I saw this pattern and fell in love with it. It crochets up quickly and easily and the overall effect is cool according to my daughter :)
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Discombobulated
pretty much describes how I'm feeling today. I was up early to help the girls off to school, so I was washed and dressed by 7.40. I made sandwiches, put washing in the machine and made sure they'd got everything and then by 8.30 the house was empty - even the cats are out.
And now there's nothing. I've no enthusiasm for doing housework, I can't settle to do any knitting or crochet, I don't want to go out... and although I'm feeling tired I'm not really feeling tired enough to go back to bed.
On the plus side though the pain in my side seems to have given over at last :)
Perhaps a cup of tea will help?
And now there's nothing. I've no enthusiasm for doing housework, I can't settle to do any knitting or crochet, I don't want to go out... and although I'm feeling tired I'm not really feeling tired enough to go back to bed.
On the plus side though the pain in my side seems to have given over at last :)
Perhaps a cup of tea will help?
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Leftover Yarn 1
Busy bee
I seem to have produced a lot of stuff recently so I thought I'd share some of it with you. I know a few people who are pregnant and due this summer so I've been busy doing stuff for the new babies :)
This a Ripple Blanket made from James Brett's Baby Supreme, I can't believe how soft it is. It was lovely to crochet as it kept my feet warm when it got larger :)
This a Ripple Blanket made from James Brett's Baby Supreme, I can't believe how soft it is. It was lovely to crochet as it kept my feet warm when it got larger :)
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Mohawk Baby Hat 2
I love this pattern for a mohawk hat which will fit everyone from baby to adult. It's quick and easy to knit and I have to say I'm really pleased with the result. I'm looking forward to seeing it on my friends new baby :)
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Exercise can be bad for you
or so it would seem. I've had a pain in my chest for a couple of days and decided that perhaps I should get it checked out by the doctor. Turns out to be muscular, which was a relief as chest pains make you think the worst.
Apparently I've been doing too much exercise too fast and I've pulled a muscle. It was quite funny really listening to the doctor trying to find a way to tell me I'd done too much exercise without putting me off the whole idea completely as I really do need to do some :)
I've taken some pain killers and will take it easy for a few days - which is not a problem as I've not got much on for the middle of the week. I've just got the Christian Aid envelopes to collect at the end of the week which I might just do in a couple of goes so I don't over do it again. I'll wait until next week before I get the bike back out.... possibly :)
Apparently I've been doing too much exercise too fast and I've pulled a muscle. It was quite funny really listening to the doctor trying to find a way to tell me I'd done too much exercise without putting me off the whole idea completely as I really do need to do some :)
I've taken some pain killers and will take it easy for a few days - which is not a problem as I've not got much on for the middle of the week. I've just got the Christian Aid envelopes to collect at the end of the week which I might just do in a couple of goes so I don't over do it again. I'll wait until next week before I get the bike back out.... possibly :)
Monday, 7 March 2011
Ripple Blanket - the beginning
My friend is expecting her second baby and this time I thought I'd ask her what colour she wanted for a blanket. She did specify yellow.... but when I went in the yarn shop they didn't have anything really nice and soft in a bright yellow.... which was a bit of a relief for my eyes.
I did find a nice lemon and then I saw a lovely green which tones nicely with it. I'd seen this pattern for a ripple blanket and was really keep to start on it.
So, Saturday afternoon I sat down and started :) and this was the result a couple of hours later. It's now a fair bit larger, but it's taking longer to do each round. I love the pattern, it's really easy to learn and remember. If you want to try it you can find it here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/free-smoothfoxs-beginners-round-ripple
Sunday, 6 March 2011
Purple twisted square
I did two 'fancy' squares which the girls insisted I use in the blanket. This is a close up of the purple one... I'm really pleased with how it turned out.
Whole blanket
Finally finished sewing together all of our family granny squares and crocheting the edges.... it took some time but I think you'll agree, it was worth it. More photos to follow.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Bottom of felted baby booties
Just to show the bottom of the booties off. It was a varigated wool so the bottom looks quite different from the top, but at least I managed to get them to match :)
Felted Baby Booties 1
I found this pattern which claimed to crochet up in an hour.... surprisingly it did just what it said on the packet and an hour later I had a lovely pair of baby booties. A short spin in the washing machine and they were done. I'm really impressed with how they came out - even if the picture's not so good.
Friday, 15 October 2010
To Gastric Band or not? That is the question.
I've got an appointment with the diabetic specialist on Monday and I know I'm going to be in trouble. Three months ago when I went I had bad sugar levels, my weight and blood pressure had both gone up. He suggested that they may have to do something drastic to bring my weight etc down and to go away and think about the surgical options. I managed to convince him to give me three months to try and do something about it at home myself.
Unfortunately, the last three months have been some of the most stressful I've experienced and my choice of comfort when faced with stress? Food.... not good.
