One rainy afternoon

I can't believe it has been 28 days since I last wrote a post. I had promised to post more so I better get to it!

Finally here is a picture of my unnamed scarf. I designed it myself (which I am quite pleased about). Now it is quite a simple pattern, repeats of a lace pattern I like, but in the yarn it is quite beautiful.

It has scalloped edges at the side and bottom which makes it quite interesting. And it is lovely to wear, so soft and warm which is handy during spring over here (average temperature is 15 to 17 degrees!).

The yarn is Sirdar Sublime in pebble, I used 4 balls which makes for quite a long scarf, perfect for winter it will wrap around me like a big warm hug.

I have just finished a beanie for a 15 yo cousin who has shaved her head to raise money for cancer research. Very brave girl that Ashleigh, very deserving of some hand knitted goodness.

I made Sloochie by Wooly Wormhead. I am in absolute love with this pattern, and am planning to use it again and again! A top down pixie type beanie it is tres cute! I even managed to use Jeny's suprisingly stretchy bind off without any dramas. Sweet! I will post pics as soon as I wash and block what I have termed the orange Smurf hat!

I used Colinette Art yarn in Ginger Cinnabar. I have to say that although I am not a fan of the colour orange this is a truly beautiful shade. The shade next to it is called Sahara, which will be another beanie for Ashleigh.

I am spending most of my time at the moment with gift knitting, I have some finishing touches for a couple of items for my sister, beanies for teenagers and more baby stuff. All small stuff, quick to finish which is brilliant for my ego. I am a finisher at last!

In Bed with Shazmina

Spring has arrived! And then it decided to return to wherever it sprung from. Seriously it has become bitterly cold again. WTF!

So it is Good friday, or an Easter Bank Holiday if you live hear in the UK, and I am trying to decide what to do today. I am contemplating a trip to John Lewis (department store) to purchase yarn. But I can't decide whether to drive or take public transport? The big double decker red buses are fun, but driving in the comfort of your own car where you can sing (and fart!) to your hearts content is a true joy! Decisions!

On to business. Knitting.

I think this weekend will be all about finishing. Skully may be on the cards this weekend. I mean seriously I needs to finish it. And sewing up Ink and the Rowan Alpine Shrug. Lots to do!

I am glad you all like the header photo. I am thinking I will change it regularly with photos from my adventures over here. On that note here is a picture of one of my favorite sweet things.

It is a Woopie. An inside out cupcake that is freakin delicious!! They are from what has become my favorite cake stall and cafe the Outsider Tart. OMG they are divine!

Now I can't decide between buying yarn and eating Woopies!!

Where Is My Mind?

That Pixies song has been playing on my mind (no pun intended) a lot lately.

I have been meaning to write to you all. Honestly I have. Except that I haven’t felt like writing to you at all. Confused? I am. Coming home for a holiday was brilliant. I knew I missed you all, I just didn’t realise exactly how much until I got back here. It has been ten weeks since I was in Australia and it feels like an eternity.

In that time I have:

• Been sad
• Drank a whole bottle of Bach rescue remedy.
• Howled over the insensitivity of people who are related to you.
• Thought about why I came here.
• Mused over the amount of love and support a family can give you.
• Wondered what the f@@@ is wrong with the British?
• Seriously contemplated packing up and moving back to Sydney.
• Been EXTREMELY busy at work.
• Laughed at how brilliantly complex and endearing the British are.

Knit & completed the following items in 3 weeks;

• Two pairs of socks
• 3 baby beanies
• 3 baby bibs

Started knitting;

• February Ladies sweater
• Scarf for my sister

Ignored knitting that is so close to completing;

• Skully – Just the sleeves to go
• Ink – I just need to sew it up
• Rowan vest – Again only need to sew up
• 1 pair of socks – sew in ends.

And finally, decided on my priorities for 2010. Knitting & otherwise!

Freck it has been busy. No wonder I feel like I have been back for months when it has actually only been 10 weeks!

The best thing about coming home is knowing how I am going to do it next time. And when next time will be (April/May 2011). I didn’t get to see everyone I would have liked to, but you were in my thoughts.

I will try and blog more often. And I will try and post comments on your blogs more often. I make no promises! But of course I will try!

ps my last post was about my trip to Belgium (mmmmm Belgium!). I don't think I ever mentioned the reason for the visit. My sister and I went here for this reason. And we will be going back to get the rest of her arm finished and a bit of work done myself. Stay tuned!