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

Garter Yoke Cardi

The past 2 weeks have been school holidays for us and while I was secretly hoping that holiday mode would result in an increase in knitting time, I was never really sure if I'd get this done within 2 weeks or if that was just wishful thinking. Looks like holidays are good for knitting productivity!and this isn't the only thing I've been working on! Guess it was all that blobbing around home with the kids.

I'm really pleased with how my cardy turned out. I know just about everyone on Ravelry has made one of these and for good reason. I really wanted something warm and wearable for "jeans at home days" and this pattern seemed perfect. Simple but with a few nice details (like shaping) it struck me immediately as something I would get lots of wear out of.



Excuse the little cling on at the side there

The Naturally Sensation was a dream to work with. Its a felted single with just a bit of halo, it knit up as an incredibly soft and cozy fabric - I even want to cuddle me when I'm wearing it! I bought this at our LYS sale in January, they only had this colour on sale ($4/50g) and even though it was described as "navy" - it is so much more prettier than that. My camera (as always) hasn't captured the colour so well but its much deeper in real life with a hint of purple. Very nice. Normally this is $10/skein so way out of my price range for a sweater's worth but if I ever see it on the cheap again I'd buy more as it really was lovely. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that the skeins are 120m so I only needed a smidgen over 7 skeins for a whole jumper.



The pattern is a yoked/raglan hybrid - top down and seamless - which I do really enjoy knitting. It's so great to get to the end of knitting and just 'be finished' - not have endless seaming to worry about . I'm still pretty new at "me" knitting but my experience so far would suggest that for me, less is more, when doing the raglans. Once again I just increased until it fit and ended up (again) with a size smaller than what I measure. I have quite a narrow back and doing less increasing seems to result in a better fit. I did pick up some stitches under the arm and ended up with the number I would have had if I'd followed the increases for my size. Before blocking my cardy had quite a bit of negative ease and was a bit short. I eased it out just a little bit when wet and got an inch or so in added length. Yay for blocking ( it really does fix everything!)



Buttons from Spotlight! Button shopping is hard I think. I always agonize over what to get. I found the buttons of my dreams but unfortunately they had a nightmare-ish price tag so maybe if I make myself something that needs only 1 or 2 buttons I'll get some then! (They were silver with dragons on them). I'm pretty happy with the ones I got though and think they add a nice finishing touch to it, a nice mix between casual and dressy.



I made some notes on my Ravelry page but really didn't make any major modifications. The only thing worth mentioning was to add another set of increases after the waist decr/hip increase (as per the pattern). Unfortunately for me below my hips is where it all goes pear shaped (pun intended) - perhaps something to be said for sitting on your butt all day knitting?? - anyway I added some more increases so that there would be a little bit more ease if I wanted it buttoned all the way down. I'm still not sure which way I will prefer to wear it so at least this way I can choose and it will still fit nicely. The extra increases have made the bottom a little swing shaped (not that noticeable when worn) but I took a photo (above) so you could see. Other than that I just knit the pattern as was written.



Buttoned up? Or loose? I'm still not sure...
I think once I've worn it a bit it will ease a bit and not pull on that button

This is number 4 for me for NaKniSweMoDo 09 (That's National Knit a Sweater a Month Dodecathon) - the group the crazy people join up to! I'm still not sure I'll get to 12 but am pretty pleased to have #4 done before the end of the 4th month.

The observant amongst you might also notice I had my hair chopped off today! Its been long or long-ish for, what seems like, forever. Time for a change!! So far I'm really pleased with it (even if MissAlmost2 gave me some funny looks when I got home) - I feel so light!

Oh and once again thanks to M6 for the photography xx

Thrifty

I have long admired the ability of some clever NZ bloggers to find (a seemingly never ending supply of) awesome thrifted clothes and other bits and pieces. I often lamented that I wasn't blessed with an ability to find the cool stuff amongst the junk stuff. Since moving I find myself within walking distance of several op shops, a 2nd hand recycled label clothing store and a cupboard-sized "treasure trove" shop full of 2nd hand bits and pieces. My neighbourhood is apparently a thrift shoppers dream.

Here (in my experience anyway) "thrift" shops seem to fall into 3 distinct categories. The Op Shops - opportunity stores/charity stores (Salvation Army, City Mission and the like) where there is usually lots of stock but finding the cool stuff can be a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. I seem to often leave empty handed having just waded through a whole lot of stuff people threw away for good reason , but occassionally, do find the odd gem. Last visit this included some (in N3's words) "gorjus" 80's plastic beads and "nana scarves" for the kids dress up box and these wooden handles (Score!). All for the pricely sum of about $5




There are a few 2nd hand clothing stores around the place which specialise in recycling labelled and quality clothing which can be good for a look through every now and then if you don't mind paying more than op shop prices.

And then there are the "treasure trove" shops , where the stock has been hand picked - retro, vintage, just plain old. But there's more cool than junk. One of these stores happens to be just around the corner from school (how sad for me). Last week I saw this black jacket hanging in the window and luckily it just happened to be MissAlmost2 sized



Originally it came with an odd assortment of mismatched buttons and funny sewn on flower things on the pockets. I gave the jacket a little make over by ripping them all off and replacing them with silver star buttons - much better.


The jacket has the loveliest of details, and beautiful red satin lining inside. It's "Old Navy" - I'm not really big on label clothing (especially those that aren't actually available in this country) but it does tell me it's probably not going to fall apart with shonky sewing anytime soon.




I'm very pleased with this find. M1's going to be very well dressed this winter!

For Bells

For today's post first go read this post at Bell's. Off you go....


Back? Ok then...


May I present The Dead Muppet Fur Cardigan:



My Mum knitted this for my big girl quite a few years ago. Before I was knitting seriously. A very cute pattern I picked out and then Mum had to buy a ridiculous amount of not cheap yarn to make it with. Thanks Mum

Bells, you are right, it is SO soft. And it weighs a tonne, so is very warm. A bit too warm for every day wear but if my kids ever have to go out in sub zero temperatures then this would be the perfect cardigan!


Quick get me out of this thing!!




I will never be able to look at this cardigan again without imagining a muppet eating crayons and then barfing everywhere. Thanks Bells (and her ever hilarious commenters).



Someone else wanted a try on too. Perhaps proof that Muppet road kill can still look pretty cute?


I have to admit my stash doesn't have any novelty yarns in it anymore. My first foray back into knitting again was making scarves out of "Feathers yarn" when they were all the rage. The first Christmas after I started knitting again every female in my family got a feather scarf!

I'm pleased to say I've moved on now and the glitter and the fuzz and the eyelashs don't really do it for me anymore. I'd like to think my taste has matured somewhat but you know , there was this yarn I saw at Spotlight, with sequins in it.......

In Progress

Recently I sent a lot of half completed things off to hibernate and yesterday frogged the Lion Neck Cardigan I had started (on account of there being just too many things wrong with it).

So as of now I *only* have 2 things on the go....

Garter Yoke Cardi from Knit.1 magazine (Rav link) - My next selfish knit and #4 NaKniSweMoDo09 (got talked into signing up, thanks Shortly) is coming along rather nicely. I'm done with the garter yoke and separated for the sleeves and am quietly hopeful I'll get this knocked out within a couple of weeks. So far all is going well and I think it's going to be a very wearable knit.



I'm using the Naturally Sensation Merino/Angora that I (and just about every knitter I know) bought in the Knitworld sale in January. It's lovely to work with and has a little bit of haze/halo/fuzz (whats the right word?) so is well suited to this simple design (got to love a one page sweater pattern). I do however wish the yarn came as balls and not skeins....



The other project I have on the needles are some very cute crocodile gloves for my little crocodile obsessed 3year old. This is the Later Gator pattern from Stitch and Bitch Nation (Rav link) . Still need teeth (and the 2nd glove) but so far they get the seal of approval from N3. They're a touch big for her so hopefully they might do 2 winters. At the moment we're just using the buttons she picked out for eyes, not sure yet if I'll replace them with proper eyes yet or not.




And then what?

Maybe back to my snoozing projects.

Maybe on to something new. I bought the new Interweave Knits magazine (Spring 09) a couple of weeks ago and want to make the Whisper Cardigan. (Rav link) I have SO many things on my to do list but find myself drawn to simple clean lines and things that look "wearable" at the moment.

