Half Way!

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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!

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

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???

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

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

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........

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

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

"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!!