Magpie knitter

not knitting

2011-12-24T21:22:00.000-08:00

ok i needed somewhere to rant that the person in question can't see so here i am.

i get told i'm hot and awesome all the time, not that i believe it, i mean seriously, this is me we are talking about, i'm a goof ball, when people say stuff like that i just think you obviously don't know the real me, because if you did you sooooo wouldn't think that. i'm like the opposite of hot or awesome, but thats not the point. this guy, he's got under my skin, into my head, like properly, even my 3 closest friends i don't let in fully because they then have the capacity to hurt me. and i will not let anybody hurt me again, but him, he's gotten in, not like all the way because that could never happen now, not after what i've been through, but he's gotten further than most. and the reason, i saw his soul. Like, he is quite pessimistic, and some would say depressing, but the truth is when you look into his soul, he just has a tortured soul, i knew him before, as a member of the group but never really saw him as hot, but then we started talking, oh god, the talking, it kinda got me deep inside, nothing emotional, just general stuff, but as we spoke and looked into his eyes i saw beyond a facade, and saw the person hiding beneath it, i saw him tonight and i couldn't even look at him because if i had i probably would have broken, and i DO NOT break, FUCKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!

I mean here's how i see it, and correct me if i'm wrong, but the person we all portray is not the person we really are, that person gets buried underneath how we want the world to see. The person underneath is the one that can feel and love and is the one that needs protecting because they are fragile, like a glass ball, when somebody shatters us, we rebuild and stick it all back together, and then protect it until the next person we decide to give it to believing they will also take good care of it. but never again perfect like the first time, but enough to be stronger and more careful next time. 18 months i have taken rebuilding and guarding this glass ball, taking care, and ok i have liked a lot of guys, but the truth is anyone can have my body, my heart is for someone special, the previous ones i have wanted physically, this one i wanted to explore further, i thought i was ready to show somebody my glass ball. Not give it away, but to show it off, let it shine in the light and reflect the glorious light around. but he turned his back on it. apparently, according to others, its etiquette around here that you don't ask someone on a date til you know them. Etiquette? to me a date is an opportunity to get outside the normal situation in which you see the said person to explore whether or not you really do like them. Then if you do then you take it further from there. its not do you wanna relationship with me. That would be stupid. Oh god the terminology. Maybe i am just old fashioned. But when somebody that you get on with won't even explore another side of you, i take it personally, there are 3 options
1) you're ugly but have a nice personality so get on as friends only
2) you're hot, but have a serious personality issue, so good to observe
3) you're ugly and nasty, then wouldn't even be friends
Now said guy i really don't believe is shallow, and from what others have said i can't be butt ugly, therefore must option 2.

I already said i don't let people in easily, never have, bit like an onion, you have to go through many layers to get to the core, many are close but nobody in my life right now has come close to the core. He is close. too close. without trying, it worrying, but i am going with it, for someone to hit me like that is really really unusual, but to not want to explore that side, i'm sorry but i must be seriously bad. so my new years resolution, NO ALCOHOL for one, clouds my judgement and persona, LEARN stuff, be brighter, more intelectual, ok i can discuss brainy stuffs, like quantum physics and quantum mechanics but its obviously not enough, so must learn more, FUNNIER, i gotta learn to make people laugh more, so make 1 person a day laugh, NICER do 1 nice thing a day, and finally HOTTER, well thats easy i just got back to the london way and get fillers and tans and nails and a new wardrobe. high neck lines, no more showing off my boobs, think grace kelly. In fact that reminds me of a song, very apt right now given i want to change who i am.

Do I attract you?
Do I repulse you with my queasy smile?
Am I too dirty?
Am I too flirty?
Do I like what you like?

I could be wholesome
I could be loathsome
I guess I'm a little bit shy
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you like me without making me try?

I tried to be like Grace Kelly
But all her looks were too sad
So I try a little Freddie
Ive gone identity mad!

I could be brown
I could be blue
I could be violet sky
I could be hurtful
I could be purple
I could be anything you like
Gotta be green
Gotta be mean
Gotta be everything more
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you walk out the door!
How can I help it
How can I help it
How can I help what you think?
Hello my baby
Hello my baby
Putting my life on the brink
Why don't you like me
Why don't you like me
Why don't you like yourself?
Should I bend over?
Should I look older just to be put on your shelf?

I tried to be like Grace Kelly
But all her looks were too sad
So I try a little Freddie
Ive gone identity mad!

I could be brown
I could be blue
I could be violet sky
I could be hurtful
I could be purple
I could be anything you like
Gotta be green
Gotta be mean
Gotta be everything more
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you walk out the door!

Say what you want to satisfy yourself
But you only want what everybody else says you should want

[x2]
I could be brown
I could be blue
I could be violet sky
I could be hurtful
I could be purple
I could be anything you like
Gotta be green
Gotta be mean
Gotta be everything more
Why don't you like me?
Why don't you like me?
Walk out the door!

fairly apt i feel. But yeah, so there it is, i am a terrible person, that can't even be considered to look beyond what somebody sees in the pub. so no more pub.

Pictures update

2010-10-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

Some of my recent projects.

1940's blouse, mulberry silk, 3.25mm needles, commission piece, knitted for book by Claire Montgomerie.
Socks, hand painted sock yarn,, 2.75mm needles, cables twisted towards back on each foot so c2f on one and c4b on other, pattern from adapted to fit foot properly and incorporate reinforced heel, from knitty.com

children's pinwheel sweater, rowan, cashsoft aran, 5.5mm needles, body knitted as 1 piece with applied i-cord looped edging and using afterthought heel technique to later go back and pick up stitches for arms. unfinished

Lacey tunic top, dk cotton, 5mm needles, lace taken from encyclopedia of stitches, sleeves incorporated into body, not knitted separately.

Hand-spun, aran weight yarn

Felted slippers with 'grippy' soles, knitted on 12mm needles with bulky weight alpaca, washed on 90 degree wash.

DK hat, patons fairytale and debbie bliss fez, knitted on 4.5 and 5.5 mm needles, brim is knitted in double knitting (two pieces of circular fabric knitted at the same time on one circular needle), then white inner hat and purple outer lace cap knitted separately, pattern from the knitter.

Fornicating reindeer mp3 player cover, rowan felted tweed, 2.75mm needles, knit in round, own design to fit cowon s9 mp3 player, includes open space (asymmetric) for screen and hole for jack plug.

Earrings, 2 strands 28-gauge craft wire and beads, 2.75mm needles, inspiration taken from pattern on ravelry.com and adjusted to suit

Dashing, rowan pure wool aran, 4.5mm needles, pattern from knitty.com, adjusted to fit long slender hands. and skinny wrists

Granny's not so square shawl, own pattern, 6mm hook, rowan cashsoft 4ply, unfinished

Clapotis, diagonal knit scarf made from manos silk blend, 5.5mm needles, pattern from knitty.com

Bobble stitch bag with hand sewn lining, made from 2 strands dk weight, slubby natural yarn, knitted with 8mm needles, pattern from knittingdaily.com

More to come when i can get them off the old computer!

2010-06-10T01:59:00.000-07:00

New baby and spinning

2010-02-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to my Cousin Steven and Wife Clare on their third child, Jersey. Have been knitting furiously for the new one. Although still hurt i never got pictures of the last knitted item they got. The Daisy I knitted for Antonia. With another girl i am expecting it to come back out. After all i am part of the Selfish knitters club. If you don't seem to apreciate my gifts, you don't get any more. Any i don't think asking for a picture is too much to ask given digital cameras and email do you?

Also having a crappy time with my back AGAIN. Grrr. Still learnt to spin yesterday at Iknit, done my first mini skein, it looks amazing. So first step to Diane's fleece is ticked. Also think this may be a whoole new obsession. Oops.

For those that don't know the story, My OH's mum is mad about sheep. And for Christmas my OH adopted his mum a sheep for christmas. A Llanwenog. So i have ear marked the fleece, and intend to get it, treat it, spin it and knit it for her for christmas. Probably a scarf , hat and mitts. But need to get a bit more proficient first. So thats this years aim.

Sofa

2010-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas has been and gone, all projects got finished, now into the new year.

Firstly I am helping organise a project for st mungos homeless charity.

Recently I’ve been feeling that I’d like to get involved in knitting for charity however haven’t found a huge selection in the UK and to be honest nothing I feel I can engage with, so I have been talking to a lovely guy at St. Mungos, and going to get a project together with him.

About St Mungo’s

St Mungo’s opens doors for homeless people. Mainly based in London and the South, we provide over 100 accommodation and support projects day in, day out.
St Mungo’s creates more opportunities for homeless people to get permanent new homes and to find meaningful activities, learning and employment than any other charity. Our work focuses on three main areas:
•Providing emergency services. These include emergency shelters and hostels, and outreach teams who work on the streets with people sleeping rough. We support homeless people in real and urgent need, and last year helped thousands off the streets into accommodation. Of course, this emergency work is fundamental - but it is only the first step.
•Supporting homeless people in their recovery. We help people tackle the problems that have led to their homelessness by opening the door to drug and alcohol treatment, and providing access to decent physical and mental health care - as well as finding routes to employment and enjoyable relationships. Our semi-independent housing projects mean nearly 700 people are gaining confidence every day in their independent living skills.
•Preventing homelessness. This is a vital part of our work. Many people at risk of homelessness have damaged and chaotic lives, and may come from difficult backgrounds. Our support teams work with vulnerable people - from former rough sleepers in their new homes, to ex-offenders with mental health problems, to street beggars - to make positive changes in their lives. We also offer high support housing to nearly 400 men and women who could so easily end up sleeping rough, ensuring they have a safe and supportive place from which to go forward.

•We try to make our projects responsive to the changing needs of today’s homeless and vulnerable people. For example, recent innovations include: accommodation for vulnerable women fleeing from abuse in crack houses; support for people who have a dual diagnosis (combined drug and mental health problems); and work with ‘career beggars’.

One of the big things that really stands out for me is the fact they allow dogs to stay at their facility, one of the only places to do this. As we all have seen many homeless
Their website is www.mungos.org

Having spoken to Adam he would be delighted to receive items to either pass out to people, or you can knit for somebody specific, This is the last email I had, and will keep you updated as things progress:

Its very generous of you and your colleagues to offer this. I am meeting with my managers today and we will discuss this project and come back to you with specifics. There are a number of areas to look at. My teams all work with people on the streets and therefore it is useful to have a store of hats, gloves, scarves to give to those in greatest need. We also have a number of long term clients that individual gifts could be commissioned for (particularly older ladies and men who remain on the streets…and have been for many years). St Mungo’s also has many hostels where clients live (approx. 1000) and we could target specific groups within these or specific hostels. The idea of toys for women with children is also an excellent one. About 10% of our clients are women. Many have children who they are estranged from, or are in care but some visit or have access to them and gifts of this kind appropriately selected would be excellent. We also have one mother and baby unit.

At this time of year, items that are particularly appreciated are a hat, gloves, Mittens, neck warmers, scarfs, socks, vests, anything warm really. Most of their homeless are male but as you can see from the email children's items, women's items and toys are still welcome.

Will keep you all updated as I can but wanted you all to know as soon as possible.

In addition to this I am also talking to a couple of stores about donating items for a draw. Basically everybody who donates something will go into a draw to win prizes such as yarn, needles, vouchers, and whatever else I can scrounge out of people.

So get knitting.

Secondly is the story of the sofa. The Sofas we have are really bad for my back. I hate them. I want a new one, but the one i want is a LOT of money so a LONG way off, however I found a cream 4 seater on freecycle, a website that offers all sorts of unwanted items for free to a good home, everything you can imagine is on there. Anyway we picked up a sofa at 11 yesterday. Being silly I thought, hour, two max to get it in and sorted out, then go to iknit for the Help for Haiti tea party. Well we got the sofa into the hallway, and after an hour of to froing, twisting, angling, pushing. We admitted defeat. It wasn’t going in the front room. However it did fit in the bedroom as that was straight ahead off the hallway. Soooo…. Our bedroom is now our front room and our front room is now our bedroom. Which meant beds had to be moved, wardrobes, drawers, electricals, then sorting it all out, We have literally, at 11pm tonight finished sorting it all out, so a mad weekend.

On the knitting front, I have made 2 hats for St Mungos (It is my baby after all) also started on a summery cap sleeve, loose fitting lace top in the cotton i mentioned in my last post. going to take a while, but will be awesome when it's finished. Will post a picture when i have one. Also having one final bash at socks. Chosen Spring Cable as it is quite plain but with enough going on to keep me interested. Mot sure how it will go. But not fretting about it.

Right well i gotta run as it's late and i got work tomorrow so...

TTFN

all over - Yay and boo

2010-01-08T02:57:00.000-08:00

So Christmas has been and gone. It was MADNESS. I mean really madness, i did not stop knitting basically since September. In the end I made

Mum - Scarf and Toy Rabbit
Pete (Mum's partner) - Fingerless mitts
Sister - Merletto mitts
Dad - Hat in Alpaca, own design, 2x2 rib, one side twisted so as to give slightly different appearances on each side (Grey one pictured before)
Jo (Dad's missus) - Hat, Coronet (after OH swiped the Garmisch I made for her!)
Matthew (Jo's Son) - Hat, Basic 2x2 rib
Aunt - 72"x21" shawl
Uncle - 8"x60" Scarf, WWII RAF pattern (he was career RAF) in Jaeger matchmaker Merino in an RAF blue, on 3mm needles. It took FOREVER!
Nan - Scarf, same as mums but in rowan felted tweed in green
Chrystal - Toy Bunny, same as mum's
Spanky (Jack Russel) - Jumper

All will be on Ravelry with pics soon.

Also been sales shopping.

20 balls Rowan cashsoft Aran - half price from Liberty, to make Garter stitch cardigan Mum gave me some money to get some yarn so this is what i brought.

20 balls Rowan Silk Wool DK in Clay, the picture does it no justice. Again Liberty.

13 Balls Rowan Pure Wool Aran in Pepper from John Lewis, Oxford Street. £2.95 per ball

One of the Grey is for me and the other for OH, haven't decided which yet.

5 Balls Big Softy For a Bag from Bunty, £2.75 a ball, although may need more.

Anchor Bamboolo in Gold, 69p a ball, Kemps - 8 Balls

and 8 ball Pattons 100% cotton, again Kemps, 89p a ball

Picked up my bargain yarn i talked about before as well, 20 bals for under £10

Finally I got a £25 Iknit voucher from my Mum for Christmas so invested in a set of Knitpro acrylic circular needles. The kit comes with 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 7.0, & 8.0 mm tips, 40cm, 60cm, 80cm, 100cm and 120cm circular cables, 8 end caps, 4 cable keys all in a lovely pink case. Thanks Mum. XXX

And my Mum got me Debbie Bliss Design it, knit it book, which is great. So i am a very happy knitter right now!

Well I'm just about up to date.

TTFN

Christmas - Bah Humbug

2009-11-24T01:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, so my knitting has gone MAD for christmas, don't know if i am going to make it. Firstly Nev has decided he wants the Garmisch I made for Jo so gotta redo that, found a pattern for my uncle, it's a WWII RAF pattern, and as he was raf, thought he'd like it. Unfortunately it's 4-ply on 3mm needles and going really slowly. 15" in a week, working on it every spare second. I've still got 2 pairs of fingerless gloves, 2 hats (Jo's replacement and one for Matthew, finish Diagonale as decided to give that to my aunt who has been a ROCK this year. It's going to be tight. But I did finish my second Easy ribbed scarf, same as the secret scarf but in roiwans felted tweed in a lovely green. Did forget to photograph it before i wrapped it though. DOH! Sure my Nan will appreciate it enough to send me a picture. Anyway gotta get back to knitting, will post more once the christmas madness is over! Really starting to panic and I hate christmas!

TTFN

slippers.

2009-10-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

OH has been asking me for some slippers. So been looking round the internet for a pattern. Found a lovely one called Prairie boots. Brought some yarn for them, and i have to say one of the best patterns I've knitted. Loved making them. So watch this space as there may be quite a few appearing next year as christmas presents. Anywayhere are some pics.

Also get to have fun as brought some slipper gripper, it's in tubes like the farbic paints i used to have, a small nozzle and get to draw pretty patterns all over the sole, then let it dry. Pics will be up once nev has done his creative thing.

Iknit blanket

2009-10-27T01:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of it finished

Now winging it's way to one lucky recipient via macmillian. My squares are centre rightish and 2 across and 1 up from that square.

Not much news

2009-10-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

Ok so nothing really to report, still getting on with the cardigan, that's progressing slowly as is boring me now.

Another project that i seem to have completely misseed talking about is diagonale. Can't link to pattern as is a ravelry download. But anyone on ravelry, my name is Magpieknitter and the project is calld Everyday Scarf. Here are some pics of it (Not mine!)Mine is charcoal grey and looking pretty cool. It's more of a wrap than a scarf. But I love it. Thinking of doing another one already. May even gift this one.

On a final point many thanks to my Aunt who ran to lidl for me and secured 16 balls of red and 4 balls of white jager yarn for ... £9.94, Yes less than £10 for 20 balls on yarn. Horray for aunties.

Yay!!!!

2009-10-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

I got a new camera. It takes proper pictures and everything. I'm very happy. Here are a few....

Pink gift Scarf

Jo's Garmisch

Being beautifully modeled by my OH.

More to come... still playing!

Update - Squares

2009-09-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

Macmillian have been collecting knitted square for their Knitted blankets campaign as part of the worlds biggest coffee morning. I knit decided to make a whole blanket with the members of the groups. I made 2 squares, on plain knit version and one lacy butterfly. Here is the butterfly one in the blanket

Will post pics of the whole blanket if i can get them.

Still bromptoning.

2009-09-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

Its killing me, i've completed it past the arm done the waist decreasing, and am 9 inches past armhole, using 5th ball at the moment, so getting close on yardage, may need to buy a smaller 4mm 40cm circ, do arms, then carry on with body. But to be honest, i really don't want, to. I've lost interest. That much Stocking stitch i'm losing sight of how much i have actually done. Last night I Lost The Will To Knit. I sat in Iknit with brompton on my lap for 30minutes before announcing my problem. Firstly i got told to get a new yummy yarm that i would love. So after long thought brought a skein of Artesano Aran for a hat for Kev. Also a 40cm 5.5mm circ. It's coming out lovely. Really beautiful. Had a bit of a Q&A for how many stitches, went with 92 as i air on the side of tight, and decided on a twisted rib as Yvonne couldn't remember how to do broken rib, and due to an error, now a design feature made by Penny, I have decided to do Twisted Rib. Doesn't look as harsh as it does on Mangyle, Just very neat and good, so happy with that, also make me look good i can point out it's reversable for slightly different looks! Think its working though. Although dreading starting on brompton again. See where i go with that!

Here is my OH doing a sterling job of modeling the hat for me.
Off to Iknit tomorrow to meet debbie bliss and do the Macmillian coffee morning/afternoon. Then going to be teaching on the southbank on sunday on the Iknit stand. Need more knitting to take, maybe another swallowtail in sock weight?

Math...

2009-09-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

OK, so feel like I've joined some elite group or something, just ripped my first Sweater in the name of math. Well cardigan if you want to get picky but think the same saying applies!

It all started with me making a cardigan called Brompton. Beautiful. Was given some old 100% acrylic in a flesh colour (Would be a photo here but yarn doesn't come out hardly at all again a cream carpet with my crappy camera phone pictures). Would look Quite vintage and delicate because of the brushed effect of the yarn. Went up a needle size as i always do to get the right gauge. Although seeing 18x22 gauge assumed it was an error. NO WAY CAN YOU GET THAT GAUGE ON THEM NEEDLES!

So next, in a completely unrelated incident, i join a Ravelry Group called Body Doubles. The idea being to get advice and pattern ideas from people with a similar shape to you. And so I actually measured myself. First time. Wasn't happy with the result. But that's another story.

So here we are.... Had 62 stitches on the arm, and by my calculation needed 76 to fit with 2 inch spare, and with only 90 stitches on the back at this point, meaning 104 at the point of taking the arms off, it didn't have a snowballs chance in HELL of getting round my boobs (estimated 122 stitches) The gauge was right. I was wrong. I've knit 1.5 balls already by this point. DOH! So I ripped it. Better now than later.

The moral of the story.... Math matters. And never assume, check!

So another potential stumbling block, yarn i am using is 40g balls not 50g. Pattern calls for 9, I have 10. And no-where is there mentioned yardage on the ball, and i can't find it listed mentioned or otherwise anywhere. Already decided, because i actually prefer them, I want 3/4 length sleeves, but shall keep you updated on that one.

Have now started again, safe in the knowledge it will go round my boobs. just got to work out the waist shaping. And pray to the knitting gods about my yardage.

Got more news, this time about a Surprise KAL. But more about that another time.

TTFN

More FO's

2009-09-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

This is a cheeky peek at the Pink gift Scarf

Latest project.

2009-09-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

Shhhh...... It's a secret. It's a present. Person it's for might be reading this. So gotta be a bit subtle.

Think next project is a cardigan. In Aran. Not sure on specifics yet but need to think about it. Got time as got to finish this present first.

TTFN

Steeking Mangyle from hell.

2009-09-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

Ok so in my post yesterday i said i would report the story of steeking the mangyle. So here it is.

First, I finish the Mangyle and join the front and back. And pick up and knit the arm holes.

Looking good then i realise the neck looks a little small.

It won't fit over his head.

I'm not going to undo it. No Way In Hell am i ripping it. So how do i solve this. Well first how much do i need to enlarge the neck by.

You can just about see the safety pin in this image. It actually finishes 2 yellow points higher than this. So about 2.5 inches. Not a small amount. Bugger.

Ok so haven't got alot of options but keep hearing about steeking.

In knitting, steeking is a shortcut used to knit things like sweaters in the round without interruption for openings or sleeves until the end. After completing a tube, a straight line is cut along the center of a column of stitches, in order to make room for an opening or place to attach another piece. The steek itself is a bridge of extra stitches, in which the cut is made, and is usually 6-10 stitches wide. This technique was developed by the knitters of the Shetland archipelago and is particularly associated with Fair Is le sweaters, although it can be used for solid colors as well.

After the steek is cut, the edges are tacked down on the wrong side of the fabric in order to create a neat finishing. The stitches can also be picked up and knit from, for example, to create a sleeve. Alternatively, a sleeve can be made separately and sewn onto the steek. After the garment with a steek has been worn and washed a few times, the facings will full and become durable finishes on the inside of the garment.

Steeks can be used for front openings (such as on a cardigan), armholes, or necklines. It has several advantages: For many knitters, faster at knitting than purling, it goes faster, and allows one to work with the right side of the fabric facing them all the time, and thus follow an intricate pattern more easily. It is also easier to maintain an even tension and, as the color changes can be hidden, there are fewer ends to weave in.

In general, there is little risk of unravelling the sweater with a steek cut, as knit stitches are unlikely to unravel from side to side. They can be further strengthened by using a sticky hairy animal yarn (Shetland wool, the traditional choice, is a good example), and using frequent color changes (such as a 1x1 rib or a check pattern) to secure the yarn. In addition, the sides of the steek can be reinforced by crocheting or sewing.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Just the idea of cutting my knitting after all theat work, especially with such beautiful yarn that wasn't cheap, has alway scared the living daylights out of me. However seems the only optioin and a lot of knitters do swear by it including Kelly Petkin from Knitpicks. So research it and find lots of info on turning a sweater into a cardigan but not alot of neck steeking. Using a combination of Eunny's crochet tutorial,
Libbykin Knits
and Knitty's tutorial on Steeking

I decided since my hand sewing leave something to be desired, and i don't have a sewing maching, but am quite proficient at crochet, the crochet steek is the way forward and providing i go a stitch or two further than i cut, there is no reason why i can't do a short steek as opposed to the long ones shown. So i crochet my steek edges.

Now you would normally cut, however being a scaredy cat and a wimp, I decide to leave it for the moment. You see obviously these edges might be secure but i still have to pick up and knit the neck. And knitting around the base will cause stress on the cut. So i decide to do that first.

This shows the stitches picked up. I then completed the 6 rows of stocking stitch and cast off.

Now i can't put it off any longer. It has taken 4 hours to get to this point. If i'm going to do it now is the time.

Be brave My friend.

Be still my beating heart.

And all that.

1.....

2.....

3.....

Ta Da Post cut/steek

As you can see i have cut down the centre of the 2 crochet rows and it appears to be a success.

I give it a tentative tug and doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

Neck isn't quite as good as it could be but given everything i have been through i am really not fussed.

It is drying as i write this, the steek survived being washed. and will post pics of OH actually wearing it. I am still not overly happy with it. But i am very happy it is over. And i did learn ALOT.

Swiss darning
Matress stitch, which i had never used before, always used back stitch but this is going to revolutionise my knitting.
And of course the point of this whole post...Steeking. Which i have to say, once you've done your first one and it goes ok, i think will be a really handy thing to do and will be using it again. Just think. Knit a jumper on the round. Then cut down the middle, no measuring sides and getting one slightly longer. So am happy with what i have learnt.

Mangyle from Hell....

2009-09-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

.... is finished!!!!! I am so happy the night mare is over. In the end i ripped it as i said, and re-knitted in cream and brown. Swiss darning the yellow afterwards. It wasn't so hard to be honest. Although looks good from a distance, i'm not quite so keen close up, then again when and if he wears it, i doubt people will be studying it close enough to notice. I did, however, notice after finishing the front and the darning and inseting the sleeve ribbing that the neck was way too same and wouldn't actually go over his head!!! Given the absolute HELL this project has put me through I was NOT going to rip it again. So I decided to Steek it. This is a rather scary technique involving cutting down the middle of the stitches. It scared the hell out of me but was the onl;y way i could see of doing it without the horror of ripping it again.