Kate Davies has released her new Owlet pattern (Rav link) and I may have already bought a copy and it may already have gone straight to the top of the list for M1 - I promise on my honour never to wear my O W L S at the same time though ;)

What are you making at the moment? Or got planned? My queue has room for more great patterns :D

FO: Robin Hood Jacket

This pattern has been on my 'one day I AM going to make this' list for a very long time. I'm still very smug about finding the book (Adorable Knits for Tiny Tots by Zoe Mellor) for a fantastic price recently, only a few weeks later and I've finally made the jacket I have admired for so long.



To begin with I was very intimidated by all the cables but actually they weren't so bad. Yes there are lots but nothing tricky. I used stitch markers between the panels which helped immensely. It was a really fast and fun knit, and not at all taxing or brain draining like I thought it might be.



I used Cleckheaton Country 12ply. I nabbed 6 balls for $1 ea on sale (score!) but then ran out of yarn (don't I always??!!) - the pattern said 6 balls but I forgot to check yardage and of course the CC was less than the recommended yarn. Luckily I found a local store with some and ended up going a little way into my 8th ball.
Which to me sounds like a LOT of yarn. I used a little over 10 balls of the same yarn making my adult sized FLS!! So to those who might like to make this jacket too....those cables and that hood really do eat up the yarn!! Buy more than you think you'll need!!



I'm really pleased with how this turned out. I didn't make any modifications - just cast on for the 1-2y size but used the length for the 2-3y size since my gauge was off a bit. M is 20mths so I was wanting the 2-3y size in the hope it will fit again next winter. It's a fairly looseish fabric (squishy and warm) with plenty of stretch so I'm hopeful she'll get 2 winters out of it. I think I would have liked maybe an inch more in length but I actually haven't blocked it yet so when I do I may see if I can ease it out a little bit lengthwise.



I am really very pleased with this actually and forsee much wearing of this jacket this winter! Functional, warm and so damn cute. And fun to knit. Always a winner combo!

Looking Up (and down)

Inspired by the gorgeous 'looking up' photos at Lily's House , some 'up' shots of my own...



Autumn is so pretty. We are having the odd cooler day but this day the sky was perfectly blue and picture perfect. The girls and I are finding all sorts of interesting 'treasures' to bring home at the moment...leaves in every colour, acorns and conkers, and other autumny things dropped from trees I'm not sure the names of. I was remembering the autumn shots I blogged almost a whole year ago when we had just arrived back here (gosh that has gone fast!)




Every day we walk UNDER railways lines. Despite thinking that we have worked out the train timetables we haven't yet managed to be near the bridge when a train is going over, hopefully one day we'll time it right. N3 says its 'a little bit freaky' when we go under and I try to pretend I can't see the cobwebs, rust and general decay on the tracks - not a sight for those with overactive imaginations!!



I also found some interesting things to photograph when looking down, like these plants in gumboots!! Such a great idea , I may have to borrow this one myself!



And inspired by more gorgeous photos, a shadow photo of my own. What it looks like when you have someone who thinks she needs to be 'pulled' all the way home. I love the shape in this one , it looks like she might be pulling ME out of shape, not my jeresy.

I'm almost finished the Robin Hood jacket after managing (phew) to track down another ball of wool. Just the hood to go now so I should be back in a couple of days with a FO post, all going to plan.

Where my stitches at?

How lucky am I? A special parcel for me in the post this morning....




The Ravellers amongst you will recognise this as a Ravelry store tee. SO cool (100). I wore it all day along with my 'so stoked' smile. Lucky me!!

Thank you Beck, you really are a sweetie. I feel incredibly blessed to have such a generous and thoughtful friend. The last few weeks have been a hectic blur of visiting grandparents, finishing playcentre assignments, sore throats and sniffles, other unspeakable childhood ailments, sleepless nights and emerging molars! Your little pick me up gift came just at the perfect time! Thank you!!

And that's not all....also a big pile of lovely new wipes for the little ones. Love that rainbow print. Thank you so much!



Beck is the brainchild behind Ecobubs - awesome wool pocket nappies (which are always my first choice for Miss20months) and gorgeous classic childrenswear, always something to covet there. Go check it out :D

Where my stitches at?