Kiwimade64 - Can you tell me the name of the product that you are using so as you can paint over varnish please and do you sand first? And another question for you - I have blocked a square of knitting - having sprayed it with water - how long do you leave yours blocked until you take it off. Many thanks.

carton - 2017-07-28 14:30:00

Good Morning Ladies from Sunny Napier. There a light wind to get washing dry. So all is well.
Off today to play! It's Book Art Group Day. Have a book to finish binding this morning and work on some pages for our sale of work later in the year.
Picked up my shawl last night and knitted a few rows while I watched Coro Street.Had quick look this morning in daylight and it's all good.

I'll catch up with you later today.
Everyone have a great day

sunflowers28 - 2017-07-29 08:16:00

Morning
It is a nice day here, will do a big wash as soon as I really get going.

The socks are slowly growing but went and got some more wool yesterday and have started a two coloured jacket for great nephew in Italy. It's quite handy that their winter is opposite to ours.

Better get moving, enjoy your day.

jayemtoo - 2017-07-29 08:53:00

Morning everyone
Beautiful here too, the temp must have dropped alot overnight we had very wet windows this morning.
No plans as such today but I do hope to get some crochet done.

I saw a cowl that Whiskey13 knitted on FB and its sooo nice, lots of cables. Im thinking about doing one for myself, afterall its only a length joined together. And use the cakes that I got in the wool lotto.

Have a fab day all.

popeye333 - 2017-07-29 09:25:00

morning ladies :) Painting day today, silly me, forgot we had a sack barrow that could easily move the cupboard so I didn't need to wait for help to move the cupboard. Oh well, chalk it up to age lol.

I've blocked the scarf/shawl and taken a pic, need to upload it and now I have started an angora throw. It has been years since I have used angora, so light and fluffy. It's just a made up pattern starting at the corner and knitting a triangle to make a square or maybe a rectangle, with big bulky cables in the middle. Couldn't find a slate grey so settled for a pale grey which should work fine. Hopefully I'll have enough to put a few tassels on, if not, no biggie. I saw angora throws for sale at $250 so thought I could make my own unique one for far less. And I saw some acrylic throws for the price I paid for the angora so think I am on the winning end.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2017-07-30 06:58:00

carton wrote:

Kiwimade64 - Can you tell me the name of the product that you are using so as you can paint over varnish please and do you sand first? And another question for you - I have blocked a square of knitting - having sprayed it with water - how long do you leave yours blocked until you take it off. Many thanks.

Hi Carton, it's a Resene product and I can't tell you it's name as the tin has it all dribbled down over the name. But it's a very thin liquid in a one litre tin and you only have to lightly sand before painting it on. It can be used to make paint stick to any surface like plastic. I'm sure the Resene people can tell you what I mean. Brilliant stuff as I don't have to strip varnish, just sand lightly to rough up the surface a bit and paint this on.

I blocked my shawl/scarf wet and left it to dry under the window in the living room (gets the sun there). Once it was dry I removed the pins and bingo, all done.

I hope this helps.

kiwimade64 - 2017-07-30 07:05:00

Morning
Frost is melting and another glorious crisp day ahead.
Had a lovely productive day yesterday, 2 loads washing, thorough house clean- even the spare rooms and I don't have visitors expected lol.
Dyed 4 lots of wool and several other odd jobs I'd been putting off doing and even managed someknitting in the evening.
A lovely sunny day seems to give me more energy.

Your throw sounds lovely Kiwimade and not only are you saving moeney you are making something a lot more meaningful for your home.

Enjoy your day All

jayemtoo - 2017-07-30 09:01:00

Morning all - yes it's chilly but brilliant blue sky can't help feeling good
Yesterday was absolutely freezing at the dog park but a couple in their 90s were there as usual so I thought why should I be complaining - today should be better as there is very little wind
Getting near the end of my ends and have about half of the last row to go - it won't fit in my washing machine - the label says dry cleanable but I am not sure would hate it to go hard - the last 4 rows that make up the edging are so simple but clever and it firms up the edge - nicest I have ever seen - this man who designed this was so clever
Better get cracking this is such a lovely day

gerry64 - 2017-07-30 09:42:00

Morning everyone.
I think we had our coldest heaviest frost here this morning. Still very white in the shade.
We had a rough night, MrP's nephew who is like our son text to say that MrP's Sister had died about 12-30am this morning. While its sad that another of his siblings has died, and its his only sister, she has had COPD for many years, so its a release for her really. So I was rugged up sitting on MrP's bed while we text with our Boy and talking about the good times we have had with his sister. If it wasnt for her we wouldnt have been together.
We wont be going to her funeral, and we know she would understand. Its too far for MrP to travel, and his real son will be there. hes likely to be upset and will lash out.. and it will be MrP he will lash out at. With his fists. But the family will understand.

I got quite a bit of crochet done yesterday.. Have toi nip up the road this morning and them Im going to crochet.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2017-07-30 10:05:00

Kiwimade - thanks so much for ;your help. What a difference blocking makes - this is the first blocking I have done. I will ask at our local Resene shop about the other product for varnish.

carton - 2017-07-30 11:03:00

You're welcome carton :)

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/623389656.jpg

my first shawlette using the yarn I bought from Love Knitting, lambs wool and silk, so soft to knit.
https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/623389766.jpg
a closeup of the edging (and I spotted a mistake lol, too bad!)

Edited by kiwimade64 at 5:58 pm, Sun 30 Jul

kiwimade64 - 2017-07-30 17:58:00

Its Stunning Kiwimade... Soo pretty and it does look snuggly...

Well done.

popeye333 - 2017-07-30 18:15:00

Morning
Really Lovely Kiwimade - and can't see any mistakes.
Need plenty of warm clothes at the moment as there's a nice white frost this am not that I mind as I know frosts kill bugs in the garden and help some plants develop and then there is the lovely day to follow.

Think I have a full day ahead - take lunches to the school and factory this am then supermarket and other messages this pm.
Went out for dinner last evening so not much knitting done so hope to do some later today too.

jayemtoo - 2017-07-31 07:12:00

Morning everyone.
Cold here, overcast and really quiet...

Tried to get an early start today and I need to bake for some barters I have arranged.
But had a phone call from a friend, and once again the twilight Zone has joined us again.

Years ago her Brother Gavin died in a tractor accident on the farm, that same day my sisters youngest son Stephen was born.'
Yesterday MrP's sister died and last night my friends neice gave birth to her daughter. MrP's sister was Margaret, the new baby is Ava Margaret...

Thats two outs and ins on the same day, same sexes.. Im sure we were destined to meet.

Didnt get any crochet done yesterday. Spent most of the day talking to family on here.. Maggies grandaughters and I have become extremly close, so I was spending time with them chatting.

Have to pop up the road to post a sale, then do dishes before I can bake. MrP is wisely hiding in bed, cos he doesnt want to do the dishes.. So hes avoiding it.

Have a fab day everyone

Edited by popeye333 at 8:59 am, Mon 31 Jul

popeye333 - 2017-07-31 08:58:00

morning ladies :) We had a -5 frost yesterday and an even colder frost this morning, it was even on the tree tops. Almost looked like snow.

Thanks for the kind comments about the shawl, am happy with it and so is our daughter.

Two coats of paint on the ceiling done, one on the trim. MrK is going to help me take the doors down so I can get started on those. I have written down a 'plan' and if it all comes together, then the painting will be finished by Wednesday afternoon. Was pretty tired by the end of yesterday as I had the last of the sanding to do as well as move all the furniture. But did get a coat of paint on the ceiling and primer on the windows.

I've washed the thermal curtains from the bedroom and they are drip drying on the line, I used the hooks from the curtains and just hooked them onto the line. So they will be ready for the Sallys soon. I ended up washing them in the bath and ommg they were filthy. A lot was dust from the maize paddocks.

