tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9386021416347416062024-03-15T07:48:59.330+13:00'Just let me finish this row darling...'MacBuscke Knits: The ramblings from a frantic, frazzled knitting fanatic, who wishes she has more time to knit in between motherhood, business & furr children!
Creator of Knit August Nights: www.knitaugustnights.co.nz Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-42131181656982978672016-07-21T13:25:00.002+12:002016-07-21T13:25:47.437+12:00Ready, Set, Show<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8403/8746131152_8a525fc3ec_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8403/8746131152_8a525fc3ec_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Met these characters at the Wairoa Show - they were young cowboys in the making!</td></tr>
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The A & P Show is as quintessentially kiwi as it gets. Every agricultural nation have their spin on their community getting together to celebrate what it is they do best, but for us it's the A&P Show.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih71Zbo7_ffO4qBO4ZJMApJsnOkHQfQHoG9PAwfEiWjN0SvyeHNqapNN4KFqAWspQ5acZesWKKFPTc_GRBWtHXBV9sgll4jqp6xtTujyJKIWCTqfSl_bmXfyuuRLm5ixZLJ5oXHOSS_P5t/s1600/Hawkes+bay+on+Show.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih71Zbo7_ffO4qBO4ZJMApJsnOkHQfQHoG9PAwfEiWjN0SvyeHNqapNN4KFqAWspQ5acZesWKKFPTc_GRBWtHXBV9sgll4jqp6xtTujyJKIWCTqfSl_bmXfyuuRLm5ixZLJ5oXHOSS_P5t/s1600/Hawkes+bay+on+Show.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXns3Wmf8OhQRveMB6u3GZNTDy_8yH8Aer8JfAdB0QA7Tvk_bbKKclmvyV7wPzsJxZdt0IU4_9hp7En7KOk5mvMFo5F-xvAHAtwDZz5ykv83o9RBuO-jkMXoAzT7AEzAaE2V8NMCOsfcJl/s1600/HB+Royal+Show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXns3Wmf8OhQRveMB6u3GZNTDy_8yH8Aer8JfAdB0QA7Tvk_bbKKclmvyV7wPzsJxZdt0IU4_9hp7En7KOk5mvMFo5F-xvAHAtwDZz5ykv83o9RBuO-jkMXoAzT7AEzAaE2V8NMCOsfcJl/s200/HB+Royal+Show.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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As children we flocked to the show, extorted money off the grandparents and tolerated being dragged around the stock exhibits and home industries so we could then hare off to the amusements to make ourselves sick on rides and lurid coloured drinks. Now as a parent I can attest, not much has changed, but what has changed is our appreciation of what goes on at the Show, what is celebrated and also participating myself in those elements I couldn't give much time for before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1093/5098004593_4c33cc7945_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1093/5098004593_4c33cc7945_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A&P Show's celebrate all the elements and primary industries that are vital to our local communities.</td></tr>
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The hardest thing about hosting such an event is that juggle between tradition and relevance. About making the event something that celebrates the generations who have been before, but also speak to the generations and future generations attending now.<br />
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I see this working in an industry which is hundreds of years old and have loved seeing the refreshed interest in all things home, craft and most importantly hand made. Driven by social media and the ability to easily share what you do to a wider audience. As someone who has always participated in the domestic arts, it's really nice to be able to come out from the shadows and share my knowledge to a wider audience on social media. The Home Industries section at the A&P Show has been one of those few places where we can physically display what it is we do. It's where you can see all the wonderful things created in 'real life' and not on a screen.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1145/5098601234_1e61257210_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1145/5098601234_1e61257210_b.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Boy's are Show veterans, this is them years ago checking out an Alpaca exhibit. </td></tr>
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So this year I am so thrilled to be appointed the new section head of the Hawkes Bay HandMADE section - encompassing our local craftspeople and domestic artisans. This year our goal is to encourage all this cleaver people who are creating sharing such beautiful work online to enter and display their work at the Show. Taking the workmanship from behind the LCD screen to larger than life, full HD colour and you could get rewarded for your efforts. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/79005608/Chunky_Capelet_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/79005608/Chunky_Capelet_medium2.jpg" height="335" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many entries I have made over the years</td></tr>
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<br />
Entering is so easy and you also get free entry and car parking to come and attend the show. Have a look at the revamped schedule of classes <a href="http://www.skeinz.com/site/skeinz/files/2016%20Royal%20Show%20Schedule%20-%20HandMADE%20Community.pdf">HERE</a> and downloaded your entry form <a href="http://www.skeinz.com/site/skeinz/files/2016%20Royal%20Show%20HandMADE%20Entry%20Form.pdf">HERE</a> and give it a go!Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-88542506612556330292016-06-13T14:31:00.001+12:002016-06-13T14:32:11.837+12:00Top 5 tips to finding the perfect yarn for the job.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.fwlg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/t51.2885-15/e35/13380866_244258229288486_1495917529_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://instagram.fwlg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/t51.2885-15/e35/13380866_244258229288486_1495917529_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A baby cardigan in Silver Lining Merino - Bell Bush</td></tr>
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<div>
<br /></div>
I find that the compulsion to start an new project comes from one of three reasons: an occasion, a stunning pattern or luscious yarn. New babies are the best reason to get the needles working away and is still the number reason someone will get started again after a break from the needles or hooks. Also knit design has come ahead in leaps and bound in recent years, with patterns vastly more accessible and fashionable and that goes without saying all those beautiful yarns which you can get in every glorious colour, texture and thickness.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIPEigvHHkPPIED7nbp1TcJlgv3v2LvFTWnmBIwDZxAkzPNrYYjZw5YSim73RKArvI0Rc8it2hmOD24uLlIeH80z2K9YS8AaqcDisDSWmMx_CFK1FuOCDYzmgz98ysujzzQvXk28-QvTB/s1600/SL+CFW+Prize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIPEigvHHkPPIED7nbp1TcJlgv3v2LvFTWnmBIwDZxAkzPNrYYjZw5YSim73RKArvI0Rc8it2hmOD24uLlIeH80z2K9YS8AaqcDisDSWmMx_CFK1FuOCDYzmgz98ysujzzQvXk28-QvTB/s400/SL+CFW+Prize.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Lining is incredibly soft and perfect for projects next to the skin.</td></tr>
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<div>
<b>So how do you select the right yarn for the job?</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Tip One - </b><i>Swap 'Like for Like'</i><i>.</i></div>
<div>
Look at the yarns suggested in the pattern. If you choose, or are unable, to use the yarn suggested then look for a yarn that is similar. Compare the fibre content, texture, construction and length to find a good alternative. So if your pattern calls for a smooth DK wool yarn, look for other smooth DK wool yarns. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Tip Two</b> - <i>Natures Best.</i></div>
<div>
If you are knitting a garment for a baby - natural fibres are always the best option, wool is perfect for babies. Lighter weights are great for knitted layers, like singlets, and cardigans, whilst medium weights, like DK are great for jackets, longies blankets and sleeping bags. Softer yarns are best for infant skins, so Merino, Polwarth or superwash are great.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Tip Three</b> - <i>Wear without Tears.</i></div>
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One of the most common questions we get asked is: Will this yarn pill?</div>
<div>
All yarns will pill if enough friction and movement is applied, so if you are knitting a garment that is going to see a lot of wear and rugged treatment select a yarn with higher twist, stronger fibres and knit to a firm tension. Examples being Skeinz Vintage and Southlander, these are my favourite all purpose wearing yarns. If you are knitting a shawl or cowl, something that won't experience too fraught or friction, then a yarn soft to wear against the skin is perfect. Burlesque or Terabyte are just perfect for these sorts of projects, super, super soft and won't experience too much wear and tear.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S6cmycSUnIGiPVUHJVVanvwMSVK5Zd33EQR1kXVAd-f3YfFi6fUgteUJlA3TZvg_5rP4p8lHNLbw0pbZ-FD0ZCvERtlHwJNfj9UYdMRbUS8K0lYyO2Zev3QONlFgJikgYIb9bWhoAvMq/s1600/Orb+Fine+IG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S6cmycSUnIGiPVUHJVVanvwMSVK5Zd33EQR1kXVAd-f3YfFi6fUgteUJlA3TZvg_5rP4p8lHNLbw0pbZ-FD0ZCvERtlHwJNfj9UYdMRbUS8K0lYyO2Zev3QONlFgJikgYIb9bWhoAvMq/s400/Orb+Fine+IG.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fine twist on twist Merino give excellent definition, softness and wear.</td></tr>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Tip Four</b> - <i>Find your Flock</i></div>
<div>
Natural fibres all have various qualities and some of these reflect in how they act when they are stitched into a final project. If you are looking to knit a pattern with textured stitches, Aran cables or bobbles you need a yarn that will hold these stitches so they 'pop'. Traditionally these patterns were made with strong wools, which were 'lively' and held their structure when knitted. Wool is still the number one choice for these projects. If you want softness, drape or a floaty fabric, great with lace stitches then fine wool or blends of wool, Alpaca, Silk, Kid Mohair or even plant fibres like cotton or bamboo come into their own.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Tip Five</b> - <i>It all comes out in the wash.</i></div>
<div>
Super Wash versus Hand Wash - a raging debate for years to what is better. For me - I hand wash all my yarn garments, regardless of yarn type. I find it quicker, easier and it allows me to reblock/shape a garment more effectively. Super wash has the benefit of being more likely to survive a washing machine accident, it is often a smoother texture as it spun using shrink treated wool fibre and takes colour very well producing vibrant rich shades. Hand wash yarns have a lusciousness that gets lost in the shrinking process of the fibre and a 'grip' in the yarn which makes it perfect for textured stitching, and essential for fair isle projects, especially if they are being steeked. </div>
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The choice is yours.... but always remember the golden rule for absolute success...</div>
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<div>
Swatch, Swatch, Swatch!</div>
Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-64134465362077340982016-05-02T13:29:00.003+12:002016-05-02T13:29:29.734+12:00Knitting for the Sensory Special Child<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/96739577/Carno_Milo5_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/96739577/Carno_Milo5_medium2.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitting garments for my Sensory Special child was a challenge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever been caught out knitting a garment for a child
only to find that all your hard work is left wallowing in the bottom draw
because the recipient just can cope wearing your lovely garment?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s disheartening. It’s frustrating. It’s hard to fathom
why. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/297271209/11101983_1400171863637218_87772015_n_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/297271209/11101983_1400171863637218_87772015_n_medium.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see from the face - we were not happy at modelling this cowl against our skin!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working in yarn retail and manufacturing I am always hearing
the comment back from knitters that they can’t knit for children because the
complain that the: yarn is scratchy, it’s too thick, too tight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So why is it then some children wear hand knitted garments
with no fuss at all and others, even those in the same family, kick up enough
fuss that you’d think the world was about to end.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFbL1wTELsXMGQ_y9GGze5kU_7ZxwjjcEHh9_8M4VInalBJF-Jcv8f1RxEnHH52jvGdtZKUcd2Vh7xKwb8XONo8raRNmi9QNu4JWEQOMR-1PDy_EkqJjZy3uNdhSyZ_v_6iQZAOlw5DgJ/s1600/Glass+Mountain+Louis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFbL1wTELsXMGQ_y9GGze5kU_7ZxwjjcEHh9_8M4VInalBJF-Jcv8f1RxEnHH52jvGdtZKUcd2Vh7xKwb8XONo8raRNmi9QNu4JWEQOMR-1PDy_EkqJjZy3uNdhSyZ_v_6iQZAOlw5DgJ/s400/Glass+Mountain+Louis.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking much happier sporting one of my favourite 'go to' patterns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The answer could be that these children have sensory issues
or if severe enough Sensory Processing Disorder. It is thought that as many as 1 in 20
children have SPD with a whopping 1 in 6 children experiencing sensory issues
that affect their day to day life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/29395209/Steggie_Milo_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/29395209/Steggie_Milo_medium2.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/milo-3">Milo by Tikki Knits </a>was our breakthrough pattern moment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Sensory
Processing Disorder can affect people in only one sense–for example, just touch
or just sight or just movement–or in multiple senses. One person with SPD may
over-respond to sensation and find clothing, physical contact, light, sound,
food, or other sensory input to be unbearable. Another might under-respond and
show little or no reaction to stimulation, even pain or extreme hot and cold.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In
children where clothing is concerned, they are the ones who have to have all
the tags removed, only cope with soft or well washed fabrics, and only tolerate
a few layers and just hate any outerwear touching the skin.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/29395160/Louis_Steggie_Milo_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/29395160/Louis_Steggie_Milo_medium2.JPG" height="400" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milo ticked all the boxes - kept Louis warm, didn't touch his skin and could be customised to how he liked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>So how do you knit for a sensory child?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a son who has SPD, along with Autism Spectrum
disorder and a few other goodies. He is
our first born, so as a knitting mother I was so excited to be able to knit for
him. These are the tricks and
tips I have learned along the way when knitting for him and his developing
conditions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Step One – Pattern Selection<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Choose<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Avoid<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Vests or knitted T-shirt
patterns<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
These keep the chest covered, but avoid contact with the neck or
wrists that can irritate SPD kids<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Collars or features with
direct skin contact.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sweaters with shawl collars look so cute but send a sensory child
crazy with irritation.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Smooth stitching, swap ribbing
for garter stitch.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Stocking stitch is safe, it’s smooth to wear and not to constrictive.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Textured or Aran stitches<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The uneven texture of the stitching can feel like rough sandpaper for
the SPD child. <o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Finer gauge: Fingerling – Light Worsted<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
These produce a lighter fabric that is less constrictive to wear and
will regulate temperature better<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Thicker gauge: Worsted – Super
Bulky<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Feels too bulky or this to wear, especially if you have to add
another layer like a jacket in cooler climates.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Patterns worked in the round.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Top down, in the round vests are great. No seaming at all required. No sides seams
to irritate. <o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Patterns that require a lot of
seaming.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Side seams, added collars, complicated shoulder shaping all create
seams that can be highly irritating – best to avoid.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Step Two – Yarn Selection<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Choose<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Avoid<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Lighter yarns: Fingerling up
to Lt Worsted (DK)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
To create a lighter fabric for easier layering.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Produces a fabric that is lighter and easier to wear.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Thicker Yarns – from Worsted
onwards<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Make it difficult to layer, especially in cooler or wetter climates.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Smooth plied yarns or yarn
with higher twist.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
These yarns are less likely to pill, creating irritation<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Single roving yarns.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
These can pill very readily and these pills become quickly irritating
and distracting for SPD kids<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Finer micron fibres – like
Merino or Alpaca and their blends<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
These yarns are soft to the touch and will breathe and regulate
temperature better than synthetics<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 225.4pt;" valign="top" width="301"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Wrap yarns with effect binders
or fluffy/eyelash yarns.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Add texture to the yarn which can add irritation. Eyelash or yarns with binders also gives
sensory kids something to pick at and unravel.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Step Three – Be Brave<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t get put off if you get deterred first time
around. Older children often like the
tactile process of selecting their own yarns and are move likely to wear them
if they have input in the choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also if you find a pattern and yarn that works; repeat,
repeat, and repeat!<o:p></o:p></div>
Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-13145732036923891672016-02-11T17:10:00.000+13:002016-02-11T17:10:12.264+13:00Hitting the High Seas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/t51.2885-15/e35/12362308_1132325363452854_1904037628_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/t51.2885-15/e35/12362308_1132325363452854_1904037628_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Sydney Harbour is just such a stunning spectacle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
January has evaporated and February is in full swing. The boys are back at school and it seems like only a few days ago we broke for Christmas, time flew with wonderful visits from family and friends over the festive period and then family MacBuscke hit the high seas on our second family cruise.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t51.2885-15/e35/917569_1226450590702561_238529443_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t51.2885-15/e35/917569_1226450590702561_238529443_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got dropped off at the door in Napier! Yes it can be done if your ship goes to your home port of call.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cruising is the perfect holiday for us, the mix of great food, entertainment, and so much to do for the kids. So instead of regaling the blow by blow accounts of what we got up to I thought I would give you the MacBuscke Top 5 tips for family cruising.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t51.2885-15/e35/1688528_212354035767318_318697748_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t51.2885-15/e35/1688528_212354035767318_318697748_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready, Set, GO!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
#1: Drugs are good.<br />
It's not what you are thinking, but what I hear most often when from people who haven't cruised, is the number one reason why is because they get sea sick. This was me. I get dreadful motion sickness, but there are some excellent preparations available for this. I used Scopoderm patches (Must apply BEFORE you set sail) and Sea Legs, both available from your local pharmacy. I took them religiously and also had some prescribed anti nausea in case these failed. We experienced high seas on the Tasman crossing and was not bothered at all.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqNE5OaChBh935jD3XpDyyCxxV4txxBeVbXYNbh0JNh7fKnoV36_BlzN4LZapvrCgHqV9g1a7YFAq9PISClD_j0nu7qUnulVHHRT43oizHNNwGfQ7lXdmZMOtzkoF1DXNqwX4SDU8YnZj/s1600/20160103_140150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqNE5OaChBh935jD3XpDyyCxxV4txxBeVbXYNbh0JNh7fKnoV36_BlzN4LZapvrCgHqV9g1a7YFAq9PISClD_j0nu7qUnulVHHRT43oizHNNwGfQ7lXdmZMOtzkoF1DXNqwX4SDU8YnZj/s400/20160103_140150.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louis & I shared this cabin - whilst the Tender was blocking a view, there was still heaps of natural light and you could open the doors to get some air.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
#2: A Room with an Obstructed View<br />
We have had an inside cabin before with four of us and I have to say it was not pleasant. With no natural light it is very claustrophobic and even when you spend a good portion of your time elsewhere on board, you do still spend a lot on time in your cabin. This time we opted for two 'Obstructed View cabins', essentially you pay for the inside cabin price for cabins that are outside in from of the tender boats. These were brilliant. Heaps of natural light, on our ship they had doors that could be opened for fresh air.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtf1/t51.2885-15/e35/10643953_1655092024750571_751601217_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtf1/t51.2885-15/e35/10643953_1655092024750571_751601217_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugo enjoying the sites on shore.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
#3: Double Up<br />
As I mentioned we had two cabins this time: Louis and I in one and Dr Phil and Hugo in the other. These cabins were side by side. The cost is not double the price as cruise lines charge flat fees for the additional passengers, so all squashing into one cabin can only be marginally cheaper than splitting between two. Make sure you get your agent to price both options out before you book.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtf1/t51.2885-15/e35/926761_944384508979876_2052363648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtf1/t51.2885-15/e35/926761_944384508979876_2052363648_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys had a great time - making new friends and enjoying ship life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
#4: Kiddie Trouble<br />
Dr Phil and I assumed when heading off on our first cruise that we could pack the boys off to Kids Club for good swathes of the day and we would be left to mooch around with our feet up. Big, BIG mistake. Our boys hated the kids club, unless your child is a little darling who will happily partake in pre-school like activities without question, kids club isn't going to be a starter. I also checked out the kids club on this new cruise and there is certainly a 'sameness' about them. My busy boys would not have a bar of this! So this time I came equipped with laptop, movies, drawing utensils and ipads. We allowed the boys to have their own key cards with money pre-loaded to purchase soft drinks if they wished and easy access to the cabins and a surprising amount of freedom. They did us proud, it encouraged them to make new friends on board and they worked very well within the boundaries we set for them. So make your own on board rules with your children, meeting places, cabin access, meal times etc and don't rely on cruise kids club activities.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/t51.2885-15/e35/10387771_798212126955678_837181812_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/t51.2885-15/e35/10387771_798212126955678_837181812_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of this was just $40!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
#5: Don't be afraid of 'Specialty Dining'<br />
It amazes me the number of people to get onto the cruise and rigidly stick to only eating at the venues that are included in their fare. Even if travelling on the tightest of budgets, do set aside a little money to have at least one meal out on a specialty dining restaurant. The meals are heavily subsidized, just a fraction of what you would pay on land. On the last cruise we did the Steak Restaurant and had four courses for just $40 a head & the meal was to die for - even the fussiest eating partner would have found something to wow them on the menu.<br />
<br />
Most importantly have fun & relax - you are on holiday after all!<br />
<br />
<br />Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-14979882552457225772015-12-14T14:09:00.002+13:002015-12-14T14:09:30.714+13:00Starting to feel a lot like Christmas...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/e35/12362065_403997586465123_1284994082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/e35/12362065_403997586465123_1284994082_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pohutakawa's a in full blossom all about the neighborhood.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love this time of year. The garden looks amazing, roses blooming, lushness wherever you look. The days are longer and you can head to the beach for a quick dip after dinner and the table is overflowing with the fresh season food and fruit that signifies a kiwi Christmas can't be too far away.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/t51.2885-15/e35/12224309_1630200993871426_831884144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/t51.2885-15/e35/12224309_1630200993871426_831884144_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugo and Renly are both quite partial to an after dinner dip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The kids finish school this week - so for me that signifies the start to the Summer holidays. The shopping is all sorted and I am really looking forward to kicking back with the family, catching up with good friends and extended family and even get a good amount of knitting done.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtf1/t51.2885-15/e35/12070791_866031590177967_690749266_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtf1/t51.2885-15/e35/12070791_866031590177967_690749266_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugo was so buzzed to be able to see the All Black in Wellington.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Spring saw us visit good friends in Wellington and it also coincided with the Anzac Exhibition at Te Papa (an absolute 'must see', especially if you have children) and the All Blacks victory parade. It was a chance to visit the Holland Road Yarn company and indulge in all the yarn goodness that Tash has - bliss.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xat1/t51.2885-15/e35/12331514_147183655645884_396053270_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xat1/t51.2885-15/e35/12331514_147183655645884_396053270_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Doodler, using yarns from my stash, two were spun by us at Design Spun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have also been mucking around with another MKAL, this tine Stephen West's 'The Doodler'. Stephen's patterns are very contemporary, almost avant garde, and the Doodler was a most enjoyable knit. It have excellent structure and shape, but isn't too fussy in it's design. I wore it our for the first time this past weekend and I can see me knitting another of these in the future. So for the first time in ages I have nothing on the needles. I really enjoyed knitting for our friends daughter and am going to do another project for her, an Oriental Lily using some hand dyed silver toned DK with some homespun of mine for contrast. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t51.2885-15/e35/11324267_1637501019856757_1038513705_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t51.2885-15/e35/11324267_1637501019856757_1038513705_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renly guarding one of the 'stash zones'.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But I am yet to discover my 'Summer garment project'. I have the scraps blanket, but I haven't got anything else in the pipeline. I am so torn, do I knit stash yarn or do I knit something from Skeinz yarn that I have been dying to try? Not earth shattering decisions I know, but a decision nonetheless.<br />
I am a huge fan of Georgie Hallam's patterns, they fit my shape really well. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xat1/t51.2885-15/e35/12081167_961101697278604_1823878487_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xat1/t51.2885-15/e35/12081167_961101697278604_1823878487_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louis Loved Holland Rd - they have a knitted Darlek - he thought that was brilliant!</td></tr>
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I have just thrashed all the three patterns I have, the My Favourite cardigan I especially love and am very tempted to swatch a sport weight yarn and reknit in the lighter weight for evening and Autumn wearing. Yes, I do think that is a good idea - I think I might need to get some swatching started....<br />
