stitch-n-knit

Time for change.....

2006-02-27T15:55:00.000-05:00

So I've decided to give blogging a break and just post my finished creations on Flickr. The main reasons being time and enthusiasm. I hope you'll check it out from time to time. Don't worry, I'll still be checking in on you all!

2006-02-01T10:54:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the Rowan Kidsilk Haze scarf. Seeing I only used 2 balls it worked out a lot shorter than the one in the picture so I decided not to put any chiffon through it, instead I sewed some seed beads along the edges. It's incredibly soft and warm and would definately use that yarn again.

What season is it anyway?

2006-01-30T15:14:00.000-05:00

The weather this month has been shall we say undecided. One day it's like spring the next winter. Last weekend the boys were able to play outside without coats and this weekend we were out sledding. Anyway, I'm not complaining it's good to be able to get them outside so often and burn off their energy!

I managed to get my hat finished for the second time. I did a different pattern this time and it fits, hurray! Now I just need some cold weather to wear it.

2006-01-25T09:42:00.000-05:00

This was made very quickly before Christmas in time for me to take away to the UK. I was very thrifty in the fact that it didn't cost me anything apart from the
pattern Vogue 7979 and buttons! I used astrakhan fabric inherited from my Grandmother, so who knows how old it is! Also I decided I wanted a jazzy lining so used some silk of her's as well! So it is safe to say this coat is an antique already.
The scarf was made using Amy Butler's flannel fabric I had in my stash.
More views....

Start again!

2006-01-23T19:08:00.000-05:00

Eager to use my recently purchased Debbie Bliss yarn, I started on knitting myself a hat. Last winter I successfully knitted 2 hats following a simple pattern from a library book. I liked the pattern because it didn't involve double pointed needles which scare the life out of me!
Anyway, did I bother to get the pattern from the library? heck no, I could do this without a pattern.
So there was my big mistake, it did look nice when I'd finished but unfortunately wouldn't fit my big head.
So it's now being unravelled and I've just visited the library to get the pattern book!

Kitchen blind

2006-01-18T11:35:00.000-05:00

I couldn't wait to use some of the fabric I bought back from the UK so decided to use one piece for a blind in the kitchen. Very quick and easy design. The rod was already in place and I managed to line it using fabric from my stash and re-use some cord. So in the end a cheap and easy project!

First Post of the Year!

2006-01-17T15:15:00.000-05:00

Well we survived 3 weeks back in the UK very easily. The kids loved every minute and Christmas felt more special being there with the family. Unfortunately, the food proved way too tempting and my clothes are feeling a bit snug as a result!

Here's a great picture of myself, sister-in-law and two neices knitting. They have recently caught the knitting bug. I was very impressed how quickly they've picked it up and are starting to venture on other projects besides scarves.

Knitting is very popular in the UK now and the knitting departments are very busy. The selection is not as vast as here but I did pick up some Debbie Bliss yarn after admiring a bag my neice is knitting in it, it's Alpaca Silk, and is incredibly soft.

I only managed to get a quick glimpse at the material department but did pick up these two pieces in the remnant basket.

Now back to the everyday routine of life!

Happy Christmas!

2005-12-18T17:17:00.000-05:00

Well, our bags are packed and we'll soon be jetting off to the UK! I'll be gone till next year so they'll be no action here!!
I haven't had time to comment on your blogs, but congrats to Jo and her new blog, and a Froehliche Weihnachten to Kimberly in Germany!
Have a great New Year!

2005-12-15T12:26:00.000-05:00

I'm having a bad camera day!
No matter how many times I've tried I cannot get a good shot of this crystal necklace and earrings. The camera can't seem to focus on it. So you'll have to use your imagination here!
It was a huge pain to make as I used floating wire which is really hard to see when you're trying to thread it through the beads. You have to use crimp beads to secure it to the closure which was REALLY fiddly. I think the necklace will probably fall apart the first time I wear it!

2005-12-01T15:42:00.001-05:00

I really have become a lazy blogger!
I still spend time everyday perusing everyone else's and love what they have to say but find it hard to sit down and come up with something interesting. I admire how people manage to make their everyday lives sound so interesting to others even though I'm sure they've got all the same problems as we do but it's still nice to imagine they don't!

Anyway, even though I'm not posting everyday, I am quietly crafting away here and thought I'd show you what I'm working on.

