tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52383077926526307302012-02-08T16:52:41.399Zone girl's account of: living.loving.learning.makingeweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.comBlogger2641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-78426802288514803482012-01-31T09:28:00.001Z2012-01-31T15:51:53.468Z

January's end and I'm pleased to say I've started with the reading. Here are the first 4 books I chose That works out at one a week. In fact I read the knitter's book of wool (review coming soon) over 2.5 weeks and the Millennium Trilogy in 5 days! I LOVED the latter and have never been so enthralled by/enamoured of a character. I'd heard good things about The Millennium Trilogy from Tina (

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-83881305783856114402012-01-15T11:40:00.000Z2012-01-15T14:46:54.392Z

In contrast to the last three years, winter is yet to make "a proper appearance" in my neck of the woods. But we woke to ground frost yesterday, so the boy and I seized the opportunity to photograph those little diamonds of ice that cling to blades of grass, branches, moss on drystone walls and anything else that's hidden from the morning sun.  It was a lovely walk in the woods.

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-86533305993955132792012-01-13T08:30:00.000Z2012-01-13T15:26:28.769Z

aka my 2012 resolutions. READ MORE new BOOKS: I hope to reacquaint myself with the classics, including all those books I had to read in high school, mostly without true appreciation. Because rushing through half a book for tomorrow's literature class is not any way to read. re-reading old favourites doesn't fall under "reading more". WRITE MORE: I will buy myself a beautiful journal (this

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-16284283127857118702012-01-12T10:50:00.000Z2012-01-12T10:50:52.586Z

My beret is done! It was a quick knit of a well written pattern. The yarn was a surprise, being thinner than any worsted weight yarn I have used. In a blind test, I'd've labelled it DK or sport.  Project details Pattern: Ashwyn Beret by Wendy Neal Yarn: The Plucky Knitter Primo Worsted in dandylion Quantity: 82g of a 100g skein Needles: 4mm (should've used 3.75 but this size will be

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-3021225954980201372012-01-03T11:00:00.000Z2012-01-03T11:04:41.645Z

This song makes my spirit smile. At 1:16a.m., S was long gone and I was still dancing in the living room. What's put a smile on your face lately?

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-71696680967237455072012-01-02T18:37:00.001Z2012-01-02T20:44:29.557Z

As I mentioned last day, I'm knitting again (yay!). I bet you were wondering when that would happen, eh. That makes 2 of us. Casting on was trickier than it should have been even though it was nothing more than the knit version of an amigurumi starter ring thing. I guess that old saying, "Use it or lose it", aka, "You snooze, you lose" has some truth to it. But I got there in the end and it's

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-76304447222755648942012-01-01T23:30:00.000Z2012-01-02T15:59:19.645Z

Here we are at the start of another year and I must say, 2011 was rather good to me. I hope 2012 is just as good for you - filled with crafty inspiration, love, laughter and good health.  Everywhere I look I see collages representing 2011 accomplishments so I figured I'd jump on the bandwagon with a collage of my own. I asked Santa for crafting books and whad'ya know, he obliged! I'm partway

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-67347345167958354202011-12-23T22:59:00.000Z2011-12-23T23:53:06.503Z

Well folks, Christmas is just around the corner and I am almost ready for it. There are still presents to buy, menus to plan and rooms to tidy and prepare for guests. But the tree is done and I am happy with it and the stairs (and wreath) As I've been so busy preparing for all the entertaining we have planned for the next couple of weeks,  it'd been a while since I'd seen the girls. So you

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-17701528985751194622011-12-12T13:56:00.000Z2012-01-02T20:50:17.302Z

Last week marked the official start of the holiday season in these quarters. Down came our box of Christmas decorations, in came the tree from last year and it was ready, set, go. At this time of year, I love to wander the high street in search of decorating ideas. Stores are filled with extra special "aah" factor and the twinklys and sparklys are ramped up...as are prices. Unfortunately. 

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-7740328885770276272011-12-06T12:54:00.000Z2011-12-06T12:56:46.872Z

Last weekend, we hired a car and hit the open road. We drove into the Yorkshire Moors and Dales on the hunt for pretty sights to see. Our top spot was Rievaulx Abbey  and for the knitters out there The various abbey ruins that dot the Yorkshire countryside are relics of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The monasteries are typically set in picturesque valleys, close to

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-27340007845429616742011-11-30T22:11:00.000Z2011-11-30T22:19:46.139Z

Well, I made it! Today is the final day of NaBloPoMo and to be honest I am glad to see the back of it. I'm pleased to say it served its purpose. At the outset I was curious about a number of things. For instance, I wanted to know: if I could post something everyday (i can and did) what the quality of 30 blog posts in as many consecutive days would be (subpar) whether blogging everyday could

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-64952492217514269052011-11-29T23:54:00.000Z2011-11-30T09:07:03.333Z

After meeting and chatting with a number of exceptionally talented people at the Knitting and Stitching show, I came home full of inspiration. So I picked up and made progress on my anemone.  My initial attempts at long and short stitch were not quite on point but having seen some really amazing pieces close up - Ideally at this point, I'd be linking to these really amazing pieces but my

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-64494555513077770462011-11-28T19:36:00.000Z2011-11-28T19:37:09.005Z

Just in case you haven't seen this yet.

