knittinginperth

City Nits Says Good Bye and Thank you to Borders and Gloria Jeans

As it was our last City Nits gathering at Gloria Jeans on Saturday before we start meeting up at our new location in January I thought it would be nice to take along my camera to capture everyone's knitting and spinning activities since our last gathering to commemorate this occasion.  I was pleasantly surprised, or should I say blown away with all the amazing WIPs and FOs that were in attendance. 

 

First off is DrKate's gorgeous Ishbel shawl, which is now completed.

 
Melita knitted these pretty summer tops for her two beautiful daughters to wear to their Christmas party this year. 

These pretty butterfly buttons are just too cute for words and finished the tops off perfectly don't you think?

Melita's also designed and knit this lovely Halter Neck Top in Jo Sharp's Desert Garden Aran cotton, which was inspired by the first stitch pattern from the Laminaria Shawl. 

More pretty buttons that just finish this top off perfectly too.

The Aeolian shawl that took my breath away and the one that I thought we wouldn't see completed IRL as Madradish was knitting this for her Mum's birthday at the beginning of January, which is being held up and deeply admired by Frog our other queen of lace knitting.  Words cannot express how happy I was to have an opportunity to photograph this exquisitely beautiful creation in her completed dazzling glory.  Madradish is also showing off her nearly completed stunning Crown Prince shawl that she is knitting for her friend to wear on her wedding day.  These pieces are truly fine examples of her amazing lace knitting talents and accomplishments. Once again many congratulations on your lace knitting achievements my dear knitting friend. 

In her full dazzling glory.

More dazzling glory!

The dazzling nupp edging that reminds me of lovely clusters of rosebuds on a my rose bushes. 

The gorgeous handsome Crown Prince shawl in his nearly finished glory. Madradish is working on the stunning border as I post this.

The dazzling garden of nupps.

The dazzling flowering nupps.  Aren't they divine? 

Shellakabooki's gorgeous baby blue kimono knit in her bamboo yarn nearing completion that is a gift for a friend's baby.

Spinning delight and joy shared as Raquel07 shows her first hand spun to her mentor Shellakabooki. 

 

Such lovely luscious soft yarn.  Congratulations Raquel07 on your first lot of hand spun yarn and may your spinning journey be filled with many more of these beauties.  Spin on!

Raquel07's gorgeous Lacy Batkus shawl being knit in hand spun.

K's gorgeous sparkly hand spun yarn.

Madradish's gorgeous hand spun in one of my favourite colours.

Furrywithruffle with her latest socks being knit with Celia's Basket's sock yarn in bloodfeud.

Frog knitting away on her latest project.

Many thanks to all my special knitting friends for letting me photograph and share all your wonderful knitting and spinning accomplishments here.

Festive hugs and Happy knitting in 2010!

Helenx

Yarn Dyeing Workshop

Back In November I attended an afternoon of yarn dyeing with Shellabooki our hand dyeing extraordinaire along with other ladies from our knitting circles that Furrywithruffle organised at the lovely Teddy Tree shop in Mt Hawthorn who were kind enough to let us use their class room space for the afternoon.  It was a really informative fun afternoon with lots learnt on the art of hand dyeing protein fibres that resulted in successful dyeing as you can see from all the photos below.

 

Lets begin by removing excess water from our yarn that has been soaking in water and vinegar for awhile.  For this session we dyed our yarns using food colouring as it's readily available and safe.

 

Dyeing of our yarn commences by mixing up our dyes and then painting them on our yarn.

SusanPerth has nearly finished painting her multi coloured vibrant skein.

1morerow adding the finishing touches to her nearly solid grey skein before warping it up in the plastic ready to microwave to set the dye.

Shellabooki adding the final touches to her semi solid purple/pink skein before wrapping it up ready for microwaving. 

Yarn is now cooling off after being microwaved.

 

Furrywithruffle's yarn bundle ready to be taken home and unwrapped, rinsed and hang up to dry.

More details and some photos of all the dried yarn can be found here on ravelry.  Also there are some more photos over at Flickr here.

A HUGE thank you to Shellabooki for conducting this workshop and to Furrywithruffle for the co-ordinating and organising this workshop.

Join Me at Willagee Knitting Circle

 

Here we have Lisa engaged in a technical explanation to Mary & Matab at the end of the table, Chris trying on 1morerow's Featherweight Cardie for sizing with Melita looking on and Jo is contemplating Gosia's Silk Cardie as she checks the length on the left while I was taking this photo.

Now here's Gosia's Silver Cardigan being knit in Hand Maiden Sea Silk yarn in silver, which is turning out to be a totally gorgeous versatile cardie.  The is knit top down by the way, which means no seaming.

 

Up close view of the back.

1morerow and Danuta chatting.

Danuta modelling her stunning new shawl knit and designed by 1morerow as a thank you gift for helping to establishing her organic vegie garden.  Danuta is our resident gardening advisor as she has a farm a Balingup and grows an array of vegetables and fruits, which she often shares with us. Many congratulations 1morerow on your first shawl design, which is truly exquisite and I see many more designs in your future. It was knit in one of Zen Yarn Garden's gorgeous yarns from her stash.  All the shawl details will be forthcoming on Ravelry here.

I just love how the beads add a subtle exquisiteness to this shawl highlighting the lovely border stitch pattern.

A front side close-up view, so you don't miss how those beads sit so snug against the stitches. 

Matab modeling her current WIP for fit.  I just love how bright and summery this top looks.

This fine lot of Hand Maiden yarn hoping to be taken home in everyone's knitting bags and get turned into a holiday project.  A few skeins were lucky enough to make the jump.

 

Here is Dana whizzing up her latest purchase of Zen Yarn Garden's gorgeous Serenity lace yarn in colourway silverspoon.

Lisa's already wound up skein of Hand Maiden Mini Maiden yarn in the Hemlock colourway.  I just love how all those vivid green colours blend after being wound up and are looking forward to seeing what she creates with it, which I'm sure will be something stunning.  

Well I hoped you have enjoyed this knitting circle series and thanks for visiting with us.

Until next time peaceful knitting!

Join Me at Willetton Library Knitting Circle

On the second Tuesday evening of every month (excepting January) since April 2006 a group of knitters have been gathering to knit and chat at the Willetton Library.  Colleen and Linda are fabulous hosts and always have lovely refreshments on offer.  I thought it would be nice to share some highlights of the evening with you seeing it was our last gathering for this year.

Busy knitting and catching-up on works in progress and finished objects.

These ladies are discussing Hand Maiden Mini Maiden yarn possibilities and which colourways they are going to take home.

Congratulations on finishing your Dad's awesome Christmas socks DrKate.  They are knit using Fleece Artist Trail Sock yarn in Ebony.  DrKate's designed these socks using Cat Bordhi's standard toe-up, reinforced heel riverbed arch expansion with a stitch pattern that her Mum taught her many years ago called block stitch, which is similar to garter rib stitch pattern. These are her third or fourth pair using Cat's sock architectures from her book New Pathways for Sock Knitters, which I admire greatly as my attempt at this method wasn't very successful.  This is a great technique to use when knitting socks for people with high insteps or wide feet.

Notice how the gusset increases start much closer to the toe and are worked on the bottom of the foot instead of at the side allowing for a more gradual gusset expansion that accommodates those high in-steps and wide feet so beautifully.

A fine example of the block stitch pattern up close. Such beautiful even knitting!

Here is Missmissjane complimenting Madradish on her stunning beaded Traveling Woman shawl knit in Needle Food's fine yarn. That pink bundle in Madrash's lap that she is working on is her beaded Aeolian Shawl knit in the most exquisitely divine lace yarn in my favourite colour, which I have to confess that I cannot remember the name of, apart from it comprising of all these luxurious natural fibers.

 

Here she is in her full glory.

Close-up of the pretty sparkling beads.  The addition of beads in the edging makes this already stunning shawl stunningly beautiful don't you think?

Here is Missmissjane modeling Madradish's woven scarf that she wove on her loom using her own gorgeous hand spun.  Did I mention that not only is Madradish an amazing knitter, but she is also an incredible spinner and now weaver.
 

Now here's a close-up styled shot for your viewing pleasure.  I just love how weaving yarn instead of knitting it brings a different colour perspective to the finished fabric and the texture it creates.

Again, I have used Ravelry IDs and links, as not everyone has a blog and I think most people are Ravelry members.  If not I encourage you to join this world community of knitters and other fiber crafters, as it is such a wonderful resource and a great way to connect with other knitters.

Until next time Merry Knitting!

Walking to City Knits

For the past two and a bit years a group of Perth knitters (City Nits) have been gathering every second Saturday afternoon at Gloria Jean's Cafe in the Borders Bookshop in the city to knit and chat. I park a few blocks away and took these photos as I was walking towards the Hay Street Mall.

Starting towards the city centre after leaving my car. The steps on the right lead to the entrance of the new District Court Building that was opened in June 2008.

Approaching the Crition Hotel where there are always a few people sitting outside under the umbrellas enjoying food and beverages.

 

Waiting to cross Barrack Street into Hay Street Mall.  Not far to go now!

Hay Street Mall full of Saturday afternoon shoppers

Here we are, so lets go in and see our knitting friends.

There they are all sitting knitting at the big centre table in the middle of Gloria Jean's, so lets go say Hi!

 

Here's Meifong16 and 1morerow discussing the fine points of Hand Maiden Cashbah yarn, which there are many, as this yarn is heavenly and is why my stash keeps growing.

 

More fine Shellabooki hand dyed yarn by Knitting Angel who is our dyeing genius. These were some of her wonderful seacell/silk yarns.  

Admiration of Melita's gorgeous Laminaria, which was knit with Shellabooki seacell/silk yarn.

Laminaria close-up, so you can see the gorgeous pale pink highlight colour, which is just way to beautiful for words. Another wonderful design and yarn marriage, which can bring tears to this knitter's eyes.

DrKate admiring Melita's lovely Milkweed shawl that was knit in Hand Maiden new Swiss Mt Sea Sock yarn and Gosia knitting along like the wind, as she always does. Psst doesn't that Lamanria shawl look absolutely stunning on Melita.  

Milkweed shawl still being admired.  I just love how knitting with bigger needles gives this shawl a more flattering light drapey look, which is ideal for wearing during our our warm evenings here. 

Oh I just love how close-ups show off the stitches.

 

Knitting Angel  finished this warm scarf for her Dad, which was her own design.  She is an amazing knitter and spinner as you can see on her projects page here in Ravelry.

Another close-up for your viewing pleasure. The perfectly manly stitch pattern don't you think?

Inbetween snapping all those photos I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of knitting and chatting with all my knitty friends before we said our good-byes and headed off.  This was made a little easier knowing that we will all be knitting together again in two weeks.  We also welcome new knitting and fiber friends, so if you happen to be in the Perth area check out our schedule here. 

Before I go a quick word re links.  I have used Ravelry IDs and links, as not everyone has a blog and I think most people are Ravelry members.  If not I encourage you to join this world community of knitters and other fiber crafters, as it is such a wonderful resource and a great way to connect with other knitters. Also, if anyone doesn't want to appear in this post please let me know and I will remove your photo.

Until next time Happy Knitting!

So Sweet

On Friday evening I was busy working away at the computer when AJ came into my office and presented me with a bunch of roses that he had picked from our garden and put into water all by himself, which was just such an awwwwwwwwwww moment as I didn't even realise he had gone outside, which he often does to play.  As you can image I was totally blown away with this act of sweetness.  Awhile later he brought me another lot, so now I am surround by two small vase full of my favourite pink roses on my desk.  He has such a kind caring spirit and just loves animals and plants.

Here he is playing scooby-doo on the computer yesterday, which is another of his favourite things to do.

All for now! Helen

Happy 8th Birthday Matt

This post is a little late as his birthday was at the beginning of November.

Since Matt was 3 years old he has always loved building all sorts of Lego.  A few years ago he started requesting Star Wars MTT Trade Federation Troop Carrier, which we thought wasn't appropriate for a 5 year old as it would take forever for me to build and one of our kindy teachers told me that it took her 13 year old Son a week to build, so you can understand my hesitation in gifting him one of these until now.  I'm pleased to say our decision to wait until he was older paid off as he built it all by himself over two weeks on and off with no problems.  If you haven't already guessed he is a very passionate Star Wars fan.

His party was held at Dark Zone a laser gun gaming venue in Willetton, which the boys absolutely love a week after his birthday and all the kids had a fun time.

 

Enjoying the party food.

 

Matt with his best friend T.  They have been friends since Pre-Primary

Matt enjoying his birthday chocolate cupcakes.

AJ enjoying his cool drink and showing off his lollies.

We are very proud of all your achievements Matt over the last year, especially your school merit award for story writing, finishing the Fast Forward program and getting your yellow belt at Karate.  Many big hugs and keep up all your good work.

Finishing

Surprisingly in October I finished off three of my knitting projects with my biggest achievement being my Ondule cardigan in Hand Maiden Casbah.  Since becoming addicted to sock and lace knitting I haven't knitted a garment for approximately three years, but nonetheless due to Anne's great pattern the knitting of Ondule went very smoothly and I am very pleased with how it turned out.  If I was to knit it again I would knit it in the next size up as this is quite a fitted cardigan.  It will come in handy next winter. Not the best photo of me as it was the middle of the day and the sun was shining in my eyes.

You can find more pictures and all the yarn and pattern details on Ravelry here.

Also finally finished my social socks (socks that I knit in the company of others) in Fleece Artist Trail sock yarn.  After nearly completing the first sock and then discovering that my feet are actually bigger than I thought they were I frogged and started again.  Part of my problem is I have a high in-step.  Ann came to my rescue and add the numbers to her Generic Toe-Up Sock pattern for larger feet with high in-steps and it resulted in a perfect fit, so thank very much Ann. You can read all the specs here on Ravelry.

I finally finished my Dads boot socks which I started last summer holidays knit top down in STR Raven medium weight.  These will be his Christmas present and I apologies for no photos yet.  Pattern details on ravelry here.

Nearly finished a pair of socks in Casbah Ocean for AJ (No. 2 son) I knit them toe-up with a 3 x 1 rib and quite a bit larger than his foot size at the present, as these socks will be his bed socks.  Apologies for the lack of photos.

Now to my current social sock project which is a pair of socks for Matt (No. 1 son) using the same pattern as AJs in STR light weight yarn from my stash here.  More details here on Ravelry and I will endeavor to post a photo shortly.

I have to admit that I lost my non-sock knitting mojo and have only just found it again when I cast on for the Traveling Woman Shawl in my Hand Maiden Camel Spun, which is zooming along.  I am up to my second repeat on Chart A.  Did I mention that these simple shawlette patterns appeal to me in so many ways and I see myself knitting lots more of these in my near future.  They are just perfect for showing off those special skeins of yarns that we have in our stash.

All for now!

Happy 6th Birthday Adam

Adam's 6th birthday party was held on Friday at Jungle Gym in Willetton again, which was a great success judging by the amount of fun had and food consumed. Of course I baked my famous easy chocolate cupcakes again, which were all devoured in no time.  At Adam's request I did make his version of strawberry cupcakes which are vanilla cupcakes with bright pink icing and pink marshmallows.  Here are some photos I snapped overlooking the play area and while the kids were enjoying the party food.

 

 

 

 

 

A Morning at the Park in July

We are very lucky to live a block away from the Canning River with a modern playground, which we do not visit nearly enough these days.  As it was a glorious sunny winters day we arranged to meet up with some friends one morning during the school holidays, as we hadn't seen our friends from Mother's Group for over three months, as live in another suburb and go to a different school across the highway.  As it was such a beautiful day I thought I would take the camera along for the ride, so here is what I captured during the three hours that we were there.

 

 

 

 

 

In the afternoon we made biscuits for the first time.

 

 

 

The boys enjoyed the fruits of their baking over the next few days.

Basic Biscuits

125 g (4 oz) butter chopped into cubes

1/2 cup castor sugar

1 free range egg

1/4 tspn vanilla essence

1 cup organic plain flour

1 cup organic SR flour

Method

Preheat oven to 160 degrees.  Line two baking trays with baking paper.

Beat together butter and sugar until creamy.  Add vanilla, egg and beat well.  Fold in sifted flours to make a soft dough.

Turn dough onto a baking sheet and cover with another sheet.  Roll out to 1/4" thick.  Use biscuit cutters to cut out shapes and place on trays. Keep repeating this step until you have no dough left.

Bake batches for 10 - 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Enjoy!