Bath Time

Every now and then a girl really needs a bath to get rid of all that loose hair fur.

Ahh that feels good

All Soaped Up

Purrfect behaviour

Squeaky Clean

If you're really sure you want more, here's the 'live performance' ...

What a difference an Edge makes ...

For the past few hours I've been searching for the pattern of a diagonal square which I had half done but had forgotten how to get the little squares along the edge. Turns out its called 'Grandmothers Favourite Dishcloth' and what a versatile pattern it has turned out to be.  Have a look at these gorgeous baby blankets some ladies have put on Ravelry ...

Doesn't that edging turn it into something really special ? There are dozens more on Ravelry - well worth a look.

I haven't got anything to show you today - I'm just trying to finish off a few knitted 10" squares so I can make a delivery to the Wrap with Love collector. I think I might have mentioned in an earlier post that I'm getting pain in my right upper arm and my doctor is quite convinced I have RSI from a combination of playing games on Facebook and knitting and crocheting. At first she said I should rest the arm for at least two weeks but when she saw my reaction to that idea, we came to a compromise that I hold off on the games, crochet for short periods and knit using circular needles only.  I think the fact that my doctor is a knitter herself (and a very talented one too) helped in her making that compromise as she would know that two weeks without hook or needle would drive a person nuts !!!

Today has been a sad day but one of fond memories for me.  My husband who passed away almost 9 years ago, would have turned 74 today. We would have been out to dinner with the family and come back home for coffee and birthday cake. We still celebrate our birthdays that way but its not quite the same without 'Dad'.

One of my favourite photos of Errol. It was the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) publicity shot they used for the photos sent to listeners or anybody else requesting one. A bigger version of the same pic was also used in a special exhibition at Australia's Parliament House (about 2005/6) on the occasion of the anniversary of 50 years of parliamentary broadcasts.

Now for a few more rows (on circulars) before I go to bed !!  Thanks for visiting. xox

Is it a Banana ?

For ages now I've been meaning to try this pattern so when Knit4Charities had a KAL (Knit Along) a few days ago, using this pattern, I decided to join in and give it a try.  Can you guess what it is?

With 8ply yarn doubled and 6.00mm needles, you cast on 30 stitches and do 6 rows of k1, p1 rib.  On the 7th row you increase to 60 sts by knitting into the front and back of each stitch. Rows 8 to 47 are garter stitch and on row 48 you need to decrease by k2tog all across, leaving you with 30 sts. Rows 49 to 54 are k1, p1 rib again and then you cast off, leaving about 12 inches (30cm) or so for sewing up.

Next, you fold in half and sew the cast on and cast off edges together then continue sewing 'around the corner' to close one end.  This is what you'll end up with ...

Have you guessed what it is yet ?  Well, its a one size fits all and is very popular in nursing homes as they don't fall off.

Its a Banana Bedsock and here it is on my daughter's foot - she's a size 7. It also fits my son-in-law's huge size 13 foot too but of course on him, the cuff is much smaller.  I just now have to make another one so I'll have a pair. Oh if you're interested, the pattern comes from this site.  I think its a very clever pattern.

I've only been able to knit or crochet for short periods lately as I'm experiencing pain in my right upper arm which I'm hoping and praying has not been caused by my knitting or crochet. Seeing the doc about it later this week so I hope it can get sorted out soon.  In the meantime, I'm sticking to small projects and made another baby's jacket last weekend.

The pattern for this little jacket is available on Ravelry here. I used Patons DK Smoothie with a 4.00mm hook. I bought this yarn from the Mill Shop for 50c a ball and have about 7.5 balls left so goodness knows what I'll make with it. Couldn't resist such a bargain though and its quite nice to work with - very soft.

That's it from me for now. Enjoy the rest of the week and thanks for visiting.
xoxox

How the time flies

Yesterday my grandson had a party to celebrate his 11th birthday which is actually on Tuesday. Only seems like yesterday he was like this ..

and look at him now ..

The party was a huge success and everyone had a ball, including his Mum (my DD1). Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend the party but will certainly be joining in the family celebrations on Tuesday.

I took time off from my baby blanket the other day, to make a little newborn cardi as I was in need of some (almost) instant gratification. I used leftover King Cole Baby DK (which I used for the blanket at the bottom of this post), a 4.00mm hook and this pattern.

The colour change in the yarn did its own thing but its not that noticeable in the actual cardigan and I don't think the baby will worry all that much. 

Came across this while cleaning up some papers and thought I'd share it with you ..

In my Footsteps

An acquaintance of mine who is a physician told this story abut her then four-year old daughter.

On the way to preschool, the doctor had left her stethoscope on the car seat, and her little girl picked it up and began playing with it.

"Be still, my heart," thought my friend, "My daughter wants to follow in my footsteps!"

Then the child spoke into the instrument:

"Welcome to McDonald's. May I take your order?"

Have a great day and happy crocheting.

xox

Home Sweet Home

I'm so sick of seeing that stupid bunny and horse every time I come here to access the blogs of my cyber-friends, that I simply must write this post even though I have very little to write about.

This has been my place of abode for the past two weeks ..........

yes - two weeks in hospital with the most excruciating pain I think I've ever had. They say it is a pinched sciatic nerve and the pain went from my left buttock right down the leg and into my foot. I was allowed to come home yesterday afternoon but am still on a concoction of drugs I normally wouldn't dream of taking and one in particular that I seriously want to be off as soon as possible.  I will be seeing my GP on Friday so hopefully she will start the 'weaning' regime.

When I was able to sit on a chair, I started on this baby blanket ... (a nicer blue than the pic shows)

I needed something I could work without a pattern and recalled a blanket Pammy Sue made a little while ago which I liked a lot so decided to make one too. I'm using a 4.00mm Etimo hook and King Cole Superball Baby DK which I bought online from Springwools in Ireland. It comes in a 250g ball but its now obvious that I'm going to need more than the one ball. Unfortunately they don't have the same dye lot but I've ordered more and am hoping that the difference won't be noticeable.  Fingers crossed !!

Wanna see the mischief my little mate Madison has been getting up to while I was away? (Actually she's not so little but I wouldn't want to hurt her feelings by saying she's fat) ...

Will I or won't I ?? Decisions, decisions .... ahhh why not ....

Hmmmm - not too bad but not as warm as my other bed ......

Wake me in the morning .... preferably at breakfast time !!

Thanks for visiting.
xoxox