tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66733776307907024702024-03-14T19:04:36.299+13:00StringHerderHerding String since 1989Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-33867097801019127922017-01-15T16:23:00.000+13:002017-01-15T16:24:18.435+13:00RecipesI have managed two new recipes so far this year. The first was for meat patties, chosen by Mr 3 - who didn't like them. (I wasn't surprised that he didn't like it, he generally likes the idea but doesn't like to eat patties).<br />
<br />
Today, Mr 5 was insisting he wanted to make some 'concrete you can eat', and was dictating a recipe. (Hey, it's not a recipe I made up, so I'm counting it!). The first version contained chocolate for the stones, baking powder for the cement, and water. I had him try a little bit of baking powder to see what it tasted like, and he modified the recipe to use icing sugar instead. I asked what we would do with the concrete, and he decided it should go on crackers, so I found some Digestive biscuits. <br />
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The concrete wasn't set hard when we tried them for afternoon tea, but they seem to have been a success!<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPQ84TTjwd5/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Sonya (@stringherder)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-01-15T00:26:59+00:00">Jan 14, 2017 at 4:26pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
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Is it wrong that I'm thinking of doing some structural testing with different blends of concrete mix? (I think almond flour might make a nice sand substitute..)<br />
Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-57915960096417735912017-01-03T17:53:00.001+13:002017-01-03T17:53:09.920+13:00The Wayward BloggerWell, my reminders are back to telling me I haven't made a blog post for something like 42 years, so I guess it's time to give myself a good kick and get back to it. (Um, I think I need to also get rid of the reminders, as they appear to have an interesting view of time. I've just checked, and actually it's 46 years and 49 weeks. I have no idea how that calculation works).<br />
<br />
So by those calculations, 23ish years ago (or last September by more standard measurements) the oldest boy started school and the youngest one arrived. I'm not entirely sure what has happened to time since then, but somehow we've arrived at the start of 2017.<br />
I'm not really big on new year's resolutions, but I'm definitely <i>hoping</i> for a less crazy run this year. I'm still expecting things to be fairly busy between school, baby, and the easygoing stuck-in-the-middle 3 year old. My main plan is to hope that we all survive the year, and things get easier.<br />
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On the designing front, I have 3 things a good way through being done - but they have been for a fair portion of the last year and I just couldn't find the kid-free time/energy to finish them up. I hope to get those sorted out this year, and I'd love to make some progress on a few other designs too but I'm not going to commit to anything because I know I'll just end up disappointed. <br />
I plan to make my knitting as relaxing as I can this year - I do want to knit things I can learn from because that keeps things interesting for me, but I'm fairly sure there will be some kid knits cranked out when the weather starts cooling down too.<br />
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By necessity I will be trying to get more sewing done this year. Over the last week I've made two new pairs of trousers for Mr 3, who refuses to wear shorts. (He can <i>sometimes</i> be convinced if he needs to change towards the end of the day, we're not going to be going anywhere, and he has no clean trousers left). As he has his mosquito allergy to contend with, I don't see any point in pushing the issue because this way he has less chance of being bitten. It does mean that he really needs some decent lightweight trousers though, so I'm working on getting a few more sorted out. He also much prefers long sleeves, and I have a couple of linen shirts that I started making a year ago for Mr 5 that will probably fit him fairly well.<br />
I could possibly buy long clothes that are suitable for 30℃ weather, but I don't like shopping enough to want to go hunting. Instead I've finally given in and bought an overlocker, which will hopefully speed up the process of making up the quick and functional clothes.<br />
We also have a wedding to go to at the end of February, which I need to make myself a dress for, and make sure the kids have some vaguely respectable clothes. After that I would like to make myself a few more things to wear too, my wardrobe is looking a little sparse.<br />
<br />
I have three embroidery projects I want to get done this year - a sampler for the wedding in February, a stocking for R for Christmas, and ideally I'd like his birth sampler done by the time he turns 1. The wedding sampler is mostly done, I just need to chart out the names and dates, and order beads. The stocking is about 1/3rd done, so there's plenty of time left for that. The previous birth samplers were done within a couple of weeks of starting because they're small and fast, but it's not really a firm deadline on that anyway.<br />
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I am doing some bandwagon jumping, and joining in with <a href="http://www.studio-miranda.com/">Robynn</a> on her <a href="http://www.studio-miranda.com/blog/2016/12/5-things-about-2017">52 Recipes goal</a>. I had something similar that I was trying to work on a few years ago, but fell out of the habit while dealing with food allergies. Mr 3 is now eating gluten, soy, and dairy in baking, and having occasional bits of straight dairy with no major disasters, so fingers tightly crossed we're near the end of the food allergy road.<br />
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Oh, and I'll try to blog more frequently. Preferably without reminders telling me that my last post was well before I was born.Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-43550638990652158312016-06-07T11:59:00.000+12:002016-06-07T11:59:32.711+12:00The last few months...We have sold our old house! Once we started looking at doing so everything moved much more quickly than we expected. We thought we'd just list it and see if there was any interest (nice old house, but badly damaged so needed the <em>right</em> sort of buyer). Within 3 days of listing we had an offer, and by the end of the week we had multiple offers - one of which was around the value we had hoped for but weren't sure was realistic. We had a hectic few weeks moving the last bits and pieces out, and the settlement date got moved earlier a couple of times as the new owner tried to work in with contractor work schedules and we worked out that we could get everything done by the requested dates. The new owners now seem to be stuck into the repair work, and had started getting the foundations leveled as soon as they got possession!<br />
