Grandmasue ,I have been knitting for 65 years if you count the boottees I made for my cousin that turned out thigh highs and my my crochet doily ended up like a beanie.
A bit late ,Happy Birthday rabrad, I don't post on here very often I must get into a habit .i feel I know the ladies on here through reading the posts.
I have my fingers and toes crossed popeye.
I have spent the morning sewing up knitted coat hanger covers,now must get back to finishing a jumper I put aside.

jord37 - 2014-02-10 14:16:00

Hi Jord37.. I have all mine crossed for you too.
Ive put three rows together on the peggy square blanket and have done 3 more squares. Im aiming for a row a day. which will be pushing it. but I can only try.
I should be doing another one now before I start the PM routine of insulin and cooking eat etc etc.
But Im here now lol

popeye333 - 2014-02-10 15:40:00

Belated birthday greetings rabrad. I hope you had a lovely day. I have been busy knitting and crocheting the last few days and then thought I'd better do something useful today, so blower-vacced the driveway and fertilised a patch of the veg garden and watered it so that I can put some dwarf beans in. Then late this afternoon I had a phone call from Mr Ks son in Bangkok to say he is flying in tomorrow afternoon and will be here tomorrow night. Bit short notice - so I've been clearing the clutter out of the spare room and trying to find places for it (clutter like garden tools, ordinary tools, containers of knitting and knitting wools, etc - oh if only we had a garden shed! - well it would be a start) I'll finish it off a bit more tonight then the rest tomorrow. I don't know how long he is planning on staying but maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to go to knit and natter on Wednesday. I don't seem to have been anywhere or done anything since Mr Ks accident, I feel like I'm becoming a hermit.

Now let's see if I can put a link up to a pic of my latest efforts.

Back shortly.

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/303812649.jpg

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/303812042.jpg

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/303811835.jpg

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/303811595.jpg

Edited by kuaka at 8:07 pm, Mon 10 Feb

kuaka - 2014-02-10 19:57:00

and lastly but not least, the pesky possum/merino tunic which is going to be gorgeous to wear in the winter - it's French Navy but it looks lighter in the pic

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/303814494.jpg

kuaka - 2014-02-10 20:14:00

night all.

carolev - 2014-02-10 21:08:00

Night Carole...I am off to bed too.

*Kuaka* I loved the owl one and the tunic looks great.
I was clearing out something today and found 12 teapots, most of which I had forgotten I owned. They used to be on top of a pelmet but we took the pelmet down.
Plumbers took out my ph line today and telecom won't come until tomorrow. They managed to patch in the internet but the phone is very noisy and crackly.
I am currently knitting in chunky on size 6 needles and not really enjoying it ...but will finish this garment at least.

grandmasue1 - 2014-02-10 21:15:00

morning all. got the washing on, beds made , I got told by my granddaughter yesterday that I am OLD . went to pick her up from kindy, she said to the teacher, "my grandma OLD that's right grandma your OLD" god I felt it then, sewing today back to red dresses.

carolev - 2014-02-11 06:34:00

Just had an email from step-son to say he's running late as he missed a connecting flight in Hong Kong so will stay there overnight and won't arrive here now till Wednesday afternoon - it will give me a bit longer to get organised, and had I known I wouldn't have stayed up so late spring cleaning the bedroom, nor would I have set the alarm clock for this morning. It might mean I can't go to knit and natter tomorrow, that will totally depend on how Mr K is feeling.

I'm pretty tired this morning as I was very very late to bed then I watched the olympics for quite a while. Might have to take advantage of the late arrival of stepson and have a nana nap this afternoon.

And I shall try to squeeze in some knitting or try to finish my next owl tea cosy, just got to do the edges and join the two sides together, then glue on the eyes and sew on the beaks and the "handle". Won't take me long. They crochet up quite quickly and are a good way of chewing through the stash.

Happy knitting everyone.

kuaka - 2014-02-11 07:21:00

Morning all, sounds like everyone has been busy.
My latest project
http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/303866790.jpg
Quite pleased with it

raej2 - 2014-02-11 07:54:00

morning ladies :) lmao carole, our son has been teasing me about turning 50 this year and telling his dad he might want to trade me in for a younger model! Told him it was ME who needed the younger model, not the old fart I have! We tease each other all the time and it is always said with laughs.

I just love that owl cosy, kuaka and your tunic is gorgeous. I might have to beg the owl pattern off you at some stage please.

I stitched the dragon's eyes and nose yesterday, now I feel like he is staring at me as I work lol. Even MrK commented on it lol. But I am very very happy with it and wonder now why I put it down in the first place.

Managed to crochet another navy blue square and do two navy rows on two more coloured squares. The blanket is coming along nicely and not fussed over how long it will take. It's quicker than my knitting and my stash is going down.

First though we are cutting out another tree, a camellia this time. So that will be six trees gone over summer. Really opens up the garden. The sparrows will hate me lol as they nest there - moved in when we cut the other trees out. As long as my blackbird and thrush stays I don't care about the sparrows.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2014-02-11 08:00:00

kiwimade, if you use aunty google and search for crocheted owl tea cosy pattern you will probably find it. I can't remember off the top of my head where I downloaded it from, but it was free. I'll search the pattern out sometime and give you the link, but I've done so many of them, I just do it without referring to the pattern.

kuaka - 2014-02-11 08:03:00

Morning everyone... Kuaka I love the Owl and Vest too... Ill have to hunt out the owl pattern too. Not for me but the girls at the medlab.
I know how you feel about becoming a hermit. Only time Im apart from MrP is if I dash up the road, or one of us is in hospital. but We have always been this way, so I don't know any different. Some days I do crave a day out, but not often.
I escape on the computer. Its when I get to talk to others.
We have a resident thrush Kiwimade. Its our second one cos Im not sure what happened to "baldy" she lived here for ohh 3-4 years probably. She was always bald on the top of her head. Now we have a very pretty lighter coloured one with lovely mmm Ginger flecks on her.
I connected squares for 4 rows and then each row yesterday as well as doing ten squares. Only 6 rows tho. Im hoping to get the blanket finished by Friday night.
Kuaka when your stepson comes home take some time out. It wont hurt either of them to share some time together. even if you just go grocery shopping and take your time and have a coffee while out.
Well best hustle my butt,. need to go up and post the Fairy and hero. Then come back and get back into the blanket.
Im ready for a break from the blanket. The other one finishes today...

Have a good day all

popeye333 - 2014-02-11 08:34:00

popeye, I plan to do that. Pity he isn't coming this evening as I could have gone to knit and natter, but I don't know how long he is coming for - knowing him only 2 or 3 days. Last time he visited he was living in Australia and came for just two days. He has a frantically busy job and is always on the go. I think he needs to spend some time with his dad so I'll be happy to give him the opportunity to do so and me to escape at the same time, for some "me" time which has been sadly lacking just lately.

Now I have to get cracking. I have to go to town and apparently there are two cruise ships in so there won't be a parking place anywhere as all the market stall holders will have grabbed every available one (they park in the two hour parks, then when the two hours is up, they rush off and move the vehicle to another two hour park so they don't have to pay in the car park!)

kuaka - 2014-02-11 08:40:00

that's cheeky of them kuaka! I'll google, thanks for that :). Hopefully you will get that 'me-time'. I bet your MrK is excited at seeing his son again :).

kiwimade64 - 2014-02-11 13:21:00

Love the tea cozies Kuaka, I don't drink tea but have a couple of pots and an elderly cosy which my mum made many years ago which I like to hold on to.
The vest will also be so useful and snug to wear - love to see it finished after all the hassles in getting it done.

Happy to have a rain free day to day and it is really quite pleasantly warm but I can just about hear the grass growing - groan as it will soon need mowing again.

Knitting a little vest which I found on-line it's a bit different so hope it turns out ok.

jayemtoo - 2014-02-11 17:00:00

All your tea cosies and knitting is lovely Kuaka.I went to knitting group this morning had my hair cut then to lunch with a friend.took a pain tablet when I got home and wasted the afternoon sleeping ,now plan to finish off two sleeves.

jord37 - 2014-02-11 19:20:00

Hi all been a busy day here sorting wool :) Had stock take tonight at work so work 6 till 9:30 - no rest for the wicked. Working tomorrow top of the cable car in Welly selling my wears to the two cruise boats that are in port + its my birthday tomorrow - hopefully I make a enough money to use my birthday gift from spotlight ( $10 off ) to get some more wool! night all.

retro-handcraft - 2014-02-11 22:32:00

morning all grey overcast here, well sewing leasions today, hope more that 1 turn up gardening lady coming too, on second side of round 7 now, I hate sleepless nights

carolev - 2014-02-12 06:43:00

me too carolev - I didn't get much sleep last night except in the chair before I went to bed! After our "skype" I nodded off, and woke at 11 with the lappy still on my lap (lucky it didn't fall off).

There's a watery sun this morning, lots of cloud and a definite nip in the air.

I mentioned to Mr K yesterday that I hoped he didn't think I was neglecting him as two of my friends called in to see me one after the other in the morning, so it was lunchtime before I paid him much attention, and I said I didn't want to tell them not to call in, and he said he understands and thinks it's important to not shut myself off from my friends and when I said it's a pity his son didn't arrive yesterday and I could go to knit and natter, he said to go anyway, he'll be okay. We'll see how he feels when he gets up. Apart from visitors I had quite a busy day yesterday, I took down the wooden blind from the spare bedroom, it was very dusty and had a musty smell to it, so I unrolled it and spread it on the deck, and gave it a good scrub both sides with hot water and handy andy then hosed it down, stood it up against the retaining wall, hosed it down again both sides, and it has come up like brand new. It's not a "matchstick" blind, nor a venetian, but thin slats of wood. I've re-hung it this morning. Gave the cane chair the same treatment and it's looking good now. Just have to make the bed and we're all set.

I was just thinking maybe while step son is here I can zap over to Kerikeri for a few things that I can't get here, like sheep pellets, veg plants and possibly the new ipad I've been hankering after for a while, I can maybe have a couple of hours freedom and Paul can babysit for me. (That's what it feels like I'm doing - babysitting)

I shouldn't have cancelled my dentist appointment which was for about now. Did that when we were on the verge of going away. Grrrr!

Right, I'm going to sit and do some crochet while his nibbs is still asleep.

Have a great day everyone.

kuaka - 2014-02-12 07:57:00

Happy birthday Retro hope you make heaps of money from the tourists.

have a great "knitty" day everyone

jayemtoo - 2014-02-12 07:58:00

morning ladies :) Gosh handy andy has been around for years hasn't it and it's still the best cleaner (well I think so lol). I use it as well as jiff. Oldies but goodies.

Happy birthday retro :) Hope the tourists spend up large for you :).

I finished another 'block' and started another. It's quite handy having done all the coloured squares. All I have to do is whip round two rows of navy and make the navy 'fillers'. I've worked out I have enough coloured squares with a few left over so will have to think about how I am going to use the rest of my stash. It will be used I tell you!! lol

Also did a little bit of stitching, the dragon now has one and a half ears. Just have to finish the ear and stitch his neck to his body. Then this second quarter is done. I'll take a pic when I've finished this quarter as I will be half way!

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2014-02-12 08:09:00

Morning all. Happy birthday Retro. Hope you have a fab day. Not sure what the weather is doing down there. Hope your indoors if its wet.

Yep Kuaka I feel the same re the baby sitting some days.

Ive got one row and then the rounds and it will be finished.

I still use Handy Andy and Jiff too... Blast from the past the other day MrP said his mother used to get dermatitis from Rinso.. I just remember that... I do remember the blue bags tho.

Had periods of not sleeping last night cos I was trying to decide what to knit next lol... I have too many things I want to do. Ive got two fairies to do but Ill have a quick break and knit a cardy or something. At the mo the little collared boys cardy is winning. Think it was you Kiwimade who sent me the pattern?

