Getting to Grips with Lace Knitting

Have been doing quite well with my teardrop scarf - I am adding more rows to it so I can wear it more as a wrap. I will try and post some pics of my progress so far a little later. I am really amazed at the beauty and intricacy of lace knitting so following recommendations from my friends on the angel yarns forum I have just bought two new knitting books - the first is Victorian Lace Today - which is beautiful laid out and shows victorian style lace knitting in modern projects. It also the first knitting book that I am actually 'reading'. The second book I was recommended is Heirloom Knitting and whilst I have only had a quick flick through - it looks more like a work book that you can use to help produce your own lace heirloom projects - all in all I am really pleased with my purchases - and its all thanks to the girls at Angel Yarns! Now all I need is a nice stormy afternoon with an old black n white film so I can snuggle on the sofa with hot chocolate and my books!

Just because...

whilst watching the pedigree dogs programme on the Beeb both Gav and myself sat cuddling the boys so just because here are a few pics of my little ole fellas - yep I am totally biased but I think they are my best in shows!!

BBC Pedigree Dogs

I finally managed to watch this last night and I have to say - I was appalled. But morally it puts me in a difficult situation - I have friends who are breeders and I have been involved in rescue volunteering for years and I can honestly see both sides. Most rescuers take a dim view of breeders believing they breed purely for money and vanity and most breeders believe that 'bad breeders' are a minority and most pups bred are loved and wanted and bred for the goodness of the breed. Sadly I think both sides are not wholly correct - Dogs were once 'man's best friend' and my own dogs are like family - their welfare always will come first and not aesthetics. From my volunteering I know that there are many bad breeders who are indeed in it for the money - don't believe me? ? - Take a look at the Many Tears website - it is guaranteed to break your heart. But I also have fallen in love with Bedlington Terriers a breed that thankfully does not come into rescue very often and was thinking about my next dog being a pedigree pup - I have built up my knowledge of the breed and sought out breeders and I believe I have found my ideal breeder - I have seen her dogs in action and would be happy to buy a dog from her in the future - but is that selfish - should I wait and offer a home to a rescue dog who needs me?

Teal Toes from Knit Today

These are now finished and blocking ready to give to my Nan next week for her birthday - hope she likes them!

A Day of Relaxation

Yesterday was a hectic day as we took off to Alton Towers for Thrills n Spills - how exhausting can riding rollercoasters actually be !! Well the answer is very ... and my throat feels rough from trying to be cool and prevent myself from screaming.

So today is one of those rare days dedicated to relaxation ... but first I have to tidy the front room and kitchen, then I have to go fetch the ingredients for the chicken and spinach curry I am making for tea - then I need to walk the boys... then I need to make that curry.

So maybe a day of relaxation is not what it seems... or is it? - the fact that I want to do these things rather than having to do them makes them relaxing, the pleasure I get from cooking something that is enjoyed, seeing the happy trotting of the boys and then being able to start my lace project tonight guilt free knowing that the housework is complete and being able to shut the front door to the world is in itself the perfect way to relax!

Holiday week

Yay - it's holiday week we have both taken the week off to chill and what happens - I get major panic attacks for the past three days - I have found it difficult to sit still, to concentrate or settle and my chest has felt like it would explode - I still feel a little unnerved today - so I dug out my needles and continued knitting socks for my Nan's birthday - I can't believe how after the 20 minutes of knitting I felt calmer and more relaxed and the pressure had lifted from my chest. I don't know whether it is the rhythm of the needles or the focus on something that requires concentration that helped but whatever it was - it worked and gave me a few hours respite from this horrible feeling.

Anyway its Poker night again tonight and the start of the new season - the good news is .... I have made it to the regional finals !!! Gav is in the play off for third place to come with us - I hope he gets there it would be so nice if we both made it this time... well wish me luck!