Regret

I wish I wasn't full of regret today but I am.

I regret that I hadn't spoken to him in such a long time; that I never told him what a great friend he was; that I never told him he always cheered me up when I spoke to him; that I never told him how much I admired his ability to keep going now matter what crap was thrown at him; but most of all that I never told him that I was proud of him for all those things.

I always thought he'd be there. I thought I'd get to see him and catch up when I went home just before Christmas.

I've lit two candles today one for my great friend Stephen and one for my other friend Jan, you will both be missed by all who knew you.

xx

There is something on it's way...

But I can't say what or where from as part of it is for my very special Mum for Christmas and she reads this (sometimes) so Mum's the word. But I am very excited, I've been wanting it for a long time!

I do have more to post but I can't be bothered to get up off my seat to get my notebook to type out my notes!

I've been listening to Lime and Violet at every opportunity since monday on my MP3 player, it's brilliant.

Knitting news is that I am nearly at the toe of the companion sock and I have already started planning the next pair I want to knit. It's hard not to cast on, but I have resisted and therefore could claim points in the Knit Wars that Miss Violet set up on Chore Wars. I'm so geeky, I love it!

Right off to knit, and then I can claim again!

TTFN

I'm tired

And I feel yucky so I'm off to bed for a nap and then an early night. I will probably not make it back on here later.

Debating whether I want this pattern, well I want it but whether to get it or not.
Ravelry link here website link here

A wet day

It's rained nearly all day today, luckily it didn't spoil our walk round the Gnoll with the dogs. That's the only thing with having dogs or more specifically a Springer Spaniel, you have to go out regardless of the weather. I've not been feeling up to much today, achy and pathetic are my general symptoms. As Roy has gone out for the evening I have just put a ready meal in the oven and I have some Kale to go with it and then ice cream for afters. I have a DVD to watch on his instructions which I will do whilst knitting. I did buy some wool yesterday on my visit to the wool shop, I got 3 balls of Jaegar Matchmaker for the blanket, 2 were £2 and the other £0.75. I also got a ball of black Sirdar Click chunky for a hat for Roy and a ball of Sidar Peru Naturals for a hat for me. I also need to make some time for checking the UK yarn shops on Ravelry but it takes time to collate all the information, I will get there though. Right off to play Sims for a while or maybe download a knitting pod cast or 2 for my MP3 player, if anyone has any links for good ones I'd be grateful.

TTFN

Crap

I forgot to post yesterday, I meant to do it but ended up on the phone for most of my computer time and then I decided to play the Sims for a bit and forgot.

Not much to tell about today, went into Swansea for some bits and got some dish cloth cotton for 89p a ball. Off to the wool shop now for a browse!

Ooops

I totally forgot I needed to knit for the fund-raiser, shit, better get started quickly!

I've done the heel flap and picked up the stitches on the companion, but now I have some stitches on DPNs and some on the circular, just need to work out how to go about getting it all back on track for magic loop. I'm not convinced it will work. Hopefully my new needles will arrive tomorrow, at work though and I'm off so I made them promise if they came in to text me and I can go get them, I'm glad they don't mind my knitting madness!

Right off to root through the yarn box for charity knitting yarn!

Just a quickie to say I'm off to knitting tonight so might not post later

xx

I gave in

Some sets of Knit Picks Circulars are on their way to me.

I've also cast on the companion, but this time I'm trying magic loop. I can't be long as I have to go and walk the dogs and then I think it will be an evening off the computer.

TTFN

I can't buy yarn, but I could buy needles

I'm debating about getting some Knit Picks Circular needles in smaller sizes for sock knitting. I really fancy trying knitting on 2 circulars and also 2 socks on 2 circulars. But what sizes to get, 2.25mm, 2.5mm, 2.75mm?? Or all 3? I need help!

I've been mostly planning what socks I could knit next, no I haven't cast on for the companion for my first ever sock before you ask. I fancy trying toe-up as I've got some mice single skeins of Posh Yarn and am itching to knit it up and that way I'll know that I have enough for both socks.

The Basic Camisole is coming along ok, nearly finishing the shaping on the front, so then back to the 5mm needles until I reach the neck. Many people seemed to complain that the cotton angora fluffed a bit whilst knitting but so far I've not had any issues.

Off to debate a bit more

TTFN

Today...

Has been a quiet day with cleaning being the main agenda. I am disappointed in myself that I forgot about the 11 am 2 minute silence for Remembrance Sunday. I sat and watched some of the repeat of the television coverage this evening with a tear in my eye. I really want to start looking for a nice poppy image for my planned tattoo. Whether I will ever be brave enough I don't know but I would like to have it done.

