Benbah Blacksheep, many coloured wools

Happy birthday Hugh

2011-05-14T21:11:00.003+10:00

Yesterday my baby turned 2. This is a bit earlier, but still the essential boy.

Love you HughB.

Where have I Been?

2011-02-19T05:44:00.002+11:00

I have been busy. I have heaps of things knitted, but no photos. I still haven't finished the cardi in the previous post.

I have participated in a mystery knit along on Ravelry, for Tikki knits.

One Sorello is finished, Milly looks fantistic in it. The frattello for Hugh is stalled.

There are 3 babies coming, two for Davids previous teachers and one a neibours first grandchild. I have a hooded cardi allmost finised. Just have to sew the sleeves in and find buttons.

that is it for now.

Top down cabled jacket

2010-07-27T10:02:00.004+10:00

This is in size 4 for Milly. Bendigo woollen mills 8ply classic in magenta.

More knitting. For a swap.

2010-07-16T13:22:00.003+10:00

This is Milo also a design by Tikki. using cleckheaton prints 8ply

This is a Tikki design. Bloom. I used 3ply BWM and 2ply red very fine stuff in stash. Made the first size. Beautiful.

ELEPHANT FUN.....FLO

2010-07-15T17:00:00.002+10:00

This was a 'Oh I just HAVE to knit this" . As soon as I saw the pattern on Knitty I printed it off and got knitting.

The yarn is a mystery 8ply in pink and an ackrillic in blue. Because I used all of the pink up. Great stash buster. I can now see more in the future being gifted with the book Elmo, the patchwork elephant.

Miss Milly, now past 3, decided that Flo is hers. I get in trouble with her if I sugest otherwise.

I have been KNITTING

2010-06-28T07:19:00.002+10:00

Here are my beautiful little ones. Miss Milly is modeling a just finished Tikki design Olearia in long stashed purple Willabaa. It is in size 6 and used 2 skeins. This is for a swap Milly will be getting one in Bendigo Woollen Mills yarn that she picked the colour.

Hugh is now 1. He is wearing his Milo. I have modified the milo by adding sleeves. I used the same technique used in a Tomtem jacket. Thanks Elizabeth.

This little jumper keeps him very warm. The yarn is recyled from a allmost finished jumper that I made a mistake on and never finished. That jumper has now become 3 items of clothing for the children.

I am in a serious KNIT THE STASH mode.

New Knitting Areoplane

2010-02-23T09:52:00.004+11:00

Knitted with yarn from stash. Patons (us) free pattern.

My mod is the cockpit. Cast on 26st knit 3 rounds, K2, K2tog around, k2tog to end. Thread yarn through stitches pull up tight then sew on and stuff lightly as you go.

This is for a swap. I also put a bell in the middle. So it rattle/tinkles.

Bendigo and the finish of my time with Tour de Fleece this year

2009-07-24T11:48:00.002+10:00

The purple and black I bought LAST year at the back room in the woollen mills.

The yummy jitterbug I won at the Rav Brekkie. My 9 week old sons socks won for us.

Tour de Fleece

2009-07-06T21:40:00.004+10:00

Well I have been busy, but not with spinning. Up until recently, but here is my goal for the Tour. I want to spin up this alpaca. I have one bobbin full now and the second is half full. I will only ply this with 2 strands. It will make and approximate 8ply. I am hoping there will be enough for the FLS. Fingers crossed.

Hugh's Ribbed Longies

2009-06-14T20:35:00.003+10:00

top back of pants and bottom is front

I just knitted these up. I made up the pattern as I went. Here is the pattern. So I don't forget how to make them.

Yarn Cleckheaton prints 8ply machine wash 2 and a bit 50gm balls
Needles 5.5mm for main and 3.25mm for waist band circulars both

Cast on 40 stiches for each leg (pretend you are doing 2 socks at once)
Knit 2 by 2 ribbing until it is 11cm long

Start increasing in pattern 2st at inside leg every 5th round 4 times (16st per leg)

Tricky bit.

Crutch

Cast on using turkish caston 16 sitches (8front, 8 back). By using this cast on you avoid sewing up later.

Keep on knitting in 2 by 2 rib for 2 rounds then do first of 3 short row blocks. These make room for nappy in back.

Work to end of gusset, wrap and turn, work to end of gussett, w&t, work to previous w&t, pickup wrap and work with stitch, work another 7st then w&t, work to w&t then another 8st etc....

So you work an extra 8 stitches into each short row until all are used. Go back to working rounds.

When back is around 10cm work next set of short rows then last set at 16cm. work 5 more rounds.

Change to smaller needles. Work in 2by2 rib still.
Work 20 st then K2tog 8 times (in rib, so knit knits and purl purls) work 40st then another K2tog 8 times, work 20. You have now decreased for your waistband.

Keeping in 2 by 2 rib work 5 rounds, then work yarnover, K (or P) 2 tog, this is your drawstring holes.
Work another 10 rounds. Cast off with larger needle. Sew in ends. and make twisted cord, thread through.

Yay longies done. These fit Hugh now and I have to turn up the legs by half. I predict he will be wearing them many months from now. He is around 5 weeks now. Photo of him in them soon.

So I don't forget Russell's foot dimentions

2009-06-11T23:27:00.002+10:00

surprise!!!!
Foot length 25.5 cm
Ball 25 cm
Arch 28 cm
Heel depth 7.5 cm
Leg length including heel 13cm
Calf circumference at top of sock 31cm

Now I wont loose his measurements.

LONG TIME NO SEE

2009-03-31T21:01:00.000+11:00

After much to do, I am back to blogging. Not sure for how long or how regularly but I will try for once a week.

News......

I have sold all the coloured sheep! and bought a new washing machine!!! I now only have 6 white sheep left. A bit sad but I was allmost out of feed for them so selling was the best option. Plus I needed the money as both my 5kg washers died. I now have a 7.5kg fisher and paykel that is a dream to use.

Milly is now almost 2. Hasn't the time just flown. Toilet training and talking are the go with her.

David is a big boy in grade 1. He loves school.

Mark is a few months away from his "L's". Scarey.

After not knitting for around 4 months I am now at it again. I recently competed in the latest Death by socks with one kill. I am now knitting a baby set from Drops Designs. Showing my confidence in my knitting I am steeking the cardigan. The idea of doing stranded knitting back and forth just sends me to sleep. So in the round I went. I am now knitting the sleeves.

I will show and tell when I have finished it.

I am also knitting a pair of socks for Milly. She has been fondling my knitting and yarn plus stealing my socks. So how could I deny her?

Off to knit some more.

Bye

Catching Up DEATH BE SOCKS4

2008-07-06T09:50:00.002+10:00

This is the parcel Bev sent me. Lots of goodies.

Plus the most beautiful and comfortable socks.
THANKYOU BEV

Now these are what I was knitting. Didn't get very far. Only the legs done. Righto I used stash yarn. 4ply baby wool machine wash with 2.5mm needles.

2008-06-02T09:34:00.002+10:00

First up Jacobeans the first socks in the Sock knitting Pentathalon. I used woolbale 8ply in green. These socks used 3 balls. Fit the Bloke perfectly.

This shawl is knitted from one skein of Feista rayon boukle.

I cast on 40st and then k1,yo, knit to end on every row. I had enough left to fringe and tassell each end. This is a gift.

And lastly, My Bullets in Sockwars111.

I used stash. 5ply wool crepe. Finished this morning and washing right now.

More Milly and some socks

2008-05-02T16:06:00.002+10:00

Here is my happy girl with her first wheels. It didn't take her very long to get the hang of sitting and scooting on it. Or walking behind it. She is so proud of herself.