I am going to put up a blow by blow account in my next post, including how i adapted the technique to work for me and the finish article. in the mean time here is a picture of the finished body.Apologies about the quality, i only have a camra phone to use. But here is a closer view of the argyle work down the side.
TTFN for now. More about Mangyle from hell next time.

More FO's

2009-08-21T04:11:00.000-07:00

Just an update with more finished items, giving up smoking is doing wonders for my knitting!

Finished these on wednesday.

Bit tight for me so hopefully be a snug fit for marl. Took less than 1 ball so maybe somebody else will be getting some too! Also back on Mangyle. I WILL FINISH THIS.!!!!!!!!

Finished!!!!!!

2009-08-16T14:57:00.001-07:00

Swallowtail lace, finished and being blocked

And a close up of the detail

Because i used my mobile phone to take the pictures i couldn't capture the colurs, but it is STUNNING. Really it's amazing, can't wait to wear it! Finished bloxking measurements are 44" wide and 19" deep. which isn't bad going, and took me amost exactly 1 week. I'm so happy!

Started on Marl's gloves as well as got the yarn for them at bunty's when i went earlier. Using the pattern for symmetrical braided gauntlets.

Think it'll be good on her. Although have changed the pattern a bit. CO31, 10 x rib and 4 pattern repeats before thumb gusset. should fit her well. Well just thought i'd update on Swallowtail lace as sooooo excited (can you tell?)

TTFN

lace

2009-08-16T04:17:00.000-07:00

Ok so mangyle has been sidelined again. But not for long, the wonderful Vanessa from Iknit has said she will help me with it at the club on Wednesday. Thinking i may rip it AGAIN do the brown and cream and then darn the yellow afterwards. Liking that idea and may just give me the boost i need to finish it!

In the mean time i have been working on Swallowtail lace shawl, using Knitpicks shadow oregan coast, i got this from my SP in 2007, I don't know why i never used it but it is the most amazing colours i have ever seen. Really looking forward to the sunset that i also got. I think i've discovered with this project that lace really is my thing. scarfs, shawlettes etc are complicated enough that i don't get bored and also just large enough that i don't lose interest. Saying that i have christmas presents to do so after swallowtail that i hope will be finished this afternoon/evening and mangyle (maybe) i need to get going on christmas, My auntie is having fingerless mittens in plum/grape kind of colour and maybe a hat, OH's mum a branching out or tigerseye lace scarf, mum i think another lace item is in order, but also want to make her a market bag. So we'll see on that one. They are also getting handmade bath products, hopefully soap, bathbombs and bubblebath. Have also frogged cambridge woman. This was never worn. It looked HIDEOUS on, made me look huge, majorly overweight, was too short in the body and to be honest was just wrong. So i've frogged it. May use yarn for marketbag. Hmmm.... bit of silver with it or something, could be on to something.

Anyway I'm off to my LYS to buy a couple of goodies, namely 100g aran and some blocking pins for swallowtail.

TTFN

The knitting goddess has desserted me!

2009-08-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

Warning strong language, although justified i feel!

Both Doggy jumpers are done, just gotta wait for pictures now!!!

Next (and past) project.

Been doing mangyle for about 6 months, back was done in 2 days flat. lovely. Front, mother fucking cosk sucker wank fuck colour work is doing my head in, so doing it one row at a time,this will probably mean my gauge is out (fuck it) and at the moment my intarsia and my fair isle look like a two year old has been colour then spilt drink all over it (fuck it) as in it’s not lying flat and some stiches are lose and some you can barely see (again…fuck it). But i am determined to finish, And he will wear it!!!!! Hoping it’ll wash and block out but if it doesn’t oh well. to be honest this pattern has me pulling ky hair out. I mean FFS I can knit and crochet proficiently, i can knit lace, bags, jumpers cardigans, gloves, toed socks, know 4 cast ons and 4 cast offs without having to look them up, Work stripes, chinchilla yarn, I’ve crocheted a flaming jacket, and i can’t tackle a simple fucking dick wad of a jumper. The knitting gods are being fuckwits by creating this pattern.

Here is somebody else's Finshed Mangyle

Got 7 bobbins and 2 balls on the go, doing a little twisty thing whenever i change colour (ripped twice due to holes) trying not to over pull yarn but not get really lose sticthes, even had the girls and boys in iknit london try and help.

Only pattern my OH has ever decided isn’t ‘cheap and tacky and home made looking’, even refused to wear the hat i made him (black nothing stand out) but decided to buy one instead (after i’d finished) so i will finish it, and it will kill me in the process, i shall cast off, wash block and steam, then go and sit in a corner and rock and dribble for 20 years thinking of the hell it has put me through.

somebody please tell me i’m not the only one considering knitting suicide over this and donating my whole stash with needles to a charity shop so i can never attempt it again.

Why do we do it to ourselves?

Hello

2009-08-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

It's been a very long time since i blogged. So much has happened, living in west london, with my wonderful OH, working in recruitment, loving life here. There is just so much more of everything.

My yarn adventures haven't stopped, made things such as hats, bags, and most recently 2 dog sweaters for my friends new puppy, Spanky. The most adorable Jack russell terrier puppy. She still lives in Ipswich, so slightly awkward trying to gauge size, but done the best i can. Awaiting photos of spanky in them.

This is the first one from Swiss army librarian

This for the less observant isn't spanky, but a pic of the pattern. Believe this is Maci, a 3lb miniature Chihuahua. Made it in Rowan Felted tweed in a moss green kind of colour.

Also made Buster.

This one was made with Stlyecraft Life DK in the same green as mum's scarf, instead of Worsted and used 3.5mm and 4mm needles.

Next project is unknown, so any suggestions greatfully recieved.

Moving house = stress

2008-11-13T02:32:00.000-08:00

Ok so i've got a job 150miles away in west london, combines my sales with my mechanical knowledge, which is great, i'll be back with my other half, YAY!!!!, so all is good. I've moved several times over the last three years due to various situations, this one i intend to be my last until me and he can afford a depsit (not likely), always found somewhere i like quite quickly, probably due to knowng it wasn't a permenant move, this time however, OMG, the stress, 20 flats we ooked at in 2 days. Loved one of them, but it had had a deposit put down the day before through another company and the landlord hadn't told the other agent. We were gutted, i mean it really was perfect, but we carried on, several houss on we found another place on the second day, which was ok ticked the main boxes, until leaving the flat the agent mentioned that the woman that was still in there was dss, and tey were booting her out with a bailiff, then council would have to rehouse her, yadda yadda yadda... maybe not!. which brings us to wolverton gardens, we've been messed around a bit, it's a beautiful flat, parking may be an issue, but we can cross that bridge when we get to it, it's close to 2 tube stations and lots of amenities, put an offer in last night and still haven't heard anything. I am soo stressed, i just wanna cry, i am supposed to start on the 24th november which doesn't leave us long to sort the details out. Stresssssss. well my little rant over, will keep you updated.

Hello

2008-11-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Right figured after debating about what to do with this for some time, i'm just gonna have a blog, about everything. Keep the name, just deviate a bit.

Having just got internet back up and running, yay, have had a few chores that i have been meaning to do but haven't got round to, like washing my gorgeous dark denim skinny jeans, which i have been putting off due to not wanting them to fade. Well i have just discovered a whole new aspect to the web. Cleaning tips. Being 24, i am not the best at cleaning dispite my best efforts. I think having a house proud mother didn't help, she'd be there to catch the crumbs from your sandwich before they hit the floor, so i never really gt a huge amount of cleaning guidance as a child, and moving out was a massive shock. So today i have been hand washing woolens so the don't lose they're shape (ok i should know this already), washing the jeans i have been putting off, have managed to get the cooker top that i have spent hours in the past slaving over to actually shine with very little effort, and making my white shirts white again (I hope, haven't quite finished yet!) and how to un-shrink something after washing it. And the lesson, cleaning really isn't as big a chore as i have made it in the past. i've been known to spend a whole day on my kitchen to get it to sparkle, today it was done in under 60 mins (ok, it was pretty nasty). So for all you who hate cleaning try looking at http://housekeeping.about.com/ I found them awesome. Never know might make my mother proud yet!!!

Cambridge Woman Finished!!!!!

2008-06-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

So proud of myself, finished my first jumper, well tank top, but still it's a big deal for me. It has been affectionatly renamed Fottball jumper due to the fact it has been completed almost entirely during football (soccer) games, it has a V neck and i decided not to put arm or neck band on it, as i like the slightly unfinished look on it. started on madeline, a green cardigan made in stylecraft life DK in fern. Boring me a bit already as I do like to have a bit of variation in a pattern and at the moment is a bit monotomous. all of you on ravelry i'm finally on there!!!! magpieknitter. so come say hi.

