Ooh Ah, Just a Little Knit

New Blog

2009-02-01T01:03:00.001Z

I'm not posting here anymore, but I'll keep it for a while.

My new blog is Genki Knits, which is not only about knitting, it includes my new craft hobby - sewing!

And...I'm back!

2007-09-16T07:45:00.000+01:00

After a long absence from blogging, and the internet in general, I'm back. We had an absolutely fantastic trip, which stretched to almost 4 months instead of the 3 we originally estimated. The trip also changed as we went along, we ended up going to Moscow through Western Europe by train, the Trans-Mongolian through Russia, Mongolia, and China, a boat to Japan and back again to China, down to Vietnam, crossing to Laos, then Thailand, a detour to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat, back to Thailand, train through the south to Malaysia, and final stop was Singapore, where we took a flight home to Sydney. So we managed to get all the way from Sheffield, England, to Singapore without any flying, which was pretty good. Of course we stopped at many amazing and beautiful places, but I'll leave all that to our travel blog, which I'll link when it's completed.

I did manage to get some knitting done, I brought a couple of skeins of sock yarn and some patterns, and did a bit on trains. I also really liked looking at the textiles in each country, especially the Hmong peoples' in Laos and Thailand. I also really enjoyed the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore, which had some beautiful examples of Asian art and textiles.

Since coming back, I've started a pair of thick socks, and mum bought me the new Vogue Knitting. I also attended my first knitting event in Australia - on Friday, I went to Tapestry Crafts in Sydney to see Nicky Epstein! She did a demonstration and a book signing, it was great. I bought Knitted Flowers, and she signed that for me, it was very exciting. She seemed like a lovely person, and shared a lot of techniques with us.

On the road...

2007-06-08T02:47:00.000+01:00

We are now in Japan, after travelling through Russia, Mongolia and China by train and boat.

I've been doing some knitting, working on socks, but will not really update this blog till we are settled in Australia.

To keep up with our travels, you can read our blog:

Sheffield to Sydney

Rosedale - so close

2007-03-23T11:37:00.000Z

I've finished knitting Rosedale! It's even been blocked, but no photos because my camera's batteries ran out. I also need to put in a zipper anyway, so once I do that and it is completely finished, I can post some pictures. I'm really pleased with it - when I was knitting it I didn't really like the orange and yellow, but when it was all done, they looked nice with the other colours. And I asked The Boy which colours he liked the best, and of course he said the orange and yellow.

In other knitting news, I've been doing some more of The Boy's trekking socks, and started a hat for the Dulaan project, which should be a quick knit when I'm procrastinating.

I went to my last Bristol Knitting group on Wednesday, which was sad, as I really enjoy those nights. I don't have a huge stash (though I have a bit of sock yarn), but I took any non sock yarn that wasn't designated for a particular project, and managed to get rid of it all! I also took all my magazines (except for my Interweave!) which was quite difficult, and they all went too. But I'm much happier for it to all go to people who might use it, rather than me cart it across the world. Some of this stuff had come from Japan to the UK and not been used, so I was ruthless.

Otherwise, it's been pretty busy. I've finished work, and am at home packing and sorting things out. We move out of our flat next weekend! Then it's one month in Sheffield before we leave for our trip.

The Cursed Hat Returns

2007-02-20T17:57:00.000Z

It wasn't at the gym. I looked everywhere in our flat. And then, just before we went to London, I crawled under my desk to grab my shoes, and there it was, happily waiting for me to discover it. I was very careful in London with it, and it' s come back home!

I've been busy with Rosedale, have finished with the waist decreases and am now in the endless stockinette. I'm slightly concerned about the corrugated ribbing, it seems to be rolling quite a bit. The Boy suggested it may come out in the blocking - and with that one comment showing how much he knows about knitting, and how much there is still to be learnt...

I think I'm going to have a 'thing' on my blog. Not sure what to call it, it won't be a competition, but it will be fun. I'll announce the details later, but it will involve postcards sent from exotic places to you if you sign up!

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

The Cursed Knitted Hat

2007-02-03T17:03:00.000Z

The le slouch that I was knitting WAS way too big. So I frogged it. And I started again, just doing a simple hat pattern with ribbing and then moss stitch. And it looked too small. So I started again. With a similar pattern. I finished it, it didn't look exactly how I had thought it might. But it was done, and felt so nice and warm. Cashmerino... so, so soft. I hadn't taken a photo, cos I finished it on Monday night, and during the week I do not really see daylight. And now I think I've lost it. It might be at the gym, so I'll try there. It really is a cursed hat.

Rosedale is going well, am doing the corrugated knitting for the body, which is taking a while, because there are a lot of stitches. But it's still fun, so hopefully I'll actually finish this sweater!

My big news for 2007 is... we are moving to Australia. We've both put our notice in at work, so it is now definately happening. In order to get over there, we are planning a big trip. At the moment, we are hoping to take the Trans-mongolian railway through Russia, Mongolia and China, a boat to Japan and back again, trains to South East Asia, where we would like to spend some time in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia. And then we will probably have to fly into Sydney. I'm so excited about our trip, and really looking forward to going 'home', by the time we get there, it will have been 5 years since I first left Australia for Japan. It will be sad to leave my job and our home here, though not having any close friends makes it a lot easier.

Knitting-wise this means my goal is to finish Rosedale, and do a lot more of Bobble Blue before we leave at the end of April. I also will complete the Dulaan projects. For my travel knitting, I will take sock yarn and sock patterns for all our train journeys!

2007-01-21T17:14:00.000Z

On Saturday was the day I've been waiting for awhile - Get Knitted's Grand Opening of their new shop. As you may know, they are a great UK online shop, that had an open day once a month.

Their new shop is fantastic - huge with a large range of yarns. The yarn is displayed by manufacturer's, so all Rowan is together, all Noro, etc. which I think is a great way of doing it. The shop had a couple of sofas, a workshop area, and kids' play area.

I saw Trekking sock yarn for the first time, after reading about it on blogs, and hearing about it on podcasts, and the new Collinette Jitterbug. The Jitterbug had such beautiful, vibrant colours, but I managed to resist it! I think I will treat myself to a skin before I leave though. I might give myself a goal - like finish two pairs of socks - before I buy it.

But I did end up buying a few things. I had intended to buy Lucy Neatby's Cool Socks, Warm Feet and a skein of sock yarn with money from my birthday. I bought 3 skeins of yarn - 2 skeins of trekking in colours 28( mostly dark colours, with random bright reds, oranges, pinks and purples in very short repeats) and 184 (lovely blues and greens in longer repeats) and 1 Opal in happy colours (yellow, fuscia, orange and turquoise).
.
Lastly, I got another pair of Addi Turbo circulars in 2.5mm so I can have two socks on Turbos at a time!

The Trekking 184 is for The Boy, he picked it out himself (he was a very good boy, and behaved himself while I was looking at yarn). I've already cast on the Timberline Toes, it is a simple pattern, but with new ways of doing the heel and toe, so it should be fun.

The Rosedale is going well - have almost finished both sleeves, and can then start the body. It is going pretty fast, especially since I have also started knitting Le slouch in Debbie Bliss cashmerino. It feel so nice, but I think it is looking a little too big. I know that's kinda the point... I'll finish it off and see how it looks.

Christmas Knitting - finished on time!

2006-12-29T15:23:00.000Z

We had a lovely Christmas in Sheffield, and I managed to finish all my Christmas knitting. I knit Knitty's Branching Out in a purple mohair, a knit hat in wool, and the floral hairband from Stitch n'Bitch Nation, which I didn't manage to get a photo of. The were all stash busters, and finished in time for Christmas, so I was very pleased with myself. The photos aren't great, it is very hard to get natural or day light at this time of year.

Bobble Blue has stalled, I've almost finished the back, but have made a mistake in the cable pattern. I'm trying to work out whether I can fudge it, or if I'll have to frog back. You can't really tell, but it puts out the counting.

