a little more interesting again.

Thanks to the Handsome Husband too for his guest post last night, it was a nice surprise to see what you came up with.

Is that a Y chromosone in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?

2009-10-17T20:06:00.009+11:00

So the missus walks up to me and says, "Wanna do a guest blog?" How can I refuse?

The regular readers will know me as the Handsome Husband (that's her opinion, I reckon I've got a head like a dropped pie) who crops up in the annals of Aspiring Blogger from time to time. I love AC/DC, playing with the Lukester, football, Tintin, Sudoku, the beach, my family and the mistress. I hate fascists, Gloria Jean's and Starbucks coffee, Tangara trains and reality TV. But enough about me.

I thought I would share with you one of my favourite photos of my beautiful wife. Some background on the picture. It was taken at Moana - Google Maps - with the coolest car I have ever driven. The car belonged to Big Bad Brian, my father-in-law, and was reluctantly sold the next year after this was taken.

Hope you enjoyed my guest stint on Aspiring Blogger. I'm off to be a knitting widow for the rest of the evening.

Like a woman possessed.

2009-10-16T20:56:00.005+11:00

This time last week I was telling you that I had cast on Clothilde, and by the end of tonight I should hopefully have it finished! I'm not sure if it's just a quick knit or the fact that I've been obsessively working on it all week, but I've almost finished the large size. I've thoroughly enjoyed making this one and I've really warmed up to the colour but unfortunately my photos are not doing it any justice at the moment. Maybe if I get my act together, and the weather isn't too bad over the weekend, I can do a nice little photo shoot to try and improve that.

The Stash!

2009-10-15T21:28:00.006+11:00

Most knitters know that an important aspect of the craft is building "The Stash". Some people don't store much yarn in theirs, but I must say that I am rather guilty of accumulating more than a few skeins, although I am not as bad as some. Yet again Ravelry has helped me to see that there is always going to be more people out there that have way more than me so I don't feel so bad, there are even threads in the forums where people show off photos of their stash and how they store it, believe me it's worth checking out!

Another aspect of "The Stash" that Ravelry has developed for me is the photography of yarn. I would never have imagined that I would put time and thought into taking photos of balls of yarn, but I have, and I think I'm improving! There's another group on the site which is devoted to photographing their knitting projects and yarn which I have been stalking and considering joining, some of the photography is amazing and has really inspired me to try a few different things.

When I think about "The Stash" I know that in my case the majority of it has been bought with a purpose, with a particular project in mind. It doesn't always end up as what was originally intended but there is some thought put into it, much research on my knitting bible (Ravelry of course) and then it comes down to what I feel like casting on at the time. There's a lot more I could probably say here to try and explain myself a little better but I think I'll leave it for now. Maybe I'll get another post out of it if I'm struggling again for something to talk about here! It all goes to show though how much knitting has become a big part of my life, as something that I enjoy and benefit from. Got to love that!

New Discovery

2009-10-14T21:27:00.007+11:00

Just recently I've noticed that a lot of advertising on television is using a new technique that seems to convert actual footage to make it look like it's made of miniatures or models. Each time I see these ads I wonder how they do it as it looks amazing. So yesterday, when I was having a bit of a look around various blogs again you could imagine my interest when I saw someone had a photo that uses the same technique, and that she linked to the site where you can try it out for yourself!!

A life of a photographoe has a beautiful looking blog, with some wonderful pictures that she's taken. I originally came across her blog through Ravelry and only periodically check in to see what she's come up with, so yesterday I thought I'd have a bit more of a look around at some of her older posts, hence the discovery....the Tilt Shift Maker. You upload your photo and can edit it in such a way that it turns out looking like a miniature world.

Here's my first experiment;

The picture is of the Painted Ladies in San Francisco when Rob and I were there on our honeymoon and while I like the effect I think it could use a little more tweaking to make it look really good. I've also got a couple of ideas stored up in my little head to try a few other things so you never know, you may see some more tilt shift work from me!

PS You can also click on the picture to get a look at it bigger if you like!

Teaser Tuesdays.

2009-10-13T20:09:00.004+11:00

Yesterday I was having a bit of a look through some of the Blogtoberfest participant's webpages and came across the bookend. She mentions finding this meme by MizB from Should Be Reading where you open up a random page of the book you're reading and share a two sentence teaser from the page. So here goes;

My teaser comes from 'Three to Get Deadly' by Janet Evanovich;

He made polite conversation with my mother and grandmother and discussed sports scores with my father. On the surface Morelli seemed relaxed and smiling, but there were unguarded moments when I caught him watching me with the offhand intensity of a tree toad eyeing a tasty insect. (p.106)

This book is the third in a series of fifteen, at last count, about Stephanie Plum who ends up working for her cousin as a bounty hunter. It's been a long while since I've found any books that make me laugh out loud but these ones do the trick. Stephanie comes out with some fantastic observations, like the one in the quote, and her grandmother is a great source of amusement.

If you haven't tried any of these books and you like a bit of a mystery as well as a laugh, then I definitely recommend giving them a try. Let me know how you go.

A past life.

2009-10-12T13:48:00.007+11:00

In my previous life (a life where I was known as Susanne, not as Mummy) I spent a great deal of time looking at, reading about, and studying art. I was interested in most forms of art, but modern art soon became a firm favourite. In particular, Edward Hopper's work stood out for me as something special, so much so that I wrote my Masters' dissertation on it.

Due to that I immersed myself in his work, reading as much as I could and studying picture after picture, over and over again. The one thing I felt I was lacking though was seeing his work with my own eyes, I felt that my writing would be less informed because of it. Nevertheless I finished the study and did reasonably well, but I still felt the need to see his work.

Soon after my graduation my husband and I were married and off on our honeymoon, first stop New York. My poor husband got dragged around gallery after gallery so I could absorb as much as I could. I managed to see some brilliant works of art that I had thought I'd never be lucky enough to lay my eyes on, and discovered more that just jumped off the canvas, works that had done nothing for me when I had seen them in books.

As I stood in awe of the many Edward Hopper's works we managed to find, Rob snapped these pictures of me so I could always remember that I had seen the real deal, so I could prove to myself that I had actually seen them. Even though they're not the best pictures of me, I'm so glad to have them.

Works in order of appearance:
The Lighthouse at Two Lights, 1929, Oil on canvas, 74.9 x 109.9cm, New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Hugo Kastor Fund, 1962.

House by the Railroad, 1925, Oil on canvas, 60.7 x 73.7cm, New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Given Anonymously.

Tables for Ladies, 1930, Oil on canvas, 122.5 x 153cm, New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, George A. Hearn Fund, 1931.

No words Sunday.

2009-10-11T20:57:00.004+11:00

Saturday Night

2009-10-10T21:13:00.002+11:00

It's cold and raining outside and Rob is off watching the Australia vs. Netherlands soccer match so I'm going to put my feet up with my knitting, a movie and some popcorn....and probably some chocolate, before heading off to my warm bed for some zzzzzs.

Gone are the days of staying out all night with friends dancing and drinking! Do I miss it? Not really.

Have a good night, whatever you're doing.

There's nothing like a new project!

2009-10-09T21:14:00.005+11:00

Ahh, that feels better! A new project on the needles is so satisfying for some reason, the thrill of the new, the challenge.
The call of the shawl has been very strong to me again so I've cast on Clothilde by Kristen Hanley Cardozo. I've been looking at starting this one for awhile now and was originally going to use some Malabrigo Sock for it but I've gone with some Fifty Fifty by Knitabulous.
So far the yarn is really nice to work with but I'm not completely sold on the colour. I really liked it in the skein but now it's being knit up I think it's a bit bland or something . I'm going to give it more of a try and see how it goes, I'm sure it will be fine.

