#great British baking shawl

[galaxyfiberarts]

Here’s my progress on my great British baking shawl. It’s from a kit I got at a fiber festival, and I would really recommend the pattern. It started as two pieces, and then I had to connect them. I’m finishing up the middle part now.

[anjaliekarma]

Haryana Culture

Haryana is a state in northern India, known for its rich culture and heritage. The state has a long and varied history, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Haryana has been home to many different dynasties and empires over the centuries, including the Aryans, Mughals, and British. This diversity of cultural influences has shaped the unique culture of Haryana today.

Arts and Crafts

Haryana is home to a variety of traditional arts and crafts, including:

Phulkari embroidery: Phulkari is a type of embroidery that is unique to Haryana. It is characterized by its bright colors and intricate designs. Phulkari embroidery is often used to decorate shawls, scarves and other clothing items.

Phulkari embroidery, Haryana

Shisha embroidery: Shisha embroidery is another type of embroidery that is popular in Haryana. It is characterized by its use of mirrors and other reflective materials. Shisha embroidery is often used to decorate clothing items, as well as home furnishings.

Shisha embroidery, Haryana

Terracotta pottery: Terracotta pottery is a type of pottery that is made from baked clay. Haryana is known for its high-quality terracotta pottery, which is often used to make decorative items, such as pots, vases, and sculptures.

Terracotta pottery, Haryana

Music and Dance

Haryana has a rich tradition of folk music and dance. The state’s folk music is characterized by its energetic rhythms and catchy melodies. Popular folk dances of Haryana include the Ghoomar, the Phaag, and the Dhol Dance.

Ghoomar dance, Haryana

Festivals

Haryana celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals include:

Holi: Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated by throwing colored powder and water at each other.

Teej: Teej is a Hindu festival that celebrates the monsoon season and the reunion of married women with their families. It is celebrated by women wearing colorful clothes and dancing.

Lohri: Lohri is a Punjabi festival that celebrates the winter solstice. It is celebrated by bonfires and dancing.

Guru Poornima: Guru Poornima is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of the sage Vyasa, who is credited with compiling the Vedas. It is celebrated by paying respect to teachers and mentors.

Cuisine

Haryana cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes. Some of the state’s most popoular dishes include:

Makki ki roti and sarso ka saag: Makki ki roti is a type of flavored made from corn flour. Sarson ka saag is a gravy made from mustard leaves. This dish is a popular winter dish in Haryana.

Bajra roti and chole: Bajra roti is a type of flatbread made from millet flour. Chole is a chickpea curry. This dish is a popular summer dish in Haryana.

Dal bati churma: Dal bati churma is a popular dish in Rajasthan and Haryana. It consists of dal (lentils), bati (hard balls of wheat flour), and churma (crushed wheat flour).

Laal maas: Laal maas is a red meat curry that is popular in Haryana. It is made with lamb or goat meat that is cooked in a tomato and yogurt-based sauce.

Haryana is a vibrant and diverse state with a rich culture and heritage. The state’s people are known for their hospitality and their love of life. Haryana is a great place to visit to experience the best of Indian culture.

[verytwilly]

Creative Wrap-Up 3/13–3/19/23

It’s difficult to get this whole shawl into one shot…which is pretty cool considering it’s my first major knitting project beyond a simple hat. This weekend I worked on it and got just three repeats done while my amazing boyfriend and I watch the Great British Baking Show (ie Bake Off). Truthfully, ‘just’ isn’t really fair considering how wide it is at this point with the alternating rows of increases! Nearly at the end of the yarn and so excited to be casting this off soon.

[tiltingheartand]

tagged by @bagheerita :D

Favorite color: blue, green, gray

Currently working on: um! so! crocheting two lap blankets for my grandparents who live in rome and a shawl for myself. four full-coverage cross stitch WIPs (and i have the stitching on a non-full-coverage one done, i just need to wash it and stuff). also have ideas for two sg1 fics that are waiting until we finish season 8 in our rewatch.

Last song: “papa loved mama (live)” by garth brooks (very loudly. it was a stressful drive home.)

Last series: i’m currently reading the johannes cabal series of books by jonathan l. howard. last series i watched would i guess be the great british bake off, since i watched the new episode earlier today.

Last movie: currently watching the martian right now, in fact.

Tagging: um! @filthyratdad, @ratsandrunes, @neverdorothy, @kennexthewhitecheetah, @hereinspain, if any of you feel like it!

[callioope]

Good Things in 2019

@theputterer and @the-strongest-stars tagged me in the awesome annual end-of-year Good Things meme! I’ve done this in 2018 & 2017 and always think it’s a fun exercise of both reflection and looking forward.

Oh boy, though, my first thought was, what even happened in 2019? (Looking at a calendar helped! It reminded me of a few things I forgot)

It’s been a Rough Year, friends. Between OCD and basically travelling almost every weekend in the latter half of 2019, I am very much ready for a new year and hopefully a new slate.

But this is about the positives!

Personal

Played a lot of Dungeons and Dragons! I am now officially in two campaigns. This year, I endeavored to recruit more women to play, including the wonderful @allatariel. I play both my beloved cleric, Maritsa (who I’ve been playing her years now) and my new character, Noara, a ranger elf with a red panda familiar (yeah, my DM let me do that for funsies, so I could get an animal sidekick but also still try out the Horizon Walker subclass). 

