Sunday, January 20, 2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
At last!
It’s taken me a while, but I’ve finally finished my cabled sweater.
Pattern: Folklore Cables and Twists by Sublime Yarns
Yarn: Sublime Yarns Chunky Merino Tweed – dusky pink (0240 Dilly)
Needle: 5mm and 6mm
Modifications: I picked up the cast on and knitted 2 inches of ribbing at the bottom of the sweater. I knit the sleeves two at a time, and I reversed the cables on one sleeve.
Verdict: I’m pleased! I knitted the smallest size and even though I got gauge, it’s still a bit looser than I would usually go for in a jumper. However, that’s pretty fashionable right now!
I started it in October, and if I’d concentrated on knitting the sweater rather than the other knitting, and if I hadn’t lost my knitting mojo as a result of changes at work, it might have been finished sooner. But, it’s here now just in time for the snow. So I can’t complain. It’s been nice to knit, the yarn really helps as it’s so soft and springy, a delight to work with. It is a little splitty in places due to being a single ply, but the softness makes up for it!
The question is: what next?
I’ve been considering my position with Nerd Wars. At the end of December I thought I wouldn’t sign up for the new tournament. Then I watched Firefly and Serenity, and I thought maybe I could spend a tournament with the Browncoats. But then I would need to change my Patrick Stewart ravatar, and I’m not sure I’m prepared to do that yet. So maybe I’ll stay in Space Alliance.
So, I think I’m going to play again, I can’t imagine not. I’m not going to do a dissertation because I just don’t get on with them – maybe eventually I will go back to it.
I’m finishing up some socks for Hubby, which should be done before the end of the month, and there’s still the rug I’ve been designing. And some spinning that I started back during the Olympics!
I do have plans for my holiday crafting though, some nice crochet – pretty and portable, and also something I can take on the plane.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Stashdown!
You may have realised that I knit quite a lot.
A side effect of this is that I collect yarn. I have a large amount of yarn (and fibre) in my craft room. It's at the point where there isn't actually room for any more in there. It's full.
I have over 54500 yards of yarn in my stash, including more than 11 sweater-sized amounts.
So, I am participating in what is known as Stashdown 2013.
Rules are personal to this challenge, as everyone has a different stash and different crafting needs.
My rules are as follows:
if there is a specific gift project I need to make and I don’t have the yarn
if I go to Woolfest this year, then I may only buy using the money I save up (and if that’s none, then I don’t go)
The first step to this goal for me, is to finish knitting the things I currently have on the needles, and spin what's currently on the wheel.
I don't have a target of how much stash I want to use up during 2013, and the reason for this is twofold.
If I met the target early I would probably just buy more yarn/fibre.
I don't want to make knitting, crocheting, weaving or spinning into a chore I must do, but rather keep it as a fun hobby.
A side effect of this is that I collect yarn. I have a large amount of yarn (and fibre) in my craft room. It's at the point where there isn't actually room for any more in there. It's full.
I have over 54500 yards of yarn in my stash, including more than 11 sweater-sized amounts.
So, I am participating in what is known as Stashdown 2013.
Rules are personal to this challenge, as everyone has a different stash and different crafting needs.
My rules are as follows:
I will knit from Stashexceptions:
I will spin from Stash
non-knitting - I will bead and papercraft from stash too.
if there is a specific gift project I need to make and I don’t have the yarn
if I go to Woolfest this year, then I may only buy using the money I save up (and if that’s none, then I don’t go)
The first step to this goal for me, is to finish knitting the things I currently have on the needles, and spin what's currently on the wheel.
I don't have a target of how much stash I want to use up during 2013, and the reason for this is twofold.
If I met the target early I would probably just buy more yarn/fibre.
I don't want to make knitting, crocheting, weaving or spinning into a chore I must do, but rather keep it as a fun hobby.
Monday, January 07, 2013
Four Weeks to a Beach Body?
On Saturday I embarked upon my mad-scramble to get beach ready in earnest!
The previous Wednesday was weigh-in at Slimming World. Over the festive period I put on 4lbs. It’s more than I would have liked to put on, and perhaps I should have been a little more conscious of what I was eating. However, I can’t un-eat what I have eaten, so instead I have to get back on the plan.
