Purplegem's Blog

Valentine Day

2010-02-14T21:59:00.005Z

I received this little valentine cake from my dear hubby - it's a fruit cake with icing that tastes incredibly sweet and the red is so vivid in colour, covered with candy hearts and edible glitter!
I wasn't expecting that!

I made my hubby a valentine wash cloth and 3 small heart shapes and gave them to him with a bar of posh chocolate. Forgot to photograph the knitting this time, I'll try and remember to do that later.

I took part in a Valentine Knitting Swap and made a red knitted heart cloth and a small heart shape with white chocolate to my swap buddy, and my other swap buddy sent me a wonderful little heart shape made with felt, beads, knitting and ribbon with a purple theme - absolutely adorable! I also received some french lavender and chocolate (I think there's lavender in the heart shape too). (Photos attached)

I needed a quick knit fix, and made a pair of small childs socks from a pattern and free yarn in Let's Knit March 2010 issue. I think I prefer making socks in the round rather than 2 needles, but it did give me chance to brush up my short row shaping and wrapping stitches. (photo attached)

I'm taking part in a 365Project, where you take a photo everyday for a year. You can follow a suggested weekly theme, you can take part in a weekly photo competition just for fun, or just choose your own ideas and please yourself. I'm doing a mixture but my aim is not to miss a single day. It will record a year in my life and the things that surround me, and hopefully improve my photography. It's great seeing what other peoples photos are like, from the snaps and amateurs to the folks that really do take photography seriously with their DSLR cameras.

On the health front, I'm healing well post op, and enjoying being able to breathe! The ME/CFS is challenging me at every turn but I'm keeping up the 'fight' for want of a better word, and at least I'm not bedridden!
I've been housebound with it pretty much all week, but with the bitterly cold weather out there, at least I can take comfort in that I'm in the warm.

That's enough now, TTFN

Getting there, and a few photos more

2010-01-09T17:08:00.010Z

7th, 8th & 9th January 2010 photos

First photo is my effort whilst in hospital! Followed by 2 pics of Grandmas Fave & Basket weave cloths.

I feel I am making good progress, I sense that my breathing is getting better in between times of stuffiness and my lungs feel improved - not so achey, so I'm really very optimistic :) I'm getting nerve pain and aches around my teeth, gum, jaw and nose - I guess that's where the nerves have been jangled by the operation and stitches. The stitches have started to dissolve and feeling more comfortable in that respect. My nose aches across the top, and grinning and laughing makes my face ache!

I have managed to knit 2 more cloths whilst in bed, adding to the cloth collection, one using the grandmas favourite and the other one I think is basket weave pattern. I used Peaches & Creme Cotton yarn.
Looking forward to really being able to get into the swing of knitting and spinning again, and perhaps a little crocheting.

Just adding a few more wintry photos onto my blog - the view from my bedroom window. I am still using the spare box bedroom as hubby is still full of cold and coughs, plus as I'm not sleeping well I'm not disturbing his sleep either. I need a really good nights sleep soon - I can feel the increased tiredness catching up with me.

I love the wintry scenery - but I do hope that the weather gets warmer soon so that once my second week of having to stay in is done - I can go out and get some real fresh air through my newly mended airways! I need to get myself fitter and lose a couple of stone too! I really want to see how high I can get my energy levels to improve! I must remember to pace and not go mad!

That's about it for now - Keep warm everyone, and keep safe.

From my little room..

2010-01-06T09:35:00.007Z

From the top of the house/ rear and then front (road)

Getting ready to knit

Snow dusted Fir Tree back garden

View from my bed - brrr....
As you may know, having just had an op - I'm here in the little box bedroom recovering and keeping away from family cold germs and the risk of accidental bumps on the nose!

Last night boredom was beginning to take hold, as I struggled to get comfy in this different and single bed, having to sleep propped up for yet another night, and the itchiness of the stitches driving me bonkers! The anaesthetic has obviously worn off completely by now, and easing up on the painkillers combination left me achy and a tad ratty!
I haven't been able to knit, as it's a bit awkward and puts uncomfortable pressure over my nose :( so instead I listened to an audio book of Stephanie Pearl-McPhee - At Knits End which made me smile and lifted my spirits.

Dozing and then waking up to snow and ice was a bit of excitement, along with a feeling of relief that I wouldn't have to go out in it, or that I managed to get my op done and out the way before this snowy weather returned! Felt concern for our family members that had to travel to work in this weather, which as I speak is getting progressively worse.

I thought I'd take the chance to take some photos from our windows - they're a little fuzzy, but a little glimpse of the wintry scene before me.

I've found the red yarn and Zoe Mellor book that I want to use patterns from to make our granddaughters winter set and updated my Ravelry log with some details.

