Driftwood

I am really enjoying knitting this I am trying to do a few rows each day if I get time. I don't think it will fit me but if it nearly does I WILL lose weight to get into it because I love it and the colours too. Today has been a stay in say because it has rained all day. My hubby is out all day so I was home alone with 2 bored boys, ended up going to macdonalds to break the day up then to the library for books and DVDs so all ok now.picture of progress so far with driftwood

Look what I got

Lookie Lookie, what I found - I did find it on the internet, but on a shop on the internet, before I knew it I had clicked on it and bought it. How naughty was I? I did have some birthday money, but it was the sort of birthday money that seems to stretch miles. I also bought this.

This was a bargain though, £2.99 per ball from Blacksheepwools.com I am now attempting to knit Driftwood, which is in different shades than this, purple, dark pink and light pink, and so far so good. If I hate it then I can gift it to someone.  Driftwood

Been swimming

Bet you're impressed, or even surprised!! Actually my two boys, a friend of theirs and my lovely hubby want swimming. I sat watching, knitting and listening to music, may not be healthy but it was good for my brain to slow down and chill out. Knitting a scarf called simple swirl in sock yarn. It's from three frills or that's the name on the pattern, well worth a look and worth buying the 3 patterns. Look via google three frills. Off to do food shop with NO kids now, been a relaxing afternoon

Bath

Having a lovely time in Bath with my best friend. We caught the train up and stayed in a nice travel lodge, we went to the thermo spa, did lots of shopping and had a lovely picnic tea from marks and spencer. Quiet night in watching tv and more shopping tomorrow, even found where the shop called wool is , that's for tomorrow. Good times, only down side is she's not a knitter

Log cabin

No I'm not off on a quiet holiday to the middle of the woods in Canada, but it would be nice to! I have started to knit a log cabin blanket. I know, I know I wasn't going to start anything but I couldn't fight the temptation. If you look on YouTube for log cabin blanket there's a lady who does a brilliant tutorial, something like pink in colour ia her nam, and has a free patten to go with the blanket. I have some chunky in grey and cream and then found some rowan cocoon in my stash. It's looking food so far, I have only done 3 colours but I think it's going to look great. The other colours are jade green a maroon sort of red and purple so break it up with grey and cream and I think it will look good. Off to do one more row before work

I forgot to tell you

Funny how things turn out. I now have an iPhone, after all my coveting and then saying I wasn't bothered. A friend gave me her old iPhone 3. It's brilliant and I'm even blogging on it? The best thing it has cost me nothing and my phone contract stays the same, happy days

Ally Pally

On Saturday I went to Ally Pally with a group of six knitters. I wasn't going to spend much, and to be fair I didn't compared to some knitters with rucksacks full of spoils. This was one of the bags that I got when I bought some wool. What a great idea of recycling, basically it was two sheets of newspaper, folded along the bottom edge to reinforce it with string handles, strong enough for wool and needles. Great.

I saw this and thought that it would be lovely for a shawl. It's got sparkles through it, so I think it will look lovely knitted up. Only one problem, I haven't got a wool winder now, because I sold it on ebay, but I can do it by hand, patiently.

I love Knit Pro needles. I have a lot of them, because I usually have more than one project on the go at once. These are the cubics ones. I wanted to try them to see if they make any difference to my knitting. I bought one pair of 4mm as that's what I mainly knit with, to see what they are like.

Knit Pro again. Only sock needles this time. I have sock needles but not any knit pro ones, at least I will remember the size instead of keep measuring them.

Now this was a waste of money. I so didn't need any bamboo straight knitting needles, but they are so lovely with the polka dot ends on them. I bought 4mm needles but at least I will use them, not just look at them because they are so lovely. I did have birtday money to take with me, so I treated myself.

Then there is this Van Gogh sock yarn. I have sock yarn, and I have socks but I thought this looked lovely, it will be interesting to see what it knits up like. I was going to start knitting them whilst at Ally Pally while waiting for my friends, but didn't have time.

It was a great day, we left our home town at 6.45 and got there about 1015. There was so much to look at, I don't think that I would have spent loads more even if my budget was unlimited. I saw Jamieson wool and some lovely kits to make a fair isle cardigan, where the fair isle was just on the yoke, but it was £50 and I have so much wool to make jumpers, that can wait.

I saw Martin Storey there and Sarah Hatton, my other knitting friends didn't know who they were, so guess that makes me the knitting geek. We had a great day and mainly wandered around on our own looking at stuff, it was very crowded at points and very hot with all those thousands of knitters looking for bargains, that they didn't need!!We left about 3 and got home about 6.45 so a long day, but a good day.

I have decided to go with a knitted separate button band for my daughters cardi. Started knitting it and then realised I should have started with button holes so that I can space them properly, but then I decided to do it in two sections and join at the back, then I can make sure the button holes are spaced properly.

New job is going well, got a day off today with my hubby, so that will be nice, we may even go out for coffee.

All new

Today I had my hair cut. It was long, shoulder length, and long enough to have it up in a pony tail. Now it is not long enough to put in a pony tail. I have had it cut into a short bob at the back and longer at the front. I'm not 100% sure I love it, but my hubby does (and he didn't want it to get cut). I will have to get used to it I suppose.

Tomorrow start my new job, so that will be exciting. I am looking foward to new challenges, and working with a new person too.

I have finished the green cardigan, apart from the button band. I have sewn it all up, and it fits my daughter and she likes it, so now it's to decide how best to do the button band. I have been knitting slob hats (so my son calls them) in between. One was in grey, basically they are like a basic beanie, but knit much longer so the end sort of hangs down the back of your head. The grey one was a bit short so I gave that to my 8 year old, and now I am knitting a longer blue one for the 13 year old.

Off to make a decision about the button band, will look on ravelry for ideas.

All change

Well it's all change again here. I went into work last week, and was give a gift set, and told that I was employee of the month. I was so thrilled and touched. Then I said to my boss, "you may want to have that back, as I am giving my notice in". She was very good about it, and said no, keep it.

Basically I am going to be working as a private carer for someone I know, as part of a team, which should be a bit better for my family life. It means I am around in the mornings to get the kids off to school. The money will be a bit more, and the hours too, and I will be self employed, so will need to keep an eye on things a bit more.

Almost finished the cardi, on the final sleeve, then doing the horrid button band. Supposed to pick up and knit all along the sides and down the fronts etc, so not sure if I will do it that way, or knit and then sew on after, don't like either really, but must finish it properly.

Have really fancied making a crochet bag, but need to finish this first. I will not be distracted, I will finish this cardigan, I will not be distracted. I must keep saying that!!

Anyway I fancy a glass of wine and some chocolate. Can't have either coz not got any and skint too.

Will go and knit!!

Sorry

Sorry for moaning and groaning yesterday, I think it's out of my system now. I have realised that my life will still go on, if I don't have an iphone. I'm grateful for what I do have.

It's like I am going to the Ally Pally in October, and I'm really looking forward to it. My daughter is giving me some money to spend, but I am actually thinking it will be a total waste of money to buy any ~ANY yarn as I have loads. I have enough to knit at least 5 full sized cardis, and lots and lots of odd balls for hats etc, so to buy more is a waste. I need to stop and think before splashing the cash. I don't even need any more needles, as I have lots. Also got knitting bags. I will go as I have paid for the ticket, but I am going to go restrained. Well that's the plan anyway. Anyway must go and knit, sorry again.

I want, I want

I feel such an ungrateful, covetous woman at the moment. I really, really want an iphone. I don't want an iphone 5, I would be quite happy with an iphone 4. I know I don't need one, well not at the moment anyway, but it still doesn't stop me wanting one. I would have to sell some wool to raise funds - so that in itself is a bit silly. And my contract would then be more money per month. I have a Blackberry, which does most things that an iphone does, I also have an ipod, so that can do the things that the Blackberry can't, but still I would rather have the phone. My eldest daughter, says, it's up to you mum, you're a grown up, if you can find the money, it's up to you. My hubby says, wait til your contract runs out, then think about it (why is he so sensible!!) So I have to stop dreaming about it and be patient. I will see what I get for my birthday, money wise, and then make an informed decision. I do need to talk to someone in a phone shop to find out exactly how much money it will cost.

Right that's got that off my chest (I think). I have done a bit of knitting today, I am on the final front of a cardi for daughter number 4, she actually asked me to knit her a cardi, so I felt I should comply. I am on the final front, and it's in olive green crepe so its nice and easy to knit. Bit boring knitting, but ideal to watch tv with. I said I won't knit anything else until this caridgan is finished. Then I am going to just try and finish things on the needle one at a time, so it will go quicker. Off to start

Time flies on by

I can't believe it's been so long since I wrote on here, what a dreadful blogger I am. It's amazing where time goes.

Loving my new job. I have the privilige of working with some lovely elderly people, that I could so be friends with too. I enjoy helping them, and getting a glimpse into their lives too. It's amazing how many of the ladies were keen crafters too, knitting, cross stitch and embroidery, with some of them having beautiful pictures on the walls of their homes. It's nice to have something to chat about with them.

Knitting is as chaotic as ever with me. It's funny, I was showing one of my daughters my blog, and then realised I have been doing it for 2 years now. When I looked back at the first few pictures, I saw that I still have things on the needles from 2 years ago. How bad is that? I did sort of loosely set myself a goal (again) of completing some of the stuff before I start new things. Trouble is there are at least 5 big projects to finish, and also another glove - to make a pair, and a few odd socks to make a pair.