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-7814814295626289212011-11-27T22:48:00.000Z2011-12-11T17:27:59.782Z

mmmm, that sounds rude, doesn't it? Anyway as promised, here's a rundown of my goodies from the Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate. There was so much high quality stuff there which really tested my resolve. This year I accompanied S' aunt and cousin, both of whom considered the exhibitions with a fine tooth comb whereas, I was gagging to get shopping after a cursory glance.  Our first

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-69668494207943394872011-11-26T21:29:00.001Z2011-11-28T15:29:25.035Z

I attended the Knitting and Stitching Show today and thoroughly enjoyed it. As usual it was packed to bursting with stalls but this year, they seemed to have grouped things sensibly with noticeably fewer paper crafts. As you must know, I have nothing against paper crafts but feel that if a show is called "The Knitting and Stitching Show", well, it should be all about knitting and stitching. 

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-85824664386539598512011-11-25T23:42:00.001Z2011-11-26T00:02:33.394Z

Tomorrow I'll attend the Knitting and Stitching show in Harrogate. I'm not as prepared as I'd like. I haven't combed through my stash, needles, tool kit etc. to establish what oddments I'm in need of. I suspect the truth is that I don't need anymore craft supplies. Of course there's always going to be nice stuff to buy but as someone who is re-training herself in the fine art of moderation, I'm

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-17630709647037531242011-11-24T23:04:00.001Z2011-11-24T23:21:54.987Z

  {lovely cake, dodgy frosting :-)} Today was good. S and I celebrated thanksgiving with friends, awesome food and lots of laughs. I am totally spent and about to crawl into my bed but boy, am I ever thankful. Happy Thanksgiving, folks!

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-49204907034976388972011-11-23T21:15:00.000Z2011-11-23T21:15:30.596Z

If you're a regular here, you'll know that I've been busy painting my home. I've been ever so proud of myself for persevering but this week I hit a roadblock. The time had finally come to tackle the one spot I always knew I couldn't handle, it just wasn't ever going to happen. So I made a few phone calls and along came a bona fide painter/decorator. You can think of him as my fairy godfather

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-66402293363204094032011-11-22T23:55:00.000Z2011-11-22T23:55:04.030Z

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-75674063315043775502011-11-21T23:52:00.000Z2011-11-26T07:45:28.439Z

Today's post is about one of my favourite things: tea! (thanks, Miss Mags!) . As a child I was all about Lipton (orange pekoe) but the moment I hit high school I ditched my tea habit. It wasn't until my first winter in Toronto that I rediscovered my love of tea.  Ah, Toronto with its mind-numbing cold which nothing quite prepares one for. To keep warm I downed hot chocolate (the only hot

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-38120762124022895102011-11-20T20:05:00.000Z2011-11-21T10:55:47.514Z

At the end of my last post I asked for help with blog topics for the rest of NaBloPoMo and Erin_in_Boston suggested ".... or a photo story about where you do your work?", so I'm going with this today. My craft room was the first to get sorted when we moved in and other than the table and pegboards, nothing's changed in there. My sewing happens in my craft room which happens to be the

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-91315451158141699442011-11-19T22:32:00.000Z2011-11-19T22:40:56.835Z

I've been at it again. And who could blame me, felting soap is quick, simple and oh, so useful.  Along the way I worked out a few things such as: coarse roving is infinitely better than super soft roving is for felting; that I can ditch the dishwashing liquid and that I prefer felting with bright colours over neutrals.  Now S' "man soaps" are all felted gorgeous pinks, oranges and yellows.

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-4388880666603178742011-11-18T15:46:00.000Z2011-11-18T15:46:47.717Z

As a crafter that's also afflicted with the collecting bug, I'm constantly on the lookout for organising solutions for all those little accoutrements that go hand in hand with making. So when my thimble collection  found itself in need of re-housing, I headed off to the hardware section of my local Asda store in search of those compartmentalised plastic boxes that screws are sold in. 

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-16958556599099591402011-11-17T23:59:00.000Z2011-12-22T20:06:42.183Z

more like prattling on. The list of crafts I've picked up in the last decade is staggering. In chronological order we have: paper crafts (April 2003) knitting* (August 2006) crochet* (December 2006) quilting± (May 2008) sewing± (shortly after I learnt to quilt) embroidery^ (November 2008) weaving (August 2011) thanks for the reminder Elle! soap felting  (August 2011) cross stitch^ (November

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com5United Kingdom55.378051 -3.43597336.641164 -43.8656605 74.114938 36.9937145tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-19345749354469545722011-11-16T23:19:00.001Z2011-11-16T23:26:51.167Z

{White Sands, New Mexico. 30.6.07}

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com2Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA32.8995325 -105.96026532.8462045 -106.039229 32.9528605 -105.88130100000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-40082634375236339652011-11-15T22:06:00.001Z2011-11-16T05:54:35.987Z

Today I visited Jenny and Steph at their home; Craft Cottage to those in the know ;-)  There was  biscuits, cookies and tea galore. We chatted, laughed and made things...and I learnt how to cross stitch. That's Jenny's kingfisher on the left and my ladybirds on the right. Cross stitch is pushing my eyes to the max - it's REALLY dinky but thoroughly enjoyable.  Another good day.