I'm also knitting a pair of basic socks out of the Opal Tiger yarn for The Boy, which is going along fine, using the magic loop. And I cast on for Rosedale in Noro Kureyon. I've started the sleeve, and it's going well. I love knitting with Kureyon, watching the colours as they appear.

Interweave Knits - Winter 2006

2006-12-03T17:19:00.000Z

These are a few things that caught my eye as I was flicking through the latest Interweave Knits. This is my last magazine in the subscription Roxy RAK’d me. I was thinking of renewing my subscription, but at the moment, next year is Very up-in-the-air in terms of where we will be ( we might be doing some travelling and another international move).

There is a cute bag featured in an ad for Berroco, it’s a free pattern, and although I’d seen it before and like it, but seeing it again in a few colours, I realised how much I like it. However, I think that one of the things I like about it is the handle, which isn’t knitted, so if I couldn’t get something similar, I probably won’t knit it.

Amy Singer’s article on Japanese knitting is interesting, especially since I lived In Japan for over two years.

I always really enjoy the articles about designers and the article on Berta Karapetyan, founder of Karabella Yarns is no different. It is so interesting to hear about how their love of yarn and knitting developed, and how they have managed to make a full time job out of their love.

The Venezia Pullover by Eunny Jang is beautiful, the colours and fairisle work is amazing. But it is knit on size 2 (2.75mm) and 3 (3mm) needles which deters me, at least at the moment. Also the neckline is a boatneck, which I find doesn’t really suit me. Eunny’s article on Steeking looks amazingly in depth, but I’m still not sure I am ready to try it.

The Nantucket Jacket that is featured on the cover is a lovely design, but too similar to Bobble Blue, which I am currently kniiting – short sleeves cardigan with cabling. It is a more relaxed fit though, and if when I finish Bobble Blue I wear it a lot, I wouldn’t mind trying the Nantucket Jacket.

The colours in the Rambling Rose Cardigan (Laura Zukaite) are gorfeous, and a very interesting design, this is the only sweater in this magazine that I would knit at the moment.

I really liked the ideas raised in Inspired Knitting: Swatch Therapy by Clara Parkes. She suggests using knitting swatches as away to work through different feelings and emotions. I thought it was such an interesting way of looking at swatches, especially since I usually try to avoid them.

The new books (Spring 2007) from Interweave Press that were advertised on the last page all looked great – Felt Frenzy, Heather Brack and Shannon Okey; Lace Style, Pam Allen and Ann Budd; Favourite Socks from Interweave and No Sheep for You – Amy R Singer. I’d love to flick through the pages, especially of Felt Frenzy and Lace Style.

When it rains...

2006-11-23T17:32:00.000Z

I have done quite a lot on my Bobble Blue from Interweave Knits, the back is done up to the armhole decreases. I'm enjoying it and finding it an interesting knit, though it's getting a little tricky now that I have to flick through the pages between charts and the decrease pattern.

In order to make the knitting an easier experience, I've bought a clipboard to keep together the photocopied sheets from the magazine. This can then be used as a stable place to keep the cable needle, yarn cutters and measuring tape too. I've also highlighted every second line on the charts, used a post-it note to indicate which line I'm on, and learnt from experience to also write on the post-it note which row I'm on when I pop the clipboard in my bag. Then I underline or highlight each line of the pattern as I complete it. This has made following the pattern and charts a lot easier.

Holiday knitting - I just decided to make a few gifts for The Boys family for Christmas. I'm using stash and easy patterns so it doesn't get too stressful. I wasn't going to make any gifts this year, but they are all so nice, and really make me feel a part of the family on Christmas Day so deserve something a little special!

I'm knitting Knitty's Branching Out for The Boy's mum, the floral head band from SnB Nation for his sister, and a simple ribbed beanie hat for his father. I've started the Branching out, that is coming along nicely.

To the Death

2006-10-25T10:37:00.000+01:00

I was killed in Sock Wars.

But I did get an amazing pair of socks from Fyberduck. They are absolutely gorgeous colours, so me! And she dyed it herself.
By the way, I know she was worried they might be scratchy, but they're not, they are really comfy.

I managed to finish one of my Socks of Doom, and get a good start on the other.

In other knitting news, I've started Bobble Blue from Interwaeve Knits with the yarn I bought from the farm. It's looking good so far!

Return from Oz

2006-10-08T11:18:00.000+01:00

Back at home after a whirlwind two and a half weeks, which included a weekend in London, a flight to Australia, dress fittings, a Hen's night, visting family and friends, a wedding as bridesmaid (so getting nails, hair and makeup done), an overnight stopover in Shanghai and another looooong flight. And trying to knit my Socks of Doom for Sock Wars! So, as you can imagine, not much was done on the socks, especially as I didn't risk taking them on the flights.

But since we've been back (arrived on Tuesday night), I've managed to finish the first sock, and I've cast on for the second, even while fighting jet lag. I'll get some done today as well, hopefully.

Yesterday, I picked up the final package from my Cash Free SP, mugwump. It was filled with yarn, a photo album, a really cute notebook, a pack of playing cards, some push pins, and some gorgeous smelling soap.

Thanks so much, mugwump, you've been a great SP. I'll use the black mohair with the browns she sent earlier to make some knit animals, and the green Mission Falls for The Dulaan Project which I'm going to support during winter, with all my extra knitting time. This will come from all the time I will now spend indoors. It is already cold here! And I'm such a sook about being cold.

Sock Wars - Start

2006-09-24T07:53:00.000+01:00

Sock Wars is happening at a bad time for me, I'm in Oz and busy with bridesmaids thingies. I didn't get to check the details till today (Sunday), but I still haven't got the email anyway. I'm starting them right after this post!

But to my assassin and assassinee, let me know how you are going, cos you could very well be sending the socks to my place in Bristol before I get back (October 3rd). If this is the case, we can work out how long the approxiamate delivery date due to where you've sent it from , and I can send mine from Oz on that day, which I hope is okay. Feel free to email me or leave comments on my blog, but I won't be checking every day (probably every second day)

My First Socks!

2006-09-11T18:43:00.000+01:00

Well, here they are! Finally I managed to take a photo and post it. They were knit using Magic Loop on Addi Turbos 2.5mm using the basic free pattern you get when you buy sock yarn in a lot of UK yarn stores. The yarn was Patons Patonyle, a 4 ply wool blend, and the first sock yarn I bought, over a year ago in Australia. I have since bought about 10 other skeins!

Here is another photo, showing a side view. As you can see, I didn't even try to match up the stripes.

I also took a photo of the Angora Goat (mohair) yarn I bought, along with a swatch for Bobble Blue from Interweave Knits. I know a lot of people don't like bobbles, but I think they are a lot of fun!

And one last picture of the goat (well ,it was either her or one of her friends) that the yarn came from.

I've also finished knitting and felting the Booga Bag I made from the Silk Garden, it is currently blocking on a shoebox, so will be ready to take to Australia with me. I'm going in one week, for my best friend's wedding, so that will be fun.

Not Knitting - Crocheted Jewellery

2006-09-05T19:50:00.000+01:00

I made this a few weeks ago at my SnB. It is from Debbie Stoller's Happy Hooker book, and is my first absolutely completed crocheted project! I made it as a thank you for a co-worker, and she really loved it.

Close up of the earrings and necklace:

It was a quick and easy project, I might do a few more for presents, since I don't really like knitting for others (I'm too selfish to waste my time knitting for people who won't appreciate it, which is almost anyone, except my boyfriend, and I still probably wouldn't make him a sweater!)

Went to Get Knitted's Open Day on the weekend, and bought some smaller Addis (2mm) and crochet hooks. Also bought some circs to knit Bobble Blue out of my new Angora Goat wool, as I actually swatched the diamond pattern and it came out a little big. The smaller Addis are for my Jaywalkers, which I started and are also looking a bit big (I was knitting them on 2.5mm). And I got some sock yarn, think I'll make Pomatomus from Knitty.

I've started on another Booga bag, this time for myself, out of the Silk Garden Egeria sent me. I've practcally finished the body (about 2 rows to go) and just have to do the strap. Luckily, I've got my SnB on tomorrow night, so I can do it there, like last time!