Here are the Questing socks that finally killed me. Rather The Bloke will enjoy wearing them.

Why do the socks knitted by others never actually fit me?

Finally some Pentathalon socks, Jacobeans in progress. Using some vintage woolbale wool that is not supposed to be machine washable but is.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILLY!!!

2008-04-28T14:20:00.002+10:00

My Darling Daughter is one. Here is her cake, sponge with chocolate mouse filling and covering plus cream and sprinkles on top.

And here is the Birthday Girl enjoying her cake.

She just loves the camera.

Finished socks

2008-04-16T17:08:00.004+10:00

Righto, first up is the Vineland socks for the first SockQuest

Second are the Zombie socks for the first round of Sockmadnes 08. I bombed out in the first round this year.

SockQuest

2008-04-12T10:26:00.002+10:00

I am up to the toes.
They are being knitted with Bendigo Classic 8ply on 2.75mm needles for a tension of 7 spi.

DEATH BY SOCKS 3

2008-02-08T09:55:00.000+11:00

My feet are now DEAD.

But my hands now have some lovely jitterbug and patons astra to knit with.

Thank you Anita and Trudy for being my assasins.

Susie Rose you organize a great conflict.

Socks of Death 3

2008-02-07T13:11:00.001+11:00

Firstly, here is the lovely yarns I received in the Knittalk swap. I cannot wait to knit up the yarn on the right. More socks.

AND PRESENTING

SOCKS OF DEATH 3

Knit from stash, Bendigo 5ply classic. I hope they fit..

Now I hope the internet stays on..Been 5 days without it. Grrrrrrr.

AND THEY'RE OFF!!

2008-01-30T22:25:00.000+11:00

Yes they are finally off. To school that is. My baby boy is now a primary school prep and he loved it. Cannot wait until tomorrow. My big boy is now a year 9er. So proud of him too. Milly crawled around the house looking for them. Cute.

and drum roll please I posted the Socks of Death today. Elaine is quite ill now and will be dead in the fortnight. Sooo sad. NOT. insert manical laughter fading into the distance................................................

Christmas swaps that I sent out

2008-01-22T07:19:00.001+11:00

The top is what I sent in the Christmas around the world swap.

The yarn is from my sheep spun by me. The swap is the Knitalk christmas yarn swap.

The last is sent to a local Kris kringle for MUMs.

The Death by Socks socks are coming along. The gusset is taking forever, or so it seems. I am using Bendigo Woollen Mills 5ply classic in celery and a darker green. The stash is getting smaller!!

DEATH BY SOCKS

2008-01-08T19:33:00.000+11:00

Yes it has just about started again!!! I am signed up have both my assassin and target now I just have to wait for the pattern.

sigh....

soo much to do soo little time. Especially when sleep calls.

Geelongs Stitch N Bitch night is being held in my home this month. So any Geelong area people whom would like to come drop me a line and I will get you the details.

Date Wednesday 16th Jan
Place mine
Time 7pm to whenever.
bring a plate to share.

Now off to do eggs........................................Oh my ankle hurts, I couldn't possibly use my hands for anything but knitting.

Bugger no one believes me...

So much done and to do.

2008-01-06T21:22:00.001+11:00

The sound of silence......................... I wish. New strange fact about me, I have weak ankles. Here is the relevance.

I was walking with Milly in my arms and my ankle rolled. I went down and didn't get her out of the way enough. End result baby with cast on.

That was before Christmas, just. So here she is Xmas day Firstly with her pressies, and later pulling herself around with her cast.

It was taken off on the 3rd, 2weeks and 5 days from it happening.

On the 1st, I did it again to my left ankle. But worse, not carrying bub (thank goodness) but I stepped down off the feed cart and over i went. 90kilos on a turned left ankle. I swear that was the most painful thing yet! Not broken, I allmost wish it was. sigh..........................

Milly is really crawling quite fast now and pulling up on things.

Made up Xmas swaps and will post them on monday. Late. Bad bad swapper. That is why the ankle happened, KARMA.

2007-11-25T21:34:00.001+11:00

I just had my sheep shorn after the Melbourne cup. Here is the only white Xbred fleece that didn’t have a break in it. I just HAD to start spinning it. I used my old ashford traveller for a change.

Just skeined up. I spun it by flicking the tip and woollen spinning followed by navajo plying.

Same yarn now washed. Soo white and still with the lanolin in it. What to knit with it though….

Hmmmm.

Here is my girl eating her first gingernut. Isn’t she beautiful.

Following TAFTA

2007-10-22T21:54:00.001+10:00

This is what has happened to one packet of top. I am thinking of plying it with a white single instead of navajo plying.

I am hoping that there will be enough for a EZ baby surprize jacket. But I doubt it.

Farm news. We had to throw out 4 days of eggs. I had the realization that I would NEVER get them processed and stay sane. So dumped they were. Very depressing. All that hard work for nothing.

On the otherhand, I am now up to date. Now I am working on getting the house back in order. Starting with the washing. David is sick and will be going to the dr's again tomorrow morning. I am hopeing that by being there at 8am as they start we will be in and out quickly. I hope.

Milly has started on adult food now. Just tastes of what I am eating and her cereal every evening. Only a desert spoon full so far but she does love her mashed spuds. Yes with butter and milk and LUMPS. No gagging or choking. Just lots of chewing.

I am knitting another pair of Sock Wars2 scar socks. These will be for the Bloke.

Off to make a bed (mine) then I hope to lay in it.

Weapon that killed me

2007-10-20T05:58:00.001+10:00

lovely aren't they.

SOCK WARS2

2007-10-19T22:01:00.000+10:00

I AM DEAD

PHOTOS LATER

I forgot to take photos of the socks I was knitting................................................

so take me out the back and shoot me.

Milly barely slept last night so I didn't either. so there!!!

SOCK WARS2 HAVE STARTED

2007-10-13T08:39:00.001+10:00

Janya of Carlton. I have you in my sights.

cue mad laughter fading into distance.

Lookee, Lookee, from a Pear tree (yarn that is)

2007-10-13T07:23:00.000+10:00

Elizabeth Zimmermans booties

My own socks with short row heel

cabled toddler socks

sarjes booties

Milly LOVES yarn!!

TAFTA GEELONG

2007-09-29T14:22:00.000+10:00

Here is what I bought. Merino tops for Milly and David. David picked his out.

Sock knitting kit from Sara Durrant.

Dyes to have a go with. Tired of using foodcolours.

And well, says it all really. From Artisan Books. I really wanted several hundred dollars worth of books. But I have been pining for this one for the longest time.

Booties cast on allready. Next will be the Baby Surprise Jacket. From stash of course.

Bye. Off to do eggs now.

New Swap. Christmas around the World questionaire

2007-09-03T08:56:00.000+10:00

Are you religious? not at all
How long have you been knitting? Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced? I learnt to knit at 4 but have only been seriously knitting for the last 14 years. So I beleive I am advanced.
Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting? spinning and dying
Favorite color(s)? anything
Do you collect anything? Knitting patterns and tools
Are you allergic to any fibers or animals?No
Do you have any pets? Cats in the house and working dogs outside
Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate? All of them YUM
Cookies or Sweets? Sweeties
Do you knit socks? Yes
If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits)
Do you put up a Christmas tree? If not then what do you do? Yes
Favorite holiday treats? Plum pud and shortbread
Favorite holiday smells? Plum pud
Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate. Just presents on christmas moring with a large christmas dinner some years. It may be a roast or a BBQ. Depends on the weather
What are your favorite holiday traditions? Presents
Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about....” Family and the children especially
If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….? a half eaten candy cane
What was your favorite gift you've ever received? Or given? My spinning wheel, given......no idea
When do you start your Christmas? We put up the tree in the first weeks of December and gradually dress it and make biscuits etc
Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them? We don't send cards... I forget to post them.
What is your favorite Christmas dish? Plum pud
Carolers are at your door. What do you do?Carolers? what are they?
When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning?On Christmas morning
Do you celebrate with family or friends or both? Just family

Tomten Jacket, Milly and a Pear Tree

2007-09-01T16:36:00.001+10:00

Here it and my little man is. He has barely taken it off the last week.

