4 months in short

I knew it had been ages since I posted something here, but only today did I realise how long it’d really been. There is a reason, of course, and it’s called time, or lack of. My hands have not been that busy with crafty things because the rest of me (and my hands too, really) have had very little time to dedicate to said things. I also have a new hobby, photography. The reason why it goes unnoticed is because I’m really not that good at it, in spite of my efforts. I’ll get better.

Anyways, over the past 4 months, I’ve finished knitting all the parts of my first jumper which is now sitting patiently waiting for me to put all the pieces together. (no photos of that)

I’ve sewn another clutch for myself, quite a posh one too, to take with me to Ascot (yes, I have been to Ascot, wearing a fascinator and all, oh so very British!). (there is one photo of the clutch, but not very good)

I’ve started a woolly hat. For Christmas last year, I gave my little brother (who’s not so little anymore) a knitted hat (ravelry link). He lost it a few weeks ago and wrote me the saddest email telling me how he wore it all the time and now it was lost. I didn’t really mind he had lost it, things happen after all, but the thought that he wore my hat all the time filled me with happiness. Of course I promised to replace it with one just like it. Turns out that now I’m supposed to knit two, one just like it and another one in grey – I asked which colour he would prefer, now he could pick; simple, he said, you’ll knit both! Yes, I felt proud that he wanted me to knit him two hats a little flattering will take you a long way! (oh, and no photo of the finished lost hat either!)

Judging by the *photo* comment at the end of each paragraph I can safely say my new hobby is in need of some TLC.

P.S. – Truth be told, I must admit it’s been difficult to keep two alter egos going (the Cientista in me is pretty demanding elsewhere) and this one is the one I ignore the most *blush*

red nose day

Today I love this country even more…

another clutch

One more clutch, this time in a vintage woolly fabric my Mum has given me ages ago. This was a friend’s request and I have to admit it’s my best clutch so far… maybe it’s because it has a bit of my Mum’s touch…!

of beginnings and continuation…

January is nearly over and I have only now found something to say from the beach I don’t live in. The Christmas presents below were finished just after Christmas but still in time to be enjoyed by the people I have worked so hard to please. It was a great feeling to see them wearing the things I had made for them – much better than I had imagined, so I intend to do it in future years! Unfortunately, pictures of said items have not yet been taken, but my wee brother will provide them soon… he says!

Time for craftings of any sort is incredibly short at the moment and although my list of wish-to-do is growing by the minute, I’m only slowly concentrating on one scarf from the Christmas aftermaths…! For this year, I have planned two knitted sweaters, two baby booties, and several sewing projects. I’m determined to use more of my stash so I can renew the collection.

I’m not much of a new year’s resolutionS kind of person – I prefer to pick a couple of things to focus on during the year and work on those. This year, I have selected photography has my main topic. I’m determined to learn as much as I can about it and improve my photographs dramatically! Please feel free to opinate and give advice on this over on Flickr

I’m really looking forward to this year! Trying to keep a positive attitude amidst the doom and gloom of world news.

This week I will also be selecting my second Kiva loan – something that I should have done in December – and I know a great struggle awaits… The upside is that Hawa is doing really well and that inspires me to do more!

everything…

and an amazing new year!!!

for Mum

Mum’s very special heat bag for Christmas, with owls for wisdom and red because Mum loves red (and owls!).

heat bags – WIP

In preparation for Xmas…

Mum and Dad – WIP

Mum and Dad’s Xmas presents are on the needles… Socks! The dreaded present (usually from old aunts) will this year come from their beloved daughter! The socks are part of a nice but small pack of other handmade or custom made things! I hope they like it (and I sincerely hope they fit)!

local is better

A while ago I started thinking about how good it would be to buy all my vegetables and fruit from local farmers. This would certainly diminish my carbon foot print, but it would also make me more creative in the kitchen, as you end up only having in season produce. A bit of research and I discovered Abel and Cole. Now, Abel and Cole are not local to Oxford, but they source all the veggies and fruit (and meat, if you so wish) they deliver to me within Oxfordshire. They do the same for any other area they deliver to. At the time of my research, I did come across local farms that provide a similar service, but Abel and Cole had a huge advantage over them – they allow you to pick a couple of things you hate and that should never come with your order! Now, I hate leeks, truly can’t stand it, not even in soup; those of you in the UK will know how popular this vegetal is around here and every farm seems to have it in their veggie boxes – it just so happens it’s in season. So, all things considered, I went with Abel and Cole.. My very first box arrived last Tuesday – delicious vegetables and fruit that I’ve had the pleasure to be cooking with for the past week; inside the box, you can also find a few recipes (I love this bonus!). Now you think, all good! BUt it gets better – Friday I get a call from Abel and Cole checking I was pleased with the service, if all the items were in good condition, if the box had been dropped off at the right place (you don’t need to be home to colect it!), if there was anything else I wanted, to inform me I would be receiving a free box after 3 weeks of consecutive orders…! I felt so very old-fashioned for loving this extra care in customer service, but I truly did love the attention! Yes, Abel and Cole, there is something else I want – that all customer service is like yours! Thank you!

of needles and trekking

This sock is the first to be finished (no photos of the accomplishment yet!), from the pattern by Rosa Pomar, with Trekking XXL 147 bought here. Although the pattern is very clear and I would recommend it to all Portuguese speakers, I still ended up with 2 tiny holes on the heel (need to perfect my technique) and I’m sure the toe wasn’t supposed to be done like I’ve done it (I’m under the impression I cheated a bit!, but can’t see where I messed up). In any case, it looks lovely (photo later).

It is addictive, I tell you! And now I’m facing such a hard dilemma – explore other patterns! Doesn’t seem like a dilemma at all, I know, but if you consider it takes me ages to finish one sock… I’ll have to wait at least 2 weeks before being able to explore and see the results of a new pattern! So I’m thinking that maybe letting this sock be an only child for a bit is not so bad… or is it? Needles, I need more needles of the same size, so I can have at least 2 patterns going on at the same time!