I got mail

mmmm yummy silk noil goodness from Ozeyarn, of course I had to take a photo at dusk, so it looks like a big pile of orange! and yes those are addi turbos...but hush hush, it's ok, the noil isn't slippery like most silk yarn, don't stress.

Here is a link for my Secret Pal...because most of you don't want to read my questionnaire.

And a couple of things that I think are cool, saving money or sick of life in the electronic lane? Pocket-mod is your new friend.Cute fabric, good prices, my neice is so getting something made with the red bunny fabric (rompers, pinafore, sundress...)

I know this much is true...

I have been a negative whiny pain in the arse lately, between the kidney infection, and constant colds, I have become run down and grumpy, so, I have given myself a good talking to:

I will not always live in Oz, so I should damn well make the most of living in this Paradise, and quit missing Godzone (NZ).

I used to work with people who couldn’t work due to illness…not working is more stressful than working, so I need to suck it up or sort it out.

Our kids, my 3, his 2, our 5…we brought them up to be sassy, stroppy, independent young women, so why am I feeling like I have abandoned them…when they are doing what they were brought up to do…and succeeding!

I’m too fat…lose weight, otherwise shut up and buy bigger clothes!

Spring is here, get out in the sunshine and buck up kiddo!

Mag round-up
Knitty – Ella, hands down. I have been wanting to knit a shawl for ages.
Magknits – the "crime of fashion" scarf…with a “police line do not cross” motif…for Charlotte
The new australian Yarn magazine…welcome to our world. This mag promises to be sharp and styley.
The latest issue of "Creative Knitting" is out, I'm afraid I only bought it for the articles (lol) they have brought the magazine to a slightly higher standard than it was, but will have to work harder with "Yarn" at their heels, Ailsa's article is hilarious. (check it out they are discussing Clapotis in the forum there) The Creative knitting crew need to work smarter, many of the links on their stockist page are either non-existent or wrong, which just looks unprofessional.

And to end on a much more positive note than where I started...

Many of you know about my youngest daughter Blaise, living with congenital spinal defects, partially rectified by spinal fusion. So, she signs up for kickboxing...I am dubious, Flash's co-worker does kick boxing and is always breaking some part of her anatomy...I drive Blaise to the local PCYC (like the YMCA, run by the police...great idea) I hand over the completed membership form and $5, he reads through what I have written in the "does your child have any health issues we need to know about" section, and smiles..."you happy for her to do this?" he asks, "does it involve person-on-person contact?" I reply "nope just person-on-bag!"
I say "can't wrap them in cotton wool" and he replies " many people try, and it is really just a prison, your'e a good parent letting her test her boundaries"
I felt like a kid (in a good way) a police man had just given me a gold star!

Spice girls

I have to show you the present I received upon Flash’s return home,
A cinnamon tea box…made out of a scroll of cinnamon bark, and lightly carved,(like the dragon one in the centre of the page) doesn’t look very exciting, but the scent is heaven…and the customs man said it was ok, so no fumigation YAY! This was the only thing I wanted from Vietnam (I’m a girl of simple tastes) we are big on spices in our house, our breakfast usually has cinnamon or cloves, the kids add garlic and cumin seeds to the rice they cook for an afternoon snack, nutmeg oil for sprains and strains, orange or peppermint in the burner to uplift us, lavender or sandalwood to calm.

We spent the weekend cleaning like demons (him) and lying on the couch coughing (me), the real estate agent wanted to check the broomcloset (knitting room) for damage from the upstairs leaking washing machine incident of last week, and my husband wanted to make a good impression, so we girls just stayed out of his way while he sprayed and wiped and mopped...we watched dvds, made chocolate fudge cake ( hedgehog slice in Oz), and lavender – honey biscotti ( and knitted socks) now he has the silly head cold thing that I have had for the past week, and has sent himself to bed. P.S. the agent turned up last night, and looked at the knitting room damage…she didn’t really want to inspect the rest of the apartment...she was impressed…he looked like someone had just given him a medal…cute.

I am half-way through a jellybean sock the pattern is from Wise needle,every time I look at it I think it is too wide, but when Blaise tries it on it fits fine, this is my first experience of a toe-up sock, it took a bit of getting my head around the first couple of rows, but wasn’t any more difficult than toe –down, some people have very strong preferences, I’m not fussed, that said, I haven’t got to the cast-off yet! The yarn is colori from Elann…I have not taken to the colours the way I did with their pink/purple combo.

Imogen has been sewn up, just finished the final touches, weaving in of ends and sewing on of ribbon, I pretty happy with it, but there is something,I can’t put my finger on it, it is very figure hugging…maybe the problem is not the cardi…but me…oops that’s a bit deep. I decided to go with the green ribbon, rather than the black, just felt better.

The babysilk for my Corset (with sleeves) has arrived from Elann…it is so soft, with a deep sheen, can’t wait to start, but once again, that is a “wait for the weekend” job, I couldn’t bear to make any mistakes out of fatigue.I have bough Brittany Birch straights and addi bamboo ciculars to make this the ultimate knitting experience. (Ailsa…I haven’t forgotten about the Great australasian corset-along…who else can we get to join us???)

Purchased the “One skein wonder” pattern from the gorgeous Glampyre, and Blaise has decided on some red/pink hand dyed silk noil from Ozeyarns

Behold the power of the Yarn Harlot…14 year old Blaise walks past the laptop…
”whose girl is that ?” she asks ( the picture on the screen is the Harlot’s daughter in her one skein wonder)
“ a knitter/writer from Canada, she has 3 girls too” I reply,
“nice top” says Blaise,
“want one?” I ask,
“yes please…in that pinky, reddy, shiny wool”

"do you want me to teach you how to knit"

"no Mum, I'm just an actor "slash" writer"

fortunate

Yay! the camera is home ( yay Flash is home too...of course)
so here he is, my proto-type knitted fortune cat...as yet nameless.
The purple thing in his hand is supposed to be a fish, I have bought some purple yarn which apparently will felt better than this did, and I know what little adjustments to make to his shaping...but I like him despite his flaws.

here he is with some of his mates from Japan...I am loathe to say I collect them...but I have about 10...

what a man!

remember my snakes from february...my 3 wee pit vipers in the Snake Temple in Penang...well my husband just had to go and out do me didn't he...not only does he go to Vietnam without me...but on his cruise down the Me Kong delta...he meets a friend.

as for me, nothing anywhere near as exciting, work, work, work and a head cold, just sock knitting, don't want to wreck any good knitting...oh, and I miss him.

More rain...

though luckily not inside this time!
It is raining here in Sydney, for the first time in ages, and boy did we need it, I am enjoying standing at the open door and smelling the refreshing scent of rain, instead of fumes and grime, and it has been a perfect excuse for us to stay indoors, in our jammies, the kids with their books, and me with my knitting.

I have managed to get a lot done today, bacon and eggs for breakfast with the kids, a long long bubblebath, finished knitting Imogen , which is blocking all over the lounge floor as I write ( there is an upside to Flash being away, he would be griping and moaning about having to step over all of the towels). I have made a little knitted fortune cat out of lilac baby cashmere, he is about 5 inches high, with a face like a smiling Buddha, he is a delight, but the yarn didn’t felt, so I am going to have to find some non-machinewash wool and have another go, I was really happy with this one, it is nice that he turned out so well, next time I will make some small improvements…ahhh, I can’t wait until Flash gets back from Vietnam…to get the camera back!

On another subject, last weekend I was buying some clothes, and the sales guy said “I bet everyone calls you Bridget Jones” I smiled and said no, but thanks…now I am thinking…was it good or bad…was he saying that I look like fat tart pulled through a bush backwards…or do I look like I would be sexy in big pants? I know that I could stand to lose a few (dozen) pounds…but is it really that bad??? Or is it the English Rose complexion? In which case it is all good…and why do I care??? Oops self-esteem alert...definitely wine o'clock - time to relax in front of a dvd..."Much ado about nothing" I think, enjoy a glass of merlot, and shut out the world.

Ruffled scarf pattern

Ruffled lace scarf ( standard gauge machine knit)

Please adapt this pattern to whatever yarn you have on hand, there are no hard and fast rules, this is just a general guideline. I knitted this for my Nana, just to arrange under a jacket, if you want to wrap it, make the centre section longer.

I used 20g Artisan laceweight yarn in “paua” and 25g laceweight pale pink.

I cast on 6o sts with waste yarn, pull all needles out and e-wrap them with paua yarn
Knit 2 rows ( tension 4 )
Commence lace pattern ( I used a small falling leaves pattern, so that I had a decorative edge)
Work 100 rows.
Change to pale pink yarn
Work 100 rows in a different lace pattern ( I used a florets lace, just a simple 4 hole flower)
Place a marker thread across each 20th row.
Cast off on waste yarn.
Work another piece exactly the same.

Graft the two ends of the scarf together.
Block

Ruffles:

With paua yarn follow the first steps of the pattern again, but with 120 sts, knit 10 rows falling leaf lace, cast off on waste yarn, do not remove from the machine, knit 2 paua coloured, and 2 pink coloured. You see how you use an e-wrap, you release each new ruffle, as the previous one is attached to the scarf, and the waste yarn removed.

Attach the ruffles to the scarf in the following manner:
Right side facing.Pick up sts along the width of the scarf where the colours change, use a pink ruffle (right side facing) place 2 stitches on each needle, pull all needles out to HP, knit across from right to left at Tension 10, cast of with a linker, or a latchet hook, to make a chain cast off.

Pick up stitches from the marked rows in the pink section, use paua ruffles.

As you see, this pattern is very adaptable, make it wider or longer, add more ruffles, have fun.

Rain

So, I am sitting at the knitting machine, and I notice a drip, drip, drip...go into the kids bathroom, check the taps...nope, push the shower head down, a trickle of water escapes...ok,
sit down, drip, drip, drip...check the kids toilet, taps off...toilet not leaking...drip, drip, drip, ( I'm feeling like I am reading a children's story right about now) on the ceiling of the kids toilet...hmmm, back to the knitting machine...aha! water on the floor, water on cones of yarn (NOOOOOOO) water in a document box...I look up ( the ceiling is about 20 ft high) and see a crack in the plaster, quite faint, and dripping water. Grab yarn, move books and machine, grab towels, scream for Flash, he rings the super, while I go downstairs and buzz the apartment above us...not home...
The super comes and has a look at the damage...must have been building up for a while he says, we figure from the position, that the leak is in their kitchen pipes, the super goes off to call his boss and check for keys, finally the owner comes home...its the washing machine, it has been flooding for a while "but I didn't think it would cause any damage" people live below you sweetheart...water travels down! (slaps forehead) I didn't hassle her about the yarn...it is acrylic I bought to use as waste yarn anyway...if it had been the denim I would be inconsolable.

Flash left for NZ yesterday, he is staying in Auckland, taking customers to the rugby (insert suitable male sounds of approval) and having a great old time " the people are so friendly" he said this morning "the people are US you ninny" I replied. I haven't exactly made a secret of the fact that I miss home..have I ? it's not that I don't like Oz...love it, love the heat, the action, the flora and fauna, the people, the food...but I miss my friends and family, so I am very jealous that he is there, and I am here...so I have ameliorated my feelings by spending money( as you do)

I bought the pattern for this:


from here by Paypal ( have just joined and am loving it!)
I looked at the Artyarn Regal, and it is beautiful, but couldn't find a colourway to suit me in this garment, so I ended up going to Elann and buying 26 balls of Peruvian baby silk in black to make the corset with full length sleeves, ( here is an example, but I'll make them straight) as a winter evening top, I think it will great with a long full skirt, I have one from Verge in olive taffetta and black net in vertical stripes which will team up nicely.

The week has been a hectic one, the boss left on friday for 5 weeks overseas, so I am in need of some quiet and relaxation. SSK this afternoon, DVDs and Thai with the girls tonight, I want to fit in some (light) cleaning, a bubblebath and lots of knitting...still have Imogen's last sleeve waiting for me.

please explain

in NZ,a "scarfie" is a Dunedin university student (Dunedin is the South Island's second largest city... close enough to Antarctica) kids come from all over NZ for the student lifestyle, cheap flats, lots of beer and rugby. Scarfies is also an NZ cult movie.
Flash grew up in Mosgiel, just outside Dunedin...ok, so he has never been to uni...but well...oh close enough!

scarfie

finished!

the Short row rib scarf for Flash in Noro Iro, 2 skeins. I am really happy with this, it is such a good pattern, easy, but a big step up from garter stitch.
Work as instructions, no changes, but just knit until I was almost out of yarn. This will look smart tucked into his black overcoat. I hate trying to photograph scarves...

snake man!

