The Mad Bag Lady

2011-02-26T01:48:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN!

18!! today!!

The designer in me ...

2011-02-26T01:47:00.001-08:00

... has reared herself!

I have adapted a Schaeffer Anne Ruana pattern to make a modular jacket and I am using up my beloved Fleece Artist/Handmaiden stash!

This month .....

2011-02-26T01:40:00.000-08:00

I have made TWO things

Kosy Kimono

Sweet Violets Uno Cowl

Introducing ....

2011-02-11T02:11:00.000-08:00

Archie!

He is currently about four weeks old and will be coming to live with us around the middle of March. He has a lot of Maine Coon in him and look at the size of those paws!

Helloo!

2011-01-30T01:51:00.000-08:00

Sorry not to have been around for a while but Dodoknitz!! has been taking up a lot of time!

I will try and do a regular update here from now on - I, err, promise!

First thing, my beautiful Millie cat was hit by a car and sadly killed on wednesday of this week. We had her for 52 weeks and 5 days and I hope we gave her the best life possible.

It's been a while!

2010-10-05T01:16:00.000-07:00

Have been doing loads of dyeing and have started putting together a colour palette so that custom orders can be taken. Should anyone wish to order some yarn specially dyed for them, please send an email to joanna.harriman@btinternet.com and I'll see what I can do!

Birthday

2010-09-19T02:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I am now a ripe old 50!

I have had a wonderful birthday weekend but I am completely shattered! Loads of cards and presents including several gifted patterns, an Easyknits Sushi Roll, stitch markers, beads, yarn, Cath Kidston Mug and knitting bag, lovely little pillow, book .....

I feel thoroughly spoiled!

2010-09-19T02:29:00.000-07:00

Bias towards lace

Pergola

Yayyy!

2010-09-12T01:54:00.001-07:00

Finished Pergola yesterday afternoon and now it's blocking along with Bias towards Lace!

Have given myself a big pat on the back - two UFO's finished and two complete pattern repeats done on Japanese Feather stole!

September

2010-09-05T02:46:00.000-07:00

Big month - 50 in 17th!

September is going to be a finishing off month

Trillo

Bias towards lace FINISHED.

Golden karen (Yarnival KAL)

Pergola

Then I want to make the Counterpane Carpet bag so that I can get the accessory bag finished too.

Well,

2010-08-28T03:58:00.000-07:00

I have a lovely new computer with a huge 18.5" screen and Windows 7! It's not a laptop which is probably just as well as I really didn't think I would get on very well with one, but dad found this offer on PC World with £130 off so bought me a Norton Antivirus too. Ryan has set it up for me but needs to install the printer and help me work out the benefits of the Windows 7 later on.

I love it!

And I love my very wonderful dad!

jo xx

Update

2010-08-23T01:05:00.000-07:00

I am afraid I will only be online for a short while everyday for a few days as I have no access to a computer other than Ryan’s - my hard drive decided to throw a wobbly and kick the bucket. My lovely dad, the most wonderful dad in the world, is getting me a laptop towards the end of the week but until then I have to be extra nice to Ryan so that he doesn’t mind me using his, which is now made up of bits of his original hard drive and mouse but my monitor, keyboard and speakers!

Finished

2010-08-18T04:13:00.000-07:00

Test No. 3 finished - Truro Twist Shawl.

Lovely pattern and very quick to knit http://www.ravelry.com/projects/dodo/truro-twist-shawl

Asymmetric shawl

2010-08-18T04:11:00.002-07:00

Finally Finished

2010-08-11T03:31:00.000-07:00

the Asymmetric Shawl is finished!

Had to juggle the pattern a bit as I ran out of yarn but, heigh-ho, it's now finished and blocking.

Request from Amber

2010-08-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

Amber would like you all to have a look at her photos and let her know which are your favourites. She wants to start making up a portfolio.

You can find her blog here

ajhpicturethis.blogspot.com

Amber also asks if you could look at the older posts at the bottom of the page as well.

She humbly thanks you all for your help,

I am selling some hand dyed yarn!

2010-08-04T04:19:00.001-07:00

I am tentatively sticking my toe in the water - I am offering some of my hand dyed yarn for sale.

Strawberries & Cream £9.50

100g Heavy Double Knit Pure Wool yarn 165m (11wpi)

Strawberry Semi-Solid £9.50 SOLD

100g Heavy Double Knit Pure Wool yarn 165m (11wpi)

Blush Romance £9.50

100g Sport Weight Pure Wool yarn 375m (12wpi)

Green/Blue £9.50 SOLD

100g Sport Weight Pure Wool yarn 375m (12wpi)

All yarns come wound in pull cakes and **postage is included** in the price.

