kiwimade, you can use your gold card on items that are not already discounted. However, sometimes I manage to use my $40 off voucher and my gold card at the same time, it depends who is on the counter. You get 15% off with it, I'm not 65 either but I also piggy back on my old boys super. Now remember to use your card, go to the gold card web site and see all the places you can use it,.

daisygirl - 2013-05-21 17:20:00

I always give both cards Kiwimade. You had to use it today to get the voucher discount. Well that's what it said on my voucher. But if I remember I always use both anyway.
Heheh that's three of us piggybacking on the old fellas lol... I don't have to look for work as Ive been his carer for years anyway. Don't forget the Mad Butcher, they take it there too. 5% is better than nothing.

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/268220905.jpg

Finished teddys.. Im far from happy with the eyes but from a distance they look ok.

popeye333 - 2013-05-21 18:06:00

cute teddys

kiwicarol - 2013-05-21 18:32:00

Have you thought about adding perhaps a little knitted scarf to each one?

kiwicarol - 2013-05-21 18:34:00

Oops yes they are meant to have them.. oops totally forgot lol... Thank you for reminding me

popeye333 - 2013-05-21 18:37:00

Don't feel bad ladies, I've "piggy backed" on hubbies super for years, but later this year I'll be entitled to it in my own right.

No knitting today so far, so I had better do some tonight to make up for it, and tomorrow I plan to go to the local knit 'n' natter group (sounds so much better than "stitch & bitch" don't you think?)

kuaka - 2013-05-21 20:18:00

thanks ladies, we really had run out of options with me not finding work and with husband's health being so bad over the years our savings dwindled. So for now, I have a gold card. I'll definately check out the website, the only local place I know of is Resenes paint and they give a 20% discount on paint etc.
I like stitch 'n bitch lol but yes, knit 'n natter does sound nicer.
Lovely teddies popeye :)

kiwimade64 - 2013-05-21 20:56:00

Love the teddies popeye. The rug is lovely also. I have made several of those rugs using up odd balls. I enjoy making them.

ffloss - 2013-05-21 20:59:00

popeye i love your teddies. I still have the teddy that mum made 20 years ago. He is blind as mum forgot to put his eyes in before sewing the head closed and couldn't be frigged unpicking. She made him from scraps of upholstery fabric that my uncle gave her. My uncle reupholstered a fiat bambino 500 for mum that was the first car i learnt to drive in. So Teddy has lots of memories, love him to bits.
The christmas tree ornament swap is something that has been happening for quite a few years now (this may be its 6th or 7th year, I'm not sure) where a thread is started here in crafts and hobbies (about mid july) for any one to put their name down and you go on a list of 10 people. You receive your list of names and addresses about mid Nov and that gives you 2 weeks to make, wrap, address and on the 1st Dec you send 9 ornament to the 9 other people on your list, keeping 1 for yourself. By christmas you should have 10 handmade ornaments for your christmas tree. This will be my third year and i LOVE it. The ornaments that arrive are gorgeous with such a wide variety and there are some very clever, creative people out there. I cant wait. Already have my idea and are gathering supplies now.

whiskey13 - 2013-05-22 01:33:00

Morning all...trust me whiskey I nearly didn't put the eyes on in the end. I wont forget that in a hurry.

Knit and Natter does sound a lot nicer than Stitch and Bitch. The patchwork group have one here.

Yup Kuaka and Kiwimade don't feel bad about piggy backing. As we are married to the retirees we are as entitled due to that fact.

Well shock horror my new bed turned up last night. so today will be taken up with posting parcels and changing three beds around again (sigh) lol... But we will space it out over the day.

Ffloss mum only made the one blanket. Said she would never make another. And cos it is wool she gave it to me cos she knew I would look after it. Its lovely and warm too. Id like one made in a nice palette of colours. I might see if I can find her pattern and be brave oneday

So have a good day all.

popeye333 - 2013-05-22 09:01:00

Popeye - I also made a cot blanket in that pattern with all the pastel colours and white. It is easy to make and very few ends to sew in which suited me as I hate sewing squares together and sewing in all the ends.
Be brave and have a go. It's easy.

ffloss - 2013-05-22 14:49:00

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/268333615.jpg

Amazing what difference a wee bow makes. lol

Ill have to find a pattern first Ffloss. But it shouldn't be too hard.

HAve been flat out all day pulling down and putting together beds today. What a job but that's it, its done lol.
Hopefully I shall sleep well tonight.. I might take a pill to help it on the way. lol

popeye333 - 2013-05-22 16:23:00

morning ladies :) That's much better popeye, a bow just 'makes' the bears. We're off to Whanganui tomorrow so have a few things to do to get organised. It's bucketing down with rain so no walks this morning which means an over active dog. Might be able to get some knitting done, nearly finished the final panel for our throw, about halfway along it.
Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2013-05-23 08:35:00

Tapestry purse. I recently finished a small tapestry bag for my grand daughter as a graduation present but don,t feel confident enough to assemble it. Can someone tell me where in Auckland I can get it done. Many thanks Grangran

grangran - 2013-05-23 08:40:00

Morning all.. Have a safe trip Kiwimade. Nasty weather to be travelling in. We have had very heavy rain and wind.
MrP wont come to do groceries this morning. If it rains suddenly he will get soaked.
I had the best nights sleep I have had in months last night. Yes I have a sore back and legs from making dismantling and putting back together the beds. but my hips are fine. no pain at all.. Yayayay.
Cant wait to see your throw Kiwi...
The other day I finaly undid a wrap that I started ages ago. I didn't have a pattern so was guessing but the cast on edge was too tight. And I couldn't get motivated to finish it cos I didn't like the start.

Ive been asked to make some tiny teddys to be sent to Aussie. The lady who I made the lolly girl for asked me. They will go to a hospital that her daughter lost her baby in. Apparently she was tiny and they wrapped her in a wee blanket. But she thought it would be nice to have wee teddies to go with them.

Grangran I don't know of anyone who could make that up for you. I hope you find someone tho.

popeye333 - 2013-05-23 08:47:00

indded the wee bows on the teddies make such a difference. Just got back from walking my dog to find my Dermores order I placed on Saturday afternoon is here already. That was super quick. Sun is out but a howling cold Sou Wester here in Christchurch.

Edited by kiwicarol at 9:58 am, Thu 23 May

kiwicarol - 2013-05-23 09:57:00

Its amazing how fast they can get stuff here from England eh.

Ive sorted my stash today cos the drawers were jam packed. and I still had 30 plus balls to put away. but have got that all sorted out now.
Finally have everything sorted now and it feels good. Now I can get back to my knitting properly.

Managed to do my errands up the road without getting wet. But I did sit in the car while it poured for ten mins lol...

popeye333 - 2013-05-23 12:32:00

Popeye can you please help advise me ? I'm knitting wee people all in one piece pattern for a Dementia Facilities residents ..my knitting skills are average and though they look ok, all different and colourful etc ...my sewing up is less than perfect in my eyes. When you knit your toys do you knit the first stitch or slip ...I don't like the edges of my knitting . Many thanks .

jbsouthland - 2013-05-23 14:03:00

jbsouthland, just in case popeye doesn't get back to you , i usually slip the first stitch.
But she has years more experience than me and can help you.

whiskey13 - 2013-05-23 15:13:00

I slip the first stitch too as it gives a neater edge.

kiwimade64 - 2013-05-23 15:19:00

I don't slip the first stitch on mine. But when I sew mine up I don't sew over and over the seem, I sew ohh how to explain. I hold the two sides together then sew through from front to back, then back to front.
I find it works well especially if you have done stripes and are carrying the wool up the edge. You can sew in a stitch from the edge.
Ill see if I can draw a picture and take a photo of it for you JB

popeye333 - 2013-05-23 15:54:00

I don't slip the first stitch! If I'm doing garter stitch, I just make sure I pull the yarn fairly firmly when knitting the first stitch.

kuaka - 2013-05-23 15:55:00

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/268448872.jpg

Hope you can understand that JB.. The needle looks odd hahaha.

Most of the work I do is in stocking stitch Kuaka. so I don't tend to pull anything tight. I seemed to have been blessed with being able to have a nice tension. Goodness knows why lol.

popeye333 - 2013-05-23 16:02:00

Thank you all so much.... most helpful... I think I'm just not as neat as I'd like to be....Ive tried all ways ...slipping stitch , knitting stitch and pulling extra tight....give me fair isle any day but not sewing up ..lol also their faces are hard to make look cute....may leave them with no facial expressions like Armish ( sp ) dolls . Thanks again..love your thread :)

jbsouthland - 2013-05-23 16:15:00

Glad to help... Ive been asked to make wee teddies for a hospital in Aussie. And I don't know if Ill put faces on them or not. They are to go with "lost" babies. On one hand I think they need faces for the babies sakes. but on the other I like the facelessness of the armish dolls too.

Its funny I don't mind dewing up toys, not that keen on doing it on clothes tho. Ive always liked hand sewing so I guess that helps.

popeye333 - 2013-05-23 17:13:00

Is what you do referred to as mattress stitch popeye?

kiwicarol - 2013-05-23 17:41:00

kiwicarol wrote:

Is what you do referred to as mattress stitch popeye?

I haven't a clue Carol.. Its just the way I was taught from a darling older lady who was my second Mum

popeye333 - 2013-05-23 17:55:00

looks like mattress stitch carol :) I use it too and it's brilliant. Used correctly you could even stitch on the right sides of your knitting. Gives a lovely flat finish.

Edited by kiwimade64 at 11:20 pm, Thu 23 May

kiwimade64 - 2013-05-23 23:10:00

Good morning all.. Looks like a nice day hopefully today. Ive got the first of three loads of washing on...
Going to have a normal domestic day today.
I should get the skirt for Emily finished today while resting my icky back.

We went to Pukekohe yesterday and got the lights for my side board. They are nice and simple lights and really finish it off nicely.. I want to get a couple of nice little bulbs for them.
Have to go pick up some meat for a friend, she is going in to butchers to pick and pay for it on her way to work and Ill bring it here and she will stop in on the way home from work. The butcher doesn't open on a Saturday so its the only way she can get anything from there. Strange eh...not to be open on a Saturday.
Have a productive day all

popeye333 - 2013-05-24 08:46:00

Morning all, everyone must be busy.

Well so much for a quiet knitting day yesterday. I ended up being busy most of the day and only getting to my knitting after tea. But I got the skirt finished.. YAY.. so that's the three biggest parts done.

Ive slipped into a happy domestic mood and I think its cos Im happy with the room layouts and getting my much wanted side board done etc. Was going to wipe the windows this morning and they are dry so Ill leave it till they are damp and can supply their own water lol...
Im going to go through my MILs three tier sewing box today, I opened it the other day and one of the arms came off. So Im going to thin the syuff out in there and put the screw back,
I never met my MIL but everyone tells me she and I would have got on great, and I am honoured to have her sewing box and hand written cookbook.

Hope the woofy ones get walks before the rain arrives.

Have a good day all

popeye333 - 2013-05-25 09:14:00

Morning all
What a busy week - you all seem to have had a lot to do. You sure have been busy popeye with all your sorting out new beds etc.
I have had workmen in sealing and plastering the walls of bedrooms and hallway. I stripped off the paper ready for them and am now gradually getting them painted, ceilings and all the fiddly surrounding woodwork have now had their 2 coats of new paint, why do doorways have so many pieces to them?! So can start on the walls.
In between times have been looking after little great nieces and nephew.
Haven't been neglecting the knitting completely and getting some warm clothes ready for the little ones now that winter is here.
Fortunately the past week has been very nice weather wise but had a frost this morning and now clouded over so staying rather cold.
Happy knitty weekend all

jayemtoo - 2013-05-25 12:10:00

You have been busy too Jayemtoo... It is very dull here now. And Ill honestly say Im cold. lol

We had to duck out to post a parcel this morning., And stopped at two garage sales on our street on the way home. I got three lovely cushions for my bed white with black velvet patterns on and at the next on was a brand new still in packet black tri pillow cover. The ends of my new bed are black wrought iron so it looks nice now.
Id love to have a black duvet cover, but that would be totally silly cos our Bob has white and ginger fur. Wouldn't be a good look Im afraid lol.

But I think we were meant to go out and be at the right place at the right time.
Ive sorted the old sewing box. and checked the screws again. I have a pile of self cover buttons, cos when ever I see them I buy them, at garage sales or oppies etc. But Ive only ever used them once , lol years ago.
Im the same when it comes to hot water bottles and preserving screw bands and seals too. I got a box of new bands today lol.

My fingers are freezing lol...

popeye333 - 2013-05-25 13:21:00

Beautiful sunny day in Chch. Been out in the garden. This week i have knitted all bar the ears and one leg of another of the blue bears. This one will be for me. Enjoy the weekend everyone.

kiwicarol - 2013-05-25 14:56:00

we're back from Whanganui and wow what a fabulous drive! Gorgeous scenery and lots of 'omggg look at that!' moments. We truely do not know how lucky we are living here. We heard baby's heartbeat on the monitor - soooo cool and it was lovely to meet daughter's midwife. I took my knitting by managed about eight rows before I nodded off lol. Was a very long four hour drive - OK, took a bit longer as we stopped to take heaps of photos lol.
The Furry One was very pleased to see us and I think we are all glad to be home.
Really cold tonight, am going to get knitting to warm my fingers up :)
Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2013-05-25 18:54:00

It has rained all day, so I have done quite a bit of knitting today, and not a lot else. Had planned to go to the supermarket but there's always tomorrow.

kuaka - 2013-05-25 20:55:00

It was cold yesterday, I added a blanket to the bed. Sat there knitting last night with the electric blanket on lol.. Managed to get Emilys hair and ringlets done.
Not so bad this morning, I have a singlet type top on for now. Has rain through the night but the sun is trying its hardest at the mo.

