Congratulations, I feel the need to have a grandchild. I think it would be rather nice, you've got spare, how about lending me one.

armin59 - 2013-01-12 23:30:00

ooooo lovely nzmu....Congrats to you :-)
"Every time a baby is Born...so is a Grandma and Grandad"

ixcelm8 - 2013-01-12 23:35:00

thank you ladies... I am Grandma to my grandies and I love it!
Knitting for them is an added bonus. lol.

nzmu - 2013-01-13 08:03:00

Congratulations Grandma NZMU. I love knitting wee clothing. Ohh how lovely.
My friend became a great Aunty twice in the last fortnight. One of each. shes not a knitter tho.

popeye333 - 2013-01-13 08:46:00

popeye333 wrote:

Congratulatio-
ns Grandma NZMU. I love knitting wee clothing. Ohh how lovely.
My friend became a great Aunty twice in the last fortnight. One of each. shes not a knitter tho.

thanks popeye - so do I. Deramores had 15% off baby yarn a few weeks ago... need I say more lol.
and congrats to your friend!

nzmu - 2013-01-13 09:22:00

Congrats on the new arrival mu, I am busy knitting for my new great niece (4 weeks old). Going for a visit and snuggles tomorrow :)

maible - 2013-01-13 10:54:00

Congratulations NZMU. I don't have children but I have a lot to do with my sister's grandchildren and knit for them.

I'm having surgery tomorrow and will be off work for three weeks. I am going out to my girlfriend's place in the country. She and her husband have just built a lovely home out there. Have packed so much knitting, cross-stitch and books - lol - obviously won't get to work on all of it, but wanted to have choices :-). Was a bit worried this morning though as I flew to Wellington yesterday and back this morning. Because of low cloud, flights were being cancelled left, right and centre!! Fortunately my flight was able to take off.

Okay, I've burbled for long enough. Unless I'm on here tonight, I probably won't get back until Tuesday or Wednesday. Play nicely while I'm away - LOL.

Edited by pats3 at 12:47 pm, Sun 13 Jan

pats3 - 2013-01-13 12:46:00

pats3 wrote:

Congratulations NZMU. I don't have children but I have a lot to do with my sister's grandchildren and knit for them.

I'm having surgery tomorrow and will be off work for three weeks. I am going out to my girlfriend's place in the country. She and her husband have just built a lovely home out there. Have packed so much knitting, cross-stitch and books - lol - obviously won't get to work on all of it, but wanted to have choices :-). Was a bit worried this morning though as I flew to Wellington yesterday and back this morning. Because of low cloud, flights were being cancelled left, right and centre!! Fortunately my flight was able to take off.

Okay, I've burbled for long enough. Unless I'm on here tonight, I probably won't get back until Tuesday or Wednesday. Play nicely while I'm away - LOL.

Thanks pats3, you take care - glad to see you have the important things organised! I wish you a speedy recovery!

nzmu - 2013-01-13 13:13:00

Take care pats. Get better soon and have fun in the peace and quiet surrounded by your hobbies

popeye333 - 2013-01-13 13:17:00

Back to work this afternoon :(
Packed 2 boxes of wool away for eqc repairs. This is wool that I know I won't touch in the timeframe we have been given.
How is everyone else doing?

whiskey13 - 2013-01-14 14:04:00

Almost melting here. Went to Kaikohe this morning, plan was to go early before it got too hot, but we missed that "early" and got the next one. I usually knit while hubby drives. I knitted on the way over but on the way back it was too hot even for me to knit - that doesn't happen very often I can assure you!

kuaka - 2013-01-14 15:21:00

Finished the socks, took them to my friend. She loves them and thinks they will fit her husband. She is not sure if she can wait for his birthday to give them to him. I had Samuel with me today, he is 9 years old and has Down Syndrome. he watched the good old Wiggles while I finished the socks. Now I feel like knitting something easy, I have started a circular, cabled scarf in mohair. That was dumb as I am now eating the loose fluff that falls off. Bye.

armin59 - 2013-01-14 15:33:00

I found some of my knitting patterns (I did say some LOL). I have just finished painting the shelves for my containers of wool - craft room is almost complete. Now to convince the Mr that I will probably need more stuff to fill the huge space.............

thecritic - 2013-01-14 17:41:00

woohoo well done armin - I am nearly there with the first one... I am at the toe.

Off to have my dinner so I can settle into some serious knitting time lol!

nzmu - 2013-01-14 17:55:00

Armin, with mohair you should keep it in the fridge or freezer not sure which. But it helps prevent the floating hair.
Mum couldnt knit it, it gave her severe sinus problems. So I havent bothered trying to lol.

Ive had some serious knitting time myself today. Rubbish and lawn day so always up early.
Ive finished the main body piece and the two feet for Young wilf the beach bum of Jean Greenhowes.
I have a friend who wants them all. So Im going to be kept occupied for quite a white. But Im going to try and do one doll for her a mnth and knitting stuff for TM for the rest of the month, so I dont get bored.

I checked the status of my Deramores order before. All has been shipped but one book which is on back order.
It will probably get here before a trade I brought on 7th Jan which still isnt here. from Wellington.

TC no good having empty shelves.. you need to remedy that lol

popeye333 - 2013-01-14 18:07:00

Wow - you've all been busy as bees with bums full of honey :-)

Had my surgery this morning (gall bladder removal). All went well and I'm feeling not too bad at the moment, although I dare say that's because the painkillers have kicked in - lol.

Have the TV going, laptop sitting on my table and have just cast on stitches for a child's beanie. Doing it on circular needles and am going to try magic loop. I have only ever done magic loop on socks and haven't done any for a while, so hope I can remember - lol.

My sister, niece and great-niece are coming up to see me. Sis asked did I want anything brought up and I said I wanted a Crunchie Bar. I mean what else could a girl ask for, Lol

pats3 - 2013-01-14 18:59:00

Nice to see you back pats - rest up now, don't overdo it. Sounds like you are in just the right place to recover and with Crunchie Bar 'medicine' you can't go wrong lol.

I managed to finish my two little projects (a sleeveless open vest and a short sleeved cardigan, both size 2), last night. Just have to stitch them up. So I can go dig through my stash tonight and see what's next - woohoo!

nzmu - 2013-01-15 05:56:00

Wow you rest up Pats. Have had gall bladder surgery, no heavy lifting or big stretches and youll be fine. Enjoy the visit and yes I think a crunchie bar is a nice spoil for you. The bicarb in the hokey pokey will help get rid of the gas they pump into you.

Well done NZMU for getting your projects finished. Whats next on the agenda?
I got some of Young Wilf stuffed last night. Got more stuffing out to finish the main body pice and shoes today.
I have to go have my diabetes eye check this morning. So that cuts into knitting time.
Take care all.

popeye333 - 2013-01-15 08:22:00

Hi all, I often look onto the craft section just to see what people are doing or what people are talking about with knitting. Neat thread. I have made the error in deciding to check out old knitting patterns whereever I see them. I know have about 8 full binders, plus hardback books. I have culled them so many times. And thats not counting the wool. Two sets of twin boys to knit for 4 and 6 years, Two grt grandaughters too 4 years old. And a friends new grandaughter on the way. Am on 2nd hooded jacket for the young boys. Like a good book though, I usually go in fits and starts. I'm in a lul time at the moment. Havnt picked up the needles for a few weeks.

janzjanz - 2013-01-15 09:17:00

Well you've all been busy little knitters haven't you! Glad to hear your surgery went well pats, make the most of your recovery time and don't over do things.
I crocheted a pair of booties over the weekend and am so pleased with the way the turned out that I just have to share a pic :)
http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/249792368.jpg
Back to some knitting today, have a good day everyone.

maible - 2013-01-15 10:43:00

Wow - those bootees are just gorgeous. I've tried crocheting bootees several times, but never had any success, never finished a pair, I've always been totally dissatisfied with them, and unravelled them.

kuaka - 2013-01-15 10:48:00

My order arrived from deramores this morning. Well half of it anyway. Still a few books to come and 2more lots of wool. What beautiful soft wool the James C. Brett Baby Marble Double Knit is. And the Wonder Soft baby 4 ply by Stylecraft. Wow.

Edited by whiskey13 at 11:19 am, Tue 15 Jan

whiskey13 - 2013-01-15 11:13:00

Maible they are beautifull. I can only crocket square blankets. Mum was the clever one with the hooks.
Cant wait for mine Whiskey. Ive ordered some James C Brett and dk in the style craft. Only one book that will be delayed according to my account.

I need a gold colour different to what I have so hopefully the one I ordered will be good.
Im Still waitintg for pattern books I got off here on 7th Jan. Apparently she didnt post till the weekend. very poor service.

popeye333 - 2013-01-15 12:25:00

Thank you for your kind comments kuaka and popeye, I don't do a lot of crochet as it hurts my hand but saw the bootie pattern and just had to give it a try.
People who have ordered yarn from Deramores, are you buying acrylic or pure wool? I prefer pure wool or only a slight acrylic blend. Was wondering if the acrylic is better than what is available here - more like wool in feel.
Will have to take a better look at the site I think :)

maible - 2013-01-15 12:35:00

Im knitting toys so use acrylic. As to the quality I wont know till mine arrives here.
My fave wool is crepe tho and funny enough Mum didnt like knitting it. I like the way it looks when knitted.

popeye333 - 2013-01-15 12:40:00

I like crepe too popeye, it has a nice texture to it :)
And yes, definitely acrylic for the toys (when I finally get back to doing some), am so busy with baby knitting at the moment though.

maible - 2013-01-15 12:46:00

Both lots of yarn I received today are 100% acrylic and they are VERY soft to the touch. I can't believe it's not wool.

whiskey13 - 2013-01-15 13:12:00

Ohh thats good to hear Whiskey... Cant wait for mine.

popeye333 - 2013-01-15 13:13:00

whiskey13 wrote:

Both lots of yarn I received today are 100% acrylic and they are VERY soft to the touch. I can't believe it's not wool.

Thanks, that's what I was hoping for :)

maible - 2013-01-15 13:23:00

I have bought acrylic wool in very bright toy colours from a couple of $ shops.
The quality is very mixed though - some of it has knots scattered throughout the skein. And the yarn thickness is also variable. You get what you pay for, of course - but it is useful for toys and tea cosies, and you can't get such vivid colours anywhere else. Nice for knitting flowers.

daleaway - 2013-01-15 13:35:00

I find the "needles" acrylic yarn, (it's available on here and at Arthur's Emporium in Whangarei) is very soft and shiny and quite nice to use depending on what you're using it for, but sometimes it has knots and patches which haven't been processed properly and are all thick and fuzzy. It's only $3 for a 100gm ball, so again, you get what you pay for. The big 400gm balls at the warehouse are now $23 - there's nothing cheap there when I looked yesterday, 50gm balls of acrylic were $3.99.

kuaka - 2013-01-15 14:27:00

maible those boottees are stunning! What lovely work, clever lady!

I have more 0-1 baby jerseys to do, popeye, for the moment and then I will move back to the 2-4 year old grandkids and knit some more JC Brett marble up, I bought a pack of that in the pink and also some green purple and blue. Quite right whiskey - it is lovely, I have knitted the pink and blue so far. I prefer acrylic for several reasons, kids grow quickly, fashions change, but most of all, I know so few people who actually sort washing these days that I think that all the time, effort and enjoyment may be wasted after one wash lol.

nzmu - 2013-01-15 19:37:00

The machine washable merino from The Wool Company in Taihape does wash well in the machine. I don't think I would be knitting anything in wool for somebody else unless it was machine washable.

kuaka - 2013-01-15 19:45:00

Nzmu – great you finished your two projects. I hate the stitching up part, lol.

The JC Brett marble looks nice. I have some in my stash but haven’t knitted it up yet. I prefer to knit in wool but it is just so expensive. Fortunately, the three mothers whose children I knit for, always hand wash anything I knit in wool. The acrylic I have received from Deramores that I have knitted in, has always been lovely.

Popeye – how did you get on with your eye check. All okay I hope.

Maible, the bootees are gorgeous.

I’m feeling not too bad today although my stomach a bit sore from the keyhole surgery. Out at my girlfriend’s place in the country where she is pampering me. Hope to get the beanie finished tonight or tomorrow morning.

pats3 - 2013-01-15 21:07:00

I hate the stitching up part too - have 4 items waiting for that, so may be tomorrow.
Kuaka I like The Wool Company yarn too - buy most of mine from there, and being machine washable is great.
Glad you're feeling not too bad pats, just keep taking it easy and enjoy the pampering.
Sleep well and sweet knitty dreams everyone

maible - 2013-01-15 21:16:00

lol stitching is the 'not so fun part'. I do a little at a time each evening before I allow myself to pick up the new knitting, that way, it's not such a chore.

Well, it works for me anyway, lol.

nzmu - 2013-01-15 21:24:00

Eye check went well yesterday. I didnt have to have drops so other than the bright flashes all was good.

Its funny I dont mind sewing up on toys, but not on clothes.

