I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the ACT, the Ngunnawal people. I acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

Monday, February 25, 2008

And send him on his way...

I've been seized by the need for washcloths. I'd like some more for the bathroom as I hate showering with anything else. Also, Mum wants a few as gifts.

Washcloth for Renate who gave me some very beautiful yarn recently and who's feeling a bit blue. Actually this is an old pic - Renate's washcloth was apricot but I forgot to take a photo. The pattern's the same, though - my own chevron lace washcloth in Milford Knitting Cotton, 6ply on 3.75mm needles.

Then two of the same in navy for myself.
There was an old 2oz ball of Milford Knitting Cotton hanging around. Two washcloths out of one ball with less than 1m of yarn to spare.


While I was on a roll, this in one strand of Patons Gem 4ply and 1 strand of Milford Knitting Cotton 4ply on 3.75mm needles. The pattern is Kitchen Cotton.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Haturday

Spent last night playing catch up with Time Thief Watch Caps - so many were near to being finished. Now they're done and the needles are all reloaded and ready to go.
Just in time. There was a definite nip in the air this morning - almost time to take a batch over to Stasia and to the women's refuge. Probably after the long weekend.

TTWC 2008.010; 2008.012 yarn recycled from jumpers


TTWCs 2008.013-015 Recycled yarn (nearly all finished - mighty sick of bottle green now)


TTWC 2008.016 Recycled yarn


TTWC 2008.017 Sirdar Pullman; TTWC 2008.018 mystery 14ply


TTWC Jr. 2008.019 Vintage Patons Jet and recycled Patons Family 12ply

Seven Things Week 25

IN (11)
3 textile magazines
1 wooden swivelly thing that will be a new sewing tidy when I've fixed it up
1 pair trousers - finally a pair of navy trews to replace ones disposed of a couple of months ago
1 box vintage Fuzzy Wuzzy Angora - shut up that it's 10 balls, this isn't stash, this is art and it's one.
4 bras
1 sewing tidy because of course I found one already made 6 days after I'd bought something to upcycle. I'll still upcycle because I have more cottons and notions than will fit any single sewing tidy.

OUT (31)
4 crocheted bells GIFT
2 books BOOKCROSSING
1 video tape BIN
2 Calorimetries GIFTS
2 lacy headbands GIFTS
2 greeting cards GIFTS
16 coathangers RECYCLING
1 stuffed toy - Rosie's favourite Tigger toy is no more. All the stuffing is gone and the squeaker fell out. Tigger is beyond microsurgery. BIN
1 hair accessory BIN

SHAKE IT ALL ABOUT (7)
1 pair baby socks
4 TTWCs
1 'phone cosy
1 knitted and felted bag

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Scrap Happy

I love using scraps of yarn - makes me feel extra specially thrifty. I also think of it as housework because I'm tidying away all those scraps. "No, I'm not sitting here knitting, I'm tidying up" - totally believable.

Socks for Aneka and Chris's baby, 10g Patons Dreamtime 4ply on 2.5mm bamboo needles

A pair of socks for a baby due on Friday. I prefer to make a pair and a spare of baby bootees/socks, but was 1 measly gram short of three socks in this yarn. Fear not, the last 4g are going to be contrast heels and toes of another set. This is the Left Over Baby Sock pattern by Matthew Hesson-McInnis.

And then there's a 'phone sock. Not entirely sure how this happened - I was playing around with the idea of a toddler sized sock out of this small amount of hand painted 5ply crepe and was suddenly seized by the need for a 'phone sock. The yarn is just too pretty to give away.

For my old Nokia. 32 stitches in double rib for 48 rounds and a three-needle cast off on 3.75mm dpns.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Seven Things Week 24

Here I say farewell to TSS and maybe others who've joined in this challenge for Spring and Summer (although Summer ain't actually over yet). I hope you've learned as much as I have. It's been great having you all along for the ride and I thank you very much for your support.

I'm continuing the challenge. I need to keep going for a while - at least another 3 months to consolidate the lessons I've learned and to reinforce new behaviours. You might not think from the Frugal Fiesta (TM) last week that much has been learned at all but I know how well I did.

