LEARN - maybe that should have been my little word!

The best thing for being sad, replied Merlyn, beginning to puff and blow, is to learn something. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honor trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then--to learn. ~ T.H. White

I've been offered a place at the University of Canberra - eek! Never thought I would be saying "it's time for school" in my house again, but never say never, hey?

But actually going to school better be easier than enrolling in school or I am doomed already!!

On the knitting front not too much has been done as I have been busy reading Wally Lamb's new 700 odd page book. It's from the library so I only have three weeks and I haven't learned how to read and knit at the same time yet.

I just can't seem to stop with the fingerless mitts! I figured out how to knit them all on 4dpns with no sewing up (yes I am sure there are patterns out there but I didn't have one) only sewing in the ends to do. It's a bit fiddly as at several points you have to knit fingers around 3 dpns with 4 dpns, but so worth it for not having seams - well, worth it for me.

I have lots of bits of sock yarn left over so I might keep going for a while - I'm enjoying it and with the hot weather I don't want lots of yarn in my lap.

Well, back to reading..no, knitting...no, reading...no, knitting.....

Finished and ready to send.

Dawndra's mitts are now finished so I will send off the stack of knitted mitts next week to keep my son's and his friend's hands warm and toasty - hope they like them!

A mitt stack!

Fresco for a freezing girl.

These are for one of the girls. I have really enjoyed my first try at stranded knitting. Now I am looking forward to trying some more fair isle. (you have to focus on what you are doing with colour work) Another pair, in red, are already on the needles.
Pam Allen's Fresco Fair Isle Mitts in Fall 2008 Interweave Knits.

Two down, two to go.

Since I started knitting again about 4 years ago, now I have really loved to knit anything for my family and friends. I've knit sweaters for my youngest son, sweaters for friends, scarfs, shawls, socks and warsh cloths. And I loved ever stitch of it.

My oldest son has received knitted hats and scarves - all of which he has given away. Now I raised him to tell the truth gently. I always told him he didn't have to do anything he really didn't want to do. Not things like not get up for work because he stayed up too late the night before but things like if he didn't like what I cooked for dinner he didn't have to eat it. If he didn't want to do something 'everyone else' was doing he didn't have to. If he didn't like a present I gave him he didn't have to say he did. As long as he said he didn't want to do it with respect and kindness. Fine.

So, he hasn't wanted me to knit anything for him - ever. His explaination is, and fair enough, he doesn't want me to go to all that trouble making something he might not like. I appreciate that. So for him to ask me to knit him some fingerless gloves makes my heart soar. The fact that he asked me to knit some for three of his friends and his new girlfriend makes me even happier.

It's way too hot to model them. But they are going somewhere cold right now so I made them double thickness. And they are quick and fun to knit. I am so tempted to embroider something on the knuckles of the grey ones. The coloured ones are Kaffe Fassett Regia sock yarn and Patons Bluebell.

These grey ones are knit double strand from some wool I bought at the Trash and Treasure at Jamison years ago - very soft.

Now I am going to go thru the stash to pick yarn for two more - for the girls! I'm having fun. I'll start the next pair during the 20/20 cricket tonight (more like baseball and I like it - surprised me too!)

Cheers

Pastel Day

I really love Gardenias. They are so lush and creamy. They smell like Heaven - well, my Heaven anyway. I'm sure that when I die I will be surrounded by the smell of these lovely flowers.
This one is from the plant in a pot at my front door. I realized I need more so next paycheck budget will include two new Gardenia plants for the back door too.

Finished are some plain Jane Tofutsi socks for me! I really like the coolness of non-wool socks for this time of year in the evenings - like tonight. It is cool enough for socks and a shawl tonight and this feels better to me.

Cheers

One little word.

FOCUS

I really like the idea from Nettie and Hashi about having one little word for 2009. Focus is my word.

“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” - Qui-Gon.

This will be my year of focus. Focus on learning. Focus on my fitness. Focus on my surroundings. Focus on my loved ones and not on those that don't care about me. Focus on my spirituality. Focus on creativity. And especially focus on what's best for me.

Thanks Nettie, for this day of introspection and decision. It feels good and fitting for the beginning of the year.

Cheers