Impressionknits

Terribly belated SP post

2009-06-04T22:58:00.002+01:00

My sincerest apologies to my Secret Pal, Helmineiti… I should have posted these photos months ago. This is a very belated thank you! I loved the last parcel, which had a lovely selection of pale pastel yarns and these gorgeous handmade goodies.

This is a button necklace that I wear all the time. I work in an art gallery that has a shop which sells jewelry by local artists and craftspeople. When I wore the necklace for the first time, the shop manager was intrigued and asked where I got it!

The other gorgeous handmade item that Helmineiti sent was this lovely baby hat. I love the pink and brown colour theme and especially the bold felt flowers on the front. It doesn’t fit Izzy but it will be perfect for the new baby in the autumn.

Thanks again Helmineiti!!!

Well, hopefully I will be able to update this blog more often soon when I am on maternity leave again. I’m looking forward to knitting up some of the wool sent by my SP and being able to get some of my knits onto here and onto Ravelry! But then again, with 2 kids under 3, maybe this is all a dream… !

Hot weather… gone!

2009-06-04T22:41:00.001+01:00

Last weekend was glorious and warm. We went to a fun day at a local farm then went off to the local paddling pool. The paddling pool is the closest thing we have to a public outdoor pool. It’s not very deep but it’s perfect for kids.

The weather has turned and we are back to cool days, but I’m hoping that we get a really good summer this year. I just hope that the heat waves don’t happen until after I have the baby!

Things are going well with the pregnancy. I have a week to go at work, then I’ll be home supervising the installation of our new kitchen. The whole process is a big pain in the butt, because we don’t really have any experience of kitchen design… for example we had originally ordered flooring to be put in the week after the kitchen but after finding out more about it we realized it was a really expensive and complicated option so ended up cancelling it. Now we aren’t sure what we’re going to do with the floor! There are lots of other little complications but I’m just hoping it all works out and doesn’t stress me too much.

I’ve been having little ‘practice’ contractions the last few days, but other than that I’ve been feeling ok. I do get really tired during the day but otherwise I think I’m too busy to notice any other pregnancy things. The baby is really active now and sometimes she wakes me up in the middle of the night. But this time around I think my back hurts a lot less because I have a proper chair and desk at work. And maybe because I’ve been through this before.

Otherwise all is well, all my checkups have been fine- just counting down the time now. I can’t believe I’m going to have sleepless nights again in just a month or month and a half! Yikes. How will I survive this time around now that I can’t ‘sleep when the baby sleeps’?! Guess I’ll just have to go with the flow…

Neglected blog...

2009-05-14T20:29:00.003+01:00

Oh my poor blog, my poor neglected blog.

Sorry I haven't been around in awhile. I am working full-time, am 7 1/2 mos pregnant, and just don't have time for anything these days. I have to sleep more now, so I'm in bed early after two hours with Isabella and an hour for dinner. Knitting has fallen by the wayside.

I have been trying in vain to upload a pic of my SP's final parcel- hopefully I will get the photos up tonight. The pics are on my phone and I've had trouble transferring them. Thank you so much for the wonderful final parcel, I wear the button necklace all the time and am hoping that maternity leave will allow me some time to knit up the lovely yarn you sent!

Here's me...

Secret Pal goodies

2009-02-15T15:47:00.001Z

Got some goodies in the post a few days ago… yippee! Two lovely skeins of a thick wool that I think would be great for felting (there is a picture of some really thick felted mittens on the ball band)- and in really great colours. I’m thinking it would be good for knitting/felting something for Izzy, as her wardrobe has lots of pinks and browns.

Also in the package were some handmade gifts, and a bar of hazelnut chocolate. I had to control myself so that I could save the chocolate until I had time to photograph and blog everything!

One of the handmade gifts was this really cool Scrabble piece pendant. I was really intrigued by it and have sent an email to my pal asking how she made it! I just have to find a chain to put it on, so I’ll be rummaging through my jewelry boxes later on.

Last, but not least, was this handmade felt cloud dangler for Izzy. It’s adorable, and the little raindrops at the bottom have reflective material on them. Right now I have it handing up in the dining room but I will probably hang it up in Izzy’s room later on.

Thanks again SP, for another lovely package!

xoxo

Disney Trip

2009-02-01T22:29:00.003Z

It's been a busy month... we went to Disney in the middle of January for 9 days, and tomorrow I start working full-time. Just a quick update to keep the blog up-to-date! I've managed to finish a scarf for my mom, which I then gave to her without photographing... I am now working on a slouchy hat which I'm trying to finish in time for the anticipated snow that's due this week. I am aiming to cast on a sweater for Isabella in the next week or so- I just have to find a pattern that I like. Meanwhile I start working full-time tomorrow which is terrifying... I already miss Izzy! And I really have to get to bed early every night or else I will be a blubbering mess at work. It's so hard when you have so little free time- nighttime is the only quiet time I've got to do things like blogging and knitting! (Try knitting with a toddler who just wants to sit on your lap and pull the needles out of the project) I shall attempt to update my Ravelry page soon too. OK, must get to sleep. Good night...

Announcing...

2008-12-31T14:59:00.000Z

...the bouncing bean!We are delighted to announce that we are expecting baby no. 2 in July. Isabella is going to have a little brother or a sister! We had our first ultrasound scan today, and saw the little bean jumping around. It's hard to believe how they grow into tiny babies in only 3 months. I have been feeling ok- not too bad at all, I must say. I've had a few moments of nausea over the last few months but generally I feel better than I did when I was pregnant with Isabella. Of course, this being the second baby, my stomach seems to be twice the size that it was when I was 12 weeks pregnant last time! Or maybe that's just because I have been eating like a horse. Anyway, we are delighted. The only downside is that I won't be able to go on the Aerosmith roller coaster or Splash Mountain when we go to Disney in 2 weeks! Boo, hoo.

Secret Pal Christmas Goodies part 2

2008-12-27T21:55:00.000Z

... Continued from below... Here is the gorgeous knitted hat I got
from my SP just in time for Christmas. It fits perfectly, is lovely
and warm, and is red- one of my favourite colours! It's so nice to get
a knitted item as a gift. The hat is great, too, because it's big
enough to come right down over my ears. The last few hats I've made
for myself have been a little short- since my illness in August I have
had to be really careful with my ears and this hat is perfect for
protecting them! Thanks SP for the treats!! Now I will finish my tea
and have another chocolate. Yummy!

Secret Pal Christmas Goodies part one

2008-12-27T21:45:00.000Z

Apologies for multiple posts here- I'm blogging from my phone and
can't combine more than one picture in one post. On Christmas Eve I
got my second parcel from my SP... What a lovely surprise! She sent a
skein of gorgeous Noro sock wool in colour S188- purpley green
colourway. I'm really looking forward to casting in some socks soon-
everyone raves about Noro sock yarn so I'm eager to see how it looks
knitted up. Also included was a pretty handmade card for Christmas,
some herbal teas (one of which I'm drinking now, as I blog), and some
really addicting chocolates! Notice there are not very many in the
photo... That's because I ate half of them before I got around to
taking these pictures! Mmmmm. The next post will show the lovely
handmade hat that was also included...

It's finished at last!

2008-12-24T15:55:00.000Z

Here it is, the hourglass sweater in noro cash iroha. A little short
but otherwise great little sweater!

New job

2008-12-17T19:25:00.002Z

I started my new job at the art gallery on Tuesday. It was a long day- I didn't pick up Isabella until about 5:45, which, compared to my usual 5pm, felt like a really long day. Tomorrow I go back again, but this time I am going to try working 8:30 - 4:30 to see if I can get back earlier. The gallery is in the city centre so I have to take the bus to work... it's not fun right now because it's winter, it's cold, the bus is hot and stuffy, and it's dark when I leave and dark when I get home. I have gotten so used to commuting by car- I think it will take awhile before I can appreciate the relative ease of the bus.

The job itself is ok. I'm not quite sure how it will all pan out- the office culture is very, very different than my last job... at my old job, I worked in a crowded open plan office, and there was always someone to chat to. Now I have a small office which I share with a full time assistant and a part time person. They aren't always there (nor will I be, I hope) so it feels very lonely. The other offices are all behind big doors or scattered throughout the building. People are more reserved and introspective, and the biggest 'fear factor' I have is this: THERE ARE VIRTUALLY NO WINDOWS IN THE BUILDING!! My office has tiny little windows up at the top, which are covered in grime on the outside... a bit like working in a basement. The rest of the building is pretty dark and windowless. I may turn into a zombie. Or, I may have to buy one of those Seasonal Affective Disorder lamps to put above my computer. Hmm.

Hourglass sweater

2008-12-10T13:31:00.002Z

Progress on the Hourglass is happening. Very slowly. I haven't allowed myself to knit anything else while trying to get this done, and I'm getting there. I have about 20 rows to go, plus finishing. I really need to get this chickadee done with, for once and for all. I was nearly finished a week ago, but having never knitted a raglan sweater before, didn't realize that I had totally screwed up the shaping at the top. Note to new sweater knitters- before you embark on this project get an experienced sweater knitter to decipher it. It is HORRIBLY written- even with the corrections! I think I am on the right path, now, thanks to Michaela at my SnB. Maybe I'll even have a red sweater for Christmas.

Meanwhile I was supposed to be starting my new job tomorrow but I think my start date is going to be postponed. I had to get a CRB clearance (Police check) and it still hasn't arrived. And I can't start until it arrives either in my mailbox or on the desk of my employer. Grumble. I have nearly finished my Christmas shopping, too. I'm bored. I want to start already! I'm sick of cleaning the house, sitting on the same sofa, doing the same old things. Maybe I'll take my sweater off to the beach, settle in at a cafe, and finish it. Or maybe I'll just do that on the same old sofa....

2008-12-10T13:29:00.002Z

OK, I know they've been back for awhile in the US- but the other day I was shopping at Toys R Us here and I spotted these. I did a little dance, I was so excited! Cabbage Patch Kids-- what nostalgia. I'm sure mine are long gone (unlike Michele's- she has hers and loads of other cool 80's toys) so I was all sentimental looking at them in their little boxes. Unfortunately they only had about 5 left, and they all had superweird names, so I wasn't as tempted as I could've been. This one was called Guadalupe something-or-other. Come on now, a blonde haired, blue eyed kid called Guadalupe? Hmm. Anyway they were about $50 so I decided not to get one!

Secret Pal goodies!

2008-11-22T12:56:00.002Z

Got my first package today!

Two lovely balls of wool, in a rich chocolatey shade... inside the balls of wool were hidden little wooden hearts and fairies.... a sweet heart shaped card.... some tea.... and a beautiful handmade brooch, with a felt pig sewn to a knitted background. What a treat to recieve goodies on a cold day! Looking forward to knitting with the wool and sipping my tea! Thanks, SP...

A Thousand Splendid Suns and a Thousand Tears...

2008-11-22T12:00:00.000Z

Is it because I am a mother, or because this book was so full of emotion, that I cried and cried as I read this book?

If I give a synopsis, I will give away all of the twists and turns that happen throughout the book. So, from Publisher's Weekly, a rather dry summary:

The story covers three decades of anti-Soviet jihad, civil war and Taliban tyranny through the lives of two women. Mariam is the scorned illegitimate daughter of a wealthy businessman, forced at age 15 into marrying the 40-year-old Rasheed, who grows increasingly brutal as she fails to produce a child. Eighteen years later, Rasheed takes another wife, 14-year-old Laila, a smart and spirited girl whose only other options, after her parents are killed by rocket fire, are prostitution or starvation. Against a backdrop of unending war, Mariam and Laila become allies in an asymmetrical battle with Rasheed, whose violent misogyny—"There was no cursing, no screaming, no pleading, no surprised yelps, only the systematic business of beating and being beaten"—is endorsed by custom and law. Hosseini gives a forceful but nuanced portrait of a patriarchal despotism where women are agonizingly dependent on fathers, husbands and especially sons, the bearing of male children being their sole path to social status. His tale is a powerful, harrowing depiction of Afghanistan, but also a lyrical evocation of the lives and enduring hopes of its resilient characters.

