pinky's ...

My new toy

2009-04-28T13:10:00.003+08:00

George Clooney didnt have to do much to convince me to give it a change, and am i glad i did.

Introducing what i think is the best coffee machine:

I got a bit too excited testing all the different flavors yesterday ... after 3 shots of espresso ... i think overdosed on caffeine ... LOL ... but it was YUMMY

All you cafes out there.. you aint gonna get any more $$ out of me from now

Another baking session

2008-12-07T22:52:00.003+09:00

This time its a chocolate zucchini cake.
As strange as it sounds, it actually tastes really good. Recipe is taken from Clotilde's blog. Because my cake looked a little ugly.. i though i would cover it up with ganache to hide the uneven surface! smart right? hahaha

Do try it :)

Pandan Cake

2008-11-10T20:27:00.011+09:00

I'm back... after a loooooooong break :)

Back to knitting and baking ... fingers crossed i will continue to update this blog regularly

My first attempt at a chiffon cake. Recipe is taken from Aunty Yochana's Cake Index. There are HEAPS of good recipes there ... i think i will be busy for a while :) In fact, i've been to her place for a baking lesson whilst i was in Singapore last week

Not too bad i reckon, except i should have taken it out properly, some of the brown bits on the top of the cake came off as i took it out from the cake tin ... sigh, why can't i be more gentle?

Anyway, its yummy, i am pleased with myself.

Another sock?

2008-01-03T15:23:00.001+09:00

and why not? i love them...

here's my attempt at Cookie A's Pomatomus ... toe up...

yup...brave eh? we shall see... i hope i dont get stuck as i progress with great trepidation ....

fingers and toes cross xoxo

Finally a FO

2008-01-03T15:17:00.000+09:00

Finished my Anastasia Socks finally... and I love them! I used Tofutsies bought from Helen and Ann and they are fantastic! the yarn is a tiny wee splity but its so soft... i will definitely be knitting with it again. Whilst i love my new socks... i couldnt get them off quick enough yesterday after posing for a photo shot... it was a REALLY hot and humid day... reminds me of good old Singapore :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2007-12-23T09:14:00.000+09:00

Its been a big year for us and I am glad we survived it! Whilst i need to be careful what i wish for, but i do look forward to another exciting year ahead :)

All the best and God Bless for a wonderful Christmas and Prosperous New Year !!!

xoxo

Hoot!

2007-12-08T20:43:00.000+09:00

Finally... this was on my list of "To-Dos"

Together with Eunice... we manage a pair each.. here's mine :)

cute eh?

If i had a sewing machine, i think we could have managed a lot more! We have heaps of materials left over... will no doubt be making more... but first, i need to borrow a sewing machine!

Instructions on how to make these can be found at Moonstitches' tutorial

Finally!

2007-12-01T08:09:00.000+09:00

You must be thinking when is she ever going to post another knitting related post.... tada! .... here it is.... Cotton Anastasia Socks... :P

I know .. I know... its way overdue... but better late than never?

A little more and i will be up to the heel - Good progress for my standards

These are being knitted with Tofutsies. First time knitting with this yarn, and other than being a tad splitty, i quite like the texture. Plus... i REALLY love the color... its pink... what you expect? \(^0^)/

All night long....

2007-11-29T22:10:00.000+09:00

Took us almost an hour to get the first Kueh Pie Ti cup! And it looks terrible... (the lighting didnt help ...)

After 3 hours ... we only about 30 ... i now know why they are so expensive when they are only made out of a little flour, egg and water... hmmm....

... we are determind to make more shells... so we can feast on many many cups.... just the thought of it is making me drool.... but first ... i so need to bathe.... and sleep ... aye... i have again neglected my sock.... hopefully i will be able to get to the heel part before the week is over ...

...Bamboozle...

2007-11-27T19:47:00.000+09:00

:: am a slow-poke::

BUT

:: everyone's knitting with it::

::cannot wait::

::have to get::

:: have to try ::

:: will get some more!! ::

Carrot Cake

2007-11-18T20:31:00.001+09:00

MIL has arrived.... and since i lost a bet to her in Singapore... i have to cook for her for a week... we had simple roast chicken today... and dessert is:

She loves it! .. phew... (for those who don't know... my MIL is a very good cook herself)

A feast...

2007-10-13T18:22:00.000+08:00

...of Dumplings....

DH's absolute most favourite food in the world. We havent had it for a while... motivated from a bunch of women (mostly from China) cooking up hundreds of dumplings at church last week (i helped wrapped a couple... though i ate more than i made) ... i thought it's time we have it at home too... afterall... DH's been working really hard... he deserves a reward

This time, i made everything from scratch... including the skin. I must say, the effort is most worthwhile.

I cooked my dumplings using the Japanese steam searing method.. result? Iuicy and succulent with a crisp, golden bottoms .... YUMMY!

Back and Refreshed!!!

2007-10-06T18:34:00.000+08:00

A much needed break taken at the exquisite and 5 star Bunker Bay Resort

Aye... too bad it went past too quickly

Will definitely go back.. Highly recommended :))

I feel the rain.... i feel the rain

2007-07-23T19:27:00.000+08:00

Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain.... thats all we've been hearing these few days ... Not that I am complaining given that we desperately need the rain...

Not much blogging... opps!
But I have been knitting... REALLY!

I am now halfway through my DH's socks... then i got sidetracked... really, its an emergency
Last min gift... had to make something for a friend going away... sorry cannot say more ... lets just call it Project SS.... cos she knows about my blog... in case she's snopping around... dun wanna spoil the SURPRISE!

I started on Project SS Thurday... knitted a litte on Friday... didnt like the pattern... visited the frog pond and pondered on the lily pad till about midnight... then i decided on another pattern... it was perfect... looks complicated... when it is actually not! hahaha... given i have only 2 weeks ... this is going to be a CHALLENGE for me ... since i am such a slow knitter

Didnt knit at all on Sat... cooked and washed all day for a dinner party for DH's friends ... DH LOVES to entertain... me too :) I think it turned out to be quite a success... and DH's busy planning more... who knows... an invite may be on its way :P

On the way home today... heard the song "He's Walking Her Home" by Mark Schultz (From the album Walk Her Home)

Looking back

He sees it all

It was her first date the night he came to call

Her dad said sonHave her home on time

And promise me you’ll never leave her side
The way she laughed, the dress she wore

He’d never felt like this before

Chours

He was walking her home

And holding her hand

Oh the way she smiled it stole the breath right out of him

Down that old roadWith the stars up above

He remembers where he was the night he fell in love

He was walking her home

Ten more years and a waiting room

At half past one

And the doctor said come in and meet your son
His knees went weak

When he saw his wife

She was smiling as she said he’s got your eyes
And as she slept he held her tight

His mind went back to that first night

Chours

Bridge

He walked her through the best days of her life

Sixty years together and he never left her side
A nursing home At eighty-five

And the doctor said it could be her last night
And the nurse said OhShould we tell him now

Or should he wait until the morning to find out
But when they checked her room that night

He was laying by her side

Chours
He was walking her home

And holding her hand

Oh the way she smiled when he said “this is not the end”

Just for awhile,
They were 18

She was still more beautiful to him then anything
He was walking her home

Looking back

He sees it allIt was her first date the night he came to call

Boy...what a song... it never fails to bring a tear to my eye...

2007-07-10T19:12:00.001+08:00

DH's just desserts

Not too bad i reckon :)

All in a day's work

2007-06-23T21:20:00.000+08:00

Its has been an eventful day ... look what we have achieved \(^0^)/

What a great sense of achievement... MIL and I have been pottering around the kitchen since 2.30pm ... we paused for dinner... and then continued till we finished everything we started out to do ... lucky TM was around for the Kimchi ... she had first hand experience making Kimchi ...