<br />Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-90048356670328498592015-11-04T11:29:00.002+13:002015-11-04T11:29:25.457+13:00Scrap Happy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclXu-XjTmjtv2a9DGQSX1Xq_J7cVXXkvYeeujvdLZxdBtJU_zMZ88FtaAWgoUnr17A20BT25-y-qiKIYHm-IF0VYSb-QeY69CtbZ7ztH2K4xAP2l_WJASxnKeA1Vzozhh_wZXTMaMY68b/s1600/Scrap+Blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclXu-XjTmjtv2a9DGQSX1Xq_J7cVXXkvYeeujvdLZxdBtJU_zMZ88FtaAWgoUnr17A20BT25-y-qiKIYHm-IF0VYSb-QeY69CtbZ7ztH2K4xAP2l_WJASxnKeA1Vzozhh_wZXTMaMY68b/s400/Scrap+Blanket.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The' Scraps Bag Blanket' get started last night</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">KAN is been and gone, Spring has arrived and the entire MacBuscke household is gearing up to year end. It's a planning time at work and a time I start undertaking projects that are more about 'mental holiday' than mental breakdown!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/334904517/20151104_093511_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/334904517/20151104_093511_medium2.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shrug knitted for a friend toddler with the leftovers from my RWC project.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you are a prolific</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> knitter, as I am, the inevitable</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> happens... Leftovers and scraps.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anything from two or three balls from a garment project or half a ball or a wee butterfly of colour surviving after a nail biting round of yardage chicken. It's rare that you don't end up with some scraps after your yarn meal.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-S_4P45LLaovYSHHqkeGeKfmYpwVKhTqPekpPncPN2fiTkZqSljN7Ia8INTRC6Tejkz8NPoOwHtreADZPsN_mpZQGT5V_Cbxz6LehEM1s0M9m7gpFGxHng8hn7oIbM9M3jOwn2C8Okv4H/s1600/Scrap+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-S_4P45LLaovYSHHqkeGeKfmYpwVKhTqPekpPncPN2fiTkZqSljN7Ia8INTRC6Tejkz8NPoOwHtreADZPsN_mpZQGT5V_Cbxz6LehEM1s0M9m7gpFGxHng8hn7oIbM9M3jOwn2C8Okv4H/s400/Scrap+bag.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I recycle the wool scouring bags that arrive at the mill for project and scrap bags.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mine end up in a cotton wool scouring bag, and if I'm honest, there's more than one rolling around my stash cupboard. I give a massive amount away, especially the smaller amounts, to my aunt who loves knitting these incredible baby and children's beanies for families of the East Coast, north of my home town of Gisborne. She's knitted hundreds of them and they are so well received. Others knit charity blankets or the classic fish and chip jumpers. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6wg8EeFOMH-jLbO8T51_zx98wWbt0u1gfonTpcleTCW0772cI0dMjV7Rh02TcgYvBuVZ4RLGzXmqzSk3pFeoZ3jiqB5LvYHykpTKHTbP-Ufp4mWo8CTegehuqhwpw_AoVuh54EZmPDZ5/s1600/Scrap+hats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6wg8EeFOMH-jLbO8T51_zx98wWbt0u1gfonTpcleTCW0772cI0dMjV7Rh02TcgYvBuVZ4RLGzXmqzSk3pFeoZ3jiqB5LvYHykpTKHTbP-Ufp4mWo8CTegehuqhwpw_AoVuh54EZmPDZ5/s400/Scrap+hats.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a small sample of the incredible beanies knitted by my aunt.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">For me, I decided several years ago to use all those scraps to knit or crochet projects to make our own home comfortable. There is something very homely and special about items made for comfort, made by you, in your home for the pleasure of your family and friends. They grace the backs of our couch, on the couch, on the beds and loved by myself, the boys' and the animals of our home in equal measure.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5mZS7QA8uAe7aOCri8F0jjstquyErTOSX0lxjMkeMkJMvswASD5KhfeykjjRy_cHJXnGWhn_Z9aCbWomtMIjsP8lY7vUuGBfu77XF507V7Yzwv3myA-FXP4MApSIIHn5EPt3hqTux9tg/s1600/Scraps+Cushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5mZS7QA8uAe7aOCri8F0jjstquyErTOSX0lxjMkeMkJMvswASD5KhfeykjjRy_cHJXnGWhn_Z9aCbWomtMIjsP8lY7vUuGBfu77XF507V7Yzwv3myA-FXP4MApSIIHn5EPt3hqTux9tg/s400/Scraps+Cushion.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a couple of the 'Scrappy' projects from last summer.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The thought of knitting in a NZ Summer isn't for all, for me the ritual of doing some yarn craft at night is very much part of my evening 'sleep hygiene' routine and during the school holidays, having a project in my bag to whip out at the beach, pool or over the festive break is welcome. Much talk has been around 'mindfullness' like it is something very new or trendy, but as crafters we all know, and have known for generations, that this is so much more than a 'quaint pastime', I am just so pleased that the mainstream have now caught up. Whatever brings you to the yarn craft door, we will always welcome you with open arms, needles, hooks and yarn!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgm72pYfR9wY8nmvXouI-juqRf8S6f3sBHEo2BPCLjHTOLK1ju4sVz0r0AbsUrdU_Z-FWyJzKzCC1PNp1kiWQ3QI-T8z1fCYXneHKM8J7Grv_0nUO6Bn-RK84bk8DUxXgoPYbjy2CdCfF/s1600/Granny_Scrap_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgm72pYfR9wY8nmvXouI-juqRf8S6f3sBHEo2BPCLjHTOLK1ju4sVz0r0AbsUrdU_Z-FWyJzKzCC1PNp1kiWQ3QI-T8z1fCYXneHKM8J7Grv_0nUO6Bn-RK84bk8DUxXgoPYbjy2CdCfF/s400/Granny_Scrap_medium.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the blanket from a couple of years ago - it is my son's favourite.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">So as the sunshine days become longer and brighter, a cotton bag had been retrieved, a hook dusted off and the beginnings of an organic square design started. This as mindfullness and as long as a glass of chardonnay is attached - I'm happy!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqfmHJB9kHY0BawYiO_Vnm9RpniebfxAkbsK8tm_UJcL8y8URSO2wq9ESkha2N_DCLQEhUIqoBC_5vcHmdhsoWgYTRrNu34nYTItVQKesM83cyiSOqHVlg6BLxy8ynfuQVjcao6JbJim9/s1600/Log+Cabin+Cushion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqfmHJB9kHY0BawYiO_Vnm9RpniebfxAkbsK8tm_UJcL8y8URSO2wq9ESkha2N_DCLQEhUIqoBC_5vcHmdhsoWgYTRrNu34nYTItVQKesM83cyiSOqHVlg6BLxy8ynfuQVjcao6JbJim9/s400/Log+Cabin+Cushion.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my first 'scrappy' projects - a log cabin cushion.</td></tr>
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Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-22420795588779131122015-09-09T14:11:00.003+12:002015-09-09T14:36:46.203+12:00KAN KrushCompleting another Knit August Nights is a little bit like the days and weeks that follow after your wedding. So much work and anticipation building up to the event and then 'poof' it's all over. This years event was epic. The expansion at the venue cope beautifully in the expansion of the event, Ahuriri put it's best foot forward with stunning weather and the KAN-nanites made the most of their time away and had a great time. The best way to share with you what transpired is to show you a snippet of the main Instagram feed from the event #knitaugustnights2015 - also check out #kan2015<br />
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<iframe src="http://widget.websta.me/in/tag:knitaugustnights2015/?s=150&w=3&h=10&b=1&p=5" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="border:none;overflow:hidden;width:495px; height: 1650px" ></iframe> <!-- websta - web.stagram.com -->
<iframe src="http://widget.websta.me/in/tag:kan2015/?s=150&w=3&h=10&b=1&p=5" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="border:none;overflow:hidden;width:495px; height: 1650px" ></iframe> <!-- websta - web.stagram.com -->Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-83922927266725754292015-07-27T13:51:00.000+12:002015-07-27T13:51:15.792+12:00Not such a bitter pill.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/313732911/Ruth_Pretty_Gloves_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/313732911/Ruth_Pretty_Gloves_medium.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The brilliant Ruth Pretty wearing her new Herb Garden gloves knitted by me</td></tr>
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It's a little over a month until Knit August Nights kicks off, and I am staggered at how it seems to roll around faster every year. I am really excited about this years event. More people, new traders, amazing classes all and the new upgraded venue - what's not to get excited about.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/311066149/Zauber_Hitch_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/311066149/Zauber_Hitch_medium2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's been nice to knit from my Unwind/KAN stash - Zauberball from Vintage Purls</td></tr>
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I have also been getting through a tremendous amount of knitting over recent weeks. As the temperature plummeted in Napier, but knitting output has shot up. I have also been tinkering with some hand dying as an experiment for work, it is so much fun! If you haven't tried your own dying at home, you must, it's brilliant. For me it's a little like "Coals to Newcastle", but I had a whale of a time, following a simple <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwIWe2vyfm0" target="_blank">You Tube tutorial</a> & letting my imagination run wild. Check out my <a href="http://theyarnkitchen.blogspot.co.nz/2015/07/thou-nature-art-my-goddess.html" target="_blank">Yarn Kitchen Blog</a> for full details of how I got on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JQ1L9MpiH4gUVtEhdScKyH1_egs7Bj9efXu5bB9z95nmNJAqLW0-H8NG_rgb0ai18daKYtx062N4oE4Nx9Vc2H90b5CiIOWU_vvUrrjG1jCueiyy0-jXh6CZeG4beFB-TThe_ZbfjIDf/s1600/Butterfly+Angora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JQ1L9MpiH4gUVtEhdScKyH1_egs7Bj9efXu5bB9z95nmNJAqLW0-H8NG_rgb0ai18daKYtx062N4oE4Nx9Vc2H90b5CiIOWU_vvUrrjG1jCueiyy0-jXh6CZeG4beFB-TThe_ZbfjIDf/s400/Butterfly+Angora.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of skeins dyed during my "Home Dye" experiemnt</td></tr>
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I also upgraded my de-piller. I found a larger version in <a href="http://www.briscoes.co.nz/cleaning-and-laundry/laundry/accessories/1055466/Inovvi-Lint-Remover.html" target="_blank">Briscoes</a> ($19 when not on special & lets face it they are always in Sale) and this gadget is my new favourite knit toy. I have given all my woolies the once over & what a brilliant way to freshen up your wardrobe. It is like getting a new garment all over again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLYp2QRJlJiAF0EgrL8Ben74PBZn_fT1VJNkf3d3Zf0NvbvSGCml2k534UIqZjg2SCRcVxP7ra1Qym2opVEWyOu70szA6yB64HS9BS6VjE5FVBnONB7oBR-2RoFp7O0yfdrtRPg1Yjtpd/s1600/Depiller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLYp2QRJlJiAF0EgrL8Ben74PBZn_fT1VJNkf3d3Zf0NvbvSGCml2k534UIqZjg2SCRcVxP7ra1Qym2opVEWyOu70szA6yB64HS9BS6VjE5FVBnONB7oBR-2RoFp7O0yfdrtRPg1Yjtpd/s400/Depiller.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new favorite battery operated device!</td></tr>
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Pilling is a natural side effect of knitting with natural fibres and shouldn't be feared. This simple gadget is so easy to use and quite soothing. It was so fun that the boys all wanted to have a play and ended up de-pilling their own vests.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLkGuNZPqN3DIGRB6cTjQOSN2Jsk7tMSaU4f2Yp-AvPUUIoi9tWZnwKeb48LXDhbkMshcJoX4R0QBlg8aUTF2mPNhmEkjxwdxQQaVEwO-GxhzLeR0UKIuPMJAm4KWhkZPZCZVbuzQ2tms/s1600/Depill+before+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLkGuNZPqN3DIGRB6cTjQOSN2Jsk7tMSaU4f2Yp-AvPUUIoi9tWZnwKeb48LXDhbkMshcJoX4R0QBlg8aUTF2mPNhmEkjxwdxQQaVEwO-GxhzLeR0UKIuPMJAm4KWhkZPZCZVbuzQ2tms/s400/Depill+before+after.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pilled on the left and depilled on the right - I love this gadget!</td></tr>
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<br />Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-82699360099850632062015-06-24T14:13:00.001+12:002015-06-24T14:13:19.256+12:00Dreaming of Island Time<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11378492_1573145062950422_33200154_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11378492_1573145062950422_33200154_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really miss this view!</td></tr>
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Shit it's cold! Like really, really cold. So cold that Renly refuses to go walkies and Louis is pretty much glued to the front of the fire. I heard the Metservice calling the big chill this morning a one in 25 year event, all I know I would much rather be back in Rarotonga, which is where I was this time last month.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11372538_433380240176185_727454888_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11372538_433380240176185_727454888_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What more can you want - Good friends, good food, good wine!</td></tr>
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This trip was the first time that we travelled with friends. It was great to be able to share our favourite spot, hang out, eat & chill. Rarotonga is a foodies paradise & ironically I cook more when I am on holiday than I do when I am at home. This is because time pressure is non existent, the fresh ingredients are incredible and there is something about creating a meal that speaks to the place you are in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11324513_1431340650518797_893656273_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11324513_1431340650518797_893656273_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The awesome Te Manava - worth every penny</td></tr>
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We stay at Te Manava villas in Muri beach. These are perfect for those who are happy to be independent whilst on holiday. The villas are all privately owned, so a bit like a posh book a bach of sorts. The owners take great pride in making sure the villas are well equipped and Te Manava's managers Todd & Jane are just so unbelievably helpful should you require anything.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11353132_104977059837524_720666518_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11353132_104977059837524_720666518_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few canapes with drinks</td></tr>
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We also have some friends that live on the island, so it wasn't long that after a little foraging, a little shopping and a little gifting the larder was fully stocked. Dinner was the centre piece meal of each day, which still left plenty of time to sneak out for a stunning coffee and cake at LBV in Muri.<br />
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<a href="https://igcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11355284_264423350394559_2135686226_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://igcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11355284_264423350394559_2135686226_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://igcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11324438_615842521886260_2051204369_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://igcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11324438_615842521886260_2051204369_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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In between all this cooking, eating, foraging and coffee drinking I also managed to get heaps of knitting done - this year was a collection of baby jackets, so quick, colouful and fun to knit up.<br />
So as I sit here and shiver now, I can only daydream of trying to get back to island time... maybe next year eh?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11273226_847539415324945_1001708199_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11273226_847539415324945_1001708199_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a sample of the island themed knitting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11250940_1125919397434229_859900052_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11250940_1125919397434229_859900052_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mouthwatering cabinet at Cafe LBV Muri</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11271929_777150139049504_126357469_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11271929_777150139049504_126357469_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just don't count calories! LBV Muri</td></tr>
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<br />Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-65835637282732632262015-05-11T17:28:00.000+12:002015-05-11T17:28:08.642+12:00Knitting broke the Internet!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11236371_1447999475493913_1434222480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11236371_1447999475493913_1434222480_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renly out at Pakowhai Country Park - Just stunning this time of year.</td></tr>
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The Knit August Nights registrations opened this month. Friday May 1st saw a frenzy of knitters all hit my registration page, at exactly the same time, for the same class and the servers just tossed their ones and zeros up in the air and packed a sad in protest. I had worked very hard to improve some of the kinks from last year and reduce the stress I place myself under with KAN and here I was at 10.10am on Friday the 1st with heart palpitations, sweaty palms and a desire to dive under the duvet to escape the constantly chiming telephone, email alerts and calls.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was so excited - then KANnannites broke the internet!</td></tr>
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But that's why you hire professionals. Those incredible people who leap into the pool with those ones and zeros and start making sense, rebuilding and regathering some order to the chaos. It was the most incredible thing, the minute the problem rectified the mobile fell silent and and the email started chiming with the sound of successful registrations and I could breathe a sigh of relief.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t51.2885-15/1742059_384277781770582_214603798_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t51.2885-15/1742059_384277781770582_214603798_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It takes a LOT of good beer to make great knitting</td></tr>
