ButterCup

Forgive me readers, its been 2 weeks since my last blogpost. Nothing bad or interesting - just crazy busy and a distinct lack of anything crafty happening around here. Hopefully a FO post will make up for the longer than intended absence from the blogosphere....




Buttercup (Ravelry download)
Version A
#7 NaKniSweMoDo09 Sweater
6.5 skeins Patons Diploma Gold DK (wool, acrylic, nylon)
4mm Knitpicks


Mods - less increases for the Aline shape and tightened up neckline.



I think most people are making this as a spring/summer tee whereas I was intending it to be more of an autumn/winter top I could layer over long sleeves. I can't remember if that's what I had in mind when I cast on for the 40 and not the 36 - in retrospect the smaller size would have been better I think. This is a lovely top with nothing under it but the neckline is fairly risque and I don't think I'd be brave enough to wear it out in public without a singlet or cami under it - and that's with me tightening up the neckline more than the pattern recommendation. I think perhaps a size smaller would have enabled me to use it as a teeshirt in summer too and probably would have resulted in a nicer fit around the shoulders. However thats my only (and a small one at that) gripe with this and I'm perfectly happy with just using it as a layering sweater. Just as a FYI I did the version A of the pattern - I think version B has a higher neckline.



I love the colour of this yarn - which I've used before for socks (it has nylon in it) - and am really pleased with how it knitted up for this top. My stocking stitch smoothed out beautifully after blocking and because it's quite a light DK it has a lovely drape to it which really suits this pattern. I'm hoping the wool blend will also mean it will wear quite well and won't pill like my wool sweaters.

I love the little bit of lace and the Aline hide everything shape. I'm sure I'm going to get quite a bit of wear out of this! Definitely a would knit again pattern.


P.S Have to apologize for the blurry (toddler finger marks on camera lens) photos - just pretend we were going for an arty look. We went to redo them and my camera packed a sad and wouldn't focus - hopefully something I can work out how to fix.

June is Finished

So June finishes today (ignore the blogger timestamp it really is Tues here). How did you go on getting your WiPs finished during June is for Finishing?

I am feeling pretty good about my achievements for the month.

I did finally finish my clapotis


I did finally make the Oriental Lily for M (and N) I'd been meaning to make for a whole year


I did also make DH something with the wool I bought him last winter. In the end the scarf became a hat, a design of my own. Unfortunately since its winter and DH is leaving in the dark and getting home in the dark I still havent managed to grab a photo of it yet. Must remember to do it this weekend. I'm aiming on writing up the pattern too so if theres anyone who would like to test the pattern (mens cabled beanie in chunky wool 13st/10cm) then please flick me an email. I'm hoping that pattern writing will be my school holidays project (which can't come soon enough at the end of this week).

Unfortunately the biggest UFO of them all, M's blanket, remains unfinished. Mainly due to children + yarn + black hole. (yarn found in child's clothes drawer in case you're missing a ball of yarn too). I am working on it though which is progress indeed and have so far knit 1/4 of the edging. I want to give it to her for her birthday in August so am pretty confident I'll have it done by then.

The other thing I'm working on is my Buttercup top (Ravelry link)


I'm about halfway through and so far its looking like it will fit. The colour here is not right - think brick red. I was taking ages to decide what to use the yarn for and in the end it was the lovely top that Stitchywitch made that made the decision for me. I forsee a Gathered Pullover in the not too distant future as well (I may even have been yarn shopping!)

So I feel like I should have more to show you for nearly 2 weeks of blog absence! But theres been lots of life stuff, busy kid stuff, absent husband stuff (and exhausted me) and not as much knitting as usual. I am also way behind with my blog reading so if you've finished some Wips for June is for Finishing then leave me a comment so I can make sure I check. Here are some great projects that you can check out...

Abi's beautiful and epic crochet blanket

Mazzy's The Soaker that never ends

Shortly's Fargyles are Finished

Hopefully you won't be waiting quite so long for my next update :D

Progress

June is for Finishing continues...

One of the things I wanted to finally get done was the scarf for DH that I had intended to make him last winter. Man wool has been in my stash patiently waiting for a whole year. He decided a new winter beanie would be better than a scarf, and so with stitch dictionary and calculator in hand I cast on last night. I am hoping this will turn out as a new pattern.



Since I am making such good progress on getting those unfinished things tidied up I allowed myself to cast on for something new. Not to mention of course that something new allows me to procrastinate even longer on the biggest UFO of them all - the blanket! The yarn is the Fruit salad sock yarn that I received for a Secret Santa swap late last year and the pattern is Outside In from the latest Knitty. The leg part went quite well but I've done something very very wrong on the after thought heel and will have to rip that out and start the heel again I think. This is quite a challenging knit and in hindsight was probably a bit above my rather limited sock knitting experience. I'm feeling reasonably resolute to continue on despite the setbacks but don't expect to see sock #2 any time soon! I'm trying to ignore the small voice in my head thats telling me to rip the whole thing and do something easier!




