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.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Friday, 6 July 2012
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
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
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
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
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
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, 31 May 2012
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
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
Thursday, 24 May 2012
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
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
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
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.
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.
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