Yarn Along

I have had such an urge to knit since taking a break from the jewellery bench. I've quite missed the quiet moments spent with needles and yarn. I rummaged through my knitting basket and rediscovered an almost finished baby sweater. Ravelry informs me I started it over a year ago...

I fished out all the pieces. Front and back complete, one arm complete, one arm unravelling where a certain toddler had removed the knitting needle. I lay it over the top of one of Oscar's shirts and the finished sleeve looked too short anyway. I dismissed it, picked up the stitches around the neck and knit the final ribbing on a vest instead. I tried it on my little one and love it! I think it will still fit by Winter. The dear little elephant buttons were in my stash and add just the right amount of cuteness I think.

In terms of reading, I have been dipping in to Monkey Grip by Helen Garner, after being reminded of it by an ABC Arts story. We studied the film, starring Noni Hazelhurst, in my high school Film and Television class. I wonder if it would still be allowed on the curriculum these days?

A classic of modern Australian literature, Monkey Grip was published in 1977 at the height of the punk movement and thriving counter culture scene. Considered to be Australia’s first contemporary novel, it quickly became the voice of a generation. - ABC Arts

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Well fancy that, a finished project, a pile of books, and an inquisitive cat who once belonged to my sister and was known as Oscar. That was until she moved states, and we gave his name to our baby. He now goes by George. Though five year old Cohen has christened him Mr Nosey Head, which is actually rather accurate. I still haven't gotten used to the re-name and generally manage to call him 'Ossgeorge'. He doesn't seem to mind.

But I digress, distracted by a cat. A ta-dah is in order, for this scarf has been some time in the making. My hands have been quite busy with other creative tasks, like making jewellery and drawing in my sketchbook, and my knitting has been waiting patiently in the back ground. 

I packed this woolen scarf on our weekend away to New South Wales recently, and fended off the wind and rain with it tied around my neck. There aren't really that many woolen scarf days to be had in Queensland, so I like to think of it as my travelling scarf. I foresee it being packed in my old blue suitcase many times in the future, while the cats are left in charge of the house.

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~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny

Slowly, slowly my scarf is growing and may well keep me warm this Winter. Reading has all but ground to a halt though, having been replaced by baby gazing. Yes, baby gazing and snuggling could certainly be full time jobs, if not for housework. While I have been doing my best to rest, I can't help but need to keep the house a certain level of tidy for my sanity, and the washing up to date for much the same reason. 

At two weeks of age Oscar is sleeping and feeding well. And I am managing to juggle the needs of three children and two adults, while doing at least one thing each day, however big or small, for my business. Be it rearranging my market table, which is currently set up in my studio, or replying to emails for custom orders and wholesale inquiries. It feels good to be doing a little something for 'me' each day.

And you? What have you been reading or making?

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Yarn Along

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny

The simple pleasure of making something with one's own hands. I don't think I will ever tire of it. 

I've been watching this blanket grow, stitch by stitch, row by row, colour by colour, knowing that as it does, the days we wait grow shorter. Soon there will be a new baby in our arms. A new brother or sister. A new son or daughter, with their own Mama made wool blanket. My heart leaps at the thought.

I'll be 36 weeks pregnant come Friday and my hospital bag is packed with everything except this blanket. Soon it will be folded and waiting too.

And you, what have you been reading or knitting? I've picked up another Elizabeth Taylor novel, A View of the Harbour.

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~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny

It's school holidays in these parts, and our days have been filled with trips to the library, family days out, Easter craft, bench time spent working on custom makes, general pottering around the house, and more time for reading and crafting than usual. My cross stitch is growing, as is the baby blanket, while my pile of books from the library has grown too.

Right now my bedside table holds; Home by Beci Orpin, The Hired Man by Aminatta Forna, Family Album by Penelope Lively, The Help by Kathryn Stockett (our next book club book), A View of the Harbour by Elizabeth Taylor and my current read, In A Summer Season, also by Elizabeth Taylor. I love her subtle observations of every day life, and particularly enjoyed her first novel, At Mrs Lippencote's.

What have you been making and reading?

