Small Delights

"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

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!

"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

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!

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

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

1. 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?


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


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


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


5. 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!).


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


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


8. 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

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...

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!

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'!

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)

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"

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!

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!

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??

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.........

Thats a Wrap, I mean Clap!

A quick wrap of the weekend (yes that pun was intended, I have been watching Buffy after all!).
* Had braces tightened, back on soft food diet. I am over it.
* Finished Season 5 of Buffy.
* Finished 5 repeats of the body of the Clap. About to begin the decreases.
* Started watching season 1 of Angel.
* Helped friend choose some patterns for baby items, for her to make not me!
* Spent some quality time with this beautiful skein.

I was given 3 of these babies for my birthday last year. I was initially going to make a full sized clap(otis) with them. Then I was thinking a shawl. Now I am not sure. If anyone has a suggestion, feel free to let me know. It is Cherry Tree Hill DK Silk Merino blend, in Peacock colourway (approx 850m).

So the effort to fight procrastination is going well so far. As far as I can figure it is about perserverance. Lucky I am stubborn, thats all I can say!

Friday The 13th Has Made Me Giggle!

I have a real bad case of the giggles today.

• I have been giggling about farts. 'cos they are funny!
• I giggled when a gay friend told me that if he was straight he would have jumped me. It was funny because he never even considered whether I would let him jump me.
• I giggled after I made a job offer to a really lovely girl who just squealed with delight about coming to work with us, crazy kid! ( I heart making the happy phone call, now I have to make a not so happy one!)

And then I realised what the date was, and superstitious me thought it has turned into a pretty fun day, not the black Friday I would have expected if I realised what the date was.

And onto the business. I did cave on part of The Rule yesterday.
I purchased some Lambs Pride worsted yarn that is on sale from here. It is on sale. I couldnt resist. I bought enough for 2 cardigans and a couple of beanies and scarves. I fell so dirty now, like I have cheated on The Rule or something! BUT I do promise NOT to break the part of the rule that says, ONE PROJECT AT A TIME!!



Here is me, heading to cave land.

So, this weekend involves the Clap(otis) and Season 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Wish me luck!!

Introducing, the Clap(otis)

So here is the clapotis in seasilk. 'aint she a beaut?? I still have 3 repeats of the body and the decreases to go, but you get the picture. I currently have 50g of the seasilk to go, so I think I will add some extra repeats in the body (after I put a life line in case I have to frog some of it!)

I have decided that my next project I will start (after the clap) will be finishing off the Stella cardigan.

I have completed the back and started the RS front before my new found rule came into play.

So far (ok it has been less than 24 hours) The Rule, is going ok. I keep reminding myself that it is all about the perserverance. So Perservere I will!!

added 4.09pm. I have just broken part of The Rule and purchased some yarn....... I just couldnt help myself!!

More About Procrastination

If something is boring after two minutes,
try it for four.
If still boring, try it for eight, sixteen, thirty-two, and so on.
Eventually, one discovers, that it is not boring but very interesting.
Zen saying

A wise woman once said "ONE PROJECT ONLY - including socks"
BDK 2007

After much thought and internal debate, I have decided on my own personal challenge. Based on the above, I am only going to work on my UFO's - ONE AT A TIME - until they are completed. Only then can I start new projects/purchase new wool. I feel it is the only way to overcome my affliction.

To begin with I am going to concentrate on the seasilk Clapotis. Here is the gratutious yarn porn shot of the seasilk.

Wish me luck!

About Procrastination

If you can't be a good example,
then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.
Catherine Aird

Or I could just call this the guilt post. Or the too much thinking post.

I have been doing alot of thinking lately about exactly why I procrastinate. I have had a long and deeply unsatisfying relationship with procrastination and wasnt sure exactly why I do it. I am not sure I have figured it out either, I have a feeling the reasons are dependant on what I am procrastinating about. Or maybe I dont want to figure it out yet.

My way of "dealing" with anything like this is to become VERY introspective (if you knew me I am thinking that you would feel this is odd and against nature!). So I hide. I know I hide so I tell myself it is ok to hide, I just acknowledge that some day I have to face it, whatever it is.

And so I have begun a process of "outing" myself.

