Sorry, sorry

Been a bit too long between posts I'm afraid. But is it worth the wait?



That is a sapphire in the middle.

It has been a day of mixed emotion as I've ended up feeling quite embarrassed about it sometimes. Because there is no doubting it's not a shy little thing as it is at least a centimetre across. And with rings people equatre size with cost so people have been going on about how much it must have been when Pooch and I agreed we didn't want to spend silly amounts and it was all more about the look of it and what it meant rather than what it cost. I swear all this "one month's salary" stuff was just put out there by de beers marketing arm. This was a fraction of that but I love it more than all the solitaires money can buy.

It still seems very strange having it on my finger (we only actually got it yesterday though so maybe that's not outrageous!). I keep finding myself staring at it. I really do think it is the most beautiful thing ever.

Anyway, you don't want to read about me dribbling over jewellery so let me do a quick round up of recent action.

SkipNorth gets ever closer. Still 2 beds going spare if you want to come and join us. All information on the website.

I have restarted the petal shawl from elann - I mucked up a row about a month ago at the golders green group and had put it away in disgust after that but I sorted it at the weekend. Still onyl half way through but progressing nicely.

I *finally* got a chance to read Kaffe's V&A Quilts book. One word: divine. I am so inspired I just need to remember not to fritter on many disparate projects as is my wont/want/whatever. I will finish the mini flowery quilt and the larger flowery quilt (or at least get a bit further with it) before I start another.

I finished the second cherry tree socks and they adorn my feet at this very moment. Mmmmmmm, need I say anything more?

The more astute among you may have noticed something about this post - lacking photos. The fact is I left my camera at work this weekend so have none to share, other than the ring which I just took now. I will attempt to rectify this tomorrow though.

More details

The thing is, now everyone is talking to me about weddings. Maybe I should have kept quiet about it for a couple for a couple of days while I got used to the idea. I think that ‘getting engaged’ seemed very separate from ‘getting married’. Now I might have a bit of a problem because people at work are all telling me to book the venue and set the date asap because 18 months isn’t that long. But at the same time Pooch, being the gruffalo that he is, doesn’t want to think about any of that stuff til much nearer the time. And early forays into a discussion about such things have shown us both that our idea of an ideal wedding and honeymoon do not exactly coincide.

Anyway, how did it happen?

There we were walking along the roads behind oxford street when we got into a discussion about how people show love and I jokingly complained he didn’t buy me enough stuff and we should go shopping. Pooch agreed and said “Let’s buy a ring.”. So off we went into house of fraser (we were at their back entrance when this happened) and I started looking at the dior rings (he bought me two dior rings before which are enamelled and very sweet). After about 53 seconds I paused and said, “Wait, do you mean ‘the’ ring?” and it was then the penny dropped.

We then charged in a rampant fashion down bond street looking for ring shops that hadn’t closed and there were of course very few (it was after 6 and they had mostly closed). So we agreed to get a temporary ring (pictured here)


Then we went off to an obscure French bistro and had a very lovely dinner (the profiteroles were divine) and between the starter and the main course he asked me if I would marry him and I said yes. Then we spent the rest of the meal grinning at each other.

The plan is to actually get wed next May (maybe? 2007 that is) but before then we need to get the official ring. So that is the task for this weekend. Then I’ll have another ring to show you a picture of.

Actually I’m feeling pretty freaked out right now. The rosyness has warn off a bit and reality is creeping in….

Plus this totally puts the kybosh on Japan. (No, he doesn’t want to go there for the honeymoon.)

I am happy and excited, but I know I don't quite sound it yet!

Big news!

Pooch and I got engaged last night! More details later....

You're making me cringe

I've gone 'no emails' on the UKhandknitters list because of this cringeworthy fuss about a certain supplier and whether or not they are crap. The owner has now jumped on the list and keeps publically engaging people in debates about their level of service, what went wrong and what they've done to make it better in future. One email letting the list know what had been going on would have been fine. But contacting each customer and effectively cc'ing 1100 other people in on the list is just making me cringe. You'll note I haven't mentioned their company name here because I don't want to give them anymore screen time. I shall miss the list for the next few weeks but I'll only go back once all this is over.

