Finally, scarf for Franciska is done, finished, completed! It took me more than I expected, but now I can peacefully wait for fall/winter, cold windy weather and all joys of snow! So I am admiting – can't wait for hot days to go away!

      Yarn: 2 skeins of 50/50% wool/acrylic (cca 125m per skein)

         Needles: 2 double pointed 4mm

            Gauge: Kiddindg, ha? It's scarf – no gauge needed!

   Instructions: CO 25sts.

Row 1, 2, 3: knit

Row 4:  k2, k2tog, yo, p1,   *k7, yo, ssk, k6*,   p, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 5:  k2, p2, k1,   *p7, k1, p7*    k1, p2, k2

Row 6:  k2, yo, ssk, p1   *k7, p1, yo, ssk, k5*,   p1, yo, ssk, k2

Row 7:  k2, p2, k1,   *p6, k2, p7*,   k1, p2, k2

Row 8:  k2, k2tog, yo, p1,   *k7, p2, yo, ssk, k4*,   p1, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 9:  k2, p2, k1,   *p5, k3, p7*,   k1, p2, k2

Row 10: k2, yo, ssk, p1   *k7, p3, yo, ssk, k3*,   p1, yo, ssk, k2

Row 11: k2, p2, k,   *p4, k4, p7*,   k1, p2, k2

Row 12: k2, k2tog, yo, p1,   *k7, p4, yo, ssk, k2*,   p1, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 13: k2, p2, k1,   *p3, k5, p7*,   k1, p2, k2

Row 14: k2, yo, ssk, p1,   *k6, k2tog, yo, k7*,   p1, yo, ssk, k2

Row 15: k2, p2, k1,   *p7, k1, p7*,   k1, p2, k2

Row 16: k2, k2tog, yo, p1,   *k5, k2tog, yo, p1, k7*,   p1, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 17: k2, p2, k1,   *p7, k2, p6*,   k1, p2, k2

Row 18: k2, yo, ssk, p1,   *k4, k2tog, yo, p2, k7*,   p1, yo, ssk, k2

Row 19: k2, p2, k1,   *p7, k3, p5*,   k1, p2, k2

Row 20: k2, k2tog, yo, p1,   *k3, k2tog, yo, p3, k7*,   p1, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 21: k2, p2, k1,   *p7, k4, p4*,   k1, p2, k2

Row 22: k2, yo, ssk, p1,   *k2, k2tog, yo, p4, k7*,   p1, yo, ssk, k2

Row 23: k2, p2, k1,   *p7, k5, p3*,   k1, p2, k2

   Repeat Rows 4-23 till desired length.

   Happy blogging people, I am truelly hoping that my kids are gonna be in kindergarten tomorrow! I am sick and tired of all summer vacations, virosis, bad weather, lack of knitting… And Paula, you are right – SPA sounds like heaven. Well, I would avoid pools, but whole body massage could make me forget that I haven't been seen my made of honor for 4 years and though my hubby had a lot of spare time I had to drag kids with me!!! And that is pissing me off!  Not only I hate hubby I hate my kids too! Because they were screaming to go with me whenever I tried to leave!

   But life is good. Life is full of good surprises! Yesterday I found out I was nominated on Lucia's blog – under The funnies knitting blog! (thanks Annarella for pointing out to me) I was soo thrilled. Still am! My first nomination! And guess what – the very second I read my name I was making gratitude speech (mom, dad, hubby, kids, mailman, late grandpa spirit, neighbour's dog,.. you know).  Well, you can't stop this girl from dreaming!

   Now, another good surprise. Actually, I surprised myself by joining International Scarf Exchange! Yu-hu! Can't wait to find out who my spoilee is!

   Talking about knitting – yarn! I didn't wanna talk about it before (to avoit self jinxing), but Ana-Marija visited SIL in Serbia and before going there I asked her to look for 100% wool (handspun). She brought 2kg home! And after I leave kids in kindergarten tomorrow (hope no disease will attack) I will be on my way to her to pick that yarn and enjoy!

   And while I am waiting to feel total blessing, Hedera can hardly wait for her b-day to come (25th of august - this friday)! She is counting days, she is pain in my arse, she constanly changes b-day wishes (and people she wanna on b-party), she thinks money grows on trees and she assigned me for invitation cards:

   I saw similar cards on someone's blog (really don't know whose) several months ago, I did copy/paste on my personal file and used it!

   Do I have to say that little Hitler was non-stop behind my back, breathing like phone-maniac? Ofcourse no, you know my little princess!

   And the next in line for virosis is … Hedera, happy blogging people!

Yes, virosis is still with us! Beast brushed agains me also, but, unlike me kids, I am not allowed to coach stratching, nagging, bothering, pissing somebody off … All I got was enormous sweating, fainting from time to time, almost vomiting and hostility to meat!

   Basically, Hedera «only» has problems with occasional high body temperature! There are no weakness, vomiting, belly pain, dairrhea or constant sleepiness! Right now all three of my children are sleeping and looks like I will have sleepless night! Somehow, no matter kids are sick, hubby works 12 hours a day, outside is too damn hot again – I feel fresh as a rose! And let me tell you that I was very crafty productive!!!!

   First, I sewed (finally) cover for Hedera's good night sleep! I was promising her that for more than 4-5 months! Also all that time I had all materials I needed (fabric and filling) but as more time I have – less productive I am!

   Sorry for not quite representative pic – but outside was pretty windy and I had no heart to drag Hedera out for better shoot:

   Originally, she thought cover would be sewn only of that variagate fabric (comics caracters – all princess, just like my baby!), and when she realised I wouldn't have had enough materials she started to be pain in my arse! Even cried for a while (actress in making), then showered me with zillion dulling questions and at very end:

-         But this lily coloure is not girly coloure!

   ????????? you may ask! See, my little can't-wait-to grow-up-and-move-out-of-attic-princess considers only pink, red and in extreme situations yellow as girly coloures! All others are not-girly ones!

   Now you know and can immagine how I felt (very destructive toward her).

   I stuffed cover with warm filling so she could be snegged like a bug through all seasons!

   Though this period of virosis in my attic is not suitable for gathering with neighbours, friends and family, we can't stay inside all day long – we need fresh air! So, we usually put our heads (and bodies) out after 1800, when wind stops! Girls love bike rides and I am on my skates. But yesterday I did stupid thing letting girls biking in front of me while I was skating behind! All would have been well if we were somewhere on wide playground, but we were on our street! Hedera takes good care when biking, but Franciska!!! Oh my God – she goes zig-zag, doesn't pay attention and you can get feeling she is reincarnation of kamikaze! And since I am pretty bad on skates I am not sure I could be of much help if some car comes with high speed! Bad, bad Mommy!

   No matter what, evrything went well!

   So my crafty bug continues. Since Hedera was more than pleased with finished cover (I hope she is regreting all those nagging) she asked for Little Flowery Pillow  as known to us, adults, as Pin-cushion! She picked two circles I had, I picked two more (for someone's b-day) and at the end we got – 2 Little Flowery Pillows for my 2 daughters (the one for b-day didn't turn out satisfying so I was bitch and swindled it to Franciska):

   Maybe I would have sewed more (like those short pants I cut out of fabric months ago) but I had mountain to iron, bathroom to scrub, dishes to do, annoying kids and I still have to put kids' room in order, because my friend, school mate and made of honor is coming tommorow! Last time we were together was right 4 years ago! Can't wait tommorow!

   And what about knitting? Didin't I promised scarf to show? People, I haven't touched it for whole 2 days! I managed, somehow, to knit several rows today, but multi variagate scarf is planted in pot:

waiting for sun to make it grow! (Paula, no I didn't dye this yarn)

   This evening I tried Dorothy's dyeing advice ("If you want a light brown you could dye with coffee. Make it strong and add vinegar and a dash of lemon juice and just let your skein soak for a while") and made strong coffee. Also prepared beet root  juice, combined those two and it worked (on samples, not whole hanks). Sorry, no pics for now.

   Happy blogging people, we are having slight case of virosis. Franciska actually!

