tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73936212024-03-14T20:01:50.345+10:30yarns and threadsAn internet record of my craft activities - knitting, embroidery, crochet and whatever I manage to finish. I am hoping it will inspire me to finish some of my numerous works in progressAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-86981339509194250162014-04-02T12:44:00.001+10:302014-04-02T13:20:57.561+10:301960's Crochet Doily finished<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JpomJ2Ubsew/UzAMX-6EYAI/AAAAAAAAB2I/kUUIocuYQGo/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JpomJ2Ubsew/UzAMX-6EYAI/AAAAAAAAB2I/kUUIocuYQGo/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
My craft resolution for this year was to tackle my huge pile of unfinished projects (ufo's). Believe it or not, this doily has been in my pile for way over 40 years (that's telling something about me). I started it as a teenager in the days when we worked on our "glory box". I had lost the pattern, then thought I found a similar one, but it wasn't right. I had to work out the pattern.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvV9eYrUg-A/UzeY_RlQlCI/AAAAAAAAB2g/Y1FbJumW-FE/s1600/cross+stitch+tablecloth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvV9eYrUg-A/UzeY_RlQlCI/AAAAAAAAB2g/Y1FbJumW-FE/s1600/cross+stitch+tablecloth.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><br />
My tension must have been super tight, as the recently completed motifs are larger than the old ones, even though I used a 0.6mm crochet hook.<br />
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Does anyone else remember working on their "Glory Box". I think some people referred to it as the bottom drawer. We used to buy small items, or complete handwork, and show each other what we had collected. Before I was married, I did complete a cross stitch table cloth, and several stitched doilys with crochet edges. I also completed several small thread doilys. My ambition was to complete a tablecloth. I got as far as making 4 motifs in white, then decided I didn't like the start and stop, not to mention the weaving in of ends. It was also in very fine thread, with a fine hook. I totally admire anyone who ever completed a tablecloth.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYhbaB8niNM/Uztx_3EgztI/AAAAAAAAB2w/PUhYdDMLz5w/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYhbaB8niNM/Uztx_3EgztI/AAAAAAAAB2w/PUhYdDMLz5w/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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However, I still have several unfinished doilys in my pile. I went to Spotlight to see if I could match the thread of a yellow one I have, but they had nothing like it. I guess after all this time, I will be lucky to match the thread.I'll have to look around the internet, but it will be hard to match with just a picture of the shade. Excuses, excuses.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-129828422497866832014-03-09T19:11:00.001+10:302014-03-22T12:34:40.977+10:30Why do I knit, crochet, sew, embroider?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Despite all my great resolutions, I haven't posted for over a year. It has been a very eventful time for our family, with many difficult challenges. Although I haven't posted, I have continued with my fiber crafts. I wanted to share some of the reasons I spend my time in these pursuits.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulNIoRyyLPw/UxrJgYahcSI/AAAAAAAAB00/h9MXr7FXOe0/s1600/child%27s+ribbed+bed+socks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulNIoRyyLPw/UxrJgYahcSI/AAAAAAAAB00/h9MXr7FXOe0/s1600/child's+ribbed+bed+socks.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ribbed Bed Socks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_gE4vDp6uA/UxrGhIPlV9I/AAAAAAAAB0o/QcuC4NqvpN4/s1600/Haruni+hand+knit+lace+shawl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_gE4vDp6uA/UxrGhIPlV9I/AAAAAAAAB0o/QcuC4NqvpN4/s1600/Haruni+hand+knit+lace+shawl.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haruni lace shawl</td></tr>
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I tend to give away most of my knitted and crocheted items. When I complete a project, it gives me a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.<br />
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I hope that the item will be a source of comfort or even joy to the recipient, whether it is a plain pair of ribbed bed socks for my grandson, or a delicate lace shawl for a sister-in-law.<br />
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Having several "take along" projects with me<br />
whenever I leave home is essential. (I need more than one in case I run into problems) These are usually fairly simple, even mindless knit or crochet projects. There are so many times and places where my handcraft stops me getting impatient - waiting for appointments, being a passenger in the car, long plane trips.<br />
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My "take alongs" are helpful in keeping my mind and hands occupied under stressful conditions. Again, I usually can't cope with anything complex when I am anxious. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCTWzzIL3lg/UxrNsvBgE7I/AAAAAAAAB1A/yP8YJNXn4MI/s1600/baby+two+color+cardigan+and+hat+stash.JPG" height="133" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My design knit baby cardi and hat</td></tr>
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I enjoy variety in my hand crafts, but the last few years, my sewing is mostly utilitarian. I make curtains, sheets, blankets and flags for the centre - metres and metres of straight sewing. However, it save a lot of money compared with buying ready made. I also mend and alter clothing, which again saves money.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zgcRObStixI/UxrnukAJuuI/AAAAAAAAB1g/MdxkYE8gE-4/s1600/sue+box+baby+wrap+machine+embroidered+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zgcRObStixI/UxrnukAJuuI/AAAAAAAAB1g/MdxkYE8gE-4/s1600/sue+box+baby+wrap+machine+embroidered+.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUkzJO2TtEI/UxrnuOz7FtI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/6ogeRHgJ7kM/s1600/sue+box+baby+wrap+machine+embroidery.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUkzJO2TtEI/UxrnuOz7FtI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/6ogeRHgJ7kM/s1600/sue+box+baby+wrap+machine+embroidery.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sue Box machine embroidery baby wrap</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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My main creative sewing is making machine embroidered baby wraps. I intend to spend more time with my machine this year.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcmQtnJVBHo/UxrnuiROcxI/AAAAAAAAB1U/mSoYHX42LuY/s1600/sue+box+machine+embroidered+baby+wrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcmQtnJVBHo/UxrnuiROcxI/AAAAAAAAB1U/mSoYHX42LuY/s1600/sue+box+machine+embroidered+baby+wrap.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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With fiber crafts, there is so much to learn, and so many avenues to explore. I rarely knit, crochet or sew exactly according to the pattern. Sometimes this leads to disaster, but fiber is forgiving, and most projects can be salvaged, after they have spent enough time in the dark cupboard, out of sight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3-b1T2j0ho/Uxrr-m1Bv2I/AAAAAAAAB10/UcZoNhC0RmA/s1600/My+design+crochet+baby+cardi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3-b1T2j0ho/Uxrr-m1Bv2I/AAAAAAAAB10/UcZoNhC0RmA/s1600/My+design+crochet+baby+cardi.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My design, crochet baby cardi</td></tr>
