Casting on Trouble

No. 2 is 1

2010-09-19T06:45:00.002+12:00

Pattern: Debbie Bliss, Baby Knits Book

Yarn: Manukau yarns - colour unknown.

Time spent clicking: 1 weekend

My second niece Alice is one this week. It was her birthday party yesterday in CHCH - I missed out but sent her down a little vest. I was thinking it's getting too late in the year to be sending knits down but the horrid weather we've been having this weekend means I'm ok! It's my usual vest pattern but this time I actually did the neckband - it's a simple one but sticks out quite a bit so I don't normally do it.

Here are some websites I enjoyed a while back - enough to write a note that I tell you about them: Blue Hour Designs - I love the teardrop and rhombus (?) shaped rings; TTP sent me this one ages ago - can't remember if I've referenced it before - but I love the Too Legit to Knit tshirts!

It's CH bday today - I took him shopping yesterday for a new pair of shoes and jeans. Can I just ask does anyone else find how difficult are blokes at shopping??!! JEEZ CH thought we would only be an hour or two - and he only ever wanted to try on 1 item, if it was the wrong size, it was the wrong garment! And he didn't want to bother the shop assistants? And he didn't want to stop for coffee? I think my of last shopping day with TTP - 2 hours in one changing room alone ... that lad has a long way to go! I'm going to make him a nice choc cake today - and maybe find somewhere for brunch - he might not do shopping well, but he sure does eating my baking brillantly!!

Hope you are finding a good spot to knit today with this windy Sunday!

De-stashing

2010-09-11T23:13:00.003+12:00

How many odd balls in the stash can you get through before you are bored of beanies and booties? Answer: lots! I thought it was a good effort - at least 5 balls found life warming little bubba heads. Lucky there were loads of new bubbs born this month (the usual September rush!).

The CHCH EQ made my job extremely busy this week, and probably for weeks to come. It was a huge event and still is, I guess with all the aftershocks. My family are all fine, which is good although I think one dog is missing still. I hope your family and friends in CHCH are well and if not, are finding the strength to keep building back to normality.

carrying on with the green theme ...

2010-08-24T18:28:00.002+12:00

Pattern: Tank Top from Debbie Bliss "The Baby Knits Book" & a random hand-written bootie pattern from someone.

Yarn: Patons Bluebell (Navy) & Utiku Perendale 8ply (Avocado)

Needles: 4mm

Time spent clicking sticks: 1 weekend

This was the start of my MASSIVE de-stashing mission (just how many booties and beanies can you knit with a box of odd balls!!??). Left-over Utiku from the cabled jumper, a little tank top was in order for a new second cousin just born. I think the booties are a bit big - but little Keegan will grow into them I'm sure - his mum is a soccer player afterall! It's another old fav this pattern - really easy and fun to mix up. I didn't do the ribbed neck in the pattern as it sticks out a bit and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong for that. A little felt heart sewn on to finish it off and complete the sweetness!

Cables in Avocado

2010-08-14T16:53:00.003+12:00

Pattern: Cabled Raglan Baby Sweater by Rebecca Daniels from Knitting Daily's "7 Free Baby Knits"

Yarn: Utiku Perendale 8ply in Avocado (052), 1 x 200gm hank

Needles: 4mm and 3.5mm for edges - this doesn't follow the pattern but the yarn

Time spent clicking sticks: 1 weekend

This is such a cool pattern - I've knitted about 5 of these now I love it so much. I have started adapting the cables (although not on this one) and want to start substituting the cable for another stitch like seed stitch. The cables weren't perfect on this one but a solid blocking helped a lot. It's a little jumper for my an old workmate who has just had her first little boy. She is a bit of a knitter so I really wanted to do something nice that a knitter could appreciate.

Who took the beetroot juice?

2010-08-09T18:16:00.006+12:00

I must have been channelling the colour violet thru May-June ... not only did I finish my Patons Shrug in Mist (that's what the last post was and once I can get a photo of it on me, I shall report back as it was a great pattern), but I almost managed to grow this violet coloured thing in the vege garden. I'm sure it was meant to be a broccoli or a cauliflower but the fact that I gave up on my winter garden months ago means I really have no idea. It was planted very close to a patch of beetroot which also failed ... maybe the beetroot failed because the thing sucked up it's violet juice? Whatever it was it went to seed immediately from this size, so I didn't need to try and eat it.

How's your winter vege garden going? I'm already thinking of how I can re-position mine for a bumper summer crop.

2010-08-02T22:36:00.000+12:00

YPMURG

2010-08-02T22:11:00.002+12:00

yip, I'm grumpy ... had 4 wisdom teeth out a couple of days ago ... have a mouth full of stitches, cheeks like a chipmunk... have never eaten so much jelly and banana smoothies in my life ... all I want is a burger and I'm still a few days away from that...

grumpier still ... while trawling through NZ craft sites I found several peeps selling beanies like mine ... the strawberry design seems popular ... now I don't exactly spend 25 hours a day pushing my beanies to world domination, but I didn't think in a small nation people would be so obvious...

grumpiest ... that I'm back at work and can't spend anymore recovery days in front of the telly knitting!!

Local Goodies

2010-07-19T07:10:00.003+12:00

So I don't have any pictures to blog with today, and I like a good picture post - it's probably the No. 1 priority for me following a blog. So I thought I would let you know about a couple of good local blogs I caught up on this morning instead of 'doing' my hair for work.

Spinning a Yarn - Jessicah's spinning is gorgeous. I just checked out her 2 and 4 ply silks and am loving the colours the silk fibre generates. I also like that she's doing home renov - at least someone is out there cos I sure ain't!!

Ruby in the Dust Dolls - Heleen is a fabric person for sure! I love her Dolls but REALLY love the notecards she just released. I like the photos of NZ she adds to the blog too.

A Little Vintage - I met Jennie at Crafternoon Tea this weekend and immediately wanted 10 dolls! I mean check out those berets, the necklaces, the ties! I got one of her zigzag measuring tape purses (show and tell once camera has batteries). She reminded me of how far the craft market scene has grown from when I tried doing markets 4 years ago!

Miss Millie - Millie always seems so busy and has heaps to post about eg. Camp Cupcake. And who wouldn't want a sock monkey!?

Normal Services Resuming

2010-07-15T07:07:00.003+12:00

Yes-siree, normal services are resuming. I've been pretty busy with work for the last couple of months but that is now finished and I'm looking forward to getting back to taking pictures, catching up with friends, creating & crafting 'stuff', general pottering around the markets and of course blogging!

I have started catching up with friends and in particular crafting friends - great way to get inspired to create again. Luckily there are plenty of bubbs due in the next six months so knitting little projects in first on the list. I'm spending Sat with Granny G doing another podcast of 'What's in the Tins' - go and have a listen, she interviews some interesting people and occasionally my twangy voice pops up when there is baking to eat! (loving the new site GG :) ).

Also looking forward to attending some crafty groups:

KR - every 2nd Sunday, Mozaic cafe in New Lynn
Central SnB - first Tuesday of each month, Brew Bar in the city
Lucky Penny Craft Club - first Tuesday of each month, Mezze Bar in the city

And going to try and get around a few of the markets in Auckland (jeepers there's so many now):

Normality also returns as I started looking through the cookbooks again. Last Sat I challenged myself to a dinner for 4 using at least 4 recipes and under budget. I finally got out Julia Childs that TTP gave me at christmas and used 3 of her recipes. Here is the menu - it was great and the guests did their part by bringing 2 bottles of wine under budget!

PORTAGE PARMENTIER
CITRON SAUMON FENOULL SALAD
POULET POELE A L'ESTRAGON & CAROTTES GLACEES
FROMAGE

I love french menus - they sound so complicated with such long titles! In kiwi though, folks:

leek and potato soup
salmon and fennel salad
roast chicken with tarrogan and glazed carrots
cheese & port - a fresh brie from Oratia Farmers Market

Righto - I've got carried away with my first post back and really need to hit the north-western motorway for work - have a great day!

no reason for a post, post

2010-05-27T21:48:00.003+12:00

I don't have any knitting, crafting news but wanted to share my photo of this bread Jen made for us at our last craft day in Greenhithe. It was the softest white loaf filled with green olives and sundried tomatoes - yummy addition to our crafting that day!!

Donkey progress

2010-05-11T18:19:00.002+12:00

Still working on the ole' Donkey .... think I can finally say I'm about halfway now (these photos are a month old). What WIP do you have dragging on, and on?

Out of honey

2010-05-08T21:57:00.003+12:00

I've been a bit greedy with my fav local honey - toasting my muesli with it meant I was all out this morning. Had to have apricot jam on my toast. Tough times. Hardship folks I tell you.

I had a good Sat today: even with the beginnings of a cold I got all jobs done quickly, brewed my pot of coffee, lit the fire and sat down for a great afternoon of knitting. I made huge headway with the little shrug WIP - I might post a photo soon as it's really a very pretty little lace pattern. Even though I'm nearly finished the lace section I'm still having to count EVERY ROW, EVERY STITCH. My hat goes off to those who can knit lace without looking and still talking!

A few interesting sites I wandered into recently:

icord lamps - designed by Ilot Ilov and I think just gorgeous as a bedside lamp. MY bedside lamp especially!

trucking knitters - go mate, fab idea for traffic jams. Do you think they would ban that like they did with cellphones??

Smash Mag - I esp love the Plush-a-sketch and felted rainbow acorns

elephantine - lovely jeweller, just want to buy it all!!

are these like the piko piko we can eat in NZ???

local gal on Design Sponge - she has some great fabrics for her baby products

Hope you are getting some knitting in this weekend too!

Cabled Raglan Baby Sweater

2010-05-01T11:41:00.002+12:00

A nice start to the month of May - show off a FO - actually I finished this ages ago but never got round to taking pictures.

Pattern: Cabled Raglan Baby Sweater by Rebecca Daniels, found in a Knitting Daily free baby patterns printout.

Yarn: Belex Carding 8 ply felted yarn with a cream flock, purchased a few years ago at Jill's Wool Shop in Wanaka (by the Wanaka Transport and Toy Museum on Hawea Rd).

My first top-down, no seams knit - loved it! It took me a while to understand the top-down thing but like most things it was far less harder than I thought. Only change to the pattern would be using much smaller needles for the neck as it's very loose. I would also put a button hole in as I don't like sewing snaps onto woollens.