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-47914813201776331042011-11-14T21:26:00.001Z2011-11-15T08:10:02.024Z

Earlier this evening, I went from this  and To this.  I ripped it apart and it's back to the drawing board. Sometimes, getting it right is a pain in the neck! Tomorrow, I meet with an old friend who will show me the ropes of cross stitch. I will also meet a brand new friend - we've been tweeting for a while - and it'll be fun. I am very excited about this as it will give me a break

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-59694407279782492042011-11-13T14:36:00.001Z2011-11-14T22:37:22.355Z

The weather is slowly moving from autumn to winter and consequently, my mind is abuzz with knitting new winter accessories. High street shops, with their technicolour displays of winter accessories, are giving me a run for my money but I will not be swayed. Has anyone else noticed that the quality of knitted winter accessories is greatly improved or am I alone in thinking, "I'd buy that. And

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-77779860712110404822011-11-12T23:06:00.001Z2011-11-13T05:31:17.823Z

(but wouldn't that be nice). Now that I'm close to being done painting the inside of our home, we turn our minds to the outdoors. We've begun looking through gardening books and visiting the local garden centre too and soon we'll make a trip to Daleside nurseries.  I don't have firm ideas as yet but I've started a list of "must haves" and these little guys are on it. Also on my list is

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-90007261908428277102011-11-11T23:40:00.001Z2011-11-11T23:42:59.172Z

Armistice Day, 2011.

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-62198525350085389372011-11-10T23:15:00.001Z2012-01-03T09:57:21.872Z

Yesterday I cast on a winter jerkin*, something similar to the one I've been gagging for since I caught a glimpse of a Quince & Co advert in Twist Collective Spring 2011. As you may have observed, I've switched things up a little or as I put it earlier today, I've gone off-piste. This yarn was first used in my previous version of Lady Grey. But as I wasn't wearing her much and really loved the

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-42499704333767642222011-11-09T23:55:00.003Z2011-11-11T12:09:48.301Z

For today's post I turned to a photo challenge prompt which reads: 16. what i ate Well, dinner tonight was light but tasty. I like my food "dry"; I'm not one for dressings and other embellishments. According to Edie I'm a meat and potatoes girl, which I believe is a euphemism for boring! Unlike Iwona who plays with her food and is so crafty, she turns radishes into mushrooms. Mad

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-72883658213098961732011-11-08T15:43:00.001Z2011-11-11T12:09:18.357Z

Without a doubt, my least favourite aspect of knitting shawls is blocking them. Blocking is the perfect example of a necessary evil. It isn't enough that you knit for days (or months in this instance), frogging and re-starting several times over (yep, also did that with this shawl), felt dangerously close to poking yourself in the eye with the needle in your left hand (oh,was that just me?) and

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-88963798323927549412011-11-07T21:52:00.004Z2011-11-11T12:10:58.641Z

Today's post is brought to you by Vanessa who, when I asked the twitterverse for today's topic, helpfully suggested I blog about my favourite yarn. So, here I am telling you about Dream in Color's latest: {Everlasting in "Gilt"} You may recall my partiality to DIC baby, well that fades in comparison to the intensity of my feelings for DIC Everlasting. I love the murky yellow colour (but you

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-37383294671347961232011-11-06T21:43:00.001Z2011-11-07T07:54:22.822Z

S and I ate breakfast burritos for dinner. This was one of those "let's shovel the contents of the fridge into a pan" dinners. We fried: chopped onions, diced potatoes, bacon pieces, a sliced shepherd pepper and a chopped chilli individually before combining all in 1 pan. Then we added scrambled eggs and a few drops of fresh lime to the lot before serving up on warmed tortillas wrapped

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-52255032738559881422011-11-05T21:27:00.000Z2011-11-11T12:11:26.101Z

...the 5th of November. i LOVE bonfire night! I hope you're all having a fab Guy Fawkes night.

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-36815827859715201622011-11-04T18:51:00.002Z2011-11-04T20:50:53.577Z

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-79897923738147808332011-11-03T22:22:00.001Z2011-11-04T09:19:21.005Z

Today I'm sharing what would be a contender for my favourite place on Earth. I couldn't have been any older than 9 years old when I first saw a picture. I knew nothing about geology, had no idea where this place was, or how I was going to get there, I just knew I had to see it someday.  Fast forward to July 2007 and our road trip through the southwestern United States which was packed full

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-2686496370078132011-11-02T20:31:00.001Z2011-11-04T08:30:28.571Z

Last Friday found me at Nicola's observing soap and moisturiser being made. This has been a long time coming and the exercise reminded me of high school chemistry. So enthralled was I I've no pictures of the process to share (boo).  But I can tell you that there were fats, lye, some bain-marie action and my favourite bit: essential oils. I LOVED blending my own scents.  The bars pictured (

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-32632376524789743002011-11-01T23:59:00.001Z2011-11-03T07:33:00.091Z

The post titles will get better, I hope. So what have I been up to lately? Well, as I've been doing more with smaller needles, I decided that a proper needle book was in order. I wanted something better, that goes that little bit further, takes things up a notch. So I made this, I definitely prefer things with the party on the inside. With leather pockets on the inner front and back

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-17354628303257347182011-10-25T17:22:00.000+01:002011-10-25T17:24:52.387+01:00

So, do you remember my holiday knitting? Yeah, it didn't work out so well first time around, so I frogged it.  And started again.  Twice.  And just as I began to worry that the yarn and pattern may not get along, we got lift off. {Rock Island Shawl in progress} And I'm a happy bunny but it hasn't been smooth sailing. To begin with, the border (this is another shawl that starts from

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-88838672478036012222011-10-20T20:48:00.000+01:002011-10-21T06:33:58.018+01:00

My little blog made it into a British magazine (yay!). Handmade Living is part of the wave of craft magazines to hit news stands in the last year and a half or so. Though I'm not a magazine person per se, I've found this particular one to be very engaging. There are a variety of crafts, recipes, craft workshops (that actual people attend and review), interesting tutorials and book reviews.

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-31172468096531951462011-10-15T08:36:00.001+01:002011-10-15T10:42:13.077+01:00

I believe this is... ...Alexandra, who wrote, "Your Etsy shop looks amazing! Beautiful things! I don't really use many gadgets for my knitting. I have a row counter app on my iPhone but I've only used it a few times. What I do use is lots of paper. I make notes about everything. I also like to write out the rows, especially if it's something like shoulder shaping so it's easy to see

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-71949543337328115332011-10-11T13:44:00.000+01:002011-10-13T09:36:37.246+01:00

Well folks, I've gone and done it now! My Etsy shop is now open and to celebrate, one lucky person will be randomly selected to win the goodies below. There's:  a Knit Pro needle gauge  trial sizes of Eucalan (pink grapefruit, eucalyptus, lavender and natural) a notebook  a knitting thimble/yarn separator thingie a Ravelry name badge a pack of three darning needles  a knitting gadget

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-64949992759725309102011-09-28T17:26:00.000+01:002011-09-29T20:19:26.770+01:00

I'm finally done sorting embroidery threads and I adore them.  I dreamt of such a collection for years but at £0.99 per skein I simply couldn't afford anything of the sort. Then on my last holiday I saw them for sale at $0.40 per skein! (that's £0.25 each) and I pounced - how could I not?! I also picked up plastic bobbins and floss number stickers while at it. I initially thought I'd buy

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-23458286989446625862011-09-24T15:24:00.001+01:002011-10-21T06:40:11.343+01:00

I've been a busy little bee. I have finally made good on all that talk about much smaller needles. When I first attempted embroidery, just over 2 years ago (not counting school), I tried a random assortment of stitches without an actual project in mind. It began with me digging out some floss which I'd picked up from the charity shop I wander into while waiting for my prescription to be filled,

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-63150098632290373432011-09-21T14:01:00.001+01:002011-09-24T22:42:39.095+01:00

Following comments on the felted soap post, I decided to give it another go. I'm still surprised by how easy it is to hand felt soap. Below is everything I used {a bowl with warm water, dishwashing soap, the soap you're felting, combed fleece and a hand towel} I pulled several thin layers of wool from my fleece; the thinner the better. Then wrapped these thin strips around my soap in

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-44391345199749998222011-09-14T10:28:00.000+01:002011-10-31T05:42:51.632Z

If asked, I'd tell you my favourite colours are turquoise, pinky-purple, grey, green (not grass nor British racing green but chartreuse, olive, lime etc.), I wouldn't say no to blue or black, wouldn't turn my nose up at red and I could go on. But I'd be lying. Without a doubt my favourite colour is yellow in all it's gaudy glory; golds, mustards, daffodils, sunflowers, browns,...Of course I've

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-71239493577128668272011-09-12T10:36:00.001+01:002011-09-13T08:48:36.938+01:00

Last weekend was a good one. On Saturday, S and I caught the train to  I was very keen on the  while S just wanted to check out the town and the reason for its world heritage status. Saltaire is a Victorian model village in West Yorkshire which got its name by combining the founder's last name (Salt) and the name of the river that runs through it (Aire). Originally built as a textile

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-38700647316467730752011-09-08T13:42:00.001+01:002011-09-08T19:13:37.684+01:00

Last Saturday, Sarah and I headed over to The Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate to check out British Wool Weekend. There were a number of stalls of which my favourites were who sold the prettiest buttons including some made out of Liberty Tana Lawn fabric and the other stall with wares that tempted me was  {Oliver Twists} And their sacks of beautifully dyed silks To be

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-3906582722485678782011-09-05T08:29:00.000+01:002011-09-06T17:36:36.518+01:00

The final stop on our tour of yarn stores on Toronto's Queen Street is The Purple Purl, a yarn shop and cafe which carries knitting and crochet notions, books & patterns and of course yarns "with lots of Canadian content".  "But how do you know which yarns are Canadian?", you ask. Oh, you can't miss them, beside relevant skeins are tiny Canadian flags.  This I thought was cute. {

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com9Toronto, ON, Canada43.653524 -79.383906943.46971 -79.6997639 43.837337999999995 -79.0680499tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-60279683356962307352011-09-03T08:22:00.000+01:002011-09-05T13:47:11.820+01:00

Taking a brief detour a few blocks north of Queen Street is Lettuce Knit, a yarn store in the Kensington Market neighbourhood of Toronto, stocks notions, magazines, books, spinning wheels and a fine selection of yarns including Socks that Rock, Sweet Georgia, Viola and Indigodragonfly. It so happened that the Wednesday on which I called by was the evening a surprise baby shower was thrown

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com6Toronto, ON, Canada43.653524 -79.383906943.46971 -79.6997639 43.837337999999995 -79.0680499tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-52781989758691736332011-09-02T08:30:00.000+01:002011-09-05T08:31:16.921+01:00

Continuing on our tour of yarn stores on Queen Street in Toronto... Moving eastwards, next is: Americo Original is a whole other sort of yarn store, more of a yarn boutique than store. On entering, the first thing you notice is the decor - a cross between an old barn and the library in a country house (all that's missing is a crackling fire and a couple of leather wingback chairs). 

