Quick note

Have a great day at Silkwood and stayed on for dinner so am a little later coming home so can't face posting photos tonight as struggling to keep my eyes open (a rare moment for me) so will confess all about mine and Yvonnes adventures to both the Harrods sale and Liberty sale yesterday. Also new picture of Bunnies and cats and yarn from Silkwood. Oh dear I feel a lot of photos coming on

Stormy Weather

Sorry this post is going to be a little photo heavy as I have a little catching to do.
Firstly here are the pictures of the yarns in my second parcel from Cold Spring.

super chunky 

This is a lightly light in colour they are both Super Chunky, I love the mossy green not so sure about the grey its a bit yellow for me.

look at the stash enhancement 

The two cones in the foreground are my favourite, its the cotton Angora and it is so soft, I've been warned it splits but it feels so nice and I can wear its against my skin. Behind that are the two cones of DK cotton not in my favourite colours but practical for bags and things.
This is a progress shot on my hat in Rowan DK cotton
hat progress as you can see I have finished the crown and am now on the stripey sides its not looking too bad the sides have pulled in a little but I think it will be a design feature as I refuse to frog it.

And finally this is the start of the Delta Burke cardie
cardigan edge  so far so good and I do like the colour I've got it down to 15mins per row hopefully I will get quicker as the jumper grows.

Did you see the spectacular thunder and lightening this evening, I sat in the studio and watched at least two hours of constant light show with the storm moving closer and closer and then the really heavy rain, this is when I found out the downside to being able to open the studio windows as one got stuck and I had to go out in the heaviest part of the storm to close it from the outside. But only two leaks in the roof tonight so not to bad.

Going to the Liberty Preview tomorrow night but the only thing I plan to get is some Jaeger Shetland if there is any left as I think I've already blown my wool budget for the year and still considering calling and seeing if there is any more cotton angora.

Just for Yvonne 

Sorry no Photos

Sorry no photos ofr this entry as battteries on charge so tomorrow I promise.

The Good news though I have finished Knitting Edgy just one lining to sew in and the only reason I didn't complete that was that I ran out of daylight and I've made that mistake in the past and had to unpick it all because its the wrong colour so hopefully today I will finish.

So that being the case I couldn't resist any longer and cast on the cardigan in the cashmerino Aran from Cold Spring Mill in the turquoise, 315 stiches later, I know I don't like sewing up but it makes it an awfully long row about twenty minutes a time while still in the pattern border but it is looking good and I actually think my tension is about right. I got about an inch done last night leaving the studio around eleven last night. I know I have more UFO's than fingers but I couldn't wait.

Also started another blanket square I think I'm on a role I think this maybe my travel knitting (not that I go to far these days).

Oh I did this survey for MIT only took about 5mins

Edgy almost there

Ok so I managed to do the three last rows of Edgy then of course decided it needed another ten.
Wasn't the thunder and lightening amazing, apparently the lightening earlier in the week struck a set of flats locally and blew out an entire chimmeny stack and left a couple of people in hospital. No reports of any disasters yesterday but it was nice to get a bit of fresh air through the studio even if a couple of buckets had to be deployed as the rain was obviously going in the right direction to find the holes in the roof.
I had a good night at Liberty and manged to restrict my spending to four ball of DK Cotton

Rowan DK Cotton 
Well the oroiginal plan was to make another hat to continue my Fairisle oractice but last night ended up starting a blanket square in it so who knows
I alos brought these wonderful Dpn from Nancy especially like the short five inch ones for socks.

Dpn's 
She also had some great wooden larger needles that I think I might buy as a christmas present.
Yvonne also brought along our ebay wins from Turkey this is some of our leftovers,

Turkey wool 
sorry about the pictures forgot to take them until it was dark last night, will try to take some in the daylight today.
I decided its definitely the cardigan but think I'm going to wait and see what the cotton angora is like they said it was Pistachio so I think it may be the same as Dawns if not the moss green cashmerino aran will be put to use I think.
And look what Jan gave me fantastic as I was starting to run low .

