Thursday, December 31, 2015
New Years Eve
Just popping in to wish you a happy new year. We've just seen the 9pm family fireworks on Sydney Harbour (well, actually on the telly) and now waiting to see the midnight ones that they promise will be spectacular .... then off to bed with a good book. Enjoy whatever you're doing and wherever you are in the world, try to see the Sydney fireworks on your TV if you can.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
And so this is Christmas
Well, its almost Christmas here in the Southern Hemisphere - just a little over half an hour to go. I think Santa has already been to our house (we are on the start of his run you know !!).
Madison was hiding behind the tree earlier in the day, sunning herself, sleeping on someone's gift and playing with the decorations. I think she's paying us back a bit for what we did to her the other day ..
The outfit was too small for Quincy, our dog so by default, Madison scored herself a new elf suit for Christmas day. You can tell she loves it eh?
It seems like ages ago that I gave an update on my Hitchhiker scarf which I'm doing as a KAL with Teresa - it seems to be taking forever but I'm plodding along slowly. I wonder how Teresa and Kristi are getting on with theirs? Anyway, here's my progress.
As well as the Hitchhiker, I've been making a few things for one of the charities being supported this month by Knit4Charities. I had some items stored away but have added these which I've made over the past few weeks -
This is the Angel Wings pinafore from Bev's Country Cottage site but it can also be a dress or cardigan, depending on whether you leave the front open or not. As you can see, I've chosen to make this a little cardi which I think would look nice over a jumpsuit. Next is a little all-in-one knitted baby top which is one of my favourite patterns from Marianna's Lazy Daisy Days blog. Her patterns are very well written and easy to follow. Yarn is "dy choice" Baby Joy DK.
To make up the 500g post pack, I made this little newborn hat this afternoon -
No pattern for this - I just started with 12dc into magic ring, then the usual increases for the next 3 rounds, straight dc for a total of 13 rounds then after the join, TURN and work another 3 rounds for the turn-up (US terminology). I used Patons Big Baby 8ply with a 3.50mm hook.
Well its been an absolute pleasure finishing off my Christmas shopping over the past week or so. When the school holidays start, just about everyone takes off either interstate or to the coast, and our city is very quiet. This was where I did my final gift buying - its at Majura Park near the Canberra Airport - a big complex with lots of shops plus Costco and the newly opened IKEA. I took this photo at about 3.45pm on a Tuesday.
I do hope you have a lovely Christmas and as a special treat, if you overeat during the festive season, this diet might help.
BREAKFAST
half grapefruit
1 slice wholemeal toast
250ml skim milk
LUNCH
125g lean grilled fish
1 cup steamed zucchini
1 Tim Tam biscuit
herb tea
MID-AFTERNOON SNACK
rest of packed of Tim Tams
2 litres chocolate ice cream
1 bottle Ice Magic topping
DINNER
2 loaves garlic bread
1 large pepperoni and mushroom pizza
1 large jug beer
3 Milky Way bars
1 entire frozen cheesecake eater directly from freezer.
Madison was hiding behind the tree earlier in the day, sunning herself, sleeping on someone's gift and playing with the decorations. I think she's paying us back a bit for what we did to her the other day ..
The outfit was too small for Quincy, our dog so by default, Madison scored herself a new elf suit for Christmas day. You can tell she loves it eh?
It seems like ages ago that I gave an update on my Hitchhiker scarf which I'm doing as a KAL with Teresa - it seems to be taking forever but I'm plodding along slowly. I wonder how Teresa and Kristi are getting on with theirs? Anyway, here's my progress.
As well as the Hitchhiker, I've been making a few things for one of the charities being supported this month by Knit4Charities. I had some items stored away but have added these which I've made over the past few weeks -
This is the Angel Wings pinafore from Bev's Country Cottage site but it can also be a dress or cardigan, depending on whether you leave the front open or not. As you can see, I've chosen to make this a little cardi which I think would look nice over a jumpsuit. Next is a little all-in-one knitted baby top which is one of my favourite patterns from Marianna's Lazy Daisy Days blog. Her patterns are very well written and easy to follow. Yarn is "dy choice" Baby Joy DK.
To make up the 500g post pack, I made this little newborn hat this afternoon -
No pattern for this - I just started with 12dc into magic ring, then the usual increases for the next 3 rounds, straight dc for a total of 13 rounds then after the join, TURN and work another 3 rounds for the turn-up (US terminology). I used Patons Big Baby 8ply with a 3.50mm hook.
Well its been an absolute pleasure finishing off my Christmas shopping over the past week or so. When the school holidays start, just about everyone takes off either interstate or to the coast, and our city is very quiet. This was where I did my final gift buying - its at Majura Park near the Canberra Airport - a big complex with lots of shops plus Costco and the newly opened IKEA. I took this photo at about 3.45pm on a Tuesday.
I do hope you have a lovely Christmas and as a special treat, if you overeat during the festive season, this diet might help.
BREAKFAST
half grapefruit
1 slice wholemeal toast
250ml skim milk
LUNCH
125g lean grilled fish
1 cup steamed zucchini
1 Tim Tam biscuit
herb tea
MID-AFTERNOON SNACK
rest of packed of Tim Tams
2 litres chocolate ice cream
1 bottle Ice Magic topping
DINNER
2 loaves garlic bread
1 large pepperoni and mushroom pizza
1 large jug beer
3 Milky Way bars
1 entire frozen cheesecake eater directly from freezer.
Merry Christmas everyone
Monday, November 30, 2015
Corridor - KAL and Food
I think I've mentioned before that my stepfather lives in a nursing home here in Canberra. Last time I visited I was amazed at what they'd done in one of the corridors. Of course I grabbed my phone and took a couple of pics -
Don't you just want to go up those steps and go into that house?
Afternoon tea was Tropical Fruit, cranberries and toasted coconut with vanilla yoghurt. Yum.
Don't you just want to go up those steps and go into that house?
My Hitchhiker scarf is growing ever so slowly and it doesn't help that I'm doing other things at the same time. Teresa (who started this little KAL) asked me for an update so I thought I'd post my progress here as well. I reckon I might have this finished by next winter !!
On a lot of the blogs I read there are pictures of some delicious looking cooked dishes, recipes etc. so I thought I'd show you a couple of meals I've enjoyed over the past few days. Because I only have myself to look after and dislike wasting left-overs, I buy my food from Light n Easy and the only purchase I really need to make is 1.25L of milk each week. I also enjoy the variety in the meals. Its all cooked by a chef and is delivered to me each week in a polystyrene esky. Of course I do add a little treat here and there - chocolate now and then doesn't hurt anyone eh?
These Beef Nachos with Fresh Tomato Salsa and melted cheese are one of my favourite lunches.
The next day lunch was Lemongrass Chicken Bites on a salad, topped with roasted peanuts and dressing.
Afternoon tea was Tropical Fruit, cranberries and toasted coconut with vanilla yoghurt. Yum.
Its a beautiful sunny day here so I think I'll go outside and do a bit of knitting. Hope you're enjoying your day too.
Till next time
xox
Thursday, November 19, 2015
With a Little Help from my Friends
Yes, folks, that's all it takes - a little help from friends. I've been procrastinating for such a long time about not having written a blog post for months and I want to thank Teresa for giving me that little shove to get me going again. You see, Teresa and her sister Denise are having a little KAL (knit-a-long), making the Hitch-Hiker scarf and since I've had this pattern for awhile but hadn't got around to starting it, I asked if I could join in their KAL. I'm using Bendigo Woollen Mills 8 ply Bloom in purple - it has subtle shades of purple with flecks every now and then (4.50mm needles). Here's my scarf so far ...
We've had a fairly frantic few months since I last posted. Mostly family things and most important was my little grandson Oliver's 1st birthday on November 16. We had an early celebration a week before while his Belgian grandparents were here for a visit. The Cotter Dam is about a half hour drive from home has a lovely picnic area so we decided it would be perfect for his first 1st birthday party ..
On his special day, we celebrated at home ..
I hope I haven't bored you too much with baby pictures - promise I won't do it too often :)
In addition to my knitting, I've also been doing some charity crochet - two small premmie baby blankets which I forgot to photograph before sending them away, and for this months charity "Hats for Homeless Kids", I've almost finished 4 beanies. Will take pics to show you as soon as they're done.
While browsing my groups this morning, I found this cute little butterfly tutorial which I'd like to share with you and also put here so I can find it again when I need it .. I think they're very pretty, extremely easy and could be used for so many things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm_F_TbybRI
Because I haven't posted to so long, I'm thinking any readers I may have had will have gone so if you're still here, please let me know.
Till next time ....
Dorothy
xox
We've had a fairly frantic few months since I last posted. Mostly family things and most important was my little grandson Oliver's 1st birthday on November 16. We had an early celebration a week before while his Belgian grandparents were here for a visit. The Cotter Dam is about a half hour drive from home has a lovely picnic area so we decided it would be perfect for his first 1st birthday party ..