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One day, I mean to write up my original patterns. Meanwhile, I enjoy being creative.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b10k_onx1Z0/UxrrsbCNDnI/AAAAAAAAB1w/zW2PopzVt3Q/s1600/My+design+knit+lace+baby+dress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b10k_onx1Z0/UxrrsbCNDnI/AAAAAAAAB1w/zW2PopzVt3Q/s1600/My+design+knit+lace+baby+dress.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My design, knit baby dress</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-32910002956626526062013-01-14T22:19:00.002+10:302014-03-14T17:49:41.471+10:30<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Year that Was</h2>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;">Last <span style="color: #0000ee;">year seemed to be dominated by baby knitting. Four of the girls from work had babies - two girls <span style="color: #0000ee;">and two boys. I really enjoyed knitting this outfit. Intarsia is always<span style="color: #0000ee;"> </span>a <span style="color: #0000ee;">favourite technique for me. I don't usually like stripes, but this<span style="color: #0000ee;"> </span>knit<span style="color: #0000ee;"> went well. I used stash yarn.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">It is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/joanm/bellyphant-baby-cardigan">Bellyphant Baby Cardigan by Jennifer Little</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">I thought the neck was too high, so I lowered it a bit.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">I also improvised the hat pattern to make an outfit.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajl5ZMweVA8/UPPljG-Mi2I/AAAAAAAAAdg/Cgyi0zUX3aE/s1600/DSCN1748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajl5ZMweVA8/UPPljG-Mi2I/AAAAAAAAAdg/Cgyi0zUX3aE/s200/DSCN1748.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"></span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">I liked the blue and navy stripes, so repeated them in the hoodie for boy number two. For the hoodie I chose a cotton <span style="color: #0000ee;">blend yarn, as his family now lives at Mt <span style="color: #0000ee;">Tom Price, way up in the north west of Australia<span style="color: #0000ee;">. It has a fairly hot climate. <span style="color: #0000ee;">I improvised the pattern as I couldn't find one which I liked.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">The zip was sewn in by machine and went in eas<span style="color: #0000ee;">ily.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--iNQq2ruStw/UPPp8-wa7nI/AAAAAAAAAdw/_iE71jEC_x0/s1600/DSCN1704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--iNQq2ruStw/UPPp8-wa7nI/AAAAAAAAAdw/_iE71jEC_x0/s200/DSCN1704.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">This is one of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/joanm/lacy-matinee-set">girl's outfits</a>. It was a Sirdar pattern <span style="color: #0000ee;">I bought on </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">Patternfish. The hat was a free Spotlight pattern. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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For girl number two I gave this cardi, which was my own<br />
design.I had knitted this previously. I didn't have any of the<br />
pink yarn left,so I did the matching hat in white and lilac.<br />
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I was happy with the way the hat turned out. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-5342366284153153722012-04-07T17:34:00.002+09:302014-03-14T17:51:05.635+10:30Finishing Frenzy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I decided to make an effort this year to finish up some of my long term ufo's. It is hard to change from being a Ufo'er extraordinaire, but I did a count and the total was huge. I have just posted some more finished projects to my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/joanm">Ravelry</a> page, and the finished total so far is 8 knitted projects, and one crocheted edge. The lace rib socks were my only new project.<br />
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<a href="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/joanm/DSCN1578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/joanm/DSCN1578.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Although this was a simple pattern, it seemed to take forever to knit, but I did eventually finish them.<br />
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The oldest project was the diamond lace baby cardi. I think this started as a trial for a baby shawl, so it has been languishing for maybe seven years. I decided to turn it into a cardi.<a href="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/joanm/DSCN1605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/joanm/DSCN1605.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not sure what I will do with it. I know several expectant mums, so I guess it will find a home.</div>
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It has garter stitch borders, which I don't do </div>
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any more as I find they always curl. I now tend</div>
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to do seed stitch instead.</div>
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This year is busier than ever at work. We have all sorts of regulatory changes, and Quality Accreditation to put into place. We used to have a very difficult quality system before, but they have now changed it all again. In addition, I will be teaching in the kindergarten from next term. I am looking forward to it, but it will be on top of all my other work, so I think most of my knitting will be fairly easy. My main knitting time is in the car to and from work (DH drives)</div>
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Many of my other UFO's are quite complicated, and /or I have messed up and need to take time to sort them out. They mostly need concentration, and are not "Take along knits". Oh well, I will try to rescue some of them from the dark cupboard.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-81580832305316065832011-05-20T21:41:00.002+09:302011-05-20T21:45:23.429+09:30Three blue sheep sweaters (and hats)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Last year, I knitted this sweater and hat for my grandson. I bought the book, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/bouton-dor-no-12-layette--junior">Bouton D'or Layette and Junior</a> a long time ago. My copy is very dog eared, as I have used it so often, and knitted many of the designs. I nearly didn't buy it, because it was expensive, but I certainly have had my money's worth. The sweater (or jumper as we Aussies call it) was a bit too big, but three year old's grow quickly, and it fits well this year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/joanm/DSCN0579-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/joanm/DSCN0579-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>This year, I had several babies and toddlers to knit for, so I decided to do a six month, and a two year size. Because it is in 8ply (dk) they knitted up fairly fast. I did twist stitches instead of 3 stitch cables. They are much faster, and look the same. I also like the slip stitch coloured bands - two colours without getting tangled in fair isle. <br />
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This is the six month size. I thought that it is a bit more modern than the traditional fine baby knits I usually do.<br />
