Knitting in Summer

It seems pretty ridiculous, doesn't it, but the thing is that it's a small project and it doesn't sit on your lap to make you hot. I have a good friend living in London who showed me a bubblegum pink, chunky, cable knit cowl that she liked the look of (?), so of course I said "I can knit you a nicer one than that!". Famous last words... So I have finally started it, the pattern is from Joelle Hoverson's book Last Minute Knitted Gifts.

The yarn called for in the pattern is 100% Superfine Cashmere x 2 skeins - yeah right. I suppose being the owner of Purl in NY makes this possible, but sadly not for me. There is only 1 shop in Brisbane that has nice yarn, so I went there to do the 'feel test', ie soft enough to be against the neck while being affordable. I ended up with 2 balls of Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino, which has 55% Merino wool, 33% Microfibre and 12% Cashmere. It feels quite nice, and although being a 5 ply it feels a bit heavier.


I have not used a circular needle before, only the dpns for the socks, but I thought if I could handle them this circular thing should be breeze. So I only had to start it 5 times before I got it... I was super careful about not twisting the stitches when I closed the circle, but somehow this happened, but did not become obvious (to me) until I was about 3 rows along, but in the end I got it going. I quite like the circular needle, the only downer is that you never reach the end of the row so gratification is delayed - I like mine instant, and countable thanks.

Nevertheless I'm powering along now and am getting closer to the end of the 2nd ball. You can't really see it in the photo, except from the back, but the 5th row is a purl row, then back to knit. I think it has something to do with controlling the degree of curl-up of the edges, which I hope will happen after a spray of water and a night pinned to the ironing board when finished. The point I'm trying to make is that I have to do the purl row 5 rows from the end of the 2nd ball. How does one know when this is? I have a recollection of reading somewhere that it takes 4 times the yarn than the length of the row to knit a row, but I won't be quoted on that. Does anybody have some advice? I'd like to make full use of the yarn if I can.

I'm nearly finished so once I find out how to know when to start the last few rows it will be done. It's still pretty cold over in Europe (and the USA and Canada), so it should arrive before spring. I just hope she likes it as it isn't exactly like the one she saw.

PS I have just noticed a link to Corrections for the book. Call me naive, but I sort of think the patterns should be checked enough times so that they are accurate when you go to make them!

Travel Bug

This is where my "I've Got the Quilting Bug" travel bug is at the moment. It seems to be on an island in Canada. Does anyone know this place? It seems to be very close to Oregon as the crow flies, but I wonder how it gets to the mainland from here?

Poor Holly's bug made it to Hawaii, but then was taken back to the US!! It was getting closer to Australia, but you have to wonder how long it will take to get back out there in the rest of the world. Why would someone take it back to the US when it clearly says on its tag that it wants to go to Australia? Not the full packet of biscuits, that's for sure.

No sewing really - well that's not true. I have added some extra quilting to the couch quilt, and I've done some more work on the hexagons, but that's it. I should be making CWDQ blocks, but I'm not. I'm going to be out on Friday and Saturday, so it isn't looking good. Maybe on Sunday.

I've just washed 3 of the quilts today, as we have seen the sun for the first time in about a week. I also washed the sheets and clothes, but now the clouds are back and it's spitting again - I'll never get them dry now, and the house feels like it needs a hot breeze to blow through it to get rid of the damp feeling.

There has been a breakthrough in beagle relations this week though. Since Chloe came to live here, she and Simon have been friends, but not as much as they could be. They've been getting closer together, but this week I took this photo of the pair of them in the crate together.

I think Simon must have been in there, and then Chloe went in too. Perhaps once it gets colder there will be more snuggling.

I've been thinking about knitting lately too, and think that I might finish the socks I started so long ago! Hope I can remember what to do, and where I'm up to. I think I'm up to picking up stitches for the second heel - the least fun part IMO.

It's Been 9 Days

I can't believe I haven't posted for 9 days! Can it be true? Maybe - I haven't really been sewing much, instead I have been in the garden. What's different about today? It's RAINING. A miracle. We have had 2 inches and my rainwater tank is full and overflowing, so I have been outside this morning in the rain watering the garden. "What?" you say? Well if the tank is full, the extra water just goes down the overflow never to be seen again, and I can't handle that. So the idea is to water the garden from the tank while it is still filling up so that you get every last drop. The rain doesn't always penetrate the mulch, so it isn't as silly as it sounds. The thing I'm really peeved about is that I've bought another tank, but it hasn't arrived yet. If I'd had it in I could've half filled it overnight.