Got asked about the tattoo. Well it's actually more to do with my grandfather. When my Nan died when i was 15, instead of buying a wreath for her i decided to get a tattoo instead, a small rose on my hip, it's not a girly rose, but more tribal, as i felt that was a good match between the two of us. My Grandfather died May 2007, he was a great lover of celtic design and saw this and just felt it was the right one to represent him, stone, natural material, being turned into something beautiful, i never considered the religious implications i have to say, plus it's not actually finished, it's being addded to with a dragon this year and possibly next year lotus blossoms behind it. Shall have things appropriate to other members of my family as the time is right.

Do come and say hi on ravellry, most of my progress reports are going on there at the moment, so this may weel be renamed and become a pagan blog with knitting in it rather than a knitting blog with paganism.

Blessed Be

2008-04-21T01:05:00.000-07:00

Over the last week or so i have been knitting a little bit, but mainly dealing with the impending festival. Beltane, where i celebrate the union of the goddess and her consort. I admit it i am a pagan, a witch, infact i class myself as a hedge witch. I rarely admit what i do to others and this is all a bit odd for me. There still seems to be a slight stigma around paganism, dispite it's recent rise in popularity. So i am going to try and explain a little bit of it to you.
Paganism is nature worship. The oldest form of religion. Proven to be practised as far back as neolithic man. Basically it means one who lives with the goodess. So pagan is an umberella term for many types of worship. You have neo-pagans , cyber-pagans, alexandrian and gardenian witchcraft, shamanism, druidism, asatyuvian, the list goes on. I personally am a hedge witch. This means i work with the seasons and nature and give thanks to her and all she has provided for us. The first major differance is in the fact i have both a god and goddess, they have differant names and forms in each civilisation over the years, the ancient egyptians, ancient greeks, we al know about Zeus, Aphrodite, and such, again this was a pagan society, the norse people, such as Odin, loki, Freya, Thor. You can chose one or many. they are all aspects of the goddess and god.
There are 4 major and 4 minor festivals a year most of which align nicely to christian ones. you have yule (christmas), Imbolic (around the 2nd feb) to celebrate the re-awakening of the earth, Ostara (20/21 march) spring equinox the change into longer days, Beltane (1st may) traditonal time of first blooms, Litha (20th june) longest day, Lughnasadh (1st aug) harvest time, Mabon (22nd sept) autmn equinox, Samhain (31st oct) end of season, thanks for the year, the harvests, etc.
I also practise herbalism and find it more effective in many cases to conventional medicine. Although i subscribe to the idea of using the two in conjuntion to each other. No amount of herbalism is going to remove a burst appendix or such. also certain herbs are banned from being sold in the uk and among them are some of the most effective pain killers. So i need something to ease my back.
Meditation and what i class as path working, where you use a story to help you along, are popular parts of paganism. I like to meditate and find since i have started doing all this, i have become alot clearer about who i am and what i do because i have clarity of thought. And through my appreciation of the earth do what i can to protect it. recycling, considering what i buy and how it is grown/lived/made. I go on annual 'litter picks' when i can, around sping time to try and do my bit. And do not perform the type of magic that i would be percieved to. I may ask the goddess for guidance or help in some way, similar to a christian asking their god for something. However my moto is ''if it harm none, do as you will.' also believing what i give out i get returned. Much of what i do is based on appreciating what the goddess has given us. Respecting it. Just sitting in the garden and admiring the garden and miracle of it is, in it's own way, paganism.

I hope i haven't scared anyone with this, it has taken alot to share and is a very very brief insight into something alot of people don't understand and therefore are afraid of. Next time i promise to return to knitting and crochet.

Blessed Be

cambridge woman

2008-04-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

Been sulking about cambridge woman. big time haven't picked up needles in days. Then whilst looking for something, i have just this minute found another random ball of the same yarn YAY. Must go, i've got a jumper to complete!

2008-03-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well I've finished Branching out, with 2 people saying 'Ooh, if you get time can you do me one of them!' I am very proud as it has turned out beautifully. I am just waiting on the other half to dig out the data cable for my phone (I've got his old one.) so i can upload the pics. I am not going to give you a time scale as, as wonderful as he is, and ladies i'm sure you all understand, actually getting him to do it is a whole nother question. He's watching his beloved football atm, England Vs France. So leaving him to it. He went to see his team, Chelsea, play on Sunday against Arsenal. They won, so i didn't have to put up with the slightly depressed tone afterwards. Arsenal for those that don't know have lead the Premiership all season up till now, with Manchester united second and Chelsea third, man. U. are now first then Chelsea, then Arsenal, so he's happy. The reason I, a complete none football fan, mention this is because it made me realize how, even with no interest at all we manage to still pick up on things about each others lives and interests. OK he still cannot comprehend what i see in knitting but understands a few things and appreciates a little involvement goes a long way. Anyway back to knitting, started on another ball for Cambridge woman and have realized the ball has quite a few irregularities in the yarn. it's patchy only very small patches a couple of mm wide but in intervals along quite a long section. The wool in question was brought from a yarn shop, that has since closed, and was brought about 3 years ago. so what to do? i think i have another ball hiding somewhere. but if not do i search for forever more trying to find a match or do i just say f&*k it and give up now. Was so proud having finished the back and 1/3rd of the front of my 'proper' project, i can't tell you especially as i have been knitting quite a while (3 yrs) and still haven't managed it. feel really quite disheartened now.

Aargh, forgotten birthday!!!!

2008-03-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

Realised on friday that it's nearly my mum's birthday, and being as i keep intending to make her a gift and never seem to get round to it, and i am not the fastest knitter in the world i decided i better get a wiggle on, so what to make? What colour? all the usual stuff going on in my poor little brain. I have this yarn in my stash which i love the colour of and on a whim brought 10 200g balls of the stuff. Unfortunately it doesn't like me though, as i found out when i started a top down jumper and when i held it up and realized it's not my colour! however my mum also loves it so hey presto what to do now, i mean it's not like i haven't got enough of the stuff to do most things. But time is of the essence and so i look through my computer in the file where i keep all my favorite patterns from the web. and see branching out. I tried it a few times when it was first on knitty and never got it but for some reason it was calling me. So decided to give it a go. This might have something to do with being a very similar shade to the green it's pictured in, but figure i'll give it a go, if it doesn't work a last minute dash to the shops to buy something will be in order! well 21 pattern repeats later and i'm not sure why i got in such a 'tis about it. doing pattern from memory and looks awsome. Can't wait to block it. So have achieved three important knitting things this weekend. Justifyed buying 10 balls of yarn on a whim (always good) Learnt to knit lace. And finally may be able to give my mother a home made gift.

OMGG!

2008-03-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'VE FINISHED A SOCK!!!!!!!! Not a pair just the one but it's a start. It's only taken me a little over a year, but hey ho. the really mad thing is it fits, perfectly. what's that all about i thought the first one was supposed to be wrong in some way. started on the second but don't expect too much progress!!!

I have to apologize for my long absences. now have no Internet (round new boyfriends ATM) We've been together coming up for 6 months and to be honest i feel like a teenager again. Every time i see him i get butterflies, which is alot, as he's basically moved in already. His main fault, he is an avid football fan, supports Chelsea FC, and i sit with him to be sociable and knit, about 2/3rds of the way through Rowan's Cambridge Woman tank. So i can't complain, i only knit that during matches. My non football projects are -:

Completed
2 crochet scarves, 4 cat toys(C), 2 hats (1 K, 1 C), 2 pairs baby socks (K), 2 pairs gloves, 1 fingered, 1 fingerless (K), so getting on with it

OTN
Handbag from Happy hooker, sock #2, and soon to be on the needles more baby stuff, as 2 of my cousins are sprogleting again.

So i am happier and healthier than i have been in a long while, still knitting and crocheting like a mad woman, and am presently being not so subtly told by the cat it's time for a fuss so i'd better go before he gets in a huff

Bex
X

More updates

2007-08-29T01:05:00.000-07:00

Well since my last post things have gone completly mad in my life, i have split up with the other half, now living with 2 friends,

I lost my grandfather, whom i loved dearly and being the closest relative spend alot of time with my nan, she lives in a little village where her local shop is 7 miles away, she's not frail by any streatch of the imagination, and still very active, however, i am doing my best to make sure she is ok, and adjusting to life after over 50 years with my grandad. I try and see her at least twice a week, it's a 40 mile round trip, but worth it. I think she's looking to move to somewhere with more amenities, as it was hard once my grandad started to deteriorate to do simple things, like go to the shops, a trip to the hospital was again a 40 miles round trip, they were in the middle of nowhere and the local ambulance depot was 15 miles away. So it would be sensible for her to be closer to a town.

