Nothing happening...

My throw rug is still progressing - quite a lit can be achieved in 30 minute bursts...

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It's cold. Every day it is 11-12C and this winter is dragging. I love winter but I am sick of these low temps. Our winter is usually around 15C but that cold snap of a few weeks back just hasn't left us.  Add to that the mundane of the working week and it is no wonder I have nothing to say.  By the time I shop for a few things, its nearly dark when I get home.

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We are heading away for a mini break so there is that to look forward to but it won't be any warmer than here.  This weekend will be fun as the girls will be with us. Stay tuned!

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Cheers - Joolz xx

 

Some sunshine at last...

The sun is out today, although it is only going to get to 15C (59F). I think the cold snap is coming to an end - there was yellow pollen from pine trees on my windshield so that signals that spring is not far away.  It certainly has been cold and bleak of late but hey, it is winter.

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Our Foodland had this lovely fresh, just out of the ground beetroot for $2 a bunch so I bought 4 bunches to pickle.  Nothing better.

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I have finished my second strip of my Commemorative Throw and am pleased with how it is going.

I had an email from a fellow blogger, Robyn, who has bought the kit so a gave her a few hints.  I have found you really need to read and re-read the pattern (well, der!) otherwise you can make boo-boos! I did it this morning and purled instead of knitting and had to unknit two rows!
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It looks thicker and thinner is some places but thats just because the stocking stitch patches have rolled under...
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I write up each patch of the strip with the rows and cross off as I go, but you must be careful to do that correctly too. 

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I'm enjoying the different patches and this pattern could be done in any colours of your choice.

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Comfort food here last night - crumbed lamb chops, mashed new potatoes, peas, carrot and lottsa gravy! Do you like gravy like I do? :)

Cheers - Joolz xx

Knitter natter...

(Day 18)

I am thoroughly enjoying my knitting...

After a slow start and a few glitches and unpicking, I have settled into the pattern and its going well.

I have even learned (via a YouTube video) how to pick up dropped stitches (that happened this morning and I really panicked but I got out my trusty crochet hook and voila, picked them up! Yay!)...

...and also to draw yarn up the side of your work when doing stripes so you aren't joining colours all the time. Old dog, new tricks!

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Its been a real learning experience...

Here's the Youtube link ... Picking up dropped stitches

Cheers - Joolz xx

Posted by Joolz with Blogsy

A new chicken recipe...

 

Started the morning with apple, orange, carrot, celery and beetroot juice...

Last night (Tuesday) I made a new dish from Marie at The English Kitchen. She is a fantastic cook and has such beautiful food on her blog - all recipes are easy to follow - and delicious!

So these are the ingredients for the chicken - a bit weird, hey?

Mix soup mix, mayo and chutney together with 1 cup of boiling water...

My chicken pieces...

Sauce tipped over...

An hour and a half later - delicious, tender, saucy chicken casserole! Mine didn't brown up like Marie's but I think that is just a difference in ovens.

Worth a go!

I had to wait around for the huz in Mt Gambier yesterday while cars were repaired and roadworthied so I took my knitting with me. I'm turning into a granny - but it whiled away some time. I'm making better progress with my rug but I really must read the pattern carefully otherwise its easy to make silly mistakes. I'm getting better at it!

I saw this on a blog the other day - zucchini with lemon pepper...

I just sliced up a small zucchini, sprinkled with LP and drizzled with a little olive oil. Quickly pan fried, it was a nice change from other greens.

I am officially old, sitting by the fire, knitting while huz watched Madam Secretary. Very cosy, indeed!

It's growing...

Cheers - Joolz xx

 

Posted by Joolz with Blogsy

Back on track...

After 'frogging' my knitting over the weekend, I am back on track, knitting the correct pattern and its coming out fine. Phew - baby steps, Joolz!

...sun is streaming in the windows although its cold outside...

Keeping our vitamin C levels up with fresh juice - apple, carrot, orange...

Yummy dinner last night - Babymac's chicken cacciatore. Tummy pleasing!

(Pic from Throwback at Trapper Creek blog)

I can't wait to try these Apricot Bars with my apricot jam.

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Its a beaut sunny day today but very crisp at 12C ...

...but judging by those clouds, rain isn't far away - it's heading our way!

Cheers - Joolz xx

 

Posted by Joolz with Blogsy

Frogging hell...

My Commemorative throw rug knitting has got off to a rough start...

I started it last Thursday but only got through the navy part before I dropped a stitch so I unpicked it and started again...

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I posted this picture yesterday on Facebook and it drew the attention of my sister who has already knitted this rug...

She pointed out that the red section should have been much longer and in stocking stitch K1 row, P1 row) not garter stitch (K all rows).  I had read and re-read the pattern yet still missed this important bit!

Ugh! Start again, Joolz!!

Cheers - Joolz xx

Posted by Joolz with Blogsy

Anzac Commemorative Throw Rug...

 My kit arrived today so I hope to get knitting later this afternoon...

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100% Australian Wool - the colours are in honour of our armed forces - army, navy and air force.

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The rug is knitted in strips which means rather than sewing each square together, you only have to sew whole rows together.  

Wish me luck!

Cheers - Joolz xx