woyww #225 - a pain of a sock

Hello, here I am joining in with What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday. No need to explain, you know all about it by now.

So my desk, back upstairs in the loft.   Unfortunately the light is dimming which is why my lamp is on.

At the front is my new sock. This is a lattice pattern which is fairly easy unless you are good at losing stitches like me and can't count, like me and don't read a pattern properly, like me. Suffice to say this sock has been a real pain in the neck and yet the wool is so soft (Regini Angora Merino). It is a gorgeous cream, well it was. I have knitted and undone about five times already and it has got quite grubby. I am thinking of pulling it all off and starting again too as I have done the pattern on the underside of the sock and I shouldn't have!
Good news though, I did finish my little rag doll and Leftover Leo is all done apart from his scarf.

Well I don't think there is anything else on my desk that is of interest so I will go and have a quick game of football with my Smalls (not my underwear my small boys!!) and then have a look to see what else is happening around the world of lovely scrumptious desks.

P.S. No baking this week, maybe next week.

Raggy Doll

Today I finished my little knitted Rag Doll.

I didn't find this the easiest of things to knit but I do like how she turned out. There was quite a lot of sewing up to do which I am not great at, however, I am very envious of her stripey legs and her hair is funky and modern.

I don't have many girls in my family so I can't imagine I will be knitting this too often. Maybe I can adapt it to become a boy! Thank you Jez for sending me the pattern. She is lovely.

 

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

Woyww #224 - Floor Fings

Today I am joining in with What's on your Workdesk Wednesday. I am not at my usual desk though, as I am cold. I have sat myself downstairs in front of the fire and emptied my bag onto the floor.

So...... A wad of stuffing ready to stuff my little rag doll. A ball of purplish wool for sewing up part of the rag doll. Leftover Leo minus his scarf (do you ike his slightly permed hair?). Another ball of wool making Leo's scarf. Stripey legs of the rag doll. A stuffing stix which fell out of the stuffing bag (I never knew I had one and it will be so useful). A ball of cream wool (not sure why that is there!). Leo's scarf in the middle of being knitted. The rag doll's dress. So annoyed that I ran out of wool with just five rows left so am thinking I might add a button in a contrasting colour and see if I can get away with it. There is a head and some limbs too which need sewing up. I did start a sock last week but I have no idea where it is, maybe on my cold desk!

Right, that's me done. It is actually still Tuesday evening here (Canada) so I am watching the Great British Bake Off whilst eating my homemade cookies and zucchini loaf, yum yum. No photos of it today, sorry.

 

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

WOYWW #223 - Stuffing, sewing and stripy legs

Hello Wednesday'ers. Join in with WOYWW here - you will find it inspiring, addictive and incredibly nosey ha!

Well I finished my sock at the weekend. Not my favourite but it is only for me. I have another two to do though I have only bought the wool for one pair. I need to go to a technical day to learn the next one as it is a bit more complicated, so in the meantime :

 

I am stuffing Eco Eric's brother (now called Leftover Leo) and you can see him with a needle in his chest (poor thing) and then sewing on his face and hair before hiding him away for Christmas.

I have also started to knit a Rag Doll. The pattern was sent to me by a lovely old friend (she's not old, I have known her a long time but lost touch and found again on FaceBook), and I am making it for my friend here who has a little girl. They don't know anyone who knits or crochets and asked me to do something. Of course I was delighted. She has lovely stripey legs (the doll, not the girl) so it is another project to use small bits of wool. So far so good. I have made her body, knickers, legs and I am just finishing her second shoe. This has been a nice easy pattern to follow whilst watching TV.

Last week I showed you some muffins I had made. This week I made Oatmeal Cookies, yum. I have one on my desk which you may think is very naughty for a Wednesday morning (bit it is actually Tuesday Evening so maybe I can be excused?). There are plenty if you want one.

I found out last week that I can not comment on anyone who uses the flash on their blogs, which is a shame. We have only Apple devices these days and they are just not compatible, so forgive me if I don't comment - I am not being rude. ; /

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

Weekend Finishings

Well I finally got my socks finished.

These are the ones that started with 'Judy's Magic Cast On' which looks really complicated but is very easy and is just a flick of the wrist with twisting. It makes for a very neat toe with no seam and so much easier than the Kitchener Graft.

I used a self striping sock yarn on two circular needles, which was a first for me but again much easier than the normal four needles, especially when you do the heel as you just leave one needle and work on the other.

This one also had two cables running up. You can see on the left one I missed a few cables (well it is only the second time I have EVER done cables) but I got it right on the other one. They are for me so I wasn't too fussy. You may also notice the cable doesn't go to the top because I just forgot on one and thought I should do the same on the other.

I found these socks very calming until I went wrong and then they became the worst thing I had ever knitted. I don't love them, they are a bit baggy at the top but at least I learnt a few things doing them.

I do love the colour.

Right, now to finish off some other things.

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

WOYWW #222 Things Unfinished

Hello, today is the day to be joining in with What's on your Workdesk, Wednesday or WOYWW.

Without Brenda to give me a push, I very nearly forgot again. Which could be another reason for why my desk is so untidy and in the middle of things!

Eco Eric's brother (Smallest requested one for Christmas) is in the middle of being stitched and stuffed. He requested blue and as he is supposed to be made of recycled wool, I used all my old bits and bobs, hence the strangeness of him. The pattern and what he should look like is middle left. I have made two of these previously and one looked a bit like it and the other, well, he is so loved it doesn't matter.

Middle back are my socks I am still working on. It seems I had done them right until the other night when I was knitting and watching TV and I did too many decreases, couldn't undoe them and pulled the whole lot off but then couldn't get the damn stitches back on right. It is a mess! The other one is okay now and under control and should be finished in a day or so.

Other things on my desk, my library book, a To Do list, my sewing tin, cup of hot water (sore throat) and the same origami book with the same pieces of paper I couldn't fold last week - whoops!

Hopefully I commented on all who commented on mine last week plus a few more. This week I have no kids, visitors, relatives or excuses, so I should get round to many many more.

I will just leave you with a photo of some muffins I made yesterday using Courgettes again. Yum yum.

 

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

WOYWW #221 finished, wrong and working.....

Hello, it is time to join in with What's on your Workdesk, Wednesday (Thank you Brenda, I forgot until you commented!!!). If you are not familiar with this, go on over to here and see a mahoosive list of crafty people that all link up on the same day each week and show their fabulous desks off.

My desk today boasts three pairs of finished socks (one from ages ago, the other two just got finished)

IPad playing some music, a green bag with next sock in. Apparantly last week I gave the impression that the two green bags had materials for one sock each. I didn't mean that at all ha ha, enough materials to make a pair in each. One pair that I have started since my last post is the one at the front of my desk and the one on the right of the photo above. This is done using 2 circular needles (which I find very relaxing after four needles) and it is a cable pattern (also relaxing) made toe-up using 'Judy's Magic Cast On' - there is a video if anyone is interested let me know. It makes a seamless toe and it is much easier than the Kitchener Graft (still with me?). Anyway, the first sock I started to make went wrong which is why it is now sitting on holding needles until my Friday Knitting Group. The second one I started is going well but I will have to stop soon too as I am about to get to the same point. Either the pattern is wrong or I am reading it incorrectly.

I have still been trying to figure out the origami Modular Marigold, I thought I had it but I can't get it to stay together! I made a swan but that was easy.

Not much else on my desk this week except for a glass of water. No cafetiere today, I drank that downstairs. Sorry for the longness (a word?). Am going now. Cheerio x

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

Pedicure Socks - don't read if you are MOO!

I have just finished the second of Moo's Pedicure sock for Chistmas. Wahooooooo.

They do need blocking and ends thing in still.

I really like the colour and am especially pleased because the kids chose the wool. They have knitted up really well and it was very easy. I used four double pointed needles again and just one skein of wool.

Trying these on made me realise I needed a Pedicure!!!

Beautiful. Now I have to attempt my next sock which is a cable one using two circular needles. I have been told once I 'get' this method I will never want to use four dpn's again. We'll see!

 

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

WOYWW #220 - tidy socks

Hello, it's Wednesday again (well somewhere in the World) and it is the day to show our crafty desks as per the lovely Julia at What's on your Workdesk Wednesday.

A tidy desk this week.

