Dodoknitz!! - Beautiful yarns, hand dyed with love..

Please visit http://dodoknitzofficial.blogspot.com/ to see my range of hand dyed yarns, dyed to order.

I also offer a Bespoke Dyeing Service, details available.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

I had a lightbulb moment!

I’ve been trying to keep track of all my yarn (no mean task) so have bought a large address book to store all the details in. The yarn is now in alphabetical Order (obviously) with yardage/weight, what it’s destined to be and, most importantly, where it is hidden.

Completed items 2008!

Diamond Modular Scarf
Illusion Scarf
Fingerless mitts for Clare
Doll's cardigan
Baby Alligator Scarf for Megan
Dark mark Scarf
Ninepatch dishcloth (christmas gift)
Cubed Dishcloth (christmas gift)
Sunny Leaves (CHRISTMAS GIFT)
Round Petal washcloth (Christmas gift)
Petal Power dishcloth (Christmas gift)
Along the Boulevard Scarf for Ryan's girlfriend, Steph
Fingerless Gloves for Sophie
Woven Pastel Glitter Wrap for Auntie Molly
Handmaiden Angel Rumple scarf for Auntie Ann
Rib Scarf for Ryan
Diamonds and Pearls in Ensemble
Chameleon Colourworks Evolution Argosy
Faux Argosy dish/face cloth
Mini Clappy for Hayley
Blue Star dish/face cloth
Kimono of Many Colours
Booga Bag#2
Diamonds in the Diagonal Scarf
Handmaiden Bias Shawl in Nova Scotia
Exploring Spirals
Booga Bag#1
Star Shawl
Mannequin
Red Lucy Bag
Henny Hen
Purple Passion - Noni Three Confections Bag
Pisa/Prima Woven Scarf
Flower Show Bag
Argosy Wrap in Silk Garden
Polygon Bag
Market Squares
Lucy Bag
Shrug
Domino (Fandango) Bag
Baby Cardi
Sweater for a Loo Roll!
Aurora Wrap
Indigo Moon Argosy
Silk Garden Clappy
Sunburst Sling Bag
Megan's Coat of Many Colours
Fleece Artist Soft Wrap Kit
Clappy scarf
Criss-cross scarf
Lady Eleanor
Hearts & Flowers Bag Knitted Knitting Needle Bag
Hipknits Silk Aran Clapotis
Hex Bag
Garter Stitch Squares Scarf
Felted mittens or oven gloves.

I think .....

.... I may have to let my Lion & Lamb clappy have a bit of a rest! It seems to be taking ages and I'm itching to start a felted bag. Y'know that itch - it won't go away until you've actually done something about it!

I also want to make inroads into my rather large stash - dad bought us a new tank for the Axylotls and I had to move the pine box/basket set up I had my yarn in. When I transferred it into new 'hiding' places, I realised just how much yarn I've got so now I want to decrease it a bit!

I also need to get my share of a group knitalong done (have had to order the right size needle) and sent off by next friday!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Yarny Christmas!







I had FIVE different yarns for christmas! In order of photos they were - Schopper-Wolle Admiral Bamboo Silk, Schopper-Wolle Crazy Zauberball, Debbie Bliss Pure Silk (have order two more skeins to make a mini clappy), hand-dyed 4ply Superwash and
EasyKnits BFL fingering, I do consider myself lucky to say the least!

I got my blocking wires, two project bags and a needle gauge pendant from dad, some stitch markers, the Easy Knits and a project bag from Glitterkitty, some bath pearls, the Debbie Bliss, the hand-dyed yarn, lovely thin scarf, knitters' pins, thread cutter, some notecards, a mag and some Mango Tea from rdodo. some lovely Fetchings from Strickbar and the two Schopper-Wolle yarns from Amber!

Monday, December 22, 2008

It's done!

I've finally finished my modular scarf in Jamie Possum Possum Paints! Now I am going to make a clappy - comfort knitting!

Friday, December 19, 2008

FINISHED!

I don't want to brag but I've finished ALL the christmas knitting - Amber's just needs blocking and then it can be wrapped!

I am going to make something for me now!

Goodbye Auntie Molly

We had the funeral on wednesday and, for once, it didn't rain! It was a simple service and went well.

Auntie Molly, you will be missed by everyone who knew you.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Doesn't he model it well?



I needed to photograph Megan's Baby Alligator scarf before I wrapped it and David was a very unwilling model - he just sat there!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

It's all snowy!

It's a snowy and icy this morning and I've got to go the Post Office but I don't want to! I might have another look out in a minute but Ryan has said he will come with me tomorrow as he hasn't got any exams. I can't go out afte 10.00 today as I am having a special lamp delivered from the Sensory Team and I do need to crack on with my surprise knitting too.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Dishcloths for christmas!





RIP Auntie Molly

My great aunt (and godmother) passed away last night. She had been ill for a few weeks and finally, after refusing a couple of times, asked to be admitted to hospital yesterday morning. She was diagnosed with acute kidney failure.

I shall miss her very much as she was an important part of my life, but at least she is now at rest with those she loved.

Friday, November 28, 2008

My daft daughter!

Ryan and I were sitting on the sofa last night when he glanced over at Amber and whispered to me that she had a bowl on her head!


Sunday, November 23, 2008

Christmas!

My dad has paid for some blocking wires, two Pretty Cheep project bags and a Debra's Garden Needle Gauge to use as a pendant for christmas - isn't he wonderful!

I will also have TWO unknow parcels under the tree this year as I am in TWO secret santa swaps and I do like surprises!

I have still got find some ideas for Amber to buy me as she is insisting on physicaly going and buying me something and will not buy me something I have seen online - unlike Ryan who has been stashing away things I have ordered and not looked at when they arrive.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Pooh!

I am itching to set the loom up as I've been inspired by a scarf my friend was wearing yesterday but I've got too much knitting to be getting on with at the moment. Thing is, once the loom is set up, the scarf itself won't take very long at all!

It's sitting by the bookcase just watching me!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

have I got enough time?

I suddenly seem to have an awful lot of christmas knitting to do!

Scarf for Ryan
Scarf for Megan
Scarf for Steph
Dish cloths for dad and Auntie Ann
Mittens for Clare?
Dolls clothes for Megan
Something for Amber

I think I'd beter get on with it!

jo xx

Auntie Molly's wrap

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Finished!

I've finished the first weaving project on my own loom! Now I want to start something else but have to be good and do a bit of christmas knitting first! I plaited the fringe and it took all the evening but was definitely worth it. The wrap isn't as long as I would've liked but I ran out of the fluffy yarn and it'll certainly be long enough for Auntie Molly. Picture to follow.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

I've been soooo norty!

I seem to have been buying loads of yarn again! I have decided, however, that I shall be on a stash diet from January 1st until AT LEAST Easter!

I really don't need to buy any more yarn but I've been feeling really low lately and we all know what happens when I feel low, I spend, spend, spend!

Help!

Friday, November 7, 2008

It's not my fault!

I had to order a skein of yarn this morning - my beloved daughter has nicked my Bias Shawl! I love the colours in it so I've ordered a skein of Handmaiden Casbah in Nova Scotia to replace it but I'm not sure whether it will be another Bias Shawl or a mini clappy yet.

Models!



Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Susie ...

... is a cat in a million! Just lately I have been having some awful night-time hypos (low blood sugar levels) and Susie has 'looked after me'. She gets off the bed and comes in the bathroom with me, then she sits on the dressing table watching while I'm getting Lucozade/chocolate and then she settles down on the pillow next to me.

One night, I got back under the duvet and was aware of a paw touching my face, then I felt her breath and whiskers against my cheek - I'm sure she was checking to see if I was still breathing!

My Diabetes nurse was really surprised as this is unusual for a cat - dogs are well known for knowing when hypos are about to happen!

Sample Knitting

I am sample knitting at the moment for Robynn at Purlescence. I am making Diamonds and Pearls from The Knitter's Book of yarn and am using Artyarns Ensemble. The yarn is soooo soft, if a little difficult to knit with as it has two separate strands of fibre - one silk and one of very fine cashmere.

The pattern is really easy and has only takem me two or three days to do - I would have probably finished last night but as I had loads of yarn left over I decided to make the shawl a little bigger. I know I will make this pattern again!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Stupid woman!

Last night I decided to cast on Amber's christmas clappy as she was on a sleepover. Got on really well and managed to get up to section three, the straight bit, which was great for knit'n'natter today when I discovered ... I'D USED THE WRONG YARN! I'd managed to used the Possum Paints I bought to make something speical for me instead of the Colinette Cadenza I'd got for Amber! So, it had to be frogged ....

I am now going to make a start on a scarf Ryan has requested instead - that makes a change!

November ...

.... is going to be a better month than October! I vow to get over my knitting lull and to get my blood sugar to stay at a reasonable level instead of always being too low.