I fell in love with the softness of this Rowan Kidsilk haze in Liqueur. I've borrowed 'Alterknits' from our Library and loved this great tube scarf pattern which I just had to knit. I'm only using 2 balls instead of 3 for this as it is an expensive yarn. It's knitting up quite quickly and once you've finished you insert a length of silk/chiffon inside it so that it just shows either end. I plan to get it finished for Christmas. Speaking of which, we will be heading back to England to spend it with the family which will be the first time in 8 years.

My youngest turned 5 last week. We had a small party at home for him with our closest friends. I'd warned the boys not to play in my sewing room with their friends. William took this very seriously and made a sign to post on the door! Needless to say no child dared to venture in the "dangerous room".

And here is that room, I thought I'd show you the chaos I work in. Once upon a time it was a nice tidy room with fabric neatly folded and arranged. That didn't last long though, it may look messy but I know where everything is and I'm grateful I don't have to tidy it away out of sight. I've yet to sort the pegboard out. I intend to store my threads on it but haven't sorted out how I might do that.

This jacket I've been working on for a while. All I have to do is decide on a button and finish off loose ends but it's been sat here for a couple of weeks now! It will be done before Christmas!
Once it's finished I'll take another photo of it on. The material is gorgeous, it's a turquoise velvet from an Aunt (another ancient piece of fabric) and I've lined it with some Liberty fabric from my stash.

Well that's all for now folks.

2005-11-20T11:46:00.000-05:00

First let me say congratulations to Joanna over at Crafty Sisters. She's just announced they're expecting a baby, I'm so pleased for them and hope she feels better soon!

Anyway, here's a blouse I made last week. I didn't use a pattern on this one, I modelled it on an old blouse of my Grandmother's! I love the wrap around style, it hides the belly very nicely!

I'm also modelling a necklace and earrings I finished recently. I attended a lesson on wirework beading not long ago so was keen to have a go. It's a bit fiddly to do but really looks good. I love all the necklaces over at Superhero Designs and have started on one with crystal beads using their technique. Hopefully it will be finished for Christmas.

2005-11-08T09:14:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm getting really fed up here. Something is not working, either my computer or blogger! I'm not having luck posting, I hope this works. This is about the tenth try!

Here's the finished Big Wool cardy.
Can you guess which one is me??

Give up?

2005-11-08T09:07:00.000-05:00

2005-11-01T13:59:00.000-05:00

So at last I have something to show!
I've been cutting back on the time I spend blogging as it was getting rather like an addiction! I love to look at what everyone else has been making but I found I was spending too much time looking! Also I'm not the worlds greatest computer expert so trying to do lots of posting on my blog was taking far too long.
So I'm now just going to do them when I have something to show you....

Speaking of which, here's another bag I made.

I copied a pattern from this Japanese book I have and adapted the middle seam to include some Amy Butler Cozy fabric. The brown material was from the curtain material section and I lined it in a lightweight ducking.

Life is back to normal.....

2005-10-20T14:14:00.000-04:00

I'm now guest free. Mum returned this Tuesday and Hubby returned home yesterday. Hurrah, I've got the camera back!!

On the creative front, the other evening I made this cell-phone case using scraps of linen and more of the Kaffe Fasset fabric. The strap has a popper on so I can wrap it round my bags handles. I'm really getting into the embroidery and I have the sore to prove it on my finger, maybe that's why people wear thimbles! I want to make a matching bag to go with it, just deciding what style to make.

On the knitting front. I eagerly announced I'd finished knitting the Big Wool cardigan I'd been working on. I was so pleased, it was an easy wool to work with and knitted up very quickly.
On inspection by Mum it was discovered that instead of binding off I'd decreased stitches on all the shaping, so I'm going to have redo those sections.
My enthusiasm disappeared and I've yet to make a start on it.
Maybe I should have stuck with knitting scarves!

2005-10-14T09:45:00.000-04:00

Tuesday I decided to make this little bag for my Mother-in-Law. It was a mad rush as Hubby was flying out the next day to visit her. I had no idea what design to make initially and I kept saying to myself I must be mad making this at such a late hour but in the end it turned out ok. I used some of my Kaffe Fassett material and linen. I'm sure she'll like it, I put in some lavender hand creme for her to use.

So with hubby back in the UK for a week I have no digital camera!! I managed to take this photo the morning of his flight. Then we spent most of the day at Boston airport where there's been major problems with the radar and rain so the flights kept getting delayed.

