Writing
Still Bugger All Done
Knitting
Working on the lace sampler scarf (onto lace pattern 3 right now), and looking at a design for a book cover, as I have a cheap and nasty telephone/address book that I want to use, but I want it to be more interesting. Thinking fairisle?
On the very positive note, Kelly loved her socks - result!
Life
Spent today with my Dad, sorting out my Grandad's paperwork, writing letters to utility companies, that kind of thing. It wasn't as grim as it sounded - we're the sort of family that feel better when we have something to do. The post mortem will be tomorrow, and then Dad will be able to get the death certificate, and start sorting out all of the other stuff (probate, funeral, etc).
Sleep tight, world.
Wednesday, 26 December 2007
Saturday, 22 December 2007
Cloche hat finished
Life
After yesterday's news, I've been feeling (understandably) quite flat. Dad and my aunt are doing the running around, all I'll be doing is putting a bit of music (O mio babbino caro and the Intermezzo from the Cavelleria Rusticana) onto a CD for the ceremony. The funeral is provisionally booked for 7th January, provided we can get all the paperwork sorted out. It's sad that 88 years of life have been reduced to sheets of paper and administration, but as Harry Hill used to say "you've got to have a system".
Knitting
The cloche hat is finished. According to the ravelry FAQs I can't put a new pattern on there, which is disappointing, so I'll put a link to here instead. It's in the patterns section.
Writing
Bugger all done.
After yesterday's news, I've been feeling (understandably) quite flat. Dad and my aunt are doing the running around, all I'll be doing is putting a bit of music (O mio babbino caro and the Intermezzo from the Cavelleria Rusticana) onto a CD for the ceremony. The funeral is provisionally booked for 7th January, provided we can get all the paperwork sorted out. It's sad that 88 years of life have been reduced to sheets of paper and administration, but as Harry Hill used to say "you've got to have a system".
Knitting
The cloche hat is finished. According to the ravelry FAQs I can't put a new pattern on there, which is disappointing, so I'll put a link to here instead. It's in the patterns section.
Writing
Bugger all done.
Friday, 21 December 2007
Sad - a family bereavement.
At four o'clock this morning, my Grandfather died. He was 88 years old (a good innings, as they say), and had outlived my Mum (his daughter) by over a year, but I'm still feeling very, very sad.
Grandad was a sentimental man, and for the last year has been very unhappy. I saw him yesterday, and he looked unwell, and exhausted, so it was no great shock, but still a loss. He was scared about going into hospital yesterday, worried that he wouldn't come home and thanks to some internal bleeding and a heart attack, he didn't, but he was comfortable when he died, and with my father and one of my aunts.
There will be a lot of sorting out to do - family politics as well as his belongings, but right now, it's just a time for sadness, reflection, and to think of the happy times with him.
"You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes,love and go on."
Grandad was a sentimental man, and for the last year has been very unhappy. I saw him yesterday, and he looked unwell, and exhausted, so it was no great shock, but still a loss. He was scared about going into hospital yesterday, worried that he wouldn't come home and thanks to some internal bleeding and a heart attack, he didn't, but he was comfortable when he died, and with my father and one of my aunts.
There will be a lot of sorting out to do - family politics as well as his belongings, but right now, it's just a time for sadness, reflection, and to think of the happy times with him.
"You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes,love and go on."
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
A pain in the neck
Writing
Does Christmas Cards count?
Knitting
I did a lot of knitting on the train, and so have done about 15" of my silk scarf - it will be a selection of lace patterns - God was I getting bored doing the same thing all through!
Life
The cold I've had for the last two weeks is now just a cough, but it's sufficiently annoying that it's given me a stiff neck, and stiff shoulders. It probably doesn't help that I'm tired. Last night I couldn't sleep, partly because my beloved (who also has this cold) was snoring VERY loudly. I decided to take myself off to the spare room, which would have been fine, had books not started falling off the shelves above the bed at about five this morning.
Four hours sleep for me then! How lovely!
When I told my piano teacher this, she felt sorry for me, although looked a bit confused when I revealed that at no point did I think to protect my head with my hands or arms.
D'Oh!
I finished reading Judy Astley's Pleasant Vices today. It was recommended by my aunt, and although it was amusing in places, I must confess that it didn't do a lot for me. I found the characters unconvincing; I kept thinking "she wouldn't do that"! And when you feel that way, the book hasn't absorbed you, as it should. Still, it got published - there's hope for us all!
Does Christmas Cards count?
Knitting
I did a lot of knitting on the train, and so have done about 15" of my silk scarf - it will be a selection of lace patterns - God was I getting bored doing the same thing all through!
Life
The cold I've had for the last two weeks is now just a cough, but it's sufficiently annoying that it's given me a stiff neck, and stiff shoulders. It probably doesn't help that I'm tired. Last night I couldn't sleep, partly because my beloved (who also has this cold) was snoring VERY loudly. I decided to take myself off to the spare room, which would have been fine, had books not started falling off the shelves above the bed at about five this morning.
Four hours sleep for me then! How lovely!
When I told my piano teacher this, she felt sorry for me, although looked a bit confused when I revealed that at no point did I think to protect my head with my hands or arms.
D'Oh!
I finished reading Judy Astley's Pleasant Vices today. It was recommended by my aunt, and although it was amusing in places, I must confess that it didn't do a lot for me. I found the characters unconvincing; I kept thinking "she wouldn't do that"! And when you feel that way, the book hasn't absorbed you, as it should. Still, it got published - there's hope for us all!
