where did 2017 go?

Seriously. It seems like yesterday, that I was at my dear friend's house, attending one of the monthly get-togethers for foreign women in Algiers. We chatted and laughed, drank copious amounts of coffee and tea ("English" tea in a country where milk and tea don't go together), feasted on snacks and cakes and conversed in English. But that was in December ... 2016! Somehow, a whole year and a bit has passed me by and I am sat here wanting to give my blog some attention. I am back in the UK, albeit in a new city. I am getting to know my surroundings once again. This time in Nottingham. I am missing friends and sensing a teeny tiny bit of reverse culture shock. After all, it has been almost 14 years since I've lived here. So I'm finding my feet again.

For now, I've kicked off this year with a finished object. A Half Moon Oracle shawl! 

It's a pattern by Kristin of Voolenvine, a wonderful yarn dyer and podcaster. I used 3 yarns that were hand dyed by 3 inspiring women. Last summer, my sister in-law met Sheena of Casual Fashion Queen in Florida and picked up yarn for me. Then, later in the year, I managed to get over to the Nottingham Yarn Expo and have a little chat with Amy Florence of Stranded Dyeworks and the Stranded Podcast. That was brilliant!  I also got to meet the dyer behind Dusty Dimples. I love that this shawl is made up of yarn from these 3 dyers! It was my first attempt at Brioche knitting. I love the squish factor!

I've started another project with my CFQ yarn. I think this shows the effect of the colourway much better.

I am having to deal with PROPER winter after quite some time. This has got to be the only way I can do that!

I was lucky enough to have a yarn wish granted over on Instagram, by a former swap partner. Once again, she spoilt me rotten!

And so my other more long-term wip is my Granny Stripe blanket using up all my mini skeins and scrap yarn.

Funny enough, I first crocheted a Granny Stripe blanket about 7 years ago!

And speaking of Instagram, I tend to post there more than anywhere else. Feel free to follow me!

I also have socks on the needles.

The Charade socks

And because I'm really appreciating hand knit socks this winter, I have cast on another pair for the Commercial Yarn-Along hosted by Amy. 

Smooth Operator socks

And if you're still reading this humble blog ... or perhaps you've just stumbled across it somehow, thank you for reading! How have YOU started this year? 

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now

After seeing the taking stock post on Meet Me At Mikes, I thought a quick capture of where I am right now would be fun (and a nice way of getting back in to blogging). I've used some of Pip's prompts but not all, so if you'd like to take part, check out her post for the full list.

Making: things to keep little ones warm

Cooking: stuffed peppers with tomato sauce

Drinking: herbal tea - This is really good!

Reading: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown - an eye-opener to say the least

Trawling: paleo sites - no matter how far I stray, I love going back!

Wanting: to get everything done

Looking: forward

Deciding: on which way to go

Wishing: peace to all

Enjoying: Sherlock 

Waiting: for things to pan out

Liking: bullet journaling 

Wondering: when the water company will turn the water back on :(

Loving: The Year Compass 

Watching: my baby take dramatics to another level!

Marvelling: at my friend's stairs

Needing: more hours in the day?

Smelling: a scented candle from a beautiful friend

Wearing: hand-knit socks 

Noticing: composition - for a little photography club I've joined

Knowing: that I don't know what's best for my family ... only Allah (God) does 

Admiring: the efforts of so many regarding the Syrian crisis

Celebrating: community and friendship

Embracing: winter - well, trying to!

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nature and colour

8. nature

9. colour

Playing catch up on #amonthof #mycreativespace

And excited to have the Trochet project mentioned on Jeddah Bloghttp://jeddah-blog.com/2012/11/11/trochet/ after our chat with Anosha!

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my creative space - trying

Yes, I couldn't keep up with blogtoberfest. But it's ok. I tried. I enjoyed. I learnt.

This week, while I was knitting an amari shawl I ran out of yarn! What's new, eh? I don't want to go and get some more. And it breaks my heart to frog it ...

... but I started another one anyway! I have missed leisurely crochet, but since my crochet and plastic escapades began, I've turned to knitting for comfort crafting!

Of course there is more plastic on the scene as we have a few other ideas coming along!

My head has been occupied with a lot lately, so I've been taking pleasure from the simple things in my life that can often get overlooked.

Yes, the first Marks and Spencers food hall I've seen in Jeddah. It's teeny but it's there!

Window shopping with my family.

Letting the girls take over the kitchen. 

Going for walks. 

Today I stepped out with my 9 year old son. It was one-to-one time and much needed. With four children and now homeschooling them, they tend to get lumped together all too often. 

I loved that we could talk about Hajj, as today is a special day, being the main day of Hajj, when pilgrims gather in Arafah, near Makkah. 

I loved that he could talk my ear off about football and I have to catch myself when I've said "hmm" too often and actually engage with him on his favourite topic. 

I savour these moments with each of my children ma sha Allah.

While my energy levels are a bit low, all manners of zestiness are at a trough too, today is a special day for us of reflection, fasting, supplication, worship, charity, goodness, preparations for a simple meal today and celebration of 'Eid al Adha, stemming from the traditions of Prophet Abraham (Ibraheem 'alayhis salaam) tomorrow.

I wish you all well and Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid).

Check out more creative spaces here and #amonthof #mycreativespace! Will I or won't I? 

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savouring my saturday

busy busy busy but still savouring it!

spotted: lots of nests and some autumn weather in the morning

 shopped: the window variety for one of my dearests in London

 amazed: at how this little ball of tea from a quaint little Chinese shop was watered and became ...

a cup of flowers for me to drink (and share)

Are you taking some time out of the day to notice, feel, experience and savour special moments?

Blogtoberfest!

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my creative space - rushing

Oh the days, they are rushing by. We have some issues that are preventing us from going ahead with our move straight away. But while we wait we are enjoying time with my parents who are also leaving soon :(

My Mum's friends took us out with our collective (eight) children ma sha Allah!

Some of us went on crazy rides.

We also relaxed later in the week. Most of us had high tea. 

One of us (namely, I) had a very boring chicken salad ...

 ... but enjoyed beautiful company and surroundings.

It was a lovely evening of advice from wise women.

And as the days rush by, I rush to finish my projects. Deadlines put that kind of pressure on me, but it's a good kind!

Our kids have thoroughly enjoyed Junior Masterchef Australia, so my brother has organised a "mini Masterchef" session for them today. I will go and enjoy their creations (perhaps just smelling and looking at them!)

More creative spaces here.

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my creative space - surprises!

The bad thing about my personal postal system is that due to the way that my husband is employed here, my postal adress is in a city which is a 10-hour drive away from where I live. I feel that it's safer and sometimes quicker for my post to be brought over from the UK!
The good thing is that sometimes I get a couple of nice surprises in one go!

Surprise number 1 was of the posty kind. I got this beautiful tea wallet and a selection of teas (because you know coffee is just so overrated!) from Callieknit!

Lately, my special treat has been to slowly work my way through this

so I was quite surprised to find some Republic of Tea, Blood Orange Chocolate Red Tea. Oh the aroma alone is enough to soothe the soul! Then there was some Numi, Red Mellow Bush Rooibos Tea and some of Teavana's Tranquil Dreams Herbal Tea. Have you tried any of these? Angie also sent me a recipe for chocolate chip scones!

Surprise number two was also a posty kind of the handmade joy variety but I will have to wait a bit before sharing that with you!

Surprise number three was very much in line with my perfect crafting day! I had heard of a new yarn shop in Jeddah, on the Saudistitchers group on Ravelry. I finally got to have a quick look yesterday and yes, ma sha Allah it's got to be the best I've seen here! It's called Arts and Crafts and it's in Sultan Mall. I picked up these


but they have all sorts of dk, and aran (which are usually hard to find here), needles and hooks, all sorts of goodies!

And I'm still playing around with the cotton.

Check out some more creative spaces here.

What's your creative space looking like?

posted from Bloggeroid

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my creative space - cotton

There's a lot of that going on (yes, following on from my last post about cool cotton for hot climes). The kind of projects that don't go on and on and on and can be used anywhere in the world, no matter what the weather is like.

A tea wallet for a Spring Tea Wallet Swap on Ravelry! Pop your tea bags in and slip it into your handbag for your favourite teas on the go!

And one of a few purses that I've got on my hook. Perfect for holding girly bits in. My friend keeps telling me to sell them. The funniest thing (ok, not THE funniest but anyway ...) is that I opened an Etsy shop a while ago and it has nothing in it. not.a.thing. Maybe I'm just too scared to list anything?

On a more positive note, I saw these gift tags a few weeks ago.

I've made my own before but I LOVE these!


Download them here.

And of course, check out more creative spaces right here!

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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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