tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254082282024-03-14T09:40:05.829+11:00BellsknitsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04043789311151515479noreply@blogger.comBlogger696125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-59559232515508723052010-01-01T11:11:00.005+11:002010-01-01T11:59:21.754+11:00Moving OnHappy new year everyone! <div><br /></div><div>I'm starting 2010 by moving my blog. I've been toying with the idea for some time and the final push came with the adoption of the rather annoying commenting system I was forced to use late last year. Blogger has been great but change is good and I'm excited by the possibilities of what Wordpress has to offer. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've also done something I've wanted to do for ages, which is to buy my own domain.</div><div><br /></div><div>So from today, please follow me to the new <a href="http://bellsknits.com/">Bellsknits</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bells</div>Bellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-63735597014657532382009-12-27T08:00:00.003+11:002009-12-27T08:00:00.671+11:00The Year's EndAs 2009 draws to a close, I've been looking forward again to glancing back over what happened for me creatively this year. It's something I really look forward to, pulling all the photos together on Flickr and building the mosaic you see below. I love seeing the journey, the progress and the colours.<br /><br />I'm very happy with what I managed to do this year. Lots of lace, some socks but not as many as in previous years, several cardigans and, for the first time, lots and lots of baby knits. Alice's arrival was a huge and important part of this year (could you tell?) and has given me more joy than I could have possibly imagined. For childless women like me, the love and joy derived from having little ones close by is unspeakably powerful. So all the baby knits have been incredibly fun and amazingly meaningful this year and I look forward to more of the same as she grows.<br /><br />Also, big changes in store for this blog in 2010. In the first week of January, I'll be moving. The decision's been building for a while and I made it last week. So come back after the break and I'll point you in the direction of the new Bellsknits!<br /><br />For now, thanks for another great year. As always the blogging community is a wonderful, fascinating and ever changing place and I'm happy to spend so much of my life here. <div><br /></div><div>Have a wonderfully summery or wintry break, depending where you are, and see you next year!<br /><br />Bells<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4206995723/" title="2009 Finished Projects by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2487/4206995723_d4621d78de.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="2009 Finished Projects" /></a><br /><br />1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4161798869/">Nupps on swallowtail</a>, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4110982475/">Sydney Opera House and Shawl</a>, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4094358689/">Mason Dixon Mitered Hanging Towel</a>, 4. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4055305978/">Earbud Pouch - open</a>, 5. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3994359513/">Branching Out 2</a>, 6. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3982013571/">Garter Stitch Bib</a>, 7. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3982010637/">Modern Bib</a>, 8. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3958067328/">Smiley Alice</a>, 9. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3925788212/">Alice - new dress1</a>, 10. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3912076310/">Shetland Triangle</a>, 11. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3819305611/">Sean's Cauchy Socks</a>, 12. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3799693471/">Colinette Jitterbug Socks - Velvet Plum</a>, 13. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3760769323/">Garter Yoke Cardigan</a>, 14. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3757507450/">Julia's Evangelines</a>, 15. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3715722683/">Me @ Batemans Bay</a>, 16. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3709454484/">Chevron Lace Cardigan Side</a>, 17. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3624536104/">Jo Sharp Fetching</a>, 18. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3572122997/">Keith and Alice</a>, 19. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3537547145/">Alice in her Baby Kimono</a>, 20. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3517123067/">Blackrose Socks - leg</a>, 21. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3492836399/">me&alice</a>, 22. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3479674178/">Polly's Birthday Socks</a>, 23. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3414165470/">blue3</a>, 24. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3393441426/">Willem in his birthday vest</a>, 25. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3392628041/">ipod cosies</a>, 26. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3358761921/">Green Doily Un-ironed.</a>, 27. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3350325337/">Hemlock doily 2</a>, 28. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3286784163/">Jane's Red Socks</a>, 29. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3273921038/">Buttery Pomatomus Socks</a>, 30. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3240214688/">newsocks1</a>, 31. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3230181621/">burgundy towel</a>, 32. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3215334494/">berry</a>, 33. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3214474565/">anouk</a>, 34. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3149121875/">Mick's Socks</a>, 35. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4203948850/">Alice's dress</a>, 36. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3493525622/">Saartje's Booties - for Alice</a></div>Bellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-60540637510303996702009-12-22T04:18:00.005+11:002009-12-22T04:43:06.855+11:00Alice Gets A New DressChristmas came early to the lovely cherub, Alice. We won't be seeing her or her parents on Christmas day so we had a BBQ and gift exchange on Monday night.<br /><br />Alice, of course, was first cab off the rank. I was very excited about giving her a Christmas present for the first time. Here's the result.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4203948850/" title="Alice's dress by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4203948850_ea81a49d2a.jpg" width="350" height="500" alt="Alice's dress" /></a><br /><br />And another one. These photos are by her Daddy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4203205227/" title="Alice's new dress by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2586/4203205227_c92291328a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Alice's new dress" /></a><br /><br />I hope the colours are showing up ok on your screens. Someone told me the other day that photos I'd put on facebook made it look kind of dirty grey. Nope, it's definitely a pale purple colour.<br /><br />I had some issues with this dress, or really it's a top, in the beginning. Remember when I <a href="http://bellsknits.blogspot.com/2009/11/trusting-pattern.html">joined it up wrong</a>? And Donna very kindly pointed it out to me before I got too far into it? I just misread the pattern and my knitting but we got there in the end.<br /><br />Also, I sewed up the side seams too hight and had to undo them last week in order for her little arms to get through. The pattern has you adding one stitch either side at the point where the arm holes begin, but honestly I think the pattern would be better off saying 'place a marker here' so that you can remember later on instead of being a doofus like me and sewing up til the yoke. It kind of made sense at the time since once you sew up the seams, the yoke does form a hole - it's just not big enough.<br /><br />Here's one with Mummy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4203193491/" title="Alice and Fee by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4203193491_7d419eab54.jpg" width="353" height="500" alt="Alice and Fee" /></a><br /><br />The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fionas-top">Fiona's Top</a> by Danish designer Sanne Bjerregaard. I made the one year old size for 10 month old Alice hoping it would be more like a dress for a while until she grew, because she's so small, but as you can see it's already short enough that it will be a top, not a dress. Fee's going to find some little lemon shorts for her to wear under it (cute!).<br /><br />The yarn is Rowan 4ply cotton which I read during the making of this is discontinued. WHY??? It's gorgeous stuff. Fine and soft and highly workable. There are plenty of other good 4ply cottons out there but this was my first time with Rowan cotton and I loved it.<br /><br />It was a warm evening last night and Alice wore the dress the whole time, kept cool and airy by the light cotton fabric. By the end of last night, the dress was covered in avocado from our salad.<br /><br />Another successful baby knit! I can't believe that soon she'll be one. Better get on with her birthday present.<br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-9020775883521281682009-12-19T13:11:00.003+11:002009-12-19T13:15:20.842+11:00Thought For The DayIf you are required to undo seams on a baby dress because you misread the instructions and didn't leave enough room for the little cherub's arms, really you should be glad that you did such a good job it takes FOREVER to undo them, right?<div><br /></div><div>I thought this over and over as I reminded myself that had the seams come undone really quickly and easily, it would have been a sign of my incompetence.</div><div><br /></div><div>OK, moving right along.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bells</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Bellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-8982204929892552242009-12-16T15:34:00.027+11:002009-12-16T19:20:05.887+11:00Four hands are faster than two<div>See these beautiful mittens? They were a gift, a very special gift for someone far, far away, in a land much colder than mine.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_41farBXj6uM/SyhjyUj1bRI/AAAAAAAADZk/-kH43kcG_AY/s1600-h/PB222593.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415688268076641554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_41farBXj6uM/SyhjyUj1bRI/AAAAAAAADZk/-kH43kcG_AY/s400/PB222593.JPG" border="0" /></a> And you know what? I only made one of them. That's right. The other was made <a href="http://www.roseredshoes.blogspot.com/">RoseRed</a>. We collaborated on a knitting project!<br /><br />A couple of months ago, we got to thinking that our absent friend Sharon, or <a href="http://www.shazminabendi.blogspot.com/">Shazmina Bendi</a>, who really ought to blog more often, would be having a special birthday in November and we wanted to do something for her.<br /><br />We cooked up the idea of making something together for Sharon (she is also a knitter) and then RoseRed came up with the notion of the mittens, and in particular these <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cat-mittens">Cat Mittens</a>. Sharon left her beloved cat behind in Australia when she moved to England so it seemed fitting. We decided each of us would make one mitten. Four hands are faster than two, obviously!<br /><br />But, I hear you ask, isn't that a bit risky? The two of you might have different tension in your knitting, yes?<br /><br />Yes. We might. But historically we've found we don't differ in tension much. We tend to both knit a bit on the tight side, needing generally to go up half a needle size to achieve gauge. More or less. And besides, it'll all come out in the blocking, we decided. And we were right.<br /><br />This was my first venture back into colour work since the <i>Everest</i> which was <a href="http://bellsknits.blogspot.com/2008/03/fo-2008-steeked-jacket.html">my steeked jacket</a>. I could have left colourwork behind me forever, I thought at the time, but no, the itch returned and I thought making fair isle mittens, or really just one mitten, was a lovely way to get reacquainted with what is actually a really enjoyable style of knitting.<br /><br />We made them pretty quickly. I think mine took about ten days and at first it did seem like one was going to be a bit bigger than the other, and the thumb on mine was a bit short. And not only that, but they were both almost excessively tight. We were worried. They seemed like they'd fit a large child. But we blocked them over sock blockers and they turned out just fine.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_41farBXj6uM/Syhml8zw81I/AAAAAAAADZ8/J0awdvMhWno/s1600-h/PB262589.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415691354077459282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_41farBXj6uM/Syhml8zw81I/AAAAAAAADZ8/J0awdvMhWno/s400/PB262589.JPG" border="0" /></a>We used Colinette Jitterbug in Salty Dog (the blue) and Oyster blush (the grey). And we knitted them on 2.75mm needles because there seemed to be such variation in what needle sizes people used. With our time over, we both agree we'd go to at least a 3mm needle since they were so tight.<br /><br />And look at the cute palm side of the pattern - a cat's paw! So clever. So much fun to knit! RoseRed and I collaborate really well. We should do it more often!</div><div><br /></div><div>Look at the thumbs. Can you see? They've got little fish skeletons on them! Clever design!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_41farBXj6uM/SyhmNM8Yu1I/AAAAAAAADZs/f_uNxlLEskg/s1600-h/PB262587.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415690928911858514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_41farBXj6uM/SyhmNM8Yu1I/AAAAAAAADZs/f_uNxlLEskg/s400/PB262587.JPG" border="0" /></a>So happy birthday dear Sharon! We love you lots and can't wait to see you when you come home over summer for a visit!<br /><br />Bells </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>ps thanks to RoseRed for the photos. In my haste to get mine finished I didn't even take photos! But <a href="http://roseredshoes.blogspot.com/2009/12/mittenses-with-kittenses.html">we have posted them at the same time on the same day</a>, so the photos will no doubt look familiar!</div>Bellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-29997188899195702992009-12-14T20:36:00.000+11:002009-12-14T20:36:00.047+11:00Dinner partyOnce upon a time, I loved to host a dinner party. Or thought I did. The truth is, I love a dinner party hosted by <em>someone else</em>. Anyone else really.<br /><br />I went off the idea big time a couple of years ago after I just had one too many such parties. We used to live in a tiny house in which it wasn't possible to entertain so when we moved, I went a bit crazy on entertaining. Then I got over it. I get tired. Cranky. Stressed. Full of self doubt and then I collapse in a heap and wonder why I bothered.<br /><br />To be clear, it's not the food part of it that distresses me. I love cooking and am mostly pretty confident about my abilities in this area. I'm not a perfectionist but I care, so the food is usually fine and once the wine flows everyone's happy.<br /><br />Really, I'm just excessively hard on myself about other the stuff involved in a dinner party, like trying to do everything as well as talk to people. I can do the food. Or I can do the talking. Not both. When I try to do both I come away feeling like I did neither very well. Again, possibly not the reality of the situation so much as just my own insecurities, but insecurities are exhausting when they rage at full volume in your head so I decided for the sake of my mental health, no more dinner parties.<br /><br />Friends could come for a meal but it'd be low key. Minimal expectations. And even then it felt too hard so I gave that up too.<br /><br />Then a month ago, old friends of ours who moved to Perth said they were going to be in town and could they invite themselves for dinner. Without a moment's thought I said yes and knew at once that I'd have a dinner party for four because in the past, these friends have cooked for us and cooked well back in the day when we could not have reciprocated in out tiny one bedroom flat. They catered for us lavishly and lovingly. Doing anything less than that for them would have been just wrong.<br /><br />So I created a menu, and I was kind to myself. I didn't go overboard in planning. I arranged things so that as much work could be done beforehand as possible. Sean does a fair bit with preparation too but he knows really it's my thing so he steps back and does stuff on the side and frankly I'm a bit of a control freak so don't delegate very well.<br /><br />So here what is what i came up with. A little festive, a little different, a little special. That's what I was aiming for and I think I got it.<br /><br />I cheated on the entree. I sent Sean out for a selection of good quality Turkish dips from a place near home that also makes their Turkish bread on site. I set them out in pretty blue glass bowls and we ate them with champagne.<br /><br />The main was a dish I discovered a few weeks ago and knew at once it would be my dinner party dish. <a href="http://www.notquitenigella.com/2009/12/03/pomegranate-and-pistachio-chicken/#more-19939">Pomegranate and Pistachio Chicken</a> from Sydney food blogger, <a href="http://www.notquitenigella.com/">Not Quite Nigella</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4181018718/" title="Pomegranate and Pistachio Chicken by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/4181018718_6dcda3d9d5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Pomegranate and Pistachio Chicken" /></a><br /><br />It was, I have to say, incredible. Slow cooked in a dutch oven with the lid on, it was moist beyond my expectations, rich with a sauce of pomegranate molasses and brandy, and decorated with the ruby seeds glistening on top. Amazing. This will become a standard for me.<br /><br />I served it with a green salad and herbed couscous.<br /><br />Dessert was made the night before and was left to soften a little before serving. A<a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/21325/pistachio+raspberry+and+rosewater+semifreddo"> Raspberry, Pistachio and Rosewater semifredd</a>o. Semifreddo is an Italian dessert that is deceptively easy to make - it's kind of an icecream cake. Eggs, whipped cream, sugar and whatever flavouring you like. Make it the night before, freeze then serve slices. Like this.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4181019960/" title="Raspberry and Pistachio Semifreddo by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4181019960_c0a240fbef.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Raspberry and Pistachio Semifreddo" /></a><br /><br />We ate this meal with a Lakes Folly Chardonnay and were all very, very happy. Most importantly, I managed to do with a real feeling of contentment. I felt relaxed and very much at ease. Lots of conversation, friends who were happy to see us and who enjoyed the meal. I'm not going to run headlong into a bout of entertaining any time soon, but I think I got a bit of the joy back. Feeding friends is really nice and I don't want to stop doing it. I just need to remember the ways that make it enjoyable and not a trial.<br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-31367096420836353002009-12-14T20:35:00.002+11:002009-12-14T22:51:49.511+11:00New commenting systemYou may have noticed yesterday I installed a new commenting system to replace Haloscan, which I've used for a long time.<div><br /></div><div>I didn't have a lot of choice. Haloscan announced it was coming to an end and users had two choices. </div><div><br /></div><div>Adopt a new system provided by the company that bought Haloscan, or manage on your own, thereby losing all your old comments. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I had to choose the new one. It's a bit different but I think I'll like it. It's one that's being used around the place a lot more and has some benefits, one of which is more readily enabled comment moderation.</div><div><br /></div><div>It allows me, as blog owner, to mark readers as approved always. Once you're approved you'll be able to always comment without moderation. Only inappropriate comments will fail to be approved and it's highly unlikely that any such action will have to be taken but unfortunately it's a step I've had to take. I don't really like the idea of moderation but there you go. Sometimes you have to do things you don't like.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I'm sorry if it's a bit clunky at first but don't be put off - I think it's a system that's fairly easy to adjust to and you'll no doubt see it around a lot more as it takes off and becomes more common.</div><div><br /></div><div>But please, if you're just writing as a guest, leave your name somehow so I know it's you! </div><div><br /></div><div>Bells</div>Bellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-7601665672586140212009-12-13T18:31:00.007+11:002009-12-13T20:47:36.585+11:00Summer Knitting in the QuayThis weekend, I took an early bus to Sydney on Saturday morning to join a bunch of knitters down at Circular Quay for an end of year/summer/Christmas gathering.<br /><br />It was, in short, a fabulous afternoon.<br /><br />I met up with <a href="http://www.inaroomofmyown.blogspot.com/">Kylie</a> at Central Station and we headed to where the day was kicking off at the Inner City Knitters Guild meeting. At Guild, everyone gets to show off works in progress or finished projects and you see some amazing stuff. They're a great bunch. I've been twice and have felt really warmly welcomed both times.<br /><br />Walking down the Circular Quay there was a great sense of Sydney being at its best. All sunshine and people milling about and docked in full view was a giant cruise ship. I snapped <a href="http://www.roseredshoes.blogspot.com/">RoseRed</a> and <a href="http://jpknittingandstuff.blogspot.com/">Jody</a> wandering past.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4181019148/" title="RoseRed and Dr K by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/4181019148_c4d8a12289.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="RoseRed and Dr K" /></a><br /><br />We settled into the cafe we'd chosen, taking over several tables for the duration. It's hard to get photos in the dim light of an undercover walkway but we had a great view.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.randomknits.net/">Randomknits/Donna</a> and <a href="http://jpknittingandstuff.blogspot.com/">Jody</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4180255587/" title="Donna and Jody by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2619/4180255587_fa8cca9edf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Donna and Jody" /></a><br /><br />And more knitters down the length of the table.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4181056960/" title="in the cafe by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4181056960_3e9e5d78d6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="in the cafe" /></a><br /><br />I originally posted the above photo via my iphone to Facebook but word came from my sister that my nephew, Will, thought it was too dark (everyone's a critic!) so I took another one for him that he might find more interesting.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4180257095/" title="me and a boat by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4180257095_5608dd5ca9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="me and a boat" /></a><br /><br />There was, of course, an astounding amount of knitting in amongst all the food, drinks and Secret Santa presents (I was given, by <a href="http://www.missmuffett.net/">Sharre</a>, a fabulous selection of teas, with a pretty tea cup and some strawberry flavoured sugar!). I caught a couple of projects being worked on around me. I had to do this because my knitting for the day is a secret.<br /><br />Kylie is knitting a gorgeous red sock in from Zauberball.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4181020856/" title="Kylie's sock by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/4181020856_7728837968.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Kylie's sock" /></a><br /><br />And RoseRed was demonstrating a tubular cast on. I was amazed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4180257893/" title="RoseRed's Sock by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/4180257893_7456a2314e.jpg" width="500" height="431" alt="RoseRed's Sock" /></a><br /><br />And here we are, grinning happily, because, well, we were happy. RoseRed, me and Kylie. Later we had a sleepover at RoseRed's house and Mr RoseRed cooked Paella for us and it was all just lovely.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4180258871/" title="RoseRed, Me and Dr K by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/4180258871_4c5326d52d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="RoseRed, Me and Dr K" /></a><br /><br />In the afternoon, I caught a bus home and napped over my secret knitting. I had crammed a lot into the weekend and I was extraordinarily sleepy.<br /><br />You know what was interesting about sitting outdoors knitting all afternoon? The number of times we were asked about the purpose of our gathering was staggering. Do we walk up to people sitting eating and drinking and ask the purpose no? Look, I'm not so dim as to wonder why people think knitting in public is worth commenting on and I'm sure if you've not seen it before you do feel awfully curious, but it did seem rather odd that the majority of commenters assumed it was for charity. One woman even asked us if we were having a knit-a-thon.<br /><br />We explained, with good humour, that it was a social event.<br /><br />"And you're all knitting different things? Not the same things?'"<br /><br />That was the baffling question for me. Why would twenty or so people sitting with food and drinks and looking to all intents and purposes like a social gathering, be all knitting the same thing? I didn't quite get that. But never mind, it's always novel to be approached. Just not too much.<br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-26692677009417403892009-12-07T08:30:00.007+11:002009-12-07T08:52:49.872+11:00Indian SummerI've never joined a Yarn Club. Oh I've thought about it. Everytime Blue Moon Fibre Arts announces their sock yarn club I look at the price tag and think no, not this time. Or there's the Year of Lace club. That too looks fabulous. There are so many out there and I always deny myself.<br /><br />A couple of months ago, I decided enough with the denial! Some of you may know Ailsa from <a href="http://www.knitabulous.blogspot.com/">Knitabulous</a>. She's particularly well known here, being active on both the Sydney and Wollongong knit scene. She's a talented lace knitter and yarn dyer. She has an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/knitabulous">Etsy store</a>. This year, her stuff has really taken off.<br /><br />There was a tremendous buzz when Ailsa announced she was having a Yarn Club of her own. That phrase, 'in like Flynn'? Most apt here. On the weekend, the first installment arrived. - on a Saturday no less! One of the best things about Christmas is Australia Post gives mail junkies like me something extra to look forward to on Saturdays. I even took the box directly from the nice delivery man's hands.<br /><br />And here it is, minus the dark chocolate which I ate. The yarn is called Indian Summer.<br /><br /><a title="indian summer by Bellsknits, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4161784617/"><img height="375" alt="indian summer" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4161784617_8035ed1f9c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />The merino sock yarn is delicious. Those colours! I have nothing like it in the stash and that to me has made joining up worthwhile already. And lip balm? That's my other addiction, so all is right with the world now. Packages like this are fun.<br /><br />Thanks Ailsa. Great kick off to your yarn club. Can't wait to try the pattern that comes with the yarn.<br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-3649402477299652582009-12-05T19:27:00.007+11:002009-12-05T20:22:56.740+11:00Christmas Tree Cupcakes<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4158935459/" title="Cupcakes by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4158935459_5cce4c6c3f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Cupcakes" /></a><br /><br />Not for the first time, I find myself once again feeling largely indifferent to the whole Christmas palaver, but this year, in an attempt to keep everything very low key, I've got just a very few pre-Christmas events to look forward to, events in which I plan to make a nod or two in the direction of festivities. These nods invariably involve food because that's what I like best about Christmas.<br /><br />So for a BBQ today at my sister's house, I made some Christmas cupcakes, knowing there'd be a few children there. The idea comes from Nigella Lawson's Christmas Cupcakes which <a href="http://mouthfulsofheaven.blogspot.com/2007/12/christmas-cupcakes.html">I've made</a> in previous years but this year I didn't necessarily want to make her heavy, spicy versions since I wasn't sure children would like them. I opted instead for Nigella's basic fairy cakes recipe, which you can find online <a href="http://sfllaw.livejournal.com/177574.html">here</a>. It's a great recipe, which <a href="http://www.roseredshoes.blogspot.com/">RoseRed</a> wrote about <a href="http://mouthfulsofheaven.blogspot.com/2007/07/fairy-cakes.html">here</a> on our <a href="http://www.mouthfulsofheaven.blogspot.com/">Mouthfuls of Heaven</a> blog, because it's very light, delicately plain and serves as a very good base for fancier toppings. I've also covered this version on Mouthfuls of Heaven <a href="http://mouthfulsofheaven.blogspot.com/2009/12/fairy-christmas-cupcakes.html">here</a>.<br /><br />The amazing thing about making these cupcakes was that the icing was saved and frozen two years ago. I'd almost forgotten it was there, but there, tucked away in a freezer basket were two foil wrapped bundles marked GREEN and WHITE. I'd bought some royal icing in 2007, mixed half into green with Wiltons paste (why half I don't know as I clearly only needed a fraction of the mix to make a green portion) and you know what? It was just fine.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4159688326/" title="cupcake by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4159688326_fb26d99391.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="cupcake" /></a><br /><br />I'm not a great decorator. I think I lack the perfectionist's eye but they looked pretty good to me and my siblings and all the children today thought they looked and tasted fantastic. My nine year old step niece Jenny has already booked me for a baking session in the new year.<br /><br />I managed to catch Will eating his cupcake. He told me the green tree was 'yummy'.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4159687890/" title="Willem and Cupcake by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4159687890_98a9fb04f6.jpg" width="500" height="413" alt="Willem and Cupcake" /></a><br /><br />And I tried to get Alice looking at a cupcake, being too young yet to eat any, but the afternoon's festivities were exhausting and she nodded off in the time it took me to get the camera ready.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4159690448/" title="Alice &amp; Cupcake by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/4159690448_e2993c7c8f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Alice &amp; Cupcake" /></a><br /><br />It was a great afternoon. Pretty low key as pre-christmas family gatherings go, with lots of laughs and baby cuddles and stories and ice creams and cupcakes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4158939927/" title="Siblings + kids by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/4158939927_eee844bcc6.jpg" width="500" height="383" alt="Siblings + kids" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-small;"><i>L-R - Adele, Keith, Fee, Me.</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Front - Will and Alice</i></div></span><br />I am pretty sure if I can keep reminding myself that Christmas isn't about playing the stress game, but is actually about time in the sunshine (for we southern hemisphere dwellers) with good people and some festive food, then it's all good.<br /><br />As far as Christmas knitting goes, I'm keeping that low key too and am about to finish the two big ticket items in the next day or so. I call that a good result!<br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-71451205914736381262009-12-03T09:46:00.022+11:002009-12-03T14:32:32.215+11:00Exploring the NewIn my <a href="http://bellsknits.blogspot.com/2009/11/and-then-i-made-nupps.html">last post </a>on finally diving into the previously daunting task of knitting nupps, <a href="http://www.caffeinegirl.com/">Caffeine Girl </a>asked in the comments:<br /><br /><li><em>I would like to know what you need when you try something new or difficult. I have to be in a quiet room, no tv, no talking, etc.</em></li><br /><br />Excellent question! I bet we all have different ways of approaching something new so here are a few ways I do it.<br /><br /><strong>Videos</strong><br />Being an early riser on the weekends, I've been known to get up early on a Sunday, make a cup of tea and sit in front of <a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/">Knitting Help </a>videos and spend as little or as much time in front of the screen as it takes me to get a handle on a new technique. This was how I learned finally to do both the provisional and the long tail cast on. Having the quiet and uninterrupted time to play the videos over and over and not bother Sean with the repetition was invaluable. Although I suppose I could put on headphones!<br /><br />I think I prefer the video method to any other because following those hand movements over and over again is the only way to make something like that stick. If you know how to do a long tail cast on, you'll know that it's all about the wrist action and that really made sense once I watched the excellent <a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/">Knitting Help </a>video.<br /><br />But you can also watch videos on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">You Tube </a>that cover all sorts techniques too. I recently watched <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYOYMJBGxrw">Cat Bordhi's video on You Tube</a> showing her excellent invisible increase technique. Highly recommend that!<br /><br /><strong>Books</strong><br />I can learn a certain amount of stuff from books but I don't tend to retain the information until the moment I actually need it. For instance, I read about making nupps for quite some time but until the moment I needed to do it, I couldn't have really explained it. I needed the information right there in front of me, even though I'd read it dozens of times. I mostly read my knitting books at night before going to bed. Waking hours are for knitting. The time before going to sleep is for reading. As an aside, I've recently figured out that if I read knitting books before going to sleep, I seem to sleep better and fall asleep sooner. I go to sleep with my head filled with ideas and plans and happy thoughts and as a restless sleeper and sometimes insomniac, this is a good thing!<br /><br /><strong>Blogs</strong><br />Isn't the blog world just choc full of people who can cleverly explain how they do things? Just today I read <a href="http://ysolda.com/wordpress/2009/12/02/using-charts-even-if-you-hate-them/">a fantastic tutorial on reading lace charts by Ysolda Teague</a>. I can read charts now but her explanation was quite unique and I think would be really useful if you're still a bit daunted by lace charts. Even though <a href="http://www.eunnyjang.com/knit/">Eunny Jang </a>doesn't write her blog anymore, her tutorials on everything from lace to steeking are among the best. I've lost hours to her tutorials. <p></p><p>But apart from the big name bloggers, I learn so much from everyone else. Someone might talk about how they learned to do fair isle with two hands, or how they determined the best way to figure out a yardage issue and I'll just file that way for later. It happens in person too. Rarely do I come away from a gathering of knitters without some small nugget of information that was new.</p><p>As for the nupps I added to my list of knitting skills last week, I must confess that when the crunch came, I wasn't nearly so careful or considered. Literally up until the last minute I thought I was going to bypass them altogether but it was Thursday night and my cleaner had been and I felt quite happy and relaxed with a couple of glasses of chardonnay already drunk and so you could say I felt brave, even brazen. </p><p>All it took was that one comment from <a href="http://www.inaroomofmyown.blogspot.com/">Dr K</a> urging me on and I was off and running into nuppland. No lifeline, no dummy run. Nothing. Just headlong into the new. </p><p>Sometimes, you've just gotta let go of the handlebars and fly down the hill. </p><p>How do you focus on learning something new?</p><p>Bells</p>Bellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-86552289793393827792009-11-29T15:43:00.007+11:002009-11-29T16:22:56.733+11:00And Then I Made NuppsNupps, or those little buds you see all over Estonian lace, have been bugging me for a long time. Probably since I first picked up the Swallowtail Shawl pattern two years ago and promptly put it down again, I've let the tricky little bobbles get to me. In case you're not familiar, here's what they look like in a very nicely knit and blocked piece of lace fabric.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55036772@N00/2286555644/" title="Lily up close by Sissyvette, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/2286555644_9553c8b919.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Lily up close" /></a><br /><br />These aren't my nupps. They're just a sample I found on Flickr, by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55036772@N00/2286555644/">Sissyvette</a>.<br /><br />Since I cast on a Swallowtail Shawl a while back, the nupps in that pattern have been looming. I've devoted possibly more time to agonising over them than any other aspect of my knitting for some while.<br /><br />They come late into the pattern, if you happen to have never made the shawl (thousands have before us!) and so you have plenty of time to pretend the Lily of the Valley border doesn't exist.<br /><br />I thought I'd do beads instead. And then I didn't because I don't feel like learning that particular skill yet.<br /><br />And then I thought I'd just ignore the nupps altogether. That whole purl 5 stitches together thing really didn't sound appealing and <a href="http://www.artificiallymythic.wordpress.com/">Shelley</a> was coaching me in ways to make a perfectly acceptable version without them. She should know. She made one for me and I adore it. Right up until the last moment, that was the way I was going to go. I was knitting with fuzzy yarn, after all, who needs to learn something complex with fuzzy yarn?<br /><br />But the moment came when I had to choose last Thursday night and so I dove in. I'd almost decided to do it, but could just as easily have gone the other way, when I posted on twitter.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">to nupp or not to nupp. that is the question.<br />8:14 PM Nov 25th from web</span><br /><br />Sometimes we need a friend to push us over the edge don't we?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.inaroomofmyown.blogspot.com/">Dr K</a> replied to my tweet almost at once and urged me to do it. Rather convincingly, she suggested that as she herself was planning to launch into a project riddled with the things next week, she hoped I'd be her advance party, that I'd go in and test the water, let her know if there was danger ahead or not.<br /><br />Well, Dr K, I know you saw these at dinner last night, but I'm just letting you know that 24 hours later, me and the nupps are going great. Just peachy. I have loads more of them. See?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4142172133/" title="With nupps by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4142172133_fcc6c6c000.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="With nupps" /></a><br /><br />I think the nupps aren't so easy to see in the midst of all the Kid Seta fuzziness, but they're there and I'm banking on them standing out really nicely once the piece is finished and stretched. I've recently seen how Kid Seta scrubs up after a long soak and a good blocking and I'm confident the hard work of all that nupping will pay off.<br /><br />If you avoid them, be not afraid. Nupps are cool. I've spent the whole afternoon enjoying every single one of them. Honestly, I couldn't be more surprised at how nice it is to make them. I'm not saying I'm going to seek them out from now on. I'm not stupid! They always sounded so fussy, so painful and in truth, they're fiddly, but I'm happy to say that me and the Swallowtail Shawl are gonna be <span style="font-style:italic;">just fine</span>.<br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-26585033062568929042009-11-24T20:11:00.003+11:002009-11-24T20:36:55.856+11:00Knitters are the best peopleImagine this.<br /><br />Monday morning and your husband decides, after much indecision, that he will drive to Sydney that night to see his favourite Swedish metal band on stage at the Enmore theatre. And that we'll drive home afterwards so we won't lose a day's work. That's a 3 hour drive each way and the concert wouldn't finish til nearer midnight.<br /><br />After all my cajoling, all my insistence that he should indulge himself once in a while, he decided to do it and I knew then that I had to come through with the goods and actually support him! I think I quietly suspected he wouldn't decide to do it.<br /><br />Part of the reason he decided to do it was, I think, was because I said I could come with him to share the driving and that I'd be able to find company in Newtown on a Monday night. How does one find company in a city that isn't one's home on a rainy Monday night?<br /><br />Easy! It's called Twitter! Put the word out to the knitters you know live nearby and see if, at the last minute, they want to hang out. Within an hour or two, super organised and connected knitter <a href="http://www.web-goddess.org/">Webgoddess</a> had organised an impromptu Knitting Salon at her house for seven.<br /><br />We left work early and I dropped my Swedish metal loving husband on King Street. Trusty iphone GPS application in hand, I found my way to my destination easily and what followed was<i> </i>an exceedingly pleasing evening of vegetable curry, knitting around the dining table, (a little) wine, much chatting and laughter and finally, when most had left, an episode of Pride and Prejudice on a screen much larger than I am used to. Who knew that Lizzie Bennet's cleavage commanded such attention? The things you miss on a modest TV screen.<br /><br />Around midnight, Sean and I were on the road, driving home on roads glossy with much needed rain, and arrived home at 3:30am. I was thinking as I drove how wonderful it is to be connected to knitters, even virtually. Some women came last night who I knew only vaguely from Ravelry but they put aside a Monday evening and came to hang out and knit and eat curry and Peanut Butter cups and laugh and it was all arranged with a few quick tweets and emails. Suddenly Sean knew he could leave me in good hands while he did his thing.<br /><br />That, my friends, is yet another benefit of being part of this fabulous community.<br /><br />I was going to end by saying that next time we decide to drive to Sydney and back over night for a bunch of Swedish long haired blokes, remind me of how crappy and tired we felt the next day, but actually I think I won't say that because being impulsive once in a while is fun and in the process, you can make new friends.<br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-29992140704193014792009-11-20T19:59:00.003+11:002009-11-20T20:14:51.829+11:00Handmade NewsDo you know the online magazine <a href="http://www.handmadenews.org/home/index.php">Handmade News</a>? No? I didn't either until about two weeks ago when I was contacted by Sara Moore from the magazine about doing a profile of my blog.<br /><br />I had a look and realised it was a crafting magazine I'd never heard of. It seemed quite new and asking around some friends, I realised that no one else had heard of it either. I thought that doing an interview would be both fun and interesting so last weekend I cobbled together some answers for the magazine and sent them out, hoping for the best. Having never done such a thing as answer interview questions, I think it's safe to say it felt a bit weird but was a nice opportunity to reflect a little on blogging and knitting and where the two intersect.<br /><br />The interview is <a href="http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=4306">here</a> and I recommend you check out the magazine because there's something in there for everyone. I'm really glad they got in touch because it's been really great to find a new magazine and to read all sorts of articles about skills i don't have, particularly the jewellery making. I don't think that's a skill I'm likely to acquire so reading about it and enjoying the talents of other people is a very nice way to pass the time. So check them out.<br /><br />The interview is really about what it means to me to be a knitter and blogger, and how the two inform my creativity. I hope you enjoy it!<br /><br />And because so much of my knitting at the moment is either not very advanced or is gift knitting I can't show, here's a photo of me and Alice from last weekend. I love her serious face. Her smiles are gorgeous but it's her serious face that makes me wonder what she's thinking! I love being her aunty. She's so lovely.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4118768143/" title="Me and Alice by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/4118768143_86a70b8b35.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Me and Alice" /></a><br /><br />Have a good weekend everyone!<br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-37910947888384153502009-11-17T17:53:00.008+11:002009-11-17T18:55:59.430+11:00A night at the Opera House - Tori AmosFinally, the night I'd been looking forward to for months arrived yesterday. I got to wear my Myrtle Leaf shawl to the Sydney Opera House to see my long time love, Tori Amos.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4110982475/" title="Sydney Opera House and Shawl by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/4110982475_c695616020.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Sydney Opera House and Shawl" /></a><br /><br />This photo was taken by <a href="http://www.knitabulous.blogspot.com/">Ailsa of Knitabulous</a>, just before we went in and it's my favourite. The shawl and the Opera House.<br /><br />Here's another one that turned out well, this time with the Harbour bridge. This feels a bit like a Tourism board post but what the hell, if you can't make the most of the venue and have a bit of fun then there's something wrong!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4111747950/" title="Harbour Bridge and shawl by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4111747950_f72f94c9e7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Harbour Bridge and shawl" /></a><br /><br />Earlier, when we were on our own, Sean took a few full length shots. The forecourt of the Opera House is a bit of a construction zone at the moment, probably because of Australian Idol.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4110985983/" title="Dress and shawl full length by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4110985983_b745e825b0.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Dress and shawl full length" /></a><br /><br />He didn't get the shoes in but I was wearing my favourite red heels. All in all, I loved having something so elegant to wear to such a spectacular venue. What fun to dress up! I don't do it often enough.<br /><br />So, about the show. Probably there aren't many readers who know or even love Tori Amos like I do but if you love music, or if you've followed an artist's work for a long time, I'm sure my feelings and thoughts will resonate for you. By her own admission, she's like anchovies. She's not popular. But if you get her, it's an incredible ride.<br /><br />I was struck while listening to Tori, who is touring the country solo, that when you've loved an artist for the better part of eighteen years, sitting through a two hour performance is really an exercise in reliving those years, and your own story, sonically.<br /><br />Tori has been the cornerstone for me, in terms of music, since I was twenty. Finding her first album,<span style="font-style:italic;"> Little Earthquakes</span>, was one of those defining moments. In 1992 I was struggling deeply with Christianity and trying to work out all sorts of stuff about navigating my way from adolescence to adulthood. <span style="font-style:italic;">Little Earthquakes</span>, I'm certain, showed me some of the way. I don't think it's overstating the case to say that. She's a writer and songs can be as illuminating as any writing.<br /><br />Her voice, the piano, the artful storytelling all combine to make a musical experience that has kept me riveted for many, many years. I think deep loyalty to an artist means that you commit to growing with that artist as she grows, even if sometimes her work goes in directions that seem baffling. You can't ask an artist to still be writing the same songs she was writing when she was in her twenties. The songs she's writing now are lightyears from what she wrote in the early nineties and she's an amazing example of how women can grow older and still be creative, passionate and evocative forces in modern music. She continually provides vision, strength, honesty and ultimately sublime music all wrapped in one amazing package.<br /><br />And that, really, is why I cling to her. She's been there through all the important phases in my life, sharing the stories, expressing just what I need to hear at just the right time. There was the faith crisis, the difficult pathway into adulthood, the relationship breakups, the journey to self awareness, the miscarriages, the yearning for motherhood, and the artistic development. I'm not a song writer but I'm creative and she remains for me a symbol of what it means to embrace your creativity and in the words of Joseph Campbell, how to follow your bliss.<br /><br />It was wonderful to dress up, go out with Sean and <a href="http://jpknittingandstuff.blogspot.com/">some</a> <a href="http://www.knitabulous.blogspot.com/">friends</a> and spend an evening in a truly amazing concert hall in the presence of a great and, to me, incredibly inspiring woman.<div><br /></div><div>Flickr set with more photos <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/sets/72157622821150888/">here</a>.<br /><br />Bells</div>Bellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-49046155785340187582009-11-16T08:00:00.004+11:002009-11-16T08:00:00.261+11:00Mitered Hanging TowelThe Canberra group on Ravelry recently held its inaugural swap. There was no particular theme, just a timeframe and instructions to stalk your swap partner to figure out what was best for them.<br /><br />My swap partner, despite being local, was unknown to me and stalking was challenging, but fun. She crochets mainly, has not much in the way of stash and expressed a bit of fear about knitting so I figured I'd knit something for her that was both useful and a little bit clever.<br /><br />I settled on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mitered-hanging-towel">Mason Dixon Mitered Hanging Towel</a> from their book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mason-Dixon-Knitting-Outside-Lines-Confessions/dp/0307381706">Knitting Outside the Lines</a> which I'd seen <a href="http://roseredshoes.blogspot.com/2009/01/towel-maam.html">RoseRed make last year</a> and had had on my mental to do list for some time. I'm only sorry I took so long to getting around to making it, only to give it away. Not that I'm sorry to have made it for my swap partner, but well, you know, I'm kicking myself I didn't make one for me too. I guess I'll just have to make another one soon because this literally was finished in one day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4094358689/" title="Mason Dixon Mitered Hanging Towel by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/4094358689_421ba43477.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Mason Dixon Mitered Hanging Towel" /></a><br /><br />Two episodes of Elizabeth Gaskell's <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_and_South_(TV_serial)">North and South</a></i> (oh Mr Thornton!) and a bit of Sunday night ABC drama, and it was done!<br /><br />Peaches and Cream cotton, 4.5mm needles. Voila!<br /><br />And the button, up close.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4094357093/" title="Mason Dixon Handtowel by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4094357093_ee63f9f1d2.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Mason Dixon Handtowel" /></a><br /><br />A nice match I think. I was there when my swap partner opened her package because the participants had a wonderful dinner gathering last Friday night so we could swap in person - such a great idea! She appeared very happy with it!<br /><br />And here's what she made for me. A pair of cute crocheted fingerless gloves. Quite elegant aren't they? Thanks Kate!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4101267357/" title="Gift mitts from Kate by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/4101267357_84ae8cb8dc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Gift mitts from Kate" /></a><br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-54599629460404839272009-11-14T12:01:00.007+11:002009-11-14T20:06:50.165+11:00Trusting the patternAny idea what this is?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4101266131/" title="Top for Alice by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2760/4101266131_101bdd87b0.jpg" width="500" height="386" alt="Top for Alice" /></a><br /><br />It's damn cute, that's what it is, but I know that only because I know how it will turn out. Not because I can actually see what it is right now. It's pretty, but it doesn't really look anything like the end product yet.<br /><br />This pattern, called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19110366">Fiona's Top</a>, is a tunic style top or dress that I'm making for Alice. It's a translated Danish pattern and boy is it odd. I say that with all due respect to the designer but it's not written in a way that most of us would necessarily get on first glance. To my mind, a dress that starts from the yoke and works down can quite easily be done in one piece in the round but I decided to go with the flow and knit it as written and so far, it's knit flat and in sections.<br /><br />The two halves you see there, in purple with the lace pattern, are actually the two parts of the back and until two rows ago, they were separated. I've just joined them and will continue to knit down now until the bottom of the piece. After that, I'll pick up the front stitches which are on waste yarn at the moment, knit the front and then sew seams.<br /><br />Really this is fine. I'm quite enjoying it but it's been a curious experience. I know <a href="http://lyns-shadesofgrey.blogspot.com/2009/09/new-for-oldish.html">LynS</a> made it for her granddaughter and she didn't mention any particular struggles so I've kept that in mind as I've crossed each small query along the way. Lyn made it. I can make it. That's what I've been saying and I'm glad I persisted because at first, I really wasn't sure.<br /><br />And what is with Rowan discontinuing this cotton? It's their 4ply cotton and the discontinuation may have occured some time ago for all I know but it seems like utter lunacy! It's a delicate, highly workable and utterly pleasurable cotton to knit with and I'm flabbergasted. Why would you discontinue something so very good? Business decisions often make no sense at all.<div><br /></div><div>(Edited later: <a href="http://www.randomknits.net/">Donna</a> left a comment to say I had perhaps got it wrong. One phone call later I saw she was right. No wonder I was confused. What we have there is the side seams joined well before there are any side seams to join. That hole is the arm hole and I have actually done a front piece yet so it's too early for an armhole! Confused? I was. Not any more. Thanks Donna!)<br /><br />* * *<br /><br />Today is Sean's birthday and this morning he got to have a birthday cuddle with Alice at the markets while Fee had her coffee. Don't they both look a picture in red?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4101285061/" title="Sean, Alice and Fee by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/4101285061_07b3ba822b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sean, Alice and Fee" /></a><br /><br />Shortly we're heading out, just the two of us. It's a gorgeous November day. Perfect for an outdoor birthday lunch. His thumb is doing well, thanks for all for the queries. The bandage is off now and he's able to show off his electric blue stitches! Pretty impressive but we'll spare you the photos!<br /><br />Bells</div>Bellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-14926935032799504402009-11-10T18:10:00.004+11:002009-11-10T18:24:19.854+11:00Of Roses and LaceSummer is here. Unofficially. The calendar still says November, but the mercury says summer has arrived. We are in salad and cool drink territory now.<br /><br />And lace. Lots and lots of lace. I promised on my blog break I'd do some maintenance on the blog, which was to include adding a list of <a href="http://bellsknits.blogspot.com/2009/10/blogtoberfest-day-23-long-lacy-summer.html">A Long Lacy Summer</a> participants to the sidebar but oops, I had a real break from blogging. One that included not doing anything to the site. I'll get to it. I've been busy with <a href="http://mimknits.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69&products_id=195">Icarus</a>. Remember how I was <a href="http://bellsknits.blogspot.com/2009/10/blogtoberfest-day-27-weight-of.html">agonising</a> over the right project for my Helen's Lace? Remember how I was totally over thinking the whole thing?<br /><br />Behold Icarus. This is what happens when you stop over thinking and just knit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4092268072/" title="Icarus shawl 10/11/09 by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2597/4092268072_b453e96c0b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Icarus shawl 10/11/09" /></a><br /><br />I love this shawl so far. Yeah it's fairly mindless but hey, <a href="http://bellsknits.blogspot.com/2009/10/blogtoberfest-day-24-myrtle-leaf-shawl.html">after my Myrtle Leaf shawl</a>, I think I earned the right to do some lace where I just enjoyed something simple, right?<br /><br />It's the lace knitting equivalent, I think, of just smelling the roses. Or, if you're me, with no functioning olfactory nerves, just enjoying the look of them.<br /><br />This is a heritage rose my father in law gave us as a cutting and they are flowering. Stunning, don't you reckon?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4092270590/" title="Red Rose by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4092270590_bd08afc23b.jpg" width="500" height="489" alt="Red Rose" /></a><br /><br />And speaking of cutting, a certain someone who also lives here injured himself terribly last night - the top of his thumb is now held together with stitches. We love our sharp knives, but sometimes we are careless. Thankfully he is left handed and the injury is on his right thumb. He can still use his iphone. That's a relief!<br /><br />And no I haven't worn my Myrtle Leaf shawl to the Opera House to see Tori Amos yet. That's next Monday and I just can't wait. <br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-611395326754778812009-10-31T14:00:00.003+11:002009-10-31T14:20:56.370+11:00Blogtoberfest Day 31: The Last DayThis is just a little note to say farewell for now.<br /><br />Blogtoberfest has been fun and challenging and more than a little bit draining.<br /><br />I need a break.<br /><br />Thirty one photos below, to remind me that it's been a busy month with a significant amount of knitting, some travel and a whole lot of time with my lovely niece, Alice.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4060072020/" title="Blogtoberfest Highlights by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/4060072020_2215753eec.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Blogtoberfest Highlights" /></a><br /><br />1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3979649762/">Alice and Bells go shopping</a>, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3982010637/">Modern Bib</a>, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3986148205/">Not such a great view</a>, 4. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3991799353/">Alice</a>, 5. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3994359513/">Branching Out 2</a>, 6. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3999789267/">Alice and Fee</a>, 7. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4000556596/">Spring on the bikepath</a>, 8. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4004245736/">Floral tea cosy</a>, 9. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4007997044/">Golden Vintage - back</a>, 10. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4017623687/">Me and Alice - at Polly's house</a>, 11. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4021739262/">White blossoms</a>, 12. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4020981827/">Sweet Pea</a>, 13. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4036126743/">Myrtle on the line</a>, 14. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4038669601/">Styling shot with George</a>, 15. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4038672411/">Myrtle Leaf Shawl with Willow Border</a>, 16. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4049514664/">Needle Jug</a>, 17. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4051767921/">Helen's Lace</a>, 18. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4055305978/">Earbud Pouch - open</a>, 19. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4045316383/">Alice in October</a>, 20. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4033631801/">Lunch time knitting</a>, 21. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4028947298/">Myrtle Leaf Shawl Border</a>, 22. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4028146581/">Sea Glass bookmark</a>, 23. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4028144299/">Lobster Pot Yarns</a>, 24. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4020984279/">Poppy</a>, 25. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4017633193/">Pink Ribbon Day Cupcake</a>, 26. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4018391138/">Fee and Alice at the fountain</a>, 27. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4018390252/">Alice and I at the fountain</a>, 28. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4007994434/">Grey Skies</a>, 29. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3999792113/">Sunshine in the pines</a>, 30. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3986142941/">Victorian farmland</a>, 31. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/3982013571/">Garter Stitch Bib</a><br /><br />I'll be taking a fair amount of November off. At least two weeks, to work on some gifts and some behind the scenes blog stuff. But I'll be reading everyone else and hanging around the web. And of course, I'll be starting on my own project for A Long Lacy Summer. You'll be pleased to know I did eventually settle on the Icarus shawl and hope to cast on tomorrow.<br /><br />So thanks for reading and being there. See you in a while.<br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-68909517035851317612009-10-30T17:23:00.008+11:002009-10-30T18:38:21.499+11:00Blogtoberfest Day 30: Juliet, Naked<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_41farBXj6uM/SuqJvV6ZR6I/AAAAAAAADZI/zZ_NAkRkAxw/s1600-h/juliet,+naked.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_41farBXj6uM/SuqJvV6ZR6I/AAAAAAAADZI/zZ_NAkRkAxw/s400/juliet,+naked.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398278549785888674" /></a>I haven't bought a new book that wasn't a knitting or cook book in ages. I've been reading, but mainly borrowed books - most notably, <span style="font-style:italic;">Love in a Cold Climate</span> by Nancy Mitford or the backlog of previously purchased books I've never managed to read.<br /><br />But when I found myself with an hour to kill at Melbourne airport last month, I thought the time had come to dip back into new fiction and I am so glad I did. <i>Juliet, Naked</i> was just the right book for me at just the right moment.<br /><br />I came late to Nick Hornby. I saw <i>High Fidelity</i> at the movies and became an instant convert. He's comedic, insightful, engaging and writes prolifically about one of my great loves, music. He's always captured that thing that is so hard to put into words, why we love music and what it's like to be music obsessed.<br /><br />Here are a <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/aug/30/nick-hornby-juliet-naked-review">couple</a> of <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/juliet-naked-by-nick-hornby-1781175.html">good</a> reviews that will tell you more than I'm going to. And a recent f<a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/books/hornbys-new-tune/2009/10/15/1255891758235.html">antastic interview</a> from the Sydney Morning Herald.<br /><br />Essentially the book is about a couple, one half of which is utterly obsessed with a has been singer-songwriter from the 80s and what happens when that obsession causes an irreprable rift in the relationship, which was pretty clearly in its last days anyway.<br /><br />I loved Nick Hornby's oh so accurate depiction of life online and most particularly, music geekery online. My first enthusiastic steps on the internet in the early 90s were driven by music. I found newgroups, fan sites and forums where people like me could obsess about the music we loved most. In the old days we had to join fan clubs with periodic newsletters, or hang out for the latest edition of Q or Rolling Stone. When the internet happened, suddenly we could connect with each other in close to real time and I loved it. And I still do.<br /><br />After knitting, music sites are one of the other places you'll most likely find me. It's the best way to find out what's to be heard if you don't engage with the core of mainstream music, which I haven't for years, having long ago decided that <i>most</i> of the bland, meangingless stuff was no longer for me. There are exceptions of course but I've by and large left mainstream radio and music video shows long behind me.<br /><br />I find when people get older and say they don't listen to music much anymore, it's because it seems that after they outgrew top 40 teenage music, they didn't know where to go next. There's a whole world out there of artists who are a lifetime away from mainstream trends and who are producing exciting, wonderful music and I add to my store of loved performers regularly. It keeps my music love alive. I cherish the long loved favourites but I adore getting to know the new artists, many of whom cite old favourites as heroes. The cycle of music goes on.<br /><br />I think I was a music geek long before I knew there was such a thing. In my early 20s I would scour the liner notes of my favourite CDs, learning the names of contributing musicians. If I liked, for instance, someone who provided some cello on a song, I'd look up other albums they had contributed to and more often that not, I'd find another love.<br /><br />But even earlier than that, I trace my obsession back to Abba and the way as a very small child I used to stare into the speaker grids on the little cassette player we had in the 70s to see if there were people actually <span style="font-style:italic;">inside</span> singing to me. I'm pretty sure my mum would back up my memory that the only way to stop me being sick on car trips was to give me a cassette player, plugged into the car's cigarette lighter, and let me play Abba all the way there and all the way back. It probably drove them mad, but was better than dealing with a vomiting child.<br /><br />Now in my late 30s, I'm not obsessive like I was in my 20s but then hopefully we are all not many things we used to be. I don't buy the magazines any more. I don't engage quite as intensely, but I still read and learn; I still like to <i>know</i> stuff. <div><br /></div><div>For instance, just this afternoon I spent a bus trip home scouring set lists online from the recent Tori Amos tour so that I could make a compilation CD for my sister Fee and for <a href="http://www.knitabulous.blogspot.com/">Ailsa</a> to help them catch up with the last few albums in readiness for the Australian shows. I love that stuff. I love seeing what albums are getting the most coverage. I love seeing how far back she's digging into her old material and which of the new songs are getting the most stage time, all the while imagining what Fee and Ailsa will think of those songs. I want to get the order right when I make the compilation CD. Isn't that what <i>High Fidelity</i> was? One long take on the virtue of mixed tapes?</div><div><br /></div><div>So yes, <i>Juliet, Naked</i> felt like a book in some ways about my own experience. True, I don't live in a bleak northern English seaside town and nor do I shut out my husband with my obsession, but I am obsessive and I found his portrayal of the love of music quite evocative of some of my own experiences. And I laughed. A lot. Nick Hornby is a great, humorous writer and this book will stay with me for a long time. I hope there's a movie. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you love Tori, here's a favourite of mine from the early 90s. Can you tell I'm getting excited about the tour? I'm so glad I have friends to go to the show with me (Sean is also coming). I'm so often alone in my love! Well except for the in the online world, where Toriphiles are legion.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OZOB6mONVz4&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OZOB6mONVz4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Bells</div>Bellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-70362139562820395782009-10-29T19:40:00.004+11:002009-10-29T19:59:07.631+11:00Blogtoberfest Day 29: Earbud PouchFor some time, my lovely husband has been <del>hassling me for</del> asking me for a little pouch he could keep his iphone earbuds in. I actually think he started asking before we got the iphones. But finally, I started one and tonight I sewed on the button.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4055305978/" title="Earbud Pouch - open by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/4055305978_96ec3d4633.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Earbud Pouch - open" /></a><br /><br />It's just a simple little design I made up as I went along, although kudos to Alison of <a href="http://machenmachen.wordpress.com/">MachenMachen</a> for a quick sketch one lunch time in a park in the city when I was wondering how I might proceed to the flap part.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4055303596/" title="Earbud pouch by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4055303596_c7fc60ff09.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Earbud pouch" /></a><br /><br />The yarn is Regia Design Line Kaffe Fassett. It's left over from socks I made earlier this year. I've knit it at quite a fine gauge, on 2.25/US1 needles, magic loop. <br /><br />Sean's really happy with it. However, knowing it's a prototype, he was happy to offer design suggestions, mainly that it was probably a little bigger than it needed to be and I could probably take as much as a finger's width, or about ten stitches off. So I'll play around with it and make one for myself and write up what I did.<br /><br />I need one fast because I'm sick to death of my earbuds rolling around in my handbag and getting caught up with pens and other stuff that floats around in my bag. <br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-51948031552530346462009-10-28T19:13:00.006+11:002009-10-28T19:42:54.385+11:00Blogtoberfest Day 28: The weight of expectationI hold this laceweight beauty in my hand like an apple. That's what it makes me think of as I focus the camera on it in the late afternoon. I am remembering a time, almost a year ago, when I bought it and paid a princely sum for it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4051767921/" title="Helen's Lace by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/4051767921_7dcbb362d2.jpg" width="500" height="419" alt="Helen's Lace" /></a><br /><br />I think of a time, it was January this year, when I spent several weeks trying to find <span style="font-style:italic;">just</span> the shawl for it. It was agony. I had bought this yarn, Lorna's Laces 'Helen's Lace' with the desire to make it my key project for my first summer of knitting lace. How could I not with that colour and a yarn bearing my name?<br /><br />I learned from that three week debacle that placing too high expectations on a simple skein of yarn is actually a hinderance. Every shawl I tried seemed not right. Every decision turned out to be the wrong one. All because I had infused the strands with unrealistic meaning.<br /><br />Yes. I paid a lot for it. Yes, it was going to be my first serious lace project (whatever that means). Yes, I had blogged about it being special and important.<br /><br />I look back now and think, 'huh?' What was I on? <br /><br />It's beautiful yarn. It's going to be delightful to knit it into something. I planned an Icarus shawl but tonight I find myself wondering all over again, is it the right shawl? Is there something better/different/nicer that I could make?<br /><br />And I realise that a year on, I've learned nothing.<br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-45422976220660819462009-10-27T18:42:00.004+11:002009-10-28T19:43:08.058+11:00Blogtoberfest Day 27: Portrait of a Jug with NeedlesI found this jug, several years ago now, in a garage sale held by a neighbour.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4049514664/" title="Needle Jug by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/4049514664_98c45c9a9c.jpg" width="393" height="500" alt="Needle Jug" /></a><br /><br />He was an artist, our neighbour. We didn't really know him but he lived across the road in our old suburb. He was Eastern European, I think and the one time we went into his house, a lovingly restored old Canberra cottage, I was amazed. It was all light and colour, from the multitude of small colourful tiles in the kitchen, to splashes of stained glass windows casting rainbows onto the immaculate floorboards. <br /><br />That's all I remember really. The light and the colour.<br /><br />So when he held a garage sale one Saturday morning, I of course was desperate to dash across the road and join the masses. Miraculously, this jug became mine. I don't know how it was missed among the antiques and collectables he was off loading. When I asked him how he could sell so many beautiful things he said he was no longer interested in any of the objects he was selling, that he wanted to be rid of them.<br /><br />I held up the weighty blue jug and he said, 'Ah, that. Yes, it's beautiful.'<br /><br />'How much?' I asked.<br /><br />Fifteen dollars was the price. As little as that? My face must have said it all. "Yes, he said. Just $15. A friend of mine made it. He is Danish, but lives in Australia. I hope you enjoy it."<br /><br />And I always have. I love blue things. Blue glass. Blue bowls. Blue pottery. I have a small but lovely collection. And this was the piece that started it off. Now, it houses my needles, the straights I hardly ever use. <br /><br />I love it.<br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-75440066032692106602009-10-26T18:30:00.006+11:002009-10-28T19:43:18.636+11:00Blogtoberfest Day 26: The Gentle Art of FroggingFrogging, or for the non-knitting readers, ripping out your work and ditching what seemed like a perfectly good idea at some point, is sometimes a vital act in every knitter's life.<br /><br />We've all done it. If we say we haven't, we are lying. Some people do it more than others. Some people claim almost to never do it and we might even believe them, right <a href="http://www.roseredshoes.blogspot.com/">RoseRed</a>?<br /><br />See these three balls of wound up wool?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4046059310/" title="Frogged Knitting by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2771/4046059310_8466f7cff5.jpg" width="500" height="440" alt="Frogged Knitting" /></a><br /><br />These were rescued from a bag hanging on the back of my spare room door yesterday and unceremoniously ditched.<br /><br />On the left, in Wensleydale 4ply, my third attempt at <a href="http://ysolda.com/wordpress/2009/01/14/ishbel-pattern/">Ishbel</a>.<br /><br />The red is Drops Alpaca which was the sleeve of a Drops cardigan pattern. Have I mentioned how much I hate Drops patterns? No? They are so clumsily written up. I detested it.<br /><br />Finally, Liza Souza sock yarn which had been a <a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/media/p/13988.aspx">Crocus scarf</a> (a crochet pattern). I began it well over a year ago and it wasn't like the pattern was awful. In fact I loved it, but it was almost completed and used barely a third of the skein. I didn't want to have 2/3 of a skein left when I could use the whole skein for something else. So Crocus went too.<br /><br />And I feel so relieved. The weight of those projects was getting to me, mocking me and reminding me of failure to see something through, of yarn that was being held back.<br /><br />Gone. And my stash room is, in the process of having tidied it up a bit, much better for it, too. Just as well, because I'm having a visitor next week and she'll need somewhere to sleep, won't you <a href="http://www.inaroomofmyown.blogspot.com">Dr K</a>? Check out her post today - she's got another fun photo from the <a href="http://bellsknits.blogspot.com/2009/10/blogtoberfest-day-24-myrtle-leaf-shawl.html">Myrtle shawl photo shoot</a>.<br /><br />Oh and by the way, Alice says hi.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7494808@N08/4045316383/" title="DSCF9392 by Bellsknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/4045316383_1a5e02d882.jpg" width="500" height="455" alt="DSCF9392" /></a><br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408228.post-36595486088789759892009-10-25T16:39:00.003+11:002009-10-28T19:43:30.807+11:00Blogtoberfest Day 25: Who Will Sing Me Lullabies?When baby Alice comes to stay and I want to nurse her to sleep, I stumbled a while ago upon the perfect lullaby for her.<br /><br />In the absence of anything much else to post today, I will share with you all the utterly beautiful song by English folk singer, Kate Rusby.<br /><br />I've been following her since around 2000, having first heard her on a music program on Radio National. I've been enthralled by female voices forever. Can't ever get enough and Kate's voice is pure and magical all at once.<br /><br />When I play the song <i>Who Will Sing Me Lullabies</i>, I cradle Alice in my arms and rock her and sing along quietly and sure enough, she nods off. I think she, like her mum and like me, responds well to music. Although her mum tells me that Alice often falls asleep to the Foo Fighters, so you know, she'll be diverse.<br /><br />Anyway, I hope you enjoy Kate. If you ever watched the British comedy<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jam_&_Jerusalem"> Jam and Jersusalem,</a> she's that girl, the one who sings the theme song.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/No5FkAmTaJY&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/No5FkAmTaJY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />BellsBellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961733332080072331noreply@blogger.com0