tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14488189579107501302024-03-14T10:40:53.793+00:00Absy's knittingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.comBlogger310125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-45411123086851260602015-01-18T15:15:00.001+00:002015-01-18T15:15:19.285+00:00FO: DovanaI finally finished <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dovana">Dovana</a>! It's a wee kerchief that is currently blocking.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/16121593378" title="IMG_9836.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9836.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7552/16121593378_cb71993475.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/16309139865" title="IMG_9837.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9837.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7537/16309139865_e4e086f131.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I loved the yarn, Drops Baby Alpaca Silk but the rows were getting long towards the end.<br />
<br />
I will be taking parts in two KAL so if you don't want spoilers of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ttl-mystery-sock-15">Through The Loops Sock mystery KAL</a> or of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/follow-your-arrow-2">Ysolda Teagues' Follow Your Arrow KAL</a> then you might want to read the next few posts later.<br />
<br />
The first to start was <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ttl-mystery-sock-15">TTL Mystery sock</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/16058339950" title="image by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7543/16058339950_3c3a3ffc43.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I didn't have any yarn I found suitable so ordered some Drops Fabel in a teal colour. What was my surprise when I received a flat package from the shop! It was vacuumed packed and made a lot of sense!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/16121593818" title="IMG_9826.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9826.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8644/16121593818_32bf562096.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
The first clue came out this week and I cast it on straight away. Here is clue 1 of the first sock.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/16283209616" title="IMG_9840.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9840.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7529/16283209616_6c20c38be7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Ysolda's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/follow-your-arrow-2">KAL</a> will start on Monday.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15623309634" title="image by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7491/15623309634_4d1073f3d7.jpg" width="394" /></a><br />
<br />
Again, I didn't have anything suitable so ordered some yarn. I wanted a gradient and went on a hunt for a European based gradient dyer. I found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Wollelfe">Wollelfe</a>. The colours are gorgeous, the price is great and the shipping was fast. The best bit? You can choose your length set up! For this one I chose 600m of fingering weight in the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189441049/antarctica-gradient-yarn-merino-hand?ref=shop_home_active_14">Antarctica</a> colour. This is genius.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/16298922152" title="image by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8628/16298922152_b3a93fa6ec.jpg" width="374" /></a><br />
<br />
I think I will start with the blue but that might still change.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-8369508324857255952015-01-01T16:41:00.000+00:002015-01-01T16:41:02.391+00:00Welcome 2015!Sorry about the unexpected interruption of service. Life just got in the way.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
I am still knitting on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stripes-gone-crazy">Stripes Gone Crazy </a>cardigan and managed some progress. I am on the third big stripe of 4.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15979397927" title="IMG_9816.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9816.jpg" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7541/15979397927_a401b28ac2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I am also still knitting on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dovana">Dovana</a> and managed a few more repeats.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/16164431302" title="IMG_9821.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9821.jpg" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7521/16164431302_04dcc14c0a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Before the end of the year I finished 2 projects for colleagues. The first one is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/xavier-the-observant-owl">Xavier</a> by Rebecca Danger. I had promised a colleague another toy if he managed an update of a system without breaking everything again. The update worked even though the system still not works perfectly so I knitted him an owl.<br />
<br />
This one a very fast, easy and enjoyable knit. The fiddliest part were the feet but they are just too cute.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/16165173405" title="IMG_9787.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9787.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7570/16165173405_8d76b4f71f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
The other projects were 3 little elves using the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jolly-wee-elf">Jolly Wee Elf</a> pattern. Super easy, super quick, super cute. This colleague had said that for Christmas she wanted more me's (as in more colleagues like me) and these 3 elves are 3 mini me's. She absolutely adored them.<br />
<br />
I made a couple of modifications. First I didn't do the arm bits. Second I didn't do a scarf but cowls.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15542826084" title="IMG_9789.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9789.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7471/15542826084_927eae5e01.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Year in review</u></b><br />
<br />
This has been a challenging year personally and I am grateful for the people around me who helped me and said kind words. Just before the close of the year I signed the final papers for the ownership of my flat.<br />
<br />
Knitting-wise, it has been the most prolific year since 2010. I have knitting 19 projects amounting to 6249 metres (so Ravelry tells me).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/16165312205" title="Screen Shot 2015-01-01 at 16.44.07.png by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="Screen Shot 2015-01-01 at 16.44.07.png" height="397" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7575/16165312205_f07d035801_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I have done quite well with reading too with a total of 31 books and 7091 pages. I am still trying to read 10 pages or a chapter a night and it's working so far.<br />
<br />
Now let's start 2015 and hope it is somewhat better than 2014.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-42573108235698494312014-12-14T15:55:00.004+00:002014-12-14T15:55:51.090+00:00Back home!This has been a long and stressful week. I was in Romania for work and the situation was quite stressful. Added to that personal stuff going on didn't make for a great week.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
This week has seen very little knitting. I think I managed one evening for one repeat on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dovana">Dovana</a> and I might have messed it up. I need to count my stitches. No update picture on that.<br />
<br />
I have however an update pictures of my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stripes-gone-crazy">Stipes Gone Crazy</a>. I have separated for the sleeves and did the first short row stripe. It is going well and I am pleased with the fit so far.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/16018041591" title="IMG_9781.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9781.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8577/16018041591_136054cebd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
It is not easy to photograph as it is curling a lot.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Micellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
Romania was interesting. My work team is nice and the food was quite good and cheap. The only annoying thing for a non-smoker is that there is smoking everywhere and the distinction between smoking and non-smoking in restaurants is very very VERY thin. When I came home I just dumped myself in the shower and the whole contents of my suitcase in the laundry. Even the clean stuff.<br />
<br />
I managed to bump my thigh on an airplane armrest and have been sporting a huge bruise all week. I also managed to loose my phone pouch (but not my phone luckily) and my headphones in a taxi. I need to get a new pair.<br />
<br />
Reading. I am still reading Catch-22 and am thoroughly enjoying it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-5814319048305846592014-12-01T17:53:00.000+00:002014-12-01T17:53:35.967+00:00And now for a little intermissionThe week and weekend were busy and I didn't get time to take pictures or make a proper post. I've only been knitting on the cardigan so you can imagine the top of a top down cardigan in orange.<br />
<br />
I ordered and received yarn for 2 commission toys and for a Hiro sweater.<br />
<br />
I have invested in a Le Creuset pan. It was on sale and I needed a new pan.<br />
<br />
I went to a classical concerts on Sunday and I should do that more. It was really nice.<br />
<br />
In a week's time I'll be in Romania and I'm still a bit scared. There will probably be no post next week but will come back strong the following week with plenty of knitting and pictures (hopefully).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-33441736961804232692014-11-23T18:59:00.002+00:002014-11-23T18:59:51.539+00:00FO: Duane Park Triangle<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
