My tapestry crochet messenger bag has been published in Let's Knit Magazine!
This has made me more proud than is probably normal, but this is a dream fulfilled!
Saturday, 6 December 2008
Redundancies - a spectator sport?
I really don't want another week like this one.
Don't get me wrong, nobody got ill, the world didn't implode or anything like that, but it has been ever so slightly shit.
The nadir was Wednesday. The company I work for has recently bought a competitor. With another colleague, I've been working at the new company this week to help with the transition to the new (ie our existing) computer system.
To be fair to them all, it's gone pretty well. There have been no catastrophes and in general, fewer problems than expected.
Wednesday, however, was horrible. It was nothing to do with the computer and all to do with the fact that we've had to make seven people redundant.
Don't get me wrong; I am well aware that we live in times of mass redundancies. Every news bulletin talks of hundreds or thousands losing their jobs, but this week really brought home to me exactly what that means.
It was like a creeping death through the office. One by one, people were called in for their meeting. A few who have still got jobs have been demoted (there needs to be "alignment of roles"), so even those in employment weren't exactly thrilled. But the worst bit was when the person came out from their meeting accompanied by someone from HR. Then it was a rushed packing up of their personal belongings and carrying them out in a plastic bag (or whatever else they could find). There was no time to go around saying goodbye to people, exchanging phone numbers, or even shaking hands. The people involved were losing their jobs and as they packed up their things they were feeling rushed and losing a bit of dignity too. The reaction of the others in the office was also odd and yet understandable. Some colleagues couldn't look the "redundee" in the eye. Perhaps out of fear (if they hadn't yet had their meeting), perhaps out of guilt (if they already knew that they were okay), perhaps to avoid bursting into tears in the middle of the office. Personally, I have no such pride and did not try to fight the tears that came to my eyes or the crack in my voice, but I'm not saying this because I think it makes me a better person, it just makes me a person with less self control.
Everyone who wasn't coming back had gone by early afternoon, and those that were left were numb and drained. There was much talk of cracking open a bottle of wine with that night's dinner.
But the next day, it transpired that most people had just vegged out in front of the TV and let a soap opera and rest help them to rebuild.
So when you see that news item about another 1000 jobs going, please don't do what I had done, and allow large numbers to desensitise you to what this actually means. It means 1000 people with their pictures of their kids, their postcards from Florida and their special pen, mug or plant being shoved, without ceremony or care into a carrier bag, so that they don't keep the woman from HR waiting as she escorts them from the building. It means waking up the next day feeling guilty if you didn't go to the job centre on your way home from the office where you'd spent the last five years. It's about suddenly feeling lonely as your 9-5 social life is taken away from you. It's about fear of the future.
Forgive me if I'm painting a bleak picture. I know that there are many people for whom redundancy was the best thing that ever happened to them, how it spurred them on to make positive moves in their lives, how it jolted them out of a rut.
I truly hope that this happens to the seven people I saw lose their jobs this week and I hope it happens quickly, to take away the pain that I suspect they're feeling now.
Don't get me wrong, nobody got ill, the world didn't implode or anything like that, but it has been ever so slightly shit.
The nadir was Wednesday. The company I work for has recently bought a competitor. With another colleague, I've been working at the new company this week to help with the transition to the new (ie our existing) computer system.
To be fair to them all, it's gone pretty well. There have been no catastrophes and in general, fewer problems than expected.
Wednesday, however, was horrible. It was nothing to do with the computer and all to do with the fact that we've had to make seven people redundant.
Don't get me wrong; I am well aware that we live in times of mass redundancies. Every news bulletin talks of hundreds or thousands losing their jobs, but this week really brought home to me exactly what that means.
It was like a creeping death through the office. One by one, people were called in for their meeting. A few who have still got jobs have been demoted (there needs to be "alignment of roles"), so even those in employment weren't exactly thrilled. But the worst bit was when the person came out from their meeting accompanied by someone from HR. Then it was a rushed packing up of their personal belongings and carrying them out in a plastic bag (or whatever else they could find). There was no time to go around saying goodbye to people, exchanging phone numbers, or even shaking hands. The people involved were losing their jobs and as they packed up their things they were feeling rushed and losing a bit of dignity too. The reaction of the others in the office was also odd and yet understandable. Some colleagues couldn't look the "redundee" in the eye. Perhaps out of fear (if they hadn't yet had their meeting), perhaps out of guilt (if they already knew that they were okay), perhaps to avoid bursting into tears in the middle of the office. Personally, I have no such pride and did not try to fight the tears that came to my eyes or the crack in my voice, but I'm not saying this because I think it makes me a better person, it just makes me a person with less self control.
Everyone who wasn't coming back had gone by early afternoon, and those that were left were numb and drained. There was much talk of cracking open a bottle of wine with that night's dinner.
But the next day, it transpired that most people had just vegged out in front of the TV and let a soap opera and rest help them to rebuild.
So when you see that news item about another 1000 jobs going, please don't do what I had done, and allow large numbers to desensitise you to what this actually means. It means 1000 people with their pictures of their kids, their postcards from Florida and their special pen, mug or plant being shoved, without ceremony or care into a carrier bag, so that they don't keep the woman from HR waiting as she escorts them from the building. It means waking up the next day feeling guilty if you didn't go to the job centre on your way home from the office where you'd spent the last five years. It's about suddenly feeling lonely as your 9-5 social life is taken away from you. It's about fear of the future.
Forgive me if I'm painting a bleak picture. I know that there are many people for whom redundancy was the best thing that ever happened to them, how it spurred them on to make positive moves in their lives, how it jolted them out of a rut.
I truly hope that this happens to the seven people I saw lose their jobs this week and I hope it happens quickly, to take away the pain that I suspect they're feeling now.
Sunday, 30 November 2008
Too little time
In theory, time is constant. By counting "1 elephant, 2 elephant" etc, one can count seconds. Count 60 of them and you have a minute, count 60 minutes and you have an hour.....well, you all know how it goes.
So why does time keep disappearing? It's DECEMBER, for goodness sake, how did that happen? It seems only five minutes ago that it was June!
Knitting
Needless to say, most of my queue is still a queue. One of Alena's Arsenal socks is completed, and I'm not far from the heel on the other, but time is my enemy.
It's my works fault. I ended up working yesterday (a Saturday! I'm an office worker, we don't do Saturdays) because of "data migration UAT" (which is converting one computer system to another and checking the information, for those of us who don't speak computer) and this had to be done over a weekend.
All next week, I'm going to have to work full time to help our new colleagues feel comfortable with said computer system and then we're only 3 weeks away from Christmas!
As my sister has told me that she doesn't like wool right next to her skin, I no longer have to worry about making her any socks, which is good as I really won't have the time.
I've kept my Christmas knitting list realistic, so nobody should have to wait until Spring to get their FO, but I must start earlier next year (like, in January).
Writing
Time may also be my enemy here. This week's writers' group will include my last distributed chapter that's already been re-drafted. I was SO ahead of the game, but now the game has overtaken me.
I must also get some more articles written - I'm falling behind and I could do with the cash!
Life
I'm still waiting for things to get better. Roll on the week after next (there I go, wishing and waiting and hoping again...)
Ah well - keep smiling.
So why does time keep disappearing? It's DECEMBER, for goodness sake, how did that happen? It seems only five minutes ago that it was June!
Knitting
Needless to say, most of my queue is still a queue. One of Alena's Arsenal socks is completed, and I'm not far from the heel on the other, but time is my enemy.
It's my works fault. I ended up working yesterday (a Saturday! I'm an office worker, we don't do Saturdays) because of "data migration UAT" (which is converting one computer system to another and checking the information, for those of us who don't speak computer) and this had to be done over a weekend.
All next week, I'm going to have to work full time to help our new colleagues feel comfortable with said computer system and then we're only 3 weeks away from Christmas!
As my sister has told me that she doesn't like wool right next to her skin, I no longer have to worry about making her any socks, which is good as I really won't have the time.
I've kept my Christmas knitting list realistic, so nobody should have to wait until Spring to get their FO, but I must start earlier next year (like, in January).
Writing
Time may also be my enemy here. This week's writers' group will include my last distributed chapter that's already been re-drafted. I was SO ahead of the game, but now the game has overtaken me.
I must also get some more articles written - I'm falling behind and I could do with the cash!
Life
I'm still waiting for things to get better. Roll on the week after next (there I go, wishing and waiting and hoping again...)
Ah well - keep smiling.
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Coloured cable handwarmers
Here's another free pattern; my coloured cable hand warmers.
This is one of those patterns that is much easier to knit than it is to write down. It looks very complicated and I've written it in a great deal of detail, but once you get into the swing of the pattern, it's actually much easier than it looks.
That said, if anything is unclear (or even if I've made any typos) please let me know and I'll do my best to help, clarify and correct.
Cabled Handwarmers
Materials:
Alpaca Silk by Blue Sky Alpacas. (50g/146 yds)
2 balls of main (light) colour and 1 ball of contrast (dark) colour.
1 pair of 3.25mm needles.
Size: Lady’s medium size
Tension: Not vital.
