My SP has been reading my exploits about the lack of Rowan - hi there SP!!
She's told me that she's going to be sending me some - woohoo!
30 September 2005
29 September 2005
From My Secret Pal
I got up this morning and found this e-card in my inbox. I wonder how on earth my SP knew that I've been knitting dog coats earlier this year. I love the card and can't wait to see what I get through next.
28 September 2005
From bad to worse
Well I went into Leeds Hobbycraft at lunchtime today as Bev told me that they had a sale on of Rowan DK. Hobbycraft didn't have a sale in Leeds and the only Rowan they had was of a chunky/mega-chunky size!
I am seriously starting to consider using acrylic 100% of the time as that way I'll never have a shortage again.
I'm considering packing up a lot of my books and sending it into storage to make room as I now have my rabbits in my spare bedroom .
I am seriously starting to consider using acrylic 100% of the time as that way I'll never have a shortage again.
I'm considering packing up a lot of my books and sending it into storage to make room as I now have my rabbits in my spare bedroom .
25 September 2005
Oh dear!
Seriously worried now. I went into John Lewis in Milton Keynes yesterday with my friend. Had a look in their yarn section and came out completely empty handed!!!! Second time in a row I've been looking at yarn and this has happened.
However, afterwards I went into Debenhams to see if they had a haberdashery section but they didn't. Then by pure chance something caught my eye which I know my Secret Pal would like so I bought it. I also managed to pick up a dozen books including "Live & Let Die".
I've not heard from my secret pal for a few days so I'm hoping she's not involved in the latest hurricane as I know BlueADT knows someone who is.
I did some knitting on my journey though. I did one blanket square using Wendy Peter Pan which is a rainbow variagated yarn that I bought from Coldspring. The other I did was Wendy Darling which is similar in texture to Snowflake. I will be posting pics of them but the camera is still buried in my bag of stuff somewhere.
However, afterwards I went into Debenhams to see if they had a haberdashery section but they didn't. Then by pure chance something caught my eye which I know my Secret Pal would like so I bought it. I also managed to pick up a dozen books including "Live & Let Die".
I've not heard from my secret pal for a few days so I'm hoping she's not involved in the latest hurricane as I know BlueADT knows someone who is.
I did some knitting on my journey though. I did one blanket square using Wendy Peter Pan which is a rainbow variagated yarn that I bought from Coldspring. The other I did was Wendy Darling which is similar in texture to Snowflake. I will be posting pics of them but the camera is still buried in my bag of stuff somewhere.
22 September 2005
Yarn Apathy
I went "shopping" today in Texere and believe it or not I came away completely empty handed. It wasn't that they didn't have anything (as if that is ever likely to happen). It was just the case that nothing particularly grabbed me. I've got my family coming up in just over a month's time and will be taking them there then so perhaps I might end up spending then. I'm also helping out at the Knitting/Stitches show in November as well so perhaps the apathy will subside. Saying that though it wouldn't hurt as it will help to reduce my stash while I gradually work through it all.
I was off work today as well as I'd booked Friday off but due to admin mix-up it was double booked so I had to change it. Two things happened sa a result. 1 was that I got a lay-in albeit 30 minutes long. The other is that I got to go to Keighley where I had been told that there was a yarn shop so I went over and had a mooch. Seemed nice enough but they don't stock Debbie Bliss or Rowan.
Am off late tomorrow night by coach to see a friend in Gatwick and then coming back up and stopping via Milton Keynes. I know that they have a John Lewis in central MK so this week might not be a complete washout and might even be able to buy DB and Rowan. With the lack of availability of Rowan you wouldn't think I lived about an hour's drive away from it would you!
I was off work today as well as I'd booked Friday off but due to admin mix-up it was double booked so I had to change it. Two things happened sa a result. 1 was that I got a lay-in albeit 30 minutes long. The other is that I got to go to Keighley where I had been told that there was a yarn shop so I went over and had a mooch. Seemed nice enough but they don't stock Debbie Bliss or Rowan.