As you can see we are a bit obsessed about water here. The major dam is at 17% and the fish will die at 10%, so you can imagine water is a hot topic. If you want any sort of garden you must have tanks, and then pray that it will rain so that there is actually something in them.

So yesterday when the rain started I came upstairs and sat at the computer and the sewing machine for a while. I am way behind on my blogs - 1750+ to be read on my bloglines - and the sewing is going very slowly. I have been doing a few things though. I had to cut all the threads off the Over-Pink Flowery Number, which took quite a long time. Then I somehow got conned into darning a jumper (like I knew how to do that!). Anyway, a bit of google later, and what I don't know now about darning could go on the back of a postage stamp. I finished that yesterday, then made a couple of string blocks to send in the parcel to Heartstrings, as there is plenty of room in the PostPak.

The first one will probably not be sent as I stuffed up the trimming without thinking, and now the red stripe is not in the middle. I didn't even realise til I was trimming the 2nd one, but I'm onto it now. The dud can go in the Orphan Block container - I'm determined to have Orphan Quilts like some of you bloggers, one day.

I haven't done much more on the Zig Zag Quilt. I have finished all the strip sets and have started to cut them up, but there is a long way to go. Other than that, not much happening. The jumper finally was finished and Daniel was more excited to get a parcel in the post than he was to get the jumper I suspect, but he had it on when he rang up to say thankyou, so what more can you ask for? Apparently the sleeves are too long, but as winter is nearly over here, it will be good for next year I'm told, as boys grow taller and arms grow longer.

In beagle-related news, Simon has made a full recovery from his traumatic 2 weeks wearing the lampshade. I decided not to take him to the Vet for the suture removal, so my friend Jettie and I took them out on her back verandah. I tried to get a photo, but he sprung off the table so fast, that this is all I could get. This shows Jettie rewarding the patient with some liver treats.

Simon and I are having some quality time alone together this weekend, as Swampy has gone away to the beach. We've had a lovely time. Simon has been able to relax for a change, as he is constantly monitored by Swampy when she's here, and he can't do a thing on his own. We had a little play together last night, and he is now asleep on the spare bed while I sew and use the computer.

I might try and make a few more string blocks, then the day is nearly over.

Double Pink Alert

For those reproduction fabric lovers, have you seen Charleston IV? It has a great range of double pinks, which I often find hard to source - maybe that's because I'm cheap and like to buy things on sale, and these fabrics always get snapped up... Anyway, have a look at this range if you are interested. I bought a few yesterday when I had to scratch a shopping itch with the money I made from selling my unwanted stash. They have them cheaper at Z & S, but they must have sold out of some as they are no longer showing the full range.

As I said, I did a little bit of BUY NOW button pushing yesterday which was fun. I bought some of the double pinks, and also a large piece of pink to finish off my 4 patch UFO. I will use the big piece for most of the setting squares, and add some of the new pinks in as well. I bought some other repros too, so I will start watching out for the Post Man in a weeks time. Oh and I bought 1/2 yard of Kona Solid red to replace my red fabric that had to go in the bin, so hopefully the dye will not run as I expect the quality will be a lot higher

I also bought these brights at the only local shop I buy from who were having 25% off their already very low prices. Thought I'd make some string blocks.

I'm still going on the Zig Zag quilt. I haven't finished the strip sets yet, but I'm getting there. Of course I'm making the biggest size quilt (is there no hope for me?), and I have been thinking about how I am going to most easily do the next step. Once you finish the strip sets you cut them into 1 1/2 inch pieces, then sew them together offsetting them by 1 inch. The original size of the yellow strip is 1 1/2 inch, so with seam allowance that makes it a smidgen bigger than 1 1/4. I wanted to figure out a way to eyeball it, not have to draw a line or anything, and I think I've figured it out today.

The bottom one is right but the top one is a bit off. It might seem like I'm being fiddly, but when you have all the strips together, you have to slice off the points of the yellow 1/4 inch from the edge of the coloured bits, so there isn't a lot of room to manouver. I am thinking positively, as there are a hell of a lot of the little suckers to sew together!

By the way, the maroon jumper is finished too - good on ya Mum. Mum sewed it together and we posted it from her place yesterday so I don't have a photo of it. Myabe my sister will take one when it arrives. I've decided that I like knitting, but I don't have the staying power to finish anything that takes a bit of time.

Busy with the Beagle

Poor Simon has had an operation, which has kept us busy. We went to the Vet on Monday for his vaccinations and to get his 'old dog' lumps and bumps looked at, and we were back Tuesday morning (with an empty stomach!) for surgery. I spent the day on the Mainland and didn't get home til late, and then with a drugged and dazed boy who needed supervision.

His beagle instincts were not affected, as he tried to follow a lady off the boat at the wrong island as she had a BBQ chicken in her bag. Typical. In the 10 years I have owned him he has never once been off his food.

So we are trying to stay downstairs as much as possible, because otherwise he is up and down, then jumping up and down off the beds. Sadly the sewing machine and computer are upstairs, so I feel mean spending more than half an hour up here.

On Tuesday I managed to con Mum into having a go at sewing up the jumper - I'm so bad. But she is doing some thing with a crochet hook, so I let her go for it. SOON it will be finished, and soon it will be summer.

As for sewing, I have nearly finished the pink flowery number, and frankly it has turned out better than expected. I just have 2 borders to put on, which I may get finished today, but I have promised it to Heartstrings, so off it goes. Then I think I'll reward myself by starting the 1930s Zig Zag quilt. I have my big string quilt in the washing machine at the moment, and I am hoping it won't run. I've had half a yard of plain red homespun in the laundry tub for 24hrs now trying to get it to stop running. I have put salt in, but still it runs. What to do? I don't think it will ever stop.

New Fabric

I have been buying new fabric - not much, but a little bit. I am in the black though, as I have also been selling some of my stash on ebay. I hope you Stash Busters aren't too shocked, but that is my way of getting rid of it. Then I spend the proceeds on more fabric. Perfect!

I used to sell fabric on ebay as a bit of a sideline, as it is so expensive here, and it can be bought so cheaply from the US. My aim was not to really make money, but I would buy a yard, sell half of it for what I paid for the whole thing, and then get half a yard of free fabric for me. I quite enjoyed it, and got quite a little customer base going. But then they put the fees up in a huge way, and it was no longer worth it, so I stopped. It was an interesting experience though, as I was continually surprised by what would sell, and what wouldn't. I would have something that (I thought) was great, and it would sit there and sit there, then someone would pay big bucks for something that I thought I'd never get rid of . I quickly learnt to only buy fabric I would be happy to be left with, or could make something out of for someone.

Anyway, lately I have been going through the remaining fabric from that time, old stuff I have bought, and have sold A$230 worth since May, and I have a little bit more to put up. I had a few kids panels and stuff like that that I would never use, and it is amazing how much they go for. I have this fabric that has animals and the letters of the alphabet on it in individual frames, and each A - Z is 12 x 22 inches. The first one I put up (for 99C) went for $18! Crazy. Now the remainder are selling for a few dollars as I expected. I have been quite ruthless, and cleared a lot of fabric that I knew deep down I wouldn't use, and it feels good.

There is one local fabric shop that I buy from. They sell seconds and odd bolts quite cheaply, and I have made friends with one of the ladies there who is also a quilter. She tells me when the next shipment is due if I happen to be in there, but you have to be quick. Yesterday I bought 2m of this 50s kitchen scene that I have no idea what I will do with, and these 3 (0.5m each). You can never have too many black and white spots, and the other 2 will go in with the repros.

I also couldn't help myself when I saw these 2 Michael Miller prints. I bought some to sell. The Cowboy one is always a good seller, especially I find if you put some coordinating fat quarters with it. The other one is nice too, so I hope it goes. It's nice to see some cute things for boys.

Otherwise, I have done a bit on the pink UFO, which I was amazed eveyone liked so much. It's good that we all have different taste. I have found a pink floral border print in the cleanout, so if it is big enough I will use that up for the border, maybe with a plain green skinny border inside it. I have a friend who might like it, but now I'm thinking about the quilting. I vowed not that long ago that I would not quilt another large quilt, but is it worth paying to have done? I would rather have the Japanese quilt done. I suppose I should cross that bridge when I come to it.

The knitting continues - I picked up the ball of yarn yesterday from Mum, so soon it will be finished I hope. I have been working on the hexagons in front of the TV at night in the meantime. I think it was good to face the UFOS, and refocus.

Found Another One

I have found another UFO. I found these strips in a plastic bin. I have a vague recollection of doing this - they are 2 1/2 inch strips sewn end to end then cut into equal lengths, so I must've had a plan. I remember wanting to git rid of this fabric as much of it was bought early on in my stash building life, and as you know we don't always make the right choices at that time, not having been exposed to all the options!

So I will try and finish it too, as it will be easy. As I was ironing it all, I was trying to think what I will do with it. It will have to be given away, as it is not my thing.

As to what I have been doing? Not much really. After finishing and posting the Doll Quilt Swap quilt, I have had a little lull, apart from the knitting of course. I realise that I did not take a photo of the finished DQ, which was stupid of me, and after I'd posted it I had to have time to get over the feeling that I must be a terrorist. Australia Post has really cracked down on sending parcels overseas. I had to show ID, sign customs forms that they kept a copy of, they won't let you put it in a post box (no post office here), I got a lecture from the 1st post office lady for not having everything I needed, then when I went to hand it in at another post office, I got a lecture there because the first lady had put the wrong sticker on the envelope, and on it went. Quite traumatic!

Never-the-less it is on its way. As to the blasted jumper, Mum finished the top of the 2nd sleeve, but did not get around to doing the 1st one, so I have it back. I knitted away and came to the end of the ball and realised that the last ball of yarn is at Mum's place! What a comedy of errors. BTW, I found out when researching International posting that you are not allowed to post wool to the USA. I bet there are plenty of knitters and swappers that didn't know that.

Anyway, it is nearly finished. Half a sleeve to go and the neckband and sewing it all together. It had better fit! I have been doing it while sitting up late at night watching Le Tour de France. Did you know that the Tour will be going past the end of Clare's road in a week or two? She told me she is going to hold up a sign, so we might get to see her.

Knitting & Scrap Sorting

It's been a few days since I've blogged. I had friends for dinner on Thursday night, so that encouraged a flurry of housework, of course. Nothing like a bit of motivation! Plus it was a very windy day, so I had to do some washing to take advantage of it. Then I cooked - vege lasagne and peach strudel. We took the dogs for a walk before dinner and there was Thursday gone. Friday I went to the Mainland as I had a Drs appt, and by the time I did that, spent some time at Mum and Dad's and did the grocery shopping, the day was over.

My sister Helen and my nephew Daniel were there (school holidays), and my Aunt Sylvia, so there was lots to catch up on. I managed to off load the sleeves of the wretched jumper to Mum - she has shingles, but is on the mend thanks for those who commented, and is bored with reading. I also told Daniel it was all his fault that the jumper was being such a nuisance, and he just grinned.

I sat in front of the TV last night and pushed on with it, and am about a cm from starting the decreases for the armholes. It has to be maroon for footy colours.

Yesterday I had a sleep in, then spent a few hours playing with my fabric. Such simple pleasures. I had been reading blogs before that, and thought I really should try harder when I read about the fantastic scrap systems people have. I got everything out, sorted into Repro small, other Repro, 2 inch and 2 1/2 inch strips, Japanese, strings, and strips and pieces over 3 inches wide. I cut down strips to 2 or 2 1/2 inch which were less than 3 inches wide. In fact I'm very pleased with myself, and I don't have that much really when I look at it. I resisted the urge to cut the wide pieces down, as you never know what you might want in the future.


The Doll Quilt Swap Quilt is finished apart from the label, and although I took it with me on Friday and I actually went into the Post Office, I forgot to get a postpack for it. I'm hopeless - what will my memory be like when I'm 60? I believe some of the swap quilts are arriving, so 'the big reveals' are something to look forward to.

Other than that, I have been thinking about naming and shaming myself by doing a recatalogue of the UFOs. Bren over at Pieces From Me has been doing the same, and I thought maybe I should too. There are one or two that might need to be abandoned, so maybe it's time to face it. I'll think it over for tomorrow.

For all you poor people in the US who are so hot (and for Gudren!) here is a winter morning shot from Australia. Nothing like a bit of sunbaking. I have sent them outside to sit in the sun, and I can hear Swampy telling the kookaburras to go sit on someone else's fence.

Only Hand Sewing Left to Do

I'm very pleased to report that the Doll Quilt Swap 2 quilt is nearly finished. I was busy telling Amy this long story about how I didn't have any batting in the house, and would have to wait til Friday to get some, when I had a brainwave. The other doll quilt that I had made was pinned but not quilted, so I took the batting from that and was able to crack on with it today.

There are many threads to sew in from the quilting, and the binding to sew down, but I should get that done tonight while watching TV. I'm pretty confident that the recipient of this quilt does not read my blog, so I'll show the progress.

I have been knitting that blasted jumper for my nephew, and I tell you, I'm sick to death of it. I have knitted the 2nd sleeve to the end of the increases, and it is about 4cm shorter than the other one was at that point, but this is how it is supposed to be. What I'm going to have to do is re-do the first sleeve sob sob sob. I have done the back and about 6 inches of the front.

BUT I just had an email from my Mother who is sick with shingles. She is over the worst of it now, but still having to hang around the house. I was telling her of my knitting woes, and she has said she will reknit both sleeves for me - tempting.... Winter will be over before I finish the bloody thing otherwise.