Kueh Salat

Korean Cabbage Kimchi

Savory - MuffinsBacon, cheese, corn, mushrooms and herbs - hey! who took a bite out of my muffins!!!!!!!!!!

:: yummy ::

I also made some rhubarb and strawberry compote to go with my oats porriage for breakkie ... forgot to take pictures ... next time :)

Am going to take a nice HOT shower... relax and knit a little of my DH's socks... the poor man's been walking around with wearing one sock on his left foot ... oh how i love him to bits :P

Blessed Chaos

2007-06-11T16:48:00.000+08:00

My living room is mess free ….for now…. Except I dunno where everything is now. There was order in my mess… but now its clean … but I have no idea where to start looking if I need something…oh well… they will eventually re-appear ::lol::

Yay!… my MIL is in town … Bless her soul!!

Whilst she is here… we are all extremely well fed (friends included) … dinner is awaiting every night when we get home…even the dogs are living it up… just 2 week of frenzy feeding… I can already feel my stomach getting bloated and my pants getting tighter … God forgive my gluttony

Went for a walk during lunch today… will have to eat healthy during lunch to compensate for big hearty dinners… solution?

::Porridge:: (not to be confused with Chinese rice congee – which I looooove)

I am not a fan of Porridge – its gooey and slimy….but its really good for you… and not to mention economical … perhaps after a while… I will start to like them … in fact… I have just eaten a little bowl… Uncle Toby’s Apricot and Peach + half a banana … it was ok… but give me a steak sandwich anytime!

:: yawn ::

I am ready to go home… but its not 5pm yet …

:: sigh ::

One hairy leg

2007-06-10T20:03:00.000+08:00

Finally... a picture... sorry guys ...

I am knitting as quickly as possible but it seems the sock is never ending.... y is DH's foot sooo huge?

:: Bad-Bad-Bad ::

2007-05-29T09:36:00.000+08:00

I've been a bad bad girl

It’s obvious that I have been MIA for the past few months — zero movement on the FO front, minimum knitting progress.... plenty of vegging out in front of the TV

I have however started yet another project...a sock for DH...no doubt with him showing me his cold feet everyday, i will be throwing aside every other UFO i have to work on his sock...i'll post some pictures later

::sigh::

work is driving me nutz :: i am badly in need of a Holiday :: and another holiday to get over my initial holiday :: LOL ::

My first surprise

2007-04-27T21:06:00.000+08:00

My lovely SP10 pal's first surprised has arrived... needless to say... i could wait till i was home to rip open the box! DH thought i was nutz.... oh who cares...

It contained lots of my fav things.... EASY MAC!!!! In Alfredo sauce? Ooo... how luxe... they dont have that here... i saw DH eyeing... i better hide it... better still.. i better EAT IT SOON :)

I also got a cow print fabric pouch.... a scrungy.... lots of candy.... oooo.....Divine Godiva chocolate bunny.... which i will be good and share with DH.....

Also got 2 felting wool..... and a skein of Noro :) and of course... a food mag and a few other bits

Thanks Secret Pal.... LOVE THEM ALL

I'm sorry Mum....

2007-04-23T22:53:00.000+08:00

I am sorry I made you and Daddy so worried ... I was just being curious about what lies beyond those fence... Please dont stop giving me those delicious scooby biscuits ...I have learnt my lesson.....I promise I will try my very best to be good...

God is ever Faithful

2007-04-22T18:27:00.000+08:00

God bless the man who found my dog.... and had his friend who called the pound.
Thank you stranger.... !!!

Thanks Sasha for your kind thoughts.... and Michelle... hugz.... thanks for helping me go round the neighbourhood distributing flyers.

DH and I can sleep peacefully tonight. NEVER again, do i want to experience this ... so... DH is taking the day off work tomorrow to do the following:
1) use bricks to cover ALL gap between fence and soil
2) Register Brutas with the council
3) Get him a dog tag with our details... i dun care if he has to lug the BIG tag around on his neck... better still... he cannot run far
4) Off to the vet to be microchipped
5) back home to face the music from US!

Any one know if i can put GPS on a dog? i am seriously considering it...
Brutas's picture was on the Cannington Councils's website... look at him.... he looks like a little proud gangster ...look at him!!! Not remorseful AT ALL....arrghhhh... and know what he was doing when he was "discovered" ?.. trying to fight with 2 ...not one but TWO dogs easily 3 times his size!!

Oh my Brutas.... Thank God he is safe and sound.

LOST

2007-04-22T01:56:00.000+08:00

Brutas ran off.... cannot find him.... been hours since we have been searching.... am very very upset and stressed.... Please pray for his safe return .... i will give anything in return for his return

Unique

2007-04-21T22:03:00.000+08:00

Look what I've got... new handmade wallet :) its georgous.... check out Jenna Lou's.
Its GEORGOUS! Its unique.... I LOVE IT!!!!!

Slurp....Slurp....

2007-04-21T21:51:00.000+08:00

DH loves Italian, especially pasta... so i cook them often... :)

very gratifying to see him slurp it down in a hurry

Tomatoey Prawn with sour cream and parsley

Fatty Creamy Carbonara with Pancetta

+ + =

Still at them Jaywalkers...

2007-04-15T18:05:00.000+08:00

Yes... i am still knitting them.... progress is slow cos i dont understand the pattern... ok... i should have chosen another pattern as my 2nd sock and not be so ambitious... but I am determind to have them COMPLETED! I am again weary .... it seems to go on forever and at this rate.. this sock will be tooooo long for me to wear....

Gusset:

For the next 4 pattern repeats, on every other row increase one at both sides of the sole ...blah blah..blah... you will now have 40 stitches on the sole (Done)

On the last plain round, put markers in your knitting one stitch in from either side so you will have 38 stitches in that middle section (Done)

Continue working your gusset increases every other row until you have 16 stitches on each side ouside of your markers - you will have a total of 70 stiches on the sole side of your sock

Question - am i suppose to only work the "sole" or am i still knitting in the round???

HEEEEEELP

Yarnalicisou....

2007-04-15T17:39:00.000+08:00

its official.... i am a yarn snob.... most of the time, yarns from Lindcraft and Spotlight doesnt do it for me anymore... i CRAVE those lucious hand dye yarns.... my stash over the last couple of weeks.... mostly from a large purchase from the lovely Daphne (The Knittery) :

4 Ply sock yarn from Lorna Laces purchased from the lovely Helen at Knitting Inspirations

(After all my pinkiness... this is my FIRST pink pink yarn .... its way overdue.... )

Sophie's Toe Sock Yarn in Blueberry Pie

(Deeeeeelicous.... and gifted by the fabulous Toni)

4 Ply Merino Cashmere in Lakeside Flora

(couple socks... one for DH... one for me... cute? Any recommendation on a pattern??)

2 Ply Merino Silk in Passionfruit
(for a lace project.... not sure what yet)

4 Ply Merino wool from The Knittery in Minty and Orange Blossom

(socks.... socks.....what else.... )

Nothing new..

2007-04-11T00:28:00.000+08:00

As usual.... I am stuck again.... i am the worst interpreter EVER .... i am stuck at the heel of the Jaywalkers

"For the next 4 (4, 5, 5) pattern repeats, on every other row, increase one at both sides of the sole" Question: increase at Row 1 or 2 of pattern repeat ... I am assuming row 1 and increasing on the sole.....yay? nay?

:(((((

Easter is over.... 4 blissful days of holiday only to go back to a nightmare at work! Piles of files awaiting on my desks, countless emails, filing, telephone calls from clients wondering why they havent heard from you ....arrrghhhhhh! Public holidays... they good or bad?? I wasnt the only one....DH has a bad day too.... had the worst case of verbal abuse from a customer.... was still huffing and puffing when he got home... i think time to take out the hidden stash of chocolates to indulge....with a nice cuppa.... don't you agree?