This has been a good week for knitting. First I finished my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duane-park-triangle">Duane Park Triangle</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15673850108" title="IMG_9773.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9773.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8598/15673850108_a3cbd40f76.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
I loved knitting it. The yarn is Drops Alpaca and it was really lovely and squishy to work with on 3,75mm needles.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15675362059" title="IMG_9768.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9768.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7573/15675362059_f735858d34.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
It is all garter stitch so perfect TV knitting. It has an applied edge and I love applied edges. I find them magical<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15675603387" title="IMG_9774.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9774.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7483/15675603387_734d2cfe40.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
After that was finished, I cast on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dovana">Dovana</a> by Ysolda Teague. I'm using the leftovers Cladonia, Drops Baby Alpaca silk.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15673848608" title="IMG_9779.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9779.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7575/15673848608_2b1c31e689.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
This might go on the back burner for a while and save it for my trip to Romania. The charts looks scary at first but it is actually really simple.<br />
<br />
In the meantime I am casting on a cardigan: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stripes-gone-crazy">Stripes Gone Crazy</a> using the Cascade Fingering I bought recently. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15633407915" title="IMG_9741.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9741.jpg" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5610/15633407915_d2e9171a4f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I made a swatch on 4mm needles. the stitch gauge was spot on before blocking but the yarn loosened a bit after a bath so I am going down to 3,75mm instead.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15860733762" title="IMG_9777.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9777.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8680/15860733762_3ff888d5b1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
Work is crazy crazy. We are opening a new office in Romania and we have been training people here in the Netherlands the last two weeks. I am still apprehensive about going there.<br />
<br />
I am about to finally finish Libra by Don DeLillo. I didn't plan it but I read the actual part about the assassination of Kennedy on 22 November.<br />
<br />
I am not sure what I will read next. I am not short for choice.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-12619034023762662082014-11-16T14:49:00.001+00:002014-11-16T14:49:28.844+00:00Another slow weekI think I have entered hibernation mode. Or at least I wish I were hibernating. Work is getting busy for various reasons and I wish it would slow down a bit.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
I am still chugging along on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duane-park-triangle">Duane Park Triangle</a>. I apologise for the poor quality of the pictures. Autumn has definitely set in and it's difficult to get good natural light.<br />
<br />
I managed to finished the 2 colour section and the net section and I just started the edging. The net section slowed me down quite a bit and I will probably be knitting the edging for a while.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15183143513" title="IMG_9764.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9764.jpg" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7545/15183143513_6a5c9dea9d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15617408527" title="IMG_9765.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9765.jpg" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5613/15617408527_84b8441d43.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Spinning</u></b><br />
<br />
There was really minimal spinning this week, maybe 15 minutes. I need to get better at sitting at my spinning wheel.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
I am still reading <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Libra-Don-DeLillo/dp/0141041994/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416149339&sr=1-1&keywords=libra+don+delillo">Libra by Don DeLillo</a> and still enjoying it. I am hoping to get it finished this week but that might be pushing it a bit.<br />
<br />
In about three weeks I will be in Romania for a week for work. I am a bit scared and excited at the same time. My brain is just filling with all the tiny practical details and so far I can't see past that. It will be better once I have more details.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-57356394675259746092014-11-09T15:15:00.003+00:002014-11-09T15:15:43.936+00:00Slow weekBusy week at work and being a monogamous knitter currently don't make for a lot of blog content.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
I am currently working only on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duane-park-triangle">Duane Park Triangle</a>. It is a LOT of garter stitch in fine yarn. Perfect for TV knitting but quite boring. I have reached the 2 colour section and have only 6 repeats left.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15128652743" title="IMG_9759.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9759.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/15128652743_270da66dc9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I like garter stitch stripes. They are really defined on the right side and much more subtle on the wrong side.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15128652573" title="IMG_9761.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9761.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3952/15128652573_04c0abf6fb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Spinning</u></b><br />
<br />
There has been spinning this week! I am still working on the blue and black fiber. After watching the Craftsy class on the foundations of spinning by Amy King, it has really spurred my spinning mojo and it has been much more enjoyable by making just a few adjustments to my posture, my hand placement and the drafting.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
I am still reading Libra by Don DeLillo and I am still enjoying it. I get sometimes lost in who's who but get back on track pretty fast.<br />
<br />
I forgot to share the following picture from my trip to Zwolle. It's a hippo with a knitted scarf! On the top floor of a bookshop there was a little exhibit of sculptures and there was a whole bunch of hippos with scarves!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15562686158" title="IMG_0313.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0313.JPG" height="373" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15562686158_d45df54f29.jpg" width="500" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-46408126825718637422014-11-02T15:59:00.000+00:002014-11-02T15:59:39.112+00:00Back to normal lifeAfter a week of holidays, going back to work was a little shock to the system.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
As mentioned last week, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cladonia">Cladonia</a> is finished and is even on its way to its new owner in Finland. We the time switch and autumn/winter arriving, it is difficult to get decent natural light but here is the beauty shots of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cladonia">Cladonia</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15506265217" title="IMG_9748.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9748.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7562/15506265217_e92e2a4284.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15072105493" title="IMG_9751.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9751.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7568/15072105493_cec368080b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I love the way the lace border looks like owls looking at you.<br />
<br />
My only new project is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duane-park-triangle">Duane Park Triangle</a> by Kirsten Kapur.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15689544561" title="IMG_9753.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9753.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3950/15689544561_f811b566cd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
So far it's just a giant triangle of garter stitch. It is perfect TV knitting but makes boring photographs. I am using my new <a href="http://www.chiaogoo.com/">Chiaogoo</a> needles and I really like them. They may be a contender to my KnitPro. They are more grippy in a way but don't feel clingy and still sharp points.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
I have been watching a lot of podcasts lately. I find it hard to find ones I really like but found two new ones lately. So in addition to <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theknitgirllls.com%2F&ei=-1NWVMCDPPT9sASvpoGQCA&usg=AFQjCNHATvL8nkz1sYRH8stC1EiDyTtgfA&sig2=6F0iQD21okYNRtcFcFL_BA&bvm=bv.78677474,d.cWc">the Knit Girllls</a> and <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknittingincirclespodcast.blogspot.com%2F&ei=F1RWVLrQMs7LsASEjIKwBw&usg=AFQjCNF00qRWlNTCAWKui6WAQZVvLMZA3w&sig2=MgYw44P9HGhuKr3SNgNm_Q&bvm=bv.78677474,d.cWc">Knitting in Circles</a>, I am not watching <a href="http://minervaturkey.com/">Minerva Turkey Knits</a> and <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CC0QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmuststashpodcast.com%2F&ei=c1RWVIaFCZXIsAS_5IGYCQ&usg=AFQjCNFvxJlSnpLmJ5PkV_M08NCXvCFBdQ&sig2=_lWb3Dim348SqRwfW_V9CA&bvm=bv.78677474,d.cWc">Must Stash</a>.<br />
<br />
I find I am attracted more to 2 people podcasts as it helps with the conversational tone. I find the actual voice of the podcaster is also important and if a voice doesn't grab me then I am likely not to stick with it.<br />
<br />
