Dalesgirl

Alchemy

2011-11-10T20:33:00.001Z

I'm always happiest when I'm creating things. It's when time pauses and I become one with the process of creating.

I've been baking cakes since I was about 10 and learned to knit before that. I can make bobbin lace and spin yarn. As a teenager I made my own clothes and creating a home in the 14 houses I've lived in is always a pleasure.

Recently I had the opportunity to learn how to make soap. My good friend Nicola - soapmaker extraordinaire held a masterclass in my kitchen for me, Lou and SueJ.

There were ingredients to be weighed, measured and melted - coconut oil, olive oil, beeswax. We created chemical reactions with water and caustic soda.

We added fragrance. Applejack for Lou and SueJ and not one to ignore the inner hippy I went for rose and patchouli with a bit of jojoba (ok so not so inner hippy).

It was a wonderful day as we chatted, drank tea, laughed and like magic ended up with soap.

Yes that is four demijohns of cider and that's a whole other story.............

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T09:36:00.000+01:00

I'm an Apple fan and have been for many years - long before iphones, macbooks and ipads I had computers that were just different - I was always inspired by ............something.........I didn't know what or should I say who inspired me.

Be inspired - live the life you love................

My magnum opus

2011-09-23T07:09:00.001+01:00

Magnum opus (plural: magna opera, also opus magnum / opera magna), from the Latin meaning "great work", refers to the largest, and perhaps the best, greatest, most popular, or most renowned achievement of a writer, artist or composer.

Sometimes the term magnum opus is used to refer to simply "a great work" rather than "the great work" of a specific person.

For over 30 years I have been knitting. I can't remember when I started but I do know that by the time I was 9 I could read a pattern and was knitting clothes for my dolls - I particularly remember a pattern for a dolls sleeping bag that I knit in 4ply navy blue - complete with zip sewn in.

During this long career with needles and yarn I have avoided knitting a jumper - bags, socks, scarfs, shawls, gloves, hats, baby things. I remember a couple of cardigans but no jumpers.

Dalesman and I have been together almost 20 years and he has received none of my knitting goodies. When I offered he always suggested another more worthy recipient. A couple of years ago there was a subtle change and I realised that the occasional comments about my knitting were hints that he would like a jumper!

It is worth saying at this point that we are both very, very fussy. It took a further two years to find a pattern that we both liked - that he would wear and that I would knit. Then it took several months to save up for the yarn..................

I cast on between Christmas and New Year 2010 - I have been knitting for 9 months and we are having a wonderful time together. To put this in context I work full time, I have a second job that I do about 6 hours a week, I am a mother and a wife and I am a slow knitter. Oh yes and it's a Gansey in 4ply navy blue!

This is the front and back knit in the round for 13 inches, then gussets added, then separated and 7 inches of the front. I am about to begin shaping for the neckline and then on to the back and the arms.

I may not finish by Christmas 2011.................a magnum opus should not be rushed.

Lovely Things

2011-09-20T15:59:00.000+01:00

The last few weeks some wonderful things have been happening.

Firstly a beautiful basket was gifted to me from the kind people at www.basketbasket.co.uk I have three of their baskets now and I love every one of them. There is the basket that is at my side during antenatal classes and births. There is the basket that comes out and about with me that looks after my knitting, fruit, diary, book, more knitting, hair slides etc. These are now joined by the basket for odds and ends, knitting odds and ends of course.

Dalesboy started in the sixth form........

We made jam.........

I knitted hexipuffs with a friend......

These are a few of my favourite things from the last few weeks. It helps I find to focus on the positive.

Playlist of my life

2011-05-30T19:16:00.003+01:00

Whilst pregnant with me each time certain music came on the radio my Mum was violently sick.

When I was seven I would go shopping with my Mum and refuse to go into shops where music was playing. I was sat on the doorstep of a shop in Leeds when I heard Elvis had died - or rather I heard the women in the shop sobbing

I still have a hatred of the song Popcorn and also of Bright Eyes (the soundtrack to Watership Down). If accidentally heard either of these songs can induce a full blown panic attack - even thinking about them now is inducing anxiety.

It may seem from this small snapshot into my musical life that I don't like music.

In fact nothing could be further from the truth. I adore music. I married music - well actually I married a DJ but there are times when it is hard to tell the two apart.

I can vividly remember times of my life by just hearing one song................

Live it up - Mental as Anything - I'm 17, at boarding school, sneaking bottles of wine into dorm, playing hockey and having fun.

China in my Hand - T'Pau - first true love, broken heart, sobbing

Amoureuse - Kiki Dee - .................... ; )

Streets of Philadelphia, Bruce Springsteen - moving into my first flat. Nicola and I had one CD and we played it constantly while we moved in. Nicola my wonderful, funny, witty, Geordie flat mate who died far too young.

Theme tune to Thomas the Tank Engine - too many 5am mornings when Dalesboy was a toddler - what I wouldn't give for just one of those mornings now.

Baa Baa Black Sheep - Dalesboy at 2 1/2 responded to my Sister in Law singing Ave Marie at our wedding by running to the front saying "my turn now" and belting out Baa Baa Black Sheep.

And so it goes on - a piece of music for each and every time of my life - the good and the bad. Certain music can make me physically sick - I think it's a heavy bassline. Some music is just pure rubbish.

But when it's right - my whole body sings. I vibrate to the beautiful rhythm and soul hidden deep with a tune. I fly through the notes - on the wing through the high and sweeping down to the deep. Pure magic.

The playlist of my life - that's one heck of a mix tape.

Out of Step

2011-05-22T09:58:00.005+01:00

Recently I've had a sense that things aren't 'quite right' and haven't been for a while. I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was.

I've been out of step with the rhythm of my life. I've been feeling overwhelmed and anxious - too much choice and not enough 'time'.

I've begun to think seriously about the reality I'm creating - particularly because in a couple of years time I anticipate some major changes.

So the reality I've been pondering will look something like this............

Small dwelling - off grid, near water, little bit of land a garden really - maybe in community maybe not - if not in community then near like minded people.
Grow veg, chickens, eat local, eat communally.
Create - spin, knit, weave, sew, write
Doula / Antenatal Teacher - supporting families during their pregnancies, birth and afterwards in many, many ways - classes, 1:1, Doula, birth art, natal hypnotherapy, homebirth groups.

Just thinking about it makes my soul sing - I can visualise the rhythm of the days, the swell of the evening, the change of the seasons, the smell of the rain, the warmth of the stove and the simplicity of the food - whilst in step with my tribe.

Of course some of that I already have - I spin knit and sew, I work with families during pregnancy and birth. It's not much but it's a start

So I know what I'm aiming for and each and every day I do one more thing that puts me closer to that reality.

I've been thinking and dreaming a lot during the last couple of weeks and I've noticed something happen. The more time I spend in the new reality the more in step I've started to feel, I've got the rhythm of that life. Even though it's not here yet it feels so right.

Sitting quietly this morning allowing my thoughts to wonder I realised what was wrong.

Eighteen months ago when we moved from the country to the town it was for all the right reasons and it's been a good move. Dalesboy can have the right amount of independence for a teenager and whilst we juggle four jobs between two of us being in town is useful.

But I've lost the rhythm of nature. The streetlights mean I only realise the passage of the Moon by the lunar calendar on the wall. I know the elderflowers are out because someone on facebook posts a picture. I know what the weather is doing because my phone tells me.

So in a couple of years time I'm looking to create my new reality in pace with nature, aligning myself with the rhythm of the seasons, the ebb and flow of the Sun and Moon.

Next step is to look for my tribe - I'm starting in Wales in July..................

2010-12-02T10:27:00.007Z

When I realised that today was going to be another 'snow day' I lay in bed wondering what to do with it.

How would I like it to be. If I were visualising a normal but perfect day what would it look like.

It would start with 45 minutes of Yoga - so I got out of bed and did 45 minutes of yoga - badly and slowly but we have to start somewhere.

I would have breakfast -

So I had breakfast - porridge with cranberries and agave syrup and a mug of ginger tea.

I would settle down in the office and mindfully prepare for Saturdays antenatal class. I would consider the concepts, tune in and consider the four hours time we will spend together.

At 10.30 I would pause for tea and a mince pie and a read of my book.

At 11.00 back to work until 12.30.

Since we moved I haven't had much opportunity to explore the neighbourhood. I am intrigued by a snicket so I would go for a walk and explore that snicket.

I've been for my walk - discovered some allotments and an intriguing and impressive set of iron gates and more paths to explore.

Home again I would have a bowl of warming soup.

The afternoon I would snooze, knit and watch a film before cooking dinner.

.....and that is exactly how I've spent my day - my body and mind are exercised, my soul is nurtured and the knitting has got some attention - sounds ordinarily perfect to me.

Our Schooled Life

2010-11-26T08:03:00.003Z

School - it has been one of the most challenging experiences in my life.

I devour stories about unschooled adventures with envy and lust.

My very limited understanding of unschooling is that it's all about the child following their needs and wants - finding their rhythm and finding their 'thing' - it is about the child being at the centre of their learning.

This has been the problem - we placed Calum at the centre of his learning from day one. We have been guided, supported and nurtured by him every step of the way. In turn we've guided, supported and nurtured him.

Learning for Calum has included school - he has chosen to go to school. At every step of the way he has made choices about where to go to school, what schools to go to, what to study and how hard to study.

He has learnt well. He has had some amazing teachers. He has had some fantastic experiences. Our family's ideologies have been challenged - he has gone within and speaks his own truth. It's not always the same as ours - he is far wiser than I shall ever be.

As we approach GSCEs and talk turns towards A Levels I realise that my 26 years of struggling with the school system is almost over. I reflect that this has been my struggle and not Calum's. We challenged his decision to go to school a couple of years ago when we were very unhappy with the bigger picture and how that was influencing him. A few visits to Findhorn sorted that out and school has continued to be a large (and expensive) part of our lives.

Yes I would have loved to have had unschooled adventures with Calum - but you know what, he found his own rhythm, his 'thing' and all is well - all is very well.

Creating a Home

2010-11-18T11:06:00.011Z

It's been almost three weeks since we packed up and shifted a couple of miles. After four days all the boxes were unpacked and our stuff was settling into the new places in which it lived.

I've been pondering what makes a home - where are those places that nurture our family and ourselves?

The morning light hitting the kitchen door - beautiful. I bought the house a present when we moved in - you can see it in the left of the picture - a print from one of my favourite artists Jaine Rose. I'm delighted that in the few years since I first saw her work a wonderful gallery of prints and cards has appeared - check them out they make wonderful housewarming/anytime presents.

This is a corner in my kitchen - it may be my favourite corner in the house. I don't much care for fitted kitchens and I am delighted that this home has only a few fitted cupboards. My beautiful dresser with some of my favourite things on it - an old bakerlite toast rack (granny's), my favourite wine glasses, Angel cards, fruit bowl. The rocking chair was once sat in by my husbands Nan. I am reading a wonderful book at the moment - Sacred House - where women weave words into the earth by Carolyn Hillyer. In it there is a fragment called chair....

"There was a chair beside a stove that became a basket in which to collect old stories. As people passed through the kitchen they liked to settle back into its cushions, take up a large mug of tea (or possibly a small glass of ginger wine) and set the runners rocking while they pour out their many tales................."

Kitchen shelves - elder rob, tea, oats, cranberres, cookbook, herb book - just stuff.

It's all just stuff - but for me it's the difference between a house and a welcoming and nurturing home. The pot is warmed, the hearth fire is lit and the rocking chair is waiting to hear stories.

Foraging

2010-10-25T15:38:00.003+01:00

I accidentally listened to a radio programme today that was discussing foraging. I was shocked and amazed at some of the comments and I've spent a couple of hours mulling over what I heard.

I think foraging is great - I get great satisfaction from going out and about finding food, taking just what I need, thanking nature and going home to prepare food for my family.

I was amazed by many of the negative comments on the radio show in partiuclar the one that implied it wasn't 'natural' and that it's bad for the planet and we should go to the supermarket to get our food!!!!

I've looked at the website for the radio show which said about the show "and the National Trust says that foragers are wrecking the ecosystem."

So I've googled "National Trust and foraging" and what they actually said in the news report from Oct 20th was "There are various codes of conduct for pickers of wild mushrooms and other such produce, the first of which was published in 1998 by Natural England. These typically call on people to act responsibly, show restraint and leave some fungi, fruit or foliage behind.

"These were developed in response to fears that over-picking might harm woodlands and wildlife."

I'm not sure the average forager is that irresponsible and Mother Nature is amazing and far more robust than Natural England is giving her credit for.

So grab a cup of tea and check out Fergus the Forager . Go and see Heart & Soil to buy a beautiful foraging basket Then wrap up warmly and go foraging.

Stuff

2010-10-06T07:27:00.003+01:00

We are moving home.

Exactly 12 months after our last move we are putting our stuff in boxes, bags, vans and cars to turn another house into our home.

Last year when we moved it was a significant downsize and we gave so much stuff to Oxfam that our annual giving report they send so you can put a value on your altruism made me feel guilty. Guilty that we had acquired so much stuff.

So it starts again

Those boxes are full of books. Another pile have gone to Oxfam this week and the ones that are left are those that when you pick them up your heart races. You turn it over, smell the pages. You sit down right where you are and flick through the pages. They go on a pile by the side of your chair. The read before packing pile.

My books aren't stuff. Husband's tools aren't stuff. My yarn and needles aren't stuff. Teenogre's stuff isn't stuff. It's our life. It's who we are. Without our stuff are we just empty shelves?

Living Space

2010-10-03T15:20:00.002+01:00

I have the perfect Living Space

I am Bilingual

2010-09-13T06:42:00.004+01:00

I spent Saturday in the company of a friend of mine - we went to the craft shop - scrapbooking, patchwork, knitting, needlework then on to the market and fish & chips by the canal in Skipton.

My friend is 70 and when she started knitting at age 6 it was out of necessity - she needed a jumper for school and there was no money to buy one. Her mother gave her a hand me down, told her to unravel the wool and showed her what to do and she has been doing it ever since. Except she hasn't - for the past 5 or 6 years there has been very little knitting. Until Saturday I hadn't really wondered why - I really wish I had because it's very simple - she no longer understands the language of knitting.

I had a pattern that I had downloaded from Ravelry and a skein of Mal Worsted. I wanted a pair of US10 Straight Knit Pros.

There is a wool shop at the end of my road - a mere five minute walk from my house. I have found it incredibly frustrating because it doesn't sell sock yarn, worsted, knit pros or Interweave Knits. They don't have a group on Ravelry nor a weekly knit night.

The Nutty Knitters have bemoaned this poor excuse for a wool shop for several years.

Not all knitters are bilingual - long live the Wool Shop.

Skills

2010-07-31T09:16:00.004+01:00

In the past 40 years I've learnt how to do a few things (in no particular order):

baking (cooking not so much)
being a mother (being a wife not so much, still learning that one)
driving
walking
talking
writing
reading
listening (still practicing this one)
knitting
making bobbin lace
sewing - embroidery, hardanger, crewel work (making clothes not so much)
touch typing
friendship ~ how to be a friend and the value of friends

There may be more. Over the years there are also skills I've learnt, used for a bit and then lost.

Many years ago I was a student at the North of England Higher Secretarial College. In the days when being a Secretary was a career in itself and something to be proud off we were taught not only touch typing and shorthand but the importance of keeping a black tie in your desk drawer (because your boss would always be a man!), how to get in and out of a car (yes we really did that) and other life skills. I will point out that this was 20 years ago - Thatcher telling us we could have it all whilst in quite classrooms all over England young women were being taught how to look after Men so they could do their jobs efficiently and effectively.

Over the years I've let my Shorthand skills lie dormant - I've never really had much use for them. However in my current job two colleagues use their shorthand all the time and I've found shortforms keep falling off my pencil.

My brain cells are firing up and we'll see how long it takes to get those skills back. I used to think in shorthand - maybe it's like being bilingual - this morning when I was walking the dog my thoughts were once again in shorthand - what fun!!!

Some Days

2010-06-26T20:33:00.003+01:00

Some days need to be written down. This was today:

I walked the dog for 2 hours before breakfast
I deep cleaned my home ~ this involved tidying up and moving a lot of furniture outside
Spoke to my Mother for the first time in 4 years ~ she rang me
Saw Calum and the Sax Trio perform at the Lascelles Unit Garden Party
Discovered someone had attempted to break into my home ~ they had kicked the cat flap in and see that ~ it's their blood smeared on the inside of the door, there's more on the outside.

Some days are more than enough................

Leaving my seat in the Circle

2010-06-20T20:22:00.005+01:00

Three and a half years ago I began training as an antenatal teacher. It's been an interesting journey and I am a more mindful, reflective, wise and tolerant woman for it.

I've met some amazing people who will be friends for life. I've written over 30,000 words, sat through over 350 hours of tutorials/workshops, done 4 assessed presentations, driven over 3,000 miles, laughed, cried and met 24 babies whose parents shared part of their journey with me.

I spent this weekend with some of the wisest, most nurturing, supportive and realistic women I know. As a tutorial group we have shared our stories, our tears, our love, our sadness and our inspiration.

It was my turn to move on ~ my turn to get up and leave my seat in the circle ~ in September another wise woman will complete that circle............................I wish her well.

The Musician

2010-06-06T11:25:00.004+01:00

Calum plays in wind ensembles, bands, trios and as a solo musician. Last night Soundbytes were playing at Harrogate Theatre ~ it was an excellent performance by 33 young musicians, mostly saxophones with percussion, keyboard and guitars. I am most proud.........

Hear what I Say

2010-05-22T08:47:00.001+01:00

My friend Mel has had an epiphany

I chose the words I use carefully and I am often shocked about how careless others are with words. Sometimes it can be hard to understand what I say because I want the words to convey so much more than their literal meaning and I may miss other words out as I feel they detract from the sense of what I’m saying. Sometimes I think so much about what I want to say that I forget to say it but think that I have.

Recently I was at a workshop where for me the facilitators use of language was really challenging. I found myself responding to statements and questions only to be told “that’s not what I really meant”. I found this so frustrating especially as then I was the one in the ‘wrong’ because my behaviour wasn’t ‘empathic’. Anyway back to the point………………….

Mel I agree with you and I want to add another concept to the mix – positive language……

"We're not going home until you've had a wee"

could become

“Lets go home when you’ve had a wee”

“When you’ve had a wee we will go home”

Again a subtle shift but one for me is really, really useful. It’s amazing how much of our language is framed in the negative – I write so many emails and then go through them adding positive words to replace negative ones (can you think of the negative way I wrote that sentence the first time?).

I can be really esoteric about his. The universe hears the words we use and doesn’t have the time to differentiate between negative and positive.

Our house is on a road that is quite busy. When we park the car on the drive we reverse in so that we can get out safely. There are two gateposts and we have to drive the car in at quite a sharp angle so the van and the car fit on the drive.

When we moved my husband spent the first month saying “don’t hit the post”. He said this many, many times. The universe heard “hit the post” and kindly obliged. There is a nice big dent in the car to remind us how the universe listens.

Perhaps it would have been more useful (and less irritating) to say “angle the car through the gap” or “ that gap is a good size” or even “hit the space” (actually it would still have been irritating).

So Mel my challenge to you is to teach a whole class without using any negative phrases or words!!!

Lady Eleanor

2010-01-21T11:26:00.005Z

I’ve recently finished a piece of knitting.

Since finishing it I have been stopped THREE times in the street by strangers who have told me how beautiful/warm/gorgeous it is. They almost fall over when I thank them and say I made it myself.

I have worn it every day for 10 days. It has been either around my neck, over my shoulders, on my lap and when I was away at the weekend on top of the duvet for extra warmth.

People look at the colours and seem to find different things to appeal ~ like jewels, autumnal, reminds me of spring ~ it has something for everyone.

I have never known an inanimate object create such a fuss.

As a large piece of knitting it took 18 months to complete. I wasn’t knitting entralac all that time. I chose an expensive yarn. Noro Silk Garden is a blend of mohair and silk with the colour changes in almost perfect rhythm with the entralac rectangles. Every few months I would buy another three or four balls and knit some more. Then it would return to the basket and wait its turn.

Amongst all the love shown to Lady Eleanor there has been one lone voice expressing concern. “I could never wear it………..I would be so worried in case I lost it. I’m always losing scarves and gloves………….aren’t you worried it will get dirty or damaged or lost?” I simply smiled because I know that Lady Eleanor is not just a scarf waiting for me to lose her ~ she and I we have history.

During the past 18 months she’s been to knit nights, tutorials and camping. She’s been to Wales for Christmas and moved house. She’s heard laughter and tears, arguments and making up. As I’ve knit I’ve listened to podcasts, my favourite music, saxophone practice and jamming guitars. I’ve watched TV, films and documentaries. I’ve imagined the places we’d go together to Findhorn, Glastonbury and a future far from here.

Lady Eleanor has become a dear friend and together we shall become all that we are meant to be.

Until then I’m very warm and toasty.

All Change

2009-11-05T15:15:00.001Z

Well…………………………………..

After 6 years of living in the countryside we have moved back to town.

Although we made the final decision and moved very quickly (10 days) we have been talking about it for a while. A couple of months ago we went for a drive around Harrogate just to have a look.

I had some criteria:

1. Dalesboy had to be able to walk to school
2. We had to be walking distance of town and Meeting House.
3. Dishwasher in the kitchen
4. Shower in the bathroom
5. Suitable for Fizz Dog
6. Dalesman needed a garage/workshop
7. Not too small and not too big
8. Cheaper than where we were

It seemed impossible to get all 8 things and we didn’t want to compromise. So we put it out to the universe and sat back.

Something strange happened.

Dalesman chose the wrong number to dial from his mobile and so as not to appear rude had a chat. They were about to relocate to Scotland and their house was available to rent and did we know of anyone looking for a house in town. Ten days later we had moved in.

In the six days since we moved. I have saved about 6 hours driving time going backwards and forwards to music lessons, rugby matches, social events, supermarket shopping etc. Before it took 25 minutes to the supermarket and 25 minutes back. Last night I was there in less than 5 minutes.

We didn’t always to live in the countryside. My Mother found us a house when we moved 6 years ago but until then we had always lived in towns and cities and always been happy.

Despite living amidst the chaos that is moving house already my life is calmer and I have more time for knitting and stitching about an hour a day on a weekday and more like 3 hours a day on weekends.
Now where is my knitting…………………

Going Offline

2009-09-06T13:52:00.003+01:00

Since Dalesman bought me a laptop computer a couple of years ago I've spent more and more time on the internet.

I check my emails, read and post on various the forums, catch up with blogs, play Facebook games, search for books on Green Metropolis, keep up to date with bookings on courses and generally surf my away around any random thought that enters my head. Then when I've done all that I start again in a never ending circle of internet activity.

I spend my day job on the computer and I'm studying so spending time researching and writing essays takes up more of my time.

So in line with some wonderful people I know I have decided to have one computer free day each week. Choosing the day hasn't been too difficult. I work Mon, Weds-Fri and am on a computer all day. Although I don't 'work' Tuesdays it's my official study day so need my computer for essays, literature searches etc. Which leaves Saturdays and Sundays. Sunday is the day I generally have the most spare time to spend on the computer so that's the day.

Beginning next Sunday 13th September I shall be going offline each and every Sunday.

Tremendous Inspiration

2009-09-03T15:57:00.001+01:00

Recently a dear friend of mine received some gift vouchers and she spent them on stitching stash that she’d had her eye on for a while. Excitedly she couldn’t wait to start stitching but soon realised that the hand drawn pattern was bad, very bad. There were mistakes galore and it was one big frustrating mess.

Well she could have moaned and groaned, whinged and complained ~ and she was certainly fed up.

But she turned a negative into a huge positive and has just designed the most beautiful Hardanger Santa I think I’ve ever seen.

Her inspiration was the absolute rubbish she was being asked to deal with.

So when life serves you a plate full of rubbish please remember my dear friend Colly ~ have a moan and a whinge, get fed up and then turn that energy around and do something tremendous.

MISSING

2009-09-01T16:23:00.002+01:00

Reality..........................

I have spent the past 5 days on The Mother Retreat.

Camping, compost loos, no hot water, communal cooking/eating, blessingway, naming ceremony, mens circle, singing under the spreading chestnut tree, birth circle, tea, rain, mud, wind and sun, children, music around the campfire, new friendships.

I experienced my perfect day ~ you know the one that sometimes you dare to dream when life is just a bit mundane. I got up and helped prepare breakfast for camp, made carrott cake for 100+, attended a blessingway, shared birth stories in a replica iron age round house and sat around the campfire listening to my son and one of the fathers play guitar whilst we sang.

I love being the parent of a teenage boy and having one of the oldest children at camp I sometimes wondered why we were there.

It was about the sharing ~ men sharing their experiences of being fathers, children sharing mud pies and games of tig, women sharing birth stories and tears, we shared the rain, wind and sun, we shared life experiences and it was wonderful.

I just don't know if I'm going to be able to find my everyday 'reality' and do I really want to?

The babies are arriving

2009-08-23T09:04:00.005+01:00

A few of the many babies coming Earthside this year have arrived to join my friends on their adventure of a lifetime.

There's gorgeous Gwen with the most spectacular hair I have every seen.

Amazing Amelia ~ who has chosen perhaps the most laid back, happy and chilled first time parents I have ever met.

Imogen ~ what can I say? I was blessed to be there to greet her fast and unpredictable arrival and although it's only been 9 weeks I know we are going to be great friends.

Isla ~ who I have yet to meet as she is enjoying a time of 'laying' in with her Mummy.

Notice anything? Girls, Girls Girls ~ of the babies biding their time I know there are at least another three girls

As for the number of pregnancies amongst my friends (17) ~ the universe ran out of my friends who were actively trying for babies and decided to bless a few for whom babies were really not part of the plan ~ all is well now they've got over the shock. There is however one friend who has not yet been chosen by her baby ~ so if you don't mind in your thoughts and prayers could you just ask quietly and gently if a baby would consider choosing her (no name needed because the universe is clever like that).

A Parenting Adventure

2009-08-22T17:37:00.001+01:00

For the past 8 weeks I've been spending my Saturday mornings with a group who are just starting out on their journeys as parents. What an adventure is ahead of them.

Dalesboy turns 14 today and what an adventure it's been............

Thirteen and we let him catch the train to London by himself - are we completely mad?

Twelve favourite cakes that I love to bake and he loves to eat - there's chocolate birthday cake today.

Eleven years of playing football, training every Saturday Morning and matches most Sundays.

Ten years of school.

Nine Pets - The three fish, Katie the hamster, Herbert and ToeToe the Guinea Pigs, Thumper and Mini the house rabbits and Fizz the Dog.

Eight camping holidays ~ from the bottom of Cornwall to the tip of Scotland, in rain and shine.

Seven operations and numerous investigations.

Six years of swimming lessons and yet he can only really do backstroke!!!

Five housemoves from Yorkshire, to Woking, to Birmingham before coming back home to Yorkshire (if you're counting there were two homes in Woking and three in Yorkshire).

Four years to go from not being able to play a musical instrument or read music to taking his Grade 8 on the Tenor Saxophone.

Three schools which have all been very different and mostly harmless.

Two parents who haven't a clue what they are doing but it seems to be going OK.

And a fall of 12 (or 15 foot depending who you ask) out of a tree.

Sweet Peas

2009-08-16T19:23:00.006+01:00

When I was a little girl I spent the summer with my grandparents. My Kepa was a wonderful gardener. Half the garden was veg, a quarter flowers and a quarter lawn where he would lie in the summers sun after a hard morning tending his blooms. Do you remember how long and hot the summers were in the 70s?

In particular he grew sweetpeas - a lot of sweetpeas. Every day handfuls of sweetpeas would come into the house filling it with their gentle smell.

On the kitchen windowsill Granny had a lovely little green glass vase that Kepa would keep topped up with fresh sweetpeas for her - so she could see them whilst she did laundry the old way, cooked beautiful meals and watched the neighbours go about their business.

I don't have neighbours to watch and my laundry whizzes round and round by itself but the sweetpeas are just the same.

Something to think about......

2009-08-02T08:53:00.002+01:00

It makes me cry every time...............

Want to find out more ~ after all you might not agree:

Vestas Occupation Blog

Sign the petition

I don't think it's about 'winning' I think it's about raising awareness of what's going on then we can all make up our own minds.

Sometimes.......................

2009-05-28T12:02:00.001+01:00

Sometimes I care too much

Sometimes I don’t care enough

Sometimes I love too much

Sometimes I can’t find love anywhere

Sometimes a hug is all it takes

Sometimes a hug is empty and cold

Sometimes are the times between the moments when everything is good

mmmmmmmmalabrigo

2009-05-23T10:49:00.006+01:00

As a child I loved getting new shoes. Twice a year we would travel to the city (Bradford) to get new shoes - brown lace ups for winter and pretty strappy sandals for the summer.

I would get home and open the box - peering inside and smelling the new leather I would imagine the adventures and journeys we would have together. The promise of shiny newness. I would carry them around the house and pop them down next to me. At bedtime I would place them on the floor where I could go to sleep looking at them.

Nothing much has changed - this morning the postie bought me a parcel:

I opened it slowly, savoring the moment:

I stared at its beauty and imagined what adventures we will have together - what tales will be knit into the shawl it is to become. I just realised I've been sat with my coffee and knitting and the box is on my lap where I can look at the beautiful yarn every now and then.

Pure Obsession

2009-05-21T18:14:00.003+01:00

I am by nature an obsessive person. When I get interested in something I can't just pass by I tend to immerse myself in it:

As a teenager it was obsessive love affairs.
In my early twenties it was my career.
In my late twenties it was being mother.
Then it was career again.
Now it's antenatal education.

Yet throughout there is a constant. For 30 years I've had my knitting to ground me, to bring me out of obsession...........................

However, for the past year or so this has been an equal obsession. My knitting has been with me at all times. I've thought about it most of the time. I've met some wonderful new friends and improved my knitting skills wonderfully.

For the past month I've been cooling off, I didn't pick my knitting up for a whole week, I stopped dreaming about it and wasn't drooling over new yarns.

Then suddenly it's back. Inspired by Kim at Pure Purl I've started to dream of yarn again. Malagrigo Lace for the Goddess Knits Annviersary Shaw - a mystery shawl that will look stunning I'm sure.

I was so smitten by the yarns that I broke my yarn diet - I've heard a rumour that Kim sends beautiful parcels - I'm so exicited it's over six months since I bought yarn for myself!!!!!

Living Life

2009-05-11T19:31:00.008+01:00

So where has two months gone?

Walking the dog - I have done more walking in the past couple of months than in my whole life. We've been discovering some wonderful things as well. Look at his bluebell wood - it was 5 minutes further along a walk we did regularly. The dog was running ahead and this is what we saw....................

Studying - I am more than slightly distracted as I have an exam at the weekend. Well technically I have to answer 30 questions on the childbearing year (that's pre conception, conception, assisted conception, pregnancy, labour, birth, the postnatal period and medical abbreviations). Not only do I have to leave the Dale but I have to travel down south..............

Course Planning - I have a course starting at the end of June. So I've been pulling together all the things I've learnt over the past couple of years and making some kind of sense of it.

Knitting - there's been a Woodland Shawl, baby sweaters, socks, boobs and a uterus. I have managed to see the Nutty Knitters regularly - thank goodness.

Then there's the day job - it's still going well. I'm beginning to get into the rhythm now and get a handle on what is going on. I'm learning so much as well about conservation, biodiversity, heritage and all sorts of farmy countryside stuff.

Babies - the baby count for my friends is now up to 14 - and yes Verity is having twins!!!!!!

Sometimes I'm so busy living life there is not enough time to write about it...............

TEN!!!!

2009-03-11T16:47:00.000Z

With another announcement today I now have 10 friends who have babies coming Earthside between now (literally now) and November.

I didn’t think I had a large circle of friends and why all these babies now?

Some are first babies, some second, some third – I don’t think there’s a fourth.

Most are in the UK with one in the States.

Mothers range in ages from mid twenties to late thirties

They don’t know each other - well Tina, Jessica and Nicola know each other. The rest are from different parts of my life.

Some are long wished for challenging pregnancies at least one is a surprise gift.

I’m not aware of any twins but Verity watch out with that many twins in your family it might be your turn now.

Usually there is one of my friends who is pregnant but ten at the same time – unless someone has arrived and I don’t know yet.

When it was five I thought that was interesting
Six – wow this is good
Eight (two announcements on the same day) flippin eck
Nine – Hey Ho there you go
Ten – this is getting weird

I’m trying not to think about it too much.

Nature at its most wonderful welcoming babies Earthside should be left to do it’s own thing whilst women reclaim their ancient birthing wisdom.

Bittersweet

2009-03-05T09:32:00.000Z

Because of a decision by the American and British Governments over 50 years ago I have a lot of American friends.

At the moment they are scattered all over the world with a handful in the UK. These intrepid travellers come and make their home here for 2, 3, 5 years and become part of our life through work, school, knitting.

They teach me so much. I mean the food, the language, the socio-cultural references. The phrase ‘two countries separated by a common language’ sums it up perfectly.

So last evening I was sat in Kelly’s lounge on the rocker knitting a baby blanket. There was companiable chatter as people compared projects, shared tales of their life and their knitting.

There were new knitters, visiting knitters, pregnant knitters and soon to be leaving us knitters. For that brief moment as I looked around the room at my friends I felt happy and sad, it was a bittersweet moment.

Dearest Kelly I’m not sure what Knit Nite will be like without you, I’m not sure what our lives will be like with you thousands of miles away. You are a witty, intelligent, beautiful woman. You are a born storyteller and I will miss hearing tales of your life as a mother and a wife. My knitting is better for having met you (Malabrigo) and my memories richer (singing in London on the way to see the Yarn Harlot). May your stitches never twist and your Malabrigo never pil and remember you will always be a Nutty Knitter.

It was a joke

2009-02-14T11:31:00.004Z

When my husband and I decided to get married he phoned his mum to let her know. We'd been together a few years and Dalesboy was two and we felt it was time.

The first thing she asked was "when?"

As a joke I said if Valentines day is on a Saturday next year we'll get married then.

It was and we did.

So today is my 11th Wedding Anniversary - Dalesman is cooking supper and there's a bottle of bubbles in the fridge.

The boy did well

2009-02-10T08:35:00.002Z

He stood at the front of the small, heaving, packed bar with the house band and improvised like an old pro.

When the mic broke the lead singer asked him what he was going to do - "play louder" he said to a round of applause and cheers.

The regulars were coming up to him and shaking him by the hand sharing tales of sax players they love.

He's still buzzing this morning and I don't think I need to tell you how proud I am!!!!!!!

Full Circle

2009-02-09T19:06:00.004Z

About 16 years ago when Dalesman and I first met we hung out a lot at a bar in Harrogate......

The Blues Bar was a great place to hang out - we'd roll out of bed at about 11am go there for brunch and hang out for most of the day. In the summer we'd sit on the Stray late into the evening. The Blues Bar played a big part in the early days of our relationship.

Tonight is Jam Night at the Blues Bar and Dalesboy is taking his Saxophone and we're looking forward to a couple of beers (Coke for the boy) and good music.

It looks like the Blues Bar is returning to our lives............

My perfect Sunday

2009-02-08T17:44:00.003Z

Three large, scruffy teenagers lounging about eating all the food.

Finishing knitting a pinwheel blankie for one of the large, scruffy teenagers.

Walk with Dalesman and Fizz through a winter wonderland of Narnia at Brimham Rocks.

Johnny Walker on Radio 2 with a glass of sloe gin making hob nobs, bread and dinner.

Chicken Chasseur for dinner followed by Rhubarb Crumble.

Casting on for a baby blanket and realising that six babies have chosen your friends as parents during 2009.

Oh and it's started to snow again.....................

Moving On

2009-02-08T09:51:00.001Z

How do we move from one place to another?

I know where I am..............it's great......................but I have plans, I have dreams.

They are about less, about simplicity, about hard work. They incorporate intuition, instinct, wisdom and love.

In 2009 I'm packing for the journey. I'm focusing and being mindful. At the moment I'm fascinated on how we make big changes in our lives. I can look back 5, 10, 15 years and see the differences but they were all haphazard and more luck than judgment. I have never saved money, I have never worked to a goal, I have never even set a goal. Right now I have an idea, a wisp of an idea, it's in my dreams and my heart beats to the rhythm of its song.

Old Job - New Job

2009-02-06T20:45:00.001Z

Appointments with the herbalist

Old job: the regular appointment with my herbalist resulted in a 2 hr
lunch break which I had to 'ask' for and ‘pay back’.

New job: my herbalist works from the herbal dispensary over the road
and I can pop to see her in my lunch break. She moved at the same time
as I started my new job.

Everyone meet Fizz

2009-02-03T07:07:00.000Z

There are some jobs where you get a company car.

Some jobs where you get a final salary pension (there are still some around I believe)

There are some jobs where you negotiate a higher salary or a good expense account or even get to live abroad for a few years.

Turns out my new job has an added extra as well..........................

This is Fizz.

She is a 9 year old gun dog who has been retired because she developed a taste for the birds. She's house trained and obviously well trained generally. She loves people and is a real character. She came to stay on Friday and we've already been for some great walks - she seems happy and I'm exhausted.........

Traffic Delay

2009-02-02T15:57:00.005Z

Saturday afternoon driving along the lanes to take Dalesboy to his music lesson we were slightly delayed......................

There were two which bounded down the lane weaving about in front of us before jumping over the wall and off into the field.

Picture courtesy of Dalesboy's mobile.

They call this work

2009-01-28T10:39:00.000Z

I’m sorry to go on but I need to share something else about my new job.