See-through Sunset

2010-08-02T01:59:00.001-07:00

Garden pond Shawl

2010-08-02T01:29:00.001-07:00

I recently test knitted this pattern for pmcblonde on Ravelry. It's a lovely free pattern!

Catch up!

2010-08-02T01:14:00.000-07:00

Been a while, I know and I have already chastised myself for not posting!

Firstly, foot/ankle still swollen although I am on taking anti-biotics just in case it's infected. It does get rather painful at times and it can be difficult to walk but, after being told that i was carrying too much weight by a not very nice doctor, my favourite doctor has now taken over and I now she will do her best to get to the bottom of the problem.

Secondly, Amber is awaiting an MRI scan on her left knee - the consultant thinks the problem may be softening of the cartilage (or maybe it's just growing pains).

She and Emily (her best friend) are currently staying with Emily's grandad in Scotland, East Kilbride to be exact - she has been ice-skating, mostly on her bottom I think, and is having a day out in Edinburgh tomorrow.

Lastly, I have been dyeing again with varying degrees of success!

Greenfields - Laceweight

Frances Merino Superwash DK

Red Umber Knit Picks Bare laceweight

75/25 Sock yarn being used for Asymmetric Shawl

Sweet Violets 75/25 sock yarn

Dyeing (again)

2010-07-21T03:07:00.001-07:00

BILBERRY WINE 4ply sock yarn

INTENSITY - Fine DK weight yarn

EXPLOSION AND IN ICE CREAM FACTORY - Aran 75%acrylic/25%wool yarn

STRAWBERRIES & CREAM - DK/Aran weight yarn

SEMI-SOLID STRAWBERRY - DK/Aran weight yarn

Show

2010-07-21T03:04:00.001-07:00

Well, I had some success at the Worth Horticultural Show - first place for the knitted item, my Candida bag, and second place for the toy, Kate,

I am already thinking about next year - at the moment it's a choice of a cushion or a shawl with hand dyed yarn, and I want to make a felted bead necklace for the 'Other Craft' section. Might make a little friend for Kate too.

Garden Pond Shawl

2010-07-16T02:22:00.000-07:00

I am currently test knitting a pattern for this shawl for pmcblonde, and am using some of my hand dyed yarn which everyone loves.

It's a really quick knit and the yarn is working up into a lovely fabric.

Well done Ry!

2010-07-16T02:19:00.000-07:00

Ryan has been offered a place at Central Sussex College for september so has gone to school today to complete his leavers from and clear his locker.

He is doing a BTEC IT course and I am so proud of him!

Proud Mum moment!

2010-07-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

Ryan got a Merit in his Business Course!

Meet Kate

2010-07-09T11:00:00.001-07:00

2010-07-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Waistcoat finally completed! It took all morning to sew on the buttons to embellish the front of my hand-dyed waistcoat but it is now finished!

YAY!!!!!!!!

Oh dear (Again)!!

2010-06-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

Don't seem to be very good at this blogging lark lately do 1?

Oh well, never mind .....

Ryan has an interview on thursday for a place at Central Sussex College for an IT course but he does have a guaranteed place for the 6th form at school in september should he need it.

Amber has been let down on her work experience placement so I need to contact the school to see what's going to happen.

Got my new glasses and think I am used to them now but still can't get to grips with the reading ones!

Ploughing on with my trillo cardigan WHICH I WANT TO FINISHED ASAP!

and I have been dip dyeing this morning, on my own, and it seems to have come out just as I wanted!

2010-06-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

2 knitting groups = 2 frogged projects!

Tuesday, I frogged my Old Shale Lace scarf and started a Bias towards Lace one when I got home

Today, I frogged Plain & Simple, started a waistcoat and frogged that, and now think i will probably knit White Lies Designs' Letitia which is the pattern I was going to knit originally!

This week in dodoland

2010-06-12T02:37:00.001-07:00

Amber finally has an appointment to see a specialist about her knees but I had to delay it by a couple of weeks because the date was right in the middle of her work experience so we will be going in the first week of the school holidays.

Ryan is now looking at a career in IT and we have contacted the Jobshop at Central Sussex College, they are sending all the forms for apprenticeships (but Ryan has to look for a job before he can get an apprenticeship) and they are also going to list the full-time college courses that would be a good back-up.

I went to the South of England Show yesterday (only a mile or two down the road) and a great if tiring day. Quality of light generally not good for me though - would’ve normally stayed indoors. I bought a lovely basket for my knitting that Millie promptly decided looked comfortable so got an went to sleep, some lovely sausages, some lovely cherries, some fluorescent pink boxer shorts for Ryan, funky socks for Amber and some socks for my fussy dad for fathers day. David bought me a cute little drop spindle from my friends on the Wensleydale Sheep to Shawl stand and I had a quick lesson but I think I’ve forgotten it all, and some gorgeous honey handcream.

Got home and rang the optician about my new glasses only to be told that one pair (the reading pair) were ready but not the others, then discovered a split in the arch to my right foot which, no doubt, will require me to see the doctor on monday (when I am also going to try and get an emergency dental appointment as the temporary crown has sort of started to disintegrate and is now hurting lots and lots)!

Candida - finished!

2010-06-09T01:06:00.000-07:00

What an unfortunate name for a bag!

Really pleased with this - my new project bag!

Amber has fallen in love with this and has requested one but, at around £38 I think I will make her a cheaper alternative for September!

I've been dyeing!

2010-06-06T02:28:00.000-07:00

Sock Blank Canvas (DT Crafts) dip dyed using Sugar Flair Paste Food Colouring in Ice Blue

BFL 4ply (5 x 100g/400m) Handpainted using Sugar Flair Paste Food Colouirng in Ice Blue, Claret and Grape Violet

Waistcoat knitted in undyed Aran weight yarn then kettle dyed in the slow cooker using Sugar Flair Paste Food Colouring in Claret. I have a plan involving this waistcoat and loads of toning buttons!

Blimey!

2010-06-01T05:11:00.001-07:00

My new glasses are going to cost both arms and both legs!

Work experience & Ryan

2010-05-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

Ryan has gone off for his first day at trying out hairdressing as a career and he said he was SORT OF LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!

I have told him that he must give it a good few days' (over the next few eeeks) to see if it is the career for him and not just decide after one day.

I am holding my breath and keeping my fingers crossed!

Silly Milly!

2010-05-24T03:07:00.001-07:00

It was just too hot for her yesterday!

I let them out.

2010-05-24T03:04:00.001-07:00

It was too hot to keep the cats in this weekend so they are now allowed out but they have to come in at night How do I do this you ask? I feed them once a day so by early evening they are starving and are ready to come indoors, after which they are in.

It's been ages ....

2010-05-24T02:39:00.001-07:00

... since I posted!

Have been trying, and failing, to get on with my knitting but I have managed to finish the waistcoat in undyed yarn ready for next week's dyeing session, the counterpane accessory bag is knitted but I am waiting until I do the actual bag so that I can do all the finishing at the same time. I am getting on with the Candida bag (strange name!) so that I can actually use it, and am knitting swatches to make sure they yarn I have will actually work on the patterns I have chosen.

My current WIP's are:

Bronze Age Karen scarf with a few beads to liven up the garter stitch.

Candida Bag

Midwest Moonlight in Kitty's hand-dyed mohair

Trillo cardigan which will probably be frogged very soon as I have found the White Lies Filigree Lace Cardigan pattern that seems to work a treat in the Silk Blend.

I think I have also found a suitable pattern for the Click Aran in the Mission Falls Cora jacket.

I have also been playing with an idea for the Zauberball sock yarn (purple/pink/orange) for a mitred jacket, and my designer head is on for the undyed waistcoat and it's remaining yarn.

Thank you ...

2010-05-12T00:34:00.000-07:00

Nevisknitter and Fluzz who have both offered to knit some of my lovely laceweight yarn into stoles/shawls/scarves for me.

This means the world to me and I shall treasure the results.

I am not going to be buying anymore laceweight unless I am positive that it is heavier than the two I knew were going to beat me!

Doctors!

2010-05-12T00:31:00.000-07:00

Went to the eye clinic on monday, and the consultant told me that I am not to get a new prescription unless my near vision has changed drastically - he says that my vision generally hasn’t changed since 2000. Trouble is, they test my eyes at the hospital with my glasses on and surely the prescription helps a bit! I definitely struggled to see the third line on the sight chart today (thought an ‘E’ was a £ sign).

AND .....

I am not a happy bunny today!

Ryan went with Amber to the doctors yesterday after school as she has really painful knees again, pain that is making her cry. The doctor is referring her to see a specialist with this and then asked Amber if she wanted to talk about her blood test results or should she get me to ring and speak to the doctor on her behalf. It appears that Amber is anaemic and needs iron tablets - I was told two weeks ago by the receptionist that everything was fine, so I shall be informing the doctor of this in no uncertain terns. What if it had been something more serious, not that anaemia isn’t serious, but Amber could’ve been on a course of tablets by now and feeling more lively.

I wrote to Amber’s head of year (lovely man, Mr Johnson) to get her excused from PE for the time being, she wants to do extra coursework instead of watching the others in class, and he saw no problem with this.

