nutty-knitters nutty knits

Black Cable Jacket

2009-10-17T19:32:00.003+01:00

I have finished a Black Cable Jacket which I've been knitting for Emily but I can't put a photo on here yet because she hasn't seen it yet. It was a devil to knit as the cables don't show up on the black yarn.
I've used Sirdar "Click" Chunky which knits up beautifully. Hopefully she will get lots of wear out of it in North Wales. She went back to Bangor at the end of September and will be working (and playing) hard until Christmas when she's coming home for a couple of weeks.

Forever is a long time

2009-07-15T22:10:00.002+01:00

I know I haven't been a good blogger this year, but I discovered Ravelry and it is addictive!!!!

Since February nothing has changed much. I have a few FO's which I have forgotten to photograph and a few that I have photographed, but not loaded onto the computer.

Emily has finished her first year at Uni in BAngor and is now home for the summer holidays. She has looked for work, but has been unsuccessful in finding a "proper" job so has put leaflets through doors offering to do housework, gardening, pet-sitting and various other jobs. So far she has managed to get a few hours per week. She has also started delivering Kleeneze catalogues which currently makes her a few extra pounds. I have to admire her efforts, and wish that the rewards were somehow more equal to the effort which she is exerting. This week she put out, and collected 200 catalogues and her reward was not one single order!!!! She is getting a bit despondant and I'm not surprised.

Charlie has two days left at her Primary school and is looking forward to leaving. She has not been 100% happy at school and we are hoping that High School will be better. On Friday she had her leaver's ball, which was a glorified disco. The parents of another girl had arranged a 20 seater Pink Hummer Lomo to take the girls to the ball, but it arrived an hour late so the girls missed out on their drive around the local area. The company has offered to take them out again tomorrow after school so they are being collected from school and taken for a drive.
Tonight we went to see the year 6 end of trem production of The Wizard of Oz. It was a great show and I was very proud of my "little girl" when she danced on stage as a milkmaid.

Last weekend we went to Cirencester to visit my sister. While there we enjoyed a day out at the Open air swimming pool. If you live near Cirencester and have never been it is a real gem of a place. Take a look at their website

Snowed in

2009-02-04T10:37:00.006Z

It all started on Sunday night.

By Monday morning it was about 20cm deep

The first one out the door.

Fun and games!

Much more and the wheelie bins will disappear.

Stuck at home as the car has broken down.

A team of neighbours dig a path out of the close.

Time for everyone to enjoy the snow.

2008-11-19T09:10:00.002Z

The more it changes, the more it stays the same!

Emily has now settled in to life in Bangor and has become an independent young lady. It feels very strange as a mum to see my first born leave home and grow up. But she came home for a week last week and wreaked havoc in her room, and the rest of the house with all her stuff. She went back to Uni laden down with clean clothes and towels ready to face the next few weeks. She did however take her "baby blanket" back with her. Some things never change!

Knitting seems to be taking all of my spare time at the moment as I try to get to grips with all the WIP's I have on the needles. The list of Wip'S is nearly as long as my arm: Hat for Mum, socks for step-brother, gilet for niece, socks for Emily, baby clothes for a friend, scarf for aunt. And that is just christmas pressies. There is also a cardigan for me and some more socks for me.

No time for blogging, but hopefully that will change soon.

Ralvelympics

2008-08-21T20:54:00.003+01:00

I cast on my stitches at 8mins past one (BST) on 08:08:08 in the car on the motorway on the journey to Skipton. As we left here at 9am this meant a few hours of wasted knitting time sat in the passenger seat of the car.
The photo shows the progress made by the time we reached Skipton, and was taken during a visit to a local pub.

We then travelled North to Beattock where we spent 9 days enjoying the delights of Southern Scotland.

I knitted quite a lot during the week as the weather was disappointingly wet, and we spent a lot of time in the car travelling between local towns and villages. I even managed a 3 hour knit while Mike and the kids were cycling down through the forest of Ae. There just happened to be a very nice coffee shop at the end of the cycle ride!!! (I was not able to cycle with them due to a bulging Lumbar disc, such a shame as I would have loved to join them in getting soaked to the skin and very muddy. My 3 hours knitting in a nice warm dry coffee shop just doesn't compare!!!)

Cast off and sewn up by 7.09pm on 14:08:08 ( I only know the time because it was recorded on the camera, I don't usually notice what time I finish things)

Long Time No Blog

2008-08-06T21:12:00.002+01:00

I haven't been on here for such a long time as I just didn't have much to write about.
I have entered the ravelympics and will be competing in the baby dressage section and will be making a layette for the daughter of a friend who is expecting her first baby in March next year.

Cycling for Charity

2008-05-15T15:57:00.002+01:00

On Sunday Charlie will be cycling 12 1/2 miles to raise money for the MS centre where I work and the RNLI.
Hopefully she will raise loads of sponsorship as she will have to work hard to get round the route. I was going to cycle with her, but due to a back injury I am no longer able to so Emily has volunteered to go with her as her responsible adult.
Good luck to both my girls.

If you felt you were able to sponsor CHarlie please check out her fundraising page on my side-bar.
Thanks

Mike and I will be working hard before during and after the event as we are helping with the admin and health and safety of the riders. I will also be a marshall on the day, and Mike is in overall charge of the event on the day.

Knitting

At last I am able to sit almost comfortably and do some knitting. I have finished a pair of socks in Tofutsies and started another pair using Fyberspates sock yarn. I love the Fyberspates and as I made my first pair of socks with this yarn it brings back the joy of making the first pair.

GirlGuiding

I have recently become an assistant Guider for the 14th Coulsdon Guides (I am already assistant Guider with the Rainbows) and next weekend we are off to camp. I am First Aider on camp, so I am hoping for a dry week with not too much sunshine!
I'm also in charge of craft activities on camp. This year the theme is Pirates so I have been collecting ideas from the internet. I have come up with some great ideas including Hama bead coasters with glow in the dark skull and cross bones, Beaded phone charms, ship in a bottle, pirate bandanas, eye patches and t-shirts. Hopefully we will have enough to keep the girls busy! I will take photos of the craft projects as they are made and jhopefully post them on here when we get back.

The final Port in a Storm.

2008-05-04T22:44:00.005+01:00

Here you can see the captain and first mate enjoying a well earned rest after our walk to Osborne House (and back).

Heres the able seaman in her coordinating fleece and crocs!

And as a "happy" pirate at the helm.

Tuesday dawned bright and sunny and so the crew aboard Volante set sail towards The Needles. After the fairly strong wind coming across to Cowes on Sunday we were surprised to find there was absolutely NO WIND. It was like the film title DEAD CALM!!!
We tried putting the sails up, but they hung limply and so we used the tidal current to drift along the solent towards Alum Bay.

Charlie took the opportunity of perfecting her Titanic impression by leaning over the bow of the boat with her arms outstretched. You can see how calm the water is, there is hardly a ripple to be seen.

We had lunch anchored off Alum bay, watching the holiday makers going up and down the cliffs in the cable-cars and taking boat trips around the needles. Gradually the wind started to pick up so we headed into Yarmouth. Little did we know at this point that we were about to be storm bound in Yarmouth, but that is yet to happen so on with the story.

Wednesday it was decided by a unanimous vote that we would spend the day ashore and would go for a walk around the coastal path, then inland to a pub at the head of the river Yar for lunch, and then back to Yarmouth via the river walk which follows the route of an old railway.
The weather was glorious and we were soon strolling along in T-shirts with our fleeces tied round our middles. We stopped for a short time to browse the scenery along the route, and then to browse a charity shop (where a little bit of shopping took place) arriving at the pub (no name given to protect the identity of the staff) at 1.55pm, to be informed that they had stopped serving lunches. We asked very nicely if they could possibly do a few rounds of sandwiches, to which the reply was..."they've packed everything away in the kitchen". So with very empty tummies we headed back to Yarmouth where we ate a fantastic meal in THE BUGLE public house.

By the time we made it back on board the wind was picking up again and we settled down for the night oblivious of what was to come.

Thursday morning dawned beautifully sunny, BUT.......... The wind was howling through the harbour. The Captain thought it wouldn't be too bad at sea so we started to get ready to sail. Then we watched the ferry to Lymington leave the harbour and promptly get swamped on the fore-deck by the waves. The Captain finally agreed tha there was no way we were going out in that so we stayed on board foer the day catching up with some of the household tasks like cleaning and fixing the pump on the toilet.
Sue and Andy (quartermaster and first mate) abandoned ship and took a bus ride around the Isle of Wight.

After listening closely to weather forecasts all day we finally hit the sack prepared for a repeat of the same conditions on Friday.

Friday morning was worse than Thursday and we entertained ourselves as best we could (I had my sock to keep me company!) but at about 4pm the wind dropped and we made the decision to run to Cowes so that if we were stuck Andy and Sue could at least get to Ryde and from there get a ferry back to Portsmouth! By the time we rounded the corner at Cowes the wind was blowing us about again and the waves were making it quite uncomfortable so we were very relieved to get into the safer waters of the Medina estuary.We motored up the river to THE FOLLY INN where we found a mooring and then spent a very enjoyable evening ashore sampling the delightful menu at the Folly Inn.

As soon as we were up on Saturday we headed back towards Cowes to see what the sea state was like.
It was raining heavily and the Captain and First mate were well prepared.

Fortunately the sea was moderate (waves only about 2ft high) and so we motored back to Portsmouth while the going was good!!

Back on dry land we said our goodbyes to the Quartermaster and temporary First Mate and headed home fully intending to get something to eat on the way!!!
But like all good plans this also backfired. We stopped at Sainsburys only to find that the menu was very restricted and there was nothing worth having. When we got outside the store there was a stall demonstrating Schwartz spices and so we had a couple of sample pots each to stave off the hunger pangs.
Guildford and Burger KIng beckoned, so off we went only to find they were closed for refurbishment!! Thus we ended our voyage at the Fish and Chip shop up the road from our house! (And very good they were too)

socks and storms (part 2)

2008-04-24T21:36:00.004+01:00

The sun refused to shine on us on that Sunday, but inspite of this we set off for Cowes on the Isle of Wight. My stomach was turning somersaults and I was also trying to reassure Charlie that nothing will go wrong. (She has had a few unfortunate experiences on the boat).
Our guests, Sue and Andy, were oblivious of mine and Charlie's nerves and had a great time on board. Once we were sailing my stomach settled a bit and Charlie and I started to sing all the sea based songs we could think of. Our favourite goes something like this:
When I was one
I sucked my thumb
The day I went to sea,
I climbed aboard a pirate ship
And the Captain said to me,
We're going this way, that way,
Forwards and backwards
Over the Irish sea,
A bottle of rum
To fill my tum
And that's the life for me!

When I was two
I tied my shoe
The day I went to sea

and so on for as long as you can make up numerical rhymes!!

This kept Charlie busy for quite a while and then we moved onto other songs like Drunken sailor and stuff like that.

Eventually we arrived in Cowes and tied the boat up in a Marina in West Cowes. For those among you who have never visited the Isle of Wight and have only heard of the Cowes Yacht races the place is very small, and W. Cowes is very much dedicated to the Yuppie Yachties! Lots of overpriced yachtie shops selling overpriced clothes you would never wear anywhere else!! While Sue and Andy went out to discover Cowes, and track down a loaf of bread and a bottle of Worcestershire Sauce, I settled down for a nap. My sciatic nerve by now was driving me up the wall (or the sides of the boat) and i needed to lie down for a bit. Mike and Charlie also went out for a walk and before long were back to disturb my sleep.

We had a feast of Corned beef hash that night, washed down once again with plenty of liquid refreshment.

Monday dawned bright and cheerful and we put on our walking shoes and headed off to East Cowes via the chain ferry. This old fashioned form of transport is free to foot passengers (unbelievable in these penny pinching times)and takes a couple of minutes to cross the river Medina. While we were waiting to board the ferry my mobile phone rang. It was Emily, who we had left at home, ringing to say she had a puncture.

(some background info needed here; Emily stayed at home as she has a part time job at a local leisure centre and didn't want to spend her hols on a crowded boat. She passed her driving test in March and has yet to drive on the motorway by herself. She had agreed to visit Mike's dad in Maidstone, to do his shopping and to check up on his welfare. This involved driving for 45miles on A roads. After driving all that way she couldn't get in as he had double locked the front door. She rang me 3 times before she got there and eventually got in, put away the shopping and then left to drive back as she had to go to work. It was just after she left that she had the puncture, and she had never changed a wheel before.)

It was quite entertaining listening to Mike trying to explain what Emily had to do, especially as she didn't know where to start. She didn't know what the jack was or the tyre lever! 5 phone calls later (each one involving the next bit of info) she told us that someone had stopped to help her. About time too as far as I was concerned! The knight in shining armour had driven past, gone into the petrol station about 100m up the road, and had seen Emily still struggling when he came out and so had offered to help. He was shocked by how many people had driven past her and not offered any assistance. It makes my blood boil to think that no-one will stop to help a young lady in distress these days!

By now we were well on our way up the hill in E. Cowes on route to Osborne house.
Wow, what a fantastic place. It was built by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (not literally you understand) as a holiday retreat. It is a beautiful house and the gardens are beautiful, even in April during a rain shower. It has a Swiss cottage in the garden built for the royal children to learn household chores such as cooking cleaning and serving meals to their parents. There is also a minature fort with minature cannons where the children could play.
Having visited the house we were ravenous, but the prices in the English Heritage cafe were extortionate and so we decided to eat when we got back to Cowes.
Hence we ended up having a pub meal in Cowes that evening. Then it was back to the boat for a much needed lie down (for my back) and an evening of chat!

To be continued..............

Socks and Storms

2008-04-22T08:43:00.002+01:00

We made it back from the Isle of Wight after being storm bound on our little boat in Yarmouth for 2 days. Other than time to knit socks it was an uncomfortable few days and nights.

Our holiday started on Friday 11th April with long delays on the M25 and A3. This meant that we arrived in Gosport later than expected and had only just moved the boat to a convenient mooring before our friends from "The North" arrived with enough "STUFF" to fill our poor little boat to the brim. I am restricted to one holdall of clothes and a small bag of knitting when we go away. Although I always manage to sneak a little extra yarn into my bag (just in case)!

Once the boat had been filled, we enjoyed a liesurely evening meal on board washed down with plenty of liquid! I'm glad there were no people on the boats alongside us as we made plenty of noise chatting and laughing as we had much to catch up on since we last met just before christmas.

Saturday was spent stocking up on essential foodstuffs and gas to prepare for our trip. Andy and Sue are complete sailing novices so we gave them some basic sailing lessons in the marina. The weather was unpredictable and was changing from sun to torrential rain in minutes.

On Sunday we were ready to set off. Sue had taken her travel sickness tablets and the ginger biscuits were ready. Life-jackets were donned and sock knitting put safely in a side locker.

to be continued.....

Snow in April

2008-04-07T19:44:00.004+01:00

This is the view from my house on Sunday morning.

Front door

Back door

And we had to make the most of it as Charlie has never been sledging in all her 9 1/2 years!!!

The afternoon was spent relaxing in front of the log fire as we had been to the Blue Planet LIve concert at Wembley on Saturday evening.
Wow, what an experience. They showed video footge from the BBC Blue Planet programme accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra.

60's revisited

2008-04-05T15:10:00.002+01:00

Charlie came home from school yesterday and announced she needed something to wear to sixties night at Guides!

So one length of spare fabric , some bright orange bias binding, a red zip and a couple of hours later I came up with this. She was absolutely thrilled.

Tonight we are off to see The Blue Planet Live show at Wembley Arena. I'm really looking forward to it.

Not exactly portable knitting!

2008-03-29T15:24:00.002Z

I went to Olympia yesterday and I saw these needles and just had to have a go! I bought them from here

Here is my first go at knitting with them using 12 strands of various colours of acrylic yarns. I am making a blanket/throw for Charlie's bed.

And here it is next to my sock!

And lastly to give you an idea of scale next to a 4mm brittany birch needle measuring 28cm end to tip!

I enjoyed my day out at Olympia although I find the ammount of knitting stalls is always a little disappointing. I did make good use of my day with a few well chosen purchases. Obviously the extreme needles are a big hit, but I also bought some yarn. 4 balls of unknown German sock yarn, and 20 balls of Jaeger Roma in colourway 014:Lavender.
I also bought craft paper for Charlie to use in her card making, and a Japanese braiding kit from here. I am going to use the idea with the Girlguides while we are on camp in May.

Easter weekend saw us visiting the Grandchildren in Hastings and here is a rare photo of myself and Ella.

Proud Moment

2008-03-19T23:16:00.001Z

I must be the proudest Mum in the London Borough of Croydon! The show at the Fairfield halls tonight was amazing, and we had seats in just the right place to be able to see Charlie clearly all the way through. They performed a special piece written for them by a local composer based on recycling, animal conservation and saving the planet. Then at the end they did a medly of songs within the theme of heroes, including some Bond themes and some Andrew Lloyd Webber stuff. It was amazing to hear (and see)over 500 kids singing together and enjoying every minute. It brought tears to my eyes.

Didn't we have a lovely time

2008-03-17T13:31:00.003Z

the day we went to Bangor.

We travelled to North Wales on Friday to vist the University. It took ages to get there due to lots of other people driving cars, vans and lorries up the M6. How dare they be on the road at the same time as us! Add to that a number of incidents on the roads it took us 7 hours to get there ( with two short "facilities" stops along the way).
We arrived at the Youth Hostel 5 minutes too late to have dinner, so went into Bangor to find an eating place for some fast food.
After a sleepless night we got up and DH dropped Em & I in Bangor before he and Charlie headed off to drive through the mountains. We walked through the city centre before heading up the hill to the University. Unfortunately we had the wrong site, but were directed to the right site by a very friendly security person. It was only a 25minute walk (or stagger) to the right place and we got there in good time. We were then treated to a very pleasant buffet lunch followed by an entertaining introductory talk about Bangor University School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science. Then we went on a bus tour of the city ending up at the Halls of Residence. Many of the Halls at Bangor are in the process of being updated and those we were shown were much better than were available when I was looking at Uni's 20+ years ago! It was then back on the bus to the Sport science block where we were shown around the laboratories. What amazing equipment they had.
The afternoon ended with us having a chance to discuss any questions we might have with some of the staff. We were able to find out more about the dyslexia services at Bangor, and the qualifications obtainable during the 3 years at Uni.
Then we were picked up by the "Mountain" climbers and we drove back to the Youth Hostel to watch the Wales / france Rugby match. It was a thrilling match with a fantastic final score! (Wales won-of course) By now we were ravenous and so made a dash in the car to Llanberis where we enjoyed a good nosh at Pete's Eats. This well known Cafe ( well known among walkers) does a realy mean plate of Chilli & Chips, which went down really well after a hard day visiting the Uni.
Sunday morning saw us packing up and heading for home. We took the scenic route back via the A5 and saw the snow on top of the mountains. Once we were on the motorway however we had a reasonable journey home.
The back caused quite a lot of discomfort during the weekend and I was relieved not to be doing the driving. This also gave me a chance to do a little bit of knitting in the car on the way home. When I wasn't "high" on painkillers I managed to complete 1/2 a sock. I have used the basic Fyberspates pattern which came with my first purchase of sock yarn, and which I have used for every sock I have knitteed so far, but adapted it to knit a basic lace pattern on the sock. (Photo to follow)

I went into work this morning for a couple of hours to get back into the swing of things. It was Ok, and I was so pleased to see all my friends. The last month at home has been terribly boring and lonely. Thank goodness for the internet. I have spent many happy hours reading other peoples blogs. Thankyou to all those knitting bloggers out there who have kept me sane over the past month.

Golf birthday cake

2008-03-12T20:52:00.002Z

I have just got round to loading this picture onto the lap-top. I baked it and decorated it for my husband to celebrate his 60th birthday in February.
It was fun to make and decorate. I haven't made a "Proper" birthday cake for years. In the past I have created all sorts of things from sponge, including the Thunderbirds Tracey Island, Thomas the Tank engine, Postman pat's van and even a severed hand!! If I can find the photographic evidence I will try and scan it into the computer(but don't hold your breath)

Having just looked back over some of my previous posts I realise I never admitted what happened to the silky look cardigan I was making over Christmas. Well, it is now on the frogging pile as it was wider than it was long, and although I am a little on the plus size it swamps me.
I also have to admit to another purchase. (must keep it quiet as hubby doesn't know about it ) I was in Hobbycraft in Maidstone on Tuesday and they had some Rowan DK yarn 1/2 price. Well you can't miss an oportunity like that can you? I bought a few balls, enough to knit a long waistcoat, and so my stash keeps growing. At this rate, if I live to be a hundred I will never run out of yarn!

I have just made another e-bay purchase, Not for me this time. Mike had his eye on a dinghy to use to get onto his boat. He currently uses an inflatable which is great to use occasionally but is not big enough to transfer gear and bodies from "shore to ship" and vice versa. We are now the proud owners of a solid dinghy and outboard motor. Now we have to name her! The big boat is called VOLANTE and the inflatable is called the MOODY MOLLY (named after the make of the big boat and our dog!) The new dinghy now needs a wacky name. Any suggestions?

knitting upside down

2008-03-11T14:46:00.002Z

Knitting flat on your back is difficult, but not impossible. I have just finished a pair of socks knit using some yarn I bought on E-bay from Angels and Elephants, colourway Candy Floss. I conquered the second sock syndrome by knitting both at the same time on two sets of DPN's. I.ve now cast on another pair using Regia 4py.I tried to do some of my Freedom spirit cardigan but this was too heavy to handle upside down!

I made some purchases on Amazon last week, including Mason Dixon Knitting which I promised myself ages ago but never got round to buying. I also bougt Yarn Harlot by Stephanie Pearl McPhee and The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood. I am thoroughly enjoying The Knitting Circle.

Emily passed her driving test two weeks ago and since then I haven't seen much of my car. At least I can't drive it myself at the moment so it's working out OK. She is currently looking to buy herself a car and spends a lot of time on the internet researching diffferent makes and models.

2008-02-21T17:29:00.002Z

Thankyou laughing mouse for this award. I would like to pass it on by nominating soxandcinders

The inside loop

2008-02-21T17:01:00.000Z

http://www.theinsideloop.com/

This is a great addition to the online knitting community.

Self pity is not good

2008-02-18T17:45:00.002Z

I'm lying on my back with the laptop propped up on a cushion to enable me to type. I seem to have a bulging vertebral disc in the Lumbar region which is pressing on my sciatic nerve. Movement of any kind is excruciating and I don't cope well with pain. This morning got lost in a blur of tears and sleep and now I am just lying here feeling sorry for myself.

Yesterday was hubby's 60th birthday and we had all the family round for dinner. Daughter 1, son in law, 2 grandchildren, Son, son's fiancee, Daughter 2 and Daughter 3. With hubby and I that made 10 round the table. It was great fun although I am paying for it today!
The birthday boy was delighted with his cherished number pates for his car( I was having doubts up until the last minute that he wouldn't like them). Just got to get to the DVLA to re-register the car so that he can put the new plates on. He also got some lovely photos of the Grandchildren in a frame, this will go on the wall as soon as I can get a hook for the picture rail.

Knitting has been non existant this week as i can't manage it lying flat on my back. Before I was in this predicament I had just frogged the back of my Freedom Spirit cardigan as I had mis-read the instructions. Happy was not my middle name!!!

I will post some photos as soon as I can reach the cupboard with the camera leads in as I can't download the photos onto the lap-top at the moment.

A great site to visit

2008-02-13T20:37:00.002Z

Fluffyknitter is having a competition to celebrate her Blogiversary and if you go there mention my blog.

2008-02-08T15:22:00.000Z

Our own little Christmas Elf.

Grandaughter Ella had great fun wearing an elf hat.
She is growing up so quickly and it doesn't seem like a year since we celebrated her first Christmas.

A finished object at last

I finished this in Peru Naturals (Machu Pichu) just in time for christmas, although it has taken me this long to put the picture up on the blog.

This month is my Hubby's 60th birthday and I have bought him a personalised number plate for his beloved GOLF. I took a long time thinking of what to do for his birthday as he is really difficult to buy for, and doesn't want a party. The kids are chipping in to pay for it, so I hope he is going to like it.

Half term is fast approaching and Em and I are off to Bangor to look round the University. She has been offered a conditional place there so we thought we better go and take a look. I am not looking forward to the long drive up there, but we are making a short holiday of the trip by staying a couple of nights in a travelodge.

I finished and sent off two hats for the BISS campaign, but forgot to take a photo before I posted them. Now I'm about to start a crossover cardigan in Twilleys Freedom Spirit which I bought at Sandown Park in January. I was very disappointed in the knitting (or lack of )stalls at Sandown Park, and am hoping that Olympia in March will be better. I have nothing against card craft, but when the majority of the stalls are catering for one type of craft it is hard on those who participate in other crafts. Also there were a large number of non craft stalls.

What are you doing on 29th February?
I will be taking part in the first World Knitting and stitching day. Want to know more? visit Stitchlinks to find out what is going on.
I am going to IKnit London to indulge myself in some yarn based retail therapy, and am then going to enjoy an evening of knitting while watching a Dvd of my choice.

Training has now started for the Black Horse Bike Ride in May and Charlie is already collecting sponsorship via her webpage. Please take a look and see what she is up to.

I'm angora?

2008-01-27T16:39:00.001Z

http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/pottercraftnews/buttons/angora_big.gif

Protesting

2008-01-27T15:46:00.000Z

I took part in my first proper protest demonstration this morning. I don't usually get involved in direct protesting, prefering to use the power of word via letters or e-mail. Well today I felt I needed to join with other parents and local residents to support the blocking of a phone mast being errected within 20m of my daughters primary school. For more info see www.radioaction.co.uk

Now I am relaxing with my knitting. Current WIP's include the Golden Goddess cardigan from Issue 36 of Simply Knitting. I am making it in Sirdar's Silky Look, which is knitting up beautifully in colourway Coffee and Cream. Also a pair of aocks using Regia Bamboo Colour. This is amazing stuff which is similar in feel to cotton. The muted colours blende to create a very interesting effect.
Finished projects include a baby blanket, a Harry Potter hat and scarf and a fluffy scarf for a friends 11yr old daugher.
Charity knitting currently being undertaken includes hats for BISS, and blankets for the Baby Pack project.

I am now in training for a cycle ride to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in Coulsdon, Surrey. My daughter (who will be 10yrs old by then) will be raising the sponsorship, but is unable to cycle by herself, so Mum has to go too! Hopefully I will soon be sorting out a just giving page for her so we can attract sponsorship from far and wide.

I had a moment of panic on Thursdy when one of the chickens seemed very off colour and was being attacked by one of the others. I rescued the ailing hen, and put her in isolation in the dog cage (no the dog wasn't using it at the time!) and gave her 24 hours to see what happened. Well she laid an egg and then seemed OK so I put her back in with the others and all was well. Perhaps she was a little egg bound and just needed a bit of privacy!!

DD1 is now on a roll with her University applications. She has been offered conditional places by Bangor, Portsmouth and Southampton Solent, and has an interview at Newport. It looks like we will be putting a few miles on the car before the end of February, as we are visiting all but Portsmoputh in the next few weeks.

No photos this time but I will try and add some next time.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-19T08:50:00.001Z

One down, twenty three to go

2007-12-01T23:58:00.000Z

No I'm not refering to days in December before Christmas, I am refering to knitting for a change.

I finished my Sirdar Peru Naturals cardi in Machu Pichu (photo asap), and have now got 23 more project ideas to go.
The sailors socks for Mike are nearly finished, and I have started work on the Griffindor house scarf for Charlie (I can only work on this after she goes to bed!), and I have started on a baby blanket for Emily's college tutor.

I bought loads of lovely sock yarn at the S&B

From the top they are:

Alpacca / silk from The Natural Dye Studio

Blue Faced Leicester also from The natural Dye Studio

Alpacca / merino from Fyberspates

Bluefaced Leicester / Nylon also from Fyberspates

Bluefaced Leister from Oxford Kitchen Yarns

and lastly 3 balls of Tofutsies for summer weight socks.

Photos,Photos and more Photos

2007-11-11T15:35:00.000Z

Here are a few of the photos I took at the Stitch and Bitch yesterday.

Me and Amy Lame (and my PomPom)

Debbie Stoller & me

Betsan and me

Fireworks on the Thames to celebrate the Lord Mayors Parade

Now for some photos which I should have added before!

Stripy legwarmers and fingerless mittens knitted for a friend!

Molly in her halloween costumes!