One of the things we like to do as a family is go Geocaching. It’s a cross between orienteering, letterboxing and hiking with some added surprises. It’s great fun especially if you have a teenogre at home who doesn’t want to go out hiking any more. Put a GPS in their hand and they are off.

Anyhow it came up in conversation at work this morning that we do this. Turns out that they’ve wanted to do some Geocache events in the school holidays for a couple of years but knew nothing about it.

So at Easter and in the Summer I’m running some introduction to Geocaching events at my all time favourite walk in the Dale – and they call this work!!!!!

Old Job - New Job

2009-01-26T18:01:00.002Z

Team Meetings

Old job: 20+ people crammed in a small room. Lots of talk about organisational restructure, new ways of working and performance indicators.

New job: 6 people in a large room, chocolate brown Labrador snoozing on my feet. Lots of talk about dry stone walling, heritage conservation and volunteer surveying groups.

Catch Up

2009-01-18T11:29:00.005Z

Is it really only a couple of weeks since New Year?

I've started my new job and so far so good - the people are nice, the work is interesting and I'm looking forward to when it feels like 'home' rather than feeling like a fish out of water.

I've had a stinking cold but I got over it really quickly. Since my five week cold/cough in Sept/Oct I've been seeing a clinical herbalist. One of the aims was to improve my immune system - and I got over the cold in four days which is a big improvement on five weeks!!!!!! I also wanted to look at my allergies and it would appear that I am no longer allergic to dogs. The lady who teaches me bobbin lace on a Thursday evening has two dogs and for the past four years I have had to take allergy tablets otherwise I would sneeze, cough and wheeze my way through the evening. sometimes the tablets didn't work and I felt really awful. For the past six weeks I haven't taken any tablets and I've been just fine. I love my clinical herbalist.

I was away last weekend at a tutorial. We tried a new venue and it was amazing. Greenwell Farm - perfect in every way. I was a little late arriving and imagine my delight at walking into the room to see four people (including the tutor) knitting. I had taken my knitting last time for breaks and the evening. This time I was able to knit during the tutorial. I felt much more grounded and was able to focus so much better. I am so thankful for a tutor who understands that it is possible to knit and listen.

My new job is 4 days a week so Tuesdays are for studying and catching up on paperwork. I was ill the first week and catching up from being away for the weekend last Tuesday. I am really looking forward to getting into the rhythm of Tuesdays. This Tuesday is for studying, maybe a walk and some laundry.

Dalesboy is playing in a concert this afternoon - I wonder if I can sit at the back and knit.

Last Days

2009-01-02T06:59:00.002Z

Today is my last day at my current job. I turned up as a temp for 3 weeks and stayed 2 1/2 years. It's a great job, 15 minutes from home, there are plentiful harvests of sloes and elderberries just outside the office window, the people are lovely and the systems and procedures just complicated enough to stop complete boredom - and it's time to leave (I feel like Mary Poppins!!!)

My angel card for this week is integrity and until today I wasn't sure why. I'm leaving because of changes that mean I was being asked to work in a way that meant I wasn't able to do my best. I'm leaving because I don't like to play 'playground politics'. I'm leaving because..................the time is right.

I've enjoyed my time there. I've met some great people and made some wonderful friends. Now I must go there for the last time, do my thing and log off for the final time. Last days - a time for reflection.

Friendship.......

2008-12-31T07:25:00.001Z

............. knowing what size needle she needs to get gauge

Seize the Year

2008-12-29T07:08:00.002Z

Inspired by a thread over on the Creative Living forum this is my 2009 list - not resolutions but a focus for the year.

outside-
Set the raised veg beds
Dig out the raised flower bed and prep for veggies
Plant an apple tree
Plant brambles along wall at back of garden
Plant rhubarb
CHICKENS – where, when, how
Spend more time outside.

indoors-
Paint kitchen ceiling
Repair skirting in dining room (sand, fill and paint)
Repair walls in dining room (previous house bunny ate wallpaper and plaster!!!)
Get and fit new carpet for dining room (old carpet taken up on Saturday)
Declutter – one drawer/cupboard per week
Clean windows (14 old sash windows with small panes that I’ve been ignoring for EVER)

Creatively-
Prepare portfolio to enter the Lace Guild’s Intermediate Assessment – this is a whole year task as need to make another couple of pieces.
Spin more – preparing fleece from scratch.
Knit
Attend basket-making course (inspired by hen and encouraged by DH)
Make Christmas decorations/cards for next year in plenty of time.
Make bags
Remember how to make clothes and make some skirts for me
Write

Personally-
Spend less, budget more
Up my fitness levels
Catch bus to new job so that I can walk up and down hill to bus stop (see above)
Be consistent, efficient and effective in my studies and move forward significantly
Be a good friend

Being prepared-
Go to car boots to get some kitchen items that I’m missing
Preserve, can, pickle
Build store cupboard up
Manifest woodburner (DH is a carpenter so plenty of free wood)
Baby steps towards going off grid
Self-sufficiency here we come

A Dales Christmas

2008-12-25T16:50:00.004Z

We are well fed - turkey with all the trimmings
We are well watered - a very, very nice bottle of red wine from our landlord
We are well rested - all is calm and peaceful here in the Dale

I'm just going to pick up the knitting and sit with a glass of Bailey's and watch the Christmas special of Dr Who.

I had one of those moments today - I went to the garden to get some greenery for the table. I decided to walk all around the garden and actually look at what is growing ..........why I haven't done this before I do not know. We've only lived here for 4 years. I found four holly bushes, lots of ivy, plenty of unidentifiable shrubs and trees and there at the bottom of the garden what I think will be a good supply of elderberries next autumn. For the past couple of years I've harvested elderberries from work but as I'm moving on in January I needed to find a new supply and it would appear that it is under my nose!!!! Just need to find a good supply of sloes and I'm sorted.

Festive greetings to one and all

Sloe Day

2008-12-21T16:50:00.005Z

Few words are needed........

Looks like ribena, tastes gorgeous - raise a glass to Festive Sloe Gin

Mince Pies

2008-12-14T19:20:00.003Z

If I'd used the flash the picture would have been better but the mince pies couldn't taste any better.

This batch is for the girls at knit night tomorrow evening.

I made another four dozen today, some for home and some for work. I first made mince pies with my Granny when I was 6 or 7 and I've made them every year since - that's over 30 years of mince pie making. Granny used to make so many for church, work, home, neighbours and relatives that they would be stacked on cooling racks all over the kitchen.

As I precariously balanced a rack of cooling mince pies on the windowsill Dalesman suggested it might fall and I should move it. At that same moment I felt as if Granny was with me and I laughed with her remembering all the times her husband had said the same to her. I love making mince pies.

The Magic Apple Tree

2008-12-12T06:21:00.004Z

This post could result in impulsive clicky finger syndrome

I hang out on several forums on the internet. I get to chat with like minded people about the things that are important to us.

Our grandmothers chatted over the garden fence putting the world to rights. For many of us those days are long gone. Perhaps we don't know our neighbours. Perhaps we work outside of the home. Lots of people don't hang their washing on the line, or sweep their front path, or scrub the door step like our grandmothers did. Opportunities for general chit chat about life, the universe or 'her over the road' and her latest fella have gone. Coincidentally at the same time as the lifestyle of our grandmothers has disappeared there has been a significant increase in mild to moderate mental health illness - depression and anxiety are skyrocketing. It's possible to get a short course of counseling through your GP - to talk about life, the universe or how you feel about 'her over the road' and her latest fella.

I digress.

One of the most dangerous things about chatting with like minded people is the book reviews. I have bought many books recently - fortunately all second hand. This is a review of my current favourite......

The Magic Apple Tree - A Country Year by Susan Hill

I have read four chapters of this book and it is truly magical. She starts the year as winter descends on Moon Cottage. She has a snow day!!! She tells the story of Mr Ash the eccentric woodsman and her erratic supply of wood for the stove. There are recipes. Let me repeat that - there are recipes. This book may just be perfect.

Written in the eighties Susan Hill, a bestselling author, playwright, wife and mother, moved to Moon Cottage and began living the simple life. Slap bang in the middle of the Thatcher years, the years of 'you can have it all' Susan Hill was living with the seasons, in a village where ritual and festivals marked the turning of the year.

If you are in anyway interested in living a simple life, downsizing, self sufficiency, village life then I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Lots of pictures

2008-12-04T14:55:00.005Z

Our village has the cutest church:

This bus is responsible for our enforced snow day it was stuck on the hill until noon and effectively cut the village off from civilization:
Somehow our postie managed to get through - he was seen driving his van backwards up the hill. Not only this but he did it all with a smile:
I love this picture:
Off a sledging we go:
Our lane:

The village children having fun:

Now I'm sat by the fire eating warm mince pies and knitting.

Snow Day

2008-12-04T08:09:00.002Z

We are snowed in!!!! The cars can't get out of the drive, the lane hasn't been cleared and it's still snowing!!!!

We are all going sledging later : )

Be careful what you wish for

2008-11-30T17:01:00.005Z

Several years ago I wished I lived somewhere there was a group of people I could knit with on a regular basis. I wished I could find a workshop/class locally where I could learn to spin.

Well now four years later thanks to Ravelry I have a group of friends who I sit and knit with all the time. Take last week for example we were sit in front of a woodburning stove, drinking red wine, eating gooey chocolate cake straight out of the oven, chatting, laughing and knitting.

This weekend I hosted a spindle spinning workshop. There were eleven of us, two teachers, three husbands and an adorable toddler. We sat in my lounge and tired with various amounts of success to spin. Some had a go and decided pretty quickly spinning wasn't for them, some decided they are definitely wheel spinners, spindle spinners or both. There was a yummy pot luck lunch - I love that somehow when everyone brings something you never have too many deserts or too many quiches - it always seems to work out right.

Just be careful what you wish for you never know where you'll end up.

2008-11-30T13:49:00.004Z

I like rituals - not routine but ritual. I think there is a significant difference. Having a cup of tea at 10.30am every day may be routine but if done mindfully with purpose I think it's a ritual.

When I warm the pot and pour the tea at 10.30am everyday I think of Dalesman who is doing the same wherever he's working that day. I think of Dalesboy stuck in a school lesson 'not allowed' to have a drink. I think of my friends and the visitors at Findhorn where the whole community stops at 10.30am for tea and biscuits. I think of people all over the world not able to have the luxuary of choosing to take a break. I drink my tea and think of peace, pray for forgiveness and mindfulness.

I am not alone at work with my 10.30 ritual. Matilda makes a pot of real coffee every morning - it is also a ritual for her. I find that ritual is even more significant with nice things - a china tea pot and handthrown mug, a handknitted cozy...............

I hope Matilda likes it.

Barter Time

2008-11-24T17:34:00.005Z

With my first wage 20 years ago I bought this..................

In the past 20 years it's survived 10 house moves, had three remote controls, consolled me when my heart was broken, kept me distracted when in early labour, coped with the introduction of Channel 5, played endless episodes of Thomas the Tank Engine when Dalesboy was recovering from (numerious) operations. Lately it's got a little forgetful. I think it's down to age as it keeps forgetting where the channels are and needs frequent retuning.

This week Dalesman did a little bartering - hanging two doors for a brand new unused TV. I've had my old TV longer than I've had Dalesman (and therefore Dalesboy) we've been through a lot together. I know it's only a TV but the memories are very real....................farewell little black box.

Sometimes life is kind

2008-11-22T12:01:00.010Z

This week has been kind.

Once I'd got over my maudlin moment (and thank you to everyone for their kind words) last week I had a birthday. It was a lovely day spent with family and friends. Dalesman and Dalesboy treated me to a book and a CD........

Dalesman also found this beautiful cantilever wooden sewing box from a charity shop. Isn't she gorgeous - really old and well used. It needs a small repair but that's no problem for Dalesman.

In the evening we went to a saxophone concert and then on to a party given by some of the musicians. A really nice way to end a special day.

I know some really creative and gifted people. People who share their creativity with lucky, lucky people. My beautiful friend Colly came to visit for on Sunday and look what she has made for me..................

Isn't it gorgeous? A perfect match in my lounge its perfect for days like this - cold and chilly, sat in my chair with my knitting. I'm still gobsmacked that Colly made this for me - I know we shall share many snuggly hours together.

Monday I had a first appointment with a medical herbalist. That was lovely also and left me feeling very positive and upbeat.

I found out when I got home on Tuesday that I had been invited to an interview for a job I'd applied for a couple of weeks ago. Slightly short notice as the interview was on Wednesday morning. Lovely people, lovely location and lovley job and now it's mine all mine.

I am very fortunate to live in North Yorkshire in Nidderdale. It's a beautiful place almost untouched by much of the madness that you see in towns and cities in the UK these days. There are 15,500 people and 200,000 sheep - perfect. I feel a huge sense of belonging to the Dale and try to coexist in harmony with the rhythm of nature and pull of the seasons. Now I will be working for the Dale.

Nidderdale is a designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' which means that it is protected from over development and other activities that would damage the geographical and historical significance of the Dale. However, there is a danger that such protection may lead to economic and social deprivation as landowners, famers, business, homeowners etc struggle to maintain a viable livihood within the confines of the regulations. In order to support economic and social development there is an ANOB office that does all sorts of wonderful work to support all these people and keep the Dale 'alive'. I have been offered a job as the Admin Officer for the ANOB office and I am thrilled.

More beautiful presents came my way during the week. Look how cute these are................

Made by nlpgirl they are filled with Lavender and are just the cutest thing. The last of the pressies arrived Saturday morning from my Mother-in-Law.........

Also the oven is finally mended it took three weeks and three oven engineers to decide that it wasn't the fan or the microchip but the lightbulb had blown - I'm sure there's a joke in there somewhere ; )

Dear Mummy

2008-11-14T21:09:00.006Z

I was wondering today if it's hard for you? Do you have to decide every day not to call me? Do you walk past the telephone and make a conscious effort not to dial my number.

By going away you made it easy for me. I don't know where you are. I can't make the decision to call you. I don't get the opportunity to regret putting a letter in the box or to drive past your house in case I see you.

I've tried to understand I really have. But you know what I don't think I ever will. My child is the most important thing in my life. I hate it when he goes away without me - or if I go away without him. He comes first. That's before me. Before my husband. Before anything or anybody. I'll always be there for him.

You know what that's like. Your Mother was an angel here on earth. She was always there for you. It didn't matter what you did she was just there. That's the kind of Mother I want to be.

This week I've been thinking about you a lot. Partly because of my courageous and wonderful friend Anne. For the first time in my life I feel as if somebody understands how I feel. Partly because it's 39 years since we first met - mother and daughter.

You taught me to knit and as I sit tonight knitting the tears rolling down my cheeks I wonder if we shall knit together again - daughter and mother.

Lots of Love
Samantha

Made by hand

2008-11-08T20:25:00.001Z

Hand made socks in hand made shoes - I have happy, happy feet.

Simply Easier

2008-11-02T08:02:00.010Z

I read a great book a couple of years ago called the Lilypad List: Seven Steps to the Simple Life: Seven Steps to Simplicity.

There was one thing in that book that really resonated with me. Leading a simple life is not about wearing a hair shirt. The example she gave was her ipod. At the touch of a button she had immediate access to thousands of records, audiobooks and podcasts on a device that would slip in her bag or pocket - simple.

I like to invest or spend as Dalesman calls it in things that make live simpler - I'm typing on a MacBook cos for me that's easy (I did have to save up for a few years though), I have a set of Knit Picks Options for my knitting and a Moleskine notebook for notes - these are things that make me happy and I justify them on the basis that they make my life easier - until yesterday an uproved theory.

In August I cast on for a baby blanket - a cute blanket which has cables and different stitch patterns. There's no memorable pattern repeat and the pattern is written up in a really confuddling way that involes the continual turning of pages. Each of the first 7 rows was ripped out at least once and eventually it was thrown in a corner to hibernate.

Yesterday the Nutty Knitters end of year KAL challenge was thrown down - to finish UFOs/WIPs. I recklessly put the baby blanket into the challenge and picked it up, found my place on the pattern (miracles do happen) and started knitting. After an hour my hands hurt, I'd ripped back each of the rows at least once and I had opened the red wine.

I know I think I'll use my beautiful esty stitch markers that were a gift from Tina to mark each pattern. Duh that's better I can see immediately that I'm at the right point much easier but my hand still hurts and it's getting heavy on the needles. I know I'll use my Knit Picks Options rather than the wooden needles. Duh that's better - easier to hold, easier to move the yarn. So now it's simply easier.

Saturday Kitchen 10am

2008-11-01T10:56:00.010Z

I love Saturday mornings. Today I was up at 6am and spent a quiet couple of hours drinking tea, knitting and catching up on my favourite blogs and podcasts.

Then it's into the kitchen. 'Throw it all in' soup for lunch on the go and a quick shake of the sloe gin.

Normally I'd get the bread for lunch on the go but I broke the oven yesterday. After baking hob nobs, a loaf of bread and slow roasting elderberries in cider vinegar for 5 hours it 'exploded'. Good job there's some bread left from yesterday.

The elderberries are turning into Pontack Sauce in the preserving pan on the hob.

There's laundry in the machine and in a minute I'm going to do a big pot of chilie for supper tonight - only I would have guests for supper the day after the oven blows up!!!!!

Just Singing

2008-10-28T20:32:00.002Z

Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey 'n' rye
Singin this will be the day that I die.
This will be the day that I die

This evening Dalesboy and I were driving through the Dale in the van. The music was turned up and we were singing loud and singing proud.

Just singing - Mother and Son - just being.

2008-10-23T08:49:00.004+01:00

I realised I never told you about the second week of my holiday in August - well this is where I went.......

It's not the first time we've been and it certainly wont be the last - maybe one day we'll live there.

Our week was called Family Living in Community and as well as working at Cluny Gardens each morning we had group activities in the afternoons that included going into the forest and making environmental art from found materials and a trip up the river to swim and then drinks around the campfire. The children went off and did their own things whilst the parents spent time in reflection. We laughed, we cried, we baked apple crumble and drank tea. It is the place in the world where I feel most able to be me, where all our ideals and values are the norm. It's also a challenging place to be but it's the place where I feel most alive.

Thatchers Child

2008-10-21T07:46:00.004+01:00

I am what sociologists have come to call a child of the Thatcher Generation. I grew up being told I could have it all - career, possessions, wealth, children. What's more I was told that I could have it on my terms. For a while I lived that life. I was suited and booted in designer labels, made up and coiffed accompanied by expensive accessories. I spent Christmas's in St Moritz and summers on Lake Como. I had access to a private plane for trips to Paris and Milan. I have eaten at some of the most renowned restaurants and stayed at the most spectacular of hotels. I attended glitzy charity events and more than the occaisional film premier.

For those of you who know me now - yes it's true for a while that really was my life.

There are reminders now - at the back of my wardrobe there lurks a Prada bag and a pair of Chanel killer heels.

I've been thinking about my previous life for the past couple of days.

This weekend Dalesboy was part of a recital for outstanding young muscians - he played for almost 30 minutes solo - it was amazing.

Afterwards as I stood talking with one of the organisers I suddenly realised that I was being treated like the poor relation. I had been listening to a lively conversation between her and some other parents earlier and was intrigued so was looking forward to a similar chat. I found she was not so patiently explaining some of the classical music to me as if to a child - amusing as my favourite radio station is Classic FM. There were references to a conservatoire in Paris which she apologised for and then explained just what one is and tried to 'dumb down' Paris.

For a moment I wanted to stop time and show her the sum of my experiences. Put on all my old airs and graces, speak with the posh voice and drop names until she was buried under them. I wanted to tell her (teacher at a private school) which boarding school I went to and where I was 'finished'.

Instead I thanked her for her skills in organising the event and walked to my beautiful old car, drove to my rented house in the middle of nowhere, toasted home made bread to have with home made jam and spent the evening knitting socks and listening to Sibelius.

This post started out as one on living a simple life and turned into something completley different. I don't for a moment wish for my old life and yet I am irritated by how I felt and the fact that my fingers have typed this when I wanted to be all mindful about simplicity - what's that about?

Seasonal Gifts

2008-10-20T08:48:00.002+01:00

I love Autumn. It is absolutely my favourite season.

I love the way the weather changes and the way the light is different.

I love the colours of the trees and the way the leaves let go to allow the tree to store energy and prepare for new growth next spring.

I love sweeping my path with a hazel broom.

I love dark nights by the fire with my knitting. I love wearing my knitting and being all snuggly.

I love roast dinners and casseroles with hot sticky puddings.

I love pots of coffee with home made biscuits for elevenses.

I've been poorly. In the past 5 weeks I've had two colds (one I think may have been closer to the flu), a chest infection, a cough and my asthma has made it challenging to talk, move and of course breath. I've been off work and slept a lot. I've managed to knit and read books. I've not been out of the house much.

Last weekend as I walked into a petrol station I had a horrible coughing fit. The beautiful, serene and wise young woman behind the counter gave me a huge nurturing and understanding smile and said:

"I see you are blessed with a seasonal gift"

Thingmas

2008-10-08T20:03:00.000+01:00

About this time of year many people who knit or embroider start to turn their crafty fingers toward Thingmas (you know the big Christian holiday that takes place in December).

On the internet most of the forums I chat on talk has already turned to what they are going to be knitting for whom or whether that stocking they are embroidering will get finished for this year or next.

There are ornament exchanges, swaps and advent exchanges. All over the world friends who have often never met in real life are making gifts for others.

This is on top of the usual gift preparation, house decorating, shopping, cooking, baking etc that they will be doing.

I think it’s a wonderful expression of friendship, of family, of community but it also makes me sad.

Sad that so many of us can’t pace ourselves, sad that so many of my friends run themselves ragged, sleep less, spend more than they can afford, argue with their family and have such high expectations. Sad that their gift to another comes with expectations. Expectations of what they are going to receive in return.

So whatever your choice please do it wisely, with no guilt or anxiety and no expectation. Enjoy every minute of every day for the right reasons – whatever they may be.

T'was a perfect day

2008-09-21T20:06:00.007+01:00

At 8.30 this morning I waved the boys off to a football match - father/son bonding so I stay at home.

Leek and Potato soup was bubbling on the stove and water, yeast and honey was performing some kind of alchemy in the pot and a load of laundry was drying on the line.

I went up to my study - which I had spent over four hours tidying last weekend - it looks good!!! I wrote a blog post about beachcombing, checked my emails and hung out on Ravelry for a wee while.

Returning to the kitchen I turned the now frothy yeast potion into dough for Foccacia bread. I must say a great big thank you to Green Twins Mummy and her fantastic blog - In Search of a Simple Life. She writes a fantastic blog - go read it - she recently recommended a receipe book - Apples for Jam - so far everything I've cooked from it has been amazing, loved by the whole family and real adventure with good family meals.

Whilst the bread was proving for an hour and a half I went and wrote an essay - well actually I fine tuned an essay - sorted out the references and added a few poignent paragraphs. Phew it's ready to send off for marking - it's only taken almost two years!!!

A pot of Tangerine Sage tea and a good book joined me in the garden - where I had a bolt of inspiration for a presentation I have to do - YAY.

Then this happened...............

......for some reason the inner door of my oven decided to explode. Dalesman cleaned it out and it cooked the bread perfectly. Lunch was yummy.

A lovely couple of hours sat on the sofa watching fantasy drama on the TV whilst knitting on Lady Eleanor - I'm really please with how she's looking. I've set myself a target - two tiers a day and I should finish it in a fortnight - just in time for the cooler weather.

It's been a lovely September day and we decided to build a fire this evening to burn some wood offcuts (did you know Dalesman is a Carpenter).

We sat around the fire singing songs and chatting. Some times perfection takes a little work but it was so worth it.

Beachcombing

2008-09-21T09:15:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was a beautiful September day - the sun shone and there was a gentle breeze - glorious.

We abandoned the Dale and drove to the coast for the afternoon. We expected it to be really busy - it wasn't. There were a few families enjoying the weather - children playing in the waves, dads trying to sleep and mothers sat watching.

I stood for ages looking at these beautiful beach huts -

Apparently there are 48 and they are so cute. Some people had personalised the inside with lovely curtains, shelves and crockery. We were walking past at supper time and there were bbqs, sleeping babies, grandmothers reading and wet towels drying. I would love one of these. There are three tiers and the ones at the top had more grass outside and caught the evening sun - fantastic.

We carried on walking around the bay - Dalesboy wanted to go off exploring the rock pools so he went one way and Dalesman and I walked along the front chatting and keeping a parental eye on the explorer.

Slowly we meandered around the front and then decided to head back and get an ice cream. As we reached the point where we had left the beach I realised the tide had come in so much that the rock pools were now cut off. Rethinking my hatred of mobile phones I quickly phoned Dalesboy and suggested that he make his way back - NOW.

I couldn't see him from where I was but decided to stay calm - he's a resourceful chap and I was sure he would be fine. Dalesman walked back along the front to keep an eye on him. I sat down on the steps to the now submerged beach and took out the knitting. I find it impossible to panic when I'm turning the heel on a sock.

I really wish I'd remembered to take my camera as eventually walking around the corner of the sea wall along a narrow ledge came a pretty teenage girl followed by Dalesboy - safe and sound. Apparently they had been the only two people on the rock pools and Dalesboy had 'helped' her to safety.

Dalesboy wants to go beach combing next weekend - I can't think why?

One more sleep

2008-09-05T07:03:00.003+01:00

The day is nearly here - tomorrow morning at 7.30am I'll be meeting my friends at the train station to get on the train to London. (1st class!!!!)

Tomorrow is IKnits day. Tomorrow the Yarn Harlot is giving her first talk in the UK.

Tomorrow I'm shopping, laughing and having fun.

My bag is packed.......

............with lots of space to put my shopping.

Reflections on Motherhood

2008-08-26T16:51:00.006+01:00

This morning I read my friend Kelly's blog and all day I’ve been thinking about Motherhood and what it means to me.

I remember the day I became a Mother – my son was 3 years old. I walked down the garden path after a stressful day at work pursing my career and as I did so a thick fog lifted and I walked into the house as a Mother.

I don’t know what caused the shift or why it took 3 years after my son was born. I do know that for some people it happens shortly after their baby is born, for some many years later and for some not at all – even when their own children are parents they still don’t embrace the role of Mother. I don’t even think you have to have children to be a good Mother. I have friends who don’t have children who have the same attributes as many Mothers I know.

I also know that we all do it differently and it is so easy to judge each other, criticise and be unsupportive.

As a Mother I………..

Feed and water
Clothe and bathe
Kiss and cuddle
Worry and fret
Laugh and cry
Shout and scream
Set rules and boundaries
Choose my battles
Always love even when I don’t always like
Am vulnerable and anxious
Provide shelter and warmth

So Kelly you’re a great Mother – we all are – and if I ever doubt it I just have to take a look at the results of my mothering……….

A six inch hoop

2008-08-25T10:40:00.006+01:00

During week one of my holiday I stitched a small project. It was a rainy afternoon and it was wonderful to sit in the tent listening to the rain.

When I'm at home I stitch using a Lowery Stand and a wooden frame.

I have a tendency to stitch large projects so this combination works for me. However for some reason Dalesman said I couldn't take the stand/frame combination and was 'allowed' one bag!!!!!

Bestest stitchy friend Colly who does some beautiful work only ever uses a six inch hoop as does Athalie and some other good needlewomen I know!!!!! I have always resisted this option as I wasn't sure that I would be able to do it.

There I was sat in the tent with a six inch hoop and a little piece of stitching. I threaded the needle, adjusted the head torch and consulted the chart.

Three hours later the piece was finished, it had stopped raining and I had had a lovely afternoon. I normally stitch using both hands so it felt strange to be holding the hoop with the left hand and only use the right hand for stitching. My tension was different but consistent so that was OK.

I can't really imagine using a six inch hoop for everything but I will definitely add it to the stitching bag.

I'm going to be working on Pretty in Pink...........

.........for the next 10 years and when I next pick it up I'm going to try the hoop instead of the sit on frame that I have been using when working on it. The good news for me is that if this works I can stitch in bed!!!!!

Maybe I should listen to my friends more often.............

Back

2008-08-24T10:19:00.007+01:00

Back to a real bed
Back to four walls that don't move in the wind
Back to electricity
Back to indoor plumbing
Back to Stuff

Week one of this year's holiday was spent in a tent at the very north of Scotland. We were a 2 minute (if that) walk from the beach. The weather was kind - beautifully sunny most days.

Normally I over plan our family trips knowing exactly what, where, when and how and I fret if we don't run to (my) schedule. This year I tried something new - no planning.

We left home at 5pm on a Friday evening for a 500 mile journey. We had no bed booked for the night - we had no campsite booked for the week. Actually that's not as foolhardy as it sounds. The campsite at which we wanted to stay doesn't take bookings and is really a caravan site with four tent pitches. So I crossed my fingers and toes that it would be OK.

The journey was long and by about 11pm we were tired, cramped, hungry and really wanted a bed. However, there was no room at the Travel Inn, Premier Lodge or Thistle Hotel (Perth Highland Games).

We pressed on to Inverness and ended up spending a couple of hours trying to sleep in the car park of a full hotel. Able to sleep no longer Dalesman drove onward and upward. There isn't much after Inverness - but it was very early in the morning and the roads were empty. Sleeping in the car for another couple of hours left us grumpy and achey. It was worth it when we arrived at the campsite of choice and got a pitch!!!!!!!

Armed with Rough Guide to Scotland, Cool Camping - Scotland and the relevant OS map we had some great adventures.

There were fantastic forest walks, a sand sculpture competition, surfing, a tea shop where I got to talk about spinning and washing fleece and sign the visitors book with a Get Knitted pen (theirs not mine). We walked to the most northerly point of mainland Britain (not John O'Groats) Dunnet Head.

The weather was gloriously sunny and we had some amazing bedtime walks along the beach.....

The one day it rained I sat in the tent all cosy listening to the rain and stitching on a small project I'd taken with me - it was actually perfect. Even though we were in the middle of nowhere I managed to find a wonderful needlework/quilting/knitting shop just 10 minutes from the campsite - what could be more perfect!!!!

I managed to do a wee bit of knitting each day also - see the bag a Namaste Laguana the perfect vacation project bag - especially when Dalesman said I could only take ONE bag with me!!!

So that was week one - for week two we drove 3 hours south to the Findhorn Foundation..........but that's another blog entry.

Gone Camping

2008-08-07T21:19:00.003+01:00

It's a secret

2008-07-31T07:02:00.004+01:00

I'd really like to share some of the wonderful things I'm creating at the moment.

There's a gorgeous piece of knitting, it's in a really beautiful colour with the most fantastic yarn. It's almost done and is going to look amazing.

Then there's a piece of needlework. It's a fun stitch - really cute.

However, there's a catch - they are both secret projects.

One of the great things about being part of an internet community is that there are frequent opportunities to create things for other people. The bad thing is that while you are creating them you can't talk about them cos they are a secret.

Sometimes the person will know they are getting a gift but not know what it is or who it will be from. The piece of knitting is part of the the Summer Swap on the At Home in Harrogate. We will be exchanging gifts in September and until then I must knit in Secret.

I am able to tell you even less about the piece of needlework - that is so secret I may have to turn the 'puter off while I stitch - just in case you can see it!!!!

What I can share with you is the progress on The November Topaz Fairie by Mirabilia

I had a terrible shock at the weekend. I had ordered the beads for this piece from my local needlework shop. The bill was £56.00!!!!! I am sure she will be stunningly beautiful and that the beads will add a whole new dimension to the piece of work. However, I am so pleased that my Husband doesn't read my blog. Son if you're reading this please remember sometimes a Secret is a good thing (see above).

Once upon a time there were two friends....

2008-07-26T23:49:00.014+01:00

......bestest stitching friends they shopped for stash together, planned projects together and laughed till they cried together.

One day Colly decided to visit Samantha and bring lots of stitching with her. On the day Colly came to visit the village that Samantha lived in was celebrating Summer by hosting a Village Show.

People came from far and wide to enter vegetables, flowers, breads, scones, jams, sponge cakes, knitting and embroidery into the exhibition.

Colly and Samantha chose some of their favourite pieces of stitching and took them down to the large marquee.

It was a hot, hot day in July when Colly and Samantha nervously entered the Marquee to see what the judges thought of their work. The two friends walked towards the table each hoping the other had won a prize.

As they approached Samantha saw a yellow ticket by Colly's stunning piece of Hardanger.............

Samantha's bell pull was proudly sporting a blue ticket......

And then they saw a pink ticket by Colly's beautiful sampler ............

A masterpiece by Colly.

The two friends hugged each other happy that they had both won a prize. Later that day when Samantha and Colly's lover Richard went down to collect the prize money (£4.50 to share) there was a surprise.

The Mrs S B Ward Cup, for best embroidery, knitting or sewing in Show was awarded to Mrs C Robinson of Nottingham, England............

Colly was so excited as it was the first time she had won a cup and Samantha was happy because the name of her bestest stitchy friend was going to be next to hers.

The two friends decided that every year they would both enter stitching into the Birstwith Village Show...........................in fact I've got to go and work on my entry for next year!!!!!

UFO Night - Week 2

2008-07-24T06:27:00.005+01:00

Last night was the second week of UFO night hosted by Moll on A Crafty Natter.

I pulled out Alpine Seasons and the universe arranged for both DH and DS to be out all evening.

My aim was to place a ring of single cross stitch in the correct postion. The ring has four diagonal rows in one colour and four straight ones in another.

I was starting each row by checking placement against one of the rhodes stitches in the body of the work.

I have a version of the pattern that had been released monthly - this is part 4 & 5. I also bought a version of the pattern as a whole when Martina released it a couple of years after the online class finished (it has been a UFO for a long time!!!!).

I used a combination of those two pattern to cross reference positioning - I knew it would take a while but I really wanted to get this spot on.

Three hours later I was almost in tears. Sometimes it just doesn't go right does it? No matter how many times I tried I would get one row positioned spot on then work the next two - check the position and I would be way off!!!! The more I checked against the patterns the worse it got.

Can you guess where this is going?

The patterns are different - the earlier version has 30 stitches on the diagonal and the newer one 34!!!! I was counting from the earlier version as it's on paper and a good size, the newer version is on the computer. As I stared in disbelief at the patterns I did some counting on the piece and that was it - those four stitches on each diagonal were having an interesting effect on the positioning of the straights.

I guess that's why they call it counted embroidery.

The Internet

2008-07-23T17:30:00.000+01:00

Have I mentioned the internet recently? I spent a LOT of time on the internet - I've not timed it but it must be 3 to 4 hours a day - off and on whilst I'm doing other things.

Yesterday looked something like this:

6.30am Check a Crafty Natter forum, Ravelry, Mirabilia Stitchers forums

9.00am Check a Crafty Natter
Read some blogs
Order some stash pressies from Jaynes Attic for the Advent Exchange

12noon Check Yahoo Groups - Châtelaine Designs - Celtic Mystery and Design Support Group
Check Ravelry
Spend some time on the Châtelaine Designs YUKU group deciding if I'm going to do the next Christmas Mystery and sign up for the Online Class number 25
Check a Crafty Natter

2pmish Read some blogs
Check a Crafty Natter
Order a chart online from the Silver Needle
Check out The Gift of Stitching Yahoo Group

5pm Check a Crafty Natter
Try to source some threads for the BAP that is the embroidered bag project (I will share soon I promise)
Update my blog
Check Ravelry
Check the Silver Needle again to see if they've uploaded their What's New page today
Read some more blogs

9pm Check a Crafty Natter
Start looking for fabric for the Celtic Mystery have a look at Silkweaver - I love their fabric
Try and choose a Biscornu from the Gift of Stitching Biscornu issue

10pm Check a Crafty Natter
Turn off the computer

In addition I've checked what motorbike Steve McQueen rode in the Great Escape, booked a campsite in Thurso, Scotland, checked my bank account and sourced some stairs for a loft extension that DH is building.

I've never analysed my computer use before and I can't decide if it's good or bad. I read and type quickly so although I've done a lot I've done it efficiently and quickly. I love the internet - I've made some excellent friends, done some really exciting things and discovered some of my favourite designers.

I love the way Martina Weber of Châtelaine designs uses the internet to release her patterns. I love the way the Silver Needle features it's products and inspires me to try new and challenging things. I've only recently found Papillion Creations - I love that the world is literally at my fingertips.

Moosie

2008-07-22T07:19:00.007+01:00

It always amazes me when I realise all over the globe there are individual cratfspeople making unique handcrafted things.

.......the embroiderers are stitching heirlooms
.......the knitters are creating with sticks and string
.......the lace makers are weaving intricate webs of thread
.......the photographers are capturing memories
.......the woodworkers are sculpting with nature
.......the painters are inspired by colour

The beauty of these things created is often a joy to behold and demand for them can be huge.

Almost three years ago while hanging out on the Internet I discovered the Moosie Spindle. Made by Jonathan Bosworth out of the antlers of Moose there is a waiting list as only a few are made each year. This summer has been exciting because it was the turn of the herd my Moosie belonged to.

When you order from the Journeys Wheel you don't just click buy and pay your money. The whole experience is almost magical. Sheila has a most wonderful way with words and a fantastic imagination - every email I received was a treasure. Choosing my spindle from those created this year and requesting the custom made shaft was simple and fun. Waiting for my Moosie to cross the pond was exciting................................

It spins like a dream - balanced and steady it goes forever. I've never met a Moose but I think they are solid, stable creatures who get on with life in a steadfast way - that's exactly what this spindle feels like to spin with.

I love the way it's got marks on it from adventures past - to me this looks like teeth marks - some small animal nibbling on the antlers................

It came with a wee bit of pink sparky roving to keep it happy on the journey - I think I need more to keep it happy on our forthcoming holiday.

About Me

2008-07-20T10:34:00.004+01:00

What do you say?

I'm taking part in an Advent Exchange on one of the forums I chat on - 24 small pressies and one bigger one. I have a partner....ssshhhhh it's a secret and I hope a partner has me!!!

To make it easier for our partners we have been asked to have a wish list - that's easy - but also to do an About Me post - likes, dislikes etc. I'm finding it quite hard.

What do you say about yourself -

"Hi I'm Samantha and I like children, puppies and hope to achieve world peace"

or the more realistic

"arrrghhh what.....er........in a minute....................yes it's lovely........................where did I put it............chocolate, wine, cake and snogging.........."

There are the basics - I like natural, earthy tones. I don't do cute, Disney or cartoons in general. I love accessories, notions and bits and bobs in general. I knit, stitch, make bobbin lace like reading and folk music. Please don't send chocolate/food with nuts in cos DS has a nut allergy so no nuts in our house - and yes I have heard all the jokes prompted by that statement.

Or do I get more philosophical - as I look towards 40 I realise that life is about simplicity, nurturing and enjoyment. Being a mother and a wife is the most fulfilling thing I have ever done and it defines who I am. I have a very strong spiritual/moral/ethical compass and don't appreciate 'cruel' humour, violence or nastiness of any type. I live one moment at a time - now - not in the past or in the future. I'm not a complicated person - what you see is what you get.

Actually I think what I might say is:

Dear Advent Exchange partner - thank you very much for taking the time and trouble to think of me and my likes and dislikes. Could I ask that at least 4 of my presents aren't sent to me but to a charity of your choice. I'm sure I'll love every one of my gifts because you have chosen them (but I may like the chocolate ones best of all).

Can you believe I'm thinking about Christmas in July?!?!?!?!?!?!

It's taken a while

2008-07-18T20:00:00.006+01:00

I started this piece of bobbin lace 18 months ago.......

It's been the hardest piece I've ever done and I'm really proud of it. I'm working towards the intermediate lace guild assessment and I've still really a long way to go before my portfolio is ready - at least a year.

Every Thursday evening I have a 2 hour lesson - well it's more of a chat, cup of tea and a lesson.
I really enjoy the challenge of making lace - although it's easier that you might think it's can still be quite challenging. I don't need to spend much money either. Bobbins can be expensive if you want them to be but once you're set up with a pillow and bobbins there isn't much else to get. Each year there are several lace fairs and I'm lucky enough to live close to two. Anything I need I can get there - patterns, threads odds and ends.

It's so sad that since the introduction of machine lace there really isn't any need to make lace - but then when has need had anything to do with it. Cross stitch, knitting, quilting always seem to have times when they are really popular - lace making just doesn't seem to get that popularity.

If you've ever thought you'd like to have a go - see if you can find a teacher nearby and try it. In about 20 years I think there will be very few people making bobbin lace and that would be a great shame.

UFO Night

2008-07-15T07:11:00.008+01:00

Thanks to Moll on A Crafty Natter I now have the motivation and inspiration to pick up those unfinished objects and give them a few hours attention each week. From now on Wednesday night is UFO Night. My choice for this week is Alpine Seasons. This piece has had an interesting history since I started it a couple of years ago and it is already full of memories - both good and bad.

At the start of UFO Night it looked like this.......

I'm working on the wildflowers around the edge.

The wildflowers are stunning but they are a real challenge - placing them is difficult, choosing the right thread/colour to use is a challenge and some of the effects are hard work. But I am so proud when I look at them. I think they have been one of the hardest things I have stitched for a long time.

At the end of UFO Night it looked like this............

I got enormous satisfaction that despite the challenge, or perhaps because of it when I got to the beginning I was at exactly the right place, not a hole off, not a stitch too high but EXACTLY where I was supposed to be.

I really enjoyed UFO Night. Across the world my friends who I've met on the internet are sat in their homes working on those pieces that they find challenging, boring, sad - the ones that stitching forgot. I'm looking forward to next week already.

Friends

2008-07-14T21:07:00.004+01:00

This evening I am sitting in my stitching nest working on Mirabilia November Topaz Fairie. Living in the middle of nowhere high on a hill, I have one neighbour and a lot of cattle and sheep in the fields. It's peaceful and quiet but never lonely.

After dinner I sat down with a cup of tea and went for a chat on A Crafty Natter - got in a practice whipping and had a chat with a Frog and the Norwegian person.

Then the phone rings and it's my bestest stitchy friend Colly asking a question about summer colours for another one of her stunning hardanger designs - I think of the colours of bluebells, pansies and honeysuckle.

I pick up the needle again and the phone rings again - my friend Mel who lives in the next village has a harvest to share do we want some. She popped round 10 minutes later with courgettes, radishes and redcurrants.

A quick pop onto Ravelry for a look at the At Home in Harrogate group to see what my knitting friends are up to.

Time for another cup of tea and a chat with the blog............................like I said never lonely.

2008-07-09T17:17:00.007+01:00

Well I knew that June would be chaotic – I was supposed to be away for three weekends (tutorial, conference and a cancelled camping trip) and the fourth weekend I had plans on the Saturday. In addition I did a second job in the evenings for a couple of weeks.

Phew – it’s taken me a couple of weeks to recover, get the house back in some sort of order and enjoy some me time. It was very kind of people to check I was OK and yes I’m fine.

I’ve been making progress on the Lady Eleanor Shawl which has become my take everywhere project and is a pleasure to work on.

I know there are some of you out there that may find the next section unpalatable – I make no apologies. I am proud and will not be ashamed. As well as being a knitter I do embroidery. Those of you who have been hanging around here for a while will know that originally that was the main focus of my attention and it is only more recently that knitting has taken over. Those of a nervous disposition who just ‘don’t get it’ may look away now – for the rest of you………………….

Last year my friend Colly bought me the beautiful November Topaz Fairie. I have never done a Mirabilia design before but she is a beauty and November is my birthday month so it was a wonderful gift.

Two weeks ago just as life was getting back to normal I decided to make a start – this is my progress to date……………………

She is a delight to stitch – the use of shading is subtle but adds a wonderful dimension. The colours are beautiful, charming and simply gorgeous. It’s been a long time since I’ve done a piece of cross stitch with no speciality stitches (about 5 years I think) and I’m really enjoying it.

There are a lot, and I mean a lot (almost £50 worth) of beads on this piece. I’ve got them on special order from the Stitchers Garden in Harrogate. The ones that have arrived are beautiful colours so I know they will really add beauty to the piece.

Unfortunately I have a slight injury at the moment and my right hand looks like this….

It will be fine in a couple of weeks, I’ve got tendonitis from bad computer mouse posture!!!! I’ve found that I can’t knit but can stitch – I stitch using both hands with the frame on a stand so there is very little my right hand (which is at the back of the piece) needs to do. Maybe I could embroider the splint and make it look prettier!!!!

Coming soon………………………………….the BAP that is the Embroidered Village Bag Project.

Thank You

2008-05-30T20:30:00.009+01:00

You guys made me feel so much better. My pity party didn't last long thanks to all the virtual hugs. You may be pleased to hear that today I picked up a parcel......

Can you see that yellow sticker - the round one - bottom right of the parcel. It says Tom Binh!!! It was still a bit of a palaver to get it - an hour trip each way.

I opened it up carefully and this is what I found.....

Removing it from the box and as Sue predicated spent the next couple of hours packing it, and repacking it, and packing it again.

I love the way it is just lounging against the chair - looking all at home. At the moment this is what it looks like inside.

I know it looks a bit of a jumble but its not really. The two zipped pockets, one either side have stuff in them. One site purse, ipod, phone, work id badge. The other side small moleskine notebook, pens and notions bag.

You can see the rather nice small project bag (green) which currently has a No Purl Monkey sock. The bag came with a Stuff it Sack which I can't show you cos it's looking after The Secret - and no the needles you see are not a clue. There is still loads of room in it. The best test will be on Monday when I go to work and pop my lunch in and anything else I feel like taking.

So far so good - I think I like it even more than I thought I would.

If you always do what you've always done

2008-05-28T13:02:00.004+01:00

You'll always get what you've always got

I'm disappointed and frustrated. This is totally self inflicted. I am to blame.

After 40 minutes of reflection on the drive home from the depot without my bag (please do not ask I may cry). I have decided that I will no longer be buying anything from overseas. In fact anything that needs a courier to deliver it does not need to be mine. If I cannot buy it simply from the UK I will not be buying it at all. This is no hardship I do not need anything.

Buying things will not make me a different person.

My lifestyle will not be miraculously changed by owning a new bag/yarn/book.

I said last night at the Nutty Knitters that I am easily influenced cos I always want to be everybody else. I always want to live in someone elses house, drive their car, have their hairstyle etc, etc.

This weeks frustration and feeling of powerlessness is made all the worse because it is tinged with guilt. I really didn't need to buy this bag and I'm humbled by the greed that overtook my purchase.

The need for reflection continues.

So what now

2008-05-27T14:41:00.004+01:00

The delivery driver insists he delivered it on Friday.

I haven't got it.

My neighbour insists that the delivery man drove off with it on Friday.

The tracking office at UPS have asked the driver to call in here to try and sort it out.

Meanwhile I sit and knit..........

...and make mistakes - this entrelac is fun but I keep getting it wrong. Which is why I need to practice before I make a start on Lady Eleanor.

Did I get it

2008-05-24T18:42:00.003+01:00

Well Anne to answer your question yes.......and no. As so often happens there is a tale to tell.

I've spent the week tracking the UPS delivery status of this.....

This is the Swift by Tom Binh. It is a tote/shoulder bag specifically for knitters designed by Tom in collaboration with the readers of Knitty magazine. It features all sorts of nifty things that make it so special for knitters. For a great review and pictures check here It was an impulsive and expensive purchase and I'm really looking forward to using it.

Anyhow the USPS tracking service told me it was to be delivered on Friday. I arrived home at 3.30pm to find a completely blank UPS delivery slip pushed through the door. As there was nothing written on it I had a look around to see if it had been left outside anywhere and when I couldn't find it I rang the UPS people.

I was told it had been delivered at 2.57pm and signed for by Scott. I live in the middle of nowhere and have two neighbours neither of whom are called Scott - although my immediate neighbour is a Scotsman!!!

I wandered over to his garden to see if he had it. Apparently he had been snoozing in his chair when his doorbell went. At the door was the delivery man who asked for me. He was directed to my frontdoor (harder than it sounds) by the friendly Scotsman. A few minutes later out of the corner of his eye my neighbour saw the delivery man wandering back down the drive carrying my parcel. As my neighbour got close the delivery man got in his van and drove off.

I rang UPS back and told them the tale - which they said couldn't have happened because it had been signed for in the name of Scott. Two hours later I got through to their tracking department and the nice man there suggested it may have gone back to the Leeds depot. When I asked him if this was definitely the case he admitted that he didn't know and couldn't find out until Tuesday morning. However, it will probably be delivered on Tuesday.

I'm not going to work on Tuesday, I shall sit in the garden and wait patiently knitting for the potential delivery of my bag.

The problem with the Internet

2008-05-23T16:05:00.001+01:00

is that I spend a lot of time just idlly surfing - following links, discovering new stuff. Every so often I stumble upon something which either catches my imagination or I see something that I fall in love with.

I don't know where I saw the link to this blog somebody had got one of her wonderful project bags. I fell in love with the green/pink one. As I don't speak Norwegian I wasn't sure what was what but decided to post a comment and see if I could order one. Well it worked like a dream (I'm always embarrassed that everyone can manage some english and I can only manage a wee bit of french).

Look what arrived .........

....isn't it lovely? Here it is all packed up with Cranford Mitts ready to go to the pub for the impromptu Nutty Knitters meet up.

It's really well made, I am so impressed by her sewing skills. I used Google Translate on her blog and although it wasn't exactly an exact translation I enjoyed what I could understand.

The trouble with the Internet is that even when I'm trying to be good (remember that Yarn Diet) it is so easy to be tempted. I hardly dare say it but..................

This message was sent to you at the request of TOM BIHN - Portable Culture to notify you that the package information below has been transmitted to UPS. The package(s) may not have actually been placed with UPS for shipment. To verify when and if the shipment was tendered to UPS and its actual transit status, click on the tracking link below or contact TOM BIHN - Portable Culture directly.

Important Delivery Information

Scheduled Delivery: 23-May-2008

Freak Show

2008-05-22T06:43:00.003+01:00

Well that's what it felt like.

Last evening the Nutty Knitters had an impromptu get together - in a pub. We took ourselves down to a lovely pub settled in at a nice table, ordered drinks and got out our knitting.

We were chatting, laughing and probably rather noisy. We shared projects, looked at books, talked about patterns. We talked about life, children and knitting.

One of the girls from the kitchen came out for a quick chat. A knitter herself she came to see what we were doing.

Occasionally my ears would pick up on odd words from the bar staff. The couple on the table next to us were......................well to be polite were interested.

The was an odd situation with a group of 'youngsters' who came and sat at a table next to us for 5 or 10 minutes and then make a rather unpleasant exit.

Yet it was a wonderful evening. I felt as if we were in our knitting bubble and although aware of what was going on around us it really didn't matter. We were far more interested in our shared obsession and growing friendships.

Thanks girls for a great evening.

Summer Swap

2008-05-20T17:48:00.001+01:00

At Home in Harrogate on Ravelry is having a Nutty Knitter Summer Swap:

1 handknit item for your SECRET partner (stash yarn is totally fine)

1 hank of yarn or knitting item that your partner would like (from your stash or bought for them)

1 non-knitting related “End of Summer” item (could be handmade, like cookies, or anything your partner might like and would go with the “end of summer” theme)

We been give our secret partners and are answering random questions on the group about our likes and dislikes. It's a great way to get to know one another better.

We aren't exchanging gifts until September (after the Yarn Harlot trip) so there's plenty of time to knit.

I've decided on the pattern and chosen the yarn. I actually did this before I knew who my partner was knowing that I may have to change my mind if my partner didn't like the colour or the pattern wouldn't be to their taste. Amazingly my partner put the colour I had chosen as her favourite and I know that the pattern is one that she will like - it was obviously meant to be. Although I keep having moments of doubt when I am convinced she will hate it and I try to think of other things I could do.

Despite the doubt the knitting is going well - as there is no hurry I'm savouring the process. For one who spends so much time on Ravelry, who blogs and meets up with the Rav Group regularly it's proving to be very hard not to reveal anything about what I'm doing. I've already checked this post about three times to make sure I haven't said something I shouldn't have.

I would love to post a picture but I'd better not because

Sat Sitting

2008-05-17T14:52:00.002+01:00

The weather here in the UK has been beautiful recently. It's been warm but with a refreshing breeze. At at work during the day I kept the office cool by opening windows first thing and putting the fan on.

When I got home I made a pot of peppermint tea to drink in my favourite mug........

I took it outside with Secret Knitting and sat on Keypa's bench.

My Keypa (granddad) was an engineer who invented things in a Heath Robinson kind of way. One day he found two iron ends of a bench abandoned in a coppice at the back of our house. They were rusty and unloved and he cleaned them up and painted them. He then acquired some beautiful wood and assembled this bench.

This summer it's time to rub down the ends and give them a lick of pain and treat the wood. He died many, many years ago (about 16 I think) and I love that when I sit on this bench I know it was his hands that put it together.

When my Granny left home to live with friends in a nursing home she took this bench with her and we bought the table so she could sit outside her room and have tea. Now the bench and table sit in my garden and on warm days I like to come home from work, drink tea, knit and remember my family.

PS When I was very little my Keypa had retired from his engineering job and was working as a concierge/caretaker at the town hall - he wore a huge ring of keys on his belt and forever after was known as Keypa.

The thing about lace

2008-05-13T19:23:00.001+01:00

I've knit two or three things that use a lace pattern - that is they use yarn overs, k2tog and ssk in various combinations to make strategically placed holes in the knitted fabric.

I also make bobbin lace which uses a combination of twists (or lack of) on a couple of threads to achieve various combinations to make strategically placed holes in a piece of fabric.

In both cases I struggle at the beginning - I just can't see what's supposed to be happening - it looks like a mess of yarn/thread and I get frustrated and rip it out and start again, and again and again.

Then something magical happens - suddenly for no reason at all I can see it..........right in front of my eyes it's there - a pattern. From that point it just gets better and better.

As I knit I understand what the individual stitches are doing and can tell if I'm doing it wrong - my fingers retain the pattern and the lace flows off the needles or bobbins.

That is of course if I'm doing it right - if I'm not it can be frustrating, challenging but somehow it always makes me happy.

Knitting Appreciated

2008-05-11T14:57:00.008+01:00

Today I've finished the Cranford Mitts....

After being stalled for about six weeks I finished mitt one on Thursday evening and Mitt two about half an hour ago (Sunday).

It's an absolutely lovely pattern to knit - really intuitive and uses hardly any yarn. I have plenty of the fyberspates left.......

...as well as almost all of the bitter chocolate merino from the Yarn Yard

This is a good thing as on Friday I took the one finished mitt to work for show and tell. Matilda liked it so much that she asked me to knit her a pair. What was especially exciting about her request was that she didn't expect me to do it for nothing, nor did she want me to put a price on the mitts. Rather wonderfully she instinctively offered to make me something in exchange. Matilda's schooldays were spent at a Steiner School and she is wonderfully creative - I don't know yet what the barter will be but I'm sure it will be wonderful.

Meanwhile I get to knit this pattern twice more - isn't it lovely when your knitting is appreciated?

5 rows to go

2008-05-05T11:36:00.003+01:00

In just 5 rows time the Forest Canopy Shawl will be finished ready for blocking.

It's a bank holiday today in the UK so I have nothing to do but knit which is just as well because each row is taking 1/2 an hour. I started at 8am today and it's now 11.30am and I've done 5 rows - I had to stop and feed children, put laundry in etc.

See you later.................................

Last evening

2008-04-30T06:52:00.003+01:00

Tuesdays are designated knitting/spinning evenings at my home. Dalesman and Dalesboy go out to twist and turn at their aikido class and I am home alone.

It's become a bit of a ritual

First of all I put some laundry on and prepare some supper - usually some spelt pasta and homemade pesto. Then I tidy and clean the kitchen. The lounge gets a quick tidy then I put the kettle on and make a pot of peppermint tea. The only light on is the one by my 'nest' and the laptop is sat on top of my workbasket.

I decide what podcasts to listen to. Amongst the choices are: the Archers omnibus, Cast On, Sticks and String, Y Knits, Knit Picks, Faery Knitting.

Finally I decide on which project to knit, click play and I'm off.

Last evening I was sat knitting on a cardigan for a yet to be born knitter. So many of my friends are having babies it's fantastic - keep up the good work girls and boys.

After a couple of hours I realised I was totally relaxed and at peace. There was a huge thunderstorm and I just carried on safe and secure in my 'nest'.

When it was time to go to bed I took Knitting in America with me. I love this book. My copy is getting really tatty cos I read it all the time. Not only are the pieces in it wonderful the stories of knitters across America are truly inspirational.

Finally I fell asleep and had the most wonderful dream about a large complicated knitting project.

By the way I thought I'd share..........................

129 sleeps till we're off to see the Harlot

Yarn Diet - an update

2008-04-27T20:29:00.009+01:00

Well it's been a few weeks now and I've been good - quite often clicking things into my basket at my favourite online shops but then emptied them and gone away.............until today.

As the Forest Canopy Shawl is doing so well it was time to start looking for a shawl pin - as Sue says they are chic.

Well look what I found...........

.....it's at Purlscene and I think it will be perfect on the Shawl. I clicked it into my basket and the kind people at Purlscene came up with a recommendation of something else I might like......how right they are............

"Casbah combines machine washable merino (80%) with a touch of nylon and (ooh!) cashmere (10% each) for a sock yarn that’s hardwearing, yet luxurious"

Well some of that clicked into my basket also and then with total disregard for the Yarn Diet I clicked buy and those gorgeous items are all mine.

I have confessed all to my dear Nutty Knitters over at Ravelry and as Kelly said a diet is not about deprivation and I have already saved lots by not buying things so I'm hopping straight back on the wagon - until Woolfest that is.

Time for an update

2008-04-16T16:37:00.009+01:00

The Forest Canopy Shawl is coming along nicely:

For a while I was worried that I had been too adventurous with the bigger needle size but now I can see it's going to work well. I love the colours - it's so soft and pretty. I don't know when to stop. I'm hoping that I'll just know. I dare not count how many stitches there are - that would just be too scary.

The Cranford Mitts are stalled - I like how they are going - but I've made a mistake that I think I can fudge but I'm not sure..............I need to think about it a bit more.

I've a simple sock on the needles - for out and about. It's in Regia Bamboo and it's really soft. I've used 2.75 dpns instead of 2.50 cos it felt a bit fine and I knit tight. They seem a little too big but time will tell. I'm really enjoying this yarn it's a real pleasure to work with.

I've also something else on the needles...................

......but I can't share just yet.

I've also made a decision on my project for after the Forest Canopy Shawl. I'm going to do Lady Eleanor which appears in Scarf Style. I've decided to do it in Kauni - hopefully in a greenish colourway. However, as I'm on a Yarn Diet until the end of June I can't buy the yarn so I'm going to do a dishcloth so I can understand the concept of entralec as I've never done it before.

This week is Nutty Knitters week, the opportunity to spend an evening with knitting friends has become a fortnightly treat so I know it's going to be a good week.

The Red Needle

2008-04-16T16:33:00.002+01:00

My grandmother and my mother were both knitters.

My grandmother gave up when my grandfather retired and complained about the clicking needles.

My mother taught me to knit on red needles when I was 9 – I knit scarves for Teddy Edward.

My first ‘big’ project was a sleeping bag for my doll. My mother taught me to read a pattern and how to shape by decreasing stitches. As the knitting finished she taught me to sew it together and fix in the zip – it was perfect.

I didn’t see my mother again for five years. I continued to knit and sew – making my own school skirts as my father wouldn’t buy me the fashionable ones I wanted so I made my own. After about five years my mother got in touch – she had found herself a rich man and was living a lifestyle so far removed from my own that it was like watching a film – she was still knitting.

For the next 15 years my mother flitted in and out of my life – with her knitting – complex mohair jumpers and intricate cables. She stopped knitting after flying home on Concorde knitting all the way and managed to get a frozen shoulder.

Two years ago my mother was sorting out her house – clearing out years of buying too much stuff – cloths, shoes, handbags, ornaments. She asked me to look after her knitting bag for a couple of weeks so it didn’t get cleared out with all the junk.

For two years now my Mother has been missing – I don’t know where she is. She did some appalling things before she left and I’m not sure I can ever forgive her for leaving – not this time.

I have never knit cables – last night I thought I'd have a go – I hunted for a cable needle in my things and in my grandmothers sewing box and couldn’t find one. Then I remembered my mothers knitting bag. I got it down from the top of the wardrobe opened it up – right on top was a familiar looking green needle box – opening it I found a couple of cable needles. As I was going to push it back in the bag I saw a flash of red………………………

This is one of the needles I learnt to knit with.

My mother used to take her knitting all over the world..........she always had my first knitting needle with her.

Her knitting bag is back on top of the wardrobe and now I have one of her needles in my knitting bag.

The craft of women

2008-04-13T21:06:00.003+01:00

This weekend I have been away on a tutorial with 11 other women. As well as exploring the physicality of birth (we are studying to be antenatal teachers) we made music, danced and laughed.

As I sat at breakfast waiting for the day to begin I was knitting. This prompted a wonderful conversation and the sharing of memories about knitting, sewing and craft in general. We recognised that creating things is a wonderful way of expressing ourselves. We knit baby jackets, socks and jumpers. Scarves that go on for ever and dishcloths to clean the kitchen. We make quilts to warm our children and touch our souls. We create meals to nourish our families. We create homes within which we nurture all who enter.

We were all creative in some way.

Women create baby's.

Women are creative.

Although I have done very little quilting I shall make a birth quilt. A quilt that I will take with me to tutorials, study days and meetings. It will come with my when I go as a Doula to support women whilst they have their baby. It will be used by me, my friends and colleagues, it will go on the floor as a rug, maybe to cover a window or hide an ugly television. Small children will play on and under it. It will cover me whilst I knit. It will nurture a birthing women and provide warmth to anxious partners.

As I make this quilt I will think of all the ways it might be used and I will visualise all those people this quilt will touch - I will create.

Letter Home

2008-04-05T08:11:00.006+01:00

Dear Mama Spindolyn

I wanted to tell you that I arrived in the UK safely with my new Mama today. She was very welcoming and showed me off to everybody she saw and told them all that I was very beautiful and that I was created lovingly by a special person.

I’ve got a lovely new home. I share the space with a very chatty little spindle and a fun loving bowl of roving. There’s a snooty plant who wont play with me and an anxious vase that is constantly worried about falling over.

Sometimes children run past and touch me wanting to know my name. My new Mama shows me off and occasionally lets them have a go, they’ve a lot to learn.

I know I’m going to be very happy here and spin lots of beautiful fibres. Thank you so much for creating me and sending me off into the world.

Lots of Love

Spindolyn