My eldest took the photo.

Here is Milly in the suit here Aunty ann made for her. I think she was 12 weeks.

Here she is today in the sun wearing her first dress. Now 4 months old. she had her first lot of shots yesterday. Only prick marks on her legs to show for it.

I have been knitting a pair of red socks for the bloke, first one is to the toe.

I have just started knitting a bit for a local yarn producer Pear Tree in Torquay. This is what I have to knit up into booties and childrens socks. See I have one allmost finished. I also went a bit mad and bought two books. Love them both.

More knitting to get happy

2007-08-25T21:34:00.001+10:00

booties for Milly knitted with cleckheaton merino spun. Sortof my pattern based on my experiance knitting booties. Yarn is leftovers from the Blokes socks.

This is the latest pair of pilchers for Milly. Ottbre free
pattern main colour is heirloom Bolero 8ply. contrast is doubled 4ply baby yarn. Only a day to knit.

Here is the final stages of Davids' Tomtem Jacket. I have now finished it and will show it off in due time.

Just before I go to bed..

2007-08-25T21:13:00.000+10:00

Here is a little of what I have been doing. Had a bit of a depression which is why I havn't been blogging. The chooks went off the lay in a BIG way. which crunched the finances rather severely. Anyway, I have gotten used to it now, somewhat, and knitting has been my anchor to reality. So have the children too, especially Miss Milly.

So here are the socks I knitted for Death by Socks.

Here are the socks that Killed me. The Bloke has declared them his.

Off to Bendi I go

2007-07-19T21:21:00.000+10:00

After much humming and harring, I have decided to go to the Bendigo wool and sheep show. I think I need the break. Milly is being a beautiful baby but I am feeling like....null and void really. Chooks aren't laying due to the cold and wet weather. Well, duh really, it IS winter. So this shouldn't come as a surprise, but it does. So with the reduced lay rate comes the reduced you know what but the bills just keep coming.

I have been so brainless lately. Lost my purse for 3 days.. it took me that long to admit that I had lost it. Cancelled cards then rang the shop where I last remembered seeing it. It was there intact. Now I don't have cards until next week. I also have lost the paperwork that I had to fill out for Milly. Now I have to request more, such a twit right now.

I am quite resenting the blokes smoking habit lately. such a waste of money so pointless, smelly etc. I want to spend time with HIM not his habit, it makes me feel so sick and he doesn't get it.

No1 step son is back from OS. This will be interesting. No2 step son turns 21 on saturday. His meal has been requested and his present will be the latest Harry Potter book. He allready knows this.

6 Weeks old and Death by Socks 2

2007-06-15T10:55:00.000+10:00

Here are my two youngest darlings. Milly now 6 weeks old and David my snotty sick 4yo. He just had to show his cars. Hmmm

These are my Socks of Death 2 socks. Have some confusion with the pattern so I am just going to do what is says. Sort of.

The yarn is rare essentials cocoon jade a mix of alpaca, silk, mohair and superfine merino. Knitting on 2.75mm needles. I hope to knit them up before I am killed.

I went to a new knitting night on Wednesday in Torquay. If anyone has tried the yarn from Pear Tree you are lucky. This yarnshop was next door to the meet, also in a cafe called the Pear Tree. Next time I go I will be buying some of her scrumptious yarns. Maybe photos next time.

New knitting

2007-05-30T10:29:00.001+10:00

Firstly, I loved the merino supreme soo much I had to buy more and it is becoming an EZ Tomtem Jacket for my 4yo son.

the socks are for Milly and fit.

Knitting at last

2007-05-29T15:04:00.000+10:00

Here are the latest socks for the Bloke. In the new cleckheaton Merino Spun.

4mm needles, 8st turkish caston, toe-up. Double wrapped heel, 3/2 ribbing.

These have been worn and washed twice before this photo was taken. Nice cushy socks.

Its RAINING right now. Hard to believe and the tanks are allmost full. Time to turn the town supply off and back to the good water. YES.

2007-05-24T19:19:00.000+10:00

Here is my lovely girl at 4 weeks.

I forgot to name her in the previous post, so here is :

MILLICENT ESTHER

otherwise known as Milly.

Here are
the georgous flowers from my sister-in-law

And just to compare, here she is at 2 weeks.

I have been knitting, photos next post? We'll see.

HERE SHE IS!

2007-04-29T12:59:00.000+10:00

Born on Thursday 26th April at 12 to 7pm.

7lb 5oz

49cm long

34.5 head circ.

Hand made by MUM

Less than 24hrs old in photo

(clothing included)

Painted Madness is DONE and sad news.....

2007-04-14T22:24:00.000+10:00

Here they are just finished. 10.30pm on Sat 14th april.

I am glad now that I am out of the Madness. Yesterday afternoon I received a call that my Dear Old Dad had died. Quite a shock.

Story is he had spent the moring cutting wood, came home for lunch and was heading out to the post office and to continue more wood cutting but didn't make it past the back gate.

He went the way he wanted. With his boots on and quick.

Love you Dad, miss you allways. At least you are now with Mum.

Now I just need this baby to stay put for at least next week.

The end of Sock Madness for me (this time)

2007-04-12T21:50:00.000+10:00

Here is where I got up to in round 3 of sockmadness (1st pic) then I went and checked and lo and behold I was out. Three Cheers to Laurie in Maine. She did me in in record time.

The 2nd photo is where I am up to as of today. They are cuffed socks very nice. Once again using TeAwa Wools of NZ in soft spun mohair (78% mohair) on 2.75mm needles. I think these will be birthday socks for my sister.

The 3rd and 4th photos are of the latest knitting for the presumed daughter due 30th April. The yarn is heirloom Jigsaw and the one ball did the cardi and allmost the booties. The cardi pattern is the short-rows sweater that was on the knitlist years ago. The booties are from the same list.

If you would like the address of where to find the patterns let me know.

37 weeks and the count down is ON.

FINISHED! ROUND 2 SOCKMADNESS

2007-03-25T11:53:00.000+10:00

Here they are in all their glory MAD-TINI SOCKS.

Round 2 - 1st progress picture

2007-03-24T12:02:00.000+11:00

Here is my first progress picture of the 2nd round socks.

Using Patons Jet. 30%alpaca 70% wool. 2.75mm needles.

Things for Baby

2007-03-21T10:02:00.000+11:00

I just finished this jumper for the baby. It is supposed to fit 3months but I reckon it willbe 1year. anyway it is from my previous mistake yarn that I spun and killed in the dryer turning sockyarn into boucle. Looks nice and is soooo soft and warm.

This is the only thing bought new for the baby. It has a stroller insert as well. only 6 weeks left.

On socks wars I am into the next round. I just have to find a yarn that knits up to 7 spi on 2.75mm needles witha fabric I like. I think 10ply is the go. More later.

Sock Madness round 1

2007-03-13T10:20:00.000+11:00

Here are my finished round one socks.

Used: TeAwa wools 8ply Hunky Hank in a pastel variegated and 8ply grey patons fireside from the stash. Unfortunately a bit too subtle. but very comfy.