I have been knitting faster than a speeding freight train and finished Huffle's sock on Friday and then quickly started his second one (though I did make the rib without ribbing - arrrggghhhh and had to start again). Still I furiously knitted on and finished sock no2 last night. So you can see Huffle's socks neatly folded at the back with Moo's little Pedicure sock on top. Her second one is at the front of the desk that I started last night.

At the back are two green bags. Each one containing wool, needles and patterns for another sock each. One a cable sock and the other a toe-up sock. Both of them using two circular needles which I haven't learnt yet. Might be interesting.

Various origami things are on my desk, I folded a less than perfect tulip with a stalk that doesn't hold it! I have just been trying to figure out how to fold a many folded many squared marigold in four colours but I cannot work it out. Maybe by next week!

In case you didn't read yesterday's post or want to see a better photo of Huffle's socks. Tadaaaaa.

Not bad eh?

Okay, time to drink my coffee and go and look at everyone's lovely desks to see what they have been, and are up to. Cheerios my lovelies xx

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

Work Socks

I have been knitting some cosy socks for Huffle for Christmas. The first one I started way before we went on holiday and I only finished it last Friday. The second one I started on Friday and finished last night.

The are very big and cosy but the idea is for Huffle to wear them in his boots in Winter. They are based on the original 'work sock' and I used four double pointed needles.

This is me trying them on and I am a UK 5, he is an 11, wide, flat footed man!

I am quite pleased with them. This is only my second pair of socks and the first pair with three colours. They are not a surprise to Huffle as he has sat with me while I swore, ripped out, reknitted, threw said things across room and constantly made him try them and measure his feet. They cost way more than to buy but the love that has gone into them is worth it.

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

Courgette Overload

When we went on holiday, our neighbour was looking after our garden. I told her to pick whatever she wanted in the vegetable garden, particularly the courgettes as I didn't want to come home to Marrows, unfortunately she didn't see them hiding. This year we planted far too many courgette plants, thinking some wouldn't work, some would get eaten by raccoons etc. However they all grew beautifully and they produced some enormous courgettes while we were away. So what to do with a glut of courgettes.

First of all we made mini Courgette Chocolate Loaves to have as a pudding with ice-cream. We ate them before I had time to photograph them.

Then last night we made a Courgette Grain Bread in the bread machine. I got the recipe from my bread book. If anyone wants it, please let me know.

Today Small made a large Cinamon Courgette Chocolate Chip Loaf.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paulas-home-cooking/chocolate-chip-zucchini-bread-recipe/index.html

Smallest made Chocolate Courgette Muffins. They didn't rise great but they were lovely and squishy.

1.5 cups flour, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp Cinamon, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp bake powder, 1/4 tsp salt mixed well together in a bowl. In another bowl beat 3/4 cup plus 2 tbs sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 egg and 1/2 tsp vanilla essence and mix in the mixer til thick and creamy. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just incorporated. Stir in 2 cups grated courgette and 6oz chocolate chips. Bake for 35 minutes on 350*F.

I made a Courgette, Potato and Cheddar soup which we had with our courgette bread.

500g potatoes roughly chopped added to just enough water to cover them and 2 vegetable stock cubes. Boil and then simmer for ten minutes and add 1kg courgettes, roughly chopped and simmer for five minutes. Add a bunch spring onion, sliced - save 1 for serving. 100g extra-mature cheddar grated, plus a little extra to serve. Whizz until a thick soup and add extra water if needed. Add salt and pepper. Heat up, serve with a small amounts of grated cheese in the middle with spring onions chopped.

I even made a Tomato Soup for the kids and slipped some courgette into it. Huffle wanted to know where the Courgette Wine was hiding.

WELL AT LEAST WE DIDN'T WASTE THEM.

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

Woyww - half a sock, nearly a sock, not started a sock

Today I am joining in with What's on your Workdesk Wednesday or WOYWW.

Apologies to those that I didn't get back to last week, thank you for your comments. I am am back from holiday now and ready to play properly again.

Here is my desk..

At the back in front of my sewing machine is my cardi that I abandonned but obviously have to finish it soon as I am told it is the end of the summer season now (in the shops anyway!).

There are some Origami Cranes that I have been trying to master (finally got it) after reading two books that featured them. To the left just out of view is the wool, needles and pattern for the sock I haven't started yet. In the middle front is the sock I am working on for Huffle. Coming along beautifully, it is so soft. I am on the foot part so just lots of knitting.

The blue one on the right is a pedicure sock I am making for Moo for Christmas. One sock done.....

The idea of these is so you can still paint your toes but your foot isn't cold. Moo wants them for when she puts cream on her heels but doesn't want too warm feet. I hope they work.

Well that's me for now. On with the socks and checking out everyone else's desk.

 

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

Woyww sandy sock

Hello.  I'm a bit late joining in with whats on your workdesk wednesday today but I am on holiday so things are always that bit slower.  

I am also trying to post this on my phone which may or may not work!

So, I have my sock which is a present for someone so can't say too much and I am still at the rib part.  My lap is my desk today while I wait for everyone else to get ready.  It's a stormy day so we are off to the cinema (if it wasn't so dark I would take my knitting in ha!).  

You might just see the lake in the background and my toes in need of painting.  Hoping to be back to normal next week on a proper desk with more of a sock.  

Http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com go here for more desks x

WOYWW #216 - new socks, more socks, undone socks.

Today I am joining in with WOYWW which is Julia's brainchild. A very nosy way to look at people's workdesk and craft spaces. It's very addictive.

I have been away for some time. Mum was visiting from the UK for six weeks, then our friends were here for a few days. Lots of entertaining, laughing, walking, playing, but no crafting. So today is the first day I have been able to get up to my lovely craft room and although I haven't really done anything, I have been able to put stuff on my desk ready for doing. So, my desk, not in the middle of work but about to worked on....

My Sleepy Seep has finally been finished and is reading to be wrapped and sent to its new home. A new baby boy here in Canada but of English parents. One of my new friends from the ex-pat group I joined. I am thrilled for them. He was born on the same day as the new Royal baby.

On the left is a pile of Mollie Makes bought over by my visitors wi lots of new projects to do. Left corner front are two new patterns for socks and new wool and needles. Who knows when I will get round to doing them. One of the pairs is for my Mum for Christmas or Birthday depending on how quick or slow I am! The boys chose the wool for her which is nice (especially as they agreed and didnt argue about it). The other, I am not sure.

At the front is the sock I started on ages ago. It is a work sock, red, grey marle and cream. I undid it all because I decided I wanted to knit them for Huffle for Christmas and the rate I am going, I better start now.

I think that is it. Hopefully I will be able to get round to more people this week as the kids are on holiday (actually thinking about it, that might mean I have less time - we'll see!).

Right I am going to crack on with this work sock now.

 

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

WOYWW #211 - sock with rib this time

Hi. Wednesday again and note I haven't posted anything since last Wednesday. Tut tut. I am joining in with What's on your Workdesk Wednesday in order to show you my desk.

Not a lot has been going on, in fact I don't think I have even been up to my desk since last Wednesday. I did go to my knitting group and I did undo the sock I was making and I did start again. I realised before that I hadn't started with a rib so this time I did and it feels and looks a lot better. I am making a work sock. Cream with a couple of red stripes and a red heel and toe and the rest a grey marl or merle as it is called here.

Nothing else to report except I am having fun with my Mum here so may not have time to visit much.

 

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

WOYWW #210 - sock, sleeve, sheep

WOYWW stands for What's on your Workdesk Wednesday? This idea was started by Julia of Stamping Ground fame. Who knew it would be sooooo successful. Even though I have only been joining in for about two and a half years, it is fascinating. All those desks (200 some weeks), all those crafty people, all the lovely things to see. Such lovely comments, great ideas, tips........ It's greeeaaaattttttt.

My desk this week is in the dark. It is a photo from Tuesday night because where I live (Canada), it isn't Wednesday until nearly midday in the UK. Enough excuses, here it is......

My sleepy sheep is very nearly finished, just a few ends to sew in. I haven't got any further with my crochet flower. I do have a new lamp on the desk. Although the lighting is good up in the loft, in the evening it is nice to have a brighter directional light. I am about half way through my sleeve as I started a new project (I know, I should have finished one thing before starting another but I am a bit bored of my cardi now. It's so thick and chunky and I can't imagine wearing it, I will finish it though soon I promise). My Mollie Makes magazine is open to a page I found very intriguing. Big crochet cushions with a lovely vintage fabric on the other side and a big handmade button in the middle. Ummmmmmmmmmmm.

So, my new project. I have a joined the 'Sockalicious' group at my knitting shop. The idea is we learn a different sock pattern each month. I am two months behind because I joined late. The one I am doing at the moment is a work sock (like the original sock monkey sock). I started it but I seem to have gone wrong and will have to rip it all out and start again. Moo (my Mum) is here visiting from England at the moment and we haven't had much time for crafting (though she has sewn on the kids badges on various things - yay).

Right, I will try and visit tomorrow but I am gardening on the rooftop of the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. It's going to be a warm one. Have a nice day x

 

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

WOYWW #209 - wake up sheep

Hello. Today is Wednesday (well in some parts of the World). WOYWW stands for What's on your Workdesk Wednesday? Well, funny you should ask..........

It was, until an hour ago, really tidy and clear. My mum arrives from the UK tomorrow and half of the loft is for her so I had a good tidy up. Then I sat down to do this post and I got carried away 'doing'. Still, a clean, tidy desk is no fun for you to look at is it?

Now let me try and explain what all my mess is about.

The usual pile of swimming towels, beavers uniform and blanket ready for badges to be sewn on. Now I know I had this to do last week, but my excuse is, my Mum is much better at sewing on badges than me, and wouldn't she just love to do it! So there it sits until at least tomorrow.

IPad with instructions for Sleepy Sheep. Glass of water. A new project (like to have new things on the go) it is going to be a tea cosy and I am just making it up as I go along. Stuffing that I had to take out of Sheeps arms as they were too full. The pink yarn, crochet hook and magazine is to make flower coasters, I just saw it this afternoon and started making it. A disembodied sheep. He now has a face and ears, I have to sew his limbs on (the wool is driving me mad, everytime I pull it tight, it breaks, which is why it isn't finished yet).

My tin of bits, ever handy. And last but not least on the left is my cardi sleeve no2, not quite up to my elbow yet, but it may be finished next week (not sewn up thought I doubt).

As I said Moo, my Mum, is here for six weeks, so who knows how much I will get done while she is here. Maybe a lot, maybe nothing, but I know one thing, all our washing will be kept up-to-date, folded, put away and the boys will be well read to.

I am off now to see what everyone else is up to, I am looking forward to seeing all those lovely ATC's that everyone swapped last week.

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

Present Received

A while ago I made a present for my friend in the UK who loves to visit us in Canada. She also loves coffee. I made her a cafetiere cosy, however I didn't know she didn't own a small cafetiere and she had to go out and buy one, whoops!

Anyway, she has her cafetiere now and she has used her cosy. Se sent me a photo.

Awww thanks Aunty A.

P.s. anyone notice it matches my Pouffe cover and Small's Nimp?

Versatile

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

WOYWW #208 - stuff and nonsense

Hello. Wednesday again. As usual time flies in the world of desk hopping.

My desk, back in the loft where I belong, no nasty storms to keep me away...........

My knitting bag is on the left overflowing with cardigan. I read the pattern completely wrong which is why I had a sleeve fit for a very long giant. Now I have a sleeve that fits me (an average armed person). Next to that in the middle is an array of cream and dark blue limbs and head and body which will soon become a crocheted sleepy sheep. My sewing needle in front ready for action. My little owl tape measure (what is that doing out?) and my tin of bits. Above the tangle of limbs and wool is a pile of stuffing ready to make the sheep a lovely squishy bundle of cuddliness for the baby I am making it for.

Right in the top left hand corner is a Beavers top and a new badge ready for sewing - oh joy! And that is me for today. I think I did fairly well last week, I visited those that visited me and I even managed to get round the ones that visited me last week that I didn't get to (make sense?). I will try my best again this week, I have no children with me for a few hours so I don't have an excuse.

Can't wait to see what everyone is up to this week.

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

Ladybugging

Smallest and I have been very creative today. He is going to a Ladybug party on Sunday so we made a card.

(The ladybirds all stand out on 3D pads)

Then we wrapped up the ladybirds I had knitted and crocheted.........

 

Tied it up and added some lovely buttons (mum gave these to me years ago, I knew they would come in handy one day).

 

Happy Birthday MissK.

 

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy