On This & That – and Mitten Winners

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Once again the weeks slip by and my good intentions of getting a blog post written and published keep getting postponed until tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow!  Elaine sends me an email ‘…. I’m looking for your latest post …..’  Oh dear.  ‘It’s coming.’  I reply.  Four days later and here it is.  What is it they say – ‘Good things take time’  🙂

Here is Orlando suffering his morning smooch from Siddy

Morning Smooch

“Finished smooching now.  Breakfast please mumma!”

Breakfast?Even though I am very busy, I have absolutely nothing to show you.  I am not painting, everything in that department is on hold for another month.  I am crocheting and getting myself organised to take part in a most fab KAL [‘Knit Along’ for the uninitiated] over at Mollie and Claire  [Claire’s the knitter, Mollie is the beautiful black lab.]  [Claire is also beautiful 🙂 ]   I am making my own version of this – this is Claire’s ‘Lace leaf Shawl’ isn’t it gorgeous!

Lace Leaf KAL

This is my ‘yarn in use’ basket, a laundry hamper really.  I will not disclose how much other yarn is tucked away in bags and drawers and boxes for fear it may incriminate me as a yarn hoarder ….

Yarn Stash 3 15

Despite that pile of yarn, I have ordered some more gorgeous silk yarn from Silk India – I wasn’t going to and then I thought why go to so much trouble to make a beautiful shawl and not do it in the most gorgeous silk yarn ever?

Silk Indian SIN 05 Beaded silk yarn

If you are a knitter, come join us.  It won’t take long …….   Needles hit yarn on April 1st, but I won’t be starting until I get back from the US in mid April.

I was thinking the hours spent in airport layovers on my upcoming trip could be profitably whiled away by plying my knitting needles – then I remembered that no needles are allowed any more as I might decide to use one as a weapon on some poor pilot and end the flight importunately……. so I shall just have to spend those hours doing nothing crafty – and there are as many hours waiting for planes as there are actually flying!  I’m sure withdrawals will set in.  Such a waste of potential knitting time!

The suitcase is out of storage and I am sorting through clothes  – trying to decide the minimum amount to meet the changeable spring conditions of DC and Virginia and yet not look too shabby while at it……  and trying to fit a few secret extras in without hitting the overweight mark on the suitcase scale!

My suitcase has been decorated in honour of the northern Spring

Suitcase 3 15Thank you to all the folk who took the poll in my last post – it was so good to get your thoughts and opinions!

I even forgot to make the draw for the mittens and in the end read all the comments and, abiding by my own rules, decided that all the folk who indicated they would like a pair for themselves or a little relative would get a pair!*

*Provided they had commented by the time I made that decision on March 15th.

Here is the winners list:

Jenny – 2 pairs for your nieces

Claire – 2 pairs one each for Jessie and Megan

Fran – 1 green pair

Jem – 1 blue & white pair

Lisa – 1 green pair

Kerry – 1 fancy flounced pair

Sharon – 1 orange pair

If you will all bear with me the gloves will arrive on your doorsteps in due course.  I thought I would send the Southern Hemisphere ones first seeing as how winter is knocking gently on our doors and send the northern climes ones off slowly over the next three months or so.  No postage required, but addresses are if you have never received anything from me before.  My email address can be found on the ‘Contact Me’ page.

If you would like yours sooner please just let me know.

Lisa I will personally hand deliver yours 🙂

Here is my daughter ‘modelling’ her new mittens and matching infinity scarf, made for her birthday.

Bday11

Here is Siddy looking all ‘Bad to the Bone’ in his new winter jacket – especially for Jill

Badtothe Bone1Back View – he did not understand a photo pose that did not have his smiling face in it

BadtotheBone3

 

So we have this also

Siddylaughs

Here is the latest picking from my tomato crop – another two bowls like this and we will be done for the year.  Not a bug or a mildew or a mark to be seen on any of them.  So proud!  Companion planting and wicked water tubs rock!   Thanks Fran and Robbie!

tomatoes 3 15

If I’m not always visiting your blog, or not commenting as much as usual, please forgive me – I am a tad over committed at the moment and just trying to keep on top.  Normal service will be resumed soon.

Thanks for coming by today, I love that you did!

107 thoughts on “On This & That – and Mitten Winners”

  1. I haven’t had internet at home for over a month and have been missing out on my blogs. So lovely to read through them. Very excited for you and your adventure! I loved the photos of your lovely family, very nice modelling from your daughter too… You will be busy knitting all those mittens, what a shame you can’t occupy your flying time doing it. These terrorists have a lot to answer to…. Lovely to read your blog again x

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  3. Siddy is so squishable. I adore his little jacket. And your daughter did you proud with her salesman skills. A perfect model.
    You must be just vibrating with excitement. It’s nearly time to go! And yet you found some time to blog.
    I wish you safe travels, Pauline! Cheers

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    • My daughter will be pleased you realised she doesn’t go about like that all the time – she agreed with Narf77 that she looked like Edina in AbFab, just lacking the bottle of wine ….. I am quietly excited today, with three days to go – fairly well organised except for the last few hundred things you think about before leaving home for a period of time…. All will be Absolutely Fabulous!! xo

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  5. LOVE the suitcase and can’t wait to see it in person!!! Siddy looks very handsome and your work is beautiful as always. BOO HISS that they won’t let you knit at the airport!! If you are going thru yarn withdrawal we can stop at a shop on the way home from the airport on Thursday….See you soon! WOW, how wonderful to be able to say that!!!!!

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    • {{{{JULIA}}} I have good news on the knitting front and unless airport security gets antsy I shall knit or crochet my way across half the world 🙂 I am almost at lift off without any need for a plane – so excited! Just four days to departure! Can’t wait to see your smiling face, we are going to have such fun!!

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  6. Hello dearest, I’m loving everything you’re sharing. You do seem to be a bit of a mad yarn collector but I can totally see why, it all look beautiful. Especially your new silk skeins, oh my! Siddy cracks me up in every photo, what a little nut! Orlando looks typical cat, bit of a highbrow look, LOL Like, “why does this little thing kiss me every morning”….hehehe

    Congratulation’s on the tomato haul ! Lovely ! Now your travel bag looks totally you! That’s crazy wonderful. Did you just do it for this holiday? I can’t wait to see it up close. Can you bring a brush and do mine too? Maybe we can stop at an art shop and get paints, that’d be fun too. Off to work today. it’s 8:30 am and +1 C It’s warming up, hooray. xoxoxo ❤ Back tonight

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    • I did do my bag specially for this trip 🙂 It is mostly done with alcohol ink pens – really easy! I’m looking forward to our art shop adventure! 🙂 I will bring some basic supplies and see if we can make your bag look like ‘YOU’ – what fun!

      You will be feeling hot and I will be feeling cold I suspect – it’s generally about 20 C currently.

      You will be heading off in a couple of days and I have five to go! Can’t wait to give you that big hug!! Isn’t it exciting!!

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  7. Oh Pauline, you gave us a wonderful blog post despite how busy you are! Loved the photo of your lovely daughter modelling her beautiful gloves and scarf, and laughed out loud at Siddy’s jacket, it’s awesome! The silk yarn is beautiful as is your crochet. Reading this makes me feel like getting my old knitting bag out (and it’s been years, let me tell you!) I used to love knitting so much. Such a shame that you can’t do any while waiting at the airport. Great excitement, speaking of which, love your personally designed suitcase. You are a wonderfully talented woman Pauline…even down to growing those beautiful tomatoes 😀

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    • Thank you for your generous comment Sherri – as always! 🙂 With just four days to go before lift off now I can almost do the journey without the plane! I urge you to get your needles out, there are such beautiful yarns available and knitting is so fashionable again that we can d it publicly without being stared at as dotty old women – now we can join the hip and trendy brigade 🙂 Even the airlines it seems have relaxed their stance and we can carry plastic needles in our carry on! Hurrah!!

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      • Well that’s good to know Pauline, all my needles are plastic 🙂 And trendy with it! Have a super time and looking forward very much to reading and drooling all about it 🙂 xo

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  8. Orlando has come a long with on the ‘coping’ front! He’s obviously taught Siddy a thing or two. What gorgeous things you’re making. Can’t believe that you have tomatoes in March 😀

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    • Just think of my March as your September – then it makes absolute sense! You got it right – Orlando is ‘educating’ Siddy – it has taken a while but the messages are slowly sinking in…… I’m sure by the time Siddy is nine or ten Orlando will have him right where he wants him 🙂

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  10. Wow, so much news in a single post!!! I will eagerly await the mittens as well as your arrival. I second all the comments on the knitting needles. And that silk yarn, oh my, what beautiful colors–if you’re thinking of air or water, they’re just perfect. Your daughter looks very pleased with her scarf and mittens–I imagine they’re just in time! So looking forward to seeing you soon and hope you have a lovely trip knitting away as you go. (and your friend’s shawl is really beautiful.)

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    • I’m so glad I mentioned my dilemma in this post – I would not have known otherwise that the rules have relaxed. Now I can look forward to happily plying my hook or needles while waiting for planes. It was a very hot day when my daughter opened her parcel and tried on her scarf and mittens for the camera – poor girl was a bundle of sweat by the end! 🙂 She suffers cold hands and feet and we are trying to keep her warm this coming winter with a myriad mittens, socks , hat, scarves and copper lotions too,

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  11. I loved the art work on the suitcase, Pauline. I adore the two smoochers, too! I will be holding you in my prayers for a safe upcoming journey across the ocean and world. I am in awe of all your different projects, Pauline. You have such a kind, warm and open heart. The mittens project is wonderful. I donate shoes, boots, coats and mittens to different local places for keeping people warm. Some are gently used as in boots and coats, but usually buy shoes and mittens at low,end of season prices. Your daughter is beautiful, inside and out, as you are!

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    • Thank you Robin, I’m glad you like the suitcase – the aim is just to make it visible 🙂 So good to hear you donate your clothing items – I know a number of women who dress primarily in ‘pre-loved’ clothing that they purchase from charity stores.

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      • Oh, I enjoyed Siddy’s Bad to the Bone winter coat since my Mom’s dog acquired a little OSU sweater, I think Nicki and Siddy would be quite a pair of cuties, Pauline! ha ha!

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  12. Siddy is too cute, he’s just like a baby lovin’ those smooches. 🙂

    One of my goals for this year is to learn to knit, so far I have stuck with crochet. I love your yarn for your shawl it’ gorgeous! I am so happy to see the list of those who will be receiving their upcycled gloves. It makes me smile every time I think about you saving them from the trash.

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    • Thank you Lois! Siddy is still the friendliest little fellow around here. He has many friends in the neighbourhood and in the dog park. Greeting everyone is part of his job apparently and he takes it very seriously. It’s smooches all round every day for everyone, not just the cat!

      I saved three dozen Lois! There are going to be a number of giveaways I think!
      I haven’t knitted for about seven years now, so I feel almost a beginner picking up the needles again – but it’s like riding a bike. You soon get the hang of it! I’m sure you’ll love it, it makes a different kind of fabric.

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  13. I read your last post-but I am BACK to stay long enough to comment!!!! Me jumping up and down for your USA trip-I am so excited for you!
    …I have not sat down long enough to write to anyone, but I am here to say-WOW-you are going to be leaving soon:-) Your mittens are adorable + your four-legged children + two legged are beautiful.
    I love the Bad to the Bone coat-cute!
    I love your suitcase-what a fresh idea for travel, they will know you are “one of a kind” on the rotating suitcase merry-go-round-LOL. Can spot that from a mile!
    We just had snow, ice and in Wisconsin they had 15 inches of snow! But fear not this will be the last for the year. This is moving East, and by the time you get to the East it will be gone:-)
    You will have a lovely spring trip + I am so eager to see all your pictures, and read all about your adventures. You stay safe and don’t forget to let us see your wonderful trip-LOTS OF PICTURES!!! And fun stories about all your “observations” of our country:-)

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    • Thank you Robbie! I so appreciate that you took time out of your busy schedule to stop by and leave a note too. I will take lots of photos and write lots of notes and give you all a full report when I return. It really is getting close to the time when I have to stop thinking about what to take and start packing and organising – I thought I still had more than two weeks – seems I have just one week and one day – time just flows past in a never ending flow! Before you know I’m gone I’ll be back and filling you all in. It is just the most wonderful and blessed opportunity to meet some lovely people and see just a teeny bit of your country – I am a most fortunate person 🙂

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  14. Oh yay!! I’m so chuffed to have won the gloves – that’s made my day, thank you! I will pop you an e-mail 🙂 I bet you are counting down the days until your big trip – not long to go now, and can I just say I LOVE your painted suitcase – that’s one that you definitely won’t lose on the carousel!

    I agree that Claire’s shawl is just lovely, and it will look fabulous in the yarn you have chosen.

    It did make me smile when I got to the picture of Siddy in his ‘bad to the bone’ jacket, he looks totally adorable 🙂

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    • That was Siddy’s best ‘Bovver Boy’ look too – he just doesn’t do tough!! I feel confident about finding my bag on the carousel this time Jem, and a blue ribbon tied to the handle will finish it off nicely! Only 8 days to go – yikes, still quite a lot to get ready! But then I’ll be back before you get time to miss me!

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      • Hehe, I got the impression he was quite the softie 🙂

        8 days…eek! Make sure you take lots of pictures, I’m looking forward to the blog posts already!!

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  15. As I was reading this post, try re-reading it but substitute yam for yarn. As you look at the words in this comment, you now realize how similar looking YAM and YARN are when in lower case using this font. I know, yam in use basket does make much sense because eating a yam out of a basket makes as much sense of placing yarn on a plate. Meanwhile, your daughter’s combination of cheese and cough syrup is something I haven’t seen on Food Network.

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  17. I want to lick the screen SO badly. That silk yarn is the culprit. I bet it tastes like fairy floss… (emmmm). I need to be making my dear sister, who turns 50 this year, a lovely shawl. I am going to crack on now as I have finished all of the “baby” goods I promised that I would make, I only have a snail or two squares to go and then I can get stuck in. The “idea” was to spin some glorious alpaca wool and make it out of that but then TAFE turned up and put that idea on the kybosh so busy old me has to crochet in lamplight in the wee small hours and the few wee later hours that I can keep my eyelids propped up. Now I am thinking I NEED to make it out of that glorious silky yarn. Could you please enlighten me as to what it is called or at least hint at where I might be able to purchase something as scrumptious as that? I won some of Ms Paulines scrumptious gloves! SQUEEE! Our classroom is frigid and it is still autumn. I can only begin to imagine how cold it is going to be in winter and I will need to be rugged up like the Michellin lady to cope. At least my fingers will be able to strike the keyboard with impunity. Your glorious gloves will singlehandedly get me through winter with good cheer Ms Pauline. Thank you very much for choosing me as a recipient. I do and will truly appreciate your most generous offer :). If you have to lug your suitcase around a bit you can crochet/knit but if it is being sent on, you can’t. You are going to have the very BEST time Ms Pauline and are going to come back with an accent ;). Gotta love Siddy’s smiles and Orlando has been most gracious in his acceptance of early morning dog love 😉

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    • http://www.silkindian.com/index.html
      Follow this link and all will be revealed. Be prepared though to squirrel about beneath the bed for the sock and to empty it of its contents. But so worth it don’t you think! Here is another most beautiful yarn though that is way cheaper and available via Trademe http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=862986865 which I am also keeping a close eye on.

      I am so glad you like your win – they are wonderful to wear and type and crochet in at the same time – they have been tested! 🙂 In the post asap!

      There have been lots of comments about maybe making it across the world with knitting to hand – still checking it all out but I am hopeful!

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      • That silk is scrumptious but any site that doesn’t advertise prices sets off alarm bells for me…I don’t think that the moth eaten sock will run to justifying that kind of price BUT the other wool that you shared is very reasonable for lovely stuff and I will buy some of it to make my sisters shawl :). Thank you for the research Ms Pauline :). I would rather be wearing and crocheting than wearing and typing but needs must in order to get this course sorted so I will be wearing mine in class to remind me that working outside your comfort zone can be a joyful thing :). Pity you aren’t crocheting as a hook can hardly be called a “needle” now can it? 😉

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        • I felt the same when I first came to it – but knowing someone had bought from them I investigated further and had some lovely interaction with the person in inquiries. In the end, because I want to make a beautiful shawl and because I want to try the product – I purchased, trusting that all will be well 🙂 But it is an investment. I have bought yarn from the trademe site before – I have some gorgeous bamboo – cotton yarn and some FABULOUS milk cotton that will make D a crochet top and the cost is very reasonable for quality yarn. I have also recently discovered Lincraft has a store opened here two years ago apparently [probably s well I didn’t know or I’d be much poorer!] which is full of bargains and I had to be escorted from the premises drooling and begging ‘Please sir, more’ ……. Do you have a Lincraft? According to many comments one can now knit and crochet on planes – this is very good news indeed! I am to call my travel expert and get her opinion before embarking though.

