Secret pal 10

Well, the time is here again, another Secret Pal is starting. I enjoyed the last one very much. I had a secret pal from the States, and person to spoil was a wonderful girl from Estonia. I'm looking forward to meeting two new people!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I must admit that I perfer natural fibers, though I have used blends and do like them.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
A wicker vase my Mom bought me for Christmas one year.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting since I turned 30, though I've crocheted and crafted all my life. I'm an intermediate knitter...though I tend to through caution to the wind and try new stitches and stuff. My biggest problem is, I am mathematically challenged.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon and I'm thinking about an Etsy. I just LOVE Etsy.com

5. What's your favorite scent?
Lavender

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
This time of year I miss peeps!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I've recently learned how to spin. I've always made crafts, recently I've been trying very hard to start being more artistic with crafting. I'm doing a lot of work with art journaling and trying to do more Fiber arts.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like alternative (or Indie) music.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I'm really in to bright colors. I think because this country is so drap and dreary (and everyone tends to wear black.)

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married, no kids. We have two guinea pigs, two rats and four mice.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I don't do ponchos, but I love scarves etc.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I like to make anything really.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Right at the moment I'm in the middle of two blankets and a bag.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
ABSOLUTELY

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
All of the above.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I like to do this by hand, it is something I can do in the car without getting sick!

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Very, Very old

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving...I'll be home for it this year!! Yeah!!!

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Craft supplies and books

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I've got several books on my wish list. I like One-skein wonders by Judith Durant. Subline Stitching by Jenny Hart is another one. Right at the moment I'm dying to have some more Luna Moon needles and Addi turbos. I would love any beautiful yarn. I like unusual colors and textures.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Weaving

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, though I've yet to make me any that fit. I wear American size 10.

23. When is your birthday?
Nov 15

Book reviews....

Yes, more books....but this time I didn't buy them! I was smart and got them from a library. I should promote libraries more...seeing as I'm almost a Librarian and have worked in them most of my adult life. I wanted to check out these two book before I thought about purchasing them. I'm glad I did. They are great and were worth having a good look at...but they don't include anything different then the things I've seen on the net or have in books I already own. The "House Proud" book by Danielle Proud is great and if you are in to reusing furniture and household goods, then this book has some great ideas. The thing is I've been in to this for such a long time, that I've seen most of the techniques before. I must be getting really old! Cath Kidston book is really good too, but again...nothing really new.

Anyone interested in some books?

**I've still got the first two of these books....I managed to give the others away.......

I've decided to get rid of a few books I just don't use. If you would be interested let me know we could do a swap or something.





I just didn't find anything I wanted to do in the last three. They are very good, but just not me. The first one, was one of those that I have about three others that have the same projects!

What have I been up too?

Well, I've not been doing much crafting. I made some valentines for my niece and nephews the other night, I'll show pictures of them when I get them finished. But mostly I've been cleaning. I can't believe how missed up the house became while I've been unwell. I made attempts but I just didn't get organized like I needed to. So I've been trying to get the living room organized at the moment and reminding myself that I can only do it one room at a time!

The picture is the bookcase I've put next to my chair. It has all most of my craft books on it. I had a different bookcase, but it wasn't deep enough or high enough to allow for my bigger books. I've put the knit and crochet up on top so they are easy to get to, and the other craft books on the bottom. I have to move my chair to get to them...but I don't look at them quite as much. My sewing books stayed upstairs in my craft room.




So here is my collection of knitting and crochet books, see any of your favorites. Being a Library type person, you crave books. I'm getting rid of a couple that I've not used. If you look closely you will see that Debbie Bliss and Erica Knight predominate.

Yeah for Borders!

I know it is sad to be so excited about a big name bookstore. But I can now get my American magazines and drink Starbuck's, so I can't help being a bit excited!

So what did I buy? I got Mary Englibert's Home Companion magazine, which I've never seen before. It is really good. I was very surprised. I know of Mary and have seen her many books and art work. Her magazine isn't as country looking as I thought it might be. There is a lot of nice bright colors and art decorating. I really like it, and will buy more.

I have to admit to buying two books. I've not seen these before, and it is nice to actually sit with my hot chocolate having a good look through the books. I promised myself that I wouldn't buy too many books this year, but I have to admit that two books that have gone on my wishlist are the new Tracy Ullman and Mel Clark's "Knit 2 Together", which had 3 patterns I wanted to go home and start...and Erica Knight's new book "Essential Crochet", which has her characteristic home furnishings.

So what did I buy? The first book was one I had on my wishlist (I just figured out) "Fabric Leftovers" by D'Arcy-Jean Milne. This books is excellent. It has two things I have to try, the first is Lazy Crazy Patchwork. You just sew pieces in strips and do lots of cool embroidery. Then you use those pieces as fabric to make pillows etc. She also show you how to take cord and use the sewing machine to embroider over it. The effect is awesome and I can see it being used for so many different projects.

The second is a book I hadn't seen before, "New from Old" by Jayne Emerson. I've seen many of this type and after looking at the books thought they were good for insperation, but they really weren't in my style. This one is so different. She has split the book into: dying, embellishing, and actually reusing the item to make something different. She makes me wish I had a leather skirt to make into a bag, and her use of fabric flowers to embellish is really inspiring!

We will have to see how I get on with these. I've promised myself that I would make sure I actually use the books I buy....so this is a bit of a challenge! Must make valentines cards first though!

Arts and Crafts fun

Paige and I did some art work while I was home. She got a great Arts and Crafts box that had drawers like you would use for nuts and bolts and stuff. It was SOOOOO cool! I wanted it. She had a great time doing this. I did one too, but I left it and forgot to take a picture. Who could ask for a better Christmas then playing with a collage with your niece. She decided that mine looked like a turkey. I asked her what hers looked like, and typical three yr old....nothing it is a collage! Here she is playing with her doll. I'm glad I sewed those legs and arms on good and tight! I can tell ya, that doll will not have clothes on it, unless her mom puts them on her! She just wasn't that interested! I thought it was interesting that the dress she has on is very much like one I wanted to make her! So I guess I will go ahead and try!

Here I am....

after some technical difficulties and some more time spent trying to get things done...and not succeeding, I finally have the pictures and the time to do a quick post.

Sorry Emily, I had to go out of town this weekend and still haven't been able to do a few pictures to help you with the blanket. As with everyone, time is just flying away from me!

So a few updates about Christmas. I had such a good time playing with my niece and nephews. My knitting is always a magnet for their attentions. Robbie always wants to try his hand at it and asks me how long it will take for me to finish......never happy with my reply "when I finish". They decided to "help" me by taking all the balls of yarn and making one big huge ball with my needles in the middle of the mess. Don't they look like they are having fun??? I asked and they said they were! It took me two evenings to reball them up and get out my needles. The circulars were stuck in there somehow! Yes, that is a bent Addi Turbo.....I got it unbent enough that it still works, and is a little reminder of how much fun they had! Everyone asked me as I was untangling the mess if I regretted letting them. But I didn't...I mean they were playing with YARN! How cool is that!!!!

Emily....

this post is specifically for Emily who recently wrote a comment about the blanket I'm making from the "Nursery Knits" book. (See post from Nov 30). There is something you should know about this, but I can't get a reply to you personally. I hope you are checking back. I will post a tutorial tomorrow for you. Basically though you have to reverse the pattern for half the blocks. This really confused me the first time I did it and since there isn't a picture of what it looks like in the book (other then the whole blanket pic) it is hard to pick it out at first. The first block goes "///", the second block must go "\\\" so that it forms the "V" pattern. I decided to do that color pattern from right to left on the second block. Don't know if this is right or not but it works. I'll try to do that tutorial tomorrow, because I think it is hard sometimes to follow when you can't see what the person is talking about!

Other then that, I'm home. The vacation was good and I got to hold lots of babies and play with my niece and nephew lots! My sisters are all doing well, considering the babies they have all had this year! I even got my Mom knitting again. She wanted to make a bag like my sari silk one I made this year, so we picked out some Noro for her and she is going to town. She had it half done before I left! We have already booked going over in November to see everyone for my birthday and for Thanksgiving! So that makes it easier to come home.

I bought lots of craft stuff, got cool presents from Melissa and bought some cool books and mags. I promise to post them soon. I still haven't downloaded all my pictures etc to the main computer yet (Hubby has been busy playing with his new Web cam). But since we just got back on Sunday, you can't really blame me! I hope to catch up on everyones blogs and stuff soon! One of my New Year resolutions, was to post more. I really enjoy it and I don't get half the stuff posted that I want to, especially about Indie artists I buy stuff from!!!

Nephew number 5!

I'm a bad Aunt....nothing in this picture was hand done by me! But soon I will have that blanket done...He was born on the 22nd just as Rich and I were on the plane to come over. He is healthy and so is Mom, though they both had a rough journey. I get to spend a few days with them in the new year so I'm looking forward to that.

Rich and I were lucky. The fog that was cancelling a lot of the flights out of London, didn't stop us. We flew with Aer Lingus (Irish company) and their flights were taking off, though they were an hour late. We enjoyed the fact that you can go through immigration in Ireland, and don't have the hassle when you get to the States. Chicago was warmer then London....go figure! We are holding up pretty well, though I'm still feeling the effects of a head cold I had before I came over. One December I would like to go without a cold.