New Look

2007-04-05T08:24:00.000+08:00

Have been so excited about about the look of my blog i completely forgot to mention it ... sorry Michelle... thanks for helping me organize this new look ... its even more pink now :) and features my beloved Brutas ... isnt he just handsome?

TKOs

2007-04-04T17:06:00.000+08:00

An absolutely scrumptious recipe from Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery
it's a sandwich cookie that's dark chocolate on the outside and white chocolate grenache within....

Dan's come up with a brilliant idea... try peanut butter as a filling instead.... am off to the supermarkets to get me hands on some and straight home to test it out :)

On the knitting front... i have taken 2 steps forward... and gone 3 steps backwards... My Jaywalkers have been frogged at our last City Nits... it was a unanimous agreement between the ladies that a smaller needle should have been used.... oh well... practice... makes it perfect isnt it? I couldnt bear to do the frogging... Michelle kindly obliged to help... hmmm....

I also had my first attempt at the swift and winder.... oh..how wonderous the experience... seeing the skeins of yarn being winded up effortlessly into beautiful balls .... pictures already posted on Michelle's blog .... check it out :)

No luck...

2007-03-28T08:09:00.000+08:00

i think i am cursed with DPNs... i either break one of them (as i did with my last set) or i loose one of them.....and with both sets... the "accident" happens even before i can finish 1 pair of socks!

i am sad... i just had my Brittany DPN not long ago... and although i agree with both Ann and Helen they are not the sturdiest and sharpest of all needles to knit with (and there are times i struggle with my Jaywalkers because i had to be extra careful not to break those delicate needles), they are the best/smoothest i have ..... it slid down the side of the carseat.... and the harder i try to dig it out... the deeper it went until we could not see it completely. DH said to get to the needle, the seat will have to be dismantled .... chances of that happening?..... ABSOLUTELY NONE!

I will have to get a new set of needles ... oh well... at least i will now have 4 spare needles....what are the chances of loosing and breaking 4 in the next 3 months? ... touch wood!.... other than the Brittany which is a nice length.... heard from Ann, Clover is coming out with something similiar too... what else is there out there.... thats availiable in Australia..... *sigh*

needless to say.... very very little sock knitting done yesterday.... was in mourning for my lost needle... hahaha....i was still trying to dig for it this morning in the carpark at work! perhaps this is a sign that i have to try out other methods.... i do intend to try either the magic loop or 2 circular method anyway..... :))))

Knit on...

2007-03-27T08:20:00.000+08:00

Socks are addictive..... its true

I am starting on my first pair of "patterned" socks.... the Jaywalkers... toe up...using DPN still .... :) they look big... but still fits ok... just not a snug fit.... First time I am using the Opal sock yarn too ... :) I havent read the instructions for the heel... but i think i will need help from the gurus at this weekend's city nit :P
All my other yarn purchase this month has arrived.... will post pictures later when i get a chance.... and i hear from Helen that our Knit Pick needles have finally arrived in Australia.... ooooooo ..... cannot wait...yeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaa

Instant Junkie

2007-03-21T08:10:00.000+09:00

I am so addicted to to Kraft's Easy Mac right now.... have been eating one everyday..... hahahaha... not very healthy.... and my mother would absolutely faint if she is aware of this addiction....
Whilst DH doesnt really share my love for this stuff... but cannot help himself to a spoon or two whenever i am having a bowl....sometimes he just doesnt give it back to me! how rude....

I have finally done it! My first Toe-Up :)

Its not perfect.... ladders and all but is still an accomplishment none the less... and i am thinking of starting my second pair ... perhaps the Jaywalkers... to keep practicing :))))

Lace....

2007-03-08T09:04:00.000+09:00

now that the first one is completed... i have gotten past the mental block that lace is impossible :)
just like i did with socks... hahahaha.... i must stop being so negative .... tsk tsk....

anyway.... whilst i continue with my on-going projects.... i am searching for new lace stuff to work on.... any suggestions? nothing to gungho please... :P

Flower Basket Shawl

2007-03-07T08:16:00.000+09:00

Finally..... i knitted my first lace.....

After getting pass the mental block..... to actually sit and knit .... it wasnt all that bad... cept it requires 120% full concentration! for me... this means... no tv..... no talking.... no music..... no sitting on the bed .... no Brutas running around ..... i had trouble starting.... i eventually manage to start (hopefully it was correct.... it looked ok..... )

I didnt use the specified yarn..... whilst the pattern asked for 2 strands of 2ply yarn, i used a 4ply yarn instead.... and thinking i was normally a "loose" knitter, i used a 4mm needle rather than a 4.5mm..... it turned out ok.... but i think it was a little smaller than intended...the stitches a little tighter.... doesnt matter...... still an achievement to me and a beautiful shawl nonetheless..... i already have a recipient in mind :)

It was a relatively quick knit.... erm... if you do nothing cept knitting and counting 4 nights in a row.... lol.... I am going to make another one definitely...after i get my hands on some "proper" lace yarns..... a girlfriend is going to the US for 8 weeks and she has promised to help me carry my online yarn shopping back for me ... :))) .... its time to attack the stores that normally don't ship to Australia....wohoooooooooo!!!!!!!

Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet

2007-03-06T08:06:00.000+09:00

Yup…colors of the rainbow…. Haven’t seen one of those around for a while… then again, it hasn’t really been raining over here :( in fact....its going to be reallly hot this week.... starting with a 42degrees today.... wont be getting any relief from this hot weather until friday.... according to the weatherman...!!!!!!!!!

Recently I have heard several renditions of the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”… and the more I listen to the song… the more I love it … especially the live version from Billy Thorpe (though I must admit I don’t know who he is until recently when he passed away and the media started playing his version of the song) When I hear this song (any rendition) played on the radio on the way home from work….it really calms me down when I am stuck in traffic…

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true

Some day I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemondrops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?

Some day I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemondrops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?

Talk about traffic…. Driving to work is not really working out for me .… I have to get on the road before 7.30am in the morning or it will take me 45mins to get to work. Same drama in the evening. To beat traffic, I will probably reach work at 7.50am in the morning (but work officially start 8.30am)… and either have to leave at 5pm SHARP (which is near impossible) or wait till about 5.45 or 6pm in the evening to go home..... That’s about 11-12 hours I am out… I am beat by the time I get home.... not to mention my poor babies are suffering at home ….. I need a solution… perhaps, my boss will let me have the option of leaving earlier since I get to work 45min earlier…. Let me go pray about it before I speak with her ...

Men.... o .....Men

2007-03-02T08:56:00.000+09:00

Can someone tell me why grown men act like children when they are sick or in some form of physical discomfort....

DH's sprained the side of his neck/shoulder again.... this happens every year.... only just last week we were talking about how he managed to get through the year without hurting neck.... spoke to soon.

Its kinda funny to see him in this state... he cannot turn his head, cannot look up or down...when he wants to look at something... he has to turn his whole body to face the direction he wants to see .... lol ... jokes aside... its actually quite bad.... and we have no idea why it happens. Its not like he is playing sports or working on something around the house... it just happens! he'll know the min the cannot get out of bed.... it as if someone jumped on him in his sleep.... but if some one did... wouldnt he know?

sigh....looks like i've got to babysit DH for the next couple of dayz.....

Eating and Cooking

2007-02-27T08:17:00.000+09:00

DH and I have been a little indulgent of late.... we've been to our fav pasta joint Ciao Italia .... scrumptious food as always... Matilda's in Victoria Park ... yummmy ... Manhattan also in Victoria Park... deliciouis Lamb Chops and last but not least... the best place we have eaten for a while.... Sushi Station Fuji, also in Victoria Park.

Sushi Station Fuji is a discovery for us...especially when we have had some opportunities to have reallllllly good Japanese food in Singapore.... we are always on a lookout for good Japanese food in Perth, whilst there are many so call Japanaese restaurants around... not many are authentic. We had Sashimi to start (they had a assortment of Salmon, Tuna and Kingfish... we didnt like Octupus and requested it not to be served...i think we got an extra piece of fish for that :P). I had noodles in spicy seafood broth (comes with pieces of scallops, chicken, 1 large prawn, lots of veggie and 2 huge pieces of tofu) .., absolutely delicious and would be perfect in winter....i felt a bit hot after eating but nonetheless, no regrets there. DH had the bento box with a bit of everything .... a piece of fish katsu dropped out from another bento box and fell on our table as the waitress was bring around the food... i thought i was quite funny to see a piece of fish hanging out from one of the bento boxes and pointed out to her... she was actually quite shocked and kept apologizing... we had to assure her there wasnt any problem... later she came back and gave us an extra piece of fish katsu.... how nice... thats Good service... Sushi Station Fuji is a must to try for all Japanese food lovers... and i love its cozy little restaurant environment... can just imagine we are in Tokyo :) We were so stuffed with food i actually left the restaurant without my bag... opps! Luckily we were not very far... and when I went back...it was still there.... phew! that'll teach me to be greedy next time

Still talking about food.... DH and I have been baking and of course....eating (again!!) I bought this annual dessert magazine a couple of weeks ago and there were sooo many recipes I wanted to try out... Our aim is to try out at least 5o% of the recipes in the mag. In the end, DH and I decided that the chocolate cupcake with pistachio ice cream and hot chocolate fudge sauce featured on the cover page had to be the first .... turned out very well...though it was not exactly like the picture on the magazine (cos we were lazy to pipe additional icing around the icecream....) took us almost 45mins including preparation to make it... and less than a min to devour it all... we must looked like piggies then :PAnother success...moist carrot cake with cream cheese filling.... also from the same magazine....Daniel and I did it last Sat..... It was suppose to be 5 layers... we were too scared to cut and break the cake... so it stayed at three layers... :P Next time, I think i will split the batter and bake them in portions so i dont need to cut them at all...just assemble... shall see what happens....
We have appointed one of our pastor at church Pastor Cara (adoringly called Aunty Soks by us) as our "food taster" .... very important job.... actually we didnt ask her...we just kept bring her food.... hahahaha..... dont think she minds :p thanks Aunty Soks :)

SP10

2007-02-15T08:37:00.000+09:00

I so enjoyed SP9... i Have gone back for a second helping of this secret pal business.... :0)

Questionnair Answers for SP10:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I much prefer natural fibres....no acrylic please... :0)

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
They are all over the place... in pencil cases and zip lock bags. Its working for now...

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Its been a while since i learnt knitting.... but only picked up my needles again recently.... i would say I am still a experienced beginner... maybe crossing into intermediate...hahaha...maybe i overrate myself :P

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
theres are too many books i want... nonetheless.. here is my wishlist...

5. What's your favorite scent?
Cannot go wrong with Larvender or something Citrus ... definitely not Ylang Ylang or Jasmine!

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
OOOO.....who can refuse good quality dark chocolate... not those sugary stuff found in supermarkets... i am a bit of a snob when it comes to food... I blame my DH.... he's fussy

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I like papercraft (eg making cards, journal books). Spinning is something I intend to take up, as soon as i find some time.... and I LOVE spending time in the kitchen... :)

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Any music is ok... cept heavy metal... sure .... my computer can play MP3s and DH bought me the iPod video to... have been downloading some knitting related podcasts ...

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Red is my fav... erm... i don't have any colors i just cannot stand, but i do tend to stay away from blue .... I mentioned in SP9 I am not sure about certain greens (except lime green) ....but these days... i find myself going towards lime green, pastel greens, olive greens... still not sure about the dark leafy greens...

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
1x DH... , 1x precious precious little jack russell terrier cross and 1x chow chow cross ....

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Most definitely scarves...

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Can i say socks? I have just finished my first left toe-up sock... finally....I can knit socks! its addictive...

13. What are you knitting right now?
Got a few projects line up.... check out my progress bar on the right panel of the blog

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Ooooo.... most definitely yes!!!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Bamboo circular....

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Nup...would love to have one though :P

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
toooo old to remember ..... (embarrassed laugh..)

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Easter.... chocolates galore... and nice weather over here ...

19. Is there anything that you collect?
I collect cow figurines or stuff with cow print motifs

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
What do I not want? lol
I currently subscribe to Interweave Knits.... I love the mag

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Lace knitting next? .... after i get familiar with socks

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes... i can proudly say i am now a sock knitter. I think my foot is a US 7.5 (Australian size 6)

23. When is your birthday?
25 March... soon..soon........ yipeeeee

Happy V-Day

2007-02-14T17:03:00.000+09:00

To everyone out there.... HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY :)

Happy Birthday to Dan .... :)

Thank you everyone who gave me tips on my baking woes... i will try again and hope my cupcakes will be improved ... will keep you all posted

DH sent me flowers again.... am grateful for them... they are so colorful and most definitely brighten up my room at the office

Also.... introducing Mozzarella ... leader of the Moofia and my latest cow figurine :)
she's cool huh? ... cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of her gang....

Baking woes....

2007-02-12T09:37:00.000+09:00

Need help from the experts out there.... i am sure something is wrong although the finished product was ok

After creaming the butter and sugar (as per the recipe), i was suppose to add in the egg.... but once the egg was added.... the batter kinda seperated... it doesnt look like it would bind no matter how much i beat it....

Is there something wrong? I dont remember the batter looking like this after adding eggs.... is it the butter? too much/not enough creaming? order of ingredient addition wrong? overbeating?

heeeeelp!!!

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

2007-02-12T09:16:00.000+09:00

Not that I can say I fully understand the meaning of the word... to me... it describles something out of this world, an extremely wonderful thing/feeling etc... and thats what i have to say about my SP9 pal....

Thank you... for being such a wonderful and thoughtful pal...all of your gifts are lovely and I absulutely LOVE them all.... :)))

Thank you so much Tonni....you've made SP9 special for me and I hope we will continue to stay in touch after SP9

Food....Glorious food...

2007-02-12T08:25:00.000+09:00

Not having a computer at home is such a pain... its being upgraded at the moment... waiting on some parts... fingerscrossed it will be home soon... In this day and age... one certainly can be crippled without our machines ...

Anyway... I did cook up some food after buying all those cookbooks... i had to justify to DH that they were a good investment... i think i have convinced him.... :P

Creamy Tomato Garlic Prawn Spegattini Mango Pudding - DH ate the pudding before i could take picture... opps... but here's what was usedSome more cup cakes - from the Woman's Weekly cup cake book:

Am pleased with my efforts so far... and my DH's colleagues have been very willing guinea piggies.... hahahaha.... :) only one very small problem.... no feed back on how to improve... hmmm... nonetheless .... i am grateful in their faith in my cooking... hahahahahahahaha

Books .... Glorious Books....

