Day 3 Blogtoberfest

Got an email from my boss this morning, it's stocktake day.   There went my plans of sewing today; instead I spent the first couple of hours working, followed by a quick note take of which work I had in my cupboard to finish.  Then into work where I found a bustle of activity and a mild feeling of frenzy; not uncommon for stocktake.  I'll be back in tomorrow to get more work, but I've finished for today which is good.
Dropped the trampoline mat in for restitching; it's going to cost $62 (hope that's GST inclusive) and should be done by the end of the week; Ian will be pleased as he's been going out there and sitting on the frame, while looking mournfully at the empty bounce area.   Poor chap.

Our oven is now fixed; $260 later; ouch!   But still rather cheaper than a new one and it's a good oven despite being a bit older.   Also got an email from Tronix to say the old Xbox now has a new laser, is clean and is now playing games fine; $76 please.   That's actually a good price and means in a few days it should be back and we can play games that require a hard drive again.  Turns out the new one while advertised as having a 4gig hard drive does not in fact have a hard drive and won't download the expansion discs.

In other expensive news I've decided what phone I want as soon as I save the money

This is the LG Optimus One P500.   It's $349, but I should be able to get it for less on contract; it'll cost me $40 a month which is more than I currently pay, but as my current phone will stop working later next year I have to do something; and I want a smartphone!   GPS, decent camera which is always with you, calender, and a number of other bits and bobs will be very handy.

Hoping to get into the sewing room tomorrow after going to work, need to get some padded interfacing to make my wall-hung circular needle holder and it would be nice to finish my trousers and the t-shirt that's already cut out.

More gardening

No photo's today, but I now have 3 blueberry plants courtesy of Mum and Dad which are installed in their new positions.   Quite a few less weeds in the garden too, but a long way to go.
Got 3 lines of sewing done; the zip is almost in the trousers and I had planned on getting them finished, but there was a conspiracy against it happening I think.

Blogtoberfest - Oct 1

Wow, what a busy day today!   I've been gardening, a little spinning, some sewing and there may be a little knitting to come yet.

Out in the garden we've mowed the lawn and also removed and cleaned the trampoline mat as it needs restitching

Ian is a trifle unhappy about this; but as the stitching was starting to go on 2 rows, not just one it was no longer safe.   I'll be taking it in on Monday or Tuesday to be fixed.

Next I dug up some hostas and moved them to a new part of the garden where they can keep the weeds down.

This is their new area, here's hoping they can win the fight with the ivy; not sure how to kill that stuff.
In the area where the hostas were is now some heucheras; the new area gets no direct sunshine and we wanted something that will look nice against the concrete footings of the house; these look brilliant!

There's another of the lighter coloured ones to the left that you can't see.  It looks really good, and now that the hostas are out our rubbish bins can go right against the house which is much neater too.
After I'd done all that I investigated the vege patch and found this:

This is the first year our asparagus have produced something that actually looks like asparagus!   We can't eat them this year, but next spring we should be able to eat a few spears; yummy!

After I'd finished all of that I was pooped!   Did a little work and then decided to start spinning cotton again; my last foray into cotton was a disaster; but I figured it was time to try again.

Unfortunately the flash isn't brilliant; but although it's broken a few times it looks really good and I'm quite pleased.   The fibre is a pencil type roving and it's much easier to work with than the cotton sliver was.   I'm still planning on trying punis at some point though.

On the sewing front I've got to the point of inserting the zipper into my cords; unfortunately I don't have a zipper in the right colour or length so I'll have to pop out tomorrow and grab one from Spotlight (hate the place, but it's close and open on Sunday).  I'm really pleased with these so far, hope they fit!

That's the side leg pocket.  The same fabric is used on the main pocket facing as well; I like it as it makes them a bit different and they 'pop'!  Hope that I can get them finished tomorrow (and that they fit), things are a bit bloated of late thanks to the IBS.   Knowing my luck they'll fit now, I'll lose weight over summer and won't get to wear them next winter; mind you that wouldn't be all bad, lol.

Interweave Crochet Fall 2011 review

Today my final copy of Interweave Crochet arrived; I'm letting my sub lapse simply because I've not really got into crochet yet and if I do I have enough patterns to keep me going for a while anyway.

There are 20 designs in this magazine and as usual there's a mix of really nice styles and things that I would never make!   The cover is attractive, a nice looking wrap in a greige colour which made me want to open the mag and take a look; so here goes.....

A Modern Jabot:
I'm sorry, but this looks like a jellyfish got caught around her neck; it's just not attractive at all.   Too many tendrils.

Purple Smoothie Vest:
I think this might be quite attractive, but being in such a dark colour it's hard to see details.  It's not overly practical being very open at the front, but appears to have nice shaping and might be a nice transitional piece.

Green Chai Cardi:
This is basically a short sleeved, cropped cardigan.  It's rather attractive, but I think it would look much better over a dress rather than with the top/trousers/boots ensemble they've chosen.  I can see it as a summer cover-up for evenings by the bbq.

Study Break:
This looks nice, it's a wide-necked t-shirt in tunisian crochet.  I do like the idea, but I think the neckline really needs to be raised; I'm not even wearing it and I want to pull the shoulders up so they don't feel like they're falling off!    Being a V-neck front and back does raise the very real possibility of shoulder slippage.

The Story of Clones Lace:
Ok, this isn't a pattern as such, but it is an interesting history on the Irish crocheted lace.  I have a book on this that was published by Dover and the lace is absolutely beautiful!   If anything will get me into crochet properly this would be it.  There is a small segment on crocheting your own small rose and wild Irish rose using the techniques.

Lace Canopy Cardi Wrap:
This is the wrap that was on the front cover, that made me want to look at the magazine.  It's one of those ever so versatile wrap/cardigan styles.  This one has short sleeves and a long front drape that can be worn n many ways, a little lacy but a lot practical and flattering.  I'm seriously considering popping this one into the queue.  It's done in fingering weight yarn and it's not like I don't have any of this to use. 

Leaf Scarffle:
This is a mitred square scarf designed to look like leaves; to be honest from a distance it reminds me of the new scarf craze made from that funny mesh yarn.   Might look better in a plain yarn, but I'm not intrigued enough to find out.  I'm not planning on trying out that new yarn stuff either.

Oak Wrap:
I like this from the back, but not from the front.  It's a wee cap sleeved  shrug style wrap and in the colour they're using looks like a repurposed hessian sack that was cut down and not fitted overly well.  How can they fit something so well on the back and totally stuff up the front?  I'm pretty sure the model looks so happy cos they've just said to her "you can take it off now".

Honeysuckle Hat:
It's basically a beanie with some travelling cables; I've seen better.

Atomic Hat:
See above, though this one is slightly nicer I prefer travelling cables on knitted items.   I do however like a nice plain beanie in DC.

Birch Bark Scarf:
This actually looks more like a lacy jabot than the first item in the magazine.  It's nice enough, but doesn't really turn on my crafting mojo.  Apparently you can wear it multiple ways, pity they didn't actually show more than one.

Friendship Scarf:
This is meant for children working together to create strips that are then braided together to make a friendship scarf instead of the traditional bracelet.  It's a neat idea, and has potential, but the colours on this one didn't work for me.   It also doesn't look braided enough to me, it is however an idea with heaps of potential; I wonder if I can teach the boys to crochet?    I'll need to practice first I think!

Turtle Tracks Blanket:
I'm not really a blanket person, but this would be a really cool one to make for a cot blanket.   It's a nice size and I think it's quite unisex with it's geometric cabling.  There's something wonderful about a nice wool blanket for a baby; polarfleece just doesn't come close.

Caramel Cardigan:
I really like this, it has shaping and they've managed to use granny-stitch without making it look like it belonged in granny's home.  It's a long sleeved cardigan with a jacket feel to it, even though I don't normally go for brown as a colour I'm still drawn to this colourway.   This will be queued, change that, it has been queued.

Blueberry Popover:
Very cute pullover for a youngster.   While modelled on a girl, this would work well for a boy too if you took the bell away from the sleeves.   A great cover-up with jeans or other casual trousers.   Ooh, just noticed, they've done a straight sleeve option for boys, yay!   And it goes up to size 12; genius!   Just going to pop over and queue this one too.   Pity it's sportweight, not much of that available here in NZ; might just have to spin something up.

Hank and Joe Vest:
This is a wonderful vest for a boy or a man and I'll just excuse myself for a moment while I queue this too; be right back.  Done, and it's DK as well, have a bit of that in the stash smile
I can see my boys in this and even my husband; it's plain enough that they won't be upset but also enough interest for me.

The Best Guy Hat Ever:
I think they might have the title on this one right, it resembles a ribbed beanie, but being crochet will propably be a bit warmer.  Might have to add this to the queue too; poor thing's getting longer and longer!   Ooh, and it's DK again, definitely queuing .

Trailblazing Tote:
I know Lily Chin is normally great at designing both knitwear and crochet, but I'm afraid I really don't like this.  It's clunky looking and while I'm sure it's eminently useable it's also really not me.   It does bring to mind Peruvian handcrafts, but not in a flattering way.  ICK.

Pacific Wave Scarf:
I don't really see waves in this, it looks more organic to me.  It's not my sort of thing, but would probably work for someone with a more eclectic style, it'd make me feel like I was trying too hard.   I think if made a lot wider though it'd make a fantastic curtain!

And that's the end of that!   No more Interweave Crochet reviews, I hope you've enjoyed the ones I've done.   I will still be reviewing Interweave Knits as I'm still getting those; well at least until I run out of space!

Onto other things.  I got some sewing done today, my 2 tunics are finished.   I did one in pink and the other in red.  Please excuse the self taken timer photo's; not overly flattering.   IRL the red crochet flower embellishment looks really nice

  The next photo is even less flattering, but I had to hold the tunic up so you could see the skirt.   This is also made my me in a grey wool blend twill fabric with some tape measure embellishment and a free-motion embroidery rose in black at the bottom

the lighter spot on the hip is not embellishment, it's flash reflection.
I've still got my corduroy trousers to sew up and a summer t-shirt and then I can get some stuff done for the boys.

In other news today Ian spent some time outside exploring our local weeds; he loves dandelion clocks

He was having a great time adding the seeds to our garden; it's not like we need more dandelions, but it was so cute I couldn't resist.    After Thomas got home we all then played tennis for a bit; I got the hiccups from laughing too much.

And just cos I can, gratuitous cat photo; Ray was enjoying the sun today

Life is too short for bad fibre

as a result of this I've just biffed 1kg of Merino carded fibre that was going to become a 3-ply yarn for the boys.   I wasn't enjoying it, it was full of neps and VM and was basically a pain to spin; every time I went into the sewing room it was glaring at me.
So, this afternoon I took the big bag out and emptied it into the bin, then the bump I had ready to spin and then finally removed all the singles from the bobbin I'd 3/4 filled.    I feel much lighter, now I can spin something nice!

I've not done this before, in the past I've persevered despite bad prep and the yarn has never been worth the effort.   Well, I sort of did before, but I did spin up a whole skein first so that doesn't count.

I don't mind stuff that I find hard to spin because I've not done it before, I've got that issue with cotton and also linen, but that's my fault and it will teach me something.   In fact I'm going to try a different prep of cotton next and see if that's any better.  If not I have some gorgeous BFL that I got in the latest fibre swap.   Now that the weather is warming up I can start prepping my own fibre too; no-one to blame but me if things go wrong with that

What to knit next

Thomas' socks are on the needles and I'm almost up to the gusset increases, done some hexipuffs and sent them up to Knitsch but I'm feeling I need something else on the needles.   I could have gone to my queue on Ravelry, but have decided to try something different.   I have a few yarn boxes in the conservatory; this is not ideal yarn storage simply because of the light levels in there and the fact that Ian keeps taking my fabric covers off the yarn boxes exposing them to light.   My next project is therefore coming from those boxes.
I've got some Naturally Landscape which has been the stash for some time and really needs using.  It's not a colour which would suit me, but I think will look fine on the boys so it's going to be a jersey for next winter for one of them.

I'm using a pattern designed for another 10-ply yarn by Naturally and I hope it'll work well.   I may end up making some changes, the pattern has a pocket on the front, but I think it would work better with a kangaroo style pouch which would be easy enough to knit on the fly I think, and I can do it after the rest is done to ensure I have sufficient yarn.

I've done  a wee bit of sewing too, no photo's I'm afraid as I haven't got around to that, but the skirt is finished and has had several compliments.  I'm really pleased with it, not just because I finally have a skirt that is long and from wool, but also because it's different from anything anyone else has and looks really good!  I will take a photo, but probably won't be for a few days unless I can persuade one of the boys to take one tomorrow after school.

Down to 1 WIP - temporarily

Today, in fact about 5 minutes ago I finished my 3rd Time Lucky Socks, these are knit using the Anniversary Socks pattern by Nancy Bush.   This was the third pattern I tried for this yarn, I tried one with travelling stitches, one with cable and finally decided to try simple lace.   Simple lace was the perfect choice for this yarn.   It's a handspun Merino/Silk blend that I overspun and then plied tightly to make it wear well.

I love them!  For the moment it means the only thing left on my needles is the Central Park Hoodie.   In a few minutes though there'll be another pair of socks for Thomas in some Opal yarn I found.   It's the type that does the fake fair-isle but it should work well for him being fairly hard wearing.   Also once my needles arrive I'll get started on some hexi-puffs too to send off to Holland Yarn Company for their Beekeepers Quilt that they'll be auctioning off to support a local charity.

Unpopular Knitting Opinions

A few days ago I submitted my take on knitting with DPN's (double pointed needles) to the above site; it was published there and so far I have 21 responses or reblogs.   http://unpopularknittingopinions.tumblr.com/post/10212926298/94
For those who don't want to go to the link, this is what I said
"Knitting with DPN's is like knitting with an angry hedgehog"; this is precisely how it feels to me so gosh only knows why I'm looking at knitting hexapuffs for the Beekeepers Quilt,  but I'm going to anyway.    I've ordered the DPN's I need today and will get started on my first few when they arrive.   The first ones aren't for me though, they're going to Holland Road Yarn Company to go into the quilt they're making to auction off for KidsCan, then I can do some for me with my angry hedgehogs.   I will most likely be working out a way to do them on circulars before long, much as I love hedgehogs they're best in the fields or the garden; not in my hands.
Another thing I'll be doing differently; I'll be sewing the hexapuffs together, having them tied just feels sloppy to me like you couldn't be bothered doing it properly.  Yes, it'll take ages, but it'll be worth it!

Design time

I've only got 3 pattern repeats and the toe before I finish my handspun Merino/Silk socks so I'm planning for the next couple of projects.   I already have a hoodie on the needles so I need a pair of simple socks, a colourwork project and maybe one other thing.

The socks will be plain ones for Thomas in some Opal sock yarn I found the other day, it was going to be something else, but these are already balled and ready to go.   I'll also be casting on a pair of fingerless mitts for myself in Wandering Cat Yarns Jungle Cat in the Vampire colourway; I'm using her pattern Dalhousie.  My colourwork is also my design work.   It's going to be Ian's mittens for next winter.  He wants squirrels so I need to chart it up, although I already own a squirrel pattern I want to do this from scratch just like I did George's skull and crossbones.  I'll be using the smaller size of the pattern I'm working on as a base, though with some mods since George's version as the thumbs on his were rather too long.

I am wondering though, should I cast on a shawl as well?    Or maybe a cowl?   I'll have 4 WIP's once the above are on the needles which is more than I usually want, but sometimes I want to do something else

Fabric stashing

I might be on a yarn diet, but today I did pick up some quilting fabric and a couple of other things while I was out with Mum today.
We went to The Joy of Sewing's sale first in Riccarton and I came out with 4 pieces of fabric.

from left to right we have a a nice blender in a dusty teal, a lovely Asian inspired print with gold on it,  another blender in a dark grey and a full A-Z flower fairies.   The Asian print and the flower fairies have company with other items in my quilting stash and of course the blenders are going to be useful with almost anything.

From there we went to a craft show which proved to be highly biased towards quilting.   There was however some other stalls to look at including the lacemakers guild and the embroiderers guild.  I ran into an old friend there, I used to work with her in Telecom (both of us have a dislike of phones from that), and she was in the Weavers and Spinners guild too until she got too busy.  Was lovely to catch up with her though.
Entered a couple of competitions (fingers crossed for the sewing machine and the Go Baby!   Would love either or even better, both, lol.
I picked up a Stitch Magazine from one stall, really like those mags, but dont' like the postage price that Interweave charge to send them to NZ.  I also got some wool felt from Stitch.  I don't like the acrylic version and although the wool one isn't traditional felt it'll do quite nicely to craft with the boys.  I also got some batik style quilting fabric too; one fat quarter and 2 charm packs for a small quilt most likely.

4 colours of felt here, lime green, burnt orange, deep red and black.   The Stitch mag (should I get a sub for this?) and the fabric.   Distressed Threads dye the fabric themselves and it's gorgeous!   Now I really do need to clear up the sewing room so I can get started with all of this.

Had a great day though, didn't overspend and I think Mum enjoyed herself too; we'll have to do it again.  We used to head into town from time to time, but that's not an option at the moment unfortunately.   We could take the boys to the Museum this holidays though, that's open again now.

Right, time to get Ian ready for bed.  George and Thomas are at Judo camp this weekend so it's just the two of us.  Hoping to get some gardening done, a little cleaning and tidying and possibly some work, my boss would like the last one.   Ian was asking to learn to knit earlier too, so I'll see if he's still keen; though I've promised him some computer time too if he helps me with the gardening.

WIP no longer!

This seems to be a good week for finishing things.   Not only have I finished Jetty, but today I also finished my Bug Out Mittens!   This is a basic finger up mitten that I've designed especially for use with colourwork.  I can't lay claim to the colourwork pattern itself as that belongs to Morag of Vintage Purls, it came from last years winter sock club. 
When I write up the mitten pattern I will be putting it up on Ravelry for free, once I work out a range of sizes it will then change to a pay for pattern, but I'll probably still leave the base pattern as a freebie.  The bugs are available on Ravelry to purchase as a sock pattern if you want them; and I reckon you do!
I'm really pleased with the way the second one went; the first one was a slight fail on the thumb attaching to the mitten; the second was perfect.

the second one is the one on the right.   On the first one you can see a definite jog where the thumb was joined on; on the second only a slight colour change in the foreground colour which happens with hand-dyed yarn anyway so no biggie.   They're currently blocking on my new mitten blockers and looking lovely!

Finished project!

Jetty is finished, lightly steam blocked and being worn right now!  I love it, not so keen on my extra tummy in front, but hopefully exercise and healing my innards will help with that.
Really enjoyed knitting with the Cascade 220 and want to make the pattern again.  I'm thinking another couple of balls would turn it into a nice winter dress.
With no further ado, here is Jetty for Camp!

A New Path

Today I went to visit a herbalist I last saw when pregnant with George, he did what he could but had to stop at a certain point so as not to risk the baby.    Today I resumed my journey towards health with him
I suffer from what the doctors diagnosed as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome); it's one of those umbrella terms that is used when they don't really know what's wrong but they've tested for all they care to.
I've suffered with it for about 20 years now, mostly getting the runs, but of late there's been constipation as well.  It was time to go back to the one practitioner who'd made any difference; Richard Whelan.
I came out today with some hope that we'll get things sorted.   I also came out with an appointment in 2 weeks, a jar of psyllium husks and a bottle of a nasty herbal concoction.  I've already started taking them, and have to ensure I keep my water intake up too as well as increasing exercise.
Tomorrow I'm going to the doctors to try and get on the waiting list for a colonoscopy to check and make sure there's nothing more sinister going on, I don't think there is, but some of my symptoms could indicate that; so better safe than sorry.
One good thing, Richard doesnt' think I have IBS as I'm not tense enough and in his experience most people with IBS are very tense; I decided some time back that worrying and stress weren't worth the effort, being laid back is much easier and better for you.   It might take a while, but I now have hope to develop and maintain normal bowel function.  For those of you that have that already, take care of it, you have no idea how much it's worth!

In the meantime I'm getting back to my knitting, not far to go now to finish my Jetty.   I'm also going to go for a bike ride tomorrow, yes, even if it's raining.  Exercise is going to help with the rest too and I'm sure if I'm healthy I'll get more knitting done!   Thomas has an order in for a pair or two of socks since he loves the ones he has so much.   I have the yarn (Vintage Purls Max in grey) and have chosen a pattern too.   I will have to finish my socks first though; won't take long once Jetty's done, I'm decreasing the gusset stitches at the moment.

Springtime!

I think we can safely say it's spring now, some gorgeous things happening to our plants:

This is our plum tree; it's a triple graft and I think this one is Black Doris; it's also Billington and Elephant Heart.  Unfortunately the weakest graft is the Elephant Heart which is my favourite.   Spraying this each weekend at the moment with the seaweed spray to help it against the leaf curl.

This is the almond I planted down the driveway winter before last; the idea is that the fruit will be available to our neighbour as well.  I'm also spraying this each week.

The scented bulbs are out, narcissi down the driveway, the freesias are out by the front door; and they smell divine!

The kittens are feeling it too, much playing outside.   Here's Ray up in the silk tree, right at the limit of the branches

and Star looking for fun in the grass

I've cleared the main vege patch and will start on the secondary one this weekend; here's the main one

and the pile that will be dug into it this weekend

This is a mix of composts that will help boost the soil which is a little depleted going by last years performance; though some of that will be due to not being able to water the garden after the earthquakes.   We'll have that problem this summer too; already on notice that there will be water restrictions due to the damage to the water supplies in Christchurch.
I also picked up some Heuchera's to replace our Hosta's with.  Thomas isn't keen on the Hosta's as they're really messy over autumn and winter.  These guys are pretty and should fill in the space nicely, very little sun too so they'll be happy.

3 bronze and 2 purple ones.  I'll get more if I need them.

