Goodies!!

I consider myself most fortunate
From Karin





















From Polly



















During a rare visit to Liberty (more about that and my complete stupidity in a bit), I gave reverential compliments to Polly about these and pestered her about a suitable alternative yarn. She promised to send me said Malabrigo and true to her word Mr Postie gave me a package on Saturday. Thanks Polly.

During my visit to Liberty I sat opposite a blonde lady quietly knitting away. Since I have not visited the group in a long while, I assumed she was someone I had previously met, but probably just briefly. Son number 1 was in situ as well as Miss L and her troupe. I was assisting mother and daughter with their respective knitting projects so did not have very much chat time - coupled with the fact that we turned up half an hour before chuck out time. So imagine my shame while reading Yvonne's blog when I realised who she really was!! I mean, I've only been living breathing and eating dish cloth's for the past 5 weeks and experimenting with colours for my next cabin blanket, not to mention encouraging my friend to make the linen curtains!! And the co-author of one of my favourite books was less than 10 feet from me and I didn't even talk to her - such is life..............

A new year

Welcome to 2007!
I have not started the year with a clean slate but a manageable one in terms of knitting projects.
Like Polly I am setting myself realistic goals to achieve this year. A little brighter, a little healthier, a little humbler and more use of stash yarn!!

My Dad
Today my dad celebrates a special anniversary. He celebrates 50 years of life in England. He frequently recalls life when he first came to England. Having come from warm climates to England at the beginning of January, it's hardly surprising that the weather is one of his uppermost memories!!

My dad was the only one of 5 brothers to come to the UK. All my relatives are in the USA on my dad's side of the family - hence my dash to Tampa 2 weeks ago. At times this decision has left the family feeling isolated, but it meant that we rely on each other more to see us through tough times. As the children have grown and flown the coup, we have stayed close together geographically and emotionally.









My mum and dad at a Church gathering last summer

My dad would be the first to say his life here has been full of ups and downs. I don't imagine much has changed in 50 years for a young person trying to settle down in a new unfamiliar country. I will remain forever grateful to my dad for the opportunities he has given all of his children and the legacy he has created for his family. My son says with great pride "my gramps helped build Centre Point" each time we pass New Oxford Street in central London. He can still tell us how much cable it took to wire the building to provide electricity!! Way to go dad.

I often wonder if he had to do it all again, where he would decide to settle.

This said as I dash off to collect my nephews who are staying with us for as few days due to the loss of their maternal grandmother who passed away on Sunday evening.

Playing Catch Up

My feet are back on dry land. Will post more about my travels later.

My mum loves her cardigan, it fits perfectly. I had to get her out of her cozy bed when I went over to my parents house for a 2 minute stop yesterday - just so I could make sure it looked OK!! Dish cloth and home made soap found their way to intended owners and all is right with the world.

Knitting News
No knitting news a the moment - I have not been doing much of any project, just flitting from thing to thing - need to focus. I'm still playing catch up with hum drum things. I've lost a week and stupidly think I can get it back. I'll give up soon and go back to what I do best - feet up, audio book, knitting in hand, waiting for the house to clean itself.

Managed to get to Liberty last night (Took friends and children on a night bus tour to see the lights in London fair city). It was good to see familiar faces and inhale the essence that is inimitably Liberty. Mrs L went for the first time with her nearly finished Gwen (picture soon) and promised to visit again. I was a very good girl and have not purchased any sale yarn.... Yet.

It's too grey for pictures at the moment. I received goodies that I will share when there's a glimmer of light.

Wishing you all a Happy and Peaceful New Year.
May it bring good health and prosperity to you all.

Providence

I find myself in the enviable position of flying to the sunshine for a few days.
I will leave you with:


















These little buggers. I have decided that jewelry making and accessory making may not be for me. I managed to slice the palm of my hand open while creating these little darlings. Not the end of the world - I can still knit!! Lesson learned - do not work in the palm of your hand, that's what work mats are for, of which I have many!!

Knitting News
despite my injury, I am up to the armholes on Faye. I have had the back measured against me for peace of mind and am assured that it should be a good fit - (my terrible sewing up not withstanding). There are several dishcloths waiting to be tidied up and my sudden broodiness is being satisfied by a little number from Debbie Bliss isn't that the cutest??

Farewell uncle C.
The sheriff has gone to the big resting place in the sky.
Be sure to say hello from us down here.
Be at peace.

Another one bites the dust

Don't you just love pop songs, the lyrics come in so handy at times!!

The Debbie Bliss Ribbed Cardigan is finished and I am really pleased with it. I hope my mum likes it after all this. Photo's are not up to much. For an explanation go visit Purly Queen. Any excuse and I'm using it!!





























































































I'm still having problems with servers and cookies but I'm getting there. It's always been a fear of mine - messing with what I consider to be the underbelly of the computer!!

I've balled up my dyed goodies and will be working on them this week.


















I'm off to buy buttons for my mums cardi now. In the rain howling gales and dark skies..... Someone's got to do it.

Nearly there

Before I begin my knitting ramblings, I'd like to share a recent experience with you. I received a email proporting to be from a large reputable building society 2 days ago. The email directed me to a website where I was to go through a verification process or my account would be terminated - due to fraudulent attempts to gain access to my account. Although the graphic were superb the grammar was terrible (bit like mine!!). I contacted the building society who confirmed the email to be a scam, they advised me of what steps I should take to afford maximum protection. It has taken 2 days to make sure my PC has no embedded spy ware or trojans or what ever you call it and umpteen scans and reconfiguration processes - including messing up my server connection and a 90 minute call to tech support. This from a computer phobe - so you can imagine how peed off I am. If you are offered a little Xtra help - watch out.

Knitting News
My deadline to finish all (well nearly) my unfinished projects has come...... and gone. I am in the middle of the list. I've finished the pieces for the Debbie Bliss Ribbed Cardigan . It's waiting to be sewn and tidied up.


















I finished the back of Faye and am on the left front. I'm going slow on this. I recently viewed the finished article in the medium size. The model is a good size twelve it it engulfed her. She knit to tension so I'm wondering how mine is going to turn out - I've upsized it considerably.


















The Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK is still glaring at me - however I will be making a few subtle changes to the cable coat pattern. Oh - and the yarn has had babies - we now have 12 balls at home (thank you Lena!!) and my resolve has not wavered - I am winning the battle over startisits. The down side is I frequently stall on my existing projects, instead I spend the evening fawning yarn or looking at the patterns I'd rather be knitting. I'm hoping to plough through over the next week there's umpteen wash cloths and scarves waiting to be wrapped and gifted off.