I've been ill all the way through October so November is going to be better!

Friday, October 24, 2008

GRRRRR!!

Since I finished my Kimono I have not been able to settle to any knitting! I made two dishcloths for my sister's christmas present, and enjoyed making the mini clappy for Hayley but since then everything I have started has been frogged!

Finally last night, after several false starts and lots of muttering, I settled on an Argosy scarf in Chameleon Colourworks Evolution, shade Figgy Pudding, which is absolutely gorgeous!

The knitting drought could be over!

Ryan

On tuesday morning Ryan decided to cycle to school. Just before 8.30 I had on 0800 reverse call from him - he'd had an accident. He had hit the pavement, the bike stopped but he didn't and he went over the handlebars. Luckily, as he wasn;t wearing his helmet, he didn't hit his head but has some nasty grazes, gouges and bruises. Of course his new bike has been damaged and is going to the cycle hospital this afternoon, after being nursed by the school caretaker in the Boiler Room for a few days and is being transferred by Ryan and my dad in the family ambulance.

Dadis not happy as we don't seem to be having a lot of luck with bikes (Amber's recently had to be repaired) but at least Ryan is in one piece.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Fed up with being ill!

So I'm going back to the doctor today. I think all the stress of the dear Benefits Agency is making me ill.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

More pets!

We now have another Axylottl - a black one called ... Axyl.

We have also fostered Amber's friend's hamster, Honey, who is adorable if a little naughty.

So now we have two Axylottl, three hamsters, a handful of fish (shortly to be rehoused in the pond of dad's gardening job) and Susie cat!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Yarns I want to use .... ....

.... before Christmas!

Jamie Possum
Blue Rumple USED UP
Artesano Hummingbird DK
Violet Green Blusing Tiger USED UP
Lorna's laces Lion and Lamb
Tempted hand painted Glam Girl
Tausendschön Handgefärbte Sockenwolle 465

They are mostly small projects, excpet for the Lion & Lamb!

I want to start either the Hanne Falkenberg, Kaleidoscope 2 or, most likely, the Spced Carvan Robe (Fiddlesticks Country Silk) on Ist Jan.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Ally Pally - GOODIES!!



Had a really good day despite having a chest infection! I got


Signed copy of Nicky Epstein’s Signature Scarves
Knit Light
Debbie Bliss mag
Yarn Forward mag
Maggi Knits pattern book
Jamie Possum Painted Possum yarn
Skein Touch yarns 4ply
Hanne Falkenberg Promenade Kit
21st Century Yarns Clamshell Shawl Kit
Two skeins of Fiddlesticks Country Silk
Small craft bag for all my notions
’I’m not a Plastic Bag’ bag
4 patterns
A ball of cheap DK to make Megan a jacket for her doll.

and I paid for a t-shirt with a knitting slogan (but I can’t remember what it is), a sub to Vogue Knitting and Kaleidoscope 2 jacket kit from Jamiesons (they were supposed to take one with them but took the wrong kit)

Thursday, October 9, 2008

My lovely model!




Ryan truly is a wonderful son!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Monday, October 6, 2008

Kimono ....

... finished and blocking! With any luck it should be dry by 7.45am thursday and then I can wear it to Ally Pally! PHOTO TO FOLLOW

I am now going to attempt to finish Amber's clappy scarf so that I can start something I buy at Ally Pally.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Yippeeeeee!

My Kimono of Many Colours is nearly done. I have finished all the blocks and sewn them all together so now it resemnbles a jacket, all the ends of sewn in too. Today I am going to attempt the edgings so having the jacket done for thursday is looking more likley. Of course it depends how long it takes to block!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Cat Food?

This is Smoky, one of Amber's Hamsters.







Meet Lotti!



Amber has a new pet - Lotti the Axylotl (I think that's spelt right!). She is white with a pink tinge and a pink ruff around her neck. Now Amber wants to sell her other fish so that she can buy the black one they have at World of Water!

The end is nigh!

I am getting there with my jacket - I am on the 25th square and have sewn the back and sleeve squares together. Hopefully, I should be approaching the finish line by Knit'n'Natter on saturday!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Slowly ....

I am getting there with the big square of my Kimono of Many Colours but it's slow going! Garter stitch sock yarn is fun when the squares are smaller but this is getting a bit tedious! I am thinking of making another one but I will sub smaller squares for the big one! I have 15 days to finish and block but it's not looking very likely at this rate!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

48 TODAY!!

Yesterday morning, the 'phone rang so I answered with my usual 'hello?' and the caller asked to speak to my mum! That made me feel better!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Been norty!