Onto the knitting, I've been working on my Jetty with no diversions to any other knitting.  I've got to the 4th ball of yarn which will get me to my 800 yards.  Today I finished the sleeves and I've tried it on and really like it.  Made some changes to the increases for the hip since I'm a size up in the hips than what I am in the bust.   I've changed to increasing every 5 rows instead of every 8 rows and will stop increasing at 220 stitches and then just continue knitting till I hit the end of the ball.  I have 6 days left to finish this, which is just as well as I also have some work to finish and it's taking me longer than I expected.

Ignore the lines on the sleeves, that was the stitch holder which I left in for just in case I didn't like the way I'd done the sleeves; those'll be coming out as I'm quite happy with it.

Time to start saving

I am now officially on a yarn diet; ordered some more 5mm nickel tips for my knitpicks set yesterday, but that's the last thing for a while.  Drooling is allowed, just no purchasing.   The reason for this diet?   I need to save for several things.

1.  New computer (please don't take offence current computer).   This runs XP and is getting a little tired I think.

2.  Proper camera.   I have a decent point and shoot, but it's not much good for the sort of photography I want to do like close up shots and yarn/project shots.   I need a DSLR, but I can't afford one.

3.  New cellphone (smartphone).  At the moment I have a CDMA phone with a really awful camera and no diary function; I'm also using a Sharp Diary Organiser thing that's probably over 12 years old.   I want something that can do both; currently considering the LG Optimus One P500.   It's got a decent looking camera, runs on Android and is significantly cheaper than the Iphone.

4.  New oven, this might not be necessary, EQC are going to get Fletchers to come out and look at it.   It'll either get fixed (though F&P said it's not worth fixing over the phone) or replaced.   Although it's old it was a good oven before the earthquakes; perfect pavlova oven.

5.  Steam cleaner for the floor.  This might also not be necessary, I have one, but the handle doesn't stay clicked in and it was like that when it arrived.   It's going back and they say they'll fix it.  If they can't then I'll get a refund and buy a more expensive one.

There is another reason for the yarn diet, my stash is running out of space; especially when you add the fibre in there.   I need to spin and knit up a whole lot of it before buying more.  I have enough for tonnes of socks, quite a few jerseys and other bits and bobs too.  I have over 45km's of yarn in my stash, I know it's over as there are some skeins in there that I don't know the meterage; that's including all that's left after projects I've finished.  That's a lot of yarn; stored in a lot of places and I suspect there may be the odd thing that's not in there.

A Yarniful Day

It was a beautiful day too, though I was waiting impatiently for 2 lots of yarn.  I kept checking the mailbox and nothing there, nothing there.
Then, I could see something in there, raced down the drive and there was a wee bag in there; not what I was waiting for, but a lovely surprise all the same.   Joanne had left it in my mailbox to lift my spirits a little, and it worked!    A set of glove blockers she'd found in Nelson last time she was there, made from No.8 wire (as all good kiwi things are), she kept a set for herself; we'll both have to knit and block gloves.  I have a set of mitten blockers on the way too, I'll have a full set of blockers when they arrive!
This weekend I had been going to go to Glentui for the weekend, but with the bottom bug I've had I cancelled, didn't want to risk making anyone else sick; especially as some are elderly.   Turns out we have some people with weak immune systems too so a good decision; though I'll miss going badly.   I think the glove blockers were also to make me feel better about missing that too.

After opening that wee spirit lifter I went back to waiting for my yarn.   First to arrive was Thomas' sock yarn, it came with the Tangled DVD, The Crow DVD and some blank DVD's.

This is going to be a pair of colourwork socks for Thomas, he loves the darker shade which is actually more colourful than I'd expected.  I think it'll be really nice; got a couple of patterns that might work well with it.

Second package was unexpected though wanted more than the first as this is for my Camp Loopy project

I'm knitting this up in the Jetty pattern.  The yarn has a much greater depth of colour than shows in this picture and should look amazing!


My third parcel was very late; it's the final installation of the Vintage Purls Winter Sock Club 2011 and I think Fastways was trying to see if it would hatch into something if they sat on it long enough.    Love the pattern, love the background yarn, not so keen on the foreground so a friend is buying that off me as she wants to make longer socks.  I'll be using a different yarn with it, still dyed by Morag, but from the previous years sock club.

The 2 yarns on the right are the ones that came with the club, and you can see the pattern in the middle.  I'll be using the yarn on the left instead of the pale pink and I think it'll be gorgeous!


There was a surprise yarn as well, it was in with Thomas' yarn and was sent because I reached a certain level of orders with the company.   I got a clear tote bag with the company's details on it a pattern and this skein of yarn

It's rather pretty and I think it'll make nice socks.    That's the last yarn for quite a while though, need to work through some first.

On the knitting front I got the thumb finished on my mitten last night, tried it on and frogged it; restarted with 2 more stitches and now it feels right.   Not quite finished yet though, and of course now that Jetty's yarn has arrived it's gone on hold!  Will cast on Jetty tomorrow and start frantic knitting, 10 days after everyone else.

6 months on

Six months ago today our complacency after our first big earthquake was shaken off it's foundations.   Our first earthquake was big, unexpected but free of deaths and although damage was done to buildings, it was in most cases repairable.  Not quite so in Kaiapoi, but the government was talking about land reparation so that rebuilding could happen.

22.02.11 at 12.51pm we were all doing what we normally did.  I was sewing a quilt, Thomas was on the toilet at his 6th floor building in Cathedral Square and the boys were at school.   One moment all was well, the next the world moved; literally.   All our power went and I knew it was big simply because of that.   I didn't go down to the school immediately simply because I knew they had to evacuate the classrooms and I'd not be able to find the boys until that was done.  Instead I stopped to clean the hot chocolate out of the computer keyboard, shut off power points and check for hazards at home.   I texted Thomas to see how he was, I heard back from him 2 hours later; he got my text well after he sent his.
My neighbour checked on me, I think we were both on autopilot, he was lucky to be home for lunch so all his family was there with him.
After that I went down and picked up the boys, Ian's bike was left in the bike sheds; he's not ridden it to school since then, probably afraid he'll lose it for 2 weeks again.   I made the boys wait in the garden while I double checked the house to make sure it was safe and then I let them inside.   No power, no water and no Daddy.   We luckily had everything else we needed though; a radio to listen to which told us eventually how bad town was.   Thomas eventually got home and we cooked up baked beans and spaghetti for tea on the single gas burner.   Early bed that night, no power so no point in staying up once the light went.   Some used candles, but I wasn't about to take that risk with the continuous aftershocks.
We came through fairly well, some nighttime wetting from both boys showed they'd been affected even if they didn't show it, but we all stayed calm and I think that helped.
Unfortunately this time there were deaths, too many deaths and many of our historic buildings are lost permanently.  Life will never be the same again, we will always remember and mourn what was lost on that day.

6 months on though, many things are getting back to normal.  We have all our modern conveniences again, and have done for a while.  No-one in our family has lost their home, all back on full sewerage.  Most of the shops we frequented are also back, though many have shifted to Papanui so I don't go to them any more.
The boys are no longer bothered by quakes and most of the time we just sit and wait to see if it'll get bigger, it did in June, but even that wasn't as scary for us as February.  Things are quieter now and we hope they stay that way.   Unfortunately many are not in the position we are, homes lost, loved ones lost and things will never get back to normal for them, not the old normal anyway.   There will be a new normal, but not till EQC has finished paying out and the rebuild is done.   In many cases people can't rebuild where they were and have to decide whether to accept the government offer or insurance.  There are some exciting plans for the city, once it's all finished it will be beautiful again, but it won't be the Christchurch we remember.

Cold days

This post is a bit of a mix, it's been a busy few weeks what with snow, sewing, knitting and family.   Also Thomas and I both got hit with a nasty bottom bug, just coming right now and we've also picked up the cold Ian brought home; not fun.

I did manage to get a few things done, George's pyjamas are now finished and he loves them!

I can now show you the socks I finished for a friend's baby in my Lace Chain Baby Socks pattern.

After I'd given the socks to Sonya, they got passed around along with all the other gifts and were much admired; I got a slightly swelled head for a few moments there!


2 days later we got hit with snow again, a lot of snow!   We had more shovelling to do than last time, but we got onto it earlier to avoid the icing problem.  In the end we probably didn't need to bother, it got rained away 2 days later; however it was deeper and fluffier than last time.   A couple of photo's I took turned out quite well, my helpers for shovelling the path and drive:

Both had fun helping, I had to go and get the old shovel as both my spades got appropriated.  I took a few more photo's, but the one I like best was this one:

this is our nicely iced peach trees; aren't they beautiful?   Was kind of glad that we had the fire though (don't tell Thomas), I would still like a heat pump as well, but T doesn't want one for some reason.

Tonight I finished the sleeves on my Central Park Hoodie, they're looking really good.  I'm not starting the next bit yet, waiting on the yarn to do the final Camp Loopy project; this is feeling a bit like deja-vu.  Yarn I ordered a week later arrived today, hoping it'll arrive on Monday now that I've finished these sleeves. 

Isn't it gorgeous?     Got further on my sock too, now past the heel turn and about to pick up stitches for the gusset.  Might get a bit further with those tonight.  Almost up to the colourwork part of my mittens as well and feeling the need to cast on something new.   Need that yarn to arrive!   Ian needs mittens too, but I need to get mine finished first.

I think my cats have the right idea, no knitting, not worrying about when yarn will arrive; this is where I normally find them:

I think that's Star on the front and Ray at the back.   Ray was the original beanbag cat, now both are.  I usually find both of them on our bed in the morning and here in the afternoon.   At night they often sleep with us, but if they go outside they stay there unless I hear them; fed up with the black and white tom coming in, eating their food and occasionally fragrancing the house.  If I could catch him I'd make him regret it, but I can't so I've taken precautions; cat door is now out only.

Interweave Knits Fall 2011

Well, my yarn may not have arrived before the snow, but the latest Interweave Knits did so it's time for my latest review.  Here's the link to the magazine Fall-2011

First up there's an interesting article on double knitting; this is a technique I haven't tried yet, but I do want to give it a go at some point.

Cardiff Coat: If you like knitting with bulky wool this may be the coat for you.   It's got a big snuggly collar, cables and no seams.  I suspect the cables will help to stablize the coat and stop it from growing too much.  It's not something I'd knit simply because being such a bulky yarn I suspect that I'd end up looking like a hippo.

Pembroke Wrap:  A traditional pattern for a shawl in bulky yarn is surprisingly attractive.  I'd probably want it a bit larger; after all if you're knitting bulky a couple of extra repeats will get you a shawl that will be a great winter warmer.  In its current size it's perhaps a touch on the small size

Bryn Mawr Skirt:  I have to say this looks shapeless and unflattering.  I think that bulky yarn over the hips was a mistake.   Aran weight is about as thick as I'd like to go for a skirt.  It might possibly work if it was longer; short with thick yarn ends up dumpy.

Snowfall Sweater:  This has possibilities.   It's a reasonably flattering shape, the only thing I don't really like is the random looking snowflake motifs on the front; they look unbalanced.  That would be easy to fix though and I like the way it looks with no belt too.