It is late afternoon here, and the sun is just going down. The birds are all cheeping - it is so lovely. The kookaburras are going off, the rosellas are feeding on the native flowers and getting all drunk and churpy, and the curlews are screeching which sounds like about 10 babies are being murdered - I kid you not. And the beagle is snoring in the background - nature! It has been warm during the day - sunny tshirt weather, but cold at night, so I have the fire on which heats the whole house. I wish the weather was like this all year round. Gudren was saying on her blog that it was 21 deg C (same as here today), and she was soooo hot! The difference between Iceland and Australia must be amazing.

Another Dishcloth

I'm sure the quilters are thinking "I thought this was a quilting blog?', but I can't help myself. Isn't this dishcloth cute? So quick to make, and if you get a bit slack with your row counting well it doesn't really matter, does it? Not to mention you can use crazy colours that you probably wouldn't use to make something bigger. I never thought I'd be one to say that knitting is fun - just goes to show how we change as we get older.

Trip to the Footy

I went to the footy on Saturday night. It was pretty cold, but I love that - part of the atmosphere. We don't get that much cold weather in Queensland, so it is fun to feel like you are in Melbourne and pretend you are at the MCG.



For those who are not Australian, this footy is AFL or Aussie Rules as we call it, and is similar to Gaelic Football played in Ireland.



I made the effort to go to the game as Aker, a player who was booted out of my team (The Brisbane Lions) last year, for spending more time big noting himself in the Media than actually playing the game and being part of the team, was returning to the Gabba with his new team. All expectation and hope was that the Lions would thrash the Dogs, and give Aker a bit of a hard time on the field (sporting of me isn't it?). Sadly the worst happened and the Dogs won, but the Lions played badly and didn't deserve to win. Aker got a bit of 'attention' from his old team mates and a fair bit of attitude from the crowd, but he got the last laugh.

I wore my handknitted footy scarf, which was knitted with lots of good thoughts for the Lions and bad thoughts for all opposing teams, but obviously my attempt at mind control didn't work. Someone hung an Aker Voodoo Doll over the race where the opposition players came onto the field, and that didn't work either!


I looked like a bit of a tourist taking photos, but these are the things a blogger has to do. In this photo the net is still up for practice goal kicking, but they take that down during the game. I didn't catch a ball coming through, but close.

Back to crafty matters, I have cast off my Chevron Scarf, but not finished it as such. I will post a photo then. I have also been very strong and have yet to start the Zig Zag quilt. I 'could' be developing a bit of a conscience, as I have the guilts over not finishing the Girl Guide Quilt. Today, I swear!

Dishcloth Knitting

I found myself sitting at the kitchen table at 10 am today knitting a dishcloth like Grandma used to make. Is this what I've become? I tried to think of some positives, and all I could really come up with was that I was saving the environment by not buying more throw-away kitchen sponges. Hmmm...

As soon as it was finished tonight I tossed it on the sink with a defiant flick of the wrist as if to say "see, I am using it and aren't I good?"

But to all in the crafty bloggy world, who can be told almost anything, I can honestly say that it was most enjoyable to make! I have made one dishcloth in a chequerboard pattern before, but it is an insipid beige-pink colour, and I've never taken a photo of it. I love cotton yarn, and it hardly took any time at all to make which means a finish, and I could sure do with a few more of those.

I think I could have used slightly smaller needles, and I thought I had variagated yarn until I got half way up it. I looked at the label again, and it does say Anchor Magicline, so I guess that should've been a bit of a hint.

I was sitting in my knitting office (in front of the TV) tonight, when I noticed the state of the coffee table - this is how it seems to look all the time now. I have really only had the knitting bug for a month or two, and already I have 5 projects on the needles. I did finish Mum's scarf, & 1 out of 6 is about average for me when it comes to quilting, so why did I think knitting would be any different? It's a curse.

I will finish off with a still life I like to call Beagle With Dishcloth and Flowers, which really cements the questions about my suspect mental health!

I really have to get out more.

Binding

Warning: photo heavy post

Thanks for all the comments on the thread that you prefer. It seems that Aurofil is the clear winner. I have finished Mum's Scarf, and Daniel's quilt, and today is Birthday Lunch day. They both share the same birthday. Daniel will be 8 and Mum 73. I am pleased to have his quilt finished as I'm a bit sick of thinking about it, and no doubt you are all sick of hearing about it. I did block the scarf and I'm glad I did now. I pinned it onto a towel on the ironing board, then of course couldn't find the spray bottle, so I had a brainwave and used the water spray function on the iron while holding it well above the scarf. It really does look so much nicer - blocking has always been one of those things that doesn't fit into my philosophy, like swatch knitting, but I really do agree now that they are worth doing. I must be getting old! Next thing I'll be reading the instructions before I start LOL.

