Eeeek!

So, at the beginning of the month, I was intending to do a post asking where the summer had gone, and how come it was September already. Errr......as you can see, time has got away from me somewhat! And during that particular chunk of time, I've also turned a year older - the last one of my thirties in fact! Strangely, I'm feeling pretty ok about the prospect of turning 40 - while I still don't have a job (this recession is proving a LOT tougher than I naively thought back in March), I have a wonderful husband, a gorgeous daughter, a nice house (although I do hate having to clean it!), good health for the most part, and loads of lovely creative things to keep my mind busy. Not bad really when you think about it.

Anyway, enough philosophising. As you can imagine, I've been busy in the craft room. I've managed quite a few cards (but had a blonde moment and forgot to take pictures before I sent them off!). I've also been sewing lots of project bags and little zippered pouches....the zippers are getting easier all the time (thank goodness!)

And, of course, I have been knitting - don't tell me you're surprised? I'm taking part in three KALs (knit-a-longs) this month:

- this month's sock from Cookie A's Sock Innovation book is Devon. I'm using the yarn that I dyed with food colouring a few months. I'm still far too in love with the colour :-)

I can't say I have enjoyed knitting these - in fact, I will be VERY glad when they are finished. However, I like the final effect - the eagle-eyed amongst you will note that I am doing a plain foot (because I thought the lace would be rather uncomfortable when worn with shoes - which is the whole point really, isn't it?). These will either go to my friend Emma (who has asked for red socks for Christmas) - she's coming over on Saturday for a fitting, but I have a feeling they will too big for her. If that's the case, then they'll be mine!

Next, I am working on two different pairs for the SKA (Sock Knitters Anonymous) September challenge. The first is a mystery pattern designed by Nancy Bush:

The rules were that these had to be knitted in YELLOW. Now, this is not my usual colour by any means, so I decided I might as well for for a really bright shade - have you got your sunglasses on? I'm really enjoying doing these - but they are coming out really, really small (I'm following the pattern to the letter). I will definitely use the lace pattern again - but on bigger needles and more stitches next time!

These are going to a certain duck-loving friend of mine - can you guess who it is??

Finally, the 2nd SKA challenge pair is using a Wendy Johnson pattern - in this case, I'm using the lovely On-Hold pattern. I do adore Wendy's patterns - they're amazingly well written, easy to follow and I just seem to get less bored / frustrated with toe-up socks

I'm using some lovely Regia Kaffe Fassett in autumnal colours. I love the short colour repeats on this yarn - the knitted result is coming out very funky. These are going into the Christmas pile for my very good friend Alex - I think the colours are just perfect for her (in fact, I'm having serious problems with the idea of giving them away, coz I like them so much!)

Oh, and last but not least, I whipped up this little neck-warmer / cowl the other night, using some amazingly soft Alpaca / Silk mix that I picked up from EasyKnits during the recent IKnit Weekend (boy, was that a blast - expect to see more of the purchased goodies soon!). I cannot find the words to describe just how luscious this is - so soft and snuggly. And the colours? Mmmm hmmmm! Lilac, pewter and silver - just perfect!

A big hit...

as promised, here are some pictures of the lacy shawl I knitted for my friend's 50th bithday. It went down a storm, with several people asking whether I had really made it, and how much I would charge for a similar one...:-)

A little bit of what you fancy.....

It's been a topsy-turvy world in our little part of north London recently. First off, little Miss A managed to scare her Mummy silly by getting a really high fever and going all pale & floppy (thank goodness our local A&E has a special paediatric section - it was tonsilitis by the way). Four days later, Mr A came down with swine flu, which meant isolating him in the spare room and trying failing to keep the little one away from him (cue one little madam screaming for her Daddy). All's well that ends well thank goodness - although I'm a little knackered to say the least!

