March/April update

It's been February since I last posted here, it's been a busy few months which is my ropey excuse.  This pregnancy lark isn't all it's cracked up to be and fair takes it out of me but I have managed some crafty things so it's not all bad.

My previous to do was :

Knit a baby hat - I had given up on this as I have bought sooooo many baby clothes, including hats. So it's no longer top priority but something I might try when I'm on maternity leave in July.

Knit item from my stash, keen to knit some hearts (pattern in a mag somewhere) using the undyed yarn I have. These could decorate baby's room - Yeah no I haven't done that :-/

Listen to Gone Girl for the book group - Done, and I enjoyed it although it got a bit of a luke warm reception from the rest of the group.  I haven't written a review for it but take my word it was ok.

Read Dolly by Susan Hill - done and I posted a review here.

and Tuesday Yoga, Thursday Davina DVD - between work, super tired and PGP (pelvic girdle pain) I am in no way up for this however I know I need to get fit in the last trimester (to prepare for labour) and the yoga might actually help me.

I also tried sewing a baby hat from an old t shirt which did not work out so was quickly scrapped, but did successfully manage to remove the header tape from old curtains to sew onto the new curtains for the nursery....and they look great!  I also cut up and re-sewed an old bed sheet of ours into 6 flat sheets for the Moses basket/cot bed. Some look better than others but when I am covered in baby fluids at 4am I doubt neither me, Mr C or baby will care.

Most excitingly is an exciting thing I can not talk about or reveal until after Wonderwool as I have a surprise for a friend, you will just need to take my word it's a cool thing and I will be able to reveal all in a few weeks.

So onto Aprils to do (April is busier than March so don't expect much):

Finish surprise cool thing by Wonderwool 27th April

Read 'The Host' by Stephanie Meyer for book group

Read 'Sane new world' by Ruby Wax (I'm going to see her in May at the Hay Festival!)

Read 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly' 

This month is full of fun exciting things, a trip to Scotland (including Imax and Edinburgh castle), a wedding in Carmarthen, Wonderwool, and a night in Cardiff to see Derren Brown! Busy little bees we are :)

Book Review: Dolly by Susan Hill

The remoter parts of the English Fens are forlorn, lost and damp even in the height of summer. At Iyot Lock, a large decaying house, two young cousins, Leonora and Edward are parked for the summer with their ageing spinster aunt and her cruel housekeeper. At first the unpleasantness and petty meannesses appear simply spiteful, calculated to destroy Edward's equanimity. But when spoilt Leonora is not given the birthday present of a specific dolly that she wants, affairs inexorably take a much darker turn with terrifying, life destroying, consequences for everyone.
[The above is from http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16069121-dolly]

I found this to be much scarier than 'The small hand' but not entirely sure I fully understood it. I won't spoil the ending but I came away thinking that what happens to the male character isn't necessary and quite unfair. I think I needed further explanation and I felt that it ended quite abruptly leaving a lot unanswered.

As with all her books Susan Hill has got the atmosphere perfect and I could picture myself in the house, on the fens, in the church yard but always with that sense of unease. I particularly hated Leonara but couldn't help feel sorry for her at the end of the book.

An enjoyable spooky story that will while away a few hours.
 

Susan Hill's ghostly novella is set in the damp and desolate landscape of the English Fens. Young orphan Edward Caley is sent to spend the summer holidays with his Aunt Kestrel at Iyot House. There he gets to know his spoilt cousin Leonora. What happens that summer has lasting consequences... - See more at: http://www.susanhill.org.uk/dolly#sthash.YJidM1HK.dpuf

Susan Hill's ghostly novella is set in the damp and desolate landscape of the English Fens. Young orphan Edward Caley is sent to spend the summer holidays with his Aunt Kestrel at Iyot House. There he gets to know his spoilt cousin Leonora. What happens that summer has lasting consequences... - See more at: http://www.susanhill.org.uk/dolly#sthash.YJidM1HK.dpuf

Susan Hill's ghostly novella is set in the damp and desolate landscape of the English Fens. Young orphan Edward Caley is sent to spend the summer holidays with his Aunt Kestrel at Iyot House. There he gets to know his spoilt cousin Leonora. What happens that summer has lasting consequences... - See more at: http://www.susanhill.org.uk/dolly#sthash.YJidM1HK.dpuf

Susan Hill's ghostly novella is set in the damp and desolate landscape of the English Fens. Young orphan Edward Caley is sent to spend the summer holidays with his Aunt Kestrel at Iyot House. There he gets to know his spoilt cousin Leonora. What happens that summer has lasting consequences... - See more at: http://www.susanhill.org.uk/dolly#sthash.YJidM1HK.dpuf

Susan Hill's ghostly novella is set in the damp and desolate landscape of the English Fens. Young orphan Edward Caley is sent to spend the summer holidays with his Aunt Kestrel at Iyot House. There he gets to know his spoilt cousin Leonora. What happens that summer has lasting consequences... - See more at: http://www.susanhill.org.uk/dolly#sthash.YJidM1HK.dpuf

Susan Hill's ghostly novella is set in the damp and desolate landscape of the English Fens. Young orphan Edward Caley is sent to spend the summer holidays with his Aunt Kestrel at Iyot House. There he gets to know his spoilt cousin Leonora. What happens that summer has lasting consequences... - See more at: http://www.susanhill.org.uk/dolly#sthash.YJidM1HK.dpuf

One week left...

