Louvre

wings
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

My fourth visit to Paris and I finally made it to the Louvre. This is an achievement as I have previously completely by passed the wealth of art on offer in the city of light. Although there was the one time where I decided I really should see a gallery and arrived at the Musee d’Orsay at closing time, convinced them to let me in and passed by the amazing Rodin sculptures at breakneck speed. But I don’t think it really counts as art appreciation.

Of course once I got over the overwhelmingness of such a massive gallery and got through the doors I was wondering why I hadn’t been before. We started with the Sully wing which wasn’t very crowded or intimidating. Mostly concerned with the Egyptian collection – I found it possibly one of the best “non-painting” collections I’ve seen. Every piece was stunning and the creativity of those ancients just so cool.


majestic lions
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

I was impressed by the scale of the room of Big Art (ok so I can’t remember who the painter is…details details).


big art
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

We weren’t planning on seeing the Mona Lisa due to Smithy’s impatience with crowds and my sheer laziness but reflecting that it had taken four visits to get to the Louvre at all, I thought we should seize the moment. It is small, it is surrounded by heaving hoards of tourists but it is well worth a peek. There’s definitely something compelling about it.

Paris on the Eurostar

I booked myself onto an earlier Eurostar than planned on Friday and skived off from the office with a little bubble of excitement fizzing inside. Over the fence….under the walll….freeeee!!

The Eurostar is a great way to go. A short tube from the office, no queues (not at that time of the afternoon anyway) and sitting on the train with my magazines and knitting in no time. The 16:10 from Waterloo is definitely the family service – lots of kids and what I figured were expat families with Dad in his suit intentlylooking at his blackberry and Mum juggling stroller, drinks and kids.

Walking down the carriage to buy my mini vin rouge and brie baguette I was struck by the amount of technology being used. I counted 7 people in one carriage watching DVDs on their laptops, every second person texting and all the kids glued to little games thingies. The majority of people only taking their ipod earplugs out just long enough to answer their phones.

And yes, I was the only person knitting. And sans iPod. No street cred whatsoever.

Smithy met me at Gare du Nord and we swung by the hotel before going to Boeuf Sur Le Toit for dinner. Art Deco, delicious, definitely touristy but in an enjoyable way. The table of English rugby fans nearby obviously had a few Welsh among them judging by the quality of the singing that struck up around midnight. I think they got away with quite a few numbers only because they were actually quite good but the suave maitre’d stepped in when the volume became roof raising.

dreams

The last three days I have looked out the window beside my desk and watched little flurries of snow float down. Its bloody cold but we’ve also finally had some patches of blue sky to lift the spirits.

Last night I had a dream that I had a big cardboard box full of pets delivered to my flat. One of the pets was a lovely black Labrador. No surprises there – I’ve been wanting one for a long time. One of the other animals was a really cute baby elephant.

I told one of the girls about my dream and by the end of the day half the office were sending me pictures of cute animals. That’s the kind of place I work. Random.

projects projects

I am working on a couple of projects at the moment that I’m quite excited about. Since the beginning of the year I have been concentrating on finishing/starting projects that I have the makings for already on the basis that home buying and wedding in a year could work out quite hard on the budget. I’m working on a quilting project that I started about two years ago and is coming along very nicely. But I can’t say any more at the moment as its for a gift. There is another quilt that I started before that one which I’ll probably keep as a) it’s the first quilt I started and b) it’s a sampler and its bloody fiddly so I don’t think I’ll be able to give it away. Then there’s a few little knitting projects – some really cute booties and a scarf.

But the project I’m enjoying the most is the one I went out recently bought yarn for in a fit of comfort buying at Liberty last Friday. I’m making a little cardie (Erica Knight pattern) in Rowan’s summer tweed. Its really nice – smooth, fast and colourful.

yum yum

First I discovered blogs – initially as a great way of filling in time in boring temp jobs while looking intensely busy. It was only after I started LSF that I started really appreciating the inspiration and creativity involved. Recently I’ve discovered del.icio.us really which I had known about this when doing my masters and keeping track of tons of websites and sources. But not only is this site great for keeping track of favourites – it can keep you occupied for hours discovering new sites. Which is how I came across this great article 50 Strategies For Making Yourself Work (boy do I need this at the moment). I notice they already have “ban yourself from web surfing” as a suggestion (how???!!!) but really should add sub-clause “especially de-licio.us". But then I never would have found this article. A tricky dilemma.

My mind is full to the brim with thoughts, ideas and to-dos at the moment. Its all going on here – house buying (in London – not for the fainthearted), wedding planning (in Australia, from London…also quite challenging), re-assessing job career opportunities (self reflection and CV – ugghh!) while trying to keep up with the day to day and make time for those things that inspire and uplift.

My new year’s resolution of being more sociable has been more successful that expected. I’m hardly a social butterfly yet but am at least leaving the house and actually seeing people on weekends now which wasn’t happening (without the use of implements to prise me out the door) at the end of last year. This weekend we went out BOTH nights – 30th birthday drinks for the lovely Beth on Friday and a couple-y dinner at Bam-bou (quite flash - food nice but not sensational) on Saturday.

