....here she comes....

Babies and Puppies

2010-04-28T09:06:00.003+01:00

I just want to say Congratulations to my SIL she had a baby girl on Monday morning! The blanket will be given to her when she comes over in probably a bit under 2 months. I also have bits of a teddy bear I was supposed to make but never put together that I shall do for her as well since its pink! If I can find all the pieces that is!

In knitting news I have finished the graphs on the arms of my cardi. Now I just need to finish knitting them to length knit the bands and then put it togther and its finished. Think I can do that all by christmas this year? HAHAHAH When I do manage to sit down and knit I remember why I love it so much and realise just how much I actually miss it. The feel of the wool/cotton whatever it is Im using slipping around my fingers and watching it get longer row by row its a good feeling of accomplishment. Not to mention the whole thought of having something to wear when finished is also a nice thought! :) So then why don't I do more? Easy there's always something else that needs doing first!
I've not been running the last week and a half because the dogs not been to well. I know bad excuse, leave him home and go do it on your own! Well I would apart from the fact I do not like leaving the dog home alone! I do if I HAVE to and hes fine I just don't LIKE to do it! His ear has been playing up and we took him in to get it looked at on Friday which we realised on Thursday because he never bothered it I just happend to catch sight of it not looking clever. So we were given some pills and told to come back this week so they could sedate him and clean it out and look properly since he wasnt letting them! Yes our puppy boy can be VERY stubborn when he wants to be, but he is a sweetheart! So we took him in yesterday and I had to leave him there. Oh I was so lost! I didnt know what to do! So I went shopping just so that I didnt have to come home. Finally I did and everything I was doing I kept expecting him to come running in to see what was going on! Finally we got to go pick him back up!! Nurse told me he was great, very well behaved, and so lovely. When they brought him out to us I honestly thought they were giving us the wrong dog. He looked so out of it. Well thats becauase he was. Took him until about 10 oclock to finally start acting normal!!! But he did figure out how to open the cupboard and take out his bag of biscuits and throw them on the floor trying to eat as many as he could before being found out! HAAHA This morning hes fine! Running around playing like nothings wrong. :) His ears been cleaned out and we were given some ear cleaner and drops to put in to clear up any bits that might be left. Also we gave his ears the clean this morning with the drops and he was such a good boy! Took them without to much of a fight! he did LIKE them but he also let us do it! :)
I must go and do my exercises now. Joy oh Joy! haha

Running Mad

2010-03-29T10:42:00.002+01:00

I finished the baby blanket for SIL but I still havent washed and dried it.. OOPS! I really need to do that so we can send it off! Then I started a pair of socks. Because who wants to knit a winter cardi that she cant wear just yet? Okay more its to big to pull out and I just wanted something small and easy. But of course I start knitting the socks and refuse to admit what I know 70sts is to big for me. I need something smaller. Then add that its a lace pattern its going to be far to big. UGH! so after 17 (think thats what it was) rows I finally admitted I just needed to rip it out and start over! 17 rows normally wouldnt be that bad of a thing, but that took me all day to get done in between stopping the dog eating the ball of wool and playing with him. See why I said I wanted something small and easy? :) And nope Im not complaining I love me some puppy! So Ive started over but I only have the cuff done which is 3 rows! HAHA
I watched New Moon and it then made me pull out Eclipse and start to read it. I NEED to know whats going to happen. Im still upset that Breaking Dawn isnt out on paperback yet. I dont really like hard back books as the dont "match" with my other books which are all paperback. Anyways I keep picking the book up every free second to read a page or two and since OH was home this weekend I got a couple of chapters read while he entertained puppy boy instead! woo hoo!
So last week we didnt go running, Tyson had a very dodgy tummy and took a couple days to get right so I decided best just give him a break and of course that was the perfect excuse to give me a break as well! HAHA So back on it this morning we were out there running along happily thinking I was tracking our run and pace! Im not really sure what happened but it wasnt saved! I paused and ended the workout like normal and then went to check it out and it wasnt saved!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO We took the same route as we did the last time we ran on Friday before and that was 3.37 miles so as it was the same we did that again. Only problem is we did run faster, as we spent more time running this time then taking our walking breaks! So I havent a clue our best mile. THAT STINKS!!
Anyways Ill leave you with a funny photo of my sweet puppy! :) This was taken yesterday while we were all at the park, he was concentrating very hard on the choccie drop that was being offered if he sat still. There are others where he was trying to jump and get it but this one just made me laugh. His big slobber jaws get stuck behind his teeth so they show and we just laugh. Didnt even know I got this shot until we got home and were looking at them.

Im ALIVE!

2010-03-15T15:30:00.003Z

Wow, I dont really know where to begin! Its been nearly 5 months since updating here last. Theres so much that has happened and at the same time so little has happened!
I finished the scarfs and the pair of socks (that I forgot to photograph!) for christmas. Everyone loved their gifts. Always makes me happy when they do! Ive finished the body of the cardi and then Ive started to sleeves I just havent finished. I am nearly finished crocheting a baby blanket for OH sister who is due shortly. So really I need to get a movin and finish that!! Heres a photo of the baby blanket:

Its much bigger now and Im nearly done but trying to decided if I should go buy one more ball of cotton yarn so I can make it a bit longer. When I work on it it goes rather quickly but I dont always keep it at hand.
At the end of October (which this is the main reason Ive been so quiet!) we picked up a puppy:

Hes kept us VERY busy! And hes the main reason my knitting has suffered and Ive been so quiet on here. NO I AM NOT COMPLAINING!!! I love our little boy very much!

Come on, who couldnt resist and love a face like that? :) We are very lucky becuases he is a VERY good puppy! Doesnt chew the house up, he is house trained, can walk nicely on a lead, sits, stays, lays down, gives you his paw, high five, speaks, and can be trusted off lead as long as other dogs arent around. Hes really good and just wants to play with other dogs but he forgets hes a puppy and not all dogs want to play with him, not to mention he forgets his manners and completely ignores us calling him back! I know he just wants to play! Hes nice to the mail man in fact when we see him walking he wants to always go over and say hello! He understands Daddys home and gets VERY excited to go greet him at the door. Hes a good puppy and normally is a pretty quiet dog. Still remember the first time he barked, he scared us! Thought something was wrong! Since its been warming up Ive been going out running and he comes along with me. Then we get these nice peaceful times where hes not trying to constantly get us to play, and even that we dont mind.

Thats his favorite toy. Hes had it since we first got him. When you think hes forgotten about it he pulls it out and wont leave it alone for days.
So thats what Ive been doing lately. I will try to update more often but sometimes its finding the time to sit down and update. Will take proper photos of the baby blanket before I send it to the Mum as well. And will TRY to finish my cardi even if its coming up to summer and I wont be able to wear it I want it sorted for next winter! Thinking ahead since I planed to have it for this winter but failed miserably! Ive not given up on knitting its just taken a back seat. Same as Ive not given up on running!
Right need to go feed our little monster! Hope to see you all back soon with another update!

About time to update!

2009-10-20T13:50:00.002+01:00

Wow Ive got so much to update I dont even know where to begin! :)
So Ill start with scarves! I got the third Victorian Lace Christmas scarf completed.

And I have started the fourth and final one. Only have two repeats so far I really must knit faster!

Then my camping socks have been put to the side in order to do everything else. OOPS! But I do have one complete and the other started so they wont take long to finish off once I go back. (whenever that may be!)

My Glasgow Lace sweater has been put to the side in order to get scarves (and a cardi) knit. Im thinking of just edging the arm holes and leave as is. We will see once I go back to it.

Then I started to knit myself a big squishy cardi. I LOVE IT! But have put it to the side in order to get my xmas knitting done.

thats the left front close up. The right front will look the same. Im having trouble keeping myself from picking it back up to finish it. I love the look so far. :) And its goiing to be SOOO WARM!

So I have one scarf I need to finish and start and finish a pair of socks and then block the two scarves Ive just knit. Ive already washed and blocked the first two scarves. I will finish before christmas its just I might have trouble staying focused because Ive got acouple of wips going all at the same time. I dont like that! I will make sure once I get my knitting done and finish with the little stash I have, I will be making sure not to get a stash going again! This whole half finished project just is not cutting it. I want to finish everything NOW! hah :)
Oh and I felted my Thermal. NOT HAPPY!!! i loved that sweater. All that means is I will have to knit another one for myself. ERM just not right now! To much else on the go! Now I must go and KNIT!

Sock it to me update!

2009-08-27T15:59:00.002+01:00

My Glasgow Lace sweater is coming along, well actually thats not entirely true! Its sitting in my WIP box at the moment. Not because its being naughty and not knitting up properly its because we went away camping for the weekend and I couldnt take it with me as I was afraid of either leaving it there or messing it up! So instead I took some sock yarn and started a new sock. :) I have finished the back and almost finished the front of the sweater just have about an hour (probably not even that long honestly!) left to work on it and then I can start the arms.

These are the Vog Socks from knitty.com I actually finished this one last night and was going to start back on the sweater but when I tried it on was far to big! I knew there was going to be issues with it anyways while I was knitting tthe gusset and heel but I just decided not to listen to my inner knitter and contiued to go ahead and knit on it. Well I forgot to take a photo last night when I tried it on becauses I instantly ripped it out! I have decided to just do a short row heel on it and not bother with a gusset and heel flap. Once I finish this bad boy up (which shouldnt take to long! as they are only ankle socks anyways) I will be going back to finish the sweater. After the sweater Im going to knit one more scarf then this socks mate then the final scarf.
Right I must go and knit this sock if I want to hurry up and knit my sweater! :) Plan is to get the sweater one scarf and sock finished by end of September. I should be able to as long as I dont go off knitting for a bit again.

Im on a roll!

2009-08-07T13:31:00.002+01:00

Front

Back

Specs:
Travelers Stocking by Nancy Bush from Knitting on the Road
2.75mm dpns
Some wool that I got onsale from hipknits and lost the band so forget what it is. SORRY! but its lovely
Time frame June 8th to August 5th
Took my time to finish these because I took a break to knit the two of four xmas scarfs.
I slightly changed the pattern by cutting 10 stitches out and then not knitting the longer leg I dont do long socks thats why. Im very happy with these. :)

I didnt want to start another scarf I felt like being selfish again so I cast on Glasgow Lace by Sharon Shoji from Interweave Knits Fall 2006

Its a really easy pattern to follow and Im loving it so far. :)

Knit using Sirdar Calico its a cotton acrylic mix and its really nice feeling. Added the ribbed bottom instead of the shell boarder in tthe pattern, theres nothing wrong with it I just prefer things a bit more "solid" looking. Knitting up nice and quickish. The only other change Im going to make is that I will be knitting it longer.
Have a great weekend everyone and happy crafting/relaxing!

Remember that top I made?

2009-08-04T13:49:00.002+01:00

Remember back to the begining of summer when went on a bit of a sewing binge? but never actually completed anything? Yeah you nearly forgot too huh? :) Well I did actually finish the shorts and the top I was working on. No you may not see the shorts they look horrible! I need to rip them to bits and resew them without the pleats but that will have to go on waiting for a very long time Im still mad at them!
The top I finished that ages ago and was waiting and waiting to sew on some buttons to the back finally I seen it sitting in my drawer and decided to stop being lazy get my buttons and quickly sew them on so I could wear it. Well here you are! :)

My top finally finished! And Im wearing it. Its a burda pattern from one of their magazines I cant remember its been that many weeks (months?) ago. I like it! In fact if summer werent nearly over then I would probably make another couple of these to add to my summer stash of clothes. but alas Im sat here in this top with a cardi on as wel so its not really the weather for the top but I do like it! :)
Now to make a top thats got sewn in arms that actually look/fit properly! With the colder weather I need some sleeved tops and I need to make them work! for some reason mine never fit and thats the main reason I dont sew many tops/dresses that have sleeves... in fact all but one Ive made Ive thrown out Ive been so annoyed. Of course you dont see those because Im to embarassed to show!
Right Im nearly finished with my sock just got the toe to go so Im off to go knit! :)

Ive got pictures if you have time

2009-07-30T20:13:00.002+01:00

I finished my first scarf just need to give it a proper good block. I will probably do that when I get them all finished. :)

And Im nearly finished with the second scarf!
These are from Victorian Lace Today they are the Double Boarder Scarf. The pattern is easy enough to remeber and they are flying off the needles considering I seem to pick them up only now and again. once I finish this second scarf I WILL be taking a break to finish my other sock. I just wanted to start these becauses usually I panic that I wont finish my xmas knitting in time. But I know this year I wll finish in plenty of time.
I really should update the blog more but its so much easier writting a message to twitter then sitting down and updating here so just look at my twitter feed to see what I am up to daily. :)
BTW yes I have still been behaving and have not yet started to read the third book of the twilight series I really am holding out until the fourth comes out on paperback trust me its hard though! I watched the movie though the other day again. :) I think thats being good as thats only the second time I seen it. I actually prefer the book to the film. the film is good and I did enjoy rewatching it but I just think the book offers that something more to you. :) Mind you it may be becauses I LOVE to read anyways.
Right Ive got a scarf to finish!

Quickly Quickly

2009-07-10T07:44:00.003+01:00

I finished the first of my Travelers Socks from Knitting on the Road by Nancy Bush
http://twitpic.com/9oqnz
Sorry I just took that the other day and put it in twitter instead of flickr so its just a link instead of a pic. but go look! :) I cast on 70 stitches did the first bit of the pattern decreased 2 stitches and then did the first chart for the leg and then went ahead and did the heel and foot plain. I was going to bring the pattern down the top of the foot but in tthe end decided to just leave it plain and show off the colours of the wool. :)
Ive also started my Christmas Knitting... yep you heard that right starting in July!
http://twitpic.com/9tii2
Its the Double Border Scarf from Victorian Lace Today. I read about trying to get your head around the pattern and remembering what side is supposed to be what row from Ravelry. And once I realised thats where people were having issues I made sure to note which was which and Ive been knitting happily away on it. :) will be making 4 of these and I will be very happily sick of the pattern just like I was with the Melon Scarfs I knit 2 years ago! :) Using some very nice King Cole Anti Tickle Merino 100% New Wool for these that I got off of ebay. Its really nice! I will have to get more for some other projects when Im finshed and Ive knit my other sock and two cardigans Ive got planned... *sigh* not enough hours in the day to get all the knitting done I want!

Honeycomb Mossish is finished!

2009-06-22T13:37:00.002+01:00

I finished my Honeycomb vest on Sunda June 21st.

I like it. I did learn one thing though verigated yarn isnt really me. I do solids! Well at least for tops and things that I am going to wear solids are for me. Ill wear this and I like the way it turned out its just well all those colours arent really my thing in one top. like I said, Im a solids sorta gal.
Pattern is Honeycomb from Knitty
Yarn is Patons Vintage
Needles were 3.5mm circulars.
Knit in the round up to armholes then knit side to side.
Now I dont know if I should knit me sock I started or cast on for another Oblique that I have yarn for... hm the options! Ill go watch some tennis and thing about it. :)

Vest Socks and Hair! What a combo...

2009-06-11T20:06:00.003+01:00

Im sorry this is really a bit late when I said I wanted to show off my knitting a week ago! OOPS I can only say sorry!
Ive been knitting on Honeycomb from knitty. To prove I FINALLY took some pictures! Im ready to split for the front and back, which means Im nearly done! WOO HOO lets see if I can do this in a reasonable amount of time. Really I am taking far to long on this then is really needed. Maybe I should stop doing everything else that I do and just sit down and knit huh? Because when I do I fly away with it!

Its a highly textured vest. and I think it looks really good. I wont lie, I was seriously worried that i wasnt going to look nice when I had first started but I think its turned out to look okay.

Then for some reason on Monday I decided to start a pair of socks. Because one project that was going a bit slow wasnt enough for me to be upset about not being done! Im not a person who has a load of projects on the go at once. But I started the socks anyways!

As you see they are the Travelers Stockings by Nancy Bush. I cut 10 stitches out because I dont want them overly long and Im also changing to have the second bit of the pattern to continue all the way down the leg and foot. And lets hope by doing that I dont run out of wool! HAHA Which of course has also needed me to cut the 10 stitches out of the second chart. Ive worked it out in my head that its going to be alright and I want to finish my vest before I do all of that sock. :)
Lastly I want to show off my new hair cut! Ive wanted to cut all my hair off for some time now and keep talking myself out of it. Finally yesterday I just went and done it. :) I love it! Its been about 6 years since Ive had short hair, so its still slightly odd and I keep playing with it and looking at it. But yep it gets my seal of approval! *seal clapping and noises*

Right now I need to go and knit this vest! Take care and knit on!

Exercise mad?

2009-06-03T19:56:00.003+01:00

I know that this is my knitting blog. Well actually this is my only blog, not really sure why I made that sentence sound like I had more then one? This post however isnt about knitting. SORRY! I swear I will get to posting about my honeycomb vest its coming along and looks good as well...
If you bother to follow my twitter updates you will know that I was walking/running 5 miles a day 4-5 days a week and have now pushed it to 6. I have never been one to exercise. Shoot you were hard pushed to see me do any sort of sporty activity in school once I hit my teens! I looked at it as my way to be a rebel! But now my gym teachers would be impressed that I am actually running and doing things! Dont get me wrong I was never overly lazy I just didnt do enough and ate way to much so was a bit larger then perhaps I should have been. :) I walk mostly every where that I go and still do now.
My wonderful other half about a year ago went on a mad health kick. I say mad because he went full on with it, exercising every day on the treadmill eating a proper healthy diet, doiing all the things your supposed to do and doing very and is still doing very well with it. He looks GREAT! And Im not just saying that because I love him and he is my OH Im saying it because its true! But about 3 years ago I started cutting rubbish out of my diet. Like eating loads of chocolate a day not drinking loads of Sprite changing that to water juice and diet coke. Then I started changing other things and I lost a lot of weight over that period of time. Of course all of that is great he was looking better and better by the day and I looked good myself but I wanted to look as toned as he was! And I shouldnt forget that when I started to have a go on the treadmill I stopped going out every day doing the grocery shopping so therefor loosing my exercise, so decided to just have a walk on the treadmill instead. I started slowly and every time was pushing myself more and more. I never thought I would say this but I LOVE IT!
My motivation is looking every day at the OH and seeing what great hard work looks like and knowing that if he can do it then by golly so can I!!! So I get on in the mornings and either watch something on the telly or turn the music on and turn it up and just go for it. I start with a half mile walk at 5.5mi/hr and then start runing at 6.7mi/hr for 4 miles then back it down to 5.5mi/hr for another mile and then the last half a mile I slow it down until I get to 6 miles and I stop. I always feel great when I finish and Im glad that I do it. I have the weekends off and am "lazy" and then I now end up having a day off during the week as well because I did find trying to do 5 days in a row to be just to much for my legs and I was tooooooo tired come the weekend to want to move and thats not good! Usually I cant wait for monday morning because sometimes I end up wanting to get up and go for a run on the weekends but I make myself relaxe I dont want to get to the stage I dont enjoy it any more!
Anyways the whole point of all of this is because for the first time today in a very long time I ENJOYED going shopping for clothes! Before I changed my diet (didnt set out to loose weight that was the added benefit to myself) I was a size UK18-20 I am now a size UK10-12 depending what it is and how I want it to fit most of the stuff I got today was a 10. But last week I got a couple of things that were 12 it depends how its cut and how I want it to fit. Bought my first ever pair of skinny jeans today and when I tried them on felt like a dork because I couldnt stop checking myself out in the mirror!! HAHAHAH Got a dress and again couldnt stop checking out my legs in the mirror! Its great! :) Weight wise Im pretty much the same its just everything is finally shapping up nicely and looking good.
Im sorry this post was all about me me me and hopefully it doesnt sound like I am bragging because Im not! I am just happy that I am not so lazy any more and actually feel great about being so active.

