The stash!
Apr. 3rd, 2007 12:30 pmWell I finally have all my new goodies together (well all but one, which I forgot to photograph).
Now I am back on the cross-stich, I have a WIP to share:
This is a much belated present for my Mum, but the first Kitty is now done
This is a much belated present for my Mum, but the first Kitty is now done
( The Picture )
A good weekend
Sep. 4th, 2006 09:04 amMainly because I had a visit from ![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ninox and a_pawson - which meant I had to be social (and surprisingly enough I enjoyed that) . It was great to meet a_pawson at last, having heard so much about him
I was espeically pleased that ninox loved Leeds' Victorian architecture as much as I do - there don't seem to be many of us who do. It was so great to see them, and I hope we can get together more often.
I am so impressed that ninox is going to Aber again this week, as I am still so far behind with my module. Maybe this will be the kick I need (not that I got much done this weekend, but never mind)
Also the holiday plans are finally taking shape. Hotels and buses are booked (Megabus again), and Morrisons very kindly provided me with a bogof voucher for Thorpe Park, and one that we might use to go to Warwick Castle. Final hotel details will be worked out at knitting tomorrow.
I have started the looking after myself regime and made good progress on the Knit and Purl cats for Mum. Also managed to eat quite healthily for once, despite having all you can eat Chinese for lunch.
All in all I am quite happy with my weekend - which in itself made a nice change.
Nothing like the obvious
Sep. 2nd, 2006 09:40 pmLately I have been really bogged down in all my crafts, and so worried about getting them finished that I have been forgetting to enjoy them - in fact it never entered my head to do so.
Then I posted an apology for being so far behind on the bookmark exchange on my cross stitching forum, and two of the ladies there kindly reminded me that the most important thing was to enjoy it. I am so grateful to them for pointing out the obvious to me, as I was missing it completely.
So, today I worked on the much neglected project I am doing for my Mum, and I really enjoyed it. It has really rejuvenated my love of stitching - and now I am sitting here wondering why on earth I managed to loose sight of the obvious, that this is a hobby, something I do because I enjoy it.
Then I posted an apology for being so far behind on the bookmark exchange on my cross stitching forum, and two of the ladies there kindly reminded me that the most important thing was to enjoy it. I am so grateful to them for pointing out the obvious to me, as I was missing it completely.
So, today I worked on the much neglected project I am doing for my Mum, and I really enjoyed it. It has really rejuvenated my love of stitching - and now I am sitting here wondering why on earth I managed to loose sight of the obvious, that this is a hobby, something I do because I enjoy it.
Bookmark Exchange Update
Jul. 14th, 2006 09:01 pmJulie and I were rather late with our June exchange, which was all my fault, but we have now exchanged, and I have done the scanning/uploading, and can share the
( bookmarks )
Well this week has been quite a good week, work wise, I have been able to do a lot of cataloguing, and I have learnt a lot of new things - thesis cataloguing, authority reacords, serials records, pseudonymns and diacritics!
Now I need to apply this enthusiasm to the module.
If my next evening duty is as quiet as it was last night I swear I am going to get my knitting out - it really did not need 3 of us there. I still get my TOIL though, which is all I do it for.
Speaking of knitting, I have dropped a stitch while knitting this lunchtime, so if I am to have any hope of finishing this ball and having the join done before the SO gets here this evening I have to learn how to fix it - and fast!phonemonkey has kindly sent me a link to look at - so cross your fingers for me please!
If I can't fix it, then I will have to abandon it until Mum gets here next friday and get on with a bookmark instead - which I need to do anyway.
Now I need to apply this enthusiasm to the module.
If my next evening duty is as quiet as it was last night I swear I am going to get my knitting out - it really did not need 3 of us there. I still get my TOIL though, which is all I do it for.
Speaking of knitting, I have dropped a stitch while knitting this lunchtime, so if I am to have any hope of finishing this ball and having the join done before the SO gets here this evening I have to learn how to fix it - and fast!
phonemonkey has kindly sent me a link to look at - so cross your fingers for me please!If I can't fix it, then I will have to abandon it until Mum gets here next friday and get on with a bookmark instead - which I need to do anyway.
The FO - and a bonus one from Lamby
Mar. 30th, 2006 08:41 amFirstly, the bookmark I made for Lamby:
Now the one she made for me:
It is a real coincidence we both made blackwork bookmarks - we didn't discuss it at all!
I am a tourist attraction ...
Feb. 28th, 2006 03:23 pmOr so it would seem from York this weekend. I must admit it felt really odd to willingly pose for so many photographs when I normally run a mile from a camera, but then again I willingly wear pink when I am re-enacting, so it must all be part of the same thing.