Two amazing things have happened recently. One is that someone on freecycle was offering a bag of wool, enough to make a jumper. So I emailed straight back, and arranged to collect the wool. I got to the house, where it was left on the doorstep, so I put it in the back of my car, and drove home. Imagine my shock and delight to tip the bag out on my dining table to find some Rowan \purelife British Sheep Breeds Chunky. Cream, brown and grey, enough to knit at least 3 jumpers, over £200 worth of wool. How amazing. I did think of selling some, as cash flow not been too great, but then decided I would never treat myself to something so lovely, so I shared half with my friend, who loves to knit as much as me, and kept the rest. I have knitted one glove with it, and it's lovely. Thinking very hard and long about what to knit, as chunky makes me looke even chunkier, but maybe I can work something out.

The other lovely, lovely thing. My best friend (who doesn't knit - YET) is so lovely and kind.
For years, 5 actually, I have wanted a mini cooper. My mum very kindly hired one for me for my 39th birthday, and me and my best friend had a day trip in it, and it was lovely. I have wanted one, but it won't ever be a priority in our house. Maybe when I have retired, but then I probably won't be able to manage to get in one!! Well my best friend has bought one. Now when she had, she told me and asked if I was ok with it. I was. I was pleased for her, and accepted that it's not my time at the moment.

She came round to pick me up last week to go out for a spin in it. (Also it's a soft top). When I came out of my house, she got in the passenger seat, I said what are you doing, she said you can drive. I said I'm not insured, she said yes you are, I've put you on the insurance for the year, and you can borrow it whenever you want. I cried. How kind, how lovely. How generous. So I had a little drive, and the weather was even good enough to have the top down, lovely lovely day.

Off to Ally Pally in October, that will be fun, but I am not going to buy loads, as I have loads, too much really. Not enough for lots of jumpers, but lots of hats and socks and gloves and scarves.

One of my girls has gone off to university, so we are down to 4 children now. The house is slowly shrinking, unlike my waistline!!Probably have thin fingers from knitting,  but thick waistline from sitting. Still tomorrow is another day. Happy knitting.

The mini!!

Been Camping

I have just got back from camping for 4 days. What a lovely feeling to have a hot bath, and then get into a warm, soft, comfy bed.

My hubby went down to the camping place on Monday, to help set up, as lots of churches were all camping together. I went down with 4 of the children on Thursday. We had a lovely time, despite the rain. It was so wet and soggy underfoot that I was walking around in flip flops, with mud oozing between my toes. I didn't pack wellies, because I didn't think it would rain (why oh why, I don't know). It was lovely to be with so many people, and we had a communal marquee for meals and you could go in there when it raine (which was lots). There were a few knitters too, so we all managed to sit and knit for a while, which was lovely. I managed to do most of the front of a cardigan for one of my daughers so that was brilliant.

My hips are still sore from sleeping on the hard ground, on just a rollmat. Next year I will invest in a camp bed, will be so much more comfy.

I had a lovely day last week sorting out my wool (again) and writing down what I have, so that when I want to start something, I know I have the wool already. Found some lovely stuff, that I am desperate to knit, but there's too many things hanging around on my needles.

Right off to tackle the mountain of washing before the others come home with theirs.

Biting the bullet

Well I am here, yet again, on the must lose weight campaign. I am going to bite the bullet tonight, and go to a slimming club. I kid myself that I can do it alone, but I don't. I lack motivation. So I am going to go tonight, there, it's public, out there, committed. My goal to lose weight, is so that I can knit something, and wear it and feel lovely. I don't want to be super skinny, a size 16 would be ideal, 14 even better, but I'm aiming for 16 first. According to official figures I need to lose 5 stone!!!Why is it so easy to put that much on for goodness sake. I am going to try and get to 13 stone something, just so I am under 14 stone, as I haven't been that for about 8 years. I am going to excercise more, and walk more too.

Trouble is with the new job, you drive everywhere. Then when you're not working, you are clock watching, so end up driving. So if I have to drive then I will have to get up early and do an excercise routine.

I am still knitting Reine, slowly, and already a couple of mistakes, but not glaring ones. Just put the buttonhole in the wrong place, by about 2 stitches, so it will not be noticeable. Picked up a cardigan to finish the sleeve, and realised I hadn't read the instructions right, so I may have to unpick most of the sleeves. I am also going to the Ally Pally this year. A friend is driving up, and we have filled her car with 7 knitters, I am saving so I can actually buy something, and who knows by October I could have lost a stone!!Watch this space.

Knitting

I do find it difficult to think of titles for the new post, when I get round to it. So today is "Knitting". I do love knitting. I do find it relaxing, I do find it creative, and I do find I'm not as good at is as I want to be. I seem to finish things, and they are not great, so I am making an effort to be more careful now. To check as I go along, and to write down where I am on the pattern and to learn new things.

Speaking of learning new things, I splurged out (with the proceeds of destashing on ebay) and paid for an online course run by Anniken Allis a.k.a http://www.yarnaddict.co.uk/ Basically I can now knit continental style, and I have almost cracked the purling Norwegian style. Anni is a great teacher, and the videos that accompany are clear and easy to understand. I can knit much faster now, and easier on my arms and shoulders. I am a thrower knitter, and let go of the right hand needle to throw the wool round, and the new way is much easier, and less stress on my arms.

So I have started a new cardigan, just because I can, and I want to try and knit it using my new techniques. I am knitting Reine by Brooklyn Tweed. So far so good. I really am enjoying it, but as it is knitted in the round, theres a lot of stitches to knit across, like 283 or something. Maybe if I was a size 10 it would be quicker, but hey, you can't have everything.

I have been enjoying my new job, and have met some lovely elderly people. I wish I could do more hours, but as my youngest is 8, I have to fit in around school hours, so he doesn't feel neglected.

My daugher (15) has her school prom tonight. She looked absolutely beautiful in her big dress, with lots of glitter and sparkles. Such a shame its raining so much.

I started knitting an Ishbel but must have made a mistake somehow as it's not working out well, despite writing down everything as I have done it. So I have put that aside for now.

Off to sit down and watch a dvd and do some knitting.  See you soon

Temptations

Its so hard not to give in to temptation, and I mean of the wooly variety!! I was ruthless last weekend and listed loads of my wool and Rowan books on ebay. I knew I would never get round to knitting from the Rowan books, as I can't afford the wool, and I am not skinny, so they cost a lot to knit. I thought I made a lot of money, but it cost me £75 to post all the stuff. I am trying to save some money for a trip away for my birthday and Alexandra Palace in October, but I did give in and treat myself to an online knitting class courtesy of Anniken Allis a.k.a http://www.yarnaddict.co.uk/ I have wanted to learn to knit without dropping the needle and throwing the yarn. So this way I get to learn a new skill. I also looked on http://www.brooklyntweed.net/ and bought myself 3 knitting patterns, gorgeous from woolpeople 3. I was tempted by the yarn, but it's a bit pricey, like £77 to knit a cardigan.

I have been knitting small things recently, a lovely lacy cowl which was a pattern supplement in a knitting magazine, it looks lovely, I will take some photos soon. Also now I am knitting some gloves, ready for winter, but the state of the weather it won't be long before I am knitting them.

Anyway I must go, bedtime, I have work at 7.30 in morning. Happy knitting

Amazing Dream

This morning I woke up halfway through an amazing dream. So annoying, wish I could have finished it.

Basically I was on my way to a knitting weekend, or teaching day. I was rollerblading there (I don't rollerblade) with Jared Flood, and on the way picking up my friend Catherine. When we arrived at the knitting workshop there was Anniken Allis from http://www.yarnaddict.co.uk/ so I went up and introduced myself and told the others that I had rollerbladed 7 miles with Jared Flood and how excited I was to be there, and then I woke up. I was disappointed to find myself in bed with my hubby, actually I am never disappointed to be with him, as I love him loads, but disappointed not to be going to a knitting workshop. Maybe one day I will. I keep seeing them on different websites, and thinking I would love to go, but it's money, time and childcare.

Been knitting a shawl in Aran Cotton that I had lying around. I don't need a shawl, but just fancied doing something a bit different. It's an easy pattern with a lace eyelet stitch, so you can sit and watch stuff whilst doing it. Actually rephrase that, most other knitters can sit and watch stuff whilst knitting the easy pattern, I made mistakes, but being resourceful (and lazy) I just incorporated it into the pattern and am trying to make the mistake part of the whole thing.

Today I bought myself a book on sewing bags. I am determined to get the hang of the sewing machine, so I can be a bit more creative. I still find knitting my first love, but I have seen some lovely fabric and really really want to make a bag. Should have bought the fabric whilst I was in Plymouth, but didn't. Never mind, will have to make another trip up there.

Off to tidy up before the boys get home from the party they've been to.

New job

Well had a great weekend away with my best friend. We shopped, we drank, we ate, we laughed, oh how we laughed and I knitted. We sat all afternoon in a park with a Marks and Spencers picnic and a bottle of bubbly, and it was lovely. The food was amazing, the bottle was gorgeous, and the weather was fab, and I knitted socks. Good times. We even managed to go to a lovley knitting/craft shop called Pins and Tins, or Tins and Pins (can't remember), it had wool, lovely, lovely fabric (sorely tempted) knitting pattern books and lovely little bits and pieces. Wish I lived down there, as they also do workshops on various things, like felting, sounded great.

I am making some felted clogs now. I know, I know, I am a fickle knitter. I found the pattern on the internet, and gave in and bought the pattern. Its knitted on big needles 9mm with two strands of wool, needs to be 100% wool as it felts well then. I am halfway through one, and I only started it this morning at 5.30. I couldn't sleep so got up to knit. I love early mornings when no one else is up, and I have the house to myself.

Well today was my second day at work. First day working alone. I only did one visit, but it was ok. Felt funny going out with a uniform on, felt like a grown up. Tomorrow I have two visits, working alongside another carer, so hope that goes ok.