I have also been taking a lot of <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/">Craftsy</a> classes. I am really enjoying them. Even the free ones are really well made and I am getting a lot out of them. I am currently following a couple of spinning classes and also a knife skills one.<br />
<br />
Finally, I have started <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Libra-Don-DeLillo/dp/0141041994/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414943913&sr=1-1&keywords=libra+delillo">Libra by Don DeLillo</a> and I am really enjoying it. The subject matter is in no way a funny one but the writing style is really pulling me in.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-6076180805914947482014-10-26T17:22:00.000+00:002014-10-26T17:22:12.314+00:00Are you sitting comfortably? This could be longThis week I was on holidays and did stuff for myself, like sleeping, reading, knitting and shopping.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
I have finished <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cladonia">Cladonia</a>. It took less than 2,5 skeins of Drops Silk Alpaca. The looped picot edging wasn't as bad as I expected but it took a while. That's where knitting podcasts come in handy.<br />
<br />
I hope you can see the shawl on this picture! It took a whole box of pins to pin it down.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15013230833" title="IMG_9745.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9745.jpg" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3950/15013230833_f4419100d7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15447825210" title="IMG_9746.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9746.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15447825210_0c14408f3e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I have just started <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duane-park-triangle">Duane Park Triangle by Kirsten Kapur</a> using some Drops Alpaca in red and dark grey (pictures next week).<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knit days in Zwolle</u></b><br />
<br />
On Friday I went to Zwolle for the <a href="http://www.breidag.nl/">Knit and crochet days</a>. I was both pleased and a bit disappointed. Pleased because I got pretty things and discovered new shops and indy dyers. Disappointed because it was quite smaller than I expected and apart from the few good stands, the others were all selling the same stuff. I am in no way against commercial yarns but there are more brands of commercial yarns and some variety would have been nice.<br />
<br />
I also wished there was more spinning stuff and accessories. There were no cute project bags for example. I am also on the market for a yarn bowl and there was nothing of the sort.<br />
<br />
I did get some yarn and fibre. I also found some needles I wanted to try so got one set of each: Hiya Hiya sharps, Chiagoo red lace and Kollage square needles.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15447958210" title="The haul by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="The haul" height="321" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3936/15447958210_6fa0ba887d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I had been watching the <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/know-your-wool/101">Know Your Wool Craftsy class</a> just before going and it goes over looking for breed specific yarn or fibre so that's what I did. I found some BFL, Corriedale and other various bits.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
As I said last week, I stayed on a <a href="http://lemeleresch.nl/camping/huren/trek-in/">camping in a little cabin</a>. It was very cosy and a really good choice. The camping was mostly empty so I got all the quiet I needed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15447832590" title="IMG_9604.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9604.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3936/15447832590_7a349449b3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
On thursday I went for a walk. I went up hills, through woods and heather. It was just a shame that the weather was not good. It was very cloudy all day and even rained a bit. I will definitely go back on a better day. I walked for 4 hours and did about 15 km.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15634343872" title="Lemelerberg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="Lemelerberg" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15634343872_dee19d8537.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I even saw sheep grazing in the heather. So those along with the knit day, that was my own mini Rhinebeck.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15609702276" title="IMG_9654.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9654.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5598/15609702276_14be3a4003.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I finally finished reading the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Difference-Engine-S-F-MASTERWORKS/dp/0575099402/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414344081&sr=1-1&keywords=difference+engine">Difference Engine</a> and I still have no idea what the story is about or where it went.<br />
<br />
I am going to start <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Libra-Don-DeLillo/dp/0141041994/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414344036&sr=1-1&keywords=libra+delillo">Libra by Don DeLillo</a>. More on that next week when I have started it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-42113255794389441022014-10-19T14:05:00.001+00:002014-10-19T14:05:29.960+00:00Block-a-paloozaI'm glad this week is over. It means I'm on HOLIDAYS!<br />
<br />
<u>Knitting</u><br />
<br />
I've been blocking a storm this week.<br />
<br />
First was <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hediye">Hediye</a>. I absolutely love this shawl. It is so squishy!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15572791995" title="IMG_9592.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9592.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/15572791995_1a87793ec4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Next was Cool Ice from the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feather-flame">Feather Flame</a> pattern. It was knit in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/schachenmayr-nomotta-regia-arabesque-color">Regia Arabesque Color</a>. It is a nice length but I wished it was a bit larger. I used a full skein so it wouldn't have worked with only 1 skein.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15549089366" title="IMG_9589.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9589.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3945/15549089366_2edfea9e2e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Finally my Blue Dwarf from the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/white-dwarf-2">White Dwarf</a> pattern. I loved knitting the pattern and the yarn, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/the-yarn-yard-lochan">Yarn Yard Lochan</a>, was a dream to knit with.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15549090016" title="IMG_9585.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9585.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5610/15549090016_70a0271451.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I am still knitting on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cladonia">Cladonia</a> and have just reached the end of the stockinette section.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15549088286" title="IMG_9598.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9598.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3954/15549088286_7a466a8ec5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.innocentdrinks.nl/">Innocent Drinks</a> have each year a promotion were knitters knit hats for their bottles for charity. The NS (trains in the Netherlands) have a promotion were you get a little kit to knit a hat with the NS logo on. You get 2 little balls of yarn, needles and the pattern. A colleague surprised me with one one day at work and W. brought me another one. I have 2 kits.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15572791495" title="IMG_9596.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9596.JPG" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15572791495_6def81567c.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
This week I am going on holidays for a few days. I will take the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cladonia">Cladonia</a> if it is not finished. I will also take yarn to start <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duane-park-triangle">Duane Park Triangle</a> and also some socks. I think I'll knit the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bonsai">Bonsai</a> socks from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/Aberdonian/queue#">Knitted Socks East and West</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
For the holidays I am going for a few days in a cabin on a camping. The camping is <a href="http://lemeleresch.nl/">Lemeler Esch</a> and the cabin is a luxurious <a href="http://lemeleresch.nl/camping/huren/trek-in/">trekking hut</a>. I will report on that next week.<br />
<br />
I am planning to go walking one day and then go to the <a href="http://www.breidag.nl/">Brei and Haak dagen in Zwolle</a>. I have made a list of what I will be looking for. No idea if I'll find anything.<br />
<br />
I am still reading The Difference Engine and I still don't know what to think of it. First there was no story, then there was one, then it disappeared again, then it seemed to have appeared again. I will definitely take another book on my holidays.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-11478901652451418682014-10-12T15:54:00.002+00:002014-10-12T15:54:56.711+00:00FO: HediyeThis week has been an emotional week for various reasons but I'm getting through it thanks to good friends.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
