tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25895188945386286362024-03-05T04:56:10.223+00:00Curvyknits crafty lifeKeeping up to date with my life as a mum of 3, focusing on knitting, sewing and my allotment. With occasional notes (or rants!)about life with an Aspergers child.Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-44971423735307138162010-06-06T13:10:00.001+01:002010-06-06T13:10:45.813+01:00First sock design<div style="float: left; text-align: center; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31319623@N05/4674685730/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4674685730_9cfa53b87e_t.jpg" alt="S6301368" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31319623@N05/4674685730/">S6301368</a>,<br /> originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/31319623@N05/">curvyjax</a>.</span></div>A bit of a change from shawls - I couldn't find a pattern for this yarn that I wanted to make and that would fit my hobbit-feet, so I made this one up. And I'm really pleased :)<br clear="all" />Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-90306303874462584952010-05-13T20:55:00.001+01:002010-05-13T20:55:46.052+01:00Shawl No 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This was supposed to be added to my gift pile. But now it's not. It's mine, all mine!</span></div><span style="color: purple;"></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/4604728520_31042a7ef2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/4604728520_31042a7ef2.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1127/4604747314_cb958fd177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1127/4604747314_cb958fd177.jpg" width="272" wt="true" /></a><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1243/4604122695_d578194a7b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1243/4604122695_d578194a7b.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And on a slightly related note, while I was making jam at the weekend, P and B had a joint project on the go. B had seen me trying to spin with a drop spindle, and he liked the look of all that twirling. So, using an old CD, a piece of wooden dowel and some leftover bath sealant strip, they made a spindle all of his own. And here he is, making yarn, deep in concentration. Isn't he cute?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1390/4604849914_ca0eaf21bb_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1390/4604849914_ca0eaf21bb_o.jpg" width="233" wt="true" /></a></div>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-52086544507850359422010-05-09T19:18:00.000+01:002010-05-09T19:24:43.420+01:00Rhubarb and strawberry jamI knew what I was doing for dinner (Nigella's Express chilli) but I didn't know what to do for pudding - it is a weekend so I do try to actually do something pudding-y rather than providing yoghurt. I had bought a pack of Sainsbury's value strawberries yesterday and got them out of the fridge. Some were very overripe, some under... not very promising. And then I remembered the rhubarb I had liberated from the feral allotment a few days ago and frozen. So, on a whim...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pn2akZQ7pZGxjpCm3cfs_QAQEnJY1Y_sly-DbVFtZzHqjaexx3YZerKPFWH4nPbd3LK_QBBb6puO12qHANroVJqu0l7Ir9tHMvE-4ID2SX4gPjVHZ-_sZ1mQ4V7djppQbwuZ_8zl9RF8/s1600/S6301255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pn2akZQ7pZGxjpCm3cfs_QAQEnJY1Y_sly-DbVFtZzHqjaexx3YZerKPFWH4nPbd3LK_QBBb6puO12qHANroVJqu0l7Ir9tHMvE-4ID2SX4gPjVHZ-_sZ1mQ4V7djppQbwuZ_8zl9RF8/s400/S6301255.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div>..... I decided to make microwave jam. I've never made microwave jam before, but didn't let that bother me. So I cooked the rhubarb with a little ginger, added the strawberries, lemon and sugar, took out the ginger and microwaved again. At about the time the jam boiled over I decided it had reached setting point. In the meantime I had sterilised a few jars, but none of this really addressed pudding. Until I remembered the ready made sweet pastry flan case I bought, on a whim, a few weeks ago. Jam tart. Delicious!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qm7NfK-bH8vfrE_601pxnoK7LfQ5CNej58Bd7JoTypYB2NlFC-7rJL2pDr1G0gdrm0UqT9U3C8rc1WfULtBusihk-K4TKpPAI3ZHbfqPcxFd3uPe0ZCTmoKxu_LY71uf0FXjnBwke1E0/s1600/S6301263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qm7NfK-bH8vfrE_601pxnoK7LfQ5CNej58Bd7JoTypYB2NlFC-7rJL2pDr1G0gdrm0UqT9U3C8rc1WfULtBusihk-K4TKpPAI3ZHbfqPcxFd3uPe0ZCTmoKxu_LY71uf0FXjnBwke1E0/s400/S6301263.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And an extra 3 jars of jewel-coloured home made jam. Made in around 25 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sjtUHp0SuTUMFgcM8HXS0md1Q_aXGXrnOqNnsDT5AfczW8UMdH9KhziEQql6ym9oPGGJeHWeSM_rMUZ2iIzonGwzql9vUcZ1u5g6YCfBYGauXBcPAWgWet99HlprkDkya5YMFCsnlhTG/s1600/S6301258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sjtUHp0SuTUMFgcM8HXS0md1Q_aXGXrnOqNnsDT5AfczW8UMdH9KhziEQql6ym9oPGGJeHWeSM_rMUZ2iIzonGwzql9vUcZ1u5g6YCfBYGauXBcPAWgWet99HlprkDkya5YMFCsnlhTG/s400/S6301258.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Occasionally, I feel like a proper Mum!</div>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-71858558231891413502010-02-27T19:49:00.002+00:002010-02-27T21:45:04.136+00:00Second shawl of 2010<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, it's February, so it must be time for shawl no. 2. In fact I finished this a couple of weeks ago, and was waiting to get some great photos before posting about it. But since my skillz are lacking, here's what I have:</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPgPGvRvA2APgNGbKS6Gc3eKA6mWuCmd6tYXjL3B3xDkGzFCcZf-fP0pTPUSJM6f89m2u-uYmgg7tNyi-1KevppwoI451_tFAbPwxsGRj9BIv1yZQZAIe-8jGQvrpDWYQRrbh4pPAp5KB/s1600-h/S6300933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPgPGvRvA2APgNGbKS6Gc3eKA6mWuCmd6tYXjL3B3xDkGzFCcZf-fP0pTPUSJM6f89m2u-uYmgg7tNyi-1KevppwoI451_tFAbPwxsGRj9BIv1yZQZAIe-8jGQvrpDWYQRrbh4pPAp5KB/s320/S6300933.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPq5Hu5ty_NmWQ0hgKPeIM9uIlByUFESVfHv3409eAnY-ov-wo6QaNjynJdI42GQtRuSBcat_bwf3RLtnzwZhta5hUhPMSlnCI7u18qQUPVa-HtMyM5VQSzTzOh6mLnr-q4a47zRVC5Gf/s1600-h/S6300924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPq5Hu5ty_NmWQ0hgKPeIM9uIlByUFESVfHv3409eAnY-ov-wo6QaNjynJdI42GQtRuSBcat_bwf3RLtnzwZhta5hUhPMSlnCI7u18qQUPVa-HtMyM5VQSzTzOh6mLnr-q4a47zRVC5Gf/s320/S6300924.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pretty, no?</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also finished my Vine Yoke Sweater (another design by the utterly gorgeous <a href="http://ysolda.com/">Ysolda</a>) and IT FITS OVER THE GIGANTA-RACK PEOPLE!!!!!! Looky... (again, poor pics, sorry!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><a href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/curvyjax/23452844/S6300907_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kt="true" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/curvyjax/23452844/S6300907_medium.