A nice day in the woods

Today we went to Pembrey Country Park to walk the dogs, it was Alfie's first ever trip there and I think he enjoyed. Rosco found (with some help) some nice sticks to carry about. I love the park, the combination of glorious beach with light and airy woods is perfect for a stroll with the dogs. On the way home we called into Borders where I managed to find a copy of Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Sock Book. I've only read the history section and started on the section about sock construction but I think I'm going to love this book! Well I'm off to have a bath so I'll leave you with two of the photos taken today.
TTFN

Friends

Both last night and tonight we had friends round, mine last night for a coffee and Royston's tonight. Hence not much to report on the knitting front, I've done 6" of the front of my Basic Cami and whilst knitting it decided that the plum colour of the wool would be an ideal colour for the throws I need for the three piece.

That's all I got folks.

TTFN



PS- I wrote this before midnight and saved it instead of publishing it, what a donkey!

Life....

Some days I find it hard to not let it get me down. Tomorrow or Saturday I will be having one almighty argument with our former Letting Agents, lack of communication does not make me a happy girl.

On a happy note, my friend very kindly brought my copy of Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts that she picked up for me to work today. Oooh nice patterns, need more hours in the day, speaking of which Scott Mills on Radio One was talking about a 6 day, 28 hours per day week, info can be found here, to be honest I can see the appeal in this!

TTFN

nothing to report

I had the sort of day in work where your brain hurts when you leave. Been busy, got nothing done.

Popped into S&B, and I mean popped in.

Not much else to tell, sorry folks.

Temptation

I have been good, I wanted this skein of gorgeousness from Hello Yarn, well I wanted 2, but I am on a stash diet and must be good. I put it in my basket and started to check out but stopped and released them back to people who aren't on a stash diet.
The Basic Camisole is moving along quite nicely for a slow knitter like me! I'm loving the 5mm needles. I don't think I'll have a lot of negative ease with this top which means it might not have that fitted shape but I'm willing to knit it and see what it's like when finished.

In my defence

I have frogged the Summertime Tunic, I wasn't feeling any love for it at all.

I've cast on the Basic Camisole from Knitting Lingerie Style. I realised that I had some Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora in the stash which had the right tension on 5mm needles so I've cast on and done about 1.5". Liking it so far, the yarn is very nice to knit with and despite what I've heard I've had very little shedding!



Nice colour huh??

TTFN

Heart not in it

I have to confess I'm not really up for posting today but I am trying my hardest to stick to completing the month.

Unfortunately I have some personal crap to deal with and get my head round, something I don't want to go into here but nothing life or death.

This means that some of my posting will have to be done by email whilst at work, I need to limit my evening internet time it appears.

I will leave you with some dog pictures as promised though.

Must.
Not.
Cast.
On.
New.
Project.

Especially as I just frogged the left front of Mazarine because I had too many stitches, which I didn't spot until I cast off.

Sitting here wasting time...

I have a million things I could be doing, including knitting but instead I am sat here wasting time on the internet! Today I bring you some pictures!


My first sock - just need to knit another one!


I did knit this for me, but it's too small so it can go to the bag for stuff for the fundraiser! Starting the from the top down is a little fiddly but great once you've got going! The pattern can be found here, and I did ask and get permission but I started knitting it for charity.


This has been finished for ages but I never got round to posting a picture of it. It's the Louisa Harding Striped Beret without the stripes and knitted in the round, the colour is way off in this but I can't get it right.

Anyway I'm off to hang washing out and take the dogs for a walk - pics of them tomorrow!

TTFN!

2nd day 2nd post

As you can see I have internet at home! Just need to find the USB stick in order to set up the wireless connection.

Not much to post tonight I'm afraid, hoping to do some pictures etc. tomorrow in between the housework.

Unfortunately I'm not really in a posting type mood tonight, there's always tomorrow though.

TTFN

xx

Technically...

This was posted on the 2nd, but as I actually wrote it last night but didn't have internet access until this morning I'm using as my post for the 1st!

I'm still thinking of some themes to do for the month, which I may continue. If anyone has any suggestions I would be most grateful. Hopefully our connection will be working when I get home, today is the activation date!

The WIP list is going up with a venegance, keep starting different things, I really should do more of my Cardigan and do the other sock for my first pair! I can't wait to get the internet back so I can upload some pictures and also to transfer music from CD to my MP3 with the track and artist information.

Here's hoping I can post from home tonight, if not posting over the weekend will be interesting!!!!

No internet at home...

Makes for very little blogging opportunity.  The order has been placed, just waiting for the router and activation date.  I hope it is all up and running by Thursday, which is unlikely, as I have signed up for NaBloPoMo.  I think the first few posts are going to be short and sweet! 

I'm on a total wool buying ban at the moment, until I can shut the lid on the blanket box that most of my yarn is kept in.  I will need some more colours for the mitered blanket which I have picked back up again but I will make a dent on the colours I have here already. 

I've managed to knit a sock!!  Yay!!  Now I need to knit another one which I plan on casting on for this week. 
I also need to start knitting for our S&B charity event, I think I'll start with legwarmers, not sure yet though.  The Karlchen hat I knitted may go in the pile as it's a bit small for me (large head, lot of hair).

 

TTFN

 

Can I just get in a box?

Just popping on here quickly inbetween packing the craft room and going out to walk the dogs. I've got to the stage now of just chucking stuff in boxes and not being able to move for bloody boxes. After walking the dogs will be more packing of craft room, I'm tempted to throw it all away and pretend I never saw it! Then I have the rest of the house to make a start on and also the painting to finish at the new place. We went over yesterday and put a coat on the hallway and the lounge, the hallway will get it's top coat of magnolia after we've moved in just in case the walls get marked. The lounge needs to be finished this week though before D day on Friday. I hate moving!

TTFN

Busy busy busy

Busy trying to find a new home, long story, sorry can't be bothered to go into it. It's not going well really, 2 cats and 2 dogs and room for 6 ferrets in the garden make it hard to find somewhere.

Busy doing stuff on Ravelry and trying to be helpful.

Busy in work doing transport admin type stuff or job as it's otherwise known.

Busy sorting stuff and packing, see point 1.

Busy trying to fit in bits of knitting when I can.

Busy thinking about very short break with my parents on the weekend in the Cotswolds.

Not so busy updating the blog or taking photos, the 2 things I really wanted to improve on.

I finally took the plunge and ordered the Knit Picks options set from Get Knitted, along with some extra cables and a fixed 2.5 mm circular so I can try magic loop for some socks. I was pleasantly surprised when they arrived yesterday and even more pleasantly surprised when I started to knit with them. They are lovely, anyone who has seem me knit will know that I always seem to knit on a circular needle, always a Addi Turbo or a Lace Addi. I've been knitting My So Called Scarf on a pair of plastic straights much to the amusement of certain friends at S&B, I look like an idiot knitting with them!

I've started doing some ironing as I realised at 11.15 am that I really should get out of my PJs so when R gets home I don't end up with the question about what I've been doing all morning.

Tomorrow I am off to help my friend out with a Wedding Fare so will be up early for a long day on my feet, they'd better be coffee that's all I'm saying!

Well I suppose I'd better go and get on with the ironing and if the sun comes out later I can take some pictures of my WIPs for Ravely and the blog. When we went home my Mum kindly ripped my Summertime Tunic to past the ribbing so I could try and rectify the problem but I've done 3 rows of the second attempt and it looks as if I'll have the same problem, I'm at a loss. I don't know whether to carry on and hope it looks ok, which I don't think it will or to tink it back past the ribbing again and try doing a twisted rib to see if that pulls in on the right side.

I think I'll put the kettle on for another coffee and then do some more ironing.

TTFN

Opinions Needed!

Knit Picks Options - I need opinions now that I can pre-order a set
here the in UK!

New Shoes!

Our friends are getting married on Saturday which, because I have nothing suitable to wear to a wedding, meant a new dress. I bought this dress from Monsoon, but as I got it in the sale I can't link to it on the website. After deciding that I would take it back on Monday evening I discovered that I needed to do that within 7 days, whoops. It was decided that my faithful black strappy sandals didn't look right with it so I have bought these gorgeous Irregular Choice shoes, and have ordered the bag to match and online, I paid for express delivery so it should have been here today but it hasn't arrived, the nice lady at Parcelforce said it was scanned onto the trailer in Edinburgh last night but hasn't arrived at Swansea. Of course I'm panicking that it's gone missing and I won't get one by Saturday, she is going to ring me though to update me so if it hasn't arrived in Swansea tomorrow I can ring Schuh and she what they say. I still need some jewellery so I need to pull my finger out of my A*£^ and make some. Speaking of which I'm off to find some inspiration!

TTFN!

Quick post!

My Summertime Tunic is now in hibernation due to a small problem with my ribbing only pulling in on the reverse, have no idea how I managed that. OTN now is Mazarine from Louisa Harding Swallowtails in Rowan Felted Tweed, I popped into the wool shop today to pick up a pattern for the Nautical Cotton and picked up 2 balls of the Felted Tweed. I got home and discovered that the cotton isn't DK weight after all, but realised that I could knit the cardigan in the Felted Tweed instead, need to call them tomorrow and reserve more yarn for it. I made coconut ice today or rather I tried to, when I added the coconut and beat it it went instantly dry, anyone got a different recipe? I used the one from the Dairy Cookbook.

TTFN, knitting to be done!

Let me try again!

I did start a post last night but I got about 3 words in and gave up, too many distractions and questions etc.

We start puppy classes with Alfie tomorrow night, this one is going to be hard work! We were blessed with Rosco, whilst he had he fair share of naughty moments he was for the most part good and easy to train (to be fair he pretty much trained himself). Alfie isn't exceptionally naughty he's just very busy and quick, he does sit for you but by the time you've gotten the biscuit out to reward him he's gone again. His new nickname is little shit because he has just got mischief written all over him and he knows he is adorable.

I had a lovely weekend, Saturday involved sitting outside in the sun (don't faint we did have some) drinking coffee and knitting and then a pleasant walk on Llanelli beach with the dogs, where they can run and play to their hearts content. Sunday involved housework, but we did manage to mend the washing machine, I didn't think I'd be so happy to hear that thing going in the evenings.


In knitting news the Summertime tunic is back on the needles, new ones at that, in the new blue yarn from Loop. I got myself some Emily in Blessed from Posh Yarn this week, my first 2 choices where gone, but I am excitedly awaiting this package of gorgeousness! I also managed
to score 2 bargains on ebay, the first being some Louisa Harding, Nautical Cotton in black and the second being some Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora in purple. I am quite fancying some Ophelia from Hipknits particulary in the Sunrise colour way, but first I need to actually knit one pair of socks before I buy anymore sock yarn!

I'm off to do a little more blog surfing and then a little more knitting of the tunic methinks
TTFN!

He was too Damm quick! I will post tomorrow, slept all evening and I don't think I can string together a post!

TTFN

Fed Up!

It wont' stop raining, have ended up in damp clothes all weekend. Most of my knitting has now been frogged, today was the Jaywalkers and the wristwarmers I started last night. Oh well maybe tomorrow I will be in better spirits.
TTFN

I've just found this

Mingle² - Online Dating

over at And She Knits Too! If it weren't for the fact that my Mum reads this blog, I'm guessing that I would have a much higher rating LOL!

Whoops

I forgot to post to say the new arrival is now called Alfie! Not much knitting going on here lots of frogging though, I started my Basic Camisole and realised that the GGH Scarlett I had picked knits to a different tension, so I started the Summertime tunic from Interweave Knits and ordered 2 more balls for it but Loop only had one ball, so am sending back what I have for a different colour. Started to knit Karchlen but I keep getting in a muddle. I had nearly finished another mitre for the blanket to only realise that I went wrong quite a long way back. I also think I may frog some of the miters I've already done as I've gone off the colour combos. Well I'll be off as it's hard to type and check typos when you have a cat in front of the screen.

New Addition

To the household is here! No name yet though, we have to pick one tomorrow as it is increasingly hard to call him without a name!




Last night I tried out knitting continental style, and hats off to you knitters who can do this! It's far too complicated for me, I guess I'll be sticking to my wrong version in which I throw the yarn! Tomorrow I have a dentists appointment and then some jobs to do. I need to take photos of all my yarn this weekend to upload them to Ravelry and I'm hoping to meet up with the girls at some point but need to run that past Royston and his plans. Off for now, knitting and dog hugging are in order!
TTFN!

Bad Blogger

Sorry, just been really busy! Just another quickie for now so I can try and get some knitting time in, if not I'll be knitting this blanket in my retirement! I have placed a small order from Loop, for some Addi Lace needles and some GGH Scarlett cotton. The yarn will be knitted into something from Knitting Lingerie Style. I need to take some pics of yarn and projects and get them uploaded to Flickr and Ravelry, keep meaning to and then miss the daylight! We had a nice day at the Welsh Game Fair on Saturday where Rosco took 2nd place in the Scurry, well done Rosco Dog! We went and picked up my new (to us) car, a little Citroen AX diesel, small, pretty old, basic and cheap to run, but quite fun to drive! Royston has decided it's definitely a Shellie Car! I popped into Borders today on lunch and spotted a copy of Scrap City on the shelf, this had been out for a while now, but I was pretty chuffed to see it sitting there in my local book shop! I mean I was excited to be published in it, to see it on Amazon and to get my copy but to see me sitting there on the shelf was something else!
TTFN

BE SWEET

I found this yarn - BE SWEET, at Loop and am now in love! I really fancy some of the Bamboo and the Magic Loop, will have to start saving. I have just placed an order for some Addi Lace needles and some GGH Scarlett cotton for a top from Knitting Lingerie Style. Just got to wait for it to arrive now!
TTFN!

