OMFG, it's a book!!

Look what arrived by UPS International Express post yesterday!! It's REAL!! Eeeeeee!!!

This is so awesome and exciting! The Rich Tennant cartoons (written especially for my book) are perfect, too! I'm going to see if I can buy a signed print of one or two (he doesn't sell originals).

Next step is to go through this review copy with a fine-tooth comb, and send any factual / typo errors in within a month, to be corrected in the first reprint. I've already spotted a few minor mistakes, damn, which slipped through the editing process, but I guess that was inevitable!

I wanna do this again - it's addictive!

ETA : It is out in bookshops in the States & Canada now, as well as online shops (Amazon.com etc etc). I'm not sure, but I think it might be available in Australian & UK bookshops too, in the near future.

Dib dib dib, dob dob dob

Holiday time at last! On Friday 24 April, Bells and I set off to Knitting Camp. It was held at the stunningly beautiful Mt Keira Scout Camp, just out of Wollongong. Knitting Camp is organised by CR & K Daisy Designs in Wollongong.

This was the camp's third year, and its biggest yet. Well over 40 women, and one guy (Ladies and Lee!) were there, with ages from mid-20s to 70+!

We had a smooth drive up, and arrived around 4pm. We choose our bunks :

Oh for heaven's sake. Lulu had snuck into my bag! No wine was safe!

This is the 'Chalet', or sleeping quarters.

How could anyone resist such enticing paths? The lush greenery was such a balm to us Canberra-ites, who have got used to (but still don't like) drought-stricken dry gardens.

On Saturday there was a dyeing class - good fun!

Here are my two skeins (with Lee's suggested Plum and Primrose dyes).

How's this for the perfect class location?! The veranda on the end of the Lodge, surrounded by towering forest ...

The Lodge had an imposing front door :

Inside the Lodge, where we sat to knit, and enjoyed the open fire ... Daisy Designs had tables full of delicious yarn, patterns, and needles on sale. I think we all splurged!

Lulu was blissed out by the Bliss yarn, and tried to nick the pincushions!

For as long as it was sunny, we sat outside, overlooking the stunning view.



Lee didn't have a hat, so my apron had to do!

The divine Lee and luscious Lulu really hit it off! Goodness!

Saturday night was the Big Hawaiian Night! Despite the chilly weather, we dressed up with leis, sarongs, and more - Rose Red was particularly noticeable with her stunning red wig and red flowery sandals! And who could forget Lee with his floral codpiece!


In short, we all had a great fun time, even Lulu (well, that was hardly surprising, given the amount she drank). I loved putting real people to Ravelry and blog identities, chatting with all the knitters, spending time with dear friends, discovering new friends, and being able to just KNIT all the time. What a treat not to have to cook!

While it was very full on and loud at times - I'm used to more solitude and a quiet life - it was a very enjoyable experience. Dotter is making noises about coming along next time ... so I think we'll be doing this again!

For other reports on the camp, with even more photos, visit Bells, Lyns, Web Goddess, Random Knits, Missyfee, and JP! And a huge thank you to Rae, Kerry and Christine for all their hard work in making the camp happen!

I'll post about my Jervis Bay days tomorrow ... stay tuned :)

Look inside!

What a time it's been! I've been away for a week - first to Knitting Camp at Mt Keira, and then 4 nights at the Huskisson Bed & Breakfast by myself! I'll do a proper post about my wonderful holiday in a few days, with plenty of pics.

But to start of my working week - you can now 'Look inside' my Dummies book on Amazon, and it's in stock in a few days! Woo hoo!! Very very exciting :)

Finally, a gratuitous puppy piccie!

Petal is 7 weeks old, and has massive ears, which the breeder assures me she'll 'grow into'. She comes home with us in a couple of weeks, most likely!