Local yarn store has their winter sale on now, which was rather disappointing and nothing much appealed to me, but I did buy a sweater's worth of this DK yarn. Its more brick red than fire engine red. I've got as far as pouring over patterns in my queue and trawling Ravelry for something suitable. Maybe Buttercup or possibly Gathered Pullover. I was also thinking about Tangled Yoke and Coraline but the majority of things I've made for myself so far have been cardigans (and I have at least 2 more definite cardy style knits organised for my nakniswemodo remaining 6 sweaters) I think this time I'll go for something in the round.


If you've got any recommendations I'd love to hear them!

Clapotis

This was the project which inspired me to finish up all my UFO's this month - I finally got to the point where I really just wanted it done and finished up in time for winter.... (not to mention wanting the use of my long cable and all my stitch markers again)

Started in January and finished in June, it was a bit of an epic knit. But well worth the wait, I'm very pleased with the finished product



10 balls of Vintage Hues 12ply on 6mm needles makes for a HUGE, soft and squishy blanket sized clapotis. About twice as long and wide as the pattern specifies. I really wanted a blanket or wrap sized "shawl" to snuggle under, and I certainly got it. She measures 250cm long and 80cm wide (or if you prefer about 100inch by 32inch).



I didn't particularly enjoy knitting this and found it a bit tedious to be honest, which is funny considering I do normally like a good run of stocking stitch for knitting with kids or TV. I did enjoy the dropping of the stitches and once I got through the straight section it was pretty fast to finish, however I don't think there will be anymore clapotis in my knitting future.




A stupidly large number of people have knit this, it's almost like a knitter's rite of passage and I can see the attraction - the resulting fabric is lovely to look at with the added bonus of looking more difficult than it really is. The Vintage Hues did cool things with each ball and the interesting colour changes kept me at it, even when the tedium of upteen pattern repeats was driving me up the knitting wall.



If I could "dedicate" a knitting project then this one would go to my Mum. Going to holiday at her house for a long weekend and not taking any other projects was the main reason this is finally off the needles. And of course the endless dramas I had with the yarn - running out of a yarn thats been discontinued before you finish it (perhaps a lesson there in not procrastinating on your projects?) is never a good thing but Mum came to my rescue not only once but twice, sending me more yarn. So thank you Mum!!! It was the beautiful clapotis that she knitted for herself that inspired me to make one of my own too so I do really have to thank her for this one xx



I shall certainly be warm and snuggly these cold winter evenings!

As well as knocking off another one for "June is for Finishing" I'm also counting this as NaKniSweMoDo#6 , I know its an oversized scarf and not a sweater however 12 BIG things was my aim for this year and with as much as wool as a sweater (and as much labour) I'm counting this as one of my 12. I figure its my Knit-Along I can cheat if I want!

Me Me Me and Me

I've been tagged for a Me Meme by two luffly and very talented kiwi bloggers HeartFelt and Miss Smith, thanks ladies.

Right so here's some stuff about me me me (its a bit of an epic one, but fun all the same, I've been pottering away on it all week)

What is your current obsession?
I'm dreaming about spring and planting my spring garden (possibly getting a bit ahead of myself there)
Obsessing about writing a new knitting pattern, knitting things for myself, finding the perfect pattern
hmm that would be knitting then I guess. Who would have thought!

What is your weirdest obsession?
I admit to being obsessed with all things Twilight and yes I know that's weird and yes I'm embarrassed for me too

What are you wearing today?
A variety of paint splatters (Playcentre this morning).

What's for dinner?
Trying a new brand of gluten free sausage tonight, hopefully they'll be nicer than the last ones we bought which had a cardboard like consistency

What would you eat for your last meal?
Seafood chowder, a large glass of Pegasus Bay Chardonnay and a creme brulee


What's the last thing you bought?
Yesterday morning, A ream of paper for my printer , some arty crafty bits for the kids and 3 lollipops

What are you listening to right now?
Kings of Leon, Ladyhawke, and the new Black Eyed Peas single

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Adelaide for a catch up with my bestie who I haven't seen in too long


Which language do you want to learn?
I'd love to be fluent in Te Reo but for now will settle for 'rusty'

What do you love most about where you currently live?

The house? Right now I really really really love the woodburner (and its heat transfer system). Or the City? I love that we're in a really interesting neighbourhood - lots of cool little shops, the river, the community garden, quaint little community libraries, lots of friends nearby, close to everything we need in the City. Theres always something interesting to look at round here.

What is your favorite colour?
Purple,blue or red. Or black if its favourite colour to wear. I've come to realise I'm really not a fan of green. I own maybe one green item of clothing and one skein of green yarn (that was gifted to me). I don't actually mind green, its just not the colour that pulls me in.


