Knitting and Crochet Blog Week Day 1 - Early Start

I have been coughing like a mofo for more than a week now. Thus my early start at 5am this morning. In the early days of Pinterest a regular pin was one stating marshmallows were invented as a sore throat remedy.

I am therefore maintaining the profits of marshmallow (and hot chocolate) manufacturers in the London region.

All this means I can start KCBW early though and the theme for today is why you chose your house.

"The House of Bee: Bees are busy and industrious, but can flit from one interesting project to the next as bright and shiny things capture their interest."

Let me begin with a story...

Picture a french lesson for a class of thirteen year olds in the early nineties. The teacher wheels in a television on a trolley. The TV is roughly a cube and weighs more than the teacher.

A video recorder is attached to the television. The teacher gets out a video tape and puts it in the machine. The screen lights up and the class starts to fidget. "Blimey!" says the teacher. "The TV goes on and you all stop concentrating. Easy to see the effect TV has had on your generation."

Now to be honest Miss Williams undoubtedly never said "blimey" in her life but it was 20+ years ago and I forget her exact words. The gist though has stayed with me all this time. The generation before me were mesmerised by moving screens while my generation had them in the background in their formative years and so grew up, depending on your viewpoint, multi-tasking or unable to concentrate on one task. It has certainly left me unable to "just" watch television. Hence the state of my sofa and the table next to it. This isn't me but illustrates my usual position in front of the goggle box.

Knitting on one side, at least one patchwork project on the other. Ideas notebook buried under a pile of fabric scraps. You get the idea.

As I have got older I have got slightly better at keeping the WIPs down. I have a list on my phone of other projects I want to begin once these are finished. When I started blogging I followed A Mingled Yarn, who sadly decided to stop blogging at the end of last year. I was amazed when many years ago she revealed her stash - which consisted of about 7 balls of yarn, all of which she had firm plans for. I realised then that she had one project at a time on the needles and that amazed me as I can't imagine concentrating that hard on just one thing for any length of time.

So that explains me and how I work, both in craft and in my professional life - where frequent interruptions mean this style is a strength.

Tomorrow's blogpost is all about a project to embody my house and fortunately I have one in mind - for a swap I recently joined. Until then...

Spring Hits London

After the longest winter I can remember, Spring hit London over the weekend. Non-stop rain on Saturday followed by warmth and intermittent sunshine on Sunday. Mustn't knock it after months of freezing cold. The trees have responded by going from zero to blossom in just 2 days which is pretty impressive really. The crab apple trees along the road to the station were bare and dead looking on Friday. Today they are all covered in apples the size of conkers. Small conkers, admittedly, but it is only Tuesday.

There is nothing much to report chez byrne other than Pooch having caught norovirus. Pooch is notoriously careful about hygiene and bulk buys hand gel, refuses to touch handrails, wipes his cutlery in restaurants before eating and so on. Having eaten my share of garden earth in my youth I consider such precautions pointless and while I've had my fair share of illness this year (I'm still coughing after last week's cold) he seems to attract the more explosive types of germs. I guess they are the only ones that can make it through the clouds of antibacterial spray.

I come to you today with two main intentions. The first - that all important hairband updated. And the second  the easing of a fear through the problemsharedisaproblemhalfed school of logic. So, to the hairbands.

You might remember me hissing about this a few weeks ago:

It actually makes me angry just looking at a picture of the little fucker. Well, no more! Behold!

The one on the left has now been my go-to hairband for the last 10 days, while the one on the right was made at the same time and has been unused. Apart from the slight difference in length - which I put down to the knot tightening with use - I can't see a difference whereas with a normal hairband I'd be throwing it away by now in a fit of fits. Plus, where babybliss get you for about £3 for 6, folding elastic (for it is that) is £1.89 for 2m from this seller on ebay. There are many other sellers - I just picked that one and they were fine to deal with. Each band takes about 20cm of stuff so that's 10 for £1.89. Bingo. I have heard rumours of polka dot folding elastic in america. Take me to it baby.

On the handbag front I am progressing nicely and so the time of attaching the fabric to the frame draws closer. You see, the only frame I could get of the type I wanted is a sew-in frame.

I have only used a sew-in frame once - on this bloghop. At the time I said...

"The sewing in was interesting but pretty fiddly."

...which is byrne code for "oh my god I nearly shot myself in the head rather than try and get the fabric in the frame but it's over now so we can all calm down and get on with our lives". Somehow I forgot that though in the excitement of having this handbag come together. So here I am sharing my concern that I'll spend all this time on the fabric part and then cock up the frame part. So...when does 'sharing' start making me feel better exactly?

My 1000th Post

In honour of my 1000th post I tried to recreate the apperitif I so enjoyed in France. The original was an elegant masterpiece of a drink while my version was more like a drawing in crayon but it went down smoothly.

Take a few raspberries and mash'em with the back of a spoon. Smear messily around rim of glass. Find you have no plain granulated sugar - use caster sugar. Spread over kitchen floor and rim of glass so it sticks to the sticky raspberry gloop. Add fizzy wine. Add too much Chambord because that weird little bottle pours strangely. Tip in rest of raspberry mush. Glug. Hiccups. Done. Nice one Gordon.

Where was I..ah yes. I have been brung low by a cold so have mainly been huddling with a grumpy expression, but I have got a few things done. Baby bunting for example.

Regular readers might have just done a double take and thought I was shamming here. But no, this is the inside version of the outside bunting you saw last year at Nickerjac's wedding (which was actually made for my sister's wedding - long story).

You see, outdoor bunting is single thickness, raw edge and uses string. Inside bunting is double sided, finished edge and uses ribbon. According to the Book of Byrne. This is for the neice-in-progress's nursery. Then there's this.

I am not too sure about the measurements, but then very few people nurse cushions so it will probably be ok. I used this pattern, more or less. The inside is red flannel while the outside is some chirpy cheap cotton. Is also for NIP. The little one is apparently in position and according to the midwife "if she was any more engaged you'd be in labour" so I am all set to assume the crazy aunt position at a moment's notice.

Pooch was very sweet and a few weeks ago bought me a yarn bowl which just arrived yesterday.

Isn't it beautiful? It is from this Etsy seller who I would definitely recommend.

I'm currently knitting from balls of James C Brett (yep, cardigan is still slowly progressing) but I'm going to rewind the balls so I can use the yarn bowl properly.

Meanwhile I've got the following underway:

• Marble cardigan - about 80% done
• Mum's shawl - about 75% done
• Deb's cushion about 70% done
• Handbag for me about 30% done
• Other things for NIP 50% done

So I'd better take some more cold and flu remedy, put on a Marple and get on with it. 

Books 2013 #10 - #19

Hoopla. Straight to it...

#10 Footprints on the Ceiling
Clayton Rawson

I really have to slow down with these books. I'm already through the third one in the series but let's take a breath and look at number two. It starts with our hero - is that Merlini the magician or Hart the sometimes journalist sometimes scriptwriter as he is in this one? But let's say Merlini for the sake of the narrative - roundly believed to be whooping it up with the circus which has just arrived in town. Hart is looking for him, the mysterious beauty is looking for him, no one knows where he is, except really he's in the backroom, having advertised in a newspaper for genuinely haunted houses. Meanwhile on a private island there is a possibly haunted house belonging to an agrophobe millionairess who has come under the spell of a possibly phony medium. On his way there Hart ends up with suitcase of pirate booty when someone substitutes it for his own suitcase at a station and it may or may not have come from a sunken wreck just off the shore of the private island. All this is before we get to the ceiling covered in the footprints of the title and a man whose skin is turning blue. Awesome. I think part of the reason I love this series is partly because it's all so ridiculous and partly because of the reader of the audiobooks. He does the voices perfectly - not like someone I shall be reviewing next time who made everyone sound like a serial killer to the point where I was astonished half way through when I realised the three couples in the story were actually supposed to like each other and not sound like they were about to go postal. 

#11 A Murder of Quality

John Le Carre  

I have read this and seen the TV version with Denholm Elliott, Glenda Jackson and a young Christian Bale among others but this was my first time with it as an audiobook. It really is a great story. You are pulled all over the place as each of the characters goes through the ringer. The reading was very good but I'd still recommend the book for any first-timers. 

#12 One Zentangle a Day

Unusually for me I actually bought this for the Kindle as I wanted to be able to use it on the move. For those not familiar with the genre I suggest you put 'zentangle' into somewhere like Etsy or Pinterest and see what comes up.