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The reason that it looks as if it is gaping a little over the belly is that one of the 9 buttons I bought mysteriously disappeared, so I was missing one. The children swear they know nothing about it, but I have my suspicions...... Anyway, after this was taken, I moved the top button to the middle, so problem solved.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Especially unflattering picure of my bum - but it does show how nicely this cardigan goes in and out with me. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There have been other things on the needles this month, but these are definitely my highlights.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</div>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-46355461462605404092010-02-20T13:56:00.001+00:002010-02-20T13:58:02.468+00:00Half term trip to Cornwall<div style="text-align: center;">We made a last-minute decision to go down to Cornwall during half term. We stayed in a 'lodge' at Hengar Manor near Camelford. We went back to Tintagel and the Eden Project, both places that we went to last Easter when we were in Cornwall with our friends. Lots of rain, but glorious sunny spells in between.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2795/4369885447_993ded5b88_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="300" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2795/4369885447_993ded5b88_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Eden featured Shaun the Sheep and flowers appearing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8DtcU3jNeHgFdFYNfrKELRnY4z9yYF17EuUbcnwKYocieQSKttp4b7_elSbtp7m_PqOq4pZnG4rmdcW5rPZBdMIOULaWP_n-QYxH-LglJs6h49Fd5iUeRwlELeOBFOqQGz_z91k0tCtY/s1600-h/S6300836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8DtcU3jNeHgFdFYNfrKELRnY4z9yYF17EuUbcnwKYocieQSKttp4b7_elSbtp7m_PqOq4pZnG4rmdcW5rPZBdMIOULaWP_n-QYxH-LglJs6h49Fd5iUeRwlELeOBFOqQGz_z91k0tCtY/s320/S6300836.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt23g__Ba1PUgj03qpJvhqajlczR3_FP7V6Wt8CExpcyjEI6UfzyOxM8MTqs4m_JH2DUuSxe_3Hg-os59qXGrrcf6uQz2v0mk0isd72KH_dkhteBlp5Bvw0tc8FGDCq8FC-z6WpZqHZk-U/s1600-h/S6300842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt23g__Ba1PUgj03qpJvhqajlczR3_FP7V6Wt8CExpcyjEI6UfzyOxM8MTqs4m_JH2DUuSxe_3Hg-os59qXGrrcf6uQz2v0mk0isd72KH_dkhteBlp5Bvw0tc8FGDCq8FC-z6WpZqHZk-U/s320/S6300842.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91yt17fvYzkDDHJ6yzhbKBXkfVf9OWX80l3Wqr8ap8Efj5fpkbfDNGGb_O6cVjZntCnFTR_alMQTU4M8CBl41NuQt25_e5t3o_Nm0U5KIvIgcncVehFZ1a4O8Y0JRBr_p8hNb7_41K1HO/s1600-h/S6300863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91yt17fvYzkDDHJ6yzhbKBXkfVf9OWX80l3Wqr8ap8Efj5fpkbfDNGGb_O6cVjZntCnFTR_alMQTU4M8CBl41NuQt25_e5t3o_Nm0U5KIvIgcncVehFZ1a4O8Y0JRBr_p8hNb7_41K1HO/s320/S6300863.JPG" /></a><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2770/4370689114_c573d1af03_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2770/4370689114_c573d1af03_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And the boys relaxed</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4369908947_30e807588d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4369908947_30e807588d_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBQjaJkAzEv-IZxe8ALvFphFsEJegRn2qX_nBiesAyIe4ST6TtuZ1ITgra8YEjdaoViN1q613_h-vIpFqObB2OMZdGbx_XyCIY06I1RJzTOsf0cRPpEQkSv8dcVJauqo-TMdn_YhxofQP/s1600-h/S6300865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBQjaJkAzEv-IZxe8ALvFphFsEJegRn2qX_nBiesAyIe4ST6TtuZ1ITgra8YEjdaoViN1q613_h-vIpFqObB2OMZdGbx_XyCIY06I1RJzTOsf0cRPpEQkSv8dcVJauqo-TMdn_YhxofQP/s320/S6300865.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A good time was had by all.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-44207413236862587222010-02-07T21:51:00.002+00:002010-02-07T21:56:20.445+00:00Leotards in action...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4338192279_f7320a7899_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4338192279_f7320a7899_b.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>B & J had their first competition today. Here they are in one of the set moves. They did really well until they forgot a bit of their routine! But they didn't let that upset them and they carried on. They came in 3rd in the boys under 11 pairs, so they have both come home with shiny bronze medals, and seem pretty pleased with themselves.<br />
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Of course there were only 3 pairs in their group, so a medal place was likely......Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-71280625986725119552010-01-29T21:06:00.000+00:002010-01-29T21:06:04.584+00:00Domestic Goddess?I've had an odd sewing urge. I have been doing difficult leotard sewing - B & J have their first competition in a weeks time - and thought that since all the sewing stuff was out I would do something for me. So, using stash fabric (from Ikea), I made <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_display.php?id=39">Amy Butler's Domestic Goddess Apron</a> (from <a href="http://www.fivevalleysdesigns.com/">Five Valleys Designs</a> - thanks Kirsty). The main fabric was really a little heavy, but I love it so I used it anyway. It's bizarre - has goats on humpbacked bridges, and snow topped mountains. Anyway, I was really pleased with the finished product - it's a very detailed pattern, which took quite a lot longer to make than I had expected, but I will make it again.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubXDglyRQRijSCudRZsGzDRmvoT3wZ-3KLvoVgRBGyZgKdYXHx-nbD6ok5adWkPGu54Loj0LN7X2uJi__vmcMGJ1mtnWGGKGHYvFeWYrz3bF_WVQGVNHkIGjKOqzisRb0lUxkEeqHp6xF/s1600-h/S6300778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubXDglyRQRijSCudRZsGzDRmvoT3wZ-3KLvoVgRBGyZgKdYXHx-nbD6ok5adWkPGu54Loj0LN7X2uJi__vmcMGJ1mtnWGGKGHYvFeWYrz3bF_WVQGVNHkIGjKOqzisRb0lUxkEeqHp6xF/s400/S6300778.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Possibly not most flattering modelled over a heavy handknit sweater, but it is winter....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCcNgGMAz-wM_QEtyGYmijgR127UUlf-MXxo-CfM7wzNJAHlf0VXnMXkzCwTrii8wL1YAY6CVzpsR4KG2aDbK14BNTLzNQ2nIPb-R4SrW1qV-aQa5n_o56rcO_Huhyk5RBltxP6NjZNoW/s1600-h/S6300777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCcNgGMAz-wM_QEtyGYmijgR127UUlf-MXxo-CfM7wzNJAHlf0VXnMXkzCwTrii8wL1YAY6CVzpsR4KG2aDbK14BNTLzNQ2nIPb-R4SrW1qV-aQa5n_o56rcO_Huhyk5RBltxP6NjZNoW/s400/S6300777.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">See, I do actually have a waist, honest! And several chins....</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeVEpdBjrBJwAIgj2xsNF78s6DCSDvUWMoStmliHbSx4oFdO9GVfd2GfyErYkW3imNdaw7CnSLS_EeKv7O3wRUMiVCiKrH-zJ1wcX_AxBEPRIp2t5KcYlVBfc6NjYwwIhP6iG_I5qlKJy/s1600-h/S6300780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeVEpdBjrBJwAIgj2xsNF78s6DCSDvUWMoStmliHbSx4oFdO9GVfd2GfyErYkW3imNdaw7CnSLS_EeKv7O3wRUMiVCiKrH-zJ1wcX_AxBEPRIp2t5KcYlVBfc6NjYwwIhP6iG_I5qlKJy/s400/S6300780.