I am amazed at how many questions I have had about binding, both in the comments and privately. It seems a lot of people have problems/questions. Having just done 3 bindings in as many weeks, I too have been thinking about what works and what doesn't.

I'll write down a few of my observations in case they are of any help to someone, and I will no doubt learn something from your comments:

First, I have a bad attitude toward binding, and borders, as they are not very 'sexy' parts of patchwork. I always look on it as a boring chore, but I have been telling myself this week that Binding = FINISHED, and that has helped.

I have discovered that the type of batting makes a difference to how well it all goes together. When making a quilt for myself I always use a cotton or wool, and when making for a child or someone who may just toss it in the washing machine (not really worthy of a quilt, but it happens), I always use polyester. The one I have used this week has been what looks like a needled poly - it is quite smooth and dense on the surface - and it has been so much easier to deal with. The fabric just sticks to it.

I tend to make the back too small, and I suffer for it. It might 'just fit', but I really think that I have more problems with a wobbly or puckered edge if it is not at least 6 - 8 inches too big all the way around. After I have finished quilting I trim the batting and fabric down to about 2 inches all the way around, then trim again before hand sewing the binding to the back of the quilt. When the back and the batting are cut together, they seem to stay together better, giving less chance of the back getting caught up underneath when sewing on the binding.

When making a pieced back, make an effort to make sure it is very flat while putting it together. Once I can smell a finish, I'm not going back to fix the wobbly back!

I was taught to cut my binding 2 1/2 wide, but I'm wondering a bit about that now. Perhaps next time I'll make it a bit wider as there hasn't been enough binding showing on the front in my opinion.

I cut the strips as above, do my best guestimate on how much I'll need - others would measure it - sew the strips together, iron the seams open, then I iron the whole strip in half with the right side on the outside. Not right sides together. I also try and remember to turn over one end and sew it for when I get to the end.

I put the raw edge of the binding up against the raw edge of the quilt top, and sew using about a 1/4 inch seam. I use the edge of my foot as a guide.

I always use the walking foot, and I don't bother to pin it, just keep matching it up as I go, feeling underneath every now and then to make sure the back is not getting caught up anywhere.


When I get to a corner, I stop sewing 1/4 inch from the edge, then turn the quilt 90 deg and sew in reverse up away from the quilt into the batting for about 1 1/2 inches. Then I fold the binding so that it is folded in a 90 deg angle, then fold the rest of the binding over the top and towards me to line up with the next raw edge. See photos.


Then when I get to the end I slip the raw end inside the sewn end, and sew the last bit.

Then I trim the batting to about 1/2 inch before hand sewing the back. I have tried to sew it by machine, but it always looks terrible as I can't keep it in the ditch. In fact I don't ever sew in the ditch anymore.


Then I just turn it over and sew just below the line of stitching that is visible on the back. When I come to the corners I just fold and sew - I don't bother to pin, pins are for photographic purposes only.

So that's how I do it, but I'm sure there are other good ways - any other improvements or suggestions?

Better get my act together and wrap the presents and make a dash for the ferry. I must also remember the tape measure so I can measure Daniel's arms for the jumper I am making for him. I have a childhood of memories of being measured by Nana in all sorts of places for jumpers that I didn't ever really want, so no doubt Daniel will be talking about me that way on his blog in 20 years time.

Japanese Book

I really wanted to show this book for Pam as she and I share a bit of a problem with Japanese fabric and quilts. I bought it on Friday, and am really impressed with it. It has all the blocks (125 of them) set out individually, sort of like Dear Jane or the Civil War Diary Quilt book that I'm working from at the moment. There are blocks in indigo and white, sashiko blocks, Japanese Crests, kimono blocks and all sorts of patchwork and applique blocks. The author also gives you ideas about mixing and matching blocks to make quilts. Lots to look at and plenty of ideas.

There is also the occasional reference to Japanese textile history and trends, which makes you start to think. I love the history of the fabrics and quilts in America, and why I never thought about Japanese textile history I'll never know. The history goes back to the 10th century and beyond, so there is a lot to learn there about different styles of kimono and fabrics.

