A year of simple things.

You will notice a new icon among the rings I'm a part of. I've joined the year of simple things ring. I like the idea of being grateful for something simple, anything really and this ring is a good way of focusing on the simple stuff:)

Hospice KAL blog

I have set up a blog for the hospiceKAL if anyone interested
http://hospicekal.blogspot.com/

Hospice KAL

I'm thinking of making the new year resolution into a KAL. Would anyone be interested in making items for their local hospice, 1 per lunar month same as I'm doing? I'm making shawls but you could make what you wished. I can't decide if you gift my shawls monthly or at the end of the 13 months, what do you think? Also does anyone know how to make buttons for me for the KAL?

written instructions v charts and needle help

I'm looking to make a shawl or wrap a month (lunar month as I am pagan) 13 needed for the year. I've been checking out patterns online and struggle. Why? you ask. I don't like charts. In fact I hate charts. I have always preferred written instructions, partly my eyes aren't good and charts confuse me being so small. Mainly though I can understand written stuff far easier. I am really struggling to find different shawl/ wrap patterns that aren't charted. Something lacy and pretty that is written, not a lot to ask is it? If anyone knows any please let me know.
Secondly I am looking to clear out all my old needles, I have plastic and metal and most are in the old measurements. I thought if I got rid of them and purchased just the main sizes I use it would be nice to have them the same. Also I need longer needles. What are your favourite suppliers?

Blog now fixed??

seems blogger has fixed itself and my blog appears tidy at the moment:)

Blog help needed and new year resolutions or not

My blog seems to be messed up and I don't know how to fix it:( The links and web groups are at the bottom and it looks plain untidy, not a good way to go into the new year. Can any kind soul help please?
New year resolutions( or revolutions as my nan always used to call them)
#1, to knit a shawl a month for the local hospice.
rest to follow as and when
New year non resolutions I won't be sock knitting or learning to knit socks or anything to do with socks:)

Home

We arrived home safely Boxing Day evening, tired but happy. Then yesterday we had friends from France over so this is the first day I've had to read messages.
We went down to Lancashire Christmas Eve, First we went to see my sister(she was out) then to my mums grave. I was so pleased to see that one of my sisters had tidied it and there were flowers and a wreath there. Last time we went it was very overgrown. I don't make a big thing of visiting the grave but around the anniversary of mum's death and Yule I do go. I also visited the hospital to see my uncle who was poorly,visited my daughter and grandsons then finally arrived at our friends house were we stayed. Think we went to bed around 2am. Christmas morning after breakfast we went to see my son, then to my daughters to see all the grandsons gifts and to receive yet more. My son had purchased gifts for both Mr Mog and I and wrapped them. That is such a big thing for me and I was so pleased. Its not that long ago he was too involved with drugs to know what day it was. He is the son I used to have which is good. He gave me a box of chocs and a bottle of rose wine because he knew the moggie liked both:)
My daughter and grandsons gave us a throw in rich cranberry fur fabric, 2 matching cushions, a set of candle holders and candles in same colours and a large box of pot pourri to match. My bedroom is painted white and the red looks stunning in there and of course moggies love cuddling into fur:)
From there we went to the hospital to see my uncle and he was much better than the previous day thank goodness. We had a goodly while sitting with him before going back to our friends for Christmas lunch around 3.30pm. Some wonderful gifts, a hand made neclace of wire, a beautiful beaded trinket pot, a fabulous hamper from our friends full of candles, wine, nuts, oatcakes, incense and more.
An earlyish night as I was so tired. Boxing day a visit to see grandsons before heading homewards. We called at mr mog's sisters to see his nephews and their wives. Great to see them as we hadn't seen any since earlier this year at the wedding. We got home exhausted.
Yesterday we had visitors from France mr mogs best friend and his wife. Good to see them also. After they left we opened our gifts. I had got various model railway items for mr mog and a book that sadly hasn't turned up yet.
He got me 2 rings, one a silver and amethyst the other lapis lazuli I think, also chocolate(GG) and 2 wonderful note pads in the shape of ladies dresses complete with coat hangers.
Oh and the most deligthful fairy doll which I'd coveted for weeks:)
Today has been a catch up on sleep, relaxation day. I'm now off to try and finish mr mog's hat and the cream shawl before deciding on a new project