Well I want to get back to the hook... Have a good day everyone

popeye333 - 2014-02-12 08:58:00

oh Popeye - blue bags - the first thing grabbed when someone stood on a bee and it seemed to work but not sure if it was any chemical reaction against the sting or the fascination of having a blue foot. Also I always though that my grandmother had the most beautiful white hair but i didn't find out for a long time that my aunts would put the blue bag into the rinsing water when washing Grandma's hair - the finished result was startling white not blue.

jayemtoo - 2014-02-12 09:06:00

Yup We used them for bee stings too.. Id have never thought about using it for rinsing white hair.
Its really odd how a dark colour makes things a brighter white. MrP used to have a few drops of black paint to white paint to make it brighter.

Apparently you can still get the blue bags in Aussie

popeye333 - 2014-02-12 09:08:00

Have a good day every-one.Not sure what I'll find time for today, may tidy up craft room

raej2 - 2014-02-12 09:18:00

I got a bottle of blue o , use it on white sheets never though of putting it in my hair, well sewing class was a flop again just 1 lady and 3 teachers, no nana nap time then sewing

carolev - 2014-02-12 12:56:00

Oh not good re the sewing classes Carole. Hope the rest of you had a nice time anyway.

popeye333 - 2014-02-12 15:56:00

Hi everyone :)

Happy Birthday Retro. Hope you've had a great day.

I have nearly finished my last beanie. I haven't done much over the last few days. I want to finish it of tonight. It's annoying me now that's it's taken me so long to get it done.

Right, off to put the older kids to bed and finish cleaning up the bench and then fold some washing. What fun life can be..hahaha

rabrad - 2014-02-12 19:54:00

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone, have a great day showing the tourists how to spin wool and of course selling my items :) The Americans were in spend mode which is a change as they haven't been spending much at all this cruise season. Had a lovely dinner of bbq steak, boiled potatoes and salad + a couple of glasses of bubbles ;) Just about to sit down and do my favorite thing KNIT! By the way what are blue bags?

retro-handcraft - 2014-02-12 19:58:00

morning all. well it's raining here. getting around the 7th round quite fast, got more takers for sewing class . nearly made all the red dresses, then will post to chch. retro blue is a compound you add to washing to make it whiter . in years gone by you hang a blue bag in your rinceing water to add that sparkle to your whites, I used it on my nappies, Mr T mum used it on her sheets and his cricket whites, was great stuff but long gone, I still have some in a bottle

carolev - 2014-02-13 07:08:00

morning ladies :) I remember mum using rinso but not the bags. Well son isn't moving until Monday as he doesn't have his key to the flat and the weather doesn't look too promising anyway. Why move on a wet/damp day when you can move on a fine day. We're in no hurry for him to leave and he's happy - free internet lol and meals cooked.

I have a few spots in the garden to weed so will be outside finishing those off today, weeding is taking less and less time now. Used to take me 10 days to weed now I can do it in half a day. Think I am winning the 'weed war' at long last.

I should get some stitching done today, have done the ears and now working on the dragon's neck. Had to unpick one of the ears, I knew I had made a mistake and thought (as usual lol) I would be OK but noooo... wasn't to be.

Another block of my blanket is almost done too so the pile of coloured peggy squares is going down. As I crocheted each square I put them in a pile and crocheted each so the contrasting colour flowed onto the next square. This way I was all organized and didn't have to fluff around deciding which square would go with which.

hapyy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2014-02-13 07:24:00

Morning ladies.
Bit gloomy here weather wise. Glad you had a good day Retro.
Blue Bags were I assume a bit of calico with a lump of this blue stuff inside. You put it in with the rinse water in the washing. But for some reason it soothed a bee sting really well too.
I started the rolled collar cardy last night. Yay nice to do a wee bit of knitting again after concentrating on the blanket alone. but I knew I needed to have a change.
Popping over to Pukekohe this morning, just need a bit of time out. A change of scene for both of us.
Im the same with the blanket squares Kiwimade. I stack them in their colours so easy when it comes to joining them up.
I've always been a methodical person and like things organised. I don't mind doing repetitive things either.. My mind just goes to autopilot.

