Yarn Along

I've been listening to an audio book once again, while adding rows to this garter stitched cot blanket. Not my usual choice of novel, 'The Rosie Project' was a book club obligation, and one that took me awhile to warm to. It's been wildly popular, apparently, so you may not like my assessment of it. I really wanted to love it. A friend's Nana recommended it to me with such joy at a children's party, and it sounded wonderful. But I just couldn't. It is still not my kind of book. I can't put my finger on what it was exactly - the predictability, the cliched rom-com moments, the make-over? Parts were charming, as was Don, the main protagonist. Though I found elements of his character difficult to digest. I enjoyed the idea of a neurologically diverse novel, though I wondered at the accuracy on several occasions. 

There is a follow up book, but I have decided to leave it to the adoring fans and find something else to knit to. 

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What have you been reading or knitting?

Joining in with Ginny

On Ravelry here.

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.

Yarn Along

My, oh my. When I checked Ravelry for the start date of this project, Ravelry informed me that it was May, 2012. And we all know that Ravelry does not lie. Poor dear 'Larch' cardigan. I had such high hopes when I began this knit. My first adult garment. It seems children's knits, I can do. Baby blankets, I can do. Adult knits? Well, they will sit in knitting purgatory for years, only to be pulled out to have a few rows added before being condemned to the knitting basket once more. 

I do wish I could knit faster. 

Lets see how much further I this time.

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry notes here.

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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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry. 

Yarn Along

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.

Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

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

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?

Joining in with Ginny.

Ravlery.

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

All's quiet on the blogging front, or so it feels. Quiet for lack of words, as my mind is occupied with waiting for baby. Quiet as I add things to my hospital bag, finish sorting and nesting. Quiet as I endeavor to keep the laundry and house work up to date, so when the time comes I can hand my home and children over to family and think only of the birth.

Life goes on and it feels that much is happening, though at the same time it feels as if these moments are just marking time until the birth. It's a strange feeling. It's hard to be completely present. These next two weeks will likely be long indeed! Thank goodness once more for books and knitting. Both of which have been chosen deliberately for their simple natures - to occupy and satisfy, without difficulty or frustration. Firstly, Family Album by Penelope Lively, a novel which has taken me the first third to warm to, with it's simple style, but which I am hoping to finish. Secondly the striped scarf I have been working on. So simple with it's blocks of colour and it's repetitive stitch pattern (K4, P4, repeat until end, repeat each row.)

I feel as if this baby is in no hurry. I went in to labour with Cohen on his due date and he was born the next day. Emerson was born by an 'elective' cesarean only three days before her due date. My guess is 40 weeks and 3 days for this baby. Though if the blog really goes quiet you may well know why!

When did you birth your babies? Before, after or on their due dates?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Notes on Ravelry.

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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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

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

Oh my, what a day. I spent most of it at the hospital, waiting in the eye clinic. You might recall that last year I had surgery on both my eyes, after suddenly finding I had two detached retinas. Late yesterday I noticed I was having difficulty focusing on objects and faces a meter or two in front of me, which was a new and slightly alarming development given my history. I was told after my surgery to treat any changes in my eyes as  an urgent matter. I called an optometrist this morning, informed him I was almost 35 weeks pregnant, had had two detached retinas and two Scleral buckles and could I make an appointment for an eye check today? He advised me to go straight to the hospital. 

So I sat, and waited, and read my book until the eye drops I was given made that impossible. And I'm pleased to report that a build up of pigment in my eyes may be to blame, but there are no tears, holes or fluid behind the retina. Pregnancy could also be to blame. I was sent on my merry way with a specialist appointment in two months, pupils the size of saucers and a sense of relief.

Meanwhile, I completely enjoyed Elizabeth Taylor's, In The Summer Season (the novelist, not the actress), and am now engrossed in The Help by Kathryn Stockett. My plans for this evening involve putting my feet up, taking up my knitting and eating a slice (or two) or apple pie - while feeling grateful for my vision.