   Started yesterday late aftenoon, when we all were outside enjoying sunny yet not hot day. It was hubby's b-day (34) and there were also FIL, my sis with kid and almost-hubby! Our 3 daughter plus two girls from hubby's friend (we are really short with boy in our street) were playing, and that playing alway included fighting over one device – in yesterday's case it was plastic tractor!

   Suddenly, out of blue Franciska got high body temperature, turned pale in face, but she haven't even let me feel her forehead because it was her turn for that tractor ride and she waited so patiently that no virosis could have stopped her! My little brave girl!

   Few cold compresses, camomila tea and  eternal flow of motherly love (circles under my eyes are proof – the result of night shift) healed all! In matter of fact Franciska was more than fine even last night as soon as she felt hungry! Mama's girl!

   And difference between my girls, when they are sick is next:

Hedera: "Oh, Mom, I am sick, I can't eat!"

Franciska: "Damn it, Mom, I am sick – give me something to eat!"

   Although F is fine she was out of kindergarten today. Hedera also – she couldn't let her little sis bored herself with me – so she sacrified her merry kindergarten time to help sis go through the day! So adorable! So sneaky!

   In case you don't believe me F is OK, here is the proof (pic taken just few hours ago):

   F with Dad. Also you can see Log Cabin Blanket in action. Blanket is not finished yet – lot of work on than, but is progressing satisfying and must say – never again! I will be quite pleased with peeping other's knitters Logs!

   Since it will be Hedera's blanket, there is one pic of her (and blanky, ofcourse):

   People, although I can be easilly bored with one knitting project, at the same time I am not good in UFOs. I am simply not UFO person – I tried to be but I failed. When it comes to me there is one bigger/big project and eventually another but small one. You know, the one you can accomplish within day or two.

   So, you can guess what is next – little project! And here is the most wonderfull hat pattern I have ever dealed with – Maple Seed Hat:

   Pattern can be found here. I really must thank Angela for that hat pattern – first time I layed my eyes on it I knew I was going to make it!

   I had some lilac cotton leftover from Ksenija's summer shirt, and since that 100g skein costed me 5,$ (which is quite money for me) I had to use it in best way.

   I had to borrow Hedera's big headed doll for posing, because this hat is for little girl under 1. Since little one lives away form my village I didn't have patience to wait for meeting. So I wrapped it in plain sack, put little note (warning that hat is not washed) 

and gave it to hubby to give it to his coworker (and friend) because his 10 months daugther is little girl I am talking about.

   My girls like that hat much. Hedera will get one after I finish coloureful scarf for Franciska I am knitting right now. I started scarf this morning and will finish it till next entry. Scarf is also kinda my design so instruction will be included also.

   And now little addition – look what I did yesterday (after almost 3 years):

   Skating, baby! Ofcourse I was dead after first 5 minutes, but felt great. Can't wait for another ride!

   Happy blogging people, specially Judy, Zonda and Jay Jay – THANK YOU! Thanks for offers to send me Kool-Aids. I am more than touched!

   Eileen, thanks for that great link about dyeing with rosemary – Croatia is famous of its rosemary! Can't wait to try!

   Talking about dyeing – I have only one hank of wool to try dyeing with and will try with red cabbage. Did anyone try?

   Can't remember last time I went shopping for groceries alone! And I am not talking about going to local grocery's for milk, bread and a little something aside! I am talking about dragging more that 2 big sacks from big discount shop!

   So, this morning, after kids ended up in kindergarten, and after hubby left me his credid card (because he came home last night soooo drunk he couldn't stay on his feet – he was walking diagonal – guilty conscience), I went shopping!

   Oh boy what a joy! I am telling you all I heard was sound of silence! Yes, silence! It is always silence when my kids are not around! And what a great expirience walking through all those shelves and none kid is pulling my sleeve! And I could see all products on those shelves – even those on top ones!

People, can't wait for girls to grove more and come into phase when they «hate» gathering with parents! Fly time, fly!

   Talking about kids – you all surelly know that they can surprise as when we least expect it! Two days ago, after playing outside, girls and I went inside to have supper and prepare for bed. Hedera turned on TV, I went to bathroom and when I came back I was really surprised with my girls's channel choice:

   Don't know if you can discerne, but they were watching Atletics Championship in Goteborg! I was so proud! Only problem was to explain Hedera why didn't always the most handsome  win!  Also, she was confussed  about some female athletes looking like males!