Speaking of red pandas, I accomplished my LIFE GOAL of meeting a red panda face-to-face. I got to feed Harriet at the Cincinnati Zoo for 30 minutes. She was adorable. 

Completed all my dental work and had a clean bill of dental health two cleanings in a row! 

Attended DC’s Around the World Embassy Day event, always fun

Attended Star Wars night at a local library, where I got to participate in a short demo/lesson on how to fence with a lightsaber!

Attended 50th Anniversary Celebration of Apollo 11 / landing on the moon (dude they projected the rocket on the Washington Monument and it looked so cool)

Returned to the NY Ren Faire and upgraded my ren faire garb

Celebrated at THREE friends’ weddings and got to catch up with old friends I hadn’t seen in awhile

Ate ice cream at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Vermont

Went to NYCC for the third year in a row. Got to wear 2 costumes this year: a 1920s flapper interpretation of an occamy and my Endor!Leia costume (repeat of 2017). Learned the True Pain of sewing. Created feather shawl for my occamy costume. Learned the True Pain of crafting.

Celebrated one year anniversary with hubbie down where we got married: visited the museum we got married in and actually got a chance to enjoy the exhibits, went to our favorite brunch place down there, got to check out Fleet Week and tour an aircraft carrier and uh... I think it was a missile cruiser? 

Went up to PSU for a women’s hockey game for sister’s birthday (made embarrassing HAPPY BIRTHDAY sign for the cameras); also it was an absolutely wonderful fall drive on the way up there

Got to see The Rise of Skywalker in IMAX at the Smithsonian Air & Space Center with the awesome @allatariel! (thank goodness we had each other to get through that movie lol) also got to reuse my Endor!Leia costume. I did my own braids for the first time ever! (usually my talented sister does them) They looked like braids done by a n00b, but I didn’t care because they were passable and I did them myself and that was a Big Thing for Perfectionist Me (to not just... say screw it and undo it and just. give up. but to just let them be as is)

Worked hard at therapy and self care

Got a Sleep Number bed and holy shit let me tell you. i can actually sleep now.

OH! I almost forgot!!! Started playing Assassin’s Creed! I’ve only ever really played the LEGO Star Wars and Harry Potter video games so like. This was big for me. 

Writing

Finally finished Learning Curve. TBH I was a bit shocked that this was in fact the only fic I published in 2019. What a travesty.

However! I have been writing

@allatariel & I sat down, overanalyzed You’ve Got Mail, and drafted up the outline for my in-universe AU, something I’ve been dreaming of starting for years. Have about 4300 words so far.

Just under the wire, I did manage to start my NatGeo AU, which I’ve been dreaming of since my honeymoon in Nov 2018

Started editing/revising my original young adult fantasy novel

Poked a little at my epic fantasy pirate travel novel idea

Books

I read exactly one book, Among the Red Stars, which I enjoyed. It’s about women fighter pilots in Russia in WW2. Inspired by real people.

Music

Saw Panic at the Disco! in concert. I went along with my sister. Not like a huge fan, but they put on a pretty fun show!

Saw Waitress on Broadway!! OH MY GOD. And Sara Bareilles was starring in it. Amazing. I freaking love her music (”How does she know / what a heart sounds like?” gahhh). She was so good, and the show was so good. I literally cried all the way through it just because I was so happy to be there, but also because of the content. Man.

Saw Sara Bareilles again, in concert, in Philly. I love her so much.

Television

Finished Critical Role Campaign 1! Oh man, what a ride. Gosh, I love that show. I really need to catch up in C2 now. I’ve started it but I’m only on episode 26 or 27.

I’m not sure whether I finished The Clone Wars in 2018 or 2019. I think it was early 2019. This show was amazing and this was the character development that Anakin Skywalker needed. I love Ahsoka Tano. I cannot wait for the last season.  

Finished Rebels!!! AGAIN, what a ride!!! I still love Ahsoka Tano. I also love Hera Syndulla and Sabine Wren. Sabine’s Darksaber arc was fantastic.

The Mandalorian OMG BABY YODA!!! Yes, I have succumbed to the adorableness of Baby Yoda. Most adorable SW character forever. But also just an enjoyable story in general. This, this is how you craft a story. still NOT over the darksaber omg. 

The Good Place is continuing to be good. Not as crazy about season 4, but I’m so glad they decided to limit the seasons.

Got my sister to watch Rebels!! And then even a few episodes of The Clone Wars!!! Mwahaha >) 

Finally got around to watching The Great British Bake Off, what a sweet show!

OMG I ALMOST FORGOT Anne With an E!!! Gosh what a wonderful wholesome delightful show. No I haven’t watched S3 yet because I am Lawful Good to a fault and just patiently waiting for it to come on Netflix

Film

So, I woefully neglected to mention The Aeronauts in this post about my favorite movies in the 2010s and that was a Mistake. Because I really enjoyed this one

But otherwise probably check out that list. Because I don’t go to the movies that often, actually, and anything I really loved from 2019 is most definitely listed there.

Did I meet my 2019 Goals?

Writing: Fandom

Finish Learning Curve YES

...and How to Lose a Spy in 10 Days Uh, no, not so much

Begin and complete the in-canon universe You’ve Got Mail AU YES, it is begun but no it is not complete

Try to knock out a few other projects on my 30+ SW ideas Umm, I did start / poke at a few things in addition to the YGM and NatGeo AUs, but nothing really “knocked out”

Try my hand at creating more visual fan works (like moodboards/photosets, step 1, learn proper terminology) ahahahah, no. 

Writing: Original

Query more agents for my completed original novel YIKES, No. But I wasn’t anticipating that I’d decide to heavily edit/revise my manuscript.

Actually get around to deciding which idea I want to work on next and work on it Yeah, sure, I decided. How nice of past!Liz to make this goal so reachable as “deciding” lol

Reading

Be more supportive in helping my friend run Book Club so that it can actually meet more regularly HA, oops. Book Club died, but kind of in favor of being able to start a second D&D campaign. At least that’s the trade off I’m looking at. I had some OCD-related glasses issues this year that inhibited reading a lot.

Try to read at least one book for myself outside of Book Club lol WELL the one book I read this year was not part of Book Club sooo

Goals for 2020

Writing

I’m not going to make this a completion goal, but instead...

...I’d like to just focus on creating a regular writing schedule/habit. Whatever the project, I just want to make sure I carve out significant time each week just to write. I don’t want to set a specific goal like “x hours a week” for now, but I want to make sure that I am writing each week.

To achieve that (because what are goals without maps):

If the words don’t immediately jump onto the page, then I’m going to try outlining or summarizing. I’m going to let go of overthinking how sentences are phrased, and just pretend I’m describing the story idea to a friend.

That blank page is staring at me and I’m just going to fill it with words no matter what I might think of them!

And I’m going to let everything else expand from there. And see how that works.

Edit my original manuscript

Query more agents re: original manuscript

Look into the idea of perhaps forming or joining a writer’s group for original writing oh gosh that is so scary

Other

Get back into reading

Develop a routine for working out

Eat healthier

Continue focusing on therapy goals

Get around to watching: Black Sails, Mad Max: Fury Road, Arrival

Get better at responding to things in general

Tagging: @allatariel, @magalis, @mythologicalmango, @skitzofreak, @threadsketchier, @brynnmclean, @ruby-red-inky-blue, @siachti and anyone else who sees this and wants to do it!

Happy New Year y’all!

[chaspelin]

Here’s the first clue done for the mystery knit along Great British Baking Shawl 2. Well, it’s half of the first clue as I need to make another one identical to this, but I’m moving ahead with clue 2 instead. I’m already over two weeks behind, so it’s not like there’s any hope of me finishing on time anyway. I’m using all yarns I was given for #getyouryarnwishesgranted2020 . #mkal @hi.ravelry #ravelry #knitting #gbbo #greatbritishbakingshawl2 #yarn https://www.instagram.com/p/CIEwrdSD39y/?igshid=1gcqpuaas5zri

[thebumblingtourist-blog]

Bangkok 15th - 28th April 2017

15th April 2017 Today, after a great night of sleep, we worked out. We are enthusiastic. We also took a photo of us to show progress; at least I hope we will see we have made progress in terms of my weight, especially as I would really like to be half a stone lighter than I currently am.  I have just run a marathon though so I am in pretty good health.  My heart rate is still a bit higher than normal due to the marathon I think; however, this should come down over the next week or so.  We got the BTS to Sala Daeng and went to the pharmacy to stock up on a few things. We visted a local Supermarket. I think it is called 'Tops' and it is located in Platform One, a shopping mall located very near to our apartment in Wong Wain Yai. The apartment is pretty good; Both Simon and I are happy with it. The gym and pool are located on our floor just a stone's throw away so it is really easy to go to the gym and the pool.  I think the apartment could be better equipped, but it is cheap so I don't feel I can really complain. So, out and about, it is the Songkran Festival - The Thai New Year, and whilst the older people tip a saucer of water over people, the young teens use high powered water pistols and so we got wet.  It is all in good fun though and as it is so very, very hot, who minds? Ok, I gave some little girly squeals when iced cold water was used simply because it was a shocking contrast in temperature.  Today, we mainly wandered around, used the Sky Train (BTS) and got our bearings. 16th April 2017 After our workout and swim, we looked around near the Chao Phraya river and Saphan Taksin, checked our the Tourist Express Boat and had a look to see where it went, had a wander around a local market and bought some corn on the cob, 2 for just 15 Baht! That is just so cheap; markets are much cheaper than the supermarkets. It is just so hot that I am drinking lots of water.  I am probably drinking more water than I ever have before! The shandy I enjoyed on the roof top garden was very refreshing too. Later, we wandered out and found a market by Wong Wain Yai Station. It is very local and we didn't see one tourist or other westerner there, which makes it all the more appealing. We went out and wandered to shops and ate some clams wish a delicious fish sauce with a beer. It was so good!  We must try and get our hands on some of that sauce. 17th April 2017 A good workout again and then we got ready and went to the Bank and then the British Embassy.  We want to open a bank account here in Thailand and so we needed to find out what they needed for me to do that.  Bangkok Bank said I needed a letter from my Embassy proving my passport was genuine so off we went to the Embassy, who told us we needed to make an appointment online. 18th April 2017 We went into the centre and went to Central World, which is a huge shopping centre in Saim. We wandered into a shrine and observed some Thai Dancers and later we made it onto the rooftop for a beer. I brought some Som Tam in a bag, which was delicious! 19th April 2017 After our usual morning workout, we got ready and went to the river and got the tourist express boat to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Po, which is where the massive gold reclining Buddah is.  Wat Arun is white and dazzling bright in the Bangkok sunshine!  The reclining Buddah is pretty amazing as is the artwork on the walls and ceilings that surround him.   I really enjoyed getting out and about and the journey on the river.   People need to cover their shoulders and dress respectfully when entering the Temples and Shrines here so I wore my dress, which covers my knees and a sarong, which makes do as a shawl.  There are shawls and clothes there available to hire if you haven't worn correct attire and there is a small charge for the use of these. I cooked a soup later, when we got back.  It was nice enough and very healthy and low fat and low carb too. 20th April 2017 Morning workout. Got the BTS and then the boat to China Town today. We took the Orange Express boat today, not the tourist one, which was less than half the price at £1.50 i.e., 75 pence each as opposed to £4.00, i.e., £2.00 each. We shall be using the non tourist boats from hereon in. The journey was pleasant although it is more rushed than the tourist boat.  You have to hop on quickly and hop off quickly so be ready for when it stops, which is probably why Simon left his camcorder on his seat on the boat! He realised just as it left the dock!  We told the guy there and he text the boat and asked us to wait.  A little while later and the guy showed us a photo of it and asked if that was it, which it was.  He said we should wait and it would come back in about 15 minutes.  What a relief to have it back. It isn't top of the range or anything but it has a record of our trip to date and it is very useful for recording everything we do on our trip so it would be a great pity to lose it. When it was returned, Simon offered him some money but he was adamant in his refusal as he was a Mariner, he said.  This is an official post I believe. A female worker then asked if she could take a happy photo and we were happy to oblige - It was the least we could do. The market itself is much bigger than London's China Town, but it wasn't as nice and it was quite dirty and sprawling. It is for the Chinese Locals and not really designed for tourists; however, we had a pleasant time and I really enjoy going out on the boat. We wandered around some more and popped into McDonalds where a breakfast of sausage, ham and eggs costs 220 baht, which isn't cheap really.  We noticed that the plastic model of McDonald clown outside traditionally greets people with his hands together, which is quaint. 21st April 2017 After our workout and swim today, we headed to Siam and went to Comic Con Thailand.  I was expecting young girls dressed up in sexy costumes but in reality it was mainly full of geeks duelling and exchanging cards.  There were a few guys and ladies in costumes but it was tame compared to how I would expect America and London Comic Con to be. We did notice they have a big cinema complex with Imax and 4D Cinema and we also noticed that the long awaited sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 was due out next week.  We discussed going to see it in 4D.  Can't wait! I am so excited, I may have peed! ;) The Siam Paragon Mall is absolutely humungous! They even have a floor for car showrooms with supercars such as Ferrari! It was very luxurious. There was a market outside the Siam Paragon Centre, which we wandered around.  There was a stall selling crispy fried dried frogs and other insects. The thought crossed my mind to try it but I just couldn't quite settle on it.  Perhaps we will one day.  Intead, Simon and I shared a bbq'd squid on a stick, which was yummy mainly because I was hungry! 22nd April 2017 As every morning, we did our mile run and some strength training, had a swim and then got ready.  Today is wash and water day - Buying water from the Supermarket is a bit more expensive than buying it on the street, so we took our washing and our empty water bottles to fill up and walked down the street into a local area where they have washing machines on the street for public use.  The big machine cost 40 baht and the smaller one cost 30 baht.  We used both machines because we had a dark wash and a light coloured wash and as there were jeans in the dark wash load, I didn't want to mix it in case they ran into the lighter clothes.  A guy oppposite kindly showed us what to do which was to put your clothes in, put your washing powder in, put your money in and it starts automatically.  It is really that easy. For the water refill, you open the door, put your container in so it is under the water nozzle, then you put 1 baht for 1 litre and press the green button.  If you want 6 litres, you just keep pressing the green button until your bottle is full.  It is really that easy.  It is almost a £1 cheaper doing it this way, which adds up. We had a swim and then I took my time getting ready. We went out at about 7pm and went to Patpong, which is the red light district and go go bar area.  There is a decent tourist market there too so it isn't all seedy.  It actually wasn't as seedy as I thought it would be.  There are some ladies outside the clubs and there are guys holding our cards with prices trying to entice the men in. I won't call these men gentlemen.  The boldest bar sign is for a bar called "Super Pussy".  I saw another for "Magic Pussy".  Simon joked that there was no normal pussy in Bangkok. I pointed out another sign that was offering 'Testicle Massage'.  No clit massage though.  I don't think they cater for female sexpats here and if they do, then it is very discreet. We also went to another road, which mainly has bars and restaurants for Japanese tourists and businessmen.  The girls were all sat or stood outside in a kind of parade.  They were calling and waving to a very large group of about 30 Japanese men in suits. It was like a beauty contest, where the guys picked the lady they liked.  I have to say I found it sad and quite tasteless. 23rd April 2017 Today, after our workout, we got ready and got an Uber Taxi to Taling Chan Floating River Market. This is only a small market but it was nice nonetheless. The market was pleasant and very orderly and clean and there were some musicians there too, playing traditional Thai music.  This definitely added to the experience. Down by the river, there were boats with people on them cooking away and people taking it and serving people on the bank in an outdoor seated dining area.  People there were mainly locals but there were some tourists getting a boat out to the canals.  We didn't do that as there is another floating market we want to go to so we shall save it for that. On our way back through the market, I bought a banana and rice baked in a banana leaf.  It was sweetened only by the banana. It wasn't horrible although it probably won't ever be a favourite of mine.  I was hungry though so I ate it.  We also bought a red bean dessert. We decided to get the local buses back home.  We got the number 79, but it was going the wrong way so we got off and crossed over and managed to get it going the right way about 5 minutes later.  The lady conductor couldn't have been more helpful and she told me she would tell us when to get off, which she did. The bus also had air con, which was a breeze. Ok, bad jokes from me. The next bus was a 42.  This had no air con and took us all around the houses.  The lady conductor couldn't speak a word of English so I showed a boy seated next to me where we were going and he said, "Wong Wain Yai." I nodded and smiled so they would understand that was where we wanted to go.  The lady still looked confused though so we tracked our journey on Google Maps and we were going slightly off track.  The bus does go to our apartment but it probably isn't the best route as it goes all around the houses for the locals.  We got off the bus early and walked the rest of the way, which was actually quite nice, albeit very, very, very hot! I ate some of the red bean dessert this evening. It was sweet, but not overly sweet I'd say, and sticky and gooey - a bit slimy really.  When in Rome though eh? I saved half for tomorrow. Frankie and Jaz have arrived in Malaga for some R&R.  It is good to know they are having a nice time and a bit of a break from work.  I feel bad not buying her a birthday gift though. #PensionerBudget 24th April 2017 My run was ok this morning. I did a mile in 9.38 but only spent 54 seconds in zone 5.  Si's running is spectacular seeing as he only just started! He is running 8 minute miles and his heart rate is coming down.  His resting heart rate is coming down too, which I am really pleased about.  My RHR is also back to normal now from my Marathon; actually it is probably a bit lower than it was before as a result of running every day. Average RHR today is 44.  I am an athlete despite what my slow running miles say about me! :D  This morning we made our way by BTS to the National Stadium, which is where we plan to see Jim Thompson's house, Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330. Opening hours 9am-6pm but the last tour is at 5pm. (http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com). Jim Thompson was a wealthy American responsible for taking the silk cottage industry in Thailand and making it popular worldwide. Thai silk became popular when used for costumes in the famous musical, 'The King & I'.  He positioned his home, which he built in semi traditional style, on the canal or Klong, as it is called in Thailand, opposite the silk weavers and traders homes. This trade helped many Thai people lift themselves out of poverty and so he was very much respected.  His home is quite beautiful and pays homage to the man, to all he meant to Thailand and to Thailand itself. I was a bit disappointed not to be able to take photos inside the house. It can only promote the house and encourage people to visit.  Jim Thompson went missing on a walk in Malaysia's Cameron highlands. There was a huge search at the time, March 1967, and much international attention, but no clue was found to his whereabouts.  They now believe he may have been knocked down and killed and then buried but this hasn't yet been determined or proved. #We ate lunch out in a market in front of MBK Centre (http://www.mbk-center.co.th). I had a warm mixed spicy fish salad and the hubster had a mixed fish Tom Yum. It cost 4 squidaroos so reasonably cheap n cheerful.  We went into the MBK to look at some of the knock offs which were surprisingly good! I know where to go for my Fak'Addidas sportswear 😂. Our step count was a bit low so when we got home, we walked to a supermarket we had seen. We used Google maps to find it and it Took us into a wonderful local area with a Buddhist Temple and Monastery which isn't on any tourist map! There were little wooden houses, local shops and street food; I will try to get some pics of it. Might stay in Bangkok a bit longer now as I feel like we are only just beginning to scratch the surface. #budgetlifestyle After a busy day, we had a swim in the pool, ate dinner and watched some television.  It was a lovely day. 26th April 2017 Today, again a mile run but no swim or weights as I had an appointment at the Embassy to get my passport notarised.  After than we went to the bank to open a Thai Baht Account. We went into the market and saw the most skeletal little cat I have ever seen! Some animals are really well looked after but there are so many that look almost dead that it is heartbreaking! We bought him a lovely bit of fish and fed him so hopefully that will improve his chances. How can the people in the market just ignore him? Later, we ate some streetfood and wandered around the lovely local area just behind our condo block. I want to explore there a bit more and then we went to the Supermarket. Today I booked accommodation in Chang Mai. Longing for less traffic and a change of scenery. 27th April 2017 Today is the day we go to see the much awaited, hugely anticipated 2Guardians of The Galaxy Vol.2' in 4D at Siam Paragon.  I am so excited!  I am worried it will be a disappointed. Perhaps I can curb my excitement and then I won't be disappointed?  I can't help myself!  This film has been a long time coming and now I am going to see it in 4D! How can I not be excited. I tell myself to 'Chill' but it isn't working as I am not listening to myself. We still had our morning workout which consisted of a mile run and a weights workout for our shoulders, followed by a swim and then I took a while to get ready. No rush. I remembered water and a cardigan as I suspected it might be cold in the cinema with the air con on and my sitting still.   We got our prebooked tickets with help from a member of staff and Simon checked out the exhorbitant popcorn costs before we made our way into the cinema and found our seats.  I realised we didn't have 3D glasses and Simon went and got some for us each.  The guys sitting next to us, one looked like one of the dancers from 'The Twins' from France and he was French too, because he asked me a couple of questions.  I soon forgot him though as the adverts begun with all the special effects. The chair began to sway and we felt as if we were floating like the fabric on the advert on the screen in front of us and then we were squirted with the perfume of fabric conditioner.  I am not tempted to buy it.  More adverts followed and then a demonstration, which was quite odd but gave me a clue as to what to expect during the film.  I wasn't sure if it would prove to be a distraction to the story or not. The film began and at first I found it all quite annoying.  The movement was ok, but the puffs of water and things were annoying; however, gradually I began to relax and get absorbed by the story unfolding and I definitely felt like I was more a part of the action than a mere spectator.  I won't spoil the film but I can tell you it was really good, worth waiting 3 years for and I absolutely loved it!  Simon also gave it the thumbs up and said it was much better than he expected it to be.  I was relieved that it was so good and I wasn't left disappointed.  I have to watch it again. Would we watch a film in 4D again? We absolutely would and will as we will be going to see 'Alien Covenant' when that comes out.  Simon has already booked it for 10th May!  On exiting the cinema, it felt warmer already and once in the lift, I removed my cardigan that I was very glad to have as I did feel chilly about half way through the film.  Simon exclaimed at my being cold but I asked him to feel my arms, which were indeed cold to touch.  I knew it would be seconds before I warmed up in the Bangkok heat though so no need for that cardigan any longer. We got the train home and went straight to the 'Big C' Supermarket.  I love the route through the village/local area around the Wat Hiranruch WoraWihan.  It is a third level royal temple orignally named Wat Noi built at the end of the reign of King Taksin the Great in around 1778 by Chayo KhruhaNgoen who was Father to QueenSri Suriyentrhra, Mother of King Rama IV. Opposite is a Buddhist Monastery and so monks wander around the narrow streets.  It is a lovely area!  Anyway, we wandered through there to the supermarket where we bought a few things. We had streetfood lunch. Simon had clams in a sweet curry sauce; it is very tasty. I had a sort of meat stew with rice.  There was hardly any meat although it was a tasty enough gut filler for 50p. Later, we had soup and then relaxed and watch rubbish on the box. We were both really tired! 28th April 2017 We woke up later this morning.  I woke up early this morning and it took a while to go back to sleep because I could hear Bangkok waking up, namely the traffic murmerings.  I did eventually go back to sleep. Simon made the tea and his coffee and I managed to drag myself from the bed and get myself into my gym wear, which these days is a pair of lycra shorts, a sports crop type bra, a light tee shirt, socks and my Addidas Boost trainers, which are less stable than my Mizuno Waves and perfect for the gym and this weather as they are lighter. I managed 2 miles this morning followed by a good 1500 metre swim in the pool. I did do a few squats but I was tired from the swim and only did 6. I mostly did breast stroke, which is my favourite but I did work in some front crawl as well as this elevates my heart rate. 1500 metres is my most recent longest swim although in the distance past I would think nothing of swimming a mile or 2, but that was then and this is now. I forgot, I booked a place in Chang Mai through Airbnb.  I have booked it for 6 weeks and it was only just within budget but it just ticked all the boxes and we will save some on having a washer and not having to go out to get it perhaps? Who knows. Simon is keeping tally of the costs and we may be a bit over budget this month but not a great deal if we are careful.  We are eating in a lot so that helps in terms of cost and healthy eating.  More about healthy eating later.  Let me get back to future plans before I forget what I was talking about.  Anyway, the apartment or condo or whatever you like to call it, is a one bedroom in a lovely complex.  I especially like that it seems to be well equipped with everything we need to live.  It also has a lovely, large pool that has sunlight on it.  I really want to do a bit of sunbathing and the apartment building here is quite shaded and not really suited to tanning up; although I am getting a tan on my arms and face just by walking about.  The other plus is that it has a well equipped gym, which I really like and think will be beneficial to our workouts.  We leave this apartment on 14th and then we will head north the Chang Mai and spend some time there.  I do really like Bangkok but the traffic is a bit of a noisy nuisance, as is the unhealthy pollution levels which I don't think will do anything to prolongue life and I really long for some open green spaces. Healthy Eating -That was my other topic threatening to intrude on my report of our accommodation plans - We are mainly eating lean protein, e.g, eggs, squid, prawns, chicken and fresh vegetables, e.g., carrots, onions, pak choi, spinach, ginger, etc., and herbs e.g., coriander by making a broth.  It is very tasty and very low in fat.  I did have to get some muesli because the lack of fibre was ahem, *cough* (not too hard) affecting my digestive system.  Hopefully that helps or I will have to go back on the red wine!  That's another thing we have eliminated from our diet - alcohol.  This will not just have a positive effect on our diet, if not my digestive health, but on our budget too. Positive steps. Time to cook our soup now and chill out for the rest of the evening.

[galaxyfiberarts]

I finally fixed a mistake that caused a lot of problems on my Great British Baking Shawl. I forget one row of garter stitch, making everything after it on the wrong side, even though I followed the rest of the pattern correctly. I had to redo several rows of about 200 stitches a few times before I found the mistake. I put it down for awhile after I found the actual mistake, and I’m finally fixing it.

[galaxyfiberarts]

I’m making a shawl! The pattern is The Great British Baking Shawl by Lyrical Knits. It’s a mystery knit-along, but all of the clues are released so I have an idea of what it’s going to look like. This is most of the first clue, and I haven’t looked closely at the future ones to make it more fun. It’s kinda hard to get a good picture right now, since there’s a few too many stitches for it to lay flat on the needles very well. I think the next clue starts with binding off half of the stitches, so maybe I’ll be able to get a better picture.

[knitmoregirls]

Teeth - Episode 596 - The Knitmore Girls

This week's episode is sponsored by:

      Carry your creativity with Erin Lane Bags! Whether you show your fiber fandom with the woolly wonder 

Sheepleverse, or dive into history with the Curiosities collection, our project bags, totes, and hook and needle 

  organizers are at the ready to keep your hobby happy.

    When was the last time your knitting yarn was a work of art?

Infinite Twist produces one-of-a-kind semi-solid gradients featuring speckles, high-lights, low-lights, and gorgeous color transitions. From 700 y Giant Gradients to 200 y matching sock sets, Infinite Twist Gradients will hold your interest from cast on to bind off.

See the currently available gradients at infinitetwist.com, or be the first to know when new colors are posted by signing up for our newsletter at infinitetwist.com/newsletter-signup

  Have you ever had to frog because you forgot a step several rows back? Or lost your spot because you dropped your magnet board or lost track with your highlighter tape? Instead of wrestling with paper, use the knitCompanion app. It keeps you on track so you can knit more and frog less. knitCompanion works with ALL your patterns and is available for apple, android and kindle fire devices.

    Go to HelloFresh.com/80knitmore and use code 80knitmore to get a total of $80 off, including free

shipping on your first box. Additional restrictions apply, please visit HelloFresh.com for more details.

Books plus knitting plus happy memories. That’s Little Skein in the Big Wool. We make kits, yarn and project bags that bring your favorite stories to life. Find *your* favorite story at littleskein.com

  LoLo Body Care, formally Bar-Maids, creates exceptional moisturizers hand-poured by staff who add a good dose of heartfelt love to each one. Most all their supplies are made in the US, and their beeswax sourced from a local farm. Besides quality, the value of their product lies in that they last a very long time and are loved to the very last bit. They built their brand on being eco-friendly and their new packaging rocks. Their customers and customer service are rare and treasured jewels.

  One minute PUPdate: Han's GoFundMe link On the Needles:(3:14) Gigi is working on the 4th pair of Xmas socks, in purple.  Jasmin is making steady progress, 2rd to last stripe on her Match and Move shawl. (by Martina Behm #behmalong); knitting it in Black Cat Fibers Nomad Sock.  Jasmin is nearly at the armholes on her adult Bandit cardigan by Jacqueline Cieslak in Little Skein Harvest Sport in “Sugar Maple.” #MatchyMatchyKAL Gigi swatched for another Treppenviertel cowl in a singles yarn from Lady Dye in apple colors  Jasmin swatched and started her Jurek pullover in Lisa Souza Polwarth/Silk in “Styx” She did the handsewing for the Calligraphy cardigan Gigi finished the Flickering shawl out of grey and Styx in Lisa Souza Dyeworks Deluxe Sock.  Gigi finished the Ridgeline cowl, and added I-cord edges  Gigi is working on another cowl with the Knitmore cowl dimensions in Onyx yarn.  Check your voter registration here. Here's the Vote Tracker Gigi is knitting on an emPower the People cowl in Neighborhood Fiber Company DK in Remington. The decreases for the neckline are all that is left  Gigi has finished Opus the octopus  (RAVELRY LINK) Baby bear hats. Five have ears now  Events:(28:50) The Operation Sock Drawer book will be published in October. Call Hicklebees for a PERSONALIZED, SIGNED preorder; we’ll be doing a live signing on October 12th at 11am PST! We’ll be doing a live Zoomcast with the Stockinette Zombies on October 10th at 11AM PST/1PM CDT, which you can watch here. LINK Bay Area Fiber Fair! Ends October 15, 2020 XRX Stitches at Home October 3, 4, 10, 11. Halloween Craft All The Things, hosted by the Knitgirllls from 9/15/2020 to 10/31/2020 Knitmore Girls #KALloween/ #CALloween!  Mother Knows Best:(35:10)Watch the debates When Knitting Attacks: (42:29) Gigi was working on the 7th tentacle of Opus the octopus. She is ran out of the contrast color for the underside. Sock gnomes paid a visit. There were issues with the Flickering shawl.  Knits in Space:(46:53) South Bay Musical Theatre’s streaming A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder Acorn tv: Great British Bake-Off The Yorkshire Vet And Sew On:(50:24)  Gigi is taking a virtual tailoring class at Cañada college. She worked on a bound buttonhole sample. Also her paper pattern is ready to go to muslin. Gigi mentioned Palmer and Pletsch books . Gigi mentions the Stitch please podcast Jasmin sewed in labels, grosgrain ribbon, bias tape in cardigans. Learned about machine buttonholes.Check YouTube for any kind of tutorial!

Check out this episode!

[knitmoregirls]

A Sleuth of Bears - Episode 595 - The Knitmore Girls

This week's episode is sponsored by:

        Carry your creativity with Erin Lane Bags! Whether you show your fiber fandom with the woolly wonder 

Sheepleverse, or dive into history with the Curiosities collection, our project bags, totes, and hook and needle 

  organizers are at the ready to keep your hobby happy.

    When was the last time your knitting yarn was a work of art?

Infinite Twist produces one-of-a-kind semi-solid gradients featuring speckles, high-lights, low-lights, and gorgeous color transitions. From 700 y Giant Gradients to 200 y matching sock sets, Infinite Twist Gradients will hold your interest from cast on to bind off.

See the currently available gradients at infinitetwist.com, or be the first to know when new colors are posted by signing up for our newsletter at infinitetwist.com/newsletter-signup

  Have you ever had to frog because you forgot a step several rows back? Or lost your spot because you dropped your magnet board or lost track with your highlighter tape? Instead of wrestling with paper, use the knitCompanion app. It keeps you on track so you can knit more and frog less. knitCompanion works with ALL your patterns and is available for apple, android and kindle fire devices.

  LoLo Body Care, formally Bar-Maids, creates exceptional moisturizers hand-poured by staff who add a good dose of heartfelt love to each one. Most all their supplies are made in the US, and their beeswax sourced from a local farm. Besides quality, the value of their product lies in that they last a very long time and are loved to the very last bit. They built their brand on being eco-friendly and their new packaging rocks. Their customers and customer service are rare and treasured jewels.

  One minute PUPdate: Han's GoFundMe link

Our 2008 interview with Cat Bordhi 

  On the Needles:(4:16)

Jasmin is making steady progress, 2rd to last stripe on her Match and Move shawl.

(by Martina Behm #behmalong); knitting it in Black Cat Fibers Nomad Sock. 

Gigi is working on the 4th pair of Xmas socks,  in purple. First sock is ready to be kitchenered 

Jasmin cast on her Bandit cardigan by Jacqueline Cieslak in Little Skein Harvest Sport in “Sugar Maple.” #MatchyMatchyKAL

Gigi is swatching for another Treppenviertel cowl in a singles yarn from Lady Dye in apple colors 

Jasmin Swatched and started her Jurek pullover in Lisa Souza Polwarth/Silk in “Styx”

Gigi knitted on the (RAVELRY LINK) Flickering shawl  out of grey and Styx in

Lisa Souza Dyeworks Deluxe Sock.  She is working on that at Jasmin’s house. Next step: border

Jasmin finished her Lawrenson Pullover in Oink Pigments Dapper “Mommy Dearest”.

Gigi worked on the Ridgeline cowl, R O Y G B I

The main color is a dark gray-ish blue,  thinking of adding I cord edges 

Gigi has cast on another cowl with the Knitmore cowl dimensions in Onyx yarn.  Swatched first 

  Check your voter registration here. Here's the Vote Tracker

Gigi is knitting on an emPower the People cowl in Neighborhood Fiber Company DK in Remington. The decreases for the neckline are all that is left 

Deep purple with some discreet, lighter streaks 

  Gigi has finished another tentacle. Opus the octopus now had six finished legs 

(RAVELRY LINK) Baby bear hats.  Two have ears now 

  Events:(15:47)

The Operation Sock Drawer book will be published in October. Call Hicklebees for a PERSONALIZED, SIGNED preorder; we’ll be doing a live signing!

copy of Operation Sock Drawer on Instagram

Bay Area Fiber Fair!  Ends October 15, 2020

XRX Stitches at Home 

Halloween craft all the things  hosted by the Knitgirllls 

9/15/2020 to 10/31/2020

#KALloween/ #CALloween! 

  Mother Knows Best:(18:12)

Voting: zoom meeting to discuss ballot 

  When Knitting Attacks: (25:26)

Gigi was working on the Ridge Line cowl. She used the wrong color.

Jasmin tried to kitchener down the collar to be Extra. Fail, Fail, fail.

  Knits in Space:(29:45)

Direct to home release movies! Antebellum.

Great British Bake -Off

  And Sew On:(36:23) 

Gigi is taking a virtual tailoring class at Cañada college.

She worked on a bound buttonhole sample   

She dug out a pillow back to quilt, and changed needle, the piece needed to be seriously basted

  Jasmin mended a jumpsuit

    Check out this episode!

[chaspelin]

The Great British Baking Shawl. It’s huge! #knitting #greatbritishbakingshow #greatbritishbakingshawl (at Philippi, West Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B63Wk8xlvSh/?igshid=1trtlitjuqcrb

[chaspelin]

I had a goal to have this wrap finished by the end of the year and I made it with a whole day to spare!!! My original goal was to finish it along with the clues as they came out for the mystery knit along, but took a small break and knit two little girl dresses instead. Then I was hoping to finish it this past weekend and that didn’t happen, so I set a new goal and finally succeeded! The pattern is The Great British Baking Shawl on Ravelry. I just used various yarns from my stash but I think they came together pretty well. Now, on to my next project, a sweater for myself. I’ve never made an adult sweater before and I can’t wait to wear it. @hi.ravelry #ravelry #greatbritishbakingshawl #thegreatbritishbakingshawl #yarn #knitting #nevernotknitting #ifisitiknit #shawl #shawlknitting https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tgsEHlxCe/?igshid=1v39behiy5sn4

[chaspelin]

Best pic I could get of it but I’m happy to say that clue one for The Great British Baking Shawl mystery knit along is now complete. And I got it done in time for the next clue tomorrow. It felt like I was knitting nonstop! Can’t wait to see what it’s going to look like, but still have three more clues to work through. #greatbritishbakingshawl #mkal #mystery #ravelry #shawl #knitting #knittingpattern #knittersofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ctw6Vj14M/?igshid=atcg4785p2yn

[chaspelin]

The Great British Baking Shawl mystery knit along starts today!!! Rather than ordering 12 different yarns for this, I went stash diving in what I already have. Then I had to break them up into two groups and then arrange those two groups by hue. Top row is from dark to light, bottom is light to dark. Double checked them by using a black and white filter to be sure. I’m determined to keep up with the clues this time. After all, there’s a first time for everything. 😂 #mkal #knitting #yarn #yarnporn #blackandwhite #greatbritishbakingshow #greatbritishbakingshawl #clue1 https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NcChpl6iZ/?igshid=15uhnt66xc80w