tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27748576454287268552024-03-14T09:46:14.373+00:00Things Soo LikesSoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-40299858030902445672015-12-15T11:33:00.000+00:002015-12-15T17:31:36.833+00:00It's that time again!Another year - another gingerbread house!<br />
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This year's house was special for many reasons not least because my sisters flew over from Canada to join in the festivities. Just when I thought Gingerbread House building couldn't get any better -- it does!!<br />
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To make sure everyone knew how important they were to the process I made them aprons - each personalised with their gingerbread job titles. My older sister Kim was Site Supervisor, and my younger sister Donna was responsible for Quality Control.<br />
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The theme this year was inspired by Donna who sent me an email last week asking if we could include a train. A few emails back and forth and discussions with the local construction team and we decided we'd build a gingerbread station, with a train and passengers. <br />
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But not just any gingerbread station - we'd build Jacquet River train station. The station that my sisters, brothers, nieces and nephew have all used over the years when visiting my parents - for Christmas, reunions or just because we needed a bit of Mom and Dad care and catering.<br />
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Jacquet River station is a small (very small)(very very small) flag stop station on the route between Montreal and Halifax. It serves two trains a day:- the morning train going east to Halifax, and the return train at night. When I was making the trip regularly the trains ran 6 days a week, but the service has been reduced and it now only runs 3 days a week. <br />
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Inside the station you can see the ticket counter, a waiting area and the ever helpful ticket lady - who we have named Betty.<br />
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There hasn't been a ticket counter in Jacquet River station for about 15 years - but there is (or at least there was the last time I was there) a station attendant who arrives about 30 minutes before the train to open the station and give those waiting a place to sit. As the train was rarely on time this was very useful on cold December nights.<br />
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Annoyingly, I can't remember her name - but she was always friendly and Betty (created by Caroline and given glasses by Scrumptuous Suzy) captures her spirit!<br />
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This gingerbread station is a bit better equipped than the real station. For instance, Jacquet River was never lucky enough to have this glorious clock tower! Gorgeous Gen really outdid herself with this beauty.<br />
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Outside the station we find ourselves on a snowy December night. </div>
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Clearly though - it's not yet Christmas Eve as Santa is taking a little break fishing in Bay of Chaleur. (Marvellous Mads is responsible for the amazing Santa!!)</div>
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The station is located in moose country so no one was surprised to see this little (big) guy emerging from the woods. (Shirl made the moose - and those of you who recall last year's swan - or care to scroll down a bit - will understand why I awarded her 'most improved gingerbread house artist'.)<br />
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The penguin was a bit more unexpected - - but in true New Brunswick style he was warmly welcomed. Who doesn't love a penguin? And John's penguin is particularly cute - if a bit lost.<br />
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On the other side of the station we find the scene of an all too frequent occurrence in New Brunswick in December - a car stranded in a snow bank. Little Louis (less little every year!) captured the event particularly well, including the wheel which fell off in the accident.<br />
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This unlucky driver was startled by the site of Frosty the Snowman. Frosty was crossing the road hoping to board the train to Montreal and catch a Habs game. Frosty - as I'm sure most of you know - is a big Habs fan and finds time spent in hockey arenas near ice keeps him young.<br />
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Anyway - the good news is that Frosty was fine (and did manage to get to the train on time) ...</div>
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...and the driver, although a bit shook up, was unhurt and able to join the rest of the gang waiting for Soo (me!) at the station.<br />
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Our train is not an exact replica of a VIA passenger train -- but it certainly captures the fun and festive spirit I felt every year when I made that trip! </div>
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I enjoy travelling by train and while some might complain at the long journey and many many stops along the way I always enjoyed the opportunity to get some last minute gift knitting done on the way. However, the closer we got the more excited I'd become and the longest part of the journey was always the last 40 minutes between Bathurst and Jacquet River. As we pulled into the station I'd try to catch a glimpse of my waiting parents through the window and always felt the conductor took far too long opening the door to let me out!</div>
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Suzy and Mads captured that excitement perfectly with this little 'me' leaning out the window of the train as it pulls into the station.</div>
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As faithful readers will know the gingerbread house tradition goes back a long time - and over the years we've built a lot of fun, sugar coated creations.<br />
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I've loved them all in their way - but this one was particularly close to my heart. My last Christmas trip into Jacquet River was 5 years ago - and building this little replica with my dearest friends and my sisters felt really special and more than a bit emotional.<br />
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As it is every year, the afternoon was filled with lots of laughter, music, fizz and love. We watched the Grinch, Caroline fell asleep during Charlie Brown (I don't think she's ever seen the whole thing!) and we consumed a lot of pizza. If there is a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon in December I don't know what it is.<br />
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However you are spending this holiday season I hope it finds you healthy and happy.<br />
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See you next year!</div>
Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-61255052298993331342015-01-11T14:23:00.001+00:002015-01-11T14:24:23.483+00:00Another New Year???Wow - these new years come around faster and faster. It doesn't seem possible that here we are in another one. 2015! Hope it's a happy and healthy one for all of you. <br />
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It's hard to defend my inability to post a single annual post and I won't waste any time trying. So without further ado here is the (something like) annual Gingerbread House post.<br />
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The construction team gathered on a chilly Sunday afternoon in December. I'd had a morning of mini disasters preparing the gingerbread - I broke a side piece by dropping a tin of coffee on it (I was putting the coffee tin away). It was the first time in the 23 years of gingerbread house making that I'd had to replace a piece - so I took that broken piece in my stride.<br />
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But then I burned the replacement! And by burned I mean I properly burned it to a charcoal mess. What was happening? Had I lost my touch?<br />
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But happily the third time was the charm and I finally had a full set of house pieces. When the construction crew arrived I was ready for the company and the first glass of fizz! <br />
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After a bit of chat we settled on a ski chalet (and mountain!) as this year's theme. <br />
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Our youngest construction workers (Louis 12 3/4 and Mads 14) came up with the idea of using Cadbury chocolate fingers to give the chalet a log cabin look. I think it looks fantastic -<br />
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and it's set off nicely by the wrap around deck built by Pat, Gen and Louis. It was finished off with a couple of outdoor tables for the really hardy snow lovers.<br />
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And how cute are the little window boxes with flowers that Caroline added?<br />
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Of course a chalet can't be a ski chalet unless there is a nearby mountain!<br />
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Thankfully marshmallows and rice crispies (regular and multi grain) make great mountains.<br />
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And with a bit of Suzy magic you can create a wonderful ski (and snowboard!) slope.<br />
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This friendly little skier has just finished his last run for the day and is heading in for a drink.<br />
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While this poor little skier is waiting to be dug out!!!!<br />
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What caused the unfortunate incident?? Well, there were no witnesses but.....<br />
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...perhaps he caught sight of this rather spooky looking guy following him!!!<br />
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The chair lift, and slope flags were all made by Pat (our oldest construction worker!) and Louis (our youngest!)<br />
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With a nod to Pat's Canadian roots (and mine!) there is a little Canadian flag atop Mount Gingerbread. (I just named the mountain right this second under pressure. Had I given the job to the crew on the day I'm sure it would have been something witty.)<br />
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Occasionally during gingerbread house decorating someone will become obsessed with an idea - and persevere at that idea long past the time of any reasonable chance of success. This year that person was Shirl. Bless her, she arrived determined to make a swan.<br />
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Unfortunately I hadn't bought any modelling fondant so she had to resort to marshmallows. Perfect for mountains... a bit less predictable for swans.<br />
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But as proof that our gingerbread house building isn't about perfection -- that swan provided more laughs that Sunday afternoon than anything else! <br />
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The recipe of good friends, more sugar than should be legal, fizz, pizza and the Grinch guarantees a great afternoon. We've been doing this for 23 years now and the only thing I can say is -- long may the tradition continue! <br />
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<br />Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-15952422038201129052013-12-17T22:34:00.001+00:002013-12-18T00:13:11.569+00:00....and 12 months later...I'm back! <br />
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Once upon a time I called my gingerbread house post my 'annual non-knitting post'. I think it's safe to say we can shorten that now to my 'annual post'.<br />
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Many thanks to those of you who have gotten in touch over the year to see how I am and ask about whether I'm knitting and if I'll be back to blogging. I can answer a definite yes to the knitting question - although I've found myself sewing a lot more this year and my love of paint, paper and glitter continues to grow. <br />
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But on to the reason for this post -- I present the 2013 Gingerbread House!<br />
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It always surprises me what 5 adults and 4 mini-Coopers - given gallons of icing, a sleigh full of sweets, a few bottles of fizz, and lots of laughter - can do.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTcytuF0rBY/UrDIz4wPOwI/AAAAAAAAEIc/3aPwyzN-Ezw/s1600/DSC00794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTcytuF0rBY/UrDIz4wPOwI/AAAAAAAAEIc/3aPwyzN-Ezw/s200/DSC00794.JPG" width="200" /></a>This year we decided to build a country pub which we named the Four Loons for the four mini-Coopers (not so mini anymore - little Louis, at 11 3/4 is the only one shorter than me. Marvellous Mads, scrumptous Suzy and gorgeous Gen all tower over me). <br />
