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Monday 26 December 2011

Oh the weather outside is....


Its cold, cloudy and am debating about putting my p.j's on at 11:36 am on Boxing Day. I just got back from spending a lovely relaxing time at my brother's house with Michelle and the kids and oh my god..the christmas dinner was lovely but it could have fed 2 others as well. Not that I am complaining, it was delicious but felt bad for leaving half of it. A girl has to keep some room for chocolate gateaux right!

Anyway, I got loads of presents as you can see in the picture. I am going to put on my Susan Boyle CD soon whilst pottering around the house and tonight, I will be lighting my yankee candles. I got quite a few cook books too which is kinda strange because on Christmas Eve, whilst baking an apple pie to go to Dave's with I decided to do a bit more home cooking. Mainly because of the price increases in food but also I miss making stuff. Even if my boys are not gonna eat it or wont be home to eat it, I can still give food to family and friends, freeze dinners or have them for my lunch at work. I think thats the start of a new year plan....yikes.

I managed to knit/crochet 10 christmas presents this year which I am really pleased about. I have also decided to purchase a christmas present each month from January so its easier on the purse strings in December. I am also going to plan a craft project too for each month. Yikes, I must get that patchwork quilt out I started about 8 years ago. I will save that picture for another time but lets just say its all hexagons and hexagon papers. Apparently the company I bought the pre-cut hexagons from dont sell them anymore..

I have to apologise to those who read my blog (and I know some people do because the viewing stats keep rising) for not putting any posts on here for a while. I have no excuse other than feeling tired and lazy and working like a robot at times.

I started a crochet project from attic24 and its a Blooming Flower Cushion Cover, its great to find a pattern that is different and a little challenging. Once you get the initial few rounds done it seems to stick in your mind to do the rest. I left it a while to take photos because I want to do something different for the backing. It says to repeat the front but without the petals and then crochet the two together. Thats great but what about washing it. So watch this space for an idea I have to make a fabric backing and buttons. I also want to have a go at sewing again. I want to make p.j. bottoms for lounging around indoors so will be looking around for bargain flannel type fabric.

I got lots of creativity to think about now..I think its motivation for me to get out of my moods in winter time. I really dont like winter because of the dark mornings and evenings. I thought if I have a focus of things to plan, I might have a better social year next year too. I know one things for sure, I dont want to miss out on the Craft Fair at Olympia and also I want to visit Convent Garden Market.

Right, I am off for a cuppa and a bit of chilling. Hope all of you that take the time to read my blog are having a good christmas season and I am sure you are all thinking the same thing as me..(no more worrying about presents). Bye, speak soon.

Friday 9 December 2011

Oooopps...

Where the heck has time gone. Its been a long time and I have felt like a robot so by the time I have got in from work, I have no energy and weekends have been not so good so have not felt like chatting.

I have been knitting and crocheting most evenings still, so theres no change there and to be honest, can't wait for the spring to come because I hate these dark mornings and nights.

Anyway, I will post tomorrow something more interesting rather than my moaning.....

Sunday 23 October 2011

New Knit Mag Out


What do I like so far. The most irritating thing about knit magazines is when they are in sealed plastic covers and you cant see what you are getting. I bought one magazine last year and paid £7.99 thinking its got to have some great patterns and stories but when I opened the sealed plastic cover I felt like I had spent £7.99 to see advertisements. So anyway, Knit Now Magazine has so far the following good points.

1. Yes its in a sealed bag but it's in two parts so you can actually open it up and
you can see on the back what patterns are there.
2. It contains a free 4.5mm circular needle with an 80cm cable.
3. It has a free Beginners Guide to Knitting Magazine with some gorgeous patterns.

I haven't looked through the main magazine a lot, just sifted through it but so far, I have noticed some great yarn reviews, new books coming out and techniques.

