3 Years On (Christchurch Earthquake)

Once again we think of the people of Christchurch today, of ones whose lives will never be the same after 22nd Feb 2011. The sadness seems to get worse as we see the effects it had and still having on peoples lives. I think we are just seeing the reality of that day, the lovely city razed to the ground and so many lives lost and families lives changed. Although there is much progress on the rebuild and a hope for the future, it will take decades to materialize. My family in Christchurch are one of the ones affected by this event, and are still living in temporary accommodation, thankfully well away from the Eastern suburbs where they once lived. Their house hopefully will be demolished this week and will be another part of their lives gone, some will say it is only a house but it was their home where they made dreams for the future. That now means that they will not live in that house when a new one is put up, too many bad memories and they don't want to live on the edge of the Red Zone. I have a granddaughter who for a few months at the end of last year could not go to school because of the wind, she is terrified of it (Christchurch is one windy city!! ) Thankfully she is getting some help, and she has started going back, luckily they have some good procedures in place at school for when it is windy. These are some very real problems for lots of children in Christchurch that will take some time to get over. For now though they can look forwards to a new stage of their lives in building a new home somewhere near where they live now. Proud of you Rachel and Patrick and girls for hanging in there as its been tough every step of the way for you and many others, lots have just thrown the towel in and left ChCh, not so easy if you have a good job there!!I'm sure waiting it out will mean in the future you will have one of the safest and most beautiful cities once again.

Its Been Awhile

Well feeling motivated today to getting back here again. Ive been at Linds for the past few days babysitting animals while they were away. They had to go later as Great Granny (Mons) passed away on Friday, she was in her 98th year and was a lovely lady and will be sadly missed. Ive been inspired to make some Cardies for myself just lately as I haven't been doing the markets. I had been drawn to this pattern Criollo designer is Justyna Lorkowska. From the first time I saw it I have had it in my queue on Ravely. I made one then I made 2 perhaps there may even be a No 3 I love the construction, fit, everything and I really love cardies made with 4 ply especially as I dyed it up myself which was challenging to say the least, to try and get the skein's the same, of course I didn't but not too noticeable and I didn't feel like alternating skeins esp with trying out a new design. Of course now I want to try out more of her designs as the fit is fantastic

Had trouble capturing the colours I was dragging the model that Georgia so kindly gave me all around the house must find a name for her!!. The lovely little project bag I won in a competition held by Laura from The Dyers Notebook podcast and the prize was from Little Skein on etsy. The bag which features The Little Velveteen Rabbit is so well made with lovely quality fabrics I am so pleased with it , and have several WIP hidden away in it. It has inspired me to make some of my own so you may see yet some sewing related articles on my blog now that would be different wouldn't it!!! I am excited to add that I have now lost 10 kilos mainly eating healthy and exercises walking and Hula Hooping I borrowed my granddaughters hoop an have lost about 5-6 ins from my waist so if you have one handy go try!!!. Oh I have dyed some wool but not much, I am mainly dyeing what I need to knit as I have loads put away, hopefully will try the markets when it gets a little cooler to sell some. I must admit I will concentrate on the dyeing as I love it so much. Well its come over cold here and raining so must put another layer on, pleased that I got up to the shops early before the rain. Good old Metservice!