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you like the mountaineer? And the fighting goats? Mental!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Will post pic's of the leotards when I have managed to make 2 pairs of matching shorts ( don't hold your breath!). Was in Ikea today, and saw another mental print, with a huge red fox, pink squirrel and a red-eyed rabbit. I plan to make a bag with that......</div>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-23093285711555543782010-01-13T09:58:00.002+00:002010-01-13T10:01:48.006+00:001st shawl of 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4270600187_660d7020b5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ps="true" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4270600187_660d7020b5_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div>Finished! More of a scarf really, although someone with smaller shoulders than mine could wear it as a shawlette. But it's a gorgeous dark olive green, in beautiful soft baby merino lace yarn (Mmmm, mmmmalabrigo......) and I'm pretty pleased with how it looks. <br />
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This is last night's snow deposit, and it was still gently snowing when I took the pic. Schools open though, for now. Yippee!<br />
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Now I just have to decide who to give it to. Or if I should keep it for myself!<br />
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<br clear="all" />Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-67353193990486039902010-01-06T16:43:00.000+00:002010-01-06T16:43:31.056+00:00Snow Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4251495474_aa65e5df4c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ps="true" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4251495474_aa65e5df4c_b.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A snow igloo (not made by us!)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2746/4250719121_82ecc2af81_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ps="true" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2746/4250719121_82ecc2af81_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A giant snowman in the background of the giant snowball fight<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4250732801_29d81fe847_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ps="true" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4250732801_29d81fe847_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">B & J's snow castles<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2747/4250723677_db27698569_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ps="true" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2747/4250723677_db27698569_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">J's not-so-giant snowman<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided that it was the perfect day to make a new <a href="http://mathgirl40.blogspot.com/2008/11/speedy-cable-beret-pattern.html">hat</a>. The matching <a href="http://mathgirl40.blogspot.com/2008/12/speedy-cabled-cowl-pattern.html">cowl</a> is on the needles.(Yes, P, I did borrow your coat - Thanks!)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I made Nigella's Snickerdoodles. There were lots of them, but they were too delicious to wait until they had cooled. Yum x<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWr_6X6wuLnduUjV1xRdNjOoue7I93BJn8fi1AqjND8WfZ7VeP-99aSkHCOh6r_rLN8H_9anPFySEAAfw4PfGQlyiPidkGafhlsXfuoKchbc78uf4N0vWSTqF4zkcPzRdp_aiw6Do1SFz/s1600-h/S6300714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWr_6X6wuLnduUjV1xRdNjOoue7I93BJn8fi1AqjND8WfZ7VeP-99aSkHCOh6r_rLN8H_9anPFySEAAfw4PfGQlyiPidkGafhlsXfuoKchbc78uf4N0vWSTqF4zkcPzRdp_aiw6Do1SFz/s320/S6300714.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-4342843601211698542010-01-05T19:58:00.000+00:002010-01-05T19:58:51.238+00:0010 shawls in 2010<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4109671577_b6a0cb1c5c_t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4109671577_b6a0cb1c5c_t.jpg" /></a><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/4110428512_9c98159bc9_t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/4110428512_9c98159bc9_t.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As 2009 ended with a challenge - to submit a picture for a calender for the LSG group on Ravelley. This is an online group of knitter who are not exactly your stereotypical granny. Swearing happens. A lot! The calender picture had to include something yarn-related, but otherwise anything goes. And my picture was voted in - I am Miss October! If anyone wants to check out the calendar (not if you are offended by nudity), the link is <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/lsg_nsfw_2010_calendar-158101076775191490">here</a>.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/3354042594_1a9f188f81_t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/3354042594_1a9f188f81_t.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>So my challenge for 2010 is also a Ravelry challenge - to knit 10 shawls in 2010. As I knit my first shawl last year, I was really keen to sign up to this. I wasn't sure how I would get on with doing 10. Then I checked my last years projects and found that I had done 8 last year. So I should be able to do 10 this year.<br />
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The shawls I have cast on for 2010 already are: <br />
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Citron, from <a href="http://www.knitty.com/">http://www.knitty.com/</a> - simple shawlette in malabrigo lace <br />
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Scheherezade from <a href="http://pinklemontwist.blogspot.com/2006/10/scheherazade.html">pink lemon twist</a>. Gorgeous, challenging stole in Natural Dye Studios angel lace, 1200m per 100g<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The other 8 are subject to whim! This is a great challenge, and there are some gorgeous prizes available - both on a monthly basis, and when the year is up. So it looks like my knitting obsession is going to carry on...<br />
</div>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-60232855480042440222010-01-01T17:41:00.003+00:002010-01-01T22:17:47.276+00:00New year, new decade - what will happen next?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45338000/jpg/_45338516_006664193-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" ps="true" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45338000/jpg/_45338516_006664193-1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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</div><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, another year has passed. Blogging has been sporadic. </span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We had a quiet new year, to say the least! But, as I sat with P & M, I remembered New Year 10 years ago. We had rotten colds and we saw the millenium in whilst lying in bed with our 10 week old baby watching the fireworks on TV. This year the same 3 people saw the fireworks on TV, all with rotten colds! There was a certain symmetry to it, that I appreciated! The twins hadn't quite managed to get to midnight, and it was the first year that M did. It's been a life-changing decade, going from one brand new baby to 3 ever-growing boys, from full time worker to full time Mum, from Lancashire to Gloucestershire and from poor to comfortable to poor to poor to even poorer to ok to comfortable again! P has gone through nearly a job a year since the twins were born, and it's given him strengths he wouldn't have had otherwise, but a bit of same-ness would be useful now!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope this decade will give us a little more stability. We are starting with change - P handed in his notice just before the New Year and will start his new job after his notice period. We might even see him sometimes now!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So all in all, despite all the challenges we will face, I am optimistic that the next decade will be the best yet. </span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope your New Year brings you all the joy and happiness you could wish for x</span>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-8060788054122789832009-10-14T17:06:00.000+01:002009-10-14T17:06:52.512+01:00Perfect Autumn Day<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friend and I have been walking to get fit. We went to the deer park today. It's been there for hundreds of years and seems timeless. The trees are starting to turn, the slight mist was burning off and the day was turning crisp and clear. Then we turned a corner and saw the very big deer with the enormous, multi branched antlers staring at us, and we remembered rutting season was about to start. They are big, intimidating and incredibly beautiful and I have never seen as many in the park before. Literally hundreds. There are Red Deer and Fallow deer, and they are all absolutely free and wild. The fallow deer are the bambi type, and have such pretty markings. The Red deer are the big, Monarch of the Glen types and we saw lots of very impressive males - the females are not as spectacular or generally as pretty as the fallow deer, but they are lovely in motion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the top part of the park, we were lucky enough to see lots of white deer too - at least a dozen, ranging from white bellied with pale fawn backs to pure snow white. Just stunning. And me without my camera! I will try to get photos another day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On one of our walks last week, part of the route took us along the canal. There used to be a rail bridge that went across the canal and across the Severn, and this is one of the supports that are left. Not a bad view to start the day!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHRzurUHVwPZil4_7MzYoruB6FAGAXJHqJ4FQM6xih-x33nUJnogx4n3nLmLB2Re1OHpAj9YErNoQDVgEGZMUf11icWd-ky4QZ_A1qgZsrvSrNMOReUULuZ9E0UO46jPnRa72TGNk5Ogb/s1600-h/Photo0238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHRzurUHVwPZil4_7MzYoruB6FAGAXJHqJ4FQM6xih-x33nUJnogx4n3nLmLB2Re1OHpAj9YErNoQDVgEGZMUf11icWd-ky4QZ_A1qgZsrvSrNMOReUULuZ9E0UO46jPnRa72TGNk5Ogb/s400/Photo0238.jpg" /></span></a><br />
</div>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-85559174243715028922009-10-03T10:47:00.000+01:002009-10-04T09:49:14.864+01:00Last weekend's niece fest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AWv2WsHszquxfx_tMZwPvZtcTbRUfZVff8zVVcF8wOGWy-OPbz7yipFoMzoiiwEtt56m83iECSZM78Raq6pivU_K5k4aLDfs0R8Xe9vpdY3qF6f23h5jNvlIrX9YsEMcH8uZjufblzD0/s1600-h/georgie.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 480px; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388353695193937362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AWv2WsHszquxfx_tMZwPvZtcTbRUfZVff8zVVcF8wOGWy-OPbz7yipFoMzoiiwEtt56m83iECSZM78Raq6pivU_K5k4aLDfs0R8Xe9vpdY3qF6f23h5jNvlIrX9YsEMcH8uZjufblzD0/s400/georgie.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>I had a lovely day last Sunday. Went to London to see my sister and my two nieces. Mum was there too, and my Dad & Stepmum popped in for lunch so it ticked lots of boxes! Both E & G were adorable. G shown above at 1 week old. E is 23 months. It's a joy to be able to sit and snuggle a new baby. They are so soft and utterly trusting. Lovely! I gave them a haul of presents, some made, some bought. For Ravellers, you can see the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/curvyjax/hap-blanket">baby blanket</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/curvyjax/cabled-raglan-baby-sweater">cardy</a> here, along with the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/curvyjax/blanket-buddy-2">cot toy</a>. </div><div><br /> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmy0TWIfPcGExUDXN85u1D3TFa_U4BVpP-j7cmc4mUFraOAZsikNcmGXzUCVQJCtj8zdLi-31q_UDaXCQVk5KDbAdinDB2M0BucQDLnVQFvhawJo8EnA3pner0La0zfHAdhAv9y3UyREvI/s1600-h/lisageorgie.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388353999158413266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmy0TWIfPcGExUDXN85u1D3TFa_U4BVpP-j7cmc4mUFraOAZsikNcmGXzUCVQJCtj8zdLi-31q_UDaXCQVk5KDbAdinDB2M0BucQDLnVQFvhawJo8EnA3pner0La0zfHAdhAv9y3UyREvI/s320/lisageorgie.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWurHBqxg4W4rQ7GJ0977lohzVi2fEkiOxS5ouxxxCyG7Rq-WNnGcJXYhgNuRU3RfyKTRwXoHVf8OOmLozx_y1JrWEVqkDYlC_BFyET5a5IhzZyRLJxMqo3mgpSZrSpTTbTHOB_IBlc59r/s1600-h/ella2ted.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388354002157784162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWurHBqxg4W4rQ7GJ0977lohzVi2fEkiOxS5ouxxxCyG7Rq-WNnGcJXYhgNuRU3RfyKTRwXoHVf8OOmLozx_y1JrWEVqkDYlC_BFyET5a5IhzZyRLJxMqo3mgpSZrSpTTbTHOB_IBlc59r/s320/ella2ted.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br />For E, I made the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/curvyjax/hoot">owl hairpin </a> - modelled above by sis - that I blogged about before (10 minutes and it's done!) and the megahit of the day, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/curvyjax/teddy-bear">Teddy</a>. She slept with Teddy and we played ball with Teddy and Teddy kept getting lost. Luckily in the same place so E kept on rescuing Teddy. Phew!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t9ZbOjMdgl8WaJd1vYM4_C-VLtn8HDLuI6TjKfPIa2iFxoL5y700_qvKWlluvYtn-lRr6RSTVTFIzPP6V_I_ZguzKE_k2IvtMceTe0a_BqMjAclQX-k-NEgLUA46rBxB8UHWFDeGe51P/s1600-h/ella+ted.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388354008879731970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t9ZbOjMdgl8WaJd1vYM4_C-VLtn8HDLuI6TjKfPIa2iFxoL5y700_qvKWlluvYtn-lRr6RSTVTFIzPP6V_I_ZguzKE_k2IvtMceTe0a_BqMjAclQX-k-NEgLUA46rBxB8UHWFDeGe51P/s320/ella+ted.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div>Aren't the girls lovely? So nice to be able to give girly things too. A change from my boy-dominated life!</div>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-18914284607385208882009-10-02T11:09:00.001+01:002009-10-04T09:49:36.416+01:00colourful food!<div style="float: left; text-align: center; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31319623@N05/3973430605/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3973430605_094d411771_t.jpg" alt="S6300024" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31319623@N05/3973430605/">S6300024</a>,<br /> originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/31319623@N05/">curvyjax</a>.</span></div>I'm on a diet - need to kick my bad eating habits up the arse again. Although when a salad looks this pretty, it's not so bad. I grated some fresh beetroot from the allotment into this brown rice and raw veg salad, and it's made the rice a very pretty pink. A feast for the eyes, even if it isn't as satisying as chocolate!<br clear="all" />Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-81395181365241658782009-09-26T10:58:00.000+01:002009-10-04T09:50:15.534+01:00Glam rock leotards!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-MkGBgs5GnCrVbuLTBBf3BzLhTYolBONKX9Qo4gLOhu6_xiwmuTFdsXYkpXdEH3AAJW122HDCfS2xiZdWYjDbqllkzaKOjZnJGyt09hpgFxZqrgB60iEvUIp1LK2zGs1AjmTm5MopSzD/s1600-h/PICT0039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385715810724286402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-MkGBgs5GnCrVbuLTBBf3BzLhTYolBONKX9Qo4gLOhu6_xiwmuTFdsXYkpXdEH3AAJW122HDCfS2xiZdWYjDbqllkzaKOjZnJGyt09hpgFxZqrgB60iEvUIp1LK2zGs1AjmTm5MopSzD/s400/PICT0039.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYu60HaXBaIo7z7vhpzrb14p5Gvax_zHI0xkIDqh4r6O5AVEjCieQX3W5uERHJe1Sp7usQFpcL5JVgjpOjeh8mIgE6DARXWun8SveUAkMTYma0O3IbZ32xjt7iQOwetfacQuINh9CwVPKy/s1600-h/PICT0038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385715127000977362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYu60HaXBaIo7z7vhpzrb14p5Gvax_zHI0xkIDqh4r6O5AVEjCieQX3W5uERHJe1Sp7usQFpcL5JVgjpOjeh8mIgE6DARXWun8SveUAkMTYma0O3IbZ32xjt7iQOwetfacQuINh9CwVPKy/s320/PICT0038.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>So I finally bit the bullet yesterday and decided to tackle the competition leotards for B & J. They have to have a high neck, zip back and short sleeves. There are obviously no patterns available for this! So I found a pattern for boys plain leotards (so the sizing is right) and a mens swimwear pattern thathad a high necked rash vest type of top with raglan sleeves and contrast stripe down the side. So then I had to blend the two. And it looks like I got it almost right first time! The boys chose the fabrics - their routine is to "Cliffs of Dover" by Eric Johnson, and is a guitar track. There are air guitar style moves in the routine, and they have definitely gone for glam rock looking materials - wet look and red/glittery! By the way, the neck does fit perfectly - the top picture was taken before it was fully zipped up. There are a couple of changes to make for the next one, but I'm pretty pleased. I ROCK at leotards!!!</div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-5486484329212880732009-09-22T17:03:00.000+01:002009-09-22T17:11:28.685+01:00Teaching the wrong lessonOne of the more annoying constants in my life at the moment is that M finds extreme reactions irresistably funny. So much so that he lurks around corners, then leaps out and roars in people's faces and giggles himself silly at their surprised reaction. This morning he kept on surprising B&J and as always they kept on reacting in exactly the way that M wants. I got so fed up with this that I stomped up the stairs to tell B&J that they have got to stop reacting to M otherwise he will NEVER stop, and it's really annoying. Unfortunately, although I had made plenty of noise going up the stairs they hadn't heard me. So as I turned the corner to M's room and said "Right, if you two don't......" they both leapt about a foot in the air, B nearly fell over, and J threw the toy he was carrying half way across the room to land on M's bed. M nearly wet himself laughing "Good one, Mum".<br /><br />Yet another example of how not to do it!Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-85398096564981616212009-09-21T18:49:00.000+01:002009-09-21T18:58:55.123+01:00Big school visits!Today has been my first trip to look at schools for M to go to in 2 years, when he leaves primary school. I have to do this a year earlier than other parents as he has a statement (of special educational needs) so he gets priority when we choose a school, and the school need time to put resources in place. So I started with my nearest school. It doesn't have a great reputation, the buildings are tatty, but the people I spoke to knew what they were talking about. It's also the smallest senior school around (only 280 pupils, lots of SEN kids), and it's given me LOTS to think about. I'm not sure I'm qualified to make this decision!<br /><br />On the plus side, as the old sofas have finally given in to the onslaught of hyper boys jumping on them for the last nearly 10 years, so I ordered a new sofa today. Yay! Of course, I ordered it on the internet, which could be risky, but it will fit the rather awkward space we have. Lets hope it's good.<br /><br />Tomorrow I plan to get down to the poor allotment and continue the battle to reclaim it after the summer of terminal neglect! And obviously, more knitting. My secret project is getting there, and it will be done in time, but I keep wanting to cast on new and exciting projects!Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-82221908325467057812009-09-20T10:24:00.001+01:002009-09-20T10:31:36.514+01:00Autumn is comingSo somehow, months have gone past since I last blogged. The kids are back at school, the mornings and evening are getting colder, and I think I should try to blog more often. But shorter!<br /><br />My sister had a baby 3 days ago - another niece. I will get over to see them next weekend I hope. And will take the thinkgs I have made. The purple knitted teddy for Ella, and the cream cabled cardigan for Georgie. Plus the stuff I bought. And I think I might make one of these cute little <a href="http://ysolda.com/wordpress/2009/09/01/hoot/">owl hairpins </a>for Ella too, another sweet design by Ysolda. Her second collection of patterns is out - a new pattern each week at the moment, and so far, I have to make them all.....Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-44636595034486327502009-03-23T09:13:00.000+00:002009-03-23T09:18:55.186+00:00Busy lifeIt was my birthday this week. I'm 37 now. Of course, I've thought for the last 6 months that I was already 37 and was going to be 38, so "staying" 37 was a bit of a bonus!<br /><br />It's been a busy week, and I will write more fully later. I'm developing a new friend which is nice, and my brain is coming out of hibernation and getting ideas again, which is a good thing.