I'm quite loving this little knit and feel it was a pretty supreme effort for me - cables, top-down, seamless etc - so I haven't found the right bubba for this yet. There is a new second-cousin due in June, maybe it will go to that bubba. No hurry though, I'm happy to keep admiring it - it gives me courage to keep going with my WIP - a lace shrug!!

Do you have your Cat badge too?

2010-04-26T20:17:00.002+12:00

It's so true - I'm becoming known as a Crafting Cat Lady. All my birthday cards this year had cats on them. My car freshener says "Only my cat understands me". I talk to my cat more than CH. My cat will help me decide what's for dinner, what to wear that day, whether it's a nice day outside, whether the silver beet needs weeding or if snails are a pain in the as* .... oh dear ...

Autumn Apples

2010-04-24T12:26:00.002+12:00

My current, bestest, best dessert - apple tart on flakey pastry with icecream. I love making these tarts - soooo easy, an apple, a square of pastry, some apricot jam! I doing a Sunday lunch tomorrow as TTP is coming up and we are seeing some friends we met on Barrier at Christmas. I'm thinking a lazy chicken roast with veges (roasted parsnip, carrot and beets??) and then maybe convincing TTP the bake something out of JUUU-Lia Childs cookbook - mmm some little fussy friands with coffee afterwards?? Not sure yet, will see what cooking mood TTP is in when I pick her up at the airport.

Drop Stitch Vest

2010-04-22T20:35:00.002+12:00

Pattern: "Accidentally on Purpose" Drop Stitch Vest by Jamie Chupick

Source: Stitch'n'Bitch Nation

Yarn: 3 x Katia Espiga - 50% cotton/50% acrylic - discontinued by the looks of it

Colour: ummm - pink??? - I've lost the yarn labels!

An easy knit - it's really just 2 rectangles in stocking st - and then a "scary as hell" final row where you drop stitches on purpose! I frogged it twice as, true to form, my gauge was out but given I wasn't following the rules of gauge and gauge again until correct, I just started impatiently! Anyway the first time I dropped the final row was at SnB one night. Following the pattern with my tension and different yarn I ended up with a tent much to the entertainment of everyone!

I picked it up on the basis it was any easy knit and could use up some of my stash - and it was good on both counts. It's a little tight fitting and I'm not sure whether to where it casual or if it can be dressed up but I have all of winter to figure it out. I would recommend it as a quick knit BUT definitely check your tension first!

Skirts

2010-04-17T14:12:00.002+12:00

Some skirts for my little niece. Not the littlest one, the next one up - Miss 2.25 years. Hope they fit - I measured her 3 months ago now! Well even if they are a bit short - nothing a cool pair of wool tights can't fix. Have to say - woollen tights are cool - stripes, cables, rib - mmm wonder if 33 year olds can wear them. Not with short skirts of course!

Bring on Winter!!

2010-04-10T18:40:00.003+12:00

This feels like the last time I actually sat still and could say I was a crafter. It was when WIPs became FOs with good pace and there were stacks of WIPs and fantasy WIPS around the house. These days I seem pretty busy with work, night classes, training and home maintenance to seriously craft.

Before SnB on Tuesday I figured out I only had "Donkey" to take LYS and bought some Patons yarn and a pattern book for a new WIP. And you know what I saw at LYS - loads of young women buying up loads of yarn. All these people were crafting! Of course me taking a fine magenta yarn to a dark pub that evening, with no certainty of correct gauge, meant my dedicated crafting evening did not end up so crafty.

This lack of crafting also became apparent this morning when I spent time with a friend I learnt to sail with several years ago. Last time I saw her was at her wedding. That was over a year ago and now she has a bubba. So as I planned to head up north, for the first time in ages I realised I didn't have any knitted newborn gift for her. It was weird because everyone knows I have this weird0/but cute/sort of bizarre/a bit geeky habit called crafting - many don't understand why I would be interested in it but all appreciate a handmade gift. My friend on the other hand, with new bubba in tow had knitted all these lovely jumpers!

It's not a mojo issue, definitely not a mojo issue, as I keep trawling over my new craft book from TTP, I drooled over some new yarns at LYS, fantasy WIPS keep popping into my mind - it's a time thing.

So as I finished mowing the lawns this evening, picked the kakuia grass from the vege garden, I decided that summer is not my greatest crafting season - sewing at a pinch, cooking yip, but definitely not fibre crafting.

I'm looking forward to winter actually - dark, cold nights to stay home; rainy weekends with no home renov in sight; catch-ups with friends on warm cosy couches. YIP - bring on the crafting winter people!!

Hot Cross Buns

2010-04-07T06:42:00.002+12:00

Everyone is showing off their great hot cross buns, (Granny G - look the best). But as I was telling Granny G last night, my hot cross buns didn't quite make it. My friend Mer came over and we made some recipe off the net entitled "best hot cross bun recipe". I think that was the obviously problem - any recipe with that name won't be a star as too much reliance is based on it by amateur cooks like moi!

Ours came out rather - ummm, let me think what's the best word - HARD/ROCKS. Nice spicy rocks with sultanas in them. They are so hard now 3 days later I could use them to hold the weed mat down in the garden! With a load of butter I have still managed to eat a few all weekend!

Hope you found a good recipe?

Tomatoes

2010-04-07T06:16:00.002+12:00

It's truly the end of summer when you pull out your last remaining tomato plant. I had an up and down year with the crop - firstly they were late bloomers and then got "bottom-rot"; but in Feb they took off!

My favourite ones were these heirloom saucing toms - yucky and floury fresh but so tasty stewed up. I probably used about 6-7kgs of fruit and have a couple of sauces in the freezer.

The other varieties I tried were Money-maker and Cherry - both provided a small but tasty crop (which is way better than last years big and untasty crop!). I definitely going to plant more heirloom crops next year. But for now all are gone and I've got the spinach, broccoli, cabbage and brussel sprouts in.

Instead of food

2010-03-27T16:31:00.002+13:00

I can show you knitting! Yes I actually got some knitting time in last week and made a pair of slippers for myself. I used an odd ball from the stash - Cleckheaton GUSTO 10 (discontinued I think) in black.

It's a simple pattern by Dixie L Butler (sorry can't find a link now) I found years ago while blog trawling - a series of cables on the side of a rectangle and then sewn up the middle. Should keep the feeties warm this winter.

Ok maybe I am getting obsessed with food now but couldn't manage to leave this out - dark rye bread from the Oratia Farmers Market and some fresh honey! Alone with my hot smoked salmon purchase and fresh salad (and dressing using Earthbound's Honeygar) from the garden - we had the bestest dinner!

Bruschetta!

2010-03-20T12:38:00.002+13:00

I've got another triathlon tomorrow and I'm already looking forward to the big brunch afterwards (let's be honest people, I am really only doing all this activity to off-set my food obsession!!). Trying to write a post on knitting is proving difficult today so instead I'll share with you the most delish, fresh bruschetta (crusty Italian bread with tasty toppings, fresh herbs and dribbled with good olive oil) from "Bruschetteria" in Elliot Stables. HOW many times do I have to say it people - GO! GO! GO!

World Sweet World - goodbye

2010-03-13T15:02:00.002+13:00

What a pity this little beaut is shutting down, I really enjoyed the wide range of craft and DIY that was in each issue - but much thanks to Hannah and Thomas for starting a great kiwi-focussed mag - oh and good luck with the new bubb coming!

2010 WIP # 2: Baby Blanket

2010-03-13T14:46:00.003+13:00

Here is the second WIP of the year - a baby blanket for newborn bubb "Connor".

I used 8 balls of Naturally's "Loyal" yarn - 100% wool, 8 ply DK - in grey (colourway 905). A really easy yarn to knit with, a bit of an "acrylic" feel though so I actually increased my needle size to make it a bit looser and therefore softer. I thought machine washable would be a good idea for a new mum but when I blocked it, it pilled a lot and I was scrapping off heaps of fluff - so I might not say it is machine washable after all!

Naturally give 5 cents from each ball to the Child Cancer Foundation of NZ and Aus - that's pretty neat of them!

I used a simple moss stitch pattern on size 6 needles with doubled yarn. Hopefully it's thick enough they can use in on their polished concrete floors for him to play on as much as a blanket to wrap him in. A wee bit of crochet round the edges means it ties in with the same baby beanie yarn I used for her baby shower gift.

I knitted a lot of this over the summer holiday (moss stitch is a nice easy but not so boring lazy knit) but since baby was not due to Feb I took my time finishing it. Off to present to new arrival next week - apparently reflux has been a problem so maybe the machine-washable-ness will have to be tried!

Puds!

2010-03-07T22:03:00.002+13:00

This is not what I had for pudding tonight (esp not after my baking feast with Genny!!) but I made it for a BBQ a few weeks ago and wanted to share it with you. I know it's a dark photo but you can find various versions in recipes around town - I saw a picture in a TASTE magazine some years back - so that's where this one comes from. Take some little meringues (I used store bought but you could make them) and pile them on a platter with whipped cream, fresh raspberries, rose turkish delight and roasted almonds - DELISH! It went faster than the Cointreau fruit salad - even with the boys. There are heaps of variations - pomegranate & pistachios or strawberries & grated white chocolate would be nice, or maybe raspberries with lime zest...

Drop Stitch Vest

2010-03-07T20:56:00.002+13:00

This is the front (or maybe back - they do look the same!) of my drop stitch vest from Stitch'n'Bitch Nation. I spent one night at irregular winos (search ravelry) following the pattern to find I was WAAY out and nearly ended up with a skirt instead of a vest.

I re-calculated the pattern so that instead of 12 columns of dropped stitches I only had 8. It's definitely a scary stitch the first time you pull the fabric apart!

But definitely a great pattern once it's all "dropped". I have finished the vest but need to re-do the shoulders - they don't look very pretty, as it was finished in a hurried, poorly concentrating way!!

I spent a great afternoon with Granny G today eating yo-yos, biscotti, eclairs (without cream) and "welsh cheese cakes" while taping some pod casts of 'What's in the tins'. And she showed me a fabulous dress and jacket she designed and knitted - hopefully she puts up photos for a show and tell soon because it's GREAT!

Gingerbread

2010-02-21T15:50:00.005+13:00

Today has been quite a day - firstly, I did my first ever triathlon VERY early this morning. Secondly, I came in under 1 hour for my first ever triathlon. Thirdly, and very much more blog-worthy, I finished the Cabled Raglan baby cardi - just need to upload some photos for you.