**btw Nikki I stay on as long as I do (take just under an hour) because I got good music going or I want to finish the program I am watching on telly when both of those fail its because I know I can do it and Im just going to keep going that and Mark is GREAT motivation!!

Crochet Pink Thang is DONE and GOOD!

2009-05-20T19:43:00.002+01:00

I finished my crochet top.. My very first crochet top at that! Ive crocheted blankets before but never something to be worn. WOO HOO! I like the way it turned out too! I may have had trouble with the top section taking four days to figure out something that then only took two to complete (would have been one day but I didnt have enough time to sit and do it all!)

Going to have to get a black tank and a black long sleeved top to go under it for summer/winter I just dont think a black top with short sleeves goes very well. Im really happy with how this turned out and I will have a go at other crochet patterns now and not be scared of them. Becauses well, I CAN DO IT! Sorry Im really impressed with myself.
Forest Flower Pullover by Kirstin Omdahl its the cover design of Interweave Crochet Spring 2009
It was Bernat Satin in pink that my mother sent me back in the winter that I used. 4mm and 4.5mm crochet hook. 4mm for the body and joining yolk to the body and a 4.5mm for the motifs.
Once I understood what I was doing I found it straight forward and easy to do. But sometimes I need to walk away and come back to understand.
Started April 24th and finished May 20th.

I also got a load of yarn from www.kempswoolshop.com was delivered to me the very next day 2 balls of sock yarn and enough for 3 projects. Ive already casted on and have started one! :) I will write up about all of that in another post but for now I just had to show off my newly crochet top!

you expected it to be finished didnt you?

2009-05-14T10:55:00.002+01:00

Ive still been busily crocheting away on my top but theres not really a difference then what you see in the picture from the post below. A bit like knitting where the front and back are the same so you dont bother photographing it. I still havent gone back to finish sewing my top. I really need to but over cast slightly cold days dont really inspire me to finish sewing a sleeveless hopefully light floaty top!
Once I finish a couple more rows. Actually I think I have 2 left?!? I will then get to start the yolk of the sweater this is where things will turn umm fun? Because it goes to following a chart. HELP!! What have I gotten into?!? I havent ever crocheted something more then a square or rectangle but now Im supposed to not only shape something but follow a chart while doiing it... ERR I forsee ALOT of yelling at myself in the near future. Oh well it will be worth it because it is a pretty top Im trying to make. :)
Okay I should go and brush my hair (its still wrapped in the towel) and then got some cleaning to do (I hate cleaning the bathroom...) and then I got to make myself some lunch and only after all of that do I get to crochet... So I better get cracking! No wonder this seems to be taking ages ! hehe...
Have a great day!

Spring time fun!

2009-04-30T12:40:00.002+01:00

I really need to stop putting things off. Ive got no excuse for it other then just deciding to go and do other things instead or not wanting to form proper sentences. Actually do I ever form proper sentences even what I think I want too?!??
Anyways!
I finished my Spring Time Hippos a week ago.. LOOK!

Arent they pretty? I am still very upset at one of them for making me knit and rip and reknit and rerip the heel of it.. But Im getting over it because they are finished! So comfy too! :)
Some information for you one these cutie patooties!
Pattern is Pomatomus by Cookie A
Yarn is Wendy Happy 75% Bamboo 25% Nylon in colour Aquarius (I didnt realise they were named for star signs until I went to look something up I just liked the colours! Im a Capricorn)
Knit on 2.25mm DPNS my purple ones that Im madly in love with becauses they are purple!
This is the second time Ive knit this pattern and I still loved it this time round. They took AGES to do becauses I started out kniting on them only one day a week and then finally took them up as my main knitting project and finished them right away (well after fighting the heel on tthe second sock for forgetting where I was!) I would knit this pattern over and over its just pretty to me! :)

see even they are in love with each other! :)

Im currently crocheting the cover project of the current Interweave Crochet. Its going smoothly after adjusting the amount of stitches I started with. I for some reason had it like 20 some odd inches long and it werent supposed to be that long so Ive adjusted and now goiing smoothly along. Almost finished with the front bottom half to go and do the same thing for the back bottom half. :) Okay here have a look...

This is Bernat Satin and is 100% Acrylic, my mom sent it to me as a gift. And its lovely... but she sent me the grey I made the Feb Lady sweater from to go with it and Im not using the two together so this pink on its own is very umm PINK can you dye acrylic yarn without ruining it and with it actaully taking?? Im not sure what colour I will do it but Im sure when I finish I will want to change the colour my mom is cool with me doing this, I didnt want to hurt her feelings! But I just need to know if it will work before I waste the money....

Also last night I traced out a shirt pattern and today I washed the material its currently drying. So hopefully I will be cutting that out soon and start sewing that up and have a new summer shirt. I do still need to trace out the shorts that I want to do and wash the material for those but that will wait till later.

Have a good day and Ill be back when I finish something else to show! :)

Springs here...

2009-04-15T13:15:00.002+01:00

I finially finished my first sock at the beg of the week after starting these back in Feb!! BUT beforee you think I am a slow knitter I was only knitting on these one day a week! So thats why its taking so long. Now they have moved to my main (and only) knitting project. Thats why Ive got the first one finished and the second nearly half way there after thinking I was at the heel starting that and only then realising Im an idiot and need to rip it back out and add one more repeat. Mind you I could have left it but I would have had a VERY short leg on one of them! :)

Start of the second one up to the need for the last repeat.
BTW these are Pomatomus By Cookie A
I made them before in all white and they are my fav socks so when I bought this yarn as a christmas gift to myself I knew exactly what pattern to make and couldnt wait to cast on so was rather amused that I waited until Feb to actually start!
Alright Im going to go and knit on the socks but I want to start pulling out my sewing machine again and Ive got a really cute wee bag I would like to make and Ive got tracing paper to finally trace out those shorts I want to make as well.... To much to do when I am being to lazy instead! OOPS! Right off now! Catch you all later!

Finished Santeney!

2009-04-08T13:11:00.003+01:00

my finished vest! Its so comfy and I like it! :)
Its Santeney from Knitty
knit in one peice with 4.5mm needles using Bernat Cotton Tots Solid that was sent to me from my mom in this very pretty blue.
Started on March 17 2009
Finished on April 1 2009
I could have finished it before then but I kept setting it to the side instead of just doing it. I love it though! Im happy with the way it turned out! I knitted the neck band on instead of casting off the neck stitches. I also short row wrapped the shoulder shaping so that I didnt have to break and rejoin any yarn. theres only one big seam on the right hand shoulder. I love it theres my verdict!
BTW I seem to Twitter more then blog these days but I swear I havent given up on this blog I just find it easier to type up a quick 140 character twitter!
Also I have started to walk/run 5 days a week. Ive been doiing good I hope to stay motivated and keep going with it! I tweet what I do when I finish it so I think that alone should keep me goiing! :)
Alright gotta go get some other stuff done now.. Ill try and pop in more often to here!

Shes Alive!!

2009-03-19T13:19:00.003Z

Wow wheres the time flown too??? I swear theres been a few times thatt Ive wanted to sit down and write something but Ive gotten busy doing something else Ive just not. Well that and the fact Ive not been knitting anything or what I have knit Ive ripped out! Kind of took a nice break and read 2 book instead. Felt good and feels good to be knitting again! :)

That would be what I am knitting now! Its the Santeney Vest from the current knitty. Im using cotton yarn 4.5mm needles and started the bottom ribbing in twisted rib and decided to continue that up the front middle to try and keep it from grown too much like cotton can! Im also knitting this in the round because I have a thing about seaming if I dont have to! More if I dont want to (and really thats the case!).

The back and the center four stitches are knit through the back again to try and pull it in and keep from stretching too much.
Easy quick mindless telly knitting, now if I could just hury up and finish it! The colour is actually a realy nice baby blue not whats being shown in the pics kinda silvery looking but it is not!

Dont forgett I am on Twitter and you can either follow me over there or read on the side bar I do try and update that with mindless ramblings about what Ive been doing.

Also the two books I read one was The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. Really enjoyed reading that and would recomend it. I had it for a while sitting on the book shelf and picked it up then couldnt put it down. Its three stories going on at one time but dealing with different times and they all have to do with each other. It is not as confussing as Ive just made it sound I promise! But I do say it was a good read and would recommend it to you. :) The other book I read was P.S. I love you by Cecelia Ahern. Okay I have to admit I seen the film ages ago and have had the book even longer but only just read it. Why do people insist on changing so much about the books when making films? i found them to be similar but so completely different from each other. Go and get the book and read! I really enjoyed it. I didnt cry my eyes out like I did while watching the movie (mind you I did feel like crying loads that day though) but it was still touching! So both books were good and I would say when and if you fancy a nice read either is good. Are they life changing books? Lets not be silly! But are they lovely books? Of course! :)

Right got to go clean up my lunch dishes (tuna pasta) and then I want to get back to my vest. :) Have a lovely day! Its a nice one here again. Not as sunny as yesterday but nice all the same. :)

Purple goodness turns Thermal

2009-02-12T19:26:00.003Z

IVE FINISHED!!! Okay so I need to go and buy some buttons and sew them on but Ive finished me knitting! Its so squishy and comfortable to wear and warm! :)
It took longer then I wanted to get this finished but small needles and life getting in the way does that sometimes huh?
The pattern was Thermal from www.knitty.com and I used Brown Sheep Nature Spun Fingering weight yarn bought from www.getknitted.com in Plum Line. The both together as you can see made a lovely sweater. Would I use the yarn again? YEP! Would I make the pattern again? Yep! Would I do the pattern in the same colour? No! Only becauses I dont fancy the same looking sweater. hehe.. But I would make it in another colour they have some very pretty colours to choose from.

Oh and Ive joined Twitter! No I didnt join up becausee of YarnHarlot (though she didnt help!) Ive been following a couple of people after watching Jonathon Ross the night Steven Fry was on it and then was following those two and a couple others and for ease of following the twitters I joined and before I knew it I was twittering along.... So join and follow too!! Remember to let me know though so I can follow you too!! :)

Hold on to your snow shoes!

2009-02-05T14:26:00.003Z

My Thermal is coming along nicely. Ive got the main body finished now and am half way finished with the second arm, so I just need to finish that and do the collar and that will be finished!! But you know how when your knitting something and you just want it finished so that you can wear it, but by wanting that done the knitting seems to take FOREVER?!? Well thats the stage I am at right now! It doesnt help that weve got a nice dumping of snow (again 2nd time this week woo hoo!) so its like the perfect weather to wear it and IM NOT FINISHED!!!! So Im knitting on it but only a couple of rows at a time because I am mad at the sweater. Now isnt that stupid? Whats that poor sweater ever done to me? Oh yeah not been knitted quick enough but isnt that more my fault then its?!? Hmmm the crazy thinking of a crazed knitter me thinks!
Anyways instead of moaning that its not finshed maybe I should actually go knit on it and try to finishe it huh? According to the weather people we are due to get more snow the rest of the week/weekend! Im looking forward to it if I could just finished this sweater!
By the way I am NOT moaning about the pattern because I love it is easy to follow simple to knit in front of the telly Im just moaning that I am so friggin behing with it for the snow we are getting! i bet when I finish (hopefully in the next couple of days) we get some freak heat wave come through and it starts to feel like summer! That would be just my luck! heheh..
Off now to try and finish my sleeve! I want to wear this pretty thing!

Purple Purple oh and golden!

2009-01-28T13:45:00.003Z

Alrighty then Im getting there with my Thermal! Have a look below Ive finished the back and Ive just got the right front and left front to knit....

Oh yeah and I got one more arm to knit too!!

This is going quickly! Mindless telly knitting just what I like! :) But Ive taken a short pause on this because Ive decided to fix up my issues with my Road to Golden I did. Im just redoing the amrs (I messed up with the increases) and then Im goiing to redo the neck as well I want it sitting much higher then it currently does.
Right thats whatt Ive been doing so hope all is well with everyone! :)

Scarf with Purple Goodness

2009-01-14T19:51:00.002Z

So on Jan 11th I finished the scarf...

Only took 4 days! WOO HOO that was quick!
Soon as I finished the scarf I relaxed my hands for a few minutes then went and grabbed my Nature Spun in colour Plum Line my 3mm needles and cast on for Thermal

After looking on Ravelry everyone seemed to get fed up with the pattern repeat you know what as far as I am concerned at the moment its going great! Its a quick easy 4 row pattern to remember and knit. Its flying so far! :) Okay so it may not look like loads but for me it is! Now just to hurry up and have it completed so that I can wear it out! Its going to be so pretty I mean after all its purple!

gifts gifts and more gifts

2009-01-08T19:45:00.003Z

This post will be picture heavy. Sorry!

Firstly we have are new gifts to ourselves. These have made me happier then I think should be allowed for these sorts of things. Oh well thats just me I enjoy the "little" thingsin life, and clean clothes and floors are one of those things!

I have wanted this book for a while and I FINALLY got it! WOO HOO! Now just to make some things from it... I need more hands/time!

I just bought this because it was by the till... hmm Im bad sometimes like that. OOPs! But I love going every Sunday to the website and reading the new secrets Link to the site on the side with all my links.

This was a gift from a friend. I havent decided what socks I will knit from it first but their aree a couple of patterns I want to make. :)

These are two mags I jusst got as well The Knitter is a new British magazine and OMG I love it! Theres a couple of projects I MUST knit from it... Cant wait to see whats on offer in next months mag. And the newest issue of Knit.1 also has a couple of patterns I want to knit out of it as well.. Like I said I need more hands/time! :)

A ball of Wendy Happy. its a bamboo sock yarn same yarn I used to knit the in laws socks with thats why I had to pick this up for myself because I loved the feeling of the yarn when knitting theres.

This is the wool I bought for myself ages ago so that I could knit Thermal from Knitty. Its Nature Spun Wool in a really pretty purple shade Ill be starting this soon.

And these are the last pair of Mitts from his mother that I wasnt going to knit becauses she got socks but she decided Christmas day she wanted a pair so I couldnt turn that down and cast on staright away. These are now finished. I also decided to knit his dad a matching scarf to the rest of the guys and Ive started knitting that about half way through the first of 3 balls of yarn. I need to hurry up and knit that they will be down for a visit soon. Im sure Ill have it finished though in time. And sorry no pics of that yet...

A Year In Review

2009-01-05T13:59:00.002Z

For my yearly round up this year I managed to knit (and 1 crochet) 23 complete project and carry two over from 2007 and finish them as well so that takes my total to 25!
Cinnamon Goodness Baby Gritgahn Wooly Quant Rainbow Quant Snow White Pomatomus Baby Sweater MS3 Blue Brompton Wrapped in a Hug Yosemite Mr Wonderful Misty Garden Juno Road To Golden Baby Sweater 2 Baby Bumps 3 pairs of Oatmeal Mitts 2 Manly Campus Scarfs Winter Warmer Beret Monkeys Most worked on Socks Ever Silver Princess
Ive linked all of those to Flickr instead of clouding this with pictures. I know people (like me) prefer to look at photos but I was being nice. My fav items were the pomatomus, silver princess, wrapped in a hug, ms3 and winter warmer they are the ones I wear most. I have to rework my arms and neck on road to golden they are to big now. The baby stuff all went down a treat with the two Mums and the gifts (monkeys most ever socks 2 scarfs and 3 mitts) those were all enjoyed as well. :) I am actually knitting another scarf and pir of mitts now to give to his parents because the felt a bit left out with just socks.. HAHAHAH yes I found that cute and funny but didnt miss the chance to knit something for someone I know would be enjoyed! :)

I only did 4 sewing projects Im surprised by that for some reason I thought I done more? But umm I didnt after looking at that! The covers were only temps and we now have different ones that look MUCH better.. The skirt well its way to big on my now I will eventualy take the sides in and make it fit again but for now its just sat in the drawer folded up nicely. The PJ Bottoms are my favs and loved them during the summer/autumn nights but now its winter they again are folded up waiting for slightly warmer weather to be worn. Sorry they just aint warm! :) and the placemats and napkins were a gift to my Mom and her and JJ (step dad) loved them. I hope shes letting him use them now and not taking them off the table when dinner is served to be replaced my "older" ones... ahahha
Stripy Skirt Placemats and Napkins Dinky Cushion Covers PJ Bottoms

Hope you all had a lovely 2008 I did and I hope you have a wonderful 2009!!

Feb Lady at Christmas

2008-12-27T19:15:00.003Z

I managed to finish my Feb Lady sweater with a week to go! WOO HOO

I ended up buying the purple shirt underneath I couldnt be bothered trying to cut and sew one up. I love this cardi! Its sooo comfortable and I still have another skein of yarn left as well which Im trying to decide what to make with. Sorry the pic is a bit crappy and my heads cut off but it was taken at night somehow without the flash goiing off who knows how he managed to turn that off! But anyways I looked like crap I was tried and full and felt like I needed to get sick from the amount of food I ate but I loved the day! And all of his family complimented the cardi! WOO HOO! and then when gifts came out everyone liked their mittens and scarfs and then his neice and nephews liked their store bought gifts as well. So everyone was happy! Had a great day!
Hope you all had a lovely Christmas too and may you have a wonderful and blessed New Year as well! :)

oh and thank you everyone for the birthday wishes on the 23rd I had a lovely day! Mark spoiled me rotten (but then he always does) and everyone over here also made sure I had a fantastic day.

Is that the time already?

2008-12-14T22:33:00.004Z

I have been meaning to update this blog for a few days now. But you know how it goes, one thing lead to another and before you know it the days over and your in bed with no post up on the blog... So anyways...
I FINALLY finished the socks for the last xmas pressie. It took 4 attempts to get it right.. UGH! The first was the BF sock was to small to fit my loves foot forget that then being put on his dads. The second along the same lines of the pattern but slightly different was just ever so slightly to small (come to find out after being annoyed and not thinking properly the heel was to small but I still ripped the entire sock out) the third attempt was then far to big (I cast on WAY to many stitches but again really to annoyed to think properly) the fourth one was finally knitted annd turned out prefectly.

My darling mother found it as funny as I did in that non funny way thatt I couldnt knit these silly socks right... all I haave to say is you know its love when you knit them so many dang times before you get them out perfectly. but at the end of the day I like em. :) just a simple slip stitch rib effect sock. :)
Then because I finished all the xmas knitting for everyone Ive decided to treat myself to something pretty and have started knitting the February Lady Cardigan.

Those are theh buttons Ive picked out for it justt laying on top not sewed them on yet.. Since this picture I have finished the body and just need to knit the arms now. :) Going super quick! I love it! Its made with Bernat Satin and let me tell you for an Acrylic yarn my goodness does it feel lovely! Its a shame they dont sell it over here in the UK because if they did I think I would knit everything with it. Its squishy and soft my Mom made a good choice when she picked it out for me. :) So this will be my christmas day cardi.. I wonder if Ill actually make that red shirt I got planned in time or not... hmmm....
So anyways thats all me knitting Ive been doing...

I have a love hate relationship with socks now

2008-11-28T18:39:00.002Z

I will start by saying I have no pictures to show so if thats why youve come (not that my photography is any good!) then you dont get a show today. :( Sorry! Im to lazy to find my camera and take a picture of the sock I am working on and to add to that its the evenining and we know what that means in the winter, no sun light!
So anyways the last I left this was I working on a second try of the first sock.. well that didnt work! So I then ripped it out and tried a third sock when I finished knitting that one I gave it again to Mark to try on and it was to big! I was so fed up with socks that I couldnt stand it but I ripped it out anyways and started over on the fourth sock! Thankfully this time when I gave it to Mark to try on he could pull it on properly! WOO HOO I had a sock but I just had to finish knitting it and make the second one. Well have managed to finish the first sock and am currently just past the cuff of the second one, all I have to say is right now I feel no love for these socks. When I told my loving mother about these socks she laughed and said if I were to pay myself for knitting these would be the most expensive socks in the world to which I laughed and said no I would have fired myself a long time ago!! and its true I would have. Once I finish this second sock I want to find a dress pattern I like and sew me a pretty red dress out of the material my Mom sent me for xmas and then I want to knit the Feb Lady Sweater out of the silver yarn I got from her as well all in time for xmas day.
Hope the americans had a lovely Thanksgiving day and didnt eat to much that it made em sick! I made a lovely honey mustard ham, sweet tater mash, boiled veg, and some stuffing for our dinner. It was only the two of us but it was really lovely and we were full to the brim!
Pretty much finished on all the gifts as well like I said above just one more sock to knit and then need to figure out 3 more gifts and that should be easy enough really two will be some kids toys and I love shopping for toys! Hey you have to test them out to make sure they are fun dont you? Well I do and I LOVE it!
Alright have a great weekend Ill be knitting on a sock and trying not to cry because they have taken so long.. heheh...

knitting and sewing and all that jazz

2008-11-18T07:11:00.002Z

So I have been knitting happily away on all the xmas stuff and was so happy to think I was nearly done!
Got three pairs of mittens finished

Druid Mittens from Vogue Knitting lovely pattern but I did change the needle size to 2.5 and 2.75 also added one extra repeat before starting tthe decreases for the fingers and I decided against the flap that closes over the fingers. As much as I enjoyed knitting these I am so glad that they are finished!! Knitting the same thing 6 times over just gets well the same! :) and those are for his sisters.
Ive also got two scarves finished

Campus Scarf from Scarf Style knit on 4mm needles. These are for his brother in laws. lovely very quick pattern and great telly knitting!
One pair of finished socks

Monkey Socks from Knitty.com I love these I dont want to give them away! Okay I will but Ill go buy some Wendy Happy for myself to knit some socks with. These are for his Mum hopefuly she likes em as much as I do!
Then I had 1 more pair of socks to go before I was finished knitting! and look I finished one!

It was finished I promise! I gave it to Mark to try on because everything on it looked a bit small but I was going with the flow of the pattern. HA! I knew I shouldnt have! It was to small on his foot couldnt even get it all the way on. GRRRRRR So it got all ripped out and then I measured his foot and set down and have started to knit a sock all on my own from top down. The pattern is similar but it isnt the same as above. Its a 2x2 rib with the middle front and back going from 2 cables down to 1. I will take a picture once I finish it and make sure it fits properly on his foot. These are for his Dad. They have the same size feet so I can check as I go! :D
Theres what Ive been knitting and doing....

But now on to something completly different....

Ive got the Best Mom In The World. You may think yours is or someone else you knnow whos a wonderful Mom. And they very well may be to you. But to me, my Mommy is the bestest in the whole wide world. Not only is she the bestest to me but she sent me some goodies... Wanna see?? Tough you are anyways!

Beautiful yarn. Ive already thought about this and want to make the Feb Lady Jacket out of the silver Ive not decided yet on the blue or pink. I will do something though! :)

A LOAD of old sewing patterns from her MASSIVE collection.

And then a load of material of different styles and colours that I wouldnt dare buy for myself because I tend to only get cotton. Shes throwing me out of my comfort zone! I cant wait to get sewing with these but I gotta finish all the xmas knitting first!
Thank you again Mom for all of this! :)

Almost done

2008-11-11T07:16:00.002Z

I keep meaning to take pictures and post but I keep forgetting to do both. So I am going to post but dont have any pictures will eventually get those and get them up as well. :)
I have finished all my mittens. 3 pairs were enough for me to have to knit. As lovely as the pattern is and as pretty as I think it is I couldnt fave having to knit another pair of them. A different pattern? Bring it on! But just not those please.
That means I am working on my last xmas gift. Those are the socks for Marks Dad. The Boyfriend Socks because they are lovely looking. And I do need to give the FIL a pair of manly socks dont I?
3 pairs of mittens 2 scarfs and 1 pair of socks finished the last pair working on all well before I thought! WOO HOO Im doing good this year and its not even tthe middle of November yet (I still have a couple of days thank you!)
alright off to check me blogs that I read and other little peices then going to sit down and knit on the sock while I watch a bit of telly... Have a great day everyone!! :)

Keeping warm...

2008-10-23T12:23:00.003+01:00

Im still here... Im still knitting.. But this all sounds like Ive said it before?! Heres the thing I love the fact that I can knit and make really lovely things for xmas gifts but I hate that I decided to do the same thing for everyone. I love the patterns I decide to do but because I knit them over and over for each person it all looks the same. I know his family doesnt read my blog so Im safe in posting pictures of the things I do make for them but how many times can you see tthe same thing before you wonder if it is actually the same thing?! Anyways Ive finished both of the scarves for the brother in laws..

Campus Scarf from Scarf Style. VERY quick pattern and even easier to memorise then learning your new house number! hehe.. Love it though!
And I only have ONE mitten left to knit. Its the left hand one. And that will bring my total to three pairs. I just needed a break before doing that one so I started a pair of Monkey socks for his Mother. :)

These are knit using Wendy Happy it bamboo instead of wool and OMG are they ever soft feeling!! I swear I want to keep these and am going to have a hard time handing them over to his mum. BUT I know she will enjoy wearing them. I am past the heel on the second one so will soon have these done. For his Dad I am making a pair of socks as well using this yarn

same type as above Wendy Happy just a different colour. I got this yarn from my LYS never seen it before but wow I love it! Once I finish these two pair of socks and make my left hand mitten and need more yarn to knit with Ill go get some happy for a pair of socks for myself. :)
Anyways thats what I have been up to. But now because I am knitting things other then the same mittens and scarfs I might actualy post a bit more... who knows!

Ive been knitting

2008-10-07T14:30:00.002+01:00

I have been busy. I promise! I have been knitting. I swear! You still want proof though huh? :)

That happens to be the start of the third pair of mittens. so just to finish the rest of that mitten and knit the left one. After that I have one more pair left and Ive not yet decided if I will want to do another after that. We will see the time frame and how sick of tthe pattern I am. As much as I love it and as pretty as they are after knitting 4.5 single mittens its getting a bit much....

This is the Campus Scarf from Scarf Style from the post below its two balls in and I had to wait for another ball to turn up in my lys. Two just werent enough, I was thinking ti would be but silly me to think a guy would enjoy wearing a small scarf. OOPS! So I picked the third ball of that up today and will have to finish that and knit at least two more possibly four depending the time and again how bored I get of the pattern.

This is the berrett from the new Debbie Bliss magazine. I knit it with 4.5mm needles instead of 5mm and its not baggy enough for what I wanted but I was to impatient to wait to go and buy 5mm. Oh well! Ii still like it and I will wear it this winter to banish the cold from my poor wee ears! *shush mother I have your big ears I know!*

and this is a lovely ball of merino sock wool from HipKnits that will eventually be knitted into a nice toasty pair of socks for myself... of course its gonna be after all tthis xmas knitting... a treat to myself... :) Wonder if I can have all the knitting these socks to be finished for xmas and maybe a sweater for myself as well? HMMM! I should get back to knitting iin that case then huh?

Second pair and a scarf

2008-09-29T07:25:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone! I have been around Ive just not been posting because it would have been the same looking pictures. Different pair of mittens but they look the same. So I have finished my second pair of mittens...

I only have to do another two pair I MIGHT do 3 pairs depending how I feel come time for the third pair. But I needed a break from the mittens they were getting samey (thats the problem when deciding the same pattern for everyone for xmas knitting) so I have found the scarf I want to do for the guys...

That is the Campus Scarf from Scarf Style. I am MUCH further then that but I havent taken a pic of it since Friday night (its now monday morning) Im doing the scarf all in one colour instead of putting the coloured stripes in it. Its a very simple pattern to knit and watch telly with I love it! In total Im going to do 3 maybe 5 if Im not to bored by them and have enough time. :)

Baby Bumps Hat

2008-09-18T20:17:00.003+01:00

I knit this hat for my Aunt Rosemaries baby. Below is the pattern.

Baby Bumps Hat
0-3 months
DK weight less than 50 grams
3.75mm
Cast on 72 stitches
Join in round being careful not to twist and place marker at the begining of round.
Row 1-9 Knit
Row 10-11 Purl
Row 12-17 Knit
Row 18-19 Purl
Row 20-25 Knit
Row 26-27 Purl
Row 28-33 Knit
Row 34-35 Purl
Row 36-41 Knit
Next row starts crown shapping
Row 42 *p2tog p6* repeat to end (63sts)
Row 43 Purl
Row 44 *k2tog k5* repeat to end (54sts)
Row 45 Knit
Row 46 *k2tog k4* repeat to end (45sts)
Row 47 Knit
Row 48 *k2tog k3* repeat to end (36sts)
Row 49 Purl
Row 50 *p2tog p2* repeat to end (27sts)
Row 51 Knit
Row 52 *k2tog k1* repeat to end (18sts)
Row 53 Knit
Row 54 *k2tog k2* reapeat to end (9sts)
Row 55 Knit
Break off long tail of yarn thread thru the stitches and pull tight fasten off. Weave in the two ends.
Enjoy! :)

Mittens and Baby gifts

2008-09-11T07:24:00.002+01:00

So I have finished the first pair of mittens! :) Heres a couple moree pictures I am sure you will all be sick of them by xmas time but you know what I still like em! :)

and heres a close upish of the pattern

I love how theres the braided cable going up each side and tthen the bobbles inside the main crisscrossing cable I suppose if you didnt want bobbles you could put beads. I was thinking that then decided not to do that for mine.

Also my Aunt Rosemarie is having her first baby. Ive already showed off the sweater but lookie! I made a matching hat! :)

Teddy is staying very warm while modeling this little get up. :) I will write up (well try to) later today how I did the wee hat. It was super quick knit as well. :)

Okay thats my catch up. Ive started and finished the cuff for the first of the second pair of mittens so theres no point in showing a picture just yet. :)

Pair .5 of 1

2008-09-06T20:49:00.003+01:00

I know it is only September and I shouldnt be talking about Christmas just yet, but I got to! :) I have found the gifts for the girls that I want to make. Its the mittens from Vogue knitting Fall 2008 #3 Green Autumn. Obviously they are the same pattern used for the mitten in the post below.
I have finished the first glove for the first gift pair.

After finishing the mitten for myself to test the pattern I realised that it was slightly to small in length for the hand and the cuff was to big. So I joined the KAL on Ravelry and read what some were saying and went down to 2.5mm to knit the cuff and tthen back up to 2.75mm for the hand and added an extra repeat before starting the decreases. I did that for this pair here and tried them on and they are now the perfect size.

Ive casted on and have finished the cuff and 6 rows (so far) of the second mitten to this first pair. Ive also decided to go to a lighter oatmeal-ish colour instead of the darker colour in the post below. By the time I have at least 4 possibly 5 pairs of these knit I and you will be sick of seeing hearing about them. But Im going to knit these for the gifts, only because I find them so pretty.
Now to go and try to knit a couple more rounds on the next glove while feelling sorry for myself because I have a stupid cold....

Knitting here Knitting there Knitting EVERYWHERE!

2008-08-28T19:34:00.002+01:00

I finished the Road to Golden well in time! :) But it took 3 days to dry completely and then I forgot to take pictures during the day so did them at night and am only getting around to posting them tonight..

thats the front and this is the back

The yarn came from New Lanark Mills. Its 100% pure wool except for the apricot thats got 10% silk in it.
I LOVE THIS SWEATER!!!! I cant believe it went so quickly as well. Watched the olympics and knitted away and I was able to do both without messing up! :) I was able to hold and carry both yarns (you work with only 2 at a time) at the same time because I am able to knit both by picking and throwing the yarn (same can not be said for my purl stitches!)

A baby sweater for my Auntie Rosemarie well not for her as so much for her and her hubbys little bundle of blue baby joy on its way. I think they already have a name picked out I just cant remember what it is. But that sweater took 2 or was it 3 days to sort out annd finish. :) All I have left is sewing on the buttons and weaving in the ends.

Im deciding if the mittens from Vogue Knitting fall 2008 #3 Green Autumn are going to be knit simple and quick enough to make for Christmas gifts for the ladies this year. So far Im loving this pattern! :) 2 days worth of work here (well thats after knitting the entire cuff before admiting it was just way to big!)

Another picture of the glove with a slightly truer colouring. Really I just like showing off!

and the inside of the hand. No its not really tight on my thumb Im just using a very small saftey pin to hold my stitches because its what I had to hand at the moment.
If these go as fast as I think they should (hopefully meaning Ill have the hand finished tomorrow) then these will be for the ladies and Ill have to find something super quick to knit for the men then.....

I love colour work!

2008-08-13T18:00:00.002+01:00

Can I just say I love when the Olympics are on!! I dont care if they are winter or summer I just love them! :) I couldnt wait for the opening ceremonies to start I made sure I did all my running around before hand. Actually I ended up putting off stuff I wanted to do so that I could make sure I was at home when they started! :) Im so glad I was. As is normal I loved the show thought it was excellent. Weve been watching all the coverage BBC is showing on the telly and enjoying every minute of it.
As Ive mentioned I joined the Ravelympics and started knitting. I cant believe how quick my Road to Golden has gone. Ive finished up to the arm gussets and have started the arms now.

that was after a couple of days knitting on it. And I redid the charts because I changed the colours to make it easier for me to follow I recoloured them in and then added bits of the yarn to the side so I knew what yarn goes with what colour.

The is the finished state from yesterday just sat to the side now until I do the sleeves. I cant believe how quick its gone! Aran weight wool really does knit up quickly!

Heres a close up of the pattern both the right side and because I always like the way the wrong sides look I added one of those as well. :) Isnt it lovely?!?!?

And then a close up of the gusset stitches.
Id show the arms but theres nothing really to show of them but a few garter stitch rows. Wait till I get more and Ill show then. Knitting both of em at the same time, hope these go as quick as the body did! :)

Productivity is goooooood

2008-08-06T08:00:00.004+01:00

So I had a rather productive day on Friday and I managed to finish my PIF for my mom. Oh youd like to see would you? :) Of course Ill show off!

Reversible napkins so depending her mood she can set them how she would like. :)

I like the way these turned out and if I had to do a house warming gift I would make these for them. However I dont know anyone planning on moving any time soon so my sewing machine is safe for the moment.
And like I said I had a productive day on Friday...

4 cushions had covers made for them. They aree a very very pale yellow in colour. All I did was cut out 8 18x18 (the size of the cushions) pieces of fabric and then took two bits for each cover (obviously) and sewed 3 sides together turned right side out ironed the seam out stuffed the pillow inside and then hand sewed the 4th side closed. After talking about it I decided to sew them closed instead of putting a zip or buttons on them. They turned out perfectly good and Ill do this for now on every time I want to change the cushions! :) That way I get the colours I want! oh and they only took 2 meters of fabric. I had left overs, not sure how much but I just bought 2 meters and theres not enough left to do anything major with.

Thats the progress Ive made on my sweater so far. I have one more set of increases for waist shaping to do and then I just have to finish the body start the hem do the arms blah blah blah. So I am knitting its just not going as quick as I would like it to. I suppose thats what you get for knitting witih 2.5 mm needles (or is it 2.75mm?) Anyways they are small and its taking a long time!
Ive decided to join tthe ravelympics very last minute I know. I got a link from a group to a new to me site to buy wool from and Ive finally got enough to make Road To Golden with (thats not who I bought my yarn from). Hopefully the yarn will get here today if it does Ill take pictures and post them up. I cant start it until Friday during opening cermonies so I cant wait! :) My goal is to just get the body of it finished Im not going to go for the arms as well in two weeks but Im going to try to see if I cant get it all in. As this is my first fairisle sweater I dont know how long its going to take me. But I cant wait to try!! :)

Alright Ill hopefully be back sooner rather then later with a good update of how everythings goinig. :)

I knit and I sew!