Unseasonable

2009-10-08T20:52:00.004+11:00

It seems that the warm weather we had a couple of weeks ago was a bit of a false start to Spring. This past week has been miserable. I took this picture yesterday evening from my bedroom , the rain was running down the window in sheets. We did get some sunshine today but it has been blowing a gale and absolutely FREEZING!

It's really not helping my resolve to get out and do some exercise, but it is helping my knitting! The cardigan is almost done, just the neck band to complete now. Hopefully tomorrow will see a bright, sunny, wind-free day so I can get out and about and started on my quest for a slimmer, healthier self!

Project monogamy.

2009-10-07T21:14:00.004+11:00

There is something to be said for working on one project at a time. Seventeen days ago my cardigan looked like this

Now, it's almost finished! I have about half a sleeve and the button bands and neck to do. Usually I would have gotten totally bored with all of the stocking stitch and let it sit for ages like I did with my first cardigan. After the Tour de France efforts though on my Garter Yoke Cardigan I've learned that spending time on one project goes a long way to getting it finished and being used much faster - who would have thought such a thing was possible!

This last couple of days though I have been furiously trying to resist the dreaded CastOnItis! I have a list of shawls as long as my arm that I want to get started on and having a skein wound ready to go isn't helping. BUT, I am determined to finish this cardigan first, in fact I should go and finish that sleeve now.

Must.Resist.Casting.On.New.Project.

Out and about

2009-10-06T21:18:00.004+11:00

A couple of weeks ago we had a lovely day at Symbio Wildlife Park. The weather was perfect and the three of us had a fantastic time seeing the animals. It was the first time we'd taken the Lukester anywhere like it and he had a ball. There's an interesting mix of animals there including Red Pandas, crocodiles, sheep, pigs, ponies, koalas and Meerkats.
Luke especially loved the lizards and feeding the wallaby, it was so hard to tear him away from one exhibit to the next, he just couldn't seem to get enough of everything he saw. I would dearly love to take him to Taronga Zoo to see all the other animals that he's so familiar with from books and tv shows, but unfortunately the trip of at least two hours each way, and the rather exorbitant entry cost won't see us heading that way any time soon. Hopefully we'll make it to Adelaide Zoo when we head back to South Australia for the Christmas holidays.

Nice Lazy Day

2009-10-05T20:27:00.004+11:00

We had a Public Holiday here today so we spent it at home not doing much at all, just being together, which was a really nice change for us. The morning was spent playing and a bit of time spent on various computers (don' ask!). Then after lunch we were treated to a pretty good thunder storm. Just before it hit the lake turned a really beautiful green colour, so I had to take some pics.

The rest of the afternoon saw me get some knitting done on my cardigan. The first sleeve is almost finished, so hopefully I'll have a completed cardigan by the end of the week.

I had a good chat with my Mum on the phone then headed off to the supermarket for the weekly grocery shop. I also tried a new recipe, a Gnocchi Pasta Bake which we ended up calling Pizza Pasta because that's what it kind of tasted like! It still didn't impress the Lukester though seeing as we're going through the "terrible toddler not wanting to eat dinner phase", he kept saying that it smelled!
He's now nicely tucked up in his bed, so I'm here on the computer for a little while, then I'm off to finish that sleeve. Have a good night everyone, see you tomorrow!

Regular program resumes tomorrow

2009-10-04T22:28:00.004+11:00

I've been laid low with a migraine today so here's a pretty picture or two for you to look at instead of my ramblings, and I'll be back tomorrow with something a little more interesting.

Herbivore

2009-10-03T23:10:00.005+10:00

About a week ago I finished Stephen West's Herbivore pattern, which I really enjoyed. I've made two of his patterns now and have a couple more in mind to try in the future. It's so refreshing to find such young, male designers of knitwear. I think the clean lines and simple design is what appeals the most, a lot of people on Ravelry are saying how they like the architectural nature of his work and I'm inclined to agree. This pattern in particular is made up of some interesting angles which add to the shawls great versatility when it comes to how you wear it (I'm even wearing it now seeing as it's been such a cold, wet day here).

This was my first time using Malabrigo Sock yarn too and I must say it is VERY nice, luckily there are a few more skeins of it sitting in my stash and I dare say I'll be using them sooner rather than later. I wasn't sure how I'd go with the yardage, but in the end I could have made it an inch or two wider as I've ended up with a spare 15 grams.

I'm on a bit of a roll with some knitting monogamy at the moment so hopefully I'll have a finished cardigan to show you before the end of next week too. Yay!

Holding myself accountable.

2009-10-02T21:23:00.005+10:00

Ok, well I wasn't sure if I would go ahead with this post, but I figure it may be the only way to get myself motivated enough to do something.

For months now I've felt the need to lose some weight, this staying at home with the toddler is not all that good for my health seeing as I snack, a lot. I have at least 15 kilos that I need to shed so that I feel better about myself again, and so that I can actually fit into my clothes comfortably.

Now I know it's not going to happen overnight, but I figure if I announce it here for people to see that I'll actually have to get started on doing something about it rather than just read the magazines! That way, by the end of Blogtoberfest, I can hopefully demonstrate some change in my habits and be well on the way to reaching my goal. The fact that I have a wedding to go to in November and family to visit at Christmas time should also be motivating factors.

So fingers crossed, starting tomorrow I will consciously make an effort to make a change for the better and will report back here at the end of the month as to my progress.

(Sorry about the reversed picture too, but that's the best I could get with my built in camera on the computer).

And so it begins...

2009-10-01T16:29:00.002+10:00

We're off and running on the 31 day event of Blogtoberfest! I have a few ideas of what I'll be posting about here, needless to say you'll be finding out a lot about my knitting escapades as well as probably my photography, likes and dislikes. Hopefully my calendar will be filled and we'll have a fun ride together.

Here goes.....

What have I done...

2009-09-30T23:11:00.004+10:00

Eeeek, I've signed up for Blogtoberfest! Check out TinnieGirl and Bellsknits for all the relevant information.

I hope I can manage to be interesting for the next 31 days!

Today...

2009-09-21T21:33:00.004+10:00

Instead of using these

and dealing with this

I played with this

and this
because they make me happy!

It's a shawl thing...

2009-09-07T21:06:00.006+10:00

Yes, I'm still here, just hadn't felt much like blogging lately, but have been keeping busy with other things. As you can see by this post I have been bitten by the shawl bug, like many other people it seems! After knitting Ishbel I started to find that there were so many other patterns out there that I wanted to try, so try I have.

There are many, many Miriam L. Felton designs that I have loved since setting eyes on them and I've got plans for making quite a few, but the first was Adamas (Ravelry link). I'm not sure why I chose this one as the first, but it just seemed to happen, and in a colour that I wouldn't normally choose for myself, a rich gold from the Collinette Jitterbug range. I'm really quite happy and proud of the result.

Two quick projects came next, Milkweed by Laura Chau and Hayworth Shawlette by Victoria Lynn. Although Milkweed is a really nice, simple, pattern in a lovely yarn (Handmaiden Casbah Sock) I'm not all that fussed by my finished shawl. It's nice, but.....I'm not sure. Maybe I should give it a couple of test runs before I make my final verdict. On the other hand my Hayworth has come out beautifully, in the same, soft yarn, it's a good size and a good solid design. I've been surprised to see on Ravelry that not many people have made this one yet, hopefully the virus will spread a little further to include it!