All ready for SockMadness

2007-03-07T08:56:00.000+11:00

Here is what I bought to knit the socks in sockmadness. I went for what I felt I would get the tension in. Not the weight specified. As I like my socks knitted in a very tight tension. Princess feet you know, I feel every purl bump if they arn't knitted firmly enough.

Oh and the dale pattern book I couldn't resist. It has a jumper and dress with chookies on it.

All up I spent $96. Hey it was my birthday!

The colours are pretty true too. Roll on the 11th! Yes I know it starts on the 10th but that is in america and they are a day behind.

Life has moved on.

2007-03-06T12:20:00.000+11:00

Here are the socks that KILLED me. Yes they have been worn and washed several times allready. Thankyou and on to the next round!

The hat I made for my oldest stepson. He is now in Delft, holland studying areonautical engineering for six months. I finished the hat on the way to the airport to say goodbye. It is two strands. One bendigo 5ply classic and 8ply alpaca. I was stoked that when I gave it to him He PUT IT ON. In front of family and friends.

This in my 4yo holding a old babydoll. The knitting on the doll is new. Just put together for the new baby.

wool is bendigo 8ply classic in musk. I just hope it fits the new bub. Oh and that they got it right and the baby IS a girl.

These are pilchers knitted from the free pattern on the Ottobre site. I made them out of 8ply natural wool. It took just under 1 50gm ball. I think they will fit OK for a new born. More are on the needles.

Last but by far not least here is my birthday present. A chest of drawers for my stash. Oh well, at least most of it.

I'm DEAD

2007-03-02T07:26:00.000+11:00

I am offically dead now. the socks came in the post last week. Yes I know I am slack but I am a busy little vegemite here on the farm. I will post photos later.

Now on with Sock Madness. I now know which team I am in. It is Nancy’s Traditional Sock Division. This will be fun I hope. I just hope I don't get tossed in the first mad round.

I have been rather busy knitting with several finished peices. Photos later of couse.

Righto, off to feed the chookies now. And the children.

Socks of Death and more

2007-02-19T11:40:00.000+11:00

I am still here in the socks of death. I know that I have socks coming for me to finish knitting and also to kill me!

Fortunately the socks to finish were sent first soo.....They should get here first. My death was sent over the weekend. Lately the international mail seems to be taking around 2 weeks from Australia to America and a bit longer from America to Australia. So I am still in the game.

I have also just joined up in the all new "sock madness" which is simialar.

Have a look here http://sockmadness.wordpress.com/

I got one of the last four spots.

still preggers only 9 weeks left till due date.

SOCKS OF DEATH FINISHED!!!!!

2007-01-21T18:13:00.000+11:00

Here they are.

Long Boxed Socks

I started them on Tuesday 16th Jan and finished them on Sunday 21st Jan at 5.49.

In between I still did the farm work and looked after the family.

The yarn is colonial 5ply from Bendigo Woollen Mills, colour Toffee.

Needles 2.5mm metals (from several different sets)

I knitted both in sequence. Not quite at the same time. Eg, caston knit ribbing on S1. Then repeat S2.
Do leg, swap socks, do other leg then heel flap, swap heel flap then turn etc until the socks are finished.

I really do not like grafting. Good website through socknitters.com Mini lessons got the job done.

Now on to other knitting.

My last knitting for 2006 and a gift

2007-01-14T09:35:00.000+11:00

The little top is from Debbie bliss and knitted in a wool/cotton blend. Size 0-3months for the new bub.

These little socks were knitted before I knew I was preggers. The ends have just been sewn in. There is another pair too. Knitted in Heirloom Jigsaw.

This hat was an experiment and I think it will fit a newborn. If not I will give it to the midwives to gift a new girl.

The wool in this basket ( the basket is what remains of a gourmet hamper from SS1 on christmas) Is from my Knit Talk christmas swap. Sara from Houston Texas USA, even crocheted the lovely baby hat too.

The bloke was astounded! by the generosity of knitters.

Next time, on to 2007 KNITTING.

I'M BAAACK with Crissy photos first

2007-01-14T09:17:00.000+11:00

Well here is the Christmas spread. Two types of meat Roast pork and roast lamb with roast spuds and pumpkin. On the table on time and HOT. though christmas day wasn't the normal down under heatwave. It SNOWED on the alps and in tassie!

A good day for all. I received chocolate. and more but I cannot remember. OOOps.

Returning from the HEAT.

2006-12-08T11:03:00.000+11:00

I know I havn't posted since these arrived! The socks that killed me. Please ignore the hairy legs.

I have worn, washed and machine dried them several times now and they still look great!

Here am I, knitting at the 'cars of the world' display and concourse at Fort Queenscliffe.

A yearly, charitable showoff for all car lovers and owners.

The scarf is Iris Shriers? multi directional one. I spun the wool from my sheep for it. Playing with self striping by spinning 2/3 grey, 1/3 white.

The little spiderman looking over my shoulder is my now 4yo son.

What I am knitting? No idea, I think I have frogged it.

I also hve some more personal information. Earlier I announced that I was preggers. Well I have had a scan and it looks like I will be knitting pink. What a change.

Bye

Dead Dead DEAD!!!

2006-10-17T10:55:00.000+10:00

I am dead. Death by socks. No photo yet but they are great socks. I have after many stuffups on my end just posted off my unfinished socks to america to my killers, assasin.

I am still preggers! This is a relief, sorta. I now have the referal to the hospital and just await a date to see the doctor there. I have everything crossed that I will once again be able to looked after by the lovely midwives in the birthing unit. The only thing that I can see that could possibly disallow this is if I am having twins. Which is very unlikely.

The Bloke is quietly hoping for a girl(as am I) but I am telling myself that this is another boy. With only boys so far, I don't think the Xsperm gets much of a go. If there is any at all.

My knitting is ...... on hold. I pick up needles and wool , look through my pattern collection, put everything away and go do farm work. I think I am just too tired! I go to bed by 9 at night and often that's it until 5:30am. If I manage myself I may even get a nap midday.

Maybe the farm work will get a bit less (hah! Not bloody likely with summer almost here) and I will get over being so tired with the pregnancy then the urge to knit will once again take over?

This will be a almost winter baby so woollies are needed. So will the two mystery shawls I have on the needles. I just must finish them. I will enjoy feeding the baby snuggled up under a shawl at night.

Off to do farm work! Collect eggs, process eggs, make up orders, deliver eggs! repeat from the start.

SockWars

2006-09-29T08:02:00.000+10:00

Well , it has started and I think almost finished for many people. I have had email trouble, comes with living just over the distance from the exchange, dropouts and cannot get large emails pictures etc downloaded before the connection drops out. I had my stepson in melbourne check my account to see why I couldn't acess it and he just deleted what was there. There was a large one but I don't know what it was. Bugger.

I hope it wasn't my assasin. If it was I hope she emails me again just text. I still haven't got my dossier for my target but the socks are allmost done. I do have her email address and will contact her when I have them finished. Trouble is, mail takes two weeks from Australia to the Us. Sometimes even longer. This will be interesting.

I have used stash yarn that I had dyed and forgot about. The yarn I was going to use just didn't work and as cash is scarce right now a trip to the shop was out of the question. My apologies to my target. The sock is quick but I personally don't like the loose tension. It is the same as what I knit jumpers with - not socks. These will be bed socks I think or house socks. Nice and warm.

Any hoo, I cannot post them until Tuesday when a bit of money will be available. I do wish people were more diligent with payment of their bills. After all, they have the eggs, have used them and sold the product and in a restaurant you NEVER get to leave without paying so they also have had the interest also on the money in the meantime. It just really shits me that we have to almost threaten to not supply before some people will pay up! We have bills too.

Rant over....... back to normal chaos.

Back to Normal?

2006-09-17T09:59:00.000+10:00

Ok, I think I am over the worst of my vaugeness. To answer some of the previous questions regarding the socks, I spun the wool from my sheep. The grey was 2/3rds and white 1/3 as spun in a single. I then navajo plyed the single matching up the colours as I went (sorta) to get the distinct colour changes. If you look back on my blog you will find a Iris Shrieder? short-row scarf knitted from the same yarn. Cool hey.

I also have FINALLY posted off my Knit Sock Kit Swap. I am Sooo sorry that it has taken this long Ruth. I have also received my Kit!
I have already balled up the yarn Yummy Socks that Rock mediumweight in a rosequartz colourway. I have also started the pattern on the Brittany 2.75mm birch needles. Great to work with. I think I even like the fabric it is making. Nice and firm. The pattern itself is a work of art.
I wince at what my pattern was. Sorry!

Off to process MORE eggs. Might even get some housework done today. I have been getting the boys to do the collections since they are now on School Holls for the next two weeks. Knitting night this Wednesday! I am NOT going to miss it THIS month. Bugger the boys and Bloke they will just have to do without me.

While I've Been Away.....

2006-09-11T17:25:00.000+10:00

The last however, since I blogged many things have happened.

The chooks have been laying.....many many many eggs.

We now have 10 lambs. Of which, one set of twins to a white mother is black/white (T1black,T2white)

The family has been sick with a very bad cold (myself included) Yuck.

And to top it all off and really does explain my continued lethargy and nausea.....I am preggers again. Same time as last year, even due about the same time. Maybe this time I wont miscarry.
Six weeks down and counting. I bloody well wish the nausea would go.

Doesn't bode well to my way of thinking as last time I felt this rotten too. With my boys I was an obnoxiously glowing and healthy woman with an easy birth. I have a tiny hope that with this being totally different physically it just might be a girl ( not just another miscarriage). But I will knit with blue. The bloke has bloody strong wrigglers. Damm.

Back to knitting next time.

2006-08-23T10:35:00.000+10:00

Here are the socks I have sent over to America to my sock swap partner. They are knitted with my handspun wool from my sheep. Toe up with short row toes and heels. I hope she likes them and they fit.

Picture Time

2006-08-16T06:40:00.000+10:00

First SOCK SWAP! Thankyou! They fit and are georgous. Her socks are finished and will be mailing them today.

Fingerless gloves for 1-Stepsons' birthday plus a hat to match and 2-13yo for on the bus and class.

Yarn spun for the " TOUR DE FLEECE" The grey I ran out of so I had to change my tactics and started to spin the white merino. I have spun enough for the blokes jumper. The grey is now going to my knit sock kit swap bag. Allmost done and will post it off this week! I am determined.

Sock Wars YES

2006-08-03T07:01:00.000+10:00

I have just joined the sock wars being played by Yarnmonkey. Roll on.

http://yarn-monkey.blogspot.com/2006/07/are-you-ready-for-sock-wars-2006.html

You have until sept 8 to join.

But first I have to finish the socks for my sock swap partner now that life will let me and finish the sock kit swap and send it off too. Yes! I love knitting socks.

Thankyou Linda for the socks they are georgous! My bloke thought they are pretty special too.

As usual photos when I can.

Help!

2006-08-01T20:14:00.000+10:00

This bloody computer or rather the bloody internet connection is NOT PLAYING with me right now and I cannot upload my photos.

I have been busy knitting. I have knitted two pairs of gauntlets and a hat all using stash. I am so stuck on my sock kit swap. I have had to move my sewing machine and bits'nbobs and now I cannot find what I was doing. Back to the drawing board.

On the swap front I have decided not to knit the socks I was doing for my other sock swap as they just weren't working out. My hand spun is yelling at me " NOT THIS PATTERN, UH UH NOOOO WAY!!". What can I do but listen to it. Back to the needles and stash. I'm sorry for my partner in the swap as she is now not going to get handspun merino socks. But they will be nice socks. I have realized that I have been trying to knit PERFECT socks and these just don't exist in my 'verse.

Feed back on my sisters socks SHE LOVES them. I am soo happy that they fit and she loves them. She also appreciated the Hottie cover created from our Mum's last knitting. Thanks mum wherever you are now.

Well back to knitting. and spinning.

I DID IT

2006-07-24T09:32:00.000+10:00

I just managed to spin the 1450 plus a bit meters of yarn for my partners jumper. I was plying the last bit as the tele announced the winner. I hope this counts.

I will post a photo as soon as I find the camera again.

Nothing else got done yesterday. the family was not happy but I am!!!

TOUR DE FLEECE spinning on

2006-07-23T10:22:00.000+10:00

Well I was a late starter but I am at the halfway point. I need to spin 1450metres for my partners jumper. I have spun 800mts so far and have another bobbin filled so I am halfway to another 250mt.!

Yay! I do think that I will succeed. Or I will be very close. I am determined to do this (plus with our current cold weather his gripes about being cold are wearing thin.) I also have to fix his burnt jumper too. But MUST SPIN.

Back to the chookies and eggs then more spinning!

I will complete my challenge ON TIME!

OH FELT IT!!

2006-07-09T10:16:00.000+10:00

Lesson One. Do not put sock weight handspun fine merino in the dryer on low or else!!

I felted this beautiful skein of handspun. It took me a combined effort of 12 hours to spin and ply. Only 10mins in the dryer to FELT.

I have been ripping to save the yarn and have discovered that I now have handspun boucle! It looks and feels sooo soft. I will put this in the Good Mistake bag. I may even do this intentionally in the future. My only problem is that this was going to be the yarn for my KitSwap sister. The knitted sample was knitted on 3.75mm needles and I do think that it doesn't want to be socks any more. I am now thinking a lovely baby jacket and hat set.

Comments and suggestions please.

The Winner Is

2006-07-08T20:53:00.000+10:00

.....................PBnJ who guessed 5.5 hrs. The actual time was 5hours and 40mins. I will be sending some of my hand spun yarn. fine white merino slubby spun 2 skeins. Quite enough for a shawl/stole I think. This yarn takes dying beautifully.

Thankyou for joining in.

Clare

TOUR DE FLEECE

2006-07-05T17:07:00.000+10:00

Oh no! it has started! And what have I been doing? Spinning yes but not on my challange. I have been spinning sock yarn. Knitting socks, 1pair for me? 1 pair for swap, writing a pattern for the Knit Sock Kit Swap and making the bag etc....

As well as my normal programming. Boys fed, school, chooks fed/let out, eggs collected and processed, lunch, play with younger, collect eggs and process, elder home from high, Tea and last collection and shutting the sheds up. Bed time for younger, older , parent time housework and bed for parents.

Oy! when I write it up there is a bit to do. Oh yeah, I have discovered that I no longer have the prepared fleece I was going to spin for the challenge so NOW I have to spin RAW fleece.

Lucky I have 30plus fleeces to choose from. Oh what an embarresment of riches.

bye

School is BACK

2006-07-03T13:06:00.000+10:00

Thank the powers that be. School is back. The 13yo is in high school and the 3yo has kinder. At least 1 hour of peace. The computer is fixed thanks to the 19yo wizz.

Now I just have socks to knit (3yo is nagging again). The third mystery shawl and the fouth mystery shawl also. I had to start this again.

Spinning a good yarn with my white merino but I have to start spinning for the blokes next jumper. I don't have any tops left so I will have to spin some raw fleece. Poor me. Nothing like a greazy fleece. I like it.

Unfortunately I awoke this morning and my left wrist is hurting, as if someone stepped on it. I wouldn't mind if I had been overdoing something but all I have been doing is watching Stargate Atlantis. No wrist action at all! Well I am now knitting and spinning and doing farm work. Hopefully the work will sort this wrist out as a rest hasn't.

Waiting for friday to see who wins the yarn. Keep your guesses coming as no one is on the spot yet. close though.

I am working on my Knit socks kit swap, needles yarn and almost the pattern. The bag is drafted up and I just have to sew it. I will post a picci a few weeks after I send it. Just in case my recipient has a look here. I don't think she knows who I am. I hope not anyway.

Bye, off to collect eggs now and hope that our new chookies have started laying!
Fingers crossed.

Red Letter Day on the farm

2006-06-30T14:29:00.000+10:00

Just when you think everything is going smoothly, Murphy's bloody law kicks in. The bas was allready to go when bam, the business computer burps and now the shit of a thing will not open the requesite files. Says the files are WHIPED. Things are a bit tense here right now soo.

I am going to spin and knit and pray that our family tech can restore the system. I stuffed up by not backing up properly for 9 months. We can only remember the sales for the last 7 days.

BUGGER.

New competition

2006-06-29T20:06:00.000+10:00

I have decided too have a competition after the 4,oooth visitor became too hard for me to work out. Righto.

What it is. How long did it take for me to spin ONE bobbin of fine yarn. A single not a ply.
Pictured Left.

There is one week until the end of the comp. The winner will receive a skein of the yarn. Pure fine merino. Two ply.

The hottie cover has a history. This was made from a jumper my Mum was making when she was told she had cancer. She never finished it. I found the jumper peices in her stash recently and after shaking my head over the colours and texture I saw a way to have something that mum knitted. Not as a jumper though. The front and back are the same so I frogged them back to a lenght that fitted over a hottie, did a 3needle cast off and sewed up the side. The ribbing became the neck and I now have a cuddle from mum again 15 years after her death. I am making the other one for my sister, I am certain that she will also feel mum's arms around her when she holds it too.

This yarn is my first attempt to spin specifically for socks. It is from my flock of corredale sheep and the colour will NOT wash out or fade. The sheep grew it like this.
Offers will be considered.

Bugger!

2006-06-25T13:56:00.000+10:00

What to do. I what knitting along on the 4th mystery shawl and had done 6 ROWS of the 3rd clue when disaster struck!!

Blogger is stuffing with my brain again! Ok the disaster was after knitting several rows I noticed a big hole where a hole should not have been. I had dropped a stitch. It had run. I tried to knit it up but I have admitted defeat. The red shawl is now being frogged. About 6 to 10 hours of knitting is buggered. I am pissed off with myself for letting this happen. It looked sooo nice. Well now I get to knit it again. ...yay?

Otherwise I have finished my sisters socks and have started on my sock kit. He He. I have done some creative recycling of some knitting my mum did over 15 years ago. It was a camoflage boucle jumper just in peices. I did the burn test on the yarn and I beleive that it is mainly wool. No idea what brand so here are the peices front, back and a sleeve, no pattern and not cast off at all.Hmmm..... Here is my hot water bottle with no cover. Hmmm...... the front/back covers the hottie when frolded in half ......Hmmmmmm.....If i frog down so the knitted peice is just longer than the hottie and I sew up the side and 3ndle cast off the stitches I will have a great Hottie Cover. Yay The ribbing is up at the top now and holds the bottle in. The water stays nice and hot for a long time and best of all..

My MUM made it.

I still miss her.

I will make another for my sister. It may make her cry...................too.

On the other hand. NO ONE posted that they were the 4,000th caller. I checked and I was 4001. Well I have decided that the comment made closest, either before or after, will get some hand spun yarn from me. I will email them soon.

Photos on my next post.

Knit Sock Kit Swap Questionaire

2006-06-18T12:18:00.000+10:00

What are your favorite colors? Any, I find that I am wearing pink(shudder) a lot reds and blues are good.

Are you a new sock knitter? How long have you been knitting socks?I don't consider myself new I have a set sock pattern stuck in my fingers now. I have been knitting socks for nearly 2 years.

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn?I love it all.

What fibers do you prefer in sock yarn?WOOL and natural fibres except cotton

Where do you usually knit socks? Anywhere

How do you usually carry/store small projects? In my handmade bag

What are your favorite sock knitting patterns? Formulas.

What are your favorite sock knitting techniques?Sherman short row heel/toes

What new techniques would you like to try? differnt toes.

Do you prefer circulars or dpns for sock knitting?Double points all the way

What are some of your favorite yarns?Handspun or Filatua di crosa Zara/Zaria

What yarn do you totally covet? I don't know, those flash american ones ummm. Liza Souza, Sock that Rock, Lorna Laces etc.

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object? Not really oohh maybe some white lies designs.

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)?17cm double points umm 5 to 6.5inch ones mainly metal as I haven't tried wood/bamboo.

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be? Handspun.

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack? Chocolate of course or pepermints

What’s your favorite animal? Cats/Sheep

Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages? House pets 2 cats Cucky and Mischief also good mousers and two dogs both guard. Brutus and Briony

If you were a color what color would you be?Rosy red glowing and warm

Describe your favorite shirt (yours or someone else’s)..I don't have one

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature?Some of the Dawns I witness right here.

Tell me the best quote you’ve ever heard or read. Later I have to find it.

Do you have a wishlist? In my head

Anything else you’d like to share with the group today? I am spinning a silver grey sliver from my sheep into sock yarn. I am planning to spin some charcoal and some white merino also.

4,ooo ? Visitor prize

2006-06-17T15:55:00.000+10:00

I have just notice that the 4,000th visitor is about to happen. If this is YOU please leave a comment as I have something for you.

I have deceided to be nice. Some handspun merino perhaps? or some combed top? wait and see.

Tour de Fleece

2006-06-15T11:33:00.000+10:00

I have just joined the tour de fleece that is to be found here

http://wabisabi.typepad.com/le_tour_de_fleece/

My challenge is to spin enough to reknit that bloody jumper for the bloke. He is a 3xl. Should be easy....

not famous last words I hope.

I have also started on TWO versions of the MS4. One is 2ply in red and the other is 14ply in a milk coffe colour.

More later.

Finished Items

2006-06-12T16:22:00.000+10:00

Here are two projects. The socks on top are my 3yo's. He repeatedly nicked them as I was knitting them. I now have the wash them. They are more slippers than socks but he does wear them in his gumboots.

The baby hat and booties were made from lion brand suede. I received a ball in a christmas swap. I recently gave them away.

Back to doing eggs.

Wool doesn't BURN, it just smoulders

2006-06-12T16:05:00.000+10:00

This is what happens to a wool jumper when exposed to the very hot exhaust of a brushcutter. Even the owner, my bloke, was glad he was wearing this and not a synthetic. He is extremely pissed off with himself too, as in his words, " This is my best jumper, its the ONLY one that keeps me warm".

I will now have to spin and knit him another. Meanwhile, this one will be washed and I will do my best to darn the holes so he can wear it again. Since he burnt it we have had -2deg nights and 10deg days. BRRRRR

Does anyone have any ideas on how to darn the burns? Please let me know.

bye

Stash on Hoof

2006-06-08T14:41:00.001+10:00

Here are some of my sheep. They are corridales.

Stash on the hoof.

quiz

2006-05-25T13:17:00.000+10:00

I found this and I have to agree.