I made it through the first half of the book in no time, with no tears. But the second half of the book was just filled with gripping, heart-wrenching moments that tore me to shreds. This is the mark of a good book- one in which the characters travel with you throughout your day, where you can't wait to find out what happens next, where you become absolutely absorbed, where the emotions of the characters become meshed with your own. If you haven't read any of Hosseni's books, get out there and read one. The Kite Runner was another amazing read. 5 Stars to Mr. Hosseni!

Poncho makes a comeback

2008-11-17T21:30:00.002Z

Today we had a power outage at lunchtime. Izzy and I came home to alarms going off up and down the street, which meant the power had been cut. It was a cold and damp day, and all I wanted was a cup of tea! I fed Izzy her lunch and bundled her up warm for her nap, then settled on the sofa with nothing to do but knit. I couldn't put any laundry on, couldn't get that cup of tea, couldn't turn on a computer, couldn't even use the house phone. After a few minutes with Cooper the dog and a blanket on my lap, I remembered this poncho I made in 2004- my first big project. The neck is too small and is really itchy, but the poncho itself is really, really warm. Made of Icelandic Lopi. I bundled up, got out the knitting, and listened to Cast On on my ipod. Even though the electricity didn't come back on for another hour, I was so cozy warm that I nodded off! The moral of the story: Don't discard old projects... they might come in handy one day!

Update on the job... and on Secret Pal

2008-11-12T12:49:00.002Z

Don't remember if I mentioned it earlier but I applied for a job back in September, to work as a Learning Officer in a local art gallery. A month passed and I didn't hear anything, so I assumed I hadn't gotten it. However- at the end of October I got an invitation to interview and got the job! It is a full time post, which is a huge step up from my current situation- I work 2 days a week now and have 3 luxurious days at home with Izzy. I spent a long time trying to make the decision, then thought that I should go for it- it is what I've wanted to do for some time now, jobs like this, in this area are very rare, and if I passed it up I might end up regretting it. So I am starting my new job in December or early January. I will be commuting by bus, which will suck (compared to my current commuting situation- two days in the car) BUT means I will have knitting time on the way there and back. It's about a 20 - 25 min journey each way. So, I now need to stock up on small bus projects... socks, mittens, etc.

Got my SP match today... ready to start the spoiling process. I won't have as much time as I originally thought I would when I signed up, so I may not have the chance to make anything to send. But, I'll be in the city so there will be plenty of opportunity to find little treats to send!

SP13 Questionnaire

2008-11-09T08:36:00.003Z

Decided to go for it... Here's my SP questionnaire!
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Soft wool/cashmere mixes or merino, or baby wool. Anything that is soft, luxurious and made from natural materials.

What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Acrylic, other manmade fibres (with the exception of a few cotton/acrylic blends that are nice for kids stuff)

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Red box from China, various baskets and drawers around the house

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Taught myself in 2004 while home after foot surgery. Since then I've learned loads from our stitch-n-bitch club... probably intermediate level now.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Not right now

5. What's your favorite scent?
Vanilla, lavender

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Oh yes. In the UK- chocolate, fruit pastilles... in the US- Tootsie Rolls!!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I don't spin but have recently started sewing.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I'm terrible at talking music. I have no idea what I like- am open to all suggestions. I listen to everything... (although recently all that's been on the CD player is my daughter's nursery rhymes CD! ha ha)

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Love reds, purples, blues, natural shades. Not a big fan of yellows, oranges

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
One very cute daughter, 20 mos, who likes to sit on my lap when I knit (thus making it very difficult). One small yappy dog, and one big fat lazy cat.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves, yes. Hats, sometimes. Mittens, sometimes. Ponchos, no, although they seem to be coming back into fashion...

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
At the moment, sweaters. *** edited on 11/12/08 *** I will be knitting lots of socks now that I have to commute on the bus!!

13. What are you knitting right now?
The Hourglass Sweater from Joelle Halverson's Last Minute Knitted Gifts

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Aluminum circulars- I have the KnitPicks options set and love them. Bamboo or wooden dpns.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
4 years.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
Christmas, and Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Not really- except maybe dust bunnies...

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I have to think about this one.... will try to post an edited answer soon.
Don't have any subscriptions but love Knit Simply by Vogue (think that's the name!) which is hard to find here.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I still haven't learned intarsia, even though I've meant to for years...

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes I knit socks. UK shoe size 6, US shoe size 8 1/2. I think that's about 25.5 cm

23. When is your birthday?
1 March

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Yes, impressionknits2. (Someone in France stole my impressonknits ID!)

Yummy.

2008-11-02T10:48:00.004Z

Despite my internet and house tidying addictions, I have managed to finish a delicious scarf from two skeins of Colinette Graffiti (color... can't remember!). It's just a basketweave pattern, K3P3. Now all that's left to do is soak it in some fabric softener, because I have a super sensitive neck!

And here is the progress on my hourglass sweater, using Noro Cash Iroha, Color 22 (red- although it looks pink here!). I'm getting through the first sleeve- trying to get this done soon as the weather has turned freezing and I want to be able to wear it soon!

Yesterday I went to the Centurion knitting group and have become absolutely obsessed with the new iPhone... glittr's iPhone is amazing. The things you can do seem endless. What intrigued me the most was the internet access and mobile blogging possibilities... I am constantly getting out the laptop at home for one reason or another but never seem to get my blog updated. That's because it involves wires, which means finding the wires, and the camera, and waiting for it to upload. If I do decide to get an iPhone hopefully I can do some posting right from the phone. Yip, yip, yipppeee.

2008-11-01T21:12:00.002Z

more animals

If you haven't visited 'I can has cheezburger' yet, you must, must, must go now.

Roll on Secret Pal

2008-11-01T20:56:00.002Z

Decided to go for SP... need some holiday cheer.

In other news, I have a job interview on Friday at the Laing Art Gallery. Spent today looking for an interview outfit- and I hate shopping. Ended up spending about an hour in Next because I couldn't face anywhere else. I did come away with a nice suit, which is a bit itchy (20% wool, but it's no merino!) so I may have to go back...

Three days until the US election and the polls are looking good. I can't imagine how the world would be if McCain won. Scary. I wish the results came in earlier- I will have to wait until Wednesday morning to see if the world is going to end or if we'll finally have a break from the Republican regime.

We are now watching one of the stupidest Will Ferrell movies I have ever seen- Step Brothers. So stupid, yet perfect as background viewing for browsing the web and knitting. Guess I'd better get back to the knitting, otherwise I will never have anything to post on this blog...

To SP or not to SP?

2008-10-17T20:04:00.002+01:00

Sign ups for Secret Pal 13 are underway and I'm just not sure what to do.

I have been really lucky in the past with my pals, and have really enjoyed participating in the swap. It seems that the rules have changed somewhat and I can't decide whether I want to do it or not! They are now charging a $5 participation fee for the 'angel fund'- when pals drop off the planet, the money will be used to send gifts to the deserted. They've also split the swap into three categories- you can spend $30, $60, or $90. What to do, what to do.... not only do I have to decide whether or not to do it, but I have to pick a category of spending! Yikes.

What do you think? I have 2 weeks to decide. HELP!!

Sandwich Thief!!

2008-10-15T13:52:00.001+01:00

The other day I was making sandwiches for our lunch. I arranged them on the plate, and decided I'd cut mine into squares too, for fun. So I had four squares and Izzy had two squares. That is six squares of ham sandwich, right? Well, I turned around to cut up some more tomatoes, then turned back around to put them on Izzy's plate. There was one square on her plate. And four on mine. Five in total. I thought I was going crazy. I looked accusingly at the dog, who wouldn't have been able to jump up and grab a sandwich in the 4 seconds I had my back turned... I looked at the floor.... nope, not there.... I re-counted all the squares.... still only 5 in all..... was I going crazy? Was this a time warp? Did I lose my memory? Did that super fast girl from 'Heroes' rush in and steal a square? No. Izzy stole it.
I guess I underestimated her: a.) Height b.) Hunger c.) Cleverness and d.) Swift abilities to dash in behind my back and swipe things without me noticing!!! The superhuman powers of a toddler... Better hide the knitting needles.

Impressionknits Sews!

2008-10-15T13:42:00.000+01:00

I have wanted to sew something for Izzy for ages. But, I don't know how. So, my friend Lucy, aka Pinkphish, recommended I get a dress kit from http://www.clothkits.co.uk/ - it comes with patterned fabric that has the dress fabric printed on it, thread, buttons, lining fabric and very good instructions for someone who doesn't know how to sew. Here is the result... a gorgeous dress! I am so impressed with myself. She wore it to Music Bugs this morning and everyone complimented us on it... I didn't reveal that I made it.
Look, I even sewed a placket into it, for the buttons. Complicated stuff.
The funny thing is that this dress is the age 2 size- and it just fits her. I thought she'd have a little bit of room to grow but it fits just right. I hope she stretches a bit so we get at least 6 months of wear out of it!

What's new

2008-10-05T13:47:00.004+01:00

Well, I see I haven't posted since August 24th. So, I suppose I should update this blog! I don't have much in the way of knitting this month, so I'll be lazy and leave off the pictures this time. I have gotten halfway through the hourglass sweater, and felted the booga bag. It came out realllly small. I'll put some pictures up next time.

Since my last post, I've almost fully recovered from my Ramsay Hunt syndrome. I go back to work next week. Having two months off has been lovely, although I wish it wasn't because of illness. I really struggled the first month with not being able to do everything I wanted to... I had really bad dizzy spells which made it hard to do all the things I normally do. The second week of September I started doing things with Izzy again, like going to music classes and our local toddler group. I really like being with her, and during my time off I wondered if I ought to just stay home full-time.

Now it's October, the leaves on the trees are starting to change (there are some gorgeous trees outside my window, on the opposite side of the street- I love watching them turn colours) and the weather is getting cold. As someone said in my stitch-n-bitch a few weeks ago- it's nice when autumn comes because you're not depressed about cold weather anymore. In the summer in England, the entire summer is spent wondering whether we will have any hot weather. Every rainy, cold day is a day to feel miserable and depressed. Once autumn arrives, our expectations change and we relax into the cold weather!

Look at me, sounding all British there, going on about the weather.

In other news:
-- We have booked a holiday to Disney in Florida for January. I'm really excited- it will be so much fun for Izzy. We're meeting up with my mom, sister, brothers, aunt and cousins.
--I have become green/British/insane and taken a pledge to avoid using my clothes dryer as much as possible. I used to use it all the time, but after realizing that most Brits don't use them unless they have to, I've joined the traditionalist movement and fixed my washing line. And bought a new drying rack. Let's see how many muddy trips outside it takes for me to revert to my non-eco ways.
-- I finally got a new dining room table and four new chairs. Hurrah!
-- I ate an entire bag of candy corn last week after getting a box of sweets from my aunt in America. Someone shoot me.

Well, I've rambled on enough here. Better go and do something with the day.

In progress... Booga Bag

2008-08-24T19:33:00.003+01:00

Here she is, before felting. The Booga Bag. Made with luscious Noro Kureyon! I have about five feet of i-cord on my lap right now too, which will become the handles. I love knitting to felt- I've been converted! You can knit really sloppy without fear, because your stitches disappear in the process. The only thing I am terrifed of is felting in my English style front loader- don't know what's going to happen! Hopefully it will turn out just fine... I'm just a bit concerned about this ridiculous i-cord getting tangled. Might stick it into a net bag for reassurance. Anyway, will post the 'after' pics once it's done.

And, now that I've become addicted to Noro, I've decided to cast on the Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Found a great sale on eBay and got 12 balls of Noro Cash Iroha for less than £40. And I'm loving the colour- it's a rich ruby red. I know that there have been issues with the pattern, so I'm going to do my research this time and make sure I know what I'm getting myself into. I'm not going to screw this one up! It will be a challenge though, because it has a hem- something I've never done before- and the neckline needs a little bit of altering because it's so wide. So, here goes. I'm feeling better now- although I still have dizzy spells, get tired very easily and my balance is funky. But I'm home from work for at least a couple of weeks while I sort myself out, so now is the perfect time to get started on a big (for me!) project.