Funky stripes

I have made another journal cover as a gift.

This one was knitted, but I found I had to line it with fabric otherwise it curled at the edges.

Next time I'd knit it wider although with it being quite tight it makes the stripes curve nicely. It is a mixture of hand dyed linen and sari silk. The colours are all very acid - it makes the whole thing look quite fresh I think.



I have also had a "refresher course" on sewing machine basics from a very good friend of mine. So the darning plate has been fitted, the foot removed, and freeform machine stitching here we come. We've still not addressed the frustrations of sewing with metallic thread - but it never hurts to leave some bits to be done by hand.

Operation Christmas Child

This year, my family is supporting the Samaritan's Purse charity by taking part in "Operation Christmas Child". This sends a small Christmas box to victims of war, poverty and natural disaster throughout the world. http://www.samaritanspurse.uk.com. Last year Samaritan's Purse in the UK sent out over 1.18 million gifts to children across Eastern Europe and Africa.

We have packed a box for a boy and a box for a girl. There is advice on the website about what to pack and it is very humbling to see what items will bring so much benefit and joy, for example:
A cuddly toy,
A toothbrush, toothpaste
A wrapped bar of soap and flannel
A notepad, colouring book
Picture books
Pencils and pencil sharpener, pens and paper
A set of crayons or felt pens
A hat, cap, gloves, scarf
A small ball or tennis ball
A puzzle e.g. small jigsaw
For boys: a toy car, truck, passenger plane or similar item
For girls: jewellery (e.g. pair of clip earrings, make-up or hair accessories)
A greetings card or a photo of yourself
Sweets
Small musical instrument

There is also a video showing children receiving the parcels last year. It is so little to do and amazing to see it can bring such happiness. My little boy has helped me choose and pack the items, so he can understand what it is to give something to someone who has so little.

Reduce, Re-use, Recycle

Viva Bob the Builder!

I bought what I thought was a fun and interesting yarn back in the summer. Patons Splash ("fun and fresh").

I knitted it into a wraparound belt with wooden bead fastening using the pattern: k1, *yf, k2tog, *repeat to last stitch, k1 - simple I know, but a nice little project. The pattern is nice enough and vaguely lacey...

But on completion, all parties agree that knitted up it looks like knotted string woven through with old tights. So technically OK but aesthetically a disaster! Infact so bad that I cannot bring myself to even sew on the beads!

Looks like an inspired bit of recycling! A big disappointment! Let's hope the next project works out better!

So on an uncharacteristally personal note, here is my little boy dressed up as a puppy in an old blanket and my slippers.... aaahhhhh!!!

Progress

This week I have progressed a knitted wallet I am making for my brother in law, made a knitted outer layer for a new journal cover that will be another Christmas gift, started a knitted beaded belt for myself, and painted our back door. (spot a theme?)

Pictures will follow...

I am adjusting (slowly) to life without my little boy at home... now he has started school full time the house seems so empty, and it is hard to see just how much he has replaced me with his school experiences. Many thanks to good kharma bunny for being so... well she knows.... such a good friend...

My sister has joined me in blog land (http://twoknightsandmaidens.blogspot.com), and my fav. big cousin has been reading my posts! He promises/threatens to leave comments. That's a bit scary!