A time for Easter Eggs & KALs!

Hello & Happy Easter!

Since my last post we finished the townhome, and the couple was delighted with the results..we left them with a "new looking" space and all the work ahead of re-organizing their home! Also, we finished up the drywall portion of our friend's garage, and when we headed to the Interior for Easter - they tackled the paint themselves.

My good friend & her  man just moved into a new place together, so we visited them in their new home before we left for a week...it was still a work in progress and I am sure we will see it a bit further along next time, but it was a nice space in a nice neighbourhood and they are excited about the changes.

On Monday, April 2nd we headed up to the Shuswap to visit my family for Easter. We left a week early because we had a job to do in Salmon Arm! The drive up was nice, we took the Fraser Canyon instead of the Coquihalla because it's only an extra hour & a half, and it's much easier on our elderly van! We arrived in plenty of time for dinner and to help a bit with dinner. Monday night was mostly just hanging out with mum & dad.

Tuesday, we stopped in at the job, and helped pick colours & make some decisions, and explain the process; then we went to pick up the paint! Stopped in at a friends for a visit on our way back to my parents...and went for a run when we got home. It was a week of 5&1s.

Wednesday & Thursday we worked! Repainted a fair bit of their home, but as the prep had all been done before hand to save on labour, we worked quite quickly! It was a small refresh on some walls & a massive change on others. Overall, they feel like it's more their space now, and are loving it.

Friday we visited, helped around the house a bit too...all those Easter preparations!!! Saturday, my sister & her fella showed up with the dogs. There was eating, basketball (I did not partake), tetherball, cooking, frisbee, eating, hiking, cooking, visiting, eating...you know, the usual! Overall, it was a good week & a great weekend. 

The view of White Lake from the Lookout

Easter Eggs!

Needles:

I completed the Purl Ridge Scarf by Stephen West in Peruvian Alpaca Tweed #111 by Jane Stafford Textiles for the Knitabulls Stephen West KAL for April, and the Knit1HeartToo Neck KAL

Softest Cowl EVER -- for ME!

After a couple of visits to my LYS I have TWO things on the needles (it was three until I completed the cowl!)

1. I am trying to do my second pair of socks, two at a time on two circs using the pattern: Harvest Dew by Rose Hiver Designs in  Kattikloo Plumage Handpaint Warbler for the Knitting in Circles April Sock KAL

Slow going for me, but excited anyway!

2. The Lily Pond Scarf by Maggie Magali in Malabrigo Sock Yarn - Caribeno (held double) for my cousin!

The skein looked Purple & Teal..but it's a bit more blue & green...

Upcoming:

1. Cafe au Lait Mitts by Paula McKeever

2. Adaptation Shawl by Kirsten Hipsky

3. Tuck by Susan B. Anderson

4. Elefante by Susan B. Anderson

Spinning:

 Zip. Nada. Nil.

Fitness:

During our week away I sucked at the strength training, but maintained the running. Completed my week of 5&1s, and this week we have begun 6&1s! I am officially the furthest I have ever gotten with the Learn to Run program...and stoked that I am able to do it! In 38min we went 4.75km. So it's not terrible!

Also, we worked our butts off working last Wed/Thurs, we went for a hike to White Lake Lookout on Saturday and played a bit of tetherball & frisbee as well. Now I am home, continuing with the jogging, strength training, and planning to get in a bit more yoga/pilates type stuff.

My last weigh-in I was down a pound, not sure about this week with all the Easter goodies...but here's hoping!

Travel/Visa:

No word on Australia... 

 

I love Spring, but not allergies!

What have I been up to?! 

My good friend was in town last week, so Sunday evening after my last post, was dinner with her family, Tuesday was a pub night and Friday we went out for Thai at a new place in town, Smile Thai - there were 4 of us and the consensus was that we all loved it!

Also, we have a bit of work happening. A friend needed to drywall his garage, so Spyros & I went to help with that last Saturday (Mar. 24th). It was fun, but our bodies have certainly gotten used to lying about the house. It felt good to use muscles that haven't been used in some time! It was fun to spend a day with friends too. My dad was in town, and as it was Saturday he didn't have to work, so he dropped by and helped out a bit too. He's of the generation of men who literally have no "couch potato" in their makeup! 

