My overseas knitting list:
1. All of my double points.
2. The pattern for the Entrelac Socks and enough ak traditions 4-ply to make them.
3. A ball of Tofutsies to make my mum some socks.
4. The Swallowtail Shawl that makes up my "Vanity Fair" project for Knitting 19th Century novels.
See? Even I can be calm.
We need to be at the airport in just over 12 hours.
...
I might just go away and vomit now.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Leave a message after the tone...
*beep*
That's right - I'm out of the world of knitting at the moment. My life is currently taken up with unaccompanied baggage allowances, ancestry visas, rabies shots for kitties and my poor long suffering mother helping Felix and I to pack up a flat I've lived on for four years.
Current transmission will resume in a week, but only if internet access is available...
That's right - I'm out of the world of knitting at the moment. My life is currently taken up with unaccompanied baggage allowances, ancestry visas, rabies shots for kitties and my poor long suffering mother helping Felix and I to pack up a flat I've lived on for four years.
Current transmission will resume in a week, but only if internet access is available...
Monday, August 25, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Moving + cats = disaster
We're trying to pack up everything we own, and the casualties are piling up.
Kunzi decided that the kitty litter tray was just too far away...
What's in the bag? 6 skeins of handspun I purchased from the Handspinners and Weavers Guild during my CIA knitting.
I could weep if it wasn't my own fault. I was planning to put everything over there in a plastic box to be sorted out later, but knowing my luck Kunz would have nested in there instead...
They are awfully cute, though.
Kunzi decided that the kitty litter tray was just too far away...
What's in the bag? 6 skeins of handspun I purchased from the Handspinners and Weavers Guild during my CIA knitting.
I could weep if it wasn't my own fault. I was planning to put everything over there in a plastic box to be sorted out later, but knowing my luck Kunz would have nested in there instead...
They are awfully cute, though.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Finished Objects 2008 - #20, and the Ravelympics!
I finally finished another pair of socks for Felix a while ago, and then promptly forgot of their existence, proving my excellent wifely credentials.
These are plain toe-up socks, in Patonyle (self patterning), yarn held double. The heel is an afterthought heel on 2/3 of the stitches, as dictated by the true goddess, EZ.
Felix loves them - no real surprises there.
In Ravelry news, I joined up the "Ravelympics". Knitting started at the beginning of the Opening ceremony (10pm our time) and finishes at the very end (haven't checked, too scared to!).
Being the massive over-achiever over-attempter that I am, I've signed on to Team Oz (go us!) and I'm using this time to finish up a lot of projects by making them all "WIP Wrestling" projects. Famous last words.
They include:
I have only one thing to say:
Bring on the caffeine!
These are plain toe-up socks, in Patonyle (self patterning), yarn held double. The heel is an afterthought heel on 2/3 of the stitches, as dictated by the true goddess, EZ.
Felix loves them - no real surprises there.
In Ravelry news, I joined up the "Ravelympics". Knitting started at the beginning of the Opening ceremony (10pm our time) and finishes at the very end (haven't checked, too scared to!).
Being the massive over-achiever over-attempter that I am, I've signed on to Team Oz (go us!) and I'm using this time to finish up a lot of projects by making them all "WIP Wrestling" projects. Famous last words.
They include:
- Felix's Gloves
- Belle Epoque
- Felix's Birthday present
- Ruby Red Cover
- Fair Isle Vest
- Cabled Shrug
I have only one thing to say:
Bring on the caffeine!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Things you can do when you can't knit
- Internet - browse knitting websites, knitting blogs, Twist Collective, Ravelry. Too much sulking because I couldn't knit. Fail.
- Housework - ....... Fail.
- Reading - all of my books have been packed up for Scotland, along with my knitting magazines. Fail.
- DS - steal Felix's DS and spend my time conquering Jewel Masters - Cradle of Rome. Win.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Unfair!
As you should know by know by now, I work at a cattery. It's a great job - my boss really is awesome, the work is minimal (leaving plenty of knitting time) and I have some lovely cats to play with.
Then Friday happened.
Every night, the cats are put back in their cages (huge 2m areas, double storied) and given their wet food, then I go home. One cat, Cookie, didn't want to come back in from the garden and completely lost it. She attacked me, ripping into my right index finger pretty badly. I grabbed hold of her and bolted inside with her to open her cage. That's when it happened.
Cookie bit me. To the bone.
I dropped her and started screaming, which meant that after I cleaned up my hands (the right index finger was dripping blood by now) I had to come back and calm all the cats down, the poor things. I spent the rest of the evening sooking until Felix arrived and we headed out for the evening. Came home, took an antibiotic, went to bed.