What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?
My new armlength mittens are the best ever winter accessory and probably my most favourite FO at the moment.


What were you doing ten years ago?
I was in my final year of University so most probably studying (and partying) hard. Good times.


Describe your personal style?
Ha! Paint splattered Playcentre Mum?

If you had £100 now, what would you spend it on?
Some new clothes so I could answer the previous question somewhat differently


What are you going to do after this?
Take some FO photos of my clapotis (tomorrow's post hopefully)


What are your favourite films?
Say Anything, Sliding Doors, Little Miss Sunshine, Lantana, Memento, LOTR

What inspires you?
Colour, flair, simplicity, style, wearability, 'real' stories, hope.


Your favourite books?
All of the Diana Gabaldon books, Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine, Time Traveller's Wife, the Llywellyn series of books by Sharon Penman..I really could go on and on there but I'll leave it at that. Historical fiction is my genre of choice.

Do you collect anything?
Does yarn count?


What makes you follow a blog?
A 'voice' that makes it different from all the others, great photos, a sense of humour, superb craftiness or knitting. Mostly I love the blogs which 'keep it real'. Stories I can relate to, projects I'd like to make myself. I always go check out the blogs of people who read me.

What was the most enjoyable thing you did today?
Today is WWKIP Day (World wide knit in public day) so I went along to the local event, and I knit...in public! There was a great turn out, fun events to watch and I enjoyed a catch up and coffee with some knitting friends.....


Julie me and Joanne :D enjoying knitting in public!


The rules:1. Respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your invention, add one more question of your own.2. Tag eight other people.

I really hate having to choose, so feel free to consider yourself tagged if I haven't tagged you! Here are some more great kiwi blogs (and an Aussie one thrown in there too since lots of the kiwi girls have already been tagged for this). So go forth and meme (only if you want of course)

Knit.so.quaint
Fresh Tea
Colour Me In
Knit Spastic
KiwiChickKnits
Shortly
Craftykin
Sharon

FO:Oriental Lily for Two

"June is for finishing" continues! It's great that other people are joining in too, and I love seeing all the things that people are making - I'm enjoying getting those hibernating things finally done, very satisfying.



I am a big fan of Tikki's lovely patterns and after testing the Oriental Lily pattern for her last year I really wanted to make one for M1. I had intended to make her one this time last year but intentions was as far as I got. June is for Finishing seemed the perfect time to stop procrastinating and finally get on and make one! The test knit I made was a newborn size but is still being worn by its very cute recipient (yay) and I also modified the pattern to make a doll size one for a swap with a friend. So this is #3 Oriental Lily for me and probably won't be the last - very cute and a lovely versatile design.



I made the 2-3y size and having already made the short sleeves I just knit until I ran out of yarn - thus ending up with a knee length dress for Malmost2. The bodice is roomy and I think this is definitely another "2 winters" knit which is great.

I took an enormous number of photos but my camera was playing up and combined with a runaway toddler most of the photos looked something like this:


Obviously I need to find a new bribe for photography sessions! This one shows off the yarn nicely though. Its JJ's Montage 8ply and I used all of the 200g skein. The contrast is Cleckheaton Country 8ply in Black and I used about half a ball I think. I bought this yarn when we lived up north, possibly drawn to the red/black colourway reminding me of home! It was lovely to knit with and softer than Utiku, I really love the pink and red against the black and it seems to me to be well suited as a winter knit. Mostly it didn't pool except for one triangle bit across the middle of the skirt. I haven't seen this yarn for sale down here anywhere which is a shame as I would buy it again, makes a nice change from the usual Wool Company ones.



Ravelry has the yarn listed as worsted and on 4mm I got 19st/10cm which means my 2-3y size is possibly more like a 3-4y size. So of course I couldn't resist trying it on N as well (who is 3y8m).



And I think I like it better on her!!! More a tunic than a dress it fits her perfectly and the colours really suit her. I'll probably put it on her this winter and M next year (since she is still fitting her Rainbow Dress from last year). I think the length on her is much nicer and hopefully she won't refuse to wear it like she does all the other knitted things in her wardrobe!



She's a much more obliging model, actually staying still for a few seconds!



Well mostly. Can't you almost hear the "no more photos Mum!" (I can see why they say never work with children or animals lol)



More pics on flickr and my Ravelry page.

Round Here

Winter Sky. Naked Trees



Book Club for June. So far, quite good.



Lavender in the garden. My favourite scent.


Knitting of course.


Will I show my age if I say the title of this post reminds me of the song Round here by Counting Crows

Lucky me

I've been a very lucky sweetp lately, winning not just one but TWO blog giveaways!

Thank you to the lovely Regan over at FreshTea for the gorgeous box of goodies that arrived on my doorstep this morning. Of course I should have guessed there would be fresh tea involved!


I just ADORE this little dragonfly dish


And isn't the knitted cupcake the cutest little thing? I'll have to hide it from the girls I think before it gets stolen for the next dolly and me tea party session.


