Magweeds Mayhem

Knitting set in The Works.

2012-01-29T10:53:00.001Z

Look ,

for £7.00 you can buy this set in The Works. Its really nice & would make a lovely gift for a new knitter , young & old alike.
It has 3 balls of yarn inside & some very nice wooden needles that are not too chunky for small hands but big enough.

There are also some simple knitting instructions in the lid of the box.

Full Steam Ahead!

2012-01-29T10:43:00.001Z

Last weekend we went away up to Lincolnshire.We had a lovely weekend & stayed in a Travel Lodge room at Long Sutton. The staff were lovely but oh, how the room was so in need of a lick of paint!.Never mind, I was asleep most of the time when we were in it!
We saw a double Rainbow whilst we were driving around.I was so excited to see one. The skies are so big up there you could see both ends!Its a shame the second rainbow doesn't show up to well in the photo but it is there!

We went house hunting.
My life is about to change drastically!Mr T is due to retire from his job in March & we are about to put our lovely family home on the market & head into the future of unknown....Its quite scary really but also exciting.Technically he will be unemployed.As you can imagine ,so many worries go alongside that in this current climate.Its also time for me to do less hours at work.So with all that ,we are downsizing & hopefully will be almost mortgage free.Lets just hope we can sell our house.Fingers crossed.
Anyway , back to the weekend.I lost one of my lovely gloves I made using a green Zuberball. I was so annoyed with myself. We hunted all over where we had been & just couldn't find it. Luckily I had just enough yarn left to make another one. I have just sewn up the seam & so now will be back to having toasty hands.

My hands have been giving me a lot of pain during this colder weather we seem to be having.Apart from wearing gloves, does anyone have any good tips out there. The joints have been so painful.Its stopped me from knitting so much this week.
I snuck into town yesterday & treated myself to a few items.

The little girl always comes out in me when I shop for myself!Here they are. See if you can spot them in future posts. I am sure you will.
I also gave the dogs a haircut.

Phew ....what a busy week . Oh yes ,I was at work as well.
Have a great week & keep warm .

Make it Bling!

2012-01-17T09:09:00.003Z

I saw this phone cover on a shop site called Make it Bling.I really fancy having a go myself. Phone cover is on order & now deciding on what bits to use.A brilliant way to use up all those small bits of broken jewelry & beads.

Wishes were horses!

2012-01-10T22:15:00.000Z

I just came home from Knit & Natter.
One of my friends was wearing this blouse.Click here to see where to buy this lovely!

How I yearn for this lovely little ditsy print!
Little cotton reels all over.Sadly it just goes up to a large. When I checked the sizing ,the large equated to a 12-14. Lucked out there by a size.Its just not on!!!
I had a bit of a rubbish day today.It was so good to be out with the girls tonight.They chill me out when I get quite stressed.Quite a bit of knitting got done too. I am making up my Zuberball I bought in Vienna.I will show you soon what I have made. Just 2 more evenings & its finished,I hope!!!
See you soon.

xxx

Sock workshop

2012-01-03T10:05:00.001Z

In December I held a sock workshop at The Wool Bar in Worthing.
I have done workshops for socks before but this one was different.The group had not been knitting for too long & they wanted it the evenings.I decided to do it over 2 weeks & they had homework to do in between as this time we were making a full size sock.Previously I have taught the techniques using a mini replica sock.This time we used a lovely ,but simple toe up pattern which can be found on Ravelry.http://www.ravelry.com/projects/lilibet21/steel-toe-boot-socks

The girls did so well making this sock.They learnt a lot of techniques using this pattern & they all managed it very well.
I used a stretchy cast off technique where you do a yarn over before the stitch is worked & then cast off.
Two circular needles used throughout.
The girls all achieved a sock which they made to a high standard.They were proud of their completed sock & I was proud of them. We had a few exclamations of "I cant possibly do that" along the way, but they all finished their socks.Sadly I didn't get Clare in the picture as she couldn't make the last evening.

Well done ladies!!XXX

Last Post of 2011,bring on 2012!!!

2011-12-31T14:00:00.000Z

Its seems weird to say this will be my last post.That is the last post of 2011 of course.
Its been not a very good year for me with one thing or another.Some of them remain private to me, others I have talked about because I was happy to share those things with you. Anyway, I am glad the year is over & 2012 beckons with all the unexpected & excitedly planned!!!Its going to be busy busy busy & all hands on deck to get where ,as a couple ,my husband & I want to be.
Tonight ,being New Years Eve, I should really be celebrating. Sadly I will be at work & leave Mr T on his own.No2 son is in Vienna with No1 son & will no doubt be having riotous fun. I hope to be home just a few minutes into 2012 ,but if the proverbial **it hits the fan ,then who knows?
I am not really looking forward to that part but something made me smile today.In fact ,if I was Lucy from Attic 24 ,I would say it gave me one of those Heart Skippy moments & I just had to have it. A beautiful Babushka mug slightly reduced in Past Times. Why do stores do that now? For most of the year they have been slashing prices & I have watched them go up & down & up again. Are they really supposed to do that?
Any way ,here is my mug that made me happy today.

Have a very Happy New Year wherever you are & whoever you are with & here's to a much brighter 2012!!

Oh Christmas tree....

2011-12-29T12:09:00.000Z

Oh Christmas tree....
Well it did eventually get put up.It took me ages to do.I am so fussy when it comes to the lights.They have to be placed just so . Here are a few pictures of some of my favourite baubles & my little helper!

The last three are new ones we bought in the Christmas markets in Vienna.They are so pretty.I know it will take me ages to pack the tree away ,there is so much on it,but who cares?
The Christmas lights where I work this year have quite frankly been poor.What a shame.Usually there is a close & all the houses join in & light up.People travel from miles to go & see it but this year there was nothing.Not even a tree in a window.It was sad.
However , on my last night working, whilst out & about we had a little competition of our own for the annual Christmas lights.The runner up was a house in Lancing....

We felt it was suitably jolly to have the second place.
First place went to a house in Southwick!.....

There was so much going on & a real Christmas fantasy for any child that may pass.Well done to the owners of this house, you made us smile on a late`rainy night when we would rather have been at home with our families.Its a shame the pictures are poor as you cannot see everything.Not bad for a phone camera though!!I love my little Samsung Galaxy Ace!
This seems to be turning into quite a long post.I do just have to show you what happened when I tried to whip some cream up for our Knickerbockerglory puddings on Christmas day.I was left with one huge greasy mess to clear up!Yuck!!

For some reason I cant get the other picture to load ,but it shows the cream splattered all over the fridge, bin & up the walls. If it had been red ,you could mistake it for a murder scene! All I could do was laugh!! We got our pudding an hour later!!!
I had some lovely gifts from my family.They are so thoughtful .We don't go overboard in our family.I know people who spend hundreds of pounds just on one person & they really don't have the money to do it.Its so silly. We have a rule of only buying what you can afford & not to use credit cards. I love gifts that are handmade & try to make as many as I can.
I hope you had a lovely day too & wish you all a fabulous & exciting New Year.

Ooooh Vienna!

2011-12-18T10:18:00.001Z

We just got back from visiting our son in Vienna!
I am so silly though! Forgot to take my camera & my phone ,so I couldn't take any pictures.Luckily Jasmin sent me some she took.
This is the second time we have visited them in Vienna .I had a lot of expectations! The first one was for snow...let face it , a week, just before Christmas & it should snow in Vienna. No ??!!! Well it did try just as we walked to the station to get our train for the flight home!

In spite of a week being ill with sickness,cold & sore throats & no snow, we enjoyed ourselves. We went to Hungary for a family meal for our sons 24th birthday which was fabulous! They certainly know how to feed people! I cannot eat a whole dumpling!

We visited the Christmas markets on the evening for lovely traditional crafts & yummy food & hot Gluhwein! Mmmmm . I bought some fantastic glass baubles for our tree this year & managed to get them home with no breakages.

All the time we were poorly was well spent too. I finished a present I had started for Jasmin's nephew who will be born in the spring next year.

The basket was made out of some Rico Big Cotton.It was not brilliant to knit with & kept splitting no matter how careful I was. The clock & baby Uggs & the hats were knitted out of various oddments of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino & Rialto yarn which as always gives a lovely finish.

I did find a tiny yarn shop in Vienna via an Internet search.More about that in a later post though.

Today ,now we are home, the decorations are going up! Once done I shall try to get some decent pictures of the new baubles for you to see them in all their sparkly glory.
I hope that wherever you are , you too have a nice day. I think I will just stay in my pj's & get a pot of Gluhwein on the stove to fuel my day as we get the house decked with boughs of holly!

Christmas Gingerbread House!

2011-12-03T10:26:00.000Z

I have always loved little houses & now is the time to make a Gingerbread house.
If you would like to make one too you can find instructions on the link:

http://www.tescorealfood.com/recipes/how-to-build-a-gingerbread-house.html

Sorry ,it just happens to be on the Tesco website.No advertising was intended. I usually shop at Lidl!
I found a video on Utube where they may a lifesize Gingerbread House in Disneyland.Its amazing!!

Join the Flock for Movember !

2011-12-01T09:04:00.002Z

Slowly people seem to be using more natural products instead of their synthetic counterparts.This means that sheep will become more valuable instead of the rock bottom prices that we have seen in past years with farmers virtually having to pay for their fleeces to be shorn & taken away.

A public arts project run by The Eden Arts in Cumbria is bringing together people to make an art installation of their own to increase awareness in the use of Wool .Click on the link here & it will take you to the project.
They have also their own Facebook page & have joined in with Movember as have we at my work.You can see the Join The Flock FB page if you click here & join it if you like!
My efforts for Movember have been knitting beard beanies, a hot new craze that is sweeping the younger generation & females not able to grow the required tash!There have been many great displays of manliness around our office ,the best being my friend & work partner ,Sandra.

She has been raising money for the cause & will be having a count up today as we are officially now in December....eeekk!!!! Beard beanie supplied by my needles.I will update you as soon as I know how much she has raised.There have been some generous donations.

Updates

2011-11-28T21:29:00.000Z

Its been so long since I updated my blog! I feel a bit bad about it really.Its not that I havent been creating or that I havent had anything to say, but more just not in the right frame of mind.
After having hurt my back at work ,things started to go downhill. To cut a long story short , I found out something that could have lost me my job & also had a break down in a close family relationship.Anyway I fought back & although some days are difficult , I am still in my role.I have also changed my perspective on things & now I have this ethos that I do things for me & myself & my nearest & dearest.Life is changing & at a very fast pace!

My eldest son, Robert has gone to live in Austria with his girlfriend ,Jasmin.They have been busy settling into their new flat in Vienna.We went over in the summer to take them lots of stuff for their flat & to meet the family.They are all lovely & we had a great time.

I took some handmade items for them to make it feel like home for Rob.I made cushions & a quilt out of his old band t-shirts.I really didnt want to throw them away & some of them were designs which he had drawn himself.I carefully cut them & backed them with stabiliser & then added a fabric border & quilted the whole lot together. I was pretty pleased with the outcome.

Two very nice cushions which I was hard pushed to part with .

A very cosie quilt.

We had a lovely time in Vienna & Jasmin & Robbie have been home to visit too for my husbands 50th!
For his birthday we had a visit to London to do the tourist thing!!It was a great day & we watched the guards at Clarence House & even saw Princess Anne leave Buckingham Palace.

Lots of window shopping in Covent Garden & then a long train ride home.
Their visit was over so quickly & I miss them both very much.Thank goodness for Facebook,Skype & Whatsap on my phone!
We will be off to visit them very soon .I cannot wait.The christmas markets are so pretty in Vienna & I am getting excited about our trip!
The last time we were over Jasmins sister had just found out she was expecting a baby.Her bump will be getting huge now.She is due in March.I am looking forward to seeing them again.

I have taught Jasmin how to knit & hopefully she has been practising!!I will help her with a pair of baby Uggs for this new baby when we are over.

Sock critter

2011-07-13T00:37:00.004+01:00

I made my sock critter!!!

I am quite proud of him & finished him using felt for the "button" eyes & down the front of his belly.I think he looks a bit like a mouse especially as he has a tail.I will be giving him away,probably in a drop for the Toy Society.

Check out his bottom......he has an embroidered heart on it hand sewn with embroidery silk.

I am really getting back into my sewing again,maily because I have been making new blinds for our bedroom which I had re-decorated.I hope to have them finished this week which will be great as its been very hot waking up to a sunny bedroom this last few weeks.

My son has just recently moved to Vienna so I had a good clearout in his room.All his band t shirts I have decided to make into a quilt for him.He has collected so many .I have been surfing the net to find out how to do it .I think I am ready to make a start now.Just watch this space....

Fresh fish Friday!

2011-06-25T08:52:00.007+01:00

Yes I know i am writing this on a Saturday.Well I planned it on Friday!!

I couldn't wait to finish work today.At one point I was the only person in the office.I was so lonely & MrT had the day off :(.

Well I took a couple of hours off & we went for a walk along the sea front.Tea was a simple affair of fish'n'chips & that was eaten on the prom.The fish was delicious but they are getting stingy with the chips!!

As we walked home ,the local fishermen were getting ready to go out with the tide.

I love this part of Worthing.Its very close to our home.We only live about 100 metres from the beach.We are very lucky.

My current socks I am knitting for No2 son remind me of all things seaside.I love this yarn.Shame I cant remember its name but I bought it from The Wool Bar who have a reduction on sock yarn this week. I am running my second sock workshop there tomorrow.

