tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-108984610788153152024-03-07T04:13:48.225+00:00on the hillSueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-72378493200574736602009-09-25T19:53:00.003+01:002009-09-25T19:57:08.834+01:00I have moved!I have gone to <a href="http://fromonthehill.wordpress.com/">here</a>! . There's 'nowt there at the moment but hopefully I will break a month's silence over this weekend!SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-48884978294092412632009-08-26T10:15:00.007+01:002009-08-26T12:30:57.987+01:00The Faroes<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nop</span>, I have not been on another holiday but for one reason or another the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Faroes</span> islands have been crossing our radar recently. Firstly there is the knitting. I have manged to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">acquire</span>, after a</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> two month wait, a copy of </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/stahmans-shawls--scarves"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/stahmans-shawls--scarves</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. This book I love! There are 40 patterns for both shawls & scarves in t The shawls are all an interpretation of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Faroes</span> shawls -<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ie</span> 'fitted' with a back panel but knitted top down & the scarfs</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> have a ribbed neck section for cosy neck cuddling! I have, so far, finished one scarf. This is '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Irlings</span> half diamond <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">seamens</span> scarf', knitted in extra fine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Jaegar</span> merino <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">dk</span>.</span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ENCrLHjZtwgWeEiiFomC1IgIkoOovMXUzQyYOAGVWDHhyphenhyphen8_1G9xfDC6GyIaCt4LrLBw6J0y3jHI2Vkfx78KI3_rDI5hQaZoJN6BzsXf6OBKc9fbCxg3RUAlLdmAqHx0H611GVgQCXw/s320/odds+summer+2009+007.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374226654174966034" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> It is my first '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">christmas</span> knit'!!!! I am 3/4 of the way through 'Ginger',</span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtdKZYIhb0Bp9Ir1ETrOJ4Z4cyiCtAZ5OksUNSfmEdo91sSupdntlWj8C9f4eyG4Z4fgLhyphenhyphen7wAs53UdlmO895-2yTck98-UGIdU5FbzKXGb0HjayqLd2aiNFklK5HYUjc3NP0RdiTOQ/s320/knitting+002.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374226647990558322" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">in some gifted Skein Queen sock yarn that I thought would be wasted if <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">hidden in</span> shoes & she makes a super 'travel' knit. Ginger Nut is for me!!!! Also on the needles is another scarf (more for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">christmas</span> cache!) & a shawl! <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZz9aKlWFbO2m1ucz1os2dqy-mgZdlTQoYuV3mEZiqWzZJg14ntCvI2US7ZGerBuBv930eG7r_DG6fY9RIfM7uwHFAHSW_ljtDuGPuUDX-NhjQTmRpt845Rv9atoUtS4yy-KN6Tzwog/s320/knitting+005.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374230393953976978" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtEJsz9-O-GR8wIxvx-latjcy7y2eZLReqFxHs_hd5zg1alE0KAPUmvvS_AfE7YptxQQPj9fcpvHJ5QwfA6W_UbR9YTEYTPGrOoiLwGThn0bdr2yuQQzabNEP9P7H9JYPksBYlQljqQ/s320/knitting+009.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374230383565006226" />The shawl is 'Gracie' & she is in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kauni</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Effektgarn</span> 8/2.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">in shades of mid blue, dark blue & purple. <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-88rBM7EfLojxxhtwdoZTTSupNAJn6CXuTdoeKBrUGmc2dLujsTR_Cp5_9qnTws0s_uQ7mhYKe1bywwgrv8CqTqbuwjPfJsGQVMLxHgHWfSwlNf70wtEMb5oBpEgU0Mt00ghnhrqH3g/s320/knitting+016.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374226641003958418" />I had started to knit 'Susan' but realised that the lace pattern is the same as 'Forest Canopy' & there is too much knitting in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Faeroe's</span> shawl to repeat a pattern I only finished two months ago! It is a lovely pattern to knit & works with the yarn, although on grey days like today I keep thinking I must get a 'daylight bulb'! The darkest blue sections are like knitted <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">braille</span>! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Fortunately</span> I am into a purple patch. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /><img src="http://www.cruiseatlantic.com/visuals/faroe.jpg" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 470px; height: 320px; " border="0" alt="" /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Faroes</span> were also featured on last weeks 'Coast' programme & ..... wow! They have zoomed up our 'must visit' list! Awesome.... stunning..... Middle Earth! On the subject of TV, perhaps we are a little 'late to the party' but we have been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">following</span> the re-run of </span><a href="http://www.montyhalls.co.uk/details.php?id=19&parent=2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">'Monty Halls Great Escape'</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> as he establishes a smallholding near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Applecross</span> in the Western Highlands. The envy halted for a while when the midges moved in but other than that it is an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">intriguing</span> project in a wonderful place. I have just ordered the book from Amazon! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Shopping is a common event in our household affairs at the moment. Son & heir goes off to University in just over two weeks time & so there has been a fair amount of 'Uni Shopping' - if they can't nail it down he needs to take his own seems to be the rule of thumb!</span></span></div></div>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-12302637522274636932009-08-11T11:03:00.002+01:002009-08-11T11:40:28.137+01:00The knitting went too!So, what knitting went on during our trip north? For 'travel' knitting there was Mr J's 'Highland Socks'. <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/3798591208_8549507f53.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" border="0" alt="" /><div><div style="text-align: left;">A little bit of a tradition has developed in that I knit himself a pair of socks whilst we are on our Scottish jaunts. Last year he had his 'Colours of the Hebrides' socks. This year we agreed that the colours in the Trekking Hand Art Yarn were very much the colours of the mountains of the Western Highlands of Scotland, hence 'Highland Socks'. The pattern was a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/monkeymen">modification</a> of 'Monkey Socks' using invisible 'make stitches' instead of yarn overs, for a more masculine sock. I used the prescribed 80 stitch cast yarn, but I this made for quite a baggy sock (he HAS got fairly skinny & very long pins!) & a close call on the yarn quantity. However himself is happy with the finished socks so all is good. It is lovely 'woolly' soft yarn to knit with & blooms when washed, yet has a bit of nylon for longer life!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2584/3798602594_7e8261ca78.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: left;">For my 'major' project, may I introduce '<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/monkeymen">Heartland'</a> shawl.......</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/3797780041_6b82431a99.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/3797780041_6b82431a99.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>The pattern is by Evelyn Clarke & is beautiful! The yarn is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/kauni-effektgarn-8-2">Kuani</a> 'rainbow' & overall I love it (see next comment for why 'overall'!) We had early 'issues' - I frogged one evenings work to go down to 3.5mm needles for a 'closer', thicker shawl & then I found a knot! ..... and a non-matching join.... infact further knitting revealed that the add on yarn had been reversed so the colours were going in the opposite direction!!!! Grrr! After much debate & discussion (like himself is that bothered!!!!) I left well alone because a) it was the 'shoulder' section & would be fairly solid in whatever colour b) if I had to dive for a colour match I would loose ALOT of the skein, which wasn't too promising & c)???? is there a c)? Oh yes..... but perhaps its not too polite so we will leave it at a) & b)!