Joy of Sox and Other Knitterly Escapades .....

The Most Special of Days

2011-05-25T12:10:00.003+01:00

May 21st was my daughter's wedding day. It was an amazing day from start to finish, and I hope the photos will speak for themselves. Much happiness was had by all. Enjoy............

It was the most perfect of days from start to finish :-)

Hitchhiker 2

2011-05-10T07:34:00.002+01:00

Now then, I don't think this pattern is going to go the way of the FCS, but this is my second Hitchhiker scarf.......

It's a birthday present for a friend. I'm hoping they are "her" colours, I think they are having done a litle stalking on Ravelry. The yarn is sadly now discontinued, being from The Knittery, but fortunately I still have a couple of skeins stashed away.

Not quite 42 "teeth" on this one. I increased the needle size to 4.5mm which probably has something to do with it as overall it's bigger.

I'm sorry that I don't always have time to reply to everyone's lovely comments, but I do appreciate them. I'm also sorry that I don't have as much time to visit my favourite blogs as I used to. I'm studying for a COPD diploma and have been working on my first piece of coursework. And there are also only 10 days to go until DD's wedding............................................................... :-)

A Forest Full of Canopies ;-)

2011-04-26T05:36:00.002+01:00

I remarked on Ravelry the other day that I really ought to buy another copy of this lovely pattern ;-) I've given up counting how many I've knitted it, but you know they are all so different it never really seems as though I am knitting the same thing..................

None of these is in my possession any more, as ever, they have gone to say "get well soon" or "thank you for having me" or something of that ilk.

So, here are 4 FCS's, not in any particular order, knitted using a variety of yarns and all rather different.

First up is one that was knitted with around 70g of Old Maiden Aunt merino yarn # Dreich.

This one using Fiddlesticks Country Silk # Desert Sand

This one using Artesano Inca Cloud. I particularly like this one. It was difficult to photograph the colour accurately though.

And finally this one, using yarn from the Unique Sheep # Hobbiton.

I don't just knit these of course ;-) Next week I'll show you what I'm up to at the moment.

And once again, thank you to everyone for entering my competition. I am so pleased that I have returned to my blog. I may not blog as prolifically as I used to or respond to everyone's comments, but I do appreciate them all.

The Marathon Man

2011-04-21T07:46:00.003+01:00

3 hours 5 minutes 17 seconds

This was the time in which DS ran the London Marathom this weekend. We are so proud of him. It was not an easy run as the weather was very warm, but it was a personal best time for him which is a great achievement.

We managed to see DS three times during the race. First of all we headed down to Surrey Quays, where amazingly we bumped into friends from home, then on the Canary Wharf and finally to Westminster before meeting him at Horseguards. Here are a few photos of the day.

A wonderful effort by so many people.

And finally, the lovely PixieMum has received her prize. How fitting that her daughter should have taken part in the marathon too. And just to show what a small world it is, we discovered that we have a mutual knitting friend. Awesome!

And the Winner is........

2011-04-01T13:10:00.001+01:00

PixieMum! Thank you so much to everyone who entered my little competition. I allocated you all a number this morning, and just entered the relevant information into a random number generater and voila!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

15

Timestamp: 2011-04-01 12:01:21 UTC

Thank you to everyone who commented, and encouraging me back to blogland. PixieMum, I'll just go and leave a post on your blog and ask you to email me. Well done!

Life, The Universe and Everything........

2011-03-23T21:01:00.003Z

..... or a Hitchhiker scarf ;-)

Mine has 42 teeth so it's a proper Hitchhiker, and I must say that I am really pleased with it. I used exactly one skein of Sweet Feet from Artist's Pallette Yarns # Sweet Pea which was a colourway from the 2009 Socktopus sock club. I bought a second skein of this, and currently have a pair of Monkeys on the go, although I have a distinct case of SSS.

The bamboo gives a wonderful drape.

I used size 8 Aero needles. It's lovely to have finished something that I really like!

Don't forgt my bloggiversary competion is still on the go for another week until March 31st!

Under the Sea

2011-03-14T08:39:00.000Z

More holiday photos, and all self-explanatory. The Red Sea is awash with coral and marine life, and it's stunning.

All taken from the jetty here

Although we were a bit taken aback by this

Mind you, it's not all marine life!

More photos to follow!

Didn't we Have a Lovely Time.......

2011-03-11T11:10:00.001Z

..... the week we went to Egypt :-)

When mum died last year, I went through a whole gamut of emotions. First of all there was guilt, guilt because I wasn't there, worse still I was away in London having a lovely time at Knit Nation. Then there was anger because her last year had been such a hard one. That was followed by relief (and then guilt again for feeling relief) that her struggle was finally over - because it was a struggle towards the end. Most of all though there was just an overwhelming sense of loss, and a great void in my life. It's all taken it's toll.

I've also had to come to terms with a permanent rift in my relationship with my brother, although ultimately this actually has been a very positive thing if that doesn't sound odd. We've always had an up/down/on/off relationship, not having to work so hard at something has been very liberating and far less stressful.

Finally I am able to feel very peaceful about it all. This has been helped no end by a family holiday in Sharm el Sheikh. I'd wanted something that we could all do together to remember mum, closure for all of us really, and deciding to go on holiday was the best decision I have ever made (almost!). As you might remember, mum loved her garden. The hotel was beautifully landscaped, and at first I would think "mum would like this" or "mum would like that" and then gradually I just felt that she was there with us, enjoying what we were enjoying, and that was a very comforting and healing thing to feel.

So, time for a few holiday photos. I'll probably make a couple of posts rather than overwhelm the thread. We stayed at the lovely Reef Oasis Blue Bay Hotel, and I'm afraid we didn't set foot outside the complex for the entire week!

First of all, there was the sunset as we flew into Egypt

Our lovely view of the pool from our room

Wonderful towel art!

Beautiful flowers

Here I am with my youngest DS - wearing my beautiful Sweet Pea shawl made by the lovely Franney

And with my beautiful daughter

And with Mr A

This was our favourite sunbathing terrace with a fabulous view

Another view from the terrace

And to end with for now, another sunset

More photos to follow in a few days!

I Love Days Like This!

2011-03-06T18:10:00.002Z

How lovely to return home from holiday to comments on my blog - some from old friends and some from new faces, and all very welcome :-)

I have just returned from a week's holiday in Sharm el Sheikh which was wonderful, and I'll tell you all about that in the next few days. I want to write about today first though, while it's still fresh in my mind.

This morning DD and I went to church to listen to her banns being read for the first time. What a wonderful way to start a day :-) There are 10 weeks and 6 days to go now until the wedding, not that I am counting or anything, but I am so excited.

I hotfooted it from the church at Eastnor to Droitwich, where the Droitwich Half Marathon was taking place, and arrived in time to watch DS1 complete the course in a personal best time, of just over one hour and 22 minutes, taking 30 seconds off his previous personal best. We were there with two of his old schoolfriends and their wives (it doesn't seem five minutes since they were all 7 years old never mind being married with wives but there you are) and have all been for a lovely pub lunch together, reminiscing about old times and generally enjoying each other's company.

And to cap it all, Liverpool have beaten Manchester United :-) Life doesn't get any better than this!

DS is on his way back to London now and some of the best photos are on his camera, but here's a flavour of the day for you.

Edited to add this lovely photo which was in Rob's camera. Don't you just love it!

Next stop London and the Marathon on April 17th. I am very much looking forward to another lovely weekend.

Bloggiversary Competion

2011-02-26T07:00:00.025Z

Some four years ago today I took a very tentative step into blogland. I had no idea how long I would blog for or indeed whether it would be my one and only post. I've been thinking about my poor neglected little blog for some time.

I spent a long time reading through four years of posts the other day and decided I'd missed my blog a great deal. So what better way to return to blogging that to have the almost obligatory bloggiversary competion. So I've put together a little package of goodies which could be yours - all you have to do of course is leave a comment here on my blog during the month of March. And every comment made will earn you an entry into the draw. Simples!

With a Little Help from my Friends

2011-02-19T23:06:00.000Z

Hopefully this is the first of many posts this year, that is if I can get my head round some of the changes here on Blogger ;-)

It's been a busy few months since I was last here. Life has gradually returned to something approaching normal but I have to say it has taken a while. I think I was on automatic pilot until Christmas, but I have definitely turned a corner now. Planning and getting ready for my daughter's wedding in May has been a most enjoyable way to concentrate the mind. And work keeps me very busy indeed.

I have been knitting a little, and for anyone who might be interested everything can be seen on my Ravelry projects page. This however is my latest FO, it's the Falling Leaves Wrap which seems to have taken me a very long time.

Several people helped me in the making of this by sending me their leftover yarn, you know who you are and thank you again. The yarn was a club yarn in the 2009 Socktopus sock club and is Toddy from The Yarn Yard a lovely mix of merino and nylon, great for socks and equally lovely for wraps too :-)

I used 4mm Aero needles and around 1.8 skeins of yarn.

Happy New Year!

2011-02-12T13:06:00.000Z

I bet that fooled you ;-)

Do you know, at the end of this month it will be my bloggiversary. My poor, sadly neglected little blog will be four years old!

I am determined that it will be neglected no longer, and have a little competion in mind.

I'l be back again on Monday with more details.

Hello again btw. I've missed you all :-)

Centrique

2010-09-18T09:35:00.005+01:00

Time for knitting. There has been a lot of knitting while I've been away from blogland, but it's all there on my Ravelry Projects Page should anyone feel the irresistable urge to look ;-)

I bought the yarn and pattern at Knit Nation - yes, last-in-first-out with the yarn again but it was such lovely yarn I just had to cast on. This is Centrique, and I used around 1.5 skeins of Fyberspates Scrumptious DK to knit it and I love it. It was mostly knitted on holiday, and was an ideal holiday project in that pattern was interesting without being complex.

It's beautifully soft and very very warm and I absolutely love it.

Consider the Cobwebs Blown

2010-09-16T17:32:00.007+01:00

Oh dear, lapsing again! Here am I back from holiday for almost 2 weeks and I haven't blogged about the rest of my holiday. Well as you can see the wind died down and we had the most perfect of weather. Just look at that fabulous sea a day later, as calm as a millpond.

Some souls even braved the water! Sooner them than me.

We went on a boat trip and saw this wonderful lighthouse. It's Longstone Lighthouse, from where Grace Darling and her father braved the sea and made their heroic rescue.

We also saw plenty of these. It's a privilege to be able to be so close. Sadly we were too late for the nesting birds, but not to worry, that's good reason to go back again ;-)

We visited Alnwick Castle where Harry Potter was filmed. The gardens there are lovely.

You couldn't say you weren't warned!

This is a cannibis plant. The sign reads "Please Keep Off The Grass" I like it!!

Here is Lindisfarne Abbey

And Lindisfarne Castle

I loved the walk from Craster to Dunstanborough Castle and have a friend to thank for making the suggestion.

And yet another castle, this one is Banborough.

Stunning views. I have really fallen in love with this beautiful part of the world.

I really can't think of a better place to have gone. Northumbria is a stunning area, and I am sure we saw just a small proportion of it's splendour. We all needed a break, somewhere to wind down and relax after the stresses and strains of recent weeks and months, and when times get difficult in the coming months I'll be able to draw strength from this week.

Blowing the Cobwebs Away

2010-08-30T05:39:00.005+01:00

There's nothing quite like a visit to the sea-side and those wonderful sea breezes to concentrate the mind.

I think you can see that there were a lot of white horses around yesterday, although the photos don't manage to convey just how breezy it was. I felt very sorry for the numerous campers in the area.

We were very lucky yesterday, and managed to dodge the squally showers and enjoy a wonderful walk in and around Beadnell Bay. I am hoping to find my sense of perspective this week, I'm sure it must be out there somewhere ;-)

DS in a vain attempt at stone skimming.

The wind was blowing so much I could barely stand still enough to take this photo, the masts and rigging were rattling away like cow bells in the Swiss Alps yet the water in the harbour is a still and calm as anything.

It's just beginning to get light here, and the sky is looking cloudy but they are light clouds not yesterday's heavy stormclouds. The birds are just waking up, and I might just as well be at home, I still can't seem to get a night's sleep. Hopefully another day out in the fresh Northumberland air will do the trick.

Something for Mum, Something for Baby

2010-08-24T06:50:00.007+01:00

A friend of mine had a beautiful little boy a few weeks ago. It's taken me much longer than it should have done to knit this for her.

I used just under three skeins of Rowan Pure Wool 4ply in total. I used 5mm needles for the FCS, it has one extra pattern repeat and six border rows. The hat and mitts can be found here and the little bootees are Magic Slippers.

Moving On

2010-08-21T10:54:00.002+01:00

Thank you all very much for your kind words in my previous post. Tuesday's service was of great comfort, and I'm finding new strength every day. I hope this doesn't sound too morbid, but mum is in the most peaceful of places with a wonderful outlook and reunited with dad and my brother. The last year has been such a hard one for her, and there was a lot of pain, I'm pleased that her pain has gone, and she will never leave me, so how can I be sad?

My family have been magnificent in their support. My two boys were bearers on Tuesday and I am so proud of them

There were so many people! People from the town I grew up in and had not seen for years, but it seemed like only yesterday as the years rolled back. My mother's family, aunts, uncles, cousins. My father's family, my stepfather's family, so many people, some of whom travelled a long way to be there, how kind of them, and how comforting.

Tuesday was not without it's share of drama. A friend of my brother collapsed just as we all left the church and an ambulance was called. My brother travelled with him to hospital, fortunately he recovered sufficiently to be allowed home later in the evening. Although it was all very stressful at the time - I spoke to, thanked and said goodbye personally to upwards of seventy people which was exhausting, I am pleased that things were not as serious as at first thought.

The eagle eyed amongst you may have noticed a change in blog title. I feel it's time for a change, and it's confusing to be Aknita in blogland and Thimblina on Ravelry, especially when most people just call me Joy anyway. I think Thimblina will have to remain my Ravelry name, just about every variation of Joy is taken but I'm working on it.

I've missed blogging, and hope to update more regularly from now on.

It's Been a Long Time...........

2010-08-16T08:54:00.006+01:00

........since I blogged.

The last time I was here, mum was in hospital, wasn't she. She spent some five months there in total, before moving across to Malven to live in a wonderful nursing home - which really did become her home - for which I will be forever grateful.

Some of you may remember this blog post.

The last eleven months have been the hardest of my life. However, knowing that mum has been so well cared for and loved in her final few months has been of great comfort. And I've been able to see her almost every single day which has been just wonderful. It's not been easy for her, she had yet another heart attack followed by more episodes of chest pain and emergency admissions, and her health gradually declined until she became so very tired.

She was still mum though. She may not have known quite who I was (I was most often referred to as Betsy) but she knew that she knew me, and that was enough.

Mum finally passed away, very peacefully, on July 31st, aged 92. Her funeral is tomorrow. I haven't even begun to think about how much I am going to miss her.

I've missed just one day at work. People ask how I am and I say "I'm fine, thank you", when all I really want to do is curl up somewhere and shut out the world.

I have absolutely no idea how I am going to get through tomorrow.

A Brief Update

2009-11-02T12:11:00.004Z

I haven't updated my blog for such a long time, for which I'm very sorry. I did manage to load a few photos from the I Knit Weekend but that sadly was as far as it got. Which is a shame, it was a wonderful couple of days which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I'm only hear today by virtue of being at home nursing a chest infection ( and feeling pretty rubbish to boot ) but I do intend to try to start blogging again soon because it's something I enjoy.

One of the reasons for my prolonged absence is that my mother has been in hospital for almost 9 weeks. Sadly, she won't be able to return to her own home, and I am currently looking into Nursing Home care locally to me for her. This has come at a time when I have started a new job ( no more nights, yay ) which I am thoroughly enjoying but is a bit of a learning curve and is taking some adapting to, so all in all life is a little testing at present to say the least.

So while I am not giving up blogging, it's just on hold for a little while. Please bear with me, I'll be back when I can.

Another Forest Canopy

2009-09-08T11:59:00.002+01:00

I make no apologies for yet another one of these. When a friend needs a hug, and they are too far away, hopefully one of these is the next best thing.

The yarn is Lochan from The Yarn Yard. I used 4.5mm needles and there are four extra pattern repeats and six border rows.

The tencel gives the fabric a lovely sheen, and it also drapes beautifully.

Fibrefest 2009

2009-08-23T09:46:00.012+01:00

What a wonderful day I had yesterday. Mr A and I chose to spend our 28th Wedding Anniversary doing entirely different things - he went off to watch his beloved Shrews play football, I went down to Fibrefest for the day.

I needed to deliver the FCS for p/hop, and I had also promised to help my friend Juliet of Artists Palette Yarns on her stall so I was looking forward to a day with a difference.

Fibrefest is held biennially at the wonderful setting of Coldharbour Mill. It's hard to imagine a lovelier place to visit, and who would know that the M5 is just 10 minutes away - it's another world altogether.

I love festivals such as Fibrefest as it gives the opportunity to discover vendors one wouldn't normally see. This stall for example, Atomic Knitting, featured some of the most imaginative stitch markers I have come across for a long time.

And there is always spinning to see of course :-)

Here are Anni and Simon of Yarn Addict. It was lovely to catch up with Anni again, and see her lovely shawls in person, especially the new Trinity Shawls.

And here is the p/hop Knitting Emporium looking suitably busy.

And forgive this little indulgence, but here's the FCS I showed you in my previous post. I feel quite maternal about these shawls, and I'm hoping it is won by someone who will look after and appreciate it.

Here are the lovely yarns on the Artists Palette stall. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed my day - or how exhausting it was! I am full of renewed admiration for all vendors, thay have much more stamina than I do!

Even the car parking was picuresque yesterday :-)

And finally, my purchases. Two balls of Peaches and Creme from First 4 Yarns

This wonderful yarn from The Thylacine

And this from The Old Piggery

Fibrefest was a truly wonderful day out, and I will certainly go again the next time. I met so many old friends, and even cyberfriends for the first time, and although I am shattered this morning it was worth every single minute :-)

Knitting in Black and White for p/hop

2009-08-17T09:49:00.007+01:00

Here's yet another Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl. This one was knitted using Caber from The Yarn Yard, I used 4mm needles and there are 6 extra pattern repeats and 10 border rows.

Yet again, this isn't for me. This shawl is due to be raffled once again for p/hop at this weekend's Fibrefest. I've not been to Fibrefest before, and I am really looking forward to it. Saturday is my 28th wedding anniversary, Mr A is off to watch his beloved Shrewsbury Town, so I am having a day out myself. I'll be helping out in the p/hop Knitting Emporium, and also helping Juliet of Artists Palette Yarns, so do say hello, I'll be wearing my Ravelry Thimblina badge. And do go and visit the lovely people from p/hop. They will have some lovely knitting patterns available in exchange for donations as well as the shawl.

I'm often asked why I knit so many of these, and there really isn't one answer to this. I have a real affininity with the pattern, and it gives me a great deal of pleasure to knit. I also have a real affinity with sock yarn ;-) and a lot of frends. So when birthdays or Christmases or special occasions come along, what better way to gift a skein of yarn. I get double the pleasure you see, not only do I get to gift the yarn, I get to knit with it as well :-)

I also here need to say a huge thank you to Susan who designed the Forest Canopy. Whenever I want to offer one of these for auction or raffle she never fails to give her permission for me to do so. Thank you Susan :-)

Another Ishbel

2009-08-10T06:13:00.006+01:00

One of the things I love about knitting is the wonderful people you get to meet :-) Juliet ( of Artists Palette Yarns ) and I go to the same knitting group on a Tuesday evening, and wouldn't have otherwise met each other. Juliet is going to be a vendor at next weekend's Fibrefest, and wants her yarns knitted into projects as a showcase for customers to see how a yarn looks and feels when knitted up, which is how I came to knit this Ishbel for her I'm so pleased I have, not only have I tried a new yarn, I've used different colours for me ( although they are hard to photograph accurately ).

The yarn is Sweet Feet, which is a fingering weight yarn. Each skein contains 400m, and is a mix of 80% merino and 20% Bamboo. It is beautifully soft, and has a lovely drape, perfect for shawls and scarves. I used 4mm needles.

I made 2 small modifications to the pattern. I found the bind-off tight for blocking last time and so knitted rather than purled the bind off row ( as you do with a fcs ) which helped enormously. I also found last time that the eyelets along the top of the shawl varied in size because of doing them on a purl row, so instead of k3, yon at the beginning of every row I did k2, yon, k1 which solved the problem regarding the difference in size although I'm not sure about the appearance of the eyelet

Exotic Socks :-)

2009-08-02T19:11:00.004+01:00

There are some lovely sock patterns around aren't there. Yet sometimes I find only a basic sock recipe will do otherwise the yarn uses that special je ne sais quoi - yes, I know le Tour is all over for another year but you know what I mean, sometimes a yarn gets lost in a pattern.

These are socks for me, so they are a size UK 7 knitted using 2 x 2.5mm circular needles. The yarn is Regia Design Line Kaffe Fassett # Exotic Pool and I love how it works.

I did make an error with the first sock. I'm still new to using two circular needles, and I muddled when to K2 tog and SSK and so one gusset is slightly different to the other one. I noticed what I had done far too late to set about frogging, so we'll call it a design feature shall we, and I won't make the same mistake again!

Hemlock Ring blanket

2009-07-31T00:16:00.008+01:00

I am such a bad blogger. Here's le Tour de France over for another year days ago, and have I shown you my Maillot Jaune project - non!

Apologies mes amies, et regardez vous ici. Voila, le Hemlock Ring Blanket.

I used 4 skeins of Cascade 220 in # Kansas from their Heathers range, with 5.5mm needles.

This is the Emily Ocker method of casting on for circular shawls, and it's fab.

Here is the central flower emerging.

I am really pleased with the blanket. The edges are a little frilly which makes for patient blocking, but the end result is well worth all the effort.

I thoroughly enjoyed this year's Tour de France KAL which made the transition from Blogger to Ravelry brilliantly.

Le Tour de France

2009-07-08T10:27:00.006+01:00

Bonjour et bienvenue à mon petit blog. Oui, mes amies, it's that time of year again, the Tour de France KAL is with us.

This year it is Ravelry rather than blog based, and it's made the transition pretty darn well I'd say.

I am trying fr a Maillot Jaune this year and am attempting a Hemlock Ring blanket. More of that to come in another post.

This is my own little personal Time Trial project - yes, that's right, it's the perennial Forest Canapé mes amies, c'est très jolie n'est pas.

I do believe my franglais is improving ;-)

This was knitted using an as yet un-named yarn from The Yarn Yard, it's a merino/nylon/cashmere mix and it's wonderfully soft to knit with. I used 5mm needles and it's destined to be a gift for a friend

More KAL news in my next post.

Woolfest 2009

2009-07-01T08:28:00.011+01:00

Goodness, it's that time of year again! This was my third, and by far busiest Woolfest, and I enjoyed it immensely. But boy was it hot!

Mr A and I were directed to the overspill car park at 10:15 on the Friday morning which was an indication of the busy morning to come.

We soon made some new friends :-)

Sock blockers in all sizes imaginable on the Laal Bear's stall

We spent a lovely morning there on Friday, and then Mr A and I left to enjoy an afternoon on Ullswater which provided a welcome respite from humid Cockermouth. We took a lovely trip on an Ullswater Steamer which was the perfest way to see the area.

The weather closed in somewhat though which gave us a different outlook altogether.

But we did see this mum and her babies out for an afternoon swim - aaahhhhh!

On Saturday I attended a masterclass in Estonian Knitting with Nancy Bush. Nancy's calm and gentle outlook and obvious passion for all things Estonian made for a wonderful day - even if it was so hot it almost turned into a felting class ;-) I promise never to uses an "easy" way to knit a nupp and will always use the traditional method!

Some of Nancy's lovely work.

After the class therewas time for one last wonder around. The Laal bear again.

Fibrespates

The Yarn Yard

p/hop were situated very conveniently in between the ice cream and The Yarn yard :-) they were wonderfully successful, and their sale of p/hop patterns, together with the generous donation from Kindred Knitters and the shawl raffle raised a staggering £894.78. Well done to Ambermoggie and Wye Sue for all their hard work on the Kindred Knitters stall.

This lovely stall was the University of Cumbria.

This was the Kindred Knitters area - a haven for weary Ravellers and bloggers.

This is Mr Mogs looking on while Lou from p/hop being presented with the kindred Knitters donation.

Our last night out saw Mr A and I head for The Bitter End, a pub with it's own brewery. Much better than the dreadful restaurant we at in the previous evening ( the restaurant and it's food were lovely, it's clientele leaves a lot to be desired )

Our table looked right into the brewery - now that's what I call a table with a view :-)

More Hopsox

2009-06-24T09:33:00.005+01:00

I thought I'd knit another pair of these just to make sure the frst pair wasn't some sort of a fluke ;-)

These socks have kept me company on a variety of train journeys recently and was knitted variously on the train to London ( theatre, League 2 Play Off Final ) Coventry ( Ravelry Day ) Manchester ( work ) and back in London again ( Artist’s Pallete Trunk Show at Socktopus and Wimbledon ) What a lot of lovely memories it holds already.

It was also frogged at length at Socktopus on Sunday 21st June, but was successfully resurrected at Wimbledon the following day. It was the sock of doom on Sunday, but I finally beat it into submission ;-)

This is a p/hop sock and as such will be on the p/hop stand at Woolfest and Fibrefest and I Knit Day.

I used Dream in Colour Smooshy # Go Go Grassy and two 2.75mm circular needles to knit them with.

They fit really well and I am very pleased with them. The pattern can be downloaded here if you would like it. Or there is a little link in my sidebar.

Knitting for a Small Person

2009-06-18T10:51:00.005+01:00

I love the rare occasions when I can do some baby knitting and this is no exception :-) I was delighted when I knew that this particular friend was having a baby boy, and although I knitted the back, fronts and sleeves of this a few weeks ago, I didn't knit the band and finish it off until after he had safely arrived.

This is Devan from Spring '04 Knitty. I used Opal Magic Sugar Almond Blue and a contrast ball of Regia sock yarn.

I used mattress stitch for the first time when sewing in the sleeves, but I'm afraid the navy yarn defeated my poor old eyes, and I sewed the side and sleeve seams in my usual way.

It took me ages to sew up - almost as long as it did to knit! Isn't knitting for a knitter just the most daunting thing!

This little hat and socks are a Sue Morgan pattern. You will have to scroll down to see it.

Race For Life 2009

2009-06-14T14:09:00.008+01:00

How can it be this time of year again already! Time has a habit of flying by at a rate of knots, and it really doesn't seem a year since last year iyswim ;-)

As ever Race day dawned with the sun shining and blue skies. Worcester seems blessed with the weather on these occasions, and today was no exception. Just look at these lovely views across the bridge to the other side of the river and ultimately Pitchcroft.

It's a long old trek from the car park to the start of the Race - I'd walked at least a mile before I started!!!!!

Mr A came along for moral support and was in charge of the photos. Here go the last of the runners before we walkers get going.

I am in there - honest ;-)

I have no idea how long these two kept this up for! Sooner them than me.

Soon it was time to leave the racecourse and head into the city.

Almost there! There's always an uphill section at the end, but I've just done it here which is why I'm smiling.

I was so pleased to cross the finishing line. This was my fifth consecutive Race for Life, and I have to say it was the most difficult to date. I had an emotional moment about half way through when I remembered why I was doing it this year and I found it hard going after that. My time was around that of last year, but now that it's all done my hip hurts like heck and I shall have to think very carefully about doing it next year.

I'd like to thank each and every one of you who sponsored me. I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you and I have been overwhelmed by your generosity.

Thank you!

Learning Curves

2009-06-13T07:54:00.010+01:00

What a wonderful day I had on Thursday, London Underground notwithstanding. I had been looking forward to my workshops with Jared Flood ( aka Brooklyn Tweed ) for ever such a long time, and wasn't about to let the tube strike detract from that in any way at all.

I was awake at 4:30! By the time I arrived at Paddington, I felt as though I had been up all day :-) The staff at Paddington were incredibly helpful, providing both maps and up to date information. It wasn't their fault that a journey which would normally take 20 minutes took the best part of two and a half hours...............

I took two workshops on Thursday, "Plan Your Own Aran" and "An Introduction to the Hemlock Ring". Take a look at that flip chart - yes, you've got it, maths ;-)

We were given some wonderful yarn with which to swatch. Please note the workspace of a tidy and organised knitter ;-)

Here is Jared showing us one of his wonderful sweaters.

And where Jared goes, the paparazzi follow ;-)

Here is the Cobblestone sweater. You might be forgiven for thinking that it's just a bit of old stocking stitch with a few rows of garter stitch thrown in. It's actually an intricately designed and beautifully constructed garment with very sophisticated shaping on the yoke. I am going to have to knit one of these for Mr A very very soon.

Never was a flip chart so widely photographed!

And don't you just love this photo - these classes were FUN as well as work, and it shows, doesn't it.

Swatching progress. We were practicing shaping, and were introduced to a new method of producing a left leaning decrease known as SYTK that's slip, yank, twist, knit.

Jared is a wonderful teacher, and I have taken a great deal from his workshops. My little head is brim full of ideas and I am full of enthusiasm and oomph!

I love the social side of worshops too, and this one was no exception. The internet has been a revelation to me, and through it I have met people I would never have met, and made some wonderful friends. As ever, Alice ( Socktopus ) was such a generous host, and most of us decamped to the pub afterwards. It was lovely to catch up then with friends from previous workshops, and I am afraid it was gone 11:00 by the time this stop out got back to the Travelodge!

What a wonderful surprise then the following morning to open my curtain to see this view from my window :-) London never ceases to surprise me :-)

My journeyback to Paddington was thankfully uneventful and took the usual 20 minutes. I had the most amazing and wonderful time, and will see some of you again in a couple of weeks.

Ravelry Day 2009

2009-06-07T18:49:00.010+01:00

What can I say? Not a cloud in the sky for almost two weeks, along comes Ravelry Day and down came the rain. Did it matter - not one little bit. The stallholders were wonderful despite the typical June day ;-) and seemed very busy all day, attracting passers-by as well as Ravellers.

Some Saturday shoppers were a little bemused. "More yarn" was often the puzzled expression, but all in all the good people of Coventry seemed very pleased to have the stallholders there.

The venue for the Day was wonderful. I can't praise highly enough everyone involved - not only the organisers who did such a wonderful job, but the people from the church too who made such a good job of keeping us all fed and watered. Even the Minister was walking around chatting to us all and collecting coffee cups.

My day was made all the more special by the workshop I attended. Plan Your Own Aran with Jared Flood was a wonderful two hours. I shall never be afraid to cable without a cable needle again. Who knows, I might even be tempted to steek!

I didn't manage a photo of Jared, an oversight that I intend to corrct this coming Thursday.

Meg Swansen gave a most enjoyable talk. She has a stash room of which I am very envious, and it was a pleasure to sit and listen to some amusing family anecdotes and her warm reminiscences about her mother.

I met so many friends, old and new. I am bound to forget someone, but Tricia, Ruth, Carol, Ali, Sandra, Claire, Liz, Blossom, Hayley, Jo, Jane, Jacky, Jeni, Heather,........... it was lovely to talk to you all :-) I will see some of you on Thursay.

Here are a few photos of the day - starting with my favourite.

The knit and natter room was always very popular

This particular shopping opportunity was always very busy

And in true British style, a little drop of rain wasn't going to deter anyone

The Natural Dye Studio - always popular wherever they are

Inside the lovely Main Hall waiting for Meg Swansen. What a lovely room.

Meg Swansen

Ishbel

2009-05-31T10:15:00.008+01:00

First of all may I say a huge thank you to everyone who bid recently for Happy. He is on his way to a new home for the princely sum of £35:00 which is wonderful. Thank you very much to Kathryn who placed the winning bid.

Now then here is Ishbel. Knitted using Baby Camel and Silk from Knitwitches, I am really pleased with how this little shoulder shawl has turned out. I bought the yarn at last year's Wonderwool Wales. It is incredibly soft and drapes beautifully, with a lovely sheen.

I used 4.5mm needles, and although I knitted the smaller version of the two shawls I knitted an extra repeat of Sections A and B. I had 10g of yarn left over.

This yarn isn't called Seriously Gorgeous for nothing!

Down Wembley Way

2009-05-25T11:03:00.007+01:00

I'm sure you all know by now what an avid Liverpool supporter I am, and while DD has followed in my footsteps, DS2 has followed Mr A and become a Shrewsbury Town supporter. Ah well, you can't win them all ;-)

Mr A has followed Shrewsbury for ever, and has seen some wonderful matches at their old ground, The Gay Meadow, most notably FA Cup defeats of Manchester City and Everton. The Shrews have moved out of the town centre to the wonderful Pro-Star Stadium, but memories of The Meadow will linger on for ever. I've spent many a cold, wet miserable evening on the terraces wishing I was somewhere else ........... ;-)

Each season has it's ups and downs, this season saw Shrewsbury claim victory in a dramatic penalty shoot out win in the play off semi-final against Bury leading to a place in the final.

Now then, love them or hate them, the play offs are here to stay. Saturday last saw the League 2 Play Off Final at Wembley, between Gillingham and Shrewsbury Town, and what a wonderful day out it was. I have only ever been to Wembley once ( and that was to a Rolling Stones gig ) so it was a real treat.

Sadly the match ended with a loss for The Shrews but here a few photos of the day. There's always next season ;-)

A Binty Bear for Race For Life

2009-05-17T13:13:00.012+01:00

When I can work out how to download photos from Picasa3 onto my blog I'll tell you all about my recent holiday in The Moselle Valley.

In the mean time I am having a very special auction for Race for Life over on Crafty Threads n Yarns for a Binty Bear - his name is Happy and isn't he just GORGEOUS :-)

You can read about the auction here and if you would like to place a bid please let me know in the comments box and I will update the forum. The auction closes on 31/05/2009 at 7:00pm and the winner will donate directly to Race for Life via the widget in my sidebar. I'll update this post when the bid total changes for non-forum members.

Bidding currently stands at £35:00

Hopsox

2009-04-30T16:13:00.008+01:00

Technically speaking this should be Hopsock because so far there is only the one ;-)

You might remember that this is the Year of the Workshop. Last month I attended a workshop at Socktopus in London, with Cookie A. Cookie helped me to understand that I could in fact "do" charts and graph paper and maths and stuff, because let me tell you C.S.E Grade 3 is a dim and distant memory ;-) I like to be told what to do, not work it out for myself!!!!!!

I chose my stitch pattern, I have been plotting and graphing and working out the rib and counting stitches and this is the result.

Knitted using Yarn Yard Bonny in the colourway dyed for last Year's Tour de France. I used 2 2.5mm circular needles, and am going to write the pattern up tonight. I have two test knitters, and if the pattern stands up then I am hoping it will become a p/hop pattern.

A Marathon Weekend

2009-04-27T12:14:00.043+01:00

I have had simply the best weekend ever. After briefly flirting with the idea of cloning myself so that I could go to Wonderwool Wales let me tell you I wouldn't have swapped the London Marathon for anything.

Mr A and I left for London just after lunchtime on Friday and arrived at Paddington at 4:30. We were staying at Passfield Hall which is LSE student accommodation and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. We have stayed in student accommodation in London for years, long before Robert went off to university there, it's basic but clean and comfortable and excellent value for money.

Friday evening was lovely, we went for a meal in our favourite bistro, Savoir Faire in New Oxford Street, and then spent a wonderful couple of hours at the theatre with Haispray.

Saturday was my birthday - I've been 27 for some 26 years now ;-) and after a lovely breakfast we headed for Russell Square tube and then Covent Garden. On the way to the tube I had a deja vu moment when we walked passed the hotel which was the venue for the first iKnit day.

When we arrived at Covent Garden we spent a wonderful couple of hours at the Transport Museum.

I may be a year older, but that doesn't stop me behaving like a child sometimes ;-)

Lunch was a M&S sandwich on the steps of St Martin in the Fields - what a view :-)

What we did next requires no explanation. Not for the easily offended, Priscilla Queen of the Desert was just wonderful, although there is something faintly disturbing about Jason Donovan in a corset ....................

The theatre was followed by a lovely meal out with our eldest son, Robert, who was due to run in the Marathon the following day and needed some winding down and ego boosting. Bless him, he had been into IKnit and bought me a voucher, with no prompting whatsoever.

Sunday dawned a beautiful sunny day. Mr A and I headed for Canada Water on the Jubilee Line. Surrey Quays, the 9 mile marker was our destination, and we found a viewing spot and waited. We saw the elite men go past.....

....followed by the pack. How one is supposed to spot anyone is a mystery to me. We did, we sw him and he saw us, but all we managed to photograph was a waving arm.

So then it was off to Canary Wharf, where we waited at the 30km stage, somewhere between 18 and 19 miles. We saw Nell Mcandrew go past loking very fresh and full of running.

Robert is the runner all in black on the right hand side.

Back on the tube again to Westminster.

Sorry about the blurry photo.

And there he goes, almost there. I can't tell you how emotional it is to see someone you love as they make their way around the course.

Then it was off to St James park to be reunited.

And there he was, as fresh as a daisy! he had just run 26 miles, 385 yards in a time of 3h:07m:48secs and he looked better than I did. He finished overall in a position of 1401! Amazing. There were tears!

And here are my two favourite boys :-)

We were soon joined by Robert's friends, and we made our ways out and into the crowds. Amazingly we bumped straight ino an old school friend of Robert's who was working as a volunteer for Shelter. What a small world.

Sadly Mr A and I had to leave to catch our train home. It was back to Passfield to collect our luggage, we had time for a sandwich in Gordon Square which is adjascent to Passfield, and was a lovely place to sit before returning home.

It was quite simply a wonderful, wonderful weekend.

More Socks!

2009-04-22T14:54:00.004+01:00

More socks! Whatever has happened to me? This is another pair for Mr A and he chose the yarn himself while I was rummaging through my couple of stashed skeins of sock yarn ;-)

I bought the yarn last year when I visited the I Knit Shop, it is from the Kaffe Fasset Design Line range and the colourway is Landscape Fog. Mr A has size 10 feet, and I only had 2 marble sized balls of yarn left over, so if you want a larger pair out of two balls it might be an idea to knit a shorter cuff than the 20cm I knitted.