But it was this photo that appealed to my exercised self right now...

mmmm ... authentic German gingerbread from a client in Wiesbaden. A BIG box arrived in the office in January and I promptly took it upon myself to try it all. While most gingerbread was chocolate-covered, this was my favourite "Honey" or "Brown Sugar" gingerbread. Cup of tea and these beauties made for a happy office!

5.30am sunrise over Kaitoke beach, Barrier Island, NZ

2010-02-14T23:22:00.007+13:00

CH has started a new career this year as a photographer, after years in the corporate world - and he's loving it. It's making me think about my own career path - I've spent 5 years in my current corporate role - 10 years in the industry both here and abroad, building technical skills, gaining experience, buying a good amount of suits and heels along the way. I've developed an stomach for fine wine and restaurants that could not be sated without an expense account.

But NZ is a small market and there is little opportunity for me to grow further here. Moving overseas to a new posting doesn't seem to appeal to me right this moment ... so I'm having a wee think about what work I might like to see on my desk.

What would you like to see on your desk on Monday morning?

It's sunday

2010-02-07T13:06:00.002+13:00

It's sunday and I survived the baby-sitting house alarm nightmare, although I'm still tired - kids soooo wear an Aunty out! I've got a heavy week at work coming up and no time for crafting so this afternoon I'm going to check out the current WIPS (and MAYBE finish something - it's in little writing as I'm afraid of commitment).

1) Moss stitch baby blanket = just need to put some pretty edging either crochet or hand-stitching. A likely contender for this afternoon's crafting.

2) Dropped stitch vest = lots of work needed. Have dropped the stitches on the back and need to need another 2-3 inches before dropping the stitches on the back. Boring stocking stitch - highly unlikely for this afternoon.

3) Cabled Raglan Baby cardi - just need to put a snap and button on and then block it. Likely to get some attention this afternoon but blocking will have to wait until the bubbas have left the building!

4) Slippers 3 pair - only done 1 of the first pair, unlikely to come out of the bag today.

5) Utiku 8ply blanket in "Donkey" = unlikely to see the light of day either. Need to get some serious rounds in next time the telly is on.

There are a couple of swatches to be done up - but that's unlikely to happen as I need to consider the pattern first and decide what stitch I want to use.

Hope your sunday is shaping up well - it awful hot out there kiwis - good time for shady crafting (that's crafting in the shade folks, not dodgy illicit crafting...).

sssshhhhh

2010-02-05T00:12:00.002+13:00

It's past midnight which is weird for a post from me but I'm waiting for my little sister and her husband to get back from the AC/DC concert - I am sole charge of a 6mth and 2 yr old right now. And to make the task really hard, the neighbour's house alarm started going 15mins ago!! Luckily it turned off after 10mins and all bubbs are still asleep. So I'm sneaking in a post as there's nothing on telly.

I had a lovely time up in Kerikeri and northland last weekend. Camping one night in Spirits Bay was great and then investing gating all of the Parengarenga Harbour was really interesting.

There was a time when everyone must have had knitted coathangers - so sensible really especially for delicate fabrics - now coathangers are designed with wider shoulders but I don't think they necessarily do a better job. These coathangers are at the parent-in-laws, knitted by some old aunt.

Best part of the weekend was I got both the baby moss stitch blanket done and the cabled cardi! Photos soon as I need to block them both and put a trim on the blanket.

Shoot - that damn alarm is going off again! SSSSSHHHHHH! Why do people have house alarms that aren't monitored????

green

2010-01-29T16:17:00.002+13:00

Green - like my fresh peas - is exactly opposite to what the Bay of Islands looks like right now. I'm just leaving now for the long weekend. Kerikeri has had only 10% of their annual rainfall since October - everywhere is golden brown!!

The one crop I got out of my runner beans and peas - before they got the white dusty blight and died promptly over xmas! Hope you have a nice long weekend Aucklanders - hopefully I return with a finished baby blanket!

fresh dates

2010-01-26T21:48:00.002+13:00

For goodness sake, get along to El Faro in Elliot Stables - my blackberry doesn't do it justice - but honestly, you haven't lived until you tasted their fresh date tapas!

inspiring

2010-01-26T21:23:00.003+13:00

Christien Meindertsma - can't remember how I found her work, maybe through design sponge?

Check out her urchin pouf! What about the aran rug?! or the idaho project??!! love it all, want to marry it all!

I love her design/art/craft - so inspires me. inspires me to design with textiles or fibre.

Cripes - she's only 20 years old!!

peppermint pages

2010-01-24T09:06:00.003+13:00

Found the latest peppermint magazine in a shop by work - randomly really - as the shop girls never know what is coming in.

Favourite sites from this edition:

The North Circular - fashion label of knits by grannies, Lily Cole was one of the organisers.

Meet Me At Mikes - new craft book I'm trying to find in the library.

Starfish - I remember these guys from uni days, interesting to see they are doing an eco range.

The Uniform Project - what a classic idea as fashion and eco ethics are at odds really - interesting to see this debate going on thru peppermint pages this quarter.

Holiday Knits

2010-01-23T17:26:00.002+13:00

It's a good planning session that goes into the holiday packing - especially when there is knitting projects to be decided. I headed over to Barrier Island this time with 2 projects. Still focusing on using up my stash I started on the Cabled Raglan Baby Jumper by Rebecca Daniels in a felted handspun I bought in Wanaka a few years back. I'm about 3/4 through the body and one sleeve to go - and really really like this pattern. It's knitted from the top down, with no seams. Aye - NO seams whatsoever. It's really fabulous knit, and I recommend it.

Another project I took was a moss stitch baby blanket for an imminent birth. I'm using a new Naturally Yarns "Loyal" which is hopefully a good machine washable yarn for the mum-to-be. I'm about 3/4 through and have a couple of weeks up my sleeve to finish it. I'm probably going to crochet or handstitch a nice coloured edge once I know if the bubb is a boy or girl.

The blanket was my mindless project - the cabled jumper was my mindful project!

Artichokes

2010-01-23T17:18:00.002+13:00

I found this beauty at the place we stayed on Barrier Island - I love artichokes especially on a platter with cheese and olives or on a pizza. I've never cooked one from scratch - it always sounds too complicated but the idea of a buttery fresh artichoke is tempting to give it go. But I this one wasn't my artichoke to chop - so I took pretty pictures instead.

Quick Knit

2010-01-18T21:04:00.003+13:00

Going to see Jussie with her twin girls this weekend, so produced a quick pair of beanies for Meg and Molly!

Xmas Decoration Swap 2010

2010-01-18T20:42:00.002+13:00

I know - it's nearly February and I'm posting about December's xmas decoration swap! Kindly organised again by Louise, I really enjoyed getting another assortment of decorations - my xmas box is far more exciting these days than all those plastic baubles and tinsel!

I ended up doing embriodery again. It was a little unplanned really and once made, took me a while to think what to do with it! In the end I thought it looked good on the tree or even just on a door handle.

I got some great homemade goodies back - it really is a cool day when you find your little envelope in the post, wrapped in some unique way.

Thanks to Jasmine, Bronwyn, Hannah, Viv, Dione and Alise for your handmade decorations - I didn't get a tree this year but put them up around the house. I'm looking forward to 2010's swap already!!

welcome 2010!

2010-01-12T21:42:00.004+13:00

Well I missed adding some fabulous well-wishing xmas and new year posts in here - but i do hope you all had a great time and for the locals, maybe a bit of a summer holiday without too much sunburn. Being a new year and all that, thought I might try a new template (although am getting a bit bored with the blogger ones) however have just spent 45mins trying to rearrange the elements ending only with a load of frustration and deleted elements. So that took all my bloggie motivation today. So instead of a crafty post I'm adding some cute-as-cake pics of my eldest niece as we tried taking new photos of my beanies on her little sister ... eldest niece was learning how to use the word "no" that day. And how to use it often!

About to paint the house...

2009-12-06T06:53:00.002+13:00

Like Fresh Tea, we've got some renovations going on round here. Sat and Sun I get up way too early in anticipation. Including today, but the weatherboards are too damp from all the dew so I'm having to tai-ho and have a cup of tea! A bit of blog catching up since last time I only managed to get to Cathrynne's marathon baking efforts.

This woman I am jealous of. Ruth Sumner of Heirloom Design makes the greatest cushions with fruit stall signs - so reminds me of growing up. But what I love most is her job title - fabric designer. Love it. In my dream world where I don't get up at 6.30am on Sundays to don old trackies and paintbrushes - i would be a fabric designer. It seems a good word to include all things made from fabric - as I can't quite commit to clothes in my dreamworld - the idea of designing cushions or other homewares is just as exciting.

I have been doing some homewares - the Utiki 8 ply yarn "Donkey" is continuing. Now nearing the end of it's second year, I think it could be a 3-year-er. Maybe I should take it to Barrier for Xmas hols - but I think it still wouldn't get finished.

The latest World Sweet World came in the post last this week. Full of the usual lovely stuff. I particularly loved Heleen Webb's christmas card idea. Not that I have a giant hole punch though. I just sew old buttons on mine!

Other notable blog reading this morning:

tentenknits - I really love her knitting and photography of her knitting. But her latest project remind me of a conversation last week with TTP - how can you wear these shrugs - don't they like stop your arms from moving up and down? I love the yarn colours she picks - so choice for the brunettes!
Wardrobe refashion - I have a few of these to do after TTP came and stayed, helping clean out my wardrobe. You know sometimes I think I should not be allowed to go shopping alone - how many "what was I thinking" came out when you show someone else your wardrobe.
JoytheBaker - stop it. stop it. stop it. weetbix tastes great with a cup of tea and I DONT want any of your biscuits. None. Would cameo cremes be a good substitute?

Right, the weatherboards must be dry somewhere on the house - so I'm out of here. Enjoy your Sunday folks!

Scones!

2009-11-30T21:49:00.002+13:00

After finally posting on the blog, and then trying to catch up on everyone else's blogs - I'm stopped short by Catherynne's cooking post. What a legend she is - man what I would do for those goodies with a cup of tea right now. But I will just have to up the anti with my own baking shots - cheese scones from the Edmonds cookbook. Really nice with extra cayenne and paprika in them .... mmmmm!

Leading up to xmas ...

2009-11-30T21:15:00.002+13:00

... I haven't been doing a lot of crafting. Or blogging for that matter. But really the 2 go hand in hand I suppose. So here is a little round up of the little crafting that's been going on.

My dropped stitch vest from the first SnB book has been put to the side while I re-knit a couple of inches. Much to the amusement of the monthly winos I completely misjudged my gauge, dropped the stitches in the final row for the pattern and nearly ended up with a wrap-a-round skirt. So I am going to have to do a bit of re-calcs of the pattern to finish this beauty.

I am quite pleased to have finished my xmas craft-swap decoration though - going to get them in the post tomorrow. I've already received 2 decorations - I love how crafty people can be, coming up with these cool ideas and then sharing them with a few others. Just cool. And it comes in the post!

I also bought the first issue of a new crafting NZ magazine "Extra Curricular" from Toggle - great little mag with interviews of crafters and artists. Cute little mag!

And another baby knit for a newborn - little boy called Alec. Yip, my old faithful Debbie Bliss raglan sleeve. Can you believe another 3 babies turned up as well? I'm thinking maybe some hats without a jumper!!

I'm really liking a little felt at the moment - a bit of stitching, a couple of buttons and a pair of nail scissors - easy craft!

one worried octopus

2009-10-27T21:10:00.004+13:00

Another Debbie Bliss raglan sleeve jumper - this time in some random acrylic/wool mix from the odd-ball stash. I was thinking of this pressie for a little new bubba called Alec and put an teal octopus on the front. But then ..... horror of horrors...

.. when I suddenly realised I had sewn the sleeves together instead of the body side seams!!! Darn damn darn and I had done such a solid job of the stitch up there is no way those side seams were going to come apart. maybe I should have done mattress stitch afterall!

Do you think it would still fit a newborn? Maybe I could stitch the GI-gantic flared sleeves into position.... oh dear concentration levels at all time low.

New batch this week

2009-10-26T19:43:00.002+13:00

I'm thinking about cooking up a new batch of muesli this week. The last batch was coconut & apricot but it was a bit dry and I've started reading all this talk of sulfites and dried apricots so am looking for another flavor. I'm thinking of cranberry and walnut and maybe a little less bran than last time. Any combo ideas out there for my fruit and nut?

And action!

2009-10-26T19:17:00.003+13:00

This was one night well spent - I borrowed Helen's "reeeling machine" aka swift and powered through my hank stash.

While it probably took me 1/3 of the time to set it up and then pack it back into the box (I was a bit technically challenged!) but I can so understand why people spend the money they do on them - combine it with a wool winder and it makes short work of a hank. No sticking, knotting, stuck around a chair messes.

And hanks became skeins. Which at some point will become a knitting project - I'm thinking of some little twin girls who could do with a pink cardi each, and that pile of Donkey Utiku 8ply is for my mitre square blanket which is on umm, oh, it's 2nd year!!!!

Thanks Helen!

yes, occasionally I knit

2009-10-19T20:53:00.002+13:00

While the blog seems lacking the knitting subjects it's aimed at - I have been knitting behind the scenes. Loads of babies born in September so I've been using my favourite baby pattern combo: Debbie Bliss Raglan jumper and StitchnBitch beanie. This set is for my new niece Alice, in Manukau Yarns 8ply "Charisma". I added some felt hearts for the lil' pretty thing!

And this little beanie was for the boss's son - it's in Rare Earth alpaca 12 ply yarn in Nightshade, an odd ball from the stash. I was inspired by the soon to be released Where the Wild Things Are. It ended up being a little short but still looked cute.

Go Ted you wild thing!

Let's Go Retro - a shop review

2009-10-13T21:11:00.004+13:00

I spent a good sat morn drifting around this cool second-hand shop out West Auckland called "Let's Go Retro" - 717 Swanson Road, Swanson.

I took a lot of pictures of a billion things I wanted to buy ... like wooden pegs ...

... kitsch kiwiana table cloths ...

... amazing art deco lamps for above my dining room table ...

... lovely old jackets - look so cool with a pair of jeans ...

... any good shop has a decent button collection of course ...

So many gorgeous little handbags - I'm really keen to find a pretty one with a long strap for going out. I did end up buying a grey purse instead!

... some choice Le Creuset pots - about $75 each!! ...

and OMG these cool mini-milk bottles - mmm on the kitchen window with a pretty single stem in each.

Knitting in Waipu

2009-10-08T21:53:00.002+13:00

I haven't been into Waipu for a long time - but a on weekend trip to Kerikeri, Lala recommended we try this place for dinner.

Now aside from the BEST pub food I've had in ages (yummy vege pizza and CH declared it the best beef burger he has had EVER) - you wouldn't believe the toilet decor:

Yip - they have wallpapered the toilets with StitchCraft magazines. Womens patterns in the ladies and blokes in the mens. SOOO cool. Lala and I spent ages checking out the very clever styles and fabo hairstyles. What a choice place!

(pictures are a bit blurry from my BB sorry folks - but you get the picture)

FO update: yip I'm wearing my FO

2009-10-06T20:53:00.003+13:00

CH was kind enough to take some photos of my virgin cardi knit - good excuse to try out his new flash.

What is it with Frame shop displays??

2009-10-06T20:45:00.004+13:00

As I was saying at SnB tonight, why do frame shops or optometrists go so far out on window displays??? What do moustaches and yarn have to do with being short-sighted or long-sighted or blind as a bat??

What's knitting got to do with glasses? Sarah pointed out that maybe you need glasses to do your knitting but this display is obviously not quite pointed at Granny (or maybe too much blogging is getting a younger generation into poor eyesight faster)! I saw a similar knitting-orientated display in a glasses shop in Sydney.

I have to admit I quite fancy the Austin Powers style square frames! Will it teach me to crochet or grow a 'tache?!

Spring is here

2009-09-25T21:43:00.002+12:00

I was thinking today it is definitely spring - it's warming up and I can see my jandals are coming out soon. All around our suburb are loads of frieshas -all sorts of colours and they grow up in random batchs. I'm a bit grumpy and mow ours down - I don't want bunches of them in the middle of the lawn! But they smell good - and it reminded me this morning as I walked to the train - hello spring.

I have been knitting loads of baby jumpers for the newborns around. My sister had her second and a friend had twins (they are a bit small and I think the jumpers I knitted are waay too big), and another friend is due this week.

Work has continued to be busy but I have found time to make my own muesli for the last couple of weeks (almost weekly at the rate CH scoffs it!). This weeks mix is particularly coconut & apricot with lots of honey!

A couple of fav websites this week that I can actually access at work:

Design Sponge - the DIY section is so cool, Laura look out your chairs may all get recovered!

Apartment Therapy - talk about driving my house renovation monster mad - I really like the american interior designs and the greenies corner is great.

WOW - check out the second photo called 'Second Skin' - my cousin and her friend are finalists this year! Yah go Fi!

And by the way that is not the colour of my house - that is in fact an old old lady who lives down the street - bless her - I wonder if she actually knew she was getting peppermint shake when she bought the paint!

New pattern fav

2009-09-15T22:31:00.003+12:00

I think these are the best thing - a cardi that you can wear multiple ways. I remember when Riccohet first bought out the "Kenny" - oh yeah - just what I like. I couldn't figure out how to wear half the styles but 3 out of 15 options was good enough. It just makes knitting cardi's so reasonable and affordable.

And now Patons has released such a pattern just for my economical (budget) self.

I really want to make one in a grey - dark dark. Or maybe a taupe - "flat white" - colour. Will have to start saving my pennies though - they still take a lot of skeins.

Keeping it firm

2009-09-07T18:50:00.002+12:00

No - that's not a hint for your tush (although can I just say rollerblading is so good for your glutes - works them all - top, bottom, sides).

It's actually about me fixing the DK Smoothie cardi with cotton tape.

I've hand-stitched it down the front and around the neckband.

Definately keeps the neckband firm - so now it can get plenty of usage!

Cupcakes on Pitt

2009-09-01T12:48:00.002+12:00

It was a terrible moment - here I am, on my way to a meeting in Sydney and I come across this hothouse of naughty thrills "Cupcakes on Pitt". Do I continue on to meeting or spend a good hour looking over all the cupcakes I could eat?? Cherry Ripe, Orange Jaffa or Vanilla Sundae??? You know I am a proud Kiwi but sometimes I just think 'darn those Aussies - they do do things well'! See the top shelf - those are cupcake cakes!!!!

Of course I went on to my meeting because a) I was late and b) the meeting was at this place!! Oh yeah ladies - a Lindt Chocolat Cafe hot chocolate with hazelnut and a champagne delice - I'll meet German clients anytime!

I've been to Sydney several times this year for work and failed to get to Morris and Sons (why do work trips have to be all about work, don't they know I have other interests). I've got one more trip this year and I'm determined to get there and buy some sock yarn!! Yip - a sock project.

Roasted Pears for Puds!

2009-08-31T16:43:00.003+12:00

Ok - so you HAVE to try these! It's basically following the fabulous recipe from Healthy Food Guide and is easy as pie. Well pie is actually quite hard I think, so let's say it's easy as toast!

Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees. Wash and dry 4 nicely ripe brown pears - not too soft though. Slice into quarters and take out the core. Mix in a bowl with 6 tbsp of maple syrup (you could use golden syrup instead), 2 tbsp soft brown sugar and half a tsp of cinnamon. Place in a shallow dish (I used a flan dish) lined with baking paper (helps the clean-up). Roast about 20mins (depends if you have a fan bake oven) until maple syrup and sugar is caramelised (mine was bubbling up!!) and pears are tasty soft when you put a fork in them.

Give it a few minutes to let the caramel harden then plate up. AND from personal experience I can say don't under any circumstance as think that lovely gooey caramel in the dish should go on your finger and in your mouth! Nope it's still hot!

Now you could go the french vanilla icecream or mascarpone cream (the latter seasoned with brown sugar/maple syrup and cinnamon) route here BUT that wouldn't be too healthy would it now!

So I used greek yoghurt mixed with lemon zest, maple syrup and cinnamon. Just a bit of tartness still came through to offset the caramelised pears. I served 4 people with 4 pears.

Blooming nice folks! And if you used the baking paper it's not that hard to cleanup afterwards!!

A day off!

2009-08-28T15:10:00.003+12:00

I am sitting here sipping soy hot chocolate and eating golden syrup on toast. And it's 3pm on a Friday. Aaah I love a day off work!

List of things to do today have been some sewing - here is my little case to hold my ipod and phone earpiece in my handbag - it's got 2 pockets and used on this old tie I had in my fabric bin.

And some gardening has been done - putting in some lovely native grasses KM gave me.

So much of the afternoon to come - I think I might go back to crafting - fixing my DK Smoothie cardi so it's wearable. Maybe a bit of painting even.

(Photo from www.cleverbastards.co.nz)

Check out these cool gals - making button necklaces - I love em! What legends.

I did a bit of cookin' last week, something that's been missing with all my work trips - I will have to share my roasted pear dessert with you!

Monday

2009-08-17T20:24:00.004+12:00

I don't have any knitting to show you - taking photos in the dark evenings is not easy on my point and shoot. Nevertheless I did have a few things to tell you about this week.

Absolute fa-fa-favourite new zine:

PEPPERMINT - cool eco-fashion-craft Aussie publication. Lots of great interviews with designers, crafters, DIYers and loads of great businesses to peruse. I'm seriously considering a subscription!

Favourite websites for today:

Healthy Food Guide - awesome healthy recipes - I'm keen to make the Braised Lentils with Feta and Lemon salad. And I found an easy muesli recipe too!

Ecostiletto - what a great resource for freaks like me with all my do-good but impractical theories that I never seem to put in place enough to save the world while being a consumer. Like using a thermos mug instead of takeaway cup, taking the train to work and making my own muesli ...

deargolden - the stylie end of op-shopping - VINTAGE!!

New sewing project I'm thinking of:

Fabric hanger cover - for my old ball dresses, bridesmaid dresses and mother-in-laws hand-stitched, Japanese silk, antique cocktail dresses (she actually wore them in Japan in the 1950s - so gorgeous!).

It comes from this book - a naughty buy 6 months ago in the Dymocks closing down sale.

I think I might do some winding for the rest of the evening!

Handmade Nation - the movie

2009-08-04T07:13:00.002+12:00

Check out the Handmade Nation movie folks - I'm going to miss the Auckland one as I didn't find out until too late but there are 2 screenings in Wellington.

Woodbox Beasties

2009-08-02T19:18:00.003+12:00

Look out for these blokes in your woodbox - they give a good nip even if they are only babes. I don't know if I can say me and Mr Weta are friends but we certainly shared "a moment"!!

A happy 2 years blogging!

2009-07-31T18:03:00.010+12:00

It's been a whole 2 years since I first started blogging and although I haven't blogged nearly as much as I wanted, nor knitted as much as I would have loved to - I'm still pleased to see I've got some staying power and made some knittery friends along the way. ;-)

So today seems a good time to say "look how far I've come" - from knitting scarves and beanies, I've gone to baby clothes and now I am knitting adult projects too:

The Smoothie DK Cardi No. 9

Pattern from the Patons Smoothie DK book.

Started mid-Feb 2009 and finished end of July 2009 - 6 months!! (but that includes 2 full frogging episodes - does that mean I knitted it 3 times??)

5 balls of DK Smoothie acrylic yarn in Blue 1089 by Patons = a NZD30 cardi

A really easy lace pattern for a beginner but continuing the lace pattern while increasing and decreasing for the shape was difficult. I spent ages not understanding why my gauge was out either until I figured out I wasn't putting the yarn forward - see in the picture above - the left-hand side is yarn up, over and then to the front!! Right-hand side is the correct lace pattern.

Complaints: unfortunately there are a few. As I said in my last post, there's some trouble with the neckline stretching. I don't like the button spacing either - unless I managed to miscount my rows (mmm likely) they are not spaced right and button-hole 2 is miles away from 1. The arm holes are also a bit tighter than I thought - but there's not much i can do about that!

Best bits: I'm very happy with my neckline and sleeve cuffs - picking up stitches is not something I seem to worry about. The lace pattern - which was easy and really graphic looking - not so "pretty". And it's not too heavy - I guess that's the benefit of an acrylic yarn.

Wow - finishing a whole garment is pretty cool and I really learnt a lot and my skill level has certainly improved. Am dead keen to have a bit of rekkie around my stash and line up some new but smaller projects for the rest of this year - there are a few new bubbs on the horizon so a few wee knits needed.

Oh yeah and I've got that other adult knit to show you - 2 years, 2 cardis - what an effort :)

DK Smoothie Cardi

2009-07-28T21:04:00.002+12:00

I spent this afternoon looking for buttons for my DK Smoothie cardi but I have to admit to myself there's a big problem with it.

The neckline is too loose and any button that fits, looks too small and they don't hold it tight enough so the neckline just keeps stretching across my shoulders. It's also quite weighty fabric so that doesn't help.

I think I will have to either try a clasp instead of a button and/or sew some tape/binding along the neckline.

mmm... I'll put a photo up and maybe you can give me some suggestions.

I HEART Mt Ruapehu!

2009-07-28T11:20:00.007+12:00

Good morning Central Plateau - I'm coming skiin'!

I bought only the essential supplies for a weekend down the mountain ... Caffe La'ffare coffee, gingernuts and mulled wine mix (yes a pre-mix cos although homemade does taste best - I just want to sit after a day on the hill, not stand in the kitchen) ...

and I took a great new knitting project to start once my legs are too sore from skiing all day.

I started the collared cardi from She Knits by Cleckheaton.

The weather gods were with me everyday and the runs like K Road never looked so quiet - the joys of midweek skiing.

CH joined me for a couple of days and we headed up top of Whakapapa - here we on the West Ridge looking at Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Right behind us we could see all the way to Taranaki it was such a clear day.

I had some brillant time all to myself and got loads of knitting in - starting and finishing the collared cardi. I also finished the DK Smoothie cardi - yes that's 2 adult projects finished by moi and I'm keen to get some photos up to show you.

It's so wrong, but so right...

2009-07-13T22:22:00.003+12:00

Donuts, deep-fried spanish donuts, crusted with sugar and cinnamon and then dipped in rich, thick chocolate ...

Should be illegal, but thank god it's not - yip I had another round of Churros con Chocolate at El Faro in Elliot Stables. What a hard week.

(photos a bit blurry from my BB sorry but I think you get the general idea!)

3 Needle Cast-off

2009-07-06T16:18:00.003+12:00

The good thing about having 3 days on the couch means you get a lot of knitting done. And I am so pleased to say the bulk of the cardi is finished with just the neckband and cuffs to knit and the small matter of sewing up the seams. Talking about seams ...

I learnt a new technique today - with thanks to knitting help - the 3 needle cast-off.

It leaves such a neat edge, far better that I could ever sew. It's great - no more crooked shoulder seams! Just wish there was something similar for side seams. Righto - onto that neckband - eek my neck shaping was not that hot .... I blame Dr Phil this morning!

on the couch ...

2009-07-04T14:42:00.003+12:00

I'm having a day on the couch with a bit of the lurgy. It's a good time to get some knitting done ... but although so far all I've done is catch-up on blogs. You are a crafty lot out there!

I'm thinking of picking up my blanket ... some mindless garter stitch to watch a DVD with.

Hope you are having a chilled Saturday too.

Happy Milestone Birthdays

2009-07-04T14:00:00.006+12:00

Two friends celebrated milestone birthdays this month - Stu had his 40th and Mer had her 30th ... Mer spent hers on Greek Island so I couldn't make her a cake but Stu got a truck cake - on the basis his nickname is 'Big Rig'.

The day before I baked a load of cake - 4 x the recipe, making 2 large flat cakes and 4 loaves - to give me enough cake to sculpt with. I baked banana cake because my recipe stays moist and firm - not all crumbly and hopefully be easier to ice.

The next day was sculpting day - also known as the "why did I agree to this??!!" day for several hours. Putting it together in my head seemed easy but assembling it and keeping it all balanced in reality was hard as the cake was really too heavy.

After a lot of skewers it worked out really well and was all iced up with plenty of time before the party. I'm happy with the result and didn't really want it cut up!! Although the red icing was slightly on the pink side and I couldn't actually pipe any text on the cake, cheating with jaffas - it looked like a truck and tasted like banana cake! Mission completed!

Worldwide Knit in Public Day

2009-06-30T22:15:00.007+12:00

yeah - I'm a bit slow in posting this but have lost my access at work so resorted to the slow home internet - you will probably notice a difference in the posts from now on!

A great day as reported by a whole load of Auckland bloggers and ravelry-ites. I was amazed how many people turned up on the day - and knitting just fabulous stuff.

I spent my time chatting with Catherynne and Sarah and meeting a few other knitters. And getting some more of the DK Smoothie cardi done (which, BTW, I have frogged the left front for the 2nd time two nights ago!!! grrrrr)

I hadn't been in the new Atrium entrance to the Auckland Museum - what an amazing job they have done with the wooden bulb (I don't know what the appropriate name for it is - onion bulb, beehive??).

The afternoon made us realise just how many knitters are out there, and how cool it was doing stuff together. So we decided to make our irregular wino nights regular and sent a big invite out on Ravelry - Auckland Central SnB, first Tuesday of each month at the Northern Steamship.

yah for knitting, yah for yarn. Right back to that left front ....

Meme virgin no more!

2009-06-23T19:17:00.002+12:00

Freshtea tagged me for a meme - and I'm gonna do it!

What is your obsession?

Finishing my DK Smoothie Cardi!!! Oh, and peanut M&Ms.

What is your weirdest obsession?

Groping in clothes stores - I CANNOT go through a shop without feeling the fabrics of all the clothes!

What are you wearing today?

A Country Road dark blue-black trouser suit and patent black high heels.

What's for dinner?

Chilli Beans, brown rice and rocket.

What did you eat for your last meal?

Tom Yum Soup - from a Trident packet and it was way too full of MSG.

What was the last thing you bought?

Yates Garden Guide - first published in 1895!!!!!

What are you listening to right now?

I was listening to MOS 2004 Annual Anthems while running tonight.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?

I'm torn between:

a) a small, dark Parisian cafe, eating simple beef stew and drinking a busty, bottle of Burgundy red (maybe not the whole bottle in the hour!); or

b) a wee, churros con chocolate stand in Barcelona early morning, standing around with all the workman eating hot, greasy donuts and drinking thick hot chocolate!!

What language do you want to learn?

Italian - then I could have figured out what ALL those desserts were.

What do you love most about where you currently live?

Seeing the long, big ridge of the Waitakere Ranges everyday.

What is your favourite colour?

Mustard, grey and purple right now. but it could change tomorrow.

What is your favourite piece of clothing in your wardrobe?

My Nine West spotty cape, my high-waisted black Moochie pants and my Friday Market floral apron skirt with deer pockets.

What were you doing 10 years ago?

Running the Domestic Violence and CYPF teams in one of the Family Courts.

Describe your personal style?

It's a multiple personality - I can go from a Suit, to Sporty-Spice, to a boho chic, to gumboots and trackies in a flash.

If you had $100, what would you spend it on?

A piece of ceramic art - something kooky for this small space above some french doors I look at each night.

What are you going to do after this?

A few rows of the cardi of course. and maybe raid the pantry for something sweet.

What are your favourite films?

I could never answer this quickly - I love films - but if I try hard - Little Miss Sunshine, Shawshank Redemption, Pretty Woman, Momento and Dirty Dancing have lifetime memberships.

What inspires you?

texture, pattern, form, images - visual stimulation!

What are your favourite books?

The Yates Garden Guide. And this Portuguese cookbook that just had to come home as well.

Do you collect anything?

Matchboxes, fabrics, cookbooks, shoes, handbags....

What makes you follow a blog?

Actually knowing the person or great photos.

What's the most enjoyable thing you did today?

Ran home from the gym tonight non-stop, after an Abs class without any back pain. so far.

What new skill would you like to learn?

Concreting.

And since I don't usually follow the rules I won't tag anyone but if you want to, why not answer one of the questions in the comments.

Rosettes

2009-06-21T13:38:00.003+12:00

Freebies with my baby beanie sales ... I went through a phase of knitting little rosettes out of my stash for my stalls. Easy to knit and I made way more than necessary so I like to put them in a Toggle beanie sales as a surprise for the buyer.

A quiet weekend on the crafting front, just picking up odd WIPs lying - a hat for Charlie, my DK Smoothie cardi - even the blanket got a couple of rows in. I'm off to Knit Rangers shortly - might get a bit more done there!

KM and MA dropped in today with some old knitting patterns - I love the zany old styles and especially the text - "The Cool Look of Summer", "Delicious as Cream". I seem to find the old crochet patterns look cooler at the moment - mmmm - maybe I should learn to crochet more than granny squares.

We've had such great weather in Auckland the last week and I took full advantage yesterday with a huge walk around Oratia. I'm not a big walking person but I'm trying to get out more on the local tracks. Not so keen on tramping the forest paths alone sometimes Suburban Tramping is called for. Having walking goals aside from the obvious general health benefits is very important so half-time "carrot" at the Oratia Farmers Market yesterday was key - coffee, caramel croissants and manuka-smoked sausages. More than enough to keep the legs moving!

Auckland Central SnB

2009-06-15T22:53:00.002+12:00

Just in case you are reading from Auckland, a bunch of irregular winos from Knit Rangers, are on the bran and making things regular. So an Auckland Central SnB will start meeting the first Tuesday of each month in the Northern Steamship pub on the Quay from 5.30pm. Come along!

Cardi's and Cheese's

2009-06-15T22:01:00.006+12:00

I started a jumper last year in DK Smoothie ... BUT it sucked the big FAT kumara ... so I frogged it. And I was nearly finished too - just the sewing up to go - a small skip and a jump away from finishing my first adult project.

But nope, I changed my mind and started a new one ... which I like much better! Here's the back (currently in the second phase of frogging - that neckline is tricky!!).

It took me a while to get the gauge for this pattern - a long time in fact until I figured out I was bringing the yarn over and forward - not just forward. Anyway got myself sorted and this is my second lace pattern (the feather and fan scarf for Lara being the first).

And while I would tell you a tale of Worldwide Knit in Public day from Auckland - my camera is not downloading the cheery pictures - so I'll talk about cheese instead! I stopped off in Putaruru a month ago and picked up the award-winning Over the Moon Dairy's Galactic Gold washed rind cheese. Smells like pongy cauliflower and dare I say it - old sleeping bags (yeah yeah don't loose the day job Jazo - food writer I am not)! But hell it tasted sooo good with some tasty crackers.

The cheesemaker was working away on a Sunday afternoon, making her fab cheeses. Look out for the black wrapping with white writing - I've seen it around in the Auckland upmarket stores.

Better still look out for the fresh mozzarella she is doing soon - a new herd of buffalos has "appeared" in Karaka I think and she's got first dibs on the milky stuff!!

It's a lovely store and you can get a coffee too making it a great pit-stop.

Go Putaruru - something pretty great to get you on the map. Hey the other good thing about Putaruru - it has a dedicated craft store - Dales's Country Wool's & Patchwork! It was shut when I went past - but good to know another spot when you're on the road.

Kuala Lumpur

2009-06-04T13:32:00.003+12:00

How can you go past Nasi Goreng in Malaysia - although it was the 'posh' version, it was tasty enough to satisfy my traveller tummy!! (Under the egg is the rice and it was THE best fried chicken/prawns and chilli sauce BTW.)

A quick trip to KL last week for a work thing (meaning 99% of the time was spent in the same 4 walls of a conference room) but I scored out a little time for sight-seeing: of giant shopping malls ...

and knitting shops! I was wondering around the hotel neighbourhood and happen to see this LYS - although they were only selling bags of nasty acrylic yarns and pretty plastic ribbons.

And although I don't put pictures of myself on this blog I had to put this one up - same old conference room, same old people - not talking shop though. I'm the one in the floral, 1974 Hawaii pant-suit with 3 feet flares -in case you couldn't guess - "sch-wing"!

(apologies to the others for showing their faces - I'm guessing you ain't knitters so won't find this blog - but no apologies for Sista J taking the best female costume award - "bam-schicka-wah-waa"!)

aaaah - cuppa tea

2009-05-26T12:08:00.004+12:00

Hello coldness - bit of a shock after being in the Equator last week at a primo 35 degrees!!

Just as well though as it's prime time for a cuppa. Have you seen these cool things ... Tea Rose Queen ... it's a tiny flower bomb that spreads out with the hot water...

I got it from a tea shop in Elliot Stables called aah! - a great place for lunch (we had tapas and sherry at El Faro but there are some great french/italian spots too).

Would look great in a glass teapot ... I had to resist the temptation to buy one! Tastes good too - an earthy, green tea with no fancy pants leaf added. They can be reused up to 5 times although they do look a bit manky after the first replay!!

A splendid weekend indeed

2009-05-20T09:28:00.009+12:00

The weekend started with coffee, breakfast muffins and fresh guava jam from Kerikeri. Steadily, all plans of concreting, log splitting and window painting were put to the side and crafting took hold! Hooray!

A much delayed birthday pressie for Lara was finally completed - my first feather and fan stitch in a linen/cotton mixed yarn. I found a sweet wooden pin for it in Wild and Woolly.

I'm re-vamping my Baby Beanies on Toggle so got down and churned out a few aubergines and blueberries. I've got some new photos done too and need to sit down for some photoshopping work - babies are hard work to shoot!

Another project finished up was the green beret from She Knits in Cleakheaton Studio Mohair. My band was pretty loose so I threaded some skinny elastic through - all good now. Trying to take photos of a beret is impossible - all the pattern is on the back - but I think from this selection of over-exposed shoots you should get a feeling for it!!

A final project was making some hot water bottle covers out of an old semi-felted jersey. I got 3 covers out of 1 adult jersey. mmm toasty feet!

Another work trip coming up this week to Malaysia - I've never been there and am very excited at the prospect of Malaysian curries and warm weather!

Keep on clicking folks ...

The Wool Company

2009-05-14T15:14:00.002+12:00

New Zealand really is quite a land of knitters. I'm amazed when going through small towns just how many have yarn shops. I should start listing them ...

For me, another weekend, another wedding in Palmerston North and another trip past Utiku's yarn shop - The Wool Company.

Just a few hanks for me - this 8ply in KHAKI - and I'm thinking of something similar to this Cleckheaton pattern.

And I don't normally like this sort of multicolour (in OASIS) but it kept appealing to come home with me. Maybe I'll do a little cropped cardi ...

Jeez, I didn't really need anymore yarn now that I think about it - my last post about "stash-busting" and here I am "stash-enhancing"!!!

Mia in Yellow

2009-05-08T08:48:00.002+12:00

This is a little project I finished recently for a new niece - Mia. It was created in the spirit of de-stashing and doing a little designing.

The idea was for a tunic dress that the little babe could wear and as she grows it becomes a top. The armholes had to be quite wide for that idea and while initally I wanted to do little puffy cap sleeves I ended up keeping them flat and wide.

I'm not so happy with the neck line - without the model I couldn't figure out how big to make the neck and just ended up casting off loads of stitches. It still looked too small so I didn't add a moss stitch neckband as originally planned. I had thought of adding a big ribbon around the middle to pull it in and make the top half more of a bodice.

Knitting on 5mm, I doubled up some old 8ply yarn which is really soft (I think it had some acrylic in it) in a nice mellow yellow - not loud canary yellow. A couple of crochet buttons here and there and it's lookin' pretty. A good project to save some space in those stash containers.

A de-stash was needed as TTP, Davina and Fresh Tea's little button came to stay this week and of course that meant several LYS trips and more yarn purchasing! While I don't think they got the warmer weather they were expecting we had loads of fun with trips to the beach, Kelly Tarltons and LYS! It was fun having little Ella stay - kidshave that back-to-basics approach to life - live in and enjoy the moment.

Right I'm off to find purple nail polish for a wedding this weekend - have a nice one!

Tis the season to be merry!

2009-04-27T07:46:00.003+12:00

If you are a ex-Lime Bar back-up singer, living in London and working in IT - DONT LOOK NOW!! It's for your own good, I'm telling you as a friend ...

Yip folks - it's feijoa time. And anyone doing a stint overseas knows they are missing out on the quintessential kiwi season.

KM delivered a stack of them off MA's trees on Friday night and whipped up a great cake. Feijoa's are so good - chutney, cakes, muffins, fruit sponge or crumbles. All the feijoa's on KM's cake started off on top of the cake ....

But then fell to the bottom - oh la la - this beauty tasted even better after a days work in the garden!

Of course feijoa is now in the form of decent alcohol thanks to 42 Below. My favourite cocktails are 42 Below Feijoa Vodka and old-fashioned apple juice, followed closely by 42 Below Feijoa Vodka and Chi - with a slice of cucumber. The latter is less sickly sweet and could almost be the kiwi style of a "Jug of Pimms" in the summer!

My First FO - EVER

2009-04-24T11:02:00.008+12:00

I was cleaning up the study the other day (well my half anyway as CH's is pretty tidy all the time - I think that says more about workloads than tidiness - so glad you agree as I would hate to think I'm a messy crafter!!) ... and I found my very first FO - a baby jersey knitted in 4th form at high school.

I was quite impressed with the job - all sewn up nicely too! Some sort of baby 4 ply yarn and a basic sweater pattern with a bit of a wing bat arm!

I'm not one to tell tales but I do remember the satisfaction that I had finished this project without mother's help unlike some other pupils .... the moral of the story however is I should have got mother's help because aforementioned other pupil is a way more skilled knitter than I am!

Go Mrs Lazelle's WHS Class of 1993!!! :)

No pictures

2009-04-23T14:06:00.004+12:00

Just thought I'd save you the effort of scrolling any further!

Anyone like maths? You should if you like knitting really as it's often all about the maths: number of rows, lace patterns, calculating gauges and row increases, re-calculating patterns, gauges. Check out this link sent by Mat (and no, he's not into knitting/crocheting although might be a closet crocheter... I have no idea how he came upon this!). But just another amazing connection between nature and maths (I like that stuff) with extra whipped cream - crochet!

While you are browsing away from this blog you might as well check out this guy Edward Burtynsky too. An amazing landscape photographer seeing the NEW natural world. I saw the doco "Manufactured Landscapes" on Monday at film club - brill ant depiction of what's going on around the world with industry.

You know what: I say flag climate change camp - I think it's bollox humans are being blamed for a naturally repeating earth cycle. I've seen too much evidence now that I think Mr Gore was w-r-o-n-g. I stood on that side of the fence for ages but there is too much other evidence to ignore now (sorry I'm not going to reference any for you but just take a look sometime). For example: when Al let us know that those markers sitting on some South Pacific atolls were measuring water levels as "depleting drastically from climate change and my hair-dryer" did he add the small fact that the markers ARE ACTUALLY SINKING!! Think about it... The coral forming the base of the atoll is breaking down (naturally). I think for a long time I was just too chicken to look at the facts and go against the trendy bandwagon.

HOWEVER I now firmly believe the climate change actions/solutions are great BUT must be "re-marketed" to the real simple fault of humans: that of depleting our natural resources (fossil fuels, water, clean air etc). You might think it's one in the same thing but I disagree - there's no way we can change the Earth's orbit or when an Ice Age begins (come on folks do we really think we are that big) but we sure as hell can change how much petrol or petroleum by-products we consume. It's not that the planet could collapse from climate change: it won't, it's been through climate change - bought the t-shirt, bought the whole shop in fact. The biggest threat is ourselves. Fact: current civilisation will not survive once our natural resources are gone. We're just not that equipped anymore and if we want to continue any resemblance of our current commodities lifestyle: we need to reserve our natural resources or find alternative resources, or find alternative ways of living.

... Class dismissed?

Gonna get something finished soon ...

2009-04-16T09:26:00.008+12:00

I've really been getting some knitting mojo at the moment. Been working on a beret from She Knits with Cleakheaton's Studio Mohair - a mohair/acrylic mix in a yummy green. Hopefully the acrylic will make it less itchy because I love the colour!! I really liked M's green hat that she designed last year and was inspired to knit something green too. It's been a bit slow though as it's not a train knit - far too furry!

The colour reminds me of the salad greens that my vege garden is pumping out at the moment. A weird crop of lettuces has emerged from the non-organic mix I put in a few weeks ago - some mustardy ones, some radishy ones and some prickly ones. One mini-me-radish, some basil and sage make for a good salad with some great olive oil.

Last nights marathon effort in front of the telly meant I finished the beret! Just need to do a bit of sewing up and maybe a nobble on the top.

As usual, my tension is so loose that the headband is pretty weak - so I'm going to look for some flat, green hat elastic to thread through this weekend. Anyone got any ideas for a good supplier of hat elastic??

STUFF

2009-04-14T11:13:00.005+12:00

It was a good easter folks with many wintery jobs and STUFF around the house being completed. It means less digging, less gluing, less painting and more knitting! I've actually nearly finished a wee project too - imagine that folks - soon you could read this knitting blog with pictures and text about knitted STUFF, yarn, hell knitting patterns even!

Weird STUFF: flatto peaches

Tasty STUFF: French Market cheese stand

Good STUFF: a legend framer - Steve Bailey - send him your good STUFF!

It's funny how silly a word starts looking once you capitalize it and repeat it often. STUFF!

Missing out on cake :(

2009-04-06T12:00:00.003+12:00

Michelle's High Tea Hens

Yeah - I missed out on cake last week because I couldn't read my flights properly! Some damn good cake by the looks of KM's photos. Considering no one knew when I was turning up after a work trip overseas, I ended up having to make a call to KM mid-flight which was pretty funny - never thought anyone actually used those funny controllers in the armrest other than for the movie selection. Quite an amusing conversation to have mid-air which went something like this:

JC: "Hi Kel - really sorry, mucked up my flights and I don't arrive back until midnight - NOT midday. "
KM: "Ok - but where are you now?"
JC: "On the plane."
KM: "Where? In Singapore?"
JC: "No, no flying in the plane - somewhere south of Singapore - flying over Malaysia maybe?"
KM: "OMG!"
JC: "I know - this call is BIZARRE!"

I did contribute my cake stand for the proceedings - KM and Michelle filled it with home-made goodies like lamingtons, melting moments, coconut ice and butterfly cakes. Such good little bakers those lasses!

mmm ... the ultimate high tea sammie - asparagus rolls on white bread!

I love these cups - go the Crown Lynn - a true west auckland style icon!

food inspired knitting

2009-04-01T11:54:00.004+13:00

I love beetroot - raw in salads or carpaccio-ed, boiled with chard and sea salt, roasted with balsamic and honey. I think the colour of a dishy, organic beet also draws the fans in and it is the inspiration for my next knitting project. TTP gave me She Knits for Xmas which has these great kimono cardis and I want to make one in beetroot - just need to finish the first cardi (read: self-imposed limitation on new yarn purchasing):

(photo courtesy of Cleckheaton website)

Has any food inspired you to knit?

Who knits on weekends anyway?

2009-03-16T10:20:00.005+13:00

Spray-painting our backyard fence took one weekend away from crafting this summer.

I mean really people - what could be more a riveting way to fill your weekend, better than going to knit rangers, cooler than sewing your own designs all day or more dangerous than sorting through your stash and starting more knitting projects than you can handle ...

... it's the homeowner's version of playing dress-ups!

A place you gotta go

2009-03-12T11:48:00.004+13:00

Kaimai Cheese Company just outside of Matamata has a really, really good cafe at the factory! I've spent a few busy weekends travelling for weddings and sports and this joint is a saviour on the route south. I have always like their boccocini in the supermarkets but their blue isn't too bad either! Try a cheese scone or ginger slice - mm-mm-mm - that ginger slice!

Two Beanies and a Bunch of Balls

2009-03-10T08:04:00.006+13:00

It's a tight times around many parts of the globe and that means my business is B-U-Z-A-Y! But I managed to squeeze 2 beanies out in the last couple of weeks for a newborn in the office. Training to work has been this knitter's knitting haven for a while now!!

Just your usual beanie on 4mm circular needles - cast on 64 st, garter st for 4 rows, then stocking st until piece measures 10cm. Begin to k2tog every 8 st, then every 7 st, 6st, 5 st etc. Once I had 8 st left I made 2 i-cords, looping them over to make little bobbles on top. I used some good old Utiku 8ply remanents "Gems" and "Demin" in my stash.

I actually caught up with some Knit Rangers a couple of weeks ago too and it was Catherynne's birthday - I'm sure with that giggle she's only 17 this year!! A last minute idea from Elli's blog with some cotton for the birthday crocheter:

um did someone see January. And February?

2009-02-23T18:25:00.003+13:00

... because I think I lost them.

I'm sure you are meant to have about 30 days in a month, give or take a few. And of those 30 days, approximately 22 are official working days. And of those 22 days you should work about 176 odd hours. This leaves 352 hours + 8 weekend days of non-working time. Take out another 240 hours for sleeping and in theory I should have about 12.6 days per month for knitting, eating, socialising and exercising. Except I seem to have lost them ...

So that's why am I showing you a picture of a cool tea cozy I saw in Texas Art School shop... it's about as close to knitting content as you'll get from me at the moment!

I think I'm spreading too much time on spreadsheets and calculators ...

Cardi WIP is under threat

2009-02-02T13:46:00.005+13:00

This is me working on the 2 sleeves for my cardi at Kerikeri last weekend .... 5 hours spent deep in concentration, counting stitches under the karaka tree ... motivation starting to wear thin with cheating thoughts of another pattern circling.

Do you like my new ring - a BARGIN $5 at the Kerikeri markets - wooden ring inlaid with bronze, silver and copper!

Pictures by CH - so wish I could get him to do all my photos! I might change my profile picture one of these beauties.

THE VERY FIRST CARDI

2009-01-30T13:47:00.007+13:00

.... that might almost work out.

So I'm doing this plain cardi but I've changed yarns completely. I dropped my needle size down 1cm but still couldn't reach gauge so after reading the pattern through I decided I would just recalculate the pattern taking into account that my gauge is 0.5cm/3 st longer and 1cm/6 st wider.

If my gauge had just been longer then you can easily substitute the pattern where is calls for knitting X rows to measure Xcm - ie you just knit to the Xcm keeping count of the rows so you make sure the other pieces fit. This and working the smallest size has worked for the front and back pieces - although admittedly the armpit is probably going to fall forward a little.

All this was great logic until I hit the sleeves and in particular the shaping of the shoulder to meet the back/front pieces. I am knitting both sleeves at once so I can copy identical "re-calculations". My problem now is that I'm likely to not decrease enough - ending with a long, round shoulder.

Readers I have no answers yet and whilst you may fear this will be a long WIP resulting in final frogging, even though I've got effectively 10cm to go - it shall be finished! Even if I can get to the point of pinning it to see how badly it fits - actually to be honest I already have another project lined up for the yarn from the DK Smoothie book!!

And not sure how many have been using DK Smoothie but I spent ages re-adjusting how I hold my yarn and needles as I kept getting this weird pattern - left side of stitch is a long, skinny line and the right side is normal - like half a heart or an odd rib?

Luckily Rae went down to Mascoes keen to try some DK Smoothie and found out this happens for a lot of knitters - something to do with how it's spun. Ah a taste of normality in my knitting!

Knitting Fearlessly

2009-01-27T12:07:00.005+13:00

I bet Kirstie at KR ages ago that I would knit an adult project. Well after 1 failed shrug attempt I cast on over the holidays for a cardi. This cardi. And I'm actually getting it!

I'm using this Panda pattern book (pictured below) which has some pretty patterns (I'm already thinking of the shrug) but I hate the yarn - Starshine - I made a scarf for Capt Mich last year and it pills badly.

So I am trying Patons DK Smoothie - OMG love it, want to marry it! I'm very excited to say I am just finishing the sleeves before a preliminary stitch-up but will need to write another post with photos to show some of the problems I'm coming up against - let's just say GAUGE people!! GAUGE!

But in the meantime I shall rejoice in my fearless knitting of one adult project. You know, it doesn't even seem that hard to follow a pattern for once!!

Zucchini Eats Cat

2009-01-22T07:49:00.008+13:00

Never leave a zucchini plant alone for 10 days ....

Thank goodness we left PJ in the cattery, it might have eaten her too ...

Actually I think she's coming round to her new vege brother, Zak the Zuc ...

Did I mention the beans? Where's Jack?

My 2009 Holiday

2009-01-21T08:02:00.007+13:00

Sounds like a school project! Well I've been trying to get round to telling you about my holiday at xmas but work seems to be mad - if 2009 continues like this I'll need triple the holiday time next xmas!!

We headed over to Great Barrier Island - about 60miles out of Auckland and 25miles off the tip of the Coromandel. We stayed at CH's friend's new bach which is set way back into the bush - really remote where birdsong is the radio, fire warms the water and sun charges the lights.

We had amazing weather which meant loads of time for swimming AND body-surfing (which is my new favourite thing). I'm not a confident swimmer and in addition to the pretty rippie seas around West Auckland, over the years I've been shrinking back from the depths. Well, teach me some hand-surfing skills and I might just swap PJ for Flipper! I hadn't spent so much time in the surf since I was a teenager.

There were a few rainy days but that gave plenty of time for gingernuts (Griffins of course!), cups of tea and loads of knitting. It was so cool in the rain and cloud stocking up the fire, boiling the kettle on top and drinking cuppas all day.

There is very little on the island to spend your money on other than a few cafes, petrol station and the odd post office but a New Years Picnic market landed me with this handbag - over-priced for a second-hand leather bag but I have coveted one for ages and it's now my holiday momento.

New friends were made and some were prettier than this fellow! Lots of food and drink all week - the bach had a huge garden of fruit trees and veges (life on Barrier has to be pretty self-sufficient) so we had freshly stewed plums and rhubarb all week. And we had the freshest fish - snapper, hapuka, crayfish - I've ever had. Best hint from the fishermen - only ever wash fish in the sea. I ended up with 2 foodies all holiday which was so good - chatting endlessly of recipes, food stuffs and restuarants.

And talking about vege gardens - the best thing about going back home is seeing the state of your own vege garden. What do you do when the zucchinis are bigger than your cat!

Why Hello There '2009'

2009-01-07T08:35:00.004+13:00

Well 2009 sashayed itself through the door with much flamboyancy and flair, and is firmly settled in now. I'm back at work, the holiday routine seems a distance memory and I'm already avoiding the current knitting WIP in favour of a new sewing project. And finding the gingerbread recipe. And ooh - that stuffed zucchini recipe.

PJ enjoyed her holiday in the cattery, returning with many accolades: "best cat", "just lovely and so friendly" and a "joy to take have" (NB. competition was 89 other felines). She also came back 1kg smaller which is healthier for her size. Wish I could say the same after my break!

I hope you all had a grand chrissie and NY, celebrating however you do with much merriment. Looking forward to another year of blogging with you folks!

Merry Chrismas Folks!

2008-12-24T09:33:00.002+13:00

Yeah - in case you live in a dark box - it's christmas - so get out there people - have some merry times - don't just indulge yourself - go mad, get excessive - cos it's another 12 months until you have to face anymore home-made mince pies!!

no knitting - all sewing!

2008-12-22T08:57:00.008+13:00

A final stab at craftiness this weekend - using 1m metre of cotton I made a little slip which converts to a top. I wore it with my 3/4 tights on Sunday and although I'm really happy with it as a top it's too see-through and a bit clingy around my butt/thighs - so it's on the chopping block for permanent shortening (which is a whole lot easier than trying to "shorten" my butt at Xmas time!!).

I forgot to mention a friend's Tiramisu recipe used a couple of weeks ago which was HELLO "food of the gods"! It was a real old style one with brandy, espresso, raw eggs and mascarpone. It is soooooo my summer dessert - that and Bec's Savoy Cabbage Salad, margaritas and eggplant/feta stacks on the BBQ. In fact I have no idea how rich a tiramisu could be but many spoonfuls of leftovers had to be endured even after 8 people had a go - is it wrong to eat tiramisu for breakfast?

Oh and in complete stupid xmas-time office antics, I made some blackberry holders out of a bunch of old coporate ties - I reckon it's the new corporate gift the BB holder - way better than monogram-ed golf balls that go straight into bushes on the course, CD calendars photoshoped by IT staff in their lunchbreak, extra large golf shirts for giants or monogram-ed pens which look expensive but aren't cos they break on the second week (yeah cheers mate).

oh dear - how I find time to do such silly things in the office or why I am blogging first thing on a Monday instead of WORKING amazes me - that's the power of procrastination people - ain't it neat!!

Don't look Pezstar!!

2008-12-15T09:11:00.013+13:00

Wow what a weekend - I'm stuffed and can only find the energy to blog and avoid work emails!! I finished heaps of crafting projects that have been sitting around, in and amongst mowing lawns, cutting hedges and painting fences. I also ate a couple of chocolate santas - just a few - they kept popping up everywhere, sometimes even naked! Naughty, pesky chocolate santas - chomp, chomp, chomp. Chomp.

First off the list were my second set of knitted cushions in Debbie Bliss cotton. They were dismally nothing like I envisaged so I stuck some paua shell buttons on them and left them in the spare room. It's the lining issue - I definitely needed to create an inner as the knitted fabric stretches too much.

Completed my Q4 Ravelry bag swap and will send it soon but didn't want to wait for the photos - so don't look PezStar. Used 2 balls of Asford Tekapo and with double strands knitted a rectangle of Bramble stitch. Sewed it up with some recycled handles and lined it with some cotton.

Finished off a scarf for a London friend - acrylic but textured yarn which I backed with some polar fleece - should warm the cockles for her!!

Baked a banana birthday cake for Jennine - you can't go wrong with the Edmond's recipe folks.

And I used the first of the vege garden greens to cook a chicken risotto with peas, rocket and spinach. oh look at my babies cooking!!

And now I can say a big thanks to Cleo, Alise, Therese, Millie & Gabrielle for my xmas decorations - they are awesome and on the tree (and mantelpiece)!

now ... onto those work emails!

Kiwi Crafters Unite for Christmas!

2008-12-10T08:07:00.007+13:00

I've started getting some decorations in the post from the Kiwi Crafting Christmas Decoration swap run by Twenty Cent Mixture - I'll put photos up of the ones received once they've all come in. Everyone has such cool ideas - I'm fearful mine is looking a bit fuddy-duddy now.

I decided to go with a kiwi theme and use a kowhai flower design. I really enjoyed the chain-stitching and it was relatively easy to trace the pattern onto the fabric. I think the key was using a simple shape and then infilling it with colour. I added 2 little red glass beads for the stema/stoma/stamen - end bit of flower (!).

While I tried to recycle as much as I could out of my big stash of craft resources (nice piece of raw linen, thrifted embroidery threads, beads from an old necklace), I did end up buying some new ribbon in the local haberdashery (I love that word - HA-BER-DASH-ERY - it reminds me of the Flintstones and Johnny Depp in costume). It's french ribbon and I liked the peace doves on it as the Mumbai attacks had just occurred when I was looking.

So the end result isn't quite what I envisaged - I think it was the stuffing in the end. I had thought of filling it with mixed spice or cinnamon bark - but less time, lesser time and no time left meant standard filler was added and it's ended up puffier than I hoped for.

Well done all you kiwi crafters who participated and thanks to Twenty Cent Mixture for organising it so well!

It's hardly knitting but just as enjoyable!

2008-12-01T14:48:00.004+13:00

Chilled pinot rose anyone? oh la la look at that colour - and BTW it tasted just as sassy in the sun while KM helped me create some zucchini-prison-blocks for me!

more sassy reds ... first crop of the vege garden - a massive radish found hanging out with a zucchini flower. I promptly sat down to munch on it in a zen, self-sufficient gardner's moment. Very shortly after that moment, I learnt that you have to harvest a radish as soon as it's fat - otherwise they are bitter as hell and give you a belly-ache!

With the wedding sewing chaos is over, I don't want to lose that precious crafting mojo so I'm getting on with my Kiwi Xmas swap. Trying something a little new for me - EMbroidery thankyouverymuchly - after being constantly inspired by that artful Melissa. Photos once I'm finished .... have a good week people!

Done! Done! Done!

2008-11-24T10:15:00.006+13:00

Well after a couple of weeks of stressful novice sewing I completed my bridesmaid dresses for my sister's wedding. One for me and one for my little niece. It all started a few weeks ago with a load of avocado and baby pink satin and one pattern that did not have any of my favourite pattern words such as "kwik-sew" - "easy" -"1-hour"...

A lot of pattern cutting, burrowed brows and trying to remember how to construct a garment with outers, inners, interfacing, lining ...

It took a lot of pins to get all the gathering even ...

Inexperience and basically a lot of "no-bloody-idea" moments resulted in a load of handstitching (eg I was told 2 days after finishing that I should have used a ball-point needle!!!) ...

But finally they were finished and we all had a great day celebrating Rosie and Josh's nupitals in Christchurch this weekend. Official photos are still to come out but in the meantime here's Charlie looking such a cutie-pie:

And my dress which I am amazed and pleased with myself at how well-fitted I got the bodice eventually (and which I forgot to photograph before a day of wedding chaos and baby slobber, so it's looking a bit rough folks):

So that is my foray into the life of a seamstress - I'm feeling a bit more upbeat about sewing now and will even attempt to plough though that pile of sewing on the desk. But for now - HIP HIP HOORAY - it's back to knitting folks and the small matter of a bag swap and christmas decoration swap!

My Precious ....

2008-11-17T11:38:00.004+13:00

... super, secret sewing project is nearly finished .... phew! ... have met some of my sewing arch-nemesis's (zippers & gathers) along the way but am happy to report I have conquered them and have one final sewing-mountain (circular hem) to defeat and then glory will be mine!!

...allllll mine!! phoar-ha-ha-ha!