So I've started to think about the concept of a Gastric Band operation... especially as I know that when I go back on Monday my blood sugars will be worse and my blood pressure isn't much better.
I've tried diets on and off over the years. I can usually manage to lose between one and two stone and then I fall off the wagon and it goes back on, plus some more. I'm now heavier than I've ever been, fed up about it but have no energy to do anything. I'm also anaemic so constantly tired, not to mention stressed to high heaven with the financial situation at home. None of which is a good environment for me to exercise or lose weight. I find when I try to eat healthily my food bills go up - why is crap, non nutritious food so cheap?
Anway, what I need is something to ensure that I can't overeat and will make me have to eat less... hence the Gastric Band. I've got a huge list of questions which I will take with me on Monday and we'll see what he has to say then.
Watch this space as they say :)
Unfortunately, the last three months have been some of the most stressful I've experienced and my choice of comfort when faced with stress? Food.... not good.
So I've started to think about the concept of a Gastric Band operation... especially as I know that when I go back on Monday my blood sugars will be worse and my blood pressure isn't much better.
I've tried diets on and off over the years. I can usually manage to lose between one and two stone and then I fall off the wagon and it goes back on, plus some more. I'm now heavier than I've ever been, fed up about it but have no energy to do anything. I'm also anaemic so constantly tired, not to mention stressed to high heaven with the financial situation at home. None of which is a good environment for me to exercise or lose weight. I find when I try to eat healthily my food bills go up - why is crap, non nutritious food so cheap?
Anway, what I need is something to ensure that I can't overeat and will make me have to eat less... hence the Gastric Band. I've got a huge list of questions which I will take with me on Monday and we'll see what he has to say then.
Watch this space as they say :)
Circles dishcloth
I knitted this thinking it would be perfect for washing dishes.... needless to say Hubby decided it was far too nice to use for dishes and it's sitting forlorn on the back of the sofa. I'm thinking of getting a box frame for it and framing it?
Still, I'm really pleased at how well the cloth came up :)
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Harry's Jumper 1
I recently finished this which is my first real attempt at entarsia. The jumper was really easy to knit and I love the rib effect with the roll underneath. The stripes on the arms did my head in with all the ends to sew in, but I'm pleased with how it's come out after everthing.
I found that the entarsia isn't as scary as I thought it was going to be and just having the confidence to keep going was important.
Overall, he's happy with it and so am I. :)
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Christines socks 1
It took me three socks to make a pair for Christine as the first one was rather too large for her. However, I persevered and she finally has a lovely pair.
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
The big D word
That no one ever talks about - Depression. Well here's the thing. I'm depressed, I have been on and off for years. It goes in cycles and I can get years of being fine and then I'll be struck down with it again. When we moved here a few years ago I was on a good part of the cycle, feeling better and much more able to get on with life.
Since then I've failed dismally to get a permanent job, despite people I work with or for giving me glowing references. The girls are going through puberty, complete with hormonal mood swings, stubborn argumentativeness and sheer rudeness. The CSA has decided in their infinite wisdom that my ex doesn't need to pay maintenance despite obviously lying about his income on their forms. I've appealed but it's not worked, in fact, I apparently need to repay 2K he's overpaid! I can't claim for any money from the DSS or income support because I haven't worked solidly for the last 2 years - although I've worked for most of that time, part of it's been part time so I've not paid enough stamp I'm told.
To cap it all off things with hubby and I aren't the best. He's not been well for ages, in fact almost since I met him he's been on a downward spiral health-wise. It's had an effect on all areas of our marriage, including those people don't talk about. I've not been good health-wise myself so I guess I'm partly to blame. But he's cutting me out of things and won't talk to me about things.
But now I feel lost and don't know what I'm doing or where I'm supposed to go from here. I feel totally worthless, society tells me I'm not worth helping in any way, I've got no concentration so I'm not achieving anything craft wise which has always been a help when I've been depressed before. I'm failing as a parent cause all I seem to do is argue with the girls, I can't even manage to get to meetings at the right time - last night I turned up an hour late for one, completely believing I was on time. I'm overweight and heading in the wrong direction on the scales but I can't get the energy together to think about what I'm eating and even getting up the stairs can be a challenge some days, so exercise isn't possible either.
I'm so tempted to run away, but with no petrol in the car, less than 50 pounds in the bank I don't think I'll get far. Not to mention that the children will track me down. I give up.
Since then I've failed dismally to get a permanent job, despite people I work with or for giving me glowing references. The girls are going through puberty, complete with hormonal mood swings, stubborn argumentativeness and sheer rudeness. The CSA has decided in their infinite wisdom that my ex doesn't need to pay maintenance despite obviously lying about his income on their forms. I've appealed but it's not worked, in fact, I apparently need to repay 2K he's overpaid! I can't claim for any money from the DSS or income support because I haven't worked solidly for the last 2 years - although I've worked for most of that time, part of it's been part time so I've not paid enough stamp I'm told.
To cap it all off things with hubby and I aren't the best. He's not been well for ages, in fact almost since I met him he's been on a downward spiral health-wise. It's had an effect on all areas of our marriage, including those people don't talk about. I've not been good health-wise myself so I guess I'm partly to blame. But he's cutting me out of things and won't talk to me about things.
But now I feel lost and don't know what I'm doing or where I'm supposed to go from here. I feel totally worthless, society tells me I'm not worth helping in any way, I've got no concentration so I'm not achieving anything craft wise which has always been a help when I've been depressed before. I'm failing as a parent cause all I seem to do is argue with the girls, I can't even manage to get to meetings at the right time - last night I turned up an hour late for one, completely believing I was on time. I'm overweight and heading in the wrong direction on the scales but I can't get the energy together to think about what I'm eating and even getting up the stairs can be a challenge some days, so exercise isn't possible either.
I'm so tempted to run away, but with no petrol in the car, less than 50 pounds in the bank I don't think I'll get far. Not to mention that the children will track me down. I give up.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
New Nooma Video
Our Minister uses Rob Bell videos in church from time to time and they are always powerful and hard-hitting with relevance for today.
The new video is available for preview for the next 24 hours and is no exception. Talking about the trials of Job, Rob speaks powerfully about our need to know why bad things happen as they do and puts things into perspective.
I'd recommend any of Rob Bell's videos, but this one is especially good for all of us struggling with the effects of the recession.
Grace
The new video is available for preview for the next 24 hours and is no exception. Talking about the trials of Job, Rob speaks powerfully about our need to know why bad things happen as they do and puts things into perspective.
I'd recommend any of Rob Bell's videos, but this one is especially good for all of us struggling with the effects of the recession.
Grace
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Spring Harvest
In the twenty years since I last went to Spring Harvest some things have changed – Steve Chalke is twenty years older, grey haired and leading the big top celebrations rather than the teen sessions. Graham Kendrick is older but still as prolific with his songwriting. The venue was different too, Skegness rather than Minehead.
But despite the superficial changes some things remain the same. God’s goodness and love was still apparent in everything we did. From the little things like the atmosphere of everyone on site to the teenagers who picked my daughter up after she’d fallen over. They dusted her down, cleaned her knee and put a plaster on before helping her to where we were meeting. Teenagers I might add that I would have hesitated to talk to in the street – a lesson perhaps not to judge a book by it’s cover.
For me personally I felt as though I’d come a long way since that first visit, but also that life had come full circle.
As an 18 year old I was single, childless and had youth and vitality on my side. Now, some 20 years later, I’ve two children, rather more grey hairs and somewhat less energy than back then.
But God still spoke to me. He spoke about getting out there, into his world and his community, showing his love in practical daily tasks. Finally I realised the worth in all the domestic routines and chores I do. Showing God’s love in action isn’t some abstract concept, it’s in the nitty gritty of life. For some people it’s in the home, for other’s its at work.
But wherever we are we can find opportunities to show God’s love in action.
Obviously though, we need to share God’s love, not just keep it in a holy huddle in our churches, and that was something that was talked about a lot this week – taking church out into our community. The challenge is to get down and dirty with the poor, the needy, the lonely, the disenfranchised who live round the corner from us. We need to move forward from Hope 08, not get stuck in a rut, and so the challenge for us is to ask, ‘What next?’
But despite the superficial changes some things remain the same. God’s goodness and love was still apparent in everything we did. From the little things like the atmosphere of everyone on site to the teenagers who picked my daughter up after she’d fallen over. They dusted her down, cleaned her knee and put a plaster on before helping her to where we were meeting. Teenagers I might add that I would have hesitated to talk to in the street – a lesson perhaps not to judge a book by it’s cover.
For me personally I felt as though I’d come a long way since that first visit, but also that life had come full circle.
As an 18 year old I was single, childless and had youth and vitality on my side. Now, some 20 years later, I’ve two children, rather more grey hairs and somewhat less energy than back then.
But God still spoke to me. He spoke about getting out there, into his world and his community, showing his love in practical daily tasks. Finally I realised the worth in all the domestic routines and chores I do. Showing God’s love in action isn’t some abstract concept, it’s in the nitty gritty of life. For some people it’s in the home, for other’s its at work.
But wherever we are we can find opportunities to show God’s love in action.
Obviously though, we need to share God’s love, not just keep it in a holy huddle in our churches, and that was something that was talked about a lot this week – taking church out into our community. The challenge is to get down and dirty with the poor, the needy, the lonely, the disenfranchised who live round the corner from us. We need to move forward from Hope 08, not get stuck in a rut, and so the challenge for us is to ask, ‘What next?’
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)