2007-02-02T09:11:00.000+09:00

I am supposed to be saving... but i cannot help it ....there was a storewide 15% discount at Target and their range of books are already cheaper than Dymocks....

ok...i confess... i have fetish for cook books ... there are sooooo many more i want i cannot borther with a wishlist... would just be the whole cookbook section .... hahahahaha..... what shall we have for dinner this weekend... japanese? moroccon? perhaps... Italian :)

My Biggest Knitting Achievement

2007-02-01T08:22:00.000+09:00

I am most pleased with myself.... and shall not say I was running around like a silly idiot at home ... with one very very warm foot .... hahahahaha .... let me present my left sock :)

There are many many things that can be improved on.... which i hope to be able to do in the processing of knitting my right sock .... i hope i cast off the right way... at first... i just cast off as per normal... it was hard to put on the sock as the opening isnt stretchy.... after talking to Michelle... i realized i should have done the rib cast off....duh!! so i re-did the cast off... its still tight... it barely got past my heel when i try to wear... any suggestions as to what to do?

HOT

2007-01-29T17:16:00.000+09:00

I am HOT!!!

Hot: over the weather.. its been scortching over the weekend.... as if it is not enough.. its forcasted that it will be HOT again this weekend! why can't the hot days be weekdays.... at least i am at work... with nice cool air-conditioning....

Hot: with my DH... when he's hot ... he's REAL grouchy.... and that annoyes me... as if the weather is not affecting me also... hello??

Hot: with SP9... not going to go into details...

Hot: with clients... some are just ridiculously demanding

Hot: the post office... they have been pretty slack... and i have not been getting my packages on time... in fact its already happened twice.... there was a package waiting for me but no notice in the box to go collect .... erm... if no one tells me there is mail ... how am I suppose to know? i am not telepathic or physic

Hot: with my sock knitting... y are there ladders!!!!!! Secret Pal tells me i need to knit socks with circular... waiting for instructions to arrive ...

Hot: with my bamboo dpn.... why must it break.... i didnt even use force.... stoopid needle

ok.... enuf complaining....time to go home... to a HOT HOT house....

Arrghhh....

It was fine until.....

2007-01-27T10:54:00.000+09:00

So far so good.....

THEN..............this happenes.......!!!!!!!
I dont know what happened.... they just broke.... boooo hoooohoooooo!!!! This cannot be happening to me....

I dont have any other 2.75mm DPN ... so i tried to continue to knit with a broken needle... it was akward.... and after a few rows... i gave up... i had already ordered a new set of Brittany needles ... I just guess i have to wait for them to arrive before i can do anything.....

As i fiddle with the half completed sock.... i saw some holes.... did i do something wrong? of was it just the stitches not being tight (as a result of me trying to knit with a broken needle)? Should i frog this bit and re-knit.... ??

Arrrghhhh!!!!! Why is this happening to me.....!!!!!

Happy Australian Day

2007-01-27T10:43:00.000+09:00

It was such a HOT day.... i think i would have literally melted if i went outdoors.... but i didnt want to waste the public .... solution.... go to Dan's house.... where its cooler.... and bake :)

We decided to make cup cakes this time.... It looked quite pretty....

We were quite pleased with ourselves though Brutas didnt look too happy ... he didnt get any cupcakes or crumbs..... snif snif....

What do you think... ?

2007-01-23T20:21:00.000+09:00

Looking good? fingers crossed....

Pictures.. Pictures

2007-01-23T20:14:00.000+09:00

Finally managed to get DH to take a few shots of me modelling my precious gifts....

Swallow Tail Shawl handknitted by Secret Pal... simply gorgeous isnt it?

Opps....my double chin .... :p

Funky Bolero from Michelle.... :)

City Nits January 2007

2007-01-20T23:04:00.000+09:00

The long awaited City Nits.. yeeeeah!

Finally met some of the members whom I didnt have the pleasure of meeting before.. Sasha... Nernice... Vera.... all lovely lovely people.....

It was a really eventful meeting for me... guess what... after all that gripe... i have finally start it:

Can you guess what it is?

its ..........MY FIRST TOE-UP SOCK ...in fact....its my first sock period. Thanks to the ever patient Ann....thank u thank u thank u..... i know.. i know... it doesnt look anything like a sock.... but i'll get there.... eventually.... fingers crossed ... hopefully by winter ......socks..socks.....oh socks....oh how have i longed for a pair of knitted socks.... this will be a little winter present for myself... :)

Dinner tonight was Moroccan Curry. I was lazy and cheated....I used the Nando's bottle sauce but i added some additional peprika and a couple of bay leaves (from my secret pal) .. it was good... but boy! it was hot! I only have myself to blame... I put one bell pepper into the pot... to spice things up.... not such a good idea..... Dun ever play with Harbanero (? not sure of spelling) peppers!...they're dangerous.... they are super HOT HOT HOT!!!!!!! even the cucumber yogurt chutney and one entire bottle of ice cold water didnt help us cool off.... by the time dinner was over.... Aaron and I were sweating like pigs.... and our lips swollen like sussages .... Aaron was crazy to bring more to work to eat during his break.... my stomach is still suffering.... and its almost midnight.. i better go drink more water ......

SP9

2007-01-20T22:59:00.000+09:00

This is another overdue update... I received a 2nd package from my lovely Secret Pal just the morning before I went back to Singapore 4.01.07 ... the box was filled with gifts ... including a PRECIOUS PRECIOUS knitted shawl!!

Am alone at the moment.. will get Aaron to snap some pictures tomorrow afternoon while i model my precious Swallow Tail Shawl (pattern from Interweave Knits)

THANK YOU SECRET PAL!!!! You're the best!

Overdue updates.... :P

2007-01-20T22:07:00.000+09:00

Much has happen in the last 2 months.. and I have not been blogging as diligently as I should....

As the saying goes... better late then never....

Making Pineapple tarts together with my mother-in-law in preparation for Chinese New Year.... there must be close to 200 little cookies we made these year... I wonder how many will be left by the time Chinese New Year comes along... o... I better remember to pack some and keep seperate to give away.... before i eat them all myself!!!

Christmas lunch at our house... pardon the mess in the house....

Entree: Kumura Box with Chorizo

A nice quiet BBQ on Boxing day... with Aaron... my mother-in-law... and of course... our beloved Brutas... ! He's even got his own plate of doggie delights.... isnt he spolit?
Although I didnt intend to eat that much....I wouldnt be able to justify not eating all these local delights.... oh well... I was going to start on the Blackmore's detox plan when I got back to Perth anyway... all the more reason to indulge in Singapore... afterall...Aaron's given me his blessing to eat my fill... :P

Another reason for being back in Singapore in Jan... A BIG BIG occassion... one of my closest and best friend - Sam's long awaited wedding.... look at the big cheesy grin on the groom's face.... he is just beaming with happiness... ooooo I am just SO happy for him (Praise God!) and I am so glad to be part of his special day

The lovely couple (Sam and Sau Peng) and Sam's mother (Aunty Milly), a family friend (Aunty B) and myself flew into Perth 7.01.2007.... they (Sam, Sau Peng and Aunty B) only left Wednesday .... and I have been busy bring them around Perth....and of course...eat nice food :)) Now that they have gone back.... life is a little more back to normal... Aunty Milly is still around... she's a fantastic cook... and she's promised to impart some culinary skills to me ... so there will no doubt be more posting on food.... hahahaha...

tsk tsk tsk

2007-01-18T09:17:00.000+09:00

I am still around... for those who are wondering... just really really busy with work and entertaining visitors from Singapore. Don't get me wrong... these people are my dearest and closest long time friends and I love them all to bitz.... and I really enjoy going out with them, cept when you have to work whole day, beat traffic to get home only to rush out again.... its taken its toll on me. I am more tired than I will admit .... on the days I am not bring them around, I just sit at home and vegetate....and vegetate..........

I thought about knitting…. In fact… I think about it everyday…. I read my precious knitting magazines everyday before bedtime… looking at all those lovely pictures ….planning …planning… I go through my stash… planning projects that I would like to start on…. problem is …its all in the head… Have I lost my knitting mojo??

On a brighter note…. Dad’s doing well ...thanks to all who've sent their well wishes.... air tickets between Singapore and Perth have been reduced to a record low of A$300 return (inclusive of airport taxes)…. with the introduction of Tigerair (budget Asian carrier)…isnt that just FANTASTIC??? ! Veeeeery tempting to take another trip to Singapore during Easter…. Or around that time….. veeeeeery veeeeeeeeeeeeerrry tempting……

Although not knitting… I have been cooking more…. As a distraction….and DH is certainly not complaining! In fact he is very encouraging… as such…. Our groceries expenditure has increased…. Good or bad?

Yeah...finally City Nits is back on this Sat.... will be there to get some motivation.... perhaps ... thats what i need... to be immersed into the atmosphere of knitting......

2006-12-22T12:45:00.000+09:00

Bitten by the cooking bug....

2006-12-21T12:02:00.000+09:00

Chocolate Layered Crepe Cake

Was up till late making this yesterday night... yawn... forgot to take a picture of the whole cake... but here is a slice... i reckon there isnt enough chocolate sauce.... recipe from last month's issue of Delicious Mag

Pictures as promised...more later

2006-12-18T17:02:00.000+09:00

My baking....

Poor Brutus ...

I am back....!

2006-12-18T08:59:00.000+09:00

its good to be back in Australia..... although i did miss not having to do the housework whilst staying with my parents :P

anyway.... Dad's pretty ok.... thanks for all your well wishes :) hugz .... however, he was still grouchy .... like an old bear.... but like my mum says.... if he is grouchy.... means he feels ok.... its when he is not that we need to start worrying.... words of wisdom....

havent been knitting much.... cept for Ms Marigold.... for a while i was contemplating to frog and reknit since i didnt think it will fit me ... turns out it fits my mum... so i thought i will finish it.... and give it to her instead. Will make another one for myself later.... hahahaha (hmm... if i ever get through my ever growing list of items to knit....) will post a picture later... however, i will need help from members of City Nits to finish off Ms Marigold, as there are some crocheting to be done.... and all i can crochet .... are just simple chains!

What else have i been busy with..... BAKING! I have learnt and am hooked on baking sweet bread buns/rolls.... again... will post some pictures later.... with christmas lurking around the corner.... have also been busy tidying up the house....not an easy job with not one or two... but THREE dogs in the house! hahahaha.... i only have 2 dogs ... but i am dog-sitting Coco for Michelle whilst she's away... after the first 2 days.... they are getting along fine... will post all the pictures when i get home today.... :)

I better get back to work.... OR... .... ... ... .....

Blah blah blah....

2006-11-20T12:31:00.000+08:00

Again... I have nothing to update on the knitting front... :( I have been LAZY!

Work's been hectic too... by the time I get home, cook some dinner (with DH's help of course) ... wash up.... pack the next day's lunch for myself and DH... I am beat.

Also, I have been cooking (something else I enjoy doing... if you havent noticed by now :P) ... I can spend all day pottering around kitchen.... last Friday, we had our second attempt at making a second batch of Chocolate Truffles... result = much better than first time ... but still HEAPS more to improve (sorry no picture ... didnt bring my camera to Dan's place). I have signed up for a chocolate truffle making course in Singapore... hopefully the class will be informative ... and that i will learn something

I am leaving for Singapore this Sat 25.11.06 and returning to Perth 7.12.2006 Hopefully I will be able to spend some quality time with my father... and prayfully, his health will improve. Amen!

Till I return .... Adieus Amigoes :)

I am soooo Blessed!

2006-11-16T08:49:00.000+08:00

Thank God for good friends :)

Dan's personal trainer went diving yesterday afternoon and caught a couple of crays and gave 2 to Dan. Dan didnt really want to eat them and gave them to me instead! WOW! Instead of having just plain salad and some chicken strips for dinner, this is what we have instead!

Look at the big grin on my DH's face!!

Yummmmm.....

Burrrrp!

Needless to say... we were extremely full! Better start on a health detox diet before the festive season hits.... hmm... that will be quite difficult... with crabbing season just round the corner.

On the knitting front... nothing much happening... have been busy and also lazy. I am going back to Singapore next Saturday 25 November 2006 to catch up with my dad... he's not well these days... I will be in Singapore for 2 weeks, and am starting to pack some knitting with me ... a project thats already in the suit case is 3 balls of the sugar and cream cotton yarn... going to make up some more (you can never have enought of these!) Ballband dishcloth ... thinking what to bring with me as well... i hope to be able to finish the marsupial tote before I leave... i still have about 10 days... so if I am reallllly good.... i can have it completed (and maybe even felted) before i leave...

I am still thinking CPH or Cardi for Awen.... hahahaha i'll like to say i will knit both... but i think that day wont be anytime soon!!!

Morning Tea....

2006-11-09T12:36:00.000+08:00

Picture speaks a thousand words....

Absolutely delicious!!!! (not that its good for the waistline ... hmm...eat first... think later)

Its happening again!!!

2006-11-07T10:48:00.000+08:00

I have put aside Ms Marigold so I can concentrate on finishing up a Marsupial Tote for a girlfriend for her birthday/Christmas. I am also going to throw in some dishcloths, in my favorite pattern of the moment – Mason Dixon Ballband dishcloth (thanks again Secret Pal for the fantabulous book!) … so now… I am alternating between knitting the dishcloths and tote … no prizes for guessing the dishcloths are winning at the moment…. After this, got to go back to Ms Marigold and finish what I started…so i can at least still wear it for summer/autum.

I have some yarn I picked up in Lincraft around September during sale (only $1.20 per 50g ball for the Katia cotton blend – got 12 of those sitting somewhere in my closet)…I was going to make a simple top out of that before I decided to start on Ms Marigold... I have to get to that or it will just sit in my stash…which I have a feeling it is going to…

I have a dear friend who is going away on an extended holiday… and I am thinking of making something useful for her to bring on her holidays…scarf? market bag?.... maybe something simple and easy to finish :P

Michelle and I recently bought a stack of Rowan All Seasons Cotton….which I am thinking of maybe making a Bolero or short sleeve cardigan sort of thingy … i wonder when that will be.... ^_^

We are also planning to make a winter hoodie…. this is a HUGE project for my standard… so we (or rather I) have to start early or it wont be completed for winter! … this also means *fainted*… getting more yarn! For me ... its a choice between Central Park Hoodie or A Cardigan for Arwen...any suggestions?

My DH asked me for another beanie and a vest for next winter....and I have to learn how to make socks too… *fainted*

OMG!!!

A Productive Weekend

2006-11-07T08:45:00.000+08:00

Still reeling with excitement from receiving my precious package from my secret pal... i started on a Ballband Dishcloth, but using some left overs of my Bendigo Cotton yarn, instead of the Sugar and Cream Cotton all the way from the US. I am saving that for later, when my skills have improved :P ... I just love the pattern of the Ballband Dishcloth ...and its really easy... good thing is... it LOOKS complicated and impressive... hahahaha...!!

Also had my first attempt at making chocolate truffles.... with Dan. I didnt take any pictures of the process ... lets just say its.... um... messy! (understatement of the year) Here are the fruits of our labour... I must admit is not flash... but its a good start ... you reckon?

Good thing that came out of it was that we had HEAPS of Valrhona chocoate to eat... YUMMMY

Yabadada DOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

2006-11-02T08:28:00.000+08:00

When my secret Pal told me that she had already sent me a package in the mail... i must tell you i was over the moon... and buzzzzzing with excitement... see... this is my first time participating in these swaps/exchange .... anyway... with family around (they returned to Singapore yesterday afternoon)... i havent got ANY knitting done.... anyway....

I had a feeling there was a package sitting at the post office waiting for me... but i just didnt have time to go get it... finally yesterday afternoon, i got to the post office.... you wont believe what's in the box!!!! have a look:

Thats what i have been going on and on about whilst participating in the Dishcloth Swap! Lots and lots of Sugar n Cream yarn (in alllllll the yummalicious colors I absolutely LOOOOOOOVE!!!) and the cheery on top of the icing... a copy of the Mason Dixon Knitting.... Wow... !

Secret Pal... YOU ARE THE BEST .... thank u thank u thank u *hugz**hugz**hugz**

Busy Bee

2006-10-24T08:49:00.000+08:00

I've been pretty busy lately.... thought not in knitting :P though i did manage to progress a wee tiny bit on my Ms Marigold

My folks are coming and they will be landing on me TOMORROW! All i have been doing these last few days was cleaning ... cleaning ... AND MORE CLEANING!

Once they go home... it will be full steam ahead with my knitting :)))

I feel the rain... I feel the rain....

2006-10-13T09:15:00.000+08:00

Weather here was horrible these last few days... rainy, windy and absolutely gloomy :( Where has the rays of sunshine gone? oh well... we do need the rain ... it also looks like its going to rain today as well...

Another of my girlfriend got married over the weekend, thank God for beautiful weather on that day! I wonder who will be next...

I have started on MsMarigold and so far, I think i am doing ok. This is what i have done so far....

This is the first time I am knitting a top for myself and this patt has instructions to knit in the round... meaning, there are no seams to sew! I hate seaming... and no prizes for guessing i am terrible at it! Does anyone out there actually like seaming???

For someone who is not keen on green.... you may be surprised that i have chosen this lime green for my top ..... hahaha... this is the only green i like :P I saw some shoes at Nine West yesterday that is the exact shade.... hmmm .... u think i should get it to match my top?

The cascade yarn i ordered from Yarns Online arrived a while ago... I have never knitted with cascade yarns before and I was pleasantly surprised it came in hanks :) I made my DH help me wind them into balls... tedious... and he was complaining by the time we finished the second ball... thats when i casually mentioned that maybe i should get a yarn winder. He said "so why don't you?" I said its a little pricy and his reply was "if it gets me out of doing this, its a good investment" .... you think it means i can go ahead and get one? hahaha I should really be starting on the Marsupial Tote ... its a belated gift for a girlfriend ... but i am such a procrastinator!!!!! arrghhh......

Updates...updates

2006-10-12T08:57:00.000+08:00

Have been pretty busy at work...so knitting wise... not much progress. I admit I am also feeling a tiny bit lazy these days :P The last two weeks I have been totally spolit ....

I got this from my husband....

Peter Alexander
new PJs ... yeah! Any slumber parties anyone?

And yesterday in the mail, I receive this from Cathy for the dishcloth exchange... arent they lovely?

Look... i even got hand cream...THANKS CATHY!!!

Dishcloth Exchange

2006-10-05T11:40:00.000+08:00

Its done! Finito.... here are the pictures... (pardon my messy work desk ... oops!)

Hope my pal will like it... this is kinda fun... will look forward to future exchanges :))))

I think its ok now....

2006-10-05T11:31:00.000+08:00

After so many tries... this is my Swish With a Twist...
I am not sure if it is entire right... but its the best i have done, and I reckon it looks ok... :)

Ooooo......SP9 ...

2006-10-04T08:49:00.000+08:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I do not really fancy funky fibres (eg; eyelash, fur, feathers etc) or acrylics. Anything else is ok with me... recently have taken a liking to cotton/cotton blend yarn...

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
At the moment, they are all over the place, in their plastic sleeves ... oops...not very organized

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I started knitting a couple years ago when i was still living in Singapore but stopped when I moved to Australia. I have recently picked up my needles again after a 4-5 years, and I love the craft even more. I think I am a beginner ... i still have sooooo much more to learn..

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Urm...no, but if i had one... it will be HUGE.. hahaha

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
Cannot go wrong with Larvender or something Citrus ... definitely not Ylang Ylang or Jasmine!

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Ohh... Dark chocolate of course!!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I like papercraft (eg cards, journal books). Spinning is something I intend to take up, as soon as i find some time .. :P

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Any music is ok... cept heavy metal... sure .... my computer can play MP3s

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Red is my fav... erm... i don't have any colors i just cannot stand, but i do tend to stay away from blue and certain greens (except lime green) ....

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am married, no children... and have 2 fur kids!

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I have some scarves, no hats, no mittens nor ponchos... I would wear them if i had them

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Don't have a favourite as yet... but i have a feeling it may be socks... as soon as i learn how to make them!! I find I do not have much patience to knit scarves...

13. What are you knitting right now?
I am making a top, pattern is Mrs Marigold

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Definitely YES!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I much prefer bambo circular needles

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No....

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
6 months... i started knitting a shawl end of autum (May) but got bored with it and it is now too hot ... will try to finish it for next winter (fingers crossed)

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Lazing by the beach... or going on a food holiday... yummy

19. Is there anything that you collect?
I collect stuff with cow print motifs

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
After participating in the Dishcloth Exchange...I am dying to get my hands on some Sugar n Cream cotton yarn to see what the fuss is about (we don't got those in Australia) and the Mason-Dixon book...I currently have subscriptions to Interweave Knits, and usually buy Vogue Knitting mag as well...

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
There are too many to name... as i am still a novice in this ancient craft

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Sadly .... i am not a sock knitter ... yet.... I will be though.... before next winter. I think my foot is a US 7.5 (Australian size 6)

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
25 March is the day :)

Stitch markers

2006-09-28T13:02:00.000+08:00

Would you believe... i actually didnt know how to use stitch markers until i was knitting the Marsupial Tote...now i know... they are sooo useful!!!

These are from the lovely Michelle:

And these I made myself...inspired by Michelle's gifts:

I've done it!!

2006-09-27T08:37:00.000+08:00

Yeah!! Success... and so easy :) I was very worried that the bag will turn out mangled or distorted...as my machine is a front loader. Thanks to Helen who told me that i can also felt in a front loader, just need to set the temperature and put it on a cotton cycle! Look... its pretty and I LOVE IT!
Now need to source yarn and start knitting away for Christmas.........

My new toy

2006-09-22T09:28:00.000+08:00

Look.. look.....this is what I got from my good friend Dan for house warming...

I can smell the cakes...cookies...breads....

Swish With A Twist

2006-09-20T08:41:00.000+08:00

This is frustrating and not to mention embarrassing .... but i cannot seem to get this pattern right :(
I have knitted and frogged this for the third time

I know the pictures are not very clear but can someone shed any light cos i know i am still knitting this wrong.....? The ridges are not "raised" as they should in the picutre... HELP!!

Holiday....!!

2006-09-18T09:00:00.000+08:00

Haven't updated my blog for a while, Opps! Can feel the laziness slowing creep in ... hmmm

Have been in Melbourne for a week with my good pal Florence. Missed her SOOOO MUCH! Was good to see her again :)))) here are some pics of our wonderful holiday:

On my trip, I managed to finish my second dishcloth Lacy Mock Cable Cloth… yeah… one more to go and I can send it off!

Silly Billy....

2006-09-04T09:29:00.000+08:00

I feel so relieved now.... my test cloth turned out ok after blocking it... phew.

I felt the Bendigo 8 ply cotton i was using was "too skinny" and paired it with Panda 4 ply cotton and and this is the result ... not too bad, but dunno if it is now too big.... haahahaahahaha

After that first dishcloth, it felt good....Dishcloths are so gratifying .... quick and to finish, suits me :)))

I also started on the Lacy Mock Cable Cloth using Anchor Magicline - they have yummalicious colors but are a tad pricy ... too bad we don't have as much choices in multi-colored cotton yarns in Australia as compared to the US. Am drooling over the Sugar and Cream yarns.... Can someone here please bring them in?

Cannot wait to finsh it.... and start on another dishcloth.... guess what my family and friends will be getting this Christmas?

What Happened?!!!

2006-09-02T12:17:00.000+08:00

Using Bendigo 8 ply cotton in Mango, I knitted the Yarn Over Cable Cloth from the Dishcloth Boutique ... but look at my dishcloth.... its all distorted! its not only small (measuring approximately 14.5cmx14cm) its not even square.... what have i done wrong??? :(((((((

At this rate... i would never be able to produce something decent for the Dishcloth Exchange!!!

Warm fuzzy feelings...

2006-08-31T09:23:00.000+08:00

Lots happened since my last posting....

We celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary on Tuesday... and my DH surprised me with a hugh flower arrangment delivered to my office...
Nice??

Also...with heaps of help from the lovely Michelle, it is finished.....phew
I think it will be a while before i take on another sweater project :P

The first of many…

2006-08-29T15:27:00.000+08:00

26 August Saturday was my first day at City Nits. That was heaps fun!! So pleased to have met Ann and her daughters, and Helen in person :)) Even though I could only stayed for a while, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I should have left at 2.45pm, but time files when you have fun, eventually, I left about 3.15pm… and very reluctantly… anyhow, thanks Ann for helping me with the dishcloth… it is coming along nicely.

Thanks Michelle for introducing me to this wonderful meeting *hugz*

Cannot wait till the next meeting….. seems so far away… this time, I shall keep my afternoon FREE!!!

I just don’t know what to do with myself….

2006-08-21T09:45:00.000+08:00

I am facing a problem…And so early in my knitting “career”… I think I have over estimated:
a) My knitting ability
b) Time I have
c) My patience ... I have soooo little of it… :(((

I am half way through the sleeves for the sweater I am knitting for the Guardian Angel project, and I am getting really frustrated at myself at being soooo slow! I must knitting faster…knit faster… so I can finish it before this weekend, so I can sew them up during the weekend….whatever it is, the little girl in Mongolia is getting her sweater!

After that… diving straight into the Dishcloth Swap… already ordered some cotton yarn together with Michelle from Bendigo. Over the weekend, also bought a ball of Anchor Magicline cotton yarn for this Garterlac Dishcloth pattern from Criminy Jickets. Looks really complicated huh? We going to attempt this and hopefully be able to produce some results…fingers crossed!!

Am STILL thinking whether I should be signing up for the Scarf Exchange …. I need to clear all that junk from our old place then organize for professional cleaners/carpet cleaners etc …..I still have boxes to unpack … I should starting planning for painting (although I am kinda getting used to the white plaster on the wall…. Hahahaha looks like cheap white paint)… I think I should sit out of this one….

Another problem…I have no idea how to knit socks…oh but I NEED to learn how to knit socks…I have seen too many knitting socks … and am drooling to have a pair of my own… will someone teach me how to knit socks? Pretty pretty please?

In the meantime… whilst not knitting… what do I do? My eyes start roving…and my fingers itch….I start buying knitting magazines, books, and worst of all… yarn! My stash is getting larger and larger … and my darling hubby is giving me AND my stash strange looks…. hmmm...

The flesh is weak....

2006-08-16T09:40:00.000+08:00

Another purchase..... just cannot help myself :(

wonder when will I get to any of these from Lana Grossa.... ????

New Purchase...

2006-08-04T08:31:00.000+08:00

I know.. i know.... i am suppose to be saving.... but I cannot help myself.

After being messed around by the floor covering company I was sooooooo upset I was asked to go home early to cool of....

Surprise surprise ... i ended up in Spotlight.. the very place I was determind to stay away from this week.... sigh... my flesh is weak

Anyway... i bought this book for only $5 ... why not? Cheered me up a little :)))

Check out whats in it at the Cleckheaton website.

The patterns are soooo adorable.....and no... i know what you guys are thinking... its not for me....at least not yet :P

So far....

2006-07-31T09:01:00.000+08:00

Sorry I haven’t updated my postings as diligently as I should have… I am completed stressed out at the moment…

I have committed myself to this program… and on hindsight… it was bad timing, but I don’t regret my decision.

Work is busy (as usual)…..I am in the midst of moving houses, packing/unpaking, trying to knit in between whilst tripping over Brutas constantly….I bet that boy thinks its fun!

Anyway…I have chosen to knit one of this sweater …

Pattern is provided and can be found at the Guardian Angel website.

The wool I ordered from Bendigo arrived 2 weeks ago….and at the moment, I have finished the front, and started about a quarter of the back. I don’t foresee having much time to knit this weekend (big move happening this Sunday…), but I will try my best to knit a couple of cm at least everyday …

Guardian Angel

2006-07-18T11:50:00.000+08:00

I have decided to do my bit to help the children in Mongolia by participating in the Guardian Angel Knitting Program.

The Guardian Angel Knitting Program delivers gifts of warmth and comfort to needy children around the world. Over Winter, Guardian Pharmacies and World Vision work together to distribute knitted clothing to the world’s poorest children. This year they will be sending garments to the vulnerable children of Mongolia. Refer to Guardian’s website for further details about this project.

I have ordered some wool from Bendigo Woolen Mills and will embark on this project as soon as the wool arrives.

Wish me luck….

My first Scarf ...

2006-07-17T17:20:00.000+08:00

Have never knitted a scarf for myself .... did this over the weekend
its just stocking stitch... and its also the first time I have ever done blocking....
not too bad I reckon.....

My Precious Boy

2006-07-12T12:51:00.000+08:00

He likes his cookies...

and yoghurt ...

and what better than a good laze ...after all that food .... "burp"

In the meantime...

2006-07-11T08:07:00.000+08:00

I know I should finish one project before embarking on another.... but....
Anyway, this is what i have done last week, when i should have been working on my shawl :P

A kitchen towel for my new kitchen:

A cosy beanie for my darling husband:

Getting bored

2006-06-28T11:15:00.000+08:00

Embarked on this knitting project in April, a shawl…thought that I would be able to finish it when winter comes along.

Winter is here now…. And the shawl is not yet completed….sigh…I have a third more to go….

So far...this is what i have done:

Today, I was in the mood and knitted about 10cm whilst watching TV.... hopefully, I can do the same tomorrow…. Will have to push myself through this one….

Once its completed, I will give it to my mother in law… she saw me knitting and liked it a lot….

Hope she likes surprises…..

Itchy fingers ….

2006-06-21T12:13:00.000+08:00

After Saturday, was just thinking about dyeing yarns ALL the time…. Trust me…. I just could not get it out of my head! thinking.... thinking...................STILL thinking....

Was feeling a little bored at home … didn’t really feel like knitting …. Guess what I did….

Voila …..

Gave it away to a girlfriend… color is perfect for her…..

Starters....

2006-06-20T11:21:00.000+08:00

Hmmm….

What to say…. Not quite sure….

Thing is….i am not very good at keeping a physical diary, let alone an online diary… but Michelle convinced me it’s a good idea… so I’ll give it a go!

Last Saturday, I was catching up on my work at my office when I suddenly had this urge to dye yarns… for people who know me, I am a “spur of the moment” person. I left work in a hurry and raced to the shops and got whatever colored food dyes they had, sped to spotlight and bought some cream colored yarn (they didn’t have white) and then rushed home to start my little project.

Before this, I had been browsing the internet, trying to figure out how on earth yarns are being dyed … I sort of had an idea, but had no idea how this will turn out…..I was buzzing with excitement and at the same time, nervous I will make a mess of everything…

Cut a long story short, here’s the outcome of my first hand dye project…. Not too bad I reckon…

Now I have a problem….

I am absolutely HOOKED!