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. 

What I'm Reading, Eating, Listening to and Loving...

Reading

I've just finished reading Lisa Congdon's latest book, Art Inc., an artists guide to building their career. I found it instructive and I think it would be useful for any creative business person.

For my neighbourhood book club, I recently finished Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None - the best selling mystery novel ever and one of the best selling books of all time. I love that book club challenges me to read novels that fall outside of my usual well worn genres. And honestly, this book did not disappoint. It also made for excellent book club discussion. (I am so lucky to have such awesome neighbours, who started a book club years before I moved here, and invited my to join before our house contract had settled, three years ago!)

Next in line is Tim Winton's Eyrie for the final book club of the year, and Meg Stewart's Margaret Olley: Far From A Still Life, chosen as a result of falling in love with Olley's work after our trip to the Margaret Olley Art Center. And finally as a book that was recommended to me, The Happiness Trap.


Eating

As the fabulous flush of Mulberries on our tree diminishes, we are eating fresh handfuls of berries picked daily, and baking with our frozen berries.

Mulberry Muffins

Mulberry and Strawberry Crumble Recipe

Listening to

You know I love to listen to pod casts while I'm working at the jewellery bench, and when I have run out of episodes of After The Jump, or Stuff You Missed In History Class, I have been trying out some newer pod casts, like the long form news style Serial, from Ira Glass and team, and the creative and inspirational Raise Your Hand. Say Yes. by Tiffany Han.


Loving

Afternoon sunlight peeking in our rooms.
The imagination that comes to life in my children with the addition of a cape and mask.
My Belinda Marshall 2015 Wall Calender has been pre-ordered. Swoon!
A Little Bit Crafty - with some of my most loved makers inside, this is on my wish list.
Jacaranda trees blooming in purple all over town.
Two passionate people with a start up worth supporting, The Nursery Project.

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Please share a few of your own reads, eats and favourites in the comments!

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

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

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.

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?

Joining in with Ginny.



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

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

While pregnant with Emerson, and in the weeks after her birth, I knitted a simple striped garter stitch blanket for her. For the past year it has gone everywhere with us. Unfortunately that dear blanket came to a sad end after our disastrous camping trip (two words - tummy bug.) Yes, that lovely little blanket managed to get thrown in the washing machine with the acrylic blankets. Unlike the acrylic blankets, it turned to felt. I was horrified when I pulled it out the machine. But what is a knitter to do, except knit another blanket?

Thus I had in mind to knit Emerson a new blanket for her first birthday. I ordered the wool and already had the pattern, before I found out about my naughty eyes and the required surgery. Now, two weeks post surgery, I have been working on it little by little for the past week as my eye allows, hoping to have it finished by the 27th. There will be a wrapped book (once I choose the perfect one) and this beautiful hand knit bonnet by Greer at Typically Red as well. Surely no one will notice the missing blanket should it not be ready? 

While my eyes can not bear to read for very long yet, I am listening to 'The Happiness Project' on audio book, read by the author Gretchen Rubin. Once again, thank goodness for audio books!

And you? What are you reading and knitting?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Raverly notes here.

Yarn Along

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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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Yarn Along

I've spent more time than usual reading lately, so that the sleeve from last week has not progressed as I'd imagined. I think in part though it's also because I am unhappy with the laddering caused by the dpn's. I'm considering ripping it out, buying 12 inch circulars as Ginny suggested, and starting again. I just can't seem to knit garter stitch in the round without very noticeable ladders, which aren't very attractive. Any suggestions?

In terms of reading, I've started 'Sister,' by Rosamund Lupton, for book club. One self reliant living book has been replaced by another, 'Practical Self Sufficiency' by Dick and James Strawbridge. And I've been reading websites, blogs and books about home education and unschooling. We've been considering whether to send Cohen to kindergarten next year or not. He will be four years old. Though it's not compulsory, it seems to be the done thing by many peoples standards. I was quite torn for awhile. But the more we discussed the aims of kindergarten, the more we considered what works for us as a family, the more we realised that we are happy for things to stay as they are for another year. So we will continue teaching Cohen individually on a daily basis, continue providing numerous learning and social opportunities, while also being guided by the kindergarten curriculum. It's a relief to have reached a decision we are all happy with.

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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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Yarn Along

More difficult to resist than beautiful wool is beautiful wool on sale. The 'Camilla Babe' pattern has been sitting in my Ravelry queue for quite some time. So when noticed this Malabrigo Worsted for half price in the Jelly Wares sale I gave into temptation immediately. It's so soft and lovely. I also love the subtle colour changes. I cast on using the long tail cast on method for the first time. I was apprehensive about it initially. Now I'm a convert.

The pile of books on my bedside table has grown recently to the extent that is has toppled over on occasion. I'm reading and enjoying 'The Right Attitude to Rain' presently, and have quite a lovely collection of books to go on with.

What are you currently reading or knitting?

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Joining in with Ginny's Yarn Along.

Raverly.