just before spring springs

... and because this winter did seem to drag on a bit, I managed to knit up a couple of cardigans.

My gift to you

I started with one for baby. I find myself extremely drawn to the offset button-band and anything geometrically straying from the norm.

And then the 3 year old wanted a "princess sweater" too. So I knit this. Yes, another offset!

Leaf Love

As it happened, once they were both blocked, the girls ended up swapping cardis! Due to the weight of the cotton stretching it slightly and the wool being more "clingy", they fit better the other way around ... and sisters can share clothes anyway! 

And here's another one of those button-shots! 

This time last year, I was waiting for my baby to turn up. Oh how time flies! Subhan Allah.

I had knit these up while I was waiting. And now one just about fits!

Autumn Leaves

Jeudi and Hurricane Hat

I just had to share my outtakes or what REALLY happens when a mum tries to take photos of her knits!

This goes out to all the mums that try to get their yarny thing going ... and then try to take pics of them! 
Happy knitting, crocheting, general yarniness with kids! 
And those without little monsters around, ENJOY! :)
Alhamdulillah <3 font="">

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a year

It's been that long ... Plus a bit more! In a new country, a new culture, a very different set-up, with a new little person in our family, for just over a year.  We left what we were familiar with. We left our friends and family and moved to a different set of friends and family. It has been an experience. There were some bumps along the way. Although it wasn't an unwelcome change for me, we've all had to adapt. And things like that take time. But for now, I'm happy to feel more settled. I've found some lovely new things. I've found some lovely familiar things too. The most surprising thing of all, is that I seem to be finding myself more and more. I guess that's how adventures go! 

We've had new experiences but we've also had picnic iftars by the sea just like we would have in Jeddah!

My parents visited Algiers. It was wonderful to have them here but I was so new here back then, I'd just had a baby AND my husband had to go back to Jeddah ... yes two days after I gave birth!

My aunt also came over in the summer. 

I'm pleased to be knitting and crocheting again. I want to knit and crochet ALL the things! Especially for my one-year old.

In fact, we were inspired by others, such as Ines, to start up our own little craft sessions! Need I mention that much tea and coffee is drunk and much cake is eaten at these weekly, knitty, hooky sessions? Lots of chatter is thrown in too! And one of the best things about having craft-y friends is that they make wonderful things for you (and your baby)!

It's extremely cold here these days. 

Summery days went on for quite a while but then December brought plenty of rain and the kind of weather that has you bundling up before heading out. Better still, you might want to just stay under the covers with hot drinks! Perfect weather for knitting up things to keep everyone warm. 

I've been wearing this cowl to death this winter. I received it in a swap and just LOVE it! 

And oh was I excited when I received it all the way from America and I got post from my family in Malaysia (goodies for baby)!

If you'd like to read more about life in Algiers, you might like to read this and this, where my friends blog all about their lives in this crazy, quirky, place!

I do hope you've all been well this past year and faring well during the winter (if it is indeed winter where you are)!

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13. risk

... of not having enough yarn to finish a project 

... of not putting in to use something that I've made

... of not having it turn out the way I want it to

... of not having the motivation to finish a project

... of sharing something and nobody caring ... lol!

I'll take the risk!

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my creative space - prioritising

Things are happening around here. We've started packing boxes. Just started! But I've found time to ...

* hook a beret for a friend. In plum!

* and start on another for another friend. In cherry and plum!

This two-tone one is a bit more challenging/time consuming, but she told me to take my time with it!

It's turning out sturdier. I hope it ends well!

* to get on some rides. Just us girls! 

 * to try and make something special for someone special

* to say goodbye to my second home because my parents have moved out :(

And now I must stop by and respond to all of your comments, questions, memes and awards! 

In the meantime, lots of creative spaces here!

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my creative space ...

... has been exciting! For a crocheter, knitter or any kind of yarny-type that is. Why? Because I live in desert country (well, no, not 100%, but let's just go with it), and haven't been able to find a decent yarn shop. That is until NOW. I read about this place on a Ravelry forum (SaudiStitchers) and thought "That's great, but it won't have really good stuff, I'm sure". Up until now, any yarn that I've bought here has been cheap, sometimes scratchy acryllics or some nice, one-off skeins in very limited colours. I finally made it to the shop (Nowari in Hera Mall, near gate 2 for any Jeddah yarnies) I'd heard about and was in awe. Ma sha Allah. It's a small place but jam-packed with yarny goodness in all sorts of colours and fibres and any other tools one might need (for all sorts of yarny habits). I'm so glad I could get some thick cotton for a baby blanket. 

 There's a little shop right behind it too where I got a couple of buttons for the wraps.

 

So today, I will finish off atleast one long-standing work-in-progress in sha Allah and start on some of this cotton before I let the weekend sweep me away! 


And that accidental yarn? 

It's Debbie Bliss pure cotton aran in Sage. 

A gift that was so beautifully appreciated. Isn't it just amazing when a recipient really likes a gift that you've made? That pattern for the hat is here.

As always, there are lots of creative spaces but this is the last one for 2010 at Kootoyoo! Thank you Kirsty for being a great hostess!

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my creative space ...

... takes me back to my hexagons! 

Lots of frogging and re-crocheting later ...

... I have a big hexagon ...

... and another one!  The blanket wasn't going to do well, with two girls having to share it!  So I think two big cushions or floor cushions for their room is a safer bet. 

And now I will carry on weaving in those ends!

When I get bored of the ends, I have a bit of this going on ...

I did manage to finish off my set of six tea glasses!

More creative spaces at Kirsty's!

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i heart japanese ...

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

... patterns!  I can't read or understand a word of Japanese, but I love the crochet patterns.  There's that special something in those Japanese creations.  

This tea mat and coaster set was made from a Japanese pattern.

 A while ago Tif's post about this book got me well in to them again. 

I haven't bought the book (yet) but I did try out another Japanese pattern:

 

 

There is this little cutey-pie baby (ma sha Allah) that lives across from us.  She's feeling a little poorly these days.  It seems to be in the Jeddah air.  I thought I'd make her something.  I know she won't be bothered about it being a Japanese pattern or not but I hope she likes havng this on her head! Most babies don't like having anything on their heads. But nevermind.    

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