As ever it's been an age since I managed to post. First the boys had flu, really not fun, actually scary even at times. Neither of them had been that ill with cold stuff since they were tiny and had broncholitus.

Forunatly for DH and me both the boys were well enough on the Saturday for us to go on our long awaited night out. My wonderful friends Babylonglegs and Lottie arranged a night out for us, the tickets came in the post and were a wonderful suprise. Although I had a suspicion something was coming as Lottie had developed an odd interest in my post ;)

Lottie sat for the kids while DH and I joined Babylonglegs at Kirby Muxloe Golf Club (very posh) to watch the band her Hubby is in, Weird Fish. We had a fantastic time. DH agreed to let me drive so he could have a drink and he even danced! He never dances!

I cannot that you guys enough we had such a good night.

The other big Miffy Family news is that Bean has moved into a bed. Here he is fast asleep on his first night in his bed. For the first time in over 5 years we have taken the cot down. The Miffy Family is growing up!

The week after was my turn to be ill so another week spent curled up on the sofa. Still it does mean that lots of knitting gets done so here are some pics and waffle about knitting stuff.

This month DH's Mum had her 60th birthday and we gave her a shawl that I knit with for Alpaca/Silk that I got from the Natural Dye Studio at Woolfest last year specially for this present. I have loads left so am wondering what else I can make with it but here is the finished item.

Despite a tricky pooling moment which resulted in my tinking back 20 rows (now theres devotion for you) the Still Waters Socks are finished and, if I do say so myself, are beautiful.



Next up was a pair of baby socks. These were for a Spring KAL on Rav, I had just finished a grown up pair in this yarn but it was the most spring like that I had so I used the leftovers to do a quick baby pair. Any boy were they quick, I've never knit a pair so fast in my life :)


And finally my current project "Twisted Olivia" using the Babylonglegs yarn that Lottie gave me for Christmas and the Cable Twist pattern. They look fab so far and are proving a very quick knit.

DD is eyeing up the yarn so if theres enough left I may do her a pair when mine are done.

Spring Has Arrived!

I know that technically the Spring Equinox isn't until March but here in the Miffy Household spring can definitely be felt.

The weather has been pretty good all week but the last few days have been really, really good. We got out in the garden first thing this morning in the sunshine for a good tidy up. All last years dead stuff has been cleared out, the flower bed has been dug over, with help from the kids.

DS1 kept himself busy raking leaves together

and DH put the last bit of fencing in so we can now release the Bean without fear of him poking next doors dog with a stick or shoving too many of his toys through for said dog to eat.

I'm looking forward now to getting all the seeds out and looking at what we can start planting up ready for later in the year.

Catching Up Again!!!

I keep finding myself meaning to write a post and then not getting around to it so yet again we have a bit of a catch up post.

I realise that I haven't posted at all about the snow! So to put that right here are some pics.

It was a very snowy week to say the least. The kids had three days off school. DH was in school everyday but then had the Friday at home when the kids were back in school. I have to admit though that by the snow finally disappeared I was glad to see the back of it. It doesn't melt too fast on our street but just gets compacted and very slippery, not much fun for small children and pushchairs!

Other than dealing with the snow its been life as normal for the Miffy household so not much to tell at all.

I've had a lovely half term, Sarah's on Monday to meet up with all the girls which was fab. DH had all three kids at home so I had that rare thing of a child free day. Borders knitting group in the evening topped the day off perfectly.

Tuesday a friend and I took out kids out to a local country park to play, nice to get some fresh air and following all the cold and damp the weather was gorgeous.

Wednesday DS1 went to his first football session, he did two mornings this week and thoroughly enjoyed himself, learning lots of new stuff and getting very muddy. I meant to get a pic of him but didn't manage it.

In the afternoon I took Bean and DD to knitting group, the kids had a lovely time and I enjoyed being able to sit and chat and knit. I've not made it to this group before as the timing doesn't work well with Bean's normal nap time and school pick up but I will hopefully get to go again in the Easter hols.

January Knitting

A bit late I know but I've somehow just not gotten round to it till now. However here we are - things I knit in January

First up are my toe ups, I am very pleased with them and will probably do more toe up socks maybe even with a pattern ;) Babylonglegs yarn in the Ragdoll colourway.

Next up is my Sideway Bobble Hat which is a Woolly Wormhead pattern and was great fun to knit. It's been done in some alpaca that Babylonglegs dyed for me and will shortly be heading off to the Mirasol School as part of a Rav organised donation. I'm thinking about doing another one for DS though as it really does suit him, different colours though.

Finally I have recieved a fantastic bag of yarn from someone on the UKarma rav group, it's Freedom Spirit which Civilknit had frogged from a failed jumper. Bless her she had wound it all into cakes for me, not only was there the one in this pic but also some even smaller ones which I had already knit up by the time I got round to photos. DH has been calling them Tribbles as they were getting everywhere at one point.

I'm making Satchel form Knitty.com and am quite enjoying it as it knits up fairly quickly. It's come on a fair bit from this photo

I'm on the flap now and then it's just the pockets and the straps.

Busy Bean

Busy Bean
Originally uploaded by Miffy's Knitting

I don't know how he has the nerve to look so cute when he's been so naughty again.

He can reach the nappy drawers from his cot now and takes great delight in emptying them when he doesn't want to go to sleep.

I really dread him deciding he's ready for a proper bed.

Happy Imbolc

Awakening

Buds, as pale green lunar moths

Land overnight on the naked birches

And comes the warm Spring light

They will unfurl their sticky, verdant wings

And shed Winter's dark shell

by Silver Dragon.

Invitation to The Fourth Annual Brigid in the Blogosphere Poetry Slam

Feel free to copy the following to your blog and spread the word. Let poetry bless the blogosphere once again!

WHAT: A Bloggers (Silent) Poetry Reading

WHEN: Anytime February 2, 2009

WHERE: Your blog

WHY: To celebrate the Feast of Brigid, aka Groundhog Day

HOW: Select a poem you like - by a favorite poet or one of your own - to post February 2nd.

RSVP: If you plan to publish, feel free to leave a comment and link on this post. Last year when the call went out there was more poetry in cyberspace than I could keep track of. So, link to whoever you hear about this from and a mighty web of poetry will be spun. Feel free to pass this invitation on to any and all bloggers.

And that's all there is to it. Many thanks to Ambermoggie whose blog post reminded me that this was coming up. This will be the first year I've joined in (providing I get time to post) but I did enjoy reading the posts last year.

Cables!!!

Cables!!!
Originally uploaded by Miffy's Knitting

The colours aren't quite right on this photo but you can see my cables!

I have never done them before so I am very pleased with them so far.

Back to normal

It's been fairly normal here in the Miffy household. The kids are back at school so my house is my own again which is good.

DH has started in his second school placement which has gone OK so far. He's passed his midway assessment which is a big relief all round.

Apart from that not much has been happening. I've done some cables which you can see in the other post and have been working on my Toe Up socks. The first one is done

and I'm on the heel of the second one so I'm hoping to have it done very soon. The casting on was still like knitting with a hedgehog though ;)


One thing I have done is to get all my sock yarn out and though there isn't a mad amount there is quite alot.

I want to get a fair bit of the hand dyed stuff knit up so that I can buy more at Woolfest. I think I have sorted a sitter for Bean for the Friday so all is looking good so far. Am keeping my fingers crossed though.

And while I'm here....

.... I though I'd update with some knitting progress.

First up is my Twin Rib sock, the colourway is Babylonglegs Still Waters, sorry I can't remember the exact yarn type but I am loving it. They are going to be very warm.


The other pair on the needles are my first effort at a toe up. The pattern is Widdershins from Knitty and the yarn is merino/bamboo in the Ragdoll colourway, again by Babylonglegs. I have to admit that I am very proud of my toe but not so confident that I didn't put a life line in before starting the gusset increases.


I'm really enjoying the toe up pattern though I did wonder what I had let myself in for when I started. I felt like I was knitting holding a hedgehog. Normally I only use 4 DPNs but to cast on and do the first increases I needed to use 5 which only added to the fun. Still it turned out OK and not as hard as I though it would. Wish me luck with the heel though.

I'm also enjoying my new camera. Its much easier to get a decent picture and I'm looking forward to getting some good pics of finished objects. I'm going to get some coloured card I think to take pictures against. I took the ragdoll sock pic against our yellow beanbag and its come out really well but I don't have much else that I can use for backgrounds so I thought a few bits of card would do the job. Hopefully when it dries out a bit I can get into the garden and get some good finished object photos there. I also want to get myself a colour wheel but I'm not sure where to look for one so if anyone has any ideas I'd be thankful if you could let me know.

Snowy Day

We got up yesterday to find the world outside white with snow.

Once we had explained to DS1 that no it wasn't Easter (I have no idea where he got that one from) we got a quick breakfast and while DH got ready for work the rest of us layered up and set off for the park.

We had a lovely time. Bean hasn't been able to play out in the snow before, he hasn't seen snow before that he could remember, and he thought it was fab.

DS1 and DD made snow angels and we had a nice walk round looking at the snow and making paw prints.


Then we came home so DS1 and DD could make snow men before retreating to the house for hot chocolate and biscuits.


There's still a fair bit of snow about today so the kids had fun on the walk to school, it freezing cold though so lots of ice too.

Years Beginning

Well here we are in 2009.

I've just been looking at my aims (not resolutions, so I can't break them you know) for last year. I think mostly I did OK. I have been tidier though could be more so so I'll keep trying on that one and I did complete the Sock a Month not only for Jan - June but also for July - Dec, some months I even knit more than one pair!

The bit about DS1's jumper did make me laugh though!

Anyway aims for this year.

I'm going to continue with the Sock a Month blog, I enjoy it and its good motivation for working my way through my sock yarn stash. Also I enjoy having somewhere extra to show off my efforts as well as seeing what everyone else comes up with.

I'm going to try to finish DS1's jumper this year. My idea is to take it to my knitting groups so that I can work on it then. It's simple enough to do whilst talking.

Finally I've been thinking of late that my project photos leave something to be desired. My only camera has been the one on my phone and though it is a reasonably good camera it just isn't doing the colours justice. My first thought was to upgrade my phone to get a better camera. I got a good offer through the post which at first look did seem to be the answer however when we started adding in the cost of insurance it began to look a little less cost effective. DH and I talked about it and decided that as what I really want to do is improve my photos it might be better to buy a camera. So we did! I need to read up on tips etc but I am really pleased with it. Oh and I need to knit it a carry bag too! ;)

My only other aim for this year is to get knitting through my sock yarn stash so that I can justify buying more when (if) I go to Woolfest. Woolfest is mostly booked in I just need to find someone to have Bean for me and to hope that DH's university doesn't throw a last minute spanner in the works. So far the diary for that Friday is clear but you never know.....

Years End

Well here we are, my last post of the year.

It's been a year of big changes too. I've stopped work and DH has started his teacher training amongst other things and next year will bring even more changes. Some of which I am looking forward to and others I am a little nervous about.

I've really just stopped by to wish everyone a Happy New Year and to hope that 2009 will be kind to them.

See you all next year!

My Bestest Christmas Pressie

There are five of us who are really good friends, Sarah, Lottie, Sarah and Sasha and we try to get together regularly over the year. We decided last year to each buy one person a present rather than each buying smaller presents for the other four. Lottie bought (or should I say made) for me this year.

So this is what I got this year

How cool is that? I am so pleased with it :)

And here it is in action

And here's my finished yarn cake. This one is Still Waters sock yarn dyed by Babylonglegs. It is now cast on so I'll post more pics as I make progress.

I should add that I also got some sock yarn with the swift in the Olivia colourway dyed, of course, by Babylonglegs.

I do love being friends with such talented people.

Christmas Knitting.

I've done a few bits of Christmas Knitting this year though I did limit myself so that I wouldn't end up all stressed out and not get it all finished.

First up I did a string bag for my mum. It's kind of interesting knitting such fine cotton on such huge (15mm) needles. I am very pleased with it myself so I hope she liked it.

I got given some free Peaches and Creme from one of the girls at the knitting group I go to so I made my Mum a quick dishcloth out of it. We had been talking about them the last time I was over at hers so I knew she would appreciate it. I forgot to take a picture though.

I did my Dad a wine cosy from the Knitty pattern with yarn given to me by Babylonglegs (thank you :) ) I am very happy with how it turned out and naturally I gave him a bottle of wine with it.

I also did a couple of bits for our Christmas Stocking swap. I brought for Sasha and unfortunately she didn't make it to our meet up so I can't post pics or disclose details of what was in her stocking till I know she got it.

And out the other side....

..... Here we are post Christmas and I think the kids had a good one. They got loads of stuff of course but they are playing with pretty much everything which is good.

I did pretty well for presents myself too. DH got loads of chocolate from the kids in his class at school which he was very pleased about.

It's been good to have some time off, much needed by DH, DD and DS1 though I don't think Bean is too keen on sharing his Mama with everyone else! Both the boys and DH got the lurgy which has been a nasty one so we've not been out too much but I'm hoping to at least get the kids out a couple of days this week.

Nearly There

Well we have made it to the end of term, just. The kids are hugely excited, DS1 is fighting off the "Hinckley" virus and has a horrid chesty cough, if it doesn't ease up in the next day or so I suspect I will have to take him to the docs just to get it checked out. I've been fighting this same virus for about three weeks now and it is a nasty one.

Still the kids all had a fab last week at school, DS1 was brill in his first nativity. DD spent most of her last week making paper baskets and stars so I have a house full of new decorations.