Anyway, I’ve been sticking to the plan since Thursday, and with the help of those syns, I’m sticking to it well! However, I feel like I need an extra boost, something to give me some tone as well as aiding that weight loss. So I picked up my copy of New Rules of Lifting for Women, and set to.
We have a pretty nifty set-up in the garage, the only thing we don’t have is a cable column. I’ve been able to do all of the exercises called for in the program with the exception of lateral pull-downs, which are easily replaced with pullovers.
I’ve tried this regime before, though it was back before I started going to Slimming World, when I was a stone-and-a-half heavier than I am now. I was disheartened when I couldn’t see visible improvement. I was stronger than I have ever been, but all the muscle was hidden under a layer of fat. I am hopeful that this time, because I have already lost a lot of the weight I want to lose, I will see the results more clearly. This will hopefully boost my confidence, inspiring me to work out more, and thus begins a cycle. I hope.
As I said, I started on Saturday. It’s now Monday. I have therefore done two workouts, one each of workout A and workout B.
Both workouts are intended to be full body workouts, and I can certainly confirm that my full body feels like it’s been worked hard. I’ve pushed myself on all of the exercises. I was only able to manage 5 full push-ups, but I did my full second set by doing knee-push-ups (also known as “ladies” push-ups.)
I also opted to do regular crunches rather than ball-crunches, and after falling off the ball several times I also went for crunches rather than ball jack-knife.
My next workout will be on Wednesday morning, and then in the evening I will be weighing in at Slimming World for my first post-regime-change weigh in.
Fingers crossed, it’ll be good news.
The previous Wednesday was weigh-in at Slimming World. Over the festive period I put on 4lbs. It’s more than I would have liked to put on, and perhaps I should have been a little more conscious of what I was eating. However, I can’t un-eat what I have eaten, so instead I have to get back on the plan.
Anyway, I’ve been sticking to the plan since Thursday, and with the help of those syns, I’m sticking to it well! However, I feel like I need an extra boost, something to give me some tone as well as aiding that weight loss. So I picked up my copy of New Rules of Lifting for Women, and set to.
We have a pretty nifty set-up in the garage, the only thing we don’t have is a cable column. I’ve been able to do all of the exercises called for in the program with the exception of lateral pull-downs, which are easily replaced with pullovers.
I’ve tried this regime before, though it was back before I started going to Slimming World, when I was a stone-and-a-half heavier than I am now. I was disheartened when I couldn’t see visible improvement. I was stronger than I have ever been, but all the muscle was hidden under a layer of fat. I am hopeful that this time, because I have already lost a lot of the weight I want to lose, I will see the results more clearly. This will hopefully boost my confidence, inspiring me to work out more, and thus begins a cycle. I hope.
As I said, I started on Saturday. It’s now Monday. I have therefore done two workouts, one each of workout A and workout B.
Both workouts are intended to be full body workouts, and I can certainly confirm that my full body feels like it’s been worked hard. I’ve pushed myself on all of the exercises. I was only able to manage 5 full push-ups, but I did my full second set by doing knee-push-ups (also known as “ladies” push-ups.)
I also opted to do regular crunches rather than ball-crunches, and after falling off the ball several times I also went for crunches rather than ball jack-knife.
My next workout will be on Wednesday morning, and then in the evening I will be weighing in at Slimming World for my first post-regime-change weigh in.
Fingers crossed, it’ll be good news.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
2012 - A Look Back
In a year that saw the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics in London, there have been some highlights for me too.
January saw the beginning of my first year growing vegetables in the garden here. I started out with tomatoes and potatoes, and also tried chard, beans, chilli, squash and onions. Some were more successful than others, the tomatoes did very well in the end!
April saw my sister's wedding, my first wedding anniversary (which I didn't blog about, shame on me)
October was a packed month too, we redecorated the kitchen and I met Patrick Stewart at Star Trek London!
In crafting, I've crocheted...
...knitted...
...including socks...
...and shawls...
...I've woven...
...and spun...
...and knitted a scarf for hubby...
I blame Nerd Wars for the large number of projects I've completed this year, and while I'm considering taking a break from it for a while, it's certainly been useful in getting some crafting done!
Happy 2013 everyone, let's hope it's as productive!
January saw the beginning of my first year growing vegetables in the garden here. I started out with tomatoes and potatoes, and also tried chard, beans, chilli, squash and onions. Some were more successful than others, the tomatoes did very well in the end!
April saw my sister's wedding, my first wedding anniversary (which I didn't blog about, shame on me)
October was a packed month too, we redecorated the kitchen and I met Patrick Stewart at Star Trek London!
In crafting, I've crocheted...
...knitted...
...including socks...
...and shawls...
...I've woven...
...and spun...
...and knitted a scarf for hubby...
I blame Nerd Wars for the large number of projects I've completed this year, and while I'm considering taking a break from it for a while, it's certainly been useful in getting some crafting done!
Happy 2013 everyone, let's hope it's as productive!
Monday, December 03, 2012
22 days...
I think this is possibly the most organised I have ever been for Christmas.
I have only gifts for my husband still to get, gifts for everyone else are all collected and ready. Most of them are wrapped! I’ve written some of my Christmas cards, though I have more to do.
But the big thing that I have done? The Christmas decorations went up at the weekend.
I usually leave it until just a couple of weeks before Christmas, but I’ve decided that since we’re not home for Christmas I would like to get the most out of the Christmas decorations, so up they went.
First, we picked up these fab tea-lights.
I’m very pleased with them. They’re from Boots, if anyone fancies them.
Then, I’ve put together this vase/stuff combination. It’s a clear glass vase with some glittery scented twigs in it. Then I’ve put gold Christmas scented potpourri, red baubles and some strings of gold beads in there, and voila: stylish but festive.
Then, there’s the tree. I always aim for somewhere between “simplistically stylish” and “the tree that taste forgot”, I think I’ve hit the mark again.
I’ve even got my special beaded baubles up again this year. Hopefully I’ll have time to make another one (or maybe more) this year, as they do look very pretty.
(man they’re hard to photograph!)
So my only question is this: why doesn’t it feel festive? I really don’t feel like I’m in the Christmas spirit, even wrapping the prezzies didn’t do it for me. Is there something missing, or am I just not interested this year? While I try to work out what I need to complete my festivities, I hope that you are enjoying preparation for yours, whatever you celebrate at this time of year.
I have only gifts for my husband still to get, gifts for everyone else are all collected and ready. Most of them are wrapped! I’ve written some of my Christmas cards, though I have more to do.
But the big thing that I have done? The Christmas decorations went up at the weekend.
I usually leave it until just a couple of weeks before Christmas, but I’ve decided that since we’re not home for Christmas I would like to get the most out of the Christmas decorations, so up they went.
First, we picked up these fab tea-lights.
I’m very pleased with them. They’re from Boots, if anyone fancies them.
Then, I’ve put together this vase/stuff combination. It’s a clear glass vase with some glittery scented twigs in it. Then I’ve put gold Christmas scented potpourri, red baubles and some strings of gold beads in there, and voila: stylish but festive.
Then, there’s the tree. I always aim for somewhere between “simplistically stylish” and “the tree that taste forgot”, I think I’ve hit the mark again.
I’ve even got my special beaded baubles up again this year. Hopefully I’ll have time to make another one (or maybe more) this year, as they do look very pretty.
(man they’re hard to photograph!)
So my only question is this: why doesn’t it feel festive? I really don’t feel like I’m in the Christmas spirit, even wrapping the prezzies didn’t do it for me. Is there something missing, or am I just not interested this year? While I try to work out what I need to complete my festivities, I hope that you are enjoying preparation for yours, whatever you celebrate at this time of year.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Destination Star Trek London
I had the most amazing weekend recently.
For the first time in 10 years, there was a Star Trek convention in the UK. It was held at the ExCel Centre in London’s docklands.
And hubby and I attended.