Finished shawl and WIP, plus Saturday sky

a few pictures for you to see. First one is todays sky as photographed by Mr Mog on his walk up the fell side. Doesn't the loch look wonderfully misty? Then current work in progress #1 a shawl in a wonderful cream boucle style yarn from Jo at Celtic Memory yarns. I am toying with whether to dye it after finishing or leaving it cream. WIP #2 a hat for mr mog and look folks 4 needles. Pattern is from Woolly wormheads site. I need to find out how to put a link in that just shows the persons name. Yarn is 100% wool.
Finally the finished amethyst coloured shawl. Aren't the colours wonderful? This should help keep me warm on the road trip. Oh and the last picture the berries outside the door, just look at the colours

Tis almost the night before Christmas and I got a great SP gift:)

Well almost another celebration, Christmas this time:) At the moggie household we celebrate each and every holiday not just our wheel of the year ones. We go down to stay with a good friend tomorrow morning until Boxing day so this will be the last post for a couple of days. You all behave yourselves while I'm away won't you?
We will be seeing my son, daughter and grandsons. Also fitting in a visit to hospital on each of the 3 days as my favourite uncle is in there recovering from major surgery. I am also going to be going to tidy my mums grave and put some plants on it. Finally (I think) I'll be catching up with the only sister that I get on with. I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers. My favourite brother is living in New Zealand so it will be phone calls to him. My other 2 sisters and brother I don't have anything to do with. Long story and not very nice so we won't go into it here. Suffice it to say the mog has a busy few days lined up:) I am taking my knitting with me to do in the car. I do have some goodies to show you though:) Look what my dear SP sent me that arrived nicely today. She sent me a marvellous bag for travelling knitting complete with a change purse. Lots of different teas to try and I adore fruit and herb tisanes:) A lavender sachet that smells delightful, a candy cane envelope that held a beautiful mermaid holiday card. A cute sheep with its chocolate droppings:))) My grandsons will love this when they see it tomorrow.2 balls of knitpicks superwash in red pepper. I loved working with the knitpicks wool of the andes so I can see this being equally good to knit with. Thank you SP a wonderful present:)

Merry Midwinter:)

Merry Midwinter, Yule or winter Solstice:) Hope you all have a great celebration.
As its impractical to send cards to everyone by snail mail ,and I'm late anyway, here is my Yule card to you:)Enjoy
On the needles a hat from one of Woolly Wormheads patterns in 100% chunky wool and a shawl (what else) in some gorgeous cream boucle from Jo at Celtic Memory. Off to get ready for our Yule celebration

almost Yule or Midwinter

Tis getting ever closer to Midwinter, also called the Winter Solstice and Yule. I've finished my gift making and purchasing now we just have the final wrapping to do. I don't have any pictures at the moment as the only knitting I'm doing needs a progress photo when its daylight. I'm making a shawl for me in Argyll mohair in delightful shades of lilacs, this pic gives you a slight idea . It is really warm and cosy and I can't wait to finish it and wear it. I've been down in england this past week grandson sitting, always fun. A wee bit traumatic this time as youngest banged his head. Fortunately he soon recovered. Also my dearest uncle went into hospital Thursday for major cancer surgery. He had the operations yesterday and is critical. We won't know for a little while how succesful it was. He had operations last year for it and was given the all clear in June. Sadly it then recurred:( Think positive thoughts for an early recovery won't you? I saw him Tuesday prior to his going in and will see him Christmas Day when I return to England for a few days. We are staying with a friend of ours Christmas Eve to Boxing day then returning home. Well weather permitting of course. Our main celebration is Yule on Thursday when we have a feast with the rest of the people who live around us plus visitors. Our contribution to the food is braised brisket and we are also doing the roast tatties and roast parsnips. Well think thats about all for the moment
cheerie bye

knitpicks is Fern

for those asking, the knitpicks yarn wool of the andes colour is Fern and thanks for the comments:)
Off to decide what to knit for ME now, maybe try fetching? or should it be a midwinter wrap?

More finished objects

A few finished objects here to see. 3 ear flap hats, my own patterns on top. First is actually a lot more purply in real life and is unfelted. I used 3 strands of different yarns so it feels felted anyways and nicely fluffy. Second and third hats are felted. All green is knitpicks wool of the andes, cream/green is same green and handspun cream, Definately need a head for displaying these, they don't look the same on a pan and of course the pumpkin is now gone:)
The shawl you see blocked and unblocked. This was boucle yarn from Maylin and lovely to work with. Reminds me of a stormy day which we are having here today.

more purple in real life 

top view 

earflap hat 

Finished objects

A

My tarot card

No comments:

from the back door 

where is the path? 

lovely for the swans 

a little wet 

it has been raining 

OOhhh we be surrounded by water

As you can see by the photos we have a lot of water around at the moment. The village was cut off for a while until it dropped a little. Now we are only partially isolated. We had been to visit my MIL yesterday and arrived home around 4.30pm. Fortunately for us as an hour or so later the waters rose. Doesn't it look beautiful though?
I have been knitting and made 2 quick scarves in a pink chenille for a friends birthday and an aunts birthday. Not my colours but they will both love it I know. I forgot to photograph them sorry. Now I need a project, something simple and doable while reading or watching the odd bit of tv. Another shawl maybe or???

Artshare MeMe

ArtShare MeMe
I saw this on Deirdre's Sloppy Studio Studies blog, she saw it on Emmy Schoonbeek's blog (and she saw it on Arlee's... who saw it on Skybell's ...)So if you want to play along, read this and you wil get a piece of art from me , but you must follow the instructions.The first five people to respond to this in the comments section will receive a piece of artwork from me.BUT, in addition to the comments you have to post this same blurb to your blog too and continue sharing the art with people who respond to you.
What art will I send you? That will be a surprise but will be something I've made

Sideways cardigan and a mask

Here we have another view of the sideways cardigan. I've now done both armholes and they are correct:) Not sure on sleeves yet as this yarn is getting a little short sadly. Unless I do 2 different colour sleeves? That would be funky for sure. The other picture is a mask I've done, to represent the winter solstice eve. The longest night before the shortest day. I've freeform knitted some pieces in black. Then done the start of a crochet curly whirly in autumn shades to represent the end of the season. Added the shell for emotions(the sea). No eyes as such because the dark half of the year is a time for inward focus. It is always the darkest time emotionally for me and this is my view if you will of the dark half of the year. It does need somewhere on it a touch of gold or fire for the new light half of the year.However I don't have the right piece yet.
It does have knitting in it but also some of my other craft skills. The mask measures approx 9 inches long by approx 5 inch wide

WIP and finished items

A few pictures of stuff today. I've finished my doll Margaret Pye (Magpie) I'm pleased with how she turned out and its really got me back into dollmaking with a vengeance:) First picture is back view of her long waistocoat(vest), second one she has taken off the waistcoat and you see her funky sweater. Third shot the front view. You will notice Margaret's funky boots and leather look trousers. She is quite a character. For anyone interested in urban fantasy I'd highly recommend any of Charles de Lint's books but especially Someplace to be flying.
I really love her outfit with the dangly threads, you can imagine her picking them up on her travels. After all magpies adore sparkly bits and pieces:)
I've also some other pictures to upload and I'll do them in a separate posting as blogger isn't too keen on multiple pictures

pictures, Magpye plus others

Well the muse is back with a vengeance:) First picture is my part made Margaret Pye(Magpie) inspired totally by Charles de Lints book Someplace to be flying. She needs her boots painting once they dry and she needs a vest and jangley bracelets. But I like how she looks I love her top, very magpieish don't you think?
Then the muse wouldn't let me finish, she was here and determined to stay So we have secondly a hand dyed felt figure who had to have a face of clay. Her choice not mine as I am not very good at faces. However she likes it so thats all that matters:)) Like her funky boots? Final figure has more of abird or beaky face but it hasn't come out clearly with the camera. Probably as she hasn't been painted yet. She is wearing dashing chenille leggings as is her friend. Her clothes?? are also hand done felt.
Hope you like