I’m still not quite up to coping with much on School nights. Although last week I went on one of the famous London Walks with Pauline. It was really great but they made a tactical mistake including so many pub stops in the walk and we didn’t quite make it out of the second one in the gorgeous Leadenhall Markets (designed by London city architect Horace Jones in 1881 and more importantly, full of wine bars if you look up to the second floor). Plus it was freezing. Plus there is only so much of a big group of tourists a girl can take on a Thursday evening.

2x2 and the Chinese Man

2x2 and the Chinese Man

I had a surge of craftiness on the weekend and finished off this "Berry Quilt" which was the girl twin prototype. This quilt has New York connections as I bought the stripy border fabric there and if Mary is still reading she will recognise some of the fabric from our swap. I've also included some Kaffe Fasset fabric as its his soft pastels 2x2 quilt from 'Patchwork' that I was attempting to emulate.

I had to scan the web to find some more of the perfect stripe as I had only bought a small amount and managed to track it down...from the moda wuthering heights collection. I ended up using other fabrics from the collection for borders, binding and backing.

The Chinese man sits over looking Steve's coffee corner. He seems to be enjoying his new home since his move from the Cottage.

Berries on the back

Maya Scarf

Maya Scarf
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

About three months of gentle moss stitching along I've finally finished this scarf for my good friend who promises to come to live in London with me. I thought she might be here a bit earlier...but I don't blame her for wanting to avoid January and February weather here. For those observant people you will notice that "finished" is a bit of an overstatement seeing as I have yet to sew in the ends. An ER project for tonight.

I think she reads my blog about once a year so its pretty safe to say she will get the scarf before she sees this.

And as i don't feel complete without a scarf project on the go...I have started my fourth in a row with this lovely yarn from a Secret Pal.

I did try to branch out into something more complicated - some very cute booties - but have come to a halt about halfway throught the pattern. (Debbie "what are you talking about" Bliss strikes again)

Colinette Scarf
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Mostly slow jogging

We finished the run on Saturday in a slow and slightly hungover 1:03:39. Battersea Park was lovely and flat but was getting a bit boring by the third lap. The problem with doing laps is that its very dishartening to be lapped by half the participants. About halfway through the second lap I was having very strong words with myself for the previous night's socialising (why large wines??! so dangerous) but by the end most of the alcohol was sweated out and I felt better than I started. Until I stopped running and every muscle in my legs siezed up. Must get to those yoga classes sometime this decade.

Running, Jogging, Walking

Warning: Shameless Charity Promotion to follow !!!

Just when I thought it was getting warmer - its bloody cold again here -1 tonight. That warm start to the week was such a tease.

But the BBC is promising me its going to be fine on the weekend (for a couple of hours on Saturday anyway) which is lucky as this Saturday Steve and I are doing the 10km Love Run (I didn't make up the name!) in Battersea Park. Calling it a run is definitely ambitious, if I can manage a slow jog for the whole distance I'll be quite amazed.

Its for a good cause -
"Parent Project UKParent Project UK was set up by parents and friends of boys with Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy. DMD causes severe muscle wasting so that without treatment boys will die before they reach 20. It urgently needs funding for new research and to continue its campaign for a cure."
so if you are feeling so inclined you can make a donation at my online site (it goes straight to the charity)
http://www.justgiving.com/stewie

As you can see I've completely left fundraising til the last minute but better late than never. If you don't feel inclined or flush...just send me good vibes around 11am on Sat.

I'm hitting up my work mates tomorrow too just so no one feels left out :)

Sock?!!

Sock?!!
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Or yet another entry where I attempt some knitting and then publicly wonder what the hell is happening and why it just doesn't look right.

I bought this special wool exclusive to Purl in the NYC foray for the challenge from Mary (start blogging again Mary!!) to knit some socks. For the first time.

About three months later on an autumn afternoon in a pub in East London I finally attempted casting on. However the wine was flowing and as my co-ordination and ability to count deteriorated, any hope of casting on using dpns (double pointed needles, aka trying to juggle four little pointy needles in two hands) ultimately failed.

However, my knitting guru came to the rescue and cast on for me (I have a sneaking feeling I shouldn't be admitting to this).

The lonely cast on row then sat on our kitchen table for anther couple of months while I eyed it off nervously.

Recently I took it up again and the ribbed top bit went fine. I then changed to bigger needles as per the pattern. Unfortunately it may have got a little lost in translation between US and UK sized needles as I'm sure that weird bulging isn't really meant to happen.

Time to consult the guru again (and eat pavlova, lamingtons and kangaroo)

Happy Australia Day youse.

Charlie

Charlie
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

I have been meaning to post this photo for awhile. Before Christmas I bought this for myself (based on the "one for you, two for me" christmas shopping methodology) from Fiona at Hop Skip Jump. He is even cuter in person. Fiona has been making such lovely cats and monkeys for sale - check them out...but you have to be very quick!

Its Over...

....The worst day of the year - as greatly publicised in several papers here. I'm still cranky though. Its not Monday any more obviously so now I'm blaming sugar deprivation caused by my attempts to stick to the CSIRO diet (modified version....no way my system can take even half that much meat).

Have been sorely tested recently as according to office tradition if you go away for a holiday you must return bearing sweets, chocolate or other yummy edibles. Unfortunately about 3 people just got back from Australia so there has been incredible tempation with Violet Crumbles, Jaffas, Minties and Twisties taunting me everytime I go to the printer.