My Pressie 

So I think there might be some dyeing on the cards today if I finish Edgy but want to get back to watch Glastonbury especially as Mageic Numbers playing tonight, it makes me crave a festival not sure about that much rain, we've been fairly lucky in the past and usually only have small downpours especially since they moved the site to Chelthnam and Glouster Race course (oh the joy of indoor loos I know I'm getting old) but just the thought of sitting in a field listening to good music and knitting sounds good right now. Ok another incentive to learn to drive.

Too hot!!!!!!!

This heat is just too much, not a lot getting done I'm afraid very little knitting just too warm.
Unfortunately hasn't stopped me spending as I'm afraid I called Cold Spring Mill again and ordered more yarn this time some angora and some cotton, I couldn't resist especially as I would never be able to afford to buy this quality yarn for a jumper my size normally. So I've been debating about what to knit, I really wanted something where I didn't have to alter the pattern and could just knit.
So I thought maybe this

Delta Burke Pattern 

Or this


Three part pattern 

I think probably the cardigan as it is more practical for me.

I also got my parcel finally from the states can't show everything as a bit of it is a present but this was for me yes I know more sock yarn,



socks and more socks 

I just wanted to see the quality really and it is as good as a Regia or an Opal mind you won't get a chance to knit with it for a while.
Edgy is still waiting for cooler weather as it is just to hot to work with at the moment so in the studio yesterday I gave in on any knitting and tackled the desk that dan and Mark found and I have been ironing on which is a rather distressed fake regency thing so it was sanded down and a first coat of midnight blue Gloss was applied, I know it sounds horrendous and yes I would have preferred matt but this tin of paint only cost me a pound so gloss it is, I like the colour and dark enough to find pins on. I think eventually this is going to be the permenant home for my sewing Machine, It has a couple of small drawers to put accessories in to and it will stop me having to keep setting up the machine when I need it.
And for all of you concerned about my newly acquired cashmerino aran it is all safely stowed away at the studio where most of my wool has now been taken too after the Kid Silk Haze incident.
After that Robin (of the cooper clan that inhabit the studios) came to visit with his newish little girl Cressida she is so cute and had great fun destroying my map collection the added bonus being that he managed to open my windows that have been painted shut since I moved in so I can now get a little more fresh air in the studio.
Looking forward to Liberty tonight even if the journey is going to be horrendous in this heat

Happy Day

Told you be back to noormal service today, thank you to everyone for all your kind thoughts it is really appreciated and does mean a lot, I'm so grateful to have such good friends.

Ok back to knitting look what I got in the post today from Cold spring Mill

what lovely wool 
Ok I confess these are just three of the cones that arrived and considering calling up again tomorrow and ordering some cotton as I think I can make a jumper per cone so that means a ten pond cashmerino jumper which can't be too bad.

Still haven't finished edgy have all the components now but it has just been too hot to work with wool, in fact got so desperate today went out and brought a fan for the studio and yes did consider stripping off but decided that my fellow studio members couldn't cope with the sight especially as I seemed to be getting a few more visits than normal. Did do a bit more on my cotton hat and have started on the diagonal stripes down the side.

Ok spot the mistake in this photo

one two ..... 
No its not a trick of the camera that is two Poppys, well in fact its one Poppy and one Michelle they ae sisters and argue like they are. This is what I found waiting for me yesterday when I got up, apparently my brothers friend who got the kitten at the same times mum has just gone in for chemotherapy and Michelle(not my choice of name) is a risk of infection so now we have two kittens.

leave me alone 
Doesn't she look like she's wearing eye liner!!! She's a completely different character from Poppy a lot mor jumpy and not so brave so our house is now turning into the local zoo.

watch that bird 

Non Knitting Post

Just a warning this entry doesn't contain any knitting so feel free to skip it normal service will be resumed tomorrow.

Why the no knitting well besides being to hot, its the six month anniversary of the day I lost Robin (not helpful when combined with fathers day).

Sometimes it seems like I miss him more now I know that is only an illusion, I just wish that he'd had that chance to come down and meet everyone' some one, we had it all planned he was going to come down in November and meet everyone and ask my dad for my hand (how old fashioned but very him) we didn't get that chance. Nobody got the chance to meet the Robin I knew the one that brought me a pink rose corsage on our first date, the Robin that knew without asking if I'd had a bad journey up and drive us to the closest cafe to get me a cup of Tea, the Robin that took me to a local market gardner each week to buy me all my fresh vegtables for the week to make sure I was eating properly the Robin who never swore in fronet of me (even though apparently he could swear for England), The Robin that made me laugh even if I was crying, the Robin that made me feel like the most important person in the world, instead people get to meet the mess that I am now.

I sometimes wish that I had called his bluff and had gone into that registry office and then at least I would exsist, I don't ecsist legally, not on the death certificate, no right to the home we shared I couldn't even sign the DnR, I know the family recognise me which must be hard for them as they didn't even meet me until he was taken into hospital and they included me in every desicion but its not the same.

People always say how much I did for him but they seem to miss the point he did as much for me yes even when he was really sick I knew that he was there and would do anything he could for me and thats probably what I miss the most he was the person I first spoke to in the morning and the last person I spoke to at night and thats when its worst. We could talk forever we never seemd to run out of things to say ever and now its very quiet. Yes I can still hear him and would hate me feeling so sorry for myself but I just needed to share and maybe it would explain why sometimes I don't get to partyies or gatherings, why sometimes I'm not working on full steam and I'm sorry for that.

Now before anyone worries too much I am fine a little sad but fine and I plan too turn my phone off for the day and go and sit in an air conditioned cinema and enjoy and escape into a fantasy world and try and escape this heat. I hope you will forgive me for my indulgencce.

Hi and Bye

Just a quick posting as I should be in the studio putting kits together, I recieved my parcel this morning from Creative Grids who I had ordered a set of handles from for my edgy, great service by the way almost next day, and of course added a couple of extra pieces to the order


Parcel 

I have to say I'm not sure about the handles will try them out today I really wanted some 1950's angular ones but can't find any to order any suggestions truely welcome.
I did manage some knitting yesterday even in this humidity admittedly cotton first an attempt at fairisle

look how stressed I was 

inspired by Tracy and her poetry decided I was far to stressed to do this see the really bad puckering so moved onto trying a hat starting from the centre of the crown and working out, quite pleased with the result so far not the colours I hasten to add (don't usually knit with cotton so not a lot around).

Hat in the making 
And last of all a piicture of Poppy she is such a camera lover


poppy picture 

Oh Dads fine thank you for all of you were concerned its not as bigger a deal as it sounds honest he went out quite happily with his girlfriend last night.

Good News

Three more rows and I complete Edgy..... I was starting to worry especially reading other peoples blog to discover that they had already recieved their gifts, felt a little better after Liberty last night where several other people were still working on theirs. Hopefully have it all completed cat hair removed ends woven in and I'm done.
Had a couple of horrendous days, firstly the washing machine broke down now I know that doesn't sound like too bad a thing but with the washing saga that goes on in this household it usually means that I get to use it once a month and do a whole days washing so I had booked out Wednesday to do all my washing only to discover that my first was wasn't rinsing and then wouldn't let me have my washing. (Finally fixed at the end of the day when I found the filter full of coins, don't ask). This was promptly followed by my Dad coming in to tell me he is off to the hospital with chest pains, now this isn't as dramatic as it sounds he has long term heart problems so i'm kind of used to it, he got sent back later in the day from the hospital where they had discovered the balloon that keeps one of his ateries open had started to collapse so he is back next week for a new one. So spent the whole day worrying for one reason or another but did get the majority of edgy done.
Now Thursday morning didn't go quite as planned for a start I overslept by about four hours as my normal wake up time is around seven as I don't sleep that well instead I woke up at quarter to eleven. SO the rest of the day didn't quite catch up with me, did get to Liberty's which is always nice and relaxing just what I needed and actually got some knitting done on Dan's socks another stripe of the bee sock complete, even managed to restrain myself in the wool department trying to save myself for the sale. Unfortunately I heard the call of choclate cake from borders which was fatal three books later I escaped and started to suffer from the choclate cake in fact by the time I got home I felt exceedingly nausious, that will teach me.

I did finally succumb to buying 'Hand Knitting New Directions',

new book 
I've been looking at it since I met Alison Ellen at a craft show just before it was published and I saw all her wonderful sample garements and I must admit I am enjoying reading it and feeling a little inspired, not sure if there is anything in it that I haven't done before but I think it is a good reference book, and after being inspired by the hat that Joanne had at Liberty I think I may tackle one of those next mind you the jumper she was also wearing which was from Debbie Bliss' Cathay book called button up cardigan

Button Up Cardigan 

(which only took her five days to knit some how I think it would take me a little longer) was beautiful and I am very tempted.

Bonus Poppy picture

Sorry couldn't resist putting this up this is what happens when you put your edgy project down in our house. Thankfully didn't decide to chew this one unlike the ball of Kid Silk Haze I found her wondering around the house with the other day.


what a model 

Final tension square

Ok so I think I can finally go ahead with the agarve in the calmer I did two more swatches one in an acrylic aran (was never planning to knit in acrylic I hasten to add it was just at hand) and the other in Rowans calmer that usually for my tension knits up to an aran weight.

two tension squares 
Well they are not far off, I think I may need to go back to the studio this morning to check some of my math but I think I can knit it in the calmer without too much alteration. I know its a little softer than the original pattern is knitted in but I think it still shows the pattern clearly enough.

I still promise will not cast on before I finish edgy :)

Final swatch 
I had a thought yesterday I suddenly realised that I hadn't had my order from Sandra Singh one of the american companies that take Paypal, it had been 15 days since I placed the order so knowing what our postal system locally can be like I thought I would just check. Well apparently something in their system because one of my items weren't in stock they were holding the parcel now this would have been fine but i hadn't been informed. Well I got a very nice e-mail from the owner this morning apologising and explaining the problem to me upgrading my order and refunding me for the item that was out of stock. So hopefully a parcel will arrive in the next few days.

Almost there

Finally I am nearly at the fun bit of my edgy exchange, I will know better next time, I should know by now that me and long streches of stocking stitch don't match. Now the desicion is do I knit the handles or do I buy some we will see.

Other knitting news I managed to complete another tension square for argarve and I think its going to be ok in aran weight so I may dig out some of the calmer I brought in last years sale and try a swatch in that, I know looking at the pattern I am going to have to start on a sleeve because the armhole is given as a length rather than a row count but this is the only difficulty I can see in converting this pattern as there is no real shaping.

Here are the pictures I promised of my purchases from Caterham.

Purchase from Saturday 


Yes I know its more sock yarn :) 

I would put up the mitred socks but am not happy with them I think I may have to swap up into a thicker yarn, basically it was me trying to get away without doing a tension square.

I picked up a copy of the 'Quick and Crafty' magazine with the article featuring the Tuesday Morning group at Rays Jazz Cafe, there are some great pictures with some familiar faces. I thought it was a nice article and good to see Knitty get some press and of course a mention of the relax and Knit areas that we know so well. The added bonus being the article on Zoe Mellor and her Nursery Knits book and the pattern for her play cubes and her very cute party flags.

My other purchases for the day, to make up for me having such a bad evening at work, was The ELO CD

ELO 
don't ask but suddenly felt the need for some ELO I think its all the Scissor sisters I've been listening too and the The Magic Numbers Album

The Magic Numbers 

after seeing a late night special on them they sounded great.

So the plan for today try and at least start the edge of my edgy and definitely time to reorganise the studio as I can't find a thing.

Crazy Day

Ok I think it is safe to say that I am not the luckiest when it comes to transport and yesterday wasn't any different. Southbound traffic across Hammersmith Bridge was still closed yesterday so basically this part of Barnes is pretty much closed off so having found out my friend Jacqueline was in hospital I decided to visit her before heading down to Caterham as I had worked out a way via east croydon to get there. Well in the end it tool me an hour just to get out of Barnes and that was going the wrong way finally arrived at the hospital an hour late. I was glad to see her looking so well although not 100%, I took her up a collection of my knitting magazines to feed her addiction (you should see her stash its amazing).
So by the time I left I wasn't sure if I was going to make Caterham so made the radical desicion to take a cab (don't ask the fare) I had a wonderful driver who with the aid of a map got me to the Yarn House in good time.

How could anyone resist the colour of that yarn 

I have to admit that I wasn't on great form by that time, didn't have a great nights sleep but also its amazing how hospitals bring back so many memories, but it was wonderful to feel so welcomed by everyone made me feel a whole lot better. I finally got to meet Lixie I'm just so sorry we didn't get a chance to chat wanted to talk about her dyeing and her Kaffe Fassett and her new knitting machine, I will learn to not try and fit in so much in one day.

Yvonne and Jacinta doing fine work 

Before you ask yes I brought yarn and guess what type yes more sock yarn, I will post pictures later as the batteries on my camera have just died.
The shop is wonderful though Sheelagh has lots of really interesting wool (I know I am slightly biased as she stocks my kits) I really liked the look of the Alpaca but I restrained myself and I was once more reminded how much I want to knit the Black grey and white retro Blanket from Debbie Abrahams Blanket book one day.
Mary G was also there and had brought some more of her beautiful knitted jewellery projects that she is working on with her, they always get me quite excited and send my mind off at all sorts of Tangents about possibilities they are exquisite.

One of Marys' beautiful creations 


Tess and Les were there demonstrating always good to see them and all there wonderful yarn, I managed to restrain myself but I am being seduced by their new mohair.

busy shopping 

As you can see most of the Liberty hard core was there spot the faces, plus Sues cute little neice Beth who was very pateient with us all.
So thank to Sheelagh for hosting such a wonderful day also to Jan for providing yet another wonderful cake (and my chips), oh and whoever is her Rowan Edgy recipient I am very jealous as I had a sneak peak at her project and its gorgeous.
So after becoming a little more relaxed Jan gave me a lift to the Station I was very grateful having seen the hill, and tried to buy a ticket ended up only managing to buy one to Clapham saw that I had about 25mins to wait for the next train so wandered next door to pick up a few bits. Got back to the station with what I thought was ten minutes to spare to find that the next two trains had been cancelled due to driver shortages!!! Thankfully Caterham has a waiting room so installed myself and dug out my edgy knitting and had to wait around 50mins. The main bonus of all these travel difficulties was that I got another inch and a half of edgy done yeaterday.
Finally got home around ten to eoght last night and moved onto the second row of diamonds on my Diamond Patch socks. I quite like these they are growing fast.
There are some more pictures from Caterham on Silkwoods Blog and Yvonnes and Dawns and I'm sure there will be more I just haven't found them yet.

Hidden Knitting

Sorry no new knitting phots still working on my edgy exchange so still hush hush but is going well still knitting the boring bit plain stocking stitch my mortal enemy but a few more inches and then I get to play with the fun bit.

Had a great day at Silkwood yesterday, its always nice and relaxing there making more plans for Alexander Palace. Some knitting some dyeing some wool winding what more can you ask for a day. I'm going to be joining them at Caterham on Saturday for their open day and of course I may have to buy some wool (reminder to self do not take cheque book).

On the way home it was such a beautiful sunset I forget how lucky I am sometimes to live in Barnes with all that greenery.


Barnes riverside 

Poppy picture

Poppys wool love 

She obviousley has the same love of Kid Silk Haze as Yvonne.

Late in the Day

A bit of a rough weekend but survived but got quite a bit of my edgy project done which is a start will have it finished in time for the deadline, Daren't put a picture up just in case.
Had an interesting night with the Kids at Youth Club I have managed to find the only kids who don't like s'mores. Also it was one of my original kids from my first Youth Club had her 25th birthday today (syrely they will allow me to retire now) and she came to visit, she's just started to knit so appropriate gift was given.

Poppy driving me nuts and am covered in scratches. Here is a rare moment of peace


sleeping cat 


I also got the person who I am getting to spoil in SP5 it is going to be a challenge as she likes neutrals so I think it will be good for me to work with these limitations for a change.

Thanks Due

I have to thank Woolly Warbler and Donna for their help in sorting my button problems and I have now got a fully functional I heart wool button.
More good news I have heard from the poor person who has got me for SP5 and I have no clue as to who they are not even which country they come from. Iam still waiting patiently for the person I get to spoil Rox is doing such a great job there are over 600 participents this time round.

I did get some knitting done yesterday after all that computer time I started the simple lace shawl pattern for Silkwood


shawl pattern 




But I couldn't resist doing a swatch for the Agauve Jumper.


Swatch 
Ignore the colours as I am just testing for gauge as I think if I just increase the yarn size and a little bit of fiddling as there is no real shaping on it I should be able to upsize it easily.

I also have a confession I couldn't resist any longer and finally ordered Loop d loop and it arrived yesterday,
Couldn't resist 
I know there has been a lot of discussion about it on ample knitters and how most of the patterns are made for the very thin well I can understand what they are saying but there are so many inspirational ideas in it and as I very rarely actually knit something from a pattern book and just use them for inspiration I really found this book fantastic.

Oh and my apologies for those who are getting some interesting spelling on my e-mails Poppy has found a new favourite place to sleep.

My little helper 

Too many ideas not enough time

I feel really bad this morning as I'm supposed to be in Detroit but just couldn't do for several reasons not all financial I have to say but that was definitely part of it. Also not sure could have faced all those questions at the Private Veiw as I haven't seen all these wonderful people for at least three years and so much has happened since then. So sorry to you all athe the big art show in Detroit hope you have a great time.

Enough of me moaning back to the knitting, as normal on Thursday I joined the knitters at Liberty, not that I got any knitting done, and had a good time catching up with Yvonne and everyone, look what Jacinta brought me back from Hawaii

Jacinta's present 
Aren't they beautiful, will have to think of a project for them.

Also I managed to get a copy of Knitters at borders (a rare sighting at in the Borders in Oxford Street) and all though I have heard a lot of bad things about this issue admittedly the fronet cover wasn't to promising

Knitter's summer 2005 

But I do like this pattern and I don't think that it will take to long to alter.


Aguave from Knitter's 

Also Jill lent me this copy of Spin Off which has a great article on sun powered dyeing which could be interesting, I've done it with Kool Aid but this looks a little more intense.

Spin Off Summer 2005 
I also fancy crocheting the top on the fronet cover.


Latest poppy shot 

First of all let me introduce you to Poppy yes after much discussion and me putting my foot down about 'Buffy' (no offence to buffy fans but just have visions of it dating very quickly) and they weren't keen on Fang, Tang, Shivra or Mfanwey we settled on Poppy.

Boo 
As Jill had noticed from the phot she is a bit of a huntress so no introductions to either my hamsters or my wool stash can you imagine it.

Back to knitting news, I weave the ends of my two socks in so will be wearing a pair of them tomorrow night. My self patterning socks are growing slowly and a pattern is definitely appearing.

progress 
Unfortunately the others at the studios have seen me knitting socks so I spent half an hour this afternoon measuring feet and have just cast on Dan's socks I thought he would suit the bumble bee sock and if he doesn't like them his little girl can have them for dress up, these are to be followed by a pair for Kim.

Dans socks 

I got a nice parcel from Get Knitted this morning of Debbie Bliss' Red Baby Cashmerino to go with my hand dyed pink varigated for a pair of striped socks for me.


next sock project 

Just had a thought I think maybe reading Polly's blog has had an effect on Poppy's name, its only taken me four hours to realise this honestly.