This is the first time I have used Regia yarn, and I really like the way it has knitted up. I have also used two circular needles as opposed to my usual dpns, and I think this will soon become my preferred method.

Never Say never Again ...........

2009-04-16T16:01:00.011+01:00

Sometimes you just have to scratch an itch :lol:

This FCS was knitted using yarn from The Knittery. It is a merino/cashmere/nylon blend and it is quite the nicest yarn I have ever knitted with - and that includes DIC Smooshy. I bought it off Alice at the I Knit Stich'n'Bitch day in 2007, and have another identical skein here waiting to be knitted.

Sad to say The Knittery is not dyeing at present and the shop is closed. At some stage it may return on Etsy, but I would urge anyone who wanted some to try to nab some from Alice before it's all gone.

Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl

Yarn: Merino/Cashmere from The Knittery

Needles 5mm Aero Straights

There are 2 extra pattern repeats and 12 border rows. It was a gift for a friend.

Hillsborough

2009-04-15T07:51:00.000+01:00

Today is the twentieth anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster. I'm not sure what else to add to that really. It seems incomprehensible that 96 ordinary people, just like you and me, men, women, children, young and old, could lose their lives just by going to a football match.

Reading accounts of what happened twenty years on makes it all seem more harrowing somehow, particularly as it could all so easily have been avoided. Events of yesterday put into today's context always do somehow - social attitudes, for example, change imperceptibly day by day, yet life then compared with now seems very different. The general acceptance of those who should have been helping was that it was trouble brewing. Ambulances were turned away and told they weren't needed - can you imagine!! That's what's so hard to accept. And no-one really has ever been held accountable. Yes, changes were made, but no-one was ever made to stand up and be counted! The Sun ought to make very interesting reading today, as it was responsible for the most contemptable journalism ever at the time.

I'm sorry - I wasn't going to say all that but I still feel so very angry about it all.

What an emotional day today will be, for families, friends, fans, anyone who was involved on that fateful day. I remember where I was and what I was doing at the time as clearly as I remember yesterday.

God Bless. You'll Never Walk Alone!

Ladybird, Ladybird

2009-04-11T17:31:00.006+01:00

As promised, here are the Ladybird socks that I knitted on holiday. I really like them, the pink is such a pretty shade.

I used a basic sock recipe, knitted 10 rows of a twisted rib, and knitted through the back of the purl stitches on alternate rows on the heel. I used 2.5mm dpns.

The yarn was a very thoughtful Christmas present from a friend.

Mosquitos 8 Aknita 0

2009-04-08T11:16:00.017+01:00

I realise that I have been AWOL for some time, for which I apologise. The wonderful Cookie A workshop ( more on that soon ) was followed rapidly by a holiday in Sharm el Sheikh at this wonderful hotel and what a wonderful holiday it was.

I never cease to be amazed that just a few plane hours away is a place where the sun always shines. I love the Red Sea area and it's resorts, and would go back in a whisper.

Here are a few photos, in no particular order. This first one, for example, was taken from the coach window when we left. It was the first time I had set foot through the front of the hotel since I had arrived!!!!!!!

Here I am in my usual post prandial haunt - the bar. There's nothing quite like a daiquiri after lunch - or before come to that ;-)

And here I am on our patio with a sock. I took a set of bamboo dpn's on the plane without any trouble, and managed a pair of ladybird socks while I was away. Mohammed, Saad and Khalid who made life by the pool so relaxing and comfortable, named me Mrs Tricot ;-)

Doesn't the pool look wonderful. Mr A is an even earlier bird than I am, hence the paler skies and lack of sunbed use, it was around 7:00 am.

This is Baron Boulevard, leading from the hotel to the beach.

And a view back towards the hotel from the jetty - which was very wibbly wobbly I can tell you.

The pool was fab. Honestly, the most taxing part of my day involved deliberating whether it would be the beach or the pool!! The pool was closer..........

Just look at that sky!

Oh and the mosquitoes? Little beggars, they seem to like me. I use a mosquito spray, wear no perfumed products, use after sun with a repellant in, use a coil in the hotel room and STILL they bite me! I must be made of good stuff!!!!!!!!!!!

The Year of the Workshop

2009-03-13T16:34:00.001Z

I find I am becoming more and more fascinated by knitting and it's constuction, how it all works really, and to this end I am turning into a bit of a workshop junkie.Towards the end of last year there was How to Finish 1 with Debbie Abrahams and the wonderful retreat with Lucy Neatby.Last month there was How to Finish 2 with Debbie Abrahams. That was a great workshop where I learned a very great deal. As ever on these workshops I found I learned from fellow knitters too. My confidence had a boost too when Debbie admired my FCS ( the one in my avatar ), and also my Cranford Mitts.

Next week I am attending a workshop at Socktopus with the great Cookie A. Time willl tell if I have an over inflated opinion of my ability, but it's a once-in-a lifetime opportunity.

June sees UK Ravelry day in Coventry and "Plan Your Own Aran" with Jared Flood. The following week will see me at Socktopus with two more Jared Flood workshops booked. I do hope I won't seem like a stalker.........

The end of June brings Woolfest and joy of joys a day's Estonian Lace workshop with the wonderful Nancy Bush. My little head is reeling, I was camped out by the letter box this morning as tickets for this had started to arrive yesterday.

Then there is Iknit day, whereupon I must confess a sort of headless chicken approach to workshop booking, Estonian lace with the Dutch Knitters ( my insurance policy in case Woolfest didn't come through ) Universal Mitred Bag and Modular Knitting with Annie Modesitt, Traditional Fair Isle Knitting Techniques with Alice Starmore as well as an Alice Starmore presentation, Influences on Design.Phew! Perhaps I should dig out my autograph book.

There IS knitting going on, but I am in for the long haul I am afraid. I am knitting Muse from the Classic Reminiscence book using Pima Cotton. I was experiencing dreadful rowing out, so am trying to use Annie Modesitt's combination knitting see here and here which has helped enormously, but it is slow going. Maybe a progress photo next time.

Om Shanti Bed Socks

2009-02-28T21:59:00.011Z

These socks are the first socks from the Socktopus Sock Club this year. The yarn is Evolution and the colour is Peppermint Cheer.

The socks include such techniques as a provisional crochet cast on, short row garter stitch toes and heels, ( where the wraps are left in situ ) and with the heel worked over 60% of the stitches resulting in less strain on the heel joining points.

The stitch pattern is an Estonian 3-cross stitch pattern, and the cuff starts with another Estonian technique known as a Kihnu Vits braid. The rib is corrugated ( knit stitches in yarn A, purl stitches in yarn B so you are knitting with two strands of yarn in the same hand, and the finishing touch is a sewn bind off. Phew! Did I really do all of that? Well yes I did, and I am chuffed to little bits.

The sock incorporated several techniques covered in last year's Sock Knitting Retreat with Lucy Neatby, and are a testament to Lucy's kind, patient approach. I wish she could see these. Thank you Lucy.

Now then, the yarn does relax when blocked, but does recover a little. This photo is how my sock sized up after blocking and drying - yet it fits, and is so warm and snuggly.

A garter stitch short row heel.

And a short row toe in the making. Who would have thunk it ;-)

All you need is .......

2009-02-20T09:53:00.000Z

..... love!

Apparently ;-)

Your Word is "Love"

You see life as possibility to form deep connections with a few people.

Relationships are the center of your world, and you always take time to bond with those you love.

You are caring and giving. You enjoy helping those you love.

And when it comes to romantic love, you feel passionately ... even in a very long term relationship.

What's Your Word?

Strictly Come Dancing Live

2009-02-18T13:13:00.002Z

Last night my friend Yvonne and I travelled to the NEC to watch Strictly Come Dancing Live. After an interesting journey ( which took in excess of two hours instead of an hour due to an M5 closure and a search for an alternative route ) we still managed to arrive on time as I had, as ever, "allowed for traffic" in my timing. Leaving at 4:15 for a 7:30 start and an hour's drive seems eminently sensible to me ;-)

It was such a fun evening. Craig, Arlene, Len and Bruno were on top form. The band and singers were fantastic, and Kate Thornton made a good fist of the Tess Daley role. Eight couples took part. Tom and Camilla, Cherie and James, Vincent and Rachel, Ola and Kenny, Lilia and Julian Clarey, Jodie and Ian, Gethin and Flavia and Jill and Darren.

In the first round, all the couples danced a ballroom dance. Tom danced his classic quickstep, which was lovely to see, Kenny danced to Flower of Scotland, Flavia and Gethin danced a beautiful waltz and Rachela and Vincent danced their powerful tango.

The judges critiqued in the usual way ( the repartee between Julian and Craig was very funny ) Who was to know, for example, that Julian Clarey hailed from Ladywood!!!!!!!!!!! ;-) Diamante maracas are a sight to behold ;-)

From the interval onwards the audience were able to vote by text. In the second half, the couples performed a Latin dance. Cherie and James danced their beautiful rumba, as did Rachel and Vincent. Jill and Darren danced THAT jive and Kenny wore his kilt for the paso. There was a professional dance, with Matthew and Kristina dancing a breathtaking dance too, and a group dance. Gethin and Flavia were the eventual winners. All in all it was a strictly wonderful evening and I'd recommend it to anyone.

And The Winner Is.......

2009-02-16T17:24:00.002Z

Thank you so very much to every single one of you. To say that I am overwhelmed by your collective generosity is an understatement.

I have used a random number generator, and allocated everyone a number corresponding to the order in which they sponsored me, so Katt 94 was No1. Rooknits was No.2 and so on to Glynis, who was No21.

I asked for 4 numbers, which came out as follows:-

9, 12, 15, 10.

Perversia, you were the 9th person to sponsor me, so you win the first £10 Socktopus voucher

Sussex Yorkie, you were the 12th person to sponsor me, so you win the second £10 Socktopus voucher

Blossom, you were the 15th person to sponsor me, so you win one of Ambermoggie's femmes.

Justine, you were the 10th person to sponsor me, so you win a skein of sock yarn.

I will be in touch with you all later, thank you all once again.

Virtual Coffee Morning

2009-02-16T09:10:00.002Z

Kettle's on, coffee's perking and there's carrot cake. Help yourselves.

I am off to bed - only I could organise something to fall on the middle of two night shifts *rolls eyes* but please stay and chat amongst yourselves.

As well as two x £10 Socktopus vouchers and one of Ambermoggie's femmes, there is also a skein of yarn from my tiny little sock yarn stash up for grabs.

See you later - draw at 5:00 pm :-)

p/hopping with the Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl

2009-02-13T09:36:00.014Z

Here is my latest ( and I rather suspect my last ) Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl. It's a rubbish day for photos, so please forgive me.

I consider myself to be very fortunate in life. I need for nothing. OK, there are a few thing I might like that I don't have, but I need for nothing. If I want water, for example, I turn on my tap. I don't live in a war zone, I have been able to educate my children safely. If I'm hungry, I can eat.

I have a huge admiration for organisations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) who do so much for those far less fortunate then we are, and so shortly after I knit Day last year I asked Natalie could I knit a FCS as a fundraser for MsF.

Natalie told me she had PLANS afoot, and sent me a skein of her gorgeous Machair laceweight. I am sorry to say it took me ages to get my act together and cast on. I swatched - yes, I know, shocking isn't it - and decided on a 3.5mm needle.

I also had to resort to circulars. My knitpick options were well up to the job, and with the help of enough dental floss to circumnavigate the globe, here is a FCS all ready to be p/hopped. ( Edited here to add a link to the p/hop blog )

There are 12 extra pattern repeats, and also 12 border rows.

Gromit didn't want to miss any blocking action ;-)

Amazing, isn't it, that this amorphous lump could turn into a laceweight shawl.

Inspiration in Unlikely Places

2009-02-11T10:30:00.006Z

One can find inspiration in surprising places. For example, when putting something away in Mr A's wardrobe yesterday, I found this sleeveless pullover.

I knitted this for Mr A while on maternity leave in the winter of 1982. I had wanted to knit something for him for some time, and this certainly filled those last few weeks of pregnancy.

I've been looking at some fabulous colourwork on blogs and on Ravelry recently and have thought "I could never do that" but it seems after all that perhaps I could! I have sock club socks to knit first, but watch this space...........!

Looking at it today, I find it hard to imagine that I knitted this. But I did. And in reality it perhaps isn't as hard as it looks - there are only ever two colours in use at any given time.....

.........and I appear to have stranded the yarn across perfectly well.

I am a little too fond of saying " I couldn't/can't do that" these days! One of my knitterly resolutions this year was to learn something new. Perhaps will also relearn something I once knew very well. This chance find has inspired me to better things - provisional crochet cast on here I come!