And you, what have you been reading or knitting?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

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

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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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

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? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~ Ginny

I've been a little side tracked by cross stitch this week. My 'Winterwood ABC' arrived from America and I was excited to get started. As their weather warms ours starts to cool. I've admired this pattern since I first saw it, and have seen it floating around many of my favourtie blogs in blog land. Eventually I decided to stop thinking about it and just try it. It's my first ever cross stitch, but Alicia's wonderful tutorial covers the how-to so nicely that I haven't had any trouble with it. I've been enjoying it so much that my knitting has only progressed a few rows. 

I've almost finished Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's most recent book, The Amazing Thing About the Way It Goes, then I will be looking for my next read. Any recommendations for me? What have you loved lately?

What have you been making and reading?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

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? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~ Ginny




1. A new project, 2. The colours, 3. March 8th 2012

I cast on for a simple garter stitched, striped baby blanket for my dear little bump. With nine weeks to go I figured I best make a start. I'd love to have this blanket ready and waiting in my hospital bag, unlike Emerson's blanket, which I finished after she came home, as I recovered from a cesarean. I found the photo above, which is just over two years old now, and have been looking back through some of my posts of the early days with two children. Wondering about and imagining the reality of becoming a family of five, and the early days with three little ones.

I've been flicking my way through a few magazines lately - Frankie, Yen and Country Style. Yen is new to me, and I am enjoying their 'Creative Issue'. While 'Country Style' is an old favourite and always makes me want to pack up and run away to the mountains, renovate a run down country homestead, and scour flea markets for overlooked treasures. If only in my dreams.

What are you making and reading lately?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

The recent hints of Autumn vanished with the heat and humidity of the past few days. However, I have been holding on to the promise of Autumn with my knitting; while sitting in an air-conditioned room. And while I have been knitting, I have been making my way through the back catalogue of the wonderful free podcast, 'Stuff You Missed In History Class.' Clicking on the titles that appeal and settling in, those talented ladies have been keeping me entertained and filling my head with such fascinating facts as I knit. I'm much the wiser on such a diverse range of topics now, from the Hope Diamond, to the Domestication of the Cat. From Jane Austen to Frida Kahlo. From Mount Everest to Laura Ingalls Wilder. There is such a wealth of knowledge, my inner history geek is thrilled.

If you're new to the world of podcasts, and you have an iphone as I do, it's a simple matter of downloading the 'Podcast' app and typing the podcast title in to the search bar. Click on the podcast's logo, and choose from the list of episodes.

While speaking of technology, I have been converted, just a little, to the idea of reading a book on my phone. I don't own an eReader or the like. How I railed against the very thought of it! Until I couldn't get a library copy, or find an inexpensive copy, of our latest book club book, Walking on Trampolines. Instead I begrudgingly downloaded it though the iTunes store on my laptop, downloaded the iBook app, and proceeded to read it on my phone. And, it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. It meant I always had a book with me wherever I went, as I always tend to have my phone. This was handy as I rushed to Doctor and hospital appointments. Once I was used to it, I even curled up in bed with my phone and read during the children's nap times on the weekend. 

When I finished that book, I had in mind to read Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's most recent book, The Amazing Thing About the Way It Goes, thanks to Ginny's glowing recommendation. When I could not find it at my local library, and didn't want to wait to get is shipped to Australia, I went ahead and downloaded it too. (She's such a gem, that Yarn Harlot, isn't she?) While I still prefer a 'real' book, with real pages you can turn and crease. A real spine to bend and crack. A real and beautiful object on my bedside table, or thrown in to my handbag. I must now admit that there may just be room for the occasional downloaded book too...

Have you been converted too? 

Or are you a paper back and hard back lover all the way?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

PS. Don't forget, you can find me guest posting at the Bespoke zine blog all this week. :)

Yarn Along

My beautiful 'stash market bag from Yardage Design, filled with woolly goodness.

It's been quite a while since I joined in with Yarn Along, as I seem to have hit a black hole with both the projects I was working on. No matter how many rows I did, they just didn't seem to be growing at all, they were just sucked in to a knitting black hole instead. Despite the guilt I felt at abandoning them, I decided to give them both a rest and allow myself a spot of yarn shopping. I have since been working on a simple stripey scarf, and I have the makings of a baby blanket to go on with once the scarf is complete. 

Yesterday, my 28 week bump and I had to spend two hours at Pathology doing a Glucose Tolerance test for pregnancy. I was secretly a little excited about this. Two whole hours of knitting and reading with only a couple of interruptions?! Even if those interruptions were three blood tests, I could manage that. One learns to accept blood tests when you have Graves disease. So, while my dear parents took Cohen to school and kept the little Miss amused, I read the beginnings of Walking on Trampolines for my book club, and knitted away on a Cleckheaton scarf pattern I've long admired. 

It feels good to be knitting again.

And you dear reader, what are you making or reading?

It's so quite out there in blog land these days, feel free to leave a comment. :)

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

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?

Joining in with Ginny.



Yarn Along

 

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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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry notes here.

Yarn Along

 

Ta-dah! My biggest knitting project to date, the Camilla Blanket, is finished. And I'm so pleased with how it looks and feels. It still needs blocking, but today is the first sunny day we've had in quite awhile and I couldn't wait to share it with you. So please feel free to use your imagination.

 

I love it. I still love that deep purple wool from Bendigo Woolen Mills. I still love those fan patterns. Despite looking at them for the past five months. I hope that Emerson will love it too. Her Mama made blanket. Her first birthday present. (Only four months late.)

 

There were quite a few times when I considered casting off sooner that I had intended, because I was keen to start a new project, or just because I felt I was never going to get to the end of this blanket. I'm glad I persevered. It's a great size - bigger than a cot blanket and big enough for the toddler bed Cohen is growing out of and Emerson is growing in to. It should also be big enough to use on a single bed one day too. Fifteen repeats in total. Cohen has already requested exactly the same blanket in exactly the same colour. Hmmm, how about a vest or a hat instead.

 

It's been a light week of reading. My nephew has been staying with us and I'm yet to get this months book club book. Instead I've been dipping in to the new Country Style magazine and day dreaming about a lounge room make over. Nothing major, just a new lounge, new coffee table and new buffet for beneath the tv...

 

What are you knitting and reading?

 

Joining in with Ginny.

Raverly notes here.



Yarn Along

I have two projects on the needles at the moment. I dare not cast on any more until these are done, lest I am side tracked by another cushion or scarf. I have been alternating between the Larch cardigan and the Camilla blanket. The cardigan is taking shape now, which is encouraging me to continue. I have itchy fingers though to cast on a pair of socks. Any advice on a good sock pattern for beginners who have only one sock to their name? (I didn't like the pattern.)

My dear books have been all but abandoned of late, as I dedicate my 'spare' time to jewellery work and gardening. My Country Style magazine has not been neglected however, since arriving in my letter box. Such an inspiring read. I was pleased to see an article on ceramic artist Kim Wallace. I so love to see creative peoples work spaces and their works in progress.

What are you knitting and reading?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Raverly notes here.

Yarn Along

This dear old teddy must be over fifty years old. He has been passed down through the family and now belongs to Cohen. He is sporting a new scarf, which was knit at the request of my four year old son. Teddy was going to get cold come Winter, so I am told. I started a garter stitch scarf, quickly got bored of it and devised a simple cable pattern instead. Cohen was more impressed with the fringe on the ends...

If you have never cabled before, this is a quick and simple pattern to learn with. Creating the twist is as simple as slipping three stitches on to another needle, knitting the next three stitches, then knitting the stitches you have slipped. There is a clear video example I found here, though I use a cable needle, not a double pointed needle. 

CO 16 stitches.

Row 1. P2, K2, P6, K2,P3

Row 2. K3, P2, K6, P2, K3

Row 3. P3, K2, P6, K2, P3

Row 4. K3, P2, C6F, P2, K3

Row 5. P3, K2, P6, K2, P3

Row 6. K3, P2, K6, P2, K3

Row 7. P3, K2, P6, K2, P3

Row 8. K3, P2, K6, P2, K3

My scarf is 16 repeats. To make the fringe I cut lengths of yarn about four inches long. I folded them in half and using a crochet hook, pulled them one at a time through a stitch along the bottom edge (WS) to create a loop, then pulled the tails through the loop. I did this the whole way along and then cut them back to the same length.

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In terms of reading I have just started Cloudstreet, by Tim Winton, for book club. Have you read it? Are you a fan?

What are you knitting and reading?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Raverly notes here.

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Don't forget to enter the High Tea Vintage Giveaway for a pretty and practical everyday/ knitting bag.