well its been a long time between drinks.............
knitted a scarf or two but haven't really had much time to sit and knit- when in a big city!

just thought i would fill you in on a long term project or two, that should keep me busy for a few months.

this is what i am going to start:



meet Biscuit- he is a knitted stuffed dog! yeh, i am really just a big kid. So far i am at half an ear (just started!)

My other project is going to be a vogue holiday project:


I have the wool, beads and buttons from an indulgent trip to paris so wish me luck.....

Way to long

Yes I know

its been way to long a time between blogs. But this is what happens when you travel.!

In knitting news I had a great day out with the London knitty gang the other day. See below of us at loop for proof. We all bought way to much yarn that we shouldn't of and had a great time. Big Cheers to Caroline for organising it.




At the moment I am knitting a short row scarf, but my amazing Susan bates crystallite needles (5mm) broke so I am temporarily abandoning it till I buy some more needles. I am very upset cause these are my favorite needles. :( :(

So when I get a flat, and get settled I will be able to restart blogging at a respectable rate.

Till then.....

Europe: Poland- Krakow and Warsaw

Well OK! I know I know, its been ages and at least 4 different countries since I last wrote. But with only 4 days in each place, my objective has been to see as much as possible in the shortest time. At the moment I am in Venice, in the midst of a thunderstorm- it is literally putting a dampener on the place, but still huge queues at the st. marks piazza so am on the internet instead. So where do I start. After I left Alex and family in Budapest (thanks guys for having me, i love u all) I made my way to Krakow in Poland. Whilst primarily known for being the closest city to Auschwitz it does have other interesting sites. It is a tiny city, and full of old world charm and a really really yummy pizza shop. Even better pizza then what I have had so far in Venice.On my first full day I went to the Salt Mines, about half an hour out of Krakow by bus. Started chatting to a Brazilian couple and a brother/sister couple from Portugal on the bus and ended up touring the salt mines with them and having dinner with them afterwards. The salt mines are interesting as everything from the floors to the chandeliers to the statues are all made from salt. Everything. All salt (with the odd bit of wood thrown in for supportive measures.) Despite queuing for an hour it was really interesting and well worth the wait. Even though climbing down 400 stairs to get to the first level killed my thighs. Picture 5 of the salt mines shows the old staircase that the miners had to climb down! I'm glad we didn't have to use those! The most amazing room was the old church room, photos salt mine 9-15. It is also used as a concert hall, the acoustics would be amazing.The next day was a complete turnaround as I went to Auschwitz and Birkenau. I did the tour, but we didn't go into all the halls, but you could go back and do them on your own. There is really not much to say that the photos don't cover. It is hard to put words to the devastation and the conditions that were inflicted onto the prisoners of these camps. Birkenau was especially moving as most of what is left is just the chimneys of the barracks, miles of them, just standing desolate. It is a huge camp, with the destruction of it all making it even more moving. It is actually more moving than Auschwitz as the sheer size of it is just incomprehendable.After a few drinks