2008-07-25T12:36:00.002+01:00

Ive been knitting a little bit but of course in this sticky heat we have been having Im not getting loads of it done.

Top down raglan sweater knitting it on 2.75mm circular needle using some coned wool I got off of ebay to knit Sorrano with but didnt like the way it turned out after sewing the zip to it. So that got frogged and now Im doing this. Holding two strands together to get a thicker look. Im planning on knitting it all plain until I get to the bottom and adding a hem to it that is tthe same stitch pattern as the scarf I made below. Will do the same for tthe arms plain to the cuff and then ruffle stitch look. I will be making this a big ole turtle/cowl neck as well if I got enough wool. Again using the same stich pattern as I did for the scarf below. :) In my head it looks really pretty so hope it turns out that way as well. :)
Then Ive been sewing a bit here and there as well making my Pay it Forward thats going to be heading to my Mom. She said I could post pictures of it on here so Iam.

Thats the start of the place mats I am making. They are from Amy Butlers In Stitches book. all I have to do is sew the back (the bits on the bottom) to the fronts (those on the top) and then they are finished Ive just not gotten around to doing tthose just yet.

These are the matching napkins Ive done to go with them. Again from Amy Butlers In Stitches book. My mom like her cloth napkins and she uses place mats so I knew these would get alot of use from her. The napkins are double sided, thats why you can see two of them folded there one showing the flower side one showing the plain side. I am very happy with how these turned out lets just hope I make no mistakes sewing the placemats down huh? :)
Right off to try and knit some more on the sweater.. or should I go sew? HMM!

Juno for Amy

2008-07-22T07:42:00.002+01:00

Im able to show off my Pay It Foward gift I sent to Amy. :) I was waiting for her to receive it in the mail so I didnt ruin the surprise...

I knit Juno from Knitty I didnt want to send this when I finished. I wanted to keep it all for myself. Sorry Im stubborn sometimes! HAAHA :)
I used Sirdar Luxury Soft Cotton 4 ply 3.5mm needles and knitted this from June 25th to July 10th.

The cotton is so soft so thought it was perfect for this scarf/wrap for spring/autumn time.

Now I am working on my Moms PIF and have half of it finished. Once I get it finished Ill show pictures of that as well. :) In the meantime Ive read Danielle Steels Sisters who my mom and I think now have people who write for her becauses that book just didnt have her old style and flair in it. Now Im reading Jodi Picoults Keep Faith. I also started to knit a top down sweater dont know how thats goinng to turn out becauases its being knit on 2.75mm needles do you realise how long thats goinng to take?!?!!?

Misty Garden revealed

2008-07-16T08:14:00.003+01:00

Okay so my secret project has been sent off to Amy who should get it hopefully end of this week begining of next week so Ill be able to show it off and I made sure to get some photos of it before shipping off..
However I did knit a scarf over the weekend that I can show you now!! :)
For my birthday I got Scarf Style but havent made anything out of it until now! :) I made Misty Garden by Jo Sharp from it. I used 2 skeins of Hacho 100% Hand Dyed Merino Wool in shade 303. Each skein is 50 grams which turns into 125m - 137yds. I used 4mm needles.

Arent the colours lovely? :)

Yeah they are the same dye lot and the same shade yet one skein had more yellow in it and the begining of the other one was badly faded. But to be honest I dont care. I still really like tthe way it looks. I should have swapped between the two through out to get it to look even but again I couldnt be bothered by doing that either. Lazy I know!

Its a shortish scarf but will be perfect to throw on and run out tthe door with. :)
My overall feelings? I love it!

mini update

2008-07-12T10:08:00.002+01:00

I have been here, Ive just not been able to show what Ive been doing. The secret project is finished Im just adding a few bits to it so hopefully Ill be able to show that off shortly.
I started myself a scarf. Ill show pics on Monday of it. Its pretty.
I read Mercy by Jodi Picoult as well. I still love her books! If you havent tried reading anything by her I will urge you to try and find her at your library and borrow a book. Im sure you will enjoy reading one of hers just like everyone else I know whos read does. :)
Ive got myself some material got things cut out of it already for my mom Ill be able to show that off when I finish them. And I need to wash and dry the other lot of material and cut it out before I can start sewing everything together. Im also making a skirt but Ive yet to trace out the pattern for that one.
Like I said hopefully monday Ill come in with pictures of my scarf. Until then. Have a lovely weekend!

Mysteries with socks and pjs!

2008-06-25T13:50:00.004+01:00

so the Gentleman socks for Mr Wonderful turned out really well (imo) and he seemed to like them. Soon as I finished them and sorted out the weaving in of ends I walked over to him on the sofa and laid the socks on his chest and smiled. He never even realised they were for him but I knit them the whole time while sitting right in front of him. te he he.. So he wore them and said they were comfortable but a bit long I said I could fix that he said it werent that big of a problem so next time I will actually have to measure his foot and not a sock he had on huh? hahahaahahah

of course they are big on my feet.. Im a girl what do you expect?

oh another pic of the pattern? okay! :)

And I know you want to see my pj bottoms from Amy Butlers In Stitches book so I shall show you all. :)

I bought the fabric on sale it WAS a single duvet cover and I turned them into these instead the more I wear them and the more I wash them the softer and comfier they get. Honestly I hate having to take them off! Thats why I want to find some nice plain cotton and do them in so that I could wear them outa the house. :) But yes I love them. and yes they are supposed to be that baggy. arent they great? ahah meant to have each leg the opposite look of the other but I was a bit silly and ended up laying the pattern out so thatt each leg matched oops! so ones flowers and ones those burst things.. oh well I wanted them cut out right away. I had those done ages ago but am no good at a button hole (which you needed to do for the drawstring) so I left them to the side but got brave enough the other week and finished them off. The string bit isnt tthe best looking holes but it does the job and Im happy so WOO HOO more of these in the future...

That is my PIF that I am working on for Amy. Mom I have a really good idea what I want to do for yours but Ive not settled on it yet. So Ill be staying a bit quiet until its all finished and sent off becauases you cant blog about a gift when that persons going to see it can you? And I am still looking for 1 more person to PIF to who will have to PIF to 3 people and so on and so on... so if your willing to get a gift from me let me know! :)

Right off to go watch some recorded telly programs and work on mystery project! :)

2 down 1 to go?

2008-06-18T09:13:00.002+01:00

I am pretty much finished with the Gentlemens socks. I only have the toe to work on the second sock and that will be finished today. Ill post pictures of them soon.
I have 2 people for the pay it forward I got another space open for whoever wants it? soon as I finish these socks Im starting Amys project, of course I wont say anything more then that! :)
Oh yeah I FINALLY finished sewing together my pj pants from Amy Butlers book In Stitches wearing them right now and they are soooooo comfy I gotta make me a few more pairs and maybe even make a pair or two in some nice linen or even a nice cotton to wear out as pants. They really are comfy! and who doesnt like going out in comfy pants? I suppose I need to take some pics of these as well..
Right Im going to go watch something I recorded last night off the telly and finish those socks up!

Pay It Forward

2008-06-11T13:01:00.002+01:00

I decided to jump on in and do Pay It Forward with Kessa. Heres the goodies she sent me! :)

Its a face scrub mask thingy that I am keeping for when I fancy pampering myself next. And those are little jelly sweets that Ive not tried YET but will! peach and apple. :)

And some lovely stitch markers. If you go to her blog you can see much better pictures of them. Sorry I didnt do them justice but they are beautiful, honest!
The little box it came in says:
" Let there be heart's peace when each day is done. "
THANK YOU KESSA!!!

Now who wants to play Pay It Forward with me?? I will take the first three who says they dont mind, heres the rules:
It’s the Pay It Forward Exchange. It’s based of the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward” where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness are passed on. So here’s how it works. I will make and send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I do not know what that gift will be yet, and it won’t be sent this month, probably not next month, but it will be sent (within 6 months) and that’s a promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

Let me know if your interested. :)

Also I finished one of the gentleman socks and have started the second one.

I am not sure if hes realised I am making these for him yet or not, but these are for Mr Wonderful even if he said not to knit him any socks. :)
Right off to go kniw some sockie now!......

Hippo sorted Gentlemen rock!

2008-06-03T14:06:00.002+01:00

So after finishing up my oblique (which I seem to not be able to take off Im so in love. haha) I decided that it was high time to FINISH my hippo socks. Now Ive been knitting them on and off since January I think thats long enough dont you?

Yeah I did as well so I finshed these the next day but I didnt want to post twice in a row because these have been shown. well ones been shown before. But look I now have a finished pair of socks. :)

The pattern really is simple and lovely. These would have been done ages ago if I didnt put them to the side for everything else I ended up knitting (3 cardigans)
So now I have those finished and nothing else to knit what should I do? Oh I know what! I pulled out the yarn the I got at xmas time for a pair of socks that was the same colour as another pair (so I got some different stuff but kept the same coloured one back) and Im now knitting the mister wonderful a pair of socks. He doesnt know this and hes told me not to knit him any. But TO BAD! Im stubborn and doing it anyways. :)

These are the Gentleman Socks from Fiber Fool. All I wanted was a simple pair to knit for him but I didnt want something that was goiing to make me bored. I hope he likes them once Im finished and that he wears them. Ive barely knit on them since Ive started yet the pattern works up quickly.
Hopefully Ill be showing of a finished sock well pair of socks soon enough. :)

Oblique Finished!

2008-05-30T17:38:00.002+01:00

I finished Oblique last night. Today I went and bought the buttons for it. Even wore it into town and I have to say... I LOVE IT!! :)
Heres a shot of the front

and heres the back

After peeking around on ravelry about this I read a couple of people wished they put two buttons on the inside so I made two buttons holes and done just that. The only thing I wish Id done differently would have been to add 4 buttons on the outside instead of the 3. Either way it doesnt matter because I just love the way this turned out. :)
I used Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora bought for me by my lovely Mister. I used 15 balls but could have done with 16 to be honest so the arms could be slightly longer to roll up the sleeves and the collar could be more like the pattern and not just a wee one. Oh I dont care because I LOVE IT!!! and I havent taken it off all day except to sew the buttons on. :)
Would I make it again? yep! I would ya know... and I would do it the same. Knit the body all in one with the arms knit flat. But like I said add a 4th button hole to the outside and keep the 2 on the inside. :)

Purple heaven

2008-05-23T14:35:00.002+01:00

So here I am knitting away and I finally put the photos on the computer so thatt I could show it off so far. Ive got the body finished and Im working on the arms right now. Working both at the same time so I can be promised they will be the same length, thats always a good thing isnt it?

thats the front over lapped so youu can see theleft and right lean decreased lace as well as the textured lace and the moss stitch.
Obviously I still need to work the button bands and everything but that comes at the end after I do the arms. :)

As you can see the raglan decreases nicly up the body and everything stays looking pretty. :)
I think that Oblique is very well written and so easy to follow Ive been knitting on it while watching tely at night and have yet to make a mistake. I bet now Ill go and badly mess up the arms!! :) all 3 lace patterns are 8 row repeats will the moss stitch is a 4 row pattern so for me Ive been able to keep track very easy just knowing that the moss is repeated twice per one lace. Even when you decrease and increase within it I stil think its easy to follow once you get going you soon learn what the stitches your working on should look like by looking below and to each side. Mind you sometimes I think Im going wrong and look at the paper and at that time its time to set it aside for t the night and go to bed becuase Im to dang tired. Really I should be finished with this by now but like I said I got side tracked trying to sew a dress thats still not finished but I want to knit instead of sew.... See theres not enough time nor hands in the day for me!!

A quick one two

2008-05-19T15:47:00.002+01:00

Hey everyone!
I dont have any pictures for this post but I will eventually get me some taken and put them up here. I have finished the body of my cardi and its looking GREAT Ive started the arms today. Im going to knit both at the same time. I just find lately everythings going quicker that way. I did the body all in one peice up to the arms and then obviously split and again did them at the same time so I know for a fact everything is the same length. I can not wait to finish this cardi so thatt I can wear it. :)
Also Ive cut out a dress and have it all sewn together and now Im just putting the finishing touches on it. Ive not touched it today but will be finishing it at some time this week so hopefully Ill have pictures to post of that here soon as well.
thats all the updating of the crafty bits Ive done lately.

Summer Knitting

2008-05-07T13:16:00.004+01:00

Wow its been a bit and Ive got a couple of things to update on! :) I think it was the 19th of April I started the Yosemite pattern from knitty and I finished it this afternoon. Well I actually thought I finished it yesterday until I tried it on and my sweetie pointed out that it was SLIGHTLY to short so I added 3 extra repeats on the bottom.
Oh what you want to see it? okay I suppose you can!! :D

I tore apart a sweater that I made ages ago thats been to big for me. Its 100% cotton from Sirdar and I made the smallest size that the pattern was wrote for. Now mind you that should have been far to small on me but for some reason I got huge gauge! Hey, Im not moaning! :) I love the look of this new shirt and its perfect for spring/summer wear since its cotton!

Not only did I finish that but a while ago AMY had a contest on her blog to spot what was wrong with her grad annoucments. I guessed correctly and won some choccies. Well thats what I thought it was but when the package arrived there was MUCH more in it then a couple of chocolates. THANK YOU AGAIN!!! There were two LOVELY skeins of yarn and loads of koolaid! WOO HOO!!! And of course my choccies.. wanna see? good I took a pic!

The yarn is Magallanes 100% wool Hand dyed by Araucania Yarns Chile.
Its BEAUTIFUL looking and VERY soft to pet. I dont know what Im going to make just yet Im trying to decide if I should make a scarf or a yolked sweater with it. Ive yet to decide Ill pet it for a while longer before committing myself. :) Like I said.. Its soft... And the colours are really lovely slightly darker then pictured above *silly flash!*

Over the weekend my wonderful sweetie was REALLY sweet and surpised me by buying me some yarn off of ebay. I got on to have a look if there was anything that I might want to buy and checked out what he was watching and seen some yarn in there I went "oh did you put that in for me to look at?" Not realising hed already bought it and umm yeah he did!! :D AWWWW He goes "NO! If you werent so nosey it was supposed to be a surprise for you, decided I keep buying things it was time something was bought for you as well." I couldnt stop smiling! HES SO SWEET!!!! See heres the thing I buy things for myself and he buys things for himself when I buy for myself I always try and get something for him as well now he doesnt usually go out buying things for himself so theres never really much reason for him to buy for me as well but the last couple of weekends hes been spending time on ebay *yes we are ebay and amazon aholics and dont try to stop us we dont need help yet! hehe* and because of that had the chance to buy me something.

I wouldnt have bought it for myself. Debbie Bliss is expensive and I normally dont go flicking around for long I get bored and go away but he got it for me its 80% cotton and 20% angora it feels SOOOO good! Turned up this morning. :) Its a really lovely purple as you can see. Im turning it into Oblique again from knitty. I still think hes lovely and wonderful and amazing! And he buys me yarn now and makes sure its purple! WOO HOO!!! I couldnt stop smilling when he told me he actually bought it and so he says "its not a love story its only a bag of yarn" See he doesnt even understand what that little bag of yarn can do to a knitters heart. *sigh* Im more in love with him everyday!

Okay there Ive updated you know whats been going on Im off to do the dishes and then sort out oblique to be printed out and Im casting on!

Brompton is finito

2008-04-18T07:29:00.002+01:00

I have had a fantastic last two days. :) My sweetie took some time off of work and we just laid around the house relaxing... But I was relaxing in my newly finished blue cardigan! WOO HOO! oh you want to see it do you? :)

I was outside thats why it was buttoned all the way up I dont have it like that when Im inside I leave the top two or three undone and it just looks nicer but that wind yesterday was a bit cold! This sweater went QUICK! heres some specs on it. :)
Brompton by Alice Bell
Used 4.0mm on the edge and 5.5mm on the body and arms.
made an inbetweeny size because of the change in needles. My basket weave looks NOTHING like hers looks a bit like a broken rib pattern to be honest but I loved it thats why I didnt bother doing anything to sort that out the second time I knit it.
Yes I said second time because I had to rip my first attempt out it was WAY to tight of a gauge and I was running out of wool.
The wool was some stuff off of ebay. 100% wool was a little scratchy to work with but I think its turned out alright once it got knitted up.
I would knit this again because its simple and quick. even sewing down the button bands was easy! :)

I still havent sorted that zipper out for my black sorranoish cardigan. Hopefully I will get around to that in the next few days and buy the correct sort of zipper!
I did cut out the dress I wanted to make I did sew it together but I also made a HUGE mistake and need to undo the side seams and fix it yes I sewed it to small thats what I get for trying to rush! Its in the naughty corner (maybe I should be there instead since its not the dresses fault?) right now and soon as I stop being mad at it Ill sort it.
I got 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult its her newest book out. I love reading her books! Started that the other day but didnt read much yesterday of it because there was some things on telly I wanted to watch so finally my hippo socks are getting worked on again and making some progress I MIGHT actually finish those one day now!
alright theres your catch up.. :)

Zippers, buttons, and cutting

2008-04-10T08:00:00.002+01:00

I have my lacey cardi finished and sewed up. I went into town the other day and bought a zipper for it but it was a dress zipper! GRRRRR!! We wont go into how ANNOYED I was when I got home and realised I couldnt finish wear and take pictures of my cardi! So Im going to have to go back into town and sort that out I dont know when but Ill do it eventually.
I ripped out and have reknit my blue cardi as well. It was to tight and was using way to much of the yarn. Im nearly finished now with the body and already got the buttons ready for that when I finish. :)
I have copied and cut out the dress pattern that I want to make out of last months Burda magazine but Ive yet to actually cut the dress out of the material. I will get to that soon as well. To much to do to little time!
Hopefully Ill get pictures of everything soon to show it all off! :)
Have a great day!

Brown Grey and Blue

2008-04-01T13:42:00.002+01:00

Gee its been a while! Sorry about that.... Okay so I told you how I bought Delia Smiths cheats cookbook well that Thursday my sweetie went out with an old friend and left me all alone (feel sorry for me people! HAHAHA).. okay he did go out and I was at home but I had a good night! So much so I made the chocolate cake out of her book! :) It used frozen mashed taters and I didnt really believe that it would be nice but you know what it actually was! I never thought I would EVER say that but there you go! :)

Thats them sitting in there pathetic looking muffin cases.. I didnt want a full cake but I dont have a muffin tin. The one I did have we ruined when making yorkshire puddings and so its good for nothing now... anyways I just placed all the paper cups into a roasting tin and filled them up and cooked them for little peices of cake! :) Thats the icing that you make for them. YUM!

