...And a Happy New Year!!

Or at least I thought I was going to have, before I discovered that work I'd signed myself up for meant being ready at 6:30AM on the first day of the new year, which means
1. No hangovers, drink only a moderate amount of alcohol.
2. The party I was ever so looking forward to going to now is out of the question.

Well such is life, however I still have a chance to show off my new bag! I have already designed a couple of other ones, but given that I've been depressed about the whole new years thing and needed to cheer myself up, even knitting has been on the back burner.

Anyway, should anyone be in Ballina tomorrow, I will be there, serving beverages (I think), wearing black and dependant on the time you see me, looking tired. This will be quite the experience!!

So have a safe New Years celebration, and may your resolutions be attainable!

adios

*edit* I was just look at webgoddess's blog when I found this. If the forums are anything to go by, this article has had serious net coverage. Just when you thought that chocolate was a safe topic.

Post with pictures!!!

Okay so I've had a chat with my father (hi!) and he gave me a few pointers on how to upload photos from flikr into my blog. So here goes...

The applique girl (I still can't get over how gorgeous she is!)



Or how about the bag I spent yesterday afternoon and this morning on? I haven't sewn for donkeys years and was never really good at it, but I love this little wristlet.



I love this whole 'photo working' thing. Colin, just to show you my thanks, let me show you a sneak peak of what I am going to make for you.

Here is also an update on boogie... not far to go before I do the armhole shaping and splitting apart for the collar!



Are you as excited as I am?

and finally, wishing you a happy and safe new years, and may your resolutions be achievable!

Had yourself a very merry Christmas?

Hey everyone! Hope you had a lovely and safe Christmas, shared gifts with loved ones and happy memories were created. Enough of the soppy stuff, time to let me brag baby! I got lucky and received a heap of wonderful stuff including fabrics and embellishments! And what embellishments!
If you want to see pics, PLEASE check out my flickr site because I uploaded them there, thinking I'd be really clever and have no worries uploading here by consequence. Fortunately someone pointed out that the photos weren't working. which sucks. A lot. Can anyone tell me how to successfully upload photos onto here from another website? do I have to make the photos a hyperlink to get the thing working? ggrrrr.

Next time I can get photos working I will also show the fantastic progress of boogie! I'm well and truly into the cabling and its looking really good! I can't wait to put this baby on. Seriously, for a first cabling project, this is perfect, big needles and yarn so it grows quickly and its just easy.

Anyway to wrap up a long chrissy day, we all relaxed and popped open a bottle of vintage Moet & Chandon. This little (albeit pricey) treat was given to mum earlier in the year and let me say now, that champagne is without doubt the NICEST stuff I've ever tasted. Not harsh on the pallet at all. Soft, mellow and a little strong, just perfect on its own or with a little turkey to line the stomach but not ruin the taste. And on that note, I hope you had a lovely Christmas and boxing day, and the forthcoming New Years is just as successful!

So we have our winners...

Its official! Not only has Santa lodged his flightplan (I saw it on the news) but we have 2 winners for my great yarn diet giveaway! Let me introduce you to:

ikkinlala said...

"I would provide a good home for the yarn. It would be kept cozy and comfortable in a nice clean shoebox, checked and admired every day, and, eventually, knit into something special. It would have some other yarn to keep it company, but would not be living in overcrowded conditions and would receive plenty of personalized (yarnalized?) attention.

Plus, hasn't it always wanted to travel to Canada? This is an excellent place for yarn to reach its destiny of keeping somebody warm."

She's right about that! Allow me to also introduce you to Lindsay

"Because I think it's pretty and I'd like to stroke it. Although now I think this is getting a little too "Of Mice and Men", but I would still love it, and it's less creepy stroking yarn than someone's hair, so I should have the yarn to avoid ending up in creepy situations"

So there you have it guys if you could both e-mail me at sally DOT baxter AT gmail DOT com, you can pick the colour you want and I'll send it out to you after Christmas!!!

