It’s been a while since I have written on my blog. Although this post is primarily about what I have knitted recently. It’s also a bit of an update on what has happened in my life lately. What I have been doing and why I have so much time to knit!
Life Lately
I had some health issues at the end of October, before my birthday. Nothing major but I have been taking easy and trying to relax more! As I result I haven’t had the chance to keep up with my normal geeky activities. Instead, I have spent my time relaxing, binge-watching Netflix and knitting!
As we had such nice weather in London over the summer. It seems I missed out on a ton of television shows airing on Netflix. So this time relaxing (and the colder weather), became the perfect time for me to catch up on all those shows! Luke Cage, The Dragon Prince and Orange is the New Black. But I also got to watch all those shows on my list like Anne with an E.
Marie Curie Sock Quest
Like last year, Sarah from Sherlock Knits is running her Marie Curie Sock Quest. Once again, her “slightly bonkers idea” is to give hand-knitted socks to all her patients, spending Christmas in the Marie Curie centres. You can read all about the quest on the Flower Power Fund‘s Instagram page.
This year, I brought four balls of the West Yorkshire Spinners yarn, in the limited edition colour ‘Marie Curie.’ The colourway designed especially for the quest, incorporating the colours from the Marie Curie logo. So I had my own slightly bonkers idea to knit four pairs of sock. However, each ball has enough yarn for three socks! So, in the end, I made six pairs of socks!
In the past, I loved to knit socks. However, haven’t knitted a pair for me in years. I took this opportunity to re-knit some of the knitting patterns I have loved in the past. And some patterns that were slightly more challenging. You can see all six pairs of socks in my Ravelry notebook.
I always see bloggers put together Birthday wish lists. However, in all my years of blogging, I have never completed one. As it is my birthday at the end of the month. I thought it was time to rectify this and produce a wish list of things I want for my birthday or that I will end up buying for myself over the autumn.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.
My Birthday Wish List 2018
Navy Floral Bomber Jacket
Even since I saw Killing Eve, I have obsessed with getting an embroidered bomber jacket. Whilst I loved the green version Villanelle wore. I think this blue one as it’s more practical for me as I wear a lot of blue.
BB-8 Keepcup
As you know I love drinking coffee when I am on my adventures. I am also concerned about the environment. Being a caffeine addict should stop me. So I am trying to carry a reusable mug with me more often.
Wonder Woman or Harry Potter Alex and Ani Bracelet.
I have received an Alex and Ani bracelet on several recent birthdays, one was brought from me in New York and another Princess Leia one. They also have collections based in DC comics and Harry Potter. I’d love another bracelet this year, but am having trouble picking just one.
Batgirl: A Celebration of 50 Years
I have always loved the earlier Batgirl comics, I think it’s because those are the ones I started reading. That’s why I was excited about this “Celebrations” book. As it collects some of the classic Batgirl storylines, combined with newer Birds of Prey and New 52 storylines.
Spectrum Makeup Brushes
I recently discovered the Spectrum store in Carnaby Street and it became my favourite shop! Downstairs they sell amazing makeup brushes and bags, based in Disney characters of Mean Girls. Upstairs is a coffee shop, which is an Instagrammer’s dream! I fell in love with so many things in the store including these brushes.
Danielle Nicole Ravenclaw Clutch
I keep seeing Danielle Nicole bags on Instagram, with designs based on Disney character and Harry Potter, they are the height of geek chic. When I saw the Hogwarts’ house collection, I fell in love. What an amazing way to show your ‘house pride.’ I adore both the uniform crossbody bag or this house badge clutch. But in the end, I feel the clutch is more subtle.
Kikki-K Personal Planner
I have used the Bullet Journal system for as my personal organisation over the last few years. However, I am toying with the idea of going back to a planner. Especially, after reading Boho Berry’s post. I love the set up she has used combining a traditional Filofax and Bullet Journal.
Satchel in chestnut
For years, I’ve loved with satchels, I have had a red Cambridge Satchel for the last several years and it’s still going strong. However, I want a smaller version for running around. I love the classic look of chestnut leather, plus you now have the option of magnetic clasps under the buckles for ease of access.
Puma Kimino Trainers
Jason is addicted to trainers, whereas I seem to just replace my converse every few years. However, I think his addiction is rubbing off on me. Recently, I have been drawn to other styles. First Adidas Stan Smiths and now these embroidered Puma ones.
Little Miss Caffeine mug
You can never have too many coffee mugs, right? I know the Little Miss Blogger version is hugely popular at the moment. But as I have never felt like a proper blogger! I thought the Miss Caffeine version was more me!
Is it anyone else’s birthday this month?
Any fellow Scorpions?
Do you create a birthday wish list?
Let me know in the comments below.
Last year, I wrote about some of the geekier events that were happening in London to celebrate Halloween. Whilst some of the events, like Hogwarts after Dark at the WB Studio Tour and The Walking Dead ride at Thrope Park, are happening again this year. There are also several new and scary events happening in the city that are based on movies or TV shows.
Prince Charles Cinema has always had epic movie marathons and this Halloween is no different. As they are arranging a Teen Horror Movie all-nighter. Over 11 hours they will be showing 90’s teen horror movies like Scream and The Craft. So grab your plaid skirt and duvet and settle in for a night of scary-ish movies!
Hocus Pocus Boozical
Love going to the movies, love brunch. Why not combine both. Exhibit B is offering a brunch over the weekend, followed by a screening of the classic Halloween movie Hocus Pocus. You can also upgrade your ticket to include bottomless bubbles with your brunch.
The Crystal Maze Halloween Edition The Dark Maze
The classic 90’s game show is back with live experiences game. Where you and your friends can enter The Crystal Maze. Over the Halloween weekend, they are changing the original maze into a Dark Maze, where you can meet the Bloody Baron.
Even Stranger Things
Looking for a geeky club night to celebrate Halloween? Then Even Stranger Things is for you. An epic club night themed around the hit Netflix show. Party in two rooms, one based on the Snow Ball from season two or venture into the second room, Upside Down!
For another geeky club night head over to The Book Club. For the one night, the venue will be transformed into The Bronze, the club from Sunnydale. This Buffy the Vampire Slayer night will feature themed cocktails, an art class. And screenings of classic episodes including Once More With Feelings.
I recently watched Killing Eve and immediately became obsessed with Villanelle’s wardrobe. This isn’t the first time I have been dreaming about a character’s fictional closet. This is my latest fixation. So that in mind, I figured I would share the list with you in the form of a Five Fandom Friday. The list of five fictional characthers whose wardrobes I want to raid!
Five Fictional Closets I Want To Raid
Mary Margaret Blanchard (Once Upon a Time)
Mary Margaret Blanchard has appeared on several of my Five Fandom Friday lists. On both the favourite fictional teacher and character I’d like to dress as for Halloween list. So it will come as no surprise, that I love Mary Margaret’s wardrobe. In the first season as a teacher in Storybrooke. She wore beautiful floral skirts, cute blouses and cosy cardigans. But the items in her wardrobe I loved the most where her gorgeous winter coats and wool berets.
Jo Stockton (Funny Face)
You could argue Audrey Hepburn’s greatest on-screen wardrobe was that in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In contrast, I am more of a fan of her clothes in Funny Face. The movie is set during the beatnik era, and as such her wardrobe contains Capri trousers, boatneck tops and classic trench coats. In the storyline, Hepburn becomes a model in Paris and as a result models the most amazing outfits. The clothes were all designed by Givenchy and Edith Head. Who also designed the clothes in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Veronica (Veronica Mars Movie)
Veronica Mars’ wardrobe in the television programme was very much that of a quirky, preppy student. However, I adored her more ‘grown-up’ look in the Veronica Mars movie. Her look is created by layering textured tops under a blazer. Paired with classic jeans and boots combination. I especially loved the draped neck top she wore to the club. However, the highlight of the movie was when she once again donned her leather jacket and studded camera bag from the television show. As you can imagine, I cannot wait for next year to see the new season and more of her amazing wardrobe.
Clara Oswald (Doctor Who)
Clara’s wardrobe is probably the closest to my own. We both wear floral or tartan dresses, with woolly tights and chunky boots. I even have the leather jacket and red satchel! Although our styles are similar, that doesn’t mean I don’t have total envy at her dress collection! As well as her everyday clothes, let’s not forget the beautiful period pieces she wore. For example, the 1920’s beaded dress from Mummy’s on the Orient Express or the party dress from The Cold War episode.
Villanelle (Killing Eve)
I loved all of Villanelle’s outfits! The wrap dress she wore with white trainers. The blue summer dress and of course the stunning pink chiffon dress worn with biker boots. And I haven’t even mentioned her amazing outerwear! The Teddy Bear coat, embroidered bomber jacket and classic raincoat. All items I am looking to add to my wardrobe this autumn. Whilst I know it is not a good idea to raid a psychopath’s wardrobe, and certainly dreaming about doing it.
Which fictional characters’s closet do you want to raid?
Have you seen Killing Eve? Are you obsessed with Villanelle’s clothes?
Is it okay to have a psychopathic killer as a fashion icon?
Let me know what you think in the comments below!
(This prompt was originally created in June 2015 by The Nerdy Girlie). If you want to join in on the Five Fandom Friday Fun A Geeky Gal and Darling Stewie
have created a DLC of prompts!
Or follow #fandom5 or #5fandomfriday on Twitter.
I love blog tags! They are a great way to get to know your blogger friends better. One of my favourite tags was the Christmas tag from a few years ago. I loved reading about fellow blogger’s traditions.
That’s why I love this Autumn Tag. As autumn is my favourite time of year, I love reading about other people’s traditions.
I discovered this cute Autumn Tag on Chronical Sunflower’s blog. It was originally designed by Ellduclos to kick-start her ‘Blogtober’ series. As always the questions are at the end of the post if you want to play along.
The Autumn Tag
What is one candle you MUST light every Autumn?
I always loved the Candy Corn candles from Yankee Candle. However, it seems to have been discontinued this year. Being replaced by Sweet Seduction. I am not too keen on the smell but love the new ceramic jar! Instead this year, I brought several Pumpkin Spice home fragrances in TK Maxx. Including pretty jam-jar candle and reed diffuser.
When you think of Autumn, what does it remind you of?
Whilst, most people might think about colder weather, falling leaves and cosy nights in! For me Autumn means Birthdays! My birthday is on Halloween and my husband’s birthday is two weeks later. So when the leaves start changing colour, I start planning celebratory nights out. And shopping for birthday presents.
What is your all-time favourite Autumn/Halloween movie?
I don’t really have a favourite autumn movie. However, we tend to watch a lot of box sets in the autumn. This year I am thinking of re-watching Gilmore Girls or Once Upon a Time. And dreaming about New England in the autumn!
What Halloween costume do you have in mind?
As I said it’s my birthday on Halloween, so I never get dressed up! We tend to have a meal or drinks somewhere. So I plan a date night outfit, rather than a costume. Saying that, with MCM London, the weekend before Halloween. I am planning a little geeky Halloween outfit to wear then.
What is your favourite Autumn trend?
At the risk of sounding basic, I love PSL! I have written before about some of my favourite Pumpkin recipes. As I said I have brought pumpkin spiced candles this year. Autumn is all about the Pumpkin Spice!
When you think of Autumn, what drink comes to mind?
Obviously, for me, it has to be PSL. However, saying that I am attempting to try some other autumnal drinks from different coffee shops this year. You can follow my efforts on Instagram.
What is your go-to Autumn beauty product? A must-have staple! I am not a beauty blogger or a make-up addict. But when the weather gets colder, I reach for my favourite lip balm and moisturiser. Currently, my favourite lip balm is Marc Jacobs’ Lip Lock.
Do you prefer apple pie or pumpkin pie?
I am not a huge fan of pies! Plus I hate cooked apples. So I am going to say Pumpkin Cheesecake!
Do you have any Autumn traditions? If so tell us all about it!
Autumn officially starts once I have had my first PSL! Once the weather gets cooler, I dig out all my favourite cosy knitwear! In October, we start decorating the house with pumpkins, autumnal candles and fake coloured leaves. Towards the end of the month, Halloween decorations get added. Then it is birthday season! This normally involves a Jason and I having a nice meal, drinks with friends and a Sunday dinner with family.
The moment of truth, is Autumn your favourite season?
Yes!
The Questions
Note: I have changed some of the words into British English e.g. using Autumn instead of Fall and adding a ‘u’ into the word favourite. For the Americanised version see Ellduclos‘ original post.
What is one candle you MUST light every Autumn?
When you think of Autumn, what does it remind you of?
What is your all-time favourite Autumn/Halloween movie?
What Halloween costume do you have in mind?
What is your favourite Autumn trend?
When you think of Autumn, what drink comes to mind?
What is your go-to Autumn beauty product? A must-have staple!
Do you prefer apple pie or pumpkin pie?
Do you have any Autumn traditions? If so tell us all about it!
The moment of truth, is Autumn your favourite season?
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.
During our visit to Belfast in March, we had a chance to visit the Game of Thrones Tapestry at the Ulster Museum. Only for some reason I never got around to posting about it on the blog. I was unsure whether to finally post the photos, but figured at it was truly impressive I would go ahead and upload them, even though it is over six months late.
As I mentioned in a previously Northern Ireland has embraced itself as Game of Thrones territory. The tourist board are encouraging visitors to explore the locations used in the filming of the television show. They have even created unique experiences for fans. One of the more recent additions is the Game of Thrones Tapestry. Housed in the Ulster Museum the 77-metre tapestry retells the first seven seasons of Game of Thrones.
Combining traditional Irish crafts and Game of Thrones. The tapestry is a cloth base of woven Irish linen. Locally produced flax and linen are then sewn into the cloth producing the beautiful embroidered scenes. If you want to know more about the crafts involved in making the tapestry the Wikipedia page has a wealth of information. Including details on the loom used to create the base and threads used in the embroidery.
The Tapestry
I have included a lot of my favourite scenes here, as you can imagine it is impossible for me to show the whole thing. However, if you want to see the whole tapestry, without a trip to Belfast the official website has a video showing the entire work.
As the tapestry includes scenes from all seven seasons, obviously this post will contain spoilers!
Winter is ComingHouse StarkBaby DragonsValar MorgulisFist of the First MenDracarysThe Red WeddingYou Know Nothing Jon SnowBattle at Castle BlackHouse of Black and whiteMassacre at HardhomeThe Dance of DragonsShameHold the DoorBattle of the BastardsDaenerys crosses the Narrow SeaMeeting at the Dragon PitBattle at EastwatchLittlefinger’s SentenceThe Night King riding Viserion
There is plenty of space at the end of the tapestry. I believe they will be unveiling a new panel next year after each new episode has aired. So you can see the Game of Thrones tapestry at the Ulster Museum in Belfast now, or wait until next year to see the complete masterpiece for all eight seasons.
Megan at A Geeky Gal had embarked on an epic Anime Challenge. Each day in September she has answered 30 different questions all about anime. Whilst, I loved this idea I knew I couldn’t commit to 30 days worth of blog posts. So instead I have chosen five questions to answer as a quick Five Fandom Friday Challenge!
Five Fandom Friday: Anime Challenge
Do you prefer Subs or Dubs? ( Day 3)
Don’t shot me but I am going to say, Dubs! But I am going to try to justify my answer. One of the main reason’s I love anime is for the artwork. I feel reading subtitles distracts from the beautiful imagery. Also, I tend to knit whilst watching TV and I am not capable enough to follow a plot, read subtitles. and knit.
Who is your favourite female anime character? ( Day 11 )
This one is really easy to answer, it has to be Asuna Yuuki from Sword Art Online. She is strong, independent and will always stand up for those she loves. All attributes of great female character and someone we would love in our lives. I do have one issue with the treatment of her character. During the Aincrad storyline, Asuna is a fierce warrior. A swordswoman, she is just as good as Kirito. One of the strongest players in her guild. However, during the Fairy Dance Arc she is seen as weak and a victim, it isn’t until the Mother’s Rosario storyline we once again see the true Asuna!
Who is your favourite male anime character? ( Day 12) I have a joint favourite male character from anime, Kirito from Sword Art Online and L from Death Note. Rather than talk about SAO again. I am going to tell you why I love L! My dream job it would be a consulting detective (yes like Sherlock Holmes). L is the anime version of that, the quirky, genius detective. I adore the way he crouches instead of sitting down, and how he is always eating. As well as the way he outfoxes Light. Whilst I hated the Netflix live action version of Death Note. The only good thing about it was Lakeith Stanfield’s take on L.
What is your favourite anime opening or ending? ( Day 14 )
I was unsure whether to allow this opening credits, as it’s an from an American anime, not Japanese. But I love the all the RWBY soundtracks. The Volume 1 opening credits, This Will Be the Day is a personal favourite. Both the music and the animation of Ruby Rose.
What is an anime you want to watch but haven’t yet? ( Day 17) Pyscho Pass. As I said I love detective programmes (and books), so it seems like something I would love. From what I have read it the premiss of the Pyscho Pass is to track down criminals before they commit a crime. So it isn’t a whodunnit mystery, just a cop show. I don’t really have a reason why I haven’t watched it. I do have a list of programmes I plan on watching, but the truth is, when it comes to anime I tend to re-watch my favourites.
Having taken some time away from knitting, I seem to have missed a few knitting trends. Previously, when I was heavily into knitting, the trend was for berets, socks and lacy shawls knitted in sock yarn! Now, it seems to be bobble hats, boxy sweaters, brioche knitting. Not to be out of the loop I have been quickly embracing brioche stitch! My next two projects are both based around this stitch, and one of them is even a boxy sweater. So I am embracing two trends.
Brioche Knitting
I had seen a class locally, that was teaching the technique, but rather than wait a few weeks. I turned to Youtube to look for tutorials, I found the Wool at the Gang video and some tips and hints from Purl Soho (both linked below). So I thought I would give it a go. Although brioche stitch looks complicated it’s is actually, pretty straightforward. It is a little weird to get the hang off, as you have to work each row twice. First by knitting and slipping stitch alternative stitches, then re-working the same row purling the slipped stitches and slipping the previously knitted stitches. Once you get to grips with not working left to right, and then right to left. It is pretty easy to work and yet looks far more complicated.
Brioche Knitting Sample in Cascade 220 in Natural and Grey.
Whilst, you can work brioche stitch in one colour, the technique looks best when worked in two colours. Working each row first with one colour and then passing over the second time with the second colour. For a truly beautiful effect, variegated or self-striping yarn worked together with a solid colour looks amazing. One of the best things about Brioche Stitch is experimenting with different colour combinations.
Brioche Knitting Coffee Cozy in Whimzy Yarn in Chocolate and Girl on Fire
So far, I have only been working brioche stitch knitted flat. However, my next plan is to knit on the round. Which will be needed for the LUSH cowl, I want to knit. Then I hope I can move on to more advanced patterns, like the leaf pattern as seen in Nancy Marchant’s Willow scarf.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.
Thinking about it the summer of 2016 was all about Pokemon Go! I remember becoming obsessed with the game, going on a poke-walk every day. Exploring new parks because they were “nests.” Getting annoyed when the game froze or finding only pidgeys! However, by the winter we stopped playing. That is until now!
Back then Pokemon Go seemed to be everywhere, the mainstream media told scare stories of people getting themselves into danger due to playing the game. On social media, sightings of rare Pokemon in your areas. Even bloggers become obsessed with the game, I remember joining in on the Pokemon Go Book Tag and even doing a Q&A on Epicfied’s blog.
How I became obsessed with Pokemon GO again!
I am unsure why I stopped playing if it was because it wasn’t as much fun playing in the colder weather. If it was the server issues. Or I just got bored with the game. I didn’t delete the app from my phone, just move it from the first page on iPhone. I remember a friend telling me last year, they had released the second generation of Pokemon. And did consider playing again, however, never did.
Then earlier this summer, I read that a major Pokemon Go update had occurred and finally, you could add friends and start trading. So I opened the app and had a quick look. That weekend, Jason and I went once again went for poke-walk in our local park.
Having not played in over 18 months, we caught loads of new Pokemon from the Johto and Hoenn regions, which had all been added to the game. As a result, we levelled up with a few days of starting to re-playing.
In the time whilst we stop playing numerous additions had been added. The game now included research tasks, raids and community days. So there seemed to be a lot more ways to “catch them all”. I spend a lot of the first week, reading up online about all the new additions to the game. What was the difference between field research and special research? How to raid? What is a ‘shiny’ Pokemon and why do I need them?
Pokemon Go Gifts
Although we haven’t been exploring London parks this summer. We have been playing every day. I tend to go for a walk to our local park at lunchtime and then for a long walk with Jason in the evening. One of the first weekends we played was the ‘Squirtle Community Day.’ We spend several hours walking along the river, trying to catch a shiny Squirtle or one with sunglasses. I love getting out and walking every day, guaranteeing to hit my 10,000 steps. Rather than just spend the evening at home watching TV.
Raids!
One of the biggest changes to the game has been the introduction of raids. Randomly, a Raid Boss will take over a local gym and trainer have to work together to take down the Raid Boss. The Raids are tiered, with level one raids being able to complete by one person. However, Level 5 tiers need seven or more players to compete. With this in mind, you need to have a large group of players locally to take advantage of this features.
Jason managed to find a west London group via Discord and we joined them for a few raids. A member of the group also invited us to a group based in our actual area. So instead of just going for Poke-walks after work, we are now joining the raiding parties to get the more powerful Pokemon.
Moltres Day
This past weekend, was a special raiding event, “Moltres Day.” Our group would be meeting in the morning at a nearby underground station. And whilst we were expecting a larger group, than what was had been playing with. We were amazed to discover nearly 50 players. We divided up into teams (based on our Team within the game) and set of touring all the local gyms!
The plan was to hit 18 gyms in the area in the three hour period. However, Jason and I only had raid passes for eight raids. There seemed to be a lot of server issues on the day and so we called it quits after 90 minutes. However, I did manage to get a 100% IV Shiny Moltres so I was very happy.
Did you use to play Pokemon Go?
Do you still play?
Are you part of a Raiding group?
I’d love to hear in the comments below.
I have been awful this year at writing about my geeky adventures in London. As a result, I have a hard drive filled with photos from my trips and have never added them to the blog. A classic example of this is the DC Exhibition: Dawn of the Superheroes at the O2. I took over 350 photos on the day and am only now getting around to editing them. The exhibition is about to close, but if you didn’t get a chance to attend here are some of my highlights.
DC Exhibition: Dawn of the Superheroes
Even though the description of the exhibition is at DC-based. It seems mainly to be about the DC comics and movies. There is no mention of the recent Arrowverse television programmes or Gotham. The majority of the exhibit focuses on the main trinity from the DC comics, Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.
The first section is devoted to Superman with the Richard Donner movies from the 1980’s. Up to the Zack Synder movies from the World of DC. As well as the original artwork from the comics and outfits from the movies. There is also some interesting concept artwork from the movies and the Superman Lives movie that never was.
The next section Batman, from the 1960’s television programme and the movies from the last three decades. This area also has an interesting collection of memorabilia from the Rogue Gallery of Gotham. The Catwoman & Penguin costumes from Batman Returns, most impressively in this area is the section devoted to The Joker.
Being a fan of the Bat-family, I was a little disappointed with the lack of presences in the exhibition. Robin and Batgirl’s outfits from the awful Batman and Robin movie are on display. There are a few panels from several storylines include Stephine Brown brief stint as Robin. Yet, there is no mention of the different Robins or Nightwing.
Next again, mainly based from the World of DC movies is a section on the Suicide Squad. This is one of few areas that also mentions the DC animation series, with a few cells from the introduction of Harley Quinn. Whilst, there is a small section on the Justice League. It again is mainly focused from the World of DC character, with little mention of Green Arrow or Green Lantern. In fact, they completely ignore the Green Lantern movie altogether.
The Wonder Woman section is smaller than her male counterparts, yet features both Linda Carter and Gal Gabot’s costumes. Perhaps most interestingly in this area was seeing the changing design of Wonder Woman’s outfit over the years. Little things like changing her gladiator sandals to more practical boots.
All in all, it was an interesting collection of artwork from DC! I would have liked to see some attention to other popular villains like Brainiac or Hush. I understand why they focused on the ones from the movies. However, I still would have liked more attention to the Bat-Family or Teen Titans.
