Day 16.

Knitting update: yesterday evening worked on socks, ready to start heels, this time intention is to make them very neat so will take time.

Have been working on squares from recycled wool, almost at the end of the cream so completing last square with mitred corner. This square has so many joins, what I think is a complete ball of yarn has breaks in the middle but will need to use all to complete the cushion cover. Will sew in ends, wash and block squares before joining up to make the cushion cover.

A little more hexipuff knitting in odd moments too.


Today is a special day as 30 years ago I was at Queen Charlotte's hospital, our lovely daughter Martha was born there at 12.02 pm. Thanks to Face Talk we had a chat with her this morning, tea was being drunk to celebrate. Lots of greetings on Facebook from family and her many friends demonstrate what a super person she is.

Ramblings

Simple Woman's Daybook: 12th September 2011

Outside My Window ... blue skies, warm weather but very windy.

I am thinking ... how I find it hard to be motivated at times, I spend too long on my laptop or iPad, just playing or reading interesting blogs.

From the learning rooms ... well does last week's visit to the Royal Institution count? To be really honest, I was not sure about this talk, I am not a scientist, wasn't aware of Copernicus apart from the name but I had looked at Dava Sobel's Longitude book many year's ago and found it readable so had agreed that Ian should book tickets for her talk. So pleased I did, it was fascinating even though of course I didn't understand all the scientific concepts but Dava's talk was so inspiring that it didn't matter. The atmosphere was like listening to a university lecture, felt so stimulated by this and by the questions that followed. May I commend this website to my readers,  http://www.davasobel.com/

I am thankful ... that the Royal Institution talk was so good as the next day we were not able to celebrate my birthday with a trip on the river because the weather was so appalling. Rather unusual, most years I have had great weather, sun and warmth as the school term starts. Instead we had lunch at Kingston Strada and ordered a freezer for son and D-in-L for their new home.

From the kitchen ... nothing much happening, I should be going to prepare tea, but rambling away here.

I am wearing ... red Gap top over natural colour M & S trousers

I am creating ... hexipuffs, am working on the 18th and cardigan as before.

I am going ... not interfere or micro manage Martha's move to Sussex. However, if any one here knows of a double room in a house in an area between Littlehampton and Worthing that is available at the end of October we'd be pleased to hear from you.

I am reading ... new book from reading group, Diary of an ordinary woman, by Margaret Forster.Have read this before but it is worth a second read. Can't say that of much fiction these days.

I am hoping ... that Martha sorts out insurance for her new car. 

Around the house ... nothing much happening, just washing up from our tea as Ian gone off to a Pastoral team meeting at church.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... nothing special planned, domestic chores as I have had a day off today. Maybe a visit to Sussex with Martha at the weekend - a Mummy-and-Martha day.


Off to write a thank you letter to Ann, a friend from primary school days and then will knit my cardigan, hexipuffs are for knitting in company and whilst travelling.

Knitting in art

Yesterday was the birthday of my dear husband Ian,  so we went to London to view the Water Colour exhibition at Tate Britain. On the train journey I'm pleased to announce that I made good progress with knitting the can can curly scarf, I'm using circular needles as straight needles for it makes the work more portable.

Anyway, we ate first, apologies to all eaters after me who wanted the salmon fish cake, I had the last one. Food in museums has become so good now, no curly sarnies. As we were leaving the café we spotted the restaurant, think I'd have splashed out there seeing it was birthday but too late. Would have been good to be in quieter and slightly more spacious surroundings as well as waiter service.

We enjoyed the exhibition, both noticed that there is so much more detail in older work, the modern pieces seem to be much more broad brushed, also I liked the paintings that were realistic, I'm not into allegorical, highly symbolic or campaigning works. However, one painting had such a wide range of Victorian domestic detail was Walter Langley's 'But men must work and women must weep' painted in 1882 and exhibited the following year.



What really caught my eye though was the knitting on the table on the left, four needles so how far back does this skill go? I struggled with this and have switched to magic loop, but this wouldn't have been an option then. Also were there patterns at this time, presumably the skills were handed on verbally. Besides the knitting there is completed patchwork on the right of the picture.

I'm sure the curators didn't intend us to be interested in these skills, rather it was the painting. However, I googled Water Langley and found his painting 'Girl knitting' again the subject is using four needles.






Just saying, how two interests can coincide so encouraging me to research Walter Langley. Would I have bothered if I'd had to go to the reference library, look in art books and peer at a poor monochrome reproduction. Doubt it.

Another simple pleasure yesterday was travelling on the top deck of number 88 bus from Tate Britain. London was busy, crowded pavements, lots of tidying up going on, but looking  beautiful in the evening sunshine. Dr. Johnson was so right.

Well must get on, domestic things to do. Enjoy the weekend folks.

A week just gone.

Just a few thoughts about the past week as it has been a good one.

Good because the weather, although cold, was not bad enough to keep me indoors so have been out and about.

Tuesday was an Advent Quiet Day spent at St. Michael's Convent, a place of retreat and reflection where our group joined the Sisters in worship, we thought about St. Ambrose whose saints day it was and we had opportunity to walk in the garden or find a peaceful area in the house or library to reflect, plan, or prepare during Advent.

http://www.sistersofthechurch.org/csc/About_Us.html should give more information.

Next day was such a contrast, but no less enjoyable for it was a Christmas lunch with a group of fellow librarians all of whom at some time have worked at MOD library in Whitehall. Lots of frivolity, chat and laughter, I didn't stay long in town, emerged from tube by St Martin in the Fields and returned via Piccadilly station. Didn't feel like facing shops, crowds or cold.

Whilst away further progress was made with fireplace when the chimney was lined; we look forward to Tuesday when work will be completed, I hope. Am a little weary of the muddle and untidiness.

Out again to knitting group on Thursday and for birthday and Christmas shopping on Friday, our son's 30th birthday was yesterday and we had expected to see him today. Instead we had an extra visit yesterday evening as his wife was at her works 'do' and we were able to give him gifts then and chat with him.

They both visited today, we took them out for lunch, came back here and it was apparent he was tired so they had cake and tea before departing early. Fortunately both of them have this week off from work and they need the rest. It has been a busy time, their marriage, other friends and family weddings and all the adjustments of setting up home together. It all seems good vibes though.

At church was relieved that my decision to relinquish my sidesman role had been accepted without acrimony, it helped that I will assist in an emergency. Even now not sure why I wish to stop, just that I do and that is my way. Instant decision, if it is a wrong one I worry after, if right, I don't.

Oh, other good news! I have finished pink jumper, it's a little more fitted than I may have liked, perhaps up the needle size. The up size of this is I have yarn left over and am attempting to knit a beret with it. Promises have been made to daughter never to wear beret with matching jumper. Fashion suicide.

Picture taken by Ian shows jumper looking more mauvy pink, not a dusty pink, not sure about colour on his camera!

Another view. Plus is that it is very warm and if necessary can wear gilet over it without looking like michelin mum.

Well, I think I'm off to have another go at the beret, am using circular needles not 4 double ended ones. Meant brim will be stocking stitch not garter but it's an experiment. More info in Ravelry wip bit.

Byee for now, looking forward to reading your comments.

Will be back to let you know how pulmonary gym session goes tomorrow.

Madeleine

Birthday week

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2010

Simple Woman's Daybook: 26th October: Daughter's 28th birthday

Outside My Window ... cold, dank, wet, windy; yesterday's weather was so beautiful today I feel the cold creeping into me.

I am thinking ...about the friends of Stan who have contacted me following his death and how we all have a different vision of a person. So true for Stan and his wife who lived their life in separate compartments.

I am thankful ... for the old fashioned knitting patterns that Martha bought back from Edinburgh for me. She said she rejected some as the styles were so bad. What could she mean?

From the kitchen ...veggie soup & bread, both homemade for lunch; for supper we will have haggis that Martha brought back from Scotland.

I am wearing ... jeans, cream warm shirt from The Earth Collection and red V neck jumper from Uniqlo. Will add multicoloured Tradecraft silk scarf to this later. Jeans are so good as I keep Ventolin inhaler & phone in pockets instead of rushing around like a banshee looking for them.

I am creating ...a Dr Who style scarf using donated black acrylic yarn. Have knitted almost all 50g but will use some of second ball as the scarf is just 40 stitches wide, knit 2 purl 2 rib and will not be long enough for Ian to wrap around. As it is narrow wrapping will be essential. 

Not clear that the yarn is black in these pictures, but photos show the pattern.

I am going ... to Local studies to help with digitalisation project, either will be stuffing returned plans back into packs or preparing plans for scanning.

I am reading ... well, have just had phone call from friend in local library to say the latest Maeve Binchy I reserved has come in and she will pop it through my door. Not highbrow reading but just the thing for chilly days and escape. Still not really able to knit and read at same time but have hopes when I start jumper which is largely stocking stitch.

I am hoping ... all the fireplace work will be completed soon. The chimney stack pointing estimate has been accepted; the contract for chimney lining is to be checked and liaison with the fireplace company organised. Thank goodness Ian is qualified to project manage all this.

I am hearing ... study clock ticking and house creaks.

Around the house ... creaks and groans. The house is so noisy when the heating is on.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... joining the other knitters as Mrs Moon, maybe they can show me where I went wrong with the socks. Strollers walk on Saturday, weather and health permitting.

well guess that is it my friends. As usual as soon as I've sent this missive into the ether some brilliant thought will occur to me. Anyway, let me have your lovely thoughts, hope life is good for everyone who comes by here,

Madeleine

Birthday doings

we all 

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I am thinking ... about the Meditation and prayers around Psalm 42 at this morning's monthly service. Only 4 of attended, but the leader had put in a lot of work around the theme of God being with us always. I think I need to learn to differentiate between literal and actual meanings, especially in the psalms.

Also am thinking about my birthday yesterday and how good it was. Had some special pressies of course, Ian made me a bird table; Martha bought me the DVD of Julie & Julia and the cookery books that inspired the film; my friend MPC bought me a bird nesting box and a present is on its way from son. My sister donated a gift from me to the Cats Protection League, we don't exchange gifts as such any more. 

It was so good that we had tickets to see a recording of GQT.

From the learning rooms ... just Ian and his OU. He is pleased to receive 96% for his CMA.

I am thankful ... that we do not have to work but can enjoy the freedom to choose our own activities, for lovely places on our doorstep like Kew Gardens.

From the kitchen ... Ian has just gone down to prepare our supper.

I am wearing ... M & S black trousers, white short sleeved Laura Ashley blouse and black and white East cardigan.

I am creating ... second sleeve of cardigan I am knitting.

I am going ... to ensure everyone I know listens to Gardeners Question Time on Radio 4 on 17th or 19th  September to hear Ian's question about courgettes. The programme was recorded yesterday at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. We took along our question, photographs of courgettes in pots on patio and a plant itself.

Ian is sitting in the allocated seat for question 5.

Our sad courgette plant can be seen on the table!

I am reading ...still Bill Bryson.

I am hoping ... to sort out all the books that were in crates in the garage. Still haven't found Herb of Grace or other Elizabeth Gouge books, but there are plenty of others that I would like in the house. 

Martha has come to a decision about her back copies of Vogue, she had a susbscription for an number of years but changed it to Marie-Claire but still kept back copies. We have retained a few special editions and plan to put the rest on Freecycle. Maybe art students would like them.

Around the house ... need to tidy as son and his wife are popping in on Thursday, same day as our Treasure comes. Will be busy as Treasure will be cutting my hair and Ian's too. The boiler was to be serviced that day too but we have postponed that. It would have been too much. I plan to make a risotto and an apple pie with custard.

One of my favourite things ... the kindness of Ian. Today he returned from shopping with a birthday cake, just right size for us to share.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...attempting to make a cob loaf as on Great British bake up last week, Voluntary work at Local Studies tomorrow, meeting at friend to see the Grace Kelly exhibition at V & A; more knitting.

Thanks for reading this, will be off now as it is not long before I pay my nightly visit to Ambridge.

Madeleine.
 

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