And finally, a modelled shot! Please excuse the pre-eclamptic facial puffiness that is still evident, DS was hours old here, and 11lb was one big baby! I think Mr A looks very fetching ;-)

Mr A's Secret Birthday Mansocks

2009-02-06T10:11:00.007Z

It was Mr A's birthday on Tuesday. "Did you have a lovely romantic evening?" I hear you ask. A meal out perhaps? Or a quiet dinner in? After all, it HAS been snowing and it WAS very cold on Tuesday. A cosy evening in front of the fire would have been perfect.

Alas no, we spent our evening at the Pro Star Stadium watching Shrewsbury Town play Accrington Stanley. Never let it be said that we don't know how to have a good time ;-) At least The Shrews won, and no matter where you are there is nothing like the click of the turnstiles to get the adrenaline running!

Just as well then that Mr A's feet were as warm as toast in his new birthday socks. Knitted using Opal Rainforest 2 # Butterfly, and using 2.5mm neeedles, they are a 68 st sock and a UK size 10.

There had been much discussion at my knitting group as to the suitability of the colour - most of the ladies there were of the opinion that their husbands wouldn’t be seen dead wearing them.

But Mr A knows which side his bread is buttered, and pronounced himself delighted with them! And warm ;-)

I remain overwhelmed by your collective generosity. Thank you :-)

Raffle Update

2009-02-03T05:38:00.003Z

Once again, thank you so much for your support. It means a very great deal

There are some lovely people in this world! I'm delighted to tell you that thanks to Alice I am now able to offer two Socktopus vouchers in the draw.

Ambermoggie has also offered one of her recent femmes.

Thank you both of you. I am going to do my very best :-)

The Letter O

2009-01-31T15:45:00.006Z

It seems that I will need to start every new post with a "thank-you" so I will! Thank you all very much for your kindness and generosity - I will do my very best for all of you.

I was reading Rooknits blog the other day and came across the letter game which seems to be doing the rounds. The idea is that you ask in the comments for a letter and one is sent to you at random. You then blog about ten things you love beginning with that letter.

Roo sent me the perfectly formed letter "O" Hmmm, this isn't as easy as it sounds but I will try my very best ;-)

1. Orthopaedics

When asked as a child what I wanted to do when I grew up, the answer was always, always, "I want to be a nurse" - I have never wanted to do or be anything else.

In September 1973, at the tender age of 17, I left home and went to start my training at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital where I learned everything that is good that I know today about nursing and how it should be.

I'm the one trying to drown poor Mrs Wilson with the glass of water ;-)

2. Oswestry

Oswestry is a small market town in Shropshire a mile or so from the hospital above. I have fond memories of Folk Night in The George ( our local ) and if asked nicely after a drink or two I could probably still sing Mattey Groves for you ;-)

There were a lot of firsts in Oswestry - first boyfriend, first ride on a motorbike ( A Triumph Bonneville, wonderful machine ) first love, first broken heart ..........

3. Obsinate

Moi? Oh, you must have me muddled up with someone else ..................

4. Oranges

Love them!

5. Olives

Oh, yes please, preferably with a lime daiquiri on the bar terrace of the Sofitel Taba Heights . Can I go there now please?

6. Orlando

We have had two family holidays in Florida, in 2000 and 2002. I absolutely loved everything about it. We had a wonderful villa, our own pool, and the theme parks were the best fun ever.

7. Ocean

When I was 13, in February 1970, I went on a school cruise on the s.s. Nevassa. What a wonderful experience, never forgotten. It cost my parents £56 for three whole magical weeks. We visited Puerto de la Cruz ( this was 1970 remember, I had never seen a swimming pool irl, Playa de las Americas was still a small fishing village and a Vesta packet curry constituted exotic food ) Freetown, Dakar and Cassablanca. There were Lifeboat Races in Vigo Bay, seasickness in the Bay of Biscay and very competitively fought dormitory inspections. It seems a lifetime ago.

8. Orchestra

I once played the viola in the Welsh National Youth Orchestra and travelled to Strasburg with them to play in front of what seemed to be a huge audience.

9. Optimism

The older I get, the more I have become to realise that life is much more fulfilling when seen with an glass that is half full ;-)

10. Old Big Ears

That's how Liverpool supporters refer to the European Cup! ( yes, I know it's technically the Champions League now )

You didn't really think I'd get through this whole thing and not mention football did you ;-) Mind you, it's hard to be an optimist and be a Liverpool supporter these days!!

This has been great fun Ruth - thank you. If anyone would like a letter, just ask!

No-Purl Monkeys

2009-01-29T19:30:00.006Z

May I first say how much I appreciate your sponsorship. Thank you very much.

It was my intent at the beginning of 2009 to end the year with less sock yarn than I started it with. To that end I thought I should actually knit some socks ......... ;-)

I bought this yarn from KraftyKoala at last year's Woolfest, and I love it :-) There is something about no purl monkeys and a merino tencel yarn that just works I think.

No Purl Monkey Socks

Yarn: Merino Tencel Sock by KraftyKoala

Needles: 2.5mm Lantern Moon dpns

This Year it's Personal

2009-01-27T17:35:00.008Z

I simply can't believe that it's the time of year again! Yes, that's right, it's time to sign up once again for the Race for Life.

I shall be trying to come up with new ideas for fundraising this year, being mindful of course that we are all economising one way or another at the moment.

Little did I think when I ran last year that cancer would strike so close to home. Life's not fair sometimes, but adversity can bring out hidden depths in people. I am very very proud of my nephew.

You'll notice the widget in my sidebar. It's not there because I expect all of you to sponsor me, not at all.......... but if you did it would be very very nice ;-)

What I am going to do is hold a virtual coffee morning on February 16th - my nephew's birthday. Anyone sponsoring me the price of a cup of coffee before then will go into a draw, the prize being a £10 voucher to spend at Socktopus.

There will be more fundraising soon :-)

*Important* A friend has kindly passed some important information on to me. Sadly, because I am offering a prize, it seems that anyone who sponsors me to go in the draw for the Socktopus voucher will not be able to gift aid their donation. It's explained here and I am sorry that I had not taken the time to find this out first. I'll still hold the draw though, but will have to put my thinking cap on for anything in the future. I'm always so grateful when people sponsor me, a little reward or incentive is my way of saying thank you.

Good Days, Bad days

2009-01-21T09:06:00.004Z

This afternoon I am going to see Joseph :-) Not for the first time I hear you say, and you'd be right of course, but that won't stop me! The residents Chez Aknita are of the opinion that I am now into double figures - I haven't a clue, I've given up counting! All I know is that I shall leave the theatre lighter and brighter in spirits - what more could one ask.

I had a lovely day on Saturday too. I drove across to Knighton to visit First 4 Yarns as part of a Posh Ravelry group meet up. It was lovely to meet friends old and new, I took my camera but omitted to take photos *rolls eyes* but spending an afternoon in the company of like-minded people is a VERY GOOD THING in my opinion. Lisa and her mum made us all very welcome, and the cakes were just yummy. I also got to see Rooknits February Lady Sweater which was simply wonderful.

What made the afternoon even more special was the discovery that my cousin lived next door to the shop. How cool is that! ( If I were to tell you that my mother was one of 13 children and my father one of 12, you will perhaps understand that I have more cousins than you could shake a stick at, some even that I haven't met so forgive me for not having known he lived there )

It was lovely to go in and say "hello" again, and meet his family. It was the perfect end to a lovely day.

These lovely days I find help me to cope. With regard to work, I go in and come home and that's it. I see it as a means to an end, it's what allows me to have the lovely times above so I can cope with it for that.

I had a not-so-good day with mum on Friday who is definitely deteriorating :-( so balance is definitely required.

Tomorrow I am spending with my nephew. I remain positive, but I'm afraid the occasional wobble creeps up on me every now and then. His first round of treatment is over, but it has caught up with him and so there are good and bad days. I want to shout at the world!

Thank goodness for knitting to focus the mind. Here are a pair of Fetchings, knitted as my contribution to a Strictly Come Dancing sweepstake prize on Ravelry, made for HelenK.

They were knitted using 4mm dpns and using around 1.5 balls of Mission Falls 1824 Aran which was simply a pleasure to knit with. I'm not sure the picot edge is as intended, but there you are.

A FCS for Polly

2009-01-17T12:50:00.002Z

As you can see, I have been "at it" again - here is a FCS in Yarn Yard Lochan. This one was made for Polly ( Ravelry Link ) who is the creation of a cyberfriend, Binty, who has an amazing talent.

I forgot to measure it before I posted it, but my floor tiles measure 12" square which gives an idea of size. It was knitted using leftover yarn from an earlier FCS that I had made for Binty. Those of you who have knitted this shawl will know that it simply eats yarn towards the end, so while there had not been enough yarn left for a third extra pattern repeat, there was sufficient to knit the set-up rows, four repeats and a border. I knew I was saving the yarn for good reason.

A couple of modelled shots (thank you Binty ). Isn't Polly fab :-)

Bombadil Socks

2009-01-12T20:30:00.005Z

This sock is one that I have been test knitting for Lobug of Lobug Designs. It is the Bombadil sock and you can find out more about it here on Ravelry.

I started this sock two weeks ago. "Oh yes", says me confidently, "I'll have a sock ready for you in a couple of days"! Famous last words!!!!

I needed to get out of a knitting rut I think, and in knitting this sock I have mastered the provisional cast on, short rows and a new stitch pattern. Oh, and a chart Sue are you reading ;-)

I must here thank my friend Claire for her patience in explaining to me and demonstrating the mysteries of the short rows. She's not known as Fabclaire for nothing ;)

I used 2.75mm Knit Pro Options dpns ( my favouritest needles ever ) and the yarn is Footprints from the Unique Sheep dyed to the Bombadil colorway.

I will soon be receiving my first parcel from The Lord of the Rings Sock Club. I can't wait :-)

Oh, and in case you were wondering, the colours in the yarn reflect the colours Tolkein used when introducing Tom Bombadil and his wife Goldberry in The Lord of the Rings- yellow, blue and green.

"Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow. Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow". I missed him in the film adaptation. His wife, Goldberry, was dressed in green.

Frilly Scarf

2009-01-09T20:45:00.007Z

Do you remember the Splodgy scarf I knitted for my friend Yvonne? This is the same pattern, the Frilly Scarf from the Scarf Pattern Medley ( scroll down )

I have used Lochan from The Yarn Yard, a merino/tencel yarn which is lovely to knit with. I used #9 UK Aero straight needles.

The scarf is a good match for my Cranford Mitts and very warm and cosy in this chilly weather.

Out with the Old, in with the New!

2009-01-03T13:27:00.007Z

A very Happy ( if belated ) New Year to you all. I'm not sorry to have seen the end of 2008, and all I hope for in 2009 is that whatever life throws at me I will find the same strength to deal with it as I did in 2008.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

My week's Annual Leave this week didn't quite go to plan. I have ended up going into work just as usual as it has been so busy, all the illness in the community seems to have affected most of my colleagues too. So I am still behind in catching up with you all. Note to self: Must do Better!!!!

Here is some Christmas knitting. Cranford Mitts in Yarn Yard Hug, in colourways Milk Chocolate and Fudge. One pair was for me, one was knitted as part of a swap, and two pairs were Christmas gifts.

A Happy and Peaceful Christmas to you all

2008-12-24T09:50:00.010Z

Hello strangers!

There's no doubt about it, I have been a very bad blogger of late. Life has been the thief of time, for which I apologise. I'm sorry not to have visited you all for so long, I promise to do better in 2009.

I have a simple knit to show you, which I finished last month. DD asked for a scarf - "by tonight, if not tomorrow" if you please, in baby pink with twisty bits. This is what I came up with, knitted using Sirdar Click chunky it took about 10 hours all told. There are more photos on Ravelry if you wanted to take a look.

02/08/2009 Back in December, I added this pattern to Ravelry. At the time, I really couldn't make head or tail of what I needed to do in order to make the pattern available as a pdf, and as I really didn't want to sell it I simply wrote the instructions out on the pattern page.

It has been pointed out to me this morning that this is the wrong thing to have done, and so I have transferred the pattern here and provided a blog link instead.

Cast on 27 sts

Row 1: k12, p3, k12

Row 2: ( and all alt rows ) k4, p8, k3, p8, k4

Row 3: k4, C4B, p3, C4F, k4

Row 5: ( and rows 7 and 9 ) as row 1

These 10 rows form the pattern. Repeat until you are fed up with it, and cast off. Add fringing if desired.

It is possible to knit this scarf with any yarn that knits to a tension of 14 stitches and 19 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) on #10.5 (6½mm) needles ( although I used 7mm )

I am quite sure also that by playing with the stitch count either side of the cable section, it could be knitted in any thickness of yarn and needle gauge.

I really would like to apolgise to Ravelry for this oversight on my behalf.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I had a wonderful weekend at the end of November when I went on a Sock Knitting Retreat with Lucy Neatby. Fab-u-lous and Craig would say, and many thanks to Alice from Socktopus for all her hard work in organising such an inspirational weekend for us all.