2007-11-11T11:19:00.000Z

WOW
That just about sums up the event.
I made the trip to London by myself (first time I've done that in about 3 years). I arrived early and there was no one queuing. I almost thought I had gone to the wrong place. I sat in the foyer of the hotel and waited for signs of other people going to the S&B. There were plenty of stall holders going in and out, but no ticket wielding public. By 9:10 there were two others and our little queue started. By 9:30 the queue stretched round the foyer twice and out the front door. It was at that moment that I was glad I had come early as the first 30 people in the queue got to go to the Debbie Stoller workshop.
Once inside I headed straight for the book stand to get my hands on the Debbie Stoller Son of Stitch and Bitch and was the first person to purchase a copy. Then I started to have a look round at the wonderful stalls and the amazing choice of yarn(more about that later)
The first activity I was drawn to was Pom POm making with Amy Lame. How relaxing is that! Although I have made pompoms recently with my rainbows, most of the people around the table hadn't made a pompom since primary school. I was sat next to Stephanie Mann (she writes the back page for knitting magazine)
Then I made a quick visit to the Stitchlinks stall where I met Betsan and Steve, after which I took my place in the Debbie Stoller workshop. Amazing, I learned the technique of Double Knitting which she uses in her latest book. I would never have attempted it from the book as the instructions were so complex, but being taught by a real pro was brilliant. We even got to keep the two balls of beautiful wool and the Brittany birch needles. I got my book signed at the end of the workshop, and my photo taken with Debbie Stoller.
Before Betsan's Stitchlinks presentation I just had time to make a scarf for SHELTER the homeless charity(Not a full sized scarf-I'm not that quick! a mini scarf for a bottle, a bit like the innocent hats!) Then clutching the wool and needles I went to listen to Betsan's presentation where |I listened with interes to what she had to say, all the while knitting more scarves for Shelter. Had a lovely chat with Charlotte and Betsan before heading out into what was now a much more crowded market place.
I was looking for the knit a pet workshop in the I-Knit lounge when I heard that it was in the workshop room. I headed there and was just in time to get one of the coveted places at the table. We were then shown some of the knits in the Pet Heaven book by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne. Then the fun began and we knitted a Hamster!!
I finished the day with some shopping and then headed home. Only when I got near to Charing Cross there were Fireworks on the Thames to celebrate the Lord Mayors Show, so I watched those before going home.
It was only when I got into the station that I realised I hadn't eaten all day so had to have a Burger at the station.
Photos of my day, and my purchases to follow asap.

Stitch & Bitch : London

2007-11-09T15:04:00.000Z

I can't believe I am going tomorrow to the first Stitch and Bitch day in London. I have been looking forward to this for a long time and now am getting ready for the big day.

I have saved up for it and have got my ticket. My bag is packed, my comfortable shoes are ready and my last minute babysitting problems are solved, thanks to the weather! (My hubby can't go sailing due to the storm winds and so is staying at home to look after Charlie)

I have read the web-site info so many times that I almost know it off by heart.

Current knitting projects are going to take a back seat if I buy some new stuff. I have just finished a pair of stripy legwarmers and fingerless mitts for one of my patients in black and day-glo green. I will take a photo when my batteries have recharged. Also on the needles is a pair of socks for my hubby in green and red (one of each colour for sailing). And for a change I have something I am making for myself. I found some Sirdar Peru Naturals, colour way Machu Pichu.
I cast on Monday evening. I finished the back and have started the sleeves already. I am going away for a weekend in December and would like to have it finished by then.

The problem is I received my copy of Simply Knitting yesterday and it included a pattern for a Shaun the Sheep mobile which both daughters have fallen in love with. Plus a friend wants two mini hat and scarf sets for a gift she is making.

7 things about me

2007-10-28T21:05:00.000Z

I have been tagged so here goes

1) I don't like winter as I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

2) I am a Rainbow Guider

3) I want to live on Arran and breed alpacca (but since their winter days are shorter I don't think this would be a good idea)

4) I have a stash of yarn which my husband knows nothing about

5) I love murder mystery books and have enough to keep me going for at least 2 years without needing to buy any more,(not that that will stop me!!!

6) I entered and won the missability knitted walking stick cover competition.

7) I found this really hard to do as I couldn't think of anything to put down at first.

Tomorrow my first born will be 18. I can hardly believe that my "baby" is old enough to vote!

We had a family party for her on Saturday and 42 people joined us to celebrate.

This was taken while she was on holiday in Snowdonia.

2007-09-19T16:43:00.000+01:00

I have just realised that my last post was a total mystery as the words disappeared!

The trainer socks (which look like kids socks, but do actually fit my size 5 feet) were knitted in Patons splash cotton 4ply. I started knitting them in Arran and I love the colours.

The other pair are Opal flamingo.

I've been busy lately getting back into the normal routine of School, Brownies, Dance classes, College and all other kids stuff!

This weekend we went to Hastings for Ella's 1st birthday. I can't believe that a whole year has passed since I put Ellas 1st photo on my blog.

Other things happening in the Mad-house have included entering the missability knitted walking stick cover competition which I was overjoyed to discover I won in the real life category.

Now I'm busy thinking up plans for Emily's 18th birthday party.

Socks

2007-09-14T17:00:00.000+01:00

More holiday snaps

2007-08-14T17:40:00.000+01:00

Charlotte and Mike splash in the waterfall

Charlotte sitting on a concrete SHEEP!

Charlotte and Molly in the tent

Sock knitting in the afternoon sun

Views of Arran

2007-08-13T18:11:00.000+01:00

Glenashdale Falls

View towards the sea

Lockranza Castle

Holiday 2007

2007-08-11T22:14:00.000+01:00

Charlie outside our new tent. Lockranza campsite, Isle of Arran, Scotland.

One of the campsite residents.

Following a traumatic journey to Scotland, we had a fantastic holiday on Arran. We broke down an hour from home on the M25, spent 1 1/2 hours trying to contact the rescue service, then having been rescued went to the home of the recovery vehicle driver as his son had collapsed at home. We administered first-aid while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Once they had taken him to hospital, we had to wait for a second recovery vehicle to take us home. We broke down at 9.30pm and eventually got home at 3am!

After spending the night in our own bed, instead of in the car on our way to Scotland, we spent the morning looking for a hire vehicle and ended up with a Ford Transit for a fortnight. We successfully changed our ferry booking and campsite booking and even managed to find an overnight stop at the Travelodge at Glasgow airport.

Once we finally arrived we had a relaxing holiday on Arran. (more details and photos in my next post)

2007-06-07T09:18:00.000+01:00

Half term should have been spent on the boat in the Solent. However the weather decided to conspire against Mike and I spending time alone. The Bank holiday weekend, when we were childfree for the first time in nearly 18 years, proved to be the wettest for months! Add to that a few gale force winds and a long weekend on a 31ft boat in the DSolent did not sound so appealing. Thus we stayed at home.
The second weekend of Half-term was much more fun as we were looking after Mikes Grandchildren. Ella is now nearly 8 months old and almost crawling. She is a very contented baby and was a joy to look after. Especially as Emily had the cot in her bedroom and so covered the night shift! What fun it is to be a Grandma.(pictures to follow)

Currently knitting a lilac 4ply cardigan for Ella's 1st birthday. It's the Rosebud Lace cardigan by Sirdar which is featured inthe June edition of Knitting. I have finished the back and fronts and am part way up the sleeves.

This weekend I am marshalling for the Skimmington Castle Bike ride in aid of the Sutton and Croydon MS Centre and Marie Curie Cancer care. It is a sponsored fun ride. I have ridden it before but am much happier marshalling as it is much easier on the saddle!
On Sunday the Rainbows are having an afternoon of activities at a local primary school, so I will be busy.

Chickens update: All seven birds seem to have started laying and we are currently collecting about four eggs per day. I am facinated with the antics of the girls. If I go up to the run they all start clucking at me and waiting for some goodies. The favorite is dandelion leaves followed by grass cuttings! I love watching them when I throw in some grass clippings as they scratch around for the bugs first and then eat the grass.

Meet the girls

2007-05-26T10:27:00.000+01:00

Feeding time in the chicken house.

The names from the top are
Lilly
Willow
Midnight
Daffodil
Daisy
Snowball
Goldie

They are now laying about four eggs per day, as Willow and Goldie are not yet ready to lay.

Making Waves

2007-05-25T14:24:00.000+01:00

I have just completed my first crochet blanket from a pattern.
It is Soft Waves from Jan Eatons book 200 Ripple Stitch Patterns.
I made it for my step-nephew Baby Jack who was born on Sunday 20 May.

2007-03-16T17:32:00.000Z

Not a lot of knitting at the moment. My Father-in -Law has been really poorly so we have been visiting him in Hospital every day. It wouldn't be too bad if the hospital was a bit closer, but we have to do a round trip of 45mins each way.
We are also looking after his aged Sheltie who is very distressed by the arrangement as they have never been separated before.
Add to that the moving of a 12ft x 5ft chicken run from his house to ours we have been a bit busy! The chickens seem to have settled in well and are laying about six eggs a week each! The run is a bit tricky to assemble as our garden is on a slope of approx 1:6. We have had to dig out one end and raise the other end by almost 2".

I could be the only one

2007-02-09T20:13:00.001Z

HowManyOfMe.com

There are:
0
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Lots of pink

2007-01-24T09:48:00.000Z

It started with a pink fluffy concoction which I made for my friends daughter (age 1 1/2)

This was fun to make and knitted up really quickly. The colour is a bit more fuschia than in the photo.

Then I made this fun cardi for my neice Abbie who was really delighted with it. I got quite a few comments about it while I was making it as itis a very strange colour mix. Pink, yellow, orange and dark pink. It is a bobbly cotton mix which I bought at Ally Pally last year.

Christmas was a manic time of travelling, eating, travelling, drinking

and more travelling.

It started with a visit to my Father-in-Law in Maidstone on the Saturday before xmas, where hubby and I gave the house an early spring clean and then cooked a full roast dinner.

We then travelled to Hastings on Christmas eve.

Christmas day was mad in Hastings.

Here is Ella wearing Emilys scarf! The kids thought it made a great Buzby!

My favourite Christmas photo of Ella.

New Years Resolution : Knit a pair of socks.

DONE IT!

I completed my first ever pair of socks last week. They are knitted using Fyberspates yarn. They are soooo comfortable and I have already decided on colours for the next pair.

I need to thank my friends at Stitchlinks for their advice and support while I made them.

In Memory of Grandma

2006-12-05T18:21:00.000Z

Sadly my Grandma passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday 21st November 2006. She was born Elsie Maud Archer on 5th December 1912.
Today would have been her 94th Birthday.

I would like to share the words I spoke at her funeral service.

After a few very sleepless nights, when I lay awake trying to get my thoughts in order, I came up with the following:
Grandma was like an extra Mum, only with more time to spare. She was, at times, my
Teacher, my Carer, my Counsellor and my Nurse.

Grandma taught me so many things, not least how to knit and crochet and how to play patience and rummy, but much to Grandma’s disgust, I never learned to enjoy a cup of tea!

I remember spending many happy holidays staying with Grandma and Grandpa in Brundal, where Grandma and I would go to the library, Grandma would let me play with her button box, we would play card games, visit Grandpa at the Old peoples home where he worked, and best of all go down to the river to feed the ducks.

One occasion I remember well was when I slipped over after my bath and I bit my tongue. Grandma was very calm and stemmed the flow of blood with a hanky, But what I remember most was that she never said “I told you so!” Even though I had been told over and over not to run. She did however remind me of it a number of times over the years when I rushed into things.

Once Grandma and Grandpa moved to Downham things changed and I no longer went to stay for a few days, instead I visited nearly every week. Grandma and Grandpa became our babysitters if Mum and Dad went out, or if we had time off school for illness.

Grandma was a rock; she wasn’t a hard person, but a solid reliable rock that I knew I could turn to from a very young age.

Grandma cared about everything I did. She listened to my tales of school, college and married life. I always felt that she was proud of my achievements, no matter how small.

She listened without judging. But she was not averse to offering her advice if she thought you needed it!

I remember how she would complain about all the “Old” people in the queue on Thursday at the post office when she went to collect her pension!

She had a great sense of humour and a very sharp wit. The stories she told of her brief stay in High Haven had us in stitches. Especially when she described using the lift without permission, or sneaking out for a sly puff!

To quote from a 1980’s song about Grandmas with which we tormented her as kids;

There's no one quite like Grandma
And I know you will agree
That she always is a friend to you
And she's a friend to me
There's no one quite like Grandma
She's there in times of need
Before it's bedtime, on her knee
To us a book she'll read

And one day when we're older
We'll look back and say
There's no one quite like Grandma
She has helped us on our way

Grandma will be missed by all of us, but she has left us with a lot of happy memories.

How appropriate

2006-11-03T18:04:00.000Z

You Are 50% Weird
Normal enough to know that you're weird...But too damn weird to do anything about it!
How Weird Are You?

Scarves Scarves and more Scarves

2006-11-03T16:59:00.000Z

This was my stall at the school pamper night in October. I got off to a good start and sold over £70.00 worth of scarves.
Then I took them to the MS Therapy Centre, where they are on sale from now until Christmas.

As soon as I got them out of the boxes I started to get bombarded with special requests. The photo shows a hat scarf and mitten set for one of my patients to give to her granddaughter.

I am now trying to finish a few more for one of the Physio team to take to her ladies night. She is going to have some friends round to buy some products from our christmas fund-raising ranges.

Also my youngest daughter wants me to make her a hat!

Half term is over (thank goodness) and the girls are back at school and college. The holiday was manic chez nous.

Sunday: Big family get together at my brother's house near High Wycombe.

My mum was there from Norfolk, along with my brother Chris, his wife and 3 kids, My sister Cathy, her hubby and 2 kids, and myself, hubby and 2 kids. Fourteen of us together for the first time this year.

Back row : Chris & Myself

Middle row Cathy, Maddie, Edward, Mum, Emily, & Jamie

Front row: Joshua, Charlotte & Abigail.

Monday: Mum and I did some work in the garden. We managed to get the pelargoniums into the summer house to protect them from the frost. Then we started to dig holes in the non existant lawn to put stepping stones up the garden.

My stepdaughter arrived at lunch time with her two children.

Tuesday: Hubby left to go sailing. Lots of baby cuddling took place as the weather was not good enough to go out.

Wednesday: Went shopping in the morning and then called in at the local nursery to look at plum trees, (Charlie wants a plum tree), while we were there Charlie took part in their Halloween craft activities. Thus we came home with creepy spiders, masks and grass seed heads! Mum went home in the afternoon and Charlie and I played board games. Hubby returned early from sailing as there were storm force winds in the Solent!

Thursday: Hubby and Charlie went swimming while I set the remaining stones in the garden. Then I finished preparing the garden to sow the grass seed. Eventually got the seed sown and then had an afternoon nap!

Friday: Work, Shopping & McDonalds with Charlie!

Saturday: Physio course in Halton, Bucks.

Sunday: Emilys 17th Birthday

We were joined at home by my best friend from my school days, who also happens to be Emily's Godmother.

It was almost a relief to go back to work on Monday!

Nothing much: Sorry

2006-10-04T19:27:00.000+01:00

I finished a rainbow coloured cardi for Ella, but I took it down to Hastings before I remembered to take a photo. Perhaps I will get a photo of Ella wearing it before too long.

Not a lot of knitting going on at the moment. I have been busy getting to grips with a new term at school, with all the associated after school clubs, taking over as assisstant Rainbow Leader and work.

Next week I am going to Ally Pally for the first time. I'm looking forward to it as I will be going with a friend. Also I won £50 in our work 200 club this week so I have got some spending money to take with me.

2006-09-19T09:25:00.000+01:00

I couldn't resist putting some photos of my little Ella on the blog.
I know I'm biased but I think she is rather yummy.

Here's one of the new grandma.

And now some knitting photos.
The blanket is one I have done for all the new babies in the family. Each one has had a different ribbon trim. It looks great in every colour,(I have made it in navy blue, yellow, red and white)

The pale pink cardi is done in four ply snugly. I love the classic pattern and have to admit I could probably make it with my eyes shut as I must have made it a hundred times. The great thing is it's really easy to make and can be worn with anything(provided the colour matches)!

The last photo is a deep pink cotton from Sirdar. I think it's Rio. I bought it at a very good price when my local yarn shop closed down. The colour is a bit more like rose(the colour hasn't come out as well as I would have liked on the computer) The pattern is Felicite from the Patons Fairies booklet.

Now I am working on two slightly larger items, another felicite cardi and a jumper from the Jaeger book I bought at the lys closing down sale.

I also have to admit to a bit of baby wool stash enhancement.

I went to Maidstone to visit Father in Law last week, and found a branch of Hobbycraft. I have never been inside before and spent nearly an hour wandering round buying some reduced price Patons fairytale 4ply in a few different colours!and buttons and fluffy stuff(I can't remember which one at the moment). I could have spent lots on fabrics, wools, craft stuff etc. I had to hold myself back.

Off to work now to earn an honest crust!

It's a girl

2006-09-15T19:10:00.000+01:00

Just a short post to let those of you who read this blog know that I became a grandma again this morning. My Stepdaughter gave birth to ELLA at 6.14am , weighing in at 7lb 11oz. I haven't seen her yet so no photos, but we are going to visit tomorrow!
It is going to be a mega day as we are going to Hastings, to visit the new baby, then Norfolk for the18th birthday party of my stepsister's daughter.
Hopefully I will be home on Sunday evening with photos of both!

Knitting in Public (Transport)

2006-09-11T09:41:00.000+01:00

Having signed up for a day in London hosted by the London Regional MS Society I decided to do something I haven't been able to do in a long time.
I took my knitting with me to do on the train!
I usually travel to courses by car with one of my colleagues or I go to town with one or both of my girls. Both of these situations do not allow me to get my kneedles out and start knitting. If I did this with Emily she would be soooo embarassed, and Charlie is still worried by thoughts of bombs on London trains to travel without holding my hand or sitting on my lap! It is impossible to knit one handed or with an eight year old on your lap!!!
So, as I said I took my knitting. I got a few strange looks, but most people totally ignored me. That was until I got to London Bridge when a small child watched me intently all the way to Kings Cross Thameslink.As I got off I heard her ask her Mummy "what was that lady doing?" Mummy's reply was devastating........."I think she was sewing!!" Just goes to show haw bad our education system has got!
As I arrived early for my day I sat with a cup of coffee in the conference room and got out my knitting. I was then approached by a lovely (elderly ish) lady who showed a great deal of interest in the baby cardi I was making. You could guess her age when she turned to a friend and said "yes it's a matinee coat like we thought".
Does anyone make matinee coats any more I had a few for Emily(17) but by the time Charlie arrived they seemed very old fashioned.
I will put some photos on soon as I have finished the blanket and two cardis.

Just for a laugh

2006-08-25T22:51:00.000+01:00

Molly and her best friend Minnie.
We had to buy an extra large bed for Molly because Minnie took to sleeping in the middle of her old bed. Once Minnie had settled down Molly wouldn't lie on her own bed. Every night she would carry her bed around trying to find a place for it and lie on it before the cat got back on it! As soon as she put the bed down, Minnie would make herself comfortable and Molly would end up sleeping on he floor. Now there is room for both of them. Minnie gets so close she actually rubs her cheek on Mollys face and legs, and Molly will then groom her! Even with the collar on Minnie still gets Molly to groom her.

We took this photo of Molly sitting in my Hubby's canoe on the front lawn. She would do anything to make a spectacle of herself!

Molly's Holiday in Devon.

Firstly she wanted to try the surf board!

Then she did a bit of swimming.

Followed by a bit of sunbathing
And lastly some under cover work for MI 5!

Yes .... she really is buried up to her neck. She just lies down and waits to be covered up. I have never met such an amazingly daft labrador in my life before.

Next Gerneration

2006-08-25T14:55:00.000+01:00

At long last my girls are starting to enjoy needlecraft. This was Charlie's cross stitch which she made on holiday from a kit. I know they ned frames, but I had to sneak a quick picture while she was out playing.

I had to grit my teeth while she was stitching and try hard not to criticise mistakes. I forgot how hard it is to get kids to keep the stitches all going the same way!

Next I need to get her more interested in knitting!!!

She has mastered basic knitting and seldom drops stitches, but I find it hard to keep her motivated. I need to find some basic patterns for her to try. I remember my Mum encouraging me to knit something from a pattern as soon as I had learned to knit and purl.

Then Emily decided to have a go and bought a magazine in Tavistock with a cross stitch kit attached.

She has nearly completed it without any help whatsoever. It seems to appeal to her mathematical brain.

I have tried to teach her to knit,(She can do basic knit stitch) but I find that anything complicated seems to confuse her. I think its the dyslexia and dyspraxia which prevents her mastering the kneedles!

I had a great laugh today. A great friend gave me a pressie. (I do love pressies when they come out of the blue) It was a knitting book.

But not just any knitting book.

Its a book of patterns for knitting things for dogs, yes you did read it right, dogs!

I know I am totally bonkers but I think if I started knitting for Molly my Hubby would have me locked up! I am sure that there are people out there who would knit for their pet, but I am not one of them. I did have a good laugh though and after hearing something on the radio last week about the benefits of laughter, to your health, I think I must have done myself the power of good. I may make some of the things just to amuse myself!

For now though I have to get on with the baby stuff as my stepdaughter is having braxton hicks contractions already and the midwife has predicted that Ella may come a bit early.

Result Day Angst

2006-08-24T19:38:00.000+01:00

For those who didn't know (bearing in mind the media coverage), today was GCSE results day.
I never realised how stressful it would be waiting for the dreaded envelope. My eldest was at school this morning waiting with all the others,(Mum was relegated to the car!!!) It was worse than waiting for my own results 20+ years ago. When she came out she was delighted, thank goodness. She managed 2A*'s in PE and Business studies, A in Dance, B in Maths, B in RE, C's in English Language, &Literature, 2C's in science, and C in citizenship. Having battled to get her dyslexia diagnosed and then extra time for her exams we are delighted. She has already enrolled in college to do a B Tech national diploma in Sport.
Well thats the proud parent bit done for now.

Holiday over, washing in the machine, everything back to normal!

Managed to get loads of kntting done. Pics to follow! Completed two baby cardis, 48 blanket squares (which now need sewing together) two scarves and the back of a cardi for someone at work. The latter was really hard work, as it is partially frogged beige 4ply wool. I don't even know if there is going to be enough to finish the cardi.

This is one of the baby cardis part way through.It is in a lovely soft cotton and the pattern is called Felicite from the Patons sugar fairies booklet. Once I have sewn it together I will take another picture.

This was my holiday knitting chair. The view from the window was spectacular. I could gaze at the sea while clicking away with the needles. The railings you can see form the edge of the balcony overlooking the garden.

The bay in the background is Thurlestone Sands in Devon.

I would have moved down to Devon tomorrow if the opportunity arose.There are only a few small things in the way. Hubby's job, My job, eldest daughter( who wouldnt move if we paid her!). Not a lot really! I think the dog and youngest daughter would have come with me. Only downside was I didn't find any knitting shops. Although to be fair we didn't spend much time in the shops as Hubby hates browsing.

At long last we have had some rain and I have come back to find my lawn has "greened" again and my plants are looking much better. No need for rain dances, thank goodness! Now I just have to finish the fence painting, bulb planting and preparing for autumn.

And now the Garden

2006-08-06T18:25:00.000+01:00

I know its not knitting but I thought I would share some of my garden shot with you. We have been struggling with a drought order in this area for 3 months and some of the plants are starting to feel it.

My garden is on the side of a hill, the top of the garden is almost as high up as the roof!

Now for the tour:

This is my white Budlea in full flower. I love the to see the butterflies on it when the sun comes out.

It is about 1/4 of the way up the garden and sits on the bend of the path to the deck.

The deck, and summer house form the next level of the garden.
I am only half way to finishing painting the fence next to the pond.
You can't see the pond from this view as it sits behind the sleepers.

This is the view of the pond from above. It is the only part of my garden which is really growing well. Somewhere in there are about 30 goldfish, a few newts and a load of frogs.

I love water lily flowers! Such a shame they only last a few days.

Here's a couple of friends who sit at the top of the steps just outside the back door.

You have to have a few mad things in a garden.

In addition to these two I have two gnomes, a stone tortoise, a fairy, a stone frog, a stone cat, two giant ladybirds and......

Two giant wasps!

In the front garden I have my miniature weeping willow. I am watering this twice weekly to keep it alive.

It was a present from a very special friend and I couldn't bear to lose it.

It should grow to 8m in height and 8m across. I have already told my daughters that it will be perfect for my grandchildren to sit under.

As you can see the grass is really suffering in this drought. Not much of it has stayed green. The back lawn is even worse as it is in the sun all day, this lawn at least stays shady till after lunch.

All I can say is LET IT RAIN SOOOOON!

If it carries on like this we may be resorting to trying rain dances on the front garden.

Does anyone know the words?

My pets!

2006-08-06T13:37:00.000+01:00

I thought I would show anyone out there a few photos of the annimals in my life.

BUFFY

The baby of the family (age 4)

``
MINNIE
The old lady (age 12)
She has to wear the collar
as she tends to lick off the
fur from her back!

TOFFEE
The old man. (age 13)
He occasionally graces us with a visit, but doesn't appreciate being made to sit still for a photo.

SMOKEY
The shy one.
We adopted smokey when
his owners moved to Spain.

And Finally.......................................................
The STAR of the show.....................Bat Dog
Or is it Molly the mad labrador in one of her many disguises?

A knitting Photo!

2006-08-06T12:54:00.000+01:00

I have at long last mastered the downloading of photos from the camera to the lap-top, and from a file to the Blog. It's a good job I'm sitting down!
Here is a little cardi knitted in Pale blue 'acrylic' (can't remember which one) made for one of the ladies who work with my hubby. I love knitting for babies as it is so quick and they don't complain about it not being the "in thing".
As the mum of two girls I have to be aware of whats in and whats not!, Not that it affects my wardrobe!!
I am having a break at the moment after emptying out the upstairs store room. Long story to follow so you can skip it if you wish!!!
When we moved in to our house in 1989 we had my hubby's two children living with us, but we were already planning our own, so in anticipation of having three kids at home (each wanting their own room) we built a stud-partition wall to create two rooms out of one. The only problem with it was the lack of window, but as it was only used for sleeping it didn,t seem to matter. At first my stepson had this room as it was bigger than the box-room.The new baby had the box room. Then when The eldest moved out we used it as a playroom / spare room. Then came baby number 2 (stepson by now age 13, daughter aged 8 1/2) So new baby had this room. When stepson moved out in 2002 (age 17) we made the spare room smaller, giving daughter a bigger room, and moved baby (by now age 4) into box room! (Are you following this?)The space became a very useful storage area, to keep boxes of photos, toys, games,all the spare bedding and towels,and also houses both girls wardrobes and chest of drawers. The only down side is that being a hoarder I tend to dump stuff in it! It had got to the point where it was full to capacity, and totally disorganised, so as I am on my own today I decided it was time for a mega sort out.

Found a few stashed balls of wool (what a surprise!) and am now planning what to do with them.
I love finding stuff I forgot I had. In my house, and with my memory, that happens quite a lot.

Am I really SAD

2006-08-04T17:59:00.000+01:00

I found the two previous blog questions great fun.

Fancy being a daisy! And Chocolate Chip ice-cream.

The scarf knitting is progressing well. I now have over 25 scarves done and hope to make loads of dosh for the MS centre. Has anyone tried selling hand-knit scarves? Any idea how much to charge?

School holidays progressing well. Youngest daughter has just completed a week of fun tennis lessons. She manged to get a prize for improvement! Apparently she has gone from not being able to hit the ball to being able to! I suppose that is a big improvement. Not eactly a budding wimbledon hopeful!!!!
Older daughter has spent the week getting up late and generally chilling out on MSN!
She is off to walk the Cumbria Way next week with her youth hostel group the postellers
Am currently waiting for eldest daughter to download all my photos from my camera, then I will be able to show some of my recent knitting and sewing exploits.

Have to decide which projects to take on holiday. May take the scarf yarn and needles to knit in the car (while hubby drives!), along with the baby blanket squares for my step granddaughter. Also thining of taking some Sirdar Rio with soft cotton, in case I run out!

I love chocolat chip ice cream!

2006-08-04T17:58:00.000+01:00

You Are Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

You are kind, popular, and generous.

You tend to be successful at anything you try.

A social butterfly, you are great at entertaining a crowd.

You are most compatible with strawberry ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

I'm a daisy?

2006-07-25T18:53:00.000+01:00

I am a
Daisy

What Flower
Are You?

Dog Show Rosettes

2006-07-08T18:18:00.000+01:00

Today Charlie and I took Molly our mad labrador to our local village fete wher they were having a dog show in aid of the MS Therapy centre where I work. We entered four categories, best young handler, best rescue, prettiest bitch and whistle stop sit. Charlie and Molly got a 2nd place for best young handler. She was so proud as many of the competitors were much older than her. I was pleased as punch as she in not a particularly confident child, but there is a closeness between her and Molly. Then came prettiest bitch in which she again got a 2nd! We were not so successful in the best rescue as there were loads of dogs with much more heart rendering stories. Then the whistle stop sit. Bearing in mind that two years ago when Molly came to live with us she was uncontrollable and had no recognition of commands, she managed 5th place. She is now parading around the house wearing her two rosettes!

Tomorrow is our primary school fete, so I've not seen the hubby for days as he is organising the beer tent. Having been to the cash and carry twice, and the supermarkets he is now checking the gazebo to make sure all the bits are there. I find it unbelievable how little support there is for running the stalls. Everyone seems to think it's someone else's responsibility! We have been helping at the same primary school for 17 years and every year it has got worse. It really bugs me that so many parents want the new computers or playground equipment, but don't think it's their problem when it comes to running the fete.
It's the same with everything in this country at the moment. Some of the mums who drop off their daughters for Rainbows and Brownies just seem to see it as a glorified babysitting service. And by the time you get to senior school there seems to be almost no parental participation.

Well that got that off my chest. Now for the knitting. Baby clothes rule at the moment. My step-daughter's baby is due in two months and I keep finding lovely patterns and yarn to make things for her(the baby, not the step-daughter) The only problem is time. Where does it go?

2006-06-28T14:46:00.000+01:00

I need to learn more about blogging! All I am able to do is post my occasional photo and words. Does anyone where to get a simple how to... book or web-site on blogging? I want to put hyperlinks to other sites but I can't find out how to do it. I also want to have interesting stuff, like w.i.p. charts and other blogs that I read,listed down the side of my blog.
I feel like a real dumbo at times when I read other peoples blogs.

As far as the knitting goes, I find it hard to knit in the hot weather. I have nearly finished the little pink cardi for my step Granddaughter, and am making a blue one for one of the ladies who works in the same office as my hubby.

Today I have been making a Greek chiton for Charlie to wear to school tomorrow as they are having an "ancient greek day" at her primary school. I just have to finish off the neck when she comes home to make sure it fits!!
I popped up to my LYS to pick up a length of cord to use as a belt,and ended up with the cord, a couple of decorative buckles to use on the shoulders, three balls of snuggly baby yarn and another pattern book!

If I get knocked down by a bus it would probably take longer to sort out my yarn stash than anything else! I tend to be a hoarder of all things sentimental, useful, and just about everything in between. My loft will never need an extra layer of insulation as I have so much up there that the heat can never escape.
I have all my baby stuff (from both girls, now age 16 & 8), my uni stuff, yarn stash, dance school costumes from 3 shows, xmas decorations, kids toys, kids school work, art work and so on! None of it has any value (except maybe the yarn stash) but I can't bear to part with it.

Am currently chilling out watching Wimbledon. Need to have knitting with no pattern, no shaping and no difficult bits while I watch Wimbledon as I get in a right pickle!
Boring old garter st. or st.st for me for the next two weeks!

2006-06-23T18:33:00.000+01:00

http://londonbloggers.iamcal.com/browser.php?ids=534" type="text/javascript">

Blog or no Blog

2006-06-23T17:01:00.000+01:00

I have just sat through the most amazingly ridiculous programme on television. Is it me or is deal or no deal the most annoyingly addictive thing on tv? I sat down with my coffee and flicked through the channels, not liking football or horse racing I ended up watching someone picking random box numbers in the hope of winning large sums of money.

I am enjoying a couple of hours peace while hubby and girls pop down to Maidstone to visit Father-in-law / Grandad. I intend to spend some of the time sorting out the pattern on yesterdays frogged cardi.Firstly though I wanted to blog as I know I won't get a look in with the computer once the kids get back. Also hubby will need it to finish off his job application. Current job runs out in July and as we can't survive for long on my income(probably about a week), he needs to get something else to keep him busy, and out of my hair!!!

I have added a few bits to my stash this week. My LYS is closing and is selling off a few bits at a discount. Being a very structured knitter I need patterns to knit by. Got three books 1/2 price. one patons, one jaeger and one Rowan. All three books are baby and kids knits, not that I haven't got a whole load already, but most of mine I have already done a few times and I want some more modern stuff to make for my step-grandaughter - due in sept! I also bought some really soft cotton blends to make baby cardis and booties. I love knitting for new babies and kids as they look so adorable in home-made stuff! Both daughters had bagfulls of stuff when they were tiny, especially number one as I had to spend loads of time with my feet up. Now they look at me as if I'm mad when I suggest home knitted stuff. The only exception is the scarves which I am currently making.

Both girls have been taught to knit, but Em is dyslexic and mildly dispraxic so finds it really difficult to get her mind and fingers in tune. Charlie on the other hand is a good little knitter and inspired me to teach her Brownie pack last year for National Knitting week.

Must stop blogging and get this knitting done.Once I get the ribbing sorted the rest of it is just st st so won't tax the brain too much! Then I want to get some baby stuff done. Hope to blog some photos of knitting soon.

2006-06-22T19:31:00.000+01:00

Having been away from the computer for a short time I have been having withdrawal symptoms. First off the trusty hard-drive crashed, then I spent a weekend away with the Rainbows (not the fairies),Followed by a busy week at work and home. I was surprised to see it was May when I last blogged!

I use my hubby's lap-top to blog as the pc is located in the Black Hole of Calcutta, also known as the eldest daughters bedroom!!! Well just my luck when I want to use it to find that the second hard drive in a year has crashed and everything is un-recoverable! I find that sort of thing really frustrating. Even more so than frogging a piece of knitting that has taken all afternoon to knit up. (you can probably guess that thats what I spent today doing.

I have been asked to knit a short sleeve cardi for a friend using an unidentified beige 4ply. I cast on all 161 stitches, then tried to get the pattern sorted. After frogging it four times as it wasn't working out, I gave up and went out to pick up from school. When I came back to it it was much easier, but I lost count of the pattern repeat (probably due to constant questions from Charlie) and had to frog once more. I'm leaving it now and doing another scarf!!!

I am in mourning as my LYS is closing. HELP The couple who run it retired two years ago and set up selling wool from their house via local church halls. Then they opened another shop, but they are now retiring for good as their lease has not been renewed. They are selling up lock stock and barrel, but it won't be the same atmosphere and the new shop will be much further away.

Will blog again soon as it is cuddle time before bed!

Twice in one day

2006-05-17T11:33:00.000+01:00

Having managed to get one photo on I thought I would post another while the going is good.
Emily went to her first formal evening on Friday. Her High School held their Year 11 Prom at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon.
It was a very emotional occasion, not just for the students, as many of the parents had a tear in the corner of their eye as we waved them off in their Limo.
I really feel old now! Emily is at school today for the last day of statutory education. It seems like five minutes since she started primary school.

Third Time Lucky

2006-05-17T11:22:00.000+01:00

Third time lucky?

I am trying to get a photo onto the blog. If This works it is a photo of Charlie (my younger daughter), and Molly (my mad Labrador).
Knitting is at a standstill today. My wrists can't take any more for a while. I completed scarf number 15 last night. Thats 15 in two months. Not as many as I would have liked, but not bad given that I have to work as well!

2006-05-08T21:45:00.000+01:00

2006-05-08T21:38:00.000+01:00

2006-05-08T20:25:00.000+01:00

Back to work today as the pleurisy has now gone....Yipee!!!
Luckily it was a quiet day at the centre where I work so I was able to take it gently. Even so I was absolutely shattered by the time I came home.

Yesterday I went to a really emotional christening. My friend's daughter sadly died last year, shortly after giving birth to her second child(a much longed for little girl). Daisy was born prem at 28 weeks and for a while it was touch and go. Amazingly she is now a bonny little thing who is developing well. Since leaving Hospital Daisy and her brother Kyle have lived with their Grandparents.

On the knitting front I have been getting into the scarves and have now completed eleven different styles and colours. As soon as I can get a photo to load onto this blog I will post a picture of my multicolour scarves.

My Stash:
I vowed not to add anything to my stash during May, but alas I went to a local budget shop and picked up a few balls of fluffy stuff! (actually it was 28 balls) . They are for the charity scarves so I think that excuses it. The rest of my stash currently occupies three large whicker boxes under the coffee table, Four black sacks in the loft, two drawers under the bed and a few odd balls scattered around the house in carrier bags. Oh well...I will have to make a new stash resolution in June!!! And I will have to try and keep it.

Rest..... Whats that?

2006-05-03T13:19:00.000+01:00

Having been told by the doctor to rest, I thought it would be simple. Sit down, put my feet up and get the needles out!
No such luck.
Yesterday Emily managed to get hit on the back of the head by a badly placed football. The worst thing was that she was only chatting to mates during break time at school and was not even playing.
Emily is notorious at school for her continuous list of accidents. During her 5 years at high school she has broken her wrist twice, suffered concussion three times, cracked her coccyx and now has whiplash! Add to that viral meningitis and knee surgery, she has really made her mark!
Back to me... Guess who had to spend 3 1/2 hours in casualty while she had her neck xray done. At one point the doctors nearly offered me a bed due to the fact that I was getting breathless from coughing.

NATURE UPDATE
The nest is still safe. I really worry every time I see the Magpie approaching. Fortunately the parent birds are very observant and have seen it off.
They haven't finished building, but have started to decorate already. Today a piece of blue nylon rope has been added to the nest making it look very attractive.

I HATE STEROIDS
I've been on 30mg of prednisolone for 5 days and now feel like marshmallow man! My fingers are like puffed rice and I've had to take off my eternity ring. I would have taken off the wedding ring,but I couldn't get it off in time. Thus I sit here watching it dissappear into my folds of skin, knowing that if it gets any worse I will have to have it cut off......The ring not the finger ....hopefully!

spring fever!

2006-05-01T16:40:00.000+01:00

Having thought the dreaded cough was improving I took myself off to Norfolk for a Physiotherapy course on the long term management of severe disablement in people with Multiple sclerosis.It was a very interesting course, but upon my return I suffered a setback(maybe caused by the driving followed by a birthday party for six kids, to celebrate charlie's 8th birthday). The wheezing and breathlessness were back accompanied by severe pain in the left side of the chest. I gave in and visited the gp.Result: Bronchitis, pleurisy and mild asthma. No wonder I felt so good!
Have now been stuck at home since Thursday without a computer as hubby took it on the boat to use it for navigation. (a chart and a pair of binoculars work just as well!!)Any way, I have completed three more scarves in jazzy yarn purchased in Norfolk. I managed to squeeze in a visit to both parents while I was there, plus a visit to one of my favourite wool shops. Well a girl has to have priorities doesn't she! I also saw my Grandmother which made it even more worthwhile.

I was hoping to go back to work in the morning, but as I am still breathless when I talk I don't think I can take my normal exercise classes for wheelchair users. Its a real bummer as I love my job.

NATURE NEWS
After a hectic weekend with my sister here, I am now sitting in my front room watching a nest being built by two very active song-thrushes. They have been continuously harrassed by a magpie, but have bravely seen it off all day. My video camera is trained on the nest so that I can get a closer view. Perhaps they will lay eggs soon and I can watch the babies.

My pond is absolutely full of tadpoles. I love going up the garden to watch them developing. What a great waste of time! Yesterday the water was so clear that I even saw a newt. My daughter Charlie can't work out why I call him MI. Well he is only small after all!!!

PARENT PANIC
My eldest daughter takes her GCSE exams in a few weeks, and I am feeling really old. I was reading on another blog about a mum whose son had just started school and I tried to leave a comment, but my laptop was so slow I kept getting cut-off mid stream. Anyway If you have a child just starting school, enjoy every moment, (even when they don't tell you anything), put your name down to help on school trips, join the pta, do anything to involve yourself in school life, as it will all be over in the blink of an eye. Ypu know the saying that school days are the best days of your life..... Well I think they're wrong... Your kids school days can be even better. It seems like five minutes since Emily started school and she leaves in June!!

Better go now as the Kids want to eat again. I really am getting hooked on blogging,although I spend more time reading other peoples than I do writing my own.
Can you believe I can no longer work out how to put photos on. The green dress was definately a fluke!

Where am I going wrong

2006-04-19T12:44:00.000+01:00

Tried this from another blog. Where am I going wrong?
I have no head for business and I definately have no control over my money!!!

Your Birthdate: April 8

Watch out Donald Trump! You've got a head for business and money.You'll make it rich some day, even if you haven't figured out how yet.A supreme individualist, you shouldn't get stuck in a corporate job.Instead, make your own way - so that you can be the boss.
Your strength: Your undying determination
Your weakness: You require an opulent lifestyle
Your power color: Plum
Your power symbol: Dollar sign
Your power month: August

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

The Green Dress

2006-04-08T11:40:00.000+01:00

Here is a photo of oldest daughter wearing the green dress mentioned in a previous blog. The picture does not do it real credit as it doesn't show the silver and green spirals on the bottom of the skirt, the sewn in leotard and the silver bodice front which had to be added to preserve her dignity.
As a very amateur seamstress I am amazed that it held together for a dress rehearsal and three performances!

As I am blogging today it means we have not left yet for our sailing holiday. Weather not bril, and I got a rotten cough. My other half has decided its bad enough sharing a house with my cough let alone a 31ft boat!

Daughter featured in the photo currently in Norfolk staying with her Grandma, hopefully revising for her GCSE exams. Next weekend she will be youth hosteling on the North Norfolk coast with a group called the postellers.

Today i am enjoying a leisurely Saturday, with breakfast in bed and a trip out for lunch. Well a girl expects to be pampered on her birthday. My Dad really upset me though as he sent me a card with "life begins at 40" on it. I wouldn't mind except that I'm not 40 till next year! The other downside is that everyone has sent me choccies which could lead to disaster as I am trying to reduce my weight. Next year I will ask for something specific!

nutty-knitters nutty knits

2006-04-04T19:52:00.000+01:00

I love e-bay
I have become hooked on buying stuff on e-bay. Last week I bought two lots of wool and this week I got another two bargains. It is a great way of getting yourself a stash at a reasonable price. You have to know what the original price was to grab a bargain (not forgetting to include the postage) but most knitters know a bargain when they see it.
Just wish there were more knitting hours in the day.
Schools out here so the kids are at home. The oldest is already driving me mad as she starts GCSE exams in five weeks. The little one is spending all day driving her dad crazy as he doesn't work during school hols, unlike me who has only booked next week off Good move really.
As I am married to a sailing enthusiast(nutcase) I will be spending next week sailing the south coast from Portsmouth to Weymouth, depending on wind and tide! In between pulling a few ropes, making tea for the captain, entertaining the seven year old whirlwind, taking the dog ashore in the dinghy and feeding the crew I hope to get a bit of knitting done. Most will have to be done when we are alongside during the evening so I won't be taking any intricate patterns!
Good job I've got loads of scarves to knit!!
I may not get another chance to blog before we go away so Happy Easter to anyone who reads my Blog!

nutty-knitters nutty knits

2006-03-31T23:30:00.000+01:00

nutty-knitters nutty knits

Why is it so hard to keep to one project at a time? Currently got at least four things on the needles. I have started kniing those fluffy scarves for selling for chaity. I work at a centre for people with MS and we are always looking for ways of raising money. Being totally mad I suggested that some of us start knitting scarves to sell for xmas. It seems a long time away but I thought it best to start early. So far I have persuaded one of my ladies to knit. As it is over 10 years since she last picked up a pair of needles I was really pleased. Another has shown an interest, which is great news. MS can be so disabling it is great to encourage any activity which keeps people active, even if it is only their hands!
I have just finished my third scarf in two weeks, at this rate I will have quite a stash by xmas.
If anyone has odd balls of that lovely fluffy yarn I would love to receive it.
post to
Sutton & Croydon MS Centre
Bradbury House
LLoyd ave
The Mount
Coulsdon
surrey

Has anyone tried setting up a knitting group. My local craft shop has offered to host but I don't know how to start. Any ideas?

The Green dress mentoioned in previous blog is now finished and the dance show was fantastic, even if I was biased as my daughter had a solo to perform.

Now the spring weather has finally decided to show itself I have to get out ino the garden. The only downside is the fact that if I'm in the garden I can't be knitting.

2006-03-08T22:34:00.000Z

I haven't managed to blog lately, due to not having access to my computer. My 16yr old seems to be on it all hours of the day (she says she is using it for revision, but I know she spends hours on MSN!).Well, I have completed the school cardigan and a couple of small baby cardis, and am now on the first of my bears! I bought 5 kits to knit Popcorn bears. I must have been having a funny turn! The pieces are all finished but I have put off sewing them together. I have to be in the right mood for sewing up! I must have about three or four things to sew together before the mood takes me. Thus I have started making a scarf and a pair of leg warmers for my 16yr old( the MSN fan).
Other projects currently under way include a dance dress in green lycra for aforementioned daughter's dance showcase at school, and wall paper and paint stripping in my bedroom. If only there were more hours in the day.
Just to add to the frantic life, my cat has developed a skin condition. She has lost half the hair on her back and tail. She now ressembles a poodle after a trip to the poodle parlour! Oh well another expensive vet bill on the horizon.
I must try and get into the habit of blogging more often. I find it very therapeutic. Only problem is I can't blog and knit at the same time!

2005-12-10T21:51:00.000Z

what a week. My knitting teacher (ie my Grandma) turned 93. It was quite traumatic as she had a fall on the eve of her birthday and broke a rib. Fortunately my mum was able to stay with her which meant she didn't have to go to hospital. It seems remarkable that she has lived through two world wars, has seen two total eclipses, brought up two daughters, seen three grandchildren get married and has seven great grand children. I only hope I can last as long and achieve as much! As it is she has now lived longer than any other member of her family. Two of her sisters lived to be 92, and I know this thought has haunted her for the past twelve months.

This remarkable lady inspired me to learn to knit and crochet, producing cardigans and jumpers for myself and my brother and sister, even though she was partially sighted due to measles when she was a child. I was able to turn to her for help while trying to edge a crocheted baby blanket for my oldest daughter (now age 16).
Even now she always wants to know what my current knitting project is.
My only wish would be that she will be around long enough for my daughters to both grow up with similar memories of her that I grew up with.
I hope I can pass on my love of knitting to the next two generations the way she has.
This post is dedicated to my Grandma, Elsie Maud Edwards (nee Archer, born 05.12.1912)

2005-12-01T22:14:00.000Z

uk knitters
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precious time

2005-12-01T21:15:00.000Z

Why is it that at one of the busiest times of the knitting year, when I had planned to make presents for friends and family, that both my girls end up off school. This meant that the time when I would normally be able to knit in peace has been taken up with trips to the doctor and A&E! Also hours have been spent cuddling one or other of them until late in the evening when they were feeling too poorly to sleep.
At least I managed to fit in time for a PINK PARTY in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. I was really pleased to raise £100 by having a Body Shop party at home. I chose Breakthrough because my good friend lost her sister to breast cancer, and my sister in-law, my brothers mother in-law and my boss were all diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Seems to me that it's more common than ever these days.
Also I have introduced about 20 new knitters to the world. No I have not given birth to twenty babies ( although sometimes it feels like it). No, I have started teaching 24 brownies to knit, and I hold fortnightly clinics when the girls bring their knitting along for me to sort out their holes!
I am also teaching the daughter of a friend to use the kneedles to create magic.
I would love to join a knitting 'group' but nothing seems to happen in this area. If anyone reads this and knows how to start a group please e-mail me at mad-house@lineone.net.

2005-11-02T14:50:00.000Z

why is knitting school cardigans so dull and boring? my daughter C. got a great big hole in her last cardy (which I have darned), but really needs a new one. The only problem is it is so dull that I have to make myself pick it up. I suppose it could have something to do with the fact that over the past 18 years I have knitted over 20 jumpers and cardys in the same colour for her older sister & her half brother & sister. Dark maroon gets very monotonous after a while. Perhaps I should give in and buy her one of those awful machine made acrylic things with floppy ribbing! But then again maybe not.
The house is currently in a state of disarray. I am halfway through decorating the bathroom, which i have tiled by myself(a very rewarding past time) and have now made a start on my (or i should say our)bedroom. Amazing how much yarn you find that you forgot you had. I had balls of the stuff hidden in all sorts of places! Hope the other half never goes poking around in the loft!!!
well thats all for now. Got to go and do the school pick up. Am going to learn how to upload pictures onto this blog as soon as i can.

2005-11-02T09:39:00.000Z

first timer

2005-11-01T15:38:00.000Z

Wow, what a discovery, a way of communicating with other like minded people about a subject that most of my friends find either terribly boring or just plain impossible.
I can't wait to have time to post some of my projects on the web.