I wrote to him again this morning to tell that this arrangement needs to be in place for the foreseeable future and that, after telling him at Amber’s consultation evening that she was OK, Amber is to be prescribed medication for anaemia.

ggggrrrrrrrr………..

Care for a Cuppa!

2010-05-07T02:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I organised a Care for a Cuppa event in aid of Diabetes UK and we had a great time. There were loads of cake for a £1 a slice, recipes, lavender plants kindly donated by Sally, some goodies donated by Clare (some of which sold and the rest were the suject of a mini auction held by the wonderful Amanda), a knitting kit which i made up for a sort of raffle prize, and a 'guess the number of buttons' jar which carried a prize of a £20 Knagaroo gift voucher! All the Kangaloonies subs for yesterday were donated too.

The winners were

Knitting kit - Iris

£20 Voucher - Clare

and we raised around £110!

Thank you everyone who came and joined in. We had a wonderful, fun time.

Help!

2010-05-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

Could someone please take pity on me?

I bought this lovely Margarte Stove NZ Merino Lac yarn and it is far too fine for me to see properly. I have wound it into a cake already.

I would love someone to knit it up for me!

Robin

2010-05-05T07:26:00.001-07:00

Haven't had a good few weeks!

2010-05-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

1. Problems with tooth - visited dentist FIVE times in four weeks and still have to go back.

2. Problems with indigestion/hiatus hernia. Will have to visit doctor very soon.

3. Have frogged more knitting that I have actually done and hadn't finished anything for SIX weeks! But have now finished Robin which, TBH, I am a little disappointed with as there is far more beading on one side than there is on the other.

Silly Sausage!

2010-05-05T07:13:00.001-07:00

We had a leaky carton of milk in the fridge last week, and while I was cleaning it out someone decided to take advantage of the gap behind the drawer!

Jasper's funny moment

2010-04-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

Last night we were all getting ready for bed when Amber and Ryan announced that Jasper was digging through my bed!

After Ryan had filmed this on his phone he said maybe Jasper thought the bed had swallowed me up, but then after I got into the bed Jasper started digging against me!

Well he wasn't really digging - it looked more like a bakc to front moonwalk!

2010-04-28T00:48:00.000-07:00

Ryan had his 6th form interview yesterday and rang me in a bit of a state as he’d got the impression the school didn’t want him back next year. Me being me immediately rang the head of 6th form who explained that, as Ryan had not managed to get the grades to start his A levels last september and was doing the buisiness course, he would more thank likely find it difficult to, in effect, go back a year and start year 12 again. She also felt that Ryan would be better off doing a vocational course at college as he clearly doesn’t do well in exam situations.

I phoned Central Sussex College (Crawley) for a prospectus, and Ryan is now seriously considering hairdressing as a career - particularly when I pointed out that rock bands need their hair doing too!

Now for a proud mum moment.

We had Amber’s consultation evening yesterday which, TBH, I was looking forward to like a hole in the head. As you all know, Amber has not a good few months and has never had a good school attendance record. Well ….

SHE IS DOING REALLY WELL with a lot of expected B grades and, I feel if she attended school more (and believe me, she will be) she could be on course for several A grades next year. Her Art teacher thinks she is very talented, which I have to agree with as does her Textiles teacher, who is so encouraging. One of her science teachers thinks she is a budding physicist as she got one of the highest grades in the class for her recent physics module, she got an A in a recent English task, is on course for a good B in History but maths is a problem as she does really well in class but can’t cope under exam conditions - and it is all exam marks in that subject!

I am so proud of my beautiful, intelligent daughter!

Actually I am proud of both my wonderful kids who mean the world to me.

Amber's blood tests ...

2010-04-20T00:48:00.001-07:00

.... have all come back normal so I have made another appointment at the doctors for friday.

2010-04-20T00:46:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, I think my Robin Mystery KAL shawl is coming out much. much larger than it is supposed to be! Oh well, never mind - I do want it light and lacey!

2010-04-20T00:44:00.000-07:00

Had a look at the clappy which has been in progress but hibernating since September and it has now been relegated to the frog pond. Decided I hated the yarn and hated how it looked.

That's one less thing to worry about.

MANTRA!

2010-04-18T01:28:00.000-07:00

NOT TO BUY ANY NEW YARN UNTIL A PROJECT IS FINISHED.

In my case, with small projects I think it should be TWO projects. This means I have my work cut out for me before 18th May (trip to London)!

6 WIP's - how on earth did that happen!

Aestlight and Robin updates

2010-04-12T03:37:00.000-07:00

I really don't like the Aestlight pattern one little bit - I think I am garter stitched out!

I am progressing quite well on Robin but I now know that the pattern is stretching my ability to see to the limit. I am enjoying the challenge and am determind that I will not be beaten.