Today Flash, Blaise and I went for a hike at La Perouse, we needed the fresh air

not a terribly long or strenuous hike, we walked about 6 km, over two hours, but had a great time, clambering over rocks and dodging waves...until we rounded a corner and there was a naked man sunbaking.."oops sorry" said I...why ? I don't know...just the shock I suppose! The thing about being new in a city...is that you don't know where the nudie beaches are...well now we know...as Blaise said "I'm just looking down following your shoes!" We then walked across the not nudie beach, up the hill to one of my favourite aussies... the Snake Man...

( I didn't notice the woman freaking out when I took the photo!)

he is a guy who has a show every sunday, and educates the general public about snakes and lizards,( I come from NZ remember...no snakes...nope not one, not even in the zoo) I love snakes, from the snake man I have learnt: carry an elastic bandage every time you go near the bush ( I have one in my backpack always), not to put my hand near a Goanna ( big aussi lizard), to identify 5 of the most dangerous snakes, to check before I jump over a log or rock in the bush, and many other things. The first book I bought when we hit these red shores was "Don't die in the bush" my family are hikers from way back, but, heck there nothing compared with the frisson of knowing that you could just meet something deadly while going for a walk.

This is a goanna, the native australians ( and probably a few other people) eat them, when they bite they don't let go. (note the python escaping from his box in the background)

As for knitting content, Imogen's sleeve was finished today, one more to go and the blocking begins, some sockage - getting closer to that total for Holly, (who phoned today and told me that she had just bought some Opal wool, some 3mm dpns,and was making socks for Blaise) Flash's scarf is finished, and is blocking, all will be well for his visit home on friday.

"Home, home, where I wanted to go" The Message , Coldplay.

something to dip

Today I was supposed to go to Wollongong, but the fates conspired against me, and I spent a lot of quality time with 2 food poisoning victims, and the washing machine. I drove to Broadway and picked up "Machine knitting monthly" ( much improved) and spent the day washing and working on the black lace cardi ( now named: Imogen) By late this afternoon I figured the bug had bypassed me, and decided it was time to cook, Flash of the (usually) cast iron stomach, asked for bread and dips so here we are:


Dukkah, before blender

In a medium pan toast 1/2 cup whole almonds, when crunchy, 1/4 cup add sunflower seeds, toast for a minute or so, then 2 T coriander seed, 2 t cumin seed, 2 T sesame seed, toast for another minute. Take off the heat, leave to cool for 2 minutes, then add 1/4 t each paprika, pepper and salt if desired.Stir ( this ensures the ground spices are toasted but not burnt. Leave to cool then blend to your liking ( we like it chunky)

We are using garlic flavoured avocado oil, dunk bread in oil, then dukkah...yummy.

Capsicum dip, prior to blender once again.

2 whole red capsicums cut into slices, 8 roma tomatoes quartered, 1chilli de-seeded, 8 cloves of garlic, pour olive oil over and bake for a few hours at a med-low heat, stir occasionally, cool, then blend to your liking.

Et Voila! little bread loaves, and dips...wheres the pinot gris?

back...

after suffering for a week at the hands of Telstra...I am now back, and faster than ever...it was worth the torture...kinda, maybe. I just don't understand how such a large organisation can undereducate it's staff so badly...I applied to migrate by dial-up to broadband ( take all of my details with me) and 10 weeks later, i get an email saying my username is now "gwissen" and my email is going to gwissens inbox ( bad spelling of Flash's name)so i asked them to at least forward my email from my old address...so they forwarded gwissen's email to my old email address which I can't get...confused? The self-install kit went to the local post office (opening hours exactly match my work hours) addressed to G Wissen ( who doesn't exist)...

Anyway, enough of that, there is so much more but you guys don't need torturing too, and the up side is that the broadband is all fine now, and I can listen to knitcast and the "Llama, llama, duck " song...oh joy, thanks M-H.
I am planning another foray to Wollongong SnB this saturday, they are wonderful, friendly people, and I get to talk knitting machines with Donni, to this end I have started a lace wrap cardi for myself (gasp) but with all of my work dramas, have only managed to finish the back...don't think it will be finished in time for saturday...and I haven't forgotten that I promised to post a pattern for the ruffly lace scarf.

string theory

hmmm...so the cable guy called me this a.m. and said they are switching the cable (this building where broadband doesn't work) and my dial-up will no longer work...have to wait until the broadband modem arrives...ok, fine, so I quickly blog from work to say "see you soon" get home, and not only does my dial-up work, but it is working at twice its normal speed...weird, but I'm not complaining.

all spare hours in the past few days have been spent on this endeavour...the pattern will be here tomorrow (cable willing) but here is a teaser.

anyone who says that machine knitting is a. easy, b. a facsimile of the real thing, c. relaxing has NEVER been near one, my swearing this weekend was legend, I made more noise than the boy watching the Bledisloe Cup.

the good news and the bad news

the bad news is: I can't blog at present...

the good news is: I can't blog at present - because they have just upgraded our cables and are sending me a broadband modem

see you soon!

The Noro made me do it...

Flash is off home to Auckland soon, (lucky bugger)taking some customers to a Bledisloe Cup game at Eden Park, rugby is not my thing (I'm just not a team player) but I thought I would make him a styley scarf, so he doesn't have to wear a nasty acrylic one. Magknits short row scarf ( like the one I made myself) in Noro Iro colour 47.

Made a knitting needle case for Holly, will give it to her later this year when she comes over for the holidays, (or the "Holly-days" as they were known when she was younger)I have been making a care package for her, hopefully by the time she goes back to Uni I will have finished 5 pairs of wool socks, and a couple of pairs of mittens and gloves. The outside is some chambray from Trelise Cooper's 2003 collection, the inside is red flannel (I like the idea of keeping the needles cosy) and some novelty wine bottle fabric ( for the degree in wine science) the (over-exposed- as is every photo taken in this terrarium we call an apartment) white patches are calico printed with quotes: "wine is bottled poetry", "I like making a peice of string into something I can wear" and the knitting mermaid of course.

everytime I make one of these I learn more and more about what to change for next time!

Maisie

is a week old, so I thought a photo update was in order

Revealed!

Kitten mittens

Version One (for medium women’s hands 1 thumb gusset)

Yarn: either 1 ball Noro silkgarden (you will have related but not twin mitts)
Or 2 balls Noro silkgarden ( fraternal twins)
You will not get identical mitts, but that is part of the charm. Silk Garden has a reputation of being rough, but once you have washed it , you will see that it softens beautifully.

Needles: 1 set 3.25 dpns
1 set 4.5 dpns

Darning needle for sewing up
Knitting-in elastic (optional)
2 st markers

Gauge 18 sts x 28 rows on 4.5 needles

(do not fret too much about the gauge, silk garden has thick bits and thin bits, my tension ranged)

Important: if you note ( like I did, that, say, your wristband needed only 14 rows to match it's brother, because the length of Noro was very thick, thats fine, don't stick slavishly to my pattern, I don't, and the pattern is not exact. ( you could call this a "don't flame me" disclaimer!) try them on often while you are knitting.

Medium fit (Blaise’s hand is 20cm long, 17.5 cm around)

- With 3.25 mm needles, cast on 32 sts and work 16 rows K1P1 rib, use knitting – in elastic if desired, I like to use it for a snugger fit.
- Next row stst 4.5 mm needles. Knit 1 row, include 4 sts evenly 36sts
- Work 2 rows
- Thumb gusset, arrange sts on needles as shown in diagram.
- For R hand mitten K9, K18, K2, place marker, inc 1 st, K2, inc 1 st, place marker knit to end. (for L hand mitten K7, place marker, inc 1 st, K2, inc 1 st, place marker knit to end.)
- K 2 rows
- K to marker, slip marker, inc 1 st, knit to next marker, inc 1 st, slip marker, K to end of row.
- K 2 rows
- K to marker, slip marker, inc 1 st, knit to next marker, inc 1 st, slip marker, K to end of row.
- K to marker, place sts on holder, cast on 2 sts, check there are 36 sts. Knit to end of row.
- Knit 22 rows straight.
- Decrease:
K 4 K2tog (to end)
K 4 rows
K3 K2tog (to end)
K 3 rows
K 2 K2tog (to end)
K 2 rows
K 1 K2tog (to end)
K 1 row
K2tog (to end) 6 sts rem, cut yarn, thread through loops, pull tight,
Fasten on wrong side.
- Thumb
- Slip sts off holder onto 4.5 needle
- Pick up and knit 2 sts
- Pick up and knit 2 sts opposite holder sts, place marker, knit 2 sts
- Pick up and knit 2 sts
- Knit 6 rounds
- K to 2 sts before marker, K2tog, slip marker, K2tog
- K 3 rounds
- K to 2 sts before marker, K2tog, slip marker, K2tog
- K 2 rows
- K to 2 sts before marker, K2tog, slip marker, K2tog
- K 1 row
- K to 2 sts before marker, K2tog, slip marker, K2tog
- K 1 row
- 6 sts rem, break off yarn, draw yarn through sts, pull tight, and fasten off on wrong side.

Weave in ends, pull on and cuddle.

Blaise’s mittens were slightly felted, less than 5 minutes in a hot soapy wash, then a turn in the dryer, be vigilant, better to under - felt.

Version Two (for slightly bigger hands, better thumb fit with 2 gussets)

- With 3.25 mm needles, cast on 32 sts and work 20 rows K1P1 rib, use knitting – in elastic if desired, I like to use it for a snugger fit.
- Next row stst 4.5 mm needles. Knit 1 row, include 4 sts evenly 36sts
- Work 2 rows
- Thumb gusset, arrange sts on needles as shown in diagram 2
(PICTURE)
- For R hand mitten K9, K18, K2, place marker, inc 1 st, inc 1 st,inc 1 st place marker knit to end. (for L hand mitten K7, place marker, inc 1 st, , inc 1 st, place marker knit to end.)
- K 2 rows
- K to marker, slip marker, inc 1 st, knit to next marker, inc 1 st, slip marker, K to end of row.
- K 2 rows
- K to marker, slip marker, inc 1 st, knit to next marker, inc 1 st, slip marker, K to end of row.
- K to 1 st marker, knit 6 sts in smooth waste yarn, knit to end.(keep the markers on)
- K 1 row
- K to marker, ssk, K to last 2 sts before next marker, K2tog,slip marker, K to end.
- K 2 rows
- K to marker, ssk, K to last 2 sts before next marker, K2tog,slip marker, K to end.
- K 2 rows
- K to 1 st before ,slip marker off, ssk, K to last 1 st before next marker,slip marker off K2tog , K to end
- K 13 rows OR try the mitten on, you need to knit to a point 5 cms below the tip of your tallest finger. (lengthen , shorten here)
- The top shaping takes 5 cm.
- Decrease:
K 4 K2tog (to end)
K 4 rows
K3 K2tog (to end)
K 3 rows
K 2 K2tog (to end)
K 2 rows
K 1 K2tog (to end)
K 1 row
K2tog (to end) 6 sts rem, cut yarn, thread through loops, pull tight,
Fasten on wrong side.
-Thumb
- carefully remove smooth yarn , pick up 6sts below, 6 sts above, placing a marker between the 3rd and 4th st on the top sts, arrange on 3 needles.
- K 1st row, picking up a st at each end and knitting it together with the next st on the needle ( to close the hole that would otherwise form)
- K 9 rows
- K to 2 sts before marker, K2tog,slip marker, K2tog, K to end
- K 6 rows (vary length here)
- K to 2 sts before marker, K2tog,slip marker, K2tog, K to end
- K 1 row
- cut yarn, draw through sts and pull tight, bind off.

A mitten is really just a short sock with no heel, these are very basic instructions, use them as a guide to create your own custom- size mittens.

What the.....?

This is bollocks...this known paedophile, this deviant sexual predator bastard...was recently sentenced to 320 hours of CROCHET, for molesting a 7 year old child. I am lost for words.

a long way from home...

is how I feel right now, meet Maisie, my brand new neice born at 10 am NZ time, the family have already played the "who does she look like" game without me, and the consensus is a resounding "Blaise" ( who is a bit peeved that she is no longer the "baby girl" - she needn't worry,I don't think Nana will stop calling her that anytime soon)

Anyway, isn't she a wee doll
Nana, buy a digital camera already!