tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49459733658175315532011-10-04T14:29:09.405+11:00Just trying to knit!Melissanoreply@blogger.comBlogger1121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-17726025787989817782010-11-22T15:32:00.003+11:002010-11-22T15:42:26.534+11:00

I've decided to change blog platform for one reason mainly.  So I can easily post from my iphone or ipad. You can find me here

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-76523178467396638162010-11-05T13:13:00.000+11:002010-11-05T13:13:10.819+11:00

I got a little distracted by a five year olds birthday and visiting relatives, so I have been a naughty little blogger! But I am back now, and with a finished project! Meet Haruni Isn't she pretty?   This is her second life.  See, she started out like this: But unfortunately, my not so little man didn't fit into it.  Probably a good thing seeing as it is not a superwash wool and not such a

Melissanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-37845033623356569052010-10-04T10:07:00.000+11:002010-10-04T10:07:49.262+11:00

I'm going to be an Aunt for the first time in December.  I am so excited.  Soldier's brother's and his lovely wife are expecting a little girl! So what is a first time prospective Aunt to do?  Knit of course. Pattern:  Bloom by Georgie Hallam Yarn:  Cleckheaton Merino Bambino 4ply in red Needles:  2.75mm and 3.5mm Knitpicks Options interchangeable circulars Because the pattern is called Bloom

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-49044276348110411842010-10-02T10:36:00.001+10:002010-10-02T10:37:14.759+10:00

So it's October already!  This month is going to be a busy one.  It is Rhianna's and my little sister's birthdays, I am attending a baby shower tomorrow, and Soldier starts instructing on a new course so I will be flying solo with the smalls for most of the month. As if I didn't already have enough on my plate, I have signed on to knit a pair of mystery socks for Socktober.  Kirsten at Through

Melissanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-91676484451869506592010-08-31T09:10:00.000+10:002010-08-31T09:10:09.171+10:00

You want proof that knitters are the most generous, talented people around?  Well here it is! Thanks Donna!  It's gorgeous.

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-3277210061313476772010-08-30T09:05:00.001+10:002010-08-30T09:05:00.166+10:00

Yesterday we took a little family road trip to Daylesford in country Victoria.  Soldier spent about five of his early pre-teen and teen years in this delightful little town.  He wanted to show the smalls and I where he used to live. We saw a sign for the Chocolate Mill and decided to stop to take a look. It wasn't at all what I had expected, and to tell you the truth I was a little

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-24225431958202025902010-08-27T11:33:00.000+10:002010-08-27T11:33:46.959+10:00

Back before I knew Lucas was Lucas I made this little cardigan.  I love it so much that I decided to make another. Pattern: Scrappy Socky Stripey Cardi by Fawn Pea Yarn:  Needle Food Merino Blend, 4ply in Blueberry Crush Needles:  3.5mm and 3.75mm Knitpick Options Interchangeable Circulars I made some changes from the last one.  I used the 3.5mm needles for the body which is knit flat, and

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-68261195005847554252010-08-23T11:10:00.000+10:002010-08-23T11:10:02.154+10:00

We use cloth nappies here, on both the boys.  I have been using them since Rhianna was a newborn.  And ever since then I have been searching high and low for a great soaker pattern.  The soaker is essentially a knitted or felted wool cover that keeps all the wetness inside, so the baby's clothes stay dry.  I think they are much kinder to little legs than the elastic in other nappy covers. So, as

Melissanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-84678127282357781022010-08-18T10:27:00.001+10:002010-08-23T11:10:24.348+10:00

I have been cheating on my knitting! I went to the local shopping centre the other day to get my hair cut and I had some time on my hands so I ventured down to one of the big craft stores.  On a whim I decided to pick up a tatting shuttle and some thread.  When I got home I found some videos on you tube and tried my hand. Let me just say, when you are learning a new craft, bigger is better. 

Melissanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-81199974753571584522010-07-23T12:06:00.000+10:002010-07-23T12:06:17.979+10:00

This little knit has been done for a while, it has even been worn a couple of times.  I have just been slack with the camera. Pattern:  Bloom by Georgie Hallam Yarn:  Luxury 10ply, from Bendigo Woollen Mills, in Leaf Needles:  3.75mm and 4.5mm Knitpick Circulars This was a very quick knit.  It only took me nine days, and I am sure someone who doesn't knit as slowly as me would have it done in

Melissanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-33063920146392832762010-07-20T16:00:00.000+10:002010-07-20T16:00:02.231+10:00

On Friday my Mum, Lucas and I went to Bendigo to visit the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.  I don't have any photos to prove this little trip, because I left my camera at home.  If you don't believe me go and visit the Lovely Bells, she has photographic evidence.  I, like DrK, feel somewhat spoiled by all the yarn available from online indie dyers, so I didn't get a lot of yarn.  In fact I only

Melissanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-85654928117153495922010-07-13T20:39:00.001+10:002010-07-13T20:39:00.144+10:00

Thanks to everyone for your congratulations both here and on Twitter on the birth of my second son.  To answer a couple of you, the ambulance was only required because Master Lucas decided that he was in a bit of a hurry.  He arrived after an hour and a half, twice as long as his brother took, but by far my easiest. He is proving to be a great baby, sleeping and eating well, and enjoying his

Melissanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-43155368071834026442010-06-29T18:03:00.000+10:002010-06-29T18:03:40.908+10:00

Master Lucas Stuart,  about two hours after birththe most chilled out newborn I have ever met. He arrived at 10.01 on Thursday morning, weighing exactly 4kg. After a chaotic entrance to the world involving an ambulance ride with lights and a Father that missed the birth by four minutes he is settling in to the family very well. two days old He looks exactly like his big brother.  

Melissanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-29643781987023539942010-06-22T13:47:00.000+10:002010-06-22T13:47:39.349+10:00

There was a couple of things that I did when Rhianna and Rylan were first born. They both wore was this little outfit.   It isn't anything particularly special in terms of beauty, it's just a little green wondersuit and hat, but because it was the very first piece of clothing they both wore makes it very special to me.  Three will wear it as his/her first outfit too. They both slept here for at

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-84413038587626816952010-06-07T09:06:00.000+10:002010-06-07T09:06:59.080+10:00

The day after Rylan's birthday we ventured out to the Diamond Valley Railway.  It is a park with lots of miniture trains that you can ride.  There is also a lot of parklands to explore, a kid's playground and heaps of BBQ areas.  We packed a picnic and had a lovely few hours, exploring.  There were ponies there, offering rides, which excited Rhianna to no end.  She did manage a ride, but I

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-80990047711296448332010-06-05T20:17:00.000+10:002010-06-05T20:17:53.676+10:00

Oh Lordy what a couple of weeks we have had.  Let me start to fill you in, starting at the beginning. Two weeks ago this little cutie turned two. He was thoroughly spoiled by all and sundry.  He shares his birthday with my Dad, so we had two cakes. Rylan is obsessed with trains.  It is quite often the first word out of his mouth when he wakes up in the morning.  So I obliged and made him this

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-28687779975606652632010-05-21T10:45:00.000+10:002010-05-21T10:45:15.831+10:00

just snowed under with sickness (mine), preparations for a birthday (The Boy's) and organising for a trip away (my Cousin's wedding). I have been knitting and even managed to finish something.  I will show you when I get a chance to photograph it, and more than thirty seconds free time to spend at the computer.

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-56572815547317893892010-04-29T10:35:00.000+10:002010-04-29T10:35:05.129+10:00

On Friday, at some unmentionable time in the morning, I woke the smalls and bundled them into the car so we could make our way to the airport.  We were off to North Queensland for my Nana's 80th Birthday Party!  It takes two aeroplanes and about six hours to get there, but it was so worth it.  We left Soldier at home, because it was ANZAC day weekend and he had to work. My Nana is a wonderful

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-2977830844472390652010-04-22T07:43:00.001+10:002010-04-22T07:43:25.939+10:00

I passed!  That is all.

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-51721680607992884202010-04-14T12:06:00.000+10:002010-04-14T12:06:22.837+10:00

I have never been one that fails easily.  At school, I was rather competitive and had to do the very best.  Somethings did get the best of me (who needs Chemistry anyway?), and I didn't take it very well.  I would really love to tell you that I have overcome what I see as a personality flaw, but that would be lying. So imagine my horror when I received a call from my Midwife - the wonderful and

Melissanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-66987916668973307652010-04-08T17:14:00.000+10:002010-04-08T17:14:59.655+10:00

Another little something for Three.  I have one more cardigan on the needles and that will do for the new born stuff.  Next some three to six month cardigans, I think. Pattern:  Felix Cardigan by Jacki Kelly, Pinwheel Beanie by Justine Turner and Easy Baby Booties by Michelle Yarn:  Cleckheaton Country 8ply in a sage green and creamy white Needles: 5mm knitpick interchangeable circulars I

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-17950376473429073692010-04-06T11:32:00.000+10:002010-04-06T11:32:35.175+10:00

Happy Easter to you all.  Hope it was a good one, however you mark the occasion. We started Sunday with a visit from the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt.  The kids had a ball and The Boy seemed to understand what was going on this year.  He was very good a snatching the eggs from under his sister's nose. Yesterday I pulled out the sewing machine * and tried my hand at making a box that I can

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-25215238231928230232010-03-31T13:51:00.001+11:002010-03-31T13:51:49.781+11:00

How can two pointy, wooden sticks and three stitches be so calming? I don't know, but it sure is. M xx

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-3749188220833682472010-03-16T09:26:00.001+11:002010-03-16T09:27:03.588+11:00

I have had the knitting of this little cardigan finished for Three for a few weeks now, but this morning I stole a few moments to sew on the buttons and take some photos.  It's funny how when you actually sit down to finish something just how quickly it all comes together. Pattern:  Scrappy Socky Stripey Cardi by Fawn PeaYarn:  Knitabulous Merino Sock - Salwaar Kameez, this was the first parcel

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-28907291741880147902010-03-06T21:31:00.000+11:002010-03-06T21:31:35.918+11:00

