Birthday gifts – Part I

Posted on October 21, 2008 by Mabel

Yup, my birthday was just a week ago and since then I’ve been waiting for a flurry of gifts to arrive. Well, I wouldn’t exactly say for sure that it is a personal gift, more like me buying up supplies in the name of a birthday gift to myself but what the heck!

It was an unexpected purchase really, but since I was branching out into items for the store, I thought why not. You may think it’s strange purchasing items that I could easily dye up for myself but don’t be surprised. Sometimes dyers themselves buy from others…especially when it comes to blends which are hard to come by in this part of the world/Europe. So for your viewing pleasure, may I present some fibrey goodness…which soon will be turned into handspun yarn for the shop.

And oh, another gift that came by my way involves some Swiss/French keys, Vista and a very yummy function. Nil got me this simply because I was hogging his PC for far too long. The timing is right, really. With the shop and all, I am now able to update as and when I like without interfering in his online activities. And of course, I have no excuse when it comes to churning out my wedding dinner album, which is still in the works. Time to kick my own butt, really.

And oh, there is the matter of some gift baskets or such lying around…I ought to take a snapshot of that. When the next gift(s) arrives, you can bet that I’ll blog about it!

Diamond Skinny Scarf

Posted on October 20, 2008 by Mabel

Diamond Skinny Scarf
Pattern | Based on a stitch dictionary
Yarn | Rowan Tapestry in 173
Needles | 5mm

The item is actually for the shop (listed here) but it has been a while since I last showcased my finished FO…including the shawl design I churned up (which is being featured on my shop blog).

The yarn was lovely to work with and a wool-soy blend has never ceased to amaze me. The colourway was an unexpected purchase from Maryann’s stash and I thought it would go well with the current season (autumn). The smooth yet light texture of the yarn gave the finished product a very ethereal and airy feel, making it suitable for any type of weather condition. Now, top that with some gorgeous soft stripes of brown-chocolate, taupe and purple! Absolutely delish, if you ask me!

The pattern is easy to knit up and quick too…I took about under a week, if you count the other distractions and all to finish this. Anyway, there are more pictures on the shop listing here – do have a go look-see! I hope to churn out more handknitted scarves – am working on a thick-thin lacy one at the moment. Looking at the colours just excites me!!!

On the side, I wonder what people think about diets and weight loss pills…reading a BTB’s (Bride-To-Be’s) struggle with her weight yoyo-ing just before the big day brings back fond memories.

For my own stash

Posted on October 19, 2008 by Mabel

My own handdyes which are NOT for sale!

Yes, I plan to spin these up into yarn so keep your eyes peeled out for more goodies!

A few days later…

Posted on October 18, 2008 by Mabel

…I know I ought to show pics of my birthday gifts but a few of them have yet to arrive and well, I’d rather wait until they are all together before I show the whole world what I got for turning 29. Yes, I don’t mind telling people my age – after all, it’s just a number.

Anyway, lets just say that it’s a new electronic toy that was on sale, a couple grams of fibre blends (yay for optima and soy!) plus a brand new toy to add to the fibre addiction.

So how was it?

The few days leading up to the whole birthday was pleasant, to say the least, even though the weather was quite crappy – autumn is all about fog, and no sunshine whatsoever. While it may be romantic for some, it can get a bit tad cold and well, when it’s cold, warm sunshine is good. Lack of it is bad!

Now a few days later, the weather has cheered up a little – we managed to squeeze in a hike on a very sunny day and well, I’ve been busy bouncing shop ideas with Nil plus sourcing for new suppliers and so forth. And oh, naturally, I have also been busy keeping an eye out for that elusive postman with my fibre-related toy.

Seriously, where is he?

More from Emile & Scratch!

Posted on October 17, 2008 by Mabel

It has been a while since I last shared pictures about these two boys. We have had them for nearly two months now and am glad to say that they are finally getting used to the idea of being picked up and all. Scratch no longer nips when confronted with a hand and Emile is bolder, choosing to climb all over my hand at every chance he gets.

We were very fortunate to pick up a glass tank that someone had unceremoniously dumped at the rubbish bin. There was not a single scratch on it and it was just the right size for a play tank. We could always move them permanently there but I think it’s better to have a separate play tank where they can dig and climb around like crazy. Anyway, here are a couple of my favourite shots. For more, do check out the entire set on my Flickr page here.