Speaking of rain, I think we're on our 8th day of rain here, it's miserable. I don't think it even rains this long in England.

I'm currently finishing a skirt for my Mum and then I will be making a lining for a jacket she knitted. She sure is keeping me busy!

2005-10-07T21:11:00.000-04:00

Back in the summer I managed to see the fabulous
Quilts of Gees Bend exhibition at the Boston MFA.
I've never really been interested in quilting but the way these quilts were made really captured my interested. I've since had a go at using some of the Kaffe Fasset fabric I'd ordered and used strips to make a table placemat. Also I gained inspiration from this Japanese website Ripple for making drink-coasters. They're backed with a linen square and I used a slightly padded interlining.

2005-10-04T21:23:00.000-04:00

Here's a selection of fabric Mum bought over with her. Gratefully accepted by me, of course!

Some cotton from Liberty's. This will make some great summer outfits next year.

More Liberty, wool/cotton mix, this time more suitable for winter.

These two have a slight sheen to them. There's quite a lot of the one with swirls on, not sure what I'd make with it.

See...

2005-09-30T22:08:00.000-04:00

I haven't been sat around doing nothing whilst my Mum is here...
this is her new knitting bag costing $2.70!!! Needless to say she is one happy customer.

Mum is a natural at adopting a suitable 'blog' pose here.

Apologies for out of focus shot showing pockets inside.

Look what I knitted last night.....

2005-09-29T15:54:00.000-04:00

ONLY KIDDING!!
This is well beyond my ability. My Mum knitted this and brought it over with her for me to sew a lining for it, that's why she hasn't sewn it together yet.
It's called 'Jazz' from this book called Shore Lines.

This is the Rowan Big Wool she brought for me. I'm going to attempt to make the pattern 'Gwen', wish me luck!

If all goes well, this will be me sometime soon wearing my 'Gwen'.
Will have to practice my model pose!

2005-09-28T16:44:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been a busy week of no blogging really! My Mum arrived safely loaded with a stack of old or should I say vintage material and aprons. Also some Rowan yarn which I will get round to posting more on soon hopefully.
William celebrated his 7th Birthday at the weekend and I managed to finish a shirt I started a while ago. This week I've started knitting a bag to felt and made Mum a knitting bag (will take photo soon!). She keeps saying she could do with a needle case, I've been trying to ignore those comments as I'm finding it hard not to blurt out "wait till your Birthday" (snigger, snigger). At least I know she is going to be pleased with it!

Shirt using New Look No. 6407. The tie on the sleeve was way too tight so I had to alter the pattern slightly by taking out some pleating. Also the collar lapels turned out way bigger than the picture on the front. It's hard to see from this photo but I used some really great buttons that used to belong to my Grandmother.

My effort at trying to make William a Pokemon card using scraps and embroidery. Sorry photo is out of focus!

William's chocolate Birthday cake with English candy on top.

I'm getting hungry....yummy

I've been tagged...

2005-09-28T14:11:00.000-04:00

So I think I'm the last one to answer Kimberly's (The Giving Flower) tag mail! I have been extremely lazy on this trying to remember what I was doing yesterday is hard enough!
Anyway, here goes...

TEN YEARS AGO: Married for 3 years and living in South West England. I was working (outside the home!) for a Housing Association which in the U.K. provides social housing for those who can't afford their own home. I loved the job it was great seeing a family move into a home that we'd been responsible for building.
We had great vacations, skiing in Canada, trip to Paris, mountain biking in the hills. Life was very different but good.

FIVE YEARS AGO: We'd been in the U.S. for nearly 3 years. My eldest son was 2 and I was pregnant with Christopher. That May we'd vacationed on St John's Island in the US Virgin Island, that was heaven! Life was busy with playgroups etc.

ONE YEAR AGO:This is bad, I can't remember what we did last year!! Err, um, oh yep, we all went back to the UK in March to visit family, several camping trips in New England.

FIVE SNACKS: Proper English Cadbury's chocolate (not that Hershey's stuff!!) In fact just give me any UK chocolate and I'd scoff the lot!
Indian pakora's (I could eat a plate full of those)and samosa's
Anything with marzipan in.

FIVE SONGS I KNOW ALL THE WORDS TO: This is going to show my age and what a sad person I am....Bat Out of Hell, Meatloaf; Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin; Dancing Queen, Abba (always a good party song!), Sultans of Swing, Dire Straits, Bohemian rhapsody, Queen. A more recent one would be Keane, Hopes and Fears album, I've listened to that so many times I'm sure I could sing along. I know that's more than 5 but I'm starting to reminisce here!