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This is the two year old size, with pom pom hat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/joanm/DSCN1343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/joanm/DSCN1343.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Once I had sewn them up, and put on the buttons, it took me ages to crochet the heads, and attach the legs. I am still not happy with the faces, but after many tries, I just had to finish. The legs are crochet chain. I think the 3d effect does add to the overall effect.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Six silly sheep</td></tr>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-68917530601744314812010-11-17T21:43:00.000+10:302010-11-17T21:43:10.817+10:30Posting Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/TNpd5jVaKbI/AAAAAAAAAMg/GJpiVKGL4Ts/s1600/20101012_582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/TNpd5jVaKbI/AAAAAAAAAMg/GJpiVKGL4Ts/s320/20101012_582.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We recently spent two weeks in the South Island of New Zealand, which is amzingly beautiful. We loved the scenery, and every day brought new surprises, and more awesome sights. We started in Christchurch and went across the Alps on the train. Then we did a 10 day bus tour, followed by a train trip to the north to Picton, and hired a car to drive back to Christchurch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/TOOyvHpmRxI/AAAAAAAAAMo/4obJgUtBhKI/s1600/Milford+Sound.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/TOOyvHpmRxI/AAAAAAAAAMo/4obJgUtBhKI/s320/Milford+Sound.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We spent a night on a boat in Milford Sound. When we started it was beautiful weather. It rained all night, and in the morning we had a big storm. The boat rocked and rolled, but it was fun. Everywhere around us were the most amazing water falls.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/TOOy-pNca9I/AAAAAAAAAMs/uxWjlMsvw4M/s1600/waterfall+milford+sound.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/TOOy-pNca9I/AAAAAAAAAMs/uxWjlMsvw4M/s320/waterfall+milford+sound.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I was hoping to buy some wool while there, but didn't get too many opportunities. I bought 5 skeins of varigated baby wool - <a href="http://www.touchyarns.com/shadecard/4plymerino-100.asp">Touch yarns</a>. I also bought a fine 2ply lace weight yarn, and some varigated aspire (wool and alpaca) which has a felted appearance. Kylie chose the <a href="http://naturallyyarnsnz.com/y_aspire8ply.htm">Aspire</a> for a scarf and hat, but as often happens, the yarn doesn't suit the pattern. I knitted on the bus, and I started a scarf in a lace pattern I remembered. Now I have to figure out what to do in the middle. I also started gloves in the lace weight.<br />
I had a lot of trouble because my cataracts are bad, and I am going for operations next week, and then in December. Hopefully I will be able to see the yarn better.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/TOO2oYacUeI/AAAAAAAAAM0/WIRehGmJMCM/s1600/lisa+shawl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/TOO2oYacUeI/AAAAAAAAAM0/WIRehGmJMCM/s320/lisa+shawl.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I have completed quite a few things, which had been languishing in the UFO pile. This is a shawl for my daughter Lisa. It is Touch 2ply, varigated green, blue, 2ply. It was an easy pattern, as I seem to run into trouble with more complicated lace. It ended up 9 feet long, and 2 and a half feet wide (she wanted it long to throw over her shoulder) It is from the Knitted Lace of Estonia book.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-67595309296206532892009-08-23T20:54:00.006+09:302011-05-20T21:55:34.121+09:30The Perfect Pattern<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The internet is such a wonderful resource for knitters. Without it I would be stuck with very little yarn choices, or pattern resources. It has certainly opened my eyes to what is available "out there". Now I fear that I spend more time trolling around looking for the "perfect pattern" whenever I want to start a new project.<br />
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There are so many sites with great free patterns, and lots of others where you can download a digital copy of a pattern for very little. <a href="http://ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> is such a fabulous resource. You find hundreds of patterns for any one thing you would like to knit. Also you can see other people's fo's and check out which colours you like best.<br />
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The trouble is, once I find a "perfect pattern", I then need the "perfect yarn". For sure I don't have it in my stash, and so I need to spend more time on the internet finding yarn. This can be quite costly, as the Aussie dollar is much lower than the US dollar, and then there is postage. Oh well, nothing like buying yourself little presents. As the fo's are rarely for me, this isn't as bad as it seems.<br />
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Going back to my Resolutions post, I have now finished 5 of those ufo's and done quite a few other things as well.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SpEsh4PaXtI/AAAAAAAAAK0/lR-LitnrvWc/s1600-h/DSCN0039.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373124790974045906" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SpEsh4PaXtI/AAAAAAAAAK0/lR-LitnrvWc/s200/DSCN0039.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a>The Sweetheart sweater became a cardi for Lihle. I enjoy doing the aran knitting. However, the yarn was a wool blend, and I didn't like it well enough to give away.<br />
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I had trouble with Helena, as I couldn't think backwards - it was knit from the top down. I did the sleeves in lace, and haven't done much lace knitting in the round.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SpEta8lI-dI/AAAAAAAAAK8/JBDcoJLO3gA/s1600-h/P7160222_01.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373125771391465938" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SpEta8lI-dI/AAAAAAAAAK8/JBDcoJLO3gA/s200/P7160222_01.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 150px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-32071310317854226052009-03-22T18:48:00.007+10:302009-03-22T19:33:57.733+10:30Resolutions.Like most people, I made some resolutions at the beginning of the year. Some days I do better than others. My weight goals get sidetracked with chocolate emergencies (who can do hours of accounts without chocolate?) Now that the worst of the hot weather is gone, we can walk on the beach most days. The garden is a bit sad, but DH has done a sterling job of keeping most things going.<br /><br />We had two weeks at the Sunshine Coast in February, where it was hot and humid, but gloriously rainy. I took a new project away with me (resolutions don't count on holidays do they?) It is finished, and I made up a cap to match. It is of course, Trellis from <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTtrellis.html">Knitty</a>. The third one I have done. It is for my brother's grandson in Perth.<br />Did I mention it was stash wool?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/ScX3hDJMeTI/AAAAAAAAAKc/YSgnnQ6OHLI/s1600-h/P3210801.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/ScX3hDJMeTI/AAAAAAAAAKc/YSgnnQ6OHLI/s200/P3210801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315927082332354866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/ScX215vA4bI/AAAAAAAAAKU/3tctizlPSRs/s1600-h/P3210800.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/ScX215vA4bI/AAAAAAAAAKU/3tctizlPSRs/s200/P3210800.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315926341072249266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I finished the green cardi for Jess at work too. Now that I know she is having a girl, I might do something a bit lacier.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/ScX5J_Jf-vI/AAAAAAAAAKk/SlV17uwoens/s1600-h/P3100781.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/ScX5J_Jf-vI/AAAAAAAAAKk/SlV17uwoens/s200/P3100781.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315928885146155762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I looked after my grandsons over the weekend a couple of times while their mum is recovering from an op. They enjoyed visiting the local duck lake, and playing with our animals. They were such a pleasure to have. They love music and stories, and Kylie sewed machine embroidered T Shirts for them.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-63026022610989972462009-01-24T17:47:00.014+10:302009-01-24T18:55:21.474+10:30Getting organised<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrMrz5h0lI/AAAAAAAAAJw/plkynrd9cv8/s1600-h/P1200750_01.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrMrz5h0lI/AAAAAAAAAJw/plkynrd9cv8/s200/P1200750_01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294769364965380690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrLyj7ZjvI/AAAAAAAAAJg/bUiDpFv0u1c/s1600-h/P1200743_01.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrLyj7ZjvI/AAAAAAAAAJg/bUiDpFv0u1c/s200/P1200743_01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294768381425716978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrN8czxsWI/AAAAAAAAAKA/DJXJ6UsHBZA/s1600-h/P1200758_01.