Morning everyone... A blustery old day out there. Sunny at the mo, but boy we have had a lot of rain through the night.
Just looking at the floor, it really needs doing the young furry one loves ripping paper etc, our fault we shouldn't give it to her, but such cheap entertainment lol... ill let my back get into a nice spot first then do it.

I started a top down dress a couple of days ago. Slow going compared to crochet lol. But the wool Im using is looking soo pretty.Its variegated Ill put a pic up when done.
The squares for my friends blanket are coming along. Ill probably have to make it a queen size but I have plenty of time.

Was looking at Deramores yesterday, I need to get green and red for Christmas toys. But I really couldn't find what I wanted. I think Ill have to go to spotlight. Their thoroughbred brand has the right colours and its firm wool (not particularly nice to knit) but it means the toys are more stable for standing.

I don't think Ive ever knitted 2 ply Kiwimade. 3ply is the smallest I think. What size needles are you using? I assume it will be larger than normal so that it makes the lace nice and soft?

Well stay warm and out of the wind unless you have to.. Have a good day

popeye333 - 2014-06-28 09:30:00

3.75 mm popeye, the pattern says 3.50 but I don't have that size (means a trip to the Sallys on Monday :P ) so 3.75 will do the trick. Just been into town to fill a gas bottle up and bought the Furry One a soft toy to 'play' with, his tail hasn't stopped wagging.

Right-o, time to knit :)

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2014-06-28 11:32:00

Well see if better luck this time in writing on here - wrote a longish one this am but when went to post it it just disappeared aaargh!

Two ply is so thin to knit will look forward to seeing your scarf Kiwimade. Was in skeinz yesterday and they had some lovely lace wool so soft and light almost tempted me but have enough on the go at the moment.

Have started a blanket to use up left over wool but am experimenting to see it I can make it without any sewing up, but quicker than a 10 stitch, so far it is quicker but not sure how it will look in the end.
Have made 2 pairs of slippers this week awaiting felting and started some for my nephew but he has enormous feet and I'm using 9mm needles which seem like tree truncks to knit with so only do a few rows at a time - they are long enough rows!
I also have a 10stitch on the go.

Had the plasterer in yesterday to start skimmng the lounge and dining room walls he came back this am but the walls weren't dry enough for the next layer so it will take a bit longer than anticipated.

Have a happy knitting/crochet evening all

jayemtoo - 2014-06-28 20:15:00

morning ladies :) What a stunning morning, we have a frost but looks like it will be a beautiful day.

I suspect this scarf is going to be a looonngg ongoing project with a few things done in between jayemtoo. But I like a challenge so will stick at it.

Almost almost there with my dragon picture, I can only stitch weekends now as by the time I get home from 'work' it is too late in the day.

Hope everyone I wrapped up warm and is well.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2014-06-29 08:09:00

morning all suns shining here too. on to sleeve now very slow when low

carolev - 2014-06-29 08:21:00

morning ladies, cold here this morning but the sun is shining and it looks like being another fabulous day in paradise.

jayemtoo - I find my messages disappearing or halving themselves with regular monotony. I haven't yet figured out why it happens or how to retrieve the text, but I think it's something on the left hand bottom of the keyboard and it seems you don't even need to touch it, just hover near it and "zap" and it's gone. Very frustrating.

I finally managed to get one of my bigger sewing projects finished yesterday. It's a big quilt which I made out of padded squares, they are about 50cm square, I joined them together, top stitched the seams open and then hemmed it. It's done and has freed up a lot of space in my sewing room. Now I can see all the other jobs that need doing, and I can put the quilt on the bed in the spare room (once I've cleared all the clutter off the bed and found homes for it).

Didn't get any knitting done last night as a friend gave me a video call through fb last night and then in the middle of it I had a phone call too - I said to my friend "whoever is calling me, nobody ever phones me in the evening" so my apologies to my caller for not recognising you straight away - you know who you are. Actually that's not true, 'cos my sister phones at least once a week, but normally during the week, not weekends.

Right, kuaka, stop waffling on and go have breakfast.