Thursday, 13 December 2007
More holidays than Thomas Cook
Knitting.
We're off to bonny Scotland tomorrow, and so I'm taking my silk scarf for the long journey to Glasgow. I hope to sleep some of the way, and admire the views of the lakes too, but there's going to be a lot of time left for knitting and reading.
The hat is coming along, but I'll leave that here - just easier.
Writing
Last night was our writers' group (et al) night out, which was great fun. We went for a scrummy meal (Indian), and the restaurant was pretty empty except for us, so it was civilised and silly at the same time.
Life
I've been accepted to train as a Funeral Officiant! This is very exciting news, and something I've wanted to do for a while. There's a lot of work ahead, and then a lot of work selling myself, but it should be brilliant! It might even warrant a separate blog.
We're off to bonny Scotland tomorrow, and so I'm taking my silk scarf for the long journey to Glasgow. I hope to sleep some of the way, and admire the views of the lakes too, but there's going to be a lot of time left for knitting and reading.
The hat is coming along, but I'll leave that here - just easier.
Writing
Last night was our writers' group (et al) night out, which was great fun. We went for a scrummy meal (Indian), and the restaurant was pretty empty except for us, so it was civilised and silly at the same time.
Life
I've been accepted to train as a Funeral Officiant! This is very exciting news, and something I've wanted to do for a while. There's a lot of work ahead, and then a lot of work selling myself, but it should be brilliant! It might even warrant a separate blog.
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
Tired
Knitting
I've started on a cloche hat. I saw someone walking around town last week in one, and I fell in love with it. If the pattern works, I might try another to match a scarf I've also started, but let's see how it goes first.
Writing
One of my writing crew has got an agent! I'm so happy for her, and a little jealous, of course. She's been working on this book for years, and she is a very skilled writer, so although she's got some work to do, I hope it all comes together for her.
Life
Tired today - eating a load of rubbish food at work doesn't help, but it's the only way around the boredome.
I've started on a cloche hat. I saw someone walking around town last week in one, and I fell in love with it. If the pattern works, I might try another to match a scarf I've also started, but let's see how it goes first.
Writing
One of my writing crew has got an agent! I'm so happy for her, and a little jealous, of course. She's been working on this book for years, and she is a very skilled writer, so although she's got some work to do, I hope it all comes together for her.
Life
Tired today - eating a load of rubbish food at work doesn't help, but it's the only way around the boredome.
Sunday, 9 December 2007
Long time no blog, almost long time no bog
Hello!
It's been a while. First there was week in Turkey, and then a week recovering!
Knitting
Mandy's scarf was completed on holiday. I'd remembered to take some Christmas wrapping with us, so it was dropped off on the way back.
Kelly's socks are also done, and have been wrapped and are waiting to go.
As all this stuff was done, I wound the skeins of silk bought at Ally Pally into balls, and am now thinking about scarves etc for moi.
I was going to make a hat with the same yarn, but I think it will eat into this particular yarn too much, so I'm using up some stash to make a little cloche number.
Writing
Following the completion of first draft (yippee!) I sketched out the synopsis on my hols, but I'm giving the novel a rest until after Christmas.
I had my assignment back from the Writers' Bureau course - full of praise - I really should try to get that published. I AM trying to get the bugger published, but how long do I leave it before hassling them? Oh, the trials.
The first 1,000 words or Ursula are going off to the "Wanna be a writer" competition. The first prize is a trip to Caerleon (haven't been there for about 20 years!), including an hour long session with Jane Wenham-Jones. All competitions are worth entering - I'll be punting that book everywhere this year.
Life
The bathroom is nearing completion. The lovely Paul was here while we weren't to put it all in, but there were probs with the loo - all to do with waste positions (eeuuuggghh!).
Anyway - all now sorted, and despite falling tins of paint (glad I found that before the cat did), unstable loos, and dreadful weather (delaying things slightly), it's all beginning to look fab. Should hopefully be finished by tomorrow (bar the flooring - sort that out after Christmas).
Apart from that I have been rather snotty, by which I mean I have a cold, rather than snobbery being a new pastime, but I struggle on manfully, and don't like to make a fuss.
It's been a while. First there was week in Turkey, and then a week recovering!
Knitting
Mandy's scarf was completed on holiday. I'd remembered to take some Christmas wrapping with us, so it was dropped off on the way back.
Kelly's socks are also done, and have been wrapped and are waiting to go.
As all this stuff was done, I wound the skeins of silk bought at Ally Pally into balls, and am now thinking about scarves etc for moi.
I was going to make a hat with the same yarn, but I think it will eat into this particular yarn too much, so I'm using up some stash to make a little cloche number.
Writing
Following the completion of first draft (yippee!) I sketched out the synopsis on my hols, but I'm giving the novel a rest until after Christmas.
I had my assignment back from the Writers' Bureau course - full of praise - I really should try to get that published. I AM trying to get the bugger published, but how long do I leave it before hassling them? Oh, the trials.
The first 1,000 words or Ursula are going off to the "Wanna be a writer" competition. The first prize is a trip to Caerleon (haven't been there for about 20 years!), including an hour long session with Jane Wenham-Jones. All competitions are worth entering - I'll be punting that book everywhere this year.
Life
The bathroom is nearing completion. The lovely Paul was here while we weren't to put it all in, but there were probs with the loo - all to do with waste positions (eeuuuggghh!).
Anyway - all now sorted, and despite falling tins of paint (glad I found that before the cat did), unstable loos, and dreadful weather (delaying things slightly), it's all beginning to look fab. Should hopefully be finished by tomorrow (bar the flooring - sort that out after Christmas).
Apart from that I have been rather snotty, by which I mean I have a cold, rather than snobbery being a new pastime, but I struggle on manfully, and don't like to make a fuss.
Thursday, 22 November 2007
Who needs sleep?
Life
There may be those among you who recognise this title as a Barenaked Ladies song. But it sums up how I feel today.
Sleep is vastly overrated. It's 25 to midnight, and I'm here, after having looked up the address of my nearest Argos Extra (need to get a light for the bathroom), and trying to work out if I'm hungry or not.
I've just gone for a couple of bourbon creams - that's better.
Life is crashing around me at the moment, not in a negative way, just in a busy one. Off on hols in two days, so I'm stressing trying to get everything done. We're having a new bathroom put in while we're away, so I'm stressing about the prep work we need to do for that. Then the day after we come back, I have an interview for a new job. These are all lovely things, but lovely can still be stressed, especially when you add to that the fact that the cat is going into a cattery for the first time since she's been with us - will she revert to psycho type on her return?
Plus, if I get this new job, I will be very happy, and extremely skint. For God's sake, I'm 40 years old, without a shred of savings, and no contingency money at all. When will I grow up?
Knitting.
I've finished the first of Kelly's socks, and am a short way through the second. All good so far.
Writing.
Have done bugger all, but plan to write my synopsis on holiday, as well as re-draft the first 1000 words for a comp.
There may be those among you who recognise this title as a Barenaked Ladies song. But it sums up how I feel today.
Sleep is vastly overrated. It's 25 to midnight, and I'm here, after having looked up the address of my nearest Argos Extra (need to get a light for the bathroom), and trying to work out if I'm hungry or not.
I've just gone for a couple of bourbon creams - that's better.
Life is crashing around me at the moment, not in a negative way, just in a busy one. Off on hols in two days, so I'm stressing trying to get everything done. We're having a new bathroom put in while we're away, so I'm stressing about the prep work we need to do for that. Then the day after we come back, I have an interview for a new job. These are all lovely things, but lovely can still be stressed, especially when you add to that the fact that the cat is going into a cattery for the first time since she's been with us - will she revert to psycho type on her return?
Plus, if I get this new job, I will be very happy, and extremely skint. For God's sake, I'm 40 years old, without a shred of savings, and no contingency money at all. When will I grow up?
Knitting.
I've finished the first of Kelly's socks, and am a short way through the second. All good so far.
Writing.
Have done bugger all, but plan to write my synopsis on holiday, as well as re-draft the first 1000 words for a comp.
Saturday, 17 November 2007
Alle-bloody-lujiah!
Writing
I have finished first draft!
Let the bells chime, let the voices sing, let me dance, let me eat chocolate.
91,777 words.
Yippee!
I'm now going to put it away until after Christmas - buy myself a little objectivity, and then start on 2nd draft.
My shoulders ache, but I'm a happy bunny!
Knitting
Brenda's tea cosy is also finished - another Christmas present sorted, and I've started on some socks for my niece Kelly. First time I've done socks,and I'm finding them a bit fiddly, but it's early yet.
I'm also dyeing a bit of yarn - some dusky pink I was given. I don't have a problem with dusky pink, but I had a bit of a glut, so I'm off to paint it pretty colours in a mo.
Life
What life - I've been finishing the first draft!
I have finished first draft!
Let the bells chime, let the voices sing, let me dance, let me eat chocolate.
91,777 words.
Yippee!
I'm now going to put it away until after Christmas - buy myself a little objectivity, and then start on 2nd draft.
My shoulders ache, but I'm a happy bunny!
Knitting
Brenda's tea cosy is also finished - another Christmas present sorted, and I've started on some socks for my niece Kelly. First time I've done socks,and I'm finding them a bit fiddly, but it's early yet.
I'm also dyeing a bit of yarn - some dusky pink I was given. I don't have a problem with dusky pink, but I had a bit of a glut, so I'm off to paint it pretty colours in a mo.
Life
What life - I've been finishing the first draft!
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Positive thoughts
Knitting.
I've finished the first half of Brenda's tea cosy, and my niece would now like some socks, so I'm going to be knitting like crazy until Christmas!
I've been invited to join ravelry, which is very exciting. My ravelry name is LahLah.
Writing
The pace has picked up - I'm half way through chapter 20, the climactic chapter of the novel, and I'm having a whale of a time working on it.
Life
Yesterday was much better than I thought it would be. We went to the crematorium, and looked at Mum's entry in the book of remembrance. Then we all went for a huge lunch (ate far too much), and laughed all of the way through it. Mum liked us all together and laughing, so we all felt it was more respectful to her memory than wailing and gnashing teeth.
When I got home, I got an email which may lead me into a new job. I will tell more, when things are progressing.
I've finished the first half of Brenda's tea cosy, and my niece would now like some socks, so I'm going to be knitting like crazy until Christmas!
I've been invited to join ravelry, which is very exciting. My ravelry name is LahLah.
Writing
The pace has picked up - I'm half way through chapter 20, the climactic chapter of the novel, and I'm having a whale of a time working on it.
Life
Yesterday was much better than I thought it would be. We went to the crematorium, and looked at Mum's entry in the book of remembrance. Then we all went for a huge lunch (ate far too much), and laughed all of the way through it. Mum liked us all together and laughing, so we all felt it was more respectful to her memory than wailing and gnashing teeth.
When I got home, I got an email which may lead me into a new job. I will tell more, when things are progressing.
Sunday, 11 November 2007
Lazy sunday afternoon
Knitting
Having now completed Brenda's cardigan, I'm working on her tea cosy. She's decided she wants an old fashioned one in yellow and grey squares. I'd got too shades of yellow at my last trip to a yarn shop, but no worries.
I've been rummaging through my grandmother's old patterns, and found just the thing, but I've had to make it a little bigger, to suit her pot.
I've never made one of these before, and it goes against the grain, as the pleats are formed by dragging the yarn across the back -i.e by doing it wrong!
I'm also going to start to put together all the "stash using up" squares into a blanket. That will be a mission, but I'm in no hurry.
I'm now on ravelry, which is rather exciting, so I must get all my works onto there.
Writing
I completed an assignment for the Writers' Bureau course this morning (I've had it for ages, and have been too busy writing to do any of it!
My guilt is assuaged.
Life.
Tomorrow is the 1st anniversary of my mother's death. Nuff said.
Having now completed Brenda's cardigan, I'm working on her tea cosy. She's decided she wants an old fashioned one in yellow and grey squares. I'd got too shades of yellow at my last trip to a yarn shop, but no worries.
I've been rummaging through my grandmother's old patterns, and found just the thing, but I've had to make it a little bigger, to suit her pot.
I've never made one of these before, and it goes against the grain, as the pleats are formed by dragging the yarn across the back -i.e by doing it wrong!
I'm also going to start to put together all the "stash using up" squares into a blanket. That will be a mission, but I'm in no hurry.
I'm now on ravelry, which is rather exciting, so I must get all my works onto there.
Writing
I completed an assignment for the Writers' Bureau course this morning (I've had it for ages, and have been too busy writing to do any of it!
My guilt is assuaged.
Life.
Tomorrow is the 1st anniversary of my mother's death. Nuff said.
Friday, 9 November 2007
Crack open the Champagne!
Knitting
Okay - perhaps my title is a bit OTT but I have finished Brenda's Cardigan! Yeah!
The next thing I must do, is ring her sister in law, and tell her not to give Brenda any more copies of Woman's Weekly, as that's where the pattern came from.
I'm only joshing - it's a beautiful pattern, but I'm glad it's behind me.
Now I'm to start on her yellow and grey tea cosy - picture to follow, once I've started it.
Writing
A bit of an oddity today, as I wrote a piece of copy about my work for our local paper. I've asked for a byline, which I don't expect to get, but you never know.
Life
We ordered a new bathroom today. It's a bit scary and grown up. I know best beloved and I are both 40, but neither of us do much in the "grown up house owner" line, so it's all a bit strange, but hopefully it will all work wonderfully (or it will be wonderful if it works, one or the other!)
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Getting there
Knitting
I have all but finished Brenda's cardigan. The main pieces are all complete, pressed, gathered and sewn together (or should I say "all are safely gathered in"?), and I'm just working on the front band now - about three feet of 6 stitches per row garter stitch.
As a result I went onto You Write On, so that I could read and knit at the same time.
Writing
For those of you who don't know, "you write on" (see links) is an arts council funded website. People can put on chapters of work in progress, for others to read and critique. Thus far, I've looked at four pieces, and so when I launch Ursula onto the unsuspecting world, four people can read it, and tell me what they think. (I'm not sure I want to know - that's the scary part, after all).
It's a good scheme. I must confess, I wasn't keen on the piece I read tonight. Partly not my sort of stuff, but also a classic mistake of chapter one being full of dull exposition (with a bit of hook, so not all bad), and chapter two being where the story actually starts. The author can certainly write, but I'm not sure how well they can self-edit. It's the hardest part, and I'm very grateful for my writing girls, who help me with all of that stuff.
Life
Tired today - because of a late night writing group yesterday. Off for bath and bed in a moment.
Came to a conclusion today that I'd like Christmas put back a month - I haven't got time for it at the end of December!
I have all but finished Brenda's cardigan. The main pieces are all complete, pressed, gathered and sewn together (or should I say "all are safely gathered in"?), and I'm just working on the front band now - about three feet of 6 stitches per row garter stitch.
As a result I went onto You Write On, so that I could read and knit at the same time.
Writing
For those of you who don't know, "you write on" (see links) is an arts council funded website. People can put on chapters of work in progress, for others to read and critique. Thus far, I've looked at four pieces, and so when I launch Ursula onto the unsuspecting world, four people can read it, and tell me what they think. (I'm not sure I want to know - that's the scary part, after all).
It's a good scheme. I must confess, I wasn't keen on the piece I read tonight. Partly not my sort of stuff, but also a classic mistake of chapter one being full of dull exposition (with a bit of hook, so not all bad), and chapter two being where the story actually starts. The author can certainly write, but I'm not sure how well they can self-edit. It's the hardest part, and I'm very grateful for my writing girls, who help me with all of that stuff.
Life
Tired today - because of a late night writing group yesterday. Off for bath and bed in a moment.
Came to a conclusion today that I'd like Christmas put back a month - I haven't got time for it at the end of December!
Monday, 5 November 2007
A barrier broken
Writing
I have broken the 80,000 word barrier. Damn, it feels good!
I don't know that I've ever written this many words on one project before. I say I don't know as my first ever novel, the aptly titled Wasted Time was mostly hand written, so I've no idea what the word count is.
Running to Love, my twice-rejected Mills and Boon was only 52k words, and Finally, the book with the dullest heroine ever only made it to 62k, so I'm feeling good about Ursula, the current masterpiece.
I've also just avoided a sex scene too. Not that I have a problem with sex scenes (and my writing of this was praised in a critique of Running to Love), but I don't think it's appropriate for this work, so I've got a seduction, but I leave the shagging to the imagination of the reader - it's bound to be much more erotic that way.
Knitting.
I've finished the lace part of Brenda's cardigan - which feels like quite an achievement. I was getting heartily sick of the pattern, so it's good that I've just got a shaped bit of stocking stitch and then the edge band to do.
I've also made another rose, this one with more petals, and this one actually looks like a rose, so I've pitched the pattern to one of the knitting mags.
I've had another idea for a knitting article too, so I'll mull that around for a few days.
Life
Work is dull. C'est la vie. It keeps me in printer cartridges and yarn. This weekend was a beer and curry weekend (well, I don't drink beer, but "Appletiser and curry" doesn't do a lot for my street cred). It was a good 'un, mostly spent with friends, talking about books, being lent books, and having a good laugh. I like weekends like that.
I have broken the 80,000 word barrier. Damn, it feels good!
I don't know that I've ever written this many words on one project before. I say I don't know as my first ever novel, the aptly titled Wasted Time was mostly hand written, so I've no idea what the word count is.
Running to Love, my twice-rejected Mills and Boon was only 52k words, and Finally, the book with the dullest heroine ever only made it to 62k, so I'm feeling good about Ursula, the current masterpiece.
I've also just avoided a sex scene too. Not that I have a problem with sex scenes (and my writing of this was praised in a critique of Running to Love), but I don't think it's appropriate for this work, so I've got a seduction, but I leave the shagging to the imagination of the reader - it's bound to be much more erotic that way.
Knitting.
I've finished the lace part of Brenda's cardigan - which feels like quite an achievement. I was getting heartily sick of the pattern, so it's good that I've just got a shaped bit of stocking stitch and then the edge band to do.
I've also made another rose, this one with more petals, and this one actually looks like a rose, so I've pitched the pattern to one of the knitting mags.
I've had another idea for a knitting article too, so I'll mull that around for a few days.
Life
Work is dull. C'est la vie. It keeps me in printer cartridges and yarn. This weekend was a beer and curry weekend (well, I don't drink beer, but "Appletiser and curry" doesn't do a lot for my street cred). It was a good 'un, mostly spent with friends, talking about books, being lent books, and having a good laugh. I like weekends like that.
Saturday, 3 November 2007
Inspiration
Writing.
I went to a great talk yesterday by Jane Wenham-Jones. She's a great speaker - 1 hour off the cuff - and we went away very inspired. There wasn't necessarily anything new in the talk (read more, write every day, persevere), but she's such an approachable and honest person, telling it in a "warts and all" style, which leaves you feeling a realistic enthusiasm for keeping at it, and getting those words on screen. Although she did tell the slightly depressing tale of one published author, whose first published novel was the 11th she'd written. Christ! I don't think I have that much perseverance!
Knitting.
My mate Bren (she of the red lacy cardigan) wants a tea cosy too. I asked her what colour, and she did to me the same as someone else last year - she wants a colour I don't have in my stash (and there aren't many colours missing). She wants yellow, and I know from the last time I made a penguin, that I don't have much Orange or yellow. So, oh dear, I had to go shopping. In a small town near to here there's a lovely little wool shop, which sells top and budget end yarns. So I got the yarn for the tea cosy, and also some cottons which were in the £1.25 per ball basket. There were a couple of balls of sock yarn in there too, but I was an honest girl, and said to the lady "These shouldn't be here, should they?", and unfortunately, I was right.
I went to a great talk yesterday by Jane Wenham-Jones. She's a great speaker - 1 hour off the cuff - and we went away very inspired. There wasn't necessarily anything new in the talk (read more, write every day, persevere), but she's such an approachable and honest person, telling it in a "warts and all" style, which leaves you feeling a realistic enthusiasm for keeping at it, and getting those words on screen. Although she did tell the slightly depressing tale of one published author, whose first published novel was the 11th she'd written. Christ! I don't think I have that much perseverance!
Knitting.
My mate Bren (she of the red lacy cardigan) wants a tea cosy too. I asked her what colour, and she did to me the same as someone else last year - she wants a colour I don't have in my stash (and there aren't many colours missing). She wants yellow, and I know from the last time I made a penguin, that I don't have much Orange or yellow. So, oh dear, I had to go shopping. In a small town near to here there's a lovely little wool shop, which sells top and budget end yarns. So I got the yarn for the tea cosy, and also some cottons which were in the £1.25 per ball basket. There were a couple of balls of sock yarn in there too, but I was an honest girl, and said to the lady "These shouldn't be here, should they?", and unfortunately, I was right.
Monday, 29 October 2007
Birthday card
Writing
Guilty as charged, I have nothing to report. I met one of my writing group for coffee today, and we had a good old chat, so I did a lot of thinking about writing, but no actual words on screen.
Tomorrow is another day.
Knitting.
It's a friend's birthday on Saturday, and many of her friends are arty and creative, leaving me feeling very inadequate (that's not hard to do). So I thought I'd knit a birthday card. Ages ago I bought some blank cards which can be used to put in your own artwork. My knitting is my art, so I made a card. I was thinking of doing a whole "happy birthday" message, but although I was working in 2.5mm needles, I was still using DK yarn. so the tension wasn't really fine enough for that. The top and bottom details are in silver, which doesn't really show in the photograph, but they make it a bit sparkly and pretty. I hope she likes it, either because it's great, or because it's funny.
Sunday, 28 October 2007
Inability to finish..........
Knitting
I seem to be suffering from my usual reluctance to finish anything. Brenda's cardigan is coming along well, I've now done the back, both sleeves and one of the fronts, but I'm lacking enthusiasm to make the other front.
I'm getting very cheesed off with the lace pattern - I like a challenge, but this is what I call "anti-social" knitting, as on some of the rows it's hard to hold a conversation at the same time as working my way through the pattern.
It's always when I'm at this stage that I get really excited about the next project(s), but as this is a Christmas gift, I must simply persevere, and be very glad when it's over. You'll hear the singing when I've done the last row of lace, I can tell ya.
Writing
I was beginning to worry that I was having the same problem with my novel, but thankfully, I've got my Mojo back where that's concerned.
It is a bit soggy in the middle (why am I soft in the middle, the rest of my life is so hard....) but now we're back, we have a structure, we're working towards a climax - it's all rather exciting!
I seem to be suffering from my usual reluctance to finish anything. Brenda's cardigan is coming along well, I've now done the back, both sleeves and one of the fronts, but I'm lacking enthusiasm to make the other front.
I'm getting very cheesed off with the lace pattern - I like a challenge, but this is what I call "anti-social" knitting, as on some of the rows it's hard to hold a conversation at the same time as working my way through the pattern.
It's always when I'm at this stage that I get really excited about the next project(s), but as this is a Christmas gift, I must simply persevere, and be very glad when it's over. You'll hear the singing when I've done the last row of lace, I can tell ya.
Writing
I was beginning to worry that I was having the same problem with my novel, but thankfully, I've got my Mojo back where that's concerned.
It is a bit soggy in the middle (why am I soft in the middle, the rest of my life is so hard....) but now we're back, we have a structure, we're working towards a climax - it's all rather exciting!
Saturday, 27 October 2007
Writer talk, and charity work
Writing.
On Friday, I'm going to a writer's talk by Jane Wenham-Jones. I'm looking forward to that. I must confess I've not read any of her books, but I like her articles in Writing Magazine, so it should be good, and will hopefully help the motivation.
Knitting
I've started one of my charity dog coats (for K9 knitters, see links below). I thought I'd try something different this time, and work it diagonally. It's a bit of at use-up coat, the pink I've had for years, and am now sick of (and then a friend gave me a load of wool, including about 400g in the same colour), and the variegated I got ages ago, and this is what's left of a cardie, so it's nice to feel as though I'm working through the stash.
Have a good weekend.
On Friday, I'm going to a writer's talk by Jane Wenham-Jones. I'm looking forward to that. I must confess I've not read any of her books, but I like her articles in Writing Magazine, so it should be good, and will hopefully help the motivation.
Knitting
I've started one of my charity dog coats (for K9 knitters, see links below). I thought I'd try something different this time, and work it diagonally. It's a bit of at use-up coat, the pink I've had for years, and am now sick of (and then a friend gave me a load of wool, including about 400g in the same colour), and the variegated I got ages ago, and this is what's left of a cardie, so it's nice to feel as though I'm working through the stash.
Have a good weekend.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Adding pictures and patterns
Dear All,
I've added pictures and patterns today.
The pics are of my work in progress - Bren's cardigan, Mandy's scarf (both Christmas presents), and "the never ending baby sweater" so called because I pick it up periodically and do a bit, then put it down again when a knitting deadline looms.
Enjoy!
I've added pictures and patterns today.
The pics are of my work in progress - Bren's cardigan, Mandy's scarf (both Christmas presents), and "the never ending baby sweater" so called because I pick it up periodically and do a bit, then put it down again when a knitting deadline looms.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
Chapter 17 is finished
I went very soggy in the middle for a while, but chapter 17 is now finished, and I feel like I've picked up the pace again. Not only that, I've been able to drop a few little clues to guide the reader towards the end, without being too laborious (I hope).
I'm nearly 75,000 words in, and I really feel as if I might get the first draft finished by the end of the year after all.
As a little reward, I allowed myself listening to Open Book (radio 4 - listen again), whilst knitting. It was a joy - even if I immediately unpicked what I was making (it was an idea for a "domino knitting" dog coat, but I don't think it's really going to work in its original incarnation), it was still nice to combine two lovely things for half an hour.
It has made me feel better, as I've been somewhat low of late, so it's nice to feel as though I'm making progress.
I made a couple of knitted roses over the weekend. I'm fairly pleased with how they've come out (certainly the best leaves yet), but they still need a bit of work (and more petals!)
I'm nearly 75,000 words in, and I really feel as if I might get the first draft finished by the end of the year after all.
As a little reward, I allowed myself listening to Open Book (radio 4 - listen again), whilst knitting. It was a joy - even if I immediately unpicked what I was making (it was an idea for a "domino knitting" dog coat, but I don't think it's really going to work in its original incarnation), it was still nice to combine two lovely things for half an hour.
It has made me feel better, as I've been somewhat low of late, so it's nice to feel as though I'm making progress.
I made a couple of knitted roses over the weekend. I'm fairly pleased with how they've come out (certainly the best leaves yet), but they still need a bit of work (and more petals!)
Sunday, 21 October 2007
Messing around with my blog
I've been messing around trying to get an interesting background - this is actually a picture of one section of my "sampler sweater", a garment designed to use up some stash some time ago. Each colour has a different stitch pattern, and as you can see, it was a circular needle, yoke all in one go job. I swore at the time that I would not make another like that - I'm a big girl to make sweaters for, and man that was heavy work!
It is one of my favourites though, being long and cosy for the winter days we've got coming up.
Now, back to the novel - chapter 17 awaits.
It is one of my favourites though, being long and cosy for the winter days we've got coming up.
Now, back to the novel - chapter 17 awaits.
Saturday, 20 October 2007
Shopping
Today I went to the new yarnstore I'd been told about.
It had a great selection of stuff, but the top of end of the market. I bought some Araucania Quellon (like the piccie, but more of a russet/blue combo) to make a scarf for my sister-in-law for Christmas.
Then best beloved went off to see Stiff Little Fingers in concert, and I hit the computer. 1200 words on Chapter 17 (thank God! I thought I was hitting a real dry spell), and I read through the work of members of my writing group. One of the group is absolutely brilliant - the way she constructs stories and characters - she is just fantastic. I am envious of her talent. She's currently doing an MA in writing, and thinking of going on to a D.Phil - personally, I think she should just go and get published, but what do I know?
Now I shall look through stitch pattern books - this makes me happy in a strange, possibly even sad way!
Come on England!
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
It's late in the day......
.... 11:20 in the evening to be exact, but I've got a busy head.
My new bamboo circular and dpns arrived today, along with some pretty stitch markers. I must make nice needle cases - perhaps a sewing job for my holiday later in the year.
Work is dull - I don't want to be checking files and fannying around with spreadsheets - that's my problem.
When I got home I put together a proposal for a book on knitting and emailed it off. When I tell people about it, they seem unsure - perhaps because it's unknown territory for them, or perhaps because it's rubbish. There aren't any other books around on the same subject, so does that mean I've found a niche? Or is it simply a crap idea? Time, and that terribly nice editor, will judge.
Had a piano lesson this evening. It went quite well, and then because I was home alone I sat watching TV (Location, location, location best and worst places) and knitting. I finished the first sleeve of my friend's cardigan over the weekend, and I'm near the top of the second one, so I'm happy to feel that I've got the worst bits behind me.
Went shopping for handknitted second hand sweaters today, and was delighted to find two in my local Oxfam shop. This is the same shop I bought my doll in last week - it would appear to be my new knitting supplies emporium!
Sweet dreams all.
Sunday, 14 October 2007
Knitting and Stitch Show
I went, I saw, I shopped.
It was a busy but great day yesterday at Ally Pally.
It was hot, crowded, you couldn't get into the learning curve stuff, but it was a good day, and I bought loads of wool.
Being a girl from a provincial town sadly lacking in decent knitting shops, it was great to see yarns that I normally only read about in the knitting mags.
It was a question of "get thee behind me, visa card" once I got to the Black Sheep stand, as I had promised myself that it would be cash only day, and I nearly spent £60 using my plastic, but with ultimate self control, and not a little regret I put the yarn back, and stepped away from the stand.
The only disappointment was the lack of needles/accessories around. The only needles I found were some pretty glass ones (far too noisy), Lantern Moon (beautiful but very expensive), stainless steel (I was after bamboo or wood), or a small selection on a few stands of Britanny needles, but these were frankly more than I wanted to pay, so I came home and hit ebay instead.
That aside I found a great book of crochet stitches (which I'd been after for ages - I thought I was going to have to write one myself), and loads of yarn.
It was also a good day on the writing front, as I chatted to folks (including editors) of four knitting mags - all of whom accept proposals from freelances - time to get writing and knitting!
Friday, 12 October 2007
Stuffing a fairy's leg
Being a keen knitter can lead you to odd pastimes. Two days ago, I was making a (crocheted) fairy for a charity fundraiser at work. The phone started to ring, and the thought going through my head was "go away - I'm stuffing a fairy's leg".
Today, I picked up a doll in my local Oxfam shop, who will become the model for my hand knitted dolls' clothes on ebay. She's the right size and a pretty doll, but her hair was a bit of a mess, so once I got home today, I was washing a dolly's hair. I think I should have conditioned too (!), as it was still a bit untidy, and I managed to break the teeth from a comb while trying to sort it out.
I've got it more or less straight, but it does look a bit like that awful Posh Spice haircut that so many women had 5-10 years ago. Do you remember the one I mean? The front was smoothed down into a bad Adolf Hitler impersonation, and the back was sticking up as though the woman had just got out of bed. Whoever thought of that one?
We had our writing group last night, gathered at mine for a discussion of one of Ros's short stories, the first page of Mary's detective novel, and chapter 13 of my opus. It was a useful evening. The lovely Bronwen came along; sadly her father died on Monday, and so it's a very difficult time for her, but it was good to see her, and she seems to be coping very well. We meet again in a fortnight, so I'd better get writing.
That's all for today - off to the Knitting and Stitch show tomorrow - can't wait!
Today, I picked up a doll in my local Oxfam shop, who will become the model for my hand knitted dolls' clothes on ebay. She's the right size and a pretty doll, but her hair was a bit of a mess, so once I got home today, I was washing a dolly's hair. I think I should have conditioned too (!), as it was still a bit untidy, and I managed to break the teeth from a comb while trying to sort it out.
I've got it more or less straight, but it does look a bit like that awful Posh Spice haircut that so many women had 5-10 years ago. Do you remember the one I mean? The front was smoothed down into a bad Adolf Hitler impersonation, and the back was sticking up as though the woman had just got out of bed. Whoever thought of that one?
We had our writing group last night, gathered at mine for a discussion of one of Ros's short stories, the first page of Mary's detective novel, and chapter 13 of my opus. It was a useful evening. The lovely Bronwen came along; sadly her father died on Monday, and so it's a very difficult time for her, but it was good to see her, and she seems to be coping very well. We meet again in a fortnight, so I'd better get writing.
That's all for today - off to the Knitting and Stitch show tomorrow - can't wait!
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
Work, work work.
They're now up for auction, so I hope to make a vast fortune (!) soon.
On the writing front, I've just written another 1200 words. I know where I'm going with the novel, but over the last few weeks I've had a reticence to start tying the threads together, and bring the book to a climax.
I would like to say that it's because I'm enjoying writing it so much, that I don't want it to end. More realistically, however, I know that when I've finished first draft, then I have to start editing, and that's the less fun bit.
Perhaps I should do the whole management speak bit, and think of it as an "opportunity".
Or then again......
Saturday, 6 October 2007
It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life....
.. and I'm feeling good.
It's only 8:16 and I've just managed to write over 800 words on the novel. It had occurred to me that my protagonist (Ursula) would have had a conversation with someone, but I hadn't actually written that chat! Now I have, and so I feel better. I haven't written much this week, so it's good to feel that I'm back on track.
Also started the sleeve on my friend Brenda's cardigan/Christmas present yesterday, so making progress there too, it's one of these patterns with a lace at the bottom, and then plain. Not looking forward to the sleeves, as they'll be a bit boring to knit (I'm not very fast, and get bored easily), but I've made a start, so it's all good.
Off out tonight with my writing group, who have never seen me drunk before. Could be a fun evening!
It's only 8:16 and I've just managed to write over 800 words on the novel. It had occurred to me that my protagonist (Ursula) would have had a conversation with someone, but I hadn't actually written that chat! Now I have, and so I feel better. I haven't written much this week, so it's good to feel that I'm back on track.
Also started the sleeve on my friend Brenda's cardigan/Christmas present yesterday, so making progress there too, it's one of these patterns with a lace at the bottom, and then plain. Not looking forward to the sleeves, as they'll be a bit boring to knit (I'm not very fast, and get bored easily), but I've made a start, so it's all good.
Off out tonight with my writing group, who have never seen me drunk before. Could be a fun evening!
Thursday, 4 October 2007
Excited
Hello all.
Today I am very excited.
Firstly, it's my birthday tomorrow, and I'm about to reach the age at which life begins (allegedly).
Secondly, my ticket came through for the Knit and Stitch show at Alexandra Palace next week. Hooray!
I know that I shall go there thinking "I must not buy wool, I must not buy wool", and will come away, laden, thinking "I must not tell Rich, I must not tell Rich". I believe, however, that best beloved, the boy Rich, knows that I am likely to come away with wool/yarn, and although I have a cupboard full of stash, it takes up less room than his vast collection of football programmes, and has infinitely greater potential.
I've been leafing through the show guide working out what I want to see, but I think that the answer is "everything", so it will be a comfy shoes and Kendal mint cake kind of day.
Bring it on!
Today I am very excited.
Firstly, it's my birthday tomorrow, and I'm about to reach the age at which life begins (allegedly).
Secondly, my ticket came through for the Knit and Stitch show at Alexandra Palace next week. Hooray!
I know that I shall go there thinking "I must not buy wool, I must not buy wool", and will come away, laden, thinking "I must not tell Rich, I must not tell Rich". I believe, however, that best beloved, the boy Rich, knows that I am likely to come away with wool/yarn, and although I have a cupboard full of stash, it takes up less room than his vast collection of football programmes, and has infinitely greater potential.
I've been leafing through the show guide working out what I want to see, but I think that the answer is "everything", so it will be a comfy shoes and Kendal mint cake kind of day.
Bring it on!
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
Chapter One?
Hello world,
I'm Lesley - usually known as Lah Lah, and this blog is about my twin obsessions, writing and knitting.
I'm 67,000 words into a comic novel, and working on a cardigan for a friend, and a few little bits for ebay. My biggest problem is time!
Keep tuned for the next thrilling instalment!
I'm Lesley - usually known as Lah Lah, and this blog is about my twin obsessions, writing and knitting.
I'm 67,000 words into a comic novel, and working on a cardigan for a friend, and a few little bits for ebay. My biggest problem is time!
Keep tuned for the next thrilling instalment!
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