IN (62)
1 cook book from TSS
1 magazine
60 balls wool (equivalent) GIFTS/OP SHOP


OUT (372)

1 ghetto blaster OP SHOP
76 books LIFELINE
1 wallet OP SHOP
1 blank diary OP SHOP
21 postcards GIFTS
2 floppy disc covers RECYCLING
4 bags OP SHOP
30 keyrings DONATION
2 prs pantyhose reused as knee highs, then as broom covers for cobwebs now had it. BIN
9 vintage iron-on embroidery transfers GIFTS
1 carton assorted old files and papers RECYCLING
1 pot holder OP SHOP
1 stationery set OP SHOP
6 craft kits DONATION
8 alkaline batteries WORK
3 needle cases OP SHOP/DONATIONS
1 knitting bag DONATION
3 wine glasses OP SHOP
2 tea mugs OP SHOP
2 video cassettes BIN
6 audio cassettes BIN
1 scarf GIFT
1 neck warmer GIFT
1 woodwork pattern OP SHOP
2 bags acrylic felt OP SHOP
1 box gel pens OP SHOP
33 pairs knitting needles TSS/DONATIONS
11 crochet hooks DONATIONS
1 cable needle TSS
4 data CDs
1 bracelet GIFT
105 balls (equivalent) yarn GIFTS
3 bath towels DOG GROOMER
11 knitting pattern books GIFTS/OP SHOP
2 hats OP SHOP
2 bras BIN
3 sewing pattern magazines OP SHOP
4 plastic coat hangers RECYCLING
1 length fabric OP SHOP
2 tops OP SHOP
1 skirt OP SHOP
1 set sheet TSS
1 fabric wine sleeve GIFT
1 washcloth GIFT


SHAKE IT ALL ABOUT (8)

4 TTWCs
1 fabric wine sleeve (sewn)
1 blouse (sewn)
2 wash cloths (knitted)

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Library Lovers' Day


We know how to celebrate Library Lovers' Day in style where I work.
TTWC 2008.011. Recycled bulky wool.


I celebrated by finishing a cosy for the sparkling shiraz.


And followed it up by meeting TSS and her friend S at the National Library for a screening of Land Mines : A Love Story. The cherry on the cake - S knits - so three of us happily knitted TTWCs throughout.
Hope your Library Lovers' Day was as heart warming and cosy as mine.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Welcome and Sorry

It was so moving last night to watch the coverage of the Welcome to Country ceremony at Parliament House. It was particularly moving because the welcome was made by a woman I have known since childhood and involved her grandhildren and her son who are neighbours and with whom I have discussed some of these issues.

Last Canberra Day I posted about the geography of my heart when it comes to this place.

I am not an indigenous Australian. My family came out with the First Fleet, so we were part of what is called the white invasion of this continent from the very beginning. We have enjoyed all of the privileges extended to the Europeans but denied to Aboriginal Australians.

Matilda's warm, genuine, inclusive and dignified welcome yesterday felt like a personal welcome home.

I am yet to see the coverage of the Prime Minister's Apology to the Stolen Generations on behalf of us all but I fully support the apology.



Sunday, February 10, 2008

Seven Things Week 23

Until yesterday there were only 2 things in.

I'm pretty stressed out at the moment. Twice in the last week I could have done real damage on the retail therapy front. Friday night I tried on everything that might fit in My Size and came out empty handed despite there being several items that looked fine and were on sale. Also during the week I had an online shopping basket full of more than $300 worth of sale items from The Wool Shack. Again, I purchased nothing.

Yesterday's Frugal Fiesta was the lesser of any number of evils and almost everything fitted into the defined collection development policy.

IN (58)
2 knitting magazines
27 knitting patterns - FRUGAL FIESTA.
3 prs socks worth vintage Patonyle FRUGAL FIESTA
1 set vintage cotton sheets FRUGAL FIESTA
1 cup and saucer set FRUGAL FIESTA
4 cassette tapes for the car FRUGAL FIESTA
3 reels knitting-in elastic FRUGAL FIESTA
2 vintage hankies FRUGAL FIESTA
4 books FRUGAL FIESTA
1 bone handled fish fork FRUGAL FIESTA
1 set pewter buttons FRUGAL FIESTA
1 set knitting needles FRUGAL FIESTA
1 glasses case FRUGAL FIESTA
1 sigg bottle FRUGAL FIESTA
1 wet weather poncho FRUGAL FIESTA
5 sets videos TSS

OUT (75)
7 sewing patterns OP SHOP
7 craft books OP SHOP
2 jumpers OP SHOP
1 top GIFT
1 skirt OP SHOP
32 books BOOKCROSSING
1 book GIFT
19 balls yarn GIFTS
1 water bottle RECYCLING
1 glasses case BIN
2 plastic measuring cups RECYCLING
1 video cassette BIN

SHAKE IT ALL ABOUT (3)
1 scarf
2 TTWCs

TOTALS
IN 58
OUT 75
NETT OUT 17
SIAA 3

Saturday, February 09, 2008

One for the frugal freaks

With the whole Seven Things challenge, there's been precious few gratuitous frugalling photos on this blog lately. Some of my friends actually like to see what I've hunted down and dragged kicking and screaming back to Taph Towers.

Today The Shopping Sherpa and I indulged in a Frugalling Fiesta TM, kicking off at 8am at the YMCA biannual garage sale, followed by 6 op-shops and a market. We collapsed into a cafe (Chocolate Olive, Colbee Court, Phillip - highly recommended) at about 2 pm, dehydrated, hungry, broke and very happy.


Video cassettes courtesy of The Shopping Sherpa who got them from a friend who was chucking out her videos. Three taped from TV (Henry V, The Committments and some episodes of Drop the Dead Donkey), and the set of The Life of Birds and The Planets. All to be watched, binned or handed on as the case may be. The documentaries will go to my brother who loves documentaries, too.
FREE - Glass of wine added in celebration.


1 SIGG bottle to replace the nasty plastic water bottle I keep in the car for the dogs. Much classier, much more hygenic.
$1 YMCA

4 cassettes. Tom Jones, Shakespeare's Sister, Nat King Cole and 10CC for the car.
10c each Vinnies, Phillip.

Set vintage heavy cotton sheets to be shared with TSS.
$6 SALVOS Weston

Three part reels knitting-in-elastic and 3 pairs sock equivalent of vintage Patonyle. There's enough for one full pair, and some odds and ends of a colourway I already have odds and ends of, and other bits but it's essentially 3 pairs by intention.
$5 YMCA garage sale


Vintage cotton hanky
$1 YMCA garage sale

Funky glasses case. A replacement for the one currently being held together with a rubber band.
50c Vinnies, Tuggeranong

Bone handled fish fork and set pewter buttons
35c OP SHOP, Chapman

2 knitting/spinning books
$5 YMCA garage sale

2 novels
$5 Vinnies Weston and Salvos Tuggeranong

Not pictured
1 pair bamboo knitting needles -$1 Vinnies, Tuggeranong
27 vintage knitting patterns - $12 YMCA garage sale, Op Shop, Chapman

and my favourite item of the day

Vintage fine cotton hanky with lipstick print
$1 YMCA garage sale


Thursday, February 07, 2008

Bring me out of my home...

So Pilot was right, time is a flier and now I wish January was back because January is the most laid back and relaxing month of the year, despite the heat.

Most of my usual commitments take January off, so I had more than one night in 10 at home, sometimes 3 or 4 in a row. It was lovely.

Now it's February and the calendar is chock full. Monday night was at home and there won't be another until Saturday week. What does this have to do with knitting? It means the Time Thief Watch Cap is about the only knitting there is.

TTWC 2008.009. Recycled 12 ply.

Finished last night at a National Library talk by a visiting expert, Michael Twyman. Very good talk by an accomplished speaker, fascinating discussion about the history of printing, particularly lithography, and the innovations in printing and visual communication wrought by the production of ephemera. As the talk was free and open to the public, and I won't get the time off in lieu anyway, the talk counts as a culturvorian activity as well as a work one.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Auf Weidersehen, goodnight...


The shake up continues at work. Soon I will lose a wonderful colleague and friend. She's staying in the system but we won't be working together anymore. It is distressing for us all.

This is for her. It's Smariek's Asherton Scarf in Rooster Almerino Aran. I call it the Adieu Asherton.

The yarn was a prize from Yarn last year and ear-marked for Mum. My colleague wears scarves all the time and on her they look great. She loves pink, so it was a no-brainer when it came to something beautiful enough in stash for her.

As I had roughly half the yarn called for in the pattern, I made it narrower (only 2 pattern repeats) and undoubtedly it is shorter, but it's long enough. Close up of the fully reversible pattern.


The 50/50 alpaca merino blend is soooo soft and drapey. I'm very happy with how it turned out.

***********

Charity has been represented this week too. Another Time Thief Watch Cap makes it into the box for Stasia. This one was a real joint effort. Completed with the help of TSS and Georgie. Thank you both. :)

TTWC 2008.008. Recycled 12 ply.

Monday, February 04, 2008

This Sporting Al

In a culturvorian expedition yesterday to CraftACT yesterday*, The Shopping Sherpa and I couldn't help but continue the tradition of gussying up Al Grassby.

Al was in a sporting mood yesterday. Here he is gearing up for the shot-put while wearing some of bag swap WIP as a collar. It's recycled Peruvian wool, I think he'd approve of its multicultural flavour - he certainly liked Mardi Gras colours.

Practicing bowling. What do our resident cricket experts think of his action? I reckon he's a chucker and should be reported to the ACB. Although built more for spin, Al was all out for speed yesterday with this ball of reclaimed yarn.

*Exhibition of art prints and a clothing line by a Western Australian designer. Prints good, clothes - not so much. Good shapes and some nice tailoring which was let down by poor/lack of finish. If you're going to make a gorgeous tailored jacket, put some lining in it! Ditto, hand printed silk bolero good, trimmed with stretch ribbing bad. Also, not so much a fan of the exposed overlocked edge.

