Knitting catch-up

OK; it's been awhile since I blogged about my knitting. Since it is STILL selfish January there are still only things for me going on on the needles. We have...

• The Abalone Shawl - (AKA: What can you make out of 2 balls of 75% discount yarn) {Pattern:link} [my Rav Link)
• The Twisted socks in origami Yarn - I don't think I'm going to like these socks... I HOPE the yarn might be better after blocking.... [Rav link]
• Inspired by spring socks - in forgotten Rico yarn; these are my my bus buddy socks at the moment. They have taken up the room that the monkey socks used to be in; and are coming with me on bus journeys or if I know that I'm going to be waiting awhile. [Rav link]
• The pair of Mitts from the weird Brushstrokes Yarn - A pattern that I'm pulling directly from my head. I will therefore be the only person to blame if it goes wrong.

Then there's the Charity knitting: The innocence Hats. I've make 6.5 so far. My target is 20 so I'm well on the way.

----In other news----
We've finally got round to booking our holiday. We're going to Gran Canaria on the 7th of July for 10 days. ^.^ so excited!!!!
So since I'm putting my foot down this year I need a project to take with me. It needs to be light, because Gran canaria is 45C on a normal day in July. That's warm for me: a girl who's used to 10s and 20 is a hot day here. So I won't be working on an aran sweater by the pool.
It needs to be interesting; but not conversation stopping. I can't tell you how many times during the Ethral Shawl that I stopped mid-sentence and Craig had to check if I was breathing.
Gran Cararia's Expensive to fly to; so the Yarn needs to be relativly cheap. I'm talking £15 for the entire project.
It's 10 days. it needs to last me 10 days. Socks and all that when I'm not working usually take me 4 days, 5 tops.
Any suggestions?

Aki X

I've been a bad blogger.

----Apologies----
I've been a bad blogger..... As I have failed to provide you with recent updates through the Christmas period. I didn't even try to post, what with working horrible, long hours over Christmas and getting 2 days off in 2 weeks worth of 9 and 10 hour shifts every day.... I lost track of my internet-y life. I am sorry.

My facebook is a mess, please don't pay attention to it,

My Ravelry hasn't been updated in so long it's starting to feel neglected.
I have a lot of other people's blogs to read (I read a lot of blogs, If you think no-one reads you're blog because there's no comments, chances are: I've read it, I'm just not much of a commenter... I'm trying to Change that though, more on that later
And Lastly(in this section) I have a good-ass blog to write. because people miss my blog (or I like to believe that they do.... the way you miss Grass when it snows.... but as soon as the snow's gone you wish you had made 1 more snowman, another snow-Angel... or stored a snowball in the freezer for a very good prank in the middle of summer ) pictured is Lady in the snow, so cute. ^^

---New Year---
New year is the time for resolutions! My last years one Failed around Febuary.... But I am determined to make these stick (these; yes, I'm making more than 1, 4 in fact)

1. Instead of making myself an unhealthy list of things to knit about a month before Christmas, I will be working on them all through the year. So excuse me if it's July and I turn up knitting a Gingerbread Man, or an eccentric scarf.... Socks aren't actually that weird but still

2. Update Internet Life more- that's Facebook; Ravelry and this Blog. I'm going to aim for at least 2ce a week. I have a new do-hicky on my phone which lts you post to your blog from anywhere, so I'll be using that almost religiously
3. Update my recipe book - some of my readers may know this, but I love to cook. I own more cookbooks than I can store anymore, which is why I bought a recipe book. this means that I can write down the recipe's that I like from a book and then send that book up to the attic, stored for when I get my own place and I can store them properly, near the kitchen.
4. Comment! - Every blog that I read from now on I will comment on. This is every blog from the mighty gathering of knitter-blog readers that is A YarnHarlot post, right down to blogs who; like mine, don't get very many readers. Tree Falling in the Forest and All that.

---OK, I know I've been avoiding it---
Yeah, there's a good reason why all the knitters that I listen to, and read start their holiday crafting as early as I did, but they only do 3, maybe 4 items...... I tried to do 8. doomed from the beginning, but I didn't know that until I started ALL of them and realised that NONE of them would get anywhere near done.

So I tried to stick to one, Craig's Cricket Jumper, But I realised too late that this was the largest project..... therefore it would take the longest anyway. Needless to say it is not done. None of my holiday crafting got done, except for a Singular Gingerbread Man and his tiny scarf. (Which I took with me to Larne's Inver Garden Centre, for their craft Fair; he was sold for an unspecified amount.... cus it was higher than the price even I was expecting.

Craig's Present is the thing I have been working on, it's around-about 70% done. I have 1 more pattern repest to do, then I have to do the V neck and the shoulders, then attach to the back, and knit the caps on the sleeves lol. It's looking to be more of a Valentine's Gift than a Christmas gift anymore :/ sorry sweetie.
Also sorry to Nadine - Her Xmas present was supposed to be something supreamly Guitar-hero related, but that didn't happen (she got coffee instead, something that I think pleased her at least as much as the still secret guitar Hero thing. She shall be getting her Guitar hero related thing tho, for her birthday, which is on Febuary the 13th (and she'll be 20! An old fogee like me :D)

---Apart from knitting and Job---

Apart from Knitting and my job :I havn't really been doing that much. There's beeen a few nights out with Craig, Like the Winter Formal in my Church, At which I felt we had to Dress up Quite a bit, So we I ... both of us got Craig into a suit... that was Fun. Apartently we look like proper grown-ups in this photo. Therefore I like it quite a bit lol.
We also went to a rugby match on the 29th of October (yeah, that was a while ago sorry) it was Ulster vs Munster. it was fun. But now I really want a rugby Shirt ....
During the incredibly snow-y winter it was difficult for any of us to see our friends; so we organized a night out to the Harmony Chinese in Glengormly. It was really just to exchange presents and Cards, while catching up on what everyone was doing, and having a very good meal. Tashi and I set out our plans for World domination.... all we need is money lol.

---The coming Year (2011) ---

Many of you may know that this year both me and My other Half will be turning 21 (woo-hoo!!!) That means there's gonna be quite a massive party coming up in our honour. We're thinking as close to our birthdays as possible (the 3rd and the 7th of July) so people try to keep that roundabout week sorta clear! People say I'm always hard to buy for so about 2 months before the party I'll post a small wish list here for both of us. You are free to use it/ don't use it, but it's just to give ideas. But because I don't want to think about it too much, I'll stop talking about this now :)
This year I also hope to be going to 2 weddings (maybe 3, depending)... or rather 1 Full Wedding and 1(poss 2) wedding receptions.
I will also be going to 1 fundraiser for my little cousin( I shouldn't call him Little - he's 19 and taller than me....) to go over to Malawi, in South Africa to help with something. I think he's going to help build a school or houses or something :). Gooooood Luck to him

---Yarn Tales---

I was let loose with my Chrismas money and my work pay in a Yarn shop early December. I wasn't looking for anything for the Christmas Knitting (that didn't get done) but I was looking for things to do after knitting all the chrismas projects. I have in my mind that I want to make a Carigan for myself (I know: I still have a shrug on the go, I'm finishing that as soon as I get Craig's cricket vest off the needles and onto his back. I also wanted to do another pom-pom scarf, becasue the one I have at the moment is too fat and too short. I want a long thin one. 6 poms to a side instead of the 15 that I decided on last time. Rather than rip out my Hard work I wanted to buy another Ball. I found a pattern on the internet for the Cardigan that I want to make, it requires 5 balls of DK weight Yarn. I went to my LYS (local Yarn Shop) which is Selections in Carrickfergus.

(I've heard there's another in Newtownards and a few in Belfast but I dont know where...This is why I want to open A Yarn Barn for God sake!)

Anyways I went in and I looked about for a DK weight Yarn that there was 5 or more Balls of (6 was what I was actually going for, cus I'm on the larger side and it wouldn't do any harm to have an extra ball flying about) and I seen these (->)

There was 4 balls of 1 dye Lot and 1 of another. you can tell which one is the odd one out (the top one, label showing) but by the time I am finished you won't know where 1 ends and another begins :). I also Got a nice Pom-pom Yarn in an Almost Lime-green. (shown with Craig's Vest in the background) I love that colour, I might add some White Tassels, with some of the Green treaded through it. The shop didn't have any of the Can-can yarn that I wanted in Stock, But I have plenty to get on with without trying to Master a new Yarn. I might have it as an Eater Challenge for myself if I can find it instock.

I have been looking at the Deramores Website way too much.... I(link) love nearly everything on there and I really want to cut down on my Stash Yarn..... but some of them are sooooo good I might just have to spend my Winter paycheck online. At least it's better than looking at the Nimu Yarn page.... which is too tempting, because it wakes me want to knit something that I swore I wouldn't do until I am engaged, and that is Knit a Shawl. A Lace shawl (propably in White or in Purple) And that's only as a Challenge to myself (link to Nimu)

Also hilarious t-shirts about knitting have cuaght my attention (link) as well as buttons. they just make me giggle.

---I guess thats it---

I can't really write about anything else without sounding like a ranting Lunatic..... that is more than I do already. I may be getting a new addition to this blog that I hope everyone shall enjoy. just as soon as I figure out how to work it lol. I'll probably test it on this post; then test post it in about 3 days, just to see if it worked. Oh and before I forget: Lazy Kate Creates is giving away some gorgeous Yarn this week; all you have to do is comment (hop on by at Lazy Kate Creates) I've aleady commented :) and I'm just keeping my fingers crossed for a good chance at the yarn.
I will blog again before the week is out.Until then; I'll be working on Craig's Cricket Vest and Nadine's Present. toodles :D

Last Picture: Icicles off my conservatory. looks cool as heck :)

Wow, I get around a lot

---Hellos---

Hellos to everyone :). sorry I havn't been updating during the past couple of weeks, its mostly because I have been busy going around practically everywhere in Northern Ireland for little Day trips with my better half. During this time I've been to Port Stewart, Ulster Transport Mueseum, Newcastle, Portrush and a couple of times to Belfast. During these times, while Craig was driving to these various destinations I was map holder and constantly 'Weird knitting girl in the front seat'.

Our trip to Portrush is the one were we took the most pictures.... mostly because of the insane amount of tickets we won at Barrys lol(pictured) turns out there was 575 tickets there...nice.

---You knit for how long?---

• Port Stewart - worked on Garns bolero - 1.5 hours there (I didn't knit on the way home, I was soaked.)
• Ulster Transport Mueseum -Worked on Secret project T (see to do list, later on in this post) 0.5 hours there, didn't knit on the way home, I had a chinese on my lap instead.
• Newcastle - Worked on craig's cricket vest (again, more on that later) - 2 hurs there, 2 hours back
• Port rush - worked on Secret project T - 1.5 hours there, 1 hour back (cus I had food too)

So all in all I have knit while traveling for a total of 8 and a half hours. AND still.... nothings's completed !!!!

---Nothing done ---
Craig's cricket vest is no-where near finished, I don't think I'm even at 20% yet... Secret Project T is about 80% done but the herdest part is still to come.... The Garns bolero...... every round I do on the garns boleo seems to get sucked into a black hole and I seem to be getting no closer to the sleeve than I was 4 weeks ago. Bugger.

The bag that I am to be doing with Jenni is lying unfinshed in my room; mostly because Jenni's buggered back away off to America. I am urging myself to finish it. It still needs 11 more little sqaures and the long strap around the bottom still needs a good 1 side. I've even taken to doing 1 square before I go to bed on some nights, but I always reach for Craig's vest instead; its just so much more.... interesting. On that note: I am onto the cables and they're super cool.

---Secret Project T ---
It is a certain follower's birthday this weekend; she'll be the grand old age of 20 (like me...and my other half), so because she's an avid reader I can't display what I've made for her until after she gets it, which'll be tomorrow night... so you won't be able to see it until my next blogness day.(which given my current roughness for dates could be awhile lol.
I will only give the clue that it is brown and pink. nuf said.

--- As if I didn't have enuf to do ---
I am a great magazine purchaser; I usually buy a knitting Magazine whenever I can; usually I like most of the patterns in them, I buy them for the socks sometimes too. The one I buy most often is a monthly called 'The Knitter' I got this month's edition, mostly because of the socks.... and the gorgeous pattern for like a houndsmooth jacket; which I would want to extend and lengthen; ah well.
My significant other (pictured at Portrush beach looking absolutely fantabulous) was looking over my shoulder while reading one of the patterns towards the back, and just says 'those'd be good for watching the rugby' pointing at a pair of fingerless Mittens (called Spencer for anyone who's got this month's issue)and I said....well here's the convo

E: I'll make them for ya; what colour?

C: Red and White, and I'll pay you

E: you dont have to pay me

C: yes I do; they're not gonna be for like chistmas or anything

E: so?, I can still do that

C: I'm paying you

E: No ur not

C: yes I am
(various Yes/nos here)
.....Finally
C: at least let me buy you somthing; like a coffee
E:.... coffee would be nice
C: Settled: Coffee and a muffin for u and tea and cake for me! (happy look on his face cus he knows my weakness to coffee)
E:................. damn

So I have now got something to be getting on with besides the.... oh I dunno about 10 other UFOs (unfinished objects) for various people. which brings me onto the to-Do list. This ALL is to be done before Christmas, which may seem like awhile away but I have 1 (possibly 2) sweater size projects to do and numerous other little things for christmas presents...... I may curl up in a ball and cry at any time during this list

--- To-Do list --- (In Order of importance)

• Complete Secret project T   (that's almost done.... yeah; I know; cutting it kinda fine)
• Spencer Mittens   (For my significant other, already started)
• Craig's Cricket Vest  (yep, about 20% done... will hopefully be done before he gets to see me working on half of it lol)
• Nadine's Chistmas present   (Yet another thing I can't show here; because Nadine reads this blog reguarly; she just knows its Guitar hero related :D )
• Chloe Socks (pictured)      (For a special friend)
• Chloe socks     (For another special friend)
• Chloe Socks    (For self....they look so damn good)
• Operation G & F   (for everyone who isnt getting socks or a special item)
• Organizational Item    (for a crocheter I know and love)
• Baby Jacket & Hat   (For Ashleigh's little baby boy)

Some great people may have noticed that my both my Bag and my Bolero aren't here..... that would be because It's gonna have to take a back seat while I worry about the Christmas things. this means I probably wont get the bolero done until nearly Valentine's Day, unless something magical happens and I get all my knitting done on time.

--- Happy birthday to you ---

Happy Bithday to Tashi-chan.
Don't worry about turning 20... you're only halfway to 40.... you're not there yet :)

lols, only kidding Chickie; luv ya really.
Lurve the cute photo? Inspired by ur little notes on your blog lol

-- Cherrio --
Until next time everybody :) bye byes