Now, I've started working on Stephen West's Boneyard Shawl and have at least six other projects in mind to start in the very near future. I've almost been inspired by Rose Red to start something really ambitious. She's started the month off with seven days of Wollmeise, go check out her blog to see it all in it's glory. I considered a Seven Shawls of September idea, which could morph into the Seven Shawls of Spring but I'll see how I go in the coming week and will let you know!

More 5pm

2009-06-30T22:53:00.005+10:00

I've been taking pictures....pictures at 5pm! For a week I got the camera out every day at the same time to have a bit of a play around with light and shapes. A couple of days were out in the back yard and there were a few shots that are fairly good, but as you can see here it was the trips to the beach that yielded the best pictures.

There are just so many things to choose from when you're at the beach that I've managed to get quite a few shots that I'm really quite proud of. The weather, the light, the sea, people, creatures, clouds...the list goes on. Although there are all those variables, it seems that the choice of 5pm is a little limiting at this time of year, well it is for my imagination and creativity so far any way. I've been going at it with no real plan other than to try and get good photos and I'm starting to think that it needs to be fleshed out with a little more structure.

I still think I'll give it a bit more of a chance and will try to vary the locations and subject matter a little more just to see where that will lead me. It can't be too regimented otherwise I think it will start to show and I won't be getting anything worth keeping (or showing off!!). It's funny how quickly my perception of things has changed. I'm starting to look at everything in a new way, opening my eyes again to the things around me, which just goes to show that I've managed to cement myself into a bit of a niche, staying at home with a toddler, cooking dinner, so on and so on.

So there you have it, it's been good to get out and have that little time to myself doing something out of the ordinary. Funny how all it takes is a few minutes and some thought!

First Knittaversary!!

2009-06-23T22:08:00.003+10:00

On this day, one year ago, I finished my first knitted object. It was a stripy scarf from a Patons Learning to Knit book and I was quite pleased with myself when it was finished. The Handsome Husband, otherwise known as Rob, liked it and he's been using it quite a bit since for his commute to work on the train. Since that day, my knitting (or should I say my new obsession) has come along in leaps and bounds. I'm still climbing the learning curve though, and am enjoying every minute of it. Who would have thought I would immerse myself in something so thoroughly that within a year, if I don't do at least a tiny bit of knitting every day, I don't feel right!!! I never thought I would that's for sure.

I've been trying lots of different things, as we all know that scarves can get a little boring. I do like to make them though and there has been more than six completed in the last twelve months. Of course there has also been some bandwagon knitting attempted, the first being the infamous Clapotis which I tried in Noro Silk Garden. It's a nice big woolly thing (that I for some reason made over the summer) which has come in quite handy as a bit of a lap blanket on chilly evenings sitting on the couch.

Gift knitting has become huge with me as well, most people have been taking it well, so I think my gifts have been appreciated. No one has told me other wise yet, so they'll keep getting hand made items from me for awhile yet I think.

Sometimes though, my gift knitting gets a little behind, like the cute little baby cardigan pictured here. I started making this for a friend's baby that was born last September, I just finished it this month! Mainly because of my fear of seaming and finishing off items but I'm starting to overcome that. I'm learning that without giving it a try it's never going to get done, and if it's no good, it can always be done again!

For my second year as a knitter, I'm hoping to keep adding to my skills, to try and finish more objects (without them having to sit in a bag for four months waiting to be sewn together) and to build on the wonderful friendships I've been making. I really didn't expect, when I started out last year, that I would meet such a kind and generous group of people. Through taking a class, reading people's blogs and Ravelry, I'm finding like minded people that are inspiring me to find something fulfilling in myself........you can't get much better than that from a hobby/obsession now can you??

Actual knitting content

2009-06-16T21:46:00.002+10:00

Even though I've been having a lot of fun playing with the camera this past week, there has also been some knitting taking place. Of course I think there would have to be something seriously wrong with me if there was no knitting happening these days! As usual there are quite a few things in progress, two of which you can see here.

The red and black above is a scarf promised to my six year old god daughter in her "favourite colours". I'm just making it up as I go along, working alternating stripes in various sizes. It's almost finished thankfully as I'm not really enjoying the yarn I've chosen, yes I have become a total yarn snob in the past year!

The second picture shows some lovely Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed in Licorice. I've decided to make the Garter Stitch Jacket from Jo Sharp's Knit Issue 6. I was warned before hand that it knits up rather large, but I've gone ahead and started it in the second size up anyway. I'm starting to wonder if that was a wise choice. The back and left front seem ok, but I've started a sleeve and it's looking like it might end up very loose. I'll keep going with it for awhile and see how it looks, I really hate the idea of frogging something and starting again, as I just know that I'll end up leaving it and I don't want to do that.

Finally, I have something blocking that is, for me, very exciting. I hopped on the Ishbel bandwagon and knit this thing up in about a week. It's taken me over a week to get it blocked, but it's drying as I write. I could go on about this one here, but I'm planning on giving it a post all of it's own as I had such a good time with it, and the yarn.......more later, I promise!

Playing at being creative!

2009-06-15T21:42:00.002+10:00

Last week I was sitting here at my computer looking through some photos when I thought I might have a little play around. The picture you see here is the result of mucking around with various effects. I did so many things to it I can't even remember what they are, but I kind of like the result. What do you think?? The original is below for comparison.

Food, yummy food!

2009-06-12T20:05:00.004+10:00

Today the Lukester and I had a play date. We haven't had one in such a long time that I thought I'd mark the occasion with some yummy baking. I even tried a new recipe, something decadent, something by Nigella Lawson! The Chocolate Mint Cookies from her Nigella Express book worked a treat. They are so yummy I will definitely be making these again! They were also very well appreciated by the Lukester's friends Mum and Dad, always a good sign.

While I was in a good cooking mood I also thought I'd try something new for dinner. A nice, winter warming Tomato and Roast Capsicum soup, and yay, another success. Mr two and a half even liked it - bonus points to me!! I'm a happy Mum today.

5pm

2009-06-10T22:09:00.004+10:00

Today I decided to start my own little photographic project to try and kick start things a little. I haven't worked out all of the details yet, but as you can see, it involves 5pm.

At this time of the year it's close to sunset and we get beautiful colours in the sky over the lake and the mountains in the distance. I thought that with the big changes in weather we are having at the moment too it might be a good idea to try and capture some of the different moods of the sky. This past week alone, we have had warm days and cold nights, cloudy but very windy days and just plain old grey winter days!

I know it's not highly original to try and capture a similar subject at the same time every day or week, but hey, I've got to start somewhere.

A wish I have.

2009-06-08T20:53:00.004+10:00

Last night I was sitting at my computer having my usual look around and yet again discovered more blogs with some fantastic photography. It's got me all inspired to try and get going with our camera. It's a pretty good one, the Handsome Husband is so in love with it he calls it his "mistress"!!! The only thing is, I don't know how to use all of the different functions on it. I tried playing around with it last week and couldn't get anything exciting but I'm determined to keep trying, with new ideas popping into my head all the time. This is good, I'm enjoying getting the creative juices flowing, it's good for the soul!

The two pictures I've included here on this post were taken at Christmas time when we were visiting my parents. They live in a beautiful little seaside town in South Australia and we were down at the beach one day when I decided to have a little play with the camera. I managed to get a few shots I am happy with and these were two of them. Hopefully I'll be able to expand on these and get a lot more that I am totally in love with.

Wish me luck!

