pinkarwensocks goes knitting

bits and pieces. this and that.

2011-09-16T14:35:00.001+10:00

Oh dear, I'm not a very loyal blogger am I? Sorry!!
But here I am, nearly twelve months later filled to the brim with knitting jobs, tech editing jobs, book reviewing jobs, and one pattern about to be published. I LOVE MY KNITTING LIFE.
Instead of trying to catch up on all that has happened, I'll just push forward, suffice to say I've been knitting, knitting, knitting....
Currently I am working on some projects that my lovely friend Michelle has given me. Michelle is the editor of Yarn Magazine, and is currently working on a book. I am knitting some samples, but can't say anymore.
Also, I have been spending a lot of time at my favourite yarn store, Evoke, because, for the last six months....I...HAVE...BEEN...WORKING....THERE!!!! Oh, I am so happy, I have never had a better, more fulfilling, more creative, more exciting job than this one. And of course, the beautiful Elissa is simply that...beautiful.

The project I'm feeling most inspired about currently, is my Hexagon-how-to blanket. Designed by Lucy of Attic24, the Hexagon how-to is a simple, yet interesting project. I am crocheting it in Amy Butler & Rowan's Belle Organic dk, is some divine colours. When finished, it is going to lovingly live in our little caravan, perfect for those chilly autumn evenings sitting by a bbq, camping with the family. <3

2010-10-27T16:50:00.006+11:00

A lovely new friend told me today she 'found' my blog, and it reminded me I should be a little more faithful to my little 'ol blog here.

So, the kids have gone for a walk, the veges are already cut and prepared for dinner, and I have, oh, about 15 minutes of uninterrupted time.

The above mentioned friend, Elissa has opened the most gorgeous yarn and fabric shop in a nearby town, and I have made a weekly visit, and purchase!! What luxury, to actually be able to go into a shop and fondle the yarn, have a chat, and just be surrounded by all the fabulous colours and textures. Please go visit

Evoke!!!

My knitting adventures lately have consisted of very big projects that I am slowwwwly making my way through. The biggest of which is Wray, a new design by the very talented, (and only 13 years old)!!! Lily. I am test knitting this short sleeve cardigan, and it is a whopping 46", mostly in rib, so is inevitably taking me longer than anticipated. Oh yeah, did I mention it is in LACEWEIGHT!!

I love it, but boy oh boy, lots of knitting.....

I took an instant gratification break by knitting a Cosette by Never Not Knitting, and it is gorgeous. I used a DK weight yarn, and it is a little bigger than the intended sizing, but I quite like that. I love the colour, Topaz, it reminds me of my Mum, who when I was younger used to wear some topaz earrings that I loved. Ahh!!

yarn: the main colour is Manos de l Uruguay Silk Blend in colour Topaz. I used three skeins exactly, felted the joins and had less than 10cm left at the end.

The contrast edging is Spud & Chloë Fine, colour 7815 (don't you hate it when the ball band only has a number, no colour name?? I do !) I held it double.

Needles: 5mm 100cm Addi turbo

Mods: because I was conscious of running out of yarn, I worked about 5 rows less of the short rows, I don't think it makes any difference.

Obsessed

2010-06-17T11:15:00.006+10:00

I've been a Twilight fan for a while, but I've just recently discovered fanfiction, and its been keeping me up too late many a night now. I can find an alternate ending to my favourite characters, Bella and Jacob (swoon) can now end up together, whilst enjoying rather a lot of smuttiness in between...oh la la!!! Came across all this via a ravelry group.

I've also been tech editing for Yarn magazine, so far I have done a tea set, beanie and am now on a bag. WOW!! Actually getting paid to knit/crochet...how lucky am I?? The only one

published so far is the tea set, this is mine...

And to other knitting, it is coming along, I am trying to finish a lot of WIP's so I can start something new...

Plus, my brother and his fiance are expecting their first child, my first niece/nephew, and I am SOOOO EXCITED! So of course, am knitting a blanket...

Specifics:
Pattern Tea Set by Marika Simon

Yarn Bendigo Woollen Mills 8 ply cotton in colourway blue and natural
Hook 3.25 mm
Mods none as it was a tech edit.

Masters

2010-03-31T23:26:00.000+11:00

Hey there, so I've been AWOL a while now, I am six weeks into my Masters of Education (yippee:) ). Alas, my knitting has suffered terribly though. My grand plans of designing Mr 3's cricket vest is about this far along...

Upside down photo but you can probably gather It Is Not Finished. But it will be one day!!

So I've been concentrating on smaller projects like headbands, beanies and crocheted hairclips. Am loving Spud and Chloe sweater yarn at the moment. <3

Good news, a friend gave me a gasp JOB gasp to tech edit a crochet pattern. Due Wednesday!

And ifinished an assignment today 9,200 final word count. Phew !!!!!

An old photo of Mr 3 when he was about 1 1/2ish. Too cutie !

-- Post From My iPhone

Location:Marina Pl,West Ballina,Australia

2009-12-30T20:17:00.003+11:00

Merry Christmas to all who are reading my small blog. Hope it was wonderful, mine was, spent with children, parents, siblings, husband!! A grand day.

I gifted only one Christmas present this year, Montego Bay Scarf, to Mrs. Osmetti, Miss 5's pre-kindy teacher, who truly did deserve the time I spent on every stitch in that scarf. I hope she liked it, it was hard to tell at the time, just the usual polite pleasantries were exchanged over it. I wanted to tell her about all the looong hours I spent, the late nights in that last week, the mistakes I didn't put up with, but unpicked to get it just right...but I didn't..of course, that's not what we knitters do is it. Only I, and all of you who also knit, share that knowledge.

Nevertheless, we live in a small town, perhaps I'll see her wearing it one day. :)

Specifics:
Pattern Montego Bay Scarf by Amy Singer
Yarn Handmaiden Fine Yarn - Sea Silk in colourway Pink
Needle took quite a few false starts to settle on 5 mm, not too tight not too loose, I also invested in some lurvley Lantern Moon Ebony needles as the yarn was so slippery.
Mods none apart from changing needle size and making the braided fringe a very loose braid.

One big Catch Up!!

2009-11-28T21:02:00.005+11:00

I've been missing in action for a while now, still knitting, just not so much computer time. This is because of two reasons, 1. I bought an i-phone, which can I just say I LOVE!! But it's not so easy to put pictures up on blogger from my phone, and I'm always on the internet on my phone now, rather than the desk. and 2. when I am sitting here at the desk, all I can see are all the invoices I have to deal with, and bills to pay, that I tend to, well, get up and walk away......

So, baby Quill turned 1, and she got a beautiful blanket for her birthday.

Pattern: Hearts and Stars Blanket by Zoe Mellor

Yarn: Rowan Handknit Cotton, about 12 skeins

Needles: 4mm

Time to complete: well, one pregnancy, one summer, one year of baby's life, nearly two years all up!!

But it is what I wanted, an heirloom that she would treasure for years and years.

Also on a side note, I bought this yarn in the early stages of my pregnancy, no inkling if I was having a girl or a boy, just as well it's not a boy laying under there, must have had baby brain that day!!

Ok, next up we have a little backpack I did for my Mum. Just some acrylic yarn she picked up super cheap, took next to no time to knit, and she can throw it on when she goes for a walk.

Pattern: Textured Backpack by Ros Badger, published in Instant Expert Knitting

Yarn: Sean Sheep Little Grins

Needles: 5 mm

And something I am very fond of, is the Spring Garden tee from Nevernotknitting. I have seen some of Alana's designs on Ravelry, but never gotten around to knitting them. Then my (far away) LYS had a KAL of the Spring garden tee, and I even managed to stashbust. But had to modify the pattern to include stripes, and also did a little lace edging around the hem. I really like this top, it would nearly be one of my favourite knits ever, unfortunately, Arwen doesn't think it is quite long enough, so every wash I am stretching the yarn and blocking length length length....:)

Pattern: Spring Garden tee by Nevernotknitting

Yarn: Rowan Calmer, from stash, I made size 4 and used every inch of yarn I had, all up I had 368metres.

Needles: 4 mm
Mods: The stripes, I made them up as I went, and did ok I reckon. Also the lace panel from the sleeves, I added to the hem.

Next time I'll have the She-knits Mystery KAL to show, and discuss. It is currently blocking and drying, felted but not lined, and I am having issues with the scarf portion. Really I just want to finish the dreaded bag, give it away and be done. But next time. Before christmas. :)

Bye then x

12 rows per day?

2009-08-22T19:25:00.001+10:00

Can I complete 12 rows a day EVERY day in order to finish Zoe Mellor's Hearts & Stars blanket. Quill's birthday is the 31st August, I need 24 hours blocking time... And well I just don't know if I've got it in me. I'm slow on the best of days and this blanket is full of moss stitch, double slow for me.
I started this when I was pregnant with little Quilly and then I could only knit one row at a time. It made my tendinitis play up HORRIBLY!!! I think it would be special to give it to her on her first birthday.
Last night I knit a strand of my hair into the middle of one of the love hearts, I thought that was such a loving and sentimental statement, not my husband though, he was watching me like I was crazy!

Well, wish me luck everyone.

--Post From My iPhone

Another one bites the dust...

2009-08-13T22:16:00.001+10:00

I think I'm actually starting to knit a bit quicker, I started this bag for my Mum about two weeks ago. Normally it would take me hours and hours but I've got it finished, and still been knitting other things as well.
So it's the textured backpack, specifically requested so Mum could use it while walking and still be able to swing her arms. She picked the yarn and all up I think it cost under $5- not too bad for a Nana eh?!

-- Post From My iPhone

i love my iPhone

2009-07-28T16:27:00.003+10:00

I've never been that bothered by what mobile phone I have, as long as its got a game or two, (and truthfully solitaire will do), and can make a call and SMS it'll do.

But last week, I was able, on DH's account acquire myself an iPhone.....and Oh.My.God!!

What a phone. This last week has seen me taking an impromptu video of the kids feeding cows over a fence, playing Bookworm as I'm feeding Quill and chatting around on Rav at 3 am when I can't sleep. What a toy!! Why did no-one tell me before? So now I'm twittering/facebooking/goodreading all around town and probably am making a right twit of myself. Haha!!

But of course still knitting too. I have finished numerous small projects lately:

Am very happy with this knit, the Turn-a-Square beanie by Brooklyntweed. I am just loving reading his blog and twitter updates at the moment.

This turned out very well, except my jogless stripes, my first attempt and they came out jogless on the inside but the outside, the part EVERYONE will see is running a marathon...great big bits of contrast yarn stretched in one smooth stripe vertically up the hat.....Not Good!!