MrK has made me a cuppa then we'll take the doors down. Can't see me knitting today but might have some oomph left for the evening.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2017-07-31 10:03:00

You have had a productive morning Kiwimade.. I always count myself lucky that MrP likes sharing jobs, when we bake and preserve we work so well together. Its a big part of the enjoyment.

I have 2 banana cakes in the oven, 2 fruit loaves, Vanilla biscuits, Coconut biscuits and a weetbix slice all made. Totally enjoyed my baking, I said to MrP I dont remember that last time I mashed Bananas for the cakes, he has always done them, just gets him involved.

I was given ALOT of mixed fruit, 7 kilos, 4 kilos of glace cherries, some fish, soup and veges yesterday, so I did the baking for the barter.

I had been thinking it was time to start buying fruit mix for christmas to spread the cost, cos its about $7 a kilo now... Now I have heaps, and will be baking up a storm.
Im going to have to start lightening the load on the freezers too cos we will have a whole hogget again in November.

So now Im going to sit and let the painkillers work lol..

popeye333 - 2017-07-31 13:16:00

Afternoon ladies,

Home safely yesterday evening - not a particular good drive up from Auckland as I had the sun low in the sky all the way to Whangarei when it finally disappeared, and then it was headlights from there to home. Was lovely to see my son but it's always good to get home. And there is absolutely no way I could live in Auckland again, that I do know for a fact! Fatal accident north of Wellsford on the way back was a sobering thought.

I didn't notice whether we had a frost or not this morning but it sure was cold, and although it's a nice sunny day and the display on the waterfront says its 19 deg, it feels cold out of the sun.

I managed to do some knitting while I was away, but generally just relaxed and went to visit my sister-in-law who moved up from Hamilton last year. She hasn't been well for a month with a chesty cough and she doesn't look quite her usual self just yet.

Right, I'm starving, so must find myself some lunch.

Have a super afternoon everyone.

kuaka - 2017-07-31 14:02:00

Good evening all, I hope you are all keeping warm with our present cooler temperatures - brrr! I am wondering if anybody here has knitted the Hitchhiker scarf/wrap and, if so, how much wool it took you to complete it and how many 'teeth' were done? It can be knitted in either 4 or 8 ply and can be done as long as you choose but unfortunately there are no indications of how much wool is required :( I don't want to order too much or too little wool of either ply so any ideas or hints will be very gratefully appreciated thank you!

justme27 - 2017-07-31 19:53:00

justme27 wrote:

Good evening all, I hope you are all keeping warm with our present cooler temperatures - brrr! I am wondering if anybody here has knitted the Hitchhiker scarf/wrap and, if so, how much wool it took you to complete it and how many 'teeth' were done? It can be knitted in either 4 or 8 ply and can be done as long as you choose but unfortunately there are no indications of how much wool is required :( I don't want to order too
much or too little wool of either ply so any ideas or hints will be very gratefully appreciated thank you!

Hi, I am not sure if any one has knitted the Hitchhiker on here. If you go to Ravelry you see there thread and also check what others say about amounts and teeth etc. Kiwimade may of knitted one..... .

sunflowers28 - 2017-07-31 22:12:00

morning ladies :) Mine was called 'Antipodes' sunflowers but I'm pretty sure kuaka has knitted the 'Hitchhiker'. I remember she said it had lots of short rows. Mine took under 100grams of finger weight wool and I extended the length as the pattern was written for 4ply. There were very clear instructions on how to lengthen it so easy peasy to do.

Today is sealant day, not looking forward to it as I hate working with oil based paints. Still, without it I'd be painting forever on these walls as the paint would soak into the gib board. So the sooner I start, the sooner I finish. I also have one more coat of white to do around the wardrobe door trim. It needs a third coat thanks to the varnish being so dark. And I need the rain to hold off so I can finish painting the other side of the wardrobe door outside on the trestles. Am really looking forward to yoga this evening lol, my back could use the extra stretches.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2017-08-01 07:33:00

Morning everyone
Cool but overcast.
You will be glad to see the back of the painting Kiwimade.

A quiet day for me today. Still creaky from yesterdays baking marathon. Have to ice one banana cake as tomorrow we do the swap of the pigs head for the cake.
So Ill be making brawn tomorrow.. the recipe I use is from 1865. It doesnt have veges etc in cos MrP doesnt like it like that.

He is a bit brighter today so thats good.

Have a good day everyone

popeye333 - 2017-08-01 09:32:00

Morning ladies,

Yes, I've knitted the hitchhiker shawl, I'll weigh it and tell you exactly how much it took - but I got so bored with it that I didn't do it the full length. Okay it took 133 gm of double knit, I used a possum/merino mix which was 125m per 50 grams but I only did 30 teeth, as by that stage I was bored out of my brain with it.

I need to get on and do some gardening but it's just too cold for me outside, so I'm afraid I'm being a wimp and staying indoors in the warm.

I have a wee sewing job to do for the op shop so might do that later, I have some paperwork to sort out so might do that. I still want to replace the curtain track in the bathroom with a better one so might do that this morning, then this afternoon is my mah jong afternoon, and my off-sider who usually collects the money is away for 4 weeks, so I'll have to do it.

Meantime, I had better have some breakfast or I'll have no energy for anything.

Have a super day and keep warm.

kuaka - 2017-08-01 09:38:00

Morning - chilly and greyish so definite lack of enthusiasm to do anything much and so like you Kuaka there are many maybe I might and then again maybe not - definitely not dealing with a pigs head - but good on you Popeye if MRP ovens his brawn - my nana used to make it and tongue which I didn't mind cut very thinly on her home made bread
Have about 20 more ends to darn in and the blanket is finished and then on to number 2 -
My mum announced yesterday that she would like to come here for lunch on her actual birthday - just my siblings - so that's ok - she will still shout the staff morning tea and will think about coming out to my brothers on the Saturday - so we will just wait and see
Coffee machine is beeping that might be just what I need

gerry64 - 2017-08-01 09:49:00

Thank you for your help ladies, will do the Hitchhiker and try not to get toooo bored as my daughter is after one. Maybe I can talk her into something similar but more interesting lol. Keep safe and warm all of you in here..

justme27 - 2017-08-01 21:22:00

Morning Everyone.. Yep bright and early for me.

The lady is bring the pigs head to be this morning at 8-10am, I have to meet her at the gate, She will be on her way to work and cant be late.

So today is brawn making day. Its a simple recipe, pigs head, beef, salt and pepper and a bit of ground cloves.

Late yesterday I cooked up the rhubarb and the beetroot. Didnt get a full jar of beetroot, so its sitting in the fridge.

I plan on crocheting today. All the housework is caught up.

In learnt yesterday that its not wise to try and put an electric blanket on a bed witrh the help of a slightly grumpy man and a Missy cat. I think it took twice as long as it needed to lol. Missy stayed in there hogging the warm bed till we went to be lol... Shes not silly.

Have a fab day everyone. Stay dry if you have to go out

popeye333 - 2017-08-02 07:30:00

morning ladies :) MrK makes the brawn here as he's the only one who eats it. He roasts the pigs head and adds all sorts of stuff to it.

Wall painting day today, if I can get cracking I may be able to get the two coats on in one day. I haven't been able to finish the wardrobe door thanks to the rain as I have the trestles outside. MrK's garage is too dusty from his woodwork to do it in there. So that will wait for a sunny day, it may even clear up this afternoon. So I learned I should put sealant over the varnish as well as the other stuff if I am painting white over the varnish. Silly me lol, should have known that. It blocks out the varnish so I don't need so many coats of white. Oh well, will know that for the last two rooms.

I went to yoga last night and it felt so good to stretch out all my kinks.

Hopefully I can knit later this afternoon or evening.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2017-08-02 07:59:00

Afternoon ladies,

I have no idea where the morning went except that I was late up, fluffed around for a while and then suddenly it was time to get ready and go out for an early lunch with the bunny club girls - the lady who organised it had arranged for us to get a discount on a glass of house wine if we were there early and had one before lunch, so of course, we all did.

So after a lovely lunch and a glass of red, the last thing I feel like doing is housework, so I shall put my feet up and do some knitting. Might do some housework tomorrow - then again, maybe not.

It has just started raining so my plans to walk this afternoon with a friend are probably not going to eventuate. Another day tomorrow.

Make the most of this wet weather to do some crafting and not feel guilty.

Enjoy.

kuaka - 2017-08-02 14:51:00

Afternoon all - grey cold day here and have done absolutely practically nothing - dog has not given up yet but it's just not happening
Finished all the ends last night - I am not going to be able to block - would have to shift the beds out of an upstairs spare bedroom to get enough floor space - it just not practical - will hop up and put it in my DIL big washer and dryer and that will have to do - like to block my work so it will annoy me
Your baking yesterday Popeye sounded lovely

gerry64 - 2017-08-02 15:36:00

Ive had a lovely time making brawn,, It took about 4 hours for the meat to fall off the bone. Cos it was frozen when I put it in the pot.
The beef heart wasnt good. It went tough, So it only has a little of it in the brawn. Smells good tho.

Instead of mincing some and cutting some I simply used forks and did pulled pork lol.. So there are two containers in the fridge.

Have all but done the washing, I have one small load in the dryer. All folded not put away yet tho.

Have even managed some crochet too. Im going to do the ends tonight, Ive done 3 blocks of the 3 row colours. Will do the ends when I finish each 9 row block from now on. Or it gets too hard to reach.

Tonight we will try and catch up on some more recorded stuff on tv..

Have a good night everyone

popeye333 - 2017-08-02 18:05:00

morning ladies :) I managed to paint two coats on the walls and this morning am going to touch up the white window trim where the masking tape pulled off the new paint (I bought the 'soft' tape too). And I have the doors to finish. Will have to bite the bullet and paint in MrK's garage as it is going to rain. The curtains are ready, two weeks early, which is lovely so they will be hung tomorrow or early next week. This room had three different wallpapers and a grotty brown paint on some of it so it is really good to have it almost finished. But then we did buy the house as a 'do-up'. Two bedrooms left to paint and I will have painted the entire inside of the house.

I did some knitting last night, you don't want to unpick angora too often lol. But I can see the Furry One eyeing up the yarn/wool as it is so soft and snuggly.

Am picking up my sisters dog today as she is having new flooring put down so the Fluffy One is staying until Monday. She gets on so well with our boy, they have a great time together.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2017-08-03 07:53:00

Morning everyone

You have done well re the painting Kiwimade.. Im sure it will all look lovely when finished. Wow that was fast for the curtains.
Been a while since yoou had the fluffy one to play with the Furry one. They will of course run you ragged lol.

Shopping this morning. MrP is staying in bed. He had a rough night, his legs giving him trouble again.

My wrist is letting me know it would like a day or two off, so Ill just be crocheting when Ive done the shopping.

Have yet to unwrap the brawn, will do that later.. I hope it turns out ok and that Mr Fussybum doesnt decide he doesnt like it.

Windy out there so Ill wrap up before I go out.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2017-08-03 08:50:00

Morning ladies, the weather can only be described as "miserable". It rained yesterday afternoon, all evening, heavy during the night - it woke me - and was still raining when I got up half an hour ago, it eased off briefly and then bucketed down. It's windy and grey and this afternoon I have to go out - I've been invited to a friends to play mah jong and it's a few kms out of town.

I managed to doze off in the chair yesterday afternoon so didn't get any knitting done but I did do some last night.

I will have to do some housework this morning because I volunteered to have knit and natter here tomorrow (I don't usually go to the Friday session) but the cafe where we usually go on Wednesday/Friday is closed so we've been having it at each others houses. So I had better have some breakfast and get busy.

Have a super day everyone.

kuaka - 2017-08-03 09:43:00

Afternoon
Well done with the painting Kiwimade. My Mum used to make very tasty brawn which I loved but I've never been able to make it as well. She also used to roast the pig cheeks which was a special treat for us.

Have had longish days out at the factory awaiting a delivery of fibre. Had several hassles including the truck not being able to get down the lane and then almost getting stuck. The lane isn't sealed and with all the rain it is getting rather mushy in places my little car slips and slides along it. At least we now have the fibre and so can start making litter again.

Managed quite a bit of knitting last evening, hope I don't doze off this evening so can get a bit more done.

jayemtoo - 2017-08-03 17:56:00

Morning ladies,

After a lazy day yesterday - just fluffed around all morning, and went to a friends to play mah jong in the afternoon, I must be a bit more productive today. I have some ladies coming to knit as the cafe where we usually go Wednesdays and Fridays is closed for renovations - I don't normally go on a Friday, so instead they are coming here. I need to vacuum the floor and make some pikelets and I believe we are having a power cut from 9.30 to 1.30 so I must do it soon. I will light the fire, I don't think it will be warm enough with the heat pump not going.

So I had better crack on and do what needs electricity before 9.30.

Have a super day everyone.

kuaka - 2017-08-04 08:25:00

morning ladies :) The curtains are being hung to day sometime so I need to clean the windows this morning. MrK and I have rehung the doors and I've put the new lightshade up. It's chrome - not what I was planning to buy but it works. MrK raised his eyebrows when he saw it lol but likes it up.

The Fluffy One is here and as usual has made herself quite at home. Our boy does the same when he stays with my sister. So good we can do this as it saves a fortune in doggy daycare.

We have an arborist coming today to look at a tree. It's three times the height of the house and needs a really good prune. Sometimes I think you just have to pay a professional.

Managed to do some knitting last night, was tricky with two dogs wanting my attention lol.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2017-08-04 08:27:00

Morning everyone.
Your room will be wonderful Kiwimade.. it hasnt taken you long really.

A very good idea re sharing the dog vacations. Might be a different story if they didnt get along tho lol.

Had a real grumble bum yesterday, appears to be a bit happier this morning. Yay.

MrP Loves the brawn. He commented the day I made it that it looked quite dark, but it tastes good. I tried it and the taste was good but I dont like the jelly side of it.. he said it reminded him of his mum.

Didnt crochet yesterday, just seemed to be busy pottering about all day.
Got extra sugar yesterday so will make some jam on the weekend.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2017-08-04 09:19:00

Morning - chilly grey windy day - if it doesn't warm up a bit might just stay put - went for a short walk yesterday coming back with the wind in my face tickled my asthma up
Has my hair cut yesterday - told her the front parts of my bob I wanted no shorter than my chin line - she must have thought I said ear lobe - grr
Started the next blanket and have taken your advice Popeye and doing ends as I go
My son and I used to babysit each other's dogs - he has one of those designer poodle something or others but over the last 6 months he has become aggressive with other dogs after getting attacked I might add - so can't risk it any more

gerry64 - 2017-08-04 11:17:00

morning ladies :) Bedroom is done, well, my part in the renovation is done lol. MrK has the timber framing all cut out for the book case so there is progress there too. I have to return the duvet as it's the wrong size, oh well, at least I didn't open the packaging before I realised so they should take it back.

Did a bit more knitting last evening, the two dogs have settled down enough now for me to knit. Our boy is used to it but the Fluffy One isn't. They have been playing tug of war with one of the Furry One's toys and there is toy stuffing all over the floor. An easy clean up lol.

Today I'll have a chill out day I think, housework is all done. I could/should mow the lawn when the frost lifts, we'll see.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2017-08-05 07:59:00

Morning.
The bedroom sounds great Kiwimade. I'll join you in a chill out day too I think as had another full on day yesterday out at the factory but what a good feeling of achievement when you see things getting done and certainly sleep well at night after a bit of well earned exercise.

Funny how some knitting tends to drag along. I looked forward to knit the jacket I'm doing for greatnephew but now is becoming a bit of a bore - I keep doing other things to have a break from it. Fortunately no hurry as they are having a heat wave in Italy so doubt they will be thinking winter woolies at the moment anyway lol.

Enjoy your day

jayemtoo - 2017-08-05 09:45:00

Morning everyone. Looks like its going to be another beautiful day.