New York, New York

2009-06-05T23:32:00.005+10:00

I long to return to New York. For as long as I can remember it has been my dream place, the place I want to go to live, to change my life. I think about it often, visit blogs dedicated to it, and frequently take a peek via the Times Square web camera.

I was fortunate enough to be able to go there with my Handsome Husband for the first leg of our honeymoon. Seven or eight days jam packed with visiting galleries, museums, major tourist spots and quite a few afternoon naps on the most comfortable bed I've ever slept on due to jet lag. We tried to cram so much in that it was almost overwhelming.

Next time I go (notice I say next time and not "IF"!!!!!) I will try to take it a bit easier, soak in the atmosphere a bit more, take things more as they come, and of course visit some yarn shops (he he). That's not to say we were completely touristy, we did hang out at a few good bookstores, cafes and resturants and by the end of the week we knew our way around the subway, almost like locals. But, I need more!

Quite often I get such a strong yearning that it's more of a consuming thought in my life, I watch more tv shows and movies and read more books that are set in New York, I look at the blogs a little more longingly, and wonder, how long it will be before I can get back there. Then I get sad...How LONG will it be before I can get back there?????? I'd better start buying those lottery tickets, that's how long.

More finished knits.

2009-06-01T21:37:00.004+10:00

Well, another month has passed and I've managed to do a fair amount of knitting. When I sat down today though to make the list to see what I've done I discovered that out of the five things finished only one of them was for me, and that's something that I'm not very satisfied with, but I'll get onto that later. First the details;

Number one is the Alhambra scarf (Ravelry link) by Anne Hanson. Quite a few of these have been made by people on Ravelry and there were a couple in particular that really caught my eye, and as luck would have it I had some of the very same yarn in my stash. Jo Sharp's Alpaca Silk Georgette was the choice in a shade of green called Sprig which is a bit out of the ordinary for me and as soon as I started knitting with it I decided I probably wouldn't make much use of it so a gift it has become for my Mum.

The second item was slated to be Mum's mother's day present from the beginning. It was finished a little late and although it was finished on 17 May I've only just managed to get it ready to be put in the post tomorrow. Luckily I have a very patient and understanding Mum! The Stolen Moments Wrap is a fairly simple pattern, very easy to memorise, and yet still possible to make mistakes, many of which I am afraid to say I have made and left in the finished piece. I got lazy and didn't try and fix what I think are plainly visible but I think that to anyone who looks at it in passing, they're not going to notice anything (at least I hope not). I've given Mum instructions to return it to me if she thinks that the mistakes are noticable and I'll frog it and start again. I used Rowan Cocoon, which is a very nice lush yarn I'm looking forward to using again in the near future.

Number three and four projects were much more successful. The Blackberry Cowl is a cute pattern, very quick to complete, and Kim Hargreave's Robin hat is also very cute. I talked about them in my previous post so I won't say any more about them here.

Finally, the other project I finished in May was Ysolda Teague's Grown-up booties (Ravelry link again). Again, these were very quick and easy to make but I'm not all that satisfied with the outcome. Due to my lack of experience in seaming (I'm still a fairly new knitter I have to keep reminding myself) I couldn't get the nice rounded look to the toes like Ysolda does, hence a very boxy, square looking pair of slippers. On top of that the light grey colour ended up being a bit boring so I headed off to the shops to try and find some interesting buttons (no easy task let me tell you!). I managed to find something big and chunky to fit the bill and so I have myself some cosy slippers.

So there it is, five more finished pieces for the year. Needless to say there has been other knitting in the works during May and hopefully they will feature in the June round up, with much happier and satisfying outcomes!! Until then, happy knitting to all!!

Gift knitting

2009-05-24T21:20:00.006+10:00

You've got to love it when your gift knitting is appreciated!
This past week I've been busily knitting a neck warmer and beret for a family member's 30th birthday. Seeing as she lives in Melbourne I thought a couple of hand knitted items would come in handy, and was pleased when she said how lovely they were and that all of her friends would be jealous as they all try to be cutting edge when it comes to fashion!! I'll take that as a massive compliment thank you very much ;)

The Blackberry Cowl is a nice easy knit which works up pretty quickly and the finished product looks quite impressive. I chose to use some Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed in Parisian, a great looking purple. Once blocked this yarn softened up considerably and felt beautiful to the touch, it won't be a problem against a bare neck that's for sure.

I also made Kim Hargreave's Robin, a cute beret that was rather time consuming due to using a 4ply yarn and tiny needles, as well as the fact that there is a tonne of purl stitches in there. This pattern would be much more suited to being knit in the round and if I ever feel the need to make it again I will be attempting to convert the pattern to knit that way. That being said it still came up looking lovely and I did manage to complete it in record time for me. I left off the pom pom as I thought that would be a bit of over kill and I like it better without, a much simpler and cleaner finished product.

So overall I've had a satisfying knitting week. I just need to go and finish a few of the other projects that have been languishing in project bags, and also try and finish something for myself!

(Of course there are more details on my Ravelry page if you care to look there.)

A month of finishing

2009-05-02T15:24:00.005+10:00

Now that April is finished I can do some show and tell of what has been happening knitting wise this past month. I've managed to finish a few projects and have had a few more cast on and worked on as well.

Firstly my BIG project that took me months to do, mostly because I was too chicken to try and work out how to seem the thing up, is finished, totally finished. Finally I took a deep breath and dove in. Once I got going it wasn't too bad, took me ages though and I still have a lot to learn but I now have a wearable cardigan that I made myself (very proud).
It's Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed and the pattern is from her Knit Issue 2. I have all my details in Ravelry of course.

The other projects finished this past month are all smaller items including another Jo Sharp pattern, a beanie for my brother's birthday made with Silkroad Ultra.

A nice plain garter stitch scarf made with some lovely Noro Silk Garden was also made. I started this one once I'd finished my clapotis with the left over yarn and I had to keep going as the colours were looking so nice.
Another couple of hats were finished this month too. Firstly my beginners attempt at knitting in the round with circular needles, changing to dpn's at the end. Very fiddly but I got there and am quite happy with the final product, it's Purl Beret from The Purl Bee.
I also finished a reversible hat for my nephew who's having his first birthday in a couple of weeks, it's made from the beautifully soft Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. I'm hoping it fits him ok.

This month I've learnt that I can definitely get things finished if I put my mind to it and just slowly sit and work it all out. I have had a little help from friends, but that's what they're for isn't it?
I'm looking forward to finishing a few more things this month now, some more adventures to be had, yippee!

It can't be....can it?

2009-04-29T22:04:00.003+10:00

How time flies, yet again it's been over a month since my last post. Can't say I haven't been thinking about it but have been a bit lazy and have the excuse of not having taken any good photos lately. Weak I know but I promise to try and be a bit better at this.

What have I been up to you ask? Just the usual, lots of playing with the Lukester, lots of knitting and spending time at home. Time spent sitting on the computer playing on Ravelry and reading lots of blogs, trying to get ideas. There are just so many creative people out there , I'm in awe of what everyone gets up to. In an attempt to start the creative juices flowing I've been making a list of possible blog posts and am starting to get a better feel for our new(ish) camera so I can put some pretty pictures up here.

In the mean time, here's a picture I took at Christmas time that I was quite chuffed with! See you soon...

A day, just like any other...

2009-03-20T20:52:00.009+11:00

This morning when I got up I was greeted by a calm morning with the lake looking beautifully smooth, almost like glass, so I decided to take a couple of pictures and the idea of this post was born.....a day in my life!

