Feeling lucky

I recently won 2 giveaways on other blogs, to say I was happy is a big understatement.  I may have given a little squeal and done a happy dance in my pj's when I found out.  Can you imagine what I was like when the parcels actually arrived?????

My first parcel was from Jo at Through the Keyhole (check out her blog, it's fab).  I was so excited to win this one.  I did do the happy dance and even Anni looked at me strangely..........  I've been reading Jo's blog for quite a while now and love the fact that she is just up the road from me (well t'other side of the next city, but close enough!!!!).  I love that when she blogs about places she's visited I can not only enjoy her posts, but I can have memories from my visits to the same places.

Sorry it's taken so long to blog about my winnings Jo - once again the lead for the camera has been put in a safe place.  One day I will remember to hide it when D is not looking so this will stop happening.

Whoop, I've found the lead.  Want to see what made me happy?  Some lovely fabric- I think I may try and make some brooches with this.  The ladybirds look so happy.

A fab notebook.  You can never have too many notebooks (and I love Russian dolls- bonus!).

Heart shaped pins, nail files, buttons and some gorgeous cotton. I think I will be making myself a new face cloth (though knowing me, I will give it to someone else :-))

 I have only really been knitting for 12 months (and learning crochet for about 6 months) but I am such a yarn addict.  I can't get enough of the stuff.  I am thinking that I am a lost cause - BUT if it still fits in one cupboard (with room to spare- ish) then it's not a problem - is it?????

My Hubby does not work on Wednesdays.  It is meant to be his day of resting so he can keep working.  This past Wednesday he woke me at 6.30 am and when I said he had to be joking he wouldn't even believe it was Wednesday.  So I was happily surprised with the delivery on Thursday to say sorry.  I think he has great taste, and I LOVE that shade of pink.

They even have bits of glitter on the little green leaves.   

 My second giveaway was from Kath at Kath's Blog.  Kath makes fantastic cards, I can only dream of matching her talent.  I won a Christmas magazine (can I say the C word yet?) and lots of crafting goodies.  They arrived just before our friends came up for the weekend and I have yet to try them out but I can feel them calling to me, so I doubt I can resist for much longer.  The magazine looks fab, so I will be sitting with my feet up and a hot chocolate tomorrow whilst I choose what to make for Christmas (oh dear, I've said it again!).

and finally a photo of Anni with her Babbit.  This one was removed from her (with bribery) so it could go in the washer................... she hasn't let it out of her sight since she got it back.

When to admit defeat?

Earlier this year I decided to do some charity knitting to build up my confidence.  My goal this year was to provide enough squares to build a blanket for a charity helping children in Syria.  To this end, I am using all my bits of wool to knit squares.  I never thought I'd run out of part balls of wool.  So when in Leeds this week, I popped into a shop to buy some more wool.  The wool below was on a Manager's Special and I should have wondered why!!!!!  Don't get me wrong it is soft and knits up lovely but I just don't like the way the colours fall.  In the ball it is fine - not a colour I would usually buy (urgh Green),

 
(Anni trying to help - yup, she's the black thing in the photo below)

Cast on - MMM maybe it'll be ok.

 Nope, I just don't like it.  I guess I like my colours to be more in blocks and it is too messy for me.  I am sure it'll look lovely added to a blanket so I will happily use it up, just glad I didn't buy it to make myself anything :-)

First time

After the rush of clearing and tidying last week, I am having a softer week this week.  It has been a mostly sunny day today and sometimes being in the house, I forget to enjoy the outdoors.  In my disappointment that we don't have a garden as such, I forget that I do have outdoor space which I can still enjoy.

This afternoon, after doing the bits of housework I needed to do to keep up with last week, I decided to sit outside with my knitting.   Now I have never even thought of crafting outside!!!  I read other blogs with envy when I see people sat outside crocheting or knitting - nope, it has never entered my head to do the same thing until today!!!!!  D'oh.  The sun was shining, washing was drying on the line - bliss.  Anni even came out to join me........

I love the shadow of the washing

The sky was so blue, the photo below does not do it justice really.  There were less clouds when I settled down with my knitting.

I'm not arty farty with my photos.  But I do love the old and the new below.  This bench is just outside the back door and has taken a lot of bums in it's time!!  Our back yard gets the sunshine in the late afternoon and evening and is a real sun trap.  Indeed, by late afternoon it is often too hot to sit out there.

