February 28, 2007

test results:( more knitting





Well the test results all came back clear from the blood so no help there. Doctor is now awaiting my visiting the cardiologist as there is still a murmur and irregular heartbeat and I am still feeling very rough. The breathlessness and heartbeat stuff is getting a lot worse. Where it was every so often it is now most of the time and is keeping me awake. I don't like it at all, it frightens me which probably makes me worse as well.
Anyway on to knitting:) I started the chevron shawl again in my fearless fibers superwash merino I won from Knitspot. I don't like it on the needles I picked looks boring:)
I'm going to try the lacy prairie shawl in it I think. Unless anyone has a simple lacy shawl idea that would show off this yarn to its best?
I'm enjoying making the ocean wave stole in my fiberspates mohair. You know the one, I showed it a few posts ago?? Its greeny old cream colour with flecks of pink??
I was doing a triangle shawl but it looked boring:) (Are we sensing a theme here?)
It does show the lacy stole pattern beautifully but I can't do it while reading as I keep getting distracted. I went wrong and while trying to pull back it knotted, as mohair does, so I'm making a neck warmer out fo the first piece:)
There will be photos I promise its just too wet and dark at the minute.
photos of Mr Mogs walk up the fell side the other day, hope you like?

February 24, 2007

Finished shawl and yarn pron



Here you have the finished multi pink shawl, bright isn't it?
Also some wonderful mohair I found on ebay and I NEED more its Te Awa 12ply mohair and isn't the colour a moggie colour.

new patterns, finished shawl WIP



a little of everything for you today all with pictures:)These first two pictures are a set of new patterns courtesy of Jill at justonerow.com. Ordered one day delivered across the pond 4 days later. Excellent service. Patterns are really simple and very easy to follow. No chart worries for the moggie:)
I've cast on for the chevron shawl and as you can see have got quite a way in with it. Don't like the yarn at all but someone will when its finished. Its cotton mix. I don't think it does justice to the pattern but maybe when blocked it will look better. A speedy simple knit and LOOK!!!!! working on circulars here:))

February 20, 2007

Darn, blast and so forth, plus Socks that rock to trade

Well I visited the doctor today and have to go for heart trace/blood tests and go see the cardiologist. Apparently my heart beat is now irregular and I have what may be a murmur. Not something that fills me with joy at all. I would have thought I had enough health things going on already. Why me and why now?
I'm going for the tests Thursday and then its wait for the cardiologist appointment. All I know is that something that bothered me several times a day is now a lot more frequent so needs fixing.
Anyway folks enough already of the drama:))
I have 2 skeins of socks that rock yarn I want to trade
both lightweight one is Iolite tother is cobblestone county. Both new unused, smoke and (sadly) pet free,
In trade I would love mohair, maybe mountain colours or??

February 19, 2007

long time no see,music with meaning, old family remedies

So a while since I blogged but it has been a long week. We went down to babysit our grandsons for 2 days that felt like a week what with the bad weather and such. I got some knitting done on a shawl of mixed pinks/purples. Photos soon I promise.I felt awful when I got back home, totally drained and fit for nothing.So had a quiet weekend. Going to doctors tomorrow as I'm having a few (more) health things that need checking out. Bad circulation, out of breath and pounding heart. Figure its time I went and visited to see what is happening.
Got me to thinking of old remedies and so forth. My nan was a witch/wise woman as well as a crafter . I remember many remedies we had when I was a child. Comfrey(knitbone) was put on my arthritic joints to ease the pain and also boiled up for me to drink(Yuck was like a manky cabbage water).
Quassia(?) chips boiled to use on hair to get rid of lice.
onion covered in brown sugar and the subsequent liquid drunk for colds.Wedding ring stroked on styes. There were more but thats all that springs to immediate mind.
Nanny always asked the bees for advice as well as told them all that was going on in her life.
When I was little, well until the age of 11 we lived in a house with no electricity, we had gas lighting and cooking, coal fire. No heating in rooms upstairs. We had a stone hot water bottle each that always leaked. The toilet was outside and shared with a pig, not a good place to go at night. I remember some nights waking up and going downstairs to the loo and the walls in the kitchen and living room being alvie with cockroaches. When I was eleven we moved to a house with electricity and first few days were a magical experience turning lights on and off. We also had an indoor bathroom so no outisde loo or tin bath.
I spent a lot of time from the age of 2 in hospital for various operations and some time at a school for delicate children. Seemed each time I went home there was another baby. I'm the oldest of 6. I babysat from the age of 9 and at 11 was looking after 5 brothers and sisters. It was a relief to eventually leave home and not have those duties. Folk remedies were all I knew and even now I like to use them where possible,.
Music that means something, do you have certain tracks that mean something to you or have memories happy or sad??
I got to thinking about this last night while i couldn't sleep and came up with a few,
Daydream by Robin Trower, the most wonderfully moving piece of music that reminds me of nights spent by a fire with this on the player and a gorgeous man in my arms, a much younger man then all of 15 years younger:))That was about 17 years ago now and it took me ages to realise it was the same Robin Trower from Procul Harem.
Cross town traffic Electric ladyland, Jimmy Hendrix. I remember sneaking out of school to go and queue for Are you experienced by him.
A day in the life Beatles. I saw the Beatles live in Preston and loved them but I especially loved this later track
Bad end Buffy St Marie, because for years I was convinced that was what would happen to me and I wanted this played at my funeral.
Needle and the damage done Neil Young for all the friends I no longer have sadly.
Sister Josephine Jake Thackery:))
I will have to try and put down some of the others sometime.

February 14, 2007

Shawls in the sunlight









I bring you pictures of finished shawls today and they are photographed in the sunlight outside no less:) What a beautiful Valentine's day it is here. The sun is shining and it is warm too. Mr Mog took the shawls outside to take pictures.
So without further ado I give you 3 finished shawls and the yarn for the next one.
Yes I actually did the third shawl in the past 2 days, a speedy knit with mix of yarns. I was going to make one with some Lisa Souza Sock? merino in Gendarme but sadly once I took the label off prior to winding into a ball I found white patches where the dye hadn't taken. As the yarn is such a bright one the white flashes are really noticeable so I've mixed it in with other stuff. I'd purchased this some months ago with another colour who's name escapes me. That was fine and I actually gifted that to a friend. This one the white blotches are right by the bright blue and the deep red so really show:( It does feel nice though and is great to knit with, just wish the colour hadn't been faulty. The yarn picture is some fabulous kid mohair from Jenny at Fyberspates If you haven't checked out her web site then do her yarns are gorgeous:) This is such a delicate mix of colour and not the mog at all normally, must be the springlike weather:))And of course it isn't for me to wear. Now I have a question for you listening, what pattern do you recommend for this yarn? It is very fluffy. I want to do either a shawl (rectangular) or a scarf. I want some laciness to it but a very lacy pattern won't be doing the yarn justice.
Something simple please:)
I've been quiet a few days because Mr Mog got a nasty virus that affected his inner ear and then passed it on to me without the dizziness but with awful headaches. I think we are on the mend now though. I'm finding it really difficult moving , all my joints are really seized up more than usual. I'm hoping a little more sun and warmth will help.
Valentine's Day - Mr Mog made me a delightful gift. Its a circle of beads in black and white and in the middle we have a lovely heart of red glass. Pictures later for this.

February 09, 2007

Frosty Friday





Just this quick post and I'll be finished for today honest:)
Views on the woodland walk and from it looking over the castle and loch, isn't it atmospheric today??

Yarn p%rn WIP and simple pleasures






I thought I'd give you some pictures in this post,. Not sure which way they will show up so here goes. Firstly the yarn I won in the knitspot contest sent to me by Deb of FearlessFibers. Here in 3 days not bad US to Scotland is it and don't you just love the colourway??
Secondly some Poshyarns Sophia I scored in one of their sales are we sensing a colour theme here perhaps? Both yarns are so soft and would definately be worth stash yarn visiting in my book:))
Then I give you work in progress on my fyberspates shawl plus the Mountain colors mohair gifted me by Brooke my SP which I think goes beautifully with the kid silk haze don't you?
Loving how this knits up together and I can't wait to wear it when finished.
Finally as part of the year of simple things I give you a picture of a corner of my craft room shelf. A sacking/hessian doll sitting with 2 dolls from an altered doll round robin I did a few years ago. We all sent round a doll and the other artists in the round robin added to her. At the end you received back your totally transformed doll.
Off to have a long soak in lush

SVW/CYS Stash visitors welcome or celebrate your stash

Some time in the early hours of the morning while lying awake I had an idea. Well you do don't you??
You know how we all talk about our stash and hide our stash occasionally when we feel its becoming an embarassment? And you know all these stash busting KAls etc??
The moggie has had an idea. 2007 should be the year of Celebrate your Stash. We ought to have a day for that don't you think? How about the 1st March as Celebrate your stash day? A day to get your stash out from the hiding places.Under the bed, airing cupboard, attics, well you get the picture. A day to say "This is my stash and I am proud of it". A day to remember when you purchased it and where and more importantly why. Bonus points if you purchased it just because:)
Leading on from this ,and yes this does deserve another button I think, We could have a SVW on our blogs. "Stash visitors welcome" A place where like minded folks could come and see someone else's stash when they are on holiday somewhere new. Never mind the ancient monuments and old castles, I am sure I am not alone in drooling at the thought of seeing and fondling someone elses supply of gorgeous yarn. There would of course be the plus point that said visitors may (or may not) bring gifts to add to the stash and then the caretaker of said stash could always perhaps?? point the visitor towards a local yarn shop for souvenirs of their visit.
So what do you think? Fun no?

February 07, 2007

Finished shawls




Here with I give you 2 finished shawls and a start of one:)
The lacy prairie shawl from Folk shawls in palest pistachio green and yes yes I know the pattern is incorrect but you know what I don't care because I love it anyway:) My glasses were broken and because it was squashed up on the needles I didn't actually notice until I came to photograph it. Don't know what the yarn was but I have enough for at least another shawl which is good:). This is the 2nd lunar month shawl for my hospice year.
The first lunar month was the cream boucle one. Yarn from Jo at Celtic memory yarns, a real pleasure to knit with and I shall have to be seeing if she has any more of this as I've had so many positive comments while knitting it. Pattern prairie shawl folk shawls book.
3rd picture (although not sure how the pictures will show up as new blogger shows the code only til you publish) is the beginning of a shawl in stocking stitch yarn is fyberspates 100% superwash merino and isn't it pretty? this will be my 3rd lunar shawl albe it an early start.
And yes i know I said I was going to start knitting one for me in the mountain color yarn that Brooke sent me, but the eyelash I got from Jo didn't give the effect that my mind's eye saw. I knit around 6 inches of the 2 together last night and it wasn't me. I think that the MCyarn will maybe look better with possibly rowan kidsilk in the darkest night or slate blue. I am thinking that the softnest of this will bring out the colours of the wild raspberry what do you think?
So I may start that this evening.
As for the eyelash? Well that is going to be added to a skein of fluffy cream with splashes of delicate pink mohair that again came from Fyberspates. The 2 together look sweet. Not a moggie colour scheme but I know a lady who will adore this and her birthday is coming up in a few weeks.
Watch this space.

On other news we have heavy frost here and the woodland is white. There are patches where the sun has melted but most is white still. When we drove by the loch into the village the edges were frozen. Fairytale lands indeed.

February 03, 2007

my wallpaper for Imbolc


Here is a link to my wallpaper, appropriate for Imbolc. It is the grove we made in our old home

Secret pal 10 questionaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Love pure wool especially mohair, don't particularily like cotton, chenille or acrylic, favourite is Colinette mohair or Mountain Colors mohair. Also lornas laces socks that rock, unusualy handpainted/dyed yarns

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?Needlebag and a case
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Intermediate, have been knitting since I was 4 so over 50 years:)). My gran taught me

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No

5. What's your favorite scent? Patchouli and frankincense

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Yes and I adore bitter chocolate especially Green and Blacks, Montezuma and Lindt

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I make elemental figures and crochet. Would love to learn to spin

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I love New age music, drumming, Carolyn Hillier, Enya, JJ Cale, Blues Traveler and I can play MP3s

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I adore jewel colours espcially purples, ambers(naturally) reds blues greens. I am not a pastel person

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Married, 2 grown up children, 2 grandsons, no pets now sadly

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? love scarves, shawls, hats

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? shawls and throws, hats and bags.

13. What are you knitting right now? a shawl for my hospice lunar KAL and a noro throw

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? straight but am determined to persevere with circular. Don't mind type

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Sadly no

17. How old is your oldest UFO? don't have any:)

18. What is your favorite holiday? Samhain and Beltaine

19. Is there anything that you collect? just yarn

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I'd love to get my hands on Mountain Colors mohair, or other handpainted mohairs or hand painted/handspun yarns. Any shawl patterns uncharted or with written instructions as well. I subscribe to Knit today

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? can't think of any at the moment

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? No, no no. I tried, I failed miserably:) My foot size is 37

23. When is your birthday? August

February 01, 2007

Silent poetry reading for Brigid and Imbolc

Last year Reya put a call out for favourite poetry in honour of Brigid and Imbolc, this year Oak has continued the call. A silent poetry reading of either your own poetry or your favourite poetry by someone else.
Mine had to include cats of course:) Some of my favourite poetry is by T S Elliott, namely Old Possum's book of practical cats.
From this I give you 2 of my favourites .
1/
Macavity: The Mystery Cat
acavity's a Mystery Cat: he's called the Hidden Paw -
For he's the master criminal who can defy the Law.
He's the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad's despair:
For when they reach the scene of crime - Macavity's not there!

Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity,
He's broken every human law, he breaks the law of gravity.
His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare,
And when you reach the scene of crime - Macavity's not there!
You may seek him in the basement, you may look up in the air -
But I tell you once and once again,Macavity's not there!

Mcavity's a ginger cat, he's very tall and thin;
You would know him if you saw him, for his eyes are sunken in.
His brow is deeply lined with thought, his head is highly domed;
His coat is dusty from neglect, his whiskers are uncombed.
He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake;
And when you think he's half asleep, he's always wide awake.

Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity,
For he's a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity.
You may meet him in a by-street, you may see him in the square -
But when a crime's discovered, then Macavity's not there!

He's outwardly respectable. (They say he cheats at cards.)
And his footprints are not found in any file of Scotland Yard's.
And when the larder's looted, or the jewel-case is rifled,
Or when the milk is missing, or another Peke's been stifled,
Or the greenhouse glass is broken, and the trellis past repair -
Ay, there's the wonder of the thing! Macavity's not there!

And when the Foreign Office find a Treaty's gone astray,
Or the Admiralty lose some plans and drawings by the way,
There may be a scrap of paper in the hall or on the stair -
But it's useless to investigate - Mcavity's not there!
And when the loss has been disclosed, the Secret Service say:
It must have been Macavity!' - but he's a mile away.
You'll be sure to find him resting, or a-licking of his thumbs,
Or engaged in doing complicated long-division sums.

Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity,
There never was a Cat of such deceitfulness and suavity.
He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare:
At whatever time the deed took place - MACAVITY WASN'T THERE!
And they say that all the Cats whose wicked deeds are widely known
(I might mention Mungojerrie, I might mention Griddlebone)
Are nothing more than agents for the Cat who all the time
Just controls their operations: the Napoleon of Crime!

2/
The Naming of Cats
The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter,
It isn't just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I'm as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.
First of all, there's the name that the family use daily,
Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo or James,
Such as Victor or Jonathan, or George or Bill Bailey -
All of them sensible everyday names.
There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter,
Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames:
Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter -
But all of them sensible everyday names.
But I tell you, a cat needs a name that's particular,
A name that's peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular,
Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?
Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum,
Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat,
Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum -
Names that never belong to more than one cat.
But above and beyond there's still one name left over,
And that is the name that you never will guess;
The name that no human research can discover -
But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.
When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:
His ineffable effable
Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular Name.

I went to see CATS in London, more years ago than I care to think of and was so entranced by the interpretation of his poems. It was a truly magickal experience. I also saw Starlight Express and went backstage to the green room during both to meet the cast.
Digressing my other favourite poem is by Walter de la Mare and still gives me shivers when I read it, its so atmospheric.
The Listeners
"Is there anybody there?" said the Traveller,
Knocking on the moonlit door;
And his horse in the silence champed the grasses
Of the forest's ferny floor:
And a bird flew up out of the turret,
Above the Traveller's head
And he smote upon the door again a second time;
'Is there anybody there?' he said.
But no one descended to the Traveller;
No head from the leaf-fringed sill
Leaned over and looked into his grey eyes,
Where he stood perplexed and still.
But only a host of phantom listeners
That dwelt in the lone house then
Stood listening in the quiet of the moonlight
To that voice from the world of men:
Stood thronging the faint moonbeams on the dark stair,
That goes down to the empty hall,
Hearkening in an air stirred and shaken
By the lonely Traveller's call.
And he felt in his heart their strangeness,
Their stillness answering his cry,
While his horse moved, cropping the dark turf,
'Neath the starred and leafy sky;
For he suddenly smote on the door, even
Louder, and lifted his head:-
'Tell them I came, and no one answered,
That I kept my word,' he said.
Never the least stir made the listeners,
Though every word he spake
Fell echoing through the shadowiness of the still house
From the one man left awake:
Ay, they heard his foot upon the stirrup,
And the sound of iron on stone,
And how the silence surged softly backward,
When the plunging hoofs were gone.


I may be busy tomorrow as we have house guests for the weekend, here to celebrate Imbolc with us. Hence the early posting.
May Brigid's light of creativity shine over you, may the muse be with you and may you enjoy the act of creating, whatsoever path you choose.

Poetry for Brigid Imbolc

  The Lake Isle of Innisfree BY  WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, And a small cabin build there, of clay a...