It's been pretty much a normal weekday with me hanging out at home with the Lukester. We had a play this morning, kicking the ball and playing catch as well as some colouring in (mostly on my part!). Then it was off to the shops to grab a few things for dinner and a birthday present for my niece who's 4 on Sunday. An interesting expedition was had with Mr Terrible Two displaying all the annoying traits of a toddler by constant crying for things he couldn't have. So we did what we had to, came straight home and he was put to bed for his daytime sleep.

Ordinarily he'll have a good couple of hours so I can happily potter around the house, and have a nice sit down with my knitting. Today though, it wasn't to be. For some reason he refused to sleep and was banging the wall and throwing his pillow and toys around until I gave in and got him up again. Some more playing and eating then took place and by the time my MIL got home I needed a break. So to kill two birds with one stone I picked up the Purple iPod and headed out the door for a walk down by the lake. I clocked up 3kms too so I've added a few dollars to the Exer-Stash!!

Back home, dinner needed to be made so I set to on a favourite standard meal of Nigella Lawson's Pollo Alla Cacciatora from Nigella Express This one has become such a popular meal that I've now committed it to memory and it's one that I know will be eaten by Mr Terrible Two.

Dinner was enjoyed, the toddler was bathed and is now quietly sleeping in his bed - hooray!! Now I get to sit on the couch, watch some Law & Order and hopefully get to finish the back of the cardigan I'm working on. Hope you enjoy your evening too!

Just had to try it....

2009-03-19T12:45:00.004+11:00

I came across a little meme today whilst looking at Tinkingbell's blog where you Google Unfortunately (insert your name here)

This is what I've come up with:

Unfortunately Susanne could not go with me. So I am going to be without her for 4 weeks.

Unfortunately, Susanne does not seem to plan to have any forthcoming training courses organized in my local area that I could attend.

Unfortunately Susanne was sick up in Sweden, so she had decided to stay at home, rather than infect all the rest of the team with her bugs.

Unfortunately Susan twisted her ankle on her way off stage at the end of the gig

, given that she was wearing heels the proportion of Olympic ski jumps,

Unfortunately, Susanne has been having episodes of vertigo since then, which may be connected to the toxicity.

Unfortunately Susanne had a major epic because her hand jammer was not on properly.

Then there's my all time favourite:

So true, but now unfortunately Susanne has decided she simply has to have Lederhosen! Dirndlen, you see, "are sooooo last Tuesday!

I'm off to find me some Lederhosen, do you think I'll find some to go with my purple shoes??

Birthday Purple....#7

2009-03-17T22:29:00.006+11:00

It's my birthday today, I'm older than yesterday.....

I've had a lovely day. The Handsome Husband managed to get the day off work and we had a great family day taking Luke to his music class and then down to the beach for a leisurely lunch at a cafe we've not been to before. I had lots of good wishes from friends and family as well as - da da da da......a Purple iPod Nano! It's a fantastic new toy for me to play with. I've promised the Handsome Husband that I will keep up my exercise plan now to justify him buying it for me!

I've been trying to get a bit of knitting done too. Will try and get a few more pictures taken so that I can do a good post here with substantial knitting content!

PURPLE...#6

2009-03-10T21:38:00.007+11:00

If ever I want to watch a good movie to have a laugh and a really good cry then 'The Color Purple' works a treat. I remember watching it not long after it was released and really loved Whoopi Goldberg and especially Oprah, I was so impressed with her acting skill. It's such a fantastic story that I've always meant to read the book but have never gotten around to it, maybe I should. I guess I have the idea in the back of my mind that my having seen the movie first would taint the reading of it.

There's one line that my husband and I like to quote from it every now and then too and it's.... 'I's married now!' Cracks us up every time.

Statement shoes...PURPLE #5

2009-03-03T12:36:00.004+11:00

Every now and then I like to make a statement with my shoes. Last year I was looking for something different to wear to a wedding and these shoes called out to me from the store as I was walking past. Just couldn't resist the purple and the patent leather... and the pointy toes too!! Then it was on to accessories. That will have to be another post of it's own.

A little bit of sunshine...(belated Purple #4)

2009-02-20T22:02:00.005+11:00

Finally, after a couple of weeks of gray skies and rain we've had two days of warm sunshine, so nice, I got to show off my purple nail polish!!

It's been a fairly quiet week this week, plenty of playing with the boy and some progress made on the knitting front. I've almost finished the scarf for my friend (who's birthday is today - oops). I'm up to the right front of my Tweed cardigan, just need to finish that and one more sleeve then I can start to sew it up. I've also finished one, and have started another, moss stitch square for Corrine at Thicket. She sent an email last weekend requesting squares to be made so that she can stitch them together to make blankets for the families affected by the Victorian bushfires. I just had to do something, however small, to be able to feel that I've been able to help just a tiny bit. If we all do that then there will be a whole lot of help out there.

Also, the Handsome Husband has been reading my little blog here, I got a big bunch of my favourite flowers for Valentines Day. So beautiful, and they're still looking good a week later!

PURPLE...#3

2009-02-10T22:20:00.006+11:00

I'm currently knitting my first grown up cardigan, it's a lovely wine colour in Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed, Emporio So far so good with the back and one sleeve completed, and the front left is underway as of today. I'm trying to get going on it so that I can have it finished in time for Autumn and, more importantly, so I can get started on something else new. There's always the call of new projects, with my list growing by the day and the stash amply supplied. Some other purple in the stash include various shades in Debbie Bliss' Baby Cashmerino, a couple of skeins of Debbie Bliss' Pure Silk, some "Purple Night" in The Knittery's Silk Merino DK, amongst a fewothers. Hopefully they will be knit up soon to provide other Purple Posts!!!!

Clapotis

2009-02-09T13:27:00.003+11:00

I succumbed, the lure of the Clapotis was too strong. After looking at so many on Ravelry I decided it was about time that I tried one for myself. I bought some beautiful Noro Silk Garden and off I went. This is truly compulsive knitting, there I was sitting on the couch in 30plus degrees celcius with this thick, heavy wrap resting in my lap....and I loved every minute of it. I think I'll be making another of these beauties, maybe in a 4ply, maybe as a scarf, maybe in a solid colour, maybe in a nice variegated yarn......the possibilities are endless. That makes me happy!

PURPLE...#2

2009-02-03T21:55:00.002+11:00

Last Thursday I mentioned my wedding anniversary and when I was thinking of what to do for my Purple day this week I thought of my flower arrangements. This rather wilted looking bunch was saved from the main table and the picture was taken the next day. The main flower I used were Lisianthus (more commonly known as Texas Rose), they come in a couple of different colours but I love the deep purple ones the best.

When my now husband and I first started seeing each other he asked me what my favourite flowers were and so I told him. That year he sent me the most beautiful bunch of "lizzies" for my birthday which took my breath away.....they were so good. Unfortunately for me a few weeks later he noticed that the florist that he bought them from had closed up shop. So he has used that as an excuse to not buy me flowers ever again, he says that he doesn't want to cause any other florists to go out of business - cheeky man!! So, I look back at my wedding flowers with a special fondness, knowing that I'm unlikely to get another chance to have such a beautiful arrangement again - woe is me ;)

Exer-Stash!!

