Catherine Wilson

Freshers Week

2010-09-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hi fellow tweakers,

I got through my first week at Uni!!!! Yay!!!! I am totally inspired, impressed and raring to go!! I have met new friends and joined a couple of societies - as you do!! Yesterday we had our first lecture, the old grey matter is starting to circulate a bit.

I am still working on a few things in the creative sector as it were! The 'Autumn Berries' cushion cover is nearly finished. I've started an aran jumper for my lovely Steve in a gorgeous deep red, I will photograph it when I have done a substantial amount. Starting off in the pattern was really strange, had to frog a couple of times just couldn't get it right. It's yonks since I knit aran! In my previous blogs I mentioned the Sirdar Blur in green I had bought so I made a little something!!!!

I have a friend Chloe who has just gone to University in Aberystwyth, Wales, to study 'genetics' I thought she might need a companion to sit by her pc as she worked, check out 'Bobbie Bacteria', he's made mainly in Blur with a couple of scraps for other bits!! He is a very simple amigurumi shape, I've put polyester beads in the bottom to make him stand up properly but he does tend to be a bit of a rogue still!!

I am working on other ideas and have loads to do at present, will keep ewe posted!!!

love Cathy x

Every ones a fluffy one .....

2010-09-02T14:35:00.001-07:00

Hi fellow tweakers,

This is 'Fluffy Dennis', all finished - not frogged, for a change lol. It seemed to take ages to make but it certainly kept my legs warm, hope my young Emo friend is pleased with it. It came out much longer than I anticipated, it should look fab with leggings.

Today I have gotten rid of my red locks and had loads of blonde hilights put in. Will have to change my blog picture - watch this space!!

I am toying with the idea of what to do with some Sirdar Blur I have in my stash. Its a lovely green colour. Have been playing around with it but havent quite decided what to make. I have to say though it is a beast to undo!!! - wish me luck!!!

Catch ewe soon
keep tweaking
love Cathy x

Fluffy Dennis, Autumn Berries, new start ....

2010-08-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

Hi fellow tweakers,

Yeh I know, I am the worst, most irregular blogger on the planet lol!!! Despite not having blogged again for yonks I have been knitting and crocheting like crazy, always having at least one thing on the go. These are two of the most recent:

Meet Fluffy Dennis:

This is a stripey mohair 'Dennis the Menace' like 80's style jumper. The red yarn is a vintage 1970/80's one I managed to find on ebay. I think it is a worsted weight its certainly quite thick for a sports weight. The black yarn is a sports weight, both yarns seem to work well, on 4mm needles the difference in thickness adds texture to the sweater. It is going to be a one size, quite a baggy long number, for a young 'Emo' friend. (I did have another photo, guess what I accidentally deleted it!!!)

and Autumn Berries:

This is going to be a scumble cushion cover. It is made of Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn, on a 4mm crochet hook, as Noro fans will know this yarn is incredible!! All these beautiful colours in one skein - magic!!

This is a little 3D effect flower, with a little crocheted centre bead .... and theres more!

I have really stretched this photo out. You can actually see the variants of thickness and shading even in one colour. Don't you want to touch it?

On a personal note I have now finished work to pursue a degree at University!!! I am really excited and scared at the same time. My dizzy personality (self admitted) will help to bond with the youngsters, my teens reckon I will just fit in great because I'm mad!!!

Bye for now,
take care ya'll
Cathy xx

Berries and Key Lime with Savannah and Scottie...

2010-04-21T06:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Even though I haven't been blogging I have been very busy with one thing and another, life took over in a big way!! Haven't done as much crafting as I would have liked, I seemed to have lost my mojo for a little while.

The Make, do and Knit fair in Liverpool, proved to be the catalyst in my recreativity, had a fabulous weekend with the knitonthenet team. Ended up thoroughly knackered, but absolutely fired up with ideas.

Here are some of my recently completed projects - read on ..

This bag is made from a kit by Ingrid Wagner, who was at the fair. I called it Scottie Bag as the orange colours have a slight plaid in them.
The kit includes 2 balls of 'yarn' and a huge crochet hook complete with pattern. I altered the pattern slightly and made different handles, it is fabulous, very hardwearing, and is soooo quick to make, a real instant gratification job. Cheers Ingrid I will do more of these!!

This is Berries Shawl my own design in Sirdar Escape. Just a simple filet stitch rectangle with a loopy fringe, its so warm and cosy, and can be draped in different ways to suit my ever changing moods - lol.

Meet Savannah the lovely little number from 'The Knitter'. Made in Patons, Trentino dk. Of course I had to alter this pattern as well, didn't fancy picking up the stitches for the lacy edging, so I crocheted them instead. This made a surprisingly lightweight but warm shrug.

This next one is called Key Lime and is a WIP. Made from Stylecraft, Sirocco - a linen and cotton blend. The photos do not represent the colour very well it is a definite lime, hence the name. It is quite heavy but I am looking forward to finishing it and of course wearing it!

Bye for now, love Cathy x

Farewell Old Girl....

2010-01-13T03:32:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone

We had a very sad event yesterday. Our eldest cat Biscuit (aged 18 years and 10 months) was taken to the vets and we decided it was 'time'. The poor girl had either liver or heart failure, causing her frail body to swell. Her suffering was apparent and it was the last kindness we could do for her.

I took her and stayed with her, it was very hard to do but had to be done. The family is very upset especially my Steve, she was his baby.

RIP little one, I hope you are as fiesty in heaven as you were with us. We love you. God Bless.

Bye for now tweakers
take care
love Cathy x

Picture postcards ...

2010-01-10T03:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Apologies for not blogging for 'yonks' (a local term for a long time). I put myself under too much pressure trying to do everything, long hours at work and college assignments have inhibited my creative juices. Thank you for the beautiful birthday wishes I received on Ravelry (for the 7th January) they warmed my heart, a belated and sincere HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!!!

We are virtually snowbound - a slight exaggeration, we are not as bad as some parts of the country, walking and travel are hazardous. I choose to hibernate. I am not the steadiest person on my pins at the best of times, to put me on icy paths would be very very risky!!

How beautiful is this.

As my friend Susan will tell you, despite the hazards, I love to tread on 'virgin' snow, fresh snow untouched, I love to make childlike footprints - guilty pleasures or what!!
I now have a week off work - YEEHA!!!!!!

I want to play with yarn, and watch movies and just C H I L L O U T!! (Pardon the pun!!!)

I really like this:

Recession Ruffle
by Henrietta Dups from knitonthenet.com

A perfect stash buster, a quick and easy project.

I am going to sign off now. I feel the need to design, create and PLAY!!!!!

Bye for now, catch you soon.
Happy tweaking!! xx

Disappointment ...

2009-10-15T12:05:00.001-07:00

Hi fellow tweakers,
just a little note today to say how sad I felt yesterday. We have been away to the Lake District for a few days and gorgeous it was too!!! Apart from one thing, as it is a different way of life in 'The Lakes' it is the country, and you do not see as many shops as you see in the towns. I of course, wanted to visit a wool shop, (as usual).

We went to a beautiful place and I saw a sign......
I was so 'excited' at the prospect of a new adventure!!!!

then I turned a corner and saw this ......
a poor empty shop, another victim of the times, it made me feel so sad!!! The proprietors probably felt, and still feel, as passionate about crafting as I do.

Lets hope that the economy picks up soon!!!

keep tweaking
catch u soon
love Cathy x

New Creations

2009-09-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

.... from knitonthenet.issue9!!

I have had the pleasure of working with JustCallMeRuby, on this beautiful creation for knitonthenets latest issue. Meet Joplin!! A crocheted collar and cuffs on an old sweater, ribbon binding and a button, it really looks like new.

Meet Martha,

Martha was my Nan (Dad's Mum) we lost her when I was 21.
She was a lady, a real girly girl!! This kind of filet crochet would have sat well on her walnut dressing table, with her powder puff, her silver backed hairbrush, and her Chanel No5. To this day when I smell powder compacts I think of her.

When she was a young
woman she crocheted altar cloths for her local Methodist parish
church where she also played the organ.

I wonder what you would make of this little offering Nan, fond memories, always xx

..... and then theres Lillie!!

A Victorian classic, lace edging on towels they look so elegant, just like Lillie Langtree, eh Ruby!!

Bye for now tweakers,
love Cathy xx

... and there's more!!

2009-08-21T11:43:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

As mentioned in my last blog photos of the white version of Sheara!! The only difference is the knitting sample, on this one it is plain and on the
other its cabled.

Meet 'The Wise Lady', mistress of all she surveys, checking out one of our many bookcases.
She is a gift for a young lady at work who celebrates her 21st this month. Happy Birthday Laurel!!

Laurel asked for a 'seventies' owl. I decided to make a french punk girl!! She has random safety pins and buttons on her jacket, and a little on her beret!!

Ooh la la indeed!!

Blue Moon Jumper is finished!!
The pattern is an old Tivoli one I found in my stash. It's very warm and ultra comfy!!

The details do not show up very well as the yarn is varigated, I used Sirdar Denim dk.

The close up of the neck is a little better.

I have taken a photo of Tropicana, a jumper I finished a couple of months ago. Made in Snuggly Bubbly baby yarn with the odd dk stripe out of my stash. I used a standard dk plain pattern, (of which I cannot remember the exact one I used!!! ) Then I jazzed it up made the v neck deeper, its a modern take on an eighties dropped sleeve.
The v neck
is crocheted!
Just a strip of dc(sc) made slightly longer than the v neck so that it will overlap.

