The link

...that saved my sanity earlier.  I HAD started this blankie project, but the tension on the foundation row had messed it right up, for it was all tight along the bottom and then starting to ripple up top.  I did a few rows, but pulled them out in disgust on Thursday night (after a few drinks, no less) and tried to start again.  Same problem.  So I trashed that effort too.  And got cross. And then I found this link and it was so easy-peasy I almost jumped for joy. (Note the "almost"...I don't enter into wanton physical activity lightly.)

Now I am four rows into crochet blankie, and all is going well.  So far...

And I've also discovered a delightful blog in the process.  All good.

(something you'll never hear me say)

Rant

Hubert and I just returned from a trip to our local Savers...mostly with books as they're the only thing that one can afford there. Is it just me, or WHAT THE HELL are Savers thinking? Old CDs that I used to have in my collection (for example Mechanical Animals, and Mellon Collie) $7.99 each. What?? I could go to JB Hi Fi and buy them for $10 brand new. So they stayed there. Oh look, vintage 30s Grindley dinner plates, a design I would have loved to own called "Acacia Bloom"...$9.99 each. So for the 3 dinner plates and 5 breakfast plates, ah, 80 bucks?! A cute pair of shoes, hmm my size, fit too...$14.99. Nah. I bought a couple of old Agathas for 99cents each, and two old Kylie concert programs for my sis. Savers, you can FRO, because you're beyond ridiculous now.

More opping

I decided to do a Savers trawl after work yesterday, as I felt the need for some "new" bed linen. Surprisingly I found the linen I wanted, as I came away with two sheets and four pillowcases, a book ...and the crankies.

Washed and waiting for action.

I also scored a very nice copy of this fun book...not sure if I'll knit anything out of it ever, but these pages appealed:

"out of step with the world"

I really just want this knitting bag! Sooo much!

Further to this post, finding these on the shelf gave me a chuckle:

(and yes Pip, I did buy you a wee yellow one.)

As usual however, a visit to Savers gives me the cranky factor, as the prices are just getting ridiculous...

Example one ~ this lovely bit of green art pottery. "Hooray..." I said as I spotted it, "mmm green glaze." "Boo!!" I said as I found out it was $29.99.

Blurry photo as I was probably shaking with rage. (Nah I just made that up...taking pics with the i-phone is shite.)

Example two ~ getting slightly more ridiculous and sad making. "Hooray!!" I said as I spotted a vintage comforter, in all it's orange beauty, "just what I'm after." "Boo!" I said, as I saw the price tag "You've gotta be f***ing kidding me!".... $39.99!!

Example three ~ TOTALLY RIDICULOUS. "Oooh," said I, about a month ago, when I first spotted these "kitschy 50s/60s cannisters, I could make room in my kitchen for these." "FFS!!!" said I, when I saw the price tag of $79.99. "What the dog is this, Antiques Roadshow or something??"


Get REAL Savers. These beauties have been on the shelf for over a month now, and will stay there, I'm tipping. I'm not disputing the monetary value of these items, but Savers, you're a second hand recycling store that gets FREE STUFF from people to sell to people with not a lot of disposable income. You're not the bloody Chapel St Bazaar. Most disappointment and much booing to you.

Today's grumble

mail box, originally uploaded by TommyOshima.

Do any of you tune in and ask yourselves "Hmm I wonder what Drewzel is going to complain about today?" Part of me sort of feels compelled to apologise for being such a curmudgeon, but nah. Blogland is a generally happy place, but still, it isn't all fairies at the bottom of the garden (I myself have slugs there.)

So, in direct contrast to last night's post, you know what's been getting me down lately? E-mail. I hate it. I know it's fast and handy and blah blah blah, but oh my dog, after dealing with all the (often dumb) emails I get at work all day, the last thing I want to do in my leisure time is open my gmail. So I will apologise right now if you've sent me something and I haven't responded or you're feeling unloved or whatever. But oh! how I hate it...such a chore. I get my bills via email now, so that's no reason to want to check my messages in a hurry either. And if you want to write me a lurve letter, put it in teh snail mail (thanks Hubert) ...because electronic doesn't cut it for me.

I'm certainly not advocating we do away with e-mail and go back to telegrams and carrier pigeons... but I must admit, these days, I feel somewhat over communicated. Leave me be for a while world, and that way I can get some stitching done.

Just so

you don't think that I'm the world's grumpiest old bag* I did a happy dance when I opened my mailbox today. Pressies! For me!
The first one, a prize from the splendiferous Curly Pops...I had to take a pic before I opened it as the wrapping was so cute...and inside was a gorgeous gadget pouch. And oh yes, I love the Japanese fabric.

Hooray! Thank you Cam, and my i-Pod thanks you too. xx

The other cheerworthy pressie was a surprise from Hubert... just 'cause I guess. He rules!


Here's a song from the album because we *heart* Sarah.


* I know I'm a cranky old bag, but not the world's crankiest! hee.