The Houdini twins

2010-04-12T03:34:00.000-07:00

Both Jasper and Millie have tried to make a break for freedom in the last week. Firstly, Millie climbed out of the bathroom window and got stuck on the porch roof, then Jasper managed to get out of the back door while Amber was coming in and sauntered past me on the steps into the garden - where he was unceremoniously grabbed by the scruff of the neck!

Wheels are in motion for an enclosure so that they can go out in safety.

Spring Cleaning?

2010-04-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

I’ve hardly stopped to draw breath over the last two days!

Yesterday we cleared a patch of garden in the back to make a space for an ‘enclosure’ for Jasper.Oscar and Minnie, and I was pulling up shrubs while OH was digging them out, then we replanted them in the front. Then I got tea for Ryan and me (Amber had already got hers) and hoovered the floor a bit, really only to remove some cat fur. Then I watched University Challenge and managed to answer a question on Michelangelo that the contestants couldn’t, followed by the last part ov Frost while knitting my Astlight.

Today we were all up early as Amber had to be at the doctors for her blood test at 8.40am - after 3 attempts the nurse finally managed to find a vein! Then we had breakfast at McDonalds (bacon roll and hash browns - yummm!) followed by spending £112 in Sainsburys, put the shopping away, hung the washing out, sorted out the cupboard under the sink ALL before lunch and this afternoon have sorted out the space under the stairs to make a special area for the cat ‘loo’, washed the damp patch with bleach and found loads of rubbish for the tip, and I hoovered the hall!

Now I have to think about dinner and ready myself for the dentist tomorrow.

Can’t think what’s wrong with me …….

Carmella

2010-04-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

I have found this wonderful pattern http://www.whiteliesdesigns.com/patterns/lcardigans/carmella.html and I simply have to make it! Y'see it has grabbed me by the throat is shaking me so hard ...! The pattern is ordered and I am going to use Patons Orient in Blackcurrant.

More kitty pix!

2010-04-03T03:51:00.001-07:00

Current knitting

2010-04-03T03:46:00.000-07:00

I am involved with two KAL's at the moment (knitalongs for those not in the know)

1. Sheknits ROBIN which is a mystery KAL and is fun although quite challenging as it involves lace, beading and bobbles! I have made a mistake in the pattern but am not frogging as it is in the first patttern repeat and i don't want to!

2. Ukarma (Ravelry) AESTLIGHT KAL which I am finding a bit tedious as the centre part is all garter stitch!

Forest Canopy

2010-04-03T03:44:00.001-07:00

Knitted in CP Mini Mochi, shade Strawberry & Lime.
Experimented with a few beads using the crochet hook method.

Supposed to be Spring!

2010-04-03T03:43:00.000-07:00

I thought it was supposed to be spring! The weather has turned really, really cold, wet and miserable!

2010-03-29T00:20:00.001-07:00

Have had a really bad week, possibly - well more than likely - as a result of the consultant insisting on me taking cholesterol medication. It wreaked havoc with my diabetes so I stopped taking it after a week and feel much better now - I had lots of really high readings for no reason whatsoever!

Finished Forest Canopy which I loved, although I am not too ken on Mini Mochi, and have made Amber a Meret (beret by Woolly Wormhead) in some really grotty dk/aran that Iris gave me (the rest is going on a trip to the charity shop). Piccies will follow when I have more time - GP appointment.

In the last week -

2010-03-22T02:51:00.001-07:00

We have decorated the dining room and it now looks fantastic! The desk is nearer the window and there is enough natural light to mean that I don't need the light on to see the keyboard!

Had Ryan's consultation evening at school, and although all his teachers think he is marvellous HE MUST WORK HARDER to make sure he gets the right grades!

Frogged my Mini Mochi made up shawl because I decided it looked horrible (and I did make a mistake in some lace I was adding). I have now started a Forest Canopy which I am lving and have taught myself the crochet hook method of adding beads!

Had a Low Vision Clinic appointment on friday, and they are supplying me with special glasses to use when the light is poor due to mist/fog. I am going to need a bigger bag again!

It must be love!

2010-03-15T02:53:00.000-07:00

Millie says Jasper keeps laying on her - he says he loves her but she think's he's trying to kill her!

2010-03-15T02:51:00.001-07:00

Jasper just doesn't care!

LATEST FO's

2010-03-15T02:40:00.001-07:00

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY EVERYONE!

2010-03-14T03:04:00.001-07:00

2010-03-14T01:59:00.000-08:00

Sorry again for not posting but time seems to be getting away from me! The last few days are our bad time of the month as there are a lot of family loss anniversaries so have been concentrating on other things!

Am getting really impatient about the decorating as I want to get on with it! We've made a start on getting rid of the huge stacks of junk that seem to accumulate everywhere and Ryan got a load of stuff put in the loft yesterday, hopefully we will be able to get started in a few days or so!

Finished Pimpelliese last night (or rather early this morning) and have decided to get the Mini Mochi project finished, smoke ring made and then .... start something bigger like a jacket for me!

Whoops!

2010-03-04T01:21:00.000-08:00

Is it really over a week since I last posted?

1. Ryan is now 17.

2. I’ve finally had enough of Amber always beeing ill so we had a visit to the doctor yon tuesday.

Amber had suspected Swine Flu last October and hasn’t really been well since and I was beginning to wonder if she might have M.E. She has lost some weight (which isn’t really a bad thing as my daughter is large for her age), is always tired, gets lots of headaches, very pasty-looking and seems to be getting a lot of viruses and colds, one after the other.

She must be feeling off colour because she has occasionally used my testing kit to test her blood sugar without being prompted (Icheck both my kids if they start showing any possible symptoms of starting to develop diabetes) and even managed to do a first thing in the morning one which, I suppose, could’ve been a bit better.

The doctor did a full check and has arranged for Amber to have a fasting blood test on the tuesday after Easter (so that no school is missed as Amber has had lots of time off). I mentioned M.E. but the doctor never said anything and I didn’t want to make too much of it as Amber doesn’t know anything about the illness - yet.

There is probably nothing more than teenage-itis wrong with her.

3. Ummm - went into C & H Fabrics yesterday in Tunbridge Wells - BIG mistake!

Bought 2 Balls Rowam Wool Cotton to make some more gloves (purple), a 100g Regia Hand dyed effect yarn (probably a shawl) and 100g Regia yarn with silver runing through it for a shawl - probably Deirdre.

Whoops! Had a lovely day though.

Bought a new bag for my knitting from a stall and a lovely heavy silk scarf too.

I think I will have to sell some of my beloved bags (not knitted ones)!

4. Millie (spelt right) hasn't stopped 'moaning' since she had her op last week and seems to have an opinon of her own on everything and anything!

5. Jasper took it upon himslef to destroy on of my Knitpro tips by CHEWING IT! Ryan is buying me a new set of 3.5mm for Mothers Day (along with a skein of Malabrigo Silky Merino). Wonderful boy!

My mistake!

2010-02-23T09:24:00.000-08:00

Apparently I've been spelling her name wrong - it should be Millie with an 'ie'!

We want our breakfast!

2010-02-22T02:37:00.001-08:00

Oscar on the left, Milly on the right.

Yesterday was really ...

2010-02-21T01:25:00.000-08:00

the day from hell.

Everything blew up - initially between my sister and Ryan but ultimately everyone got involved and I now refuse to go anywhere near my dad's house unless my sister stays away.

It started with Ryan not being able to fix the stop light bulb on her car as he couldn't work out how to get the cover off without breaking it, then she took him and my neice to the cemetery to lay some flowers on my mum's stone and she removed some my dad had taken down (a sweet artificial rose) on monday which would've been their 54nd wedding anniversary and put them on my nan's stone, then they got back to dad's and she went on and on about the bulb on her car.

Then she started on Ryan and the fact that he doesn't know what he wants to do with his life. He asked her to drop it and, of course, she wouldn't so he told her that he'd got fed up with her last time she'd done it. She claimed she didn't know what she'd said and, when reminded, claimed it was a joke - which it clearly wasn't.

Then my niece (not quite 6) decided to get in on the act and told her mother that I had given the farm away to which my sister went ballistic, saying some of the stuff in the farm had been hers as a child - if that was the case then she should've lloked after it. Now toys in this family seem to end up in my loft and the farm had been over to my sister and back again every week for some time last year - we'd get it back in the loft and they'd want it again. We got so fed up with it and dad kept moaning about carting it backward and forward that I told him and my kids what I was doing and I was informed it was up to me.

She stormed out with my neice saying she was going to her friend and the atmosphere was instantly cleared but dad had to phone her and persuade her to come back for her lunch. She made a comment about his darling daughter (me) and he agreed, telling me that he didn't think the farm should've been given away!

They came back and then decided to eat their lunch in another room leading to even more trouble. She did say she didn't want to sit next to someone who eats like a pig - meaning Ryan!

Dad brought us straight home after that and, after he'd left, it turned out that when she'd left to go to her friend, she'd mouthed 'f*** **f' to Ryan (you may remember that not so long ago she casued trouble with me and dad over bad language being used on by Ryan on MSN).

Dad has told me this morning that he is going into the cemetery to put the flowers back on mum's stone and has even written it down so he doesn't forget.