I'm busily trying to make this for my niece...last minute present. I also plan on working my way through The Creative License book by Danny Gregory, and using my new moleskine to do it. I'm using real artists pens, which are making a difference. I don't want to get to where I am a master drawer. I just want to be able to interpret what I see in my head or eyes on to the page for embroidery.

I did order the book The Art of Knitting and it is wonderful. I haven't had the time to really look at it, but since I had it sent to my Mom's I will hopefully have some time soon to get to it!

Off I go to spend time with the family!

Christmas part whatever.....

So this is what I've been up too. I've made my ATC (Artist Trading Cards) for the Creative Mom's Podcast swap. The heart is the wrong size, I thought it was postcard size but it was suppose to be 2 1/2 by 3 1/2. I like heart a lot. That is going to be my signature I've decided. The painted one is what Amy the Creative Mom sent me. I got it today, what a very nice thing for her to do. (That is how I figured out that I was doing it wrong.So here is outfit 2. It didn't work out anything like the pattern....and netting is H*!! to work with...but I got it done! She had to have a little ballet outfit!

And here is outfit 3. This worked up pretty well, and I like how it fits which I can't say for the other two outfits!

I've had a good day really. I've got my room put together so that I can actually find things. That is the best, not to have to search and search for the beads or buttons if I want to use them. I made the doll a pearl necklace too, which can used to put her hair up too. I've also started stocking up on supplies. I used to think that I only should have what I was using at the moment. But I've found that it is good to buy small quantities of different supplies so that I can play. Playing is what I'm going to do in 2007. I need to break free of the constraints of patterns I put on myself. I never felt that I was artistic, but I'm trying to expand. I bought a great book this weekend, my friend Sarah found it...fortunately she said she would order a copy so that I could have the one that we found. The Art of Embroidery: Inspirational Stitches, Textures and Surfaces (Paperback) It is by Francoise Tellier-Loumagne who is a French textile artist. The book is fabulous!!! The pictures are wonderful and she goes into just enough detail on different techniques that you can still do your own thing. It is wonderful. I've ordered her book The Art of Knitting by her also. I'll get that in the US, it was easier to have it sent there.

The only real problem is I need to get to doing my studying. I've got about a year left and am struggling because I feel that I want to be more creative. I want to work in my craft room, instead of my desk. But I just have to get it finished and then I can do what I want. That is what 2008 will be also.....study study study...then craft! We shall see how it goes!!!

But for now...back the Christmas crafting!

Update....

sorry no pics, but hubby and I have a new computer and he hasn't totally finished playing with it. I don't want to download anything new until he has finished...techies....they just love to play!

Wanted to catch you up though....I've been very busy working on the ATC's for the Creative Mom Podcast swap. And clothes for Paige's doll, a friend's present and the baby blanket. I'm a bit upset that I don't think I'll find time to make anything for my secret pal, but she has forgiven me already. She will get something before the end of the swap!

Well, since I'm typing on my knees...I'll stop posting and will give you all the pictures another day!

Blanket number 3

So this is what I'm up to for Kenner (my nephew-to-be) The colors looks so much better in this pattern...which is odd...really since they are all mixed up as they were with the other pattern I was doing. This pic isn't that great, I hope to get another outside this weekend, natural light is so much better. But I wanted to post so you all know I'm getting on. Biggest problem with this? All the crappy ends to weave!!!!! The pattern is from Zoe Mellor's "Nursery Knits". Since I'm using thinner thread it will have to be done with a few extra rows...but that will be ok.

Doll

What do you think...enough bling...NO of course not...not for a little girl. It is just the beginning of the pink and purple that this doll will be covered in. Though I will make her some cords and stuff in more neutral colors. But my niece is 3 1/2....she needs more bling!!!!
So can you tell which has more hair?? I didn't like the way the pattern only called for one layer of hair. You couldn't really do anything with it without her looking bald, so she has lots of layers of hair......(the doll on the right anyway).

I think the color of her eyes looks good. Better then the light blue I have on the other doll (see previous post). It goes with the gold of her hair better...though now that I look at the pic she looks a little uneven....but we can't all be symetrical!

Curve of Pursuit....not!

Well, there it is...the sort of disaster. The silk/cotton yarn just didn't take to the pattern that I bought at all. I decided that I could do it by crocheting it and love the pattern...I might even write it up if anyone is interested. The picture isn't very good because I have it hung from the top corner. I'll try and get a better picture outside this weekend if I get a chance. Anyway, the disaster is the colors. They aren't anything like the quilt I was basing it one...which I can't show you because I took a picture at the Internation Quilt show and I don't have permission to post it. Anyway....I have now decided to switch to another pattern that I will be able to use the same colors but it will look better. I have to buy a few more colors...and can't use all the colors I bought...so that means more yarn for my stash!!! Oh well......

Thanks Melissa!

How cute are these??? Unfortunately, it isn't avery good picture. These stitch markers were made for me by Melissa. Her son did the toast that is smiling....how cute!

She also made me this lovely knitting bag for my birthday. I love the fabric so much and she did such a good job! I can't wait to get all must stuff inside it! Got a baby blanket to get on with!

A great day....

yesterday was my birthday and I have to post a big thank you to all my friends who sent me well wishes! Thanks! I enjoyed the day. For the first time in years I actually took the day off. Rich decided to take time off too. I started out with a wonderful lie in (isn't that I nice phrase?? lie in.....). Then Rich brought me up my toast and tea with my cards. When I got out of the shower, the postman had stopped again and brought me two gifts from my mom and one from my sis-n-law in Wales! We went to lunch at my favorite tearoom and lingered over our tea. Then we went up to Whitchurch to the Silk Mill. It was really nice. You can watch them weaving and it was so interesting. They even have have a loom set up that you can have a go at. I want to weave sooooo badly. I will have to to something soon. Even if it is only tapestry.

Mom got me "The Crafters Companion" that everyone has been posting about. I was so excited to get it! It is really good...full of inspiration. Then my friend Alysha sent me "Wendy Knits". It was sweet of her and it looks like a really good read.

I'm of to Wales this weekend to see my sis-n-law and family. I'm so excited. Wales is gorgeous and it is going to be even better with the fall leaves on the ground! I've got tons to post, new independent artist and everything to talk about....but just don't have the time. Must go pack!

I will say though that I got some lovely silk cotton from Dragon Yarns. I'm going to use it to make the Curve of Pursuit pattern from Woolly Thoughts. I've been looking forward to this for awhile now. I got the color inspiration from a quilt I saw at the international Quilt show. It is really different, but I hope that it turns out ok. I'll let you in on the process...I promise!

Magknits Wristwarmers....

I've finished another project...for me!!! I'm getting very selfish. But in my defence, the yarn came from my good friend and I didn't want to give it away. This is Magknits pattern. I enjoyed the pattern so much, I'm using the cable pattern to make a scarf to match. I have enough of the yarn, so thought it would be good to make a match. I wore them today and lots of people commented on them.

London tomorrow for a shopping trip!!! YEAH!!!

Thanks Secret Pal!

I've had these on my wishlist for awhile and they are much appreciated! Thanks so much!!!!

Schwag.....

Finally able to show you all some of the schwag I got a few long weekends ago! It is hard to believe how quickly time has flown by...and still not getting many projects done! Oh well...we all know that story! Anyway, below is a picture of the most expensive buy of the day. I had 5 min before I did the Lucet workshop and I just HAD to buy these. They were actually well priced. I mean....were have you seen whole strings of real gems and not just little boxes of one or two? I just had to buy them....what I will do with them....well that is what I'll have to figure out....These are just a few things I picked up. The wooden object is the lucet. It makes a very square braid which is lovely to look at and very easy to do. I hope to get good enough to use some of the silks I bought to make some braid to use for some of the projects I make. The threads are all silk...I was trying to step up my embrodiery and see what size etc I liked. The fabric are patches of silk velvet that I want to practice emabrodiery on...The buttons are recycled off of thrifted items...well I just can't pass up recycled stuff. I also bought stuff for secret pals and friends....but won't post those so there!

This lovely ball of color is some wonderful merino wool I bought at the guild. They had Wingham Wools come down from Yorkshire and sell their lovely stuff at our guild meeting. The day is open to all, and I need to make sure I invite a few people next year. I will be felting most of this. Either into objects...or into flat felt so that I can make stuff out of it. I'm actually itching to do it tonight...but not sure I shouldn't finish a few projects first. I've got a few things promised and must fullfill my promises!

Trying to post...

but can't get Blogger to download my pictures...so here is plan B.

I have made a bit of a break through today and want to spread it around a bit. I have such wonderful people in my life. My family, husband and friends are all so loving and supportive. It is time that I honor them by loving myself. I know this sounds like boring piffle.....(good English word there)....but I mean it. I've been going through a terrible time trying to come to terms with my past. But I'm ready to move on now...I'm ready to live and love and be HAPPY! That is all I've ever wanted, to be happy. It is time I actually help myself to live that way. I hope that you all can look at yourself in the mirror and say "I love you". It is so important! Women especially find it hard to do this, because they feel they are never good enough. Trying to juggle being a mom, wife, employee, daughter etc....takes a lot out of us. It is time that we realize that women that went before us fought so that we could have choices...not so that we have a burden. It is time we start to give ourselves a break. Love ourselves for our foibles, failings, strengths....everything. They make us unique and loveable. It doesn't mean that we don't try to improve ourselves...but we do it to make ourselves happy...not to prove we can do it!

Love yourself as you love others!!!!