I have mostly been able to resist by having Aussie day celebrations at Pauline's to look forward to (she has been preparing) but I would estimate that at least a quarter of a packet of Violet Crumble bites have snuck through.

Warning: A bit of a whinge to follow

I think I’m in the midst of a blogistential crisis. Its started with a growing ambivalence to my blog name…too clunky….not very interesting….definitely not quirky and chosen at a time before I even started with the crafty stuff again. It deepened with feedback that some people don’t really like the “knitting stuff”. Maybe I need two blogs? At the very least a rebrand. I feel like I need a more definite theme (or two). Have any other bloggers had these thoughts?

I would like to have more time to play around with stuff like this but am facing a lot of grown up stuff at the moment. Buying houses, organising weddings and trying to build some kind of a career type job thing (in the face of corporate f**kwittage). I’m supposed to be excited about all this stuff and I am when I think about things one at a time, but when I think about the year as a whole I just want to hide under the doonah/duvet/quilt/all three. But then it is a Monday.

Maybe I should get me one of those life coaches - a personal cheerleader would be good for Mondays. Or maybe I should become one and rake it in bossing people around!!

Holiday roundup

I’m finding it a bit hard to write after so long. I didn’t intentionally take the whole month off blogging but it was kind of nice to have a break. We got back yesterday after two weeks in Australia and am recovering from flight and adjusting to lack of sunshine after a two week overdose of the stuff.

Highlights of an excellent trip were:

• A night of luxury at Shangri-la in Singapore
• Hot weather (damn hot!)
• Sunshine the WHOLE time
• Swimming in the ocean (ok so it was only once and it took me almost all holiday to work up to buying swimmers …but it was a better effort than last year)
• Emma & Finn being born while we were there
• Hanging out at the Resort (aka Mum & Dad’s)
• Lots of catching up with friends
• Dining at Roberto’s
• Bollywood NYE party
• Eating kilos of prawns and mangos (and of course the “great prawn debate” ie the best place and method to procure the Christmas prawns)
  
  We have come back so relaxed that our bus sailed past this morning and we didn’t even think about running for it. Hopefully the feeling will last for a couple of days at least.

Christmas Lunch - Prawn & Avo salad
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Chilling out in Stockholm

Stockholm
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Steve has been working over in Stockholm for the past couple of weeks and I got to go for a visit on the weekend.


Stockholm is rated in the Lonely Planet as one of the most beautiful cities in the word and although it was cold, grey, raining and dark most of the weekend, I could see the potential. It tried to snow most of Saturday but failed miserably. Anyone who knows my aversion to being cold and damp will be impressed by my determination to get out and see the sights in the freezing rain. I did have to stop in at H&M (clothing store originally from Sweden) for gloves and hat to cope. But it was worth it.


Stockholm is small but perfectly formed. Set on a harbour with beautiful grand buildings (I am assuming remaining neutral in WWII has helped in this regard) with different pockets to explore - all easily doable on foot. We meandered through the old town and ended up in the groovy, "bohemian" (as bohemian as an area with about 3 H&M stores can be) Sodermalm district. Wandering around the backstreets we ended up on a hill with a fantastic view overlooking the harbour and main city area.


My radar for ridiculously expensive, not very useful things was immediately alerted by this amazing gallery / shop Konsthantverkarna a collective of artists. I couldn't leave without some of the pottery - was very taken with a plate with impressed roses on the border in a delicate cream glaze. Steve couldn't quite understand the purpose of such an object and I don't think I really got across my vision of serving delicately pastel coloured iced biscuits and cupcakes on it. But I certainly didn't let that stop my buying it. It totally lived up to my preconceptions of gorgeous Scandinavian design style.


We had diner at Stufehof, seafood restaurant and I went for the "local" option of steamed haddock on a bed of egg and prawns. After dinner we attempted to go to the Ice Bar - literally that - a bar made of ice - but its obviously a tourist draw and no go without a booking so we ended up at the Spy Bar. It was empty when we arrived at about 11 which would have bothered me once but now I just appreciate being able to get a drink and have somewhere to stand (I know I sound about 80). But it was gratifyingly packed when we left in the wee hours so was obviously a pretty hip place to be.

Boy Twin done

I finished this quilt - Safari Animals (aka Boy Twin quilt) on the weekend. I’m really happy with how its turned out although I would do bigger patches to give the animals more space next time. It’s a petite 35” x 39” (89 x 99 cm) and the backing is a pale blue Kaffe Fasset fabric – very soft.

I recently discovered “Kaffe Corner” in Liberty and decided to pop in there on the way home on Friday (before going out raging of course) to pick up the backing. Who should I run into but Pauline who was stocking up on Kidsilk for a Very Cute Project. One thing led to another and we ended up at the Champagne and Oyster bar at Selfridges. Pauline has the evidence here (beating my post by daaaays).

The Christmas lights are on and the department store windows in competition for attention. I think Selfridges is trying to be avant guard but I’m not sure. Its not quite the same as the Meyers animated fairly tales of my childhood.

a bit crazy

Work has suddenly got really busy and its seriously cutting into my blogging time and also even crafty time a bit. The work trip to Glasgow was fairly uneventful. Just the usual dry presentations, admin girls snogging IT guys and random liqueurs consumed. Apparently we went through 12 bottles of Bailey's. Odd choice but didn't seem so at the time.

On Sunday I did part one of a travel writing course. I don't have any aspirations to be a travel writer professionally but i thought it might help with this blogging thing. But I have a feeling it will take awhile to have effect (if ever)! It was fun meeting some other people anyway - a couple of photographers who do portraits for mags like Heat. Good gossip.

On top of a busy weekend and work, I am getting the pre-Christmas jitters - too much to do before we go home for a couple of weeks. Gifts to make (buy?), parties (yay), and maybe even a bit of wedding planning (unlikely).

And I just have to add that Smithy has cooked me fantastic dinners three nights in a row now including his famous chicken lasagne (I just have to add that to encourage this type of behaviour).

Manos Scarf

Manos Scarf
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

This is me smiling at the bus stop this morning with my brand new cosy scarf. I had a burst of knitting during Wednesday TV night. Am still persevering with Lost and am totally enthralled with the new BBC "Rome" drama. Don't understand what's going on but it doesn't seem to matter.

Our office is away to Glasgow tomorrow for a company get together and Christmas Party. Giddyup (anyone else think its a bit early?)

Secret Pal 6 Goodies

Secret Pal 6 Goodies
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

This photo taken in winter morning light doesn't do the colours justice. My Secret Pal 6 sent me a lovely package for the weekend. The chocolate truffels are long since gone and I've pretty much read the book cover to cover. Now I just have to decide what to do with this fancy yarn. Start another scarf perhaps?!

Pincusion & Quilt dilemmas

Secret Pal Pincusion
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

I made this little pincushion on the weekend for my secret pal. I was wrapping up her parcel (some luverly goodies) and thought it needed a little something extra. You may recognise the design - I was more than a little inspired by Cassie's at Bella Dia.

This was just a fraction of the craftiness that happened on Saturday - left to my own devices for the whole day I also almost finished Boy Twin quilt top, Manos scarf and started a new scarf (in red – very warming). ie I started more things and didn't finish anything. I got stuck in total indecision paralysis as the Boy Twin top has worked out significantly smaller than Girl Twin. Can such inequality start so early? I think not. Therefore my options are (a) order more fabric and make Boy Twin bigger or (b) make a whole new smaller Girl Twin (and KEEP the current Girl Twin - I have developed a bit of an attachment). So of course I couldn't come to any conclusions and finish anything. Nor could I decide how long to make the Manos scarf (if I keep going till the yarn runs out it might be a bit long) but I can't seem to stop. Its so nice to knit.

ps - I tried to explain all this to Smithy and his eyes glazed over in about 2 seconds. I'm hoping my crafty readers will have some understanding of these dilemmas.

Baby showering

Beanie for T's baby shower
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

We had wine, food, a chocolate fountain (!!!) and games, setting the bar pretty high for my first baby shower. We even had a ferry ride from Blackfriars down the Thames to the venue at Woolich - through the Thames barrier - all quite an adventure and fab to see London from a different perspective.

I ended up deciding to make a little hat for the new arrival and wanted to decorate it - harder to embroider knitting than I thought. But I was happy with the little design in the end....after about six attempts and ruling out anything with curves.

And mum to be loved it so I was v. happy.

Terry Gilliam at London Film Festival

Terry Gilliam - London Film Festival
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

I had a great day yesterday. It started early when the bus driver was pulling away from the stop as I ran up AND ACTUALLY STOPPED for me. Then I got to the train station just in time for the train.

With a start like that to the day Nomes and I decided to really push our luck and queued up at Leister Square for tickets to the London Film Festival preview of The Brothers Grimm. Of course we got in (although we did freeze for half an hour waiting) and THEN we got free t-shirts and an icecream. But the coolest part was the director Terry Gilliam introducing the movie and answering questions afterwards. And the film was pretty good too. Can't complain about two hours of Heath Ledger and Matt Damon.

Craftorama

I have been having a flurry of crafting activity the last couple of weeks. The Girl-twin quilt (still waiting for better inspiration for a name) top is done and I'm hoping to finish it this weekend. I have two knitting projects on the go and was even contmplating knitting something for a colleagues baby shower next week. But that would mean outing myself as a knitter at work. Hmmmm...I might lose my street cred. Oh that's right - I don't have any ....nothing to lose. Meanwhile I have bought some of this animal fabric for Boy-twin quilt - you can't see it in the picture but there are also crocodiles and kangaroos - I think its really cute (maybe a bit too cute for some tastes).



I've gone right off the star design and am now thinking a simple coin design with lots of bright splashes of colour. (The purple squiggle represents a penguin)

Manos Scarf

I don't have enough projects on the go at the moment so I started two more on the weekend. This is my new winter scarf to be - made out of special Manos del Urugauy wool from New York. Well I bought it in Purl but its not originally from New York - its from Uruguay where it is hand made by a collective of women artists. Its soooo soft and squishy. My knitting guru Pauline suggested the mistake rib stitch and I think its showing off the colours perfectly. A nice brainless project perfect for CSI and Lost viewing although Lost almost lost me last night - why is only every second or third week any good?! I'm persevering with it ...but only because there's nothing much else on.

London shopping: Liberty

Apart from one or two other craft related activities on the weekend, I met up for coffee with Tim and sneakily lured him into Liberty on the pretext of showing him how unbelievable it is inside but with the secret agenda of buying knitting needles.

After deciding we wanted ALL the furniture on the fourth floor, Tim directed this arty shot of the colourful wool and I managed to grab some needles before he dragged me out again (thats not true actually - he was very patient).



Look at this wood panelling (sorry – bit dark). This place is really a gallery rather than a department store.



And these lights!!

Sneak Preview - Girl Twin Quilt

Sneak Preview
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Inspired by Kaffe Fasset's 2x2 pastel design in Patchwork and Jane's beautiful 'Etre et Avoir' colourful version I decided to make this for one of the twins. The girl one. Hopefully I will come up with a better name by the time I'm finished. For the quilt that is not the baby . I'll leave that up to Shaz obviously.

Sharon isn't much into pastels but I think I can get away with this combo with the browns and creams to tone it down. I (selfishly) couldn't resist the pinks and lavenders.

I'm pretty happy with the colour combo and am now waiting for some more of the striped fabric for the edge trianges. I bought a small piece of it NY and its perfect but frustratingly didn't have enough. Especially with the mistakes I made cutting it out late last night.

It makes no sense!

So. I thought I would make this quilt from Kids Quilts in a Weekend by Elizbeth Keevil for one of the twins (Sharon's - a diffferent set from the beanie and jumper twins). Happily she has let us know she's expecting a boy and a girl. Much easier for gift selection.

But. The finished squares are meant to be 61/4 inches (71/2 cut out size including 5/8 seam allowance) but the template for the stars is 4 inches - at 50% of the finished size. So by my calculations that would make it 8 inches when enlarged by 200%. Right?? I am confused. Does anyone else have this book...or any ideas?

And. More of a problem (possibly) -the stars are backed with fusible webbing and just ironed on without any seam (raw edge).

But. I don't think that would look v. good after many washes. Does anyone have any opinions on this? Is it possible to make them with a seam tucked under (difficult with the points?)?

If anyone has any ideas on this please let me know...

Twin beanies

Twin beanies
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

I finished the second beanie last night and now just have to sew the two jumpers together. They will be quite plain so I'm considering extra decoration ideas. I was thinking about some crocheted flowers - once I find out how to make them. Or maybe some applique - but am not sure if I like applique on a knitted background.

Weekend

Red
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

It was a quiet, yet busy weekend. The main event was the 10km run on Sunday when we joined Paula Radcliffe and a few thousand others to become walking Nike advertisments. We were in the first tranche at 9:30 which meant getting up early but was worth it as Hyde Park was really lovely - slightly misty and cool. The autumn leaves are beautiful. I know 9:30 is not that early but ....Sunday.

The run was good but even better was lunch at the Black Sheep Cafe at Crystal Palace after. Newly discovered (by us that is)...why hadn't we been before - good atmosphere, really good food and couches so comfy Beth and I were nearly asleep.

Saturday morning I woke up early (two early weekend mornings - v. weird) and started baking. Chocolate and ginger cookies were good - better if i hadn't over cooked them. Version two of the Peach tart was better - no lumps this time but was let down by very tasteless peaches. Will have to try and remember the tricks to this recipe for next summer.

I didn't make much progress on the twin's sets but hoping to finish them this week - if I can figure out how to make crochet flowers for added detail.

Peach Tart

Peach Tart
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

After the Delia Cooking day I thought I would attempt the Peach Tart for Steve’s birthday. I gathered all the ingredients including organic Peaches from Borough Market and a FIVE pound vanilla pod from Selfridges food hall. I’ve since seen vanilla pods for much less but of course couldn’t find one at our local Morrison’s (they didn’t even stretch to vanilla essence).

I think after the Chef demo’d six dishes in the space of two hours I was under the illusion that it wouldn't take very long to make. But with so many components – pastry, peaches cooked separately, filling and fruit glaze I ended up in a bit of a tizz with pastry needing to be frozen and rested and blind baked. Talk about high maintenance. (Unfortunately Morrison’s didn’t stock frozen short crust pasty either – bugger).

Anyway so by the time I came to the cream filling there was equipment, dishes and packets strewn across the kitchen. I was closely following the instructions – In a pan mix sugar milk and the (extortionately expensive) vanilla and boil it, then blend egg yolks with something else in a separate bowl – ok no problem. But…still following instructions…I then poured the milk into the egg mixture….and watched with horror as the eggs began to take on a very strange texture. I managed to scramble them. Total panic – I couldn’t start again as I didn’t have any more vanilla. Time and patience were also almost all out. So I pulled out the stab-mixer and blended the hell out of it while yelling at Steve that I was having a major disaster. He yelled back “didn’t Alex say something about that – to pour it in slowly to stop it going funny?!”. Oh. Yes. He did. Whey the hell didn't he put it in the instructions though?!!

So although the end result looked divine(if I do say so myself) – the slightly rubbery, lumpy texture let it down a bit(Steve and Naomi both made very polite yum noises - thank you).But I’m not going to let this experience put me off – I’m going to try again this weekend with the very last peaches of the season.

Up North

Little G & Nomes
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

We went up North on the weekend to say goodbye to the cottage. No more BBQs in the backyard, stepping next door to the pub and being lulled to sleep by the beck. But we rescued some of the kitch that is close to our hearts so Beth can still dance around the Chinaman lamp at our next get together.