2009-02-01T14:46:00.005+11:00

Part of my New Year's resolution was to exercise more, spend less on yarn and generally get healthy and knit more from the stash. I know myself too well though and knew that I would need some more motivation than just telling myself I have to do all these things. That's when I came across a fantastic idea on Ravelry , a group has been started where we've all come up with a reward system for our exercise. My Handsome Husband has agreed to pay me $2 for every kilometer I exercise, whether it's walking, on the exercise bike or following a walking DVD that I have. So far I'm managing to clock up a few kms every couple of days or so and am currently trying to build that up a bit more so that it becomes a regular part of my day. Hopefully I can manage to get to a point where it starts making a difference with my health and outlook and then I can do all the guilt free stash building I want - yippee!!!

Anniversary...

2009-01-29T22:57:00.007+11:00

Three years ago today was my wedding day, we had a wonderful day full of laughter, dancing and.....sunburn! Yep, I seriously didn't think I'd need to put on sunscreen on my wedding day and for that I was sorry. While we were out and about getting the pictures taken I got a nasty burn on my neck, decolletage and arms. I ended up looking like a beetroot and subsequently ended up peeling in a very wintry New York while on our honeymoon, but that's another story!

Our wedding was a bit of a combination one, seeing as my husband is Macedonian Orthodox and I'm a Catholic. We had the wedding at his church but broke with tradition slightly so that my Dad could walk me in and give me away. He still says it was one of the best days of his life which is really touching coming from my Dad, he's your typical Aussie bloke! The rest of the night was filled with dancing with my family and friends having a ball with the Macedonian band and dancing that we had. All round it was a fantastic day....just as it should be. I've been thinking back to that day a lot today, our anniversary, and am happy to say that I have many happy and fulfilling memories of that day and the last three years. Here's to many many more happy years together. Cheers!

PURPLE...

2009-01-27T11:53:00.005+11:00

I've decided that every Tuesday is going to be "Purple Day", seeing as it's my favourite colour, and I'm going to post about something purple. So here goes for Purple #1.

This is my little notebook which I use for making lists of things I need to do. After having my son I found that I was forgetting to do things I needed to do on a regular basis, so I started making lists. Each night I check that I've accomplished at least some of the things on the list for that particular day then I map out the list for the next day. It's not something I stick to on a strict basis, but it does help me keep track of things and it's a good place to jot down ideas, etc.
Since I started using this I've found it helps me in that when I go to bed I don't have lists of things to do running through my head when I'm trying to sleep, it's already written down so I don't have to concern myself with it, I can close my eyes and drift off to a peaceful slumber!

What do you do for remembering things you have to do?

My son the dinosaur

2009-01-23T23:12:00.006+11:00

The little man is now two and is growing more independent and sure of himself by the day. He loves all things "dinosaur", as mentioned in a previous post, and likes to walk around stomping and roaring whenever he can. For his birthday his Aunty bought him a tail which also roars. It's great, but he wasn't too sure about it at first, but the other day I managed to snap him having a play with it.

I've noticed too that he has started to play act a lot more and I began to wonder at what age that usually starts. He's starting to pretend he's a dog, coming up to me barking and scratching behind his ear (very cute), as well as interacting with two toys making them talk to one another and feeding them, and so on. It's so interesting to watch him do these things, some of them seemingly coming out of thin air. So, my question is, how old were your kids when they started to play act?

Can it really be the end of the year??

2008-12-30T20:42:00.003+11:00

Wow, where has the time gone this year? I thought that being a stay-at-home-Mum would mean that the year wouldn't fly by so quickly, but boy was I wrong, I think it's gone by even faster. When I think back on the year there are a couple of things that will stay with me forever. My son getting older by the day, nearly two, and amazing me with his cleverness is the biggest stand out for the year. Plus, my newly developed passion for knitting. Deciding on a whim back in June that I might like to try my hand at a little knitting, it has blossomed into a full blown addiction and I'm loving every minute of it (except perhaps for the seaming of items!). This has also led me to find countless talented and inspiring people online and of course Ravelry - where would we be without it?? Another surprise from this year has been the discovery of a whole group of friends from high school on Facebook It's been incredible to see how much, and how little, people have changed over the years.

We've also just returned from a lovely trip visiting my family and friends in Adelaide, which has reinforced my thoughts that I need to cherish those relationships a bit more than I have over the past year or two which leads to my first idea of a new years resolution - to make sure I keep in touch with the people who are important to me on a more regular basis.

So, it's sayonara to 2008 and a big hello and welcome to 2009, may it be a year full of happiness, health, friends and family.

Knitting not blogging

2008-12-17T13:02:00.003+11:00

I've been busy lately doing lots of Christmas knitting, so far I've completed a hat and scarf for my Handsome Husband. The scarf was the first time using Noro yarn and it was lovely Iro. I copied the fantastic Mr Brooklyntweed for this one, and the hat was one of Jo Sharp's great designs. I've almost completed a cardigan and doll for a friend's new baby and am starting another doll for my best friends little girl. This last one is a bit of madness as I've only got 4 days to finish it, plus pack and fly to Adelaide - eek, what am I doing wasting time on the computer!! I've decided though that my next project will be something for ME and am preparing to take it along on our jaunt to Adelaide for something to do in the quieter moments. Also, I've had to make a promise to myself that I've got to quit adding to the stash for awhile, it's growing quite a bit and my husband would be in for a rather huge shock if he decided to go hunting around the darker corners of our wardrobe! People keep having too tempting sales though so I add with the thought that I'll be going through a dry spell of spending soon and will have lots of lovely yarn stored up that I can use - yes, I know, that's the whole idea of a stash!! Better go and keep knitting. Merry Christmas everyone.

A pat on the back...to myself!

2008-11-14T12:48:00.006+11:00

I made a doll...all by myself. As you can tell I'm pretty proud of my efforts, I just hope the recipient likes her just as much as I do, seeing as she's only 2 I think there may be a good chance she does. Got a couple more to make now too and am thinking of having a play around with the colours of her tights and dress, lots of fun. So many things to do, so little time!

I need all the help I can get!

2008-11-11T12:08:00.006+11:00

Just lately I've been feeling like I'm lacking in the 'engaging the toddler in interesting activities' area, so I did what I always do and went out and bought a couple of books to try and spur me on. Don't get me wrong, I'm not totally inept we do have a couple of regular activities that we go to once a week but I've been finding that when we are at home I've been resorting to the wonderful ABC kids and DVDs a little too much. Plus, he's a boy and jumping on the couch is much more appealing than sitting on the floor and playing with building blocks with Mum apparently. One thing I am really looking forward too though is the Wiggles concert that we'll be going to in December, I am so excited about it, it's not funny! Hopefully Mr Lukey Dukey will enjoy it as much as I know I will.

This Is...my favourite quote

2008-11-09T21:37:00.004+11:00

To begin with I wasn't sure what to say for this one but I remembered a quote that I've always liked and I used to have as a button on my canvas bag back in my school days. It's from Andy Warhol and it's "Art is anything you can get away with". It's not deep and meaningful but as a person who has always appreciated art, and has a degree to go along with that appreciation, it's one that has stuck with me.

Another one that came to mind was something said to me by a friend many years back and it's simply just "Go for it". It became my mantra rather than having to think up new years resolutions for a couple of years there but more recently it's fallen by the wayside, I may have to start reminding myself of it's power!

Thanks to Strawberry kisses for this week's 'This Is...' and as always to Three Buttons for hosting.

Learning the hard way

2008-10-16T22:51:00.003+11:00

This is what happens when you get too eager to start on a hank of wool without winding it first...it's so upsetting to look at, just one big tangled mess of beautiful yarn, how silly am I???? Being so disheartened about this one I obtained a ball winder and set to work on the other two hanks I had purchased from The Knittery and proceeded to get them all tangled too. Thankfully they are a thicker 8ply and were relatively easy to get sorted out, so I have two nicely wound balls, one of which I've started working on for a friend's birthday coming up. I still have this mess waiting for me though, taunting me with its messiness, it's going to send me around the twist - aaaaaahhhhhhhh!