I have in the back of my mind to make a pinetree quilt for my mother, but it is in the One Day basket. Mum also really loves all things Japanese and has brought me back some lovely fabric from Japan. Looking at this book has given me the idea that maybe I could make a quilt from Japanese fabric, with different pinetree blocks, and some other blocks from the book. I don't know if you can see, but in one of the photos there is a little quilt in blue and white which has a few Japanese house blocks, and there are a couple of blocks in the book of Mt Fuji. The house blocks are made to look like there is snow in the picture, and I could make pinetree blocks with snow too. I can see a sort of sampler depicting a scene with a few Japanese houses and pinetrees with snow, with Mt Fuji in the background. Also there are pinecone designs in sashiko which could be used as well....

Just thinking at this stage, but enough to give me an idea of what sort of fabric to look out for. I do have a 'considerable' Japanese fabric stash (not making eye contact here), but would need to look for more greens for trees, browns and creams for snow etc. It's always good to have a plan, isn't it (grin)?

Otherwise, I'm working on about 5 projects at once, which doesn't make me feel like I'm getting very far, but hopefully there will be a big flurry of finishes which will let me clear the decks mentally for some new projects. I get a vague feeling of guilt when I have too many things happening at once, as I don't feel like I'm making much progress on anything. I'm really keen to start the 30s Zig Zag quilt, but luckily the fabric hasn't arrived yet. I'm still handsewing the binding on the String quilt, I have the Girl Guide quilt half quilted, Daniel's quilt hasn't been quilted, the Airy Scarf for Mum's birthday (time is running out) is still ongoing, the Chevron Scarf is nearly finished, I'm nearly finished the back of a jumper for Daniel, and the hexagons haven't finished themselves either. Then there is the Civil War quilt that I'd like to get on with, and so it goes on. Never a dull moment is there?

I'm a bit behind on my blog reading, and i have been having a bit of trouble with bloglines too, so that is my excuse, and I'm sticking to it. It is so easy to spend hours looking at blogs and not get anyhting done myself, but I do enjoy reading blogs as much as I enjoy making things, so what do you do?

Making Progress

I started Mum's Airy Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. It is going ok now that I have the right needles (slippery ones), and have figured out what a yarn over is (Praise Be for Internet Tutorials). The yarn is so fine that it is like knitting with hair, but now that I have done a bit I'm getting used to it. I tend to be a tight-ish knitter, so I have had to really loosen up for this scarf. I always have to concentrate on my tension, especially casting on.
It is a very easy pattern which is good, but I still think Mum will like it. It is very light.

Speaking of needles, has anyone any experience yet with the sets of interchangeable circular knitting needles? I am about to buy my first circular needle, but wonder if it would be better to buy a set? I wonder if they are smooth at the joins etc? Any comments appreciated, as it would be much more cost effective and convenient to have a full set right from the start. As there are a few cables in the sets, you can leave the knitting on the cable instead of a stitch holder, and you can change needle sizes easily apparently.


I have also progressed on the Chevron Scarf - did you know there is a Flickr Group? It seems to be a very popular pattern. Most of the knitters there are using beautiful yarns like Koigu and Socks That Rock, all things that are a bit scarce down here. The colours and textures of the yarn are so beautiful - I can see another stash starting, but luckily cost will hold me back a bit. Everything is buyable on line, but with the postage and the exchange rate, it has to be a pretty special garment ...

I am still working on the String Quilt. I have probably half the scrappy binding sewn on, so I will try and finish that now and do some hand sewing tonight in front of the TV.


I was telling Ruth that I bought the Interweave Crochet magazine the other day, really only for this pattern. I have always been able to crochet, but IMHO there hasn't been a lot to make unless you are into doilies and rugs. But isn't this a great pattern? The plain top is knitted and the rest is crochet. I hope to make it one day, but until then it is nice to browse through magazines.

There is so much to do isn't there? How people get bored amazes me - no imagination maybe. Or no computer.

All Over the Shop

Is that an International saying, or only an Australian one? It is a local way of saying that you are all over the place. This is true at the moment I'm afraid. After my last post Elaine very carefully said she thought I sounded "a little unfocused", and McIrish Annie also kindly complimented me on my "multi-tasking" abilities, and the rest of you obviously thought that this is something best left alone! See, blogger friends are real friends, not imaginary ones - tell your husband Bettsy. Hardly a word has been said, but 'I hear ya!'

Yes I do feel a bit off the rails (on the inside), but the good news is that I'm home on annual leave, and keeping it all to myself . Well, except for you my blogging friends. Never-the-less, I'm actually getting some stuff done, so that's a good thing. Just shows I needed a holiday.

The knitting thing has taken hold of me at the moment. See above my half finished Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, which is turning out to be the most expensive scarf in history, as I have taken delivery of 2 more balls of Noro Silk Garden today to finish it off. As it doesn't get too cold here, I am telling myself that it is the only scarf I will need, and the silk will make it 'not too hot', and that it has been fun learning something new. It is really a Feather and Fan pattern (I know what that is now) and I have become quite the master at knitting into the front and back of stitches, and even more importantly, have improved my skills at fixing up mistakes. Plus it is fairly mindless work, which is a good thing! The colours look a bit washed out in the photo - they are richer in real life.

It's interesting how the camera will not pick up a colour, isn't it? I took many photos of this ball of yarn to try and get the colour to show. It is a deeper grape than it looks, even in the first photo here.
It is 70% mohair and 30% silk, and I am going to make the Airy Scarf for my Mum for her birthday, which is only about 2 weeks away. The pattern is from the same book, and it looks fairly easy (hopefully it will not fall into the "How Hard Can it Be?" Files), and it will be my first attempt at lace knitting. I am inspired by all the lovely shawls and wraps I see people knitting, and my mind is sneaking off in that general direction.

I bought my yarn from YarnsOnline, and found Meaghan to be most helpful. She phoned me yesterday when the Visa wouldn't work, and held on while I looked up my balance on the computer - enough said about what the problem was. She got it into a smaller envelope than originally quoted, dropping the postage cost, and it arrived today. Highly recommended. Speaking of Australian yarn stores - for the Aussie girls - have a look at The Wool Shack in the Sale items for some greatly reduced sock yarn.


I have also been quilting very unexciting straight lines on my string quilt. I just want it finished, and haven't the patience to be fiddling around with it. It isn't too bad though, as the lines echo the straight lines down the sides of the long panels, while accentuating the crooked horizontal lines.

I can't find any more purple for the binding, so I will do a scrappy one of what ever i can find in bright colours, then straight on the bed.

Off to the postbox to send something to Ireland - my first ever swap. Very exciting.

Exciting Find at the Craft Show

I ended up going to

the Craft Show yesterday after all. The place was practically deserted, so I had a quick tour around the stalls. My main find was these 3 books, all in the Bargain Bin! I couldn't believe my eyes! All 3 I have been thinking about buying, and have had the Jo Morton book out from the library for 2 months. The small photo below shows the prices which are beyond belief. I snatched them up while looking over my shoulder.

Then the 3 Civil War fabrics for a very reduced price, 2 other blue FQs and a Eighth of the black and white 1930s fabric for the quilt in Fons and Porter this month that I am going to make.

Then I bought 2 balls of Noro with the silk in it to make me a scarf for winter, and a roll of freezer paper for my Civil War blocks.

I had a good trip, the only thing I wanted that I couldn't get were some 1 1/2 inch Thangles. So all in all I was pretty pleased.

I still can't get over the books, but I'm sure I will soon LOL! To think that they couldn't sell them? Amazing. Reproductions aren't as popular here as in the US, but there is still quite a following.

I would like to start my scarf, but I am determined to finish the 2nd sock first. I tried to buy some soft mohair, maybe with a bit of silk in it, to make a scarf for my Mother, but couldn't find anything. There were really only 3 nice yarn stores there, one being the LYS, which was disappointing. I overheard one store owner saying that it had been much quieter this year, and felt she probably wouldn't make the trip next year. I suppose people are tightening their belts a bit here, with an election coming, industrial relations laws in upheaval, and interest rates always threatening to, or actually rising. The other thing that is really noticeable here is the increasing cost of food, no doubt as a result of the 1 in 100 year drought we are experiencing.

I'm fairly lucky here, being right on the edge of the coast, but half an hour's drive west to my Parent's place, their garden is nearly dead, and their tank nearly empty. Dad was telling me that it has been 500+ days since there has been more than a sprinkle of rain. Our dam is below 30% capacity, and the latest initiative is to recycle sewerage. Great!

1st Sock Finished

Here you see my finished 1st sock. It is too big really, and the heel drops down lower than I think it should. Maybe this is because I have made it too long, or the needles are too big. Whatever - I now know that I can do it, so hopefully the 2nd one will be a bit tighter too, as I have a better grasp on the pointy needles. It looks a bit funny at the toe in the photo on the left, but is ok when on. I had 8 stitches on each of 2 needles at the end, and I did the 3 needle cast off. The stripes are groovy, so I will wear them with my slippers or something.

The weather has finally turned a bit cool which is such a relief. It is about 17 deg C - 27 deg C, which is very pleasant. I slept under the doona last night for the first time, and today I have dug some holes for trees without expiring from the heat. I would be very happy if the weather was like this all the time. It is quite windy though, and all the people on boats on the Bay for Easter probably had a miserable time.


I have been working on my hexagons a bit, the 4 patches and bits and pieces. The 2nd sock is next.