I always knit baby stuff in acrylic too. Since it generally just gets thrown in the machine. I remember many times my mother putting hours of work into cool jumpers and then hearing that they "Shrunk" in the washing. So I sort of figure its still an extra layer providing warmth.

Hopefully my patterns from wellington will arrive today. Fingers crossed.

Ill attach a naked toy. He is currently 18.5 inches or 47cms... and still has a sand castle and flag to go on his head, along with all the rest of the bits lol

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/249938836.jpg

Edited by popeye333 at 8:46 am, Wed 16 Jan

popeye333 - 2013-01-16 08:43:00

Morning all, your knitting is lovely popeye. I used to love knitting those toys when my children were little.
I'm off to do some sewing up before I start knitting for the day.
Have a safe and happy day everyone :)

maible - 2013-01-16 10:23:00

Good morning everyone. popeye, look forward to seeing im with the sand castle and flag on his head.

Good on you maible with the sewing up.

Never got the beanie finished last night so going to work on that very shortly.

Have a great day everyone.

pats3 - 2013-01-16 10:49:00

WOOOHOOOOO my wool and books are here.. Ordered at 12-50 Saturday , arrived at 10-30am this morning.

I was soooo good tho. I did my wee bit of sewing, putting belt loops on some shorts for MrP. Then I did the litter box. Picked the beans.

Then I sat and enjoyed openeing the two parcels. The gold I ordered is perfect for the sock turnovers for wilf. I have several choices now for the sand castle.
And oooh the books are full of lovely toys... Theres sooo many I want to knit. Im not going to get bored of doing them for a very long time.

And I consider it all very good quality. The Robin would be the standard of magnum in spotlight but the rest is far better than what I can get here.

My savings just on the books and the cost of getting it here is $66 let alone the savings on the wool.

Thank you for sharing the website with me

popeye333 - 2013-01-16 12:19:00

Wow that was quick popeye, I'm glad you're pleased with your purchases. I see Debbie Bliss wool is discounted today - so sad I can't afford it at the moment lol.

maible - 2013-01-16 13:17:00

I have to behave with our money.. I dont like to buy unless I have got the money spare. so as I sell thigns on tm I can then spend at deramores.

I have a fair bit to keep me going for now, so Im content. but I wish I could knit faster... theres sooo many toys I want to do...

And the funny thing is I have one tiny teddy I knitted years ago, thats the only one of my own toys I have. its not a jean greenhowe pattern either, and I dont have the pattern any longer lol

popeye333 - 2013-01-16 13:25:00

Way to go popeye - Deramores is fantastic isn't it.

Finished the beanie I was doing. Was going to start a second one but have been doing some cross-stitch (birth sampler) instead. Might start the second one tomorrow.

pats3 - 2013-01-16 14:21:00

How could you wait to undo the parcel? I admire you, very impressive!

armin59 - 2013-01-16 15:43:00

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brain-hat-knitting-p
attern-not-actual-hat
This is what I want to make. I bought and i-cord mill for the 28ft of i-cord. Just having problems finding a good brain colour because I want it to be anatonically correct. I saw a boob hat that the breast feeding baby wears. Funny!

armin59 - 2013-01-16 15:49:00

Cos its a quirk I have Armin. I knew if I didnt get those jobs done, Id not be able to sit and enjoy the wool and patterns for long, cos Ive have to still go and do the jobs. So I got them done first. lol
Im the same with Christmas or birthday presents. I love surprises and it doesnt matter how long they sit under the tree, Im not tempted to open presents until the day.

That Brain hat is wicked... lol

popeye333 - 2013-01-16 15:55:00

hi everyone, have any of you lovely ladies checked out woolrae on trademe she has lovely super wash merino wool beautiful to knit.

8_is_enough - 2013-01-16 17:43:00

Please don't keep praising Deramores.........I'm trying VERY hard to resist pressing the 'add to my cart' button!!!! It's worse than trying to stick to healthy eating...and that's saying something!!!! (for me anyway)

nannymaid - 2013-01-16 18:16:00

Oops sorry nannymaid... but its such a good place to go to lol..

I just cant believe the spead and quality. I emailed them to thank them for such wonderfull service.

I finally got the two pattern books I brought of here on Jan 7th, today. Finally.. and they only came from Wellington.

popeye333 - 2013-01-16 18:23:00

Ill grab the fiddy as they say.. !!!

popeye333 - 2013-01-16 19:02:00