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(For the record, I am impressed with how well our piano held its tuning after 5 years in a cold, drafty house. It's not perfect, but much, much better than I expected it to be).<br />
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In the last few months we have discovered a new set of allergies for Mr 2. We were aware that he reacted badly to sandfly bites, but that just meant a 15mm weal that improved with judicious application of antihistamines. While moving bits and pieces from our old house we also discovered that he has a mosquito allergy. The first weekend we guessed he had probably been bitten by something after his whole hand puffed up, although I wasn't ruling out the possibility of it being a nettle sting. To add to the fun, it was on the Saturday of a long weekend, so we spent a fair amount of the weekend debating taking him to an after-hours doctor. In the end we didn't, and just checked in with his regular doctor on Tuesday (it had started to get better by that point). From the photos, and seeing the few-days-later puffiness he thought it was possibly cellulitis, but couldn't confirm - and as it was getting better at that point he gave a prescription for antibiotics but instructions to only give them if it got worse.<br />
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The next weekend Mr 2 said he had an 'ouch' on his foot, and I saw the culprit fly away - a striped mosquito. We kept an eye on it through the day, but didn't have any antihistamine on hand so just gave it to him when we got home. The antihistamine seemed to have as little effect as it had the previous weekend, but this time we could go to the doctor on Monday and he confirmed that it wasn't cellulitis, and appears to 'just' be an allergic reaction - that doesn't respond to antihistamine.<br />
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That was the last weekend we spent at the house, and we'd hoped that it wouldn't be an issue again for a while because where we live now is a lot dryer. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago we had a last bout of summer - a week of warm weather with a bit of rain in the middle. That appears to have been enough that he somehow found something to get bitten by at home, and had another 3 days of itching and puffiness on his foot. He likes compression on it, so after the second round we stocked up on small bandages, and he seemed to be a lot less uncomfortable when he had a bandaged foot for a few days. (We've also got some new insect repellent, which we will be testing out when the weather warms up again - unfortunately, it only takes one bite to cause a problem!)<br />
Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-83199564968703215952016-02-20T10:23:00.000+13:002016-02-20T10:23:35.347+13:00New pattern - VitusI have a new pattern! I ended up making this 3 times, and might have to make it again sometime - maybe a huge superfine laceweight one?<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vitus"><img src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/StringHerder/355811301/DSC_8488CropSml.JPG" width="450" height=auto></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vitus">Vitus</a> is a top down triangular shawl, inspired by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Vitus_Cathedral">St Vitus Cathedral</a> in Prague Castle. When we were living there I always loved seeing it on the skyline as we went past on the tram. I have a few more ideas in my head for other Prague-related designs too, although I have no idea yet how to actually get the effect I want for some of them!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vitus"><img src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/StringHerder/355811307/DSC_8405CropNew_medium2.JPG" width="450" height=auto></a><br />
The shawl starts with a no-pick-up garter tab (which will feature in its own blog post at some point) and a setup section, and then the column and arches charts can be mixed and matched to suit your tastes. The edging chart comes last, and is finished off with a delicate picot edging - have to get those spiky, knobbly spires in somewhere!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vitus"><img src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/StringHerder/355812218/DSC_8501Sml_medium2.JPG" width="450" height=auto></a><br />
I have made two samples exactly to the pattern, in different weight yarns - the yellow is <a href="http://zealana.com/luxury-knitting-yarns/performa-kiwi/">Zealana Kiwi Laceweight</a>, and uses a total of 500m (2.5 balls), the purple is <a href="http://skeinyarn.com/">Skein</a> Merino Silk Sport, and uses 330m (a full skein). The purple shawl omits the arches chart, and I really like how that emphasises the edging. <br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vitus"><img src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/StringHerder/309730445/DSC_8257.JPG" width="450" height=auto></a><br />
My first prototype was made for a shawl exchange, and uses 700m of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/tricoterie-lace-merino-tencel">Tri'Coterie Lace Merino Tencel</a>, which is a true laceweight yarn. You can't tell in the photo, but it has hints of purple throughout the black. It is beautifully soft and drapey too. I almost didn't want to part with it!<br />
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Vitus is available through ravelry <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vitus">here</a>, or use this link<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/stringherder-designs/318651"><img src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" border="0"/></a>Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-83360267871757794652016-01-18T16:44:00.000+13:002016-01-18T16:45:11.951+13:00Little bitsThis morning I had a request from a small boy for jeans, I suspect because his big brother was wearing some. I had an old pair that I started mending a couple of months ago, when he decided they would be terrible, so I pulled them out again and finished the patches. He remembered that I'd promised elephants, so I had to dig out the elephant fabric but I also found some red with spots and tools (left over from his sun hat - he was a bit worried that I'd cut his hat up when he saw it!)<br />
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="6" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAqJkZlr-mq/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Sonya (@stringherder)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-17T23:27:58+00:00">Jan 17, 2016 at 3:27pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
I was pleasantly surprised by a box arriving on my doorstep this afternoon, all the way from Switzerland! A delicious, delicious box full of yarn and chocolate, thanks to <a href="http://www.studio-miranda.com/">Robynn</a>! I have only had a little look through, but I feel thoroughly spoilt. I will spread it all out and have a good look/play/sample tomorrow during preschool, as it's not something I really want Help with. I already have ideas for some of the yarn, and if it works I may have to hunt down more of at least some of it!<br />
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I have finally started on the border of my shawl, so in 18 more rows it will be done. I am about to start on ridiculous quantities of beading (something like 350 beads just in the edging - compared to 80ish in the rest of the shawl).Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-28290986143660707932016-01-15T17:03:00.004+13:002016-01-15T17:03:36.443+13:00Sooooo tiredThe last couple of nights have been exhausting, Anthony has been having some rough breathing, and today the doctor diagnosed him with bronchiolitis. Supposedly it is worst around day 2-3, so fingers crossed he is on the mend now.<br />
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Somehow this has resulted in me actually updating some knitting pattern related stuff. I'm not quite sure how that works, but when I need a break from tired menaces because I'm tired too then I put something on the TV (hooray for Bob the Builder!) and escape to do a bit of computer stuff. Yesterday I got the pattern it feels like I've been working on forever sent off for editing, and today I updated my knitting pattern page here and also updated the pattern listings at <a href="www.loveknitting.com">LoveKnitting</a>. I hadn't bothered before, because (amongst other things) it didn't seem to be particularly effective for me, but I discovered after importing the newer patterns from <a href="www.ravelry.com">ravelry</a> that I actually sold a pattern there earlier this month! I guess it really is about being in the right place at the right time.<br />
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I have also just realised that I should add some links to other social media. I have started playing on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stringherder/">Instagram</a>, and to a lesser extent <a href="https://twitter.com/StringHerder">Twitter</a>. Links should go directly to my feed, otherwise I am StringHerder in both places. (Twitter mostly gets links from instagram, or chat with friends). If you're out there and I haven't found you yet, let me know!Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-4069522993375112472016-01-03T18:03:00.002+13:002016-01-03T18:03:49.484+13:00The obligatory summing upI have been reading a lot of blogs where people sum up what they did in the last year, so I thought I'd try to see what I have been up to. It feels like it has been a big year.<br />
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Right at the beginning of the year we flew halfway around the world. I'm pretty sure that counts as big.<br />
There has been some diet experimenting for the 2 year old in the first half of the year, the end result was back to where we started with no gluten, dairy, or soy. We are all getting better at dealing with it now though.<br />
We spent a few months looking at houses, and actually managed to buy a new house <i>and</i> settle our insurance claim on the old house. This was definitely huge (final settlement was more than 4 years after our old place was no longer livable).<br />
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I've just looked at my projects on <a href="www.ravelry.com">Ravelry</a>, and am surprised to see how many things I finished in the last year - 5 shawls, 7 pairs of socks, and a hat, jumper, singlet and pair of slippers for the kids. I hadn't realised I had knitted 5 shawls! I only managed to write up one pattern though, I'm hoping to do better with that in 2016.<br />
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I also finished embroidering my Christmas stocking, and managed to get all the stockings sewn together in time for Christmas, and also made A's birth sampler (still need to find a framer for that, I think the one I've used before no longer exists - and anyway, he is no longer just down the road).<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QylgKJG1fdzYyxCsH2x6IdgcBZ9BXt2iuICHLFFG3e8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PnP9xfVXbPs/VlfABItfkYI/AAAAAAAACC8/uy-clrPf6sY/s400-Ic42/upload_-1.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UrifTh3wlB81nRZrHttkTdgcBZ9BXt2iuICHLFFG3e8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zb3laNvzjRQ/Vn5YmJkktJI/AAAAAAAACDY/wSjxVuGtr_o/s400-Ic42/upload_-1.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a><br />
The sampler is a modified version of the July birthstone sampler from the Sweetheart Tree. I added in 20 rows in the middle to give space for the name and date (the same number of rows I added to E's one). This meant I also had to rechart the flowers and beads in that area, and I'm pretty happy with the end result.<br />
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Finishing the stockings and sampler meant that I could pull out my <a href="http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=160_171_172&products_id=3264">HAED, Enchanted flute</a>. I am reminded just how insane this project is, but I have managed to fill in all the gaps on two pages so far (out of 24).<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/F6jxxxTu-LAZcx6qrLbb4NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bjr5WPy2xDQ/VoRlzngxXdI/AAAAAAAACDw/Q-BtC_Z-yaU/s400-Ic42/upload_-1.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
As you can see, it's maybe 1/8th done. I don't think it will be finished any time soon, and I am already planning to work on something smaller for a bit after I finish the next page.<br />
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I have managed to get a bit of sewing done (some shirts and underpants for the boys, a couple of skirts and tops for me). Sometime soon I should take some photos of my nice new sewing room, which now has lots of shelf space. It is fabulous! My new sewing machine is still going nicely although I probably should swap it out for the old one again sometime. The old one is definitely better quality, but it does lack in stretch stitches!<br />
I made some blinds for our west-facing kitchen (it had no window coverings at all, which was a bit of a problem around dinner-making time).<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VgNwCvaaedRiT1sLXysiYtgcBZ9BXt2iuICHLFFG3e8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hwrpr3fS4wA/Vla8hBB_5cI/AAAAAAAACB8/WpgypGhZIQw/s400-Ic42/upload_-1.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
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And this year? I have lots of sewing and knitting plans, as well as dealing with life as it happens. I've just realised that my 4 year old will be turning 5 and starting school in September, so I guess there is at least one big thing on the cards!<br />
Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-34209732613156769652015-12-10T14:30:00.002+13:002015-12-10T14:30:54.308+13:00Looooong timeI have a reminder set up to tell me when I haven't blogged for a while, and apparently it has been 45 years and 50 weeks since I last posted. I'm somewhat sceptical.<br />
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Life has been very busy over the last few months, and is finally settling down a bit now, just in time for Christmas/summer holiday madness. Since July we have:<br />
<ul>
<li>bought a house</li>
<li>been pregnant</li>
<li>had a miscarriage</li>
<li>moved house</li>
<li>had 2 months of no phone or internet</li>
<li>got the boys settled into their new preschool and playcentre</li>
<li>organised a bunch of renovations </li>
</ul>
(When I write it in a list like that it doesn't look like all that much, but I guess some/most of those are biggies.) With any luck we shouldn't need to do anything else major any time soon.<br />
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As part of the moving process, I managed to break my sewing machine. It was on my sewing desk, we moved the desk, and the cord caught on something and snapped the bracket that mounted the motor. Thanks to my brother-in-law I now have a new bracket, but it triggered the purchase of a backup machine. I got the better of the two Brother machines that the local Warehouse had, and it has been going very nicely so far. There are definitely a few things that I didn't realise were features until I didn't have them (variable foot pressure, for one!), but for how much the new machine cost I'm not going to complain - and it is nice having some stretch stitches to play with too.<br />
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I have got a craft room set up now, and have made a board that is now covered in knitted swatches, it's nice being able to look at them for ideas!Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-22454301504407222752015-07-19T21:51:00.001+12:002015-07-19T21:51:08.648+12:00Things that have been happeningRather a lot, really! We are well into house shopping mode now, which is taking a fair bit of time and energy, fingers crossed we're not too far off done now though. (We are planning to go to an auction this week, and have picked out a few other options if that doesn't go our way). <br />
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There is now a 2 year old in the house, who is incredibly good at saying no to everything, and he has stopped napping. It took a while, but the lack of naps now means he goes to bed by 8 instead of staying up past when I want to be asleep! Occasionally he even sleeps past 6am, but that can never be relied on, except to know that it won't happen when you most need it! He has been having a few gut-related issues over the last few months, so we have just moved him back to being gluten free (as well as the no dairy or soy). He had his first gluten free bread today, and he seemed pretty happy with it, which is a relief. At some point I will start experimenting with gluten free baking, assuming this actually helps resolve the things that aren't quite right.<br />
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I think I've done some knitting and sewing since I last posted, but with everything else that has been going on I've lost track of what I was doing then! I have definitely been doing some spinning recently, joining in with the Tour de Fleece. I have also made progress on my Christmas stocking, I have now finished the cross stitching around the heel, so just the rest of the foot and toe, then most of the backstitching left. With any luck that means I should have enough time to finish and sew up three stockings before Christmas.<br />
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My most recent knitting was a hat for little Mr 2, from some handspun (mostly spun in the TdF two years ago, just before he was born). He hasn't been convinced to wear it yet, of course, but I will keep working on it. It used just under half my skein, the rest is destined to be a little matching scarf.<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/5JEbemr-jc/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_top">A photo posted by Sonya (@stringherder)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-07-15T03:28:21+00:00">Jul 14, 2015 at 8:28pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
(I did manage to get the hat on to check for size before finishing it off, proof shown here. Note the knitting needles poking out on top of his head...)Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-86404563795278981702015-03-30T14:26:00.002+13:002015-03-30T14:26:40.583+13:00In a sneaky naptime momentSomehow I have managed to get two small children asleep at the same time, so I am trying to do too many things at once to make the most of it. (It's not actually entirely surprising, apparently having a ride in the pram after walking a mile, playing for a couple of hours, and visiting the library is somewhat sleep-inducing. Thankfully!).<br />
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I have started work on typing up my next shawl design. I have knit one prototype, but it is for the ravelry shawl exchange and I haven't sent it yet, so no photos. I want to change a few things to make it a bit closer to my original vision, so I will be knitting another one soon, in a completely different yarn. And then maybe another one in a heavier yarn...<br />
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I have also been participating in sock madness, and am nearly halfway through the second sock of the pair for this round. Unfortunately my hand is starting to complain a bit about too much sock knitting in too short a timeframe, so these may be my last socks for a while. <br />
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On the sewing front, I have just cut out a long sleeved shirt for the monkey, cut down from an old one. This is my first attempt at upcycling in this way - I have preserved the button bands and sleeve plackets, shortened the cuffs, and will work out how to use the collar mostly as-is when I get that far. I think with the effort I have put into doing all those things it would actually have been easier to do them all from scratch, but never mind. I have also just made some size 3 overalls, from a self drafted pattern. The basic block was roughly copied from a Burda pyjamas pattern, and tweaked a fair bit. There are a few changes I need to make, but I'm pretty happy for a first attempt, and there will be more in the future.<br />
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We bought a marble run in the weekend, and some junior meccano (bigger, with plastic screws). They have been a great hit so far, apart from the rule about having to pack up one before the other can come out!<br />
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Photos of everything to come. Eventually. Well, maybe not the toys...Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-3160306396341578362015-03-04T21:18:00.000+13:002015-03-04T21:18:17.307+13:00What am I working on today?<p dir="ltr">Sock madness has started over on ravelry, so for the next week and a half I will be trying to finish a pair of socks. I cast on Monday night, and am not too far from starting the heel flap, so with any luck I will manage. This is the third year I have participated, in the past two years I didn't get past the first round. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKLUdSSoSi-2_726NrXHyNXWTpsUpC4JDpArX4aF8QnCk4OcAq4vCmeP39J74BgeX3NWEwFzwSrDDoVdAqiK6plhJzOzxmPw6DrXTk_wEuzuWrooywJTjScdASKSazG4nTn7n_LAC-RFM/s1600/2015-03-04%25252016.43.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKLUdSSoSi-2_726NrXHyNXWTpsUpC4JDpArX4aF8QnCk4OcAq4vCmeP39J74BgeX3NWEwFzwSrDDoVdAqiK6plhJzOzxmPw6DrXTk_wEuzuWrooywJTjScdASKSazG4nTn7n_LAC-RFM/s400/2015-03-04%25252016.43.14.jpg"> </a> </div><p dir="ltr">Yarn is hand dyed sock yarn from Creative Yarns in Tauranga, bought on holiday about 3 years ago.</p><p dir="ltr">I have also cut out two pairs of winter pyjamas for The Monkey, they've been added to my pile of stuff to sew as and when I get to them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvSSDncoCNzQ5fnSPwmCOL12_Ay6CV84SwuDiWxgFL6VHUOtJEJGFI6Maeo0CmDg_YPcfxEf-Y7Vhs_KUuyOZMsJ9PCrqQqp4cJG-xiH0rXIQGJCuHUdhkAUZ-AV-EjLKvDcR93xFsVC6/s1600/IMG_20150304_152601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvSSDncoCNzQ5fnSPwmCOL12_Ay6CV84SwuDiWxgFL6VHUOtJEJGFI6Maeo0CmDg_YPcfxEf-Y7Vhs_KUuyOZMsJ9PCrqQqp4cJG-xiH0rXIQGJCuHUdhkAUZ-AV-EjLKvDcR93xFsVC6/s400/IMG_20150304_152601.jpg"> </a> </div>Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-68613045907378103512015-03-03T13:28:00.000+13:002015-03-03T13:28:01.668+13:00Seagull square<p dir="ltr">In making this square I learnt that sewing while tired is not a clever idea. I think I managed to invent a whole collection of new mistakes. As well sewing pieces with the wrong side out, and messing up placement so the patch didn't fully cover the area it needed to, I also managed to use the wrong colour a few times despite having the pattern clearly marked. </p><p dir="ltr">I gave up for that day after sewing a piece on the wrong way for the third time (wrong side up, out by 90°, any wrong way you can think of). I came back to it the next day to discover that actually I had it right after all!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoT7wYpGzXvfVpQuuVREmDxgFfU2T36NmSZvQrwATqiIYCkq8n30gs2Bv4D5uJutYPv_XDgT_-4hsm20harJ-sQN0zlDaconB2imG5-bhEaBnWNo46eGy3uLJ09umke2xSHsgabSLFbfq/s1600/2015-03-03%25252011.39.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoT7wYpGzXvfVpQuuVREmDxgFfU2T36NmSZvQrwATqiIYCkq8n30gs2Bv4D5uJutYPv_XDgT_-4hsm20harJ-sQN0zlDaconB2imG5-bhEaBnWNo46eGy3uLJ09umke2xSHsgabSLFbfq/s400/2015-03-03%25252011.39.51.jpg"> </a> </div><p dir="ltr">Now I need to print out the some more birds and trace them, to see what I'm in for next. (I'm tracing the patterns onto lunch paper, because it is a bit thinner to sew through, and I didn't want to be worrying about printer ink on my iron).<br />
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Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-4463774814434919592015-02-25T16:03:00.001+13:002015-02-25T16:04:20.664+13:00Back on the wagon: WIP Wednesday<p dir="ltr">I can't remember if I've shared any photos of the latest stocking project, but I have been slowly plodding away at it since the end of last year. I'm finding it a bit difficult at time taking what I have finished and where the gaps that need to be filled in are, so I'm currently doing some of the backstitch as I go. That way I know that if it's backstitched then I have checked that all the gaps are meant to be there!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUth2YyjEKW7LghQjlkAcnMdIMOqsd6GgYuhqMHVq63i0QCAKdtJET8xC4ZAZ6flYSXhDk4ehKbilfBSrQttX03N5tApAj2zZxS129SZRszs1_ST9X2nhMmpF4uooSZ_mpE4UyvYNjfN_/s1600/2015-02-25%25252016.02.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUth2YyjEKW7LghQjlkAcnMdIMOqsd6GgYuhqMHVq63i0QCAKdtJET8xC4ZAZ6flYSXhDk4ehKbilfBSrQttX03N5tApAj2zZxS129SZRszs1_ST9X2nhMmpF4uooSZ_mpE4UyvYNjfN_/s640/2015-02-25%25252016.02.53.jpg"> </a> </div>Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-33941016917006807302015-02-22T09:29:00.000+13:002015-02-22T09:29:07.262+13:00More sewing (and a bit of knitting)I have been sewing some more over the last week, and actually come out with something wearable. I redrafted the top front piece of the <a href="http://insanitylooms.blogspot.co.nz/2015/02/experimenting-with-knits.html"
>Lekala top pattern</a>, and ended up with this:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sg6yJhkaMxz8rkNGOuyCZdgcBZ9BXt2iuICHLFFG3e8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zySsvdvnOxc/VOPXCrhrEZI/AAAAAAAAB4U/JxjdRLBUBYg/s800/2015-02-18%252013.03.41.jpg" height="auto" width="450" /></a><br />
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The fit is much better (and the fabric is also nicer). There is still room for improvement, in that the shape of the seam at between the top and bottom front pieces is a little off, and the pleats need to move towards the sides a little more, but overall I'm pretty happy with it.<br />
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I also experimented with another bra, from a heavy woven linen. The end result isn't really wearable, but it has highlighted issues I had with the fit (which were also present in the first one, but somewhat hidden by the nature of the knit fabrics). Overall I think I need the front to be wider, but with a smaller band size. My next plan is to use the same pattern for the cup, use the next sister size up (up a band size, down a cup size so the cup fits in) for the cradle, and then tweak the back band so that it fits as the next band size down would. I have no idea what fabrics I will use, I will see what I have on hand that seems appropriate and keep stealing hardware off old bras.<br />
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I have also been knitting away on my shawl for the Ravelry Worldwide Shawl Exchange, and am now about 2/3rds done. I have just finished the second chart, just the last section to go (around 40 long, long, rows). I have now reached the stage where I am oscillating between being excited to see how it will turn out, and being bored with the long rows - pretty normal for me when it comes to triangular shawls!Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-22811171057150587832015-02-12T18:04:00.000+13:002015-02-12T18:04:47.706+13:00SwiftThe <a href="http://www.thetartankiwi.com/2015/01/in-flight-block-2-swift.html">swift</a> is done!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayIzIy-XipgqW5V4WhV8mEBml7Ey2YNoohhIBUGinkjJlR7egt-p-fe7hgegmaVYo3DRrPFUH01qFH58rs8sVu4w989djGp_Z9-har3_RIOHg9gknk0YnDKxVPwa0k_ll_3RaALyd7vHg/s1600/2015-02-12%25252015.02.39.jpg"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayIzIy-XipgqW5V4WhV8mEBml7Ey2YNoohhIBUGinkjJlR7egt-p-fe7hgegmaVYo3DRrPFUH01qFH58rs8sVu4w989djGp_Z9-har3_RIOHg9gknk0YnDKxVPwa0k_ll_3RaALyd7vHg/s640/2015-02-12%25252015.02.39.jpg" width="450" height="auto"> </a><br />
(The colours are much more accurate in this photo than in the <a href="http://insanitylooms.blogspot.com/2015/01/first-patchwork.html">last block</a>)<br />
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I think this went together more smoothly than last time, although it is a little wonky on one edge. I'm happy to fudge that if/when required in piecing the birds together, whatever I end up doing with them. I didn't bother starching, and still had less trouble with the fabrics not being particularly firm, so I'm assuming that having some idea about that going in made a bit of a difference. I definitely got better at judging where to put the pieces of fabric to get them to cover their allocated area properly. And I only sewed one piece in wrong-side out!<br />
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I did end up with a couple of places where I misjudged and ended up with a little bit of selvedge showing, but I'm not too worried about it, and am willing to call it a learning experience. (Or, I didn't have the heart to undo <i>more</i> seams...)<br />
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I ran out of bobbin thread on the second to last seam, so I just grabbed a darker blue that I had handy, which seems to have worked out okay. I need to do some other sewing before I start on the next block, but I'm not sure what will be up next. At least I have an empty bobbin if I choose something I don't already have thread wound for. <br />
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One thing I'm not quite sure about with this paper piecing is when I should be removing the paper. I haven't taken any out, and I'm thinking it will probably be okay to leave in until the whatever-it-is is assembled. I think with the twill fabrics having the paper in for stability for as long as possible is probably a good plan. Does anyone out there have any advice for me on that?Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-62678638128992039752015-02-06T20:58:00.001+13:002015-02-06T20:58:49.809+13:00Experimenting with knits<p dir="ltr">A few months ago I was introduced to <a href="http://www.lekala.co/">Lekala</a> patterns.  I like the concept of made-to-measure patterns, so thought I'd see what they were actually like to use.  For a trial run I looked through their free patterns and picked out <a href="http://www.lekala.co/catalog/womanfree/8004">a knit top (8004)</a> to see how it would work for me. </p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCeq_h0vpOpcfyrX2ANTu5bXDOqCbFV1P0oc5svM72a8kmQcJC1729DII0lmAhdC53dLzyhAahty6-TzJwSbXLdlIGe5hRA270XanB0H8A0wqUVbuGwr1fvwrWT-7m9jsUKs7aLAcKsjl/s1600/2015-02-06%25252015.08.07.jpg"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCeq_h0vpOpcfyrX2ANTu5bXDOqCbFV1P0oc5svM72a8kmQcJC1729DII0lmAhdC53dLzyhAahty6-TzJwSbXLdlIGe5hRA270XanB0H8A0wqUVbuGwr1fvwrWT-7m9jsUKs7aLAcKsjl/s640/2015-02-06%25252015.08.07.jpg" width="450" height="auto"> </a> <br />
I did ignore some of the assembly instructions, mainly regarding finishing the neckline.  I was a little unclear on what they actually meant in a couple of places too, but had enough sewing experience to make it up as I went along.  The fabric I used was some cheap stretch mystery fabric I got from Kutwells some number of years ago.  It wouldn't be my first choice now, but perfectly adequate for a pattern test!</p><p dir="ltr">I couldn't find my clear elastic this morning so I stabilised the neckline with bias binding.  I suspect there are many better options, but this was easy and I had it on hand. I still need to finish trimming the neck hem. </p><p dir="ltr">The pattern could fit a little better - there isn't really enough room vertically through the bust, so the underbust seam rides up, or if I tug it down the neckline is quite low.  The front pleats are also not placed right for me (but I accept that I may have done something weird there).  I have just read some reviews that indicate that this is a known issue, although I may have guessed wrong on some of the optional adjustment measurements. I don't feel particularly inclined to get a new version of the pattern to test that theory though, I will just think about altering what I have. I don't know if I will make it again, although I am thinking it may adapt nicely into a light summer dress. I also have a bunch of merino knit that I got ridiculously cheap from Fabric Vision last year...<br />
Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-83891087907452145282015-02-01T21:11:00.002+13:002015-02-01T21:11:44.295+13:00Cat hat<p dir="ltr">The monkey has a cat hat that has gone astray at preschool a couple of times (but has been found each time so far), but after the last time he commented that I should make a cat hat for the changeling too.  Conveniently (or inconveniently, depending on your viewpoint) I have recently lost the helicopter hat that he had been wearing.  It never quite fitted right, so I redrafted the pattern.  I only had enough of the cat fabric for 3 panels, so I alternated it with a light brown cotton, which I also used for the lining.  </p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEU_5CcVPwcGVn4976r5DaCkzaJ0plMA9My358Dn4ioavbWb823JFoPSMSLeQD4C3r2sW1ul7gMhnngr_QHUmYZXgJnAdzvSqTl-ixSgq6X_8zis8RppleMsfY8ReSlh2pxcUVFThq-jG/s1600/2015-02-01%25252017.55.51.jpg"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEU_5CcVPwcGVn4976r5DaCkzaJ0plMA9My358Dn4ioavbWb823JFoPSMSLeQD4C3r2sW1ul7gMhnngr_QHUmYZXgJnAdzvSqTl-ixSgq6X_8zis8RppleMsfY8ReSlh2pxcUVFThq-jG/s640/2015-02-01%25252017.55.51.jpg"> </a><br />
The shape is still not quite right, and he is nearly ready to move up to the next size anyway, but this was a nice quick project to whip up and feel like I'd made something useful! <br />
I still need to attach elastic, and a button on the top, but it is at least wearable in the back yard at the moment. I guess I will try to get it properly finished in time for him to wear it to playcentre on Thursday.</p><br />
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Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-27200757503519796282015-01-24T08:11:00.000+13:002015-01-24T08:11:25.508+13:00First patchwork<br />
Well, I have learnt a few things about paper piecing, and probably patchwork in general! I have now successfully constructed my first block, although I did have to unpick the occasional seam because I failed to position my piece of fabric correctly (or up the right way a couple of times...). I'm happy with the end result for a first attempt.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bh-o0VJ3Tt_1xQHO9hrRAOL8yegXKK8bt5RuhpsW8Sg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObG10ykRyaom7wjR-240nsitfmEvBhkeht0CEbaNZJo6i2AaSpj0eBL77HHMO7uArub2MSKJA-lgDlsKSTMXWAUS90xMz1gETf6MbE3N1ImstChZaisLvt4BgF54NWh1VyAC1mXaS6LhE/s800/IMG_20150123_161951.jpg" height="600" width="450" /></a><br />
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My fabric choice wasn't the best for novice paper piecing, the background is a sateen and the foreground is a fine wool blend houndstooth. I think using a tabby weave for both would have made things easier. I will continue with another block with the same fabrics, but I may try giving them a liberal dose of starch first.Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-3955392254465471122015-01-16T14:32:00.000+13:002015-02-12T17:59:21.908+13:00New project required? Really?Ever since I first came across her work, I have loved <a href="http://www.thetartankiwi.com/">Juliet's</a> patterns for paper pieced quilt blocks. I have never done any paper piecing, or even really any patchwork, but I have finally given in and decided to jump in with both feet on her latest project - the <a href="http://www.thetartankiwi.com/2015/01/in-flight-introduction.html">In Flight Quilt-Along</a>. I have admired her native birds from afar, but something about the birds in flight was just too tempting.<br />
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Before deciding to go for it I did at least check my fabric pile, and decided that I have plenty of options of fabric that I'm willing to use in the stash. The background is going to be a dark blue sateen that I originally bought with the idea of eventually using it for an unpieced quilt. I'm not sure yet whether the birds will all be one colour (either a white/grey wool blend, or an old pale blue sheet), or a mix of colours. At the moment I'm leaning towards starting with the wool.<br />
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I would have given in to the temptation to start already, but I need to get some more ink for the printer first. Also, I really should finish the two shirts that are currently sitting next to the machine partially done...Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-17751541928250008332015-01-13T14:13:00.000+13:002015-01-13T14:13:09.083+13:00New year, new placeAnd so we are back in the land of summer. A bit of a change, but I think two days in Singapore definitely helped with the transition. Sleep is now pretty much normal, enough so that we put the bunks up in the weekend and Mr. 3 slept in the top bunk last night, which went surprisingly smoothly. <br />
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I have picked up where I left off with cataloguing our book collection, which is much easier now that the changeling will play independently while I work on it, at least for one or two boxes at a time. I think there are only 10 boxes left to go, plus finding any new kids books that have been missed.<br />
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I am taking part in the Ravelry Worldwide Shawl Exchange again, I think it has been over two years since the last one I did. Partners have just been assigned, now comes the fun of deciding on what to make. My partner doesn't like blue, and prefers not to have pure wool, which rules out most of my stash! (I didn't realise how much blue wool I had - I think I tend to pick greens more, but then I will also knit the greens first). <br />
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I have also decided this is the year of sewing, or at least some of it. My wardrobe has been getting pretty sad, I took pretty much everything I had that fitted and wasn't falling apart to Prague, and a lot of that is now dying. I brought it back, but only because otherwise I really would have nothing to wear! I have a few garments I want to recreate, or at least be inspired by. The first sewing of the year is a bra which is mostly finished now, just some finishing details left. I will write another post about that when it is done, including a few pattern notes. I have also started making two new summer shirts for the monkey (size 2, he is a skinny boy). Next in line is a new skirt for me, and after that I haven't decided. If I can get rid of all the clothing I have that is in terrible condition because it has been replaced with something better I will be incredibly happy. <br />
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Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-59593606322761114562014-12-29T10:09:00.002+13:002014-12-29T10:09:35.922+13:00And so it beginsTomorrow the homeward journey commences, possibly amidst snow. I must say I'm not really looking forward to it. (The snow is fine, but would be much better if we could just sit and enjoy it instead of driving).<br />
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Nearly everything is packed now, which was not as painful as I thought it could have been. I think we will be pretty close to our weight limit on luggage though, so there may be a few books being replaced later...<br />
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We will be on the other side of the world in less than a week now!Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-53010831034635370782014-12-15T07:06:00.001+13:002014-12-15T07:06:36.312+13:00A knitting design interview - with Jennifer DassauFor the past month I have been involved with the <a href="">Ihttp://www.ravelry.com/groups/indie-design-gift-a-longndie Design Gift-a-Long</a> over on Ravelry, which is basically a huge bunch of independent knit and crochet pattern designers working together to run a huge knit-and-crochet along. There is lots of chat, games and fun, along with plenty of prizes for all sorts of things. A fun part of the Gift-a-Long (for me, at least) is getting to know some of the other designers a little better. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/jennifer-dassau">Jennifer Dassau</a>, of <a href="http://jenniferdassau.com/blog/">The Knitting Vortex</a>.<br />
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Jennifer currently has 99 patterns listed on ravelry, and there is a good mix of garments and accessories. I am always a sucker for great shawls, and I love the colours and shaping in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swirligig">Swirligig</a>:<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swirligig"><img src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/knittingvortex/201249438/Swirligig_Last_Look_The_Knitting_Vortex_medium2.jpg" width="450" height="auto"></a><br />
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The interview follows - my questions are in bold, and I have added personal notes in italics.<br />
<b>1. Do you have a favourite amongst your designs? Any that you personally love that just aren't as popular as you think they deserve to be? </b><br />
My latest design is always my favorite! At the moment, it's my two-color asymmetric shawl <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vary">Vary</a>, which is a riff on my popular <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sundry">Sundry</a> shawl, with expanded slipstitch patterning.<br />
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<b>2. Do you have any particular source of design inspiration, or do your ideas come from anywhere and everywhere? </b><br />
Inspiration can come from anything; I live in a beautiful place where there are always color and shapes in nature to draw from. I like to make things that I want in my own wardrobe, or items that explore different techniques - I'm always looking for unusual constructions.<br />
<i>I think the edging on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/venomous-tentacula">Venomous Tentacula</a> is fun and creative. It looks not too complicated to knit, but incredibly effective.<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/venomous-tentacula"><img src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/knittingvortex/166689215/Venomous_Tentacula-2_lastlook_medium2.jpg" width="450" height="auto"></a></i><br />
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<b>3. What are your favourite yarns to work with (or just fondle) - either content, weight, or brand (or all of the above)? </b><br />
I like worsted weight wools for garments, and soft wool blend fingering weight for shawls. Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted was my first "nice" yarn, and is still one of my favorites for all sorts of items, especially accessories. I love String Theory Caper Sock, which is a hand-dyed mcn; I also really like the drape and hand of fingering weight singles like madelinetosh tml.<br />
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<b>4. What sort of thing do you most like knitting/creating? </b><br />
That depends, too. My standbys are sweaters and modern shawls, but with winter coming soon, I'm feeling the love for warm accessories. I have a hat and long cowl in development now, and they'll be released soon.<br />
<i>For some reason sweaters always feel like a lot of knitting to me, even after I worked out that I'll quite happily knit more stitches in a shawl, but I am trying to push myself to make a few! I like the sleeves on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shadow-dial">Shadow Dial</a>, and have added to my list of possible patterns to make when I feel up to braving another garment - bonus is that it's lace weight, so maybe it won't feel so heavy to me as I'm knitting.<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shadow-dial"><img src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/knittingvortex/243187415/Shadow_Dial_flutter_closeup_The_Knitting_Vortex_medium.jpg" width="350" height="auto"></a></i><br />
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<b>5. I am currently facing the prospect of my first ever winter Christmas, do you have any favourite winter Christmas traditions?</b><br />
On Black Friday, the day after the US celebrates Thanksgiving, we go to the tree farm to get our christmas tree. There have been years when it's been a balmy tee-shirt weather day, or a snowstorm, but we always go. Then we decorate for the holiday (and maybe do a bit of cyber shopping).<br />
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<i>Thank you for answering my questions, Jennifer! <br />
All photos are copyrighted by Jennifer Dassau</i>Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-26649512841300857712014-12-04T04:12:00.000+13:002014-12-04T04:12:29.259+13:00BrrrrrrOn Monday afternoon/evening we had freezing rain, which I've heard of, but never actually seen before. There is something deeply weird about rain falling and forming icicles. Overnight on Monday we had a bit of snow, which continued intermittently throughout the day on Tuesday, while we were exploring Christmas markets. Getting into town was a bit of an adventure, apparently this was the <a href="http://www.radio.cz/en/section/news/adverse-weather-halts-all-trams-in-prague-for-first-time">first time ever that all of the trams have been shut down</a> - apparently having the wires coated in ice causes a few problems...<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jM4h_fwjxnwBo_djtYFudOF6obs1pQF9Gh0TVQ1J3Nc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V9AFekqeu8o/VH8IYI763JI/AAAAAAAAByM/vnl5bWMsShs/s800/DSCF0799Sml.JPG" height="auto" width="450" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OrNgQOFONZXVijY5JgqMiuF6obs1pQF9Gh0TVQ1J3Nc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kv8Dn1pkXTs/VH8IYIuSG-I/AAAAAAAAByI/qDTTTR1PajU/s800/DSCF0801Sml.JPG" height="auto" width="450" /></a><br />
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There is something incredibly beautiful about vegetation glazed in ice.<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oH3Y4T1MTFkye_U95AraE-F6obs1pQF9Gh0TVQ1J3Nc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4yT9tThSVmk/VH8IY648XAI/AAAAAAAAByg/v6Bz9zMfCMc/s800/DSCF0834Sml.JPG" height="auto" width="450" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pD1sQBJWH_dDQ9E7XojMwuF6obs1pQF9Gh0TVQ1J3Nc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v8EysMlC0yk/VH8IZJhzLlI/AAAAAAAABys/QHduM0fW7vc/s800/DSCF0842Sml.JPG" height="auto" width="450" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/N0w3sy_jlucrkEOnvnXMoeF6obs1pQF9Gh0TVQ1J3Nc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FgkVxVEaZpA/VH8IZqGj3zI/AAAAAAAAByo/oU_xCGlzE3g/s800/DSCF0845Sml.JPG" height="auto" width="450" /></a><br />
Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-50775238812034499192014-12-02T01:00:00.001+13:002014-12-02T01:04:13.222+13:00December is here<p>It is Monday, it is December, and it feels like things are starting to fall into place (somewhat).</p>
<p>The Christmas stocking has about half the backstitching done now, and I am hoping to finish by the end of the week. It won't be made up for this christmas though, I'm planning to just pin it to a pillowcase. I have started knitting myself a new hat, which I would like to finish before it is suddenly summer again.</p>
<p>We have a stack of Christmas cards to write in and post, with any luck we haven't missed the Christmas mailing dates already. Had a bit of a glitch in failing to find somewhere to print some photos I was aiming to send - apparently people don't print photos here or something? Yesterday I hunted for the right spices for the Christmas baking, and ended up with 'gingerbread spice', so it will be interesting to see how that turns out. Next step will be finding time to actually do the baking...</p>
<p>I think we're doing pretty well on the gift shopping front too - the boys are mostly sorted, just need to order a drink bottle for the changeling (Life Factory glass bottle, he loves his brother's one, and it will be better for long plane trips than his tiny sippy cup). We haven't got everything we'd like to find for people back home, but we either know what we're looking for and where to get it, or have no idea. There will be Christmas markets to explore throughout the month anyway. I would also like to buy some tree ornaments to bring back - until now we've had a chipmunk on top of the tree (I don't want a star or angel), but here the thing to have is apparently a spike. (What else could it be, in this city of spiky spikiness?)</p>
<p>The weather forecast keeps threatening snow in a week, which never quite happens. I hope we'll see some at some point during the month.</p>
Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673377630790702470.post-13643206076368804592014-11-24T02:30:00.000+13:002014-11-24T02:30:00.915+13:00Bother.<p>I have 1.5 grams left with which to do at least 16 more rows. I have a funny feeling that's well short of plausible.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOLiDxVqOpYLtIjTi7LaceaHfDKjNEM7Ks2rns3b-qRWpzLSj9EchOIa3Uh39v_1P-zarNYJXKO8QUNzjZavRG8In32ZmGfIvpV5IWu-lnSTpNU7TUDzhKHkW0Oicsf-cBTdY1J9fx5ik/s1600/1416748801576.jpg"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOLiDxVqOpYLtIjTi7LaceaHfDKjNEM7Ks2rns3b-qRWpzLSj9EchOIa3Uh39v_1P-zarNYJXKO8QUNzjZavRG8In32ZmGfIvpV5IWu-lnSTpNU7TUDzhKHkW0Oicsf-cBTdY1J9fx5ik/s640/1416748801576.jpg" width="450" height="auto"> </a><p>New plan: finish the ball, then calculate how much smaller it needs to be, then rip back a bit and try again. I may block before ripping too, in case I suddenly decide I hate it.</p><p>It's not my normal knitting, but I'm surprising myself by really liking it so far. Here's hoping I still like it after I'm fully satisfied with how the design works.</p>Anyway, it's getting cold here, and I want to use that knitting needle to make a nice warm hat!Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010349116635664782noreply@blogger.com1