So now that the sun has come out and is warm enough to hang out my washing to dry, I can sit in the garden with a cuppa and read my new mag a bit more. I have started to knit another project called 'Joyful January' but will show that another time. I will add it to my ravelry projects later too. I just can't seem to get enough of my crafts at the moment, I just wish I had more cash to buy the more natural yarns other than acrylic. Such is life.

Thursday 20 October 2011

Its finished

Now all I have to do is get a test knitter and then decide whether I want to do a black border or pink. I hope this is going to be one of any designs.

Hi y'all


I have had two wonderfull days of work and have been tidying, knitting and watching loads of podcasts. I have also decided to prepare next year's crafts by spending the next few weeks planning a knit or crochet project for each month next year. It will include socks, cardigan, blanket, charity make, child garment, and whatever else I can find to do. Particularly I want to do a lace project of a shawl or something along those lines.

In the meantime, I have made two stockings and a Brainmonster Hat for christmas charity knitting and am still crocheting the riot blanket from King Cole Yarn. I am also having a go at designing a knitted log cabin square...wanna see it so far..
It's a variation of log cabin but because of my experience with patchwork quilts, I thought why not do a twisted log cabin. We shall see how it goes...

On a finishing note..it is known for us brit's to talk about the weather and too right, its gone from 20 degrees (sunny, warm and no need to wear a coat) to 10 degree's in a week and wearing wooly hat, scarf and gloves with a winter coat. It's so crazy this weather, what is going on with it. I have managed to get as far as today without putting the central heating on but tonight, its flipping freezing. So, I am off to fill up my pot of tea and to enjoy chicken and oven chips for dinner.

HAPPY KNITTING Y'ALL (can you guess what blog I have been watching again)

Sunday 16 October 2011

Addiction to Knit is getting worse


I cannot believe that it's been so long since I last posted. It's not like I have been really busy. Well, yeah I have..going to work, housework and sorting out kids but other than that, I have been busy with my knitting and crochet. Here is a picture of a WIP (work in progress) that I have been doing. Its made with King Cole Riot and its 30% wool and 70% acrylic. I intend for it to be a raffle prize at work. Its crocheted and the pattern is on bernat.com and is called 'honeycombe'.

What else have I been doing, I have found a new website to follow. Have a look on the side bar to see it. They are called www.theknitgirllls.com. They are addicted to knitting and spinning and update you on WIP's, spinning, book reviews etc and I only just wish I lived in the US because over here in the UK, not much happens in the fibre world. I have been catching up on their episodes and its better than watching tv...apart from Autumnwatch at the moment on BBC channel. I dont like watching the soaps, eastenders, neighbours, emmerdale etc but I do like documentaries. I watched Billy Connolley's Route 66 which was very interesting. I am so envious and I hope to win the lottery to do loads of travelling one day.

My brother finally moved out in September. He was lucky to find a landlord with a small deposit required so I have got my home back again. I do miss having the company but have replaced it with the knit girllls.

Autumn is definetely here now. Its sunny, bright but flipping cold now. The weather has been so crazy lately. Last week we had temperatures of 20 and it was lovely and then this week just gone, its flipping cold. I made myself a hot water bottle cover and did my own design. I will add some black ribbon instead of the crochet cord. Looks like I might have to use it soon because we keep hearing its going to be a bad winter.

Anyway, I am off to do some more knitting and am even thinking of sewing something. There is just not enough hours in the day.

Sunday 25 September 2011

Getting ready for Autumn

I trimmed back my Hydreanga plant just now and kept the last few flowers for my living room vase. I must remember to bring the flowers inside next year because they are pretty. Did you notice the table cloth, it was some scrap material from a charity shop and I love it. Its very girly.

I finished the socks I was designing myself and I cant believe how much yarn I have left over from one ball of wool. I have enough to make a pair of fingerless gloves to match. If you ever buy yarn thats quite expensive (the red sock yarn was almost £5 a ball), always see what the yardage says on the ball band because this ball had almost 500 yards so I could easily get another pair of socks out of it. I know it doesnt always seem affordable with sock yarns but you can substitute with 4ply or even 2 ply. Just remember to look at the yardage.

Also, I cant believe how the time flies by, I made this cross stitch picture in 2000 and I remember sitting down doing it when the kids were at school or when they were in bed.

I still have a patchwork quilt on the go for about 12 plus years and one day I will finish it...I am now searching for another pattern to make a christmas present. I feel like doing an intricate cushion pattern so watch this space.

Finally, I went back to the dentist for a check up and asked him for something to stop my front tooth moving forward and he said a 'retainer'. Well I have one and am trying to get use to having a foreign body in my mouth. I have to wear it all the time, just not when I eat, but its not easy. I have to go back every fortnight to get it tightened and when I do take it out at times, my teeth blinking hurt so it must be doing something right. I must be crazy..

Sunday 11 September 2011

Sunday Bake Day


I was going to pop into work today to catch up on a few things but decided to do some home baking with the intent to make me feel like a homemaker. Even though one child is in Cuba for holidays and the other pops into the kitchen to hunt for food without much conversation.

So I was reading a couple of blogs that I like and one of them gave a receipe for 'Granola Bars' and yes, they are expensive to buy from shops and full of additives so I thought I'd give it a go. Here is my outcome, its a cross between cereal bar and bread pudding (without the bread) but is absolutely yummy. There was also a receipe for Chilli which was made from fresh beefburgers and as it happens, I have got some fresh beef burgers I put in freezer so I am defrosting them and going to make my own chilli. Again, hopefully it will be eaten.

As we all are well aware, the weather is changing now and Autumn is vastly approaching, I noticed my shrubs in the garden are starting to die and even the flowers on my hydranger have started to brown already. Its such a shame, but on the other hand, I can cut it all back at the end of the month and winter-ise my garden.

However, whilst several plants are turning brown I have had the fortunate luck this year with my 'morning glory' plant. Its a traditional English Country Garden plant and I grew it from seed this year. I had planted it out into a large black pot and put sticks in it like a tipee but within a few weeks, the plants were getting eaten or just not doing anything. I then moved the pot nearer to the house in the sunniest of positions and hey presto, a fortnight later it was thriving. Then earlier in the week I noticed these beautiful flowers opening up and have finally achieved this plant.I love my garden and part of me loves being out there but the other part of me doesnt enjoy it anymore purely because there's no one around to enjoy it with me. My kids are not interested in the garden and dont sit out there. In fact, my two cats sit in the garden more than any of us do. I am considering potting up a load of plants ready for spring next year so if I can get a move to a different house, at least I can take a little of my garden with me.

Finally, I started my christmas knitting and it sure was not to save money. These socks have cost £6 so far but that dont include the time it takes to knit them. I have made one sock and its taken about a weeks worth of evenings because of using size 2.5mm double pointed needles. Its my own pattern too so once I have finished them I will put the pattern on here to share. That's me all done and dusted now. Another week of work ahead.

Monday 29 August 2011

Sock & Block



I have started my christmas knitting and downloaded this pattern Pebble Stitch Fixation Socks by Anna (on Ravelry.com) and am a little further than this picture. I have knitted the heel, turned the heel and am now decreasing down towards the foot/instep. I love the colour of this self striping yarn and wish I could remember the brand name but I think, the rate its going, I can make a pair of fingerless gloves to match. I think the socks would be best for 'house socks' or 'bed socks' purely because they do have a fair bit of room at the widest part. I will use a smaller set of needles next time. It is so nice to knit a smaller project for a change and I already bought some yarn Sunday for another two pairs.

The Vinga Belted Cape is completed and is now blocking on my bed. I soaked it in 'Lenor' Fabric softener for a few minutes and then placed it in the washing machine on a short spin. I wanted it to stretch a little and it has. It now measures 26" so hopefully, it will look even better when I wear it.

Its a bank holiday in UK and I took the liberty of this three day weekend in pottering around, browsing the net for christmas ideas and also watching some old films. The best films ever are 'Its A Wonderful Life' and 'The Shop Around the Corner'. Did you know that the film 'you've got mail' was a remake of Shop around the corner.

