I had a brilliant time with Wendy yesterday afternoon; she taught me a knew way to cast on and made me feel much more confident about the sock knitting. I am making great strides with my first pair and will start on the baby pairs for my expectant friends next week.
Today, however, we sew. When I was in London this week I nipped into The Cloth House on Berwick street and picked up some beautiful blue paisley which I am making into a Tootle style scarf for Mr PCB. The scarf itself shouldn't take to long but the tassels may be a different matter as I have never made them before. Will post pictures later.
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Friday, 22 January 2010
Today we Knit
I'm in a really good mood today. Maybe it's because it's Friday, maybe it's because I worked yesterday and used my brain, maybe it's because I am in bed with my lap top and slept really really well.
I have worked this morning, had a pre-interview telephone conversation and had some virtual love from my twitter friends and am now looking forward to this afternoon.
Last year I started knitting again after many years off and find it very relaxing and rewarding - however so far I have only managed scarves and fingerless glove type wrist warmers. I have a couple of friends who are having babies this year and whilst I am planning to sew some kimono style booties I also wanted to knit some socks. I tootled off to John Lewis and bought the necessary 4 double ended needles and a pattern book and started.....but oh dear it's actually quite hard to get the stitches on the three needs and to start the knitting off. After a few hours of trying I decided to call in the experts to help; I sent a message of mercy to my friend Wendy on facebook and she sent me back some great instructions and advised me that it isn't just me, it is quite tricky, but that once you get it they make perfect presents and can be great (she even sent me a link for some great free patterns at Knitty).
But even better than that she offered to meet me today at a cafe in Ilkley and show me - so I get an afternoon out (possibly a bit of cake) and a lesson and to meet a friend I haven't seen for a while. Bonus.
This is where I am going this afternoon Create Cafe and Wendy has said that they ladies there are so helpful that if they are around they will probably give me some tips too. Huzzah.
Friends, you of course know that this means. Yup that's right - socks for gifts this year to go with the PJs I made you last year.
Update - here's one of the many I have made (and am making):
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
I know I said I wasn't going to shop but........
I was in London today and had a few hours to kills and some errands to run for The Boy and stopped into Cath Kidston - just to have a look at the new colour ways and the dress that I had wanted to buy in the autumn was there in the sale. They only had it in a 14 and I thought that it wouldn't fit as only last year I was squeezing unsuccessfully into a size 16 from there but I had a look at it and thought that I would give it a go.
It was reduced from £95 to £40 and you know what it only bloomin' fit - so it was bargain and a size 14. I am away from home and have no hangers in the room here at my brothers, here are some not very good photo's with my iPhone - will upload some better ones at a later date.
It was reduced from £95 to £40 and you know what it only bloomin' fit - so it was bargain and a size 14. I am away from home and have no hangers in the room here at my brothers, here are some not very good photo's with my iPhone - will upload some better ones at a later date.
It's navy with a pale small spot an contrasting floral material at the v neck and cuffs.
There is also a floral layer at the neck at the back but it's a good v shape which suits me.
You can see the colour here and the detail at the cuff.
Some great things in store for Spring 10 - free delivery on orders over £100 on line they have stores and concessions dotted around the country as well as a fab outlet store at Bicester Village.
City is Life - the rest is mere detail
Or so says The Boy.
Last night was the first leg of the Carling Cup Semi Final against Man United. It should have happened earlier in the month but was postponed due to the weather.
It was a strange day, I took The Boy to Doncaster station early doors as he was in London for the day then went home and back to bed. Unfortunately my series of '10 minutes more' turned into four hours later and I eventually got out of bed at 12 noon - not ideal as I had a list as long as my arm but I must have needed the sleep.
So I drove over to Manchester all tense and excited - thermals and thick socks on ready for a nail biting few hours at the City of Manchester Stadium hoping that this year might just be City's year. I met The Boy from his train and we nipped into Kro, Piccadilly for a bite to eat but he was even more jumpy that I was and really keen to get to the ground. We got to COMS about twenty minutes before kick off and the atmosphere was electric. Both teams were out warming up and the City fans over by the away team were in fine voice. As expected (by City fans at least) Ferguson had not put out 'the kids' but had named a pretty much first team and strong side - he would love to say that we don't matter but I think his actions show that these noisy neighbours are getting under his skin.
With Adebyor out for the forseable future after the terrible events at the African Cup of Nations and Santa Cruz injured (again) we started with what has to be the shortest attack in the premiership - Tevez, Bellamy and Wright-Phillips (with Tevez arguably the tallest of the three at 5ft 8"). However what this gave City was pace and width. Mancini made efforts to sure up the midfield by partnering the mighty and solid De Jong with Zabeleta and Barry. A makeshift back four of Richards, Boyata, Kompany and Garrido made up the 10 men holding out hopes in their hands in front of the continually impressive Shay Given.