I just finished <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hediye">Hediye</a> last night. I love everything about it: the construction, the yarn, the colours. It is now blocking and I keep glancing at it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15329170579" title="IMG_9580.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9580.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15329170579_948b66a9fa.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Just to recap, the pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hediye">Hediye</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/ysolda-teague">Ysolda Teague</a>. The yarn is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/bc-garn-semilla">Semilla</a> by BC Garn in Mustard and Lavender. It took exactly 2 skeins of the mustard and 1 skein of the lavender. I had ordered 2 of each so I will probably do a hat or mittens with the extra lavender skein.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15512913831" title="IMG_9577.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9577.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2945/15512913831_f0997d0b7b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I am still knitting the stockinette section of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cladonia">Cladonia</a> and will work more on that now that Hediye is finished.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
I finished reading <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Son-Circus-John-Irving/dp/055299605X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413129224&sr=1-1&keywords=a+son+of+the+circus">A Son of the Circus by John Irving</a> and loved it, like all his books. I started <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Difference-Engine-S-F-MASTERWORKS/dp/0575099402/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413128887&sr=1-1&keywords=the+difference+engine">The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling</a>. I don't know what to think of it. I am more than a quarter through it and I still don't know what the story is about or if there actually is a story. I will keep up with it because I want to know where it will end.<br />
<br />
I have pretty much given up running for the winter. I will try to get back to <a href="http://www.fitnessblender.com/">Fitness Blender</a> or other videos.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-60037165457416532442014-10-05T16:32:00.002+00:002014-10-05T16:32:35.154+00:00Low in picturesAnd by low in picture I mean no pictures at all this week.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
There has been progress on both the Cladonia and Hediye. Cladonia got 8 more rows so it's not worth showing you 8 rows of stockinette.<br />
<br />
Hediye saw more progress but I'm still on the border which I am hoping to finish today.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
I did 2 runs this week. The first one didn't go so well and I had to cut it short and walk home. The second one did go to plan so I'm happy with it. However autumn is definitely arriving and I'm not sure how many more runs I'll be able to squeeze in. We will see.<br />
<br />
Remember a few weeks back when I said I shouldn't buy any more books? Yeah, that didn't work well. I went to the bookstore to pick up a Moleskine agenda for next year. And then I saw a sign for 3 for 2 on a selection of Penguin books. I got In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, the Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham and A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. And a fourth book jumped in my arms at the cash register De Weetmuts by Marten Toonder.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-7743503400011067992014-09-28T16:53:00.000+00:002014-09-28T16:53:01.780+00:00RevigoratingWork this week has been a bit calmer so I could start concentrating on things that I had neglected.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
I have made progress on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hediye">Hediye</a>. I am now a few repeats past the middle. I thought I would be playing yarn chicken when I was seeing the first ball of green moving fast towards the end. Luckily I made it past the middle with that first ball so will have just enough yarn for the border.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15381201752" title="IMG_9564.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9564.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/15381201752_01a6f4250c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I have also made some progress on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cladonia">Cladonia</a>. The yarn is wonderful to work with and the fabric is very drapey. I have to check with the recipient if she likes the fabric or would like a slightly tighter one in which case I would have to start over.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15358503356" title="IMG_9566.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9566.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3892/15358503356_cbb83a0161.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
I have spent the weekends with friends. Saturday evening we went to the restaurant, <a href="http://www.dekluisvenlo.nl/">de Kluis</a>, and ate a delicious fennel and almond soup and chicken with vegetables. Afterwards we went to the cinema and watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2800240/?ref_=nv_sr_2">Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait au bon dieu</a>. It is hilarious. I hadn't laughed so much in ages.<br />
<br />
On Sunday we had a quiet morning reading on the couch and then had Italian lunch of pasta and polpette. Yum! In the afternoon we watched another movie, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1783422/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Two Lives</a>. Much more heavy and serious than Saturday but a good film nonetheless.<br />
<br />
I am now back home potted 2 extra Amaryllis bulbs. They were on sale at the garden centre when I went to get decorative pumpkins.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15378336641" title="IMG_9573.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9573.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2944/15378336641_061b69e450.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
Pumpkins are now on display in a lovely wooden dish.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15378336841" title="IMG_9571.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9571.jpg" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3861/15378336841_a8bca91484.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I also have 2 pumpkin shrines on the bookshelves, a big one and a tiny one.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15194835690" title="IMG_9574.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9574.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2945/15194835690_6ebfd13a64.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15358502556" title="IMG_9576.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9576.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/15358502556_eed1a20414.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Courgette and goat cheese soup is now cooking and my evening will consist of knitting and the recordings of Strictly Come Dancing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-16923599463190647362014-09-21T13:55:00.000+00:002014-09-21T13:55:54.389+00:00One of these weeksThis week at work has been tough with training new people among other things. I have the best colleagues though so that makes everything better and easier.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
It's been a good knitting week even though nothing happened until Friday! <a href="ysolda.com">Ysolda</a> released the second <a href="http://ysolda.com/collections/knitworthy">Knitworthy</a>, <a href="http://ysolda.com/patterns/hediye">Hediye</a>, on Monday. Unfortunately I didn't have any suitable yarn in the stash so I had to order some from <a href="http://www.rechtenaverecht.nl">Recht & Averecht</a>. The yarn is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/bc-garn-semilla">BC Garn Semilla</a> in Lavender and Mustard. I got it on Friday and I really like this yarn. It is slightly rustic but still very soft and squishy.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15285231346" title="IMG_9561.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3837/15285231346_b61e8c9410.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9561.jpg"></a><br />
<br />
I also accepted a commission work on Ravelry for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cladonia">Cladonia</a>. The yarn is <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/yarn.php?id=98">Garnstudio Baby Alpaca Silk</a> in a creamy colour. I cast it on today and loves the yarn. So so soft.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15305126361" title="IMG_9563.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5575/15305126361_ea23269e6b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9563.JPG"></a><br />
<br />
I also managed to put the final touches to Olivia and the Lovebot!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15121726917" title="IMG_9557.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3896/15121726917_21ae635783.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_9557.jpg"></a> <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15121726697" title="IMG_9558.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3859/15121726697_8fa3ea1c2d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_9558.jpg"></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Spinning</u></b><br />
<br />
There still was no spinning. Maybe I should just talk about it when there is actually some spinning.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
I managed to do day 2 and 3 of C25K on Tuesday and Thursday and it went good. I was of plan of doing day 4 today but the weather wasn't inspiring. I'll try tomorrow after work.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-52140823535059928802014-09-14T15:13:00.000+00:002014-09-14T15:13:14.786+00:00*Cough* *cough* ... *cough*This has been the sound of my week. I was hit by a cold on Monday and just starts to see the end of it today.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/louie-the-lovebot">Lovebot</a> has a start of a second leg. That's as far as I went on it this week.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bronntanas">Bronntanas</a> on the other hand got finished. It was pretty fast. I really enjoyed it. I made the small size on 4.5mm needles. The yarn is <a href="http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-crochet-yarns-valley-yarns/webs-knitting-yarns-valley-yarns-stockbridge/?gclid=CMLdxvj-4MACFUXLtAodvCsAyw">Valley Yarn Stockbridge</a>. It will be a warm hat with the 50% alpaca and 50% wool.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15235829712" title="IMG_0299.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0299.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/15235829712_38f8e298fd.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Spinning</u></b><br />