I took a small bite and dug in for the second when I remembered to take a picture! OOPS I was to excited to try! :) I had left over icing so I took a pint of milk and made a really yum cup of hot chocolate to go with chocolate cake, yes I was a bit chocolated out at the end of the night. :) But the cake was really good!! Theres a couple other things I want to try out of her book as well eventually I will. :)

Away from baking I did finish the sleeves of my sweater. I just finally got around to washing them and doing a very lazy and quick block on them, and thats why they are looking rubbish in the photo. I still need to knit the rest of the neck band and figure out how I want to close up the sweater and sew things together but its getting there and I am happy.

And I have started another cardigan. This one is Brompton and I am speeding happily along becuase its mindless knitting. Oh how I love that! the wool is from Ebay they said its 100% wool and its slightly darker then its showing in the photo.

Alright thats my update finally hopefully Ill soon be showing you a finished grey cardi!

Slow and cheating

2008-03-20T14:20:00.002Z

I have been knitting now and again. Im working both sleeves at once and have decided to knit them flat as well. I couldnt find another 3.25mm circular needle in my stash and couldnt be bothered to buy another one either and now my sleeves are growing Ive decided the seaming shouldnt be to bad since its just the sleeves. :)

Yes that is Delia Smiths How to Cheat cookbook. Ive linked to amazon but I bought it at WHSmiths. I seen the two programs shes had on the telly so far and the stuff looked good. It was in the book store when I walked past today and only 12£ (okay I could have saved money getting it online) and I bought it. Ive already flicked about and have dinner planned for tomorrow. tehehe.... See thats why I wanted it! I can plan yummie dinners now!!! :)
But yes I am knitting and thats what my sleeves currently look like (imagine the other one being identical!) and I will eventually have them finished and a cardigan to wear, just not sure when! :) I have also nearly decided on what I want to make this year for xmas pressies. Yes Im already thinking but when you hand make isnt that what happens? You have to start planning right away right?!?!?!?

Cardigans are growing!

2008-03-14T12:24:00.002Z

Before chirstmas I went out shopping for a nice outfit to wear out with Mr somewhere. I eventually found what I wanted (sort of) but while I was shopping I found this really sweet sweater. It was the only one they had and was on sale. Its Acrylic but you know what, I dont care! I LOVE IT! Its so geeky its GREAT! :) that little white thing is a bit of fluff I didnt realise was there until I looked at the pictures, dont worry its gone now.

Ive been promising you pictures of my sweater I did the three needle bind off for the shoulders and put it on to show off. :) I still have to sew down the front bands knit the arms and the rest of the bands. Ive not decided how Im going to close it yet. I am thinking of making little icords and put some buttons on it. But I think it might be to delicate for all of that. We will see.... maybe an Icord edge all the way up one side that you wont really see? hmm I have to think!

Heres the back view. I really like the way its turning out and cant wait until its all finished and done and I can wear it with a summer dress I want to sew up. :)

And because Mr laughs at me for taking pictures of fluff, I took pictures of my sleeves that Ive just started.

Game time!

2008-03-13T12:41:00.003Z

Its all Kessas fault.. She tagged me so anyone I tag on the end blame her not me! :)

1. Link to the person that tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

And here are 6 non-important things about me:

1. I LOVE peanut butter and jelly (jam) sandwhichs in the mornings for breakfast.
2. I buy books even when I know I wont read it for ages.
3. I wake up every morning with Mr. and make his tea for him and walk him to the door when he leaves. He tells me not to bother but if I dont my day seems all wrong.
4. I dont like fussing with my hair. So I just tend to blow dry my fringe (bangs) straight and let the rest dry naturally or if its cold I do blow dry my hair. But other then that I dont do anything to it.
5. I love looking at other peoples blogs and usually steal new blogs from people I like reading.
6. I enjoy living a simple life and keeping myself to myself, well with myself and Mr.

Now Im tagging
Berrie, Andi, Angelique, Emily, Amy, Starfish
The six Ive tagged I have my own little reasons and htey are from people that I enjoy reading. Some have nothing to do with knitting (I know how RUDE) and others have alot, but I just wanted to see if I could get to know more about them. :)

Friends Rock

2008-03-11T07:42:00.002Z

Remember back before christmas me and a friend in Australia decided to swap packages? well we did but mine took 3 months to get to her and hers only took a week toget to me so I sent her another one thinking the first got lost in the mail then they both turned up on the same week. Well she sent me another package full of goodies because she rocks! :) I told her not to but shes stubborn (hmm a bit like err me) and sent it anyways.

Look at my haul! WOO HOO That there up in the back is lime coconut something else body wash lotion and I think body butter? or something like that its all in the bedroom and Im to lazy to run and check. Sorry but let me tell you it SMELLS SOOOOO GOOOD!!! I keep wanting to lick my hands when Ive used it. heheh.... Then I gots me some eye shadows and some coloured lippy gloss stuff and some nail varnish. also a wee key chain (well its a charm that Ive put on my keys) and then because thats all not awesome enough she sent me SWEETS!!!! OMG! that big bar on the side is Rocky Road the little box there in the centre is coffee drops and that big pack as you can see are things called Snicker Pods. IF You EVER see them in the store (Ive never seen them over here) then GET THEM!!! They are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOODDDD!!! I was good and made them last over two days. How I havent a clue I could have sat and ate them all but I was trying to be nice and save SOME for Mark but sadly he had a cold and couldnt taste anything so he just had the one and didnt get it. Thats alright better for me! HA!

Ive finished the body of my cardi Ive just got to do the sleeves now Ill get some photos up of that in a bit. I just wanted to show off my goodies that I got last week. Im just REALLY SLOW with everything lately. Sorry!

Its a start

2008-03-03T14:33:00.002Z

I have been doing a bit of knitting and started myself a cardigan from some wool I bought from ebay. Its coned 4ply pure wool. What type or who from I dont know. It was pretty I fancied it so I bought it. :) That sometimes happens with me!

Its Serrano-ish from Knitty. Its an -ish because Ive decided I didnt want the flame pattern in there and instead I wanted the lace all flowing the same direction. I dont know why I wanted that I just did!

So I took 2 sts out of the pattern because those were the extra to make it swoosh back and fourth and started knitting. Im past the decreases and have started the waist increases. Its a really easy pattern and even easier now that Im only doing half the chart. Dont even need the pattern with me when knitting so its great telly knitting when I can be bothered to pick it up!
Shh dont tell my knitting I am still cheating on it and just sitting there doing nothing while watching telly....
But eventually I will have a cardigan! :) I bought the wool off of ebay and it didnt give a yardage with it. And I just couldnt be bothered to measure some out and weigh it so instead Im just going with it and hoping Ive got enough. When I get to the sleeves Ill decide if I want 3/4 length or normal I suppose then I will have to work out how much wool Ive got. Well that or I could just knit with blind faith? Ive done that plenty in the past! :)
Ive got what should be enough for one more cardigan off of ebay in some blue 100% DK weight wool from Latvia for another cardigan. I swear I shouldnt be allowed on ebay when I feel like spending money its deadly! But thats my wool bought for a while. Because other then that cardis worth Ive got enough for two pairs of socks one that will turn into a pair for Mister and one that will be a self (hopefully) designed pair for myself. :) but of course I still have my hippos to finish before starting those pairs. One day Ill get my quick knitting mojo back.. But until then I shall knit on my cardi and have a cuff of my second hippo sitting there waiting.

MS3 Finished Pictures

2008-02-26T15:01:00.003Z

I think my MS3 has been the most photographed project Ive ever done. Here are some pictures after blocking.

Theres the right side showing

Theres the wrong side showing.

I dont do grafting. I did a three needle bind off to show it I took a picture of the right side here

and heres the wrong side. to me I think it looks alright. The only problem I have is the fact that my dyelots even though they said they were the same were actually VERY DIFFERENT!

Now Im just showing off how pretty it could have been

Do you see the difference how one side is lighter and one side is MUCH darker? Im eventually going to dye it. I just dont know how to? Its Merino, will it take dye even though its already been dyed by Malabrigos company?? Whats the best dye to use? I just want to do it black and I can easily get ahold of some Dylon in town. Would that work? Im so miffed about the colour lots becuase I think its beautiful but I wont wear it out because of how mismatched it is! *sniff*
But isnt she pretty??

I have finished it finally.

2008-02-25T08:05:00.002Z

I have finished knitting my MS3!! I still need to wash and block it and I am REALLY REALLY REALLY hoping that when I wash it ALOT of dye comes out of one side.. here I will show you WHY!

Thats supposed to be two ball of Malabrigo Lace Weight in the same colour and same dye lot. Does it look like thats the same dyelot to you? I could do iwth it stripping slightly different but one side being dark and the other pale? Umm I got issues! Like I said to Mark if it doesnt come out Im going to have to dye it. Ive never dyed anything before will it work? He laughed when he seen it and said I couldnt wear it and have knitted it for nothing now because how bad it honestly does look being completely different! Once its blocked properly Ill show it all off. :)
Marks neice had a little girl so heres the blanket with the ribbon in it, and I think it looks SOOOOO cute now! :)

She loved it and told her little wee one that shes stuck carrying it around with her all the time now. That made me happy! :) And I had a bit of wool left over so I quickly knit this wee tshirt

those are wittle teddy bear heads up on the shoulder. The long sleeved shirt under it came from *coughpricoughmark* The daddy seen those and said "its going to take her ages to fit that! Its so big!" Umm thats because shes a newborn and these are for up to 3 months but before you know it shes going to be huge! I would have knit a bigger size but I didnt have enough wool so I had to go small. I dont like giving new moms 0-3 month clothes becuase I always think they get enough of that I like giving 3-6 or 6-9 because then they have one less thing to go out and buy when the baby gets to big. But I still think its sweet looking. Even Mark liked it. :)
Alright off to wash my ms3 so I can pin her out and get depressed over the colour mismatch!

1 sock and half of a half of a stole

2008-02-11T13:29:00.000Z

As I said I finished my first Pomatomus (Hippo) sock, here it is! :)

And here is a picture from above

Can I just say I think this looks absolutely beautiful done in plain creamy white wool! :)
Im knitting these on 2.75mm dpns with Knitpicks Bare gifted to me during SP9 from Amy. :)
I have casted on for the second one but the cuff isnt even finished yet I really have lost me knitting mojo for some reason.. UGH!
BUT I have SOME of my knitting mojo still in me because look!

Thats my MS3!! Yes I am still knitting on it! No I havent forgotten about it! :) Im nearly finished with clue 3 (chart D) But again this is slow going as well becuase its only being picked up now and again and knit on when I feel like it, for instance last night I only knit 2 rows, still its growing! I might actually be able to show it off properly one of these days! :)

I still knit?

2008-02-08T07:15:00.000Z

I have been knitting, just not alot. I got one of the socks finished and have about 5 rows on the second one finished so not very much. I knit a wee giraffe but it looks a bit funky because its solid blue! I will have photos of both soon Ive just not done much of anything lately.
I have however knit on my MS3! Yes Ive picked that back up and have made some progress. Its all slow going mind you because I seem to have just lost all my knitting mojo that I normally seem to have loads of. All the knitting rush for christmas has now left me blah.. Its not the knittings fault its just I seem to go through these phases anyways.
I read Friday Night Knitting Club I so enjoyed that book. Ive got more books out the back I want to read but I havent picked another one out yet instead I been watching telly.
And speaking of watching telly Im going to flick around some blogs and go back to watching it afterwards.

Pinstripe Skirt

2008-01-29T13:01:00.000Z

Heres the skirt I made its from Burda again Ive forgotten to pull out the magazine to look at which issue its come out of I will remember soon I promise!

Heres a better picture of how it fits ignore the dust on the lense in the corner...

It falls just below my knees. I love the skirt.. I like being dressy though, I just dont do it enough....
I have plans to still make a pair of trousers some form of tunic top and a pair of lounge pants from Amy Butlers book. I will eventually get around to all of that but first Im going to go climb onto the couch and cuddle up under a blanket with a cup of hot coco and The Friday Night Knitting Club. Im finally going to get around to reading that!!!

Quants falling out of my ears

2008-01-28T11:24:00.000Z

Hello everyone I am still around I do still knit.. Its just Ive not done much of it this week because Ive been laying on my couch feeling miserable! Its where I fancy going right now since I got back from the shops but I decided to sit up and write a post instead...
I made 2 more quants

Imagine that one finished and on my head or wrapped around my leg like the black one. :) haha
The top is left over Cascade 220 that I had from when I made Madeline ages ago and the bottom is Fleece Artist that I had left over from my Branching Out scarf I made last year I think it was.
I made myself a skirt as well from one of the Burda Magazines I will have to figure out which one that was again and which pattern it was once I take pictures of it.. I havent yet but promise I will and it does look pretty. (well I think so!)
Ive also made progress on my hippo sock... Im just past the instep on the first one. I havent knit anything else on the MS3 since those couple of rows a while ago. I really need to sit down and finish that I want to snuggle up in it with its softness that is Malabrigo Merino! YUM!
Okay thats updated now Im going to grab a blanket and snuggle up on the couch and watch a load of useless telly!

Baby Gritghan

2008-01-11T07:58:00.000Z

I finished my baby blanket. The only thing left to do is wait for the mum to have the baby so I know what colour ribbon to add into the edge! :)

I have used a stitch pattern from my stitch dictionary and just went along how I seen fit. :)

Heres some pictures and below those are the pattern for how I did it.

The full blanket and now some close ups.

The corner and where the ribbons will go around.

All folded and pretty! :)

(My first pattern as well!)

Baby Gritghan

By Jennifer

With help from The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches (The Harmony Guides)

Materials

Size 4.5mm crochet hook

3 50gram balls of Patons Clansman Superwas Wool

*Its a double knit wool but doesnt give the yardage on the ball band and had no luck trying to find it as well.*

Ribbon to weave around edge

Grit Stitch 2

(Multiples of 2sts+3)

Row 1: Skip 2ch (count as 1sc), 1dc into next ch, *skip 1ch, work [1sc and 1dc] into next ch* repeat to last 2ch, skip 1ch, 1sc into last ch, turn.

Row 2: 1ch (counts as 1sc), 1dc into 1st stitch,*skip 1dc, work [1sc and 1dc] into next sc* repeat to last 2sts, skip 1dc, 1sc into top of turning chain, turn.

Repeat 2nd row to end.

Chain 83 stitches and work Grit Stitch 2 for 34 rows.

Do not break the yarn.

Chain 3.

Work *1tr and 1ch* 3 times into corner stitch.

Work *1tr into next sc, 1ch*

Repeat all the way around the edge of blanket.

Work 2nd row of Grit Stitch 2 around the edge without turn instead slip the end stitches together. Work 3 rounds.

To work your corners dont skip the middle dc, working your sc and dc into that as well as each sc to the side. That will give you enough room to have your corners turn properly.

Work your ends in. Wash and dry flat or if you wish slightly block it to pull the stitch apart. (thats what I did). Weave your ribbon in around the edge.

Hope the new baby enjoys their little blanket, and I hope youve enjoyed making it!

Staying Warm

2008-01-07T13:14:00.000Z

Hope everyones settling into the new year alright. :) So far so good for me. We've (Mark and I) made alot of fresh bread with my trusty bread maker. Okay so I wouldnt have thought about that as a gift for me, but turns out I love the stupid thing! HAHAH
So I finished my cinnamony goodness sweater want to see it? Good here it is!!!!!

and a close up of the neck

Btw that isnt a stain on my arm its water from doing the dishes.. I splash around alot. im just not sure how I managed my elbow! oh well!...
I really do like this sweater my only complaint is I would have made it longer! I added an inch to the body but I just think it needs to be a couple more inches longer. I do like longer sweaters and shirts. I made I think 2 sizes below my chest measurment because I like fitted things as well. I left the buttons off after buying them. But I just really liked the look without them! ill probably knit this again another time in different yarn. I used Sirdar click which is an Acrylic with a bit of Wool in it. I liked it.. mind you I still prefer merino but I bought this wool back in the summer for a different sweater that I never knit and then decided it better for this one.

On Wednesday when I went to meet up with Martina for lunch Lizzie was down from Uni so she came along which was lovely! I like meeting new people! But I got a suprise when Mary turned up as well!! WOOO HOO!! I got to meet my SP11 that I spoiled. That was well cool! But she brought some wool down that she had floating about her house and wasnt going to use so I took it off of her.. THANK YOU AGAIN! And I am in the process of making a baby blanket for Marks neice who is heavily pregnant and due I think in 5-6 weeks. She doesnt know what shes having but Im using the wool for her baby anyways. Its a blue-green colour... Im crocheting this blanket and I picked out a stitch from my stitch dictionary and flying along.. Im going to just crochet until I think its long enough and then add a border but I want it to be gappy so that I can weave some ribbon into it as well. :) I think that will look pretty.

This picture was taken just after midnight on New Years Eve, well New Years day actually! HAHA

I love him... :) Mind you he nearly battered me after that picture because I wouldnt leave him alone! Okay I did take ALOT of pictures before that so he was starting to get annoyed but he was laughing there from what I told him before that about squishing bits of myself....

2007 Year Round Up!

2008-01-02T10:33:00.000Z

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope you had a lovely time last year and have a wonderful year this one! :)

Heres my crafty round up including the last couple of pictures that are owed for Decembers finished objects! :)

January....
saw me start to spin (and the only time last year sadly)

saw me enter the TBR challenge that I FAILED MISERABLY I read a couple of the books but lets just forget about that challenge shall we?
I knit a pair of socks

I made Branching Out

And of course saw the finish of SP9 which was alot of fun and the first one I did.

February
I knit mittens that I still very much love to bits.

We also moved around the corner so I didnt really get all that much done because of that.

March
Saw me knit and rip out the Acron scarf I liked it but I didnt like it after I knit it!

Saw me design and knit my first pair of toe up socks. But of course I forgot to write down what I did funny that huh?

I also knit a garterloc dishcloth and learned to do backwards knitting which Ive since forgot so maybe I didnt learn to well after all??

April
Did another acron scarf and ripped it out as well.. lets not talk about my love hate relationship with that pattern okay? :)
And the one thing that still makes me laugh that I knit are the chair cozies... We have stopped using them because we finally bought felt pads for the legs but I still think they are cute and didnt throw them away! HAHAHAHAHA

May
I GOT MY SEWING MACHINE!! WOOO HOOO

I sewed a couple of goofy things with it to learn what I was doing but soon got bored and made my first dress (I did do a pair of wrap pants and shirt but I just want to go straight to the dress!)

June
I made a complete outfit...

Then I made another dress

Then a shirt (sorry forgot to smile in the picture)

July
I finished a pair of Monkeys!

And started MS3... Its still not finished but it will be one day! :)

August
I got new glasses and worked on my MS3 .

September
We got homey! HAHAHAH And got ourselves some house plants.
I started my christmas knitting and MS3 stopped.
I finished the first melon

October
I made the first pair of father and son socks

Finished my second melon

And got a wicked package from Emily my SP11 pal.

November
I got new boots.
I hit my 100th post on this blog and had my first contest.
Finished my second pair of Father and Son Socks

Got another wicked package from Emily.
Got a new hair cut.
Finished my third Melon

And got a wicked package from Nikki.

December
I finished my fourth Melon but dont seem to have a finished picture all by itself so here all four are together

I finished the third and last pair of Father and Son socks

I also put up our tree. Made some ornaments. Baked a load of cookies and a sweet tater pie.
Got an amazing gift from Martina loads of things to learn and to spin with!
I also got the final package from Emily which was some more Merino to spin! WOO HOO
I made Quaint

And I started Cinnabar from IK Fall 2007

I finished the front the back and half of both sleeves before the first! So this one will actually be finished in the next couple of days but most of the knitting was done in December thats why Im putting it here.

Thats my year round up! I hope to have a VERY crafty year this year as well!! :)

Recent Round up

2007-12-27T16:48:00.000Z

Just to let you all know this will be pictureless post because I dont have any pictures taken yet. Sorry! Ive been busy! Now onto the regularly schedualed program! :)
Ive got a couple things Id like to cover in this post so first of all lets start with my SP11 pal! :)
I got a BEAUTIFUL bag of Merino roving in Purple! now I am seriously going to have to pay attention to Martina when she shows me how to spin using my spindle! :) She also sent the cutest little christmas tree ornament and its a little red disk with a birdy on it going TWEET so sweet! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING Emily!!
And because I am ever so slow at posting things sometimes my pal who I got to spoil and get to know is/was Mary. I had a blast this round both Emily and Mary were great fun!
Then there was the birthday that was mine... Oh yeah baby! I turned 26 found 2 grey arm hairs (dont worry they are safe I dont like pulling arm hairs they hurt!!) I got gifts as well... Got books from a friend I got In Stitches and then from Mark I got Apples For Jam, Poems of Colour, Best of Lopi, and Scarf Style. I love my books and I love my BF hes the best when armed with a list of books that youve given him! hehehe..... And then I got a waterlily bath smelly set that does smell lovely. A pretty brown shirt and a necklace with matching braclet set. All very lovely. Mark made me dinner and did all the dishes that day so I just sat around relaxed and knit a quaint.
Then christmas eve we just had a nice relaxing day in slept late and took ages to finally get dressed I think it was nearly 4 before we realised what was going on thats how much of a great lazy day it was!
Christmas day we had another lie in, I think it was around 11 when we woke up. Relaxed for a bit then got ready and went over to his sisters house where we spent all day over there eating to much food and having a great time. Played a pub quiz, well two round of it actually. The first round Mark and his dad won and the second round Janice and I won by 6 points to Marks 1 point the first round! EAT THAT BUDDY! haha.. sorry I get all happy when I beat Mark at something becuase it doesnt happen very often! and after about 8 hours over there we finally came home to our nice quiet house were I was upset I had no cookies or pies left because they were all over his sisters house! Christmas pressies were a pair of Tigger slippers and a Tigger bathrobe from a friend, $60 from my uncle back home which will be cashed over and spent on some clothes, another bathrobe from Marks sister, Friday Night Knitting Club from his other sister, a calander with pictures from Australia from his sis in Oz, a really pretty green sleeveless turtleneck sweater from his parents, and a bread maker from him. (which he forgot to get bread flour for and I couldnt get any on the 26th as all the grocery stores were closed and had to wait until today *the 27th* to get some! But I got some bread being made in it right now)
Fear not boxing day (the 26th) came and we went back over to his sisters house where we ate more food! Yep I got to eat more cookies and I found my sweet tater pie and had a peice of that and brought some home when we finally did come home. We didnt stay as long over there yesterday so that meant we were home about 6pm.

Like I said I made a silk quaint and it turned out lovely. I then tried to make some silk fetchings but the first one turned out to be to small (thats what happens when you use everything different and dont account for it!) and then I ripped it out and made again adding one more repeat when I finished it and put it on I realised why I hate fingerless gloves and ripped it out as well. Thankfully I didnt cut the yarn or do the thumbs I only ever did the body of them. But still I took 2 days (because of course other things were going on in the mean time) so finally yesterday I ended up starting the Cinnabar Pullover from the Fall 2007 Interweave Knits magazine. And so far I am really happy with it. Past the back 3 1/4inch of linen stitch and working on the waste decreases now. Hopefully this one doesnt upset me. Ive gone slightly smaller then my chest becuase I want it close fitting. Hopefully it works out well and Ill have a new sweater not long after the first of the year! I miss making sweaters!! After all those scarves and socks I needed a sweater I think! Dont worry MS3 hasnt been forgotten I just wanted a sweater I need some new ones! :)
I will have some pictures of everything soon!

Knitting done! Baking to go!

2007-12-20T08:25:00.000Z

Wow Ive just realised I got a fair bit to catch up on! So this post is going to be a bit of a picture frenzy!
First of all I finished the christmas knitting! WOO HOO!! VERY excited about that! :)
finished the last pair of socks 2 days ago look!

Then I also made some more christmas ornaments for the tree...

not exactly the best ones Ive ever seen the three I made for Martina came out MUCH better but I forgot to photo it.. thats alright it was a tree and it was dark green.

Ive started a new project you can see it hanging from the tree its the orange looking thing Im making a vest based on a pattern from Knitty but making mine in the round instead of bits and I aint steaking it! oh look I had to show off our tree again with all the little bags under it! those are the scarfs and socks but sadly all you see are the red bags. I promise you theres green ones in there!! and then theres a couple of green and red wrapped gifts and I still have to wrap whats in the silver bag becuase its for Marks nephew, the young one the older ones are all getting money... That way they can buy what they want/need.... And teh orange bag has a cookie tin and a cookie baking tray in it but I was to lazy to pull it out the way.. give me a break its still 8.30 in the morning! :) haah

Wednesdays I got into town and meet up with a lady named Martina for lunch and a knit! ITS GREAT! Well yesterday she brought me a bag full of goodies for xmas that I WAS NOT expecting!! LOOK WHAT I GOT!!

Homemade pickled onions (which Mark liked! And I forgot to tell him they were hot ones and he reminded me instead! HAHAHAH) and homemade Mincemeat! (no its not hamburger mince its fruit mince! I swear growing up I used to thing it was hamburger mince becuase I had never had it and was always to embarassed to ask anyone! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA) and a little felted wallet...

And then I got this black box and in it was all this fiber!!! OMG!! Next year (that sounds so weird!!) Im taking my spindle with me I got last year and shes going to teach me to spin properly and not my pretend way! Whats all there is....
Manx thats been drum carded. The brown stuff still in box. Merino Tops that pretty turquoise one. Silk Cap the one front and center Iceland/cheviot mix the red white and blue on the end and Alpace the light brown on top.
I also got a candle and a bag that I forgot to picture. SORRY!!
But aint it all Great?!?!?! I couldnt believe it!! Thank you again Martina!! :) Your the best!!

I probably wont be back before christmas.. Ill try though!! today and tomorrow Im going to make loads and loads of cookies will be starting soon as I finish this post! I will be trying to make a skirt as well for xmas day. I got books coming tomorrow from Mark for my birthday on Sunday. I wont be opening them or looking at the invoice to find out which ones hes got. Ive given him a list and asked for a couple I spotted the list was marked on when I sat down here so I turned it over and am not looking no matter how badly I want to look!! HAAHHA I want it all to be a surprise!.....
So if I have time show pictures of the cookies I make, the books I get, and the skirt if I get time to do it! If not well...
Merry Christmas!!! Happy New Year!!! or Happy/Merry whatever it is you celebrate!!! May you have a wonderful time spent with family and friends and each one of you stay safe and merry!!!!!!

Hand made Bell!!!

2007-12-14T12:39:00.000Z

I think I am just really slow... but thats alright too... because sometimes being slow means you get better deals right??
Like today I went into town becuase I am tired of seeing these beautiful handmade ornaments all over the net and I so I wanted to have my own!! So I went into town and I found COOKIE CUTTERS!! WOO HOO Not only that but they are half priced cookie cutters!! I got a bell a tree a star a candy can a gingerbread person and a wiggle circle. Im going to be making cookies next week so they will come in handy.. But they already came in handy today becuase LOOK!!!

My first ornament for this tree that Ive hand made! And how fitting its sitting in my hand... :) Okay so it looks craptastic because I cant seem to do very good stitching but you k now what Ill learn! Just like I learned to knit and use a sewing machine!

See already getting better! This is the other side...
Yes I went into town seen the cookie cutters bought those and bought some felt to make ornaments with and ended up just pressing the cookie cutter onto the felt to give me the outline and then cut it out and had a bell... who woulda thunk it!
But so very happy now to make some more!! I dont know WHAT I am going to make or how many becuase I still have knitting to do..
oh yeah and about knitting lets not brag about how well we are doing becuase before you know it youve screwed up got so angry with it and just ripped it back to the start but then take all night to cast it back on because you keep screwing that up too! Yes I got a good bit into the sock and somehow messed it up tried to fix it but it looked even WORSE so I just went IM MAD AT YOU SOCK! And ripped it out.. oops! I wont do that next time.. promise! But Ive finished the cuff only on the sock.. its oging to take a bit long then I thought.. but look ornaments.. hand made ornaments!!

chocolate sock 1 down 1 to go

2007-12-13T15:41:00.000Z

I finished the first of the brown socks last night. Now I have started the second one and am knitting on it. I havent even finished the cuff yet.. Its been one of those days where I climbed back into bed and stayed nice and warm and slept! SHHH dont tell Mark! HAHAHA But still I am making some good time on the socks. I should finish the cuff before to long and get a good bit down the leg. Hopefully tomorrow finishing the leg and starting the heel. And then this weekend if I get time finishing the rest of the sock.. Oh how nice would that be to have them finished by the start of next week and then having a whole week to do what I want? Mainly try to knit on my MS3. I wanted to finish that for chrismtas and make myself an outfit but thats just not going to happen!
So I am going to get off of here now and go work on my second sock.
OH YEAH! I figured out the whole wrapping up of the scarfs. I just got 2 green and 2 red gift bags and dropped the scarfs into them and then stuck some white tissue paper on top and they look REALLY PRETTY sitting under the tree. I havent figured out if I will do the same with the socks or if I will just wrap them.... still thinking on it. :)

Want to see my melons?

2007-12-11T12:44:00.000Z

Just wanted to start out with a little bit of christmas pretties.. I swear the plant itself doesnt look that horrible it was the flash that did it! But I went food shopping today seen those and HAD to bring them home!! :) this is the first time Ive had pointsettas in the house for the holiday season! WOO HOO! I might have to buy another one tomorrow to even up in front of the telly though becuase thats where Igot them.. we dont have a huge coffee table so they cant go on there and if I put em on the computer desk I wouldnt be able to see the monitor but I think they are ever so pretty down there!
Right this is what you all have been waiting for without even knowing it... Ive got pictures of my melons! NO NOT THOSE MELONS! GEESH! come on people!
THESE Melons!

on the table all stretched out just to show each one one their own.. and now some group shots! :)

The Purple The Beige, The Blue, The Redish

them again.. :) I just think they are so pretty trying to show them off loads!

From the top! :) and shh dont tell anyone you can see under the sofa and see thats where I store my knitting stuff.. Actually I gotta go put all that stuff away under there now Ive finished the scarfs... Its a good hideaway for the stuff Im working on at the moment. :)
But arent all my scarfs pretty?? I cant believe Ive finished them all in time and I am so happy!! 2 weekish a scarf!
I am nearly finished with the instep on the sock so making good time on that... actually kicking some booty on it! just need to finish it start the second one finish it and figure out how to wrap everything.. Thats going to be fun in its own right.. NOT! Because I dont want to just wrap them because they will be slightly floppy I want to do something pretty. :) I also want to make loads of cookies, not that anyone but me eats em. but I still want to make loads! We will see....
Alright gotta go knit me sock! :)

Tis the season....

2007-12-10T16:59:00.000Z

My melon is blocking.... You know what that sounds FUNNY! I dont know why but probably because when I think of a melon I think of someones head unless Im in hte mood for fruit then I think of a melon being a melon but then to say my melon is blocking I can only think of my head being on a block ready for the chop? HMMM! hahaha.. sorry....
Ive got pictures for you... just not of any melons, head wise, fruit wise, or even scarf wise! However I do have pictures of the last pair of socks (well the first of the pair) and of my christmas tree!!!

Its a chocolate brown. Really nice but a pain to photo! Of course its the Father and Son socks from Interweave knits. Its the last of the christmas knitting htat I have to do. Doing the heel now. Started these Saturday after I finished the scarf. :)

Our christmas tree... Bit simple but its ours and I like it!

Close up of our angel... Weve had here since we had the tree.. I want to buy a star for the top but I cant really get rid of her.. shes a fixing on the tree you know! :)

and a close up of our tree with some ornaments same as every year except this year I got some red and white stars to go on and a santa and rudolph as well. :) I wanted to knit some ornaments but that will have to wait until next year!

Anyways Ive put pictures up now. And hopefully after my melon is off the block... I mean finished blocking I will get brave enough to take them out and picture them somewhere.. Ive got a park not far from where I live but its waiting to have decent weather...

Right off to knit my heel!

Rambling on like a mad woman....

2007-12-07T08:19:00.000Z

Ive got no pictures at the moment but I just wanted to update anyways. :)
Im onto the last border of my last melon scarf. Its coming along lovely. I would have had it done but yesterday we were out most of the evening driving down to High Wycombe and back. Ive never been down there!! I just liked going from town to town on the way back (we took the motor way down and back roads home) and looking at all the christmas lights!! :) But once we got home I spent the majority of the time laying on my side. Ive done something to my back and its ever so slightly sore. Feels alright for the moment but Ive not done much this morning. So hopefully I get the rest of the border knit today becuase I need to make a move on the last pair of socks if I want to finish in time!!!
On Wednesday night we went to an open house for the company Mark works mainly for and I got to see one of the houses hes wired all up. It was nice. I wouldnt want to live in it but I wouldnt mind visiting it now and again for the weekends. It was a very nice house and I was highly impressed by it. But for me it wasnt a home. Like I told my mom last night when I spoke to her I think thats becasue I am used to a certain style of house a very small house and this was a big open house, just not me glass every where as well... And lets not forget to mention the upstairs hallway/landing area on one side of it you looked over the railing and straight down to the bottom basement that was decked out with a home cinema and fitness room. OMG I DID NOT LIKE THAT!!! Mark told me to look over I couldnt even get NEAR the railing and he pretended he was going to give me a wee shove and I think I might have screamed slightly! HAAHHA But like I said the house itself was beautiful and I liked where it was at. It just wasnt for me... Ive always wanted one of those houses where you will run into the one you live with and there no hidding for each other.. :)
Last night after I got bored of laying on my side Mark pulled down my christmas tree and decorations so we sat up the tree... Its pretty! I love Christmas time and i love trees!! I even made him put on two candy canes (which I told him not to eat!) and two little stars... He laughed and said "I dont know why I am putting these on your going to move them tomorrow while Im working anyways". Hes a funny man he is.. but Ive not moved them and Im not going to move them... Ill eventually take a picture of our tree.. Its nothing special but its ours darn it! :) haha
Alright gotta get off of here... must go and knit! have a great day everyone and a lovely weekend!!

Getting spoiled oh yeah!

2007-11-30T10:12:00.000Z

I have really cool friends!! So cool that one of em decided she was tired of reading about all the cool swaps I been doing with people and decided to do a swap between us... And I never thought about swapping things between friends... like I said I have cool friends!!!
Well she lives in the land of Oz which makes her even cooler because Ive always wanted to live in Australia!!!! But look I got pictures now.. okay they may be from stamps but still! HA!

We just decided to keep the swap small and since shes not a knitter.. I know people dont faint! Im TRYING to convert her but she just doesnt fall for it! HAHAHAHA so we decided smell good stuff and bath thingies heres what I got...

A box full of bubble wrap!! HAHAH Sorry Nikki that one was for you and for everyone else err its a joke that started some how between us and two other girls that sort of got out of hand so its still rather amusing to me... no sersiouly though this is what I got...

Which turned into this...

Lip gloss bath fizzy things and cookies!

really yummie looking sweets (I still havent opened Im being good you know!!) soap (Mango and shea butter to go with the mango lip gloss above) and a rose bath set.
All of it came from Nikki in Australia who not only does she not knit but she also doesnt own a blog... But regardless of her faults. (heheh luv ya girlie) she still bloody ROCKS!!!! And THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOO MUCH FOR ALL THE ROCKIN GOODIES!!!
*I still cant believe it only took a week to get delivered now I feel like a bum because mines not turned up to you yet!!*

Indigo and Ruby

2007-11-29T08:12:00.000Z

After getting upset over the indigo melon I just sat it to the side and started a new melon.. my last melon.. a ruby melon. Its beautiful! I was going to start the last pair of socks until I realised the yarn I ordered for them was the same colour as the first pair I knit. OOOPS! I bought the first pairs wool in town and ordered the third online and I realised it a little to late it was the same colour.. me thinks I prefer the grey colour!
So anyways I was going to order a second ball for the indigo melon but I really didnt fancy waiting for it to be delievered I feel I am already pushing the christmas deadline a bit close as it is considering its the 29th of november and Im not even half way finished with my ruby melon okay Ive only got that and one more pair of socks to knit Ill be fine.... Well I put the ruby over onto some holding yarn and picked up the indigo and had a little talk with it. This is what I said "please when I rip part of your border off and repick up stitches and reknit you I will avoid a couple of pickups if you promise to give me enough yarn!". I know I really should have ordered another ball but I only skiped one from each repeat (it makes since in my head) that I knit on the end border and two stitches from the side border. It looks alright as well you know. Each border repeat needs 4 picked up stitches. I did that but I would skip one stitch in between each repeat and then right in the middle of each repeat I ignored the stitch as well without being blocked it looks fine. Hopefully once I block it, it continues to look fine!! And yes my indigo was nice to me! I was able to finish and have JUST enough to sew the two edges together and let out a little cry of delight. That was Tuesday night. Wednesday the only thing I repeated to Mark was "oh yeah Im good..... I am the queen of saving knits...... aint I good???..... look your sisters got a scarf!!..... oh yeah I just ROCK!" I think he was ready to stuff a dirty sock down my neck to shut me up by the end of the night! HAHAHAH
LOOK!!!

shes all pretty aint she??? :) Now I just have to block the thing out... now I dont like that... do you know how long I sit on my knees with pins that poke and HURT??? I cant tell you how many time I poke myself not paying attention and just reaching into my pot of pins... GRRR! hahah but I love it... its finished!!!

Oh what you heard there was a ruby as well you wanted to see??? OKAY!

I hate the the colouring of the picture looks like its the plum one. but I promise you its not! When you hold the two together its an OMG you really ARE different and SOOO different as well! but on its own it looks purpleish.... oh well! I hate this winter light....
I promise when they are all finish I will try and get REALLY GOOD pictures of each! :)
Have a great day Ive got to knit!!

Nearly finished, but to far to go still

2007-11-23T14:55:00.000Z

Im really upset at the moment... I dont know how this could have happened! I RAN OUT OF YARN!!! I mean seriously Ive already knit two melon scarfs with Zypher and Im knitting my third.... how could I run out of yarn when Ive had left overs on the other two??? Does it being blue mean the dyes that much heavier that Ive lost so much yarn??? I knit the same amount of repeats and the same amount of rows Ive done everything the same but Ive ended up badly short... Look for yourselves....

Thats just over the half way point but I do mean JUST and Ive got that half to finish with just a wee bit of yarn which means I have to order another ball but of course I tossed out the ball band like an idiot so I havent a clue the dye lot number... I really do hope when I order it its a VERY CLOSE GREAT match becuase this is supposed to be a christmas gift!! GRRRR R

But on a happier note Ive blocked my suede one out and its BEAUTIFUL and Im blocking the plum one right now. Again its looking BEAUTIFUL you can see for yourself. :)

sorry about the bad lighting.. what its not close enough? alright fine.. here

Hows that? better? good!! its so beautiful!! :) Its out the back room drying right now... okay I know that my blocking isnt in a straight line but it wasnt on the suede one either and you cant telll so shhh you dont tell his sisters and mum I wont either okay? :) COOL!

Ive started on my final melon scarf in Ruby I think... Ive only casted on and did one row so far hopefully I wont run out of wool on that one! My goodness I am not a happy bunny over the blue one.. I know everything will be fine though... I have faith in the knitting fairies!

OMG! How Amazing!

2007-11-19T14:20:00.000Z

First off lets just get this out of the way.. I cut my hair!.... YIKES! I am going to let it grow from here and it will all be one length now, that makes me happy.... :)

all cut up to my shoulders... okay I wanted it shorter but its to there I am happy now that its done becuase I think I might have hated it any shorter....
well ages ago actually and oh look at that you can see both my new pairs of glasses! HAHAHA
I havent put weight on.. even though my face looks fatter?? Ive actually lost a couple more pounds.. hmmm bad lighting maybe?

I woke up this morning after Mark left for work.. I was naughty today and climbed back into bed after making his tea. haha...but then I got up and was enjoying my coffee going blog hopping and all of a sudden I got an almighty bang on the door... so when I opened it up here the post man was about to write me a ticket (I took a few minutes to realise what the noise was!) and he had this in his hands

Its pretty isnt it? I thought so too!!
and heres what was inside (they were all wrapped up but I figured this post was going to have enough pictures that I left it out.. sorry!)

I couldnt believe it! look at those goodies!! Can I please say Ive just been spoiled rotten! OMG! Thats 100% SILK! Thats so turning into some sort of scarf! :) choocies tea magazines WOO HOO! And even something for Mark... Oh what Ive missed some things there in the corner? Your right, I have..... Lets have a look shall we?

a really crappy picture of the really pretty stitch markers that I got.. its a mushroom a bee (and yes hes got his stripes!) a lady bug (sorry a lady bird as they are known here in England) and a flower, arent they just adorable?!?!?!?!?!

A shawl pin thingy maboby... With little russian like all in one dollys on it.. Its really pretty and again my crap tastic photo taking skills shine!

THANK YOU SP FOR AN AWESOME PACKAGE!! I LOVE IT ALL!!! And Marks gift is left still wrapped and to the side until he gets home and I will force him to open it the second he walks in the door well I MIGHT allow him to take his coat off... its bugging me I dont know whats in it! HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA

Sock and Scarf update

2007-11-16T12:52:00.001Z

Are you tired of seeing the same two projects being knit in different colours? well I am sorry if you are becuase heres more pictures of em!
Father and Son Socks take 2

and another pictures keep in mind I am showing these on my feet which are smaller then themans foot they are meant for!!

Those are finished as I said now heres pictures of my Melon Scarf take 3... I cant believe Im working on my third one... andyou know what? I still love the pattern!!! Momma better watch out because shes probably going to end up with one of these in her mail boxes after the new year.... but shhh dont tell her that... I know I am safe she doesnt read my blog any more shes not got much time! HAHAHA

and heres another picture

Melon Shawl from Victorian Lace Today knit in Jagger Spun Zypher Wool Silk Indigo. It really is beautiful to knit with! :)
Right now I need to go knit on this I want to finish my body repeats by tonight I dont know if I will or not but I WANT to have them done becuase I am starting to panic I have one more pair of socks and another scarf to knit by xmas plus I want to sew myself an outfit together for xmas day. So I really need to get busy becuase I dont think its all going to be done.. and it MUST get finished or I will be VERY upset with myself!!

The Winner Is....

2007-11-09T19:42:00.001Z

Mark picked number 8 for me when I asked him tonight...

SHARON Congratulations could you please email me at tigger jenn at gmail dot com with your details so I can send this to you? Thank ya!

Over and nearly there.

2007-11-09T12:11:00.000Z

Alright no more comments below I will get Mr to pick out a number for me between 1 and 15 when he gets home tonight. Goodluck to everyone!
For those wondering here in the UK I got the back out of Marie Claire magazine. Its free with the current issue. And I dont normally buy that mag but I had to this month for the bag and when I realised how nice it actually is (I use mine every day!) I had to go buy another one to give to one lucky person (sorry I dont have the mag Ive sent it off to be recycled already) .

Im just about finished with my second sock. Just have a couple more decreases to do and then a 3 needle bind off for the toe. Sorry I suck at grafting and I think a 3 needle bind off is fine. Ive done it on my socks and it seems to hold up fine. :) So Ill have pictures of those finished soon for you too look at!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

My 100 post GIVE AWAY!!!

2007-11-05T13:03:00.000Z

First off I am going to bore you with pictures of the sock! well socks..
I finished the first one on Saturday night when we got back from the fireworks, and yes they were beautiful! I started the second sock on Sunday but was busy so didn't really have any time to work on it. Hopefully I can finish this second sock by the weekend so that I can start the third scarf.

Now for the reason you all are here!!!

I am posting my 100th post and for that I am giving away a shopping bag (or whatever else you want to use it for!) and two bars, yep you read that right! TWO BARS of chocolate. BTW the bag is Organic Cotton it came out of a magazine and was ethically sourced, I made sure to read about it before going out to offer to you guys. I have one and I love it! I use it for when I got out and do small shops as I have two other bigger ones from a different place for my bigger shops.

The rules for the giveaway are this:
1 person will be choosen by Mark. He doesnt know this yet but who ever enters will be given a number in the order the comments come in, so if you comment first your number 1 and so on. When we close on Friday I will ask him to pick a number between one and however many.
You may enter only once. Sorry!
Leave a comment by Friday November 16th Noon (12pm) GMT.
I will let you all know who is the lucky winner soon as I can! :) I dont care where you are from Ill post it to you. All that I ask is you leave a name that I can call you by on here to get your info (Ill give you my email to get in touch!).
SP you can enter. If he picks you then I will leave it until the end of the month when you reveal yourself before asking for your info.

Im so excited!! Since moving to blogger Ive posted 100 posts.... Some have been rubbish but most have had SOMETHING to do with knitting or sewing... Hope I have 100 more happy posts to come! WOO HOO!!
NOW COMMENT!! IT MAY BE YOU WHO WINS!!!

Where I ramble on and on and on....

2007-11-01T14:14:00.000Z

So I know you WANT to see the socks, and I wont dissapoint you!

Just another pair of Father and Son socks from Interweave Knits I think it was Winter 2006.

Did you notice as well?? I am knitting them with PURPLE knitting needles!!! Okay I really did hope you wouldnt notice they are DPNs me who swore them away. You know what though since using these I really like em! Now I dont think I would pick them to do sleeves with, but I do think I am knitting quicker with the dpns over the one or even two circular needles...

I got the purple knitting needles from http://www.knitncaboodle.co.uk/ Check em out. Great service and good prices! I cant believe I didnt mention these needles when I ordered them. Thats a lie I didnt mention them because I broke my own "I hate DPNs!!" rule so it was more if they sucked and I couldnt stand knitting with them no one would have known!! HAHAHA

Yesterday I had to run into town and pick some stuff up for my wonderful sweetie. Yes I do love him, and yes I do run into town whenever he needs me too.. But I always get myself something as well, Im not stupid! So anyways yesterday I picked myself up a copy of Friday Night Knitting Club after hearing all you other readers out there talk about it. And I couldnt resist its a book that has to do with a Knitting Club!! And I heard its going to eventually become a movie and I prefer to read the books BEFORE seeing the movie. I dont know WHEN Ill get time to read it but I WILL read it! :)

I also bought myself some BOOTS!!!! LOOK!!!!

They go up to about and inch or two below my knee. I love em! I feel a bit kinky in them as well!HAHAHA I never had boots this tall. Before you women out there shout at me, I know they arent heeled boots but I have a good reason! I DONT WEAR HEELS! Well I would LOVE to wear them but I find them uncomfortable and I find the ones you find today are stupid little things and Im sorry but I need a fat chunky heel. Because after talking to my mom I realised I walk more on my heels then the balls of my feet and to wear those stupid heels Id have to change the way I walk and Im not doing that! I have a strong walk! Okay I more have a determined get the heck out of my way I am coming through sort of walk, and that doesnt allow room for oh shoot Ive broken my ankle!!

Okay thats all for today I am off to knit on my sock and Im nearly to the heel today my plans are to finish down and past the heel and instep if I can! :) So that tomorrow I can concentrate on knitting the foot of the sock.

Melon 2 Finished!

2007-10-30T13:45:00.000Z

I finished my scarf last night... well the knitting anyways. Just before doing the pictures I stitched the border closed... Now I just have to block it.. and err I stil have the other one to block as well but I just aint done it yet.. I swear I will though! :)
LOOK!!

Here we are just getting ready for a photo shoot... still getting the makeup done? haha..

time for a close up! (okay I know these arent the BEST photos but its all I got...)

Heres all the christmas knitting Ive done so far... 2 Melon Scarfs and 1 pair of Father and Son socks....
Oh look whats that hidding under those scarfs?? I think thats my sps yarn that is BEGGING me to knit it.. but I am being good (as annoying as that is!) because I have to much xmas knitting to be done *pout!*

heres the ball of wool that is going to be a second pair of father and son socks... The colour is actualy a darkish looking denim blue... very pretty... :) I will be casting on for those this afternoon after I do my dishes...

Bought myself a pair of boots today. I asked the lady for a 6 and a 7 to try on.. The 6 was far to small but the 7 was lovely. So I said right Ill have the 7s please and thank you.. Doesnt she bloody give me the 6s!!! I didnt even check! I just assumed she listened and put the 7s in the box... So now I am sat here with a pair of boots that are to small for me and I am to lazy to go back down and deal with it today! GRRRRRR I will go back tomorrow and sort them out but can I just say I am NOT happy about it!!!!

But what does make me happy is I ordered some wool from Woolly Workshop (its for the other two scarfs and last pair of socks) and I got an email today from them saying its been shipped today! WOO HOO!!!! I know I have to knit this pair of socks before getting to play again with the Zypher Wool Silk but still just knowing its on its way makes me happy! :) And its also so I dont get bored and flipping between patterns is keeping them from being to samey! :) Ill show you guys pics when it comes. :)

PS I am nearly to my 100th post since moving over to blogger.....

Here but not.....

2007-10-29T07:40:00.000Z

I still have hope that I can finish my scarf in the next two days!! Soon as I do I will post some pictures of it (unblocked of course)... And then I will be starting my second pair of xmas socks... you will be seeing alot of the same for a while still hope it doesnt get to boring for ya!
see you guys soon with pictures off to blow my nose again.. got a cold thats why I HOPE that I still finish this in the next 2 days!!......

Got Mail?

2007-10-24T13:28:00.000+01:00

I did... and look what I found inside!!!

2 skiens of 100% Hand Dyed Meino Wool from Hacho
2 bars of chocolate Milk chocolate and Dark... Not sure if Ill bake some choccie muffins with the dark or give it to Mark and share some goodies with him....
I also got some Haribo Starmix.. Ive never had it before (dont laugh!)
A little pink notebook, did I say it was pink? how cool is that?!?!? Shopping lists anyone? Ill be in style! WOO HOO
3 vanilla scented candles. YUM! with a holder for them. :) Mark will love when I decide to burn those once he gets over his cold...
And she wrote my note out on the CUTEST piece of paper. Its little bears in Japanesse, I think, and I think they tell you how to make sushi... But I am not sure its still REALLY CUTE! :)

Close up of the wool.. I love it!! I am going to make some fingerless mitts... probably fetching.. with these... And I LOVE what buying these does... I am all about buying things if it helps other people. I bought a friend a bag for her birthday because the part of the proceeds went to back to India to help the families out.
On the inside of the label it says:
"Peru's heritage and culture of textile artistry is one of the richest in the world. Without the shepherds tending their animals in the Peruvian Highlands we would not have this beautiful luxurious yarn. By purchasing it you are supporting the children of these sheperds and the continuation of this tradition. A portion of every purchase is dedicated directly to the funding of a school in hte remote area of Munani in the region of Puno. To find out more visit... http://www.mirasolperu.com "
How cool is that? Giving me a gift as well as someone else?? Im all about sharing the luv that way!!
THANK YOU FOR A WICKED PACKAGE!!! :)

Moondance or Brown Eyes? Hmm

2007-10-22T15:49:00.000+01:00

I am rolling right along with the knitting... Actually I think I am slightly ahead!! But shhh lets not tempt things shall we? :)
Ive got the body of my melon scarf complete and I have a couple of boarder repeats finished on the top but thats it... so look at the picture below imagine it longer with some floppy looking stuff on one corner thats what its looking like... I am to lazy to take my camera out and take a picture.. sorry!!
Went into town today and bought myself a pressie... I dont know why.. I just had to! :) Can Morrison Still On Top-The Greatest Hits... Soon as I came in the door I popped it into the pc and am playing it in the bg now.. :) Not sure which is my favorite by him Brown Eyed Girl (which I happen to be) or Moondance....
I first fell in love with Someone Like you was 10 nearly 11 years ago sitting in my Home Ec class watching a film about a girl who was giving her baby up for adoption and at the end of the movie that song was playing as she sat beside a lake and I just fell in love with it...
Anyways I gotta get off of here and go knit.. I am loosing precious seconds and I still have LOADS to do! YIKES!

******SORRRY!!!!!! That wasnt Moondance it was Someone Like You!!! SORRY!!!! I really need to think sometimes before I type... so now its three songs I like but the song in the movie was Somone Like You!!!**********

Socks are done and scarf is started!

2007-10-15T13:59:00.000+01:00

So Ive finished my socks! :) I actually finished them on Friday but am only now taking their pictures... hmm maybe I should have done that on Friday they were a bit mean to me today (since I made them wait until Monday!) and they didnt want to play game and photo nicely so heres some shots of them! :)

Just relaxing on my feet (I didnt feel like stuffing them with socks again) and as they are for a mans foot thats why they dont fit mine perfectly!

Just chillin out showing off the cable action baby!

A really craptastic picture of the cable heel and gusset...

TRYING once again to show off the cable heel and gusset but its just not going my way really is it?

Took me about a week a sock. I loved the pattern so easy to memorise! and so easy to knit! :) Used 2mm socks with Regia sock wool had my wonderful darling Mark try them on his feet and he even said they fit him nicely and werent to tight and looked really good on his foot! :) He might end up with a pair of these as well! HAHAHA...

So now that Ive finished the socks Ive restarted the second Melon scarf that I messed up on and ripped (I was only a couple repeats in anyways) and Ive been making some alright progress on that...

a really crappy picture of it but hey its knitting up and thats all I am worried about! :) Ive set myself a tiny deadline of having it finished in the next 15 days! Fingers crossed I can do it before then!! All this christmas knitting is making me want to cry because I feel Ive started to late! I really hope I havent!!!

1 down 1 to go!

2007-10-11T07:42:00.000+01:00

I finished one of the socks!! :)

Here it is lounging out on my book shelf enjoying a bit of sun on what was actually a rather rubbish day... but at least we got a bit of sun yesterday. :)

I finished the sock on Saturday but have only just took its picture to put up.. This pattern is really easy to knit and I dont mind that I was knitting it for a mans foot it went really quick!! :) moving along nicely on the second sock as well...

Heres the progress on the second sock but funny I took that yesterday afternoon and I am now past the heel and gusset stitches and will be working on just the foot today hopefully before long Ill be finishing it up and start the next melon scarf! I have decided to do one melon and one pair of socks that way I dont get to bored with knitting the same thing over and over and over again.

and can I just say I am addicted to Ravelery not for posting things on there but for checking out the new patterns that are being added and the new groups and then adding things to my queue to knit later... I currently have 70.. will I ever knit all 70? Doubt it! But its fun to add them! HAHAHAHAHAHA

Sock Pictures

2007-10-04T16:03:00.000+01:00

I was going to take pictures yesterday but by the time I got ready to take them it was a bit lacking in light! So instead I waited until today and am rather glad its been such a BEAUTIFUL SUNNY day out! :)
This first picture is the TRUE colour of the yarn! I dont know why my camera decided to change its colour in the rest of the pictures because it didnt use a flash!

...Real colour

The front, and back look of the sock. I really like it you know...