Have a good day everyone

popeye333 - 2014-02-13 08:07:00

I have been doing some more de-cluttering and one day will see an end to junk.....I am gradually getting things down to where I can reach them but need to write a list for taller people with stronger arms. I am trying to clear all shelves and cupboards above my eyelevel and below my knees.
I definitely have too much of too much :) Almost 40 years accumulation from this house alone. Not sure whether it is worth putting some of the memorabilia on TM?
I will do a few rows of knitting then get lunch.

grandmasue1 - 2014-02-13 11:42:00

You will be surprised GMS. A lot of people are going back to the "Vintage" stuff.
Me especially lol.. Ive just got myself a second cast iron frying pan. Cos the one I have is not big. The one I got today was down from $99-99 for a 25cm pan to $39-99.
Id have never have paid the full price. The first one I got for $9 I think it was, it was marked down big time in the warehouse.
Id list what you can and if that doesn't get rid then start shipping it to oppies or the refuge who would probably love to take stuff off your hands.
Have done the grand sum of two rows this morning lol. Was talking to SIL .
Been out shopping, it was nice to be out of the house.

Quick play here and back to the needles

popeye333 - 2014-02-13 13:13:00

Have a good evening all. Off to do some more knitting etc.

popeye333 - 2014-02-13 17:26:00

hello spent morning at hospital's A&E with a old friend, not much sewing got done today, missing the grandkids big time,

carolev - 2014-02-13 18:43:00

morning girls woke at 2am did more knitting. I hate sleepless nights, will put photo up of wool see if you can see any thing wrong before I start them

carolev - 2014-02-14 07:13:00

Morning all, lovely day here not a cloud to be seen so will hot later. The lawns are too long again so will get onto them before it gets too hot then can relax with the needles.

jayemtoo - 2014-02-14 08:03:00

morning ladies :) We've decided another tree has to go - so that is seven trees since December when this one goes. It has taken me three years to convince MrK it has to go and yesterday he suggests maybe we should cut it out of the garden - of course it is all his idea! Omg MEN!! lol. So I just agreed and said, I think that is a realllllly good idea, I'll give you a hand! Hopefully it will be the last one for a while. Anyone would think we are going to cut them all down lol.

Have some plants that need transplanting so will start on that today and another huge 'bears paw' which needs digging out. It's smothering a couple of roses. Will move some other plants I need to divide up into it's place. So a busy time in the garden coming up again, but then it will be autum soon and time to do all those tidy-up type jobs.

Finished another block for my blanket last night and so far it's looking good and still working on the neck of the dragon. Thought I would have finished the neck by now but there are so many colour changes!

happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2014-02-14 08:03:00

Morning everyone. Going to rain here again. Nice and cool. Have been out and picked blackberries. Yummm
Lol Kiwimade, I learnt a long time ago that my ideas are not good if they are mine. So I plant the seed and wait for MrP to think about it, then its His idea and I simply go along with it. That way I still get what I want lol.
The little cardy got pulled undone. Till I have learnt how to use a circular needle. But I started a little Vest dress. Its lovely and hasn't taken long to do.
Garter stitch and stocking stitch look lovely when together in panels eh. Its in a funky variegated wool. Purples mushroom brown blue and teal. Hopefully it will show in a photo when done.
Got some cards of buttons at the $2 type shops yesterday. Much cheaper than spotlight. Got bigger ones than the tiny things I ordered from overseas.
Wore MrP out yesterday and he slept like a log. Im achy from pounding the pavements But do feel better for having been out and seen different places for a change.
Blanket will be finished today. So my friend will be able to take it with her tomorrow when she goes to Puhoi to meet the new baby.