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrN8czxsWI/AAAAAAAAAKA/DJXJ6UsHBZA/s200/P1200758_01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294770750336643426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrNdBTQUqI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/wbstnpXaufk/s1600-h/P1200755_01.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrNdBTQUqI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/wbstnpXaufk/s200/P1200755_01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294770210376536738" border="0" /></a><br />After such a difficult year last year, I am really trying to get my life on track, and to organise everything better.We <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrMPg9fqAI/AAAAAAAAAJo/r82R17hcfpg/s1600-h/P1200738_01.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrMPg9fqAI/AAAAAAAAAJo/r82R17hcfpg/s200/P1200738_01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294768878845405186" border="0" /></a>nearly had the garden finished, including taking down some large trees, when a few super hot days ko'd the new plants we had bought. It was bad luck really, because we are having an atypically mild summer so far.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrEb1x8ObI/AAAAAAAAAIw/OwvlHDnOedA/s1600-h/P1240767.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrEb1x8ObI/AAAAAAAAAIw/OwvlHDnOedA/s200/P1240767.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294760294499498418" border="0" /></a><br />Kylie, bless her, has been painting the lounge and family room. They were half done when we had the rennos two years ago. They are a lovely peach colour, and I love them.<br /><br />I am working constantly on the accounts, but i know they will never stop flowing in. I will spend some time on Monda<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrLivi-QiI/AAAAAAAAAJY/9kQ75j9AL-A/s1600-h/P1200745_01.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrLivi-QiI/AAAAAAAAAJY/9kQ75j9AL-A/s200/P1200745_01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294768109666583074" border="0" /></a>y (AUSTRALIA DAY - PATRIOTIC CHEER) preparing workshops for the new course I will run for trainees at work. Tomorrow, my main plan is to do some cooking and freezing.<br /><br />Today I spent finding lurking UFO's. I stopped at 12. As we are not continuing the UFO blog, I have joined the Resolutions group in Ravelry. I do love Ravelry. So I photographed 12 ufo's and I intend to complete 2 before starting anything new. That should work????<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrFKvGzwuI/AAAAAAAAAJA/E1hN010hV28/s1600-h/P1200761_01.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrFKvGzwuI/AAAAAAAAAJA/E1hN010hV28/s200/P1200761_01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294761100161827554" border="0" /></a><br />A lot of my ufo's need some working out. Most of them are the result of deviating from the pattern, making a different size, or guage. Watch this <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrGKYcfs2I/AAAAAAAAAJI/Pd8pnUcedMI/s1600-h/P1200760.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrGKYcfs2I/AAAAAAAAAJI/Pd8pnUcedMI/s200/P1200760.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294762193590399842" border="0" /></a>space for progress.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrGtU3i0NI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/0gSr_GdccCE/s1600-h/P1200759.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrGtU3i0NI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/0gSr_GdccCE/s200/P1200759.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294762793925529810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrEoiiYECI/AAAAAAAAAI4/99-wXDwBhlg/s1600-h/P1240765.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SXrEoiiYECI/AAAAAAAAAI4/99-wXDwBhlg/s200/P1240765.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294760512672239650" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-29221908485318939442009-01-01T20:09:00.006+10:302009-01-01T20:29:07.987+10:30Happy New YearWell here it is the beginning of another year. I have sat down and listed my resolutions, and when I look back, they are depressingly similar to last year's and the year before that etc. Hmm what is this telling me?<br /><br />I think we are all so busy with everyday life life we don't put aside time for the things which really matter. I am glad at least that I knitted for my mum these last five years. I am also glad that I have made lots of garments for my grandsons, and for others. One resolution I have this year is to make something for everyone in my immediate family.<br /><br />I have the usual wishes to finish my mulitple ufo's and knit from my stash, to try new techniques and to try designing. I didn't finish the shawl, but it is well on the way. The kids bought me a Louise Hay desk calendar, and I love it. She says this is the year for new beginnings, and letting go. Maybe I can frog some ufo's or give away some stash - you never know. These I did finish. <br /><br />This cardi should have been a quick knit, but it got put aside. It is for a friend's child. The edges were garter stitch, and they rolled, so I started again in moss stitch. They still rolled, so I finally croched the edge on. I thought the flower would just finish it off. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SVyQNQQiU_I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/opPru9HGbVc/s1600-h/PC230725.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SVyQNQQiU_I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/opPru9HGbVc/s320/PC230725.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286258620003144690" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The car sweater is for Corey who is 20 months, but is size 4. I decided to get in ahead. It took me 5 visits to the button dept to match the wheel buttons, all 32 of them. They were so perfect, I couldn't settle for any others. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SVyPxgOia0I/AAAAAAAAAII/i73cEUnLtu0/s1600-h/PC020667.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SVyPxgOia0I/AAAAAAAAAII/i73cEUnLtu0/s320/PC020667.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286258143253392194" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-23843963072411861802008-11-12T20:44:00.008+10:302008-12-12T18:52:05.128+10:30Miles to go before I sleepLately I have been trying to work on some long term goals I have had, and at least I have made a start on a few of them. When it comes to knitting I have hundreds of garments I would love to make and dozens of techniques I want to learn.<br /><br />I took a look back at my first post, and I said I wanted to knit lace. I still want to knit lace, lots and lots of lace - so why haven't I been working on that goal. My wish to knit lace began when my daughter became pregnant with my first grandson. I saw a lovely Shetland lace shawl which I wanted to knit. I ended up making a simpler diamond patterned one, and several baby garments with lace trims. However, with 2 grandsons to knit for, the lace gets put to one side. I started this simple diamond patterned shawl in beautiful cashmere. It is simple so I can just knit a row here and there when I can.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SUIcarq4vYI/AAAAAAAAAHw/9IeGCzhto64/s1600-h/PC120673.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SUIcarq4vYI/AAAAAAAAAHw/9IeGCzhto64/s320/PC120673.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278812957956423042" border="0" /></a><br />I have managed to finish a few things in the last months - Dad's Vest<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SUIdd0RC1XI/AAAAAAAAAH4/UmrcTyDPzTQ/s1600-h/P9180596.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SUIdd0RC1XI/AAAAAAAAAH4/UmrcTyDPzTQ/s320/P9180596.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278814111315187058" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />and my Jo Sharp Bathrobe. Yes - a project for me! However, I didn't enjoy knitting it as the yarn twisted and knotted and had way too many joins. It was also a pain to sew up.<br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SUIewTUs3JI/AAAAAAAAAIA/em9419ScinY/s1600-h/PC020666.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SUIewTUs3JI/AAAAAAAAAIA/em9419ScinY/s320/PC020666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278815528401296530" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-46536552846826407182008-09-04T19:19:00.003+09:302008-09-04T19:28:19.197+09:30Catch up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SL-wjb2S9DI/AAAAAAAAAFo/kY_h16iGx_g/s1600-h/P7300581.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SL-wjb2S9DI/AAAAAAAAAFo/kY_h16iGx_g/s320/P7300581.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242102614099948594" /></a><br />A quickie post as life is just so busy now. We have Child Care Accreditation looming, so working 24/7. We are also doing a quick visit to the Sunshine Coast next week to check up on my parents. Mum was in hospital with pneumonia, so I'm glad I got her cape finished last time I went up. I am now madly knitting a vest for Dad as I discovered he is still wearing a cardi I passed on to him of DH's, knitted in the first year of our marriage (1971). Think I still have some of the wool in the old stash LOL. I must take some to mend the holes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SL-xJWyAhzI/AAAAAAAAAFw/CxXUL-o-j1A/s1600-h/P7170523.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SL-xJWyAhzI/AAAAAAAAAFw/CxXUL-o-j1A/s320/P7170523.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242103265574815538" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-4694447068579859452008-08-19T20:34:00.004+09:302008-08-19T20:56:20.511+09:30Knitting helped me throughWe have just returned from what should have been a 10 day holiday in Queensland. My husband had a heart attack, so we were away nearly a month. Thankfully, they eventually diagnosed the problem (95% blockage in the branch of a major heart artery, and another large narrowing). He now has three stents, and is feeling fine. The main problem is to get him to go quietly. (I offered to teach him to knit)<br /><br />Luckily I had wonderful family support on hand as my sister is a doctor, and advised immediate ambulance to hospital. He was in four hospitals, and had 7 ambulance rides before they finished treatment. I had to drive the freeways (difficult for me from little old Adelaide) and find my way around. There were worrying times and lots of waiting.<br /><br />I only had lace projects with me, too hard to pick up and put down. I raced out and bought some Kmart "wool" and started an aran baby cardi I had downloaded on to my computer. It may never be finished as the yarn behaved more like cotton, but it was a good take along project. <br /><br />I did finish the duck sweater sometime in July.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SKqscLTZoBI/AAAAAAAAAFY/c0VtpCkORhw/s1600-h/P7180527.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SKqscLTZoBI/AAAAAAAAAFY/c0VtpCkORhw/s320/P7180527.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236187116842098706" /></a><br /><br />Also the Jungle Sweater<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SKqtBCC5_II/AAAAAAAAAFg/U11NQo2Qo50/s1600-h/P7130519.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SKqtBCC5_II/AAAAAAAAAFg/U11NQo2Qo50/s320/P7130519.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236187750012157058" /></a><br />I do love the buttons.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-19001653377738206312008-07-03T18:08:00.003+09:302008-07-03T18:10:54.037+09:30My El Guapo<div style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27379569@N00/2632737527/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2632737527_3bb5d4ea36_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27379569@N00/2632737527/">P6290485</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/27379569@N00/">Joanmm</a></span></div>My children loved the Three Amigos with Chevy Chase, Steve Martin and Martin Short, when they were young. The famous quote for us was "Everyone has to face their El Guapo" with whatever skills they had. (In the movie the villagers best skill was sewing)<br /><br />I started the Duck sweater last year, and got cross with all the colour changes, so I put it away. I started the elephant sweater for a friend a few months ago. The green car sweater is a recent cast on, and it has fair isle and intarsia too. Now the pressure is on cause the children are growing, and it is cold now.<br /><br />I used to enjoy knitting intarsia, and fair isle but now it is one big tangle. I have used bobbins, but I am still irritated with it.<br /><br />In desperation I looked up a how to knit Continental video, and can now manage to knit with the yarn in both hands. This is great for regular two colour work, but not for when you string the yarn over a gap, and catch it in between.<br /><br />Ok Ok I'll be good. I promise to finish the elephant sweater this weekend.<br clear="all">Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-62668344487307723022008-06-30T16:13:00.001+09:302008-06-30T16:13:13.376+09:30The dog ate the buttons<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27379569@N00/2624085358/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2624085358_69c540ef93_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27379569@N00/2624085358/">Green moss cardi</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/27379569@N00/">Joanmm</a></span></div>What is it about knitted articles which attract the unwanted attention of pets ?<br /><br />In the last few years my projects have suffered many indignities. My daughter's cat Tansy has a wool obsession. She has clawed up threads of garments which were blocking, she has tangled my wool, she has chewed the wool, and also sicked up on the baby shawl.<br /><br />Lisa's dog ate one baby cardi, so I had to knit another. This is the latest Victim. I had to go and buy new wooden buttons, because the dog (a huge standard poodle) had got hold of this cardi and chewed the wooden buttons. Luckily most of the knitting esacaped. <br /><br />I wanted to replace the buttons with plastic ones, but LIsa insists she won't leave it where the dog can get it. <br /><br />We'll see.<br clear="all" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-79562580165508044172008-06-11T20:00:00.007+09:302008-06-11T20:51:31.782+09:30Not blogging, but still knitting<div id="ms__id13"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SE-whMMWy2I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/QA8SHjlT_i4/s1600-h/P5060454.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210577378146175842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SE-whMMWy2I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/QA8SHjlT_i4/s320/P5060454.JPG" border="0" /></a> Life is busy as usual. Although owing your own business ensures a certain amount of freedom, the downside is that we seem to work every day, and long hours. After 15 years, I am starting to find it hard slog. </div><div id="ms__id12"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SE-qRuao4nI/AAAAAAAAAE4/GE5sLwgMGRI/s1600-h/P3090362.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210570515385213554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SE-qRuao4nI/AAAAAAAAAE4/GE5sLwgMGRI/s320/P3090362.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br />I am glad that I have interesting and creative handwork hobbies. I am also glad that DH is very tolerant of my largish stash, and my pechant for knitting in the car, while watching tv, and at every opportunity. </p><div id="ms__id15"></div><div id="ms__id14">I have a long list of projects this year. The pink cardi and hat (the same wool despite the photos) were made for Mum who is 86 now, and is in a nursing home since Dad had the stroke in </div><div id="ms__id23">January. She is such a cold frog, and happily wears 8ply(dk) garments even in mid summer.</div><div id="ms__id25">She now has many hats I have made her. I have labelled all her clothes carefully, especially</div><div id="ms__id27">the woollen ones so I hope the laundry doesn't spoil them.</div><br /><div id="ms__id30"></div><div id="ms__id28"></div><div id="ms__id29"></div><div id="ms__id33"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SE-v7RdMdGI/AAAAAAAAAFI/x0nvhj5fPm0/s1600-h/P4070380.