tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80910631877326442842024-03-08T13:16:49.219-08:00I Knit Therefore I AmNaomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-77650201486610174322012-02-18T09:47:00.000-08:002012-02-18T09:47:59.027-08:00Long time no seeI have barely done any knitting for about 6 months cos I was proper BONKERS but now I am just at usual level of bonkersness, I've knitted a few crappy things and now I have taken up the needles again in earnest and decided to return to blogland because I miss keeping in touch with everyone .... AND.... I am knitting something with my bestest ever yarn ever.<br />
<br />
Sadly the photo I have of it does not do it justice, but nevermind, I'll get a better one in daylight sometime.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/1cbde40a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/1cbde40a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You might be thinking it doesn't look like much, for which I shall forgive you because it is a crap photo. But it is in fact abou 200g (maybe more?) of organic kentish wool from a lovely slightly mad woman who I met at the farmers market, who has a shitload of sheep. She sells the farm's produce at the market and has a sack of yarn in various forms stashed under the table, which one can purchase on the side...it feels a bit naughty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, beautiful as it was in its original undyed state, it really got upgraded to most beloved skein of yarn ever when clare came round with an indigo vat last year. This yarn just had to go in it and since then it has been my most treasured skein, waiting for the PERFECT project. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But actually I don't believe in the perfect pattern or in letting beautiful skeins of yarn hang around in the drawer of doom waiting indefinitely. So I decided to just get on and use it. I have fancied a shawl for yonks but I'm not really the sort of person who wears frilly lacy crap so decided to find a functional simple pattern which I could knit mindlessly and won't take too long (cos after 6 months off, there is plenty of other more practical stuff I could be knitting)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also wasn't sure about yardage so needed a top down pattern. Ravelry search indicated that<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweet-november-knit-shawl"> sweet november</a> might be just the ticket, and as I've knitted half the skein up already in 24 hours, I think ravelry was right (once again!) Every row is the same which is fab as I want to knit it all the time, which means I have to put it down all the time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Only change I've made so far is to work all the left slanting decreases as yo, sl1, k1, psso rather than ssk, for no good reason other than I prefer doing it like that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well here's a shit progress picture. I must obtain a proper camera sometime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/4c653a48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/4c653a48.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Well now I'm going to go and catch up on all the lovely knitting blogs I haven't looked at for yonks and yonks, can't wait :)</div>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-66936791644693475182011-07-22T10:18:00.001-07:002011-07-22T10:18:40.420-07:00Beautiful dayJust beautiful little things. Apparently this gnome is 'ukkle sam'!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/22/2675.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/22/s_2675.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I noticed the bowl of modelling wax on the windowsill was right in the sunshine, and all the bits were so soft! So I decided to take the opportunity to sort out the random bits and blobs and mix them into pleasant shapes, easier to start with when they aren't so warm. And who can resist colour...deer is eating<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/22/2676.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/22/s_2676.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I can't believe she actually made little green leaves!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/22/2677.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/22/s_2677.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then I did some chores and when I came back, all the blobs had disappeared. Concerned, I asked Abi where they were..how could I have missed this! Shed lined them all up so beautifully<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/22/2678.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/22/s_2678.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And finally, best of all, a wonderfully shattering walk on the downs, I have a lovely picture but forgot to ask friend if I could share it as her son is in it. Well I don't really even like asking in case people feel obliged to say yes! But it is a fab picture of our boys up a tree!<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-54663155344449752872011-07-15T06:28:00.001-07:002011-07-15T06:28:30.685-07:00Must do this more often...Even when I can afford fresh flowers, I'm a bit hmm about the ethics and environmental impact, especially of supermarket type things. But for the first time I have a bit of a variety to choose from in the garden...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/1142.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_1142.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Not quite petrol station standard, and all the better for it! Feverfew, thyme, love in a mist, White clover and a random weed!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-48137273431399783292011-07-10T10:59:00.001-07:002011-07-10T10:59:28.163-07:00Saturday stuffMmmm we picked these today...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/10/3110.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/10/s_3110.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />One chap said they are 'cherry plums', and another said greengages. Either way they are yummy and sweet and sour and may ripen a little more on the windowsill!<br /><br />Also mordanted 200g merino<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/10/3115.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/10/s_3115.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />In case I found something worth dyeing on our walk, but there was too much yummy stuff to pick.<br /><br />We also made little tiny fairy cakes. I'm trying to grow out of icing any cake I bake, so these were livened up with mixed spice and caraway seed, which we all found very yummy indeed.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/10/3116.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/10/s_3116.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> And meg, they're yours! Pm me your address and I'll be glad to finish them for you, pg mamas have plenty of baby things to knit (I'm so jealous!) so you deserve something for you! X<br /><br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-45396916056971624662011-07-09T11:02:00.001-07:002011-07-09T11:02:29.379-07:00DuffersFirstly thanks for yesterday's comments, I managed to find a computer earlier at the library but, like my phone, it wouldn't let me return the favour, hmph. Is blogger being weird at the moment? Anyway no the jumper isn't machine washable, but I tend to wash woollens as little as possible so it's not a problem.<br /><br />And she is starting to like pink rather a lot, but is still happy to allow other colours into her life, thank Gaia. Long may that last!<br /><br />Anyway, my slippers are looking thoroughly pathetic. I love them and their many darns but they are a little embarrassing. So the other day I found a funky looking pattern called 'duffers' and decided to give it a bash. I'm usually hesitant with patterns for felted items as most are written with American washers in mind. Not silly uk ones which you can't stop mid cycle, you just have to pray. But this seemed to be a uk pattern so I went with it, and hoped for the best. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/09/2372.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/09/s_2372.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />They knitted up good and fast. But look...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/09/2380.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/09/s_2380.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A pre-felted slipper should surely not come that close to fitting. Admittedly, I have big size 8 feet. So I followed the writers direction for sizing up, to a size 9 as I know this yarn likes to felt a LOT. But I wasn't feeling good about it.<br />But now they were knitted there wasn't a lot else to do but try it (apart from felt by hand which I cannot do)<br />Anyway, doesnt it look lovely?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/09/2382.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/09/s_2382.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'd estimate it came out at about a size 3, and I managed to stretch them to about a 6. I can get my foot in, but it hurts. A lot. Sigh, felting can be cruel. If anyone nice has size 6 feet, I'll knit them the other one too and you're welcome to the bastards.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-51177031903747672462011-07-08T01:31:00.001-07:002011-07-08T01:31:14.763-07:00Finished object Friday...crazy jumperI finished the crazy jumper a couple of weeks ago but have been a slack blogger so only posting it now...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/08/263.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/08/s_263.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'm really pleased with the yarn as I was worried it would be too bulky, but the alpaca content makes it a bit lighter <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/08/266.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/08/s_266.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Dd is on a bit of a pockets kick so she's happy. And I'm pleased with the shawl collar as I didn't really know what I was doing with that.<br /><br />The annoying bit is that I forget to set the sleeves in, which a thick jumper would benefit from. But she doesn't seem to care. The pleasing thing is that I managed to get on and knit it without interruption or distraction, which is vital when making it up as you go along if you want things to be vaguely symmetrical! <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-83880466429042321062011-07-05T06:05:00.001-07:002011-07-05T06:05:45.907-07:00Dyeing...If you can only cope with one kitchen activity when you have a stinking cold, make it natural dyeing. Especially if you plan on burning stuff (cos you didn't hear it boil over due to having blocked up ears grr)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/05/1157.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/05/s_1157.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Made some pretty boring beige <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/05/1158.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/05/s_1158.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Now my fave...I've been ramming a jar full of these for a pretty long time now<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/05/1159.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/05/s_1159.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And it's looking so good I'm going to have a bash at drying them to see if I can reuse for a paler shade. I managed to do this a few times with madder, the only reason I eventually chucked it was that i can't have dried it thoroughly enough the last time, as it had started to mould in the jar :( well worth the trouble tho i reckon! <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-70852145821584987082011-06-01T00:12:00.001-07:002011-06-01T00:12:45.638-07:00In the gardenThis is the first time I've ever tried growing edible things, and so far it's far from impressive in terms of scale...but just watching these blackcurrants ripen is total magic<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/06/01/26.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/06/01/s_26.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And today we ate our first home grown thing...a strawberry cut into three! It was v nice indeed. <br />Abi had a nasty ol bump in the garden earlier and submitted to the 'ling<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/06/01/27.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/06/01/s_27.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And a happy handsome chap!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/06/01/28.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/06/01/s_28.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-62349034033144975992011-05-29T11:38:00.001-07:002011-05-29T11:38:04.609-07:00Evening starsThis is what dan and I made this evening<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/29/2634.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/29/s_2634.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/29/2635.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/29/s_2635.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Happy sigh :)<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-50970597892019772462011-05-28T10:27:00.001-07:002011-05-28T10:27:42.695-07:00Compulsive toy knittingThere is such a buzz from seeing a made thing appreciated by a child. Just a tiny little cat, knitted during eastenders, and left next to my bed for Abi to find in the morning, to joyous shrieks of 'at! 'at! 'at!'<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/28/1940.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/28/s_1940.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The pleasure gained by both of us is out of all proportion to the effort involved. It doesn't even have a face, yet it has participated in many games today. Most requiring it to say hello a lot. And being stroked, and stroking abi's hair. <br /><br />So instead of finishing that jumper, which really shouldn't take long, I find myself knitting a little lady to help look after the cat.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/28/1941.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/28/s_1941.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I wonder what she'll look like when she has a face and hair and arms. You can never tell.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-46202249422557209552011-05-27T10:53:00.001-07:002011-05-27T10:54:38.645-07:00Finished object Friday...socksI finished these a few days ago, though they have been nearly finished for much longer!<br />
They still fit, but not for long. <br />
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<br />
<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/27/1773.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/27/s_1773.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneNaomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-21139469485096177452011-05-26T12:41:00.001-07:002011-05-26T12:41:50.879-07:00Jumper backHave decided to knit the rest of the jumper in stripes in the hope it will mitigate the OTT nature of the front! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/26/2429.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/26/s_2429.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And just cos it's sweet...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/26/2433.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/26/s_2433.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Daniel has been learning the chachacha at dance class today, I wish I had a photo of that!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-42371199626626234382011-05-25T23:32:00.001-07:002011-05-25T23:32:45.587-07:00Work in progress...Oops a day late! Jumper front is finished. The neckline looks v odd, but assume this is the appropriate shape for a shawl collar. There's only one way to find out! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/25/4618.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/25/s_4618.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Also, some finger looped braid for the medieval purse. These are really fun to make.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/25/4619.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/25/s_4619.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />One has a button loop.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-14864456454344156882011-05-24T06:59:00.001-07:002011-05-24T06:59:38.681-07:00A colourwork jumperWell, at the moment all the things I knitted for Abi last year fit perfectly. This means that soon, they won't fit at all! And so I'm getting started ahead of winter.<br /><br />I always think I am rubbish at colour knitting. And I'm not great, but after the medieval knitting I feel empowered! And this is nice chunky yarn so I should be able to hack it! I did start regretting the intarsia pockets with stranded hearts, but I do like the result. I must not get distracted by other projects as this is all ad lib and I'll forgot my plans if I'm not careful.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/24/951.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/24/s_951.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Abi likes two pockets, so she can tuck both hands in. This yarn is nice and soft so I plan to attempt my first shawl collar...wish me luck!<br /><br /> Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-64203423174899234562011-05-24T06:44:00.001-07:002011-05-24T06:44:18.550-07:00Plant dyed woolI have just discovered I can blog from my phone as long as there aren't too many photos hurrah!!!!!!!!!!! I have missed you little blog xxxxx<br /><br />Here is some wool I dyed recently with various plant dyes, mostly gathered by me. Except the madder!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/24/915.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/24/s_915.