I’m back! Did you miss me?

Hello blogging world! Well, I am back and – phew! – what a hectic and surprising month this has turned out to be, with even more twists are turns in store for the immediate future! I’ll try as much as I can to fill you in without boring the pants off you. First of all, I finished the final draft of my thesis. I’d like to pay great respect to my poor laptop for carrying the burden of the whole 86,000 word endeavour (excluding references and bibliography!). The beast got handed in to my supervisors on Tuesday, and in my mind I had set aside three weeks for them to read it, and three weeks to make any amendments deemed necessary. So, imagine my fall-of-the-seat surprise when an email pops up on Thursday saying that not only had they read it, but it was excellent and that it was ready to hand in, apart from a couple of minor changes. I took minor to mean a couple of weeks’ work, but no! Apparently, the changes should take no longer than a day!!!!! So, err, that’s that and I’m on my way to Sheffield on Thursday to get it bound and handed in! I have also found out that out of my cohort of 20, I am the third person to submit, which is rather good. Actually, to be completely honest, I am annoyed that I am not the first. I know that being so competitive isn’t attractive, but that’s the way I am. I like to be first! I like to win! So, I have rationalised to myself that I would have been first had I not also took some time out to renovate two houses over the period of my PhD; indeed had I not done this, I would have actually finished my PhD in under 3 years. So not only would I have been first to hand in, but I would have equalled the Department record, which makes me a winner on two fronts! I told you my competitiveness was downright ugly

And, errr, talking of renovating houses, itchy feet has struck again! Yes, despite the stresses of last year’s move to Leeds, it’s time to up sticks again, and move onto pastures new once more. Pastures new being Sheffield. The place I lived in for ten years, loved, ended up loathing, and have recently come to a new understanding with . I don’t really want to say any more at this stage, because there’s actually quite a lot riding on this move that isn’t about floor space and money, and if I say it now, and it doesn’t come off, the disappointment will be too raw and deep to relay here. The stress levels are already high, made worse by the fact that it is all completely out of my controlling hands (the other aspect of my competitive nature), and I once again only have the sage words of Russell Grant for solace. Whilst I don’t want to say much more for now, I will however just say that there are no babies involved though

Amongst all of this, I have still managed to find time for a spot of light crafting. I am in the midst of making a pair of these socks, but it’s soooooo slow! I’ve heard how most people get bored by the second sock, but for me, tedium has set in halfway through the first ankle! But, I don’t give up (tenacity being a good aspect of competitiveness) – no socks are beating me! So, I’ll keep you posted on that one! I’ve also been bitten by the Blythe crochet dress bug, which also bit Rima a couple of weeks ago with wonderfully creative results. It started in March with these (I don’t think I shared these before).

I then moved onto creating another new pattern, with even prettier results.

Indeed, the feedback to this dress was so lovely, that I started to make a few for sale on a commission basis, where each panel is in a colour handpicked by the buyer. (Further details are here, plug plug ). So far, it’s been wonderfully fun, and I have got to try out some amazing colour combinations such as these.

Indeed, the shop as a whole is doing rather nicely! It’s always a pleasure to make special clothes for special girls, and even better when you’re able to see the results of your labour being worn and enjoyed.

(THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR SHARING YOUR PICTURES WITH ME – FULL CREDITS AVAILABLE HERE).

Of Mice and Snakes

You may have noticed by now that I’m not the world’s fastest crafter. A post will appear extolling the virtues of the latest project under construction, and then it goes completely off-radar for weeks, nay months. Take, for example, the bag I made for Mummykins at Christmas – that spread over a quarter of the year! To be fair, most things do get finished in the end (one notable exception being that dang Henry scarf, which peed me off no end and got ripped after a week). Indeed, only these past few days has another project finally reached completion, and has been firmly crossed off my ‘to-do’ list (and by virtue of it being a leap year, has been contained within two calendar months). So without further ado, let me introduce Marvin Mouse and Archie Anaconda!

Aren’t they wonderful? They’re made out of a fabulous pattern designed by Anna of Mochimochiland. Her patterns are fab, fun and (apparently) quick! She’s also got a lovely free pattern on Knitty that’s definitely worth consideration. Now, despite the traditional predator-prey relationship between snakes and mice, Marvin and Archie have sought to bridge the divide by being the best of friends; look, they even have matching toupees! Each night they sleep together. Sometimes Marvin likes to nestle in the warmth of Archie’s mouth.

At other times, Archie likes to suck his tail with Marvin snuggled up in the crook of his body.