Got a street party going on in our street on Monday. Will be fun. Just bought bunting today, and flags, so it will be lovely and patriotic.

Happy knitting

Ten years ago

We all say that time flies. Well I don't want this to be a depressing post, as I am not depressed. 10 years ago today my little baby boy died. He was born prematurely at 25 weeks and weighed only 1lb 11 and a half ounces. He actually fought and lived for 6 months and by the end of his life he looked like a normal small newborn baby. He died in my arms. That was the worst experience in my life. I think it has taken probably 10 years to get over it, or not get over it, but for it not to cause so much pain. It just seems to pointless and a waste of time. I think it changes you as a person, losing someone. I feel like it was a bad dream, that I have to choose to recall. We all handle grief in a different way, and no way is wrong it's just different.

So ten years on things are different. I now knit LOTS. I did knit always but not as much as I do now. I have another son, not to replace, but to end childbearing on a positive note (8 children in total, 7 still living). I am probably the heaviest I have ever been, but most of the time I am happy. I am grateful for all the things I have, and as I look back I think it's amazing what you can cope with.

Today I am off on a road trip with my best friend. The only downside about our friendship is that she's slimmer than me, no not really (well she is but that's not the downside) The only downside is she's not a knitter, and won't be converted. We are going shopping today, staying at her daughters tonight, ice skating tomorrow and other fun things. I am looking forward to the ice skating, but also thinking hmmm... it's been about 30 years since I went ice skating, I may have been good then, but not sure about now. And hmmm.. I am a lot heavier now, if I fall down it may hurt me A LOT. But you don't know til you try it.

I bought a book called The best of Knitscene. I highly recommend it. It has got some lovely patterns in. I have been knitting a bag, but it's like a string bag, and it looks a bit like crochet. I managed to buy some peaches n creme cotton from ebay, and I have been using that. So far it's looking good, and actually looks like a bag you would use. I am going to line it too, so that I can actually use it. I also have been knitting socks, as they are so portable. The only problem is I have hurt my hand somehow. Not sure how, probably too much knitting. I can't really put all my weight (considerable!!) on it, like when you want to get out of the bath. Even picking up a cup of tea this morning was painful. It's my left hand, so don't need to use it much, but not sure if I will be able to knit this weekend. If it's no better by Monday then I will have to go to the doctors. Typing this is ok, as you are not stretching your hand much to type.  Anyway enough moaning. The sun is out it's 10 to 7 and I am going away for the weekend. Happy Days. See you soon xx

Getting things wrong

Do you ever have times you wonder why you bother???I mean with knitting, apart from other stuff of life.

I tried to crochet a cowl, you know the round loopy things you wear round your neck. It looked like it was going sort of ok. Actually who am I trying to kid? As I was making it, I was thinking, will I wear it, do I like it, is it going ok? Started to add another colour in to finish it, and then realised I had twisted it. Now I know you can twist on purpose, so its a mobious? cowl, but it looked rubbish. So I had wasted two evenings, and now it's in the bag along with the rowan cotton jeans, to unpick.

Then I started knitting dishcloths. They turned out ok, but both with a little mistake. I think I need to stop and look at my knitting a bit more often. I go on blindly knitting, thinking it's fine, and then get to the end and its cr-rubbish. So then I decided to make a cotton string bag, and was one stitch out, but thought oh it will be ok. Needless to say, it's not, so thats been unpicked back to the base and put away for another day. Now I am picking up and finishing socks, that have been one of a pair. So far have done 3, and have 3 to go before I can start new socks. I have knitted ONE cotton dishcoth, which has turned out ok, so that's good. Think I am better with little things for a while. Haven't got much time at the moment anyway, just started my induction for my new care worker job. That was really good, interesting and informative, and I am quite excited about going back to work after 25 years.

Off to cook tea, for hungry family. Back soon.

So disappointed

Well I finally finished the Rowan cotton jeans cardigan. And it looks rubbish. It's too big, the sleeves are too long. I have decided that cotton is too heavy for a cardi, and it droops rather than hangs nicely. I have put it away, and I will unpick it (grrr) and use the wool to knit a cable waistcoat or something. It's so annoying, that's probably why I couldn't find any big projects on Ravelry. Lovely colour too.

Been knitting little things again. Done a dishcloth, now crocheting a cowl, just to see what it turns out like. I'm going to try and do small things, as they don't seem to go as wrong for me. Maybe I just rush too much, or don't concentrate. I have to think a bit more about what I knit for me.

Start my new job in two weeks time, bit nervous, but it will be ok. I hope

Road Trip and Sewing

I have been sewing. I saw some project bags on folksy.com, and I fancied having a go at making some. I have borrowed daughter number 1's sewing machine, and my mum showed me how, and voila, here you see my first project bag. It's lined in exactly the same fabric too. I am quite chuffed with my first attempt. Daughter number 1 is selling her sewing machine, and I am very tempted. I also have bought some lovely material with liquorice allsorts on, so watch this space. It's just big enough to put some socks in, or a sleeve of a jumper, if you want to just pop something in your handbag. I reckon it costs about 2.00 to make, so quite cheap, and didn't take long. The ribbon, probably isn't the best thing to put through, but it was here, and it went with the bag, so there it goes.

Today I am going on a road trip. I am driving to Wales to see my sister-in-law and taking daughter number 4 with me. I have packed my knitting, and some clothes. Then I just remembered to print out a map, talk about getting your priorities right!! While I am in Wales it does happen to be Wonderwool Wales, and it's not far from her, but I can't really see it happening. I cleaned my sons house for him, and bless him he gave me some money,. so if I did to, and if I did see anything, then who knows!!Back soon.

Rowan Cotton Jeans

Well I started knitting with Rowan Cotton jeans in a lovely green colour. And I am still knitting, and still loving the colour. I am on a mission to get this one finished because I actually think I will wear it. I will also take photos of the finished item too. I splashed out and bought some new knitting patterns to use up some of my bargain wool. This means I should be busy for weeks now. Must go quick and finish my sleeve.

Wahoooo

I have been offered a job!!!How cool is that. After being turned down by Asda, not hearing back from the local hospital I was beginning to think - all I can do is knit. I popped in to an open day run by a care agency, and the next day got offered the job. I think the nices thing was, the lady said on the phone, "it was really nice to meet you, I think you have got a great attitude, and I think you will make a great carer" Now I know some people will think - its just what they say, but it made me feel quite good and positive about myself. People are quick enough to put you down, and take you for granted - so it was nice to hear something positive. I haven't had email confirmation yet, so will wait and see. Probably won't start til May, and my hours are 7 am til 10 am, so that fits in with the family and the school holidays, so I am well pleased.

In honour of the occasion, the fickle part of me is starting a new cardigan in Rowan Cotton Jeans. I havne't got enough, but a lovely friend of mine bought 14 balls of the same bargain colour, and said I could have some of hers - hooray, what a fab mate. So I have cast on. I know, I know, I still have all that other stuff to do, but hey, I am what I am, as the song goes.

Havnen't been to knitting group in 3 weeks!!! Won't be able to go this week either, funny thought I wasn't bothered, but I have missed the chatter. Still I will be back soon.

Sorry no photos, but couldn't wait to share the news that I am employable, and someone likes me!!!

happy knitting

Back to knitting

I am back to knitting furiously. Trouble is, yet again, too many things on the needles. I am going to try to take some photos today, so for once I can show you what I'm doing, well, more like keep a record for myself. I am knitting Ysolda Teagues Amelia, and it's been a challenge. It's knit from the top down on circular needles. I made a mistake and ripped back about 20 rows, only to find out I hadn't made a mistake. Now I have done the hood, the yoke and now have divided for the sleeves. It's good tv knitting at the moment, because there are 47 rows of straight to do, but I am easily distracted.

Also I am knitting a double knit cardigan, with a pattern. I will take a photo and add to the next blog. It's nice, but I have to concentrate, in fact I will be very surprised if I actually finish it, it will probably be another 2 year project.

I have knitted a couple of flowers in sock yarn. Basically to use up the odd bits, and with a view to possibly selling some at Christmas. They only took a couple of hours, and I get easily bored, so they added a bit of interest.

Then I had bought some Rowan cotton jeans for 99p for 50g balls. I love the colour, its a green fleck. I started knitting a cardi, but not sure if its right for that so have taken it off the needles. Not quite sure what to do with it. As it's 100% cotton it will end up hanging if it's too long a pattern, so have to look around. I have looked on Ravelry, but cant' see anything I like. I think I will try and find a pattern in my local yarn shop.

I gave some of my wool away to a friend who knits. I had had it in my stash for a few years, and she has already nearly finished the project with it. She's a size 10, so it knits quickly and it will look nice, when you are my size (18) you have to pick your projects. In exchange she bought me a pack 1000g of sirdar countrystyle DK. Lovely colours. I'm not sure whether to say where it came from as it's such a bargain - only £13.95. If you are desperate to know leave me a comment and I'll share the love. I had about an hour looking through projects yesterday to find something, but then decided - "step away from the patterns". If I find one I may start something new, so NO, I must finish something, or at least the back of something, so things are off the needles.

Its week 2 of the school Easter holidays. So far so good. My lovely hubby was off, and it made life easier. One of my daughters has a boyfriend and he was down visiting for the week. He stayed with friends of ours, but spent everyday with us, and ate with us. He's a nice boy. He bought us the game of risk for the kids. So I now am sitting at the other end of the table whilst my hubby and the two boys play risk. It's great, as I have uninterrupted knitting, blogging and reading, as it will take minimum of 2 hours.