On other news, the stashbusting blanket has been growing great guns with me adding a minimum of about 15 - 20cms a day onto it, although this is a far cry from the dare-I-think-about-it strips I need to complete the thing BEFORE July, At least I can have a lot done before I go back and do the work / study thing again. So for those wondering why I'm freaking out about it nice and early, it's because I figure that between swaps (I really do get a kick out having packages mailed to me!) and personal projects, the old blanket might not quite get the attention it needs. However, assuming things all go well, it might be ready for the ekka. Will definitely think about the ekka.

On the swaps note, all has bee received and photographed! YAY! except for one package, which has taken a WEEK to get from one state to another, I suspect it may be an Australia post thing, which sucks, but on the other hand it means I get a little treat straight after boxing day.

Alas I'm low on bandwidth, so no pics (my internet was freaking out just opening the browser, go figure) but hopefully soon!!

adios and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

p.s. Ikkinlala and Lyndsey, PLEASE e-mail me so I can send out your beautiful yarn!!

So its nearly christmas...

And dear god I have gotten off my bum at least once! My mum has unfortunately come down with the affliction known as 'Wisdom-teeth-outus' and is making for some interesting behaviour at home. My anti-social self has an excuse to be even more antisocial (got to look after mum you know) with my sister coming down to help (marvellous cook, always find things to clean *correction* for me to clean, I may really have to get off my arse yet) . But I'm not really in the talkative mood, however I must say I am ready for christmas (are you??) shopping done?: check. Presents wrapped and under tree?: check. Receipts nearby? check.

Scariness of scary update: my sister has seen the WIP that IS my stashbuster blanket, and wants one by winter next year! thats all well and good, but firstly, SHE HAS A QUEEN BED! and secondly, its taken me about 2 months on and off to make 1.5 strips for my sad single bed. On the other hand, does that mean I get to buy more yarn? I say a very loud YES.

However, some of my extra activities include: going to the opshop (see pics) getting earrings from a swap, sending out last minute hand made gifts (to unknowing family friends) and harrassing the mailman for more presents.

okay so internet is slowed right down again. but I am DETERMINED to post pics. later.

oh by the way we have a winner for the great yarn diet! Will announce tommorrow. am tired. Am getting more tired at the thought of having to do housework (noooo)

Great yarn diet giveaway!!!

Okay so I've just finished Brokeback Mountain, a beautiful sad movie that nearly had me crying, but also thinking and not crying, and also knitting without crying. Firstly I'll tell you about my thinking sans crying. I recently acquired two balls of Bendigo WoollenMills in 8 ply Mystique (75%Wool, 20% mohair 5% alpaca - softest stuff you have ever touched). There weren't quite the colours I wanted and the intended recipient of one of the balls was a total jerk. SO! I am offering one or both balls to the person who writes in and tells me why one or both of these beautiful yarns should live with you. Yarn goes to the funniest person. Remember we are talking about 400m (Each!) of beautiful mohair and alpaca!



Progress on the knitting front too.

From this before the movie:


From that, after the movie. need to measure it (in inches... grrr)





Please note the top pic is the closest to the real colour. but look at the progress!

look what I just discovered! another competition! Vintage KAL - if you can guess the approximate years the patterns were published in, you get a prize! imagine if you had those beautiful needles, with my beautiful yarn (and it is gorgeous!!) oh the possibilities!!

adios future prizewinners!

that old adage

You know how everyone tells you not to drink and knit? well I did. fortunately I only have to rip out half a row. and I swatched (repeatedly) for boogie, and I've done it! I've started boogie! I'm looking forward to one comfy vest for winter. The burnt red thing should be really nice with a lot of things.. Unlike the pattern, I've had to use 7.5 mm needles (mine are bright red!) and while the gauge is right, the yarn looks like its borderline too small for the actual requirement... however we shall find out when I start making this baby!

On another much happier note, I finished school today! (I work in a school) so staff drinks was met with relief of the highest order, not to mention an insight into what actually goes on in these mysterious work function drink thingies. while there was no dancing, singing, or random making out sessions, it was nice to see ambiguous conversation (read: flirting) and all round good spirit. so tomorrow I shall be a free spirit!! bound only by my budget :D

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum (or wine, maybe beer?)

So tomorrow is my last day at work for five weeks. exciting huh? and in commemoration of my first ever end of work party, I chose to swatch for boogie.

pretty huh? bar the cable that went the wrong way on the bottom left... Actually being my first cable project I'm suprised how easy this cable sequence was...pretty much k2 p6 until every 5 rows.... a cable twist! I think this will make a very snazzy vest...now to see if this thing matches the proper gauge.

just a short post... unable to think of anything amusing for you tonight...

adios

the end is in sight!

I of course, refer to the impending end of school year, which, frankly, can't come soon enough. one of the consequences of course is that my brain is seriously ga-ga, to the point that coherent sentences are not an option and well.. I reckon a 3 year old could beat me in brain capacity. I'm ready for the three year old, if you are willing to forgive my complete lack of punctuation.

So I will state simply the things I have been upto/purchased in the past few days.

1. Pining over yarn DESPITE my yarn diet.
This thing will kill me yet. I've been lucky and have always been slim (if underweight) so I have never really had the need to really alter my eating patterns. Unfortunately the same control you need when eating healthily and avoiding the crap is also needed when you accidentally stumble across a yarn website and start thinking.. ohh some hemp would be nice in my stash (I nearly said collection... pick the library tech. lol)

2. Trying to eat healthily.
as above, never been one for diets, but I have noticed I have been a little keen on the 'ol processed foods lately.. oh give me the energy to eat good stuff!!!

3. buying the latest tripod CD
Because everyone is entitled to a little indulgence. Having said that, the second CD was a bit of a rip off.... most of the songs (though performed live... MUST see these guys in concert!) were on their last CD middleborough road. If you do listen to this CD set, you must MUST listen to The Hotdog man. You will laugh (or I'll set the hotdog man onto you!)

4. Sending out swap stuff.
THANK HEAVENS THATS OVER!! While I love the thrill and anticipation of preparing swap packages, doing 3 in one hit as definitely been a contributing factor to sending my brain into ga ga land. Will post pics of those later. having said the whole 'over it' piece, I am glad that 2 packages were sent within Aus. the price difference to send from here to the US is just ridiculous (hello bankruptcy). And then, in my enthusiasm, I have already signed on for another swap. but the goodnews is that sends late Jan, so I have pleeeenty of time to relax, get my brain back.

5. seriously contemplating swatching for boogie.
just because I know I'm going to have to frog that nice blue thing. again. (shall we call that jacket 'the bane of my existence jacket?')

anway I'm absolutely exhausted, I want to sail off into my latest adventure, Treasure Island. You know... the famous one that the muppets made even more huge? well the book is a fun read and best read imagining Tim Curry as Long John Silver. I love a bad villian, especially a piratey one.. arrrr mmmmm

the end is in sight!

I of course, refer to the impending end of school year, which, frankly, can't come soon enough. one of the consequences of course is that my brain is seriously ga-ga, to the point that coherent sentences are not an option and well.. I reckon a 3 year old could beat me in brain capacity. I'm ready for the three year old, if you are willing to forgive my complete lack of punctuation.

So I will state simply the things I have been upto/purchased in the past few days.

1. Pining over yarn DESPITE my yarn diet.
This thing will kill me yet. I've been lucky and have always been slim (if underweight) so I have never really had the need to really alter my eating patterns. Unfortunately the same control you need when eating healthily and avoiding the crap is also needed when you accidentally stumble across a yarn website and start thinking.. ohh some hemp would be nice in my stash (I nearly said collection... pick the library tech. lol)

2. Trying to eat healthily.
as above, never been one for diets, but I have noticed I have been a little keen on the 'ol processed foods lately.. oh give me the energy to eat good stuff!!!

3. buying the latest tripod CD
Because everyone is entitled to a little indulgence. Having said that, the second CD was a bit of a rip off.... most of the songs (though performed live... MUST see these guys in concert!) were on their last CD middleborough road. If you do listen to this CD set, you must MUST listen to The Hotdog man. You will laugh (or I'll set the hotdog man onto you!)

4. Sending out swap stuff.
THANK HEAVENS THATS OVER!! While I love the thrill and anticipation of preparing swap packages, doing 3 in one hit as definitely been a contributing factor to sending my brain into ga ga land. Will post pics of those later. having said the whole 'over it' piece, I am glad that 2 packages were sent within Aus. the price difference to send from here to the US is just ridiculous (hello bankruptcy). And then, in my enthusiasm, I have already signed on for another swap. but the goodnews is that sends late Jan, so I have pleeeenty of time to relax, get my brain back.

5. seriously contemplating swatching for boogie.
just because I know I'm going to have to frog that nice blue thing. again. (shall we call that jacket 'the bane of my existence jacket?')

anway I'm absolutely exhausted, I want to sail off into my latest adventure, Treasure Island. You know... the famous one that the muppets made even more huge? well the book is a fun read and best read imagining Tim Curry as Long John Silver. I love a bad villian, especially a piratey one.. arrrr mmmmm

Great Yarn Diet

hey everyone!

Figured the reason I have no more photos, for at a couple more weeks anyway... my download speed is 400mb. not so sure what the upload speed is, however, due to this new comp going nuts on downloading the greatest and latest of the security updates, the best I can offer is hyperlinks.

so now presenting: the great knitty hyperlink show!

first things first: The winter knitty is up! awesomeness!
knitty
Next things next: the vest I am determined to make as a first cables project (imagine this in a really yummy dark burny orange colour), also I have well and truly more yarn than I actually need.. so I may well make this just so I can have a whole matching set.. also I loathe legwarmers (and have no need for them in this climate)


I am also on a: YARN DIET!!!!! *sucks in gut*
Due to the rather alarming size of my stash, a good deal of it Bendigo Woollen Mills, (Has anyone tried Nundle Woollen mills?) the rules of my diet are such:
1. Projects must ONLY use yarn from the stash (lucky me I already have at least 2 projects worth in there)
2. The stashbusting blanket (will post pics when broadband is fast again) will only contain yarn from aforemention stash and will be measured periodically to see if it meets length requirements.
3. Swaps must use yarn from the stash and under VERY extenuating circumstances (like trying out the Nundle Wool Mills.. *cough*) will I buy yarn.

lets see how long this lasts.

Guess what I've been watching while I wile away the hours making stuff for swaps:
give you a clue...
*sings* in Gundarraah, Gundarrah, they say its in Inddiiaaaaa
Answer: MONKEY!!!! so now I keep saying wise Buddha things.. in my head of course, on the offchance that I sound deep and profound.

remember: happiness feeds itself anger feeds on other things... I think.

adios

long time no blog!

okay so I've been meaning to add an entry since friday, the failure to do so being for a few reasons:

1. I got my new computer on friday!! awesome!
2. I was social. scarily social. I might even get a flikr account so I can upload photos lol.
3. I've been on craftster all day.. and still getting used to this computer.


And to prove to you that old habits die hard... let my show you pics of my new, improved and MESSIER room!

but before I do that, just found this on my favourite blog, web-goddess her hubby found this article and the quote is just fantastic, this of course refers to the newly discovered fact that the polonium 210 that killed the Russian spy (and is in the process of killing another) was sourced in Russia. To understand the logic of the whole thing, click here and found out what the madness is about...

okay so my comp won't upload the pics. maybe tomorrow. grrrr

adios

Things to fight for

Now everyone who knows me would know I am essentially the world's biggest pacifist, I can't stand confrontation, and when it comes to intellectual arguments, you can bet money that they lawyer with real facts in her head is going to kick my arse. But today I have discovered two things worth fighting for.

1. The new Industrial relations laws created by 'wtf?' johnny howard. Well I've been pretty peeved about that for a while, but I saw some union facts from the Queensland Teachers Union about what AWAs would do to a teacher's payscale and thats just downright cruel. Considering the appalling conditions your average teacher has to put up with in first place, basic entitlements and a DECENT PAY is the least the government can do. This is daylight robbery of the worst kind, forget every other scandal parliament has ever gotten its sticky fingers into, this is the worst injustice that anyone could inflict on the australian public. EVERYONE should be charging johnny howard up with deprivation of liberty. Thats right, our basic rights are being stripped away from us, leaving us helpless and bloodied, ready for the sharks out there to rip us to pieces. LETS SUE HOWARD FOR 22 (however many millions) MILLION COUNTS OF DEPRIVATION OF LIBERTY, ABUSE OF POWER, RAPING THE AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC IN THE MOST BRUTAL WAY.

2. The coward's stance that yarn suppliers in Australia are advertising and selling directly to the overseas market, and not to Australia. More details can be found on wwww.yarnmagazine.com.au/blog and the examples that are found on there are just appalling. The comments section is worth a read as people also put valid arguments forward (and I openly plug Crochet Australia and their brilliant service. They deserve all the clients they can get.)

So while I usually shy away from controversy, this time I urge anyone and everyone out there in blogland to fight the good fight and TEACH THE BASTARDS A LESSON.

adios

no pics, just bad reception

So today's weather has been a little weird.. in the annoying way.. all day I'm in my little building, storing heat that would impress an energex guy..I tell myself that I'm going for a swim, and then it rains... big ploppy, bloppy drops like someone is throwing a heap of tiny waterbombs.. onto your mail..

as for the knitting/crochet thing.. I got through another christmas tree ornament today, and most of another one.. will finish the last one tomorrow, starch it within an inch of its life, and if I have enough energy, decorate, and post pics. :D

For this week only, I'm adding a special countdown until I get my new computer. so for today:
7 days until I get a brand spanking new computer

the day I'd rather forget..

Okay okay I'm one of those nutters that follow that superstition that bad things come in threes. Well, the first two happened at work and due to small factors (like wanting to keep my job) I'm not at liberty to discuss here..but frankly, I knew the third thing was coming.. what would it be: the buses running late? it sucks, yes but it happens all the time.. one incident down, a zillion to go... maybe running out of money while buying more yarn than I need: sucks, but I really had it coming..

I'm knitting jacket in front of the idiot box, and it hits me like a mallet in the back of the skull:

MY KNITTING PATTERN!!

a demonstration on what its SUPPOSED to look like:

please note the ridges, that make this pattern really pretty..

p.s. this is from Patons 'resort knits' I received last year from my 'knows nothing about knitting' mum. awww isn't she great??

Now here is my classic blunder. Please people, for the sake of your own sanity, READ the pattern carefully when you begin, otherwise you might miss important details LIKE THE FREAKING STITCH DETAIL. like I did. Notice the very absent bumps on every fifth row.

the colour is a quite a fuzzy light blue in the real world, but most importantly I draw your attention to very absent bumps (bar the moss stitch border... obviously)



Now for a little randomness, here are some photos I took for yesterday's post , but due to being so damn tired, I present to you: random shots of my hideously messy room: aka creative disorder at its finest!

so this is where my knitting, crochet and and bags and bags of arty farty stuff go.. and you wonder why I'm having trouble finding a crochet hook in one go.. hehe... the next shot is my desk, which is right beside my stash.. so it should be of no suprise that is looks like this:

I'm online baby!!!

Well thank heavens for that!! after having some SERIOUS problems trying to sign in (who knew I could be so forgetful??) I thought I'd include some super secret pictures of my room and what I am sending out on my latest craftster swaps, and considering my readership is a healthy NIL, no one is going to go 'dear god.. she's sending me THAT??'













so first up, my caffeine inspired christmas trees (one completed the others not far away) getting blocked with starch (does that mean I'll wake up with a stiff finger tomorrow? *canned laughter*)

ta daaaaa!!! one christmas tree in need of decoration, predominantly, buttons!! of which I have heaps, but am completely not immune from the urge to buy mooorree!!!

next up on the super secret lets not peak! stash trip is the lolly supply that will go to one starved uni student in the us.. the more I look at this, the more I think.. 'crud, how much is this going to cost to send off?'

One all aussie lolly'lovin stash of chocolate.. now to include the handcrafted stuff! *looks wildly around for handcrafted items*

I have to go now, but tomorrow: flash your stash!!

adios!

Librarylass strikes again!!

Welcome to my new blog, I intend to regale with stories of laughter, tears, and downright tragedy, and that's just the knitting! I've created this blog primarily as a means to share my knitting, crochet and other crafts (and I'm learning a few!). now I have a very fancy camera (pics later) I hope to share some fun times of yarn, and stuff..

adios!!

Library