Thanks so much! FreshTea is a great little NZ blog , always something fresh and lovely going on there so go check it out :D


And I was also lucky enough to be picked by Jill at Knitterella and won a pack of her new gift tags. She was so kind and actually included 2 packs! I love all her tags and cards (the perfect accessory for all your knitting gifts) but her new ones really made me giggle and I was very excited to have won some of my very own. Thanks so much ! Check out the Knitterella blog for seriously cute baby knitting and gorgeous new baby to match.



I'm feeling like I'd like to share the love around too so watch this space for a blog giveaway of my own!

Good

Good day yesterday. There was a certain craft fair happening in town and I may have happened to buy some yarn. Nice yarn! (always the making for a good day).



Needlefood is a newcomer to the hand dyed sock yarn market here and their yarn is just lovely. I oohed and aahed over their stall for an embarrassingly long time and finally settled on a skein of "Morning Sky". However it wasn't until I got home I realised I'd grabbed 5ply/sport instead of 4ply/sock! It's lovely though - wool/silk/bamboo and delightfully soft and silky. My queue just had a whole lot of sport weight sock patterns added to it. If you have any recommendations please let me know!

I also enjoyed meeting up with Nikki and whilst there was no knitting action this time it was great to see her for a coffee (or sugar sachets if you are M1) and a catch up.

A good evening spent with a friend - dessert, knitting and Edward Cullen.

Other good things -

The New Moon trailer is up and its good and I really want it to be November already.

Also if you are a Sendak fan then check out this link on the Mochimochiland blog for the trailer for Where the Wild Things Are. Its looking good too! Can't wait. Oh and don't forget the next Harry Potter movie - only have to wait until July for that one. There are 2 excellent trailers HERE . (Apparently I like movies based on kids books lol)

My little crocodile fan is loving the look of this pattern for.... knit crocodiles!!! I think I may have to oblige her on that one, so cute.

I'm off to spend a couple of hours on my own today. After 2 weeks suffering cabin fever with 2 sicky kids, an hour or two of child free time is going to be very very good indeed.

I hope you're having a good weekend too xx

Finished! Fargyles

June is for Finishing is off to a good start...



Pattern: Fargyles by Jacki Kelly - Knitty Winter 08
Yarn: Patons Diploma Gold Dk (Wool/Nylon) - "Lupin" 2 skeins
3.75mm Knit Picks Magic Looped
Mods - none!



These are my first ever adult socks and I totally enjoyed knitting them. I can see why socks are some people's knit of choice and I think I will be , eventually, one of those knitters who always has a pair on the go. I don't think I'll be a 'sock knitter' but it was quite a fun knit and wearing handknit socks is a great feeling.

It did take me a long time to complete the pair. Each sock only took a few days but since I usually get second sleeve syndrome, its really no surprise that there was a period of several months between the completion of sock one and then its mate. However, finished they are and I'm now thinking the time might be right to try *actual* sock yarn and skinny neeedles!



This pattern was really fun and since the pattern repeats once on the back and once on the front it was really quite easy to convert the DPN pattern to Magic Loop. I didnt have the right size DPNS and ML is much much safer with little hands around (DPNS make good drumsticks don't you know?).

I really like the fake-argyle pattern and it was super easy to knit. I picked the pattern because it was patterned without being too over the top difficult (I thought I'd get bored with something too plain), it was in double knit (you know I like instant results!) and the designer is a fellow down under lass, Jacki from the Complete Fabrication (you've probably seen or made her seamless kimono pattern). Plus the lovely foot model on the knitty pattern is Sam, whose blog Knit Glob appears over in my blogroll. It just seemed to be the perfect pattern to choose for my first foray into adult socks!



This last one is my favourite photo. I'm sure there are lots of other crafting Mums out there that can relate to that stray little piece of lego...

When good knits go bad then come right again

Oh the difference a day makes.

Again, I am ever so thankful that my mother is a knitter and lives in a small town with several little yarn stores which carry the yarn I need when the big city yarn stores have already taken the discontinued ones off the shelves. Thanks Mum. My clapotis will have a happy ending after all.


And my big pink blob cardigan. Last night I blocked the bejesus out of it (I think the official term is frankenblocking) and added *ahem* several inches of length. The girls and I went and got some more buttons this afternoon and she is all finished. And while it will not be on my 'most favourite knit ever' list I am reasonably pleased with the final outcome.




The pattern is by Suss Cousins and is called Assymmetrical Buttoned Cardigan (Rav link). I saw it in a book of Mums and was really drawn to the simplicity with just a little twist and probably, if I am really honest, the really cool buttons they used on the sample (which of course I couldn't find anything remotely like here). I am on the only second person on Ravelry to make this jacket (and only 7 people have queued it) so I won't go into too many details about the pattern itself since it's unlikely anyone reading this will be itching to make it straight away. If you are interested in the endless issues I had with this pattern (and the questionable tech editing) then have a look at my Ravelry project page. Suffice to say it is not a pattern I will be making again!

The yarn is my "go to" for aran weight patterns - Paton's Jet Alpaca/Wool - which I have used heaps of times before, notably this exact colourway for M's Ribbed Jacket (which now I think about it looks rather similar to this one). Once again absolutely no issues with the yarn and it does respond so nicely to a bit of a bath and my stocking stitch looks pretty good if I do say so myself.

So on with the photography...

The jacket is a boxy style (no waist shaping ) designed to be worn buttoned all the way up. I wasn't kidding when I said big pink blob!




You will note how it stops right on the widest part of my hips making me look even wider than normal. You will also notice the gaping button over the boobage area which itself appears to be somewhere around my waist. And somehow I don't have a waist anymore. Hmm so flattering.

I've watched enough Trinny and Susannah to know that a girl with breastfeeding DD cleavage should really stay away from turtle necks and tops that don't have a deep or wide neckline. Not sure what I was thinking picking this pattern to be honest since I'd never pick up this sort of style top in a shop!
(Girls with bigger breasts can check out the "rules" here - there is even a page where it says not to choose boxy short waisted jackets!! Personally I hate they way they refer to "tits" but if you can get past that, the clothing advice is pretty good)

All is not lost however. Thinking more about what *does* look better on my figure I decided to see how the sweater would look without that big collar and maybe a few of those other buttons undone as well....



Perfectly acceptable yes?

Wider neckline stops the big balloon front thing happening and because its falling from the chest there is even just a hint of a waist.

It's not how it was intended to be worn but I think it will do just fine. I know you can see the neckline/button band seams and it doesn't appear so asymmetrical worn this way but I'm pretty sure no one is going to come up to me in the street to ask why my collar isn't the same size on both sides.

It may be relegated to an at home sweater but since I spend a lot of my time just at home that's fine with me. The main thing is that it was salvaged and all that knitting (and nice yarn) was not in vain.



So not a great success but not a complete ugh either. The end result was a wearable sweater (I'm so pleased) and lots of lessons learnt - there won't be any more knitting of patterns that haven't had a bit of Ravelry attention (personally I like a heads up if anything is going to be amiss) and there won't be any more admiring of sweaters who don't fit the rules! I DO know what styles suit me and this was a good lesson in using that knowledge when I'm thinking about knitting for myself. This whole experience also reconfirmed for me that top down raglan/yoked, where you can try on as you go, is the only way I want to knit - there's nothing as gutting as spending all that time and skill only to find (once you've gone through the agony that is seaming) that your sweater doesn't fit/flatter/do justice to your efforts.

So, big pink blob sweater, you may not be my best ever sweater, hell, you're not even a just plain good sweater, but you are the sweater that will make sure all the rest to follow are better!

M7 and I were rushing to get some pics before the light faded all together (winter....sigh) so they aren't the best I'm afraid. There are a few dodgy bathroom self potraits on flickr too

When good knits go bad

We've just had a long weekend with a teacher only day tacked on the end meaning a 4 day weekend! We went down to stay with my Mum and while I'd like to say we spent it doing fun things, the reality is that the weather was awful and the kids were still sick and we really just hung around inside keeping warm. I got quite a bit of knitting done and had a plan only to bring some unfinished things to finally get off the needles.

Right now I'd like to be showing you my finished CLAPOTIS!! Yes, finally I bit the bullet and spent a couple of days concentrating on just getting it finished, tedium though it may be. It's looking lovely, its very big and my "blankie clappy" is going to be just lovely to snuggle under.

Except I ran out of yarn. With only a couple of repeats to go on the small triangle end part. So now I have to hope Mum can once again come to the rescue and find me some more of the discontinued yarn. Sigh.


I also finished my next NaKniSweMoDo09 sweater - a lovely snuggly alpaca/wool boxy style jacket. Amongst several other 'issues' its ridiculously short and so I can't show you that either until I carry out some extreme frankenblocking. And even then I'm not sure that I really should have picked something short and boxy with no waist shaping - theres a good chance I'll end up looking like a big pink blob (albeit a warm and snuggly big pink blob). Sigh Sigh Sigh.

Really I've had quite a good run lately, of making things that have turned out to plan and probably it was about time that there was an 'ugh' in there somewhere. I wouldn't want you all to think that this was one of those knitting blogs where nothing ever goes wrong and it's all finished objects and "I'm so pleased how this turned out" because we all know the 'real' knitting world just isn't like that. It certainly isn't around here either.

So with those two projects out of the way I found myself with NOTHING to get on with. Nothing lined up, no yarn stashed for the next sweater for me, nothing on my Ravelry notebook. Gasp!

I decided that in the absence of any 'must make this right now' type projects I would make June the month to finish off my UFO's and tidy up anything thats hiding away in time out. And so June's plan looks something like this:

1. Finish off my Fargyle sock

2. Finish M's blanket that I was going to finish last winter but never got around to

3. Make M the Oriental Lily dress I was going to make her last winter but never got around to

4. Make DH the scarf that I was going to make him last winter but never got around to


(hmm possibly a theme there)



If you've got lots of UFO's sulking in a dark corner somewhere then come and join me in "June is for Finishing" - leave me a comment so I can come and check out how you get on.

Hopefully I'll be back in a day or two with something finished!

FO: Bella's Mittens

This is the project that got me back in the knitting groove - I took all the great advice you suggested (thank you!) and found something for ME, something small and pretty easy, something instant gratification, something in a yarn I've been wanting to try, and a pattern I couldn't wait to start.

Bella's Mittens from SubliminalRabbit.

Made in Shepherd Lambswool Felted 12ply (nice to work with but not as soft as I was hoping ( I could tell it was lambswool and not merino) and probably not 'sweater-worthy' given it made my stocking stitch look pretty awful but perfectly warm and hard wearing for winter mittens).

Excuse the camera cord on the right there - Miss 7 doing the photography again

I love the length of these. They are so warm and cozy and are going to be perfect for the cold weather that we've been having of late. Cold weather also brings winter ills and my little ones have been really sick this week - sleepless nights and emergency trips to the A&E department - it hasn't be fun. A perfect little knitting project was just the thing for days spent on the couch with 2 sick and clingy ones. Once they get better and we start doing the morning walk to school again these mittens are going to get a tonne of wear!

Andrea at AtHomeMommyKnits made some of these too - hers are a gorgeous green. In fact quite a few Ravelers have made these, and it's really no surprise - it's a great pattern. I think these will be one of my most favourite FO's - I love the length, the fit, the warmth, the cable, everything really!

The other drawcard for this pattern is the Twilight connection (yeah, I'm still not *over it*). If you haven't seen it, Bella wears mittens like this in the movie - hence the name "Bella's Mittens" ....So with that in mind I couldn't resist a cheesy Twilight FO photo too....





the cover of the book is a couple of posts down the page if you don't get it ;)

DragonFly in Amber

I finished something!! Thanks for all the great 'lost mojo' advice on my last post, I think it's on the way back now and as evidence that I am indeed knitting again, here are the finished longies I made for M1.



They're nothing flash, just "run of the mill" longies knit in The Wool Company Utiku DK. I used Jenny's great PML pattern which gives a really nice fit and is perfect for in front of the TV knitting as mostly its just round and round and round. I was going to do ruffles but in the end I just went for simple stockinette rolled hems - somehow (despite measuring her leg, trying them on and using another pair of pants as a guide) I managed to make the legs a bit short so at least the rolled hem will be easy to unpick and add some length to for next winter! So, not the world's most exciting FO but with the very cold spell we've been having this week its good to have some warm PJ pants at the ready. And its a finished object so I'm pretty pleased :D




Wondering about the title of this post? Well, if you remember the question I asked about the stitch markers in my last post, the correct answer was of course "Dragonfly in Amber" by Diana Gabaldon (my favourite book in the series which are my all time favourite books). And the colourway of this yarn is "Amber" (replaced last year by the similar "Russet"). Ha!

I am hoping my nappy days will soon be over with DD coming up to two years, no more babies planned here (!!) and I wondered when making these if they would be the last longies I'd make for a baby of mine? I've also decided to close my SweetP "hobby" (calling it a business would be a bit disingenuous) where I was knitting soakers (wool nappy covers) and selling them with matching tee shirts. Just not enough hours in the day to do it justice and a variety of other reasons that made giving it in the best option. The last of my stock is listed on TradeMe here. So perhaps my "nappy knitting" days are coming to an end. Knitting longies and soakers was what got me hooked on knitting again and so it will be a bit sad once they aren't a regular feature in my knitting repetoire anymore. Clever Kelly has just released her seamless graft free longies pattern which sound very intriguing though, perhaps I'll give them a go before I give up on that nappy knitting....

Knitting Bling

I seem to have somewhat lost my knitting mojo, and my blogging mojo for that matter too. I think a bit of winter blues might be to blame there and a busy few weeks with non stop reading of the Twilight saga family life (my big girl turned 7 a few days ago). So I'm afraid there's no interesting knitting to show you today.

At the moment I'm working on a pair of longies for M1 which are my 'mindless TV watching' knitting but being toddler sized the legs are taking forever and I'm quickly losing patience with them! I realise M1 seems to be doing very well in the 'knitted by Mum' department this year and as much as I'd like to be doing only the selfish knitting she does need some warm pj pants.

I've also resurrected my clapotis and have done a few more repeats of the middle section, but again, its not exactly riveting knitting and as much as I'd like all my stitch markers, cable and tips back thank you very much I find myself unable to stick at it for any length of time! I really should be a bit more motivated as I'd hate for it to sit around over winter and not be able to snuggle under it while the weather is cool.

And the other thing 'on the needles' at the moment is a snuggly warm wool/alpaca (Patons Jet) cardigan for myself. I've completed the back and I'm thinking I'll pick that up again in the hope that some 'me' knitting will inspire that knitting mojo to return!! Let's hope so anyway!!

If anyone has any tips for getting over the 'meh' then please share them with me!

So in the absence of the knitting stuff here is some knitting bling. I recently joined an Australasia only swap group on Ravelry (link here if you want to join too). The group is new but is looking like it could be quite a bit of fun and the best bit is that postage isn't going to be a killer since only Aus and NZ people can join.

The first swap was for 3 stitch markers. These are the lovely ones that Maree sent me:



The photo doesnt really do the beads justice, when the light shines on them they shimmer and are really quite gorgeous.

I was sending to Pixie and decided I would try something a little different by making my own needle felted beads. (Of course inspired by Julie's wonderful creations). They were really fun to make, I must make some for myself one day.



I'm looking forward to seeing what the next few swaps are.

Also on the topic of knitting bling I recently made some markers for a friend. She wanted 'word' ones and these turned out really well.

I loved the little coloured beads I used on these so made a couple of sets of 'rainbow' inspired markers which I sold at the expo stall I mentioned awhile back. They are so cheerful I'm glad I bought a whole tube of these beads so I get to use them again and again.


And some special beads that were for a themed yarn swap, again for a friend. Can you guess what the theme was ?


A hint...its a book :D and it got mentioned by me not so long ago.

Blame Stephanie

I haven't been knitting this week hence the lack of blogging from me.

I'm also very behind in my blog reading. Actually very behind in *everything* this week. House work, home work, emails, my volunteer stuff. Everything!

I'm blaming Stephanie Meyer



I've read 3.5 of the books (and the half finished manuscript of the 5th book which isnt published but available on the internet) in less than a week. As well as watching the Dvd just a couple of times. At the risk of sounding like one of 'those Twilight people' I just can't get enough. I'm going to be quite sad when I get to the end of book 4!

I guess I am a sucker (hehe) for an impossible and irrevocable love story. I haven't *sighed* this much since Jamie and Claire.

They are not literary works but being aimed at teenage readers means they are a light, fast read and perfect for my Mummy mush brain. I haven't read like this in a long time and it feels so good to be absorbed in *books* again. I realise how much I have missed reading - I think I've only managed 1 or 2 novels since M1 was born - it used to be my past time of choice. Getting so absorbed in books that you can't tear yourself away isn't so compatible with having 3 young children who need you all day long! One day though....

Right better go, I have a book to finish :D

Hello Mr Crocodile

"Hello Mr Crocodile"- N3's greeting of choice for everyone at the moment. No Mrs or Miss Crocodiles, everyone is Mr Crocodile.

Her crocodile obsession, obviously, is still in full force!



It was very cold this morning walking to school and icy cold toddler hands giving me a cuddle when we got home, was just the push I needed to finally get these finished up.

They get the seal of approval!



The pattern is Lator Gator Mitts from Stitch and Bitch Nation. I used Cleckheaton Country 8ply (doesn't felt, machine washable, seemed a good choice for kids mittens) and 4mm dpns. The pattern is actually in worsted so I just did the next size up making a few adjustments for length. They are still a bit big on her but if that means I won't have to knit her another pair of gloves next winter , I'm happy! (although yes, there is the possibility she'll have moved on from crocodiles and I'll be needing to track down a pattern for zebra mittens or something!)



These were quite a fun knit and I even learnt how to do something new - french knots! Something I've never quite mastered before. Unfortunately one of the gloves only has one eye - somehow in the short space of time between getting in the car at the LYS and getting home we lost an eye button, even though I didn't actually open the bag and definitely saw 4 eyes go in it. This sort of 'black hole' phenomenon happens often here and is one of the more delightful hazards of raising 3 small children. N3 doesn't seemed phased by this glove's disability though so all is good.

I really must get on and knit myself some nice new winter mitts now! If you're all about mittens at the moment too then pop over to see Andrea at AtHomeMommyKnits and join her Mitten KAL! I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone makes :D

OWLET

Owlet by Kate Davies
Cleckheaton Country 12ply - Indigo - 200g
5mm KnitPicks
2-3y size with added length and short sleeves



Hoot Hoot!

I ADORE my own O W L S sweater and when the owlet pattern was released I just had to make one for M1. Normally I am quite choosy about buying patterns (because of the hideous exchange rate 3.5GBP = 9NZD and going to USD isn't much better!)but this one jumped in my Ravelry cart straight away. One of those "I must make this right now" patterns!



Hmm she looks cute but actually she's pulling flowers off....the price I have to pay to get a good FO photo I guess.