I even decided to de-frost the little freezer compartment in my fridge and it took hours upon hours so knowing me, at my hormonal times, I decided to yank out the bottle after pushing a knife down the side of the block of ice. Its amazing what strength us women have at certain times of the month and this is what happened...yep, I pulled the sod out and moved the fridge 2inches as well. Oops. Did the job though cause within half hour, I was back to my knitting and starting my second sock. I dont even remember cooking dinner Saturday which is a good thing too.

Finally, the past few nights I have thought its been getting rather chilly of late and noticed this morning that my hydranger is starting to die off. Typical, you get to the end of August and the garden starts losing its colour. Here it is... and even now, my hands are feeling a bit cold too so I bet ya, before you know it, it will be dark when I leave for work and dark when I leave work. Such is life to earn a few pennies.

Saturday 27 August 2011

The door of silence

The Door of Silence

You spend years not affording a holiday each year,
a trip to the seaside costs more than you thought.
Your kids need shoes, clothes and you give them priority
And you try to buy the best that you can afford.

They go to school, join a few clubs and make some friends
While you are working or at home worrying all day.
You cook each day with the ingredients you can afford
And hope its the nutrition that they need to thrive.

You help them the best that you can to get through exams
And praise everything that they have achieved.
They grow up so quick and suddenly they are taller than you
And they now concentrate on their own life’s and loves.

All of a sudden, light a flash of lightning to your heart
that noisy house contains memories of laughter and joy.
There’s no conversation, just a slam of the door and then silence
But you know they will be back because this is their HOME.
Think about the next one.

I knit away the hours to put my mind at peace,
Forgetting the days decisions and making a happy time.
I knit a stitch like an addiction that makes me go light headed,
Thinking about the person who will receive my gift.

The pattern says slip, slip and knit and here comes the shaping,
Checking every row and wondering..will it fit.
Is the colour right for the person that I chose to receive,
Does the yarn feel soft enough to put next to their skin.

I follow a pattern so intensely, that the time floats away
Row by row it forms into a warm and wonderful piece,
My mind looks back to times of happiness and joy,
Of smiles we have shared together and it encourages me more.

My project is almost done and I think about the next one,
Shall it be a scarf, gloves or even a pair of socks.
Before I realise it, my tea has gone cold and my dog sighs,
Its time to cast off and give the gift of love.

By SHBACHAN copyright

Thursday 25 August 2011

Pebble Stitch Socks


I started these socks today because I wanted to start my christmas knitting. I love socks and normally I will knit two socks at a time on two circular needles but I decided to just do a pair stress free. They are working up well, the pattern is easy and the yarn is very soft. Anna at finallywakingup.com has inspired me a lot over the past few months, I love reading her blog because its not just about knitting. She covers crochet, dress making and visiting places of interest.

Also, I had a good week off and finished my Vinga Belted Cape but just got to block it which I will do this bank holiday weekend. I also plan on doing some painting of my kitchen too because the paint I bought last time was matt finish and not silk so everytime I try to wipe it down, I take off some paint. AGHHH so annoying.

Oh well, am off to do some more knitting. Catch ya later....

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Vinga Belted Cape




I started this project a few days ago and was a bit dubious. I havent crocheted anything lacy before because I always get scared of all the different rows being completed and lose myself. I found this pattern on ravelry and decided to buy it and within minutes, I started making it. I have found it rather easy to do other than having to mark off each row with a pencil. I thought there was an errata so I frustratingly contacted the designer through ravelry and awaited a reply but there was not an errata. It was me! I had frogged two rows for nothing so I sent an apology to the designer and said 'all ok'. As of now (4.11pm) I am on row 28 and am getting more excited to finish it.... but the dilema is I am going to have to look for a nice belt to wear with it. I am even considering making another one, depending on the comments I get from work, and maybe in a nice blue just like the pattern picture.

