Shazmina's First Steps

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......

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'

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!

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!

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!

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?

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.....

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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?

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

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

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!

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!! :)