DH has been given loads of presents by the children in his class at school so he must be doing something right. He has quite a collection under the tree.

I have almost finished the shopping, just want to look for one more thing for DH and DD needs something for her friend, both of which I will get today. Most of the kids stuff is wrapped, just need to do what they are giving each other and the stuff for other family but that can be done with the kids about so won't be a problem. Most of my festive knitting is done and I should be able to finish the last bits over this weekend depending on what else I have to do.

We are all shattered! I have been so tired at times this week that I could have just sat and cried and I am really looking forward to Boxing Day when I can finally stop. I am sure Christmas day will be fab but I'll still have to cook etc whereas on Boxing day it will be a simpler meal. In fact I don't intend doing much of anything for a few days after Christmas.

Apart from knitting that is ;)

Santa's Little Helper

Sleepy Santa
Originally uploaded by Miffy's Knitting

I got DS1 a santa hat yesterday when I was in town. I think he likes it!

I Can't Believe.....

..... it's been so long since I managed to blog. I've had loads to tell, most of which has by now been forgotten but just no time to blog. All of which means that this will be a rather rambling and picture heavy post. Sorry.

At half term we re-painted the front room so apart from one wall it is now all cream. Before and after pictures follow.

We sent the kids to PIL for the day and did about three coats of paint all told plus taking down and putting back the shelves etc. We also took the opportunity to have a good sort out and tidy round so the front is looking alot better now.

The week after half term I managed to go for lunch with a good friend of mine. She is a teacher so I don't get to see her properly as often as I would like. When she is off I normally have all three kids so a good gossip isn't normally practical however this term she had a different half term week to ours so we got to get together on her week off and go for lunch with only the Bean as added company.

That week was also DS1's 5th birthday. I'm really not sure how he got to be 5 LOL He did very well for himself and had a good day and a good party on the Saturday. It was a very bust weekend though as we had another party on the Sunday for his friend at school who was born on the same afternoon. Her mum and I met in recovery!

The week after I went over to see Babylonglegs and got some gorgeous sock yarn in colours DD had picked out herself.

Then on the Friday we had some fireworks at home, just a few small ones which the kids watched from the conservatory. We had friends round for the evening and had a fab time. In the morning we got up to find that one of the rockets hadn't strayed far from home at all!
Just glad neither of the blokes were under it when it came down!!

On the Sunday it was Beans birthday and I made him a cake!!! Sadly for my children that is the first time I have made any of them a birthday cake.

It was OK though and I think I shall try to make home baked birthday cakes standard in the future. It's a good way of being sure there is no milk in there. And by the way, how did Bean get to be two already????? ;)

Then a couple of weeks of frantic sock knitting for DD's birthday only interrupted by a couple of parents evenings. Fab reports for both of them particularly DD's english. Most importantly though, for DH and myself, both of them are settled, happy and behaving themselves.

DD had her birthday, I can't believe she's 8 already, do I sound like a stuck record yet??? LOL I was a good Mama and made her lots of little birthday cakes as requested
.
I thought they looked rather good if I do say so myself. DD was pleased with them which is the important thing.

I managed to make her two pairs of socks for her birthday which thankfully she loves, she is quite a sensitive soul and I wondered if she would get on the the very different feel on hand knit socks. She wore the first pair to school the next day and the other pair the day after so I needn't have worried.

Then I was back to Babylonglegs for the day where I got this.
Isn't it just scrummy. I'd had my eye on it for a while and couldn't resist. I'm looking forward to finishing my Christmas knits so that I can do myself some more socks. I have plans for some toe ups in January - new skill there - so I can use up some of my leftovers.

Saturday morning we picked up DD's friend and all went bowling, I haven't done any for ages and did most of mine with the rack thing as Bean was helping me but I didn't do too badly. DD got a strike on her first go! DD's friend stayed for lunch and the afternoon which gave DH and I the chance to sort out the kids toys. There is a huge box of stuff ready to go the the charity shop and there is now room for the Birthday and Christmas stuff to go.

Yesterday I went over to Northamptonshire to collect a knitting machine that a lovely lady by the name of nightcrickett on Ravelry has let me have. I'm not entirely sure when I will get to unpack it and have a proper play but watch this space.

Today would normally be Wriggley Readers with Bean and friends at the library followed by coffee with the girls after but I have a horrid cold and DD is decidedly under the weather so we are having a PJ day instead. I will have to go into town tomorrow so will just have to go for coffee then.

And I think that brings me up to date. If you made it this far well done and I promise to try not to leave it so long next time.