I spent yesterday at a secret knitter's gathering as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, which I am sworn to secrecy about - if asked I can only state that I am knitting a project for the CIA. I had a great time, hanging out, laughing, maybe some yarnshopping browsing and knitting, even though my fingers were all bandaged up.
My bitten left index finger kept throbbing though, and looked very red, swollen and the bite spot was a hard white spot, so I bribed Felix and headed for my nearest doctor open on a Saturday - the Alfred Hospital. After a really long wait I was examined and told that, yes my finger is infected, yes antibiotics should sort it out, and..... no, I can't keep knitting.
No knitting for at least five days, and I need to sit quietly with my left hand elevated for the rest of today at least. If not, the infection could spread to either my tendons or maybe even my bones (but that option is far less likely). If that happens I'm looking at surgery, and that means no knitting until after we leave.
So I'll be spending today on the couch, trying to stay calm and not cry (it actually burns, darn it!) and praying I can still take part in the Ravelympics this Friday.
Stupid cat...
Then Friday happened.
Every night, the cats are put back in their cages (huge 2m areas, double storied) and given their wet food, then I go home. One cat, Cookie, didn't want to come back in from the garden and completely lost it. She attacked me, ripping into my right index finger pretty badly. I grabbed hold of her and bolted inside with her to open her cage. That's when it happened.
Cookie bit me. To the bone.
I dropped her and started screaming, which meant that after I cleaned up my hands (the right index finger was dripping blood by now) I had to come back and calm all the cats down, the poor things. I spent the rest of the evening sooking until Felix arrived and we headed out for the evening. Came home, took an antibiotic, went to bed.
I spent yesterday at a secret knitter's gathering as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, which I am sworn to secrecy about - if asked I can only state that I am knitting a project for the CIA. I had a great time, hanging out, laughing, maybe some yarn
My bitten left index finger kept throbbing though, and looked very red, swollen and the bite spot was a hard white spot, so I bribed Felix and headed for my nearest doctor open on a Saturday - the Alfred Hospital. After a really long wait I was examined and told that, yes my finger is infected, yes antibiotics should sort it out, and..... no, I can't keep knitting.
No knitting for at least five days, and I need to sit quietly with my left hand elevated for the rest of today at least. If not, the infection could spread to either my tendons or maybe even my bones (but that option is far less likely). If that happens I'm looking at surgery, and that means no knitting until after we leave.
So I'll be spending today on the couch, trying to stay calm and not cry (it actually burns, darn it!) and praying I can still take part in the Ravelympics this Friday.
Stupid cat...
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Interview with a Belorussian Drug Dealer*
Thank Karen for today's posting. I saw her interview and instantly decided to torture Felix.
Here goes..
Me: What is your favorite thing about my knitting?
Felix: You enjoy it so much.
Me: What is your least favorite thing about my knitting?
Felix: The fact that you're incredibly obsessed with it sometimes.
Me: What is something I have knitted, that you recall as good?
Felix: My socksies.
Me: Do you think knitters have an expensive hobby?
Felix: Yes. Good wool costs a lot.
Me: How much is all your DS/Wii equipment?
Felix: Overall, they're somewhat expensive.
Me: Do you have a stash?
Felix: Yes.
Me: What is it?
Felix: Comic books.
Me: Have I ever embarrassed you, knitting in public?
Felix: No.
Me: Do you know my favorite kind of yarn?
Felix: Trick question, don't have a favourite kind. (Grandiously) You love all equally.
Me: Can you name another blog?
Felix: Two Swallows. Knitty doesn't count? Knitty's a magazine, not a blog, really.
Me: Now, do you mind my wanting to stop at knit shops where ever we go?
Felix: (Hesitation) No. I don't mind if it's one or two, but if you want to stop at all of them by the end of the day it gets a bit tiring.
Me: Do you understand the importance of a swatch?
Felix: Yes. It allows you to gauge whether you're getting the tensioning right.
Me: (Hysterical laughter) You've just guessed, haven't you? The words "tension swatch" and "gauge swatch" are what you've heard me mention, and you're just making stuff up now!
Felix: (shrugs and grins)
Me: Do you read Let Me Knit?
Felix: Yes. Normally when you tell me there's something new on there.
Me: So not often then?
Felix: I guess.
Me: Have you ever left a comment?
Felix: No. Because I figured I could just say "That's awesome"...
Me: Do you the house would be cleaner if I didn't knit?
Felix: No, because I'm an incurable slob, so it wouldn't matter if you didn't knit or not.
Me: True dat.
Me: Anything to add for my long suffering readers?
Felix: I love my wife very much.
* Felix's passport photos make him look like a Belorussian drug dealer. Not that we'd know.
Here goes..
Me: What is your favorite thing about my knitting?
Felix: You enjoy it so much.
Me: What is your least favorite thing about my knitting?
Felix: The fact that you're incredibly obsessed with it sometimes.
Me: What is something I have knitted, that you recall as good?
Felix: My socksies.
Me: Do you think knitters have an expensive hobby?
Felix: Yes. Good wool costs a lot.
Me: How much is all your DS/Wii equipment?
Felix: Overall, they're somewhat expensive.
Me: Do you have a stash?
Felix: Yes.
Me: What is it?
Felix: Comic books.
Me: Have I ever embarrassed you, knitting in public?
Felix: No.
Me: Do you know my favorite kind of yarn?
Felix: Trick question, don't have a favourite kind. (Grandiously) You love all equally.
Me: Can you name another blog?
Felix: Two Swallows. Knitty doesn't count? Knitty's a magazine, not a blog, really.
Me: Now, do you mind my wanting to stop at knit shops where ever we go?
Felix: (Hesitation) No. I don't mind if it's one or two, but if you want to stop at all of them by the end of the day it gets a bit tiring.
Me: Do you understand the importance of a swatch?
Felix: Yes. It allows you to gauge whether you're getting the tensioning right.
Me: (Hysterical laughter) You've just guessed, haven't you? The words "tension swatch" and "gauge swatch" are what you've heard me mention, and you're just making stuff up now!
Felix: (shrugs and grins)
Me: Do you read Let Me Knit?
Felix: Yes. Normally when you tell me there's something new on there.
Me: So not often then?
Felix: I guess.
Me: Have you ever left a comment?
Felix: No. Because I figured I could just say "That's awesome"...
Me: Do you the house would be cleaner if I didn't knit?
Felix: No, because I'm an incurable slob, so it wouldn't matter if you didn't knit or not.
Me: True dat.
Me: Anything to add for my long suffering readers?
Felix: I love my wife very much.
* Felix's passport photos make him look like a Belorussian drug dealer. Not that we'd know.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Please explain. Pretty please?
I've been packing up my yarn into zip lock bags, along with pattern print outs and photocopies, then putting them into one of my bags in preparation for our move*.
In doing this I have had to delve into the realm of my knitting basket by the lounge window. At the bottom was a bag of Jo Sharp Aran Tweed to make the Renaissance cardigan, along with the first ten rows of the body. I rummaged about a bit because I was sure I had started knitting a sleeve. When a sleeve looks like this:
you do tend to remember it.
I eventually decided I was losing my mind until I saw the page with the left sleeve pattern. The first twenty rows had been crossed out.
I knew I'd started the stupid thing! Now I just need to find it, and I thought I'd sorted out all of my knitting in March. Seems I was waaaayyyyyy off.
* Yes, we're moving. September 16th. To Edinburgh. No, we weren't joking. Yes, we really mean it. No, really truly we do. Sorry if you thought we were joking. Yes, you will still get Christmas presents.
In doing this I have had to delve into the realm of my knitting basket by the lounge window. At the bottom was a bag of Jo Sharp Aran Tweed to make the Renaissance cardigan, along with the first ten rows of the body. I rummaged about a bit because I was sure I had started knitting a sleeve. When a sleeve looks like this:
you do tend to remember it.
I eventually decided I was losing my mind until I saw the page with the left sleeve pattern. The first twenty rows had been crossed out.
I knew I'd started the stupid thing! Now I just need to find it, and I thought I'd sorted out all of my knitting in March. Seems I was waaaayyyyyy off.
* Yes, we're moving. September 16th. To Edinburgh. No, we weren't joking. Yes, we really mean it. No, really truly we do. Sorry if you thought we were joking. Yes, you will still get Christmas presents.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Oh...um...hi...
Oh, is this your jumper shelf? Really? I'll just get off all of your lovely hand knits then...
Meet Lolli. Two weeks in, we wouldn't give her up for the world.
Meet Lolli. Two weeks in, we wouldn't give her up for the world.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Finished Objects 2008 - #19
Can you believe that despite ranting (and understanding), I didn't manage to get a picture of my Mum's birthday socks? Well she dropped by work yesterday with Da and my nieces Ashlee and Kirsten to say hello and to say a big thanks for the pot holders (Da complained that his hands were too warm with his sleep gloves on - sook!)
Luckily for me, Mum wears her birthday socks almost constantly so I had an opportunity to take a picture (my camera is with me at work, because kitty photos are great). Shame they look so bright, but I didn't use a flash - it was just a really bright day.
