Knitting in Paradise

Kia Orana! It's now day 4 in sunny Rarotonga & I think I am managing to get into the swing of Island time. Louis (aka Turbo Toddler) is having a great time, just very excited with all the new surroundings, Hugo, the most laid back infant in the world, is sleeping incredibly well, & just loving having both parents around & everyone making a fuss. As for Dr Phil, he's one book down, half way through his second, with plenty to eat & drink - so life is A-OK as far as he's concerned... & what about the knitting I hear you ask?

I started with the project for my niece who is turning 3 on October, a gorgeous little bolero cardi with quite a frilly edging in a dusty pink (she's a girly girl) & so far, back & 1 and a half sleeves knocked off - excellent! I am also thinking of getting my project for my friends babe started. Baby Naomi arrived 10 days late (she was making an grand entrance) & I packed the most stunning Koigu handpainted sock wool which will make the most beautiful drapy pants, a design I have perfected over the years that is practical & the yarn is 100% merino & machine washable, perfect for a first time mum.

I am also please to report not too many sideways glances at me knitting on holiday - I spent an hour at a local cafe in Avarua yesterday whilst Dr Phil was at the gym (aptly named 'The Cafe' - very good coffee & food) & no one batted an eye - so knitters tell any doubting partners out there that you can take your yarn away on holiday with you!!

Knitting on Tropical Islands

We only have 2 more sleeps to go until we head off as a family to sunny Rarotonga for two delicious weeks. I am ashamed to admit that the boys' bags have been packed for a week & I did my bag a couple of days ago, anal retentive? No, I just like to be prepared, especially when travelling with children. You see, it's not just a matter of throwing a few sarongs & a swimsuit into a bag & jetting away (I wish, I remember those days so well....) both boys are in nappies, Hugo (5 months) is just starting solids, Louis would start world war three if he doesn't have 'glee glee' (his cuddly blanket), so the logistics in making sure I have all the supplies in correct quantities & everything washed & dried, ready to go is a HUGE job & that doesn't even include what Dr. Phil needs! I make him pack his own bag, but being the protective Doctor that he is, I have one entire bag dedicated to medical supplies - I'm not joking - we could run a small hospital out of our resort bungalow with what I've got packed, it's like I almost need a holiday, preparing for the holiday.
I am a compulsive list maker; accounts paid for the household & business - check; Children's food & toys - check; Medicines packed - check; Knitting projects packed - CHECK!
Fortunately for me Dr Phil is used to me packing my knitting for holidays, he was mortified the first time I packed a small project for a trip to Samoa one year, but there is only so much book reading, swimming & lazying about one girl can do. Because this trip is much longer that the usual 5-7 days it meant a new set of considerations for what to pack. I have a friend who as we speak is one week overdue for her first child & she doesn't know what she's having, my niece turns three on October & I want to whip something up for her with this gorgeous dusky pink yarn that came through the factory a few weeks ago & I know she'll love & then there is something for me. I hate picking projects for myself (trust me this topic is a whole blog on it's own) for some reason I find it tricky translating what I think will look good on the pattern photo to my tall cuddly shape. This time I think I have nailed it, with a few alterations, so the red yarn I have been saving for months has now been packed.... along with the pink yarn & a selection of yarns for either a boy or girl babe!