Guess where I went yesterday as part of my birthday treat - KANGAROO! I bought some Noro Cash Iroha as they had it in their sale and some gorgeous Fleece Artist Scotian Silk which has a 'vest' pattern with it and I managed to spend over £50! OH is giving me £50 for my birthday so it just means that I will have a little less cash for Ally Pally - less to carry though!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Still suffering

Went back to the dentist yesterday and am now taking another course of anti-biotics alongside the first lot! I am in a fair amount of discomfort and am fed up with everything tasting foul.

Amber is playing up too - usual problem would rather stay at home than go to school, and apparently she feels worse than I do!! Having to force her to school as the Welfare people are getting a bit twitchy and have flagged her as a potential problem - what a surprise!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Infected!

My mouth has become infected - not really surprised though after the stuggle the dentist had to remove the tooth. Luckily she had given me a prescription only to be used if necessary so David called in to collect it before he went home, and then brought it back last night. Everything tastes foul! I had an awful evening last night - very sleepy and eventually I was sick but today, after taking a couple of anti-biotics, I feel more like my old self.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Ouch!!!

Had to have a tooth out today - it was very stubborn and my dentist had to drill it out! According to my sister (she only has THREE of her own teeth!) it is going to be really painful!

Monday, September 1, 2008

Ally Pally - 9th October

I have a plan of action for this year's Knitting & Stitching Show - I am going to buy yarn for certain projects, maybe in kits, and not just buy yarn as it's beautiful! I have several ideas in mind.

Jamiesons Kaleidoscope 2 and Bounced Check (both jackets)
Purlescence Beaded Cashmere Modular Scarf
21st Century Yarns Clamshell shawl
Hanne Falkenberg Promenade kit

I WAS going to buy an Offhand Designs Zhivago bag but have decided (hopefully) that I don't really need one!

Having a break from Kimono ...

... and have made a start on the Diamonds in the Diagonal scarf by Ilga Leja.

My knitting mojo seems to have disappeared at the moment and I am having trouble getting on with it especially in the evenings - I fel really grotty and so tired I keep falling asleep!

I have done 12 of the 28 blocks for the kimono but I think it will be a miracle if I get it finished before Ally Pally on 9th October.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

I've got arthritis!

Got the result of my xray on monday and I have arthritis in my finger, possibly caused by the 'squashing' incident at Easter - it's too much of coincidence apparently. My GP prescribed sronger painkillers and .. waith for it .. KNITTING! I've got to keep moving the finger as normal so I am to carry on as usual!

Amber was not impressed because now when she wants me to do something else I can tell her I'm 'exercising'!

My finger is also painful as it is triggering and I will need an operation before too long to release it!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Phew!

I've managed to get the other Booga Bag made for our knit'n'natter Open Meeting on 6th although I was nearly crying in pain when doing the Icord! This is the one that will remain unfleted until after the meeting as my display shows BEFORE & AFTER versions of the felting process.

Now I can get back to my lovely Kimono and not have to knit so fast! I've also managed to say NO to my sister for cotton knitting projects in the last couple of weeks too! All my friends say I am getting really good at the 'N' word!

Monday, August 11, 2008

Ryan OK!

Got the results of Ryan's blood tests on friday and no action is required and everything is normal! Thank goodness!

I also had an xray on my finger/hand and will get the results next monday, although I am a little concerned about a comment made by the radiographer. The doctor felt that there was probably some soft tissue damage so the xray was to rule anything else out.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Lovely LIGHT feeling!

On friday, I cleared out all my old yarn from behind the sofa - I had to move the sofa back a bit because of the new, larger radiator that was installed this week. I ended up with TWO black sacks of grotty yarn which we carted off t0 saturday's knit'n'natter. The idea was to see if anyone wanted anything and then take the rest to the Red Cross shop over the road.

Well, I came away from the meeting £32 richer! All the girls decided that they couldn't just take the yarn, so I said just to give me a small amount so everyone who had some yarn put some money in the jar! The chairty shop still got a black sack full of yarn plus two carrier bags of toy stuffing, some money has gone in my Ally Pally fund, there is only scrummy yarn in the house and when I go to the shop next week, I shall put some of the loose change in the collecting box!

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Yaayyyy!

I managed to finish my bias shawl last night in spite of a really painful index finger on my left hand - I think I am going to have to see the doctor! I squashed it back at Easter and it hasn't ben right since! Now it is definitely swollen with a red tip, and a white band around the first knuckle down from the nail.