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com4Toronto, ON, Canada43.653524 -79.383906943.46971 -79.6997639 43.837337999999995 -79.0680499tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-83778042038440436522011-08-31T00:30:00.000+01:002011-09-05T08:31:34.311+01:00

The next stop on our tour of knitting shops on Queen Street (moving west to East) is Romni Wools. On walking into the shop, the first words that come to mind no doubt include "wow!", "vast", "huge", "extensive", "ohmygod!". This is a cavernous yarn store. As far I know, Romni don't host a knit night but what they do have is one helluva lot of yarn. The whole store is stuffed with yarn from

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com9Toronto, ON, Canada43.653524 -79.383906943.46971 -79.6997639 43.837337999999995 -79.0680499tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-52304085607373598502011-08-29T10:40:00.000+01:002011-09-16T06:52:12.588+01:00

There's only one right way to spend a Tuesday night in Toronto and that's knitting at The Knit Cafe. Of course I spent (my) last Tuesday in Toronto there.  Here's what a typical evening is like: {looking in} {There were baby cuddles all around. I couldn't get enough of this 4 week old guy!} {Heather taking a break from it all} {Jennifer knitting away on her lace scarf} {and

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com9Toronto, ON, Canada43.653524 -79.383906943.46971 -79.6997639 43.837337999999995 -79.0680499tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-80924129031187801472011-08-24T22:26:00.000+01:002011-09-05T08:33:08.171+01:00

At last week's knit night, it was decided that the girls were desperately in need of a craft night; yes we were knitting but 'felt' the need for something different. We needed something "quick and dirty"; with readily available materials; that wouldn't cost much and would, of course, be pretty: soap felting it was! So last Friday, we met for dinner and a chinwag at Sweet Lulu, an old

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com8Toronto, ON, Canada43.653524 -79.383906943.46971 -79.6997639 43.837337999999995 -79.0680499tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-36992729793834273732011-08-17T16:24:00.004+01:002011-10-21T06:50:52.283+01:00

I took time out the past few days to "play tourist" and remind myself of the many reasons why i LOVE this city. Heads up, this is the picture heavy post you knew was coming :) {Gasworks Park...} {...where we chatted with this lady and her pet.} {I spotted yarnbombing in Bellevue - a business district} {S and I went up the tallest building in the Pacific Northwest} {and saw the

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-9091628613546418582011-08-15T10:00:00.003+01:002011-09-05T08:33:27.186+01:00

A week ago (gosh! has it been THAT long?!?), I had a major craft date with Elle. On Friday evening, I made my way over to her office and met her tying up loose ends so I whipped out and worked on my shawl while I waited.  We got to her home, I made dinner, we ate, chatted and hit the sack. Fine!, there may or may not have been an incident involving: "a slug", one of us (there were 3) and a

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com10Seattle, WA, USA47.6062095 -122.332070847.43492 -122.64792779999999 47.777499 -122.0162138tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-89730029523531586652011-08-05T07:45:00.002+01:002011-09-05T08:33:51.245+01:00

Do you remember I said I'd show pictures of the lovelies that Elle had planned to mail to me but then handed over when I spent the night at hers last week? Well this is that blog post.  Elle and I met when she gave me a ride to Sock Summit '09 and we've been friends ever since. As we live so far apart, we keep in touch via messenger, e-mails, facebook and my favourite; snail mail - which is

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com14Seattle, WA, USA47.6062095 -122.332070847.43492 -122.64792779999999 47.777499 -122.0162138tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-45908982139557185222011-08-03T13:45:00.014+01:002011-10-02T07:43:35.392+01:00

I'm pleased to report that our third and final case was delivered with everything in order.  To celebrate, I'm taking a moment to fondle my Sock Summit goodies. There was yarn: {l-r, top: FibroFiber's Nightfall (purchased at The Fold), colorway violet; The Sanguine Gryphon's Bugga in Charaxes Tiridate; Plucky Knitter's Primo (worsted) in dandylion. l-r, bottom: Fiber Optic Yarns'

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-9214643678137183762011-08-01T13:16:00.004+01:002011-08-02T14:04:22.787+01:00

I thought I'd kick off today's post with a handful of pictures from the Sock Summit Sock Museum.  The Sock Museum was positioned in the middle of the marketplace and is an on-going project that aims to recreate "historically important and accurate sock replicas from the oldest pattern we can find, right up to the current time all knit by people like you - contributing to keeping a record of

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-75375701345371763502011-07-31T17:05:00.232+01:002011-09-05T08:32:48.848+01:00

We've been there and back and it was freakin' awesome! I spent the night before (Friday) at Elle's (in itself an experience that I must tell you about at some point!) where S and I were treated to a BBQ dinner made by Elle's husband Bryan. Then S left, and as I was getting ready for bed, Elle gave me a bag of goodies that she'd been meaning to mail to me for a while (again, juicy details later).

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com8Portland, OR, USA45.5234515 -122.676207145.345457 -122.9920641 45.701446 -122.3603501tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-53389487932542983672011-07-28T09:41:00.007+01:002011-09-05T14:41:54.533+01:00

Today’s post should have been with you yesterday but getting ready for our trip was twice as long and hard as usual because we had to leave the house spic and span for our house sitters. This time around, choosing which projects to take on holidays was a no brainer. I had a much more relaxed approach to packing my knitting. Where in the past I took my circular needle roll (and all circular

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-45976946607863093952011-07-26T08:10:00.013+01:002012-01-31T16:20:42.813Z

I'd been in need of yet more space or a smarter way to store craft supplies, but the last thing I wanted was more wooden units. What I needed was an organisation unit that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg, wouldn't take up valuable floor space and would be easy on the eye. My answer? A pegboard! But they are so industrial and ugly, right? Not necessarily. In a few simple steps and for not much

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-80476939468710248052011-07-24T07:17:00.005+01:002011-07-24T07:38:31.656+01:00

Another year, another birthday. I'm a year older. again. My third birthday since I began blogging. My, how time flies. Things were a little different this year. When asked, I specified (and was granted) cold, hard, cash. And this was great! until the day rolled around with nary a present to open :( *insert crickets chirping* But a mere couple of days later I received

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-76212327614280095032011-07-18T08:30:00.012+01:002011-11-27T06:37:13.352Z

I've had a little more time to reflect on the day and noted that another (glaringly obvious once you stop to think about it really) difference between last year's and this year's Knit Nation was in the items being sold. Most stalls were manned by makers selling their own wares so that instead of the usual parade of ubiquitous yarns and yarn related goods, each stall revealed at least one unique

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-65752144447645562702011-07-17T15:46:00.009+01:002011-08-30T11:19:18.366+01:00

Yesterday was lovely. This year's Knit Nation was brilliant even though it had a very different 'atmosphere' to last year's. I felt this year was not as packed with stalls, quieter with more scope to mingle in stalls, space to walk the aisles comfortably, and not as much of a frenzy to 'buy now or forever hold your peace!'. It could be that the crowds shopped and were gone by 12:45, when I

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-40168103299400804562011-07-15T18:11:00.008+01:002011-07-20T09:26:37.627+01:00

I will not be wearing my Peasy cardigan to Knit Nation tomorrow nonetheless I am plodding through. At Sarah's suggestion I switched to the February Lady Sweater pattern for working the 'arm separation' and body and just like that, it's an enjoyable knit again! It will keep me company on the train journey tomorrow morning, I suspect I'll be ogling and fondling my purchases throughout the return

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-31138814215463429352011-07-13T10:45:00.004+01:002011-07-20T09:31:28.840+01:00

My quilts have their binding on now and I am pleased with both.  The top quilt was machine quilted a while ago and so is now complete. On the other hand, my "cheat's quilt" (on the bottom) isn't quite so done. The plan is to hand quilt various patterns/shapes/designs onto it. I chose this quilt for my first attempt at hand quilting because the material is rather rustic and therefore suits

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-69784276412438053602011-07-10T18:41:00.006+01:002011-07-14T11:30:58.342+01:00

Guess what I got up to today? If you guessed knitting, walking or sewing you'd be incorrect. We (the boy, house guests and I) were out early(ish) picking berries! There were gooseberries, tayberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, whitecurrants, raspberries and of course strawberries. Our focus was on strawberries with a minor diversion into a row of raspberries. We were informed that

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-65915282497550981782011-07-04T16:40:00.009+01:002011-07-08T13:46:47.620+01:00

Following my last post, I looked into interchangeable metal tips for my Knit Picks (Knit Pro in the UK) circulars. I considered investing in a set of Addi interchangeables but decided against these based on price. Besides, other than a few cables going awry, I'm happy with what I've got and (I'm not excusing their poor performance but) they have been subjected to 5 years of rather rigorous use.

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-55102737599590215992011-06-29T14:05:00.005+01:002011-09-05T22:55:24.775+01:00

For a while now my knitting needles as inventoried on Ravelry don't quite tally with needles in my hanging organiser. So last night, I went through all my circular needles (crochet hooks, DPNs and straights are always in order) mainly to separate the wheat from the chaff. Also, over the past few weeks, I noticed a fair few of my needles have joins that are pulling apart. This occurs either at

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-59785258218472669732011-06-28T15:38:00.005+01:002011-07-10T06:49:28.661+01:00

Another day, another pair of socks off the needles. Though infinitely more pleasant to knit than the naughty ones, these were not a walk in the park. Far from it. I found the yarn (Jitterbug by Colinette) to be "non-standard" sock yarn. Ordinarily I cast on 64 stitches when knitting plain ole vanilla socks but 64 sts on 2.25mm needles (also my norm) turned out way too big. So I went down to

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-54538668662900103672011-06-26T17:17:00.006+01:002011-09-05T23:27:03.407+01:00

Yesterday wasn't so good so today I woke up determined to do something that makes me happy: clean! That's right folks, when in doubt I clean. But nothing too strenuous, just a couple of drawers that had slowly turned into junk drawers. The first, my not-yet-impressive sock drawer the plan is to one day (in the not too distant future) fill the whole drawer with hand knit socks, like

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-66481941974964583102011-06-23T22:03:00.008+01:002011-07-09T23:05:50.039+01:00

This should be a ta-da! post. But it's not, it's a show of SHAME! Surely you know what's coming. Yup, my naughty socks are done. But because they put me through such hell, I decided to spite them back by giving them a "less than" finish three needle bind off toes. Yeah, who's laughing now, PUNK! project details Pattern: Jaywalker by Grumperina Yarn: Ginseng by Madelinetosh (tosh sock) +