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Mads created the bar with draught beer pumps, and the bottles of spirits on the wall behind the bar. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23RtNYhnodY/UrDJOszzvfI/AAAAAAAAEIk/sU2DbYXa7OU/s1600/DSC00795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23RtNYhnodY/UrDJOszzvfI/AAAAAAAAEIk/sU2DbYXa7OU/s320/DSC00795.JPG" width="320" /></a>Caroline provided a couple of picnic tables for hardy visitors who want to enjoy their beer, egg and chips outside.<br />
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Genevieve or Caroline made this jolly snowman....<br />
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...and whoever didn't make that one, made this slightly less jolly version at the side of the tavern...<br />
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...by the see-saw created by Louis.<br />
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At the side of the pub you can see the kegs stacked up for loading into the pub cellar.<br />
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And I love Santa's feet poking out of the chimney!<br />
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....and a mysterious abandoned pair of ice skates.<br />
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Which leads to the question you've probably been asking yourself? <b>WHERE ARE ALL THE PEOPLE? </b> Why have the pints of beer and meals been abandoned? Where are the ice skaters? Why did they leave their skates?<br />
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And the answer can only be... <span style="font-size: x-large;">DALEKS!</span><br />
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This year marks the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who - a UK television institution and Louis' favourite show. So in honour of this landmark, Daleks are attacking the pub.<br />
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Louis and Suzy created these Daleks and I have to say that despite my best efforts these photos do not do them justice. <br />
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They are true masterpieces of confectionary.<br />
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Luckily we can see that the TARDIS has just landed (for those of you uninitiated it's the blue Police Box the Doctor travels in) and I expect Doctor Who will sort out the Daleks before they can EX-TERM-I-NATE anyone.<br />
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Finally, regular gingerbread house viewers will know that Pat (the big Cooper) pretty much always takes the gingerbread house in an unexpected direction. And this year was no different. <br />
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Pat arrived on Sunday determined to include the HS2. <br />
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For those of you not in the UK HS2 is a proposed high speed train link between London and cities in the North which is coming under a lot of criticism as it will cost a gazillion pounds, and not everyone is convinced it's justified by the benefit of taking 20 minutes off the time for a rail journey from London to Birmingham. <br />
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As you can see our version - HS2.5 extends all the way to the North Pole.<br />
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Pat's second construction is this wind turbine. Wind turbines are loved for being alternative energy sources, and hated by pretty much anyone who has one near their home. <br />
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And how cute is that tree with the little presents. Maybe that's what the Daleks were after. Afterall there is NO WAY Daleks are ever making Santa's 'nice' list.<br />
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But every gingerbread house comes to an end and when my merry band of gingerbread artists leave I take stock of my kitchen. My poor kitchen, where every surface is coated with a thin layer of icing sugar, and my sticky floor is covered in broken sweets and pretzels.<br />
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I take it all in, sigh and think how incredibly lucky I am to have this tradition and these amazing people in my life.<br />
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If you made it this far - thanks for stopping by and being part of it all. However you are celebrating the season I wish you all peace and joy. <br />
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I'm off to Canada for Christmas and can't wait! <br />
<br />Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-51393501193607963682012-12-18T12:15:00.002+00:002012-12-18T22:14:08.631+00:00Gingerbread - 2012 StyleI had to blow the dust off this poor neglected blog to get this post started, and I would be wondering if anyone bothers to stop by anymore - except that 'anonymous' (who I strongly suspect is my sister Donna) posted a comment a couple of days ago that it would be nice to see this year's <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Gingerbread%20House">gingerbread creation</a>. <br />
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So I know at least one person is still out there!!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scrS2Wfa2hY/UM-o44dSM8I/AAAAAAAADrY/DMgh9pLkBmk/s1600/DSC02764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="84" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scrS2Wfa2hY/UM-o44dSM8I/AAAAAAAADrY/DMgh9pLkBmk/s200/DSC02764.JPG" width="200" /></a>I spent a couple of months dreading the Olympics and the inevitable traffic disasters.. and then from the first moment of the opening ceremonies became entirely obsessed with all things Olympic and like every other Londoner fell in love with whole thing. I watched it every single moment I could and was lucky enough to be there when Usain Bolt won 100m gold. And no travel chaos!!! </div>
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I didn't want it to end and I consoled myself with more crafting and rediscovered my sewing machine. Without really intending to, I found myself making a quilt - it's lovely (she says modestly) but contains more than a few pretty basic mistakes.</div>
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But of course it's this year's gingerbread house that 'anonymous' was looking for so I better get on with it!</div>
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After last year's Who-ville masterpiece (embarrassingly, I don't even have to link to it - it's two posts ago if you are interested) I was feeling a bit of pressure when it came to picking a theme. There was a lot of interest in an Olympics gingerbread display but I thought that recreating the stadium might be tricky(!) and I really, really like snow on my gingerbread house. So I vetoed that and decided to go for the snowiest place I could think of - Santa's workshop.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMzsbWmC_BU/UNA8lJyumQI/AAAAAAAADsE/N64x4ZYiuvo/s1600/DSC00558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMzsbWmC_BU/UNA8lJyumQI/AAAAAAAADsE/N64x4ZYiuvo/s640/DSC00558.JPG" width="640" /></a>The Coopers (Pat, Caroline and the 4 minis - Gen, Suzy, Mads and Louis) arrived late Sunday morning a week ago and we set to work planning the general layout. They embraced the theme and quickly decided we needed elves on the inside of the house at work, and a conveyor belt bringing the presents from inside the house out to Santa's sleigh. </div>
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From there we were off!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aeego6k5Q0s/UNBC9xEWCzI/AAAAAAAADtM/vbzztpCXPDU/s1600/DSC00560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aeego6k5Q0s/UNBC9xEWCzI/AAAAAAAADtM/vbzztpCXPDU/s320/DSC00560.JPG" width="320" /></a>I really love the help wanted sign - although clearly UK employment law would never permit the bit in parenthesis. Apparently employment lawyers have not yet hit the North Pole.</div>
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...preparing presents to send out to the sleigh through the conveyor belt door. <br />
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(These photos were taken before we put the roof on.)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QS8v8Bp8Hxo/UNBMWZRs6-I/AAAAAAAADuU/LvT1lP3PRJA/s1600/DSC00566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QS8v8Bp8Hxo/UNBMWZRs6-I/AAAAAAAADuU/LvT1lP3PRJA/s400/DSC00566.JPG" width="400" /></a>Outside of the workshop, Gen added a solitary elf ice fishing (even elves gotta eat, although I don't think Santa got that figure from a fish diet)....</div>
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... and behind the elf you can see the conveyor belt is full of presents ready for loading into the sleigh. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VzHUaLsFz0Y/UNBR5dvOapI/AAAAAAAADus/4nez30-b0Ec/s1600/DSC00564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VzHUaLsFz0Y/UNBR5dvOapI/AAAAAAAADus/4nez30-b0Ec/s200/DSC00564.JPG" width="200" /></a>I hadn't noticed while we were building the house but only the sack of coal has actually made it into the sleigh. I'm not sure what the meaning behind that is - perhaps there is a mini Cooper worried about what list they're on!!</div>
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Suzy created this great Santa and Rudolph, and the sleigh was a joint effort by Pat and Louis.</div>
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Of course, where you have reindeer, you have a reindeer feeding station, and reindeer - errrr - droppings. </div>
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Our gingerbread creations are nothing if not sophisticated!</div>
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Although I vetoed the idea of an Olympics theme, I did suggest that a 'nod' to the Olympics would be ok. And from this little display I think it's clear that Santa was a bit of a team GB supporter! I think that explains their phenomenal performance!!</div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Daley_(diver)">Tom Daley</a> apparently trains at the North Pole (why not?). Here he's at the top of the diving platform waving to his adoring audience (the little green elf). </div>
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...and a pair of swimming trunks are floating in the pool - lost by some poor diver who we can only assume is in hiding while he looks for something to wear.</div>
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The mini-Coopers are pretty grown up now - Louis is the youngest at 10 3/4 years old. They are all quite expert in the art of building with sweets and their creativity amazes me. But adult or 10 3/4, we all enjoy watching the Grinch (animated version) and Charlie Brown's Christmas while the roof sets on the house.</div>
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For those of you who wonder what happens to the gingerbread house - well, the following Sunday afternoon the Coopers have a Christmas party. While the adults enjoy minced pies and some mulled wine the children stare longingly at the house until towards the end of the party when they are gathered into the playroom, the house is placed in front of them and they are allowed to tuck in. This year the demolition took about 4 seconds. </div>
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Thanks to anyone who is still out there and made it through this crazy long post! Wishing you all the best for the holiday season!!! </div>
Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-91057587285372389452012-01-03T14:06:00.000+00:002012-01-03T14:06:49.545+00:00Baby it's Cold (and wet)(and super windy) Outside...Happy 2012! I hope the weather is better wherever you are than it is here. It is cold. And wet. And crazy crazy windy. I am going to make some tea, pull out some yarn, fire up Great Expectations (latest BBC adaptation) on the iPlayer and settle in for the day. I can't imagine anything would convince me to venture out...<div><br />
</div><div>I was a knitting fiend while in Canada - I left with a couple of completed presents (go me!) and completed a few more while there and overall everyone seemed pleased. I still owe my youngest niece a pair of socks (not a Christmas present - she's just never had any!) and hope to get to those this week.</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_Df0cgJLpU/TwMESwIsVCI/AAAAAAAADQU/H5y-p5BDXWM/s1600/PC226014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_Df0cgJLpU/TwMESwIsVCI/AAAAAAAADQU/H5y-p5BDXWM/s320/PC226014.JPG" width="299" /></a>Christmas knitting started with this red infinity scarf which Sarah made a special request for. It's a simply 1 x 1 rib, worked in 2 yarns (alternating 2 rows):- <a href="http://www.debbieblissonline.com/Yarn.asp?yid=21">Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Chunky (colour 07)</a> and <a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/colourscape-chunky">Rowan Chunky Colourscape in Cherry</a>. </div><div><br />
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</div>Sarah liked it - but we all agreed that it seemed made for Fred (the cutest dog in the world).</div></div><div><br />
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</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FC_yW2QsWE/TwMFrGH8PlI/AAAAAAAADQg/6dmlOwZdYn4/s1600/PC306053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FC_yW2QsWE/TwMFrGH8PlI/AAAAAAAADQg/6dmlOwZdYn4/s400/PC306053.JPG" width="300" /></a>My sister had hinted strongly for a sweater so when I arrived we began searching for patterns. She said she liked the one I made from my Dad last year and wanted one like that. So I searched in Ravelry and showed her a number of shawl collared cardigans, narrowed it down to one, bought some yarn (heathery green <a href="http://www.patonsyarns.com/product.php?LGC=classicwool">Patons Classic Wool</a>)<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></span> but somehow it didn't seem right. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The next day I woke up and realised I had missed the point - she didn't want a pattern LIKE the one I made for Dad - she wanted THAT pattern (<a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/7-Free-Knitting-Patterns-for-Men/">Charcoal Rib Cardigan from Interweave Knits free Knitting for Men</a> booklet). I asked her at breakfast (before I cast on) and sure enough - that's what she wanted.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I started on Monday 19th and finished in the very early hours of Christmas day so was able to wrap it up finished! Woo Hoo!</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KuoRA9AHbM/TwMGw7U2o3I/AAAAAAAADQs/U8Enh-OpshY/s1600/PC306041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KuoRA9AHbM/TwMGw7U2o3I/AAAAAAAADQs/U8Enh-OpshY/s320/PC306041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>I made Dyl her annual mitts. She's graduated from high school and is now a freshman at Ottawa University. I made these<a href="http://helloyarn.com/fiddleheadmittens.htm"> Fiddlehead mitts</a> in the University colours replacing the lower pattern on right mitt with '2012'. I used <a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/baby-alpaca-dk">Rowan Baby Alpaca DK</a> (in Lincoln and Cherry) which was insanely soft and will be very warm.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi6t8pGlokI/TwMIZp1DYdI/AAAAAAAADRM/GHQHhwr76dM/s1600/PC306042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi6t8pGlokI/TwMIZp1DYdI/AAAAAAAADRM/GHQHhwr76dM/s400/PC306042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While I was there we somehow got talking about headbands and it turned out that Dyl really wanted one. I pulled out some of the leftover yarn and made this headband using a pattern from Interweave Knits Accessories magazine (found under the tree from Santa!). Since then I've been struck with the need to make one in the Fiddlehead pattern and Sarah has put in an order so there will be a few more in my near future!</div><div><br />
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</div><div>I rounded out the knitted gifts with socks for two of my nieces (forgot to take photos).</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn7UI4Bnba8/TwMDWAZuPqI/AAAAAAAADQA/4ohqLgIPIZs/s1600/DSC02638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn7UI4Bnba8/TwMDWAZuPqI/AAAAAAAADQA/4ohqLgIPIZs/s320/DSC02638.JPG" width="320" /></a>I got some lovely gifts (including The Office Season 7 - can't wait!; Modern Family Season 2; Raising Hope...my not very subtle hints that I can't watch these shows here worked!) and was surprised and delighted to get a yarn bowl from my younger sister! </div><div><br />
</div><div>She confessed she didn't really know what it was but figured that I would. </div><div><br />
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</div>Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-44181676399254203952011-12-12T22:47:00.004+00:002011-12-15T11:59:23.176+00:00That Time of Year Already.....Not much to post about (clearly) over the past few weeks - I had a wicked cold which stopped all knitting and then when I did recover my knitting mojo it was time to start Christmas knitting - so no photos as recipients may well be reading this!<br />
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Which brings me to early December - which regular readers will know is Gingerbread House time! <br />
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Amazingly - this year was the 20th anniversary of our Gingerbread House tradition. 20 years! Construction crew members have come and gone - but the core team remains the same. Me, by very best friend Caroline, her husband Pat, and as they came along her four children, gorgeous goddaughter Genevieve, scrumptuous Suzy, marvelous Mads and luscious little Louis. <span style="font-family: inherit;">This year we were also joined by my good friends Shirlee and John.</span><br />
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In honour of the 20th anniversary, Gen and I devoted a pizza and gossip session to creating this banner. It's tricky to photograph but we were quite proud of the finished object and forced everyone to gush over it on the day.<br />
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The animated version of 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' has been viewed every year, while munching on pizza and waiting for the roof to set - so the theme for this year's house just had to be 'Who-ville'.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>For this one instead of baking a single house I cut out and baked the pieces for 9 little houses, in 3 styles. (I'd used the exact same template from a Good Housekeeping magazine from 1986 for the previous 19 houses.)(I'm nothing if not consistent.)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As I expect most of you know, "All the Who's down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot. But the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville did not." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">At this stage of our story </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">the Who's are enjoying their favourite Christmas tradition - "...all the Who's down in Who-ville, the tall and the small would stand close together with Christmas bells ringing. They'd stand hand in hand and the Who's would start singing."</span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">And if you look at the back you can see a Who-ville resident who overslept and is joining the singing a little late.</span></div><br />
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The Who's loved Christmast, but - the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville - did not. And he particularly hated the Who singing.<br />
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And look, there in his cave in the mountain just north of Who-ville -- the very green Grinch himself.<br />
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He's clearly begun his evil plotting and has put on his fake 'Santy Claus hat and a coat'. Sitting excitedly beside him is loyal dog Max - with the fake antlers attached to his head. <br />
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The giant tree and mountain were molded out of rice crispie square mixture. Messy - but fun - and a little tip I picked up last year from Cake Boss. (I think it was Cake Boss. It was a show where some guy made and decorated cakes.)<br />
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We had fun using the most colourful icing and sweets to decorate the houses. The little Who's are all pretty individual - a punk, a bow tie wearing middle aged Who, and a Who based on Madeline (one of my favourite children's books!) are among the little masterpieces.<br />
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As usual there was pizza and we watched the Grinch. There was lots of laughing and singing, some champagne and bags and bags and bags (and bags) of icing sugar.<br />
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I expect I won't be blogging again until after Christmas so however you spend it I hope the season brings you peace and joy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-XUiuWnBqo/TuaDSnPW0TI/AAAAAAAADJ4/YDFlojrDwtA/s1600/DSC02604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-XUiuWnBqo/TuaDSnPW0TI/AAAAAAAADJ4/YDFlojrDwtA/s640/DSC02604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-81567508768804159382011-10-13T14:24:00.002+01:002011-10-13T14:26:29.688+01:00I Just Needed Some Colour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkiDCkrD-f8/TpblRXz4SGI/AAAAAAAADAU/Rq8H-xKhq9E/s1600/DSC02474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkiDCkrD-f8/TpblRXz4SGI/AAAAAAAADAU/Rq8H-xKhq9E/s320/DSC02474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Progress on the Princess continues steadily along. <br />
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I'm now on the final chart of the wide border (hurrah!) but still have a long way to go before I can call the shawl done. Once the wide border is finished, I've got the triangle body to complete and then finally, another round of tedious edging.<br />
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I'm actually really enjoying knitting on the Princess at the moment but I went into a bit of a panic a few days ago as I considered the coming weeks (and weeks) of 'antique silver' (GREY) knitting I had ahead of me.<br />
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As most knitters would, I turned to Ravelry when the panic hit and catching up on some of the projects of a local knitting group I saw the PERFECT DVD watching colourful project the<a href="http://www.thenaturaldyestudio.com/lily---free-crochet-blanketafghan---pdf-crochet-pattern-7076-p.asp"> Lily Crochet Blanket.</a> Before I knew it I had downloaded the pattern and was ordering mini skeins of yarn from <a href="http://www.theknittinggoddess.co.uk/">the Knitting Goddess</a> to get started. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ubKaSe-YJMM/TpblzsvltmI/AAAAAAAADAc/zvMCRhP6pSQ/s1600/DSC02486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ubKaSe-YJMM/TpblzsvltmI/AAAAAAAADAc/zvMCRhP6pSQ/s320/DSC02486.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This won't be enough yarn to complete the blanket (each skein is about 1/5 of a regular skein) - but should get me started. <br />
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(<a href="http://www.thenaturaldyestudio.com/index.asp">The Natural Dye Studio</a> who have made the pattern available also has mini skeins perfect for this project - but they were sadly out of stock when my 'need it now' mood struck!)<br />
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The yarn dropped through the letterbox a few minutes ago and I'm itching to get the colour flowing, but I need to tidy up<a href="http://scrappysoo.blogspot.com/"> the glue and glitter</a> and get ready for gorgeous god daughter Genevieve's weekly pizza and gossip session. <br />
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Maybe tomorrow.....Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-11137762775421355232011-09-21T17:19:00.000+01:002011-09-21T17:19:45.690+01:00MilestonesThanks for all the blanket/afghan suggestions - keep them coming! I still haven't settled on one. I've started 2 so far and both have been abandoned as I haven't hit on the right yarn/pattern combo yet. I made a trip to the new John Lewis to buy some yarn at the newly opened Westfield Stratford mall on Monday - but was defeated by the other 700 million people who also decided to check it out that day. It was busier than the last Saturday before Christmas on Oxford St. Crazy.<br />
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In the meantime I continue to make slow and steady progress on the Princess. With projects like this I keep motivated by focusing on small milestones - goodness knows the end seems too far away to be achievable. <br />
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I've just finished row 110 - so I'm halfway through the 220 rows of the wide border charts. For the time being I ignore what's left to do after that!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vVUO81Nbto/TnoJUbq7NVI/AAAAAAAAC-s/5YAvYZymEcI/s1600/DSC02450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vVUO81Nbto/TnoJUbq7NVI/AAAAAAAAC-s/5YAvYZymEcI/s400/DSC02450.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-39028922378569587522011-09-14T16:25:00.000+01:002011-09-14T16:25:53.204+01:00What are the Chances???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_23ZyZY6WA/TnDE_9rVLsI/AAAAAAAAC-k/HTXK7IKJYUM/s1600/DSC02447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_23ZyZY6WA/TnDE_9rVLsI/AAAAAAAAC-k/HTXK7IKJYUM/s320/DSC02447.JPG" width="274" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kt0iW_3_KQY/TnDD_Ot9tHI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/lfby6WzWAYk/s1600/DSC02447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Most of the time when I make socks from self striping yarn I don't bother trying to get the second sock to be exactly the same as the first sock. I know how to, and I have on occasion bothered, but most of the people I make socks for have been convinced (bullied?) by me into preferring the more casual look of the 'fraternal' sock.<br />
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So imagine my surprise when I was a couple of inches into the second sock of this pair and realised it was coming out EXACTLY like the first.<br />
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Totally randomly.<br />
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I finished the first sock, cut off the yarn and cast on the second sock and through some little knitting miracle it started in EXACTLY the same place in the striping pattern. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCEW8H24bSw/TnDEhrtht6I/AAAAAAAAC-g/ggB5dwkNZQM/s1600/DSC02449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCEW8H24bSw/TnDEhrtht6I/AAAAAAAAC-g/ggB5dwkNZQM/s200/DSC02449.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpWzWmpOjsM/TnDEQYzIKcI/AAAAAAAAC-c/LVct_tiCwME/s1600/DSC02448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpWzWmpOjsM/TnDEQYzIKcI/AAAAAAAAC-c/LVct_tiCwME/s200/DSC02448.JPG" width="200" /></a>My rusty stats skills say that the odds of randomly picking the same place in the pattern from the yarn is about 1 in 1039.<br />
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I only wish I was so lucky when it came to picking lottery numbers. <br />
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Now that I've accepted it's fall I need a good mindless-ish knitting project for DVD watching. (I've still got the final season of 24 to devour!)(And I'm way behind on The Office.)(And Downton Abbey is due to start again this week.....) Anyway - I'm drawn to the idea of another afghan. (Not that I need one - but they are satisfying knitting.)<br />
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Any interesting blanket/afghan/throw patterns to suggest??Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-15785506555850328542011-09-12T12:25:00.000+01:002011-09-12T12:25:16.766+01:00...and the winners are...Well, Parkinson's Society is the big winner here - thank you to everyone for your support. The total of $934(!!!!) was way over what I had hoped to raise. (I raised my 'goal' on the Parkinson's site more than once as you generous knitters (and a few kind non-knitting friends) kept bumping the total up.) <br />
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The winners, drawn by me from a little bowl of names are:<br />
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3rd prize: Emily<br />
2nd prize: Janiannie<br />
1st prize: MariaSK<br />
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Congratulations!! I'll be in touch to get your address and will post the Posh Yarn loveliness to you as soon as possible.<br />
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Commiserations to those of you who weren't quite so lucky. I've got my earring production almost done and will be in touch with everyone else to get addresses for sending those out as well.Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-58516263038543169322011-09-06T15:45:00.000+01:002011-09-06T15:45:33.698+01:00Counting and Recounting<b>A HUGE thank you to everyone who has entered the Parkinson's Posh Yarn draw - your support means so much to all of us. If you haven't entered but would love to win piles of GORGEOUS Posh Yarn (or have no idea what I'm on about) you can<a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2011/09/posh-yarn-prizes-for-parkinsons.html"> read more about it here.</a></b><br />
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Last week I couldn't muster up much interest in knitting (apart from the little earrings). I knew in the back of my mind that what was stopping me was the mind numbing task of confirming that I had picked up exactly 865 stitches from the Princess edging onto the my needles and knitting the first row of the wide border pattern. <br />
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But in order to get knitting I had to count, so counting I did. Now, I don't know about other knitters but counting hundreds of stitches reduces me to jelly. Not because I struggle with the basic flow of numbers - it is just that I get a different answer each and every time I count.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Diq88pF_3wQ/TmYwFeX5VeI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/IsSqerQeW0I/s1600/DSC02443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Diq88pF_3wQ/TmYwFeX5VeI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/IsSqerQeW0I/s320/DSC02443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Of course that's if I make it to the end without the phone ringing, the doorbell ringing or (more often) losing interest and allowing my mind to wander so that I manage to to forget where the heck I was. Stitch markers at regular intervals help - but even then I find myself with too many or too few stitches at the end and then have to recount all of the sections and ... well ... it's no fun.<br />
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But I did it. I counted (a few times). And counted again. And I eventually decided I had 865 stitches and I started knitting. <br />
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And knitting.<br />
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And knitting.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2aFEwZzeos/TmYwWB-Vz3I/AAAAAAAAC-U/s5ZyQK7E0Gs/s1600/DSC02441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2aFEwZzeos/TmYwWB-Vz3I/AAAAAAAAC-U/s5ZyQK7E0Gs/s320/DSC02441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It was like I was making up for not knitting for so long, I couldn't stop!<br />
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I knit 27,680 stitches. (That's 32 rows, but it sounds better in stitches.) I am officially on a knitting spree.<br />
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If you squint a little when you look at this picture you can almost see how it will look with a bit of blocking.<br />
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And with the nasty counting over I think the Princess and I can finally start to become friends.<br />
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(I think I've FINALLY found an advantage to the inside out construction of this shawl - it's a little easier to photograph the pattern while it's on the needles!)<br />
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(And no, that doesn't make it worth it.)Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-89851953853921416892011-09-01T19:38:00.003+01:002011-09-04T11:23:17.384+01:00Posh Yarn Prizes for Parkinsons!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHCvf9bXzS4/TmDmVurlSlI/AAAAAAAAC98/GJQBPp01pic/s1600/P7082864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHCvf9bXzS4/TmDmVurlSlI/AAAAAAAAC98/GJQBPp01pic/s200/P7082864.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rbYGJ3N1nnU/TmNRB8k9KlI/AAAAAAAAC-I/t1uGOldTchs/s1600/Tribune.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rbYGJ3N1nnU/TmNRB8k9KlI/AAAAAAAAC-I/t1uGOldTchs/s320/Tribune.jpeg" width="189" /></a>The regional branch of the Parkinsons society in my hometown has decided to hold this year's SuperWalk in my <a href="http://psc.r-esourcecenter.com/Event/FundraisingPage.asp?crypt=aB14CRZ5EnIdIjEQcw8LBGd/EQAVcghjBzkqZAUF">father's honour</a>. This picture is my father with his brothers (most of them!) at a Parkinson's fundraising walk held at our family reunion last year.<br />
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Lots of family members will be taking part in the walk but I'm not able to make the trip to Canada to participate so I've registered as a 'virtual walker' and thought I'd hold a blog contest to raise some much needed money to fund research for improved Parkinsons treatments - and one day a cure.<br />
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The prizes are skeins and skeins of yummy <a href="http://poshyarn.co.uk/">Posh Yarn</a>. <br />
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Regular visitors to the blog will know that Posh Yarn is a firm favourite of mine - the base yarn is always fabulous and the colours are beautiful. Over the past few years it has become harder and harder to buy as it has grown in popularity. You can see some of my Posh Yarn projects <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2010/09/this-isnt-christmas-giftits-scarf.html">here,</a> and<a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2010/02/is-winter-over-yet.html"> here</a>, and <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2010/07/good-news-bad-news-good-news-bad-news.html">here</a> and <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2009/02/snow-day-in-london.html">here</a> - oh! and <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-more-thing.html">here</a> and <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2009/01/few-christmas-gifts.html">here</a> and <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2007/09/orange-thing-complete.html">here</a> and... well, you get the idea. I love the stuff!<br />
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But this cause is one very close to my heart, and raising money for this year's walk is very important to me...so...I've raided my yarn cupboard and I'm giving some of my beloved stash away... Not surprisingly, most of it is laceweight - but you can double it up if you like a heavier yarn.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Prizes:</b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmbh5dAos1o/Tl-iobSfcHI/AAAAAAAAC9w/9aBPRdp6I-g/s1600/DSC02432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmbh5dAos1o/Tl-iobSfcHI/AAAAAAAAC9w/9aBPRdp6I-g/s320/DSC02432.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">First prize:</span></b><br />
2 x 100g skeins of DK silk yarn<br />
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3 x 50 g skeins of laceweight Eva 2ply (cashmere/silk - each skein about 400 yards)<br />
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1 x 100g skein of laceweight Cecilia 1 ply (cashmere/silk - about 1400 yards)<br />
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2 x 50g skeins of laceweight Eva 2ply (silk/cashmere - each skein about 400 yards)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1UZ8w35fIw/Tl-i47_4SrI/AAAAAAAAC90/D8cnZ_tPjfY/s1600/DSC02435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1UZ8w35fIw/Tl-i47_4SrI/AAAAAAAAC90/D8cnZ_tPjfY/s320/DSC02435.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Second prize:</span></b><br />
2 x 55g skeins of laceweight Sophia 2ply (cashmere - each skein about 400 yards)<br />
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3 x 50g skeins of laceweight Eva 2ply (cashmere/silk each skein about 400 yards)<br />
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2 x 100g skeins of laceweight Lydia (cashmere, linen, silk each skein about 600 yards)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M794V7_MZb0/Tl-i-JFJjUI/AAAAAAAAC94/3L2z77IcTdE/s1600/DSC02437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M794V7_MZb0/Tl-i-JFJjUI/AAAAAAAAC94/3L2z77IcTdE/s320/DSC02437.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Third prize:</b></span><br />
1 x 50g skein of laceweight Eva 2ply (cashmere,silk each skein about 400 yards)<br />
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2 x 50 g skeins of laceweight Eva 2 ply (cashmere/silk each skein about 400 yards)<br />
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1 x 100g skein of laceweight Cecilia 1 ply (cashmere/silk about 1400 yards)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>How to Enter:</b></span><br />
Simple!!<br />
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Just make a donation <a href="http://psc.r-esourcecenter.com/Event/FundraisingPage.asp?crypt=aB14CRZ5EnIdIjEQcw8LBGd/EQAVcghjBzkqZAUF">here to the Canadian Parkinson Society</a> before September 12th at noon. (That's when I'll draw the winners' names.)<br />
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Everyone who donates will be entered into the draw for the yarn. You can send me an email (thingssoolikes <i>at</i> gmail <i>dot </i>com) or leave a comment after you've donated.<br />
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<b><i>TO GET A BONUS ENTRY</i></b><br />
<i>Mention this fundraising effort on your blog and link to this page and you'll get a second entry into the contest. After you've added the link, you can email me </i>(thingssoolikes <i>at</i> gmail <i>dot </i>com)<i> or leave a comment.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztSJs6IJOYo/TlyjBmp0nrI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/JpLhJWggOqw/s1600/DSC02407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztSJs6IJOYo/TlyjBmp0nrI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/JpLhJWggOqw/s200/DSC02407.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">EARRING BONUS</span> </span><br />
Anyone who donates $10 (or more!) Canadian (about £6) ($10 US) will get a <b>FREE</b> pair of the knitterly earrings I was making earlier this week as a thank you. You can select style (little ball of wool or knitting in progress) and colour (purple, green, blue, red (not shown), white, or pink (not shown)).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57-jEIbZv9s/TlyjHCWj9eI/AAAAAAAAC9g/skLLR3tukg8/s1600/DSC02424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57-jEIbZv9s/TlyjHCWj9eI/AAAAAAAAC9g/skLLR3tukg8/s320/DSC02424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I know times are hard everywhere and I appreciate whatever you are able to give. <br />
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If you've got any questions you can email me on thingssoolikes <i>at</i> gmail <i>dot</i> com. <br />
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Good luck!!Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-43090784341841197842011-08-30T09:58:00.000+01:002011-08-30T09:58:50.898+01:00Knitting - Sort of!The Princess is making snail-like progress. Whenever I think about knitting on it - something more important I need to do pops into my mind. <div><br />
</div><div>Like the dishes. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Or tidying the spare room. </div><div><br />
</div><div>This would annoy me less if it meant that my house was now a pristine shining show-home. But it isn't. It seems I get distracted by something else (usually paper, ink and glitter) before I actually do the dishes or tidying.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_VgpzEPtTYk/Tlyi6-b_2_I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/0XcSMNCGoJI/s1600/DSC02423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_VgpzEPtTYk/Tlyi6-b_2_I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/0XcSMNCGoJI/s400/DSC02423.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>The Princess continues to defy all sensible construction traditions. Having picked up the 865ish stitches for the wide border I had a moment of optimism when I thought "oh - at least I have the rows getting shorter to look forward to".</div><div><br />
</div><div>Wrong.</div><div><br />
</div><div> The wide border begins with 865 stitches and 220 rows later it still has 865 stitches. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Insanity.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYv70kOI_vo/Tlyi-nC9gjI/AAAAAAAAC9U/A-o3bket8YY/s1600/DSC02422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYv70kOI_vo/Tlyi-nC9gjI/AAAAAAAAC9U/A-o3bket8YY/s200/DSC02422.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div>I half-heartedly started working on this sock in the hope it'll spark the knitting fires. So far, it's just resulted in a 3/4 finished sock.</div><div><br />
</div><div>In fact the most yarn action I've had this week was inspired by <a href="http://www.maxsworld.co.uk/shop/jewellery/knitting-earrings/">some earrings</a> that my friend<a href="http://thecakedcrusader.blogspot.com/"> the Caked Crusader</a> pointed out to me - with the question "How cute are these?" And I had to agree they are darn cute. (There are a LOT of really cute (and sometimes odd!) things there - <a href="http://www.maxsworld.co.uk/shop/prints/knitting-octopus-greeting-card/">the knitted knitting octopus is amazing </a> and there's <a href="http://www.maxsworld.co.uk/2011/08/the-knitting-octopus-pattern-is-here/">a pattern!</a> The <a href="http://www.maxsworld.co.uk/shop/jewellery/skein-of-yarn-necklace/">necklaces </a>are sweet too.)</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Realising that I had yarn (which at my current knitting rate was never going to be anything but yarn), and beads, I figured I could probably make a pair. So I did.</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztSJs6IJOYo/TlyjBmp0nrI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/JpLhJWggOqw/s1600/DSC02407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztSJs6IJOYo/TlyjBmp0nrI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/JpLhJWggOqw/s320/DSC02407.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Not quite as tidy as the originals -- winding little balls of yarn neatly is way harder than I expected it to be.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Perhaps I should take it as a good sign that while making my second pair, the temptation of little needles and small balls of yarn meant I started making these:</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qF_ZonOi4mQ/TlyjDexT6BI/AAAAAAAAC9c/0zgq8_NHZrM/s1600/DSC02431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qF_ZonOi4mQ/TlyjDexT6BI/AAAAAAAAC9c/0zgq8_NHZrM/s320/DSC02431.JPG" width="279" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>So maybe the knitting drought is ending!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57-jEIbZv9s/TlyjHCWj9eI/AAAAAAAAC9g/skLLR3tukg8/s1600/DSC02424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57-jEIbZv9s/TlyjHCWj9eI/AAAAAAAAC9g/skLLR3tukg8/s320/DSC02424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div></div>Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-64060611675080315212011-08-09T15:28:00.002+01:002011-08-09T16:00:46.477+01:00This is not LondonWhat is happening to my lovely city? <br />
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Over the past few days I read and watched the news with increasing sadness and disbelief as the senseless looting and violence has spread across the city. As I went to bed last night the vandals were moving closer to home as cars were burned in nearby Lewisham and shops vandalised in Woolwich.<br />
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Today when I went to buy some milk I was surprised to see my closest Tesco closed, and then spooked as it became clear that all the shops along the road were closed. I reached the local Co-op to find its windows smashed in - and heard the estate agent closing up his shop explain that the police advised all the shop owners to close up for the day as there was the possibility of something kicking off in central Greenwich.<br />
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At 2 in the afternoon.<br />
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I don't know what's going on and I don't know why it's happening. I watch the news and listen to the experts try to explain it but realise it will never make sense to me.<br />
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What I do know is - this isn't London. Whatever is happening will pass and the goodness that I see in London every day will win out. <br />
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I know that because of photos like this one. It was taken in Clapham this morning at an impromptu, Twitter inspired, London clean up flash mob. Thousands and thousands of people are signing up to similar clean up groups around the city. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RaZCKLPuA8/TkFJaTHiDtI/AAAAAAAAC7s/rNFqrQk5RNQ/s1600/368543976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RaZCKLPuA8/TkFJaTHiDtI/AAAAAAAAC7s/rNFqrQk5RNQ/s640/368543976.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
That is my London.<br />
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(Apologies for the lack of knitting content. Not much to report in any event. I have finished the Princess edging and just into the wide border. Pics and details in next update.)<br />
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Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-11395517412010477362011-07-26T11:00:00.001+01:002011-07-26T17:59:07.845+01:00And Now for Something a Little Different!You may recall a few posts ago I mentioned that my younger sister Donna had made a special request for a Christmas gift last year. She's a bit of a golfer (in fact, everyone in the family is but me!) and wanted some hand knit golf club covers.<br />
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I could tell from the brief conversations we had on the topic that she did not want understated golf club covers - she wanted golf club covers that would get a bit of attention.<br />
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Naturally, I put off seriously thinking about the project until December. On my last shopping trip with my Mom we spent some time in the yarn aisle at Walmart and after a bit of waffling I decided that dog shaped covers would hit the spot - much to Ma's amusement. I can imagine her reaction to the finished objects.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nOi-G_pO2zE/Ti6NtRD4ivI/AAAAAAAAC5A/KWyw0mBj31c/s1600/IMGP5999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nOi-G_pO2zE/Ti6NtRD4ivI/AAAAAAAAC5A/KWyw0mBj31c/s400/IMGP5999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I didn't start the covers until January when armed with a few skeins of Red Heart Super Saver and just my wits(!) I set out knitting. I had a few false starts with the shaping - but eventually had what I thought looked like a dog's head. My other sister and father were less convinced -- until I added the ears.<br />
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Donna was monitoring progress closely and then had another bright idea -- one of the covers should be modelled on her dog Sally. (Photo below - she doesn't always wear glasses.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lN_E68NTsw/Ti6O1a0YMBI/AAAAAAAAC5E/FKM7pJiKQ_w/s1600/securedownload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lN_E68NTsw/Ti6O1a0YMBI/AAAAAAAAC5E/FKM7pJiKQ_w/s320/securedownload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This was a real challenge - I am not a knitting portrait artist! I made a few attempts which were frogged before finally settling on using four strands of grey kid silk for the grey bits of Sally's fur. In a bit of serendipity I found a skein of the kid silk haze in a side pocket of my luggage left over from last year's Christmas knitting for Kail.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdGNpoFnpP0/Ti6PtvtZv8I/AAAAAAAAC5I/xLAmrdDv0DU/s1600/securedownload+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdGNpoFnpP0/Ti6PtvtZv8I/AAAAAAAAC5I/xLAmrdDv0DU/s320/securedownload+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I was almost done - but didn't know what I was going to do for ears and the nose. Unfortunately craft supplies weren't readily available and the things I could find didn't do the job. <br />
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I was going to bring the covers back here to London for finishing - but Donna was concerned she'd never see them again (she knows me well) and took them home with her for the final touches.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3PQv8El5Lc/Ti6PvsqzBqI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/gIczr4daXUo/s1600/securedownload+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3PQv8El5Lc/Ti6PvsqzBqI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/gIczr4daXUo/s320/securedownload+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The dogs made their debut on her recent golf trip to Cuba where I have no doubt they improved her golf game immeasurably!!Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-47295613246465529212011-06-29T14:21:00.001+01:002011-06-29T14:32:17.773+01:00When the End isn't the EndSo following <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2011/06/when-you-can-see-ending-from-beginning.html">the great shrinking fiasco</a> I returned to the <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2011/04/well-that-was-unexpected.html">Princess</a> edging.<br />
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I knit a little each day. <br />
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Only a little each day because edging knitting at the beginning of a project is wrong and against the natural order of things. (That and the fact that I've recently become <a href="http://scrappysoo.blogspot.com/">obsessed with paper and glue</a> and all things inky and glittery. )<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h2zdEyYY8J0/TgslherfnjI/AAAAAAAAC2g/XUhaKsxRM3I/s1600/DSC02142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h2zdEyYY8J0/TgslherfnjI/AAAAAAAAC2g/XUhaKsxRM3I/s640/DSC02142.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>But I have been knitting when I manage to get the ink out of my fingers and yesterday I counted my edging points and I had made it to 62. WooHoo! <br />
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I took a look at the pattern to see where that put me in the 'how much longer will this have to go on' stakes.<br />
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And this is what I read:<br />
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<blockquote>Knit the edging for 85* points.</blockquote>I glanced down to the * point and saw this:<br />
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<blockquote>* 2007 note: For a shorter edging you could make only 62 edging points....</blockquote>62 points! I have 62 points. Clearly it is fate that I checked the pattern at this point.<br />
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The practical, let's get this edging done side of me is screaming (really, it's screaming) "WooHoo! you are done. Now you can do some real knitting. Let's go!"<br />
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But the masochistic, obsessive compulsive side of me is whispering "Well, you could do the 'easy' alternate edging. If you aren't up to the project as it was originally designed then you should stop now - don't push yourself."<br />
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Even as I write this I KNOW the practical side of me was right. <br />
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No one, not even the Princess' designer Sharon Miller herself would actually notice if I did 62 instead of 85 repeats.<br />
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But I probably don't need to tell you that I'm on repeat 68 now.....<br />
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It's hard work being a freak.Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-50677066047969489752011-06-13T10:13:00.000+01:002011-06-13T10:13:49.550+01:00When You Can See the Ending from the Beginning<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You know when you watch a horror film and you spend the whole time thinking "Don't go in there!" "Why is she going in there?" and wondering how you are supposed to believe that any rational human being would make the decisions you are watching? And then, just when you think it's over -- the baddie springs back to life for one last horror?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well, prepare to feel that way now.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u9xhyHGjMGs/TfXR_EleQhI/AAAAAAAAC0w/GsdjFgd-F4U/s1600/DSC02110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u9xhyHGjMGs/TfXR_EleQhI/AAAAAAAAC0w/GsdjFgd-F4U/s200/DSC02110.JPG" t8="true" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Our opening scenes begin with our hapless knitter finishing up the Donkey Jacket and shoes she is making for a friend's soon to be born baby. The knitting has been pretty uneventful but took longer than expected - largely because the knitter failed to take into account that if you are knitting a jacket with a full lining it will take twice as long as a jacket without a lining. This alone should alert the viewer that the knitter we are dealing with is not on top of her game.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>As the knitter finishes the last piece of the shoes the background music changes slightly and you feel the tension rise as she looks at the 3 random shapes in front of her and wonders how in heck they are going to come together to be a shoe???<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ydf3z8mIfYY/TfXSYsulfYI/AAAAAAAAC00/_wmX0OuOa-4/s1600/DSC02125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ydf3z8mIfYY/TfXSYsulfYI/AAAAAAAAC00/_wmX0OuOa-4/s320/DSC02125.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>You watch in fear as she turns the pieces this way and that and begins madly seaming. She tries a few permutations and then in frustration just sews the pieces together in what appears to be a random sort of way.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_s5BNDbRwlM/TfXS5gBRmpI/AAAAAAAAC08/C4LfOpAZXBU/s1600/DSC02130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_s5BNDbRwlM/TfXS5gBRmpI/AAAAAAAAC08/C4LfOpAZXBU/s200/DSC02130.JPG" t8="true" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GXekXCjD0c/TfXS1FUmw9I/AAAAAAAAC04/Ko1MnL8FO5g/s1600/DSC02128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GXekXCjD0c/TfXS1FUmw9I/AAAAAAAAC04/Ko1MnL8FO5g/s200/DSC02128.JPG" t8="true" width="200" /></a>You watch from behind a cushion - but - it's ok. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">They turned into shoes.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You relax as the music calms down and you watch the knitter prepare to block the jacket. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">She drops it into a cool wool wash.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>But as she turns away from the washing machine you see the first tell tale signs of red...dripping from the jacket onto the cream lining. Go back - you scream at the screen. But she doesn't. She's off to the shop to get something for dinner.<br />
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You know what's waiting for her when she returns. A jacket with a pink lining. You hope she holds her nerve. You hope she doesn't panic.<br />
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You hope wrong.<br />
<br />
She panics. She wants a cream lining. Not this pink thing. And she's meeting the mom to be the next morning. <br />
<br />
And now you watch in horror as she throws it back in the washer hoping that another gentle wash will take out the dye. Nooooooooooooooooooooooo. She's selected the wrong setting and she hasn't noticed! It's on a warm wash. A long warm wash.<br />
<br />
But she's watching the Apprentice and hasn't noticed. When the Apprentice finishes she does think it's odd that the short gentle cycle hasn't finished - but turns to BBC2 to watch "You're Fired" and puts it out of her mind.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You meanwhile are watching the little jacket go round and round and get littler. And littler.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Cut to the final scene. Our knitter, clutching a small, shrunken, red and pink jacket. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSPoxhsNlN8/TfXT7PzSuEI/AAAAAAAAC1A/CDFTaEGK5ac/s1600/DSC02127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSPoxhsNlN8/TfXT7PzSuEI/AAAAAAAAC1A/CDFTaEGK5ac/s400/DSC02127.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The next day I gave the mom to be the slippers - which escaped the ravages of the washing machine - and a promise to knit something else when the baby is born. The little jacket is - well - little and might possibly fit a newborn - but as a double layer felted jacket it's way too warm for a baby in July!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-66986763612247964732011-06-01T12:04:00.001+01:002011-06-01T13:21:02.478+01:00Knitting as ComfortThank you to everyone for the kind comments and messages of sympathy - each one is so appreciated. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ekLTvNzUTNQ/RvlnDuYNF_I/AAAAAAAAAak/y-diSOFYGKI/s1600/DSC00360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ekLTvNzUTNQ/RvlnDuYNF_I/AAAAAAAAAak/y-diSOFYGKI/s200/DSC00360.JPG" t8="true" width="200" /></a>As we sorted through my parents' house we came across many of the knitted gifts I've made for them over the years. <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/search/label/Lyra">Lyra</a> was still in the tissue paper I originally wrapped it in. The only wear and tear was on the paper - worn from when my Mom would take it out to show it off to someone - before carefully wrapping it up again. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Lyra has come home with me and I am clearly my Mother's daughter as it's currently still in the same tissue paper. I'll be trying to find a home worthy of it over the coming weeks.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9O4whabmnKI/TeYRtxsrZlI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/HqBLKTiIOZ4/s1600/IMG_3744%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9O4whabmnKI/TeYRtxsrZlI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/HqBLKTiIOZ4/s200/IMG_3744%255B1%255D.JPG" t8="true" width="114" /></a>I've taken to wearing the <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/search?q=retro+rib">Retro Rib socks</a> I made for my Dad (which he did wear a lot!) - they are too big but they feel perfect to me.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My niece Sarah has the <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2010/01/last-of-2009.html">cardigan I made for Mom</a> last year, and Dyl has the <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2011/04/and-so-we-move-into-spring.html">cardigan I made for Dad </a>in January. I like knowing that the love I put into the projects is being passed on - and I hope the cardigans bring the girls some comfort.<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwA-dSUAX_I/TeYSyUBy5nI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/es2-zfCeDFM/s1600/IMG_3747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwA-dSUAX_I/TeYSyUBy5nI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/es2-zfCeDFM/s200/IMG_3747.JPG" t8="true" width="192" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Current knitting has been slow. I made a pair of socks which went to Dylann and discovered I need to get cracking on a few more if I want to have any chance of filling this year's sock requesst list. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I can't believe there was a time I was worried that I was knitting <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2007/05/socks-and-tale-of-friendship.html">socks no one would want!</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I picked the <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2011/04/well-that-was-unexpected.html">Princess</a> back up a couple of weeks ago but progress is slow and a little uninspiring. I've decided that I'll do at least one edging repeat a day. That at least gets me to pick it up and I do find myself doing one or two more some days.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I don't know how many repeats I've done -- just that it's 'not enough'.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTgBpvwrh70/TeYND7sOzPI/AAAAAAAAC0M/HEbKD6mZeaw/s1600/DSC02109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTgBpvwrh70/TeYND7sOzPI/AAAAAAAAC0M/HEbKD6mZeaw/s400/DSC02109.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I figure at some point it'll become a real project and I'll work on it with a bit of enthusiasm. Until then - one edging repeat at a time.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utvUQDCiPq4/TeYYkSm_yuI/AAAAAAAAC0c/3DqDmx1WkQk/s1600/DSC02111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utvUQDCiPq4/TeYYkSm_yuI/AAAAAAAAC0c/3DqDmx1WkQk/s200/DSC02111.JPG" t8="true" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've just cast on a baby jacket for a friend who is due in June - it's fun to be making baby stuff. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's a Debbie Bliss pattern from <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/2011/04/well-that-was-unexpected.html">The Baby Knits Book</a> called the Donkey Jacket - and I'm torn on whether or not I'll be making the ears. Ironic really as it was the ears that drew me to the pattern! I expect I'll change my mind a few hundred times before I finish it.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5laTF-Qk1AQ/TeYYp9Ety7I/AAAAAAAAC0g/xebwD43fNIw/s1600/DSC02112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5laTF-Qk1AQ/TeYYp9Ety7I/AAAAAAAAC0g/xebwD43fNIw/s200/DSC02112.JPG" t8="true" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's a lined jacket:- the inside made on 4.5 mm needles, the outside made to the same pattern on larger 5 mm needles. I've chosen a wintry red for the outside and am making it in 6 month size so it should fit the little one around Christmas.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And to finish it off there are a cute little pair of shoes to co-ordinate! Better get busy - just set a date to meet the expectant mom next Tuesday.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-6273393578684089152011-05-16T12:50:00.000+01:002011-05-16T12:50:45.903+01:00The Story of a Humble Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--qiFEP0FzzU/TdEJ4c62rDI/AAAAAAAAC0E/sfZ01EML16c/s1600/IMG_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--qiFEP0FzzU/TdEJ4c62rDI/AAAAAAAAC0E/sfZ01EML16c/s400/IMG_0035.jpg" width="400" /></a>My father was a man of few words - but the love and respect he inspired in those who knew him spoke volumes. He never put himself first and he never complained, not even when Parkinsons began to slowly take away his independence. <br />
<br />
As the oldest of 17 children, and the father of 5 his life was never quiet - and he liked it that way. He had a smile that melted my heart and he loved to laugh. In February this year my dad and I laughed so much we cried while watching a Jerry Seinfeld stand up dvd. We watched all the extras because we didn't want any joke to go unappreciated. It was one of my favourite nights of the visit. <br />
<br />
The first couple of months after my Mom died I think Dad put all of his energy into being strong for us, and shortly after we left in March he started to fade. He was in a beautiful care home and had visitors every day but without my Mom he was lost and within 2 weeks he was admitted to the local hospital where he stayed until his death. I didn't make it home in time but my sisters were both there - and surrounded by his amazing brothers and sisters he was never alone.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3K4MHY0RY8/TUSAZYVqmEI/AAAAAAAACwA/2q5bGh6ZoEo/s1600/sue+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3K4MHY0RY8/TUSAZYVqmEI/AAAAAAAACwA/2q5bGh6ZoEo/s320/sue+002.jpg" width="320" /></a>My father suffered from Parkinson's for many years but he died of a broken heart. My parents had been married for almost 55 years, and as Parkinsons progressed she took the best care of him that anyone could.<br />
<br />
As the priest said at his funeral - "I imagine that at the Pearly Gates today, Elsie has pushed St Peter aside and is saying "It's ok, I've got this one". She's standing there with her arms outstretched as Herman strides up the stairs to be with her again."<br />
<br />
I miss them both so much, but it brings me comfort to know they are where they belong - together.Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-20575545564496641972011-04-27T14:44:00.000+01:002011-04-27T14:44:49.450+01:00Well, That was Unexpected....London (and indeed the rest of the UK) are enjoying a very odd spring holiday season. First - we get 2 four day weekend IN A ROW. So office type workers were treated to an 11 day break for the low low one time only cost of 3 vacation days. Insane. <br />
<br />
If that wasn't enough. (And it was.) We have had the most gorgeous weather for the last week. Sunny and a very warm 26 degrees. Heaven. It's cooled down slightly today but the sun is still shining so no complaints from me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnSDsplHiLQ/TbgbM8tlMJI/AAAAAAAACzw/nRBjrb0Lil0/s1600/DSC02097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnSDsplHiLQ/TbgbM8tlMJI/AAAAAAAACzw/nRBjrb0Lil0/s400/DSC02097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>On the knitting front the 6 km of yarn for the Princess has arrived. It's called antique silver - grey to most of us - and has a lovely sheen. I dug out the needles and got ready to cast on, and then realised the Princess is built upside down (or inside out) (or something...).<br />
<br />
In my experience (which isn't vast - but heh it's all I've got) - shawls like this are generally constructed like this:<br />
1) knit the centre piece (triangle for triangle shawls, square for square shawls)<br />
2) pick up stitches around the centre piece and knit the broad border and then<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">3) knit the mind numbing never ending narrow edging around the whole thing</span><br />
<br />
Now the ONLY thing that keeps you going on the horror that is step 3 is the sight of the finish line.<br />
<br />
So imagine my mood when I realised that the Princess is knit like this:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">1) knit the mind numbing never ending edging</span><br />
2) pick up stitches along the edging and knit the broad border<br />
3) knit the centre triangle, joining it to the border by picking up stitches as you go along<br />
<br />
This put me off for a day or two. I mean - really. What's all that about? That means starting with the worst bit. And to add insult to injury, when you finish that you can't even console yourself with "Oh well, at least that's the boring edging done" because it isn't. You still have to knit the final edging along the top of the triangle.<br />
<br />
Finally though I picked up the yarn and needles again and cast on. <br />
<br />
And then proceeded to make a mistake. <br />
<br />
In every single row of the first repeat. <br />
<br />
Every.<br />
Single.<br />
Row.<br />
<br />
And worst when I finally got to the end of the first repeat, exhausted from the ordeal, I accidentally pulled the needle out of the stitches. Frogged the repeat and cursed the Princes. Loudly.<br />
<br />
Taking a leaf out of Anne of Green Gable's philosophy - I awoke this morning and decided it was a new day with no mistakes in it and I was ready to try again.<br />
<br />
So I cast on again - and here it is - the first of a gazillion edging repeats.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZNaAuax710/Tbgbesg0XCI/AAAAAAAACz0/4DsDx2jeYSw/s1600/DSC02098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZNaAuax710/Tbgbesg0XCI/AAAAAAAACz0/4DsDx2jeYSw/s400/DSC02098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
At this rate I expect to be done by June. <br />
<br />
June 2099 that is.Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-83372208449640087952011-04-18T15:45:00.000+01:002011-04-18T15:45:08.071+01:00The Princess Waits ... But Some Knitting OccursSo immediately following my last blog post I thought if I'm going to do this <a href="http://www.heirloom-knitting.co.uk/projects11.html">Princess</a> thing I'd best start by buying the pattern so I placed an order and waited anxiously. Three days later the pattern dropped through the letterbox and I was ready to go!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bv6-_irqOKI/TaxMdQLmQxI/AAAAAAAACys/iN28WjM954w/s1600/DSC02093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bv6-_irqOKI/TaxMdQLmQxI/AAAAAAAACys/iN28WjM954w/s200/DSC02093.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>Or so I thought.<br />
<br />
I had planned on using some lovely Fleegle gossamer weight yarn I had in the stash. A gorgeous bluey-greeny peacock colour. 2600m of the stuff. A beautiful yarn and really, how can 2600m not be enough for anything?<br />
<br />
When you've decided to take on the Princess that's when. Sharon recommends a staggering 5800m - 5.8 km - yarn. <br />
<br />
Not having 5.8km of any single yarn in my stash I was back on to the Heirloom Knitting website and ordered up some <a href="http://www.heirloom-knitting.co.uk/cart/order_cash_silk.php">'Antique Silver' CashSilk</a>. With luck it will arrive this week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vr2GIm7gr28/TaxM0-gjJII/AAAAAAAACy0/__SeHyGXxK4/s1600/DSC02087+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vr2GIm7gr28/TaxM0-gjJII/AAAAAAAACy0/__SeHyGXxK4/s400/DSC02087+-+Copy.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>In the meantime I've knit up the lovely green laceweight merino I posted about last time. <br />
<br />
I couldn't find a pattern that sang to me so I just cast on and played around a bit until I came up with this. I really like the little ruffle and have dubbed it - Just a Little Bit of Ruff.<br />
<br />
It's a simple construction - starts with 11 stitches cast on. (6 for the main body of the shawl and 5 for the ruffle edge). <br />
<br />
The first row is k1, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, knit 5<br />
<br />
The ruffle is formed using short rows. <br />
At the beginning of wrong side rows (ie when starting at the ruffle edge) <br />
- knit 2 stitches, wrap the next stitch and turn (to wrap a stitch and turn - simply slip it to the right hand needle, bring yarn to front then turn knitting)<br />
<br />
- knit 2<br />
- knit 2, knit next stitch picking up wrap, knit 2, wrap next stitch and turn (picking up the wrap is simply inserting the needle into the wrap and then through the stitch on the needle - easier when you are doing it!)<br />
- knit 5<br />
- knit 5, knit next stitch picking up wrap, yo, k2tog, knit to end of row.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pa5smgZ1IeM/TaxMu5DAEcI/AAAAAAAACyw/jkHVG2lIXsc/s1600/DSC02092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pa5smgZ1IeM/TaxMu5DAEcI/AAAAAAAACyw/jkHVG2lIXsc/s320/DSC02092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I increased on the third and every second row after just before the fagotting until I had 25 stitches in the main body, then every 4th row until there were 35 stitches in the main body and the every 6th row until there were 45 stitches. Then I knit straight until I used 49 (of my 100) grams of yarn, and the reversed the process to the end.<br />
<br />
I'd like to make a larger one in a heavier yarn - perhaps in a yarn with long colour changes - I like the idea of the striped ruffle.Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-34538265059113577362011-04-11T14:43:00.000+01:002011-04-11T14:43:35.255+01:00Well, I've been THINKING about knitting....This weekend saw Londoners shedding their raincoats and frantically dusting off and firing up the barbecue as temperatures soared to the mid 20s. Greenwich Park was packed with family picnics and friendly games of football.<br />
<br />
Now I don't want to rain on anyone's parade (or picnic) but this crazy (but welcome) summer weather in April isn't doing anything to get me into the knitting groove. But I won't wish the sunshine away - this is London and I know from experience that before long I'll be moaning about the grey skies and drizzle. <br />
<br />
Although I haven't actually been knitting I have thought a little about knitting which is I guess the first step. I've also been admiring the great knitterly gifts I got from my family this year and maybe that's the second step! <br />
<br />
I got some beautiful yarn, a set of Harmony Options 5 inch sock needles (which as I discussed in my last post have had quite a workout already!) and two gorgeous books. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ayVsgQieHu8/TaMDKDJ_qqI/AAAAAAAACxg/ZMKtIjZUwE8/s1600/DSC02073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ayVsgQieHu8/TaMDKDJ_qqI/AAAAAAAACxg/ZMKtIjZUwE8/s200/DSC02073.JPG" width="200" /></a>The yarns are a lovely wool from <a href="http://www.briggsandlittle.com/wool/">Briggs and Little</a> (a NB mill!!), a Merino/Mohair blend in gorgeous blues and pinks and black from <a href="http://www.fleeceartist.com/">Fleece Artist</a> (Nova Scotia!), and a laceweight <a href="http://www.ellarae.com.au/home.aspx">Ella Rae</a> merino in my favourite greens. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BOsRQgZ-VlY/TaMDTsxhyNI/AAAAAAAACxk/hn-yxGNGJHk/s1600/DSC02072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BOsRQgZ-VlY/TaMDTsxhyNI/AAAAAAAACxk/hn-yxGNGJHk/s200/DSC02072.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3mTstNUmDQ/TaMDbAZPNbI/AAAAAAAACxo/C9BbB_HmTmg/s1600/DSC02071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3mTstNUmDQ/TaMDbAZPNbI/AAAAAAAACxo/C9BbB_HmTmg/s200/DSC02071.JPG" width="200" /></a>I have my eye on the green laceweight at the moment - it's 420m so should be good for a small shawl/scarf. It'll probably another of the crescent shaped patterns that are popular at the moment - I just can't decide how lacey I want it to be.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sVf7VXEr1qA/TaMDsG1eVHI/AAAAAAAACxs/0Sn4YtakPb8/s1600/DSC02070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sVf7VXEr1qA/TaMDsG1eVHI/AAAAAAAACxs/0Sn4YtakPb8/s320/DSC02070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I so enjoyed making the <a href="http://thingssoolikes.blogspot.com/search/label/great%20american%20afghan">Great Canadian British American Aran Afghan</a> that I am considering another similar project -- and there are some gorgeous squares in the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Knitting-Block-Nicky-Epstein/dp/0307586529/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302527416&sr=8-1">Nicky Epstein book</a>, and of course some amazing patterns in the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aran-Knitting-Alice-Starmore/dp/0486478424/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302527470&sr=1-1">Alice Starmore one</a>. My younger sister hinted strongly (errr declared outright) that she wants a throw, and I fancy making one for my Dad so I think a throw or two are in my future.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But of course what I really want is a crazy lace project that will take months and have no real purpose in life other than to make me feel clever when I block it. I've got some lovely <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thegossamerweb">Fleegle yarn</a> and I think it's time to tackle the <a href="http://www.heirloom-knitting.co.uk/projects11.html">Princess shawl</a>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-49186651671589439802011-04-04T19:30:00.000+01:002011-04-04T19:30:50.279+01:00And so we move into spring...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I want to say thank you to everyone who emailed or commented kind messages and words of comfort. Blogger doesn't let me reply directly to all comments -- but please know that all of your thoughts and prayers all meant so much to me.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here it is April 4th and London weather is warming up. That with the little bursts of sunshine we get convince us that summer is on its way. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj_efFxoIMk/TZoEkgCOZbI/AAAAAAAACw8/P3IeH4ID1n8/s1600/IMG_0001+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj_efFxoIMk/TZoEkgCOZbI/AAAAAAAACw8/P3IeH4ID1n8/s200/IMG_0001+cropped.jpg" width="190" /></a>I stayed in Canada until early March and while sorting through pictures with my family I found two that I thought I'd share with you. The first is one of my mom in the early stages of her Phentex Checkerboard Slipper jag. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JAYDC7PUuAg/TZoElVmHx7I/AAAAAAAACxA/WPBxX0XKlj0/s1600/IMG_0002+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JAYDC7PUuAg/TZoElVmHx7I/AAAAAAAACxA/WPBxX0XKlj0/s200/IMG_0002+cropped.jpg" width="101" /></a>And the second is a very happy me clutching a 'how to crochet' kit early one Christmas morning-- look at that smile - I was always in love with yarn!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As many of you suggested it would be knitting has been a comfort and while I was in Canada I was seldom without needles and yarn in my hands.</div><br />
My first project was a pair of mittens for the delightful Dylann -- another in the annual series with her high school's initials and the year knt into the palms. Dyl was frightened by my sister telling her in September last year that she had given me a 'great idea'** for Christmas gifts -- according to my Mom Dyl's reaction was 'But I like my mitts!!'<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gQL0RAAEubM/TZoGfJIl3OI/AAAAAAAACxE/rJSqSdkJMxI/s1600/DSC02009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gQL0RAAEubM/TZoGfJIl3OI/AAAAAAAACxE/rJSqSdkJMxI/s320/DSC02009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Luckily for her - I liked knitting the mitts as well so there was no need for her to be concerned. This pair (<a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=110&d_id=38&lang=us">a Drops pattern</a>) will be the final high school pair as next year she starts university -- I wonder what those colours will be?<br />
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I really wanted to make my Dad a cardigan so on our trip to Bathurst we found 'The Spinning Wheel' yarn shop (no website that I could find - but if you are in the area you'll find it in the phone book!). It is a lovely little shop with a really wide variety of yarns. The owners were really friendly and it became a regular stop in our trips to town after that!<br />
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I wanted the cardigan to be easy care so I opted for some <a href="http://www.sirdar.co.uk/yarns/classics/aranclassics/Denim_Aran_F033">Sirdar Denim yarn</a> in a brown colour (which doesn't appear on the website so perhaps it has been discontinued - too bad it was a nice colour.). It's soft to touch and I really liked working with it. Finding the right pattern was pretty straightforward - a bit of searching and I settled on <a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/7-Free-Knitting-Patterns-for-Men/">Charcoal Ribbed Cardigan</a> -- available for free from Knitting Daily.<br />
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The cardigan flew off my needles. The body is knit flat in one piece to the sleeves, and the sleeves and shoulder caps are knit separately. The knitting was done within days - and I had seamed the main pieces together but when my dad tried it on we all agreed that the body was too short and it needed a couple more inches<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOPoy5uUuyI/TZoHELBWRfI/AAAAAAAACxI/kfAEgfTz9z0/s1600/DSC02017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOPoy5uUuyI/TZoHELBWRfI/AAAAAAAACxI/kfAEgfTz9z0/s200/DSC02017.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>This meant I got to impress no one but myself by fixing this problem without the need to unravel days worth of knitting! <br />
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What I did was snip the yarn in the row above the body ribbing and then very carefully pull the yarn through the stitches to separate the ribbing from the main body. As I did this I carefully placed the stitches from the main body onto a needle. Luckily, knitting doesn't unravel upward so this wasn't too stressful!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQeGgOABhzE/TZoHfiSwVqI/AAAAAAAACxM/0SQ64vog5hg/s1600/DSC02018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQeGgOABhzE/TZoHfiSwVqI/AAAAAAAACxM/0SQ64vog5hg/s200/DSC02018.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>When I removed the cuff, and picked up all of the stitches I proceeded to knit the additional 2 inches of body downward, followed by the ribbing. <br />
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This sort of fix isn't always possible for complicated patterns (or maybe it is and requires more thinking power than I have!) but for simpling stocking or ribbing works quite well.<br />
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Now, only a quest for buttons kept it from 'finished' status. Trips to Zellers and Walmart were fruitless but I struck gold (or brown button) at an old sewing shop where the owner kindly went through EVERY button in stock to help me get the right ones.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cCIhH_vXdWM/TZoBW69KzWI/AAAAAAAACw4/XtwJ7uqqKiY/s1600/DSC02031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cCIhH_vXdWM/TZoBW69KzWI/AAAAAAAACw4/XtwJ7uqqKiY/s320/DSC02031.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The finished cardigan was well received - and my Dad showed it to everyone who dropped by. Naturally, he hasn't worn it - but I know he loves it! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EFCRotmtye0/TZn_rmWIGjI/AAAAAAAACww/s9rc9Gf_eMg/s1600/DSC02024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EFCRotmtye0/TZn_rmWIGjI/AAAAAAAACww/s9rc9Gf_eMg/s200/DSC02024.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_MEr-y1r88/TZn_Iw0jkCI/AAAAAAAACwo/KkICRL46q_M/s1600/DSC02019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_MEr-y1r88/TZn_Iw0jkCI/AAAAAAAACwo/KkICRL46q_M/s200/DSC02019.JPG" width="200" /></a>The rest of the time was spent making socks. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Socks, socks and more socks. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Not all were photographed as some were claimed pretty much as soon as they came off the needles. I discovered that I could knit nothing but socks all year and STILL there would be feet in need!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Most of the socks were knit plain in self striping yarn. The red pair were <a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/media/p/21163.aspx">Diagonal Rib Socks</a> (another freebie from Knitting Daily) a pattern I expect I'll use again. Straightforward to knit but just a little more interesting than plain socks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmmoNdp2LFA/TZn_8vT22pI/AAAAAAAACw0/fH04fWQzY-o/s1600/DSC02030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmmoNdp2LFA/TZn_8vT22pI/AAAAAAAACw0/fH04fWQzY-o/s320/DSC02030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think in the end I knit about 10 pair!</div><br />
I haven't knit a thing since I got back to London but I can feel the urge to start a project building. I think a browse through my books and magazines for some inspiration is in order!<br />
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** My sister's 'great idea' will be revealed later...I don't have any photos of the finished objects yet!<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-4608809388339417662011-01-29T17:47:00.001+00:002011-01-29T21:24:01.313+00:00<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My trip home to Canada has been very different from what I expected and even now I find it hard to take it all in. My beautiful mother passed away unexpectedly 2 days after I arrived home. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3FoVpwVd9pw/TUSBkOTrlXI/AAAAAAAACwE/r13s60Ta27M/s1600/sue+002+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3FoVpwVd9pw/TUSBkOTrlXI/AAAAAAAACwE/r13s60Ta27M/s320/sue+002+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>She had been perfectly fine all day - her usual smiling happy self. We spent the day shopping and enjoying a lobster supper (a bit of a tradition to celebrate my birthday when I get home in December with some lobster). An aunt and uncle dropped by for a visit and then Mom and Dad went to bed at 10 - Mom very excited about watching the Survivor final. 20 minutes later my father called out to me and within 2 hours she was gone.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's been a difficult time - but my family has been amazing. Not just my brothers and sisters, but my very large extended family who have helped us all in too many ways to mention. </div><br />
My mother was the strongest woman I know. She was funny and generous and loving and (as anyone who ever played cards with her knows) very competitive. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">She taught me to knit when I was very young. I still remember the excitement (really - I was excited) of getting those plastic needles and acrylic yarn and knitting those first stitches. I was enchanted and have knit pretty much constantly since.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ma was definitely a 'jag' knitter. She found a pattern she liked and made LOTS of them. Her most prolific jag was about 30 years ago when we moved into this house and she made what seemed like thousands of paris of Phentex checkerboard slippers. We had drawers full of them and they were handed out like party favours when people dropped by.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">She was the most knitworthy person in the world and I loved knitting for her. She oohed and aahed appreciatively and then wrapped them up carefully to admire every now and then as they were clearly too nice to be worn/used. No amount of coaxing from me or anyone else convinced her to risk it. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">She was always showing off my work to people who dropped by - and although she had never actually seen this blog she was forever passing on the address to others. In short - she was my biggest fan.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We all miss her so much every day. Some days are harder than others but we comfort ourselves with the knowledge that she's always with us -- in the family and love that we share. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774857645428726855.post-52957860589657789102010-12-16T22:22:00.001+00:002010-12-17T00:16:14.358+00:00Greetings from Canada!!Phew! The last few months have been busy and have flown by in a blur.<br /><br />Knitting - Christmas or otherwise - has been non- existent. I started a pink cashmere scarf for my mom - got about 3/4 of it done and then decided I hated it. Frogged.<br /><br />Then I started a Cardigan for her. But I didn't like it either. Also frogged.<br /><br />So, here I am, a day away from my parents' place and I haven't knitted a Christmas stitch!! Happily my excitement at being home and seeing my family totally and completely overshadows that. <br /><br />Of course as it is Christmas it has to be Gingerbread House time.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/2362.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/s_2362.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Last Sunday the usual suspects gathered in my kitchen and fuelled by 4 kilos of icing sugar, the sleigh o' sweets and a bottle or two of champagne created our ski chalet themed house.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/2456.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/s_2456.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='174' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />(I'm blogging this on an iPad by the way - so my formatting options are limited. Sorry about that.)<br /><br />I loved our ski slope - sadly I was a bit rushed when I took the photos and these don't do I justice. Scrumptious Suzy made our skier.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/2457.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/s_2457.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='207' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />She is a gifted artist with marzipan and also created this cello and trumpet which are part of the interior decor. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/2458.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/s_2458.jpg' border='0' width='202' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />The owner of these instruments is a vain balding marzipan man - caught here admiring himself in the mirror. The bunk beds, fireplace and comfy chocolate wafer chair finish the inside room.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/2459.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/s_2459.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='188' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/2460.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/s_2460.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='212' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Little Louis** is now almost 9 and among his contributions this year are this slightly surreal looking snowman and this stack of sweets which was going to be an igloo until he ran out of them. While the rest of us tried up come up with alternatives Little Louis joined the ranks of DIY amateurs everywhere - he lost interest and moved on to something else. <br /><br />** Little Louis has agreed that although he is no longer little I can call him that for as long as I like.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/2461.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/s_2461.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='264' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Suzy added the very cute Penguin to distract the viewer from the 'almost' igloo.<br /><br />Caroline, Gorgeous Gen, and Marvellous Mads created these carollers.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/2462.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/s_2462.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='226' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /> And this mom and baby audience.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/2463.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/s_2463.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='145' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Pat was responsible for the ski slope structure - underneath the icing is an impressive scaffolding structure of wafers and marshmallows.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/2517.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/s_2517.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Of course we watched How the Grinch stole Christmas while the roof set munching on some pizza and feeling pretty festive. This year more than most I needed this ritual to kick start the season - I was letting work take over all my waking (and sleeping!) thoughts.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/2518.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/16/s_2518.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I hope you all enjoy the season whatever you are doing. I'll be back in January with some knitting - assuming I can remember how!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072821039582965057noreply@blogger.com6