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The new registration system (which really is brilliant - I am such a convert to <a href="http://www.lilregie.com/" target="_blank">Lil Regie</a>) has meant that instead of being strapped to my laptop wading through the classes and numbers and trying to sort all of them out, I have had time to spend with the family and get into the Autumnal groove.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The MacBuscke Slow Roasted Lamb</td></tr>
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Getting into that groove for me means plenty of knitting, spinning, slow cooking and walks with the family. Hawkes Bay at this time of year really is stunning. Warm sunny days, cool evenings, rich colours and fabulous harvest food everywhere. I have been knitting with the three new yarns we now have at Skeinz and I have just started a series of baby knits. It's weird knitting something so small after knitting for myself and even the boys, it's just so.... quick.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZYtfXjVkxjbQuXEQqQWHI_Y992g2iRVWYaL0R8KCZIxCu86DFmYufwa1AY0Bn71A1piMaLWK9eSy0w4s_vziyL9bzLZ7FGDG5Y0XgEf_Rx62jp-4S90MZRExlkKtzcKCNAhXqfRkbWqH/s280/Orb+Cardigan+Progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZYtfXjVkxjbQuXEQqQWHI_Y992g2iRVWYaL0R8KCZIxCu86DFmYufwa1AY0Bn71A1piMaLWK9eSy0w4s_vziyL9bzLZ7FGDG5Y0XgEf_Rx62jp-4S90MZRExlkKtzcKCNAhXqfRkbWqH/s280/Orb+Cardigan+Progress.jpg" height="400" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The improvised baby cardigan - that's just one afternoons knitting!</td></tr>
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In typical MacBuscke fashion I browse the hundreds of baby patterns I own and the end up casting on and free forming a germ of an idea. Will it end up being written down and published? Probably not. Do I care? Definitely not! So where's my wine and my knitting.....</div>
<br />Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-12615429550563691712015-04-28T12:12:00.001+12:002015-04-28T12:12:38.829+12:00Just Cruisin'<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11111434_441303309380394_999582255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11111434_441303309380394_999582255_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lifou - our last shore day.</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_646353066"></span><span id="goog_646353067"></span>I have never been on a cruise before, but recently the opportunity presented itself to try a cruising as a family holiday. The logic was trying to find a family holiday where "Mum" actually got a break - let's face it, all those mothers out there know, when you head away as a family, it is very rarely a break away for us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11084747_330603503816329_236925166_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11084747_330603503816329_236925166_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugo managed to break his elbow a week out from sailing!</td></tr>
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What could go wrong? My chronic motion sickness? The Ginger's autistic sensitivities? Hugo breaking his elbow badly a week from the trip?<br />
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Well none of the above. The combination of Scopoderm patches, Sealegs and Chardonnay worked a treat on any queasiness I may have had, the Ginger coped incredibly well - relishing his independence and once Hugo accepted that swimming was a no go because he did indeed break his elbow a week before the holiday, all was good - scratch that - great!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11055476_794187420650000_248533505_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11055476_794187420650000_248533505_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both boys LOVED Sydney - so much for them to do & see</td></tr>
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We cruised with Royal Caribbean from Sydney. So it was also a chance to visit Sydney again, a city that has smartened herself up considerably since my last visit and was most enjoyable. We stayed centrally in town, so an easy walk to Pitt/George/Market street shopping areas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11094483_953311914699847_110709967_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11094483_953311914699847_110709967_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The knitting started on the plane and continued throughout the cruise</td></tr>
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My goals weren't necessarily the shopping, for me it was seeing if I could get a break before the crazy KAN season started. Registrations open at the end of this week & after burning out last year, I am very keen to ensure this doesn't happen again. I packed a full adult sized project for me, ambitious, as usually I only get the most mindless or small knitting project completed when on family holidays as I am running around after the kids constantly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11055670_947634648603799_474137777_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11055670_947634648603799_474137777_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isle of Pines - our favourite shore stop</td></tr>
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This was not the case - it took a could of days for all of us to just work out our own ship board rhythm. Like working around the failure of the kids club (far too noisy and chaotic for Louis & deemed a 'prison' by Hugo), and realising that the kids were not going to go overboard and that the incredibly nice and obliging staff of RC were indeed there to make sure you have a great cruise. We gave the boys their key cards and independence to roam the ship, make new friends (which they did) and return to the cabin if they needed to recharge (essential for the Ginger).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t51.2885-15/10570126_1609360822641901_770958257_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t51.2885-15/10570126_1609360822641901_770958257_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie with the Ging!</td></tr>
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So when Phil and I found our little niche on the ship that was easy for the boys for find us and a great spot for us to chill, knit, relax and join any on board activities as we saw fit. The then mix of shore days (3 days in total in New Caledonia) and sea days, amazing food, drink and a boat load of very nice Australians (pacified because they one the cricket world cup on day one) made it a thoroughly enjoyable holiday for all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11116632_660927740680162_229982888_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11116632_660927740680162_229982888_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We even got to see the Sydney Easter Parade.</td></tr>
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Would we cruise again? For family MacBuscke - yes. Armed with the do's and don'ts that work for us I am confident that cruising is a great, relaxing for all, family holiday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/buscke/297582277/2015-04-16_09.21.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/buscke/297582277/2015-04-16_09.21.51.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dreadful picture (taken by Hugo) but proof that I completed my project!</td></tr>
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As for me, since my return - I have been beavering away on getting Knit August Nights ready for the opening of registrations. I am so energized about this year. I have the most diverse line up of classes, tutors and traders all wrapped up in the awesome setting of Ahuriri. Haven't been to KAN? Check out the KAN <a href="http://www.knitaugustnights.co.nz/workshops-2015/" target="_blank">website</a> and book your own Winter Napier knit escape.Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-27443276915280609662015-03-16T11:25:00.003+13:002015-03-16T11:25:48.630+13:00Making a full retreat.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11008108_962353937149283_1744631689_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11008108_962353937149283_1744631689_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the yarns Skeinz had available at Unwind</td></tr>
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As I compose this Tropical Cyclone Pam is bearing down on the east coast of NZ and here in Napier we are on the fringe of Pam's wrath. Weather like this makes you want to retreat into your shell and wait the storm out, in my case with either knitting for spinning. But no, I am at work watching the weather rapidly deteriorate desperate to get home where poor Hugo is 'Duvet surfing' with a nasty cold.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiovRXAWDtAlRpAiG0Rv7mGdREt00BIReZFD43l0oEDoDy0TYo4-1vphCz8wtV_Nk8y8HTaoK9l1vypKiHyYyq9lEUs_RoKpsJQg2aLg9lktW4j5c6-qvvCVNAiCWqtoGNJGgl4zFc2FWV/s1600/Unwind+QR+Shawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiovRXAWDtAlRpAiG0Rv7mGdREt00BIReZFD43l0oEDoDy0TYo4-1vphCz8wtV_Nk8y8HTaoK9l1vypKiHyYyq9lEUs_RoKpsJQg2aLg9lktW4j5c6-qvvCVNAiCWqtoGNJGgl4zFc2FWV/s1600/Unwind+QR+Shawl.jpg" height="640" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was desperate to scan the QR code on this shawl at Unwind!</td></tr>
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It isn't all doom and gloom, I have been very lucky over the past two weeks to visit two fibre craft retreats. Firstly Unwind in Dunedin and latterly this last week, the Creative Fibre Eastern region retreat. As the creator of the Knit August Nights retreat I really value the importance of these events for those that a attend and the wider fibre craft community. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyCwcdPZc-rmLYGDI1rpZn17NA21YuanrdIKLfXqkthITR27OqM6mPy4-YT0kY9zrqk4n3fA1QO4jyoy0IctW4ZoTxg5tvE0TX-yXg-8vVWRfFdQa0oDbe3lvGaEgmcsoNNeq6exrmlfv/s1600/Unwind+Sue+Schreuder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyCwcdPZc-rmLYGDI1rpZn17NA21YuanrdIKLfXqkthITR27OqM6mPy4-YT0kY9zrqk4n3fA1QO4jyoy0IctW4ZoTxg5tvE0TX-yXg-8vVWRfFdQa0oDbe3lvGaEgmcsoNNeq6exrmlfv/s1600/Unwind+Sue+Schreuder.jpg" height="640" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stunning Sue Schreuder - She taught at Unwind and is also taking a class at KAN 2015</td></tr>
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There is something very special about being able to gather together with like minded people, get inspired and energised. Speak the same language - conversations that would be lost on a lay person are exciting and educational at the retreat. That goes without mentioning all the other topics that get covered off... Like the knitwear in the Outlander TV series or what books we have been reading.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRhXeIGK6Ya1lGRBQMQ9xCgI-k6K0bo1R5n6J_-V8BP_Yxqizo_l6Qh-tpFj8txtxvGpOT3aRCtbp4UETp1dSj58mh_oATCJHItWyQqhEYWG_-t77YUyrPV4_Fr_D8eEeTsG5Xsa58Xr5/s1600/Crochet+Weave+sample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRhXeIGK6Ya1lGRBQMQ9xCgI-k6K0bo1R5n6J_-V8BP_Yxqizo_l6Qh-tpFj8txtxvGpOT3aRCtbp4UETp1dSj58mh_oATCJHItWyQqhEYWG_-t77YUyrPV4_Fr_D8eEeTsG5Xsa58Xr5/s1600/Crochet+Weave+sample.jpg" height="640" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The efforts from my woven Crochet class - so much fun.</td></tr>
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I love the fibre craft community as they are such a passionate bunch, they keep me coming to work week after week. At Unwind I attended a class, the first I managed in years as I am always working within retreats to enjoy some class time. It was brilliant. I leaned a new technique marrying crochet and weaving together from Deb Moore at Stitch Seekers (Famous for the <a href="http://www.stitchseekers.com/men-in-knitwear.html">Men in Knitwear</a> calendar and <a href="http://www.outlawyarn.com/index.html">Outlaw yarn</a>), something I am now itching to try out again on a project I had pegged using a more traditional for of crochet, this alone was worth attending the retreat for!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11008355_815366971862941_1872711278_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11008355_815366971862941_1872711278_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative Fibre HB Retreat - I so wanted to abscond with this wheel!</td></tr>
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So if you have ever considered going to a retreat, but have never been brave enough - do it! We have two amazing independent retreats in <a href="http://www.unwindretreat.co.nz/">Unwind</a> in Dunedin (March 5th - 7th 2016) and <a href="http://www.knitaugustnights.co.nz/">Knit August Nights</a> right here in Napier (August 28th - 30th 2015), plus Creative Fibre frequently have retreats in their regions - contact your local delegate for more information.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11008132_872827772779688_1268798350_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11008132_872827772779688_1268798350_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its compulsory to celebrate a birthday with Champagne!</td></tr>
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This past weekend also saw me click over another birthday. It was great to have such a mellow day, just before the storm hit. Breakfast in bed and a few quiet drinks with friends that popped by. It's nice to cherish the little things & appreciate all the wonderful well wishes received on the day.Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-42313961583978599302015-03-02T14:17:00.004+13:002015-03-02T14:17:34.778+13:00Making a Splash!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11023271_601944409905094_1176928945_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11023271_601944409905094_1176928945_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louis first time in a yacht - he was transfixed! </td></tr>
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Today marks the first day of Autumn & it leaves you pondering where on earth did Summer go. This Summer has been stunning and it has been great to be able to get out with the boys and soak up all that the good weather has to offer, but also our wonderful Ahuriri play ground</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugo takes the plunge</td></tr>
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Both boys were fortunate enough to go to a birthday party last week of a school friend. So what do you do when you have a party with over a dozen boisterous boys? You get our in the sunshine & get wet! This family are incredible, with eight sons of their own (yes I did say 8), they put on the perfect boys adventure with all sorts of water activities, laughter, games and all finished off with homemade pizza and ice cream birthday cake.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louis even had time to make a splash!</td></tr>
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For me, the end of Summer signifies it is time to head south to <a href="http://www.unwindretreat.co.nz/" target="_blank">Unwind</a> in Dunedin. KAN's sister event, Unwind is so much fun. Similar, yet quite different - I love it. I will be there with <a href="http://www.skeinz.com/" target="_blank">Skeinz</a> yarns & I have also taken some time to take a class, something I never get to do at KAN, so I can't wait. Dunedin has a fabulous energy, perfect for setting the vibe for my yarn based endeavours over the Winter months & also a mini break away from all thing motherly!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renly attacks Summer like he does each day, each week & each month!</td></tr>
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Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-16601254223381652592015-02-25T12:14:00.003+13:002015-02-25T12:14:27.993+13:00Swift Stitching<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11007915_1541909669425207_268251940_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11007915_1541909669425207_268251940_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Display your stash because you love it!</td></tr>
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I hadn't realised how much stitching, whether it be knitting or crochet, I managed to get through this Summer. I purposefully select projects that require the minimum of grey matter involvement. they need to be quick, easy, something that can cope with continuous picking up and putting down and also survive the imbibing factor!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qNUSVT7_8u6D4vVzJrQ8FDpBKMZQNOx4yOy8RDACrDCWuBILWUD2Up7rhpYyTx6Xd8FKOhVKF-rhvEnp9MsfMDZsme6UiJHOw_Gxt-_gdFtk8KhtkyWrpw2VfnF52V9AhmM-ClOFkUao/s1600/Homespun+hanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qNUSVT7_8u6D4vVzJrQ8FDpBKMZQNOx4yOy8RDACrDCWuBILWUD2Up7rhpYyTx6Xd8FKOhVKF-rhvEnp9MsfMDZsme6UiJHOw_Gxt-_gdFtk8KhtkyWrpw2VfnF52V9AhmM-ClOFkUao/s1600/Homespun+hanks.jpg" height="398" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spinning started in November.</td></tr>
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The greatest achievement was completing my first adult garment sized home spun project. I started spinning in November as part of my ongoing "Black Dog" therapy. It was so satisfying with the vibrant trial Chasing Rainbow sliver we had just made at <a href="http://www.skeinz.com/" target="_blank">Skeinz</a>. I also had some Silver Lining fine Merino, so bot were just joys to spin. Before I knew it I had a quorum of skeins, so I took the plunge and cast on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://igcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10963839_801185969959619_1946728005_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://igcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10963839_801185969959619_1946728005_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I started my first large scale homespun Project</td></tr>
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After completing Summer Carnival by Georgie Hallam last year & just thrashing it ever since, it made perfect sense to make another for this years wardrobe. That pattern is designed for a sport weight yarn and my home spun was more DK in weight. After swatching I decided that knitting it on 4.5mm needles like a 10ply was the go. This meant some swift maths - essential as Georgie's Designs with plenty of size options to ensure a perfect fit. My calculations meant downsizing by four sizes from my last project - a little daunting, but I rechecked the number, and the numbers don't lie!<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBP4anNN3kQB48-p0-UAOJRmO32jC2xhQ_a053kI84y_yyJFwaGVs9QM5HQ-eO5Sfgg-QdbqbacFOdt5dBDipcJucvJIbW0eQYmLn8fScl0xASepP6opEZaOk1njKyz_oAkosj93vTZICS/s1600/Homespun+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBP4anNN3kQB48-p0-UAOJRmO32jC2xhQ_a053kI84y_yyJFwaGVs9QM5HQ-eO5Sfgg-QdbqbacFOdt5dBDipcJucvJIbW0eQYmLn8fScl0xASepP6opEZaOk1njKyz_oAkosj93vTZICS/s1600/Homespun+progress.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It grew so quickly - Summer Carnival By Georgie Hallam</td></tr>
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Since it was downsized so greatly it knitted up at record pace & seeing how the random nature of the home spun colours would eventuate kept me stitching frantically. Because of the striping I omitted the two lace panels in the pattern, as they would have gotten lost.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ica7AofSu8ofHW38LVOEiJLRQLiz8glwtAqGncw5KSFS7An0Ed8zgf6ea0g7MaEZnSVlIcK88u9TenzDoEnpiGhJAfTtvHWzzpjoTjAe5BUJxQZ8CsWfTsbecW9Jn9WrukALXsRmHOHM/s1600/Homespun+Complete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ica7AofSu8ofHW38LVOEiJLRQLiz8glwtAqGncw5KSFS7An0Ed8zgf6ea0g7MaEZnSVlIcK88u9TenzDoEnpiGhJAfTtvHWzzpjoTjAe5BUJxQZ8CsWfTsbecW9Jn9WrukALXsRmHOHM/s1600/Homespun+Complete.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pattern make the most of the striping.</td></tr>
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The project got a real kick in the arm last week when I succumbed to the cold that was invading the household. My quickly migrated to my chest, so several days were spent wallowing in the couch knitting. The advantage was being able to get the project completed and blocked. I can report it fits perfectly, I am just waiting for a day cool enough to be able to wear it!<br /><div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-JK72xJWJfmZyur7XJDsrRQc1HMqam7AmxiqHonfZXJWYtrssHlPNxuwfQziffWxCn4y9phP-SQeLhAiIN7ZLNuNVwcHheGBEgvMP6YxNC7lv28PxjU2fS7fE14THM6yUKg3xWsCK08F/s1600/Noro+Cowl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-JK72xJWJfmZyur7XJDsrRQc1HMqam7AmxiqHonfZXJWYtrssHlPNxuwfQziffWxCn4y9phP-SQeLhAiIN7ZLNuNVwcHheGBEgvMP6YxNC7lv28PxjU2fS7fE14THM6yUKg3xWsCK08F/s1600/Noro+Cowl2.jpg" height="355" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ever After Cowl in Noro Kureyon</td></tr>
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So of course you you finish a big project like the cardigan & you feel lost. I had no other projects on the go, so I went to the stash and looked for inspiration. It came in the form of Noro Kureyon in dark brooding colours. Picked up from Deborah at <a href="http://www.knitnstitch.co.nz/" target="_blank">Knitnstitch</a> when I was up having my 'Rainbow RnR', the colours were ideal for that 'Go with Everything' cowl. The cowl that will live in the car for those days when herding feral cats would be easier than trying to get your sons' out the door for school. An essential.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1GF4Ghy4UVSz1mUrU34JJ5CEXtiOTseF_gfm13QTTpu_a2eGIluVLSO4eGvNX0Xr-xlWFXpEkoEB1BgDT7pKT5ZjiRXrvMIDQ2zkFjHicFdvjNIiPXo746ikRz6foRxgWWZ9edY48Idr/s1600/Oilskin+Cowl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1GF4Ghy4UVSz1mUrU34JJ5CEXtiOTseF_gfm13QTTpu_a2eGIluVLSO4eGvNX0Xr-xlWFXpEkoEB1BgDT7pKT5ZjiRXrvMIDQ2zkFjHicFdvjNIiPXo746ikRz6foRxgWWZ9edY48Idr/s1600/Oilskin+Cowl1.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the most of scrap Boucle in this Cowl</td></tr>
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When knitting 'Ever After' cowls, I find one is never enough. Whilst restocking the sale at Skeinz on Monday I found the most miserable looking "gash hank" in the bottom of a carton. It was about 50 or so grams of Alpaca boucle run through the tail end of a mauve/grape/green/citrus dying. The mauve was very similar to our Vintage Oilskin (one of our most underrated colours IMHO). So the inspiration struck to knit the two yarns together alternating the rounds. I think the results speak for themselves - so if you have a scrappy skein left in your stash - try this out.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WzLcuhzWYSqbE3AoX-u61UPzFbHbu-06izw5ItBFUarrv6eFN4XDe4p6o0NdyqzJd5TZt59nLKKmwAMH_g2_7w0Rgyq9lRRLJvko8J2zeI1f73GhlB7Y9anpyjsqdBfbovG1TYtbAgB9/s1600/WG+Granny+Blankie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WzLcuhzWYSqbE3AoX-u61UPzFbHbu-06izw5ItBFUarrv6eFN4XDe4p6o0NdyqzJd5TZt59nLKKmwAMH_g2_7w0Rgyq9lRRLJvko8J2zeI1f73GhlB7Y9anpyjsqdBfbovG1TYtbAgB9/s1600/WG+Granny+Blankie.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect camping project now complete</td></tr>
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I also completed the epic Crochet blanket make with the White Gum thread waste from work - I don't know what took longer, crocheting the blanket or winding the thread waste - either way, I am delighted with the results<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXiuWmzx_IQlY4ia1YrdvpNztEoqqyuHgVGshBVudklaVmCG2Yukh9Dta7s4shFtYJnCeXIlN5pioB2akBu2SP6nKoC8jJuPp_OKl6DxSqdpMflkdZur73p0MyPZy19E87fnZstgd3Q7M/s1600/Urella+Threadwaste+vest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXiuWmzx_IQlY4ia1YrdvpNztEoqqyuHgVGshBVudklaVmCG2Yukh9Dta7s4shFtYJnCeXIlN5pioB2akBu2SP6nKoC8jJuPp_OKl6DxSqdpMflkdZur73p0MyPZy19E87fnZstgd3Q7M/s1600/Urella+Threadwaste+vest.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I even had time to finish a UFO</td></tr>
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After the blanked was completed I decided to clear all my thread waste projects. This vest was started more than 6 months ago using chunky cabled thread waste. Made using no pattern and a lick and a prayer, I have managed to pull off a warm vest that actually fits! Perfect for those really cold Napier Winter days!</div>
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Now.... Whats Next? My needles are getting twitchy!<br /><br /></div>
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Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-3886822502566425952015-01-26T11:24:00.005+13:002015-01-26T11:24:57.626+13:00Summer Lovin'.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIpsUwBl6Ks1H80gHyn4W0fIoLDFsC4Y9V1ROmVL2AxBDcZSvP6i3GkycQnvJAj_PRbN_p7iKK8yJ1Fg9R-5m4rcv_ATSuepxS-uPNKPSV7QTftwC5rltmLUMGEZZFPPD6MALwinBV12e/s1600/Christmas+Platter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIpsUwBl6Ks1H80gHyn4W0fIoLDFsC4Y9V1ROmVL2AxBDcZSvP6i3GkycQnvJAj_PRbN_p7iKK8yJ1Fg9R-5m4rcv_ATSuepxS-uPNKPSV7QTftwC5rltmLUMGEZZFPPD6MALwinBV12e/s1600/Christmas+Platter.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My special Christmas nuts with the most stunning washed rind cheese enjoyed on Christmas day.</td></tr>
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Last week I started back at work, in what seemed like an eon ago. You know you have had a good break when you are feeling amped and ready to return. Christmas was the usual MacBuscke affair of 'Gays and Strays', no simple non fuss Christmas for us, it's all about gathering, feasting, enjoying and spending time with those around us we care about.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6J-1WF2AGRyhiyfsiPCKlNUy1OGagomHgrRf_qo1N8swESaTiBj7dj0jaiN6y_TMcYE_-vPx0YARuMnhnduSZx6S0fAA3PEi_SDlSLV3dSxQmkRHgxMLixD17N572Vb-Lcn14S5Ng6Q-/s1600/Mother+Busckes+Rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6J-1WF2AGRyhiyfsiPCKlNUy1OGagomHgrRf_qo1N8swESaTiBj7dj0jaiN6y_TMcYE_-vPx0YARuMnhnduSZx6S0fAA3PEi_SDlSLV3dSxQmkRHgxMLixD17N572Vb-Lcn14S5Ng6Q-/s1600/Mother+Busckes+Rose.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rose from Mother Buscke's Garden on a New Year's visit</td></tr>
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Family for us is more of a global notion - it goes beyond those who you are linked to by blood (which if truth be told for me is quite a damn few!!) but those who matter and make a difference, not only in your life, but the lives of your entire whanau nucleus. We are so lucky to have a core of these people who really matter & Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JvZhlHi9hfetwpVcsmMBzwCtQdUyuJa3FBcmnMan5KDhb_T_xNecInsxxbaaePRqsasIwY9oNmYW9wIXY-hIz0WHIIarfPuPp8FPi7lRm0DG9eMtJ8QIHzP2k72bGn3ZbZTCReJw8a-r/s1600/Hugo+Pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JvZhlHi9hfetwpVcsmMBzwCtQdUyuJa3FBcmnMan5KDhb_T_xNecInsxxbaaePRqsasIwY9oNmYW9wIXY-hIz0WHIIarfPuPp8FPi7lRm0DG9eMtJ8QIHzP2k72bGn3ZbZTCReJw8a-r/s1600/Hugo+Pizza.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugo gaining skills for life - Pizza making at the Scotts.</td></tr>
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This extended whanau are also important because they are the net of people that catch you when you fall and are the ones that support you when hounded by dark dog days. A lesson for me in 2015 is making sure I'm not afraid to lean on these loved ones when time seem a little grim.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDzUwXr68jLo5uhATBcLUQHBwKZw-w11pOv8AH_W9hc9tNAGOBXUyq51PWFfGtZq-OG181YRWicNzOocLZ6qE48oL3fSs1P4lz2GZaJo_1L7OkRC0BAQdSZbZwbxRtaqFw5UmqFDsue4I/s1600/Louis+Waipatiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDzUwXr68jLo5uhATBcLUQHBwKZw-w11pOv8AH_W9hc9tNAGOBXUyq51PWFfGtZq-OG181YRWicNzOocLZ6qE48oL3fSs1P4lz2GZaJo_1L7OkRC0BAQdSZbZwbxRtaqFw5UmqFDsue4I/s1600/Louis+Waipatiki.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louis loves camping! Making new friends and the beach were highlight for him.</td></tr>
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Family time with boys over the Summer has been a real joy. Both boys have had a great school holidays, beaching, chilling, spending time with both us and their grand parents, mind you I think Poppa Buscke was please to see the boys depart - his prize passion fruit got decimated after the boys decided that these unripe green fruit made the perfect grenades in a game of war - Doh! The Boys are such chalk and cheese as always, the Ginger would love to live in endless Summer and struggles to understand why he needs to return to school, where Master H is missing his friends and is really looking forward to getting back to the hum of the playground.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cn3TAmRCBjsi0iJf8ungaw15R2Gozf2YKL7DKswHjwXZAy7bQ-OTZrXlrV9kOWx7sLIx-o-YDDewVHF5kxEtw3cR8dpswSTHnxKmQko7aE9FgWb4QsDhwKYRypdX3JkwdZJ4eXMeUzWY/s1600/Preserved+Lemons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cn3TAmRCBjsi0iJf8ungaw15R2Gozf2YKL7DKswHjwXZAy7bQ-OTZrXlrV9kOWx7sLIx-o-YDDewVHF5kxEtw3cR8dpswSTHnxKmQko7aE9FgWb4QsDhwKYRypdX3JkwdZJ4eXMeUzWY/s1600/Preserved+Lemons.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually got some time to preserve some Lemons procured by my Aunty Ivena...</td></tr>
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Dr Phil was also very keen to return to his new 'playground' at Napier Eye & BEST (Bay Elective Surgical Theatre), he's still pinching himself that this dream he's held for so long is now finally at fruition.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PNBtjIz5AscPt-kpg3Dug4ZzWfHmW_YyoV4_QL33hYayq8KmqWyyYhYaiZtZ1t0cpyWIE1JhgmFEDqIZLpqoYZwAtKKDlS9RYuF-Bu5GFpEJP2AhTKg5e22mUxPXT-qu9fNYyMWgdHDV/s1600/Camp+Crochet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PNBtjIz5AscPt-kpg3Dug4ZzWfHmW_YyoV4_QL33hYayq8KmqWyyYhYaiZtZ1t0cpyWIE1JhgmFEDqIZLpqoYZwAtKKDlS9RYuF-Bu5GFpEJP2AhTKg5e22mUxPXT-qu9fNYyMWgdHDV/s1600/Camp+Crochet.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crochet on the Camp bed - as you can see, we Glamp, not camp!</td></tr>
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For me the crafting has been cruising and I have loved being back at work and getting stuck into all the new products that are slated for 2015. I am already working away on Knit August Nights and am super excited about heading back down to Unwind in Dunedin in March - I have even cleared some time to take class, something I am really looking forward too!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNHGXNo5s6THLQgi6Huqg7B-DeW0eelJ0w210LWMb0IGE0OtCfQaBVZqz4dmJBCwrCLTvtCEB3i9sKPp-BVe_5PpJcXA12_wj0g-3oCqgcz30H34OIuQxSSWcMzHt5BYZBzFZic2oNNg-/s1600/Renly+Ahuriri+Shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNHGXNo5s6THLQgi6Huqg7B-DeW0eelJ0w210LWMb0IGE0OtCfQaBVZqz4dmJBCwrCLTvtCEB3i9sKPp-BVe_5PpJcXA12_wj0g-3oCqgcz30H34OIuQxSSWcMzHt5BYZBzFZic2oNNg-/s1600/Renly+Ahuriri+Shopping.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renly stopping off for a quick spot of shopping in the Village</td></tr>
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I have been doing a lot of spinning, as I have decided I would like to do a garment sized project for me this year. It's nice to have the confidence that my spinning is consistent enough to embark on a project like this - I think I am about 1 or 2 skeins off what I need to get started on another Summer Cardigan by Georgie Hallam. I am also in the final throws of the latest Granny Square blanket - just started the last coloured border over the weekend and am quite determined to have it done this week. We have thrashed and thrashed the other blankets, they make great rugs, wraps and the kids love snuggling into them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNbGzIz9canm5_Uj7YSa4AZhRH_vbxFAS5KlpL42FE7ciyjwmqT8DfuVLmKYEzLL_K3gTOCapMAdNZIVzT7p2I5lxk1WNwgAdw742OOp6XfQSBQTTsIODKHpb7r6hTBe5mPcqytWgwxMv/s1600/Christmas+Spoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNbGzIz9canm5_Uj7YSa4AZhRH_vbxFAS5KlpL42FE7ciyjwmqT8DfuVLmKYEzLL_K3gTOCapMAdNZIVzT7p2I5lxk1WNwgAdw742OOp6XfQSBQTTsIODKHpb7r6hTBe5mPcqytWgwxMv/s1600/Christmas+Spoon.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gift from a family member that knows me oh, so well!</td></tr>
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As for resolutions - I'm not fond of making commitments I can't keep - but on the craft front I have decided to continue effort to start projects using yarns that we have at Skeinz or at very least been spun by us. My strike rate for 2014 was pretty good with only 4 projects out of 26 being "outsiders", a ratio I'd like to continue - something that I must say is SO hard with so much stunning yarns in my stash!!<br />
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<br />Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-63713883241658381282014-12-10T11:59:00.001+13:002014-12-10T11:59:18.659+13:00How Many Sleeps Until Santa?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpOaJ2-npGHtclDIPoFdk3Gt7012zT_tiCQc2yX9drN_7iI5gM3pD15yFeDjS316RO6BEkxO-CjkC7e0iEiVws-6934QPpQnOwsfNkDfnVF7VQC3mRbKn5iBVpYTrGWekhLPKg7jCr3Bd/s1600/DB+Hugo+Renly+Sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpOaJ2-npGHtclDIPoFdk3Gt7012zT_tiCQc2yX9drN_7iI5gM3pD15yFeDjS316RO6BEkxO-CjkC7e0iEiVws-6934QPpQnOwsfNkDfnVF7VQC3mRbKn5iBVpYTrGWekhLPKg7jCr3Bd/s1600/DB+Hugo+Renly+Sun.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugo & Renly lapping up the Sunday morning sunshine</td></tr>
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Hugo has asked me this almost every day. If it isn't "How many sleeps until Santa" it is "How many sleeps until holidays?" or even "How many sleeps until the weekend?" - for Hugo it's all about "The Sleeps". He is starting to get so excited, he loves the festive season. Getting the tree up, helping with my preparations, watching the slew of holiday movies & asking all those difficult questions like "What doesn't it snow here for Christmas?".<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H6kyBOso0r0HVGxWAfOZW20REeUOrlGgFM2eSe84qESWO3OiMhycAk0ZOOj99XcqkoxIQ1-UUczR5GDaIdugTnecMlc2l_6ZZAqyWnfeWAJe5PdY_HQa4KOBM3tTCsfbcoNd9JssX8_j/s1600/DB+Boys+Movie+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H6kyBOso0r0HVGxWAfOZW20REeUOrlGgFM2eSe84qESWO3OiMhycAk0ZOOj99XcqkoxIQ1-UUczR5GDaIdugTnecMlc2l_6ZZAqyWnfeWAJe5PdY_HQa4KOBM3tTCsfbcoNd9JssX8_j/s1600/DB+Boys+Movie+time.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys getting their holiday movie fix.</td></tr>
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Louis of course has a much more pragmatic view of the festive season. We have already had to have the 'Santa Talk' to him. You see, Hugo is still very much a believer, where as Louis refers to it as 'the Santa myth' made up by parents to bribe their children into being well behaved before Christmas. He has held this belief since he was 4, he's now 8. So when I said to him that I didn't have to worry about gifts from Santa for him this year, his reply "Stop being so ridiculous, I still want presents, you just don't have to lie about where they come from!" - Don't get me started on the tooth fairy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS84rgwZnCfQ2YtBbGeb8JDyRDHHyFEeOcb7QQGnufubdJ5WgJ8K1SXIWPADYo8FdgGJOfJd6FbDJ0YWICt22vPkAb8bobxjwY_oUyNrdmO4RACKPkcl1Uid1b0kBxs3Z8hoBwPkiAxj-V/s1600/DB+Louis+Wasp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS84rgwZnCfQ2YtBbGeb8JDyRDHHyFEeOcb7QQGnufubdJ5WgJ8K1SXIWPADYo8FdgGJOfJd6FbDJ0YWICt22vPkAb8bobxjwY_oUyNrdmO4RACKPkcl1Uid1b0kBxs3Z8hoBwPkiAxj-V/s1600/DB+Louis+Wasp.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louis posing in his new vest, the yellow actually really suits him.</td></tr>
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As well all the festive prep I have also found time to get a good whack of knitting done & have managed to dust the wheel off & do my first spinning since the 'broken claw' incident six months ago. Louis Wasp vest from the previous post is completed and already worn with the cooler weather and I have cast on a chunky kimono top for me (well that's the plan at this stage). I have also idly started crocheting another 'granny scrap' blanket, the perfect chill out project, and am eyeing up doing another Summer Cardigan for me - possibly in the new Stirling Alpaca from work.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCgm06MkLss-M3TiYuMuQljDcc0rv9viTipNsUGYhjRG2pcV-21pYbRxM_LCS3Ho5ZMtmVSuc12xE0CTKv98IfAd8Yde6C1E4vKr3lNNu65Uhyphenhyphen3BJIaRTErOxe63VEX3VcG7y4yyXcTDD/s1600/DB+First+Spin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCgm06MkLss-M3TiYuMuQljDcc0rv9viTipNsUGYhjRG2pcV-21pYbRxM_LCS3Ho5ZMtmVSuc12xE0CTKv98IfAd8Yde6C1E4vKr3lNNu65Uhyphenhyphen3BJIaRTErOxe63VEX3VcG7y4yyXcTDD/s1600/DB+First+Spin.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first skein of homespun since the 'Broken Claw'</td></tr>
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The spinning has been great, so good to get the wheel back out. I know spinning for me is a little like coal to Newcastle, but you can beat spinning for relaxation. There is something almost trance like in the process, I really do enjoy it. So with now 14 sleeps until Santa, I'd better get my skates on and keep moving!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgXpkJ2AQ5osuYMTSaEpPTv5pCy-QVU0JkQEXJmxAYNMRLIybuaSaNir5w0NEwVYGmRi3mmuBoLbhF3nHioFaSC68mAK9B6YqzevQUUOg_j8O3X7LbJXYVefsznak-kVmV9f3dQ1SxLH7/s1600/Rainbow+Handspun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgXpkJ2AQ5osuYMTSaEpPTv5pCy-QVU0JkQEXJmxAYNMRLIybuaSaNir5w0NEwVYGmRi3mmuBoLbhF3nHioFaSC68mAK9B6YqzevQUUOg_j8O3X7LbJXYVefsznak-kVmV9f3dQ1SxLH7/s1600/Rainbow+Handspun.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun festive 'Rainbow' skein.</td></tr>
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<br />Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-78303939351702889562014-11-26T15:05:00.001+13:002014-11-26T15:05:34.434+13:00Sunshine.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-b.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpa1/10808456_1411857202437841_1224582997_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-b.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpa1/10808456_1411857202437841_1224582997_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the beautiful decorated cakes by the PAS students - Garden was the theme</td></tr>
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It's been great to get out into the Spring sunshine. When the wind hasn't been tickling us up, it has been wonderful to look out at the garden, see the roses blooming, sun shining and the boys racing about outside. It has also dawned on me that it is one month until Christmas. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-c.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpa1/10747772_743731855664714_569926087_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-c.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpa1/10747772_743731855664714_569926087_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louis, Hugo and Renly just loving Pakowhai Park</td></tr>
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I have been somewhat organised so far. The first gifts have been ordered, I have the Christmas cards, the meat for the big day is ordered, Champagne is in the fridge, Christmas tree is up & my nuts are all at home getting ready to be roasted (Christmas nuts - not Dr. Phil's!). Not bad going with a month still to run.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-a.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10755970_1492223167712432_787308352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-a.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10755970_1492223167712432_787308352_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out backyard Guy Fawkes display - complete with fire precautions!</td></tr>
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I have also been wearing my "School Mum" hat and was the official photographer for the Port Ahuriri Wine and Food Festival a couple of weeks ago. A great event and so much fun. It's been a joy getting involved at the school, especially when the Ginger is really in the groove at school and Hugo is rocketing away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-c.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xap1/10724044_378718038920018_1252752491_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-c.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xap1/10724044_378718038920018_1252752491_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum with her niece's new baby boy </td></tr>
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For them Spring has been action packed. As well as the PAS festival, there was Guy Fawkes, so little boy heaven, and we started the month by travelling up to Gisborne to celebrate Nana Buscke's 65th birthday. I have just thoroughly enjoyed watching Mum's great pleasure in celebrating her birthday. She is seriously Gisborne's most excited new superannuatant, such a joy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/265255419/Louis_Hawthorne_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/buscke/265255419/Louis_Hawthorne_medium2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vest I have nicknamed 'Wasp' - as our Ginger can have a sting in his tail from time to time.</td></tr>
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I have also been busy on the needles, completing a project for me and almost finished the long promised yellow vest for Louis. I have even done a wee bit of gift knitting and am now being sorely tempted by some of the new yarns we have at work. I love the holiday knitting and so much done over the Christmas break, these are the sorts of problems one likes to have!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-c.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10748092_798979300148418_983956639_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-c.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10748092_798979300148418_983956639_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Summer Cardigan by Georgie Hallam. Already well worn!</td></tr>
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<br />Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-21920850469664064142014-11-05T13:25:00.001+13:002014-11-05T13:25:46.969+13:00New Dawn, New Day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been a month since I have returned from Rainbow R&R. A time to get emotionally put back together, centred and calm. I has a wonderful time away. The most important decision that I had to make each day was help Nick decide what it was we were going to cook each day for dinner. I spent time, wasting time, with a variety of animals on their property. From foals to a crazy kitten, it was wonderful. This is a collection of some of the images taken last month during this recuperative period, and whilst early November has thrown me a massive curve ball emotionally, I at least, have had the strength to be able to bounce back and keep moving forward.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-g.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpa1/1597319_296914723843598_1431906831_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-g.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpa1/1597319_296914723843598_1431906831_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with my new BFF - Seb the Siamese</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-b.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpa1/924428_352757601553065_1409421864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-b.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpa1/924428_352757601553065_1409421864_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I like to call "Ironic Beer Drinking"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10706685_1465747773713932_1713271744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10706685_1465747773713932_1713271744_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many slow food inspired meals - this after the Hobsonville Farmers Market</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-a.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10665632_574957465943248_1335250657_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-a.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10665632_574957465943248_1335250657_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Westbrook Winery - part of the West Auckland nostalgia wine tour </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10665372_1469940349954236_293059535_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10665372_1469940349954236_293059535_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All little laying humour at the Hobsonville Farmers Market</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-d.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10693566_747840098610435_1506159955_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-d.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10693566_747840098610435_1506159955_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did try to knit - made difficult as Seb liked to help.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-g.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10723845_372371789579790_1387311661_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-g.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10723845_372371789579790_1387311661_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did get knitting done though, my entries for the HB A&P Show</td></tr>
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<br />Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-58657923300304759322014-09-24T10:32:00.000+12:002014-09-24T10:33:30.970+12:00Knitting my way back to happy.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-88vI6u7G_U3B7vQZyD3I1f_Gr-NpXxLNp74AH_SRQg5MRmJ-9aph7FXg3wXK_hFpt78Fr2mdv0MDZn44A8mrOIEFBAEOmGgifOrBl9TOzBHWdNf0FzXU_GclAiUSbQVTU5RkPcSWVqg5/s1600/Jess+Hayden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-88vI6u7G_U3B7vQZyD3I1f_Gr-NpXxLNp74AH_SRQg5MRmJ-9aph7FXg3wXK_hFpt78Fr2mdv0MDZn44A8mrOIEFBAEOmGgifOrBl9TOzBHWdNf0FzXU_GclAiUSbQVTU5RkPcSWVqg5/s1600/Jess+Hayden.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jess with her wee angel Hayden</td></tr>
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It's amazing what having a few extra hours means. Since the medically enforced slow down I have been more nimble to be able to cope with the curve balls my life tends to throw. It started with the sad passing of my brother's partner, Jess, losing her beloved son Hayden. Hayden was born with an extremely rare form of dwarfism & was only expected to survive days, maybe weeks after he was born. However wee Hayden had other ideas and 6 and a half years later, he smiled, laughed and murmured his way to his own set of pearly wings. My new situation meant I was able to easily get away to help support Stuart, Jess, Nina and Seth with their loss whilst helping the boys experience what it means to celebrate the passing of a life, especially of someone that they knew.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_yRWjC16HLbsaOLU5ERwdw4K0WanQHTaucAt2viu1Tlxyc-dEXxgjI5exBVYD8fk19MApiLAZzGkuMM1_46gmVg1QKNwLkj4903ig-5ZPXXVZJ7XK2VFRTS8hSCYq7dVq6hG-DaEMVEK/s1600/Renly+Sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_yRWjC16HLbsaOLU5ERwdw4K0WanQHTaucAt2viu1Tlxyc-dEXxgjI5exBVYD8fk19MApiLAZzGkuMM1_46gmVg1QKNwLkj4903ig-5ZPXXVZJ7XK2VFRTS8hSCYq7dVq6hG-DaEMVEK/s1600/Renly+Sheep.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renly goes head with Reg the ram & his harem</td></tr>
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As well as taking the boys, I also made sure I packed Renly & some restorative knitting. Having some time on my parents small lifestyle block meant I had time to explore adding a slouch beanie to the Ever After collection.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIKe5hEAD0QUP-RDs_VfQ1fmzEJFP0P7lDb-ENuhMdVFAQDMKXiOVRKganJPEuTOMx8QUuN3Y3Pb1BrlK4MUSWNuPEg3qObANcNBs4baHbngBSGwr7TFqn51a1yXQfKjhO1_IEj2YmsRi/s1600/EASlouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIKe5hEAD0QUP-RDs_VfQ1fmzEJFP0P7lDb-ENuhMdVFAQDMKXiOVRKganJPEuTOMx8QUuN3Y3Pb1BrlK4MUSWNuPEg3qObANcNBs4baHbngBSGwr7TFqn51a1yXQfKjhO1_IEj2YmsRi/s1600/EASlouch.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The world worst selfie, but I'm stoked with the slouch!</td></tr>
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I had a few balls of the Heritage <a href="http://www.skeinz.com/shop/View+by+Range+Name/silverlining.html" target="_blank">Silver Lining</a> in Red, a yarn I am totally addicted to, so cast on just before leaving. Having knitted a few beanies lately I felt a little more confident in the crown shaping and I think I may have cracked it. I would like to churn out another just to make sure, but I am thrilled with the prototype and have already worn it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRN8RSoHah8ZiJy8kCTbCsHKnu0QTQx0Q55AdNaLDaSiRT698dLKBHF4-mc_fuLskLKmvr69cQqHEKcv-Y8D8db2sVQku0pAlQB-uP9-jTHNSfBWtan42Yct8gkaGSjazuyQmqV_RTCxt/s1600/Wrapped_Shawl_Progress_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRN8RSoHah8ZiJy8kCTbCsHKnu0QTQx0Q55AdNaLDaSiRT698dLKBHF4-mc_fuLskLKmvr69cQqHEKcv-Y8D8db2sVQku0pAlQB-uP9-jTHNSfBWtan42Yct8gkaGSjazuyQmqV_RTCxt/s1600/Wrapped_Shawl_Progress_medium2.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just onto the border, a very enjoyable knit</td></tr>
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The KAN project is almost complete, the lovely <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wrapped-in-leaves" target="_blank">Wrapped in Leaves</a> by Alana Dakos. Just knitting the leafy border and hope to have it complete very, very soon. It's such a simple, yet effective pattern, my favorite kind, which is looking very Autumnal in the warm Pumpkin Alpaca that was liberated from the depths of my stash.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCNqr0kRk4eZFPuppfd1MmvBAfovG_OW1e1Q-vkTpYP-j3eacVOHOXSU8AGQdPNjeBv4vn3Ilh6iKcd41uR-wVGbLVTgvQw6Hxr2QIvLgDHJShb_LB4ttz22_4Q8I9Pi_sP5rkPskIUnm/s1600/Vintage+Randoms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCNqr0kRk4eZFPuppfd1MmvBAfovG_OW1e1Q-vkTpYP-j3eacVOHOXSU8AGQdPNjeBv4vn3Ilh6iKcd41uR-wVGbLVTgvQw6Hxr2QIvLgDHJShb_LB4ttz22_4Q8I9Pi_sP5rkPskIUnm/s1600/Vintage+Randoms.JPG" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The four Art Deco inspired Vintage Random Prints</td></tr>
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Confession time. I did sneak a peak at my Skeinz email. This revealed that the <a href="http://www.skeinz.com/shop/View+by+Range+Name/VINTAGE+DK.html" target="_blank">Vintage Deco</a> inspired random prints I have been waiting for have finally hit the shop. I just couldn't help myself, I had to pop into work to have a look and also got to squish the two new Heritage Alpaca colours. It seems so unfair not to be able to share these yarns with everyone on skeinz.com, so I did take the 6 balls home to photograph & upload yesterday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGy1M9aClgejGaS-ii7_KhIBZZmoqqUcQpHmX598znTm2rWzaQCRhiz_ieyfIlh2xNKECW_vFmyYY9uz-udbwfI2-4BNCgv5QC3kDLTZencNnOydqj6gk3Iuj_Yvt_TUkvcb7j0ECs16Z/s1600/Heritage+Leftie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGy1M9aClgejGaS-ii7_KhIBZZmoqqUcQpHmX598znTm2rWzaQCRhiz_ieyfIlh2xNKECW_vFmyYY9uz-udbwfI2-4BNCgv5QC3kDLTZencNnOydqj6gk3Iuj_Yvt_TUkvcb7j0ECs16Z/s1600/Heritage+Leftie.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Its hard looking at these and not casting on. So I did just that, keeping in the leaf theme and using the <a href="http://www.skeinz.com/shop/View+by+Range+Name/alpaca.html" target="_blank">Heritage Alpaca</a> in Porcelain with the Vintage Clarice Cliff for the leaves, I cast on an up sized <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/leftie" target="_blank">Leftie</a> from Martina Behm. The colours of the Clarice Cliff have left the leaves looking more like Iris flowers, an effect I am really enjoying. This will be the perfect project for me to take away on Rainbow R&R in a couple of days.<br />
<br />Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-10751200292369174022014-09-19T12:08:00.000+12:002014-09-19T12:08:00.067+12:00Dealing to the 'Black Dog'<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsZ4s9dvbWn0DCc9r8tnjtGEyRoENmkN6DtI3MOu5wpOXqzbWvEN3fEsVEPlL2RZXioqM9a-wAAy1tPJgbqUXXamt0rAncwXNJEFjPF-8j5qyXxI6bXX47NwDBK9FQbp170XTZPo_IEI_/s1600/BD+Ahuriri+Walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsZ4s9dvbWn0DCc9r8tnjtGEyRoENmkN6DtI3MOu5wpOXqzbWvEN3fEsVEPlL2RZXioqM9a-wAAy1tPJgbqUXXamt0rAncwXNJEFjPF-8j5qyXxI6bXX47NwDBK9FQbp170XTZPo_IEI_/s1600/BD+Ahuriri+Walk.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm so lucky I have this on my doorstep to escape to.</td></tr>
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It was Winston Churchill who described it as his 'Black Dog' and John Kirwan has been knighted over it, for me Depression has been a constant companion since my teens. I love the work JK does, working on the stigma within not only a sufferers psyche, but in the wider public also.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxx-1hsEJjpMQOULf0VUBXH0d1m2uPmyJnk3sk6yLjspIshTvdhRX6Ck1PoCcKpZ4en_VUsIO40Q-QVVT64Q1nBGByCEA_yJMzdRjTmZ4OViOJlt6edZxy-SltlYFxmsUFqfVym9lUXHt/s1600/BD+Renly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxx-1hsEJjpMQOULf0VUBXH0d1m2uPmyJnk3sk6yLjspIshTvdhRX6Ck1PoCcKpZ4en_VUsIO40Q-QVVT64Q1nBGByCEA_yJMzdRjTmZ4OViOJlt6edZxy-SltlYFxmsUFqfVym9lUXHt/s1600/BD+Renly.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what my 'Black Dog' usually looks like when my life is in balance.</td></tr>
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I'm lucky. My 'Black Dog' ninety nine percent of the time is a happy smiling, tummy scratching, tail twerking black bulldog. Something I don't mind at all hanging around. I was lucky enough early on to learn coping strategies to keep the this pooch under control. Herbal supplementation (and yes, I know I'm from Gisborne, but not THAT type of supplementation) in the form of St John Wort, plenty of sleep, a healthy diet are all important to keeping you on track. So too is a great support network of family & friends, those who care and love you without judging you & when tell you to take care of yourself when they see the dog starting to get agitated and snarl.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLJO_4Zwrkyv5iwxpPD_ZSCdunPKNC95U8OJLOeN0qTcuLS7xGK7w49whKB6zEtI1RUolBatIrfTs54IuwNej9j9H7xoz4gNORhHCCMiaBI2ok0FePACmakAAednySKXxfHql8aOGCZY9/s1600/BD+Nibbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLJO_4Zwrkyv5iwxpPD_ZSCdunPKNC95U8OJLOeN0qTcuLS7xGK7w49whKB6zEtI1RUolBatIrfTs54IuwNej9j9H7xoz4gNORhHCCMiaBI2ok0FePACmakAAednySKXxfHql8aOGCZY9/s1600/BD+Nibbles.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's nothing better having friend who turn up with 'emergency supplies' when you have had such a bad day.</td></tr>
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So when this past few weeks I realised I hadn't been attending my mental needs as diligently as I should, being told by a medical professional that even Wonder Woman would struggle to get her dog under control after it had morphed into a massive, snapping, lathering mutation reminiscent of the Hunger Games, it was time to put the brakes on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_nSuk58M1zz65loNAIpbWEM_LoyErQN803abZqGgP9_RDoOZaczNkN8N2Uc-IzSGr7T_hEkxIZ6t38za15OSxcClWQvdZTyUWHKaogBtekletY5TbIY5raq5rJw1RcWzuGylkO-ADZnY/s1600/BD+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_nSuk58M1zz65loNAIpbWEM_LoyErQN803abZqGgP9_RDoOZaczNkN8N2Uc-IzSGr7T_hEkxIZ6t38za15OSxcClWQvdZTyUWHKaogBtekletY5TbIY5raq5rJw1RcWzuGylkO-ADZnY/s1600/BD+Flowers.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers that just brightened up my week.</td></tr>
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The worse thing about your own dog going feral, is the effect on those around you. In my case it's the reaction from The Ginger. He's a lean mean racing machine. Like any child with ASD, when everything in the team is working well, he's runs like a dream, when the alpha starts going off line, all sorts of problems start cropping up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpw31wcO1n6QlO3JzVPFyA9aaErC_aqVl5cPai-JW5cU4NoragemGnl8KjD1xFI6y4jv3vgIg3606B75d9bTjCo44HPojCHjvs35o6w8w2dHf8JdPk38WKIkmLmkS0lCj5RJZz4-o755IN/s1600/BD+Chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpw31wcO1n6QlO3JzVPFyA9aaErC_aqVl5cPai-JW5cU4NoragemGnl8KjD1xFI6y4jv3vgIg3606B75d9bTjCo44HPojCHjvs35o6w8w2dHf8JdPk38WKIkmLmkS0lCj5RJZz4-o755IN/s1600/BD+Chicken.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like JK, cooking is a great stress reliever.</td></tr>
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So the next month is about getting myself back on track & getting The Ginger fine tuned and running back to his best. The form it takes is a months enforced leave from work, a weeks 'Rainbow R&R' with the gay hubby, a family break during the school holidays and of course a lot of knitting. SO if you think a 'stray dog' might have followed you home and is hanging about, do not be afraid to get help, because taming this beast isn't has scary as you might think.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCZS_1R59YHjZPRlRGINHSJ4C2IM4PCRGuYCCFgt1VMatWYY-il-NblC5Lef3IILdyQXqYo0A_-K0v3aNkTmPEExm6YQLAWS90-X2BH8D-kMTy6efJ-pcIVMm1QeRfaqnVEHvThIj79L-/s1600/BD+Coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCZS_1R59YHjZPRlRGINHSJ4C2IM4PCRGuYCCFgt1VMatWYY-il-NblC5Lef3IILdyQXqYo0A_-K0v3aNkTmPEExm6YQLAWS90-X2BH8D-kMTy6efJ-pcIVMm1QeRfaqnVEHvThIj79L-/s1600/BD+Coffee.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was wonderful to take time to have a great cup of coffee with a school mum today.</td></tr>
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<br />Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-40537322108317166672014-09-17T12:07:00.000+12:002014-09-17T12:07:37.674+12:00It's in the KAN.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPmDqblxFP81onfVNIGG7_uAehn6b-9V8NEDIhw8xfZrdQlHsVh-iZOVktW7Lg53yODRCrtNfYFajYdp_ix8uGsA3LCNaiBYobMrJZQqH333mmLNEH_iluM4tOGcDF7HhyoneV9Y8_GR6/s1600/KAN+Photo+Winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPmDqblxFP81onfVNIGG7_uAehn6b-9V8NEDIhw8xfZrdQlHsVh-iZOVktW7Lg53yODRCrtNfYFajYdp_ix8uGsA3LCNaiBYobMrJZQqH333mmLNEH_iluM4tOGcDF7HhyoneV9Y8_GR6/s1600/KAN+Photo+Winner.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winner of the first KAN photo competition - Alice Best. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's been three weeks now since KAN 2014 wrapped up. This year was epic. Bigger numbers, more classes, more trading, simply a much bigger event. I am not a professional event organiser. I do KAN because I am passionate about yarn craft and I wish to see it not only survive, but thrive, so when you are thrown a massive snafu a week out from the event (the local council not allowing our venue to occupy their brand new function room - the one we had book), it was, too say the least, panic stations.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzY2yD_QsntOVF9aPQbst4qcy-fHlNa0TtAFtzZ_j1v4lw75on2LblPQppMWNBGrzXwLhUK6DhpptsHW7hDkR0rvZpqayylW-nqsk2DlCg9TzzA30q6sXrb3QtLsQCpybvNCGpyK9n5W6/s1600/KAN+Tash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzY2yD_QsntOVF9aPQbst4qcy-fHlNa0TtAFtzZ_j1v4lw75on2LblPQppMWNBGrzXwLhUK6DhpptsHW7hDkR0rvZpqayylW-nqsk2DlCg9TzzA30q6sXrb3QtLsQCpybvNCGpyK9n5W6/s1600/KAN+Tash.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KAN sponsor & all round stunning woman - Tash from Holland Road</td></tr>
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This is were people make all the difference. People like the team at East Pier (our venue) who worked tirelessly with me to nut out solutions. The Crown Hotel, where I had already booked teaching space, banding together to pull in all the resources we could muster in Ahuriri to make sure this event went ahead. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4xGRZTm7O3mxp2f2BWrm-sUiwoph4z0iTU5hm1u4kqBSssEcPUFgFWv5AFeP_7WlGoVvD2U7c_WTfrvpXPv0QeEJR4GlJhyphenhyphenMcs2zVAIFHcjfU_lgkYEd2vE6ZoDG-MTGpE1zMa7n3IIJ/s1600/KAN+SUE+Margaret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4xGRZTm7O3mxp2f2BWrm-sUiwoph4z0iTU5hm1u4kqBSssEcPUFgFWv5AFeP_7WlGoVvD2U7c_WTfrvpXPv0QeEJR4GlJhyphenhyphenMcs2zVAIFHcjfU_lgkYEd2vE6ZoDG-MTGpE1zMa7n3IIJ/s1600/KAN+SUE+Margaret.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sue Schrueder one of the KAN tutors and Margaret Stove MBE</td></tr>
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Also the people that attend KAN. It was the Kanannites, especially those who have been coming for years, who share in my passion for yarn craft and have the vision to know how incredible KAN will be next year, you all made this event so very, very special - Thank you!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi087DHveD2B3d6JKtyjX9VX_jyHpd70BSWg187OB_d-mR_aELFn-qLbL_c0jkN2-SkBC7ai1VwQpkdlyhwzqIjB4Dtjxlw3H2bBHbBBCdPVL8p5ayeA9l_OkX_idrvXruRwoXUC1cyS8qe/s1600/KAN+Vanitas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi087DHveD2B3d6JKtyjX9VX_jyHpd70BSWg187OB_d-mR_aELFn-qLbL_c0jkN2-SkBC7ai1VwQpkdlyhwzqIjB4Dtjxlw3H2bBHbBBCdPVL8p5ayeA9l_OkX_idrvXruRwoXUC1cyS8qe/s1600/KAN+Vanitas.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanitas was launched at KAN this year - Divine!</td></tr>
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This mutual pulling together created an atmosphere that had such a buzz, one which filtered out to the locals that braved the rain to come out in droves to check out the event on the public market day on Sunday morning - quite overwhelming.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFTl05v-mqa8wZ_wcuwQkfAyMHcSVLpLWrZlt8cYfSOwRTYn25v4b-YfwIAytYi31yPl_ykvzriDoJYQbkPtuX3fpd-Q6YcNRnb4jrWQ-1uXBRZIBqvZfC7wXl4Y8ixSpA0cB0HxA5OKZ/s1600/KAN+Class+PVR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFTl05v-mqa8wZ_wcuwQkfAyMHcSVLpLWrZlt8cYfSOwRTYn25v4b-YfwIAytYi31yPl_ykvzriDoJYQbkPtuX3fpd-Q6YcNRnb4jrWQ-1uXBRZIBqvZfC7wXl4Y8ixSpA0cB0HxA5OKZ/s1600/KAN+Class+PVR.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Port View Room was one of the gems discovered after the snafu.</td></tr>
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Now I have some perspective I am so excited about KAN 2015. East Pier will have been completed and the venue, with vast trading and social spaces, all with uninterrupted sea views, will just be awesome. The Crown Hotel are back on board this year with their beautifully appointed conference rooms and the technically pimped out Port View Room has also been booked again. I'm in discussion with the tutors to create a class schedule that will have you all salivating & a new improved registration system will be in place to help getting yourself booked in a breeze.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvQO3w4xV_qf4Zy2ZVqYBYz40blFiOLWbuDjUbZm2xTYnr9HGaHYay89hRZaf3vTDO29Kk1LDRH8PWsj4P4_wM-TKvwQrCujRi9_Kr-9pmhuyk8RdlGdqA9PQfuNxksCY0MFVGeMqfj_-/s1600/KAN+Balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvQO3w4xV_qf4Zy2ZVqYBYz40blFiOLWbuDjUbZm2xTYnr9HGaHYay89hRZaf3vTDO29Kk1LDRH8PWsj4P4_wM-TKvwQrCujRi9_Kr-9pmhuyk8RdlGdqA9PQfuNxksCY0MFVGeMqfj_-/s1600/KAN+Balcony.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a hint of socialising went on</td></tr>
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If you want to get a feel for the KAN experience, pictures were uploaded to Twitter & Instagram using #knitaugustnights & make sure you join the Knit August Nights Facebook page. East Pier will also have accommodation available next year, along with the excellent Crown Hotel, Navigate Seaside accommodation & Harbour View Motor Lodge - each of them seconds away from the venue. I hope to see you next year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7fxwwUNTJfI-cb2V6QpLrQ0Hl9t1-v6MMDxdVoVvkK5XTbB95hI-u8lcDZ-nHxORzfxsSNTwuALdGkJ4IPbkQu7GG89z6CDy6dzO24S0rqJ2lDRHM3cH0Zd7TuO0kafHbASpu8QGB1sI/s1600/KAN+Poppies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7fxwwUNTJfI-cb2V6QpLrQ0Hl9t1-v6MMDxdVoVvkK5XTbB95hI-u8lcDZ-nHxORzfxsSNTwuALdGkJ4IPbkQu7GG89z6CDy6dzO24S0rqJ2lDRHM3cH0Zd7TuO0kafHbASpu8QGB1sI/s1600/KAN+Poppies.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Persian Poppies was one of the sold out classes this year.</td></tr>
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<br />Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-71148392949097958462014-08-12T11:27:00.002+12:002014-08-12T11:27:40.786+12:00Counting Down to KAN<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-a.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xap1/928341_323422217782320_681057134_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-a.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xap1/928341_323422217782320_681057134_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napier's getting ready for all those 'Bright Sparks' coming to KAN</td></tr>
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Knit August Nights is now just a few weeks away and I am at that nice place where oodles of swag is starting to arrive and my living room is starting to resemble my office at Skeinz - and even greater dumping ground of knit paraphernalia! Mother Buscke is arriving next week as my ultimate bag stuffer, sorter & keeper of the peace between the Macdonald boys.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZIAcIdDHzJ59plZ_aCTNtieswxkEuhGqhOa0ViKBevkLPQV6CuHriig6PqNbXxcXNXF4G_fdmJ8Wl80qUlIdX2v-wNARAY1kMcn-ZfAcuqxV0T9MeG6aLxCjv5CmP2aC5bfjjFeXC3A4/s1600/Hairpin+Crochet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZIAcIdDHzJ59plZ_aCTNtieswxkEuhGqhOa0ViKBevkLPQV6CuHriig6PqNbXxcXNXF4G_fdmJ8Wl80qUlIdX2v-wNARAY1kMcn-ZfAcuqxV0T9MeG6aLxCjv5CmP2aC5bfjjFeXC3A4/s1600/Hairpin+Crochet.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mysterious Crochet Hairpin</td></tr>
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The best part is opening all these boxes and seeing what interesting and weird and wonderful things there are out there. One such item from Mike at Arthur Rowe Ltd was a 'Hairpin Crochet Staple'. Now I admit my crochet skills are rudimentary, but even all my years selling knit & crochet accessories I have not come across such a device. Looking slightly gynecological in nature (you can tell I'm married to a doctor!), my friend Sapphire & I were quite intrigued by this mysterious 'Hairpin'. The packaging suggested it was something from the 'retro' collection at Arthur Rowe (I have some FAB-O items from the Retro collection - Thanks again Mike), so I was well and truly stuffed to think what on earth it was for.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-d.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-prn/10518247_334057190092611_187184695_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-d.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-prn/10518247_334057190092611_187184695_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sapphire following "Uncle Google"</td></tr>
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Since dear darling Sapphire is a fully blown member of "Gen-I", she took one look at the mysterious 'hairpin' and announces, lets Google it. And what do you know, it appears that our 'Hairpin' or Crochet Loom as they are now know, are very much alive, well and making a come back on You Tube. Used to make those long elongated stitches & fringes in crochet, we both then set out with our You Tube to figure out how exactly it worked. It was great fun, so if you are one of the lucky ones who gets one of these gems in your KAN goody bag, just remember "Uncle Google" has the answer to this mysterious device.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNo66ZfmfYIy1ytU0_vgNu4E9_NtxlFqY9LesBczw02Ll5DC86NKkJxwzEh41fLEVEP2DtLAEJaGoIqFjLlIVgq3RbzU9x4O3rsXYS4ZH_4u1f2gwq7gF0UjTinBuUWHlMtso0a9BBx8C/s1600/Bed+Crochet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNo66ZfmfYIy1ytU0_vgNu4E9_NtxlFqY9LesBczw02Ll5DC86NKkJxwzEh41fLEVEP2DtLAEJaGoIqFjLlIVgq3RbzU9x4O3rsXYS4ZH_4u1f2gwq7gF0UjTinBuUWHlMtso0a9BBx8C/s1600/Bed+Crochet.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Epic bedspread</td></tr>
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Speaking of crochet, I have finished my epic "Broken Claw" crochet project. A king sized crocheted bed spread. It was perfect to keep from going insane and not being able to knit. The needles are now back out & yesterday was the first day that I was able to knit for any length of time without feeling like my finger was going to drop off. What I need to do now is figure out how to keep the bulldog off my cream master piece!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVQr8NYBG3i8DE1Uvrs0uA73iV2XLe_2MlF38Nv7vu29QXOGN3SF2zzVdn8zxn7Mk_hViYoJfwuf0qJ2xPlD3TQUVjdS_srxjtzDUEFbYDdLKP_b4Y-myURtBjFVz7YC4ZvWrt2np7iaH/s1600/Bed+Renly+Crochet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVQr8NYBG3i8DE1Uvrs0uA73iV2XLe_2MlF38Nv7vu29QXOGN3SF2zzVdn8zxn7Mk_hViYoJfwuf0qJ2xPlD3TQUVjdS_srxjtzDUEFbYDdLKP_b4Y-myURtBjFVz7YC4ZvWrt2np7iaH/s1600/Bed+Renly+Crochet.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five minutes after it was placed on the bed. Really Renly?!</td></tr>
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Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-61668429972050703992014-07-28T13:57:00.000+12:002014-08-12T10:04:46.754+12:00Surviving School Holidays<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmMPIDJF3LM_Ym5W9WUTARypLe6_Pk36rvfhDQJdOkgac5No5hDjCY7JTXHSqFDjpZLitgDUEk39P_SFLds8vUpnYZk_KUfqvLaqg8-LJBCbpLW41qdFG2U91VqeKUWNy7Kjgvd3XmWZH/s1600/Renly+Sorry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmMPIDJF3LM_Ym5W9WUTARypLe6_Pk36rvfhDQJdOkgac5No5hDjCY7JTXHSqFDjpZLitgDUEk39P_SFLds8vUpnYZk_KUfqvLaqg8-LJBCbpLW41qdFG2U91VqeKUWNy7Kjgvd3XmWZH/s1600/Renly+Sorry.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renly giving Mummy the hardcore "wasn't me" face</td></tr>
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With the new clinic & theatre really starting to ramp up the opportunity to get away for the school holidays was not going to happen. Just as well as the boys were both laid low with nasty colds & the absent Winter finally decided to show up, just in case we forgot what it was all about.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ztwFAdh_JGUSfss5fhLZO5uAjoqEaPuYWwj0rO9pZrSv_2CXtZiu03ekl4NMx_PRsQcbF1hMLHv2FTLs-IYiJApmWt1TYzb2c_tjL9ODP0IvTro8o3x1vdoGMTeCggwZDx2aMgkkT94f/s1600/Hugo+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ztwFAdh_JGUSfss5fhLZO5uAjoqEaPuYWwj0rO9pZrSv_2CXtZiu03ekl4NMx_PRsQcbF1hMLHv2FTLs-IYiJApmWt1TYzb2c_tjL9ODP0IvTro8o3x1vdoGMTeCggwZDx2aMgkkT94f/s1600/Hugo+bed.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugo relishing his 'kid flu' - ipad in bed with mummy at beck and call!</td></tr>
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So to get the most out of school holidays, which a not holidays at all for the parents, we worked on separation tactics for the boys - a holiday from each other, of sorts. It never ceases to amaze me how much better behaved each one of our children are when the other is not present.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNY4EzBbvuK4no_i-YxVmZmOR6hwbYJEMmcpaSU3KdQbChIl5I4-ypEYqRKe_MADJx5gzmQLXcQ-p0iMMWBxnOWBLZp6eLntl8DUbLMz1JIJoqbzlqYpopmOUFYB6PUeDWc2sj0eDi1Dg/s1600/Louis+Boardwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNY4EzBbvuK4no_i-YxVmZmOR6hwbYJEMmcpaSU3KdQbChIl5I4-ypEYqRKe_MADJx5gzmQLXcQ-p0iMMWBxnOWBLZp6eLntl8DUbLMz1JIJoqbzlqYpopmOUFYB6PUeDWc2sj0eDi1Dg/s1600/Louis+Boardwalk.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louis Favorite cafe - The Boardwalk here is Ahuriri - he's secretly in love with Olive</td></tr>
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With Nana running back up the first week, Hugo went visiting with a number of his friends & Louis having some "big boy" chill time, it was lovely to have some really good QT with each boy. It has proven to us that it's not the going places that can reap the rewards, but the time put in wherever you are.<br />
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<br />Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-44977649438839791812014-07-03T10:30:00.001+12:002014-07-03T10:30:09.653+12:00Snap!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNBguTVyvnIP_qLuQi-2njNubThUWJaZiRZj4FrMMJppcimJVtAnWWrBau-Ak9uX-CttMkFpPSPFoyfnnzf8Hql5IqEpv3S92P1-IT5sRMxrVzWzR1VGU2R8ZBawV0Zn7pocafKjBeoEr/s1600/Busted+finger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNBguTVyvnIP_qLuQi-2njNubThUWJaZiRZj4FrMMJppcimJVtAnWWrBau-Ak9uX-CttMkFpPSPFoyfnnzf8Hql5IqEpv3S92P1-IT5sRMxrVzWzR1VGU2R8ZBawV0Zn7pocafKjBeoEr/s1600/Busted+finger.jpg" height="400" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makes for a pretty dramatic X-Ray</td></tr>
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Sometimes thing happen that tell you you just have to slow down. Like when you get so frustrated & angry at the Call Centre person (Expedia in this case) after having the most frustrating phone call imaginable & in your attempt to clear your anger & frustration you manage to dislocate & break your finger - yes know one of my finer moments I have to admit!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWO-13fne6K5XW_owXANrIUK-9Qqqxxj8SXMMubrDB-TaFeiuLYRw4dmYdFtGu_oQ321co2zSmIgg0qQNLUdMjIm9hDmBkx3efucu_5-JmGDGEhuJQTTPyEKWk1E6WxmyiZ68KfEaiHkeD/s1600/Finger+knit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWO-13fne6K5XW_owXANrIUK-9Qqqxxj8SXMMubrDB-TaFeiuLYRw4dmYdFtGu_oQ321co2zSmIgg0qQNLUdMjIm9hDmBkx3efucu_5-JmGDGEhuJQTTPyEKWk1E6WxmyiZ68KfEaiHkeD/s1600/Finger+knit.jpg" height="400" width="368" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very, very slow going</td></tr>
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The problem with all of this of course for me being a knitter is that my technique is altered & well quite frankly I'm not getting a lot done - poo's! So here I am, half way down the second sleeve of my current test knit & I am barely managing a dozen or so rounds a day - grrrrr.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7m-zrPkDwF8EckQSdAILH64IxDn-J_hIgukQ0V-g9laxeV_efRjD6JMNFxmgT6hUnbLkliV3zfxVI8I0Yb0Ppm27zg-9fWwgVYRBMmiRRbGQzZPwWLTZquwdLbavEjfxK7RJKxAbNXlo/s1600/KAN+Bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7m-zrPkDwF8EckQSdAILH64IxDn-J_hIgukQ0V-g9laxeV_efRjD6JMNFxmgT6hUnbLkliV3zfxVI8I0Yb0Ppm27zg-9fWwgVYRBMmiRRbGQzZPwWLTZquwdLbavEjfxK7RJKxAbNXlo/s1600/KAN+Bags.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nana getting busy will treats for the KAN Goody bags</td></tr>
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So I have had to turn my attentions to other pursuits. Mum has been with us for the last week or so & she's been helping out with KAN preparations & keeping the house ticking over smoothly as Dr.Phil & I get the new practice up & running. We have now done our cataract list (complete with me as the one handed hand holder) & Dr. Phil is so excited about getting more schedule very soon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk_8pUVUBkoGSSENRHEaIfewmRXQw6JmIApL2AZxSXg6viB90GHIzCnQ2qNruE6GxvOUu0pgjCCdSpPM5SMQ4PBkft0bCXdBDdxJxJ7BdzmAmD2jOpsPjWtvfzmpFacRzkrE-IngForQv/s1600/Bench+Dancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk_8pUVUBkoGSSENRHEaIfewmRXQw6JmIApL2AZxSXg6viB90GHIzCnQ2qNruE6GxvOUu0pgjCCdSpPM5SMQ4PBkft0bCXdBDdxJxJ7BdzmAmD2jOpsPjWtvfzmpFacRzkrE-IngForQv/s1600/Bench+Dancing.jpg" height="391" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing lightens the mood like a spot of 'Bench Dancing'</td></tr>
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So the moral of this story is, I am taking this time to slow down, with KAN just around the corner I can afford to break anymore limbs & also using the time to enjoy all those crazy fun moments - like those incredible little men that give us so much joy.Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938602141634741606.post-19401607550096663712014-06-13T17:11:00.000+12:002014-06-13T17:11:09.885+12:00On the Move...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtabrgbyCxb3VYKu1qs88_yeeFSv_cSrRnXLvZj_XF-a3d4l5XttEfBDAmg8Kk6QCxS3mYx2PBCxpi0G0YWo0PgA5mxcDNqWz6rsGDB3og8alTcNDT_zYzC8zlMd7tVVWlhkTTGrt0gg2t/s1600/20140604_154248-MOTION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtabrgbyCxb3VYKu1qs88_yeeFSv_cSrRnXLvZj_XF-a3d4l5XttEfBDAmg8Kk6QCxS3mYx2PBCxpi0G0YWo0PgA5mxcDNqWz6rsGDB3og8alTcNDT_zYzC8zlMd7tVVWlhkTTGrt0gg2t/s1600/20140604_154248-MOTION.gif" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louis was thrilled we built him an operating theatre to pop jumbo bubble wrap in!</td></tr>
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This week has signaled a milestone in the MacBuscke household. Dr. Phil & I have been working away for several years on setting up larger premises for our ophthalmic practice. It has meant finding just the right location and making alterations to house Napier Eye & from next month BEST - Bay Elective Surgical Theatre.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA10sXddnoAkiWlQAn8PAHuQUC4WAX9hQ4igWgn4i1n7HUkLrWqgIWN4-jQBQnMf71u-xUGzN1jmtV2PnhP-smz9JPlqEfOAZkLvvGuyowuBi7gD1Szo5RYpUueUNQOapSm_aaEKNnZipk/s1600/BEST+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA10sXddnoAkiWlQAn8PAHuQUC4WAX9hQ4igWgn4i1n7HUkLrWqgIWN4-jQBQnMf71u-xUGzN1jmtV2PnhP-smz9JPlqEfOAZkLvvGuyowuBi7gD1Szo5RYpUueUNQOapSm_aaEKNnZipk/s1600/BEST+Sign.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now open for business at 2 Lamason Street, Greenmeadows</td></tr>
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It's a small bespoke day stay theatre so we are able to take care of all our surgical needs in house: Cataracts, Plastic Surgery & therapeutic laser procedures will now all be done under one roof in Napier.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8Z8IAwHnWL_AoCyGgvEvoDvdaS8Pisnio8dTSRQvpXQK5VWvbDp-ZUxo1ne2EATOkiPyMncM802gZnTLeX623EVsxFWUU02DN_fudrLOrm2GtLIVWlJDBenk8Fz7HX9-_QMITaU9w8Cd/s1600/BEST+Boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8Z8IAwHnWL_AoCyGgvEvoDvdaS8Pisnio8dTSRQvpXQK5VWvbDp-ZUxo1ne2EATOkiPyMncM802gZnTLeX623EVsxFWUU02DN_fudrLOrm2GtLIVWlJDBenk8Fz7HX9-_QMITaU9w8Cd/s1600/BEST+Boots.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Trademen's shout.</td></tr>
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My last 6 months has been a blur of site meetings, tradesmen & suppliers, and today we finally received that all of important Code of Compliance - so come Monday, we're operational. I'm delighted as now I get my focus back on Knit August Nights with less than 3 months until the event I have much to do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6urXB-SfZLkQmLFhZAHW9WTm509j1UlMa-_biCg28cM5QQG4Xp0mgar5eys4Gt1wyX2vvbS9ywIbbSQjF3ScOjJGKN3tpE3L1iGp25QSA69y7XhL3GNXn489koAy2peWNplKcIhh_z9su/s1600/Louis+Birthday+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6urXB-SfZLkQmLFhZAHW9WTm509j1UlMa-_biCg28cM5QQG4Xp0mgar5eys4Gt1wyX2vvbS9ywIbbSQjF3ScOjJGKN3tpE3L1iGp25QSA69y7XhL3GNXn489koAy2peWNplKcIhh_z9su/s1600/Louis+Birthday+Cake.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louis decorating his Minecraft birthday cake.</td></tr>
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It's also been birthday time for Louis. Of course he's been quite excited by "finally being a big boy" and had a series of play dates to mark the big occasion. In typical Louis fashion I received very specific instructions on how the weekend was to pan out, right down to him insisting on decorating his own birthday cake. He had a blast!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNf66WBzWKxVCUhCVdSK0q_dhqfpEANsOCX4mKVvElHflvobfdKvohcaSOgRMydAcnD-qElAxLXSc2w6WHUQ92vrgb4RDMIJwyvM-qZu0-9kUmjv62-59KfsOS_9GJpqmeLFHxzdGRNNw/s1600/Poplar+Cowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNf66WBzWKxVCUhCVdSK0q_dhqfpEANsOCX4mKVvElHflvobfdKvohcaSOgRMydAcnD-qElAxLXSc2w6WHUQ92vrgb4RDMIJwyvM-qZu0-9kUmjv62-59KfsOS_9GJpqmeLFHxzdGRNNw/s1600/Poplar+Cowl.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Poplar Cowl complete in Silver Lining</td></tr>
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In my last post I mentioned my flurry of pattern testing I have been doing for some independent designers. That is still continuing with an embargoed test I am currently working on, but I have also found time to drift across to 'other side' and do a little crochet to mix things up a little. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyGsUp6XmjgIekO1gHsdHq3_sJ2Mc9FPPJKV-xyUOIdBzcnZE2jWHA7GY-TVoKL-kEJ-1KapvfdPKtbp-8va-HH8e022MsGVXxmNkT63iCrE99PG_cYbTYmyF9BDxCsW6wNirCDF-NX1R/s1600/Blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyGsUp6XmjgIekO1gHsdHq3_sJ2Mc9FPPJKV-xyUOIdBzcnZE2jWHA7GY-TVoKL-kEJ-1KapvfdPKtbp-8va-HH8e022MsGVXxmNkT63iCrE99PG_cYbTYmyF9BDxCsW6wNirCDF-NX1R/s1600/Blanket.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very retro & colourful crocheted blanket</td></tr>
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Using up the collection of one, two and part balls I had accumulated with my recent knitting, I crocheted a very retro, giant granny square blanket. I really enjoy doing a crochet project to break things up & a simple, classical design like this never ages. It has me looking for other scraps & doing something with them or even resurrecting the 'scrumble' bag & using crochet to complete what was started in there over 8 years ago!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBsV_qa9R3u5d4XMNFVx6CdgxXTiWMtvaiCoAvWzQm60sN1GNos4Jd-tLY8-gKOR8PDYqkL78woAYSkT2rLlT6Kxz9fYyB9wkeaUAVPtG16BUNlCqSWh9g9VHcc2bTCI40b8IHyocvs8I/s1600/Patsy+Blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBsV_qa9R3u5d4XMNFVx6CdgxXTiWMtvaiCoAvWzQm60sN1GNos4Jd-tLY8-gKOR8PDYqkL78woAYSkT2rLlT6Kxz9fYyB9wkeaUAVPtG16BUNlCqSWh9g9VHcc2bTCI40b8IHyocvs8I/s1600/Patsy+Blanket.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patsy get's the last word. "The Blankets Mine"<br /></td></tr>
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Busckehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14437426149908320735noreply@blogger.com0