Particulars:

Yarn: Jo Sharp silkroad dk tweed in colour Granar, and the contrast is the delightful Filatura di Crosa Zara print in colour 5031 (don't' you just hate it when 'they' cant' come up with at least a name)

Needle: 4mm and 4.5 mm

Alterations: none

Also I rather quickly whipped up the gorgeous little pair of sockies for Buby Quill. I made myself Roza's socks in this yarn and had enough left over for some baby socks. I don't think the colours work with the stitch pattern, or with the Roza's sock pattern either for that matter. But they are made, and they are soft and comfy! Now if only they would stay on her feet!!

Particulars:

Pattern: Baby's first sock by Ann Bud

Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock multi in colour Baby stripe (ahhh!!!)

Needle: 2.25 mm Brittany birch....the best sock needles EVER!!

Alterations: none

And before I go, can someone please read my Blog....even my Mum doesn't :)

Crochet blah blah

2009-07-03T20:11:00.003+10:00

I'm not sure if I really like crocheted garments, but I am SOOO happy to have learned how to do it! I'm sure it will come in terribly handy to add to my knitting. Since the Sweet and Swingy Dress I have made a scarf, the Tea Scarf by Pixeldiva. It was a quick crochet, but used a fair bit of yarn. The pink I used 52 grams, so had to buy that second ball for a mere 2 grams!!

Particulars:
Yarn Cleackheaton Country 8ply in colours green, pink and blue.
Hook 6 mm
Alterations none, really liked this pattern after I saw Kelly from Tangled Yarns attempt one.

A Good Week for Jett and Quill

2009-06-24T22:32:00.004+10:00

I'm very happy to say I've finished not one, but two projects this week. Firstly Robin from Rowan's Story Book of Little Knits. There aren't many boy patterns in this book, I like this one as it's done in cotton...perfect for Aussie weather. Plus yarn was on sale at the Wool shack hehe!!

Particulars:

Yarn Rowan Handknit Cotton in Black, Celery and Chime

Needles 4 mm and 3.75 mm circ

Alterations none, but I had a massive amount of yarn left over at the end. Sewing in the shoulder patches was a pain!!

Look at Jett's face: he has to make funny faces in photo's now, we say smile and this is what happens......:)

Okay, next was my crochet dress. It turns out crochet is surprisingly easy, and quick...but I don't have to tell any fellow crocheters that do I??

So I made the Sweet and Swingy dress that was in Crochet Today. I used left over stash yarn, and if you sort of squint it looks perfect. Yes, there are a few mistakes. But overall, quite good. (if I do say so myself eh!!!!)

Particulars:

Yarn Jo Sharp Dk Wool in a brown colour. I bought this off ebay and it was unlabeled. And Cherry for the trim

Hook 5 mm

Alterations I didn't do the reverse single crochet around the neck and arm holes as I thought it would be too fussy. Instead I added a flower, which I think is so cute!!

Crocheting for ducks

2009-05-31T00:05:00.003+10:00

I have joined a crochet group, in the hopes of learning how to crochet. I don't really like the look of crocheted items, but I love the edgings and pretty flowers that add to knitting. So I called up a lady who had an ad on the local noticeboard.

I went to her house and I was the youngest (by about half) of all four ducks who also belong to this group. I was given instruction on holding the hook, using the correct hooks (plastic is not acceptable sorry), how to strand the yarn through my fingers (acrylic does some very nice colours nowadays says the boss duck), and was strongly encouraged to do a lap blanket to start. I put my foot down at this and (barely) convinced her I could do a washcloth.
But from the amount of crocheted blankets around the ducks house I bet she is a master crocheter so I will return next week, and meekly take my shoes off, sit on her plastic covered hard chair, and be taught to do something other than a granny square...haha!! Hopefully!!!!

By the way, is it just my old duck, or do all crocheters hate knitting?

Quilly Magrilly

2009-04-26T21:58:00.004+10:00

Quill received her first (and probably only) hand knitted toy this month. I made a toy for all my kids, Red Ted, Penguin and now Ballerina Bunny.

After my first two attempts at toy making, I am extremely proud of Ballerina Bunny...she is perfect (apart from her unusually floppy neck anyway).

Here are her stats:
Pattern: Ballerina Bunny from Sublime printed in Knitting Magazine 055

Yarn: Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK in Piglet and Vanilla

Needles: 3.25 and 4 mm

I think Quilly likes her anyway, which is just as well as I'm not making another toy until I have grandchildren. It's the massive number of tiny little pieces you have at the end, all with yarn hanging off them, and you know you have hours more of sewing up, sewing in ends, stuffing....blech blech blech...

Knitting, children, money....you know general flashes of brain activity.

2009-03-13T12:33:00.004+11:00

I am being baptised on Easter Saturday, my children too. We are becoming Catholic's. I am aware I need something white to wear, so I'm making myself a shawl. The Summer Lace Shawlette from Interweave is what I've decided on. It is coming along nicely too.

I also finished a dishcloth for DBrother's new home. Don't think he quite knew what to think/do with it. ;) It is Grandma's Favourite dishcloth in Peaches & Creme Raspberry Swirl. Yummy!!

And I've also finished some rompers for Quill. Sooo cute!!! They are Debbie Bliss Romper Panties printed in Essential Baby. I made them in Filatura Di Crosa Zarina as the gauge was slightly tighter, and I had read these pants came out huge when made to the recommended gauge. And they fit my bubba fine, as you can see, she's not a starving child either. She snacks from green pastures.

DH and I are applying for a home loan, our first one. And it was all looking very good, except we have a debt on our credit file which is holding us up. It was only $500 four years ago, but nevertheless it is there and there's nothing we can do about it. I've been praying some generous person will read our documents and feel moved to tick the yes box, instead of the no box. Perhaps the Holy Spirit will spark for us.

Arwen started pre kindy this year and is thriving, and Jett is doing well. Just about out of the terrible two's....

Merry Christmas!!

2009-01-04T08:00:00.003+11:00

Well it's that time of year again. And how exciting for us now with three little ones to be joyful with. Here they are posing for their christmas card photo.

My knitting has been coming along well too. I have lots of projects ready to start. My lovely brother even visited a knitting store and bought me some things whilst on holidays recently.
Ahhh!!!

Little Project Month

2008-11-22T20:35:00.003+11:00

I have this massive blanket on the go at the moment, you know knit, purl, knit, purl, knit, purl, knit, purl, etc, etc, etc.....so to compensate I've been doing lots of little; immediate gratification projects.

First I made Jo S harp's Purse from Knit Issue 4. My lovely DH bought me some Lumina for my birthday and also 4mm Tasmanian oak needles so it was a pleasure to knit this. Plus it is my first bag of any kind. Unfortunately it is still in the top of my cupboard unused, as I just don't get out at night anymore. Three kids, my mum is not so willing to babysit in the evenings and Quill only goes 3 hours between feeds, oh well, one day hey?

Then I made the Baby Bib o' love, a cute little project from Mason Dixon Knitting, which by the way is a fantastic book..

It is made with the ever lovable Peaches and Creme in colour peppermint. Arwen has requested one too, so I have hers on the needles, to be made a little bigger though.

Little Sandals

2008-10-24T20:25:00.004+11:00

I searched and searched and searched for the perfect sandals or booties to make for Quill, I had plenty of the Sublime yarn left over.

These are the ones I really liked......

but they were just too tricky for me. They are Better than Booties by Ann Budd..maybe one day! Then I tried some pattern off someone's blog that I can't even remember. Just as well, as I'm sure it was written wrong, and I couldn't get it to work.

So I settled for the Debbie Bliss sandals that I have made before, and therefore know they work. I don't like the pattern very much, too complicated and too many ends to sew in. But this is what I came up with.

They look cute with the Little Daisy cardigan I made for Quill, so I am pleased. But it is an area of my knitting I'll have to work on, cos those Better than Booties are just better than Cute. ;)

Little Daisy Cardigan for a Little Angel

2008-10-07T22:53:00.006+11:00

I am making Zoe Mellor's Hearts and Stars Blanket for Quill, but it is taking SOOOOOOO LONG that I had to satisfy immediate knitting cravings.

So I discovered the Little Daisy Cardigan by Sublime Yarns. How perfect for the Australian spring weather too, open at the front and short sleeves. I made mine in colour Gooseberry 004 a pretty green colour, and I used the suggested Baby Cashmere Merino Silk dk. Very yummy yarn, nice and soft and perfect for next to baby's skin. Also found a button in my very old button box that matched perfectly.

Any complaints: well it came out a little on the small side. I made the smallest size, which is for a 0-6 month old, and it Just fits DD2 now. She is 5 weeks old, so unfortunately she won't get much wear out of it. It also could do with being 3 cm longer.

Here's my girl wearing it, although she's none too pleased about having her photo taken. xxxxxxx

To dummy or not to dummy?

2008-10-02T11:37:00.001+10:00

I have just had my third child, I have a 4 year old, 2 year old and now a 4 week old.With my previous two children I didn't use a dummy, my first I just never thought of it, never saw a need. If she was upset or unsettled I rocked or held her.

The second time around I thought of it, but couldn't bring myself to put that big plastic/rubbery thing in his mouth.

Now lo and behold I am questioning the use of dummy's again. This time i certainly don't have as much time to hold and rock new baby. And she hates to travel in the car, so yes, I bought a dummy and use it religiously for car trips. But now am considering bringing the dreaded dummy indoors.....

I don't really know what I find so offensive about dummy's, I think I don't want to cover up my precious angel's face with all that man made plastic...

Quill Jemima

2008-09-24T20:11:00.002+10:00

Yes, I had a little girl, Quill Jemima on the 31st August. She is an Angel so adorable and of course we are all madly in love with her. Here is a pic of her beautifulness at 3 weeks old.

ONE week to go!!

2008-08-21T10:37:00.003+10:00

Yes, I am due next Thursday, so surely it can't be too far away till the big day. Am looking forwards to it, mostly because I want to meet my new baby and see if he/she is a boy/girl, but also because I just don't want to be pregnant anymore. Have done that, am over it, never...ever...ever... again thankyou very much!!!!

But am trying to knit as fast as I can on my Hearts and Stars Baby Blanket (by Zoe Mellor in Adorable Knits). To no avail really though, as each row has 167 stitches it takes me awhile anyway, but then I have to stop every 20 stitches or so and get my dear hubby to rub my fingers because my carpal tunnel is terrible. So much pain.....

Anyway I am really enjoying (minus the pain) knitting this, I like the seed stitches and the slightly more concentration it takes to read a chart. I am knitting this in Rowan Handknit Cotton, in a lilac colour 305 (had very little choice in colours believe me) I purchased from Webs.

They were quite a good store, very expensive postage, but the 20% discount when I spent over $60 made up for that. It got here quickly too.

Here's the pic of the yarn...

Ok, happy knitting, please stay tuned for baby pics....(eventually)...

Roza aka Hospital Socks

2008-08-06T15:00:00.003+10:00

I've finished my Roza's socks, I do quite like them. Although I haven't worn them yet, I'm saving them to take to hospital with me, so when the baby is born and I am sore..sore..sore I'll have snuggly feet at least :)

They are made with Lorna's Laces, Shepherd Sock y arn in colour Baby Stripe, which Seany bought for me last birthday, picked the colour out himself too....ahhhh!!!!

Ok, so here they are:
Sort of wish I had fantastic photography skills to show my knitting to its best. Because they are actually quite pretty.

Pain pain and more pain

2008-07-28T16:23:00.002+10:00

I have carpal tunnel!!!! I've always known I've had it, very mildly, first came on when pregnant with Child number 1.
But now, at the latter stages of pregnancy with Child Number 3, it has hit me...big time! My hands and feet have puffed up, and are so swollen that I cannot make a fist or link my fingers together, and the pain in my right hand especially....that's right, my throwing hand. I can only manage a couple of rows at a time, or in the case of my Jo sharp vest that has cabling, a couple of stitches.....sob sob sob
All I can hope is that when the bubba comes out it takes away the carpel tunnel with it...but then of course I'll have no time to knit....

A Gripe...

2008-07-24T12:10:00.004+10:00

Yes, I do have a gripe I want to share.
With a yarn store, and not only that, my favourite yarn store.
They have done me wrong....

Angel Yarns
Exactly 20 days ago I purchased some Rowan Handknit Cotton to make a baby blanket, as you know bubba is due in only 4 weeks. So after much trolling through the online stores to see who had what in stock, I purchased.
Then when I hadn't received anything after two weeks I thought I'd just send an email to say I'm not alarmed yet, but just checking the parcel had been posted ok....
Guess what the reply email said....AY were out of stock, couldn't get anymore because it was a discontinued line, and sorry they hadn't let me know!!!
Hmmm, why hadn't they let me know??? That's the part that is the most disappointing. I was waiting patiently for my parcel, not to know it was never going to happen. A courtesy email would have been appreciated.

Anyway, I asked for a refund and will seek out something else. That's all!!

Oh, by the way, I LOVE Ravelry...don't you

Grandpa cardi for Seany or Grandma cardi for me?

2008-07-21T18:51:00.004+10:00

That's the choice I'm faced with....I can only afford one, well, can afford neither so can definitely only stretch to one.
I quite like the idea of making something significant for Seany, as he always does the 'knitting face' whenever I finish something....you know like it could be done better, and I sort of want to prove him wrong.
But then you know, something for me, a soft snuggly mohair cardi????
Decisions, decisions....
So this is the Wrap Jacket, from Jo Sharp's Knit Issue 3, making the next to largest size uses 14 balls of mohair, at $9.95 each, that's over $150 for this cardi.....whoa.....

Then there's the Maurizio for Seany, I would make a similar colour for him, probably in RYC Cashsoft DK, all up this would cost about $120 with postage. So a bit cheaper. Mmmmm, just don't know.

Plus I am waiting, (impatiently) on an order from Angel Yarns to make a blanket for new bubba, but more on that when it actually arrives. The package, not the bubba that is....

And I have finished something this week too. I made a Drop Stitch Scarf, a new pattern with some stash yarn, it was so pretty when finished I wanted to give it to someone, as it wasn't really to my taste. I offered it to my Mum but she's not really into scarves, so I sent it to my grandma, Junee, hope she likes it. Here it is...

Felt quite proud to have done a pattern, and a lace one at that. I just won't tell anyone the actual name of the pattern was Easy Drop Stitch Scarf!!!!

Countdown to bubba: 4 weeks.....oh dear

Some Old Pictures..

2008-06-26T22:45:00.003+10:00

I neglected my blog for so long, I thought I'd search through my old pics and see if I can find some finished items. I'm only now getting back into my knitting, after having about 5 months off to throw up, feel nauseous and complain a lot...(see previous post re pregnancy for enlightenment)..

So here is a Sari silk scarf I made for my brother's girlfriend for Christmas. I personally hated the Sari silk, all rough and scratchy, and I didn't know what sort of pattern to knit with it, so I just did a plain garter stitch. But when finished and washed in expensive conditioner (numerous times) it wasn't too bad....if you like that sort of thing. Hopefully she did..

Then I had the baby booties I made in November 2007, before I knew I would shortly be preggers.. I made them because I thought they would be easy and I had some spare Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino left over. I gave them to my friend Maria, who I thought would be more likely to know someone with a baby than me. I didn't mind doing them but probably won't repeat the pattern. It came from Debbie Bliss' book, Baby Cashmerino.

And I can't finish this off without telling you about poor old Red Ted. He was my first fore into knitting in adult life, I made him for my first born when she was brand new. This is the pattern I used...Zoe Mellor's My First Teddy from Nursery Knits, but I had not a clue about tension, yarn substitution, or anything really, as is extremely apparent when you see the actual Red Ted....

We laugh about him but really, he's well loved......

Arwen's Cardi

2008-06-19T15:47:00.004+10:00

Yay, I finally finished something...haven't been knitting for a while, my knitting bug went AWOL when I

..............................fell PREGNANT...................................

wasn't expecting that..

Anyway I am 30 weeks along and have knitted nada in the last 28 weeks so I am pleased I finished something at last. And very proud of it I am too.

Arwen likes it too, here she is looking very pleased

It is made with Sirdar Baby Bamboo, from this pattern book. I really like the bobbles around the edging. Too cute..

Anyway off to make a baby jacket....seriously, I am, baby due in August remember....oh dear.......

Update..update..update..

2007-11-03T19:41:00.000+11:00

It's been a while I know since my last post, I have been playing around on facebook and have let my other computer hobbie fall by the wayside...
I have been knitting though, that never stops. Although we have had daylight savings start here and the kids have taken a while to adjust to their new bedtime, so have been going to bed later...grrrr! They are lovely kiddies though, here's a photo just to show how lucky I am. (A bit blurry it was taken on my phone, but they were chillin' out at the department store)

Well, my knitting.....

I am working on five things (a lot for me), but a lot of them are socks, so it's not so bad. I knit so slowly, that five things is likely to take me two years to finish. And that is bad because there are so many new things I want to knit. My queue list on Ravelry is getting longer and longer....

Cast on for a Cardigan for Arwen in Sirdar Baby Bamboo it is a pretty yarn and knits up quite nicely, very even and neat. I'm using the 138 Waterbaby colour.

My Wild Flower Shawl - disaster disaster disaster!!. I added and extra two yarn overs and now have two extra holes...oh woe is me, I have no idea how to fix this!! There are two rows of stocking stitch in between the pattern so I think I have to frog till these rows, then try and pick them up there, hmmm, it's been put in the too hard basket for a while.

3. Bush socks, these are some dk socks made from Jo Sharp's dk wool, in bright red. No problems here...

4. Still going on Roza's sock that I talked about in an earlier post. One down

, one to go.

5. And last but not least my little Debbie Bliss Booties, of which I also have one down, one to go. Not much to say here, don't really like them very much, so.....

And for a sad personal piece too, my Mum, who I'm very close to had a heart 'turn' last week. She has already had a heart attack and by pass surgery and now, two years later had pains and something go on. She has a specialist appointment in a couple of weeks, but at the moment they are thinking maybe she had another mild heart attack....such worrying news. I am scared for her but am trying to not let on...

Well. Bye. Then.

x

What to do???

2007-10-06T12:39:00.000+10:00

My lovely hubby, who often gets a mention on here, has taken the kids away to visit my MIL for the weekend. For the first time in 3. 5 years I am alone for more than an hour!!!!

What bliss, heaven....so my biggest dilema at the moment is, what to cast on?

I've been saving casting on for these two projects till this weekend:

Jo Sharp vest from Knit Issue 3 for me - bit ho hum about the dk, feels a bit scratchy to me, but love the pattern

Sirdar baby bamboo cardigan for Arwen - love love love it.

Guess my decision is made, or is it.............

Here's a pic of the yarn choices:

Jo Sharp

Sirdar

Hiccup with Posh Yarn :-(

2007-09-30T20:45:00.000+10:00

Poor Seany, he tried to buy me some Posh Yarn, laceweight, to make this shawl the Wildflower Shawl and the yarn has been lost in transit. He ordered it about 3 weeks ago now and it hasn't turned up so he contacted Dee who said she sent it to our address, but the UK instead of Australia. We don't know who got mixed up, it could have been either of them. Seany did place the order about 3 am so he could have put the country code in wrong...but then Dee took out the international postage fee so perhaps it was the right address but she misread it.

Either way, Dee kindly refunded his money and tonight I am going to set my alarm and try and order some myself. I have just put a post to start a KAL on Angel Yarns, so I hope someone else joins, or I'll have to knit-a-long with myself, hehe.

My lovely husband also had another package arrive yesterday, that didn't make my birthday either. He bought me two sets of rosewood straight needles. They came from US. He did so much research on the best needles to have, he is just about an expert now. Isn't he lovely!!!!!!

It's been a LONG time

2007-09-27T16:03:00.000+10:00

Too too long. I mustn't leave without telling where I'm going?

Which was actually nowhere, just been busy...

I got into Ravelry.. YAY.. last week. Sure keeps you busy. It was my birthday on Wednesday, and what a lovely day it was. I have such gorgeous family they spoil me terribly and make me feel totally loved. Ahhhh.....

I'll add a few bits that I got as gifts from the above mentioned lurrrvelly people....

Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Yarn to make Roza's Socks

And some Jo Sharp DK to make Sean some Bush Socks....

Grandpa Socks

2007-09-06T23:18:00.000+10:00

Well, these socks aren't actually for a grandpa, although my husband does act like one on the odd occassion. DH calls them his Grandpa socks, I think it's the colours.............is he right?

Anyway, I think I learnt a lot with these socks, with the help of some lovely knitters from Angel Yarns. One foot has a mistake, I started decreasing on the top of the sock instead of the side. You can see in this photo.

But apart from that I am happy with them. Next time I am looking forwards to using some plain coloured yarn and trying a little lace or texture. I'm thinking of Grumperina's Roza's socks. It is my birthday later this month, and some Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarn is on my list.....:-)

Jett's Jacket :-)

2007-08-23T21:54:00.000+10:00

Well, as promised, I have finished Jett's jacket. YAY for me!!

The pattern is by Zoe Mellor, from her book Nursery Knits. It uses Rowan Calmer, in two shades, the darker one Slosh and the lighter blue Calmer. I made a size 2-3 years, but it was a bit smaller than I anticipated, my son is only 16 months and it fits him perfectly now. Plus I have a bit of left over yarn, about 70 grams of Calmer and 30 grams of Slosh.

Wonder what I can make with that??

I kind of knew I had a problem with my tension, I did do a tension square (but then promptly ignored it). My tension square was a bit out, but I thought, I've never had any differences with my tension before, so I just went ahead. Mmmmm......

But over all, I'm really pleased, I tried very hard to be neat and precise. And I think it shows, especially in the shoulder bind off, and hood. The pockets are well done, and my stripes match at the side and underarm seams.

On the critical side, my zipper could do with some work. I machine sewed it in, and the machine pulled a bit so it the stripes don't line up-a shame! Also, I still find it so hard to sew my ends in. I weave them in but the little tiny bits just pop out, I feel like I need to glue them down.

As I said this is for DS, he tried it on for me tonight, and looks pleased I think.

DD also tried it on, here she is showing the sleeve.

And doing her model pose, (ie/ grabbing booty and boobie with a silly look on face :-) )

It's always a good week when a WIP is finished.

On the needles now is DH's sock, the 2nd one, and I'm up to the foot, so nearly there. And OH MY GOD, that is all. I do have some projects ready to start though:

Debbie Bliss baby cardi like the one I just finished

Jo Sharp vest for me

Sirdar baby bamboo cardi for DD (still in post though)

That's it for now, off to bed with Harry Potter, ciao xoxo

What to tell......

2007-08-18T22:29:00.000+10:00

.....not much going on here to be honest. I had a good week, just the usual children, family things. Mondays I take Dear Daughter to music classes, toddler ones and soooo cute. Tuesday I hang out with my mum, my kids just adore their Nana. Wednesday, DD was at daycare and husband had a day off work, so we had breakfast out and then went and had an interview at a school we are looking at for DD - still undecided about that (the principal was a bit of an idiot really, but we both quite liked the school apart from that :-? ) Thursday I spent with the kids on my own, and we went to baby gym for the first time. Both kiddies loved it, crawling around over the big mats. And Friday was Nana day for DD this week. DHubbie had a day off (again I hear you say!!) and we did shopping and I even had an afternoon nap (YaY for me). And finally, Saturday, DHubbie was fishing from 4 am till 3 pm :-0 so I had kids all day. We went to the park, and for an ice-cream (them not me) and I did a spot of shopping in the lush baby shop next door to the ice-cream shop (why oh why did they put it there????), spent $91 but got a hat each for kiddies (if you live in Aus you know we need at least a hat for every day of the week here), and a long sleeve t-shirt for each of them for next winter. Shhhh.....don't tell DHubbie......

My knitting has been a bit slow this week, I've had a spot of a sore shoulder which I think is because of my knitting so have been taking it easy. I am so close to finishing on DSon's jacket, just have to sew up one side and sew a zipper in, so I must, must get cracking and get that done. Plus progress is being made on DH sock, have finished one, and up to the heel on the second. And that is all my WIP's at the moment. But did receive a lovely parcel from Angel Yarns, with my Addi turbo (haven't used it yet, but am wondering what the fuss is about.....oh oh), and 3 balls of baby cashmerino in off white to make a twin jacket for the other newborn nephew.

Oooowwww, mustn't forget I shopped at the http://theknittinggarden.com for the first time, and bought Sirdar, baby bamboo knits and enough yarn to make two projects, one for me and one for my mum. I am knitting for DD and mum is knitting for DS. Got that for my mum to say thankyou for babysitting at the wedding last weekend, and, well, I couldn't purchase something from America without including one thing for me could I??

By the way, the wedding was nice, I'll put a photo in of myself and DS at the wedding. DD didn't want to go as she felt "sickie" so she stayed in hotel room with Nana. The little jacket was sufficiently appreciated :-) Not like a scarf I sent my brother over a week ago, and have heard no reply, did he get it? did he like it? does he know the work that went into it? (probably, maybe and absolutely not!)

Till next time, when I will definately have piccies of DS wearing his new jacket. Ciao

Debbie Bliss Baby Jacket is a Beauty

2007-08-09T20:33:00.000+10:00

I'm so pleased with this little baby jacket. I think it is the first thing I have knitted where I have made no mistakes, that's right, no mistakes....

It took me about 4 weeks, not too bad considering I finished a few other things in the meantime and my slow knitting pace. I really love the yarn, so soft and yummy, I'd dress my kiddies in it. And I just adore the shoulder shaping, never done a raglan like that before. It really pulls it all together. I even think it is worth the $8 + I paid for the black wool, just to use it for two rows. In case you haven't guessed I'm a bit chuffed with this.

Yarn = Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino, 3 balls in blue, 1 ball in black

Pattern = from Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2007

I went out tonight - yes after dark!! (not a mean feat in a house with two small kids) and bought a lovely box and some tissue paper to wrap it all up right. You know the funny thing, this jacket is for my husband's step brother's son. Not someone I am particularly close to, or even know at all really. I think it's just I know of a baby that was born, and maybe because it is a gift to someone I don't know well, I wanted it to be extra special. Anyway, gift giving today is tomorrow, so I'll let you know how it goes....

On another note, we are going to a wedding tomorrow, quite looking forwards to getting away for the night, my mum is coming to babysit the kids at the hotel we are staying at. Hope I look ok, I don't' get frocked up too often anymore.