It is essentially advanced doodling which some people seem to be billing as a new meditation/therapy and yes, I can see how it could help some people clear their minds but there's no way it would work for non-visual people. Unless you are a natural doodler I don't think this would do much for you. However, as a natural doodler I have really enjoyed learning new little designs and have been scribbling away in a little sketchbook. I haven't done one-a-day but am none the worse off for that. If you did want to give it a go don;t be fooled into buying any of the merchandise. Yes you can buy 'tiles' and japanese paper and posh fineliners and shading pencils and all sorts, but equally you can use copier paper and a biro to get started. 

#13 The Thirteen Problems

Agatha Christie

Another I have read multiple times but this is the recording read by Joan Hickson who really *is* Marple. A series of short stories set in the context of a kind of after dinner club for bright young things. Each time some unsolved problem is shared and each time it is quiet, dowdy Miss Marple who solves it by using a village parallel. Very easy listening. 

#14 Meet Mr Mulliner

PG Wodehouse

Absolutely wonderful stories of a time people tend to call 'a forgotten age' although I'm not convinced it ever existed like this. A lot of the short stories in this book revolve around one of Mr Mulliner's nephews who was a pale and insipid young man until he overdosed on one of his uncle's inventions (much like an early George's Marvelous Medicine). At which point he saves a Bishop from a dog and ends up on such friendly terms (with the Bishop, not the dog) that he refers to him as 'Bish' throughout the rest of the stories. More famous for his Jeeves and Wooster series, the other books are equally wonderful. 

#15 The Body in the Library

Agatha Christie

My cousin gave me a bundle of these recordings, most of which I haven't listed here and all of which I've read in book form. I mention this one because it struck me that, like Joan Hickson is for me the definitive Marple, Dolly Bantree shall now be forever associated in my mind with Joanna Lumley. Her protrayal of her in the TV version of this one was perfect. Lots of teeth and gushing laughter. Apart from that this is a lovely story with lots of village parallels and insights. 

#16 The Psychopath Test

Jon Ronson

I defy anyone to read this book and not diagnose at least two of their past associates as psychopaths. For me it was one of my sister's exs. This was lent to me by one of the Boys from the office who despite looking fairly docile from the neck up (and down again in fact) has turned out to be a reader. So not all bad. If the name of the author sounds familiar he also wrote The men Who Stare at Goats which is actually a fairly good film despite Ewan McGregor's accent (he plays Jon Ronson). The author himself is an acutely anxious man so I could relate immediately although I can't see myself going to Broadmoor or meeting with the Scientologists and/or David Shayler. Plus the David Shayler stuff - wow, that man needs help. I did not know about all that stuff. And yes, he's the one who used to work for MI5 and got prosecuted for breaking the official secrets act. Getting back to the book, it is very readable, not boring, the right length and generally to be recommended.

#17 Death at Blenheim Palace
Robin Paige

I chose this as I was going to a wedding at Blenheim. I rather like this series, as light hearted as they are. This is an english Lord who isn't at all snobby and is interested in technology who has married an american woman who is an author of what would probably now be chick-lit. Or at least this kind of book. A guest at a house party vanishes, then a body is found but it isn't her. There are robberies going on, stories from other books get wound in, the Duke of Blenheim is a bounder etc etc. Cosy reading. 

#18 Wash This Blood Clean From My Hand

Fred Vargas 

I read this cover to cover on my way back from visiting my lovely cousin in France, which is fitting since she introduced me to the series last year. I adore these books, even though I still haven't forgiven Adamsberg from the last novel. And in this one he's even more stupid. Maths was clearly not his strong point at school. I did struggle a little with this book as I felt it was just so obvious where it was going and what was going to happen. However, she writes them *very* well and the development of the female policewoman whose name I forget was really stylish. I am looking forward to the next. 

#19 Beekeeping for Beginners

Laurie King

Apparently in america Laurie King is a big name but I hadn't heard of her until I got hold of this short story. It starts off the relationship between Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes (who else would it be with all those bee references) which, if the 'twitter interview' at the end of the story is to be believed, ends up with them married. Yes. Hm. Well. I remain to be convinced, not least because at this point Holmes has retired while Mary is 15. That might just be another bit of fiction. However, this short story was enough for me to get hold of the first book in a series which is now quite advanced. I'll let you know how it turns out. 