We had a wonderful dinner with Jake and Jo - it was chilly up there so we had total comfort food - braised lamb and roast veg. Feeling hungry just thinking about it.

As always the kids were super excited to see us. I should really say - to see Uncle Steve. I think they've eventually accepted that I'm a regular extra. Georgia has stopped calling me "THAT girl" anyway. And they sometimes call me Aunty Helen... usually when they want something. Its facinating watching them play. Sam LOVES anything to do with vehicles, especially cars, trucks, trains and likes to build complex road and rail systems for them....whereas Georgia will spend hours colouring in, writing and making crafty things. It seems to be completely hard coded. If you try to interest Sam in drawing he will simply say "thats stupid" and G will lose interest in building anything in two seconds and drift away. I remember loving playing with lego as a kid but was also into my dolls in a big way. I wonder if just having sisters makes a difference?

Rail Construction
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Holiday highlights #4: Great Yarmouth, Delia Smith and other adventures

We arrived back from New York on Wednesday morning and drove three hours to up to Norwich, the location for Delia Smiths cookery courses. Steve gave me the “Dinner Party for Friends” day last Christmas so we’d been looking forward to it for awhile.

We decided to stay near Norwich the night before. I had the brilliant idea it would be nice to stay somewhere on the coast so we headed straight for Great Yarmouth as it looked like it was relatively large and close to the city.

Mistake number one. By the time we got there we were too tired and jetlagged to find an alternative. The brochure proclaimed it as the “Entertainment Capital of the East Coast”. What it should have added is “for old age pensioners”. This picture pretty much sums it up. We couldn’t believe that such a place existed in the UK. Or anywhere outside Vegas really, although apparently its not a patch on Blackpool (the entertainment capital of the West coast?). Unfortunately I haven’t been able to find a picture of the impressive array of neon lights along the beach front but you’ll just have to take my word for it.



Mistake number two. The hotel. We asked the tourist office to find us a hotel with a double bed. That was the only requirement – I didn’t think it was that demanding. This was the result. Two single beds hardly distinguishable among the profusion of floral curtains, wallpaper and carpet. We were a looong way from the Hudson.


Hotel in Great Yarmouth

What the picture doesn’t show is the special disabled lift up the stairs and the two coach loads full of grey (and blue) haired ladies having their dinner at 5pm in the restaurant. And it doesn’t really show the towelling sheets to their full effect either.

The “huge range of international restaurants” in the brochure included a steakhouse, Mexican and Pizzeria. Luckily we were able to find quite a good Indian which helped quell the rising hysteria.

Feeling slightly traumatised by the whole Great Yarmouth experience we drove to the Norwich Football Club the next morning where our cooking day was held. We thought we were early (20 minutes before the start time) but were the last of about 70 people to arrive. I quickly realised this was serious business. All the seats were taken but luckily for us the host for the day shared the same name as Steve and he rallied to find us some comfortable bar stools on the side and we had a great birds eye view of the demo. It turned out that we were sitting next to the chef, Alex Mackay who was from NZ so he and Steve instantly bonded and we got a bit background beforehand.

We had a whirlwind demo of 6 dishes over the two hours with lots of handy tips and tricks. The dinner party theme meant an emphasis on dishes to cook in advance which was handy and provided ideas for two different three course meals. Alex was hugely entertaining and enthusiastic. This led me into a totally false sense of security when attempting one of the recipes but more on that later.


Chef Alex McKay
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.
After that we had a wine tasting and delicious three course meal. We were seated with some hard core Delia fans and picked up even more cooking tips. (e.g. whatever you do don’t attempted her Fallen Chocolate Prune Cake recipe. It is Not Good. Well with a name like that….). And we also got a strict warning in undertones not to mention the “incident”. Steve was quite outnumbered but there were probably more guys there than I would have expected and they weren’t all dragged along by their partners either.

During lunch the original UK TV cook herself arrived and came around to each table for a bit of a chat. “Hello”…”Having fun?” ……”Buy lots of my cookbooks”. No she didn’t really say that last bit but it seemed to be implied by the huge table of Delia merchandise at the front door. So of course I obliged. I just couldn’t resist the Chocolate one. Or the Soup one. Or the new Kitchen Garden one. But then I made her sign them all which she did with a friendly chat. It was really a fantastic day and we were even given goodie bags stashed with cooking goodness to take away.


Lunch at Deliah Smith Course
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

New York highlights #3

Hudson Lobby
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

This picture is attempting to catch the sleek sexiness of the Hudson Hotel where we stayed in NYC. Behind the stunning chandelier and the reception area is the “Private Park” (also known as an outdoor bar). On the other side is the Hudson Bar with sleek Philippe Stark Ghost chairs and nightclub loud music on the weekend. We studiously sampled the lychee martinis from both and came to the conclusion that they were all good. Our room was tiny as the reviews promised and the whole hotel was dark dark dark. But we felt like rock stars

Glamour cocktails at Hudson bar
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

New York highlights #2

Soho buildings
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Steve and I both loved SOHO and the interesting combination of old buildings and funky, beautifully designed shops. We drooled over ibooks and ipods in the warehouse meets high design Apple store. I think we also went into every clothes store – very happy with my new black flippy skirt – bought in an attempt to make my wardrobe (slightly) more girly.

We then rendez vous’ed with Mary of Mamie Makes for lunch. So fun to meet Mary in “real life” after sharing emails and enjoying her fab blog. I was slightly nervous but Mary’s clever choice of café next to gorgeous knitting store Purl quickly broke the ice. Steve was completely mystified by the squeezing, stroking and talking in hushed voices over balls of wool and left to find a safe happy place. Some time later (apparently quite a while) I finally decided on some lovely multicoloured wool for a winter scarf and some pink stripey wool for my Sock Challenge. I think there is definitely a gap in the market for a shop like this in London.

Mary has given me her “easy” Happy Socks pattern so hopefully I’ll end up with something resembling wearable clothing. And also gave me some fab fabric from her stash which was a lovely surprise.

Mary in Purl
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

New York highlights #1

Scenes at the Met
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Even after first Monday at work I’m still on a bit of a high after such a good holiday. Something about New York makes me feel inspired and energised (I’m sure I’m not the first person to experience this!).

We arrived Saturday and soaked up the scene walking around in the afternoon. Jetlag kicked in pretty quickly and we woke up on Sunday incredibly early. For some bizarre reason I thought we should get up and go out “to make the most of it”. Of course nothing was open (and we didn’t see anyone else except keen joggers out) but we managed to find some brekky and undrinkable coffee at a dodgy caff until the Metropolitan Museum opened. I think it’s definitely the best art gallery I’ve been to. We then went to the small yet perfectly formed Frick gallery (when it FINALLY) opened after 12. (so ironic from someone who is very rarely up before midday on Sunday).

After all that walking around and looking thoughtfully at paintings we were pretty hungry and Steve was steering me quite determinedly in the direction of a “nice” restaurant. I was kind of wondering why the need for such extravagance but finally clicked when he passed me a little box with “here you go” or something equally romantic. Of course when I saw the sparkler in the box I couldn’t remember what he’d said anyway! Very sneaky (in a wonderful way of course).

Back in London-town

I'm sitting in an internet cafe and have just had a blog-spree - a weeks worth of crafty blogs to catch up on - bit of a treat.

The reason I'm sitting in an internet cafe is the eternal optimism of Steve that he will finish work quickly. Optimistic yet completely unrealistic. But I never learn and am always convinced that this time it will be true. "I'll be finished in half an hour" (I had to really try not to laugh at that one, mentally adding an hour). ..."I'll be finished by four MAX". Its now 5:46pm and lets just say, thank goodness for those crafty blogs.

Unfortunately he has had to go to work this afternoon, although lucky low-powered me is left to float around on her last day of holidays, shopping at Borough Markets for some organic veg and slowly come back to earth after a fab trip to New York and cooking course with Delia Smith (in Norwich not NY in case that's confusing!). More on all of that when I get my pics downloaded on Monday.

Kath Kidston Tea-towel Apron

Kath Kidston Tea-towl Apron
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Here is my tea towl apron contribution for Amy's Tie One On. Of course as soon as I saw 'Tea Towel' I instantly thought Kath Kidston (just for something different). I gave one to my friend Robbo and she refuses to use it for anything other than decoration. They are works of art really. I don't usually wear aprons for cooking at home and putting this on last night, tying it around the front reminded me so strongly of my waitressing days. Happily now well behind me. It almost made me reach for my waiters friend....oh yeah ...I do that most nights anyway.

I tried pretty unsuccessfully to take a photo of me wearing it but resorted to a 'styled on the bed' approach.

And made just in time before we head of to NYC tomorrow!! yipeee! See y'all next week.

Tie One On
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Bacon

About half the women in our office are on the Atkins diet. As a result the kitchen has a permanent smell of grilling bacon. Which is a disaster for the other half of us on the low GI diet as the smell is enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble no matter how much baked sweet potato or brown rice you’ve just eaten.

I say “us” in the very loosest sense as I am incapable of following any strict diet. So as a result, after a year of not exercising and eating curry every second night (in the spirit of fitting into English culture) I’ve discovered that I’ve been stuck with the Heathrow injection. How cruel. And it seems that just thinking about eating less doesn’t count (I do that quite a lot). It looks like there’s nothing for it but to join a yoga class. Then I’ll be doing some exercise and be more zen about not eating greasy delicious food.

Knitting stuff

This is really just for my Secret Pal - Hi there!

You can see the questionnaire I did for SP5 here and not very much has changed except now I've been knitting for 3 months and have progressed to a new project - more baby stuff. And my foot size is a slightly awkward 42 (for shoe shopping anyway...most of the time they don't get in the way...too much). One of these days I might work up to making adult sized things. But not just yet.

Auf Wiedersehen

This week, before a weeks holiday, an exciting trip to New York and some other fun stuff is going veeerrryyy slooowwwwly. I am thinking about how after the holiday things are going to be different. Smithy will be back from Frankfurt for good, routines will change and hopefully we'll have more time to do things we really want to do rather than spending way too many Friday and Sunday evenings at airpots. I'll have less excuses not to do those things. Although I'm a bit foggy about what they might be at the moment. But very excited.

Kirst and Phil are staying with me this week, doing the final things that need to be done before moving countries, saying goodbye to friends, selling their car (to us ...Yay!). And for some reason a hell of a lot of washing?!! Anyway.

And I've realised that after a steady stream of visitors from home all year that there are no more people coming to stay on the immediate horizon. Its amazing how many people have been over, Mum, Dad, Suze, Steve's mum Lynn, Jo M, David B, and Jo S - one night only but what a great night (hopefully haven't forgotten too many). I've had my cupboards rearranged, tupperware bought (and many other implements my kitchen seemed to be lacking), taken out for dinner and been on some great trips around the place. I've also accumulated some random stuff that wouldn't fit in suitcases and A LOT of electrical conversion plugs. But now the last of the suitcases that have been a permanent feature in my flat since about May are about to be packed and I'm feeling a bit sad. But imagine that extra floor space.

Secret Pal goodies

Secret Pal goodies
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Here is another great parcel from my lovely (not so) Secret Pal, Mary. Some lovely rowan cotton rope and a great collection of needles. Its funny how similar the colours are to the ones I've just bought for the twins. As you can see I have started to use my new needles for the jumper sleeve and they are, as advertised, speedy. And lighter than the ones I've been using.

And I love the little labels ...you read my mind Mary...I've been thinking about making some since I got a parcel from Bella Dia with her fab personalised stationary

Hand Made
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

very cool - for future projects.

Happy Birthday LSF

I never thought I'd keep this up for a year! I just had a look over entries from the beginning and it makes me feel a bit strange to think how much life has changed in a year.

I started out as a way of keeping in touch with friends and family. I know some friends are regulars and some aren't but it makes me feel more connected with home especially when I get comments or emails about things I've written. And without LSF there are people I never would have been in contact with or inspired by. I probably wouldn't have discovered knitting again or got such great ideas for quilts and other fabulous things people are making out there.

Am looking forward to seeing what happens over the following year!

Twins knitting project

Twins baby knits
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Libby and Pete's new twins Amelia and Francesca are going to score matching contrasting (is that possible?!) beanie and jumper sets in this cotton yarn. I have chosen a simpler pattern than my first project ....a very basic boatneck jumper. And as a result I'm making huge progress with them. I had many hours on the train over the last two days on a trip up to Newcastle for work.

I even had a couple of unexpected extra hours yesterday thanks to "complete signal failure in the Darlington region". Our three hour trip took five but I was sitting near some very entertaining people who were intriged by my knitting. The husband of the middle aged Aussie couple from Melbourne volunteered, "I hope you don't mind me saying...but its very weird seeing someone your age knitting!". (I'm not sure what he thought my age was :)) As I explained the rise and rise of stitch & bitch and that such groups actually existed in London their eyes grew rounder and I felt like I was describing a strange cult. Then the BBC producer sitting opposite(on his way to some BAFTA premiere he didn't hesitate to share with us) confirmed my story, adding his sighting of the Circle Line knitters group. The woman opposite me started chatting too and revealed she is Jennie Erdal, the author of a book - Ghosting. It sounds like a good read and I was asking way too many questions about the writing process and her current novel.

I actually went to a knitting group for the first time on Saturday and had a great time meeting Pauline and co. Although it felt pretty weird knitting in the pub with my larger shandy. But it was great to put a face to a name...my first meeting of a real live blogger ...kind of weird meeting someone you know a lot about, but only for a few minutes.

Francesca's Beanie
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

I made this up on the weekend and love it...so cute... but I have a question ...the pattern says to do them on regular needles and sew it up....but could I do it on circulars and avoid the seam without any problems?

woo hoo!!

When Smithy comes back to London in a couple of weeks to live with me in domestic harmony and bliss we're going to take a week off....and today we booked flights to New York.

I'm thinking total tourist...Central Park, Empire State, Museums, eating and drinking in fabulous places and of course shopping (have to take advantage of the exchange rate).

As you can probably tell I'm a bit excited.

Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Had a girls night out on the town with Mum and K last night - pre-theatre Italian in the West End before going to Guys and Dolls. Ewan McGegor is the big drawcard and definitely had the star presence but Jane Krakowski completely stole the show. Fab show and lots of fun.

Pinwheels

Pinwheels
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Loobylu's month of softies theme for September - "Personal Challenge" is encouraging me to return to a project I started 2 years ago and haven't touched for almost that long. Initial progress was at a cracking pace but came to an abrupt halt when I moved to Frankfurt. But now I have the makings, a sewing machine, a little bit of time and no excuses. I think piecing together the bulk of a queen sized quilt top in a month may be a little more than a challenge but I'm going to give it a try to see how far I can get with it. A deadline may do wonders for my inertia on this.

Its a pattern from my teacher in Brisbane called tessalated pinwheels - a background of greys with highlights of pinks, plums, yellow and green (quite a bold colour combo choice for me). I think the overall effect will be quite starry.

Related to that is the challenge to NOT buy a fortune's worth of Kaffe Fasset fabric (this month at least) after buying two of his books recently. I'm so inspired by the colours and simple patterns and I have ideas for about 5 quilts bubbling away.

Baby Cardy

Baby Cardy
Originally uploaded by Hells Bells.

Finally, after many months of knitting and about three nights of finishing trying to put it together and hide about a million ends (I had a very productive evening last night with Super Nanny, Lost and a glass of vino) ....this is the result of my first knitting project. Ta da!!

(just don't look too closely....)

...and I thought a little baby item wouldn't take long!! Ha!! And then Mum rings to tell me how she's whipped one up in a week...how??!!!