A new Margaret Pie

I've started a new Margaret Pie (aka magpie) as per my take on her from the Charles de lint book Some place to be flying. Charles writes the most wonderful books on urban fantasy and I have them all:) I'm lucky enough to be on his Christmas list so each year I get a chapbook signed by him. If you haven't read any of his urban fantasy and you like that kind of reading do check him out His work has always inspired me to create , but I digress. I made my idea of Magpie several years ago now after first reading SPTBF. She was right for then but this is now. I've been having visions of her for sometime and she is clothed in a shawl of magpie colours with sequins. I think my SPs gift of beads fired me up more as some of them are ideal for a magpie don't you think? So she has her skeleton, she has some clothing and now I start the shawl. Progress pictures when it feels right. Magpie is one of my totems and its been a little while since I made a figure. I think the last one was gifted to my SP8. I find that after a month or so I have an urge, nay a NEED to create elemental figures. I'd thought that the knitting had taken away this need but apparently not.
Off to my pie shawl

WIP

Herewith 3 pictures for your viewing
First one is a shawl but rectangular for a change, using various yarns as you can see.This is a pick up when bored project. Second is the current sideways cardigan using argyll mohair and an unnamed mohair. I'm really liking this colour scheme. Perhaps that is because I don't often work in greens? Finally the scarf that should have been the sideways cardigan but isn't.
Will be a simple gift for someone this Yule. Speaking of Yule its time to think of gifts and who gets them. We have a list that we are working on and seems to be unanimous that its Lush, Marks and Spencer and artist (me)made for those that appreciate it. Grandsons are part sorted, the elder is very into fact books so he is getting Pick me up , put me down which is interactive almost. Also the Boys book how to be the best at everything. Should keep him busy:) Younger I think is getting football things and artist materials.
Then its Mr Mog to consider. He would love a set of wood carving tools and Lidl have some coming in week on Thursday so may have to acquire them for him. We have 2 celebrations at this time of year. Yule and a get together feast and fun then Christmas. This is one pagan who loves to celebrate at any excuse:) Yule I do love though, the midwinter celebrations in the darkest part of the year. A bonfire to celebrate the return of the light allbeit slowly. From Yule the days get longer and the nights shorter. For me Yule is is the start of the feastivities Lots of food , chocolate of course and the occasional tincture of wine through to New Year.
Yummy I'm thinking of the chocolate, must go and make a cup of Green and Blacks excuse me

knit one frog one

I started a sideways cardigan in shades of greens that I put together. Did oh around 7 inches, decided it didn't look right and was too thick so frogged it. Not easily because 3 yarns 2 of which are mohair = chaos. Anyways it frogged so I started again. Bigger needles, six inches didn't like it. However after the last debacle I decided that cast off it would make a scarf = one less Yule gift to find.
I then wound a skein of silkwoods yarn no name on it but very thin folks, shades of green mustard etc and useful. Not WOW factor as not bright enough for the moggie but useful mixed with the green mohair yarns. So one thin silkwood, 1 coned moss green(but light moss)mohair unknown name and 1 argyll Rossini greens/golds mohairs I've started again. Using 8mm needles and garter stitch, Couldn't see the silkwood so after 5 rows snipped that without, and this is the important thing, frogging. I'm now around 8 inches so have passed the hexing 6inches and I like it its a good mix of greens and it feels good. Lets see how far I get and No Jo, I won't be doing asymetrical armholes hopefully:)) Pictures tomorrow, Mr Mog has hidden the camera somewhere and its the communal log splitting day so I don't want to disturb him. 1 person from each household takes part in the chainsawing/splitting and barrowing around to each pile. Plenty of logs to keep the mog warm:)

Offered latest issue of Knitting magazine, Freeformations Jenny Dowde and yarn

looking to sell or swap the following
latest December issue of Knitting magazine As new purchased twice for some unknown reason:))
Freeformations Jenny Dowde As new isn't me
large bag of homespun and hand spun yarns in browns
looking for mountain colors mohair or other yarn of theirs,
hand painted yarns or??
the jennie dowde is heavy and that will have to be reflected in trade or costs I'd estimate its going to cost approx $15 to ship

Yes another post , finished hats and a warm stove

I didn't want to do this at the same time as my care package because that needed concentrating on and savouring all by itself:) Aren't I a lucky moggie? My beautiful SP9 package yesterday and my care package today. Can you hear the purrs??
I should tell you that I have another cause to purr and here in is the proof a fully operational absolutely warm woodburing(or multi fuel) stove:)) Yes my craft room is now warm and note the top of the stove I can have a kettle or stew bubbling away as I create. So if any of you pals come and stop over we can knit in comfort:)) Our landlord brought the pipe this morning and the asbestos rope, we told him we didn't want to wait for longer legs as that is going to take many more weeks to ship them from China. As you can see mr mog improvised perfectly with 2 half flagstones either side. In fact clever mr mog fitted it and as we speak I'm ensconced in front of it with no shawl, no jumper and I am toasty:))
The other 2 pics are 2 felted hats drying that I made last night while Mr Mog was at wood carving class. Both from Colinette 1zero and looking ok I think? I do desperately need a head stand to block on though. I'm off to see what ebay has or if anyone has suggestions for where to pick one up cheaply? I don't want polystyrene too fragile for pulling hats over I think.
So a big happy meow from this moggie:))

Care package extraordinaire:)

I signed up to Ms Knitingales care package swap a few weeks ago. I was duly assigned a partner and have sent off my goodies to her:) Today my parcel came for me and I was very fortunate to have Ms K for my partner:)) When you see the package that came I'm sure you will agree that I am extremely fortunate and a very very happy moggie(VBG)
Firstly see the picture at the back? That was the box the goodies arrived in. Definately a keeper don't you agree?
Then we have a zen cat calendar and card, 5 balls of moggie coloured mohair and a shawl pattern that will utilize said yarn:)
a lovely charm and 2 bars of scented soap which unfortunately MR Mog has cut off the pic of one. There is of course as I'm sure you've all noticed exceedingly large amounts of chocolate both in drink form and eating form. Guess what the moggie will be partaking of as she starts her shawl???
Oh and I nearly forgot as we now cats adore bells and playthings don't they? Well if you look on the pattern you will see atop it a bauble andsaid bauble jingles and will make an ideal door hanger. I do love bells and chimes on the inside of doors then you can hear when you have visitors arrive.
Ms K Thank you so much you spoilt me rotten and I hope you in turn get the same kindness from your sender
Thank you.

My first SP9 gift arrived:))

My first parcel in this round of SP9 arrived today:) Such gorgeous colours and smells as I opened the box. Everything wrapped in 2 of the mog's favourite colours which added to the experience.
My SP sent me a lovely tree card and we all know how much I love trees don't we? Also a postcard of her home area which was really interesting. I am getting to know her quite well even though I don't know who she is yet.
Then we have a glorious soap with celtic knotwork:)
Follow that with sweet smelling candle pack in apple maple.
Now add to the mix some beads in shades of blue that my SP sent for my dollmaking. Can't you see these on a moon goddess doll?
Finally and fabulously Lorna's laces in MY colours:))
Thank you SP, I love everything you sent me and I'll have such fun playing

drumming evening stops knitting

Well last night I had plans, plans for a start on another shawl(quelle surprise) and a hat in Colinette one zero. I had all the yarn ready for the hat and I had a couple of possibles ready for the shawl. Then what happened? We were invited to a drumming night and not even a full moon:) Not that we only drum at full moons but even so a moggie doesn't always foretell what the night will bring. Anyway the evening was a delight. One of the visitors is a brilliant musician so we didn't just have drums and percussion, we had flutes, whistles, various other instruments and it was wonderful. Such a great atmosphere and much positive energy around the room. The other plus side was I only had to go across the courtyard so didn't even get cold:)
The knitting has started now, the hat is coming on great guns, I'm doing it big so I can felt it 'twill be a Yule gift. The shawl I'm torn between the shades of blue/black or a gorgeous deep burgundy I've just picked up this am for a bargain £1.50 for 7 balls pure mohair:))

drumming evening stops knitting

Well last night I had plans, plans for a start on another shawl(quelle surprise) and a hat in Colinette one zero. I had all the yarn ready for the hat and I had a couple of possibles ready for the shawl. Then what happened? We were invited to a drumming night and not even a full moon:) Not that we only drum at full moons but even so a moggie doesn't always foretell what the night will bring. Anyway the evening was a delight. One of the visitors is a brilliant musician so we didn't just have drums and percussion, we had flutes, whistles, various other instruments and it was wonderful. Such a great atmosphere and much positive energy around the room. The other plus side was I only had to go across the courtyard so didn't even get cold:)
The knitting has started now, the hat is coming on great guns, I'm doing it big so I can felt it 'twill be a Yule gift. The shawl I'm torn between the shades of blue/black or a gorgeous deep burgundy I've just picked up this am for a bargain £1.50 for 7 balls pure mohair:))

Lost road through the woods,oak ash and thorn

Jo you are so right, when I was taking the photo I had a poem in mind and couldn't recall it. Have just been through my journal and here is the one I was thinking of by Rudyard Kipling, was that the same as you?

They shut the road through the woods
Seventy years ago.
Weather and rain have undone it again,
And now you would never know
There was once a road through the woods
Before they planted the trees.
It is underneath the coppice and heath,
And the thin anemones.
Only the keeper sees
That, where the ring-dove broods,
And the badgers roll at ease,
There was once a road through the woods.
Yet, if you enter the woods
Of a summer evening late,
When the night-air cools on the trout-ringed pools
Where the otter whistles his mate.
(They fear not men in the woods,
Because they see so few)
You will hear the beat of a horse's feet,
And the swish of a skirt in the dew,
Steadily cantering through
The misty solitudes,
As though they perfectly knew
The old lost road through the woods . . . .
But there is no road through the woods.

Also his oak, ash and thorn strikes chords with me:)

Of all the trees that grow so fair, old England to adorn,
Greater are none beneath the sun than Oak, and Ash, and Thorn:
Sing Oak, and Ash, and Thorn,good sirs,
All on a midsummer's morn,
Surely we sing of no little thing
In Oak, and Ash, and Thorn.
Oak of the clay lived many a day o'er ever Aeneas began,
Ash of the loam was a lady at home when Brut was an outlaw man,
And Thorn of the down saw new Troy town,from which was London born,
Witness hereby the ancient try of Oak, and Ash, and Thorn.
Yew that is old, in churchyard mould, he breedeth a mighty bow,
Alder for shoes do wise men choose,and Beech for cups also,
But when you have killed, and your bowl it is filled, and your shoes are clean outworn,
Back you must speed for all that you need to Oak, and Ash, and Thorn.
Elm, she hates mankind, and waits till every gust be laid,
To drop a limb on the head of him that anyway trusts her shade,
But whether a lad be sober or sad, or mellow with ale from the horn,
He'll take no wrong when he lyeth along 'neath Oak, and Ash, and Thorn.
Oh, do not tell the priest our plight, or he would call it a sin,
But we've been out in the woods all night, a-conjuring summer in,
And we bring you good news by word of mouth, good news for cattle and corn:
Now is the sun come up from the south, by Oak, and Ash, and Thorn.

oak tree watches over the Lord and Lady in the garden 

over the wall 

still leaves, despite last night's storm