FIVE THINGS I WOULD DO WITH $100 MILLION: Yikes, that's a tough one, hard to imagine. Definately pay off house, maybe buy a holiday home, near beach or mountains and definately one in the UK. College fees would be sorted. Pay for relatives to come over often, buy them new cars, pay for their kid's college fees, pay off their mortgages too. Definately donate a huge chunk to charities all over the world. Especially with what's been happening recently it would be great to be able to help people more when natural disasters strike. Oh and try not to let it change me in any way!

FIVE PLACES TO RUN AWAY TO: Definately love to go back to St John's and relax at the beach with the crystal blue sea, blue sky, palm trees, white sand, peace and quiet. That's the only place I can think of at the moment, I have a 4 year old singing and dancing at my feet! Ok so anywhere at this moment would be great.

FIVE THINGS I WOULD NEVER WEAR: bikini, those days are gone! knitted swimwear!
Tattoo's, body piercings.
Stilhettos, those days are gone too.

FIVE FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Desperate Housewives, Boston Legal, So You Think You can Dance?

FIVE BIGGEST JOYS: Kids, husband, having alone time, seeing my neices, eating chocolate cake.

FAVORITE TOYS: Definately sewing machine, sergers, knitting needles and new Dymo labeller.

PEOPLE TO PASS THIS ON TO: Will have to fill this one later :(

Self Portrait Tuesday

2005-09-20T08:56:00.000-04:00

Ok, I managed to post my photo, but now I have to start getting ready for my Mum's arrival. We'll be heading off to the airport later today to pick her up. No, I'm not ready at all! Hence, I might not be around here for a few days but keep a watch Mum has a suitcase full of materials/wool etc for me, can't wait!

It's finished!

2005-09-19T15:35:00.000-04:00

Hurray, I finished the "Spider" skinny scarf. I didn't bother undoing the mistake and to be honest it doesn't show. The really fun bit was trying to take a photo of it. First photo is taken by me holding my arm up in the air and then William came to the rescue with a full shot which shows the length. I'm also wearing a top I made this summer using some Liberty material I bought from a trip back to the UK. The pattern was a New Look one No. 6325.

"Spider" Scarf - Take Two

2005-09-13T10:45:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I undid the mess I'd made and tried smaller needles this time. I think it came out a lot better apart from losing 2 stitches early on. So the beginning of the scarf is narrower, will this matter, will people notice? These questions are nagging me, it's only a scarf I say. I'll decide tonight when I sit down in front of the TV and pick up the needles!

(Note bottom right hand corner, the sudden width increase!)

Self Portrait Tuesday

2005-09-13T10:34:00.000-04:00

I remembered this week the body part theme! Hands sure are popular to photograph!

Zippered Pouch

2005-09-12T15:08:00.000-04:00

So to match Mum's new knitting needle roll I just had to make her a zippered pouch, right? I'm definately on a roll at the moment. I'm currently working on a 'pokemon' fabric card for William's upcoming Birthday. I can't post a photo of it till nearer the date as he might see it!

Also, last night I started knitting a scarf and I'm trying (note the word trying) to be clever and working a lace pattern called 'spider's web'. It's an 8 row pattern and I have trouble remembering which row I'm on, so it doesn't quite look like it's supposed to but who'll know.

Mmmn, I think I might start on it again. This photo makes me realise I've definately gone wrong somewhere!

2005-09-10T09:58:00.000-04:00

I managed to go to a bead exhibition being held locally yesterday. It was overwhelming, so many types of beads and no idea what to buy! I nearly came away with nothing but found a table with 50% off so I endulged!

Last night I made this card for my Mum using leftover Amy Butler scraps. It will be her Birthday whilst she's staying with us.

Completed Knitting Needle Roll

2005-09-09T08:36:00.000-04:00

Yay! I started and finished Mum's knitting needle roll yesterday.
I even tried doing some hand embroidery embellishments after being inspired by all the clever folks at wee wonderfuls,soulemama,little birds,angry chicken.

Closer view of embroidery

Front pockets will hold circular needles.

2005-09-07T17:39:00.000-04:00

More painting today. The spare room is now a nice shade of lilac.