New Yarn and a FO!

2006-08-23T17:31:00.000+01:00

We just had a great weekend in Wales. I was lucky enough to visit Blueberry Angoras. It was in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by beautiful countryside. The woman was very friendly, and told us all about her Angora goats. We were lucky, as we visited the day before they were due for their shearing. She called them over (they all have names!) and we got to pat them. It was really fun.

I had a hard time deciding what to buy, but finally bought 6 skeins of Russet Red Aran, 80% Angora, 20% wool. I didn't take a photo, but I will for the next post. But here is a picture of the goats.

I also finished my socks last Tuesday, but haven't got around to taking a photo of them either! I wore them to work on Wednesday, and they were great, so comfy and warm!

Up, up and away

2006-08-13T10:18:00.000+01:00

My second sock is pretty close - I've done the heel shaping, heel flap, and am just finishing the gusset shaping. I did have a minor set back where I was tired, so I got mixed up on whether I was on an increase row or not, so decided to frog back a few rows, couldn't work out where I was, so frogged back more, right back to where you pick up the stitches for the gusset. When will I learn that I should put down the needles when I'm tired? Anyway, it actually turned out for the best, as I was able to fix up the little error I made on my first sock.

See this huge hole between the gusset and the instep? And how the stitches are kinda loose around there? It was the only thing I wasn't really happy about on my first sock. But for the 2nd sock I used Nancy Bush's advice from Knitting on the Road (a great book with lots of cool socks from all over the world). She suggests picking up an extra stitch on each side when picking up the stitches on the heel flap, then on the first row decrease those stitches. See the difference?

Yesterday was really nice, I went to my Zoo induction training. I'v been volunteering at the zoo for the last month or so, it's so much fun. I am doing it every second Sunday, and get to facepaint kids, look after the volunteer animals (mostly insects and reptiles) and will eventually be able to give talks to the public about animals, and do presentations with the volunteer animals, where kids can touch them! So far I've held a taruntula as big as my hand, a giant african land snail, once again as big as my hand, and petted rats.

After the zoo, we went to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, along with everyone else in South West England. There were so many people! The roads were crazy, we caught a bus there that just crawled all the way, so we walked home (took about two hours!). The funniest thing was the night glow, where apparently the balloons, which were landed, would fire up in time to music. It didn't really work, but was pretty spectacular anyway. The funny thing about it was the music choice - absolutely bizarre, with no real theme or coordination. I thought they would use classical music, but no, it was Gypsy Kings, Kylie Minougue, Barry White, the Lambada song, Funky Town by Lips Inc, Gypsy King's again, singing My Way in Spanish(?), followed by the Frank Sinatra version. It was hysterical! It finished with some fireworks. I have to say, I love how many public displays of fireworks there are in the UK. In Australia, well at least in NSW, fireworks are illegal, and we really only have public dispays for New Years Eve and Australia Day.

What should I do about Tempting?

2006-08-10T19:42:00.000+01:00

This looks like so much fun! Yes, I know, I am still yet to finish a pair of socks, but I am really close. And I really will knit tonight. Recently, I haven't been knitting on week nights, I think this is because of a few reasons. I got used to not doing it when the whole eye-strain thing was happening, the long, hot summer nights are not really conducive to knitting, and I have hardly any WIPs. But I'm going to try and get back into the habit.

I've been think of my goals in knitting(or not even goals, thoughts about knitting, I don't like to put pressure on myself, this is a hobby!).

1. Strawberry hat for my up-coming step-neice, who should be born any day now.
2. Something for her big brother, the golden child, who will now be neglected!
3. I REALLY want to knit Rosedale from Knitty. I just have to force myself to buy that much Kureyon. And decide on a colour. I saw a gorgeous colour at last week's SnB, but the girl got it from the states, doesn't look like it is available here in the UK. It is hard to find the brighter colours which I love.
4. Frog Tempting and knit some other short sleeved cute top. Any suggestions? It's a really nice pattern, and I've seen some great ones, but I've just gone off it(I did start it over 18 months ago), and I don't think the wide neck will suit me anyway.
5. When I finish these socks, try to knit some Jaywalkers out of the Lana Grosso yan I got, before Sock Wars starts.

Well, I'm going to stop blogging now and start knitting!

Who is my Cheap Ass SP?

2006-08-08T18:26:00.000+01:00

I got TWO packages from my SP - one was filled with patterns of cute toys (I particularly loved the elephant), felted bags and some nice felted flowers. The second package was quite possbly the heaviest package I've ever receieved in any SP round! It has so many great things in it.

More freebie patterns, freebie notepaper, kitchen utensils like melon ballers and scone/biscuit cutters, lots of wool yarn, a cute chook candle, crochet hooks, real Canadian maple syrup, a flying sheep, lovely stitch markers, and this egg masher that matches eggsactly (hee hee) the Christmas egg Whisk I got from The Boy's parents for Chrissie.

Here's a close up of the stitch markers. Thanks so much, they are the first I've ever got!

I've been really spoilt by my Cheap Ass Secret Pal, and I have no idea who they are. I'm pretty sure they are Canadian, despite the tricky first package that came from Oz. other clues (I think) are that they are married, lived in the UK previously, and maybe have cats (I'm pretty sure there were a few stray cat hairs in this last package!).

The Mystery of the Dropped Stitch

2006-08-01T08:59:00.000+01:00

I'm at home, on a Tuesday morning. It is 9am and I've already embarrassed myself. The Boy has ordered a new monitor (yay!) and we thought it might come this morning. That's not why I'm at home, but it would be lucky if it did. I'd planned my day - breakfast and a bit of the Knitty Coffeeshop, run out to the bead shop and to the library, be back for the most likely delivery time of 11am-1pm, and do some research on car hire and accommodation for our upcoming trip, go to the gym, then spend the afternoon reading, knitting and making stitch markers.

So the doorbell goes at a quarter to nine, all I am wearing is a gaping skimpy dressing gown. I buzz him in, put on some trackky pants and run down stairs, thinking he'll have left it at the door. No, he is waiting for me to sign. And it is Tony, the delivery guy at work, who I chat to every day. I had to hold my dressing gown closed as I signed. Even HE was embarrassed, he just said, "fancy seeing you", got me to sign and ran off! Then I turn around, pick up the package, and see our landlord, who I haven't seen since we moved here in November. He said hi and introduced himself, even though I knew exactly who he was. When we moved in, we were unemployed and had to get a guarantor, I hope he doesn't think I still sit at home all day!

I've made stitch markers! I've been wanting to do it for ages, but been putting it off for no good reason. Any way, a couple of weekends ago, I went to the bead shop, bought some beads, and worked out how to do it. It's really fun trying out different combinations, and is really quick, so a great craft.

I love the ones in the middle, cos the kanji is the same as the kanji Fukuoka, where we lived in Japan! It also apparently means happiness, which is why it is used on beads. These are just some of the stitch markers I made, but the others are more simple, but still pretty.

In knitting news, I was happily knitting my 2nd sock, getting close to starting the heel, when I noticed a dropped stitch. I've never ever not noticed a dropped stitch fairly soon after I dropped, and always manage to pick it up easily. But this one was halfway down, about 25 rows, I have no idea how I missed it. I tried to pick it up through all the rows, but I was making a real mess as the yarn kept slipping, so I ended up frogging it. How depressing. Made up the time though, because I went to London on the weekend to meet a friend, with a 3 hour coach trip each way.

Super-Douper Cheap Arse Secret Pal

2006-07-22T19:15:00.000+01:00

I had a missed parcel delivery card in the mail yesterday (Friday), so this morning I went and picked it up - it was a package from my Cheap Arse Secret Pal! And she certainly spoiled me.

The packages were all wrapped up in purple tissue paper, with cute little notes.

First I unwrapped the YARN that my Secret Pal set free from her stash. She suggested using the yarns for making animals, which is so cool, cos I have a great book - World of Knitted Toys by Kath Dalmeny, that I'd love to use more. And sock yarn - you can never have too much, even if you are still yet to finish a pair, right?