Abbreviations:
L “Light” (the red yarn used on the handwarmer pictured)– eg K2L means “Knit 2 in light coloured yarn”
D “Dark” (the blue yarn used on the handwarmer pictured)
NB - the yarns are carried using the techniques for stranded knitting (twisted together every two or three stitches, to keep the work flat and even).
C4B Place the next two stitches on the cable needle and place at the back of the work. Knit the next two stitches, then knit the two stitches from the cable needle.
C4F Place the next two stitches on the cable needle and place at the front of the work. Knit the next two stitches, then knit the two stitches from the cable needle.
C3BD Place the next stitch on the cable needle and place at the back of the work. Knit the next two stitches in D, and then knit the stitch from the cable needle in L.
C3FD Place the next two stitches on the cable needle and place at the front of the work. Knit the next stitch in L, and then knit the two stitches from the cable needle in D.
M1K Pick up the loop between the left and right hand needle. Place on the left hand needle. K 1 into the back of this loop.
M1P Pick up the loop between the left and right hand needle. Place on the left hand needle. P 1 into the back of this loop.
Cable Pattern (42 sts):
Row 1 K4L, (C4B in D, K6 in L) 3 times, C4BD, K4 in L
Row 2 (and all even rows) Purl, keeping colours consistent from the previous row.
Row 3 K3L (C3BD, C3FD, K4L) 3 times, C3BD, C3FD, K3 in L
Row 5 K2L (C3BD, K2L, C3FD, K2L) 4 times
Row 7 K1L, (C3BD, K4, C3FD) 4 times, K1L
Row 9 K1L, K2D (K6L, C4F in D) 3 times, K6L, K2D, K1L
Row 11 K1L, (C3FD, K4, C3BD) 4 times, K1L
Row 13 K2L, (C3FD, K2L, C3BD, K2L) 4 times
Row 15 K3L, (C3FD, C3BD, K4L) 3 times, C3FD, C3BD, K3L
Row 16 Purl, keeping colours consistent from the previous row.
These 16 rows form the cable pattern.
Right hand glove pattern.
Using 3.25mm needles and L, cast on 53 sts.
Work 20 rows K1, P1 rib. On the last row, increase 12 sts evenly across the row (total 65sts).
Row 1 K5L, (K2D, K8L) 4 times, K in L to end of row.
Row 2 P27L (P4D, P6L) 4 times, P in L to end of row.
Row 3 Work row 1 of cable pattern for 42 sts, work the rest of the row in L. M1K, K2 M1K, K to end.
C4B Place the next two stitches on the cable needle and place at the back of the work. Knit the next two stitches, then knit the two stitches from the cable needle.
C4F Place the next two stitches on the cable needle and place at the front of the work. Knit the next two stitches, then knit the two stitches from the cable needle.
C3BD Place the next stitch on the cable needle and place at the back of the work. Knit the next two stitches in D, and then knit the stitch from the cable needle in L.
C3FD Place the next two stitches on the cable needle and place at the front of the work. Knit the next stitch in L, and then knit the two stitches from the cable needle in D.
M1K Pick up the loop between the left and right hand needle. Place on the left hand needle. K 1 into the back of this loop.
M1P Pick up the loop between the left and right hand needle. Place on the left hand needle. P 1 into the back of this loop.
Cable Pattern (42 sts):
Row 1 K4L, (C4B in D, K6 in L) 3 times, C4BD, K4 in L
Row 2 (and all even rows) Purl, keeping colours consistent from the previous row.
Row 3 K3L (C3BD, C3FD, K4L) 3 times, C3BD, C3FD, K3 in L
Row 5 K2L (C3BD, K2L, C3FD, K2L) 4 times
Row 7 K1L, (C3BD, K4, C3FD) 4 times, K1L
Row 9 K1L, K2D (K6L, C4F in D) 3 times, K6L, K2D, K1L
Row 11 K1L, (C3FD, K4, C3BD) 4 times, K1L
Row 13 K2L, (C3FD, K2L, C3BD, K2L) 4 times
Row 15 K3L, (C3FD, C3BD, K4L) 3 times, C3FD, C3BD, K3L
Row 16 Purl, keeping colours consistent from the previous row.
These 16 rows form the cable pattern.
Right hand glove pattern.
Using 3.25mm needles and L, cast on 53 sts.
Work 20 rows K1, P1 rib. On the last row, increase 12 sts evenly across the row (total 65sts).
Row 1 K5L, (K2D, K8L) 4 times, K in L to end of row.
Row 2 P27L (P4D, P6L) 4 times, P in L to end of row.
Row 3 Work row 1 of cable pattern for 42 sts, work the rest of the row in L. M1K, K2 M1K, K to end.
Work 2 more rows, keeping the cable pattern correct.
Continue with the cable pattern, working increases for the thumb gusset as follows:
Next row (Row 6 of the handwarmer - row 4 of the cable pattern) P21, M1P, P4, M1P, work cable patt to end.
Row 9 Work cable patt. M1K, K6, M1K, K to end in L
Row 12 P21, M1P, P8, M1P, work cable patt to end.
Row 15 Work cable patt. M1K, K10, M1K, K to end in L
Row 18 P21, M1P, P12, M1P, work cable patt to end.
Row 21 Work cable patt. M1K, K14, M1K, K to end in L
Row 24 P21, M1P, P16, M1P, work cable patt to end.
(Total number of stitches now 81)
Row 25 Work 42 sts of cable pattern, K18L, Cast on 3 sts, turn.
Thumb
Purl 21, cast on 3 sts. turn
Work 4 rows K1 P1 rib on these 24 sts.
Cast off loosely in rib.
Rejoin the yarn, pick up 4 sts at the base of the thumb and K to the end in L.
Purl 21, cast on 3 sts. turn
Work 4 rows K1 P1 rib on these 24 sts.
Cast off loosely in rib.
Rejoin the yarn, pick up 4 sts at the base of the thumb and K to the end in L.
Row 26 P25, work 42 sts of cable pattern
Continue working straight on these 67 sts until you have completed 41 rows in total (2 ½ repeats of the cable pattern).
Row 42 P26L, P2togD, P6L, (P2togD, P2togD, P6L) 3 times, P2togD, P1, K1 row in L.
Continue working straight on these 67 sts until you have completed 41 rows in total (2 ½ repeats of the cable pattern).
Row 42 P26L, P2togD, P6L, (P2togD, P2togD, P6L) 3 times, P2togD, P1, K1 row in L.
Work 4 rows K1, P1 rib in L.
Cast off loosely in rib.
Left hand glove pattern.
Using 3.25mm needles and L, cast on 53 sts.
Work 20 rows K1, P1 rib. On the last row, increase 12 sts evenly across the row (total 65sts).
Row 1 K28L, (K2D, K8L) 4 times, K in L to end of row.
Row 2 P4L (P4D, P6L) 4 times, P in L to end of row.
Row 3 K21, M1K, K2, M1K , work row 1 of cable pattern.
Continue with the cable pattern, working increases for the thumb gusset as follows:
Row 6 Work cable patt, M1P, P4, M1P, P to end in L
Row 9 K21 M1K, K6, M1K, work cable patt to end
Row 12 Work cable patt, M1P, P8, M1P, P to end in L
Row 15 K21 M1K, K10, M1K, work cable patt to end
Row 18 Work cable patt, M1P, P12, M1P, P to end in L
Row 21 K21 M1K, K14, M1K, work cable patt to end
Row 24 Work cable patt, M1P, P16, M1P P to end in L
(Total number of stitches now 81)
Row 25 K37L, Cast on 3 sts, turn.
Left hand glove pattern.
Using 3.25mm needles and L, cast on 53 sts.
Work 20 rows K1, P1 rib. On the last row, increase 12 sts evenly across the row (total 65sts).
Row 1 K28L, (K2D, K8L) 4 times, K in L to end of row.
Row 2 P4L (P4D, P6L) 4 times, P in L to end of row.
Row 3 K21, M1K, K2, M1K , work row 1 of cable pattern.
Continue with the cable pattern, working increases for the thumb gusset as follows:
Row 6 Work cable patt, M1P, P4, M1P, P to end in L
Row 9 K21 M1K, K6, M1K, work cable patt to end
Row 12 Work cable patt, M1P, P8, M1P, P to end in L
Row 15 K21 M1K, K10, M1K, work cable patt to end
Row 18 Work cable patt, M1P, P12, M1P, P to end in L
Row 21 K21 M1K, K14, M1K, work cable patt to end
Row 24 Work cable patt, M1P, P16, M1P P to end in L
(Total number of stitches now 81)
Row 25 K37L, Cast on 3 sts, turn.
Thumb
Purl 21, cast on 3 sts. turn
Work 4 rows K1 P1 rib on these 24 sts.
Cast off loosely in rib.
Rejoin the yarn, pick up 4 sts at the base of the thumb and work cable pattern to the end of the row.
Row 26 Work cable patt, P25 to end.
Continue working straight on these 67 sts until you have completed 41 rows in total (2 ½ repeats of the cable pattern).
Row 42 P1L, P2togD, P6L (P2togD, P2togD, P6L) 3 times, P2togD, P to end.
K1 row in L.
Work 4 rows K1, P1 rib in L.
Cast off loosely in rib.
To Make Up:
Purl 21, cast on 3 sts. turn
Work 4 rows K1 P1 rib on these 24 sts.
Cast off loosely in rib.
Rejoin the yarn, pick up 4 sts at the base of the thumb and work cable pattern to the end of the row.
Row 26 Work cable patt, P25 to end.
Continue working straight on these 67 sts until you have completed 41 rows in total (2 ½ repeats of the cable pattern).
Row 42 P1L, P2togD, P6L (P2togD, P2togD, P6L) 3 times, P2togD, P to end.
K1 row in L.
Work 4 rows K1, P1 rib in L.
Cast off loosely in rib.
To Make Up:
Block glove. DO NOT PRESS.
Sew up the thumb seams.
Sew up the side seams.
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Knitting's fine - photography's crap
Knitting
So I made a pair of plain black fingerless mitts for the daughter of a colleague.
No biggie, but I finished them before work one morning, so I took a quick piccie before giving them away.
I have a photograph of two ribbed wristbands.
D'Oh!
Writing
Well, butter my backside and call me a piece of toast, I've actually done some writing today!
For the first time in I can't remember how long I've had a spare hour (and a nagging feeling that I've forgotten something) so I edited chapter 8 of the interminable novel. I feel good..... I knew that I would now....
Life
Still hate my job. Except now I'm doing some serious planning to get myself out of there.
Focus, focus. Must not buy yarn, must not buy yarn.
So I made a pair of plain black fingerless mitts for the daughter of a colleague.
No biggie, but I finished them before work one morning, so I took a quick piccie before giving them away.
I have a photograph of two ribbed wristbands.
D'Oh!
Writing
Well, butter my backside and call me a piece of toast, I've actually done some writing today!
For the first time in I can't remember how long I've had a spare hour (and a nagging feeling that I've forgotten something) so I edited chapter 8 of the interminable novel. I feel good..... I knew that I would now....
Life
Still hate my job. Except now I'm doing some serious planning to get myself out of there.
Focus, focus. Must not buy yarn, must not buy yarn.
Sunday, 26 October 2008
Monster Modular Bathmat.
Here it is, my latest FO and FP (Free Pattern).
Monster Modular Bathmat.
This was inspired by the “Extreme Knitting” work of Rachel John. The work is made on large needles (these are only 20mm, hers go much larger) and using many strands of yarn together.
It’s a quick pattern and a great stash buster, although be warned – it does make the shoulders ache!
Materials:
Assorted yarns (high acrylic content recommended, given use of item). Approximately 600g in dark colours and 300g in light colours.
Size 20mm needles.
Gauge:
Not important.
Finished size:
Approximately 39” x 27”.
Lah Lah’s Top Tip.
If you’re working in two “colours” to give the effect of the white squares, it is easier to work if you combine all your strands of yarn into one working ball for the light colourway. This makes it much easier to carry the yarns neatly, by twisting the light colourway over all of the dark strands at the end of every alternate row, thus avoiding long “floats” when the other colour is rejoined.
To work:
The pattern is garter stitch (every row knit) throughout, and is used by working a number of strands together. The aim is to make a combined “cord” (nb – not spun, just hold the strands together) with a wraps per inch figure of 3 (approximately). If using double knitting weight yarn, this is about 7 strands worked together.
It is, of course, possible to have all of your strands the same colour, but I rather like the marbled effect of similar colours combined together.
For the purposes of this pattern, “dark” means combined strands of dark yarn, and “light” means combined strand of white and pastel yarns.
1st mitre square.
Using “dark” cast on 21 sts and knit one row to last st, p1.
Row 2: sl1, K9, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 3 and all odd numbered rows: sl1, k to last st, p1
Row 4: sl1, k8, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 6: sl1, K7, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 8: sl1, K6, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 10: Change to “light” yarn. Sl1, K5, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 12: sl1, K4, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 14: sl1, K3, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 16: sl1, K2, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 18: sl1, K1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 20: sl1, k2tog, psso
Keeping this stitch on the needle, and using the dark yarn, pick up 10 sts along the side of the square, then cast on 10 sts (21 in total) and work one row.
Make the next mitre square in the same way as the first, and then make two more. Fasten off the yarns.
Cast on 10 sts and then pick up 11 sts along the side of the 1st mitre square, and knit one row. Then complete the square and the next three squares in the same way, picking up sts from the mitre just worked and the corresponding mitre on the first stripe.
Repeat one more time until you have 3 x 4 mitre squares.
Edging.
Using dark, cast on 4 sts and knit 1 row, picking up 1 stitch from the side of the first mitre square on the last stripe. Turn
1st row : Sl1, K1, psso. K2, P1.
2nd row: s1, K3, pick up the next stitch from the side of the mitre square.
Repeat these two rows until you’ve worked all of the way up the side of the mat, ending with a 1st row. Cast off, leaving your last stitch on the needle, then cast on 4 sts and repeat the edging along the short end of the mat.
Neaten all ends to finish.
It’s a quick pattern and a great stash buster, although be warned – it does make the shoulders ache!
Materials:
Assorted yarns (high acrylic content recommended, given use of item). Approximately 600g in dark colours and 300g in light colours.
Size 20mm needles.
Gauge:
Not important.
Finished size:
Approximately 39” x 27”.
Lah Lah’s Top Tip.
If you’re working in two “colours” to give the effect of the white squares, it is easier to work if you combine all your strands of yarn into one working ball for the light colourway. This makes it much easier to carry the yarns neatly, by twisting the light colourway over all of the dark strands at the end of every alternate row, thus avoiding long “floats” when the other colour is rejoined.
To work:
The pattern is garter stitch (every row knit) throughout, and is used by working a number of strands together. The aim is to make a combined “cord” (nb – not spun, just hold the strands together) with a wraps per inch figure of 3 (approximately). If using double knitting weight yarn, this is about 7 strands worked together.
It is, of course, possible to have all of your strands the same colour, but I rather like the marbled effect of similar colours combined together.
For the purposes of this pattern, “dark” means combined strands of dark yarn, and “light” means combined strand of white and pastel yarns.
1st mitre square.
Using “dark” cast on 21 sts and knit one row to last st, p1.
Row 2: sl1, K9, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 3 and all odd numbered rows: sl1, k to last st, p1
Row 4: sl1, k8, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 6: sl1, K7, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 8: sl1, K6, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 10: Change to “light” yarn. Sl1, K5, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 12: sl1, K4, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 14: sl1, K3, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 16: sl1, K2, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 18: sl1, K1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k to last st, p1
Row 20: sl1, k2tog, psso
Keeping this stitch on the needle, and using the dark yarn, pick up 10 sts along the side of the square, then cast on 10 sts (21 in total) and work one row.
Make the next mitre square in the same way as the first, and then make two more. Fasten off the yarns.
Cast on 10 sts and then pick up 11 sts along the side of the 1st mitre square, and knit one row. Then complete the square and the next three squares in the same way, picking up sts from the mitre just worked and the corresponding mitre on the first stripe.
Repeat one more time until you have 3 x 4 mitre squares.
Edging.
Using dark, cast on 4 sts and knit 1 row, picking up 1 stitch from the side of the first mitre square on the last stripe. Turn
1st row : Sl1, K1, psso. K2, P1.
2nd row: s1, K3, pick up the next stitch from the side of the mitre square.
Repeat these two rows until you’ve worked all of the way up the side of the mat, ending with a 1st row. Cast off, leaving your last stitch on the needle, then cast on 4 sts and repeat the edging along the short end of the mat.
Neaten all ends to finish.
Big projects and a sign of the times.
Knitting
Yet again, I've been trying to sort out my queue.
I've finished the crochet gloves,
but now must move on to other things (mainly gloves, tea cosies and socks), so it looks as though all of my projects are small.
However, I have completed one large project - mega in fact as it was using size 20mm needles. Inspired by all of the giant knitting at Ally Pally, I've made a monster bathmat, the pattern for which will appear in another post.
Writing
Precious little activity, although I am taking a long time to be rejected, following my latest submission. Is this a sign that my work is being pondered over, laughed at (in a good way) and generally heralded as the next big thing? Or is it that the slush pile is huge. Or is it that it got lost in the post. Ah well, no news is.....well, it's no news, to be honest.
Life
I witnessed a sign of the current economic climate yesterday - a Bentley in Lidl's carpark. Made me smile.
Yet again, I've been trying to sort out my queue.
I've finished the crochet gloves,
but now must move on to other things (mainly gloves, tea cosies and socks), so it looks as though all of my projects are small.
However, I have completed one large project - mega in fact as it was using size 20mm needles. Inspired by all of the giant knitting at Ally Pally, I've made a monster bathmat, the pattern for which will appear in another post.
Writing
Precious little activity, although I am taking a long time to be rejected, following my latest submission. Is this a sign that my work is being pondered over, laughed at (in a good way) and generally heralded as the next big thing? Or is it that the slush pile is huge. Or is it that it got lost in the post. Ah well, no news is.....well, it's no news, to be honest.
Life
I witnessed a sign of the current economic climate yesterday - a Bentley in Lidl's carpark. Made me smile.
Sunday, 12 October 2008
Money earned, money spent
What a week!
Jo from knitting group (I know you're lurking Jo....) passed a job my way. She does a fair bit of knitting for other folks, including some fantastic knitted cakes for a local cafe. She is really busy at the moment with knitting projects, so when the lady from the cafe wanted a teacosy made, she passed the gig my way.
Cheers Jo! Here's the finished object:
So, as I'd earned a little money from my knitting, I decided to spend a lot at (dah dah dah..... Ally Pally!), Yes, it's that time of year again when Les goes to North London and spends all her birthday money.
I found I was calmer this year, as I realised that NOT EVERYTHING WILL BE SOLD BY THE TIME I GET THERE!!
However, by the time I got to the Black Sheep stand, the jumble sale of yarn packs was still there, but there was nothing I wanted!
Oh, how discerning I've become.
I also took a bit more time to look at the displays this year (only a bit, there was still some serious shopping to do) but here are a few things I found impressive.
Giant knitting was a theme this year - here was a display in the palm court entrance.
There was also a chance to buy big needles (seriously tempted, but I've got some 20mm somewhere, so I thought I'd give them a go first).
The hyperbolic crochet reef was also very impressive.....
Here's the stash, guys!
(Including some Kauni effektgarn - that made me so happy!)
Jo from knitting group (I know you're lurking Jo....) passed a job my way. She does a fair bit of knitting for other folks, including some fantastic knitted cakes for a local cafe. She is really busy at the moment with knitting projects, so when the lady from the cafe wanted a teacosy made, she passed the gig my way.
Cheers Jo! Here's the finished object:
So, as I'd earned a little money from my knitting, I decided to spend a lot at (dah dah dah..... Ally Pally!), Yes, it's that time of year again when Les goes to North London and spends all her birthday money.
I found I was calmer this year, as I realised that NOT EVERYTHING WILL BE SOLD BY THE TIME I GET THERE!!
However, by the time I got to the Black Sheep stand, the jumble sale of yarn packs was still there, but there was nothing I wanted!
Oh, how discerning I've become.
I also took a bit more time to look at the displays this year (only a bit, there was still some serious shopping to do) but here are a few things I found impressive.
Giant knitting was a theme this year - here was a display in the palm court entrance.
There was also a chance to buy big needles (seriously tempted, but I've got some 20mm somewhere, so I thought I'd give them a go first).
The hyperbolic crochet reef was also very impressive.....
... as were the exhibits from the student shows.
This was my favourite.
Here's the stash, guys!
(Including some Kauni effektgarn - that made me so happy!)
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
One down
Knitting.
I've finished the first of the small projects I had in my queue - a tea cosy for Delia.
I've finished the first of the small projects I had in my queue - a tea cosy for Delia.
Observant readers (!) may notice that Delia had a tea cosy not long ago - well she has two teapots (now that's what I call posh) and this is for the smaller pot. She wanted greens, so this turned into a nice little stash buster.
The next project will be a pair of tapestry crochet gloves for Ros, in time for her birthday (Nov 4th). Shouldn't be a problem.
Writing
After reading an article in one of the writer's mags, I've decided to send off my (re-ordered) first three chapters to another publisher. I'm so predictable - full of bravado when it goes off ("well, if it's rejected, that's fine") and full of upset when it's rejected, but it's definitely not going to get published sitting on my computer, that's a given.
Life
My work is busy at the moment, and on Monday I woke up thinking "I'll be glad when this training is over". It occurred to me that I am forever wishing my life away, waiting for something to finish. I think I may be happier if I learned to live in the moment. However, since coming to this point of view, I have turned into "Mr Creosote" and am eating everything in front of me (even the cat looks a bit worried), so I'm obviously not finding this new viewpoint to be a happy one!
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Sorting out my queue
I have reached that stage where I have achieved SABLE (Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy) - but I'm still going to Ally Pally next month, I've got a list of things in my head that I want to make (Christmas and Birthday pressies mostly) and I just feel as though it's all chaotic and muddled.
In the past, this has been the stage where I've given up and gone to something else for a while (voracious reading, cookery, something like that).
I need to get organised (I do actually need to read more, too, but that can follow from the organisation).
I've sorted out the three most urgent things (Gloves for a birthday, a teacosy and a pair of sock for Christmas) and I shall start with them - this may lead me on to other things. Unfortunately, I started a teacosy earlier on a circular and after 4 rows of nearly 200 stitches a pop (it's a ruched cosy), I realised that there was a twist. Moebius teacosies are not that practical, I feel, so that was an unpick job.
Never mind - I do at least know where I'm going (the glove pattern worked out in the end), even if I don't know how much frogging it will take to get me there!
In the past, this has been the stage where I've given up and gone to something else for a while (voracious reading, cookery, something like that).
I need to get organised (I do actually need to read more, too, but that can follow from the organisation).
I've sorted out the three most urgent things (Gloves for a birthday, a teacosy and a pair of sock for Christmas) and I shall start with them - this may lead me on to other things. Unfortunately, I started a teacosy earlier on a circular and after 4 rows of nearly 200 stitches a pop (it's a ruched cosy), I realised that there was a twist. Moebius teacosies are not that practical, I feel, so that was an unpick job.
Never mind - I do at least know where I'm going (the glove pattern worked out in the end), even if I don't know how much frogging it will take to get me there!
Monday, 15 September 2008
Stasis
I think my mid-life crisis is setting in.
I'm fed up with a lot of things at the moment.
Depression.
I'm a repeating sufferer of mild depression (or do I just get pissed off? The doc seems to think it's depression, but who knows?) My best beloved is also off work with depression, but he's the languid type, whereas I'm more manic. It doesn't make for a happy household.
Work.
I'm developing a second career, but financially I still need to do my day job. I shouldn't complain, it's part time, for the area in which I live and the work that I do, the money's not bad. Plus (and it's a big plus) I've got unofficial flexi time for my second job, but there's a catch. I hate my fucking job!
And, rather stupidly, I've just agreed to go full time for a while! My company has just bought another business and I'm invoved in training. I've done it on the following conditions:
I can take the time in lieu
I can keep my mobile on
If I get any work for the other job, I do it.
All agreed by the boss (it hasn't cost anything, so is automatically a winner - know thy enemy).
Knitting.
It feels as though everything I try doesn't quite work. I'm trying a crochet pattern for gloves, which will eventually be a friend's birthday pressie, as well as an original design, but I'm getting fed up with having to unpick and re-do. I know that this is part of the design process, but I'm frustrated with how rarely I can get it right first time.
Designing.
My pattern's been put back. No biggie, just a delay.
Writing.
Rejections are us. I send the requisite three chapters and synopsis to an agent, who rejected. Not surprised but still disappointed. It's a bit like NOT getting the call back from Jim'll Fix It. Interestingly, the work was out of order when it was returned, leading me to assume that it was rejected after five pages. Some writers would be insulted by this (they haven't read the whole thing), but to steal and paraphrase a quote from Jane Wenham-Jones book, they don't need to taste the whole dish to know that it needs more salt.
So, I've moved things around, to introduce an interesting character earlier and to add in a bit of conflict that would otherwise languish until chapter three.
I thank them for their rejection. I would have preferred an acceptance, I would have liked more feedback than the standard letter, but their method of return has taught me something useful and I'm grateful for it.
I'm fed up with a lot of things at the moment.
Depression.
I'm a repeating sufferer of mild depression (or do I just get pissed off? The doc seems to think it's depression, but who knows?) My best beloved is also off work with depression, but he's the languid type, whereas I'm more manic. It doesn't make for a happy household.
Work.
I'm developing a second career, but financially I still need to do my day job. I shouldn't complain, it's part time, for the area in which I live and the work that I do, the money's not bad. Plus (and it's a big plus) I've got unofficial flexi time for my second job, but there's a catch. I hate my fucking job!
And, rather stupidly, I've just agreed to go full time for a while! My company has just bought another business and I'm invoved in training. I've done it on the following conditions:
I can take the time in lieu
I can keep my mobile on
If I get any work for the other job, I do it.
All agreed by the boss (it hasn't cost anything, so is automatically a winner - know thy enemy).
Knitting.
It feels as though everything I try doesn't quite work. I'm trying a crochet pattern for gloves, which will eventually be a friend's birthday pressie, as well as an original design, but I'm getting fed up with having to unpick and re-do. I know that this is part of the design process, but I'm frustrated with how rarely I can get it right first time.
Designing.
My pattern's been put back. No biggie, just a delay.
Writing.
Rejections are us. I send the requisite three chapters and synopsis to an agent, who rejected. Not surprised but still disappointed. It's a bit like NOT getting the call back from Jim'll Fix It. Interestingly, the work was out of order when it was returned, leading me to assume that it was rejected after five pages. Some writers would be insulted by this (they haven't read the whole thing), but to steal and paraphrase a quote from Jane Wenham-Jones book, they don't need to taste the whole dish to know that it needs more salt.
So, I've moved things around, to introduce an interesting character earlier and to add in a bit of conflict that would otherwise languish until chapter three.
I thank them for their rejection. I would have preferred an acceptance, I would have liked more feedback than the standard letter, but their method of return has taught me something useful and I'm grateful for it.
Saturday, 16 August 2008
Another month gone?
How could another month have passed since my last entry? I must have been distracted by all the fantastic weather we've been having. (Sarcasm is just one of the services I offer....)
I had my first Suite 101 payment - a whole £6.07!
It's actually quite sad how excited that made me. Just think what I'll be like when my bag's in Let's Knit mag!
I've done lots of small bits and pieces recently - tea cosies, hats and the like.
The hat is an attempt at a 1920s "flapper" hat which will go with my lace silk scarf, knitted last year,
I've also done a bit of charity knitting (dog coats for K9 knitters and cat blankets for the RSPCA).
In fact, the only big thing I've made is a gilet for my sister Bev, when she's out dog-walking. It's yarn that I bought at Ally Pally last year which is 100% wool and incredibly thick. She seemed pleased with it when I gave it to her, so hope she gets some use from it.
I frogged Brenda's "Cinnamon Bark". The pattern was getting right up my nose, but I will use it to make some socks. It is pretty, even if a pain to knit.
I've had inspiration this very morning for a child's dress pattern, which I would hope to sell to a knitting mag, so I must put together a sample section (my drawing's awful, so I need to put something together so that they've got a chance of envisaging what I've got in mind!) I'm thinking old fashioned, pastel colours, 4 ply yarn, interesting techniques. Wish me luck!
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Loose ends?
I've finished the BSJ, which I'm fairly pleased with.
I will probably make an Adult Surprise Jacket at some point (seems like a good way to use the stash).
I've also been using up some yarn in my stash which is ridiculously thick. I'm making my sister a rather un-glamourous "body warmer" for when she's out walking her dog. I offered to make the dog something matching, but if it's possible to show panic in an email, that's what she did!
The yarn (Sirdar Country, 100% wool) is recommended for 9mm needles, which means that this item is knitting up in no time, but I've had to put in a large stripe of some recycled dark lilac yarn, otherwise I would have run out half way up the back!
So, Wips at the moment are:
Dad dog coat (so called, because I speak to my dad nearly every day, and I knit this while we're chatting).
Brenda's cinammon bark - I'm beginning to dislike the pattern intensely (although I think it would make good socks), but I feel committed now.
Red socks, made with yarn bought on hols.
No pic, but let's be honest, not much of a pattern, either!
Lace shawl - I think I'm going to frog it, and use some nicer quality yarn instead. The red nylon I've started could always be put in with other acrylics for more dog coats.
Not too bad then?
I've just written another article for Suite 101 (brewpubs in Victoria, BC), but I've got to pull my finger out next week - I'm meant to do 10 every 3 months - I've got 2 1/5 weeks to write 5 articles.
Muse - come to me now!
Monday, 30 June 2008
International Jetsetter
Well, not quite, but I am posting this entry from Vancounver airport.
Best Beloved and I have been on holiday to Vancouver/Victoria/Seattle, and are now waiting to come home.
We had to buy another bag - because he bought lots of clothes (being a bloaty boy, the range is much better on the US side of the Atlantic) and I bought lots of YARN!
It was heaven. I didn't get to half of the yarn shops I wanted, as most are outside of the main "downtown" areas, but I did get approx 2 carrier bags full. There are some fab colours in my new stash, and I've gone for mostly natural fibres (I have a long history of using acrylics, when really I shouldn't).
I will post piccies when I'm home, as I've got some sorting and labelling to do for Rav, but I have increased my stash quality considerably. That's it now until Ally Pally, that's what I keep telling myself.
I did some craft work while away - the tapestry crochet bag pattern is a go-er and so I sat in bars and on trains hooking away I received some comments of praise for my work, which was very gratifying.
Another 12 hours, and we should be on British soil. Can't wait.
NB - Edited later to add pictures of yarn
Best Beloved and I have been on holiday to Vancouver/Victoria/Seattle, and are now waiting to come home.
We had to buy another bag - because he bought lots of clothes (being a bloaty boy, the range is much better on the US side of the Atlantic) and I bought lots of YARN!
It was heaven. I didn't get to half of the yarn shops I wanted, as most are outside of the main "downtown" areas, but I did get approx 2 carrier bags full. There are some fab colours in my new stash, and I've gone for mostly natural fibres (I have a long history of using acrylics, when really I shouldn't).
I will post piccies when I'm home, as I've got some sorting and labelling to do for Rav, but I have increased my stash quality considerably. That's it now until Ally Pally, that's what I keep telling myself.
I did some craft work while away - the tapestry crochet bag pattern is a go-er and so I sat in bars and on trains hooking away I received some comments of praise for my work, which was very gratifying.
Another 12 hours, and we should be on British soil. Can't wait.
NB - Edited later to add pictures of yarn
Saturday, 14 June 2008
It's a good job not many read this....
.... Or I'll have been letting my readership down.
Over a month since my last post?
P*** poor, I know.
But I've been busy with work n stuff.
I've managed quite a few things on the knitting/crochet front too.
This is my first tapestry crochet bag - a birthday gift for a friend.
I was so pleased with it that I wrote to a knitting mag, and asked them if they wanted to commission me for another! I'll keep you posted on that one.
I decided to make another anyway, to take my stuff to knitting group in:
I've also finished a dog coat - using my Russian joined stash balls in a fake-isle stylee.
And have made blanket for my cousin's baby (due later this year).
I've completed another couple of cushions - sponge bob for my niece's car, and a corporate one to raise money at work.
I'm also working on my first Baby Surprise Jacket, and loving the pattern.
You can see why I haven't had time to write, really!
Sunday, 4 May 2008
It gets better!
In yesterday's post, I was bemoaning the fact that someone had questioned my article without having read it.
Today, I've got a comment on one of my knitting articles with the comment "That is the ugliest cardigan I've ever seen".
Is this the level of debate I'm to expect?
I was going to allow the comment on there, but decided to take it off after all - what would be gained, and I don't want to give currency to this low level of discussion.
I'm almost envious of this person - if I had time to comment on everything I found ugly, I'd barely have time to get dressed in the morning, let alone to anything useful.
Ho hum!
Today, I've got a comment on one of my knitting articles with the comment "That is the ugliest cardigan I've ever seen".
Is this the level of debate I'm to expect?
I was going to allow the comment on there, but decided to take it off after all - what would be gained, and I don't want to give currency to this low level of discussion.
I'm almost envious of this person - if I had time to comment on everything I found ugly, I'd barely have time to get dressed in the morning, let alone to anything useful.
Ho hum!
Friday, 2 May 2008
Muppetry of the first order
Goodness me, there are some f-wits out there!
I have written a Suite 101 article on Mary Wollstonecraft's life.
I received a comment on this article (nice to know that someone's reading it).
The comment is, and I quote: was she married or not duh!
Well, she was (I researched this vital piece of information from MY OWN ARTICLE) and so penned what I hope is a polite reply:
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, you have not specified which man. Mary Wollstonecraft did not marry Gilbert Imlay, but did marry William Godwin in 1797 (as noted in the article)
Isn't it nice that people read your work, and get involved in some kind of intellectual debate? Duh?
I chose to find this amusing.
I have written a Suite 101 article on Mary Wollstonecraft's life.
I received a comment on this article (nice to know that someone's reading it).
The comment is, and I quote: was she married or not duh!
Well, she was (I researched this vital piece of information from MY OWN ARTICLE) and so penned what I hope is a polite reply:
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, you have not specified which man. Mary Wollstonecraft did not marry Gilbert Imlay, but did marry William Godwin in 1797 (as noted in the article)
Isn't it nice that people read your work, and get involved in some kind of intellectual debate? Duh?
I chose to find this amusing.
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Rejection and Depression
I really have got to deal with rejection a bit better.
I know that I'm coming off the anti-depressants, and so having a few more trips over to the dark side than previously, but really, I've got to grow up!
Synopsis
I handed my synopsis round to the writers' group, thinking that it was pretty good. Oh how wrong can I be. They absolutely pulled it apart.
Don't get me wrong, I'm in favour of the criticisms that they made, I'm just sooooo pissed off that they needed to make any!
Article.
Then I had an article flagged on Suite 101. Again, there is nothing wrong with the criticisms that were made and this is exactly the sort of thing I'm learning -but man, did I get the arse? I was ready to throw my toys out of the pram, and stop writing for them (yes, I'm sure they'd be gutted...). It took me a little while to calm down, and make the corrections, but now I'm a bit panicky about future articles. Okay, that may be a good thing, as I hopefully won't get complacent, but I'm now feeling like a nervous wreck!
Perhaps I should go back onto the happy pills after all?
Knitting is so much more civilised.
I know that I'm coming off the anti-depressants, and so having a few more trips over to the dark side than previously, but really, I've got to grow up!
Synopsis
I handed my synopsis round to the writers' group, thinking that it was pretty good. Oh how wrong can I be. They absolutely pulled it apart.
Don't get me wrong, I'm in favour of the criticisms that they made, I'm just sooooo pissed off that they needed to make any!
