No Hat Or Cane!

I have been trying to make Mary-Jane a beanie hat the same as mine.  But in a different colour and yarn.  I eventually worked out the number of stitches I needed against the size of a hat that fits her.  I was getting on okay once I'd settled to it.  Three inches later, on review, I thought the fabric was too dense and wanted to use a larger needle.  I was on 8mm dpns, 9 is the recommended size.  I don't have any, so I may just try 10mm.  I can use trusty circulars as I still can't find my shortest wire that I want.  This in itself puzzles me as it is a wire that I use the most.   I'll try tomorrow evening as I'm off to bed when I've finished here.  I have frogged tonights said hat. I'm a bit peeved, not too much though.  Another look on Ravelry might help.  And the need to measure Mary-Jane's head tomorrow won't go amiss.........

I was getting ready to start my candy cane cloth last night (or was it the night before?) only to find that I'd not got any candy cane colour cotton.  Yes I was more than a little miffed.  I tried to move on and think that I will pick a picture cloth to do.  I've still not had chance to look for the missing Christmas Cloths yet.  On the upside, I do have a green and white ball, so I may do a peppermint candy cane cloth.  Unless I get a better idea!

I have been to Workington today, with M, to Chambers, the sugarcraft shop.  I wanted to get things together for the new term.  Before I went, I hunted online for the cutters, and found them.  HK suggested that I go to Chambers and get the rest of my bits, with my Christmas Money.  However Chambers didn't have the cuttters but did have virtually everything else that was on the list.  I have bought colour dusts and tints, a glaze, wires, a green dye.  I am about spent up now!  I spotted a bottle of Rejuvinator, which I may get next time.  This can be mixed with tints to make paints.  It can be used for something else which I can't remember off the top of my head. D'oh!  I need to dye some flower paste green and get some white mimosa for the Pussy Willow.  The I'm prepared and ready to start.  One less thing to worry about!  I shall order the cutters online on Friday.

I was going to do some baking this evening.  I need to do some Bread Pudding.  I'm going to try and do it with Christmas spices - nutmeg and mixed spice.  I'll try and do this tomorrow.  The main thing I wanted to make was some Christmas Cupcakes.  The recipe is in The Hummingbird Bakery Cake Days book.  The cakes sponge is similar to a light fruit cake.  I've had my eye on this recipe for a while now.

Mary-Jane is much better.  Her skin has suffered though, especially on her back.  I have increased the amount and type of creams.  Hopefully tomorrow there should be an improvement.  It is dry and she does try to scratch and scratch.  However she (as I'm sure I've said before, but you can see how it plays on my mind) loves the coolness of the cream on her back.

Mary-Jane was doing a new dance today whilst watching one of her favourite programmes (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse).  She raised her arms up at her side, with her elbows bent and walked herself round in a circle on the spot.  She was clapping as well at times, whilst circling.

Christmas Sugarcraft Fairy Is Underway

I have been busy working on my Sugarcraft Fairy.  I was experimental with the base, with a degree of success.  I have been asking a few people at the class how they did theirs, and I wasn't too far off the mark.  I did put two more layers of petticoat on her, but on the third one I managed to flatten the edges more and so it is bigger.  A plain mistake.  I would have liked the red skirt to be more fluted but never mind!  I wanted to do a longish coat to hide the join of the skirt and am quite happy with that.  I think putting the collar on might be a bit tricky - hopefully I will be inspired to do this.  Since leaving the class, I have already had 'improvement ideas' on what I was trying in the class.  The buttons were a little bit of inspiration and was chuffed with myself for thinking of it! 

 Dress MakingPattern Cutting Shapes and Theories were starting to bubble up to the front of my brain.  It has been over 20 years since I did my BTEC in Fashion.  It's nice to know that what I learned is still in the nether regions of my brain and is able to surface and be used.

Next to do is her arms.  I started making shapes for the sleeves, but my mojo and time were running short, so I began packing my stuff up.  I also want to make a tree.  I asked one of the ladies how she did hers, and she gave me quite detailed instructions.  I might ask HK for help as it needs a small wire frame.  I'm sure I could do it myself, but he is, as he reminded me, is a very accomplished model maker, with a degree in Fine Arts!

I also need to make her a bonnet and try to paint her face a little.  I will also try again to make a lamp post.  I have better ideas how to do it, now I have had a think and a cogitate.  I have also made a bundle of twigs and placed some twigs to look like and unlit fire.  I shall put them on when the fairy is dressed.  I'm enjoying this project so far.  I had the impression initially that it could be done within a few weeks.  Perhaps if you know what you are doing and have done something similar before.  I will study my new sugarcraft book from cover to cover when it arrives.  I have also been recommended the original book that I looked at, so I may take another look at that.

I now have a full list of what I need for the next project.  At least I have a little time to get things together.   I must figure 'christmas' and 'life' into that little time that I have !!

Mary-Jane is much on the mend.  Her cheek is about as much flared up as yesterday, however it is responding well to the creams that I'm putting on her.  She lies so still and relaxed when I massage her creams in.  The look in her eyes absolutely melts my heart.

Christmas Cake - Part 2

The cake is cooked and cooling!  I am really pleased with how it looks, feels and smells!  I so want to cut into it to see inside but I shall have to wait for that!  The recipe gave out to cook for 4 and a half to 4 and 3/4 hours, and maybe up to another 30-45 minutes.  I took this out after 3 and 3/4 hours.  Maybe could have done with coming out slightly earlier.  The oven is a convection (or is it fan?) and cooks quicker.  Somthing I have to watch out for, even now.

 Would you like a slice?!  I would!  It makes me look forward even more to Saturday to the Decorating Workshop.

 Mary-Jane only settled for a very short while before she started really crying.  We both went up to her and bought her some milk.  Once she stopped crying - within seconds of having Mom-Mom cuddles - and became calmer, we sat her on our bed with us.  She was content to sit here, drink her milk and have some comfort time nestled in between Mommy & Daddy.  I put her back in her bed after about ten minutes.  She cried for a while, cries of tiredness and frustration that she was so tied and not asleep, then settled down to sleep.  I have only heard a few murmers off her since.  I am glad she is having a good sleep.

This evening I have cracked on with the Christmas Kitchen Knitting.  I have very nearly finished the second towel.  I have it in my mind to do a cloth or two next.  I want to do one with lacey candy canes in candy cane colours.  After that I might see if I can do a picture one.  Which reminds me, I thought I had all my previous Christmas Knitting, but I can't think where the towels and cloths that I've done before are........

A massive Congratulations!  to my cousin Katy and her husband, Brendon, for the safe arrival of their First Born Son - Archie James.  Born today at 12.16pm, weighing in at 8lb 6oz!  Congratulations and Well Done!! xxxxxx

Christmas Cake - Part 1

Last Night

I have finally got the preparation of my Christmas Cake underway.  I know it should be started in October or November at the latest........  I now have my fruit soaking in a good glug of brandy.  And the recipe?  I'm using Delia Smiths Classic recipe.  The cake decoration workshop is on Saturday, so I really need to get my finger out!  Tomorrow is earmarked for cake mixing and baking - it takes just over 4 hours to bake!!!  Can't wait.  I want to see if I can get Mary-Jane to have a stir of the mix an start another new tradition in our family. 

This Afternoon

The cake is in the oven!  It seemed to take ages to wrap the baking tin - an 8" round one.  The preparation and mixing it altogether took at least an hour.  Luckily Mary-Jane was having a late afternoon nap, so I could crack on in one go.  She awoke late, really tired.  She had some of her milk then was changed into her pj's and taken back off to bed.  She is trying to settle now.  Her cold is getting much better and her face is clearing.  She is now having trouble to settle to sleep, we shall see.

The cake ingredients smelled delicious.  I'd forgotten how lovely the zest of oranges and lemons smelled.  That mixed with all the spices and run and brandy.  It's in the oven now, it's been there for an hour - just another three at least to go!

Weather Lightplay

Watching the weather here can be quite amazing and awe inspiring at times.  The lightplay can be jaw dropping.  On a dark and cloudy day, the sun can peek through brilliantly, vividly lighting fields and sky.  There was one such day a week ago.  HK went outside with the camera and took all these photos.  They are taken from either the back or front of the house.  They have motivated me to use our 'posh' camera more.  If the scenery around here is not enough to make you want to at least take a photo of it, then perhaps nothing will!

This is the view south south east (approximately!)

 This is the view from our front room window.  Who needs TV whenyou can sit and watch this?!  The blob on the right is a fault on the camera, it's been there for ages, not all the time but I kinda live with it.

 This is taken, a minute or so later, from the back of the house, looking westerly, towards the coast.

 I know the next two are similar - but beautiful, with slightly different sun effects.

 To get your bearings, the telegraph pole is the same one in this photo as it is in the above one.

I shall try and take more 'outdoors' pictures.  Too many missed opportunities already!  What I did a few years ago, was to try and take a picture once a month stood in the same place, to capture it through the seasons.  I managed it for a few months then on an off for the rest of the year.  I shall have to find another spot and do the same thing.  I previously did it on Cannock Chase.  I had great visions then of filling the house with my photography.  Nothing stopping me now to persue that idea.  I have the camera, the interest and The Lake District on my doorstep.  I seem to prefer taking pictures of scenery.

On the home front:  Mary-Jane was a little better today.  She was much more herself, although she still has her cold, and her cheek is still sore and puffy.  Last night she had a really good night's sleep.  I only heard her murmer once all night.  So far, tonight is a good night as well.  Today she has mastered working her spinning top all by herself.  Once she gets it spinning, she grins with glee and claps.  She knows she has done well and is pleased with herself.  We are so proud of her.

I have finished my first Christmas Hand Towel and have cast on my second.  I may do one more after this before I do a couple of cloths.