Am off late tomorrow night by coach to see a friend in Gatwick and then coming back up and stopping via Milton Keynes. I know that they have a John Lewis in central MK so this week might not be a complete washout and might even be able to buy DB and Rowan. With the lack of availability of Rowan you wouldn't think I lived about an hour's drive away from it would you!
17 September 2005
Further info for my Secret Pal
Chatting with a friend of mine today I realised I should've put a bit more info on my answers.
Booklist - at the moment I am going through a James Bond phase. I think it must have been because I've been talking with one of the chaps at work and the bio-documentary on TV lately. The two that I am wanting to read are "Man with the Golden Gun" and "Live and Let Die".
If I think of anything else I'll pop it on here but otherwise drop me an e-mail :)
Booklist - at the moment I am going through a James Bond phase. I think it must have been because I've been talking with one of the chaps at work and the bio-documentary on TV lately. The two that I am wanting to read are "Man with the Golden Gun" and "Live and Let Die".
If I think of anything else I'll pop it on here but otherwise drop me an e-mail :)
Cargo Jumper & SP Shopping
I can't believe I've finished the back of the jumper already. The pattern however calls for identical front and back so I could be cheeky and say that I've actually finished the front instead and sound like I'm further ahead than I actually am :-)
This is also the first time that I've worked with a chunky yarn as I've normally stuck to either double knit or 4-ply. I also need to work out how to sew all the ends in on this as my normal yarn needle's eye is not large enough for the thread on this.
Have been out and about today shopping for my secret pal. I have had problems though with where I went as I kept seeing things that I would like or yarns that they would like but not in the right colours. I did manage to pick up some unusual bits and pieces which I think that they will like.
I picked up though some Velvet Touch. I know its an acrylic yarn but it is soft and thought the variagated effect was nice.
I also popped into a charity shop as I saw a book in the window and thought it worth a second look. It was this:
I'm not one for decorating cakes but there was the knitting one on the cover so thought it worth a go. It has however prompted me to get a move on as I need to start cakes for Christmas. Not only do I do one for us but I do several for people at work. It does get a bit complicated though as I have to vary them; one doesn't like cherries, one doesn't like peel etc. Am glad though that there is so long between making them and eating as when I finish making them I am apathetic about rich fruit cake.
14 September 2005
13 September 2005
Well Done Fred!!!!!!
Well I got into work today, logged into the systems and started reading work-related e-mails and was quite surprised. At work we have a scheme of company values (is this an American idea???). Every month there are awards for those who match up to the values. Anyway the long and short of it all is that I won a bronze award which is equal to £50. The £50 however has to be used on a website that we have access to as employees, can use it to buy goods or vouchers for various high street shops. Most (un)fortunately LYS's aren't included.
12 September 2005
Jumper Progress & Charity Shop Finds
With SP6 kicking off and my finds in the charity shop today I thought it best to post some more pics.
First of all the progress on the jumper. I've just finished the "flounce" section and about to start on the main body now. I was a bit anxious when I started dropping stitches (which the pattern calls for) but worked out by the time I got to the end of it. The picture doesn't show the top too well as the needles are a bit shorter than I'd like.
Given my disastrous encounter with Sirdar Dune I was somewhat ambigiuous about using a fashion yarn again but even the fact I'm using 12mm needles I'm quite enjoying myself. Thanks to Bev I've even picked up some Thyme/green and making another when I've finished this one.
When I was out shopping at lunchtime I popped into a charity shop and overwhelmed with the amount of knitting books they have as normally they're pretty scarce. I was thinking about the Montse Stanley knitting book recently as we'd been discussing knitting graph paper on UKHandKnitters.
Also on the shelves were these Rowan books.
I started leafing through one and thought "oh don't think much of this" as all I was seeing were black/white old worldy photos. When I got further through I found the patterns and the pictures in colour so went rushing off to the counter to pay!!
First of all the progress on the jumper. I've just finished the "flounce" section and about to start on the main body now. I was a bit anxious when I started dropping stitches (which the pattern calls for) but worked out by the time I got to the end of it. The picture doesn't show the top too well as the needles are a bit shorter than I'd like.
Given my disastrous encounter with Sirdar Dune I was somewhat ambigiuous about using a fashion yarn again but even the fact I'm using 12mm needles I'm quite enjoying myself. Thanks to Bev I've even picked up some Thyme/green and making another when I've finished this one.
When I was out shopping at lunchtime I popped into a charity shop and overwhelmed with the amount of knitting books they have as normally they're pretty scarce. I was thinking about the Montse Stanley knitting book recently as we'd been discussing knitting graph paper on UKHandKnitters.
Also on the shelves were these Rowan books.
I started leafing through one and thought "oh don't think much of this" as all I was seeing were black/white old worldy photos. When I got further through I found the patterns and the pictures in colour so went rushing off to the counter to pay!!
09 September 2005
Secret Pal 6
Was slightly worried reading other people's blogs and seeing questionnaires and not having mine posted so here it is:
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
Definitely all the same to me. I do have some mohair to knit a jumper in but have never used it before so still a bit wary.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
Don’t spin. I’d like to be able to but I don’t think I’ll ever get round to it. I can crochet but has been a while.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
No.
4. How long have you been knitting?
Ermmust be about 21 years.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I like citrus smells and rose. I also like the smell of lavender but is not something I’d want something too permanent smelling of.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes to the extent that I think I was Bertie Basset in a previous life!
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I’ve bought myself a cross-stitch and rug making kit to have a go at. Not sure how well I’ll talk to at the moment though.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Quite a mixed range. Not so fond of 1990s onward though. Yes I can play everything.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like green but not lime (bit too bright for me to wear), also like blue and some oranges. I loathe pink with a vengeance for myself.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
With partner of almost five years. At the moment we have two cats (Cairo and Lara), two rabbits (Dobbie and Winkie) and a gerbil (Titch).
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
Does winning the lottery count? Would like to eventually have a nice thatched cottage with a white picket fence, roses covering the house with a few Labradors and cats to keep me company while I knit all day.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
No particular preference.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I am not too fond of the current UK fashion yarns (Sirdar Dune, Fizz etc).
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Buying yarn! After that and more realistically is jumpers/baby clothes.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Usually end up doing jumpers/tops. If I am looking for an easy knit then I do blanket squares.
17. What are you knitting right now?
I am currently doing a Patons Cargo jumper (see earlier entry on blog for pic) in “Nordic” which is a lilac colour. When I have finished that then I’ll be doing one in Thyme (green). Both of these are for a friend at work.
18. What do you think about ponchos?
They’re okay as long as not made using designer yarns and wouldn’t particularly wear one for myself.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
No preference but mostly use straight.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Again no preference.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
I’ve manage to resist the pull on this one although I have it on my list of to do things.
22. How did you learn to knit?
Mum/nan taught me when I was about 9 or so. I remember getting upset at first getting to grips with it all.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
I inherited a pair of gloves when my nan died so these are about 20 years old. My own UFO though is a balaclava I made about 4-5 years ago which I’ve never got round to sewing up.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Simba from Lion King is my favourite character. As for favourite animal. I like Labradors and caramel dutch rabbits (see Sixpence’s pic).
25. What is your favorite holiday?
I don’t really do holidays but the times I go away I prefer a doing/seeing break as opposed to sunbathing. Seasonal holiday I like Christmas - think its the kid in me.
26. Is there anything that you collect?
I’m into Dr Who, Enid Blyton, Star Wars but am a natural hoarder.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I only read Simply Knitting and Knitting.
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Not that I can think of unless there has been one which gives infallible instructions for intarsia.
29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??
No I usually think about what I want to knit and then look around for a pattern.
30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like?
UK8. I wear plain black/navy socks for work but do like character socks/days of weeks etc.
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
Definitely all the same to me. I do have some mohair to knit a jumper in but have never used it before so still a bit wary.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
Don’t spin. I’d like to be able to but I don’t think I’ll ever get round to it. I can crochet but has been a while.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
No.
4. How long have you been knitting?
Erm
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I like citrus smells and rose. I also like the smell of lavender but is not something I’d want something too permanent smelling of.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes to the extent that I think I was Bertie Basset in a previous life!
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I’ve bought myself a cross-stitch and rug making kit to have a go at. Not sure how well I’ll talk to at the moment though.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Quite a mixed range. Not so fond of 1990s onward though. Yes I can play everything.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like green but not lime (bit too bright for me to wear), also like blue and some oranges. I loathe pink with a vengeance for myself.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
With partner of almost five years. At the moment we have two cats (Cairo and Lara), two rabbits (Dobbie and Winkie) and a gerbil (Titch).
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
Does winning the lottery count? Would like to eventually have a nice thatched cottage with a white picket fence, roses covering the house with a few Labradors and cats to keep me company while I knit all day.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
No particular preference.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I am not too fond of the current UK fashion yarns (Sirdar Dune, Fizz etc).
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Buying yarn! After that and more realistically is jumpers/baby clothes.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Usually end up doing jumpers/tops. If I am looking for an easy knit then I do blanket squares.
17. What are you knitting right now?
I am currently doing a Patons Cargo jumper (see earlier entry on blog for pic) in “Nordic” which is a lilac colour. When I have finished that then I’ll be doing one in Thyme (green). Both of these are for a friend at work.
18. What do you think about ponchos?
They’re okay as long as not made using designer yarns and wouldn’t particularly wear one for myself.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
No preference but mostly use straight.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Again no preference.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
I’ve manage to resist the pull on this one although I have it on my list of to do things.
22. How did you learn to knit?
Mum/nan taught me when I was about 9 or so. I remember getting upset at first getting to grips with it all.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
I inherited a pair of gloves when my nan died so these are about 20 years old. My own UFO though is a balaclava I made about 4-5 years ago which I’ve never got round to sewing up.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Simba from Lion King is my favourite character. As for favourite animal. I like Labradors and caramel dutch rabbits (see Sixpence’s pic).
25. What is your favorite holiday?
I don’t really do holidays but the times I go away I prefer a doing/seeing break as opposed to sunbathing. Seasonal holiday I like Christmas - think its the kid in me.
26. Is there anything that you collect?
I’m into Dr Who, Enid Blyton, Star Wars but am a natural hoarder.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I only read Simply Knitting and Knitting.
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Not that I can think of unless there has been one which gives infallible instructions for intarsia.
29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??
No I usually think about what I want to knit and then look around for a pattern.
30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like?
UK8. I wear plain black/navy socks for work but do like character socks/days of weeks etc.
04 September 2005
4 Sept Update
Another long break between updates. I really do have to get into the habit of updating more often - naughty Fred!
Well I have had to frog all I did on the Cargo jumper as I dropped a couple of stitches and made it far worse by picking them back up again. I've done a couple hours today on blanket squares using up a few odd balls from my stash.
I've been asked if I would knit a jumper for a work colleague's daughter. I gave her a rather tentative yes. I said I would have to see pattern and wool first before I commit after the dire experiences I had with Dune!
Friday night I went to an Elizabeth banquet at Lumley Castle . I went in fancy dress as a knight. I've not got any pictures yet as was a work function and the organiser did all the pics for us. As soon as I get one of me in my outfit I will get it posted on here.
I've signed up to Secret Pal 6 as was feeling left out on SP5.
Well I have had to frog all I did on the Cargo jumper as I dropped a couple of stitches and made it far worse by picking them back up again. I've done a couple hours today on blanket squares using up a few odd balls from my stash.
I've been asked if I would knit a jumper for a work colleague's daughter. I gave her a rather tentative yes. I said I would have to see pattern and wool first before I commit after the dire experiences I had with Dune!
Friday night I went to an Elizabeth banquet at Lumley Castle . I went in fancy dress as a knight. I've not got any pictures yet as was a work function and the organiser did all the pics for us. As soon as I get one of me in my outfit I will get it posted on here.
I've signed up to Secret Pal 6 as was feeling left out on SP5.
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