Mr T has just realised how lovely hand knitted socks are on your feet after being asked to model the socks for fit!Am I ever going to make my stuff for me again?Poor Moth has been sidelined for at least another month or two!!Oh well.Back to my red hot needles........

Socked!!!

2011-06-23T21:14:00.004+01:00

Today there has been lots of chatter between the girls on my team at work (there is only 1 guy!) about socks!Not just any socks you know......sock critters!!It all started when fellow comrade ,the Fabulous Lou ,made a sock monkey.I told her about my book ,Staray Sock Sewing.

Well today I took said book into work.It started such a creative theme off that we have all been down to the nearest shop in town to purchase socks to make a sock critter each over the weekend.

I will be making a Facebook fan page so we can show off our creations & our lovely Amy,(yes you get a mention),is going to name them all.

I have stripey over the knee socks to start mine off with.I want to make that little guy on the book.Don't you just love his paws in his pockets!I will keep you updated about the fun!!

Blogger issues

2011-06-22T00:12:00.003+01:00

I have been having problems with my blog loading.I have had reports from you lovely readers that you have either not been able to get on to the blog or it has been so slow that you have given up.
Due to this I have deleted off many posts.You can see that gone now are 2008 & 2009 posts.
I have also deleted any links that are not needed.I know they looked pretty but I think they were slowing things down.
This is my last attempt.

Please let me know if its loading OK now.
If not ,I will have to start a new blog.

June post

2011-06-15T22:58:00.005+01:00

We are now half way through June.

As usual it rained in the first week.How do I know it does this every year?My birthday is on the 6th & very few are nice dry sunny days.

Yes I have now hit 45.How old I feel.I am now older than my mother was when we got married.Thats a scary thought!!

I have made a pact with myself though that I shall continue to grow old disgracefully & have fun doing so!!

I knitted my lovely man a jumper.He did deserve it.Its his first in 25 years.Doesnt it look great on him.

Stir it up!

2011-05-30T09:54:00.004+01:00

As you may have realised by now,I love to bake.I am happy to cook meals ,but as hubby tends to take over those ,my forte is baking!I have made some delicious cakes in the past which have been sampled by friends ,family & work colleagues.

Last week I made this sumptuous tower of orange cakes.It was a new recipe & I will definately be using it again.Here is the link to the site where I got the recipe.

You cant see it clearly in the picture ,but the orange frosting had edible glitter sprinkled on it & looked so pretty.In my blogging I found out what I have been doing wrong with my wooden spoons!They are all dried up & rough.I keep sanding them but they soon breakdown.Because I like them to be super clean ,I tend to put them in the dishwasher.I have found out they need regular feeding with a spoon oil to keep them in great condition.I am sending off for some beeswax asap to make some.Click on the link to find the recipe which came via one of my favourite blogs.Once I have got this made up,I will be giving all my favourite spoons & wooden bowls a loving session,especially my porridge spoon!

Springtime update!!Eeek its nearly summer!!

2011-05-28T20:00:00.011+01:00

I have shamefully neglected my blog again!!
Life has kinda taken over.Work is now full time again & busy busy!!

I have also been busy knitting furiously.I had a commission for a fashion designer to make some vests .This had a deadline of only a few weeks.They were very big to make using the most horrible Godefra yarn.I never want to see that stuff gain!.

My son moved to Austria to live with his girlfriend.The house seems so much quieter now & less washing to do!!I do miss him though.We had the Royal Wedding with street parties a plenty!!We were invited to two!We attended the best one though in town with The Wool Bar. Caroline had organised a knitathon & a group of ladies & gents sat & knitted gloves for the homeless & put together knitted squares to make blankets.

I took my spinning wheel & produced a whole spindle of yarn.Apart from one silly drunk ,the day was really good & one we shall all remember.

On the Royal Wedding subject ,in Brighton whilst shopping with my family last week I spied this chocolate cake.Its Kate & William....looks where the cheeky boys hand is!!

I have also been decorating my bedroom.It took me ages & I did it all on my own,with a bad back & working all week full time with no help!It nearly killed me!!

I made`some knitted bunting from Louisa Harding's book for Aimee yarn.Its so pretty.This is the second lot of bunting I have made using the pattern.Its a really easy pattern with just a border of moss stitch & an eyelet hole row for the ribbon to be threaded through.I used a lovely paisley ribbon to thread them all up.I love it & the message on it.When I have completely finished my bedroom I shall take some pictures of it.I still have the blinds to make yet!

This is my very first Sock Workshop which was held at The Wool Bar on the 22nd May.It was great & everyone worked really hard & had a sock at the end of the day.Ok it was a mini sock but never the less it was a perfect sock!!

Well done ladies ,you were great!

New handbag..s

2011-02-28T12:24:00.006Z

Its been a while since I last posted & so much has happened.

I spent most of the last month in the depths of dispair.I really didnt know what was going to happen to me with regards to my back.I now have had results from the MRI scan & although I am still in pain with it ,the results show no prolapsed disc.Wowee..that means I should be able to get back to some sort of normality after I have had a session with the pain clinic & no operation.If I was living in America ,I have found out they would possibly go on to do a discogram ,but as I live in the UK & at the mercy of the NHS.They will not do any more investigations & I have to get on with it!!Surely I wont have to keep rattling with tablets for ever?Well lets hope not.

Now on the the title in hand...A girl can never have too many can they?Absolutely not is the answer always given to a male asking the question!!ha ha!!!

Well I think I mentioned in my last post I was going to make a new bag in cotton.Well its finished & in great use.Here are the pictures.

I am quite pleased with it & it has been much admired.The only thing is it only is available in crochet form at the moment.I have promised my friend to sort a pattern in knit form for her.This means I first have to knit a bag in the same shape!!I am so busy with knitting at the moment.I darent say how many projects I am making .In fact I dont think even I know the answer at the moment!!

I have also been asked to do some work shops which means that I must sort out a lesson plans for each of them.I do like teaching though & have been doing a few beginners knitters courses.You really feel like you have achieved something when you teach someone to make something.

I also forgot to post about some of the things I made as presents at Christmas.

One was some fingerless mittens made from some gorgious Manos yarn.Its so warm.They are for my MIL .I also made a shrug out of this ran for myself.Its very cosy & keeps me snug.

These mittens were for my FIL.They are the pattern I listed on a previous post.Its been quite popular as its knitted flat & then sewn up down the side of the glove.

The Rico yarn in Merino is lovely.I just washed my hubby's mitts in the machine this morning & they have come up a treat.I forgot they were in there & put them on a 40degree wash.They were fine & have not felted.

January Sales at Cath Kidston

2011-01-22T20:39:00.004Z

I have been absent ,sick as sick can be, the dreaded flu caught up with me & my back is really getting me down.

To cheer myself up I visited the Cath Kidston website who have some fantastic deals on in their sale.I have treated myself to this.....

This.....and these.....They are to set my new bag off which I am planning to make very soon.This is the bag.Isn't it just lovely?I cant wait to make it.I have some very pretty rose print fabric to line it which will finish it nicely.

Seeing out the old year......

2010-12-31T11:20:00.005Z

This will be the last blog post of the year.

In some ways its not been a good year & I cant wait for the new one to start.Maybe with it will bring an answer to my back injury .

The Christmas period was a bit of a washout in some ways.I was ill throughout & have had about 3 weeks of some sort of flu virus.It absolutely floored me on Christmas day & left me in bed.Mr T to the rescue,he was going to cook anyway,but he ended up doing all of it.Bless him ,he is such a great man.Shame family were cancelled at the last moment & lucky for them they had food in their own cupboards.

Having been crook ,I didn't get to post any of the projects I completed.I will share these in the New Year .I have crafted my fingers off & knitted & knitted!

For now you will have to be happy with a picture of the loveliest Christmas cake in the world!(or at least mine!!)Its from Ruth over on The Pink Whisk & is a recipe she got from the Bourke Street Bakery cook book.Santa reckoned I was a good girl & I now have a copy of this in my collection.I cant wait to bake something else from it.

Have a great New Years Eve.We have a dear friend coming over to stay the night.We are childless this year as they are doing their own thing.

Have a lovely one & I leave you with a picture of my cake...Mmmmm

Door Wreath

2010-12-08T13:08:00.003Z

I love having a new door wreath.

I had a lovely one last year but this year somehow it just wasnt going to cut the mustard!

I wanted to have a Pom Pom wreath!!

Any excuse to use my new Pom Pom malers from Clover....they are so good!

I bought a wicker wreath base form our local craft shop in Warwick Street in Worthing then applied using my trusty hot glue gun nearly a whole box of baubles from Wilkinsons & some lovely fluffy pom poms.

I just love it!

Christmas Treats!! Nom Nom...

2010-12-07T22:22:00.004Z

I had a spare couple of hours this afternoon so I donned my pinny & turned into "Domestic Goddess", (said like the narrator on X Factor when he says "Olly Murs!!")
This what I whipped up for tonight’s Knit & Natter.

Just the usual Victoria sponge cake in muffin tins ,some Royal Icing & fondant icing Christmas trees & some edible glitter sprinkled on top.I used some Royal Icing from Tate & Lyle.I have never seen it before but it is icing sugar mixed with dried egg white.You just mix it with a drop of water until the right consistency.I also added a little glycerin to stop the icing from breaking any teeth.Very easy to use.

Mens Fingerless gloves

2010-12-03T15:53:00.007Z

The weather has been very cold so I have made lots of these.
Here is the pattern for you to try.

Men’s Fingerless gloves

Materials

1 ½ 50g skeins of Aran weight yarn.
4mm needles
3 ¼mm needles. For ribbing
Sewing up wool needle.

These gloves are made knitted flat in one piece with a side seam.
Abbreviations
Sts stitches
Rs right side
Dec decrease
St st stocking stitch, knit 1 row, purl 1 row.
M1 make one stitch, by picking up loop between stitches & knitting into the back of loop to make a stitch.
Garter stitch knit every row.

Method for right glove

Using 3 ¼ mm needles .cast on 46 sts. Start by making a k2, p2 rib for 3 inches finishing with the rs.
Next row (dec) (p2, k2, p2tog, k2) twice(p2 ,k2)twice, p2, k2, p2 (k2, p2tog, k2, p2)twice (42 sts)
Next row (Rs facing)
Change to 4mm needles.
Stocking stitch for 8 rows (or you can form pattern of 6 rows st st , 2 rows reversed st st).Finish ending with a wrong side wrong leaving the right side facing for next row.

Shape thumb **
K22 sts, m1, k3, m1, k17 sts (44sts)
Work 3 rows in pattern
Row 5 (rs) K22, m1, k5, m1, k17 (46sts)
Continue in pattern for 3 rows, increasing as above every next & following 4th row until 52 sts are on the needle.
Work 1 row ending with rs facing for next row. **

Divide for thumb
K22, slip the next 13 sts on a holder (I use a piece of yarn in a different colour), knit next 17 sts .
Continue to knit for another 17 rows across 39 sts or as long as required to fit hand. Knit 3 rows in garter stitch, cast off knit wise.

Knit thumb

With stitches that are on the piece of yarn facing you with the right side, starting from the right end of the stitches slip them back on to a 4mm needle. Holding this needle in the left hand, rejoin the yarn at the base of the stitch at the end of the needle point, ready to start knitting again.
Next row
Purl into back & front of stitch, purl to last stitch, purl into back & front of stitch. (15sts)
Stocking stitch 7 rows.

Next row Change to 3 ¼ mm needles,
Knit 2 rows cast off knit wise. Try to cast off not too tightly. If you have a problem with this, try using a larger sized needle to cast off.

Making up

Using matching yarn & wool sewing up needle, stitch up the side seam of the main glove from the ribbing to end using either ladder stitch or over sew.
Stitch up seam of thumb using the same method.

Left glove.
Reverse shaping at **to** for thumb.This means instead of starting with K 22 ,you will start with K17.

I hope you enjoy making them.Let me know how you get on with the pattern & if I need to amend anything.

If you live in the UK you will no doubt had lots of snow.Grouse & Maisie were not that keen on getting cold & wet ,but for Peggy it was a different matter!!Never mind being an oldie.It brought out her inner pup!!

Climb any mountain!!!

2010-11-29T21:46:00.005Z

Little Maisie Magweed was sound asleep in her bed.How cosie she looked.....

But the bed happened to be on the dining table!!!

Unbeknown to me,my mother who was staying with me decided to wash the floor in our dining room & put the dog bed of all places up on the table while she did it( I cant work that one out either!!)

Maisie was so desperate to get in her comfy bed ,she climbed up on the table & went to sleep on the table.Usually we have all the chairs pushed in so dogs cannot get on the table ,but you know what its like when someone else comes to stay.They don't know your routine & why you do certain things especially if you have a dog that climbs.Please be assured the table was disinfected before we ate at it again & the shopping was put away!!

Here is my latest creation ,for myself this time.Millie hat & gloves for Moi!!Made in Manos silk mix yarn & shell heart buttons all purchased from The Wool Bar in Worthing.

I have also been making fingerless gloves for the men in double quick time.Each pair took me 3 hours to make from cast on the sewing up.I made a pair for No1 son & this pair is for Mr T.On order is another pair for No2 son.I still have so many projects to get done before Christmas.Obviously as some of them are for presents I wont be able to show them off on here until after Christmas.It will soon be here though!!

No1 son goes off on tour with his band for 3 weeks.I shall miss him & his birthday is while he is away.I am sure he will have a cool time in the tour bus with his mates!!I have made a birthday surprise survival kit for him to open while he is away.You can imagine what is in there!!

Elves at play!!