that night first at a club called Prozac (love the name) then one called frantic (hmmm) I called it a day and prepared myself to do the entire city of Krakow in one day.This was do-able (is that a word?). Being so small it was not hard to do. I started off at the old town square, a pretty place surrounded by churches and halls. Then off to the wawel castle. The cathedral was amazing, with each side alter more impressive than the last. The dragon’s den, where legend has the dragon lived until slayed by someone famous who founded Krakow, was a huge underground hollow (Uncle Ron- u would love this (fyi- he is a geologist)). After that, it was off to Kazimierz (the jewish quarter) where Schindler’s List was filmed. An interesting place, there was an amazing photography exhibition of now desolated and abandoned synagogues and cemeteries, taken from today’s perspective. The oldest synagogue in Europe was also interesting. I didn’t make it over to Schindler’s factory, after Auschwitz the day before I needed some uplifting sites to see. Interestingly though, as you walk through the streets of Kazimierz you can see signs of previous synagogues and places of importance, now everyday homes and shops.And that basically was Krakow. Up next was Warsaw. After checking in, finding London was bombed again, and a man was shot dead 5 times, the group sitting round the TV- mainly aussies surprisingly, decided it was enough to drive anyone to drink- and so the pub crawl began. It was an organized tour, though by the time happy hour was over at the hostel everyone was very happy. To my amusement, I was the only female on the tour, a fact which played out plenty of times throughout the night. No more shall be said, except I did meet someone but that is all I am saying. (Though I will mention I forgot my camera hence the lack of pictures.) The next day I walked around Warsaw with the help of the tour, run by Nathan- the same guide from the night before- so at least I wasn’t the only one feeling tired and seedy. We went everywhere (well it felt like it!) The main moving areas were the monument to the Warsaw uprising, the ghetto memorial and Pawiak Prison. The exhibits from here churned my stomach in such a way that even Auschwitz couldn’t. Not from horror, but the overwhelmingly size and breadth that the atrocities covered. That night I had the 11th wonder of the world. The world’s biggest burrito. It was huge- about 30cm long, 10cm wide and 5cm high. I could only eat half. You had to be there- sorry. Went to go to a jazz club after, but they had a salsa night on- man can some of those people dance. Note: I am very bad at doing the salsa, despite trying. The next day, a girl called Amy from Denver and I went to the Museum commemorating the Warsaw Uprising. This is a new museum only being opened this year. It was very interesting and we spent a good 3 hours in there. Bet you didn’t know 1 lone Australian fought for the insurgents in the uprising. (nor did I!)An easy, lazy night ensured and then the next day was off to Berlin. And that was Poland, in a nutshell.Berlin I shall tell u about the next time, as I have been on the net for ages and it is costing me a fortune. (And it’s dinner time.) Though I will say I could easily live there, I loved Berlin (despite getting food poisoning).The photos for Krakow are here: http://au.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/katefreedman/album?.dir=/7311&.src=ph&.tok=phBf7ZDBTHcBSZh1And Warsaw here: http://au.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/katefreedman/album?.dir=/1af5&.src=ph&.tok=phjd7ZDBZkFfMyAj

Oh yeh and before you all ask- no knitting content, I know its shocking but i'm travelling so for me its a good excuse.

Till next time.

Europe: Vienna and Budapest

Well quick knitting content first. I found some sort of yarn shops here in Budapest, but they were more fabric shops which sold yarn- so I didn't bother noting the addresses.
Amazingly I was able to get my wooden clover sock needles through the xray machine at Perth airport- so I was then able to get them onto the Emerates plane. I knitted a little of my sock but slept most of the way. I also made a soft wollen scarf whilst here in Budapest, whilst attempting to teach my friend to knit. I shall post pictures later.

In the meantime here is a copy of the email I sent to all just a moment ago:

Hi everyone.
Well it is my last day here in Budapest so I thought I would update you on my trip so far. It has been fascinating yet exasperating at the same time.First the annoying stuff. It can be summed up in 2 words: Yucky Weather! A huge storm front has passed over eastern Europe this past week resulting in torrential downpours, hailstones the size of footballs (in Croatia), entire villages flooding (Austria, Hungary and Slovakia) and even deaths by lightning (Slovakia and Austria). My first encounter with the weather was when I stepped off the plane in Vienna. It was raining, windy and freezing cold. Not good when all you have packed for is 35 degree heat summer weather. After finding the hotel and donning 3 layers, Alex and I did a little exploring around St. Stephan's square. The hotel was right on the square, about 50m from the metro station, and 100m from St. Stephan's cathedral. It was a perfect location. The weather for the other 2 days in Vienna was not as bad as the first day, but still overcast and chilly. The sites whilst incredible, was a little disappointing for my first view of Europe, a fact that in retrospect I put down to the depressing weather.Photos from Vienna can be found here: http://au.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/katefreedman/album?.dir=/d429&.src=ph&.tok=ph4lPUDBNGBFJmUY
When we got to Budapest I was welcomed with open arms by Alex's family. Her mum is an amazing cook and I think I have put on a few kilos this last 10 days. However, I am sure I will walk it off the next few weeks. The site seeing was interrupted by the afore mentioned thunderstorms, and yesterday the road by the Danube in downtown Budapest was closed as the river had flooded over the road. Budapest, however is beautiful. Very green, hilly and pretty. I think my opinion has been influenced by the fact that I am staying out of the city and am not surrounded by it 24 hours a day. We went to some amazing buildings in Budapest, one of which was the Great Synagogue. It has only been reopen to tourists since 2002 as it was being restored. It is amazing, and has a beautiful memorial to those who died in WW2. The other beautiful building in Budapest that has been restored is also a church- well cathedral - St. Stephan's standing on top of the Hills on the Buda side of the Danube. With an amazing view (even given the weather) the area of the church and palace is definatly a 'to do'. The church was covered in frescos inside- all restored to their original glory. By the way- the Danube is not blue!!!
On a different note we also went to the Terror House. This museum was the home of the nazi SS and the communist KGB during the years of their associated occupation. The basment has been reconstructed to showing how the cells were during the buildings use for holding and executing polital prisoners. It was an interesting yet disturbing building and whilst open to tourists seemed mainly orientated to the new generation of Hungarian's so they did not forget what happened under soviet occupation.
Happily though, the weather has improved the last few days to actually resemble summer- complete with the digging out of the sarong! I am attempting to wring every minute out of this weather, as the forcast for Krakow and Warsaw over the next week is Thunderstorms (again!!!).
Photos for Budapest can be found here: http://au.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/katefreedman/album?.dir=/2a4d&.src=ph&.tok=phdlPUDBTsy0_Xmv
Hope everyone is well and it is not too wet in Perth. Don't forget to email me and keep me up to date on what is happening.
Love to all
Kate

I'm Off

Ok so Its been a while since I posted. The reason- I am about to embark on my grand tour of Europe. I leave on Monday and my schedule (subject to fits of indecision and change) is:
5 July- Vienna
8 July- Budapest (with a few days on the island of Kirk in Croatia)
18 July- Krakow
22 July- Warsaw
25 July- Berlin
29 July- Prague
2 Aug- Venice
6 Aug- Rome
10 Aug- Florence
13 Aug- Paris
16 Aug - Land in LONDON

So I have been busy getting ready to go, hence not much knitting at all. I did finish my shrug (and have worn it) but as I have no digital camera till Monday - no pics of it. (sorry).

Anyway will post from far away places............................

Socks!

Whoo hoo!

I finished my first ever pair of socks!!!!!!
OK so they are a little big- and my grafting on sock one is terrible but I have gotton the hang of double pointed needles!



I am really proud of myself- SP I love the yarn. I wonder if i can get an ankle pair out of the left-over yarn!

Blanket and Socks

Yes I know, i haven't posted for a while. The FC shrug is being knit to alias- up to season 3 and so far it is looking like a blanket at the moment - being 40 inches long and 20 inches wide. However no pics (its boring!)

I have also been getting ready to jet set off to europe. Not sure of my whole itinery yet but have the first few weeks ready. The first stop is Vienna, Austria for a few days then off to Budapest, Hungary to stay with friends. After that it is either Florence for a month (taking an italian course) or a Contiki trip- then off to London.

Anyone know of any yarn shops in Vienna or Budapest??

I do have pics to share. Below is the first half of the socks from my lesson last week. I am slowly getting the hang of double pointed needles- using 5 - it's alot easier with 4 in the work than 3.


The other pic is my half of the secret pal pinku swap. This is what i received from Rose- she made them herself- very clever!!!!


Anyway- must keep working on the shrug- I want to be able to wear it at least once before I leave!!!

Secret Pal Goodies and Branching Out

Branching Out is complete, finished and gifted to my grandmother- who loved it (and the hours of pain that went into it). Here it is before being wrapped modeled by Skeeta- who is rather a reluctant model! More pics here.



When I got home this afternoon I had a fantastic surprise waiting for me. A parcel from my secret pal- who is the most fantastic person. This package she said is 'all about the socks' and included 4 balls of Knitpicks sock yarn, some great stitch markers- handmade (all the better), Cat Bordhi's book on knitting socks on circular needles and the summer IK magazine- which still isn't out here in Australia yet. I am soo lucky- thankyou so much my SP! Your kindness and generosity is loved and appreciated.




and a close up of the stitch markers on my new love- Susan Bates crystallites.

P.S.

forgot to add- the sock toe is history. Kaput, dead. Am leaving the sock till next week's sock knitting class.

New Project and Puppy Pics

This is the yarn for my new project. It is soooooo soft. I have been cuddling it all day. The pattern is from FC Easy Knitting (thanks go to Poor Miss Finch for the inspiration).

I am using my new needle love 'susan bates crystallite' needles. Small, colourful and nice on the yarn. However like everything here in Australia- expensive (AUS$12 Each!!!) Oh well.

I have finished the Branching Out scarf but as it is currently awaiting blocking there is no pictures for now. But to tide you over......

PUPPY PHOTOS!!!!


In her usual position- note in front of heater


In her usual nitetime position- and i'm supposed to get into bed how...


bedroom eyes


I love my dog! Can you tell?

I'm in Love

I'm in Love
I soooo want this book- I hope it comes out here soon.........




Stash Additions.

To make knitter's drool: Show them the following self-explanatory picture: 2 skeins of noro silk garden, and one HUGE (700m) skein of fibreworks hand-dyed 4ply.

This was picked up at the craft fair over the weekend, along with various beads and a knitted wire/bead bracelet kit and some washi paper DIY boxes. Lots of fun to do and see.

Also I started a sock. Having tried many unsuccessful times to try sock knitting from the ankle down on 4 needles, I went out and bought another packet of needles, started on a 2-needle toe from the knitty article on toes and tried with 5 needles. It is so much easier with 5 needles. I am still getting the hang of it, but at least I won't look like a complete idiot at sock class in 2 weeks time!

See- a toe!

ps: Ali- yes postage is a bitch, but at least now I will know how to knit socks and be able to use the LL for a good pair, rather than a learning pair. (though it would of made the others jealous!). See here for what I pay!

Incommunicado

I am going to apologise up front for the lack of posts at the moment. As I mentioned my grandfather is in hospital. He has 'turned the corner' (his words) but is being kept in the hospital for another two weeks, as he is not eating or walking properly and is still on a drip. So this means that the next two weeks are going to be as follows- work, hospital, home, eat, sleep- repeat. So not much knitting will/has been done. I will however being going to a craft fair later this week so will have some goodies to rave about whilst I am meant to be working.

Hospital and Goodies

I haven't posted all week for the same reason I haven't knitted. My grandfather went into hospital with an post-stroke infection. Since he's been in he's got better in someways and worse in others. The stroke was worse than we thought, but that's now ok. So all I have been doing this week is working, going to the hospital and going home to eat and sleep. So not much knitting to report.

But here is a photo of the lace scarf as promised.




Go Here for a close-up.

However today and Tuesday I returned home from the hospital to find the following:




The one on the right is a close up of some possum and merino yarn I received in a swap with Kozmic from the Knittyboard. It is an amazing forest green.

And on the left..... Today saw the arrival of the package from Ali. (Yeh it arrived!!!!) Ali was getting worried. The wool is a second ball of the original RAK yarn so I can make a second two-needle sock so my single can have a partner. And she included some cute colourful emeryboards in a matchbook-like form- purfect for the purse! The green lid is some yummy smelling lip gloss, Kiwi and Strawberry flavour. Talk about spoilt.

They have given me some smiles and relief in an otherwise bad and stressful week. Thanks guys!!

Lacy Blocking Drama

Well the lacy airy scarf has been demanding all knitting time this week. Therefore lil devil and branching out have been on hold.

The scarf is now blocking even though it seemed to resist all efforts. My gauge must have been off (ok so I didn't swatch but its a scarf!) as my FO was resisting all efforts to stretch to 15cm wide. It seems to have sort of worked (the ends are 15, the middle about 10/12) but we shall see what it looks like when removed from the makeshift blocking board. (The ironing board with a beach towel on top!) It is also a lot longer than the given 92cm- maybe because I kept tugging at it- It now measures about 125cm. Still it feels nice and looks good.

Sorry no pictures- the camera is residing at my sisters and will not be back for at least 2 weeks so no pic of this FO.

Now back to work me!!

Gifts and Dolls

Look what arrived in the post today!



It came with a great card (no photo sorry!) from my SP with a quote I must share:

Friendship is not a big thing... It is a million little things.

A truer word was never spoken.

I also went to my LYS today and bought some of this (Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Pearl) in order to make this:


the airy scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.

Also whilst browsing around the internet reading blogs, posts and gazing at yarn I could never afford (Lorna's Laces sock yarn just arrived at my LYS- AUS$19.95 for a small skein (the helen's lace is $85!!!))
I found a few interesting things. For filing under the: Would love to get a copy if the postage wasn't 3 times the cost of the item comes many a knitting notion (ie yarn gauges at US$2.50) and this:

The Magic Loop book. US 7.95 (patternworks) Shipping US 19.00
hmmmmm

Also in the 2-cute category the Marvin doll from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Yes someone with too much time on their hands has created the knitted marvin from the scene in the movie.
And Yes I am thinking of knitting one!

Shrug is Complete!

The Shrug is Done....

Finished.........Seemed.............(couldn't be bothered to block! hehe)and.................................................................




..........................It's too small.

Just.

The arms are a fraction too tight to be comfortable- I had to fight to get it on and off hence the coathanger shot.So it will be gifted to either my sister or cousin - whoever can wear it.

I still like it though, am contemplating a second one in a larger size for me, so who knows.

For now it is the branching out scarf



This is being made in the knitpicks wool my SP4 gave me and will either be a) kept or b) given to my granmother depending on how long it takes to finish- I have 6 repeats done, only 30 to go.....thats 305 rows!!! So should only take me about a year. I am joining the Branching-Out-Knit-Along so hopefully that will keep me motivated.

I also have to do some more knitting on the lil devil pants or the kid will have grown out of them before they are finished! I also have half seemed the 2-needle sock.

So thats my progress report for today. More to come next week......

What on Earth.........

What is this?????


This is a sock.
Honestly.... really and truely.
It is a two-needle sock. Pattern by Bev with only a slight modification.

Close up of the pretty colours.


Its made of the pretty yarn given to me by Ali (see here)
now all I have to do is seem this baby up and I have one sock.

I have written to Ali to ask for another ball of yarn to make the second sock- or else I will have one cold foot!



see I told you its a sock!

Shrug done it!

The shrug is done.

No pictures as it is currently curled up into a little ball awaiting blocking- which hopefully will get done friday, seaming- sunday and then wearing!!

It has been quite a non-knitting week this week as work has had me occupied.... sorry can't say much about work here so not much of a post this time. Will make up for it next week with pictures of the shrug.

Goodies Galore

Look what arrived in my mailbox today!!!
Its a bunch of goodness from my Knitty SP!



Thankyou soo much SP! In this envelope was an issue of Rebecca magazine- my very first, and 4, yes count them 4 balls of beautiful blue 100% peruvian wool from knit picks.

And yes- you are right I have never tried their wool but have often looked at the site and gone- i wish they posted overseas.

So I now have clue one about my SP- she is from America. hmmm that doesn't cancel too many people out.

Also today I can show you a picture of what arrived on my doorstep the other day. My phildar yarn froom Breiweb. This colour is called marine. Here is what I thought it was going to look like. Not too big a difference though I was expecting it to be 'blue-er". Still, I am happy with it.



PS: Remind me to start taking photos during the day.
PPS: SP- I do not have the book scarf style- i shall go look at it on amazon now!