Also, in between crocheting I have been doing some gardening (basically tiding up my drive way) and unfortunately, I didnt realise I had gone red not brown until my brother said 'sis you've caught the sun on your back' to which I immediately scratched it and yelped ouch.I am the first one to have a go at anyone not taking precautions with the sunshine but its the first time in my adult hood that I went red on my back. My arms are lovely and brown and my face too so its something else I have to accept as getting older. Never mind...could be worse.

I have also been browsing the net for some sock yarn recently because the last pair I made stretched at the ankle so I am going to have to knit with some elastic with the yarn or find something that will have some 'give'. I keep looking at the really pretty sock yarns but they are so expensive and when you think about it, £12.99 for a pair of socks,,,no thank you. I guess I will have to keep looking...

Sunday 14 August 2011

A week to go

I dont know where the time has gone these past few weeks. The hours go by even more quicker now I am working on my own in my little office, there does not seem to be enough hours in the day. In the past 8 weeks I have walked to work 95% of the time which is 3 miles a day and my eating habits are much much better which means, yes I have lost a stone and now weigh in at 14 stone. I have not followed any specific diet plan like weight watchers, slimming world etc because basically, I cant afford it and would rather spend my £6 on wool. I have been rather concious of what I eat and if I have had too many treats then I am good for the rest of the week.

I have finally finished Joseph's Nap Blanket and his Dad said he cuddled it when he got it. I decided to do a crochet top and bottom for about 8 rows and then did a crochet edge to tidy up a bit. I also tagged it in cross stitch on 14 count aida and as you can see, I am rather pleased with it. I didnt use up as much of my spare stash as I would have liked but at least the box is only half full now. I was tempted to purchase a few odd colours of King Cole DK from my local post office but I refrained because its defeating the object of using up my spare stash.

I have started another project but this time I wanted to do something different, maybe clothing for me. I have looked through Ravelry.com and also looked through lionbrand.com and not really found much that took my fancy and then I came across a pattern called Vinga Belted Cape. It's a design by Kristen Omdahl and it looks so great. Heres a picture of it.. I started it Friday night after purchasing the pattern from Ravelry.com and downloading it (it was so much quicker and only cost £2.52p). I am using a 3.75mm crochet hook and Yoemans Yarn 4ply in cream. Its going rather well for a lacy project and because I can print off as many copies as I want, I am marking off the rows as I do them. Here is a picture of its progress so far..I have this vision of me wearing it when I have lost at least another stone. I could even wear it for work with a nice plain vest underneath, anyway, we will see how it goes. Lace crochet and knitting dont like me normally so watch this space. I am off work now for a week and hopefully I can make good progress on it.

I have been looking for some yarn to make a pair of Tardis Socks for a christmas present but cant seem to see the yarn that takes my fancy. Its obviously got to be a soft yarn so it doesnt itch the foot. I hate itchy socks. Guess I will have to keep hunting around, I might even have a trip out somewhere different for better choice. Oh well, suppose I better get up off my bum and do some work around the house, I will leave you a photo of my Tammie waiting for me to come home from work. My brother took the picture on Thursday.

Monday 1 August 2011

TV Drop Challenge

I have been moaning and groaning about the crap on tv lately and really miss a good film to watch of a weekend. They keep putting on boring soap operas that are just so obvious of the outcomes or they put on repeats. So I decided a few minutes ago I am going to have a 'no tv' weekend where I will not watch any form of tv from the moment I get up on Saturday morning to the moment I get up Monday morning. I did this a few months ago and I was quite proud of myself because I listened to the radio, had a sing song, caught up on chores around the house, had a change around of furniture, did a bit of window shopping, rang a few family members etc and I was quite proud of myself. So watch this space, oh yeah, I may even put a tutorial on here.

So what have I been doing. Well, I got a kind of promotion at work and am now Administrator on a 3 month trial period to see if I get on ok. Have been doing the job officially for 2 weeks so am so glad for the opportunity. I am still knitting Joseph's blanket and here is the progress so far... I decided after I finished Joseph's blanket I will get my patchwork quilt out to start on again. Its only been 10 years and its all hand sewn hexagons over papers. I just could not leave it any longer because I have finally found my wall paper I want for my bedroom and the quilt will go with it.