Have a good day all.

popeye333 - 2014-02-14 08:45:00

Thanks Popeye for the hint I must look out for buttons in the $2 type shops as buttons are a constant problem often so expensive, poor colour match and now they are in little packets they never seem to have the exact number required so end up with odd numbers of left over buttons I don't need. Also some of the packets have a button wired to the front of it - which is included in the number you pay for - which almost need an engineering degree to get the stupid thing off again aargh!

jayemtoo - 2014-02-14 09:45:00

Yay I have finished. really pushed this blanket.
http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/304542114.jpg
http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/304542130.jpg

Now my friend can take it with her tomorrow.

Ive also whizzed through the wee vest dress. Just have to watch a tutorial for Kitchener Stitch to finish the shoulder seam. Add the buttons and its done. Its tiny, should fit our wee girl next door. Was a mission finding 7 buttons all the same too. so will put picks up later. Took less than 50 grams. Said to use a US4 needles which was a 3.5mm, the next one Ill do on a 4mm to make it just a wee bit bigger.

Sooo now what do I knit lol....

popeye333 - 2014-02-14 12:46:00

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/304567710.jpg
http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/304567723.jpg

For those not in our FB groups to see. Its soo tiny it fits on an A4 sheet of paper. But Im sure it will fit our wee girl next door

popeye333 - 2014-02-14 17:33:00

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/full/304583756.jpg
all same code and batch numbers but 1 looks different what do you girls think please

carolev - 2014-02-14 17:56:00

is it the one on the right carole? Looks a little darker to me, hard to tell with a photo and my screen.

Your blanket looks lovely popeye and the wee top is gorgeous. The buttons are just right for it too.

I'm beavering away on my crochet, I should have another block finished either tonight or tomorrow evening. Had a huge day out in the garden today, lots of digging and replanting but very satisfying to see it all taking shape the way we planned.

kiwimade64 - 2014-02-14 21:07:00

Ditto from me but like my Dad always liked to say "A blind man would like to see it"

grandmasue1 - 2014-02-14 21:56:00

thanks girls I thought the same now wish I had used a different colour but I had forgotten about the shades . nearly finished round 7, sewing today and housework.

carolev - 2014-02-15 06:43:00

morning ladies :) Oh buggar carole, maybe you can separate it with another colour so it won't look too obvious.

Another day of transplanting plants outside today. A day or two should sort it all out.

Still working away on my stitching - my plan is to get the second quarter finished sometime this weekend. I need to set myself goals with it or else I seem to just plod along.

Happy knitting :)

kiwimade64 - 2014-02-15 07:49:00

Morning everyone.. yes I agree Carole, the one on the right. And funny enough I had the same thing with the green in the blanket I just did. Same colour as what your using. I just mixed it in with the crochet and the squares.
My friend was wrapped with the blanket.. no Pun intended. she brought me a big bar of choccie as a bonus for getting it done so quickly for her.
Am doing a second tunic/vest. but found it a bit too dark last night. But am also doing a fairy doll so I did some of that instead last night while Coro was on.
Glad the garden is taking shape Kiwimade. Will be a great sense of achievement when finished, but then are gardens ever fully finished? lol.
I need to do some housework today when my Back straightens out. the last week has been about the crochet not the house lol.

Like you Kiwimade I set myself targets. I get far more done that way. I think that's why I enjoyed the sewing factories so much, cos it was done on piecework and you knew what you had to do, to get bonuses.

I had a small accident with the credit card and Deramores last night.. OOPS lol. But they have some good specials and I needed some white wool desperately. $1-61 per 50grm balls in some cases, just acrylic.

Just had a thought Carole let me know the number of the green you want to use and Ill see if it matches any of mine. Not sure what I have left but I think theres at least one ball if not more.

MrP is still in bed. so its nice and quiet.

Hoping all is well at the Kuakas cos I haven't seen her for a day or so. Hope that means she is having a bit of time out while the stepson is home.

Have a good day everyone

popeye333 - 2014-02-15 09:03:00

popeye all the ball have the same code and batch number but some are lighter than others, col 1043 lot 771011 marvel made in Australia. not India some have made in India on them 8ply. don't worry I have a lemone round between them and not much more to go

carolev - 2014-02-15 10:12:00