<br /><br />Went looking at chickens and may have talked myself into a varied little part time job - but won't write more until I know it is happening!<br /><br />The allotment has suddenly burst into life. M is being adorable and B&J are hopefully coming out of a really horrible stage, so things are looking up. It's spring. How can you be fed up when there are daffodils?Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-43571163289132010532009-03-14T15:58:00.001+00:002009-03-14T15:58:15.844+00:00Kiri shawl - finished and blocked<div style="float: left; text-align: center; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31319623@N05/3354042594/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/3354042594_1a9f188f81_t.jpg" alt="kiri" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31319623@N05/3354042594/">kiri</a>,<br /> originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/31319623@N05/">curvyjax</a>.</span></div>Ok, I am so impressed with myself! Will do a proper post soon to let you know about the pretty manic and eventful time the past few weeks have been, but in the meantime - look! It's so pretty! It's a shame you can't feel photos - so soft. I'm not at all sensitive to mohair - my husband loves the look but doesn't want to touch this! Any way, I'm thrilled, and have already been asked to make another one. <br /><br />Incidentally, from this pic it looks as if the diet I've been on for the past few weeks is working - my waist is definitely there again! Cool - it's not often that I like a back view of myself!<br /><br />The other project I'm spending time on at the moment si a pair of socks for my friend who is going through a difficult time at the moment - her husband left and 3 weeks later, she had a nasty car crash. So I'm making her some socks in Opal Harry Potter yarn - tonks colourway. Will post pic's when I'm done.<br clear="all" />Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-34024449536819798822009-03-01T16:44:00.001+00:002009-09-22T17:03:39.984+01:00More leotard testing<div style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 15px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31319623@N05/3318830239/"><img alt="S6300480" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3318830239_0408b7a76c_t.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31319623@N05/3318830239/">S6300480</a>,<br />originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/31319623@N05/">curvyjax</a>.</span></div>Though it only fair to post a picture of J too. Nice handstand He was a bit too quick for me to get one of him in mid air.<br clear="all">Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-81909972557812635522009-03-01T16:42:00.001+00:002009-09-22T17:03:39.984+01:00Leotard making....<div style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 15px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31319623@N05/3319671648/"><img alt="S6300500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/3319671648_f73167dd42_t.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31319623@N05/3319671648/">S6300500</a>,<br />originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/31319623@N05/">curvyjax</a>.</span></div>As it's insanely expensive to buy leotards, I decided to try and make them - here's B giving it a thorough test!<br /><br />Couldn't get a boy pattern so I made my own using tips from www.patternschool.com and it turned out pretty well. Fitted great, just alittle stretched from hemming at the neckline. Will be able to sort that soon. Compared to a cost of at least £20 for a bought one, I bough a metre of fabric for £7.49 which is enough for about 4 or 5 leotards! Pretty pleased actually. Yay me!<br clear="all">Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-90867379348799839182009-02-10T20:43:00.000+00:002009-02-10T21:35:02.383+00:00Where did January go?<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkpdfBA0m-p-ooR2is79XjLjueZeh8HI1RVlcIkAIuvYFgTwMTLZXp8bZlWm-tz0S7fGatpGUXOvRAsCYx1LcIZqeC3KP1IVA0mvvkgFvHQ9oL_-bbVKrUptQkO0kTEPKDQXFY9q-Z9wv/s1600-h/061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301283361360154434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkpdfBA0m-p-ooR2is79XjLjueZeh8HI1RVlcIkAIuvYFgTwMTLZXp8bZlWm-tz0S7fGatpGUXOvRAsCYx1LcIZqeC3KP1IVA0mvvkgFvHQ9oL_-bbVKrUptQkO0kTEPKDQXFY9q-Z9wv/s320/061.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Wow! What happened? So I planned to post weekly - hah! - but apparently that hasn't happened!<br /><br />It's been a busy month, not least on the knitting front. The freezing weather has led to lots of hat requests. I am SO pleased that I made the Bellas Mittens (link in previous post). How did I not know that mittens are so much warmer than gloves? And perfect for making snowballs with! If you live in the UK, you'll know about the snow. We don't get much snow in England now - until this year! It kind of goes with the floods that Gloucestershire has had over the past couple of "summers". The first day with the kids off school was nice -until they started fighting. Fighting is a BIG feature of the boys recently, along with defiance.<br /><br />Being Mum has been a tough job this month. First of all, the changes set M off. Change is tricky for anyone on the autistic spectrum, and he had to deal with the end of christmas holidays, going back to school, P starting a new job and going back to being away from home during the week, me stopping temping, the classroom changing, new school books.... I suppose it's no wonder that he lost it. We had two solid weeks of being called in after school because he had refused to work, or had spent most of the day outside the head's office. If you look after a child with an ASD, you know that this also means constant alert. You cannot leave them unsupervised for any amount of time, or they get up to creative mayhem! After 2 weeks, he settled down. Then B&J started - because they had been more or less ignored. It has certainly challenged my disciplinary ideas. They are all too big to pick up and cart to their rooms now. So I am trying new things. If I find one that consistently works I'll let you know!!<br /><br />So on a brighter note, I have finished loads of things this month, and have started way more!<br /><br />I finished 2 hats for P, hats for B&J, fingerless gloves for me, and my first socks from the Violet Green sock club. I made sock blockers out of wire coat hangers. They have been machine washed for the first time today, and they look fine - are blocking to dry. I loved the Feb yarn and pattern so much that I skipped straight to them and started them a couple of days ago.<br /><br />Most of my current WIP's are big, so my finishing rate will drop! I am knitting a baby blanket for P's new boss's first baby which is due in a few months. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QzTGnoOoak85AvIUIYAMgEu0hVlo281sUbzYk3Agkog-_iZzeOQ-FMj8mlhkSLw9Tz4lJtUxEuxDocW6UE2EqhBXMaS9LkVX5XtrCULrsSQQzai42hw9t_LwiUTJ_W1sZPJMAR2qWIWL/s1600-h/073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301284773194762706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QzTGnoOoak85AvIUIYAMgEu0hVlo281sUbzYk3Agkog-_iZzeOQ-FMj8mlhkSLw9Tz4lJtUxEuxDocW6UE2EqhBXMaS9LkVX5XtrCULrsSQQzai42hw9t_LwiUTJ_W1sZPJMAR2qWIWL/s200/073.JPG" border="0" /></a>I then have more to do. I also thought of a funky baby blanket idea, which I will maybe work up into a pattern - but I have to do a baby shawl first. I am getting on with the <a href="http://www.alltangledup.com/movabletype/my_images/my_patterns/kiri.pdf">Kiri shawl</a> and am about a third though. It's so soft!<br /><br />I'm really loving the knitting community - it's letting me make new friends, and feel part of something that is not centered around my kids. That's good for me. I have decided to just not worry about finding what I'm going to do with my life, and just let things percolate for a while. Something will turn up, as long as I stay open to opportunities. In the mean time, I'll keep on knitting! </div>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-38366808558520980962009-01-12T10:13:00.000+00:002009-01-12T12:24:04.304+00:00New Year thoughts<div><div><div>I think I know why people make New Year resolutions. In common with lots of people on their blogs, or their podcasts, winter makes me more comtemplative and I am trying to find my direction. I think it's the long nights and cold days. In the summer (or whatever the cold monsoon season that we have had for the past 2 years is called - seriously, if you don't live in the UK, just google Gloucestershire floods) I am more contect to just be myself and am not prone to any sort of introspection. I like this sort of shallowness, I'm comfortable with it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFPJJHHtaA_cuDtHiXIcVftYg2U_lZM5YzvblpAsXk8Yp2FG0Fh3P1H2E7RvapYNxu00GudwOwON5OCMF7s0_YLGD_rxdLJa6MWUw9N1OKK1NxRH7cHlanbX2-eXabP3Y1UkBkMwfJti8/s1600-h/S6300356.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290366281474025906" style="WIDTH: 104px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 89px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFPJJHHtaA_cuDtHiXIcVftYg2U_lZM5YzvblpAsXk8Yp2FG0Fh3P1H2E7RvapYNxu00GudwOwON5OCMF7s0_YLGD_rxdLJa6MWUw9N1OKK1NxRH7cHlanbX2-eXabP3Y1UkBkMwfJti8/s200/S6300356.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl8IWGfFY1cMGiyg6Cd7UXICnF7jkMaoK_DPvr7IcrS4DnoebsA1rzAP6tgYvBWC_F4vUtUtW7zz9NuFwmV3xIPqjRIif04w40WJjWwKG83YfMNXlYwzTY5_ghsniErpE3ASOMnMow8lY/s1600-h/S6300343.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290366277438770994" style="WIDTH: 89px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 87px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl8IWGfFY1cMGiyg6Cd7UXICnF7jkMaoK_DPvr7IcrS4DnoebsA1rzAP6tgYvBWC_F4vUtUtW7zz9NuFwmV3xIPqjRIif04w40WJjWwKG83YfMNXlYwzTY5_ghsniErpE3ASOMnMow8lY/s200/S6300343.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The back end of last year was fairly tough. Mentally more than physically. P was made redundant at the end of October, which was hard for him. I went into survival mode, tightened the pursestrings dramatically, started temping, and decided that, other than for the kids, we would make Christmas presents. Of course that means I would make presents! </div><div></div><div>When P was offered a job, on Dec 19th, all the tension that I hadn't really realised I was holding onto was released. It made me an emotional basketcase for the next couple of weeks. And oh yes, that does mean over Christmas. I'm not going to bore you with details, but it was a hard one for me. The levels of control that I can usually hold on to just vanished. Crying is not a good look for me - I don't do the pretty movie star crying but the bright red face and snot version. Ah well, things are coming back into equilibrium now, especially now P has started his job and we are back to only seeing him on weekends. I think when I have to do everything I find it easier to cope. Control freak,moi??<br /><br />The thing that I keep coming back to is not having a career. Before the twins arrived, I was an equal earner, and that gave me a sense of self and equality that I have struggled to regain. One of these days, I will work out what I'm going to do when I grow up.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjOtje7ilWXCDrZCRrgyxGaWf0QV3AlUsQ5mgp_yHAOuwmRK2RjKA0gWyJ1F3zgaeLOHDVk6lrQWPVnSLNuZTsNHSgTRSbhIApOcgFkIoxlyIKmTz72NopjMHf4YP2xKzd1fZzD4FKsJf/s1600-h/S6300349.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290366304019002946" style="WIDTH: 94px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 93px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjOtje7ilWXCDrZCRrgyxGaWf0QV3AlUsQ5mgp_yHAOuwmRK2RjKA0gWyJ1F3zgaeLOHDVk6lrQWPVnSLNuZTsNHSgTRSbhIApOcgFkIoxlyIKmTz72NopjMHf4YP2xKzd1fZzD4FKsJf/s200/S6300349.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290366287736694242" style="WIDTH: 97px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 94px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtC4rcV7-b0sEccsZE16Z8TKqle9PrbXT_m0X6iZBoHB0B7RrcdYYD7qq6YSpXMXHLKNGNHouIWl-HCE3K0K6A5uyRFDXR-qQo0Mq4DZ6BkTOfDFHvftSuydwFkaOscGvaglCenALE8VI0/s200/S6300347.JPG" border="0" /><br />Craft-wise this has been a very busy time, and it hasn't slowed down post-christmas. P bought me a 3month membership to the <a href="http://www.violetgreen.co.uk/">Violet Green </a>sock club, and I am working on the December socks at the moment. The yarn feels lovely and the colours are great, so thanks honey! I am not getting on as fast as I would like witht he socke though. The unusually cold weather that we are getting now has meant that the hats and gloves that I didn't get round to for me, P and the kids have become an urgent priority! Most recently, I have made myself a <a href="http://knitology.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/felicityv2.pdf">Felicity hat</a> which is great. It's really easy to wear, can be pulled over my ears when it's cold, and is warm and pretty. I finished Paul's <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring07/PATTdashing.html">Dashing</a> fingerless gloves and made him a <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/search?q=turn+a+square">Turn a square </a>hat. I am now working on <a href="http://subliminalrabbit.blogspot.com/2008/12/bellas-mittens-updated-pattern.html">Bella's Mittens </a>for me. I saw the Twilight movie, and Bella, the main character, had a pair of long horseshoe cabled mittens that I saw and thought "I wonder if there's a pattern on Ravelry" and sure enough, this gorgeous pattern is there and free. I worked the first mitt quickly but despite checking gauge, it came out tighter than it should, so I moved up to 6mm needles for thesecond, which looks great. I have hat requests from the twins, and as I'm not completely happy with P's hat, I will try another pattern. I got all of these, by the way, from the wonderful, entertaining and informative <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> website. If you're not already there, WHY NOT??<br /><br />I had a lovely shopping trip to <a href="http://www.five-valleys-fabrics.com/">Kirsty's workshop</a> and got some bargain wools. Some bargain bucket single skeins, and 2 sweater's worth of wool. Can't wait to get started on them.<br /><br />So I think that my main resolution this year is to not worry too much about what other people think or expect of me, and to keep on drawing out this creative side of me. It satisfies me, gives me a sense of achievement that is noticeably absent in my pathetic housekeeping efforts. So even if it does not count as a career or add any financial value (rather the opposite), it enhances my life. Keep on knitting!</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudf5K4_QHmpqypk-RWvDjTbclbYT2bbbAaHs5jjim7zaH8Ws-o6Sw14jK3yEbCLz2s1pX8yyQ4ModA9393RLbgVX1mBs2MgMMy82PFxrFQmezItrTZfLvZTF9YWKxAuzcxfAY8HRSUlfg/s1600-h/S6300345.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290367144262130978" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudf5K4_QHmpqypk-RWvDjTbclbYT2bbbAaHs5jjim7zaH8Ws-o6Sw14jK3yEbCLz2s1pX8yyQ4ModA9393RLbgVX1mBs2MgMMy82PFxrFQmezItrTZfLvZTF9YWKxAuzcxfAY8HRSUlfg/s200/S6300345.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt5lGqNqfOMyqNGaNb_bIU1PaV1TBjXwYJ3CJJWmtqS981xWpMHi0jkpdY9GaqyT8VcDWfGlrycJx0r4GIyMq9yUtA8BOCkghi2BHvgBNyYerucEUFfDTA8zZ33B_nlUneRMGOCESiW9F/s1600-h/S6300362.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290367139779897474" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt5lGqNqfOMyqNGaNb_bIU1PaV1TBjXwYJ3CJJWmtqS981xWpMHi0jkpdY9GaqyT8VcDWfGlrycJx0r4GIyMq9yUtA8BOCkghi2BHvgBNyYerucEUFfDTA8zZ33B_nlUneRMGOCESiW9F/s200/S6300362.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589518894538628636.post-34180864643322790452008-11-07T11:34:00.000+00:002009-10-04T09:47:03.245+01:00First Blog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzWsSEjUZwZxRtxfilWb3pEZEhY6DuinbSCYK5je_CV0IKw27ICGiLWU89w-4YoZwms-66gAd4kJ9Bt8IJEaV-6AJu2ZIWqcCOFT5Gshhjep4n1iIDZtj19LqhjGar2wcuHm8OzjuPDVx/s1600-h/yarn!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265885818885170290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzWsSEjUZwZxRtxfilWb3pEZEhY6DuinbSCYK5je_CV0IKw27ICGiLWU89w-4YoZwms-66gAd4kJ9Bt8IJEaV-6AJu2ZIWqcCOFT5Gshhjep4n1iIDZtj19LqhjGar2wcuHm8OzjuPDVx/s200/yarn!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBQKYG5nQFK8WyQSX2jFwejq2vTHFgFVISEptgS0UU3_WLP7a1M1O9vEIv81AWXnXza2ewg9YoVPQgZMBfepMua4LldEv3Tpg6kxqvFfr2DqbDfYIDLn-f2AWTya4I2HZDX8xyILiO3w6/s1600-h/sweater+bag+wip.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;">I've had such a crafty obsession recently that I thought it was also time I joined the blogging world. I have read so many blog with great links and ideas - not that I am sure that I will be up to the standard of most that I have read.<br /></div></span><div><span style="color:#330033;">As an excuse to avoid cleaning the house, I've had a charity shop trawl over the past couple of days. On Wednesday, after waving goodbye to my 9yr old boy who was away on his first residential school trip, I headed off to Wooton under Edge. I'd decided that I wanted to try out felting jumpers to make them into things - first find your jumper!<br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;">Luckily in the first shop I went to, there was a hand knit jumper. Mostly brown, with darker brown and cream fairisle work. It was a bit pricy (around £4 I think), but I went for it anyway. It felt as if it was made from wool. A couple of shops later I found a lacy skirt for me, and a beautiful vintage silk dress. It's floor length and almost looks like a nightdress. I don't know what era it's from. There are hand sewn metal poppers hidden on the button band, with silk covered buttons on the front. It's the most beautiful fabric. I don't know what to do with it yet - but I couldn't leave it to go for dressing up! It cost £3.50, so bargain!! Pictures show full length and close up of<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsKdlxfBEY8d4tGIyU9EbmqSgqYa_16a9CfOrzlQHw4VjhxMQilt8bGnNFOp5XE5CqC-HYJHim44LWFBGhdrskSo_OvDD-Y4WvgePL4mwMgSYHYV1GNaezpFXYrzaRBPDGWnaDKol4Luu/s1600-h/close+up+fabric.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265885811455901714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsKdlxfBEY8d4tGIyU9EbmqSgqYa_16a9CfOrzlQHw4VjhxMQilt8bGnNFOp5XE5CqC-HYJHim44LWFBGhdrskSo_OvDD-Y4WvgePL4mwMgSYHYV1GNaezpFXYrzaRBPDGWnaDKol4Luu/s200/close+up+fabric.jpg" border="0" /></a> the pattern.<br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeDECtQ7E1Yxm1_wcl8iEdbiianPXdQv1wiikgXr2n7WLG1D9T3-RwdNKi-5G8aw-vPUlfGbuItoSF3hBmyIJsSIYRHnm5tqpMnYoXAZwkuBJcoH9giSfm8kVIg9OabQ0GtAOjAV8Z0Ar/s1600-h/vintage+dress.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265884708052077010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeDECtQ7E1Yxm1_wcl8iEdbiianPXdQv1wiikgXr2n7WLG1D9T3-RwdNKi-5G8aw-vPUlfGbuItoSF3hBmyIJsSIYRHnm5tqpMnYoXAZwkuBJcoH9giSfm8kVIg9OabQ0GtAOjAV8Z0Ar/s200/vintage+dress.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeDECtQ7E1Yxm1_wcl8iEdbiianPXdQv1wiikgXr2n7WLG1D9T3-RwdNKi-5G8aw-vPUlfGbuItoSF3hBmyIJsSIYRHnm5tqpMnYoXAZwkuBJcoH9giSfm8kVIg9OabQ0GtAOjAV8Z0Ar/s1600-h/vintage+dress.jpg"></a></span> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#330033;">Yesterday, I went into Stroud, and got 8 knitting magazines for £2, and then hit paydirt in the RSPCA shop. Wool!! A <u>cone</u> of pink wool - I guess it's lace weight, a smaller cone of a deeper burgundy shade, and 3 balls of fluffy cream - maybe thin dk? Anyway, very pleased. I'm thinking shawl. The yarns are pictured at the top of the post.<br /></div></span><div><span style="color:#330033;">So this morning, when I couldn't sleep (for some reason my body decided that 3am was wake up time) and eventually gave up and came downstairs, I started cutting up the jumper that I had felted in the washing machine (worked like a dream). I'm making it into a tote, using the guidelines from </span><a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/other_crafts/recycled_sweater_totes.php"><span style="color:#330033;">http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/other_crafts/recycled_sweater_totes.php</span></a></div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#330033;">It's looking good so far - but a bit too wide, Will decide later what to do. In the meantine, I am using some of the fluffy cream wool to stitch a decorative blanket stitch onto it.</span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#330033;">So I think I'd better finish now - hadn't actually meant to start a blog right now (more cleaning avoidance...) so I'll go and learn a little more about it!</span></div></div></div></div>Curvyknitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858268013633668755noreply@blogger.com0