Knitting @ Number 9

Don't Faint - I'm Baaack!!!

2008-02-03T18:32:00.000Z

Sorry to have been away so long peeps!

I'll spare you the details, but we're all well here @Number 9 and have been busy, busy busy since my last post.

Here are some of the things I have finished since I last posted....

First up - Refined Aran Jacket from the cover of Winter 2007 Interweave. I used some stashed Jaeger Merino DK. The arms need shortening by around 5", otherwise it fits perfectly.

Next up is My So Called Scarf in some lovely Manos Del Uruguay Wool Classica

swiftly followed by a pair of Basic Socks in Fleece Artist Merino.

There have been a few other projects, some already gifted, some waiting for time to be finished and others that have had the odd trip to the Frog Pond.

Proud Mum...

2007-08-23T22:03:00.000Z

Helen had her GCSE results today and I'm so proud of her! She got 2 A's, 5 B's and 3 C's. She will be starting Sixth Form in a couple of weeks to do A Level's in Art, English Language and Psychology and an AS in Health and Social Science.

She plans to go on to Uni and ultimately wants to be a Primary School teacher.

We had a great day in London to celebrate and I had my first day off for several weeks. We went to the Tate Modern in the morning and shopped for the rest of the day, ending up in Liberty's where we sat and enjoyed a cream tea and a couple of hours knitting with Yvonne, Joan and Victoria.

Boy have I got some catching up to do - kind of reminds me why I don't often get a day off!

Hmmmmm.....................

2007-08-11T09:12:00.000Z

........

why do they never want to sit on an empty chair? It's not as though there aren't any for her to curl up in....

Minnie is making slow progress. I'm now on the sleeves but had to rip right back to the cast off for the start of the sleeve on the back, only after I'd found that I'd mis-read the pattern. I hadn't checked it properly until I had cast off for the shoulders and it took me over a week to get back to where I was!!

I've had some lovely surprises in the post (when Royal Mail haven't been on strike), the first being a belated Birthday present from Liz

Two skeins of hand dyed yarn - one sock and another lace weight (Liz, you know me so well) in gorgeous summery colours. Thank you so much Liz.

I have also had my Rowan Exchange gift arrive -

a beautifully soft neckwarmer made from some Blue Sky Alpaca and Colinette Parisienne in one of my favourite colours. There were also two skeins of some Coldspring Mill DK and a fab slice of soap that looks just like a piece of Strawberry Cheesecake.

Finished - and started!

2007-07-14T10:19:00.000Z

My Rowanette gift is now finished - all I have to do is parcel it up with a few other goodies and send it to my victim! I don't think I will be tempted to use this yarn again for a while as I found it quite 'splitty' and it was pretty painful knitting for me.

I started something for myself last week -

It's a design from Jane Ellison's Queensland Collection that sadly isn't available in the UK (even though Jane is a UK designer). I'm using the same colour and yarn, which again is not available here. The yarn is gorgeous -Uruguay DK - a Merino, Alpaca and Silk mix and holds the stitch definition well.

Here's a progress shot - I start the sleeve shaping in a couple of rows time.

I'm getting a little behind with MS3 :-(

I've not quite finished clue 1 and clue 3 came out yesterday. We're off to a wedding later today, so I'm hoping to try and get at least clue 2 finished tomorrow...

Here's my progress so far

Spoilt Rotten.....

2007-07-03T16:55:00.000Z

There's a lot to be said for turning 45! I must admit I wasn't looking forward to the prospect of this birthday - don't know why, but I have been thoroughly spoilt and life's good.

I was banished from the kitchen whilst my youngest made a lovely birthday cake for me... and I got some lovely pressies too!

From Catherine I had some flowers, a CD - The Fray and a cute Me To You bear that says 'I Love You Mummy'! Helen bought me two sets of Lantern Moon Sox Stix and a book that has yet to arrive. Dave gave me this in Chocolate and is taking me out for a meal tonight.

I also had some of Anni's yarn and a couple of her patterns as part of a Birthday swap on Crafty Threads forum
and some lovely flowers from my friend Jane

Ready and Waiting....

2007-06-29T11:40:00.000Z

I have added my name to the now 3000 + knitters who are doing the Mystery Shawl #3.

I've swatched
... the lower section was knitted on 3.5mm Addi Lace and the upper section was using 2.5mm KnitPicks Classic circulars. I much prefer the 2.5mms as the fabric is more to my taste. The yarn is KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud in Stream from stash. I've decided not to bead as my hands are pretty clumsy after finishing my exchange socks last night and the vacuum cleaner is feeling rather full after a bead binge!!

Still Here...

2007-06-27T17:05:00.000Z

I know - it's been ages since I last posted. Life has been so busy over the last few weeks - mostly with work - I've barely had time to check my personal email, let alone blog!

Having really enjoyed doing the Race For Life, I have signed up for the Moonwalk next year and have joined the local gym in order to get fit for it.

Before I go, I had to show you a pre-birthday treat I got for myself...

From the left - 100% Baby Alpaca, 60% Kid Mohair/40% Silk, 100% Superwash Merino Sock Yarn. I can't give you any more info at the moment as this is something I am looking to stock in the near future! All I can say is it's gorgeous and all mine .... Mwwahhhhahaah!

Bungle's turn to be cute this time... must go...

We Did It!!

2007-06-13T23:12:00.001Z

Helen made it in 36mins 45secs, Catherine in 49mins 32secs and me in 56mins 28secs! I'm pleased just to have made it round in one piece and in under the hour - I've never been good at distances, but according to my pedometer, we walked a little over 5k just getting from the car to the start line and back.

It was an amazing sight - so many people who's lives have been touched by Cancer. Reading some of the messages people were carrying was quite emotional and very humbling.

We had quite a downpour as we were leaving the house and it started raining steadily by the time I got to the 3km mark. I didn't get too wet, but am quite stiff this morning - so frustrating that I'm not as fit as I was, but hey - I DID IT!!!

- And we raised £500 - so a huge Thank You to everyone who sponsored us.

Wish Us Luck...

2007-06-13T07:36:00.000Z

This evening Helen, Catherine and myself are doing our 'Race For Life'.

Thank you to everyone who has sponsored us so far. We have raised an astonishing £481.25

I'll try and remember to take the camera and promise to let you know how it goes...

At Last, Some Knitting to Report....

2007-06-09T14:56:00.000Z

You would not believe how busy I have been over the last few weeks. Time to knit has become a very precious commodity and I'm pleased to say, I'm still getting a bit done.

I had this arrive a couple of weeks back - some Fleece Artist Aran Alpaca.

It is so soft and a fast knit on 5.5mm needles. I finished off sewing the ends in a short while ago and need to gently block the edges so that they don't roll as much. All in all, it took 6 evenings to knit and it fits!

This is how it is supposed to look...

I've also joined the Rowanette's Exchange and have started on part of my gift. When the Panda Cotton arrived, I knew this would be the perfect yarn for my recipient. I can't tell you who she is, but here's a quick peep at what's on the needles for her.

I love the knitted fabric, but it is really painful knitting for me! My hands are screaming by the time I have knitted for about an hour, so progress is going to be a little slower than normal.

I had hoped to make this,
but the yarn I ordered hadn't arrived and then I got an email saying that there was not as much as I had bought available when they came to pack my order 10 days from the date I bought it!! Bearing in mind that this then still had to travel from the US to here (another 10 - 14 days), I thought I had better start the socks in the mean time.

I couldn't resist showing you this....

...Zippy warming her tum in the glorious sun we are having today!

Tagged....

2007-05-29T22:50:00.000Z

Here's the meme that Polly tagged me on, that has been making the rounds.

1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Lixie also tagged me with this one, but hers only asks for seven so I'm going with this one....

So without further ado, 7 random facts about me, I hope you learn something new and don't get too bored...

1. I can't ride a bike, roller skate, ice skate, ski or do anything that requires a degree of balance.

2. Two is a bit of an odd number for me as I am a second child which both my parents were and I have only ever been a second wife (twice).

3. You will never see me dancing! I was always thought of as being a bit of a party pooper because I would never get up and dance at parties or if my friends and I went to a night club. I much prefer to watch everyone else.

4. I love untangling knots - the bigger the better. If I drop a skein of yarn and it ends up in a heap, I'll spend hours sorting it out rather than cut the end and save some time.

5. As much as I love chocolate, I daren't eat it any more as I come out in a rash and I get an almost ecezma type reaction on my hands.

6. The first job I had when I left school was as a Florist and since then I have always had at least one bunch of fresh flowers somewhere in the house.

7. I can only get to sleep if I lay on my right side.

.....OK, you can wake up now!

Weekend away...

2007-05-27T07:59:00.000Z

We had a wonderful weekend away. It's hard to think that it was only 7 days ago!

We were lucky enough to be staying during the first weekend of Open Studio's in Norfolk and I happened to notice a flyer for it in our hotel's reception area. (What really caught my attention was a picture of an Intarsia sweater and the words knitting, hand dyed yarn etc in the description).

Open Studio's is normally run by the local Arts' Council and basically, local artists open up their studio's or workshops to the public to showcase and sometimes sell their work. It's a bit like the Open Gardens scheme.

Anyway, we got in the car and headed off to Castle Acre and as we were driving though, spotted this....

I could feel the hubbler's eyes roll up as I said 'Oooh, let's find somewhere to park and go and have a look!'

Having got past the skeins of yarn on the gate (and another festooned with more yarn) we followed the arrows though a lovely cottage garden and found this...

and this......

this.....

and this!!!

Sadly, none of the yarn was for sale ( and I tried very hard to get them to let me re-home a lovely skein of wool and Tussah Silk), so we headed back to the car to go and find a couple more Studio's.

Next stop was Linda's - who also happens to work where we were staying. It turns out that Linda lent several of her paintings for use in the TV drama Kingdom - Stephen Fry, Sunday evenings - and we are now the proud owners of one of her pictures of Edie

I do still knit....

2007-05-18T11:48:00.000Z

...honest!

I've made a bit of progress on Emerald Isle

and was in need of some fairly mindless knitting as a contrast to my busy days I've been having lately so have started on a Never Ending Shawl using Oceania in Old Rose.

It must be at least 5 feet from the tip to the needles already and I've used about half of the skein so far. I know that the sample used on the pattern didn't use a full skein, so I want to see just how much bigger mine will be.

We're of to Swaffham for the weekend in a couple of hours as it is our wedding anniversary tomorrow. Weight Watchers will have to go on hold for a couple of days as I don't intend having to think about how many points these will be!

10%....

2007-05-17T17:10:00.000Z

Today I reached my 10% weight loss goal at Weight Watchers! That is 10% of my starting weight and my total loss to date is 27lbs - I'll let you work the maths out....

To say I am chuffed is an understatement!

Only another 70lbs to go...

You're Going To Have To Speak Up....

2007-05-09T07:56:00.000Z

...I may have trouble hearing you!

Two amazing concerts in the last 5 days. Last Thursday we went to see Deep Purple and last night it was Roger Waters (of Pink Floyd) performing Dark Side of the Moon at the NEC in Birmingham.

It took me back (more years than I care to remember) to my younger days as a student when I saw these two bands before they split. I didn't think I'd ever get to see Floyd again though (or any part of them). Today I'm a happy old rocker!

As you can guess, not a lot of knitting has been done this week - Oh and I forgot my first Blogiversary last Tuesday!

Emerald Isle...

2007-04-26T13:26:00.000Z

I started on Monday evening and have already got as far as the 4th chart ( out of 6). This is an absolute dream to knit and I'm using the recommended yarn - Jaggerspun Zephyr in Basil.

My trusty Denise's have been dusted off for this and so far, all is going well.

Here's a close up shot - not the best, I know but you get the idea..

Icarus...

2007-04-24T17:37:00.000Z

....is now relaxing on the spare bed after a nice long soak and a bit of a stretch. I find blocking so much quicker and easier since I invested in the wires. The swear box isn't anywhere near as full these days either!

You really can't see where I had to join the extra yarn - thanks again Liz.

I'm really pleased to have this shawl finished and ahead of my deadline too. I want to be able to wear this when Dave and I go away for a long weekend next month. It's our 6th Wedding Anniversary and we're going to be heading off to our favourite place again...

If I can persuade/bribe Helen to model this for me once it dries, I'll post a few more pics.

Timberrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!

2007-04-22T12:20:00.000Z

Don't let me loose in the garden with a pruning saw and mattock!!

Before......
After.....

Before....
After....
I really don't know what came over me... I'm really paying for it now though - thank heavens for Ralgex!

I also finished Icarus last night. Liz very kindly came to the rescue and dyed up a little extra yarn for me so that I could get to the end...

It needs blocking, but I will do that tomorrow when I have the house to myself.

I really can't tell where the original yarn ends and the new one begins, can you? If it wasn't for the ends that need sewing in once it is blocked, nobody will ever know!

I think this calls for a new project! Emerald Isle anyone?

Cherry Blossom..

2007-04-15T23:04:00.000Z

With all the sunshine we've had over the weekend, this couldn't have arrived at a better time....

Pretty, isn't it..

Dog gone!

2007-04-15T09:57:00.000Z

Monty has gone home this morning. It's very quiet.....it's amazing how quickly you get used to having a squeaky welly thrown in your lap when you least expect it!

The cats are looking a bit more chilled and dare I say smug, at his departure...

Maple Leaves wasn't really doing it for me and so I took drastic action and ripped the whole thing out! I don't know what it was exactly, but it had to go.

I've now cast on Reversible Lace Cables Scarf and am feeling a lot happier about it. This is going to take a fair bit of blocking when it's finished as unpinned, it only measures just 5 inches across.

The pattern is a lot easier to memorise and I've really got into the rhythm of this one.

It's not very easy to picture the detail, but I like it that this looks as good on the back as it does on the front.

This is the 'official' picture of it and shows the detail much better.

My Mate Monty....

2007-04-08T19:30:00.000Z

Monty is my favourite dog and is staying with us whilst my sis is on holiday. The cats aren't too sure about him, but he's been staying with us for as long as we've had them. Monty lives with three cats at his 'real' home and to watch him groom himself, you'd think he was really a cat!

It was a lovely afternoon, so as part of my getting fit for 'Race For Life' in a few weeks time, we set off on a 4 mile walk this afternoon. It was glorious! We came across some wood violets...

...these reminded me of my mum and some of the walks we used to go on when I was younger. We came across quite a few other wild flowers, but my camera batteries decided to die after this picture so you're let off more nature pics for today!

On the knitting front, I've finished my Monkey Socks and love them.

Yarn - Cherry Tree Hill Potluck Supersock

My 'Easter Egg' this year was a skein of Fleece Artist Sea Silk. I've been longing for an excuse to give this a try and finally succumbed to some.

I've decided to knit the Maple Leaves Scarf with it, mainly because it was the only pattern that I could find with the right yardage. I cast on last night with a 3mm needle which is a whole size down from what the pattern recommends, but is the size recommended for this yarn and by this evening had got this far...

I Don't Think I'm Going To ...

2007-04-03T12:43:00.000Z

... finish Icarus - that is!

I've just got time to pop my head above the pile of work I have here to show you how Icarus is coming on -

I have 10 rows of the last chart, the edging rows and the cast off to do, but am pretty sure I'm not going to have enough yarn to finish.

The remaining yarn weighs 6gms and my head hurts too much (from a weekend of stock taking and VAT) to work out how much I'm going to need to finish off.

Please send me your suggestions as to what I can do to get this finished... I think my options are to
a) Rip back to a repeat less of the body and re-do the charts that have taken me the last 2 weeks to knit
b) Figure out if I can use something else to finish the last few rows
c) Cast off now
d) Start a new project!!

Thanks guys - back to rolling around in lots of luvverly yarn (ahem, stock taking).....

Favourite Colour Swap 2...

2007-03-17T12:39:00.000Z

I had a wonderful package in today's post from my Color Swap pal - Jo!

Apologies for the poor shot, but what a selection of goodies! The yarn at the bottom right is a skein of beautifully soft laceweight merino from Spunky Eclectic,

a cake of more laceweight from Cabin Cove Mercantile, 3 Knit Picks circulars in 2mm, 2.5mm and 3mm sizes, a cute cat tape measure,

Lifesavers and some great toys for the cats! Yes, they have feathers that you can Velcro on or off (I thought they were the real thing the first time one of them were playing!) and for a bit of added interest, I sprayed them with Catnip!!

Thank you Jo. That was an awesome package!

PS Zippy and Bungle say 'Thank you ' too x

Spot the Difference 2...

2007-03-14T14:52:00.000Z

I don't know how many of you remember the last time we played this, but Bungle is a bit of a star when it comes to playing Spot The Difference!

This is her latest offering....
....Cute huh?

Wakey Wakey!

2007-03-14T13:50:00.000Z

There's something about Spring that just puts a smile on your face - well it does with me! I love to see the garden start to wake up after it's long sleep over the Winter.

There are so many buds in the garden already and the Clematis is covered....

...the blossom is out....

...and the Magnolia is starting to open...

Icarus is going well and I've only got one more repeat to do in the main 'body' before I start on the edging charts. The yarn that Liz dyed for me is looking really pretty and is showing no signs of pooling. I love it!

I also finished my top down hoodie and will be off to the local shopping centre in it at the weekend!!

Surprises....

2007-03-03T14:36:00.000Z

Yesterday the postie bought a surprise package from Liz....

..... a wonderful skein of Knitpicks 100% Merino laceweight yarn that she had dyed herself in the most gorgeous plums, blues and pinks! I was completely bowled over by it - Thank you Liz so very much. The yardage is spot on for a project I have had on my 'To Do' list for ages.

A certain someone (ahem..) has taken an interest in my knitting and likes to 'help', be it enhancing my photography ( above) or thinking about being a ball holder (below)!

I managed a couple of shots of the top down hoodie before she appeared on the scene!

It's not very inspiring knitting I know, but it's quick and I've never knitted anything top down before. It's great TV knitting and I've only got a bit of the sleeve and the hood to go and NO SEWING UP!! I will definitely be doing this again..

The colour is better in this last picture - the yarn is Jamiesons of Shetland and the shade is Wilkinson.

I'm Still Here!

2007-03-02T09:01:00.000Z

Having finished the Peacock Shawl, life over the last couple of weeks has been more hectic than usual.

I've not heard from the guy who had Peacock for his girlfriend ( no reply to emails and voicemails), but I know he got it ok because I was able to check that it arrived safely. Ho hum - it would have been nice to know what he thought...

On the knitting front, I've nearly finished a top down hoodie for myself in some Jamiesons that I bought up in Scotland whilst on my honeymoon. I'll post pictures once I find my camera.

Helen and I joined Weightwatchers back in January and we went for our weekly weigh in last night. I've now lost a total of 15 pounds over the last 8 weeks and can see my feet when standing at long last! I've still got a long way to go, but things are moving in the right direction.

Last night I signed up for our local Race For Life event. I intend walking the 5km as I know I stand no chance of running it. The girls' are doing it aswell as they want to do it memory of their Granny. I don't normally ask this sort of thing, but if any of you would like to sponsor us, we'd be very, very grateful...

Here are a couple of final shots of Peacock being modelled by Helen...

Peacock is Finished!

2007-02-12T18:09:00.000Z

Peacock is now resting after a couple of hours of intensive pinning and blocking this afternoon. It took me around 2 hours to get this blocked. I'm just waiting for it to dry out overnight before I send it on to it's owner.

I have really enjoyed this project and would do one again, perhaps not for a little while yet... Enjoy!

Favourite Color Swap 2

2007-02-10T08:38:00.000Z

I've just joined up for round 2. Apologies for keeping my pal waiting - I've been running out of hours in the day recently!

Favorite Color Swap Questionnaire

1. What are your top three favorite colors? Blues, purples and deep reds/autumnal colours

2. What crafts do you really enjoy? These days, only knitting

3. What products do you really covet? Would love to try some Knit Picks Options in small sizes (for lace knitting)and the new Lantern Moon dpns. Anything that isn't easily available in the UK

4. What other activities do you enjoy besides your favorite crafty things? Walking, Drag Racing - bit of a petrol-head on the quiet!

5. Is there anything you collect? Not these days

6. What is your zodiac sign and/or Chinese zodiac symbol? Cancer, but don't believe in it

7.What are your favorite…

…scents/smells? Anais Anais by Cacherel. Love Christmas smells like cloves, citrus and cinnamon.

…types of music and/or bands? Heavy /progressive rock from Camel, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple to Evanescence. Coldplay, Snow Patrol

…authors? Tolkein

…animals? Cats

…places to shop? Anywhere online that sells yarn!

…season? Spring

…yarn/fabric/paper/other craft supplies? n/a

…candies or goodies? Love fruit flavoured sweets, but holding off them as I've recently joined Weight Watchers

8. Do you have any wish lists? No

9. Are you allergic to anything? Chocolate and anything with pork products - many more, but I wouldn't want to bore you - I do get bunged up when knitting with Angora

10. Do you have any pets? What are they? Two cats

11. Please include anything else you would like your secret pal to know about you- anything that would be helpful in finding you little gifts that you will really enjoy. I love surprises! Sorry that's not too helpful, but I'm very easy to please.

Snow, Snow, Quick, Quick, Snow!

2007-02-08T18:03:00.000Z

Woohooo!!

This is the sort of snow we don't get very often. It was 4 inches deep when I woke up at 7am and didn't stop falling until 3 o'clock this afternoon.

This is the view out of my bedroom window this morning

and in the other direction

The view from my front door...

Zippy is responsible for the footprints in the first picture. Bungle prefers to sit and watch through the window!

It is now 6pm and has just started again. The forecast isn't good for tonight and if this lot freezes, tomorrow is definitely going to be a stay-at-home day.

I have finally finished Peacock Feathers and it is waiting to be properly blocked. I took a couple of pictures of it yesterday just roughly pinned out

Poetry for St Brigid's

2007-02-02T20:40:00.000Z

This came from Wibbo's blog; nice idea. Choose a poem and join in if you like...

WHAT: A Bloggers' (Silent) Poetry Reading
WHEN: Anytime February 2, 2007
WHERE: Your blog
WHY: To celebrate the Feast of Brigid, aka Groundhog Day
HOW: Select a poem you like - by a favorite poet or one of your own - to post February 2nd.
RSVP: If you plan to publish, feel free to leave a comment and link on this post. Last year Reya put out the call and there was more poetry in cyberspace than she could keep track of. So, link to whomever you hear about this from and a mighty web of poetry will be spun.

When I am Old I Will Wear Purple
Jenny Joseph

When I am Old
I will wear Purple!

When I am an old woman,
I shall wear purple - -
With a red hat which doesn't go,
and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension
on brandy and summer gloves and satin sandles,
And say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
and gobble up samples in shops
and press alarm bells
and run with my stick along public railings,
and make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
and pick flowers in other people's gardens
and learn to spit!
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
and eat three pounds of sausages at ago,
or only bread and pickles for a week,
and hoard pens and pencils
and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry,
and pay our rent
and not swear in the street,
and set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner
and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me
are not too shocked and surprised
when suddenly I am old,
And start to wear purple!

--Jenny Joseph

Parental Irresponsibility....

2007-01-28T14:40:00.000Z

I think in Catworld I must be the cruellest form of parent. My cats have discovered the mind altering effects of the evil weed - Catnip... and I have to admit that I encourage them to partake because the results are so funny. I guess it's as bad as encouraging your kids to smoke dope...

It's Snowed, It's Snowed!!!

2007-01-24T08:58:00.000Z

Excuse my excitement, but it rarely snows here and this morning I woke up to this...

It's not much, granted, but all the same, it's SNOW! I can hear my American and Scandinavian sisters laughing, but over here, unless you happen to live in the North ( I'm thinking Scotland, Cumbria and the Pennines here), this is about as good as it gets.

Judging by the footprints, it looks as though someone has already been out for a play!

On the knitting front, I am up to Row 200 of Peacock (out of 250) and have until the 10th February to get this finished. I'm still really enjoying it and hope to make the deadline.

Here's that all important detail shot...

And Now For Something Completely Different!

2007-01-10T14:41:00.000Z

I thought I'd give you a quick whistle-stop tour of where I live. In an attempt to get a bit fitter this year and lose some of the weight I have put on as a result of the last few years of ill health, I have started to take regular walks each day. There is so much to see and a lot of history attached to the town I live in.

Warning - picture heavy post

Pronounced 'Toaster', Towcester is on the Roman Road The Watling Street/A5 and is one of the oldest established settlements in Northamptonshire.

This is what you see when you turn right at the top of my drive

We start walking down the old Northampton Road

The wall you can see is the boundary of Easton Neston Estate, once the home of Lord Hesketh, owner of Hesketh Racing, the last privately owned Formula 1 racing team (James Hunt was their driver) to win a F1 Grand Prix.

Sir Henry St George was the Chief Herald who lived at Easton Neston and designed the Union Jack in 1801

This is one of a pair of Gatehouses that mark the entrances of the estate.

At the end of the Northampton Road we turn left onto Watling Street

and you can see The Saracen's Head Inn. This is the very inn that Mr Pickwick stayed in in Charles Dickens' Novel, Pickwick Papers!

The 'Pickled Pig' that you can see on the right of this picture was 'The Pickwick Tea Rooms' until about 4 years ago and local rumour has it that Dickens wrote part of Pickwick Papers there. He also stayed regularly at The Saracens Head.

St Lawrence Church was built in the 12th Century and is thought to occupy the site of a substantial Roman public building. It also has the largest peal of bells in the country (12 for all you campanologists out there).

Pope Boniface VIII (1235-1303) - Benedict Cajetan, was Rector of St. Lawrence's Towcester until he became Pope in 1294.

The Town Hall was also the Corn Exchange and sits on the Market Square. One of the banks was also opened by a local wool and silk merchant

This is looking back up through the town centre.

Towcester also had it's own cinema built by the first Lord Hesketh in 1939. Sadly it was demolished in the 1980's and replaced by sheltered housing.

Well you'll all sleep better tonight for reading this!

Normal knitting posts will be resumed shortly...

Done and Dusted..

2006-12-29T10:52:00.000Z

Is it me, or did Christmas come and go rather quickly this year? A group of my friends and I thought that this year was probably one of the least Christmassy Christmas' ever.

A week before Christmas I had a call from a guy who wanted to give his girlfriend a really special gift! She is mad about Peacocks and he wondered whether it was possible to have the Peacock Feathers Shawl made in time. Once I'd explained that it would take many weeks work, we settled on him giving it to her on Valentine's Day instead.

So, my Christmas knitting project started with a swatch (unheard of)

and by the end of yesterday evening, I had got half way through Chart 3 out of 7, plus 2 edging charts!

The yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Merino Lace in the new colour Misty Moor

I also finished the first of the Monkey Socks in Cherry Tree Hill Potluck Supersock.

Now all I need is plenty of time to get these finished!

Past Lives..

2006-12-23T09:59:00.000Z

Many moons ago, some of you will know that I used to work for the National 'Elf Service.

Someone forwarded a link to some archive material of me at work. (You will need the volume on for this).

Waiting for Santa...

2006-12-22T00:13:00.000Z

I thought I'd have a little competition this week.

The best caption to this piccie of my cats will win a small parcel of woolly goodies.

You have until the end of Christmas Day...

Jack Frost..

2006-12-20T12:54:00.000Z

This was one of my favourite poems that my mum used to read to me as a child and this morning reminded me of it...

Jack Frost
By C.E. Pike

Look out! Look out!
Jack Frost is about!|
He’s after our fingers and toes;
And all through the night,
The gay little sprite
Is working where nobody knows.

He’ll climb each tree,
So nimble is he,
His silvery powder he’ll shake.
To windows he’ll creep
And while we’re asleep
Such wonderful pictures he’ll make.

Across the grass
He’ll merrily pass,
And change all its greenness to white.
Then home he will go
And laugh ho, ho ho!
What fun I have had in the night.

Nicely Chilled.....

2006-12-18T08:59:00.000Z

This has to be the best hotel - anywhere!

Dave and I go there every year just before Christmas to recharge our very low batteries - and boy did we need it this year! The rooms are just awesome and the food is out of this world.

I even managed to get a bit of knitting done - a new pair of socks as the STRs are consigned to the naughty corner for now.

My Socks Don't Rock!

2006-12-15T12:52:00.000Z

I finally finished version 4 sock in this yarn last night. I'm so disappointed - my Socks Don't Rock!

I got all excited when I saw how pretty the foot was looking

It didn't last long once I'd started on the leg and could see how badly it was pooling

If I hadn't been on my 4th attempt at using this yarn, I'd have ripped it out!

Judge for yourselves...

Bungle + Christmas Tree = Trouble

2006-12-12T22:45:00.000Z

Hmmm.....

The evidence speaks for itself..

Father Christmas (pom-pom thing made by youngest daughter a few years ago) has now only got one eye as he had to be rescued from the other side of the lounge last night and moved higher up the tree. I don't rate his chances much for surviving the rest of the Holidays!

How Long???!!!!....

2006-12-11T23:25:00.000Z

OMG - I can't believe it's three weeks since I last posted! Three weeks?? Life has been manic and aswell as trying to get ready for Christmas (another two weeks time) it has been all work and no play here.

A small amount of knitting has been done and the #*@%*ing Socks That Rock yarn has added yet another insult into the equation. I love the feel of this yarn, don't get me wrong, but having behaved beautifully on the foot, now that I have turned the heel and added a few more stitches - just as the pattern told me - it has turned all nasty and is pooling and is not at all pretty. I will take several deep breaths and reveal all next time (the sock, the sock).

The last couple of weekends have been spent being part of an exciting new venture in Northampton. Hopefully it will become a regular event - Hip Hip Handmade at the prestigious venue of the old Fish Market is where I've hung out in sub zero temperatures for the last two Saturdays. Despite coming home suffering from hypothermia both times, I've thoroughly enjoyed myself.

A Quick Thumbs Up!!!

2006-11-20T23:13:00.000Z

Dave had his appointment today where we got the results of his recent surgery.

It was skin cancer. They managed to remove all of it. IT WAS BENIGN!! He has been discharged from the hospital!! He now has to remember to slap at least factor 50 on before he goes out in the sun.

To say we are relieved is an understatement. Thank you all for your kind messages of support through all of this. We really appreciate it. x

The Sock Yarn of Doom...

2006-11-17T13:36:00.000Z

I've spent a pleasurable week knitting with my Socks That Rocks yarn. It is lovely yarn to work with and very soft - definitely on my wish list of 'Yarn to Get More of'.

It's a shame the patterns I've been working with have been so pants - or rather my attempts at the patterns!!

Attempt 1 - Flamewalker Socks - the pattern is lovely, but the stitch count made the colours pool really badly so having got as far as the first pattern repeat, I ripped it out and looked for something else. Did I take any photos? Couldn't find my camera at the time so no 'evidence' I'm afraid.

Attempt 2 - Ripple Wave Socks by Charlene Schurch in Fall '06 edition of Vogue Knitting - This is a meaty pattern and definitely one to get your teeth into! (apologies to any vegetarians out there). The yarn was behaving nicely, the colour distribution was perfect. I got to the end of the third repeat and discovered that I'd started on the wrong row of the pattern about 1/3 way from the start. I ripped back a bit too vigorously and couldn't pick the stitches up.

Attempt 3 - Wendy's Generic Toe up Feather and Fan Sock Fingers crossed!! Let's see what we can turn this lot into

Knitting Famine Over!!

2006-11-12T12:07:00.000Z

The last few weeks have been so busy that I've not had chance to get as much knitting done as I normally do.

Last night I finished these - for myself

The yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Super Glitz in Foxy Lady. I used 3.25mm dpns and added an extra inch to the leg as I prefer slightly longer socks. I started them on Monday whilst Dave was in hospital and finished them yesterday afternoon. I'm wearing them as I type!

Last Saturday I headed off to Norfolk to join the group I went to see earlier in the year. Sharon Brant from Rowan was there running a crochet workshop and Rachel Henderson was with her. Catherine came along too and had a great time! I finally managed to crochet more than a provisional cast on chain, but don't think it's really for me!

I've just cast on another pair of socks for me (I don't do Christmas knitting) in the Socks That Rocks yarn I bought earlier this year. I'm going to do the Flamewalker socks that was one of the winning designs in the Cherry Tree Hill design contest earlier this year.

That Monday Morning Feeling...

2006-11-06T19:54:00.000Z

Today Dave went into hospital to have his nose job! We left home early as he had to be there for 8am and we didn't fancy being stuck in rush hour traffic.

All went to plan and he was back on the ward by 11am - a little bashed about, but relieved that we have that hurdle over. The surgeon warned him that he will have a black eye in the morning. All I can say is 'It wasn't me, you didn't see me do it, you can't prove a thing - honest'!! Early indications look promising, but we have to wait for 2 weeks for the histology reports.

When we got home, I had my ISE3 parcel waiting for me. I'd completely forgotten about it so it was a lovely surprise to have a parcel to open. It came all the way from Erie in Pennsylvania

My scarf is gorgeous - thank you Julie and I have to admit that even though chocolate does odd things to my skin, after today I pigged the lot. Do I feel guilty? No. Do I feel sick? Just a little, but it was worth it!

Pssst!...Don't Tell the Cats!

2006-10-29T17:15:00.000Z

Not a lot of knitting has been done chez Number 9 over the last couple of weeks, so I don't have anything new to show you all.

Have a go at this Seasonal Game Cat Bowling! - but please don't tell the cats!!

It's Half Term and I'm Bored Mum!

2006-10-23T21:40:00.000Z

Check out the following equation.

Half Term + 12 year old = Boredom

Boredom x 2 hours on Dave's Computer = These....They're good!!

You'll need to click on this one to get the larger image

This one's the best - check out that nail polish!

Busy, busy...

2006-10-22T10:15:00.000Z

After my last post about various disasters I'm pleased to report that

*I have finally got a new digital camera for the second time in the last 2 weeks and have just managed to get everything talking to each other after wrongly installing something that caused a wee bit of mayhem on my computer. It's a good job Dave knows how to fix things!!

*My traumatised lace project that got sucked up the vacuum cleaner is now safely back on the needles. I will have to get going on this again as I have too many WIPs at the moment.

*The saga of the printer went on for a bit longer as the 'replacement' arrived with the toner cartridges in it (suspicious) and when we tested it found that they they had nothing left in them. Dave called the company we got it from and made someones ears bleed. We eventually got our money back and have bought from a different company exactly the model we wanted AND IT WORKS!!

*The faulty kit I needed for last week arrived as promised, Monday morning and my dry cleaning was re-done before I went away.

The only issue left was the B&B which was truly awful!! I thought that as it was 3* it would be okay. How wrong could I be - the wardrobe smelled of skunk pee so I wouldn't hang anything in it and the carpets were sticky. The pillows were so flat that I needed 3 to get comfy and the rest of our experience staying there is not repeatalbe in polite company.

Yesterday evening was the first time I've been able to sit and do some knitting for at least a week. It's brown and boring so rather than show you that, here's a couple of my favourite shots from last week!

I'm Still Here...

2006-10-06T17:12:00.000Z

It's been the week from Hell here so I'm sorry I've not posted for a while! A brief resume of disasters as follows..

* My digital camera has stopped working (so no pictures today) - I use this a lot for work and aswell as not being able to alter the focus settings, I can't access the pictures on the memory card because it's stopped talking to my computer.

* I phoned the B&B I'm stopping at in London next week to confirm my booking (made 6 months ago) to find that they have let my room to someone else. It has taken me over 3 hours to find an alternative. As it turns out, this one is closer to where I need to be, is cheaper, but doesn't have it's own loo and bathroom.

* Another vital bit of kit needed for next week stopped working when I tested it this morning - a replacement is being sent by courier for Monday morning.

* Whilst tidying up the other day I managed to suck one of my lace projects halfway up the vacuum cleaner. I have managed to salvage it without damaging it but it came off the needles and I now have to pick up 190 stitches.

* One of the cats managed to be sick all over my dry cleaning (after I had collected it) - bet you're glad the camera is not working!!

* We bought a new printer, installed it only to find that it doesn't work. We have a new one on it's way, but have had to fight tooth and nail to get it replaced. Trading Standards were mentioned in the process of negotiations - amazing what a difference it makes once they realise that you are serious and not going to budge!

* This one is tough - Dave has been diagnosed as having Skin Cancer. He is having the affected areas removed in a couple of weeks time and we will have to wait until the Histology reports come back to see where we go next. The consultant is confident that it is the non-malignant type, but won't say for sure. Until we get the results back we are just getting by as best we can.

I'm going to go and sit in a darkened room and 'wibble' for a few moments.

Next week is going to be better!

Steady On!

2006-09-27T17:24:00.000Z

This must be a record - TWO finished items in a week!!

My ISE scarf is now drying out in the conservatory being closely monitored..

I decided to try my new toy, some blocking wires from here

Armed with my trusty tape measure and peg bag, I gently inserted (shoved) the wires along the edges and top and bottom of the scarf - after it had soaked for 20 minutes. The pegs were to clip it to my clothes airer as I want to make sure that it will dry to the same width all the way along.

I've never used Silk Garden before and was surprised at how much the fabric has softened and 'bloomed' since it's little bath earlier.

Zippy, on the other hand, has barely moved from her 'new' bed in the last 3 days apart from the occaisional light snack, comfort break and fisty cuffs with her sister!

Finished!

2006-09-22T07:45:00.000Z

I finished this for Helen yesterday afternoon and she seems pretty pleased with it. It's not often that she asks me to knit for her so I know that she'll wear this one!

Pattern from Hipknits; yarn - not quite 2 x 75gm skeins of 100% Cashmere

If I make this again, I'll tweak the pattern a bit as it seemed a little vague in a lot of places. It could have done with a few more shapings here and there to make sure that the sleeves fitted a little better when it came to sewing up, and the final project feels unfinished to me - perhaps a crocheted edging around the back of the neck.

I adapted the decreases on the fronts so that I always decreased one stitch in and also knitted two together though the back of the stiches on one side so that the decreases were pointing in the right way! I'm a bit AR when it comes to things like this, but like to see things finished properly.

Knitting Keeps You Sane - Discuss...

2006-09-20T18:26:00.000Z

I'd be lost without my knitting. It definitely keeps me sane and is the best form of relaxation I know. I started knitting my scarf for ISE3 whilst Helen was in hospital. Before we left, I'd already got half way through it.

It's the Grape Hyacinth Lace Scarf from pieknits and I'm using Noro Silk Garden #232.

I will definitely need my knitting to help me through the next few weeks. Another very close family member has had a diagnosis that needs further investigation and treatment. I can't say any more than that at the moment, but I will be knitting like a thing posessed.

Yarr!

2006-09-19T08:00:00.000Z

Say no more.....me hearties!

Home Sweet Home...

2006-09-18T19:52:00.000Z

It's been a long 24 hours. Helen and I got back home from hospital a couple of hours ago, tired but glad to be home. Her op went much better than expected and was less complicated which we were both pleased about. The biggest inconvenience was the effect it has all had on her Diabetes, but we should be back to normal in a couple of days.

Thank you to everyone who send their good wishes and positive thoughts.

I took a rare day off on Saturday and shot up the M1/M6 to the Knitting and Stitching Show at the NEC. I met up with Sarah and Jean from the Kings Lynn group I visited earlier on this year for a coffee (within minutes of getting there). I also caught up with Liz, met Fred and missed Sue!

As everyone else has said, it must be the quietest show I have ever been to. I wasn't too impressed with the inflated parking charge (£7) and the cost of the ticket (£12), but managed to bring home a couple more goodies for the stash.

More sock yarn from Anna at Web of Wool - I can't go to a show and NOT buy sock yarn

Some hand spun mohair also made it home (with some 4ply that had been dyed at the same time)

detail

and some of the softest baby alpaca and silk

Take a Dictation Miss Jones...

2006-09-15T08:13:00.000Z

Zippy has taken over my office chair and has designs on being the next Richard Branson (business mognate)!! GROAN!!

Every time I move away - she's there.

She's also taken to sleeping in my armchair in the lounge!

My Favourite Colour Swap Pal Anne has got her parcel. I completely forgot to take pictures before I sent it, but you can see it here

I've been naughty (yet again) and have squeezed in a quick knit as a surprise for Helen before she goes into hospital this weekend. I'm making her this - a pattern from HipKnits

I've just got the last sleeve to do and at Helen's request, made them 3/4 length. I had some Knitting Goddess Cashmere in Meadow and it's so soft - I hope she likes it!

The colours have pooled a bit, but not too badly. I'll post piccies when it's finished - promise.

Warning!....Knitting content!!!

2006-09-12T18:49:00.000Z

I have finally emerged from a pile of knitting done over the last week! It got to last Thursday and I suddenly remembered that I was supposed to be having a stall at a local craft fair. After the realisation that I had very little to sell, I spent the next 48hrs knitting like a thing possessed.

This is a scarf knitted in Fiesta Chinchilla - a gorgeous 100% Silk Chenille. It used one skein and I'll be making this into a kit for Christmas.

I then made the 'Famous Shawl', again in Fiesta Yarns, but this time 'La Boheme'

A few more scarves were also made but I forgot to take pictures of them before they were sold.

I finally managed to get my Lace Swap parcel in the post and now just have to think of what I'm going to knit for my International Scarf Exchange pal. I shall start on it at the weekend as I shall need something to keep me busy - Helen has to go into hospital to have a tooth removed under General Anaesthetic. The dentist tried to take out a broken tooth a few weeks ago and it broke off at gum level. It's going to be a bit nerve wracking as it is the first time she's had an operation. Because Helen is Diabetic we have to go in on Sunday afternoon so that they can put up a drip and Insulin pump as soon as she is not allowed to eat and drink before the op in order to stop her from going hypo.

With a bit of luck she should be back home Monday evening, but her room is booked for the night, just in case she's not up to eating and we can't get her blood sugars back to normal. I think I'm more nervous than Helen!

The Hanging Garden Stole is making good progress and I'm feeling tempted to get going on Paisley again. There is something to be said for having several projects on the go at the same time!

Favourite Color Swap

2006-09-06T17:11:00.000Z

I hang my head in shame because I forgot to get my pal's parcel out by the deadline - if you're reading this..I'm so sorry. It has now been posted.

What suddenly jogged my memory? ... The arrival of THIS!!

I even have my very own specially dyed sock yarn!

It was like Christmas unwrapping everything - there was tissue paper everywhere and the cats were loving it. At that point, my camera batteries ran out. By the time they were recharged, the cats had decided they were bored with that game and were both getting their pre - elevenses naps in!!

THANK YOU PAUL. You made my day!

I Don't Normally Do This But....

2006-09-02T15:04:00.000Z

Annarella is running 5km tomorrow in the Hydro Active Women's Challenge to raise money for The Alzheimer's Society. Please support her by donating here

Good Luck Anna!

So Much To Do...So Little Time....

2006-09-01T09:23:00.000Z

Will someone please let me know if they ever find the secret of adding at least another 24 hours to the current day?

I had my Lace Swap parcel arrive today all the way from Australia!! It is an AWESOME package and I can't believe I've got more Knit Picks Yarn in it!!

Thank you Donna - it is spot on!

Here's a list of what it contained...

3 Skeins Knit Picks Gossamer Merino Lace in Sweet Peas
2 balls Madil Kid Seta
Hand made and beaded project bag
20 stitch markers
2 Jo Sharp booklets
2 Fibertrends patterns
Cute Koala with boomerang
Scented candle

If that wasn't enough, I also got my September Sock Club yarn from Posh Yarns how lovely is this?

Will somebody please give me a few extra hours????....

The Kindness of Strangers

2006-08-31T16:27:00.000Z

A while ago I joined a knitalong group. The pattern called for Knit Picks yarn, who sadly refuse to mail to the UK. Out of the blue, I had an email from a fellow blogger offering to get hold of some of this elusive yarn for me. The deal was done and the other day my parcel arrived. I could have gone really mad and ordered loads, but felt I ought to show a little restraint. Enjoy ....

Memories - 100% Merino Wool - Redwood

Shimmer - 70% Baby Alpaca/30% Silk - Maple Leaf

Alpaca Cloud - 100% Baby Alpaca - Stream

Thank you for your kindness Kat. You have made me one happy knitter!

Wot No Wool Shops?

2006-08-27T21:27:00.000Z

I'd checked on the internet before we went on holiday to see if there were going to be any yarny suppliers near to where we were staying in France, without any success.

Imagine my surprise when I spotted a familiar Phildar sign across the square from where we had parked in Matha, a town not 10 minutes away from the house we were staying in.

Frustrating! The scenery was stunning and everywhere we went, there were acres of Sunflowers

and even more acres of row upon row of grapevines

On the last day of our holiday, before we headed back up France towards our ferry at Boulogne, I spotted another green and blue sign in a lovely town called St Jean D'Angeley

Doh! Despite yet another wool shop for sale, St Jean is very pretty. Here's a view down one of the main streets

We also spotted this shop which made us chuckle for ages!

We're Baaack!

2006-08-27T10:39:00.000Z

Well we actually got back on Wednesday evening, but I've been so busy catching up with everything else, I've only just got around to blogging.

We had a fab time, went to loads of interesting places and of course sampled just the odd local wine or two.

Our favourite day out was to Palmyre Zoo at Royan, on the coast. I'm not normally a fan of these sort of places, but this one was superb. All of the animals were so well looked after and we were able to get a lot closer to many more than you can here at home. The animals also looked so content and didn't have that 'caged' look that they seem to have here.

Here are some of my favourites...

I also fell in love with this guy...

who had a great party piece...

Are We Nearly There Yet?

2006-08-13T19:06:00.000Z

Yarn - check
Needles - check
Pattern - check
More yarn in case first project gets finished on the way down there - check
Spare needles - check
Better put a couple of knitting mags in - check
Yet more yarn in case I change my mind - check
List of local sources of yarn - check

There. I think I've got everything.

We leave for Haimps in France at 5.30am tomorrow.

I'll tell you all about it when we get back. x

Hair today - gone tomorrow!

2006-08-12T11:24:00.000Z

I took the plunge yesterday and had a MAJOR hair cut! We're going on our holidays on Monday and I fancied a change. I didn't realise just how much had been chopped off until I looked at these pictures!

Before

After

On the knitting front, I've just finished the gusset increases on Baudelaire and have started the heel shaping. I've never knitted a toe up sock before and find the process fascinating. I'm trying to figure out how the heel is worked - it's better than a good thriller! I really should get out more!!

I should be packing but can't seem to get motivated apart from deciding what knitting to take - if I don't pull my finger out soon , I could be wearing a half finished sock and half a stole all week!

Progress...or not...

2006-08-09T08:00:00.000Z

Yesterday I was storming ahead with Baudelaire and got as far as the heel. I then sat back and found that I'd made a mistake at the third pattern repeat and it stuck out like a sore thumb. A quick trip to the Frog Pond was called for and today I must muster up the enthusiasm (and find the time) to get back to where I was yesterday. Ho Hum..

Here they are being modelled by Catherine who can't wait for them to be finished.

Caught Bungle somewhere where she shouldn't have been yesterday -

We had Dave's boss round for dinner and to stay the night yesterday and Bungle nipped into the spare room for a quick snooze!

Baudelaire

2006-08-07T16:59:00.000Z

Today's the day Liz and I start our little knit-along. We both fell in love with these socks when they appeared in the latest Knitty.

I've chosen a really subtle colourway for these as I think anything too wild will lose the effect of the pattern. The yarn is Fleece Artist Merino Sock yarn and the colour is 'Rose'. I'm using 2.5mm Brittany 5" dpns as my weapons of choice.

These socks start with a figure of 8 cast on (they are knitted toe up) which I have never done before, but wasn't too hard.

I'm now working on the increases and should hopefully get to do at least one pattern repeat this evening.

PS Does anyone have any idea why there are so many fish sites cropping up in my computer's History???

My Name is Zippy and I am .......CUTE!

2006-08-05T13:02:00.000Z

Pssst! Thought I would just nip on the keyboard whilst the people who keep my lodgings nip out for a mo. I've not been featured for a while and thought it was about time we were re-aquainted.

I've not really been up to much lately - I had a scrap with my sister the other morning and scared off next doors Tabby. Oh - I also did a bit of Catnip earlier and got really smashed!

I think this is my better side 'tho, don't you?

Ooops - better scarper - sounds as though they are back. Byeeeeee!

Another quick pair of socks..

2006-08-03T10:49:00.000Z

My August Sock Club yarn arrived from here and I just had to cast on!

They knitted up really quickly and here they are being modelled by Helen.

If you fancy giving lace socks a go then this is the one to go for. It's a two row pattern that is easy to memorise.

Other knitting news.... the Hanging Garden Stole is continuing to grow. I'll post pictures of it once it has got a few more repeats worked.

I've also signed up for a couple of yarn swaps and am deciding what to buy for them.

Exchange Gifts

2006-07-31T12:45:00.000Z

I had a lovely parcel arrive in the post today. My Rowanette Exchange gift arrived from Rosie in the UK this morning.

The bag is knitted in Rowan Handknit Double Knit Cotton and is from Magazine 21. It has an ingenious base to it and looks as though it will hold loads.

The girls are already fighting about who will be borrowing it first - I've got news for them.....

Also in my parcel was a potholder made using Vivian Hoxbro's Domino technique and a skein of yarn picked up in Italy in a yarn shop by Lake Garda.

Back to Earth

2006-07-26T17:25:00.000Z

I've finally got both feet firmly on Terra Firma after my recent jaunt to Zog! Boy are those painkillers strong - but hey, they do the trick. My doc also confirmed my worst fears that it is Gout - at 44??? Apparently it becomes more common in post-menopausal women, and before we have a case of T.M.I (Too Much Information), we'll get back to the knitting content of this blog!

Progress is being made on the Hanging Garden Shawl now that I can see straight. I've removed the stitch markers between the edging markers as I was having to shunt them back and forth depending on where the decreases were and this wasn't doing anything for the flow.

I'm using Cherry Tree Hill Merino Lace in Green Mountain Madness colour. The beads are Mill Hill #6.

Other news - Helen got her Art GCSE result today and she got an 'A'. I'm really proud of her especially as she has taken this exam a year early.

Where's Wally?

Last night I forgot to shut the sunroof and windows of my car. Guess who had a thunderstorm and torrential rain at 4am this morning? I didn't give it a thought until I went to take Dave to his doctors appointment this morning and got a wet behind. It has meant that I've spent the day driving this whilst mine has dried out - the hardship!

It turns out he's torn a ligament in his shoulder and may have to have surgery to put it right. He's got an appointment at hospital next week, so we'll find out them. In the mean time, as well as the girls being on school holidays, Dave has been signed off work for 2 weeks! Anyone want a lodger??

Greetings From The Planet Zog

2006-07-22T14:55:00.000Z

Dear Readers,

I'm having a lovely time! Wish you were here....but glad you're not.

I woke up this morning feeling really stiff and achey, a lot more than normal and have had to resort to some of my mega-painkillers. The aches are more bearable, but I'm not too keen on feeling this spaced out so early in the day. I've done a bit of research on the 'net and putting everything together think I may be suffering from Gout!(I have medical training and don't normally make a habit of self diagnosis - will have to verify with my proper doc in the week).

Anyway, thank goodness for spellcheck to weed out all those embarrasing smelling pistakes before piblushing...

Here are some pretty pictures to take your mind off my troubles (and sorry for sharing them).

Hanging Garden Stole by Sivia Harding progress and detail shots - you won't believe how many times I've tinked this little baby!

Detail

Look What I Got!

2006-07-21T20:58:00.000Z

I ordered this yarn and the book a couple of weeks ago because I have heard so much about it and felt that I needed to give some a home...

The yarn is sooo soft and being Superwash Merino means that I can bung it in the machine! It's Socks That Rock yarn and the colour is Scottish Highlands.

PS Les' socks fit a treat so I dare say I will be making more at some point (but not in this yarn)

PPS Hi Anna! Yes - the socks are on my list of things to knit!!

Hot!

2006-07-20T08:58:00.000Z

It has been so hot here over the last week. Yesterday afternoon Dave and all his colleagues were sent home at 4.30pm and when he got home he cheerily announced that the temperature according to his car was a whopping 37 degrees! That is so hot!!

The cats have been struggling to not overheat and I haven't seen Bungle for a couple of days. I did however find her yesterday afternoon trying her hardest to keep cool.

DO NOT DISTURB!

On the knitting front - Les' socks are all done and will be posted to him today.

I started a Knit Along and have managed the cast on and knit about 10 rows

This is what I'm aiming for

My Mate Les...

2006-07-14T20:58:00.000Z

called me during the week to ask me if I'd knit him a pair of socks with no seams across the toes! - No problem. I debated whether to use a snazzy Red or something a little wilder - (Fall Foliage) but in the end I decided to play it safe and use 'Bark' - a Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Solid.

One sock is finished mate - you'll have to hop until I get the other one done!!

Lichen Ribbed Sock from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. It has a Welsh Heel and a Star Toe of Three Points....apparently.

On It's Way!

2006-07-12T22:14:00.000Z

I finally posted my Rowanette Exchange gift the other day! It's a hot water bottle cover knitted in Artesano Alpaca and using a pattern from Rebecca Home magazine. I also included in my parcel the washcloth that I made a couple of weeks back and a skein of Lucy Neatby Celestial Merino in Fiery Fuschia along with a set of Brittany dpn's. Hope my Exchange Pal likes her parcel!

I've also whipped up this pair of socks for a friends birthday at the weekend.

I've made these before in the same colour and she nearly disappeared with them last time. I thought it best to let her have her own pair.

Yarn - Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino.
Colour - Winterberry.
Pattern - Bobbles and Beads.

Hands Up If You Fancy a Knitalong!

2006-07-10T09:56:00.000Z

I've been 'talking' to Liz over the weekend and we've both fallen for the Baudelaire socks over on the latest Knitty.

We are aiming to start knitting on 7th August. Anyone fancy joining us?

Knitting over the weekend has been entirely on Kimono Shawl - another 3 repeats. I've now done 8 out of 25 and am going to have to have a rest from it for a few days as my wrists have started to complain about knitting on straights for too long.

Two Steps Forward...Three Steps Back...

2006-07-06T21:59:00.000Z

That's exactly what has happened this evening. I have been going great guns with the Kimono Shawl and sat down to knit this evening to find that I had to undo most of what I knitted yesterday evening. It's taken me until now to find where I went wrong and get back to where I was when I started! I'm not going to show you the non progress, but have decieded to dig out something I made a while ago.

I hadn't done any colour work for years and went on a one day workshop at my local John Lewis last summer to freshen my memory. It was a great day and I learned how to knit Fair Isle using both hands to knit at the same time! (Right hand knits normally, left one Continental). It was easier than it sounds. Anyway, here is what I was inspired to go on and knit....

Detail

I also dashed out after the thunderstorms we had this morning to take a couple of piccies of my tubs that I planted earlier this year. You'll have to scroll down a little.

I can't believe how much they've grown - they now look like this!

Happy Birthday.........To Me!!

2006-07-03T11:14:00.000Z

Is it me or do birthdays seem to come round a little faster each year? I'm 44 today and can't believe it! I still feel as though I should in my 20's (okay that's probably stretching it a little - early 30's then).

I've had a lovely morning so far - was woken at 5am by Bungle meowing like mad at me. My present from her was a freshly caught headless mouse gently placed on the duvet next to me..eeeewwww!

I have had flowers and home made cards from my girls,

hubby bought me some of my favourite perfume and the complete series 1 - 6 of The West Wing

My friend Margie popped round early to give me these - the scent is divine!

FOR TESS - THESE ARE THE STOCKS!!!

and I gave myself these two books

Knitting Nature caught my eye when it was mentioned by Yvonne and I thought it warranted a closer look. It is my sort of book and I can see myself using it a lot.

The Kimono Shawl is progressing nicely.

I managed to get a fair bit done yesterday, but because I'm using straights I needed to take a break every now and then so didn't get as much done as I'd hoped.

Home Alone....

2006-07-01T21:45:00.000Z

Yep, it's just me and the pussycats this weekend. I can't remember the last time I had a weekend on my own. It's good to do your own thing once in a while, but this weekend I was supposed to be in Finland!

I made the decision to stay at home when my daughter was still in hospital and as we didn't know when she was coming home, we cancelled my flight. At the last minute, the girls' dad was keen to have them this weekend so they happily went after lunch with the promise of an afternoon's shopping.

I've spent most of the day catching up with boring jobs like laundry and housework and plan to spend tomorrow indulging myself in a days knitting.

The July instalment of my Posh Yarn Sock Club arrived this morning. I'm not sure which yarn it is, but I suspect it's merino. It's lovely and soft.

The cats have spent the day trying to find a cool spot to splodge out in. Bungle spent most of the afternoon in her favourite chair (probably due to it being near enough to an open window, but not directly in a breeze).

Zippy plumped for a shady spot in the conservatory, but was after a little more heat than her sister!

What a Week!

2006-06-29T22:13:00.000Z

I'm still slightly reeling from the last week.. I was away for most of the week with work and came home on Saturday evening to find my eldest had been not too well for the last six hours. Not normally a problem, but she is Diabetic and this sort of thing can upset the equilibrium.

Sunday morning arrived and she was still being unwell so I called the out of hours doctor who advised me to take her to the Childrens' Ward at our local hospital about 15 miles away.

Within 15 minutes of us arriving, she was whisked into their H.D.U (like Intensive care for children), attached to a drip and had 1.5l of fluid over 45minutes to try and correct her dehydration aswell as being connected to a heart monitor and several other machines.

I knew she must be feeling rotten as she didn't once complain (unusual for a 15yr old)! Needless to say, work was put on hold whilst I spent long days in hospital with her. She came home on Tuesday evening and I have been playing catch up ever since.

I have knitted lots over the last week - I started my Diamond Fantasy Shawl in Halo (Dreamtime)

I also started on the Kimono Wrap from Folk Shawls (hospital knitting) for my father-in-law's lady friend in this
colourway Marshgrass and it's so easy to knit with. Normally I don't enjoy the harshness of knitting with cotton, but this is silky smooth and is knitting up a dream!

I'll try and get some better pictures for you all.

I even tried a cable cast on (I'm normally a long tail thumb cast on 'gal) and have to say I am pleased with it so far.

30 Things.....

2006-06-17T15:38:00.000Z

...about me.

I've seen this on a few other blogs lately and thought I'd see if I could come up with my own list.

1. I always buy just one bunch of Sweet Williams around this time every year - they remind me of my mum.

2. I am the second eldest of four girls. My dad wanted boys and got us instead!

3. I have had a fairly diverse range of jobs over the years ranging from a Florist, General Nurse, Midwife, City and Guilds Tutor to my current job.

4. Of the 500+ babies I delivered when I was a Midwife, only one was named after me.

5. I delivered a baby in the back of a Mini, in a car park, in the middle of the night.

6. I am Godmother to 34 children.

7. In the last 2 years I have died twice during surgery.

8. Death doesn't scare me any more.

9. I have been married twice and both times I have been a second wife.

10. I passed my Driving Test first time after just 10 lessons and no practise.

11. I have written off one car after I skidded on some black ice and ended up in a ditch.

12. I can't ride a bike, roller skate or ice skate as something odd happens to my sense of balance when I try to do any of these - it is great to watch though!

13. I was born on the same day in the same year as Tom Cruise.

14. I hate shopping - unless it's for yarn.

15. I have been knitting for 35 years (ouch).

16. My favourite food is Strawberries.

17. My favourite film is Shadowlands with Anthony Hopkins.

18. I can only swim a short distance and am terrified if I get out of my depth.

19. My favourite place to be when I'm not at home is a fantastic hotel called Strattons. My husband takes me there for the last weekend before Christmas every year.

20. I love motor sport and spent my 21st birthday at a banger race and my second honeymoon at a drag strip.

21. I love cooking.

22. The only foods I really dislike are Olives, Grapefruits and Aubergines. I don't do shellfish or offal either.

23. I have to have a cup of tea first in the morning before I can start to function properly.

24. I have an allergic reaction if I eat chocolate!

25. I could quite happily live without a TV in the house, but would be lost without my music.

26. I used to play the violin (Grade 4 if you want to know).

27. I met my husband (second one) purely by chance and discovered very early on that we both used to go to the same family (who live miles away and are not related) for tea when we were children. My uncle also used to cut his hair when he was a boy.

28. I've never had my own teddy bear.

29. I don't give up easily - too stubborn or stupid to know when to quit!

30. I found this harder than I thought it would be.

There you go!

Pick Me Up

2006-06-16T12:05:00.000Z

I've been a good girl (for once) and last night picked up the second half of Paisley from the provisional cast on.

It wasn't too bad and apart from untwisting the stitches as I knit the first row, I arrived at the end of the picking up with EXACTLY the right number of stitches!

I am already planning my next project and have an idea as to which yarn I'll be using.

Before picking up Paisley again, I had another quick project to rustle up in time for next week. It took 2 skeins of Windsong in Serengeti colourway and turned out exactly as I hoped.

Here it is modelled by the Invisible Woman!

Back view

All Washed Out

2006-06-13T14:56:00.000Z

A little mid Paisley knitting..

I've been wanting to knit a washcloth for a while now (don't know why) and this seemed the perfect mid-project knit.

It took around 2 hours to knit the petals (on dpn's, join them and transfer onto a circular needle)

and another couple of hours to work the decreases in the centre section.

I love quick projects.

The pattern came from an old edition of Interweave Knits, but can also be found in Weekend Knits by Melanie Falick. the yarn was Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille - and it feels scrummy!

A Game of Two Halves..

2006-06-11T16:43:00.000Z

Before you disappear thinking that even here, you can't avoid all the World Cup hype - fear not! This is definitely going to be a football free zone.

I am of course referring to Paisley. The first half has been finished and I will be picking up the provisional cast on and starting on the second half very soon. I may just knit a couple of quickies in the meanwhile, just to refresh myself, but I love this design so much, there is no chance that it will end up as a U.F.O.

Drool over this...

The bottom edge is a bit wonky where I pinned it out very roughly so that I could snap it before one of the cats landed on it.

Obligatory close up..

Oh, I better add a cute pic of one of the cats - this is Zippy flaked out in the conservatory this afternoon in all the heat.

Spot The Difference

2006-06-05T22:01:00.000Z

I couldn't resist comparing these two pictures...

What do you think?

The weather was glorious over the weekend which meant that not as much knitting got done as I had hoped. I painted some of the fence panels whilst my hubby and his mate dug and shifted six tons of clay ( a massive shed/workshop is going up behind the garage which will hopefully rehome him indoors' hobby when he's not on the computer).

I managed to get more of Paisley done last night. I've finished the Boteh section along with the first spacer and small paisley sections.

Detail shot!

I'm about a third of the way through the large paisley and then I'm almost done for this half. I can't believe how fast this is growing. I've also still got loads of the first ball left!

Better Luck Next Time..

2006-06-03T07:16:00.000Z

The results for the competition came through late yesterday evening and I didn't make it into the top placings. I'm pleased to have been selected as a finalist - it was more than I expected. Thank you to everyone who sent me 'Good Luck' messages - I really appreciate your support.

I had some Posh Yarn arrive in the post this morning. I think this will become a pair of socks for my youngest daughter.

I've nearly finished the middle section of Paisley. As soon as I've finished the next pattern block, I'll show you how she is coming on.

Exciting News!

2006-06-01T14:09:00.000Z

I just had to share this with you all....

Remember the silk shawl I entered in the Cherry Tree Hill design competition?

Well I heard last night that I am one of the 10 finalists!!

I should hear late tomorrow the final results and will keep you all posted.

Where Did The Weekend Go?

2006-05-30T13:59:00.000Z

I can't believe the weekend went so quickly! Having a lot of rain gave me the perfect excuse to sit and knit for a greater part of the last few days.

Paisley is growing nicely and I'll soon be onto the next chart.

In between the rain showers, the sun was beautiful and I was able to get out in the garden and tidy it up. We inherited an established, but overgrown garden when we moved here and sadly, some of the shrubs had got so woody, the only thing to do was to dig them up and start again.

I'll take you on a quick tour of my garden so far..

This is looking towards the house from the far end of the garden.

The next view is taken at 90 degrees from the last one looking across to the conservatory.

We're now standing a few feet away from the conservatory looking back across to where the last two pictures were taken.

I also took a trip to the Garden Centre and spent some of my stash money on plants!!

I haven't completely lost it though - these two arrived this morning. Thank goodness for Mr.Mastercard!!

Just for Angie!!

Paisley or Peacock?

2006-05-28T10:58:00.000Z

I was very torn as to which way to go. A smidge more yarn arrived in the post that was ordered with Peacock in mind.

It's a little finer than I thought it would be and what the pattern suggests, plus it needed winding and I was itching to cast on. It's shown next to a strand of Silkwood Sock Yarn.

Paisley won the toss, but it was very close.

It's coming along faster than I thought it would and I'm really enjoying this. The yarn is lovely to work with and whilst it's not the softest I've used, it has a beautiful feel to it.

By the end of yesterday evening I had finished the first repeat (five more to go) and went to bed feeling rather pleased with myself.

Blue String Pudding Anyone?

2006-05-26T18:54:00.000Z

Do you remember The Clangers? One of their staple meals was Green Soup and Blue String Pudding. I made my own yesterday.

I'm not having much luck with this project at the moment. I seem to knit 5" and undo 3. Here's how far I had got before I realised that I'd forgotten to start the shaping.

I had to rip back to the safety pin! I'm almost done, but won't share any more of this until it's time to send it off to my Exchange Pal.

Can anyone guess what it is yet? I'll give a yarny prize to the first name pulled out of the hat with the correct answer.

Who Let The Cat Out of The Bag?

2006-05-24T10:30:00.000Z

What else (apart from sleep) do cats get up to when it's tipping down with rain outside and they're bored?

They play Hide and Seek!

Ahem!... Back to the knitting... I've turned the heel on the Silkwood sock and I love the way this is knitting up. I think if I ever knit these again, I'll do a couple more pattern repeats before I start on the heel flap. The instructions are very well written and easy to follow and if anyone is thinking about giving lacy socks a go, then this would be a good one to start with.

I'm also making good progress with my exchange gift, but need to rip back a bit 'cos I've overshot on the length a bit! Photo's next time.

A Bad Case of Startitis!

2006-05-22T18:03:00.000Z

I know, I know! I couldn't help myself and have gone and started another project. I have ground to a halt on my Rowanette Exchange thingy and need a vital component before I can make any further progress.

There was nothing for it but to start on something else ( and besides I don't have enough WIP's at the moment either).

Yesterday I cast on this

with this.

I made swift progress and have got as far as turning the heel

a little further on than this picture, but they are whizzing along. The pattern is Hedera from Knitty.

On the cat front, there was only one thing that Zippy wanted to do today...

....on the grounds that it is far too wet for any self respecting pussycat to go out in!

I Can Resist Everything But Temptation

2006-05-20T09:41:00.000Z

One of my favourite quotes by Oscar Wilde, and so true! The lure of a new project finally got the better of me yesterday and I started on my Exchange gift. I had originally thought that I would knit the cables in another colour, but I got in such a tangle and wasn't happy with how it was turning out so ripped it back after 4" and started again.

This time I am using two strands of Alpaca and it's growing well, but not without having found a wrong cable.

I hadn't noticed it when I took this picture and had knitted to the end of the first pattern repeat.

There was nothing for it but to take the offending cable out

I then began the task of putting it right and could have done with at least one extra pair of hands!

Job done.

Excuse me whilst I go and lay down in a darkened room .....

All The Way From Alabama

2006-05-18T08:21:00.000Z

That's how far my Sockapaloooza socks have travelled! I had an email from my Sock Pal on Friday to say that she had posted them to me and they arrived this morning.

Not only were the socks in the parcel but also some 4ply Mystic Alpaca and a copy of her local paper.

I'm not sure which sock yarn was used, but it is 100% Merino and soooo soft.

Laura, if you are reading this - Thank You so much. They fit perfectly and I LOVE them!

Growing Pains

2006-05-16T09:14:00.000Z

Last night I did the Picot edging to the bottom of River. It took me longer to undo the provisional cast on than to do the cast off!

I also managed a few more repeats - see - it's growing!

I just wish there were just a few more knitting hours in the day. I'll leave you with a couple of pictures to make you go 'Aaaahhhh'

I Love Monday Mornings!

2006-05-15T08:48:00.000Z

Not normally, I hasten to add, but this morning got off to a good start with the postie bringing me this...

and this...

I can see I'm going to get a lot done today! I'm going to be good and NOT start on the shawl straight away as I have to finish a couple of things off first (yeah - I can see that happening).

I also thought you may like to see Zippy's latest trick. She doesn't generally like using the cat flap and will wait around it for ages until someone is mug enough to open it for her. This serves as a good alternative...

Apologies for the poor quality of the pics, but I think you get the general idea!

Give Us a Clue?

2006-05-13T16:31:00.000Z

Yesterday I found out who I am knitting for in this year's Rowanette Exchange. I've got a few ideas as to what I'm going to knit and the only clue I am going to give for now is that it will involve this

Progress on the River Stole is slow - I've managed another repeat, but am trying hard not to be distracted by this. The Soft Seascape is calling my name and it's getting louder by the minute. I must resist...I must resist...

Here's One I Made Earlier

2006-05-11T12:49:00.000Z

.. or rather several to be precise.

I've been laid up with the 'flu over the last few days so haven't done a huge amount of knitting. I do have, however, a few pictures of some of the things I have knitted over the last year or so and thought now would be a good time to share them with you.

Absolutely Fabulous Throw - Antique colourway.

This had been in my stash for quite a while before I made it - don't know why I left it so long before doing it as it is exactly as it's name implies - Absolutely Fabulous!! (And I had visions of swilling Bolly under it Patsy style).

Detail

Next is a second throw inspired by the Ab Fab and also because we redecorated the lounge about a month after I'd finished the first. We have also just moved house, so I can feel another one coming on *sigh*

Detail

Last year I took part in the Rowanette Exchange. The first gift was to a fellow Rowanette in the US and the Theme was 'Edgy'.

Saxon Braid Scarf - as on the cover of Knitting on the Edge by Nicky Epstein As well as lace knitting, I also love cables (the more complex the better) and this was a really enjoyable knit.

I also adopted an 'orphan' towards the end and knitted Ene's Shawl from Scarf Style

Modelled by my lovely daughter H

Detail

Progress

2006-05-09T22:50:00.000Z

Tonight I managed to get almost to the end of my third pattern repeat on River...only another 17 to do!

I've also been a bit naughty and treated myself to this as I have spent most of the day in bed with 'flu and needed cheering up - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!! I've chosen the colour Mahogany which is a gorgeous deep plum.