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And to see if my phone can cope with two photos in one post...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/24/916.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/24/s_916.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-70455439370000125552011-05-24T06:41:00.001-07:002011-05-24T06:41:01.102-07:00Medieval knitted pouch based on scion purse<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/24/906.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/24/s_906.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-91336531970647669072011-04-04T10:42:00.000-07:002011-04-04T10:42:00.973-07:00Monday...crochet and washing and all thatMonday, first day of the week. With extra joy for the sunny weather and knowing that tomorrow, my mama will be here for a visit. Look at this little flower, thrusting up from a little crack in the pavement, determined to enjoy life<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/bd88f28e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/bd88f28e.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>and this young thing, dashing about on his bike<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/28d1f9bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/28d1f9bc.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>and a little lady taking a stroll in the sunshine<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/648a46d8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/648a46d8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>anyway, now matters either more interesting or more trivial, depending on one's perspective...<br />
<br />
I am crocheting a THING<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/9cee0825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/9cee0825.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>have you ever made a THING? Something for which you may or may not have an idea of its intended finished state? Something which you hope will serve a certain purpose but are unwilling to admit it until you know for sure it comes off? I have made many THINGS, some more successful than others. This thing will have to wait to be finished and felted until its fate is known.<br />
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Also, the yarn I dyed with onion skins finally finished drying today, thanks to the sunshine<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/5f7334f8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/5f7334f8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>And, just to make full use of that glorious warming force, I got round to some handwashing<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/1a5a634e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/1a5a634e.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Nothing<em> </em>I can do will ever stop the feet of those tights being such a filthy colour...well possibly cleaning my floors more often may have helpedNaomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-18820516056828527862011-04-02T23:52:00.000-07:002011-04-02T23:52:58.017-07:00Day 7...crafting time! 2KCBWDAY6Today we are supposed to write about the time we spend crafting, where and when and how etc. I don't really have a specific crafting time. I was starting to worry how I would write a vaguely interesting post for this topic, let alone find relevant pics. But then it occurred to me that there are different types of knitting for different types of crafting time.<br />
<br />
I knit in front of the TV in the evenings. A lot of TV went into Shalom. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/4e2447a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/4e2447a2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sometimes, if I did a lot of knitting in front of a particularly moving film or documentary, all the feelings I had whilst watching it come flooding back the next time I pick the knitting up. Weird.<br />
<br />
I knit whilst browsing online. Often there is a small mindless project next to the computer, like this:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/216327af.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/216327af.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I sometimes knit whilst singing abi to sleep (less so now its not such a long process)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/0bdbe571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/0bdbe571.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I knit when getting a lift with a friend to toddler group. Good for dull mindless knitting which allows easy conversation, like this (4ply, ugh...and I keep knitting the yos, double ugh):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/b261e0c3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/b261e0c3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I used to knit a lot whilst sat next to her as she played, but somehow I seem to spend more time on my feet now that she can handle me not being more than two feet away from her.<br />
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I knit when cooking pancakes at the weekends, I sometimes knit standing in the kitchen (apparently there used to be special knitting holder things on belts which would hold the wool so folk could knit whilst they walked between their chores, I think sometimes they even held a needle in such a way that the knitter could knit one handed whilst doing other things, though I have no idea how I came to 'know' this...maybe it was a knitting obsessed dream??) Dischcloths are good standing knitting, doesn't matter if it gets a bit grubby<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/1d40ba9e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/1d40ba9e.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I knit...quite a lot. But often not for extended periods of time, its just here and there, up and down, ya know? Sometimes I get to a point in my knitting which I can see just requires some stamina...for me to just sit and knit and knit...then I find something good on the tele, or devote an entire nap time to knitting regardless of housework, and just go for it, and then something will get done really fast, like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/dc2e2a75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/dc2e2a75.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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And at the end of every row I have a sip of<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/1d896a7b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/1d896a7b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> (OK I drink coffee really, but I wanted to post my tea cosy pic!)Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-24635247221958727082011-04-02T08:28:00.000-07:002011-04-02T08:28:33.894-07:00Weekend stuffThe children have been elsewhere today so I have spent most of this beautiful sunny day at home sorting things out, sigh.<br />
