Ok so my theory about the hamster being dead isn't right the sneaky little thing appears to eat the food I leave out at night and then just magically disappears, so the studio looks like a bomb has hit it as I have had everything out looking for this little thing but no signs but something is definitely eating the food.

My Gift 


Look what my friend Jacqueline found for me in Turkey. Her name is Fatima and has mow found a new home sat upon my book shelves spinning away.

Spinning away 


She also brought me this

raw silk 



This is silk straight oiff the Cocoon with the gum still in it so its a bit like dries pasta I guess it feels like it should be very brittle but its amazing stuff.

Let me think what else has happened oh yes my kits have gone up on the Get Knitted site and apparently there has been some interest already

Thanks to all the advice about the dock leaves, didn't work it out so just went with the ice seemed to help, I forgot how much it stings remind me of that when I tell one of the kids that it doesn't lol.
So have returned home after a long day yesterday, yes I did do youth club but as a counter measure to that luckly my friend Jac inveted me out for a drink and although I looked like I had been dragged through a hedge backwards we braved our local and I had a much deserved drink followed by a trip back to the studio at 11pm (some idea about nocturnal animals or something) to check the hamster trap. Now there were theories that the hamster had been nibbling on the food left down for it yesterday but Dan spent quite a bit of time crawling around on his hands and knees yesterday to no avail and it still wasn't in the trap this morning.

Hamsters chewed escape route 



So either as I suspect it go injured in the fall from the table and has crawled away somewhere and died or he has ecaped the studio altogether. So the plan tomorrow is to remove everything carefully from the lower level, and anybody who has visited will know how much work that is going to be. So unfortunately won't be dropping in to see Debbie Bliss at John Lewis tomorrow, might try and catch her at Loop on Sunday.

Ok on with the knitting news. I found my Get Knitted parcel waiting for me at the studio the most exciting bits being the Interweave Crochet Magazine and the new short Addi's.

Goodies 


I have to say for me the magazine would be one I borrowed rather than brought as I thought there was a bit of filling in it, patterns just to fill the pages that have been done better elsewhere.

Woolly workshop has more of my lengthways kits up on their site today and the are already selling!!!!

I also got my parcels from E-Bay two wool winders!! Now you are asking yourself why two well I actually didn't need two but I was so fed up with being beaten on my bids for ball winders for the last 6months I just bid on three of them and of course I won two. I think I'm going to keep both though just in case I start classes again they maybe useful.
New toys 

As you can see I had a bit of a ball winding frenzy (like a kid wiyh a new toy)

Wool what wool

Ok so blogger isn't working tonight we will just have to wait for those yarn pictures.
All cats and rabbits fed and accounted for and just one more night to go. There is wool everywhere as this weather is awful for drying anything I have wet yarn on every available hanging space.

Had a nice afternoon with Lixie including a final Logo for Skip North so look out for the web page launch any day , plus we got some more yarn spun and dyed.

I also experienced for the first time since childhood nettle stings (I have to say it was in my quest of locating dandelions for the bunnies) now I remembered that the best cure was dock leaves unfortunately I realised at that point I had no idea what dock looks like (thats a city girl for you!!!!) so suffered for a little, wioed out most of my hand rather than just one sting, but seems to have shrunk back to normal size now.

Glad and Sad

So its done the five hour sweater complete, I know I know you want to see a photo but it doesn't seem to want to load at the moment but I can show you this.

Emergency Package 


This is the emergency ribbon that Yvonne very kindly brought for me from Liberty adn I was sewing on at half past eight this morning. There isn't really a shop that I can buy ribbon in in Sutton so I was getting desperate.

After dispatching the parcel I decided to treat myself I had read all about a new craft store opening 'Carshalton Craft' and after a bit of fiddling on journey planner I worked out the simplest route off I went. Actually the route isn't to bad except you go down a bit of a hill to get to the nearest bus stop so me being a coward decided that maybe another route home would be wise.