4th Annual Blog Week 22nd-28th April 2013

I spotted this over on Six Skeins Under which led me to Eskimimi's blog. I am clearly destined to be in the House of Bees.

"Bees are busy and industrious, but can flit from one interesting project to the next as bright and shiny things capture their interest."

Er yeah - that kind of sums up my entire life.

Day 1 - explain your house choice.
Day 2 - mascot project
Day 3 - infographic
Day 4 - colour review
Day 5 - blog differently (already got ideas for this)
Day 6 - tools to covet
Day 7 - looking forward

Anyone else joining in?

Peacock Parade

This is the name of the fabric collection these fabrics are from.

I got mine from the lovely Doughty's. And this is what I have been doing with them.

I have always loved english paper pieced patchwork but this is the first time I have tried making my own pattern and only the second time I've combined different shaped pieces. I blogged about my inspiration when I came back from France and this is the project I mentioned it having inspired.

It's all coming together very quickly although I should put it aside to fill out some job applications. There seem to be jobs out there that I could do...but they all look a tad dull. There's definitely one possible though. Onward...

Baby Making

I've been combining making things I've always wanted to have a go at with making things for my sister for when the baby arrives. This is the latest.

I overdid the interfacing but apart from that it is SOOOOO fricking cutely perfect. I want to rock it in my arms like a baby. Ahem. I followed this tutorial exactly apart from adding covers to the ends of the zips, which I learnt from the zipped pouches blogged about here.

It gives a very nice extra detail. I have 4 more cut out and am just waiting for some extra zips to arrive. The future ones will be a little bit bigger and have a hand strap.

This marks a momentous change in my life - I have started a new Pinterest board. I know - this is serious. The "Bags and Pouches" board is now in place. If you are not using Pinterest you have my sympathy. I am a total addict.

A Busy Two Weeks

It started with SkipNorth two Thursdays ago, moved on to a delightful trip to France a week ago Friday and ended today with my return from a wedding at Blenheim Palace.

I have no photos - sorry - but take it from me it was beautiful. Set in the Orangery, which was *very* nicely heated, the bride looked beautiful and the groom, not known for his happy demeanor, was all smiles and exuded immense pride and satisfaction with his lot. I couldn't be happier for Mr Mead. He was Pooch's flatmate when we met, put me up in his spare room when we had our difficulties, had my sister live with him when she first moved to London and has generally always been a good man. But he'd never been lucky in love and yet there he was yesterday - positively glowing. Simply because of that it would have been an amazing occasion and that's without the finery of the location and food.

So deep breath, where do I stand craftwise? First admission - I have no FOs, only WIPs to show. First is my Tucked Cardigan from the last Interweave Knits.

I am using some of the Marble I bought at SkipNorth which I bought for the purpose. I really like the mismatch of the two fronts, shown here. You can see the tucks on the outer sides which are knitted in. I also have the back and one sleeve all knitted up to the armpit. I can see why you couldn't knit the whole thing in the round (because of the tucks) but Byrne Does Not Seam unnecessarily. I'll be joining all the individual pieces into the round and knitting the raglans in one piece.

Secondly, my miniature quilt progresses as well. I shared the design here and have been beavering away since.

Each of those hexies is about 1/2" across. I've made about 3/4 of them so will start assembling it soon. Then we'll see what we've got.

Lastly, during moments when I haven't felt like doing anything else I've been converting my proceeds from the last round of the Scrap Vomit Swap into 2.5" hexies.

I have a bag in the back of my mind but no definite plans. If you wish to join the Scrap Vomit Appreciation Society the Group is here on Flickr.

All of those are ongoing but I also have a few others projects in hand - one of which is goddamn hair elastics. Those of you with long hair will recognise this problem:

This is a classic problem - the elastic inside the brown woven outside bit has come away from the metal bit that joins the two ends and the hair tie is gradually getting bigger and losing its elasticity. Once this starts to happen I have to throw away the little buggers and I generally chuck 1-2 a week. A week! Even the expensive ones don't last. There must be alternatives. I am off to discover them. My final resort will be to shave my head again. Again? Yep...

Blowfish Byrne, circa 2003.