Article.
Then I had an article flagged on Suite 101. Again, there is nothing wrong with the criticisms that were made and this is exactly the sort of thing I'm learning -but man, did I get the arse? I was ready to throw my toys out of the pram, and stop writing for them (yes, I'm sure they'd be gutted...). It took me a little while to calm down, and make the corrections, but now I'm a bit panicky about future articles. Okay, that may be a good thing, as I hopefully won't get complacent, but I'm now feeling like a nervous wreck!
Perhaps I should go back onto the happy pills after all?
Knitting is so much more civilised.
Sunday, 20 April 2008
Bulimia? Aren't you supposed to throw up as well?
Life
So, John Prescott has Bulimia. I feel sorry for him, and admire his courage in speaking publicly about it.
Years ago (I have a long history of "issues" with food) I was discussing this condition, and said that I could understand the bingeing, but had never forced myself to throw up, or get rid of the food in any other unpleasant ways - I've thought about it, but never done it. This was considered funny - after all - what's more hilarious than a fat person stuffing their face? However, when John Prescott says all this (and there's been no mention of fingers down the throat or laxatives - thank God!) it's not hysterically funny after all. Is it because I'm not a politician or some other kind of public figure? Is it because I'm female? Or is it just because the sketch writers haven't put together the jokes yet?
I hope he gets over the condition - and if he raises awareness of men dealing with eating disorders too, that's all to the good. One life helped is worth it.
Anything that opens up the debate has got to be positive.
Knitting
I've finished one sock - yes, I had finished one before, but it wasn't long enough, so I've now finished the second sock, and am going back to lengthen the first one.
My stars in one of the knitting mags said that I should be less chaotic, and finish some of my UFOs (unfinished objects). Although astrology is largely bollocks, there is a certain logic in that, and so I shall finish the socks and try to finish everything else before I start anything new.
Writing
I've actually done some this morning! Well, some editing. I've had a knitting book idea rejected again, because that particular company isn't doing any more books on knitting at the mo. Ah well, shit occurs. It's a bit frustrating, as I think that I have quite a good idea, and when I see some of the books published on the subject, I do wonder who the target audience is, as they seem very limited in scope, but perhaps that's just another phrase for "specialisation" and actually, that's what I should be aiming for.
I've been editing the novel this morning, am now up to chapter three, so must keep on going. Considering I finished the first draft in November, I've done bugger all since, but I will shift the focus back.
Must. Do. Better.
So, John Prescott has Bulimia. I feel sorry for him, and admire his courage in speaking publicly about it.
Years ago (I have a long history of "issues" with food) I was discussing this condition, and said that I could understand the bingeing, but had never forced myself to throw up, or get rid of the food in any other unpleasant ways - I've thought about it, but never done it. This was considered funny - after all - what's more hilarious than a fat person stuffing their face? However, when John Prescott says all this (and there's been no mention of fingers down the throat or laxatives - thank God!) it's not hysterically funny after all. Is it because I'm not a politician or some other kind of public figure? Is it because I'm female? Or is it just because the sketch writers haven't put together the jokes yet?
I hope he gets over the condition - and if he raises awareness of men dealing with eating disorders too, that's all to the good. One life helped is worth it.
Anything that opens up the debate has got to be positive.
Knitting
I've finished one sock - yes, I had finished one before, but it wasn't long enough, so I've now finished the second sock, and am going back to lengthen the first one.
My stars in one of the knitting mags said that I should be less chaotic, and finish some of my UFOs (unfinished objects). Although astrology is largely bollocks, there is a certain logic in that, and so I shall finish the socks and try to finish everything else before I start anything new.
Writing
I've actually done some this morning! Well, some editing. I've had a knitting book idea rejected again, because that particular company isn't doing any more books on knitting at the mo. Ah well, shit occurs. It's a bit frustrating, as I think that I have quite a good idea, and when I see some of the books published on the subject, I do wonder who the target audience is, as they seem very limited in scope, but perhaps that's just another phrase for "specialisation" and actually, that's what I should be aiming for.
I've been editing the novel this morning, am now up to chapter three, so must keep on going. Considering I finished the first draft in November, I've done bugger all since, but I will shift the focus back.
Must. Do. Better.
Saturday, 12 April 2008
It's a funny old life!
Writing
I've started torturing agents with the novel. I thought it was about time.
I've got some non-fiction work on Suite 101 about knitting and other stuff, and I've been busy with loads of stuff, so hope still springs eternal.
Knitting.
I've got five projects on the go at the moment.
I've started torturing agents with the novel. I thought it was about time.
I've got some non-fiction work on Suite 101 about knitting and other stuff, and I've been busy with loads of stuff, so hope still springs eternal.
Knitting.
I've got five projects on the go at the moment.
- Cinnamon bark in blue for Brenda
- Lace shawl for me (my first attempt at a lace shawl pattern - perhaps I should have followed one rather than deciding to make my own)
- Socks made out of the darning wool found in the loft - should be hardy!
- Fake-isle dog coat using one of my stash balls
- Domino crochet stash-busting afghan for the spare bed.
None of this stopped me shopping for more yarn today. Off to Wah Wah wools I went, in theory looking for 2.25mm needles (hard to get - not a standard size) and got a couple of others things instead.
Life
I was in the Oxfam shop, feeling a little down, when I met the mother of a friend of mine, and we stood chatting for a few minutes.
After we'd parted company, I felt good, and no longer felt the need to go and buy chocolate or cakes to cheer myself up.
That's the catch 22 of depression, I guess (I'm trying to wean myself off citalopram, as I'm not convinced that they're working). People stop you feeling so down, but when you're over on the dark side, you don't want to talk to anyone.
Sunday, 30 March 2008
The therapeutic power of knitting
I've been on a course for the last few days, and took my knitting with me (natch).
There wasn't much opportunity for it, but there you go.
My journey home was beset by problems caused by engineering works.
Having already had to use a replacement bus service in London because of tube engineering works, I also had to get off my train and try to get another bus for 2 stops. That would have been great, had there been buses available, so we were all standing out in the rain getting bad tempered for about 20 minutes.
When our bus had eventually turned up, and taken us to where the rail service was being resumed, there was no train, and a half hour wait until the next one.
There were two options here:
1) To stand around with my fellow travellers and bemoan the poor service
or
2) Put some music in my ears, and sit knitting for half an hour. I did the latter, and the benefits were many:
I didn't feel as stressed as the others who were winding themselves up.
I was doing something creative, rather than just kicking my heels and feeling like my time was being wasted.
This was clear time - the project in question is a lace shawl, and is still at the 400 sts on the needle stage, so to be able to work through the stitch pattern without interruptions was welcome.
So, avoid stress - carry sharp pointy sticks.
There wasn't much opportunity for it, but there you go.
My journey home was beset by problems caused by engineering works.
Having already had to use a replacement bus service in London because of tube engineering works, I also had to get off my train and try to get another bus for 2 stops. That would have been great, had there been buses available, so we were all standing out in the rain getting bad tempered for about 20 minutes.
When our bus had eventually turned up, and taken us to where the rail service was being resumed, there was no train, and a half hour wait until the next one.
There were two options here:
1) To stand around with my fellow travellers and bemoan the poor service
or
2) Put some music in my ears, and sit knitting for half an hour. I did the latter, and the benefits were many:
I didn't feel as stressed as the others who were winding themselves up.
I was doing something creative, rather than just kicking my heels and feeling like my time was being wasted.
This was clear time - the project in question is a lace shawl, and is still at the 400 sts on the needle stage, so to be able to work through the stitch pattern without interruptions was welcome.
So, avoid stress - carry sharp pointy sticks.
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
The lows and highs of being a writer
First, the bad news.......
I haven't made the shortlist for the "wanna be a writer" comp.
On a realistic level, I didn't expect to, but there's always the dream.
Not only that, but when you're not given feedback (and none was promised, I'm not complaining), you have no idea of knowing if you were a nearly ran, or are, in fact, complete shite.
Then the good news......
Feedback from Assignment 4 of the Writers' Bureau course was much more positive. I should send my stuff of, says my tutor. (This is the course that has to give me my money back if I haven't earned my course fees back by the time I've finished).
Perhaps I will.
And the very exciting news........
One of my writing posse went to an "Agents and Publishers" day as part of her MA. The agent she spoke to wants to see more of her stuff. Of course I'm jealous - but very happy for her.
Onwards.....................................................
I haven't made the shortlist for the "wanna be a writer" comp.
On a realistic level, I didn't expect to, but there's always the dream.
Not only that, but when you're not given feedback (and none was promised, I'm not complaining), you have no idea of knowing if you were a nearly ran, or are, in fact, complete shite.
Then the good news......
Feedback from Assignment 4 of the Writers' Bureau course was much more positive. I should send my stuff of, says my tutor. (This is the course that has to give me my money back if I haven't earned my course fees back by the time I've finished).
Perhaps I will.
And the very exciting news........
One of my writing posse went to an "Agents and Publishers" day as part of her MA. The agent she spoke to wants to see more of her stuff. Of course I'm jealous - but very happy for her.
Onwards.....................................................
Saturday, 15 March 2008
My name in print!
Fame at last!
http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/letters-to-the-editor/Your-Letters-March-7.3854623.jp
(scroll down, I'm near the bottom - letter called "School's out")
http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/letters-to-the-editor/Your-Letters-March-7.3854623.jp
(scroll down, I'm near the bottom - letter called "School's out")
Saturday, 8 March 2008
Far flung knitting
Great hilarity!
My mate Tracey in Oz has put some pictures onto Flickr. When she invited me to look at them, she noticed that I already have a flickr account. She went to have a look, and was a bit confused, as they all seemed to be pictures of yarn and knitting.
I explained about the ravelry thing, but I'm not sure that she's convinced that I don't have some weird fetish going on.
Impressed by my FOs, however, she asked for a couple of matching hats, for her three year old, and her new baby.
Happy to oblige, as always.
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Anti-depressants - how despressing!
It's very disappointing to hear all over the news that a reports suggests that commonly prescribed anti-depressants are ineffective.
I've been taking them for years - perhaps that's why I've been feeling so crap for a few weeks?
It's been a couple of days for disappointments - firstly I was at work until 3 yesterday, and until 5 today (I'm supposed to finish at 2) because of having to sort out other people's problems (I know, nobody likes a martyr), and yesterday I decided that I had to undo the back of my waistcoat (decided to design my own in the end), cos it was muppetry compared to the front.
Never mind -that's what makes life interesting.
I feel as though I'm trying to spread myself a little thin at the moment, what with work, writing and everything else I'm trying to do.
Never mind - all things pass.
I've been taking them for years - perhaps that's why I've been feeling so crap for a few weeks?
It's been a couple of days for disappointments - firstly I was at work until 3 yesterday, and until 5 today (I'm supposed to finish at 2) because of having to sort out other people's problems (I know, nobody likes a martyr), and yesterday I decided that I had to undo the back of my waistcoat (decided to design my own in the end), cos it was muppetry compared to the front.
Never mind -that's what makes life interesting.
I feel as though I'm trying to spread myself a little thin at the moment, what with work, writing and everything else I'm trying to do.
Never mind - all things pass.
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
Now published on line! But poorly.
I am now, officially, a suite 101 writer.
This is very exciting, and there's something very special about seeing the copywrite symbol against your name.
I've written a piece on using less paper in the workplace, and I've had lots of ideas for future articles. It's a good exercise.
I'm off work poorly sick today, and despite my lack of wellness, I'm still feeling guilty if I don't DO something, Man, I should have a religion - at least the guilt would have a reason based in culture and history.
This is very exciting, and there's something very special about seeing the copywrite symbol against your name.
I've written a piece on using less paper in the workplace, and I've had lots of ideas for future articles. It's a good exercise.
I'm off work poorly sick today, and despite my lack of wellness, I'm still feeling guilty if I don't DO something, Man, I should have a religion - at least the guilt would have a reason based in culture and history.
Monday, 18 February 2008
A third draught excluder!
I took Brenda's draught excluder round on Friday, and made a stooopid mistake of the 1st order. 
I put it over Alfie the labrador's back.
I put it over Alfie the labrador's back.
Lo and behold, I hadn't made a draught excluder after all - I'd made a toy for Alfie!
So, there I was on the train this weekend knitting a 3rd tube to be stuffed with old socks!
And I'm the woman who always says "I never knit the same pattern twice, as it would be too boring".
On the plus side, I had put together a ball of stash remnants, and used Russian joins for the first time so as every, life's a learning curve!
So, there I was on the train this weekend knitting a 3rd tube to be stuffed with old socks!
And I'm the woman who always says "I never knit the same pattern twice, as it would be too boring".
On the plus side, I had put together a ball of stash remnants, and used Russian joins for the first time so as every, life's a learning curve!
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
A knitting dilemma
Here's the thing -
I want to make a waistcoat, well, I want to make a number of waistcoats, and I usually like to create my own pattern.
However, in among the pattern stash is a basic pointed-front waistcoat pattern which would do as my template, and then I could just add the colour patterns as needed.
However, if I do this, my dumb pride will be dented, as it won't be all my own work.
So, do I make up my own pattern (using an existing fabric waistcoat for measurements) and design it all from the ground up? Or do I think "why put yourself through that" and just add the colours and stitches I want to the existing pattern.
Am I guilty of pride or laziness?
Answers on a postcard please to.....................
I want to make a waistcoat, well, I want to make a number of waistcoats, and I usually like to create my own pattern.
However, in among the pattern stash is a basic pointed-front waistcoat pattern which would do as my template, and then I could just add the colour patterns as needed.
However, if I do this, my dumb pride will be dented, as it won't be all my own work.
So, do I make up my own pattern (using an existing fabric waistcoat for measurements) and design it all from the ground up? Or do I think "why put yourself through that" and just add the colours and stitches I want to the existing pattern.
Am I guilty of pride or laziness?
Answers on a postcard please to.....................
Sunday, 10 February 2008
Oops! - smaller draught excluder needed
Oopsie!
The draught excluder that I made for Brenda was a tad big (in diameter), and managed to fall off the ledge by the door. This in itself is not a problem, except it fell against the outside door, and she almost couldn't get back into the house!
Smaller draught excluder to the rescue!
The draught excluder that I made for Brenda was a tad big (in diameter), and managed to fall off the ledge by the door. This in itself is not a problem, except it fell against the outside door, and she almost couldn't get back into the house!
Smaller draught excluder to the rescue!
This was a stash buster, as I made a ball of all of the odds and ends, and just knitted away from there!
Double oopsie.
For all my stash busting efforts above, I visited a craft and yarn shop yesterday, and the owner was selling off the yarn cheap, so I helped her to clear her stock. My cupboard now needs wedging closed!
Thursday, 7 February 2008
I've been a bit lax in my duties
I've not been a good correspondent, knitting patterns aside.
So what's been happening in the exciting world of moi?
Bugger all really.
My best beloved had a birthday, so we went to see St Trinians. I'm not sure that "better than I thought it would be" is a glowing film review.
Writing
So little done that it's embarrassing. Life has taken over, somewhat.
Knitting
I'm carrying on with Brenda's second draught excluder - sadly the first one was not a hit, and succeeded in getting wedged under the wrong door giving her problems getting into her house, so a second attempt is required. I'm using up some old stash with it, so it's another recycled effort.
I've also started the back of a waistcoat, but I don't know what the front's going to be like, yet.
Apart from that I've had my hair cut (very stylish), and have been training a new employee, so am knackered, and off to listen to Radcliffe and Maconie whilst enjoying a jacket potato.
Rock and Roll, eh?
So what's been happening in the exciting world of moi?
Bugger all really.
My best beloved had a birthday, so we went to see St Trinians. I'm not sure that "better than I thought it would be" is a glowing film review.
Writing
So little done that it's embarrassing. Life has taken over, somewhat.
Knitting
I'm carrying on with Brenda's second draught excluder - sadly the first one was not a hit, and succeeded in getting wedged under the wrong door giving her problems getting into her house, so a second attempt is required. I'm using up some old stash with it, so it's another recycled effort.
I've also started the back of a waistcoat, but I don't know what the front's going to be like, yet.
Apart from that I've had my hair cut (very stylish), and have been training a new employee, so am knackered, and off to listen to Radcliffe and Maconie whilst enjoying a jacket potato.
Rock and Roll, eh?
Saturday, 2 February 2008
Bathmat pattern
Crunchy Bathmat.
This is a design which uses a simple technique to create 5 stitch pleats by carrying the yarn behind the work.
Therefore, 2 balls of yarn are needed to create the pattern.
This technique creates a nice thick fabric, suitable for walking on.
Materials:
2 balls of Wendy Supreme 100g Luxury Cotton DK
3.75mm needles.
Tension:
Unimportant, but the mat above came out at 19” x 13 ½”
Method:
The original was made in one colour, but still using 2 balls of yarn – called A and B for explanation purposes.
Using ball A, cast on 152 stitches, and knit 2 rows.
Row 3: K1, join ball B. *K5 B, K5A, rep from * to last st, k1B
NB - Do not weave the yarn when knitting, simply drop it behind the work until needed. This leaves a looped pattern at the back of the work, and creates the pleats in the fabric.
Back of work.
Row 4: K1B, *K5A leave yarn on wrong side, K5B leave yarn on wrong side, rep from * to last st, K1A.
To follow the pattern exactly, got to http://lesthechick.googlepages.com/bathmatchart.pdf
and print the chart to show the stocking stitch/garter stitch pattern.
(nb – it looks awful on screen when the pdf opens, but the print is clearer to read. White squares = K on right side, P on wrong side, Grey squares = K on wrong side)
Rows 111-2: Knit
Cast Off.
Variations:
As this stitch pattern is traditionally worked in garter stitch using two balls of yarn, it lends itself well to stripes, checks and shadow knitting patterns.
Saturday, 19 January 2008
At last - the start of draft 2
Writing
That's it - I've crossed that bridge, I've made that step, I've started the second draft.