Not much more news, other than that my nephew's treatment appears to be going well and that my daughter has a Staff Nurse post all lined up for when her training has finished. Nursing jobs being as scarce as they are, it's great to know that she has her first footing on that career ladder. I have heard glowing reports from the hospital grapevine that she has been a great student nurse, and I am sure she will be a great asset to the nursing profession.

I shall leave you with my usual photo at this time of the year. Knitted years ago by my mum ( who was a wonderfully talented and resourceful knitter ) this is my one true family heirloom.

A Happy and Peaceful Christmas everyone, see you all very soon.

Splodgy Scarf

2008-11-20T10:13:00.009Z

This is another of the yarns that I dyed on the Dyeing Workshop. I was disappointed by the splodginess but really pleased with what I managed to make :-)

The scarf is a Sue Morgan design, available from Get Knitted - you might need to scroll down on the link. It's a very simple knit, it's a two row pattern, one of which is GS and I like the finished result very much. I used #9 Aero needles.

And the splodges have disappeared into the pattern :-)

I am going to give this to a friend for Christmas - they are "her" colours. I'm not going to say who, I don't THINK she reads my blog but you never know. She's a good friend though, and I'm pleased I've made her something I know she'll like :-)

Hand Dyed Monkey Socks

2008-11-14T10:12:00.007Z

Thank you all for your supportive comments on my previous post.

Do you remember this superwash merino yarn that I dyed on the Dyeing Workshop back in August?

Well here it is, knitted up into a pair of Monkey socks :-)

Not perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing of socks, but I have derived no end of satisfaction from knitting with a yarn that I dyed myself. I used the usual 2.5mm needles.

The yarn was dyed using acid dyes, and I am pleased to report that none came off on my hands while knitting ( which isn't always the case with some bought yarns ) and that it was also colourfast on blocking too.

I don't think I'll ever put anyone out of business, but for someone like me who is not in the least bit artistic the workshop was great fun and I'd recommend it to anyone.

New Words

2008-11-10T13:02:00.004Z

I haven't been here for a while. And apologies to all of you whose blogs I haven't visited recently.

We've had a lot to think about in chez Aknita in the last few weeks. There's been a lot of worry and uncertainty, waiting, and new words to learn.

The first new words we had to learn were brain tumour. Then there was genetic. The best word was noncancerous.

Then there was the surgery to remove the tumour, then the histology to wait for and another new word - medulloblastoma - and life has changed for ever.

My nephew has 12 months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to go through. I'm obviously being somewhat reticent here in blogland and don't want to go into too much personal detail, other than that we are all being encouraged to think of a positive result, so there's light at the end of this dark tunnel. It is very rare for this type of cancer to affect adults.

I am in turn angry, confused and just plain mad that this can happen to such a lovely young man.

I think my ventures into blogland are going to haphazard for a while. Please bear with me if I'm not reading your blogs as often as I used to, and keep us all in your thoughts.

Swaps Are Like Buses Too ;-)

2008-10-16T12:48:00.013+01:00

Do you remember the socks I knitted for Hanne recently? They were knitted as part of a secret sock swap over on the CTNY forum, and yesterday my wonderful socks arrived in return. I was very excited indeed when I realised that my secret swap parter was none other than Gilraen who is one of the most accomplished sock knitters that I know.

Gilraen has a wonderful knack of choosing just the right pattern for a given yarn, and these wonderful socks are no exception. Knitted using Evolution yarn in # Lime and Violet these lovely socks fit like gloves, and I am a very lucky recipient indeed.

My lovely parcel was completed with a box of yummy French sweeties, my absolute favourites. Thank you Gilraen, for such a thoughtful parcel.

And as if yesterday wasn't exciting enough, the postman called again today :-) this time with my Secret Autumn Santa swap present from the lovely Linda

One again I have been remarkably spoiled. Just look at this pretty box and how beautifully everything was wrapped.

My parcel included a lovely Welsh Dragon pen and notebook, a lovely sheepy mug and even little sheepy all of my own :-) There was also a candle, some delicious Green and Black chocolate, some Options chocolaty drinks ( there's a definite theme there ) and a ball of beautiful Skeins merino/bamboo mix in Jay.

The sheep is a nodding sheep btw - I love him, he agrees with every word I say ;)

Linda also very thoughfully included patterns for the yarn - the Climbing Vines Scarf pattern, the Summer Ivy Socks pattern, and her very own pattern for Diagon Alley Socks.

I would like to thank you both very much for your kindness and generosity, and also for being such lovely friends :-)

Forest Canopies are like Buses .............

2008-10-13T08:30:00.002+01:00

......... you don't see one for ages, then three come along at once ;-)

This first one was knitted using size 7 Aero knitting needles and is a recent Yarn Yard Club Yarn. The lovely foresty colours made it a perfect choice for a new Autumn shawl and it's all mine :-)

The main skein of yarn went on FOR EVER and so I have fourteen pattern repeats and eighteen border rows with absolutely none of the main colour left aside from yarn from the cast on and cast off!

All of my shawls have names, there's my Dreamcatcher shawl, my Art Deco shawl, and now this - my Norway shawl :-)

Secondly, this shawl is on the way to none other than Jo, who is sadly blogless but nevertheless is the undisputed Queen of Cardigans. Again, it was knitted using size 7 Aero needles, this time the yarn is Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn and the shade is Birches.

I do hope you like it Jo.

And finally, something a little different. Knitted using 5.5 mm needles ( and I am pleased to say that I only had to resort to nasty circular needles for the border ) this shawl was knitted using two skeins of Colinette DK ( the one they had before Cadenza ) in # Sahara.

It's on the way to a friend who hasn't been feeling well recently - I hope it's bright enough to cheer her up :-)

1

The last two shawls were blocked using my new blocking wires - oh how I love my blocking wires :-)

There are times when the right equipment really does make a difference

Professional Finishing with Debbie Abrahams

2008-10-11T08:33:00.000+01:00

Thursday was as good a day as I have spent for ages. I went along to my LYS, The Knitting Parlour , to attend a workshop with Debbie Abrahams and what a brilliant and wonderful day it was. The workshop was all about how to achieve a professional finish, and included techniques such as blocking and pressing, joining the shoulders by casting off the stitches together, picking up stitches around the neck, sewing in a drop-shoulder sleeve, sewing the knitted panels together using mattress stitch and sewing in the ends.

I can do all of the above adequately but not to a high standard, so I was very keen to learn how to do them all better.

Now Blossom, I know you sat very patiently at Colinette a couple of years ago and showed me how to do mattress stitch but I've never really "got" it so I thought the workshop would be a good opportunity to reinforce the principles and more besides. Debbie had provided us with "homework" - a little teddy's sweater to knit, and we started by blocking the panels. Not mentioning any names, but someone misread the pattern and her sweater had a scoop neckline unlike all the others but hey ho - perhaps we'll just call it a design feature ;-)!

It was so lovely to meet so many other knitters - some of them Ravellers, some of them who had no idea that the internet was such a useful tool for us all. There were sock knitters and almost complete beginners and it was fab to meet them all. Debbie was simply lovely, a charming, patient and friendly young woman, and such a good teacher :-) She was wearing a beaded hand knit in Rowan 4-ply soft which she said had washed and washed - there was no sign of pilling at all.

We started with a three needle bind off - now I didn't know that it's best to use a needle one size larger than you've knitted with to do this, it makes it less tight. Picking up the syitches on a neckband was a revelation - I taught myself to do this, it's amazing what CAN be achieved when it's done correctly.

And as for mattress stitch - well by George I think I've got it! I haven't finished teddy's jumper yet, Debbie said she wanted us to do a sleeve and side seam and leave the rest to work on at home. But I have sewn the best dropped sleeve ever and the best side and sleeve seams too and am chuffed to bits.

I learned a lot yesterday, the workshop ( which included a lovely lunch ) was very good value for money, and I wouldn't hesitate to anything similar again there. I have a list of 2009 Rowan workshops at The Knitting Parlour if anyone would be interested in going. I bought Debbie's DVD, entitled funnily enough "A Professional Finish" and also there was a little retail therapy I'm afraid ( it's not often I pass on 10% off ) I bought some Sirdar Click Aran in shade 128 and pattern no 9073 A great way to recharge the batteries.

Photos at Last!

2008-10-09T21:31:00.021+01:00

Sorry it has taken an age to post these! We are very pleased with our new camera, though it will take a bit of getting used to.

Durham Cathedral

Our hotel looking down from the Tyne Bridge. As you can see, we couldn't have been better placed.

>

It was such a beautiful day :-)

The elite women

The elite men

DS is in the black running shirt between the red and green vests - the photo is clickable, he is runner 5862

He's in there too - somewhere!

Five minutes later and the crowd of runners was much more tightly packed - it would have been very difficult to pick him out in that lot!

After the race in beautiful South Shields

The yellow buses were used to transport kit from start to finish.

The Red Arrows

Spot the sea gull :-)

The Great North Run

2008-10-06T08:45:00.004+01:00

First of all apologies for the picture-free post. We have a new camera as the old one has most definitely died, and we need to load the software onto my laptop to enable us to download. Hopefully tonight :-) ............

I have had a pretty busy time recently. Mum has had another fall in which she sustained some very nasty bruising, especially to her face :-( and what with one thing and another time just flies by.

So it was with a mix of relief and anticipation that Mr A and I set off for Newcastle on Friday morning to watch our oldest son take part in the Great North Run.

We initially tried to book accommodation back in March/April time, and the nearest we could get to Newcastle was a Premier Inn in Bishop Aukland, so imagine my surprise when I checked their website on Thursday and found a vacancy in Newcastle Quays. I phoned straight away and changed our booking - best thing I have ever done. We were so well situated for the Race, literally underneath the Tyne Bridge.

Newcastle is such a lovely city. I doubt I have been anywhere where the people are so friendly and the smiles and warmth so genuine.

Mr A and I have never been to this part of the UK before, an omission on our parts, and we will most certainly be visiting again.

We spent a cold wet Saturday in Durham. Again, what a lovely city, the Cathedral is one of the best I have visited. After a long late lunch we met DS from his train ( he had travelled up from London and was staying in University Halls in Durham with two of his old schoolfriends who were travelling up from Worcester ) and we spent a pleasant couple of hours with him before heading back to Newcastle.

And so to Race Day. The weather was absolutely perfect, cool and sunny. Mr A and I ensconced ourselves on the Tyne Bridge, and watched the Wheelchair Athletes and elite women go through, and then waited for the rest of the field. DS was at the bridge within 12 minutes of the start, we saw him and he saw us :-) and so before the Red Arrows flew by at 11:00 we were on our way to the Metro and South Shields and the finish line.

We never did see DS finish - he was at the family reunion area waiting for us!!!!!! You see he ran the race in a staggering PB time of 1hour, 22 minutes and 44 seconds coming in at position 181 out of all those thousands of people. I am so proud of him. We left him at around 1:00 to go to met his friends, with a feeling of having seen very little of the race, but having seen DS on the iconic bridge was ample for us. Seeing him fit and well at the end was wonderful too. It may be 260 plus miles to Newcastle from Malvern, but every single one of them was worth it :-)

We arrived home to two days worth of post, and to put the icing on the cake of a very special day, DS has been accepted to run in the 2009 London Marathon.

What a perfect weekend, photos WILL follow but a weekend so special simply couldn't wait!

More Monkey Business

2008-09-25T12:06:00.011+01:00

I love swaps!

Mind you in February of this year when I signed up for a slow sock swap on CTnY I had my doubts. I had only knitted three pairs of socks prior to that so I was neither an accomplished nor experienced sock knitter. So I've been practicing ;-)

I've been longing to show these off, but have had to wait until they had been received. I posted them last Thursday, the lady in the P.O said it would take a week for them to get to Finland and she was right.

My swappee was Hanne and I was very relieved to see that the socks were a perfect fit as you can see here. I had had a "moment" earlier this morning though. I'd looked at Hanne's blog and seen these - it seems great minds think alike.

I used 2.5mm Lantern Moon dpns, and a Yarn Yard Club yarn from last year. The yarn had spent some time deciding what it wanted to be, and I am very pleased it eventually chose to be Monkey socks. Mind you, it was a very hard thing to put them in the post....... :-)

I also made a little gift bag with a couple of little treats in.

I sent the last few grams of yarn in with the parcel too in case altertions were necessary. Ans now all I have to do is wait to receive a lovely pair of socks myself. I am giving the postman funny looks...................................

Speaking of The Yarn Yard ( which I invaribly do on my blog ) you might like to pop over there if you haven't already, and read her post "A Twilight Barking"

Remarkable!

New Season, New Look and an Award

2008-09-22T10:03:00.003+01:00

Today heralds the first day of Autumn. It's yet another glorious day, sun shining, blue sky - fabulous. It fair lifts the spirits. Long may it continue, my chilblains will be eternally grateful :-)

My blog has a new look - I've been tinkering with the template over the last few days and I like the way it looks now. I'm not the most technically minded person, but I've learned a lot since I started to blog.

I have been very remiss recently. The lovely Kathryn gave me this award a couple of weeks ago - thank you Kathryn - and I have been very remiss in not doing my bit. As ever with awards there are "rules" - think of them as guidelines if you like - and don't feel obligated.

1. Post this award on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate at least 4 other bloggers, and add their links as well.
4. Leave a comment at the new recipients' blogs, so they know they got an award.

I shall try to nominate people who, to my knowledge, haven't already received one of these.

Ambermoggie

Linz

Franney

Noo

Hopefully towards the weekend there will be knitting to show you. I have a busy week coming up, and I'm afraid I'm not being very good about commenting on blogs at the moment. I'll catch up with you all soon.

An Error of Judgement.

2008-09-19T23:31:00.004+01:00

Posting on my blog yesterday was probably not the most sensible thing to do! I wasn't thinking clearly and should have known better.

It's amazing what can happen on a blog in a few hours, and I have decided, rightly or wrongly, that in order to stop things escalating completely out of control it would be best just to delete the posts and comments.

I'd like to thank ( almost ) each and every one of you for your generous and positive comments.

You are ( nearly all ) lovely :-)

And I am sorry to say that comment moderation is back "on".

No Purl Monkeys

2008-09-10T11:09:00.013+01:00

These Monkey socks have been waiting for me to graft the toes for weeks! I was knitting them in Portugal can you believe. These socks are the no purl version of the Monkey pattern which does exactly what it says on the tin!

Our camera is in it's death throes, so sadly the photos aren't up to much :-( however I hope that you can still see how the pattern just flows in this version.

Pattern: No Purl Monkeys

Adapted by CraftyPancakes

Needles: Lantern Moon dpns # 2.5mm

Yarn: Natural Dye Studio Mirage Merino/Tencel 4ply/Sock

Size UK # 7

I have Kathryn from Knitting Haven to thank for the yarn, which was a lovely gift in a Secret Santa swap last year.

I'm not sure I am done with the Monkey pattern yet...................................... ;-)

I wonder if I should qualify my comment about Bridge Over Troubled Water. It was Art Garfunkel's "Bright Eyes" that did for me and put me off all things S&G.

Sir Duke

2008-09-09T09:19:00.016+01:00

Yesterday evening Mr A and I went to see Stevie Wonder at the NIA in Birmingham. Truth to tell I had forgotten we were going as so much seems to have been happening lately one way or another.

When Mr A and I met we had in excess of 300 albums between us, and only two of them were duplicated in the entire collection. One was Innervisions, you will never guess in a million years what the other one was because I still can't believe I bought it! (answer at the end of the post)

Mr A doesn't really enjoy live music, he prefers the purity of studio sound, so he and I going to a gig together is a very rare occasion. So we decided to make an afternoon of it and have a lovely walk around the canal network which runs behind the NIA. Obviously I couldn't take photos in the concert itself, so took a few outside of a part of Birmingham that many visitors don't see.

We then had a lovely meal out prior to the concert, which I think it is fair to say that Mr A enjoyed far more than I did.

Brigde Over Troubled Water

Of Monks and Harlots!

2008-09-08T10:45:00.016+01:00

What a lovely weekend :-)

I left home on Friday in the midst of what to all intents and purposes was akin to a monsoon, which is not quite my understanding of what is meant by the term Indian Summer ;-) and travelled down to London. I met DS in Covent Garden and we walked off to Soho and had a lovely meal in the Melati restaurant in Peter Street.

My time with DS went all too quickly and before I knew it, it was Saturday morning and time to meet "the gang" for breakfast at Victoria Station before heading off to the I Knit show.

It was a lovely lovely day which went far too quickly. I met so many old friends and made lots of new ones too. I'm getting old and grumpy and hard to please - the show was wonderful but for me it just lacked a little "je ne sais quoi" and the party atmosphere of last year's show. But the day was about friends and good company, and I'm just splitting hairs I expect, and from an architectural perspecive the Halls and their art deco design were wonderful.

The Yarn Harlot was wonderful too, and a very accomplished speaker to boot. She held her audience well, and was just as good with her off the cuff remarks as she was with her polished talk. And you know, it was just heaven to sit down and give my poor old feet a break ;-) I do hope she has enjoyed her trip to the UK.

And who would have thought that theta waves were pertinent to knitters. Or monks for that matter ;-)

I was very restrained with yarnly purchases. I bought this lovely Schaeffer Yarn in the Toni Morrison colourway

And this lovely Dream in Colour Smooshy from the 300 series the colour is Cloud Jungle

I didn't buy Stepahnie's new book however, as I have yet to read this one properly tbh, and I'd like to thank Sarah for standing in line for me in order for it to be signed.

Also some badges to add to my collection, a lovely Herdy mug and a lovely Yarn Yard fridge magnet! Little things.......;)

And yesterday morning I ordered blocking wires from Loop, who had sadly run out of them by the time I had discovered who was selling them.

Finally, and with apologies to those of you who are unfamiliar with the geography, I had a nightmare of a journey back from London due to flooding on the line. We had to wait in Moreton in Marsh for a hour, because the train in front of us was stranded by the floods. It is only a single track in part between Evesham and Moreton so we had to wait for the stranded train to drive back through Moreton and eventually back to Paddington so that our train could then get to Evesham and then catch a coach to Worcester.

Worcester mind you, not Malvern so Mr A came to collect me from Worcester, only for the coach driver to be told at Worcester he was obliged to take all the passengers to their respective stations. I was home just on midnight instead of 22:20, and very glad to be home I am!

The coach driver was one of the surliest, insolent and downright rude people I have ever met and I have made a written complaint about his attitude to both the coach company and First Great Western. He missed Pershore station out completely and one poor passenger had to walk back there from the middle of the town from where he was eventually dropped off amidst grumbles of "I was only told Evesham to Worcester" Always a pleasure to meet people who enjoy their work

Award Time Again

2008-09-04T08:31:00.002+01:00

The lovely Gilraen nominated me for this award last week. I haven't managed yet to successfully shrink it to fit in my sidebar ( I am such a technonumpty sometimes it is a wonder anything ever gets published on my blog ) so I afraid it will have to have pride of place just here for now. I even ticked the "shrink to fit" box ...........

I am very honoured to have received this Gil - thank you. It is always a wonder to me that folk come here to read my blog let alone enjoy it, so things like this give me the confidence to carry on, 'cos I do wonder sometimes what with CTNY, Kniting Haven, Ravelry etc quite why I continue to blog.

The answer of course is that I enjoy it.

Anyway, I have to do something now, and nominate seven recipients of the Brilliante Weblog award. These are the "rules" :-

The Rules:

The rules for award acceptance are as follows:

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her website/blog.
2. Add a link to the person who gave you this award.
3. Nominate at least 7 other websites/blogs.
4. Provide links of the nominated websites/blogs.
5. Leave a message at each website owner that you´ve nominated.

So, here we go and in no particular order I nominate

Ambermoggie
Blog-Blethers
Wye Sue
Kathryn
Queen of the Froggers
Franney
The Cabled Climber

I apologise if I have re-awarded awards to anyone. These are all blogs I enjoy reading, not all of them blog regularly, which always makes it an extra-special read when they do.

I am off tomorrow for a weekend in the "smoke" with my friends for I Knit London. Not quite a year since last year iyswim, but hopefully an equally lovely day. I'm making a weekend of it and staying with my son in his new flat in Herne Hill and am really looking forward to it.

I have a voucher to spend with Socktopus and other than that I intend to be "good" so don't come here looking for yarn PrOn next week ;-)

Spontaneity!

2008-09-01T08:26:00.006+01:00

A busy family life at home, coupled with work and other recent family commitments has meant that Mr A and I have had to plan any social events together weeks in advance.

With DD in Corfu, DS2 out for the day, and me with a day off on a Sunday we found ourselves in the unusual position of both being at home with no plans, which is unheard of recently. Usually Mr A is visits his parents, but has been doing so a lot recently and decided a weekend in the garden was necessary. I know I go gadding off here there and everywhere, but time spent in a leisurely fashion with Mr A is rare and to be treasured.

The weather scuppered Mr A's day in the garden yesterday, so without having made previous plans, we went out! The photo below, believe it or not, is of Worcester. Worcester Hight Street is a mass of 60's concrete, yet Worcester is a medeival city, and this is Friar Street, 2 rows behing the High Street. It's a haven of independent shops and charming restaurants and I love it.

We took ourselves to Cafe Rouge for a lovely meal ( Poulet Breton for me, yum yum ) and then went to the cinema to watch The Dark Night. Heath Ledger was mesmeric as The Joker, but overall the film was too long, and disappointed.

Still, every cloud has a silver lining, as Mr A has agreed to come and see Mama Mia with me :-)

I have been awarded an award by Gilraen which was a lovely surprise. As soon as I can work out how the photo fits in my sidebar I will fulfill my part of the award!

By the way - have any of your children's words become part of everyday family vocabulary? For example, we don't go the the cinema, we go to the similar, a fire engine is a firing engine, and the telephone is the teffytone. Or is it just us who are completely bonkers ;-)

Ravelympic Knitting

2008-08-25T10:47:00.002+01:00

Thank you all for the messages you left regarding my Wedding Anniversary. We had a lovely evening out together.

Now then, haven't the Olympics been wonderful :-). "We've got another gold" has been a familiar refrain Chez Aknita this last fortnight, and I have to say that the British cyclists, swimmers, rowers, everyone, have been inspirational.

And perhaps now I can keep "proper" hours. I like my sport "live" and Paula - it was my pleasure to stay up with you last weekend and watch a brave and gutsy run.

This last fortnight has also seen the Ravelympics :-) and after a change of project, these are the two knits I started and completed while the Olympics were in progress.

Firstly, this little jumper for my friend Sarah's little boy's first birthday. It was knitted using Sirdar Snuggly dk, and I used UK sized needles 10 and 8, my old favourites.

Isn't the Birthday Boy just LOVELY :-)

He's going to be a real charmer!

And my second project, Monkey socks. I had to knit Monkeys during the Olympics, I have very fond memories of the TV show ( usually watched late at night with the aid of alcohol ) and as the BBC chose Monkey for their trailers, I have every reason to think I had made a good choice.

I tried so hard for a matching pair, alas it was not to be, but my good friend Gilraen has pointed out to me that by not matching they look hand crafted so I feel much better about them.

The yarn was lovely to work with. I was lucky enough to win it in a RFL auction ( thank you Noo and Gilraen ) and had intended it for Binty's RFL prize. But it had to be socks!

Monkey Socks

Yarn: Wollmeise Sockenwolle 100% superwash merino

Colour: Regenbogen

Needles: 2.5mm Lantern Moon dpns

I am left wondering what to make next. Off to investigate the stash for inspiration.

It's my Anniversary :-)

2008-08-22T09:00:00.010+01:00

Today is my 27th Wedding Anniversary, goodness, I have been married for over half of my life!!!!!!!!!! I have absolutely no idea where the years have gone. I have three beautiful children, and Mr A isn't too bad either ;-)

It was a VERY windy day and after an age of getting things just right my veil blew right off my head when I left the house! Dad and the photographer did their best, but I had absolutely no idea what I looked like when I arrived at the church.

I thought I'd share one or two photos with you. Here I am with dad. Do you know, he passed away some seventeen years ago now, yet not a day goes by where I don't think about him.

The flowers are awful aren't they? Silk flowers were de rigeur back in 1981 and I do still have them of course, but don't they look dated.

The rest are all self explanatory really.

I don't remember ever being so young!

MIL and FIL to the left, mum and dad to the right.

I like this one in the car on the way to the reception. Five minutes peace and quiet on our own :-)

A Grand Day Out

2008-08-21T08:31:00.016+01:00

I took myself to London yesterday. A twelve hour round trip to the theatre, ostensibly to watch a play, but also to take my mind off today's G.C.S.E results.

The play I went to see was called "Her Naked Skin" at The National Theatre. Set during the time of the Suffrage Movement, it was a thought provoking and challenging play, at times bittersweet, at times very difficult to watch. There was, for instance, a prison scene which dealt with forced feeding which wasn't easy viewing, and yet there was such tenderness from the prison warder in the aftermath, just a small gesture yet it conveyed so much. There wasn't necessarily a happy ending either, but it was a play I took a lot from. And Lesley Manville was excellent.

I was able to take advantage of a £10 Travelex ticket too.

When I go the the National Theatre, I like to take the Bakerloo Line to Embankment and walk over the Hungerfod Bridge to the South Bank. This enables me to sit and knit a while in the Victoria Embankment Gardens, a wonderful oasis of calm in SUCH a busy place. I was lucky when I sat there, I was in a warm sunny spot, and I thought I really must take time just to sit like this more often.

Don't the gardens look lovely?

And what a lovely view to knit to :-)

It was quite murky however by the time I came to walk over the bridge.

But brighter again on the South Bank.

The view back to Embankment

The National Theatre is always a very busy place, with street theatre for the public

And a few views from a different perspective, the terrace of the Olivier Theatre bar

And the G.C.S.E results are here! 4 B's, 4 C's and a D. The B's are in English, R.E., Geography and Music, and should enable DS2 to take the A levels he wants to. I am so relieved as he did remarkably little work.

Dyeing to Show You!

2008-08-19T08:55:00.012+01:00

Last Saturday (16th) I went down to Get Knitted in Bristol. I didn't get lost either on the way there or on the way back, so an auspicious occasion it was.

I went to meet with some fellow cyber friends from CTNY, and also to attend a Dyeing Workshop run by Jeni from Fyberspates which was great fun :-)

Time goes so quickly when you are having fun! The workshop was wonderful, I have never been particularly artistic or creative and so it was really liberating to be allowed to play with colour. Not all my efforts were successful, but I loved it.

We used acid dyes btw.

First up, what Jeni referred to as cr*p alpaca, which of course is a contradition in terms ;-) but was meant for us to practice with. It was alpaca intended for machined sock knitting.

Next, an Alpaca laceweight, the colours of which I'm not so keen on, but I am sure it can be overdyed.

This splodgy one is a merino sportsweight. I am sure I can make something with it. The yarn is beautifully soft.

This is a sock yarn, and I love this.

Another sock yarn, I am really pleased with this too.

Finally, this is what I bought at GK. Interweave Knits, Knitting, two pairs of Harmony Options 2.5mm 60cm circular needles, a pair of Harmony Options 2.5mm dpns, and some split ring stitch markers.

It was wonderful to meet up with so many friends, Linda, Jacky, Kathryn, Franney, Carol, Jo, Willow ( and her gorgeous baby ) and Kelly. The day went so quickly, and I am sure I didn't say all of what I wanted to say to everyone.

Never mind, see you all at I Knit day which I am sure will be here before we know it :-)

Amy Butler and Other Stories

2008-08-14T17:17:00.013+01:00

Another FCS - yes I know, it's getting boring now and I'm sorry. There are two more to come at some stage, one of which I have promised to knit, one perhaps for me, and then that will be it.

This one I knitted for Binty, a cyberfriend from Crafty Threads and Yarns. It was her reward for completing this year's Race for Life. It was knitted using Lochan yarn from the Yarn Yard in a colourway purchased at Woolfest. I used 4.5mm needles, there are two extra pattern repeats.

I'd like to indroduce you to a relatively new dyer. I am also delighted to say that having purchased this yarn at my LYS, I have subsequently met the dyer at my Knit and Natter group. The Yarn is Sweet Feet from Artist's Palette Yarns and is a supersash Merino/Bamboo mix. It's lovely stuff :-)

Co-incidentally I am going on dying workshop this coming Saturday run by Jeni from Fyberspates which is where Artist's Palette started earlier this year. Watch this space..............

I spent a lovely evening on Monday in the company of, amongst others, Amy Butler who was giving a talk at local hotel.

Amy shared with us, by Powerpoint, a snapshot of her life - from her influences as a child, at art school, her home life, her passion for creativity and design shone through, and although I don't sew I left feeling so enthused by her passion for colour.

She is a wonderful photographer who photographs anything and everything, from cows to flowers and having spent some time in the UK last month too there were some fabulous photos of National Trust gardens. I will never be afraid of colour again! Nature does incredible things with colour - leaves aren't green without good reason.

Amy sat afterwards tirelessly chatting to us all and signing endless autographs and was very generous with her time. She appeared charming, and quite simply a lovely person. A wonderful evening - and a bargainous £5:00 at that.

And finally - I have the lurgy. The unthinkable has happened and I have had two nights off sick. Considered opinion was that my voice was so husky it was more suited to answering the phone to one of those phone lines as opposed to an OHH GP service ;-)

I have had quite a formiddable temperature too and a hell of a painful throat. So if you are going to Get Knitted on Saturday, I promise not to breathe on you!

And the Winner is........

2008-08-07T08:45:00.002+01:00

Linda :-)

The draw took place at 2:00 am, and was drawn by my friend Sheridan. She said it was her pleasure to be asked to pick a name out of the chocolate mug!!

Linda - congratulations. I shall pop it in the post.

Nothing else to report - work has been and gone, miraculously they had survived for three weeks without me ;-)

I was told I looked rested and well, and someone even remarked on my delicate tan which was achieved by two weeks of liberal applications of factor 50 and every square inch of shade that I could find ;-)

Tuesday was a treat. After my chiropractic appointment I went down to The Knitting Parlour, where I had arranged to meet a blogging friend Wye Sue. Now Sue and I have met in Harrogate, London, Builth Wells, Woolfest, you name it everywhere except Malvern

We spent a very pleasant couple of hours at The Knitting Parlour sitting knitting in the window, then went to Ask for a meal followed by Knit and Natter at the pub!

Sue and I are going to "An Evening with Amy Butler" this coming Monday which the Parlour has organised - a bargain at £5:00 a ticket.

I bought some yarn for a very special project ( but it's a secret for now ) and some sock yarn from a very local dyer Artist's Palette

I am doomed......................

Sue also brought her extensive shawl pattern range with her and we chose a pattern - Luna Moth - and I not only crocheted a provisional cast on, I knitted the first fourteeen charted rows too. There's hope yet ................................

Congratulations Linda once again!

Memories from the Algarve

2008-08-04T07:53:00.055+01:00

We have just returned from a wonderful fortnight in The Algarve. Mr A, DS2 and I flew out on the 19th July, DS1 and DD flew out to join us a week later. WE rented a villa in Sesmarias, just outside Carveiro in the Western Algarve, around an hour's drive from Faro Airport, and have all come back relaxed and ready for anything. It was the perfect antidote to all of our recent stesses and strains.

Here is our villa, cleverly constructed with the three bedrooms on the lower level so they were always lovely and cool.

The view from the terrace.

Monkey knitting going on here. Just the toes left to graft.

This little Italian restaurant was around 200 yards away from our villa, and lovely it was too.

A few sights around Carveiro. This view is from my seat at a fish restaurant where I ate sardines fresh from the charcoal grill - yummy :-)

The main square was very lively at night.

Mr A and I on the front terrace of the villa.

DD - I am very biased of course, but I think she is beautiful :-)

And of course, you wouldn't want a warm beer would you ;)

After a week of doing almost nothing, we went out for the day.

This is Sagres

Slightly out of order, this is Portimao taken from the car, on our way to Sagres.

This pretty little marina was at Sagres too.

Portimao again.

Danger - Brits on the beach!!!!!!!!!!!!

From Sagres on to Cape St Vincente - the most Westerly point of mainland Europe.

Stunning views

Of course there was the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. Nandos anyone?

Or a hot dog?

From the coast to the mountains of Monchique, a pretty little spa town.

This little fellow was growning in the grden of our villa.

Another day out, this time to Silves, an old Moorish town with Cathedral and Castle.

While we were at Silves, the children spent the morning at Slide and Splash!

Sooner them than me!

The Western Algarve really is a lovely holiday destination!

Finally, our favourite restaurant, The Island Cafe, the chef is from Arizona and makes the most delicious salads with fresh citrus dressings. His calimari salad is to die for.

I have never visited Portugal before and I loved it. We will definitely be going back.

Sorry to keep you waiting for the winner of the TDF shawl. I plan to put everyone's names in the "hat" for Wednesday evening and will take them to work. Winner to be drawn by my my colleague and I'll let you know the winner on Thursday!

Well, I Survived :-)

2008-07-16T16:15:00.010+01:00

I survived my night duty you'll be pleased to know and have lived to tell the tale :-)

I'm sorry about yesterday - I've been very good really about everything and have tried very hard not to let things get to me too much, however yesterday I was just so angry that two such lovely people had been so upset that it all spilled over.

There have been DEVELOPMENTS. It seems that while I spent my day not sleeping yesterday, a flurry of emails and phone calls and gnashing of teeth was occurring, with the result that night shifts are now ten hours in length again. Honestly! All that upset.

A glitch in the system meant I could only view shifts yesterday and not book them, so they had to be done on my behalf. It's very hard trying to think what you might like to work in October but there you are, all done now.

My problem is that actually I quite like my job - if only I could be left alone to just get on and do what I do best, which is put my patient and their needs first and not have to consider resources and targets and beds and appointment systems and GP availability ....................

There is still a lot of cr*p to be dealt with, but this year I am a lot tougher mentally than I was, and I am NOT going to let it get to me. Added to which other people need me too and they will always come first. Going to work enables me to do and enjoy all the lovely things that I do, but at the end of the day it's just a job, it's not life, and if needs be I can walk away. But if I do, it will be on MY terms.

I've had some lovely messages - here and by email - you are all very good friends - thank you :-)

Yesterday started so well. I have to tell you there are some truly lovely people in this world, and blogless Kathryn from Knitting Haven is one of them. This stunning bag arrived yesterday, I had admired Kathryn's bag a little while ago and said how much I liked Amy Butler fabrics so Kathryn decided I should have one too. Isn't it beautiful. The fabric is from the Tea Box range, Star Paisley, # Apricot, lined with Apricot Oxford Stripe.

I'm a firm believer in the balance of things, thank you Kathryn for doing something so lovely and thoughtful which restored balance to an otherwise mediocre day.

And - wonders will never cease - I appear to have a short row heel complete with wraps. I've no idea if it looks how it should and quite frankly I don't care. Quite why anyone in their right mind would want to knit a sock from the toe up I shall never know, but at least I can say I did it!!!!!

Don't Let the B*ggers get You Down!

2008-07-15T14:16:00.005+01:00

*Warning! This post contains no knitting content whatsoever*

I shouldn't be here! I SHOULD be in bed still - I am between nights. In fact when the morning comes I will have worked eight out of the last twelve nights. We have been so short of staff recently and morale is so low, but you just keep plodding on don't you. Or try to.

We have officially been terminated - or at least received our letters of termination for the end of the month. Then it's hey ho and all change and a life of profit margins and targets.

Bearing in mind that we have been TUPE'D over on existing terms and conditions, had one-to-one meetings where concerns have been adressed and reassurances made, to have had this dragging on for a year now is inexcusable and demoralising, and it wears you down, all this uncertainty, and how I'm still in one piece I don't know. Some of my colleagues aren't. In one piece that is. A year ago I wouldn't have been either, and in a way I'm quite proud of myself for still being here. You would not believe the half of it though.

I the last 24 hours I have had to try to console two colleagues who are inconsolable, the last one being my work colleague tonight who phoned in sick at 7:30 this morning. That leaves me the only nurse triaging calls from members of the public in the entire county on tonight's shift - when the twilight girls go home at 11:30 that's me folks. Me, and three countywide doctors and Primary Care Centres to deal with. Really conducive to a good day's sleeep is that knowledge.

This afternoon at 4:00 pm I have to book my new shifts on-line. FOR OCTOBER! Normally I would not be doing do until the first Wednesday of the month, but I received a text message - yes that's right, a text message at 4:00 pm yesterday informing me of this. To be fair though, that didn't come from the new folks, but from our office, who were trying their best to let us all know.

I am quite sure the site will crash. Up till now we have had staggered booking times for doctors, nurses and receptionists as the website can't cope with all of us at once and crashes. No staggering today though, oh no!

There are around half the usual number of shifts to book. Only one night shift ( the plan is to employ a call handler and a nurse at night it seems ) and so suddenly it's all change. Evening shifts, weekend shifts, are reduced in number and shift duration, with a night duty commencing at midnight. So even if I DO manage to book two nights, I shall still have four hours to find. Other shifts of course are being changed into call handler shifts ( which are of course the less expensive option ) so my role will be to ring people back, not answer the phone to them and deal
with them at first point of contact.

There is far more going on - but I have to remember that I am a professional. I haven't mentioned here the PCT or company involved, and won't. But I have had enough of both of them.

None of this will make any sense to you all probably. I've just had enough today - in fact I'm right up to here with it all. I don't do going off sick so I shall do my best tonight, but it will be hard.

This September SHOULD have seen me complete 35 years of working in the NHS. I have never ever wanted to be or do anything else, my back injury - and that was work induced - precludes me from many of the hands-on jobs that I could apply for. At the moment, let me tell you that Marks and Spencer is looking highly attractive.

PS I have been trying to keep going and stay chirpy for the TdF KAL, but I haven't been posting on CTNY. I do miss you all girls if any of you are reading, and am lurking a little, but I'm just not feeling sociable at present. I will be back though. I didn't want to come on there and post this, goodness knows I've off loaded there a lot recently to try to keep my blog neutral, and it doesn't seem right somehow. But as is MY space perhaps I can be excused for having a little moan and rant here.

Oh - and I am going to see Leonard Cohen on Thursday. Now THAT will cheer me up won't it ;-)