I only made one modification to this pattern, and that was to place a little bell in the end of his tail. He’s a rattlesnake, d’uh! Actually, he must have mixed parentage, as surely he can’t be both and anaconda and a rattle snake?*

Apart from the snake, I have also found the time to make my Mum a Mother’s Day Pressie. Now this is not an ambitious project, but I am in the invidious position of late of being both cash-poor and time-poor. What’s a girl to do? Well, in this instance, use the nicest wool in their stash (Rowan Felted Tweed) and set to making a really pretty flower brooch, embellished with iridescent sequins and beads. There is also a practical reason for this project’s bijou dimensions. For the past 10 years I have had to mail presents to all my family, having never been close enough for a ‘pop over’ visit. Honestly, there are only so many things that travel through the post easily, and there are only so many books, CDs, DVDs etc you can send before you feel like ripping up your Amazon account and poking your eyes out. Anyway, I do hope she’ll like it

Now, onto a more pressing subject – the weather (deary me, you can tell I’m English).

First of all, I slept through the earthquake (is this ‘weather’? I apologist to a certain scientist who might berate me for my sloppy conceptualisations). This is no real surprise as I also slept through this as a child (proof indeed that capacity to sleep bears no relationship to wine consumed). Second of all, last Wednesday cast the most magical frost over where I live that I really do need to share some photos with you. Fortunately I had the day off for John’s birthday (29th!!!), so I was able to take some cracking pics before it melted away just an hour or so later.

It sure was wonderful!

*********

*Two reasons why he’s an anaconda. Firstly, I like alliteration. Secondly, when on holiday in Prague once I got caught in the rain with no umbrella. A kindly street seller saw my predicament and sold me one of his wares, pressing a snakeskin print design into my soggy hands. Speaking no Czech myself, and he little English, the seller just simply winked at me and said ‘A-na-con-daaaa!!!!!’ with a great big smirk on his face. God, I loved that umbrella.

Is this weird?

My name is Felicity and I’m a stash addict.  I have over 100 balls of wool with no predefined purpose, and possibly a mile of fabric which is just too special to cut.  And, yet, I keep buying.  Especially when it’s on sale. 

Am I normal?  Please share you stash stories and thoughts. 

Knitting traumas >:(

Arghhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!  I have been doing several stitched the wrong way round forever.  Ssk - I passed the stitches purl-wise.  Ditto sl, and probably a whole host of others I haven’t realised yet.  I am hoping that I haven’t screwed up anything previously made with this schoolboy error, and am not entirely sure what difference it makes.  However I am concerned re the lace scarf, as this will literally be riddled with mistakes.  As I’m making one for my mum (the right way), I’ll be able to compare.  I feel so p*ssed off with myself, but I guess it’s better to realise now that at the end of a full length cardi or double bedspread Glad to have got that off my chest!

First WIP of the Year

And it’s only 3rd January!  Bloody hell!  Actually, I did start the project over my Christmas break, and the only part I’ve technically done this year is the casting off and blocking.  But, hey, it’s good to hit the ground running  The project in question is the Branching Out scarf on Knitty, which literally thousands of us on Ravelry have had a bash out. Fortunately no-one else lives in Pudsey, so I should be okay next time I do the quiz at the Fox and Grapes I did try to take an arty photo to show off my handiwork, but my ‘assistant’ had other ideas.

This photo shows you the lovely lace patter better. I used Rowan felted tweed (intended to get storm grey but the pink was so pweeettty!), and it only took one ball. I’ll be using the other to make another scarf for Mum’s Mother’s Day present, although I’ll be investing in sharper needles to speed things up.

I’ve also started another project!

No, it’s not a thermal warmer for John’s man bits; the dimensions are far too out of whack for that (which way I will leave to your imagination ). It’s for one of these! My very own Archie Anaconda and Marvin Mouse. And one day I will put my knitting skills to good use and actually make clothes rather than toys, lol! 

I’m only two days back at work, and I’m already looking for a way to skive off and spend more time knitting and sewing. At the moment there are two potential options on the horizon:

a) Snow. Pros – doesn’t hurt. Looks pretty. Cons – Can’t go anywhere. Shops run out of food.
b) Norovirus – Pros – Instant weight loss. Opportunity for extended quarantine. Cons – Can’t go anywhere. Hurts.

Hmmm – a bit of a sh*t sandwich as my ever-eloquent man might say. Oh well, I’ll console myself by sharing this lovely photo of little Connie in the snow today

Calling all sewing folk!

Is the word ’sewers’ used to describe sewing folk, as in ’sew-ers’, rather than in the context of poop transporter pipes?  I don’t know and cannot be bothered to shift my lardy butt towards a dictionary to find out, lol!  Anyway, I digress.  Today I am in need of guidance.  I got a wonderful sewing machine for Christmas, and am very excited about it.  I have spent all year ferreting scraps (yards) of Japanese kawaii fabric, cotton bobbins and the like, and am raring to go.  The problem is, beyond a couple of Blythe patterns, I haven’t actually got a clue what to do with the darn thing!  Are there any ‘how to sew’ or small project books that you’d recommend at all?  I am thinking of getting this as my ‘basic manual’, but any other suggestions would be welcomed.  Also, are there any equivalent sites to knitty and ravelry for ‘us’ sew-ers? Again, help and advice would be very welcome.

Sewing aside, how was it for you? Christmas, that is… It was fair-to-middling here. Had fun, but not as much as usual. Ate, drank and was merry, but not as much as usual (in fact, have lost 3lbs!). Slept and generally mooched around much more than usual. I blame my general malaise and lack of enthusiasm on that effing thesis, has been locked away until Wednesday (heart rat quickens at even the thought of it). Oh well, if nothing else, I do feel more revitalised and ready to tackle the remainder. I did get some lovely pressies; as well as the sewing machine (from John’s mum); I was given a Vivienne Westwood necklace by John; some pink patterned wellies and a glittery pink scarf from Dad and Jeannette, the ‘Coast’ book from my brother to remind me of my seafaring roots; a knitting box from Peter, Mum’s partner; and a sewing box, Nigella’s latest book (those 3lb may be making an unwelcomed return ), and various bits from Mummykins. So, yes, pretty spoilt all round. Homemade gifts also went down a treat Mum loved her stuff and has been inspired to take up the needles once more (she’ll have to stop putting in 60 hours a week at work then). Jeannette liked her birthday present and wore it when we went round, which made me happy And Andrew liked Doggie’s jumper (perhaps more that he’d care to admit, lol!). As promised, here’s a photo of the two over-loved toys together.

The New Year will be heralding new projects. The ‘Branching Out’ scarf is underway, but is hurting my head. There is something about lace knitting that isn’t working for me. But it’s so pretty that I’m going to persevere. I love the wool that I’ve chosen too – Rowan felted tweed in pink (yes, I like pink). If this goes well, I’ll be making on for Mother’s Day

Ravelry!

I’ve been on Ravelry for a few weeks yet only just had the chance to start exploring it; AND IT’S BLOODY ACE!  If anyone would like to find me there, I’m flissy666 (why change a winning formula? ).  Add me to your friends!  Spread the Ravelry love!!!

Crossing the finish line!

Hoooorraaaay!  I have finished all of my Christmas knitting, and have actually managed to avoid a desperate rush to get it done on Christmas Eve or, worse, Christmas morning as I predicted!  So here it all is!

I say ‘all’, but there is also the bag that I toiled away over for weeks, which is now safely wrapped and under the tree  As you can see, there are two pairs of ‘Fetching’ mittens, which was a super easy pattern to follow and a great introduction to cables.  I didn’t use the recommended yarn, but used Debbie Bliss cotton angora, simply because I once bought 60 balls cheap off eBay, and now I must use them to justify the purchase!  To be honest, I think the recommended cashmerino would have been better, as there is not much stretch in the yarn I used, which has left the cables a little tight.  Fortunately both mums have bony hands (they don’t read this blog, of course), so the mittens will be a perfect fit!  The little stripy jumper is for my little brother.  I should point out that even though he’s my little brother, he ain’t that small – in fact he’s 7 stone more than me!  No, the jumper is small in size, as it’s for Doggy, his threadbare childhood toy.  I modeled it on the one I made for Blue Ted, and will get a photo of the two of them together, as promised.  Finally, the little lilac mouse is a special present from Victor to my Mum.  He caught it in my yarn stash for her as he wanted to say a big ‘thank you’ for her generous help with his surgery fees.      

So that’s it for the craft.  Now there’s just a small matter of wrapping all our presents to worry about!  I do find every year that, despite my best intentions, it’s a desperate rush to the end to get everything done.  Are you the same?

However, now that Christmas knitting is out of the way, my attention has turned to thinking of new projects.  Indeed a trip to Sheffield to see my hairdresser, led to a quick detour to the yarn department in John Lewis and a gentle tickling of the ole credit card.  So, in 2008 you should be seeing me make one of these, one of these, and a lovely pair of socks out of some amazing pink Regia sock-making yarn that I bought.  And after all that, I hope to be making this cardigan (the wool has been laid by for me in John Lewis as it’s going on sale in January).  If I can manage that, I’ve arrived (in the knitting sense)! 

The knitting list diminishes!

Again, a bit of a dearth of posts recently as I’ve been desperately trying to get all those Christmas pressies finished in time for the big day. And would you believe it that they’re nearly all done?!? I’ve made a pair and a half of these for our mums, so I’ve only one mitten left to do, yay!!!!!

That also means that the poor, neglected Happy Sisters will get their little red and green hats too yyyayayayayayay!!!!!!!

AND I’ve even finished my Christmas shopping, so have no chores whatsoever to occupy my time when we finish for our hols on Wednesday, whoop whoop whoop!

Oh, and I just have to share a couple of pics that I’ve taken this week. Here’s the view of Pudsey from a nearby hill – I live next to the church on the horizon.

I took this on the park. It was such a crisp and clear day – my favourite kind. I love what the sun has done to this photo. I also love the whacking CCTV that’s been shoved into the flower bed. Proof, if ever, that us Brits are the most monitored folk in the world. Big Brother was a park keeper, don’t you know?

But I have to say that this is my personal favourite, which reveals a lot about the depths of my toilet humour. If you’re easily offended, don’t scroll down

The kids round here are delightful – they’re all budding Picassos, which is the only explanation for the multiple ‘man bits’…

Christmas Crafting Fun :)

When I started this blog, I really wanted it to be an outlet for my crafty stuff – for others to enjoy, and for me to keep a record of my developing ’skills’ so on a low day I could look back and see what I’d achieved. However, I seriously had no idea that a few weeks later, I’d be selling up, moving to a new city and renovation another house, whilst writing up my PhD thesis. In fact, this life-changing decision was made in MacDonald’s at the end of the M67 on the way home from some friends’ wedding. Never let it be said that I’m a gastronomic snob (although I did have the vegetarian option on a wholemeal sub and took the wrapper home for recycling).

Since then, life has been manic with little time to myself to do the things I enjoy, which has left me stressed, ratty and at times rather tearful Recently, however, things seem to have turned a corner. DIY is reaching an end, and is my PhD thesis (I hope, crossing anything cross-able). I’ve even managed to find some time for my beloved craft! Do you remember me mentioning that I was making a bag for my mum? Yes, I know it was a long time ago but I didn’t forget about it or give up. Slowly but surely I’ve been plugging away at it and now it’s done!

Do you like it? I do, although I try not to look too closely at my stitching up (not my greatest skills). I wish I could claim credit for the pattern, but it’s from Knitty. That lovely frayed fabric brooch? Nah, not my idea either, but so kindly provided by Maize on her blog. It is super sweet though and matches the inside perfectly. I love the corduroy lining – I bought extra so maybe my girls can have some winter capes when I get my sewing machine a fortnight on Monday (wooooottt!!!!)? There’s even a knitted pocket inside that caused no end of headaches, make no mistake. I followed the pattern to the letter and all of it’s turned out mm perfect apart from the darn lining which is 2cm too wide. This called for some judicious sewing and stretching, but hopefully Mum won’t notice (I think you have to be looking for it).

And that’s not all I’ve made! Next weekend it’s my Dad’s wife’s birthday and I had bought her a really cute trinket box for her newly decorated bedroom. I wanted something to put in it, so decided to crochet a poinsettia brooch for her, as it’s December’s birth flower. I’m really pleased with how it turned out, it’s my own design (!) and the clear glass seed beads are sewn on individually for a dewy effect.

And here’s something I’ve made for Sarah/electrocuties for our handmade festive Flickr swap (Sarah – if you’re reading this, don’t scroll down!). It’s a hat for her super-cool Blythe, Pepper. I’ve never used a variegated yarn before and I’m really happy with how it looks. Only trouble is that all my girls now want one. I *hope* there’s enough left for three more hats!

Finally, I still have a WIP on the needles. This is a present for my little brother (aged 24 1/2), or for his childhood toy Doggy to be precise. AAaaaages ago I mentioned making a little jumper for my threadbare Blue Ted. Well I did finish it (did I ever show you? I guess not as it was mid-move), and when my brother saw, it a look of pure envy crossed his face (I *think* that’s what it was anyway!). So the equally threadbare Doggy is going to be getting his own for Christmas. I’ll take a photo of the two together at Christmas and show you all

So real progress all round! Having time has certainly helped, as has joining my local knitting group, injuries notwithstanding. I’d recommend a knitting group for anyone who is time-poor on the needle front as it’s a great way to focus your energies. My jumper for Blue Ted will be done by the next meeting in a fortnight, so the plan is to next make two pairs of these for our Mums. Wish me luck – I may even get this all done in time for the 25th, although I’ll probably be sat in the passenger seat on Christmas morning somewhere over the M62 sewing in the ends