Example 1. I hate cleaning (hello who does really like it??). What makes it funny is that I am good at it!! Anyway, my house is clean, just untidy. Or rather it was, it is now looking pretty good. The reason? A few weekends ago I refused to make any plans with friends so that I couldnt make any excuses to NOT clean & tidy. What made this time different is that I also admitted to a friend that I not only had an untidy house, but exactly how I managed to avoid thinking about cleaning & tidying it. It felt oddly liberating, admitting to a very successful procrastinating technique. Admiting how I hide things from others and most importantly myself.


How do I hide thigs from myself? The technique I use goes something like this. Picture me, hoping from foot to foot, fingers in ears and eyes tightly closed, while singing "I'm not listening, I'm not listening!" (ok, I am not looking either!)Childish behaviour, yes. I have been successfully using it for at least 35 years! But after admitting my procrastination (and the technique) to said friend, well strangely enough, I felt compelled to clean house!!

In terms of procrastinating and craft, well I have a really bad habit of starting craft projects and then not finishing them. It doesnt come down to ability, hey even BP has said I am fearless when it comes to craft (which is a HUGE compliment coming from her!). And maybe I am when I start, but cant just manage to get it across the finish line. I will just ignore, even erase it from my memory. Pretend it did not exist so that I can not feel guilty.

So there it is. Guilt, an emotion no one likes, especially me. I am going to "out" myself, I will begin to list the things I am working on AND I will update you on how they are going.

But for today I am going to "out" myself about something else. Soulcradler, BP's good buddy was in Sydney for Easter. We had planned to catch up and a few things happened, nothing that was that momentous to stop our meeting, but it did. Or rather I let it stop us meeting. My being stubborn and not wanting to change other plans (and falling asleep on my couch while watching Buffy) meant that I missed meeting this gorgeous creature and may have upset the gorgeous BP (that is guilt and grovelling at it's finest!!). I feel I will have some 'xplaining to do, and some grovelling, and I know exactly how......... (stay tuned)

But for now, here is a litle something for Soulcradler, a congrats for her first term as a teacher. This one is for you!!

ps you may have guessed that my most successful procrastination technique is thinking too much and not doing......... got to work on that one!! :)

pps Need to follow Nora's advice and work on 1 project at a time. I know it's the right thing to do, it just feels so wrong!! :)

Looking for an Enabler, Applications now open!

So I have been writing this post in my head for a week, and finally I am typing it into my blog.

I have been doing quite a bit of thinking since Action Man moved to the other side of Oz. Dont worry this blog is not about to turn into an anti men rant. As my friends can atest, I have handled his departure quite well. I think it is because I am getting older. Or maybe, my lack of upsetness (is that a word) is because, deep down, I knew it wasnt going to work out.

I think I know why, or at least the reason why it wasnt going where I want a relationship to go. He wasnt an enabler. I need a co-dependant relationship. Before I hear howls of "No Shazmina, you sooooo dont need that", let me explain to you where I am coming from. I like doing things for the people I care about, I like looking after them. And I want to be in a relationship with a man who knows me so well, that he does things for me too. A man that is thoughtful. And I know they are out there, I have evidence.

ENABLER 1. Mr Bells was out one day and came accross a spinning wheel and was prepared to buy it for Bells. How cool is that!

ENABLER 2. Mr BP, amongst many cool things he does for BP, bought her a yarn winder for Xmas and Subversive Cross Stitch for her birthday. And he is even thoughtful about her friends, he is a good egg that one!

AND ENABLER 3. Mr OCC, because surely this woman will, sweep this man off his feet and propose to him. You see he made her knitting needles for Xmas. I am talking searching ebay for dowel, sand them down, create tips, lacquer them AND make FIMO tops for them. He even made little Xmas puddings (with each currant an individual piece of FIMO!). BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE!
He made these.

Yes, he made CIRCULAR NEEDLES! Mr OCC took the time to think about how to make them. AND he made a pair for a couple of OCC girlfriends! What a star!! How much more of an Enabler can you get?

So when I talk about a co-dependant relationship, what I really mean is that I am looking for one of those wonderful men that is an enabler. A man that has realised he cant compete with your craft. A man that has a "If you cant beat them ,join them attitude"!

And they are out there friends, and I will find one. That is the challenge I have set myself for 2007!!

Things I Heart about Y'all!

There are so many things I like about the knitting blog community.

• When you send out a yikes/help! & you receive a calm reply instantly (thanks Nora!)
• When you check out someone's blog and post a comment, they check out your blog (thanks everyone!). Cool!
• When you tell someone how you admire their openess about life, and all that goes with it, and in return they regularly read your blog.

Which brings me to my latest craft crush. I go ever so weak at the knees for this lady. The Mighty Duchess, how I heart thee! She lives in Seattle, which is one of my favorite places! I have many fond memories of a year spent as and Resident Advisor at WSU (in Pullman, WA. GO COUGARS!) and time spent in Seattle. It is the closest place to Sydney in the world, the similarites (Space Needle/Sydney tower, the Harbour, the list goes on!!) are amazing when you think of it. It is just BEEEOOOOTIFUL!

How it all started. A few months ago I was lurking around her blog, Yarnnation, when I read a post that inspired me to stop lurking and make a comment. Duchess suffers from an anxiety disorder. She is very open about it, (& knows I am posting about it) so I am not outing her here. When I read her post, where she talked about having this disorder and how knitting helps her, I was just so taken by her strength, dignity and bravery, particularly in relation to the thoughtless comments by a very rude person (that was much nicer than what I really thought of said person).

I have another friend who also suffers from a diagnosed anxiety disorder, and when she first told me, I thought she was so brave for sharing her experiences. We have even discussed how knitting helps her when she feels her anxiety levels rising (Way to go Knitting!).

Duchess is one of those people who I truly admire. By being open about what she is going through, I believe she is helping in her own way to decrease the stigma surrounding those challenged with a mental illness/disorder. What a woman!

• Other things I heart about the Duchess is her use of the term muggles for non knitters. Truly inspired!!
• Finishing her business plan, particularly when mine has been languishing in the dim recesses of my non-knitting cupboard for a couple of months! :)
• Her patterns, her yarn..... actually pretty much everything about her!

So if you havent already, check out her blog, she is a truly gifted and inspiring member of the knitting & blogging community.

Duchess, you rock!

Bugger!

Ok, I went to post pictures of the Project I finished on the weekend and my camera ran out of batteries! unfrickenbelievable! So Here is a picture of my pet seasilk (again) and some of the 18 stitch markers I have made for my clap(otis).

I really need to work on my photography, this photo doesn't do the stitch markers justice (if I do say so myself and I do!). Again I must thank Nora for having the knitting genius to pair the clap(otis) pattern with the seasilk, it is simply brilliant combination and looks stunning. Check it out here.

I have been thinking that when I post pictures of some previously unpublished finished objects, it will look like I am a craft powerhouse. Or worse still that I have been saving them to make it look like I am a craft powerhouse. Don't be fooled kids, I am and always will be afflicted with craft ADD.

Yarnalicious!

Apologies for my extended absence, it was waaaaaay longer than I intended. But here I am, just quickly, to show you some recent purchases (got to love payday!). I was in a bit of a " I HAVE TO HAVE IT NOW!" mood on Friday, here are the results.

This arrived yesterday. 4ply Merino in Earth colourway from here. I have lusted for this for a while not sure if it will be socks or a shawl, I will keep you posted.

After seeing Nora's fabulous seasilk clapotis on BDK and getting to fondle the seasilk in person (thanks BP!), I just had to have it as well. Genius pairing of the seasilk and clap pattern by Nora, cant wait to get started! Handmaiden yarns can be founde here.

So that is my very quick update, I have some FO's to post about (including pictures), and promise to do it soon!

ps dont worry my Craft AADC status is not about to be revoked anytime soon, I have 6 projects on the go at the moment!

Cheers!

I t has been so long since my last post, a trip home to the Sunshine Coast to see the parents and then a hectic week of catch up at work have really limited my blogging time. So here is a quick update of what Ms Bendi has been up to.

1. Went to the SC for 4 days. Highlight of the trip was raiding my Mum's craft room. Ok who are we kidding there are several craft rooms in that house!! Photos to follow of the goodies I brought back. Lowlight of the trip, well it was only what I couldnt fit in my bag to bring back! Namely one dress makers dummy. DAMN!

2. I had my first Gin & Tonic (and several since!). I finally bought a bottle of gin, Bombay Sapphire to be precise. My methodology (that one is for you BP!) in selecting the gin was the colour of the bottle. I am really into blue at the moment. So here is a pic of the first G&T, cheers to you all (especially S&L, BP and Bells).


3. I have been trying to make it up to Princess Meena for leaving her for 4 days. She is being very cute, following me around since I have been back. Here is a pic of her, finally got her to sit still.



4. Finally thanks to those of you who made kind comments on my last post. I was feeling a little sheepish about acknowledging my crushes, all those teenage insecurities very briefly resurfaced (will they think I am weird etc, until I realised that I am a bit weird and I like it!) But then I thought hey, if I have a craft crush I am damn sure loads of other people do too! And you do, I heart that about you all! This whole craft community we have going really energises me! I love it! Well there I go gushing again! Stay tuned as I will be regularly unveiling those people who make me go weak at the knees with good wholesome Craft crushes!

I have a Craft Crush(es)

I have a Craft Crush! A giggly, weak at the knees crush(es) BUT it is all about the craft, not about stalking!! Ok, I actually have several and I feel the need to share, makes me feel less stalkerish!!

Number 1 craft crush is on Prudence Mapstone. A couple of years ago I had a huge fan moment, where I am embarrassed to say I fawned over Prudence, much to my friend Kel's amusement. I hovered. I watched. I waited. And then I pounced. And I said something odd and giggled like a schoolgirl. EMBARRASSMENT! But you know, I just love her. The idea of freeform in knitting and crochet, her use of colour, LOVE IT! She is a true craft goddess. I really dig the way she encourages you to just give it a go. She will always be my number 1.

Number 2 craft crush is on Nora from Black Dog Knits. Her grace and dignity under fire. Her encouragement. Her generosity. Her awesome designs. I could sooooo be her best friend! :) ok that was slightly stalkerish, but what I mean is that she reminds me so much of quite a few women I know. You know the ones. They pass no judgement, they challenge you, they applaud, they nurture, they are honest and they make you think. They are the women that have a passion to make a difference in the world AND THEY DO IT. She is Cool.

Number 3 craft crush is Bells from Bells knits. She is soooooooo damn cute, just check out her picture! She too reminds me of some of my good craftin' buddies, and I just know we would get along like a house on fire. Food. Knitting. Beer. What a woman. She has given me the final push to drink Gin and Tonics. You see I have some issues with this particular beverage, but I will overcome them! Anywho, I will be purchasing of some Bombay Sapphire and relaxing with my knitting and a G&T this weekend. I send her good vibes, she too is cool.

And of course as always, Brownpants, SadieandLance and OCC are on my craft crush list. S&L because she brought me out of the craft closet. BP because she has the passion and intelligence to achieve anything she sets her mind to. OCC keeps me sane during working hours. We meet pretty regularly at GJ's on Nth Sydney at lunchtime to knit. These women will never leave my craft crush list. They are true Craft Goddesses.

So there it is my Craft Crush list. As I am a gusher (and proud of it), and tend to be effusive in my praise,(I do tend to get excited easily!) I thought I might try to regularly introduce you to those people who make me go all giddy and weak at the knees (in a crafty way!). So stay tuned, for the next installment in Shazmina's Craft Crush file!!

Epiphany

I had a moment the other day, well actually there have been a couple lately (more on that soon!). I read in blogland that Marta from Marta's yarns had passed away. It made me sad to think that such a talented person has left the planet. And It reminded me of my visit there last year. I went to visit SadieandLance in Melbourne and that fabuluous craftster took me on a tour of all the cool shops down there.

When we arrived at Marta's yarns I was stunned. The walls were covered in brightly coloured yarn. It was so hard to know where to look first! I made my way to the 2ply yarn section at S&L suggestion, & I started picking up colours that looked good together. Marta was helping someone else, but as soon as she was free we pounced! I took over the yarn combos I had selected and we started playing. Now I have to say that I have always felt confident when it comes to colour choices, I know what I like and I know what works, for me anyway! But Marta was on a whole other level. And patient! She worked with your colour choices and made suggestions, building on what you had started, she was just lovely! She knew how to refine my choices, by changing one colour variation it changed the whole combo and it just popped!



This yarn is 3 x 2ply strands of varegated colours, which together form this beautiful combination. I bought this to make some fingerless gloves for myself. I have been looking for a pattern to use for a while, and nothing grabs me. After hearing the news about Marta's passing, I have decided that it is time to try my hand at designing a pattern myself. Kind of daunting, and part of me wants to keep the ball as is because it is sooo pretty. Finally I think it is time for this ball to transform into beautiful garment. I think even Marta would agree!

Six Weird Things About Me

Ok Bells here goes nothing! Six weird things about me. Where to start??

1. I CANNOT STAND PEAS! I just dont like the way they taste and their texture when they are mushed up in your mouth. Bleugh! Dont like baked beans either! Yuk! I will push peas around my plate rather than eat them. My non-craft moto is "Death before Peas!".
2. I like even numbers, they are my favorite. I think because they feel so round, and I love circles and swirls in design and Art. I have always enjoyed my even numbered birthdays more than the odd numbered ones. The only exception was turning 36 (only the day, not the year) I really hated that birthday!
3. I sleep flat on my back, with my arms straight by my side, palms and soles of my feet flat on the bed. I like the covers to be over me and have only recently stopped tucking them under my chin. My sister and I had bunk beds when we were younger, me on the bottom bunk and sis on the top. She used to wake in the middle of the night and think I was dead. I also sleep with my eyes partially open. I only found out when the optometrist told me the bottom of my eyeballs were dry and that is why my eyes go red. Funny no one else has ever mentioned it!?
4. I talk to myself, laugh at my own jokes, in fact I also laugh at my own farts (ONLY my own though!). I am potentially that crazy lady who lives on your block/neighbourhood! I actually like the fact that I am potentially that crazy old lady, she sounds like fun!
5. I dont kill insects. Well, the exception is cockroaches, but HELLO they are just awful!! Unless they are the Australian native bush cockroaches, I dont have a problem with them. Apart from them I am strictly a catch and release girl. Dont get me wrong, I am not a big fan of insects. I dont like to touch them and I certainly dont like them to touch me! Take Away food containers and a sheet of paper (for spiders, grasshopers, stick insects and crickets) are the tools I like to use. And I cant step on Ants, just cant. Not exactly sure why I catch and release, it may be a nod to Budhism and the potential for me to be reincarnated as an ant (more likely a stink beetle, due to my love of farts!), but I think it is just that I feel they have an important job to do (pollenating, eating other bugs), just not in my apartment! I have been known to chase an insect (with the tools of the trade) around my bedroom in the wee hours of the morning after a night on the town. A few wines and beers definately make it easier to catch the little critters!!!
6. I have one random short and curly hair (resembling the type of hair normaly found on another, more southern part of your body) that grows in my left ear. I have noticed recently that it has turned white (ok, it is actually grey, but I kid myself that grey is actually white!!)

So there you have it. Me in a nutshell! Having read other bloggers 6 weird things meme I am thinking that having OCD and related weirdness is really conducive to crafting! I heart the weird and strange! I heart that we celebrate what makes us unique!

Bring on the strange & weird! Bring it on!!

I LOVE MY MUM!

And this is why. Check out what my Mum just finished making me. Isnt she amazing!

It is a quilt pattern we bought at the Quilt and Craft Fair last year, and was lovingly made for my Birthday & Christmas. It is a design by Hot Possum, who make the most funkiest quilt patterns! Most of the Fabric is from Amy Butler's Ginger Bliss range. The edging is a chocolate brown taffetta.

I LOVE MY MUM!

A New Addiction

And it is all thanks to Brownpants! She remembered me talking about doing embroidery when I was young with my Mum. So the wonderful BP gave me Sublime Stitching for Christmas. Very thoughtful of her, giving me something to send my craft ADD into hyperdrive! And today I paid a visit to Lincraft in the city and the embroidery cotton was .68c each. 68c EACH people!!!! All the colours of the rainbow! I couldnt contain myself, 32 colours were purchased!! So now all I have to do is start something......................

Also went to Tapestry Craft, and remembered why I dont like the place. Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran $7.95 each, ridiculous! Wool Baa in Melbourne have a shop front and online store and they sell the same for $6.00 (yet another reason to move to Melbourne??). I mean I dont mind spending a bit of money on wool, but I just cant understand different prices charged for the same product. And maybe it is just me but I find the customer service a bit hit and miss in there as well. Mental note for when I open a wool/craft store, reasonable prices AND good customer service is a must.

Well I am off now to pick my first embroidery project. Maybe a lady like hanky with Beer bottles on it for Ms Brownpants??!! :)

Triangular Crochet

I thought I would give you a sneak peak at a bag I am making for Brownpants. I cant keep a secret, so she already knows a crochet bag is coming her way, but even BP hasnt seen this!



Ok, so it is a piece of the bag I am making. And yes it is a crochet triangle, I found the instructions in this really cool 70's craft encyclopedia my Mum has. 26 volumes, all crafts represented. AWESOME! My sister and I are (and possibly always will) fighting over them. The yarn is Noro Kureyon and it is my new favorite thing to crochet with. No need to attach different colours every row, this yarn works really well with crochet.

I will finish this bag. I promise BP, I really will. I have stalled as I am not sure on what colour or design to line it with. BUT as soon as it is complete I will post pics. Suggestions anyone??

Has Anyone Seen Where My Craft Mojo Went?

So here I am, blogging again, albiet briefly.

The problem is I need photos to go with blog to explain what I have been doing. The next problem is my internet connection is sooooo slow here at home that it takes forever to post and because of that I can never motivate myself to do it. AND THEN, I ususally find a few minutes at work to post, but I have been sooooo busy (Having to work at work, whats that about?) and most of my fun projects are at home so again, lack of motivation to post.
What is a girl to do??

So this is it, a list of what I am working on, I will update with photos as soon as I can.

1. Bag for Brownpants. Made from Crocheted triangles. Yep, triangles! Made from Noro Kureyon, it is beautiful. I am trying to figure out what material to line it with, so this project is on a little hiatus.

2. Shawl 1, for my Mum. Forest Canopy shawl, I have posted a pic earlier about the beginnings, and am now finishing off body to start the finishing edging. Only problem I can foresee is having enough space to block it properly. This projected was due to be completed last weekend, but unforseen circumstances (BF moving to Perth) saw me lose my craft mojo. Now if I just could find where I put it........................

3. Shawl 2, another one! This one is for a friends birthday. I have done the first 16 rows, but have put it down to complete Shawl 1.

4. Headband. I have made two of these already using the Caloromitry pattern from latest issue of knitty. I had to modify it for the yarn Iam using (Jo Sharp Desert garden Aran) and have come up with two sizes, small and medium. If you want the instructions let me know, that is only if you dont want to do the math!

5. Shawl 3. For me! A friend was abit naughty and bought me 3 skeins of Cherry Tree Hill silk merino DK in Peacock. It was for a birthday present/thanks for looking after my cats present. I was floored (and extreeeeeeemly happy). It is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL yarn I have ever possessed. It is soft and yummy and will look stunning in a shawl. In fact I think I will have enough for a Clapotis scarf as well! I have done the first 16 rows of the pattern for the Forest Canopy Shawl, but have had to put it down to complete the many presents I have started (Damn!).

6. And finally, I am yet to start this, but have to cast it on over the weekend. A Cardigan for my Mum. It is for her Birthday and is a Jo Sharp short sleeved cardigan from her Knit 2 magazine. I am using Cascade Sierra in Dusky Rose for this project,and it will look beautiful!

And finally, for those of you whom I have talked to about my 2007 venture/adventure, I am sourcing product as we speak and will have items for testing by end of January/early February.

So as you can see, even though I have not been posting, I have been reading all your wonderful blogs and I have been crafting, and plotting about craft! Mwa ha ha hahahahaha!

Ssshhhhh! Be Very Quiet!

This is about to be gifted to my good craftin' buddy OCC. Hope she likes it!

And yes Kel, I am still making you a bag, just keep changing my mind on colour and style. And yes Brownpants, you are also on my bag list, got a very funky design in mind for you. :)

I Feel Naked!

No, I really do. I didn't pack any knitting to bring to work today (Have work Christmas party tonite) and I fell very out of sorts. There is something comforting to know that you have knitting at hand if you should feel the need, and believe me I usually do!

Generally I meet OCC every lunch time at GJ's in N Syd to knit, whine about work and generally de-stress until we have to down sticks & go back to the mines. Bells, I know how you feel about the weird comments when you KIP, but we just get strange looks. I think people on the north side of the harbour bridge are too polite to talk, they just give you these quick glances and look away if you smile back. Odd bods! The only people who have ever spoken to us were a couple of Americans who just thought it was cool that we were knitting.

This week however, OCC has been away for work :( so I have been left to mope around the office. AND to top it all off I am going to miss the impromptu SNB at Brownpants's on Sunday as I will be kayaking with Action Man. :( :( It will be fun, but I hope my arms don't get too sore as I have to finish some knitting for xmas!!

I will have some more photos of goodies I have made in the next few days, cant post them until I give them to their new owners!!

My Knitting Epiphany!

So , I was driving to work today and thinking about knitting. Not a very safe thing to do, I should have been concentrating on the road (that was for the benefit of any work colleagues who may read this blog. HUGE safety culture in this organisation!). I was marvelling at my knitting skills, as I am currently knitting a lace shawl AND a cami with lace detail on the bottom (pattern courtesy of the lovely Nora). Then I remembered that it was only May 2005 that I learnt to knit.

You see I am a crocheter. Have been since I was 8. And I have sewed and embroidered etc since I can remember. My Mum was never into knitting, she does nearly every craft know to man, and is an extraordinary quilter, but not really into knitting. It was on a long Craft weekend away with some amazing girls, that I finally learned to knit. I laugh now as it took me 3 days to knit a beanie, one that I now whip up in a couple of hours!

So after driving over the Sydney Harbour Bridge feeling like I was the worlds best knitter doing the "I am so great, I am so great, everyone loves me 'cos I am so great!" dance in my car (I will do live renditions , on request), I realised something. It is not that I am a super dooper fantastic knitter, I have just conquered my fear of the unknown in knitting. Where once I looked at cables and lace knitting and thought "That is so hard, I will never be able to do it", I now look at patterns and can break it down to the stitches. "Yep, I can k, p, yo, k2tog psso, I CAN do that!". Talk about an epiphany! I should write a book, or better still open a store! (nudge nudge wink wink on that one!).

I am still a committed crocheter, even though my love and appreciation of knitting has grown so much. In fact I will post some stuff I have been working on really soon.

But for now here is a picture of the Forest Canopy Shawl I am knitting. At the moment it is on straight needles (due to a lack of Bamboo circulars in my needle collection) and is about halfway done.




I am using Merino 4ply from The Knittery in the Grace colourway. The close up does not do the leaf pattern justice, it is just evidence of my poor photography!!

What the???

Well the last couple of weeks have been mad, work is out of control and it wont slow down until April 07! After all the whining about pursuing a career in HR I am beginning to wonder whether I have made the right choice! People can be so ungrateful, but that is another blog!!

So, what have I been up to? Well here goes.....
Two weeks ago, I stuffed up at work. I had a deadline for producing information for our bonus (I like to call it Yarn money!!) in February. Had 2 weeks to do it and the day before it was due I thought I should double check the instructions to make sure I hadnt missed anything before submitting the work. Realised I hadnt done a huge chunk of it (thanks to skimming over the instructions initially) so had to do it all in 24 hours! Monday night at 7.30pm I accidentally deleted everything I worked on. Called the helpdesk (in India) hysterical and nearly in tears, and they told me it would take 2 days to retrieve it (from the IT helpdesk in Malaysia) and it would be quicker to redo it. So I went home.
So on Tuesday I came in at 7am, got it all done (again) before the 3pm deadline. Submitted it for authorisation and went home.
Then on Wednesday I came in to work as normal, feeling pretty pleased with myself, opened my emails to find that there had been a system error and we had to delete our worksheets and start again! Only problem was that because I had submitted the original work, I had to wait 2 days for the helpdesk to delete the work so I could start again. Third time lucky, it was finally done by the end of the week. Until Stage 2 of the process that is!

So that week was crazy but funny, if that makes sense??

In amongst it all I went through a "I am too tired to knit" stage but have now got my craft mojo back! It is funny though, even though I was reallly busy and too tired to craft, I still made time to read my favorite blogs (Brownpants, Sadieandlance, Blackdog knits & Bels), guess I am really a bit of a blog voyeur!

ps. I have photos at home, but thought I would take a 5 minute break to tell you all what I have been up to. I really do promise to blog again very soon!
GAME ON CRAFT STARS!