The sunshine really shows the true colours that I have chosen for this blanket.  I am desperate to get it long enough so I can add a border.  I have AGES before it needs to be handed over (it's for Christmas) but I am enjoying seeing it grow and really want to get it to the next stage.  I hope to have more hand crafted gifts to give this year, so I must start thinking of what else I can create.

 Erm, I think I need to work on my tan.  It doesn't feel that we have had an over abundant amount of sunshine so far this year and I don't really tan.  I do draw the line at pasty white legs though so I do need to remember to sit outdoors more often so that I do not embarrass myself on holiday!

Anni gets spooked by ANY little noise and runs inside and cries at the top of the stairs. She's been like this since we first got here.  She is more relaxed in the front yard - but that is on a busy main road and I don't like sitting out there with her too much as I have to keep watching her like a hawk (just in case).  We have tried shutting the door behind us, so she has to sit in the garden with us but after 20 mins of crying we give up and she's back inside.  I had music playing today but still wasn't ok with Anni :-(

This is the last photo I got before she pushed me out of the way to get back inside.  No idea, what spooked her at this point as it was quiet.  She does have a habit of standing by the gates staring into nothing and will quite happily stand there for 20 minutes- usually at bed time!!  Unless we want to sit outside and enjoy the quiet..... c'mon hubby a glass of something in the back yard when you get home would be perfect.

Dilemma

To do or not to do.

I started knitting a blanket when it was colder.  I intended to knit whilst it was cool and then put it away and start again when it gets cool again.  It's going to be single bed sized for a little boy, for Christmas.  The only problem is that I put it down whilst it was still cool and have since picked it up again.  Only problem it is no longer cool.  My knitting time is usually after tea when we are watching something on the tv and boy do I get hot.

Now I fully realise this is the point where I should be putting it down  and working on something else.  I know this, truly I do.  But I just want to get the main bit knitted, then I will be happy to put it aside and work on the borders to be added later.  I think!

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH.  What do you knit when it gets warm?

I think my dilemma will be helped when I learn to crochet more, so I can attempt new things - I hope!!!!!

Blanket so far below.  I was asked for yellow and green.  It the photo it looks more blue.  I intend to border it in a spring green colour so I hope I have enough of the 2 colours of L's room.

Will I ever learn to  do the ends whilst I go?

When things don't go to plan!

I have a rather bad habit of not trying anything new.  I don't mean trying new food - I've cracked that one (mostly) but I mean new things generally.  I don't try new things as I have a fairly mad idea that I can't fail at something if I haven't tried it.  It's a habit that I am trying not only to break, but to smash into tiny pieces so I can never fall back onto it again.

Let me give you an example.  I love knitting again.  My Grandma F taught me how to cast on & off and knit when I was a teenager and then I stopped before I did anything else.  I think I did about 6 squares with the intention of making a blanket.  I then picked up the needles last year and started again - I could even hear my Grandma F's voice in my head telling me how to cast on, and I did it first go (Thanks Grandma!).  So I knit things - squares, scarves, simple things.  Then I taught myself how to Purl - this took multiple watches of You tube videos and involved me sticking out my tongue - it helped, truly.

So I have knit 1 pram blanket, 2 lap blankets, and 4 scarves.  I have a list of beautiful things I NEED to knit but the old "Oh, I could never do that struck".  So in my first attempt to break down my "oh don't even try" mentality, I bought some dishcloth cotton (3 weeks ago!) and started my first dishcloth.  Now I am certain(ish) that I followed the pattern.  So can anyone tell me why my stitch looks nothing like the original????  Anyone, Mum?

The original can be found here http://craftfloozy.wordpress.com/2012/03/06/project-10-double-moss-kitchen-cloth/ .  I have obviously done something incorrectly - but for the first time, I am not struck with disappointment.  Yup, it looks nothing like what it should be it's fine and will do the job just nicely.  Want to see my version?

Now I think I may start another one, in a different pattern whilst I wait for my Mum to come down and explain where mine differs from the pattern.... MUUUUUUUUUM.

Then I may pluck up the courage to try knitting something not a square/oblong - maybe!!!!


Edited: Thanks to G's help we've figured out where I went wrong.  I read the pattern as knit row 1,2,1,2 etc it actually says knit row 1,2,2,1  - and yes I can usually read!!!!  I shall try it again.

