Shazmina Bendi designs......

One rainy afternoon

2010-05-02T12:06:00.012+01:00

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

2010-04-02T10:15:00.003+01:00

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?

2010-03-28T10:51:00.017+01:00

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!

Moules, Frites, Chocolates and Beer. And maybe a little knitting.

2009-10-03T07:51:00.004+01:00

Just a quick post, I am off to Brussels today. I love saying that, it sounds so exotic!

I am traveling on the Eurostar, which is fantastic as I can knit. I am going on this trip with my sister, which I am a bit nervous about. It could either be the best trip ever or go completely pair shaped. I am really hoping it will be the best trip ever!

We are travelling on super secret business which I will tell you about after the event.

I can't wait to see Brussels, eat some Pomme Frites (with frite juice as described to me by sadieandlance), drink beer, eat Moules, drink more beer and finish off with chocolates.

and maybe do a little knitting.

Heaven!

Here is a little teaser of what I will be eating later today!!

The Thing About Work

2009-09-18T21:07:00.003+01:00

It keeps you in yarn.

And if you are lucky you learn stuff.

Anyway, I was thinking that I don't think I have mentioned anything about where I work, who I work with and what I do. I won't tell you everything (it will probably bore you) and I don't want to give too much away. I am a woman of mystery after all.

For the last four months I have worked in the media & publishing sector. Don't get too excited we are primarily involved in business to business publishing. Although you will know at least one of our titles, even my peeps in Australia would recognise it.

Enough about that.

I work for an online HR publication. And it happened to be a tool I used over here in the UK before I got the job. It is fantastic tool, and again I won't bore you with detail, but just think model policies on EVERYTHING. Advice on EVERYTHING HR. It is brilliant. The thing about working on this online publication is the absolute fear I have had in presenting any written work to my boss.

He is an editor. With nearly 30 years experience in journalism. He is a very nice man.

But he writes for a living.

And clearly I don't.

Bugger.

But the funny thing is that he is a very generous editor. I have had very little of my work corrected mainly the odd grammatical error or use of commas (I really love commas, have you noticed?).

So I guess I am not as bad a writer as I may have thought.

But clearly not ready to write for a living.

Although the thought has crossed my mind.

Once or twice.

On a knitting related note;

I need some help with grafting lace. Can anyone point me towards some clear and detailed instructions? I have found clear but not detailed. Help!

An Opinionated Woman

2009-09-12T08:53:00.003+01:00

Opinionated: Believing very strongly and conveying it.

Why is it when a woman is called opinionated it used to describe a negative aspect of her personality?

Opinionated has been used twice in recent weeks to describe me, and while I have no problems being known as being opinionated (if Elizabeth Zimmerman can be opinionated, hell so can I!) I was disturbed that it was used in the negative. Like it was wrong for me to be so.

I mean what is wrong with being opinionated? When you think about it everyone has an opinion, but why is it when this word is used to describe a woman it is used like a dirty word.

I have always believed, since I can remember, that if you believe in something or have an opinion about something, you should stand up for what you believe in. If someone says something you don't agree with, then tell them. Too often in this world people say something, state an opinion, and people who may disagree do not raise their voices to be heard.

I don't want to be one of those people. I want to challenge what I don't believe in, especially those things that going against my personal beliefs. And I want, no I expect people to challenge my opinions as well!

So if that means I am an opinionated woman, so be it!

And on a knitting note, I have finished knitting D2 just need to graft the pieces together. Does anyone have any thoughts as to whether I should graft the pieces together before or after I block?

And I have decided to merge the idea for D1 and D3 into one D1.3. I will get the hang of this design thing eventually!!!

ps It was my two South African flatmates who have called me opinionated, on two separate occasions, independently of each other. I guess coming from them I should take it as a compliment!

Peek-a-boo!

2009-09-06T11:23:00.005+01:00

Thanks ladies for your thoughts on designing and publishing patterns. I especially loved 2 paw's reference to Babylon 5 vs Deep Space Nine and Armageddon vs Deep Impact. It seems shared ideas happen in all creative pursuits!

So here is just a sneak peak of what I am up to. I just love this yarn I am using and the colour is one of my favourites at the moment. It feels like this scarf will be a warm hug wrapped around my neck, I am getting really excited to see it finished.

There is still some work to go, most importantly blocking. I just don't have the space to do it & the heating has not been turned on in the building yet so drying will take ages. What a palava!

This is actually design two that is floating around my head, and it has been great to get it out. It has started me thing about design one some more and design 3 is now taking form as well. I think D3 will make it out before D1 though, still trying to find the perfect lace pattern & yarn for D1. So much to think about.

I need more coffee!!

Shared Creativity, Design and Viral Knits

2009-09-04T13:36:00.007+01:00

My dear friend Bells has just written a post about viral knits, check it out. She talks about shared creativity and happiness in our crafty community, and it reminded me of some similar thoughts I have been having about designing and shared creative ideas.

It is a funny thing this design business. Relatively (?) simple one would think especially when you are designing a scarf. They way I see it there are 3 steps to designing a lace scarf

pick the lace design
Decide how wide you want the scarf to be
Knit it.

Now having (over)simplified designing a scarf, I should mention that I found there are other things to think about. How should I start my scarf? Does the yarn I am using suit this lace stitch pattern? Does my scarf need edging on the side? Which direction does the lace stitch need to face? Should I knit my scarf in two pieces? What method should I use to graft it together?

So then you start knitting. And you are feeling rather pleased with yourself. The lace stitch looks good. It suits the yarn you are using. It is going to look down right fabulous when you are finished. And then you hit a snag. There is an abbreviation in the stitch pattern you are using that you are unfamiliar with. So you Google the stitch pattern to see if any one on the internets has a better description of the lace pattern.

And then you find it. A scarf pattern using the same lace stitch.

So here is what I have learnt, my thoughts on designing knitted garments and some questions for you.

My thoughts.

I have read many posts on copyright and plagiarism in knitting and while I agree that this does unfortunately happen, I also believe that two (or more) people can have the same idea independently of each other.
Designing anything requires an idea.
Ideas are like a force in the universe.
You can bet if someone has an idea in Sydney, that someone else has the same idea in Tokyo. Or Mumbai. Or London.
I believe that no one person owns an idea.
They can be tapped into by anyone, anywhere.
So it makes sense that two (or more) people, on different sides of this small planet, can have the same idea and decide to design the same item using the same lace stitch.
Without having seen the others design.
Without having communicated the idea to the other person.
Even if one of the designs was made months or years before the other person had the same idea.
And while the idea is the same, the application of the idea is, I think, different.
BUT there are only so many ways a lace stitch pattern can be made into a scarf.

My question for you.

Should you publish the design if a design, using the same lace pattern on the same garment type, if it has been published before?

ps Bells, if this design becomes a viral knit I would be stoked!

Bank Holidays. Perfect for knitting

2009-09-02T10:12:00.006+01:00

So over here we have Bank Holidays. By we I mean the people that live in the UK, not me as in I am now English. I need to make myself clear n that point as I have started to use very English phrases and I am afraid I am losing my Australian-ness. More on that in another blog post.

I find Bank Holidays weird. Not that I don't like having a day off, there is just no reason for them. There are 8 Bank Holidays in the UK this year. And they are all called Bank Holidays. No 'Queens favorite Corgi's birthday' holiday. No 'Unite Kingdom' day. And definitely no Queens Birthday holiday (I like to tell my English friends that Australia loves the Queen more than they do as we celebrate her birthday. Not that I am a monarchist, I just like annoying my English friends!).

But when it is all said and done, whatever the reason they have them, Bank Holidays are good for knitting.

ps thanks to Rose Red for alerting me to this great pattern.

You are a Rock Star!

pps Still working on the design. More on that in another post.

La Fermiere is French for Yoghurt!

2009-08-16T12:08:00.011+01:00

Yoplait is so yesterday. Especially when you compare it to this.

Happiness come in a blue pot!

I mean it comes in it's own terracotta jar, and a blue one at that! Ok, I admit I bought this yoghurt purely because of the jar, but it is the deliciousness inside that makes my purchase so very precious.

Made with whole milk and orange flower honey it is the best honey flavoured yoghurt I have ever tasted. In my whole life. Ever!

It made me do the happy dance.

Viva La Fermiere Yaourt!

ps I promise there is knitting and I will post about it very soon.

And here is a hint, this blog will soon live up to it's name.

Off Topic: On Driving in the UK.

2009-08-09T08:54:00.004+01:00

As you know, I am now driving over here in the UK. It has been an interesting experience so far, learning new road rules. Not the written down, learn to get your licence rules. Oh no, they may be the legal road rules, but there are other more important rules that need to be obeyed. Here are a few of my favorites;

Indicators are optional.
When turning right or left do so very SLOWLY, creating a traffic pile up if possible.
When merging onto a motorway, again do it SLOWLY. For the same reason.
When turning right onto a busy street, block a lane of traffic. Even if the lane you are turning into is not moving and traffic in that lane is backed up for 1/2 a km.
Indicators are really optional.
So are horns.
No one uses them.
Except me.
Especially when someone pulls out slowly in front of me.
A horn is for communicating with other drivers.
That is what my driving instructor told me.
Motorways are not for driving the speed limit. The speed limit is SLOW on a motorway.
You only slow down on a Motorway when you see a speed camera sign.
And see the markings on the road.
And you see cars break lights.
You get A LOT of warning about speed cameras.
They don't seem like much of a deterrent.
You don't have to give way to buses.
So no one does.
Except me.
It annoys other drivers.
I don't care.
You can legally park on the opposite side of the road facing the wrong way.
And people do it A LOT.
Indicators really are optional.
My ESP is a little rusty, so I never know if someone is about to turn or change lanes.
Makes for an interesting trip.

So ladies, I am fitting in REALLY well over here! :)

I am so a good Shazmina!

2009-08-01T09:55:00.007+01:00

I finished a second WIP for the Tour de France KAL.

These socks have been on my sticks for 2 years! Yep, you read it correctly, 2 years! That is the extent of my completer/finisher issues.

They are for a dear friend, She bought the yarn (Lornas Laces) knit me a pair of socks from one skein, and gave me

the other. I thought it was only fitting that I make her a pair too.

As you can see I have used contrasting yarn for the toe, heel and top band of the sock. I wanted to make sure that I had enough yarn to finish the socks. And I was trying to stop the yarn pooling around the heel, and it worked but only to a point. Never mind!

Yarn: Lorna's Laces & some scrap yarn

Pattern: Black Dog Knits, Lorna's Laces one hank socks.

So, 2 WIP's finished as part of the TDF. This KAL was a great motivator to complete some WIP's, I may have to sign up to some other KAL's to get through my massive list of things that need to be finished.

ps Don't you love my pj's? I am such a star!

What Shazmina did next.....

2009-07-18T09:15:00.006+01:00

So what am I up to now that I have finished the penultimate Clap(otis)?

These little bad boys (or should they be girls?). Linda K's Yummy Mummy Wristwarmers. You can find the pattern can be found on Ravelry, I am using Debbie Bliss Rialto DK colour 23015 1 ball for each glove (I have added some extra length).

Now I started these when the weather was cooler, when fingerless gloves seemed like a good idea. I am determined to finish them before Autumn! These WIP's have snuck up the list of projects I am trying to complete during the TDF KAL. I am finishing glove 1 so that I can use the needles for sock 2, which is part of a gift I have been knitting for a couple of years now. Confused? I sure am! I really must buy more needles.....

ps Don't look too close, there are a few mistakes but I couldn't be a##ed frogging and starting again!!

It is done!

2009-07-12T09:41:00.003+01:00

That's right my peeps, the Clap(otis) number 4 is done. To say I am relieved is a HUGE understatement! I have even sewn in the ends (although I did find one that I missed when I was putting the Clap away last night). Maybe I am a completer finisher after all?

It is a very nice Clap. And I am even more happy that it is for me. It is funny, yesterday, a summers day, was the perfect weather to wear it. Yes, you heard me right A SUMMERS DAY WAS COLD. What AM I doing here??

So now I am moving on to a pair of socks that I have been knitting since 2007. In my defence they are very plain, stocking stitch, socks. I got bored (who would have guessed that an ENTP would get bored half way through something!) during the second sock, which is a shame as they are actually a gift for a friend.

The funny thing is the needle I need is currently being used on a fingerless glove, so I need to finish that glove so that I can finish the sock. I really should finish one project at a time! Will I ever learn?

I must say the Tour de France KAL is a great motivational tool for me. I am really starting to move through some WIP's. Continue sending the good knitting vibes to me, there is 2 weeks to go and I have a mountain (no pun intended) of WIP's to finish!!

Bicycles, Mussels, and Champagne. Oh, and did I mention the knitting?

2009-07-04T09:10:00.006+01:00

ok, so I think I am ready.

I have pulled all my WIP's out of their hiding spots. I had tried to stash them in the dim, dark recesses of my cupboards so I could forget about them. It is a trick that usually works, unless I come across one as I am trying to get ready to go to work. Then I usually ignore it, erase the image from my memory and move on.

But enough of one of my procrastinating techniques! My WIP's are ready, and waiting for the Tour de France.

You see gentle readers, in my ever continuing efforts to be like Rose Red (and the Gorgeous Bells!), I have joined up for the Tour de France knit-a-long (which I will refer to as the tdf KAL).

For the next week I am a member of the Quickstep team, and I will be channeling all things Belgian! Belgian chocolate. Belgian Cheese. Mussels. Frites. Champagne (ok, it is not Belgian but what else should I drink watching a bicycle race through France??). Oh and not to forget the knitting!! You would be forgiven to think this KAL is all about the food, but I can assure you I will be working, steadily, through my long (oh so long) WIP list.

My first project to complete is Clap(otis) number 4. A French inspired Shawl/scarf for the start of the race. This little number is being knitted for me (noice one, knitting WIP's and knitting something for me, another rare occurence). It is a lighter weight (Spring/Autumn) version, made from 4ply sock yarn from The Knittery, in the Vineyard colour way. And Bells, you will notice that it is almost the same colour way as the beautiful Kaalund yarn you sent me. Good choice there Bells!