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-33499265914911250442011-06-17T08:56:00.003+01:002011-07-08T02:34:24.742+01:00

All in all this was a week of creativity. On Saturday, I taught my friend's girls to make books. I wasn't sure what to expect and started off excited at the prospect but as Saturday grew nearer, a minor freak out ensued. Scary thoughts started to form, thoughts like: what if I've forgotten something important? what if they don't like their books?, what if i drive them over the edge with demands

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-46027793947418122832011-06-14T16:40:00.012+01:002011-07-08T02:34:55.197+01:00

Today's post is one I've been meaning to write-up for a while: a book I treated myself to within days of moving into the (still) new house.  I first saw in the bookstore of my garden centre. As it was always the first book I picked up, I gave in and ordered it off Amazon. I was rather eager to receive mail at my brand spanking new address. When I sat down to it, I began to

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-61276923581332471542011-06-13T14:07:00.004+01:002011-07-08T02:36:41.472+01:00

Monday mornings are not something I look forward to. It often happens that everything that can go wrong does and having important things lined up only seems to worsen the matter. Add to that the fact that I've been feeling shitty for days and you have the makings of major drama. At this point, I should clarify that 'feeling shitty' doesn't involve my health but rather my vanity. I've

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-53467255151170348022011-06-11T00:01:00.001+01:002011-11-04T18:49:45.388Z

a little something for the weekend Enjoy.

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-29518159908114474422011-06-10T11:36:00.004+01:002011-06-10T20:56:37.986+01:00

Yesterday I hung out with Sarah and B at the farmer's market in town. Even though I didn't buy much, there was plenty of opportunity to taste and discover new things. The stalls were filled with colourful and interesting foods likeandand B was a darling (as usual) in her gorgeous sparkly shoes (which of course I didn't photograph - doh!). I was then invited back to theirs where I chilled with and

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-23974000130619236912011-06-07T20:48:00.002+01:002011-07-08T02:38:13.196+01:00

Yesterday, the last of my Christmas presents was delivered. A kettle I treated myself to in the John Lewis sale. This present was doomed from the get go. It's been 6 months of chasing up my order, numerous broken promises to call me back, and basically more hassle than any kettle is worth.  Then it finally arrived... ...and it was incomplete?!?! That's right folks, it's missing the spout

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-35759618633196330262011-05-25T11:19:00.005+01:002011-07-09T07:59:42.184+01:00

Today's "Ta da!" moment is brought to you by my Os-Berg shawl! {ewenique's Os-Berg Shawl} This beautiful and FREE pattern was such a pleasure to knit. Though originally designed for worsted weight yarn, modifications for sock weight (or in my case heavy lace weight) yarns were readily available to this knitter  - thanks Ravelry! The pattern is not charted but this didn't pose a problem

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-22044495470881207892011-05-24T16:44:00.002+01:002011-07-08T02:39:50.047+01:00

Last Saturday, S and I together with our friends walked up Whernside, one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Our journey to the highest point in Yorkshire began here {Ribblehead Viaduct} the longest and most famous viaduct on the Settle-Carlisle Line. This is one viaduct I've been keen to see in all its glory.  The walk was mostly pleasant though I found the descent very challenging due to

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-24158931842166083532011-05-13T20:42:00.003+01:002011-07-08T02:40:32.806+01:00

I'm so pleased that Blogger is finally back on its feet, I've been waiting all day to share a special little something with you.  I bought the very first skein of  the travel knitter's hand dyed yarns! This yarn base is comprised of 100% wonderful! The colour is exactly what I specified, it's rich and luxurious and the blue? Oh. My. Bob! (did I just write that?!?!) well, the blue is

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-54964826777818602752011-05-11T17:08:00.002+01:002011-07-08T02:40:56.292+01:00

This gorgeous weather is wreaking havoc with my productivity; it's being nice and lovely again. But my list of jobs keep growing quicker than I can make a dent in them.  At this time of year, my knitting is usually trailing off while the sewing is being ramped up. Things are a little different this year. I'm crawling through my knitting, dreaming of delicate crafts like sewing and quilting

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-3709555588452388822011-05-06T19:21:00.004+01:002011-07-08T02:41:20.652+01:00

Yesterday, for the first time since moving into our new home, it rained. It's been 7 weeks (8 if you count the week we spent away) of mostly warm days and bright sunshine while we settled in. Then yesterday evening, while painting the kitchen walls, I experienced the first rainfall since moving in. The rain didn't come down in bucket loads nor was it a light drizzle, it was pleasant and made

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-7424847208067510592011-05-01T06:33:00.010+01:002011-07-08T02:42:08.018+01:00

A hello from sunshiny Bergen. We arrived here having experienced one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world! On our way, views like this were ten a penny After checking into our hotel, S and I were out again like a shot. Not just because we had worked up an appetite during the 6 hr 40 mins train ride (and yes, there was lots of knitting) but because we were conscious of the fact

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-90219803887022477072011-04-29T09:04:00.001+01:002011-11-04T00:49:32.585Z

Greetings from sunny Oslo! As promised here I am writing a proper blog, not just a "here's a bunch of pictures of the things I've been up to" lame ass post! as is typical when I'm away from home. {Vigeland Sculpture Park} To start off, the weather is gorgeous! Much warmer than the forecast I read before leaving home predicted it would be. My take on Oslo thus far is that its denizens