Feeling sheepish...

2008-09-30T22:15:00.003+10:00

Hmmm, two weeks have passed and I haven't been blogging, I've been reading plenty but not adding to my own, why? I keep asking myself why not and the best I can come up with is I don't know what to write! It's such a blanket excuse but it's the best I can come up with. During the day I usually think of something I could write about but when it comes time to sitting down at the computer do you think I can remember what it was going to be about - no of course not! Anyway I can't make this whole post a lament about my lack of things to write about, I'll just do it and see what happens.
Today is my friends birthday, she also gave birth to a little girl today, two months early. I don't know what the details are, I just got the message that she was born, is 1.6kg and mum and baby are doing well. I can't help but worry, I guess it's just natural to do so. I've been telling myself that two months early in this day and age isn't too drastic and I'm sure she's getting the best possible care. I'll just have to put myself into action instead and start making some of those lovely Saartje's booties for the teeny tiny little feet, and keep thinking positive thoughts.

Yes, I'm wearing a beret!

2008-09-19T14:37:00.004+10:00

I would never have thought of myself as someone who wears berets, but now I've made myself one I'll just have to see if it ever gets worn!! Being new to knitting I thought that I should start with quick, simple patterns and so this one appealed to me, being a Jo Sharp pattern and all. It was fun to make and I would consider making another one in the future so I guess that's a positive sign. I'm starting to get more adventurous now though and have bought some beautiful Rowan Felted Tweed to make Kim Hargreave's Dusk, a nice simple wrap around cardigan. I'm very much looking forward to my Finishing Class tomorrow so that I can get that extra information that I need to help my confidence in getting something finished to a wearable standard....more updates later!

Heartbreaking

2008-09-16T22:24:00.004+10:00

Yesterday and today my little man has not been himself, so much so that today I took him to the Doctor. The poor little thing has been running a temperature, has not wanted to eat (which is very unusual) and has just been lying on the couch wanting to cuddle up to me. Usually I'm having to chase him around the house and am constantly telling him he can't jump on the couch or stand on the coffee table. Luckily the doc says he's ok, just a bit of fluid in his ear which isn't infected, so hopefully he'll be back to his usual bubbly self tomorrow. It was just heartbreaking knowing that he was hurting and he couldn't tell me what it was. It made me think of how terrible it must be to have a little one sick in hospital with something serious and thankful that we're not having to deal with that horror.

This Is...what I do with a spare 10 minutes

2008-09-15T21:03:00.006+10:00

Hmmm, this one's a tricky one, there are so many things I try to do with a spare 10 minutes. These days I try and squeeze in some knitting, or I peruse knitting pattern books, or a cooking magazine, or any other magazine, or a few blog spots, or visit Ravelry, or......
As you can see the list can go on. I guess I'm pretty lucky really, being a stay at home mum to master 20 months I can try and squeeze as many 10minute breaks as I dare, usually at the expense of cleaning the bathroom, or ironing or the many other household things I should be doing. I figure that if I'm happy my little boy will be happy and therefore the rest of the household will be happy, that's my excuse any way.

PS I forgot to mention that a few squares of chocolate usually also feature in my spare time breaks, a bad habit that I'm trying to break.

Thanks to Hoppo Bumpo for this week's thought provoker, and to Handmaiden for hosting This Is while Three Buttons is enjoying a holiday.

This Is...My favourite band of all time

2008-09-10T12:49:00.005+10:00

Oops, I almost forgot this one, and it's such an easy one to answer. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is my all time most favourite band, has been for nearly twenty years now I reckon (wow, how's that for making me feel old!!). I love his voice, his anger, his poetry, his sadness, his style, his dry Australian humour....everything. I also got very excited when looking at the tv guide for this week to see that SBS are showing a documentary this coming Saturday on one of his albums. I'd be hard pressed to pick one as an absolute favourite as there are so many but the ones on high rotation are 'Henry's Dream', 'The Good Son' and at the moment 'Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!'. As for concerts, I have attended many and have never been disappointed, they are a truly professional band with an impeccable ability together. I could go on gushing for ages but I will leave it here with thanks to CurlyPops for this week's 'This Is..' and for helping me remember that I do have a favourite band and did once have the time for listening to music other than that by 'The Wiggles'.

Spring= New Beginnings

2008-09-03T09:26:00.007+10:00

September is here already and after two beautiful spring like days, the tail end of winter has decided to remind us that it's not quite over yet, for today anyway. As usual I've promised myself that with the new warmer weather starting my lazy ways are going to change. Rather than talk about losing weight, I'm actually going to do something about it, I even bought the exercise bike to help that along. My nephew's christening is six weeks away so I've got until then to lose the 10kilos gained after finishing breastfeeding. It doesn't sound like too much but I have a feeling that these lumps and bumps are going to be stubborn, especially seeing as I like my chocolate too much.

I'm also going to see if I can find a good playgroup for my son to join, he's so full of energy that I think it would be good for both of us if he can go somewhere to burn some of it up. I think too that with the warmer weather we should make better use of the beach that we have near by, there's a great kiddy pool there that he can splash around in.

There are other plans too, but rather than list them all here I'll keep a couple with me and will maybe expand upon them at a later date. Hmmm, sounds mysterious doesn't it?

This is...My favourite fabric/craft supplies shop

2008-09-03T09:06:00.004+10:00

Unfortunately, living in Wollongong does not provide many options on the craft side of things, so the internet has become my place to shop. I recently found one site that I found to be a great source of Jo Sharp wool and books (she is my new hero after all). Thicket is a beautiful site, with a fantastic feel, or you could say atmosphere, and when you join the mailing list you get a little welcome package with a couple of samples of various yarns in your favourite color (see earlier post). You also get complimentary patterns periodically, I received Faolin which is in my queue to be made up soon.

As for actual stores to walk into Tapestry Craft in Sydney is a great place to be, if a bit on the expensive side. I like the fact that whenever you walk in there on the weekend there is always a group sitting around the table knitting and chatting. It's usually a class but that's great, in fact I've signed up to their Finishing Class later this month so that I can learn the basics for finishing a piece nicely so that I don't look like a complete hack and so that I can move on from making scarves for the rest of my life.

Thanks to Handmaiden for this weeks This Is... and head over to Three Buttons to learn more about joining in (I'm still tagging along unofficially).

Just one of those days...

2008-08-26T22:35:00.004+10:00

Don't you hate those days where you wish you could have stayed in bed a bit longer? Master 19months old decided last night that he wasn't going to go to sleep until after 9:30pm and then woke at 3am and 4 am jumping and yelling and laughing in his cot. He then proceeded to wake again at around 6am and then 9am, who knows if he slept in between these times, probably not! Meanwhile his poor mother and father tried to get some sleep, with dear old dad having to get up for work at 5am and mum (that's me) trying to relax to see in the day.

Needless to say I wasn't in a good mood today, we missed our music class due to the late hour getting up and the rest of the day didn't improve much, especially seeing as the little master would not go for his day time sleep until after 2:30pm! The fact that he spent most of the day alternating between saying "hi mummy" and hugging and kissing me with throwing toys around and running around the house crying for no reason didn't do much to help my poor mood. Ahhh the day in the life of toddlerville. Anyway, I've had my rant, off to bed now for some sleep, tomorrow is another day after all.

This Is...My favourite children's book

2008-08-26T12:09:00.005+10:00

At the moment my favourite children's book is 'The Escape of Marvin the Ape' by Caralyn and Mark Buehner. Discovered by chance this book has become a fave as the story is engaging, it's set in New York (my favourite place) and it has the additional bonus of getting you to spot the black cat and the ostrich in each of the pictures.....plus my son really enjoys it too!

I've also been trying to think of my favourite book from my own childhood and couldn't pin it down to just one. Enid Blyton comes to mind as a constant source of good reads, I was always dipping into her world with the Magic Faraway Tree and the Famous Five, etc. Actually I'm looking forward to my son getting a bit older so that we can visit them all again together.

Thanks again to Three Buttons for This Is and thanks to Potty Mouth Mama for this weeks topic.

This Is...How I like to spend my weekend

2008-08-18T12:58:00.004+10:00

I love to spend my weekend out and about with my son and husband, away from the ever-present inlaws and extended family. It so rarely happens that the three of us get to go out and enjoy a day together that I really do try and make the most of it. The weekend that this picture was taken we went to the Australia Museum in Sydney to see the dinosaurs, and boy was it a hit. It was so hard to try and drag Luke away, he kept running and yelling dinosaur the whole time, very cute and funny to us that know him!
The other thing I like to do is to run away by myself for awhile and go shopping (it seems to be happening more and more often lately which is a bit naughty), a girl just has to do these things sometimes. This weekend I headed off to try and satisfy the knitting addiction. I managed to get some more wool to add to the stash and a couple more books to feed the growing list of project ideas. If only there were more hours in the day and things like washing, cooking and cleaning didn't have to take up so much time!

Thanks to The Bird Bath for this week's suggestion, and to Three Buttons for starting This Is...

This Is...a work in progress

2008-08-11T10:21:00.004+10:00

I thought I'd join in with This Is even though I'm not officially part of the list yet. This was an easy one, as my work in progress is something I've never tried before, it's a baby cardigan. So far it's coming along nicely but I'm not sure how I'll go when it comes to knitting up the neck and doing the button holes etc to finish off. I'm up to the first sleeve so we'll see how it goes. My other work in progress is the study, it's such a mess with piles of magazines everywhere and bits and pieces of computers my husband has lying around as he "may need them someday". It 's the typical story really. It all looks like too much to deal with so it gets left. We'll get there one day and I'll be able to sit here without feeling guilty (I'm sure there'll be other things to feel guilty about then though!) So there it is, nothing too exciting but something I'll be proud of when it's finished.

Tired of waiting

2008-08-10T12:12:00.002+10:00

Why is it when you want something to happen the time just drags on and on?? This week I've been waiting for a package that was supposedly sent last Monday, and for my invite to Ravelry and I'm still waiting. I feel like I'm on tenterhooks just sitting here, waiting for the post man, checking my email constantly, it just makes me sad.

On a brighter note though, I finished the socks for my sister-in-law and have plans for a few more things stored up in my head. It's also Mum's birthday today and I haven't got a present for her yet, she's coming to visit next week so I figure she can pick something out, and I can try and make her something while she's here (that's the plan any way).

Little presents

2008-08-05T14:32:00.006+10:00

I like little presents, I received one in the mail today. Last week I discovered a beautiful website and proceeded to join their mailing list and today received a welcome package in the mail containing a couple of wool samples in my favorite colour, purple. You should check them out, you'll find them at Thicket

They also have all the stuff from my new hero, Jo Sharp. Her patterns are beautiful and I have been drooling over them for the last two months. So far I've made the cotton socks, as mentioned in a previous post, and a simple mohair scarf (see below) from her books and have a massive wish list of things of hers to make. If only there were a few more hours in the day and and endless supply of money!!

Where does the time go?

2008-08-03T21:13:00.003+10:00

Has it really been nearly two weeks since I was last here, I've been too busy enjoying everyone else's blogs rather than trying to think of something to add to my own - lazy me!!

I've been spending more time knitting and researching new projects, with my dreams and potential stash growing by the day. On the needles currently there is another pair of socks as a birthday gift, they should have been finished this weekend but it wasn't to be. There's also my first attempt at a cardigan (for a baby, I thought I'd try my luck on something small before I try for a grown up version). So far so good, they're looking nice.

Not much else is happening, just my usual routine of taking the toddler son to swimming and music classes, and the always expanding list of new dinner recipes is getting a good work out. Two current faves are Nigella Lawson's Pollo Alla Cacciatora from 'Good Food Fast' and Donna Hay's Cheat's Chorizo Paella from the June/July 08 issue - we had that for dinner tonight in fact, yum yum.

Oh happy day

2008-07-23T11:36:00.005+10:00

I was so happy yesterday, my new stash came in the mail...two new pattern books and enough yarn to make three scarves (unless I change my mind and decide to add to the stash and make something else that is). I also managed to finish my first pair of socks, a simple design that folds in half to be sewn up the sides, and I also started one of the scarves from the newly arrived mohair. Interesting to work with when you're an inexperienced knitter but I'm getting there, a good 30cm or so last night in front of the Tour de France. All in all a satisfying day.

I'm a knitaholic...

2008-07-12T12:23:00.004+10:00

I've been knitting away and in the last two weeks have finished the scarf for myself and a beanie for the husband that loves beanies (picture to come). Next project is to try some easy looking socks, we'll see how they go, have enough wool for three pairs and a couple of birthdays coming up for people so if the socks are any good they'll be given away. I've been having so much fun trying these different things, and am constantly flicking through patterns to work out what to do next. One day I want to tackle making a dinosaur toy for my son who is steadily gaining an interest in them thanks to Peppa Pig's little brother George.

Gotta go, the fingers are itching to start on the socks!

A new day....

2008-06-30T12:07:00.002+10:00

I'm back.....I've been voraciously looking at other people's blogs for it must be months now, thinking to myself, I should get going on my own blog. So, take two, I'm back and will make a concerted effort to keep making posts.

What have I been up to besides peeking into other people's lives via their blogs? I've taken up knitting and have quickly become obsessed. In the space of two weeks I have made my husband a scarf, have started another for myself and have plans for a few other projects in the works.

While looking at all of the fantastic, creative blogs I've been inspired to start something for myself and I knew that if I left it to me I wouldn't get anywhere so I figured a structured craft like knitting is, for me, a good thing. My friends think I'm crazy, but if it keeps me happy and relaxed it can only be a positive outcome, and I'll have something to show for it! I can see it now, hand knitted presents for everyone!!!

An engrossing day

2008-03-27T13:22:00.002+11:00

Yesterday I caught the end of a morning tv show and the host closed with "Have an engrossing day". It got me thinking, how could I have such a day? It's not that easy when you're at home with a toddler, have to do the laundry, clean the bathroom, cook dinner, etc. etc. All I could come up with was an inspiration to create a post here on my new blog!!! It would be interesting to see if I am able to find something each day to become engrossed with, or in, besides my ever changing little boy who is, I must admit, incredible to watch. I know I sound like a biased Mum, but I figure that's my job. If I could do something out of the ordinary each day it would be an amazing feat. Here goes....

Virgin post

2008-03-19T16:28:00.002+11:00

Well, I've gone ahead and done it, I've started my own blog. I've been compulsively checking out blogs for a little while now and I've been inspired to try it for myself so here goes. Not going to promise too much to begin with as I'm not too sure what kind of direction I'm going to take with it, lets just see what happens and if anyone decides to join me on my ride.