I really need to make more notes as I work; I rely too much on memory, which sometimes has the capacity of a sieve. I forget which pattern, which variation, which needle. A lesson learned as I really like this jumper and would have loved to do another, without necessarily starting again from scratch!!!

Well thats all for today fellow tweakers, keep at it.

Love Cathy xx

Back on the radar .....

2009-08-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

Well hello there - I'm back,

I lost my camera a few months ago - hence no blogging!! I have a feeling it is in my home somewhere, so eventually it will turn up. I have since changed my phone and it has a pretty decent camera on it so the girl is back!!

I have done a lot of knitting and crochet in that time and have managed to capture some of the items.

This is 'Sheara the Sheep'..

This is my own design isn't she cute!!
I have also made a white sheep, photo to follow soon.

This is fiddly to make but very rewarding!!

I am quite proud of this one!!

My original 'Sheara' was knitted and crocheted, but this is all knitted!!

I have also made this ....
Lucy Ladybird, for a friend at work!!
This is all crocheted. Using kidsilk night and plain black yarn with a little beading on the top.

When I looked at photos of
ladybirds, it said that all
ladybirds have an odd
number of spots, so she
has.

When making amigurumi I like to give them a quirky look
hence the huge eyes!!

This is Blue Moon jumper still in progress, I am on the second sleeve as we speak ..

This is a simple v neck, 3/4 sleeve. The back is all double moss st and the sleeves and front have a cable and a slight 'aran' feel to them.
I thought it necessary to start my winter woolies!!

Bye for now
Cathy x

Just for Mary ...

2009-04-05T12:27:00.001-07:00

Hi fellow tweakers,

My dear Auntie Mary is sadly suffering from small cell lung cancer. When she recently had surgery she met a nurse, who had trouble knitting up a teddy bear. She offered to help and I completed it for her, check this out ..

Cute or what!!

It is made from Wendy Shimmer using Wendy pattern no. 5068.

I have also been getting ready for Easter in my house. For years I have promised myself a basket full of eggs, (and for once not the chocolate variety)!!

I have used polystyrene egg shapes and just crocheted around them using htr(hdc) oddments of yarn, and a few beads sewn on.

From top left:

a boucle multi base colour black (dk weight)
a fluffy fuchia oddment (dk weight)
a Twilleys goldfingering in green
a soft pastel stripy effort in dk
a cerise pink with pale pink and white stripes embroidered in chain stitch (dk weight)
a lively lemon dk with clear beads randomly sewn on (dk weight)
a soft lime with green long beads randomly sewn on (dk weight)

and last but not least, a little number in Kidsilk Haze, with spikey stripes.

I am now off work for a whole nine days!!!!!! As I have been doing a college course I have homework to do. I also want to knit and crochet all the time.

Catch you all soon with more finished projects, (hopefully).
Love Cathy xx

Monroe

2009-03-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

Once again I have had the honour of designing for knitonthenet, the current 8th Issue is gorgeous, glam and sexy!!

This is Monroe which I designed. I have tried several times to knit with lace weight yarn and found it terribly frustrating. There are some absolutely beautiful knitted shawls in lace weight, but they had me beaten - until I tried to crochet with it. I have definitely found it much, much easier to crochet with, hence the result!!

The crocheted fabric feels warm, and has stretch and body despite its lightness, and openess, and it has a wonderful drape to it!! Also using different sized hooks gives it another dimension. I am looking forward to doing more with lace. Check out the other beautiful unique designs in this current issue.

Catch you soon tweakers,

love Cathy xx

Pretty in Pink .... isn't she?

2009-03-12T05:39:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone

I wanted to make a token gift for a friend at work who was celebrating her birthday!! She is very pretty, stylish and girlie, and loves animals. I couldn't decide! Then it came to me a girlie cake of course!!

The whole thing ...............

The front bit with the bow .............

The candle, with a bead or two!!!

The basic pattern was taken from Susan Penny (20 to make) 'Knitted Cakes'.
The book is excellent, very clever and is absolutely mouthwatering!!

Of course I had to tweak the pattern in my usual unique way!! Ha ha!!

instead of making 'piped' icing I used Sirdar funky fur
I crocheted the centre flower
used a pipe cleaner for the candle
I used stiffening for the edges (the kind used to stiffen peaked hats)
.... and I did stuff it - if you'll pardon the expression!!
... and finished with a crocheted chain bow!!!

I didn't want to give it away, but I wanted to eat it!!! Is there something wrong with me huh!!!

Catch you soon tweakers,
love Cathy xxx

Things can only get better!!

2009-03-05T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone

Sorry for not being in touch. I have had problems with the pc, then the camera, but now all is well.

I have to say just how much I have missed blogging.

I finally finished 'Escape 2' in December, but I have done other projects as well, but were unable to provide the pictures, as some were gifts.

I really love this cardigan and would like to make it again sometime in other shades of Sirdar Escape.

I am eagerly awaiting the next issue of Knitonthenet. It should be out soon.

I have just finished work and have to get dinner ready so this one is short and sweet!! At least I know I can blog again!!!

See you soon
Keep tweakin the needles
love Cathy xx

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...

2008-12-15T04:57:00.001-08:00

Hello fellow tweakers,

I have a day off today and I have got soooo much to do!! Haven't done much on the knitting/crochet front. In the next couple of weeks I am hoping to finish off some half done projects. I have been wrapping more presents this morning and am hoping to finish that today.

It is so time consuming, but I have to admit I love curling the ribbon and making them look pretty!!

This is my Clementine Bag,

..the inside and the outside

the little flower

..the whole thing

I just need to line it and sew up the sides. It was easy to do I just cut it to shape making one side of the flap a little funky. Made the corsage with brown and cream dk. Then I edged round the front flap with brown using a dc (sc) st. Made an icord which I then felted. Added a magnetic fastener and that was it. Apart from the bit of sewing yet to do!!

Well it was short and sweet but I do have to go. Loads to do. If I don't get the chance to blog, I wish everyone a happy holiday and a wonderful New Year.

love Cathy xx

You are lost and gone forever dreadful sorry Clementine!!!

2008-12-08T05:55:00.000-08:00

Hi folks,

Remember Clementine, well my darling hubby did the washing. In she went totally unaware of what would happen, and she felted!!!! Ooouch!!! She would fit around my neck but I would feel like I was about to be choked. But I have to say I have felted by accident myself and its so frustrating.

Now I am recycling her into a little bag, because I used the vintage yarn I hadn't got the heart to throw her away!!

My darling daughter has 'borrowed' my camera, we have yet to find it, so alas no photos. Kids drive you daft at times don't they!!

I have been making dolls pram covers for two little girls, whose mothers are friends at work, just to help out Santa's elves you understand!! I am currently making a little stocking for another friend to take to Germany when she visits her grandson!

My Butterscotch set began and ended with the little scarf. I made a kind of loose beanie/beret type hat. The hat looked ok but it looked dreadful on me. I looked like a Smurf... and not in a good way!! How is it that some people can wear hats and look terrific, and others can't!!!

Got to go now this stocking needs to be finished as well as loads of housework!!

Bye for now

love Cathy x

Another completed scumble!!

2008-11-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

Hi fellow needle tweakers

At long last I have finished my latest scumble - Orange Sorbet!! This one has been a lot of work and admittedly I haven't always been in the mood to make it. Made with 4ply on a 3mm hook it didn't 'grow' very fast. But see the results for yourself ..

..and now for the close ups ..

Unfortunately my photographic skills have still to improve, but at least you get an idea of some of the design.

Check out knitonthenet.com for crochet this issue, (issue 7). I am patiently waiting for the book 'A Stitch in Time' by Susan Crawford and Jane Waller due out soon!!

At the moment I am making myself a scarf, hat and mitts, (I am just coming round from a viral infection and I have had shocking earache in both ears, need to wrap up methinks!!). I am using Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk in Golden Sand.

At the mo I am making the scarf edging. The scarf is knitted but I haven't decided on the mitts and hat yet! The scarf is worked on 6mm needles. The yarn is just lush, it's beautiful!! I will call my set Butterscotch, half the fun of crafting to me is deciding on a name for my creations!!

... and finally a little close up of the flowers my wonderful man has bought me when I was suffering!!!!

Catch you all soon
love Cathy xx

Life is never just black and white!

2008-10-31T03:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I'm back,

Still unpacking, house is lovely, feeling all settled in now!! Currently doing secret things with yarn. All will be revealed soon!!

I have done a couple of projects lately which I can show, this is one .. Jessie's chullo!!

The picture isn't very clear, due to the black hat and my lovely daughters black hair. She is usually reluctant to wear anything which is knitted, because she relates it to images of old ladies and old fashioned things!!
Guess what - SHE LOVES THIS - yeeha, result!!! This was made from Sirdar bonus chunky, on 4mm needles, and the pattern was due to a kind, sharing person on ravelry!!

As we are experiencing the credit crunch I found this Sirdar Zanzibar yarn in a sale!! It was around a quarter of the original price and I bought a few balls of blue and red. I made one scarf on 8mm needles and plain garter stitch. I need to decide what to do with the rest. I have sensitive skin and find it almost impossible to wear 'hairy yarn', this is very soft and light, and suits me. I have to mention that if mistakes are made using this yarn - it is a beast to undo!!