For such a long time I have admired the very talented knitters who churn out shawl after beautiful shawl.  I have wanted to join in, but have always been a little scared.  All that lace.  Then it dawned on me that I have been knitting lace for ages now, just in a different form - socks.  This realisation led me to trawl through Ravelry and my yarn stash, and I came up with this:   My first shawl

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-23633794206003857102010-01-25T09:11:00.000+11:002010-01-25T09:11:43.294+11:00

I will be honest.  I do not have a green thumb, and I know nothing about gardening, but when we moved into our new house I was very excited to find that the previous tenants did. They had planted cherry tomatoes, strawberries and capsicums, as well as some rosemary and flat leaf parsley.   Jack the Lab got all of the strawberries before they were ripe and we are having a hard time keeping

Melissanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-65792665696911242232010-01-23T12:56:00.001+11:002010-01-23T12:56:58.153+11:00

Just after we found out that Three was on his or her way I cast on for these teeny little socks.  I used some leftover yarn from my Green Goddess Socks. I am really worried that they are going to be too small.  Newborn babies have enourmous feet in my experience.  Guess I will just have to wait until the end of June to find out. Sorry about the crappy photo, I still can't find the battery

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-15164013559201637112010-01-20T08:40:00.000+11:002010-01-20T08:40:53.364+11:00

We had a wonderful Christmas.  We spent it in North Queensland with my parents and siblings.  A lovely low key day, with spoiled children, wonderful food, lots of air conditioning and even an afternoon nap.  New Years was a laid back day too.   Soldier is home, and back at work already.  I cannot find the battery charger for the camera, so I have been using my iPhone with limited success. I

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-61287821337771463542009-12-13T08:35:00.004+11:002009-12-13T08:37:09.629+11:00

I mentioned a couple of posts back that I hadn't knit a stitch since moving down from Sydney.  That has been rectified - I have cast on for Ailsa's socks. There has been a good reason for my lack of knitting: Yep, that's right!  Three (is it wrong to call your unborn child a number?) will be joining us in June, all things going well. I have been very, very sick and unable to do anything except

Melissanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-32316131336082919392009-12-10T20:57:00.001+11:002009-12-10T20:58:25.327+11:00

My first instalment of the Indian Summer Yarn Club by the wonderful Knitabulous arrived in my mailbox this morning. I have been eagerly awaiting it's arrival! The yarn is gorgeous, and the colour couldn't be more perfect for me.  Blue-greens being my favourite colours. I think I was very restrained in not eating the chocolate or immediately brewing up that wonderful Chai teabag that was in

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-78201864994648446992009-12-09T14:06:00.000+11:002009-12-09T14:06:45.157+11:00

Things that have happened since we last spoke: We have moved states, just to the next one down, We love our new house, it has tiles instead of 30 year old vinyl on the floors and - get this - a window in the bathroom, We have unpacked a huge number of boxes, and complained that we have too much stuff, Soldier discovered the extent of my sock yarn stash, I guess telling him not to open that box

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-12066615555246939262009-10-21T09:25:00.000+11:002009-10-21T09:25:27.196+11:00

Be warned:  This post is full of whinging. This is me at the moment. Tomorrow I will have some men in my house boxing up all my stuff and then the next day they will come back and put it all in a truck and drive away with it, Defence Housing keep moving our move in date, and we still haven't heard from them in regards to our welcome visit, I came into the kitchen this morning to find the

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-44765142615820818232009-10-17T19:37:00.000+11:002009-10-17T19:37:44.965+11:00

I have a four year old living in my house!  How did that happen?  It feels like only yesterday she looked like this: Now: Happy Birthday Noo!

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-79622831937186521462009-10-14T08:57:00.000+11:002009-10-14T08:57:29.570+11:00

Noo will be four on Friday.  We were discussing this at the dinner table last night.  The conversation went like this: Me:  You know it's your birthday on Friday? Noo: Yeah Soldier:  How old will you be? Noo: Four! Soldier:  How old is The Boy? Noo:  One! Noo (to Soldier and I):  You have numbers?? Soldier and I: hahahahahahaha, yes we have numbers! Try keeping a straight face with that one!

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-84817077407218571912009-10-13T17:40:00.000+11:002009-10-13T17:40:34.613+11:00

I finished the Green Goddess socks yesterday.  When I showed them to Soldier and asked him what he thought he looked at them and told me that "they looked the same".  "The same as what", I asked him.  "As each other".  Errr, isn't that the point??   Pattern:  Green Goddess by Nancy Whitman Yarn:  Knitabulous Softsock in Baby Chick Needles:  80cm, 2.25mm Harmony Circular Modifications:  Knit

Melissanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-2442602155258912622009-10-11T14:05:00.002+11:002009-10-11T14:09:50.380+11:00

I have three pairs of socks on the needles at the moment, in various stages of completion. Firstly, Twists and Ribs Socks by Lisa Rosen. I have completed both cuffs and now have to start on the heel flap and turn. Next up we have Green Goddess Socks by Nancy Whitman. One sock is complete and I have two patterns repeats and the ribbing to go to finish them off. Lastly, Sydney by Janice

Melissanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-74005229577001635592009-10-10T20:28:00.000+11:002009-10-10T20:28:26.214+11:00

The garden has been tamed!   You all knew that when I said 'we have to tackle the garden tomorrow' I actually meant, 'Soldier has to tackle the garden tomorrow, while I admire the results' didn't you.

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-67153726500182051532009-10-09T12:49:00.005+11:002009-10-09T12:53:30.670+11:00

Two weeks tomorrow I will be living in Melbourne!  It is really starting to sink in now.  I guess having a house partly dismantled and full of boxes can make the situation real. I am starting to resent the packing and the cleaning that I have been doing and still have to do.  It is taking away from my knitting time. And let me just tell you that packing with two smalls unpacking behind you is a

Melissanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-67385269326863046792009-10-07T11:05:00.005+11:002009-10-07T12:10:11.107+11:00

We have been on a very short trip to Adelaide to witness one of Soldier's friends get married. It was a beautiful wedding. Very small and lovely. The Bride has three children already and my favourite part of the ceremony was when the Groom gathered together his Bride and the three children and spoke to them. We don't know what was said, but it was a wonderful moment. I think not knowing what

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-35488683889207966212009-09-24T07:39:00.001+10:002009-09-24T07:42:02.410+10:00

There are a lot of photos of the dust storm that came over Sydney yesterday all over the internet. Here are a couple that I took yesterday as the sun was rising.

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-23477796318096164912009-09-18T08:32:00.002+10:002009-09-18T08:36:49.138+10:00

I have a lot on my plate at the moment and a lot of changes around the corner. All of which it seems, I am going to have to deal with on my own. Soldier is to be deployed again for a short stint.With that in mind I am going to take a step back from all things internets and make a start on it all.Plus I am not really in the right headspace for much blogging at the moment.Behave yourselves while

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-91567443052741059652009-09-13T22:51:00.003+10:002009-09-13T23:10:16.833+10:00

I am supposed to be cleaning for a house inspection tomorrow, but instead I will show you what I was doing this afternoon when I was supposed to be cleaning for a house inspection tomorrow.Noo has a lot of crayons. Lots and lots of broken crayons, that she wont use because, well, they are broken. So I sorted the broken crayons into colour groups and put them in patty cases in an old muffin

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-66071205042262857442009-09-12T18:31:00.002+10:002009-09-12T18:46:33.727+10:00

Here is a list of things that come out of my mouth (and probably every other Mother's mouth) at least a dozen times each. Every. Single. Day!Please get off your brother's head.Did you flushed the toilet?Stop giving things to the dog through the hole in the screen door.Get out of the drawer.Play nicely, you two!Shut the fridge.No, I don't know what that smell is.Stop throwing your food on the

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-81580090948872953532009-09-09T18:50:00.002+10:002009-09-09T18:59:49.284+10:00

I know I have to be the last sock knitter in the world to have this, but look what I have finally gotten my hands on:It is right up my alley. I have been a fan of Cookie's forever. I especially love the first part of the book, where the process of designing a sock is spelled out. I have wanted to design a sock of my very own (I have tried and failed miserably) and this might give me the

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-39383697002833684712009-09-08T16:11:00.003+10:002009-09-08T16:52:23.632+10:00

I have had a very busy week.The Thursday before last I stayed up late waiting for Mum and Little Sister, who somehow managed to get themselves lost on the way from the airport to my place.The next day we took ourselves off to see P!nk again. We had the best seats in the place. I really don't think we could have done any better. She was even better second time around too. I admit to a little

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-31502590284581443122009-08-25T17:09:00.003+10:002009-08-25T17:20:06.849+10:00

All Personal Sock Club socks are currently on hold.A very good friend of my sister has been diagnosed with breast cancer at just 31 years old.So I will be knitting her a pair of purple socks, using this stuff from Ailsa at Knitabulous Yarn.Sorry about the crappy photo. This yarn is beautiful, but so very hard to photograph!

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-87877577709810978922009-08-24T08:36:00.003+10:002009-08-24T08:58:34.747+10:00

Things are a little crazy around here at the moment.Soldier was home for a mid course break for the weekend.The Boy is teething and generally in a bad mood, hitting the cat, his sister, the toys, you get the picture.Noo is very clingly and missing her Daddy. Sometimes I think it is easier on everyone if Soldier doesn't come home mid course. We just get used to the new normal without him around

Melissanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-80775043249064656592009-08-20T10:33:00.003+10:002009-08-20T11:21:15.142+10:00

The socks for May have been completed for a week now. I haven't shown them to you because I cannot get a decent photo of them. I have decided to bite the bullet and just show you my crappy photograpy skills.Pattern: No pattern, knit toe up with short row heels. 3x1 ribbing at the top. Yarn: One Fat Slug, this yarn didn't have a name.Needles: 2.5mm knitpicks circular. That was until I managed

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-54439430172296794882009-08-16T16:02:00.004+10:002009-08-16T16:14:19.429+10:00

Playing outside with bare arms and legs? In mid August? In south-western Sydney? Really?Well it seems to be true. Apparently it got up to 25 degrees here today. It is actually warmer outside than it is inside for a change.Yes, that is how long my lawn gets when my resident lawnmower is out of town. It has five more weeks to grow before he is home, so it will get a lot longer.I have a

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-8582688691431710802009-08-03T16:19:00.003+10:002009-08-03T16:27:40.330+10:00

We have the posting order in our hot little hands, access to the Army's housing site and instructions on how to submit our house inventory to the removal company.It is official, we are on our way to Melbourne in a few short months. To stay for a least three years.The last three years have gone by so very fast. I have to pack an entire house, by myself because Soldier is away on course for the

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-81138727552212758492009-07-26T10:10:00.003+10:002009-07-26T10:13:03.535+10:00

This photo was taken after I had taken the other sock off the cable and onto some dpns. I don't usually like dpns but the Knitpick Harmony needles I am using at the moment might just entice me to the other side.

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-28374164525865110602009-07-25T20:02:00.002+10:002009-07-25T20:21:40.725+10:00

Last Saturday at 3.30am, Soldier and I dragged our tired bodies out of bed, packed the car with a suitcase and two small, sleepy children and drove to the airport. We were on our way to surprise my Mum who had just has a significant birthday - you know, one that ends in a zero.I love surprising people! I get such a kick out of it. My Mum is my favourite person to surprise though, because she

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-52414193834025724112009-07-06T10:48:00.001+10:002009-07-06T10:50:22.204+10:00

What do you think my favourite colour is??

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-91819990483825850412009-07-03T16:44:00.009+10:002009-07-03T17:14:05.291+10:00

I may not be a cardigan knitter, but I am definately a sock knitter.Behold! June's socks for my Personal Sock Club 2009!Pattern: Vinnland by Becca ComptonYarn: HoneyBeeMine Sock Yarn - MarinaNeedles: 2.5mm Knitpick fixed circularThese were knit two at a time, magic looped. They took forever, and I don't know why. I cast on and knit with a vengence until I got to the gusset increases and then

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-27220957552884454092009-07-01T09:04:00.005+10:002009-07-01T09:16:11.661+10:00

Have you ever wanted to be something you are not?? Silly question. I am sure everyone has.I want to be a cardigan knitter. An adult cardigan knitter to be exact. I really want to be able to wear a knitted by me, cardigan, but I just can't make it happen.During the past few weeks I have cast on for no less than three cardigans for myself. I knit for an inch or so and then I get utterly bored.

Melissanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-4240346264678079352009-06-25T11:16:00.004+10:002009-06-25T11:25:38.706+10:00

My knitting mojo has found it in his heart to return to me!Pattern: Fetching by Cheryl Niamath Yarn: Patons Australia Soft HazeNeedles: 3.5mm KnitPicks OptionsVerdict: Love, love love.Like most others, I have added length in both the wrist and the fingers.I am one of 11,406 people to cast on this project, but I don't care, because he is HOME!!

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-33472663056540552172009-06-15T13:30:00.004+10:002009-06-15T13:53:11.495+10:00

Back by popular demand (Hi Miss Fee!!)This week I have....spent a wonderful afternoon in the company of about 80 knitters at Darling Harbour, celebrating World Wide Knit In Public Day,kicked myself because I am a dill and didn't take my camera to WWKIP Day, so I have no photos,Sung until my throat was sore and my voice nearly gone at the P!nk concert with Little Sister,gone to Wollongong to see

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-70037653311355387482009-06-07T13:24:00.002+10:002009-06-07T13:27:59.064+10:00

Getting ready to go and see P!nk.Taking my new shoes and my Pollys along for the ride.

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-32380355040818541992009-05-28T13:05:00.004+10:002009-05-28T13:13:00.722+10:00

....for my knitting mojo. Do you think these will encourage him to come home?The top one is baby chick and the bottom one is minted. I am in love!! They are so beautiful, especially the yellow one.Thanks Ailsa!

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-30509139996189644512009-05-23T22:28:00.005+10:002009-05-23T22:38:20.122+10:00

The Boy had a birthday yesterday.....his first!!So we had a party today.....also his first!

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-48366589626682628492009-05-19T10:21:00.005+10:002009-05-19T10:44:25.945+10:00

I have found the what I think is the best and easiest no-knead bread recipe. If you want to throw the ingredients - all four of them - into a bowl and mix, then this is the one for you.It does take some time though, you have to allow it to rise for twelve hours, knock it down and let it rise again for another two, but really the whole process takes you about three minutes, the rest is just

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-41321238029663495182009-05-14T22:39:00.002+10:002009-05-14T23:06:10.592+10:00

This week I have......turned the heater on, turned the heater off, turned the heater on.....I wish the weather would make up its mind,waited patiently (not) for the two hour finale of Grey's Anatomy....only one sleep,decided on a cake for The Boy's birthday, which is only eight days away...eeek,not been able to work out what to get my Dad for his birthday which is the same day as The Boy's,found

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-60016921677252080892009-05-12T19:31:00.004+10:002009-05-12T19:52:08.546+10:00

I seems that my Knitting Mojo has up and left home. My May socks - which are now a plain pair, because I can't cable - are in serious danger of never getting finished.Not even the call of gorgeous yarn from here is enough to entice him home.Lavender InfusionBlueberry CrushIf anyone finds him, could you please smack his bum and send him home. I am kind of attached to him.

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-65913986608469948732009-05-07T09:30:00.004+10:002009-05-07T09:45:27.020+10:00

This week I have.....enjoyed the slightly warmer weather with the kiddos at the park,spent many hours working out budgets and balancing the bank accounts,not knit nearly enough,worked on something special for my Mother's big birthday in July,pulled out my sewing machine,finally got the internet to work on my phone,discovered that the body shop is selling my favourite scent, vanilla, for a limited

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-50298011381891702722009-05-05T15:51:00.004+10:002009-05-05T16:15:27.401+10:00

The Polly Jeans are done. I actually finished them a few days ago, but it has been so busy around here with Soldier being away that I haven't had time to get to the computer. I don't know how single parents do it!Anyway here they are:Pattern: Polly Jean by MJ KimYarn: Patons Patonyle that I dyed with food colouring, I originally named it Cool as a Cucumber, but when I pulled it out when I had

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-30199946101060051252009-05-01T16:52:00.001+10:002009-05-01T16:52:00.391+10:00

Well it is the first of the month, and that means it is time for a new 'shipment' for the personal sock club.And here it is.....It's a lovely yarn from Kate over at Two Little Banshees. It is one of four skeins that Mum and Dad bought me for my birthday last year. You will have seen one of them before. I hope that it will grow up into a pair of Window Pane Socks. It seems that I am all about

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-10719517751237646752009-04-30T07:31:00.002+10:002009-05-07T09:46:11.064+10:00

This week I have......nursed two sick kiddos,turned the heater on,enjoyed a visit from Little Sister,had my new dining room table replaced....twice,turned the heel on the second Polly Jean,started looking at birthday cake recipes for The Boy's first birthday,dyed some yarn for a hat for Little Sister,continued to work through the terrible task of eating the Easter eggs,watched far too much

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-99545182640394982009-04-28T10:26:00.003+10:002009-04-28T11:15:35.304+10:00

I love it when family comes to visit. I actually get out in the city and see some of the attractions.Little Sister is visiting and yesterday we spent the day at Darling Harbour. We went to the Aquarium. Lots of fun.We saw some teeny tiny seahorses.......a dugong (looks a little ghostlike doesn't he).....some loggerhead turtles.....Nemo and his Dad, Marlin.....and their friend Dory......and

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-12265730132067100532009-04-25T07:31:00.000+10:002009-04-25T07:31:54.133+10:00

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Lest We Forget.An exerpt from "For the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon (1869 - 1943)

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-38914081343688832712009-04-23T16:03:00.003+10:002009-05-07T09:47:47.273+10:00

This week I have.....watched The Boy start to walk, learn to wave and say boo.had coffee with the wonderful Donna and her equally wonderful daughter Em.washed mountaines of laundry.not folded said laundry.enjoyed a lot of raineaten too much chocolate.not looked forward to Soldier going away tomorrow.had Jack the dog to the vet twice.hardly worked on my sock.looked forward to Little Sister coming

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-76070362854952655212009-04-16T08:29:00.006+10:002009-04-16T09:17:08.670+10:00

Well Soldier's birthday went off without a hitch, but it very nearly didn't.It is a tradition in our house that the birthday boy or girl gets to choose what they want for dinner and what cake to have afterwards. Soldier decided on lasagne and a chocolate cake of some description, he wasn't fussy.After okaying a menu of bruschetta, lasagne and salad and chocolate butterscotch cake with him I sat

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-70178427798589470722009-04-14T16:49:00.005+10:002009-04-15T13:48:19.604+10:00

I found my Spring Forward Socks!!Pattern: Spring Forward by Linda Welch Yarn: Crystal Palace Yarns Panda Wool - Misty Greens - 51% bamboo, 39% wool, 10% nylon Needles: 2.5mm knit pick circularThe pattern is written top down, however I worked it toe up without changing the pattern. The yarn is great, there is something in it (the bamboo?) that makes it shiny, and the colour is gorgeous!Once

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-47384551752253938112009-04-14T08:05:00.003+10:002009-04-14T08:33:58.212+10:00

Oh boy! I have been busy the last week or so. All the activity has but me completely out of whack. I am used to a slower pace of life and I have just recovered. So what have I been doing?* I finished the March socks, but I haven't been able to take some photos because of the camera issues I was having. The new batteries have been purchased, but now I can't find the socks to take some shots

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-83624917975266673582009-04-12T19:46:00.000+10:002009-04-13T07:48:46.698+10:00

and so was the chocolate.....at least they waited and ate their breakfast first.......just!Happy Easter!

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-47650268546936397482009-04-10T12:33:00.000+10:002009-04-14T12:39:27.991+10:00

Five years ago today, this is what I was doing!What were you doing?

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-86827733142401922662009-03-28T22:39:00.004+11:002009-03-29T11:12:22.615+11:00

This makes me crazy, crazy mad.Susie O'Brien,Attack the government and it's policy, but don't ever say that the men who follow this policy died in vain. It is insulting to all those serving and their families.You say, "Of course, the Department of Defence assures us that their lives were not lost in vain, and that they will be remembered forever for their sacrifice. But this is just hollow

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-24687844192173627492009-03-27T11:15:00.002+11:002009-03-27T11:27:50.296+11:00

I have nothing interesting to say, or to show......nothing at all.The battery charger for my camera has given up the ghost, so there are no photos. I have decided that the Little Roses look terrible and have pulled them out. I have cast on another pair of socks but with only five days left of March, and being only half way up the foot on both socks, I can't see them being finished in time. No

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-33685181402698373602009-03-18T21:36:00.005+11:002009-03-18T21:53:13.329+11:00

We did manage to make it to the beach today. We ended up at Cronulla, somewhere I had never been before.It was a little windy, but the sun was hot and we had a great time.We watched a lot of kids from nearby schools surfing and bodyboarding.Then just as abruptly as they all turned up, they left again and we had the beach almost to ourselves.There was some knitting.After lots of sand eating,

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-59909572436926118322009-03-17T19:55:00.004+11:002009-03-17T20:27:47.549+11:00

Now that the kids are fed and bathed and in bed, I thought I might pop in and say hi. Hi! I really should be tackling the ginormous pile of clean washing that requires folding, but you cannot rush these things.My Mum has gone home after a week long stay. I love having her here and I wish that we still lived 400 kilometres apart instead of 1400 kilometres. The kids got spoiled and she loved

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-2474383450655951452009-03-14T17:18:00.002+11:002009-03-14T17:25:19.203+11:00

We have been throttled!Our wonderful ADSL2+ internet speed has been throttled back to 64k and it is killing me. Ever since Soldier has been home he has been downloading like a fiend. He has gone over our extremely generous download limit and he is in trouble!I can't stalk those I currently stalk, I can't look at sock yarn I would like to buy (this maybe a good thing), I can't update my status

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-53173580459480140282009-03-08T13:37:00.002+11:002009-03-08T13:52:48.795+11:00

I have been watching the Bureau of Meteorology website for the last few days, keeping an eye on TC Hamish. He is currently a category 5 system, which is the highest rating. Near the eye he will packing winds of up to 295 kilometres per hour. Very, very scary stuff.I have a lot of family up in North Queensland, some who went through TC Larry, and have been worried about them. It looks as if he

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-77078078003361984212009-03-05T08:06:00.004+11:002009-03-05T08:42:07.345+11:00

are done!! They are a little late, but that's ok because it is my personal sock club and I make the rules so I can break them.There are two of them, but Noo has been wearing them since they were finished and I could only pry one of them off her little foot. I got exactly two photos and then they were back on.Sorry about the bad photo, it is really difficult to direct a squirmy three year old

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-42909102331520735992009-02-27T17:36:00.004+11:002009-02-27T17:44:49.271+11:00

A conversation between Soldier (who is finally home, yay!) and Me when he decided to ignore the little British girl whom lives in our GPS and try and find Ikea himself:Soldier: I am going to ignore her, she doesn't know what she is talking about.Me: Ok, but we are gonna get lost, hopelessly lost.Soldier: No we aren't, I know where we are.Me: That's ok - I have my sock, more knitting time. Did

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-73620930367302585402009-02-23T08:19:00.004+11:002009-02-23T09:38:37.164+11:00

I have been working away on the second pair of socks for February. However I am only up to the gusset increases. I have been somewhat distracted by the Twilight series. I finished the fourth and last book last night and now I have one less distraction standing between me and a finished pair of Little Witches!I must learn to knit and read at the same time.

Melissanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-60044325550635815332009-02-10T18:27:00.005+11:002009-02-10T18:52:10.247+11:00

The Pablos are done. I am really happy with them and they actually fit. It was a very easy pattern to follow, with a six row pattern repeat. I followed the pattern for the foot, substituting a short row toe, until after I had turned the heel and knit the heel flap. I then had to increase to 72 stitches to get the sock up over my heel. I think that if I had added extra length to the heel flap

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-84960720230671245212009-02-08T08:00:00.004+11:002009-02-08T08:15:47.157+11:00

My thoughts go out to all those who have lost family members and property in the devastating bushfires in Victoria and New South Wales and to those who are still wading through flood waters in their homes in North Queensland.Also I am very thankful for the tireless efforts of the CFA and SES volunteers. They do great work and we can always depend on their hard work and support.

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-12138082149059356562009-02-05T21:10:00.002+11:002009-02-05T21:18:43.206+11:00

I haven't made a lot of progress on the Pablo's in the last few days. I have turned the heels, and completed two more repeats. That may sound like a lot, but each repeat is only six rounds.There are two reasons why this is so:It is too damn hot to knit - and it is only going to get hotter, and the people who look after defence housing obviously think us Army families are tough and don't need

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-24886855835798104652009-02-01T08:25:00.005+11:002009-02-10T19:14:19.664+11:00

So it is the first of the month. That means my very first shipment from my personal sock club. As I said yesterday I am one month behind on my plan to knit twelve pairs of socks this year, so this month I will be finishing the Pablos and starting a pair of Socks for Little Witches for Noo.I will be using the yarn I dyed the other day with food colouring. I am calling it Pink Lemonade. It was

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-30834053911770310632009-01-31T07:57:00.006+11:002009-01-31T10:26:23.906+11:00

I am going to put together my own personal sock club. I am not sure who started it but I know a few favourite bloggers are playing along. The idea is that you select twelve different sock yarns and you bag or wrap them up and each month you choose one at random and knit it up.Today, being the last day of January, I am starting a bit late. I will start tomorrow in February and try and catch up

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-57051186865792045172009-01-30T19:50:00.000+11:002009-01-30T19:51:22.506+11:00

I have just tried dyeing yarn using this tutorial. I was a little worried that it wouldn't work well and I would be left with some yarn that I cannot use. Then I gave myself a talking to, telling myself that it is only yarn and Noo won't care what colour her socks are. I started with a ball of Paton Patonyle in a creamy white colour. I wrapped the yarn around the back of my dining room chair

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-44212918201772455182009-01-29T12:40:00.005+11:002009-02-10T19:14:55.802+11:00

I have three pairs of socks on the needles at the moment. I am working on a pair for Noo in Merino Bambino. They are a 2 x 1 rib and I am working them toe up, two at a time on my new 2.5mm circulars. She loves them and is constantly asking to try them on. I am really happy with how they are working out.On the needles for me are some Sydney Socks. The Sydneys are kicking my butt at the

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-30712040606391144362008-12-23T09:32:00.005+11:002008-12-23T10:12:07.726+11:00

It has been chaos around here lately. Soldier received a call on his mobile on Thursday. It was from his work. I didn't like the look he had on his face for the duration of the call. Turns out he was to be deployed again - on Monday! Three days before Christmas.We, thankfully, did have most of the Christmas shopping done. All the pressies had been wrapped and the tree was up and decorated,

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-35490165239263462402008-12-09T21:46:00.004+11:002008-12-09T21:56:11.925+11:00

Soldier is home. A lot earlier than we thought too. Home in time for Christmas. We are so excited. Time to get organised, put up the tree, write shopping and gift lists, and get the house visitor ready. He is home just in time to look after us all as well. Noo, The Boy and I are all sick and it has made for a lot of sleepless nights and crying filled days, and that is just me! Luckily we

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-56921317830365200592008-12-06T21:20:00.006+11:002008-12-09T21:30:47.989+11:00

I have been a part of an online forum for expectant parents since I was about 6 weeks pregnant with The Boy. I have found it a wonderful source of support, laughter and advice. There has never been one cross word or nasty post in the entire time I have been part of the board. Unlike some of the other forums I read.Our babies are all now six and seven months old and growing rapidly. The Boy is

Melissanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-46841423155434074812008-11-19T20:58:00.002+11:002008-11-19T21:12:45.104+11:00

Things around here have slowly moved back into the rhythm and routine that I like so very much. It got a little skewiff after the Soldier left, as it normally does. I have had to work out how to occupy two little minds, make sure everyone is bathed and fed and try and keep on top of the washing and other household duties. I have succeeded in most of my endeavours, lets not speak about the

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-2588131928183892432008-11-04T21:03:00.003+11:002008-11-04T21:16:22.326+11:00

Today isn't a great day. The Soldier has been deployed, and I am terrified. Terrified of where he will soon be, of his well-being and safety, terrified of managing two small children all on my own. I know we all will survive this.He is excited. As they say - this is what they train for. Doesn't mean I have to like it. I have been trying to be upbeat and supportive through the run up to the

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-46708318649722017422008-10-16T20:17:00.001+11:002008-10-22T20:38:57.593+11:00

My wonderful, smart, inquisitive, loving, articulate, creative little girl is three. Where have the years gone. It seems only yesterday that we welcomed this tiny little person into our home and our hearts.Happy Birthday Sweetie! We love you!

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-88619197603735206082008-10-07T10:39:00.003+11:002008-10-07T11:12:34.441+11:00

I have just signed up for the Southern Summer of Socks, I think I have mentioned before that I have only knit one pair of socks in my life and I have been wanting to learn a few new things and get a few new pair of socks. I would like to stretch my wings a little and try my hand at some toe up socks and some pretty lace ones. So The Firstarter, Spring Forward and Spindle Socks are at the top of

Melissanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-77674158280276249192008-09-30T09:39:00.004+10:002008-10-07T11:13:16.338+11:00

Well it seems that Hey, Teach! has spent enough time in the naughty corner. I dug it out the other day and I am very happy to say that I have two sleeves. WooHoo!!! I have worked out how to read my knitting too. Look, aren't I clever??I am up to the ribbing on the back, after 20 cm of stockinette, and almost ready to start the lace again.

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945973365817531553.post-31679240656233367852008-09-21T13:14:00.002+10:002008-09-21T14:04:20.318+10:00

I have been eyeing off Hey, Teach ever since I saw it on Knitty. Being a very, very new knitter, I have never attempted anything in lace before, and I anticipated a few teething problems along the way. However, I see myself as a resourceful person and I was sure that I would be able to find the answers to all my questions.I cast on for the sleeve using Patons Washed Haze Aran. I read somewhere

Melissanoreply@blogger.com0