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BUT this is good, because it meant I could start getting part of Dan's birthday pressie sorted out<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/70da1be5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/70da1be5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>a woodworking corner in the craft room! No longer will it be a realm of knitting and sewing and books relating thereto (very small sigh) but a space where I hope we can craft and spend time together (yay!) We are in need of more fun quality time together.<br />
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I made onion soup and baked rolls for my darling brother who then somehow managed to not turn up, grr! I still lub him though, and at least it meant I didn't resort to chips as I usually do when the children aren't here to see<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/687ec9ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/687ec9ee.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whilst the onions were cooking, I noticed I have managed to collect over an ounce of onions skins now. So I got those boiling away too</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/4cc5261d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/4cc5261d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>for some angora yarn, and a scrap of silk which I decided to cold water dye, just to see :D I was a bit worried about the angora, its a lovely grey shade and I'm worried dyeing it won't do it any favours, its so pretty already<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/4ac68c99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/4ac68c99.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>but the silk is looking rather gorgeous, drying in the sun<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/38e31d13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/38e31d13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>so I am optimistic about the wool too. Then I headed into town and picked up the other half of that fleece to be washed (I think this might be the bottom end, hmm)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/ae54ee10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/ae54ee10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>which created a bit of an appetite for actual yarn I can knit right now...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/1060bd66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/1060bd66.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>oops. I am hoping one skein will be enough to create some sort of summery top for dd...Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-66365115930196991092011-03-31T15:59:00.000-07:002011-04-02T00:01:44.499-07:00Day 6: a skill I would like to learn 2KCBWDAY6Is, without doubt, to knit continental style. I tried to find a picture of the idiotic way I knit, and then realised that I am the only person around to take pictures ha! So obviously there aren't any really. This is the closest I could find:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/e1b97190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/e1b97190.jpg" /></a></div>I am a thrower. A lot of people are throwers, especially I think as a lot of us have had to teach ourselves, and perhaps didn't have a kindly grandmother standing over us rapping our knuckles with a steel knitting needle every time we inclined toward poor knitting technique. Apparently the world speed knitter (who knew such things existed) is a thrower, so its nothing to be ashamed of. But it is irritating when someone who knits 'properly' happens to see you, a thrower, knitting. And you can see them cock an eyebrow, thinking 'tch, she throws the yarn. She'll come to no good'.<br />
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Some people even come right out and say it 'hey, you're holding it all wrong!' I quite appreciate that, at least they are open and trying to share skills. I always retort 'yes, thats because my mother is an ardent feminist who refused to allow me to learn any traditionally female skills, so I had to teach myself to knit by torchlight under my duvet for fear of being forced to recite the female eunuch as punishment'. Usually shuts the old bags up.<br />
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Anyway, I'm not a slow knitter. Neither am I a fast knitter, but that might be because I keep stopping to drink coffee or watch a juicy bit of eastenders. <br />
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I observed myself knitting recently and noticed that, although I let go of the rh needle to bring the yarn round, it doesn't really get fully dropped. Somehow it balances on the knitting, and I bring the yarn round so fast that the needle doesn't go anywhere and is back in my hands just-like-that. Usually. Also the left hand needle does a fair amount of the work.<br />
<br />
But it would be awesome to be able to knit continental style, because it would make knitting colourwork a lot easier. I have knitted stranded and woven colourwork, but it takes a bloody long time, which makes me bloody cross. So I mostly don't. Or I do cheat's slip stitch colour patterns. These socks only had one colour per round<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/5cef4e62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/5cef4e62.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Same with these gloves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/f56b1ce5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/f56b1ce5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>This isn't such a great picture, but the fair isle style pattern on this dolly jacket also only had one colour per row<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/e293c088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/e293c088.jpg" /></a></div>I'm not sure I'll ever manage to achieve my goal though, it seems like a whole other language that my hands are not willing to learn.Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-82409935086204214262011-03-30T16:43:00.000-07:002011-03-30T16:43:12.980-07:00Day Four: 31st March. Where are they now? 2KCBWDAY4<div class="spoiler-body" id="SID2571_4" jquery1301485928484="8" style="display: block;">The other day, a friend said it seemed like abi had been wearing this cardi forever</div><div class="spoiler-body" jquery1301485928484="8" style="display: block;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/8d6374fd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/8d6374fd.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not sure if she was commenting on the remarkable qualities of knitwear...how it seems to grow with a child, how something handmade can be better quality and longer lasting etc...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/bc33dfe7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/bc33dfe7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...or possibly, that Abi doesn't have an awful lot of clothes, and therefore we all get to see an awful lot of it, and I should launder things a bit more often (another remarkable quality of wool of course being the fact it magically cleans itself, or thats what I like to believe anyway)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/d3a69253.jpg" width="240" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...or maybe she's sick of the fucking sight of the thing and wishes I'd dress her in something else for a change...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/21145e37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/21145e37.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">well why would I when its such a useful cardigan? And although I wasn't sure the pink and orange shades were right next to each other when I first knitted it, I really love these colours on her now. I'm so used to seeing her in it. Its like her amber necklace, always there, always protecting and comforting (apart from on rainbow jumper, grey vest, or grey or black cardi days, but even then it often gets plonked over the top when we go out) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/d4e8e8c5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/d4e8e8c5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and it accessorises well</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/ea8aafd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/ea8aafd1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have never once had to shave it (I hate debobbling things, ugh) which is a minor miracle as it has actually been washed a few times and worn a LOT</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/0028b77d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/0028b77d.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It isn't what you would call soft wool. It certainly isn't itchy or scratchy, but its possibly not what most would knit a baby garment from...and yet it seems to good for snuggling... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/29704552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/29704552.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But it has served her so well, thankyou clare for the beautiful yarn and being a wonderful friend and an excellent dye witch who continues to feed my barely suppressed yarn fetish, I cannot wait to see what you come up with next! Oh crap I wrote another soppy post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(I wish I had earlier photos to post, I first blogged it in Oct but can't get those pictures now as they were on my since wiped phone...sob...but anyway, I am actually starting to believe this cardigan has been around forever...and I never did make that final buttonhole...)</div>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-62302441755118466152011-03-29T23:47:00.000-07:002011-03-29T23:47:22.983-07:00Day 3 Knitting and crochet blog week...Tidy mind, Tidy stitches?? 2KCBWDAY3Um, I guess this doesn't say a lot about my state of mind...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/2ffcfd6b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/2ffcfd6b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>tut, look at abi sticking her cute ickle hand in the bag of toy stuffing<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/a9d20be7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/a9d20be7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>a pic of where I keep my usual WIP, which I took yesterday but now looks like this<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/c01945be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/c01945be.jpg" /></a></div>where I keep hibernating projects (I try not to look at this too often, can you tell?)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/5a9b48a8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/5a9b48a8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>some felting supplies:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/747b4325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/747b4325.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>and half a fleece waiting for carding:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/0434511e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/0434511e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>and the box where I keep every tail I cut off after weaving...very nice for toddlers to play with, to darn socks, sew on buttons, make repairs, embroider faces on toys etc etc<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/7e7a84e6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/7e7a84e6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My original plan was to take some after pics this morning, after tidying it all up. But you can guess why I haven't done that! Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-51471863312855525302011-03-28T20:57:00.000-07:002011-03-28T21:00:05.403-07:00Day Two: 29th March. Skill + 1UP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fzpe4HNjENw/TZBN7IBg00I/AAAAAAAAAFs/m_ZeXreG0Ms/s1600/2kcbw1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="48" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fzpe4HNjENw/TZBN7IBg00I/AAAAAAAAAFs/m_ZeXreG0Ms/s320/2kcbw1.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In the last year I have learnt a lot, by sheer dint of quantity of knitting. I am not a super fast knitter, but over the last year I have had more time for knitting than the year before, when abi always seemed to be in my arms. But then, around age 1, she started doing more of this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/15a6e76b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/15a6e76b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Which meant I could cast something on safe in the knowledge it could get finished within a foreseeable period of time! The jumper in that pic is a rainbow sweater I knitted a good while ago. Its a bit short in the body now, but she still wears it over dresses or under dungarees. I loved that jumper. Anyway, the point it, having this bit of time in the evenings, meant I was able to produce pretty much all of abi's knitwear. I have bought the odd thing, but because I liked it, rather than because she needed it. And this has been a fantastic learning curve, not even so much in terms of knitting, but for what I have learnt about my relationship with knitting. Knitting is no longer just a hobby, or an excuse to stroke pretty yarn. At the moment, it is how I create warm things for my daughter, sometimes for me, and on the rare occasions I am permitted to do so, my son! So this post isn't just about what I have learnt technically, but also, what I have gained in other ways from knitting (vomit)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/a1d9453e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/a1d9453e.jpg" /></a></div>I have learnt confidence in my ability to (usually) produce things which meet a need. Dan needed a school hat. It had to be grey, like his old hat. It had to be not-itchy. It had to not have any pattern or fussiness whatsoever. So he chose the yarn, I cast it on, et voila...son has hat. And it feels so good, to make something which is not only liked, but also fills a need, and will keep his precious ears warm, and be a bit of mama to wear around!<br />
This is what I have learnt, that the dialectic proposition of idea+ needles/yarn = so much more than a garment. <br />
And technically, from knitting this hat, I got a good feel for shaping a hat well, so that is fits a head. It shouldn't be a disc at the top with straight sides. neither should it be a perfect sphere at the top, if sons head seems to be a bit flat up there. Knitted top down, the hat can perfectly form itself to the shape of that head I birthed almost 9 years ago (and finally, I can no longer see obvious signs of the ventouse)<br />
<br />
Another example is this dress (knitted from the same rowan coccoon yarn) which is pretty recent...technically it taught me much, as I had never knitted top down before this year. However, if you are scared of knitting top down (ie. improvising it), don't be. There isn't much to it. Cast on enough for a neckline. Increase at regular intervals, placement of said increases depending on proportions required. Continue for a while, form armholes and underarms or sleeves as desired, knit on a skirt. This type of knitting is liberating in the extreme.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/ad032a28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/ad032a28.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>But even more liberating than the ad lib design, is the function and form of the dress itself, and the vibes that go with it. Where, in a shop, would we have got a dress which is:<br />
<ul><li>made of natural materials</li>
<li>not pink</li>
<li>comfortable and loose fitting</li>
<li>warm</li>
<li>pretty, rather than garish or lurid, in a style which I like to think lets abi's beauty show, rather than shouting about its own features</li>
<li>has no excess ribbons, sequins, patches, novelty flowers etc attache</li>
<li>in fact, it has no fastenings at all. Fantastic.</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/7ffeaa1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/7ffeaa1a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>And even better than that, no one slaved over its creation for a pittance. I made it, when I wanted, and I enjoyed it. That is why I think it (like all knitted things) has such good vibes. Because no matter how hard we try to turn a blind eye to the fact, right now most clothes we see around us are made in sweat shops, shipped in massive containers across the globe, worth pennies, and seen as consumable, almost disposable. And I do not care that I am proud of how much I have knitted this year (and there are always things I don't get a chance to blog about, like random toddler socks, odd toys, dishcloths, that lacy baktus which still hasn't had its own post...) because the more I learn about the technique of knitting, the more I learn about all its other beautiful qualities too.<br />
<br />
Also, I have learnt to knit socks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/049e3f37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/049e3f37.jpg" /></a></div>(well, I had knitted one before this year, but one sock does not make a pair!)Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-12877336897986910222011-03-28T04:12:00.000-07:002011-03-28T04:12:40.773-07:00A tale of two yarns...(day 1 knitting and crochet blog week)its day one of International knitting and crochet blog week, see here to find out more! Well, here is my fave yarn right now (I won't say ever, my fave yarn is generally the one I am knitting with at any moment!)<br />
<br />
Noro kochoran...not awfully original...but awfully cheerful and soft!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/0e6e6f28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/0e6e6f28.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>just so pretty, I love the colours, and I love the way they don't suddenly ping from one colour to another. I love the length of each colour...not so long I get bored, but not so short that the knitting becomes a garbled mess...this is across 121 sts, I think I will like it even more across slightly less than that...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/db0b3138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/db0b3138.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/dc2e2a75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/dc2e2a75.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now for a yarn which disappointed me through no fault of its own. Sometimes you just can't imagine what something will look like knitted up. In the skein, I thought this mirasol yarn looked a bit rugged, a bit heavier than dk, and nice and warm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/4b43cced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/4b43cced.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Its actually a much nicer deep chocolate brown that that. Anyway as I wound it I realised it was very thick and thin, which I hadn't noticed in the skein, and that totally spoilt my vague intentions for it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/9ce7e3a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/9ce7e3a5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I did try knitting the vest I had imagined it would be great for, as documented <a href="http://knittingismymanna.blogspot.com/2011/02/mondaygosh-that-counter-down-there-is.html">here</a>...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/6f099f72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/6f099f72.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>but then frogged it. The yarn wasn't to blame, it just wasn't what I'd imagined, and I had to make too many compromises to what I originally planned to be happy with it. I have decided to see how it will felt, as I really am not a great fan of the thick and thiness, and so have knitted this little nest (which was fun cos I like short rows)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/7433e233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/7433e233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>which is now in the washing machine. If it comes out great, I might knit a bigger bowl with it. if not, it might become something for abi, as she looks great in brown and could do with some summery knits.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091063187732644284.post-85432654255324175422011-03-27T01:11:00.000-07:002011-03-27T01:11:40.890-07:00Things and that<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/0e6955ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/0e6955ac.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I kind of hate winding balls of wool. But the nice thing about doing it by hand is getting to know all the colours and variations I can expect to find whilst knitting it. And the big lumpy knots, as you get with noro. But thats OK, life's too short to moan! So because I had looked at each and every bit, I was really looking forward to knitting certain bits, especially the yellow bit!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/6ffe1a00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/6ffe1a00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Its going to be a waistcoat, I've decided. I am going to shape the back somehow to make it a bit more feminine rather than boxy. <em> </em>I considered brioche, but went with broken rib for the sake of yarn economy and ease of knitting. I have wound the second ball now, which strangely didn't seem to have any yellow in it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/1f70a060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/1f70a060.jpg" /></a></div>Also, a little pig has decided to join the farm...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/5726cb25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/5726cb25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>the raw wool is looking like wool, rather than a big fluffy pile of crap<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/713d32dd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/713d32dd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And we had a lovely day out in canterbury. I love seeing them stroll along together. Mega excitement about going to our favourite bakers, one with a much more exotic variety of iced and decorated things than the local ones have to offer. Simple pleasures!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/31254094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/31254094.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/932d3ec9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/932d3ec9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>babywearing is a lot more enjoyable now the weather is warm enough for me not to need a big coat<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/edd04185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/petalporridge/edd04185.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>gosh I look bonkers. never mind.Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294233444508822687noreply@blogger.com4