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3797771921_6f2a4f52b4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3797771921_6f2a4f52b4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3798599602_0f275b8367.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3798599602_0f275b8367.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3797791547_ee4b6f6c66.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3797791547_ee4b6f6c66.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Not too bad huh? Well if you like triangular, brightly coloured shawls anyway! I used about 200 gms of the yarn but had to go over a third of the way into the second skein (I think I bought 2 x 170 skeins) to match the colour. I did one extra pattern repeat to that indicated on the pattern. I next want to knit one of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/stahmans-shawls--scarves">Stahman's</a> Faroese Shawls (Susan or Gracie) in Kuani but I plan to be very cautious & buy plenty of yarn & re-wind it & check it for knots before I start! Just need to choose the colour! Black & Grey or Shades of blue & purple???? The book arrived on Friday & I adore it! I have already completed a 'Seaman's scarf' (first 'christmas' knit!) & am on a second (no photos yet!).</div>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-27003315195477330222009-08-07T18:22:00.006+01:002009-08-07T19:21:23.128+01:00Northern Travels<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just over two weeks ago Mr J, Moss</div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/3797911279_581628f3d9.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: left;"> & I headed north in Brian</div><div style="text-align: center;">.</div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3525/3797934917_240c25c6f5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" border="0" alt="" /><div>This is Brian on North Uist!</div><div> I suspect that you will need to remember Brian the Snail in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Magic_Roundabout">Magic Roundabout</a> to understand how a truck camper, a 'demountable', got to be called Brian!</div><img src="http://www.broadbent.org/jim_broadbent/photos/magic_roundabout_brian.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 410px; height: 308px;" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: left;">We spent two weeks away..... we ambled to the Western Highlands, Skye (this is near Stein in North Skye)</div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3798735096_9127f69136.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" border="0" alt="" /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3798730810_46196d6df2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" border="0" alt="" />The picture above is the Cullin mountains from Elgol on Skye. The long ride down to Elgol from Broadford was worth the stunning views, both into the Cullins & across to Rhum & Eigg.<div>We then sailed to the Uists. I can't really image a trip to Scotland without a ferry & islands involved. They have a magic that I cannot really describe, only mutter words like 'light'... 'space' 'colours'.....& offer up some of our photographs!<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3798745906_e364320383.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: left;">We then came back via the long way round, stopping in the Cairngorms, Aberdeenshire, Fife & Northumberland! I had to don waterproofs just once 'in anger' & whilst our tan owes more to the wind than the sun we had a fantastic, fairly lazy time.</div><div style="text-align: left;">We camped in some amazing places & enjoyed the fantastic, ever changing light & scenery.</div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2624/3798757338_87787e97ac.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: left;">This was taken on North Uist. As you can see Brian was tucked away & on his own at the end of a 'beach access' track. When we got back to Skye we were told that there had been an article in the local paper complaining about camper vans in the Outer Hebrides. We saw nothing of the</div><div style="text-align: left;"> invasion of camper vans reported in the Western Highland Free Press & depicted thus:</div><img src="http://www.whfp.com/images/stories/whfp/cartoon1943.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 306px;" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">& suggesting that they were 'ruining' the machair & making no contribution to the economy of the islands. Infact the most campers we saw in one place on either North or South Uist was two & so we moved on! This was in a week when the ferries were pretty full! There is just one -official campsite' on the the Uists. Its by the road side & school in Benbecula. Its a decent</div><div style="text-align: left;"> campsite but its location isn't great & its always over full. The camper vans we saw were tucked away, were not damaging farm land & more often were in the carpark of one of the Co-op shops! The newspaper article quotes how this camper van owners spend nothing when they are there, but the people quoted it turns out were a 'businessman' and a 'hotelier'! We went ( 7th year running) we paid out for ferry fares, spent money in the shops & took nothing but memories & photos! Fairly typical I guess! OK, soapbox bit over. Just fairly typical of the media I guess, but it irritated me!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, some more pictures: The wind blew fairly hard - Force 6-7 for the five days we were out on the Uists, giving some fairly messed up water! </div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3797937163_f7b488f07b.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: left;">There will be ALOT of photos like this appearing in a classroom near here in September! Call this post part one! I need to organise some more of the....600+ photos.... & blogger is driving me nuts trying to get them into the right place!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">....don't worry, there was quite alot of knitting done! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-34922916275435060172009-07-13T18:32:00.002+01:002009-07-13T18:47:06.968+01:00For once there will be no pictures as I have some 'issues' with my laptop, however I decided to go ahead and post anyway. We are into the last week of school. I have just waved off the fourth of eight reward trips that I have organized/ coordinated & have a few minutes not to spare exactly, but without something screamingly urgent to do as I have just realized that my next class are involved in Sports Day!<br />We are putting a little more shape to our holiday plans. We are going to set off on Tuesday, aiming for Killin, near to Loch Tay, for our first night. We may hang around there for a day or so, but most likely Wednesday will see us heading for Uig on Skye & the ferry to North Uist. We will probably camp at Uig, make sure that we are fully ‘charged’ & topped up & then catch the early morning ferry to Lochmaddy –after that? Who knows? We may head south towards Eriskay & then spend the next few days working our way back northwards, returning to Skye in the middle of the next week. What we do will depend on a) our mood b) the weather c) the availability of nice places to tuck ‘Brian’ up for the night. There is only one ‘official’ campsite on Benbecula if we need to top up the battery etc so we plan to buy a spare so that we can be truly footloose & fancy free!