Sunday we went to brunch with my dad & sister, she was in town as well for a birthday.  After lunch I tried to go to my LYS, but it was closed! (I thought it was closed Mondays, turns out it is both Sunday & Monday) After that we drove out to the dykes for a jog. My dad met us there and after our jog we went for another hour long walk with him.

Needless to say, my body saw a lot more activity last weekend than it is used to - but it felt awesome to be feeling muscles, even if they were sore it was nice to know they are there!

Today is Monday, March 26th, and we began a job for a friend today. Repainting their townhouse. Made a good start on it and probably have another 3 days or so. These last few days I have been getting out of bed at normal hours and getting tired by 10pm. This is also a welcome change!!!

Needles:

I completed my Honey Cowl by Madeline Tosh in Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Irwyn

Green Honey Cowl

I also completed my version of the Munchkin Hat by Jeannie Kubricht in Sirdar Crofter DK in 0042

Long Tailed Baby Girl Hat

I currently have nothing on the needles!! Not for lack of wanting, but because the next few projects I want to begin I do not have the correct needle size for, and my LYS has been closed when I have been free!

Upcoming:

Oh so much loveliness! 

 

1)Cafe au Lait Mitts by Paula McKeever 

2)Purl Ridge Scarf by Stephen West  for an April KAL w/Diane of Knitabulls 

3)Harvest Dew by Rose Hiver  for an April KAL w/Aimee & Darren of Knitting in Circles

Spinning:

I wound the single from my drop spindle onto something so that I can ply it. I then started spinning the Ashford Corriedale that I won at Fibres West...only a teensy bit as I was showing a friend how I drop spindle.

Fitness:

The lifestyle change continues!! I made it through 2 and 1s, and will be starting 3 and 1s tomorrow!! 

My Friday weigh-in was a no-change weigh-in, but that is better than going back UP! I know that my activity level will skyrocket without me even having to think about it if I start working more, and I look forward to the auto work-outs on top of my planned/specific work-outs!

Travel/Visa:

Nada on Visa.

Soon will be heading up to the Interior for Easter with the family - on that same trip will also be getting some working in, as a friend of mine has a family friend that wants us to do some painting! WIN WIN!

Thanks for reading! Have a super week!

Another amazing Fibres West experience

What's been going on here?! Well it's been raining a fair bit. However, it has not stopped me from keeping up with the exercise regime...yay!

I have been knitting plenty...and watching Being Erica on Netflix while I knit. I know a lot of podcasters are really obsessing over Downton Abbey, I just haven't given it a try as yet.

 I needed a different size of needle the other day, to begin 2 separate cowls. I went to Once Upon a Sheep and chatted for quite awhile. I purchased a demp/starter Knitpicks Options kit. It had two 24" cables and 3 sizes of tips. 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm in the 3 materials (acrylic, birch laminated, and nickle plated). I purchased the appropriate size cable as well. When I got home and took out the acrylic (the size tip I needed), and my cable I was losing my mind over how flexible the cable is!! The join is smooth... so far it's LOVE! I am very excited to learn Magic Loop on these suckers!

My biggest excitement was over Fibres West. I went on Friday, and am always a  bit sad to wander around by myself, but was not nearly as overwhelmed as last year. It seemed smaller, but that may have been the fact that I was not overwhelmed! There was plenty of fibrey goodness. Spinning implements, yarn, roving, untreated wool waiting for the hardworking to take home to wash, comb, card, spin...I did a lap, and then several more. I found myself wanting to purchase from people who were making eye contact and chatting a bit with me. I found myself wanting to purchase EVERYTHING!! However, I left the house with $150.00 and that was all I was able to spend on my day. 

I knew I wanted sock yarn, and I knew I wanted roving. So I bought from the following vendors:

Everything Old - I purchased sock yarn & a braid of SW Merino/Silk

Kattikloo - I purchased sock yarn

Valley Yarn - I purchased Malabrigio sock yarn

Smith and Ewe - I purchased a braid of BFL

Pollika  - I purchased undyed sock yarn to try dyeing!

I also bought a WPI tool since I plan to be spindling!! There was SO much more I wanted to purchase. Then I was thinking I should leave, or risk losing self control and heading for the ATM, but I wanted to stick around for the drawing of the door prize basket. I was standing there in shock when they announced MY NUMBER!!! I seriously don't know that I have ever won anything, so I was ecstatic, but shocked. My prize? More fibre, a Namaste Bitty Bag, a skein of art yarn, a scarf, 3 weaving magazines, a bottle of Soak, and a flower vase from the pottery vendor at the show.

Here is what I purchased and what I won!

My stash enhancement!

My prize basket

 Other news? I received my SWAP package! Yay!! Here's what my Swapee sent to me:
 

Earwarmer, towels, notepad & lights!

Needles:

I completed my slippers...

I completed Burberry Inspired Cowl by Julianne Smith using Three Irish Girls Springvale DK in Geneva.

I completed a The Duketer by Jenny Wiebe using Katia Azteca 7816

My current WIP is Honey Cowl by Madelinetosh using Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Irwyn

Spinning:

Nada - but soon that will change!!

 

Fitness:

I am doing 6 days a week. 

Learning to run Tues/Thurs/Sat. I just finished Week 2 of Learn to Run, next week will be running 2min, walking 1min. 

Strength training Mon/Wed/Fri. It's going well. Sometimes I really don't feel like doing anything, but am determined to get back to a place I am happy, so I am doing it!

I have been tracking, and have been losing weight and starting to feel a bit better about things, starting to see some changes. Still not fitting the clothes I want to fit though!

 

Upcoming:

I have sorted through my Ravelry queue and have big plans for upcoming projects!! Cowls, Monsters, Socks, Wraps, Shawls..still knitting from my stash, and I am excited now that things have plans!

Definitely hoping to get to Knit Night on Tuesday, but do have two friends who will be in town, so I am not positive it will happen.

Hopefully soon we will be swamped with work and won't be having as much time for knitting, but that does remain to be seen!

Travel/Visa:

I sent the email to the Dept. of Immigration to let them know that we had moved. Got back a form email saying "We have passed this on to the appropriate people. Have a nice life."

Well this was LONG! Sorry about that! 

M is for March, Moving and Merino!

I know one of these days I will get some type of a schedule happening here! But I truly don't know that I am interesting enough or have enough going on to even do this weekly!! I am not traveling much right now, and I am a monogamous knitter for the most part, so it's not like there is a lot to tell about that either!!

Anyway...

I am feeling pretty normal now. Scars seem quite tiny and I will use vitamin E to minimize. Moving was difficult because every time I moved I was told to "sit down", "don't lift that", etc. Which was frustrating, I am a doer, and even a bit of a control freak when it comes to packing my things. I have moved quite a bit in my life, and really have only had help twice...the help stresses me out far more than the packing itself or the moving. I worry things are not getting packed correctly, that things might be missed, or that another person's things will get packed with mine (when I have a roomie). Of course it was OK, there were a couple of things forgotten, but since it was my sister, it will be alright. 

The drive from the Interior of BC to the Lower Mainland was uneventful. We took the Fraser Canyon route because we didn't want to deal with Coquihalla weather. It was sunny and a nice drive. When we arrived we had help unpacking (since no one wanted me to help, that was especially nice for my man & my dad!).

We are lucky, a very good friend of mine has parents here with a suite in their basement. This way we get super decent rent AND no lease to worry about, so when we get the OK from the Visa we will be able to head off right away. It's nice not to have that worry.

Looking for some work. It's raining alot...but that is the norm here. At least there is no hill that we are unable to get up!!!! Have been able to reconnect with friends & family again already, which is always nice.Vehicle insurance came due, and have to deal with aircare too because we are in a much more populated area. Hopefully will get that all sorted tomorrow.

I am all caught up on the podcasts that I have been watching. Two have a couple of KALs that I am interested in doing for April - but will see if that happens. I am meant to be knitting from stash & neither of the KAL's go along with the yarns I currently have! BOO! (hahaha) FYI - I want to do the "Stephen West KAL" that Knitabulls is doing, and the "Sock KAL" that Knitting in Circles is doing!

Needles:

My swapee has received her mitts!! The pattern is free on Ravelry and is called the Cupcake Mittlets . I used SMC Extra Soft Merino in Ruby. So here are a couple of photos (I love these AND have more of this yarn...might have to do another pair):

The cupcake mittlets together

The mitt on a hand (my hand!)

Also - I have started the thrummed slippers! In fact I am probably about two thirds done. This is a kit I received from my mum on my last birthday, she got it at a market from a local (to her) company called Tocino Alpacas. 

It's knit in the flat in pieces. Sole, Upper, Sole, Upper, sew Soles to Uppers. I am about half way through my second Upper and then just have to sew all the bits together. Putting in all the thrums does take a bit longer, but it's not as challenging as I was worried it might be. Here is what I have:

The sole with the thrums showing side on...

The upper with all of the thrums hanging out...

Spinning: 

No change!

Fitness:

Now that I am healed I can start exercising. I have been tracking, but now I am ready to get moving. So I am going to continue with the Spark People plan, and up the cardio from just walks to Learn to Run...I have a print-out of the program and have started it before. I am going to try to do it on my own, but I am also thinking of going to the Running Room if I am having motivation troubles. 

Upcoming:

Now that I am back in the Lower Mainland I am going to look for a new SNB to attend. Also, as I am in town and not in the bush I hope to attend regularly!

Fibres West is coming March 16th and 17th. I went last year but was just starting to get serious about knitting so I bought two skeins of yarn and haven't knit from either. I am excited to attend and to meet up with other Rav lovers and am hoping to buy:

1) a skein of sock yarn

2) a braid of fibre to spin with

3) perhaps enough yarn to make a sweater type of project

I am hoping to next use the DK that I got in my first SWAP, and also one of the yarns I got from Fibres West last year...not entirely sure which projects I will be doing though!

Travel/Visa:

We traveled several hundred kilometres to get to the coast! But nothing else planned yet. Talks of going back to visit my parents, going up North to visit friends and possibly work, and going to Vancouver Island to visit friends have all been had. Hopefully some of these ideas will come to fruition! 

Visa - nada. However, I now need to update them as we have relocated!

Well that was lengthy...but I think I am done. I am so obsessed! I just need to improve and learn more skills!!!

Feeling the love...

One step forward, two steps back!?!?

I was rocking out the SparkPeople goals, I was feeling more fit, feeling proud of my accomplishments; I had managed over a week of exercising everyday and being mindful of what I put in my mouth!!

Valentine's Day...around 4pm I started to get a tummy ache. It got progressively worse until we decided to go to the hospital and check it out. Appendicitis. So the evening of the 15th I had surgery. My first time. Yikes! (More yikes because of the shenanigans at the hospital and the lack of clarity surrounding whether it actually was my appendix!) However, I did go ahead with it. Laparoscopically...so I only have three little holes. They said it's an easy surgery, go home the next day kind of thing. Truly, compared to my roomie at the hospital I did have it easy - but it didn't feel like it!

When we returned home Spyros and I looked up the surgery on YouTube, oh strange humanoids that are out there, there were of course a few videos available!! No wonder it hurts! They really tug & pull when they are in there.  

I spent a couple of days mostly lying around, doing laps around our kitchen to get a bit of movement happening, taking pain medicine, drinking lots of water. I had informed all of my friends and family and the response was overwhelming. Offers to hop on a plane to come & help out (and this was just an easy surgery, imagine if I had lost a limb or something!). So I have been feeling a bit sorry for myself, but mostly lucky that there is so much love in my life and so many good friends.

Needles: 
The first few days I didn't even knit. I know, I know, everyone thinks that if you're just stuck in bed it's the perfect time for that type of hobby, but I don't like to knit while lying down...however I have gotten my mojo back and finished my SWAP project in plenty of time! YAY! Will post photo once package has been received!!
 
I did complete the hat for my brother in plenty of time! He liked it (which is a feat in and of itself for a 16 year old!) and has been wearing it regularly.

The next on the list?! I think I need to get the darn slippers done now! Birthday & SWAP knitting is completed and I want to get those thrummed slippers done for me next!

Travel/Visa:
Still haven't had any luck hearing back from Immigration about my Visa application, thought at this point we aren't really expecting to hear anything until May.

It's getting to crunch time here with the moving...it's looking like we are headed south, back to the lower mainland. 

Now that I am feeling a bit better I have taking to walking around the block, though Spyros holds the dogs leads as I don't want to get pulled abruptly! On Friday I can remove the steri-tape that is covering the wounds (1 dissolving stitch in each), and hopefully next week I will be able to exercise a bit more normally.


For now?! I have a bunch of podcasts to catch up on again!

I love all the things!

Since my last post I have been doing pretty good with the exercise goals. SparkPeople does seem to do me good as I think about the fact that I have to keep track of my food & my exercise, and it makes me more accountable. I have had a bit of chit chat with other members as well, so I feel like I have company in my struggle. Plus Friday weigh-ins...ugh!

So my video podcast obsession is my inspiration for my title as there have been a lot of titles in a similar vein "Must knit all the things", "Must write all the things". I think it's awesome as there is not enough time in a day to do everything we all want to do.

A list of my current loves:
- the handspun and handpainted squishiness that the podcasters I follow are showing each week in their stash enhancements
- the fun and funky knitting project bags that the podcasters show their projects in!
- Days when the sun is shining bright & I can just feel the vitamin D!
- the way I feel when I have kept my promise to myself to exercise each day
- when I learn a new technique and see how awesome the project looks
- daydreaming with my hunny about everything we plan to do when we get to Australia
- being able to drop in at my mum & dads because we live so much closer now

Valentine's Day is coming up. Not sure that DH & I have any plans yet though. Hopefully we will figure something out. Since we work together, live together, are together pretty much 24/7 we don't really seem to be making a lot of time for "romance". So maybe taking some time for a special time would be good!!!

Nothing really of note happening lately. Had a heavy fog blanket for several days in our area. It's a bit dreary all the grey, along with it though came a lot of hoar frost on all of the trees which was SO gorgeous. It makes everything look crisp and lovely. We wanted to take a photo or two, but it started snowing and I wanted to get home quickly because I thought we might not make it up our hill because it does tend to snow more about half way up our hill! Oh well - just a few more weeks of that particular drama. Now it's just the where oh where to live drama.

Needles: 
I have cast on the hat for my brother...it's on Ravelry and it's called Sockhead Hat since it's made of fingering weight yarn. Now I was always a worsted/chunky lover. My first socks were Light Fingering (and felt like they lasted FOREVER). My first shawl was Fingering (and it was starting to wear on me too). But I made a few bulkier projects in between and I am really enjoying the feel of the smaller yarn right now, and I am about half way through!

I have the yarn and pattern finally settled for my SWAP. There are a bunch of people already DONE! Yikes! I just need to get the appropriate needles and then I can cast on that one too!!

Spinning:
I haven't done anything with my last bit of spinning. It's just sitting there waiting to be plied. I just wasn't sure how to go about it - but I think I have it figured, so now I just have to get to it! 

Then I need to get some more fibre so that I can try to spin with it!!!

Hmmm.. I am not sure if I should try to post random thoughts more often, or actually wait until there is something major to say! When I started blogging I was traveling and it was very easy to have something interesting to say everyday when in a foreign country!!

Loved This!

I love my Google Reader - keeps me updated on all the blogs & podcasts that I like to follow...and all the fun things everyone says and posts! This tickled my funny bone something fierce! Kim @ Craft Stash posted this - I don't remember this episode of Fraggle Rock, but I can sure appreciate it now!!! 

Can I start my New Year a bit late?

January 1st is the day that people make resolutions, lay out a plan for the year, and stop smoking, start working out, quit a job, join a group...I did none of that!

So I have decided that February is Fitness month. For me at least. It's time I jumped on the fitness bandwagon. I haven't been happy about myself, my body, my fitness level in quite sometime. I recently started watching a podcaster who mentioned on her Ravelry group that she is on SparkPeople so I checked it out. Joined up. From what I can see it seems similar to what everyone says online Weight Watchers is like.

Now I begin tracking what I am eating and getting an idea of caloric intake. I begin tracking my exercise (so that hopefully I do more!!)...also hoping to make friends and contacts to help keep me motivated.

Fitness Goals:
1. Exercise everyday (even if it's just a walk)
2. Monitor food intake daily
3. Eat less junk
4. Stop snacking in the evenings
5. Treat myself when I reach certain weight loss goals
6. MAKE THIS A LIFE LONG CHANGE!


In other news -  I joined the SWAP, I have a partner (she seems great!), and I am starting to formulate a plan! Since it's a February Swap the idea is red colour & I am thinking just in general--Romance and Valentine's Day. So it should be fun! A trip to my LYS should result in the yarn I will need to create a gifty for my swap pal! It's a long one, we have until the end of February to get the package sent off since we have to make something!


I have been podcast crazy, watching quite a few and taking note of my favourites, so I will be adding those to my list of Blogs etc. that I watch! Then you can all check them out too.

I completed the spinning of the fibre I had. I had some roving in batts from my lovely friends over at Llamas in the Raw, you can check out their blog and what they are hoping to achieve here. It was a bit rough, the drum carder they were using had quite spaced apart needles. It was great for the gorgeous art yarn that Lynne creates, but harder for me to try to make consistent! However, after watching many other people drop spindling online I did pull apart my roving and pre draft it a bit. The first bit was all natural white. My second bit was the same, but I had 2 batts of some pretty springtime birthday roving that I got at a class I took with Lynne. So I divided it evenly throughout the rest of the roving and I spun it all up. I believe I will ply them together...but I am not sure how I am going to set it up here at home yet - but I thought I would show you what I have done.


In the photo from Right to Left there is the first yarn I spun at a Spinning workshop at Llamas in the Raw. It is Navajo plied. The middle yarn is the stuff I spun before the last post that will be plied with the leftmost yarn, which is the most recent that I had spun. It's much more consistent than first attempts. My yarn so far is definitely a lost more rough and there are more thick and thin than most other beginner spinners I have been keeping an eye on! So I feel kinda sad about that, but I will keep on trying! I would like to take another class...and now I need more roving! LOL

Needles:
Last time I wrote I has cast on a baby boucle hat. I made 2, and have gotten a headband done as well, still working on the flower to attach to it though!


Soon I will be casting on for my Swap partner. I also want to get a toque done for my bro - it's his birthday this month. 


Knitting Goals for 2012:
1. Make a sweater!
2. Learn a new technique
3. Make a blanket
4. Take another spinning class
5. Do a pair of socks 2 at a time (magic loop OR 2 circs)
6. Make 5 things for people who responded to my Facebook post RE: handmade goodies
7. Make a shawl w/beads
8. Make a felted something!
9. Do one KAL
10. Make at least 1 item for a charitable cause


Otherwise?! No Visa news. We are relocating though - our lease is about up so end of February we are going to be moving. Into town, or back to the coast. Not sure, depends how much work comes our way here in the next month. Wherever we end up is where we will be sticking until the Visa gets approved or Spyros has to leave because his expires...whichever comes first!

Swaps R Us!

So I joined a SWAP. My first swap on Ravelry, I have been stalking a few for a couple of months, but I have been nervous to partake. For all non-ravelers and non-knitters - a SWAP is when you are partnered up and send one another a package. Now this package can vary greatly, but when it comes to Ravelry, it generally will include yarn or a knit/crocheted item. It can also include chocolates, books, postcards, knitting notions, fat quarters for sewing, needles, patterns, etc. etc. etc. The swap group I joined is one that changes each month. Yarn + Something Else, and the something else changes. This time it was Yarn + Chocolate (so you see why I had to join!).

My Swapper was from New Zealand, and I was lucky enough that she is also a member of Three Irish Girls Yarn Skein of the Month Club. I have been scrolling through these amazing handpainted yarns at Three Irish Girls for a few months now. Such incredible colours and great reviews. I have definitely decided to join the SM Club once $$ allows - so imagine my amazement to open up my package from NZ and find a gorgeous skein of Three Irish Girls DK merino!!! Oh happy day! Also, some gorgeous dark chocolate mint chocolate and a dark chocolate chili lime chocolate as well. (I won't lie, I am already well into the chocolate).