I think a nice warming cup of tea will help me to get started on this cold winters morning.

Cheers!

How I saw in the New Year..

2010-01-05T15:13:00.002Z

I saw the new year in, in a very unusual way..

31st December was my Septoplasty op day - to hopefully improve my breathing and more (fingers very crossed..)

I hardly slept at all on the Wednesday night/Thursday morning. Having not had any operations before, my mind was on hyperdrive - second guessing this or that, have we prepared the spare bedroom enough? Had I forgotten anything..?

We were all prepared the evening before - I wasn't allowed to eat so that was one less thought to think about. My dear hubby drove us there to the hospital, and he stayed with me all day (apart from the op bit of course.) We found our way to Ansty Ward - and I was shown to my bed and then slowly other people started to arrive for their operations.

I settled myself down with my knitting - I could barely concentrate and gave up after getting perhaps a sixth of the way through a dishcloth! No - I hadn't taken anything too taxing! Each patient in turn was seen for the pre op checks from the nurses, anaesthetist, and ward doctors.
Happily mine were all fine for the go ahead. I found I was 3rd on the list - making mine due about 11 o'clock.

Time took a life of it's own, sort of drifted slow motion - but fast at the same time? No, it doesn't make sense to me either!

At quarter to eleven, wearing my elegant blue gown and anti dvt white stocking socks with peeka boo toes - I daintily heaved myself onto the surgical bed ready for 'the unknown-ish'.
I'd seen one lady return from her op after coming round and being wheeled back to our ward, and the second sent off on her way for anaesthetic. So I was getting a good picture forming.

We agreed to kiss and say ttfn to each other before they wheeled me off, so that done I was sitting on my own for barely 2 minutes and there the guys were - ready to wheel me for anaesthetic too!

Now this was an experience I'd not had before - very quick and proffesional! The slapping my hand furiously to encourage a vein I was not prepared for!! "Ouch!' I exclaimed - and I think I got some sort of comment along the lines of - 'this isn't even the op yet!!' LOL! My veins only have to hear the word 'needle' and they hibernate very deeply!
Well, to my left the line and anaesthetic were being dealt with, to my right all the monitoring stuff being stuck and clipped to me. I could vaguely see the sleepy stuff going in - and the lady to my right asking if I'd had anything planned later today, I answered 'No, nothing planned' - The liquid into the tube was gone - and I remember a wierd floaty sensation and a taste - I could hear myself saying "Taste, Taste.. Taste" and that was the last I remember.

Next thing I remember is waking in the recovery room with an oxygen mask over my face. I remember thinking - 'that was quick', and 'whoa, nice drugs..!' and a feeling of imobile heaviness I'd not experienced before. I don't know quite how long I was in the recovery room, I drifted in and out of concious and a feeling that there was monitoring stuff still attached to me. Eventually I was wheeled back to the ward, where a few moments later my hubby appeared with a huge smile on his face.

The next few hours was spent slowly coming back to the real world, drinking water, drinking tea and eating a cake hubby had bought me (because I didn't fancy the thought of an nhs sandwhich) feeling and being sick, attempting to re find my legs, feet and balance and show them I was ok to go home later.
I was really struggling to get up and for a while thought I might end up in over night.
Still, after some great anti sickness drug and some determination - I was given the ok to go.
The staff there were great!

My hubby drove us very carefully home, as I sat in the car with what I can only describe as a 'hammock' type dressing tied around my head and under my nose and a hospital disposable sicky bowl and a small box of tissues. My nose as you can guess was a bit drippy with the *red wine stuff! (*reworded for the squeamish). I barely remember the journey home, only that I was aware hubby was really gentle going round corners and over bumps.

When we got home, our daughter made us a lovely cup of tea - and I went up to bed. I had arranged my bed the day before, so nothing to do but rest - what a relief. I have 3 V Pillows and an ordinary pillow, so that I can sleep safely upright which will be better for healing my nose and breathing. Barely any sleep that night - 5 minutes, 10 minutes here and there - a continuous drippy weeping nose - but then what my poor nose had been through that was to be expected.

So New Years Eve into New Years Day was spent dozing and listening to everyones fireworks from my bed! This is a long post - thank you for reading if you've got this far!

I'm doing well recovering from the op - I'm pleased to say.
Happy New Year!

Nearly 2010!!

2009-12-29T02:48:00.005Z

Nearly another year gone by and I'm wondering what next year will bring?

Not able to sleep, usual things and bit of insomnia - it's also dawning on me how close my operation is, just a few days away now. Think I'm beginning to get nervous now..

The past few weeks have flown by! I'll add some photos to tell the story of Family Christmas and birthday get togethers. It's been tiring but good fun :)

Wishing you all a healthy 2010 and may you have all you need to be happy xx

Time flies!