Happy knitting everyone.

kuaka - 2014-06-29 09:22:00

Morning everyone.. A bright clear day out there. not a breath of wind. Will put the washing outside today.. it wont end up overseas now lol

Still plodding on the dress, seems to be taking far too long.. Even tho its only a few days. Im sure the last one didn't take this long. Have roughly 25 rows to do I suppose.

Not too much planned here. Although I am going to have to change my dressing table layout. One wee madam thinks its fun to play on. And some of the stuff on there is too delicate to leave there.. So I have to kiddy proof it.
Glad the dragon is getting there Kiwimade you must be getting sick of seeing it by now

HAve a good day all

popeye333 - 2014-06-29 09:27:00

Morning, also a lovely day here a bit colder than it has been lately in fact a couple of days this week have been almost summery - it is so confusing as to what to wear when the seasons don't behave as they should lol.

Kuaka I don't get many evening calls either but when I do I have to find out who it is if possible so rush to the phone and lately it has just been nuisance calls either a computer generated one which doesn't even have the curtesy to actually talk to me or some annoying person wanting to sell something or do a survey who I have to dodge their questions and get rid of.

Keep up the good work all

jayemtoo - 2014-06-29 10:09:00

Lovely day here, well will be when it warms up. Trip to Napier yesterday which meant a trip to skeinz. Was tempted by the 2 ply but have some here to work with and most of my spinning is close to that. Brought some wool softener which as came well recommended from this board lol, and some fine dk to make another tunic like the one I showed on facebook. Also popped into briscoes and brought a massive food processer down from $299 to $119 Very pleased as it has a fruit Juicer with it proper one not just orange, and a bed comforter set 6 piece down from $249 to $69 for a queen size. Mmm only went in for a look lol. Working on another tunic in aran weight pattern calls for lace around diamond pattern but thats not working as the wool is quite strongly variegated so working in a plain diamond pattern.
Well done on the quilt Kuaka, must free up space not add to it lol

raej2 - 2014-06-29 10:55:00

awesome about your quilt kuaka, bet that feels satisfying having it all finished.

Today I sat and stitched... and stitched... and stitched lol. Felt a tad guilty as it was a perfect day for spraying weeds but I really want this picture finished. I am getting a bit sick of it popeye but now the end is near, it's quite exciting too. This part of the picture seems to be stitching quicker and I think it's because there are decent chunks of one colour and buggar all quarter stitches.

Will knit this evening, MrK is cooking dinner tonight so I can have a good run at it. We have been given a beautiful 5lb trout, just stunning colours. Seems a shame to eat it lol. So MrK has taken charge and has it all organised which is fine by me. I'll do the dishes and that will be my contribution to dinner lol.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2014-06-29 16:57:00

I wish I could quilt. But although I have all the patience in the world, and love sewing, Im not a perfectionist enough to do a quilt. Probably too many years in sewing factories.

Don't feel guilty Kiwimade. You need to get the dragon finished. Its not like you were sleeping etc.

Wow that's a doozy of a trout. MrP used to fish for trout. One of the few things I will eat smoked.

Hes having sausages with mushrooms in sauce. Im having a sausage sizzle lol.

Ive done the grand sum of 3 rows of knitting today. And no crochet.

Housework got in the way

Will sit and knit tonight tho

popeye333 - 2014-06-29 17:07:00

housework? Shame on you popeye! (just joking). It's a pity we aren't all rich enough to pay some menial to do the chores so we can concentrate on what we enjoy, don't you think?

kuaka - 2014-06-29 18:35:00

morning ladies :) MrK has another appointment at Waikato Hosp, they phoned a couple of days after his doc appointment and slotted him in for today. So hopefully something will be happening soon! Better round up some no-brainer knitting to take with me while we wait.

I would loveeee someone to do my housework but then I would probably scoot around and do the vacuuming before she arrived lol. Was very tempted to pay someone when I was teaching full time and might do it when I get my next full time position. (note the positive thoughts here lol).

Right-o, got a few things to do before we head off.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2014-06-30 08:01:00

morning all. raining here so staying inside, come for a cuppa kiwi

carolev - 2014-06-30 08:40:00

Raining here too and looks like we're in for lots of it in the next few days, not looking forward to driving to Whangarei on Wednesday if it's raining especially if it's windy as well, but hopeful that Mr Ks CT scan will give a good result. If not, oh well, no point worrying about it.

Looks like being a good crafting day after doing a quick burst of housework.

Happy knitting everyone.

Stay safe on the road kiwimade.

kuaka - 2014-06-30 08:51:00

Raining here too today so crafty stuff here as well before work this evening. Daughter has rung me from Dunedin say ing she has stood on her lap-top and can I get her another please. There goes my new sewing machine savings....good old Mums aye!

vivz2 - 2014-06-30 09:09:00

Morning everyone... Raining here too. Not cold tho.

I used to have a cleaner, but when we got the car something had to go. Just for the floors and cleaning bathroom and toilet. Stuff that always hurts my shoulder. Things aren't done as often now but its ok.

Fingers crossed Kiwimade for good news from appointment. And drive carefully.
Same for you too Kuaka re Wednesday.

Ohh how disappointing Viv.. would insurance cover the laptop?

I did three rows of knitting yesterday.. crochet a square but its not to the 9 rows Im doing, but the wool is slightly thicker so it might go in my odds pile. Don't want to undo this one. Picked up the next yarn and couldnt be bothered lol.

I have a huge pile of washing to fold today. So that's my job before I get my hands into yarn again

Have a good day everyone

popeye333 - 2014-06-30 09:36:00

Not enough light to do my navy blue knitting today, Might get my 10 st blanket out and work on that.

grandmasue1 - 2014-06-30 17:17:00

I have told my husband that I want a craft room......lol. We live rural in a unit, very spacious, thankfully, we have a mezzazine floor/roof so he is going to change that around and I will have a ladder sort of thing to go up and down on....lol.
I saw a cheap sewing machine the other day in spotlight, $150. I did not have enough to buy it and thought that I will go to a sewing machine shop and get 1 from there even if it is a bit more. May be worth it in the long run. Will get on to that next year, so in the meantime, if I see patterns in the op shop will buy and same with fabric. See the addiction I am getting ;)

healthynz67 - 2014-06-30 17:29:00

good move twinklestar, a sewing machine shop like Bernina will also give you support and back up for your machine. Spotlight just sell them with no support. My daughter has my sewing machine (a 30 plus year old janome) so I'll be on the hunt soon for a new one soon as well.

mmmmm a craft room.... that sounds just perfect. The ladder could be one you pull up after you have climbed it so you can really hide!

MrK is going to have surgery within the next 6 months. The doctor is in a bit of tizz though because of all his medication. Oh well, we have been through surgery before so will just deal with it when the time comes.

I'm sorry carole, I didn't see your invite until now.

Am going to have dinner then knit.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2014-06-30 18:07:00

twinklestar - I personally wouldn't touch one of those el cheapo machines from the likes of Spotlight or the Warehouse. Far better to get a good quality older second hand model either on here or from your local sewing machine shop. The Elna and Bernina which were made 30 and 40 years ago will still perform well and will outlast the $150 machines available now - sure they might not have all the bells and whistles, but if the bells and whistles don't work, they're not much use, are they?

kuaka - 2014-06-30 18:49:00

Evening all

Just started raining here but what a lovely sound, my garden was getting rather dry on it so it can rain all night and stop by morning - nothing like putting in your order eh?

A craft room sounds great twinklestar agree with the others re cheapie machines and no follow up support, I have a Janome brought 1985 and goes really well and has everything I need on it including stretch stitches.

I do hope that Mr K gets his surgery sooner than later Kiwimade.

Walls all skimmed and sanded and look great a pity they wouldn't stay pristine without painting so next step undercoat, fortunately I really enjoy painting and seeing the transformation.

Am plodding on with the slippers but sneaking in a bit of lighter knitting to give the wrists a bit of a change.

jayemtoo - 2014-06-30 19:20:00

Someone suggested putting a photo of my blanket ....I am unsure how to do so.
Do you have a facebook page as well as this page?
Where abouts are you all? I live rural, about 20 mins from Hamilton.
Hope the surgery goes sooner rather than later kiwimade.
Have a good day ladies.

healthynz67 - 2014-07-01 05:55:00

morning all. twinklestar I buy my sewing machines from sewing world at 5x rds spent $7000 this year alone on machines, I have 5 over lockers and strait sewers. don't buy from spotlight back up is poor .I am off to buy a cover stitcher today fingers crossed. it's cheap only $950 . I wish Mr K a speady recovery , get well soon after op. I am off to see the srink today, some how I got to get over this hurting and pineing for the kids. I am slowly knitting this jumper, and have some squares to send away.

carolev - 2014-07-01 07:03:00

morning :) We're hoping surgery will be sooner than later too! Twinklestar, I'm out at Hinuera, sounds like you are near Cambridge?