Now, the question is, am I on any pictures that are online? Seeing as several people wanted to see the frock that was taking up so much of my time. Not as yet .. but I am still looking - it is early days for most of the pics to have gone up.
I had a lot more fun than I thought I would have at the show - especially as this was my first York as a civilian. Although I do want to go back to fighting eventually, I do think that being a civilian will be fun too. Especially on a new and growing wic with Hwitmearum. Now I just need to get my test passed so I can get to more shows.
It would have been better if I hadn't been so ill straight afterwards though ... (although I did lose 3lbs, so it wasn't all bad)
My Knitting Olympics have resulted in failure. What with illness, frock making, more illness I am nowhere near finished. Ah well. I have also made no further cross stitch progress, but we now have a dedicated WIP night on my stiching forum, so that might change.
On the plus side I have found some gorgeous hand-dyed madder/woad variagated linen thread that I had forgotten I had. This will be used on a banquet frock eventually, as it is a bit posh for the dress I have just made. I found some nice yellow for that though, so I can get on with that sometime.
I am currently obsessed with what to knit next, even though I have 2 projects on the go already. I am thinking I might make an afghan, as the blanket I have been wrapping myself in these last 3 days is a bit unwieldy, and that would be good to take to do at Aberystwyth.
Studywise I am still behind, but am still going to the study school, and I will just have to get myself out of this mire somehow.
Now, the question is, am I on any pictures that are online? Seeing as several people wanted to see the frock that was taking up so much of my time. Not as yet .. but I am still looking - it is early days for most of the pics to have gone up.
I had a lot more fun than I thought I would have at the show - especially as this was my first York as a civilian. Although I do want to go back to fighting eventually, I do think that being a civilian will be fun too. Especially on a new and growing wic with Hwitmearum. Now I just need to get my test passed so I can get to more shows.
It would have been better if I hadn't been so ill straight afterwards though ... (although I did lose 3lbs, so it wasn't all bad)
My Knitting Olympics have resulted in failure. What with illness, frock making, more illness I am nowhere near finished. Ah well. I have also made no further cross stitch progress, but we now have a dedicated WIP night on my stiching forum, so that might change.
On the plus side I have found some gorgeous hand-dyed madder/woad variagated linen thread that I had forgotten I had. This will be used on a banquet frock eventually, as it is a bit posh for the dress I have just made. I found some nice yellow for that though, so I can get on with that sometime.
I am currently obsessed with what to knit next, even though I have 2 projects on the go already. I am thinking I might make an afghan, as the blanket I have been wrapping myself in these last 3 days is a bit unwieldy, and that would be good to take to do at Aberystwyth.
Studywise I am still behind, but am still going to the study school, and I will just have to get myself out of this mire somehow.
Some progress and some successes
Feb. 20th, 2006 10:29 pmYay! I have purple back again!
I have not made any progress at all on Mum's present, as she was here all weekend, which meant I couldn't work on it.
We did get my dress made for York though (thankyou Mum) and as my green linen dress still just about fits, I should be ok <fingers crossed I get through kit check>. There wasn't enough fabric for a sash, which on the one hand is a shame, on the other hand is probably going to stop me looking like a sack of potatoes tied in the middle (and yes, the dress is brown....). I have just finished pinning the hems, and should get them sewn tomorrow or wednesday. I don't know if I will get any of the embroidery done though, as I have to get on with the knitting olympics scarf.
Speaking of which, the scarf is progressing - slowly - as this weekend reinforced my inability to count and talk at the same time. Which will be interesting if I do have to take the scarf to York ... It might be done in time. I also need to choose what I am doing next (well when I have finished the cushions), and it will have to be something easy again, if I am to take it to Aber with me.
The Physio is very pleased with the progress I am making, and I don't have to see her again for a month, which is good. I am also really convinced it is work that is causing the problems, as I was a lot better at home last week, despite napping in awkward positions in my armchair, than I am after less than a full day at work. Not that anyone at work cares .... <sigh>
Lunch was a success yesterday, and Blue was the model of doggy good manners - a perfect guest. Perhaps I can try some more ambitious entertaining when I have the table in the garden this summer. This makes me feel almost grown up, I am not sure I like this.
I am still at a stall with my study though. I will set myself the target of settling to it after York. I have enough credits for the study school - and I hope to have this module done not long after the study school anyway - if not by the study school
I have not lost any weight since last week, but I have also not gained any. All bets are off for next time though, as I know I won't eat well at York.
I have not made any progress at all on Mum's present, as she was here all weekend, which meant I couldn't work on it.
We did get my dress made for York though (thankyou Mum) and as my green linen dress still just about fits, I should be ok <fingers crossed I get through kit check>. There wasn't enough fabric for a sash, which on the one hand is a shame, on the other hand is probably going to stop me looking like a sack of potatoes tied in the middle (and yes, the dress is brown....). I have just finished pinning the hems, and should get them sewn tomorrow or wednesday. I don't know if I will get any of the embroidery done though, as I have to get on with the knitting olympics scarf.
Speaking of which, the scarf is progressing - slowly - as this weekend reinforced my inability to count and talk at the same time. Which will be interesting if I do have to take the scarf to York ... It might be done in time. I also need to choose what I am doing next (well when I have finished the cushions), and it will have to be something easy again, if I am to take it to Aber with me.
The Physio is very pleased with the progress I am making, and I don't have to see her again for a month, which is good. I am also really convinced it is work that is causing the problems, as I was a lot better at home last week, despite napping in awkward positions in my armchair, than I am after less than a full day at work. Not that anyone at work cares .... <sigh>
Lunch was a success yesterday, and Blue was the model of doggy good manners - a perfect guest. Perhaps I can try some more ambitious entertaining when I have the table in the garden this summer. This makes me feel almost grown up, I am not sure I like this.
I am still at a stall with my study though. I will set myself the target of settling to it after York. I have enough credits for the study school - and I hope to have this module done not long after the study school anyway - if not by the study school
I have not lost any weight since last week, but I have also not gained any. All bets are off for next time though, as I know I won't eat well at York.
A rambling stream of consciousness
Feb. 11th, 2006 11:28 amFirst things first - I hate my
sinuses! I still have the stinking cold I was off work with yesterday,
and now the inflammation in my sinuses is making the remains of my
abscess hurt <ggg> The sooner I get an ENT appointment the
better.
I have finally started the cross stitch, so I feel a little less stressed about that, although I have no idea yet if I can get it done and framed in time. A lot of that depends on what happens when I go looking for the 'other' framers that I can get to by bus. I do feel so much better for having started it though. I have also started my knitting olympics project, as the winter Olympics are now underway. I was wondering if the scarf was 'too simple' a project, but I had another look at the pattern, and each bit is 54" long, so that is 162" of knitting in total - that is a lot of knitting, especially with everything else I have on at the moment.
This weekend is primarily going to be a study weekend, as I am way behind (what is new) and this is starting to weigh on my mind a little. I really don't know why I am having so much trouble settling to this, as I am actually enjoying this module. I also need to sort my CILIP membership, but it is looking like that will have to wait until Mum is here next weekend.
My Aunt and Cousin are definitely coming for lunch next Sun - so that is another thing for me to worry about, as there is so much I need to do to make the house fit for visitors. Not to mention working out what on earth I can cook. Ah well, enough wine and all will seem well!
Speaking of cooking, the cookbook I won from the Scwarz webiste has finally arrived. I have won: Great Indian Feasts by Mridula Baljekar. What I wasn't expecting was that I also got 6 jars of spices as part of my prize (this may have been mentioned in the original competition, but that was 3 months or so ago, the email I got about 6 weeks ago telling me I had won certainly didn't mention any spices), I got: Ginger paste, Garlic paste, Cumin Seeds, Turmeric, Garam Masala and Hot Chilli Powder, none of which I had in, so I am really pleased with this. It certainly made my morning. Although I don't really need the garlic, as I still have about 10 heads that my Uncle grew. Maybe this will all kick start my cooking again - I really do need to eat better as well, especially if I want to keep losing weight.
I just had a letter from the library, they claim that Stictch N Bitch is out of print, but I have just checked with the suppliers we use at work, and they disagree. I also have a feeling I have seen it in the shops recently. So I shall check Borders on Monday and go hassle the library about this on Wednesday. Even Amazon thinks it is still in print. I don't mind paying for an interlibrary loan - I do mind that the library can't seem to find out the most basic information (not to mention I really can't believe that Stitch N Bitch is out of print, what with the upsurge in knitting at the moment)
Back to the knitting - apparently there is a really good haberdashers (that does buttons, something I have had difficulty getting), not far from my cousin's husband's shop. She could have told me .... I shall have words about this on Sunday (well only if the shop is any good - Mum and I may call in on Saturday if we can).
Finally, today my Grandad would have been 87 - so this update is dedicated to him.
I have finally started the cross stitch, so I feel a little less stressed about that, although I have no idea yet if I can get it done and framed in time. A lot of that depends on what happens when I go looking for the 'other' framers that I can get to by bus. I do feel so much better for having started it though. I have also started my knitting olympics project, as the winter Olympics are now underway. I was wondering if the scarf was 'too simple' a project, but I had another look at the pattern, and each bit is 54" long, so that is 162" of knitting in total - that is a lot of knitting, especially with everything else I have on at the moment.
This weekend is primarily going to be a study weekend, as I am way behind (what is new) and this is starting to weigh on my mind a little. I really don't know why I am having so much trouble settling to this, as I am actually enjoying this module. I also need to sort my CILIP membership, but it is looking like that will have to wait until Mum is here next weekend.
My Aunt and Cousin are definitely coming for lunch next Sun - so that is another thing for me to worry about, as there is so much I need to do to make the house fit for visitors. Not to mention working out what on earth I can cook. Ah well, enough wine and all will seem well!
Speaking of cooking, the cookbook I won from the Scwarz webiste has finally arrived. I have won: Great Indian Feasts by Mridula Baljekar. What I wasn't expecting was that I also got 6 jars of spices as part of my prize (this may have been mentioned in the original competition, but that was 3 months or so ago, the email I got about 6 weeks ago telling me I had won certainly didn't mention any spices), I got: Ginger paste, Garlic paste, Cumin Seeds, Turmeric, Garam Masala and Hot Chilli Powder, none of which I had in, so I am really pleased with this. It certainly made my morning. Although I don't really need the garlic, as I still have about 10 heads that my Uncle grew. Maybe this will all kick start my cooking again - I really do need to eat better as well, especially if I want to keep losing weight.
I just had a letter from the library, they claim that Stictch N Bitch is out of print, but I have just checked with the suppliers we use at work, and they disagree. I also have a feeling I have seen it in the shops recently. So I shall check Borders on Monday and go hassle the library about this on Wednesday. Even Amazon thinks it is still in print. I don't mind paying for an interlibrary loan - I do mind that the library can't seem to find out the most basic information (not to mention I really can't believe that Stitch N Bitch is out of print, what with the upsurge in knitting at the moment)
Back to the knitting - apparently there is a really good haberdashers (that does buttons, something I have had difficulty getting), not far from my cousin's husband's shop. She could have told me .... I shall have words about this on Sunday (well only if the shop is any good - Mum and I may call in on Saturday if we can).
Finally, today my Grandad would have been 87 - so this update is dedicated to him.
I must, I must, I must start
the cross-stitch for Mum's Mothers' Day present. Especially if I am to
have a hope of getting it framed in times.
I also really must do some study, but there are still those motivational issues. The cataloguing module won't be ready in time for me, and it would be an undergraduate module anyway <sigh>, but there are some other options, so all is not lost. At the moment I am stuck in a real fug about it all, even though I am actually enjoying this module.
I seem to have acquired a life in the past month without me noticing it, as I have suddenly become really busy. This is an odd feeling, I am not used to having a life. One of the things coming up is my first bit of 'proper grown-up entertaining' in my house. My Aunt and Cousin are coming over the sunday after next, and I must confess to being somewhat nervous about this. My cousin's house is so immaculate, and she made us such a wonderful lunch - and I don't even have a table. I shall see what I can do though.
I have just discovered there is an EHellion in my city after all! We are going to try and arrange a meet up. I do hope I can get to see all the people I want to this year. I really must pass my driving test .....
I saw some truly bad knitting patterns this weekend. The man-cardigans were shudderworthy ......
I also really must do some study, but there are still those motivational issues. The cataloguing module won't be ready in time for me, and it would be an undergraduate module anyway <sigh>, but there are some other options, so all is not lost. At the moment I am stuck in a real fug about it all, even though I am actually enjoying this module.
I seem to have acquired a life in the past month without me noticing it, as I have suddenly become really busy. This is an odd feeling, I am not used to having a life. One of the things coming up is my first bit of 'proper grown-up entertaining' in my house. My Aunt and Cousin are coming over the sunday after next, and I must confess to being somewhat nervous about this. My cousin's house is so immaculate, and she made us such a wonderful lunch - and I don't even have a table. I shall see what I can do though.
I have just discovered there is an EHellion in my city after all! We are going to try and arrange a meet up. I do hope I can get to see all the people I want to this year. I really must pass my driving test .....
I saw some truly bad knitting patterns this weekend. The man-cardigans were shudderworthy ......
Mammoth Update
Feb. 1st, 2006 06:44 pmQuite a lot to say this time as it has been a while since I updated.
Work is well ... work. Mostly things have not improved in the slightest, and I don't think they will as long as I remain in my current position. I was looking to leave this year, but now I have had a possible research project suggested, which sounds really good. So I am a little torn.
Study is going slowly, although I am enjoying this module a lot more than the management module - it is jsut getting back into good study habits that is proving very hard. Again, I am getting more support for that at work (somewhat indirectly though)
On a more positive note, I have lost 6kg/12lb from my heaviest weight - which I am really pleased about. The Yoga is going well too, so <fingers crossed> my health should finally be on the up! I have even done a little Yoga at home, which might start me exercising at home now too (especially as I have exercises to do from the physio too).
The knitting is coming along nicely, and I should be able to get to both 'Stitch 'n' Bitch' meetups this month, as there is no Yoga next week. Speaking of which, despite my recent defection from the Gwerin, I have decided to join Team Wales for the Knitting Olympics:
Why not? I qualify under their rules ....
I have still not started the cross-stitch I need to have done, and framed, by Mothers' Day, as my motivational issues are spilling over into that too. I really shall have to get a move on with that after the weekend.
I am also more determined than ever to learn to crochet, as I have had some great crochet books out from the library recently.
Work is well ... work. Mostly things have not improved in the slightest, and I don't think they will as long as I remain in my current position. I was looking to leave this year, but now I have had a possible research project suggested, which sounds really good. So I am a little torn.
Study is going slowly, although I am enjoying this module a lot more than the management module - it is jsut getting back into good study habits that is proving very hard. Again, I am getting more support for that at work (somewhat indirectly though)
On a more positive note, I have lost 6kg/12lb from my heaviest weight - which I am really pleased about. The Yoga is going well too, so <fingers crossed> my health should finally be on the up! I have even done a little Yoga at home, which might start me exercising at home now too (especially as I have exercises to do from the physio too).
The knitting is coming along nicely, and I should be able to get to both 'Stitch 'n' Bitch' meetups this month, as there is no Yoga next week. Speaking of which, despite my recent defection from the Gwerin, I have decided to join Team Wales for the Knitting Olympics:
Why not? I qualify under their rules ....
I have still not started the cross-stitch I need to have done, and framed, by Mothers' Day, as my motivational issues are spilling over into that too. I really shall have to get a move on with that after the weekend.
I am also more determined than ever to learn to crochet, as I have had some great crochet books out from the library recently.
First Post
Jan. 21st, 2006 10:56 amI am not sure how good an idea this is, but several friends have been on at me to get a LJ, so here I am.
This year did not get off to a good start, so I made 2 resolutions:
1: Sort my health
2: Keep in better touch with people
This LJ is part of resoultion 2. Mostly I will be talking about my degree - MSc(Econ.) Library and Information Studies, distance learning from the Universtiy of Wales Aberystwyth - and my crafting, which at the moment is cross stitch and knitting.
I have not done any study yet this year, as I have had real trouble settling to it, but I need to get a move on with it, finding the motivation is hard though. I seem to finally be getting some support from work though, which makes a change. Pity I am not getting the same support about my health - especially as they are the main cause of some of the problems.
Craft wise things are a little better, as I have done my first stitching of the year (card for my Mum, pic to follow) and have signed up for Yarn Harlot's Knitting Olympics, for which I will be making a scarf. I know this doesn't sound much of a challenge, but it is three thin scarves that are to be plaited (Platied Scarf from Home by Debbie Bliss), and I do have to study as well. Not to mention I am still a very new knitter.
Healthwise things are looking up, as I have seen the Doc, and started Yoga. I have also lost 1/2 stone since the beginning of the year (not in a healthy way, but lets gloss over that).
Thats all for today, chores and study are calling.
This year did not get off to a good start, so I made 2 resolutions:
1: Sort my health
2: Keep in better touch with people
This LJ is part of resoultion 2. Mostly I will be talking about my degree - MSc(Econ.) Library and Information Studies, distance learning from the Universtiy of Wales Aberystwyth - and my crafting, which at the moment is cross stitch and knitting.
I have not done any study yet this year, as I have had real trouble settling to it, but I need to get a move on with it, finding the motivation is hard though. I seem to finally be getting some support from work though, which makes a change. Pity I am not getting the same support about my health - especially as they are the main cause of some of the problems.
Craft wise things are a little better, as I have done my first stitching of the year (card for my Mum, pic to follow) and have signed up for Yarn Harlot's Knitting Olympics, for which I will be making a scarf. I know this doesn't sound much of a challenge, but it is three thin scarves that are to be plaited (Platied Scarf from Home by Debbie Bliss), and I do have to study as well. Not to mention I am still a very new knitter.
Healthwise things are looking up, as I have seen the Doc, and started Yoga. I have also lost 1/2 stone since the beginning of the year (not in a healthy way, but lets gloss over that).
Thats all for today, chores and study are calling.
