Yarn Along

There is a delicious chill to the mornings and evenings now. The kind of cooler weather that invites a spot of yarn shopping and the addition of a basket of yarn to the side-table in the lounge room. And the kind of weather that makes you want to lay in bed all day reading a wonderful new book - Dear Thief - one for your to-read list for sure.

I am thoroughly enjoying knitting another of my favourite cot blankets - the Purl Soho Super Easy Baby Blanket. Miles of delightful and satisfying garter stitch. Perfect for school holiday knitting while suffering from a cold, curled up on the couch with hubby, whilecatching up on some tv watching of an evening. I look forward to gifting the finished blanket to a lovely school Mum and friend expecting her fourth baby. 

After all, every baby needs their own hand knit blanket, right?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry here.

'The Book Thief' - In Conversation with Markus Zusak

I was quite pleased to get out of the house Wednesday night. I left my dear husband with a toddler who thought repeated high pitch squeeling was hilarious, and a five year old who never stops asking questions, but currently fails to pay attention when you answer him. A response of, 'What did you say?', after you answer each question, wears decidedly thin after awhile. So I escaped and surrounded myself with adults who share a common love of 'The Book Thief' instead. Bliss I tell you.

I'm so very glad my sister forwarded me an email in December from Riverbend books regarding a book signing, film viewing and 'In Conversation' with the author. I immediately brought myself a ticket and announced to my husband that my Christmas gift was sorted. Not only did I attend a champagne reception for the author (this pregnant lady drank apple juice) and receive a beautiful hard back copy of the book, I also had the chance to join a joyful crowd of women, and two or three men, to get my book signed by Markus Zusak. When it was my turn I joked with him about the predominately female turn out and he quipped back that had he known he'd meet so many women though writing he'd have started sooner.

I love meeting people whose work I admire, but whom I know nothing of personally. It's always an interesting surprise. In Markus's case I couldn't help but think he is a publicists dream come true - not only is he an extremely talented writer, he's also handsome, well spoken, generous, down to earth and amusing in that quick witted, Aussie way. 

After the signing we found a seat amidst the packed Balmoral theater and watched the film adaption of the book. If you have read the book, rush to you nearest cinema now. If you haven't, pick up a copy and a cuppa, settle in for a wonderful read. Then go straight to the cinema. Really. 

We've all heard the saying that 'the film is never as good as the book', but it really isn't a fair comparison. A book has time, pages and pages of time, to develop subtly. A film hasn't the same luxury. But what this film does have is great beauty and great heart. During the conversation with Markus after the film, questions were asked and answered. One thing he said that really stood out to me was that he wrote the book, but not the film, but what he hoped was that it had the same 'heart' as the book. And I do believe they have accomplished just that. Not to mention a perfect selection of cast members.

I took notes during the talk, and there are so many interesting facts I'd like to share with you. For instance, Markus mentioned that questions like, "What is the book about?" are the kind that give him nightmares. To him, this book is about stories - the stories we tell, the stories we know and the stores we write. It's also about words, which is emphasised in the film - words of propaganda and a girl stealing the words back to make something beautiful. 

One of his favourite moments in the film was when Rosa gives the school teacher one final hard 'look.' It's a perfect moment. If you've seen the film I'm quite sure you're nodding now. If you haven't, you can't miss it. When asked about writing, Markus explained that his parents taught him how to write by telling their life's stories around the kitchen table. His father was a house painter in Germany, and his mother a house cleaner. Several of the characters from the book are based on real people from his parents stories. He writes chronologically, and has a routine in which he writes everyday. He wrote and re-wrote the first part of the book 150 - 200 times before getting it right. As a result the first half of the book took him two and a half years to write, while the second half took him a month. Partly joking he said the speed of the second half was achieved because his publisher was due to go on maternity leave.

So, pick up the book, or see the film and support a talented Australian writer. Because I do believe this time the film has just as much merit as the book. And you won't be disappointed.

Have you seen the film? 

What did you think?

Why, hello there

Hello dear readers. How are you? It's been a quiet week on the blog, but my creativity has continued to flow. I have been working on several new masters for a Mother's Day collection, planning my Winter release and working on a custom made design that involves photo etching on copper. It's been an enjoyable challenge, not having etched since my university days. I certainly see etching being incorporated in a future collection. I've been sharing some sneak peeks on instagram, and can't wait to share more with you soon.

I picked up the above books from a lovely little book shop in Stones Corner, being momentarily book-less for the first time in a long time. I was attracted to a collection of yellow spined Australian classics, as I realised I really don't read enough Australian literature. While tonight I am going to a champagne reception with Markus Zusak, which includes a viewing of the new film, 'The Book Thief,' and a book signing. I'm more than a little excited! Have you read 'The Book Thief'? If you could ask the author something, what would it be?

I'll be back again soon with a nursery art DIY, my first Project Life pages and a giveaway.

Yarn Along

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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Joining in with Ginny.

Raverly notes here.

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

Whole Larder Love

Kitty recently had the good fortune to receive a second copy of Rohan's book, Whole Larder Love, which she has generously passed on to me. It's a beautiful title alone, is it not? It arrived in the mail today and has that enticing new book smell. I couldn't resist flicking through the pages as soon as the little ones went down for their naps. Already I sense the authenticity with which Rohan writes and am looking forward to sitting quietly with the book and a glass of wine, delving in to the insights, inspirations and recipes - shopping list and book marks at hand.

Thank you dear Kitty!

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PS. Swappers, pop back tomorrow to leave a link to any ornament swap related posts you have made this past week. Perhaps you have started your ornament? Maybe you have posted inspiration, or tutorials for ornaments? Perhaps you instagramed some progress shots? Share them with our crafty community here tomorrow.

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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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

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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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

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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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

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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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.

Weekending

Outside and in

We went fishing this weekend, for the first time since we've had children. I had high hopes of bringing home a bream or flathead for dinner. It was quite different to the old days though, where we would pack lightly and sit alongside each in quiet conversation, laughing at ourselves as we threaded blood worms or yabbies on hooks, snagged those hooks on rocks or logs, and occasionally surprised ourselves with a fish. This time we juggled the children's necessities along with the rods and bait, and conversation was interrupted by an excited toddler and an unsettled baby. I managed to hook one small bream, which darted away as soon as I returned it to the water. Our bait was continually taken, but we caught nothing else. I do believe there were some well fed crabs that night! 

The overcast days this weekend were perfect for gardening. There is always something to do in Spring, which suits me perfectly, as I love pottering in the yard. Seedlings to be planted on, tomatoes that need re-staking, new additions to plant out - in this case a hydrangea and a Hans Christian Anderson azalea - and of course, weeds to to be pulled. 

Blogtoberfest begins today. A post a day for the whole of October. 

Bloggers, are you with me?

Yarn Along

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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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

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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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

I took your advice about the magic loop method of knitting in the round. I unravelled the sleeve and ordered 100cm long circular needles. Unfortunately, the needles arrived from the UK before I had finished knitting the hot water bottle cozy I've been working on. Thus, my dedication to solely knitting the cozy gave way to my eagerness to attempt the new method. You were right though. I believe I am a magic loop convert. Now that I have confirmed this I intend to finish the cozy, less there be further distractions...

I sought out The Happiness Project after seeing it mentioned on Jodi's blog. Though usually one to shy away from anything that sounds corny or self-helpy, I had heard other good things about this book and Jodi gave me the gentle push I needed. I'm still still in the midst of the first chapter, but I am already enjoying it and looking forward to the rest of the book with anticipation. The 'Secrets of adulthood' in the first chapter include lessons we can probably all relate to, such as - 

People don't notice your mistakes as much as you think.

Most decisions don't require extensive research. 

Bring a sweater. 

By doing a little bit each day you can get a lot accomplished. 

You don't have to be good at everything. 

I have already placed a hold on Gretchen Rubin's second book, Happier at Home, through our local library. (They don't even have a copy yet. It's 'on order.' I am, however, already fifth in the queue. A positive sign that it's a good read?) I found an excerpt of the new book here. 

Have you read The Happiness Project? 

Do you have a happiness project of your own?

What are you reading or knitting?

Are you a magic looper?

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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

How grateful I am to our local library. It satisfies my love of books more than my budget could allow. Monday we returned from our weekly visit with a calico bag heavy with printed pages. Among them, Elevate the Everyday. A photographic guide to picturing motherhood. A book I had seen mentioned on several blogs I follow.

I piled up my borrowings on the couch when we returned home. This book was placed uppermost on the pile. I couldn't wait for both children to nap so that I could make a cup of tea and sit with it's pages in that rare quiet. I was rewarded with a beautiful, inspirational reminder that as mother and blogger I am documenting the history of our family for prosperity. Clark also offers technical and practical advice on how to challenge myself to improve my photography. I am already rethinking my shots and using the 'auto' function less on my camera. Certainly a book other mothers and bloggers will enjoy.

In other moments of quiet I have continued knitting the twisting cables of the hot water bottle cozy.

What have you been reading or knitting?

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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

I'm still impressed each time I make a cable stitch and see those lovely twists forming as the work grows. Cables were one of the allures of learning to knit. I loved the look of them. They seemed complex and intimidating. I thought that once I mastered the cable I would be able to knit practically anything. While unfortunately that was not the case, cables are one of my favourite things to knit. I'm currently knitting another cabled hot water bottle cozy.

The beauty and skill of poetry have always fascinated me. The more I read and learn, the more I am drawn to the charms of poetry. I was pleased to visit the Queensland Poetry Festival on the weekend and hear Robert Adamson read. While there, I brought a copy of home{sic} by Brisbane poet Julie Beveridge. I have been dipping in to it's pages when the children offer me moments of quiet. I have uncovered many little jewels already, such as these lines from the poem the last friday night flown solo - 

cab driver

right turns you into me

left turns you

out again  

I think Jacqueline Turner summed it better than I could hope to when she observed that, "Julie Beveridge writes domestic scenarios like no other. She combines love with stark observation to create nuanced images that are real, not staged. There is no fakery here, just beautifully strange words that arrive at the heart, making it ache and sing in equal measure." 

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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

This is my third stripey garter stitch baby blanket. I always have one on the go now and add to it here and there, between projects, or when my concentration is lacking. I have made one for a friends little boy, one for Emerson and this blanket in progress is for friends who are expecting. 

Handmade blankets seem to be my go to baby gift and I'm a bit addicted to stripes. I love the simple look of these blankets, which were inspired by the Purl Bee's 'Super Easy Baby Blanket.' I use 8ply wool and 4.5mm circular needles and cast on 100 stitches. Then I simply knit stripes using either 50 or 100 grams of wool for each stripe. These blankets also make for perfect car crafting, as I don't need a pattern and it requires more time than actual concentration. Whenever Dave is driving I throw this project into the nappy bag and try to add a few more rows. 

I have been reading 'Sister' by Rosamund Lupton. It is next months book club book. It's a lot darker than the books I generally choose myself. I find that after reading it for awhile it puts me in to a strange head space. I'm not very good at distancing myself from the characters and it's quite emotional and depressing. I shall need something a little lighter after this. 

Any suggestions?

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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

I am currently knitting sleeves for the 'Camilla Babe' sweater from last week and reading 'homegrown & handmade.' It is as practical a book as the title suggests, which I find encouraging. Deborah has a no nonsense approach. There are several recipes that I shall be taking note of. Inspired by the book and the warm days of late, I have been making plans for my Spring garden and dreaming about the chickens promised to me by my husband. However, as he insists that our fences need repairing/replacing first, and as he intends to build the coup himself, the chickens may be some time in coming. I will just have to make do with the book in the mean time.

Have you been knitting or reading lately?

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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

I cried as I finished reading 'The Book Thief.' What a remarkable book. I look forward to our book club discussion. I have also finished kitting my first sock, which is baggier and uglier than I had hoped. It is still a great learning project though, that will make for a pair of warm bed socks at the very least. I cast on the second sock, then put it down after knitting several rounds of ribbing in favour of adding a few more rows to my cardigan.

I started and finished reading  'The Sunday Philosophy Club' this week, after being inspired by Greer. (My local library lists the genre as 'Cosy Mystery,' rather than 'Mystery Fiction'. I can't help but find that both amusing and charming.) I started on 'The Story Sisters,' but have since picked up the second and third book in the Philosophy Club series and fear that 'The Story Sisters' may get put to one side for awhile, much like the second sock.

What are you reading, knitting or making?

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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.

Surprise Packages

A cold is doing it's second round of our household presently. Cohen's spirits remain high, though I have been feeling rather miserable and poor Emerson is comforted only by being held. Everywhere there are tissues. The weather is overcast and rainy. Making for quiet, pyjama clad days indeed.

Yesterday the postman left a brown box on my door step. Inside the kraft paper there was most certainly a book, though which book I could not say. I only knew that Kylie mentioned she'd sent me a gift. I wiped a nose, settled a baby, made a cup of tea and extracted the contents with anticipation. I was not disappointed. I have long admired Kylie's taste and sense of style. Though strangers in real life, we have been reading each others blogs the past three years. She has chosen for me perfectly.

'Labour of Love: Knitting patterns for treasured girls,' by Danish knitwear designer Vibe Sondergaard is full of special knitting patterns. The following three are among my favourites. Sweet, feminine and not too childish, each knit would surely be a treasure.

Thank you Kylie! I am looking forward to knitting something for you in return.

Yarn Along

Since last weeks Yarn Along I have managed to knit my first heel flap, turn the heel and work the heel gusset. I felt quite pleased once I managed it. Though I have struggled a little with this pattern. The directions do not always seem clear to me. I'm not sure if it is the way it is written or my inexperience. (If you have Moda Vera 'Noir' sock yarn and intend to knit the pattern on the band, my Ravelry notes might help.)

I have only a couple of chapters left of 'The Book Thief,' and I shall be sorry to finish it. Though the book sits beside our bed, I have been listening to the audio version. It makes for wonderful multi-tasking. This week I have been folding the laundry on the bed, while Emerson kicks her chubby legs and we listen to Allan Corduner read. His expressiveness and pronunciation of the German words are not without value either.

I have downloaded my next audio book and wonder how it shall compare.

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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Ravelry.