<br />
No spinning at all this week. Coughing and spinning don't go together.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
Running. I was full of good intentions to run Tuesday and Thursday. Yeah, that didn't happen. Again because of the cold. Tuesday was spent in bed after a bout of fever during the night. I am hoping to get back on track this week.<br />
<br />
The only fun thing that happened this week was a dinner with friends last night. The food and the company were delicious!<br />
<br />
Hopefully next week will see a bit more content.<br />
<br />
*cough*Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-14579277491298000852014-09-07T15:20:00.000+00:002014-09-07T15:20:04.032+00:00Onwards and... onwardsHow to sum up this week. Pretty much the same as last week really.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
I am still knitting on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/louie-the-lovebot">Lovebot</a>. I managed to knit 1 arm and 1 leg. Woohoo! I completely modified the leg and foot as I didn't fancy the way the pattern was written. So I started with the leg down to the foot. I did a couple of short rows to simulate a heel and then knit the foot as written.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15164402931" title="IMG_9529.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9529.jpg" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5584/15164402931_b1f3944835.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://ysolda.com/">Ysolda Teague</a> announced a new series of patterns this week called <a href="http://ysolda.com/blog/2014/9/1/knitworthy">Knitworthy</a>. It is designed a bit like a mystery knit along with patterns being released every second Monday and surprises as well. I love Ysolda's patterns and dare I say it a little girl crush on her.<br />
<br />
The first pattern is a hat called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bronntanas">Bronntanas</a>. I am knitting it out of some green <a href="http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/3DE2C30C-6D95-43DD-8AB5-B8DB265D6674/productID/5BE39367-60C8-46E7-8EB1-9D6B93000C3E/">Valley Yarns Stockbridge</a> that I had in my stash. It's a 50% alpaca 50% wool blend<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15144357446" title="IMG_9526.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9526.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5589/15144357446_3c07d7584d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I had told myself I would't start it before I had finished the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/louie-the-lovebot">Lovebot</a> but that didn't work out. As soon as I had wound up the yarn I had to start.<br />
<br />
As I was stash diving I was reminded of how lovely some of the yarn I own is. It's really different to actually stash dive compared to just looking at your stash on Ravelry. As well as the yarn for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bronntanas">Bronntanas</a>, I also got some yarn out for another Ysolda project.<br />
<br />
The yarn is <a href="http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/product_page_detail.php?category_id=1&item_id=25">Classic Elite Yarn Silk Alpaca Lace</a> and the pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/barley-sugar-2">Barley Sugar</a> from the <a href="http://ysolda.com/books/saturday-treat">Saturday Treat</a> collection.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15144357776" title="IMG_9525.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9525.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3854/15144357776_1f2fc9e7e3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Spinning</u></b><br />
<br />
I did sit at my wheel yesterday. For 5 minutes. And then my fiber snapped and I was too frustrated to join it again. I might try again today.<br />
<br />
I did get a spinning treat in the mail in the form of the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fleece-Sourcebook-Deborah-Robson-Ekarius/dp/1603427112/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410102871&sr=1-1&keywords=fleece+and+fiber+sourcebook">Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook</a>. It's a beautiful book and can't wait to have a good look in it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14980732890" title="IMG_9523.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9523.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3853/14980732890_07c06c9155.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
I had some empty pots from a couple of dead orchids so I stopped at the garden centre to get some more plants. I got 2 little gerbera in pink and red and they are so cheerful it's crazy!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15167394215" title="IMG_9517.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9517.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5556/15167394215_db03e5740a.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
I also got an Amaryllis bulb. We'll see how it goes with it! It's my first time.<br />
<br />
I found a new food love. It is complete comfort food and still very healthy: <a href="http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/cook/okonomiyaki/okonomiyaki03.html">Okonomiyaki</a>. It's dead easy and perfect for a week night supper as it requires no chopping if you buy pre-shredded cabbage.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14980879879" title="IMG_0294.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0294.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3861/14980879879_bab605ccdf.jpg" width="373" /></a><br />
<br />
Finally, I did run as promised. I did a 15 minutes, 1.7k run on Tuesday and then decided to do the <a href="http://www.c25k.com/">c25k program</a>. So I downloaded an app and created a playlist. I did the first day today and covered 3.5k. So now my plan now is to run Tuesday, Thursday and either Saturday or Sunday depending on what else is happening at the weekend.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-15858365863083275992014-08-31T14:13:00.000+00:002014-08-31T14:13:50.698+00:00Little progressThis week has been quite slow. I didn't do much in all aspects of life. We are still waiting for the downtime at work before the Christmas period.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
Very little knitting has been done. I managed to finish the body and the head of my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/louie-the-lovebot">Lovebot</a> and one arm. I wished I had finished it.<br />
<br />
I have made some modifications to the body. The heart is duplicate stitch instead of intarsia in the round and I'm very happy about it. I also found on a Ravelry project a modification giving a more square bottom so I did that. Basically you knit a little rectangle and then you pick up stitches around it and then start working in the round.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15090378251" title="IMG_9505.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9505.JPG" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5589/15090378251_654780fe3f.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Spinning</u></b><br />
<br />
There has been absolutely no spinning this week. I was tired and my spinning chair was piled high with laundry waiting to be folded. The laundry is now folded and the chair is now available. I am hoping to do a little spinning today even if it's only 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Other crafting</u></b><br />
<br />
I was lured into a little bit of emergency appliqué this week. A colleague was leaving and my team leader had a gift idea that required this emergency appliqué. So I set up my sewing machine on the coffee table and sewed sewed sewed that evening. I am quite happy with the results!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14906700769" title="IMG_9491.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9491.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5559/14906700769_0683d160c4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Miscellaneous</u></b><br />
<br />
I didn't intend to buy more clothes but when I passed in front of one of my favourite shops, <a href="http://www.bluemoonfashion.nl/index.php">Blue Moon</a>, they had jersey dresses back in stock gearing to the autumn. I love Jersey dresses. They are so comfortable and easy to wear (and quite affordable).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15070407956" title="jersey dresses by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="jersey dresses" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5592/15070407956_4493a1bbc5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
And now they are five!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14906836617" title="IMG_9493.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9493.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3894/14906836617_cea5595321.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
In january I was given a tiny little cyclamen by two friends and I am quite amazed it is still alive.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14906820418" title="IMG_9507.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9507.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5573/14906820418_c51e7982a6.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
It went through a rough patch where all the leaves were dying. Amazingly it kept on flowering. I repotted it in a bigger pot and it seems to be doing much better. The existing leaves look stronger and new leaves are coming up now too.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14906699279" title="IMG_9509.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9509.jpg" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3838/14906699279_e7285341e5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
When I first got it it was obviously in bloom and I managed to harvest some seeds that I planted. A few weeks before I had seen on Gardener's World that it was fairly easy so I thought I'd give it a go. It worked! Baby cyclamens starting sprouting and they are doing really well. I have to repot these fairly soon.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15070382806" title="IMG_9513.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9513.jpg" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5596/15070382806_40535d254e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Foodwise I have eaten a lot of spicy sweet potato and butternut squash soup this week. That's what happens when you do a batch of soup and you are eating alone most of the week. The soup was delicious of course.<br />
<br />
And now I want to publicly declare that I love Simon Rimmer or at least his recipes. I cook regularly from the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Accidental-Vegetarian-Delicious-without/dp/1845335554/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1409493458&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=simn+rimmer">Accidental Vegetarian</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/More-Accidental-Vegetarian-Simon-Rimmer/dp/1845336739/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1409494274&sr=8-4&keywords=simon+rimmer">More from the Accidental Vegetarian</a> and absolutely loved everything I cooked. On Friday I went to the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food">BBC Food</a> website and looked through his recipes and selected a few. The one I did yesterday was the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/pork_and_fennel_71661">Pork and Fennel Casserole</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14906835487" title="IMG_9504.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9504.JPG" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3896/14906835487_2848e297b6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
It was delicious but after 2 hours of slow cooking on the stove the fennel had completely melted down. The taste was still there but I would have liked a bit more texture. I will probably adapt the recipe next time I do it.<br />
<br />
I also realised this morning that I had forgotten to put the olives in! I will add them to the rerun.<br />
<br />
Later today I will be making a <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/smoked_bacon_leek_and_26684">leek and garlic quiche</a>.<br />
<br />
Finally, I have decided to start running. I don't have any ambitions apart from getting a bit more active again. I am planning to do 1 to 2 runs a week. My only rules so far as that I don't run in the dark so once night falls early I won't run when I get back to work and that the weather has to be OK. I'm fine with cold or a little wind but rain is out.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-71035110237537531072014-08-23T18:28:00.000+00:002014-08-24T11:10:01.318+00:00Blogging againHello again blog!<br />
<br />
It has been a long long time since I have blogged. I have reached a point in my life where I feel like I need to do things to help me control my life again by recording things. I have starting keeping a journal. It is nothing fancy, just a few words each day that sums the day up. I am recording my food with <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">MyFitnessPal</a> not that I am trying to lose weight but again to regain control on my life. In the light of all this I thought blogging would be good too.<br />
<br />
At this point I am hoping to post at least once a week. I won't retrospect on everything that happened since I left it off as that would be too long! We'll just start anew.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Knitting</u></b><br />
<br />
I am still knitting. I have dips in the mojo but it seems to be back for now. I am knitting a lot of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/rebecca-danger">Rebecca Danger</a> monsters and other toys. There is something about the 3D-ness of these that really appeal to me right now.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15010906205" title="image by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="240" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5573/15010906205_444a9618d0_m.jpg" width="179" /></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14987884526" title="IMG_9461 by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9461" height="240" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5555/14987884526_9672c17fc7_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14824350617" title="IMG_0267 by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0267" height="240" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3908/14824350617_514df50e83_m.jpg" width="179" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14824164919" title="IMG_9472 by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9472" height="240" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5575/14824164919_76176995ca_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14824352097" title="IMG_9381 by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9381" height="240" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3923/14824352097_f39f053c1e_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
My current projects are <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/olivia-the-audacious-monster">Olivia</a> which is only missing eyes, mouth and belly button and I just starting a green <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/louie-the-lovebot">Lovebot</a>. Olivia already has a recipient intended but not the Lovebot.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15006155401" title="IMG_9473.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9473.jpg" height="320" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3843/15006155401_f53bc5d29c_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15006155271" title="IMG_9475.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9475.jpg" height="240" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5591/15006155271_4a204cd772_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I also finished some larger projects lately that might explain the need to knit small satisfying projects.<br />
<br />
The first one was a black silk shawl <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/percy-shawl">Percy</a>. It was a commission work and too way longer that it should have. I lost my mojo several times and black silk lace was not helping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14987857936" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_9402 by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9402" height="320" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/14987857936_37aec699e3_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The second one was <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/carnica">Carnica</a> from Twist Collective. As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to knit it. I will probably knit it again as it was fairly quick and enjoyable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15006156661" title="IMG_9458.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9458.JPG" height="240" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5572/15006156661_9c021640d3_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Spinning</u></b><br />
<br />
During my blogging hiatus I have upgraded from spindle to spinning wheel. My wheel is a <a href="http://www.louet.nl/en/s96-victoria">Louet Victoria</a> and I love it. I haven't spun as much as I would have liked but my spinning mojo also had a lot of down time.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/8751206564" title="IMG_9219.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9219.jpg" height="320" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5443/8751206564_cec4a54d7e_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
I am currently spinning some blue and black wool from <a href="http://temptedyarns.com/">Tempted</a> that I got in a swap. It is spinning beautifully though I seem to be fighting a bit this third bobbin. I am spinning it as a 3 ply and am on the final third.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14822726837" title="IMG_9469.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9469.jpg" height="320" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5552/14822726837_86dc23f71f_n.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14822544659" title="IMG_9471.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9471.jpg" height="240" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/14822544659_fc26268ee0_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I also seem to have acquired quite a little fibre stash today. It arrived from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/playatlifefiberarts">Play at Life Fiber Arts</a> and I can't wait to spin them. The loot is comprised of 2 Polwarth braids (Pomme the red and Concrete Sky the blue), 1 braid of Wensleydale (Red Sky at Night) and some silk hankies.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14822542479" title="Play at Life fiber arts by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="Play at Life fiber arts" height="240" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3841/14822542479_7f7e6f3d93_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Pomme and Concrete Sky will be worked together using this technique.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14986263286" title="IMG_9484.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9484.jpg" height="320" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5551/14986263286_a49ac5454b_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/kneedleart/112752708/Color_Fractal_Spin_-_From_Braids_to_Balls_to_Singles_to_Yarn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/kneedleart/112752708/Color_Fractal_Spin_-_From_Braids_to_Balls_to_Singles_to_Yarn.JPG" height="320" width="107" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u>Reading</u></b><br />
<br />
My reading mojo has gone nowhere. I still read everyday. Even when I'm tired I read 10 pages or a chapter a day.
I am currently reading <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Son-Circus-John-Irving/dp/055299605X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1408808974&sr=1-1&keywords=a+son+of+the+circus">A Son of the Circus by John Irving</a>. He's one of my favourite authors and one I go back to regularly. There are other authors in this category: Paul Auster, Terry Pratchett and Haruki Murakami are the main culprits.
<br />
<br />
I went a bit book shopping mad lately so my to-pile is getting a bit high.
And that's not all of it! That's just what I bought lately. I am finding myself re-reading books lately. This is something that had never happened before.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/15008874912" title="IMG_9468.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9468.jpg" height="320" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3880/15008874912_5e701a325c_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Other things</u></b><br />
<br />
I am still baking and my colleagues are happy about that. I am also cooking more and enjoying it. I still don't enjoy the washing up though. ;)
Here's a selection of the latest dishes.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/14824382120" title="Cooking by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img alt="Cooking" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3865/14824382120_2866c5a2ec.jpg" width="500" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-29810218106372603922012-01-15T17:58:00.003+00:002012-01-15T18:25:08.575+00:00OMG! So much dust!Hello?! Anyone there?<br /><br />I didn't realise I hadn't blogged since August! Why did nobody tell me?<br /><br />Admittedly I'm not crafting as much as I'd like to. I work until 6pm everyday and when I come home I just flump on the sofa. Weekends are mostly devoted to household chores.<br /><br />Work is good though. I've been promoted and as a result I'm following there move to a town 40km away. I had to buy a car which we got on Friday, on my birthday. The car acquisition went fine but I'm not yet allowed to drive it as I'm not insured with my French driving license. I've requested my Dutch one but it can take 2 to 3 weeks to arrive. I really hope it arrives sooner than 3 weeks. The work move is in 2 weeks!<br /><br />On to the crafty side of life. The cotton scarf based on the Lacy Baktus is still on the needles and hasn't seen the life of day for a while.<br /><br />I have a pair of Ampersand socks which I don't think I've showed you all. I'm on the gusset of the second sock.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6189644944/" title="IMG_8832.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6002/6189644944_507afab959.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8832.jpg"></a><br /><br />The only other things on the needles is a Swallowtail shawl in Malabrigo Silky Merino in the Feather Teal colourway that I started just before Christmas. It'll be a gift for my mother-in-law whenever it's ready.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6702300721/" title="IMG_8857.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6702300721_4431230151.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8857.JPG"></a><br /><br />I have a new nephew arriving in February and I'm planning a quilt for him. I've never quilted. I'm not quite sure what I'm doing but I'll give it a go for sure. It's not going to be ready for when the baby arrives because I haven't started it. As a little present in the meantime I'm making a couple a tag blankets for him and his big brother. Here is the first one I made this afternoon.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6702301097/" title="IMG_8852.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6702301097_390e99253d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8852.jpg"></a><br /><br />I saw something similar in the shops for close to 20 euro so I decided to make my own. A couple of cheap towels, some fabric from the stash (this one is from Ikea) and some ribbons and done!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6702300981/" title="IMG_8854.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6702300981_27de4182fb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8854.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6702300863/" title="IMG_8856.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6702300863_e5a0b71b1a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8856.jpg"></a><br /><br />I will try to be better again at blogging. I wish all of you had a good start to the new year.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-30286009242265753742011-08-14T11:18:00.002+00:002011-08-14T13:10:17.157+00:00Holidays are overToday is the last day of my holidays. Tomorrow it's back to work. That said I had a great time on holidays. We went to London for a few days where we visited the Tower of London. It was quite fun and we managed to get there early enough so that we beat the crowds.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6040861237/" title="IMG_8767.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/6040861237_538e1686b2.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8767.jpg"></a>
<br />
<br />We also went to Tate Modern museum. I was a bit disappointed. Modern art can be a bit hit or miss with me and there was more of the miss kind that of the hit kind. The good thing about museums in London is that they are generally free. Oh, and I stumbled on some knitting art. That was a hit, obviously!
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6040861081/" title="IMG_8772.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6040861081_9920aca2cb_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_8772.JPG"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6041410408/" title="IMG_8775.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/6041410408_f882c950f0_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_8775.JPG"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6040860815/" title="IMG_8779.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/6040860815_79bbedbaf1_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_8779.JPG"></a>
<br />
<br />We also went for walk in Kensington gardens where we saw the Albert monument and got a good view of the Royal Albert Hall.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6040860541/" title="IMG_8785.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6040860541_52a5045991.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8785.jpg"></a>
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6041410062/" title="IMG_8783.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6041410062_8447948fa8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8783.JPG"></a>
<br />
<br />I had decided that I wanted to go to <a href="http://www.loopknittingshop.com/">Loop</a>. The yarn shops around here are quite disappointing and there were a couple of yarns that I wanted to fondle.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6041409484/" title="IMG_8801.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/6041409484_42c8ee00fc.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8801.JPG"></a>
<br />
<br />After a while of going back and forth I finally settled on 8 skeins of Quince & co Lark in the Twig colorway to make a cardigan for myself. It's a slightly rosy brown which is just gorgeous.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6041409450/" title="IMG_8802.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6041409450_2ff9e84dfb.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8802.JPG"></a>
<br />
<br />I also got some buttons to go with the yarn. I wished there was such a yarn shop nearby so I could go there and fondle yarn at my leisure.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6040859891/" title="IMG_8804.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6040859891_6d9e8742cd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8804.JPG"></a>
<br />
<br />While walking down Camden passage I found a petticoat. I was looking for one to go with the dress for the wedding I'm attending soon. I just saw it hanging from the outside of the shop. So I bought it. Here's the fabric I'm going to use for the dress.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6041658886/" title="IMG_8794.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6041658886_439e31b065.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8794.JPG"></a>
<br />
<br />While in London, I also went to Waterstones and was really reasonable. I only bought another New Covent Garden Soup Company recipe book, a recipe book of scones (my bf really wanted scones) and a knitting book. It's <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Knitalong-Celebrating-Tradition-Knitting-Together/dp/1584796650/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313327008&sr=8-1">Knitalong</a>. It's not only a pattern book but the stories in it are really good so I'm glad I got it.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6040859785/" title="IMG_8807.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6040859785_bb1680d8c0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8807.jpg"></a>
<br />
<br />After London we went for a few days to visit my parents and packed some more stuff to bring here. We couldn't bring much but my sewing machine finally made the trip. I'm just so happy to have it again. We couldn't bring the case though so I'll have to sew one myself.
<br />
<br />I also found some of my knitting mojo back and started knitting a rectangular version on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lacy-baktus">Lacy Baktus</a> using the second ball of<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WollesYarnCreations"> Color Changing Cotton</a>.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/6040860309/" title="Straight lacy baktus by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6040860309_73b314a88e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Straight lacy baktus"></a>
<br />
<br />It's a Sinterklaas/Christmas present for my sister-in-law. It knits up nice and quickly and I still have a few months to go.
<br />
<br />I'm hoping to be a better blogger now that I have my sewing machine back and that my knitting mojo seems to be back too.
