Knitting mojo is back

For some reason, I did very little knitting in the first few months of this year. Not really sure what I've spent the first half of this year doing (travel! Lots of it - little trips here and there), but I'm glad to say my knitting mojo is back. This never stopped me buying wool though!


There are socks... I've knitted 7 in about 3 weeks - half pairs though, as I was too impatient to see how the Drops Fabel sock wool knitted up! I still can't get over how cheap it was (the current price is still cheap to me; the sale price was incredible and with the pound dropping, it is even a better bargain for us kiwis!).


Do not like this one, so the pair will be gifted to a friend:

Love both of these:

And this is my first sock I've ever knitted with contrasting cuffs, heels and toes and I love them! I used New Zealand Waikiwi (with possum!) for the main bit and some Misti Alpaca left over from another project for the contrast.

Along with a hat and another shawl, I'm currently knitting this Waverly Weekend Cowl.

And there have been an obscene number of peggy squares for blankets for the City Mission (a charity) plus rather a few dishcloths done too...

study is fab for knitting!!

It is GREAT to have a life again and not feel guilty about anything/doing stuff instead of studying....

Dishcloth/mug rug swap partners (finally!)

Ahem! I do have a rather grand pile of dishcloths here... they do need ends sewed in!

I'm a bit late with posting the partners for the dishcloth/mug rug swap.
I'm still tired and have been running around doing school ball (prom) preparation for the eldest; dentist visits, attempting to dry laundry in this wet, wet weather and just generally catch up on things basically after a month's full on exam study.


Here are the partners - please do get in touch with your partner as soon as possible, chat about likes/dislikes/swap addresses etc.


If there are any problems, please contact me at  Kimberley@atkinson.org.nz


Kimberley and Jo


Creative Mama and Mrs A


Kimberley and Linny (lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com)


Jo and Tracy


Mel and Dotty's Daughter


(I've two partners seeing that we had an odd number of participants)

freedom

I sat my university exam today. Afterwards I sat in the car and cried and cried. I think everything that has happened over the past few weeks hit me.
I ran out of time and was still furiously scribbling (notes) at the end.


Then  drove up the road and did some impulse fabric and wool shopping...

We are stunned over England - I have a teenager who is gutted he won't be able to live in England (we have Irish passports). Not sure if I could get in again using my British granddad card. Must say I did not follow the process a lot, but wow, this world is changing! Sometimes being down under is a good thing I guess. A great time to visit the sister-in-law living in England - who knows if she'll be able to legally stay for ever? It will take time to figure everything out.


More later - I need to figure a whole bunch of things out in my life.

sitting

There has been a lot of sitting and thinking and attempting to study this weekend. Not sure anything is actually going in.

But the autumn view is kinda nice and soothing.

sad

RIP Jasmine. Awesome teacher, singer, full of inspiration, centre of attention always, netball coach, youth group worker, softball player. Always read Dr Seuss books/quotes to her class.


“I’m glad we had the times together just to laugh and sing a song, seems like we just got started and then before you know it, the times we had together were gone.”
― Dr. Seuss


23 years young. Way too young and so unfair.


and me...


“When you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

2016 Dishcloth or Mug Rug Swap

It has been a year since  I last held the dishcloth swap, so time for one again. I'm adding in a sewing option too, for those who can not knit or crochet.


Rules -
Knit or crochet a dishcloth OR sew a mug rug. Choose another couple of kitchen items (ie tea towel, cookie cutter/s, baking items, kitchen utensils etc) and something sweet to send to your partner too.
Open worldwide. Please state whether you are happy to post international or not.
Signups by June 26, 2016 by leaving a comment below.
All parcels to be posted by July 24, 2016.
Please make sure I can contact you via your blog.


And please feel free to share via your blog too.




Kimberley xo

It never rains, but it pours!

My mum has been in hospital for a week - they are still doing testing but suspect blood poisoning and a bone infection. Visiting is exhausting then hideous drives home in Auckland traffic that are taking 40-90 minutes.


A young teacher at my school is on life support.


The principal announced he is leaving education.


I'm quite over so much stuff at the moment. And in between everything I am attempting to study, but really can't be faffed with anything. I could even take time off work without pay is how I feel about everything at the moment.


I'm so glad my wool arrived from England today. I needed a wee boost.  One good thing in life. (well it was our 20th wedding anniversary last week - I'll show some pics soon).

the best $12 spent this week!

Life is flat out at the moment with a lot happening. Not enough time to do everything. These two bunches of tulips are making my day - cold weather, but gorgeous sunny days these past few days.