Great Store 


This is the store and its fantastic, basically it is for all scrapbookers and card makers absolute heaven and even the odd treasure for us fibre lovers (the most amazing buttons). The staff are very friendly and actually know what they are talking about (always a bonus) and the selection of papers is awe inspiring. I was very good though I restrained myself to just a few things.

My small collection 


Basically I brought papers to make a small scrapbook with the few photos I have of Robin as it seems a bit of a waste just leaving them in their envelopes.

This is the colour way I chose, this will be my first attempt (after Ally Pali) at scrap booking but I found the whole shop very inspiring.

Close Up 


I did then come back using the train (the hill is just as bad up to Carshalton Station :) and got stuck into the dyeing. I managed to do about six kilos I think lost track in the end as once your on a roll you just keep going all I do know is that there is drying yarn everywhere.

The Sad part of my news is that I got a phone call this afternoon to say that Kim the hamster had escaped, apparently it had nibbled a hole through its cage, we don't hold out much hope for its survival as it is quite a drop from the table but it hasn't been found yet so a bowl of food and some water has been left on the floor and we will see if it has been disturbed in the morning.

Oh well tomorrows another day.

Sniff sniff

Ok so feeling a bit yuck today, have had this sniffle for a couple of days but this evening it seems to have decided its actually going to turn into a cold typical. Oh well just about finished the five hour sweater this is the pattern I used I know that there are several versions out there but this one seems to work for me. Jan I did try to e-mail you but it got bounced back just to say I will be there next Thursday if all is well.
This is it at the five hour mark two sleeves done just the main body to go. Ran out of daylight so hopefully a picture for you to see tomorrow.

Almost there 


I did manage to get some of the yarn dry that I dyed earlier in the week.

More yarns for kits 


There is still more drying in the kitchen, I am reluctant to dye anything else until this lot is dry otherwise I will have no room to move anywhere.

I think I'll over dye this one, not so happy with it 


The great news is that Get Knitted finally recieved my parcel yesterday, Sue has been very patient and they will go on the site on Monday.

I'm still working on the juiced jester yarn hopefully something else I can finish tomorrow, well thats the plan anyway after a quick trip to the post office. I really would like to dye some more though but after having just watched the weather report there isn't a hope.

As Promised

Here it is as promised the flyer for the upcoming Fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Its going to be a great day.

Flyer 


Can I ask a favour from all of those fellow bloggers out there can you either link back to this flyer or place it on your blog as it would be great to fill the place. Thanks in advance. (if anyone wants to get a cleaner copy I can e-mail it out to them just drop me a note)

Five Hour Baby Jumper Kinda

You will be glad to know that all rabbits and cats fed and accounted for, no disasters as of yet except a small chorus of thumpers at six this morning. The rabbits are kind of like babies once one starts they all start and it is impossible to get them to be quiet until they decide to be, it took them an hour and a half this morning. So after that wonderful start to the day it had to improve which it did.

To start with I spent a little time trying to find places to dry all the yarn I dyed yesterday, pictures tomorrow when it is dry hopefully.

Even better I finally managed to talk to a human at DHL and they have finally picked up the parcels whoppee, It took them all of an hour after I spoke to them before a van turned up to collect them its amazing how convincing I can be on the phone.

Then I checked my e-mail and the flyer suddenly took on a whole new meaning, I found out from mutual friends that someone I studied with at GVSU had lost everything in the flooding in New Orleans. I have very fond memories of being invited to decorate this persons christmas tree one year, which for a person away from home was wonderful to be invited to do and as coincidence has a concert is being held to help the family relocate back in Michigan. Unfortunately I obviousley can not be there but am sending a parcel and as she gave birth to her first child just after they were evacuated I decided to tackle once again the infamous 5hr babies jacket. Now I know from experience this takes me seven to eight hours to complete.
But I started with two hanks of one of Silkwoods four plys, Now I usually use an Aran weight for this pattern but the one yarn we didn't have any of Aran so I doubled up the yarn.

Silkwood 4ply 


I also have to say I normally wouldn't use pure wool for a babies thing as I think washing it is a bit of a pain, but I was working on speed here as I want to get it to her as soon as possible.

In action 


Les' ball winder came in very useful.

Materials at the ready 


One hour on 


Two hours on 


Three hours on and the light is going 


Four hours and one sleeve complete 

Secret Pal 6 Questionaire

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
Don't get me wrong I do love high quality yarn but anything new can also be fun, I knit with everything from wire to carier bags.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?

Yes to both of those, I'm into spinning novelty yarns at the present. I do crochet, not very often but then again if there is a project that inspires me to take up the hook I would.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)

Unfortunately for this questionare I can't wear wool, I have to say though that I can still knit with it with no problem and for some reason I can wear it on my feet. The other one is NUTS can't eat them at all, its not that I will be shipped off to hospital but end up with having symptons similar too food poisoning.
4. How long have you been knitting?

I can't actually remember when I started but I know I started to really get back into it just after I graduated in 1999
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

I do but it needs updating
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

I like musky smells a lot but the only thing that really repels me is Lavender
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Oh yes!
!!!!
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

You name it I've tried it. There are just a couple left I really want to tackle, fistly Tatting, my nan died before she got a chance to teach me and Bobbin Lace Making is another.


9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like all kinds, in fact have very eclectic tastes but always open to listen to something new. Yes my computer can play MP3's

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love all colour but I am still having a bit of a green phase and trying to give up my pink addiction,
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live at home with my brother and Father and at present we have two kittens at home, and I have my hamster (kim) at the Studio
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
I tend to live one day at a time just because I find that plans tend to fall apart. I would like a family or some involvement with children as have spent most of my working life being a youth Worker.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I love lornas laces Lion and Lamb, Rowans Calmer, Silkwoods Angora and any GGH as they have a great selection of yarn that is wool free
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I'm not sure that there are any, I think every fibre has its place

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Difficult one this, spinning is taking up a lot of my time at the moment, I do fancey tackling some lace at some point

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Anything complicated, I love the satisfaction in beating a pattern into submission.
17. What are you knitting right now?
A Feather and Fan scarf in Aurora, A biased scarf in a multitude of yarns, a modular jumper (x2) and a cardigan in debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran
18. What do you think about ponchos?
They look good on other people

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Circulars (I travel with my knitting a lot)

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Depends on the project

21. Are you a sock knitter?
Yes I love sock knitting but do suffer from one sock syndrome

22. How did you learn to knit?
Don't remember

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
Don't even ask that question.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
I still seem to be going through a Gonzo phase ( I know not really animated but as close as I can get)

25. What is your favorite holiday?
The run up to Christmas, I love to decorate!!!

26. Is there anything that you collect?
NOt really just yarn I guess

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don't have any

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Not that I can think of right now but let me update my amazon list and I'm surethat there are a few hundred

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??
There are a couple of lace shawl patterns that keep calling my name but am trying not to cast any new projects on until I at leat finish one.ETA:

30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like?

I'm a UK size 10/ US size 12 / European 45. I like trainer socks but need quite loose ankles.

Odd day

Its just been one of those days just lots of little niggles, I guess the same as everyone.
I am still struggling with the delivery company, I just can't get through to talk to a human, they have asked me to book another collection, this will be the third one now, it is not as though the alternative is any better Parcel Force last time turned after the parcel had been picked up and delivered by another company.

I did get a chance to get out for a bit today as the guy who comes and cleans out all the hutches was here today so didn't feel, not pressurised thats not the right word, more responsible to be here ( I know that Les and Tess don't expect this but it is just who I am I guess). SO i joyfully went for a wander down the high Street. I know I outdid myself. There is nothing terribly exciting about Sutton High Street not wool shops or anything but they do have a Wilkinsons and look what I got.

New Inspiration  


Aren't these stars great I think I can spin them into a yarn if I thread them up carefully and a bargin at 69p.
But this wasn't my bargin for the day, this was

A well dressed wheel 


I managed to find this wonderful Boa in a local party shop.

Great Feathers 


The feathers are great so they have all been plucked and I hear a flamingo yarn calling my name. It was only £4.99 a bargin compared to what it would have cost me in feathers.
I'm hoping that these purchases kind of give me a creative kick start as I seem to have stalled, I'm not sure why, I've been working on a Logo for our Skip North Project now for weeks (Sorry Lixie) and although I have four designs none of them are right, the knitting for the new kits is just leaving me cold, I don't know I think I just need a day away from thinking about it all.

I did manage to spin some more of the juiced jester so its not all bad news and I have to do some dyeing tomorrow otherwise it won't dry in time.

Oh I almost forgot one of the things that really got to me today was that new programme art school on BBC2, now I missed yesterdays so I'm a bit behind but I went to Art School (my degree is in Fine Art) and I found myself shouting at the screen on more than one occasion (don't start me on John Humphries he would never have been excepted in the first place), I am glad that it shows that we do actually have to work quite hard and we put ourselves up for criticism on a regular basis, thats another point the critique that I saw today wasn't even half of what we had to experience, I actually had one of my tutors kick and damage one of my pieces, these people all got off quite lightly. Not sure I'll watch tomorrow not sure the blood pressure can take it :)

Latest yarn

So as promised heres a photo of the latest creation. Not the best shot in the world but I was up early.
130g 


Close Up 

travel day

Another day complete, a bit hectic but all animals accounted for. Tess and Les came back for a quick turn around and then headed back out to Birmingham for the next show, which left me enough time to dive back to the studio check on the hamster and ask Robin to take care of her until I return next Monday. And then a quick dash over to Chiswick for Youth Club, and I managed it all, I may feel a little rough around the edges but have survived.

Unfortunately found that DHL had managed not to pick up the parcels for Get Knitted and Yarnhouse on Friday so ended up getting very irate with a computerised answering system and still not getting anywhere, will I ever find a reliable delivery company is what I want to know.

I did finish a 130g hank of handspun last night but have missed the light to photograph it properly today so first thing tomorrow, it comes from the demented Clown Family so thinking along the lines of Juiced Jester, all sugestions greatly appreciated.

So I leave you with a final picture from this mad house.

Another cat picture 


No that isn't a new colourway in the basket its TP making himself very comfortable.

Quick Note

Ok so I've just got the first bit of information about the previousley mentioned gigs.
The first is to be held on Sunday the 25th September 2pm till 10:30pm at A Bar Too Far in Tooting, this is the only information I have so far except that the money raised is going specifically to the infamous musicians from New Orleans, its kind of a way in giving back to them after they have entertained us all for so long. Expecting the flyer shortly and I will post more.

Ok another night with no fox sightings so things going well even managed a reasonable nights sleep, only two cats on the bed helps.
What about that weather last night it was coming down in sheets and yet more thunder and lightening.
I did get some work done yesterday see

Basket of Worms 


Ok it doesn't look much but its all in the preperation for these funky yarns. I also threading on hundreds of sequins on to a thread to be spun alongside the main yarn.

The start 


And here is the start of the spinning there is a little way to go yet!!! I was going to do some dyeing today but its just to wet I'll never get anything dry.


I am very impressed with the Tesco home delivery, I got everything I ordered and on time!!! I think I will be using them again, it will safe me that walk up the hill from Safeways. This doesn't mean I might not wonder down there some point in the week.

Just a small note at he end to say that I haven't forgotten the date and I am sure that no one will ever forget 911 so my thoughts are woth those who are still and will always be effected by this

See what happens when I'm on a working computer

Your Brain's Pattern

Your mind is a firestorm - full of intensity and drama. Your thoughts may seem scattered to you most of the time... But they often seem strong and passionate to those around you. You are a natural influencer. The thoughts you share are very powerful and persuading.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

Thanks to Slip Knot Pixie for this one

Hide and Seek

I finally found the camera last night when I got into bed, don't ask I have no idea how it ended up in the bed not a clue but hey at least I found it.

I actually got a good nights sleep which is unusual for my first night here (its the same anywhere) usually I am very restless and up and down all night but once I was asleep last night that was it.

I was up at seven to feed the bunnies they get a bit restless from about six and as they are just outside the bedroom window they make it known that they are up. They are lovely though, all of them have different characters its great. I tried to get some new photos of them for Silkwoods site, now the adults usually co-operate but this is what happens these days when I attempt to take pictures of the little ones,

Escape Bid 


yes they try to make a run for it, this one is out and on my lap before I could even think about it so I think those pictures are going to be a two person job.

Not only do I have the 30 bunnies and eight cats to take care of I now also have Boris to make sure I don't walk into.

Boris 


Now I'm not a spider person usually but his web is such a great fly catcher I refuse to disturb him and he is the most beautiful colour.

How about this for a perfect picture of the country ideal, this is Emily curled up on a hay bale, I think I move too much for her at night.

Emily getting comfortable 


My SP5 pal finally recieved her final parcel from me so I can now reveal her identity, go visit Melanie and say hi.

While I was checking out her site I found another raising money for the victims of Katrina run by Rox who ran SP5 go and check it out, I also heard about a couple of evenings being raised for fundraising one in London one in Liverpool coming up when I have further details I'll let you know.

And finally for now I just want to thank my postman, I know that it is a national sport to have a go at our post (including me on more than one occasion)but they managed to get this postcard to me using this address all the way from Turkey, isn't it fantastic.
Address 


I think I should have this printed on all my buisness cards :)

Installed

So here I am happily installed at Silkwood having worked out how to order from Tescos on the computer (the local supermarket is closed ) which was a whole new experience we will see what turns up, have made a trip to the local store for supplies (I know that I should support the local stores but what I have is a Europa store and I just can't afford (finacially and healthwise) to buy my food for the week from there. Apparently there might be a farmers market this weekend so will go check that out for some nice fresh produce.....Ok have completely strayed from where I was going with th is ok so all done settled down to the computer thinking great a computer that doesn't take three years to do anything, I'll put some photos on the blog so off I trot to fetch camera from suitcase only to waylaid on the way by hungry cats so being such a soft touch go and feed the felines and now......no camera, what I've done with it I don't know, its somewhere in the house!!!! But I can't see it for looking never mind if I stop looking it will appear.

Catch Up

Just a short entry before I dash off to the studio.
The week has definitely gone better than last week which couldn't be difficult. I started off with our pre term planning meeting for the youth club which I work for. Now as those who read on a regular basis knoiw I have my doubts about continuing there, I have to say I still have those doubts, I find it difficult to walk away from the kids though so I am persisting for another term, including a christmas Panto if there is anything that is going to drive me over the edge the rehersals will.
On the positive side though I have realised what a wonderful buisness world I work in, people I deal with have been so wonderful and understanding when I'm not having a good week, I know from experience that if I was working in any other buisness arena I would have gone under by now but everyone is so supportive.
Knitting wise, the Aurora scarf is coming on nd a second ball has been started, still not sure about it, and to answer Anna's question (sorry I couldn't seem to e-mail you back) its quite easy to work with it doesn't break or split like I thoiught it might but the knots are frustrating, its also not very soft we will see what its like when it has been washed but I'm not sure its suitable to be worn against the skin (I'm biased on this any way as I can't wear wool).
Lots of kits completed annd ready to ship and am now looking forward to my long stay at Silkwood for some intensive spinning action so expect the odd picture of rabbits too.
Oh have just noticed that Knitty's Fall issue is up and has some fantastic patterns including some for us Goddess shaped ladies.

Fingers crossed

So hopefully this is a high photo entry if I have got this thing to work, if not I apoplogise as this will make no sense whatsoever.

aurora scarf 


First up is a picture of my Aurora scarf,

knot problem 


this was before I had this small knot problem. The difference is not to obvious but now I have found a lump in the yarn and this is still only my first ball.
See what yu think about the colours.
Here are some sequins all set for my next set of spinning, I'm always a sucker for a butterfly.

sequins for spinning 


These are the wonderful Cob Nuts Lixie brought me, I will confess we ate a few this afternoon so not so many to paint but I still have plans.

beautiful cob nuts 


And last but not least these wonderful buttons which were a nice suprise in the post from my friend Mary aren't they beautiful.

Present From Mary 

Knotty problem

Ok may be sometime before we get pictures on this blog have just tried to upload a photo and it didn't go well at all so I'm afraid it is just me whittering on for now.
I had a good weekend Little Lixie came to visit on Saturday and bravefully offered to wind some skeins for kits which meant I managed to complete a few more sets. She also updated me on a couple of blogs as some just don't open on my computer at the moment. Plus she brought me a present cob nuts, now I have some lovely photos of these and they are almost to beautiful to eat, am very tempted to paint them.

Got a little further with the Aurora and came across another nasty suprise a knot, now usually this is not a problem but in this case it became a problem as (as Jill warned me might happen) the yarn was two different colours either side of the knot. One side it was almost black and the other side was a light dove grey, now I tried to find a matching colur later on in the ball with no sucess so decided to carry on and hope because of the pattern I'm using it won't notice too much.

Oh well back to the kits

Good Morning

So I'm still on dial up and my computer is definitely on the unhealthy side, apparently its a very artistic crack in my screen, wellthis may be true but doesn't help when trying to edit photos so a new computer here I come its no good.
I know I said I didn't have any time to knit (which is true) I did sneak a sample bit of knitting of the Aurora, ok I'm going to say something I never thought I would but I think the colourway I chose has too many colours in it. I know it doesn't sound like me but it is too much like a rainbow, I will persist and see how it continues but so far not impressed.
Back to kits for me and Skip North.

Update

Sorry for the gap in blogging, not only have I not had a great week but also I had a small arguement with BT about my ongoing connection problems which after a three hour phonecall ended with me tellling them what they can do with their broadband account. So I am now on very slow dial up and I mean really slow until BT have cleared the line so I can replace it with another company, so no pictures I'm afraid as the download time for Hello was unbellievable.
I'd also like to thank all my friends new and old who have helped me through the last week, all the messages are much appreciated and I know for those that have been around that I haven't been a joy to be with but I'm working on it.
Unfortunately a planned visit from Robins grand daughter didn't happen this week as unfortunately Robins ex-wife passed away on Wednesday so hopefullly I will go and visit in the next couple of weeks but it is a bit difficult so I'm treading carefully.
What was a sucess was the show at Hampton Court Green last weekend. I managed to sell all my handspun on the first day in fact mangled parrot was sold before we even opened, so now I have none left so when back at Silkwood next I know what I am going to spend my time doing :)
It was a very hot weekend though, and Sunday was almost to hot under the marquee. I do have to say that it was one of the best organised shows I've ever done, lots of security, lots of sign posts and wonderful loos (trust me that makes such a huge difference).
Also had a nice evening at Liberty last night, very quiet but nice to catch up with people I hadn't seeen in a while. Also finally succumbed to treatiung myself to some Noro Aurora, I'm not sure what I am going to knit with it yet but I have brought three balls, I know that I can't wear it against my skin as it has a wool in it but maybe a little shawl or something. Notr that I have any time to knit at the moment for myself as I am working hard getting kits together and the new kits as well.