Busy busy for me today and I'm running late. washing machine kept beeping at me saying it was overloaded so I've had a stop start kind of morning.

happy knitting, do a few rows for me!

kiwimade64 - 2014-07-01 07:53:00

morning all, it's a real pea-souper of a fog this morning (reminds me of when I lived in Hamilton). Hope it's not like this tomorrow, I really don't want to drive to Whangarei in thick fog, even rain is better than that.

twinklestar, if you want to upload a photo, it's quite easy - not sure if I can explain it clearly, but I'll try. Go to "my trade me" and click on the drop down menu (it says "view my trade me") and find "my photos" - it's under "more options". Click on that, and you should have an option to "upload a photo". Click on that, and upload your photo (it helps if you know the location of your photo or can find it easily on your computer). Once you've uploaded the photo, then it gives you the option of uploading another photo (I think from memory), go back to "my photos" and click on the photo to enlarge it, and then highlight the address in the address bar, cut and paste it - on my computer I use control C to cut it, then control V to paste it, so cut it, then come back to the message board, start your message, then paste it.

It sounds quite complicated, but it's not and once you've done it a couple of times it's really easy - just have to think about it trying to write it out like this without actually doing it.

My afternoon out today, hope we can get out for a walk this morning. Have to leave Mr K in charge of putting the tea on as we're having roast chicken and roast veg so if I leave everything ready for him to put on and give him the times to do it, I'll come home and only have to turn the spuds and then put the greens on and make the gravy. And when I walk in the house should smell yum. If he forgets on the other hand, it could be fish and chips!

I've almost finished the fourth strip on my blanket, the crochet one is growing nicely, but the 10 stitch one is going to take forever, I can't see me getting it finished till next winter.

Happy knitting everyone.

Edited by kuaka at 8:34 am, Tue 1 Jul

kuaka - 2014-07-01 08:31:00

Morning all. Carolev I'm extremely jealous of your machines you lucky lady. Bought my daughters laptop yesterday, fortunately I get a discount at Noel Leemings through the retirement Company I work for. Took nearly $250 off.

I was looking at some of the lap blankets the ladies at work are making for charity and they have a pretty way of doing them. They knit the half n half diagonal square. Finish it in a matching granny square type crochet border then when sewn together, catch it every cm. It gives a lovely lacey effect. Might even create one for myself but with a knitted sampler effect..

This is my sewing room I have just finished (I had a prior photo in the fabric thread) Its a converted single garage. Has ranch sliders at end to make the most of afternoon sun

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/320641559.jpg

vivz2 - 2014-07-01 08:46:00

Wow vivz - mine is nothing like that - it is cluttered to death. But I'm determined to sort it out in the next month or so.

kuaka - 2014-07-01 09:06:00

Morning everyone..
Hopefully the op will be fast. They always use meds as a reason to delay things eh. Its the same for MrP. But basically now they consider him too much of a risk to do anything.
Foggy here too, I don't mind driving in fog, had a lot of it in Mangakino.

Carole whats a cover stitcher?

Vivz2 that's far too tidy to be a sewing room lol... But Im sure it wont take long to fill up

Finished the top down for Addy. Its the 9-12 month size but I did it on smaller needles. Think it will fit her for a while. it felt like it took forever. but it didn't really.

Have a good day everyone

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/322426376.jpg

popeye333 - 2014-07-01 09:14:00

very pretty popeye, I'm sure she will look gorgeous in it.

kuaka - 2014-07-01 09:22:00

He he ladies.....no my room will not stay like that...it was designed to have my friends bring their machines around and to create havoc lol!

Popeye that is very cute, I wish a had a grandy to knit for....I love knitting wee peoples things

vivz2 - 2014-07-01 09:25:00

I was ever soo pleased when the young ones next door had Addy.. gives me an outlet for knitting baby things.