I did manage to wash my recent fabric purchases, now to get on with the sewing!

Self Portrait Tuesday

2005-09-06T11:51:00.000-04:00

So, I read after I'd posted my picture that this month's theme is 'body parts'. Oh well, I'll try harder next week!

2005-09-05T09:54:00.000-04:00

Not much crafting going on here at the moment, I'm busy painting our spare room for when my Mum comes to stay in a couple of weeks time. As soon as I've got that done I plan to make a start on a knitting needle case for her with some Kaffe Fassett/Amy Butler fabrics I've just received in the mail.
The boys helped(?) their Dad construct his shed this weekend. It'll be great to have somewhere to shove all our stuff!

Anyway, we went to a friends cook-out yesterday and I wore this skirt I made at the beginning of the summer. Apologies for the creases and overstuffed belly!

**UPDATE** Skirt details - Thanks JoJo for your comments. I didn't use a pattern for this one (yikes!). Basically, I cut a front and back, put a zipper in one side and then made pin-tucks on the front and pleated the back. I finished off the hem and waistband with some black binding tape.

Selection of Kaffe Fasset and one Amy Butler fabric.

"Honest Dad, we are helping..."

Knitting Needle Case

2005-09-02T12:49:00.000-04:00

I made this for a friend for her Birthday. She started knitting this year, like me, and was really pleased with it. I really could do with making one for myself though!

Case folded and secured with a button.

Sniff....

2005-09-01T16:02:00.000-04:00

Early this morning William and Christopher excitedly got up, got themselves dressed, ate all their breakfast and rushed off skipping to the bus stop. This all happened way too quickly for me and before I knew it two little smiling faces were on that big yellow bus waving and disappearing off to school. They are growing up way too quickly!

Amy Butler

2005-08-31T14:11:00.000-04:00

Another bag, this time for myself. It did well on our vacation holding all our essentials!

.......

Completely made this one up! Surprised it even fits, I admit it's not perfect but ok for first attempt. The shrug I knitted earlier fits well with it.

Self Portrait Tuesday

2005-08-30T12:16:00.000-04:00

Nearly forgot about self portrait Tuesday. Frantic morning spent at the boy's school, meeting their new teachers and dropping off supplies. Exciting for them though, I feel exhausted! Anyway, this is a photo taken the other night. It was a long exposure and I love the way the candles look.

Time for weeding...

2005-08-29T11:53:00.000-04:00

I've been putting it off for a few weeks now with excuses of it being too hot! Finally tackled it this weekend whilst Brendan got on with the shed he's building. It's amazing to see how the plants have grown over the summer.

This is the garden in June with Christopher complete with Batman and knights cape!

Same view this past weekend, note still weeds to pull up!

Beautiful flowering hibiscus.

A joyful William enjoying the last days of summer!

Movie Night!

2005-08-25T08:58:00.000-04:00

A great summer evening watching a movie outside! Our gazebo makes a great screen to project on. The boys loved watching My Neighbor Totoro. Desptite the mosquitoes it was a great night!

Self Portrait Tuesday

2005-08-23T09:18:00.000-04:00

This is my first go at the popular self portrait Tuesday, created by Kath at red current.

Happy 13th Anniversary Hubby!

2005-08-22T16:52:00.000-04:00

Today is our 13th Anniversary and we're celebrating by eating lots! Brendan made some delicious scones and of course we had to have traditional English clotted cream to go with them! yummy!

William was so excited to give us these paper-chain figures he made of us for our Anniversary. Behind is an amusing card from my Mum.

Linen skirt

2005-08-22T16:46:00.000-04:00

Tried to be creative on this one by doing a bit of embroidery on the pocket.

Somehow I don't think I'll ever be as good as my Grandmother. This is some embroidery she did, probably in the '60's. It was a cover for a chair and I've used it to hide our air-conditioner.

Countdown to vacation!

2005-08-04T12:51:00.000-04:00

With only 2 days to go the boys are getting very excited. We're heading off to California and we can't wait!
So I quickly whipped up money wallets and matching messenger bags for the boys. They're very pleased with them!

2005-08-04T11:37:00.000-04:00

This is my version of Amy Butlers 'nappy bag' using two colors of the daisy willow fabric. I also made a matching zippered pouch for storing essentials in whilst we're on our vacation.

Yo ho ho and it's a hard life!

2005-07-29T14:23:00.000-04:00

William had a great time this week at a friend's pirate party and last night we went to see Charlie & the Chocolate Factory at Mendon drive-in.
As you can see both boys were wiped out on the way home!

Amy who?

2005-07-29T09:20:00.000-04:00

That was Brendan's question the other day when I started raving about fabulous materials designed by Amy Butler. To anyone who isn't into fabrics her name doesn't mean anything but I've just discovered her through reading other people's blogs such as SoulMama and now I'm hooked. I was so pleased to discover a local store stocked her material. Then the bad news, this week the store is closing. I managed to buy out their entire fat quarter supply which was all they had left, all the fabric bolts had been sold. So I'm going to be making lots of bags!
I've already made one which is going to be mailed over to England for my Sister-in-Law who's Birthday was last week and I forgot (as usual, sorry)! I've made it reversible so hopefully she'll like it.

2005-07-26T12:48:00.000-04:00

We've just spent a great weekend camping in Maine with some friends. Very relaxing and wonderful weather. We did some hiking and spent Sunday at a beach. The kids had a blast with their friends.

Beach skirt

2005-07-19T12:25:00.000-04:00

One recyled old towel and some left over trim and I'm ready for the beach!

Yea, tooth no. 2!

2005-07-19T12:22:00.000-04:00

Today William's 2nd tooth came out. He's very pleased and can't wait till tonight when the tooth fairy comes and he gets a dollar!

Our new friend!

2005-07-19T12:14:00.000-04:00

We have a new friend on our deck. He's a wren who appeared at the weekend and has decided to move into the boys bird boxes on the gazebo. Yes, he's building nests in both boxes and is constantly filling them with twigs. It's very entertaining to watch him and he is very tuneful, especially at 5 am!

Rummaging!

2005-07-19T12:04:00.000-04:00

William has been asking to see the toys my Mum knitted for me over 30 years ago! So eventually this morning I hunted them out, I knew they were stuffed in a bag somewhere. Thankfully it didn't take too long to find them. They are rather dusty and will need new filling. Also with them was my old teddy bear and panda, looking rather sad. William has a panda too which is his most treasured soft toy, so we took a photo of him holding both pandas. Christopher is holding my teddy bear. Also in the box were some old embroidered pictures. Not sure of their history, they were from my Grandmother's house.

Daisies from our yard using colored pencils

2005-07-15T16:13:00.000-04:00

William and I attempted a still life of these daisies. William took about 5 minutes to finish his, Mum took all day!! Haven't done any drawing for ages so was a bit rusty!

Totoro

2005-07-15T16:03:00.000-04:00

Both William and Christopher love watching movies by Hayao Miyazaki, particularly My Neighbor Totoro
Here I attempted to make Totoro, this is my first effort at a soft toy and it didn't turn out too bad. William is very pleased with it.

2005-07-15T16:02:00.000-04:00

I made these birds using left over material. The top one is some Amy Butler fabric, next 'strawberry thief' by Liberty, vintage thrift store find and bottom another Liberty print.

Cooling Off!

2005-07-15T15:38:00.000-04:00

There's only one way to stay cool - get wet!

Easy Shrug

2005-07-12T13:06:00.000-04:00

After going totally wrong on trying to knit a bolero from Vogue's Knitting magazine, I decided to find something simpler and this was very simple. Just knit one straight scarf and then sew a few inches for armholes and voila a shrug! Easy.
Thanks to William for taking these photo's.

Sewing, baking and being Lazy!

2005-07-11T11:23:00.000-04:00

So I can't believe it's been so long since I last added anything! Time has flown by, the boys finished school, we've been camping, a week of summer camp and lots of being lazy!
I have been sewing a lot though. When I get round to taking some photo's I'll post them. I've also reorganised my sewing corner and it's now nice and tidy, but not for long I'm sure!
This weekend was hot again so lots of eating outside. We love to make curry's and Saturday night I made a hot chicken curry (from Nigella Lawson's Feast book). Brendan volunteered (or was he forced!) to make Naan breads. It's something he enjoys to make, as he reminds us often, his Grandfather was a baker and so he's the best person to make the breads?! Anyway, he does them on the grill and they taste delicious!

2005-07-11T11:21:00.001-04:00

IMG_3815
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

2005-07-11T11:21:00.000-04:00

IMG_3813
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

Daddy's coming Home!

2005-06-17T15:44:00.000-04:00

Daddy's coming Home!
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

The boys are very excited today. Daddy is coming home after being in France all week. William painted a picture for him and Mummy baked a cake (for all of us, yum!)

Foxgloves

2005-06-17T15:43:00.000-04:00

Foxgloves
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

These foxgloves I'd planted last year have now started flowering. They're a bi-annual plant so this will probably be the one time they flower. Hopefully they might self seed. I do love them!

Wednesday's Skirt

2005-06-08T20:41:00.000-04:00

IMG_3515
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

Finally got round to using this material I purchased last summer. The weather is so hot here at the moment and this is so cool being a linen.
More skirts to come, a girl can never have too many!

And so to knitting......

2005-06-08T20:39:00.000-04:00

IMG_3517
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

I started knitting last Fall after many, many years. Hence, everyone I know received scarves this Christmas! I've since completed a cardigan, which I'm not sure about and this wrap. It's from a Vogue knitting magazine. I couldn't get the exact yarn so used Sirdar Duet. I've just started knitting a cotton summer top. I'm not very good at following patterns though, so I'm making it up as I go along. Sounds dangerous!

First necklace!

2005-06-08T20:30:00.000-04:00

IMG_3509
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

This is a necklace I made a few months ago. I have a Mother who is a fabulous 'beader' and I have never shown any interest, until now.... Needless to say my Mum was most surprised/impressed with my effort!

William's cool necklace!!

2005-06-08T20:28:00.000-04:00

IMG_3502
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

Had a go with some hemp today. First attempt not bad and William was very pleased with it!

2005-06-08T20:27:00.000-04:00

IMG_3507
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

Inside bag.

2005-06-08T20:26:00.000-04:00

IMG_3506
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

This is a fun bag using left over material from a knitting needle case I made for a friend.

2005-06-08T20:24:00.000-04:00

IMG_3505
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

This is the inside of the main compartment. I had some lining material left from another project. It is slightly padded which gives the bag some body.

More detail...

2005-06-08T20:23:00.000-04:00

IMG_3504
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

After receiving a comment from Steff for more detail on this bag, I've tried to show the lining and pockets. This pocket was in the strap. I got the idea for this bag after searching the internet and managed to find the exact silk material from my local store.

Still learning...

2005-06-08T20:12:00.000-04:00

So, I'm still trying to work this blogging stuff out!! It's been a week since I last posted, Summer has now arrived in New England with a vengence. We've been trying to keep cool in the backyard with the sprinkler and have now got the a/c units in! Phew, it sure gets hot here! A bit different to the English climate. Christopher my youngest son finishes pre-school tomorrow, he will be going to William's school in September. Time flies by.

Anyway, I managed to get my husband to take some photo's of me in projects I've finished. It's so much easier when someone can take the photo of you rather than using the self-timer.

2005-06-01T15:54:00.000-04:00

IMG_3489
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

I made this for a trip back to London to visit my Mum. It was so useful as I'd put a pocket in the strap which my passport fitted into perfectly!

2005-06-01T15:06:00.000-04:00

stitchnknit.

Found an old pair of earrings the other day with these great oriental coins on. I was never going to wear the earrings again so decided to string them with some beads I had.

Inside bag

2005-06-01T14:13:00.001-04:00

Inside bag
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

New bag

2005-06-01T14:13:00.000-04:00

New bag
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

Made from some 'retro' fabric sold at the local fabric store.

Pink Skirt

2005-06-01T14:08:00.000-04:00

Pink Skirt
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

I decided to liven this skirt I made last summer with some decorative stitching down the front panel.

Vintage Skirt

2005-06-01T11:05:00.000-04:00

IMG_3457
Originally uploaded by stitchnknit.

This was made from some vintage fabric from a local thrift store. Inspiration for the pocket came from the very clever super eggplant Thanks!

2005-05-28T11:40:00.000-04:00

Another happy customer!

The Sun is here!

2005-05-28T11:30:00.000-04:00

At last, the sky is blue and the sun is out. The boys love their shorts and now have the weather to wear them.

2005-05-28T10:43:00.001-04:00

Batman Boy!

2005-05-28T10:43:00.000-04:00

I love them Mum!

2005-05-28T10:39:00.000-04:00

New Pants!

Christopher's New Pants

2005-05-27T14:38:00.000-04:00

The weather in New England has been great for the ducks! It's rained all week and every weekend. Anyway, I've started making shorts for the boys in the hope that brighter weather will soon arrive.