Swedish Chef, originally uploaded by sunrisesister.

Ixchel BFL/Seaweed

We met a few weeks ago now, when the lovely Tara brought her down to Melbourne on a road trip. It was decided that Bessie would come to my house for a visit.. to fulfil my spinning urges, and to see how we got along.

Well. We got along well. Very well. And it was decided that she would make this her home…

100gm of EGMTK Merino/Soy blend, In Bloom. It’s not perfect, because 1) I cant feel my hands, therefore making controlling the twist a little tricky, and 2) because I am a n00b and plied it the wrong way before rescuing it.

It’s so so so good to be spinning again. Alas, I have no fibre stash, so will have to do some shopping when my favourite indie dyers do updates..

Maya’s Raglan

A pattern for a top-down, raglan style pullover jumper/sweater for kids. Highly mod-able.

PDF download link

Ravelry Pattern Link

Beautiful gradual colour changes, seen better as wound into a yarn cake.

But what to knit with it?Immediately, I cast on a scarf-sized Clapotis. I thought what better way to show off the colours, and make best use of the metreage? But alas, it was just too small, and I didnt have enough to do the full size justice. So it has been frogged, and put back into the stash to marinade, and for the right pattern to find it.

I also got this in the post from the Book Depository.

Really, really adorable patterns. And not just sushi! Fruits, vegies, and cheese board patterns. Looking forward to making Tille a few new toys!

So busy, in fact, that I think I took a grand total of about 10 photos

However, there was yarn buying! woohoo!

So many great finds, and some lovely surprises. I even got a (very affordable) swift and some blocking wires too. Stoked. I had some great scores in the BWM bargain room, including some 12ply and some undyed cameo which has a touch of lovely fluffy angora.

And we even had a Dagwood Dog for Kelli xx

Yes, she is a nudist.

A great pattern, and a lovely yarn. Really, I need to just come out and say it – Bendigo Mills is my #1 fave place for yarn.

Rav link here.

I mucked up the button band, and had to put it down for a week before picking it up again during baby’s naptime and redoing it. Picking up stitches is very hard work on my arms at the moment.

I loved this so much, I am considering making the adult size for myself!

We dont do the mother’s day thing much, but this year I did get something I really really wanted.. a cook/frypan/banquet/slow cooker thingamybob. I really wanted a slow cooker, but with a big family and a CRAP stove, this is ideal!

A pan filled with choc and goodies!

mmmmmmmm cooking.

My first dish, Butter chicken. I treated myself to this book in anticipation. This recipe is a KNOCKOUT. Clean plates all rounds, and seconds and thirds devoured. Awful pic, great curry.

The pan is wonderful – max high sear is VERY hot, and the element is lovely an even. Apparently you can cook nearly anything in it, so I am looking forward to using it instead of the crap stove/oven for most meals!

And this

are the only FO’s I have to show for April. Why? Because I have carpal tunnel syndrome Very bad on the right hand side, and starting on the left. So knitting is a total no-no, even crochet. So um, all those lovely projects I had lined up? Yes, backburner.

HOWEVER, that’s not to say that the creative bug has to hibernate completely! No, there is sewing to be sewn, cooking to be cooked, and more creative outlets to be explored. But damn, do I miss knitting. Badly. And the worst part is not being able to knit my friend’s wedding shawl I feel like I have let her down, but there is really nothing I can do without the use of my hands!

Brooklyn Tweed came to the rescue again!

Great easy, quick, free pattern. A tick in every box, really. Truth be told, you CAN treat Rustic 8ply like a worsted weight. But also, this hat is ALMOST a little big. I say that, but N prefers his beanies to cover his ears and neck, so it’s worked out well. Next time I would be tempted to go down a needle size.

Sticks: 4.5 and 5 mm

BWM Rustic 8ply in Earth, Russet and Delta.

Today, the Flu has moved south to my chest, so I think some more Sci-Fi and a new project might be prescribed..

Many many goodies, but the stars of the show were the longies and cardi..

Just GORGEOUS. (The baby is alright, too..) Thank you my love xxxxx