I really do love these socks, but not as much as Mum does - look at the wear on the toes!
Luckily for me, Mum wears her birthday socks almost constantly so I had an opportunity to take a picture (my camera is with me at work, because kitty photos are great). Shame they look so bright, but I didn't use a flash - it was just a really bright day.
I really do love these socks, but not as much as Mum does - look at the wear on the toes!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Finished Objects 2008 - #18
My first attempt at a baby jumper.
I spent my first few years in a colour combination of orange, cream and brown due to my flaming orange hair (and it was the 70's). Considering my original hair colour and Felix's as well - equally orange - we'll probably be raising an army of blood nuts, and this colour is reasonably neutral for a boy or girl.
The colour is more accurate in the first picture.
NB for my relatives: no I'm not pregnant, did you honestly think I'd tell you via my blog?!?
I spent my first few years in a colour combination of orange, cream and brown due to my flaming orange hair (and it was the 70's). Considering my original hair colour and Felix's as well - equally orange - we'll probably be raising an army of blood nuts, and this colour is reasonably neutral for a boy or girl.
The colour is more accurate in the first picture.
NB for my relatives: no I'm not pregnant, did you honestly think I'd tell you via my blog?!?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Finished Objects 2008 - #16 & #17
Being the perfect daughter that I am (pausing for my sisters to scoff) I agreed to make my da a set of fingerless gloves.
These are a bit different to what you might expect from fingerless gloves. They cover the fingers all the way to the nails, because my da has very awful arthritis, so these will keep both sets of knuckles warm.
Can you believe he wants them to sleep in? Strange but true...
I also made another set of pot holders for my mum, partly because she wants them but partly to use up my 8ply cotton.
I was infirmed how wonderful they were, and the need to make some for my sister Leah. I do so love it when I'm told to make something else...
These are a bit different to what you might expect from fingerless gloves. They cover the fingers all the way to the nails, because my da has very awful arthritis, so these will keep both sets of knuckles warm.
Can you believe he wants them to sleep in? Strange but true...
I also made another set of pot holders for my mum, partly because she wants them but partly to use up my 8ply cotton.
I was infirmed how wonderful they were, and the need to make some for my sister Leah. I do so love it when I'm told to make something else...
Monday, June 16, 2008
WWKIP Day rundown
I headed off to work on Saturday due to a lack of fill in casuals (hope you feel better soon Joex! Please!), thereby missing the first hour of Judith's WWKIP session at The Observatory Cafe at the Botanical Gardens. Nice, calm, relaxed. I like that after cats. It helps with the afternoon shift...
Here I am, helping the other Andrea learn to knit. Note the liquid assistance in front of me.
This is my hands in action on my Ice Queen, now completed and blocking.
I had to run away early to get back to the kitties, but at least I got to see Judith (goddess that she is!)
Now... for yet another week of finished objects! I am feeling highly prolific this week, so keep an eye out.
Here I am, helping the other Andrea learn to knit. Note the liquid assistance in front of me.
This is my hands in action on my Ice Queen, now completed and blocking.
I had to run away early to get back to the kitties, but at least I got to see Judith (goddess that she is!)
Now... for yet another week of finished objects! I am feeling highly prolific this week, so keep an eye out.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Finished Objects 2008 - #15
Okay, okay, I know I said I had enough finished objects to fit a week, but I didn't mean a whole week, just a working week. Actually, I do have enough for a whole week, but I need pictures for one and can't be bothered sewing up the second (two whole seams on a baby jumper? Too much time!).
Friday was a fun night at my sister's40th 34th birthday where Felix and I stayed well past our bedtime - mine chatting and his spent playing Mario Kart Wii with the kids. Yesterday was a total washout - it finally ended with me falling asleep at 5pm and waking up today at 9am. That's 16 hours. Two normal nights worth of sleep. What a waste of knitting time!
Today's object d'finished? My nana's 90th birthday socks. Yes, I did finish them ages ago, no I've never listed them.
"Rainy Day Socks" pattern, Jo Sharp Alpaca Silk Georgette. Perfect for my third pair of this pattern. Love, love, LOVE it!
Now to actually hand them over... Petrol is so expensive and Nana lives in Mirboo North. May take some saving up (Yarragon being a stop-off shopping point).
Friday was a fun night at my sister's
Today's object d'finished? My nana's 90th birthday socks. Yes, I did finish them ages ago, no I've never listed them.
"Rainy Day Socks" pattern, Jo Sharp Alpaca Silk Georgette. Perfect for my third pair of this pattern. Love, love, LOVE it!
Now to actually hand them over... Petrol is so expensive and Nana lives in Mirboo North. May take some saving up (Yarragon being a stop-off shopping point).
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Finished Objects 2008 - #14
The ever easy to make 5 hour baby cardigan (I'm not an American, it's not a sweater, not matter what you might insist).
I made the "boy" version and so far I've crocheted down one side only because the other side looked fine. No biggie. There's no buttons, no buttonholes, and no clue if I want any. Don't care!
I made it, it works and I'm happy.
(I am fully aware that it's a bad picture. Give me a better camera, get a better picture. That's a no brainer.)
I made the "boy" version and so far I've crocheted down one side only because the other side looked fine. No biggie. There's no buttons, no buttonholes, and no clue if I want any. Don't care!
I made it, it works and I'm happy.
(I am fully aware that it's a bad picture. Give me a better camera, get a better picture. That's a no brainer.)
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Finished Objects 2008 - #13
Technically, I finished this one a while ago.
The chunky red shawl. It started off as planned huge throw, but I ran out of wool.
Then it sat in my "to be eventually finished one day, maybe, no really" storage basket until I could maybe, no really, remember which yarn it was. That's right, I couldn't remember.
Never mind forgetting the dye lot number - I forgot the brand. Sometimes I really worry about my brain...
Luckily, one day I pulled it out while Chantal was here and she asked "Oh, is that a shawl?". Cue cogs turning loudly and I replied "It is now!". I love that girl...
Bonus points to a husband who agrees to model a shawl for you - thanks babe! Please note the amazing quilt behind him that was made by Sue, my favourite mother-in-law.
The chunky red shawl. It started off as planned huge throw, but I ran out of wool.
Then it sat in my "to be eventually finished one day, maybe, no really" storage basket until I could maybe, no really, remember which yarn it was. That's right, I couldn't remember.
Never mind forgetting the dye lot number - I forgot the brand. Sometimes I really worry about my brain...
Luckily, one day I pulled it out while Chantal was here and she asked "Oh, is that a shawl?". Cue cogs turning loudly and I replied "It is now!". I love that girl...
Bonus points to a husband who agrees to model a shawl for you - thanks babe! Please note the amazing quilt behind him that was made by Sue, my favourite mother-in-law.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Finished Objects 2008 - #12
I am a genius. Anyone who thinks differently, see below:
"Bubbles", from my mum's old Patons book.
A basic Pi shawl, with a feather and fan border, edging picked up and knitted along.
Knitted in Wendy Dennis 4ply Polworth, to celebrate a new baby.
Matisse Reine - isn't that just a beautiful name?
So if you need me, I'll just be over here, basking in my lacy glory...
"Bubbles", from my mum's old Patons book.
A basic Pi shawl, with a feather and fan border, edging picked up and knitted along.
Knitted in Wendy Dennis 4ply Polworth, to celebrate a new baby.
Matisse Reine - isn't that just a beautiful name?
So if you need me, I'll just be over here, basking in my lacy glory...
Monday, June 02, 2008
Finished Objects 2008 - #11
I've been slaving away at my knitting and all I have to show for it is a week of Finished Objects. Excuse me while I beam smugly... *beam*
The first up is the uber-evil Drunken Dad vest.
As you can see, it's a tad skinnier, and missing a lot of details from the sides. That would be because I cut some off. And by "I cut some off" I mean "Judith ran it through her overlocker while I looked away sobbing".
I added the rib in the round (again, Judith started the neckline and armhole for me) and passed it on to my da, who wanted to know if the knitter was drunk when she was knitting it...
Damn straight, Da, damn straight.
The first up is the uber-evil Drunken Dad vest.
As you can see, it's a tad skinnier, and missing a lot of details from the sides. That would be because I cut some off. And by "I cut some off" I mean "Judith ran it through her overlocker while I looked away sobbing".
I added the rib in the round (again, Judith started the neckline and armhole for me) and passed it on to my da, who wanted to know if the knitter was drunk when she was knitting it...
Damn straight, Da, damn straight.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Finished Objects - #10
Eh, voile! Mon béret de Passepartout - N'est-il pas parfait ?
My beret is beautiful. I feel semi-French and ever so snazzy in it (If I ever say snazzy again - kill me).
I love the colours, I love the pattern, I love that I finished it in a week (which included running out of wool and shopping for more).
Oh yeah - this is so getting warn to death!
My beret is beautiful. I feel semi-French and ever so snazzy in it (If I ever say snazzy again - kill me).
I love the colours, I love the pattern, I love that I finished it in a week (which included running out of wool and shopping for more).
Oh yeah - this is so getting warn to death!
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