I love the colours.. and pleased how it came out

popeye333 - 2014-07-01 09:32:00

carolev wrote:

morning all. twinklestar I buy my sewing machines from sewing world at 5x rds spent $7000 this year alone on machines, I have 5 over lockers and strait sewers. don't buy from spotlight back up is poor .I am off to buy a cover stitcher today fingers crossed. it's cheap only $950 . I wish Mr K a speady recovery , get well soon after op. I am off to see the srink today, some how I got to get over this hurting and pineing for the kids. I am slowly knitting this jumper, and have some squares to send away.

I have to ask this question, why so many sewing machines?
I was thinking of going to that 1 in 5 x rds. Do they have 2nd hand ones? Or just brand new ones?I prefer not to buy a 2nd hand one off here, I would rather get it from a shop. I have particular ways, eg, shoes from a shoe shop, bra's from a bra shop, roses from a nursery etc. I think things have better quality when you do that, like warehouse jeans dont last me long but from just jeans last forever.

healthynz67 - 2014-07-01 15:59:00

carole gives sewing lessons twinklestar and her customers use her machines (I think that's how it works). I'm like you too, like to buy specific things from specific shops. Drives MrK batty lol.

We have a FB group if you want to join, NZ Knitters and Crochet. We show off our creations there without worry of being ticked off by the TM Masters.

MrK is once more cooking dinner (I am so spoilt!) so I'm going to put my feet up and knit for a while.

Happy knitting :)

Edited by kiwimade64 at 4:08 pm, Tue 1 Jul

kiwimade64 - 2014-07-01 16:08:00

popeye333 wrote:

Finished the top down for Addy. Its the 9-12 month size but I did it on smaller needles. Think it will fit her for a while. it felt like it took forever. but it didn't really.

Have a good day everyone

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/322426376.jpg[/
quote]

looks fab popeye. I often lurk in here but haven't posted for ages. I have been pottering away knitting squares of late. ( when i have enough will either be a throw or a bedspread) I have given up knitting for myself. The last couple of things I tried just didn't suit me. Your wee top/dress has inspired me to to give it a try. I have never done top down knitting before so i have just dug out a ball of variegated yarn from my stash and a pair of needles and shall make a start shortly.

kiwicarol - 2014-07-01 16:10:00

Love the top Popeye - one of my "go to" patterns have knitted quite a few of them. I find knitting small cardies and tops to use up a ball of 2 of wool more interesting and satisfying than squares. I have a belief that every baby deserves at least one brand new thing when they arrive in the world. This came from my mum who despite having 7 chldren and very little money at times ensured that we all had a new handmade layette.

Started painting today but ran out of paint but good feeling that things are on the move after several weeks of delays. I'll get more paint tomorrow.

Still manage to fit in knitting though.

Happy knitting this evening all

jayemtoo - 2014-07-01 17:40:00

Ohh Kiwimade you are being spoilt...

Twinklestar Carole would be a good lady to take with you when shopping for your machine. I got my seconahnd Janome New Home, in 1995. A friend took me into the shop, she did a lot of sewing for markets etc and knew the owners of the shop, from all her purchases.. The machine is still going strong. it does enough for what I need.
I got an overlocker from Spotlight hmm 2 years ago... it will never die of over use..
I think if you keep them clean and free of fluff and get them serviced every now and then they will last ages.

Glad to hear you have picked up the needles Kiwicarol. Do you need help in finding this pattern?

popeye333 - 2014-07-01 17:42:00

I found it ok thanks Popeye

kiwicarol - 2014-07-01 17:55:00

kiwicarol wrote:

I found it ok thanks Popeye

Cool.. Happy Knitting

popeye333 - 2014-07-01 18:08:00

I will go onto fb and find the group and request to join. See you soon.

healthynz67 - 2014-07-01 19:45:00

don't forget to let us know your trademe name :P I think we should 'redo' who we are here on FB with so many new members.

oohhhh I am now loving knitting this 2ply baby alpaca... it is soooo soft and light. Have done the bottom border and have started the main part of the scarf. So far so good!

happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2014-07-01 22:45:00

I could not find the group....may have another look while I am in town today.

healthynz67 - 2014-07-02 05:39:00

Morning!

arrgg probably my fault twinklestar, here's a link to our group.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/365791440202568/

It's called New Zealand Knitters and Crocheters.

