Per Amore Designs

Let it roll, baby.

2012-01-24T10:44:00.000+08:00

Let it roll, baby.
Knitting pattern price: $4.00AU.
Where to buy it: Click here to purchase!
Contruction/Attribute: Seamless, In the round, Cable stitch.
Yarn: Bulky (for 6.5mm needles).

Who made this?

Sunday

2012-01-22T12:37:00.003+08:00

I was 22 when I moved out of home to become independent. If I could turn back time, I would have stayed longer for various reasons... but shouda's, coulda's and woulda's can't help me now so I forgive myself instead. It made me stronger and wiser so what's to regret now? But getting back on track... about a year later after I had moved into my own unit (around 1992) I changed from Catholic to BAC and I thank Him every day for calling me into His family.

So one day somebody showed me a leaflet with the name 'Fire Fighters for Christ' on it. It had a list of tapes (uuggh - tapes!) of Christian speakers, authors and testimonials... and a section to write my name and address to order any of the tapes free of charge. So I did. I must have ordered just about all of them in the span of about a year and they ended up replacing listening to music - they were that interesting and fantastic to listen to!

As the years rolled by, most of the tapes were passed onto to friends and today I only have the ones that I love the very most, and they are by Florence Littauer; author, speaker and a true comedian. About 10 years ago Florence came to Perth for a one day seminar at Observation City, so a friend and I went to see her. $80 got me a laugh a minute rolled in with good lessons that day and it was money well spent. There's a lot of info out there about Florence and this is just one page to get you started... Her books.

A few days ago I was searching online to see if I could still order the tapes and I came across THIS which let's you listen to them online, how great is that? And who listens to tapes now anyway? LOL.

A change of pace; loving my Easter Cacti!

2012-01-19T09:38:00.003+08:00

I give you my heart
Knitting pattern price: Free.
Where to find it: Click here!
Contruction/Attribute: Seamed, Worked Flat.
Yarn: 8ply/DK.

Who made this?

Monday

2012-01-16T10:19:00.002+08:00

I have 3 UFOs that I'm finding extremely hard to finish and they are Alan Dart's Yuletide Gnome (started early last year), Jean Greenhowe's Bear (started well over 1 year ago) and a 'secret' sweater (started mid last year). Yes I, like a lot of knitters out there, have problems finishing. I really do get annoyed with myself and wish I could just simply pick up and finish already! Not as easy as it sounds for some of us though.

So what did I do this weekend just gone? I started something else. BUT... I know this is not going to bore me and I think it's something that I can't wait to finish, just because of what it is. I'm feeling oh so clever about it because it's my own design, but for now I'll have to keep it a secret, sorry. :(

In the meantime, please enjoy a cup of coffee on the house.

Keep me cozy

2012-01-14T15:48:00.000+08:00

Keep me cozy (baby or lap blanket)
Knitting pattern price: $4.500AU.
Where to buy it: Click here to purchase!
Contruction/Attribute: Lace, cable, moss stitch, ribbing,
Yarn: 8ply/DK.

Who made this?

Frog Camisole

2012-01-10T12:36:00.000+08:00

Frog Camisole
Knitting pattern price: Free.
Where to find it: Click here!
Contruction/Attribute: Seamless, In the round, Lace, I-cord.
Yarn: 3ply/Fingering.

Who made this?

Top Down Fitted Sweater

2012-01-08T14:25:00.002+08:00

Top Down Fitted Sweater
Knitting pattern price: $5.00AU.
Where to buy it: Click here to purchase!
Contruction/Attribute: Seamless, In the round, V-neck, Lace.
Yarn: 8ply/DK.

Who made this?

Honey Socks

2012-01-06T11:47:00.001+08:00

Honey Socks
Knitting pattern price: Free.
Where to find it: Click here!
Contruction/Attribute: Seamless, In the round, Ribbing, Lace.
Yarn: 5ply/Sport.

Who made this?

Thursday

2012-01-05T12:12:00.004+08:00

Please Note: Stop reading now if you aren't interested in birds. ;)

We have a lovely medium sized Grevillea our backyard which birds absolutely adore. So I decided to take shots of the activity just for fun... and I think I did a pretty good job for an unprofessional photographer!

And on our pomegranate tree...

Teddy Tees

2012-01-02T11:58:00.001+08:00

Teddy Tees
Knitting pattern price: Free.
Where to find it: Click here!
Construction/Attribute: Seamless, In the round.
Yarn: 8ply/DK.

Who made this?

Saturday

2011-12-31T13:39:00.004+08:00

So it's the last Saturday for 2011. I bid the year farewell and I say that with my tongue in my cheek. This has been one of the worst years for me, but out of the ashes more knowledge and self worth has been created.

Something good must always be created out of the depth of dispare and anguish because that's logics. We can't sink any lower into that horrible merky water, so we have so swim back to the clearer water to save ourselves from further hurt and pain.

The year was full of anger and disappointment... I never want to go there again.
Happy times were few and far, but from now on I'll try to make each day a little special. After all, life is short so I may as well make the best of it and I know that's what my father would have wanted before he passed away just over a year ago. He would have wanted me to just be happy. I'd rather keep trusting and knowing that each day will bring me closer to seeing him again somewhere beyond this dreary and tiring world. This is the only thing that keeps me going, and keeps me from doing something terrible to myself. We all have something that keeps us sane. What's your savior?

Here's to a serene, happy and wonderful 2012. Word. Yo. Dog.

I bought this knitted dress last year from the op shop for about $6 thinking that I could rip and re-make it into something worthwhile. I have a new appreciation for certain colours and obviously one of them is red. Red has always been a favourite, but I don't have a lot of red coloured items in my wardrobe for some odd reason. So, I shall make this into something wearable and sassy, flattering and eye catching if at all possible. And no, it won't be a dress.

Pink Sundae Camisole

2011-12-28T12:52:00.001+08:00

Pink Sundae Camisole
Where to buy it: Click here!
Construction/Attribute: Seamless, In the round, Lace.
Yarn: 4ply Pear Tree 100% Merino

Who made this?

2011-12-24T19:00:00.003+08:00

What happens when we get angry? The mouth vomits unclean words, the mind has evil thoughts and of course lies and gossip plays a big part too. Yup, we all know people like this. Nobody likes an angry person. There is no denying that we all do it to some extent. Some are better than others at controlling themselves but this type of control comes with age, or one would hope. But what's worse than hearing and seeing someones anger? The fact that you know they are hiding it - one must run for the hills if this type of person is 5 feet away from you! Here is what we should remember when we feel anger and our salvation may depend on it:

"He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and

whoever spreads slander is a fool."
Proverbs 10:18

Speaking of Anger, one Angry Bird is complete!

Angry Bird Knitting Pattern by knitterbees (Shirley)

No offense to Shirley because I think she is a genius for designing this... but making this was enough to drive me crazy. But after all is said and done, I'm glad I made it because as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. :)

Easy Peasy Tee

2011-12-19T11:10:00.006+08:00

Easy Peasy Tee
Knitting pattern price: $2.50AU.
Where to buy it: Click here to purchase!
Construction/Attribute: Seamless, In the round.
Yarn: 8ply/DK.

Who made this?

Mystique Sweater

2011-12-16T13:17:00.002+08:00

Mystique Sweater
Knitting pattern price: $5.00AU.
Where to buy it: Click here to purchase!
Construction/Attribute: Seamless, In the round, V-neck, Ribbed, Lace.
Yarn: 8ply/DK.

Who made this?

Oh hello?!

2011-12-14T17:39:00.009+08:00

E.T.A 17.12.11....
Problem fixed!

Look at my Maxi and Mary Jane Slippers pattern. ☞
Now look at the price. ☹
Yes, a mere $.350 ✘
I've tried fixing it twice to say $3.50 but it will not budge! Oye. ☠

✂ ✂ ✂ ✂ ✂ ✂ ✂ ✂ ✂ ✂ ✂

So it occurred to me today that when I had the my old blog format, I had a flickr link where you could mosey on down to and it would show you my designs knit by other people. Why not here? Because I wasn't thinking straight I guess. So now I'm on a mission to organize that, but not through flickr this time... instead it will be right here on my blog so you don't have to have a flickr account, which makes it easier for you.
☺

Stay tuned. ✓

In the meantime, don't forget to indulge in some strawberries.

Where's the angry bird?

2011-12-11T15:25:00.001+08:00

I've finished angry bird and let me tell you that I'm very glad and relieved. The pattern itself was good. The tediousness of the process was not. There was a lot of growling, eye rolling and a dash of cursing whilst making it - but I can laugh about it now. tee-hee.

I'm now waiting for hubby to download the photos when he has a few spare moments for his wife. More eye rolling.

In the meantime allow me to show you the delightful friends we make every year. Or is that twice a year? I've lost count to be honest. Magpies love our tree in the front yard. And we love them, but not when we find bits of wire scattered on the drive way. Yes, it's them that find it and try to make a nest out of it but fail miserably and in turn, it ends up as rubbish on the ground. Oye.

But that's quite alright because we're willing to put up with it, thankfully for them. All birds are beautiful and even God refers to them in the good book, even though they aren't as valuable as us;

“ Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? " NIV Matthew 6:25 - 34.

How many times has a baby magpie
come to your front door?

It's time.

2011-12-08T17:26:00.001+08:00

It's time to post more and ignore my blog less. I'm not sure how because I don't have an awful lot to show you to be honest, but I will try my very best to entertain you more than I have this past year.

So how gorgeous is this?? And it's a free pattern! Certainly one that I shall be knitting in the future.

'Spinster' by Valérie Miller

How terribly exciting....

2011-12-06T12:31:00.003+08:00

My bag design is on the cover of the latest issue of Yarn Magazine (Issue 24) and it thrills me to bits!

I've been secretly waiting in anticipation for this to happen and it's finally come to fruition. I can now relax and enjoy my spoils.

It's in the bag!

Made in red cotton for the magazine...

The original was made in white pure wool which actually holds up better than the cotton because it's a little floppy. Shocking colour for a bag as it get's very dirty easily but hey, it does look good.

I gifted this one to my mother simply because she loved it and asked for it. :)

Maxi & Mary Jane Slippers

2011-12-01T14:33:00.000+08:00

Head over to Ravelry to purchase my new pattern, the Maxi & Mary Jane Slippers. All you need is a 50g ball of 8ply (DK) wool (per pair of slippers) and they are so quick and easy! You get two different styles... but feel free to add your decorations if mine aren't to your pleasing. :)

More slow progress

2011-10-07T11:41:00.001+08:00

Mr Gnome, you're finally beginning to take shape, sort of!

I picked up stitches to make those legs but believe me, it was no easy task. I'm not looking forward to doing the same for the arms but hey, that's a small sacrifice and I'm oh so glad there is no sewing involved.

A plump little nose...

And so now I'm off to take on those arms, wish me luck.

Do the opposite and get blessed.

2011-09-25T10:18:00.003+08:00

Do something that'll refresh your soul;

'But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).'