As everyone made their way to their seats the noise grew and grew - 40 thousand singing Blue Moon as City dipped the lights, the United fans responded with Flares which we all knew they were going to - if we (the fans) knew then surely the club knew and should have searched for them? The 1969/1970 team came on to the pitch before the match - whilst this was not the last team to win anything of note with City (oh no that was a whole 6 years later - but still 34 years ago) it was a reminder that success has been a long time coming.
The first 25 minutes were nervy as City failed to settle or get hold of the ball, United brought wave after wave of attack - particularly down the left through Giggs and past the not yet back to full form Richards. Their endeavors were rewarded by a Giggs tap in on 17 minutes. Disappointing for City to concede in those circumstances when United only had 2 men in the box and City had 5 - but hey this is City we never make it easy. The Goal did, however, galvanise the City team and we started to get more control and time on the ball and surge forward. Tevez and Bellamy both cause the United right back difficult with their pace and when Bellamy slipped past him again he tugged on his shirt and Mike Dean (not a referee I have a lot of time for tbh) awarded a penalty. Serendipity it was - Tevez jumped on the spot, stepped up and fired past Van der Sar (who I still rate as a goalkeeper - just a shame he had to leave Fulham and join the rags). This was about 4 minutes before half time and the crowd were buzzing again.
After the break City came back out and kept up the pace - it was a much more even competition now but we still sat a little deep on a 1-1 draw at home for my liking. The second goal came around the 60th minutes with Tevez scoring again after a cleared (ish) corner was put back in the box by Kompany. Everyone was jumping and singing - City are after all the underdogs and this was not the expected result even after the 4-3 defeat to United in September at Old Trafford (ah the joys of Fergie-time).
City were then subjected to wave after wave of attack from United, excelent saves from Given and Onuoha (who came on for Boyata) and great tackling from De Jong kept City in the game. Tevez was substituted for the inept Benjarni after running himself ragged - Benjani was ineffective and how he can seriously be after a new contract I do not know, he make Fat Rob (or even Fat Bobby Taylor) look quick. His movement both on and off the ball is seriously lacking and his commitment to chase balls or get stuck in to tackles is completely absent.
At 90 minutes referee Dean added on another 5 (I had thought 3 or 4 but should expect 5 with United really) and all around bit their nails and prayed for the defence to hold and the final whistle to come. When it did the relief was palpable. We knew that on paper and recent form we were good enough to beat them at home but as with most derby games - form means nothing.
A great result for City and a deserving win - we will go to Salford next Wednesday with the confidence of knowing that we gave them a game and a half last time were we there and have only improved since then.
It was easy to get up at 5.30am this morning to come to fancy London, and it's good to be City fan today.
Am in London for two days for an interview and Work and seeing my Brothers new flat this evening (and exchanging Christmas presents). Fingers crossed for me at 12 noon today please as I could really do with getting a job!
Last night for a few hours City was life - and the rest truly was mere detail.
Last night was the first leg of the Carling Cup Semi Final against Man United. It should have happened earlier in the month but was postponed due to the weather.
It was a strange day, I took The Boy to Doncaster station early doors as he was in London for the day then went home and back to bed. Unfortunately my series of '10 minutes more' turned into four hours later and I eventually got out of bed at 12 noon - not ideal as I had a list as long as my arm but I must have needed the sleep.
So I drove over to Manchester all tense and excited - thermals and thick socks on ready for a nail biting few hours at the City of Manchester Stadium hoping that this year might just be City's year. I met The Boy from his train and we nipped into Kro, Piccadilly for a bite to eat but he was even more jumpy that I was and really keen to get to the ground. We got to COMS about twenty minutes before kick off and the atmosphere was electric. Both teams were out warming up and the City fans over by the away team were in fine voice. As expected (by City fans at least) Ferguson had not put out 'the kids' but had named a pretty much first team and strong side - he would love to say that we don't matter but I think his actions show that these noisy neighbours are getting under his skin.
With Adebyor out for the forseable future after the terrible events at the African Cup of Nations and Santa Cruz injured (again) we started with what has to be the shortest attack in the premiership - Tevez, Bellamy and Wright-Phillips (with Tevez arguably the tallest of the three at 5ft 8"). However what this gave City was pace and width. Mancini made efforts to sure up the midfield by partnering the mighty and solid De Jong with Zabeleta and Barry. A makeshift back four of Richards, Boyata, Kompany and Garrido made up the 10 men holding out hopes in their hands in front of the continually impressive Shay Given.
As everyone made their way to their seats the noise grew and grew - 40 thousand singing Blue Moon as City dipped the lights, the United fans responded with Flares which we all knew they were going to - if we (the fans) knew then surely the club knew and should have searched for them? The 1969/1970 team came on to the pitch before the match - whilst this was not the last team to win anything of note with City (oh no that was a whole 6 years later - but still 34 years ago) it was a reminder that success has been a long time coming.
The first 25 minutes were nervy as City failed to settle or get hold of the ball, United brought wave after wave of attack - particularly down the left through Giggs and past the not yet back to full form Richards. Their endeavors were rewarded by a Giggs tap in on 17 minutes. Disappointing for City to concede in those circumstances when United only had 2 men in the box and City had 5 - but hey this is City we never make it easy. The Goal did, however, galvanise the City team and we started to get more control and time on the ball and surge forward. Tevez and Bellamy both cause the United right back difficult with their pace and when Bellamy slipped past him again he tugged on his shirt and Mike Dean (not a referee I have a lot of time for tbh) awarded a penalty. Serendipity it was - Tevez jumped on the spot, stepped up and fired past Van der Sar (who I still rate as a goalkeeper - just a shame he had to leave Fulham and join the rags). This was about 4 minutes before half time and the crowd were buzzing again.
After the break City came back out and kept up the pace - it was a much more even competition now but we still sat a little deep on a 1-1 draw at home for my liking. The second goal came around the 60th minutes with Tevez scoring again after a cleared (ish) corner was put back in the box by Kompany. Everyone was jumping and singing - City are after all the underdogs and this was not the expected result even after the 4-3 defeat to United in September at Old Trafford (ah the joys of Fergie-time).
City were then subjected to wave after wave of attack from United, excelent saves from Given and Onuoha (who came on for Boyata) and great tackling from De Jong kept City in the game. Tevez was substituted for the inept Benjarni after running himself ragged - Benjani was ineffective and how he can seriously be after a new contract I do not know, he make Fat Rob (or even Fat Bobby Taylor) look quick. His movement both on and off the ball is seriously lacking and his commitment to chase balls or get stuck in to tackles is completely absent.
At 90 minutes referee Dean added on another 5 (I had thought 3 or 4 but should expect 5 with United really) and all around bit their nails and prayed for the defence to hold and the final whistle to come. When it did the relief was palpable. We knew that on paper and recent form we were good enough to beat them at home but as with most derby games - form means nothing.
A great result for City and a deserving win - we will go to Salford next Wednesday with the confidence of knowing that we gave them a game and a half last time were we there and have only improved since then.
It was easy to get up at 5.30am this morning to come to fancy London, and it's good to be City fan today.
Am in London for two days for an interview and Work and seeing my Brothers new flat this evening (and exchanging Christmas presents). Fingers crossed for me at 12 noon today please as I could really do with getting a job!
Last night for a few hours City was life - and the rest truly was mere detail.
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Bloggers for Haiti
I have copied this (with kind permission) directly from Thatgirl39s blog Forty Not Out - I think she says it all:
As I type this I've just seen that the total raised by Bloggers For Haiti is now £760.20, nearly enough for two boxes, but there has also been a strong aftershock in Haiti. Please go to the Just Giving page and donate what you can.
Thank's for taking the time to read this and please help.
Along with the rest of the world I've watched in horror at the events that have unfolded in Haiti these past few days. As a parent, I find the images of families torn apart by the devastation and grief almost unbearable to watch.
What they must be going through is unimaginable and leaves me with a sense of guilt about the things we moan about on a daily basis.
Having read some posts today from a couple of my favourite bloggers, Laura at Are We Nearly There Yet and Englishmum, I found something practical that we can do to help. Englishmum has set up a Bloggers For Haiti Just Giving Page to raise funds to buy ShelterBoxes.
Below is some text taken from the Just Giving page.
ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity, specializing in emergency shelter provision. We instantly respond to earthquake, volcano, flood, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict by delivering boxes of aid. Each box supplies a family of ten with a tent and lifesaving equipment to use while they are displaced. Since 2001, ShelterBox has provided shelter, warmth and dignity following over 80 disasters in more than 52 countries.
What they must be going through is unimaginable and leaves me with a sense of guilt about the things we moan about on a daily basis.
Having read some posts today from a couple of my favourite bloggers, Laura at Are We Nearly There Yet and Englishmum, I found something practical that we can do to help. Englishmum has set up a Bloggers For Haiti Just Giving Page to raise funds to buy ShelterBoxes.
Below is some text taken from the Just Giving page.
ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity, specializing in emergency shelter provision. We instantly respond to earthquake, volcano, flood, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict by delivering boxes of aid. Each box supplies a family of ten with a tent and lifesaving equipment to use while they are displaced. Since 2001, ShelterBox has provided shelter, warmth and dignity following over 80 disasters in more than 52 countries.
Please take the time to click here through to Laura's page for a full description of what the boxes contain. I think they are incredible and hope that we can get as many boxes as possible.
As I type this I've just seen that the total raised by Bloggers For Haiti is now £760.20, nearly enough for two boxes, but there has also been a strong aftershock in Haiti. Please go to the Just Giving page and donate what you can.
Thank's for taking the time to read this and please help.
Even a fiver will help - so far over £1,600 has been raised.
Friday, 15 January 2010
Pity Party
Oh woe is me - can't find a job, can't find the energy to do anything, boo hoo whine moan whine whine.
SNAP OUT OF IT WOMAN& PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER.
that is all
SNAP OUT OF IT WOMAN& PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER.
that is all
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
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