2009-12-07T16:41:00.003Z

Life has been rather full of news lately! I will not attempt to try and remember it all!

The best news lately is the arrival of our 2nd grandchild last week, mother and baby fit and well :)
Baby Kai has given his mum and dad no end of false alarms and worries before his birth by c section - and we are all relieved both mum and son are well.

My baby knitting is completed for Kai's arrival and ready to give to them this week.

My health status: Tired, foggy, happy ;)

A Headline of Hope..

2009-10-09T10:46:00.003+01:00

The front page news on todays The Independent newspaper brings fresh hope for a lot of us..

Have they found the cause of M.E / CFS?

Struggling so much..

2009-10-05T22:18:00.005+01:00

I'm struggling with my energy and symptoms so much lately, I'm trying hard to follow the Gupta Programme - with some hesitation while I wait for next weeks ENT appointment. I hope after some treatment - I will make good progress to better health.
Last week I had very little oomph, very under the weather. I paced through the week so that I would have a good chance to enjoy our dinner out with the family to celebrate everyone's birthdays, our son took us to a buffet Chinese restaurant - it was a lovely get together, I'm glad I made it.
Over the weekend I started to look through my craft cupboard, thinking sadly how I hadn't used any of the card making craft gear I'd amassed previous to my ME/CFS relapse in 2005. Well it's now 2009 - so common sense told me to sort and get rid. With limited room in the house, it takes too much to set up to do, and then put away again. In a sudden fit of determination I started to sort through it - and then felt overwhelmed by it all when it was all over the living room! So much stuff! I realised that so much money had been spent on this 'stash' of card making stock and rubber stamps (some unused and still with price tickets on). I was sad when I couldn't remember buying a lot of it, or what some bits were used for? Why couldn't I remember?
It made me realise that with my current hobbies of knitting and spinning - building up too big a stash would not be good for me.
I'll end by adding a few animal photos from the Fibre Fest in August this year - that was great fun going there.

Some photos..

2009-09-14T11:43:00.006+01:00

Here are some images from the past month..

(photo above) Since going to Fibre Fest - this is what I keep dreaming of... :) Kromski Sonata!

1. Grandaughter at the picnic. 2nd photo is of my heap of 'to sew up' baby tops and new sewing needles for the job, a microwave bedwarmer in the shape of a Lamb from my hubby, and my knitty reads for the month ahead.

1. Breakfast in Devon :) 2. Queuing up to go to 'Fibre Fest' at Coldharbour Mill Uffculme

1. Bobbins at t'mill 2. Purplegem! I've gotta badge ;) (incase I forget my name..)

1. One of the many stands 2. My purchases from the day :)

We took loads of photos - next time I'll blog photos of some of the animals..

More to add later, but in the meantime..

2009-09-06T17:25:00.004+01:00

Everything is catching up with me at the moment - energy is low. Taking it very easy now and paying attention to pacing. The past month has been challenging, and I've pushed myself to do things that have been probably more than I could afford to use in energy terms. So a lot of 'things' are not done, my list of priorities is fluid and changing - but trying very hard not to let negativity creep in.

My hubby made it possible for us last month, to go to 'Fibre Fest' at Coldharbour Mill in Devon!
Fantastic time there. My first Fibre Fest! Took loads of photos etc. Must blog a few of those.
Came back with some lovely spinning related purchases and buttons, and more ideas than I could ever afford!

My mum is mending slowly after her operation, and thankfully results of biopsy are 'benign' (big sigh of relief!) My Dad has been brilliant - although I did worry for him too.

I'm waiting to go to ENT to sort out my breathing difficulties - now have an appointment and looking forward to that being sorted! With that sorted, who knows what else healthwise it may improve?

DIL false labour pains are being kept an eye on - baby happily has decided it wants to stay in the warm and cosy spot for longer - another phew! to the list there.

We recently went to a 'Kiwi Picnic' and took our little grandaughter. We all had a relaxing time there in the lovely countryside and woods. Was fun to watch gd enjoy the straw bales climbing apparatus! And the food was lovely! Lots of home made goodies for the table from everyone who came. Hubby made Apple Cake, Treacle Bread and Soda Bread. (I buttered them ;) .. )

My shopping order of some sewing tapestry needles (to help me sew up the seams of the little baby jumpers) have arrived, so I need to choose an appropriate time to get on with the task of 'Mattress stitching'! It's one of those things that sounds daunting, when you've got a lot to do, but once you throw yourself into it - it's quite therapeutic! Especially if you reward yourself after each seam, i.e with nice bit of cake and a cup of tea, and some dreamy music in the background!

