Good & Bad 18/10/12

Hi folks,
It has definitely been a time of knitting hats..
Ok so a lot has been happening and yet at the same time nothing has changed. I've got a lot of knitting done and have cast on a few more Christmas projects too. My Ravelry project age makes me look like I have a really bad case of startitus. I promise if it's in progress I am actually knitting it in rotation with everything else.
I've finished another chemo cap,

 this time I aimed at toddler or young child. It's made with organic cotton just in case and I put ballerinas on it. I'll post the pattern on here over the weekend.

I also finished Daves latest hat.

Very warm, I used Katia Azteca in the blue brown colourway. I can't remember it having a colour name. He loves it anyway, so that's four since may. I already have his next one planned using Stylecraft chunky in gray so he can wear it to the garden and it can just get thrown in the wash with whatever else he's gotten muddy or dirty.

I finished my middle daughter Keiras silk merino lacey hat.

 The yarn is just beautiful. There's so much left I can make myself something small with it too. I adjusted the pattern because she has a small head and I wanted her to enjoy wearing it without thinking it was going to slip off. I doubled up on the decreases and cut out a few of the plain rows. Ironically my youngest daughter Niamh is modelling it and she has a larger head than Keira. She promised not to tell Keira though and after a week she hasn't said a peep.

My two knit lit chicks shawl kal 50 Shades of Teal, is now just over halfway. I'm a few rows into the tulip section and I'm really enjoying how it looks, however it isn't going to be as big as I thought. Still beautiful though.
I currently have another three shawls on the needles too. There is Chinook, which I'm making in a silvery viscose cotton blend, very pretty. Look a bit like ladies chainmail in a good way. Sweet Dreams which I'm making using  some Old Piggery yarn, cashmere merino blend in a semi solid or slightly varieagated green mix. & Leftie, which is actually a Christmas present for my friend. I'm using scarlet 3 ply 100% cashmere with 2 ply lace weight 100% merino and I've been adding beads onto the leaves to make it extra special. I'll post pictures when they're complete.

Excited because i managed to purchase a Jade Starmore book. A Collector's Item. I fell in love with some of the designs on Ravelry that other people have made from the book so I took the plunge. I managed to track down a copy and after paying a rather largish sum for it, it is on it's way to me. The second book I'm mega excited about getting it Inspired Fair Isle by Fiona Ellis. She just has such a talent that I struggle not to cast on the majority. Obviously I don't need a yoga mat cover because although I have a yoga mat, I got it purely for stretching when i was pregnant and haven't used it since. I currently have thre of her designs on the needle though. I plan on doing more on that another time though.
I have many many projects on the go, far too many for today, I'll just fill you in as I complete stuff, how about that? Or would you like progress photos?

The bad news is my health has deteriorated again, I'm basically on a diet of tea and crumpets. I only managed three crumpets today and five half teas. I get my energy powder from my gp in the morning to add the calories. I just have to keep going. It's so hard though. I'm either starving or so sick I can't even sip water. There's no in between. My medication is not really working anymor eand the side effects are starting to build up. My Oedema in my legs and feet is getting worse and I had an ulcer which needed anti-biotics. The mass in my abdomen is now making me look about 15 weeks pregnant, mostly on the right side, but it's putting a lot of pressure on all my organs. I have my neck through pelvis CT being done on 31st October. We're expecting bad news but trying not to think about it too much. Especially with three young children. So next full blog I should have news. Wish me luck.
Two bits of good news to end on. First, most of my chillblaines on my fingers have gone so flexibilty in my fingers is improving again. Secondly, Keira was able to go and watch Swan Lake at the weekend. Birmingham Royal Ballet. She is now more determined that ever to go pro at ballet. Go Keira xxxx
Bye for now  Elspeth x

Material Girl.....

Hi all, It's Friday 5th October 2012.

This last week has been delighful and dreadful on equal measures.
Dreadful because my various ailments are becoming very severe again and I'm starting to wonder how much longer before i'm admitted back into hospital. I'm still waiting for a full CT. Just the idea fills me with dread because all they can do is keep checking my obs. I can't eat in hospital as I have too many allergies for them to cope with. ( seriously who gives someone allergic to dairy a yoghurt?)

Delighful came through the post in many deliveries.

My Desert Vista Dyeworks Yarn arrived for the 2 Knit Lit Chicks Gradiant shawl KAL. The pattern is called 50 Shades of Teal, by Brenda Castiel, I'm taking part in. So I started that yesterday.

My Kindle touch arrived too, very nice it is indeed, I'll never stop buying books but it's nice to be able to read while I knit, it also plays my audible books too which is great.

Also a book i've been waiting to buy for a while came into stock, 'Knits from a Painter's Palette'.
It has some of the most beautiful coloured Koigu Yarn. There is one particular coat but it calls for 41 Skeins and at approximately £10 a skein that means saving and buying a couple at a time.

Lastly my fivemoons yarn was delivered, 6 skeins too. My absolute favourite is this one.. Camel and silk.

I realised I've knit four shawls this year,without it actually registering and only one of them was for me, so I plan on making lots more. My husband thinks their beautiful too and so i'll be knitting them to be both worn and for a while displayed pinned to the walls around our home as pieces of art. Amazing hey, surrounded by beauty i'll have knitted.

So knitting I'm doing at the moment. I'm still working on Keiras Pink hat for Christmas, I'm on my second chemo cap, this one i've designed with ballerinas on though as i'm sure there's a ballet loving little girl who needs cheering up. Daves hat kind of got put down part way through the decreases. I will pick it up again in a few days. Kims Elwing jumper is now about 50 rows in, for her Birthday, (6 days before Christmas)
I did finish Niamhs socks see.

For myself I'm doing the shawl kal, another shawl called Chinook, some Endpaper mitts (fingerless gloves) and a hat i've designed to match in Norweigan Blue by fivemoons and a lovely Juno Buffy yarn in a sort of silver grey. All beautiful projects. All the projsects I have named can be found on www.ravelry.com
I actually organised my fivemoons stash before i bought some more and nominated it all to a future project, very pleased with myself too.

I have to share a very cute moment from tuesday with you all. My little owl mp3 speaker got delivered, and I plugged it in to make sure it wasn't damaged in transit and starting listening to a podcast. Well my youngest daughter Niamh, being three, came outside to see it and I asked if she liked it. She said " Yes mummy, your talker is cute." Bless her.
Next week I'll post one of the mermaid patterns i've been working on.x
Take care everyone and keep knitting, Elspeth.

My Cheery Robins Hat

Sunday 30th September 2012
Cheery Robins is a chemo hat I designed for Hats for Halos, which I heard about via Knitting Brooklyn podcast and Commuter Knitter podcast.
Please feel free to knit it too for children who are ill or just need cheering up with the Robins.

Cheery Robins

For ages 3 - 8 years approx,

Materials:
50g worsted / aran yarn in red (if you knit loosely you made need slighlty more, i used all but 2m)
20g worsted / aran yarn in white
4.5mm 16" / 40cm circular needle,
4.5mm double point needles,
tapestry needle,
stitch markers.

Instuctions

Cast on 88 stitches with Red and join in the round, check you don't twist stitches.
Work 6 rows in K2, P2 rib
(continue in stocking stitch)

Change to Cream yarn and work chart. 8 reps around,using Red for Robin shape.
Each repeat is 11sts wide x 9sts high
carry colour not in use loosely across back.

Once last row of chat has been worked, change back to Red yarn.
Work 23 rounds (15cm total length from cast on edge)

Decreases

*K9, K2tog, repeat from * to end
Knit a round
*K8, K2tog, repeat from * to end
Knit a round
*K7, K2tog, repeat from * to end
Knit a round
*K6, K2tog, repeat from * to end
Knit a round
*K5, K2tog, repeat from* to end
Knit a round
*K4, K2tog, repeat from* to end
Knit a round
*K3, K2tog, repeat from* to end
*K2, K2tog, repeat from* to end
*K1, K2tog, repeat from* to end
*K2tog, repeat from * to end

Cut long tail, Thread yarn through remaining stitches and fasten off securely.

Present to a child in need of affection. Enjoy

Knit crazy

Today is Friday 28/9/12 and I have Bachs Concerto for Harpsichord and String in F Minor playing while I type.
I have a lot to say today.
First the podcasts I listen to are called Knitting Brooklyn, 2 Knit Lit Chicks,  and Robinznest.
Knitting Brooklyn is by a lady called Jessica, she's just great, I'm taking part in her festive swap, basically you knit, crochet, sew etc something your swap buddy would like to receive as a gift in the holiday season. Nothing specific other than say coasters as a description. Then you send it off with a little goody to your swap buddy. I think it's a lovely idea.
2 Knit Lit Chicks last episode was good too, although i tried to get into crime novels when i was a teen and just not my cup of tea, give me romance (clean) or historical drama any day. I am taking part in their shawl KAL. My yarn for it however was still in Phoenix, AZ this morning when i tracked it. I'll just have to catch up i guess. Oh well, gives me time to knit a hat or two for Hats for Halo. They need people to knit hats for people going through chemo. As although i'm not going through Chemo, my hairloss is approx 60% now. I daren't not wear a hat. Undiagnosed reasons.
Robinznest hasn't podcast again yet, :-(

My health is still deteriorating, I must admit i'm finding it harder to cope each day, I am gradually being shut out by my family. It's not intentional on their part obviously, but when you can't play, eat, bath and smile with your family as expected it kinda happens. It's just as hard for them my being ill all the time. I used to be healthy and fun and loved being a mummy. After my youngest was born in 2009 my health started struggling. M.E, Fibromyalgia, CFS, IBS, Nausea, Chronic constipation, food allergies, Asthma, Renaulds disease, Oedema and then last Christmas day i almost passed out. I had a blocked intestine. I dramatically lost weight over two weeks asI was so ill. 2 stone / 28lbs / 11kgs. Over the last six months i have managed to gain around 5kg, but I'm still tiny and feel very frail. I only weigh 44 Kg now. My chill blains are excruciating at the moment, at last count i have 27 on my hands alone. The latest is my consultant wants to put me out and introduce a dye directly into my small intestine, bring me round, then wait a few hours and do a CT. Let's pray it shows up what's wrong.

Happy Place Time, Knitting Projects
 I invested in some Addi Click Lace needles. I Love them. I used them for a shawl and you'd think the join would snag the yarn but nope, smooth as satin.
Niamhs mittens are done now, I did the cuffs a different colour to the main body.

 

Janes Shawl is the Mini Mochi Shawlette on Ravelry, I finished the edging on that this morning. I really like how it looks.

Baby 4 x 4 Sweater is another pattern from Ravelry. You basically knit lots of squares diagonally and sewthem up to make a sweater. Very cute!

Daves Hat is now on the decreases so i'll take a photo when it's finished.

Niamhs socks are now 75% done, just the foot left of one, so a few hours left but close.

Niamhs Fairy is now finished, I have to stitch all the pieces together and stuff her but as it's for Christmas I have a while yet.

Preggers  is the top I've started for my friend for Christmas, From my pet name for it you can tell it's a maternity top. Except I've added beading to it as she love them. This top when finished is suitable for maternity and afterwards. The beading will help it hang nicely.

 

Baby Booties are also being knitted as i have two pregnant friends.

Keiras Lacey Hat  is about a third done too now. It's so pretty!!! I can't wait to finish it and post a photo. It goes through various pale shades of pink and purple.

Finally Mermaid Tail is a pattern i wrote. I admit i was asking for grief when i was knitting it up. I chose to work with 1.25mm double point needles and crochet thread. It's for a popular doll every little girly girl has heard of. I've also designed one to be worn as an apron style for young girls. Both patterns will be written out on my next blog.

I hope everyone has a pleasant weekend and does something fun or creative. I will be knitting away in my garden under my gazebo as usual eating cake and crumpets.
Take care Elspeth

Affirmation that I'm a knitter !!!

So today is thursday 20th September 2012 and it's our 10th wedding anniversary, yey us!!!

My darling Dave ordered me some Signature needles, size 4mm, twist end, stilleto tip. However, Signature are re doing the 4mm needles across their range so they were delayed and didn't arrive in time for today. Disapointed but still very excited that he knows quality stuff.
My ChiaoGoo Blue flower set did come today however. They're so pretty, see...

I've been good and not bought these until now but i couldn't resist any longer. The set has 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.5mm & 6mm 23cm single pointed needles. Great for all the smaller projects i want to do. Or the projects in a solid colour so i'll constantly get flashes of blue flowers showing through as if to say hello and make me smile.

The 18th was my mother in laws birthday, and as she is a Harry Potter fan, I decided to make her the Mandrake from the film. She loved it and it's sat in a plant pot by her fireplace. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mandrake-plant

I also got another new knitting pattern book through today, it's called 'Fairy Tale Knits' by Alison Stewart-Guinee. I love this book to pieces. All the patterns in it are very cute and i'm going to struggle not to want to knit all the girls items for my two younger daughters. I did promise Niamh my youngest that i'd knit her the 'Snow Queen' coat. So i shall, she's 3.5years old so i have a while to keep my promise before she's too big for it.

I'm getting into knitting shawls at the moment too, a friend of ours is rather ill so i made her a healing/prayer shawl in her favourite colours and it's inspired me to make more, so i made another one for another friend who's also very ill and she loved it. the second one took just under two weeks around other projects and was a suprise for her. I won't name names but she really liked it. As do I.

 

Ok so, I've started listening to Podcasts again recently.

2 Knit Lit Chicks, this is just brilliant, they are a mother and daughter who talk about Knit alongs, their current knitting projects, charity projects, books they're reading or listening to and other interesting stuff not always related to knitting either. I love it as it's great to see what they're doing on Ravelry and sample the books on audible. Barb and Tracie are brilliant. I'm doing their gradiant colour shawl KAL. More on that next time.

Knitting Brooklyn, this lady is so good to listen to. Not just because what she talks about is fascinating, like sheep breeding for different fibre types and what she's working on, but her voice is so soothing that on days like today when my health is dreadful, I just listen to her show and feel good about sharing knitting with her. Jessica I sense is someone who really helps people whose lives cross with hers just by being herself.

Robinznest, I started listening to this after i heard about it through the  Knit Lit Chicks podcast. Robin is very endearing and i wish i knew her because she is so positive about everything in her life. From the animals on her farm, to how much she loves her grandkids to the projects she's working on.

I'm enjoying listening and can'twait to see where her journey takes us.

Well i hope you all have a lovely week and i'll blog again soon with what i've been creating and what inspired me.

Take care

Elspeth

 

 

 

Newness

Hi all,
So, health news first.
I had a second opinion consultant yesterday and came away a lot more satisfied for several reasons.
1: He agrees with us that I don't have an eating disorder,
2: He agrees it is not psychological,
3: He's arranging for me to have a full MRI.
So relieved, however he did warn me that because nothing had shown up on my previous investigations either side of my small intestine, that they might find something bad there and just to be warned. Also that it is going to be a long and painful road to recovery whatever is wrong with me. So, after crying a little Dave and I came home to the girls and our wonderful friend who'd looked after them and did some winding down.

Today has been productive knitting wise.
First I finished Kims vest.

Secondly I've picked up Niamhs Heart jumper again because otherwise she'll have grown out of it before i've finished.
Thirdly we went up to Heavenly Yarns and bought more yarn, the last 3 skeins for Stephi and Shawns baby blanket, three more balls of Lang yarn towards my shrug/cardi.
Also I bought another ball of Katia Aztecato make Dave another hat.

This evening having finally caught up on the podcasts by 2 Knit Lit Chicks, I've joined their Shawl KAL starting on 1/10/12. I'm making a wavy shawl using this purple yarn. It's called: Goth Girls Revenge Shadow Gradiant Fingering.

Very me hey!!!

So i'll let you know how i get on.

Contemplation

I'm finding it hard at the moment to remind myself to be positive about anything that isn't knitting related. My health is dire and i failed miserably to do my part in order to get a full ct done. (insert angry miserable sobbing) It has left mewondering if this is how my life will be from now on. Basically i take a lot of medication so i can eat after my bowel shut down on CHRISTMAS DAY last year. I lost 2 stone (28lb's) in about two weeks because i could only drink before 8am ish and couldn't eat a thing. I got so ill that my GP will only do home visits so i don't catch anything that i'm not strong enough to fight off. After several (let's say over 30) hopital visits and tests, they still don't know what's wrong. GRRRR. I'm now living on gluten, dairy and wheat free crumpets with margarine and golden syrup and every other morning my dear Dave is up before me cooking me a pear sponge cake to also eat with golden syrup. I have tea with soya milk and sugar and that's all i eat or drink. Those who know me, know this is torture as i love roast dinners and lasagne and fruit crumble etc. One day they'll fix me and i will be able to start eating proper food again.

I'm currently knitting a huge number of projects, two are prayer / healing shawls for two different friends. One has M.E and the other has had cancer. I can't offer to help with their chores or play with their children because i can't do that for myself. What i can do though is to knit a shawl to show how much they are loved and that they are being prayed for a full recovery into every stitch. It doesn't matter to me if they're Christian like me or not. I believe enough for us all.

I've completed Kimberlys OMG Ponies hat and it's just beautiful, LOOK!!!!!!

I've also only got to get enough yarn for another 3 projects and apart from time or a swarm of moths i am set for knitting this years presents.

As i'm losing my hair rapidly at the moment (40% over last 3 weeks) i invested in a set of 40cm circular addi premium needles to rapidly knit myself a selection of hats, I'm not a wig person. I made up a hat i'm very proud of and called it Autumn Assembly in my Revelry rojects.
I also yesterday bought the Chiaogoo hand painted flower 9" needle set purely because i've been longing for them since i first saw them advertised in Vogue Knitting 3 years ago.
One day i'll own some Signature needles too.

On a very happy note, my friend is pregnant so i can start the baby blanket for her too, but that will be a sideline project she's still a long way off yet.

So the only things left to do this evening is to do this evening are finish my necklace, do another shell for one shawl and a repeat on the other whilst watching a good film.
Night all, Elspeth x

P.S more on the books soon.