A Simpler Life 2018

Sayschezza

Quite agree gran3. 1 of my many faults I’m afraid. I try to keep quiet but he criticises everything and everybody so it is hard when I know he is wrong. I will try harder.

Caterina

Spider_In_The_Bath wrote: »

Yes, that is correct you start row 4 by purling three stitches together. Only the pattern is purl 3 tog not knit

The P3tog and the k1, p1 and k1 are all done on the same stitch. This is the part of the pattern that causes the bobble effect. You purl 3 together so that you do not end up with too many stitches as you are adding extra stitches, plus it also adds bulk to the bobble.

- Start by placing the right hand needle into three stitches on the left hand needle purlwise.
- Wrap the wool to make the purl 3 together, pull the right hand needle through the stitches however at the end of the purl 3 tog do not take the stitch of the left hand needle
- The wool you are using to knit with will be in front of your needles. Take this and pass it over the needles between the left and right needle (the stitch on the right hand needle is the one created by the purl 3 tog and the one on the left needle is the one you have not yet slipped off the needle after doing the purl 3 tog)
- Then knit into the stitch that is still on the left hand needle
- Then bring the wool to the front again and purl a stitch and then wool to the back again and knit into the stitch and at this point finally slip the stitch of the left hand needle.

You might need to pull the stitch a bit tighter than normal to make sure the bobble is not too 'baggy'.

I hope this makes sense.

Thank you, I will have to try it out before understanding it, for me the learning process happens in the making. Would have to have a pattern to make something in this stitch. And I'd love to find a waistcoat pattern in basket stitch, just like the one Peter Ginn (SWOON!) wears in Wartime Farm!

RicardaRacoon

hello everyone

wow, this tread did grew since I was last here!

After a busy week with last minute things to do at work and some other things going on it is finally Saturday and I have 11 days off! Well, I will be on call for the second part of it and might need to go into work once or twice but it will only be for an hour or two and I hope that I won't have to anyways.

Had a fairly productive day already, got up at eight, went to the shops, did some small stuff at home, folded laundry and went for a little walk to bring some christmas baking to an elderly family friend. Actually wanted to leave it outside her door but then thought I might as well ring and she was very happy to see me, so I stayed for a little chat. She is 89 and one of the loveliest people I know. She is always helping others and is still very active doing charity work.

So all that I have to do for the rest of the day are some Christmas related things like filling Christmas crackers - we usually have the Fill your own ones and I fill them with some chocolate - and wrapping gifts. And then I will just sit and knit. Will see if I can get a pair of cuffs done today for a friend who I will see somewhen next week.

jackyanne, I also keep packing material, especially small boxes that are always handy to wrap a gift. I mailorder catfood and it comes in quite sturdy boxes which I pass on to a charity who are always happy for packing material for their donations.

Had a good laugh about the shoe size business. I am size 6.5 which I think is rather big for my 5 foot 2 and a little bit. My sister is 5.4 and has a 7.5/8 depending on the shoe... She is glad that she is not interessted in dainty court shoes and stuff but preferes plimsolls and boots.

I should also learn that I shouldn't take things too personaly but sometimes I can't help it. Maybe goes back to being bullied as a child, I still take things personally because I am used to things being ment to insult and hurt me. Definitively having to learn that.
And sometimes I should learn to keep quiet and let others do the battle when it isn't really my problem.

lessonlearned, sorry to hear about your "divorce" from your sister, but then it is always better to keep away from people who aren't doing you good. i have a similar thing with my brother, we just don't get along, never have... The longest we manage without an argument or at least a very heated discussion is two hours... So I am fine seeing him once or twice a year for half an hour, but not more.

GreyQueen, loved your small lesson on how to identify wool and other material! I decided half an hour ago to finally unravel a cowl that I hardly ever wore as it turned out too wide and not really nice anyway. But the yarn is very frizzy, so maybe binning the cowl and taking a hammer and hitting myself would be the better option....

K.Mack I know people like that from work as well. Lately an elderly man was very unfriendly because we could not do what he wanted and started complaining so eventually I told him that there was nothing I could do but he could talk to my boss. His answer was "Why do you think I want to talk to this old !!!!!!?"

LameWolf

GreyQueen wrote: »

I also make hooked rugs and have made several wholly or majorly from unravelled garments. It's great to make something lovely and useful from spare materials, the technique is so easy a child can do it (I made my first full-sized rug aged 9 and had assisted on many others beforehand) and they last for decades.

I used to do rugs; sadly the ex kept all of them.:( Unfortunately my hands are too weak now; I can't pull the material/wool/whatever through with the hook any more.

Re shoe size: I used to be a 4, but due to arthritis, am nowadays a 6 or 7, depending on they style of shoe.

My current craft project is cross stitch, but it's proving quite a challenge - very fine, navy blue Aida, and a lot of colours that are very similar, just a few shades apart. I am utilising a magnifying glass and a head torch (the one I use for dog-walking in the dark) to make the task easier.

Toni'sfriend

Just read this thread from the beginning and love it.
We live quite simply but I realize there is still lots of room for improvement. We really don't need lots of possessions to be happy, do we? And lots of simple pleasures that don't cost anything or very much.
I'm looking forward to next year and a simpler, happier life.

[Deleted User]

LameWolf wrote: »

I used to do rugs; sadly the ex kept all of them.:( Unfortunately my hands are too weak now; I can't pull the material/wool/whatever through with the hook any more.
...

You can also prod rugs as well as hook them. Instead of pulling the material through with a hook you push instead. Would this be an option?

K.Mack

Today I had a good clear out of clothes. I was ruthless. But I made sure it was things that were beyond their best, hadn't worn in a long time or if I had too many of them. I only need one pair of trousers for the likes of painting, dyeing my hair - basically that I don't leave the house in!!
Decluttered the pyjama draw, so I only have sets. My wardrobe is looking bare now.It needs filling up :rotfl:
The clothes that are too good to throw away will go to charity. Will use some as rags. And the rest just chucked.

Also wrapped the rest of the christmas presents today,and assembled the new rat cage. It's much better than the other one and still large but not as big. Just need to clear out the old cage and dismantle it which I am not looking forward do

GreyQueen

LameWolf wrote: »

I used to do rugs; sadly the ex kept all of them.:( Unfortunately my hands are too weak now; I can't pull the material/wool/whatever through with the hook any more.

Re shoe size: I used to be a 4, but due to arthritis, am nowadays a 6 or 7, depending on they style of shoe.

My current craft project is cross stitch, but it's proving quite a challenge - very fine, navy blue Aida, and a lot of colours that are very similar, just a few shades apart. I am utilising a magnifying glass and a head torch (the one I use for dog-walking in the dark) to make the task easier.

I use bought rug canvas, which is a mesh, so no forcing the wool through, just a tug on the ends when each knot done, to tighten it up on the canvas. I'm sorry your ex got your rugs, they should stay with their maker, imo.

I've been doing stuff yesterday and today which involved an extra lease of life for a beloved old shirt (brother's) and a pair of socks. I will also be commencing another rug this evening, starting by turning under the ends and sewing down with strong thread. I will tack a strip of thick cotton tape over the lower end, to prevent it scratching at me until I am ready to hook onto that bit. I will be using rug wool in hanks, cut up to lengths by winding it around a piece of wood. I have decided on a simple diagonal stepped design, using the grids woven into the rug canvas, and will be working in the autumnal hues.

Having run out of floor (titchy flat) this narrow rug canvas will be a wall-hanging, which might later be a floor-covering if needed.

We're living simply for a family christmas and taking it easy. Going to be doing some decluttering and some mending and clothing alterations (Mum's health not too good now) so I can help with these things).

Have a lovely evening, everyone. GQ x

Nargleblast

Merry Christmas everybody! I am looking forward to stretching the inevitable leftovers well into the New Year.

fuddle

We've not got much in the way of leftovers nargle. We went the 'lets not buy much because it's just one day' but I have a sneaky suspicion we'll be out on Boxing Day topping up. I so wish I'd gone the leftovers route! :rotfl:

The only handmade gift I've given are dog biscuits for my sister's German Shepherd. I loved handing them over... I didn't get that with the shop bought toys and curling wand I gave to my sister's family. Although I know they are very much wanted I'm trying to fathom how much of the giving experience is supposed to be for the giver.:o Some pondering to do in this area.

Merry simply Christmas all. :xmastree: