Goodbye Blogtoberfest!

I made it! It's October 31! I posted every single day this month. Even if I did blather shit most days.

So here's how we end the month. Evie is creeping along. (Well, some of you seem to think it's going quickly, but to me it feels like it's creeping!)

Sleeves, about a quarter done.

The Not Pink Puzzle Wrap.

About a twelfth done? That's a guesstimate, although I do like to work out how far along I am on projects.

I haven't started November socks yet, but they will be plain sportweight socks again, for another gift.

Today was hot. When I drove past the local club, the outdoor display claimed 40C. (104f) However, this is not an indication of current weather, because we've had a bit of everything this week.

Yesterday it rained. Her Highness was not impressed.

She holds me responsible when the water falls from the sky. Even the rainbow failed to impress her.

I hope you all enjoyed Blogtoberfest. I may need a month off to recover!!

Nearly Forgot!

While casting about for blog fodder, I realised that a finished project had slipped under the radar!

It's my Cropped Cardi! (And my disgustingly filthy bathroom mirror!!)
This was a great knit - it took less than a week from start to finish, including blocking. Then it got too hot to wear it, and there was never anyone home to take pictures for me, so it got forgotten. Then I gave up and took the pics myself.

Specs:
Pattern: Blue Sky Alpacas Cropped Cardigan by Amy O'Neill Houck (Rav Link)
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Sport weight in Petal Pink. (8 skeins)
Size: Small
Needles: 6mm and 7mm.

I used the neckline modification that the designer posted on Ravelry - it makes a slightly higher neckline, and I'm definitely glad I went with that, I wouldn't want the neckline any lower. The yarn is used double throughout, and it's a gorgeous yarn to work with, soft and lofty. I initially purchased two skeins at Knit Cafe in Los Angeles, but I had no idea what I was going to use it for. Then I saw this cardi, so I ordered six more skeins from Fabulous Yarn. Both retailers had great service!
The yarn did bloom a little with blocking, and I kind of wish I'd gone with the smaller size, but this is still great.
I think I might add a button though, as soon as I can find a fabulous one that I love.

Daily Twinkie.

"I know you bought grapes, Mum!"

Running low

Running low now! And busy, busy with end of year school stuff and dance stuff.

This is what Twinkie does to me in the mornings if she thinks I've spent enough time on the computer, thankyouverymuch.

She just sits, and stares. It's also what she does to David late at night if he's too late getting her bed ready for her.

We're very well trained!

Nearly there

October 28 - three more days after today!

It's late, so it'll be brief. Yesterday was hot. I finally decided to actually do some of the sewing that's supposed to be done in the next two weeks. Nothing like a deadline to get me moving!

Twinkie kept me company.

And then I knit. And I knit and knit. And I finished the fronts for Evie!

Amazing what happens when you actually sit down and work on things, huh?

Ssshh!

SSssshhh, we're hunting wabbits.

Comfort knitting

So I sat down last night, with Evie in my lap, and realised that I didn't want to work on Evie. Now that the Marina Piccola socks are done, I wanted to start something new. I really should've started another pair of socks, I have at least 3 pairs for gifts lined up.

But I turned instead to my comfort knitting.

Lace! Bells, I'm in on the unofficial knitalong! I know some of you don't believe it, but for me this really is comfort knitting. I love YO's and K2tog's and SSK's. Love them. I sat for a while, just enjoying the flow of the work, watching the pattern emerge.

The pattern is the Pink Puzzle Wrap by Sharon Miller. (Rav link) The yarn I'm using is "Superior" by Filatura Di Crosa, and let me tell you, it's well named. Superior it is! 70% Cashmere, 30% silk and 100% divine.

Love it.

Twinkie wanted to show you all her artwork.

She redesigned the couches for us. We didn't appreciate it the way she'd hoped.

Finished Project Alert!

Finished Project Alert!

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later! I finally finished the Marina Piccola socks today.

Hooray! Modelled on Sock Blockers, because they're a bit small for me. That's okay, they're not for me.

Specs:
Pattern: Marina Piccola by Kate Gilbert (Rav link)
Yarn: Fleece Artist Basic Sock, Purchased at Knit Happens on the World Tour.
Needles: 3.35mm needles

I enjoyed knitting these socks, and I'm happy with the finished item. The stitch pattern is a 28 row repeat, but it isn't too difficult, really. But it's challenging enough to keep me amused! The socks are quite long in the leg, if I knitted them again, I might shorten the legs.

I did change the toe, the original pattern calls for a Star Toe(halfway down the page), and I'm not a fan, so I used a traditional toe.

In Daily Twinkie, today I asked her if she'd like a Lucerne cube.

I think that's a resounding yes!

down, down, down

What the hell has happened to the Aussie dollar? Never mind, it's a rhetorical question. But it's a pain in the butt if you live in Australia and like to buy stuff from somewhere else. Anywhere else, really. When we visited the USA in January, $AU1 was roughly US91c. Maybe US94c. Three weeks ago, it was around US82c. Tonight, it's US 62c.

Painful. Thank heavens we visited when we did. This has put somewhat of a (possibly needed) damper on any stash enhancement of late. I keep telling myself it can only get better, while watching it slowly degenerate. For perspective, if I wanted to buy $US50 worth of yarn, in January is would have cost me $AU55. Three weeks ago it would have cost me $AU61. Today, it'll set me back $AU80.

Ouch.

Thankfully we're not rich enough to have investments or anything else that's taking a financial beating. ANd I'm going to stop saying "Surely it can't get worse!", because I'm a jinx, I think.

In Daily Twinkie, she helped me with the laundry.

Now it's not just dirty but fluffy, too!

My favourite knit

Bells posted today about her favourite knit, and it seems as good a topic as any other! So I had a look through my Ravelry projects page, and pondered. My Shetland Shawl is on the list, because it felt like such an achievement when it was finished. I'm certainly proud of it.

Out of the garments I've knit, The one I'm happiest with is probably Buttercup.

And now that the weather is warming up again, I'm hoping to get a lot more wear out of it.

But my absolute favourite, purely for sentimental reasons, would have to be my Fern Garden Shawl.

Perhaps more commonly known as my Wedding Shawl.

I finished it 10 months before the wedding, and had to keep the fact that it was my Wedding Shawl quiet, as there were not very many people who knew there was even a wedding on the horizon. As soon as I saw the pattern, I knew it was the one I wanted, and it's made from my favourite yarn, Jaggerspun Zephyr in white. I took this shawl along, as well as Emily's (which was only half knit at the time) when I went fabric shopping for the dresses. Yes, I matched the fabric to the yarn rather than the other way around!

So that's my favourite knit!

In Daily Twinkie news, this is what happens as the night wears on. She starts off under the table, and as it gets later, and she starts getting ready for bed, she comes out further and further, until David gets her dinner for her.

Subtlety is not one of her strong points!

9 days to go

Just nine days to go for Blogtoberfest. If I mention something like this ever again, kick me, okay?

Evie is coming along nicely.

Half way up the fronts now! And today, despite the fact that we're looking November in the face, it was cold enough to wear a cardi. I should be moaning about the heat. I'll bet I don't get a cold day once Evie is finished, and I'll have to wait six months to wear it!

For those who asked, this is what my careful notes look like.

Heaven help me if I ever lose that post-it note! I'd hoped that the Marina Piccola socks would be finished tonight, but when I got to dancing and pulled out the knitting, I realised that I'd left the pattern here at home. And even though I'm halfway down the foot of the second sock, I still need that pattern.

Daily Twinkie, just chillin'.

October 21

You know what I think the best feeling in the world is?

When you've had an earache, and you finally get ear drops, the feeling when the drops ooze down the ear canal. Aaaah.

That's today's happy thought.

In Daily Twinkie, this is the sight that often greets you as you approach our dining table.

Day 20

I have not abandoned the Marina Piccola socks!

As you can see, they're coming along very nicely. As I have mentioned countless times before, I usually have three projects going at any one time, a garment, socks and lace.

Right now, I'm working on Evie (Cardi), The Marina Piccola socks, and I have no lace. I do have the half finished tea cosy. My aim is to finish that before I start any more lace. I really should start working on it then, so I can finish it, huh?

I'm watching lots of people start working lace for Bells' Unofficial Summer of Lace, and I'm getting jealous!

In Daily Twinkie news, tonight Em and I tried to give her a bow.

That was the not only the best picture I got before she ripped it off, it was the only picture I got.

Sunday

Today was hot, and boring. One of those lazy Sundays, where you're kinda bored, but can't really be bothered doing anything about it.

I did some of the sewing.

Three weeks until dress rehearsal, and I'm not done. I will be, but it might be a last minute dash, I just can't get motivated.

Daily Twinkie.

Oh, hang on! I actually got her to sit still for 30 seconds, and I managed to groom her a little. Then she ran away, so I had to pull out the big guns.

David. He picked her up, turned her on her back, and for around half an hour, she was brushed and brushed and brushed. And we still didn't get all the excess hair off of her. But we got this much.

It's almost a whole new bunny!

All full and content, like a bunny

We just went to the local club bistro for dinner, where I had a very nice cook-your-own Seafood Kebab.

(Apologies for the crappy phone picture!)

A very quiet and relaxed Saturday today. Twinkie worked on a new groove, and showed her tail.

David torments her by flicking her tail when she's not expecting it!

'Blogtoberfest Fave Friday'

Drewzl over at Blogportion has declared today to be 'Blogtoberfest Fave Friday'. I love Blog fodder!

My favourite song of all time is Nick Cave's Into My Arms. You can see it here on You Tube if you so desire. I'm a long time Nick Cave fan. When the CD is on in the car, Em likes to call it my "depressive" CD. He's definitely not cheery! I have no idea why I love this song so much, but the sentiment behind it resonates with me. Just love it, never get sick of hearing it. I can't say the same on behalf of David and Emily though.

After mucho knitting yesterday and today, the fronts for Evie are coming along nicely.

I have put the pockets in place, and am shaping the sides. This is not the cardi you want to knit if you don't like instructions that read "while at the same time". There's different stitch patterns happening, pocket placement, side shaping and buttonholes. It's so confusing that I had to sit down and write out all the rows that had something going on. Gotta love post it notes.

Today, Twinkie and I had an apple. She's a fan of the humble apple.

The way to a bunny's heart is through her tummy.

October 16

Today was nice again, so we did the laundry.

Twinkie helps by bounding around my feet, begging for (and receiving!) nose rubs. Of course, this means that it usually takes at least twice as long as it should to hang the washing. But it is fun.

And then I knit. I've been working on Evie, and yesterday I finished another part.

Pocket linings! Excitement abounds!

October 15

So, I was sitting here, wondering if I had anything to blog about when I heard cursing from the kitchen. When I went out to check what was happening, I discovered that David had dropped his cup of coffee.

That's not the impressive bit, though. I'm wondering how he got it to hit the roof!

In other news, Twinkie appears to be trying to get fit.

Wii Fit, fun for all the family!

I got Back!

Thank you very much to the rain that set in this morning, after yesterday's glorious sunshine. As a result, I have completed Evie's back!

It wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting, considering that it's in such a fine yarn. (4ply, or fingering). Of course, we'll see how I feel after both fronts, and sleeves.

And just after I finished, the sun came back out. Twinkie's mood picked up immediately as soon as she could get outside again.

A couple of months ago, the ever lovely La from JenLa, opened up an Etsy store, selling lots of gorgeous sock yarn. I was going to tell you all about it at the time, but by the time I blogged, she'd already sold out. Well, if you're quick, you might be able to score some, here! I was lucky enough to be given some when I visited earlier in the year. I haven't knit with it yet but it sure is pretty!!

School's Back!

Hooray, school holidays are over, and school is back! I had planned to plant my butt on the sofa in front of the television and knit all day, but it didn't happen.

The weather was glorious, so loads and loads of washing was done, then I cleaned under Em's bed. Then I got a newsletter from Em's dance studio, which reminded me that dress rehearsals for the concert are just weeks away, so I pulled out the sewing machine for a few hours.

Twinkie, however, enjoyed the day.

Ah, relaxed bunny!

Day 12

I have new respect for people like Sandy who have committed to blogging every day for a year. I try to commit to a month, and I run out of material in less than two weeks!

Evie is growing, but endless amounts of black stocking stitch in 4ply (fingering) are less than exhilarating.

Just a couple of inches to go and I can start shaping armholes. Strange to think that that will seem almost exciting! The RYC Cashsoft is heavenly to work with, though. Gorgeously soft, and beautiful drape.

This is how the supermodel looks when she hears the treat packet rustle.

On the 11th day of Blogtoberfest,

Knitting!

I finished something at last!

One sock! And I started another one. The colour is awful, sorry. These socks really look like nothing just laying there, don't they?

Stretching it out improves it immensely.

Kind of like lace, huh? I really should get back to some more lace soon.

Daily Twinkie. Apparently we should have given her 10,000 pellets this morning or something, because she wasn't co-operating.

She's taking her Supermodel status seriously.

Day 10

For lack of anything better today, Daily Twinkie.

October 9 - Knitting!

Don't get overexcited, but I actually have some knitting to report.

I'm up to the toe of the first Marina Piccola sock!

I'm having a little internal debate now though. The actual pattern is written with a star toe. Even though I am usually pretty happy to avoid Kitchener, I'm not a huge fan of the star toe, so I'm trying to decide whether to just do it as written, or to do a more traditional toe style.

I think I'll be doing the traditional one.

So every time I tried to get a picture of Twinkie's yard groove today, this is what I got.

She was filling that groove rather busily for most of the day. Later, I gave her some hay to get her out of it.

And that's her groove. Nicely established, huh? Please ignore the state of the garden. For over two years, the owners have been promising us a nicely landscaped garden, with some paving and a pergola area. Look at me! Not holding my breath on that one!

Anyway, the table used to be over Twinkie's groove. Then, a few weeks back, it was raining, and Twinkie was in her groove, under the table, reaching out in the rain to try to get to some greenery. David took pity on her, and moved the table over the greenery so she could eat without getting wet.

It didn't work that way, Twinkie refused to give up her spot.

And I'd like to point out that it wasn't Emily or I that took pity on her and took the umbrella out for her. It was David, who claims to be the only one *not* spoiling the bunny!

October 8

It's my best friend's birthday today. But she doesn't know about my blog, she's not a knitter nor an internet person. But when I typed the date, it was the first thing that popped into my (overcrowded and often floundering) mind.

Just got in from seeing Cirque Du Soliel Dralion. Awesome, beautiful, fabulous. And now it's late, and I'm tired. I've not been sleeping well lately, unfortunately.

So, daily Twinkie.

Twinkie in her spot. You need to see the spot without her in it to understand. She's worn herself a groove in her preferred spot in the yard.

On the 7th Day of Blogtoberfest..

Don't let all these knittingless posts make you think I don't knit any more. I do, I just haven't managed much lately. And what I have managed isn't blogworthy.

I've really only been working on the Marina Piccola socks, (slow going) and Evie. (Black stockinette, boring).

I do have a third project on the needles. Kind of.

A friend of mine has requested a tea cosy. And I've had a few requests for me to write up the pattern for the Flower Tea Cosy that I knit last year. So I decided to knit a Flower Tea Cosy for her, and write up the pattern as I go.

So I knit the basic cosy. And then I stalled. It's been like that for two weeks or so, waiting for me to get moving on the flowers, and the leaves.
And I'm suddenly uninspired. It'll happen. Some time.

As requested, Daily Twinkie.

Unfortunately, today she refused to sit still and pose for me, she was too busy teasing Emily on the trampoline.

October 6

October 6, and I got nothin'.

Today was a Public holiday for us (Labour Day), and it was a lazy one. Still getting over the change to daylight savings time, and did a fat load of nothing. Hardly any knitting, so no news, no updates, only an obligation to Blogtoberfest!

Floriade

(Warning! Picture heavy post!)

Every year I think about driving down for Floriade, and every year I get distracted and never make it.

Well not this year!

It was a pretty crappy day, weather wise, but in a way that was good, because I think it kept attendance down a bit so it wasn't too crowded. It poured all the way down, and all the way back. . It didn't actually rain while we were there, but there's something weird about us travelling that highway, because every time we do, it pours rain.

But the gardens were beautiful!

And some gorgeous, perfect, tiny Bonsai.

This year's theme was "Films that shaped our nation", and all the gardens were based around Australian movies. Each garden had a little sign in front of it, explaining the garden, like this.

Which was quite fortunate, as some of the gardens were hard to see. One thing I'd like to see done differently is raised walkways so that you're looking down on the gardens, making them clearer to see. (And perhaps less muddy!!)

There were also some stalls there, selling a range of things, like soaps, and fudge. And, oddly enough, yarn! Belisa Cashmere were there, and there was a stall selling mohair knitwear, and some "Knit in a Night" scarf kits.

And I resisted! I even resisted the fudge! (Em didn't.) And the herbal teas, and that was possibly the hardest one of all.

Knitting in the dark

So today we drove to Canberra and back, and had coffee with lovely knitters and crocheters. It's a long trip to do, both ways, in one day though, so we're all stuffed, so this post will be short and sweet, with more tomorrow.

I just wanted to mention that halfway home, darkness fell, and I kept knitting. With black yarn, in the dark, totally blind.

Not even one dropped stitch, I was very proud of myself. I eventually had to stop, because the next row required increases, and I'm just not that good!
And my ball fell apart, so I had to rewind it by hand, by feel alone.

Mission accomplished!

October 3

Day 3 of Blogtoberfest, and the 3rd of the month is always the last day of the month in terms of our download limit on our internet account.

And yet again we've blown it, and our speed has been throttled down to dialup. So I'm not answering emails or anything, because it's just plain painful.

Was it only a couple of weeks ago that I was whining about how cold it was? Somehow we seem to have completely skipped Spring, and gone straight from Winter into Summer. Today was s scorcher, so we didn't do much apart from sit in front of the pathetic little air cooler.

The Marina Piccola socks are coming along nicely!

They really don't look like much on the needles, do they?

Trust me, it all changes when you see them on the sock blockers.

And you wouldn't believe how long it just took me to upload those pictures!

Tomorrow, Floriade and knitting with Canberrans - yay!

October 2

October 2, and stuffed already!

Well, exhausted, anyway. It's school holidays (yes, again) and I'd promised Emily a day out in the city, shopping. So today was the day. I sweetened the deal for myself by meeting the ever lovely Rose Red, and having a coffee and a knit first, which was great fun!

I'm being a knitblogging socialite this week, SnB on Saturday, Knitting on Tuesday night, coffee with RR today. On Saturday we're heading to Canberra for a day trip, to see Floriade and catch up with friends. (And coffee with knitters!)

Anyway, EM dragged me all over the city, and I'm exhausted. And my feet hurt. But she got to spend all her money on geegaws and doodads, so she's happy. But alas, I was too tired to even knit on the train on the way home. Lucky for that coffee this morning! (And at the Lindt cafe, no less!)

Blogtoberfest

So today I saw on both Bells and Jess' blog that they're participating in Blogtoberfest hosted by BigCat.

I'm going to give it a go, but I can't make any promises. Way back when, I did used to post every day, but I have no idea what about, my life just isn't that interesting!

Thank you for all your supportive comments about the evil, thoughtless woman I mentioned in my last post, and a huge thank you to everyone who offered to send on a Knit Picks order for me! I have someone lined up, but I may call on someone else next time, now that I know there are so many helpful people out there!!

I started something new today! Inspired by a friend, I've finally pulled out my Evie kit from Kim Hargreaves. I purchased it as a kit some time ago, but it's not available in that format any more, only in her new book, Thrown Together. (Which I don't have yet, but it's on my Christmas List. Are you listening, dear? Bookmarking?)

The cardi is knit in RYC Cashsoft 4 ply, which is just heavenly to touch! But. Yes, 4ply. Fingering weight. Sock Yarn size. I may be working on this one for quite some time!!

Not-so-huge progress was or was not made today!

And something else I noticed as I changed the calendar over today.

Polar Bear, relaxing.

Twinkie, relaxing in the aftermath of a hay cube.

Am I the only one who can see a similarity here?