<br />One thing that will not cut short the holiday is a shortage of knitting projects. I am favoring <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heartland-lace-shawl">Evelyn Clarke’s ‘Heartland’</a> knitted in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/kauni-effektgarn-8-2">Kauni’s rainbow yarn </a>(My rebel without a cause ‘ hippy’ shawl) for a ‘big’ project, then there are my ‘Sunshine Socks’ to finish, some ‘Manly Monkey socks for Mr. J, and the orange <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lily-of-the-valley-scarf">lily of the valley scarf,</a> from Estonian Lace. The later project is ‘on the needles’ or should I say ‘on the second lot of needles’ because I snapped my harmony knit pros on the purl 5 tog bit of the nupps! I have had to opt for metal tips & although I am devoted to wooden needles in general I have to say these are quite nice. Infact where a sharp point is needed (i.e. nupps!) I will use them again. I cannot praise Lyn at P2Tog enough for the prompt replacement at no charge of the damaged needles (I didn’t ask, I just said why the order was urgent). Again, thank you! I know I will not complete all the projects, but different occasions/ locations call for different knits imho. The socks will be fine for slipping in a backpack for on the ferry, on a beach or picnic time. The shawl pattern doesn’t look too demanding (famous last words) so should be OK for straighter roads & at camp. The lily of the valley scarf needs a bit of concentration but is a fairly small project. This could be a good one for when Mr. J is off on a run (he is building up his mileage ready for ‘The Great North Run’ in September). I will also slip in my new Tunisian crochet hook so that I can practice my new …well skill might be stretching it a bit… but you know what I mean. If this booklet arrives in time, I would like to practice Tunisian entralac for some future throw or blanket. I will pack a few extra patterns/ lots of yarn incase the mood doesn’t send me in the direction of these projects! When I look back at last year’s holiday & the knitting I completed then perhaps this isn’t too ambitious. Last year the score was two pairs of socks, one scarf & two pairs of fingerless mitts I think.<br />This week I plan to finish my ‘Chewbacca’ Forest canopy shawl (Thanks Kath for the idea for the name!). It’s my hairy merino & bunny angora shawl. It’s scheduled for a good swill and a blow as part of the blocking process. I am sure it will be fine as long as I wear it with black!<br />Actually its evening time as I actually post this -Blogger wouldn't play earlier!SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-90732572956049136542009-06-28T17:29:00.003+01:002009-06-28T17:54:50.579+01:00In the summertime?<div><div><div>So June is a busy month here on the hill. At school it has been all about exams & leavers celebrations & as I had to step in (again) as Head of Year 11 from Easter onwards, I have been in the thick of things! Still, all seems to have gone well. You just had to see it coming.... Sue.... we would appoint someone.... BUT.... only you knows how it works.... such an important time.....!!!!!!! Anyway, there is just three weeks left to go & I can begin to ponder important questions, such as what knitting (crochet even!) am I going to take with me when we set off in 'Brian' our truck camper in a north westerly direction!<br /><br /><div><div>I have done a little sewing. This is my 'Balamory' laptop cosy. At first glance some folk thought it was a pillow as it is well padded with quilt wadding. The fabric is super! Love it! <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3667492973_0e6e64e54a.jpg?v=0" border="0" /><br />Knitting? I am knitting another 'Forest Canopy' shawl in black 'Sublime Merino & Angora'. Its super soft. The pattern's great -not to complicated for black in any light. The only issue is that it moults more than the dog after a wet walk! I am knitting it with a tea towel on my lap! Hopefully after a wash & block it will improve otherwise said dog might get it as a luxury blanket!<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/3667529739_b26eb76693.jpg" border="0" /><br />I also have a Rosebud Neckwarmer on the needles (I did finish Mr Greenjeans! -just needs 2 buttons.) It a cute knit. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/stores/grace-mcewen-designs">Grace Mcewen</a> has some super patterns for sale on Ravelry!<br /><br /></div></div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3668307308_1a853723b2.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></div></div>The garden is looking pretty good we think. The polytunnel is probably at its best yet. The first courgettes were harvested today. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/3668252736_349f81819b.jpg?v=1246207661" border="0" />The roses are real eye candy (unless you look too close & spot the black spot!)<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/3668267956_f4b24707c2.jpg?v=1246198668" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3667414351_d692eb6ae8.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></p><p>I am sure I meant to include more but ,,,,,,,,</p>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-29053006744461147182009-06-01T18:11:00.008+01:002009-06-04T20:50:10.530+01:00Two Men, Two Bikes, One Good Cause<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3596121608_723ac038c1.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3596121608_723ac038c1.jpg" border="0" /></a> On Saturday Wayne rode his bike from Wolverhampton to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Aberdovey</span>, looking like some bloke from the Tour <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">de</span> France. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3596180054_beb63a94a3.jpg?v=0" border="0" />Mr J joined him on his mountain bike & rode with him from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Welshpool</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Aberdovey</span>. An unlikely looking couple you may say & perhaps you could be right! Wayne was riding to raise money and to raise awareness for the Miscarriage Association. Mr J was riding to make sure that his mate didn't fall into a ditch or hit a tractor & to make sure that Mrs Wayne didn't fret too much! Mr J & I have not had to deal personally with the misery & heartache of miscarriage but we lived with the threat of it for a while. Mr & Mrs Wayne have sadly had to come to terms (if that is possible) with not one but two miscarriages & for them organising and completing this ride will help to reduce the number of babies who do not make it launch point. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3595309943_897aaeab61.jpg" border="0" />If you have been affected by a miscarriage or know someone who has perhaps you would like to make a donation? If so please click onto the link and follow the instructions!<br /><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/wayneshelley" alt="Justgiving - Sponsor me now!" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.justgiving.com/design/1/images/badges/justgiving_badge9.gif" border="0" width="120" height="90"></a><br /><br />The support party was awesome by the way & after the boys arrived in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Aberdovey</span> (6 hours riding time, with 17.5 mph average on one of the hottest days of the year & over the backbone of Wales....clicked the button yet?) we enjoyed a superb overnight stay at the <a href="http://www.penheligarms.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Penhelig</span> Arms.</a> Go if you can, whether for just a meal or to stay over. Magic! <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3088/3595388141_c9847d22fd.jpg" border="0" />SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-18915404382331250512009-05-25T16:06:00.005+01:002009-05-25T19:10:02.004+01:00So, what happened to May?It might be a long blog post or at least one that is photo heavy, so make a cup of tea & let the last month unfold if the fancy takes you!<br /><div><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Working backwards from this wonderful, sunny, bank holiday weekend! <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3562516349_df87fcca9a.jpg?v=0" border="0" />We have had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">house guests</span> for the weekend, including a delightful and very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">energetic</span> two year old! Our Bank Holiday Sunday outing was to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Newby</span> Hall near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ripon</span>. The gardens were fantastic & everyone enjoyed the train ride! Sunday morning had involved some serious duck & geese feeding at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Swinsty</span> reservoir.<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3562563676_f9c8650666.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></div>I have done some knitting too! This week I have finished my Pacific Rim Shawl. I used almost every inch of the 'Dream in Color' Baby & I am very pleased with the finished shawl. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2474/3562553360_bfa072f819.