Pretty stoked about my first Swap! Here it is:

Naturally, I sent a message with much thanks ...and then started trolling other swaps to see what was going on. Now I have joined another that is a February - make something red Swap. This will be fun because I will be receiving a handknit something in this swap!!

Needles: I have been wanting to work on my thrummed slippers. I have been NEEDING to make myself some thrummed slippers!! However, it has been snowing off and on a fair bit, and we live in the bush...up a hill. So I do not go to town unless I must for work, or groceries. Since we haven't been working much, I haven't been out much! I did make it to town on Friday - I bought the needles, but when I got back and looked at the pattern again, it says "3.5 & 4.5 double pointed needles"...but the bloody pattern is knit in the flat and therefore I got the wrong needles! Oi!

To pass the time I have been spinning. That's right - ages ago I took a drop spindle spinning class.   I haven't touched it since. I always have such a fear of messing up something I don't know very well. But I pulled out the spindle and the roving and started on it. I made a fair bit of single ply VERY thick & thin, very artsy, very inconsistent yarn! But that's ok - at least I am working on it! I want to spin the rest and try to ply it together. Or else I might just Navajo ply the whole kit and caboodle!

Today I cast on a hat, a cute bay boucle hat to be sent to my friend for her photography studio. Soon I shall conquer those blasted slippers!!

Visa: Finally received a reply, the gist of which was, "Yes we received all of your info.  You will not be contacted unless we need something from you. This may take 5 - 12 months."

Well thanks so much Immigration for your understanding of my state of limbo! So we wait...

The New Year

Well Happy 2012!

Christmas was great. The family time was excellent. There was too much food...some board game playing...but it was awesome.

January came in with a bang, started working on Jan. 1st - and worked 7 days in a row because we were trying to get a house completely repainted for a family moving in on the 6th (we didn't quite make it since there were a few things added after the initial quote). 

I finished my sisters kerchief because I did not get it finished in time for Christmas. After that project the next on my list was Spyros's house slipper socks....he had requested them in November - but as I could not do them in secret I did not want them to be a Christmas gift. So he got them a bit later, but he seems to like them!

We had a clear holiday season, and a bit of a cold snap this last week or so. Got a fair dumping of snow as well. In all my years living in Northern BC I have never seen my father get stuck on a hill with his 4X4 truck loaded  down in the back. However, this year we went to my brother's basketball game, it started snowing a bit on our way in, but by the end of the game we came out to 6 inches of snow on the vehicles and it was coming down heavily! So my sis, my man & I headed off up the hill in her Geo. We had to go up because there was an 8 car crash at the bottom. Up didn't work and we were spinning in place and stopped the car. Dad followed and since he stopped behind sis - he was unable to get moving again. Spinning, spinning, and then he slid down the hill about 12 feet! Stopped himself by hitting the curb. Got a little ways up, but not enough - so we had to chain up. For all you Aussie's - that means you put chains on the driving tires to get more grip on the road. Once he was chained up we were golden. He pulled sis up to flatter ground, and helped one of my brother's teammates mum's...she also had slid down the hill.

There have been several occasions where there has been too much snow and not enough gravel on our hill & we have had to park at the bottom of the hill and walk up our blasted hill. Very very frustrated let me tell you. Once with armfuls of groceries (that was my workout for the day!!) 

On Facebook there was a status going around - to give homemade gifts. You post it as your status & the first 5 people who respond & repost are to be recipients of a homemade gift sometime during 2012. I am participating and so far have ideas for everyone!!

What's left?

Visa: No word. Emailed them, nothing. Will have to make a phone call to see if there has been any progress!


Needles: Finished slipper socks, dishcloth, a coffee cozy (but I have other plans for it), and I am planning to make me some thrummed slippers -- but need to get the correct needle size! So I pulled out the fibre batts I had here, and my drop spindle, and played with some spinning. I think I need another spinning course, as I find that I am still VERY inconsistent, and not necessarily when I WANT to be! hahaha


Some Christmas Gift Photos: