The Unique Bean

2012-01-05T14:24:00.001Z

Just a quick post whilst exercising the dogs. This is OPI rainbow connection over a nails inc nude (which I've forgotten the name of) and then a coat of China Glaze matte top coat. I'm not 100% sure about it to be honest.

Nails nails nails

2011-11-18T17:02:00.001Z

2 coats of China Glaze Snow Globe over 2 coats of OPI Ink

Still here

2011-10-24T23:41:00.001Z

I decided I love Autumn, mostly for the fashion season. This year the shops have some lovely colours and knitted items inspiring me to finish my cardigan and maybe attempt some sewing.

In other news this little man has been keeping me entertained, I wish I didn't have to go back to work in the new year but such is life

Try again

2011-05-20T12:55:00.000Z

Well I am going to try again with the blogging thing, mostly to start recording the little details of life with this little guy

Rowan is now 8 weeks old and I have to say a very good baby, apart from when he is hungry or has wind he doesn't really cry. He has been drinking milk like nobodies business lately I suspect a growth spurt! He has slowed down a bit today though.

In craft related news I am starting to get rid/ sell my scrapbooking and card making stuff as I just don't do it at all any more and really want to get another spinning wheel more suited to art yarns. The one I want is the SpinOlution Echo but at £400 ish this is pretty much a dream, I am however bidding on a cheaper possibly suitable wheel on Ebay.

I'm trying to make more of an effort to eat a proper healthy lunch and tea now I am home on maternity leave. I have to say my saving grace in trying to do this is frozen prepared veg such as peppers and mushrooms. I also diced, cooked and froze onions for easy use. This is helping no end as the bit that takes time is the chopping and washing which with a little one isn't always easy to do when you need to do it. Anyone got any good recipes that I can do in the slow cooker?

2010-06-18T21:49:00.001Z

Fail

2010-05-03T14:30:00.000Z

Well I didn't do very well did I? In my defence we were out all day yesterday at the Newport Tattoo Convention and then stopped for something to eat at China China. I am off out soon to take Alfie for a wash and shave, his fur is so long and he looks like a proper scruffy puppy!

I did post honest...

2010-05-01T20:33:00.000Z

I did post from my new phone which I love lots but haven't been able to find an app to successfully blog with!

I am really hoping to manage to blog every day this month and have decided to try and follow NaBloPoMo to try and get me blogging more. I was lucky enough today to look up and see a Red Kite, these are such beautiful birds and quite rare now, so to see one as we left Tesco was quite unusual.

I'm actually typing this as we wait for friends to come round, and waiting to open the new bottle of Eristoff Black Wild Berry. While I wait I think I will open the Sparkling Rose and knit some more of my Honey Cardigan

Wants....

2009-06-21T14:29:00.001Z

Just some of my favourites from Etsy, window shopping only for me though

Etsy
Buy Handmade
shellbean

2009-06-13T17:31:00.003Z

I was going to post today but instead I done a shop update, mostly sock yarn but some fibre left from the last update. Let me know what you think.

A small improvement

2009-05-17T20:26:00.004Z

Well I've managed to blog twice in one month, that's got to be an improvement.

It won't be a long one unfortunately as I've not long sat down from dyeing fibre and some yarn for the shop and the bed still needs a change of sheets, it's an exciting life huh?

I did manage to get the fibre I dyed the other week all uploaded into the shop this morning.

These aren't the best photos I've taken but I ended up taking them one evening as the light faded. The next update should contain some Falkland, though not as much as planned as the order was a little light and I may be keeping some back, and some Blue Faced Leicester as I will be getting some from the Guild this week or next.

At some point this week I need to finish tidying up the back room and start cutting out the next dress making pattern, I think the stretchy 3/4 culottes will be next. And then maybe another bag.

I've also had my nose stuck in Sock Innovation since it arrived from here, fab book wonderfully written and gorgeous patterns. The other sock book I got is Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn, from same place, which is also gorgeous I was knitting the Pot pourri socks but had to step out of the denial that they fitted as they were too tight over my heel.

I need to get better at this

2009-05-05T22:10:00.002Z

Well I'm really not doing very well at blogging at the moment am I? I've been busy here, knitting, spinning, building a veg patch, collecting community compost for the veg patch, working, getting tattooed, dyeing yarn and fibre, going to Wonderwool Wales, etc etc etc. You get the picture.