M is 20mths and according to the measurements on the pattern she would have fit the size3/18-24mth but since I'd really like this to last 2 winters I ended up doing the size 5/2-3y. I also added an inch to the length. At the moment its almost tunic length on her which I really like - good to have some extra coverage I think. I think next winter it will look better as she'll be bigger, the owls will pop out more.

It is however, in my totally unbiased opinion, extremely cute just as it is right now!



Bananas also make good bribes for photography sessions

I had been thinking about some sort of short sleeved vest for M for autumn/spring so I incorporated that idea into this project and did short sleeves. This also meant I got it knitted in about a week and only used 4 x 50g of yarn - win win I think. I figured she already has several lovely winter hoodies and cardigans and jackets so something a bit more versatile seemed just the ticket. I also love the colour (clearly, since I bought 15 balls of it) - will go with everything and its not PINK!! (pick the mum of 3 girls!). Though I did resort to just a little bit of girly-ness with the buttons...


The only part of making this I disliked was sewing on the buttons! Sparkly buttons!

The pattern includes both baby and child sizes. I suspect this will not be the last owl sweater I make! Can't get enough of that owl cable....



Why, yes! We DO have matching sweaters....promise we won't wear them out together in public though ;)


There are more photos on my flickr and Ravelry page.

Busy Busy

It's been a busy week. First week of the term (I really hate the first week of the term), getting back into the routine, early mornings, organising lunchboxes and packing bags, extra meetings, tired children, busy busy. I really could have done with an extra week of holidays.

On the crafting front I have also been busy ( as always!) I've finished M's owlet - just need to get some buttons for the eyes and it's done. Stay tuned for a FO post for that in the next few days.

As well as that I've been trying to get a little bit of stock together. I'm helping at a cloth nappy expo tomorrow and decided I would try and sell some of my soakers (wool nappy covers). It's REAL NAPPY WEEK - if you've ever wondered about your cloth nappy choices in New Zealand then go check out The Nappy Network. So I've been busy trying to get a few things together for a stall. I'm quite excited as I've only ever sold online before and having a craft stall is something I've often thought about doing. Here is hoping I sell a few things!! I have my usual tee shirts and soakers, but as you know , knitting isn't exactly the quickest of crafts so I also whipped up a couple of sets of stitch markers and dyed some wool to make it look like I actually have a few things to sell! Fingers crossed it goes well.

ANZAC

Highlights from my day yesterday 25 April - ANZAC Day.

* We rise before dawn and sneak out of the house in the dark. It is so quiet and still, and surprisingly, not that chilly.

* I put on my big black coat that I haven't worn since last winter and find a pair of forgotten about gloves in the pockets. Now I don't have to rush to knit some mittens

* We're late so we run down the road holding hands, our coats flapping behind us in the wind. My legs and lungs are burning, its been a long time since I did any running

* We turn the corner to the sounds of the Army band and in a minute or two we are standing at the back of the crowd. DD asks me if this is a thousand people.Everywhere we look we see red poppies.

* The man talks of war and there are words that sound like another language - artillery, battalion, infantry. I hope my daughters also live their lives not really having an concept of what these words mean. Thankfully DD doesn't ask too many questions and I escape any long winded explanations about the insaneness that is war.

* A plane flies low overhead. A gun salute. The Army band sings their tribute. A lone bugle plays The Last Post. A tear slips off my cheek.



Lest We Forget


* After the service DD and I go to a flash hotel for breakfast. DD enjoys her first ever buffet and fills her plate with much glee. We enjoy having a 'date' together and some quiet time, just the 2 of us.

*I overhear snippets of the conversation at the next table. An elderly gentleman recounts his experiences fighting the Germans in North Africa.

* We leave and later I discover we were only charged for one breakfast not two.

* Back at home we find Dad has everything under control. The baby and I snuggle down under the warm blankets and have a little nap.

* My 2 big girls are so excited to be going for an overnight stay with their auntie they barely remember to kiss their mother goodbye!

* We meet my friend at Playcentre and the first thing she does is compliment me on my new hair cut. We spend the next 2hours rearranging all the centre furniture and toys. We're exhausted but it looks so much better.

* Dad has won his rugby game. We buy a cold beer for Dad and some hot chips for M1. She only wants to eat the ones covered in sauce.

* Later I head out for a night with friends. Dessert, clothes swapping and chatting. I meet some new people and catch up with old friends. A friend kindly gives me her new baby for a cuddle, he's so cute I want to steal him. I cast on for an owlet and I manage to get a couple of inches done while we all sit and talk. We make plans and it sounds like everything will come together nicely.

* I arrive home in the dark and Dad has been entertaining the baby for the last hour. She's so relieved to see me she bursts into tears. As she nurses off to sleep we sit and chat about our respective evenings.

* It's been a long and busy day. I'm asleep before my head hits the pillow