Your type is: istp —The “Give 'Em Their Space” Mother

“My feelings are my own business. Not theirs.
So I honor their privacy too.”

Non-intrusive and respectful of differences, the ISTP mother gives her children the personal space they need to develop as separate, self-sufficient individuals. As children grow and mature, she enjoys observing how each one becomes his or her own person. She seeks to accept and honor each child’s interests, opinions, and choices.

The ISTP mother does not believe in authority or control for its own sake. Instead, she favors a non-directive approach. Yet she has high expectations for each child’s self-discipline as a key to self sufficiency.

To these ends, the ISTP mother wants to “be there” for her children—to meet their basic needs and keep them safe. Her goal is to help her children think for themselves and take responsibility for their own actions.

If you would like to try it go to http://www.motherstyles.com/quiz.asp

Knitting later.

Delicious Mess

2006-05-12T08:55:00.000+10:00

This is yarn I spun for a claptois shawl. I realized afterward that it wasn't right for the peice soo it has sat for 1 year in my handspun drawer.

Yesterday in a fit of bugger its, I dyed two skeins in red and blue. Here is a sample of it fresh out of the dryer. Yes I do chuck my handspun in the dryer on low after spinning the water out in the washer. I just love how the yarn fluffs up. The slight felting is a bonus to me.

I am knitting a square 15cm*15cm for Nicola's "Wall of Yarn" with it.
The wool is fine merino and sooo soft.

More later of course.

Another FO!!

2006-05-11T09:57:00.000+10:00

They are finished! More socks for ME.

What will be next is more on the MS3 shawl only 8 rows left on clue 3 and a colour change. Socks will be started for my sister. She is turning 40 next month.

My Socks

2006-05-02T13:40:00.001+10:00

My socks are doing well. I am allready up to the heel turn on the short row heels. I am avoiding second sock syndrome by alternating the knitting of each sock. One is my computer sock and one is the take around sock. This changes as required to keep them even.

This is the sole.

Bright are't they?. This wool is sooo soft. It would be a delight to knit a next to the skin top with this wool. No prickle at all.

This is the top.

Two Great Finished Objects!!

2006-04-27T16:50:00.000+10:00

Firstly after 2plus years of effort and cussing. TTaa Daa... my partners dream car.

A Ford GT40 replica.

Not an original colour but so what. I am very proud of him and of myself as I did help too. In this photo it has just been REGISTERED. Now he can drive it to his hearts content.

Now for My FO.

Green socks for my 3yo. He has been pestering me since I measured him up for them to finish. Now they are and I cannot get them off him. He is rather determined to have more knitted for his feet.

Apologies for the photo as he just would NOT stand still for a photo. He just wanted to dance. Sweetie.

Now casting on more socks.

A Lovely start to the Day

2006-04-26T07:45:00.000+10:00

Today at 7:30am

What a beautiful morning. Lots of thick fog and only 6deg c.

This is a promise of a lovely sunny clear day. The Chookies will love it.

Hat No 2 is now done. I carried a strand of patonlyle along with the blue. Any comments on the effect?

I didn't like the patonlye as a sock so this is a way of using it up. It adds a bit of interest I think.

Now to finish another pair of socks, start a pair of socks for me and get back into the mystery shawl. Oh and I have cast on another hat too.

No self control

2006-04-23T15:44:00.000+10:00

LOOK, this is what I found in a new to Geelong shop. Stitchery Blue from Williamstown has opened a shop in Ryrie St, just down from Grithiths Book store. Lovely, just lovely.

Italian yarn but most likely Australian wool. I bought two balls and they will become socks for ME.

I also bought 2mm needles and that is what I have swatched with. I really like the hand of the fabric and it knits up soo soft. The yarn was just under $10 a ball too. 100% merino, 8ply. There is also a good range of solid colours too.

Currently knitting other socks. More when finished.

DONE DONE DONE

2006-04-20T12:58:00.000+10:00

Here are the blokes second pair of olympic socks just finished and on his feet.

The other is a hat for KOGO. This is my first time knitting a sideways shortrowed hat. The pattern is found at www.schmeebot.com/knitting
date is friday 11-19-04 us date system.

She has a great felted rabbit pattern as well.

Off line

2006-04-07T09:32:00.000+10:00

My computer is not talking with the internet so I am on another one. Not much happening just allmost finished the black as hell socks YAY. I also have a hat for KOGO really close to finishing also.

Back to knitting and spinning. I would be lost without my addiction. Bye

More Snake

2006-03-29T16:33:00.000+11:00

Here is the underside of the snake. Definately yellow.

I have been reading the comments on the snake. Wow. I didn't think I did anything special. Righto answering questions.
RJ asked if snakes were a problem, not really you just have to be aware that they live here too. This is the second one in the house. Last year about the same time a smaller one was found just inside the front door. I saw it, pointed it out to the bloke and gave him a knife. HE scooped it out from its hiding place and then GAVE ME the knife. Bloody shit, I killed it too after he wound it up.
From this I learnt not to tell him. He is snake phobic.

Jo mentioned bed snakes. You really don't have to worry about them. This is an australian slang for your blokes short third leg/2nd brain etc. In some novelty shops you can buy bed snake bats. Ideal for those pesky prods in the night when you are just NOT interested.

On the whole snakes are to me the lesser of the bitites. My personal icky is SPIDERS. We have huntsmen(Freds) they freak me out when they surprise me. Or our lovely Red Back Spiders. These I come across weekly. Snakes yearly. Then there are the white tails. They love to hide in piles of cloths, stacks of rubbish in the garden etc.

Life is beautiful.... and dangerous.
Live it to the best of your abilities.

SNAKE!!

2006-03-26T17:47:00.000+11:00

Thank flylady my bedroom was clean and the laundy picked up.

This little beauty was in my BEDROOM! Hiding along the skirting board. In previous months I would have found it only when it bit me when I picked up the cloths. But today, the room was clean so I saw it and disposed of it. See the blood, snakes not mine.

It is a bit bigger than in the picture. Yellow bellied black snake.. YUCK. Like I know about bed snakes , happen to be on good terms with one, but a Poisonous Snake. Shudder.
Still I did get some knitting done. I have allmost finished one of the heels on the bloke's black socks, just have to keep plugging on with it. I will finish his bloody socks!

Bye, one eye open for snakes now.

ramblings

2006-03-24T06:36:00.000+11:00

I am still knitting. Just not on one thing at a time. For some reason I am jumping from one item to another without any ryme or reason. This scatterdness has me stumped. I know I have to finish my partners socks, then there is the MSA3 that is stalled on clue 3, then there is a jumper for charity 18month size, then there is a jumper for my 3yo which I have decided to pull out and reknit in the pattern I am using for the charity jumper. Oh and I have started a cardigan for myself too. And I have started a pair of socks for myself too, currently doing swatches. Oh and a beanie for KOGO too.

I know I just have to pick one and work on it. Just do what the flylady says and jump right in. On that front I am doing OK. The house looks presentable and the washing is done on the main. I am getting used to my home looking nice. It still feels strange though. Off to knit. Bye

Part One - the Knitting Olympics socks

2006-03-14T23:22:00.001+11:00

Here is the first part of my KO challenge. I did wish to knit my partner 2 pairs of socks.

I did manage well with knitting these beauties in 4 days. Then I realised that this yarn is only 10% wool 5% kid mohair and 85% ackrillic. So I spat the dummy and stopped knitting for a few days.

Bless my dear blokes feet. He still preferred these socks to the explorers that he has been wearing.

I am now up to the heel on the second pair of KO socks. Slow going but with his enthusiasim ( says they feel like silk) they will be done sooner rather than later.

Whilst watching local breakfast TV - 7 Sunrise- I caught the bit on knitting. I am now knitting a v-neck jumper for charity. I am using up a faded ball of bendigo musk 8ply. got it cheep.
I have also knitted one cap for KOGO and have done a swatch in some yarn I got for my birthday. Hey I made it to 35. Go figure.

Meanwhile the MSA3 is languishing petualantly. I just cannot get clue 3 to work. I know I will eventually, just not yet.

Oh well time for bed. And my sink is cleaned.
Yes.

clue2

2006-03-10T09:04:00.000+11:00

Here is a closeup of one corner of MS3. The lighter pink is now all gone and so onto the 'rose'. I now have hit a wall. I have lost my groove.
Clue 3 has me stumped. I have knitted and tinked the first row several times and have just decided to give it a rest.

So I have cast on a hat for KOGO. The yarn was sent to me a couple of weeks ago and now a hat is on the way. Just simple K1P1 rib for now. I have knitted about 10cm this morning.

My big thing is I now can rib without looking! Happy Dance! Ok back to the farm work .

Post Olympic Knitting

2006-03-04T16:25:00.000+11:00

I have started on my MysteryShawl3

This is Clues 1a &b. Beautiful isn't it. I am using 8ply merino from Willabaa in Ballarat. Unfortunately, this spinnery has closed so what I have in stash is for me.. it. So this lovey will be knitted in several colours. This is the first colour and I have only a small amount left. I will then move onto a darker pink, then it will be purple then lastly blue. The colours go well together.

This clue has blocked out to 56cm a side. I am going to have a lovely snuggly blanky for this winter. I am sooo pleased with myself. Thankyou Renee for this design.

The socks are continuing as well, they are now my passenger socks.

Allmost fell by the wayside

2006-02-22T17:07:00.000+11:00

Well,I almost bombed out of the KO's. I decided that the yarn I was using to knit my blokes socks with wasn't right. He agreed. He still wanted more socks though. What to do!

So I went shopping! At my local Bendigo Woollen Mills outlet they had 4ply machine wash pure wool in BLACK. 50gm balls $1 EACH. So I bought a pack of 20. I have now cast on the second pair of socks for my challenge. these ones are 4ply knitted double on 2.25mm needles. I am still using my sherman heel/toe. Toe-up of course 32st to start with, increasing to 74st by the arch and heel. Heel will be done on 60% of the stitches. then up the leg for 14cm with 3-2 rib increasing every10th row to allow room for his VERY LARGE calves.

Well, this is the plan so far.

I just received in the mail a package from KOGO. 4 balls of yarn to knit hats with. Two a lovely blue and two a shades of blue. Can't wait to finish these socks so I can knit up this wool into hats.

The Mystery Shawl 3 has started! I have printed out the first clue.......and am buggered. I just don't know where to start! Yes I know the instructions TEll me where to start, I just have a bad case of WTF. with it. I will do it and I will do it well. I did the 2nd one didn't I, and it turned out nice. I know this will to. I just have to knit those socks! And process those eggs And do the washing And feed the family And get over this head cold (3hrs sleep) etc etc etc

Ok, as flylady says get off my but and jump in where I am and go!

SO BYE

Halfway there

2006-02-20T21:52:00.000+11:00

yes I am now halfway through my challenge for the Knitting Olympics! Yay! I have been very busy on the farm as well, so I haven't been knitting as much as I wanted too. My Big boy is now firmly ensconced in High School and my Baby is now in 3yo Kinder and LOVING it. My how time flys. Sigh.....

Yesterday was All Ford Day here in Geelong. Great day, nice in the morning, only getting hot after 1pm. My blokes car was a hit. I have never seen a car being photographed sooo much. There was never a time that there wasn't at least one person snapping. WOW. I might even post a picci of it myself. But this is MY KNITTING BLOG not his car one. So I wish I had gotten him to take a photo of me knitting in public next to the car. Oh well, at least I did knit on those bloody socks of his and so for today I finished them. I will cast on and knit the toes on both socks of the next pair tomorrow. I hope to knit them in 4 days.

I am getting desperate to start knitting on the new Mystery Shawl 3. The first clue is up, but as the challenge for the KO's has not been met yet, I must NOT start it. MmMm NO Way. But I so WANT to.
BUGGER!!!!!

And I am guilty of not keeping my sink shined. Sorry Flylady. I'll jump in and clean it in a few minutes.

bye to all and sundry

Knit On.

Olypmics so far

2006-02-15T06:45:00.000+11:00

On the 12th I finished the first sock for my partner. I have cast on for it's mate and have finished the toe and started on the foot. Great now I have the pattern for his socks only in 8ply but his feet are very large around, not long, so I don't know if I would particularly like to knit his socks with 4ply. Needs 62st as it is. Photo's later.

Bye

Geelong Knitting meets tonight at Sailor's Rest Restaurant. 7:30 pm . Be there.

Hello Dolly

2006-02-11T16:10:00.000+11:00

Here she is. My first knitted Babe. In all of her glory.

My 3yo son has aquired her. He insists on taking her to bed each night and also insisted that she be dressed.

He named her Dolly.

While I was making her up he kept nicking off with her. Love at first sight I think.

I cheated and knitted her on my empisal knitting machine. I wanted the doll not the knitting. I wanted to knit for HER not knit her, get what I mean?

Any way, I have started with my partners's socks from hell - meaning black as the lord of hells hairy ass - the stitches are difficult to see in bright sunlight. I am allready up to the heel from toe up. 60st round with short row heel and toe, planning to have 3/2 ribbing up the leg. My aim is for 2pairs during the Olympics.

Wish me luck.

2006-02-10T06:43:00.000+11:00

I found the camera so here are some socks. I used shepherd Colour 4 Me 8ply, which I dyed in the ball by dunking one end into the dye. I was very surprised at how it turned out. Spiral stripes! Yay. I have been knitting other things but my 3yo has absconded with her.

Getting ready for the Knitting Olympics, and farm wise for the Commonwealth Games.

STASH

2006-02-01T17:30:00.000+11:00

Well, I have decided to use up my stash. Which I have started on. I have just about used up all of the yarn I bought to knit the Jayne Cobb hats. So now I will have one for me!

I have restarted on the jumper for my now 3yo. I have joined the sleeves to the body and have started the decreases. Just a matter of time now to finish it. I have also finished a pair of toe-up socks for me and used up some of the Xmas exchange yarn I was given. I have made the baby ugg boots and hat. When I get the camera again I will post photo's.

Currently it is raining! Beautiful. But the mud is a bugger to get through when collecting the eggs. Oh well, a farmer rarely has the weather they need.

Bye

I Joined !

2006-01-23T20:27:00.001+11:00

Righto. I found out about the yarn harlots knitting olympics and so have joined.

I have finally decedided to knit socks. Not just any socks, noooo, these are Black socks for my darling.

They will be knitted toe-up, sherman heel/toes, 3/2 rib until the yarn runs out. Or I will have to join yarn in and knit for 25cm for the leg. I feel I will have to increase along the foot as his instep is 11" round and the ball of his foot is 9" . His ankle is 11" but his calf increases to 16". Seriously BIG calves.

Hey seriously muscly bloke here, once a weightlifter and rugby player. So you get the image. mMMM.

So my Knitting Olympic Challenge is to knit him 2 or more pairs of BLACK as sin socks and he will love me and hug me and love me etc.......

Bye
Looking forward to cool days not like yesterday 44degs!! I hate hot weather. More to come on Thursday. Bugger.