And it works. Your enemies will curse you, call you names, abuse you, revenge you, spit on you and sometimes physically hurt you. It's all good, because for every hurt you receive, you are blessed in a big way. How mysteriously wonderful is that?

You are always welcome to slap my cheek! But make sure you slap both cheeks to finish off the job - nobody likes sloppy work, especially our Heavenly Father up above.

So next time somebody angers you, remember to love them so much that it hurts them. It's called tough love and it's the best type there is because it makes people learn valuable lessons. Heck, it will make you strong!

Where is my knitting, you ask? Stay tuned. :)

Lighten your load

2011-09-20T18:15:00.004+08:00

Not a lot to show, but a little to share. Just my thoughts, a sort of gentle rant and rave if you will.

It's a cruel world out there, generally; it always has been and it always will be. When it comes to the crunch everybody is looking out for themselves and only care about their own situations.

There is nobody out there that really cares and there is absolutely nobody out there that wants the best for us. Now I'm talking about people outside of family and friends... the strangers on the street. And why should they care, after all? But remember, even family members can be complete strangers.

Even friends end up being the opposite of what you thought they were, so they aren't to be trusted either. I've learned the hard way and still learning today, but I'm a heck of a lot more suspicious and questioning so as to protect myself. This is why I don't have a lot of friends at this time in my life. After all, quality outweighs quantity any old day.

I won't tell a lie though. I too don't care. But not the way you think. When I say it, what I really mean is that I give the situation straight to the Lord up above. He can deal with the tough times and upsetting situations, He can deal with the cruel and bitter people.

This is what He lovingly tells us;

`Come to me, all you who are weary from carrying heavy loads; I'll give you rest! Take my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble by heart; then you'll find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my load is light.'

Matth. 11:28-30

So easy, isn't it? Imagine if we all did this. Wouldn't it be a happier and more loving world if we didn't have burdens to make us angry and upset? I guess I'm asking for too much because people will always want to be negative and loveless instead of believing in Jesus Christ and what He can do for us if we are willing to open our hearts to Him. Such a shame.

But I'm glad I can give 'the rubbish' to the Lord. He welcomes it with open arms. That's how much He loves us - He's willing to take it all and dispose of it, deal with it and correct it. This is wonderful! And I pity the people/persons that don't believe, for they have little in life and absolutely nothing substantial to look forward to.

I pray that my few words will sow a teeny seed in your heart.

And why am I sharing all this with you? Well it may just be that I really do care enough to share this good news with you after all!

Ice, Ice, Baby

2011-09-01T11:29:00.006+08:00

I've added a knitting pattern in the right hand side list. Go and purchase the Ice Dress pattern here --> RAVELRY <--

Well that took a while now didn't it?

2011-08-24T13:38:00.007+08:00

I finally have photos of Mr Gnome. Or rather, what I've done so far....

Legs made in the round BUT I decided to do it differently so they no longer exist. You'll find out how I decided to make them next time I post.

This is before I decided to make the feet in the round. All that's required is a little seaming, but I can't even be bothered doing that. So again, they no longer exist.

Deflated head and body, knit in the round.

Stuffed head.

Stuffed body. What you see is Mr Gnomes bottom about to be closed off. It will leave a small hole, but who's going to see it in the end?

Stuffing beans kindly donated by my good friend Treacy. :)

Time was not on my side.

2011-08-15T11:31:00.006+08:00

I was lucky to steal some time to scratch my head on the weekend... hence why there still aren't any photos of my Mr. Gnome. Still a work in progress of course, and it seems that my brilliant idea to make him completely in the round is going well and I'm pleased. Until something fails. Then I will get upset. But, it will make me stronger and because I'm a good problem solver when it comes to knitting, I will try and try and try again to make it work. Until I get sick of it.

I'll try again with the photos this weekend.

In the meantime (flash back first
HERE, then HERE)...

So... the last thing I told you is that I was pleased with the outcome. That was then, but this is now. The reply I received was somewhat heartfelt, they understood how upset I was about the whole ordeal and was told that action was going to be taken.

Great! I thought.

So I wrote back thanking the person, and also asked if they could explain what the policy is for returning / refunding etc. simply because I do want to do the right thing next time and at least I will know not to get into that situation every again. This was back on the 9th of August and I still haven't had a response.

Now, I was going to share my disgust in every way, shape and form, but in an instance I decided not to... because of this;

'Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.'

Ephesians 4:31

Yes people, it's better to just shut your mouth as the Good Book says.
Why? Because we must let the Lord deal with all things that are hurtful to us.
This is freeing. This is true justice. Knowing this makes me sleep well at night. :)

Photo lagged.

2011-08-10T14:02:00.003+08:00

Due to forgetting to download my photos off the camera last weekend, I can't show you my Yuletide Gnome progress. I will however, show you this coming weekend.

So I had decided to knit him in the round. Head and body were easy enough. Tick!
The nose was easy enough. Tick! The hat will be (have not started it) a cinch. Tick!
And the beard will be a no-brainer. Tick, tick, tick!

Now for the legs/boots, arms/mitts. This is a different story. I scoured Ravelry for any info on how to do them in the round, I also spent lengthy periods searching on other avenues (peoples blogs, forums etc), but to no avail.

I did find that a few had knitted their gnomes in the round, but still had to knit the boots and mitts flat, and actually did knit the legs and arms in the round. Ok I thought.... I put on my clever thinking cap and went to work.

If I can make a pair of adult size mitts and boots (socks) in the round, well why on earth can't I make miniature ones for mr gnome? Surely somebody had thought of that?
Well, no because I couldn't find a scrap of info out there, unless there are a small amount of people that did - but would not share their clever idea. Fair enough!

And that's exactly what I'm currently working on. So far, it looks like I will pull it off successfully.

In the mean time I'd like to show you one that my dear friend Treacy made. Here is her 'Ranga the Glitterati Gnome'. Oh so cute!

A better outcome than expected.

2011-08-09T13:59:00.004+08:00

No doubt you read my last post about the mayhem, antics and merry old time I had last Thursday. For the (almost) conclusion to the story... please read on.

So, I ripped off the fuel discount voucher from the receipt, then took the gum and receipt to another 'C' to ask for the refund.

I handed the receipt to the shop assistant and she notices something whited out next to the price and begins to scrap it off and while she's doing that she mentions that 'this has been refunded blah, blah,' and I stopped her and said 'no, I have the gum and receipt right here and I did not previously get the refund!'. Please understand that I'm speaking in the calmest possible way to the shop assistant. I would never EVER try to draw attention to myself by yelling in public - that's just way to embarrassing and uncalled for.

Then she began again 'yes but blah blah and blah' and I stopped her again and said (again very calmly) look, I will tell you exactly what happened, ok?... so I told her the story, more or less. What she said next took me by surprise. 'Oh I wouldn't have done that.' Meaning she wouldn't have ripped off the fuel voucher if I had asked for the refund back at the other 'C' store!

Well, thanks for understand, I said to her with a big smile on my face. It may have been a sarcastic one... but you know how stressful these situations get - right?

To top that off, I noticed she wasn't happy with me approaching her about it and I could see she was getting flustered and miffed. Have you ever been in that situation?
The shop assistant makes you feel like you are in the wrong when in actual fact, you know that you are in the right? How terribly irritating is that?

So the last thing she said to me was 'ok, I'll do it this time seeing that it's only $3.' I just about died when she said this. I was thinking to myself in that teeny weeny moment that it had nothing to do with me being right, or for morality's sake, or it's just a good hearted thing to do, or because the customer is always right, or it's just the honest thing to do. No, it wasn't for any of those reasons. It was the fact that it was ONLY $3!!!

Dear me. Also, can you imagine if it had been $10 or $15? Do you think I'd have to go to court to get my point across? Sheesh.

Serenity now, as Frank Costanza said all those years ago.

And so the very last thing I said to her while she was handing over the money was 'thank you for doing the right thing', and I was sincere about that. She may have kicked and screamed about it all in her pretty little head, but she did do the right thing in the end, after all. But, I can only give her that and nothing else.

When I arrived home I was still a bit dazed and glazed over the whole ordeal.
In a split second I decided to find the 'C' website, find the 'contact us' button and shoot through a lovely little message about the whole experience.

I received the reply about 20 mins ago and I was somewhat pleased with the outcome.
If and when I know more of the complete conclusion, I will keep you posted.

Now for something a little more amusing...

I found this article in a very old magazine and I believe it was from 1990.
Check out the suavely kitsch style! Go on and click on each photo for a bigger view.

Give me my voucher!

2011-08-04T15:06:00.004+08:00

A big supermarket chain with the motto 'down, down, prices are down' which I shall not name but I can tell you the name starts with a 'C', has left me in a daze.

Down, down, prices are down? It's a lie. They bring down prices but they tack it onto other items. It's the oldest trick in the book and people still fall for it.

But this isn't what has left me in a daze. Here is my story and it's fresh from today....

I was at 'C' with my dear mother because they had some good specials. I was just about to pay for the groceries. 'That's $29 + something cents', she says. 'Oh', I say. I really wanted the petrol voucher and I did vocalise this, and I grabbed a pack of gum from near by so the total would be a tad over $30. That's all good.

I will back up a tad for the few that don't know what I'm talking about.

I'm not sure if any other country has this system, but in Australia certain supermarkets have loyalty cards so you can build up points to get some kind of freebie when you've stacked up enough of them. Some supermarkets also give you a fuel discount voucher if you spend $30 or more at their store.

So after I paid for everything, I decided that I didn't want the gum really (I don't often chew gum and can probably count on one hand the times I have this year.)

I go to the information counter, which mind you was directly next to the counter I was served at, to get a refund on that unopened pack of gum. The girl was just about to give me the refund, when all of a sudden the lady that first served came over. She inquired as to what had happened and the girl explained to her what my request was.

So, the lady then explains to the girl that if I want a refund, the fuel discount voucher would have to be ripped off so I wouldn't be able to use it!!!!!!
There and then, I'm sure my eyes looked glazed over to say the least.

So I kindly asked, why? Apparently that's the 'rule'. So my reply was, 'if I had come back tomorrow or in a few days time and had gotten a completely different person serve me, I doubt that my voucher would be ripped off'. She continued to say 'oh yes, because you want a refund, you can't have the voucher'. AND then in turn I said, but that's only because YOU KNOW that I wanted the gum so I could get the petrol voucher!!' I think she was taken back that I had said that.

I then NEARLY said to her 'I bet if I keep the gum, rip off the voucher and use it at the petrol station, go to another 'C' with my receipt to get a refund for the gum (and they do not know why I actually bought the gum), I bet they'd gladly do it! But I didn't say it because there is no need for me to make a show of something so pathetic.

So I decided to keep the gum and the fuel voucher.

Honestly people it's such a dumb thing, I know. It's not about getting my money back at all, it's about how one worker didn't know and one did know about this silly 'rule' and how my reason wouldn't allow me a voucher! And if I had grabbed the gum without saying aloud 'oh I want the fuel voucher', would I have gotten that refund? I bet I would have.