Let's see: what else is new? Nope, still nothing on the job front....I've been applying for PA / Admin jobs, but because I haven't actually done this for seven plus years, recruitment agencies are not interested. Well, I have decided to take control and have registered to do a Legal Secretary Diploma. Not only will this refresh my Office skills, but will also get me an official certificate saying I'm competent (ha! try to tell me that you can 'forget' how to be a good PA - I'll show you!) but I will also add to my skills set by gaining the legal knowledge. It is a certain chunk of money, but I figure it's an investment - and hopefully it wil pay off...

On the creative front, I'm slowly mastering the art of sewing zips (it would help if they actually made a zipper foot for my particular machine, but practice will make perfect, I'm sure!).

I've finished two pairs of socks since I last posted:

First up, we have a very snuggly pair of Eunice socks (by the amazing Cookie A) in Ranco Araucania Multi. These will be heading up to Scotland shortly for my bestest friend's birthday

Then we have the completed Diagonal Lace socks by Wendy Johnson in the smooshiest cashmere mix - these are a total joy to wear

I'm also slowly getting ready for chillier temperatures - I'm determined to have a funky collection of hats and berets to cheer me up this winter

I've also completed my first lacey shawl for a friend's 50th birthday - I'll be delivering it at her party this coming Saturday, so will come back later with (hopefully decent) pictures showing her wearing it....I can however show you her card

Oh yes - I've rediscovered the joy of card-making. Each time I sit down to make a specific card (or two!), I'm trying to be good and make two or more from the same papers - there is a credit crunch on after all!

One of the staff at Little Miss A's nursery recently had a baby girl - she already has a son, so I thought this would be perfect....

this was made for a knitting friend of mine who's not been feeling very well lately

My sister is going to a very posh wedding in New Delhi in late September - this was made to go with the happy couple's (totally gorgeous) wedding invitation

Pink - me?

Well yes, actually! Anyone who knows me knows that I will always pick a pink jumper or cardigan to cheer myself up - it's definitely the most popular colour in my wardrobe!

Your rainbow is shaded pink.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is says about you: You are a grateful person. You appreciate everyone around you. You are a good listener and your friends are glad to have you around in difficult times.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

Catching up

Scrapbooking and I have been rather distant friends this year - when I think how many layouts I completed last year, I am waaaay behind this year. I'm not too sure why this is, but my mojo went missing for quite a while and other crafts have also taken the lead recently.

Last week I decided to have a proper tidy-up / clear-out of my study. As a result, I came across a whole load of bits and pieces that I had been saving for various projects, as well as a whole pile of page kits that I had made up late last year. So, this week, I decided to put these kits to use, as well as try and catch up with the Scrap Like You Mean It challenges

Week 15 - Living on the Edge

This challenge was to enhance the edges of your layout, either by inking them, using die-cut papers, punches - you name it. I used various bits and pieces from a Chatterbox mini album kit. These papers are from the Villa range - all soft peaches, pinks and olive greens. I inked all the bits of paper and mounted a picture of my parents on their honeymoon. Nice and simple - but I like it!

Week 26 - Scrap with Stickers

I actually did this last week - but didn't get the chance to post it. Daisy D and Basic Grey papers, using a picture and stickers from the Barnados Big Toddle that Little Miss A recently took part in through her nursery. I used green felt Thickers for the title, so this also counts as the layout for Week 24 (Scrap with Felt). This was the picture we used on her fund-raising web page - would you believe she raised £250 all on her own - and got a special mention in the newsletter! Very proud parents (we've got great friends haven't we??!!)

Week 27 - Scrap a Happy Story

One Monday back in early June, I re-discovered this little outfit in Little Miss A's wardrobe. I had actually bought it last year, but it was too big. It now fits perfectly, but makes her look sooo grown up.....she's definitely not a baby any more! I actually bought new stash for the first time in ages, specially for this - the new Doodlebug papers and cherry Braddies were just crying out to go with these photos. I added a strip of Basic Grey Urban Prairie paper and a piece of random green gingham paper that I had in my stash. I'm really pleased with this layout - the Glitter Queen is back!

Week 28 - Scrap with a Needle & Thread

I can't believe I've actually done the current week's challenge on time! I combined this challenge with the one from Week 22 (which was a sketch) as I thought it all went perfectly with this photo - how time flies, the photos in this and the last layout were almost exactly a year apart! Used the same Basic Grey Urban Prairie paper as before, plus some green cross stitch on the edges, and some white Thickers for the title. Again, nice and simple - but I think it works really well....

Ooops!

I have been a naughty blogger, haven't I? No real excuse, apart from running around after Little Miss A, trying to keep the house (and Mr A!) in order, re-writing my CV so as to tailor it to specific jobs, the annual madness that is Wimbledon (c'mon Murray!!!) and LOTS of crafty stuff!

On the knitting front, I've managed to complete three pairs of socks:


Peppermint Kiilas for the SKA June Mystery challenge on Ravelry

Yarn: Knitting Goddess 4 ply Merino / Tencel in Peppermint
Needles: 2.5mm dpns



One pair of Baudelaires (on the left) and one pair of Monkeys (at last!)

Baudelaires

Yarn used: Socks that Rock Lightweight in Incredible Shrinking Violet
Needles: 2.75mm

Monkeys

Yarn used: Artyarns Supermernio
Needles: 2.75mm
The Baudelaires are going to my sister - the colours are perfect for her. The Monkeys were going to be for me, but they have come out just a bit too short, so they are going to my mad friend Claire, who is doing three sponsored swims for various cancer charities over the summer - including one in the Docklands - brrr!


I have also started my first pair of socks from Wendy Johnson's fabulous book - these are Diagonal Lace, using the amazing LuxeSock from Crazy4Dyeing - this has a mix of merino and nylon, with just a touch of cashmere - oh my lord, sooo soft! And this particular colourway (Tickle) is just stunning - these socks aren't going on anyone's feet but mine!

I have actually finished the first sock, and started on the second, where I am making a 'design decision' and mirroring the pattern so that when both socks are on the eyelets will go in different directions.


I'm also making good progress on Little Miss A's tunic dress - yes, I am finally making use of the Babylonglegs Merino that I bought so long ago (it's only taken me 4 patterns to find the right one!).

And last but not least, I have also started my first lace project, using some amazing handspun in greens, blues and purples from the lovely Otiva -


I won't be showing you any more than this, as it's actually supposed to be a 'secret' (i.e. Christmas!) project.........yes, I'm starting early this year, partly because I have a long list of people to make things for, and I'm determined that every single one of them will get something handmade - am I certifiably insane?

I've also been busy on the sewing front. Two (or was it three?) weeks ago, I got a total of five bags out of the two 1.5m lengths of fabric - and they have all gone! I obviously hit the nail on the head by 'going over to the dark side' with these!



















The shop also had a little update last week with a real mixed bag ('scuse the pun!) of colours and sizes













I also finally had a go at doing something I've wanted to try for a while - pretty, beaded charm bracelets - I'm really pleased with how this came out, and can see many more in the future!

A simple life.....

I don't know about you, but I find that life just automatically becomes so much simpler when the sun and warmth finally make their appearance after the gloomy months of winter. First of all, there is the change of wardrobe - and footwear

Everything is simply blooming around me - our garden (after Mr A's tender care and complete reorganisation of a few weeks ago) is looking gorgeous. We have yellow roses in one corner

And our clematis has gone totally crazy

While someone else is just loving her new paddling pool.....

As for me, I have discovered the joys of dyeing my own wool with food colouring and Kool Aid! Great (albeit slightly messy!) fun - I give you Robin Hood and Strawberry Shortcake (apparently it's a rule that you have to name any wool you dye.....)

And the sewing machine is still going great guns - lots of little bags for the shop (and they're going quite fast, which is great!):