I've had a motorbike accident, writting off a three week old bike into a tree, caught a patch of diesel and lost the front end throwing me of and bouncing down the road, luckily no major damamge was done, just a few bruises and a hurt pride.

Have a new tattoo, not a great picture but gives you an idea at least. covers about a third of my back.

So all of this plus repairing my car, holding down a full time job, running a car club and adjusting to being single, i've had absolutly no time on my hands to do any knitting, must get back into it. But need life to slow down a bit first. Will be back with a vengence soon, don't you worry about that.

Bex

i'm back

2007-07-25T05:16:00.000-07:00

Ok i apologise for my lengthy absence, i went back into hospital following the car crash. had operation o my neck ad have been useless ever since. couldn't knit or anything. Plus I finally managed, with the help of some VERY good friends, Love you guys if you're reading this, managed to leave my Boyfriend. He started getting nasty, and then physically nasty, so they came over and packed all my stuff and got me moved, so now coping with moving and not being able to move properly, but it's for the best. Picked up the crochet hook for the first time the other day, started using some of the gorgeous yarn my sp brought me. Picks will follow. well i promise not toleave it too long till the next update.

Horray for spare time.

2007-06-11T13:12:00.001-07:00

Well the show that has been taking so much of my time recently was a major success. nearly 100 bikes and over 900 cars through the gate with nearly 500 of them being show cars. Band went down a storm. The day went smoothly, and after paying the site fees etc. still came out with over ₤2000.00 for charity! Our chosen charity is Colchester ICTU. In memory of one of our club members, James Dawson, who died last year, after a long battle with illness, aged just 19. His car was there as a tribute to him, it is now owned by his close friend Spike.

I have been possibly the luckiest girl ever, Friday, completely stressed about the show, on the verge of saying f**k it, and i get a parcel from my secret pal, FULL of goodies, sweeties, chocolate, yarn, crochet hooks, it's an awsome package, although may have to hold here hostage to keep sending me ribena sweets, they are GORGEOUS, and mentoes, haven't had them in years, the other half got all over excited about the Cloud9 that were in there so let him have them, apparently they are just like baby ruth (?) having not tried the later i don't know, but either way hasn't had them since he was a kid on USAAF base. Pictures really will follow i am presently awaiting my friend with her camera, though looks like i could be waiting a while. might just go buy a cheapy one.

Robyn and her contests.

2007-06-05T01:43:00.000-07:00

Ok for one reason or i haven't been able to ener most of Robyn's contest and here's another one. Last weekend i decided enough was enough and started decorating, deciding to do three rooms, i picked out 2 WIP's and the rest of my stash is safely tucked away behind a mountain of a back room until it is safe to come out and all traces of paint etc. have disappeared. Ohhh and i finally found a picture of the Hooded cardigan i knitted back in january time for antonia.

I'm back

2007-06-01T01:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry i kinda disappeared there, had so much going on that i just went into auto mode and did only the bear minimm as couldn't handle much more. I am however almost half way though secret project. Yay. Completely the wrong time of year for it but hey, an FO is an FO. More to follow.....

2007-05-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

Found this over on Dreamcatcher And thought I'd do one. Seems like a good thing to do annually around New Year to see what you have learnt in the last year. Amazing how it all adds up. I've only been knitting just over a year.

Afghan/Blanket
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cozies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars
Olympic knittingKnitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with DPNs
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a livingKnitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
EntrelacKnitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self-patterning/self-striping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
JewelryKnitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
IntarsiaKnitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rowsCuffs/fingerless mitts/arm warmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

SP contest 5.

2007-05-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

Robyn has asked us our favorite knitting spot. Well i don't really have one. I tend to sit on the sofa in the front room, with the lamp behind me. Living in a small flat, having a haven just isn't an option. However it does take me back to the reason i started knitting. Which is quite simply boredom.

At the time we had one telly in the house with an aerial as we weren't allowed to drill through the wall. Now DOH has an obsession in his computer games, and when at home is nearly always on his PS2/Xbox/360/Wii. I don't mind as it keeps him out of trouble and i know where he is. But i got very bored and did a bit of dabbling in card making (messy) Cross-stitch(great but tedious.) Beading (fiddly and slow) and eventually, for some unknown reason i went to the local charity shop and brought a set of 10mm needles and a ball of yarn for the wacking great price of 40p. And started knitting, something i was taught as a child to do by good old nanny. And have never lookied back. I don't like knitting in bed, just doesn't feel comfortable.

So there you have it, you'll find me sitting on the sofa, in the front room, whilst DOH plays computer games and i can make all the right sounds and be sociable, without having to paying any attention at all to his computer games.

lack of posts

2007-05-14T03:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry about lack of posts, everytime i am spending more than 10 minutes on blogger it is freezing and i lose what i am doing. sorting out asap.

Oh No, Not again...

2007-05-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

I am not complete crochet-a-holic. Mainly because it is easier to do without tilting my head forward than knitting at the moment that is a big problem. Still not great but practice, practice, pratice. And trust me, i am.

Started Trying to use the Elann Sonata solid that i recieved from my Secret Pal to knit with. I HATED IT, i thought my fingers were going to be sawn off with it running through my fingers. So put it down to start on my first 'proper' crochet project, Got past the first few rows and it became obvious the yarn i was using just wasn't stiff enough to support the structure of the bag. So frogged it. And in a moment of inspiration used the Sonata instead, Brilliant, i may hate knitting with this stuff but of my i love crocheting with it. makes a lovely stiff fabric and gorgeous definition. It looks amazing. Unfortunatly my 300 pound digital camra decided to break two weeks outside the warrenty so no camra at present. (Someone really doesn't like me at the minute!) I will do my best to get some published as and when i can. Although if anyone can tell me why i love crocheting but hate knitting with this stuff let me know.

Not knitting

2007-04-30T03:54:00.000-07:00

Ok since my car accident and not being able to arch my neck therefore unable to knit i have been a little slack getting back into it. So just to enthuse you all i haven't knit at all this weekend, I have been at a bike rally called 'Bum in the Mud' still no DX but wouldn't be able to ride her anyway, had a great time and got burnt and spent saturday pm/sunday am promptly being sick and dizzy and generally crap. First outing since transam died and i got sunstroke. YAY for me. Seriously, if it's not one thing it's another at the moment. Luckily it's not too severe.
Am now going to look at patterns for a tank top or jumper. will let you know what i decide.

I'll learn to crochet if it kills me.......

2007-04-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

That's what i have been saying for about a year, i have tried, but like the socks to no avail. Well i was on knitting pattern central and accidently clicked to go to the sister site crochet pattern central, and thought 'well while i'm here, may as well look.' Clicked on techniques and suddenly something occured to me. although i knit like everyone else and can do most things normally i am actually left handed. Saw instructions on how to crochet left handed....and i'm off. I am soooooo very proud of myself, will follow with pics. Still computer is not working, boo hoo. Have single crochet and (uk) double crochet down, half double looks, well, wrong so will have to practise but i am soooo proud of myself i look like a cheshire cat!

Earth's Children

2007-04-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

Ok whilst i haven't been able to knit i have been reading a series of books called the Earth's Children Series by Jean Auel. The first book in the series is clan of the cave bear

Amazon.co.uk Review
'The Clan of the Cave Bear is the start of Jean M Auel's epic Earth's Children series. When her parents are killed by an earthquake, five-year-old Ayla wanders through the forest completely alone. Cold, hungry, and badly injured by a cave lion, the little girl is as good as gone until she is discovered by a group who call themselves the Clan of the Cave Bear. This clan, left homeless by the same disaster, has little interest in the helpless girl who comes from the tribe they refer to as the "Others". Only their medicine woman sees in Ayla a fellow human, worthy of care. She painstakingly nurses her back to health--a decision that will forever alter the physical and emotional structure of the clan. Although this story takes place roughly 35,000 years ago, its cast of characters could easily slide into any modern tale. The members of the Neanderthal clan, ruled by traditions and taboos, find themselves challenged by this outsider, who represents the physically modern Cro-Magnons. And as Ayla begins to grow and mature, her natural tendencies emerge, putting her in the middle of a brutal and dangerous power struggle.'

So far there are 5 books in print with the 6th presently being written. i am now reading the 3rd, The mammoth hunters and have to say i am hooked. They are so well written and, if like me you love a good book, it's one that you really do get right into the heart of. Also knitted a book mark especially for these books, will do a show and tell when can get camera hooked back up to the computer.

On the knitting front i started another sock (See sock saga below) and guess what, no such luck of too small, still with a guage of 8 spi and 72 stitches it's too bl**dy big, i give up, socks are not for me. so will knit a 6-12 mth baby sweater for antonia. I hate socks.

Moan

2007-04-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

OK maybe it is just me, but i am really getting sick of people who have something wrong with them using it as an excuse for everything, now this is coming from personal experience, i have a very rare condition called Stiff persons syndrome (yes, i laughed too the first time i was told.) Basically i spend around 4-6 months a year in a wheelchair, i am, like alot of people with various conditions, constantly in some form of pain, But i still run a massive hot rod and custom car club, have a full-time job, ok it's not one i really like or what i trained for but i do it, and manage to have a full life by any ones standard, since being diagnosed i now know this is progressive and incurable and i will in the future be permanently wheelchair bound and eventually i may be unable to do anything for myself, so what did i do, thought right i always said i want to rode a motorbike so i will, and now can. I am building a car to go drag racing in, doing all the work involved myself by modifying a few tools and things so i can do it myself, ok i can't lift or such things but where there's a will there's a way, i use pulleys and cranes instead. I also have built a frame which when i am really, really bad i can haul myself in and out of the car myself. Now another part of my condition is depression, so yes i have snappy days and down days but there i am lucky in that i have some great friends who pull me through but having so much to do actually means i can't stop and go woe is me. Now i except that not everyone is like this, some are not as strong as i am mentally, i am a fighter, but still when i get 'My whatever is playing up and i can't whatever', balls is what i say, can't is a state of mind. I have someone i am talking to on the net who hasn't spoken to me because there condition is playing up, i know what it is and what it entails but still if with whiplash and concussion and my SPS playing up and no computer at home, i can go to a friends to make sure i am keeping up to date with things, someone else can go onto there computer and say look this is the situation, not hugely talkative at the moment but give me a couple of days I'll get back to you. It's not hard. Sorry needed a rant because people like this really are a waste i just want to shake them and say what are you doing with your life? Sure i shall get some comments about this but hey it's my blog, and if you don't like it that's your problem.

Ok rant finished normal service will resume shortly.

Movies

2007-04-04T05:58:00.001-07:00

Found this over on bulldog knits and thought it looked quite fun.

1)Name a movie you've seen more than 10 times.
Queen of the Damned. Oh how divine Stuart Townsend looks in this film.

2)Name a movie you've seen multiple time in the theatre
Disneys Cars

3)Name an actor that would make you more inclined to see a movie
Nicolas Cage

4)Name an actor that would make you less likely too see a movie
Jennifer Anniston, she so cannot act for buttons

5)Name a movie you can and do quote from
American Graffiti

6)Name a musical in which you know all the lyrics to all the songs
I don't

7)Name a movie you have been known to sing along to
The great escape (well hum i guess)

8)Name a movie you would recommend everyone see
Bullitt with Steve McQueen or Zulu with Micheal Caine

9)Name a movie you own
All thoose listed above

10) Name an actor that launched his/her career in another medium but who suprised you with his/her scting ability
Vinny Jones

11)Have you ever seen a movie at a drive in? If so, what?
Don't have drive-ins in the UK

12)Ever made out in a movie?
Not in the theatre

13)Name a movie you keep meaning to see but you just haven't got round to yet
Jet Li Hero

14)Ever walked out of a movie?
Yes

15)Name a movie that made you cry in the theatre
We were soldiers

16)Popcorn?
Sometimes

17)How often do you go to the movies (as opposed to renting them or watching them at home)?
Very rarely, mainly due to working hours

18)What's the last movie you saw in the theatre?
Fast and the furious 3 Tokyo drift

19)What's your favorite/prefered genre of movie?
action/war

20)What's the first movie you remember seeing in the theatre?
Transformers the movie (on a kids day)

21)What movie do you wish you'd never seen?
Phonebooth

22)What is the weirdest movie you enjoyed?
The Cell

23)What is the scariest movie you've seen?
The ring (japanese original version)

24)What's the funniest movie you've seen?
Jay and silent Bob strike back

Sorry

2007-03-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Sorry i haven't been around much lately, i have a computer with a virus (and no access at work) which is absolutly killing me not getting online. and secondly, i was in a nasty car accident. Nothing tooo serious, whiplash and concussion. So can't drive to my friends to use her computer, and have rely on lifts every where, which with my love of cars and driving again is killing me, and can only do a couple of rounds a time on my knitting as can't put my head down to look at what i am doing, again it is killing me. So all round i am completely fed up and miserable as hell. i mean what is the point of having time off work if i can't knit, or play with cynthia or doris. Also having trouble sleeping, so only thing i can console myself with at the moment is chocolate, Aren't i going to look good at my show, i'll be a blimp at this rate.

On a slightly better note got new club yarn from the yarn yard, it's lovely, just reminded me i can't knit it, but is greens, so will proberbly knit something for OHD with it. Anyway i am going to get back to being miserable as sitting at a computer is killing my neck, TTFN

To My Secret Pal

2007-03-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

Ok i got over excited on the blogging front but if you scroll down you will find my questionaire.

Right on the news front, i went to my friend's last night and LEFT MY KNITTING BEHIND. I felt edgy and completely naked just by not having my knitting, it was almost as bad as trying to give up smoking, i cannot believe i am actually addictted, i had sweaty palms the full works, And when i tried to go to bed, i couldn't sleep, so at 1am i got up and cast on a pair of someone-stole-the-fingers-from-my-gloves-gloves, then after a few rows i went to bed and was fine, i had had my fix, god this sounds like a bloody AA meeting, My name is Doris and i am an addict. Seriously, this cannot be normal, then again i am hardly the appittamy of normality really, lets be honest, a girly girl, that loves nothing more than playing with engines and classic cars, runs a HotRod club where the she, the chairwoman, is the youngest member, and in her spare time, knits, bakes and does card making. hmmm. Hey i enjoy it so how cares.
Although that does neatly bring me to smoking, geez i have (unintentionally) cut down since i started knitting, becase i have to go outside on the balcony/shelf, and it is VIRTUALLY impossiblr to knit and smke, i have forgone aroung 10 cigarettes a day just so i can carry on knitting, which can only be a good thing, i do intend to give up soon, but not yet, When the time is upon me i will post it here as i will need all the help i can get.
Any way ttfn folks the cakes are nearly ready so better go get them out before they burn.

More Yarn Porn

2007-03-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

Ok now is when you get to find out exactly why i called myself magpie knitter when everywhere else i am known as Doris. Well it's quite simple really, i see yarn, and i go ohh have to have it, even if i have no obvious use for it, this week has been brilliant for my magpie instints, first of all i had 10 balls of this arrive from hectorshouse on the angel yarns forum, i intend to knit one of louisa hardings designed with it.

Followed by some buttons to finish of this for my cousins little girl

Then this to make these

Followed finally by this, it is the prototype yarn yard club yarn. May attempt Forest canopy shawl with this.

Feeling all stashed out, i went into town yesterday and brought this Rowan felted tweed to make some armwarmers with, as i have always suffered bad joints in my wrists (23 and falling apart already!) and i hate the lack of dexterity you get with gloves or mittens, so decided to knit some armwarmers. I recon they will be gorgeous in a mock cable.

So i now have an even bigger stash and plenty to be getting on with, Oh and also some cheap dk & aran/worsted to knit a pet blanket as i am going to make at least 3 charity things this year and my chosen charty is my local blue cross centre.

FFO (Felted finished object)

2007-03-05T01:32:00.000-08:00

For anyone that has looked at my original posts you will notice i mentioned a bag that was knitted back around december time that was yet to be felted due to a dodgy washing machine, Well, it's done, at 40 degrees, had to be done twice but i think its pretty much spot on

And to show you scale

And finally, this is a picture of the wip baby jacket i was making for Jeanette. It's knitted using YY Blackberry swoop. Don't know what to do with it now.

getting tetchy about SP10 as haven't heard anything yet. Start really panicing next monday, for now, got car club this week so very little knitting will get done. oh well.

Yarn Porn

2007-03-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

Got my first instalment of YY Club Yarn today. I have been thinking all week about buying a nice fresh spring yarn. Even picked the one i like ready to buy today, then before i could log on and buy this turned up.

Isn't it gorgeous, not sure what to do with it after the dilema of the socks, maybe a shawl or more baby bits, even though i am minus the babes to knit for now. Ok still got Antonia who is so adorable, just waiting for her to grow into knitty's daisy that i knitted for her in James c Brett marble. Then piccy's, also soooo looking forward to my bits from Angel turning up. Pics will follow once it turns up. And aditional stash coming from 2 other scources but thats a secret.

SP10

2007-02-27T14:52:00.000-08:00

Just signed up to SP10, sooooo hope i wasn't too late, really looking forward to this to the point it is 11.33pm and i am blogging instead of sleeping ready for work tomorrow.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I like 'proper' yarn not a fan of anything with bits coming off it or fancy yarns as being relativley newbie i get confused very easily. Fibre not to worried about, i usually buy cheap yarns that are part synthetic as i doing alot of baby bits at the moment and find that it is easier for mum to care for than 100% wool, saying that, i did indulge the other week in some debbie bliss and see what all the fuss is about. Haven't had a vast experiance yet but mainly knit in arans/DKs.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Have a travel holdal that holds all my yarn that is in use or ear marked and needles all live in here, have a vintage Tetley's Tea tin for smaller items and bits little scissors and tapestry needles.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Taught to knit by my nan aged about 7, lost interest for a while and came back with a vengance around 9 months ago. Still class myself as newbie but i can cable, BASIC lace, increase, decrease, know 4 Cast ons and 4 cast off and knit on dpns, so i guess advanced newbie/almost intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, angel yarns. I have expensive taste but it gives you a feel of the things i like and need.

5. What's your favorite scent?
Mostly fresh smells like jasmine, ylang ylang, lily, favorite and only perfumes i wear are Channel No.5 and Dolce and Gabbana Red

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yes, need sugar rush, Choclate is always a good way to my heart, my favorite sweets would have to be either fruit pastilles/wine gums OR Galaxy fruit and nut. MMM.... If any americans wanna send me everyday american choclate my other half will also love you as that is proberbly the main thing he misses about home (born in virginia).

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Make cards occasionally, love baking and cooking, Can't spin or crotchet for buttons. i've tried and failed, hey we can't all be good at EVERYTHINg, i just know my talents lay elsewhere ;)

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I am a rockabilly/pshycobilly fan, i like mowtown, some country, mainly classics, also a big fan of 80's big hair rock. Can't play MP3.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
PINK, big pink fans, deep pinks/cerises, having a bit of a spring/pastel colours thing at the moment. also a fan of Red and also black.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Live in a flat with Other half. Not allowed pets as much as i really want another German Shepherd dog, i can't, either that or a pretty flufy house cat. Saving to move some time 2008 so will have both then.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
To see me without a scarf or very rare, not a hat person, don't like mittens, too many haunting memories from childhood, not sure on ponchos but do keep looking at those short tube scarfs and thinking they would be good for out on the bike or working on engines as no ends to get caught in moving parts

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Haven't really got a favorite at the moment but i don't like anything too repetitive, i get bored very quick and then lose all interest.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Lots of baby gear as my family seem to be on a boom at the moment. have a simple sweater at work for my lunch breaks and also Irish hiking scarf. Actually finished two things today, so projecs bit thin on the ground

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Doesn't everyone, It's strange as a crafter, i think people tend not to craft for you incase you privately critisise there work or something, but i have found i don't get hand made gifts anymore. Which is a shame.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Anything and everything, Although mainly use my aluminium vintage Aero's inherited from my nan.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
In my dreams maybe.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
6 months, Basic a-symetrical scraf but got bored and just haven't got round to ripping it out yet. Was supposed t be for my sister.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
August bank holiday, simply because it is the weekend of the biggest show in the hotrod calender, Am looking forward to hopefully have Doris there this year, even if only on a trailer.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Yarn, Wouldn't say it's a collection (yet) but like anything to do with tigers.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I would give body parts for Dominiknitrix and Naughty Needles by Nikol Lohr. Intrigued also by Knitting fashions of the 1940's by Jane Waller. Haven't got any magazine subscriptions but have picked up Knitting once or twice and do enjoy that. Have got Louisa Harding Wintr muse colection, don't think there is anything in here i don't love, so as for patterns, modern twists on late 50's/early sixties classics.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Crochet, i have 7 how-to books and not one has managed to teach me so far, looking at tunisian crochet which i think looks a bit more up my street. Mainly concerntrating on perfecting what i know at the moment.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
See lower down this blog for the sock saga of late. Shoe size i am a UK 6, Euro 39, or 25cm, if anyone wants to knit me socks, i would be very grateful.

23. When is your birthday?
26th January

FO

2007-02-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

Finished my cable baby sweater I was knitting for my cousin's new babe, Antonia, took a while as thought i hadn't brought enough yarn, and LYS has stopped selling it so was going to get round to trying to get some more, BUT, (and you know your stash is getting big when) I was clearing out one of my stash holes and found the other ball. YAY. Was found approx. 10pm last night, is now in washing machine. Will post pics once it is all pressed and ready to send to my cousin along with pics of the hooded sweater that preceded it. Also found out other cousin's partner is pregnant, so going to be very busy over the next couple of months with baby clothes. We are all very nervous at the moment as she has been trying for 6-7 years and it was thought she couldn't carry, but coming up towards three months now. Your thoughts and prayers for Jeanette would be most appreciated.

UPDATE
It is with a very heavy heart and much grief i have to report that i found out today that Jeanette lost both babies, we are all heart broken, and begs the question, why when so many unborn babies come into this world unwanted can someone with so much love to give, and a genuinely good hearted person have their path littered with so much grief and heart-ache.

Sock update

2007-02-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

After talking to the lovely people on knittyboard I have decided to put the socks to one side. I have already made one scarf that is being blocked at the moment, and second oneis on the needles. First is a recreation of one i found somewhere on the net but couldn't locate it again, so i guessed, you'll have to excuse the ironing board, i find it is the best way to bock things without them getting in the way.

The second is Naima by gorgeous knits. Both are in the same aubergine purple colour, as doing three scarfs, one for each of my two aunties and on for my mum. figure if i start now the may be ready for christmas!

CENSORED

2007-02-21T15:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, started with new years day socks in the rhubarb rhubarb, cast on on a 3.75mm needle in long tail method, transfered to my 2.5mm, 64 stitches as recommended, still that little CENSORED, is too tight want even fit kate moss' ankles, what on earth am i doing wrong, this is REALLY winding me up now.

Not a happy sock

2007-02-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

Air is slightly blue round these parts at the moment. I have been working on my first socks for nearly a month, i spend around half hour an evening ding them, just turned my first heel, before anyone asks, I have kept checking my tension, and, joy of joys, they ain't gonna fit! Ribbing just will not go over my feet. Not happy bunny, many expletives when i realised this is the case and want to jump up and down and scream. LOTS. Wool is gorgeous (it's still the blackberry swoop) and pattern really highlights the colour, no i haven't got big feet (UK size 5.5) or fat ankles or anything like that. AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHH.

STASH

2007-02-10T07:59:00.001-08:00

Rhubarb Rhubarb (Top)
Blackberry Swoop (Bottom)
Just brought Rhubarb Rhubarb from the yarn yard, Sooooo pretty, tried to knit my first sock about 1 month ago, hated working with that 2-ply with a passion (might have been because it was baby 2-ply), its only that i stumbled to the yarn yard by accident and brought some blackberry swoop for a friend (that one never arrived, oops) that i was converted, Natalie really does do some beautiful yarn, i normally like dk/aran as i can see

it grow but for this stuff i really don't mind it taking a bit longer. Still on my first pair of socks with the blackberry swoop, its just I have a couple of skeins floating round hidden, in the kitchen and under items of furniture, (don't tell me the rest of you have never done that). only just joined the yarn yard club, and eagerly awaiting march yarn, each month you get sent an exclusive club dyed yarn in the usually 100g skein, but also around 20g of a solid or complimenting colour for heels etc. how cool is that! so now gotta figure out where else i can start stashing cos i can't knit as quick as these come out at the moment, and DB is already moaning that my yarn is taking over the tiny flat we presently live in. Oh well, it's an excuse to move somewhere bigger. More stash YAY.

Hi!

2007-02-10T07:01:00.001-08:00

Right guess i should use this to tell you a bit about myself, I'm 23, i live in east anglia and have 2 passions in my life, my cars, hot rods, classics or american mainly, I am Chairwoman of my local hot-rod club and am presently the proud keeper of Doris, my 1964 triumph Herald saloon. Although i am going to do my best to keep cars out of this blog, there may be the odd referance.
My other passion is knitting, that is why i am here to escape from the madness and confussion of organising one of the top 5 car shows in english hot-rodding.
Started knitting again about 6 month ago when i was off work and bored, picked up a simple pattern, ball of wool and needles from my local charity shop and it has all gone down hill from there on. I now have at least 4 projects on the go, and so far have completed, well not a lot, 3 nintendo DS cases, 1 scarf, 1 GORGEOUS baby hoodie, a felted tote (that has yet to be felted because our washing mashing for some reason has decided it only wants to wash at 40, go figure) and a few odds and sods.
Presently working on a baby pattern that incorporates a cable pattern, another scarf (although the way that is going it will be ready for next winter), my first pair of socks, and i keep 1 pattern needles and wool at work for a simple jumper, for in my breaks.
Can't crochet for buttons, although do intend to one day learn.