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-87084308323485147232011-04-26T13:24:00.003+01:002011-07-08T02:43:29.982+01:00

{Damask by Kitman Figueroa} Well, here's my pretty in all her glory. I had planned to take lots of pictures but I'm rather short on time!  Today has turned out to be unexpectedly crammed. I'm off to Leeds in search of a nice tie for S and hope to find spare batteries for my camera too. Then it's back here for my haircut before heading home where I'll begin packing for my trip to Norway. So

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-64653095374097404722011-04-24T17:37:00.005+01:002011-07-08T02:44:05.745+01:00

Damask is done and blocking! and she is simply divine, even if I do say so myself. And you will see her just as soon as she is ready. On the other hand, in the naughty spot we have my very annoying socks. I find myself short on yarn yet AGAIN. This shortage isn't entirely my fault, this time the fault lies squarely with the yarn! Had it been better behaved and gotten along with the first four

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-21090711511319939732011-04-22T13:10:00.007+01:002011-07-08T02:44:34.742+01:00

I've no knitting to share with you today. I could bang on about my interminably annoying sock(s), but i won't. I suppose mentioning my Damask wouldn't go amiss but this is on hold while i wait for yarn on it's way to me, yet again. Yes, after all that research and even though i went down from 4mm to 3.25mm needles. i am still wondering where I went wrong. So while my knitting sits and

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-55336989091678650462011-04-18T07:31:00.002+01:002011-07-08T02:46:30.011+01:00

I'm back home now following a week in the beautiful City of Cambridge during which I finally got to visit my gran in London. It was so good to see her, she looked well though she'd lost a lot of weight and wasn't her usual sparkly self. I think the accident brought home her own mortality. How I wish I could replace the worry on her face with happier thoughts. My gran was always easy to talk to

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-21085513543820682542011-04-15T07:53:00.007+01:002011-07-08T02:50:34.959+01:00

{tulips in my garden last weekend} {my viaduct} {S on my viaduct} {The Bridge of Sighs} {old door, St John's College, Cambridge} {looking up, St John's College, Cambridge} {E staircase, St John's College, Cambridge} {2 Dots at King's X; off to see the wizard - how adorable are they?} {real grass on glass} {leave me here for hours} {Natural History Museum-

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-1164042283831288032011-04-08T09:41:00.006+01:002011-07-08T02:50:57.223+01:00

As a new knitter I was so eager to learn as much as I could as quickly as I could. To this end each new project I chose brought with it a new technique. The problem with this was that new projects took too long, I wanted the next new technique NOW! So without a project in mind I began knitting swatches from the original harmony guides given to me by my landlady at the time. I wanted to know what

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-58397000715767808592011-04-07T19:03:00.002+01:002011-07-08T02:51:25.981+01:00

I'm currently working on Damask - a shawl knit from the bottom up i.e. both long sides inwards - a first for me. I'm really enjoying this knit. A while ago I wrote how lovely it is to knit a project in which the yarn and pattern are well matched. Well, this is shaping up to be one of those and bonus!, there's been no fudging so far. well, actually there was but I was highly dissatisfied with it

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-47916013835508461752011-04-04T15:51:00.003+01:002011-07-08T02:52:07.534+01:00

We now return to our regular programming following the excitement that was the daily, full-on experience of blog week! I didn't get through every blog (I knew I wouldn't have that much time) but will be visiting over the weeks and months to come. Many thanks to everyone that stopped by this blog and took the time to leave comments - I appreciate them. During the week I didn't get much

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-29202189806753226092011-04-03T23:15:00.003+01:002011-07-08T02:54:00.830+01:00

2KCBWDAY7 "Write about your typical crafting time. When it is that you are likely to craft – alone or in more social environments, when watching TV or whilst taking bus journeys. What items do you like to surround yourself with" {gratuitous picture of a knitting needle and ball of yarn} Hmmm, my typical crafting time? I don't think there's such a thing. I will whip out my sticks anytime,

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-89241926434417548052011-04-02T10:32:00.014+01:002011-07-11T21:38:05.588+01:00

2KCBWDAY6 "Is there a pattern or skill that you don't yet feel ready to tackle but which you hope to (or think you can only dream of) tackling in the future, near or distant? Is there a skill or project that maked your mind boggle at the sheer time, dedication and mastery of the craft?" {Flower Market Bag} Now I'm not a bag person. Nor do I like the texture of felted items. What I do

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-49349474471937817312011-04-01T13:28:00.010+01:002011-04-02T16:50:57.546+01:00

2KCBWDAY5"This is an experimental blogging day to try and push your creativity in blogging to the same level that you perhaps push your creativity in the items you create." I've found this to be the most challenging day of blog week so far. But I was determined to try my hand at something totally new to me. So for your viewing pleasure, here is my go-to cast on; begin with a slip stitch on the

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238307792652630730.post-82404305356577829732011-03-31T08:44:00.004+01:002011-07-08T02:57:53.943+01:00

2KCBWDAY4 "Whatever happened to your __________?Write about the fate of a past knitting project. " Yesterday while chatting with Nicola, I mentioned Blog Week and today's topic. I said I didn't know what to write as I usually forget to photograph most of the knitted gifts I make before giving them to the lucky (and sometimes not so lucky) recipients. She thought it'd be exciting to talk

eweniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421195312958154978noreply@blogger.com14