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></div>It deserves a better photo! Also finished are 'Geographical Socks' & 'Spring Leaves Lace Socks'.<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3370/3562548642_589567a013_m.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/3562544998_0004e79e7f_m.jpg" border="0" />Last weekend we went up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Alnmouth</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Northumberland</span> to spend the weekend with sister, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">BiL</span>, Bil's sister & her DH + sister's friend & her lovely son! (infact all of our house guests from this weekend) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Alot</span> of fun was had & we seemed to catch the best of the UK weather. An 'at home in the seventies disco birthday' party for my sister, for example, stands out!</p></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339816668886934946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGlIZvZ9GAuMq_Vy0y4GJ427OIQgGGkXV-H3_l_8wQkjWUY2FVNQbFDmeN0Xt4H8VEbKoc160LhKed5n9N1j3nourFGi4Ur7gwSTCaXLV-WLGxlSOiZez1zVowPoZEPWxfB2nucHYJw/s400/DSC01784.JPG" border="0" />With local cops were invited along..... plus a local rock star ..... and...... !!!!!!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339817460265768482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIS-khBRFuXCsgKCQHLFcCllzS7SersLA7N-QKVnKU7JFL2V27w0_HnUxRH6T5vHKyHJRzvVT8i6u4f_fqPJ_co5nhjJJvT6ndIyCLjJ41qvhdOQcaRbF6MHFM8Cv5Yb_Gis6_YVL1Q/s400/DSC01787.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>What else? We walked from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Alnmouth</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Bulmer</span> & back. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3563884852_efd93c64a7.jpg?v=0" border="0" />Played on the beach, Some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">kayaked</span> on the river, ran & rode bikes. A treat of a weekend. Part of my sister's birthday present consisted of a knitted & felted basket to hold the rest of the treats.</div><br /><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/3561730065_207ccaf298.jpg?v=0" border="0" /><br />The pattern is called '<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Nantucket</span> basket. I like the whole felting business & is something I want to do more of! Other knitting? A wine bottle cosy for my 'Defence against the dark arts' homework! This is part of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Ravelry</span> Harry Potter House Cup thing! The task was to knit something that would protect... something & so I have knitted a cosy to stop wine or whisky bottles clanking in our truck camper as we bounce down some track to a beautiful beach side camping spot this summer! <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3562542482_598dd53d79.jpg?v=0" border="0" />The pattern was from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Knitty</span>.com but I knitted it in 'the round'. </p><p>So that was May! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ofsted</span> came & went. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Nuff</span> said. School is a whirl of exams & study sessions, preparing for Leaver's celebrations & Reward events, Field Trips &...... teaching! Still this week is Half Term & I intend to finish knitting my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">cardi</span>, Mr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Greenjeans</span> tonight or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">tomorrow</span> & I am knitting my first socks from Cookie A's book! The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">polytunnel</span> is producing its first harvest of the season & I have some planting to do. I have ordered some fabric & hope to make a laptop cosy at least. So many craft projects, not enough time......</p></div>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-38064593527378256392009-04-29T21:03:00.001+01:002009-04-29T21:04:26.059+01:00Normal Service will be resumed shortly...Ofsted are here! (School Inspection)...stressful....!!!!SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-11610757607458097932009-04-11T09:08:00.003+01:002009-04-11T10:57:41.942+01:00Do what you love.......<div><div><div><a href="http://www.piajewellery.com/images/products/medium/1841.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 277px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.piajewellery.com/images/products/medium/1841.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was given <a href="http://www.piajewellery.com/product-PFM-Do-What-You-Love-Earrings-1841/">these</a> earrings for Christmas. Perhaps it should be our family motto? It seems to work for us anyway. Today is our 28th wedding anniversary!</div><div> </div><div>We have had a good week pottering around the family castle! I have got some knitting done. On the left 'geographical socks' 7 on the right 'Twining Leaf'. What? Surely they were blue a few days ago? Correct. I frogged them yesterday. The Dream in Color Smooshy just looked lumpy. Too good a yarn to waste so I started again with Araucania 'Ranco' in a lovely leafy shade.<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/3431286654_0652974946.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>The yarn was part of my lovely Spring Swap gift from Tina. Yarn.... <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/3431277192_75d2172afd.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>two lovely felted baskets, chocolate & home made applesauce! </div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3430433021_11dd88b725.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></div><div>I gifted Jess a pair of mittens (pattern 'Mushy peas' & yarn 'Organic DK Merino' from Krafty Koala) & 'The little book of socks'. The yarn was fantastic to knit with & I loved the pattern (there is a hat pattern too). The swap produced some fab. knitted items as usual & we had another great evening.<br /></div></div></div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/3426945586_dc7fe7ca3c.jpg?v=0" border="0" />SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-68581307470438683772009-04-06T08:56:00.003+01:002009-04-06T12:44:30.268+01:00....in where I cast on my 'geographical' socksI have found a pattern for some socks that can only be described (by me at least!) as 'Geographical'. The pattern is called 'topographical' & the yarn is 'trekking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">xxl</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">handpainted</span>' in colourway 'Vulcan'! <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3612/3417710054_e675e6b0ae.jpg" border="0" />It actually seems to be an excellent (& fairly easy) pattern for self striped yarn & an alternative to personal favorite 'Queen Carolina's'. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3417712572_54198852f0.jpg" border="0" />After I cast on I realised that they were also eligible for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ravelry</span> SKA April challenge -under appreciated patterns, written before Feb 1 2009. This is my second cast on in this category (what am I thinking?). The first ones (Twinning Lace) are at the first ankle. I love the colour. I love the yarn (Dream in Color <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Smooshy</span>). I love the pattern. Do I love the socks? Not sure. I am sure they will feel fab. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">smooshy</span> is...... well <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">smooshy</span>, but seems a bit chunky for regular fingering yarn. What <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">d'y</span> think? <div><div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3417714962_d1300fe8bc.jpg" border="0" />I would love to knit a '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">smooshy</span>' wrap or shawl though!</div><div><br /><div>I have made some progress on 'Woodland Shawl', although the 'sock fest' has slowed it down a little.<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3417707368_448b02d3de.jpg" border="0" /> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Cleite</span> is here ,but I don't think the photograph does it justice- it isn't so 'busy' in real life. Maybe I will do a 'model' shot when not wearing sweatshirt & freshly out of the shower!<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3416897619_3511cb8a28.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Today is Monday. Mr J & I have realised that this is the first Monday that we will have spent at home (rather than work or elsewhere) since August. We don't have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">alot</span> planned. Hopefully my seeds will arrive from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Dobies</span> this morning so I can make the first sewing's of vegetables & salad crops in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">polytunnel</span>. If they don't I think I have some carrots & stir fry leaf salad left from last year. Mr J did a splendid job of digging it all over & building a little store outside to house all the pots & things when not in use. We need to re-install the drip feed watering system & its all good to go. Hopefully we can deter slugs & mice this year!</div><div></div><div>I am also learning about 'Twitter'. Didn't understand it when my friends mentioned it, so the only way to learn, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">imho</span>, is to have a go (I am a visual/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">kinesthetic</span> learner if you hadn't guessed!). I now occasionally 'tweet' as '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">fromonthehill</span>'!!!!</div><div><strong>lunchtime update: </strong>My seed order arrived & (for my records) I have just made 1st <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">sewing's</span> of carrot ideal, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">carrot purple</span> haze (yes! purple carrots),leaf salad french mix, leaf salad <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">lettuce</span> special mixed (I am so fed up with paying £1.50+ for a bag of salad!), beetroot <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">cylindra</span>, sweet basil, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">lila</span>(red spring onion), Dwarf bean 'Stanley' & 'Purple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Burpee</span>', Courgettes, sunflowers, French & English marigolds (Apricot Tart!), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">rubekia</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">lobilia</span>. Mr J requested a yellow/orange theme for the flower bed this year! </div></div></div></div>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-70523513881964490942009-04-04T11:29:00.003+01:002009-04-04T11:49:32.095+01:00Sing a powerful song!<div><div><a href="http://ickmusic.com/pics/saw1.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://ickmusic.com/pics/saw1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Mr J & I went to see The Saw Doctors in concert at The Royal Hall in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Harrogate</span> last night! What a great way to start the Easter Holidays! They were FANTASTIC! One long party of fun & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">irishness</span>! Everyone clapped, bopped & sang along. My hands hurt from clapping & my face ached from smiling! If you have a liking for this brand of excellence, then go see them if you can!</div><br /><div>Did I mention it was holiday time in teacher land? It is & not a day too soon! Not skiing this Easter but spending time doing up the old castle a bit & (shh, don't tell Mr J) knitting! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cleite</span> shawl is blocking on my bed & I have plans for a sock cast on fest. this afternoon! Pictures will follow.</div><br /><div>I do have a couple of pictures of our 'venture to Kent to pick up son & heir (home safely & quickly back in employment to earn some dosh before rejoining academia(!) in September.</div><br /><br /><div>This is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bodiam</span> Castle, which is a treat in the spring sunshine:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320784877065025314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIcWZnNOherzNyGD4E16hxU77c0QYSTKN7tillkl3x6yhKuI9uFi_w0z-0ZzaGiNwPlWwz7OZnnmFYurNhEGFI4IgKlZK129Cc1SE4gvcEyos6UmM_SYL07aiHZYgVJ266OoLMy-FwA/s400/DSC_0848.JPG" border="0" />The two geographers had to, of course, go have a look at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Dungeness</span>. Its a huge shingle spit, backed by Romney Marsh. Its odd! Its described by some as fragile & eclectic! The garden & shack used to belong to the filmmaker Derek <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jarman</span>. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 432px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 648px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.livingworldimages.com/Derek%20Jarman%27s%20garden%20Dungeness.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br />Its fab. to have our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">skier</span> back. The house (broke the sofa within 10 minutes of been back) & food bill are noticing the difference!SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-13815637395511358322009-03-18T17:32:00.002+00:002009-03-18T17:54:55.911+00:00Pacific Rim & other knitsI have cast on for the Woodland Shawl in 'Dream in Color' Baby. I love it! The colour, the slightly nubbly, homespun (not by me, but by someone good!) texture of the yarn, the simple but satisfying pattern.... get the picture? In good Ravelry fashon I felt the project deserved a name & whilst I had my one ideas I mentioned it to Mr J. said I wanted to reflect the colour & pattern. He came up with Tofino & Wakaninish, both on the west coast of Vancouver Island. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 1104px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 743px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.myroyaltyfreehd.com/assets/images/pan_and_back_zoom_of_Pacific_Rim_National_Park_in_BC.jpg" border="0" />Trees rolling down to foggy, stormy beaches. Clearly we had the same memories bang before our eyes, those of an awesome trip to British Colombia some 12 years ago. Skiing in Whistler, followed by a trip across to the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island & down to Victoria, so the project is christened 'Pacific Rim Shawl'. Here she is:<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3366014570_621519c1f7.jpg?v=0" border="0" />I have put it to one side though, once cast on & approved of by my KAL chums because I want to finish Cliete. Here she is, pictured in the early evening sunshine! I am onto a second skein of the malbrigio lace & I will continue for a while yet, so I can wrap my self in a cloud of butter soft, whisper warmth.<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3365194317_be2f7c1740.jpg?v=0" border="0" /> <div>Mr J's simple thick socks are also nearer to completion with their simple plain foot & baby cable ankle top:<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3365195719_7322690e6a.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></div>The yarn is regia dk, kaffe fasset 'landscape fire'. Its a bit scratchy but first wash should resolve that. What else? I bought myself these:<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 450px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.porterstahoe.com/istarimages/mp/S08207!K2-128497.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>K2 'Burnin Lov' lady skis! They are so pretty & should ski like a dream. Shame I wont get to use them anytime soon but they were a huge bargain & exactly what I wanted.</p><p>...and my 'baby' comes home on Sunday! Home from the snows! Gee three months have flow by, chaos will return to the hill!</p>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-80657817671180446352009-03-08T09:16:00.003+00:002009-03-08T09:59:56.807+00:00March DaysDid March come 'in like a lion' or 'in like a lamb'? Currently its hailing here, 10 minutes ago the sun was shining & it looked like a cool but grand spring day. This seems to have been the story of the week since March 1st. On Friday I went to York with the sixth form Geographers to look at the flood defences and as we walked into the city along the River Ouse it was a beautiful day.<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3336871109_6507917d40.jpg?v=0" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><div><div>Mr J has just walked into the kitchen & told me that there is heavy snow in central Scotland! I have just checked the Courcheval 360 degree webcam & it appears they have moved beyond a three day long period of snow, although a look at the sky suggests that it is not settled. A look at the weather forecast definitely backs that up!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310746010121701842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 49px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3qvV8_3bjnqae_1k7h4FPp31L56AnwLQgx5u06GDrDh8zG4JgafyGPtBQfUK-aq49q6NHBk3Nfp-pFw3117aHPTfx2E8N950vaHI-AlsmsvzmNgm_KusUwQjeaULz8n501Ybxku4dg/s400/2009_0308_100000.jpg" border="0" /></div>All this weather talk provides a kind of link into a possible knitting project. The yarn is 'Dream in Color baby' in colour 'Beach Fog'! The proposed pattern is <a href="http://thriftyknitter.com/?p=219">'Woodland Shawl'</a>. I have knitted this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/suej/woodland-shawl">before</a> in slightly thicker yarn (Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock) which I love & several of the Harrogate 'Nutty Nitters' have this in their queue. I wore my Woodland Shawl to Knit Night on Wednesday & by Thursday morning there were posts about a proposed Woodland Shawl KAL. Inspection of the stash identified a number of possibilities but they would have meant buying 'a bit more'. The pattern calls for just over 400 yards but I used 600 in my shawl & I certainly would want it longer, even before blocking than the 40" suggested in the pattern. I used all of 3 skeins of the Shepherd Sock. In my stash I do have some Dream in Color Baby & it comes in skeins a million miles long (or did it just feel like that when I was winding it -I had to split it in two for my ball winder!) & it is a 'thicker lace weight', so what do you think?<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3337704070_2e7f778d18.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></div>I think <a href="http://www.twistcollective.com/collection/index.php/component/content/article/50-autumn-2008/71-cleite-by-miriam-l-felton">Cleite</a> would have to go on a back burner, although woodland is fairly easy 'TV' & 'Travel' knitting once the pattern is established & Cleite, although not difficult, does demand more concentration as the malibrigio lace weight can be a little slippy & dive off the needles if not closely supervised. Cleite is from the Autumn Twist Collective & is a beautiful pattern to knit. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.twistcollective.com/collection/cart_images/aut_08/MF_001_Cleite_250px.jpg" border="0" />It is the first pattern I have knitted by Miriam L. Felton but I am sure that it will not be the last. This yarn & colourway suits the closer stitches of Cleite. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3319/3337703384_2fdc706481.jpg" border="0" />It was going nowhere with 'Spring Things' as the lace stitches were getting lost in the colour, so frogged it was. The colour is called 'loro barranquero'. I can't help but love this yarn. The colours are fab, its as soft as butter & even with the grotty exchange rate you get a whole lot of knitting for your £££££'s. I have a skein of 'Azelea' & another pink one in my stash!</div>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-12065001322207425072009-02-28T12:44:00.002+00:002009-02-28T13:03:25.431+00:00Skiing and thick socks.....<div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/3311317047_e83ec86abd.jpg?v=0"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/3311317047_e83ec86abd.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Is it only a week since our last day of skiing in Courcheval? Seems longer! We had an awesome week. Obviously it was great to spend time with son & heir. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3312144992_f9e665d173.jpg?v=0" border="0" />He is having the time of his life & seems to be doing really well on his GAP ski instructors course. Why wouldn't he be? He is skiing every day, in the best ski season in Europe for 25 years, with a group of like minded & likable young people and his own skiing abilities are being even further developed by the fantastic team from 'New Generation' Ski School. We also had huge fun introducing my sister & brother in law to skiing. At least one of them is officially hooked & both report dreaming of snow every night since we got back!!!!<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3311307327_6ab1a7c404.jpg?v=0" border="0" /><br /><p>Teaching uncle! </p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/3312349330_bb59d2fdb4.jpg" border="0" /><br />The bobble hats were needed. The sun shone most days, but temperatures stayed low!</p><p>On the knitting front, my current 'obsession' (me...obsessed with knitting? Surely not!!!) is thick socks. I currently have two pairs on the needles & yarn lined up for more. I have used DK yarn (Regia Crazy Colors for me, Kaffe Fasset Regia Landscape for himself) & usual 2.5 mm needles to make a 'springy' dense sock for walking boots & shoes. Just stocking stitch for travel knitting but perhaps something more interesting next. I will upload the photos soon. I am also trying to 'perfect' toe up sock knits & use up all of the yarn!</p></div>I long to go back to the snow......................................<br /><br /><p></p></div>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-69127724153010143532009-02-09T18:57:00.002+00:002009-02-09T19:15:56.708+00:00Modern Art?<div>I found <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dumpr.net">dumpr.net </a>& turned this photo of Mr J & Moss into a exhibit in a Museum of Modern Art!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3509/3266605569_e82c3fbdbf.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3509/3266605569_e82c3fbdbf.jpg" border="0" /></a> Daft but quite entertaining!</div><br /><div>I usually use <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bighugelabs.com">Bighugelabs.com</a> for such silliness/ effects. This gentleman (I think it was a tup) was photographed on our Sunday walk near to the interestingly named <a href="http://www.ukvillages.co.uk/ukvillages.nsf/b08?open&s=villagehomepage08&v=kettlesing%20bottom-north%20yorkshire&text=refreshcache">Kettlesing Bottom</a>. The effect is 'Motivational Poster'!<br /><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1306/3266620043_4e4e42d29e.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1082/3266577907_8dee4faea6.jpg?v=0" border="0" />No effects, but pretty much summarises the conditions that remain up here 'under paw'!SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-82370870110826700422009-02-05T17:20:00.003+00:002009-02-05T17:54:14.254+00:00Winter days<div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3255376255_a003b643bf.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3255376255_a003b643bf.jpg" border="0" /></a> Snow came to Nidderdale just as it did to many parts of the UK. I didn't get a 'snow day' though! Actually the local council did a fantastic job of keeping our roads open. The snow plough ran through the night on Sunday night & the gritters just keep going. I think the worst roads I encountered were last night in Harrogate but it didn't stop me getting to 'Knit Night'. Having a 4x4 truck really comes into its own at times like these!</div><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3255422673_f5d9600b2a.jpg" border="0" /> I have been a 'little knitting demon' for the last couple of weekends. I have knitted 3 bobble hats. One 'Utopia' in Drops Alaska (purple one). One big cream tea cosy in Drops Eskimo & One blue (with blue & orange pom pom -very important) in Drops Karisma. The last two are my own pattern based on a simple twisted stitch. I may get round to writing up the pattern because it seems to make a 'lofty' warm hat, even in the DK weight. The yarn for the three cost £14! All are 100% wool. Son & heir bought a cute (but acrylic) cabled bobble hat in France,just before we left, for a little over £25!!!!!<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3255396711_0d4ac2316d.jpg?v=0" border="0" />My Nutkin socks & DH's hut socks are finished. The Nutkin pattern is a simple treat of a sock! They may become another favorite alongside 'No purl monkeys' & 'Queen Carolina's (also without her purls!).<br /><div></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3255399043_92c2f71f77.jpg?v=0" border="0" />I have also 'designed' and knit another cowl in Malabrigo chunky. For 'designed' read 'cast on 64 stitches, knit one row of K2 P2 & then decide to go off piste with a few cables after some very simple Maths! It was knit on 8mm circular to give quite a firm cowl -a polo neck without the jumper kind of thing, which will hopefully keep my neck, ears & face warm skiing.<br /><div> </div><div>What else have we been up to? Work? Let's not go there! We have managed some good weekend walks with Moss, getting some fresh air for an hour or so. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3445/3255385343_1cf0d0371f.jpg?v=0" border="0" />We went to Linton, near Grassington, for a stroll en route to tea at the 'outlaws' the other Saturday. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3255402673_9e3decb66b.jpg?v=0" border="0" />This was lovely. We have walked the lanes nearer home & last Sunday went to Fountains Abbey. Funny that I have never noticed this before.....<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3307/3255401655_61127b68ab.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>Son & heir continues to have an awesome time in France. It keeps snowing there too, but with sunshine in between!</p><p>Happy February!</p>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-27648558441004174842009-01-19T19:50:00.003+00:002009-01-19T19:59:09.997+00:00Hemlock RingI am pretty pleased with my lightweight <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/08/hemlock-ring-blanket.html">Hemlock Ring</a> throw. It is knitted in <a href="http://21stcenturyyarns.com/Scripts/default.asp">21st century yarns </a>4ply & I used about 2 1/2 skeins. Finished it measures around 5ft across. I knitted an extra 6 pattern repeats to the original & a plain p1 row, k1 row, p1 row border. Its a bit wavy towards the edges but that's OK. I would like to knit this in a heavier yarn at some point & I will ceratinly knit some kind of throw for use in our truck camper this year. Something dog-hair coloured & washable I think!!!!!<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/3209838707_303059e4ba.jpg?v=0"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/3209838707_303059e4ba.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a> Son & heir rang today! Totally excited by an awesome day playing in 2ft of fresh powder snow! We had ten minutes of sleet!!!!! Its damp & raw cold NOT fun cold up here 'On the Hill'!SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-6038249621327217182009-01-17T12:56:00.002+00:002009-01-17T13:02:13.333+00:00Proud Mamma moment........so indulge me!<br />We now have a qualified ski instructor in the family. Son & heir rang last night to say he had passed his BASI Alpine level one, qualifying him to teach skiing most places in the world except France! The next 6 weeks is preparation for the much more demanding Alpine 2 qualification that he will take at the end of the course.<br />There is two weeks of snow forcast for the French Alps so he should have plenty of the white stuff to work with.<br /><br />I have nearly finished the 'cowpat' i.e. Hemlock ring blanket. I have taken some pictures but they are still in the camera! I may do a plainer cast-off than the frill on the original. We shall see!SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-35449252841328901092009-01-10T10:26:00.003+00:002009-01-10T10:56:17.412+00:00Christmas and some more<div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3183796539_544cceb704.jpg?v=0"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 376px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3183796539_544cceb704.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a> A very belated Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Its been a busy one! We had a 'pre-christmas' Christmas with my family the weekend before, which was lovely. Home then meant gentle Christmas food shopping at Weatherheads & Elliots in Pateley Bridge & a Christmas meal with DH's parents on Christmas Eve. We liked this idea. The only foodie input to Christmas Day was a cold buffet in the evening. Something we always like but never have tummy room to do justice to! This time was different!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On Boxing Day it was pack up finally & head to Hull for an evening ferry. We had booked a 'Club Class Cabin' & so we were able to enjoy another evening Christmas picnic, a film & a good nights sleep before disembarking next morning & driving down through France to Courcheval. The drive was long, there were a couple 'bouchons' (queues!), firstly at Riems north at the toll & then again south of Lyon. Took 11 hours which is OK & we arrived to find a great apartment & a decent amount of snow. As regular readers know, this was to be the start of son & heirs winter season in Courcheval! I think it is the coldest weeks skiing I have ever known, but it was mainly accompanied by wall to wall sunshine, with a light snowfall on New Years Eve. We don't have many pictures -too cold, but here is Mr J with something to celebrate...... his birthday! Lucky boy! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289613059753075698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiox3kZcTfntyZtc6UF8mINQUHQaZMScSxBgooAwhNEolJ0nUFdY5N3UEVcT5uAmqrcwt9NW0AQPdkysM1Lcqxkt5ilZKsIuc3O2OtOjM5zeGJQDt8e7y-QXcndIrOg2U3aaMjukKiw/s400/DSC01410.JPG" border="0" />All in all it was a great week. The knowledge that I would be leaving my son behind caused a few 'mummy moments' but a least we were able to deliver him to his very well located chalet before we started our dash back to the coast last Saturday. He is having a fantastic time with 'New genereation Ski School, on their GAP ski instructors course. He reports 'awesome time' & 'ace people'!<br /></div><div>Knitting.... yes I have done some, beyond last minute ipod cosies & 'phone cosies ('cos ipods & 'phones get cold in the snow). I have embraked upon the iconic <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hemlock-ring-blanket">hemlock ring blanket</a>, but I am knitting it in 4ply, not the usual more chunky yarn. Its some from 21st century yarns & whilst I love the stormy blue colourway I decided that it might not work for me as a shawl but would be great as a throw for our lounge or bedroom. As its a 'heavier' 4 ply & the pattern has 4 rows knit to one row pattern it is growing reasonably quickly although I have now over 400 stitches on the needles. I have lots of yarn so I intend to keep going to make it a decent size. I did take a photo on my phone but it looks like a cow pat so I might spare you that & take some pictures in decent light & with the camera.</div><div> </div><div>I can't believe we have done a full week back at school -not sure if its because I have done enough work to fill at least two! never mind, 5 weeks until we go back to Courcheval! Hope the exchange rate bucks up a bit before then! £1 = 1 euro was a bit tight!<br /></div><div></div>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-57099110888609212832008-12-08T19:58:00.005+00:002008-12-08T20:52:46.725+00:00The generosity of knitters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxChHDrlUavHLpdJ3VKeqDTuj3pkNpyRuEZ0mMVmZsfImaY4V82HnbRqdbTVsfiB098bqpsZKdzYLjuLzqEPhIl7g17qQPMxNA4l_ohx0YnRC9MovFkXDy2ZAToAWo2eTw8ppBi-2fw/s1600-h/DSC_0169.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277524091156233602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxChHDrlUavHLpdJ3VKeqDTuj3pkNpyRuEZ0mMVmZsfImaY4V82HnbRqdbTVsfiB098bqpsZKdzYLjuLzqEPhIl7g17qQPMxNA4l_ohx0YnRC9MovFkXDy2ZAToAWo2eTw8ppBi-2fw/s400/DSC_0169.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last Wednesday was our At Home in Harrogate 'Swap Night'. This was for our one skein holiday swap. A little excitement (understatement!) built up as we waited for Nicola to arrive from her pottery class. It was a freezing night, with snow forecast so that added to the tension if you drove a sports car (Libby!). As expected the swap turned up a beautiful array of winter warmers. Fingerless mitts in a range of gorgeous colours, a malabrigo hat, malabrigo loafers, another hat, a cowl and a shawl........ wind back! ...... shawl? ...... Oh yes. I received a scrumptious shawl from Anne. I was/ am totally overwhelmed.. I am assured that it was one skein but it was clearly on BIG skein of fingering weight yarn to produce a Cliet shawl. The pattern is wonderful & the colour is to die for. Thank you again Anne, she will be worn, petted & loved. I feel very touched by your gift of so many stitches.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277522097793398626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjS7B7Vp9lsriv048oM8NR58WEA16ahgEvHEPOB8Mx5f8PVNc-dWE_r2YMPuFWvFuSw9rLozC6l0wN2J_x8Z8_oQYKZvZc0d2PLXIsulSUdT1qpkUSukDBRIl_qin2wo56_qNFX6Qy6A/s400/DSC_0162.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0S1mzDfZ1QW6McdDeUvGozy4vZe136HwFBEFX-HvKGomO90jwcG1Y7aq3E6kyoM84Dk5IMEo_xa5WINRc0U85E1HnnvNpRBINOPs6scRTPmKo3RTjtRZIeNCN_YCsA0jXqd0yQT5Dg/s1600-h/DSC_0181.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277523154023535026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 303px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 178px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0S1mzDfZ1QW6McdDeUvGozy4vZe136HwFBEFX-HvKGomO90jwcG1Y7aq3E6kyoM84Dk5IMEo_xa5WINRc0U85E1HnnvNpRBINOPs6scRTPmKo3RTjtRZIeNCN_YCsA0jXqd0yQT5Dg/s400/DSC_0181.JPG" border="0" /></a>Next morning, as forecast, the snow arrived. I even got a 'snow day' as there were no school buses in Leeds. I stayed home by the fire and knitted a cowl. Its just a simple garter rib tube in malabrigo chunky & is very thick & very cosy. I nearly had it snatched from me by an admiring colleague on Friday. She thought it looked very complicated. Bless. Non-knitters! They make you smile! I also practiced toe up socks by knitting some cosies for MP3 players & phones! </div></div></div></div>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-47736023826778074732008-12-01T21:06:00.005+00:002008-12-02T10:40:31.441+00:00Sue wrote.....<img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 337px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/3074845058_1924c55591.jpg?v=0" border="0" />Very scant mention has been made of knitting recently on this blog but little bit of knitting has been going on, here on the hill. This is another 'Birthday Cowl' in squidgy Malabrigio Worsted. Its very cosy, I love the colour and it was a very quick & easy knit. I am trying to knit a hat to match -top down. Hopefully I will have enough yarn from one skein!<br /><br /><div><div><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>This is 'Spiralucious' from Knitspot,<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3073988777_db86edc205.jpg?v=0"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3073988777_db86edc205.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a> knitted in Knitting Goddess Semi Solid. Its blocking on the Rayburn top at the moment. This is a gift for my aunt. She may get the mitt pattern & yarn in kit form if Anne releases the pattern in the next day or so!<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/3073980801_5d4e8a6e91.jpg?v=0"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/3073980801_5d4e8a6e91.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a></div><div>Mr J was in the market for some 'hut slippers' or 'house socks' so some Big Fabel that was sat in my stash is knitting up just fine. Its as tough as old boots but soft once washed & is in such fab colours!</div></div></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>I have also started some 'Nutkin' socks, at least 'almost Nutkin', 'cos they don't have the cute turned top & probably will not have short row heels! Nice pattern though!<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/3074803838_4e044ff656.jpg?v=0"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/3074803838_4e044ff656.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a> The yarn is also from Knitting Goddess & came from some nifty moves (on my part) in a sock yarn swap amongst the 'At Home in Harrogate' yarn fiends! Thanks Anne!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Talking about AHinH...... its nearly Christmas swap time ..... the tension is rising....... I hope my swap partner likes her gift. It was a quick knit but it is unique & (?) beautifully packaged!</p>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-14113528744970509702008-11-25T20:45:00.002+00:002008-11-25T20:52:47.523+00:0019 today!<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2418/2320875252_0d5fdb683c.jpg?v=0"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 332px" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2418/2320875252_0d5fdb683c.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a><br /><div>...... and in another month he will be back on the snow!</div>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-42594278268164215542008-11-16T14:41:00.002+00:002008-11-16T14:59:04.670+00:00...any given SaturdayWent with son & heir to get ski boots fitted & did a Costco shop as we were in Leeds. Some good <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bargains</span> to be had -in amongst the 'Skippy' peanut butter & other American goodies came 2 North Cape base layer fleeces for less than £25 each. Came home, watched rugby, more rugby & Strictly Come Dancing. S&H <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">complained</span> that the sore throat (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tonsillitis</span> is an annual event here),that the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">penicillin</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">administered</span> early in the week to combat, was getting worse. Rang the out of hours doctor's number & advised to pack a bag & come to 'out of hours doctor' at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Harrogate</span> hospital. Without going into too much graphic detail, the swelling in his throat managed to burst (ugh) as we left the hospital to transfer to York hospital for possible treatment. Turned heel & returned to see doc. Emerged with an armful of medication & a much happier son! Today, although he feels 'like I have been in a war' he is singing, happy & back off to work! The sharp prod with the little stick worked Doctor!<br /><br />He may be just 10 days short of his ninetenth birthday but he is still 'my boy'........!<br /><br />Managed to finish <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Spiraliscious</span> & one mitt (for S&H)! What a day!SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10898461078815315.post-24825601438807102142008-11-09T08:59:00.003+00:002008-11-09T09:27:26.780+00:00Great shopping trip.....no yarn in sight!<a href="http://www.maxlifestyle.net/shopimages/skiing/skis/7-k2s0378l.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="http://www.maxlifestyle.net/shopimages/skiing/skis/7-k2s0378l.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Its only 7 weeks before son & heir sets off on his big adventure, spending 10 weeks in Courcheval, training to be a Ski Instructor with <a href="http://www.skinewgen.com/">New Generation</a> Ski School on their GAP programme. It was time for some serious shopping. Lots of boot & ski reviews had been read, boots had been tried on a snow sport catalogues studied. The ££££ signs were bouncing! Earlier in the week he made a trip to a major snow sports outlet adjacent to an indoor snow slope in Yorkshire. There were no regular boot fitters available (rung in sick?) & he knew that the guy serving him was not up to the mark. Fitting ski boots is a very specialised trade & he will be wearing these boots 7-8 hours day, every day, for 10 weeks! He said that they were not even polite or interested. We were beginning to think that we would have to travel to Manchester or Newcastle but a quick Internet search revealed that <a href="http://severnsports.co.uk/catalog/home.php">Severn Sports</a> in Leeds had just got in stock the skis that he had identified as the ones to have. We made the trip to this little Aladdin's cave of a shop in Armley. From the outside it seemed fairly uninspiring but once inside we realised that we had hit a gold mine. The stock was impressive. They had a great range for all skiers & boarders & the three staff could not have been more helpful & knowledgeable. By the time S&H had his feet in the first pair of ski boots we had all got a mug of tea in our hands. There was no hard sell but we walked out with boots, skis & a very desirable ski jacket. When I said that I would 'blog' about our trip both Mr J & S&H agreed that I should -they normally just smile indulgently! Severn Sports have a bigger 'superstore' in East Leeds & an Internet operation. They advertise themselves as the best in Yorkshire & we can only agree! The piggy bank might be somewhat lighter but we will defiantly return there for other ski related purchases! If someone reads this & buys some gear from them rather than some faceless conglomerate then that's my 'thank you' for the great service we received! If you don't ski or do but don't live in the North of England then just go shop locally & see if there is a difference! My local foodie favorites are <a href="http://www.elliots.pateley.net/">Elliot's</a> and <a href="http://www.nidderdale.co.uk/weatherheads/">Weatherheads</a> butchers in Pateley Bridge. The Tesco van will call 'On the Hill' this afternoon because I don't relish spending my time off in a supermarket but I actually ENJOY shopping in these shops & appreciate their quality produce & service.</div>SueJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152352135389361290noreply@blogger.com2