Then there was a cute freebie bag from Clinique that I can use for a notions bag, and a gorgeous card. The bag was filled with goodies.

There was also this, which I am very glad had a note explanation, as I would have never guessed what it was!

And this, which is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Thanks for the "pattern"!

I can not thank my SP enough, the thought that went into all the gifts and notes is amazing and I really appreciate it. I have no idea who it is, since the first parcel she sent came from Australia, and this one is from Canada. Hmmm, I will need to do some investigating!

The Wool Baa Haul

2006-07-16T20:42:00.000+01:00

Went to Sheffield for the weekend, and checked out the new Yarn Store that had just opened. It is actually my first time in a cool yarn store - I've been to Japanese yarn stores, Get Knitted's Open Days (which are absolutely amazing, but crowded and limited), and my LYS (which only really sells acrylics, and a small selection of Debbie Bliss). It's called The Wool Baa and the owner was very nice - obviously excited to have a yarn store, and had a good range of Noro, Colinette, and lots of other stuff. She also had lots of nice books and magazines. I leafed through Nicky Epstein's Fabulous Felted Bags, I loved it, especially the Fuschia bag, they are my favourite flowers. She also had lots of store copies of American magazines that I'd never even seen, like Spin Off and the Interweave Knit It.

Anyway, I decided to treat myself and bought some yarn. Even the bag was cool.

And here is my haul.

I got Lana Grossa Cotton Fantasy in two different colour ways, and some Bergere de France Coton Fifty, which is a cotton mix. I got the cotton in a bright red, and green, I plan to make a cute strawberry hat for my nerw step-niece that is due in August.

I bought more sock yarn to celebrate the fact that I have finished my first sock!

I'm not completely happy with the Kitchener Stitching, but I think I will fix it up when I finish the 2nd one, I can do both together. I've already started the 2nd one, done the ribbing cuff and am onto the leg.

Could it be an Almost Sock?

2006-07-11T12:25:00.000+01:00

The last few weeks have been a little crazy at work, but now things have calmed down. My glasses have made a BIG difference, I can now knit on small needles again! So I have picked up my sock and made some progress.

I will finish a sock! Then I will be onto the second one!

The knit bag I was making has stalled, as I don't think I have quite enough yarn to finish! I've knit both sides of the bag, but you then use an attached i-cord to seam them together, and there is also an i-cord handle. I think I could use black yarn to do that, but it's just a shame that I can't do it all in my beautiful yarn.

I finished the crochet bag, but I haven't done the lining, might try and do that today. I've got the day off to recover, and chill, and am enjoying myself greatly! Have sent off a package to my Cheap Ass SP, went to the library, and called my best friend and sister in Australia. I plan to spend the rest off the day with a little tidying, knitting, reading and eating!

I received a parcel from my Cheap Ass SP the other week (sorry about my tardy posting, SP!). It contained some yummy Australian Darrel Lea Licorice, my favourite! I gobbled it up in one day. There were also some cute beauty cream samples that I will save for a pampering day. Thanks SP!

I'm a Happy Hooker!

2006-06-04T16:52:00.000+01:00

I've finally worked out crochet. I'd been practising the single chain, and had that down okay, so thought I should try some new stitches. I decided to teach myself crochet in the same way I taught myself knitting - decide on a project and just teach myself each stitch or technique as it comes up. I used the beautiful blue bamboo yarn from Egeria. I am making the cute clutch In bloom from Debbie Stoller's Happy Hooker. And I got it! I understand what I'm doing, there is no stopping me now. Crocheting is also much easier on my eyes, so I am enjoying it at the moment.

And a close up of the stitch (which is a half-double crochet).

I also started a bag from the Knit'n Style February 2006 agazine Leon got me for my birthday. It's quite cute, using short rows to make a circular shape and will be felted, though I like the look of it unfelted so we'll see.

I'm using some Puppy yarn I bought in Japan, just waiting for the perfect project to use it in. The colours are so gorgeous, it is quite dark, but has beautiful, vivid colours throughout.

Spring, Eyes and Stash

2006-05-21T19:28:00.000+01:00

New interweave!

I just got the Spring issue of Interweave Knits. Yes, that's right I got the Spring issue AFTER the Summer issue. I'm so glad, because I actually preferred the look of some ofthe patterns from the Spring issue and was a little disappointed that I had missed out on it. Of course, all this is due to the amazingly sweet Roxy who fixed me up with a subscription. I absolutely love the Bobble Blue short sleeved cardigan on the front, and I think that I might actually purchase some yarn over the internet and knit it! I've been doing so many little projects, and at the moment have nothing to really sink my teeth into. Did I mention that I've put on hold (that means thrown to the bottom of my stash bin) the Bolero? It was turning out too small. The gauge is very hard to work out, as the yarn has very little stitch definition. I've also stalled on my socks. This is mostly due to some trouble I've been having with my eyes. I finally rang our IT guy at work to discuss my computer and workstation, and he thinks that my comnputer screen was too far away, so each time I looked up from the keyboard, I had to refocus, leading to eye strain, So that might be the problem. My eyes aren't having any problems focusing for long OR short distances, but by the end of the day, the muscles (are they muscles? Well, whatever it is) is really aching, and makes it hard to knit, especially something like socks on suck small needles. So I have moved my screen, and hopefully this will solve the problem and I can avoid a visit to the optomitrist.

Still trying to work out what to do with yarn i got from my very generous Cash Free SP Egeria. As I said before, I wanted to do the Booga Bag, but i have been doing some research and it doesn't felt as well as Kureyon. And I don't really wnat towaste silk by felting it, come to think of it. So next I considered Knitty's Clapotis, and although may people have made gorgeous mini ones out of 3 skeins of Silk Garden, I might want to make a full sized version. So I am still thinking - maybe some type of shawl, or a bag that doesn't require felting? The bamboo yarn is also still being thought about, researched and played with. Sometimes I think I like doing all that more than knitting!

Yarn Haul

2006-05-16T20:58:00.000+01:00

I finally got my package from Egeria, my Cash Free SP! It was delivered on Thursday, but since I actually work during business hours, I had to reschedule to get it delivered on Sat morn. Patiently waiting inside that morning, The Boy went downstairs at noon to discover another missed parcel card. Our bell wasn't working!! So I rescheduled again to have it delivered to our post office so I could pick it up after work. And I got it today, Tuesday.

It was wrapped in purple tissue paper with silver and purple bows, and tied up with yarn.

I unwrapped the packages to find some Noro Silk garden in a gorgeous colourway. The photos don't even show all the beautiful colours.

This is the exact colourway that I was drooling over when I went to the John Lewis at Cribbs a few weeks ago. I (not so) secretly have always wanted a Booga Bag, especially when I saw how well the one I made for a gift turned out. So I think that this yarn will go straight to that!

In the other package was some Katia Bamboo, in a pretty pale blue colour. It is a bamboo/cotton blend, I'm not sure what to do with it, but it is really nice, I cant wait to knit some up and see what it looks like.

Tomorrow is the Stitch and Bitch, I'm looking forward to going since I missed the last two, what with mum here and being busy. I might cast on a new Booga Bag.

No knitting at all!

2006-05-11T20:16:00.000+01:00

I haven't been knitting much at all - but I had a great time with my mum here. It was really good to spend some time with her, now she has gone to Italy, and will go back to Oz from there. While she was here, we went to Hay-on -Wye, which was great - heaps of 2nd hand book stores in gorgeous scenery.

We also went to Bath, we saw the Roman Baths and also visited the Museum of Costume, which was really interesting.

I didn't get to Get Knitted, and I read on their website that they won't have their open days over summer. That's a bit annoying, but oh well.

In SP news - I got a card from my SP Egeria, and today missed a parcel that I'm pretty sure is from her. I can't wait!! Thanks so much.

I also received a Interweave knits magazine from HarajukuRoxy. It was kinda for a swap from ages ago (I sent her some green tea Kit Kats and other assorted goodies from Japan) but she went above and beyond in getting me a subscription to a magazine that is quite hard to find in the UK. Thanks so much Roxy, you are the sweetest.

Booga, booga, booga - finished!

2006-04-16T19:45:00.000+01:00

Well, we had a lovely day visiting a castle. We walked there (about an hour), walked around the estate, had a picnic, and then walked home again. My legs are so tired!

But, when I got home, the Booga Bag was dry! I attached the straps, which by the way, was more difficult than I thought, and it was done.

I like how it's turned out, am trying to decide whether I should make my mum one in autumn colours for her birthday. It would have to be quick though - I would buy the yarn (Noro Kureyon again, I loved working with it) on Get Knitted's open day.

Okay just looked at dates, I wouldn't be able to, because she arrives on the 3rd of May, and Get Knitted are open on the 5th. She's only here for a week, visiting from Australia, before she goes onto Italy, lucky thing. I guess I could actually order the yarn - I've never done that before though.

Booga, booga, booga

2006-04-15T20:04:00.000+01:00

The Booga bag is now blocking! The strap did take ages, but all in all, the Booga Bag was a pretty quick knit. I went to the Stitch n' bitch again, and worked on the strap for a good two hours, and then finished it off at home one day last week.

Today I felted it in our front loader, on the 95 degrees cycle, with a pair of jeans and a sqiurt of dish washing liquid. It had felted perfectly by the end. Although, the strap had tangled up on itself a bit and there is a section that has been stretched and is quite thin.

I've stretched it over a shoe box, and it it is now blocking.

The colours are closest to the blocking photo. I really didn't like the pinky orange colour, it seemed to really stand out pre-felting, but afterwards, it seemd to tone in better with the other colours, so I'm glad about that. Here's some close-ups ofthe stitches before and after felting.

In other knitting news, I've been working on my bolero. The problem was, the pattern for the front piece was quite demanding (you know the kind of thing: increase 1 on neck side every other row, at the same time, decrease by 1 on every 6th row) and it is hard to see stitches in the yarn I am using. So every time I put it down, I wouldn't be able to work out where I was and I'd have to start again! So this time, I've kept a tally of every row, which has helped so much.

Flash Your Stash!

2006-04-01T19:54:00.000+01:00

Okay, the main reason I decided to sign up for Flash Your Stash was so I could go through my stash and sort it out a bit. And then I didn't. So here is my stash, dumped on the living room floor from the plastic tub it lives in.

The plastic bags in the back contain WIPs with their extra yarn. As you can see, my stash isn't huge, but I would like to stash bust a little, and add some new yarns as well!

On Wednesday, I went to my first Stitch and Bitch. I was a little nervous, but everyone there was really nice, and I had lots of fun. I worked on my Booga bag, and nearly completed it in the three hours I was there. Just the I-cord to go. It was great to meet people who I could talk about knitting to. When I said I was knitting the Booga bag, they automatically said "So, you are going to felt it?"! They actually knew what I was talking about. I plan on going every fortnight, which is how often the meetings are held.

I've been really busy at work, so a little tired to knit when I get home, but from next week it should calm down a bit.

Technical Difficulties

2006-03-12T12:15:00.000Z

Sorry if you are looking at my blog, it's a bit of a mess cos I'm playing with my template.

New Beginnings

2006-03-11T11:19:00.000Z

I've been listening to podcasts more and more, and been really enjoying it. I actually have been thinking of starting my own. But there are a few problems with this.

I don't have much disposable income at the moment and if I do it, I would want to do it properly.
Recently I have been getting stressed about the few things I have to do, adding something else onto the list probably wouldn't be a good idea. I know it would require a lot of time.
I am worried that I would be REALLY boring or crap or stupid or something.

Then I realised, this blog is pretty half-hearted. I read some really good blogs, and mine is nothing like them! I think I should spend some more time on this blog, making it better, more regular posts, and interesting things. So this weekend I might work on that.

Last weekend we had a knitwear disaster. We caught a taxi home (which we never do) after meeting friends for a few drinks. I left my mitten and The Boy left his cabled hat in the back of the cab. And yes, I was just wearing one mitten, I hadn't finsihed the other yet, okay? So I knit The Boy a new hat, which is still pretty essential.

I started using yarn left over from my first ever real project, a hat for The Boy, way back in late 2004. It is an alpaca blend, but I can't find the label at the moment. But then I realised I wouldn't have enough to finsih the hat, so I used some 100% wool that I had left over from when I made a Cabana Boy for Yorkie, in SP3. The colours actually go really well with his coat.

I have made a few knitting purchases recently. I went to the Get Knitted open Day and bought some Noro Kureyon, and some Opal yarn.

The Noro is to make the Booga Bag. I'm quite excited because I've never used Kureyon and have wanted to make the Booga Bag for ages. I'm amking it for The Boy's sister who is turning 21 in April.

The Opal is from the rainforest range that I drooled over before. I got the tiger yarn to make socks for The Boy. I also bought sock-sized Addis so that I can use magic loop to amke socks, and hopefully finally complete a pair!

The last thing I bought was a crochet hook because I ordered the Debbie Stoller's new book The Happy Hooker. I've been trying to do some stitches and it's quite fun. I really like some of the patterns in the book too, especially the bags!

Picture of a House (or Cathedral)

2006-02-19T18:39:00.000Z

On Friday, I took a day off. I relaxed a bit, watched some Winter Olympics on the internet, and did some more of The Boy's pirate mittens. Here is a progress shot.

Yesterday The Boy's parents came down to visit and took us for a drive. First we went to Cheddar, through the gorgeous Cheddar Gorge. We visited the Cheddar Gorge Cheese company, saw how cheese was made there, tasted a selection of cheeses and pickles, and then, inevitably, bought some cheese.

We drove onto Wells, had a pub lunch (I had baked vegetables topped with cheese, mmmm) and then went to look at the amazing cathedral. It was pretty impressive.

Today we stayed in, it was a great day to stay inside and knit, horrible and rainy outside. I spent some time downloading new podcasts, and then listening to them while I finished my mitten. I think I mentioned it before, I knit it out of my Holiday SP Nederlass's gift. I first knit one using the SnB flip top mitten pattern, modifying it so that it wasn't a flip top. But I just wasn't happy with the finished object. So I started again using a pattern out of a book I got for Christmas, Holiday Knits. It is knit on MUCH smaller needles, making the fabric denser, and looking a lot neater.

Okay, now just have to do the next one...

The Morning After

2006-02-12T12:25:00.000Z

Yesterday I had a lovely afternoon, knitting my bolero, and listening to podcasts. I really love Brenda Daynes Cast On, I now download and listen to it every weekend and knit to it. I've also caught up on all the previous episodes. I also like Knit Cast.

The Pirate mittens aren't going too well, although I am happy with the quality of the work I've done so far, and am finding it a really fun knit, the quantity isn't up to what it needs to be. we don't have a printer, so I have to knit following the charts on the computer. Actually I'm also following the bolero off the computer, but that isn't as bad, as I can write down a few instructions at a time. As the computer is our main source of entertainment (we don't have a TV), I don't like tying it up for longer than I already do. Oh well. I might do some this afternoon. Though, we went out last night, for the biggest night we have ever had in Bristol, and I am feeling a tiny bit worse for wear...

I am doing the Cash Free SP and it is heaps of fun. I've received a few links from my SP, and a yummy recipe. I'm trying to think of things I can do for my SP, it is a little more difficult than I thought!

I saw this amazing sock yarn from Opal, Rainforest and I really want the fish one for me and the tiger one for The Boy. They are so cool. I am tempted to make my first yarn internet purchase. The problem is, I promised myself I wouldn't buy any more sock yarn until I had finished one pair of socks. I have enough sock yarn to make 5 pairs at the moment. I could really work on the latest ones. But I also want some addis, I've been using the magic loop for the mittens, and I am finding it easy and fast. Trying to justify buying addis as well, since then I'll be able to have 2-3 socks on the needles at the same time, which would be better, right? I don't have any WIP shots, but I'll post some yarn pR0n instead.

A Morning in Market Basing

2006-02-05T12:29:00.000Z

I haven't been back to Get Knitted since the UKnitty group went in November, on the weekend I moved in. But I thought it was high time I should check it out again.

I am doing a stash reduction thingy- where I am trying to find projects for all my stash (mostly odd balls) and that has been working well. But I really wanted to make a proper project like a sweater. However, lack of money means I can't really afford to make the sweater I am dreaming of - Rowan's Pam.

But I did find ggh Relax on sale, and bought some for the Lion Brand Bolero I've been looking at for a while, think it will be perfect for Spring. The colour is a deep bluey teal, and the yarn is so soft! It has 10% alpaca too, which is my favourite fibre.

I also bought some alpaca to make Pirate Mittens for The Boy for Valentines Day. I was originally thinking of the hat, but he needs mittens more than another hat. I just hope that I can get the mittens done in time.

The last thing I bought was some Addis to make the mittens/hat. I've never used them before, though I have experimented with the Magic Loop, so I am really excited about that.

I didn't do much knitting last week - I had a bad cold, and my job wasn't very fun, so when I came home, I didn't feel like socks or my mittens, which are the main things on the needles. I've now cast on for the Bolero, and will spend this afternoon doing some of that, my mittens, and maybe starting The Boy's mittens.

Ooh, last weekend I bought a big platic container to keep all my knitting stuff in. I've just been keeping it in various bags around the apartment, but now it is all together and (sort of) tidy. The next thing I want to do is sew up some simple bags to keep WIPs in, instead of keeping them in plastic bags. I just have to find some nice material, I think I'll have to go to The Mall (where I've never been) to get some.

This amused me.

Gathering Threads

2006-01-08T21:02:00.000Z

I've been happily working on my third pair of unfinished socks. I am pretty sure that I will finish this sock, and hopefully, its partner. I really love the colourway, it is the yarn that Nederlass sent me (she did so well!), and it is inspiring me to continue. I've turned the heel, and am just shaping the gusset.

Today I started a pair of mittens to match my bobble hat. I finished one, and hopefully will start the other tomorrow. I'm not entirely happy - I used a pattern from SnB nation, but changed it a bit to convert it from flip tops. It doesn't fit as well as I'd like. But I know what to do now, I might do the other the same, and then knit another pair with my new mitten fitting knowledge!

I want to make some of that yarn pr0n that I've been seeing, is a good excuse to really learn how to use my camera, I've never even looked at the manual. Actually it mighht all be in Japanese... Oh well, that's what Google's for.

Twiggy Bobble Hat

2006-01-04T13:25:00.000Z

Another finished project which is neither on my Currently Knitting List or my knitting Wish List on my sidebar. Oops! Well, I saw it in the new Spun, and thought it was a perfect project for the yarn I recently received from my SP Nederlass. The colours are so gorgeous, and I think it is a cute hat. A really quick knit, I did nearly all in one night, and only had two decreases to go, but was tired and went to bed. I finished it the next morning and wore it that day. I still have over a skein left, so I might make matching mittens. It also goes well with my Branching Out, which is currently blocking on the floor!

Had a lovely Christmas, we went back to The Boys family, and it was really nice. I got lots of cool things too, including some knitting books, I'm really spoilt. But it's nice to be back home! We also had a nice New Years Eve, had a few people over, had a good night.

Holiday SP!!

2005-12-21T14:44:00.000Z

Holiday SP!!
Originally uploaded by GenkiLove.

Wow, I got my parcel from my fantastic SP Nederlass!

It's got heaps of great things in it!
2 Regia sock yarns in the most amazing colours, they are so me!

And some gorgeous wool, 2 skeins, in gorgeous blues and greens. Already trying to work out what I want to make with it!

Some yummy chocolate and coffee (apparently Nederlass's favourite!)The Boy is opening the chocolate right now!
Mmmm, it's good!

A face mask - anti stress peel off, perfect! I love those peel off ones, so much fun!

Some bamboo DPNs, for socks, I don't have any small DPNs in bamboo, so that's great.

And a cute tube of lip gloss!

And finally, a lovely card with a cute furry creature.

Thanks so much, my super SP, Nederlass

Busy Bee

2005-11-28T19:56:00.000Z

Well, I started working this week, so I think that will dramatically impact on my knitting! I started the Hurry Up Spring Armwarmers from the SnB Nation in a yarn from Japan, going well so far. was quite poleased with myself, because I was having trouble, worked out it wasn't me, and found that it had a mistake in the directions. Of course, if I was a REALLY good knitter, I would have checked for instructions before I started, but I'm happy that I knew it wasn't me.

Also got two pairs of socks on the go. I started the Whitby Sock from Nancy Bush's Socks for Travellers, got a bit tired, and started with the free pattern that comes with the Opal yarn I bought at the Get Knitted Meet up. I have this problem with small needles, in that if I am the slightest bit tired, I keep imagining them poking my eyes. It happens with any pointy thing I look at, really wierd, but stops me from doing socks on small DPNs at night.

By the way, I saw Lorna Laces Lion and Lamb at Get Knitted. It comes in the most beautiful colours, and feels so amazing. Then I found out that Knitty's Clapotis is knitted with it, a pattern I've really wanted to try. I guess this is my dream project at the moment.

And another Branching Out

2005-11-21T21:32:00.000Z

As I've been updating this blog today, I've also completely changed the template and messed around with the banner, etc. So the sidebar is still woefully out of date. As you can see, Branching out is on my wishlist, but it is in actuality now an unblocked FO. I was impressed how quickly I completed it, I started the day after the UKnitty meet in Bristol (which was heaps of fun, by the way) and finished it 10 days later. It still needs blocking, which I'm trying to work out how to do.

The yarn is bluer than the pic shows, it is such a beautiful, vibrant, aqua/turquoise colour. The yarn is quite unusual, it was on sale in Australia. It is Lang Yarns Aria, 70% Acrylic, 30% new wool, and its kinda ropey, like it is woven. I wasn't sure how it would go with lace, but I like how it looks.

Other pojects that need to be added to the sidebar as WIPs are:
my first pair of socks
a lace and stockinette mohair scarf
Skull Mini tote that is post felted but still needs some adjusting
Tempting (STILL)

One wombat wombeling

2005-11-21T20:21:00.000Z

I knit this little toy wombat for my boy's mum's birthday. The pattern was from World of Knitted Toys by Kath Delmeny. The day before the birthday he escaped into the garden, and got up to lots of trouble...

B(ack)logging

2005-11-21T20:07:00.000Z

Another thing I made while I was in Australia was this cute bag. No pattern, I just knit on circs till it was the size I wanted, then made the strap handles out of I-cord. My mum found some brooches for me (some of which I use to fasten my One Button Cardigan) and I used a sparkley diamonte one to glam up the bag. I lined it with a pink paisley fabric, and I really love the result. This bag is the perfect size for my everyday things.

And here is a couple of photos of my Cabled Newsboy Hat from Stitch and Bitch Nation that I blogged about a while ago. I finished it in Japan, but didn't take any photos of it. Posing is my very "cool" brother who surprisingly really liked it and wanted me to knit one for him. I would, except I know that I would make it, send it to him, and he would say "I won't wear this!". I absolutely love this hat, wear it all time, and it is so warm. I'm tempted to make another in a different colour.

Dr. Zhivago

2005-11-21T13:14:00.000Z

After I finished the One button Cardigan, I started the Lace Shrug. I looked through pattern leaflets to find the shrug I wanted, and this was closest to what I wanted. The lace was fun to do, and the yarn was nice, it feels very soft. This was a really easy project, and although I don't wear it that often, I think it will be useful in Spring.

Yarn: Paton Zhivago, 50% tencel, 50% acrylic
Pattern: Paton Zhivago 1235 leaflet
The colour is the bright purple of the first pic, the second is a close up of the lace pattern, it looks quite different when stretched out.

Updating my blog with FOs!

2005-11-21T12:39:00.000Z

Finally we have our computer up and running! Which means I can update my blog with all the FOs I've got.

I'll start with the cardigan I knit from Knit One magazine. This was the first sweater I did, and I was pretty pleased with it. I used the recommended yarn, even though it didn't seem to be too popular, I got it in a swap on the knitty board.

The pattern was pretty easy, except that it just said "attach sleeves" with no other instructions. Since I was inm Australia, and all my reference books were in transit between Japan and England, this was quite annoying. But I worked it out and my seaming turned out pretty neat. The shoulders don't fit very well, they tend to slide off, and it's a bit short, but other than that, I like it. It is really warm, and as long as I wear a long top underneath, it is fine. The colours aren't claer on the monitor, the colour way is blues, purples, greens and greys, but mostly blue.

One Button Cardigan

Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun, 98% acrylic, 2% polyester
Pattern: Knit 1 magazine, Spring/Summer 2005

la, la, la,

2005-11-01T14:09:00.000Z

Well, tomorrow we are moving AGAIN! I've been staying with my boyfriend's parents since I moved to England in September, but we are moving to our new place tomorrow, and I am so excited.

I have photos of a few FOs and heaps of knitting stuff to post, the blog is woefully out of date, as regards to the status bars and wish lists, but I am doing the best I can with the limited computer resources I have! Once we have moved and got settled, hopefully I will be able to keep this blog up to date.

I'm in the Knitty Holiday SP which is exciting, looking forward to sending and recieving!

Knitting and Reading

2005-07-21T02:01:00.000+01:00

I haven't been using the computer very much, I'm staying at Mum's and they don't have broadband. I know, I know, it's shocking! So I tend to avoid using the computer because:
1. It's REALLY slow
2. It ties up the ONE phoneline shared amoung 5 people.
3. The mouse is also crap and frustrates me no end.
4. I feel guilty sitting in a little room by myself, when I should be spending time with people I potentially may not see for at least another year, if not two.
5. And it's REALLY slow.

So my blog is behind, I've hardy read Knitty (and haven't posted in ages), and do not check my emails enough, especially the ones from my gorgeous boy.

But I have done a lot of knitting. And reading. And drinking coffee. And sorting out boxes. So that's good.

The one-button cardigan that I am currently working on (I know it hasn't got a progress bar, that really needs updating, but that is one thing I realy can't get motivated to do on this SLOW machine) is going really well, with no trouble so far. I've done the back, the two fronts, one arm, and am 3/ through the second arm. After that I just need to seam it together, then pick up 270 stitches, do a few rows of ribbing and it's done! But I think this is the tricky part so...

Back in Oz

2005-07-05T01:52:00.000+01:00

Lots of things have been happening in the last couple of weeks. Went to Tokyo for a weekend with the Boy, then finished my packing and left Japan! The flight was average, and the 8 hours in Korea wasn't too bad, as I distracted myself by reading and looking in the duty free shops.

Oh, and in Tokyo I bought my very own digital camera, so I can keep up with my blog in Australia. And of course take photos of family and friends!

It's definately good to be back home and see everyone, but I miss the Boy so much. he is staying in Japan for a another month, then heading straight to his home in England.

On the knitting side of things, I have started the one button cardigan from Knit1 magazine(on the cover), with yarn that I got from one of the Knitty girls in a swap. It's going fairly fast as the yarn is quite bulky, I've finished about 3/4 of the back.

Lelah finished!

2005-06-24T15:59:00.000+01:00

Here is Lelah in all her post-blocking glory. Don't mind the bunching on the side, that's just cos I didn't pull the ribbon through evenly. And I won't mention the hair. I must admit, I am happy with the way lelah turned out, even without straps (see previous post!). I don't think I could wear it in Japan without a cardigan or shrug, or something, I feel a little naked. And I don't really have anything in my wardrobe that is light enough... But when I arrive in Sydney, it will be cold, and I can wear it with my denim jacket.

And here is a close up of the ribbon, they are little purple roses. The colour isn't very good on this picture, the first one is much more accurate.

Well, off to Tokyo tomorrow morning, how exciting!

C'mon, c'mon

2005-06-23T08:29:00.000+01:00

I really should be packing and tidying, I leave Japan in less than a week.

But instead I've been getting frustrated with Lelah, knitting a hat when procrastinating from lelah, then finishing Lelah in procrastinating from everything else I should be doing.

My problem with Lelah is that I didn't want it to be sleeveless, I wanted two straps. One of the girls on Craftster had done it, and gave instructions, so I thought I could do it too.

These were the problems:
1. The strap is in Stockinette, so kept curling.
2. I had put the two straps too far apart.
3. I tried to remedy this by moving one closer by frogging and binding off in different places.
4. They were still too far apart.
5. And they looked bad because of the curling.

So I left it for a few days. I knit this hat one night last week in Noro something (can't remember what, but I bought it at my LYS on sale, such beautiful colours!).

And then today, my second day of freedom, while reading blogs, I was inspired to just screw the straps, frog them, and make it a strapless top. And now it is blocking!

Actually, it is my first time to block, so I hope it's okay.

I have got a few things done today off my list, so that's good. And now I need to start a new project...

And I'll leave you a picture of me with some workmates from my leaving do. What a night of drunken debauchery that was!

BKH Aki, Suzuka, Tomatoro and Natsu

2005-06-18T05:05:00.000+01:00

BKH Aki, Suzuka, Tomatoro and Natsu
Originally uploaded by GenkiLove.

Aren't they cute?

Just a quick post, but I had to show this photo of some of my bigger kids. I teach kids from 2-6 year olds, but mostly 2-4. These are some of my 4 year olds, except the little boy, Tomatoro, Natsu's brother, who is 2.

I'm really gonna miss the kids, especially as I don't think I'm going to teach again.

It's been a great experience, but a tough one, and I've learned a lot.

I've been really busy getting ready to go, and haven't even had time to knit. I hope I can finish Lelah this weekend, I've finished the body and just want to make some straps.

Hopefully I'll get some packing done, and tonight I am going to work farewell party. We are going to an Izakaya (drinking and eating place) with lots of yumy japanese food and all you can eat and drink! Then we'll probably go to karaoke. I get to wear a yukata (like a kimono, it's lighter and less formal), I'm so excited. I'll post some photos of us all wearing them, should be great.

2005-06-12T07:55:00.000+01:00

I've been working on my Lelah during the week, and am now up to the plain stockinette at the top. I told the Boy I was nearly finished and he said "Oh, so are you starting something new, cos it's too boring?"

To be honest, it is boring just doing the stockinette on circulars, but there's not too much, and I really want to finish it! Yesterday I bought some gorgeous ribbon to use as the tie. It was a little expensive, but it was worth it, I really like it and think it will look really nice.

I sent out some RAK (mostly postcards, but a few packages) to people on the Knitty Board, it's been really nice to see the thankyous. But I am frustrated, I sent my Secret Pal (not so secret, it's Yorkshire Gal) over a week before I sent the RAKs, and she still hasn't got it. I spent a lot of time and thought on it, so I'm kinda annoyed it is taking so long. But I guess I should just be patient.

I'm really excited about returning home, mum rang this week and gave me some good news: I got a big tax refund! I'm really glad, cos I don't want to be stressing about money, I am taking 2 months off to relax and spend time with people, and I don't want to be worrying that I won't have enough money to join the Boy in England.

Starting to stress a little, but I shouldn't. Even if I don't get much done before I finish work, I have a week before I leave to pack, close bank accounts, etc.

I really want to make a shrug, but can't decide on a pattern. I think I want short or 3/4 sleeves, and fairly plain, but some kind of feature that makes it interesting and fun to knit (lace, cables or something new). Might try and decide soon so I can make it my plane knit. If I can't knit on the plane, I'll be sad. It is a 12 hour flight, with a 8 hour stopover (which I'll spend in the airport!) in Korea. I know I won't sleep much, I'll be too excited, nervous and upset. Anyway, I'll do some investigating, I know Knitty has a thread on knitting on planes.

lelah progress

2005-06-05T10:06:00.000+01:00

lelah progress
Originally uploaded by GenkiLove.

This is my progress on lelah, I'm really enjoying it. The colour is a bit deeper than the picture shows, and the yarn is really nice, a Japanese yarn called Refine by Nikke Victor Yarn, 100% wool.

I've been knitting that, and have also changed my Knit the Classics project. I was going to do Branching Out, but have no real purpose for it at the moment, and it would take time away from lelah. So I've decided to make a hairband/small headscarf thing with a lace pattern from the Diamond Bookmark. Converting the pattern to have points at both ends is challenging, but fun, and I think I can do it! I'm using some Rowan Kid Classic that my SP from round 3 (glittergirl) sent me.

I still intend to do the Branching Out scarf, I have abeautiful yarn that would be perfect, but I'll wait till I finish Lelah.

Package, yay!

2005-06-04T02:20:00.000+01:00

My package arrived from Amazon this morning (well, actually just now!). I came home last night from work to see that I had a failed delivery notice. This is a bit annoying, because I had to ring someone and have a conversation with them. But due to my amazingly fluent Japanese :) I could tell her my name, address and that I wanted the package to be delivered tomorrow morning. Which is now!

I've tried not to buy many books this year, since I already have a lot, and they are all sitting in boxes in Australia, it makes me sad. And they are so heavy and expensive to ship. And I don't know whether to take them to England, or whether to leave them all in ASustralia for my eventual return.

But since I joined the Knit the Classics Knitalong I needed to order Middlemarch by George Eliot. But that didn't make the minimum amount for free shipping, so I also ordered Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde, which I have wanted for AGES. And then, because I was making an order anyway, I ordered Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Without Tears. So I am very excited!

I have this whole weekend off. As usual there are hundreds of things I want to do. At least I don't have to worry about the gym anymore, I cancelled my membership, cos I won't be in Japan for the whole month, and knew I would be too busy in my last month to make it worth while. I'm going dancing tonight, hopefully that will burn off a few calories.

Riku, Riku

2005-06-03T12:13:00.000+01:00

cable hat
Originally uploaded by GenkiLove.

This is the hat I made for Dad. It's almost the same as the one I made for Leon, except a different clour in the yarn, and one cable repeat shorter.

I'm really liking Lelah, which I started on Sunday night. It is my first time to do lace, and is so much fun. I'm neglecting poor Tempting, but I was just so bored of the 2X2 rib. Lace is so interesting, I can slowly see the pattern unfold, it's exciting! I'll post some progress shots this weekend.

I'm trying not to impose deadlines on my knitting, it is my hobby to relax, not something lese to stress about... but I would really like to finish it so I can wear it out on my farewell party night. Not that I've arranged that either!

Today I had an envelope stuck on my locker with my name on it. Inside was a couple of photos of me with Riku, one of the kids from my nursery, at our field trip. His mum had written a really sweet note (in English!) about how she appreciated my helping Riku, that he really loved me, and she hoped I would stay at our nursery for a long time. I feel kind of bad, cos it's only 3 weeks till I leave. But we are going to inform the parents (and children, I guess) from Monday. Anyway, it was really sweet (especially since Riku is one of my favourites, sssh!) and it re-inforced how much I will miss the kids.

Home Alone...

2005-05-29T12:06:00.000+01:00

Well, the boy went to Okinawa with some friends for a long weekend, leaving me alone to explore a new yarn shop! I won't go into how jealous I am that he has gone to Okinawa (tropical beaches, drinking, three days off...) so I'll write about my exciting weekend.

We have had a new girl start at work, it's great to have another native English speaker and we arranged to go out on Saturday night. I had a long day, our nursery had a field trip, and I led songs and stories on the 50 minute bus ride, then taught 3 classes outdoors back to back with each class having around 20 2-3 year olds. But after that we were free to walk around MoMo Land and look at the cows, sheep and pigs. The kids were really cute and excited to see the animals.

After we finished, we went to Starbucks, and met two Japanese girls that we work with. We had coffee and a chat and then... PURI KURA!! You know, those crazy photo booths where you can add writing and pictures afterwards. Anyway, we decided to be a bit silly, and made use of the FREE costume rental. I had always wanted to try this but didn't realise they were complimentary!!

Well, the costumes all have a very sexual element to them, and are Japnese sizes, so it was a very interesting experience. First I dressed up as a Japanese school girl, then as a slutty maid. I wore a corset and as it was so small, my boobs were pooping out everywhere! It was so fun and we took some very funny pictures. After that we had Thai for dinner (I love Thai food, and didn't know of this restaurant) and then went to a bar for a couple of drinks.

Today I slept in and then went to a new yarn shop that a co-worker had told me about. It was quite big, and had lots of yarns that I hadn't seen before. I spent two hours in that, and in another one across the road. I bought some yarn to make Lelah (Craftster), so I might start that tonight.

One of the things I was going to do while my boy was away was update my blog with my FOs (Step-mothers scarf, Dad's cable hat, and my newsboy cap) but of course he took his digital camera with him! Duh! Anyway, I'll do it later.

How well did I do?

2005-05-17T11:29:00.000+01:00

Well, I finished Dad's hat, wrapped it, and posted it off with a scarf I made for my step-mother. I got most of the packages ready. Finished the postcards. I went into Tenjin and bought my brother a cool T-shirt. And I finished my newsboy cap!

But I didn't tidy, go to the gym, or start thinking about all the other things I had to do...

Thinking about what to have for dinner is one of the hardest things ever! We spend so much time trying to work out what we'll have. Of course, we are one of those couples that always "don't mind, it's up to you" and neither of us will make a decision. I'm very lucky that Leon is very willing to grocery shop and cook, so it doesn't always fall to me.

Our options are limited since we don't have an oven, just a tiny gas range with two burners and a fish grill. And many of things I would cook require ingredients that are hard to find/very expensive here...

I can't wait to have a real supermarket and a real kitchen, but to be honest, I think the decision will be even harder.

Sunday...

2005-05-15T02:39:00.000+01:00

Well, I worked yesterday, so I have off today and Monday. I have a bit planned.

I want to:

Finish Dad's hat
Get all the packages ready
Write some postcards
Tidy up a bit
Go to the gym
Buy my Brother's birthday present
Start thinking about all I have to do before leaving Japan
Finish my newsboy cap

Hmm, hope I can do most of this! I've been working out my blog, I'm trying to make it look cooler, and I have actually managed to add some things in the sidebar. I'm not really happy with the template though, so I'll keep looking at that.

Mum's scarf

2005-05-14T13:49:00.000+01:00

Mum's scarf
Originally uploaded by GenkiLove.

This is a scarf I made for my mother's birthday at the end of April. I hope I can get a picture of her wearing it.

Pattern: Drop Stitch Scarf from SnB Nation

Yarn: Roberta di Camerino Regina. Wool 56%, Acrylic 39%, nylon 5%.

Leon's Hat

2005-05-14T12:42:00.000+01:00

Leon's Hat
Originally uploaded by GenkiLove.

Pattern: Cable Hat from S'nB Nation

Yarn: Richmore Big Stame, Wool 70% (Merino 71%, Alpaca 29%) Acrylic 30%.

Needles: JPN Size 13 Bamboo circular

I made a hat for my boyfriend at the beginning of winter. It was the first time I did cables, and they were so much fun! I couldn't believe that I was creating them by myself.

1st Photo from 1st Project...

2005-05-14T12:29:00.000+01:00

knit bag
Originally uploaded by GenkiLove.

This was my first finished object, besides scarves.

Pattern: Loosely based on the Chinese Charm bag from Stitch 'n Bitch

Yarn: Puppy BrandMaurice Knittiing (sic) Yarn, 100% wool

Needles: JPN size 13 bamboo circular

This was my first attempt with circular needles. Basically I just cast on till there were enough stitches and then cast off when it was long enough. I lined it with some nice Japanese fabric that I found in the off-cut bin, and used some cute bamboo handles to finish it off.

Woohooo

2005-05-14T11:59:00.000+01:00

This is my blog!