...and I still have much to do!

What I have done is listened to 'Gone Girl' (review below) and read 'Dolly' but haven't reviewed it yet.  It's been a very busy month with lots of travel for work (poor excuse I know) but I have managed one Yoga session which is better than none Yoga session.

Last night I started watching the Great British Sewing Bee, I knows 'citing innit, which has made me want to sew something again...so lets add 'sew a something' to the list.  I have several ideas in the mill, 1. Using material from an old tshirt sew a baby hat (as per a pattern I have somewhere) 2. Sew some fabric boxes using fat quarters to keep my make-up and 'stuff' in 3. Sew a drawstring laundry bag for the nursery.  

I've also bought myself a ticket for Wonderwool for the Sunday (can't go the whole weekend because of a friends wedding) which has given me the inspiration I need to knit something but also I refuse to meet up with my knitty friends and when quizzed upon what I have made with last years purchases I'll have to dive and hide in the nearest yarn pile.  So before April I have to knit something from last years Wonderwool buys.  Ideally a pair of pink fingerless mitts the pattern for which a friend gave me and reassures me it couldn't be easier.

This to do list is getting even bigger, time to actually 'to do' I feel!

Book Review: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick Dunne’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick Dunne isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but hearing from Amy through flashbacks in her diary reveal the perky perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer? As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister Margo at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was left in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet? 

[The above is from http://gillian-flynn.com/gone-girl/]

I don't normally but I thought it worth saying that sensitive readers should proceed with caution. The book does contain coarse language as well as some violence and sexual content.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I have to say now I listened to it as an audiobook rather than read it but thought it worked very well as an audio book.  I thought it was a fantastic thriller, with good pace and well drawn characters.  Their are lots of twists and turns but one major twist is really the main crutch of the story which I wont reveal here as it would be a major spoiler but I will say it is a big twist you really don't see coming.

 

Towards the end I felt I was trying to second guess the main characters, I felt I was getting to know them so well that by the end I was trying to guess what they would do next but the actions of the main characters at the end surprised me.  However when I thought about it more I did think that it was in keeping with the personality of the character and just added to my love of them.

 

I hated, hated, Nick for the first half of the book then I hated, hated, Amy.  I knew at the start I was being set up for something but never guessed what and honestly couldn't see a way past my hatred on Nick until the end of the story when I didn't so much as hate him but disliked him...a lot.  Lot of reviewers have said they hated Nick and Amy moaning about their financial hardship but I thought that added to just how self obsessed and socio/psychopathic the characters are.  Another problem other reviewers had was that towards the end the characters became inconsistent, again I think the point is that at the beginning you're not getting the true them and as the book goes on you're getting more and more into their psyche.  By the end you realise just how screwed up the two of them are.

My favourite scene wasn't actually a scene but the description of the house they had in Brooklyn.  The way Amy describes it in particular makes it sound luxurious and I could picture the skyline as they sat by the fire.

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable audiobook, I would recommend to fans of thrillers.

January progress and February plans

Well let's have a wee recap shall we, my January plans were:

• Knit a square for the knitted blanket - I actually knitted two, finishing with a cabled square which I thoroughly enjoyed knitting, which makes me half way through the blanket.  Just need to finish off some embellishments, block the squares then sew them together and we have the first half of the blanket done.
• Give away or knit an item from my stash - I gave odd balls and freebies from magazines to the charity shop knowing that I was never really going to use them.  I haven't knitted anything from my stash this month but I did get rid of a bag full of oddments so it's a start.
• Paint a watercolour for January - done and blogged about
• Sew some napkins - again I've blogged already about this, I bought some cheapies from Tesco and was going to sew some embellishments (haven't got around to that yet)
• Read Stephen Kings' 11.22.63; Listen to Kate Atkinson Life After Life - I haven't started11.22.63 yet but I did listen to Life After Life and have blogged my review. I also read our book groups read and blogged about that too so I'm still on my reading track.
• Write book reviews for the above - Kind of done, just need to read Stephen King and review then we're all set.
• Do 4 Yoga sessions, 4 swimming sessions and get out walking (1 walk and 1 swim done) - Well now...

...this involves a whole explanation. You see I couldn't say, but now I can, and that at time of writing this I am 17 weeks pregnant with our first child. We are super excited and already life style changes are taking place! I was going. Swimming every Friday but the past month have been struggling with pelvic girdle pain and Dr Google advised against any activities which opened up my hips more than necessary, this means things like swimming and Yoga. Never minding some days I can barely walk the length of myself. But a few changes has meant things are better but i do need a regular exercise regime and cleaner diet.  

So based on this exciting news, February plans are:

Knit a baby hat. Possibly this could be my learn to knit in the round opportunity!?

Knit item from my stash, keen to knit some hearts (pattern in a mag somewhere) using the undyed yarn I have. These could decorate baby's room :)

Listen to Gone Girl for the book group 

Read Dolly, it's a short book like 'The Small Hand' so won't take too long

Write reviews for above

and Tuesday Yoga, Thursday Davina DVD 

I realise I'm writing this a week in and I haven't done any of the above, apart from start on Dolly, and can see some of these carrying over into March!

Oh and I know I still have some bits and pieces to finish from January (the blanket, the napkins yet another book) but I think I'll leave them to later months.

Until then...:)

Book Review: Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

On a cold and snowy night in 1910, Ursula Todd is born, the third child of a wealthy English banker and his wife. Sadly, she dies before she can draw her first breath. On that same cold and snowy night, Ursula Todd is born, lets out a lusty wail, and embarks upon a life that will be, to say the least, unusual. For as she grows, she also dies, repeatedly, in any number of ways. Clearly history (and Kate Atkinson) have plans for her: In Ursula rests nothing less than the fate of civilization. [from Goodreads]

I think reading this rather than listening to an audio book would have been better, especially towards the end when everything gets a lot more mixed up and difficult to keep track of however I still enjoyed the book and was able to keep track (I think) of what was going on.

I really enjoyed the pace of this book, it seemed to begin on a fast changing roll of events then builds slowly throughout ending with a fast paced turn of events towards the end.  Some of the scenarios played out really made it feel like you were getting several novels in one.  I took to the main character Ursula throughout her scenarios and the different ages, she was a strong enough character to hold the entire novel together.

Overall an enjoyable listen.

I also found an excellent review on the Guardian site, check it out here.

Book Review: The Small Hand by Susan Hill

In this short book written by Susan Hill of 'Woman in Black' fame we are told the story of Adam Snow, an antiquarian book dealer, who happens upon an old house and that's when strange ghostly events begin to happen.  Adam is haunted by the ghost of a child and although it begins quite benevolent terrifying events begin to occur.  This book is only 167 pages long so its difficult to give a detailed synopsis without giving too much away.

Even though it was short I thoroughly enjoyed it as a proper spooky ghost story which suited the wintry, stormy weather we've been having recently.  The story although not exactly gripping in my opinion set the scene and atmosphere perfectly and you could quite easily put yourself in Adams' shoes...not that you would want to!  I found it hard to date and it wasn't until towards the end that I mention of the internet helped me place the story in recent times, afterwards I discovered it was published in 2010 but honestly it could have taken place any time between 1850 onwards.  Everything had that feel of dark and enclosed, almost claustrophobic feel, until the very end when doors are open wide and bright lamps are put on.

I found all the characters intriguing in their own way and although we followed the story of Adam I thought that each character played their part well and was believable.

If I had to select a favourite scene it would have to be anywhere at 'White House' where the author goes into great and glorious detail about the state of the house and gardens.  I feel it sets the background for a proper haunting very well without being overly hacked.

Although I enjoyed that the story was short and character backgrounds were kept to a minimum I felt that I came away with a lot of questions that should have been answered, but then a good ghost story should let you make up your own mind I suppose.

Physically I thought the book had a wonderfully ornate cover (shown above), I had the hardback version, and I liked the feel of the paper and the look of the font used throughout.  I liked that the initial in each new chapter was made to reflect the growing of the garden which was at the heart of the story.

If you are looking for a good proper spooky ghost story then this should be your first choice...then read the Woman in Black.

Progress?

Well my last post was all about my aims for this month which were:

• Knit a square for the knitted blanket (still not started)
• Give away or knit an item from my stash (I may start on that tomorrow)
• Paint a watercolour for January (done!)
• Sew some napkins (sort of done)
• Read Stephen Kings' 11.22.63; Listen to Kate Atkinson Life After Life (started)
• Write book reviews for the above
• Do 4 Yoga sessions, 4 swimming sessions and get out walking (1 walk and 1 swim done)

Today I painted a watercolour based on a photo we took whilst on holiday in Pembrokeshire.  I'm quite impressed with myself as I even managed to sketch it out first and I can not draw.  Anyhoo the original photograph was this...

... Somewhere along the Pembrokeshire coastline between Druidstone and St David's.  The watercolour became this...

It definitely reflects the stormy, dark skies of this January but the hope that spring and blue skies are not far away.  I think I made the grass too bright and think I should have done an entire back wash in dark grey but hey that's why I'm learning to paint.  

The next part of the to do was sew some napkins which ok I've cheated. I was in Tesco and they had a pack of four white napkins for £4, so I just got them BUT they could do with jazzing up and I think a nice silvery grey strip or ribbon would look lovely.

I've also had an email from the Reading group and the next read is Susan Hills' The Small Hand so I need to add that to my reading list and get going. Oh and I set myself a challenge on Goodreads, read 25 books in 2014. I thought if I read 12 books with the book group I could read/listen to (I'm counting my audible books) an additional 12...wish me luck!  I can't wait for my underwater MP3 player charger to arrive so I can get some audio books on their for my swimming.  I went swimming on Friday (6pm is a good time to go) and did miss having something to distract me/ keep me going! 

Happy 2014!

Hello and welcome to my first post of 2014.  We're now two days in to the new year and I have been thinking about what I would like to accomplish this year. So here goes:

Knitting

• Finish the knitted squares/blanket from 'Art of Knitting' magazine.  This blanket has been around 6 years in the making and I would love to get it finished this year.  From what I can remember I am half way there and on the learning how to do cables so its quite an exciting project made up of lots of quick, fun knits.
• Stash busting - either sell (eek), give away (bigger eek) or actually use the yarns in my stash.  I'm thinking each month I will make something or give away/sell something that should cut it down by quite a bit.
• Learn to knit in the round.  I realised making the Robin decoration in December I hate making up so think knitting in the round will suit me nicely.
• Knit a pair of socks.  I would love to learn to do this and would really love to start with a book I have called two at a time knitting.  

Watercolour

• Paint a picture representing that month/moment.  Each month aim to paint a picture using my watercolours that represents what is happening that month, any moments or just for fun.
• I'm very much the beginner so anything I do with watercolours is completely new and exciting and I know I have so many techniques to learn.

Sewing

• I want to have a go at making some items I can wear.  I can't help think I'm struggling to find nice pyjamas so might give that a go.  I have a giant white cotton bed sheet we never use so might use that to have a practice
• I also need some napkins for the dining table, not sure what colour or how yet but thats another idea.

Books

• The plan is to go swimming every Friday and I have a waterproof MP3 player that I am hoping I can add an audio book to so I can listen to an audio book each month.
• Each month I attend the Builth Wells Reading Group so have a monthly read from them an often find it difficult to make it through any more books but I do have a wishlist on Amazon the length of..well...the Amazon and a whole bunch of unread books on the bookshelf and on my kindle so it would be nice to make a dent in them this year.

Creative writing

•  I haven't done any since that course last September and it would be nice to try writing something each month but think I may have given myself enough tasks!  Although I hope to use what I learned to write a good book review each month if nothing else.

Exercise

• Keep up the weekly Yoga sessions although this time at home and not at a class.
• Start weekly swimming sessions, Friday nights will probably work best as Mr C is often out with friends so I get a bit of time to myself.
•  In general I'd like to up the amount of walking I do, both throughout the week and a big weekend walk with Mr C.

I think that's quite enough for one year!  So my aim for January is to:

• Knit a square for the knitted blanket
• Give away or knit an item from my stash
• Paint a watercolour for January
• Sew some napkins
• Read Stephen Kings' 11.22.63; Listen to Kate Atkinson Life After Life
• Write book reviews for the above
• Do 4 Yoga sessions, 4 swimming sessions and get out walking

By the way my official new years' resolution is this, to be more optimistic and a friendlier person.  I wasn't sure exactly how to word that and then I seen the new years' message from the Dalai Lama and it clicked.  So my new years' resolution is this...

One week off and look...

...not even half way through my week off and I've finished a re-read of Stephen Kings 'Salems Lot AND knitted up a funky Robin for the Xmas tree. I love Christmas mainly for the holiday!

First off the book review.  I've read 'Salems Lot before although it was around 15 years ago (eek) and have to admit I enjoyed it as much this time around.  The book follows the story of Ben Mears who returns to a small town in the back of America to find he's not the only 'new' face on the scene.  The town is swiftly taken over by vampires and the horror begins.  I re-read it as I'm making my way through the Dark Tower series and the next book features heavily Father Callahan from the 'Salems Lot book so I wanted a refresh of that character and what he went through.  In saying that my favourite character was, and still is, Mark Petrie. Mark is a young boy who although a bit of a loner and a geek manages to stand up to both bullies and scary vampires. He also accepts the existence of vampires so quickly it means his story develops quickly and is more action packed than the others who as adults need more convincing before things get underway.  A great spooky read and I've still got the deleted scenes to read at the back of the book which I'll maybe do in daylight!

To the knitting now. Ok so I never got around to knitting up the baby hat but I decide to move on.  I bought Let's Knit magazine number 72 Christmas 2013 which had a great kit for knitting Robbie Robin. Robbie looked quick and easy to knit up and uber cute too so I decided to get to work.  It took me two evenings to knit and make up.  I hate making up. I hate hand sewing. I hate stuffing.  I think this shows as he isn't as cute as the magazine version but is perfectly suitable for sitting at the top, back, of the tree. My colourwork could do with some work too as I wasn't sure about the red breast.  I did however get to refresh SSK and learned how to knit an icord which was super easy. Instead of turning the knitting you move it up to the other end of a double pointed needle and knit, repeat and you get a long tube like cord effect...simples.  Unfortunately I'm writing this from the iPad and can't figure out how to upload photos direct into the post as soon as I do I'll upload them.

Meanwhile I'm taking a break over Christmas from anything crafty as we're spending Christmas week  at Bluestone, Pemrokeshire and I plan on lots of long coastal walks followed by large hot chocolates :). I will however be thinking of a crafty challenge for 2014 focusing on finishing some WIPs and stash busting and possibly even getting that knitted blanket finished!

Until the new year I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and Sanat is good to you :) x

Edit - you can see Robbie Robin in my Ravelry projects here http://ravel.me/thefunkylibrarian/84na7 

I am alive, honest!

Sorry again folks, it been a bit quiet on the crafting front as I have discovered my new passion, Watercolour painting.  Something else I enjoy but pretty much suck at.  Who cares though, I get to play with paint and call myself an artist!  I'll post some pics over the weekend of my creations.

For proper crafty related material I need to give myself a to do list.  First up is learn how to take up hems on curtains.  Our living room curtains are far too long and when I tried doing something like this before I made a right hash of it so I need to learn how to do this properly.

This is followed by taking up the hem on my wedding dress, something I wanted to do before the wedding but now I want to do it with an aim of being to wear it with other accessories.

In the knitting/sewing related category I need to sew buttons onto the cardigan I knitted for my friends son due in 8 weeks time and sew a little hat too.

I also have a tonne of yarn I just know I won't use so looking to sell some of it or give it to charity shops unless I can come up with a knitting to do list...if you're not on the list you're not getting knitted!

I did however manage to make a giant pom pom pumpkin for Halloween using orange yarn and some glow in the dark yarn I bought a million years ago on ebay.  I quite like him and he can come out to play every year, maybe next year I'll get around to making him some friends.

I've also been reading and listening to a lot of books lately...audiobooks, not just holding a novel to my ear...but haven't got through them either, specifically The Casual Vacancy or re-reading Salems Lot.  I went a bit Stephen King crazy after Doctor Sleep then Kindle Daily Deals gave me a load of King novels for £1.50, and I find it hard to knit and read at the same time.

So hence the to do list as even I am starting to lose track of what needs to be done.  Think I need to clear the decks a bit and get organised.  Oh and I have taken up running again, 3 times a week come rain, snow or shine.  Maybe I need to invent a running merged crafting sport although it already sounds dangerous!

Until next time...

Happy Birthday to me!

Today was my birthday and part of my present from Mr C, which included a trip to Cadbury World, was also a watercolour set.  I tried some watercolour art the other week.  My first ever go at it having never done painting or drawing of any sort since high school, and as I recalled I sucked then but without the pressures of teenagerdome and generally having an idea and painting it turns out it's really good fun.

I had a triptych of a flower that I was going to get rid of but decided to paint over the canvas and redo my own 'art.'  As I am also getting into yoga I wanted to do something to represent the serenity, relaxation, breathing and meditation.  

I quickly realised it wasn't as easy as it looked, but still fun.

I also created a little 3D canvas of leaves I collected from around the Groe and PVA glue which I called Autmnal Burst...

So with my newly gifted watercolour set I downloaded an Ebook from the Welsh Ebook service, alright I downloaded the dummies guide to watercolours, which is a great book and gave me some techniques and projects to try out.  I also learned from the book what I did wrong with my triptych including painting watercolour onto canvas (a no no) and not using enough paint or water!

First up was creating a garden of blooms.  Created by dripping either water onto colour or a heavy wet brush onto the paper.  The paper is pre wet with water before you add colour...

Then I tried out some different brush strokes...

The next technique was to draw a stripe with each colour in my palette to see what they are like.  I also  have coloured tubes in my new kit but I really liked using the cakes so stuck with them...

I also tried the techniques in the book on both wet and dry areas of a piece of paper, a la this...

So after all that, some reading, practice and general playing with my new toy I tried small project one a snowy landscape scene.  It didn't take long to do but the results are quite dramatic. I am super impressed with myself!

So that's been my day of arty crafty.  Next on the watercolour to do list is texture, the book has some ideas but I want to try using different knitting stitches printed onto the watercolours.

I also want to try a still life so now off on a hunt around the house to see what I can paint :-)

Pom Pom pumpkin

I had an idea a few weeks ago to knit a pumpkin but all the patterns I seen called for knitting in the round, which I dunno how to do and didn't think now was the time to learn! Also I had some ropey orange DK yarn that needed using up so yet another idea sprung to mind, giant pom pom pumpkin! 

I cut pieces of cardboard into circles by drawing around a side plate. I then drew a smaller circle in the centre by drawing around the base of a mug. I cut a slit from the edge of the big circle to the little circle. I doubled up my by taking and end from the start and centre of the ball and wound it around the cardboard circles. I also started to wind in a very special yarn I've had for years, glow in the dark yarn, yes, that's right glow in the dark yarn! When I finished I cut in between the two cardboard disks and tied around the ball of fluff with the glow in the dark yarn. I had some spare felt too so used that to cut some eyes, a nose and scary mouth. And ta da... 

Quite the scary monster isn't he? As soon as the glow in the dark yarn is charged up I'll get a photo of him in the dark.

He was super quick and easy to make, I'm tempted to make lots of small ones for a bunting type effect. Hmm, maybe next year :)

Book Review : Doctor Sleep

I was keen to read this follow up to 'The Shining.'  Although I only ever watched the film it was a story I enjoyed and was looking forward to getting stuck into another Stephen King novel.  I've read several of Kings novels over the years and loved Misery, Salem's Lot, Gerald's game, Desperation, The Green Mile, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, was a touch meh about Liseys story and hated Dream Catcher! I'm also making my way through the audio book versions of The Dark Tower series and enjoying the stories and links to the other novels...but back to the purpose of this review, Doctor Sleep. 

This synopsis is from Stephen King UK website  or you can see the American website here. 

On highways across America, a tribe of people called The True Knot travel in search of sustenance. They look harmless - mostly old, lots of polyester, and devoted to their comfortable Recreational Vehicles. They live off the 'steam' that children with the 'shining' produce when they are slowly tortured to death.  Following a childhood haunted time he spent with his parents at the Overlook Hotel, Dan Torrance has been drifting for decades, desperate to shed his father's legacy of despair, alcoholism, and violence. Finally, he settles into a job at a nursing home in rural New Hampshire where his remnant 'shining' power provides the crucial final comfort to the dying. Aided by a prescient cat, he becomes 'Doctor Sleep.'  Then Dan meets the evanescent Abra Stone, and it is her spectacular gift, the brightest ‘shining’ ever seen, that reignites Dan's own demons and summons him to a battle for Abra's soul and survival . . .

I was fortunate to come across this video of Stephen King reading from Doctor Sleep.  This video explains more about The True Knot, the main 'bad guys' of the book...

I honestly don't know where to begin on how much I enjoyed this book.  The characters were very well drawn and throughout I was enthralled by Danny's story going through a roller coaster of emotions. Their is a particular seen towards the end that almost had me in tears!  I felt protective and drawn to the 'good' characters although was freaked out by the second appearance of Dick which didn't seem to bother Danny.  

Apart from being on the front cover the cat isn't a major player in the story but I felt we would have missed something without him an only relied in the humans. Something about the independent yet caring attitude of the cat that is reflected in Danny's character.

As for the bad guys, the True Knot, I'll never look at a camper the same way again! I didn't see them so much of a threat to begin with but as the story unfolds I found myself being more and more terrified.  I don't want to go on about the scenes I particularly enjoyed as their were quite a few twists and turns and I don't want to give them away but trust me it was a brilliant read!  All I will say is the ending was right for me and ended Danny's story nicely.

As I said at the beginning I am working my way through the Dark Tower series and did pick up early in the book Doctor Sleep the phrase "...their are other worlds than these..." which in the Dark Tower, I think book one, is spoken by one of the characters Jake.  Coincidence? I think not :)

I also picked up a phrase which was in my previous read Resistance (I'm sure just a coincidence and me King isn't stalking my reading habits) "..the devil is beating his wife..."  Hmm, I wonder, is it possible to be haunted by a phrase?

I bought the W.H Smith special collectors edition of Doctor Sleep which differs from the main copies by having purple cat eyes and wisps of steam. The cover felt nice with embossed steam and good paper and print font. I also liked the size of the hardback and format throughout.

If I had to summarise Doctor Sleep in 100 words or less (which I do for several book review sites) I would say:

This sequel to the shining is a must read not just for any King fan but for any fan of horror.  The characters are well drawn and the story keeps you hooked. A magnificent ending to one of Kings earlier stories, the proper ending that the character Danny deserved.

Namaste

Namaste (salutations to you)

This craft blog is turning out to be a bit of a lifestyle blog...unless maybe I live craft??

Well if you haven't guessed from the first word I have taken up Yoga.  I tried it years back and we never quite got on but now I am loving it.  I've been attending a Hatha Yoga class every Tuesday evening where not only have I learnt some postures I have also learnt something deep breathing and relaxation techniques.  Which is doing wonders for the ole anxiety and keeping the doc happy! 

I'm a little obsessed with it at the mo' and as Mr C is working away all weekend I am looking forward to having some me time and some time to do some long Yoga practice.

But for the proper crafty bit.

I bought my gorgeous pink yoga mat from Tesco but I didn't have a carry bag for it.  I since bought Yoga socks and take a water bottle with me so getting a carry bag was beginning to become a necessity.  So roughly following this post I created this little beauty...

Complete with Yoga mat inside to prove it does the job!

I say roughly followed that post as you can see I used ribbon for the handles, didn't have a button closing (couldn't get the button bit to go inside out so threw it across the room) and its not exactly the same but it does the perfect job for me.

Look at that for a bottom seam.  Not only are the handles are aligned, I managed to give it a rounded end (which wasn't easy as I didn't fully understand the instructions).










I also got a book from the library 'Yoga for a new you' Dorling Kindersley 2012 which I am considering buying as its really good.

I've also downloaded a few apps to my smart phone Pocket Yoga and Pocket Yoga Builder both by Rainfrog LLC but I haven't properly used them yet.  If I'm not at class I tend to use a DVD I have called 'Roxys Bite Sized Yoga' which has different routines split into bite sized chunks of 15 minutes each.

I'm hoping to get more regular practice in, especially as its doing my overall health so good, and have downloaded worksheets from my friends Alyson Tyler who is a Yoga teacher and writes a blog here (which has been super useful).  But I feel I need a little more guidance from a video clip for now.

I hope to try out some Youtube videos, in particular ones from Tara Lee, like this one...

...and will let you know how I get on.

Oh and I have seen a pattern for easy Yoga pants in my book 'The Sew Everything Workshop' that I bought to accompany a Craftsy Class so watch this space for more Yoga related craftiness!

P.S I can do a mean tree ;)

Book Review: Resistance by Owen Sheers

Last week I attended a creative writing taster session.  Never having done creative writing in my puff I didn't have high expectations for the night but have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it.   So as this is a crafty blog and writing is a craft (of sorts) I thought I would publish some of my writing here.  As you can expect with me I don't have much time to knit or sew so the chances of the worlds greatest novel being published here anytime soon is a long shot but hey ho you never know.

I thought I would start gently by posting a book review.  This is something I have wanted to hone my skills on, as I run the Builth Wells Reading Group blog over here, so below is my review of Resistance by Owen Sheers...

Resistance is set in an alternative universe where the Germans are winning World War II and are invading Britain.
Set in a Welsh valley between Hay on Wye and Hereford where a small community of farmers have disappeared in the middle of the night leaving behind the women.
We are led to believe they have gone off to join the 'Resistance' and we are left to explore the unfolding lives of the women left to work on the farms, in a harsh winter, with a German patrol living nearby.
My feelings towards this German patrol were tested throughout the novel.  Initially I began by feeling unsure and a little scared then as the story progressed I found my opinion changing and I became quite fond of them all, especially Albrecht.
My changing feelings were particularly highlighted when in one particular scene a character mistakes the German patrol for the valley farmers and you see the German patrol through those eyes, as though they were the farmers and see no difference between them.
I found I cared for all the characters in the valley and enjoyed the authors descriptions of the area and working farm life.  The audio book in particular was beautifully narrated and although I read some chapters too I wasn't overly keen on the format/look of the print.  I loved the front cover and thought it captured the story well.
The cover is black and white with a lone woman, could be our main character, standing atop a black mountain.  Comforting herself from the elements she seems to be searching for someone, her body language echos both loss and hope.
However I didn't like how the story jumped viewpoints and found it quite disorientating when listening to the audiobook.
Although the was is the backdrop to the novel I didn't feel it was prominent and it was more about working through hardship, community spirit and looking beyond what at first may appear to be a threat which could also be a lifeline.
I liked the valley characters.  The women for their hard work and determination against the Germans, the war and an altered way of life.  I loved how the women didn't give up when the men left, they took on more work and tried their hardest to keep on going.  I also liked the German patrol as although you start believing they are Nazi monsters it goes to show just because you put a uniform on someone and a gun in their hand it doesn't make them a soldier.  And that their true means of survival in the war wasn't to fight.  So you had the women fighting and the men trying hard to abstain, they were a perfect mirror image of each other in a mirrored universe.
Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction but especially those living or have an interest in the Welsh valleys.

You can find out more about Owen Sheers and Resistance on the Owen Sheers website.

Incidentally I am now reading 'A casual vacancy' by J.K. rowling as part of the book group read this month, feel free to join in and post comments on our blog :)

Hey baby

Well the bootees are finished (hurrah)...

Sparrow from Let's Knit - http://ravel.me/thefunkylibrarian/g0gvg

I've also finished my first ever cardigan...

Paris from Let's Knit - http://ravel.me/thefunkylibrarian/yi8f4

Again knit for my friends' baby when it arrives in January.  I've still to sew on four buttons but apart from that its ready to go.

I'm delighted with this, its so soft and squidgy and will keep the little one warm in cold January, hope he appreciates it!

The pattern was called Paris from a Let's Knit magazine supplement called Handknitted for Baby but I'm not sure of the date.  It was a super easy patterns to follow and can now add making a buttonhole with [yfwd, k2tog, k1] using stitch markers and picking up stitches to my arsenal.  I found picking up stitches quite tricky but making a buttonhole seems to be a mix of black magic and weird science.  I adapted the pattern slightly by not adding on pockets to the front as I wasn't overly keen on them.

Also if I were to knit this again I would go for a stronger colourway than the bluey/grey neutral colour, I think as its a basic garter stitch a strong colour will help the stitches stand out.







Continuing on the baby gifts next on the needles is a pattern called Little Imp from a Simply Knitting supplement called Hand knits for baby.  I've literally just cast this on using Deramores baby DK (gorgeous super soft yarn!) and already ran into trouble.  The first part of the pattern calls for a simple rib patterns then continue in stocking stitch then using a different colour yarn to create stripes.  I have somehow managed to mess up the simple rib at the start!

So tonight's mission is to find out how to undo around 6 stitches.  I refuse to rip it back a row or even to start again (its CO 80 stitches, yawn).  So that will add undoing stitches to the arsenal, if I can figure it out.  What's really annoying is its a rib pattern to I need to undo a purl and a knit stitch...argh!

To infinity and beyond

I don't know if you call it an infinity scary, or a cowl, or what but whatever you call it I call is smooshy and cosy and snuggly warm...roll on winter!

The infinity scarf made from Rowan Big Wool bought from Wool in Bath

Love the moss stitch pattern

I've been through the baby patterns and started on an easy peasy pair of bootees from Lets Knit magazine Issue 61 December 2012 called Sparrow using Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool DK I got from Deramores. The shade is 0003 Alabaster which is an ivory white colour.

As you can see I just need to sew it up but one down and another one to go!

I love knitting this and the yarn is so soft I'm wondering if it can be scaled up for Shari sized feet!

Another bonus is with this pattern I have learnt [K each stitch tbl], [s1, k1, psso], and refreshed on [kfb] and [k2tog]which is very exciting and I still found the pattern quick and easy to follow.  This builds my confidence for trying other patterns out without looking at the jumble of letters thinking I need to decipher some ancient code, nah its easy when you have You Tube.

Anyhoo on with the other bootee...

Chunky cowl and what's been happening dudes

Well I decided to try the exciting new cowl pattern (which you can view here) with the Rowan Big Wool, shade 00068, a gorgeous mustard yellow (which doesn't show up too well in the pic).  I'm about three quarters of the way there...

[I will post a pic in here but I'm writing this from the iPad and it won't let me upload, grrr]

I'm trying to get some more knitting done so I can start to clear out the stash and try new exciting baby knits for my friends James and Carrie whose baby is due in January and well they way I knit it'll be 21 before he or she gets it!

Also the anxiety has been near on unbearable lately.  I made it to the other side of the depressive episode but have been suffering with panic attacks and generally anxiety for a few months now. Even getting panic attacks in my sleep which is not fun.  I took some time off work to relax, even planned on knitting the whole week but ended up giving the house a spring clean instead.

Anyhoo, will post a pic of the scarf ASAP and details of the baby knit plans too.  Good ole Deramores gave me a discount, had a sale AND free delivery so I went a bit nuts, so much for clearing out the stash eh :)

Misses and Mrs

Well hello again reader, apologies for being off the radar lately but you see I was off getting married (yay) which was then followed by a gorgeous honeymoon in Scotland.  I won't go on but it was a beautiful day and we were able to get married in the sunshine in the garden of a lovely manor house near to where we live.  The hall was then filled with our even lovelier family and friends and we partied into the night.

Our scrummy cake made by the Mimosa Bakery

My sister-in-law, who also happens to run the Mimosa Bakery made our scrummy wedding cake with accompanying cookies ...

I made the bridesmaid bouquets,and it was a joint effort by me and the hubby to make the centerpieces for the tables which were five different planets in Star Wars (he did the planets I did the flowers).  This being a slight nod as we got married on Star Wars day, May 4th (get it).

We then had a fantastic honeymoon in a log cabin in Strathyre, Scotland where we explored all around including Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, Aberfoyle and Callander.  The only craftiness whilst on honeymoon was I completed a travel diary each day in a notebook I was given as a wedding gift.  

Not a bad spot to fill out a diary, drink tea or read a book :)

This gave me the idea to incorporate a little more technology in my life (like I need that) and complete a blog each time I go on hols...we'll see if this ever happens!

But on to crafty craftiness.  In amongst all of this I have managed to sew (yes, sew!) two cushion covers.  I followed the Craftsy Class and ta da...

Clicking on the photo takes you to the project page on Craftsy:
Source: French Seam Envelope Pillow/Cushion via Sharon Cook on Craftsy

I was chuffed to bits with the first cushion but the second one didn't come out as well.  the seams weren't the correct size and ended up showing in the final product which it shouldn't do with the french seam.  I've since discovered a bubble in my cutting mat and think that may be the problem so have ordered a new one, a 24" ruler to work alongside my 18" one (the cushion measures 21"x 21" you can see how annoyed I was with an 18" ruler), and a magnetic seam guide for the sewing machine.  I've also ordered more of the same fabric to give it another go and may rip out the stitches of the second cushion to use the fabric and make a smaller cushion or possibly napkins (we could really do with them!).

I have also knitted, but not yet sewn up the seams, for a pair of fingerless mitts from yarn I purchased in Bath.  I'm hoping to sew the mitts up over the weekend and get started on a matching cowl.  

I haven't started on the cowl yet and undecided whether to use this pattern which I use for all my cowls or this new exciting one.  I'll keep you posted on that.

Meanwhile I'm nursing Mr C back to health after a rotten trip to the dentist and hoping the sunshine stays so we can enjoy a hike in the countryside tomorrow, hope you're enjoying your weekend :-)

Mrs C  x