On his special day, we celebrated at home ..
I hope I haven't bored you too much with baby pictures - promise I won't do it too often :)
In addition to my knitting, I've also been doing some charity crochet - two small premmie baby blankets which I forgot to photograph before sending them away, and for this months charity "Hats for Homeless Kids", I've almost finished 4 beanies. Will take pics to show you as soon as they're done.
While browsing my groups this morning, I found this cute little butterfly tutorial which I'd like to share with you and also put here so I can find it again when I need it .. I think they're very pretty, extremely easy and could be used for so many things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm_F_TbybRI
Because I haven't posted to so long, I'm thinking any readers I may have had will have gone so if you're still here, please let me know.
Till next time ....
Dorothy
xox
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Take Two .. tah dah !!
Its been so long since I've written a blog post, I'm wondering if any of my wonderful readers are still with me ?? I do hope so and I apologise for my slackness. I have been reading all my favourite blogs (the ones you'll find listed on the right hand side of this page) and needless to say, have enjoyed them very much. As some of you know, since my last post I've had a total hip replacement and was in hospital for 3 weeks all up, including the stay in the rehab unit which, believe me, was very hard work. I still attend day rehab each Tuesday but will finish there in two weeks time. Anyway, enough of that.
My crochet and knitting only emerged towards the end of my hospital stay as I didn't feel much like doing anything really, however I wanted to finish my little grandson Oliver's blanket so I made myself get on with it. I was worried that I might run out of yarn but was very lucky as you'll see in the first picture. The little ball was all I had left after doing the border.
Sadly, a few weeks ago, the crochet world lost a very talented and much loved lady by the name of Marinke (aka Wink). Wink has designed lots of patterns, her speciality being mandalas so quite a few crocheters were making mandalas in her memory. Instead of a mandala, I decided to make some of my favourite little hearts from Wink's very easy pattern - the link is here. They only take a minute or so to make and are useful little embellishments.
On a happier note, my friend Lucy visited recently and brought along her camera to take a few pics of our little Oliver who is growing up so quickly. Its hard to believe he's 8 months old already ! Here's one of L's photos which I think is gorgeous.
I don't want to bore you with baby photos but I do want to show you the little aviator hat I finished for Oli last week. He had the jacket and I thought he really needed a hat to go with it.
Finally, my order of ICE yarn arrived from the UK yesterday and I couldn't wait to start something to see what its like. I'll show you what I'm making next post.
xox
My crochet and knitting only emerged towards the end of my hospital stay as I didn't feel much like doing anything really, however I wanted to finish my little grandson Oliver's blanket so I made myself get on with it. I was worried that I might run out of yarn but was very lucky as you'll see in the first picture. The little ball was all I had left after doing the border.
Sadly, a few weeks ago, the crochet world lost a very talented and much loved lady by the name of Marinke (aka Wink). Wink has designed lots of patterns, her speciality being mandalas so quite a few crocheters were making mandalas in her memory. Instead of a mandala, I decided to make some of my favourite little hearts from Wink's very easy pattern - the link is here. They only take a minute or so to make and are useful little embellishments.
On a happier note, my friend Lucy visited recently and brought along her camera to take a few pics of our little Oliver who is growing up so quickly. Its hard to believe he's 8 months old already ! Here's one of L's photos which I think is gorgeous.
I don't want to bore you with baby photos but I do want to show you the little aviator hat I finished for Oli last week. He had the jacket and I thought he really needed a hat to go with it.
Finally, my order of ICE yarn arrived from the UK yesterday and I couldn't wait to start something to see what its like. I'll show you what I'm making next post.
xox
Friday, May 29, 2015
Procrastinate no more .....
I’ve been promising myself to write a blog post for ages now
but quite frankly, haven’t had much to say (or show). I’ve been fiddling around with knitting and
crochet – back and forth but not actually finishing much. I did make another
Harriet square (see previous post for details) for my next partner in the
AustraliaCrochet 10” square exchange.
Something I do want to show you is this blanket which was
finished off by my friend Nola for our craft group at CWA (Country Womens Association
of NSW). The strips were donated by a member and given to our group to join, add border and donate to charity. I think Nola did a wonderful job, don’t you?
May has been a dreadful time for our family. My cousin Janine
who was only 65 years old, passed away on 3rd and the next day, in
the early hours of 4th, my son-in-law Glen lost his battle with
cancer. Glen and my daughter had celebrated their first wedding anniversary two
weeks before his death. Such sad losses.
 |
| RIP Glen 19-5-1961 to 4-5-2015 |
Well, I don’t know how long it will be before my next post –
this coming Monday I’m going in for a hip replacement which I’ve been putting
off for about 7 or 8 years (cause I’m a scaredy cat) but its now got to the
stage that I really don’t have any choice. Another CWA friend reckons that in a
few months time I’ll be dancing on the tables at our meeting !! Now that will be a sight to be seen.
Have to fly now to work out what hooks, yarn, needles etc
that I need to pack.
Hmmm ..... ??
Bye ...
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Crochet, Food, Baby and Dogs
As I write this, our daylight saving time is about to come to and end and in three hours we turn back the clocks which means we get an extra hour in bed tonight but also indicates that the cold weather is on its way to our part of the world. Time to crochet some winter warmers I think. I like to have a little supply of charity items ready for when needed and I've kicked it off this year with a neck warmer.
I found the pattern somewhere on the net (can't recall where - probably on Ravelry) but had to change it all to be able to use our 8ply wool. If I were to make this again I'd put two or three buttons on it as the top corner tends to curl down a bit.
Haven'd had a great deal of crochet time due to family issues but I did make this 10 inch square for my partner in the Australia Crochet (Facebook group) square exchange.
The pattern is called "Harriett Square" by Carolyn Christmas and its a free Ravelry download.
Before I forget, I must share this little gem with you. While on Facebook the other day, this caught my eye on the sidebar ...
I don't think I'll be recommending crazyforcrafts to anyone I know who wants to learn how to crochet !! Would you ?
A few weeks ago, my daughter's Pug Tommy (you can call him the Cap) was modelling for a photographer here who was putting together her animal portfolio. This is my favourite of what I've seen ....
Not to be outdone by a Pug, Quincy posed for me this afternoon - he's such a character. Stubborn too ...... I think he might be getting a little camera shy but then I wonder how he knows that I'm about to take a photo and not make a phone call ??? Who's a clever boy ?
Well, tomorrow is Easter Sunday and the bunnies are getting busy with all those eggs they have to deliver. Our special little bunny did his job yesterday when all my family went to visit my son-in-law in the hospice and share a wonderful seafood platter that my daughter had organised. I'll finish off for now with these reminders of our Good Friday.
Till next time ........ and I hope it won't be so long.
xox
I found the pattern somewhere on the net (can't recall where - probably on Ravelry) but had to change it all to be able to use our 8ply wool. If I were to make this again I'd put two or three buttons on it as the top corner tends to curl down a bit.
Haven'd had a great deal of crochet time due to family issues but I did make this 10 inch square for my partner in the Australia Crochet (Facebook group) square exchange.
The pattern is called "Harriett Square" by Carolyn Christmas and its a free Ravelry download.
Before I forget, I must share this little gem with you. While on Facebook the other day, this caught my eye on the sidebar ...
I don't think I'll be recommending crazyforcrafts to anyone I know who wants to learn how to crochet !! Would you ?
A few weeks ago, my daughter's Pug Tommy (you can call him the Cap) was modelling for a photographer here who was putting together her animal portfolio. This is my favourite of what I've seen ....
Not to be outdone by a Pug, Quincy posed for me this afternoon - he's such a character. Stubborn too ...... I think he might be getting a little camera shy but then I wonder how he knows that I'm about to take a photo and not make a phone call ??? Who's a clever boy ?
Well, tomorrow is Easter Sunday and the bunnies are getting busy with all those eggs they have to deliver. Our special little bunny did his job yesterday when all my family went to visit my son-in-law in the hospice and share a wonderful seafood platter that my daughter had organised. I'll finish off for now with these reminders of our Good Friday.
Till next time ........ and I hope it won't be so long.
xox
Monday, March 9, 2015
Crochet (Knit) Catch-up
Oh dear, its been so long since I've posted I think I may have forgotten how to do it !! I'll try to fill you in on what's been happening for the past few weeks in my life. It has been a rather hectic time in that we have eventually secured a lovely room in one of our better nursing homes here for my step-father. As his Enduring Power of Attorney, there's been plenty of things for me to take care of. He is now settled in to a nice big room (with ensuite) with plenty of space for a sofa, easy-chair, TV cabinet and of course telly plus some of his own personal things like paintings on the wall, framed photos etc. to make him feel 'at home'.
I have only been able to manage small crochet/knit projects but better small than not at all I suppose.
Oliver wearing his new hat made by Nanna. The first one was too big and came down over his eyes so he's saving it for when he grows a bit more !!!
I bought 5 balls of Bendigo Woollen Mills new wool to be released mid March. Its called "Bloom" - is 100% PureNew Wool, 8ply and comes in some gorgeous colours. It was a pre-release bargain so I just had to get some to try. I'm currently knitting a Diagonal Scarf from one of their BWM leaflets (PT8291). I'll take a photo soon to show you how its coming along.
Tomorrow Oliver and his mummy are going for their first dip in the pool to see if he wants to attend baby swim classes. Naturally Nanna will be tagging along and will no doubt be tempted to take the odd photo or two (or three or .....).
Till next time ... take care and I'll see you 'at your place'.
xox
I have only been able to manage small crochet/knit projects but better small than not at all I suppose.
 |
| 10" square for my Australia Crochet Facebook group partner |
 |
| Moss Stitch Fingerless Mitts (probably for me) |
 |
| Knit4Charity February donations for Rockhampton Homeless Connect Day |
 |
I bought 5 balls of Bendigo Woollen Mills new wool to be released mid March. Its called "Bloom" - is 100% PureNew Wool, 8ply and comes in some gorgeous colours. It was a pre-release bargain so I just had to get some to try. I'm currently knitting a Diagonal Scarf from one of their BWM leaflets (PT8291). I'll take a photo soon to show you how its coming along.
Tomorrow Oliver and his mummy are going for their first dip in the pool to see if he wants to attend baby swim classes. Naturally Nanna will be tagging along and will no doubt be tempted to take the odd photo or two (or three or .....).
Till next time ... take care and I'll see you 'at your place'.
xox
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Hooks 'n' Needles
I bought myself a late Christmas present which arrived this week and am thrilled with it - almost as good as my Etimo hooks and they only cost me a total of $8.54US, (around $11 Australian) for the whole set, with free postage from China. How good is that?
If you want to get some, just email me (address in my profile) and I'll let you know where I got them from. The handles are soft and the shanks are lovely and smooth.
Further enhancements to my 'tools' collection are these beautiful knitting needles that were going to be disposed of by our CWA craft group last week. I offered to buy them but was told to 'just take them' so I did (thank you very much) and I can tell you, they will be treasured.
On a pair of these needles at the moment -
Can you guess what I'm making? Maybe I'll reveal in a day or two. However, I selected an item from my UFO drawer and finished off this lovely little baby's sweater from Marianna's blog. If you're not familiar with Marianna's patterns, have a look - they are incredibly easy to follow as she writes her patterns row by row (literally) so its hard to make a mistake.
Before I finish, I have to share a pic (well two actually) of our little man Oliver who is growing up so fast. We celebrated Australia Day on January 26 and he wore his special outfit and figured it was worth one of his lovely smiles.
And finally, here's one from his Christening Day which was on January 4. The gown he is wearing was the ribbon lace train from my wedding dress (1972) and was made into this beautiful family heirloom by my very good friend Gwen who now lives in the UK. The gown was worn by both my daughters on their Christening Days.
That's it from me for now. I was going to share a nice recipe with you but I'm hoping Pammy Sue is 'test cooking' it for me to make sure my daughter could remember how she makes it.
Till next time
xox
If you want to get some, just email me (address in my profile) and I'll let you know where I got them from. The handles are soft and the shanks are lovely and smooth.
Further enhancements to my 'tools' collection are these beautiful knitting needles that were going to be disposed of by our CWA craft group last week. I offered to buy them but was told to 'just take them' so I did (thank you very much) and I can tell you, they will be treasured.
On a pair of these needles at the moment -
Can you guess what I'm making? Maybe I'll reveal in a day or two. However, I selected an item from my UFO drawer and finished off this lovely little baby's sweater from Marianna's blog. If you're not familiar with Marianna's patterns, have a look - they are incredibly easy to follow as she writes her patterns row by row (literally) so its hard to make a mistake.
Before I finish, I have to share a pic (well two actually) of our little man Oliver who is growing up so fast. We celebrated Australia Day on January 26 and he wore his special outfit and figured it was worth one of his lovely smiles.
And finally, here's one from his Christening Day which was on January 4. The gown he is wearing was the ribbon lace train from my wedding dress (1972) and was made into this beautiful family heirloom by my very good friend Gwen who now lives in the UK. The gown was worn by both my daughters on their Christening Days.
That's it from me for now. I was going to share a nice recipe with you but I'm hoping Pammy Sue is 'test cooking' it for me to make sure my daughter could remember how she makes it.
Till next time
xox
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