I've left it so long that I don't even know where to start, Royston lost his job at the beginning of January and of course hasn't managed to find anything else. The amount of people applying for each job is scary but I shall leave this topic along for fear of stepping on a political and societal soap box ;-) which of course if you know my IRL you will have heard.

We currently have a cat with cystitis which is not fun, as we start to make progress things go back to bad. We told the vet this morning that she seemed better and now tonight she is trying to wee in places she shouldn't. Does anyone know anything about this? Can a change in cat litter bring it on? Bach flower remedies spring to mind, but I need to check with the vet.

I saved my birthday money for Wonderwool so I ended up with some nice goodies, including Alpaca, some gorgeous Falkland from Spindlefrog, she also gave me a wonderful gift to replace my spinners swap parcel that Royal mail have eaten, I have got as far as the sock yarn which is Superwash Merino and is knitting into the most gorgeous socks. I also bought some Landscape dyes which I have had a little play with and am hoping to play some more tomorrow (fingers crossed). I also sold my Haldane spinning wheel to make some dosh for the flyers I wanted for the Sonata, and also so she would go to someone who would love and use her. I'm not saying I didn't love her, I did dearly, but I hadn't used her since getting the Sonata at Christmas.

Well fingers crossed I will manage to post again this week and maybe with photos!

Wow.....

2008-12-01T09:18:00.003Z

15th September was the last post! I have been here, but busy in a nothing happening sort of way. I've been doing plenty of spinning and I've managed to learn to crochet to start a ripple blanket (twice, as the first was too small), also some knitting and some frogging. I've also been dyeing and have set up a Misi shop www.shellbean.misi.me.uk. I have the shop title of Shellbean knits and stuff but I really want to think of something else less wordy, help?

Today I am off work so shall be heading off to Cardiff to do some Christmas shopping very shortly, for now I'm doing a little knitting and drinking coffee and just had some Lemon Curd on toast for my breakfast.

I wish I had more to share, maybe I will have an inspirational moment today as I shop, in the meantime I leave you with a self-promo photo!

A non post if you will

2008-09-15T21:47:00.003Z

I was going to post but instead I cleaned the bathroom literally from top to bottom moved things around and tidied. Quite frankly Mum if you don't use my bathroom when you visit on the weekend I will be most disappointed!

xx

Just a quickie

2008-08-25T12:43:00.002Z

To say if you knit and want unusual stitch markers then go here , so cute, I want the coffee and doughnut ones!

Sunshine means photos!

2008-08-22T18:15:00.006Z

Last Saturday I went to Get Knitted for a dyeing workshop with Jeni of Fy berspates and I have to say I had a wonderful day and brought home some hand dyed yarn I am proud of. I may have also managed to spend some money in Get Knitted, well they give you a 10% off voucher for attending the workshop and I needed to get the most out of my petrol getting there (that's my story and I'm sticking to it).

This is the yarn I dyed:

This is the stash I bought, I was quite restraint on the yarn front with a ball of Trekking Pro Natura (the red), which I have to say if I'd have know how nice it was and that it had bamboo in it I would have bought more of, a ball of Opal Uni and two skeins of Lorna's Laces in Bittersweet.

I also got Interweave Knits, two Amy Butler sewing patterns, some Amy Butler Fabric, some notions, and another set of Knit Picks Circular needles in 2.25mm.

I also realise that I haven't taken a picture of my spinning wheel, which it seems should have a name, any suggestions gratefully accepted. Tomorrow I am off for a little spinning tuition, which I could do with.

This picture is just because, I collect things with sheep on and did long before I moved to Wales or began knitting, it's fate I tell you. I've had this a long time and it's got to be one of my favourite things. It just makes me happy to look at it! It was a present from my Mum, doesn't she have good taste?

TTFN

2008-08-06T20:47:00.001Z

I was going to post this evening but quite frankly after the day I had in work I have little chance of making my brain work long enough to manage it.

TTFN, back soon!

Cluck Cluck

2008-07-01T20:42:00.001Z

It's been a long time and I'm now even going to try and catch up, not that much has happened to be honest! I've been meaning to post for ages, it would seem I'm very good at blogging in my head as you can see this blog post very rarely makes it onto the blog, which is the vital part really. I finally had a nudge tonight as I've joined both Plurk and therefore The Plurkette Hencircle and the first project is the blog about me and why I want to nurture my inner farm girl, so here we go.

Well I'm 28 years old and English but I live in Wales with Royston (him indoors), Rosco and Alfie (the dogs) and Murray and Penny (the cats). I'm a transport administrator which I have to say for the most part I really enjoy. I do however have hankerings for a life in which I work from home and bake and cook everyday and tend to a garden and vegetable patch. Ideally I would love to live on a small holding and have some chickens and maybe some sheep. Back on planet Shellie though as this isn't really possible some ideas and encouragement on how I can have a more farmgirl life appeals greatly.

A beautiful weekend

2008-05-11T21:08:00.003Z

A wonderful weekend weather wise, I have managed to get a load of washing done. The nice weather also meant that I could get the yarn I dyed yesterday dry. I haven't got pictures yet, but I do have a picture of my first attempt.

To be honest I am happier with this one than the orange sort of colour I managed to create yesterday. I also ended up with some white bits because I tied the skeins too tight.

As I haven't blogged in a while I do have a large amount of purchases to show, this is mostly due to Wonderwool , at the end of April. I went with 2 of my friends and a obscene amount of ooh aahing and purchasing was the result. I had saved my birthday money so I had some guilt free shopping to enjoy. Here are some of my goodies.

Coast Lace weight from Hip Knits, I nearly didn't get this but I admired it on Kerrie's blog so seemed silly to go home without it.

From Fyberspates some superwash merino sock wool

From Tri'Coterie, some Malabrigo, probably for a Foliage hat.

Some Icelandic Unspun for a Pi Shawl

From the Natual Dye Studio

&

I have started knitting a pair of Bellatrix in this

which is Yarn Ahoy Superwash Merino is Sweethearts. Unfortunately they aren't a very good fit so I am now off to frog said sock.

TTFN

Mitten Inspiration

2008-04-12T09:02:00.001Z

One day I hope to produce mittens as good as these, one day soon!

Calling Jane!

2008-02-24T16:18:00.003Z

I had a comment from Jane asking me about puppy classes, unfortunately I don't have a way of contacting you to let you know. We went to Woofers in Birchgrove, Swansea. If you email me on michelleapril at gmail dot com I can try and find the number of the trainer for you.

New Look

2008-02-22T19:53:00.002Z

Last weekend I decided it was time for a change for the blog. I'd wanted to change the name of it for a while but couldn't decide on anything, I'm not sure I like this choice either but I'm happy to try it out for a while. I also decided to the sake of ease to revert to the normal blogger templates instead of spending ages trying to work out what I'm doing with HTML.

This weekend I have very few plans really, maybe some knitting at a friend's house tomorrow evening it all depends on whether I can be bothered to struggle with our car who is somewhat reluctant to go at the moment. This reluctance of course had to coincide with our "new to us" car of blowing up. I was hoping to have it back for this weekend so we didn't have to car share but I can't pick it up until Monday evening. I am toying with the idea of calling in at the wool shop tomorrow and I also want to have another look for Interweave Knits. There is the usual cleaning and pledge to take photos. And I need to look for a bookcase for the spare room to put all my craft crap on.

In knitting news, I am still working on the socks of doom slowly. All the other things are still on the needles but not receiving much attention and on that note I am off to watch Eastenders and do some knitting.

TTFN

Procrastination

2008-02-02T20:16:00.000Z

I'm sitting here looking through Etsy at yarn I am not allowed to buy, which is daft because I'm not allowed to buy any, I should be knitting birthday socks or having a bath or making some tea. I have added a lot of yarn and sellers to my favourites though. Here is a sample for you

Etsy
Buy Handmade
shellbean

I had a whole lot of stuff to talk about but I am full of cold and cold medication which has rendered me fairly useless to be honest. My Father-not-in-law did come over this morning to help me paint our hallway, which when we moved in was white and lilac, we have painted it a sort of coffee colour which is much warmer and more practical when you have 2 dogs. Right I'm off to go do something, have a bath I think before I make tea and settle down to knit these socks!

2008-01-09T23:12:00.000Z

Well that's another Christmas and New Year over with, we did have a lovely time, if a little busy and I was a lucky girl again this year.
Next year I am determined to get it all done early, I know I said that 12 months ago but having to move didn't really help last year. More handmade gifts will be happening next year as well. Not as a cost issue but in order to gain a less commercialised Christmas, I like the thought of giving people handmade gifts, something I have put time and effort into.

I'm not really into the whole resolution thing but this year we are planning on more proper home cooked meals, and healthier ones at that. I also want to spend more time crafting this year, getting back to scrapbooking and embroidery and sewing. I really want to get some things done to sell in the Etsy shop, ideas gratefully welcomed!

Regret

2007-12-10T16:51:00.000Z

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...

2007-11-22T22:40:00.000Z

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

2007-11-19T18:20:00.000Z

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

2007-11-18T19:52:00.000Z

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

2007-11-17T15:07:00.000Z

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

2007-11-15T19:27:00.001Z

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!

2007-11-14T16:54:00.001Z

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

I gave in

2007-11-13T19:26:00.000Z

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

2007-11-12T21:25:00.000Z

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...

2007-11-11T20:55:00.000Z

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

2007-11-10T21:28:00.000Z

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

2007-11-10T00:20:00.000Z

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....

2007-11-08T20:15:00.000Z

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

2007-11-07T21:30:00.000Z

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

2007-11-06T19:20:00.000Z

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

2007-11-05T22:56:00.000Z

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

2007-11-04T16:52:00.000Z

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.

2007-11-04T00:21:00.000Z

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...

2007-11-03T14:35:00.001Z

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

2007-11-02T20:52:00.000Z

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...

2007-11-01T23:59:00.000Z

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...

2007-10-29T13:29:00.001Z

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?

2007-10-07T17:04:00.000Z

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

2007-09-20T22:14:00.000Z

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.

2007-09-01T10:14:00.000Z

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!

2007-08-13T22:24:00.001Z

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

New Shoes!

2007-08-08T21:36:00.000Z

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!

2007-07-16T22:05:00.000Z

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!

2007-07-10T21:50:00.000Z

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!

2007-07-07T23:22:00.000Z

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!

2007-07-01T21:21:00.000Z

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

2007-06-30T21:19:00.000Z

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

2007-06-22T23:06:00.000Z

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

2007-06-18T22:34:00.000Z

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

2007-06-15T23:09:00.000Z

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

2007-06-11T22:03:00.001Z

Sqaure number 4
Originally uploaded by shellbean

Sqaure number 3

2007-06-11T22:02:00.001Z

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!

2007-06-08T22:57:00.000Z

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!

2007-06-02T21:55:00.000Z

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

2007-05-29T22:30:00.000Z

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

Bargain!

2007-05-26T22:06:00.000Z

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!

2007-05-20T09:31:00.002Z

The stash!

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

A fab day had by both

2007-05-19T23:06:00.000Z

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

2007-05-18T22:10:00.000Z

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

2007-05-17T21:53:00.000Z

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

2007-05-15T19:08:00.000Z

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

2007-05-09T22:16:00.000Z

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

2007-05-06T21:49:00.000Z

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

Yarn for Miters

2007-05-05T12:50:00.001Z

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...

2007-05-01T21:29:00.000Z

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!

2007-04-25T22:29:00.001Z

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

Another cat pic!

Spinning around

2007-04-25T20:45:00.000Z

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

2007-04-23T21:41:00.001Z

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

2007-04-21T15:11:00.001Z

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!

2007-04-20T19:57:00.000Z

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!

2007-04-17T23:13:00.001Z

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!

2007-04-17T21:55:00.000Z

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

2007-04-13T20:45:00.000Z

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!

2007-04-04T22:50:00.000Z

Just a little eye candy of the doggy variety!

Tired...

2007-04-02T21:12:00.000Z

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!

2007-03-30T21:42:00.000Z

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!!!

2007-03-26T18:48:00.000Z

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

2007-02-20T12:50:00.001Z

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

My creation Originally uploaded by shellbean.

2007-02-13T16:39:00.000Z

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

2007-02-01T17:00:00.000Z

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.

2007-01-16T16:23:00.001Z

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

2007-01-10T16:39:00.000Z

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

2007-01-10T11:29:00.000Z

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

2006-12-21T16:51:00.000Z

I’ve sooo been MIA! Not much to report to be honest, still no connection at home and to be honest I’m so busy I really don’t need the distraction of it in the evenings. I am so unprepared for Christmas that I think my head might burst at any point, I can’t even say I’m looking forward to it, just to much to do still. Knitting to be done, cards to write, presents to buy (when???), food to buy, things to do that I’ve forgotten about!

I am now disappearing so this is to say

Enjoy the Festive season and what it means to you! Have a fab New Year!

MIA

2006-11-13T16:33:00.000Z

There is a reason for the lack of blogging, still no connection at home! Mind you it’s probably been for the best, as I have no will power when it comes to my favourite online haunts and I am still tacking the big knitting list for the festive season! I have completed my Nanna’s birthday gift, minus some possibly flowers for embellishment. I am about a 1/3 of the way through my Grandad’s gift. I have made a start on my Mum’s gift but Royston said this morning that he’s not sure about the colour and whether my Mum will like it (the colour that is). This led to a discussion on the wool I am knitting it in and the wool it should be in, Mum take note, you have Royston to thank for the much more gorgeous wool that one of us will be purchasing for you pressie. That’s right I may even convince him to go get it, with a note for him to give to the ladies in the wool shop of course! The lesson learned here is twofold, take Royston wool shopping with me in the first place and he is much less frugal than I! After that I have at least one more present to knit, possibly more, who knows.
Apart from the knitted items, I have only purchased one other gift for the impending festive and birthday season which is just round the corner.
Oh well I’d better be off, catch you later!!

XXXXX

Today

2006-11-03T14:22:00.000Z

I feel like sticking my head down the loo.
I have consumed my own body weight in vegetable soup.
Have to finish the stationery order.
Want to have a go at spinning (wool that is, not the insane exercise type of spinning), if anyone can help me please let me know.
I'm tired and I ache.
I need to do that CJ stuff tonight.
I want to knit tonight.
I have no internet connection at home.

PS - nice wool here: http://www.kpixie.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=35_216_217

No Where Fast

2006-11-02T16:25:00.000Z

Is my progress today in work. Sigh. Has been the same since Tuesday.

Knitting is also no progress, in fact less progress as I dropped a stitch and ended up having to pull out the scarf I had made good headway on. Sigh.

36 minutes and I will be leaving work to hopefully make more progress on stuff at home, anything, don't care what. Looking forward to a nice relaxing bath tonight to try and warm up. Need to start CJ too, panic!

Cool!

2006-10-31T15:36:00.000Z

I just found this on Paula’s blog - http://minibookpixie.blogspot.com/

Your Unique Costume is Tattoo Freak

Get your freak on!

What Totally Unique Halloween Costume Should You Wear?

Happy Halloween

2006-10-31T15:31:00.000Z

Mmm, yum, I want some Aran Silk from Hip Knits, it can be found here! I would only need 200g to knit myself a cowl, I reckon anyway! Well today is Halloween (duh, you all know that) and we have not done a thing for it, we promised ourselves that we would carve pumpkins again but we haven’t gotten round to that! Must get some sweets tonight in case we get any trick or treaters at the door, if not we can always eat it ourselves! I also nnnneeeeed batteries for the camera, I’m hoping I’ll get time for a quick layout for a call I’ve seen, but the deadline is tonight and we are off out for a meal with the out-laws. I have been blog surfing today and came across this little beauty - http://marah_johnson.typepad.com/random/2006/10/sweetpeas_snaps.html, I want one!
In other news I am off to Stitch and Bitch tomorrow evening and I am getting a little excited to say the least, sad I know! When I am at Borders I am hoping to pick up a book or two to help me with my little venture I have planned!

Ciao fellow paper and yarn lovers

humph

2006-10-26T20:23:00.000Z

Today has been a bit like that but never mind hey! I am sat here refreshing the page on my favourite online place because all I get is an error message :( , can't get in nope not me! Should use the time to scrap or knit but no I just keep refreshing!
I am going to use the time to look for some Gyspy/ Romany stuff for my CJ, I changed the theme, Wild West was frying my brain. If you know of any good sites for images let me know!

New Banner

2006-10-19T21:10:00.000Z

I decided change would be good!

Kirsty very kindly altered this photo of Penny a while ago, thought it was about time I put it to use!

Enabling

2006-10-19T16:04:00.000Z

Hopefully I'll have more luck today than yesterday!
Autumn Leaves stamps on my list:

And these from Fontwerks: