Award? I'd like to thank...

I have been given a 'Let's Be Friends' award by Samsara and I'm chuffed to bits! Thank you as I really enjoy reading your blog and so pleased to know when anyone takes the time to read mine!*Let's Be Friends Award*

The award says: “These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to bloggers who must choose more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

So I am passing on to you my favourite blogs that I deem award worthy:

Andy In Amsterdam....dear Andy, I am his resident blog stalker and rarely one of his posts go by when I do not feel the need to praise him (or poke fun at him!). I began reading because of my fondness for Amsterdam and also knitting. Andy writes about both these topics beautifully on a regular basis. He's a clever so and so and has much to say on almost every subject. Pop by, I'm sure he'd love it.

Under Dutch Skies..is Alex's blog.I discovered it on aforementioned Andy's blog roll. I didn't realise for quite some time that these 2 bloggers S 'n' B together. Alex is an intelligent lady who's blog is often filled with the most picturesque photos of Dutch life. She's techy minded which often goes over my head but when 'back to basics' this woman is an amazing knitter!

Okay enough with the flattery..I'm not used to being so nice!!

My Mister Knits..!!!!!

I did intend to get this post up earlier in the week but as usual things come up, too many distractions and my mind wanders off. Let's just say that despite good intentions I have never been the most focused person. I write endless lists on scraps of paper to aide me and sometimes this 'system' works but often or not these lists also get lost in the muddle!

Anyway, let me tell you about my Mister and his knitting ventures. To begin the story we have to go back to last summer (alas not literally.. my flux capacitator is on the blink!). It was sunny (hard to visualise in the current climate?) and I was knitting in the garden. The usual banter was going back and forth between the Mister and I when he dared to remark on my slow knitting project.

Of course, slightly irked I bit back "you can't even knit!"

"yes, I can" he retorted, and with that he demonstrated his hidden talent (I mean knitting!!).

He went on to knit 2 scarves and 2 pairs of fingerless gloves for my charity knitting group. Then with the satisfaction of proving me wrong and leaving me gobsmacked he went back to his PS3.

Until now....

In the past 2 weeks he has knitted up almost 20 scarves and 3 very cosy blankets for charity.

I am astounded and very, very proud.

Both the dog and I have already tried to make a claim for one of Gavin's knitted blankets but to no avail. He wants them to be sent off to someone who really needs them to a country desperate for aide.

The blankets are big enough for a child's bed or a lap blanket and are knitted in the very thick Sidar Bigga wool on 15mm needles. The result is very smoochy and cosy.

He bought in bulk..so a few more of these great blankets will be in production soon.

I will pass on any comments that come in and hopefully this will spur him on to keep the needles clacking!

Some 2009 Knits

Again the old story..too busy reading blogs to get round to writing posts of my own! Here I am at last, however..all is not lost!


I have been knitting a few bits and bobs..mainly baby cardis. I got a pattern for a little collared baby cardi from a friend and have knocked out various versions ever since. Here is a couple of them


A little red and black number with ladybird buttons I had previously bought from Ebay. This cardi is for about 3-6mth size and is yet to find a home.


The pattern on the cardigan is 4 row stocking stitch, 2 rows moss stitch repeat. Very easy once you get going. This was my second attempt..my first a smaller blue one ended up with sleeves slightly too long and the body-to-sleeve seam pattern a teeny bit out of synch.

This one is knitted in a cream wool with coloured flecks running through it. I figured the wool effect was nice enough so I omitted the moss stitch pattern. This was to save time more than anything as it was a rush baby gift for a friend.

My old school pal R gave birth to baby Luke last Wednesday and the knits should have got there today.

The hat is a simple top knot pattern and the matching teddy I knitted up in one piece making it up as I went along. I was surprisingly quite pleased with the result!

The big news in my house...The Mister has started knitting!
All will be revealed soon!

You can't beat perfection

This fabbie badge was one of my many Christmas presents from my Mister. You will note the wording is very precise and obviously so very accurate. There is no doubt about it that boy has got me sussed. I couldn't describe myself any better, ha ha.
(Please note the slight sarcasm occurring here..I'm not that arrogant..well not quite yet!).
I just wanted to share my delight with my fellow bloggers and blog-browsers.

New Year in our house was a very quiet affair..in pyjamas with a hot cup of tea and in bed not long after midnight. Gone are the days when we used to trail the city streets with a bottle in hand fighting off frostbite and chilblains (not too mention a few undesirable New Year kisses from beardy old men with whisky breath..erghhhh!).
No, a brew with milk and two is much more my thing these days!

Good luck to everyone for your 2009. Personally, I just wish for better health..2008 wasn't the best. If I can get that sorted everything else should fall into place. Here's hoping!