Tales of life and yarn

Sunday Spinning.

2012-01-29T11:30:00.000Z

Today started rather sooner than I had anticipated, big dog woke me at 6am with a desperate whine, he needed to go out.....when he had been sorted I then went back to bed and snuggled in, it was cold out there...No 1 son then woke me at 10am, with a lovely mug of steaming hot tea.... what a boy... I don't normally get tea in bed so am not sure what bought this about.. but hey I'm not complaining....
Sunday mornings I have a bit of a ritual spin, I'm usually up before everyone, grab a cuppa and then spin for an hour or so, a sort of Sunday meditation..this morning was no exception....except everyone was up before me !!
Currently have 300g of an alpaca, merino and silk mix on the wheel.. aiming for a 2ply DK weight, planned for a Christmas cardi for moi !!

Its gorgeous, such a dream to spin, pre drafting well before hand, to aim for a smooth spin, this thin spinning is still an effort for me..
Today's plan, then is bake a cake, cook a roast dinner, move no 1 sons room around then sit and create....

I want..

2012-01-28T16:18:00.000Z

to make for sons birthday...

How fab is this, sons a massive lego fan and he would LOVE this, and am pretty sure I could get this done?
seems simple enough, blocks of cake covered in icing, right?

Happy weekend...

2012-01-28T15:39:00.000Z

I cant believe its the last weekend of January, where does time go? It seems like only yesterday it was Christmas...

This month has been a bit up and down, had a post Christmas wobble about the job, strangely was craving the stress of my last job, didn't last long , a chinwag and a coffee with an old colleague reaffirmed the reasons why i left the company in the first place. feeling a lot more settled now thankfully... and where else would i get a daily work view like this

I love this view and watching the weather and seasons change, cant wait for warmer days so I can spend more time out rather than in...

January has seen me trying to craft things other than yarn, I'm still threatening to get my sewing machine out.... and have been paper crafting too...check out my tag Tuesday posts.

Big bonus this month was managing to book a 'sun' holiday, the £9.50 variety not exotic ones, for Easter school Holiday's. Instead of going south we are going north, north wales to be exact...
I'm really looking forward to this as haven't been up to the welsh mountains for about 16years....

Weather may be unpredictable but we are staying in a holiday complex so plenty of indoor activities and swimming to keep boys happy...generally a good productive month..

Was up bright and early this morning, had all housework done by 2 and have had a lovely hour or so surfing the blog world. Hubby has gone to see his brother for the night so its just me and the boys.. No 1 has gone to bake brownies, no 2 is playing skyrim, and I'm planning which craft i should start with.
choices are:

Crochet, continue with Granny squares for my blanket or try and finish my flower cushion?
knit, secret project for swap pal
spin: gorgeous fluff n stuff,
sew: cath kidston patch cushion
or
tag for tag Tuesday?

Hmmmmnnnnn
what to choose...

I shall treat myself to a bottle of wine i think, cook a curry for dinner, no 1 son has a twilight movie evening planned for us

I may be old enough to be his mother but he is rather nice....

Frippery..

2012-01-24T19:12:00.000Z

I have such lovely friends, want to see what one sent me for my tag challenge...

First up I had to find me a little storage box for my new hobby...
this was an old sewing box, just perfect....

now full of lots of pretties..
fabrics, lace, ribbons, bows, buttons, pearls, and little glitzy bits...
I shall spend many hours playing with these and already have an urge to get more..
Next weeks tag is already planned, and I can not wait to get started, roll on saturday...

Tag Tuesday

2012-01-24T18:53:00.001Z

This weeks challenge was 'vintage'
As I am still without the necessary frippery to make lovely stitched tags, I again went simple..

I love the old luggage labels and have lots of these little mini ones. The first one is to go on a knit swap I am doing so printed off a cute little knitting themed pic, and stuck little vintage buttons around, I think its cute and am sure that my swap pal will love it too..

The second is for my Christmas stash. I painted on a branch of a Christmas tree, used little vintage wooden hearts as baubles, then spotted some little red dots around. I love traditional Christmas and really like the simplicity of this, I will add some small red ribbon, am going to make some more of these..

Joy came in the post this morning as a friend answered my twitter for frippery for stitching tags, a whole lovely envelope of fabric and ribbons so next weeks tag will be stitched..the theme is lace, and has luck would have it I have been sent some lace...

Really loving this challenge and trying new things..

Sunset..

2012-01-21T14:44:00.000Z

Another evening dog walk and another glorious sunset...

snug as a bug in a rug!!

2012-01-19T22:27:00.000Z

The old boy feels the cold now on his evening walks, so DH bought him a new coat..

didnt bat an eyelid and seemed to like being warm!! he got lots of admiring glances to..

Baby its cold outside...

2012-01-17T21:03:00.000Z

Home from work and off out to walk the dog, we are lucky to live by a river and as dusk sets its beautiful. It was especially so tonight with the cold nip in the air. The sunset was gorgeous and I really wanted to try and capture the views, unfortunately I only have the camera on my phone, but I snapped away..

Very dark, but eerie. I am so hoping the birthday fairy brings me a camera as I am really loving taking photo's at the moment. Despite my new job now verging on boring, it is freeing up my brain cells to start being creative again, That was part of the reason I downsized the job again, less work stress, less hours and more time to enjoy my boys and my life.. its working I think..

Tag Tuesday

2012-01-17T20:51:00.000Z

Here's my first tag. This weeks challenge was ' White' stumped was the first word that came to mind, firstly, white didn't inspire anything at all, and secondly I am such an avid hoarder of fibre/yarn, that I am so totally unprepared for any other types of crafting.. i gave all my beads paper etc away.. shoot..
So off i went and just mooched around my crafty stuff. I found this white feather, and it came to me, angels.
I love angels and am an avid collector of anything angel inspired especially books..I also have a friend who is addicted to angels as me, and her birthday is coming up, the ideal tag..
so here it is..
Drum roll please......

The white background is an iridescent card with tiny hearts imprinted, the blue is to represent the sky & clouds, the white feather represents the angel, saying goes that if you find a white feather its an angel message, I also attached a little angel charm.
I need to get some ribbon to tag it to the gift.
For a first attempt I love it, its basic, but its made with love..
I am so looking forward to making more..
Next week is vintage, now that's right up my street....

Sunday .

2012-01-15T17:52:00.000Z

Saturday reflections...

2012-01-14T17:46:00.001Z

This week has been pretty uneventful, boys at school, me and hubby at work, the usual...the weather is beginning to get colder and we had our first real frost, the drive to work was amazing and I really wish I could have stopped and taken a picture. Part of the motorway is raised, and the view down across the valley was amazing, it was crisp white fog.. quite eerie but beautiful...I am finding myself getting really drawn to photography and am hoping the birthday fairy will bring me a camera!! I would so love to catch some of the natural views I get each day on my way to work.. That same day I did manage to catch a beautiful sunset on my phone.. not great.. but does capture..

The colours were amazing and in retrospect should have taken one of the residents down to the beach to get the full view.. note to self...think..

Christmas seems an age ago and yet again am frustrated that I did not really get any of my handmade Christmas bits done.. the most I did was to make the cake. So again this year I am planning great things, I always do and actually enjoy the build up more than the actual day. Today whilst surfing the blogs I frequent, I came across Lucy's gorgeous Christmas banner. For those who don't follow Lucy you really must drop into her blog.. here.. attic24 she is truly inspirational, her colours are amazing, anyway pinching a picture from her blog, here is what I really want to make..

How cute is that? crochet , stitching and buttons.. just up my street... and a project I can work on through the year......wording to be confirmed... no excuse I have yarn...have fabric... have buttons... and I really love her socks......

This week I also found this great blog.......Tag Tuesday.
now this really appeals to me, I love the vintage tags, and guess what ....I can start my Christmas 2012 preparations whilst having fun..... I have some vintage label tags so all I need to do now is get creative... each Tuesday I will be doing tag Tuesday posts...... well that's the plan.... actually this can be a weekend project.. still have time to get this weeks done... winter sports..

Fibre wise? not much happening.. some knitting, started a new swap project so cant post till recipient receives.. the great thing about this swap it is a stash buster... still spinning up the rest of Novembers fibre club...

Finishing on a positive note I did book our ferry for our June getaway to France... returning to the lovely chateau de monfreville.. I love this place..

unfortunately we don't stay in the chateau but a cottage in the grounds

its a wonderful place and Paul and Zoe are great hosts, I would highly recommend it.. check out the website here

Before I go I want to introduce you to a very special person...

This gorgeous little person was born on Friday 13th to one of the nicest couples I have the joy to know. Their journey to parenthood has had many heartbreaks but this little fella really is a miracle and has no idea how many people awaited his birth and the love that will surround him...life is precious....xxxxxxx

First spin of 2012

2012-01-08T23:33:00.001Z

Novembers fluff n stuff club fibre
100g batt spun and gave me this

I have another 100g batt to spin then to decide upon a project..

Hexi puffing again...

2012-01-08T23:28:00.000Z

A strange occurrence happened this evening.. I had the urge to hexi puff... no idea where that idea sprang from, fed up with 2x2 ribbing on scarf, fed up of garter stitch on shawls and haven't spun any more yarn to carry on with my featherweight cardigan, and am not in crochet mode..
So out came the hexi puff drawer, a fresh start this time with sock yarn, variegated at that...boys had harry potter movie on so away I went, managed to get 4 done, which is great as its got me on my way again...

Loving the colours of this, its a part ball that a swap pal sent me so not sure what yarn it is but its great. Knits a treat and I am so loving the colours..... this time am not over stuffing, just enough to give a slight pad..
I have completed 4 so only about another 236 left to do. If I want to complete this year that's about 20 pr month, so about 5 per week..
Really not sure where its going to go, but its definitely going to be a small quilt!!...

Where does time go..

2012-01-07T15:25:00.000Z

Christmas and new year feels an age away now. The house has been undecorated and feels bland and empty.. however I feel rejuvenated, and am looking forward to the summer coming..
This week has been back to work so not much fibre play,
still working on my TGV

Loving it, love the way the colours are coming through, outside edge seems a bit tight and curly, may need some heavy duty blocking.
Am now 2x2 ribbing and there are soo many stitches..am thinking maybe end of week will be finished?

dyeing to cast on my handspun lazy weekend sweater, think will have enough handspun now, if not have some matching colours I will be able to spin up...

talking of which the first spin of 2012 is now on the wheel, another of my fibre club batts from the lovely Marianne.