How exhausting. But do you see how warped it all is?
I shall be going to another 'C' on Monday for a refund with the receipt, less the voucher because I'm getting my discounted fuel beforehand. You simply must come back for the conclusion!

Right place at the right time

2011-08-02T16:32:00.003+08:00

I'm glad the Lord is just, and places judgment on each and everyone of us accordingly. If He wasn't, then it would be mayhem on this earth. But He is the one that has every right to do so and not us.

The verse that tells it exactly like it is about judging one another is this one;

Matthew 7:1-11

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

I love that. Straight to the point and without playing games He exposes us all. Dismissing that verse and not applying it to your life will not get you or I into the kingdom of heaven... for the road to salvation is very narrow indeed!

Knitting...

So when I went out looking for some beard yarn for the Yuletide Gnome the other day, I thought I'd browse a couple of op shops to find something suitable. Not in the first op shop, but in the second op shop that wasn't too far away, there I found this for 99 cents!

The pattern calls for a ball of Sirdar Foxy, so I guess this is the Aussie version. How great is that?

A fresh new start

2011-07-31T14:43:00.003+08:00

Just lately it feels like my head has had a good scrub, cleaned and vacuumed, polished and buffed. Have you ever felt like that? I've only felt like that one other time in my life, and that's when I gave my heart to the Lord on a beautiful sunny day in an Assemblies of God church in front of my mother, father and big bunch of other already Born Again Christians.

My heart, soul and mind has literally been 'Born Again' I couldn't be more content and at peace.

It's a dark, wet and gloomy day out there as I write this, but my heart is flapping with happiness and joy!

I wish others could experience what I'm experiencing right now and it's one of those things that I just need to show you so you may be content too. But, I can't because it's up to the Lord to call you, as He called me 20 years ago.

It took me 20 years to finally understand and my eyes have been opened to many things, such as how my wretched heart really is. It took non-believers to make me finally see that I'm the one that has to clean up my act and not them!

God does work in many unusual ways, doesn't He? He needed to break me before putting me back together. Now I'm free, now I can breathe fresh air and now I can continue my personal relationship with Jesus Christ in peace.

Just to be clear....

2011-07-29T11:32:00.003+08:00

I realize that I may have frightened a few people with my post from yesterday, but I can assure you that was not my intention! I do get carried away at times and all I was doing was sharing God's love for us in my 'over the top' way.

Nor do I think that I should pretty up the truth and make is sound like it's a walk in the park etc. Because when Jesus spoke to the people approximately 2000 years ago, He did it with authority! He didn't pretty anything up! It is what it is! There's no playing games with the Word of God!

So forgive me if I came on too strong, but I don't need forgiveness for sharing the truth. :)

Knitting time....

I was at my friends (Treacy) house the other day and although I knew she had knitted the Yuletide Gnome by Alan Dart, I saw it in person and it's the cutest thing! So I got all inspired, bought the yarn for the beard from the op shop for a whole 99 cents and because I already had the wool for the rest of him, off I went and started.

Now, it calls for 3mm needles and DK wool. I've started the head, but why is it so terribly tight? I know 3mm and DK would give a tight fabric, but I think it's way too tight and the head looks kind of smaller than my freind's gnome head. What am I doing wrong? Or am I over thinking it and it's supposed to be that way? I will have to investigate further because I'm really itching to make Mr Yuletide Gnome!

Gnomes by Alan Dart;

1 John 4:20

2011-07-28T11:13:00.004+08:00

Beware, very long post ahead.

For some, below will be a shocking post. For others, it will ring true because they will fully understand. For the rest - you will be dealt with by whatever you believe in. Whatever you fall under, something has lead you to this post to help you and your troubles.

If you are a godless non-believer and all you value is the material possessions and the money that you think you deserve which you think about day and night, then this post really isn't for you. Save yourself time and do something more constructive like find a cure for cancer or some disease you may possibly have.

If you have at least a little understanding about who the Lord up above is, why we have the scriptures and know how to take good advice from it or even just genuinely interested, then feel free to read on.

I gather only the people that have some kind of knowledge of God (or your maker) or who are at least remotely interested in their own mortality will go to the verse in the subject line. I hope you do for you, not for me.

If you agree, acknowledge and do what it says, that verse will save your life someday. It really does not matter if it's me sharing the important message with you - somebody you either hate or don't know, because that way of thinking is very shallow indeed.

And if one is really clever, they will not point fingers. Because in fact, the message has nothing to do with others, but it has everything to with you and this is exactly what I say to myself - it has to do with only ME. I see and understand this fully, so why would something so very simple be such a difficult task for others?

I write this post because I do not and will not fear anybody in this world, for all we are is skin and bone and made from dust with little knowledge of a very big picture.

For my Heavenly Father up above protects and loves me, even when I fail and do wrong He lifts me up, forgives and forgets and he shall do this 77 x 7 times and for those that can't read between the simple lines, by this He means always. I fear Him and I'm glad I do because without fear, I would not learn a thing. If I'm truthful and follow the ways of Jesus as best as I humanly know how, I do not have anything to fear. For whoever hurts me will be hurt back - but thankfully that is not my job.

Each person will be dealt with accordingly now, in the future or in front of the most important Judge in the universe and woe to the people that think this isn't real - for they are the ones that have nothing to look forward to. I know my riches will be waiting for me in heaven after I've passed - and if you really do value the things that came from the dust in the first place, you probably think I mean gold, money and jewels. These are not riches. Those things are what makes people sick with anguish, jealous, angry, vengeful and hurt others. And then there are the dangerous people that end up killing another because of what they don't and can't have.

In a nutshell, God tells us all to love one another. So why can't we? The practicing Born Again Christian would be able to tell you why in a heartbeat, but I'm not prepared to share what I believe to be the opposite of God in this post, not today anyway.

He also pleads for us to go out and share His Gospel, His Good News and teach others about his everlasting love and why we need to do what is right. Just like everything, it has a purpose and He wants us to get right with Him so we may have all our heart desires. He wants us to be happy, He wants us to have nice things, He wants us to be comfortable, He wants our husbands/wives/partners/family to love and respect us - what type of a creator would He be if he didn't? What would be the purpose if all was bleak, sad and with nothing to look forward to? And on the flip side if we have absolutely nothing, He says do not worry;

Matthew 6:25
For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to to his life?'

And if you are still against the very thing that created you and knew you before you were even born, then at least take this into account;

Wouldn't you rather believe in something JUST IN CASE it's actually true and right, rather than live a miserable life thinking that there is nothing out there (that loves you so very much - it hurts Him much more than like a stab in the heart)?

What about taking a step further down if at all possible, and think 'well I have nothing to loose because I was born naked anyway so if it's true then good and if not, I was right in the first place'. One would have nothing between the ears NOT to think this at the very least, as low as that way of thinking is.

I will no doubt be persecuted by at least one person out there, if not more for everything I've shared. But guess what?

Matthew 5:11

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

You (and me) have one last chance before we either get shot by a materialistic crazy person or run over by a bus tomorrow - GET RIGHT WITH GOD AND HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST.

And now for something fluffy and light. I should have blogged about this weeks ago, because that's when I received my 2012 knitting pattern a day calender! My mother is very proud of me, as she always is when she sees me published somewhere. :) :)

To all my sincere friends only...

2011-07-25T21:24:00.002+08:00

As the title suggests.... To my friends and NOT trolls, insane and dangerous people, my blog --
http://www.ilmiopiccolotesoro.blogspot.com/
Is now invite only.
If you don't receive your invite within a few days, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for your understanding.

Good news on a cold day...

2011-06-10T10:47:00.004+08:00

I've just found out that one of my knitting patterns will be included in the Knitting Pattern-A-Day Calender in 2012! Exciting stuff.... and to give you a hint as to which pattern it's going to be, look directly left at the first pattern. Aaawww. Now that deserves a nice little break...

1933 (Vintage Hat)

2011-06-01T11:09:00.003+08:00

My latest design in Yarn Magazine, Issue 22... appropriately named after my mother's birth year.

Yarn Magazine Issue 22 (with my design on the cover on the left hand side), out now!

Eye candy

2011-03-09T10:48:00.003+08:00

Just because it's nice to stare into lace for a few seconds...
But don't expect to see this mystery project finished anytime soon because for the very first time for me, it's going to take a year or so to complete.

Lost in Love

2011-03-01T10:05:00.003+08:00

Lost in Love is now available for purchase at Ravelry for $4.50AU.

Suggested Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino.

Gauge: 26 sts and 34 rows = 4 inches in st st using 3.25mm needles.

Sizes available: 36 inch & 40 inch;
* Smaller size 91cm (36 inch) and larger size 101.5cm (40 inch) bust.
*Length from shoulder to bottom for smaller size 48cm (19 inches) and for larger size 50cm (19.5 inches).

Princess Zia

2010-12-26T14:30:00.006+08:00

Princess Zia is now available for sale at Ravelry for $4.50AU.

Suggested Yarn: Crystal Palace Yarns Panda Silk Solid.
Gauge: 28 sts & 38 rows = 4 inches in stocking stitch using 3.25mm needles.
Needle size: US 3 - 3.25 mm, US 5 - 3.75 mm.
Sizes available: To fit bust 80 (87, 94.5, 100)cm

:

Sunday

2010-12-05T13:51:00.003+08:00

So I received Friday's good karma, just as I was expecting of course. I got a call from Yarn Magazine to tell me that a certain online yarn store owner specifically asked for me to make something with some of her new yarn for (one of) next years issue. How exciting is that? After chatting with this gal, I was rather touched by her lovely offer and I'll be expecting the yummy yarn early next week so I can get started. I will give you one hint: Yay for Yarn!

After a week, I can finally show you the damage I did to one of my fingers.
To cut a very long story short and because I don't really like to think about what happened, I stabbed my right hand index finger with what felt like a wooden log. Much too difficult to describe exactly how it happened, but I can tell you that it was the worst pain I had ever felt.

As you can see in the photo below, the white and dark part of my finger nail is 'space'. By that I mean I managed to jam a piece of wood right under my finger nail, and nearly to the quick. I hate to think what would have happened if it actually went through the quick and it almost makes my stomach churn. After a lot of screaming, crying and almost fainting, Craig managed to pull it out with tweezers. The throbbing was unbearable at one stage and I felt like chopping off my entire hand.

Like I said, it felt like a wooden log going through my finger....

Maxi & Mary Jane

2010-12-02T14:03:00.004+08:00

I'm delighted to present to you my latest design in Yarn Magazine, Issue 20.

Two variations of the Mary Jane slipper; One with an I-cord straps, buttons to hold the straps down and cute red heart in duplicate stitch. The other is plain version with a simple knitted flower (and button).

Apart from being very proud of my clever little construction, they're quick, simple and very fun to make, not to mention a ripper of a stash buster. Once you make a pair, you'll more than likely want to make more and more so beware.

I've had one good karma a day this week, which never happens.
Monday: Free 2 hour parking at the hospital, thanks to an angel in disguise.
Tuesday: Free loaf of bread at the supermarket because it was unsellable due to a few creases in a few of the slices.
Wednesday: I received a free copy of the latest Yarn Magazine (Issue 20) in the post, thanks to another angel in disguise.
Thurday: Just heard that we have new tenants for our unit - it's been vacant for only 2 weeks.
I wonder what will happen on Friday?

Name this plant

2010-10-10T13:32:00.003+08:00

I planted this bulb several years back, and this year it decided to finally flower. It didn't produce many and they didn't last long, but oh my what a spectacular weird beauty it has! Anybody know what it's called?

Now that's one better looking hat stand.

2010-10-08T09:29:00.003+08:00

I couldn't quite fit the entire thing in one photo, but here she is standing tall.

Hat stand: Free (found on somebodies pile of rubbish).
Jarrah coloured varnish: Free (already had it)
Replacing of rusty screws: Under $10.

Forgive? Why should I?

2010-10-06T14:43:00.005+08:00

Forgiveness. It's something I've been thinking about quite a bit and would like to share my thoughts.

If one does not forgive with all their heart mind and soul, then that person is simply not forgiven. It makes a lot of sense to me. Only stubborn pride will allow one to disagree.

The higher power, Karma, God or whatever you believe in, is not saying 'forgive and remain friends'. It's not saying 'forgive and keep seeing that person'. It's not even saying 'forgive and still like that person' And with all honesty, I think that is the best part!

It is simply saying forgive, forget the hurt, move on, wish them well and let that person and yourself carry on in peace. It is not enough to say you forgive, that's all to easy. But it's very difficult to make it come from the heart and mean it.
And if you say you forgive, but keep holding on to the hurt and a grudge, then not only are you lying to the person, but also yourself.

Instead of telling yourself that you don't believe in anything, maybe you could at least humour yourself by trying to fully forgive and see what kind of goodness comes into your life whether it's riches, material things or just love and peace... all those things hold true value.

I think it's worth a try and one doesn't have a lot to loose.
It takes a lot of strength to fully and completely forgive, but can you? Or do you choose to bottle up the useless hurt and go on living a mediocre, unsatisfying existence?

Let me tell you about the birds and the bees

2010-10-01T14:13:00.003+08:00

My perceptive husband calls this next story 'blog worthy', so why not tell it to the world? Apart from it being a warning to others, it might even be a little entertaining.

In the past few years I have made it my mission to not assume anything in life or about people. I sort of forgot what I taught myself on this particular day...

So read on....

Yesterday morning we were woken by the sound of very loud buzzing. I looked outside and there was a very large amount of bees flying around everywhere. I went to the bathroom and through the window I could see that they were going crazy right there.
Craig went outside to have a look and they were swarming around an old small wooden speaker box. A few minutes later most of them made themselves comfy inside the box.

So I placed an ad in a local online paper saying that if there was anybody wanting bees... they could come and grab them. I know there are people out there that look for them because I've seen the ads. I also know that there are companies that come and exterminate them or whatever they do, but at a cost and that's fine, but I just wanted somebody (like a hobbyist) to come and collect them.

Anyway straight after posting the ad I got a bunch of messages from people suggesting what to do, who to call etc. which was really nice. One lady gave me the links for 2 separate men that were looking for bees. Let me emphasize here that in no way, shape or form did the ads discussed or say anything about payment for pick up of the bees.

Anyway, I emailed both men thinking that if one doesn't reply, the other one would. I received a very quick reply from one saying he'd pick them up today, and straight after that I got a call from the other, but I had to tell him sorry somebody is picking them up.

He came (with his helper wife), prepared himself, then took the box of bees to the car. He then took out a jar of honey for me. I said wow, thanks! Then he asked for $50!!!??? I actually thought he was joking, so I said no, you owe ME $50!. He said it again with a straight face, no it's $50. I said oh, your ad never said anything about payment, I had no idea! He went on to say that everybody that picks up bees receive payment... then he said 'if you want to pay me that's fine but I can't use the bees because they don't have honey yet'. GOOD GRIEF, I thought. I went on to say sorry I don't have $50 on me, and I didn't know how it all worked but thanks so much for the honey. I then thought to myself, why didn't he have his invoice/receipt book ready for me? And more importantly, why did he not mention this in his ad?? How shameful and dishonest. Something minor that still sticks with me is the fact that after they both shut the doors of their car, I heard them laughing!! Well, I said to Craig last night, he gave us the honey but he didn't get our money! Who's laughing now?

I don't care how unethical this is, but I feel I have a 'duty of care' to protect my fellow humans, especially the people in Perth and surrounding areas. Notice how he wants everything for free? The cheek.
And just to be fair, I have hidden most of the phone digits because after all, he did give me honey so I will protect him for that. LOL!

Oh, I did get some snapshots (with permission) so I'll post those real soon.

Thank you, my friend.

2010-09-29T15:19:00.004+08:00

I love my friend Treacy. She knows how much I despise sewing up knitted pieces, so she offered to sew up my Teddy Bear and she even stuffed it for me. What a life saver... and she's so good at it!

We both agreed that the eyes are a little too small for the head, so I'll be replacing them with slightly larger ones as soon as I find them. Then of course I'll finish his face and dress him so he's not so bare anymore. ;)

Name: Leroy
Pattern: Jean's Teddy Bear from 'Traditional Favourites'.
Length: He stands about 17 inches long.
Yarn: 4ply baby nylon, doubled
Tension: 16 sts = 4 inches.
Needles: If my memory serves me well, 5mm.
I say that because the poor fellow was waiting to be sewn up since early last year and my memory is a bit blurry.

Alfred Meakin

2010-09-25T17:17:00.007+08:00

Please say a little prayer for me my blogger friends, because Craig is about to make the hole in this Alfred Meakin plate bigger with a regular drill bit. Why, you ask? You'll have to wait and see.

I'm lead to believe that this plate was once a cake stand (with the stand missing) or somebody was very clever and drilled the hole, but the cut is much too smooth and clean so I'm more inclined to believe that it was a cake stand.

A carbide drill bit is supposed to be used to make a hole in porcelain or fine china, but because there is already a hole there, apparently using a regular drill bit to grind it until the hole size is reached, should do the trick. I hope he's right. Because if this plate breaks, so will my heart. So next time I blog, I'll either be elated or very upset so say the least.

The free hat stand that I was fixing and refinishing is complete. Everybody who sees it loves it and I have to say, I love it too. I'm hoping to download the photos soon to show you my handy work. And just to refresh your memory, this is what it looked like:

Since completing it, I found a few more usable freebies which I will be showing you in the near future. Don't you just love free stuff? But it's amazing what people throw away!

One more thing - look what I found! I've been waiting to find a cheval mirror for a long time and now I can rest easy. Please note this is not my photo, but it's exactly the same mirror. :)

Full of colour

2010-09-22T14:26:00.004+08:00

The back garden looks colourful and happy at the moment, but there is much work to be done. Pruning, weeding, re-potting.... you know, all the undesirable things that must be attended to, but I'm slowly doing it. I won't even mention the front garden looks like. Let's just say, it's a jungle out there.

Does anybody know what this is called? I planted a few bulbs just over five years ago and this is the second time (in 2 years) it has actually flowered. I love it!

alyssum where it shouldn't be growing...

I have a few different colours of geranium and I think this one is the prettiest...

A daisy type of things - probably the hardiest plant in my garden AND the toughest to kill, but not that I would...

And my miniature poppy which never fails, year after year...

Brass and Glass

2010-09-20T10:30:00.005+08:00

$10 each from the second hand store...
I had been looking to replace our old bedside table lamps and I was thrilled
to find these. These aren't to everybody's taste, but I love them.
When I got them home I was expecting to find scratches and and hidden cracks on the glass, but nothing - they are perfect!

Yarn Magazine Issue 19

2010-09-09T14:54:00.003+08:00

The new Yarn Magazine is out now. Go grab it now, because my design 'Ice' is in there. :)

And see those teeny photos on the front cover? See the very last one? That's the closest I've gotten to the front cover. So yes, I'm kinda proud!

Please, somebody make time go slower.

2010-09-01T11:40:00.007+08:00

I have too many projects to finish and start. This includes knitting, sewing and crafty things - things that I will reveal sooner or later. My first piece to show off is a wooden tray I had found awaiting to be trashed, and I had blogged about back in April.

It's been waiting to be revitalized, with a little tender love and care. Here it is before transformation:

Here is it after transformation:

Ok, not a huge amount of transformation but it looks a zillion times better stained with Jarrah coloured varnish.

My second piece of treasure was found only a few days ago. It's nearly Council trash pick up time which means you can snap up something fantabulous for free! Check out this little beauty:

And for those of you who know exactly what this is, I gather your enthusiasm is as big as mine!

Read for vanishing and again, with Jarrah coloured stain:

Sneak peak at what it looks like now:

Photos coming of it's brilliant transformation, of course.

Is it July already??

2010-07-11T11:14:00.003+08:00

I can't believe it's *nearly* mid July. Also, I can't believe how freezing cold it's been. The type of cold that debilitates you, causes pain in various body limbs and makes you numb inside and out - I just cannot keep warm enough.

So with times like these, we also need to cover up our poor little hot water bottle with something classy, yet cute. Here is where you can purchase my newest pattern: 'Warm It Up' for $2.50AU.

Not one, but two!

2010-06-11T10:54:00.009+08:00

Two FO's... and for sale at Ravelry now!

Heavenly Hot Head

What a great little stash buster! It only takes between 50g - 75g of yarn, depending if you want to pop a little flower on it.

Find this pattern (and more information) at RAVELRY for $2.50AU

Aja

Some of you will probably realize that I named this tunic style top after our gorgeous siamese girl. Who doesn't name at least one design after their beloved cat? This tunic could easily be knit with whatever 4ply yarn you have lying around, as long as you get the correct gauge. Something with silk would give it a lovely drape...mmm...

Knit flat AND in the round, uses the famous feather and fan stitch and let's not forget a touch of seed stitch for good measure.

Find this pattern (and more information) at RAVELRY for $4.50AU

Off the needles

2010-06-10T11:58:00.004+08:00

I call this my Popcorn with Fondant Scarf. Soft and luscious, bouncy and fun!

Made with 4 x 50g balls of Moda Vera's Fondant.
11 sts x 12 rows to 4 inches in st st.
Just cast on 16 stitches with size 9mm (US13) needles and k2, p2 rib for as long as you want.

Anniversary VS Clash of the Titans

2010-05-27T14:01:00.004+08:00

I'd like to share with you some silly little photos of our 13th Wedding Anniversary.

Out for a late lunch...

Then a groovy movie.... Clash of the Titans in 3D. Oops, we aren't allowed to use phones/cameras in the cinema, are we??

Loving the 3D glasses. We had to buy a pair for a $1 each. Daylight robbery I tell you! At least they make me look smart. ;)

Say what??

2010-05-22T17:32:00.003+08:00

When I first purchased our rabbit Mr Bellino, I was told that he was a boy.
Today I found out he is a she!! Can you imagine my surprise? So, I'm going to have to introduce her (again) as Mrs Bellina!

Let it roll, baby!

2010-05-13T12:19:00.006+08:00

Meet my newest design.... Let it roll, baby.

Just a simple top down, seamless sweater with cables on each increasing point and is fitted at the waist. And yes, all the edges roll. What do you think? You can purchase it for AU$4.50 but you'll have to go HERE because my darling husband has to help me with putting it on the left hand side bar. I'm so useless with those things and always need help.

I love these photos... that's my sister Rita and her son (my nephew) Fabio, and of course that's my little Bellino getting all the attention. Adorable!

And because I haven't shown Aja for a while...

Erdbeer!

2010-05-05T17:15:00.002+08:00

My Erdbeer (by Johanna Ziegler) is complete.
I made a few mods but you'll have to read about them HERE.
And if you're not a member of Ravelry, well what are you waiting for? Sign up!

Don't you just love that I-cord bind off edging?

Red Bull Air Show 2010

2010-05-04T14:32:00.007+08:00

Craig and I, Rita and Fabio... we all went and enjoyed the day. We took a train into the city, as parking would have been non-existent (and not to mention a nightmare) and we walked all the way to South Perth. It wasn't a long walk, but the new shoes I was wearing were starting to blister one of my feet. Thankfully I bought a pair of thongs to throw on and I'm ever so glad I did!
As you will see, there aren't any photos of the actual planes flying around, and that's because it was impossible to shoot them going so darn fast!

Hightlights of the day....

Here I am promoting the RSPCA, which you can barely see on my cap. Support your local RSPCA!!!

An uncanny resemblance between my sister and the bird??

A dog I was admiring...

Free Shopping

2010-04-28T10:25:00.003+08:00

I don't know about the US or anywhere else in the world, but here in Australia we have a little something called 'Council Pickup Week' a few times a year. It means you place your 'junk' at the front of your house and the city council rubbish removalists pick up it up and you never have to see it again. Thank goodness for this, because a few weeks back we picked up some nice freebies!

In the past few years people have been scouring the streets for anything usable, fixable or sellible when it's time for a council rubbish pick up. We follow suit, of course.

Whilst going for a walk with my sister, I found a butterfly jigsaw puzzle. The box was a little tattered, but the pieces inside were in fantastically new condition... but after counting the 1000 pieces (UGH!) I found that I was about 4 pieces short. My counting ability isn't the best, so it's possible I didn't count properly... but if I'm right, how upsetting because it's a beautiful jigsaw. Another good find was this tray.

I've sanded it down and I'm ready to varnish! Stay tuned for a lovely looking tray. :)

I then found a Teac clock radio. It works fine and there is not a scratch on it. Why do people throw good things away?? Please don't stop if you do, because it's like Christmas finding all these great goodies!

It's a sad thing.

2010-04-19T16:01:00.004+08:00

It's quite sad when I can't remember if I blogged about a certain thing.
In this case, I'm 99.9999999% sure I haven't blogged about this yet.

It's my newest design in Yarn Magazine, Issue 17! The magazine was out in early March, but as they say... it's better late than never.

Lost in Love Vest

This was my original, from a few years back.

On the needles now:

This is Erdbeer, a lovely design by Johanna Ziegler.
Go find it on Ravelry for free. :)

Anniversary

2010-04-18T16:14:00.004+08:00

It was mum and dad's anniversary a few weeks back. We had pizza for dinner, followed by passionfruit cheesecake and sparkling wine for dessert. I have to say, the sparkling wine was ok, but I wouldn't buy it again any time soon. I'm used to the sweet and smooth taste of Riccadonna or Asti, two of my favourites. Enjoy the photos!

My husband is not a retard, he just looks that way. LOL.
If/when he see's this photo, he'll be most upset with me.... I'm quite sure.

The manditory 'time to look at the notebook' phase! Is it just our family, or is it normal?

Highlights from March

2010-04-05T18:19:00.008+08:00

I'm find it difficult to believe that we are already in April. So much had happened in March and I really do not know where the time went... and here are the (almost) never ending photos to prove it. Taken in the city, Sorrento Quay, Observation City, Rita's birthday and Raul (the dog) and a local pet shop. Because I'm so tired, I haven't placed them in any particular order though!

Help - I need more time!

2010-04-02T12:51:00.006+08:00

E.T.A!!!
You may now purchase the Mystique Sweater pattern and Miss Perty pattern on the left hand side of the page.

More time to knit and write out patterns, of course.

My New and Improved 'Mystique Sweater' pattern has actually been on sale (on Ravelry) for about a week now, but I just haven't had time to link it here on my blog.

So.. if you'd like to purchase a copy now, go HERE.

If you can wait, you'll find it on the left hand side with the other designs soon (don't click on the pattern you see now - I will let you all know when it's ready!), along with my new 'Miss Perty' pattern, which you can find HERE for now.

Jim's Franchise

2010-03-24T16:08:00.003+08:00

It's that time again and I'm excited. I haven't done this in a while so I'm looking forward to NAMING AND SHAMING a company. In this case, a franchise. Jim's Franchise, that is. Jim's Franchise originated in Australia and is the largest here, apparently. They are now also in Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. You lucky people!

My experience with the Jim's Franchise has not been a pleasant one, but then again it wasn't a disaster. It was more of a waste of time, energy and a big irritation for me... you know, you've been there, right? The kind of people you need to case up and do most of the work for them to give you a service? In my case, I dealt with Jim's Fencing to get a few hardi-fence sheets replaced in the back yard.

I phoned to get a quote and spoke to the receptionist. I was given a time frame when I would expect a call from the tradesman. I never got one. I phoned the receptionist again and was told again to wait for a phone call, which I finally did.

The tradesman (gosh I wish I could remember his name) told me he'd do the quote (really????) but I didn't have to be home, as he was able to see the fence damage from the outside of my property. He never came to do the quote. I then bit my lip and phoned the receptionist to tell her this and she gave me the tradesman number. I phoned him... or was it Craig... one of us phoned him to see if we were ever going to get a quote.

I finally got a quote in the mail after about a week. He didn't specify how much it would cost to take away the damaged hardi-fence. So I phoned AGAIN and asked how much that would be. He told me and I agreed to have the damaged fence replaced by Jim's Fencing.

This is the last time I heard from him, and this all happened about a month ago.

SHAME ON JIM'S FENCING AND THEIR USELESS TRADESMEN.
Now that I've shamed them here, I shall also tell my family and friends and will ask them to tell their friends.

Thanks, Jim!

I'm still searching for somebody HONEST and willing to replace our fence, AND without over charging us. *Sigh*

Non Stop Fun

2010-03-17T09:49:00.005+08:00

So far, my nephew Fabio and my sister Rita are really enjoying Perth. Can you tell?

It was Rita's birthday on Saturday, so I thought I'd treat her to a strawberry daiquiri or two. Yum.

She can't stop drinking it.

Craig has this contraption in his computer room and I don't even know what it's called. It allows him to car race and with people all around the world. He's had the 1st winner title twice now and he's pretty chuffed with that. Now it's Fabio's time to learn.

Rita loves my spoon (and fork) collection. So much, that she's started her own collection and she's been like a crazy woman trying to find them in op shops, the way I found all mine.

On a more sobering note...
I started the 'Erdbeer' sweater several weeks ago and all I can do is work on it for short periods of time at night because I'm usually exhausted. It will take forever to finish, but that's ok.

Much ado about everything

2010-03-14T12:09:00.005+08:00

I'm happy to report that my Sister Rita and my nephew Fabio arrived safely from Italy a couple of weeks ago. Their dog 'Raul' is still in Quarantine and will be until the 2nd of April. What a lovely dog he is too!

I only had my phone camera on me, hence the not so great photos.

There haven't been enough hours in the day for me to 'play' with, but I have managed to slowly prepare another pattern, which is will be ready for purchase very soon.

Sneak Peak!

Keep Me Cozy

2010-03-09T08:57:00.001+08:00

The last thing I need is to keep cozy and toasty warm while we still have this warm-ish weather.

Unfortunately I'm (and a few hundred others, I suspect) having problems with the blogger template. Everytime I change or edit something in it, I get an error page telling me something about a securitytoken.

So in the meantime, I will direct you HERE for my new lap blanket pattern.... Keep Me Cozy!

I'm simply melting

2010-02-26T09:46:00.004+08:00

'Helen' left a message recently and asked a question regarding my Easy Peasy Tee pattern. Helen, your profile wasn't available so I couldn't leave you a message. Thanks so much for your kind words, and here is the answer to your question:

mm : move marker - simply shift your stitch marker from the left hand needle onto the right hand needle.

Feeling HOT, HOT, HOT. The wacky hot weather we are experiencing here in Perth has become almost unbearable. So much that I get nausea if I'm not careful. Am I the only one? All I can say is thank goodness for air conditioning. My sister Rita and her son are due to arrive next Wednesday and I think they are going to be shocked because it will still be rather hot next week. Don't forget, they're coming from Italy and it's still cold there.

Rita if you are reading this, make sure you and Fabio have a very light top under your sweaters on the plane - otherwise you might self-combust when you arrive!' Fun times ahead.

A lovely lap blanket pattern coming soon....

Maelstrom is complete.

2010-02-24T11:12:00.003+08:00

Maelstrom is not my shawl, but my new large doily for the little table in the family room. I think it looks sweet.

Yarn: Panda Coral Cotton 8ply, but I halved it and ended up with a sort of 4ply.
Needles: 4mm dpns and circular.
Notes: I think I used 2 repeats of the repeatable section.
Instead of the suggested lace edging, I just kept knitting with feather and fan, increasing every 3rd row. The frilly effect of the edging wasn’t intentional, but I like it.

I enjoyed knitting it, but all those stitches toward the end was torture for me!

Drying Maelstrom

2010-02-22T14:16:00.002+08:00

Nearly there....

I care about animals so much that I've decided that if I want or need to buy something, I will check the R.S.P.C.A website to see if they sell it first. 100% of the money goes straight to the charity. I love that. What I don't love so much is that you cannot use that as a tax deduction. Aussie law says that donations are only tax deductible if you give them money, with nothing in return to you. I do think it's a little unfair because you are still giving money. Strange law but that's how it is.

R.S.P.C.A

My sister VS My car

2010-02-16T12:00:00.003+08:00

It was Christmas eve in 2009, the day was hot and we just wanted to get home ASAP. Of all the days in the year, it just happened to be that one. I guess it could have been worse - Christmas Day.

I usually drive my fathers car when I take them out, but I decided to use mine that day. My father was in the front passenger seat and my mother was in the back. We were waiting at the traffic lights... when all of a sudden, BANG!!!??!!!

The person behind me failed to stop in front of me. That's when the nightmare started. The 2nd of March is when it should all end. If you've ever had to wait for an insurance company to deal with your motor vehicle accident, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Today I'm driving around like this:

WAY over a month has passed and bits of it keep falling off, so it's actually worse than what you see in the photo. It's rather embarrassing. They'll have to replace the whole bumper, which means I won't have access to a car for a few days. *Le Sigh*.

What does my sister have to do with all of this? I think it's now safe to share the news with you. My sister Rita is moving back to Australia with her son Fabio and their 2 dogs! Fabio was born here and only a few years old when Rita and her husband moved to Italy, so I'm doubtful he'd remember much - he's in his mid 30's (correct me if I'm wrong, big sis)!! As for the connection between Rita and my car.... they'll be arriving around the same time my car is getting repaired.

How depressing! Talk about bad timing. It's the only time the panel beaters could fit me in - it was either the 2nd of March or I'd be waiting longer. I think I've waited long enough, don't you think?

Maelstrom

2010-02-08T10:14:00.003+08:00

I don't have a lot on my needles these days. Maybe it's the fact that I started this just under a month ago and want to finish it before starting something else.
I've not counted how many stitches I'm tackling, but let me tell you that each round takes over 5 minutes for me to complete. Hoy - them's a lot of stitches.
But.... please realize that I'm a slow knitter in the first place!

Maelstrom, design by Christine McKnight.

Makes a nice over-sized beret too.

Mr Bellino

2010-01-25T09:41:00.003+08:00

Bellino is our little bunny. When we bought him late last year, his little round fluffy body fit into the palm of my hand. I melted everyday from the cuteness.
He's just over 3 months now...

He's such a delightful fellow but Aja isn't too interested in being his friend. Poor little guy runs up to her as if he wants to play.
She either runs the other way or if she's in one of her 'stinky' moods, she'll hiss at him - as seen in the photo below. I don't think these two will ever be friends!

So sweet.

2010-01-24T17:06:00.007+08:00

It's time for something sweet... in fact, it's time for the Sweet Leaves Camisole.

Although I used Lara Down's 4ply pure merino, this camisole would knit up lovely with silk or even bamboo.

Material
Lara Downs 4ply Pure Merino, (100% Pure Merino Wool), (100g/3.5oz, 455m/500yds), 2 skeins for all sizes
2.75mm (US2) circular needle, 60 (60, 80, 80) cm long
2 x 2.75mm (US2) dpns
2.75mm (US2) straight needles
Stitch marker

Tension
34 sts & 46 rows to 10cm (4 ins) in st st or 32 sts & 44 to 10cm (4 ins) in Leaf Trellis Lace, (unstretched) using 2.75mm (US2) circular needle.

Finished Sizes after blocking
71-76 (81 - 86.5, 91 - 96.5, 101.5 - 106.5) cm or 28 - 30 (32 - 34, 36 - 38, 40 – 42 )ins bust, length for all sizes not including I-cords, 42cm (16.5 ins).

Now for sale for $6.25AU.

My first post for 2010!

2010-01-10T12:18:00.005+08:00

Happy New Year everyone!

Just for the occasion, I have a new free pattern available. I should have posted this last year but time was not on my side. So, better late than never.

This pattern consists of 2 Teddy Tees, one roll neck tee and one with a little lace around the tummy. Also, I've intentionally left out abbreviation for the new knitters.

Yarn needed: DK or 8ply, about 50g more or less and I'm sure you'll find something in your left over basket. Instructions for the coloured stripes are not written in the pattern, I've left that to your own imagination.

Needles needed: 5 x 4mm dpns (because you're knitting in the round) but if you have a small enough circular, please go right ahead and use that.

Your teddy should have a tummy girth of about 14.5 inches.

Enjoy!

P.S. If you'd like to see how my test knitters teddy tees turned out, scroll down until you see 'my readers knits' flickr page on the left hand side.

✿ Pattern No.1 : Roll Neck Teddy Tee ✿

Material:
Any yarn that will give you the correct tension
Set of 5 x 4mm double pointed needles

Tension:
22 stitches & 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

CO 58 stitches, then divide evenly onto 4 double pointed needles. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of work then join in the round.
Knit 6 rounds.

Knit 10 stitches, place stitch maker, knit 9 stitches, place stitch marker, knit 20 stitches, place stitch marker, knit 9 stithes, place stitch marker, knit 10 stitches.

(Knit to one stitch before 1st stitch marker, yarn over, knit 2 stitches, yarn over) repeat for remaining 3 stitch markers, then knit to the end of the round. Increased to 66 stitches.

Repeat the previous round, 7 more times. Increased to 122 stitches.

Knit to first stitch marker, purl to second stitch marker, knit to third stitch marker, purl to fourth stitch marker, knit to the end of the round.

Knit to first stitch marker, bind off all stitches purl-wise to second stitch marker, knit to third stitch marker, bind off all stitches purl-wise to fourth stitch marker, knit to the end of the round.

Place a contrasting stitch marker on the right hand needle, join in the round and continue working straight for approximately 4 inches or desired length for your Teddy.

Purl one round. Bind Off very loosely purl-wise.

✿ Pattern No.2 : Mohair Lace Teddy Tee ✿

Material:
Any yarn that will give you the correct tension
Set of 5 x 5mm double pointed needles

Gauge:
18 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

CO 36 stitches, then divide evenly onto 4 double pointed needles. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of work then join in the round.

Knit one round.

Knit 6 stitches, place stitch marker, knit 6 stitches, place stitch marker, knit 12 stitches, place stitch marker, knit 6 stitches, place stitch marker, knit 6 stitches.

(Knit to one stitch before 1st stitch marker, yarn over, knit 2 stitches, yarn over) repeat for remaining 3 stitch markers, work to the end of the round. Increased to 44 sts.

Repeat the previous round, 7 more times. Increased to 100 sts.

Knit one round.

Knit to first stitch marker, purl to second stitch marker, knit to third stitch marker, purl to fourth sm, knit to the end of the round.

Knit to first stitch marker, bind off all stitches purl-wise to second stitch marker, knit to third stitch marker, bind off all stitches purl-wise to fourth stitch marker, knit to the end of the round.

Place a contrasting stitch marker on the right hand needle, join in the round and knit one round.

(Knit 2 stitches together, yarn over) to the end of the round.

Purl one round.

Repeat these 2 rounds, once more.

Continue working straight for approximately half an inch or desired length for Teddy.

Purl one round. Bind off very loosely purl-wise.

2009-12-29T09:32:00.006+08:00

I proudly present to you my first ever for 'sale pattern', the Top Down Fitted Sweater.

A fast knit suitable for beginners worked top down and entirely in the round.
How delightful that one does not have to sew up any seams! Apart from the clean lines of this casual sweater, the simple lace edging gives it that special something without making it too fancy. Look to your left and purchase yours now!

Bust sizes - 30.75 (35, 39.25, 43.5) inches.
Full length - 21.5 (22, 22.5, 23) inches.

Material
I made this sweater twice, the first with 'Cleckheaton's Remo' (discontinued)
and the second with 'Amazing Corn Fiber' :
Amounts for both – 8 (8, 9, 9) 50g balls.

* Note: I wouldn't use pure cotton for this sweater because you want to keep the shape and cotton will stretch it out too much after washing and wearing, thus ruining the lovely fitted look.

3.75mm (US 5) 16 ins (40 cm) circular needle
4.5mm (US 7) 16 ins (40 cm) circular needle
4.5mm (US 7) 7 ins (7.5 cm) set of 5 double pointed needles
stitch markers in 2 different colours
waste yarn, tapestry needle

Gauge
22 sts & 29 rows = 4 ins (10 cms) in stockinette stitch on 4.5 mm (US 7) circular needle and in the round.

$6.99 AUD with Paypal.

Dear Fabio...

2009-12-25T11:52:00.004+08:00

This post is especially for my nephew Fabio.

Dear Fabio,

Thank you so very much for the Christmas wish! It's always such a delight to find your comments.

The last time I saw you, you were tiny. You were an energetic little boy full of life and passion (not to mention a little cheeky at times) and when I teased you - you hated it! You must understand that I was young myself and didn't know any better, so teasing you was 'normal' to me.

I always wished you and your parents never left Australia and when you did, my heart broke because I knew I would not see you all for a very long time.

And now after all these years, you've turned into a wonderful and good looking man and I cannot wait until you and your mother are reunited with us here. We will be strangers in a way because we lost so much time in between, but that will be fixed by spending lots of time together.

So Fabio, when you are back home, the place of your birth, it will be a joyous time for us all. I understand your mother has been teaching you English for a while now, but when you are here, there are no excuses - you must learn it well in order for you to find work and interact with people. This shouldn't be a frightening thing, but more of a challenge and something to look forward too!

On that note, I will say this to you and your mother: We await your arrival and the weeks / months cannot go by quick enough.

Rita, I trust you will translate all this to Fabio for me. Miss you. Love you.

You and I:

The family:

Where are your pants???

With your hot mother:

With dear Nonno:

Christmas Greetings

2009-12-24T10:15:00.003+08:00

Have lovely Christmas everybody!

Princess Zia

2009-11-27T18:04:00.003+08:00

Yarn Magaznine, Issue 16!

You'll find my design 'Princess Zia' in this current issue.

I wore it to a couple of weeks ago with a pair of white linen pants and I must say, it looked quite elegant!

Mmm, smells good.

2009-11-25T12:42:00.003+08:00

I left this a little too long, but I'd like to thank all the people that contacted me via Ravelry and here regarding wanted test knitter for my blanket pattern.
I think I could use one more tester though, so hurry and message me!
Don't forget to let me know if you prefer to work from the written pattern or charts.

You have until the end of January to finish it, so that should be plenty of time.
Feel free to message me on Ravelry (Patrizia Steadman), because a couple of people have alerted me to the fact that they couldn't message me here. Blogger can be odd at times.

"I got this new deodorant today.
The instructions said remove cap and push up bottom.

I can barely walk, but whenever I fart the room smells awesome."

Test Knitters Needed

2009-11-19T10:25:00.003+08:00

I've already posted about this on the Ravelry Testing Pool Group, and now it's time to read about it here....

If you are trustworthy, honest and know that you'll finish this blanket in 2 months, then feel free to leave a comment (no time wasters please!):

Information-
The lap blanket measures 38.5 x 45 inches.
This pattern would be a bit of a challenge for a beginner knitter, but an experienced knitter wouldn’t have many problems.
You’ll be using cables, seed stitch (or moss stitch) and easy - moderate lace stitches.

The pattern is in both written and chart form, so I’d like 2 or 3 people for the written pattern and 2 or 3 people for the charted pattern.

What you’ll need:
-Approx. 650g of any DK (8ply for you Aussie's) yarn and gauge should be 20 sts & 24 rows in st st.
-1 x 5.5mm (US9), 80cm circular needle.
-4 stitch markers.
-1 cable needle.

Important Note:
Make sure you actually do have the yarn weight that I'm asking for and the gauge really does need to be 20 sts & 24 rows in st st with 5.5mm.
I'm not interested in knitters that have thicker or thinner yarns - please.

What you’ll get for kindly helping me:
A nice lap blanket pattern. :)

If you do not leave your full name, blog url (or at lease your Ravelry page addy) and email addy, I won't be replying you for obvious reasons. Too many fools, scammers and spammers out there that have nothing better to do but waste peoples time. Please fools, don't even bother.

Boy, do I feel like a dummy.

2009-11-17T15:05:00.005+08:00

All along I was thinking that nobody loves me and never reads my blog anymore!

Explanation:
I clicked on some button somewhere a couple of months back and thought I was going to get my comments emailed to me before they were posted. I did this because I was getting horrid spam.

Today I found out that there were about 50+ comments to be moderated and posted. Wow. About 40 comments were spam!! So I've approved all the comments from my lovely readers and I apologize - I was not ignoring you.

I won't say hot off the needles, but rather a few weeks off the needles. My lovely Lap Blankie, for those cool nights in front of the TV of course!

For those of you who are a little on the clueless side with a computer just like me these days, click on a photo to enlarge it so you can see the prettiness of the lace.

I used about 650g of a (discontinued) yarn from who knows where called 'Clan Stewart 8 ply Crepe', 100% pure new wool. I had found a whopping 1000g of it for a mere $10 at the op shop months ago and it was clearly a little too rough for a sweater, but it's perfect for the blanket. To my surprise it softened up somewhat after blocking.

I used 5mm needles but I have to say, working with big needles is not something I aspire too, but I think this was worth the cramps in my right hand. I'm well pleased with the results.

Maybe somebody out there can tell me where this yarn originated, just out of curiosity?

Are you trustworthy enough?

2009-10-19T12:49:00.004+08:00

I've been away for so long, but it only shows I've been busy, not to mention a little fatigued and tired- mentally and physically. Well after all, they do go hand it hand don't they? I've never been an energetic person so it takes me twice as long to do certain things including knitting and housework. I envy people that can get up extra early and also be bubbly and happy! I'm clearly not a morning person... grumble, grumble.

I will come straight to the point - I've been having these horrid thoughts about closing my blog. Why you ask in shock? Maybe it's because it feels like nobody visits. Yes, I know people probably don't because I hardly blog these days - people want up-to-date news for sure. Or maybe it's the fact that I find it a chore to think up things to share with you. Yes, I know it's a blog and that's what it's for. The fact is that it's a little of both.

In the ways of knitting, I don't post about it much anymore because everything is a secret project for Australia's Yarn Magazine or for me to sell in the very near future. Yes, that's something I've been striving for - selling my own patterns! Isn't that thrilling? (I say that with a little sarcasm because everybody is doing it these days.)

Maybe now that you know this exciting news, you'll visit more? I guess it all depends if my designs are capable of being good enough to sell. Oh and that's a fear I have - my designs not being good enough and a bigger fear of the patterns being full of mistakes! Yes, there are testers out there, but I'm unable to pay anybody.

Yep, there are testers out there that are willing to do it for nothing which is great, but what about those people that receive the pattern then start it and don't finish it, or the ones that don't ever start it, or the ones that steal your ideas?? How do you know who's trustworthy and who is not? I do know a couple of people that are honest and have tested for me in the past, but I can't keep asking the same two people over and over again, that's hardly fair on them.

I know I'm being overly-cautions, sensitive and a great big chook but I can't help it. I've read of designers that have had to go through the above struggles so it makes me think twice, even though my own experience was 98% positive. Aahh that one person that did not finish, maybe did not even start the project at all - shame on you.

So this is where YOU lovely people come into this story. If you think you are a completely TRUST WORTHY pattern tester that doesn't mind not being paid and will follow through with the knitting.. then drop me a line, introduce yourself and maybe show me some things you've test knitted for others, but that's not completely necessary if you cannot. Also, tell me what you're interested in knitting so I can keep some kind of list handy of what your likes / dislikes are.
Got references? Even better, and I'd probably choose you over somebody that doesn't.

I await your messages, beautiful test knitters!

1 crochet hook, 1 ladder and some booze.

2009-09-14T15:00:00.006+08:00

Slightly better photo of my much loved sweater. I dare not wear jewelry that catches - I've had to take out my trusty tiny crochet hook twice to fix a snag or two!

Craig has been placing insulation in the roof for the past few months. It's that stuff called Air-cell and it works by reflecting the heat away from the house, sort of thing.
To get up in the roof one needs a ladder, right? But what does one do when their husband leaves the ladder in the middle of a small corridor that leads to bedroom, toilet and bathroom? It's easier for him to leave the ladder there, rather than take it outside every weekend. It's driving me crazy. Thankfully (he says) he'll only have to go up there one more time just to finish up. I pray he's right.

My enemy - the ladder.

And one more thing...
Lemon Cello!
hehehehehe!

I guess you wouldn't understand it if you didn't know your booze.

Quick, before it's too late!

2009-09-02T09:46:00.004+08:00

Heyall'...

My sister Rita is having a two for one pattern sale until the 6th of September.
Go take advantage of this great offer NOW!

Remember I told you about meeting up with my good friend Treacy last Thursday - the one that made 'Molly' the gorgeous bear for me? Or was it the Thursday before that?? Gosh - I'm loosing track.... If you've forgotten, see my previous post.

Well, this is Treacy and I'm sure she's going to hate me for posting the photo I took of her that day. Sorry Treacy! (I'm not really - hehe)

Op Shop Bargains 101
No, I didn't make the sweater below. I found it for $2 at the second hand store as they were having a 50% off day.

What you need to remember when op shopping is this:
1. Look at the garment THOROUGHLY. Does it look old and used? Then put it back on the rack.
2. Any snags? Pulled threads? Unsightly pilling? There is?? Then put it back on the rack.
3. Does it smell just awful? Do you think the smell will wash out? If not, then put it back on the rack.

If you find that all of the above don't apply to what you've found - then go for it because you are one of the lucky ones that found a true bargain!

I LOVE this thing...

Monday Blues

2009-08-24T10:36:00.006+08:00

It's cold, it's gloomy and it's depressing. We long for Winter in the Summer and long for Summer in the Winter. When is it Spring already??

Photos from my birthday last weekend...

My niece Rebecca trying to knit her first scarf.

Craig, Rebecca's fiance Fred and my father.

Fred's shoes - I hate those things!!

Rebecca with my mother.

Me blowing out the candle. Yes one, because 40-something candles would have overloaded the poor little black forest cake.

Cake and champagne - always a delight!

Beautiful flowers from Rebecca and Fred.

I had the pleasure of catching up with my buddie Treacy on Thursday.
We met at Gloria Jeans Coffee at the Karrinyup Shops, chatted mostly about knitting over a lovely cappuccino and then went for a stroll and scored a free Sheseido mascara and a perfume sample of Hugo Boss for Women. Not only did we score these fun things, but she gifted me one of her famous knitted bears. It was touching when she handed it over to me - I was taken back by this lovely gesture!

Simple adorable, don't you think? The beautiful embroidery was done by her mother. I've named her Molly.

Speaking of....

2009-08-17T10:30:00.004+08:00

I'm now 40-something and one day older. We had a lovely time at mum and dads house last night, the food was enjoyable, the cake was yummy and I couldn't get enough champagne. Rebecca and Fred gifted me a cute bunch of flowers, which was lovely of them. Photos of last night coming soon.

I taught Rebecca to knit a couple of weeks ago, all the basic stitches PLUS how to cable PLUS how to do a simple k2tog, yo lace and now she's attempting to make a lace scarf with what I taught her - how adorable. She's now hooked which doesn't surprise me at all.

Speaking of hooked, she also wants to learn crochet, but I'll only be able to show her the basic stitches. She'll just have to wait until my sister Rita returns to Australia (with her son Fabio) from Italy, as she is the 'Crochet Queen'!

Speaking of Rita and Fabio, many thanks to both of you for the birthday wishes!
Finding one from Fabio was just priceless - it was the hugest surprise!

Speaking of wishes, I wish I had more time to knit these days. I did start a beanie for Craig last night though. I need uncomplicated and quick things to knits these days because if I attempt anything that involves a little thinking, I'll probably just destroy it. So before I attempt anything larger than a beanie, I shall try to get into the right frame of mind.

This is our lovely new rabbit, Dextina. We thought she was a Dexter when we first got her, but then found out he was a she, hence the name change.

Introducing Dextina:

Her humble home.

Aja is not completely thrilled about the new addition, but she's slowly getting used to the idea. She is keeping an eye on Dextina from afar.

Now it's time to get back to everyday life.... a little cleaning, a little property hunting and oh yes, we're off to see our nice tax accountant in approximately 15 minutes.

Who's birthday is it today?

2009-08-16T13:18:00.004+08:00

You guessed it. A lady never reveals her true age, so let's just say I'm 38 years of age shall we? Yes, that does sound nice but pity it's not true. Oh so what if I'm 40-something?? I'm not ashamed, I don't REALLY look my age and everyone tells me which is great. But do I feel 40-something? I do, oh yep I do. With old age it is required you also have physical aches and pains. But my physical pain does not come even close to the mental pain I feel these days. My father was told that he isn't a good candidate for chemotherapy for his bowel cancer. Heck, now what?

Tonight we will be at my parents place, and yum-yum, we'll be having Chinese food for dinner. My niece Rebecca and her fiance Fred will also be joining us for the occasion. This will be nice for dad. He LOVES sweet and sour pork and that will be the highlight of the night for him - and not my birthday cake!

Aja news: Aja's nose has completely healed and it's like it never happened. This is how we thought it would stay:

But weeks passed and it ended up nice, clean and clear:

As nasty as this may sound, I hope she also gave that other cat a good whooping that night, just to teach them BOTH a good lesson. Do animals learn from their mistakes? I like to think they do.

My sister Rita is still making gorgeous crochet shawl patterns.. go check out
her beautiful work. And of course you can still see her work on her blog.

Life, with it's ups and downs...

2009-08-08T14:47:00.003+08:00

Life is somewhat depressing for me at the moment. My father has bowel cancer and lung disease and it's hard for me to cope with this. I may sound and appear strong on the outside, but inside it's ripping me apart. I feel useless, helpless and angry that it's happening. Not much anybody can do about the lung disease, but he is seeing an Oncologist on Monday to talk about getting chemotherapy.

Apart from that, today we found one of our budgies not looking so great. She was on the cage floor just lying and there doing not much at all. We took her out of the cage and put her into a smaller one and she's in my room so I can keep an eye on her. She's got a nice hot water bottle in the cage and she's sleeping. Adorable, but sad at the same time. Birds are so fragile. We've had many birds throughout the years so we know what to expect and sometimes even when to expect it.

The day is wet and cold, with gloominess all around. I feel like crawling back into bed and hibernating for a hundred years – but no, I must soldier on.

There is a little happiness though, and it comes in the form of a new pet. It has long ears, big eyes and it's grey in colour… oh and it's so darn cute! Can you guess what she is? I'll post photos of the new addition to the family very soon.

And of course I can't leave without showing you some knitting. I'm making 'Hope' again, but this one is for home use – that's why I'm making it out of acrylic.
Let me just say, I'm only half a yarn snob. I'm not awfully fond of using acrylic but if I have it, I will use it. Let me also mention that from now on, I will NOT be starting anymore sweaters with acrylic. Hope no. 2 has been sitting in my knitting basket for over 2 months, so don't hold your breath for its completion anytime soon.

Just to make you drool… a yummy croissant with jam and ricotta cheese. Mmmmm

2009-08-08T12:08:00.001+08:00

Where does the time go?

2009-07-15T13:26:00.004+08:00

Honestly I ask you, where DOES it go? It doesn't seem like July to me, and feels more like the beginning of the year. So half a year has well and truly passed and still, I don't have a lot to show for it.

I've completed a couple of sweaters, a few beanies, a couple of cami's, a pair of booties and a valentine's heart. Wait a minute, that's a good amount of knitting.
So why does it feel like I've done nothing at all??

Here is Craig's newest beanie. If he knows I intend on using the photos for Ravelry, he will pull a face because that's his defense mechanism. Well sorry honey, we can still make out what you look like!

On a sadder note, I'd like to tell you about my father, Giovanni. My dear father has been through a lot in his life. He's always provided well for the family, always had many friends, and not to mention the most generous man I know.

He's undergone many operations such as a bypass, both his knees reconstructed, eye surgery and a hip reconstruction. I'm sure there are a few more, but I can't think straight right now. A little over a year ago he was diagnosed with Interstitial Fibrosis, 'asbestos fibrosis' might sound a little more familiar to you. He's always been a cabinet maker, always worked with wood and has never worked with anything asbestos related. This means he was either exposed to it in other ways, or the actual wood dust is the cause.

Coping with this has been very hard for mum and I, and also my sister Rita all the way in Italy. She does wish she was here to help but it's not possible for her at this time because of commitments. I'm the only one that attends to their needs and I've done so for years - it's nothing new and I have accepted this as my life.

Things like shopping, taking them to medical appointments etc. - I do it all and they are totally dependent on me. I've had to take him to the ED (emergency dept.) at the hospital several times this year and each time is a stab in the heart for me.

The last time I rushed him to the ED was last Wednesday because he was complaining about chest pains and he is still there today. The chest pains only lasted an hour or so after arriving to the hospital, but in the meantime he had a blood transfusion because he was very anemic and also found out this was caused by a tumour in his bowel on the right hand side, to be exact.

The good news: It is an isolated tumour which was thankfully found early.
The bad news: It is cancer.
The good news: His surgery has been scheduled for its removal next week.
The bad news: Because of his lung disease and because of his old age, its high risk surgery.
The good news: The good Lord up above has it under control - I believe this with all my heart.

My papa.

Micheal Jackson

2009-06-30T17:33:00.003+08:00

I've been a MJ fan off and on since he and I were youngsters and he will be sorely missed.

**RIP MJ**

One of my very favourite MJ songs which you'll have to listen to very loud to appreciate:

PYT

I just recently found out that he never made a video for this song. Shame.

Sick as a dog.

2009-06-29T14:55:00.004+08:00

I've been very sick these past few weeks on and off with the flu and I don't recall ever having it so bad. From a very swollen and watery eyes, to a stinging sore throat, to a fever, to aching bones, to a cold - I experienced a bit of everything. The worst was on Friday night/morning - I didn't sleep a wink because of a fever. I literally thought I was going to die and asked Craig to call a doctor for me. Not only did I have fever, but a very severe headache which left me unable to move. I finally asked Craig to grab me a couple of pain killers and as they started working I fell asleep and slept for several hours. I woke up very groggy and aching all over, but the fever was gone. I never want to go through that again. Today I'm still feeling a bit ill, but I'm coping fine.

Because of this I've not knitted very much. I have a few UFO's but they can wait a while longer.. I'm not going to pick them up just for the sake of it and make a mess of them, because I've done that before and wished I had never started the projects in the first place.

I'll hopefully have something to show you knitting-wise soon. Cross your fingers and toes for me!

Funny pictures time:

I saved a bird.

2009-06-25T15:08:00.003+08:00

I was driving my mother back from her optometrist appointment this morning and on the side of the road, there stood a lorikeet, very still. It was a busy road and I didn't want the poor little thing to get hurt. It's not normal to see that kind of bird just sitting on the side of the road doing nothing, so I did a u-turn and parked the car to investigate further. As I tried to grab it, it wobbled away and I could see it had an injured leg. So I went to the boot of the car to see what I could pick it up with - nothing. I had a few plastic bags and a small box so I scrunched up the bags, picked up the bird and with them and popped the fella in the box. Mum held on to it while I drove to the nearest vet. I hope the bird makes it - the poor darling.

I think it was young because when it bit me, it didn't hurt as much as I thought it would! It looked very much like this:

Yay for me, my good deed for the day.

Thursday

2009-06-18T16:10:00.004+08:00

I was going to share with you all that had happened these past few weeks, but decided against it at the last minute because I knew you wouldn't be interested in my gripes, tribulations, laments and trials.

I don't even have photos of the Gathered Pullover which I started weeks and weeks AND weeks ago. I had taken a nice bunch of them, but seemed to have lost them. I'll have to do a good search for those...

No Teddy sweater patterns either. I'm just not that good with organizing my time these days.

I did start another 'Hope' sweater last night just because I love the pattern, but mostly because I had some pink acrylic I wanted to use up. No photos of that either.

What I can show you is what Aja's nose looked like before she ripped out one of her stitches last week.

Yes, she literally ripped it out with her paw. I was in shock for what seemed like minutes on end. To cut a long story short, the wound is healing nicely now but still a bit early to tell how bad the scar is going to be.

She no longer has to wear the elizabethan collar.

By the way, if you scroll down and look on the left hand side, you'll see the 'My Readers Knits' flickr page. If you find yours there, and I failed to ask for your permission to use your photo... I apologize and you can message me to say that you prefer I delete it off the page. I'm planning to link all of those photos to your blog (or Ravelry page), it's just that I haven't had time!

Just another Monday

2009-06-01T11:21:00.007+08:00

For my new fans that haven't met our darling Siamese girl, Aja...
Aja's Blog

So, I was determined to get the linking to work for me, and I finally did it. Yay!
It was my fault, not the computer, not the browser and certainly not blogger.

What do I have to show you today? Not a whole lot. How would you like to see my collection of souvenir spoons, 2 forks and a knife? Is it a knife, maybe a butter knife of some sort?
My collection consists of spoons from all around the world and I adore them. I find them at second hand shops for a buck or two and I've found some very pretty ones indeed ( click on the photos to see it bigger! ).
You'll notice there is one spoon missing. Since taking that photo, I have found a few more and now I'll have to buy a new spoon rack!

My very favourites ( click on the photo to see them really big! )

I also have a small thimble collection which I adore as much as my spoon collection. Here's one of my cute little thimbles... ( go on, click on the photo to see it huge!! )

The problem with life is...

2009-05-30T16:07:00.005+08:00

I've had a shocking week. Firstly let me ask, if your pet cannot enjoy her/himself in your own backyard, then where oh where can they enjoy themselves?

Aja was attacked by another scoundrel of a cat in our backyard on Tuesday night.
She had a bit of her nose ripped apart and I didn't take photos because it was too gruesome. To cut a long story short.... when Craig came home from work we quickly took her to the vet and thankfully it was easy enough to find one open after 7pm. We left her there overnight for surgery and we got her home on Wednesday afternoon. The vet did a very good job at stitching her up and was told she'd have minimum scarring.

She usually goes outside during the night but only until it's bed time for all of us and doesn't go outside until the next morning. She hasn't gone outside during the night at all since she came back from the vet - obviously still in shock from the ordeal.

She has an elizabethan collar on until next Saturday and is on antibiotics and needs eye drops every 4 hours because that bully of a cat did get her a little in the eyes also, but thankfully it wasn't that bad.

I'd love to do some serious damage to THAT CAT, and I probably would if I wasn't an animal lover.

Onto a happier note...

I want to thank my three Teddy Sweater testers, Anne, Marie and Treacy. You all did such a lovely job and unless you've already done so, please feel free to show them on your blog, ravelry etc. Great job, ladies!

Anne's Sweaters:

Visit her blog:
http://kraftyanne.blogspot.com/
Visit her Ravelry page:
http://www.ravelry.com/people/KraftyAnne

Marie's Sweaters:

Visit her blog:
http://hebras-y-madejas.blogspot.com/
Visit her Ravelry page:
http://www.ravelry.com/people/lazada

Treacy's Sweaters:

Visit her Ravelry page:
http://www.ravelry.com/people/tartsstuff

See how Treacy's last photos shows a 'nearly' finished Teddy Bear? She knits them and they are simply adorable - she does such an excellent job! Then when she's done, she passes them onto her mother and she embroiders such beautiful little flowers all over them!! You can also see her Teddy work on her Ravelry page.

Now as for the Teddy Sweater patterns, I shall have them ready and free for the taking in under a week, I promise (well, at least I will try my best).

And last of all, have you been to my sister's blog lately? She has such lovely knitted and crochet patterns for sale, and some free:
http://ladyr1.blogspot.com/
Rita also has her very own Ravelry page too:
http://www.ravelry.com/people/missrita

Love's ya... Big Sis!

C is for Cold!

2009-05-26T10:56:00.006+08:00

It's now well and truly winter here and I'm absolutely freezing, especially my feet. They get the coldest the quickest and not only that, they get so cold they start aching too. I suspect it's not normal to feel pain from the cold.

No matter, I have my lovely cup of tea and cookies to make me feel better.

About a week ago I was at my parents house and spotted a couple of cute creatures...
What are they? I just know them as cute little lizards. Can anybody name these? I have no clue if you can also find them outside of Australia and I find it hard to believe that you can't. Anybody? Anyway, I like to think they are in love. 'Lizard Love' is what I'll name this photo. :)

I'm excited, as I always am just before Yarn Magazine is out.
My 'Soft Embrace' for your enjoyment...

And here is 'was' just before sending it off to Yarn Mag:

UFO in progress. Can you guess what it is? Not that hard to guess, is it?

Purple mohair is very hard to photograph!

Love food? Hate waste?

2009-05-17T11:48:00.004+08:00

Then I have something for you! Go check out this site:
www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipes

Sorry for making you go manually, but I still can't link for some odd reason.

I'm not usually fascinated by bugs, but this caught my eye. I found it quite astonishing that it did not fly, skip, walk or crawl away from me when I got really close to look at it.

I placed a used teabag and a cats tail next to it so you could see it's size.... then I got closer and closer, then knocked it over with one of my fingers.
It was dead. Later on Craig told me that Aja, our darling siamese cat, pulled it's legs off, ate them and that's why it was standing so still. Creepy stuff!?!