Finished - well nearly

It's done (nearly) and taken just over 2 weeks (including a 3 day break when I was ill this past weekend).  I may be ignoring the fact that I still have work to do, but I can do that.  Cause I made it, so I can now ignore the tiny little bit which still needs finishing - cause that's how I roll!!!!!!  Can you tell what I may have left to the very end, even though I swore last time I wouldn't?

Yup, an entire lap blanket's worth - humph.  Why, oh why do I not learn.  Before you think that I will have learnt this time I have to be honest the blanket for me which is half finished is exactly the same and I have no intention of sewing them in until the very end.  I'll then regret it again, but maybe I need something to moan about sometimes!!!!

Want to see the almost finished blanket?  It is longer than the image below as I had to balance it on the banister.  I knitted it as a lap blanket for my Hubby when he is in his wheelchair.  When he's sat down it goes about half way between his knees and his ankles.

I was more than happy with it.  I love the colours, I think it is more me than the pink version I am doing myself!!!!  Can anyone tell me why, after all my hard work he has decided he prefers it the way below????   MEN!!!

Things making me HAPPY this week

I don't seem to have done so much this past week.  It's been one of those weeks that you look back and think what exactly did I do!!  Hubby is still off ill.  I am so ready for him to go back to work but I suspect we'll have another week to go, at least.  We are waiting to hear from a scheme to see if they will pay for him to take taxis to work for a little while to make his life easier.  It will definitely enable him to go back to work sooner if he doesn't have to drive there and back every day.  Still we'll have to wait and see.

Making me smile over the past week;

1) De-cluttering.  The Charity Shop was very happy to receive these board games this week.  I couldn't believe the smile on the lady's face when we walked in with the games below.  I need to de-clutter so we can get the house on the market.  I am such a hoarder unfortunately!

2) Knitting.  This is the new lap blanket for Hubby which I started a week ago.  Maybe this explains where my week has gone to..............  am happy with it so far and I think Hubby will be happy when he can wrap up in this when in his wheelie.

3) Baking.  I resisted and resisted and then randomly bought some double cream and didn't know what to do with it.  So I made a Victoria Sponge and also melted some chocolate and added mini marshmallows and rice krispies and made little chocolatey things to put on top.  Not sure which Hubby enjoyed more - the cake or the chocolatey things!!!!

4) Christening one of D's Christmas presents.   My friend L picked these up in New York when she had her Birthday trip last year.  Can you tell what it is?  It's a giant ice sphere.  Kept my Bacardi cold for a long time...........  think that gift is a stayer!

5) Seeing a surprise rainbow on my walk home from seeing the In-laws.  Can you see it?  I was tempted to go and find the end of it - but it was WAY too cold.

Colours and a bad dog!!!!

How do you choose which colour to add to your knitting?  Do you plan your colours before you start and then know which colour follows which colour?

I think I may be weird. I don't do that.  I pull out a selection of colours and pick one and start knitting.  I then listen to what my knitting is telling me.  Yup, it tells me which colour to choose next.  No planning, no lists of order, I knit and it speaks.  See, told you I was odd.

So I've started knitting a little blanket for my flight to New York.  It started like this,

My lap blanket - beginning

I treat myself to 3 new balls of wool (the first 2 purples on the photo above). discarded the 3rd ball (too pink) and just took a few balls from my stash which I started to knit with.  I love the silvery grey colour.  Loved it so far.  Then I added the brighter pink, not so sure about it now (indeed I went to bed and slept on it before I added it).

What colour would you have added next ?  (I may surprise you with my next choice).  Am I mad?  Wise?

Wool

What do you think - would you have added blue?  So I loved it again, now not so much.  I am not worried though.  I was like this with the blanket I made Hubby.  It told me what to add (the odd colour out on his was red) and I listened.  By the end of it I loved it.  So I knit on in the knowledge (fingers crossed) that I will love it by the end.  It won't be too pink and I won't feel a twit using it in public.

My blanket - a bit bigger

I did feel a little odd waiting for Hubby at the hospital today as I stood in a corner knitting!!!!

So why is Anni is the bad books?  Not sure what she will sleep on tonight..............  the stuffing was EVERYWHERE.

Anni's ex bed!

Not that you would know she was in the bad books -

I prefer this bed!!!!

Itchy fingers

I've not had a great time lately.  My hubby's health took a downturn on Boxing Day and it's not been a happy time since.  I have really struggled this week.  Getting tireder and tireder each day.  The highlight of my week has been walking Anni with my parents - getting out for fresh air and a chat for a couple of hours a few times a week has been a god send.  Thank you Mum and Dad.

