Howdy!

I don't know how to say hello in Gaelic, so am opting for the North American equivalent.

We arrived exhausted and are madly searching for a flat for Elly.

No photos, talk soon.

We're Away!

Okay, our plane doesn't actually leave for another six hours, but this will be my last post for a bit.

I found a great hank of yarn in my stash.



It's 100% spun silk in a metallic mauve boucle. The hank comes with a complimentary pattern for an easy garter stitch triangular shawl which I'm ditching in favour of a long rectangular open-work scarf. Should be easy-peasy and oh-so-satisfying on completion.

Though Winnipeg and Toronto airports permit knitting needles, Dublin's doesn't, so I won't be taking this on the plane. I don't fancy a shake-down from Irish customs to start off Elly's stay in the country. It's an overnight flight anyway. I'm bringing Joseph Campbell's "The Hero With a Thousand Faces". Not the lightest read in the library, but I think I've lingered too long with Lemony Snicket these last few years.

I'll try to post something from an internet cafe while I'm there, but can't give you any guarantees.

Bye!

The Two Edgars

I finished knitting Edgar times two, one for me (pinks and purples) and one for Elly (blues and browns).

Both were knit with Noro Silk Garden, a wool-silk combination that everyone raves about. I've never been crazy for Noro yarns, I've always found them to be scratchy, but most people I know swear that the yarn softens up as soon as it's blocked. To be fair, it does soften up a fair bit, but I decided to use this yarn mainly for the colours it comes in. The colours jump from one shade to the next in large chunks - perfect for this particular pattern, as each diamond turns a different colour as you work further along the pattern.

I had planned to make them while we were in Dublin, but they were just too much fun to sit idling. So, now, they're done and I have to decide what to take on the road.

So many projects, so little desire for anything complicated...

While I consider my options you can see Elly's new fashion accessory for her dog.

Since Whimsy's bows are a thing of the past,



she's opting for hats.



Poor thing.

A New 'Do for Whimsy

As many of you know, Elly and I are spending this week preparing for her move to Dublin.

It's been a feverish whirlwind of activity - mostly organising, cleaning, packing, and curiously, shopping (does Ireland have shops? We both seem to be assuming they have none!)

While we're gone Nigel and Ian will be on they're own to cope for eleven days without me (I'm going for the first week and a bit to help her get settled, Elly has to stay for three years, you can read about her gripe about it here.). In anticipation of this we had a salon appointment booked for Whimsy to have a new 'do. Something short and kicky - and low maintenance. She has a coat which her stylist calls "rotten cotton", meaning it tangles easily and soaks up stains and spills like a rag.

Elly loves to keep Whimsy's topknot long and brush it up into a big Las Vegas-style spray with a bow. However, it always comes undone and looks a state in no time. Needless to say, I've been eagerly anticipating today, when we get to cut off that topknot and have the dog stay tidier. But wouldn't you know...

The night before last Whimsy was in the back garden, saw a rabbit, and chased it under the deck and out again, right through a weedy patch full of burrs.

Aaaahhhh!!!!



She didn't even remotely resemble a dog anymore.

She was completely covered in burrs.



She sat on a towel on my lap and I painstakingly (for both of us) pulled them off her back, belly, legs and ears. It took four episodes of the X-Files worth of time - did I tell you I bought seasons 8 and 9 to watch while Ian and Nigel are in Alaska?

Thankfully Elly came home around midnight and took over. I left the worst parts, the tail and topknot, for her to do. She was up til the wee small hours, with good results.



And today was the day...



no more topknot.

Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

Happy Belated Blogiversary!

Yesterday was the one-year mark for my little blog.

I had the date written down...somewhere, and had great plans to write something insightful and inspiring, but I'm just too busy this week.

Instead, let's celebrate with the late, great Helen Kane.



Ain't Cha kinda' glad I loves ya?

Lotus Blossom Complete!

Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

How shall I rate this project?

On the up-side:

the yarn - felt lovely - very silky and smooth,

the pattern - was just interesting enough to compel me to knit, but not so impossible to frustrate,

Ravelympics - was a good introduction into the Ravelry community.

On the down-side:

the yarn - was FULL of knots, there was at least 20 in that second skein.

the pattern - went up in large increments size-wise. Hence, it's a smidge on the small side. I'll try to drop a size before next summer.

Ravelympics - well, let's just say I've been reminded why I hate knitting to a deadline. Too stressful. I won't be doing that again.

All in all, I'm delighted it's all over.

I don't feel like knitting at all for a little while and that's just as well, Nigel and Ian have gone to Alaska for a week and I plan to clean the house top to bottom while they're away. Elly and I also have to get her ready for her big move. On September 1st she leaves for three years in Dublin! Now that's some serious packing.

Eek!

Tribbles for Jane

Martiangirl has left the city. It was just a quick visit, but fun none-the-less.

I sent her home with Jane's handmade-of-the-month.



A set of Tribbles.

Made from cotton yarn they're designed to be used in the kitchen or bath as a little scrubbie.

Happy Handmade Jane!