Now if I can get the cat off the magazine I can look at the rest of the magazine!

Strobilus Pullover:  This is very pretty.  It's  bias lace pattern that fits and flatters your curves.  On a cooler day you'd need something under it, but would be lovely like that too.  I think this one may end up in the queue; I do after all have curves that need flattering.

Shadow Tuque:  This is basically a cabled beanie, nice but not really anything special.

Cardigan Bay Jacket:  This looks like one of those comfy weekend waist tie cardigans that just bring to mind a roaring fire and hot chocolate.   Not something that is extraordinarily flattering, but oh so comfortable!  Wouldn't take too long to make in Rowan Big Wool either.    The only worry I'd have is the big holes on the raglan increases; I'd want to close those up.

Solstice Jacket:  This is basically a cardigan that meets at the front with a really big collar and cuffs.   I'm not sure about it, I think this could be due to the fact that the colour match on collar and body is slightly off.   It might look better with slightly slimmer sleeves too.  It has potential, but it's not quite there yet.

Gemini Cardigan:  This is simple, but pretty too.  I like the wide garter stitch front panel, the shaping is nice and it's not fussy.  It probably won't enter the queue as there are other patterns I prefer, but it would suit many body types as it has some shape to it.

Honeycomb Jacket:  I like this assymetric fitted jacket.  I prefer the collar down, but like that you can button it up to add warmth if that becomes more important than good looks.  I can see it in a heathered purple or red; yummy.   I think this one might just pop into my queue; a handspun yarn would probably work really well.  Oooh, and it's DK, and easily accessible weight here in New Zealand.

Flanders Bay Pullover:  This is an exerpt from Vintage Modern Knits: Contemporary Designs Using Classic Techniques book, which strangely is part of my personal library.   I like this pattern, though it's not my favourite from the book.  It is however a nice shape with some simple colourwork to make it interesting.   You could easily change the motif from anchors to something less nautical if desired too, and the neckline would work really well with a button front shirt.

Dahlia Cardigan:  I'm really not sure what to think of this one, when worn open it's not that flattering, but when they tuck the bottom ends in at the neckline it suddenly changes.  I do love the lacework on the back  and I think if you made it longer it would be more flattering.  I also suspect it would be a very useful cardigan too which would work well with a range of outfits; that lace over a strapless sundress?  Yum!

Hex Mesh Stockings:  These I love!   Think fishnets but they have a lovely panel at the top that makes them less sex and more schoolgirl.   I love the feel of opposites from these and will definitely give them a go; love the colours they chose as well.   No black, grape and dusty red were fantastic choices.  They use Malabrigo Lace, I have some silk laceweight that might work; I bought it for socks.....I think for me the knee highs would be better; the over the knee ones seem a little over the top.

Fern Lace Stole:   Personally I wouldn't call it a stole, it's more of a long scarf.   It's pretty enough, but nothing that screams "knit me now!".   You could knit it wider to make it a true stole though easily enough simply by adding pattern repeats as it's knit from the long edge.

Wheeled Lace Shawl:  I like the main pattern for the shawl, but the little bits on the edge make it look messy to my eyes.   I'd forever be getting things caught in it like fingers, children, cats etc.  In fact looking at it further it looks like the moths got to it, sorry, but that's just how I see it.  I'm sure there are plenty out there who love it, if you do add it to your queue, but please don't give it to me.

True North Mittens:  I normally really like colourwork mittens, but these ones look a little messy and I'm having problems seeing the pattern in them.  With a change of colour choice it may well work though; I think the deer and antlers should both be the same colour, in the choice they've used the deer sort of disappear.  Possibly too many patterns in there too, a bit of repetition goes a long way in colourwork.

Rio Capelet:  This is rather pretty and I think would work well in handspun singles.  I like the simple colourwork in it and it's not too long which is good.  Like the high neck too.

Angel Fire Jacket:  I can see why she says it's based on Southwestern American jackets as ti's got that Aztec look to it.  It's not something I'd knit, shawl collars aren't the best on me, some are ok, but that's not one I could wear; also the colours they have used don't show it off to great advantage.  I think the colourwork areas are too much of a contrast to the rest of the cardigan making it look supremely touristy.  

Border Socks:  I can see my man wearing these; in fact I have some yarn on the way for colourwork socks so I might consider this pattern instead of the Durmstrang Socks I was going to make; I'll see what he thinks.  They look like something my Grandpa might have worn going to golf, but in a cool way.  I would need to find one more colour, but in my stash that shouldn't be a problem, lol.

Canyon Cardigan:  Something isn't quite right with this, it could simply be the choice of a yarn with white flecks through it which detracts from the Nordic emblem across the middle.   Not that it matters for me, I can't see my husband wearing a cardigan, he's a sweatshirt guy and only occasionally wears a jersey.

Varsity Stole:  This is wide enough to be a stole and definitely has potential, I love that it's reversible.   Not keen on their colours, but I'm not into pastels and having pastel blue and pink in one item is overkill to me.  Change the blue to a wine though and you'd have a winner.

Kelmscott Throw:  This is a very nice looking throw and being done in double knit has the advantage that it's completely reversible.  If I were to be in the mood to knit a blanket I'd consider it; but the only blanket I'm likely to knit is one from sock yarn remnants, which are way too fine for this.


Ok, that's it for this review; I think I've done a better job this time with more descriptions and you can at least go and take a look at the patterns to see what you think yourselves.  Time to go and add the ones I want to the 17 page queue; play some Xbox with Thomas and then a little knitting.  Have fun!

More snow?

We're hoping not, but the forecast is for snow from Sunday through to Tuesday; I might get to do a fair bit of knitting and housework.    Unfortunately the yarn for my Camp Loopy project 3 isn't here yet and if it doesn't arrive tomorrow then I won't be able to work on it from the start date of 15th.   Fingers are crossed though.
In the meantime I've been working on my Central Park Hoodie, am now past the elbow on both sleeves, my handspun socks are also gaining length.  Plus I've cast on and finished a pair of wee baby socks in my own pattern (Lace Chain Baby Socks).  I love this pattern, even if I say so myself.  This pair is in green, but no photo's till the recipient has been given them tomorrow.   My pattern testers all said that the socks stay on really well and fit well.

My new project when the yarn arrives is a Cecily Glowik MacDonald pattern called Jetty.  I'll be knitting it in Cascade 220 in the colour Aporto.  I think it'll look fantastic!   The brief for the final Camp Loopy project was to knit something with 800 yards or more.  I was originally going to do the February Fitted Pullover, but someone else on Ravelry mentioned the Jetty pattern, I took a look and fell in love!   Yarn, please get here tomorrow, I want to be able to get started swatching!!!!

Still no movement from EQC about our contents claim, only good thing is Thomas gets paid his bonus later this month which will pay the hp off before interest is being charged.  We will also pay the motorbike insurance, the Visa (though that's pretty low) and maybe a little spending.  I want Thomas to get his own battery charger for his bike and the car so we don't have to keep borrowing his dad's one.   Thinking about a stereo for the car, but I don't use it that often so not sure; however it could be that I don't use it cos it stops going, jumps from one speaker to another and is basically dodgy as all hell.

On the spinning front I've not done a lot, finished the last of the Tour de Fleece yarn, this is Pukeko Paradise, 625 yards of medium weight yarn

My next spinning project won't be as pretty as it's a plain undyed Merino in a camel shade, spinning it finely and will be a 3-ply yarn aimed at making jersey's for the boys, probably with some cable patterns.   A 3-ply yarn will be nicely rounded and should work really well for cables, it'll be soft enough to keep George happy and if he doesn't like the colour I can always dye it to a darker blue (his favorite colour).
I won't be buying any more fibre or yarn for a while, have way too much at the moment and want to create some more storage space.

On the sewing front I've made 2 pairs of trousers for the boys for school, as well as finishing a pair of pj's for George.  Both boys love the new clothes.   I've started on my skirt; at the moment only the embellishment is done, but I have the inch-tape on the front and also free-motioned a rose in black thread on the grey fabric.  Looking really good so far and as soon as I get some more time I'll get in the sewing room and get the skirt finished and then work on my tunic tops too.   If we get snow and don't lose power.....

Spin, spin, knit, knit

Been a busy time with spinning for Tour de Fleece which is now over, since my last post I've done the following:

2 bobbins of what I think is Romney, quite strong but nice to spin.

The finished yarn, thinking this will end up as a bag; should wear well.

The Merino singles, still not fulled yet, but looking good all the same.   I think this will be a shawl

Singles and then plied Merino Superwash that I splatterdyed.  Love this, it's got enough colour to be interesting, but isn't too strong.  Would be lovely for a baby, but will probably be for me!

This was the final spin for TdF, 200g of Merino in a colourway called Pukeko.  I've spun up both bobbins, finished the second last night and will be plying it this week.  Not sure what it'll be yet; will find out once it's finished I think.
I'm thinking I might spin something from one of my raw fleeces next; maybe go for a 3-ply yarn.

I finished my socks on Friday night, really pleased with the feel of the yarn and the pattern as well, not sure how well it's going to wear; it's fluffing a lot from the first wear.  Nice and warm though!

My Twisted Bonsai socks in Aslan Trends Royal Alpaca; colour Hunter.

I also received a wee package I won from Woolly Wormhead's blog

an Entrelac book I'd thought about getting, but hadn't yet.  Some wonderful accessories for knitting and some yarn that I'm not sure what I'll do with yet, I think it'll join the stash for a bit until it decides what it wants to be.

I'm temporarily down to 3 projects on the needles now; my Central Park Hoodie, my Merino/Silk handspun socks and my second mitten (for the pattern I'm designing).   I've decided I need to switch the CPH onto a circular needle as I'm finding the wood needles a bit sticky for the cables and things are moving too slowly.   The socks are my go-to pattern if I'm out.   Really should cast on the second mitten though as I know it won't take long once I'm started.   However in about 15 days it'll be time for the next Camp Loopy project (assuming the yarn is here) so I'm putting it off.

Sewing hasn't been happening, but will have to.  I need a skirt and said skirt is cut out with the embellishment pinned on.  The boys need new school trousers and as I already have the fabric and don't want to pay $30 each for the bought ones I have to get them made too.  School's back tomorrow though so I should have a little more time.

Been a good holidays for the boys; they did spend a bit more time than planned on electronic entertainment, but they also got to do some cool stuff with the Autism Society (swimming, mini-golf and 10-pin bowling).  They got snow days

Ray cat loved the snow.  Ian did too, you can see a typical Ian snowball there.    A snowman was built, I have a photo, but haven't uploaded it yet.   It was the coldest day in almost 100 years in Christchurch and in places the snow was up to 30cm deep (about a foot).
And yesterday we went to the Botanic Gardens to do the gnome hunt.  Despite it being really cold we all had a great time and found all the gnome clues which led to the Gnome Grotto.  I counted 85 gnomes in there; Thomas found 72 and George 64.  Ian didn't count them at all, but he still enjoyed himself.  We rounded it off with a KFC lunch to warm ourselves up.