Was good to catch up with Barb, though, and we ran into the lovely Ninaribena of Canberra's Got Style - a fab new blog on the scene. Do yourself a favour and check it out.

Saturday, February 02, 2008

Seven Things Week 22

The blow out at Lincraft a couple of weeks ago did make me feel a bit guilty. Gleeful and guilty, really. I feel that that particular transgression has been expiated. This week, quite a lot of yarn for which I held little love, or which could be put to a more immediate use by someone else, went. There is another pile of waiting for a new charitable home, which has been found but which isn't quite ready to receive it yet. It will go in the next little while.

IN (9)
2 books
1 ball Patonyle TSS
1 cone black mohair TSS
5 items in a gift from Janet ages ago which I'd forgotten to acknowledge - I do and I thank you, Janet. Lovely examples of your quilting, carding and beading crafts in a handmade origami box.

OUT (108)
7 books BOOKCROSSING
5 sewing patterns OP SHOP
1 music stand OP SHOP
31 cones of yarn OP SHOP
64 balls yarn GIFTS

edited to add:
SIAA (1)
1 neckwarmer

TOTALS
IN 9
OUT 108
NET OUT 99
SIAA 1

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Absolutely frilled!

Yesterday I took solace in instant gratification with gorgeous yarn. Behold the beauty of the Tudora. Knitted in a few hours with Lily Chin Park Avenue donated by the lovely and now blog-free Margie. The yarn was meant to be for charitable knitting, but I'm a weak woman and made this as a birthday present for a member of my ever-shrinking work team.

Park Avenue is very much like Patons Jet. Wool/Alpaca blend, perhaps slightly thinner than Jet. Anyway, I've chucked a couple of balls of Jet in the charity pile as a replacement.

While the Jet was out, I grabbed a couple of balls and cast on Norah Gaughan's Sunflower Tam from Knitting Nature. It's for a friend who will require some elegant headwear in the near future. Up to the pretty top bit now and it's so much fun!

The Curs-ed* Sleeve of Doom has struck again.

After yesterday morning's debacle it went into it's project bag in the corner to have a good long think about its behaviour.

It did and decided to disagree about being a quick and easy notch on the FO belt.

Took it out at lunch today and merrily knitted several rows in the wrong stitch pattern. Seriously, if there had been any lighter fluid handy, that jumper would, quite literally, be toast!

*thanks for the punctuation, 2Paw, couldn't remember how to do that. :)

Monday, January 28, 2008

WIPs that hurt so bad


Back in November I joined the Stash Down 2008 group on Ravelry. The plan is to knit from boodle first. I do that anyway, but supportive encouragement is always welcome. Not a yarn diet as such, more a reminder of the purpose of stash.

My stated January goal was whip the WIPs into shape because they're all boodle all the time. Sounded like a good idea back in December.

With the end of the month approaching, a couple of weeks ago I hunted out my oldest WIP. A jumper, size 18mos, that I was knitting for Connor. I guess I started knitting it late 1998 or early 1999 intending it for Winter 1999. It's a cute little jumper, a Patons pattern that was a freebie from the magazine That's Life. The yarn is from Reverse Garbage in Marrickville (how I miss RG!)which I picked up along with a lot of other yarn, some of which is still in stash but most of which I gave away on leaving Sydney. It's in small hand wound balls - nothing more than 30g - which took me weeks to untangle and wind.

I'd knitted the front, the back and 3/4 of one sleeve. Why I'd deviated from my usual formula of back, sleeves together then front/s, I can't remember. It may have been because I was still doing most of my knitting during work breaks and two sleeves at once is fiddlier. I can't remember why I stopped knitting it either. A rush of startitis? Changing jobs? Dunno. The dark blue colour makes it hard to knit in anything other than broad daylight, so maybe I got busier and couldn't see to knit it at night.

Last weekend I finished the first sleeve and happily cast on for the second. A sleeve, some sewing up and the neck bands - a piece of piss to finish by the end of the week? Apparently not. That second sleeve was the Second Sleeve of Cursed Doom.

First of all I cast on for the wrong size and knitted the band before I'd realised. Unravel, begin again. Then I forgot to do the second pattern repeat and had done half the sleeve before I'd worked it out. Unravel 20 odd rows. Knit up to second pattern repeat and realised I've buggered up the increases, unravel another 28 rows.

So I finally finished the second sleeve this morning. Happy dance, give Peggy a piece of celebratory chicken, more happy dance, place sleeve two on top of sleeve one to do double check of length.

*(&)^^&#(:!!

There's a )*&%^#$)$(!! error on the first sleeve about half way down.

Have unravelled sleeve one (now known as the First Sleeve Of Cursed Doom) to the problem, picked up all the stitches and knitted a little past where the problem was. 28 more rows to go and I know the little blighter's got a surprise or two waiting for me.

I'm going back to garter stitch mitred squares.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Seven things weak 20, no 21 - damn numbers

Five whole months of this and still room for improvement - both on the ins and the outs.

I can leave other stuff in shops now - clothes, cute clutter, Tupperware etc... , but am still unable to pass up a yarn bargain.

There was an accident in Lincraft involving 75 balls of Cleckheaton Machinewash 5ply and $40 of my hard earned dosh. 53c a ball and enough for 3 projects for me. Enough to knit the twinset design in my head and have some left over for practising on. Enough to actually knit a tension square and not have to leave it on the needle because I'm pretty sure I'm going to need those 30 rows worth of yarn . I still look at the pile and giggle and kick my heels with glee. So not much progress really. Bargain yarn is my biggest weakness - even ahead of chocolate.

In my defence, I did not rush to the Cassidy's $2 sale despite every fibre in my being screaming at me to do so and I left a packet of very nice vintage chocolate brown 8ply at Vinnies yesterday.

IN (16)
7 projects worth of yarn (for $65 - less than $10 a project! still giggling). LINCRAFT
1 tricycle TIGHTARSE TUESDAY ADS $99
6 books GIFTS
1 cycling helmet - I had to buy new. There's no way I'm trusting my few remaining brain cells to a secondhand helmet.
1 cycle pump - ditto new.
1 bed linen set GARAGE SALE $5

OUT (48)
1 ball winder GIFT
1 top OP SHOP
1 bath tub tidy OP SHOP
2 hand knitted scarves GIFTS
3 nail polishes BIN
2 decorative boxes OP SHOP
20 CD cases WORK - yes our budget is that bad that I am subsidising the stationery
1 CD folder WORK
5 hair ties BIN
1 ruler OP SHOP
1 fake flower BIN
1 key ring TSS
3 book BOOKCROSSING
1 CD jewel case TSS
2 pairs knitting needles GIFTS
3 Tupperware containers OP SHOP

SIAA (1)
1 TTWC and progress on other stuff, but nothing finished *sigh*.

TOTALS
IN 16
OUT 48
NET OUT 32


SIAA 1

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

And sometimes it's about maintaining equilibrium

In Knitter's Almanac, Elizabeth Zimmerman says something about knitting on through adversity. EZ knew a think or two.

When faced with the prospect of a whole afternoon at a dire extended family function at the end of a rough week, I treated myself to one of the pretties from stash.
Knitting the Pretties is one of my 2008 resolutions.

This is hand dyed, hand spun Wensleydale with little glass beads. The yarn was called Dew Drop Fancy by it's creator, that yarn maven, Helen Rippin. I bought it at our visit to Bundanoon in October. There was a scant 115g of this gorgeous Navajo plied yarn and I wasn't sure it would be enough for what I wanted but the Yarn Goddesses smiled and it was just enough for a short but spunky Short Circuit Scarf over 8 stitches on 6.5mm needles.

There was no blood shed at the family function, at least not by me. I was pleasant and composed at all times and I completed a project, so it was productive.

I also taught myself a new skill - knitting backwards. It's slower, of course, than knitting forwards, but the look of intense concentration on my face could be attributed by the person speaking to me as wrapt attention in them. I get bonus points for this.

The only downside - requests for two similar scarves. Both from really lovely and generous people, though - so that's ok.

Monday, January 21, 2008

It's all about the journey

Until very recently I'd never heard the terms "process" and "product" knitters, or thought much about the concepts.

Like all of us, I'm a little bit of both, but in the "process" end of the spectrum.

How do I know this? Unlike some people that I know and love, sewing up and blocking hold absolutely no delights for me.

Case in point. This Clapoteenie, knitted in a Happy Spider experimental dye job (go ask her, it's fascinating) has been finished for over a fortnight, but didn't get the 3 minute block it needed until just as I was racing out the door to meet Spidey. She's been very patient.

While the ironing board was up and the iron actually turned on, I blitzed the lace headbands knitted this week for my nieces. Part II of their birthday present for next month.

The pattern is Molly's Headband by Pam Allen from Interweave (free online) knitted in a 4ply instead of the light 8ply of the original. I wanted something smaller and finer that would use left overs. 11-12g of sock wool is what it used.

On the left, Happy Spider Sock Yarn in Kelp Forsest self-striping colourway. On the right, the left overs of the Stanbridge Sock. It's an easy and quick pattern and I'm still not loving the lace.

And the obligatory beanie was finished earlier in the week. Recycled 12 ply in a quite violent orange based red which works quite well with this example of my nephew's art. Poor little bugger had his appendix removed this week, so mock if you must but gently.


TTWC 2008.06

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Seven Things Week 20



It's been a rough week, Chez Taph.

Disruption and uncertainty at work, mainly. I was such a misery I wanted to get away from myself most of the time and I will admit to a little thrift therapy on Saturday to take the edge off and then I treated myself to knitting up one of my prettiest special yarns to get through a dire family function. Amazing how well buying 4 cheap paperbacks and indulging my senses of sight and touch with pretty yarn can lift a mood and prevent bloodshed on a massive scale.

Someone once told me that Totem is cheaper than valium.

IN (34)

1 shopping basket GIFT
2 sealable plastic tubs rescued from being dumpstered WORK
26 Patons patterns EBAY
1 tortie cr***et hook OP SHOP. I've never seen a tortiseshell hook before, it's pretty.
4 novels. OP SHOP

OUT (52)

3 cushions OP SHOP
3 video cassettes OP SHOP
2 curtain rod ends OP SHOP
1 flower press OP SHOP
25 books BOOKCROSSING
9 crochet patterns GIFTS
6 crochet hooks GIFTS
1 knitted headband GIFT
1 pair shoes OP SHOP
1 handbag OP SHOP

SHAKE IT ALL ABOUT (4)

1 TTWC
2 lacy headbands
1 Short Circuit Scarf


TOTALS

IN 34
OUT 52
NET OUT 18

SIAA 4

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

A very proud old Auntie

Last night I got home to discover that one of my nieces had spent the day with Mum.

This was Emily, the one who first realised that I always make their birthday presents.

Em asked Mum to help her sew a bag for her twin sister for their birthday. Under guidance, but doing it all herself, Em made a tote for Jess. She was so confident by the end of it she whipped up 3 fabric "socks" for each of their mobile 'phones.

Em told Mum that it was better to make presents because is showed people you loved them by making something specially for them that no one else had.

I'm so proud.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Seven Things Week 19

You know how I mentioned dying in the arse in my last post. I speak from experience.

All that knitting this last week has meant little time or inclination to evaluate the resident stuff. That and answering the phone to The Shopping Sherpa when she's in an op-shop.

IN (7)

1 pair shoes OP SHOP
2 bundles spinning fibre OP SHOP
1 spinning wheel OP SHOP c/- TSS
1 pair hand carders OP SHOP c/- TSS
2 projects alpaca blend yarn OP SHOP c/- TSS

OUT (17)

1 coffee cosy. GIFT
1 video cassette. GIFT
1 small basket. OP SHOP
6 books BOOKCROSSING
1 carton of about 200 copy safe sleeves reclaimed from old research notes etc. DONATED TO WORK
4 containers perfumed talc. 1 BIN, 3 GIFTS
1 scrubbing brush. Unhygenically old and mouldy. BIN
1 wooden spoon. BIN because it snapped at a point to far down the handle to turn it into a short handled spoon.
1 pair knitting needles TSS


SHAKE IT ALL ABOUT (7)

2 coffee cosies
1 Time Thief Watch Cap
3 Calometry headbands
1 rice bag turned into a project bag
all entirely from boodle, including the buttons.

TOTALS
IN 7
OUT 17
net out 10

SIAA 7

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Counting Calorimetries

It's that time of year again, twin niece birthday time. Well it's a month away, but when knitting for two of the same gender for the same day, some forward planning is required.

This year they are getting headbands. First off, Calorimetry from Knitty, Winter 2006.



The yarn is ancient Wangaratta Woollen Mills 12ply that was in Mum's stash in 80s. Ms Spider gave it her special treatment and voila - unique headbands for my favourite girls.

The pinky mauve one is knitted to the pattern but on smaller needles and is still too big. The blue one is about 1/3 smaller all over and is a better size. I've already knitted, but not photographed, a smaller version in the pinky mauve. Trust me, it's the same, but smaller.

The girls will be 13 this year and recently worked out that Auntie Taph always makes something for their birthday. Since Christmas, they've been looking quite closely at the needles for a sneak preview. Huh, I'm not that silly, all they've seen are endless beanies.

I intend two more headbands, probably Molly's Headband from the free Interweave Knits patterns. Haven't decided on yarns yet.

Over on Ravelry I signed up for the Knit a Mile Challenge. Knit a mile (1600 metres or thereabouts) of yarn between 5 Jan and 19 Feb. I signed up thinking it would be fun but not expecting to actually make it.

Progress to date. 900+m. 4 beanies, 3 Caliometries, 1 Clapotis and 2 coffee cosies.

I might actually get there or I could begin well and completely die in the arse. No saying really.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Completely Cosy


I loved doing the Coffee Couture so much, I turned around and did it all again but bigger and redder.

It's Dad's birthday tomorrow. 67 he'll be and finding a gift is increasingly difficult. His plunger is the 12 cup size, so I did some maths and added two extra cable patterns and cast on 100 stitches. I did an extra half a pattern repeat in length as well.

This yarn wasn't as thick as the first lot, so the cosy is a little more stretched out. After sewing the ribbing together I picked up 22 stitches along one edge leaving a little room for the handles, double ribbed for 5 rows, chucked in 3 yo button holes in the next row, then two more double rib rows and cast off in rib. This band could have been a little longer, but it will do.

I finally got to use these very cute wooden Scottish Terrier buttons again. I bought a heap of them at the Lisa Ho factory outlet in Sydney years ago and the last time I used them was on cot doona covers for the twins who turn 13 next month.
A workmate pointed out today that we could use a cosy on the plunger at work. Do you reckon I could just knit these until the end of the KAL?

Also finished yesterday was a Time Thief Watch Cap. I'm reusing a photo of one I prepared earlier to save hassle.

TTWC 2008.005 Recycled yarn.

Monday, January 07, 2008

No prisoners!

Culturevore 2008 activity began with a picnic under a tree. See the picture over on TSS's blog.


Here's the "It takes a village" frittata*. Free-range eggs, olive oil and mushrooms all from local growers, potatoes from friends in Crookwell, onion from friends across town, oregano and parsley from my garden, silver beet from Dad's garden and tomato from Miss Spider's garden. TSS made a carrot salad and couscous, and Spidey supplied fresh local apricots. The last three items were particularly appropriate because TSS and I then enjoyed the airconditioning of the Australian War Memorial's theatrette and watched a 4 hour free screening of Lawrence of Arabia.

Sadly, we were unable to consume TSS's banana pancakes but she assures me she will freeze them for next time.


Lawrence of Arabia is one of my favourite films, due in no small part to the eyes of Peter O'Toole and the screen presence of Omar Sharif. *sigh*.

Because it was such a looooong film, we completed three Time Thief Watch Caps, and got well underway with another two.

TTWC 2008.002-004

The screening was in association with an exhibition at the AWM. We might get to see that another day.

* VILLAGE FRITTATA - because Bells asked.


olive oil
1 largish onion, diced
3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (also good with half and half potato/sweet potato)
2 large handfuls of sliced mushrooms
3ish sprigs oregano, chopped (about a tablespoon or thyme or rosemary - woody herbs, all good) 2ish sprigs parsley, chopped (about a tablespoon)
1 large silverbeet leaf, finely sliced
8 large eggs, beaten seasoned with a little pepper
1 large tomato, finely sliced

Heat a very little oil in a heavy based fry pan
Cook onion and potato over medium flame for 10 minutes or until browned
Set potato and onion aside
Add mushrooms and herbs to pan to soften (you might need a little more oil), then add silverbeet to wilt.
Put potato and onion mixture back in pan and mix so you've got an evenish arrangement of veg around the pan.
Add eggs and cook over medium to low flame.
When eggs are almost cooked through (bubble holes appear on surface but the top is still a little runny), arranged sliced tomato on top and place under medium grill to brown.

Serve hot, warm or cold. Travels well.

This is what I did for yesterday's dish. It's a good for any veg you happen to have wilting in the fridge, a glut of on hand. The original recipe was bacon, chorizo and capsicum but this version is low salt, lower in saturated fats, gluten and dairy free. I have made it with left over diced roast potatoes which is really delish but generally ups the fat level. If you're using baked veg you only need to brown the onions, not the potatoes. Also, I usually add a clove of crushed garlic to the onion and potatoes if it's for home.

Because this is an eggy dish, it tastes MUCH better with good free-range eggs. If you don't have access to them, add a little butter to the frying oil or sprinkle a little paremesan on the top to add flavour. This also ups the saturated fat, salt and dairy content but it tastes really good.

Cafe society


Item 5 for the Yarn Knit Along, Coffee Couture by Megan Longhurst from Yarn 6.

MATERIALS: Just under 50g of an 8ply recycled from an op-shop jumper.

ALTERATIONS: None, but I'm tossing up about picking up some of the side stitches and making a button placket for added warmth.

It's a lovely quick knit. Perfect for last minute gifts. Not that there's anything last minute about this one - it's a 2008 Christmas gift for coffee loving friends. Oh, and I've added the pattern to Ravelry if you want to queue it.

I had some help. One of the blokes at work wanted to learn to knit. He did most of a row of double rib.

A larger version for Dad's birthday on Thursday has been cast on. Fingers crossed I got the numbers right.

Sunday, January 06, 2008

Seven Things Week 18

The purge continued this week, but now I'm back at work, things have slowed. There is still a long way to go, but the last couple of weeks have been good.

IN (21)

  • 3 books, OP SHOP
  • 2 facewashers, GIFTS
  • 2 hand towels, GIFTS
  • 6 Patons patterns, eBay
  • 3 video cassettes, OP SHOP
  • 5 sets knitting needles, OP SHOP
OUT (279)
  • 56 CDs – data & music, BIN and OP SHOP
  • 1 travel CD holder, OP SHOP
  • 34 Audio cassettes, BIN and RECYCLING
  • 31 Floppy discs, BIN and RECYCLING
  • 6 Bags – shopping totes and handbags, OP SHOP
  • 8 DVDs and video cassettes, OP SHOP
  • 8 Cones/skeins wool, GIFTS
  • 4 Bras – new and too small, WOMEN’S REFUGE
  • 12 Sewing patterns, OP SHOP
  • 1 calendar, RECYCLING
  • 3 Pieces sewing fabric, OP SHOP
  • 27 Postcards – the freebie/Avant Card collection was unearthed and culled, RECYCLING
  • 6 Cartons old files & personal papers, RECYCLING
  • 2 Souvenir spoons. My Nan was convinced I collected these things and gave me many, many of them. Also received lots of them as speakers’ gifts over the years. Most have been discarded but there’s a few more hiding around the place. For the record, I've NEVER collected them., OP SHOP
  • 21 books, BOOKCROSSING
  • 1 Walkman, OP SHOP
  • 1 emery board - worn out, BIN
  • 1 box assorted bonbonierie - I lived and worked in Marrickville for many years and attended my share of big fat Greek, Italian and Maltese weddings., BIN and OP SHOP
  • 2 soft toys, GIFTS
  • 1 shape-o, OP SHOP
  • 2 big boxes of beads, GIFTS
  • 3 biscuit tins, OP SHOP
  • 1 spindle DVDS, GIFTS
  • 4 hair accessories, BIN
  • 1 cd tower, AUSSIE JUNK
  • 1 dressmaker's dummy, AUSSIE JUNK
  • 1 bicycle, AUSSIE JUNK
  • 1 hand fan, OP SHOP
  • 4 facewashers and tea towels - originally towels cut down to tea towels and washers, then used as dusters. They've lived a good and useful life. BIN
  • 1 shawl, GIFTS
  • 1 beanie, GIFTS
  • 1 three hole punch, GIFTS
  • 10 picture frames, GIFTS
  • 3 souvenir brass rubbings, RECYCLING
  • 3 Christmas decorations, GIFTS
  • 1 wine rack, AUSSIE JUNK
  • 1 coat rack, OP SHOP
  • 1 suitcase, OP SHOP
  • 2 coffee mugs broken in the washing up, BIN
  • 11 embroidery kits, GIFTS

SHAKE IT ALL ABOUT (2)
Much sorting, carting away and tidying left little time for creation.

1 scarf
1 coffee plunger cozy

TOTALS

IN 21
OUT 279
NET OUT 258

SIAA 2

Saturday, January 05, 2008

Doctor, doctor, give me the news...


A friend told me that a doctor prescribed his aunt a glass of red wine and half an hour knitting a day to ward off heart disease and arthritis.

Prescription filled! Wonder if I can get Totem on the PBS?

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Vested Interest


The Jelly Belly Vest pattern by Jenny McElhinney from Yarn issue 1, December 2005.

SIZE: One size 12-18 months

YARN: 2 x 50g balls Nastro Four Seasons cotton/acrylic blend donated by Spidey, leftovers from one of her lovely creations. It's a weird yarn. 2 chains of different colours, in this case a pinky apricot and a cream that sit flat like a tape. Knits up pretty, though, and has an interesting texture.

ALTERATIONS: Knitted in the round to the underarms, then flat so there were only the shoulder seams to sew. Also, I used the same finishing on the armholes as the neckline instead of the pattern's double rib, mostly because I was concerned about running out of yarn. As it turns out, the concerns were well founded and I have a scant 4m left.

This is item four for the Yarn Knitalong. I goes in the box for the women's refuge.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Chunking up the New Year

Beanie 2008.001
PATTERN: Match Made in Heaven by Norah Gaughan from Family Circle Easy Accessories

YARN: Chinook, yarn cheese bought at the Smith Family in 2006 - still working through it.

NEEDLE: 10mm dpns thanks to Olivia.

Cast on at 8.00pm, photographed and put in the box 11pm, including Union of Crafters and Knitters mandatory tea and wee breaks.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Talk about a resolution, we-e-eell you know...

Last year's resolution (shelved to fund Dad's grand plans for my garden) has been resurrected.

Each month I'm going to buy something from an Australian independent fibre producer/artisan. NY resolutions are usually restrictive, and I wanted something joyous and positive, so that's mine.

I'll still be stash diving for most knitting projects but now I've got something to look forward to each month.
This list is probably waaaay out of date by now - if you know of any other local fibre producers/artisans, please let me know in the comments or by email.


A subset of this resolution is to continue to "knit the pretties". All those lovely yarns and spinning fibres that I have - well I deserve to knit them, so I will. Not all of them, obviously, but I'm giving myself permission to play.