There will be a short delay on the weekendly blogging, this weekend is Tiree Tech Wave 4 (TTW4) where yours truly is surrounded by 20 academics from Cardiff, Lancaster and other areas.
There's also a guest appearance by Fiona, Alan's wife, who's doing felt making and some weaving on her new Japanese loom.
So, yes, update around Tuesday, once I get photos sorted and brain recovered.
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Saturday, 20 October 2012
And breathe
It's been one heck of a week for yours truly. I've flown over 200 miles, sat on buses, in waiting rooms and walked a fair bit too.
Monday was get everything together, have I got paperwork? Toiletries? ARGH! It was also the day I started putting mouse traps in the loft. I don't mind mice in the loft too much, they can't get to the kitchen or our food, but these ones seem to have little lead shoes so they just have to go.
Tuesday saw evictee number 1. A rather plump little specimen that was most peturbed by having not only been caught but then stuck in a fabric bag and dumped out in the open away from its lovely warm loft.
Tuesday was also a day for flying. I flew over to Glasgow for some tests. That is about the only real problem of living on Tiree; if you need any medical tests you have to go to Glasgow. It's not that bad really, you can get a bit of shopping done at Breahead or go into the city centre. I'll take the camera next month, I want to show you just what it's like going on the tiny Twin Otter plane (Max 21 passengers, pilot and co-pilot).
Anyhoo, Wednesday I woke up in my Travelodge bedroom, had a breakfast (won't bother again, it's a bit...meh.) and trotted to the airport. Now, you'd think a hotel near an airport would be pedestrian friendly, you'd be wrong. To walk between the two you have to cross a turnoff from a roundabout and a sliplane onto the motorway. Fortunately there is a bridge under the motorway so you don't have to try and cross that too! It's almost as bad as the stupidly placed pedestrian entrance at Todmorden Health Centre. Some of us like to walk and save the money.
Back to wednesday. I got home, unpacked, collapsed on my chair, apologised to the dog for, in her words, " 'bandoning her forEVER " and was happily recovering when a car pulled up to the house, Jo comes in the living room, "I forgot I had an email". Eileen had come to collect me for SWRI crafting and had emailed Jo to tell him as much. My knitting was grabbed and I zoomed out the door. It was a lovely afternoon, meant to be 2 hours, somehow stretched to 2.5 hours. Eileen is teaching Hardanger and after sitting there for a good hour thinking "I do not need another craft, I do not need another craft" well, I decided that I'd just learn this one too, so I now have a bit of fabric with Kloster blocks neatly (at least, I hope!) done, ready for the next step (cutting the fabric, eep!).
Thursday I spent a few hours out and doing then rested at home.
Friday saw another small rodent.
It was kind enough to pose in the trap before I stuck said trap in the bag and we went for a trot to the beach. Some higher power was at work that day though. Mouse got away, pegged across the beach as fast as it could bound, but a different mouse died that day. You see, we had taken the dog for the walk too, why not? Lovely day, dogs like walks, go for it. On the way back Madam suddenly shows a great interest in some grass on the verge, she starts rooting in the thick grass and seems to corner something, there's a little 'clomp' as made by a gummy doggy mouth closing on something and Madam's head come up with a long thin tail and one rear foot sticking out. One less mouse on Tiree. She seemed to approve of the snack, especially as it required no chewing before swallowing. It also seems to have been digested, Madam and her iron stomach.
Friday afternoon was Community Crafters, a happy two hours spent chatting, making some cards, knitting mini stockings and generally interacting. I realised I had promised to bring some crafting cotton down for Mary and Margaret to knit into washcloths/dishcloths and forgotten again. So Friday evening I skeined some balls I had and spent a happy hour with the dyes:
I wasn't sure on what colours I had planned so I made a cup up of each and played.
Dyeing plant fibres is a slightly different technique to animal. Instead of steaming the fibres to set the dye, you leave it cold for 16+ hours. I'm not sure why, probably something to do with cell walls or proteins or something. So I wrapped them all (dye won't absorb and set if the fabric dries), grabbed one of the scrap towels and took advantage of the back toilet as floor space for dyeing.
The skeins are now washed and hanging to dry, you'll have to wait until next week for photos of them completed. I hope M&M like the idea of knitting colourful cloths, if not I can always make use of the yarn.
That's about it really. I will do a proper post on visiting Glasgow, but I want photos so it will have to wait for my next visit.
Until next time, be of good cheer.
Monday was get everything together, have I got paperwork? Toiletries? ARGH! It was also the day I started putting mouse traps in the loft. I don't mind mice in the loft too much, they can't get to the kitchen or our food, but these ones seem to have little lead shoes so they just have to go.
Tuesday saw evictee number 1. A rather plump little specimen that was most peturbed by having not only been caught but then stuck in a fabric bag and dumped out in the open away from its lovely warm loft.
Tuesday was also a day for flying. I flew over to Glasgow for some tests. That is about the only real problem of living on Tiree; if you need any medical tests you have to go to Glasgow. It's not that bad really, you can get a bit of shopping done at Breahead or go into the city centre. I'll take the camera next month, I want to show you just what it's like going on the tiny Twin Otter plane (Max 21 passengers, pilot and co-pilot).
Anyhoo, Wednesday I woke up in my Travelodge bedroom, had a breakfast (won't bother again, it's a bit...meh.) and trotted to the airport. Now, you'd think a hotel near an airport would be pedestrian friendly, you'd be wrong. To walk between the two you have to cross a turnoff from a roundabout and a sliplane onto the motorway. Fortunately there is a bridge under the motorway so you don't have to try and cross that too! It's almost as bad as the stupidly placed pedestrian entrance at Todmorden Health Centre. Some of us like to walk and save the money.
Back to wednesday. I got home, unpacked, collapsed on my chair, apologised to the dog for, in her words, " 'bandoning her forEVER " and was happily recovering when a car pulled up to the house, Jo comes in the living room, "I forgot I had an email". Eileen had come to collect me for SWRI crafting and had emailed Jo to tell him as much. My knitting was grabbed and I zoomed out the door. It was a lovely afternoon, meant to be 2 hours, somehow stretched to 2.5 hours. Eileen is teaching Hardanger and after sitting there for a good hour thinking "I do not need another craft, I do not need another craft" well, I decided that I'd just learn this one too, so I now have a bit of fabric with Kloster blocks neatly (at least, I hope!) done, ready for the next step (cutting the fabric, eep!).
Thursday I spent a few hours out and doing then rested at home.
Friday saw another small rodent.
It was kind enough to pose in the trap before I stuck said trap in the bag and we went for a trot to the beach. Some higher power was at work that day though. Mouse got away, pegged across the beach as fast as it could bound, but a different mouse died that day. You see, we had taken the dog for the walk too, why not? Lovely day, dogs like walks, go for it. On the way back Madam suddenly shows a great interest in some grass on the verge, she starts rooting in the thick grass and seems to corner something, there's a little 'clomp' as made by a gummy doggy mouth closing on something and Madam's head come up with a long thin tail and one rear foot sticking out. One less mouse on Tiree. She seemed to approve of the snack, especially as it required no chewing before swallowing. It also seems to have been digested, Madam and her iron stomach.
Friday afternoon was Community Crafters, a happy two hours spent chatting, making some cards, knitting mini stockings and generally interacting. I realised I had promised to bring some crafting cotton down for Mary and Margaret to knit into washcloths/dishcloths and forgotten again. So Friday evening I skeined some balls I had and spent a happy hour with the dyes:
I wasn't sure on what colours I had planned so I made a cup up of each and played.
Dyeing plant fibres is a slightly different technique to animal. Instead of steaming the fibres to set the dye, you leave it cold for 16+ hours. I'm not sure why, probably something to do with cell walls or proteins or something. So I wrapped them all (dye won't absorb and set if the fabric dries), grabbed one of the scrap towels and took advantage of the back toilet as floor space for dyeing.
The skeins are now washed and hanging to dry, you'll have to wait until next week for photos of them completed. I hope M&M like the idea of knitting colourful cloths, if not I can always make use of the yarn.
That's about it really. I will do a proper post on visiting Glasgow, but I want photos so it will have to wait for my next visit.
Until next time, be of good cheer.
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Quiet week
It's been quiet this week, mainly personal things have happened, I'll spare you those.
The bike was up and running again by Thursday. The new sprocket arrived and I managed to just talk in an angry tone at the gear system rather than swear at it. Turns out the gear cassette that I had enthusiastically taken apart thinking it was necessary to remove the sprocket could have stayed put.
It also turns out that while the small gear that locks the cassette in place *looks* symmetrical, it is most definitely not. Said gear locks onto the axle in two positions, it took me ten attempts to get the right orientation. *sigh*
Anyway, getting the new sprocket on was relatively easy, the circlip was cause for strong tones, thank goodness one neighbour was away and the other at work, or I may have been visited by men in white coats for all the talking to myself I did. So, sprocket in place, gears finally reassembled, wheel on twice (once was due to me forgetting the brake disc). A few test cycles around the drive allowed me to retension the gear cable and woohoo, it lives! I sprayed the whole gear and chain assembly liberally with lube before test riding.
Jo has since cycled to school and back and to church and back successfully. There's been some iffiness, but nothing that wasn't there before. Maybe a job for Will of Tiree Fitness or our bike enthusiastic neighbour one day.
Oh, remember that broken sprocket?
