Catch up

It has been rather a long time between posts but I have had a fair bit going on. First off here is the finished patchwork bag which is now destined to be a birthday present for mumsy in March.

I do rather love the handles - I'd quite like to have some as bracelets. It's all nicely finished and should do her to carry her specs about.


The stripey cardi for Yoshimi is finished. It's actually properly finished now but this was it before I did the edging and buttonholes.


My next project for the littl'un is going to be a series of dolls. They're not for her now but for when she's a year or so so I figure I'll build up a collection of them til I've got enough for a game or something. This is going to be the first:


Pooch and I continue with our secret pal exchange and his latest gift to me is from curious yarns.

That's a two skein sock yarn version of 'stone' on the left. (the second, smaller skein is for the toes and heels) and a single skein of ocean on the right. I think ocean will be socks for Pooch as he is the one person I haven't actually knitted any for yet. He is rather lovely. He just got another whopping bonus on Thursday and came in rather drunk and suggested we go to New York because he knew I wanted to plus started dropping hints about rings. Valentine's Day I think would be coyly appropriate for the bended knee act.

Lastly I got given some book tokens and invested in these two.

I have wanted the Kaffe book for ages - well, for a month, since seeing his xmas tree at the V&A. Plus the baby knit book has some lovely things in it. I've been thinking a lot about Debbie Bliss since meeting her at the walthamstow group. I think I might join her club...Maybe next month though.

I said I'd been busy and it's not in a good way. I'm not naming names but there's been some domestic violence and I was on standby to take in the hospitalised 16 year old daughter involved. She seems determined to stay in the town where she is though to finish sixth form (and I suspect because her boyfriend is there). But there have been a lot of phonecalls and plans flying about. It's made worse because there is still a five year old brother at home with the violent father and social services are very unwilling to go and even talk to the family. The friend of mine involved already had issues of their own to deal with and I've been amazed and awed at the strength they have shown. I just wish there was more I could do to help.

I had wanted to try cutting down another pill this week but with this going on I think it would be best to wait another week or two. Don't want to incapacitate myself mentally if it turns out there is something I can do to help.

So all in all it's been a mixed week.

Selling now on ebay

These are the magnets I've just put on at £1.50 each. Then there are loads of the cutest stitchmarkers a la...

And then there are the bestest notecards in packs of 5 - one of each design. I'm really pleased with these.

So a busy day all in all. Plus I've listed loads of yarn.

Here's a list of all the things I have on ebay!

Yoodle woodle woooo

Hade an intensively crafty day yesterday. Spent most of it on the patchwork cushion that is now going to be a bag. Here is the front:

This was by no means easy to arrive at as I had to match the shape of the back fabric (more of the red polka dot) and then use running stitch all round the edge of the right side to get the hexagons to stick out properly. Am just working on some lining and then these are the handles.

I *really* like these. I got the metal circles and some squares from the handweavers studio. Have sewed some hexagons over them. Have the next size down and am sorely tempted to make some bracelets along the same lines. BUT. Really do not need another WIP.

But first, a quick update on the sockaroonies.

All going very satisfactorily. Enjoying alternating between these and the sewing. Have to admit that the reason the cushion became a bag was because I am eager to get to my floral fabric I got on ebay and which is the bees knees. But no, must refrain from starting something else.

So just briefly before I move on to the babling bit... Take a look at this:

Notecards. In 5 different knitting related designs!!! Supplied with envelopes and tied up with pink ribbon. Shortly to be appearing on ebay.... All part of my move into business empire type stuff.

Apparently my dad has been checking in so hello dad!

As an aside: Crafts I have tried or bought equipment to try recently...

1. Fimo necklace - photo blown up and colours procured.
   
2. Chinese painting - asked for the kit xmas 2004. Not yet tried.
   
3. Wire bending set
4. More beads than you can shake a stick at
5. Felt mascot book (done some but still lots of felt left)
6. Materials to make a polka dot duvet cover and pillows.
   
7. Enough wool to do a zillion projects.
8. Odd balls of yarn by the dozen that I keep meaning "to try out"
9. Crocheted japanese toys
10. Knitting machine
11. Flower fairy cross stitch kit
12. Roving and fleece to spin
13. Wool and cotton and various types of dyes to dye things with
    
14. And undoubtedly more....

Byrne, get a grip. You don't need anymore stuff. Remember this when next gripped by a shopping frenzy or a desire to 'just try' anything else.

And to finish...Pooch insists you, dear reader, will be fascinated to know he just ate a poached egg and mashed it up with ketchup. That's my boy! In fact he has reminded me. We were once again discussing the absence of a ring from the byrne finger in bed this morning. In fact it was more like me waking up and going "Oh, still no ring on my finger". He suggested it wouldn't be fair to ask him to cough up for a ring without him getting something. So finally I have a chance to force the issue. All I need to do is purchase a Mac mini (a mere £359) and then he basically HAS to propose. That would kill off the holiday fund so I just need to weigh things up in the balance. Japan? Or a ring? Any thoughts anyone?!