2010-11-24T15:54:00.003Z

The Elves were at play last night.

Look what I found all lined up on my window!!

If you would like to own a soldier or a Fairy, just pop along to The Wool Bar.All proceeds go to charities .

I am going to make some more over the next few weeks so keep checking back here.I may even do a tutorial for them!!

Owl ya doin' !!

2010-11-21T08:06:00.010Z

I have been a bit lax over posting this week.

I have been quite creative though.
Last Sunday I spent all day making a cake for a very special little boy who was One on Monday!I cant believe its been a whole year since I was sat on the labour ward with my friends waiting for Charlie to arrive.
It was worth the effort to make the cake I think. Apparently it tasted lovely.You see how good I was last week.Not a naughty morsel passed my lips.Didnt make a bit of difference on the scales though!

I have also been busy making Christmas presents for other people!
I made this lovely set using the Louisa Harding patterns from her new book , Fade to Grey. Millie hat & fingerless gloves.I knitted them in Manos silk mix .The gloves had a mixture of Sublime silk & merino mix yarn & some Debbie Bliss Cashmerino.

I love the way the gloves came out & the rosette was really easy to do.It is really just a scalloped elongated triangle which is curled round into a rosette.Very clever design.The pearl buttons came from my stash of many in one of my tins or jars of buttons.
I was a bit horrified when my friend who I knitted them for wanted to "give them a good pressing!" to flatten the flowers ,but I think I have convinced her they don't need it.I was really grateful for the snippets of advice from friends in the knitting world (aka ,Caroline at The Wool Bar & Louisa ,you know who!)who have said in the past they never block their work so this was passed on.

I am on a marathon knit session.I just finish one project & its on to the next.I wouldn't be surprised to see sparks coming off the end of my needles.

One of the projects is for making Christmas decorations for The Wool Bar .These are being sold in the shop & all proceeds will go to one of the Chronn's disease/Colitis Charities.If you are passing please pop in & make a donation.These charities will really struggle now with the Recession & any small bit of help will go a long way to help relieve the suffering of others.

Caroline has also got a raffle on the go.First prize is a £50 voucher with second prize being a set of Knit pro needles.What lovely prizes.The draw will be held a little closer to Christmas but get in there & get your tickets.

Crafty days!!

2010-11-13T18:32:00.005Z

I have been having a bit of a funny 2 weeks since I last posted.We had visitors to stay with us which was lovely.I have been at work though & trying to cope with my painful back.I cant believe that 4 months on I am still in pain.This is one thing that the NHS are very slow to diagnose & sort out.I have had a session of acupuncture which was torture!Needles in my back & neck .It was so painful & has had no effect apart from making me very dizzy afterwards & my pins & needles getting worse.Still I haven't let it stop me from doing a bit of knitting.

I finished my Louisa Harding Millie beret which was gorgeous!The only pictures I have are of Mr T modelling it as I have now given it away to a very deserving person who looked fabulous in it.Well slightly better than Mr T!!

I have also finished my Debbie Bliss Riding coat.Its not lined yet but is sewn up & buttons on.I promise I will photograph it to show you.

I also finished another creation ,this time for Mr T.I will blog about that another time.It has taken me 25 years to make him something....he really does deserve it.He is such a star my man.I am one very lucky girl.

We have had a craft fair on in Worthing for the last 2 Saturday's.Some lovely stalls & fantastic art work on display.There was a display of work done by members of the public about buildings they liked & disliked in Worthing.I was quite taken with the display.I was really hard to take pictures of but I am sure you will get the idea.

Whilst I was out in town last week I walked past a house which had this beautiful cat sat on its doorstep.I couldn't resist a snap of it.How pretty it was.

Monday Blues

2010-10-25T19:23:00.008+01:00

Do you remember the clock I bought a few weeks ago?Well it kept getting stuck when it got to showing 20minutes to the hour.I took it back to The Range today & they gave me another one.Not quite so straight forward as I hadn't kept the receipt,just the box!!Anyway,got home with it,got it out of the box & dropped it on the floor.......glass shattered ,hands fell off!!!Only I could do that!!I am really ham fisted at the moment with incredibly bad dropsies! Should a child's clock have glass in it though?

At least I didn't drop the boys brunch today.I did a bit of experimentation.Mr T was very dubious but he gave it the thumbs up after tasting it.

I de-crusted some slices of bread then rolled them flat with a rolling pin.I used them ,buttered to line a muffin pan then cracked an egg in each & sprinkled in some dry fried chopped bacon pieces.The last of the tiny tomatoes were added then the tray was put in the oven for about 20 minutes at 200 degrees till the eggs were cooked.

Yummy.Top tip....prick the tomatoes as they have a tendency to explode when you cut them or bite into them.

My Millie hat is coming on nicely.I have started using the second skein.I am very pleased with it.

The yarn is definately on the gorgeous list .So buttery in your hands!!

Louisa Harding

2010-10-20T18:02:00.008+01:00

I went to a talk Louisa gave for The Wool Bar last week.What a fab time we all had.

Something clicked inside me when I listened to her & I realised I could do within knitting whatever I wanted & that its never too late to start.Trouble is that there are so many things I want to do .

I have fallen in love with her style & her products.We all had the chance to try on the samples as we did when Debbie Bliss came a few weeks ago.It really helps you decide what suits you best & also on sizes.

I purchased today the Fade to Grey booklet & the yarn for this hat.Isn't' it so lovely?

Here is a more detailed picture.

I can hardly wait to start ,but my Debbie Bliss coat must be finished first.I have also purchased some lovely purple lining fabric & black buttons for my coat.I thought it would help to line it to keep its shape & with getting it on & off.Knitting has the habit of sticking to you.

Of course I will need something to keep my hands warm & toasty as well!

These are just the bees knees!!!!

PJ Monday!!

2010-10-18T13:02:00.006+01:00

Its lunchtime & I have spent the morning in my PJ's.I really couldn't be bothered to get dressed & I have no plans to go out.

It feels very indulgent but I have been busy!!Well at least my hands have.

I entertained my neighbour with coffee & have knitted nearly a whole sleeve of my Debbie Bliss riding coat.The weather has now turned a bit cold so I am racing to get it finished.It should be lovely & warm.

I have also mixed together Mr T's birthday cake & its in the oven baking.The smell is so nice..Mmmm!!!!I am thinking of how to decorate it.it will be simple as I cannot lean for hours tracing out intricate iced designs.I wont bore you with details but my back is still no better & I am rather fed up with it.

I don't have my camera either.I have lent it to No1 son who has gone away for a few days .I hope it comes back in working order.

We will have to suffice with some stock photos for today.

Looking back through my pictures I realised I never shared my trip to the Eden project.I can never tire of that place & it stirs some real creativeness inside me.Every time we go ,there is something new to look at.

Its a glam life I live

2010-10-13T15:56:00.003+01:00

We all have to complete the mundane things in life like doing the ironing & washing up.

I have this idea that if I have nice things to use ,its makes the job that much easier to do.Its an idea anyway!!

I was looking at my dishcloths the other day & felt so ashamed of them.Maybe they are why I had got to hating doing the washing up so much.

I have made some new ones now.Its a lovely waffle pattern I found on Ravelry.I used cheap dishcloth cotton & the coloured cotton is Rico Cotton which is an aran weight.

You can find the pattern here.It is such an easy pattern & looks great when its done.I am really pleased with them.

Etsy shop

2010-10-10T14:04:00.002+01:00

I have been spending time setting up my very first Etsy shop.It has taken me ages to do & I have listed one item so far.

I hope to get some more items on I have made.There are things you haven't seen yet.

Here is the link to my shop.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lilibet21

When I get a chance I will put a direct link to the right.

Tea Time.

2010-10-09T08:14:00.005+01:00

I have always loved our British idea of afternoon tea.Its something I grew up with & was made very much a family affair.

In my own family it was more of a Sunday afternoon thing.We always got together at my Nana's house for Sundays.I mean the whole family!

In my sister in laws family ,it was a daily ritual which started just before milking time.I think it really gave the men who were the ones that did the lions share of the hard manual work a chance to get inside in the warm & re-charge the batteries.All the women who were involved in laying on these spreads were great bakers & home makers.

At knit & natter the other night ,it could well have been classed as a tea party.Rosie brought her delicious apple cake & one of the other girls brought some gorgeous blueberry muffins.Shhhhh,don't tell anyone,I had 4 bits of cake!!!I enjoyed every mouthful....How naughty am I ?!!

I was asked to make a tea cosy for someone.It was a specific order & she had already chosen the type of yarn & design of the tea cosy.Only problem was that there was no pattern & I had to make one up!Even more so ,it was in moss stitch ,which presents a problem with the decreasing of the stitches.

I was so glad that when Debbie Bliss visited The Wool Bar recently ,I had asked her about decreasing in moss stitch.It all came back to me that it is necessary to knit 3 stitches together to get the decrease in pattern. Phew!!!

After a few design issues , frogging & 5 hours,this was the result.

Its knitted in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino.

I loved it so much ,I have made myself one.Wow ,it really does keep that Twinings hot!

This one was just knitted using some acrylic that was in my stash & is now all used up.They both have a ribbon trim at the top which is sewn on.

I am thinking of writing the pattern up for Ravelry.

Berrylicious!!!

2010-10-05T16:28:00.004+01:00

Last night I decided I was bored with TV & made some cakes.I decided to use Ruth's recipe over on The Pink Whisk for her Blackberry Ginger & Mint cakes.

They turned out really well & tasted even better!!My team at work were happy this morning as I took the cakes in for them.Extra brownie points for me.Our new boss loved his!!!I know how to please them...

I sprayed lustre spray on them which made them very pretty.

On the berry theme,I am working on another pair of mittens in the Artesano Inca Cloud again.I have chosen a more prominent contrast colour this time.

See how the inside forms quite neatly.No twisting there!!

Colour stranded mittens using Artesano Inca Cloud Alpaca.

2010-10-03T13:05:00.011+01:00

Although I have been knitting for years ,I have generally stuck to what I thought were simple patterns as I thought I wouldn't be able to do more "intricate" ones.

My thought process seems to have changed somewhat .I have realised that if you can cast on ,knit ,purl & cast off ,you have the basic tools & knowledge to attempt any pattern.I have along the way learnt tips to help with following these patterns.

A year ago I never thought I would attempt to make these mittens but here I am chatting about it.OK my first one was by no means perfect ,but having done that mitten without any instruction from someone & by trial & error ,my second one is coming along quite nicely & I feel happy with it.

The first time I ever did colour change in knitting I learnt how to do intarsia.This is where a motif is knitted in a background colour.To do this I found I needed to twist the two yarns together I was changing colour with or a hole would form.

With this stranded mitten ,becase the colour change occurs over few stitches ,there is no need to twist the yarn together.In fact you can see on the finished mitten which was the first one I made ,if you look at the cuff it looks untidy.This is due to the bobble that formed when I twisted the yarn together.I have not done this on the second one & you can see the result is much neater.I should have photographed the inside of the fabric but what you can actually see is just very small loops of yarn where I have carried the unworked colour across the back of the worked stitches.I only carry the yarn that is not being worked for a maximum of 3 stitches at a time.any more than that & a large loop will form which will catch on fingers etc.I makes also a lovely almost double type fabric which is very warm so ideal for mittens.

This pattern is a first of many.I have knitted mittens once before but only from a pattern & not straight from a chart.I have also never done the stranded colour change knitting before or set in a thumb or done Kitchener stitch.These were all firsts for me & although my knitting is far from perfect,I am pleased with the result.

I also found following the chart a challenge.My colour choice was very subtle which has made following the chart very closely rather than looking at the pattern emerging ,necessary.I have since purchased another ,deeper colour to go with the grey for a second pair of mittens.

To get around the eye boggling of following the chart I started with marking the pattern at the side of the row or round in this case ,with a pencil mark.This did get quite frustrating for me as ;

1) I kept forgetting to mark the round

2) I kept dropping my pencil & had to crawl around on the floor after it ,much to the delight of Mrs Magweed who proceeded to try & kiss me profusely & jump on my head as she thought I was playing.My back is still really bad so I needed her input like a hole in the head!!Bless her!!!

I found using a post it note was the best answer.I can stick it under the row /round I am currently working on & then move it up a line for the next working.No pencil to rub out on my pattern either.I can see the chart more clearly like this & I think it has helped to double my speed of knitting like this.

I love this Artesano yarn.It is such a good value yarn .I think I paid £3.50 for a 50g ball.It may have been £3.99 but hey who cares about a few pence.Its alpaca & lovely.My first mitten using yarn from two colours weighs only 27g.So you should be able to just get a pair of mittens out of one ball ,maybe slightly over.I am challenging myself to making 3 sets of mittens with the 3 balls of this Artesano Inca Cloud.

I am also using Brittany Birch needles.I was using my cheaper DPN's I got from Lidl when they were on special offer.To be honest ,I now think they were a bit of a false economy .I had trouble with the yarn splitting ,my hands ached & I also kept dropping the steel ones.I got so frustrated I went out & bought the Brittany ones & will not use anything else now.All those problems now no longer exist & how I am enjoying knitting these little babies!!

The pattern is a free one I found on Ravelry here.If you are not a member ,you can join for free & that allows you access to so much on the net.

Why did I put off making something like this for so long?Well I thought I wouldnt be able to do it!!I really wish now I had just got on with it.

Owl lurv you xxx

2010-09-28T22:17:00.003+01:00

After a particularly hard morning at work ,my mum took me to The Range where I found this little fella.He was just what I needed for my kitchen & after dishing out £7.99 ,he came home with me.