This afternoon I am off to my friends house to watch the start of the tdf whilst sipping champagne and working on the Clap(otis) number 4.

Does life get any better than this?

So I had a play date.....

2009-06-20T18:21:00.010+01:00

And it was FABULOUS!

I picked up my friend Al. She hadn't met Hermione yet.

We went to Barnes. My new favorite place. Every Saturday they have a food market with fresh veg, meat, fish and other gourmet food goodness. I had the best coffee. A flat white even. Do you know how hard it is to get a flat white in London? It is almost impossible, only a handful of places make them. So now you know why I have given up coffee. Well almost. I only have one if I am absolutely sure it will be a good, proper coffee. So I don't have one that often.

We also bought some tasty Moroccan food to take home for lunch. Sorry Bells, I forgot to take a photo. But just know it was delicious. And a chocolate brownie for desert. mmmmmmmmm!

And then we went to Stash. I love that store, and Al had neve been there. We bought some books and magazines, and I may have bought some yarn. 4 balls of Mini Mochi sock yarn. Have you seen that yarn? Gorgeous and soooo soft! Ok, it is weird that I bought enough of one colourway to make 2 pairs of socks. I just love the colour. More on that later.

And then Al had a simple request. "Can I see your stash". Well is knitting the new yoga? (No seriously is it, because My flatmate keeps urging me to do yoga and I just don't think I have the patience to be still for and hour. Tell me your not surprised at that!). Al wanted to take a photo to show her partner. She needed proof that she doesn't own all the yarn in England.

Supreme happiness is laying your head on a table full of soft yarny goodness.

Yes my stash is impressive, especially considering the other 2/3 of it is in storage in Australia! Not as impressive as Rose Red's, but I am working on it!.

The life and times of a Zombie killer.

2009-06-14T20:19:00.010+01:00

Ok, so it has been a while. 3 months if you can believe it. Lots has happened.

I have a new job. It is a permanent job. I am here permanently. I am trying not to freak out. At least for the time being!

I have been to Lisbon. I have had the best Pasteis de nata in the world. And port.

I have been on a caravan trip to Cornwall. I have had cream teas with Cornish clotted cream & a pasty the size of my head. But not at the same time.

But lately I have been reading this.

Pride & Prejudice & Zombies

Can you see why I just had to buy this? Best read since, well, Pride and Prejudice. I highly recommend this book. In fact I will go as far as to say that Jane Austen herself would love this book.

As we all know, Elizabeth Bennett rocks. But now she kicks butt as well!

I am tempted to write a more in depth review but I don't want to ruin it for those of you who might want to read it.

All I will tell you is this. Now I am waiting patiently for the movie version!

Trying not to freak out!

2009-03-01T10:12:00.002Z

In one week I will be unemployed.

The job market has become very employer driven over here. Much like everywhere else I am guessing. I am trying not to freak out. Just plugging away, applying for jobs. Talking to recruitment agencies.

And I am trying not to get pissed off when UK ministers talk about limiting foreign workers in the country. I pay taxes and all I get is access to the NHS. Don't get the dole. Don't get housing relief. Nothing. From where I stand, people like me are supporting the public services in this country by contributing but taking nothing.

But enough of the political rant.

On the positive, being unemployed will leave me a lot of time to knit. Take in the sights. and most importantly knit!!

But what I am asking all my lovely friends to do is send me some good vibes. Some luck. some positive energy that will help me land a new job. And maybe finish some of my WIPs!!

To all my friends, Love, Hugs and all things knitterly. ps The flowers are for you!

Kenzie

2009-02-21T10:56:00.003Z

One of the great things about living in a cold climate, it may well be the only good thing, is all the knitted items you can wear. When winter came upon us with a vengeance, I realised I needed a beanie, and I had a particular hankering for a beret.It wasn't until I purchased Wildspur, by Louisa Harding for a different pattern that I found the beret of my dreams. Kenzie. It was everything I wanted in a beret, lace, cables and a pompom! Unfortunately I ran out of wool for the pompom.

Details:

Mirasol Sulka, 3 skeins. It is knit on straight needles, although could be easily converted for circulars, and took just over a week to knit in between finishing the last ever Clap(otis).

I am thinking about adding a contrasting colour for the pom pom, red I think. Very Scottish!

I really love Wildspur, lots of great Highland inspired patterns. I am planning to make the Buchanan sideways cable and lace sweater (the reason I bought the book). Just waiting for the right yarn to speak to me.

A Quickie.....

2009-02-08T09:31:00.009Z

'cos I need to prepare for a play date.

Yep my dear friend Al is coming over to knit for the day. Sweet! I have to tidy the lounge room, get out the yarn winder and assorted wool (show & tell), the chocolate I bought her (I am off chocolate for a month, can you believe that?), and get some DVD's sorted.

Lucky it should only take 5 mins!!!

So finally here are some photos of some presents that arrived for me from Australia for xmas. I am a bit slow posting about them.

These little goodies are from Rose Red. Cashmere sock yarn from the knittery in Moses Fire, twin Caramello Koalas, a Violet Crumble & Tim Tams. YUM! Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou Rose Red they are all tops!

I also received 2 balls of Kaalund yarns Classic Two in Wisteria from the super lovely Bells. How did you know that was my favorite colourway? You are a star! The photo does not do the yarn justice so I may need to post about it again. And what should I make from this? Any suggestions??

Ahhhhh, knitterly love. Don't you just adore it!!

Normal Transmission Will Resume Shortly.

2009-02-02T22:08:00.007Z

Gosh, it has been nearly two months. Where did the time go?

With the run up to Chrimbo (that is English slang for Xmas!) and then New Year, I just havent had the brain capacity to blog. I am working on a project at work to implement a new HR system where I am working and it is taking all my words during the day and leaving me without words at night. Hard to believe I know!

So here I am. A day stuck at home. Snow. No buses. No trains. No tube. And I need at least 2 of the three modes of transport to get to work. Did I mention the snow? 8 inches over night. Nuts.

But did I mention the knitting time?? There is a knitting Goddess and she made it snow!

Just quickly, Here is what I am working on. Ink, by Black Dog Designs in Noro Cash Iroha in black. Tender Blankie by Wendy Bernard. Photos to follow.

And I have finished a few things too. Clap(otis) number 6 (although 3 & 4 are still on the sticks), and Kenzie by Louisa Harding (in Wildcroft pattern book, brilliant beret pattern that I love). And there are a few plans brewing for something special and unique.

And yes Bels, I promise to post more often. Normal Service has resumed!

The Week that was

2008-12-07T09:30:00.016Z

So much for me posting regularly! I had planned to post on my birthday, but somehow even though I didn't plan anything to celebrate, a lot happened!

So here I am.

What is Shazmina working on. Clapotis number six. The final one for a while. Although I do have to go back and finish 3 & 4! I am further along than this photo suggests.

I really need to make myself a beanie or beret, some fingerless gloves and another warm scarf. So they are going to be my alternate projects while completing the above mentioned project.

Most excitingly, I have my very own design in mind for the scarf. Its based on a few things I have seen around the traps on different knitted items, but putting them all together as a scarf. Will tell you more when (and if) it turns out as I hope it will.

I also have the Xmas socks for sister. I really must start those!

So what did I score for my birthday? Well I got a gift voucher from here from my lovely sister to buy a swift! An invitation to John Lewis to purchase

some birthday yarn from the lovely Margot. My friend Woolly Jitters cooked me a Roast lunch & arranged a visit to Socktopus, where she gave me a skein of Louet Mooi, seriously the most squishiest, rub it all over you body yarn I have ever touched! I got some lovely flowers from some work colleagues, a bottle of Moet from my boss (that was a really nice surprise).

And to top it off I bought myself some Hazel Knits sock yarn from Socktopus.

So, the festival of Shazmina, which lasted a week, was a rip roaring success! Loved every minute of it. Loved all my birthday messages from my peeps at home (I really do miss you all!). Loved it!

It has made the perfect start to this next year, and made me a lot less nervous about celebrating my next birthday. The beginning of my 40th year on this planet has been perfect and I owe a lot of it to you! Bring on 40!

Send Me Some Sock Love. Please!

2008-11-22T13:23:00.003Z

I need some sock love.

I need a bloody lot of sock love. I have to finish this pair, that is most important.

And then I have to knit two pairs for my sister. Unfortunately I made the mistake of saying, "What sort of socks would you like oh sister of mine?" To which she preceded to say, "Oh you know, over the knee, and can wear them with these weird shoes I bought that have a separate toe thingos, can you make them for me?"

"Of course"

Of bloody course! What the flippin' heck was I thinking?? Oh I know what you are saying, well you are Shazmina Bendi designs........

Flippin' heck people! Flippin'. Bloody. Heck!

Snow is forecast for Sunday, eeeeeek!

2008-11-20T19:45:00.005Z

Ok. At first I thought it would be fun, living in a cold country. Knitting alot.

But the reality is I cant knit quickly enough to make items to wear in this bloody cold weather. I mean if I could knit a jumper in a week while working full time, maybe I could do it.

But I cant. I have to pay rent. Which reminds me I need to buy a ticket in the Euro Millions. Winning 85 million GBP may free up some time for knitting!

But I digress.

I have been knitting, I have actually even finished something (don't faint!). The Lace Scarf from the Debbie Bliss knitting magazine. 2 skeins of Noro Cash Iroha, in a dark purple (112). I would definitely knit this pattern again. It is easy, quick and would make a great gift. Debbie really knows her stuff!

And now I am focussing on Clap(otis) number six. Maybe I will stay inside on Sunday and knit while I watch the snow.

Snow. Freakin' snow, people!

What is Happening in Shazmina Land?

2008-11-15T14:23:00.005Z

So after a gentle nudge from Bells (ok, it still took me over a week to post), here I am.

So what has Shazmina been up to? Well there was a trip to Madrid.

I took with me Clap(otis) number 5. It was a hit and looked really wonderful on the the fabulous Kel. Unfortunately I forgot to take photos, but am working on getting some on location in it's new home town.

So now I am working on the Lacy Scarf from Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine. For me. Yay! I am using Noro Cash Iroha in 112 (dark purple) colourway. It is going to look fab with my green autumn/spring coat.

Next project in line is Clapotis 6. I am making it in some Silk/Merino from The

Knittery. And then next in line is a Hemlock blanket in Cascade Ecoyarn in Latte colourway for a friends wedding present. And then there are the mad socks that are a gift for my sister. Over the knee socks, with a separate big toe. Japanese style. when will I ever learn!!

So that is about it for me at the moment. I pledge to make regular updates with the crafty goings on at casa Shazmina Bendi. That is my promise to Bells. And myself!!

Blimey!

2008-10-04T08:57:00.003+01:00

I have just found out why they call this country Old Blighty.

It is freakin cold people!! Average temperature this week in London, in the middle of the day, 12 degrees & windy.

AND to top it off, the kind souls that make the decisions in my apartment complex have decided that the Boiler needed replacing. NOW. (insert really bad words here). I of course had a summer doona, so had to purchase another last night. As I write I am snuggled up under my fabulous doona, the filling is made from corn starch (a renewable resource). Toasty and saving the environment. Love it!

Oh yes, and I REFUSE to use the word Duvet. It is on my banned list, along with bespoke (that is a whole other story!).

So what have I been knitting. Trying to finish Clapotis 5 (& have now lined up Clapotis 6). I finished a scarf for a friends birthday. You cant see the colours well, but it is made from Noro cash Iroha (shade 112) which is a lovely deep purple, and some Noro Silk Garden, ina colourway I cant remember. I used a BDK pattern, Noro Silk Garden Scarf, and modified it slightly (I think I CO less stitches).

I have been buying yarn, mostly to release back into the wild. Well ok into other peoples stashes. I was going to post a picture, but I don't want to spoil the surprise!!

And then there are these socks to finish. And a whole lot of other socks I want to start!!

Bring it on Knitting Goddess! BRING IT ON!

Sounds of Silence

2008-09-06T21:00:00.006+01:00

It has been a while.

I have been waiting. I have been knitting baby things.

I have been homesick.

I have been on holidays in Prague.

But I am back in London. The weather has changed and I am back to knitting big people things. More on that later.

I Have a Secret...

2008-08-01T19:11:00.012+01:00

I have de-stashed. Wonders will never cease! I have sent a beautiful skein of yarn away to a new home. I am feeling just a little bit abandoned. Rejected even.

This little beauty is winging it's way to an unsuspecting knitter.

mwahahaha! I know who it is, and you have no clue. nah nah na nah na!

I like the idea that the mystery knitter is sitting at home. With no idea that a little surprise is sneaking, ever so quietly, their way.

I am the knitting fairy.

Love it!

The Yarn Whisperer

2008-07-19T09:51:00.008+01:00

I have a LYS.

My very own LYS!! SQUEEEEAAAAAL!!!!

Stash Yarns are located in Putney, and I have to say they are lovely!! They are also online so check them out here.

The owner was ok when I fondled. She was ok when I rubbed the beautiful Handmaiden seasilk & Shibuiknits on my bosom. And the Mission Falls, well lets just say I got up close and personal!! ;)

And then I got the best knitting tip ever. When you knit your gauge, wear it inside you bra to make sure it doesn't itch your sensitive bits. Kinky I know, but you just know it feels soooooo good!

I bought some of this Fybrespates Dream sock yarn. Hand dyed in Wales, it is made from the wool of Bluefaced Leicester sheep. i really have to check these sheep out! It is so soft and squishy and the two colourways I bought are beautiful. I love this yarn! Sigh, they are only temporarily in my stash as they are to be gifted to a couple of gorgeous knitters I know.

I can't believe how good I was in this store! They had Shibuiknits in the store!! AND Koigu in colours I love!!! But I abstained. for the time being anyway!!

I will go back there very soon and buy some koigu for me. And some Art yarns. And some Shibuiknits. And some Mission Falls. And then there was the Blue sky Alpacas...............

Watching....

2008-07-06T09:44:00.006+01:00

This is how I am spending my weekend.

A good book.

And coffee.

I know it seems sacrilegious, reading about the English and drinking coffee, but I love it! Monmouth Coffee, the best I have found in London. AND the only place you can order a flat white AND they know what you are talking about!!

This book was recommended to me by a German man I work with. Written by an English Anthropologist, it looks at quaintly

english behaviour (the stuff that is driving me nuts!). I am enjoying it so far, cant wait until I get to the chapter about sex!! ;)

Did I hear the word Sale??

2008-07-01T22:24:00.011+01:00

In the UK there is a store called John Lewis. A lot like Myer....... but on yarn steroids (yarnoids??)

The biggest store, on Oxford Street in London has a yarn section that defies description. It has THE biggest display of Rowan that I have ever seen. And yes, Rose Red, I fondled. I squeezed. And I gently caressed my bosom with the beeeeooooootiful Rowan yarn. And the Debbie Bliss. Noro. Mirasol.

This photo cant convey how much yarn there is. Maybe there are bigger displays with more yarn. But this blew my mind. More impressive than that shop in the centre of Sydney that shall remain nameless.

And this week they are having a Summer Sale. Yes, that is what I said, it is Summer over here! We had a heat wave today, two consecutive days over 24 (today was 26!).

Mostly it was Rowan , Jaeger and Debbie Bliss cotton yarn on sale. But the real exciting news is this. I got 8 skeins of Noro Cash Iroha (black) for 30 pounds! That is just over AU$60! Yay for me!!!

And Nora, guess what I am going to make from it??

ps the correct answer is a certain knitting pattern printed in February in the S'n'B desk calendar!!!

pps These photos are of only part of the yarn available. I was too overwhelmed to take an more. I needed a quite moment to reflect and fondle!

Wherever I Lay My Head

2008-06-28T19:22:00.009+01:00

So, finally I have got out & about and have taken some photos. I thought I would show you the place I now call home. This is my bedroom window, blinds closed because my room is a mess (currently known as the pit of despair!).

Kind of nice from the outside, huh! I live in a "private estate" as the committee (or grand dames of the heath, as I like to call them) keep telling us. We have had a couple of notes (kindly written on with compliments slip) letting us know that we need to fix our curtains and not hang washing in the window (our dryer is broken & we are waiting for landlord to fix it). So many rules for living here, & I think you can probably guess how I feel about rules!! :)

And here is the front of our lovely apartment, that is the lounge room bay window. The estate has just over 100 apartments, each building has 3 floors. It also has a couple of

tennis & squash courts as well. Very posh huh!!

As I said, it is a place to live and I love being surrounded by the heath, the trees and open space make me feel like I don't actually live in London. I am guessing that is why lots of Aussies, Kiwis and Saffas (Sth Africans) live in Putney.

I promise when I have cleaned my room I will take some inside photos. I had to take advantage of the sunny weather today, who knows when that will happen again. ;)

On knitting & Teenage Angst

2008-06-23T13:13:00.007+01:00

Isn't blogging a funny thing?

Like life really. Two different people can go to the same shop and have totally different experiences. And you think it would end there. But no, they then feel the need to blog about it, and trash anyone who has a different experience or opinion of that shop. (Yes I am making a vague reference to a blog I recently read that trashed a different yarn store in London that I have yet to visit. I know, hard to believe that I have yet to visit a yarn store in London, but it is sadly true!)

I have been trying to decide whether to blog about my experience of going into iKnit. It wasn’t good. I didn’t like it. Mainly because the customer service was non existent. Ok to clarify, I did not experience any customer service. Many people in London really like this store, I think I am going to sit on the fence for the moment.

My two experiences of this store (once going to a S’N’B session and once to the store while they were having a S’N’B session) so far have left me cold. I felt ignored. Like the new kid at a new school, when the other kids look at you but no one stops and says hello.

It wasn’t inclusive, or fun or warm and welcoming. But I am wise enough to know that those were just my expectations of how I wanted it to be and not the reality I experienced. And then there is the reality of those people who love the place and go back for more. Neither of us is wrong, nor right, just have different experiences of the same shop.

So while it may not be MY favourite place to shop for yarn in London, it is the favourite shop of many avid knitters. I will go back if I need something specific from there. And I will DEFINITELY be going to see the Yarn Harlot (sorry guys, had to slip that in!!). And maybe sometime soon I will try, again, to go to a S’N’B session and get over my teenage angst and insecurities about not fitting in. And actually say:

‘My name is Shazza, I am Orstraalian and I knit. Can I join your gang??’

So if you are in London, definitely go and have a look at iKnit. You may just have a fantastic time!

Just a quick one!

2008-05-25T13:34:00.004+01:00

ok, it has been a while.
Lots been happening.
I have had my first WTF am I doing here moment.
Shortly followed by the I hate this place, the English are mad I tell you (mad, mwahahahaha!).

And now I am more settled.

I have a place to live. Here:

View Larger Map

Putney Heath. Right above the K in Kingston Rd. On prtsmouth rd, surrounded by heath. And I have a local pub, it is so cute, looks like it is in the country (BP, you would be so impressed!). I will post photos soon.

And about that. I am staying with a friend in Surbiton (out woop woop) and have left the cable for my camera in Golders Green (less out woop woop, but in North London). So no photos at the moment.

And Rose Red, I have many new shoes to show you.

And yarn, OMG the yarn!

And then there is this.

He he he! Yes I am evil, but you know you love me anyway!!

Missing you all, more than you know!

It has been a week

2008-04-14T16:13:00.002+01:00

Since I arrived in London.

And you will all laugh. It snowed as I arrived.

Settle on the ground snow.

Freeze your behind off snow.

Bloody snow.

And I didn't have a jacket.

Who comes to London with out some kind of warm jacket? (I don't know Shazmina, some kind of nut job like you???). Lets just say I was thankful for a lovely pair of Fetchings (thanks Brown pants) and a wonderful sister who arrived to meet me with a coat with her.

I have met up with one of the two knitting friends I have in London. Have got the addresses for a couple of yarn stores in London which I will be checking out this week.

So it is all happening. Slowly. But it is happening.

More updates soon!

You look like an Angel......

2008-04-03T10:39:00.006+01:00

Walk like an angel
Talk like an angel
But I got wise
You're are the devil in disguise
oh yes you are
the devil in disguise

At least that is what Elvis told me last Friday night. Sigh. He sang to me. Me folks! I was in heaven! Elvis Pizza, Rushcutters Bay. Loads of fun, I had the best night, thanks to Brownpants for organising!! It means more than anyone will know that she arranged this for me. She is TOPS!

I do feel a bit devilish though, it has been so long since I have written a post and I have no excuse. Yes I have had a lot on, but that is not a valid reason. My brain has just been so full I have had no space left to post until now. And even now I have no craft to report on.

I have however, made time to read your blogs. Even if I didnt write a message I was there. Lurking. For a while I felt sad, because I am going to miss you all while I am in the UK. Until I realised that the inernet exists there as well (like, duh shazmina!). So then I was happy again. I dont have to say goodbye to you all (I HATE goodbyes) it is just catch you soon!

I fly out on Saturday, and promise to try and post at least once more before I go. And when I get on the other side, I promise to make contact. I will read AND post on your blogs. I will set up the supply chain for all that yummy Rowan, Debbie Bliss and Colinette yarn. I will be good.

No more devil in disguise for this little angel!

MAKE. IT. GO. AWAY.

2008-02-05T23:31:00.000Z

I have been meaning to post.

No really, I have. But there is sooooo much going on. I feel like there is limited brain capacity to do anything except rock back and forth murmuring "make it all go away"!

No seriously. MAKE.IT.GO.AWAY.

I have a HUGE list of things to do before I leave. HUGE. Well actually there are several lists going on.

The craft list.

The packing up house list.

The selling my goods and chattels list.

The finding Meena a home list.

So many lists, so little time! Due to current limited brain capacity, and overwhelming feelings of stress, I have now decided to split the craft list in two.

The Craft before I go list

The Craft when I get there list.

And to make it hard to start anything on the second list, I am planning to post all items on that list to the UK in preparation for my arrival.

Sounds sensible. So unlike me!

Had a great weekend. Mrs Bendi came to visit. We saw Billy Elliott (those kids are soooooo talented!) ate lots of dumplings & Tapas, bought a lot of fabric. ALOT! Why? I have no idea, especially as I am on the countdown to my (imminent) departure. Generally we had a great time! I have found the older I get, the more I appreciate my Mum & the more I enjoy spending time with her. Guess it takes a while to realise how cool your parents really are!

Beanie pattern by Jo Sharp (cant remember the book due to current limited brain capacity) 8ply silk merino from The Knittery in Charcoal colour way. And yes, it is on the craft before I go list!

The Clap(otis) Disaster

2008-01-13T22:04:00.000Z

On Friday I discovered that I had "over shot" the increase rows of the latest Clap(otis), you know the lace weight one. As I wondered why the bloody thing was taking so long to knit, I re-read the pattern notes.

So, you know the increase part of the pattern where you knit 6 repeats (12 rows in a repeat).

Well I knit an extra 7 REPEATS!

That is 84 extra increase rows on a lace weight Clap(otis) people!

And that is all I am going to say about that!

I AM FREAKING OUT PEOPLE!

2008-01-07T22:45:00.000Z

I am quietly freakin' out. Not because it is January 8 and I am in the middle of our bonus "season" here at work (yes, there are weather systems associated with our bonuses!). Not because I am still completing Christmas craft (don't ask & my apologies to those people who received their gifts in 2008. Woops!).

I am, just quietly, freakin' out because I am moving to London. Yep, the United Kingdom. Home of Rowan and Colinette. And I am planning to be in London for April 1, 2008.

And now you know why I am freakin' out.

I have to renew passport. Apply for Ancestry visa. Sell ALL my goods and chattels. Find a home for Princess Meena (trying not to think about that one, it makes me very sad).

And I have already hit minor hurdles. NEVER let your passport expire. I did and so far I have had one passport interview which was a disaster. Photo was wrong. AND I signed outside of the box. I wish I could show you all just how many mm's of my signature was outside the box. Bureaucracy! So now I am trying to organise another photo (I have already cut up 1 set of photos) and new forms.

And I am trying not to think about the people I will miss while I am gone. I keep telling myself that I will still be talking to you all via blogland. And that I will become your supplier of Colinette and Rowan (OMG I am trying to be a pusher like Rose Red!).

But I am just freakin' out. I don't like goodbyes. Have made too many in my life. I think it is because we moved around a bit when I was a kid ( I am an Army brat), that I have a particular hatred of them. Anyways I try and avoid them if I can, but this time I am going to be brave and face it head on.

And yes, I am excited. Excited about meeting men with accents (ok, I have a particular weakness for English/Irish/Scottish accents. And I want to develop a weakness for Spanish accents!). Travelling around Europe. Spending time getting to know my sister again. And knitting big warm woolly things for cold winters. YUM!!!!

Crikey! Lots to do, lots to knit, before I go.

So what am I up to craft wise at the moment?

Xmas craft. Still.
And then some more Xmas craft! Still!
Finding homes for more of these little fellas.

This is Melvin. He recently attended a NYE party, where he totally disgraced himself after too many G & T's. Bad Alien bear!

And there is the never ending lace Clap(otis), a Le Slouch, another lace Clap(will I ever learn??) and the beginning of Birthday craft. How can it be that I know soooooooo many people who are born in March?? What is that about??

So as I practice my deep breathing and meditation techniques, you will understand why I am not writing any NY resolution lists or goals. I have so many lists going at the moment it would get lost in the crowd!!

So the only thing I am promising myself, and you my gentle readers, is that I WILL visit Colinette in Wales in 2008!!

Xmas, Craft & Life Beyond Mars

2007-12-30T10:23:00.000Z

Well now that xmas is over I can start revealing a couple of the things I have made.

Allow me to introduce you to Trevor. Alien bear, looking for a new home. He has now been happily re-homed with Murphy.

Trevor had so much fun during his flying visit at casa Bendi's that he sent out an interplanetary call to all his friends. First to arrive has been Melvin.

He is a little bit weirded out by earth, although he is now quite fond of G & T's. He is about to be re-homed with Joel, my little friend who lives next door.

And there are a few more of Trevors' friends on the way.

Got to keep it quiet though, I would hate the govt to get hold of them before I can find them new homes!

Merry Xmas to all my crafty friends!

2007-12-24T00:14:00.001Z

Lots going on at the moment. Too much for me to get my wee little mind around (ok, I actually have a rather large mind as it is crammed with all these thoughts, ideas and general questions about life, the universe, and whether I can use my credit card for buying that beautiful Shibui Knits sock yarn I saw on that website???)

Some of it is a little secret, you know with Christmas and all, so can't post about it just yet. And the rest, well I am freakin' out about it and if I say it out loud I will freak out about it even more! (dont worry it is all very, very good!).

But what I can say is Merry Xmas to you all. I have really enjoyed reading your blogs and seeing what you all get up to, it has been a blast! I look forward to reading about all your adventures in the New Year!

Take it easy, enjoy your celebrations tomorrow and most importantly,
BE EXCELLENT TO EACH OTHER!!

Hogs & Quiches,

Shazmina

ps yes, I did watch Bill & Ted's excellent Adventure on the weekend. LOVE IT!!!

Put Your Hands Together...

2007-12-04T04:42:00.001Z

Kick in the butt Clapotis 1
Originally uploaded by shazminabendi

for another Clapotis!

Or as I like to call it the "Thanks for kicking me in the butt and making me realise that I am too good for this job" Clap(otis). It is a thankyou for reminding me of this:

"What's terrible is to pretend that the second-rate is first-rate. To pretend that you dont need love when you do; or you like your work when you know quite well you're capable of better." - Doris Lessing

I hear you Doris. WTF am I doing here?!?!

ps no need to fear folks, plans are a foot to remedy this situation post haste!

pps 2ply silk merino from The Knittery, Roses colourway

Remember Me??

2007-11-26T08:42:00.000Z

I am that girl who used to post here. That is until the pre-birthday introspection kicked in.

Needless to say, that day past with out much drama (it was yesterday), actually I had a really great time. More (including photos) about the Inaugural Shazmina Bendi Lawn Bowls tournament tomorrow.

I have been crafting, and working on a variety of stuff. Some of which I cant talk about quite yet, but here is a sneak peek.

All righty tighty, I need to go and meditate some more before I head back to work tomorrow.

ps meditate is code for a G & T!!

Little Bit of Happy

2007-11-10T07:39:00.000Z

Well, it's not knitting related but this purchase made me happy today.

A bit of a splurge (dont fret it was on sale) but who can resist a beautiful handbag.

*SIGH* so no yarn purchases this month. But hey, I have more yarn than I could possibly knit in a month so I should be fine!!

ps sock knitting fits nicely into bag, with all my other bits and bobs!!

Just Quietly

2007-11-04T10:38:00.000Z

I have started knitting a birthday present that is 10 months overdue. And I Hate it.

Dont get me wrong.
Love the pattern, it's the Forest Canopy Shawl. This is the third time knitting it. Love it!
Love the yarn. it's Tweed Cascade 220, by Cascade Yarns in the Cordovan colourway. A deep, rich red/maroon with tweed flecks of yellow and blue. Lovely yarn to knit with.

But together, DISASTER.

The problem I have is this. The recipient selected the yarn. And her favourite colour is maroon. And I hate it. Brings back memories of school uniforms in a Victorian winter. Maroon jumper, lemon yellow blouse and bottle green trousers. I think a colour blind man picked that combo!!!

Anyways, I am perservering. I keep motivated by the thought that the shawl will be a bit like a big warm hug. That image is working so far, but not sure how long it will last!

Might have to purchase a little bit of happy from The Knittery. Or ebay.

Oh and I am not taking photos. I just cant bring myself to post a picture!

So, just quietly, have you ever had this problem? And how did you motivate yourself to finish the item in question?

Shazmina's First Steps

2007-10-28T01:20:00.000+01:00

Baby steps in Shazmina's knitting world look like this.

This was the very first thing I knitted. It is the Hothead Beanie from the first SNB book. I knit it in double 8 ply (Cleckheaton Country). And there is a story.

It was 2005 and I was lucky enough to go away on a craft weekend with a bunch of fabulous women I had met through Sadie and Lance (she is a true craft legend!). 3 days of eating, drinking and watching Sex and the City. Oh and there was craft of course!

I was determined to knit a garment. Sadie and Lance had got me practicing knit and purl, and I had a kind of odd looking scarf in beeeeooootiful pink acrylic. (So many acrylics died for that poor scarf!) I wanted to knit a functional item sooooo badly that I did not leave the house for walks down to the lake (Lake Macquarie for Oz readers). It took me three days to knit this beanie (that now takes a couple of hours) and even then I didn't sew it up before we left.

But I finished that damned beanie! And you know I dont even think I have ever worn it. I know this because I have yet to sew the ends in!!

Ahhhh memories. So there you have it Shazmina's first knitted project. It makes me realise how far I have come as a knitter, and how much more there is to learn.

Now if I could only further harness the Craft Goddess and her knitting mojo and finish some UFO's, well that would be an accomplishment!

While the Cat's Away......

2007-10-26T01:34:00.000+01:00

This little mouse will play!

So I have a quick moment to write a wee little post. Above is a photo of my Lorna's Laces One Hank Socks, by Black Dog Knits. This is actually the first sock, although I am up to about the same place on it's wee little friend. Will post pics of that one on the weekend.

I think this photo shows the Lorna's colourway a lot better than my previous posts. You will also note the 30cm circular, which I love. I have a theory that your favorite sock knitting method, whether it is DPN's, Magic loop, two circulars or 30cm circulars, really depends on what you used to knit your first pair of socks. LOL! Listen to me, like I am an expert, this is my second pair of socks, first pair using 4ply!!

So this weekend I will be a shut in, complete with (Princess) Meena, a bottle of Gin (I promise not to drink it all!), DVD's and chocolate. I will be knitting and doing some other miscellaneous craft, which I promise to post about over the weekend.

Well I better get back to it, never know what spies are about ready to report back to the camp commandant!!!

ps No I don't work in an over regulated environment, just been watching Hogan's Heroes!!

The times, they are a changin'

2007-10-18T12:23:00.000+01:00

Thanks to all the lovely comments on my last post. I realised that I should have explained the reason for "the talk's" (yes, gentle readers, I have now had two talks by two different people).

One of my colleagues has been offered a amazing job opportunity within the company I work for. As is the way of many global behemoths, we are not replacing her. We are in fact "reallocating her work within HR" as the organisation was notified on Tuesday. For me, this means more work, but it will be more interesting, more responsibility and require more professional behaviour from me. And to be fair, I was told that they felt I was up to it, I just need to be more confident that I know what I am talking about, because I do.

Oh and then a secret HR catch phrase was handed down to me. (Insert here the bright light shining down and angelic choir singing in the background). The one that is used, confidently, when discussing an issue with a supervisor or employee. The one that makes a HR professional sound like they are supremely confident and know what they are talking about. The one that really means "I have absolutely no clue, I just don't want you to know that." If I told you the phrase, I would be hunted down by a pack of rabid HR professionals and destroyed. THAT is how secret this phrase is. "Use the force wisely Shazmina" I was told.

As for the additional responsibility, I crave it. I actually had made plans to embrace more responsibility and more interesting work. Just didn't think it would be with this company. Goes to show that you really do need to be careful what you wish for.

Of course when this change was first discussed, it didn't even occur to me that it could affect me. Not until the first talk. And, oh to be a fly on the wall. Or one of the voices in my head. Because let me tell you when I was told that all I had been asking for was to be laid before me my thoughts were these:

* How am I going to blog at work when I have work to do?
* How will I be able to run around the halls screaming " I am Ms (insert company name here) listen to me roar!"? and do other somewhat inappropriate (for a HR professional) activities.
* How can I do my current job and these other tasks?
* How can I continue to spend a big chunk of work time dreaming about knitting and other craft?

eeekkkkkk!

So as the details are hashed out, and until I see the reality of these "new responsibilities" I am on my best behaviour. How long it will last is anyone's guess. ok, we all know it will last until the next Interweave knits, knitty or Vogue Knitting is published!

And so for knitting. I have completed one sock. One half of a pair. I am quite happy with it, although am unsure if it will fit the foot of the intended recipient. I think it will stretch a bit when blocked/worn so should be ok.

Details are:
Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, Rainbow 1 skein
Heirloom 4ply in green and purple for heel and toe
Merino Bambino 4ply in a blue/purple colour for picot edge.
3mm 30cm circular & 3mm dpns

Pattern - Black Dog Knits, Lorna's Laces One Hank Socks

Still working my way through the third Clapotis and Voyager stole. I also completed another adult sized Little cables Hat last weekend. But this week I have not picked up the sticks. I am just so tired when I get home from work, is anyone else feeling knackered??

Dont make me do it!

2007-10-15T11:14:00.000+01:00

Or I will sick my cranky guard cat onto you!

So I have been a little quiet on the blogging front. And for good reason.
I got the talk.

You know the one. "You have to grow up and fly right young lady".

Otherwise known as the "You are 40 soon Shazmina, you need to think about your career. Where your going. Your financial security". (please note: it is EXACTLY 2 years and 41 days until I am 40 people! NOT soon!!!!!!!).

Also known as the "You spend alot of time on the internet. Have you thought maybe you should be doing, well, work?"

Um well hello. I AM working. Just not on anything that you pay me for!

So, in a nutshell, I have been behaving myself at work. Unfortunately blogging has suffered.
What the *$#&! is THAT about???
Not much to tell. And more importantly no photos of the things I do have to talk about. eeeeeek!

So what has been happening?

I have been to two weddings in a week. One in the Hunter Valley. And in only one I knew the bride and/or groom. And I had a great time at both.

Finished a sock, or is that one half of a pair of socks? Hmmm, ponderance?
With all the completer/finishing over at SSoS I am tempted to start a collection of mismatched, incomplete pairs of socks.

Just for fun.

Just to be different.

Just to wave the flag for all those out there that are muddling along, enjoying the slow, steady pace of knitting.

I AM a rebel. I AM breaking away.

Just not sure what from................. tee hee hee!

37 yo SWF, who does not look a day over 100!

2007-10-01T10:57:00.000+01:00

100 posts that is!

Well, that is if you dont count the 13 drafts. The ones that I started to write, but never quite finished. No surprise there, I am the Queen of all that is incomplete and unfinished after all!

Although, if the past week is anything to go by, I will have to hand over the mantle to another, more deserving soul. Any takers? Who shall be the new QUEEN OF THE UFO's????? Nominations are open NOW!!

I have just finished an Adult sized Little Cables Hat. AND I have sewn in the ends. Claudine & Rose Red, this is a really LOVELY pattern to knit. YOU ROCK!

I know, I know. "Who are you and what have you done with Shazmina?" I hear you say. Never fear, I am still here, just been working through some stuff this past week and knitting has been helping me be calm and centred. And as we all know, knitting is fantastic therapy.

But I digress.

As promised, here are some photos of the sock yarn I have dyed. Isnt it lush??!! I am pretty pleased with the results, although as I am a prefectionist (ok Jejune, I still laugh at that!) I am not sure that I can give away my first born/s. They are just not quite, perfect. Well ok, maybe that is just an excuse so I don't give them away!

First is my juicy plum. Rich deep blue/red purple. Slightly saucy, in a Nigella type of way. Yumalicious!

And second, the Blue Gin. Is it Blue/green/yellow?/ Who knows it is a little bit magic, a little bit wrong!

So what should I make with them? There is 350m of each colour, but I just can't decide on what sock pattern to use.
Any suggestions?

I FOUND IT!

2007-09-30T04:00:00.000+01:00

My mojo that is!

Smaller projects, quick knits, were the best thing to ramp up the mojo. And funnily enough that was the suggestions from most of you very lovely people out there.

So here is what I have done in the past week.

One umbilical cord beanie, for newly preggers friend. The Knittery 4 ply, in coral reef colour way. Left overs from the Big Bad Baby Blanket

One knitted request. A beanie for sista dreadlock. This is the best I could do, as far as a photo goes. Essentially it is a sock for someone with lots of hair or dreads. Made from Cleckheaton Gusto, it is based on a photo my Sista sent through. I need to think of a name for it, maybe Sista Dread???

And finally, Calorimetry from Knitty. This is the third one I have made and found I had to adjust the pattern, it was just too big (or maybe I have an extra small head and wee little brain? NOT LIKELY!!!!). If you want a copy of my notes for adjusting size, feel free to email. This one is made out of the Bamboozle, bamboo yarn from Lincraft.

And so now I find myself ready to get stuck into the Voyager stole. But not before I dye some sock yarn.
MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Knitting Mojo, where for art thou?

2007-09-23T10:15:00.000+01:00

I have no knitting mojo. I am mojo-less.

I just cant seem to get into knitting again after my trip. I have, however after a fair whack of pondering, narrowed my lack of mojo down to this.

The Voyager stole.

It is "the cause". Not because it is difficult, but because it is going to take time.

Not steeked time (Bells you are a patient/determined/amazing woman), so I should'nt complain. But time none the less. So I have decided to start work on an easy, quick project that I can knit concurrently with the Voyager stole. My thinking behind this is to try and work up my knitting mojo into a bit of a crescendo and then jump, boots and all, back into the Voyager stole.

What do you think? Will it work?? Time will tell I guess!

So here is a question for you, gentle readers.
What do you do, when you are feeling out of knitting sorts, to get yourself back in the mood??

Time flies when you are having fun.....

2007-09-21T01:07:00.000+01:00

Or so they say.

So, I got back from my mini holiday last Sunday. And it has taken this long to get back to normal (whatever the heck my normal is). I think I needed to process all that happened while spending a week with my parents, who I love dearly, but could NEVER live with. Well I probably could, but would prefer my independence.

So, I arrived back to Sydney to find the ever loving Princess Meena had, at some point during my absence, thrown up in my bed. Yes, you read it correctly, she threw up IN my bed.

Would I do that?

MY BED PEOPLE! The little minx had crawled under the sheet, 2 blankets and doona (it has been a cold winter here in Sydney!) , made herself at home AND THEN decided to cough up a furball.

So Sunday night, when I wanted to crawl into bed, under the sheets, 2 blankets and a doona, I was DELIGHTED to find my little surprise. For a brief moment I actually seriously considered just crawling in and pretending IT wasn't there. But even though it was dried (I could peel it off the sheets people!) the smell would have been too much for me.

So I remade the bed (with different sheets, same 2 blankets and doona) and crawled in, happy (finally) to be in my own bed. And with ABSOLUTELY no shame, Princess Meena jumped on my bed curled up next to me and went to sleep.

I don't have alot of craft news for you. I didn't do nearly as much knitting as I had hoped while on holidays. My Mum is a smoker and she smokes in her house (because it is her house). I didn't realise quite how much of an obsessive knitter I had become (OK I lie, I KNOW I am obsessed!) until I refused to pull out any of the projects I brought with me because I didn't want the to smell of smoke.

The good news is that I am meeting up with some good craftin' buddies tomorrow, so I should get my mojo back and plough on into the many projects that are on my hit list.

Sigh, so many projects so little time!

PS. Princess Meena and I have been playing "keep the kitty out of my bed" since Sunday. Shazmina 5, Princess Meena 0.

And so it is done!

2007-09-14T05:40:00.000+01:00

The best thing about being on the Sunshine coast is the weather. It is PERFECT blocking weather!!! LOL! You knew this holiday had to be all about craft!!

So I have blocked the Clapotis, it is now massive! Love it!

I have blocked the Big Bad Baby Blanket. It is currently winging it's way to it's new owner. I hope he likes it!

And I am just about to block my Forest Canopy Shawl. You know the one. The one I made for me, out of the Cherry Tree Hill silk merino in the Peacock colourway. Love it! Cant wait to start using it! Photos soon.

How was your week?

Coming Home

2007-09-12T00:43:00.000+01:00

View out front of my parents home

What is it about a homecoming that makes you become introspective? Makes you wonder what life would have been like had you stayed? Would you be happy not knowing that there was more to life out there in the big wide world?

I have been pondering that very fact the last couple of days.

I have also come to accept that I am a country girl. I should explain. I have always described myself as a country girl, but have always though it was a strange term to use as I come from the Sunshine Coast. More precisely Nambour. I mean really, I am a coastie/surfie girl, arent I?

It hit me yesterday that Nambour is a country town. I am not sure if I have been trying to make it something more than it is, but lets face it, it is a country town. With a Big Pineapple.

I, like most of the kids around here have worked at the Big Pineapple (during Uni holidays). I also had my Year 12 Formal there. Yes friends my formal was at the Big Pineapple. Still makes me giggle.

Ahhhh, memories!

But memories are just that. I drove to Maroochydore on Saturday, through what used to be canefields. But they are gone now. Just like the sugar mill, which used to rain down long delicate pieces of ash all over Nambour during milling season. All gone. And I am sad about that. The tall, green cane was beautiful. Even during dry times Nambour looked green. Now it just looks dry and tired.

Today I am off to the Eumundi markets. I remember when they were only on Saturday and full of hippies with the coolest arts & craft for sale. Those were the days. The markets are still good. There are still hippies. But it is just that little bit more commercial now. I will post some pictures tonight of the Markets and the treasures I find.

Until then, I will keep reminiscing about the way it used to be.

ps G, I am starting to sound like an old timer!

pps You were right Rose Red, Mrs bendi made Rhubarb and Apple Fluffy lst night. It was delicious! Good tucker for political prisoners!

It's been 5 days

2007-09-11T05:08:00.000+01:00

since my incarceration at Camp Bendi. The orange jump suit is starting to chaffe. Not sure when I will get to wash it. Will washing make it softer?

The wardens are getting suspicious that I am trying to make an escape so they have begun to watch me closely. This may be the only message I can get out to those of you on the outside.

Tell Princess Meena I love her, and I will make contact as soon as I can.

Got to go , the warden is coming!

Shazmina

Catching up

2007-09-04T06:08:00.000+01:00

So much to tell, so little time.

This Friday I am off on holidays for a week to Casa de Bendi, on the Sunshine Coast. I am looking forward to Mr and Mrs Bendi Snr, looking after me while I relax, eat, drink and most importantly, knit! I promise to post and tell you about my adventures back in my home town!

So, for the moment, lets recap on a couple of my previous posts.

How are these Apples
Well I got some great suggestions for knitting books, thanks to you gorgeous crafty chicas. It is interesting to note, that most of the books suggested were already on my list. So it just goes to show that way cool & trendy knitting types do think alike! YOU ROCK!
Suggestions were:

Barbara G Walker: any and all of the Treasury of knitting Patterns books. Sigh, they are all are on my wish list!
Maggie Righetti: Knitting in Plain English. I have her Crochet book and it is awesome!
Elizabeth Zimmerman: Kintting Without Tears
Victorian Lace Today
Lisa Kartus: Knit Fix. I like the idea of a book that tells you how to fix mistakes!
Setsuko Torii: Hand-Knit Works (Japanese) mmmmm dont know if I am brave enough for this one yet!
Nancie M Wiseman: The Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques

There are more titles in the comments of that post. Thanks Amy, Five Ferns Fiberholic, Rose Red, Nora, Jejune, Bells for your suggestions. I now have a very healthy Knitting book shopping list. My Credit Card salutes you!

Weekend To Do List
So what did I complete last weekend?

Well I knew the To Do List was ambitious, all I actually completed were the Clapotis repeats. BUT, I did wind the Colinette Jitterbug into a yarn cake in preparation for the casting on of teh Nereid Fingerless gloves. That counts doesnt it? Feast your eyes on this little beauty. mmmmmmmmm Colinette. Jitterbug. Salty Dog. mmmmmmmmmm

Weekend To Do List

2007-08-31T05:36:00.000+01:00

Here it is. My third Clapotis. I have nearly completed the increase rows, and am really getting into the pattern. Again. But it does beg the question. How many Clapotis does a girl REALLY* need??

So, my TO DO list for this weekend is as follows:

3 repeats of the Clapotis
5 repeats for the Voyager stole
cast on the Nereid gloves

Ambitious much? Maybe. BUT I am meeting up with some crafty chicas, so I will have the support I need to meet this mighty challenge!

* That is a REAL need as opposed to a BURNING desire!

when life goes awry

2007-08-30T11:34:00.000+01:00

Sometimes there are no words.

What can you say to someone who's partner isn't coming home?
To another who is feeling an empty space more keenly?
And to a friend who feels that love has abandoned them?

Different reasons, but three hearts broken.

And for once, I don't have alot to say except that I am thinking of you all.

Colinette Jitterbug for my Nereid fingerless gloves.

Diary of a Reformed Incompleter

2007-08-27T11:50:00.000+01:00

As I finished the Big Bad Baby Blanket on the weekend, I wondered what became of the old Shazmina. She of the "completer/finisher" issues.

I think I left her somewhere back there. Back before the Cherry Tree Hill Forest Canopy shawl. The Seasilk Clapotis. The 8 ply socks. Before the scrumptious Earth Clapotis. And most importantly back there, way beyond the Big Bad Baby Blanket.

I was feeling, smug. And as I walked into my craft room, I was feeling all zen and enlightened, like I was the ultimate knitting machine.

And then I saw it. The cupboard. the one full of yarn and way too many UFO's to count.

And it hit me. I am making progress, but there is a very long way to go!!

And a thought. Maybe it would look lot better if all those projects were in a much bigger cupboard. Much bigger.

Some things never change!! ;)

BEWARE! I am having a Single, White, Female moment!

2007-08-24T05:53:00.000+01:00

Lately I have found myself having a few "copying" moments. And they all involve this gorgeous creature. I can only think that subconsciously I want to "BE" her. MWAHAHAHAHAHA!

First, it was my intense desire for a warm and cozy version of her first Clapotis. Which inspired the Earth Clapotis I recently completed. And now it is her second lace version that has captured my lust.

And so it goes. I am going to cast on another Clapotis for myself, using this
4 ply yarn from the knittery. It is in the Vineyard colourway and I am SERIOUSLY in love with it.

mmmmmmmm, Vineyard! This photo does not do it justice.

So this is going to be the alternate in my knitting roster. The project I do for some relief from the Voyager stole.

Or so that is what I tell myself. Because it is really all about her............

please note: I am not seriously as creepy as this post sounds. Or am I??? MWAHAHAHAHA!

How are these Apples?

2007-08-21T11:11:00.000+01:00

I am not the type that blames her instruments for faulty workmanship. But look at the difference a quality camera makes!

This is three repeats of the "test" Voyager stole. Details are:

Size: small (co 60)
yarn: 4ply from Nundle Woollen Mills, Gardenia
3 pattern repeats

I really like this pattern. It's not too difficult (in my opinion) but is a step up from beginner lace patterns. Noice.

I am making a full size of the stole as a gift for a friend who is getting married in mid October. And this is the yarn.
2 ply silk/merino from The Knittery in the Denim colourway (blue is her favorite colour). It feels luscious. And I think it will look great in this stole pattern.

UPDATE: bugger just got thrown out of Blogger.

On another knitting related note, I thought I would ask you a question. I am looking to expand my knitting library. I have a great stash of crochet pattern and reference books but only a couple of knitting books (I dont think Jo Sharp mags count do they?).

So the question is, "If there was one knitting book you HAD to have, what would it be?"

Have a ponder on that and feel free to post suggestions!! :)

22665

2007-08-19T03:27:00.000+01:00

That is where I am on the Ravelry list. There are 4078 people in line behind me. I dont care how many are in front because, well they are in front of me. Dammit!

And that is all I have to say about that!

I have started a test knit of the Voyager stole. I had forgotten how easy it is to make mistakes in a pattern until you memorise it. Had to unknit a few rows, but apart from that I do like the pattern. I am knitting the small size, so only had to CO 60 stitches (yay!) but it is still quite wide. I am using 4ply Retro from Nundle Woolen Mills in the Gardenia (cream) colourway. VERY undersated for me. I think that is Nora's influence. I am starting to enjoy the subtleties of colour as well as the brash.

Anywho, when I have finished a couple of repeats I will post a picture.

In other related craft news, my dear friend the Obsessive Compulsive Craftster (who still doesnt have a blog, even though I have been nagging her for ages!) has bequeathed me some crafty goodness that isnt making the trip OS. Needles and Fimo! These are the wooden needles that her enabler has made her (he made the circular needles) that are yet to have ends attached. Guess what I spent yesterday making? FUN FUN FUN!! Unfortunately, the ends I made ended up in the bin. I am a prefectionist and they were not quite what I was after.

But I will perservere.

I also inherited the charming PUSS, in boots. He has asked that I kindly refrain from dreaming about frozen kittens and to lavish all my attention on him. Princess Meena is not impressed!

Frozen Kittens & the Strange Workings of a Spinsters Mind

2007-08-16T02:43:00.000+01:00

The other night I dreamt that I had several (around 6 ) kittens frozen in my Fridge. I had decided I was over Princess Meena, so it was time to defrost the kittens. A somewhat sensible thought. But what the heck were they doing in my freezer??

Picture a huge block of ice with cute wee little kittens that looked alot like Albert.
Gorgeous!

As they were defrosting I was freaking out that I had frozen kittens. FREAKING OUT PEOPLE! But then low and behold they were alive and surprisingly dry, and cute! And I got to cuddle all 6 of them and I was happy, although still freaking out that I had frozen them in the first place.

Weird.

The dream makes total sense when you put it in context.

I am a Spinster (and proud of it!). 37 yo, single and cat owner (I fit ALL the stereotypes!!). I would love to have kids, if I could just find a man I would like to have them with!!

I was talking to a friend about my reproductive options, and freezing eggs NOW, was an option discussed.

So you see it makes total sense!

My biggest obstacle is me. I am a hopeless romantic. I want to meet someone, love and be loved, and then think about children. I am at, what I see, as the beginning of the ladder. Girl trying to meet boy. And then there are several rungs before I get to kids.

But it is all about time. And while I honestly dont hear a biological clock ticking, I know that time waits for no womans eggs!

Alot to think about! It's is no wonder that my subconcious is mulling it over! That and because there are soo many wee little cute baby clothes that I want to knit! Ok, you knew that my weird dream had to come back to knitting!!

In Knitting related news, my knitpicks 8mm DPNS arrived. O.M.G! Talk about lethal weapons!

I also got a 60cm circular cable and 8mm ends as well! The needles a re to finish a challenge set by sista bendi (phhhht hardly a challenge!) to knit her a beanie tube for her and her fabulously long dreadlocks. Will post pictures when completed.

Cant wait until my next knitting purchase arrives in the mail, it is going to be yarnalicious!

I will survive!

2007-08-12T08:59:00.000+01:00

This is when I know I need an enabler.

I participated in the City to Surf today. 14km's from Sydney to Bondi (hence, city to surf for non aussies). It was a great day for the City to Surf. 64,000+ of my fellow Sydneysiders joined me for what was a beautiful day for a walk!

It was not as hard as I thought it would be. That is not to say it was easy either. I walked with some friends from work. And I stress walk. We stopped at the half way point and had coffee and cake (adding at least 30mins to my time, dammit!) and then continued on. All up, including our pit stop, it took me 3hrs45mins. All in all it was a great way to spend a Sunday.

Until now.

I am sitting at home on the couch, with a pillow under my knees. And I am waiting patiently for Princess Meena to make me a cup of tea. Damn her lack of opposable thumbs!

So here is where the enabler comes in. 1. He would have been waiting for me at the end to drive me home (I had to walk to Bondi Junction, yuk!) 2. He would either be a) cooking dinner or b) getting take away. 3. He would be tending to the 4 blisters on my feet.

What a man! Wherever he is, he is an absolute gem!! I can hardly wait to meet him!!

Reality is that I will hobble out to get takeaway. And then I will reposition myself on the couch, pick up the sticks and get stuck into the Big Bad Baby Blanket.

What a fantastic day!!! Really!! :)

Are you a Stole or Shawl?

2007-08-09T04:32:00.000+01:00

So my next finish on a deadline project is a wedding present for a good friend. She already knows what I am planning so I can post about the project.

I am planning to knit the Voyager Stole from elann.com. I am using the 2ply silk merino from The Knittery in the Denim colourway. Gorgeous Daphne is dyeing it specially for me. I hope the pattern is fun to knit because I am also planning to knit myself one!

While I was trawling the net for a pattern it hit me. I believe you are either a shawl person or a stole person. I think I am more a stole girl than a shawl girl. Although I love shawls and I have made myself the Forest Canopy shwl, I do prefer the rectangle shape. But hey, I havent knitted one yet, so lets see how I feel at the end of this project!!

And then there are the mermaid gloves. I am having soooooooooo much trouble deciding on a yarn and colour for these. Maybe subconciously I am procrastinating so that the lovely Jejune will figure out the finger bit of the pattern, knit them and then tell me what to do!!! Ok, that does sound the likely culprit of the failure to choose a yarn situation!

And yes Sadie and Lance, I will finish skully!!

So many projects, so little time......... Dammit!

And then Life gets in the way...

2007-08-08T11:00:00.000+01:00

Ahhhh life. Seems to get in the way of the knitting. Shouldnt it be vice versa?

This week has been busy at work. One of my colleagues has gone on holidays, because she didnt have alot on. Recruitment was quiet. Funny thing (or is it Murphy's Law?) when it is quiet and she is away, I become busy doing her (apparently) non existent work. 4 resignations later, quiet. Lucky I like recruitment. Seriously!

So as for knitting, I am quietly powering away at the Big Bad Baby Blanket. I have (finally) reached halfway so it is all down hill from here. Yay! I have decided after the 11 day Clapotis effort (I still cant believe I made it so quickly!) that I can focus on a project and knock it off quickly if I REALLY want to. So I am going to try and finish it by the end of August. Emphasis on try.

Have just ordered some more yarn to make a stole for a wedding present. Will post a picture of yarn and a link to the pattern I am going to make as soon as it arrives.

At the moment I have no photos, not of any new craft anyway. So here I have for you, gentle readers, a bunch of beautiful flowers and a promise to post some pics real soon.

Ciao. For now.

Is it a Bird?!?!

2007-08-03T04:37:00.001+01:00

Is it a plane?

No it is SUPER SHAZMINA!

So who can say they spent their Thursday night:

Preventing a friend from having the worst first week in a new job. EVER!

Preventing a historic building from (potentially) burning to the ground.

Leaping a crisis in a single bound?

ME, THATS WHO! (I must remember only to use my powers for good. Damn!). MWAHAHAHAHAHA!

Now if only I could channel my superheroness towards knitting. That would be the ULTIMATE use of my super powers!

Action Figure sold seperately. Batteries not included!

I Present to You, The Clapotis!

2007-08-02T05:18:00.001+01:00

Clapotis
Originally uploaded by shazminabendi

Isnt she Beeeeeooooootiful??

I am excited to see how she turns out after I block her, but she is lovely all the same.

Still trying to decide what project to work on next. Yes I know Sadie and Lance, I should finish Skully. I mean after all, I only have the sleeves to go and it is knit in chunky wool so will take no time at all.

But then there is Stella. I am more likely to wear Stella in the next few months (thats enough motivation isn't it?). But then there are the Mermaid Fingerless gloves from here.

More decisions!

Eat Your Crusts!

2007-08-01T05:23:00.001+01:00

Have you had one of those days where you let yourself go? Where you dont "do" your hair, you just let it dry naturally. And then EVERYONE comments on it, and tells you how great you look (compliments are good!) much better than you normally do (beep, beep, beep, reversing of said compliment, you look great because normally you look like shite!).

Well I am having one of those days.

Luckily I already hate people (I do work in HR after all). Generally I just giggle on the inside. The absolute innocence of those comments makes for classic comedy. Evil Shazmina often wonders what would happen if she pointed out how rude those comments are. MWAHAHAHA!

*Please note: I really don't hate people. I just have an exceptionally low tolerance for idiots. Luckily for me I am surrounded by them!

Currently I am working on some secret baby shower stuff. So cant post about that until next week. Apart from that I am dreaming about projects. And Ravelry. Thanks Bells! I want it. I want it now! And I cant have it. Bugger! PooBumWee!

And I am trying to decide on a farewell present for a friend. My lunchtime knitting companion is leaving me. And I am sad. Trying to decide what to get someone who is moving to London (via a 3 month trip through Africa). I am thinking of something from here. Too many choices though, and then there are all the things I want. Damn you Jejune for tempting me so!

And then I cant decide on what "me" project to start on next. Should I finish Skully? Should I finish Stella? Decisions, decisions. What is a girl to do??

yes. This is me, and my new do! My hair has decided to go curly, all during the last 12 months

Kindergarten Speak!

2007-07-30T07:18:00.000+01:00

Lately I have reverted to what I call, kindergarten speak. You know the language you used to giggle at when you were saying naughty things that your Mum and Dad got cross at. Like poo, bum and wee. My current favourite roadrage phrase is "you big fat poo head!" and another classic is "a*se clown, stoopid head"

I think this language is best used when in reply to particularly childish and stupid events. It makes them seem even more ridiculous. And lets face it, we should all embrace the childish and silly from time to time.

Anywho, here is my finished Clapotis. I promise to post pictures of the Clap(otis) in all it's loveliness very soon. I still need to block it, but was to eager to wear it today.

Just to recap. 3 balls of 8 ply yarn from the Knittery in the Earth colourway. I knitted as per the pattern found here, with the exception of adding 2 extra repeats in the straight rows. I had enough yarn left to have completed a 3rd repeat. Oh, and I just realised that this project took me 11 days to complete! That is some kind of record for the Queen of the UFO!

So now I am onto my next project. It is secret squirrel stuff (until next week) as it is for a baby shower I am attending on the weekend. And no, Sadie and Lance it is not the Big Bad Baby Blanket!

ps Please excuse my spelling mistakes they were roolly rooollllly bad!

Give Me the Sock Love Meena!!!

2007-07-24T02:49:00.000+01:00

ok, Meena is the quintessential bored housewife. She is TOTALLY unimpressed by the magnificence of my first pair of knitted socks. I mean really, what is that about?

I admit, when I finished these socks I did a little dance. One that I now like to call "the sock dance". Again, Meena was unimpressed!

But as for me, I LOVE them. Nora, queen of all that is good and knitterly in the world, sent me the pattern after a great suggestion by Rose Red to knit your first pair of socks in 8ply. Genius(es)! They have been keeping my tootsies warm for the last week. These socks have officially become the best things I have ever knitted.

Now if only there was a sock pattern for bored, unimpressed cats.............

Half Way!

2007-07-23T06:15:00.000+01:00

So, I am just over halfway through (completed 8 body repeats) this Clap(otis)! YAY for me!!!

I am persevering and powering through. Mainly because I want to wear it while it is still cold.

I saw Rose Red's Clap(otis) again on the weekend. It is still a worthy lust object. Claudia's Hand paints mmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

And I got meet some FABULOUS knitting bloggers, which I will post more about later.

Just realise that the last 3 posts (including this) have been about the Clap(otis). AND I still haven't shown you a picture of the socks!!

And so I make this promise

to take a better, up close picture, of the Big Bad Baby Blanket (I haven't forgotten Bells!)
to post about my socks. I just ADORE them!
AND to tell you all about my VERY FIRST SWAP. Don't get to excited, it is with my little crafty sister & wait until you see what she wants me to make her!!

Ciao for now!

mmmmmmmmmm, Clapotis!

2007-07-19T05:03:00.000+01:00

THE YARN arrived on Tuesday, and I was in love. I am putting it out there. This is my favourite multicolour yarn! EVER!

I love everything about it. All the colours, the way they gradually morph into the next are stunning.

I love it sooooo much that I am OBSESSIVELY knitting my Clapotis! That actually may have more to do with the cold weather we are having in Sydney and my INTENSE desire to have this Clapotis finished and wrapped around my neck.

I can not describe how wonderful this colourway is. It is so beautiful that when I showed my friend, the Obsessive Compulsive Craftster, she wanted to make herself a Clapotis out of the same yarn.

Under the circumstances I would have VIOLENTLY objected. I mean really, who wants a friend to have the exact same scarf as yourself? But the dear OCC is moving to the UK in 6 weeks for a couple of years, so deep breath, I am ok with it! And she was so in love with the yarn that after seeing it at lunch, she went back to her office and ordered 4 balls for a Clapotis and matching beanie!

OCC has been my lunchtime knitting companion for the last 18 months. I am going to miss her when she is gone, so it is nice to know that we will both be wearing the Clapotis made from Daphne's delicious Earth colourway. As long as she only wears it in the UK, 'cos I have first dibs on wearing it in the Southern Hemisphere!

My name is Shazmina, and I am a Yarnaholic!

2007-07-12T02:25:00.000+01:00

It has been 2 days since my last yarn purchase.

I feel like my skin is crawling. I have constant thoughts of yarn, purchasing more, potential projects, I just cant stop thinking about yarn.

It is a burning need. A flaming desire, if you will. It burns from deep within, and nothing can quench it. It occupies my thoughts at work, and stops me from sleeping at night.

And then there are my friends. All they talk about is yarn. Where to get it. Who supplies it. How quickly it can be posted. They feed my addiction, and I cant break away........

And I am afraid. Afraid that when I die, my beautiful yarn will be donated to an op shop and will not be appreciated. I want to bequeath it to truly deserving friends, people who will use it to support their own addiction. When will it end????

The answer is clear (here comes the bird!). I need to embrace this addiction. I need to celebrate being a Yarnaholic! I NEED to purchase more yarn, because as we all know, She who has the most yarn WINS!!!!!!

Now where did I put that credit card?????

ok, so this yarn above I bought 2 days ago. 8ply Merino from the Knittery in the Earth Colourway. I am going to make myself a Clapotis. After seeing Rose Red's and lusting after Brownpants versions, I just had to have a big warm cuddly one myself!

ps This post is not intended to make fun of any organisation that treats addiction, it is in fact poking fun at the author.

The Big Bad Baby Blanket Post

2007-07-09T04:54:00.000+01:00

Ok, it had to happen. I have to show you all where I am up to with this project. I am so happy with the way it is coming along. I love everything about it. The pattern is great and especially the colour choice. I mean, really people, I am just such a brilliant, gorgeous creature, I just have to share!! Mwahahahahaha!

So now do you see why I am so chuffed? It's GORGEOUS!!! And secretly, I want to keep it for myself!!

Details:

4ply Merino from The Knittery in the Coral Reef colourway.

The pattern (for SNB Volume 1) calls for 2 strands of Koigu PPPM knit together. As my Aussie knitting sista's know it is almost impossible to get that yarn over here. Sigh! (I got to fondle some on the weekend, double sigh!) Which is why I decided on 4ply merino from The Knittery. And to tell you the truth, I am really glad I am using it. This BBB Blanket is going to be lush!!

Did you know that Daphne can custom dye for you? So if there is a particular colourway you are after, for a particular wool The Knittery carries, she can make it up for you. Ahhhh, sweet Daphne. I am just positive she is as gorgeous as the beautiful colours she dyes her yarns!

So there you have it. I am a self appointed master craftswoman. Now if only I could pat myself on the back properly. Damned arms just don't reach that far!!!

I.GET.IT!

2007-07-04T05:34:00.000+01:00

I have turned a heel on my first sock! Yay me!!! And I finally get why there is an obsession about sock knitting. Maybe it is because I am knitting with 8ply yarn on 4mm needles. Maybe it is because socks are such functional items.

I don’t know what it is, but I am really getting into it.

Admittedly I haven’t finished the first sock. And I have wondered if I would be motivated to knit sock 2.

This begs the question. Is there a place in this world for a collection of single socks?

Red Wine Tuesday

2007-07-03T11:42:00.000+01:00

Things I know.
1. Every day is a Red Wine day. A glass a day is good for the heart. And the soul!
2. Princess Meena is a cutey! But only when she wants to be fed..........
3. Knitting is addictive.
4. Who is the only Sydney crafty type not to go to the Craft show last week, BUT who did score some crafty goodness???
5. It's me!!!!

Thanks to the lovely Obsessive Compulsive Craftster (why she doesnt have a blog I dont know??) who bought me this.

Really cute Japanese fabric with cats on it. Love it! Makes my regret at not going shrink. Slightly. Ok, not really at all!

I am going to make matching headbands for me and Princess Meena...... if I can get her to wear hers it will be a miracle!

Rebel and Breakaway!

2007-07-01T08:04:00.001+01:00

From my previous completer/finisher issues! ;)

So a quick update of the weekend.

I made this.

It is a Hobo Bag, pattern from the Stitch and Bitch Desk Calendar. (I lurve that calendar!!) I used 4 balls of the Cleckheaton Vintage Hues (shade 1270) knitting 2 strands together. It took approx an afternoon and evening to make. A great quick knit!

I also lined it so that nothing small would fall out.

I am gifting it to a friend who is going through alot of changes in her life at the moment. New job, new man, new home. Just think, if someone took everything in your life that was stable, comfortable and safe, and then gathered them up and threw them in the air and let them fall higgledy piggledy. Well, that is her life at the moment.

Dont get me wrong, when the universe has done with all this change, her life is going to be tremendous! It is just the implementation of all this change that sucks!!

So for the rest of the day I am back to my sock. But that, gentle readers, is for another post!! :) Have a FABULOUS week!

Shazmina

Stuff and Nonsense

2007-06-30T03:08:00.000+01:00

As the locals know, it has been cold in Sydney. Not many of us have central heating so we are really feeling it, I know I am. But no, not Princess Meena. She takes pole position up against the small (too bloody small) column (oil) heater. In fact she likes to lean her head against it. I keep telling her that she is frying her wee small brain, but she doesnt care. She, in her little fur coat, is warm. While I, the one who feeds her and cleans up her poop, is FREEZING!

So who really is the dumbo in this house!!!

So this weekend, is all about me. I am planning to take time out and have Shazmina time. That means hanging out at home, crafting, watching dvd's, going for a walk, ignoring the phone, watching Dr Who, eating good food, and more crafting. Basically I am working on being centred. The last week I have felt slightly off kilter, so the weekend is all about getting back to my centre, to the things that matter to me, so that I can better cope with the weekday malarky.

So what am I working on this weekend?

A surprise for a friend. She is feeling the stress of life more keenly than I am, so I am making a little something to cheer her up. Pics soon.

My first sock, otherwise known as Shazmina's new obsession!!

Embroidery for a quilt.

The BBB blanket for Sadie and Lance.

Sewing - Amy Butler skirt & hemming 2 pair of pants.

So that will kepp me busy and on the straight and narrow!! I will post updates tomorrow!

Where is that Bloody Bird???

2007-06-26T03:22:00.000+01:00

Seriously, I am looking but I cant see it??

It has been manic at work. Incredibly busy and somewhat stressful. I have, at present, a very low tolerance for people. I should elaborate, I have a low tolerance for people who, in my opinion, are particularly ridiculous and absurd.

Knitting and blogging has provided an escape from the stress. Until I had the displeasure of receiving an email from another blogger asking me to explain a comment I made on this blog. The funny thing about the email is that the blogger told me what my comment meant. ESP, a great talent to have, wish I had it!

I didnt feel it necessary to reply. I mean really what is the point when someone has so obviously read my mind and knows what I am thinking (I wonder if she has seen the bird??) and what my comment really meant (insert sarcasm here). I just dont think they were really interested in knowing the truth.

So Shazmina, you have some 'splaining to do!

So I will 'splain. Not because I feel I need to. Not because I think you necessarily want to know. But mainly because I dont like being told what I am thinking or feeling (insert hands on hips and stamping of right foot). Only I know that. For me, that comment was a throw away line. A nod to my, obviously misunderstood, sense of humour. How someone chooses to interpret that comment is up to them. And I am truly ok with that. I can't change your perception or your reality, nor do I want to. I respect your right to read what you like into what I write.

That is what makes Human Beings such wonderful and interesting creatures. Life would be boring if we were all the same, dont you think?

Ahhhh, so there is that damned bird!! I found it after all!

Tusk

2007-06-23T02:10:00.000+01:00

I finally feel like I am relaxing. Listening to Fleetwood Mac (Tusk is playing as we speak). Love it!

Well the last week has seen me be a bit of a social butterfly. Coupled with being busy at work, it has made for a blogless 10 days. Know that I have read your blogs and they made me smile!

So what have I been up to? I have taught THREE people to knit, although only TWO have made it to the dark side.
My number 2 gay in the village gave up in a huff when he could not master knitting instantly. DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA!! This has made the number 1 gay in the village happy as he is a master crocheter. MORE DRAMA!!

I also put a profile on a dating website. While I am not convinced that this is the best way to meet someone, I thought I would give it a go for a month. We will see what happens.........

Not much else to tell. The 30cm circulars have arrived. Nora assures me they will change my life. I think she might be right because I am about to cast on my first pair of socks! Rose Red Shoes suggested 8ply to start, which is perfect as I am in desperate need of new bed socks. I was a bit excited and decided to make up my own pattern based on my favorite bedsocks, but in the cold light of day I am thinking that I should stick to an existing pattern for my first attempt. Suggestions are welcome!!

And finally, here is the latest update of the Big Bad Baby Blanket. Sadie and Lance, you are going to love it!!

Dithering

2007-06-12T11:47:00.000+01:00

I heard that word used twice today. Both times by people under 35. Weird, but I like it. Those types of words and phrases need to be used more often, dont you think?

So I have been known to be a bit of a ditherer. A procrastinator if you will. It has taken me forever to clean my craft room, but once done I felt magnificent. Like I had conquered my dithering. So much so that I have moved on to a revamp of my loungeroom. Pictorial proof of that achievement to follow.

When I cleaned my craft room, I realised exactly how much yarn I own (Oh the Horror!).

* The top shelf contains yarn I have purchased from Nundle Wool Mill for dyeing (4ply, 8ply & 12 ply) and kntting related bits and bobs.

* The next shelf down contains my biggest shame. UFO's.

* Shelf 3 contains various yarns I have purchased. Some for specific projects. Some because it was so pretty.

* Finally shelf 4 contains more yarn, the bits left over from projects, and various dyes.

Oh the Horror alright! I had a caniption when I saw it all, finally neatly packed away in their plastic storage bags. How much of a neat/control freak am I???

But a strange thing happened on the weekend. I realised that I am not alone in my neat/control freakiness. Imagine my genuine shock, admiration and down right pleasure when Rose Red Shoes pulled out her WIP, neatly contained in a glorious plastic bag (was it a Glad Bag or no name brand? I forgot to ask!).

Right then I knew we would get along.

Right then I knew I had found anoher yarn soulmate! As if I didnt already know that!! ;)

ps Normally I do not condone the use of plastic bags. Please note that the bags used for this post are reused. Who am I kidding, they are never reused because the bags are never empty!!!! Sigh! Deep breath and repeat after me, "I am embracing the completer/finisher within".

Very Interesting........

2007-06-10T04:40:00.001+01:00

Meeting people you have only interacted with online.

I will start at the beginning. I was invited to meet Nora (Black Dog Knits) and Rose Red Shoes, with my good craftin' buddy Brownpants. Luckily for most of the week my mind was pre occupied with various bits and bobs (mainly work) but by Saturday morning I was freakin' out! FREAKIN OUT PEOPLE!!!!! I couldnt decide what to wear, it was raining and I wanted to impress. And then a thought, exactly how much of your own knitting should you wear when you first meet your craftin' online friends???? Luckily, when I thought about this I realised that I have sooooo many UFO's it really wasnt an issue.

So I finally dressed (jeans, runners and long sleeved tshirt thingy & a pale blue beret I had made), and went to collect Brownpants.

Did I mention it was raining? It was hideous! And then trying to find a carpark. And then walking to the cafe (my heart was pounding) And then there she was. Nora. Wow. I dont know exactly what I was expecting but it was like seeing her blog walking, talking and breathing!!

After we settled ourselves with coffees, Rose Red arrived. And again, it was like seeing a blog come to life.

And as I looked around the table it got me thinking. We are all so like our blogs. It was so surreal.

Nora was charming, warm, LOTS of fun. But the most noticeable thing about her was how stylish she is. And effortlessly so, exactly like her blog! She bought some socks for show and tell made from Sundara yarn. Sigh! They were lucious! But most importantly she has inspired me to finally knit socks!! Nora, I am ordering the 30cm circulars as we speak!!! :)

And Rose Red. Wow, she was just so calm and warm and too damn cute! Easy to see what she has a lot in common with Bells!! She was wearing one of her beautful knits in a GORGEOUS purple colour (it is on her blog she finished it to take to NYC for her holiday earlier this year). We admired her knitting, her cardigan (it is stunning) and especially her shoes! Red boots, sigh!

And then there is my Brownpants. She is so complicated and so uncomplicated all at once (is that possible??) FIERCELY intelligent, sweet and caring and obsessive when it comes to craft (and beer!). Her blog is so her, I just adore her!

And then there was me. A little quiet and shy to begin with, but then I warm up and watch out, before you know it I am talking about s*x and adult toys!! Oh and knitting "special adult" things for your men. Mwahahahahahaha! In my world, it always seems to come back to that topic!! :)

We left promising to meet again. And I know we will, hopefully more of you will come along as well and we can meet you too.
I promise not to drag the conversation down......... unless it ends up there anyway!!

ps Hope you can make it soon Bells!!

Paralysed

2007-06-03T01:27:00.001+01:00

With choice. Fear. Ok, lets face what it really is, procrastination.

I have not knit a stitch this week. Not one. I sat on my couch and couldnt decide what to knit. There are soooooo many unfinished projects, I just didnt know where to start. It was paralysing. So I made the decision to finally sew my Barcelona skirt (I am in love with Amy Butler!).

Before I could commence on the skirt, I had to clean my sunroom/craft room. (Look there goes that damned bird again!!).
That was the deal I made with the devil (also known as Princess Meena). I have no photographic evidence of how bad the room was, but let's just say that it was also known as the "Pit (hacking cough) of Despair!".

But with one application of Shazmina, look at it now! So these pics are looking in from the doorway. First, in the left corner is my desk/sewing table with laptop, sewing machine, overlocker (thx Mum!). Too the left of it is my yarn cupboard. This is also one of my stashes. I dont know why I persist in hiding my yarn at the moment. I should be joyously throwing it around the house and rolling in it naked!!

Then the far right corner is a small cupboard, containing various crafts including, beads, embroidery and crochet cottons.

And the nearest right corner, bookshelf containing texts from Uni which I just cant bear to part with, as well as other miscellaneous craft.

All up it took me from 11am (ish) to 6.30pm to get the room to this point. And I love it, all I need is a comfy chair to sit and knit in and it would be perfect! Oh and the willpower to keep it neat and tidy from this point forward.
So now I can go and cut out the skirt and start sewing! Updates on that soon!!

ps. In late breaking news, I no longer have a "thing" for receding hairlines, meaty sideburns and handlebar mustaches! I would like to thank the very unattractive man in Stanmore for daring to sport this look and curing me. Bless him!! :)

Small Delights

2007-05-29T04:53:00.000+01:00

"A multitude of small delights constitute happiness." Charles Baudelaire

And those small delights HAVE to be chocolate related!

There is something in the air this week. I think it is related to the Full Moon in Sagittarius at the end of the week. This is supposed to be auspicious for Sagittarians, and as a silly sag, I am using it as an excuse for the weirdness I am feeling. And the hope that something rooolllly rooolllly cool is just around the corner!

I feel that there is change in the air. But I just cant put my finger on what is about to change. Job, house, relationship. How about it all!!

So gentle readers, this is what I have been working on.

A beret (Jo Sharp Knit 3) from Cleckheaton Vintage Hues in the purple colourway. I seem to be starting a collection of berets, one soon to be made out of this colour.

Hence, the question How many Berets and Beanies are enough for one person? I think I shall gift this purple one away.

And finally the Big Bad Baby Blanket that I am making for Sadie and Lance's big bad baby!!

I am TOTALLY in love with this yarn. 4ply Merino, handyed from The Knittery (Coral Reef Colourway). Ahh Daphne, I think you are the goddess of craft in human form!

It is true. It really is the little things that make you smile!

Random Thoughts

2007-05-28T05:08:00.000+01:00

Random Thought 1
Has anyone seen Murphy's Law, Friday night on the ABC? There is something about a receding hairline, big meaty sideburns and a handle bar mustache that really gets me going at the moment! It is all SOOOO wrong and yet so right! wwhhhooooaaaawwwwww!!!

Random Thought 2
Cleckheaton seem to have woken up from a deep slumber and caught a clue. They now have this yarn Vintage Hues. Retails at $4.75 for 83m and yes it is a direct copy of Noro Kureyon. Colours arent too bad either.

Random Thought 3
I hate shopping. This is a new experience for me, as normally the thought of going to a shopping centre excites me no end. I just cant seem to find the clothes I am looking for. And if I do they dont fit properly. I mean really, I have boobs. Boobs people! These latest fashions, which are so lovely, just dont suit ANYONE with boobs. And my girls are not even that big!!!

Random Thought 4
Giving up work to procreate. Ok, so I have actually realised that what I really want to do is to give up work to knit, crochet and create. And who am I kidding, thinking that if I have kids I would be able to do crafty stuff for 100% of my time. Oh and I do want to have kids.

Random Thought 5
How many beanies/shawls/scarves/berets is too many?

Random Thought 6
Look there goes a bird!!

Random Thought 7
I have a burning need for change in some part of my life. Something needs to change. And it needs to happen NOW! I feel like I am in a rut.

Random Thought 8
mmmmmmm handlebar mustache!!!!!!

Random Thought 9
I think I am a gay man trapped in a straight womans body.

Random Thought 10
I need a job that challenges my mind and nourishes my soul.

Final Random Thought.
I need to drink less coffee!!

Finally it is the Weekend!

2007-05-25T07:20:00.000+01:00

"I try to take one day at a time but sometimes several days attack me at once" Jennifer Unlimited

I feel like an extra in Ground Hog Day, I have been reliving Monday, since (you guessed it!) Monday. Until Thursday when it finally clicked over to Tuesday!!

And now it is the weekend! Woo Bloody Hoo!

I know, I know it has been a while. A while between posts and a while between commenting on the blogs I love to read. Please note that I have been reading them, in amongst swearing at my new work computer while trying to load the camera softwear so that I can photograph and post on my blog during work hours. How inconsiderate of my employer to get in the way of my blogging!!!

But I digress.

I am sure I am not the only one, but I feel like I have written 100 posts in my head. Usually I laugh, usually out loud, at how witty and clever I am. I have really had an attack of the smugs this week!

On several occassions I have been so smug (just how smug Shazmina??) that I boasted to all and sundry about how good I am. Only to realise that I had made a complete balls up of whatever it was that I was working on and had to start again. This has happened in both my work and personal (and by personal I mean knitting) life. The Goddess of Craft has well and truly hit me with the Smug stick!!

And I deserved it. A lesson in humility is what I needed.

So instead of rushing head long into whatever it is I am working on, I am taking a deep breath. Reading instructions. And then reading them again. And then I start. It seems to be working for me so far, tomorrow I will have photographic proof.

But until then gentle readers, I have this.

This is how I imagine all of us. Huddling together, giving each other support and encouragement in our yarny, bloggy lives. I just ADORE Meerkats. AND I heart all you guys!!!

Conspiracy Theory

2007-05-14T03:38:00.000+01:00

Well the last week has been manic. So much so that I have not had a spare moment (at work) to check my emails, read my favorite blogs or post. And then there is Princess Meena.

It all started on Thursday, when I was out of the office all afternoon. I would love to tell you that I was at a HR meeting, which is kind of true. Except that we were meeting at a French Restaraunt in Crows Nest for a long lunch to farewell a colleague who is relocating to our office in China.

That night, Princess Meena decided was the prime time to make funny noises and thow up all over my carpet. I am used to this except that it was not the result of a hairball and the funny noise was a new one. It kind of sounded like "Will you please stop feeding me this rubbish and give me whatever it is that you are eating or I will vomit all over the carpet! And dont say I didnt warn you!". Lucky me, tipsy, full of chocolate souffle and cleaning up regurgitated fish!

Friday was mad as well. Lots happening in HR land over here. So when I finally had a chance to post, I got a comment telling me to check my emails. And so I did. Yay, got invited to meet Bells, Rose Red and Nora. Without hesitation I replied yes I will be there! And so I started planning what I was going to wear (will I wear something I have knitted?) and what show and tell I would bring along. I love Show and Tell. Loved it as a kid and I especially love it now. I am the sort of person that has to show you EVERYTHING new that I own. Particularly when it comes to craft and sharing with my crafty chicas.

So I wake up on Saurday and am all excited. In what is now known as "The Conspiracy" to keep me from meeting Bells, Rose Red and Nora, Princess Meena noticed my exictement 'cos she started acting all listless and weird. Well weirder than normal. So I decided the time had come for a visit to the Vet. I nearly cried when the Vet told me the only appointment she had was 1.30pm.

So with a heavy heart, and death stares at Princess Meena, I let Bells know that there was a change to my plan and it didnt look like I could make it.

The vet visit was interesting. She could find nothing wrong with Princess Meena. No explanation as to why she was not eating. A slight temperature but no lumps in her belly. And then came the kicker. If Meena was not eating by Monday, she would have to be hospitalised until they could figure out what was wrong. It was funny, becuase what I heard the vet say was "So basically your yarn/craft budget for at least the next 12 months will be spent trying to figure out what is going on with Princess Meena". Ok, heartless I am not. But that is really what was racing through my mind when I heard the word "Hospitalised".

"The Conspiracy" conitinued when, within an hour of coming home from the Vets, Princess Meena ate. I kid you not, 1 hour after the visit. So the rest of the weekend was spent on poo patrol and giving the princess cat laxatives (yes there is such a thing!). Thankfully I had the last season of Buffy to keep me entertained!

And as a final positive from the weekend, I finished the Forest Canopy Shawl. I still need to block it but at least it is done. And it is gorgeous!!

Colour me Peacock!

2007-05-09T11:26:00.000+01:00

Before I started "The Shawl" I decided to make a flower brooch for BrownPants. It is only fitting that she have a little something made from this divine yarn as well. Pattern is from Jo Sharp Knit Issue 3, yarn is Cherry Tree Hill DK Silk Merino (flower 1) and Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Worsted in Clematis colourway (flower 2).

I think this photo gives a better indication of the colours in the Cherry Tree Hill yarn.

I now find myself in a bit of a quandry. I have fallen in love with some yarns from the Knittery. The 8ply Silk Merino in the plum colourway. ok, lets face it. I love all the colours!!!

I. Must. Have. It. Now. People!

The problem is I am having trouble deciding what to make. Having seen the yarn in action, I believe I could knit something using 5 to 6mm needles. That is as far as I have got. Has anyone got some suggestions?? Thoughts? Ideas?? And yes, this item will be for me. MWAHAHAHAHAHA!

Kind of getting into the swing of the "IT'S ALL ABOUT ME!" projects!! :)

The "For Shazmina" Project

2007-05-09T02:49:00.000+01:00

So it has been a while. I have been pondering many things on my mini blogging break.

I am currently heavily involved in a knitting obsession, to the point where I left a brunch catchup with friends so that I could go home and knit. How long will it last?

The likelihood of a cold snap in Sydney so that I can wear some of the things I am knitting.

The necessity of a trip to the Blue Mountains so that I can wear some of the things I am knitting.

Have noticed that I am more obsessed with knitting than I normally am.

Why is it that the only gay men fight over me? (There is a story here)Should I be concerned that the numbers of gays in my village are increasing exponentially?? Will I ever meet a decent STRAIGHT man?? (that's a rhetorical question, there are many great straight guys out there!).

Why is Princess Meena looking at me like that? She is FREAKIN' ME OUT!!!

Why am I feeding Princess Meena Greenseas Pink Salmon? Should I just change her name to "She who must be obeyed"?

Why do cats and cute little cat clothes not mix??

I love the way my mind works! Makes me laugh..... ALOT!!

So here is what I have been working on during my short hiatus. I have just finished 10 repeats of the Forest Canopy Shawl for ME!! ( only 5 more to go!) It has been kind of strange knitting something for myself. I have made a few mistakes, but instead of frogging I have either unknit or just fixed it and left the mistake in there. It is not that I don't care, I think it is because there is no pressure for it to be perfect, I am just enjoying the knitting. Kind of cool really!

It has also made me realise that I am obsessively in love with silk. JUST LOVE IT! For the shawl I am using Cherry Tree Hill DK silk merino, in the Peacock colourway. I cant stress enough how wonderful this yarn is to knit with. And this particular colourway is DIVINE! Sometimes when I look at it Blue/green is the main colour, and other times it looks purple. It is just simply stunning and I cant wait to wear it!

So this weekend I will have another finished object to show you all. I cant wait!!

The Mask

2007-05-02T00:20:00.000+01:00

I work for a rather large, old, global company. You know the company, and I can guarantee that all of you own something that was either designed or made or has components that have been made by this company. It sometimes weirds me out how many things this company has invented, including fabrics, dyes for printing on fabrics, man made fibres, the list it seems is endless!

The best thing about working for a global company is that we often have people from other countries come and work in Australia with us. Being in HR I get to meet a lot of them, which I love. Yesterday we had a gentleman from our company in Mexico come and meet with us. He has immigrated to Australia and is hoping to come and work with us. As is the custom of many South American and Asian companies he presented us with a gift.

When I first saw this I didn't know what to think. Then I decided it reminded me of the mask Jim Carey wears in "The Mask", which instantly made me want to hold it up to my face!! :) I do like the colours of the stones used and the shape of the mask. And the generosity of someone giving a gift to people he has not met, made my day a little brighter!

And on the finisher front (again!) I made some wee little mittens for a newborn. They are for a good craftin' buddy who is preggers. Lots of fun to knit, although it felt strange to go back to small needles after 7mm!

All this finshing projects is making me feel a little weird!!

It went something like this...

2007-04-30T05:12:00.000+01:00

12.30am today. Sitting on a couch at Gloria Jean's in North Sydney, our heroine (Shazmina Bendi) pulls out her knitting (current project a baby related surpirse!). She ponders life and how cute that boy is over the other side of the room. She puts on glasses and realises that he is not cute at all, so she takes them off and goes back to believing that there are attractive men in North Sydney.

She waits patiently for the arrival of her good crafting buddy, Al.

SB: Hey you are finally here! (Here being GJ's in N Sydney)

Al: Yeah just managed to get out. Where is your show & tell?

SB: Ok, here it is (with flourish, pull item from sportsgirl bag). But I need a favour, can you try on so I can take a photo for my blog?
Al: Sure ( Takes off scarf and puts on said item). The colour is great and it fits pretty well (over a collared work shirt).

SB: Well that's good, because I knit it for you.

Al: YOU WHAT?? OMG SHAZMINA IT'S GREAT! (continues swooning).

Quick Knit jacket, Jo Sharp Knit 3
Lambs pride Worsted, Chianti

And that my friends, is pretty much what happened at lunch today.

ps. I should also state, that I am not a saint. The reason I knitted the above jacket for Al, is as a return gift for a Jumper (Jo Sharp Knit 2) that she gave me.

It's Harder Than I thought!

2007-04-27T01:35:00.000+01:00

Giving Seasilk away.

I have considered keeping it for myself. I had a major discussion with myself about it. Ok, the discussion was really with Princess Meena, who gave me her "OMG, my pet human is a nutter!!" look! I came to the conclusion that although it is very beautiful and feels so wonderful on your skin, I just would not wear it. That and the fact that a little voice had been telling me for weeks that it would really suit my friend and be the perfect Birthday present. So I came to the conclusion that this item was really destined for another.

So as Eimer's Birthday is in October (and it is a BIG milestone), I decided to give it to her yesterday. And she was THRILLED. Everything about the Clap(otis) from it's design and especially the colour, suits Eimer.And in a major coincidence (or maybe it is not) she had been thinking that morning that she would really like a scarf to drape around her neck. Cool huh!!

On the WIP front, I have finished the back, Left Front and am 1/3 through the Right Front of a cardigan. Yay for me!!! Will post some pitures over the weekend.

I need some procrastination related advice. Does sewing count with regards to The Rule? I mean if I sew an item of clothing on the weekend, does that constitute more than 1 project at a time? Can I bend The Rule if a project involves another craft?? The reason I ask? I recently purchased this pattern, and I have the perfect material for it already (and all the notions). So is it wrong to make it while in the middle of the knitting project I am working on??
So many questions??

ps I guess this sewing project constitutes the "LOOK A BIRD" in the ENFP prayer! :)

Watch Where You're Craftin'!

2007-04-23T04:36:00.000+01:00

And here is some more evidence of the "safety is paramount" culture at work. This is the view as you come out of the Ladies bathroom on my floor. Yep, they are mirrors!

So the weekend passed by with the completion of the Clap(otis), working on a cardigan, and doing some embroidery. All while watching some videos, including Nacho Libre which I adored, mainly because of the farting. I was in hysterics! A very silly movie, if you are in a very silly mood.

I have finally started on a project, with my Mum. It is for a friend, a belated Birthday surprise (and not baby related). And it wont take forever to complete, Mum has been cracking the whip from afar!! :)

I am enjoying the embroidery, it helps that I "acquired" a book from my Mum during my last visit. Very easy to follow pictures of all the stitches you could imagine and then some.

Is anyone else enjoying Monday as much as I have? I think it is because we have a public Holiday in Australia on Wednesday. Knowing there is a day off mid week makes anything bearable!

For those non-Aussies & Kiwis, the holiday is for Anzac Day. A day when we remember those who died in war and thank those who are still among us. This year I am celebrating Anzac Day by having a mini SNB with a friend. For me it will be a time to think about those women who stayed at home, kept the home fires burning, worked to keep the country running and knitted for the troops. Growing up an Army brat (and that is a whole other story!), I wondered if people realised how hard it is for the families of soldiers, when they are away from home, either on assignment or active duty, especially in wartime. You are kind of a part of it, you know what is going on, but the effects on you are not considered, if that makes sense. You just muddle through and try and make sense of it yourself.

So that is how my grandmother, Edna, met my grandfather, Alfred. She was working for Mastercraft (a confectionery company) and the company was putting together care packages to be sent to soldiers in WW2. Against the rules, she slipped in a note to the unknown soldier with a promise to write if he replied. And he did. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Ladies, Introducing the Clap(otis)

2007-04-22T00:21:00.000+01:00

I would like to introduce you all to my clap(otis), completo!!

Isnt she lovely? I HIGHLY recommend Handmaiden Seasilk, it is just beautiful to knit with. Can't wait to get my hands on some more! And the pattern was great, easy to follow.

When I purchased the yarn, I had to have it FOR ME! I was going to do a FOR ME project. But as I started knitting the clap, it just became ever more apparent that it was not FOR ME. Although I love the colour, it just suited a friend more. She has seen it grow, gave me so much encouragement, told me how good a knitter I was (who doesnt love hearing that!) that I realised all this time I had been knitting it for her. She is not a knitter, a muggle if you will, but has such a reverance for craft and community that I know she would fit right in with all my crafty buddies. Oh, and she wants to learn to knit!! So I think the Clap is going to a good home.

I also realised that I have a hard time knitting for myself. Every time I start something for me it generally turns out to be for someone else. I think maybe it is becuse I justify buying beautiful yarn by saying I am going to make it into something for someone else. So to try and balance this out, I am going to work on something FOR ME. Yep, I am going to start the Forest Canopy Shawl in the Cherry Tree Hill yarn that was gifted to me by Brownpants.

Here is one, right side up, of the previous Forest Canopy Shawl. I still chuckle at photographing this the wrong side up!!

"The Drama"

2007-04-20T03:15:00.000+01:00

This post has been playing on my mind for the last week, long before I read Bells post (shameless self promotion me, but Bells is so damn cute!). I feel like I should write this before my awards list.

A blog friend made me aware of yet more drama in blogland. This post is NOT about "The Drama". When I read about "The Drama" it made me think alot about blogging. Some comments in "The Drama" really made me think about the masks we humans wear. I wondered if some people use their blogs as a way of doing or saying things they would never do in real life. It could free you from crippling shyness or a lack of self confidence or it could give a person a forum for those nasty thoughts in their head. I wondered if when confronted with the same situation ("The Drama") in a face to face situation how they would react.

What I decided to do about "The Drama" was to tell you all that this blog is an honest representation of me. Well as close as I can get, I have left out some of the colourful details of my life mainly because there is a time and place, and this blog is definately NOT it!

Use the Handrail, watch your step, put a safe foot forward.

I am not one of those people that can self edit, I pretty much tell people everything about me. Especially if I do something silly (sometimes, I think I should be a comedian), that has made me laugh, I like to share. In fact I think that is at the core of my being. Share it all I say!!

I have tried very hard to be true to myself and what I believe. I try to say it like it is (in my reality anyway). Now sometimes, like most people I falter, but generally I try and be a good person and treat others the way I would like to be treated.

I guess more than anything I am at peace with myself. All the experiences I have had in my life, good and bad, have made me who I am, and I like me!

So Bells was right, I am pretty honest. I put it all out there. Just ask some of my good craftin' buddies, they know waaaaaay too much of the colourful stuff and probably wish sometimes I wouldnt share so much!

And that, in a nutshell, is how I am dealing with "The Drama".

Clap(otis) almost completo!

2007-04-19T01:04:00.000+01:00

So here it is, the clap. I am just about to start the decreases, so it is all down hill from here! I have put an extra 4 repeats in the body for some extra length. Oh, and this photo is right side up!! :)

I am feeling a little sad that I am nearly finished working with this seasilk. It is so beautiful to work with. Good thing I have got another 2 balls coming in the next couple of months!!!!

I received my yarn purchase yesterday. 12 balls of Lambs Pride worsted in various colours. So many projects! I feel like my skin is itching with all the possibilities!!

BUT until I finish the Clap, they will have to remain thoughts in my cluttered mind!!

ps I didnt really torment Jam(ie), we did have fun at the zoo. Shazmina's inner child came out to play, she can be a bit naughty!! Jam(ie) did have a tantrum but his Mum assured me it was on the cards, regardless of the lizard dance!!

I am Knackered!

2007-04-17T10:12:00.000+01:00

I Just spent the day at Taronga Zoo. (view from zoo to Sydney).

A friend, who now lives in country NSW (Inverell) is down for the school holidays with her 5 year old. Meet my friend Jam(ie). ( I am the big grumpy Gorilla giving you evils!!)

We had a great time, except the bit where I may, or may not, have induced a temper tantrum after dancing around saying (and I quote) "I've got your lizard and you have got none, nah nah nah nah, naaaaaaaaaaaa!!" Oh, and I may or may not have taken his elephant mask as well.

I pity my future/potential children! :)

Inner Turmoil or Just an Excuse??

2007-04-16T04:57:00.000+01:00

Reading Rose Red's blog got me thinking about my Myers Briggs Type (see her profile). I am an ENFP. So was Bill Clinton. Like Bill (or is it unlike Bill?? LOL), I did not have sexual relations with that woman. Unlike Bill Clinton I do not like cigars.

Anywho, I was reading a profile of my type and a few things jumped out at me. "ENFP's have a lot of ideas and initiative, and like to have lots of things going on at the same time."

So am I fighting my Type? Should I continue with multiple projects??? Is procrastination part of my nature??? Am I using MBTI to justify my NEED (And it is a burning NEED) to work on multiple projects at the same time? You bet!

The other funny thing about being ENFP is that this Type is often called a celebrator/Enthusiast. So now I know where all that gushing comes from!!

So here is a FO, one of a very few it seems! Forest Canopy Shawl I have made, for my Mum, from 4ply yarn from the Knittery (who doesnt love that site!). I think the colourway is Grace. My first, and so far only piece of lace I have knitted. Yes Jejune, you are so right. The Cherry Tree Hill would look great as this shawl........
mmmm new project.........