Lots to tell

So where to start?

I have been looking at lots and lots and lots of houses in Brisbane. Most of them are too small. The kids have been accepted at a particular school so this has defined our search area.

Still no luck with finding a house - I am still looking frantically, but trying not to be desperate. The main way to find out about new listings is to watch the internet and I don't have internet access where I am staying. So I take a laptop to work and search during lunches/ I am ducking out for inspections early or late in the day.

Lucky for me, just at the moment, I am back in Cairns for a week with work so things are a bit easier in that respect.

It's great to see the family and the kids seem to have grown in a couple of short weeks. I am much happier in this job than the previous one and think that this will be all worthwhile once we all settle down. I'm hoping by August our feet will be back on the ground. 

In my abundant free time I have managed to knit quite a bit - but the camera has stayed in Cairns...

I have

• finished the monochrome socks for Tony in left over black and white sock yarn - pic to come
• finished a basic jumper for Caitlyn in brightly coloured rainbow yarn - pic to come
• started and finished the Island Peaks Hood -photo to come.

I have started a new pair of embossed leaves socks, and have done 2 sleeves for a lacy waves top for me. Woosh-ka! Lots and lots of knitting! And there is even some of it for me! I am also in the beginning stages of a new beret to keep my poor head cold.

The thing about moving from Brisbane to Cairns is that Brisbane is a lot colder, especially as Australia heads into winter! I am super motivated to make lots of jumpers - only to find that a lot of my stash is cotton or cotton blend, which will be good in another 6 months or so... (And my Ravelry queue is similarly biased towards the not-so-warm)...

Any favourites/ suggestions for patterns for me? I am leaning towards fireside and Kerrera ... After I finish the lacy waves top, that is ...

Comments

[Lynne]

Good luck with the house hunting - it can be a very frustrating task! Glad to hear that you're getting in lots of knitting to help you relax!

[Donyale]

What a pain - looking for houses is stressful enough. Hope it all comes together (as you know it will) and glad to hear the job change has been good for you and good for your knitting.

[2paw]

Good lck with the house hunting, you will find somethng soon I am sure. You have been so busy knitting too.
I had to laugh at Brisbane being cold, it was -10*C this week at Liawenee!!

[Robbyn]

Good to hear from you! I've missed you :)

I don't know what's available in OZ but, for what it's worth, I like both Cascade 220 and Paton's Classic Wool. They're both in the worsted/aran weight category, both good quality and not too pricey. Neither are superwash though...

I'll keep my fingers crossed for the house-hunting - that's got to be a major pain in the behind. On the other hand, I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying your new job. That's great news!

[madknitter Nat]

HI Robbyn!

Great to hear from you! I dont need superwash, as I usually hand wash all my woollies! Any pattern recommendations though?

And arent you proud of me knitting some things for myself? I am backwards and forwards with work between Brisbane and Cairns, and that is a bit stressful of itself unfortunately. I am trying to look at some open houses during the week, and missing out on time at work, and then my time there is very pressured as Im not there all the time ...

Im going through the classic 6 - week in downturn in motivation at work - its well studied, and things will pick up again shortly I am hoping. All that storming norming forming stuff, you know?

Ive missed you too! I thought Id have more time to blog, but as its turned out so far, there has been less...

I had that ball of sock yarn out to send to you but Ive lost track of it now... Will get it to you when I get a chance, I know you understand,

Hugs, nat xx

[madknitter Nat]

Thanks Cindy! Lets hope that something turns up soon that Tony and I can agree on ... It was ever thus, I am afraid.

Being hot and cold is all a question of degree and what you are used to! I could only brave Tassie in the middle of summer, Im afraid!

Best to you and the hounds!

Nat xx