Finished scarf

2007-08-08T12:29:00.000+10:00

Well finally I have finished the scarf for my brother. Bet it's not even cold in Perth anymore though. Was a bit boring to knit to be honest, k1,p1,k1,p1,k1,p1.....you get the picture. But I hope he likes it. Here it is being blocked, and then all wrapped up ready to post.

On a different subject, I have such a sore shoulder, like a muscle pain, but it's getting worse not better. Started about 3 days ago, I can't even put my right arm up to do a ponytail, it's just so sore. I'm getting a little worried actually. Hope they don't have to amputate.....just joking you know....

Nearly there with baby jacket!

2007-08-07T07:34:00.000+10:00

Well, last night...finally....I got around to blocking this baby cardigan. It is looking very nice and I can't wait to see it finished. I'll post some pics when it is all done.

It is Debbie Bliss pattern and her baby cashmerino, I really liked doing the raglan shaping all on one needle, think that looks lovely.

Husband's beanie

2007-08-03T13:00:00.000+10:00

This is husband's beanie I have just finished for him. It is a Jo Sharp pattern from Knit Issue 3 (a

gorgeous book by the way). It is made with Silkroad Ultra, colours Salsa and Cement.

I made husband this beanie before and being my usual it'll be right self, I put it in the washing machine, on a normal, warm, wash.....of course, it felted, shrunk and looked awful.

I had some more yarn in the Salsa colour which I am using to make brother a scarf so I used what I had left in grey for the border and pinched some of the scarf yarn. I'm sure the scarf will still be long enough.

I really like the inside pattern of this beanie, in the book the inside is shown modeled on the girl.

My WIP is getting rather low at the moment I think, must need to do some shopping.....

Mummy's Day

2007-08-03T12:36:00.000+10:00

I have been so sick all week, A brought a bug home from daycare last weekend, had a runny nose for all of one day then gave me the dreaded lurgy. Consequently I have been sick in bed, with husband, my mum and daughter A running around looking after me for a week now. It all ended last night with me getting the worst migraine in 5 years, and calling the hospital. Luckily I did call, because I was just going to go down there and wait, but on the phone they said they don't give narcotics for migraine, and it was definitely a narcotic I was after, pethidine!!!

I have only had to have a shot of pethidine once before, years and years ago now. Don't get them that bad too often, happily...

Anyway, just suffered it out through the night, and now have that muddled woozy feeling.

On a happier note it is mummy's day today, and I have just made cupacakes with A, she is washing up now.....water is going everywhere!!!!

Now to knitting, I have finished the first Debbie Bliss baby cardigan for husband's nephew, just have to block it and sew it. Also did my first dishcloth the other day. It is ok, I tried to crochet around the edges, never done that before. Also, the cast off is much looser than the cast on so it looks a little oblong shaped. But, like I said ok.

Baby girl's dress...

2007-07-23T21:27:00.000+10:00

Just been looking through my photo's to show some of my knitting. This has probably been my biggest project yet, and one of the more special ones cos it was for my baby girl. It is a Zoe Mellor pattern, a little dress made from Jaeger 4 ply cotton. Behind daughters hand is a pink flower. It took me forever, but is pretty.
That is, till I did my "I'm lazy and will wash my handknit in the machine" trick and now it is a bit out of shape.
My new motto is 'if it's hand made then it has to be handwashed'..........
Tonight I have been working on a Debbie Bliss baby cardigan. I need a circular needle, but the shop I bought from took the money from my visa then informed me that they have to order the needle for themselves. It's been about 3 weeks now, and nothing. I am most unhappy about it. I contribute to a forum but can't complain on it, because it is connected to the shop, so here is my moan here, I'm entitled to a little stomp of my feet right??

Anyway, I am doing the yoke on a straight needle instead so I hope it works, I think it will be fine up until my stitch count decreases by a lot. So I will go slow. I am knitting for a newborn though so I can't go too slow or one of two things will happen.

the baby will grow out of it before it is finished
it will be summer and too hot for the baby to ever wear it.

So hurry up shop, send me my Addi Turbo!!!!

Bye for today

xox

My Babies

2007-07-20T23:26:00.000+10:00

I couldn't share any part of me without including something about my kiddies. So here they are, J my son who is 1 and A, my daughter who is 3. Having a ride in Daddy's wheelbarrow. I must admit I am a bit unsure about posting pics and talking about my kids on the web. They are so precious and nowadays you have to think about what you are exposing them to. But I can always delete it.

Now, for my knitting today. I made my first ever dishcloth, doesn't sound very sophisticated does it. Well, it's not really. I used some old cotton I had lying around, two strands together of blue and pink, (which ran out half way, so had to substitute with red), and just did plain old garter stitch. But it is as thick as anything, so I'm sure it will get all that dried weet-bix of J's high chair, here's hoping anyway.

And I am going to try and crochet an edge around it, so I can at least learn a new skill as well. My finger hurts from using two strands of yarn though, so it didn't all come easy.

Have talked DH into lining up with me at 9.01am for the new Harry Potter book. He thinks we are going to be laughed at amongst a sea of 9 year olds. I think he's wrong, and actually I am very cool.

And on that note, I will say goodnight.

Goodnight

Well hello there

2007-07-20T15:38:00.001+10:00

Ok so here I am, officially a blogger now. Only, probably a sign of the times, I don't have any time to actually write anything. Arwen is due home any minute, from Nana Day, and Jett needs to get his pj's on...........
Look forwards to it though