dottyspots

Here’s the customised knitty pattern ‘Childhood‘ (from a cardi to a jumper with an elongated hood instead of the one included and of course a different colourway). It’s knitted in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran which is a joy to knit with. My photo-taking skills don’t do it justice, it looks far nicer ‘in real life’:

Ted was rather difficult to take a photo of.

… but only in blogland. In t’other world I’ve been busy - really, really busy. Part of me wants to blog this, but part of me is struggling with words. R. chose to go to school f/t in January, however, he is having no little amount of problems atm. Ahhhh, I can hear many of you say - then take him out and HE. Well, no actually, I don’t think that is the best thing for him right now as his behaviour is becoming steadily more and more ‘eccentric’ and to be frank, being at home wasn’t helping any either. A few phone calls from school and the picture isn’t exactly looking much brighter, except that the school seem to be being very, very helpful, to the point where teachers have actually given him a lift home. It’s all rather complicated and I don’t really have the words to go into it right now, save to say that he seems to be taking a downturn again, however this time there’s more people to see it, so perhaps there might be more support?

Added to that I’m studying a HNC in Early Years with the hope that it will lead to a degree and am having serious thoughts about bridge-building with the LA on the HE front, amongst ‘other things’, but this is taking quite some thought as to how best to move forward - so there are some positive things happening amongst the gloom

On the knitting front there’s a lovely hooded jumper in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran on the needles. Inspired by a pattern on Knitty, but never quite being satisfied I’ve changed it from a cardi to a jumper and have had a fiddle with the hood. It should be finished soon

I also know who my Secret Pal has been - she’s here: Chickenlips Knitting - so a great big thank you to her for being such a wonderful Secret Pal!

Rik to Ned (holding onto a chair): “All your spots are clearing up. What a handsome boy you are!”

Ned falls over, takes the chair with him, splits open his lip. Blood everywhere. Lip has ballooned (I put some arnica on, but a bit difficult with where it is).

My youngest son is determined to look as bashed up as humanly possible.

T’next one up has now got chickenpox - why can they never all be ill at once and get it over with?

I frogged the beaded lace scarf because it is impossible to concentrate on it and have started on the back of a moss-stitch and cabled jacket for Ted who’s had a growth spurt and therefore needs some bigger jumpers (etc.)

I had almost finished a lap-necked jumper. It was looking rather nice, in a burnt orange and chocolate, until I sewed it up.

Nope, not working. Not happy. Hate sewing in sleeves (still).

Gave up and frogged.

Humph.

I hate sleeves - or rather I hate the sewing in of sleeves. I don’t mind sewing up a garment, I can do so, neatly, but it’s just the sleeves that I’m never quite happy with. I’ve been looking at yoke-based jumpers etc. as a possibility - or even picking up stitches at the shoulder and knitting the sleeve down (surely someone, somewhere has done this?)

Anyhoo, I have got a few other things finished.

A cat hat (complete with ears). I’m not a fan of intarsia and a couple of lines are a little tight. The pattern also ends up being a little short on Ned’s head, a few more lines would be better - still, I needed some practice so have also knitted one for Nin in pinks and added a few extra rows to the pattern (which worked better) - it’s still tight across the same couple of rows as Ned’s though. I’m now knitting a stripy matching scarf for Nin and when that’s finished (imminently), some mitts. Once the set’s done, I’ll take a pic and post.

Another Ned pic.

Far more successful is the balaclava. I was in the local yarn shop picking up some buttons and commented to the lady behind the counter that I fancied knitting a balaclava for Ned as he wouldn’t be able to pull it off and lose it (or atleast it would be more of a challenge to). There weren’t any patterns in the shop suitable but she said she thought she had one at home. She did and photocopied it for me and left it behind the counter - very kind It’s an old pattern and uses 3ply, but I just went ahead and used a regular dk (Sirdar Snuggly) and knitted a variegated stripe into the originally plain pattern and it worked really well and fits him with a bit of space to grow. I’ve also knitted a pair of matching mitts (no pic atm) and will also make a scarf (I find stocking stitch scarves deathly boring, but still…)

I’ve just realised I’ve not taken any photos of the corsages I’ve made recently (will have to remedy that).

… having (for a change) found someone to look after the children for the day - well, Ned came with me, but almost all the children.

It was really nice pottering about with a friend, looking in various shops. I bought a nice present for my Mum in Kindom (and admired the glass that I’m hankering after to go in the living room if we get planning permission to extend) and looked in a great shop of retro/customised clothing (my friend is looking for an *interesting* wedding dress). We had a late lunch at El Piano, bought some books (as listed in the previous post) and a funky hairbrush for Nin (to try to encourage her not to insist of ‘wild thing’ hair ) I managed to find two nice v-neck light wool jumpers (I’m a bit low on the top front as my size keeps changing atm - post baby an’ all that). Nice to have a quiet day out with some good conversation and a bit of (mostly window) shopping

I’ve knitted two sweet rose corsages and have also finished the matching mittens for the balaclava I made for Ned, so will get some pics up of those when I remember to transfer the photos onto the PC.

… listening to the Sonics (Louie, Louie) - oh no, just moved on to Green Onions - and waiting for dinner to cook (some sort of mix which FIL brought back from India, saying it’s nice).

I’ve knitted Ned a cat hat, but it’s a bit short (could’ve done with a few more rows before shaping) and a couple of the rows are a little tight (intarsia - not one of my favourite techniques - I carried some of the yarn a la fairisle and pulled a bit tight, but it’s not that noticeable).

One of the nice ladies in the wool shop in town photocopied me a pattern for a balaclava, so I’ve been making one of those for him instead - which has been *interesting* as it’s a rather old pattern and I’m using an entirely different yarn (pattern specifies 3ply, I’m using DK) but still, it’s making for a quick and easy knit. I’ve decided to stripe it in chocolate and blue to ‘update’ it a bit and I’m hoping it might be an answer to the hat-throwing problem (that’s common to most small children). Should it fit I’ll make some matching mitts and a scarf (and feel all smug). I’ll take some photos when the balaclava is done.

Ned’s still not entirely 100% and isn’t eating up to usual standard, which means he’s still a bit runny. Bfeeding such a boon when a baby has gone off solids a bit - although he does like toast (but man cannot live by bread alone, an’ all that )

The nursery paperwork came through a couple of days ago (because I thought I might as well apply to keep our options open). TBH though I don’t want Nin to go. It’s confirmed in my heart that I want her to be HE-ed from the offset and further confirmed that I really must learn to drive if I’m to have a hope of doing half the things I want to do with her (and Ned). I’m going to have a word with the toddler group parents to say that either we change Tuesdays or they find someone else to open up/organise on that day as I really want to start getting over to Sheffield a bit more regularly (well, at all, as I haven’t been of late). It’s a pity Bradway isn’t still running as that would’ve been a bit easier, I think, than Highfields (as I’ve got littlies).

Nin was also offered a further day at pre-school/playgroup with a view to going 5 sessions later on in the academic year, but she’s not going to go any extra days, two is quite enough with everything else we do in the week - sometimes it’s seems like I’m an everywhere-but-stay-at-home-mum!

… is gearing up to go. Below are my answers to the SP9 questionnaire:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
ATM I is mostly loving soft, soft yarns like cotton angora I like all sorts of yarns save for plasticky squeaky ones. I’m not a fan of novelty yarns either.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
A cardboard tube that formerly held hazelnut coffee.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learnt to knit when I was 17 – that is, I learned to do a knit stitch, not purl or cast on or off or anything… In 2003 I finally learned to cast on, off, knit and purl and haven’t looked back!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Oh yes, yes, yes: my wish list

5. What’s your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
Roses – I love the smell of roses and ???? arrrrgh, can’t remember the name of the flower.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I like chocolate (I’ve met very few people who don’t) but I shouldn’t really have any dairy, so it needs to be dairy-free/suitable for vegans.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I do a bit of sewing. Recently I made a Waldorf doll for my daughter and I now want to expand on that and make some dollshouse dolls. I keep meaning to sew up the pieces for a shirt for my son - I need the sewing machine practice, years ago when I used to make clothes I made them by hand, but I don’t have the time to hand sew everything with 4 children. I’ve also been collecting bits to start making jewellery again (something I haven’t done for quite some years).

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Trash/garage/garage punk (NOT the dance stuff, proper trashy guitars garage), 60s/Texas Punk and psychobilly, but I also like various things in the charts, think the Killers and stuff like that. Soul – gotta have a bit of soul in my life . I play the recorder (and can play a few other related instruments) so also like listening to renaissance etc. music, but I’m a bit of a philistine, so if anyone wants to educate me

9. What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand?
I love greens (not peppermint green though – y’know the particular ‘baby yarn’ colour), deep pinks and browns.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have 4 children: ds12, ds10, dd3, ds8mnths. I also have two cats, an Ocicat called Fern and a Korat called Gilbert.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear scarves and mittens, occasionally hats, never ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I don’t have any particular favourites, I just knit what I fancy.

13. What are you knitting right now?
My first ‘proper’ attempt at a simple lace shawl. I’m also knitting a cabled jumper for Ned.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I prefer things with some points to them, so although I do like the smoothness of my Addis, I really would prefer a bit more point (especially with the lace!) I do like the bamboo needles I have – but only have some 4mm in bamboo. I do need to expand on my collection and have thought about buying some plain wooden ones and prettying them up.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
I frog UFOs older than a certain amount, because if it’s a UFO for long enough then I’ve lost interest in knitting it.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
I’ve got a handle on the US terminology now I don’t have a particular favourite holiday, I have a bit of a block over holidays which I struggle to get over, although I’m getting better at them now.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Yarn I also like buttons (as in the ones you do up in button holes) and beads – I think it’s a ‘treasure chest’ thing, it gives me a joyous little girl happiness to have ‘sparkly things’.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I need to renew my sub. to Rowan (must get around to that), aside from that I’m not subbed to any knitting mags, not for any particular reason, it just never occurs to me (although I do enjoy looking at friend’s mags).

I do want to expand and buy some more bamboo needles and some pointier circulars.

21. Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?
I’d like to learn to crochet, but need to pin someone down to teach me that (I’m not very good at learning things like that from a book). I’d like to expand on my sock knitting skills, but again, I’m a monkey see monkey do sort of person.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I have knitted socks. Yea, I have enjoyed knitting socks. I can’t remember my foot size – and they are very wide.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
Not until next Spring.

… WIPs that is. I finished the purple cotton angora cardi:

Nin wouldn’t stand still long enough to take an unblurred one of the front, but I did get another couple of photos of her and a couple of Ned:

I also fixed Nin’s button jointed doll (the legs had come off) and have embroidered a face onto the first Waldorf doll I’ve had a bash at making (I bought some black mohair to knit a wig when I get a spare mo’). I sewed up the rip in Woody’s trousers (and restuffed him a bit).

Continued WIPs are:

The Waldorf doll (needs that wig knitted and some clothes made)
A pink lace shawl (which is knitting up quite fast really)
A blue ‘pram blanket’ - with textured trees and houses on it (from a Lucinda whats-her-name book)
The cowboy print shirt that has been cut out ready to be sewn for Ned
I *still* haven’t finished embroidering the rosette I felted about a year ago…

There’s a lot going on here atm and at some point I will blog about it, but it’ll be a bit of a marathon (or should that be Snickers) blog and it’s just getting it written down in a bit of peace.

… this will be a short blog. Ned is asleep on me and his weight is pulling on my neck. R. came 5th in the Junior Bowls comp. at the weekend:

It was only the 6th time he has ever played bowls, so we’re very proud of him.

Yet MORE chillis (grown by Rik):

I finished a sock (just need to do the other one now) made from lovely handpainted yarn:

I’ve also been busy knitting this:

It’s in Debbie Bliss cotton angora and is wonderfully soft. The edge is lace, with twisted stitches up into the main body that will form the basis of stalks for embroidered flowers. I’m currently finishing the second sleeve ready to sew it up and pick up stitches for the collar etc.

The boys have also asked me to post this:

A large bubble - well, we thought it was impressive.

Over the past few days I have made some bramble and apple jelly (and have more apple juice waiting to be made into jelly on the hob), re-organised my paperwork (on the children’s info./OfSTED front) and been helping with the clean up effort at the local closed-down school which is where I’m hoping to take the family-learning centre project forward.

It’s looking increasingly likely that there will be space available at the ‘closed-down’ school for the family-learning centre to use which means that there will be space for a HE group if other local HE-ers are interested, space for the Pilates class a friend and I are trying to organise (not to mention the Indian dancing her daughter is keen to see take place), a possible location for Donny Nutters to work from (on a community level) and the various other classes that I’m hoping to organise. At the very least it is a venue that can be written into the feasibility study that I’m, now we, are applying for. Should that come back positive we will have a good base to apply for further funding from.

I’ve a meeting on Thursday to show the funding-support bod who has been working with the group the possible venue and then the week after next with the lease-holders to try to negotiate a good deal on taking on space. Signing the paperwork for the bank account on Thursday afternoon and from there we can go for the funding for the feasibility study - really excited!

Once things have moved forward a bit more I will put together a website with information on the project.

I forgot to gloat:

Wooden kitchen bought for £3 - consisting of sink (with tap and a little plastic washbowl that can be removed), fridge (with pull down egg holder and also a foldaway shelf on the door, plus inner shelves) and a washing machine. Salvaged whilst helping with the clean-up at the school they asked for a donation of £1 a piece. Nin is thrilled.

After a hard day:

… has arrived. Thank you to the Angel who stepped in at the last minute, so very kind! I hope my original Secret Pal is ok too!

Some lovely Louisa Harding yarn - which is so incredibly soft (we all had a stroke against our cheeks). I’ve not held any before, so was rather pleased with this :0) Some interesting R2 paper tape - again, something I’ve not seen before. I really like the colour, but am a little unsure what to make with it, so will have a good think - it’s great to get the opportunity to work with new yarn! Some sweet Patons Flower Garden, which I think will make a lovely scarf and hat set for my daughter (or possibly me - I really should knit something for me!) Some buttons - I *like* buttons, they appeal to my inner-hoarder (I have boxes of ‘ephemera’ - little bits and bobs, so buttons are wonderful!) Also some Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer - I recently read some good things about Burt’s Bees and had already been to have a look at the website, so clearly this Angel is psychic and tuned into that It has peppermint in and makes my lips tingle

Thank you so much!

… for reminding me about ThreadBared.

Whilst we’re on the subject of amusing (bitchy) sites, I also like this one.

“Sensational Knitted Socks” by Charlene Schurch and Room on the Broom and 4 Terry Pratchett books: Carpe Jugulum, the Discworld Companion, Johnny and the Bomb and Johnny and the Dead. The latter 4 from one of the stalls on the village market which is a real draw to me and fatal reallly as I already have books in the attic and piled on sides as I currently only have two (full) bookcases in the living room. I neeeeeeeeed more bookcases, but the car’s packing up and dh doesn’t think it’ll make it to Ikea and back to get the cupboards I want.

I’ve taken the plunge and started making a Waldorf doll on the sewing machine. I’m rather useless when it comes to using a machine to sew, but I am perservering. The doll probably won’t win too many beauty contests, but I’ll be pleased and I’m sure Nin will love him/her (we need to decide on a gender). The knitte d pram blanket is growing slowly - it’s not something I feel especially passionate about, but will use up some cheap acrylicy wool I have knocking about and be a useful thing to have when the weather gets colder and a covering layer is needed (over a plumper crocheted wool blanket I have).

The SS came out on a fact-finding mission (to decide whether they will do an assessment on R.’s needs) and it’s been hot so we made smoothies :0)

Just realised I’ve slipped off the MP ring - where do the days go?

I’ve been busy (as per usual): Monday with working and a meeting re. the ‘family learning group’ (wish I could think of a zappier title than that); Tuesday I co-organised a Teddy Bears Picnic as part of National Childminding Week and then in the afternoon took Nin and Ned to Movers & Shakers. Wednesday we went to look at a local Special School that we’d like R. to attend p/t (if we can wangle it) - whilst initially very sceptical, it has it’s own pool, private gym and a polytunnel which really impressed R. and he now seems fairly enthusiastic (they have space from September, but convincing the LEA may be less easy…..); Thursday I went to a Babywearing meet at M’hell and met up with a few other local people I’ve not had the opportunity to meet yet, including Stella & the little pies and Mamadillo from BabyArmadillo. In the evening I attended a Local Co-ordinators meeting (for the local Childminding Assoc.) and didn’t get in till 9.30pm - so a loooong day. Friday I was working again. Ho hum…….

It’s been a busy few days so I’ve not had time to enthuse before now (and I only got in 15mins ago - as it’s been another very long day).

The parcel came on Monday - and yes, I read the comic straight away (having got my eldest to make me a cup of tea to go with it). I have a liking for ‘dark’ comics and so really enjoyed this fix. The pink panta has also had some good use (I have long hair and need to keep it off my face) and I will definitely have a bash at making myself one on a break from the blanket I’m currently making.

The lovely yarn is from: hellomango. I’ve enjoyed stroking it :0) I’ll have to have a think on a good project to use it in as I really like the colours.

The hot pink card is good - funnily enough I have, of late, been considering dusting off my sewing machine and having a bit of a practice as I want to start making some clothes again. I used to make/customise clothes as a teenager and did it all by hand (I could never get on with a sewing machine). I sport of chipped front tooth, broken when pulling a needle through denim with my teeth (I’ve also had a needle snap in my mouth - yes, *I know*….) Having put on a few pounds after the last couple of children I’ve been really frustrated by the choice of clothes available - and I’m not *that* big - a size 18 (which is big for me but I know people who are bigger) - and there are nice clothes out there, it’s just not ones that are *me* if that makes any sense. The only way to remedy this is to make some myself, something I’ve been rattling on about for a while, but just haven’t quite got around to. *Anyway* perhaps the card is a good omen :0)

Of course I enjoyed the chocolate……….

It’s lovely getting a pressie in the post, especially when someone has clearly put so much thought into it - so thank you so much Secret Pal!

Still really busy!

I’ve been carrying on with getting R’s jumper finished (just a couple of inches on one sleeve and another sleeve before making up), I’ve started a little tunic for Ned (I’ve almost finished the back).

The allotment now has 13 raspberries (because I bought some and as I was putting them in our ‘lottie neighbours popped their head round the gate and asked if we wanted some more!) 2 (possibly 4) blackcurrant bushes - I wasn’t sure about the 2nd two as I couldn’t remember what I’d got - and 2 redcurrant cuttings (which will hopefully take - I did have 4, but gave 2 to the neighbours as they’d very kindly given us some raspberries and also some beans some of which they helped R. plant up and leave in their polytunnel to be collected later). I also planted some carrots and R. put in some beetroots (in between hiding in the shed from the rain), so a rather productive day!

We had a meeting with the LEA last Wednesday. This has been a bit of a sore point as R. didn’t want to meet them and of course I supported his decision, after all, we don’t need endorsement from an outside agency, we’ve HE-ed since 2003 and it’s going very well. I don’t lack confidence with the decision to HE and know that R. is getting the best education he can (certainly better than school could provide for him).

However, the LEA was insisting on ‘examples’ of work and I was arguing that R. didn’t want this and there is nothing in the Education Act (or case law) that dictates that ‘examples’ must be provided. This has gone on since last year and there has been much to-ing and fro-ing of letters and I was preparing to dig us in for the long haul (and had taken some legal advice!)

The R. changed his mind and declared that he wanted to meet the local HE Advisor. So this duly happened last Wednesday. It actually went very well. R. made scones (mostly because Fiona, who came along too, had made scones last time we visited her, so he wanted to return the kindness) and the 2 bods from the LEA were fed them with organic strawberry jam and a cup of tea. We discussed various subjects, I told them something of my thoughts on how children learn and R. told them some of the things he was interested in and what he had been up to recently, quite a bit of which involved gardening, history and cooking. Not one scrap of work was shown (as R. didn’t want to show any of his work) but the response from the HE Advisor was that R. is clearly a very intelligent, articulate young man and we must be very proud of him I’m not a person that looks for (or needs) outside approval - but hey, it’s a bonus!

R. has been continuing with his project on Ancient Egypt. I’ve given up on ‘the schedule’ again, as it’s behind (again) and R. is quite happy meandering along. We will get to Ancient Greece when he’s ready, but we’ve so much else on too that it’s hard to squeeze in the time for his project as he’s spending a lot of time reading and with the planning for the allotment, him cooking (he’s doing more and more) and just getting out and about more, we seem to be busy all of the time!

Anyway, time to get on with dinner. I’ve a nice home-made jam sponge ready to go in the oven (yum!)

…. But then I have been really busy in a so much to do so little time way. R. is still plodding on with his Ancient Eygpt project - I *still* haven’t caught up with my book (I wanted to make one too), especially as the map drawing with his new aquarelle pencils looked so much fun – but I’ve got a few knitting projects that need to be done if my children are going to have clothes to wear (as I should really use some of the yarn I’ve got rather than buying them jumpers!)

I’ve made a kaftan for Ned – it needs an iron (as you can see in the photo) and I’m going to embroider around the neck and cuffs. I’ve almost finished the front of a chunky cabled baggy jumper for R. (who feels the cold and needs thick jumpers) and Nin is fast outgrowing all of hers, so next on the agenda is a cardi for her.

Sarah & co. came round on Saturday. It was Sarah’s birthday so we ate home-made pizza, dips and chocolate cake We spent a lot of time discussing life, the universe and everything and also business plans that might make life a little easier for both of us.

Rik built the fence at the allotment on Sunday and we all had a bit of a clear up there. It’s looking a lot better but still needs A LOT of work. Feeling all inspired though! There are three propagators sitting on the windowsill in the dining room – one of herbs, the fennel, parsley and time are sprouting already and two (!) of chilli peppers (Rik has a *thing* about chillis). Kris had some garlic from us as it desperately needed planting (we’ve some planted already in the back – but what was left wouldn’t keep for our allotment) so we’ll divvy that up when it’s grown (dh also has a thing for garlic – we’re going to stink for the rest of the year It was lovely to see her and Tea and Piglet after such a gap.

Off on a tangent, this is where the road leads that we live off:

The lane you can see peters out not much further on and from there there is a track to the next village (which is cyclable – if I had a bike).

A photo of the woods (which are to the right of Erk in the photo above):

There are what I think are quite a few hazel trees, but I wasn’t able to check in the autumn (the nuts would’ve confirmed it, I get a bit confused between hazel and something else – i.e. I sometimes think it’s a hazel tree but there’s a similar leaf on something I typically can’t remember off the top of my head now – but the nuts clinch it), so will keep returning until I’ve confirmed whether that’s the case. There are some hazel trees in the other wood - I saw unripened nuts on them, but wasn’t physically able to pick them later in the season, but it’s nice to know of as many as possible so there’s a choice when picking.

The fungi that I mentioned a few posts ago:

Anyone know what it is?

The boys finally decided they wanted to read Harry Potter:

And a pic of Ned, he’s 8 weeks tomorrow and weighed 12oz 12lbs when I got him weighed last week!

R.’s been continuing with his Egyptian project, the backgarden has been cleared (mostly down to Rik, not me), I bored of knitting a bag and have started a lovely kaftan in a grey-ie blue wool/cotton mix for Ned, which I plan to embroider (finished the back of it). Just general busyness really.

We went over to one of the Sheffield meets which made a nice change. R. really enjoyed himself and afterwards we went back for a cup to tea etc. with one of the Sheffield ‘lot’ before coming home (rather later than initially planned).

I took Ned to be weighed - he’s 12lb 5oz, which isn’t bad for 6weeks old. I was rather surprised and am thinking of renaming him Nibble Munch (after a poem by Brian Patten).

Should hopefully have a fence up at the lottie soon (Rik went to get an idea of how much it would cost). I’m looking forward to that as it means we can start getting it cleared, I’m spending a lot of time dreaming about it.

Erk has decided he wants to be a fashion designer (bit of a change from a builder) and I’ve realised that I’ve just written more of a list than a blog (but I’m still tired after yesterday and want to blog, but feel a bit bleurgh.)

Hmmmm, there are some wonderful things on this site!

Jealous? Moi?

I’ve spent the past couple of days wanting to blog but not quite getting around to it……

I went to renew my First Aid Cert. yesterday (I go again next week as it’s a 12 hour course) with Ned in tow. It took a bit of effort to find a course that would allow me to bring a newborn with me (people muttered about insurance etc.), but apparently it wasn’t a problem on this one, although it appeared no-one had asked the tutor, who was a little surprised but then spent part of the day cuddling Ned whilst I breathed various numbers of breaths in various sizes of dummy.

I’m fairly sure I had other *interesting* things to say, but right now they’re all escaping me, I’m not even wonderfully sure of what I’ve done over the past couple of days (save for sitting on the sofa holding a poorly Nin). Rik’s been cooking because it’s been easier that way. There has been very little done on the HE front because R. still isn’t feeling on top form so has spent the past few days reading Harry Potter 1 & 2 in bed. I bought some yarn from Ebay and *still* haven’t got around to trying to design a shawl despite a few attempts at getting the ‘good’ crayons down to do it with.

I’ve another pic. of Ned, modelling (of course) another cardi knitted by moi - I should really get cracking on some larger sizes for him and have a go through Nin’s clothes to see if she needs anything (which TBH I don’t think she does as very kind family members keep sending her presents). I’ve also printed off a pattern from Knitty to make a felted bag to use up a load of grey wool I have. Anyway, picture of Ned:

So I’m counting down to Ned and I feeling awful too That’s one of the problems with numerous children, once one is ill, they all come down with it.

I’ve had a bit of a book splurge and bought the Gruffalo board book with a Gruffalo toy (from good ole’ ebay), Knitting over the Edge, Hats, a Knitter’s Dozen (which has some rather funky hats in, as I’ve promised the boys I’ll make them something a bit ‘different’), Crocheted Hats (yes I know I can’t crochet - but I can learn!), Spiritual Tasks of the Homemaker which I may need to read a few times…… and the first two Harry Potter books.

In addition I ordered some books by Prudence Mapstone (her website is here). I really must have a go at this, I’ve been feeling a bit ’stuck in a rut’ of late, due to the extra weight I’m carrying around - although atleast I’m not still wearing maternity jeans, so there’s hope yet that I might be loosing steadily whilst breastfeeding rather than staying pretty much the same weight (which is what happened with Nin) and not being able to wear what I’d like to wear. I’ve always prefered to *stand out* a bit and need to inject a bit of colour into me again (and loosing weight will mean cheaper knitting as I won’t have to buy so much yarn! LOL

Anyway, do visit Prudence’s website - I spent hours over the weekend following links etc. and learning loads!

Oh and I also treated myself to one of Sheffield’s finest, the Artic Monkey’s album - which is great - any album with a song on it called Mardy Bum is bound to make me smile! Anyway, if you liked the 2 singles they’ve released, you’ll love the album

Ned’s just started crying so I’m going to have to go.

Knitted Elvis wig - this made me laugh (me thinks that I still have far too much time on my hands…….)

No the baby hasn’t arrived yet…….

I’ve added a couple of photos to the photos page (ones that have been on the blog already though - I really must get the photos on the PC organised).

Sarah & Co. came round for a visit today. Dino disappeared upstairs with R. and Mimi brought her doll and pushchair so she and Nin had great fun pushing their dolls around, going ’shopping’, etc. and playing with the farm animals. Sarah and I chatted about ’stuff’ (notably how to expand on our respective businesses and our perfect ‘home’) and generally putting the world to rights. Had a taste of bread from her new breadmaker (which was very nice) and some German gingerbread biscuits covered in dark chocolate which for just a second Sarah had R. believing was only for over-18s. Nin was so exhausted she was asleep with a few minutes of them leaving.

Erk went back to school today (I’m finding it hard to believe he’s not even had 2 weeks off!) and I had an argument with R. (again). I’m a bit torn as to what to do but am getting to the point where I think we really do need a bit of a break from each other (working both ways). School in not an option - and I don’t think a Special school is either - both would probably cause all sorts of difficulties for him.

Once I get some regular work in I might consider trying to find a childminder to take him for a day a week to give us both a break, but if I’m honest I don’t think that’ll work either, he certainly wouldn’t be happy there (he probably wouldn’t even try) - so it leaves me with a bit of a dilemma - as unless he knows someone he can be very difficult to talk to and if he doesn’t want to be somewhere will be doubly difficult and TBH I think I’d struggle to find a childminder who I would be comfortable leaving him with (and that’s speaking as a registered childminder who knows some fantastic childminders but thinks that any contract would be shortlived - bearing in mind I used to work f/t and R. had a thoroughly miserable time of it!) Still that avenue may work and give us some much needed ‘time apart’.

Hopefully the re-referral to CAMHS will come through soon and that might throw up some other options. Problem is I’m a little sceptical of them too as I worry I might come across a rabidly anti-HE keyworker/ASW, which considering the behaviour of the LEA wouldn’t surprise me a bit!

I really want HE to work, but it does have to be a two-way thing and ATM R. just isn’t very motivated. He still has some huge ‘hang-ups’ (which isn’t the best word to use because he is justified to a certain extent) about other children (especially children of his own age) and *school* in general, which even 3 years later is still having an impact. Still, I’m trying to hit 2006 with a renewed motivation for the both of us (will have to see how long it lasts……….)

I’ve started knitting a throw to go on the cotbed out of bits and pieces left over (but then realised I’ll still need to buy some more wool to finish it how I like it!) It’s chugging along well enough as it’ll be composed of differently patterned squares - I’ve got a lovely book of knitted throws and blankets and so got my inspiration there! I’d love to make a huge one for my bed - or maybe a throw for the sofa but would probably need a second mortgage to afford the wool!)

R. has continued knitting a present for my Mum (who arrives on Friday so he’s now cutting it a bit fine considering he then needs to felt the piece and embroider/bead it etc.) Still it’s looking good

Nin seems to have had a mini-spurt and whilst she doesn’t quite have long enough legs to fit the jeans she was bought, many of her tops seem a little short for her now, so I think I’ll need to have a sort through - a good excuse to knit some nice new cardis for her I could still do with learning to crochet though………..

as it’s coming on to 7am and I’ve been awake since before 6am feeling rather crampy and ‘wierd’ (just recently I’ve not been getting up until 10am - *shock horror*!) I bloody well hope so as I’m thoroughly in the I’m big, lumbering and uncomfortable stage - where I can’t sit on the floor as I then can’t get up again, well, that and the cats got fleas and we’ve been stuck until now to take her to the vets (as we discovered them Christmas Eve). The plan was to take her today, but I’m looking at the snow and whilst not exactly a huge snowfall I do worry about how useless some areas are at dealing with snow in England and do worry a bit about being in a car out of the roads, so may have to give it a miss - in the meantime my ankles are being covered with bites which I know I shouldn’t itch, but am and they’re starting to become a little raw (I attract all small biting things - as does R.) Might see how the day progresses, because we’re all a bit uncomfortable and Fern is in a foul mood with added flea bites (not that she wasn’t in a fairly foul mood through us having new furniture, then putting up a tree, then moving furniture around, etc. - not exactly cat heaven).

We had no electricity for part of last Monday and most of Tuesday - which was fun as it meant the phones were unusable and of course my mobile and Rik’s had run out of batteries and there was no way to charge them……. I was convinced that meant I’d go into labour then, but luckily not (the one neighbour who doesn’t work was also out for most of the day as I had tried to call to see if I could atleast top up my mobile). The electricians were really good - unpatronising - although I think it helped that I understood what they were talking about in the first place and was able to atleast sound like I had some idea of what might be happening and that I’d cut down some work for them having tried a few possible ideas myself (although dh had to move furniture). It didn’t take them too long to sort out what the problem was - so all in all - lucky that it happened then, as opposed to a few days later.

Sarah & co. came round (can’t remember what day - brain doesn’t much function this early ATM) which was lovely as it has been a little difficult for me to get out of late.

Yule was quiet - we batten down the hatches at this time of year and tend to hide away - Christmas too. Dh cooked (as per usual) although I did make a lovely lemon tart (but kept getting sharp pains so it took a little longer than usual - I was determined to make it though!) The children helped and I have a photo of Nin squeezing lemons, so must sort that out in a bit and get it posted.

The ‘Making Dolls’ book is the new version of ‘Kinder Dolls’ - I’m really looking forward to having a bash at some little dolls (I’m a bit crap with a sewing machine and don’t fancy attempting anything larger by hand ATM). I also got a book with patterns for knitting ‘folk’ hats - a bit fanciful, but some interesting patterns - including a knitted samurai’s helmet that looks rather impressive, if a little difficult, to knit. I might have a bash at knitting the one with a shaped bird on top and the Lappish-inspired ‘Four Winds’ hat for the boys (might extend the horns though to make them long and floppy). I’m onto the sleeves of a coat for Nin’s doll - to match the pink & purple hat and pink bootees I’ve knitted so far. I decided to make the coat a little thicker by mixing pink and purple 4ply together for a kind of ‘mottled’ effect. The coat is in st-st and moss (which isn’t my favourite stitch) and the moss stitch is taking a little longer, but it’s looking nice - essentially it’s a pattern for a matinee jacket, I just adjusted the needle-size a bit, but it seems on track to fit.

Anyway, I suppose I’d better get on and hang up the washing or something (and hope these cramps continue!)

Had a bit of a ‘day off’ today. Took almost 2 bloody hours to walk to the market and back (in reality only a few minutes round the corner, but the queue in the post office wasn’t short and I had to keep stopping to catch my breath and wait for the stabbing pains to go away - why, in late pregnancy, does it feel like your insides are dropping out?)

R. carried the veg. We came home, made a cup of hot chocolate and sat down to knit. R. has decided to make a knitted cuff for his granny. He’s going to felt it once it’s knitted and then decorate it with beads and sequins. So he’s been enthusiastically, if a little slowly, knitting one, in between stopping to listen to the Gruffalo (for the umpteenth time - Nin actually quotes from it now - she is, apparently, ‘The ‘ariest ‘eature in this wood!”) Pity I’m not feeling more inspired to make a toy Gruffalo, she’d probably play with it for hours……..

Nin’s dolly has new bootees and I’ve almost finished a dolly hat too. I received my book order for Making Dolls (I’d like to have a bash at making the small ‘dollshouse’ dolls) and Teaching Mathmatics by Ron Jarman (for Steiner schools - very interesting, although it will take a few re-readings as the more esoteric elements of the Steiner approach to mathematics is a little much for my rather addled brain ATM, although I find how maths corresponds to the four elements etc. very interesting and of course the nods towards the symbolism of numbers is again of interest - I’d love to study this more but honestly don’t know where I’d squeeze in the time!)

I’ve hit a bit of a brick wall maths-wise. I like maths, but I’m having a little difficulty enthusing R. and so have pushed it back for a while to have a read and a bit of a think on it (in the hope that some inspiration might present itself). In all honesty I don’t think it’s helped by the fact that our relationship is a little *strained* ATM and I have recently requested a re-referral to CAMHS as I feel I’m floundering a little - although I do feel there are still other avenues of support to explore, I just need a bit of a light to shine from somewhere. It is, of course, never easy to work with someone with whom you’re finding it a little difficult to get on with, even if they are one of your children. So stepping back a bit and chilling out seemed like the best thing to do today.

Anyway, I really should go to bed!

Still feeling a bit ropey - but it appears I’m in for painful Braxton Hicks from now on (joy!) I have a low blood count and the doctor has prescribed me 600mcg of iron a day (?!) which I think, if nothing else, is enough to guarantee constipation in anyone, let alone a pg. woman who might be more prone to it anyway - guess who had a discussion about iron with the M/W today that went along the lines of, “I will not be taking that much iron in supplements a day.” The b/c is 10.something-or-other, I think if I up my iron intake from iron rich foods and make sure I wash it down with some orange juice (or similar) I should be fine - after all, I am pregnant which does tend to suggest a naturally lower blood count anyway. (I don’t like guiness - before someone else suggests it - in many ways I would rather drink my own wee

This was posted on the EO list in response to a discussion about creationism vs. evolution - it’s quick to load (which is a bonus when you’re on dial-up like me).

At Thursday’s group we made lanterns:

Which look lovely all lit up.

A picture of the kids.

If anyone didn’t believe me when I said that Nin always helps do the cleaning!

With everything that’s been going on I forgot to mention the Home Ed. Handcrafts Team Blog which a few of us from Muddle Puddle are contributing to.

R. is really keen to get on to the Epic of Gilgamesh (as he got the book, along with others, for his birthday). At the moment we’re reading Wolf Brother, which I would heartedly recommend for children who aren’t too easily upset (or possibly just older children, bearing in mind the boys are 9 and 11). We’re all really enjoying it.

I’ve been busy making soup out of surplus butternut squash and plan to turn what tomatoes are left (whether ripe or no) into tomato relish tomorrow. Also on the cards is piccalilli - maybe of Friday - because it beats anything you can buy in the shop hands down. It looks like we need a bit of a baking session tomorrow to use up some eggs too!

R. has spent the day reading about algae and then staring into next-door’s pond (which has had a heron visiting it), followed by more Norwegian practice (he tried the next CD and got annoyed because the recordings were in sentences, so a bit more challenging). He’s hoping to buy some nice Lyra pencils when I next put in an order for the group.

Anyway, I’d better get on as my belly is a bit achey.

These were posted on a forum I’m a member of (Waldorf_Craft) and I thought that some might really enjoy them:

Felted Apple

Knitted Gingerbread Man

Knitted Pumpkin

Knitted Meringue Pie

Knitted Strawberry

Misc. Knitted Baby Fruit & Veggie rattles

Various crochet patterns for food

Just in case any of you were stuck for stocking fillers…….

Now I must learn to crochet……