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 :)