I am still working on my cardigan using Sirdar Escape, I have finished the back and the fronts, it's an easy pattern, but time consuming I aim to finish it after the secret work!!

I can't wait for the next issue of knitonthenet and of course the new book, by Susan Crawford and Jane Waller, ' A Stitch In Time', both due out soon.
In the meantime I have work to do!!
Catch u soon, needle tweakers,
love Cathy x

Four more sleeps to go....

2008-09-27T04:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
Well four more sleeps to go, to the 'move', I'm stressed, excited, energised, exhausted. You name it, I feel it. Still a lot of work to do, this will be my last blog for about a week I guess!

Took some pictures of my garden before I leave ...

The first picture of my passion flower is very sentimental. I lost my friend Mavis just over four years ago. She was a Minister and she was going to perform our wedding ceremony, she sadly died of cancer a couple of months before my wedding. She showed me the passion flowers in her garden, so I got one. I am leaving this it has grown so well it would be criminal to try and move it.

I haven't a clue what this one is I am no gardener but luckily my in-laws are!

Meet Clementine!!

This is made from 3 1oz balls of the Patons and Baldwins vintage stuff I mentioned in the last blog, done on a 3.50 and 2.50 hook it has come out really well.

I stuffed the button with a little scrap yarn, to bulk it up, together with an ordinary button. I am told that years ago home made crochet and knitted buttons were stuffed with scrap yarn, in case the garment was in need of repair or alteration later, wartime meant frugal days indeed!!
This is a closer look at my pattern:

It is a very simple filet lace one, I didn't want anything too thick.

Got to go now still loads to do.
Happy crafting tweakers, will broadcast soon from the new house.
Take care
love Cathy xx

For those about to rock ..... and crochet!!!

2008-09-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

Haven't managed to blog for ages, still packing and sorting things out. Hopefully the move will be done in a week or so!!

I had a little reprieve last Monday ..

Went to see Nickelback at the MEN Arena, Manchester, they were AWESOME!!! We only got home at 2.00am and we were working and the kids were at school the day after!!

The gig was well worth getting in late for!!

NICKELBACK YOU ROCK!

Guess what I found on ebay?

Original Patons and Baldwins yarn. Patons Double Quick DK knitting yarn in 1oz balls. As the ball band says its all wool. I couldn't resist it. It reminds me of yarn my Nan used to knit with donkeys years ago. It is so nostalgic for me!! I will try to think of something vintagey to make with it!!

I have finally finished my loopy shawl, take a look!

I decided on a loopy fringe to funk things up a bit!! Waddya think!!

Things are a little frustrating right now, even though the house moving process is going well I still am feeling anxious. I have frogged quite a bit in the time I have had for crafting, it was a relief to finish 'loopy' as I then felt as though I had achieved something! Well I have to go still a lot of organising to do.

Catch you all soon
love Cathy x

Healing amigurumi!

2008-08-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

I have been nursing a corker of a cold for the last couple of days, and we all know how rotten they make you feel. I have been in bed most
of the time, so no housework or packing has been done!

I have been looking at all kinds of amigurumi on Ravelry and they always cheer me up. They range from real life objects to total fantasy objects. This little fella is a picture from my Annie Obaachan's Amigurumi book. I think he's a gecko, my Jess wants me to make her one that size. Yeah course I will babe, and I'll visit the optician pretty soon too!! I have to say the more I see of amigurumi the more enchanted I become. It is so absorbing and creative, each piece of work is unique!
I wish I had discovered it years ago.

I have frogged my Escape and started a pattern with it, the contrast stripe is an odd ball of purple Debbie Bliss dk from my stash.

It is a cardigan designed by Hilary Mackin called 'Blackberry Tweed' and was published in the March 2005 edition of 'knitting' magazine. It is a four row mock cable pattern which is easy to do and grows quickly, (I am all for that!). I have made this before in a lovely mottled chocolate colour with a plain brown stripe, I put it in the dryer and forgot about it, how many of us have done that!! It didn't shrink widthways but had a dramatic effect on the vertical aspect, I was so annoyed at myself after that. Another lesson learned the hard way.

Now I will have to move myself and try to catch up on things.

Bye for now,
Cathy x

Packing and paperwork!

2008-08-19T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone

Apologies for not blogging for a while, I have had some excellent news. Our house is sold and we have found another one. For a few days it was like being on an emotional roller coaster, we had fallen in love with a house and not sold ours. I had a few sleepless nights and on the fourth night I couldn't sleep with excitement. The family are delighted too!

I have started packing and had to be selective with my stash!! A lot of it is packed away.
It is a wee problem deciding what to leave out. As usual I have several projects on the go!

I am crocheting another shawl in my favourite pattern, previously made in jade and blue, photographed earlier in my blogs. Once the first set of rows are completed it can be done without the pattern and is a joy to make. The one I am currently making is in a pale mustard colour in a cotton blend dk, the colour is actually called 'corn'. I bought this in a sale a while ago. Strangely enough I bought a dress in a sale and it has the same colour in it. A perfect combination!!

A new yarn shop has opened a few doors away from where I live now, I was there on the opening day, as a blatantly obsessed yarnie should be!! This is what I got ...

Its a dk yarn called 'Escape' by Sirdar. (There might be a little pun there!). It is self striping and the colours are very rich. I had to go for green because I love it!! I am making a very simple cardigan. I need to have projects that are very easy as my mind is very distracted!!! (I am soo excited!!)

This is Ethel she is one of the amigurumi I made in Wales. I love to make these.

I made this little cat for a girl at work who is leaving to go to university. Good luck Shabs we will miss you!!!

Thats all for now folks, keep tweakin
love Cathy xx

A welsh tale ..

2008-08-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely break, the weekend weather was great, hot and sunny!!

Nick and Jess on the beach!!

Then this happened ..

Heather, on the beach in lots of rain!! We had intermittent heavy sunshowers for the rest of the week! All plans for sunny days out were scuppered.

We did manage a trip to Portmeirion were the series 'The Prisoner' was filmed. The weather was very wet and windy and cold. It is a beautiful Italian style village, on a clear day its gorgeous. On
a wet day its like this ...

A cute little visitor
came to see us
when we went
for coffee!!!

Sunset on the sea in North Wales - gorgeous!

I made four amigurumi friends while I was away, will get photo's soon. The change in weather reminds me to make warm and cosy things for the coming months ahead.

Bye for now Cathy x

Holidays are coming ..

2008-07-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hi fellow tweakers, well I am delighted to say that I am going on holiday tomorrow!!! Yeeha!!! So I will be out of touch with the www for one week. I am going to North Wales in a caravan, with my hubby, my kids and a friend of my daughter.

I have spent the last two days sorting out washing, drying and ironing you forget what a pain it is to pack!! Almost done, apart from footwear I am glad to say. If we haven't got it sorted now then it is tough!

One of the hardest things to pack was my knitting/crochet to take with me. I finally decided on a little open knitted wrap I have started in 3ply green, (this could end up frogged and a little crochet wrap instead) and enough kit to do a couple of amigurumi should the mood arise!!

My daughter's friend wants me to teach her how to crochet while we are away which I am delighted to do. I feel its an honour to be able to PASS IT ON!!

The last couple of days of crafting has been very indecisive (that's not like me at all lol, it was a case of start-frog, start-frog!! I have however made a little friend for a little friend, she was born last year - the Chinese year of the pig, and her mother loves pigs, this is just an ornamental pig for her nursery. Little Edith this one's for you ..

Meet Mama Pig!

Mama's side view

Mama's front view

Mama's back view, look at the curl in that

Do you think this hat will be suitable for the WI meeting next week folks!!

Well I'll have to sign off now I need to get some shut eye!!

Catch u all in a week!!

keep tweakin'

love Cathy x

My first amigurumi ...

2008-07-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Meet Henry he's my first amigurumi, ok I'll admit I've botched up his legs, and he does look like he has had a real fright, but he's kinda cute.

I am looking forward to making more, will have to use a much smaller hook next time, and go easy on the stuffing!! My tension wasn't that good!

Practice makes perfect she says!! When I look at his face I can't help but giggle. The design was based on Annie Obaachan's Amigurumi, - sausage dog!! The book is wonderful I dare anyone not to be inspired. The gallery at the back of the book is a real inspiration!! Well my daughter has fallen for him and wants to keep him.
Amigurumi is an ideal spare yarn user, especially if you have bought just a little expensive yarn to try and don't quite know what to do with it. I am definitely converted and want to do more!

Bye for now

Cathy x

FREE KNITTING PATTERN- MINTY FLUFF CUFF

2008-07-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

Materials: 1 x 25gm kidsilk haze Ivory
1 x 25gm kidsilk haze Black
3mm needles
2.5mm circular needle
1 pair of 40cm round black shoelaces

USE YARN DOUBLE THROUGHOUT CARRY IVORY YARN UP THE SIDE OF THE WORK, BREAK OFF BLACK YARN AS NECESSARY.

Row 1. Using Ivory and 3mm straight needles cast on 70sts. K1 row.
Rows 2-9. Wk 2 x 2 rib (*K2, P2 rep from* to end)
Row 10. Eyelet row. K2 yfwd K2 tog (K4 yfwd K2tog to end of row)
Rows 11 & 12 knit
Rows 13-16 K in black
Rows 17-22 K in Ivory
Rows 23-25 K in black
Rows 26-28 K in ivory
Rows 29-31 K in black
Rows 32-36 K in ivory
Rows 37-40 K in black
Rows 41-43 K in Ivory
Row 44 Continuing in ivory repeat the eyelet row as in Row 10
Rows 45-52 work in 2x2 rib as before
Row 53 K
Cast off or bind off knitwise

Making up: with right sides together sew up the little bit of seam which you used at the start. Darn in ends. Turn to right side thread through shoe laces.

Aruba Blue Notes: this was made for a large wrist, can be made smaller by casting on fewer stitches. I would suggest 60sts for a medium and 50sts for a small size.

Enjoy

love Cathy x

... a little Beatrix

2008-07-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

I went to several charity shops in town today looking for a specific book for my father-in-law. I found the book - and several books for me!! One of them is called The Beatrix Potter Knitting Book by Pat Menchini first published in 1987 this version was published in 1995, take a look at the front cover ..

.... and then closer ..

ok I'll never win prizes for photography but it's still cute ...

Tom Kitten Edwardian sweater and sleeveless top for mother and daughter.

a closer view of the sleeveless, I love this! I'm just sorry the detail hasn't come up very well but you get my drift!! It's very pretty lace made from Patons Cotton Perle on 4mm needles, a 16row pattern, with a 21 stitch panel.

I suppose any glazed cotton DK would do!

This is a closer look at the sleeved sweater, you would definitely need a floaty skirt and boots for this one Renee!!

It has gorgeous picture knits, a christening gown, even a tufted rug with flopsy bunnies on it, with full detailed instructions! Potter fans would love it!! Pass me my hat and parasol and we can go and have afternoon tea!!

I have also been doing more work on Orange Sorbet I have decided it is going to be a wrap of sorts!! Take a look:

... the futures bright, the futures orange!

Bye for now

love Cathy xx

FREE ELEANOR SHRUG PATTERN (crochet)

2008-07-01T01:27:00.000-07:00

Ingredients: 4 x 50gm Anny Blatt Cachemir Anny in Boise
4.50mm (G/6) hook

Tension: Not essential. Try to keep work even throughout. This yarn does drape well and has a slight stretch to it.

Sizing: This is made to fit a 38-40 chest. (to fit this size rectangle should measure 24"w x 27"l)

Method: With 4.5mm (G/6) hook make 106 ch. (This pattern is made up of a multiple of 5 sts + 6).

1st row: Work 1tr, 2ch, 1tr (1dc 2ch 1dc) into 8th ch from hook. *3ch, miss 4ch, wk 1tr, 2ch, 1tr (1dc, 2ch, 1dc) into next ch; rep from * to last 3ch, 2ch 1tr (2ch, 1dc) into last ch, turn

2nd row: 4ch (count as 1dtr tr) miss first 2ch sp, work 5dtr (tr) into next ch sp *miss 3ch sp, wk 5dtr (tr) into next 2ch sp, rep from * to last sp, miss 2 ch 1dtr (tr) into next ch, turn

3rd row:5ch (count as 1tr, 2ch), (1dc, 2ch) miss first 3dtr (tr) into next dtr (tr) wk (1tr, 2ch, 1tr)
(1dc, 2ch, 1dc) *3ch miss 4dtr (tr), into next dtr (tr) wk (1tr, 2ch, 1tr) (1dc, 2ch, 1dc) rep from* to last 3dtr (tr) 2ch, 1tr (dc) into 4th of 4ch at beg of previous row, turn.

Rep 2nd and 3rd rows until 27" (or length required) has been worked. Fasten off (Bind off).

Making up: Fold rectangle of fabric, cast on and cast off edges should be together with fold opposite. From folded edge leave 7" open (or length required for armhole) and stitch at each side, to form the sides.

Outer Edging: Starting were you want the middle of the collar to be: (you will be working in rounds!)

Wk 1 row tr (dc) evenly around outer edge, join with a ss to first st.
Wk another row of tr (dc) join with ss as before.
Continuing working in 'rounds' wk 1 row in htr (hdc), 1 row in dtr (tr), 1 row in tr (dc) finishing off with 1 row htr (hdc), cast off, (bind off).

Darn in all loose threads.

Aruba Blue Notes:
This pattern was originally not intended for publishing. This is a guide only using a traditional stitched rectangle and a simple edging. Have fun!!x

See y'all soon
Cathy x

ps

2008-06-27T09:48:00.001-07:00

apologies for the layout of the blog, it's gone awry on me again!!

Happy Birthday Darling ..............

2008-06-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone
It's my husband's 50th birthday today, and he would be highly embarrassed if he knew I was typing this. We are going out for a meal with the family tonight, looking forward to that. Part of his present was tickets to see Bruce Springsteen, which he loved. I have also bought him a 'companion set' for the garden as he loves to read outdoors in the summer, I hope the weather bucks up for him so he can enjoy it.

I would like to introduce my new scumble started today called Orange Sorbet,

Distant closer ....a little closer still
this is probably the
nearest shade to the
true colour!!

Its made from Jaeger Matchmaker 4ply which of course I got in a sale at the weekend. Should have been £2.50 per 50gm. I got it for £1 per 50gm. I love the colour I have been looking for that shade for ages, so I am best pleased!! I think any good quality 4ply would work well! I am using a 3mm hook. Tried to use 2.5mm but it wasn't right, you couldn't see the stitches too well.

Got to get ready to go out now.
Catch you all soon
love Cathy x

FREE KNITTING PATTERN make DAZZLE for summer!!

2008-06-26T01:53:00.001-07:00

Free DAZZLE knitting pattern! A very easy, quick to knit, little number, to use for balmy summer evenings, to go with that pretty dress and strappy shoes!! (The photos do not do it justice - it really catches the light and is very sparkly).

Ingredients:
1 x 50gm Stylecraft Eskimo Icicle in Polar
1 x 100gm Patons DK cotton in white
Pair of 3.75mm needles
Pair of 3.25 DPN's for I cord

Tension: not critical keep work even throughout.

Method:
Front and back make two alike.
With icicle and 3.75mm needles cast on 40sts. Work 5" (12.5cm) in garter stitch, break off icicle.
Join in cotton for top edge and work in moss stitch (k1,p1 to end of row, on the next row p1, k1 to end of row, these two rows form pattern) for 4 rows cast off in pattern.

Base
Using 3.75mm needles and cotton yarn used double cast on 40sts, work in 1 x 1 rib, for 12 rows. Cast off (bind off).

Handle
With 2, 3.25 dpns cast on 3sts and work an I cord for 13" cast off (bind off)

To make up
Join the base to the front and back panels like this: With right sides tog join long end of base to front/back panel with back stitch.
Joining sides: With right sides of work tog join in back stitch from the moss st top for
4.5" (11.5cm). Push the remaining unstitched edge against the side of the base. (This forms a T shape. Back stitch the remaining seam. Repeat for other side.
Stitch handle to each side of bag.
Using a length of cotton doubled, thread a needle and work a row of running stitches evenly along the moss st top of the bag. Tie with a bow.

To complete get your gladrags on and party!!!

Hope you like this one, catch u all soon,
Keep tweaking,
love Cathy x

Shrug it off!!!

2008-06-24T01:31:00.000-07:00

Hi fellow tweakers,

Well, as previously more or less predicted the Bon Jovi tickets did not turn up. I am at the moment trying to get a refund. The gig was on Sunday and I am so angry and disappointed! However, it's past now and a valuable lesson on ticket booking is learned!!

I have been quite creative in the last few days, see!!!

My first amigurumi project in progress! Not finished yet. As Rolf Harris would say 'Can you guess what it i s yet?' It's fun and quick to do!

I have also made my own shrug design - voila!!

Well it started off as a shrug and just got longer!!

This was made in Anny Blatt, Cashemir Anny, 85% wool 15%cashmere, and it is GORGEOUS to work with. Will provide more detail soon. Got to go to work. Such is life.

Catch u soon, Cathy x

Take 5 ....

2008-06-17T01:10:00.000-07:00

I have been designing and preparing the secret mission. I now have a few days 'free', (well apart from going to work that is!). So what did I do? Had a look at my yarn stash, patterns, knitting and crochet mags, and half finished projects - AND PANICKED!!!

Thinking to myself, 'This isn't done, this isn't finished. I want to use this, do this, make this, I've had this yarn for ages etc. ' Then I thought SO WHAT!! Get a grip woman!!! So unless I have been 'contracted' to make something, (which is always of my own choice anyway)! I will do what I want!! When I want, with what I want!! Na na na na na ...

As I crafter I do get panicky at times, trying to achieve impossible targets, forgetting the pitfalls that can occur in life, your time may be used up doing other things etc. Last week I had an ear and sinus infection all I did was work and sleep, it was all I could do at the time! We have relationships, we have families we have a life!

The 'magic calming fairy' has put a key in my back and slowly started to unwind me .... Knitting and crochet should be pleasure, passion, creative expression, love not PRESSURE!

So the cardigan in my last blog will not be finished right now, I am not in the right frame of mind to do it, but I will finish it sometime!

Has anyone else ever felt the same, please let me know I am not alone in this!

Sermon over for today tweakers, peace love and tranquility to all
take care,
lots of love,
Cathy x

Born in the USA ... played at Old Trafford

2008-06-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

Well I have to say I haven't got much to report on the crafting front, well I have, but I cant reveal anything!! I have been working on projects - and if I tell you I will have to kill you!! Ha ha!! They are new designs and all will be revealed eventually!!

On the social front I went to see THE BOSS on the 28th May at Old Trafford. Being at a footy stadium does nothing for me as it is the wrong shaped ball that is played with!!

However the man is AWESOME!! The E Street band are fantastic too!! It was encouraging to see that there were a lot of mature people at the gig!!!

I would go to see him again, no problem!! I took my hubby as it is a special birthday for him this month!! He is the real deal when it comes to fans of Springsteen!! I didn't know some of his songs but I am learning fast now!!!
We were very lucky to get any tickets. I had booked and paid for Gold tickets last year. The company I booked with have since gone into liquidation. We ended up with ordinary tickets, but at least we got there!!

The worrying thing is I have booked tickets to see the other boys from New Jersey (Bon Jovi) later this month with the same company, and I won't know until a few days before the gig if I will receive any tickets or not!!! Its just not fair!!

Just have to hope for the best!!! Well done Bruce a superb night!!

Keep on needle tweaking and I will continue my secret mission. Daniel Craig eat your heart out.

lots of love Cathy x

Playing Sherlock!

2008-05-20T01:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I mentioned another frogging problem. Here is a picture of the back of the cardigan. As it has no official name I have decided to call it 'Go with anything' as its a lovely neutral colour.

The pattern is an old one, mostly handwritten, scribbled on and generally a mess, which may explain the errors on making it.
It's a Hayfield design pattern no. 4400. Basically its a set in short sleeve, button up, 'V' neck, with the front bands picked up horizontally.

It uses standard DK needles 3.25mm and 4.00mm. I am using RYC Cashcotton in SH619. As you can see by the 2nd photo it isn't the most complicated of patterns. Which makes it more frustrating to find it isn't working out.
It is very 80's but I love it!! I will be tackling it again tonight when I finish work. As the saying goes O Lord give me patience, but hurry!!!!

Bye for now

love Aruba Blue xx

Too complacent ...... oh sugar honey iced tea!!!!

2008-05-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been so comfortable and relaxed with a pattern that you forget to concentrate? I have had a day off work today. Spent most of the morning knitting my lacy cardigan, catching up with my favourite tv programmes. Then I found that the front patterns do not match, they are odd, looking at the finished photo I have definitely made a right muddle of it. I have frogged some of it and left the rest, really can't face it. It is now for the foreseeable future abandoned. ..... I am sooo annoyed with myself!!! I have decided to take the attitude of this furry friend I found on the net, and CHILL!!

Fortunately my local heroes St Helens RLFC are having more success than I am right now, moving up to second in the Superleague.
They are on form!!

On an even happier note, my lovely boy became a teenager today, he is becoming a fine young man and everyone speaks highly of him. Happy Birthday son, I love you x.

Bye for now keep tweakin - even if sometimes you end up frogging!!!
love Aruba Blue xx

WONDERFUL WONDERWOOL WALES AND MOUTHFUL

2008-04-29T01:17:00.000-07:00

What a lovely day out for the yarn obsessed and foodies alike. All credit to the staff the organisation was very good. I went on Sunday with my hubby and the two teens.

The food stalls were great. The tasting wasn't bad either, products from chocolate to bread, wine, beer, ciders, liqueurs, pate, desserts, the list goes on. A gastronomic delight it was!!! We bought loads of stuff, the whole family enjoyed it.

I was in heaven so many stalls, crafts, gadgets,
colours, textures and YARN GLORIOUS YARN.

A photograph of the ladies at Sheepfold.

I bought a Starburst Bag Kit, in Black Leicester Longwool and Wensleydale Longwool. The kit includes everything you need apart from the needles. The pattern includes information about the breed of sheep used, explaining that the kit supports those that are preserving the sheep breeds. We take so much for granted when we knit with 'prepared' wool. We don't appreciate the whole process. The ladies were so friendly and informative, nothing was too much trouble for them. I look forward to meeting them again.
Thank you lovely ladies - Sheepfold rocks!!!!

This is me attempting to knit with extreme needles.Challenging I would say, but by the same token I want to try it again.
Initially they are quite difficult but once you get into a rhythm they are easier. Put it this way it is good exercise for the arms.

I also had the pleasure of watching a lady spin, explaining how it evolves from the fleece. I was fascinated and so were the hubby and kids. A lady was also taking fibre from a fleece to spin. The nearest I ever got to a fleece before was watching 'Jason and the Argonauts'. It is a whole different intriguing world!!

I will blog more next time unfortunately I have to get ready for work. I want to blog and knit and crochet and design instead. Such is life.

Keep tweaking the needles.

Love Aruba Blue
xx

KNIT ON THE NET ISSUE 5

2008-04-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

Read, enjoy be inspired!!! x

Frogging a few ....

2008-04-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

I can't really settle to do big projects at the mo. I have started several things and frogged them. So I decided to just have a play instead, my hands wanted to work but I just couldn't make my mind up, concentration is difficult.

So I made this with Opal sock yarn .... and a 4.5mm hook.

its a curly wurly scarf from one of the supplements in a knitting magazine. It is so easy, and the colour changes in the yarn make it interesting to do. So I feel I have achieved something!!

It looks very pretty. It will come in handy for unpredictable spring days.

I have bought Nicky Epstein's Crocheted Flowers book, it is so beautiful and inspirational. I really love her stuff.

I also bought some sale yarn - Sirdar Breeze its 60% cotton and 40% acrylic, its really easy to work with, reminds me very much of Paton's washed haze. I have got some corn colour, some lavender and a few balls of pink. My friend has become a Nanny again she has a beautiful granddaughter, I feel some more baby knits need to be done. The crocheted heart blanket was so interesting to do that I would like to do another, maybe not now but sometime soon!!

Keep tweaking the needles love Aruba Blue

x

Peace at last .....

2008-04-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

My darling Nan passed away at 10pm on 8th April, she has peace at last. Goodnight and God Bless xx

Visions of you in shades of blue .......

2008-04-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

This is my youngest new friend he's 4 weeks old and models his new crochet shawl beautifully!!!

I am currently working on a blue blanket for a lady at work who is soon to become a grandmother, this baby is a boy too!!

This is my first serious attempt at filet crochet - still a work in progress but a very enjoyable one. I am using aran weight yarn and a 4.5mm hook, which grows very quickly. The pattern is a baby blanket from 'Celtic Crochet'.

A close up of one of the heart squares.

The family situation is still the same. My Mum (in law) bought me this lovely plant to cheer me up, isn't it gorgeous. I'm hoping to finish the baby shawl in the next day or two. I am itching to start a new project.

I have no interest in the knitted afghan I am supposed to be making for my daughter. She wants something very plain (boring), it only needs to be finished for next winter, so I have got bags of time for that. It's an ideal project to do when watching a complex tv programme.

Will catch you all soon, keep tweaking

love Aruba

xx

Life is like a box of chocolates ......

2008-03-27T04:23:00.000-07:00

Not much to report regarding completed projects. Look out for the next issue of 'knitonthenet' for that.

I have made a cuddly friend for my friends daughter, she's three and has a new baby brother, I made the shawl for him so I had to make something for her so that she doesn't feel too left out! Say hello to fat funky bird!!

Its made from an old knitting pattern for the bird shape and the eyes, I freeform crocheted the wings, tail and 'hair'. I partially filled it with beans so that it will stand up and I used traditional toy stuffing for the rest.

I have started to crochet a lace weight shrug and I will post about that when I have done enough to photograph.

So many things have happened recently. A close family member is very, very poorly and shes on my mind constantly. Its tearing me apart and I find it very difficult to concentrate on anything!!

To take my mind off things a little my lovely hubby took me shopping, to a craft store and a book shop. I got these:-

They will go perfectly with my neutral colour yarns!

I found some Jaeger Roma, it feels really lovely, can't wait to work with it. Its a blend of viscose, nylon and angora.

Talking of angora, the beautiful green I had, I cannot use. I started to itch within minutes of trying to crochet with it. I have given it to a knitting friend, she is delighted. I had better stay away from it in future the same can be said for mohair.

I also bought Doris Chan's 'Amazing Lace Crochet' its gorgeous. Full of beautiful inspirational projects.

Keep tweakin the needles love
Aruba Blue xx

Happy Mothers Day

2008-03-02T03:20:00.000-08:00

Have a lovely day all you hardworking Mums!!! I got a card each from my two teenage kids, and one from my husband 'to wife on mothers day', - secret- I can't believe he fell for that one bless him!!! I got Nickelback - All the right reasons CD. I am so chuffed. I saw them supporting Bon Jovi a couple of years ago and they are fantastic.

Meet Robert Anthony, (Well its a PLANT)!!!!
My other pressie its a Bromeliad - apparently. I just see a nice plant, green fingered I aint!

Buts its kinda cute dontya think?

Not much crafting getting done at the mo. I managed to fall at work and hurt my back, so last night I was resting. Feeling much better today, have to try and get something done!

Joined Ravellry a couple of days ago its a whole new world. As usual haven't a clue how it works technically, guess I'll get used to it. Fascinating though, all the beautiful pictures of yarn and projects, and people, and new ideas its a maze of stimulation for me.

Had another little delivery from Angel Yarns, Fiddlesticks Artisan NZ Merino yarn, one in Paua, one in Spice. Its lace weight.

Having had a sample I need to order more of each shade, tis gorgeous. I have visions of two shawls one to go with my autumn colour dresses and one for my neutrals. The stash is developing at a rate of knots recently, will have to stop for a while!!

... and finally a little light and a lot of love for Mums everywhere.

Keep tweakin

love Aruba Blue xx

Pots, spills and drills...

2008-02-29T02:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry not had much time for crafting or blogging of late. Work has been predominant with a stocktake.
Had a really rough day yesterday, had root canal dental treatment, wasn't as bad as the last time I had it done but still - not nice!!
My lovely friend Sue had a fall - hope you are feeling better, love.
It was the first anniversary of the passing of my lovely friend June. I broke a roasting pot which belonged to my late Mum which upset me greatly. It happened to be full of hot stock and I burned my arm in the process. What a mess it made, I mopped up the floor three times....
Time to draw a line under yesterday I think!!!

On the crafting front the crochet afghan is now on a circular needle and is a knitted afghan. Having had nothing on the needles for a while I decided to switch!!! (Ooops I frogged again, but only a little!!)

I have finished the baby shawl. To make a change from the traditional fringe, I crocheted lengths of chain and attached them like you would a tassle, to give a funkier feel!! I used Sirdar Wash n wear double crepe, it may not feel as soft as 'baby' yarn, but on the practical side it will wash, and wash, and wash!!

As anyone managed to purchase lots of Jaegar yarn? I have tried but the quantities I wanted were not available, which is a shame as its lovely yarn and sold at sale prices now obviously.
I have had a little buying spree and bought these two lovely yarns.

Laines Du Nord Cashsilk, shade number 8. Aran weight yarn. It has a wonderful lustre to it!! It looks like a joy to work with!

.... and some RYC Cashcotton DK. I feel a 'summer scumble' coming on, maybe.

Will have to sign off now, got loads of housework to catch up on, and a mammoth amount of crafting to do.

Catch you all soon

Love Aruba xx

Apologies

2008-02-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

Apologies for the state of the layout of my blog I just can't seem to get it right today!!

Hearts and ladybirds ..

2008-02-18T07:27:00.000-08:00

I had a lovely Valentine's day my hubby and I went for a walk in the local park. Then we called at a local craft shop on the way home. Someone at work told me that they had started to sell yarn. What more incentive does a crafter need to explore?

Guess what they didn't stock yarn but I did buy .... a piece of cotton sateen, some embroidery thread and a cat picture. I haven't embroidered for years, so when the mood takes me I have a project.

I also found some lovely mother of pearl heart buttons and some ladybirds ..

Lets see if we can get a close up of the ladybirds..

sorry can't don't know how to do it ..

I also ordered some Angel Yarns angora to make a cape for my work's 'do'. It arrived late, but the Siena worked much better anyway. What shall I do with the angora now, its too nice to return, I'm sure I'll think of something!!! Its soooo pretty!!!

I have had to start making a baby shawl, my friend at work left to have a baby on Saturday, the pregnancy has flown by, the stork will be here before we know it.

I have found a cute crochet pattern for a toy owl I thought it would be nice for her little three year old daughter. She won't feel as left out if she has something to unwrap too!! I have two little baby girls to knit for, something for Easter would go down well I think! Got to get on to it more photo's soon!!

I have started to read a new book Playing Away by Alex Parks. It isn't something I would go for it was free with a magazine. It says on the front, 'the closest you'll get to an affair, without actually having one', its a real page turner. I was reading it in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep, turned to look at my sleeping hubby and thought - no way man I wouldn't swap you for anything! Still loved up after Valentine's day I guess!!!

Catch u all soon

Keep tweakin

love Aruba xx

Spotlight on Martha ..

2008-02-11T08:45:00.002-08:00

At last a few pics of Martha apologies for the photo colour quality, at least its an improvement on ORANGE!!
A back view - not brilliant in detail but it does give a good interpretation of the shape, I wanted to make sure that the bottom edge was uneven to give a funkier feel!!
I made a pleat effect on the back to give it more shape.
.

A close up of the collar, just made in shaped treble (double crochet). Fastened with a wooden sock dpn, I think it works quite well. The sleeves were also done in shaped treble (double crochet)

A close up of the beading, just to accentuate the jacket a little. If you take a good look at the back view(on the left side) you can see how the beading catches the light.

A few more patterns with the beading ...
Probably the most accurate representation of the colour of the jacket is the back view. How does it happen that photographs taken within seconds of each other turn out to be different shades. Doh!!

It was a delight to make as it just evolved, to start with I had no idea how it would go. It has taken around two months, inbetween other projects.

A nosey old lady called Biscuit. She is a little camera shy I had to fight to get this picture. Shes the oldest of the girls, we have two more called Spice and Jinksy!!

EWES MY STASH!!

A close look at the afghan I am making at the mo. Its a very easy ripple stitch, (again with aran yarn which I bought an age ago) on a 7.5mm, wooden Surina hook which I treated myself to. This is for my teenage daughter, who doesn't want anything girlie!! Pink would be the ultimate insult.

Its an ideal one for watching something really interesting on television, its so simple. That doesn't mean that I don't have to frog a few stitches every now and then ..

I want to knit something too but am undecided right now. I have had a bit of 'crocheters block' these last few days, am trying to design for knitonthenet, I have known what I wanted to do but it just wouldn't gel. Things seem to be coming together now and the fog is clearing a little. It helped to take my mind off it for a few days- so I started the afghan.

I used to always work on one project at a time, sometimes really struggling with things, feeling pressured to get them finished, before I felt justified in starting something new. I have realised now that it is far more productive to have several on the go, I call it 'mood knitting' (or crochet).This way is less frustrating and more enjoyable. Well thats my sermon for the day, says me. Catch you all soon. Keep at it.

Love Aruba xx

Meet Martha ..

2008-02-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

The Martha scumble jacket is finally finished. Stayed up till 1am this morning. Watched most of the film Million Dollar Baby had to turn it off it was too depressing for crochet!!

Apologies for the photo quality I really need to adjust the settings on my camera and haven't got a clue what I'm doing. (I have lost the instruction leaflet, doh!!!!) I have spent ages today trying to sort it out. I am getting really frustrated with it. Feel like I've been banging my head in a brick wall!! Fantastic detailed photos came out but they were ORANGE!!!

I will try to get some decent pictures for the next blog, there is so much detail in the design that NEEDS to be shown.

It was made with Sirdar Aran with wool and a 4.50mm hook. It took around 900gms.
I did a bit of beading on it last night just to accentuate the curved shape a little. I couldn't find the fastening I wanted so I have used a sock length dpn, it works though!!

I have done small scumble samples before but never on a scale like this. Would definitely do another one. Its very addictive, once you start as you can make any stitch or combinations of stitches in any direction you choose!!

I have worn it today and had positive feedback from colleagues. It's very warm to wear!!

Catch u soon

Love Aruba xx

Transformation in progress ....

2008-02-02T08:52:00.001-08:00

Just got a photo of the finished shawl, on the model so to speak, whaddaya think?

St Helens 38 Wakefield 22 at Knowsley Road. Well done lads!!
Now I'll finish getting ready ...
laters..... love Aruba x

A little piece of me ...

2008-02-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

Currently putting the finishing touches to the scumble to add a bit of ooomph!!! All crocheting and sewing up is done. It is quite heavy and it will provide some substantial much needed warmth right now.

If you are seriously into crochet check out Annies Attic on the web, it has some beautiful inspirational designs. Unfortunately they are not shipping orders to the UK right now, I hope they do sooon!!

Listening to 'whole lotta Rosie' by AC/DC, was feeling quite tired now I'm fired up, rock always does that to me!!

I've added a picture of my tattoo, the little black sunflower. I chose it because of my love of calligraphy and I'm partial to sunflowers they always cheer me up! :)

Will have to get ready for the 'Christmas work's do' shortly!! Have had my hair done looks quite funky, I asked for a load of spray because of the weather.

Catch you soon, the party animal needs to get ready ......

love Aruba xx

Cinderella you will go to the ball ....

2008-01-30T13:56:00.000-08:00

One down one to go .....

The shawl is completed, finito, done and I like it!! I am going to the 'work's do' on Saturday, it will have its first outing!! The scumble is still being worked on ....

A Little Irish Pal ...

When reading Simply Knitting (Issue 38 March) I stumbled on a cheeky little fella! I haven't made toys for a while and I'm certainly tempted by Mr Leprechaun!!

I have a day off work tomorrow so I intend to 'scumble' as much as possible, I am anxious to finish it. I have soaps, Mistresses and Torchwood to catch up on!!!

Just finished reading the Friday Night Knitting Club, was a bit disappointed, don't think I will go to see the film. Won't say why I was so disappointed in case it gives the game away for ones who haven't read it yet!!

Was quite upset over the loss of Heath Ledger, a beautiful talented young man ... so sad!!

Anyway .. on a lighter note I have so many ideas buzzing around in my head at the moment, am planning another little something for 'knitonthenet', watch this space.

Catch u soon
love Aruba xx

She's back ...and raring to go, well almost ..

2008-01-28T07:43:00.001-08:00

Trains

After my bout of the bug I went to stay with my friend in Stranraer. What a train journey that was!!! The train left late from my own location so I missed every connection, the journey took nine and a half hours!!! Its a good job I took a couple of Mills and Boon with me, seriously I did!! A friend lent them to me and they were modern romances and by heck they were saucy!!! I left them on the train and hope someone else reads them, it will certainly give them a giggle!!!

Next time I travel I won't have a suitcase, once you have lugged them over several footbridges and run like the clappers to the relevent platform it does your head in!!

On arrival we decided to hit Dr Vodka then finally went to bed, after chats and giggles, at 5am, fantastic!!!

Scumble

As my friend Ellen is a raving loony knitter as well, we got a lot of needle tweaking done too :)!! I took my crochet scumble random thing with me! It seemed easier than taking knitting needles!!I have nearly finished and its making a cute warm jacket!!

Its been a really interesting thing to do. Because its not structured and there is no formal pattern you can add anything to it! I tried to incorporate varied patterns and the photo is just a sample!!

'Knit on the net' Knitting

On Thursday 17th we had our first knitting group it was great!!! We had fun chattin, knittin, crochet, drinkin and eating delicious cakes. (Thanks again Sue... our wonderful cake maker)!! Its really good to share a craft you are passionate about with like minded people of all ages. Keep it up you teens! No matter how experienced we think we are, there's always something more learn. Its great to share. I have spent time as a 'lonely knitter', it great to be able to socialise it gives a real boost!!

Step back in time .....

I found a dog eared copy of Paton's Treasures in my stash of patterns. It was published by Patons and Baldwins Limited in 1973. (A 'life on mars' moment or what!!) I knitted a santa toy from it when I was a teenager, for my Auntie, she still has it and it goes under the tree every Christmas!!
..

..anyway I found a crochet shawl pattern (page 27) which I have made previously for babies and now I'm makin one for me. After the cat disaster I still had nothing to go with my green dress till now ..
I found some lovely Jaeger Siena 4 ply, 100% mercerised cotton, in a sale at The Black Sheep no less. Its a shade deeper than my dress and is beautiful to work with..

Its really easy to do once the first few rows are established, I am debating whether to put an edging or a fringe on it, its made on a 5mm hook so its crochets quick as well!

For hand spun yarn ....
Check out lazykate.net for beautiful yarns, she went to our knitting soiree and I've seen the yarn its gorgeous!! Well done Kate!!

Catch you soon,

keep tweakin

love Aruba Blue xx

ps I am having real trouble with the colours on my photo's an accurate colour of the Siena is the pic with the book!! Cheers!!

Happy New Year to All

2008-01-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

I have one of these wonderful cold viruses thats going around. Thankfully its not the gastric one!! Taking it very easy right now not doing much on the knitting front. Will be back soon!!

Festive fun and PURRfect CATastrophes ....

2007-12-28T06:10:00.000-08:00

Hi fellow tweakers,

Hope you all had a fab time at the holidays, I spent time with family and we had a karaoke, it was total madness and laughter I would recommend it to liven things up!!

Father Christmas came and look what he brought .. 9ct gold charm bracelet.

From the top left anti clockwise theres a sweet, a bible, a bell, a piggy bank and a teddy bear.

I guess you have now realised that the photograghs are in the wrong place, I am in the library and only have a short time to blog. (I'd probably get it wrong if I tried all day but at least I'm getting better!!)

The knitting books are great as well by the way!!

As for the purrfect catastrophe, to cut a long story short my three cats left me exclusive personal presents in two bags of knitting, so they are now in the bin, and I am sad. Turns out the cat flap was jammed and they couldn't get out. It wasn't deliberate and I do still love them!!

The gorgeous green Anny Blatt project has gone, and a rose pink creation in Click which I loved has gone.

On the up side I feel that I can now buy new yarn- yeeha!! As David Essex sang ... ev'ry clouds gotta silver lining!!

Bye bye for now and enjoy the rest of the festive season.

All the very best for the New Year.

love Aruba xx

Family time

2007-12-22T03:33:00.000-08:00

Well I'm glad to say folks I have now finished work until Thursday 27th December. Work has been really busy and kinda stressful. Time to have quality time with my man and my kids. We have just been out for breakfast a real relaxer and catch up!!

On the knitting front to be honest I havent had much time. The scumble is progressing well dont want to jinx the proceedings by giving too much detail, as I am getting a real self made reputation as a regular frogger!!!

The green cardigan is still a work in progress the back and fronts are completed and I am on the first sleeve, its unlikely to be finished for Christmas Day as I still have lots to do beforehand. The Anny Blatt yarn I am using is pictured above, apologies for the photograph quality it certainly does not do justice to the actual colour, my photographic and IT skills are shocking!!!

Will catch up soon have a lovely peaceful time everyone xx

Happy Birthday ...........

2007-12-09T05:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, knitonthenet. What a fantastic year they have had, the mag just gets better, a real inspiratiion, and I consider it an honour to be able to contribute. Well done Gavin for his first patterns its great to have more fellas crafting.

Check out the Blanche pattern and the book review.

On the home knitting front the green cardigan is still on the needles, its looking good. The cape has been frogged - decided it was not for me!! It is being replaced by a scumble a kind of crochet abstract, freeform job, watch this space for photos. Its great fun to do!!!

Got to go in a rush as usual.

Catch u soon

xx

Been busy .......

2007-11-25T10:04:00.000-08:00

Its been ages since I've blogged, been busy with different projects and work is busy, something to do with the forthcoming festivities, I reckon.
Finally got some pictures for you.

The Cheshire Cat, Innkeepers Lodge at Chester.

The barges on the canal at the side of the inn.

The wonderful autumn scenery at Chester

The cape is on hold for the moment. I have mixed views on it. I have a feeling that I may look a cross between Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple. Other projects have become more important so its still on the needles as we speak.

I have been designing and knitting for the next issue of 'knitonthenet.com' which is due out in the next few weeks. Which I'm sure you will find interesting!!!!

I am selling my house at the moment so a lot of things are packed away. The weather has become increasingly cold and I found out I had no hat and scarf, voila a new hat and scarf knitted in Bouton D'or, Eskimo. Knitted on 7mm and 10mm needles it was quick to do and the yarn has a lovely feel and is really nice to work with. The beret is an adaptation of a pattern in the second issue of 'Lets Knit'.

Easy Scarf Pattern
Using Bouton D'or Eskimo and 10mm needles cast on 20sts.
P1st, (*yrn P2tog) repeat from * to last st P1
Repeat this row to length required cast off knitwise.
Takes 3 to 40 50gm balls depending on length required.

(This pattern is very easily adapted using different thicknesses of yarn together, and different sized needles the possibilities are many).

I am also working on more Christmas tree decorations, as my tree goes up on the 1st Decembermas without fail. They are all made in crochet from Twilleys Goldfingering, I have used single yarn thickness and have stiffened them with craft wire. Saves on using excess yarn as it can be quite expensive.

I have also crocheted a Gothic style cross to hang in my window above the tree.

I am still working on more decs and am making a green cardigan to wear with a green dress on Christmas day.

Catch u all soon

Happy Knitting
x

Completion

2007-10-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hiya

Well tweakers the cream cardigan is finally finito!!!!!!

I have found a pattern in Novembers 'Knitting' mag which I have started. Its an aran cape!!! Its very adventurous for me as I tend to wear ordinary run of the mill stuff. Its in an olive green colour. It is already progressing quite quickly. Whaddya think?

I have to confess I have frogged again!! A few blogs ago I mentioned that I was doing the hubby a red slipover, well, he wasn't too bothered about it, I couldn't find the magazine it was taken from, and so it is now back in the ball, so to speak. I still have a few unfinished things but I do like a variety for my complex moods ha ha!!!

Catch u soon

Love Aruba Blue x

Flattered or not...

2007-09-29T02:31:00.000-07:00

PS
Have to tell you this one. On trying on a pair of new jeans this morn I asked my 12 year old son what they looked like. 'Well Mum they make your bum look big but they are ok they will do!!!
Ouch!!!!!!!!!!

Progress at last..

2007-09-29T01:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody

I've sorted out my frogging problems on the crochet cream cardi, I decided that the right front was 'wrong' frogged the little sod three times, only to find that the right side was right and the left side was wrong. Its now fixed and I'm on the sleeves and I will be very very glad to finish it!!!!!

Christmas Parcel (Ewe's my Stash!!!)

Ewe just need oddments of Twilleys Goldfingering, and a 3mm crochet hook
Make 23 ch and tr into 4th ch from hk, tr into each ch to end
Turn with 3ch and tr into each tr to end. Repeat this row to length required, keep folding work to give an idea of the finished square.
When you have your required length do not fasten off. Make 8 ch and join together with a ss. (This makes the hanging loop). Fasten off.
sew with a slip stitched edges tog leaving one end open to stuff (I used an old pair of black socks cut up) - recycle if you can!!
sew up remaining seam
using a contrast colour for the parcel tie, make a long chain, wrap round the parcel and tie to secure.

I have to confess I haven't had time to write out the others, but they will follow soon!!

I have bought a magazine which I haven't seen before 'Knitsimple Fall 2007' .

Its a Vogue one. Lovely patterns for mitts, legwarmers and tank tops. Just the things we need for the coming months, there are cute baby patterns and modular ones as well, a really good value mag!!

For all you crochet people I have found an excellent book, '201 crochet motifs, blocks, projects and ideas by Melody Griffiths'.

I bought this when I stayed in York. It has techniques and ideas which I have never seen before, very clear instructions and beautifully illustrated. Ideal for 'Ewes my Stash' stuff.

I have to say folks that the telly recently has been really awful, bring back some wonderful dramas to knit to please.

On an excellent note St Helens 10 Leeds 8, don't want to go through that again it was a very brutal match and stressful to watch. Come on you Saints!!!

Catch u soon,

keep tweaking,

love Aruba Blue xx

A frogging I must go!!!

2007-09-26T02:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Needle Tweakers,

Its been a while since my last blog, I have had a helluva cold!!! Felt really rough!! (Altogether now aaaaaah!!!!) So my crafting has suffered (pardon the pun) If I am too ill to knit and crochet then I'm ill!!

This morning I have had to frog a project. I was making a place setting in black and white and found the tension to bit a bit awry in one place, which made a line across the work. I think sometimes this happens when we are tired and the tension of our work alters. O hum such is life, its got to be all or nothing with me!!!

I have had another frogging problem, so to speak. The cream crochet cardigan I am making, the right front does not correspond with the left. This is probably because I have made this project before, got really complacent and not read the pattern properly!!!! So I am sorting that as well!!! 'Making mistakes makes us better crafters in the long run' says me.

I am still making the Christmas tree decorations which are coming on great.

What do you think? It's a beautiful day isn't it! Autumn is my favourite season!!

Patterns to follow on my next blog!!

Bye for now

love Aruba Blue xx

Its never too early ..... honest!!

2007-09-15T03:53:00.000-07:00

Hi needle tweakers,

I have been making things that are slightly alarming for this time of year. Using my 'Ewes my Stash' policy, I found some Twilleys goldfingering, and ...wait for it have been crafting some-ssshhhhh- Christmas Tree decorations. (That is inbetween making my current pair of socks!!!).

Every year I say to myself I will make some Christmas decs and never get round to it, so this year I'm ahead of myself!!! So far I have made a tree, a red bauble and a parcel all in crochet.

Also, I have bought some bamboo sock needles in sizes 4mm to 6mm, I have found a couple of aran weight sock patterns which I think would be fun. I got the needles from 'I knit London' they have a great selection.

Will hopefully post some more pictures soon, and a pattern or two.

Love Aruba Blue xx

Might as well face it I'm addicted to socks ...................

2007-09-12T04:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone

Well I have several projects yet to finish. Can't be bothered at the mo, so Ive started another pair of socks, using Opal yarn. This is great as it knits in self stripes, seeing as I cannot stand having cold feet they will be useful!!!!

Sad news about Anita Roddick, the lady made a difference. She was brilliant. Girls rock!!!

Finished reading my Julian Clary book twas good!! Have just finished reading the Christine Keeler story which is excellent, for anyone who's ever seen the film 'Scandal' this is the truth coming out. What a tangled web it was!!! ...and I thought my life was complex!!!

Bye for now

keep tweakin the needles
love Aruba Blue xx

We have results ......................

2007-09-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone I have some pics for you at last. First you have the honour of seeing an 'expert'(she says laughing) at work, moi crocheting the back of a cream cardigan.

Second one is a raspberry tea cosy the one I did from Laughing Hens, I had to add a couple of rows of crochet to the bottom as it wasnt quite deep enough.

Numero 3 is one sock, the other photographs came out kinda blurred and fuzzy, a bit like me after a few G and T's. The socks were done in fiberspates hand dyed 4 ply, absolutely wonderful to work with, and I cant wait to do more.

I have decided now to have a project called 'Ewe's my Stash', I have a lot of leftover yarn, some quite expensive, and some I have an attachment too!!!! So my first project was a camera cover in the fiberspates yarn I had left over from the socks.

Crochet really shows off the colours in the yarn, and my camera cover had gone awol, jobs a guddun!!!! Well thats it for today folks, catch u soon.

love Aruba Blue xx

2007-09-01T14:35:00.001-07:00

'Can't get for going'!!!

This is a pic I found of Howarth the place I visited on my way back from York. It is an amazing shop, a real step back in time, with wonderful scenty, soapy, clean smells. As well as toiletries etc they had scrapbooks of the fifties sixties and seventies. I loved the seventies one best it was like a trip to Life on Mars!! A real nostalgia trip, my kids thought it was hilarious!!

Well, I had my day off and had a wonderful day with a friend, who I don't see very often as she lives quite a distance from me. We had coffee and shopped, we had lunch and shopped some more. Twas fun!!!!

When I came home I was faced with a problem which has dogged me ever since and I still haven't found a solution!!! I guess Blue is the right name for me at present.

So my crafting hasn't progressed very well. I have done more work on the remaining sock, and taken pictures - but I can't get them on my pc, being the technophobe I am, will have to carry on until I master it.

The photo below is the cot blanket I did for knitonthenet.com.

Do you ever get days when you really want to move mountains with your crafting and find that you cant 'get for going' to quote an old saying. Well tomorrow is another day!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me that I can suss out this camera thing and post some pics for you!! I will sign off friends and bid you goodnight!!!

Catch u soon
Love Aruba Blue xx

Work in progress ......

2007-08-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

..... haven't done a great deal of crafting the last couple of days. Been workin. Did manage to finish one sock, and started its partner!!!! Could be a useful thing to always have on the needles, very compact to travel with, did a little at lunchtime today.

When I finally get to grips with my digital camera will put some photo's on the web. As usual my head has been buzzin with new ideas, but I really need to finish at least a couple of things in progress first.

I would love to be able to design and craft all day, but need to work - such is life.

A couple of girls at work saw my designs on the web, got some nice feedback!! The cot blanket I made is for a friend at work, she love's it. A client told me this joke 'Why are women stronger than men, because they carry ladders in their tights'. Sorry about that but its the only 'family' joke I know.

Havent read much more of the Julian book. Going to watch a film in peace now, the rest of theclan are watching the sports channel. Have a day off tomorrow should get some decent crafting done.

Keep clickin those needles

Bye for now

Feelin champion!!!!

2007-08-25T13:43:00.001-07:00

What a result 30-8!!! FANTASTIC!!

Still feelin the buzz from the match

Not much knitting done today, but I have finished my raspberry tea cosy, looks really funky!!! Managed to do a few rows of my crochet cream cardi.

Found a few half finished projects in my yarn stash today which I had forgotten about.

A red slipover partly started for my bloke, no pattern with it - think it is out of a magazine which I have packed away somewhere. That one is definitely on the backburner till I find it .... dizzy or what!!!

A green mix 3/4 sleeve sweater in Dune which I have a pattern for and its just garter stitch because its very textured, detailed knitting would be wasted on it. It's one I can pick up when watching something really engrossing on tele.!!!!

... and a black mix very fluffy slipover which I had started last winter and forgot about - doh!!!!!

Last nite started to read 'A young man's passage' by Julian Clary, always liked him, far too fit to be gay!!!! The man's a nutter a good, funny read so far .... just debating whether to watch a film and do a bit of the green sweater. Don't want to stay up tooo late I am working 2morrow after having 8 days off.

Well I'll sign off for now,

Catch u all sooon

Chillin

2007-08-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone

Feelin quite chilled. Knitting, posting and watchin Midsomer Murders at mo. Went to York for the weekend, found a great woolshop, hadnt got the time to browse at leisure, decided to go back the following day and they were closed. Temporarily gutted I was!!!! They are on the net, but it gives me the perfect excuse for another weekend in York soon!! (Sheepish in The Shambles).

Everytime I go away I look for a wool shop and have done for years, drives my kids scatty.

Current projects are:

knittin a raspberry tea cosy from Laughing Hens, actually finished the knittin bit today only needs making up. It is one funky way to have a cuppa, have previously knit the strawberry one for a gift. They are really sweet!

At the weekend I started to knit a pair of socks with yarn from Fibrespates, lovely stuff very tactile, on a circular needle of course... this is still a work in progress, thought it would be boring but its not and knits up surprisingly quickly.

designin one of my own patterns will not comment on this until it is finished, and believe me it has to be just right.

Oh and another one I nearly forgot, I am crochetin an open cream coloured cardigan for a gift!

Four things on the go at once is about right for me, I have to mood craft, dont like being forced to finish one thing at once, takes all the joy out of it for me!!

Have also read a book this week, one of my old favourites Sidney Sheldon's, The Other Side of Midnight, read it years ago and its still not lost its magic for me.

Tomorrow my heroes, St Helens Rugby League are playing the final at Wembley, its very unlikely that I
will get any crafting done during the match, dont want to miss a thing. Catch u
all soon.

Happy knitting,
Oh and one last thing .....

COME ON YOU SAINTS!!!

Chuffed or what!!!

2007-08-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

Hi
Having been obsessed with yarn from the age of 6. I now have the pleasure of seeing three of my designs on my friends website.
I still cannot quite believe it.
It feels awesome!!

Please visit
www.knitonthenet.com
it is a really good magazine too!!

Withdrawal symptoms

2007-07-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Been really busy at work and having jobs done in the house. Getting withdrawal symptoms havent managed to play with wool for a few days.

Got a day off tomorrow will have time to catch up. Currently got 2 projects on the go. I find that 'mood' knitting and crochet is very therapeutic, you can enjoy it without the pressure of having to finish something before starting something else!!!!!

Catch u soon

keep those needles busy!!!!

My first blog!!!!

2007-07-09T03:28:00.000-07:00

Hello out there,

Is anyone else totally batty about yarn and needles, gets a kick out of texture, colour and creativity, and loves the buzz!!!! Would love to hear from you!!