Turns out it was doubly broken. Look at the photo, see that top bump that points into the centre hole? Now look to the left of it, see that could-be-a-crack dark dent? Yep, it's actually a crack. Joseph, or possibly myself, BROKE the sprocket! oops.
I've been yarny again this week. I managed to find a decently priced sock black on Etsy and dyed it two nights ago:
The yarn at the top and bottom is waste yarn, you pull that off, then knit from one end of the rectangle to the other, hopefully this will make banded socks. We shall see.
I finished the celtic spiral ones this morning.
They fit! If anything, they're actually a bit big in places, but washing may take that out.
I've also started knitting stuff for a craft stall Fiona and Jane are having at the November sale on the island. I hope to help, but I may be off on the mainland. These are mini socks:
Three little stockings and an elf sock, that reminds me, need to make a hanging loop for the elf sock.
I'm also crafting something for a Minecraft themed swap, but photos of that won't be up until mid-November in case my swap partner is stalking me ;)
The weather is looking promising today, I have laundry on and it's only 8:45 in the morning.
I hope the weather is good with all. Until next week, TTFN.
The bike was up and running again by Thursday. The new sprocket arrived and I managed to just talk in an angry tone at the gear system rather than swear at it. Turns out the gear cassette that I had enthusiastically taken apart thinking it was necessary to remove the sprocket could have stayed put.
It also turns out that while the small gear that locks the cassette in place *looks* symmetrical, it is most definitely not. Said gear locks onto the axle in two positions, it took me ten attempts to get the right orientation. *sigh*
Anyway, getting the new sprocket on was relatively easy, the circlip was cause for strong tones, thank goodness one neighbour was away and the other at work, or I may have been visited by men in white coats for all the talking to myself I did. So, sprocket in place, gears finally reassembled, wheel on twice (once was due to me forgetting the brake disc). A few test cycles around the drive allowed me to retension the gear cable and woohoo, it lives! I sprayed the whole gear and chain assembly liberally with lube before test riding.
Jo has since cycled to school and back and to church and back successfully. There's been some iffiness, but nothing that wasn't there before. Maybe a job for Will of Tiree Fitness or our bike enthusiastic neighbour one day.
Oh, remember that broken sprocket?
Turns out it was doubly broken. Look at the photo, see that top bump that points into the centre hole? Now look to the left of it, see that could-be-a-crack dark dent? Yep, it's actually a crack. Joseph, or possibly myself, BROKE the sprocket! oops.
I've been yarny again this week. I managed to find a decently priced sock black on Etsy and dyed it two nights ago:
The yarn at the top and bottom is waste yarn, you pull that off, then knit from one end of the rectangle to the other, hopefully this will make banded socks. We shall see.
I finished the celtic spiral ones this morning.
They fit! If anything, they're actually a bit big in places, but washing may take that out.
I've also started knitting stuff for a craft stall Fiona and Jane are having at the November sale on the island. I hope to help, but I may be off on the mainland. These are mini socks:
Three little stockings and an elf sock, that reminds me, need to make a hanging loop for the elf sock.
I'm also crafting something for a Minecraft themed swap, but photos of that won't be up until mid-November in case my swap partner is stalking me ;)
The weather is looking promising today, I have laundry on and it's only 8:45 in the morning.
I hope the weather is good with all. Until next week, TTFN.
Monday, 1 October 2012
October already?
Have we really been here for eight whole months?
The last two weeks have been a bit, off. I've been fighting a whopping infection and tired from it, so please excuse the lack of posts.
Last week saw me sock knitting, pretty much as usual right now. I'd heard about the "fleegle heel" a no-fuss heel with no picking up stitches and no holes at the join from the gusset, in other words: knitter's dream! Of course, I had to try it and had this gorgeous yarn to try it with. 8 days of on-again, off-again knitting and we have:
Warm, comfy socks!
The yarn striped beautifully and cooperated very nicely for the heels.
With those finished I wanted new socks, but this time I decided to try fair-isle colouring, last time I did that I made these:
Gorgeous socks, but...I did the top pattern bands too tight and within two washes they're now ever so slightly felted and won't go over my big feet. So, with trepidation and lots of trying on as I went, I tried some celtic spirals;
It worked! The top does require a little pull to get over my foot, but not so much I'm worried it won't fit after washing. I do hope the yarn "fluffs" a bit though, otherwise these are going to be summer socks.
I tell a lie, this weekend has been interesting, the bike broke!
Jo went to a colleague's leaving do on Friday evening and came home with the cool box that he'd taken shopping in his hands. It struck me as strange, but I assumed he'd parked the bike and was carrying the box from the garage. Oh no, the bike had broken down, he'd been very kindly given a lift.
NB: It wasn't Friday, Jo informs me it was in fact Saturday, sorry.
I was informed that evening that they (work colleague whose house he had fortunately broken down near, colleague's partner and himself) had had a fiddle and found that, while the chain was attached, the back wheel refused to engage.
Sunday he brought it home and Sunday evening we had a fiddle ourselves. Jo had contacted the people he bought the bike from and they had emailed him instructions on servicing the gear drum and removing the back wheel. I did read some of it, then, well...I do so much better tinkering.
Jo held my torch for me and picked the back end up when I wanted to remove the wheel. Took the wheel off, found the chain gear was loose, seemed to relock gear, put wheel back on three times - I kept mis-aligning bits - everything seemed fine, wheel engaged, until Jo tried to pedal. *clunk* no go.
So I agreed I would take it apart again today and see if it was just a case of grit stopping things slotting properly into place. Poor bike...
First it gets brick chocks put at both front wheels so it can't roll...
Then it gets more bricks (with cushioning to protect the paintwork!) stuck under the main beam, then I very unceremoniously removed it's back wheel.
Just to give you an idea of the complexity of this, the manufacturers recommend that, should you get a flat on the back tyre, it's best to try and repair the tyre in situ. This bowl of bits (yes, I know where they all go!) shows why:
Next was the dismantling of the gear hub itself, Shimano do a very good job of making a logical assembly, i.e. you can work out how it comes apart. So, off comes bit after bit, carefully laid in order so I can put them back in the right order.
There may have been the odd rude word as I hit the next obstacle, but eventually I got the chain cog off. I cleaned it and that's when I noticed, my rag was catching. Surely such good quality kit as Shimano (this gear kit alone costs around £200 without a wheel) wouldn't leave burrs? No, but the cog half jumping out of it's slot and trying to do the job would.
See those nice, round, bumps in the centre of the gear? Lovely, smooth, rounded, perfectly formed?
Yeah, not so much! Two had been shaved to half thickness, the third had been shaved and was trying to shatter off.
I suspect it's when either, or both of us, has tried to pedal that little bit too hard and the weakest point is here. This cog is held on with a circlip (a cut circle of spring-steel that acts like a washer but opens instead of needing to slide on), the cog pushed, the circlip jumped, the cog jumped. Who knows when it happened, because this damage took time to build.
On the very positive side, because I found the fault we don't have to send the whole rear wheel back to Lancashire to be repaired. I contacted the people we bought the bike from and he's sending me a new cog and circlip. Good service!
Until then, the poor bike is up on bricks and looking very sorry for itself and I need to purchase some grease/gunk suitable for greasing bike gears ready for the replacement. If you don't grease/oil your gears on Tiree, they rust!
Until next time, be of good cheer.
The last two weeks have been a bit, off. I've been fighting a whopping infection and tired from it, so please excuse the lack of posts.
Last week saw me sock knitting, pretty much as usual right now. I'd heard about the "fleegle heel" a no-fuss heel with no picking up stitches and no holes at the join from the gusset, in other words: knitter's dream! Of course, I had to try it and had this gorgeous yarn to try it with. 8 days of on-again, off-again knitting and we have:
Warm, comfy socks!
The yarn striped beautifully and cooperated very nicely for the heels.
With those finished I wanted new socks, but this time I decided to try fair-isle colouring, last time I did that I made these:
Gorgeous socks, but...I did the top pattern bands too tight and within two washes they're now ever so slightly felted and won't go over my big feet. So, with trepidation and lots of trying on as I went, I tried some celtic spirals;
It worked! The top does require a little pull to get over my foot, but not so much I'm worried it won't fit after washing. I do hope the yarn "fluffs" a bit though, otherwise these are going to be summer socks.
I tell a lie, this weekend has been interesting, the bike broke!
Jo went to a colleague's leaving do on Friday evening and came home with the cool box that he'd taken shopping in his hands. It struck me as strange, but I assumed he'd parked the bike and was carrying the box from the garage. Oh no, the bike had broken down, he'd been very kindly given a lift.
NB: It wasn't Friday, Jo informs me it was in fact Saturday, sorry.
I was informed that evening that they (work colleague whose house he had fortunately broken down near, colleague's partner and himself) had had a fiddle and found that, while the chain was attached, the back wheel refused to engage.
Sunday he brought it home and Sunday evening we had a fiddle ourselves. Jo had contacted the people he bought the bike from and they had emailed him instructions on servicing the gear drum and removing the back wheel. I did read some of it, then, well...I do so much better tinkering.
Jo held my torch for me and picked the back end up when I wanted to remove the wheel. Took the wheel off, found the chain gear was loose, seemed to relock gear, put wheel back on three times - I kept mis-aligning bits - everything seemed fine, wheel engaged, until Jo tried to pedal. *clunk* no go.
So I agreed I would take it apart again today and see if it was just a case of grit stopping things slotting properly into place. Poor bike...
First it gets brick chocks put at both front wheels so it can't roll...
Then it gets more bricks (with cushioning to protect the paintwork!) stuck under the main beam, then I very unceremoniously removed it's back wheel.
Just to give you an idea of the complexity of this, the manufacturers recommend that, should you get a flat on the back tyre, it's best to try and repair the tyre in situ. This bowl of bits (yes, I know where they all go!) shows why:
Next was the dismantling of the gear hub itself, Shimano do a very good job of making a logical assembly, i.e. you can work out how it comes apart. So, off comes bit after bit, carefully laid in order so I can put them back in the right order.
There may have been the odd rude word as I hit the next obstacle, but eventually I got the chain cog off. I cleaned it and that's when I noticed, my rag was catching. Surely such good quality kit as Shimano (this gear kit alone costs around £200 without a wheel) wouldn't leave burrs? No, but the cog half jumping out of it's slot and trying to do the job would.
See those nice, round, bumps in the centre of the gear? Lovely, smooth, rounded, perfectly formed?
Yeah, not so much! Two had been shaved to half thickness, the third had been shaved and was trying to shatter off.
I suspect it's when either, or both of us, has tried to pedal that little bit too hard and the weakest point is here. This cog is held on with a circlip (a cut circle of spring-steel that acts like a washer but opens instead of needing to slide on), the cog pushed, the circlip jumped, the cog jumped. Who knows when it happened, because this damage took time to build.
On the very positive side, because I found the fault we don't have to send the whole rear wheel back to Lancashire to be repaired. I contacted the people we bought the bike from and he's sending me a new cog and circlip. Good service!
Until then, the poor bike is up on bricks and looking very sorry for itself and I need to purchase some grease/gunk suitable for greasing bike gears ready for the replacement. If you don't grease/oil your gears on Tiree, they rust!
Until next time, be of good cheer.
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
A guest comes to stay
Last week we had a little Nora come visit for a few days. Jo organised a bike rental for her from Tiree Fitness and I trotted down to collect her from the airport.
The weather was sunny, but a cool wind so I took Pippa down for a walk too. We weren't there long before the familiar little Twin Otter landed and our Nora descended the steps.
After a good greeting from the dog and a giggle at the rollers that make up Tiree airport's luggage "carousel" we were off. Madam doglet had plans though, as we were walking out of the car park Madam crossed infront of me and stopped, turns out I can still somersault if needed, I can also keep hold of the dog's leash while doing so. One scraped knee, two bruised heels of hands and a bruised elbow later we were again on the move.
As the weather was dry Nora dropped her bags, had a quick lunch and went off adventuring, inadvertently cycling approximately 9 miles. She did have a sit and watch the sea for a bit too.
That evening we had a bit of a giggle when Jo got home. You see, I'm about 5'10", Jo's about 5'7", Nora is bang on 5'. We had her put on my coat and hat...
On the plus side, if she ever needs a coat that will keep her whole body dry we know what to get!
We cleared off the futon in the spare room, this meant moving my giant stuffed dogs, the larger of which could be Nora's dance partner...
A good few days were had by all. I helped with some knitting lessons? Issues? Technicalities possibly, we also got Nora happily knitting on double-pointed needles and able to count rows. The first part of that was especially amazing considering I initially started her going the wrong way (oops).
The brave, brave soul decided to also go for a swim, not a paddle, a swim, in the sea. She did indeed manage, even though a big dark cloud came by, and even brought some of the beach back in her ears.
I have some videos from the weekend, but they're rather big files so will have to wait for our internet to stabilise, it's being a bit moody at the moment.
Nora mentioned that a friend had a daughter who's birthday was coming up and she wanted to knit something for the kidlet but wasn't sure. She'd brought the yarn with her so I did a pattern search and knit this little item for the kidlet this weekend:
It'll be going in the post this week.
I've had quite the good knitting week. I finished this pair of rainbow socks:
These were my "waiting time killer" knitting and actually, about 75% of the knitting time was in the doctor's waiting room. Well, can't say I wasn't being productive.
I've also started this brightly coloured pair:
The yarn is a sport weight from America, it's giving a lovely fabric and I love how the colours are striping for me.
Tuesday saw a meeting of the SWRI (Scottish Women's Rural Institute) where members were encouraged to bring friends to try and get new members. Our neighbour's mother is a knitter of beautiful shetland lace and lured me there with mention of teaching me the secrets. It was an amusing evening with some insight into how it all works and items of people's craftwork to admire. I was seriously considering joining and then I got post on Thursday, someone had anonymously paid my membership! So I am now a member of the SWRI on Tiree and look forward to joining in. I even have an idea of what to contribute to the community project for the show next year. There are also quite a few classes where I could make something...oh the possibilities!
Anyway, sorry for the disjointedness of this post, I seem to be failing at English today.
Until next week, adieu.
The weather was sunny, but a cool wind so I took Pippa down for a walk too. We weren't there long before the familiar little Twin Otter landed and our Nora descended the steps.
After a good greeting from the dog and a giggle at the rollers that make up Tiree airport's luggage "carousel" we were off. Madam doglet had plans though, as we were walking out of the car park Madam crossed infront of me and stopped, turns out I can still somersault if needed, I can also keep hold of the dog's leash while doing so. One scraped knee, two bruised heels of hands and a bruised elbow later we were again on the move.
As the weather was dry Nora dropped her bags, had a quick lunch and went off adventuring, inadvertently cycling approximately 9 miles. She did have a sit and watch the sea for a bit too.
That evening we had a bit of a giggle when Jo got home. You see, I'm about 5'10", Jo's about 5'7", Nora is bang on 5'. We had her put on my coat and hat...
On the plus side, if she ever needs a coat that will keep her whole body dry we know what to get!
We cleared off the futon in the spare room, this meant moving my giant stuffed dogs, the larger of which could be Nora's dance partner...
A good few days were had by all. I helped with some knitting lessons? Issues? Technicalities possibly, we also got Nora happily knitting on double-pointed needles and able to count rows. The first part of that was especially amazing considering I initially started her going the wrong way (oops).
The brave, brave soul decided to also go for a swim, not a paddle, a swim, in the sea. She did indeed manage, even though a big dark cloud came by, and even brought some of the beach back in her ears.
I have some videos from the weekend, but they're rather big files so will have to wait for our internet to stabilise, it's being a bit moody at the moment.
Nora mentioned that a friend had a daughter who's birthday was coming up and she wanted to knit something for the kidlet but wasn't sure. She'd brought the yarn with her so I did a pattern search and knit this little item for the kidlet this weekend:
It'll be going in the post this week.
I've had quite the good knitting week. I finished this pair of rainbow socks:
These were my "waiting time killer" knitting and actually, about 75% of the knitting time was in the doctor's waiting room. Well, can't say I wasn't being productive.
I've also started this brightly coloured pair:
The yarn is a sport weight from America, it's giving a lovely fabric and I love how the colours are striping for me.
Tuesday saw a meeting of the SWRI (Scottish Women's Rural Institute) where members were encouraged to bring friends to try and get new members. Our neighbour's mother is a knitter of beautiful shetland lace and lured me there with mention of teaching me the secrets. It was an amusing evening with some insight into how it all works and items of people's craftwork to admire. I was seriously considering joining and then I got post on Thursday, someone had anonymously paid my membership! So I am now a member of the SWRI on Tiree and look forward to joining in. I even have an idea of what to contribute to the community project for the show next year. There are also quite a few classes where I could make something...oh the possibilities!
Anyway, sorry for the disjointedness of this post, I seem to be failing at English today.
Until next week, adieu.
Sunday, 9 September 2012
Fur, silk and acrylic
This week was a bit of a mixed bag weather wise. Madam went from hiding under her blankie;
To cooking gently
Fortunately it meant I got to do some laundry, including washing this log cabin baby blanket:
I did briefly consider making it bigger, but that last side removed that temptation. It was going to go to the crafters' baby pile but...well, I'm being a little selfish and keeping it for our future kid(s).
The weather went very "dreich" (I'm sure I spelled that wrong!) as the Scots say, lots of mist and low cloud lead to no plane for two days. The weather also meant the Thursday ferry skipped going to Barra so it left late and fortunately was able to bring over that day's post.
Saturday was good though, thank goodness! Madam had run out of painkillers the day before so we were dearly hoping the new ones would arrive, they did and she swore at Joseph for being too slow at feeding her. How grateful she is! (note sarcasm)
See the black lump on the bottom left of that blanket photo? It turned into this in the wee small hours of Friday:
Close up of one panel:
Blowing in the wind:
On me. (I have a 2m armspan, this thing is wide)
After taking the above photos I went to check on the ferrets. Fred was doing his favourite trick: Front end in the food bowl while stuffing his face:
That's an 8" wide food dish he has his feet in. Apologies for his scruffy look, he's 6yo and moulting ready for Winter, that's his summer fluff looking all ratty. Ferrets can live up to 12yo, but Fred is very inbred so his chances are iffy, not that he cares.
My little Sister-in-law is visiting this week and has forewarned me she is bringing knitting to be helped with. Must make sure the futon can be extended without hitting umpteen things first.
Anyhoo, life continues along with happiness. TTFN.
To cooking gently
Fortunately it meant I got to do some laundry, including washing this log cabin baby blanket:
I did briefly consider making it bigger, but that last side removed that temptation. It was going to go to the crafters' baby pile but...well, I'm being a little selfish and keeping it for our future kid(s).
The weather went very "dreich" (I'm sure I spelled that wrong!) as the Scots say, lots of mist and low cloud lead to no plane for two days. The weather also meant the Thursday ferry skipped going to Barra so it left late and fortunately was able to bring over that day's post.
Saturday was good though, thank goodness! Madam had run out of painkillers the day before so we were dearly hoping the new ones would arrive, they did and she swore at Joseph for being too slow at feeding her. How grateful she is! (note sarcasm)
See the black lump on the bottom left of that blanket photo? It turned into this in the wee small hours of Friday:
Close up of one panel:
Blowing in the wind:
On me. (I have a 2m armspan, this thing is wide)
After taking the above photos I went to check on the ferrets. Fred was doing his favourite trick: Front end in the food bowl while stuffing his face:
That's an 8" wide food dish he has his feet in. Apologies for his scruffy look, he's 6yo and moulting ready for Winter, that's his summer fluff looking all ratty. Ferrets can live up to 12yo, but Fred is very inbred so his chances are iffy, not that he cares.
My little Sister-in-law is visiting this week and has forewarned me she is bringing knitting to be helped with. Must make sure the futon can be extended without hitting umpteen things first.
Anyhoo, life continues along with happiness. TTFN.
Saturday, 1 September 2012
22 hours later
My parents came up for the day yesterday, apparently it took a fair bit out of me because I needed 22 hours of sleep to recover.
However, it was a great day. No photos, sorry, I was enjoying the day and forgot to even grab the camera before we headed out.
I did some research before the 'rents came up and we had a nice afternoon planned. They had a stupendously early morning wake up to get the ferry, it left at quarter to six in the morning. Fortunately our driver for the day (Dad) managed a nice nap on the ferry, Mum was amused too. They had a good sail over, mirror smooth until past Mull and then only slight rolling. Mum kept her breakfast so it can't have been too bad.
We spent the morning chatting at home, catching up on life and family while Pippa got lots of attention from Dad and enjoyed some new toys. She demolished two tennis balls and fair shredded a rope toy too. She too was worn out today, Jo didn't hear a peep out of her until she wanted to go to bed.
The afternoon was fab!
First was a visit to Blue Beyond. I've had a few island friends say they would "kidnap" me and take me, so I took the advantage and we went as a family. Dad stayed with the car (he's not a major art aficionado) and took a stroll along the road a bit. Mum and I had to carry our jaws. WOW!
I'd been told the lady who does most of the work for sale is skilled but...wow. She takes fabric and painted boards and makes the most amazingly colourful and realistic work. If Mum or I even come into a lot of money we'll be going there and buying the place out! There was also some stained glass that just begged to come home and bring colour to our windows. I did resist, but only because my work money was already earmarked. Mum spent some dosh though, an approximately 18" square piece and a smaller card one plus some printed cards to use as notelets. Honestly, if you ever visit Tiree, go to blue beyond! Even if you're not naturally an art fanatic you'll be amazed at the skill.
Next was a trip to Tiree Glass. I'd been once with Alan and the Tiree Tech Wave gang, so I knew that even though Mum wasn't a huge glass fan she'd like it, and she did. The lady who usually does the work was off teaching a course and I made an oops thinking the lady who was shop-sitting was her, fortunately I was forgiven. In all fairness, I'd knocked on the wrong door (their house is next to the studio) so I was a tad flustered.
The studio is lovely, high roof, big windows, lots of space to show off the pieces. Mum purchased a little glass star. Amsuingly, of the three things she purchased she was only sure of keeping one, turns out a relative of ours is having their 60th soonish so Mum is dithering over what to send.
Then we went off to Chocolates and Charms so Mum could get more choccies from there. We'd visited when they came up back in May so that was on Mum's to-do list from the start.
Alas, Beachcomber had closed the day before so that was missed again. But I did get to visit with Fiona and Jane, so I've seen it this year at least.
After all that adventure (Tiree tracks plus short car plus three bods = adventure) we took a turn at the Resource Centre. It was home to the various weekly and more regular groups to meet without being charged a huge sum but the body renting it had to give it back today so all the groups had to up sticks. Cue a fortnight of sorting and then yesterday's big sale. Stuff the groups didn't really want to find storage for but thought someone may want. The parental units came away with some books they'd not tried, I came away with a latch hook kit (I've not finished the other one that size), a knitting machine that might do sock blanks for me, a scrabble deluxe (turntable and score-keeping racks) and some other little bits.
We then came back home, had some more chatting and napping, relaxed, and then headed out for dinner.
What a dinner!
My parents stayed at the Scarinish Hotel and I had reserved us a table for the evening. I admit, I was nosey and popped up to see the room they were in, rather nice, full ensuite, nice crisp room, very nice resting spot. The guests also have a lounge with bar, sea view terrace and entertainment for all ages.
The restaurant had a varied menu, largely fishy things but also pizza, pasta, all sorts really. We had a variety of starters including mushroom tart, mackerel teriyaki, pate and soup. Mains saw two pizzas, fish and chips and pasta and pudding was divine. Two apple crumbles with a shared pot of cream and two raspberry and white choc cheesecakes. Yes, I snaffled some of Jo's cheesecake, yes it was lovely.
After typing that I understand why I slept 22 hours, heh.
A fantastic end to the week and the month. I've got some ideas buzzing around my head for September, and I will try to update this at least once a week.
Anyway, Dad bought me a new radio that can pick up more than BBC Alba and Radio 1 so I'm going to go read the manual for that and have a play.
Night night.
However, it was a great day. No photos, sorry, I was enjoying the day and forgot to even grab the camera before we headed out.
I did some research before the 'rents came up and we had a nice afternoon planned. They had a stupendously early morning wake up to get the ferry, it left at quarter to six in the morning. Fortunately our driver for the day (Dad) managed a nice nap on the ferry, Mum was amused too. They had a good sail over, mirror smooth until past Mull and then only slight rolling. Mum kept her breakfast so it can't have been too bad.
We spent the morning chatting at home, catching up on life and family while Pippa got lots of attention from Dad and enjoyed some new toys. She demolished two tennis balls and fair shredded a rope toy too. She too was worn out today, Jo didn't hear a peep out of her until she wanted to go to bed.
The afternoon was fab!
First was a visit to Blue Beyond. I've had a few island friends say they would "kidnap" me and take me, so I took the advantage and we went as a family. Dad stayed with the car (he's not a major art aficionado) and took a stroll along the road a bit. Mum and I had to carry our jaws. WOW!
I'd been told the lady who does most of the work for sale is skilled but...wow. She takes fabric and painted boards and makes the most amazingly colourful and realistic work. If Mum or I even come into a lot of money we'll be going there and buying the place out! There was also some stained glass that just begged to come home and bring colour to our windows. I did resist, but only because my work money was already earmarked. Mum spent some dosh though, an approximately 18" square piece and a smaller card one plus some printed cards to use as notelets. Honestly, if you ever visit Tiree, go to blue beyond! Even if you're not naturally an art fanatic you'll be amazed at the skill.
Next was a trip to Tiree Glass. I'd been once with Alan and the Tiree Tech Wave gang, so I knew that even though Mum wasn't a huge glass fan she'd like it, and she did. The lady who usually does the work was off teaching a course and I made an oops thinking the lady who was shop-sitting was her, fortunately I was forgiven. In all fairness, I'd knocked on the wrong door (their house is next to the studio) so I was a tad flustered.
The studio is lovely, high roof, big windows, lots of space to show off the pieces. Mum purchased a little glass star. Amsuingly, of the three things she purchased she was only sure of keeping one, turns out a relative of ours is having their 60th soonish so Mum is dithering over what to send.
Then we went off to Chocolates and Charms so Mum could get more choccies from there. We'd visited when they came up back in May so that was on Mum's to-do list from the start.
Alas, Beachcomber had closed the day before so that was missed again. But I did get to visit with Fiona and Jane, so I've seen it this year at least.
After all that adventure (Tiree tracks plus short car plus three bods = adventure) we took a turn at the Resource Centre. It was home to the various weekly and more regular groups to meet without being charged a huge sum but the body renting it had to give it back today so all the groups had to up sticks. Cue a fortnight of sorting and then yesterday's big sale. Stuff the groups didn't really want to find storage for but thought someone may want. The parental units came away with some books they'd not tried, I came away with a latch hook kit (I've not finished the other one that size), a knitting machine that might do sock blanks for me, a scrabble deluxe (turntable and score-keeping racks) and some other little bits.
We then came back home, had some more chatting and napping, relaxed, and then headed out for dinner.
What a dinner!
My parents stayed at the Scarinish Hotel and I had reserved us a table for the evening. I admit, I was nosey and popped up to see the room they were in, rather nice, full ensuite, nice crisp room, very nice resting spot. The guests also have a lounge with bar, sea view terrace and entertainment for all ages.
The restaurant had a varied menu, largely fishy things but also pizza, pasta, all sorts really. We had a variety of starters including mushroom tart, mackerel teriyaki, pate and soup. Mains saw two pizzas, fish and chips and pasta and pudding was divine. Two apple crumbles with a shared pot of cream and two raspberry and white choc cheesecakes. Yes, I snaffled some of Jo's cheesecake, yes it was lovely.
After typing that I understand why I slept 22 hours, heh.
A fantastic end to the week and the month. I've got some ideas buzzing around my head for September, and I will try to update this at least once a week.
Anyway, Dad bought me a new radio that can pick up more than BBC Alba and Radio 1 so I'm going to go read the manual for that and have a play.
Night night.
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