Sunday 1 May 2016

Five sleeps to go

Well, there are only five sleeps before I head up to the North West of the state to visit my grandchildren and celebrate the sixth birthday of one of my granddaughters.  Hers is the only birthday I am normally there for as the others are in the hotter months and this Nanna just can't cope with the 40C+  temperatures. As most ladies would know there are a few things to do before leaving the nest for 10 days.


However, I did manage to sew up the  Knit Flat Fingerless Mittens  that I showed in a recent post. These are perfect for beginner knitters although the seam isn't all that perfect but I will be the one wearing them and I don't mind.




I will be taking up my unfinished One Row Lace Scarf as I am sure I will be babysitting at some stage so my daughter and her hubby can go out for dinner on their own. I was going to see if I could take it on the plane and do some knitting during the flight as apparently the rules have been relaxed as far as knitting on board is concerned now. However I have been told by people who have flown that sometimes it depends on those who are working on screening the hand luggage so I will put the scarf in my suitcase instead.




My book by Yoke Mardewi called Wild Sourdough by Hand arrived on Friday and it has some good information in it about sourdough and also some delicious looking recipe...





...like Sweet Potato and Cheddar Sourdough...




...and Orange Flavoured Sourdough Challah. 




The first part of the book goes through the basics of making a sourdough starter and then how to bake a loaf and mantain the starter. The second half is full of recipes that I hope to try out when I get a chance to read the book properly. I think it will be a good reference book to have on hand.


This time last year I was caught up in the 1st May rain event in SE Queensland . You may have read the account of it in my post Travel Chaos. Planes were grounded for hours and when we eventually were allowed to board our plane we had to walk across the tarmac in pouring rain which resulted in having to sit in soaked clothes for three and a half hours for the two and a half hour flight as the plane stayed on the tarmac for an hour after boarding while waiting for a break in the weather to take off. There was also a backlog of planes waiting to take off as well of course. By the time we arrived in Mt.Isa I was just starting to dry out unlike my baggage which was absolutely soaked. There is rain forecast when I fly next Friday but this time I am prepared and have bought a raincoat to put on. I would take an umbrella but I daresay they are banned in case I decided to clout someone with it :-)





So the next few days will be filled with making lists of what to take with me, what to buy for the menfolk so they don't starve and what to cook for them before I leave. Then there are also the ten rows of seam edges that still need to be snipped on my grandson's rag quilt before it is washed and dried. The snips are just so good to use and I would recommend them to anyone who plans on sewing a rag quilt.  

Have a great week everyone!


17 comments:

  1. your mitts look wonderful, though you should give the DPNs a go as it's a very simple circle to practice on, then you won't need to worry about seams :))
    after i learned to do headbands/earwarmers on the DPNs i started on beanies & mittens, haven't looked back.
    your rag quilt is adorable! that will be a much loved blankie for years to come am sure. quilting is one item i haven't tackled yet
    thanx for sharing

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    1. Selina, I did get used to the DPNs when knitting my socks bit wondered if using circular needles would be easier for gloves,beanies etc. I will have to experiment.

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  2. Hi Chel, if there is a chance of rain ( assess at airport) you could take a garbage bag folded up and put all bag contents in that and then pack it into your suitcase, the bag may get soaked but all inside will be dry.
    I usually fly with my tablet loaded with some movies and bud earphones and some knitting, mostly socks as they are small .
    You really do have to be prepared for some long waits, I was flying out of Sydney the afternoon of the Lyndt siege and was held up quite a while. this January I was again delayed a couple of hours because a big electrical storm was over Sydney and the airport was shut down for over an hour and then the backlog had to go first.
    Always carry extra cash and a credit card, sometimes the flight you are booked on may only serve a snack and you may be due for a meal while held up, and the credit card is incase a delay means an overnight in Sydney.

    Aldi have paks of Bamboo needles for $9.95 this week so you may be able to get them through security I have some I will lend you if that will help.

    Happy knitting

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Margaret, I was thinking of buying that pack although I have plenty of needles from the Op Shop. I might take a pair through security just to see how I go. During the rain event last year I couldn't get near the cafes due to the long line up and didn't want to leave the gate we were at to go back to the food area in case we were told to board. Thankfully were were served a meal when we eventually took off about four hours late. I had planned to put my clothing into a plastic bag in my suitcase as even my chargers got wet last time :-(

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  3. Good idea to carry chargers etc in a zip loc.
    I am heading to Aldi this morning to get the needles, text me if you want some.
    The hand warmers look so cosy, I find them great for the chilly mornings at the markets and I have a much finer pair for using keyboards, knitting etc when the heater hasn't kicked in , in the dead of Winter early mornings.

    The quilt looks great, so special to finish one for a grandchild and know that it will be loved and used.

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  4. Have a wonderful time with your family. Guida

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  5. Have a wonderful time with the family. You are a lovely lady making sure your boys have enough to eat. Here's hoping there's rain but not the downpour you encountered last year.

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    1. We certainly need the rain here, Jane. The recent rain on the coast didn't move west into our area unfortunately.

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  6. Great job on your fingerless mittens. You must be getting quite excited about your trip. Have a wonderful time with your family.

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    1. I am sure it will be a great time with my grandchildren. I only see them twice a year normally unless they make the long trip down at Christmas in the middle of summer.

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  7. Well done on the mittens. I'm glad they have let knitting back on planes. I would definitely get sick If I was that wet then get on an air conditioned plane for several hours and then receive wet clothes to change in to. Dear me that was a dreadful experience. Have a wonderful time with our grandchildren!

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    1. No it wasn't much fun, Zena but I will be more prepared this time although not as much rain is forecast thankfully.

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  8. You did well making those fingerless mittens Chel. I must try making some in the future. Last week I looked up patterns for knee warmers as I have been experiencing some aches and pains with one of my knees which perhaps a knee warmer might alleviate a little. Have a wonderful trip.

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    1. That is no good having knee pain, Sherri. I hope the knee warmer helps.

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  9. Dear Nanna Chel, Have a great trip and wonderful visit. We are celebrating a first birthday in a week! Good job on the knitting too. With lots of love, Annabel.xxx

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Annabel, I am sure it will be fun. Happy birthday to your special girl too.

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