I know it’s a bit late in the month to write about aims for February, but I have had them since the start of the month. This year I want to use as much of my stash as possible. If I need something that I don’t have , my first point of call will be my friend Zoe’s stash and the same for her. If she doesn’t have what she needs she will raid my stash for it. We both have large stashes and are going to set each other targets each month to use as much of our yarn and fabric stashes.

My targets for this month are:
Finish the 2012 mystery blanket
Finish baby Zozo’s bibs
Knit a top for Harry FINISHED
Knit Brit lace kit socks

Zoe’s targets for February
Finish Dresses
Finish rabbit

These are the cushions I made for my daughter and son in law for christmas, The beige ones are for the sofa and the purple with embroidery are for their bedroom,

Although I didn’t manage to make an item for every letter of the alphabet I did manage to make 38 items, knitted or sewn so I am still pleased with the result.
Next year I have different targets. I am still going to knit and sew lots from my stash but this time I am thinking of setting my targets monthly.
For the year I want to knit at least one shawl, finish the 2012 mystery blanket and cushion, make at least 6 items for my grandson Harry and my friends baby girl, I am thinking of make one for Harry, then make one for Baby Zozo. I also want to keep up todate with the Mystery Blanket 2013 and make my daughter Jemma a quilt topper for her bed.

My daughter suddenly became creative recently and made this version of Baa Baa Black Sheep, It is now the only version that is sung to my gorgeous grandson.

Baa Baa Nanna ,Have you any wool?

Yes Harry , yes Harry, three sheds full

One full of fabric, one full of wool and one full of needles to make it all for you.

The Ravellenic games was a complete non starter for me. After a late start during opening ceremony I never got any further. Family commitments and just general life got in the way. I feel as if I have been constantly crafting but don’t feel as if I have achieved anything. I know that this is not necessarily true but that is how it feels.
Looking back at my last post I did finish quite a lot. From the knitting list I got up to date with both the Mystery blanket and cushion. I am currently upto date with the blanket except for some swiss darning but still have this months cushion squares to do. I still have my grandsons sweater to sew up and Toulon has been hibernated.
The sewing list went a little better and I managed to sew the Lisette tunic, both tub bags and messenger bags. The dungaree fabric has been used for something else and the camisole just needs hemming. I also managed to sew five lots of bunting. Four were presents one for work.

I am also slightly addicted to shawl pattern Alva by the lovely Karie.  knitted in the kidsilk haze stripe, it is quite striking but is a fast and easy pattern for a shawl.  Once I finish one I will post a pic.

My daughter has asked me for little mans winter knitwear . I have cast on his hat in red as that colour really suits him and it just happens to be one of my favourite colours. I hate to bring the dreaded C word up in September but I am already starting to think about christmas presents. I have four friends , five definite and six possible family members  to make for. I am looking forward to making them as I really enjoy making gifts for people. One of my friends gave me  good idea. She makes her own cards and for presents the sometimes makes a set of cards as the gift. I may be attempting this next year.

This year for the first time I thought I would sign up for the Ravellenic Games. I was doing well , no WIPs, on track with this years Mystery Cushion and Mystery Blanket, then July happenned. Not quite sure where it started but I suddenly have fallen behind. For the Olympic opening ceremony I decided I would put all other projects to one side and concentrate on my Ravellenic project. I chose WIP wrestling and am aiming to finish Toulon from Rowan Magazine 51. I was so ingrossed in the opening ceremony that I forgot to pick it up until two hours in, then on the Saturday I looked after my gorgeous grandson Harry for the night. I have almost finished the back now but this morning decided I needed to take stock and make a list of everything that needed finishing. This ranged from sewing projects started to those only cut out and the knitting projects on the needles.

The list has been made and has made me stop and think about what I need to get finished. The list is longer than remembered so this weekend I shall have to do some serious sewing.

The Knitting List

1. Mystery Blanket 2012: 3 of Julys squares to knit and all of Augusts
2. Mystery Cushion 2012 2 of Julys Squares to knit
3. Toulon, Front and sleeves and a few rows of the back.

Sewing List

1. Lisette Tunic , cut out needs sewing
2. Tub Bag, cut out needs sewing
3. Tub Bag, 3/4 sewn
4. Messenger bag  x 2 cut out needs sewing
5. Nappy Covers x 4 Cut out needs sewing
6. Baby dunagarees x 3/4 sewn
7. Camisole needs binding and hemming
8. Lap Quilt for a wedding gift 3/4 of pieces cut out
9. Baby mat needs binding and quilting
10. Dribble bibs x 4 cut out needs sewing
11. Dribble bib just needs poppers

Today has most definitely been one of those days and it’s not yet 3 pm. Some one up there is telling me to stay at home, but I have lots to do so I am on my way.
My journey was a very short walk to the bus stop followed by another very short walk at the other end.
On the first attempt to leave the house it was fairly nice out, a warm sweater for clothing would suffice. As I closed the door I remembered an important telephone call I needed to make. Of course the paperwork and contact details were inside. Strike one.

Call made, second attempt to leave. The door closed and as I was locking it the heavens decided to open. Back inside I went to get a coat. That was when I first thought some one was trying to tell me something. So I decided to wait go back in for a while and do some washing.

Third time lucky or so I thought. Bag packed ready to go, hand on door, the phone rings. If it had been family I would have continued on my way, however it was a call I had been waiting for that needed to be dealt with before the weekend.

Thirty minutes later I go out the door only to see the bus depart. At this point I was thinking of giving up but I soldiered on and I have finally reached my destination. Now to get painting. Oh jo