His eyes move from side to side.Doncha just love him!!!

Top down Babies!!

2010-09-26T18:13:00.003+01:00

I waited for ages to get the pattern for these little tops.They are knitted from the top down on circular needles increasing at 4 points.I made the pink one in self striping sock yarn by Rico.Its wool & nylon & washes up quite soft.

The orange & green one was knitted in Rico DK which is a microfibre yarn.This is really soft.It also proved that you can use any type of yarn but just adjusts the measurements slightly.I was really pleased with the way they came out.

The boy one is for my friends baby ,Charlie ,who will be one in November.I am going to make his first birthday cake as a present so I am thinking up ideas for it.Really not sure at the moment what I will do yet.Will keep you posted.

I made these scones yesterday using this recipe & Ruth from The Pink Whisk's idea of a sugar glaze top.I was unsure of using the bread flour & added some extra raising agent using Creme of Tartar as Ed on GBBBO thought scones were better with it.They were good but I have to say I have never tasted any scones as good as the ones my ma in law used to make.They were the best!!!Nothing will ever compare with them.

Weekend in Weymouth

2010-09-26T17:46:00.005+01:00

Last week as I mentioned in my previous post we went away with friends to Weymouth.We went with our lovely friends Sandra & Tom.We stayed at Preston just on the outskirts of Weymouth .The bus stopped just outside the Haven site & was just a short trip into town.

I love Weymouth & I have to say that each time we visit ,we see something different.This time we saw two yachts who race in the Tall Ships race.That was quite exciting to see them moored up on the Quayside.

On the seafront we came across a sand sculptor who had carved The Mad Hatters tea party.Absolutely amazing!!!!

We also found this little toys shop.I fell in love with the Golliwog's in the window.I had one as a child so they will always be special to me.

We had a visit to our usual tea shop which was a welcome break for a cuppa & biscuits.I cant wait to go back again.

I don't think we will be staying in a Haven caravan for a while as we had a little problem of the hopping type.Fleas to be precise!!The staff were good & moved us straight away but we could have done without having to pack up & then move & unpack again especially with a bad back.I got bitten by the little blighters as well & had to wash & spray everything when we got home.What a lot of work that was!!

Harvest time

2010-09-25T07:42:00.006+01:00

I know its been a whole week since my last update.It may even be a little longer.

Last weekend we went away with some friends to Weymouth.I started getting n the mood a few days before by making some Dorset Apple Cake with apples from my mums garden that Mr T had picked & carted home for me.I suppose it should be called Sussex Apple cake as it was made in Sussex but here is the recipe.What a lovely moist cake it is.

I do love to bake as most of you who know me well will know.Are you one of my friends who has sampled my lemon drizzle cake?If I copied The Great British Bake Off .I think that would be my signature dish!I have so enjoyed that programme.The competitors have been absolutely brilliant.Congratulations to the last 3.They were all great as of course was Ed ,the winner.Rachel has her own blog she writes called The Pink Whisk.Lots of great hints &tips about baking.There are also lots of links to other great blogs you may be interested in.

Its been a poor week for blogging for a few reasons.Firstly I went back to work after having been off sick for 2 months.It was quite weird really.I am stuck in the office doing paperwork.I hate that side of the job & having been forced on me (no one wants to be sick) makes it even harder to bare.I dont know if & when I will be doing my proper job which kind of gets me down.I am glad to be back though as its very lonely at home with my boys out at work mostly .If it had not been for blogging & my closest friends & knitting pals & of course the dogs ,I may just have gone crazy!!!

I have also not been able to get on the computer as it seems to have had a virus.It takes time to run the antivirus programme & just when you think its gone ,up it pops again. Agghhhhh!!!!

I have finished two baby tops & have been getting on with my DB Riding Coat.I am now on the front & keeping an eye out for buttons.You should all know my passion for them by now.I so love them.I asked Debbie Bliss about buttons .She let me into a secret that she uses her local knitting shop to get her buttons & quite right too.Our local shop is The Fabric Shop in Worthing & does have a lovely selection.I often find nice ones in the local Salvo Charity shop.In fact they have some real gems in there from time to time.A friend of mine found some Suri Alpaca in the shop a few weeks back & is making some lovely things with it.

I must try to get some piccies taken today of the things I have been doing to show you.I have my mother coming to stay for the weekend though & I am sure to be kept busy!

Enjoy the pictures of some of our harvest & the above one of Dorset Apple Cake & one of the pies I also made.I am sure to be making more appley things.I have loads of apples.

The Knitter's Year by Debbie Bliss

2010-09-16T16:10:00.007+01:00

A book of 52 simple seasonal knits.

I got this book at the talk we had the other night.I have been avidly reading since then .

This morning I popped into the lounge & was met with this sight!!

Well Maisie certainly thinks its NO1 on the cuddly stakes & gets her paws up on approval!!!

With Maisie's obvious love of the book I thought it was high time I wrote a review.

I love this book.

I am quite fussy about the feel of a book ,it just has to be right.The Knitters Year has a loose jacket to its hard binding which has a satin effect to the paper.I know its only a minor detail ,but as it matters to me ,it will matter to someone else out there.The jacket is superbly photographed as is the inside of the book & the title is embossed on the cover.The whole style of the book evokes thoughts of country New England /Scandinavian style.Under the loose cover is a very pretty hard cover in subtle shades of pink.

Each project has been selected to be suitable for a period of the year.For example ,a beach bag for summer,bunny egg cosies for Easter.The projects have been designed to appeal to a variety of knitters with varying skills.Non of the projects are what I would call difficult but some will be more challenging than others.

I really like the advice on yarn.So often people don't think to read their ball band for instructions on care.All of these projects are made in yarn which is easy to care for .

I am not keen on the text size,I have recently been having problems with my sight ,doing close work & reading.I found the text size slightly more difficult to read on the pattern but the description size is fine.Its probably just one point on the font size but I think would have been better with a larger font.I am sure there are a lot of people with sight challenges & this would help.You would however lose the lovely airy feel to the book as space would be lost.

This was the only negative about the book as I absolutely love everything else about it.I shall just have to wear my glasses to read it!

The photographic shots have been taken with beautiful props which give each item a timeless feel.

There are many items which I will be making for Christmas presents this year.The first will be those pretty little pom pom fingerless gloves.A gift to myself.With 52 items to make you are spoilt for choice.

The recommended retail price of the book is £18.99 & is by Quadrille Publishing.

Talking of gifts ,I would certainly bookmark this one as a gift for any knitter.I am pleased I have this book & will be making lots of things from it.

Debbie Bliss visits Worthing

2010-09-15T08:57:00.007+01:00

Debbie Bliss & her lovely PA,Sharlyne, visited The Wool Bar in Worthing yesterday.I popped down to the shop to capture the moment!

The shop was packed to the gunnel's with ladies for this event & I for one had a great time.It certainly brightened my day .What a nice lady she is with a real sense of vision about what women want from their clothes & craft.When Caroline had a moment I managed to get her to stand still for a minute for pictures then it was back to the important stuff of a chat over a very British cuppa & biccie! You just cant beat it.

I had to dash off to an appointment ,but later joined everyone for a talk Debbie was giving at the Ardington Hotel .Debbie gave a chat about how she works as a designer from the idea through to the end product of us as knitters.She gave some great advice about shaping a garment & tension then answered questions about anything.

I enjoyed the evening so much & took along my Bliss bag which I had lined & made a panel for her to sign.Debbie was taken with the lining fabric .If you want to know where I got it from as well ,here is the link. I had made two of these bags ,one to be for a present for someone but I hadn't managed to get the other one lined completely before the event so just took the panel for Debbie to sign.

The evening was broken up with coffee & a chance to try on her sample pieces.All Debbie's samples are made in a 34" size.I was squeezed into the pleated jacket from her new book "A Tweed Story".I was horrified she was going to put this on me ,but there was a reason.Debbie wanted to demonstrate that we often over estimate the size we need to wear & that in fact she would put me in a 36".I am in fact a generous 38".Often we spend hours making a knitted garment & are unhappy with the end results & can look frumpy when they are too big for us.The jacket was lovely & the tweed yarn very soft.

We also saw the lovely cardie which is featured on the new magazine which will be hitting the shops in the next week or so.What an object of desire this was in all its Fairisle loveliness.We were told the knitter who made this did it in 3 weeks.I think I need to get a bit more weight off before I contemplate a cardie like that but I so am in love with the colours.It kind of reminded me of a beret I was made to wear as a child which my father brought back from a trip to Edinburgh.

If you ever get a chance to go to a meet & greet & listen to Debbie give a talk,you will not be disappointed.I came away feeling so inspired about knitwear & how it fits in to my creative life.

I was reminded that we are not just knitters ,but creative women (& men) & that knitting is our "art" which should be a constant delight to the senses.

Thank you Debbie for coming to Worthing.

A great surprise

2010-09-12T09:35:00.005+01:00

Look what my blog friend ,Helen ,has sent me .The little packet was collected from the Post Office yesterday.Inside was waiting some wooden cotton reels which I will add to my collection & above all some buttons.

These buttons are not just any old buttons ,but old Bakelite buttons.They are absolutely gorgeous.One is destined to go on my very special Bliss Bag which I will be lining today in fabric.

Helen also popped in two fridge magnets of Monkey & Darrell.You really need to visit their blog & see all the great things the duo get up to over on Mums Monkey.They are so funny.

All this was wrapped in a little organza bag.I forgot to put the bag in the picture ,but I will fill it with some lavender I have dried from the garden this summer & pop it in with my wool to ward the moths off.Smells so much nicer than moth balls!

Thank s Helen.So very kind.

The Big Knit 2010!

2010-09-11T08:54:00.003+01:00

Its that time of year when Innocent fruit drinks ask for donations of knitted hats to top their bottles.Each bottle sold a percentage will be donated to Age UK.

They desperately need you to help.All you need to do is knit some little hats & send them in to a collection point at Fruit Towers ,Innocent offices.Isn't that a great address!

This year they are hoping to smash the million pound mark.

All donated money will help the more mature generation in our country.It may help someone you know.Age Uk run many different services.I myself know of one in my local community which is a Handyvan service for the elderly not able to do things like fit a door chain or put up a curtain track .

I shall be making a few tonight.I will be using all the little oddments I have that I cannot use for things like the prem hats.I can also put my pom pom maker to good use as well.

If you would like to get involved as well just click on the link here .There are instructions on how to make them & free down loadable templates to help you host an event.

We have until the 20th October .

My needles are gonna be hot!!

On another note I started making a Debbie Bliss bag last night.Its lovely & is knitted in moss stitch with a big chunky cable running through the middle.The pattern is from the book Home.I have yet to knit the handles & sew it up & line it.Its a bit of a last minute knit as Debbie Bliss is visiting Sunny Worthing on Wednesday & going to The Wool Bar.She will be at the shop in the afternoon .I plan to ask her to sign the lining of my bag.Hopefully on wednesday there will be some pictures to show you all.

Sock it to ya!!

2010-09-09T20:09:00.003+01:00

I picked up a ball of Rico Superba Mexico sock yarn from The Wool Bar the other day.No ,I am not going to make another pair of socks but a little baby top.

Its such pretty yarn & is self patterning.I am using this pattern which is knitted from the top down on circular needles.Apart from having to completely frog it as I had misread the pattern(Doh !!) ,I am loving it.It is a very easy knit,being just knitted in the round with a few increases for the shaping for the raglan sleeves.

The yarn is very nice & comes in a number of colourways.You could knit this for a little boy but I loved the pink & green.

It is quite a firm yarn ,having a high wool content but I know it washes up into a lovely soft & durable fabric.Its great to knit with & I find it does not split.I love watching the little coloured dots & dashes evolve into a fabric that mimics Fairisle.

I am feeling guilty as this is the 9th project I have on the go at the moment.I am not the only one though as my knitting pals have fessed up to their projects.Its all about being creative.The whole experience from the choosing of a pattern ,needles & yarn right down to finishing the piece & the receiving of it should be a lovely experience that gives you pleasure.

Preemie Knits

2010-09-07T15:35:00.003+01:00

A friend of mine from K&N told us about the desperate need for bonnets & blankets in the Special Care Baby Unit at Brighton.They have been so busy of late & they get through a lot of little hats & blankets to keep the babies warm.These items usually go with the baby when it leaves the unit as it is a familiar item for the little one & also a memento of how tiny they actually were.I know this has been echoed at our more local unit in Worthing as well as I have a friend who is the Chaplain at the Hospital & sadly he often works on the unit.

There are some great patterns available for free on the net .Our local units requested some ventilator bonnets .These are the ones with a buttoned flap on top.This allows the babies heads to be scanned without the need to remove the bonnet.The holes help with positioning the little tubes that are often attached to the babies to support them.

I have knitted 2 blankets & 4 little hats this week in time to hand them to my friend at K&N to take up to the unit.They are only knitted out of cheap acrylic ,but this is ideal as its light & soft on the skin & it can be tossed in a washing machine & tumble dried. The blankets should be 35cm x45cm in size.I added the little heart as they looked so plain .The hats come in a selection of sizes from tiny teacup size to larger baby.Often a full term baby needs support in a special care unit.

If you have any spare time & some yarn that would be suitable please consider these units.Often these babies entry into the world is not planned for & there are no clothes to fit these babies.Your local unit will be just as needy as ours.It will be so appreciated.

Priscilla the Poodle & the pom pom maker.

2010-09-06T08:29:00.005+01:00

I am sorry about yesterdays blog.That Maisie Magweed is more clever than I realised.I don't know how she managed to psych my computer password from me ,not to mention work the self timer on my camera!!

Anyhow, as you know ,Priscilla dropped by .Well OK ,I made her!!!

She is from a pattern here & is a replica of her vintage counter part. Quick & easy to make,she consists of a crocheted tube which slides over the air freshener & then another tube/oblong ball made into the head.The pom poms were a pain to make as I didn't have a pom pom maker & didn't want to use the two ring method.Its so fiddly.What I needed was a Clover pompom maker.This clever device comes in two halves which clip together.I couldn't get one at my local store so settled for these instead .They are by Classic Knit.

I have to say that for the price they are extremely good.The 3 sizes come in a pack.They seem quite durable i that unless I mislay them(lose) they will last me for years.There are no moving parts really to break.The plastic is durable & will withstand accidental snipping with scissors.

I found the instructions on the back of the packet are way too small.My eyesight is not bad ,but I just couldn't read this & the pictures with diagrams are not very clear.Once I got some magnifying glasses on ,all was much better!!

If you get these type ,the yarn wraps around the bottom in an s-shape.Why didn't they just say that instead of putting little teeny weenie arrows on.If you are reading this Classic Knit company ,please change the instructions.

Apart from this slight hiccup which resulted in much mess of the cut snippyness of yarn all over my lap & carpet.I can laugh now!!!!!!

The long end of yarn that is caught in the notch is snipped & the two lengths are tied very tightly across the wrapped yarn.

You then turn the template over & snip!!

I like these pompom makers even though the results are a bit loose for me.I think that's my technique though.

I still want a Clover one but I can wait till Christmas(did you read that Mr T?!).

Magweeds Sunday......

2010-09-05T18:10:00.009+01:00

I had just had a sausage Mum & Dad brought back from Weatherspoons Sunday breakfast & was day dreaming about playing with Monkey & Darrell ,two friends my Mum has made. I like to do this lying on my back having my tummy stroked.

I had been laying there for about half an hour when there was a knock on the door.It was quite a co-incidence as we had been chatting about French stuff like Cancan yarn, but in walked Priscilla the French Poodle.

We greeted each other in our usual doggy way of kissing noses & sniffing bottoms.

For a while I was quite besotted!

It was quite a shock when Priscilla was upended & let rip!!!Thank goodness her fart smelt of flowers.Mum has never said that about mine....!!!!!!

It certainly brought me to my senses.I know Priscilla is going to live with Auntie Robin & her poodles 2 doors along but I cannot associate with a dog who smells so poofy!!

I feel so ashamed......

Although Monkey & Darrell live in Wolverhampton & I wont see them much ,if at all ,I would still rather be friends with them .I can catch up with their antics on the net with Mum when I sit on her lap.Their blog is great .They are learning to knit at the moment.They liked the strawberry basket & are making one so they can get their 5 a day!

Mum is a great fan of Its all a Fiddle Fart!A great blog which has inspired her no end.Its all about crafting with items bought from either places like Poundland or car boots.Its great .

Mum today bought herself a hole punch from Lidls along with some more sock yarn.I think she is going to make me a new collar & coat for the winter.I am not sure it will be as warm as the Debbie Bliss one she is knitting but I will look posh on the prom.I wont need silly Pom Poms to make me stand out in the crowd!!!

We had better not let on to Nanny we have been having all this chat about farts.....she wouldn't be amused.....he he he!

Sun shiny day......

2010-09-04T19:26:00.005+01:00

I ventured out from home yesterday into town.That may not seem like much ,but for me it was quite an event as I have been unable to walk very far or drive at all due to a back injury.I got a lift halfway & then slowly strolled the rest of the way.It was so nice in the warm sunshine.

I only went as far as my favourite yarn store......and then sat & had a catch up with my lovely friends over a cup or two of coffee & did a bit of knitting. Customers popped in to make purchases & some of them showed me what they were making.Truly a place to be inspired.

Many came in to say how much they liked the strawberry basket & some wanted one too!!! I have to say I have been overwhelmed at the comments this little group activity has generated.I have had so many emails from people ,sharing their thoughts & thanking me for giving them a little something.I have to actually say that it is I who should be thanking you all for taking the time to contact me .To be part of the blog world has certainly helped me whilst I have been trying to recover with my back.Some days have been better than others & on those which have not been quite so good ,it is my family (especially my LSH, that's long suffering husband!)friends ,crafting buddies & the blogworld which have seen me through and taken my mind off the pain.Thankyou guys xxxx

My day was made yesterday when on the bus home ,(which was turning out to be a very long 5 minute journey) the man in the seat behind me tapped me on the shoulder & said ,"My dear ,what are you stitching?" pointing to my half finished sock I was working on.I told him it was a sock .He then said "Really?" .I whipped out the already finished partner from my bag & in true Blue Peter style said "Yes , here is one I made earlier". The gentleman exclaimed "Oh, how very British!!" I chuckled all the way from the bus stop to my house.

Rico Cancan

2010-09-01T17:57:00.010+01:00

I have always loved Paris.When Moulin Rouge came out in the cinema ,I couldn't wait to go & see it.I have never visited the Moulin Rouge ,but have a poster we bought in Paris depicting the show & the dancers.I really need to get it framed & hung on our dining room wall.

Rico have just brought out a new yarn,Cancan.

I was given a ball of it to try out by my dear friend Caroline who owns The Wool Bar.I thought I would give you a little insight into what it is like.

Rico Cancan comes in 200g balls.It is like a ribbon ,similar in type to fishnet stockings!It is 100% acrylic & feels similar to cotton.Its very soft to the touch .It knits up to make lovely ruffles which are ideal for a scarf. It replicates to me the frills on the dancers skirts.

Washing instruction are clearly written on the ball band & you can put it in the machine at 30degrees.It is not recommended that you tumble dry ,iron or use bleach on it.

The colourways are lovely.

The ball band comes with directions on how to use it ,recommended needle size which is 7-8mm.

The instructions on the ball band are quite small ,but then there is a lot of detail & some pictures.I have taken some of my own to show you how to use it.Please forgive the bad quality ,I took them quickly .

Rico recommend you finish the yarn by sewing the ends.I started by tying a knot in the end so it wasn't tempted to fray.I have to say it didn't appear to want to fray at all whilst I was knitting my scarf.

The yarn has a right & wrong side.It is important you work out which side is which as this helps the yarn to roll ,creating its curls.The wrong side is the one which rolls in on itself.

The right side is your cast on on side.This will face you as you cast on by picking up a few

threads at the top of the ribbon yarn.Do this at the recommended 4 cm space.To get the distance I measured & cut a gauge in the ball band.You don't have to be as anal as this but my judgement is not that good!

For a scarf that will be about 20cm wide ,pick up 7 stitches.

You then insert needle into the stitch & proceed to knit as for garter stitch .

Instead of wrapping the whole of the yarn around the working needle, catch a few threads at the top of the "ribbon"

The wrong side of the yarn will now face you as you work your garter stitch.

This is how it will look after one row...
Two rows & you can see the ruffle take shape. Repeat until you have reached the length required.Rico state that the yarn stretches with wear & gravity.

The yarn is very strong if you tug it lengthwise, but obviously it will rip if you catch it & it gets pulled across the width.It will take a certain amount of tugging that way & I think is good for its open delicate structure. During the knitting I used half a ball of the yarn.You will be able to get 2 scarves out of this & for approx £10 retail value ,is a bargain!

During the knitting I came across only one join .This was joined by being neatly sewn on the bias & became hidden in the ruffle.I was happy with that.

I cant wait to wear this.I bet it will be really warm & keep out the seaside wind.

I reckon this is going to be the big winter hit in knitting terms.You can get the yarn at Rico stockists.Mine obviously came from The Wool Bar who have a website(its my local yarn store & has great coffee & the most lovely staff!).If its not online yet ,you will be able to give Caroline a call & order it over the phone.She has most of the colours in stock at the moment ,but I warn you ,its going fast.I will be getting some more very soon.

I forgot to show you my new knitting basket...

Isn't it great.I got it from Matalan for a fiver!

It has no sharp bits on it to catch my yarn on & will hold a large project & yarn to stop it getting on the floor.I can let the yarn unravel in the basket avoiding the work picking up any fluff the hoover may have missed .

24 years ago.....

2010-08-30T17:49:00.003+01:00

there was a bride & groom.....

Yes, its our wedding anniversary.Of course we are a just a bit older ,wiser ,with less hair(well not me) & a larger waistline.

We had such a fun filled day .Our parents worked so hard to enable us to have a good start in life with a memorable day.24 years later ,the little girl in the picture is now a mum herself,to not one ,but 3 lovely children.We have our own boys who are now grown men.Where has all the time gone?!!

Only a year now till our Silver Anniversary.I wonder what we will do to celebrate that?

Tonight my darling husband is taking me out for a meal.Shame I have such a bad back & now on top of that I have a massive stye in my eye & cannot put any make-up on.I feel a bit like an alien!!Will anyone notice if I wear dark glasses in the restaurant?!!!

Great British Seaside

2010-08-28T22:35:00.004+01:00

Many years ago Mr T & I chose to live in a seaside town.We actually live very close to the beach with it really only being about a 150m away.Often those naughty seagulls wake us up early in the morning & we have had a pair of them nesting on our chimney pots this summer.
My friend Christine got a beach hut this year & we have spent more time on the beach at the beach hut.

There really is nothing like the great British seaside .Wind in your hair ,a warm woolly on & tucking into fish & chips wrapped in paper with lashings of salt & vinegar......heaven.

I have found me a little knitted beach hut door stop which I am going to make(eventually).Its by talented designer Suzie Johnson .Suzie is the talented lady who showed TV's ,Kirstie Allsop on Kirstie's Homemade Home ,how to knit & then made a door draught excluder for her children's nursery.

I cant wait to make this door stop.It just epitomises all things British to me.I love it.Here is the link on Ravelry where you can find the pattern.Membership to Ravelry is free if you are not already a member.

Hyperbolic random spike stitch flower....

2010-08-27T11:01:00.004+01:00

I belong to an online Knitting website called Ravelry.On this there is so much information & support on how to make just about anything from yarn.It doesn't matter if you can knit or crochet,the site caters for all.

During a browse through the site I can across a group who crochet using random spike stitch.This is basically a single crochet but done into a row or rows below the row you are working on to give a spike effect.

I made these flowers using a pattern devised by the talented Sue Johnson.This lady writes a lovely blog & well worth a visit.She updates her blog daily & will introduce you into the world of colour & texture through crochet.

I had great fun sitting making these & they only take a short time.I used the DK yarn with 2 strands together & the Noro which is an aran weight ,as a single strand.I have not used Noro before .The little bit I used was given to me by my friend Caroline who owns The Wool Bar.She told me to make something gorgeous with it!!Its silk & feels lovely.

What do you think?!!

Ta da!!

2010-08-25T07:44:00.006+01:00

Here is my big Ta Da!!!!!

At Knit & Natter at my LYS ,The Wool Bar we have been making a hanging basket filled with knitted Strawberry plants.

The project was to decorate the front of the shop.My lovely friend Caroline who owns the shop was kept in the dark about the progress of the project (which was no mean feat!!).Every one regardless of knitting ability was able to make a contribution to the basket .It was such a lovely project for us all to be involved in & all money in the shop raised for charity will go to the Breast Cancer Care charity.

The strawberry pattern if you would like to make some is here

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/strawberry_...

The pattern for the large leaf from the book “100 flowers to knit & crochet ” by Lesley Stanfield ,is ideal.

I knitted the leaf as described in the pattern ,making the i-cord to a length of approx 5”.I then made two more leaves without the “stem” or i-cord & sewed these either side of the stemmed leaf. The following pattern is the large leaf pattern; Cast on 3 stitches & make cord using 2 double pointed needles.Knit 3 stitches then without turning , start next row by sliding the knitting along to the left & bring yarn behind the work to start new row.This will form the i-cord.Continue for middle leaf to make stem for approx 4-5 inches.
continue for rest of leaf as follows

1st row (rs) k1,yo,k1,yo,k1.5sts 2nd row k2,p1,k2.When knitting the yo stitch ,knit into back of stitch,this prevents a hole from forming.

3rd row k2,yo,k1,yo,k2.7sts

4th,6th,8th,10th,12th,and 14th rows,k working centre st p1.

5th row k3,yo,k1,yo,k3.9sts

7th row k4,yo,k1,yo,k4.11sts

9th row k5,yo,k1,yo,k5.13 sts

11th row k6,yo,k1,yo,k6.15 sts

13th row k7,yo,k1,yo,k7.17 sts

15th row k17 16th & WS rows k

17th row k2 tog,k13,k2tog.15 sts

19th row k2 tog ,k11,k2tog.13 sts

21st row k2tog,k9,k2tog.11sts

23rd row k2tog,k7,k2tog.9sts

25th row k2tog,k5,k2tog.7sts

27th row k2tog,k3,k2tog.5sts

29th row k2tog,k1,k2tog.3 sts

31st row S1,k2tog,psso.fasten off remaining stitch.

Sew ends of yarn in.Sew the two leaves without stems to the stemmed leaf ,either side ,sewing a third of the way up the leaf edge to make the 3 lobed strawberry leaf..

The little strawberry flowers were made by Sarah at K & N .They were gorgeous & she used the most beautiful yarn that was most probably silk!Sarah made the pattern herself for this flower but there is a similar one in the 100 flowers book.Its also the one I used to make the blossoms on the Mary Janes in the previous post.

It took me a week to wire the leaves ,flowers & strawberries & assemble the basket.The underneath is made up of a very expensive felted Noro tank top that I cut up into leaves to make a supporting framework.I had the basket hanging in my very messy craft room all set up at the right height so I could just go in & work on it for ten minutes or so as my back would allow.

Here are the girls.......Rose (with the strawberry & wire cutters!!) & Gwen

Closest to the camera is Penny ,then Rita & Rita's daughter.

The girls at Knit & Natter were really chuffed with the end result ,Caroline loved it & was totally surprised & I was so pleased they all liked the way I put their hard work together.

If you would like to see it for yourself ,just visit The Wool Bar in Worthing! There is always a warm welcome & lots of scrumptious yarn & patterns to make your dreams reality.

Gutermann thread treat!

2010-08-24T13:03:00.004+01:00

I popped into town today with a friend to the local fabric shop.I spied there these tins of Gutermann threads .I just had to treat myself ,but at £5.99 with 4 threads inside ,it was a bargain!

Don't forget to pop back later for the unveiling of the surprise!!

Crochet Blossoms

2010-08-23T15:36:00.003+01:00

Over last week I made some little cotton Mary Jane baby booties.I made them out of some lovely Creative cotton Pearle dk yarn.They looked a little plain so I croched some blossom flowers to go on the front of them.

The blossoms were made using the magic slip knot method.You then make 9 SC into the loop & pull the loop tight.This forms the centre of the blossom.Into the first sc ,4 treble crochet then the next sc ,ss1.Continue around the centre .Once you get to the last space you should have 5 petals.Fasten off.Stitch to whatever you wish to decorate!

The weather over the weekend has been foul.Last night we had torrential rain.I spent the whole weekend indoors.It did help as it made me rest my back.I also made a start on my Debbie Bliss winter coat.Its the riding coat by Debbie Bliss.I am knitting it in moss stitch.I know its going to take longer being made in moss stitch ,but its gives the fabric much more substance.I am now going to start searching for just the right buttons for it.When you spend a lot of money on yarn for a garment ,its so worth the extra effort.I cant wait to show you how I am getting on with it.I have done just 11 rows so far of the back .I would like to get it finished by October as Debbie will be visiting The Wool Bar on 14th October

I also have something else I have been assembling which I cant wait to show you ,but its a secret at the moment! Shh ,don't tell anyone!!!!I will show you after tomorrow.Make sure you drop by again.You mustn't miss it!!

Celebrity Masterchef Winner 2010

2010-08-21T08:43:00.003+01:00

Yay,

my prediction came true!!!Lisa won as those of you who watched the programme will know.

They all did so well.The food was stunning.

I have found a link here to all the recipes. I will definitely be trying Lisa's Panacotta recipe.I have never had it & so want to try.I also liked the look of Dick's Rhubarb crumble tart.

Mr T & I have decided that Christine is the double of our Weight Watchers leader,Dawn.Even her mannerisms are similar!!How canny is that!

I have just had such a yummy breakfast of fresh figs & porridge & a very large mug of tea.I always have the same breakfast but usually with a banana sliced on the top.Yesterday however Mr T picked over 40 very ripe figs off our tree in the garden.Its gone mad,never seen it so laden & with such large fruit.In over 10 years of living here this is the first time we have eaten it .

I am going to have to find a recipe to make fig chutney I think.We cannot possibly eat all these figs & I have already given some away .We also have an abundance of Chilli's.Fig & Chilli chutney anyone!

Lucy Bags.

2010-08-20T09:46:00.007+01:00

I just realised as I was writing the previous post ,that I still haven't showed you the Lucy Bags I have made.These are from a very creative lady who writes Attic 24 blog.

The Lucy bags were made from Creative Rico Cotton ,which is an aran weight.Comes in lovely scrumptious colours & is available at The Wool Bar. It forms a lovely firm fabric .Lucy has a description of her pattern here.Have a browse through her little blog.Its really lovely.

Here are some pictures of the bags I have created.

Top Viewing

2010-08-20T09:09:00.003+01:00

Over the past few weeks ,I have been watching Celebrity Masterchef.Now although generally in our household ,I don't cook,Mr T does,its not that I cant ,which is contrary to his belief!Mr T does enjoy cooking & I also think he secretly enjoys winding me up by secretly adding things to what I am cooking or re stirring something when I have just stirred it.Now you know why I leave it to him!!I can cook & do it quite well.I did the whole Domestic Goddess thing at school & gained an A level in it!I have also cooked for a very famous person who then went on to become the Home Secretary.Thank goodness I didn't poison him!

Masterchef is great.My cousin took part in a Masterchef heat.Bless him ,he was so nervous ,I am surprised anything got on the plate he was shaking so much.Needless to say he was thrown out.He put salad from a bag on his plate & the judges were not impressed.

Anyhoo ,I digress.This years Celebrity Masterchef has been really good.The contestants have completed some really difficult dishes.Watching the penultimate programme last night ,I so think Lisa Faulkner could win the competition.The Champagne Caviar she made is very technical & I was amazed at the Tiramisu pudding she created.I just wish she would stop crying.!!! Christine I reckon could be second & then Dick.All could just change places though.

Its so exciting.....cant wait for tonight's episode......

I had to look up how to make the "Caviar" , so here is the link to a blog that explains it uses & how it is made.All very clever.

Puddings & rings

2010-08-16T14:30:00.005+01:00

Mr T & I had been invited down to our friends beach hut to see the Birdman of Worthing event.It was a most welcome break from the monotony of being stuck at home .I decided to make our Weight Watcher leaders recipe for Beetroot & Orange jelly to take with us.!!Uggg I hear you say.....well it did get mixed reactions,but those who tried it , actually liked it. It surprised me too ,but I don't think I will make it again in a hurry.If you would like to try it then get some plain cooked beetroots ,skin them ,& finely slice into a made up sugar free orange jelly.Do this in layers & pop it in the freezer compartment to set quickly then add another layer.When set ,serve & wait for the reactions!!!Its quite funny.Now I know how Heston sometimes must feel.

I also made a bracelet.I wanted to do this for a while .I purchased some plastic macrame rings from a local shop who do beads for jewellery.I also bought some crochet cotton which is variegated & has a lovely pearl sheen to it.A simple single crochet stitch was done all the way round & then they were joined together using a double crochet stitch.

Viola!!!

The dogs have been my constant companions during the last 3 weeks.Maisie likes being on lookout duty ,whilst Grouse gets as close to me on the sofa as possible.They are so funny.I love the to bits & these weeks would have been pretty lonely without them.Even little Peggy, who stays mostly in her bed ,is such company.Life without our dogs?No way!!!

Bobbin about!

2010-08-13T22:03:00.003+01:00

I have always loved sewing .I think that's partly to do with the eclectic mix that can be made with any notions you may have to hand in your stash.Its all about individual taste that makes a hand sewn item unique.

Part of my collection includes old cotton reels.I love cottons ,the colours ,the sheen on the thread.Most of all I love old cotton reels.When I mean old, not ones that were just around 10 years ago ,but those that were made with wooden reels . These were the cotton reels of my childhood .They were the ones that a knitting dolly could be made from ,a necklace could be made & even a TV show puppets were made from them.

I love my little collection.Whenever I see some sitting on a shelf in a charity shop,I have to unite them with mine.Some people may think I am sad,some mad,but who cares......I don't!!

More Tunisian crochet

2010-08-11T11:34:00.005+01:00

I made another bag out of some of the yarn I dyed the other day.I hadn't even got it finished when my friend who popped round for a coffee said she wanted to buy it from me as a present for someone.How nice was that!,Obviously it had to be finished but this is the outcome.

I am pleased with the way it came out.The lining fabric I had & the flower trim is made with petals from 2 silk flowers ,a puffball I made & a very pretty old button ,all from my stash.

I am feeling a little better today with my back. I think a change of anti- inflammatory tablets is to thank for that.I actually managed to get into the bath today.....I have been showering ,but its just not the same.Absolute bliss!!!!So I have done my hair properly & put some makeup on.It all helps doesn't it to make you feel better.

I really miss work & my team ,so maybe after these 2 weeks I have been told I have to be off ,I will be able to go back.My boss came to see me yesterday .He has just taken over our team .I was worried about how Grouse was going to be with him as he has become very protective over me ,but he was fine & let the Boss in to the house & even made a fuss of him.Phew!!!!!It doesn't do for your dog to nip the Boss when he comes to visit!!!!

He looks so innocent doesn't he !!!Look at the way he is laying with his paws crossed.That is just so sweet!

youngest family member

2010-08-10T09:04:00.003+01:00

On Sunday Mr T drove me up to my Mums cottage to meet the newest member of our family,baby Izzy!She is my great niece ,Mums great grand daughter.I have to say I don't think my mum looks like a Great granny

With Mark & Clare ,my nephew & his wife

Me without any makeup & looking rather old!I suppose I would next to a seven week old baby.

Dying update & the Bonne Bouche !

2010-08-08T08:57:00.005+01:00

I re-charged my camera & got some pictures of the dyed yarn.

Here we go;

This is the Bluefaced Leicester double knit.So soft & yummy springy in your hands.It smells good too.Do you smell your yarn or is it just me!This was dyed using the pink lemonade & lemon/lime KoolAid.

This is the Merino /Silk lace weight dyed using Parrot green Dylon dye.This yarn is even softer than the above & feels like caress on your skin.Perfect for anything close to you.

This is the new wool /acrylic double knit in the strawberry KoolAid.I am not sure what this yarn is but it may have been Wendy Family choice.Its a good hard wearing yarn that you could get away with washing in the machine on a cool cycle.

I found the dying really easy to do .

The Bluefaced Leicester was just begging to be wound into a useable ball.As usual ,scatty me couldn't remember where she had put the skeiner & ball winder.An hour later after roping in Mr T to help look ,it was found in a box on top of my wardrobe.I must have tucked them out of the way safely & then promptly forgot where I put them.Anyhoo.....I digress ........the yarn was wound into very pretty balls.

The Bonne Bouche bag was the way forward & with my new Tunisian Crochet hook ,it all came together in a few hours.A very quick project to do .I doubled the yarn to make up to an approximate chunky weight & off I went.

I am not suppose to be doing any crochet or knitting at the moment because of my back ,but I am so bored.With frequent breaks I managed to get it done in about 3 1/2 hours.

Debbie Macomber, a good read

2010-08-06T16:04:00.004+01:00

Being somewhat incapacitated this last 2 weeks I have been able to finish the book I have been trying to get through this summer.I have really enjoyed this author & her books have been based around the theme of a yarn store & its customers lives.There are three I have read about the yarn store & in sequence of ideal reading they are;
Of course I didn't read them in this order ,but it didn't matter.

I so enjoyed these books & cannot wait to start reading the next one I have sitting on my book case.The are others in the Blossom Street range & if you visit here you can see them all.

That will have to wait as I am about to read Chocolate Wishes ,well a girl has to have her chocolate fix & what better way when she is dieting .......

Dying with Kool Aid

2010-08-05T15:58:00.005+01:00

I have been longing to do this for some time & today I managed to get some dying done in the kitchen.I have been in so much pain this week that it was a good job it was quick.The Kool Aid produced some very vibrant colours on the yarn.I dyed a skein of Bluefaced Leicester DK from bluefaced.com which I bought at my LYS The Wool Bar. Caroline has a a wonderful selection of yarns from the company & a selection of the Kool Aid as well to get you started.On the dk I used lemon & lime & pink lemonade.It has come out really pretty & I will use it to make a little bag using Tunisian Crochet which we learnt how to do at a talk at the shop.The bag is called the BonneBouche Bag & if you click on the link it will take you to the free pattern.You do need to be a member of Ravelry ,but membership is free & open to everyone.

I also dyed some lace weight merino & silk yarn also from Bluefaced.com.For this I used some green Dylon dye & used the dip dye method.It has come out really well & I am going to knit this .Its a pattern called Citron by Hilary Smith Callis which is free on Ravelry.

I also used some strawberry flavour Kool Aid to dye some yarn I had in my stash.Its some pure new wool & acrylic which has been frogged from something my mum was making a while back but never finished.I can see this dying thing is very addictive.When I get my camera charged I will take some pictures of my efforts.

**photo's borrowed from Ravelry**

A long week

2010-07-31T07:58:00.004+01:00

Its been such a long week.I hurt my back last week this this one has been spent trying to get it better.That has meant staying off the computer as much as possible,not sewing or knitting(not possible) & spending large amounts of money on prescription charges for painkillers & Osteopath treatment.Due to the painkillers the week has been spent in a fog of stupidity.I ventured out of the house last night to the corner shop as we needed tea bags & I needed some fresh air & a change of scenery.I had to concentrate so hard on crossing the road.It was like I was 4 years old again.I went to the shop & got the items I needed & came home again.Oh yes ,I did forget the tea bags & darling Mr T had to go back for them.As you can see ,there is no way I could function at work !

I have been thinking about making some silk flowers.I pulled out my Nana's old tools.She taught me how to make them years ago & although I remember the basics,I cant find a thing about it on the net apart from one scant article .I will have to search for a book on it.I got one in the library a few years ago.I need to get a few more bits to start such as a bran pillow & some meths.The meths is for using in the burner.

The principal is that you first seize the fabric.Nana used to use velvet for little violet flowers but you can use cotton & silk.The seize stiffens the fabric .The molding tools are then heated in the burner & used to make indentations in the fabric petal that has been cut out from the seized fabric.Stamens are then added to the centre & the flower blossom can be mounted on to a wire stem.The bran pillow is used to cradle the fabric petal when it is being heated.

I will share my efforts with you when I have something to show for them.

It has rained today for the first time in weeks.So unusual in Britain.Everything is damped down & smells fresher.Its still very warm though.We are going to visit my mother today.Its her birthday & I have made her an Alpaca wrap with beads down the edges.I still have some ends to sew in & the light is too poor to photograph it but when I can I will post pictures on here.I hope she likes it.

Women in my life

2010-07-27T13:58:00.004+01:00

I was born into a family of men. My mother & Nana with me in 1966.

I was the first girl to born in our family for over 60 years & when I came along ,my mother & Nana pictured above were going to make sure I knew how to cook ,sew & knit.My father also taught me many things & spent a lot of time with me exploring artistic per suits.I had a lovely childhood & due to my ever loving family have hopefully grown into a person who will pass on the ability to teach others how to create beautiful things.

One of the things that stands foremost in my memory is the time spent with my Nana.She lived in a bungalow which was built by my grandfather & great grandfather.It was just at the end of our road where we lived in Streatham & I could walk there on my own when I was very little.I think I was about 4 when I would be allowed to go there on my own.Because of this ,I would drop in to see her & my grandfather every day.Nana would always be making something ,whether it was for one of the family or a friend or a member of the Church which we attended.

Below is a picture of the needle case Nana made over 40 years ago & which I inherited when she passed away.It is very special to me & I always think of the greater legacy she left me when she died.I wanted to share this with my fellow readers & to let you know that if you have the chance to show someone how to do something ,then do it.The time spent in doing so may have such a huge effect on their lives as this lady did on mine.

Finishing off

2010-07-19T16:42:00.009+01:00

I have had some projects on the go for some time now .I have really needed to get them finished ,a)because one of the recipients will grow out of it,b) they are needed to be used, c) I want to start a new project.(most important point!)

I have at long last finished the easy baby blanket.This was knitted in Rico baby.A super soft yarn at a very reasonable price.

The next project was finishing a bag for my friend.She makes things to sell at craft Fayre's & wanted a money bag.This was ideal for her.I lined it with some fabric that was from my summer school dress.I am not going to mention how many years ago that was but the fabric is like brand new!I used buttons from her mothers button tin she gave me after she passed away.They don't match but I thought it would be a nice way for her mum to be with her.The handles button up which enable you to use it like a normal handbag or to put it on your belt for a hands free bag.

I also finished a little baby vest.This is knitted in a variegated bamboo yarn.I think it was by Rico.It was an odd ball given to me for the job.I really didn't relish the thought of knitting with it but was pleasantly surprised.I will definitely use this again.I did take time to match the stripe in at the neck .When I tried it on Charlie it was too small at the neck to get over his little head.I unpicked it & knitted a buttoned welt.Should go over now without him looking at me as though I am stupid!!

I made some cakes,Lemon drizzle cake by request from my friend Sandra & some biscuits for the biscuit monster in our house,AKA No2 son.

No1 son is away this week & it has been very quiet.Last week was very exciting as they both got jobs within 2 days of each other! How freaky was that.

Here is a picture of my babies.It was taken on No2 sons 21st birthday in June.They both tower over me but are never too old for a cuddle with mum.They both look so serious in this picture but all the others they are acting the goat!

goofeySee what I mean!!!

Hip hooray!!!

2010-07-16T13:24:00.003+01:00

Good news,the camera has turned up.I am so chuffed.I had left it in the caravan all along.Silly me.I kept thinking of all those pictures we took on our holiday & not being able to repeat them.

Here are some of them....

This is a picture of Mr T & myself with some friends we met whilst we were away.We had a lovely time & they took us to find this place...Rosedon Hall .It was built by the original biscuit monster,Mr Peak of Peak Freans Biscuits.In the main hallway is a floor made of marble which was carried up the cliff path from the beach below by two little donkeys...ahhhhh

This is the chapel also in the grounds of Rousedon Estate

Below is a cottage which is found at Seaton.I totally fell in love with the courtyard garden & also the painted mail box.I may just have to get one.

Holiday projects.

2010-07-14T22:58:00.005+01:00

We have been away in our little caravan to Devon/Dorset.We stayed at a lovely site near to Lyme Regis & had a very relaxing time.Hubby enjoyed himself fishing & I stitched & read.I finished my Lucy bag courtesy of Attic 24 & also finished the long & very boring baby blanket for my new Great Niece(how scary is that!).I also knitted some dish cloths which I gave to a lady who we made friends with on our holiday.Sadly I have no pictures of any of these items as I have lost my camera.Not sure of it is mislaid or stolen .I am not going to panic over it as life is just too short for that!

We had a fabulous time.On the last day (which was the last time I saw my camera) a diving group who had arrived on site gave us some freshly picked (from the sea bed) scallops.They were todie for!!!So sweet & tasty & finger licking good with a slice of brown bread & butter.

My diet has suffered slightly ,but I think a 2lb increase wasn't too bad after eating scones with clotted cream (all 3 of them) & jam,fish & chips ,strawberry tart & apricot frangipan tart & cream.

Whilst we were away we purchased some Nordic Walking poles.Great workout with these & help support your spine as well.When I used mine for the first time our friends found it very funny.I was apparently like bambi on gin! Tripping over the poles & nearly ending up in a cow pat!!I now have the hang of them & will be seen on the Sea front with them......just not for a few days as I have done something to my neck.Ouch it hurts & I am in the middle of trying to decorate our bathroom.I just hope that when I wake up in the morning it will be better.I am flinching already at the thought of the Osteopath.

I will leave you with a picture of our little snail home taken on our last outing in May!

Playing Hooky!

2010-07-02T08:27:00.004+01:00

I have been hooking with the Creative Aran Cotton from The Wool Bar. I have really enjoyed making these & they are going to live in our caravan.I only needed 2 cushions & fairly small ones.Our van is only 2 berth ,so there is just enough room for the hubby & me.

I made the cushions with some pale blue linen I have had for years waiting to be made into a skirt or something.I put a zip at the back for ease of removal for washing.I found the zips in a charity shop.The lady only wanted 10p for them.Well I gave her what I thought they were worth & for 3 zips & 2 skeins on embroidery floss I gave her £2.She was made up.

I haven't done crochet in years ,so being inspired by Lucy over at Attic 24 & with the help of her tutorial I made these.I have also never been able to keep a straight edge (striped cushion) so was thrilled I was at long last able to get that right.Its a fab little blog so check it out!

Here are the first bean flowers .Hopefully there should be some beans in a few weeks.

Bear necessity

2010-06-28T08:30:00.004+01:00

What a week its been!

The highs & lows of football & all that goes with that .No sitting on the couch with hubby watching it for me.I totally shy away from football.Now if it was Rugby ,well that's a different matter!I didn't watch the last match where apparently England played abysmally.No I was at work dealing with some of the football fallout!!

Anyhoo.....(I just love that word)here is one of my latest creations hot off the needles!!

The pattern is by a lady called Erica Knight & I just love his fat tummy & huge feet.I knitted him in 100% Alpaca from The Wool Bar.Its knitted with two yarns to give the lovely colour .I weighted his bottom & his feet so he will sit well & also stuffed lavender in him.He is not quite finished here as he needs a heart on his paw & a patch on his ear.In the photos you cannot see the button joints that I used.

Boobed!

2010-06-23T07:49:00.004+01:00

Wow! I can't believe its been nearly a whole month since I last posted.Things have settled here.I have got used to the changes in our family & my friends son in law is hanging in there.Still very badly damaged but here.

I have been very busy!!!Yes I do mean busy as my hands have been flying with the needles.I also have a very interesting post planned.Enough of that for now as I want to show you what I have been up to.....I have not really told you much about these but I have been knitting lots of them & getting others to do some as well.The very lovely Caroline at The Wool Bar has been helping distribute patterns & collecting the knitted boobies back in.What is this all for I hear you ask?Well the reason we have been knitting the boobies is for the local Lactation Consultant to use them to help demonstrate breast feeding to new mums or those who are feeding for the first time or having a few hiccups!We met with Elaine (the LC)last week at the shop & we were able to hand over 24 boobies.If any of you have any ready or would like to make some ,just drop them by the shop or pick up a pattern & I will pass them on to Elaine.The pattern is available for free from here.It is a very easy pattern but after completing it more than 18 times I now do it by knitting the base first & rather than casting off then casting on again for the sides ,I just carry on straight up the sides as the number of stitches is the same for the final round of the base & cast on of the sides or main piece of the boob.

They all came out really well & we had all sorts of colours,shapes & sizes .

We have also had the World Wide Knit in Public Day.A group of us gathered at the Worthing Lido & enjoyed an afternoon chatting ,listening to live bands ,watching belly dancers who were very good & of course knitting.
Here we are ,needles at the ready!!

From the left,Julie ,Rose & myself!

Its going to be scorcher of a week.I am working for a few more days but I will be outside for most of that at events.I am currently hooking....crochet that is.I haven't croched for years & its coming back to me with a little help from a great tutorial from the lovely Lucy on her blog at Attic 24 .Check it out.I am using some lovly cotton yarn from The Wool Bar in great summer colours.Cushions for the caravan are required.I was going to do some for my little car ,but she is soon to be sold.She is no longer practical for me so I have to say so long.I will be sad .

Next post ,hooky update!

Got the blues.

2010-05-29T08:05:00.005+01:00

I have been away on holiday.Only for 1 week in our new(vintage) caravan but have come back to mayhem.

I feel so sad at the moment.Every time I think about it I cry & I cant help it.I cant elaborate to much on here but it involves the break up of a relationship in our family.I have become so fond of this person over the 3 years they were together & now they are not .I shall really miss them & I suppose I am finding it hard because I have grown to love them as part of our family.

The other thing was that before we went away on holiday I forgot to let one of my friends know we would be away.Mainly because I didn't get the chance to see them.Whilst we were away she came to see me .The one time she needed me & I wasn't there for her. I feel so bad.Her son in law has had a motorbike crash at Brands Hatch & has been fighting for his life in hospital.Even though that was nearly 2 weeks ago,its still touch & go with him.He is so seriously ill they cannot scan his body to see the extent of damage that has been caused.We are all praying for him that he may be able to make a full recovery & have his life back again with his family.

There is a little good news.While we were away I saw my nieces new baby,little Alfie.A little blondie & looking like most of my side of the family.This is the baby I was knitting the Debbie Bliss blanket for.Take a look below.This picture cheers me up.

My niece Jenny with her little girl Ellie & her 2 week old baby Alfie.xxx

Ellie pulling a funny face with her lttle brother !

Bargain blocking mat

2010-05-11T08:13:00.007+01:00

Whilst in the throws of a quick pop in to Matalan after work the other day I came across a play mat.I have been looking for a blocking mat for ages & they are really pricey.This was perfect & as it was in pieces ,makes storage a dream.

Here it is in full use for blocking my new knit just of the needles.This top is a Sirdar pattern & took me a while to knit that yoke & nearly made me cross eyed!!I really do need to use my glasses when knitting a lace pattern.

I am quite pleased with it,just need some proper weather now to wear it in.

Forgot to say the blocking mat was only £3.00,yaaaayyyy!!!

Soft soft soft!!

2010-05-08T16:33:00.003+01:00

I have just finished a new top from the Louisa Harding ,Queen of Hearts collection.

Five is a lovely top to knit ,but I think I will make it longer next time.I knitted this using Patons Cotton.This cotton is so soft & is mixed with Acrylic.I often fin that knitting with cotton makes my hands sore ,but not so with this.Would definitely use again & even though its not recommend yarn ,makes a lovely alternative for the summer.

I have been a bit lax recently with updating my blog & on Ravelry.Sometimes life gets a bit busy.I often think I should give up work so I would have time to get things done.Trouble with that is would I be able to afford to do them if I gave up work?I doubt it very much.Still I can dream!

Sour dough update.

2010-04-24T09:11:00.003+01:00

All this week I have been lovingly tending my Sour dough mix whom I have affectionately named Fred!

Fred has been stirred , depleted & added to & kept in the warm cupboard by the hot water pipes.Today I have measured out 100ml of the Fred mix & mixed to that 300ml of warm water & 250g of strong plain flour.he has been left to rise on top of the cooker.Tonight hopefully he will have fermented & be ready to make into bread.

At this moment I have some bread mixing in the bread mixer.What a cheat I am but it does make exceedingly fine bread.

I have a busy day ,making a tuck box for No1 son to take on tour.I like to do him some Breakfast bars , Nigella style & pack nuts & other wholesome goodness.They are going to be away for 3 weeks & I know they just don't eat properly.I do loads of them so there is plenty for all the lads in the band.You can see Dead Swans here.

River Cottage Sour Dough bread

2010-04-16T21:24:00.002+01:00

Tonight I have started my Sour Dough starter.I have tried this before but inadvertently killed it.They say you should treat it like you would a friend.Trouble is I have stuck this one i the cupboard under the stairs next to the hot water pipe.Would you really do that to a friend!

If you click on this link you can see the recipe & process

Where have I been?

2010-04-16T21:03:00.002+01:00

Absolutely nowhere!!!

I have no excuse for not blogging.I just was wrapped up in home stuff,work stuff & things that generally keep you busy.

Since Christmas I have been trying to get to grips with my diet again.Now I don't generally write about this ,but there is always an exception to the rule with anything.I have now lost 2 1/2 stone at fat club(WW to those who know).At Christmas I just got off track & found it all a bit too much being good all the time.The result was no weight loss & a few pounds gained.Well 2 weeks ago I gave myself a very good talking to & the result of that was losing 6.5lbs.Hooray!!!We are having new uniform at work & thanks to this weight loss I am a happy bunny.I was measured over 3 months ago for the uniform & I am now lighter than when I was measured.For those of you who have never struggled with weight issues ,you may not know what I am talking about .Just put it this way.......I feel good !!!!

Going to the weekly meeting is the only thing that keeps me on track.During my time of despondent dieting ,I never stayed to a single one.It follows that I had no inspiration & I have to say that my group leader ,Dawn is the most fantastic person who just makes me do it!She is not a dictator or makes you feel guilty,she just encourages & inspires.Thanks Dawn for all you do.You certainly are a Diamond Leader.

Spring time

2010-03-22T10:10:00.002Z

Spring is a lovely time.The weather begins to brighten up & new life is evident whether it is in the form of clean little fluffs of spring lambs in the fields or little spring flowers forcing themselves from the warming earth.This winter has been a long hard cold one .Our American friends have been in the thick of the weather at times & around the world there has been much suffering due to forces of nature.With this in mind I welcome the spring & all it stands for.

Yesterday heralded the turning point for me.The sun was out & warm, & for once I didn't need to wear a woolly scarf or hat on my walk into town.On my return I made an Easter display from sprigs of willow from the garden & eggs I have collected over the years.

Say it with Pictures!

2010-03-17T21:08:00.004Z

Blogging goes hand in hand with pictures.If you had no images on a blog ,it would not hold ones interest for very long.It therefor stands to reason that most people who blog also take pictures with a camera or source images in some way from the net.I have learned a lot since I started blogging & still have a long way to go.Light is very important & also getting a clear image with no blurs.It helps if your subject is still.

Have a look at the pictures below & see what I mean!

Grouse can be very still ,Maisie finds it hard...

Before wash.....

2010-03-16T15:14:00.005Z

After wash

Before wash......

After wash!!!

Our dear sweet Peggy.All clean & trimmed.

A mothers lot

2010-03-11T08:06:00.003Z

Or dye lot as the case may be!

Yesterday I tried my hand at dyeing some wool tops.I only had access to Dylon cold dye & using this along with a steamer ,it seems to have worked quite sucessfully.I do have a slight green/blue tinge to one hand where my rubber glove had split ,but apart from that ,all is well with the dye world.I have dyed 200g of tops & these have been done with two colours ,blue & pink & both are completely different even though I used the same dye.

Along with this colour of fleece,I thought I would mention my yearning for some dainty little macaroons(big hint for mothers day boys!!!)These are also in delicious ,I want one of those colours for spring!Dont forget my previous blog entry,they sell them in Cocoa in Brighton.

Drink me...

2010-03-07T16:45:00.003Z

If I gave you a bottle of poison to drink ,I think I know what you would say........ Well every day we are putting into our bodies things which essentially poison us.Mostly we are OK as our bodies are able to fight back but sometimes they just cannot & react badly causing an allergic reaction.Over on Carolines blog she talks about people being allergic to hair dye.Very serious if you react to it.Earlier last year my hubby had 2 serious reactions to what we initially thought was food related.His face swelled up & was so bad he nearly was taken to Accident & Emergency.The doctor saw him quickly at the surgery & put him on a large course of steroids.A lot of testing later ,we have found he is allergic to quite a few things ,many of which are in cleaning products & food stuffs.The main thing he reacts to is an anti inflammatory called Naproxin.He now cannot have Ibuprofen either.I would post a picture of his reaction ,but that's not really fare on him ,but take it from me ,it was bad.
In light of all this ,I have started being careful about the products we use in the house.The last straw was when I was cleaning using a well known brand of multi-purpose spray cleaner & he started to itch & my chest became tight.I have now thrown away all my chemical cleaning products & in their place are more natural ones like Borax & Vinegar ,lemon & Bicarbonate of Soda.I only use unperfumed non bio washing liquid & wash balls & non perfumed washing up liquid.
There are many recipes for natural cleaning products which are easy to make & very effective in cleaning power.I am happier in the knowledge that I can make a difference in my families health & environmentally.I wont be pouring nasty phosphate stuff down the drain & into the water system.

Chit chat

2010-03-04T08:32:00.003Z

I have lots of things on the go at the moment but I am waiting for the final results of some of them before I can blog about them.Slippers are felting as I write & there is yarn waiting patiently in its purchase bag to get on my needles.I have a sewing machine that is shouting "Use me ,use me!!"& a whole host of other "stuff" that I am sure you would like to hear about.

So what have I got to talk about?Well work is the answer.Yes I know that sounds well, a little bit boring ,but when you have a job like mine ,sometimes the excitement can be just too much!!!

I was working with these guys the other day.......

Sorry no close ups of the crew but it was an exercise down at Shoreham Harbour where a big ship had caught fire.I went down to control traffic .It was a fabulous day weather wise & myself & a colleague had a birds eye view of what was going on.Click on the link & you can read an article about it.

The guys are great to work with & we often do.I have to take my hat off to them,Its not an easy job & they put their lives on the line for others every day.Not only that but they do lots of community work as well.Fire prevention ,youth intervention are but a few of the things the guys get involved with.

Getting fleeced!

2010-02-28T10:30:00.003Z

We all know how expensive a wedding can be but this brings a new meaning to being fleeced by your own wedding!

I found this picture & link on Ravelry & thought it was pretty cool.The link shows more pictures & their story.

Odds & ends...

2010-02-27T20:37:00.005Z

My colleagues at work don't really understand the pull of creating things that I have.I love making things & have done so since a very small child when I would go through my mothers stash to find pretty fabrics & have the need to make something like I had seen her do.The trouble was that all I knew at 3 years of age was to make holes.Sometimes they would be in the middle of a piece of the best John LEWIS fabric!!My mother & my Nan obviously saw some potential & taught me how to knit & sew.My mum used to sew beautifully & could make fabulous coats & dresses.Nan was always making something & I treasure her needle case & button tin I inherited when she passed away the week before my husband & I married.

Anyway I digress.Back to my work mates who think I am barmy spending hours making things from nothing!!!Well there are lots of us out there & people just don't know what they are missing .

I have just turned this....well the coat...

Into this...

Thank you Babs & Truly for your coat.It will be returned to your mum in the form of something for her to wear at Crufts this year.

Poodle spins very well & has a bit of spring to it.I mixed all the different textures in the coat together & this has given me the result you can see above.So far I have produced 100g's.That is in approx 3 evenings of spinning.

A handfull of cuteness!

2010-02-26T08:11:00.002Z

This picture was sent to me by a friend at work.I never thought of hedgehogs having ears!Well of course why wouldn't they?

A lot of yarn....

2010-02-24T11:53:00.004Z

Last Friday I visited The Wool Bar.I love this shop & the owner Caroline is great.I left with yarn for another Verity beret for my friend Nicci.That was on Friday.On Saturday I was back in the shop for more yarn.......I had finished the beret ,started on a bag for my BF & knew I had to get some more yarn or I would run out of things to do.That's a laugh in itself .....You should see my crafting stash(es)!!

Its now Wednesday & even though I work full time ,I have finished the beret & given it to Nicci,finished the bag(just needs sewing up)& will start on a new baby blanket on Friday .I am also spinning again which would please my Dad as he bought me my wheel just before he died.

Who has time to be bored!!!

Some more quilts....

2010-02-15T08:18:00.005Z

This quilt is called The Enchanted Forest.

The maker said she found it quite a challenge to get the given fabrics to merge together.I think she has done a wonderful job.She used "Shrink" to get the effect within the circles.

This won first prize in the competition.

My Sweet Valentine

2010-02-15T07:48:00.005Z

Valentines day was actually quite an event in our household for once!I came home to some roses & a card & he had some book marks & a tray for his bits & pieces where he sits in his lounge of an evening.(he always wants to watch something different to me on TV).

The day started with a late rising....well I was working until midnight the previous night.We then decided on a woodland walk with the dogs.It was lovely in the woods & we managed to miss the sleet that came down for most of the day.

The woods were great & so pretty.I think in a couple of months it will be a carpet of blue as there are shoots peeping up through the leafy ground from the bluebells

We then went on to Arundel for a mooch & lunch was fine dining of sausage & chips by the river.I really would not recommend the chippy at the lower end of the town.In fact I think he is the only chippy.Very greasy & the fat was just not hot enough.I gave my sausage away to the greedy birds.It wasn't too much of a hardship as I am not that keen on sausage ,especially the cheap pappy ones,yuuukkkkk!

Later at home that evening we had Sirloin steak & Rhubarb crumble with Ben & Jerry's cookies & cream ice cream ,all thought out & prepared by my darling hubby.I was a virgin to this( I am talking about ice cream here!) & I think I should have stayed one!!!I did try to count the points yesterday....oh well.

I will leave you with a picture of some Snowdrops we came across in the woods.A real sign spring is just around the corner.

Magweed is a clever dog....

2010-02-10T09:21:00.001Z

She makes me feel exhausted!!!

Stitch in time

2010-02-08T19:09:00.007Z

I have been sewing up a storm!

My new creations have been some little needle cases which I still have yet to photograph & this very nice new dog bed for the hounds!

Grouse was most pleased with it ,that was until Maisie jumped in.....

Little bit of laughter...

2010-02-07T20:32:00.004Z

I found this blog today & spent the afternoon reading & laughing.If you would like to do the same ,click on Colourmekatie for a fun time!!! Katie did a series of photos a

capturing people by an apt thought bubble .Take a look at her blog.You wont be disappointed.
I am so inspired.

TGI friday!

2010-02-06T07:14:00.007Z

Well I know its now Saturday ,but No1 son was hogging the computer!

I took the day off work yesterday for a day shopping with my friend.Now we all know you just cannot go shopping properly with a man so needs must!

A train hop over to Brighton & we were there with baby in tow.This was Charlies maiden voyage in a train!......he slept.

Walking down the hill from the station ,we came across this great Cafe.I was tempted to buy us a Macaroon each & the owner kindly let me photo the window display.Those meringues looked highly tempting too.The shop is called Cocoa.

The next window that caught my eye was this shop with collage & shoes.How clever & inspiring.

Then on to this one.The display is made up of thousands of Jelly Beans.I had to buy some popping candy(space dust) & some blackberry & Strawberry Candy Canes.I also bought some sugar free fizzy orange sweets but never again,I had a night of belly ache.Sorbitol obviously doesn't agree with me.

I then found this display.I have been looking for an old Singer .I learnt to sew on a hand version of one of these.This is a clothing store but I have a clue about what its called.

No blog would be complete without a picture of the chubster!

Peter Andre

2010-02-04T23:17:00.003Z

What a weird day.I started really busy , & ended really busy.

The middle was spent with Peter Andre up at the local shopping centre near to where I work.Peter was there to promote his new album & so were all his fans.I had to be there to help with the crowds .There were thousands of little girls & boys just waiting to get his autograph!There were also hundreds of mums & grannies & dads.

I stood next to Peter for about 2 hours holding a barrier from disconnecting a speaker, oh yes & watching the crowd in case they surged forward!!.

Everyone enjoyed themselves & his staff made sure all of the fans were OK.Peter also made sure they all had what they came for & even called a couple of little girls back when he thought they had left their CD.What a nice guy.My friend Nicci was filmed by ITV2 who are making a documentary on him.

Ist day of Feb

2010-02-01T19:26:00.003Z

Today was a cold & frosty one.I awoke to a dusting of snow that covered everything.It was so pretty & look as though someone had got he sugar shaker out.My Nana had a cut glass one when I was little & I remember her shaking loads of sugar over everything.We cringe at doing that now.

I got my new issue of Sew Hip magazine today.All very summery in it....if only.I like the wonky scrap cushion & the flower pocket banner.

Above is a banner quilt from the Quilting Exhibition at Ardingly .It reminds me of the ribbons that gymnasts use.

Guilty Secrets....

2010-01-31T17:18:00.006Z

I am always chatting to someone.At the show my friend & I got chatting to a lady who was drooling over the cloth on the Fabric Galore stand.I must admit it was fabulous .Anyway she was justifying to herself her need for some sumptuous Liberty lawn & she admitted she wouldnt probably use it for ages as she found it really difficult to cut into lovely fabric & it stayed in her stash.She said it was her "guilty secret"!!!

I thought of all the different things that I had stashed away & everyone else I knew who had a fetish for certain things.How many of you are there who has a penchant for maybe some special type of make-up or some paper or stationary.You know who you are!!!!

With me it can be fabric or some yarn or card making items or even a packet of seeds!!

Here are some more Quilts from the show.

There's no inspiration.......

2010-01-31T07:45:00.007Z

Like Show inspiration!!

Yesterday I went along with my friend to see a quilting show at Ardingly .Wow wow wow....lots of money later we cam home armed with fabric ,haberdashery & lots of inspiration.I have to say I did stick fairly well to my budget & may have just gone over just a tinsey winsey bit!!!!

I will be making some new bits & pieces.

They held a quilt competition which was fabulous.By the time we had done all the stalls downstairs (& our purses) ,we were able to view them in the hall upstairs without being pushed ,shoved or hit with a stick!

I will show you a section of photos over the next few days.They were fab!

Waiting & having a rest....

The Schoolhouse- by Beckenham Quilters ,Kent.This quilt was started in Jan 1993 & finished i n March 1994.It is machine pieced & hand quilted.

She sells Seashells-This is a fun piece using a cut back technique.Made by Irene MacWilliam ,Belfast , Northern Ireland.

More pictures to come....