Ffloss cos Im a keeper of records do you mind if I email you?... I have a question. I checked your feedback to find we have traded a couple of years ago.

Kiwimade I used to love the drive from Taranaki down to Wanganui. Unfortunatly the town gives both MrP and I asthma. Havent figured out why, but it could be the upside down river lol. So we never went there often.
Nothing on my agenda for today so knitting it will be.

Id love to have a good old baking session, but then we would have to eat it, so no sense. And I wont allow myself to turn the oven on for one thing.

Have a good day all

popeye333 - 2013-05-26 08:54:00

morning ladies! I've managed to get all the knitting and sewing finished on my throw and am half way round putting the fringe on. Omggg it takes a lot of wool to do a double knotted fringe and can be a bit tricky when the Furry One wants a cuddle at the same time. Still, I'm half way round now and should finish today or tomorrow.
Am busy taking the rust off an old steamer trunk I bought on here a couple of weeks ago. Will try and restore it to it's near former glory then use it for storage in the spare room.
Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2013-05-27 10:47:00

Morning all.. Just lol

Cant wait to see the throw Kiwimade... the furry ones like to help eh. Mines asleep on my bed out of my way lol.

Yesterday I did both legs/ feet and the hands for Emily.. strange that the hands are separate on this one. Started one arm.
Have finished both arms and done the belt this morning.

Im having a flat battery day, which means I can only just keep my eyes open and the brain connected. A bad one is when I get so cold with it that I have to go and thaw out on the electric blanket. Its a warfarin thing. Im not too cold this time so Im able to stay up, just.
The trunk sounds cool Kiwimade, Id love to be able to restore things like that.
Id simply like to be able to paint then I don't think there would be any chance of stopping me.
For some reason MrP paints the furniture I ask in a flat white paint. I want gloss. So oneday I will get it the way I want. I love white furniture.

Right better make something for lunch.

have a good day

popeye333 - 2013-05-27 11:53:00

Morning Ladies. Everyone must be busy.

Even tho I felt flat yesterday and actually had nearly 2 hours sleep in the afternoon I still managed to get a lot of smaller bits done on Emily. Finished the arm Id started the night before, did the other, and the wrist bands, collar, belt, hair ribbons and the crown to the hat. I have the brim of the hat , 3 flowers and 5 leaves left to do I think. So will get the knitting done and maybe some putting together started.

Wild and windy here. But there is blue sky too.

Will be a perfect day to sit and knit.

Oh car is back at the garage panel beater again. our mechanic was not happy with how things happened so he told us to take it back yesterday. he would speak to panel beater. Funny thing while we were there waiting for a loaner car three guys were talking sternly to the panelbeater so Im thinking they weren't happy customers either. Panel beater is 60sih id guess and should know how to do his job a lot better

popeye333 - 2013-05-28 08:50:00

buggar about the car popeye, I hate it when things like that happen. Like things done once and right.
I should finish my throw today :) yayyyy!! Just have the second row of knots to do halfway round the fringe and trim the ends. It's lovely and toasty lol as I had it on my lap as I worked some of the knots last evening.
The sun was out but look like we have a storm coming over, love a decent storm!
Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2013-05-28 09:05:00

Yeah MrP is very annoyed about the car.. Im just over it lol...

One of the bonuses when making a blanket etc lol the extra warmth. its years since I made a blanket. Oneday I will make more but we have more than enough for now. I would like to have a go at the magic square one eventually.

I love a good storm too, best one Ive seen was an electrical storm over the coast of Opunake , in South taranaki. We were living in a bus at the time and parked the right way. I sat on the couch and watched it for ages... Funny thing is as much as I love a good storm mum used to hate them.

Starting to cool down. time to get the hands working.. Have fun

popeye333 - 2013-05-28 09:11:00

Toasty warm here (well in the main living area anyway) as I lit the woodfire when I got up this morning. It was blowing a gale and pouring with rain, and I zapped out onto the deck to bring in the washing which I'd left out last night. I thought I would get blown off my feet. No roof work for me today - I did some yesterday, so I don't feel too bad about it. It might take me a while but I will get it done eventually.

Going to do some knitting shortly, then off out for the afternoon.

I love a good storm too, love to watch the lightning, but sometimes the thunder is just a bit too loud - last time it shook the house.

kuaka - 2013-05-28 11:30:00

wahooo finished my throw lol. Now The Furry One has claimed it for a bit - he is such a sook and loves soft things. I've posted pics over on our FB page :). Am going to go through some patterns and decide what to knit next or maybe do some embroidery - want to teach myself stumpwork. Will be a perfect afternoon for whatever I decide to do :)

kiwimade64 - 2013-05-28 11:49:00

Well done Kiwimade... it looks lovely. Love the colours too... Kick said furry one off it.. Its too pretty for furry ones.

Just had my lunch ruined. Mechanic rang, the door posts on the front of the car are shot. Could spend $500-$600 on them but he said if we had a crash they would crumble. Without it, it wont pass another warrant.
So we have to somehow get another car. I don't want to even start looking cos I love my car.
So Ill file it on the shelf till tomorrow. Put it where I don't need to deal with it.

MrP is not gloating but sure as heck isn't as upset as me. I love that car. he has wanted a new one for a wee while.

Only thing to be thankfull about is that we didn't put new tyres on it , Id have been annoyed about that.

popeye333 - 2013-05-28 12:33:00

An update, it will take work worth $1500 plus for it to pass a warrant. Neither of us would feel safe in it so we will have to get a new car.

I love that car, I don't want to look for a new one, I don't want to get one and I certainly don't want to pay for a new one....

So Im adopting a severe case of Head in the Sand and ignoring it and hoping it will all go away.

Im finished knitting Emily but not going to start putting her together tonight, have a headache and a half

popeye333 - 2013-05-28 18:16:00

Sadly popeye, it won't go away - you know what they say "rust never sleeps", so looks like you will have to bite the bullet and get another one. Pity they couldn't have decided before you spent the money on it that you've already spent. I'd be hopping mad if I was you.

kuaka - 2013-05-28 19:39:00

We have just had the brightest lightning and the loudest thunder I can ever remember, followed a quick short burst of the noisiest hail I think I've ever heard. When the thunder clapped the cat shot from her curled up sleepy state in front of the fire to the door in less than the blink of an eye. I didn't know it was possible for her to move so quickly. She must have just about broken the sound barrier. That was 20 minutes ago and she's still unsettled. Hugs and treats didn't settle her.

kuaka - 2013-05-28 19:42:00

Hi everyone. I'm still here lol. Have had laptop in being fixed as it kept crashing. Have had visitors staying and am still having 'family' issues which are stressing me out a bit, aaggghh. I will try and post as often as I can, and I will definitely read this thread every day until things improve on the family front. At least I have my trip to New York to look forward to. I am also going to go stay with my girlfriend for a week from the 8th June so looking forward to that as well. She is a knitter and also learning to crochet.

No knitting for me lately as I'm busy cross-stitching. You have all been so busy. Absolutely love your throw kiwimade. I saved the pattern into a Word document and maybe one day will make it !! I think it's gorgeous and you certainly made a great job of it.

popeye - oh dear, sorry to hear about the car problems. Hope all goes well and you can find another.

pats3 - 2013-05-28 20:22:00

buggar and buggar again popeye! I agree with kuaka, they should have told you before you spent all that money on the car!
No rain, thunder or anything nearly as exciting here, just overcast and bitterly cold.
Thank you pats, am glad you were able to save the pattern. It is such a simple throw to knit. I embroidered the roses onto the diamonds as I finished each diamond, mainly to break up the knitting and sewing and make things more interesting for me.
Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2013-05-28 22:03:00

Morning all.
Woohoo Kuaka, love a good storm... My boycat hates them and cries like a baby. His sister was fine she would just wander off and hide under a bed, she never rushed anywhere lol... And waited for it to all finish lol

Pats had enough family stuff to cater for a lifetime so I know what you mean. Thankfully mines running smoothly again now.

Yes well after a not a great night of sleep. Ive woken up and firstly I will ring the windscreen people to see if they did actually take the screen out twice as we were told. Then I will be speaking to the panel beater, firmly, and by that I mean he will not like it. Even if it doesn't alter the bill it will make me feel better.
Found a few options on cars last night.. So will look into those. A Rav4 this time. we still need the height, low cars are not an option. Its just the thought of having to pay another car off.. Ill have to make the needles click a little faster if we want anything as a treat lol.
I used to do the same Kiwimade. I used to knit then sew each part of the toys to break it up. But of late I haven't been doing that.
Will start on sewing up Emily later today after Ive taken the secretary and accountant hat off lol.

Have a good day all

popeye333 - 2013-05-29 08:54:00