Egremont Farmers Market And Mary-Jane's Cold

At the Farmers Market in Egremont, Beckermet WI did the Refreshments.  Yesterday I tried baking 2 dozen cakes and some biscuits.  Unfortunately I couldn't get in the kitchen to decorate the cakes or to bake the biscuit dough.  I got down there at around ten and left at 12.30.  As usual at such events I seem to take the main role in washing up.  Sometimes I had company doing this and sometimes I didn't.  I didn't manage to take a good look around at the different stalls.  Virtually all the stall were hand made crafts and a couple were produce, bread and meat.  I did manage to get some fresh beetroot.  I like fresh beeetroot cooked and then roasted and served with a sunday dinner, as a vegetable.  Try it you may just be amazed!

One of the craft stalls was the first Knitting Group I found when I moved up here.  This is the Whitehaven Group.  The knit to sell.  They were very pleased to see me and gave me an open invite to return at any time, even if I couldn't get to go regularly.  Once a week would be lovely to go to a group, but a heavy committment on my time.  Especially if I'm knitting to sell.  Perhaps later on down the line.  Any how, they had some lovely hand knits for babies.  I bought this cardi for Mary-Jane.

 And this hat.  Mary-Jane has tried it on and played with it, she likes it, although not as much as Mommy's Colinette Point 5 hat!

 I also got her this jumper.  She hasn't tried it on yet.  There was another lovely spring green cardi in what I guessed to be a soft cotton, unfortunately this looked to small for her.  These three items came to a princely £4.50!  Unbelievable!

 The stall opposite the Knitting one was a lady selling hand made soap.  Making soap is on my list of things I'd like to try, but it's not high up on the list.  I had a good sniff at the soaps that appealed to me and narrowed it down to three.  The middle one is lavender, the lower one should be patchouli (for HK) and I really can't remember what the last one is!  I know I smelled the jasmine before this one, but for the life of me, can't think what it is and the smell doesn't tell me what it is.......  A few pamper baths are due!

I have spent this evening with my first Christmas Hand Towel.  I'm not far off done.  It would take easily less than an hour to complete, but it won't be tonight.

Mary-Jane's cold has taken hold of her more today.  She is quite snuffly.  She has had calpol morning and evening, and some korvol sprinkled on her clothes to help her breathe more easily.  Calpol is a liquid paracetamol for babies.  However she did perk up an hour before bedtime and so far tonight she has had a really good sleep, I have not heard a peek out of her.  Last night she awoke crying around 9.30.  When I put her back down, she settled for about 15 minutes, then was crying again.  She awoke at 01.15 crying and breaking her heart.  Big cuddles and withing minutes she started dozing on my shoulder.  She settled for the rest of the night after that  She has had an hours sleep this afternoon.  Fingers crossed she will be feeling better tomorrow.  Her cheek has flaired up terribly.  She gets a rash like redness on her cheeks when she is teething or not feeling well.  Then it gets itchy and she scratches at it.  Poor little mite.  She has let me put cream on it.  at bed time I put diprobase on.  This is an emoillant cream, which helps moisturise.  It is quite a cool cream and I am sure the coolness gave her some instant relief.  When I put it on her back, it almost stops her in her tracks, whatever she is doing or playing with in her hands, and she really enjoys the coolness and the back massage.  Please keep Mary-Jane in your thoughts!

Christmas Knitting Starts Today!

I earmarked in my diary that today I should start Christmas Knitting.  I don't mean knitted gifts - it's a bit late for them, unless they are last minute ones.  I'm wanting to knit some hand towels and cloths for the kitchen.  And I have made a start!  I have cast on a hand towel using Sugar 'n' Cream Mistletoe.  True to form it has started to make me feel a little Christmassy.  I have already re-found where I put last years Christmas goodies and have put them on a shelf where I can see them, so I know where they are!  I was going to do Mary-Jane another stocking but time has not permitted this. 

Perhaps next year, I could set myself a knitting goal?  I'm not brilliant at setting these or adhering to them.  They usually go along the lines of 'I will use more of my stash and not buy so much new yarn'.  This does fall by the way side at the sight of gorgeous new yarns.  This year I've not been able to spend what I normally do (indeed this will be a thing of the past for the foreseeable future), but I have enjoyed using my stash more.  And getting the satisfaction of finding something to do with the one skeins etc.  It has been helpful, and easier, that I have not been led into temptation.  Although there are yarn shops around here, there are none (that I have come across - with one exception) that get my juices flowing and my money spent!  The exception is Avril's Woolly One-Offs, she has some good stuff, but I only see her once a month, so I can temper my temptations!

I digress.  Perhaps I could set myself a challenge or something similar to do a small Christmas project once a month or once every two months.  Or if I wanted to go a step further, I could spend the equivalent of a weeks knitting every two months, doing small projects for the upcoming season.  I have a penchant for setting myself high or unrealistic targets for things, and get stressed when I feel pressured (by myself) to get them done.  So I don't want to be overly rigid in what I set myself as 'Goal Achievements'.  I shall mull.  There is a possibility for fun in there and that is what it should be all about.  Plus I would like my home to be home-made where possible.