Even so, i am going to start my Kimono of Many Colours today - hopefully some nice easy knitting!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Getting Back to normal!

We have had a new boiler, hot water tank and radiators installed this week while it was really hot, it should've taken five days but the young man who carried out the work, worked so hard that he was finished in two! It was inspected yesterday so today I've been 'spring cleaning' - I've sorted out the desk in the hall and had a good tidy up round there and also done the same in the glory hole under the worktop - all the junk has been got rid of and there is a small plastic drawer unti holding everything else.

Now, finally, they are clearing the old boiler etc from the front lawn!

Oh, and OH has spent most of the day here cutting the hedge and clearing all that up!

Now I must go back to my Bias Shawl, which is very easy lace but I keep making silly mistakes!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Bit concerned ...

Ryan has been having a few off days recently - headaches, light headedness, feeling sick and not being able to get to sleep. I took him to see the doctor yesterday and she wants him to have a fasting blodd sugar test and Glucose Tolerance Test just to make sure diabetes is not starting to rear it's ugly head.

I did test Ryan's blood sugar a couple of nights ago and it was 8.1 - a little on the high side - but was back to 5.2 the next morning. The doctor said to get either Ryan or Amber straight to the surgery if they had a reading of 11 or more.

I am keeping everything crossed that there is nothing terrible wrong with him.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Touch yarn 8ply Merino Slub

Started knitting Ilga Leja's Lady of the Forest in this yarn a couple of nights ago but had to give up and frog it. I can't get on with the yarn as it goes from a good weight right down to almost thread weight and I can't see properly to knit it. I am reluctantly going to try and sell the yarn - it is so pretty!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Show entry - felted bag


NOT PLACED in the knitting section! Comment 'a unique method of knitting and a unique bag but the prizes went to the more mainstream 'normal' knits!

Show entry - henny Hen


SECOND in Toy section with the comment 'more shaping needed' - She's a toy hen for goodness sake!

Show entry - Mannequin


THIRD in the Other Craft section with the comment 'very neat work'.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Doesn't he make a lovely model?




Ryan modelled my latest shawl for me last night!

Lists!

This week I have made up two lists to do with my knitting/weaving.

List A tells me where all the yarn I have is stored and List B tells me which projects each yarn is destined to be. Both are in alphabetical order too!

It did feel good - once I'd finished!

Nearly a week again!

Whoops, nearly a week since I posted!

Amber had a great day at our local florist, The Bay Tree, where she spent her work observation. Shed made a lovely flower arrangement which she decided to take to the cemetery on saturday to give to Nana.

Ryan has been on work experience all week, and they let him work on a car solo! He loves being at the garage so much, and we are all hoping he'll be offered a job next summer, when he leaves school.

It's the village show on Sunday - Amber jas entered some of the adult craft classes under my name and I am helping her with one or two of her own classes. I am still not sure whether to enter the bag I desinged or the shawl I've just finished. I don't think I've ever been so indecisive in my life and I am certain it's because this is the first year I have entered the show and mum hasn't been around to advise me. Once 10.30am Sunday has arrived and departed, it will be too late to worry anymore!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

LIFE!!!

OH stormed off last night - he and Amber had a bit of a row over the fact that he stood on the tray of beads she was sorting out on the floor and they went everywhere. He never said sorry just went for her (in his defence she was in an awkard place but even so...)/ I told them both to leave it and he went off home saying he wasn't being spoken to like that. MEN!!

I was feeling a bit down anyway but that little outburst just made matters worse then Ryan's girlfirend phoned just as I was going to bed.

Ryan got himself in a state shortly after and burst into tears - it seems he has decided that he wants to end it for various reasons but mainly because he feels the relationship is very one-sided. He says he knows hardly anything about her after 5 1/2 months but she knows everysthing about him. in fact a lot of what he does know has come from a mutual friend. We had a long mother and son chat (I have a very open, frank relationship with boht Ryan and Amber but maybe more so with Ryan) and it seems the mutual friend has told Ryan that his girlfriend wants him to be 'the first' this has made him think that ending it will really hurt her. Ryan has found out recently that quite a few of the girls he knows fancy him, and I think this has made him realise that there are more opportunities for him (as it were!).I feel I have brought Ryan up to be a sensitive young adult as he is adamant that he will not finish things over the phone but face to face. I did suggest that he leave it until the new school year starts as he has a very busy few weeks with work observation and college placement but he doesn't want to drag it out.