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210576726723949666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/SE-v7RdMdGI/AAAAAAAAAFI/x0nvhj5fPm0/s320/P4070380.JPG" border="0" /></a> There were a lot of new babies early this year too. This outfit went to Perth in Western Australia for my nephew's baby. It took about a month to get there and I was really upset. I had the wrong street number! However, it did arrive safely. I do so hate sending handmade things in the mail. Next time I'll register the parcel. </div><div id="ms__id32"></div><div id="ms__id31">I have completed several other baby garments and 3 for the grandsons. </div><div id="ms__id35"></div><div id="ms__id34">I really must learn how to use my camera better!!!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-10107563928767385242008-03-25T20:59:00.016+10:302008-03-25T22:15:21.178+10:30A Rain! A Rain!I woke in the night to hear rain. It was soooooooooooooo wonderful. In about the last 6 months it has rained here twice. Adelaide and South Australia, are now virtually desert. We had a 15 day heatwave,<a href="http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23395437-5006301,00.html"> one in 3,000 years</a> this month (and Summer is meant to be finished) If anyone doesn't believe in Global Warming, they need to come live here. Everyone's gardens and lawns are dying, as we have strict water restrictions. We have installed 3 more tanks so we can be self sufficient, but they are only a quarter full.<br /><br />At least now it is cooler, I can knit more comfortably. We went on a short trip to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland to check on various members of my family, including Mum who will be 86 this month, and Dad who had a minor stroke. He is now fully recovered, and planning to drive with a friend several thousand kms in his vintage Armstrong Siddeley to his car club's Easter Rally.<br /><br />As usual I took <a href="http://knittersanon.blogspot.com/">half a suitcase full of craftwork,</a> to keep me busy, and I managed to finish Mum's birthday cardi while I was there. Pic on the <a href="http://knittersanon.blogspot.com/">UFO blog.</a> The best thing about the holiday was that it rained nearly every day. I guess other holidaymakers were not as appreciative as we were, but it didn't stop us swimming or walking (and getting thoroughly saturated).<br /><a><br />Since returning I have been busy with gifts for new babies.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R-jXyYOjKcI/AAAAAAAAAEY/Lgal2vSFyI8/s1600-h/P2270294.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181628631786662338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R-jXyYOjKcI/AAAAAAAAAEY/Lgal2vSFyI8/s320/P2270294.JPG" border="0" /></a> This cardi and the pink embroidered wrap were gifts for a friend of Kylie's. Bec was delighted with the green cardi, as she said everyone had given her pink, and she loves green. <p>The wrap is a <a href="http://www.suebox.com/">Sue Box</a> design. She is an Aussie digitiser and I love her designs.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R-jYooOjKdI/AAAAAAAAAEg/A9Y5gipGHhw/s1600-h/P2270293.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181629563794565586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R-jYooOjKdI/AAAAAAAAAEg/A9Y5gipGHhw/s320/P2270293.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p></p><p><br /></p></a><br /><div><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This matinee jacket went to Perth, as a gift for my nephew and his wife for their first baby boy. Yes I have made it before, but I think it is rather cute. I also made them a muslin embroidered wrap.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R-jZFIOjKeI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ei7-s-Y7n24/s1600-h/P2280296.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181630053420837346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R-jZFIOjKeI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ei7-s-Y7n24/s320/P2280296.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The wrap has a different Sue Box design.</p></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R-jaBoOjKfI/AAAAAAAAAEw/nqs_vVZrBKk/s1600-h/P2280299.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181631092802922994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R-jaBoOjKfI/AAAAAAAAAEw/nqs_vVZrBKk/s320/P2280299.JPG" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a>I have a very large list of knits to be done in the next few months. Lisa has asked for 3 sweaters or cardis each for the boys, I must finish the beaded scarf promised to my sister in law two years ago, and do another cardi and hat for Mum. Then I have a lace shawl for Lisa and a lace cardi for Kylie. And would you believe it, I may actually do a few things for me. </li></div></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-90809228309369547042008-03-03T21:17:00.006+10:302008-03-03T22:37:45.317+10:30Great Ocean RoadLast November, my husband and I drove to Melbourne two attend a Reggio Emilia Conference. I am interested in using some principles in our childcare centre. The conference was a bit disappointing as I didn't learn much new.<br /><br />After, we spent a couple of days catching up with old friends (we lived there many years ago). We only had time for one yarn shop visit so I asked for <a href="http://martasyarns.com.au/">martas yarns</a> . As I wasn't sure what to expect, I didn't have anything particular in mind. I did however, add several different types of yarns to my stash - mainly the fine ones.<br /><br /><br />We decided to drive home via the Great Ocean Road. We hadn't been to the stretch of the Twelve Apostles before, as it is quite a bit further coming home this way. We were so glad we did. The scenery is spectacular, and there were dozens of places to stop and walk out to look outs. I have just put in a few pics.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R8vkjLB64VI/AAAAAAAAAEA/wZjhQDepxuY/s1600-h/PB170165.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173479889872544082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R8vkjLB64VI/AAAAAAAAAEA/wZjhQDepxuY/s320/PB170165.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The coastline is so rugged, and the surf is really wild. There were hundreds of shipwrecks along this coast in the early days, with many people drowned.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R8vidLB64UI/AAAAAAAAAD4/7EDaSAf6YB0/s1600-h/PB170204.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173477587770073410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R8vidLB64UI/AAAAAAAAAD4/7EDaSAf6YB0/s320/PB170204.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The formations have been made by the water washing away the limestone. This part below was connected to the mainland until a few years ago. There was a connecting arch which fell into the ocean, leaving tourists stranded on the seaward side. They had to be rescued by helicopter, but luckily no one was on the arch when it collapsed.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R8vgILB64TI/AAAAAAAAADw/BXO45wTn1xw/s1600-h/PB170210.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173475027969564978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R8vgILB64TI/AAAAAAAAADw/BXO45wTn1xw/s320/PB170210.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We passed through Warnambool, which is a port on the far south west of Victoria. My mother's grandmother came from there. Her parents had migrated from England. I want to go back and try to find more about that side of the family.<br /><br /><br />You may think you have seen this set before. Lisa asked if I would knit the cardi for Corey as the dog had chewed Rowan's. She was so upset when this happened as it was a favourite. What are mothers for? Kylie did the embroidery again for us, as my eyes struggle to do duplicate stitch.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R8vdU7B64SI/AAAAAAAAADo/hvC78nmPbYQ/s1600-h/PA280043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173471948478013730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R8vdU7B64SI/AAAAAAAAADo/hvC78nmPbYQ/s320/PA280043.JPG" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-88409148622415558312008-02-24T20:53:00.004+10:302008-02-24T21:14:50.207+10:30Posting AgainIt's been a while, and I can't truly say I didn't have time to post. Mainly we have had a lot of anxiety about various family members over the last year, and have been trying to help as much as we can.<br /><br />At the moment, everyone seems to be in a fairly stable situation.<br />My grandsons are 10 months and three and a half. They are absolutely delightful, and I just love being granny and helping out where I can.<br /><br />I have been knitting as everyone seems to be having babies lately. I am way behind but as it is Summer here, I think I will make some 6 month sizes, so I still have a bit of time. As usual I have way too many UFO's. I was trying to sort out my projects and found several nearly done, but put aside.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R8FF8cznCAI/AAAAAAAAADg/Q5tMg38hqLU/s1600-h/PC300267.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170490752025167874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R8FF8cznCAI/AAAAAAAAADg/Q5tMg38hqLU/s320/PC300267.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This was meant to be a quickie, 8 ply (dk)using up wool from my stash. It was claimed for Corey, and should fit him when it gets cooler.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R8FFsMznB_I/AAAAAAAAADY/urXDIPgVyoM/s1600-h/P1040272.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170490472852293618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/R8FFsMznB_I/AAAAAAAAADY/urXDIPgVyoM/s320/P1040272.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-47261090626421982232007-10-28T22:13:00.000+10:302007-10-28T22:48:50.978+10:30New Camera problems<div>I have a new digital camera. It is really lovely, small and light. However, it has a little more than point and shoot, and I guess I'll have to sit down and read the instructions. This is really a pretty yellow colour. I started it back in June, but when I was stressed out I couldn't concentrate to work out the cables. When I finally tried them I quite enjoyed doing the mock smocking. Of course it needed to be finished as we are now heading into Summer soon, so I guess it won't get a lot of wear.<br /></div><br /><div>The cardi was inspired by Debbie Bliss - Nursery knits. As usual, I did it in different yarn, and tension etc, and left off the collar and pockets. </div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RyR3rvnt_HI/AAAAAAAAAC4/h7l3qzDe-dg/s1600-h/PA280041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126353869255605362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RyR3rvnt_HI/AAAAAAAAAC4/h7l3qzDe-dg/s320/PA280041.JPG" border="0" /></a> The bodice was meant to be straight, with dropped shoulder sleeves. However, when I did the smocking, it would have been too tight across the chest. I decided to add in a placket under the arms, and did set in sleeves. It turned out wide enough, and I think it looks ok.<br /><br />Original bodice<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RyR5-fnt_II/AAAAAAAAADA/ji6FlWnsZ-M/s1600-h/PA250030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126356390401408130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="216" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RyR5-fnt_II/AAAAAAAAADA/ji6FlWnsZ-M/s320/PA250030.JPG" width="247" border="0" /></a><br />I picked up stitches, and knitted them together at the sides. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RyR6afnt_JI/AAAAAAAAADI/2epPojhlkDc/s1600-h/PA250032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126356871437745298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="235" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RyR6afnt_JI/AAAAAAAAADI/2epPojhlkDc/s320/PA250032.JPG" width="252" border="0" /></a> I decided I needed to learn some more techniques, so I read Maggie Rhigetti's Knitting in Plain English. It is very readable, and full of great ideas and advice. I have changed the way I increase for sleeves, and cast off shoulders. I am now doing short rows, and casting off both shoulders together. (The bad piccy is of the inside shoulder seam) It is so much neater.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RyR9wvnt_KI/AAAAAAAAADQ/XsXYs9AOmgk/s1600-h/PA250037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126360552224717986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="197" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RyR9wvnt_KI/AAAAAAAAADQ/XsXYs9AOmgk/s320/PA250037.JPG" width="283" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-29236316441968977082007-10-17T21:15:00.000+09:302007-10-17T21:29:33.445+09:30Girl babies wear laceHi, remember me? I'm the one who used to blog at least semi regularly.<br />I have been really stressed these last few months because several close family members have been ill. My brother had major heart surgery, and arrested. Luckily, he was revived, and is slowly progressing. My sister and I went to visit him and his family in Perth a couple of weeks ago.<br /><br />I found I couldn't concentrate to knit anything with a pattern, so I haven't completed much. I have just bought a new camera as the old one was unreliable. I will publish some Perth piccys when I work out how.<br /><br />One of the girls at work had a little girl last week. I found a home for the pink cardi, and am making her an embroidered wrap. I have plans for some of the lacy patterns I have been wanting to make for ages.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RxX2nB4DJyI/AAAAAAAAACQ/Gxf3GBJU6Kk/s1600-h/pink+lace+baby+cardi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122271301582661410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RxX2nB4DJyI/AAAAAAAAACQ/Gxf3GBJU6Kk/s320/pink+lace+baby+cardi.jpg" border="0" /></a> I am kicking myself back into gear. I am back to knitting, and trying to catch up with lots of things which I let lapse.<br /><div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-87535895410476705072007-06-22T20:22:00.000+09:302007-06-22T20:47:09.927+09:30Baby things<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/Rnuq2B9d3FI/AAAAAAAAACA/cn3XtLCCiCY/s1600-h/c+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078840850006269010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/Rnuq2B9d3FI/AAAAAAAAACA/cn3XtLCCiCY/s320/c+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Seems like a lot of my time has been around baby things lately. I have spent a day a week with my daughter and her two lovely boys. Corey is now 10 weeks and is absolutely delightful. Of course that is Granny's point of view. I don't have to get up in the night do I? </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have been knitting a few things for Corey, because Rowan was a different age in the Winter. Also everyone at work seems to be having babies. The outfit at the top was one I made for Alana's baby Taziah. I just love the buttons. They have ducks etched in blue on them.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078842486388808802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="211" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RnusVR9d3GI/AAAAAAAAACI/UjCYJOMkC3I/s320/c+003.jpg" width="309" border="0" />This jacket was also for Taziah (to be know as TJ). I also machine embroidered a wrap.</div><div> </div><div>I have had an enjoyable visit from my sister who lives in Queensland. Her husband is interested in wines, so they spent time in McLaren Vale, the Barossa Valley and the Clare Valley. It was great having them here, and we will soon see them again as we are off the the Sunshine Coast at the beginning of next month.</div><div> </div><div>I am enjoying tutoring my students. I have five girls studying at our centre, and I supervise some TAFE students as well. We have been doing major renovations at the Child Care Centre, and also extensions. It is very costly, but we want to maintain our reputation as an excellent centre. People appreciate attending a family business, and we have mostly long term staff. We have to compete with the corporations who offer 8 weeks free child care. Interesting that they have to bribe people to attend their centres. </div><div> </div><div>Lately, I have spent some time researching family history. I have had my father record some of his early life on tape, and I am typing it up. When we go north we are going to stay at the Gold Coast a couple of days, and we will go to Ballina, which is where my father's grandfather was a pioneer sawmiller and builder. There is apparently a really interesting museum there. I have traced back a couple of generations of my family, but after that I think it gets quite difficult and time consuming. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-53675851878203167672007-05-10T19:39:00.000+09:302007-05-10T20:04:20.049+09:30Back in CyberspaceIf I have a knitting and craft blog, I need to have made some progress in these areas so that I can report. Everyday life seems to have taken precedence over crafts for a while. My second grandson is now a month old, and is a beautiful baby, and his mum says worth all the illness and pain she went through. She is now mostly recovered from what turned out to be an emegency Caesar. Baby Corey is also doing well.<br /><br />I spent some time helping out, and of course loved every minute of it. I have also become busy on the work front, doing some time with both TAFE and the Ed Department. Again this is work I enjoy, so I'm not complaining.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RkLwm5RKgLI/AAAAAAAAAB4/BcDEKT3twbM/s1600-h/knitting+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062873482116366514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RkLwm5RKgLI/AAAAAAAAAB4/BcDEKT3twbM/s320/knitting+012.jpg" border="0" /></a> I did manage to finish the shawl, which is more like a blanket, being over 4 feet square. It took me about 10 hours to sew on the border as there wasn't much to attach it to, and I wanted it to look good from both sides. <br /><br />I washed and mended all the handknits which Rowan had, and put crochet chains in all the booties and mitts. Lisa prefers them to ribbons, as they stay tied up. I also did a few hats, mitts and booties in tiny sizes as it is now getting cool. I have to reknit two cardis Rowan had - one the dog chewed up, and the other had to be discarded because of stains. They were ones Lisa loved, so I'll do them in 3 month size. <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RkLwKJRKgKI/AAAAAAAAABw/3qQgtGflgk4/s1600-h/knitting+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062872988195127458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RkLwKJRKgKI/AAAAAAAAABw/3qQgtGflgk4/s320/knitting+011.jpg" border="0" /></a> I am also knitting a couple of things for a young girl at work who is delivering a boy any day now. </div><div> </div><div>In amongst this I began a sweater for myself. The wool is a lovely ruby red, which I have had in my stash for years. I did about six inches of a great lacy pattern, but ripped it out as it is too stiff. I will try again with larger needles, but I wonder if I'll get it done for myself this Winter. I never seem to have time to knit for me.</div><div> </div><div>I haven't done much sewing as my machine was away at the repairer for over 6 weeks. I was not too impressed, but at least they reapaired it for free. I have so many embroidery projects lined up. </div><div> </div><div>I was trying to put aside time once a week to knit or do craft with a friend, but she is as busy as me and we are lucky to make it once a month. I do try to make Saturday "MY" day to do handcrafts, but that doesn't always work either.<br /><br /></div><div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-12349348947091402202007-03-23T18:31:00.000+10:302007-03-23T18:46:28.331+10:30Blogger ate my postDon't you hate it when you have spent 15 minutes on a post, and it disappears into cyberspace? This time the recover post refused to work, so now I will have to rewrite.<br /><br />I don't have heaps to report on as I have mostly been working on the baby shawl. It has been really hot and humid, and is not cooling off for Autumn at all. However, today it rained - for the second time this year. Most of the city had a good downfall, but we have had only light rain. The garden is not happy as we can only run sprinklers once a week. However, it is a little cooler so maybe I will knit tonight.<br /><br />I am about two thirds of the way with this. It will be about 140 cm square (45 inches) The baby is due in three weeks so it won't be finished, but Lisa has two other shawls to begin with. This will be more of a cot blanket I think. The rows are over 300 stitches, and take about 12 minutes each. Slooooooooow progress, and just a tad boring after all this knitting.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RgOKcV58aUI/AAAAAAAAABY/0ks-10XLDwI/s1600-h/knitting+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045028227106236738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RgOKcV58aUI/AAAAAAAAABY/0ks-10XLDwI/s320/knitting+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> I made some matching hats and booties for some cardis I made Rowan. This is a green set. We know the baby will be in intensive care, the same as Rowan. Lisa had had to inject insulin, so the diabetes has been severe. I am going to make some mittens tonight as a break from the shawl.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RgOINV58aTI/AAAAAAAAABQ/joJ2U2KyBi0/s1600-h/knitting+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045025770384943410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/RgOINV58aTI/AAAAAAAAABQ/joJ2U2KyBi0/s320/knitting+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> I am busy at work as I am now working with TAFE to train 5 of our Childcare staff in their Diploma studies. I am really enjoying it. I also have a job starting mid year to supervise other TAFE students when they are doing their work placements.<br /><br /><div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393621.post-31282989376023006302007-02-25T19:54:00.000+10:302007-02-25T20:19:58.756+10:30Holiday SnapsWe have just returned from 12 days away on the "Sunshine Coast". As it is the wet season up there now, it rained hard, every day. We didn't mind at all as it was still warm. Rain is such a luxury for us. I think we have had one shower in about five months.<br /><br />DH is now semi retired, so we decided to make the trip now, before the new grandson is due. Thanks so much for the good wishes for Lisa. She is now on insulin and is feeling much better and gaining weight. We will go through the baby things she had for Rowan this week, and see what else we may need as this will be a winter baby. She hasn't felt up to doing this before.<br /><br />I started the shawl in January, and so far have done about a quarter of the main part. I decided to take the border away with me, and despite the humidity managed to get about 4 metres done. It will be a battle to get it finished before April, but nothing like a deadline LOL.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/ReFXxr8y2nI/AAAAAAAAAA4/nnUaAyYHO1Y/s1600-h/knitting+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5035402369499847282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/ReFXxr8y2nI/AAAAAAAAAA4/nnUaAyYHO1Y/s320/knitting+006.jpg" border="0" /></a> I did finish Mum's green sweater. I decided to do the sleeves plain as it was so hard knitting 3 purl into the back of the stitch when I stopped the circular part. I threw it in the back of a dark cupboard for a while as I had so much trauma with the lace pattern and neck shaping. I had to do a v neck as Mum hates high necklines. Again, nothing like a deadline. Mum was in respite care, and we took her home with us for various meals and outings.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/ReFWyb8y2mI/AAAAAAAAAAw/tM0Xu_Dyxm4/s1600-h/knitting+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5035401282873121378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Scxq6yVP3Q/ReFWyb8y2mI/AAAAAAAAAAw/tM0Xu_Dyxm4/s320/knitting+005.jpg" border="0" /></a> Of course the bonus of the visit was spending lots of time with my great sister. We shopped and shopped, and I went to her embroidery class with her. We also spent time with DH's best mates and their wives from school days, who stayed near us the second week. </div><div> </div><div>Just wish I could have brought some of that rain home with me, the country looks so dry and dead as you fly over. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980814686422985927noreply@blogger.com3