Ice Queen

I have three balls of Kid Silk Haze that my friend bought and comissioned me to make a shawl/scarf for her with.

That was 2 months ago.

I filled the gap by making her a Firework/Christmas scarf using Noro and funky fur (it's brilliant, if I do say so myself, and looks like the woolly embodiment of fireworks), however she is beginning to ask again where the "pretty thing made of the soft wool" is. I haven't begun it, and time is ticking away.

Well, to sayd i haven't done it is a fib - i have made many versions of different scarves. I made a third of the Party Scarf from Magknits, half a ball's worth of Kiri, I had a mad stab at creating something myself, but nothing looked right. Bearing in mind that the three balls have now each been frogged from three projects, and I don't need to tell you how much fun that was, the yarn itself was beginning to argue.

And then I saw this on the Winter Knitty http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTicequeen.html

It's perfect and lovely and completely terrifying.
"Russian Join"?, two different casts on and off? 300 Beads!?

I read and understood the pattern, i just need to take the leap and make it. And buy 300 beads - obviously.

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It's a shame about the Golden Globes, and about awards season in general in the US. I am a huge fan of American TV series and think that 80% of the time, they blow UK TV out the water in production, acting but most of all writing (see 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, Dirty Rotten Money), so I'm behind the writers strike 100%. But i will miss seeing the redcarpet monstrosities and looking at the Lovely George in a tux. It's one of the higlights of the year!

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More people should watch Hollyoaks, and that's all I have to say on that!

Good LORD it's been a long time!

Over a year since my last post, and I still can't use this flaming thing!

And i'm pretty much knitting the same sorts of things too! Socks bags and scarves are easier, and better to give as gifts - both on time and the pocket. :)

The dreaded "Curse of the OH Knit" struck last September, with my OH and I breaking up as I was on sleeve one. I really thought that after 5 years I'd be immune from the curse. Just goes to show I suppose, you can never be too careful.

I just got a brand new laptop for Christmas, so I will be updating the blog all the time and once I get all the kit for it, i'll be able to add digi pics and whatnot (she says, unconvincingly...)

In the meanwhile, if anyone has got a simple sweater pattern for a plus sized lady, maybe with a V neck, I'd love to hear it. Oh, and this is the darling nephew, fast coming up on his 3rd B'day (this is an old photo). He'll be hereon referred to (often I'm sure) as DN! xx

TWOP UK

I’ve been spending a lot of time reading the Television Without Pity site, specifically Project Runway and Top Chef recaps. I really enjoy the snark, and also the person who recaps Top Chef clearly knows her spuds. I wish there were a UK version that recapped shows I watch – like … ummm… Daziel and Pascoe! Or … Call Me A Cabbie! Imagine the snarking possibilities. I personally would revel in the chance to cover X-Factor and/or How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria.

I’ve asked if they’re planning on opening a UK site, but so far had no reply. I imagine that running a behemoth site like TWoP leaves you with little time for thoughts of expansion. Perhaps I’ll just add tiny crunt-filled recaps at the end of my blog. Hmmm… Roll on Saturday.

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My sister is really suffering. One of her very close friends died recently and she’s not coping very well with the grief. I don’t know what I can do to help. For one thing, I’m very far away and for another – I’m terrible around grief, I just can’t help at all and end up making really lame jokes and sounding like a … well a very rude word. And I just want to help her through it, she’s had a really tough couple of years.

I don’t know what to do.

Ta Da!!

This is it all blocked and ready to sent to the MIL. At Christmas. I made it slightly longer than the pattern, 3 more repeats. It comes down to thighs, but MIL has big jubblies, so I'm not sure where it'll sit on her!
:)

Branching Out

This better look better with blocking!
It would look even better with a photo - don't you think!
Still trying to figure out my new phone. I'm usually much better with technology than this...

ETA: AHA! here it is!














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I've been commissioned to knit a friends 10month old baby a selection of hand and footwear. I agreed with vigour until i realised I've never done baby gear before. This couple are far from twee and I think that I once saw a pair of dorothy-slipper style bootees that they'd love.

Can anyone cast any light on this half remembered vision? I think I found it under Goodbye Yellow Brick Road at Patterns Central...

Got a new phone

Got a new phone, got a, got a new phone.

Brand new Sony Erriccson K800i (ohhhhoooo) whith CyberShottm (wooohhoooooooo) so that I can take even greater photos of even grodier toenails.

The piccies below are from my shortlived Motorola RAZR. Alas, I only have bad things to say about the RAZR. As I was brought up to believe if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. So we'll move on.


Question - Knitting scarves for Dads. Is baby alpacac suitable, or does one need a manlier yarn?

My hoodie (front). Back is less interesting, so hasn't been included!

Border of my hoodie, in glorious close-up.

Apologies for the grody toenails in the top picture!

So, that's pretty much the hoodie to date - except I did do a whole sleeve. Then realised that i had done it in the wrong colour. I had initally planned to do the sleeves in the dark purple from the centre section. Instead I spent a day and a bit's travel doing a sleeve in the light purple. I only had one ball of t he light purple. I don't know what I was thinking.

Also started yesterday - Jawywalkers. Still at Cuff stage so not deserving of a photo.

AND finally 5 repeats of branching out without a mistake. Long into the 30's may the tradition continue.

x

Wedding Bells.

I’ve been away for quite a few days sans compy.
That works for me because I can reduce the some of the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome that I’m sure is building in my left hand!

I went to the wedding of my college Best Friend (who’s still one of my Greatest Friends, but because I can’t keep in touch with anyone, I’ve lost her as the BFF we once were!). She looked absolutely stunning, and the groom was suitably stunned and awed. Well done AH.

The ceremony was lovely, with readings and poetry – John Fuller’s Valentine produced tears and laughter. I was so very proud of them both.
And the service was conducted by Windsor Davies.
And OH danced with me to 5 songs!
So, congratulations to Mrs and Mrs H – hope it’s not too long before we hear the pitter-patter of tiny Hs.


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As time goes by

Turns out not to be as heinous a day as I’d first thought. I’ll not be denied that this morning was a low point – but as it’s gone on things have improved!

I’ve cracked the inside out portion of under the hoodie and I hope to have pictures of the front and back up ASAP. The instructions in SnB Handbook really threw me off – we’ll see if it goes as planned.

Also, I’ve abandoned the second Hedera as for some reason, despite following the pattern the same way as I did for the highly successful 1^st one, it’s gone completely wrong!

I’ll be branching out into lace as soon as the cone from The Mill arrives. Mind you, I’ve still got my lovely silk from Secret Santa to use up, and I haven’t got a project for them yet.

I honestly wish I didn’t have to do things like eat sleep and work. When I think of all the projects I want to get done before Xmas. I should have started in May!

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Sidebar. Was going to take my father to see The Rat Pack at the Savoy for his birthday this year, but it’s closing early on 12^th August. Can anyone recommend a really good show in the West End? We’ve seen Mousetrap, Chicago, The Woman in Black, Phantom… we’re running out of shows that aren’t based on 70’s popstars.

Worst Morning Ever

… possibly not ever, I’ll grant the Romans and Vikings and Visigoths and whatnot probably had worse mornings. And things aren’t all coffee and biscuits over in the middle east either, I suppose.

Worst Morning I’ve Had This Week. (Better)

In bullet form:

Woke up late

Shower broke mid shampoo, so rinsing utilized a jug and the bathroom sink. This took a long time and was decidedly pointless.

Took bins out as bin day it is, and garbage bag split dripping unmentionables over my open toed sandals.

Put sandals in the washing machine, cleaned my feet vigorously.

Missed the bus (not a lot of surprise there).

Got to work eventually, where:

Realised I’d left my purse, my work pass and my bloody glasses at home.

On top of it all, I’ve got a weird breakout thing going on and a twisted ankle.

See… it’s a pretty crunty day so far!

Won't somebody think of the children

Oh no.

I found my credit card details from a previous transaction in a pocket in my bag.

I phoned Shelia.

I bought 810g of Silky Wool in #36.

Don’t… tell… anyone…

:eek:

Electron Elshmectron

Having listened to my very clever Auntie Noo and Bronte The Enabler, I decided to go ahead, bit the bullet and called The Mill.

It was all going swimmingly. A total of £29 including shipping and whatnot still equates to bargain city in the world of Silky Wool.

I called the lovely Sheila who told me it was shade 36 (mmm with all the cinnamony goodness) and I said “SOLD, good woman. And may all your family reap bounties and happiness on this auspicious day!”.

My card details were taken and it all went ass shaped. The good old Visa Electron can’t be used over the phone. Sob. Gnash. Wail. I went to get my credit card details and find that I haven’t brought it to work. Probably to stop myself buying huge cones of wool I don’t really need.

Humph. I’m angrily eating TWO squares of Green and Blacks. That’ll learn em.

Financial Dilemma

Silky Wool. I’ve been looking for it everywhere and couldn’t find it for love nor money (and I tried both).

Emailed the Coldsprings Mill people, as recommended by chums at Angel Yarns, and they replied that there was one cone of the colour I’m looking for avaiable.

It’s £20 for 800g. That’s phenomonally cheap if you ask me - but I only need 200g MAX, which would cost me £15.

So… do I buy HEUGE cone of yarn I don’t necessarily need for a bargainous price OR just the amount I need for a slightly inflated price?

It should be an obvious answer, but my OH is really annoyed with the amount of cash I’m spending on things I don’t finish. L

Help, advise, but please don’t call the Mill and buy it!

Mould

xxx

Stupid yarn!!

need to buy a swift and I need to buy one NOW. I spent 4 hours yesterday (four solid hours) unpicking a billion knots that I made in my brand new Knitting Goddess silk (thanks again Chris!) because I tried to fashion a swift out of a laundry box. It went hideously wrong and I ended up with lots of yarn on the floor. It was a bad day to be me, as I’d also completely ballsed up trying to sort out the Vegas sock Wool I recently acquired. It’s in bits! Rah rah rah.