I've got to dash, want to get dishes etc done before I toddle off.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2014-07-02 07:34:00

twinklestar I am selling one of my machines, I live in Nawton your most welcome to come for a cuppa I am carole vine on facebook home today as I am car less should be having classes but 90% of my ladies are sick or have sick kids, so will be having a quite day I miss counted my machine I forgot the embroidey one lol

Edited by carolev at 9:05 am, Wed 2 Jul

carolev - 2014-07-02 08:56:00

Morning everyone. A wild and woolly day out there. Glad Im not going out in it.
Woke up with a stinker of a headache and have been sick. So I hope it doesn't turn into a migraine.
Just going to have a quiet day here

Have a good day everyone

popeye333 - 2014-07-02 09:21:00

Morning
Hope the head is improving fast Popeye.
It is so surprising how different wether wise different parts of this country can be - we have a calm blue/gold day here in Hawkes bay - washing just finished so should dry well.

Hope to see you soon on fb Twinklestar - it is an intersting group.

Now off to buy the paint so can get all the edges done and then can relax with the knitting

have a good day all

jayemtoo - 2014-07-02 09:44:00

afternoon ladies, home safely from Whangarei. Trip down wasn't too bad, a few spots of rain, nothing to write home about. Came out of the radiology clinic and the heaven's opened. I got drenched just zapping 10 metres to the car. Went to the emporium and bought some nice buttons cheap, then to spotlight where I got some more buckram to make the next lot of curtains, and a reel of navy blue thread 'cos I don't have any in amongst my almost 200 reels of thread! Then to the hospital and the news wasn't good. Nothing has changed since the last scan, it hasn't healed. So he was sent for x-rays and after all that they've discharged him, but said that it's optional whether he wears the collar or not, but if he gets any tingling in his hands, lack of co-ordination or weakness in the legs, he's to go straight to his GP. He said "so I'm basically permanently disabled?" and the doc said "what exactly do you mean?" and he said "well I can't mow the lawns, climb trees and cut them down or paint the roof" and the doc nearly choked and said "not many 82 year olds can!"

Oh, and I was very good in Spotlight, my wool power prevailed and I came away with not a single ball of wool. I used my VIP card and got no discount, so I said "Oh I should have used my gold card" so they cancelled the transaction and put it through again with my gold card and I saved $9 so that's a help.

Hope everyone has had a good day.

kuaka - 2014-07-02 16:04:00

Carolev I cant get a sewing machine until next year....as much as I would like to get one this year. Thanks for the offer, thats very kind of you. I thought about this thread earlier today at work. I was getting stressed out and thought I need to take 10-15 mins and just chill, no I need to crochet a square...lol. But alas I had to keep on working.
If you are still interested in selling a machine next year carole, maybe we could look at it then.
Kuaka, you made me laugh out loud, thanks so much I needed a good laugh. I unfortunately have awhile to get a gold card.
I dont know any 80 plus year olds than can be that physically active as your husband was asking about Kuaka, I work in dementia. Its a passion of mine.
Work has been crazy yesterday and today...they had to move the residents out of the secure unit to another part of resthome for tradies to work, hard on residents as well as staff. They were so tired today. It is amazing they have no short term memory, but some of them can do amazing knitting, pathcwork etc.

healthynz67 - 2014-07-02 16:16:00

Kiwimade thannks for the link, I have just sent a request or just joined the group, my name is Vicky. Theres a pic on my profile of my garden and a black and white pic of old Hamilton, i took of a pic at work in the unit.

healthynz67 - 2014-07-02 16:19:00

that's ok Vicky I only want $100 for machine and no hurry to sell next year is ok. if you ever need to use a nice machine to make something. just pop around and use any one of mine, well my day for bargins, went to spotlight for wool came home with 5. 1/2 meters of polo fleece for $28 plus my car cost far less to repair so still have enough money over to buy that cover stitches, fell real happy today which makes a change .

carolev - 2014-07-02 17:46:00