Sqaure number 4

Sqaure number 4
Originally uploaded by shellbean

Sqaure number 3

Sqaure number 3
Originally uploaded by shellbean

Is done, needs blocking though! Sorry I'm too tired to do a proper entry! Did have a fab day on Saturday sitting outside knitting and chatting! Meal at Garuda on Saturday night was fab, would highly recommend!

An update!

Not much to report to be honest! Been busy browsing Ravelry and adding things on there such as my books, to which there has been the recent addition of Knitting Lingerie Style. I picked this up in Borders out of curiosity and discovered there actually many wearable things in it! Some beautiful tops and socks that I will be adding to my queue on Ravelry.

I did have a small world moment the other night, I've had a contact on Flickr for ages as I love her handspun yarn and love to look at it and be inspired about what I may be able to achieve one day. Well the other night I commented on some gorgeous beaded handspun that she'd made, thought no more of it. Then I received an email through Etsy's conversation section about joining the UK Sellers thread from one of the girls who comes to S&B. When I looked I realised that I recognised the user name as the same person with the fab yarn! If you are into Handspun you really should take a look at her stuff it's fab, she can be found here. I've had the pleasure of seeing some of her work IRL and it is gorgeous.
Anyway I'm off, up early to go to a local market and carboot and then off for ice cream and knitting for World Wide Knit in Public Day and then off out for a meal at a Balinese restaurant!
TTFN!

One more square done!

Another square is finished making 3 out of 20 squares completed and 13 of 80 miters done. Today I bought some more yarn for the blanket, 3 balls of Debbie Bliss Rialto, 1 Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK and 1 Jaeger Matchmaker DK. Just need to start the next colour selection.

Tonight I've also got round to uploading some stitch markers to Etsy, the red set I fancy keeping myself, but I shall be strong I made them to sell!

Just a quickie

To say that the group blog for the Mitered Square blanket can be found here! It's kinda lonely there on my own!

Bargain!

I was browsing Ebay the other day looking for some knitting related bargains when I came across 22 sets of DPNs. Now I did need some other sizes for the Jaywalkers I wanted to knit in Posh Yarn Lucia so when I saw these going for a good price I couldn't resist. I was lucky enough to win the set for £22 including postage. Obviously for this price I was a bit concerned about the quality of the wood, but I didn't need to worry! They are of a lovely quality and the bonus, they have the sizes printed on the side! The seller is lovely to deal with and very prompt in posting and while I don't usually do recommending ebay sellers I thought I would make an exception. If you fancy some fab needles or yarn Alpacaandcats gets the thumbs up here!

Piece of useless information, especially as I don't live in the USA but anywho!

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 125 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

I done Royston's too, but apparently there isn't anyone called Royston in the U.S!

The stash!

I also have a photo of another finished square to share!

A fab day had by both

Well we both enjoyed today, the Smallholders and Garden Festival that Wonder Wool was within was much bigger than we'd expected and we came home with lots of goodies, mostly edible, from there. By the time we entered the Wonder Wool area we were both getting fairly tired, I think we should have sat down and had a coffee before the yarn shopping commenced. I came home with some nice stash, a skein of Artesano Hummingbird in Lovebird, a sock pattern and a set of Brittany Birch needles from Laughing Hens. I also got some Alpaca from UK Alpacas for the blanket which is wonderfully soft, and a pattern for some fingerless gauntlets. I also got some Superwash Merino roving from Cledry Yarner in the most gorgeous bright colour, she also had soap in felted jackets which I now wish I got one of! I was planning on taking pictures both there and when I got home, but I forgot the camera, and then fell asleep on the sofa and Royston didn't wake me up, I finally woke up at 10.20 pm! Who knows if I'll sleep tonight. I will take pictures tomorrow in the daylight of the goodies though.
x

WonderWool Wales Event

WonderWool Wales Event
Is tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited, too excited to blog in fact. I will however blog tomorrow with Stash photos!

Ravelry - a knit and crochet community

Ravelry - a knit and crochet community
I've been busy playing on here after I received my invitation yesterday! It is totally cool! Just need to take lots of pictures now!

Still need to make list for Wonder Wool!

Knit list

I spotted this here and decided it would be a good blog entry as I'm too brain fuzzled to write anything remotely sensible or witty!

Bold for stuff you’ve done, italics for stuff you plan to do one day, and normal for stuff you’re not planning on doing.


Afghan/Blanket – in progress
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Continental Knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book (you never know...)
Scarf
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca – have some waiting for a project
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cozies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with DPNs
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks – if I knew what this was it would help!
Knitting art
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self-patterning/self-striping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/arm warmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair (why?) – well not intentionally
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

Just a quickie

Thanks to Dee I found this blog and I have to say it is really making me want to try and learn crochet again! But I will refrain from trying to learn until I have made a serious dent on the Mitered Blanket, because if I do learn I will end up crocheting a ripple blanket as well and that may well push Royston over the edge with my endless questions about colour combination! To be honest though the blog is also inspiring me to go upstairs and get a needle and cotton and some fabric and sew something! It also pointed me in the direction of this Random Stripe Generator which I know will come in handy! And I found the link to this on there which I have been looking for because I didn't save it last time I found it! Tonight was Stitch and Bitch night, but was more Bitch than Stitch to be fair, enjoyed though, I love how crafts can bring together such different people and how you can find so many things in common with them. I will leave you with:

aargh

If anyone can help me find/ install a progress bar in my side bar I'd be very grateful!

Yarn for Miters

Yarn for Miters
Originally uploaded by shellbean.

This is the current supply of yarn for the Mitered Square blanket. I know I'm going to need a lot more but at the moment I am still working out "My Rules". The blanket is kind of scaring me, luckily I have January One to keep me inspired!!

Another template...

And I think I will stick with this one! Just want to work out how to add a Flickr Badge now!

Had a fab weekend in Norwich, spent Saturday at the East Anglian Fair with my Parents, a brilliant but tiring day. Then home after a delicious cooked dinner by my Mum. Yesterday I had the day off, which I spent doing boring things like paying bills! I did manage a trip to the wool shop and got some more balls for the mitered square blanket. I have knitted one square so far, did think I'd done another until I realised whilst knitting on the way to work that I had in fact done it wrong somehow so I've had to frog that one and start again. I'm kinda worried about my carefree attitude to the colour scheme now, but I guess once I've knitted a few I can plan a little more. Anyway I'm off, I will try and get a photo of the yarn for the blanket so far tomorrow in day light.
xx

I really have no idea what he's doing!

I really have no idea what he's doing!
Originally uploaded by shellbean.

Another cat pic!

Spinning around

Last night I decided to practice my spinning, which to be honest is something I need plenty of with it. I'm getting there but over twist seems to be an issue, as do lumps! I am finding the roving/ top easier than the fleece because of the lumpy bits in the fleece. I will get there though. Tonight I went to Stitch and Bitch and watched "V" spin, and hoped that one day I will become as good as her! Also the lovely girls at S&B furnished me with some wool for the mitrered blanket. Royston has decided that if I am knitting it I should do so with more expensive yarn than the oddments of cheap acrylic I had planned on using. I have order some King Cole Merino, well actually Mum ordered them for me, to be going on with and I found 2 balls of wool/ mohair blend in the stash box. And then "A" and "M" gave me some more balls. I have a long way to go, but I can keep an eye out for bits I fancy as I wool shop! I think the wool is currently in the post office waiting for me to pick it up! I'm also hoping my Nostepinne will arrive before we go to Norwich on Friday evening so I can show Mum.
Anywhoo I'm off to knit for a bit and drink a cup of the new herbal tea I bought - Pukka, Love

I'm so cute

I'm so cute
Originally uploaded by shellbean.

Penny was being incredibly cute on Saturday, she loves playing up for the camera so it would have been rude to have not taken some pics of her!

KnitWitches Gossamer Dreams Kid Mohair

KnitWitches Gossamer Dreams Kid Mohair
Originally uploaded by shellbean.

The light outside was just too good to resist! I am planning on something from Victorian Lace Today for this, after some practice!

Today's post which was (partly) written yesterday!

Yesterday's part
Now I like to jot notes down throughout the day or write my blog out whilst on the sofa or lying in bed (like now) but then I have a tendency to forget to actually blog it. So this is my conscious effort to actually blogging and not just writing a letter to no one. Part of the reason is that I like to ponder about my entry or I have things pop into my head as the day progresses. I find once in front of the computer I don't ponder as well. Tonight I'm quite tired so I think I will leave you to read Watching the English by Kate Fox before lights out.

Today's part
After work I called into the library to pick up the knitting books I had requested, I have in front of me: 400 Knitting Stitches, hats gloves scarves and Hip Knit Hats. The 400 Knitting Stitches and hats gloves scarves are too books that I could see me using often, at the moment I'm not so sure about Hip Knit Hats but I haven't had a good read yet. I have about 30 mins until I go and pick Roy up from work and probably should be doing something much more important than sitting here browsing the web - again. I think I have a problem, can't stop looking at yarn! In fact I have a yarn porn fetish. Talking of yarn, I am most pleased to discover that KnitWitches Yarns will be at Wonder Wool my Mum had said that they would be there but a blog entry confirmed this yesterday!! I haven't ordered from them as yet but my Mum has and raved about them, I was also lucky enough to recieve a skein of this in Midnight Plum for my birthday from my Mum and it is stunning, I am waiting for my Nostepinne to arrive so I can wind it into a ball. I have my eye on a pattern in Victorian Lace Today for it but I will be practicing some lace in another yarn before attempting this. Well Ciao for now unless anything else pops into my little head!

Have changed again to this! Not sure if I've done it right though! Now I've gotten rid of the google thing I tried to add it's working! I got it here http://www.bloggertemplates.org/?pg=1 and it's surprisingly easy!!

Saving!

Well I should have £36 in the pot for Wonder Wool, but I have £25. To be honest I'm chuffed I have that much as since I've been putting in my pot I seem to be putting it in Royston's too. Not sure how that happened!

Woo Hoo

Yesterday I went and collected my copy of Victorian Lace Today, it's been long awaited as Mum ordered it for me in February as an early Birthday pressie. We gave up on Amazon and ordered it from The Book Depository who sent it out very promptly. Talking of my Birthday I had a lovely day on Monday, because of the Bank Holiday I had a day off which is always nice on your burpday. We went to Cribbs Causeway in Bristol for a spot of shopping and then over to A and N's house in Bristol. We haven't seen them for ages and have never been to their current home. They have a lovely house and a nice garden so we got to make the most of the nice weather and had a BBQ. We got back a lot later than we wanted to!
I have treated myself to a Nostepinne as I hanker after yarn cakes and a ball winder isn't going to be practical especially without a swift. I also like the idea of the Nostepinne more than a ball winder and the cost difference was a helping decider. I am still looking for something to store my needles in, I love the idea of this Namaste Needle and Notions Binders but the price is a little high to be honest!! I'm supposed to be refraining from buying anymore yarn (except cheap DK) until I go to Wonder Wool Wales but Dee has posted sneaky pics of yarn for Sunday's sale and I am in love with Wreath!
Anywho I'm off to continue browsing the net and then to knit another mitre square and dream of lace!

Our handsome Rosco Dog!

Just a little eye candy of the doggy variety!

Tired...

I am tired today, Rosco had a busy day yesterday and I'm paying for it today! I had loads of plans for tonight but chatting to Mum on the phone is a much better option!
On Saturday I decided to tackle my craft room, Roy helped me because I need his help to actually get rid of stuff! I still have some stuff to do but I can see the floor and my desk! I took all my buttons out of the small spice jars and put them in one container for my room on my desk shelves my Grandad made for me. I am currently sorting out my beads and putting them in different containers. I need to get round to taking some photos for Project Spectrum and the blog and various online places but of course I'm procrastinating by surfing the web as usual! I bought myself Simply Knitting today, I'm usually disappointed by the mag but this month there are a couple of things I fancy knitting, mostly the needle wrap in there because my dreams of sewing myself one are never going to match up to what I make! Well not much more news here! Will endeavor with some pics tomorrow!

Loving having the internet back at home!

It means I can read blogs properly, read the pad properly, post on here and at the moment most importantly find songs for my new Walkman Mobile! I got myself a new mobile, I loved my old Sony Ericsson K750i but bless it it's a little old and dodery now and plays up a bit. As I've been wanting a replacement MP3 player for the faulty one I have this seemed like a good idea, works out cheaper and only 1 thing to carry about instead of 2.

I have made a start on the first ever knitted garment, which is a vest knitted in Jaegar Celeste. I'm not 100% about how it is going to look but as the yarn was reduced to £2 a ball and it knits up on 12mm it seemed like a good place to start. Also on the needles are the very pathetic start of a pair of socks, I'll find the yarn details out later, these were meant for my Project Spectrum effort - whoops. I've also signed up for Quick Fix Knitalong, should be easy for me, most of my knits are quick things!!! In a minute I'm going upstairs to wax my eyebrows with the jar of Nads Hair Removal Gel I bought today, it isn't supposed to hurt as much and the wax strips aren't much cop anyway!!

Completely forgot to mention that I Royston has said that I we can go to Wonder Wool Wales, I', so excited! It's 50 days away so I've decided to save £2 a day so I have spending money when I get there!!

Not lost honest!!!

We have our internet back on at home!! So I can post again more regularly! Mind you today was first day in new job so the next few weeks I may just be too tired with all the learning of new stuff to actually post stuff! That's it for me for this post as Eastenders has just started and I have some bits to do!
Be back real soon!

My creation

Been playing and made this using http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/

My creation Originally uploaded by shellbean.

I’ve got the lurgy, feel like rubbish, have done since last Tuesday, so very little has been done with regards to anything to be honest. I keep starting things in Grey for my Project Spectrum 2.0 efforts, but I keep pulling them out as well. I need to make more of an effort in that area. I need to knit one more wristwarmer for Ellie to take to Stitch and Bitch tomorrow (whoops), forgot all about it as I haven’t been for a while. I then need to knit another wristwarmer to go with my lone one! I also need to draw up a list of things I want to knit and out of what, that way I can start to get rid of the stash mountain I have accumulated before my Mum twigs! I could never understand how my Mum owned sooo much yarn, and now I could rival her! I have also found Etsy’s Time Machine which is pretty cool (and dangerous), a very nice time waster which can be passed off as an inspiration tool. I also neeeed to get into the Studio (back bedroom, crap room) and have a sort out before Roy does it for me. And I have a CJ entry to do, and ironing, and, well you get the picture. Well that’s it for now, I’m off to indulge in my new hobby, browsing flickr.
Ciao for now

I promise to do a proper post soon.

But at the moment my brain aches, I'm missing home and I miss someone that maybe I shouldn't, wondering whether they miss me. Gah, is all I can say, need a trip home to see Mel and that someone.

I could have done with some company today, but as my work colleague is off I am stuck with myself. Things are not going well at the moment, hence the reason for company. I would explain but I don’t have the energy or the time to at the moment. I have been doing a lot of soul searching and I keep drawing blanks.

On a cheery note the beret that was on the needles is now on it’s way to becoming a cowl to keep my neck snugly warm, after a small incident in my handbag resulting in the stitches falling off the needle, I may need 1 more ball of yarn to finish it though.

Tonight I need to at least make enough room to get to my scrapping desk, I’m not in the mood to do any to be honest but I have CJs to get on with and a deadline for the end of this week on a layout, so I need to at least fake some mojo tonight. Last night I sorted my beads out, I must start making some bits with them, I still have loads, but I put all the ones I could bear to part with in a box to find new homes for! When I can see some work surface or even floor I will be putting these so they are out somewhere because when I see them I use them!

I think now I will have a little look at my Scarf Style book and try and make a coffee!!

Ciao all

I keep writing about posts at home and then don’t get round to actually putting them online! So this is my 4th attempt since Christmas, of course I can’t remember any of the stuff I wanted to post about now. I have decided to changed the name of the blog to “Shell Bean coming round the mountain…” courtesy of Jo, thanks hunny!!!! I decided that a change was needed as my scrapping has diminished quite a bit lately; in fact I’m only doing CJ’s at the moment. I do need to get back into it as I have a page to do! Before I can do anything I need to clear a space on the desk that is bigger than a five pence piece! All of my Christmas knitting was completed and seemed to be liked by all the recipients, I was hoping to take pictures of them but I ran out of time I’m afraid. Of course I know need to make myself a new banner which I will try and do over the weekend, no promises though! In an effort to push myself creativitly and also because I love colour I have signed up for Project Spectrum, I love the idea of this because I’m not limited to one type of craft, so I can pick and chose. Can’t wait to get started now. On the needles at the moment I have a beret knitted in Sirdar Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk Aran in Vintage Red , this wool is fantastic to knit with, I can see me saving up for a bit more of it! Well I haven’t finished what I wanted to say but my time online for today is running out so I will publish to here and continue as soon as life allows!

xxx

I will be back with a more comprehensive post later! I also need to change my header to reflect the new blog title!