   Today our Blanka Vlasic will try to win medal in high jump! Go Blanka, go!

   Happy blogging people, I am still knitting Log Cabin blanket. Will show pic of progress in next entry! In this one something new I did!

   You know, here in Croatia we have million Chinese shops with low quality merchandise, million coffee bars, million shoe shops,… and on and on … but when it comes to knitting – zero almost!

   When I got dyes for cottons I thought it was miracle and that now things would go better! Alas! They are only standing still! So, there were no surprise to me to find out there are no dyes for animal fibers! Noone heard of Kool-Aid, ofcourse!

   And I got two pretty quality wool hanks from my aunt, but coloures were pale and not appealing to me! I have even tried to dyed it with coloures for cotton – without any results ofcourse!

   When you can buy stuff you need – turn to nature! And it occured me while I was eating beet roots from my garden (You wouldn't believe how many roots I am able to swallow)! In one moment I was eating roots looking like vampyre (because of red juice around my mouth) and in another moment I was browsing Google!

   I read two articles ( 1 ,2 ), went on Hacijenda for more beet roots, when kids fell asleep I peeled it, chopped it, cooked it and my hank was ready for 10 hours saoking:

   I went with only one hank in case I wasn't sattisfied with shade!

   Oh people, what a great new expirience! I was thrilled like child waiting to open b-day presents!

   After more than 10 hours of saoking, then almost one day of drying I am more that proud to present my baby, my beet yarn:

   Now, about another hank – in few days I will collect more beets and will add less water to get different coloure!

   See, after all those lemons I have finally made me a lemonade!

   When life gives you a lemon – well, you are supposed to make lemonade, right? Right! I haven't been given a lemon for the last 48 hours, but lemons!

   Sometimes, it ain't your day!

   And all began yesterday morning - as soon as I opened my eyes. It was raining and MIL's car was broken! So I dressed girls and around 0900 rain stopped. We went with my bike. Good bikey!

   I left girls in kindergarten beeing happy I would have some time for myself, but when I stepped out of kindergarten rain started pouring! I was wet as a mouse!

   I didn't know it was just beginning, happy blogging people! Specially after hubby's cousin came for a coffee. I haven't seen her for a while, she gave me some veggies from her garden, but after only half and hour hubby called to tell me we had to go to car mechanic's!

   Damn!

   Like it wasn't enough his cousin had to leave before her coffee colded, but I had to push broken car up hill!!! Hubby was behind the wheel and I was pushing harder that 4 years ago when I was in labour!

   Naively I believed it woudn't take us more that hour (to leave car at mechanic's and get back home), but alas… I was sitting in unbroken car (aka our car, not MIL's) for 2 hours and I didn't take anything with me (knitting, book, knife to poke out my eyes,…) so all the time I was squeezing bustards on my hands that look like blackheads, which reminded me of giant boil on my ass. Uh, very painful boil, but I squeezed it so hard it wouldn't come back!

   Finally, we were home! I went for kids, hubby went napping (what else!). Only 10 minutes after lunch (which is constant battle with kids) I was making pancakes due to Ana-Marija's coming! Also was hoping for some sun in that day, but somewhere at the half of pancakes making I bit into some hard pastry and broke my tooth (upper left premolar)!!! This tooth was waiting for the crown (I have dentist's apointement for the 1st of september) and now all I have from this tooth is ¼ of its enamel!

   To cut this whinning, among other lemons there are things like Hedera's provoking of hernia

because Franciska is heavier that her.

   I can also add few splinters in my fingers (because of some barbed weeds), carried away kids that didn't notice I was on the carpet

bad-hair-day, all day absent hubby, lack of money, etc, etc,…

   So tell me, how to make lemonade out of it?!?!

   Believe or not, but in this entry you are not gonna see my knitting! Log Cabin blanket is progressing more than satisfying. Beside that I have several projects in near future such as another socks (this time longer) for me, poncho for Mom, hat to design for Magknits (which I'll probably never try  give for submission), a cardi for hubby's cousin!

   Cousin from last sentence is the same cousing that came for a coffee yesterday. Along with coffee I offered her some wool/mohaire yarn I bought during my last week visit to Bjelovar! A year ago she gave me some ripped yarn and asked for a cardi. I actually started it, but have never finished it (practically I was at the beginning). In the meantime I used some of the ripped yarn for one hat and promised her I would buy new yarn (because she is always giving me domestic eggs and veggies).

   Now we are coming to the point of shamelessly cheap yarn I bought in Bjelovar:

   Wool/mohaire 50:50 (and that, my friends, is genuine rarity here). Can you guess the price? Keep on trying, but you will never guess that I payed only 17$ for 20 skeins!!!!! Real bargain, hah!

   First I bought only 10 skeins, but another 10s called me in sleep and I had to returned to thee crime place!

   10 skeins is for hubby's cousin cardi. After I saw what Claudine did out of Sesame pattern, I simply have to try something like that.

   Another 10 skeins are for me. I am still considering the possibilities!

   After extra cheap yarn I also discovered place with extra cheap buttons and ribbons!

   I hope I won't have to leave my attic for longer period of time, because I really don't like travelling! Sometimes I am acting like I am agoraphobic! My attic is my kingdom, damn it!

   Now, don't know about you, but when I was younger (much, much younger) and when we went on school trip with classmates by bus… the moment we were in the bus we kids started eating whatever our parents prapered for trip! And believe me, we were not hungry.

   So, why should my kids be different?

   Somehow we survived hotness, lack of air, dirty seats, 2 hrs drive, … and we were so grateful for curtains …

   All in all this was the most hectic stay at Bjelovar so far! In less than 24 hours since we left bus on station, girls were fully dress up (and that was just beginning):

   Granny couldn't resist! Girls also didn't resist asking for more and more stuff! Kids! If I try to count in my head how my parets spent on my girls my head would probably explode!

   Happy blogging people, since I was too many days away during last month I will not bother your with bits and pieces, but must tell that finally we have more bearable weather – in matter of fact it is very coold out here kids start wearing undershirts, trousers and sweaters! I am totally fine with that!

   Although I thought my parents would have spent more quality time with my kids, I also knew I wouldn't have been able to knit all days long! But I knitted - a lot! I finished secont red yarn over cables sock. Since you saw first one in my last entry – no need to smother you with identical work!

   I brought along quite amount of yarns in Bjelovar for Log cabin blanket. Whenever I do that (drag too many skeins) all I have at the end is – almost nothing! But this time was different! Not only I knitted blanky, but also used every skein I took with me!

   Progress so far:

   This trip to Bjelovar was THE MOST PRODUCTIVE ever! And I am not talking only about girls outfits or blanky! Dear friends I have found shamelesslly cheap buttons and yarn. But you will have to wait next entry for that!

   Only 96 hours after our arrival to attic, girls and I are leaving for Bjelovar! By bus, ofcourse! I am hoping we are not gonna boil there, because that bus neither has windows (that can be opened) nor aircondition!

   The reason for our travel again is the fact that my parents are on vacation, too, so they could spend more quality time with grandaughters!

   Must be quick because bus won't wait for us, and there is only one line toward Bjelovar per day (and none during weekends!).

   Seems like my knitting has been slowed during last two and half weeks because of damn hot weather and vacation. And since I got home, 4 days ago, I managed to knit only few hours. That's why I stil didn't finish red socks for  Hedera I started on vacation. However, one sock is done and second one is under construction. Progress so far:

   I know, pics are pretty dark, only because my princess's leg wasn't in the mood for posing. The pattern for that socks was sent by Judy (Yarn over cable) and I modified it a bit!

   Now, since parents are on vacation I think I will have more time for knitting there. And what to knit? I know, blanket for Hedera! And looks like almost everyone is obsessed with Log Cabin Blanket, so why wouldn't I?

   Here is the material for that future project, I hope will start this very day in the bus! I am also girls will sleep in the bus!

   Heidi, must say your comment really made me laugh and lifted my spirit! And don't hesitate to contact me if you just wanna chat with me! Kiss to your son! Hug to Ginny and Toni!