Love your curtains Kiwimade... Im sure they will swap the duvet for you..

I sort of pottered all day yesterday too. Woke up this morning in double hip and back pain.. Now Ive been walking its easing a little.. but Ive had such a good time just trying to work through it and feel like Ive acheieved a fair bit this week.

We are going to a couple of the secondhand shops this morning.. Hopefully Ill find some preerving jars.

Will get jam jars out of the pantry when the car is out today, so I can do Jam tomorrow.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2017-08-05 09:53:00

Morning ladies,

What a frustrating day I had yesterday. First off I vacuumed the floors and made pikelets and waited for the knitting ladies to arrive - only one arrived, my friend from up the road. So we sat and had coffee and pikelets and then she walked to another friends house to buy some wool (second friend used to have a wool/sewing machine shop and has stock to clear) I couldn't go as a builder was due to arrive to measure up and quote for new pantry shelves. Friend called in on her way back to show me her bargains and among them were some possum/merino 50g balls which she'd bought for $1 a ball, down from $15. Grrrrr! I would have snapped that up - not that I need more wool but possum/merino stuff sells well at the market. Builder sent a msg to say he was sick and couldn't come. Was supposed to be going for a walk with another friend but she sent a message to say she couldn't make it. Didn't fancy going on my own so I stayed home.

I finally took down the old curtain track in the bathroom and put up a better one, so that was about the only positive yesterday. Your curtains look lovely kiwimade!

Today I've just had an email from another friend who is organising for a group of us to go away on a cruise next year. We are about to confirm the booking which will see us floating off to a couple of islands in April, we're away for 10 days. Sounds like it will be really good fun. We have to pay as soon as we confirm the booking to get it at a cheap price.

Supposed to be going for a walk at 11 so will have some breakfast and then get ready. Going to a friends to play mah jong this afternoon, so another lazy day.

Have a super day everyone.

Edited by kuaka at 10:09 am, Sat 5 Aug

kuaka - 2017-08-05 10:08:00

thanks for the comments about the curtains :) Am thrilled to bits with them.

Here's some before and after pics, they are a bit dark as it's hard to get good pics in this room.

Before. The curtains were crooked and never met in the middle anyway and were hard to pull. Wallpaper in three different styles and paint on some walls as well.
https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/625795795.jpg
https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/625796068.jpg

Pretty much done except for the corner bookcase MrK is building now (framing started, bottom right). I had to change my mind (for now) about yellow as I couldn't find anything I liked or duvets in yellow unless I paid a fortune in postage from overseas.

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/625796235.jpg

kiwimade64 - 2017-08-05 11:57:00

A Huge change Kiwimade. It looks lovely. Love the bedding too.

Ohh Kuaka, that would have been a good buy if you couold have got wool for that price.

Bit of a mixed up day for you.

We went and had a wander around the three oppies. Got a bowl Ive been wanting for about a month. I decided if I was meant to have it, it would be there and it was. And got a larger loaf tin for making brawn in.
Got a matching bowl and john wayne dvd for MrP at the st Johns shop and then got some screw bands and some trackies for MrP from the third one. The whole lot costing $23 so that was excellent shopping.

Got some more sugar so now I can make lots of Jam to barter with..

Clouding over here now.

popeye333 - 2017-08-05 14:03:00

morning ladies :) Good result for my rugby team, am quite chuffed for them.

When the frost lifts I'll be mowing the lawn as we are meant to be having some rainy days coming up. No doubt I'll have two little 'helpers' running alongside me. Then I have some sewing to do just for a change :)

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2017-08-06 07:54:00

Good Morning Ladies, Sun is out after a good frost. Off out shortly for coffee with a friend and just may have a look at the local market on the water front
. Been busy knocking my house back into shape. All the rooms needed a good clean up. Having Mr S not well things where just ticking over. Has an appointment next Sat for MIR. They need to check to see any change in his lower back.His case will then go to medical panel and see if he will get his op. Told that 50% of all cases put forward are turned down.

Did some felting during the week for a book cover I wanted for a book I just finished for a present. Enjoying my Book Art. My knitting needles saw some light last night also.

Lovely your new look bedroom kiwimade. Fingers crossed they have a Queen Size cover for you.
Time to move or I have my friend knocking shortly.
Happy Knitting and Enjoy your day .

sunflowers28 - 2017-08-06 08:57:00

Morning ladies, a better day yesterday than Friday. I went for a long walk with a friend and then had a quick lunch and went to another friends to play Mah Jong - not the same friend as I played with on Thursday - we stayed on after playing and had a couple of glasses of wine, and had quite a discussion about the cruise we are booking for. Price will be confirmed for that in the next day or so, and then we pay and then we just have to patiently wait till it's time to go - April.

Came home and did some knitting and sadly lost at yardage chicken so will have to unpick the stitches that I've cast off (not sure how many but I'm guessing it's over 100), and then undo the last row and cast off again. Grrr! And the yarn is black so I will do that this afternoon.

Going for another walk shortly, so will have breakfast and put a load of washing on, then get myself ready.

Have an awesome day everyone.

kuaka - 2017-08-06 09:41:00

Morning everyone
Overcast here, it looked damp in the south.

Alot of pain yesterday, and I dont think today will be much better. But Im trying to ignore it. I think its time the dr sent me for xrays or an MRI it shouldnt be this sore between my spine and hip.

Have got a huge pot of plum jam on. Had the sugar soaking with the plums overnight. 3 kgs of plums and sugar. Will take a while to come to the boil cos I dont like to rush it.

Will cut the left over hogget up and do some potatoes to make a shepherds pie to pop into the freezer too, today.

And hopefully some crochet this afternoon. Its actually nice not making myself rush to get this blanket done. Im taking my time and enjoying it, as well as having my Mrs Domestic hat on lol.

HAve a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2017-08-06 09:55:00

Morning
Your room looks great Kiwimade. Had a quiet but productive weekend getting quite a few odd jobs done around the place.

Been on YouTube to learn provisional cast on and it seems to be working which is always a relief.

Promise of a nice day and quite warm. Have visitors this evening so don't think much knitting today.

jayemtoo - 2017-08-07 07:36:00

morning ladies :) Thanks jayemtoo, am quite chuffed. Just need 'something' to go on top of the cupboard, I'll know it when I see it.

Always good to learn something new I isn't it, I can't imagine not having tutorials on You Tube now. My grandmother taught me to knit but she was in the South Island and we had moved to the North Island so the only time I could learn was when we visited once a year. I had to experiment and pretty much teach myself between visits.

My throw is soooo soft but angora is such a pain to knit. MrK keeps watching it grow and can't wait for it to be finished lol so somehow I don't think I will be the one using it much.

The Fluffy One goes home tomorrow but she will be back next week as my sister is off overseas for a few days. We take great delight in seeing the Fluffy One being so active here and doing 'doggy stuff' where as at home she spends a lot of time sleeping.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2017-08-07 08:27:00

Morning ladies, I had another restless night, I was still awake at 3am and that despite having clean sheets on the bed - I normally sleep well when I've got clean sheets on the bed - pity I can't have them fresh every day.

I went for a long walk yesterday and when we got to the point where we turn round I put the gps on the phone to "home" and it said 4km and would take 7 minutes - obviously not walking. So we do an 8km walk when we do the whole walk - sometimes we shorten it a bit - and that apparently is 4.97 miles, so just another 53 yards and we do 5 miles. My legs are a bit stiff this morning.

When I opened the curtains this morning and looked out it looked foggy but it was very very fine rain, which is now easing off. Op shop this morning so had better get cracking.

Yesterday I managed to tink what I had cast off on the scarf and then tink one row, and cast off again. So 300 stitches tinked. What a pain, but it is done.

Your angora throw sounds lovely kiwimade, but I admit it is a pain to knit. I knitted some crucci angora years ago and the fluff used to get right up my nose but it was so soft and warm.

Have a good day everyone.

kuaka - 2017-08-07 08:50:00