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-9835719022763824892011-08-01T15:23:00.003+00:002011-08-01T15:32:04.583+00:00I am a bad blogger!I'm going on holidays for a week from tomorrow and I realise what a terrible blogger I've been lately. My knitting mojo as disappeared a bit and I hope it will pick up again soon. I've taken two new projects with me: a rectangular version of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lacy-baktus">lacy baktus</a> and some <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ampersand">Ampersand</a> socks.<br /><br />The sewing of my friend's bridesmaid's dress as taken a lot of my time. It is well on track. The two skirts layers are built and the bodice is built. I just need to make the fiddly sleeves and finish assembling. My own dress for the wedding is not at all started but I'm not fretting.<br /><br />Work still tires me a lot. It's not a difficult job per se (customer service by email) but it is draining mentally because, let's be honest, some people are stupid and some are pig-headed and some are even insulting. It's so nice when we get a nice email that we generally read it aloud to the whole team. My job will be moving locations in January and I'm not following them. The new location is about 50km away and that's a bit much for that kind of job. So I'll be job hunting again come September. I had hoped I'd get at least a year or two before starting again.<br /><br />In good news I got a really nice package for the FoPASS swap. When I opened it, the first thing I saw was the bunny nugget!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/5950505335/" title="IMG_8760.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5950505335_1e9738cb67.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8760.jpg"></a><br /><br />The rest of the package was equally gorgeous.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/5950505143/" title="IMG_8762.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6150/5950505143_147e594276.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8762.jpg"></a><br /><br />I posted my next parcel this morning.<br /><br />I'll see you all back after my holidays hopefully with more blogging!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-35790832372125719262011-06-20T07:18:00.002+00:002011-06-20T07:29:04.827+00:00Let's play catch up!I have been a really bag blogger lately. I'm finding it harder and harder to combine studying Dutch, working and taking care of the household. Luckily the studying is almost finished so then I'll only have work and home to juggle and that should me manageable.<br /><br />I did finish some knitting recently and I'm counting then towards the Knit Girllls' Stash Dash. (You have to knit 5k until mid-August or so.) I'm well on my way for that.<br /><br />The first project to count was a little Panda bear for a friend. I didn't have a panda pattern so I adapted <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/otto">Otto</a> by Ysolda Teague. I'm still not convinced that it looks like a panda but my friend loves it and that's what counts><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/5805463530/" title="IMG_8730.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/5805463530_11b06b3bf0.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8730.jpg"></a><br /><br />The second project is the Commission <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hidcote-garden-shawl">Hidcote Garden Shawl</a>. It is beautiful and ginormous! It's 200cm across and 123cm down the spine. I just need to pack it up and send it to its new owner. It was a real pleasure to knit it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/5824622891/" title="IMG_8735.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/5824622891_e20838b898.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8735.JPG"></a><br /><br />The final project I've completed is my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/citron">Citron</a>. That thing had been on my needles for 5 months and it was sucking the life out of me! I had intended to add more sections but I finally decided against it. I finished the edging (2 rows short) and barely started the second ball. It looks lovely but I don't want to even have to knit another one of those! It is not blocked and I don't intend to block it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/5845347969/" title="IMG_8750.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5113/5845347969_0c87905f20.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8750.jpg"></a><br /><br />The next project that'll be on my needles is going to be a Crown Prince Square Shawl as a wedding present for a friend.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-2094444503494257032011-05-08T13:24:00.002+00:002011-05-08T13:32:09.251+00:00Is anyone still out there?I know, shame on me for not posting in over a month! One of the reasons is that I'm still finding it a bit difficult to adjust to the new work rhythm and when I get home from work my brain has generally turned to mush from answering emails from customers all day.<br /><br />Knitting is still happening albeit slowly. I'm still working on the commission shawl. The rows are long and I started beading the last section, which doesn't help with the speed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/5698951635/" title="IMG_8725.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5698951635_de17079ac5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8725.jpg"></a><br /><br />This thing is going to be huge once blocked. I think I'll need to buy a second set of foam tiles!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/5699524832/" title="IMG_8723.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/5699524832_0cfd2c165d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8723.JPG"></a><br /><br />I just realised that I never showed you the little reversible toy that I knitted for Easter. It's a pattern by <a href="http://susanbanderson.blogspot.com/">Susan B. Anderson</a> and was a lot of fun to knit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/5582074389/" title="Mini reversible Duck & Bunny by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5582074389_2f5d33643a.jpg" width="500" height="252" alt="Mini reversible Duck & Bunny"></a><br /><br />I made some modifications to the patternn, mainly to avoid seaming. So I knit the body in one piece and picked up stitches for the feet of the duck and ears of the bunny. The only things that I seamed were the heads. I'd really like to find a good video demonstrating whipstitching elements of a knitted toy as I'm completely clueless when it comes to that.<br /><br />Finally, I finished my FoPASS square for this month but I can't show it to you all. It's a surprise. Plus, it's not blocked. I'm waiting for the kitchen floor to finish drying so that I can get it to soak.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-45823036561725842672011-03-29T14:59:00.002+00:002011-03-29T15:09:49.863+00:00This post contains good news!First off, yesterday I had a Dutch language test following the intermediate course to check that I could now follow the advanced course. I got the results by email today and I aced it! Top marks for all 4 areas of testing (reading, writing, listening and speaking).<br /><br />The second good piece of news I got today is that I have a job! A few weeks back I went to a temp agency to see if they had anything that could be suitable for me. The lady said she'd enquire around and would let me know. The next day she called and said she had something and would send my CV to the company. Following that I had an interview 2 weeks ago and got a call today that I have the job!<br /><br />It's a customer service representative job, in French and all by emails, so it's really good for me who don't like phones! I'll be doing 20 hours a week until my course is finished and will probably go full time after that.<br /><br />My bf just went out again to buy some celebratory cake or snack. We'll see what he brings back.<br /><br />A little update on the commission piece I'm knitting. I'm chart 5, the last of the wild flower part and have less than 10 rows to do on that and then I'll be on the more geometric part.<br /><br />My commissioner wants some beading so I went and bought a few samples to try out. I knitted a swatch so that she could see the different beads in context.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/5564305548/" title="IMG_8685.jpg by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5564305548_8a395a10d0.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8685.jpg" /></a><br /><br />From top to bottom: matte red beads (slightly too big), silver lined clear red beads, AB coated red beads and silver lined clear beads.<br /><br />My favourites are the clear red beads and the AB coated ones. My bf's favourites are the clear red ones and those are the ones that my commissioner chose. They look really lovely. They are the smallest and most fiddly to bead on though! ;) I'll soon be doing some calculations to see how much I need to buy. I reckon that I still need about 1000 beads even though I'm only beading the last pattern.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448818957910750130.post-46191491287992490792011-03-25T10:39:00.002+00:002011-03-25T10:44:17.197+00:00LAMMIES!After reading in the newspaper that the local petting zoo had new born lambs, I just couldn't resist and had to pay them a visit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/5555501749/" title="IMG_8665.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5555501749_0ebed74776.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8665.JPG" /></a><br /><br />They are so small and cute! I think I must be the only adult without a child in tow that visit petting zoos that often.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/5556087546/" title="IMG_8667.JPG by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5556087546_1472aed61d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8667.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Of course I didn't only pay a visit to the lambs, I visited all the animals!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26288050@N08/5558381094/" title="Lambs at the petting zoo by Absy Dabsy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5558381094_cc7cc29f6f.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Lambs at the petting zoo" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466262757402903665noreply@blogger.com1