Am fractal spinning as don't want set stripes of colour, spun first 50g in solid colour blocks and then am spinning alternative strips of colour from the 3 colours for the 2nd bobbin, then will 2ply..

Laying them out on the chair they seem to compliment it perfectly, in my eyes anyway, so am thinking a knit chair back of small shawl to put over back, its my reading chair and often snuggle up with a good book, coffee and a wrap around my shoulders so seems great idea?

On the home front this is the year of getting some work done in the house, whilst out walking over new year we went past a bespoke kitchen store and I just feel in love with there larders... I have to have me one of these, what do you think?

Hubby's pretty good building things so that's his job.. my job is to buy a new tall slim line fridge/freezer as we currently have a monster fridge and a monster freezer, and without getting rid of them I wont fit my larder in..
There pretty much a waste of space now to be honest as we shop as we need and no longer do massive shops, economy and all that..so they wont be missed, my larder however will be much loved!!

The Diet

2012-01-02T11:44:00.000Z

Its still there, but has been hibernating...
gained half a stone over december ;(
now back on track
update in a week...

Strength...

2012-01-02T09:00:00.003Z

Off to a good start.

2012-01-02T08:58:00.000Z

Well the first day of 2012 went very well indeed. I think this may have something to do with the fact that we didn't go out and had no visitors, the first day of its kind for well over a week.
I totally destressed and spent time pottering around doing what I want...Which did include about 5hrs knitting!!
I slept reasonably well but had such wild dreams, my brain reorganising its self I think..
First up I had a brainwave of a small business plan. I have been wanting to start my own business for a while, nothing grand just a side line, doing what I love to do, craft. So I shall research, get plans in place and aim for a mid year kick off...
Secondly I had this mad wild dream, techni colour and very detailed, like reading a book, BINGO, brainwave no 2, write a novel...
What you may ask your selves?
I have always loved reading and thoroughly enjoyed studying English at school, so as I now have the bones of a reasonable story I am going to do it. I got up first thing and wrote it all down before it left my consciousness, to say I am excited is an understatement.. now all i have to do is go find some advice on how to write a book..
Today's plans are to put a new band on my spinning wheel and spin some 2 ply dk for a new cardigan, try and finish the TGV I started yesterday, well maybe not finish but get a good chunk of the rib section done, do the ironing, that's OK, I like ironing, its my thinking time, and given whats rattling around in my brain at the moment I will take my notepad, and did I tell you I got a crystal ball for Christmas, I kid you not !! I may even take 5 minutes out of the day to discover how to use it..
I'm liking this year so far......

First 2012 project.

2012-01-01T15:59:00.000Z

I was lucky enough to receive some Zauberball for Christmas, so the first cast on began today.....
Decided to cast on the blue colourway first, [have the brown/cream one too!!]
I absolutely love this yarn and felt that the colours didn't warrant a fancy pattern, a plain & simple pattern to show off the colour runs of the yarn.. so a quick surf on Rav led me to the TGV pattern.

This is a highly addictive TV knit.....
not sure if its the simplicity of the pattern, or the need to see the yarn grow and the colours change..
I haven't put it down yet, apart to take a pic and blog..
[ more blogging is a new year resolution!!]
best get back to it.. yarn calling....
knit me, knit me, knit me, knit me, knit me............................................................

Happy new year !!

2012-01-01T13:53:00.000Z

Welcome 2012.
I so look forward to moving on with you this year.
2011 was a little changeable so I am hoping you will be more settled.
so heres to a happy partnership 2012 !!

Happy december everyone..

2011-12-10T10:10:00.000Z

Again I have been a bad blogger and no post for a very long time.. no excuses.. just getting on with life..
Time seems to go so fast at this time of year, and I just love snuggling by the fire and knitting away...

The first of December saw the boys excitement start to rise, they are currently addicted to Lego and guess what advents they had...

yep, Lego, not sure quite how festive they are, especially the star wars one, but they love opening a little Lego surprise everyday....

My step mom also made me a December gift, last year she cross stitched me the most beautiful Christmas scene, so this year she decided to stitch me a homespun style sampler..

its great and is now adorning the living room alongside last years masterpiece..

I am ashamed to say apart from my swap pals I haven't actually made anything for anyone for Christmas, and as usual I had all best intentions.. maybe I should start now for next year!!

I am being a little dithering with my creations, and am currently wanting to do small projects that finish fast!! well that's whats supposed to happen but they remain unfinished, except for a darling gift I am making for my swap pal, photos up when she has received it, again its something I have never made before and am loving it, it could be the start of another addiction....

Today is all about decorating the house for Christmas, hubby's off out with the boys to get the tree, then its all stations go to everything up as we have friends for dinner tonight... If I am lucky I may get to knit a few lines.....

What a week that was..

2011-11-08T19:23:00.000Z

Can't believe I haven't blogged since my week off. I thoroughly enjoyed my week, no hectic plans trying to get away for a few days, just me and the boys at home, school hols, and hubby doing his last week of night shifts !! we actually got to spend some time together as a family, which was nice.I did however miss my coastal view each day!!
So last week? well it was the week of breakages, first up number 1 son blocked the upstairs loo, in hubby's attempt at unblocking it, having to remove said blocked pipe, we then had a leak through the floor down into the downstairs loo, which happens to be directly above the heating system boiler!! major panic attacks, but luckily boiler was unaffected.
Then when I have numerous towels to wash, hubby is great at grabbing the first thing that comes to hand, in this case my nice clean towels, now not clean, the washing machine decides to die!! heck..
searched the Internet, no local laundries, so hand washing was me !! boy is that hard work trying to get 2 teenage boys clothes clean!!
However on a positive note hubby is now working days which is fab, almost feels normal, love having him in the evenings....I can feel myself getting back into sync, the house has never seemed cleaner!! and its staying tidy, hadn't realised how much of a coach potato I had become, now I want it all kept up together so when the weekend comes I am free to play not do chores!! I don't actually panic now when someone comes to call.
I have had a bit of a reading bug, found some knit novels I hadn't read so have read them and just ordered 2 more, love rainy days, sat in doors, steaming mug of tea and a good book, before I start on the fibre !!
Fibre wise I have caught startitis again.. cast on a few projects with my hand spun, all winter warmers, boy is it getting cold, and boy o boy does it get cold at work, the wind blows straight up the beach & hill to the house.. Brrrrrrrrrr
Am still spinning up my stash, but did buy some wensleydale as feel a dye day coming on on Saturday, just 100g as have never dyed wensleydale before, will be shades of blue for my mix n match hand spun poncho !! warmth.....and am waiting patiently for Mr posty as I KNOW there will be fibre in the post for me tomorrow, another lovely fibre club from fluff-n-stuff was posted today..
haven't picked up the crochet for a good few days, but did resort my stash again...
Am looking forward to going back to the spindyeweavers group, now hubby will be home and not tired.. have missed spinning in company......
so that's it a brief tale of my last week, now I am off to warm up as can feel the cold creeping into my feet, now where are my socks, hmmn maybe I need to cast on a new pair..

The diet Pictures....

2011-10-25T15:24:00.000+01:00

I am posting in the hope it will inspire me to continue with the weight loss plan,today's photo's thanks to number 1 son !! Who thought it funny that I wanted photo's to show my fat !!

This is the very first picture before any weight loss

These are taken today after having lost my first stone in weight

Personally I cant really see any change, I think I'm going to have to lose at least 3 stone before it visually makes any difference!!
This is one of my favourite tops, I love it from the front, but boy does it look horrific from the side!! not flattering in the least.. wheres 'gok wan' when you need him !!

The Diet !!

2011-10-25T13:00:00.000+01:00

I have been quiet about this for a while, all was going well until I went on holiday and put 5lb on !! I really struggled to get back on track, to be honest I did go a bit overboard on holiday, cream tea's, Cornish pasties, you get the picture.
Anyway, never one to give up I have been going to group each Monday night, losing a 1lb putting on a 1lb and so the picture carries on.I have hovered around the lost a stone mark for over a month now, the new members of the group are putting me to shame. This week I dithered about going, but knowing if I didn't I wouldn't go again and all hope of losing weight would be gone.
I anticipated putting weight on as to be honest whilst I eat a lot healthier I am still snacking and do fall back on food for comfort!!
So onto the scales I went and gained had 2.5lbs.... in a week of not particularly going overboard, but knowing that really I hadn't stuck to the programme.
I needed to think about this, I pay £5 pr week to go to club, and want to lose weight, but I need to do it, else I am just wasting my money..
so I gave myself a stern talking to, surfed the net for ideas, and made a decision that until next Monday I will stick to the plan rigidly and see what the scales say, hopefully a half decent lose will re inspire me,
So food planned, this morning I had a healthy bowl of fresh fruit , yogurt and crumbled weetabix, I don't normally eat breakfast so that is good for me.
Off out on a visit then back home for my healthy veg soup,prepared last night,I quickly rustled up some slimming world 'free' cheese scones and a wholesome and hearty lunch was had..

The soup is basically any veg I could find cooked in water with some seasoning and 2 tins of chopped tomatoes, enough for 3 servings, so if I get hungry there is some in the fridge, not quite chocolate but hey, desperate times..
The scones are an acquired taste and if you don't like cottage cheese don't eat them, basically instant mash potato, cottage cheese and an egg, then cooked in oven, I wouldn't eat them on their own but with soup/stew they are quite passable, and stops me reaching for the bread!!
So I now feel 'full' and have plans to make a lovely strawberry roulade this evening, slimming world recipe and I can basically eat the whole cake if I felt the need as very low 'syn'.. doesn't change my eating habits though does it!! but it is something sweet for emergencies...

Sunday colour

2011-10-24T09:11:00.000+01:00

Today was all about colour..
A while back I stumbled on the attic 24 blog and Lucy inspired me to get my crochet hooks out..
My first attempt at a real crochet project was her lovely bag, made for a swap, so can only post now its been received..

I love the use of colour, its so liberating, and this is such a great pattern to follow...after having successfully completed this, I am now making Lucy's Blooming flower cushion, another great pattern and again Lucy writes great patterns so easy to follow and includes pics, what more could you ask..

The cushion is being made for the above chair, my favourite chair!! I did start this cushion a while back, before I made the bag, and really wasn't happy with the yarn and hook size. so have ripped that and started afresh, much happier with the yarn weight/hook size and loving the colour combo...will make a flat back as only want the front stuffed!!

So feeling in a colourful mood decided to stash dive for a colourful fibre to spin...

100g camel...

very short staple so proving a long hard going spin.. loving the colours though, will be navajo plied.

now what to do today?

Lazy Saturdays.

2011-10-23T10:20:00.000+01:00

I love this time of year, the colours, the weather and preperations being made for the season to come..
One of the great things in my life right now is the beach I see everyday at work. I have taken to stopping on the front for 5 mins each morning just to look at the view..I find it very calming...

I love to see how the weather effects the vista, and how the colours change, I have started taking pictures every few days to log the views and compare how the weather changes the beach.I am facinated by it...I can feel a love story developing here, it is totally unspoilt, pure rugged beauty as nature intended it to be..

We have had some glorious days of late and I am making the most of enjoying the blue skies

We have had an abundence of apples this year and there are still loads on the tree, the freezer is full of apples.. yesterday was one of these days, I sat in the back room looking at the trees and wildlife in my garden and spun.. It was pure bliss...I go into an almost meditative state..my mind clears of everything.........

I have loads of 100g fibre's to be spun up, so went stash diving, first up I spun merino from LGJ

Aran weight 2ply
then 100g wensleydale from picperfic

aran weight 2ply again..

what the heck to do with all these hanks?I am amassing lots of odd hanks, I'm not a hat woman, dont really do scarves, rarely wear gloves and not wanting to knit socks.... hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?

ravelry search found me this great sweater

The lazy weekend sweater, just the ticket, am going to knit all my handpspun hanks into the sweater to create a whacky snug weekend sweater, just the ticket for cold winters!!

After spending hours in a meditative spinning state got the urge to make cupcakes..

vanilla cupcake recipe from the hummingbird cafe, lush.. not good for the diet though... but another of my recent adictions i just love cupcakes, they look pretty, are fun to make and taste delicious....

All in all a lovely lazy saturday , ending up with hubby taking me out for dinner..I am a lucky gal...

Long time no see...

2011-10-20T23:58:00.000+01:00

well its been well over a month since I last blogged, and what a difference a month makes.I have not wanted to blog, couldn't think of much to write to be honest !
I downsized the job again and have struggled to get to terms with going from big business mentality to small & friendly company.. Its been 3 weeks now and can honestly say its taken me that long to get my mind to calm.I have a week off next week and think it will complete the transition.
I can feel a definite change in my being and my stress levels have shrunk to almost zero !! My creativity is beginning to resurface and the startitis seems to be clearing !
My fibre stash is taking a beating and I have been quite harsh in sorting through it and just keeping what I really want to play with and getting rid of the rest. The same can be said of my ravelry Que, if I'm not going to make it its history !!
There is a sense of peace now,
I am thinking of my future plans, what do I want to do?
I know I love my job but I really want to try and follow my dream, which has always been to study textiles. I cant afford to go to university but am hoping I may be able to start with distance learning, I'm quite excited about this thought!!
Rather than my usual headlong rush, I am taking my time, making sure its the right course, I think it is...but need to save, and the time will give me the option to look around..I once decided I wanted to be a florist, so went straight in, paid lots of money to do the course, got a Saturday job in a florist's, in addition to my job & college days, and l when the course had ended decided it wasn't for me, don't want to repeat that experience..
Fibre wise I am feeling it again, I have been spinning, knitting and developing my crochet skills, have not dyed for ages, but am thinking will get that going again.. have started getting very photographic, being inspired by nature !! lots of colour idea's..
I have come to the conclusion that I need to upgrade the spinning wheel, the kiwi's is lovely but am lusting after a maja craft rose !! serious saving there me thinks..
I shall go now as the cold is beginning to settle in and I need to go warm up in my quilt...
I will leave you with one of the great things about my new job, the view I get every single day....

The bungalow on the bottom is my workplace,and the season gives me a different picture every day !!

Rococco plasterwork

2011-09-11T18:40:00.000+01:00

At the Royal Fort House.

Absoluetely stunning, well worth a visit....

Follow me.

2011-09-11T18:31:00.000+01:00

Visited yesterday on the Bristol open doors, in the grounds of the Royal Fort House.
I found this intriquing and could have took many photo's, each angle gave differnt aspects of my family
I loved it...

Another Weekend in Bristol.

2011-09-11T14:02:00.000+01:00

This weekend Julia Bulia came to stay.

After a Friday evening curry dinner, Saturday was Bristol Open doors day, so we set off on the local train line to explore our gorgeous city..

Want to see where we went?

First up we went to Kingsweston house, very local to us, very sad as its had a recent history of being used for council business/etc so its been stripped of all its soul and fittings!!

In stark contrast to this beauty below

The royal fort house, amazing plaster work.. and a great mirror sculpture in the grounds. This now belongs to the University and is an amazing house, stunning to be exact..

We went down into Redcliffe caves.. and walked below the city..

The lord Mayors chapel.Tucked away in a busy retail street, but a small gem and very tardis like. the detail inside was amazing..

St Mary Redcliffe church, wow is all I can say, glorious building and I feel the need to go of an evening to hear the choir sing..
and finally the museum..

The museum is a favourite haunt of the boys, but its still a pleasure to look around..

In amongst all this we did manage to sit outside a pub for lunch, down on the harbour side..

We had a truly lovely day being tourists in our own city, so homeward bound for a quiet night watching a movie and eating ploughman's..
This morning we set off for a walk to blow the cobwebs away, we headed to Portisehead, a short drive from home and still within the area of 'Bristol'

An walk around the headland, with our lovely hound refreshed us all, even the boys enjoyed it despite not wanting to leave the house this morning...
Julia Bulia has now departed for home, a long drive back down to Cornwall :0(
So we shall have an afternoon of relaxation, and for me? some fibre related fun me thinks....

Ask and you shall receive....

2011-09-04T08:34:00.000+01:00

With the end of my current job looming I was going to be car less. I have a lovely car which is rented from my employer, it needs to be returned obviously. Our second car is a very old small run around and I didn't really feel safe driving it up and down the motorway and having to drive through country lanes at the other end. We immed and ahhed over what to do and had thought we would take out a loan and get a new car. Yesterday morning we were due to go to the car supermarket to get one. However, despite hubby now having a job, taking out a loan didn't sit comfortably, we are a cash only family, especially with the economy as it is.So we gave it a miss, saying to my husband something will come up, we will worry about it nearer the time, all failing we would take the loan and get a new one.
So after taking number 1 son shopping yesterday, I was driving back, and as I often do, was 'talking' to my mum, who left for heaven a number of years ago. I said I needed a car.
So was shocked when a friend text me later that day to say her hubby had got her a new car and did I want to buy her old one !! I could pick it up now and pay when I had the cash. Now were not talking mega bucks just a couple of hundred quid..
So I now have a 'new' old car.......

That's a pic from the Internet!! she didn't come from a scrap dealer!!
but shes a BMW.. is lovely and drives like a dream, I have decided to cal her Angel.. and am so happy to have her join our family. She will be given TLC and hopefully will be with us for a while, shes had a busy life is getting on in years but theres life in her yet....
Now I wonder if I could do a bit of internal yarn bombing?

Winding Down...........

2011-09-03T10:13:00.001+01:00

So after giving notice and having 3 months to do, my last month is now upon me. The new manager has started and it all seems real.. There are days where I wonder if I have done the right thing, I will miss the people, but I am leaving..
There's something quite soothing about winding down, handing tasks over and knowing its now out of your hands, clearing your desk !! big chore..and PC spring cleaning.. I am quite enjoying the process..
The biggest challenge will be starting all over again.. a new place, new residents, new staff.. but at least I will have a wonderful view everyday..

The white bungalow in the corner is the new place, I am so looking forward to watching the seasons change, and I shall enjoy driving down to this view each morning, I think this is part of the reason I accepted the job !!
The winding down effect is having impact on my fibre life as I seem to be wanting to finish wips.. I need a fresh start with a new project come October 1st, so all wips have been summonsed and 1 by 1, I am finishing them off, I overdosed on Hexi-puffs so have had to limit my addiction to them..I haven't touched one for 4 days now !! but I do feel a little puff may be needed later!!
Good news on the hubby front, after a year of looking for a 'real' job, one by which I mean contracted not agency, he has finally been offered a job!! This will make such a difference to our lives we can plan ahead ! in the knowledge that he will have regular pay packets each month.. what joy,
so life is changing but things look like they are going to be good for us.....

Happy Anniversary..

2011-08-28T09:34:00.000+01:00

12 years today..

Home alone..

2011-08-27T15:17:00.000+01:00

We have been on a mini road trip for the past week. Taking some well earned time out..and spending some time together as a family, hubby and I work opposite shifts so little time is spent as a family unit these days..
we started off in Devon, a cheap bargain break in a caravan, I was pleasantly surprised to arrive and find the view..

Unfortunately we didn't have much space to sit outside the van and take it in, but sat on the sofa inside the van I could drift away.... strangely I didn't feel the urge to knit but lost myself in a couple of good books, something I rarely do.. after 4 days of Devon site seeing we set of for Cornwall.. doing more sightseeing along the way..

This was Brixham, a gorgeous seaside town, typically English and full of day trippers !! we mooched for a while and partook of some Devon fare... namely pasties !!

We arrived rested in Cornwall and stayed with a dear friend. more day tripping and more local food...

needless to say my diet totally went out of the window.. holiday snacking in the day and eating out every evening!! thoroughly enjoyed it though!!

I did get some knitting mojo back, probably because I had read all my books..
first up to the finish line was no 1 sons hat

followed by my handspun Multnomah shawlette

in between I did some of these

cute or what? this is my latest obsession, a great pattern, the beekeepers quilt, eventually it will look something like this

My other new obsession is crocheting, I am a big fan of attic24, so my colour choices for the quilt have been influenced by Lucy

obviously as this is a quirky little project that will take some time, it did need a special sort of project bag,

this is from the wonderfully creative marianne-picperfic, its a joy, a small outside pocket for the filling, and space inside for the little hexi puffs, and great colours... check out her store.. you wont regret it, but your bank manager may!!

So as I am now home alone for the next 48hrs I am going to be knitting hexi-puffs...in between which I shall endevour to finish my blooming flower crochet cushion.. I am NOT casting on any new projects whilst the quilt is ongoing unless I have finished all my other wips.....

Garden Fae.

2011-08-02T23:44:00.000+01:00

This project is taking its time, and I have to say, its becoming a chore, why oh why did I decide to hand card 400g ?
In retrospect I wish I had spun the green and then spun the purple, and 2 plied for a barber pole yarn.
But, its now a Navajo ply aran weight, the first jumbo bobbin gave me 248 yards of yarn, so am hoping when the other half is spun I will have about 500yards or so.
I really do love the colours though....

The diet....

2011-08-02T23:41:00.000+01:00

bit of a blip this week, stayed the same, no weight loss... but then again, no gain!!
good reason for this , major meal out on Friday and we are talking way over my 'syns' for the week in one sitting, beautiful 3 course dinner,designated driver so stuck to diet coke, followed by a few drinks the following day..thoroughly enjoyed it though !!
need to refocus this week and may well slip, and have a holiday looming !!
fingers crossed !!

The Diet.

2011-07-25T22:44:00.000+01:00

Am still battling the bulge, and have not given up yet !!
I am really pleased with myself, as its not solely about what I weigh but about changing my attitude to food and my eating habits.
At the start my BMI was 37.4, now after losing 13lbs its reduced to 35.4.
It taken me 8 weeks to get there, and yes I could have lost more, but I need to be realistic and too harsh a regime but lead to failure, so I have followed the plan, deviated at times but continue with it, and for me its working. I have dropped a whole dress size and am now getting into clothes that haven't seen daylight for quite a while. I have more energy and am feeling more positive about myself. All good stuff.
And best of all I have lost 5inches from my waist, 3inches from my bust and 4inches from my hips..
whoop whoop..

Blooming flower cushion.

2011-07-25T22:16:00.000+01:00

Hooked on tonight !!
was apprehensive given my basic crochet skills, so am using some stash scraps for the first attempt.
What a joy to crochet is all I can say, even for a novice like me, Lucy's directions are perfectly clear and easy to follow. I'm loving it so far, and am learning loads along the way.I love the way this pattern builds.. very textural..
The picture doesn't give the yarn justice, but it was twilight when I took the picture. Its sublime, cashmere, merino and silk double knit.
So far I have a pale lemon centre, followed by a purple row, then an apple green row, followed by white. Tomorrow night will see some pinks and blues entering the scene...

I am officially in love with crochet!!

Eureka.....

2011-07-24T23:46:00.001+01:00

By Jove, I think shes got it....
One of my favourite blogs is Lucy's, Attic 24
I adore her colours, her blog always cheers me. So when I popped by for a quick peek this evening, I found what I had been looking for, colour & fun...
I hope she doesn't mind me using her picture but I just wanted to share it with you...
it is simply adorable..

This is just the thing I have subconsciously been lusting after, suits me to a tea, and I have just the right place for it...
Reading through the post Lucy linked to Jennifer's blog, twobutterflies
and there was another, perfectly suited to go with the scrummy cushion..
hope Jennifer doesn't mind me using her picture either
cute or what?

so there it is, Sunday's inspiration, its really cheered me, and I cant wait to get the hook out, only trouble is I struggle with anything other than a granny square!!

Colour....

2011-07-24T22:12:00.000+01:00

Life has been rather drab. There has been a drought of inspiration or creativity.I have gone through the motions, casting on, numerous items, spinning, starting more spinning, using the carders to make rollags, even taken pictures again. But still nothing hits the spot.

So, I have been surfing the net, blog surfing to be exact !! checking up what others are up to, looking for that inspiration..When suddenly it hit me, I have no colour in my life !!

Whilst I love my home, well most days anyway !! It is rather safe,, and theres little evidence that I create.Its all tucked away in my little den..There is no inspiration anywhere..tasteful and safe, even my pictures hung on the wall are safe..When did I lose my wild side? when did I lose my love of colour?

Perhaps that why I always feel so unsettled? uncomfortable at times? everything is hidden away? I have packed myself away..

So starting this week I am going to unpack..I'm going to bring out my colour, I'm not going to worry about being tidy, putting everything away , i'm going to start playing again..

Waving not drowning !!

2011-07-24T19:08:00.000+01:00

I'm still here, sadly neglected my blog, had things to think about and sorting to do. Yet again have made another life change, the work/life balance was out of kilter so had to do some serious thinking.Made another work change, yet another pay cut, but am hoping this gamble is going to work out..

This is going to be my new place of work !!
great view each day, much much smaller company and much much smaller home to manage.
Have a good feeling this time I may have made the right choice..

Rainbow Haze.

2011-07-16T17:14:00.000+01:00

I have been absent for a while, lots going on but maily I have been tour de fleecing again..
600g of sunny rainbow fluff spun into 2 ply chunky.....
scrumptious....

Just Picperfic...

2011-06-17T23:07:00.002+01:00

The 3rd and final installment of mariannes luxury fibre club.This certainly bought a smile to my face, I absolutely love it. So much so I have asked for another 100g.... Love the fibre and the colour, which is unusual as after years of hating green Its one of my current favourites. Isnt it strange how your taste changes. I think it has something to do with age!!
The fluff is a combination of BFL, corriedale, baby alpaca, silk seacell and gold angelina.. yummy !!
It immediately went to the wheel and I spun the whole 100g over 2 nights into a lovely single, about 314 metres.It was a joy to spin.; That will be a seperate posting.
I envisage wrapping my self in a rectangular shawl. The current wet & cold weather is making wnat to knit warm snug things!! typical English summer.Still looking for the perfect pattern. may just make my own up!!
Knit wise I'am still working on my 3 shawls I have on the needles, I do have a very strong urge to cast on again, but luckily I dont have a project in mind, so will continue to knit on my shawls every night till their done. I'am also knitting for a swap i'm in but cant show that here!!
I'm happy that a stressful week at work has got me back into manic fibre play, such a good stress reliever. Havnt dyed any fluff lately, not been colour inspired on these grey days. Far easier to let someone else do it for you!!
So another rainy day here, need to decide what to do, knitting comes later!!

Yeah Knitting !!

2011-06-07T23:41:00.000+01:00

My mojo finally came back. It had gone for a short break and I really wasnt sure when it would return.Whilst it was away I had a severe case of startitis followed by adverse frogging reaction!!
It seems that joining the slimming club and taking control of my eating habits has had a positive impact on my knitting.I rummaged through the wips and pulled out my daybreak shawl. I had forgotten how much I love knitting this. The colours are me and the yarn knits a dream. The pattern is gorgeous so why o why, had I put it away?

So, as with planning my food, I have now planned my knitting. 4 strips pr night..I need 20 stripes of each colour before I start on the bottom section of the shawl, so my calculations are that I should have it finished by the weekend after next at the latest. Will be sooner as I know I will knit a lot more at the weekend.. But a manageable plan to get it finished.

Then its finishing off my handspun Abalone multnomah....... or shall I just cast on the green shawl? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Week 1 done.....

2011-06-06T20:59:00.000+01:00

Have now been on the diet for 1 week, 90% adherence ! pleasantly surprised to have lost 3.5lbs !!! this has reduced my BMI to 36.9 from 37.4
Some learning on the way, and some learning to do.
Generally feeling positive and hopeful that this time I will stick to the plan.
Well done me.......

A day at the beach.

2011-06-04T10:14:00.002+01:00

Gorgeous weather led us to battle the traffic to get to the beach. lovely jubbly!!!!

Todays spinning...

2011-06-02T21:36:00.001+01:00

Gorgeous fluff that has been a spin WIP. pulled out and 100g spun & nav plied. Another 200g to spin.. BFL & kid mohair.

Indigo dyed fluff..

2011-06-02T10:27:00.001+01:00

I finally managed a collage !! My indigo dyed merino/silk, from near felted dyeing disaster, to lovely batts ready for spinning..

Puzzlewood.

2011-06-02T09:42:00.001+01:00

We had an amzing trip out yesterday. A wonderful place called puzzlewood.

Its in Gloucester, so only a short car trip away and most definately worth it.
We all had great fun, it was a cross betwen fern gully and a fairy glen, its also where Merlin has been filmed and even one of the Dr Who episodes...

The Diet- Photo's

2011-06-02T09:31:00.001+01:00

To help me see my weight loss I will upload a photo each month. Heres Junes starting photo, hubby didnt quite get the 'I need a fat photo done' but I actually quite like the photo, which is unusual as I normally hate having my pic taken. Not quite sure what Junior is doing behind me though!

The diet..

2011-06-01T11:03:00.000+01:00

I have decided to chronicle my weight loss mainly to keep me focused, because if I achieve what I am setting out to do it will be the most amazing personal challenge I have ever completed.I also feel that putting pen to paper so to speak, will act as some sort of therapy as I work my way through my food demons and release my emotional attachment to food.

I have had issues with food all my life, and have yoyo'd from fat to thin and back again on numerous occasions..but I am now beginning to see the link between my emotional state and my food intake.I have had years of self doubt, a lot of which stems from my childhood and parents separation when I was 3.Through to my adulthood and loss of my beloved mother when I was 39.

So why now, well bluntly, I'm 47 and am on the downward spiral, I suppose you could say I'm just going over the middle aged bridge, and with 2 young sons, I want to be around long enough to see them marry/ settle with families of their own. I also want to be physically able to enjoy those years.. My recent health scare was the wake up call I needed to realise I am a breath away from causing my self serious health problems, my size is also affecting the activities I do with my boys, so I have to change..

By taking control of my diet and food intake I am hoping that this boost to my confidence, in what I can achieve, will help me alter the course of my career, For too many years now I have been disenchanted with my career. I set out to care for people, to nurse, but as I have made my way up the career path, this is now a distant memory, I am engulfed with paperwork and regulations, it has no joy any more. And after watching Panorama last night, I am shocked that in today's world, such abusive practices are still happening and more scarily that no one acts on them. I take my hat off to terry for taking it to the BBC, what else could he have done , if those in power ignored what was being bought to their attention? I do not want to be part of this culture any more, it stifles me, stifles my creativity and drains me of energy. So alongside losing the weight, I hope to discover latent talents and make change there too.

So back to the diet!
I made an impromptu decision to go back to slimming world on Monday night. Stepped on the scales and shock horror, I am heavier than ever and most definitely heavier than my husband.. I do not feel ready to state my weight, when I have dropped 10% of my body weight I will tell my start weight.. I am thinking that to achieve this first target will take just over 2 months. My BMI is currently 37.4 This definitely needs to come down. I will get a Fat Photo taken today, and will take one each month as a visual track for me..
Day one was yesterday. I did really well, stuck to the plan which is so easy, and felt energised at the end of the day that I hadn't succumbed to cheating !! it is all about planning though, and my main problem being that I almost always skip breakfast!! So main target is to eat breakfast. Day 1 breakfast was weetabix, with yogurt and a banana..
Day 2, today..I had to take a pic for you to see what I can eat for breakfast on this diet!!

Yep, a triple Decker bacon butty!! how great is that.. and no syns at all. free bacon, egg & tomatoes, not fried obviously!!and 3 slices of weight watchers brown bread as my b choice!! this will keep me going until way past lunch time..The trick is also to eat any fruit before you eat the main, so had a banana whilst cooking it!! am well stuffed now..
The next goal of the day is to do some exercise.. my choice.. a visit to puzzle wood..

Really looking forward to this, I love woods, and the great part is that they filmed some of Merlin here so the boys want to go to!!

will show you some pics later.. Off now ..have a good day..

What a wonderful life !!

2011-05-31T17:30:00.001+01:00

And it takes a health scare to make you realise it!!
Had a wake up call which was well overdue.. its now dealt with and I am moving forwards..
I have got a grand master plan, will take many years to come to fruition, but from small acorns !!
First up and main priority is the darn body !!
Need to get it back to a healthy size and shape..
Took the bull by the horns and went back to slimming world, and there was another wake up call, yikes, put on what I lost last time and more !!
need to take control, planning is what I need, so today, stocked freezer with syn free ice-cream for those I need chocolate moments..and the best bit? it only cost me the price of a tub of fat free greek yoghurt.. and some berries from the freezer..

whizzed it altogether, froze for an hour, whizzed again, then back in freezer..et voila... blackberry ice-cream, it actually tastes yummy.....
the veg garden is now taking shape thanks to hubby..

lots of goodies being grown, and a new water feature in the planning stage.. hubby has some grand idea's about railway sleepers and a waterfall!!
I'm still currently trying to resist the cast on itis that is brewing.. need to finish wips..and am spinning what I hope will be my first art yarn..

This is my alpaca, merino and silk batts , with a heavy sprinkling of angelina..
this is going to be a lovely
storm cloud shawlette

by hanna bretz..
aiming for rusty dreamy !!
well best off to intervene in world war 3... hungry 13yr old son who thinks i'm mean having some me time when I should be placed permently in the kitchen providing endless rounds of food!!
When I suggest that maybe he could make a sandwhich or open a tin of soup he looks at me blank......

There goes another one......

2011-05-30T10:34:00.000+01:00

I really am losing time these days. Its not that my life is overflowing, just the hypnotizing tedium of the rat race.. One week seems to blend into another, and before I know it we are half way through the year...
I have had, however, an enjoyable month. First up our good friend came to stay and we made a visit to as local national trust site.

Its a wonderful house, not to far from home. The boys had great fun running around the grounds, and I loved the house, Some really beautiful elements amongst the gothic architeture.A grand day out.

I have been fibre playing, lots of spinning and lots of knitting, current projects, nothing new. But did a couple of quick handspun projects ready for the boys for winter!!

Really pleased how they tunred out and a great quick way to use a 100g of handspun..
Had a massive stash clear out, a real cull, had copious amounts of yarn, not enough for 1 project, and to be honest mostly crap!! packed it up and passed it on, did this with my craft mags and was shocked to see how much money I spend on mags.. again passed on. Note to self to be more disciplined with stash purchases..
so what did i do?

Yep you guessed.. bought 600g of fibre to spin,

200g of sock yarn

and a magazine!!

well at least I had space for it...

What a card !!

2011-05-08T21:17:00.009+01:00

I have had the most amazing weekend with my lovely louet carder. Given that I am on the verge of thinking of selling it, it came as a bit of a surprise!!
A while back I natural dyed some merino silk with indigo.Came out a beautiful colour , but With my lack of experience, almost felted it on the rinse cycle !!
My goal was to try and card it before I sent my carder away... 400g of indigo fluff takes a Little while to card.. I added in some Angelina, just a small sprinkling.. and here's the result.. I absolutely love it, and cant wait to spin it up, but have a fibre Que and all my bobbins are in various stages of fibre spinning.. note to self. buy more bobbins !!
Towards the end I was getting a tad fed up of blue.. so with the last bits, decided to experiment. A heavy dose of angora and adjusting of sparkle..
some fluffy clouds..
I am so in love with them, they are so soft and scrummy..
I am now a convert to carding batts and can see another obsession coming on...
already planning my next lot..
Have some alpaca.. what to mix it with?.....

Dress's

2011-05-07T17:56:00.006+01:00

A very strange occurence has happened..
I have a had an inkling to buy dress's.
Not uncommon for a woman I know, but very strange indeed for me..
Now in these times of needing to watch the pennies, I have been surfing ebay..
And suprise suprise, stumbled upon 3 cute litle numbers.
Now these will probaly be worn over some jeans/trousers, but am pretty pleased with my buys.

A gorgeous shift dress.

A lovely jersey star burst dress,

And my best buy, this gorgeous floral number, I adore the colours..

A grand total of £15 for 3 dress's !!!But do you want to know the best thing? They all need a matching wrap!!
Now as I saved lots of pennies buying them, do you think I could squeeze a couple of skeins of yarn in the shopping cart?

Looking for blue skies on a rainy day...

2011-05-07T16:42:00.006+01:00

Yeah for rainy days, a great excuse to stay in and play. I awoke to the first rainy day for ages, it was lovely. I sat with a nice cuppa and just watched the garden sigh with pleasure. My mind wandered, what to do? search for a blue sky!!
I had decided this week that I would sell the drum carder, it has just sat there, collecting dust since I bought it back from wonderwool. All bar a brief play..
But today was the day I decided to take it out and make sure that I did really want to sell it, before the box gets sealed and away it goes.
I have had so much fun, I dug out the almost felted , natural dyed indigo merino silk mix. And found some sparkly silver Angelina.. and here's the result..
Well the first few batts anyway. I have batted away all afternoon, and recon I have done about 200g. The later batts are more sparkly, and more rotund.. as I perfected the art. They are so soft and fluffy, I adore them, I cant wait to spin it up, but have no free bobbins..
I have another 200g to batt, so lets hope for another rainy day tomorrow and I can go and search for the blue sky again !!

2011-04-20T23:24:00.003+01:00

I have settled into the non work routine well,I am thoroughly enjoying my break, the sun helps of course !!

I'm getting all sorts of fibre related things done

and have even managed to get some FO's finished & blocked.... now there,s a first..

skeined up 100g of handspun herdwick,still not sure what to do with it though, so have left the other 100g unspun..Then I decided to spin something soft and colourful, so I sat myself in the garden and did some meditative spinning..

Bliss.....

Homeward bound.

2011-04-18T09:25:00.003+01:00

It seems a weekend is never long enough, its time to go, back to base, We have had a lovely weekend and have been blessed with good weather. Its been great just to unwind, nothing much on the agenda, just days at the beach, walking the dog and great company.

Humpf..

2011-04-15T08:34:00.003+01:00

No more spinning has been done, have had a bad case of knitting startitis..just havnt found the right project...I have about 6 WIPS, but none of them are fitting my mood.. have spent large amounts of time surfing rav, going through all my knit mags, and trying to link a pattern with something from my stash, casting on thgen ripping...so failing miserably!!

I have come to the conclusion that I need another major destash.. there is so much I am just not going to knit.. why do I just have odd balls? and why did I claim so much crap from rav' ?

But this weekend I am off to the coast and am hoping for some inspiration , managed to get a project in the knit bag to take, another juliet cardigan, easy knit !! with some patons vintage..

Going to take my watercolours, if I can find my pad, junior seems to have taken it.

With scenary like this, I should comne baqck refreshed and inspired!!

What to do with my herdwick?

2011-04-11T20:22:00.004+01:00

I have come to the conclusion that there is no way I could wear this next to the skin!! far to scratchy/itchy.

So what to do with 200g's ? probably coming out Aran weight? spun 100g and really not sure I want to spin the rest, although it is a fast spin.. is that because its a long staple and is running away with me?

quick surf around Rav' and the idea jumped out, soles for felted slippers, sturdy, water resistant and wont show the dirt!!

clog pattern, already in my pattern stash..

Have enough fibre to spin up some more aran weight, result !!

Back to basics.

2011-04-10T22:52:00.005+01:00

I have been spinning for a while, and so far have concentrated on the spinning not the fibre. I am now at the point where I am pretty confident that I have grasped the basics, just need more practice!! So, whilst planning my visit to wonderwool decided I would not buy any yarn at all.. I wanted to get a variety of fibres to spin, things I hadn't spun. Then I would do a little research on the breed, spin it and make notes!! never done that before either!! First up is Herdwick.

cute little fellows !!

They are hardy hill sheep, mostly farmed around the lake district. They are thought to be the hardiest British breed. The fleece is course and kempy and provides a variety of shades. The lambs are born black then lighten as they age. Giving a variation in colour.

Staple length is a mystery to me, never really knew what it meant, but now I have started my adventures in sheep, I have found out.. The staple length is literally how long the hairs are !! simple eh...

So I know what that means but how does it relate to spinning? short staples are difficult to spin as they will slide about, long ones can be awkward as they may run away, my lovely herdwick is a longer staple? It looks like about 4"

Its drafting like a dream, spinning beautifully and the result is quite fetching, sort of hairy fuzy. Whilst it is soft, I can imagine it may be quite itchy, and would possibly benefit from spinning in some softness . However the Internet reliably informs me its water repellent. so will need to think of a suitable project once spun..

So far I am loving it.

A perfect weekend......

2011-04-10T21:49:00.007+01:00

Up early on Saturday to glorious sunshine, a wonderful start to the weekend. So off I set....

I drove through the most amazing country side to get to Builth Wells, Wales..

My destination ? WONDERWOOL....

I got see lots of yarn and goodies, but by far my favourite was this little fellow..

How cute is he? shame I only have a small garden !! After yarn therapy it was time to set off home, far to nice to worry about things such as housework or gardening..

so out came the wheel and we sat and span.. the result? finished spinning my fibre club ' Darling'. Still some improvement needed on the plying, but it is scrumptious. 300 yrds of it!!

The evening ended with a BBQ and a fire to sit around as the sun went down.. a most perfect day.

Today the sun was still out, nothing to do, but sit and knit, cast on some smocked gauntlets in cotton, a gift for a gardener, then as the day wound down decided to try out my new drum carder...

The results....

not bad for a first attempt, pretty pleased with it, have about 200g of dyed Jacob that i will card to batts, really not sure what I'll do with it but love the colours..

All in all a very happy weekend..

finished object & swap goodies...

2011-04-06T18:58:00.004+01:00

Finished my knit gift for my swap pal, so if you're over here from ravelry, dont tell!! I am really pleased with it, love the colour and love the pattern. May just have to knit one for me!!!

Also received my swap pack from the lovely pat all the way from oregon.. A selection of goodies which was most appreciated after a hard day at work. Many thanks Pat, love it all..

About time too!!

2011-04-03T17:59:00.004+01:00

We have lived here now for almost 10 years. When we moved in there was a line of horrid fir trees, those fast growing monster things, all along the garden perimeter fence, about 12 or so !! There was little light and they took up a massive amount of space. So we dug them up and randomly planted anything. I had a moment of madness and planted bamboo's !! yep, another fast growing weed !! so the time had come, we had talked and talked some more.. but still it wasn't done.. so when I nipped down to dads I came back to find hubby happily digging up the bamboo. Never one for half measures I joined in.. and low and behold the whole lot was ripped out. We did uncover the blues grave [hamster], that will remain, but everything else from this patch is coming out. The garden books will be coming off the shelf,and a proper planned border will be put in. We still have a monster bamboo down the end of the garden, but for now that will stay. I need colour.. I need perennials.. I need low maintenance, and maybe a few for dyeing yarn? This will not be a quick fix, but the garden sure looks bigger.. The fence will also come down, it was put up when the boys were small, so we could keep the dog[ scooby doo size] in whilst they played. He's an old man now and doesn't bother the boys, his new hobby is sleeping. So the fence will go to the veg plot, that will also make the garden look bigger.... I am strangely excited, gardening isn't normally my thing... but its another creative outlet. Junior also seemed to get the bug, he started digging up his veg plot, then started planting sunflowers, 1, because they are my fav flowers, and 2, because the birds feed from them when the flowers are done. There is an element of hard work here and am wondering if it wouldn't be much simpler just to knit some flowers!!

can you guess what my secret project is?

2011-04-02T12:00:00.002+01:00

project yarn

1+1 = ?

Peace reigns.

2011-04-02T10:42:00.002+01:00

There is an eerie silence in the house this morning. I am not having to referee between my 2 boys, I have been left uninterrupted for 3 hrs, why so? I hear you ask, the answer, number 1 son is currently in Paris on a school trip.No doubt he is having a marvelous time, so too am I . Number 2 son has a new PC game and he is currently building his new universe.. I have my new lovely net book, so can freely browse the net without a Que of people waiting for the PC. Its been marvelously relaxing. I have spent this time browsing Ravelry for inspiration, its wonderwool next weekend, and I'm all lined up to go..so felt the need to focus my purchases, to a certain degree... At the beginning of the year I had grand plans for Christmas gift knitting, I wrote a list, I checked it twice, I have yarn for some projects, so really should be cracking on.. but yarn is such a tease, I get so waylaid, with pretty colours or softness.. Pull yourself together women, Christmas is only 9 months away, before I know it it will be here and yet again, nothing will be knit.. Quick quick, what to knit.. back to the list, must be a quick knit.. yep, this is the one.... Elf shoes for the boys.. and typically this is one of the knits I do not have yarn for.. shame, means this is now on my wonderwool shop list... and am going to sew some little bells to the toes.. cute eh !! good job the boys love Christmas as much as me.. so 3 hours of surfing the net, is quite enough, must go and do some knitting, then some spinning, then some knitting, then some spinning.........................................................

In love with Albers !!!

2011-03-31T22:21:00.003+01:00

Its not often I see a pattern and fall in love..But surfing rav came across this and just have to have it, love the colours, love the pattern, love the photography. Now I am under no illusion that it will look like this on me !! But there's just something about it.

Yep its big, Yep its knitted in 2ply lace, yep its monotonous knitting, but its going to be worth it. I was pondering what I should shop for at wonderwool, and had decided on fibre to spin, but now its definitely lace weight!!

The pattern is:

Albers Shawl, by Ann Weaver,

Rewards...

2011-03-27T19:04:00.003+01:00

When the chores are done. Some quality time with freya and a glass of chilled white!!

Spring has sprung..

2011-03-27T15:53:00.006+01:00

There is definitely a turn in the air. I can feel it. Gone are the long dark days, and feeling sluggish, now the sun is out along with some energy!!

This morning I did a major spring clean of my wardrobe, 3 black bin liners now waiting to go to the charity shop!! There is something quite cathartic with throwing away of the old.. Organised and streamlined !! and decidedly more spacious!!

I am also getting a feel for the less is more lifestyle, I have amassed quite alot of dust collecting trinkets over the years, this morning number 1 son, accidentally broke, beyond repair, one of my china fairies!! now, normally I would have been distraught, but, strangely it didn't bug me, yes annoyed that he doesn't take care, but actually I wont really miss it!! one less thing to dust.

I also decided that it was time to get a summer holiday booked. Now budgets tight, and we were not sure if we would be able to get away, but after many hours of surfing for a holiday which will accommodate adults and kids, I found one.. and it came in less than budget!! YIPEEE

Off to good old Brittany.. Benodet to be exact.. Its one of these key camp type holiday camps, with all facilities for the boys, which means lots of stress free time for us !! And lots of foody & cultural stuff when we can get the boys out of the pool.. It also paid to surf the net and trip advisor as I found a small business doing the same deal for £300 less!! sorted!

Fibre wise, have had a lull, work again, wont go into that, but lets just say I have been exhausted. Am knitting a secret project for a swap, which is going well, but obviously cant show you... still have 1/2 dozen wips and fibres in various states of development.. but am needing some quick fixes.. saw these and just have to have them, need to make them first.

Aren't they just so cute... from the bloomingfelt website

Absolutely love this website, so bright and cheery.. lots of goodies and projects to tempt you..

A quick fix.........

2011-03-13T11:32:00.007Z

So yesterday was the first time in a long time I got to the spindyeweavers meeting. I had forgotten how enjoyable it was to spin with fellow spinners.

This week I got my first luxury fibre club fluff from the wonderful marianne. A glorious bundle of cashmere, silk and merino in a lovely vibrant shade. So to honour my actually getting to the group, decided to start spinning this beauty. I don't know if it was the fluff or because I zoned out whilst spinning, or a combination of both, but the result was amazing. It has come out so fine, I am in love with it.. My aim is for a 2ply lace weight, and having tested a small piece of what I have spun its coming out at about 24wpi as a 2ply...Whoohooooooooooooo

This is now destined to be a wrap for a very special friend for Christmas, should manage to get it done by then!!

After a lovely dinner of a sweet potato curry, was restless, didn't want to do any more spinning, wasn't time to settle on the sofa with my knitting, had an urge to dye, trouble is with natural dyeing it takes ages and I really needed a quick fix.. so a route around the kitchen cupboards led me to the food colouring junior uses in his baking..

Hmmmmn ???

that'll do nicely..

Never dyed this way before, but had some English top , so thought why the hell not...

A quick soak in a vinegar solution, whilst mixing up the dye baths !! large coffee jars to be exact.. and I was off.

Dunked the colours in, let it soak, 2 mins in the microwave, and hey presto.. COLOURRRRRRRRRRR

I actually really like the colours, not bad for a 45 min dye job!! And there is absolutely no felting or clumping of fibre, in fact its really light and fluffy!!

The green & yellow are going to be rollaged together and spun as a variegated single, the purple will then be spun as a single, then I am going to ply it together..

I have a vision..

am then thinking mitts!!

A very very enjoyable day, cant wait to get together with the spin dye weavers at the month end..

I think that's what I have been missing, getting the creative vibes from fellow craftsters!!

Not a bad week...

2011-03-05T15:28:00.005Z

So, I had my 2 weeks leave from work, and wow do I feel so much better, I hadn't realised how tired I was. Feeling so much more relaxed about everything.. which is good news... Been doing some de stashing, swapped some yarns, bought a few yarns, none at full price I would like to say, I'm still being good, honest. I also got me a great deal on a loet junior drum carder will be picking up from wonderwool..
and am hopefully going to secure a deal on a ashford 24" loom.. again to pick up at wonderwool.. If I don't manage to get this one, pretty sure I am going to buy one anyway, lets hope there are some there..

I have also managed to get myself going on the fundraising event, organised a greyhound race night. Yes this can be controversial, Some people are not in agreement with animals being used in this way, especially when they have finished their race career,
But, its arranged and we shall see how it goes.. need to do a lot more to reach my target but at least I am doing something

and finally actually got a little mini valet on my car this morning, she now looks beautiful again.. that is until the boys get in her!!

Indigo woe....

2011-02-22T10:49:00.003Z

I have a continual problem with my dyeing, it always almost felts on me.
Now I am not sure how the heck I managed this with the indigo as there was no fluff cooking involved !!
But whilst the colour is yummy, its really tight, lacking a descriptive word for it....
so have been teasing it apart and as it loosens the colour is gorgeous, still not sure whether its teased enough to spin, but remembered I have a brand new set of flick carders, never used!!
so am thinking to try and make rolags.
This is surely a labour of love as it is SO much easier just to go buy yarn!!
But never one to give up, I am sticking with it..
Theres 300g so am hoping if i can spin it well will have enough for a small bolero..
I still need to get the camera going as it would be so much nicer giving you a picture !!

OMG..............

2011-02-19T12:19:00.002Z

Its indigo !!
this is a truly magic dye..
went out sea green.. just been into garden to check and its now is indigo!!!!!!

Indigo update..

2011-02-19T11:34:00.001Z

just took the fluff from the dye bath..
and lets just say its not quite indigo
more a pale sea green !!
still oxidising in pan in garden..
there are some patches of lovely indigo but generally sea green.
But it is a lovely colour and am quite pleased with it despite not being indigo!!
pic coming soon...

Indigo dyeing day...

2011-02-19T10:31:00.002Z

Today will be my first attempt at Indigo dyeing..
Have carefully cooked the dye bath, guesstimating the temperature as don't have a thermometer!!
I used all my will power to leave the correct times, the colour of the dye bath was the correct greeny yellow, the merino/tencel was appropriately wet, and is now in the dye bath.
The amazing thing about indigo is that you will not see the colours develop until you take it out of the dye bath !! what magic.
So I am patiently waiting for it to soak in the bath and will then take it out and see what has happened..
So far I have really enjoyed this experiment...
I will post pictures later, have found camera and batteries!!

Surprise........

2011-02-18T11:08:00.003Z

Woken at 07.30 with a call from a friend
' want to come for lunch, my treat, ?'
answer? YESSSSSS
wow, that's not often that that happens, I shall be a lady that lunches, for today at least!!

Junior had his first day of school hols today and went to a friends, no 1 son is at school, and hubby took the day off, which is good as we have friends coming for dinner this evening.. so I have a lovely unplanned day where I can enjoy lunch without worrying about school runs, shopping, MIL, etc.. joy...

yesterdays opportunity was thought over and dismissed, not a good option really.. quite glad in a way as I do like my house, although it will always be a work in progress...