Will add more to this post later (if I remember!)

Dreaming of Ewe, said sheepishly..

2009-08-13T19:55:00.005+01:00

Hubby has treated me to a new book called Folk Bags and some very agreeable knitty related nightwear! ;) I think I like his sense of humour!
I also received yesterday my two subscription mags, so I've plenty to look at :)
My small spinning collection has a home in a shoe box - hoping it will protect the spindles until I can find another way of storing them.

Amused..

2009-08-08T20:46:00.003+01:00

Having a little break from the spinning for a while - we have our grand daughter staying a couple of nights whilst our son and daughter in law are at the Magic the Gathering in Brighton.

Our grand daughter is now settled down for the night, so I'm looking on Ravelry. There's a nice v neck jumper I have my eye on - it has cables, and is a top down jumper. It's a free pattern that can be found on Knitty.com - so I'm considering making this one. I can imagine wearing one in an aubergine/maroon colour.

Amused by Jordana Paige

I'll be pondering on this one..

Things are going around in circles..

2009-08-05T14:23:00.003+01:00

Well things are going round in circles - my head's in a spin as well as learning to spin! lol

My health is fluctuating, as is my attention span and concentration to most things - but I'm trying..
I've had a grumpy few days, but it seems to be passing now, must keep positive! I'm teaching myself to spin at the moment - and it's fun but is affecting my joints and muscles so it's something I need to pace at sensibly and not go hammer and tongs at! It's very addictive though! My first 'yarn' isn't perfect - but I'm chuffed that I'm slowly getting the hang of it :)

Had a lovely morning yesterday with our grand-daughter and my parents, all playing 'bubbles' outside :)

Really looking forward to my hubby having a week off work - will be so nice to spend some time together, even if there is stacks of DIY and house stuff to do and sort.. that's life ;)

Retraining my Amygdala

2009-07-22T15:55:00.004+01:00

Re training my Amygdala - well I thought I knew roughly what to expect, and I was vaguely roughly right. After doing this programme for less than a week, the effect on my 'being' feels somewhow indescribable? Maybe in time the words will form, this is meant in a positive sense, not negative.

So far it feels worth the money - and I do believe I will get great benefit out of it and achieve better health. There's loads of information to take in, watching and participating a session a day - and needs commitment to the programme to get the best out of it. I'm on day 5, after a bit of a down day yesterday I am encouraged by todays session. There will probably be more days like that and that's accepted.

I have a link to the right of my blog page under ME/CFS for Ashok Gupta's retraining programme if you are interested in finding information. Ashok also had ME/CFS and has fully recovered!

Baking, Spindles and thumb!

2009-07-18T21:50:00.006+01:00

Hubby by trade is a baker and does not often bake at home, but this week he baked some Soda Bread and some Beer Bread, and they tasted delicious! Exceedingly better than shop made! He's hoping to make some drop scones tomorrow. Home baking aromas are lovely!

I was delighted that my top whorl 'learn to spin kit' arrived so fast! I also ordered a back issue of Spin Off magazine which front cover showed top and bottom whorl spindles - I've yet to read it, I'm interested what the differences are?
Also today in the post came a book I ordered titled, 'Spinning in the Old Way' by Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts.

Today I had a bit of an accident with a sharp knife and some lettuce - so instead of knitting or spinning as I'd planned, I will be reading instead! (Note to self: Remember to use chopping board next time!)

Testing times and nice times

2009-07-12T20:41:00.005+01:00

Yesterday, I was seriously fed up with myself! Don't know why - but I had a serious case of the blues and grumps!
Yes, I had a flare up of symptoms and my joints were giving me jip (also no thanks to the damp rain and grotty weather!) - but quite what was bothering me I couldn't figure out - completely stumped!

Thankfully today, I must have got out of the right side of the bed, I was relieved that yesterdays mood had passed.

Family members health is weighing heavily on my mind at the moment, myself included. It just seems crazy that so many of us are having health concerns all at the same time? Fingers crossed all will be well in good time.

Hubby has been good to me, watching out and taking care of me, he's a real diamond. I've enjoyed the chances for us to go out to a few country shows in the past couple of months - we don't really get much chance to get out together because of this ME/CFS condition. The last show was really demanding on the energy - so much walking, we left early because I ran out of energy and the warning symptoms were flaring. I was so exhausted and just fell into bed when we got home and crashed!

Adding a few photos taken in the last couple of months.
'Honeymoon' roses in full bloom
Alpacas at the Mohair Centre (Sussex)
My new Elm wood Drop Spindle and fibre
Other purchases

Let's see if I can add more photos..

2009-06-26T22:17:00.002+01:00

Why is it when I see sheep now - I wonder about wool, and my hubby thinks of lamb chops ..

We laughed when we saw this little dogs lead - we'd not seen the like before! LOL!

We went to the Heathfield Show and the Steyning Country Fair in May, which were both lively and interesting, loads of good natured people all gathering for a good time. It was lovely to see so many youngsters getting involved too.

Baaa for now..

One photo

2009-06-16T21:54:00.003+01:00

Our poor pc isn't coping, can only upload one photo and type one letter every 4 seconds

ttfn

Onward and Upward..

2009-06-16T21:38:00.004+01:00

I can't believe Firefox has crashed twice and lost my work! Wahhh!

As I said twice before..

A challenging couple of months has been full of health issues and family - and I am so very tired but looking forward.
Won't labour over reasons, but hopefully with this lately change of medication I shall be leaping cartwheels by August?? LOL! I wish!

My hobbies are all on hold as I use my energies for every day living - I have a list of things to do and can't wait till energy and mojo merge so I can get to finish them.

I have managed to get out a few times into the lovely sunshine - could this be summer?
Hope I haven't spoken to soon..

The Bug's caught me!

2009-04-23T05:36:00.005+01:00

Yep! I got the bug! Sitting surrounded by tissues and about to put my head under a towel over a hot bowl of steaming water with menthol and eucalyptus - oh joy! I didn't appreciate being woken in the night by sneezing and bunged nose - but looking out of the window now there is a colourful misty sunrise, oh my the sky is so gorgeous - I must grab my camera! I wouldn't have seen this if it hadn't been for the sneezles..

I've taken these photos, but as I sit here looking out of the window, there continues to be amazing changes in the sky and clouds, can see what looks like aeroplane trails lit up by sunlight, streaks of peachy pinks. Oooo, preetttyy :)

Can't remember now what I was going to write about! lol! Easily distracted, that's me ;)

Ahh, knitting.. yes.. my latest knitting project is coming along well, it's a baby's hooded cardigan in Sirdar Snuggly DK. The pattern is in Sirdar First Steps 292 booklet, Project number 19.

Back to the steam inhale now, sniff sniff..

Another week in paradise..

2009-04-20T07:29:00.005+01:00

Get the health grumble over and done quickly, my health has continued to be erratic, have had a number of bad days/nights to contend with plus usual (and unusual) everyday life - but as this seems now to be my 'normal' - on the whole have been coping ok I suppose. Fatigue and Brain Fog feels heavier this week, I'm not always getting in proper quality sleep, or rest in the day time - so there I guess somewhere lies the answer? I need to focus back on the course advise, I've lapsed a bit. I also suspect my sniffles are an impending bug, as some of the family are feeling poorly with cold bugs? Eugh..

Happier more fun topics! Knitting has really been fun lately despite my fatigue!.
I have the most WIPs at one go ever OTNs! (work in progress projects) - I've something on the needles to suit my varying energy and brain abilities!

I've got:
* Baby Cardigan with Hood
* Spring Forward Socks
* Ishbel Shawl
* Wash Cloth/ Kitchen Cloths
* Petersburg Cardigan
* Irish Hiking Scarf

The recent news from our son and dil means I've been happily choosing baby patterns to do for them! lol. I love knitting small cute clothes for tinies :)

At the weekend I cast on for a hooded baby cardigan using Sirdar Snuggly DK and Sirdar First Steps 292 book, Pattern Project 19 - (more details on my Ravelry).

My darling hubby recently gave me a lovely gift of a set of Knit Pro Symfonie Interchangeable cirular needles! I am over the moon, they are gorgeous! We got them from Get Knitted and they were really fast processing the order and I got them within a week! I'm so pleased with them, I'm now using them to knit the Ishbel shawl. My hubby is so supportive of my hobby, he loves home knit things. Nice to have him 'on side' lol! It still doesn't stop him rolling his eyes, when I 'just couldn't resist that yarn..', yet again.. (sigh)

Attaching a few photos

Knitting Update and Cloth Swap Gifts

2009-04-09T20:54:00.004+01:00

I received my Cloth Swap parcel today from Studentka - and opening the parcel revealed a vibrant red/pink/white dishcloth in Peaches & Crème (my fave cotton cloth yarn), a lovely pot of moisturiser, a very useful note pad, a postcard and a yummy bar of chocolate - which has since been three quarters eaten! The cloth has pride of place in my little kitchen corner in my bedroom :)

My other knitting projects have ground to a bit of a halt due to flare ups, I've made a number of washing up cloths in plain cotton from my stash, and joined on the next ball of yarn to the Irish Hiking Scarf, so I'm more than half way through it now.

My first learner attempts at starting a lace shawl for my mum needs to be frogged and restarted again, I'll get there but it may take a few goes! My yarn overs are a bit dodgy and my centre stitch is far from centred!

Well, I shouldn't go short on cloths for a while..

2009-04-05T12:37:00.006+01:00

My health hasn't been too bright lately with the ol' cfs/me thang driving me up the wall, making me feel unhappy and useless! Knitting, amongst other things, has been too much to pick up, I have several projects on the go and haven't had energy or focus for them.

I got really fed up of myself so I turned to knitting some easy washcloths after taking part in a cloth swap on Phoenix Forum. My swap buddy said she loved hers, and hubby took a shine to them and 'comissioned me' to make him some for some chocolate! He says to me that I have a job for life now! LOL! I think I will be putting my prices up though..

The good thing with these cloths is I can make them without too much strain on the joints etc, and they are even dead easy to make if I've taken to my bed. I use short 4mm needles, so any night knitting I manage to keep to my side of the bed without causing any danger to hubby sleeping.

I have a bit of an addiction going at the moment for Peaches & Creme 100% Cotton Yarn, I've made two orders so far from Create & Knit. Super fast service and delivery from them, that's helping my new addiction! There are soooo many colours, plain and patterned - I'll be going back a good few times before I'm bored.

Also loving the new Phoenix Forum - it's such a lovely community of knitters - and great company when I'm having bad days - to be able to dip in and join in the chat, see other knitters work and learn something along the way. A great distraction and uplifting too.

Added a few photos of my latest creations ;)

Needles Galore!

2009-03-17T17:31:00.005Z

Wow, I finally got around to listing my knitting needles on Ravelry at long last. Worthy of a mention, considering I've been wanting to do this for months and months. I didn't realise how many I had, from my nicest ones that hubby bought me, to not so good freebie ones from magazines and some hand-me-downs. I even found my 'learner' knitting needles, old size UK 10's , aawwww..

I took a couple of photos amidst my chaos today: the pile of knitting needles on the bed and my messy table with knitting stuff all over it, burying the keyboard and making the pc bleep!

Last night was the first night in maybe months, I've lost track - that I managed a better number of hours sleep. I woke up with a sense of relief to find that it wasn't 2 a.m or 4 a.m!
The weather has been fine and bright today, and cheering to see - it was pleasant to open the windows and hear the songs the birds were singing. What was that bird? The one that sounded like a squeaky supermarket trolley?

As the sun is going down, I'm feeling better than I did yesterday, and I've achieved something that's been bugging me for months :) ;) Not bad at all..

Time for an update

2009-03-16T07:11:00.003Z

Knitting update: Have done well and finished one item and cast on for two more. I've spent more time on Ravelry lately, and a couple of knitting forums also.
I've been browsing through a lot of free dishcloth patterns as I've joined a knitting forum Dishcloth Swap KAL - there is so much choice, I'm not sure what ones to do?
I've bought 3 balls of Peaches and Creme 100% cotton yarn, so I'll probably use the straight forward easy pattern and do a few - the cotton is so pretty it probably doesn't need much of a pattern. Maybe I'll do a few more using different patterns as well, and then choose the best one for my give away. Perhaps I should do 2 of each as I might not want to part! LOL

I did my first bit of 'garden knitting' yesterday - the weather was warm and spring like - lovely :)

Added photos of finished hat and beginning of scarf - details on Ravelry for yarn and pattern.

My new next month resolution - concentrate on my knitting

2009-02-26T09:37:00.010Z

My latest project is Dawn Adcocks Sock Yarn hat pattern and it's the first time I've had to do a provisional cast on and 'pick up' live stitches. I'm half way through it now, and back to to the cast on edge to do the second side. Well, It didn't go quite to plan, the cast on didn't unravel very easily and I had to unpick each one individually - but still, I didn't lose any of the stitches so I'm very happy with that. :) I will have to practice my invisible cast on before I do that again. DH chose the yarn and he is really pleased the way the colours are knitting up. I'm using Opal Yarn, Rainforest 3, Oskar the dreamer 2035 - shades of blue/cream/white.

Also I've made our granddaughter a fluffy scarf using Wendy Chic, just a ordinary garter stitch scarf. I reserved a little yarn back to make a matching dolly scarf for her favourite doll. She's very pleased with it because it's shiny and glittery.

I decided to make a new months resolution for March - to make more time for knitting and myself! I've already ordered some yarn - and can't wait for it to arrive!

CFS/ME

Very disillusioned with myself at the moment - flare up of symptoms and senses are sensitive, noise and light a bit much.
After waiting and waiting, I'm at last going to the CFS/ME Self Help course and have met some really lovely people, both sufferers and NHS people that run it.
I'm finding that there are not many surprises in the course so far, they're going over ground that basically most of us have figured out for ourselves over the time we've had this condition. Not dismissing the fact that what they are telling us is very useful, and worthy of being reminded of. I still have a few more sessions to attend, so can't give a complete opinion yet.

I have been trying to follow a lot of their guidance, but we are all different and these theories are not a cure all, and I'm finding that my condition is fluctuating madly at the moment and insomnia is a problem. I'm trying hard to keep myself distracted and active without pushing myself too far which has been very hard going. As long as I pace, the best distraction for me when I've some energy, is my knitting, photography, knitting forums and Ravelry and listening to the radio. I'm finding 'house, going out and life things' require too much physical and mental energy at the moment.

It's a real nice thought that we are nearer Spring time now - and I'll be glad when the lighter days are back again. Our granddaughter brings much light at home at the moment, it's wonderful how she brings something new into each day.

I've bought yet another 'How to beat CFS/ME' book called The Perrin Technique - I've not had the brain to read it yet, it looks daunting, I've flicked through the pages and noticed headlines such as mercury fillings.. I've got dentist on Friday so wondering if I should read that first?

Enough now..

Re birth of our knitting community

2009-02-23T07:17:00.002Z

Spread the word! - due to the grand efforts from dedicated folks, there's been a re birth for the knitting community that used to use Angel Yarns Forums - head for the new forum - Phoenix Knitting Forums.

You can find out what's been going on via Ravelry and the Angel Yarn Group Discussion board there.

Long live the Phoenix!

Pardon me

2009-01-03T20:52:00.002Z

Parden me I didn't knit that for you

Hope this works!

This made me smile, clever gals..

Looking forward to my present!

2008-12-27T22:09:00.003Z

I'm looking forward to my Christmas gift from my daughter - hopefully arriving soon!!. It's called 'Ultimate Knitting Bible' by Sharon Brant
I can't wait...

That's Christmas done for another year..

2008-12-27T21:09:00.008Z

The socks I knitted for our offspring was well received and worn immediately! I was pleased that they liked them, and liked the colours chosen for them.
Here's a photo of them all modelling their socks on Christmas Day, with our granddaughter who is wondering when she'll get a pair made for her!

Nursing a Cold & No Knitting :(

2008-12-04T12:36:00.003Z

Feeling poorly with only the company of menthol and tissues, piles and piles of tissues..
No body loves you when you have a drippy nose and unpleasant cough..

No energy to knit - so I've spent a little time on the Internet and managed to connect to 'Let's Knit' Magazine/Blog/Forum. I signed up back in April, it's been ages and it's changed a bit - looks like a fair bit of catching up to do there. I noticed there's some instructional videos which can be useful. I'm looking forward to looking at Let's Knit site and forum soon.

Hubby downloaded something called Miro (?) and downloaded some Cat Bourdhi video clips - they were a bit pixelated on our screen but I had a few 'A-Ha!' moments, pennies dropping a few times with her instructions. She uses bright multicoloured yarn and big yarn and needles, so even I can see it! Her verbal instructions are very entertaining, with the 'Udder needle', and 'Hungry Stitch' a couple of examples - oh and the 'ladies with their coiffured hair'!

Hopefully I'll be over this bug soon, cos I've still got our granddaughters jumper to finish for Christmas - I'm sooo near to finishing, just the sewing up arms and sides.

Just in case I don't blog again soon - Seasons Greetings and all the best for the new year!

Lets Knit2gether Video podcast

2008-11-05T21:11:00.003Z

I've just come across a video podcast which is friendly, informative and entertaining.
It's made by a wife and husband team, Cat and Eric, and I'm finding it strangely addictive!

They are trying to raise funds for new equipment, to keep the show going. So if you like what you see and fancy 'chipping in' a few dollars - they are asking for every ones help.

You can download their programmes via i tunes as well as their website.
Click on Lets Knit2gether

Another pair of socks completed

2008-10-06T12:54:00.003+01:00

Finished another pair of socks, I'm pleased with them, they've turned out well and very colourful.
I've used Opal 4ply yarn #1932 and 2.5mm dpns.

I cast on quickly for the last pair of socks I've planned to do this year - unless I get tempted!
I've a few sock patterns I want to try next, but I must stick to my 'must finish first' projects.
(Will the will power last?)

Time to Blog!

2008-10-01T11:44:00.005+01:00

Knitting Front:

I've been enjoying my knitting, so great to be knitting again, therapeutic and grounding - but I need to pace myself which I'm finding very difficult - when you are so 'into' what you're knitting, personally speaking - I find myself trying to ignore anything that tries to interfere with 'my time'!

I have this little all wise 'voice' in my head at times. I say little - the image I have is more a 'jiminy cricket with a megaphone' shouting 'STEP AWAY FROM THE KNITTING!!'

I know this wise voice is right - so many times I have messed up knitting by thinking 'just one more row'. I'm just like a big kid who doesn't what to go to bed at times!! Oh well.. I'm learning..

I'm now onto my third pair of socks, I'm finding the colour of the yarn addles my vision a bit, bit of a pain counting the stitches but my lamp with magnifier really helps.

My second pair of socks are finished, I've had a few headaches with the toe section of the second one, and was baffled why I was having problems. I think I was knitting with two bunches of bananas and not hands that day!

CFS/ME Front

Not happy at the moment, disillusioned in a word. Since coming back off holiday I've been really rough with flare up and mostly stuck in the house, shouldn't have been so suprised - but I was hoping that with taking vitamins, omegas, DRibose etc that things would be much improved.- I just got my hopes up like you do. Back to pacing and being 'kind' to myself - hope it doesn't take too long so I can go out again. Knitting has just been so valuable in saving my mood.

I saw the doctor before my holiday, and we tried changing the tablets, I don't think that's working, and had to resort to the high dose co dydramol again last night - the back problems have returned much to my discomfort! Still, mustn't grumble. I don't plan to write about my CFS/ME every month - it would be just too repetitive and I want my blog to be positive, so as much as possible I'll try and stick to that!

On that note.. Back to pacing, time to rest.

Catching up again...

2008-09-22T13:36:00.010+01:00

Just come back from a week down devon way - so nice down there, shame about the weather, but at least it was more reasonable than last week and August!! The accomodation was self catering and it was just lovely.

Catching up on the Knitting front, I at last finished my socks that I started about 2 years ago at the begining of the month!

I was so chuffed and quickly cast on the next lot while the enthusiasm was high and I had enough battery! LOL! The penny seemed to drop, and I was enjoying knitting them.

Knitting the first of the second pair of socks seemed easier, and I feel more relaxed with the dpns now.

I took the 'second' second sock on hols with me, and I finished casting off on Saturday (but hadn't cut the yarn thankfully) when I noticed a run/ hole near the toe! I was mortified for a moment, how did that happen?!

Yesterday I used a circlular needle to pick through stitches below the start of the toe, and knitted back up to the start of the toe decrease - so hopefully I shall be finished on my SECOND pair of socks tomorrow forces permitting!

I joined Rowan last Friday afternoon, as when we visited Bovey Tracey I popped into Spin A Yarn, to say hello - and fell for a Rowan cardigan up on a hanger - will try to find a picture later when I get the magazine/pattern, and I'll blog it's progress when I get around to starting it. I've got the yarn ready in anticipation!

First though I have socks to make and our grandaughters Tiger jumper that I started in January!

Love our little grandaughters t shirt!

On the CFS/ME front, I coped pretty well with the holiday, albeit at a very slow pace and minding everything and planning ahead carefully with lots of rest breaks, a few blips but I hope that my trial self therapy etc using the info in the book I recently bought, and the beefy multivitamins and omega tablets and DRibose sugar played a big part in surviving the week - still got a way to go but you have to keep optimistic and give things a chance. Needless to say (to those of you who know CFS/ME from personal experience) you won't be suprised to hear I spent a good deal of time over the weekend resting still and sleeping in bed with flare up and exhaustion!

Back to pacing, so I will 'sensibly' sign off now.

Me feet feel great!

2008-08-12T11:19:00.003+01:00

Ooooh, my feet feel lovely!
Just been for my yearly treat - a visit to Sole Sisters in Brighton. Lovely Jane made my feet feel a treat! So that's what i call my yearly feet m.o.t, and I'm all set for the year ahead feet wise.

On the knitting front, I have some dark brown handspun yarn that I'm going to make into a scarf for my hubby, I'm dithering over what size needles to use. I've been on the interweave website, and vaguely learned about wpi (wraps per inch) - so I'm off to find my old school ruler and hopefully choose the right size!

This morning..

2008-08-06T19:14:00.006+01:00

I went to the ME/CFS support meeting at the Lewes Riverside Cafe, I had a lovely breakfast and a great view of the Harveys Brewery!

The staff are great there, really helpful and cheerful - really worth a visit if you've never been there before.

I enjoyed the train journey, I love seeing the fields and greenery, the weather was so hot and humid I was getting bugged by storm flies, those little black blips that irritate your skin - euch!

Day One in the Big Blogger House . . .

2008-08-06T16:26:00.003+01:00

Well, Day One - let's try again!

Just finding my way around Blogger, this is my latest go at blogging - this is work in progress and will probably take many goes, lots of rest breaks, lots of caffeine and chocolate = one over worked very fried brain cell!

I'll be back..