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          • You can get a LOT of crochet/knitting done whilst sitting waiting for planes :). I adore gorgeous yarn but alas, if it was just me I would be draped in it and eating baked beans for a month, Stevie-boy, however, doesn’t see the value (or the difference between cheap yarn and gorgeous expensive yarn) so unless I am asking for some for a special occasion, I doubt I will be draped and drooling in the immediate future. I can’t wait to see what gorgeous things you are going to make. Go forth and hook for those of us who can’t 😉

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  18. I love those colours in that silk yarn – must be the Pisces in me! And your suitcase, oh, wow. What a brilliant idea. No missing that on a carousel. I generally tie a bit of ribbon round a handle which invariably gets ripped off. Your idea is so much better and personalised. Bet you can’t wait for your trip to start. Feeling quite excited on your behalf.
    And Pauline, thanks for the mittens offer but I couldn’t possibly expect you to post them all the way here for nothing. Your daughter does a fine job on the modelling front, too!

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    • Not a problem with the mittens Jenny – there’s a big explanation further down in the comments if you want to follow through. I have to make them for your two though, so you also have the opportunity to give colour preferences when you send me your address. 🙂

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  20. Oh how I have missed you blogging. Siddy and Orlando are so cute together. Orlando is a good kitty to tolerate such puppy behavior. The coat fits Siddy so well. I can’t find warm jackets that fit Yarn Rascal. Your suitcase is awesome! Are you absolutely sure they won’t allow bamboo or wooden knitting needles to ride with you on the plane? I’d push them on that.

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    • Thank you SS, that is really sweet! I suspect you are right about the needles – many of the comments indicate the rules are relaxed and I may well be able to fly with my needles and yarn in hand! I’ll keep you all posted on that.

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  21. Your pictures of Siddy and Orlando are precious. Love that “Bad to the Bone” jacket. And of course you’re busy! You have a big trip coming up soon. I’m sorry to say there’s no way I can finagle a meet-up. Have a great time and I hope the cherry blossoms are blooming for you when you go to D.C.! 🙂

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    • I realised we wouldn’t make it – but there may well be other opportunities – you never know! I hope you are well and enjoying the coming of spring! We will be wandering about in the cherry blossoms just prior to optimum which is probably the very best moment to be there! Just 8 days before I set off!

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  22. Aw…Siddy! He is just too cute in his attempt to look fierce. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing that photo, Pauline. xo Siddy does love Orlando. If the truth be known, I think Orlando enjoys the smooches.
    I can’t wait to hear all about your trip to my old hometown of DC/Virginia. You’re going to have such a fabulous time.
    Oh, the silk yarn…it’s so you! xo

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    • He does look fierce though doesn’t he Jill! I’m sorry I’m not a better photographer though as I missed some golden looks as he tried to get his face in the camera and I tried to get his back …… And yes, secretly O loves his puppy too. There are numerous times when, as long as Orlando thinks no-one is looking, there is quite a lot of head bumping, leaning in and purring.

      Such a shame you no longer live in DC/Va any more Jill – wouldn’t you have been a grand addition to our mix! xoxo

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  23. Oh boy–I’m getting mittens!! So excited–thank you, Pauline, for being so generous!!’ Your post was wonderful to read–full of happy details and fun photos. It’s nice to see how far the cat and dog have come in achieving detente! I agree that you should check with the airline about knitting needles–I think rules have been relaxed. I hope you’ll squeeze in another post before you come to the U.S.!!

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    • I am having my travel agent do some checking for me on the relaxed rules Kerry. So many comments have mentioned it may be so I am excited to think the hours can be profitably whiled away instead of me sitting on my hands and twitching!

      The pets have settled down and if truth is told it can be admitted that the cat secretly quite likes the attention the dog gives him. He has been observed sidling closer and leaning in when he thinks no-one is watching.

      The plan is to squeeze in a short post before departure. 🙂

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  24. Great post. I laughed when I saw Orlando suffering Siddie’s morning smooch…dogs are such bouncy, enthusiastic little creatures in the morning and cats are so..get out of my space I need my breakfast NOW – at least that how it rolls in our house. I also suspect that your Siddie isn’t really bad to the bone but he SO rocks that look with attitude.
    The silk yarn for Claire’s KAL is gorgeous, a stunning colour and I bet it feels divine, I wish I was taking part but I am starting a CAL at the beginning of April and I think I would need to sneak the yarn past my husband for this one, there are only so many times you can answer the question…New ? Of course not, darling, I’ve had this yarn (a.k.a stash. that you have almost broke your leg tripping over) for ages.
    I love your painted suitcase such a clever idea and easily spotted on the luggage conveyor. You can always pass your time on the flight planning future creative projects and I’m sure before you know it you will have arrived at destination U.S.A. So Pauline just in case you are unable to fit in another post before you leave I wish you a very happy and safe journey xo

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      • No need to apologise – he can’t read yet! His real name is Sid-Arthur which is a play on Siddhartha [the prince who became the Buddha] but ‘Siddy’ appears to have stuck!

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    • I haven’t felt it yet, it is still in the post – hopefully here before I leave as so much of the comments is feedback about how the airline rules are relaxed these days. I am hopeful I may get started earlier than planned on the KAL. I haven’t knitted for a few years as it has been all crochet of late, so I’m looking forward to plying the needles again. I think one KAL or CAL at a time is enough – very sensible to abstain for whatever reason 🙂 I hope to make a quick post just prior to leaving as I will be off-line for a fortnight – oh the withdrawals!

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  25. Your dog made me smile – our puppy loves our old dog too much as well! I love your suitcase and you’ll never have any problem finding it in baggage reclaim. Crochet hooks aren’t a problem on most planes – two friends recently flew to New Zealand and Thailand and crocheted all the way there and back. Enjoy your hols!

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    • It is sounding promising – the world of travel is embracing knitters and crocheters again and I just hope that the US is on board as well. I’m going to get my travel agent to check it out for me. Thank you for sharing that information!

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  26. HI Pauline! I am so delighted to have won your giveaway! Squeee! Thank you! I am always pleased to see you post! As for knitting needles, I have taken circulars on every flight I’ve been on in the last 10 years and never a problem. And crochet hooks are never an issue – the only thing you will need is a yarn cutter that isn’t a pair of scissors! I hope you have a WONDERFUL holiday. Big hugs to you and Siddy xxx

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    • That is good news Claire – I shall check out what the US rules are and hopefully I will be able to make a start on that shawl! I’ve emailed you a question. My mind is boggled over the yarn cutter that isn’t a pair of scissors – or a knife, or a razor edge …… I used to always have a Swiss Army knife in my bag – ‘Pauline, ready for any emergency’ but that got confiscated in October 2001 at some airport or other. Since then my bag has been quite inept!

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  29. I love your knitting and the silk yarn, beautiful. Check with your airline Pauline, you might be allowed to knit, or if not, to do hand sewing. I know some airlines have relaxed their rules lately. I think the solar eclipse coupled with the solstice has us all at sixes and sevens 🙂 It’s exciting your trip is so close, I love that betwixt and between feeling while flying and transiting, and waiting in airports.

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    • You love what I dislike! I wish you were travelling with me. If you have some secrets please do share – I get quite anxious about moving between terminals and finding transports and check in desks and gates. I inevitably get lost and am terrified of missing connections. Which is silly I know but it does spin me out!

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      • I wish I was travelling with you too 🙂 It’s not silly to be anxious at all, it is terrifying to think you might miss your connection. But if you do, just go to the airline transit desk and tell them, and they’ll sort you out. I missed a connection once out of Chicago, the good thing is there’s so many flights out of the hubs it’s easy to get put on another. I love being popped out of that plane in a huge airport, not knowing quite where I’m going, but knowing it’s an adventure and who knows what I might see or who I might meet along the way. I think the best thing to do when you’re unsure is to ask the airline attendants as you come through the gate into the terminal……there’s usually a couple standing around who’ll be happy to help. Know which concourse you depart from, have it written on your hand or a post-it sticky along with your gate # airline and flight #…..easier than rummaging in your bag for it and easy to show someone who might not understand your accent ie Chicago is a huge airport and it can take a while to make it from your international arrivals concourse to the domestic one. And keep asking as you go, there’ll be little information stands everywhere to help you. There’s also a map in the back of the airline magazine (or there was) of the concourses and which you arrive at. My first trip to the States I was nervous, so I ripped it out, marked where I had to go, then carried it with me. Then work out when you need to be at your gate, and if you have time, look around as you go, it’s fun.

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        • You are brilliant – thank you! I shall heed your advice. It always works out okay in the end – I’ve survived several world trips by myself now – but I always get in a pickle before leaving! You would think I would have learnt by now! xoxo

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  31. Two words, finger knitting! Or perhaps just a relax with a good book you have been putting off because you didn’t have the time. Lovely to see the Critters (Orlando and Siddy). Life does indeed get VERY busy. Have a great trip and take heaps of pics. 😀

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  32. As Alys says, so much eye candy here. The cutest scenes, of course, are dear Siddy and Orlando. Love your suitcase. I never know what to do in airports except pace. 😦

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    • I hope you are smiling Gallivanta and enjoying your day. My little cuties cause me to smile and laugh every day and I am so grateful for them! I do not like having to find my way in big airports – I inevitably get lost. I once got lost getting off a plane in Wellington for heavens sake and my poor daughter was most anxious! Everyone else had come past her except me – I was off in the other direction somewhere. Hopefully I will pay good attention this time and be where I’m supposed to be in good time.

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      • I wish you well in the airports. Some of them are horribly vexing but there’s usually someone official who is helpful. If airports were designed by knitters they would be more user friendly. 🙂

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  33. Pauline, when I saw my name at the beginning of your post, I broke out into a grin! You got your post out. Yippie! Why don’t I ever have these clever ideas such as painting my suitcase? Even if it is some unrecognizable thing😄 Your suitcase is lovely. Sometimes the suitcase police will ignore the suitcase scale and let you through with a few extra pounds. About your wait time at the airport, do some people watching and write stories about them.
    Your daughter is a beautiful model! Siddy is like me, i prefer my smiling face in the photo, not my back😄 Your tomatoes are so fresh looking. Enjoy them. Knitting – I have to learn. I can do a bit of crocheting. Enjoy packing for your trip! Post photos for us.
    I feel like I’m rambling. Let’s blame it on the midnight hour that is fast approaching here.
    Xoxoxo

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    • I kept saying ‘Elaine is waiting – Elaine is waiting….’ it made me stick at it. The hardest part was getting Siddy to pose for me – I take such bad photos of animate objects and our official photographer is at work! I like your idea of people watching and writing stories. I shall take a notebook and pen! 🙂 I’m not sure you will hear from me while I’m away – I may not even take my laptop with me and I don’t have a smart phone, just a moderately dull one. But I will definitely make a report on my return 🙂 xoxo

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  34. Oh gosh! !I thought it was just me wirh either writers block, just too busy, or just of kilter to sit down and blog. Thank you sweet fellow bloggers fire letting me know I am not alone. 😯 I am a fabric hoarder (of sorts) so we all have our secerts-ha ha. Your suitcase is adorable. You won’t have any problems keeping track of it. I bet you are getting so excited about your trip. Can’t wait to hear about it. We just got tomato plants in the ground today so a bit jealous to see your beautiful crop. Yummy looking! ♡♡

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    • It’s all swings and roundabouts isn’t it – sometimes life just interrupts blogging! I agree, it is always good to be reminded we are not alone – whatever it is we, wherever we’re at, someone else is already there or better still, just emerged. 🙂

      I am very excited about my trip – terrified of the long travel alone – the bits between planes and moving around terminals in strange locations is always scary for me for some odd reason. It would be so much easier if I could knit or crochet while waiting!

      Your tomatoes will be fruiting when my garden is wet and barren – isn’t it wonderful how we share the seasons and the seasonal activities around. It’s always summer somewhere!

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      • You will be quite the world traveler before you know it! And yes, it will be summer here soon while you prepare for winter. Blogging opens up a big world to us.

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  36. I would never have thought to pain my suitcase! What a brilliant idea. It’s yours and yours alone. Anyone seeing that bag coming down the shoot will know that of course it’s not theres, but at the same time will wish that it was. You are so clever.

    That silk yarn is gorgeous. I’ve never seen anything like it (with those tiny beads). Delightful. What a fun idea coordinating a knit-a-thon. I thinks its ridiculous that we can no longer craft on the plane. I too used to take embroidery, very small and easy to carry but hours worth of handiwork. Sigh.

    There is so much ‘eye candy’ in this post. Your gorgeous daughter modeling her gifts for one. She’s lovely and clearly takes after you. Orlando and Siddy having a little love fest is adorable. Claire’s lace shawl is a stunner. I can’t wait to see your version as well.

    I’m glad to see so many happy recipients will receive your gloves. It will be a double surprise when they receive them.

    Congratulations on your tomato crop. Perfection in every mouthful. I can’t wait to see our get going.

    I’m so glad you posted amid your hectic schedule. See you soon. xoxoxox

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    • Just ten days before I start my journey! 🙂 Once I was somewhere, exhausted and non-compos-mentos and faced with all the suitcases that looked exactly the same on the belt felt completely overwhelmed. Ever since then I do something to my bags to make identification easy.

      That silk yarn is quite expensive – but it might be nice to have something lacily elegant and expensive draped about my neck as I get older and wrinkly-er. It is all hand done I believe – and looks divine!

      Orlando and Siddy first thing in the morning are an absolute hoot! Siddy loves his kitty SO MUCH – and his kitty is very kind and gives him head butts and purrs and then begs to be rescued….

      Yes, it won’t be long! See you soon xoxo

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      • I guess I should have added a ‘t’ to pain, eh? I’m glad you knew what I meant. My typos grow worse by the day. Good grief, Charlie Brown!!!

        I’ve tied colorful tags to my bags, but nothing this clever. Honestly, it’s inspired.

        Darn the whole aging skin thing. I have so much sun damage as a result of early exposure before sunblock was a reliable thing. Now it’s come to roost in the form of deeper wrinkles and some skin cancer (surgically removed from my neck a few years ago). I now see a dermatologist every six months for skin cancer checks.

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        • With your fair skin it is such a risk in the sun. Six monthly check ups are probably worthwhile! My eldest has impossibly fair skin with patches of vitiligo and has to be very careful. I avoid the sun these days simply because I can’t bear the heat 🙂

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          • I don’t handle the heat well either. My address says San Jose, but my complexion calls for northern climates. I’m sorry to hear your daughter has to be extra careful, but honestly she’ll have beautiful skin for along time because of it.

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  37. I’m with you there, Pauline. I can’t seem to write a word or get anything done these days. Not nearly as busy as you are at the moment. I love the suitcase! Did you use acrylics to paint it? What a wonderful idea. Don’t apologize for the yarn. I’m a fabric and book hoarder so at least I have your good company. I am so pleased to see the boys sitting and smooching peacefully. What a delight. I was certain they would get there. You are going to have a lovely shawl with the silk yarn. That’s a lovely pattern. I am wishing you the best trip ever and certainly understand about the needles on the plane problem. I used to do embroidery when I flew. It was always a sure conversation starter. Now I have to bury my nose in a book or stare straight ahead while someone next to me is playing games on their tablet. My tiny embroidery scissors and needles couldn’t hurt a fly but what’s a person to do? Hugs to you sweet lady. Your daughter is lovely. A belated happy birthday to her.

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    • Hello Marlene! I know all my readers will understand my yarn buying obsession – I kept seeing ‘bargains’ over the last six months and just couldn’t leave them sitting there. I think everyone will be getting scarves and mittens as their gifts this year! The anti-crafting allegiance in the travel industry will have to face their karma one day! I wait for common sense to prevail, but it seems to have packed up and left! I bought a copy of one of my favourite books of all time to reread on the plane- my previous copy was lent out and never returned. The suitcase is drawn over with alcohol ink pens that were sadly and prematurely drying out. I am not impressed with alcohol ink pens that die before their time! A bit of white acrylic paint to lift areas and gold and black marker pens. It’s basically a giant doodle 🙂

      I’m sorry we won’t get the chance to meet up while I am there – it would have been grand!! But you never know what is around the next corner and so often it is something rather wonderful 🙂 xoxo ❤

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