Funky Cat!

2010-02-17T03:49:00.001-08:00

Jazz got into Amber's room while the paint was still wt and now has burgundy tips to his fur!

Funnily enough, the shade is called Jazzberry!

I love this pattern!

2010-02-16T02:28:00.000-08:00

After several abortive attempts at finding (and liking) a pattern to knit for my hairdresser's toddler, I found the Daisy Cardigan by Marie Grace Designs (free on Ravelry).

It's a top down construction and I am really enjoying the way it's working out!

Several of the patterns I have earmarked for myself are knitted top down so I shall be having a wonderful time!

Pints & Purls

2010-02-12T04:07:00.000-08:00

The first meeting of our new village knitting group is on 23rd February at 7pm in The Crown in the middle of the village!

5th Item finished!!

2010-02-11T00:11:00.000-08:00

I have finished my Antique Lace, lovely pattern, fantastic yarn but, as usual I won't be sure I like it until it has finished blocking!
Have loads of yarn left but then I did have 4 skeins of HM Lady Godiva and only needed three but I didn't use nearly as much as the pattern asked for so I am going to make something stunning. I went on the youtube tutorial for Cat Bordhi's Moebius Cast On and, when I've got five minutes (fat chance kids finish at lunctime today until 22nd) I am going to start a moebius. It's a different technique to one I've used in the past but is much easier and I know I will be able to see this one.

Quick update

2010-02-06T02:30:00.000-08:00

1. Knitting going well, on first front of Antique Lace and just love the yarn!
2. Went to Careers Convention with the kids. Ryan has no idea what he wants to do but Amber seems to be keen on hairdressing.
3. Milly is in season and the boys won't leave her alone so have booked her in to be spayed on 23rd - have changed vet as the one were were going to is very expensive.
4. Have very bravely let Amber go with her friends up to Camden tonight to the Kerrang! Relentless Energy Tour where All Time Low and the Blackout are playing.

Milly doesn't seem to want me to use the computer!

2010-01-31T01:22:00.000-08:00

Latest FO's!

2010-01-25T02:58:00.001-08:00

New Photos of Milly Moggins

2010-01-25T02:56:00.000-08:00

Milly Moggins ......

2010-01-24T02:42:00.000-08:00

..... has finally settled in!

She still has the occasional growl at Jasper but she is turning into a really cuddly kitty, and is getting used to mealtimes and eating with the other two. We had a lovely snuggly cuddle last night and she fell fast asleep. Her coat is still a bit ratty but looks a bit more glossy than it did when we got her last week.

Not a good week ....

2010-01-22T00:43:00.001-08:00

upped my anti-depressants to 75mg on monday and since then, have had a bad time with hypos and dizziness but the mint tea in the evening seems to have stopped the reflux problem - touch wood!

Ryan didn't pass his college exam AGAIN and I think we're going to call it a day, I am so glad Amber decided to stick with GCSE's and not do a college course! She has made a slow start on her TRASH design but I don't really think she knows what she is going to do!

Finished Beaded Lace Smoke Ring and started some more gloves which will hopefully fit me better round the wrist and are definitely longer than the frill ones.

Milly is settling in slowly, she is not keen on cuddles yet but I am sure that will change given time. Jazz and Oz managed to get her cornered under the reclining chair last night and it was really funny to watch Oz try to get at her!

Getting rid of American fridge and having Clare's fridge and freezer instead (they are only a few months old) as I can't pass up the opportunity of her getting rid as my freezer was playing up a few weeks ago. It'll be fun trying to get it out of the kitchen though!

Hello Milly!

2010-01-17T07:31:00.001-08:00

This is our latest baby, she is roughly two years old but is very grumpy with the other two!

Can't do any thing without Jasper's help!

2010-01-16T04:12:00.001-08:00

Shilasdair yarn

2010-01-16T04:09:00.000-08:00

I am knitting a Beaded Smoke Ring with the lovely yarn Frances bought me when she visited Shilasdai on Skye in October. Trouble is the dye (cochineal) comes off on my hands and even gets on my face!

I have decided to knit cowls instead of scarves as certain young four legged friends who shall remain nameless like to play with any dangly bits!

My Waistcoat

2010-01-16T04:07:00.000-08:00

Finished!

2010-01-14T01:08:00.001-08:00

My waistcoat is done! First project of 2010 and around 300g used of stash!

Having a moan.

