Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Up, Up and Away!


Mr. Incredible wanted a cape, but we know from Edna Mode what happens to superheroes in capes, but I couldn't resist making this little superhero getup. There's sort of a little Harry Potter lightning bolt thing going on as "Super E" is a super big Harry Potter fan. There was a pattern online, but I'm too cheap to buy something like this so I just winged it. Think it turned out fine.

Our visitors left late Monday, but we had a lot of fun and Saturday and Sunday the weather couldn't have been nicer. Nothing we wanted to do seemed to be open on Sunday, but we still had a great time wandering around the parks and streets of London. Here you can see the kids writing on the wall outside Abbey Road Studios. Getting pretty filled up so should be painted over any day. Also got to see the guards' horses and had fun just walking along a wall across from the Thames on our way to see Westminster Abbey.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Knitting and Stitching Show 2008


My husband told me that a woman at work had a knitter friend in town who had gone to a knitting show on Thursday and really enjoyed it. As he was looking for things to do with his sister and her family who were visiting for the weekend, he ran across the Knitting and Stitching Show that she was talking about. I thought it sounded fun, but I wasn't seriously thinking about going. Hubby insisted as they were all going to the Tower of London, which I've seen already a few times. I'm glad he did.

The venue was lovely--Alexandra Palace--surrounded by lovely parks and with a beautiful view of the city. There was lots to do and see at the show. Three rooms filled with vendors and groups... displays and learning areas. I had a go at knitting with some of those über-sized needles and large balls of stripped wool. I almost bought a pair to make this curtain I've been thinking about, but I decided against it.

The top two pictures are of the Hyperbolic Coral Reef (my pictures aren't doing it justice), but it's a crocheted reef that looks pretty darn real and is meant to bring awareness to the plight of our coral reefs while teaching people the art of crochet. Part of it is dedicated to recycled materials as well. It was a great centerpiece to the entrance of this show.

Although I primarily knit now, I am also pretty good at sewing and enjoy other crafts as well, so it was fun to see all of these arts under one roof. I bought a few little things... some specialty yarns (bamboo, corn silk, soy). A couple balls of each to make socks just to try it out. Bought a kit for a tunic sweater thing that came with the hemp and pattern. Have always wanted to use hemp, but it isn't always easy to find in the stores that are closest to me. Bought some material (which is more beautiful and probably better quality than necessary) to make a pair of hippie bell-bottoms for my daughter's Halloween costume. Found some half-price Rowan and Debbie Bliss for half price as well. Picked them up for baby gifts. But best of all, got lots of great ideas and inspiration.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

The Wash Never Ends

Really. It doesn't. I feel like I just get one load done and there's another two waiting for the washer. Then there's the heaping basket of folding that needs to be done. Let's not talk about the piles of dog hair that collect behind the door and under the stairs. Last night I finally got to the inch of dust on the book shelf. Never mind the dishes and scrubbing the lime off the shower glass, taking out the recycling, making beds, mopping the floor and vacuuming... the list goes on and on. I have a husband who does a lot of work, so I can't complain about working a full day and then coming home and working another full day with no help because that's not the case; however, it is disconcerting to have to spend so much of the weekend cleaning, especially when I'd rather be out enjoying London and hanging my family, knitting or reading... whatever. I get stressed by the mess, but I sometimes get paralyzed by it as well. Help! Hand me the sticks. I'll knit the stress away!