Well look at me, getting all snooty and uppity! I've had a strange weekend so far. I think I may have overdone it a bit. I had loads of domestic stuff to sort out plus an exam to revise for tomorrow and yet I also seem to have done more knitting and sewing than ever before. Need to ease off so I'm not knackerated next week.

One errata to my last post - I omitted to mention Pooch actually knitted 4 stitches in that stripey garter cardigan - picture of it finished and with a handsome guy modelling it below...). He was slightly inebriated but did volunteer or even demand to have a go.

There's nothing sweeter than a boy and his frog.


I'm going to have an easy going catch up on my bookmarked blogs for a bit now. So I'll be seeing some of you soon!

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?!

Oi sexy!

I'm the one on the left...

This is moi last night at the annual awards dinner. There are some other photos and I do keep thinking when I look at them that I have really put on a lot of weight since getting ill. It's like with saving though, I need some woohaha type motivation to do something about it. Really MUST do some exercise tomorrow. Sure that would help with the spots too, which are pissing me right off. Looked like I had two extra noses on my chin last night.

The sexier lady on the right is Narinder, my past-side-kick when I had staff and general lovely person. We were both accompanied with our other halves and Mr Pooch did us both proud and looked outstanding in black tie with a little wing collar shirt and the baby pink socks that I got him for xmas. Narinder was there with her HUSBAND...look at her. She is 24. Maybe possibly 25. And she has a husband. I went to her wedding and it was wicked. And look at me...27, NO husband. Pooch. Dude. I'm telling you. That would really be motivation to fit into a nice dress.

So on the crafty front things have been relatively quiet. I did manage to fall for the idea of jean greenhowe's knitted dolls and things - julie had one of her books at golders green. So this caused me to break my savings promise type thing and expend £1.99 including postage on two of her works on ebay. HOWEVER... I did manage not to buy this book. It took a whole lot of willpower though, I'm telling you. I had it in my hand in Foyles and managed to PUT THE BOOK DOWN AND BACK AWAY MISS BYRNE. Had to make do with two on surveys and qualitative research for work.

Pooch and I are doing well on our own version of secret pal. He got me "The Taking of Pelham 123" on DVD which I have just watched this evening and really love. I'm now watching 'Shall we Dance' with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Ahhhh, aren't they lovely? It's been a lovely evening really! Few more bits of patchwork until the bath is ready then an early night.

Frittering

I am a fritterer. I don’t spend large amounts on single items – I spend small amounts on the odd bit or bob here or there. And so. Friends. I have decided to try a new method of saving money.
First of all let us understand the byrne-mind.

1. I love getting things by post (I really really love this)
2. I love frittery-type shopping
3. I love having pretty, nice things around me.
4. My spending is mainly done online while at work.
5. My level of indulgence depends on my bank balance.
6. I rarely spend more than £15 at a time. And often less than £10.
7. Most of this frittering occurs on ebay. Runner up is wool shops.
8. I know I don’t need anymore wool. Or Japanese fabric. Or purses. Or anything else.
9. I want to save money for a really splendid holiday which would involve surrounding myself with a lovely place and probably buying lovely things when I am there.

So…..the plan.

1. Try to stop idle shop-surfing
2. When this fails, carry on but just think about the holiday and go to a holiday site instead.
3. When I see something I *need* think about how much I want the holiday instead and immediately transfer the amount of money it would have cost (plus any p&p) to savings account. Hence bank balance goes down as if the money had been frittered.
4. Think about holiday some more.
5. Continue steps 1-4 ad nauseum, remembering not to actually buy anything.
6. Only ever estimate how much has been put into savings account – do not work out properly as I will then fritter exactly this amount of money.
7. Open a post-office account or get an ISA.
8. Have no cash/debit card for this account.
9. Periodically transfer money saved to this account.
10. Be strong, byrne.

I’m wondering whether I should grant myself an allowance for frittering so as not to have to go cold turkey but then this would be open to abuse as well. I’ll try this for now and see how it goes.

Incidentally this will only actually start on 25th Jan when I get paid. La lalalala

No No NO, bad byrne. Will start today. Even though you kidn of actually maybe sort of did need that fabric you bought on ebay yesterday....you'd have more crazy patterns to choose from in Japan.

Flow

I'm posting int wo halves today because I have two totally different things to ponder. Here is the first....

Do any of you religiously keep up with “Child of our Time” on the bbc each year? It’s like 7-up (the scientific study not the drink) but every year and now the kids are 5-6 years old. It fascinates me.

On the programme last night Robbie Winston was talking about “flow” – when you lose track of time because you are so engaged in a task. This got me thinking – when did I last get flow? I used to be a watch addict. If I couldn’t find my watch in the morning I basically couldn’t leave the house. I put it on before getting out of bed in the morning. When getting out of the bath I would wrap a towel round myself and then straight away dry my wrist to put my watch back on. Then came the madness (historic rather than recent) and my therapist unhooked me from my time dependence. (I won’t go into it but my emphasis on time was a huge factor in my social anxiety). I do sometimes still wear a watch. I took it to Pooch’s parents with me at xmas and then accidentally left it there. Pooch’s mum quickly posted it down to me and did up the jiffy bag very securely with parcel tape. I couldn’t get the tape off at the first attempt so the complete package has been gathering dust for a few weeks now. I’ll get it out eventually.

Despite this new found freedom from time there do seem to be very few occasions when I lose track of time all together. So I was just wondering – what gives you good flow?

Soho and silk (and cotton, velvet, leather, pvc...)

With the very best intentions I started out for hounslow yesterday, initially meeting Nikki at Holborn. Discovered that as well as the district line being closed (which I knew about) the piccadilly line was also up the duff (which I didn't). Basically meant no way to get to west london. Was rather ticked off but Nikki marched me off to soho and a rather good time was had by all.

I'm not going to list all the shops we went into a that would take many pages (who'd have thought there were so many fabric shops in soho) but there are a few that deserve a mention. The Bead Shop in Covent Garden yielded these:


Nikki knew of this amazing bling jewellery shop which was packed full of sparkle and everything a girl could want in life. I was very restrained and just got these two:

I'm not saying what Nikki got.....

Then the Cloth House just off Oxford Street. I got the top two of these three from there and could have got a whole lot more:


As soon as i got back I started effectively swatching the fabrics I had to see which I'd use in the final thing. I decided against the brown one this time and got going. The hexagons are about 3cm across. I am aware that the overall effect is cute rather than actually attractive and I've just joined a new Yahoo group asking for advice on choosing fabrics and mixing patterns. A major source of inspiration is going to be Yarnstorm. But then that women is just a dude anyway. That squidgy date cake has my name on it.

Anyway, here is what we have so far. I ran out of paper templates which I've done on the graph paper generating website here. I just cut along the lines...

This is destined to be a cushion. But I would like to have a stab at something a bit bigger like these...

• Crazy Patchwork
• 9 block pattern
• 9 block in variegated colours
• Irregular nine block (top one)
• This is my favourite

Maybe start slightly smaller though!

Yoshimi jumper finished

Here is the finished object

The sleeves are supposed to roll up. The pattern is from erika knights special knits book although I added the curly whirly esque edging around the bottom. This is the yellow variegated yarn that I really like. I reall wish I could wear yellow without looking anaemic.

Then I did succumb and buy another skein of cherry tree hill. I love my first pair so much I have cast on another. In fact Gill at Woolly Workshop played a blinder and got it to me in about 17 hours order to delivery. Plus she sent me some gorgeous peace fleece buttons which I don't have to hand to photograph but will soon. Following all that negative publicity for angel yarns on UKHK I immediately recommended her shop to others and also do to you, dear reader.

I thought I would try a bit of a pattern for my 2nd pair (in 'gypsy rose'). The first were cabled so I thought I'd go for zig zag this time.

Pattern goesRow 1: purl
Row 2: k1, inc into next st (knit front and back), k4, s1 k1 psso k2tog k4 inc into next two stitches k4.....
Row 3: purl

So basically it is quite easy to get a grip on. For the first time I am knitting both socks at the same time on the same two needles. This means using the centre pull and external end of the ball I wound from my skein. I am a bit nervous I will end up with a tangle but at least this way I can ideally maximise sock length while ensuring both are an equal length. At least, that's the theory.

Off fabric hunting later on with Nikki. Will report back later when I have a min. It's Pooch's birthday tomorrow and celebrations today so I might not have time. Pooch has also just changed job so went out for his leaving do last night and came home god knows when very very drunk to tell me how much he loved me. He appears to have eaten a jar of rollmop herring after getting home.

Tagged....

I got tagged two days ago by Nikki but can't manage to get the brain in gear enough to get 7 for each category. So here is my slightly amended version.

Five Things to Do Before I Die

1. Go to Japan
2. Go to New Zealand
3. Be clear of depression
4. Have a baaaaabbbbbbyyyyyy
5. Get hitched (big dress)
6. 
   

Six Things I Cannot Do

1. Crawl (swimming style)
2. Any one thing for more than about an hour at a time
3. Sleep-in
4. Leave the house without a book
5. Use chopsticks properly
6. Continental knitting

Three Things That Attract Me to Blogging

1. Sharing what I've done
2. Seeing what others have done
3. Source of inspiration

Seven Things I Say Most Often

1. Dude
2. Knitting
3. Yarn
4. Wool
5. Pooch (in various tones of voice)
6. Bollocks
7. Balanced Scorecard
   

Six Books That I Love

1. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, J Le Carre
2. Small Gods, T Pratchett
3. Thud!, T Pratchett
4. A prayer for owen meany
5. Murder must advertise, D Sayers
6. Murder on a monday, P Branch

Five Movies That I Watch Over and Over Again

1. Mary Poppins
2. The taking of Pelham 123
3. Zoolander
4. Star Trek Insurrection
5. Hellboy
6. 
   

Some People I Want To Join In Too

(Actually i don't want to tag anyone as it's a bit or a marmiter with the love/hate thing. Consider yourself tagged if you'd like to be.)

Took one too many pills on Monday (Monday has been one of my cut-down days for 4 months so this wasn't dangerous it was just forgetful) and the impact of having just one pill extra has thrown me back into the forgetfulness again. It seems to be wearing off a bit now but it serves as another reminder how powerful the anti-d's are.

Golders Green last night was really good - lots of chatting and laughing and a new woman came along who was really nice. I finished (bar the edging) Yoshimi's yellow jumper. Would have had pictures but the camera was dead this morning. Am looking forward to my fabric-buying trip on Saturday and Pooch is now indicating he doesn't actually care if I go to Sandown to see Les and Tess (of Silkwood Yarns) on Sunday. I am a little unsure of Pooch at the moment though. He starts a new job (different game, still at Sony) on Monday so has a leaving lunch and drinks on Friday but I'm not invited to either. Then there's football on saturday which he has expressed delight at about me not being there. A group meal in the evening and then I thought we would do something couply on sunday which is his actual birthday. But now he seems happy about me not being there. Ah well. I guess I'm only treading water with Pooch til Nigel Harman comes to his senses anyway. Because a mentally ill, anti-d addicted, sleep disturbed, knitting obsessed, out of shape project manager is just what he's looking for....

Untitled

I just heard this thing on the tv - a trailer for another religion programme. It went something like this:

"Without religion good people would still do good things and bad people would still do bad things. It takes religion to make good people do bad things." (Cue: shot of the blown up london bus.)

You know how most of TV is bollocks - especially at the moment. Just look at the reality shows on at the mo - celebrity big brother and soapstar showstar or something plus god knows what else. It's mainly rubbish. But I have found this comment quite thought provoking. I have had my on/off/off/off/on/off/off flirtation with religion and always end up thinking of it as a sop - something to make you feel better about bad things. But then, as I'm sure I've put on here before, what kind of god lets its believers suffer agonies, genocide and general trauma? Terry Pratchett always has gods in his books and his idea that a god's existence and personal power depends on the number of believers it has always seemed a good one. Anyway, I'm not really sure where I'm going with this. I think my general reaction to the trailer is "It takes desperation to make good people do bad things". It just seems like this is down to religion a lot at the mo.

So there, I've started on a happy note. Let me get back to crafty pursuits...

Saturday started well with mini-me:

So then I decided to make one for the only other person who seems to appreciate my creativity - Yoshimi (the baby).

The thing is though I did consider that while currently mini-me would seem like a decnt size doll to the sprog in a year's time she'd probably choke on it (mini-me is about 4-5cm tall). So let me introduce you to the two of them standing side by side.

A good bit of work I thought.

I have also been knitting a jumper for her as I got an email from Vitas yesterday saying they were glad to hear the needles have not been idle as you was rapidly turning into a "chubby bubba" so I've made sure this jumper is the next size up from the last lot. I will rave about the yarn when I remember to take a pic as it is divine and washable and bright yet not garish. Perfect for young shimmy. (Anyone else had the line "Can you shimmy like your sister Kate?" pop into their heads?)

Moodwise all goes fairly well although Pooch has twice told me nicely that I had major mood swings. I can't think of anything I've changed recently that would cause them so I'm putting it down to hormones and we'll say no more. Will have to monitor this next week though.

Lastly, I'm kind of putting this on here as a reminder to myself. Check out this online/Hounslow West fabric shop. I keep almost making an order online but I really need to go there in person to see about matching colours for my patchwork *(insert object here)*. So cheap and the stuff looks pretty fab. Possibly next weekend. I was going to go yesterday but il pleut and it's a hell of a long way to go with wet feet.

You wanted pictures?

Actually I don't know whether you did or not but I have been promising them for a while so fear not, this post won't be just yards of text.

I have just been through all the blogs in the 'Blogs I read' list and caught up with what's been going on. I like doing that kind of thing at the weekend because it's like catching up with old friends and hearing their news over a mug of hot orange squash. I actually made a list of the bits that appealed most to me this time. Top of this list has to be this story of enduring friendship. Actually I haven't written where I saw the link to this but I think it was stitchymcyarnpants. I'm going to be adding this blog to my list for future weekend catch ups.

Nownormaknits had a good one. There seems to be some sort of avatar war going on but she had this site and her own icon from it. I tried making one of my own but got all confused and overwhelmed by the silliness! Plus I've got one digi-icon and have been thinking of going back to an actual photo sometime soon. But hell, enjoy yourselves!

This is what I should have joined, if only I hadn't missed the sign up date (curtosy of WendyKnits). I got 10 skeins of maya in reds last year when on the first Pooch-Byrne holiday to Blackpool for a, then, astonishing £4.50 a skein. Now loads has been reduced and I never did knit any of mine and it's just not talking to me. I'm not going to get agitated about it though. I have resolved to leave it in the stash and wait til its day dawns. There are one or two stash bits on ebay at the moment though in case anyone is interested. Plus the stitchmarkers of course.

Yummy yarns feature here thanks to yarnstorm. The loveliest colourways I've seen since I was last at silkwood but too pricey for me this month.

As you might have guessed I only started writing things down when I got to 'N' in my list so sorry for the earlier blogs I haven't commented about. I did wonder about doing a podcast about blogs and letting people who do not have time to catch up an overview of what is going on in blogland. What do you think?

Anyway....where are these pictures I hear you mutter.

The monkey was what I did first. It is about 12cm high and I do really like it. The tail is supposed to be longer but I made it this length as I just thought it looked better. The pink blob next to it is the mp3 holder - a view of what I am thinking of as the front. The monkey followed a pattern but I 'designed - ahem' this myself.


Here is the back of both - I love the little heart on the monkey's bottom! It serves to cover up where the tail joins. I'm not so keen on this side of the cover but I always think of these things as learning tools so I still think it's great really.


Very simple and only about 4cm tall, pig, panda and cat. I had enough of doing the animals in 'real' colours hence the cat is purple.

I have really enjoyed making the felt bits - expect more soon although I'd love suggestions for what to do with them. I have also progressed a little bit on the petal shawl.

Slowly but surely - and I'm really looking forward to having it as it's freezing at work - another woman near me is menopausal so having the radiators on is rather unfair on her.

Lastly, this is a catch up from a few weeks back now - the final felted bag.

I am *really* pleased with this as it feels like I've finally found some use for Noro kureyon. I won't be knitting noro myself again. This is destined for Charlie. I am longing to find out how little Yoshimi (the baby) is getting on. Vitas, the brute, promised to send me photos but hasn't so I must ring them this weekend.

Sean got back to the office about 2.45 yesterday and we had our meeting. Got through the main business of Monday and a few outstanding queries before I beat my little fists upon the table and demanded more wok to do. Sean looked a bit shocked and my first thought was 'oh shit, he's going to tell me he expected me to self-start' (which was in the job description but then I have already occupied myself for weeks if not months already) but then he went off at what seemed to be a tangent and after some shillyshallying...friends....I am destined for great things, apparently. All this stuff about succession planning got said and The CEOs vision of the future and stuff and it turns out asking for more work is a good thing. It was one of those conversations I seem to have had at regular intervals in the last couple of years where you get to see a little bit more about how real-life is. During these conversations I tend to say at least once 'but that's terrible' and the person I'm talking to says something like 'listen, babe, that's just how life is' only without the babe-bit. I recall a description in a book about the scales falling from this bod's eyes - might even have been the bible - and that's an excellent description. And in summary what it all goes to show is that when you think you've got a handle on office politics, there turns out to be greater, more devious depths to be plumbed.

Guess what I've been doing?

I'll narrow down the options for you - it's obviously not working.



What do you make of this? Coming soon to a fridge magnet near you. Yes, I have spent my morning (or at least the last 30 mins) crafting my empire and not only am I stitchmaker extraordinaire I am diversifying into magnets and possibly postcards, depending on how I feel.

The other thing I was doing last night was making more of the little felt mascot things - but still no pics. Have started a cover for the mp3 player Pooch gave me so will have lots to show at the weekend. I was looking at the other japanese books the seller has on ebay and saw a couple of images of the inside pages. I am very tempted by the ones containing these pages.



Pooch has been on form recently and following my purchase of a swazzle (many thanks Tracy for saving me the trouble of searching for one) he has got quite excited by the whole thing. Now referred to as "Pooch and Judy" he was a bit upset to find out he wouldn't actually be playing a major role in any of the proceedings although I did offer to let him do the carrying. He has started called me 'Professor' though which is very much in keeping with the thing. Yesterday I found some instructions for making felt puppets and will probably start them this weekend. My book tells me you really ought to have wooden ones - preferably handcarved willow. But I'm thinking that's more of a second-stage thing. Felt should be fine to start with.

Panic over

The problem with having been so mentally fricking weird in the past is as soon as you have a downer you think it's all going to get as bad as it was before again. I now wish to report I am back on form and so you can cease to be concerned. In a large part this was helped by going to knitting last night where there were a massive 12 of us crowded round the little tables in starbucks. We had our secret santa and I came away with some very special chocs and some gorgeous stickers. Been a bit remiss with the cmaera recently so still no photos but will get there in the end.

Have brought my previously begun novel - "The Scientific Knitter" - in to work and will be doing some more of it this afternoon. At least it's typing in word which is almost like working I guess. Am also going to start my MBA research. Wow, so much to do!

Just briefly - my punch and judy book has arrived and is divine. I can't wait to get making my puppets! Am now on the look out for a swazzle, just in case anyone knows where I can get one.

Headcase

The byrne brain would appear to have entered into something of a decline. And not in a good way. I’ve slept badly the last three nights and so naturally at such times of fatigue ones brain turns its attention to ways it can make things just a bit worse and you start feeling depressed. D.R.E.A.R.Y. Actually maybe I shouldn’t write this blog entry because the one thing more boring than being depressed is writing about it. Or possibly reading what’s been written.

All the way in to work this morning I was trying to talk myself out of it and I have even bought bread so I can go feed the ducks at lunchtime which is my old skool cure from when I went properly loopy. In fact on the subject of trying to talk oneself out of something – ever walked down the street talking to yourself? I have always avoided these actions as signs of stereotypical madness which, you know, just Is Not Cool. But today I let rip and did the two-chairs exercise therapistlouise has taught me while walking from Bond Street to Portland Place. Now this involves walking up Harley Street so you’d have thought people wouldn’t be that surprised to see a fruitloop in the midst of quack-central but no. Their poor little faces when they realised I really didn’t have a hands free set dangling from my orifices. Imagine the scene – a seemingly beautiful stranger – elegant, debonaire, wearing mittens – walks towards you. She clutches a loaf of bread lovingly to her bosom and is eating a bagel. You hear her talking as she sashays closer. She gets within detailed eye view and suddenly she interrupts herself with the other side of the argument. You realise she does not appear to be on the phone. She stops in her tracks, you pause in yours. “No no no” you hear her say in a cross tone of voice. You cross the road. Hahaha.

It could have been worse – I could have let the loaf of bread play the second chair role.

Knit wise I can’t be arsed at the moment. Partly because I got my second book from this seller. The last was crochet toys, this one is felt mascots. I spent last night sitting on the sofa watching vintage Sherlock Holmes dvds while making a really cute monkey. At the moment it just lacks a tail and a purpose, but I am sure these will follow soon. It’s only about 12cm high but is very detailed (pattern provided in the book) and I really love it. I might even photograph it at some point.

I’m actually writing this at work because, yes you know it, I DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH TO DO!!!!! Boss, how many more times? I’m so bored. I’ve listened to Tom and Doug’s latest podcast, which was excellent and even made me smile and drawn a new flowchart/bubble diagram on the big white board. I’ve emailed 17 people for statistics and it’s 10.30 and that’s basically all my work done for the day. Actually, I was writing that book about “The Scientific Knitter” so maybe I should bring that in and give it another going over. Tra lala BOREDBOREDBOREDBORED

Am sure this is not helping with my mood.

2006 and all that

Let us get on with the knitting content first as that is the point of my blog.

This is the first 33 rows of the 169 rows of the Flower Petal Shawl from Elann. Am doing it in plain old black as that meant I could start it straight away and because I figure that will be the most useful over time. I have fancied doing a shawl for a while and toyed with kiri and a couple of other mainstream ones but I love the shape of this and it is sufficiently engaging to keep the knitting interesting while not requiring much proper brain power. The yarn is RY Cashsoft Aran and what I want to know is - is 'microfibre' the new non-emotive name for acrylic? There's 33% of it in this stuff.

While strumming through my stash earlier I realised there is an extra new year thought I need to add which can't really be quantified but just needs to be born in mind....What you going to do with all those single balls you keep buying 'just to try'? This black was the only thing I had more than about 200g of.

Have been wearing my cherry tree hill socks today and they are just lovely. So luxurious. They are definitely the way forward and I did see that Get Knitted have some reduced to a 'tiny' £9.99. The shade doesn't scream at me though - plus I have a tonne of nice if not quite so luxurious sockyarn. So the sensible thing here, byrne, is to not buy it and put the money you would have spent towards stitches east. There's not much on the web yet except the dates but I have the brochure for stitches west and would really love to go. Looking at flights etc it seems like £300 for the flight, about £50 a night for hotel then there would be the major stash enhancement and registration fees. I'm still in kind of two minds though. It's a lot of money to lay out when I could save it for ally pally. Anyone been to one of these events before and want to give me their opinion?

I have listed some stitch markers on ebay again. They are all here. Postage is free again. This listing is a bit of an experiment as I know we're all a bit broke but they're quite tempting as impulse buys and won't do too much damage to the bank balance. The money from these will go into the america fund.

Last night ended up going very well. I don't often take liquor into the byrne-system and I loathe those conversations that start "I drank so much last night and then I ate a baboon and it was hilarious" but I do feel like showing off as I haven't been that drunk in about 3 years. What is it about being drunk that is so attractive though? It is liberating I suppose and it is quite exhilarating to lose control but it's not something I'd want to do a lot as it's expensive and although I haven't had a bad hangover there's no doubt it's not good for the byrne-physique. It was all very low-key (a phrase that seems to be a good descriptor for my life at the mo, not that I mind) and friendly and nice so the tube strike didn't wreck things really. I still loathe the RMT though.

Tube strike and *that* machine

First things first - did you know the starting salary for trainee tube drivers is more than the average for physics graduates in london? Guys, YOU'RE GETTING ENOUGH MONEY NOW - NO ONE BELIEVES ALL THIS "SAFETY REASONS" BOLLOCKS. At first I was sympathetic. But a strike on new years eve? I don't think so. So my party is ruined. I hope the government do legislate against tube strikes like new york but I know they won't have the balls.

Have been bashing away at the knitting machine again following advice from the newbritknits list. And has it worked? Has it, tubedrivers. Will have one final go tomorrow and then...where's my hammer?

Have spent the day making yet more pompoms for the cat protection league and crafting more of my beady stitch markers. I'll be putting them on ebay again soon so watch this space for new of when they do up. I am pretty chuffed with the star-kittens.

And these ones with their little glass tails!


Well, solitary guest (who lives next door) due to arrive in 10 mins so had better clear enough of the pompoms for them to sit down. See you all in 2006!

Machine knitter in distress

I have put the three images in this post as links so you can see them a a better size - I'd have had to shrink them for blogger.

Photo 1 - Initial cause of distress is that I can't get the machine to cast on. I have tried fiddling with the various settings but it just keeps missing loops. What am I doing wrong?

Photo 2 - These are the settings on the carriage. Can't find anywhere that tells me what the letters mean on the dial top right or whether the slider on the right should be on N or H. Also not sure whether the wheels at the bottom of the carriage should be engaged or not. Don't worry about the wool position - I was just moving it out the way to take the pic.

Photo 3 - I don't know what these two sliders are for either.

As you may have gathered I got the machine second hand and without a manual. I have downloaded the free brother 851 manual from online but despite reading and re-reading can't see where I'm going wrong. It is the casting on (or lack of) that is the main issue, obviously! So frustrating as the first time I got it out it worked fine except the knitting got stuck on the sinker posts. That'll no doubt be my next question!


If anyone can help me please email littlelixie@hotmail.com THANKS x

At last - I'm knitting for cats!

Actually I'm not sure about this claim - does making pom poms count as knitting? I used my pom pom maker that blueadt bought me and that was an SP gift. It all started when I was feeling knitting withdrawal and so bought Jan's Knitting magazine. I don't know why - it's still rubish. There is a pair of shoes that are beyond belief. Anyway, there was an ad in there saying the year of the volunteer had made this month animal month and you could knit cat toys. Off I went to their website. And here is the result:


I'm using up some leftovers and some dye experiments that frankly went soooooo wrong as I'm guessing the cats won't mind that much.

Yesterday was something of a monumental day for me as I ate only fresh fruit and vegetables ALL day. For example - four clementines for breakfast with almonds and raisons as a snack. Lunch was as pictured:

Plus a banana and 2 clementines for pudding. OK there's some dip there but I can't eat celery without some form of lubricant. Then roast aubergine for dinner - divine - and stewed apples with honey and raisons. And can you believe I didn't cheat all day? PLUS I went out running in the morning. So fricking healthy.

In between all this I managed to finish the cursed socks. Here is the patch that I knitted in so that they would actually span my unexpectedly plump legs.

Here is the 'good' side.

And here they are in all their glory.


They are terribly soft and comfy to wear - I'm really pleased with them even though I had to do the whole patch thing. Cherry tree hill on 2.75mm needles.

The other thing I finished in the last few days was the mitred square noro thing I started about 2 months ago. I had thought it would be some sort of modular-knit-esque top but I have realised over time that I really don't like noro yarn. I wish I had realised this earlier as it would have saved me some vast amount of wonga. I had all these squares laying about so I sewed them into a tube, knitted a bottom and i-corded the handles. This is it pre-felting...


I have actually felted it but don't have a pic yet as it's drying so I'll post that tomorrow. It looks pretty effective and I'm thinking it will be a present for Charlie (baby's mother for those of you a post or two behind).

So this means I have two finished WIP in 2 days. Plus the pom poms. And now this leaves me with a leetle problemo. What to do next? I got out the kaffe fasset v-neck yesterday and had a good look at it. The thing is.....I don't like the coloours. Here is a pic from the archives to remind people of it.

What was I thinking when I chose all those pastels? So now what do I do? I've done a fair bit more of it since this pic but still not half-way. I could possibly stop there and make it into a bag or sachet or small cushion. Pooooooooooooo.

Even setting aside that project I'm wondering what to do next. I'm worried I might have knitting fatigue as I did those socks non-stop over xmas. I'm thinking today I'll have another bash at the knitting machine because that's more of a technical exercise than anything else.