I've changed the line spacing to three, printed the first chapter and then I've gone back to the comments my by my writing group girls, marking all editing needed onto my new print. On the plus side, I've managed to put in a couple of jokes and funny lines, so maybe I'm the sort of writer who does her comedy on the re-writes.
I can only take small steps at a time, but as it's taken me this long to even put my shoes on, I'm feeling quite happy.
Knitting.
I've got so many things on the go - a draught excluder for Brenda, a pair of socks for me, and a bathmat, and I've also worked out how many stitches I will need for the back of a waistcoat. Just call me Mrs Productive!
Life
Feeling a bit out of control at the moment - so much to do, so little time. I'm spending an awful amount of time on ravelry, joining and reading forums (fora?) etc, instead of getting on with real life. Is this a natural hibernation type behaviour? Resting to prepare myself for the next onslaught?
Or am I just a lazy cow?
That's it - I've crossed that bridge, I've made that step, I've started the second draft.
I've changed the line spacing to three, printed the first chapter and then I've gone back to the comments my by my writing group girls, marking all editing needed onto my new print. On the plus side, I've managed to put in a couple of jokes and funny lines, so maybe I'm the sort of writer who does her comedy on the re-writes.
I can only take small steps at a time, but as it's taken me this long to even put my shoes on, I'm feeling quite happy.
Knitting.
I've got so many things on the go - a draught excluder for Brenda, a pair of socks for me, and a bathmat, and I've also worked out how many stitches I will need for the back of a waistcoat. Just call me Mrs Productive!
Life
Feeling a bit out of control at the moment - so much to do, so little time. I'm spending an awful amount of time on ravelry, joining and reading forums (fora?) etc, instead of getting on with real life. Is this a natural hibernation type behaviour? Resting to prepare myself for the next onslaught?
Or am I just a lazy cow?
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Tired bunny/Closing down LYS
Writing
I did some yesterday! I had an hour to kill in Starbucks in Great Portland St (as you do) so I got out my writing down book, and started writing! Not sure how many words I've done (I finished the scene off on the train home). Although I was glad to be writing, I wasn't necessarily pleased with what I've written. It was so unfunny. :=(
Still, you can only edit what's on the page/screen, so I've got something to work with - and I'm back in the flow a bit!
Life
Knackered.
Knitting
Am I a bad person?
1) For buying yarn - I can barely fit it into my stash cupboard, but it was half price, it seemed rude not to, and who knows, I may even go back.
2) For going to the closing down sale of a shop I've never been to before. I hadn't even realised it was there. It's one of those old-fashioned shops that sells yarn and baby things. The range of yarn is not necessarily the best (mostly acrylic, and rather ordinary, but good store cupboard stuff), but I did manage to get some 100% wool at 60p/50 grams, and the lady even apologised that she had to charge 60p for that, rather than the usual 50p! It's closing down because she's retiring, so my previous lack of custom hasn't put her out of business. And I'm giving her less to tidy up now.
If I keep talking I think I could justify anything!
I did some yesterday! I had an hour to kill in Starbucks in Great Portland St (as you do) so I got out my writing down book, and started writing! Not sure how many words I've done (I finished the scene off on the train home). Although I was glad to be writing, I wasn't necessarily pleased with what I've written. It was so unfunny. :=(
Still, you can only edit what's on the page/screen, so I've got something to work with - and I'm back in the flow a bit!
Life
Knackered.
Knitting
Am I a bad person?
1) For buying yarn - I can barely fit it into my stash cupboard, but it was half price, it seemed rude not to, and who knows, I may even go back.
2) For going to the closing down sale of a shop I've never been to before. I hadn't even realised it was there. It's one of those old-fashioned shops that sells yarn and baby things. The range of yarn is not necessarily the best (mostly acrylic, and rather ordinary, but good store cupboard stuff), but I did manage to get some 100% wool at 60p/50 grams, and the lady even apologised that she had to charge 60p for that, rather than the usual 50p! It's closing down because she's retiring, so my previous lack of custom hasn't put her out of business. And I'm giving her less to tidy up now.
If I keep talking I think I could justify anything!
Sunday, 6 January 2008
The saga of the gas flame cushion
My eldest sister bought herself a new Fiat Panda 4 x 4 in Red.
This became known as the Postman Pat van, and so I knitted her a black and white cat for it, courtesy of an Alan Dart pattern.
Unfortunately, she was coming home from work one day, when a 19 year old jumped some lights, and hit her car, writing it off.
The most important thing is that everyone is okay (a few muscle strains aside). The second important thing is that the 19 year old was insured, so big sis could get herself another car. Unfortunately, these models are rare in the UK (she'd had to wait ages for the red one), and so the only one she could get was blue.
Consequently, it is now known as the gas van (as you can see, my sister enjoys the unconditional support of the whole family). She still has the black and white cat, but this is no longer appropriate. My beloved suggested I make a gas mask for the cat (he's always there with the useful suggestions), but my niece had a far better idea of making one of the gas flames from the British Gas adverts.
Hence the cushion is made. I just hope she likes it!
Saturday, 5 January 2008
Is it me?
Am I the only person who doesn't give a damn about Britney Spears?
There are people dying of starvation in Kenya. God only knows what it's like in downtown Baghdad at the moment. All over the world there are sad, funny, uplifting or downright shocking stories going on. So why on earth is the third item on my TV news that fact that some barely talented US chav who got lucky can't see her kids anymore?
Sorry - I'll stop ranting now. I guess I'm just not a celebrity watcher!
Knitting
I've started making a gas flame cushion for my sister's car. So far so good, will post a pic once it's further along. Basically I got a picture of the logo (isn't Google images fab?) and printed it onto graph paper, then traced round with a pencil to get my stitch numbers etc. Time and knitting will tell if it's any good. If not, frogging is always an option.
Writing.
Nothing actually done, but I have now sorted Ursula out into some proper files, all ready to start cracking next week (we'll just get Grandad's funeral out of the way first).
Life
The postal service is not fab. On New Year's Day (Tues), my Dad put a photograph in the post to me, which is to be used on the front of my Grandad's order of service for his funeral. We already had another picture, but apparently a better one had been found. Sadly, thanks to the postal service, it didn't get here on time for me to scan it in and use it. (Dad's not online, so we were relying on the snail service). There's nothing wrong with the picture we've got to use (Grandad is smiling and standard bearing - he was a military man), but it's not what we wanted, and therefore disappointing.
It's always the small stuff that irks, isn't it?
There are people dying of starvation in Kenya. God only knows what it's like in downtown Baghdad at the moment. All over the world there are sad, funny, uplifting or downright shocking stories going on. So why on earth is the third item on my TV news that fact that some barely talented US chav who got lucky can't see her kids anymore?
Sorry - I'll stop ranting now. I guess I'm just not a celebrity watcher!
Knitting
I've started making a gas flame cushion for my sister's car. So far so good, will post a pic once it's further along. Basically I got a picture of the logo (isn't Google images fab?) and printed it onto graph paper, then traced round with a pencil to get my stitch numbers etc. Time and knitting will tell if it's any good. If not, frogging is always an option.
Writing.
Nothing actually done, but I have now sorted Ursula out into some proper files, all ready to start cracking next week (we'll just get Grandad's funeral out of the way first).
Life
The postal service is not fab. On New Year's Day (Tues), my Dad put a photograph in the post to me, which is to be used on the front of my Grandad's order of service for his funeral. We already had another picture, but apparently a better one had been found. Sadly, thanks to the postal service, it didn't get here on time for me to scan it in and use it. (Dad's not online, so we were relying on the snail service). There's nothing wrong with the picture we've got to use (Grandad is smiling and standard bearing - he was a military man), but it's not what we wanted, and therefore disappointing.
It's always the small stuff that irks, isn't it?
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
Happy New Year
Hi all,
Happy New Year. A time for sorting out (13 bags of books to the charity shop on Saturday), reflection and prediction.
Reflection.
So, what did I achieve this year? Here's a brief list:
Happy New Year. A time for sorting out (13 bags of books to the charity shop on Saturday), reflection and prediction.
Reflection.
So, what did I achieve this year? Here's a brief list:
- Started a blog!
- Read 28 books (must do better)
- Finished a novel (first draft)
- Made 25 knitted/crocheted items.
- Lost no weight /ate far too much chocolate
- Saved no money (must do better).
- Disliked my job intently (see no 5)
Predictions?
- Will forget to add to the blog every now and again.
- Won't read as much as I would like to (that whole sleeping thing gets in the way)
- Will finish the second draft, and will punt it out to publishers and agents. The rest is in their hands. Will also do work on creative writing course, and try to get articles published.
- Will make more knitted items. I've made a semi-promise to myself not to buy any yarn for at least six months. Let's see...
- Will probably not lose any weight, although that may change (see no 7)
- Must save some money, while I'm still earning it.
- Will train for a new job, and then be self employed. Scary but exciting.
Knitting
I've already saved some money - rather than going out and buying a fancy pants address book, I found a very ordinary one in a cupboard, and using wool from my stash made a gorgeous little cover for it (see under patterns). It's already somebody's favourite on ravelry, so I'm happy.
Whatever your dreams, may they come true.
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