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Right Now

Recovering: After a week of illness, I'm beginning to feel normal again. The Dr suspected Glandular Fever, which I had as a child. It was a stressful wait for the blood test results, and a great relief when they returned negative.
Reading: Great Expectations for book club. I'm half way through with a week to go...not loving my chances of finishing it in time, though I am determined to finish it.
Loving: This season of strawberries and mulberries. Homegrown fruit on our breakfast each morning is such a treat.
Realising: I just can not watch scary movies - just glimpsing part of a movie Dave was watching gave me nightmares for two nights!
Cooking: Smoked salmon, sliced black olive and caper pizza - sooooo good!
Knitting: A small jumper from a thrifted Patons knitting booklet, using the lovely Quince & Co. Tern I have had sitting in my basket for some time. A quick, satisfying knit intended to take my mind off being unwell.
Anticipating: The arrival of this book - about knitting, need I say more
Hoping: For a lazy, rainy weekend

Yarn Along

 

I finished the Twin Leaf Loop on the way to Maleny, joining the cowl as we drove up the mountain. It was just as well. Despite being a gift for a friend, I found it necessary to wear it during the dairy tour, given it was such a cold, rainy day! It's the first cowl I have ever made or worn. Rather late to the party, no? I loved it so much I cast on another one on the drive home.

 

Reading has taken a back seat to sewing this week. After setting myself a Summer Sewing Challenge I have been turning out one item of clothing each day for Emerson. I'll post about my progress tomorrow. In the meantime, I have two sleeping children and another dress cut out...

 

What are you reading or knitting?

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I am thoroughly enjoying my current knit and read. When I have a moment to myself, it's a difficult decision between the two. Yesterday the children napped at the same time (shocking I know). I shirked my responsibilities to my jewellery bench and sat down with my book instead. Twice tears welled as I read The Memory Keepers Daughter. I'll say no more, as it is a book club book and as a rule we aren't supposed to talk about the book until book club. If you've read it though, I'm quite sure you will understand. And if you have not, let me recommend it to you, even if it means you may find tears pricking your eyes as you read.

 

Two repeats remain of the Twin Leaf Loop, a gift for a friend's birthday. I wonder if she will mind if I make another, the same, for myself?

 

What are you reading or knitting?

Joining in with Ginny.

 

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I have updated my About page and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I'm taking sponsors for next month. If you are interested in advertising, rates start at $5, and you can find more information here.

I have introduced international shipping to my shop.

 

Thanks for reading and commenting!

I'll be back tomorrow with a completed sewing project.

Yarn Along

 

You can never trust a knitter. They have the best intentions. They make promises. But yarn is a temptation that they can not be trusted with.

After committing to Emerson's blanket and working on it monogamously until it was finished, I told myself that I would do the same for my Larch Cardigan. Yes indeed, I would get it finished and worn this Winter. It felt like slow going knitting 5ply wool, after working with 10ply for so long. But I persevered. I overcame my fear of the 'wrap and turns' the pattern called for, which had lead to my procrastination in the first place. With the body almost complete, and only sleeves and collar remaining, it was looking good for the Larch. But my resolve wavered. The Cascade Ecological wool Greer sent me was wound and waiting expectantly. A short Ravelry browse revealed the Twin Leaf Loop pattern. And, well, you can't trust a knitter...

 

While I wait to get a copy of my book club book, I have been reading Becoming Jane Austen. I am thoroughly intrigued so far, as Jon Spence sketches in the family tree and details the fascinating snippets of family history that lead to Jane's financial and social positioning. While the subject matter risks being dry and boring, it really is anything but and I am looking forward to delving further in to the book.

 

What are you reading or knitting?

 

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Yarn Along

I admitted to myself recently that it would not in fact be possible to finish the Camilla blanket in time for Emerson's first birthday - which is the 27th of this month - without giving up my mothering and household responsibilities. (I thought of suggesting the above to my husband, in lieu of a Valentine's present, then thought the better of it. Dave briefly took over from me after my surgery and he is still recovering.) Once I accepted that it would not be done in time I decided to make the blanket bigger than initially intended. I purchased an additional 400 grams of wool. Doubling my blanket budget (which I have 'forgotten' to inform my husband) and well and truly ensuring that it will not be finished in time. 

I like the idea of a bigger blanket though. All that knitting. I don't want her to out grow it too quickly. The pattern required 6.5 mm circular needles, though I had 7 mm on hand. This increased the width of the blanket from 30 inches to 35 inches. By the time I've stitched up all 800 grams of wool I believe the blanket will be big enough to make the move from cot, to toddler bed, to single bed with Emerson. I am determined to finish the blanket before beginning any new projects, lest it hover in limbo like another blanket I have known that will one day be completed... Will endeavor not to bore you too much with it in the meantime. Promise.

Reading is still limited while my eye heals. I've mostly been reading blogs and commenting occasionally. I read far more blogs than I comment on. Something I intend to rectify once my eyesight improves. Do you read more often than you comment?

What are you knitting and reading?

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Raverly notes here.

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I have been adding rows to this stripey blanket when time allows. I'm at that point where it doesn't feel like it is growing, in spite of the many stitches I have added lately. My logical brain says it will be finished soon. However, my eyes insist that the ball of wool hasn't been getting any smaller, despite my best efforts. A knitting black hole perhaps?

 In terms of reading I am more than half way through Life of Pi for book club. I am reserving my judgments until I have read further. The reading material above was waiting with our mail upon our return from camping. A flick through Country Style always gives me the itch to rearrange the furniture and nick knacks in the house, browse the aisles of ebay for a vintage treasure, or else book myself in to a B&B in some far away country town. Those urges have been lessened this month as we have (finally) purchased curtains for the lounge and master bedroom, as well as a ceiling light and two rugs. I am pouring over the pages though as we plan our kitchen. Those two beautiful books were won in a giveaway hosted by the lovely Jodie at Ric Rac. They are very sweet looking books and I must admit I've not read I can jump puddles. I believe it is next on my list.

And you? What are you reading and knitting?

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Raverly notes here.

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Don't forget to enter my giveaway in the post below.

Yarn Along

I borrowed my sister's copy of The Diary Of Freida Kahlo when I was last visiting. I was first introduced to Frieda's work while in high school and there has been a place in my heart for her ever since. Her strong self portraits, her convictions and cultural legacy, her incredible life story. The pages of her diary are full of beauty, inspiration and sorrow. I have been dipping into them little by little.

Knitting means always learning. Each project presents new challenges to the novice knitter. For instance, I recently discovered that some knits can only be worked in solitude and silence. Distractions are the enemy of such projects. They can not be knit in the car. I can not watch a movie, or even listen to a podcast, while knitting them. They do not appreciate you putting them down to answer the phone, change a nappy, or remove a Christmas ornament from a babies mouth. I have learnt the hard way that mistakes are complicated and tedious to fix in lace patterns. This the Imogen Cowl has taught me. The most complicated and beautiful pattern that I have attempted in my two years as a knitter. I may have overestimated my skill in taking on this project.

Still, it is with anticipation I greet those quiet moments of solitude that allow me to add another few rows to the cowl. Two sleeping children by day, a sleeping household at night. Two rows here, three rows there. This shall be a slow project. I hope as I work that the repetition and practice builds my skill. Perhaps by the time the cowl is almost complete I shall be able to knit it with less focus than is currently necessary. Regardless, there is a strong sense of satisfaction that comes with each new row added to this piece. There is a certain type of joy that comes from making something with your hands and surprising yourself. 

What are you reading or knitting?

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A row here, a few stitches there, the In Threes nears completion. Even in small doses I find knitting can be quite the balm for a case of toddler fatigue. (My oh my, some days these soon to turn four year olds are very hard work.) This little cardigan shall be wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree alongside the Camilla Babe, the book Extra Yarn and a Dragonfly Toys wooden squirrel puzzle for Emerson. (I think they have sold out of it, but it is this one.)

I am also close to finishing my book club book, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night- Time. A work of fiction, the book reads as a murder mystery written by a fifteen year old boy with autism. Christopher, the protagonist, is an endearing character. I have read that some readers were disappointed that the novel is not really a murder mystery at all, as the victim is in fact a dog and it is clear quite early on who the killer is, before Christopher uncovers this piece of information himself. In the process though he uncovers further mysteries which change the course of his life. I find it is quite a clever and subtle book. Perhaps not to all tastes. But I found it to be engaging and a little heartbreaking at the same time.

What are you creating or reading?

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Yarn Along

I have only progressed a few pages and a few rows since finishing the Camilla Babe last week. Instead of knitting and reading, I have been matching and emailing swap partners and crafting Christmas ornaments and gifts, which I am excited about sharing with you soon. I have an ornament tutorial almost ready to share with you tomorrow, (there's a sneak peek on Instagram) and some more gifts close to completion too.

I've been thinking about my all time favourite books too, trying to narrow it down to three, in a sort of "If I were stuck on a desert island" kind of way. It's so difficult to choose. I'm currently thinking perhaps Gatsby, The Book Thief and Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Which three books come to mind for you?

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Baby knits are so forgiving. Knit them too small and they make wonderful gifts, knit them too large and they just get put away a little longer. So shall be the case with this sweater. Intended for Emerson next Winter, it may be a Winter or two after that before she wears it. I had read a few comments on Ravelry about this pattern knitting up a little big. But I was shocked this morning, after weaving in the last end, to realise that the twelve month size I knitted actually fits Cohen. He turns four in two months.

Oh well, like I said, knits for little ones are so forgiving. I enjoyed knitting it and I'm pleased with the result, despite the size. I do believe I will knit it again. Though next time I will aim for it to be a lot smaller and a little longer, by adding an extra fan repeat at the bottom.

In terms of reading this week, Happier At Home is still the first book I reach for when I have a few moments, though those moments have been a bit scarce.

And you? What are you crafting or reading?

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Monday afternoon I found my frankie magazine waiting in my letter box, which is always a joy. This time though there was something a little bit extra special about my frankie. This issue has an embossed cover, featuring an endearing collection of embroidered images, to celebrate the 50th issue. To complete the cleverness, the inside cover features the back of the stitching (which is very neat I must say.) Upon my first excited flick through, the magazine fell open to a story about one of my favourite bloggers and her darling family, Kate of Foxs Lane. I had been wondering in recent times if perhaps I was growing a little too old for Frankie and if I would continue my subscription. I think they may have won me back.

In terms of knitting I have been flicking back and forth between the In Threes and Camilla Babe knits for Emerson.  I have also been day dreaming about knitting this farmer fox softie pattern as her Christmas gift, though I wonder if my skill level is up to the challenge. Or if I would have it knit in time. Perhaps for her first birthday in February?

I'm really excited about the Handmade Christmas Ornament Swap. Thanks to all those who have signed up. If you are still thinking about it, you have until Sunday to add your name to the list. All the details are here.

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A knitting project and a book. These will be the first two things I pack for our upcoming camping adventure. Two nights in a tent, next to the beach and the river, with my husband and two little ones. Our first real camping trip as a family. We're all excited. And while I fully intend upon immersing myself in the great outdoors, throwing in a line, treasure hunting on the beach and exploring the river, I am hopeful that there will also be time enough to accumulate a few more stitches and turn a few more pages too. 

Gretchen's second book, Happier at Home, arrived last week. I'm keen to get a little further in to the book. The opening chapter introduces her new resolutions, but also re-covers much of the subject matter in The Happiness Project, which would be beneficial to readers who haven't read the first book, or read it some time ago. However, having recently finished the first book, I experienced an urge to skip ahead. 

The In threes baby cardigan has been in my Ravelry queue for quite some time now, the yarn waiting in my basket. Despite once again telling myself to finish the projects that are currently on my needles (a blanket, a cardigan and a sweater) I could not resist casting on another project. To take away with us of course. I could not resist knitting a row or two (or 31) either.

What are you reading or knitting?

Do you have any tips for camping with children?

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As usual I have surrounded myself with knitting, books and gardening this past week. I cast off the cozy on the weekend and look forward to blocking it one warm day soon. Then I shall (nervously) choose some buttons before delivering it to it's new owner. I am going on with the Camilla Babe sweater for Emerson now.

"The real point of a garden is to increase the value of our lives. It gives us the best chance we have of fitting ourselves back into a world that cities make us forget. A garden locks you into the slow inevitable rolling out of the season, cycles of growth and decay, the lengthening of fays and shortening of shadows.  

A garden gives you pleasure, instills calm, grafts patience into your soul. Gardening slows you down, masks worries, puts them in proportion. A garden teaches you to be observant and how to look at things. You become less inclined to leap to quick conclusions. A garden hones your senses." page 77-78, The Curious Gardener, Anna Pavord

These paragraphs make me wonder if Anna Pavord is a knitter as well as a gardener? I see many parallels between the two, don't you? I picked up this book from the library whilst looking for something else. Despite it being a large print edition, which makes my eyes feel strange, I am enjoying it. It's a light hearted, humorous collection of gardening essays that follow the months. It is an English book, so much of the information isn't relevant to me as an Australian gardener. However, Anna's charming writing on topics like what to wear in the garden has won me over enough that I am happy to skim and flick to the parts of the book that interest, or are helpful, to me. Reading these sort of gardening memoirs is a new and delightful discovery for me.

What are you currently reading or creating?

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I think I have spent as much time undoing my knitting this week, as I have actually knitting. I slowly made my way back to where I had overlooked a row of the cable pattern on one side of the cozy. The pain of this venture subsided by the time I had finished knitting the shaping of the neck. The 3 x 3 ribbing begins.

I am now reading October's book club book, Year of Wonders, by Geraldine Brooks. Having read 59 of the 304 pages, I find myself absorbed by the protagonist and the historical and geographical setting of the novel. I was interested to note that it appears 98th in a list of the 100 best books of the decade (2000 - 2009) on Good Reads. My new favourite book, The Book Thief, comes in at number 11 and . 

Are any of your favourites on the list?

Any books you would recommend for a book club?

What are your current favourite reads?

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I feel as if I am on the homeward stretch with the hot water bottle cozy, with only one repeat to go before shaping the neck. Then only several inches of ribbing remain. So perhaps not quite on the homeward stretch after all. But it 'feels' like it, so I am going with that.

I'm a third of the way through The Happiness Project and find it interesting and motivating. Gretchen takes principals of happiness and puts them in to practice in her life, then talks openly about the results. A lot of the principals feel well known - sleep more, exercise better, declutter, enjoy now - but it is how she chooses to tackle a list of resolutions each month and her individual experience of them that makes for compelling reading. We all know we should sleep more and exercise better, but what does that look like? How do you achieve that if, in Gretchen's case, you are a mother of two and a writer? What are the results? 

It's difficult not to feel inspired when reading about her experiences. I have had several 'ah-hah!' moments and have been thinking about exactly what brings me happiness. I have been reminding myself of two simple points from the book over the past week, because small changes can make big differences. Firstly, "by doing a little bit each day, you can get a lot accomplished." And the "one-minute rule." The first idea strikes a chord with the knitter in me, I know that a little each day can accomplish a lot. A row here and there will eventually make a blanket. But in day to day life I often find myself discouraged at starting a large project when I know that I will soon be interrupted by one, or both, children and won't have achieved much. Rather than feel discouraged I have been reminding myself that every little bit adds up and have changed my outlook. I don't have to organise all the photos on the lap top at once. I can just start sorting them out and come back to it. I don't have to Spring Clean the whole house in one day. I can go room by room, closet by closet, there is no time limit. One day I won't have two lovely little ones wanting my attention, but at the moment it is about finding ways to achieve things that work with our life.

The "one-minute rule" attracts me because a clean house makes me happy. The rule inspires you not to postpone a task that you can get done in less than a minute. Gretchen writes, "I put away my umbrella; I filed a document; I put the newspapers in the recycling bin; I closed the cabinet door. These steps took just a few moments, but the cumulative impact was impressive." I agree. It's the main task when tidying just putting things back where they belong? Putting my hair clips back in their tin rather than leaving them on the bathroom sink. Putting clothes in the laundry basket (even if they are not mine.) Returning shoes to the closet. If only I could get everyone in the house to live by this rule...

What are you reading, knitting or crafting?

Do you have any rules that help create happiness?

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