We had a lot of fun, watching talks, getting beamed up
Crashing the Enterprise A
And meeting other trekkies
And some of the actors
For the photo shoots each person gets about 8 seconds with the special guest. I arrived, Sir Patrick said “Hello” and we smiled for the camera. As I was about to head off, he stopped me and asked “What does your t-shirt say?” I turned round so he could read it aloud, and he said: “Keep Calm and Make It So, very good, I like it”
Patrick Stewart LIKED my t-shirt, and I got him to say “Make it so” without asking him to say that. Yay!
Overall it was an amazing weekend!
For the first time in 10 years, there was a Star Trek convention in the UK. It was held at the ExCel Centre in London’s docklands.
And hubby and I attended.
 |
| Keep Calm and Make It So |
 |
| Two to beam up! |
 |
| Inertial Dampeners are Off-line! |
And meeting other trekkies
 |
| Queueing Q |
 |
| Walter Koenig - he didn't mention the Nuclear Wessels |
 |
| Squee - I met Patrick Stewart! |
For the photo shoots each person gets about 8 seconds with the special guest. I arrived, Sir Patrick said “Hello” and we smiled for the camera. As I was about to head off, he stopped me and asked “What does your t-shirt say?” I turned round so he could read it aloud, and he said: “Keep Calm and Make It So, very good, I like it”
Patrick Stewart LIKED my t-shirt, and I got him to say “Make it so” without asking him to say that. Yay!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Kitchen!
I mentioned a while ago that I wanted to change the cupboards in the kitchen, and I showed you the paint samples I'd been trying out. Well, the painting of the cupboards is finished!
I'm really pleased with how it's come out. The pink works really well with the oak tops, and the Belfast sink really pops now! We still need to do some more in the kitchen, the walls need painting and the mirror needs painting and putting up, but this feels like such a victory! I love making a small change which makes a big difference, don't you?
I'm really pleased with how it's come out. The pink works really well with the oak tops, and the Belfast sink really pops now! We still need to do some more in the kitchen, the walls need painting and the mirror needs painting and putting up, but this feels like such a victory! I love making a small change which makes a big difference, don't you?
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
New Look!
I thought it was about time I updated the look of the blog, so here's the new look!
I'm also working on a new section on the blog, a page with all of my knitting patterns on. I'm doing that because I have a new pattern coming out soon, it's just waiting to be photographed! It's called Dangerous Socks for Girls and is going to be available initially as part of the Dangerous Socks Workbook. It will also be available as an individual pattern sometime soon after the initial release.
In the meantime, I'm working on a cute sweater from the sublime book I bought at the British Wool Weekend.
I'm using the actual wool called for in the pattern, and it's knitting up really nicely. I decided that I didn't want as much ease as the pattern suggests, so I'm knitting the smallest size. It looks like it will be a nice fit for me at this size, as I prefer my sweaters to be on the fitted side.
it's going to be finished pretty quickly, I hope, as it's knitted in chunky yarn. I have heard that there is more of this yarn available on sale, but since I'm meant to be using up my stash then I'm trying to refrain from buying any more. It's lovely yarn though. Soft and lofty, the coloured tweed bits are well spaced and not intrusive.
So, watch this space for the updates on the pattern page, the new patterns, my jumper, and in about 10 days Star Trek London!!
I'm also working on a new section on the blog, a page with all of my knitting patterns on. I'm doing that because I have a new pattern coming out soon, it's just waiting to be photographed! It's called Dangerous Socks for Girls and is going to be available initially as part of the Dangerous Socks Workbook. It will also be available as an individual pattern sometime soon after the initial release.
In the meantime, I'm working on a cute sweater from the sublime book I bought at the British Wool Weekend.
I'm using the actual wool called for in the pattern, and it's knitting up really nicely. I decided that I didn't want as much ease as the pattern suggests, so I'm knitting the smallest size. It looks like it will be a nice fit for me at this size, as I prefer my sweaters to be on the fitted side.it's going to be finished pretty quickly, I hope, as it's knitted in chunky yarn. I have heard that there is more of this yarn available on sale, but since I'm meant to be using up my stash then I'm trying to refrain from buying any more. It's lovely yarn though. Soft and lofty, the coloured tweed bits are well spaced and not intrusive.
So, watch this space for the updates on the pattern page, the new patterns, my jumper, and in about 10 days Star Trek London!!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Music Note Bookmark
I have a new design to share with you!
As part of Nerd Wars I wanted to make something to represent Willow Rosenburg's crush on Giles (from Buffy). I couldn't find a pattern which looked the way I wanted, so I designed one:
Pattern: Music Note Bookmark by Tsuki (download now)
Sizes Available: 4cm tall
Yarn: Handspun, approx sport weight - less than 20 yards.
Hook: 4mm / size G
Other: You’ll need a darning needle for weaving in the ends.
You can make a larger or smaller bookmark by substituting a lighter or heavier yarn and using a suitable hook.
As part of Nerd Wars I wanted to make something to represent Willow Rosenburg's crush on Giles (from Buffy). I couldn't find a pattern which looked the way I wanted, so I designed one:
Pattern: Music Note Bookmark by Tsuki (download now)
Sizes Available: 4cm tall
Yarn: Handspun, approx sport weight - less than 20 yards.
Hook: 4mm / size G
Other: You’ll need a darning needle for weaving in the ends.
You can make a larger or smaller bookmark by substituting a lighter or heavier yarn and using a suitable hook.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Lampshade Upcycle!
I also upcycled a lampshade!
From this basic lampshade
with the help of my glue gun
I made this
I followed a tutorial from Pinterest, there are lots!
From this basic lampshade
I followed a tutorial from Pinterest, there are lots!
Upcycled Pinboard
I'm in the middle of re-decorating my kitchen.
We had an old pin-board, which I wanted to use in the kitchen but which really wasn't going to work in the new room.
See, it's just a basic pinboard. Dull, and a bit manky looking in places.
So what did I do?
I re-painted, quilted and covered it, and ended up with this:
It looks even more fab than this in person!
Here's what I did:
We had an old pin-board, which I wanted to use in the kitchen but which really wasn't going to work in the new room.
So what did I do?
I re-painted, quilted and covered it, and ended up with this:
Here's what I did:
- Sand down the wood frame and mask it
- Undercoat the wood frame
- Paint the wood frame (2 coats)
- Make a cardboard frame to fit just inside the wood frame
- Cut out quilt batting to fit inside the wood frame, and a piece of fabric about half an inch wider all around than the cardboard frame
- Place the fabric face down on the desk
- Place the quilt batting on top
- And the cardboard frame on top of that
- Using a hot glue gun, fold the fabric around the edges of the cardboard frame - you'll end up with a padded square of fabric
- Place the padded fabric square into the frame and attach using a staple gun
Monday, September 03, 2012
Crafty Update
It’s time for a quick crafty update, I think!
The 5th Nerd Wars tournament is now finished, and I just scraped through 6 projects, though the yarn isn’t completed so was only half points.
The shawl is really nice; I’m very pleased with that one, the baby hat is already with its recipient, and the flower will probably be attached to the headband.
I’m working on the kitchen cabinets, I’ve painted two doors (the little ones for under the sink) and I’m on the drawers now. Once they’re done I’ll do the big doors, then the shelf, the plate rack and finally the cupboard carcasses themselves. It’s going really well and the colour is fab.
I’ve also been working on the pin-board. I’ve re-painted the frame and now I want to cover it with my fabric. I’m considering padding it with a layer of quilt batting before I attach it, but I’m undecided as yet.
At the weekend we went to the British Wool Weekend in Harrogate. It was great again, better than last year I think! We also spent a bit of time in the next door show, which was a quilting show. We went in there mainly because the Black Sheep were in that show, and their Yarn Mountain is not to be missed! I got a couple of bargains from the yarn mountain, and some lovely things from the BWW too.
These were all from the BWW show. The coloured chunky yarn is Wendy Thor (great name, right?) and it’s going to be a cowl. I bought a button to go with it, which I haven’t photographed (bad blogger). The plain chunky yarn is a massive cone of undyed yarn, which with the aid of some MASSIVE needles I plan to turn into a rug. First though, I need to dye some sections of it.
These two, and two books, were my goodies from the Black Sheep. I’m planning on making a sweater out of the lighter pink, which is Sublime Chunky Tweed. I don’t know what I’m going to make out of the DK yet, which is alpaca/merino/silk. Lush.
But first things first, I need to finish up my dissertation socks and get the pattern written up. Once that’s done then I can sort out the new e-book I’m planning.
The new e-book, entitled Dangerous Socks, will be a small sock workbook including the Dangerous Socks for Boys, Dangerous Socks for Girls, some heel and toe alternatives for both patterns, guidance for re-sizing the socks for wider/narrower feet, and (hopefully) conversion of sock patterns to mittens! I'll keep you posted on that as it takes shape.
The 5th Nerd Wars tournament is now finished, and I just scraped through 6 projects, though the yarn isn’t completed so was only half points.
The shawl is really nice; I’m very pleased with that one, the baby hat is already with its recipient, and the flower will probably be attached to the headband.
I’m working on the kitchen cabinets, I’ve painted two doors (the little ones for under the sink) and I’m on the drawers now. Once they’re done I’ll do the big doors, then the shelf, the plate rack and finally the cupboard carcasses themselves. It’s going really well and the colour is fab.
I’ve also been working on the pin-board. I’ve re-painted the frame and now I want to cover it with my fabric. I’m considering padding it with a layer of quilt batting before I attach it, but I’m undecided as yet.
At the weekend we went to the British Wool Weekend in Harrogate. It was great again, better than last year I think! We also spent a bit of time in the next door show, which was a quilting show. We went in there mainly because the Black Sheep were in that show, and their Yarn Mountain is not to be missed! I got a couple of bargains from the yarn mountain, and some lovely things from the BWW too.
These were all from the BWW show. The coloured chunky yarn is Wendy Thor (great name, right?) and it’s going to be a cowl. I bought a button to go with it, which I haven’t photographed (bad blogger). The plain chunky yarn is a massive cone of undyed yarn, which with the aid of some MASSIVE needles I plan to turn into a rug. First though, I need to dye some sections of it.
These two, and two books, were my goodies from the Black Sheep. I’m planning on making a sweater out of the lighter pink, which is Sublime Chunky Tweed. I don’t know what I’m going to make out of the DK yet, which is alpaca/merino/silk. Lush.
But first things first, I need to finish up my dissertation socks and get the pattern written up. Once that’s done then I can sort out the new e-book I’m planning.
The new e-book, entitled Dangerous Socks, will be a small sock workbook including the Dangerous Socks for Boys, Dangerous Socks for Girls, some heel and toe alternatives for both patterns, guidance for re-sizing the socks for wider/narrower feet, and (hopefully) conversion of sock patterns to mittens! I'll keep you posted on that as it takes shape.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Patience...
...is not really one of my virtues.
Determination possibly is, which is why I’m able to knit for what seems like forever in order to create something, but waiting 5 minutes for a bus with nothing to do makes me crazy!
Anyway, I was impatient to decide what colour we’re going to paint the kitchen so I dragged hubby to Homebase last night before I went to knitting group.
The colours are (top to bottom, left to right)
B&Q – Rich Sari, Purple Purl, Berry Mid, Berry Dark
Homebase – Raspcoulis, Jazzberry
Habitat – Wine, Hibiscus
Homebase – Bubblegum
I’m fond of hibiscus; it’s not quite as bright as in the picture. Hopefully hubby and I can discuss it tonight and make a decision…
Determination possibly is, which is why I’m able to knit for what seems like forever in order to create something, but waiting 5 minutes for a bus with nothing to do makes me crazy!
Anyway, I was impatient to decide what colour we’re going to paint the kitchen so I dragged hubby to Homebase last night before I went to knitting group.
The colours are (top to bottom, left to right)
B&Q – Rich Sari, Purple Purl, Berry Mid, Berry Dark
Homebase – Raspcoulis, Jazzberry
Habitat – Wine, Hibiscus
Homebase – Bubblegum
I’m fond of hibiscus; it’s not quite as bright as in the picture. Hopefully hubby and I can discuss it tonight and make a decision…
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