Thats it for now, am ready for bed and a good nights sleep,....night night

Saturday 23 July 2011

No more weekend working

Yep, as of two weeks ago, I do not have to work weekends anymore. Why? Cause I have been offered the job of Administrator (under a 3 month trial for now) and half of me is so excited and the other half of me is saying 'holy crap I have got to be serious now cause I wont be able to moan about being bored anymore'. The day goes so quickly that before you know it your tummy is rumbling cause 4 hours have just gone flying past without realising.

I am now going to focus on my career now and work my way up and not look back so fingers crossed for me. Bye bye activities, hello office.

My mitred blanket I posted about earlier in the month is still going strong. You can see its gradually getting bigger and am just working my way along to get the width I want for it. I dont think its going to become as big as a single bed blanket because I want to get some christmas knitting done soon so maybe a 'snooze blanket' for J so he can be wrapped up and covered in it when he has his nap.

The jogging has slackened to say the least, I am still losing weight (10lbs so far) through walking every day to work and have kept that up for about 2 months now. I am also careful with what I eat (but still have a treat every day). I have increased my fruit in take and make sure that I have a dinner every day (mainly at work). Oh yeah, and I drink a lot of water too.

Other than that I havent really had much going on since I last posted. Unless you want to know about my housework regime which is pretty boring. So, I am off to do a bit of knitting and maybe watch some NCIS. Tara for now..

Sunday 17 July 2011

oooh, lookey here


Yep, that is my Tammie who always decides to lay right on top of my latest projects when I lay them out on my bed for my projects update. Why does she do that or does she know what a camera is... Anyway, I thought I had done more than that especially after spending every night crafting for the past month.

My brother R has asked me to make a blanket for his son J for the winter so I started it last night. I decided to do another mitred blanket and using double strands of acrylic to use up my odds and ends stash. I will knit a plain colour inbetween the mixed up colours.

I am doing my own basic mitred pattern so if your interested, here is how I started the first square that you see on top of the box (if you would like to comment or have any questions about its progression just let me know and I will try to help).

Needles: 4mm
Yarn: Double Knit Acrylic but two strands together

R1. Cast on 53 stitches using two strands of yarn together
R2. Knit 25 stitches, slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slip stitch over, knit 25.
R3. Knit every stitch.
R4. Knit 24 stitches, slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slip stitch over, knit 24.
R5. Knit every stitch.

Continue these 5 rows making sure you decrease from 25 stitches each side of the decrease down to the last 3 stitches. On the 3 stitches remaining you slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slip stitch over. Fasten off. Can you see the mitre shape going from one corner to the other.



On a different note, I seem to be getting a lot of 'page views' (over 2000) on my blog but have still only got 7 followers and am just asking that if you do read my blog regular could you maybe follow me, or even leave a comment.

Saturday 16 July 2011

Debenhams dear

I went for a stroll around Romford today after having a good lay in. My plan was to look around the market, check in Argos for my Duvet Set that I wanted and have a browse around Debenham's looking for a pair of decent black trousers for work.

Instead, Argos didnt have my duvet set again, it was tiddling down with rain and packed with people dodging brolly's. So I went into Debenham's and didn't realise I was in there 2 hours trying on trousers, bra's and looking at the bedding (ouch). Yep, I say ouch cause even in the sale, a duvet set that I liked in the sale was not only £69 and was gorgeous but it had been £159. Yes, it was a bargain but there is no way I would pay that price (unless I won the lottery).

Anyway, I spent the last half hour looking at the Yankee Candles and votice holders and here they are..the large candle was £18 and called 'fluffy towels'and smells like freshly washed towels and the votice holders were £5 each and I bought 2 vanilla votive candles.

I managed to get home before the town show started up and am now shattered. Walking around one large department store is very tiring on the old feet so now I am going to enjoy another cuppa and do some housework.