He did make me laugh though - he said he felt sorry for Megan (his 4 year old cousin) as she would have to go through all this, so I pointed out that so had Amber to which he groaned.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Where does the time go?

I can't believe it's a whole week since I last posted! I haven't had a chance to set up my loom yet - but I have a couple of ideas circulating my brain cell!

Dad attended his aunt's funeral yesterday in all that rain, and it has occured to me that she was one of the most influential people of my childhood - after learning to knit at school around the age of 8 (blimey that's FORTY years ago!), Auntie Alma was the one who seemed to encourage me to knit. I can remember her helping me with a scarf for a doll!

Now Dad says he knows who to blame!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

It's here!

My loom arrived yesterday, and David assembled it for me last night!

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Purple Passion


I am in love with this bag. I simply adore everything about it - the pattern Noni Three Confections, the colour, the design and the embellishments I have personally added!

Friday, June 27, 2008

My first weaving!


My very first weaving project - all my own work! I used Debbie Bliss Prima from the warp threads (and some of the weft) and Cherry Tree Hill Pisa for the weft. I think it's not bad for a first attempt!

Good News!

I had a phone call the a couple of days ago from a lovely lady at the Sensory Team with regard to me being registered as partially sighted. She was really helpful and is arranging for me to be assessed to see what I may be entitled to but in the meantime is sending me a collapsible white stick (in case I need it), a talking watch (I really struggle with watch faces) and details on talking books from the RNIB. She also mentioned that I am entitled to a bus pass too!

She asked me how I was coping with things like the cooker and the washing machine and I was very surprised to find out that I could have got help with my old appliances without being regstered! She told me to let anyone know who struggles with sight problems to contact them!

I was just happy to hear that they had received the registration which means the consultant agreed with the other doctors!

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Village Show entry

Finished my bag yesterday - have taken various aspects of other patterns and put them together as the design as to be my own. Am more than happy with the outcome and the bag has ended up just as I had imagined!

I am not going to be posting any photos until the show on 20th July, and only close family are allowed to see it!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Amber

Amber had her op yesterday and is feeling a bit sorry for herself but she is eating a bit (not quite as much as normal).

She was only in theatre for about 15 minutes! And there was me thinking I'd get a lot of knitting done while I waited - I only had time to make two small flowers for my bag design and drink half a mug of tea! It was a good job I didn't walk across the hospital to the canteen - the ward gives you a sqaure beeper which, when they want you back on the ward, flashes, vibrates and makes a fairly loud noise! I t can't be turned off until you return it to the nurse!

Diagnosis

I have found out what is wrong with my good (right) eye - an epiretinal membrane has formed over tne retina (a form of scar tissue) which is OK all the time it is growing but once it has reached 'full size' it starts to shrink causing the retina to distort and the macular (at the back of the eye) to pucker. This means my central vision is impaired and the reason why I am suddenly able to be registered as partially sighted. The only cure is an operation which I am not happy about having and actually hasn't been offered to me, but the condition shouldn't get much worse. Unfortunately it is fairly rare in diabetics!

Monday, June 16, 2008

Clapotis vs Argosy?

Definitely Clapotis!!

Village Show

Still can't decide what to do for my knitting entry in the show so I have started yet another bag - at this rate I won't be entering at all!

Fantastic French Trip!

Amber had a wonderful time in France and spent ALL her money! She was soo tired though!

On saturday she took three friends to McDonalds for her birthday (yesterday), and today she had a day's holiday from school and her father came and took her out for the day. She came back with a DVD, a new pair of jeans, some Lush goodies and another hamster!

Sunny has been adopted by Amber's best friend Emily so I haven't got any explaining to do to dad!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Les Grande Decouverte!

Amber has gone on her school trip to France this morning - she was picked up by her best friends dad at .... 5.00 am as they had to be at school by 5.45am! They are going via Eurotunnel/Eurostar (Ryan went by ferry two years ago) and it has taken ages for Amber to understand that the actual coach goes on the train - she thought the coach would drive under the sea!

Two full days of peace and quiet - no tantrums or dramas until Friday at 6.30pm!

Yaaaaayyyy!

Sunday, June 8, 2008

New hobby!

I had my first weaving lesson on thursday and Dad ordered my loom yesterday for Phil to pick up at Woolfest at the end of June. I have a few ideas and now know what I am going to do with some of the odd yarn I have in my stash.

Phil has lent me her loom and Amber is currently weaving on it. We are going to try and get a secondhand loom for her so that I can keep my work separate.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Finally

I went to the eye clinic yesterday and the doctors have finally agreed to register me as partially sighted. Trouble is, I've been saying that I am partially sighted for so long, now that it is finally being recognised I don't know how to feel - now I've got a label!

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Market Squares finally FINISHED!!!


Market Squares bag made in 7 shades of Cascade 220. I am going to make another onein shades of red and pink.

My smart son in his garage uniform!


Latest Bag



Lucy Bag from Two Old Bags knitted in Texere Bella (undyed superbulky) on 10mm needles. When the knitting was finished, I attached the button and then bunged the bag and machine dye in the washing machine. It started off with blue and pink together but I ended up with a grotty pinky lilac colour so I put some jeans blue in and this is the result - not what I was expecting at all!
I will definitely make the bag again but using finer yarn!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Susie has found a new hiding place!



It was quite sunny on Sunday and I noticed Susie making a beeline for the little willow tree in the front garden - she stayed there for ages and was quite happy to have her picture taken!

Really spoilt!


My Ravelry swap partner, Martha (aka knittensill) has been really naughty and thoroughly spoilt me!


I got -

A gorgeous felted bowl
a recycled market bag
stitch markers
WPI kit
Circular needle size tags
Notebook
Namaste pouch to match my Malibu and clutch (ordered yesterday)
Chocolate
Dried Cherries
Cinnamon Hearts
Drink mixes
£ lovely patterns - bag, jacket (intriguing) and felted birdhouses!
Thank you sooo much Martha - you are wonderful!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Amber;s shrug - grrrrr!


I finished Amber's shrug last night and when she tried it on this morningm one sleeve is far too tight! I think it must be the side that I cast off but as the yarn is horribly fluffy, there is no chance I shall be able to undo it!


Managed to ease it a bit and now she's happier with it!

Thank you Continental Cat!


I got a lovely lacey shawl/scarf which I think Amber is after, a really sweet little rabbit pouch/bag which had the gorgeous Weleda Rose soap inside, a ball of Kureyon which I will keep for my Lizard Ridge, some lovely chocolate (Amber has already devoured the white and thoroughly enjoyed it) and some little mice for Susie.


I love everything CC - thank you sooooooo much!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Latest Bag

I've finished the knitting part and felted my Market Squares bag, I have to decide whether to line it or not, and I am waiting for some handles to arrive.

Not too sure whether this one meets my standards either!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Teeth!

We went to the hospital on thursday about the problem Amber's has with her teeth. She had some baby teeth out last year as they were showing no signs of coming out on their own, then she had her brac es fitted to make way for the new teeth. One side is fine and the tooth is quite happy growing away but the other side is a different sotry. The tooth has become embedded in the bone so now she has got to have an operation to 'expose' the tooth under a general anaesthetic, and then a small gold chain is to be attached so that the tooth can be winched into place slowly by the Orthodontist.

When I told Ryan that Amber had got to have an operation on her mouth, he asked if she was going to have it stitch up!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Colinette Fandango

Finished my bag - thank goodness! I've got loads of yarn left but I will not be making anything else with the it as my hands are sore from using bulky yarn with 4mm needles, the yarn sheds EVERYWHEREm and I have pricked my fingers and thumbs so many times will sewing in the lining.

I can't decide whether to put a fastening on or not so I am going to leave it for another day and then decide.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

The Old Loom Mill


We had a lovely day out yesterday at the Old Loom Mill (Hailsham, East Sussex). There were 8 of us from Knit'n'natter and we had a wonderful time browsing all the yarns and fabrics - lots of which are sold by weight. I bought the above yarn - weight just over 3 kilos, cost £15.60! Not sure what I am going to do with it yet, or even what weight/ply it is but I love the colours!




Saturday, May 10, 2008

Yaayyyy!!!!

It looks as though Ryan has got his placement which will hopefully mean that he will go straight into a job when he leaves school next summer (something I am having trouble dealing with!). He is really excited at the prospect and of course, he will be putting into practice everything he is learning in college.

It is going to be a bit of a struggle fitting i n 50 days placement into one year but I think he will manage or at least come close to it.

He is also very excited that his grandfather has offered to buy him a mopen once he's sixtten so that he doesn't have to rely on buses.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Have decided ....

that May will be the month of the bag!