Tomorrows dye session has been thought about and the outcome was INDIGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

have me some lovely merino/tencel to dye, about 300g so enough for a big project, whatever is left over from the dye bath will also be used on another 200g of merino..
just reading up on the process, wow, so easy.. cant wait, now that I have got my patience sorted..

My yellow/brn previous dye lot has been thought about, I discovered a couple of long forgotten dyed fibres that they can be plied with, sort of pebble colours, so I shall enjoy plying these to see what they surprise me with, pics when I find my camera!! possibly a small lap blanket for the beach? may even through in a touch of blue to make it a real seaside theme, and maybe some shells for decoration? wow, creative process working well today.. may go and try to sort one of those colour lovers palettes with a beach photo....

Serendipity................

2011-02-17T12:52:00.005Z

Leave time for serendipity, a wise woman told me....

for those moments when you discover something whilst looking for something else.......are precious...

but so easily overlooked..

take the building above, a top a mountain in Lapland.. freezing cold and almost hidden by snow, yet inside,

An oasis of warmth and hot chocolate, how desperate was I to get back down to their version of McDonald's for an overpriced yukky hot drink, but a few steps to take in the view led us here..

My natural dyeing..

my image of the perfect colour led me to think, yuk!! but actually look deeper, there's the pink I have been aiming to create.. I did it but couldn't see it...

And that's my life, in the quest for my dream, I don't see whats before me, always disenchanted, always striving for something else..always planning and making lists instead of just going with the flow..

An opportunity...

has rose its head.. not something I'm comfortable with... but could alter my life path...

would mean selling or renting out my house....
staying in Bristol, but somewhere else....
hubby would be happy......
finances would be better....
but its not planned...
its not on my list...
do I want someone else living in my house
if we sell we may never be able to buy again..
do I want to buy again?

there, you see, lies my problem...
I need to be in control....

I'm a bloody control freak!!!!!!

Still Here !!

2011-02-17T10:37:00.002Z

I have been absent for a while, life stuff.

I always seem to become unsettled at this time of year, a bit of seasonal affective disorder maybe and also the start of a new year.

There's also the economy crisis which is having an adverse effect on our lifestyle, hubby still without a 'proper' contracted job, he is working for an agency but it hinders making any plans, which is a problem as I am a plan type of gal.

Then there's work, the problem here is I really don't want to work, I had this grand idea of being a 'ma larkin' type of person. Big family, living on a farm, baking etc.. that's not to be, well not till the boys grow up anyway!!

So the work mindset has had to be changed, there's no choice but to work, I have a good job and generally enjoy it, but need to time manage myself to avoid stress !!
I am currently in a 2 week leave period so have had plenty of time to start getting things sorted.

I enjoy me time, and as an only child am used to being on my own... so that's important to plan!!

Christmas gifts, I know, its only February, but am determined to manage a complete home made gift Christmas, with the exception of the boys and the few family members that really wont appreciate anything home crafted!! Ravely gift page now up and running, I failed dismally last year!!

The house, ho hum, bloody housework, it does get me down as I want a clean tidy homely house, I am not autistic or have OCD but just to be able to great unexpected visitors without panicking about the house would be great!! There's a great website called the fly lady which is fabby.
Helps get you into a routine so you don't spend all your off days doing household chores!!

Then there's my knitting, I have had a major rethink about this, gone are the days of lust buying yarn, never to be knit. Did a major destash on Rav and got rid of all pretty things that will never be knit and swapped out for yarns I need, which are not so pretty and probably I wouldn't buy, see planning does work, I know what I need to knit and what I want to knit!!!

Fibre dyeing, this is just a means of escape, and I really don't think I am going to use the fibre I am dyeing, no pre thought ideas anywhere here!! So need to dye to plan, to use the blooming fibre!! I have such a concoction of colours not really sure what to do with it other than 1 skein projects!!

Family fun is lacking at the moment and although its winter we really should be getting out more, the boys are growing so fast before long they wont want to be seen with us for much longer!! need to start arranging some family fun, both at home and on days out!!

And lastly, my bloody body !! overweight and ageing, not a good combo.. especially as I am growing out a red dye hair do, so now have lovely grey roots and dark Scarlett ends!! yuk
I cut it short to get rid of most of it, and am now thinking chop the rest... really cant be doing with this.

So grandmaster plan for the body? rejoin slimming world, daily exercise and weekend walks with the dog, long ones.. then completely overhaul the wardrobe.....

see planning is great, I can do that really well, just need to get some willpower from somewhere and do it !!

Dye another day..

2011-01-09T14:26:00.003Z

This morning's dye adventure.
Still playing with colours and was trying for subtle !!

Things I have pondered this morning:

Need more colours.
Need colour wheel, or something to help me with mixing dyes to achieve the colours I want.
I have a vision of what I want ,but cant seem to translate it !!
Really don't like using microwave to dye yarn.
Like stove top method for solid colours, but need to work out multi colour ways...
Purchase a steamer, try this, could bake in oven? not sure?
Need to stop dyeing small amounts at some point.
Need to buy large stainless steel pan or similar.
Need to look at post dye fibre results, not happy with amount of drafting they are going to need, is this normal?
Do I need to get a carding machine? brain working overtime as had some lovely fluffy batts...could solid dye batches of fluff then card to multi colour batts?
Why cant I do more dyeing?
How can I re-arrange my life to do this?
Strangely enjoyed church this morning, even contemplated doing my first holy communion alongside boys? off the wall I know, but there is something quite soothing about our church and mass. Even weirder, enjoyed doing holy communion homework with number 1 son. Nothing to do with fibre, just the train of thought!! incredibly proud that both my boys[who are catholic and go to catholic schools] made their own decision to do holy communion!!
Need to work out how not to spend my weekends doing laundry & Ironing, it really gets in the way!!!!

Off to iron and ponder some more....

2011 first dye.

2011-01-08T17:06:00.002Z

first dye of 2011.

still playing with natural dyes, and have to say am really pleased with the strength of these colours. My only problem is I think I'm over cooking. This was done in the microwave, and is going to need a bit of drafting before its spinable!!

I'm still dyeing small amounts, whilst learning about the reactions of the natural dyes, but as have a core group of colours, think will make a crazy handspun jumper ready for camping season...

The rest of today has been pretty productive too, sorted out files on pc, and did some computer housekeeping, then given that the recycle people and rubbish collectors seem to have fallen off the planet, did 2 runs to the tip. Cant believe how much crap you amass over the festive period!!

Also picked up a package from post office which was my sirdar peru, a bargain at only £1 pr ball. So what else can I do but cast on my sweater!!

Crafty.....

2011-01-07T17:08:00.008Z

First completed yarn of this year.

chunky 2 ply.

still trying to find a small manly project to make?

no smutty answers please!!

This weekend I'm pulling out the sewing machine and giving it a yearly check up, its been hibernating now for about a year, and its calling me to wake it up..

My dressmaking skills haven't been used since my school days, please don't ask me how long that is !! and by chance happened upon this in the UK karma thread over on Ravelry. nice simple pattern to get the brain cells working again...

Now I am somewhat particular and had a bit of a dither about fabric..

Decided to take a look on eBay and came across this beauty. I just love Rennie Mackintosh, perfect..

so, got me 2 metres to play with, will adjust to be longer, and may put some small sleeves in, bingo wings, need I say more...Unfortunately, have only just ordered fabric, so will be next week before it gets started, a week to plan and sort the machine.

In the interim, the dye pots are calling again, fibre will be soaking tonight, and cooking tomorrow, colours? will see what takes my fancy in the morning..

And tonight? try to make a start on finishing one of my many knit wips....

Boy I love the weekend....

2011 first spin..

2011-01-06T17:50:00.003Z

dyeing for yarn test fluff!!
This is my first spinning of 2011, and happened across Kerry's lovely fluff in my stash mountain... Kerry is a new dyer and is testing her dyed fluff.
Of course I'm going to oblige, what spinner wouldn't!!!
This is an absolute joy to spin, requires hardly any drafting, and has a hidden surprise of touches of blue !!
Aiming for a chunky weight for a manly knit!!
will 2ply as need to master this plying lark...
50g down and 50g to go
plan of action: finish tonight!!!

Normailty.

2011-01-04T23:06:00.002Z

And so it was, back to work for us oldies and back to school for the young 'uns...

Home from work meant De-christmasing the house, a chore in itself and one that may take till tomorrow night, which is officially the last day of Christmas, so we shall be done by then..

I have to say, as much as I love Christmas I am so pleased to get my house back. Come Christmas it looks like a rather overfilled tacky shop.. which once boxing day arrives begins to irk me..

So this evening, [aside having the start of the lurgy], purged the rooms of clutter, and sat down to take in the magnificence of space and clutter less rooms.. Bliss...

I sat and watched the star programme, hubby's choice, followed by the bear programme, my choice.. and didn't even pick up any fibre what so ever...no knitting, crochet or spinning, just nothing....just huggles from my youngest who crawled alongside me on the sofa...

My brain is in overdrive, as it always is at the start of the new, idea's, wishes & aspirations all battling to get to the top of the list, what to do, when, how, etc,etc,etc

But, I shall think, plan and evaluate, learning from last year, before I take any big steps..

I have a good feeling, don't want to rush things now do I?

Todays project:

2011-01-02T11:41:00.005Z

is my TRURO TWIST wrap:

Its sat ,ready & waiting,
but first I have beds to change and some laundry to process..
Hubby has been sent out for new iron !!
I shall do an hour or two
then hubby and no 1 son are off out to watch the rugby, so no 2 son and I have a film afternoon planned , snuggled on sofa..
fabulous excuse to get the needles out..
it is still Christmas after all....

Happy 2011.

2011-01-01T11:01:00.003Z

yeah for 2011.
2010 was a very undulating year!!
lots of highs mixed with lots of stressful lows.

2011 has a more positive feel to it.

new years resolutions aren't for me any more, however I do have an idea of the things I would like to achieve this year, but if I dont manage it, theres no stress..

And I'm not telling anyone !!

So I can keep my plans to myself and feel happy when they are complete!!

and if they dont get done, no one will know any different

win win situation me thinks!!

so heres to a wonderful 2011

enjoy...

Remembering.

2010-12-27T09:40:00.001Z

Diana Violet Elvy.

If roses grow in Heaven LordPlease pick a bunch for me.Place them in my Mother's arms and tell her they're from me.Tell her I love her and miss her,...and when she turns to smile,Place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while.Because remembering her is easy,I do it everyday,But there is an ache within my heart That will never go away

Birthday Paws.

2010-12-19T09:04:00.003Z

well we have had our boy for 8 yrs now, he was a rescue dog, and was about 2yrs old when we got him, so this christmas he will hit the grand old age of 10.

Hes had a colourful life, playing tag with an articulated lorry resulted in him having major hip surgery and he now has a bionic hip!!

Hes a lurcher, cross between a greyhound and a great dane !! rather large, but he does appear to have body dismorphioa as he believes himself to be a lapdog !!!

I cant imagine life without him, he is so much a part of our family...

so a very happy birthday dinger!!

HO HO HO. swap.

2010-12-13T12:25:00.004Z

over on ravelry, I joined the christmas swap, boy, did this gorgeous pack cheer me up, lou certainly out did herself, I am so overjoyed with everything.... scrumptious..
The little pack with the ginger tag is to open christmas day....

excuse the upside down pics, but I got a gorgeous yarn trainer, I have been after one of these for years.. and she put lovely fairies on it too.... happiness...

I had some lovely cute stitch markers..

a grow an elf, beautiful fairy, and a great pattern book..

A lovely selection of buttons & beads.....

A cute little christmas stocking...

and my o my, such glorious yarn, see that its PINK CASHMERE !!!!!! and some lovely koigu

and finally some really cute soaps which my boys most certainly are not getting their grubby little hands on...

thank you, thank you, thankyou....

spinning.

2010-11-27T09:34:00.004Z

Yesterday we had our first snow fall, not much in our area but enough to get the boys excited..

I'd had a grand day Christmas shopping, came home in the snow, so lit the log fire and poured some vino, and had an urge to spin..

Now I have already 3 lots of fluff in various stages of the spinning process but wanted some colour.. so here's what I got up to.

This is myheartexposed's Rolling stones.. its absolutely gorgeous.. I love the gentle shades. Helen from MHE, is very talented and her use of natural dyes is inspiring..

Today I'm going to be dyeing up my last 100g of English wool tops, am wanting to try some multi colour dyeing....wish me luck, and I will update pics of my recent dyeing adventures tomorrow..

spinning hand dyed.

2010-11-19T22:27:00.003Z

well its almost a week since I dyed my very first fluff..
so tonight it was time to get it on the wheel...
I was very sceptical about it, as didnt think it turned out that well, considering I used a metal pan not a stainless steel one !!
but its spinning up great and I really like the colour....
have ordered some angelina so thought I might try to spin some in
have a vision.....

Done..

2010-11-14T12:24:00.003Z

Here's yesterdays 1st dyeing results. Drip drying .
Am pleased with final colour if not exactly what I was planning. Was thinking more a deeper shade.
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process and am glad I spent the day playing.
What I have learned is:

we are in a hard water area, so I am informed, I didn't do any testing !! which means I need to be generous with my dye.
I really need to buy a thermometer to take some water temps whilst I am 'cooking' this was purely a guessing game as to what was meant by 'simmer' 'almost boiling', etc
a set of digital scales, mine dont do small amounts !!
I need another pan or a bigger pan as can only manage 200g a time.
I really should just use a straight dye rather than mixing, so I can get a feel for what each dye comes out like.This will then help me to start mixing colours and doing some space or rainbow dyeing.
I am utterly well and truly addicted, so will need to go buy vast amounts of fibre and more natural dyes....
I really need to give up work....

With the above I am going to spin it with some Angelina sparkly, and then ply together, as finely as possible to make a Lacey shawl....

I am such a happy bunny.....

A dyeing escape.

2010-11-13T16:17:00.002Z

So today was all about me, a calm relaxed day, doing something I have been meaning to do for ages...
Dyeing......
separated 200g [ish] of English wool tops, soaked, then off to mordant we went..

Having never done this before it was a case of suck it and see.... used Alum, had to dissolve it, wasn't sure if that was meant to be until you couldn't see any grains, but, they just wouldn't disappear.. so a still grainy mordant went into the pan, along with the soaked fibre, the thing I like about this process is you can be doing something but feel like you are doing nothing!! if you understand what I mean..

Then it was the exciting part... get the colour cooking.. This time of year always reminds me of my mum, and as her middle name was violet thought it fitting to make my first dyed fibre a tribute to mum. Did a bit of reading whilst it was mordanting and decided to mix logwood and teal, aiming for a violety blue colour...The colour bath looked a very deep shade, and was worried that at halfway stage the fibre looked very lilacy !! hey ho.. another hour to cook...
When the time was up, it was looking more like the colour I was aiming for, a deep violet, I am aiming to leave it overnight in the dye bath, then rinse tomorrow morning. My initial thoughts were to then use the exhaust tomorrow to dye a paler shade, then spin and ply together, now am not to sure, will wait until the tops have been washed and see what colour I am left with.

I have to say I am a very happy relaxed bunny, I absolutely adore this craft....

Crash & Burn.

2010-11-11T17:27:00.004Z

So the engineers have been in and it seems the disconnection has been due to a major case of crash & burn.

A case of increased pressure on the fibre mojo caused by a major overload of the work cable, and it just snapped.

So a day of rest was prescribed, nothing, just rest....

no housework, no work, except a few calls, sofa laying, a dose of taped kirsties home made and there is now a some flickering of fibreness coming back to life..

Rhubarb & custard, mericel, 2 plied [badly] but not looking bad.....Riot wrap. looking good and loving it...

And todays maintenece, rainbow handspun, 36sts, 2x2 rib.. easy does it, dont want to overload the system again....

connection has been broken.

2010-11-10T22:19:00.001Z

We regret to inform you that the fibre connection has temporarily been lost.
We are hoping to reconnect services as soon as possible.

Refreshed

2010-10-31T16:49:00.004Z

A week away does wonders eh?
Well not quite a week away, 5 days to be exact, and 9 days in total off of work...
I actually feel rested and my brain refreshed..
There's something quite nice about autumn breaks, chilly and colourful with space..

I had some thinking time, along with some mindless knitting..
and decisions were yet again made.
As always with the WWW cant go into details for fear of reprisals from those that still have some control over my life..
I made the decision and have accepted that if it is meant to be it will be..
No stress, no feelings of failure, just accepting of my life journey.

Positive decisions that were made that I can talk freely about, are that I just don't have enough creative me time..

Firstly, I have always had an inkling to write, at school I adored English and loved visiting the theatre, fear of failure has always prevented me, but 'The Bag' shows I can display my writing and accept whatever thoughts others have, I enjoyed it..

Secondly, My creative side has been greatly quashed.. Again at school and before children I loved to be creative, all sorts of things, knitting, painting, drawing, making things, cards etc.. I have concluded I am aimlessly making small things that I wont wear, don't need, or didn't create, why? I stash sorted the other day and all my yarns are great colours but actually pretty useless for any decent project other than socks...

And finally, I need to branch out and learn new things, new skills. Things that will challenge me but also give me great enjoyment...

And so that is what I am starting to do....

I will keep you all updated.................

The Bag..

2010-10-23T13:02:00.003+01:00

She'd had the bag as long as she could remember.

It had held her hand through times of joy and woe.

It clung to life ,just, as she had clung to hers.

There were times it was fit to burst,

but it would take her by surprise

when it felt almost empty

what had she lost

where had she left something

why couldn't she remember ?

It would be easy to replace the bag

just as it would to leave it , desolate and alone

but that bag was hers

it was who she was

the contents were her life

without the bag

who would she be

where would she be

would she be?

Klimt-life and death. 1916

Sometimes

2010-10-16T23:52:00.005+01:00

I just stand and stare
Step into the dark to see the stars
No light pollution
an eery blue haze from the deck lcd's
The glistening moon
Ethereal
peace, calm, tranquility
thoughts of the fragility's of life
of wasting life
of neglecting those I hold dear
The stupidity of prioritising work
when was the last time I saw my father?
Christmas?
Shame on me.
When was the last time I visited my aunt?
2 years ago?
Shame on me.
Is this what I want?
A whoosh of life wasted?
No.
What to do?
Not a clue !

Life & Yarn

2010-10-10T11:32:00.003+01:00

OK, so I'm cycling across Vietnam for charity, no big deal right?
WRONG...
I'm 7 stone overweight.....
I could have died when I got on the scales
how the heck did I get that heavy?
So joined the slim club
ticking over nicely
6lbs loss the first week
2.5lbs loss the 2nd week...
feeling tons better already
more energy etc etc etc
but its having a severe effect on my fibre life
major case of startitis
and its not as if I need more WIPS....
but hey who I am to complain
its fibre right?
managed to get my cupcake liesel finished..
love it..

Then because I received such a wonderful shawl in the swap decided I really must cast on another shawl..
surfed through the sea of stash and got hold of some noro silk garden
cast it on , knit some repeats
now not sure I like the damn colours..
why would they put murky browns
and dishwater pink
amongst such glorious brights?
beats me..
but hey
its gonna be warm

You've had the yarn, now heres the life....

2010-10-02T17:29:00.003+01:00

Had a little break from blogging as had so much going on.
Started the new job, same company, different care home.
Hubby redundant, still hunting for jobs
lots of household jobs being done after a long wait
back of house painted
bathroom painted
backroom completed gutted and redone
and I have a spanking new firepace waiting for a little log burner
need to save for that!
want to see my new beauty?

Isnt she gorgeous?

and take a looky at my wallpaper...My choice

a little girly given I live in a house of males..

I just love it

Fibre updates.

2010-10-02T17:07:00.004+01:00

First up, a test knit for Fickle knitter, a simple drop stitch scarf knit in Debbie Bliss Como, which is a cashmere/merino mix

Still plodding on with my handspun featherweight, a labour of love with all that stocking stitch but am real happy with how its turning out, still undecided what sort of band to do, am going to do sleeves next..

Then my gorgeous handspun Cupcake liesel, leaving with a cap sleeve, and will be waist length..

The colours are so pretty...

I am thoroughly enjoying knitting with my own handspun, trouble is I cant keep my knitting up with my handspun....

Worldwide Shawl exchanged!

2010-10-02T16:57:00.002+01:00

OMG
was I in love when I opened this little box....
I received a most gorgeous shawl from the lovely Erin [yesiknit]
It couldnt have been better
strangely for me I'm loving grey at the moment
and this is a lovely shade, which will also look great drapped over my Shona sweater
Erin also sent me my very first shawl pin and some lovely pink purple laceweight. silk merino mix, thank you so much....