Yesterday was  the end of a bad time and (hopefully) the start of a better time!  Yesterday was hubby's appointment at the Knee clinic.  He dislocated his knee just before Christmas and we had thought this may be playing with his MS.  Now we are not as sure.  We had thought that the appointment yesterday was to start physio on his weak knee.  BUT that would have been too easy!!!!  I ended up pushing him all over the place - thank heavens there were no hills!!!!  We saw a specialist, who because hubby's X-rays had been taken in another hospital had to have new ones taken.  Then back to the specialist, then to the plaster room for a knee brace, then to Physio to ring our local hospital to make the actual physio appointments (which we are still waiting for).  The brightness in all this was that by wearing the brace for an hour or 2 he is already steadier on his feet.  Fingers crossed that the brace and physio will get him back on track and I can stop worrying about him and have a rest!!!!  You so owe me love!!!!!!!

I even managed to find energy today to make a Cottage Pie and even I enjoyed it (I don't do pie - unless it has apples in it and is covered in custard!).

I have been having itchy fingers though.  I have been desperate to start something new.  So tonight I cast on and off I go...... I feel better already, though not too sure about the colours.  I am hoping I'll fall in love with it.

Aster (blue) and Purple.

So to see if anyone is reading this blog.  I forgot to take photos of the knitting i did for presents this Christmas.  If you received something knitted from me, can I have a photo please to add to the blog??????

Things making me HAPPY last week

Oh, drat and blast.  I've done it again.  Not only have I done it again but I didn't even realise I had done it again until I went to check out the blogs I like .... D'oh.  Well that's the Christmas brain for you.

Talking of Christmas, I THINK we are ready.  I say we, Anni doesn't like shopping and Hubby only has to buy for me but still we're ready.  Well we're not as hubby hasn't finished wrapping..... erm, running out of time - much????

So are you ready for Christmas?

Making me happy last week.

1) Ooh, I like my new toy C.  Thank you so much.  I could play with this for ever - except I keep getting a little excited and chew D's hand instead of the rope - oops.

2) My first big project.  I knitted a lap blanket for the hubby when he is in his wheelie.  I had great fun knitting random stripes.  Not sure it is long enough but he seems happy so that's all that matters.

3) Knitting a scarf for hubby.  It won't be finished for Christmas but he will appreciate it.  I am always surprised that the wool turns into a distinct pattern.

4) Watching White Christmas - have you seen it.

5)  Going out for a Christmas meal with N and my parents and hubby joining us.  Fab day.

Merry Christmas to one and all. xxx

Misty and Stitchy

Today's weather has been very bleurgh.  It was misty when I woke up, misty when I went out, miserly at lunchtime and full on belting it down since about 3pm.  Lovely.

I did go into Halifax to meet my Mum and Sister in Law for lunch and that was fun but I disappointedly didn't buy anything I needed.  Hmph.  The bus is once an hour so I either have ages to wait to get home or I have to leg it for the bus.  Today was a leg it kind of day!  I made it with 1 minute to spare.

On the bus home, I actually remembered to take some photos of the mist, apologies for the reflection from the bus windows but I didn't think whilst in town to take photos.  Can you see the mist down the valley?

Misty valley

Misty valley

Misty valley

On another note, my Grandma taught me to knit many, many years ago.  She taught me to cast on /off and to knit and I happily knit squares to knit a blanket.  Then I became a teenager and never did anymore.  About a year ago I picked up my needles again bought some wool and sat there.  How do you cast on again?  Then all of a sudden I shut my eyes and heard my Grandma teaching me what to do and I did it.  No need to Google it on the internet!!!!!  So I have happily knitted a little blanket for a friends baby (it took forever) and put my needles away.  As Winter has arrived this year I felt the need to try again.  6 squares later I felt the need to learn more.  So tonight, thanks to Google, I finally learnt to purl.  My Mum has tried to teach me but it made no sense what so ever.  10 minutes online and I can purl and obviously can do stocking (?) stitch.  It's a revelation.  Next step is to get my Mum to help me learn how to read a pattern and then I am hoping it will open my eyes to knitting with a purpose.  My knitting below, before I dropped all the stitches and pulled it all out.  Never mind, I can always do it again.

1st ever knit and purl