Sunday 10 July 2011

Sunday sunshine



I thought I would never say this, but I actually bought some blue flowers for my living room. I had the others in my bedroom and decided, after looking at a magazine picture of a living room with blue cushions, to try it out in my living room. Yep, I got the blue Gerberra's from Wilkinsons at Heathway and my brother Ron did the arrangement for me (he use to work at the flower shop in Broad Street Market years ago). Then when I had a look at some cushions with some blue in at Wilkinson's they were £7 each but decided to get them next pay day. Can't wait. I have put my name on them and told them not to sell them out..lol.
I also went in the charity shops yesterday at Heathway and got some old fashioned fabric which is going to either be a table cloth or a patchwork backing..not sure yet. (watch this space). I have started some more projects but am hoping they are going to be christmas presents, they are my own pattern so when I have got as far as I am happy with, I will post a picture..
in the meantime here's a picture of me, my brother and youngest sister back in 1978. I was the ripe old age of 10...

Monday 4 July 2011

Just a quickie...

Its finally completed. I ended up doing 4 rows around the whole thing as a border and it has given it more stability. However, because I did 4 seperate squares and not one big one, the middle of each square is slightly raised in the middle but it does correct itself after a wash in the machine.

Am going to go and relax now and sew in all the flipping ends...

Sunday 3 July 2011

I started again..

I bought myself a pair of cheap trainers today out of Asda thinking they were going to be no good for jogging but heyho, they are 'sick'. I think thats the right word for 'good' cause I just did some jogging whilst the dog was still walking and I noticed a great difference in the support of my ankle. Will go out again tomorrow after work to see if I can do any better. I think I will stay away from park's for a while because there was some weirdo hiding behind some trees with a can of beer. I am going to aim at being able to jog one mile. Hedgemans Road is one mile long so I will see how far I can get without needing oxygen.

Saturday 2 July 2011

Peace & Quiet

Update on the jogging...been 5 times in 3 weeks..not very good. My left ankle is killing and am in need of a severe kick up the arse to carry on..probably cause of feeling a bit low but hopefully will snap out of it.

Today however, I treated myself to this..I bought it at Romford Market for £18 which is quite good. Its reversible and is a Kingsize with 2 pillow cases. In actual fact, I worked it out that after 22 years it is my first duvet set, brand new, worked and bought for by me. I am going to have to get myself some more to get rid of the dull colours that I have. I also bought a few bits of cheap make up from the undercover bit of the old Market and had a mooch around the charity shops. Is it me or are they getting as dear as normal clothes shops. Anyway, what else have I been doing. Oh yeah, here it is..I have finished panel 4 of the catherine wheel stitch afghan and am hoping tonight I can sit in my garden, in the quiet without next doors kids making too much noise, and crochet some cream yarn around the edge of the blanket. I have already got another project in my mind to start and have been hunting around for buttons to match the yarn but no luck at the moment. I am intending to either sell the catherine wheel stitch blanket or if no luck, will save it for a christmas present. Oh well, better get my arse in gear and go walk the dog before I do anything else..here's a picture to leave you with. Its some baby moorhens I was feeding over Raphel's Park yesterday.

Saturday 25 June 2011

Singing to Killing Me Softly

I am, right now, listening to The Fugees 'Killing me Softly' and singing whilst trying to type. I have done housework today, went jogging and shopping and spent a few hours crocheting and watching Columbo on tv. I then decided to watch some episodes of www.letsknit2gether.com whilst crocheting and am now enjoying a cup of Yorkshire Tea. I haven't had a cup of tea since this morning at 9am when I realised I ran out of teabags. I went to the shops just to get teabags and came back with some crisps, chocolate and dog food (not Teabags). It took me almost 6 hours to put my crocheting down, get off my butt and go get the tea. I do that a lot lately and its rather worrying, especially when I work in Dementia sector.

Anyway, here's what I have been crocheting...
It's been a funny old day today, weather wise. It was almost autumn like till about 3pm and now its beautiful sunshine, very warm and breezy enough to get the washing dry. I havent got to cook dinner today so am going to enjoy a few more hours of crocheting and watching tv. I think it's known as a 'couch potatoe day'. Don't do it often so it wont hurt...Now that the tea has been consumed, I think I might have another one....

Friday 24 June 2011

Double Helix Socks

I cant believe it. I am off work today waiting for the council to do some repairs to my radiators etc and am browsing knitty.com and found a pair of socks that you actually start knitting from the heel using two strands of yarn and it is such a brilliant idea, I cant wait to give it a go. It amazes me how these people get these ideas and how they can put it together, its taken me half an hour just to figure it out from reading the pattern half a dozen times. Anyway, thats excitement 1 for the day.

What have I been doing. Well here is square number 2 of the Catherine Wheel Stitch I am making. The pattern has sunk in my brain quite quickly. I dont know how big its going to end up but will be at least 6 squares this size. Sometimes I get rather annoyed with myself because I have so many ideas of projects that I want to make but there is just not enough time in the day and of course, I have to go to work. Oh well, such is life I suppose. I did decide yesterday that I really need to start my christmas knitting and crochet so had better get going on that.

Sunday 19 June 2011

A Jog In the Park

For the past year I have been thinking about jogging purely because its the cheapest exercise a person on a tight budget can do and the only thing that was putting me off from doing it was pure lazyness. I decided last Sunday that if I don't give it a try now at the age of 43, I am never going to lose the weight I need to (which is 3-4 stone). I do not intend to be a single woman the rest of my life and the only way to get myself a fella again is to get rid of my 'fat suit'. You certainly dont realise how much jogging takes out of you and how long its going to take to find the right 'pace' and to build up your staminer. Anyway, I weighed myself last Sunday (14 stone 10lb), took some measurements and will weigh myself in the morning to see if any weight has disappeared.


Yesterday I started making some crochet flowers for my cousin and it only took about an hour to make 8. The one on the right is my own design. I have made loads of flowers before and if I remember rightly, I found a project on ravelry.com where someone actually made a blanket of flowers. YIKES

I am also crocheting a blanket called 'catherines wheel stitch' which at first, I was ready to throw it against the wall but I carried on and finally got it how its suppose to look. I had to follow the pattern on Youtube and I am now in two minds whether to turn it into a cushion cover or just carry on with it as a blanket. Oh well, I better get my bum in gear now that the sun has come out and do some jogging. Must remember to do the warm ups first or I wont be able to move later. At least when I get back I wont feel so guilty about sitting on my bum for a few hours happily crocheting...tara

Saturday 11 June 2011

Catch up

What have I been doing. Not a lot, just the usual boring stuff like work, paying bills, housework and general stuff. I was off work last week as annual leave and didnt do much other than shopping and tidying and crafting. My brother R was obviously at my place so he helped me paint the kitchen ceiling. I bought some cupboard paint which was £20 a small tin but let me tell you, its well worth it.

My garden is coming on a treat and when I have cut the grass tomorrow, I will post a picture. My Sweet Peas are growing every minute and after the harsh rain we have had the past few days, the garden has just gone mad. Weeds have appeared that I swear were not there the other day.

On the knitting front, I gave Jo her wedding lapgan and she loved it. I told her its officially called 'Capriliga Wedding Lapgan'. It fits across my kingsize bed and can easily get two people under it for a cuddle. It was a total of 10.5 balls of 100g DK and the sad cow that I am, was just under 45,000 stitches all together. I cross stitched a label for it and that went down a treat too.

This is my next project that I have started. Its the Aestlight Shawl from Ravelry.com and I decided to use my Blue Faced Leicester Fingering Weight Yarn for it. Its a little boring at the moment because its increasing in garter stitch and theres a lot of it but am excited that it will be my first ever shawl.

Am going to just go and finish my Saturday cleaning so will leave you a picture that you will go goey over...