2010-01-08T01:54:00.000-08:00

I’m really fed up - can’t go near the windows because of the snow glare, the house is a mess, the kids aren’t at school (no buses running), Jasper isn’t eating properly, haven’t been out properly (only to the bin) since tuesday, no post since tuesday either and have loads of books on order that I want to look at, Amber’s best friend stayed overnight (they have got as much snow as us and only live about 5 miles away) so the kitch looks as if it’s been trashed, all the downstairs lights were left on as was the computer and the TV. To cap it all, I am in the process of having my anti-depressants changed over and am on a very low dose and we couldn’t get to Kangaloonies yesterday!

Snow - AGAIN!

2010-01-06T02:24:00.001-08:00

MEET MY GLOVES!

2010-01-03T01:44:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-01T01:57:00.001-08:00

Knitting Projects for 2009

2010-01-01T01:56:00.001-08:00

First attempt at Gloves.
Bertie Blue
Baby Alligator for Jack
Susie Scarf
Flying V scarf for Ryan
Kondwani Dishcloth
Love to .... dishcloth
Friends dishcloth
Born to Knit dishcloth
Garden Girl dishcloth
Symphony Jacket
Aquatastic!
Spider dishcloth
Bag for storing crisps for Clare
Berrylicious!
Bluebobble
Fuschia-mallows!
Beads and Lace for the Trendy Pensioner
Pompadour Scarf
Kid Merino/Little Flowers Scarf
Ziggy Scarf
Autumn Garden Scarf for Auntie Ann
Mochi Plus Beret for Sophie
In the Courtyard
Knit Now, Dishes Later
5 Macmillan Blanket squares
Irony Scarf
Freda
Ballet Scarf
Sunshine Clappy
Spring Green
Liesl
Scarf for Linzy
Patching It Up
Daisy!
Fiesta!!
Firebird Shawl
PAWS dishcloth
Joji
Clappy for Amber
Frances birthday present #2
Papillon washcloth
Frances' birthday present #1
Luffley Scarf
Cardi for Chris's little girl
Sunset Bag
White marshmallow scarf
Spice Caravan Robe
Flamenco Bag
Mini Clappy for Berni
B4 Bag
'Maggie' bag
Red/green Market Squares
My Constant companion
Ruched Bag
Clappy (started 2008)
Square!

New Year Destash

2009-12-29T09:37:00.000-08:00

I am destashing - again. Take a look at my FSOT on Ravelry!

http://www.ravelry.com/people/dodo/stash/trade

2009-12-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

I have a new addiction - Knitting gloves!

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS 2010

2009-12-27T04:21:00.000-08:00

1. To stop spending money on silly things!
2. To clear my overdraft.
3. To knit from stash and only stash
4. To try and save up for things instead of using credit.

Gloves!

2009-12-27T04:20:00.001-08:00

I am having a go at making some gloves to match my winder coat. I have never tried them before so it'll be interesting to see how I get on!

Swing, Swagger, Drape

2009-12-27T04:19:00.001-08:00

This book is wonderful and I am feeling inspired! There are several designs that I shall be attempting over the next few months!

2009-12-24T03:03:00.001-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!

Look who was moonlighting as a checkout assistant!

2009-12-24T03:01:00.001-08:00

SUSIE SCARF

2009-12-21T04:03:00.000-08:00

The sample shows the pattern slightly different - I sort of modified my design as I went along!

Snow - AGAIN!

2009-12-20T02:02:00.001-08:00

We’ve had more snow overnight! Admittedly not a great deal but it has made the ‘bit outside the backdoor’ pristine again!

My lovely son cleared out front steps and the steep path yesterday then went and ‘borrowed’ some grit from the bin up the hill and sprinkled it over for me so that I’m not stuck indoors. I want to get the council to put up a rail next year as I can’t see the ice out there - black or not - and I don’t fancy falling and damaging myself. Amber did help a bit but she was wearing her pj bottoms so got a tad cold.

We also took the cats out on their leads yesterday - Jasper kept diving into mini drifts in the garden and his brush like tail was covered in snow, and Oscar timidly walked about then laid down in the snow and started crying. When Amber picked him up he was shivering!

I am hoping OH will venture over this afternoon as I need to do some shopping in Iceland!

Yaayyyy!

2009-12-19T02:08:00.000-08:00

The Susie Scarf is finished! Really pleased with it and I promise to post a photo asap. Bit behind on the photo front as I haven't had my computer for over two weeks and have been using Ryan's.

Am now making a Baby Alligator scarf for the little boy next door for christmas, partly as a thank you for the use of his mum's freezer last weekend.

Susie Scarf

2009-12-14T01:21:00.000-08:00

After being consigned to the naughty corner for a couple of months, I am finally getting to grips with the Susie Scarf and hope to have it finished this week. I just couldn't find the right stitch pattern for the 3rd band but have overcome that with good old double moss stitch and am way past that now - I am on the 6th band, and there are only 9 to do.