Hiya Shelagh
It's been a while, I know, and I'm sorry. I have been mad busy and then mad quiet and then perhaps just mad crazy. I have knitted lots but don't seem to have all that much to show for it. My knitting has been the mad ripit frequently sort - on more than one project too, which actually isn't like me; so not sure what that says about where my head has been, although given it hasn't been here with me I suppose it makes sense that I don't actually know where it has been off to. I'll ask if it ever comes back :)
Her Dad and I have purchased push bikes in a get fit/keep the weight loss going adventure. Last weekend was the first time I have been on a bike for over 20 (gasp, shock, horror...) years. I used to love riding, so don't know why the impetus left really. Actually, that's not true either - 3 kids, university study, jobs, moving, life etc gets in the way and if you don't put enough emphasis on "you" in that whole business, then important things like your own fitness can quicly fall by the way.
Anyways..... I didn't ride very far on that first trip but enough, more than enough, to be reminded that I have a bum and that really, on a day to day basis, it doesn't do much at all and that when you put said bum on said bike, well it screams a little at you and for quite a few days. We are going out again, and both days too, this weekend. Fingers crossed (I would cross my bottom, but, you know, that isn't really possible or healthy probably) it will be less painful and I will get further. We currently go out on the Warburton Trail. I think the bridge in the photo is one we rode over last week - I know we were definitely at Woori Yallock, but the rest of it is a bit of a blur - and not from speed, more from blood rushing to the head. Lets hope for better as the weeks go on... :) :) :)
A friend sent this link to me today :
Stand by Me Rendition It is fantastic - It is from the Concord Music Group Go have a listen I'll wait.
I have a new neice - Kennedy Michelle born early April!! She is very cute and a super excuse to do some baby knitting:
It is the Diamond Baby Ensemble (Ravelry link). I knit the 6 months size in Fortissima Cotton Colori - 2 skeins. The pattern was easy to memorize and moved along very fast while still creating a very sweet little cardigan. The Fortissima was super soft and for a Gold Coast baby should suit their winters very well. I thought I did a super job on the seaming (which is usually something I don't take enough time on):
What do you think?
I've also begun, for Kennedy:
Little Liza Jane from the Twist Collective in Patons Smoothie DK in a purple. I have progressed further than the photo and it is a very straightforward knit. The edge is sweet, although my photo doesn't show it very clearly - the Twist site does a better job. I haven't used the yarn before - it is 100% acrylic and I usually steer clear because I am a bit of a yarn snob (I can't help it, I just usually figure life's too short to knit less than lovely yarns). But.... this one is actually quite nice (clearly acrylics have come a long way) and... I am knitting the 12 month size and figure that it is going to need to be able to be thrown in the wash. Kennedy has an older sister (by 12 months!) and I am knitting her the same dress in the same yarn in a pretty lime green.
I've got some more knitting and errors to show, but, if I let it all hang out now, I won't have any reason to come back for another month or so.... :)
Hopefully, in the next day or two, if the cycling doesn't kill me, I'll fill you in on the rest. Although a photo of me on a bike, before you ask, is probably many, many, many.... months away.
Enough for now..