The sides of the sock with the cable running down, again I really like it!! :)

Last night when I was nearly finished knitting the leg I asked Mark to try it on for me. Hes so cute!! :) I have NEVER knit for him so I have NEVER asked him to try something on, instead I just bore him with the "LOOK AINT IT GREAT!" and all its done has grown a couple of rows he soon gets bored and just amuses me with a smile a VERY sarcastic "Yeah!"..... But last night I asked if he would please try the sock on.. He took his sock off pulled it on to just his foot and said "now what?" And I giggled as one does when ones bf is wearing a half a sock and I said well would it fit on your leg and not be to tight?!?! He said "yes it will but now what?" I said oh thats all THANK YOU!! Because I am making these socks for his dad, I know they are about the same size foot wise that I could get him to try them on and know they would fit! I am now thinking I REALLY do need to knit Mark something... a really POSH pair of socks or something..
Before you all think I am horrible to my wonderful man I am not... He just doesnt do knitted things... Honest to goodness! Hes got loads of knitted (store bought) sweaters sitting in the wardrobe that he just wont wear he prefers fleece sweaters... So eventually when I start sewing again, I might have to sew him a couple really nice ones, with pockets! hes a bit like me and prefers his pockets.... But I should make him some christmas socks since the rest are getting them huh?
Right I showed the pictures now I am back off to knit.. I cant waste time! SORRY!

3rd time lucky...

2007-10-02T18:29:00.000+01:00

Its October!!! YIKES!! Only 2 months and 23 days left to sort christmas pressies out!! And frogging and starting three *yes three!!* different things (2 pairs of socks and 1 scarf) for the guys hasnt helped!! Hopefully though I have FINALLY settled on the pattern that I am going to make. The Father and Son socks from Interweave Knits, 2 or 3 ago??.... Anyways I am doing those for the guys. I have already started one this afternoon after spending about a week trying to figure out what to do.. UGH!! I was going to do the Yarn Harlot socks that she made for her hubby but realised they didnt look good AT ALL with the yarn I was using then tried a pattern that I was making up and agian it looked rubbish!! I was going to do the Henery scarf from knitty but realised its just not what I wanted and finally settled on these socks today I am NOT changing my mind AGAIN!!! Depending how much I get knitted tomorrow afternoon on them and the light I might take pictures! :)

I miss sewing... but all this knitting, err well ripping recently! hasnt allowed me any time. I have fabric to make a pair of trousers out of along with fabric for a nice tunic, I just need to get the time... Maybe MIGHT have them sorted for next autumn as they are fall colours... geesh talk about slacking! Not only that but I dont even have a table to sew on anymore.... Its not as bad as it sounds.. we have FINALLY sorted out our back room!! And in doing so we tossed out the table that was back there and are going to be looking at getting me a wee desk to go in front of the window (so I can be nosey while sewing! HAHA) and once I fingure out the desk I will have my space again. I cut out my patterns in the front room on the floor anyways so I never had any need for the really large table that was back there.. Marks also put some stuff to listen to music with back there so its looking really nice! Only took 8 months to figure it out and get it the way we wanted.. not bad eh? HAHA I know it is......

okay writting on here is taking up knitting time.. must go... See yall later.. actually I am off to do something for the evening so no knitting anyways... cleaning for me.. yippie?

Melon 1 Done!! :D

2007-09-25T12:45:00.001+01:00

I FINISHED MY SCARF ON SATURDAY NIGHT!! But Im only just now getting around to bloggin about it.. hmm how did that happen??? Yeah I dont know either.. Ive not washed and blocked it yet.. but I wont be doing that until I finish all the scarfs and then just get it done all in one go.. so here they are in their finished unblocked glory just for you guys out there! :)

Its just all laid out and relaxing on the floor...

Closer picture of it with what was left up in the corner.

Rounding the edge...

and it got tired of laying out wanted to cuddle up in a ball instead (dont worry I dont leave it that way)
Yarn Fiddlesticks Jaggerspun 50% Merino/Silk blend
Colour Suede
Size 4mm circular needles for the whole thing.
I LOVED knitting this it was REALLY easy even the border was easy to knit on and memorize! Obviously this is my christmas knitting for Marks sisters and Mum. So below is another one started in their Plum colourway...

This watch I got yesterday at Debenhams. Aint it pretty?? (btw thank you to debs for their photo that I "borrowed") When I showed this to Mark he said "Leave it to you to get something like that!" My reply was "What? you mean because its got flowers on it?" And his reply was "Yes!"... heheh oops I didnt MEAN to get it with flower, honest! Its just the only one that I liked for 20£... I dont wear watches often so I really didnt fancy paying loads for one that eventually will end up in the back of my drawer... who knows its cute enough I may just always wear it.....

And meet our new plants! The only other plant we have is a Christmas Cactus, I bought him AGES ago on sale at Sainsburrys but its not flowerd since I got it.. fingers crossed it finally flowers agian this year! But since I been here Marks never been fussed over houseplants but the other day we were at the local B&Q and ended up passing these and he said how about we got one? so we got the first and third one pictured and then the next day we went back up for something else and came home with the middle one.. OOPS! haha I love em.. they pretty!...

Right finally got you guys some pictures up and finished one scarf I am off of here now to update my Ravelry and knit some more on the plum scarf... WOO HOO!...

Its growing Its growing, Its NEARLY grown!

2007-09-16T08:14:00.000+01:00

Oh I am so excited! The Melon is growing by leaps and bounds!! :) I have finished the body of the scarf!! Well I finshed it the other day. I have also knitted on the top of the border will be picking up and starting the first long edge tomorrow. To much to do today I am afraid! and Ive been busy this weekend or would have already started it!...
No pictures I will take some soon, promise! Just got so excited I had to share that its getting there and looking oh so pretty! :)

Where are you?

2007-09-06T09:50:00.000+01:00

I am still knitting on my melon scarf. :) and my MS3 stole is still sitting in the same spot it was last week.
Melon has to come first though because its a gift. I love it though becuase its such an easy knit. :) I get a couple repeats done each night while sitting here relaxing. The Jaggerspun Zypher isnt a bad yarn and its really nice to wrap around my neck (just testing out the size you know) and am glad that I picked that yarn to make all the scarfs with. :) I am sure that the ladies will all enjoy their scarfs if I get them knit in time... EEKS!
I have also picked out the cardigan I want to knit for myself... Originally it was the Tilted Duster from the current IK but now its changed to the twisted yolk or something like that from Eunny Jang, still in the current IK. Who knows when Ill get to that...
I also got the current Burda sewing mag and theres a few things out of that I really like the look of and wouldnt mind dusting off my sewing machine and make... Of course that means I have to stop being lazy and go buy myself some fabric, or maybe that should be I have to find time!! I swear Im not sure what takes up all my time in my day but come time to actually do things I find its nearly the end of the night.. OOPS!
Alright update/rant over I have to go to the grocery store and find something for dinner tonight!

**Oh yeah.... ZhiWen the Zypher came in little balls from www.woollyworkshop.co.uk ready to go soon as they land on the door step. :)

Christmas knitting in September!

2007-09-03T14:36:00.000+01:00

I got PART of my order on Friday and in it was my Zypher laceweight yarn in Suede. Soon as I had it I HAD to cast it on my needles!! :) Okay its actually gift knitting (of which I stopped doing but decided to do for this xmas!) so I figure Ive got alot coming up that I would LIKE to do (if it all gets done is another matter). But heres some pictures!!

And another one because I feel like it. :)

Of course its the melon pattern from Victorian Lace Today... I love the stuff in the book!! Even Mark likes the pattern so far. :) Ive knitted on this all weekend. I knit slow I know... but I have gotten somewhere at least! Ive done nothing on it yet today I swear I do to much rubbish that amounts to nothing instead of sitting down and getting somewhere on my knitting!!! At least we got clean clothes for tomorrow I suppose that accounts for SOMETHING?? :)
Okay off to do dishes then I will sit down and knit... promise!

I is getting there!

2007-08-27T12:58:00.001+01:00

Yes I know that is not proper english but tough! :)

I am a little over 50% done with my MS3!!! :) WOO HOO I have decided NOT to add the wing as most people have instead I will be knitting another section of clues 1-4 and then grafting (I hate grafting!) them together. That way I will have areally nice long wrap! :)
I know you want to see the picture so far so here they are! :)

Badly pinned down but you get the idea! :)

Shes pretty aint she?

Thats clue four Aint she just grand and would you like to dance? :)

Artsy fartsy smartsy...

Right I am off to knit more of me other half.. I CANT wait to have this finishe and properly blocked to be able to wear.. I LOVE it already!!!!!

(oh yeah and I have stuff coming from wolly workshop some stage this week so that I can start my xmas knitting of melon scarfs!.... and of course I HAD to get the newest Interweave knits, isnt that tilted duster on the front cover just gorgeous?!?.... )

My answers to your questions...

2007-08-20T09:47:00.000+01:00

1. What is the one knitting accessory you could not live without?
My chibis that Amy sent me during SP9. Even right now while knitting my MS3 I have them sat with me to sew in my lifelines! :D

2. If you're heading on vacation, do you take knitting with you? Ifso, how much and what type of project?
I do! And just something easy that doesnt take much brain power. Like a pair of simple socks. I would take something more complicated for the evenings before bedtime but I doubt it would get touched.

3. Where have you travelled to that you'd consider your favorite spot?
While I was living in Canada, it was Banf National Park. While Ive been living here in England its been to the coast visiting his parents. I LOVE it there (Great Yarmouth area). I think both places for very different reasons to be realxing and peaceful!

4. What is your favorite knitting book at the moment? Do you own it?
Its my Victorian Lace Today and Im trying to knit my MS3 quicker so that I can start some projects from it! :D

5. Do you listen to podcasts? Which is your favorite(s)?
I have to admit I am very far behind the times and I dont listen to any!

**To my sp, Anything that wasnt asked by our host that you would like to know on here, ask and Ill tell! :)
**Amy, have you tried ebay or even Amazon (one of their cheaper dealers) to see if you couldnt get the book? I know that if I had a credit card to get it off of amazon would have only cost me like 13£.... worth looking if you can squeeze it out? Or tell everyone you want it for christmas!!!

I GOT IT!!!!

2007-08-17T13:59:00.000+01:00

I picked up my Victorian Lace Today book.. OH YEAH BABY!! I did that on Wednesday. Well she did say when I ordered it from WHSmith it would be in then but I told her oh Ill just come by next Thursday for it I need to pass by here anyways. Well umm, HA that didnt work! :) I ended up going into town on Wednesday and getting it. Okay so it makes it sound like I went way out of my way. I didnt. We live close to town so I just went there first then to out the other side and to the store... I still had to go on Thursday because I had to return some DVDs to Blockbuster.
What do I think of the book? Well I LOVE IT!! but then I sort of knew I would. I have wanted the book since it came out some time last year but behaved myself.. okay truth be told the thought of paying 22£ for a book wasnt exactly making me jump for joy. But a year on and I still wanted the book so I thought naw youve been good go ahead and buy it.. So I did! :) Every time I saw yet another person knit a design from the book made me fall in love with them so I NEEDED the book and am very HAPPY with getting it. :)
I already have a couple of things that I want to do. Like the Melon Pattern. Okay so its been done loads already but tough! I want one for myself. :) theres more thats just probably going to be the first one I make from it. The pictures in the book are all set out beautifully! And it just makes me want to travel around England ALOT more then I do (which is barely at all).
Im still knitting on MS3 and loving every second of it. I havent made progress on the Monkey sock I casted on a couple weeks ago becuase Ive not been out on a bus recently. I said all week I was going to be its rained so instead Ive been lazy and just ran to the grocery store down the road instead of the other side of town. I also have some yarn out the back that I want to turn into a cardi. But I havent decided yet what I want to do with that one.. Ill soon decide! :)
Right knitting wont get done if I dont move those sticks!!!

Long Update

2007-08-13T09:22:00.000+01:00

I have been knitting. I swear it! Just my progress has been slow becuase MS3 isnt a portable (well for me anyways!) project. It requires that I carry around the charts and pay CLOSE attention and well I just cant be doing with all of that becuase one mistake is a HUGE heartache for me and just sitting on the couch Ive made 2! YIKES!!! I put "lifelines" in every 10 rows on the rs rows just to make things slightly easier if I make a mistake and both mistakes I made those came in handy!! Even if they were right on the ninth row and I had to go back all 8 previous rows! This Malabrigio Merino Laceweight yarn that I am using is also a pain in the backside to rip back which is why I am putting them in at all!! and lets not forget this is my first proper all over really lacey I cant wait to finish it project that I am doing! :)
Oh whats that how far have I actually gotten? Well only to the end of clue 3. :) I am really slow on this for some reason... Sorry.... But heres some pics to make you happy, or well they make me happy just goes to show its really going to be PRETTY!! (to me!)

There is a closeupish of finished clue two and three I meant to take pictures after I finished clue two last week some time but just kept knitting into clue three and thought oh bugger it Ill just wait till both are finished THEN take a picture... :) So that is what Ive done... :) I really like the way the purples move to greys then to blacks and back again its really going to look great drapped across my back... and I will be lengthening this stole as well. Only because I prefer longer things to make sure it wraps properly around my shoulders and lets not forget I also have LOADS of yarn still left over. After clue three and with having to throw (dont kill me people) some of it away becuase it was in such a knotted mess from trying to rip it out I still have some of the first skein left and plus the other two that I ordered along with it. So Ive got plenty to be able to lengthen. :)

Heres a picture of all three clues together. Ive only pinned it out quickly on the bed. I will do a proper block once all is finished. :) But you still get the picture of the way it will be looking. I am VERY proud of myself for not giving up on this after something like 2 or 3 false starts of having to rip and then abandon each of those goes and then after the two bad mistakes of needing to rip back to my lifelines. Plus I have had a couple tiny mistakes when I just had to go back to the beginning of the row and restart that row. But I want to finish this stole that I am willing to suffer! HAHAHA

Now what else have I been up to your wondering other then knitting I am sure. Well last month (yep its been a month and I am only NOW showing you!) I got new glasses. I got 2 pairs from specsavers as they are running a promotion of 2 for 1. My first pair are similar in look to the last pair that Ihad that no one noticed I got new glasses not even Mark! haha and heres my other pair....

I swear they are purple! but after the flash and resizing they look slightly brownish they arent...
Can you tell I also got my hair cut?? well I did! :D But these out of the two are my favorite glasses I got! WOO HOO!!!.... I did get them with transition lenses at first then I got them brought them home and took them back the same day. They never go completely clear. I wasnt told that! And I dont want to be in a store or sitting on the couch watching telly with slightly tinted glasses it drove me nuts for the 3 hours I had them on. The guy offered I keep them for a week to see if I could get used to them. And bless his sweet soul I ended up laughing in his face. I didnt mean to... But I am the sort of once I dont like it and its not what I thought it was going to be I DONT WANT IT! so they had to go back I had to wait a week they put in clear lenses and now I am a happy bunny who is sporting a new hair cut and a wicked pair of purple geeky glasses... what more can you ask for?? HAHAHAHA

Mark sister came over from Australia this month as well, shes gone back now though.. The first day we went over to see her after saying hello her first question to me was "Jenn could you please make me a sweet potato pie before I go?" OF COURSE I SAID YES!!! When I told my mom I made one she laughed and pointed out my flaw. I didnt make one because she asked, I made one becuase I knew what was in it for me... SWEET POTATOES!!! YUM!!!!!

First step boil with skins on until tender and pokeable with a fork.
Let cool and peel skins off. Cut in 4 bits.

Lay in pan with little tabs of butter over each tater. Pour loads of honey on them and cover in brown sugar cinnamon and a bit of nutmeg. Add a bit more honey and brown sugar for good luck. AHAH...
Bake in oven I think I did mine for about 45 minutes and the oven was around 190C
You can eat some of them now if you want to (I ate two little slices (half a sweet tater) ) Stick in the fridge over night. I left mine two nights because I knew we werent going over until the Wednesday. the longer they are left they better I think it ends up tasting I wouldnt leave them a week though!
But some pie crusts or make them if you want to! (I forgot to take pictures of these parts)
Take your sweet taters and throw them into a bowl and mash them with their gooey sugar mess until all smashed up together. Add a can of condensed milk some more brown sugar(not alot) and some cinnamon and nutmeg. Add a couple handfuls of flour an egg if you want (I forgot to for these) and mix. You want to add your flour until it thickens up the mixture a bit.
Pour them into your pie crusts bake in the over at about 190 until golden brown. again I think mine was around an hour. Let cool take to Marks sister smile when she gets excited and know that you only made it so you could eat sweet taters yourself! HAHAA

That is the finished pie. They are SO YUMMIE!! I ended up eating another half a tater while I was making the pie so it was one tater per pie and I made 2. One for her, and one for me. Hey you have to have SOME perks to baking for others dont you?!?! and anyways she ended up leaving the next day because she got her flights confused... OOPS! Hopefully she was able to eat some of the pie (like most of it) before she had to go.....
Can you ship food to australia?!?!?!?

Question and Answer time SP11

2007-08-06T07:36:00.001+01:00

Here are my answers to the questions...

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I like em soft and yummie.. Merino is really nice... I dont like scratchy stuff!! (akrylic or high content of akrylic really makes my hands itch!)

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a needle case my SP9 gifted me that I use. :)

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting for the last I think 3 or 4? years now and I taught myself. I would consider myself intermediate to advanced with always more to learn! :)

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No I dont.

5. What's your favorite scent?
Cinnamon spicey things, Vanilla, fresh baked breads and cookies..

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
YES.... I am not sure what my fav is any more I just grab what I fancy on the day. But can I just say I do miss Honey Grahm Crackers (even if they arent candy)

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I like to sew. I have a spindle but I havent used it since xmas.. OOPS! I really must get back to that huh? :) And I love baking as well. :)

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Country, Easy Listening, Pop, Hip Hop, Alternative... All really. :) And yes it does.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Pastels and earthy tones.. I cant stand bright neon colours.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live with my wonderful partner Mark. :) No pets.. :(

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear scarves and mittens, I only wear hats if its REALLY COLD other then that I think I look a fool in them....

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks, sweaters.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Pair of Monkey socks on the go, and MS3 stole while at home.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Of course I do! I think its lovely! :)

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Circular needles lately... They are easier to drag around with you. and it doesnt matter what they are made of. :)

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No I dont.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
I dont have any... Any UFOS Ive since ripped out....

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas. :)

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Do books count? :) Actual collectors material no.. theres nothing at the moment.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Scarf Style, VICTORIAN LACE TODAY, and thats all I can think of. :) I buy Vouge Knitting, Interweave knits, and the Rowan Mags.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Not that I can think of at the moment?

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes I am, I will have to come back to you I have it wrote down somewhere.

23. When is your birthday?
December 23rd. :)

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Yes I am and theres a link to me over in the side. :)