Been looking for a job. I have been fortunate to be able to be a stay at home mum for 25 years. My youngest is 8 and at school. I manage to fill my days ok, but feel the need to do something else. I applied at Asda - unsuccessful. I applied as a maternity assistant - didn't hear anything. Now applied at Aldi - had a phone interview, will be asked for a group interview in the next 7 days if successful (not holding my breath). Also asked for an application form to be a carer. Not sure about that. But I had read a magazine article about old people at home not being always taken care of well, and how some of them only see the carer, and it did make me feel sad at the thought of people being lonely. Not that I can make a difference but I don't know, it's hard to know what to do for  job. I have to be able to be home at 3.15 whatever I do. I can start early mornings as my hubby could see kids off to school then go to work himself.

In an ideal world I would love to work in a knitting shop, but there are 2 in our town and they are fully staffed. Can't really afford to set one up in the neighbouring town, so that's that.

Anyway must go and make the most of the peace (apart from arguing about rolling the dice) and get on with some knitting. Hope you have a good day. I will.

Back on line

Phew, what a relief, back with internet. As soon as the postman had delivered the router, I was off. Wasted a whole afternoon reading blogs, catching up with iplayer and generally wasting time. Now that's out of my system it's back to reality. Didn't do hardly any knittng last week as was desperately trying to finish a cross stitch for my mum for mothers day. Literally every day I spent about 3 or more hours trying to get the jolly thing finished. Didn't manage it. But I showed her on the day, what I had done. I still think its got 20 hours worth of work to do on it. I am bored of it now, so have gone back to knitting, and crochet. I have been crocheting a granny stripe blanket (attic24) and I am just doing a border around the edges to finish it. I do love it actually. Trouble is the kids love it too, so not sure what I will do with it, maybe keep in on the sofa, to share. I definitely would do another one, but then there are these lovely ripple blankets too, so will have to just write a list. I still have 4 different projects on the needles, so should really finsh them, but also remember someone saying, or reading, if you don't love your knitting, don't knit it. So big decision, do I just unpick it, or keep going??I do love one of the things I'm knitting but get too distracted by other things. Story of my life.

Got up early today 6am to do a fitness workout. Did a quarter of it then thought, I can't be bothered. Its not just the excercise I need to do, but stop and think about what I put in my mouth.

Off today to Primarni with my eldest daughter and two grandchildren, so that should be interesting. Think I will be in charge of the pram!!

See you soon.

Hooray for libraries

I am internetless. Not even sure if that is a word, basically I have no internet, apart from on my blackberry, which obviously costs. So I have resorted to the good old library, where you get 30 mins free and then pay £1 for another 30 minutes - bargain.

Needed to catch up. Have finished the chunky jumper, I had to buy another ball of wool, which cost me double as I had to pay for the postage too. But it's finished. It fits, but I haven't seen said daughter wear it grrrr. Mind you it's not as cold now, so I will give her the benefit of the doubt.

I have actually done loads of knitting since my last post. I knitted 2 baby hats, a baby dress and a pair of bootees. I will post pictures, but have to wait until I have internet at home again.

I got a cold call from Orange about going with them for internet, and was basically mis advised by the girl on the phone. By the time it came to connecting with orange, then it will the same amount of money that we are paying at the moment. So I was a ragey woman. Made me realise how grumpy I am. Anyway, cut a long story short, I spoke to a lovely lady at Orange and she was very helpful, and we will be with orange, and they are going to credit my account, once we are up and running. So hopefully by the end of the week we should be back on line.

On the plus side I haven't wasted hours on Ravelry, Kemps or ebay. Haven't bought anything either. It's good news for the bank balance. I haven't done any knitting this week as I am trying to finish a cross stitch for mothers day for my mother. I have been doing it for about 3 years, so I must crack on. Off to do jobs in town then back home to my internetless house.

Happy knitting.

Chunky Knitting

I am doing so well on the chunky jumper. Already I am on the first sleeve. I am just hoping that I have enough wool. I seem to remember ordering and buying 600g, so I should have enough. If I can find that elusive ball of wool then I will breathe a sigh of relief, as at the moment I am halfway through one ball, and have one ball to go, and I have just started the first sleeve. EEEkkk. Still stay calm, it may turn up. I am so glad that wool isn't like socks that go missing for a pastime in our house. Talking to other people they seem to have a sock monster, and a pen monster in their house. My two boys have an odd sock box in their room. I put all the odd socks in there. At the moment there are more odd socks in the box, than there are in the drawer!!! You can guarantee if I have a sort out and chuck out some odd socks, then the other one magically appears, what is that all about??? And pens, I buy packs of pens. And when I need a pen - can I ever find one!!!

Knitting Furiously

Well don't know what happened to the post I typed up yesterday, but it's gone. So I am on the very last bit of one of the sleeves on my chunky jumper for my daughter. It does knit up quick. Hoping to get it finished this weekend. I have got another cardigan on the needles but it's one that you have to count and concentrate, so that's going to take a while to finish. It's funny I always seem desperate to finish things, but hate sewing them up, and also keep starting new things. What's the rush I ask myself??I have the rest of my life to knit, and probably enough yarn to last that long too. Anyway its half term, and I need to get my boys off the xbox, so will go swimming with them this afternoon. Well they will swim I will watch and knit and chat to my best friend.Happy days

Owl

Apart from the eyes I have finished my owl jumper by Kate Davies. I am so pleased with it. It took me just over a week to knit, and was quite easy. A couple of times I wasn't sure of the instructions, but managed to work it out. Also asked someone on Ravelry who had just finished knitting it, and they helped too. I knitted in New Lanark Wool Chunky. Lovely, lovely 100% wool. I held its shape well, and was ok to knit with. I just hope that it softens a bit, as my daughter said it's a bit itchy. I knitted up size 3 which was for a 36 inch bust. Funny thing is it fits a 37 inch and a 35 inch, so two of my daughters are going to share it, happy days. It's so nice I am actually going to knit another one in a lilac wool Wendy Norse, so it will be interesting to see how that turns out.

The other great news (actually should be at the top of the page, but the photo goes to the top). I am a grandma again. My lovely daughter had a baby girl yesterday who weighed in at 9lb 3oz. I saw her today for the first time, and she's lovely, lots of dark hair. I suppose I ought to knit something to celebrate. I won't promise as I am not a good finisher, and she will probably have grown by the time I finish whatever I decide.

Back to knitting. I would love to wear the above jumper, but I personally don't think it looks so nice on a size 18 as it does on a size 10. It should give me some incentive to lose weight, but to be honest I'm not that desperate!!I did like the challenge of knitting in the round. What was nice about this pattern is it had waist shaping and back shaping, so it pulled it in to make a nice fit. I didn't block it or anything, I should but I know I won't. Now I have to knit a chunky plain round neck jumper for one of my daughters. Once they ask you, you almost feel you should because they will actually wear it. Off to search out that chunky wool. Happy knitting.

I'm on a roll - well I was

I felt like I was finally getting on top of my ufo's. Still waiting for daughter to take photos for me, but I have worn my long cardigan, lots of times, and it does look like a shop one, so I am pleased with it.

So I only had a jumper unfinished (for my darling hubby) so he doesn't mind, probably because he doesn't remember what I'm knitting most of the time.

Then I had the postman deliver some wool - amazing that man!!I had some lilac coloured Wendy Norse. The idea was that I was going to knit the owl jumper that is on Ravelry. So I bought the pattern, started knitting the patter (in the round) and then made a mistake, and didn't know where I was. Then I decided to plough on with my Melia by Ysolda Teague. Thats going well now, I have finished the hood and I am now working on the yoke. I have to concentrate to knit it, but as long as I write down what row I am on, it's fine.

Then I happened across The Electric sheep podcast again. She is such an enabler that lady. She was telling me (and thousands of other listeners) about New Lanark wools and how lovely it was. Before I knew it I had browsed the site, ordered some lovely chunky grey wool, and it's now on my needles knitting another Owl Sweater, and this one I won't make mistakes on.

At knitting group the other week another lady had made a lovely scarf in wool with sequins sewed in it, and it was so pretty, before I knew it I had bought grey and red, enough to make two scarves, which are so lovely when knitted up, so I am halfway through a grey one. I also still have a red plain raglan sleeve long length cardigan on the needles too, so now I am up to 4 projects on the needles - when will I ever learn. Don't answer that - I'm sure someone out there understands.

My eldest daughter is due her baby this week, on Thursday, so I am beginning to feel a little bit excited about having a baby in the family again, especially as it's not me giving birth!! I have been watching One born every minute on 4od - so amazing. I cried last week watching the one about the lovely disabled lady giving birth, it was so moving, and she was such a happy lady, made me think again about having an attitude of gratitude.

I read in a book about being grateful for 5 things everyday when you wake up, maybe just the fact that you have woken up, you are in a warm (ish) house, have food in the cupboard, a hubby, children etc. Then after a few days it can move on to nice coffee, the ability to see when you go out walking etc. It's so easy to moan about your life (I do it too) and actually my life isn't that bad. And to end it all I am so grateful that I can knit. Happy knitting.

Finished

Thats it, all finished, Christmas, New Year and a knitting project, actually 2. I will add photos later, as  my daughter took photos, added them to my computer, then deleted them, so will have to retake. I have finished my long cardigan. I changed the collar, and it looks really nice. also knitted a lovely hat from The Gentle Art of Knitting, and it looks lovely. Knitted it in the actual wool too, which was Blue Sky Alpaca Melange, very soft and fluffy, and the hat looks fab.

Didn't get anything knitted or knitting related for Christmas. Treated myself to some brown wool from http://www.kempswoolshop.com/ always get some good bargains on there, but you have to keep browsing (not difficult).

Most of the family back to school/work tomorrow, just youngest (8 years) off, he's easily pleased with xbox and maybe a bike ride.

Had a nice Christmas, but be nice to get back into a routine again. Happy New Year