Placement interview

Ryan has an interview tomorrow afternoon for a YA placement. Dad is going to pick him up from school and take him but, if he gets the place, it means Ryan having to cycle or get the bus and walk to the garage. Guess what the over-protective side of me is rearing it's not so ugly head! I must stop being like it as he will be leaving school in 12 MONTHS or 52 Weeks or 365 days!

Believe me it's not that long!

Mmmmm ......

I am currently making my entry for our Village show in July, or at least I thought I was. I am making a modified version of a pattern from Simply Knitting 12 but I am not sure it is up to my standards! I have now decided to do something felted as well and let my knitting pals decide which one they like best - the best one being entered.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Lovely!



Megan is going to a fancy dress part as Stephanie from Lazytown - Ryan got hold of her wig. Need I say more?

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Proud? Me? Of course!

Ryan and I went to his Year 10 consultation evening last night and were both pleasantly suprised at the comments we got!

It seems he is doing really well with his coursework and has got good grades in some of the exams he has already done and that's without trying very hard! He is one of these kids who aren't bothered about revising hard and just sails through (he also passed his first exam at college and didn't revise as he wasn't given the revision notes in time). Most of his teachers said he should now start applying himself a bit more to get better grades for his GCSEs but knowing Ryan, he'll just carry on as he is!

While we were waiting to see his Resistant Materials teacher (Technology), Ryan told me what he was expected to do for the GCSE and we talked about ideas. The kids have to design and make something fairly substantial from scratch so I casually mentioned that he could make Megan a dolls' house which he got quite excited about and even discussed it with his teacher!

Ryan, as you will remember is an author in the making and his always writing a book. He has ditched a couple of books he was working on, even deleting the one his English teacher thought was brilliant - she was quite shocked to hear that. He is now working on another and it promises to be very good - in fact he made his girlfriend cry when she read one chapter (one of the characters dies but comes back to life later on), and he told me the outline of the story last night. For his GCSE he has to a piece of personal writing and he is proposing to submit this 'novel'. His english teacher said she can't wait until he's published so she can brag that he was one of her students!

Amber's consultation is on 15th but I think that could be a bit different!

Thursday, May 1, 2008

I really don't know ....

.... what to do for the other item in the AY Frivolous Swap. I spent all day yesterday casting on and frogging with LH Kimono Angora which, incidentally, I hate with a passion! I have 14 balls which I am rather keen to offload!

In the end I first decided to start my bag for the village show in July, and then casted on the Provence Baby cardi instead! This is for my hairdresser's new baby daughter and once it's done, I can make the gift for the Ravelry swap, then concentrate on the other things that have priority!

Going back to the AY swap, I have decided to send Anne one of the bags I made last summer in addition to the silly, frivolous item I have just finished. Trouble is this will far exceed the £15.00 max spend - never mind I DID organise the swap so I think I can break the rules!

Monday, April 28, 2008

List to be done before Ally Pally (9th Oct)

Argosy * CTH Alpine Baby
Bobbles and Brambles bag *
Bravo Bag *
Cat in a basket *
Chevron Ruana *
Diamonds in the Diagonal Scarf *
Dylan wrap from stash *
Fandango bag*
Kimono of many colours*
Lady of the Forest Wrap*
Noni Carpet Bag *
Ocean Currents Scarf*
Polygon bag*
Provence Baby Cardigan*

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Auntie Mollie's wrap ....

... will be finished in the next 24 hours! I am on the last ball of Aurora and have about 30g left. This wrap has turned into a real labour of love and I am determind to finished it before I start anything else even if several projects are loundly calling to me!

Friday, April 25, 2008

Imminent Projects!

3, Baby Jacket (Provence)
4. Swap
5. Polygon Bag
6. Cat in Basket
7. Fandango Bag
8. Carpet Bag

Once these are done, I can relax!

jo xx

My new fridge has hair (and feet)!



Oh, thank goodness! It was only Ryan!

Schools!

Yesterday the teachers were on strike and today there's an Inset day - the kids only went back to school on Monday!

They've got a day off a week on Monday for May Bank Holiday.

Then they break up for half term on the 23rd.

I dunno - they're never at school!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Argosy.

Robynn from Purlescence made a very generous offer on Ravelry earlier this week. She had been sent a sample hank of yarn from Indigo Moon and offered it to anyone who wanted it on the understanding that photos would be taken of the finished work and posted on her site http://purlescence.co.uk/ and whoever offered could keep the finished item. Well I couldn't resist that now could I?

So, I have just wound the yarn and later on I am going to start an Argosy scarf.

Thursday, April 17, 2008