I’ll take pictures and you can all mock!
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“Finished” another booga bag. I say “finished” because I’ve knitted a mini, midi and maxi booga. I’m just waiting until I’ve finished the other fullsized and mini boogas, then putting them all in the wash together. I’m hoping this will cause the necessary friction and whatnot. Updates will be forthcoming.
J

On a quite note – so glad that psycho Spiral is out of the BB house. Not that I watch it. At all. Of course.

Passing of a friend

This weekend saw the last two episodes of The West Wing, perhaps the greatest TV show ever made.

They were great episodes, the firsst of the finale heavily featuring Danny and CJ much to my delight! A sweeter couple there never was (unless youi count Josh and Donna of course).

I for one would have happily watched the Santos administration, especially with Sam back in the White House and Donna as First Lady’s Chief of Staff. But I can see how it would be better for them to bow out at this logical time, after all – all good things must come to an end. Their was much sobbing from the Mouldy Household to be sure.

On a very plus note, I saw the first trailer I’ve ever seen for Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, The West Wing’s illigitemate child. It piqued my interest even more (as did More4’s annoucment that it was “coming soon”. I doubt that highly as it’s not even out in the US until Septemeber. I guess it depends on your definition of “soon”. More 4 clearly interpret as “not as fas away as 2010”.)

I also saw Stormbreaker – James Bond Lite. Quite fun, although the plot wouldn’t make a lot of sense if you hadn’t read Horowitz’ book in the first place… IMO.

I'm baaaaacccckkkk

With Low Quality Photographs!!

Like this -



Which is my beloved Mood Beam, Hug, who glows in the dark and pulses red and purple. He's an awesome "I was just messing around on the web and found this" present from my Big Sister.

And other Pictures like this



Oh Happy Day!

Hedera (Sock 1 of Two) is very complete. Hedera (Sock 2 of Two) is close to being complete, with the gusset (fnar gurgle) in the process of being picked up. Gufawh.

I won't be blogging anymore, or at least until I get a camera! There's no point having a knitting related blog if you can't show off your knitting. Or correctly use HTML...

Thanks to the people who racked up a whopping 571 views on this page. I think your refresh button is broken.

Soon as I go digital, i'll be back.

Love ya,

mouldydc

Delay

And not the good, guitar wah wah kind.

I've been posting and yet, no posts appear. That's not good. This is basically a test.

Sorry it's a bit dull.

Here, read this. IT's entertaining.

Every bag has a spangly lining...

Hiya!

It’s been too long, how are the kids? Really? Wow. Already? You must be very proud.

Anyhoo, back to me.

The Grass Bag, is almost done. Just 30 rows of garter stitch to go! I’ve decided to embroider it in orange thread, and attach some giant orange buttons to it.

I’ve got this jacket that I never ever wear (in fact, there are two coats in this little tale so bear with…), it’s bright orange (where the buttons are coming from) and the lining is this awesome shiny orange satin affair. Now, I was about to send the coat to charity when I realized that this is the EXACT fabric I’ve been looking for to line the Grass Bag with.

Knitting seems to throw up ethical direlemas by the bucketload. Do I rip a perfectly serviceable coat to bits for my own personal gain, or give it to charity and then have to spend £10+ on the lining I just gave away? I’ve got a feeling that by the time I get an answer, I will have already taken the scissors to it, but I’ll hold out for a few days.

Must peg it – just got a phone call and apparently I’m late for the pub. I didn’t realize the pub was so gosh-darned impatient.

Love to all.

Mould

xx

Afternoon!

So I finally BO the front of Under the Hoodie. It is quite pretty. If PINK.

I’m starting the back, and I’ve realized that I didn’t note any of the rows! I pretty much did them to pattern, but I get easily and fatally distracted from things. I guess as long as the middle stripey areas match up, I will be okay.

I’ve also got hedera and an Opal sock wip, but they are wipping very very slowly!

My summer Grass bag. Oh, The Saga that is my summer Grass bag. Right now it is two sides and a half a strap, and I know that I am never going to make it up because of all the sewing. I’ve not even considered what the lining is going to be! The odd thing is, I don’t mind. The Grass Bag, whilst being my nemesis, is also reassuring in a weird way. I think everyone has that one thing in the back of their crafty areas that they started with complete vigor, but which is now half complete, abandoned and unloved.

It makes me feel like a proper knitter.

I’m on a stash famine for a while because I genuinely spend far too much money on yarn that I don’t use. I must finish the 4 wips I have and then find something to do with a whole horde (nothing like a proper stash though) of spare bits of various yarns. I’m thinking knits for charity – like the ones where you send off squares, or strips, or little baby hats. Worthwhile while at the same time creating room for the eventual gorging on sock yarn.

Much love.

x