   I had to wait for morning to come, to have real light for taking pics! Yes, I am talking about blanket for Franciska. Now, as I said it was really rounded, long and among all brainwashing project! When I started it I had something like stuffed pillow for Hacijenda, but Franciska wanted blanket out of that and I agreed, hoping to get rid off all of my cotton leftovers! Eventually I did got rid off! As much as my patience! And my sanity!

   OK, here is it:

   After finishing this mega project one question remained unanswered: WTF I was thinking using 3mm circ for that? Do I like torturing myself or those of 4mm were taken for another project?

   It took me 2 hours just to bind off and while I was binding I made me promise not to knit that blanket ever again! Next morning Hedera asked for the same one! NO WAY, DAUGHTER! (But I promised her blanket, just not rounded!)

   But hear this – I will probably knit somewhere around beginning of the fall  Pinwheel Sweater! Yep, there must be some gaps in my brain cells!

   Let me be domestic for a moment. I will tell you something about my sis. She is my baby sis, less than 2 years younger! She was the star in our family as a little girl. Never in my life I wished I was the only child – we didn't get quite along in our younger years, but I was always happy having sibling! And just for that reason I stayed pregnant as soon as Hedera turned 1!

   My sis is mega picky person. She is pain in your ass when you have to buy her a present! So I always ask what she wants (and all other family members), but the easiest (and least painful)  way is to give her money to buy herself something!

   Some of you may remember the poncho I knitted for her. Well, she was literally breathing behind my neck, forcing me to finish it, but (pay attention) she still didn't put it on herself!!!!!

   But I really love my sis, specially now when she is mother, because before having Hana she was always lecturing me about raising kids, but now when she is into it … let me say she learned her leason well!

   And sis is very amusing, funny, merry person, and among all things she knows how to do, posing is one of those!

   So I took socks I knitted during summer vacation to her flat and she did job more than well:

   Those socks are variation of Cookie's Baudelaire, but I skipped cables and stayed with p2,k1 rib. Plus mine aren't toe-up, so my leaves look like falling! And I did short rows heel!

(And I should have chosen solid coloure!)

   Judy, honey, my little dragonfly, I know I promised to knit special socks dedicated to you, but with Cherry and Brandy I wasn't able to think clearly. But my next sock project will have your name written all over! 

   Now little warning – Cathy stop reading and looking! If you, however do continue, prepare vomit bag. Happy blogging people, I don't have pic of giga hairy guy (and yes, we had great time in my sleep last night)! I don't have pic of mega hairy guy! But I have back and front of sooo hairy one!

You asked for it!
(special thank to SIL Danijela for taking that pic just for my pleasure)

   Well, the torture has came to its end! Hip-hip-hurray! I am back!

   Now, don't worry I am not gonna bother (choke) you with this vacation, because most of the time I was knocked down by my two best friends and can't recall some (most) of events!

So, special thanks to those two buddies – Cherry and Brandy! Girls, you've been irreplaceable! I adore you! I love you! And I took you home with me!

   Monica and Brandy sing «The boy is mine», but my toone is «The bottle is mine»! Thank you, CherryBrandy! (Now I am hoping I will not turn from one AA(acrylic annonimous) to another AA).

   And when I was sober I can remember few flashpoints. Like the joy when my SIL went back to USA and she forgot delicious ice cream in refrigerater! I believe she wasn't 5 minutes away from our appartment when I start licking it.

   Then there was my period – so I skipped 2 days out of beach!

   Next would be visit from my cousin Maja and her boyfriend (and I didn't have to go to beach with family – they did «dirty» job).

   And that's all, happy blogging people! I have had only few more moments when I wasn't hugging booze, I mean Cherry and Brandy, among which I managed to finish Rounded Pinwheel Blanket (such a brainwashing project) and little coloureful socks for me!

   Now, I am verry tired. I have just came from vacation, but must tell you there were many hairy guys!!! Some were soooo hairy! Some were mega hairy! But the one from yesterday was giga hairy! (Cathy, no need to go to bathroom and vomit – I didn't take pic).