Monday, August 20, 2007

Good things

There are a few things which are making me happy just now.

Firstly the back is behaving itself with me back at work now. The first week back was awful and there were a few tears of pain. There was also a few words exchanged with my boss re inappropriate work schedules. But it seems much better now as I have a few holidays to use up so I'm only part time at work for the next few weeks. And then I have a 2 week holiday off so full time will not come until late September.

Exercising is going great. I'm still enjoying the gym and keeping up the twice weekly sessions. Best of all I've lost 5 kgs (11 lbs) in the past 4 weeks without dieting.

I received a lovely exchange from Melissa on the SB BB

SB BB exchange from Melissa

I sent her this fob in exchange

Lamb fob

I spent the weekend stitching and finishing the Red lace needlebook by Drawn thread.

Here's the front

Red lace needlebook front

And the back

Red Lace needlebook back

And the inside

Red lace needlebook inside

I also finished my first pair of socks for August. They are knitted from Lorna's laces shepherd sport yarn in the shade black purl.

Checkmate socks

On a slightly odder note, I'm more than a little happy that this weekend Apple are opening their first Scottish store this weekend. I switched to a Mac nearly two years ago and I've become a big Mac fan since. It also means I'll have somewhere to go to get my Mac or ipod fixed if any problems occur and somewhere to buy Mac software and accessories locally as the only local place just now is John Lewis.

The good thing about this time of year is that all the yarn manufacturers are releasing their new yarns and designs. I got my copy of Rowan 42 recently and I've been drooling over some of the designs and new yarns. After lots of looking, I decided to treat myself to some of Rowan's new yarn Cocoon to knit the design Neaty from Rowan 42. I've got my eye on a few other things but I seem to have developed a bit of a yarn stash so whilst I'm not putting myself on a yarn diet, I'm going to try to use up some of it. Famous last words I think.

17 comments:

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

What lovely exchanged fobs :) I especially love the sheep one!!
Yoru Drawn Thread book is just gorgeous...what many hours you put into this! It shows!! Congrats!

Seahorse said...

So glad you're feeling a bit better. Well done on the weight loss too! Both fobs are gorgeous and I love the socks.

Looking forward to seeing 'Neaty'!

Karoline said...

They all look gorgeous, congratulations. Glad to hear the back is feeling better

Unknown said...

Glad to hear you're feeling better. Make sure you take it easy.

Your stitching is beautiful as is your knitting, what lovely exchange gifts you've both received!

ollie1976 said...

Congrats on the weight loss!
-Jen

Kitty Couture said...

I'm glad your back is finally getting better Paula, and congratulations on the healthy weight loss!!
The fobs are so pretty, both of them. Your DT needlbook is gorgeous!! Well done.

Anonymous said...

Wow! The Redlace Needlebook looks great! You did a wonderful job finishing it. I have it in my stash somewhere--this makes me want to find it and start right away.
Louise in France
who just got back from 2 weeks in Scotland where it rained almost every day!

Cheryl said...

I love your needlebook! It looks so great. The fobs are lovely too

sammyjo said...

i love the needle case its great and the socks are grovy lol

stitcherw said...

Lovely exchanges, both given and received. Also, your redwork needlebook is beautiful. Congrats too on getting the socks finished as well, they look very pretty and comfy.

Glad you are doing well, and congrats on the weight loss, what a nice additional benefit of the exercise.
Sue

Kristina said...

You've been tagged!
http://www.lekkerthreads.com/wordpress/

Karin said...

I *love* the needlebook. What fabric is the red lining? You did a great job on finishing it. Your exchanges are lovely as well.

Anonymous said...

Sono arrivata qui per caso, ma vogio farti i complimenti per i tuoi lavori, davvero bellissimi!!!!
Ciao,
Anna

Anonymous said...

Beautiful fob exchanges! And your redwork needlebook is adorable!! I have this one kitted up ready to stitch too - if mine turns out even half as nice as yours, I'll be happy :D

Anonymous said...

The Needlebook is gorgeous!

MysteryKnitter said...

I am glad your back behaves.

MysteryKnitter said...

I am glad your back behaves.