Women's Support Network

In conjunction with Brandlady.com The Woolly Mother is helping to spread the word about the online Women's Wellbeing magazine.

Brandlady.com is a well-respected publication for supporting and empowering all women around the world. It is creating a network of women from all walks of life to help and support those in need or not so fortunate. There are many thousands of women who desperately need extra support to help give them courage to either move on, face another day, work through an illness or constant pain, remove themselves (and/or their children) from abuse, recover from depression. These are just a few areas where words and thoughts can give much needed support.

In light of this, the magazine is currently seeking writers in a number areas, including the art and crafts section - Knitting, Spinning and other handcrafts have a place on the mag. Knitting is one craft that is gradually becoming renowned as a Therapy, (see Stitchlinks.com)and here at The Woolly Mother it is whole-heartedly encouraged. Spinning, Needlework, or any of the handcrafts that supplies are relatively easy and cheap to get hold of could save a life.

With this in mind, anyone who would like to contribute either by telling their story, or adding to the craft or any of the other topics to help fellow women improve or change their life, please email brandlady@gmail.com to register your interest.

I am positive someone, somewhere, will thank you for your words!

         Brand New Scarf Pattern Coming Soon!

            In the process of design is a new lacy and lightweight scarf pattern for any occasion.

             Check our Knitters Den regularly for more knitting patterns.

Handspun Corridale/Alpaca Cardigan in the Making

Seems I am not very prolific on my blog at the moment - much of my time is being taken up with my online women's wellbeing magazine Brandlady.com. I have been updating and streamlining the article submission area to make it easier for writers to submit their work. And also adding a few things to the magazine.

One addition is "In the News" which is being hosted by Clare Hudd of A Krafty Catch. She will report on items of interest specifically relating to women, the new "Army Couture" currently taking pride of place.

On the knitting front, I'm still awaiting delivery of my knitting needles. Having discovered I needed the 5-set DNP's for the socks I am planning, and not the usual 4-set, and of course finding nothing in town, I proceeded with haste to Ebay where of course I found what I was looking for and duly ordered the item, via Hong Kong. Now it's a waiting game, with impatience running high, and patience running low.

It's weird having no knitting on the go, but I refuse to start anything else or will become sidetracked. This time I'm determined that is not going to happen!

In the meantime, I've been hand-carding and blending more of the corridale and alpaca for the next project, and spinning some along the way. The challenge will be adding the 'slubs'. Slubs in themselves are easy, but these are no ordinary slubs. These slubs are a different colour, in fact they will be of white alpaca, against the 'denim' blue of the main thread. It will be interesting to work, but fun.



The spinning process of hand-carding and blending is a time consuming, but worthwhile one. Starting with the blue base and a small amount of the white alpaca, blended until most of the white is absorbed into the blue corridale.

The resulting colour is a few shades lighter than the original blue, giving a mellow shade that will be enhanced with the planned 'slubs'.

Finally, enough has been carded and prepared for the next lot of bobbins. So far, one and half bobbins in a fine lace-weight thread sits ready for the next stage.

And this is BEFORE the cat decided to sleep on the prepared rolags and squash them again!

From now on, I will make sure the lid is firmly in place!

The 'therapy' is not just in the knitting, but also in the preparation and spinning, providing the atmosphere is relaxed and not all up in the air.

Now, all I need is the time to sit and spin...

Knitting on a 'Go Slow'

Don't know about France being on a go slow with the new retirement age reform, but at this end of the world the knitting side of things is definitely on a go slow. Not from choice however, more from a case of being distracted with other happenings in the household. At least I have one mitten completed and the other well underway.

A bit of domestic news - thank goodness we missed most of the high winds and floods that seem to have found most people down the east coast - only a couple of showers of rain and very little wind.

With kids back at school, its time to get some semblance of order, though it seems a little slow in showing itself. Not for the want of trying, but distractions do seem to find their way into the mix and totally mess things up.

For instance, on Thursday I had it all planned out - edit and publish on Brandlady, one or two blogs on here, a bit of knitting and maybe some spinning if there is time....Noooo, not happening. I ended up dashing into town to find a birthday present for my eldest son and mailing it overnight express to reach him on Friday. It did. But by the time I got back from town, the enthusiasm had disappeared along with most of my day. Never mind, thought I, there is tomorrow. And still no knitting accomplished.

Friday dawns and moves along at a brilliant pace - the publishing happened, along with a little research and even a few rows of the mitten. Now if that could happen every day, I definitely would achieve a few goals.

So, today, I decided I would dedicate myself to 'the mitten'. It worked - for a while, until granddaughter got in on the act and wanted Nana's attention for every little thing. And then pinched my laptop to play on her iGoogle - this little girl is only seven years old mind you.

Oh well - there is always tomorrow...

Knitting for Therapy

Those of us who have been knitting for many years do not think about it as being a therapy, we just carry on regardless. But for newcomers, particularly those with pain or other health problems, knitting can be a lifesaver – literally. The advantages far outweigh any minor disadvantages, like cost of supplies.

When it comes to health, one always, or nearly always, does what is best for yourself. Knitting is proving to be one of the ‘must do’ practical self-help therapies. Besides which, once started, it becomes very addictive with some, if they can, moving on to dyeing their own yarn or spinning their own wool.

Not to get sidetracked – research is currently being undertaken as to how knitting has therapeutic advantages.

Picture left: Sick children from Bellevue Hospital New York knitting and weaving. ca. 1920-1925


Betsan Corkhill, a senior physiotherapist, and founder of Stitchlinks.com, became interested in the effects of knitting on pain, memory, depression and post traumatic stress when she was editor for a knitting magazine. She decided to look into it further and is now working in conjunction with five universities in the United Kingdom researching the effect knitting has on brain patterns, dementia, pain management and depression to name just a few health issues it may assist to minimise.

Knitting also has other advantages in helping people come together, it transmutes languages barriers, helps quieten children and can reduce stress in the workplace.

More research needs to be undertaken to map the changes of brain patterns as to how the therapy re-generates and grows healthy brain cells. Some of the benefits are listed below. If even one of these apply to you, then the whole business is worthwhile:

* Helps alleviate pain
* Assists in gaining control over you life
* Improves hand movement
* Helps break addictions
* Stimulates brain patterns by using visualisation
* Creates a sense of belonging (in a group)
* Gives back the lost identity and self-confidence
* Creates positive thinking
* Improves memory through remembering stitches, patterns, etc
* It can teach goal setting and planning, anticipation and excitement that can all be lost through continual pain and illness
* Compliment medical treatments by occupying the mind and keeping it busy
* Reduce stress in the workplace
* Quiets over-active or violent children

There are many more positive aspects that can be added but these create a starting point.

While knitters do not normally think ‘therapy’, looking at myself over the years I can see where it has helped me during difficult times and one instance in particular comes to mind when I was staying with friends and I felt ‘compelled’ to knit, so I borrowed a pair of needles and some wool and started knitting. I did not think too much about it at the time, but looking back it did remove the stress and relax my whole being.

Betsan is currently looking for funding for research studies to:

* Explore the Effects of Knitting on Memory Scan, Memory Recall and on Local versus Global Attention.

* Knitting and the Knitting Group as a Complex Intervention for the Management of Chronic Pain – a feasibility study for a definitive trial.

* A Brain Imaging Study of Knitters - Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics Reading.

For more information visit Stitchlinks www.stitchlinks.com

In the meantime, try it for yourself – knitting is an ancient, timeless craft and is achievable by all age groups, girls and boys, women and men.

But be warned – Knitting is Very addictive! So it might pay to ensure there is a well-prepared empty cupboard for all the yarn that will become your ‘stash’!


More websites where you can find support and friendship:

Crafting with Pain on Ravelry www.ravelry.com/crafting-with-pain

Fibromyalgia www.ravelry.com/fibro-froggers

iKnit www.iknitlinks.org

Multicoloured Knitting Yarns

Shopping should be banned! It's the most time-wasting, no-entity there is on this planet. Whoever says they like shopping, food shopping that is, ought to be banished to Mars.

After the weekly drudge of trawling through the supermarket, waiting in loooong queues at the checkout, then having to drag the bags into the car, I think we all deserve the best glass of wine there is to offer. Plus it takes us away from the most important occupation - Knitting.

And talking about knitting, the 'quick scarf' I started last week is finished. A little disappointing and annoying as whoever was at the winding machine in the factory to create the balls of the yarn decided that a fast colour change was the flavour of the day. Hmmmm...

This particular acrylic boucle goes through colour changes and melds beautifully from one colour to the next, until I come to about three-quarters of the way through the ball. Here, someone decided it might be nice to have a change of pace and instead of the 100gram ball being one continuous length, the golden brown was suddenly changed to a bright blue. Ouch! Needless to say, I am not impressed.

It has in fact spoilt the whole look of the piece. As this happened near the end of the ball, I managed to manouver the colours to blend a little, using the purple against the brown, following through with the blue, then the rest of the purple flowing into red. The colour changes still 'stand out' too much.

The moral of the story? Beware when buying 100gram balls of blended-coloured yarn. Maybe buy two balls, just in case and you need to blend the colours yourself.

Anyone for Continental Knitting?

It's definitely a learning curve. Using the wool in the wrong hand, holding the needles differently - its like driving on the wrong side of the road, in the wrong side of the car...

But, it doesn't take long to pick it up. This afternoon is the first time I have attempted left-handed knitting - even though I am a left-handed person - and after a few stumbles for an hour or so, I had it. Now I just have to keep it. That means practicing, regularly. Well, I am knitting a plain garter stitch scarf as well as the lacy one, so that will be a good opportunity to get in plenty of practice.

Oh dear, I don't seem to have any excuses not to practice...

I am quite surprised how easy continental knitting is once you get the hang of it. I'm by no means fast yet, too soon, and I still 'loose the wool' by the tension slacking off, but I'm getting the hang of it.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube of varying lengths for 'hands-on' tuition. Even with Continental knitting there are a few techniques. Some hold the wool wrapped around the little finger and over the forefinger, others double wrap the wool just around the forefinger, some hold the forefinger away from the needle when knitting the stitches, or it can be held close and 'pick' the yarn directly off the finger. These are just a few techniques, there are more.

I'm still working out which way is the best for me. Whichever way you find suits you is the right way - for you.

Caramelised Banana Pancrepes for Breakfast - Pure Decadence

It was one of those typical Sunday mornings - slow. A couple of cuppas, computer catchup was nicely underway - and then it came to a stop.

A request for French toast by my granddaughter for her breakfast suddenly cut through the equilibrium.

Oh dear. Amazing how one little seven year old can totally change the whole course of a Sunday morning...

Nana looked at her and, of course, received one of those 'sweet and cute' looks that are so hard for any Nana to refuse.

So, I duly complied, and the French toast was cooked. It was then requested to have it with icing sugar sprinkled on top. Hmmmm... sugar this time of the morning???? Oh well...

And seeing as I had already started, I thought I might as well carry on. Nana fancied pancakes. But, not just your ordinary pancakes - special ones. Caramelised banana pancakes to be exact, or pancrepes as we call them in this house.

The Reason? I say they are pancakes, and daughter says they are crepes so we created pancrepes. It works well alleviates any squibbles - mostly.

Anyway, I cooked the pancrepes, caramel sauce and bananas and called a very surprised daughter for breakfast. She wasn't expecting that one. We both pigged out, and Rhi managed to get through one and a half - even after her French toast; no idea where she put it, probably squished down into her toes...

Now, to any other Nana's out there who like caramel, bananas and pancakes, I totally recommend trying this for breakfast - or as an afternoon treat, or as a dessert, or as a midnight snack. Anytime is a good time...

It literally is Pure Decadence.

And on top of that, it has to come with a perfect pot of Earl Grey... which I will make sure happens next time.

Maybe I might just have to make some more - just to try that out...

The Banana Cake and Nana

And it came to pass that it was said unto Nana by daughter, "Go forth and make a banana cake". With a number of over-ripe bananas in the fruit bowl it seemed like a good idea at the time. So, Nana duly went forth and proceeded to the kitchen to make the banana cake.

Now, considering that at the moment in this furnished accommodation, there is no modern contraption to use, i.e. an electric mixer, Nana has to make it all by hand.

Then it comes to technology. One microwave. Thank goodness for that! Well, at least it softens the butter enough to cream with the sugar, and saves a tremendous amount of hand work - and pure butter, not one of these mixed 'blends' with all sorts of rubbish in them. It works beautifully - just the right length of time to soften enough to add the sugar and beat to a cream - with a fork! Oh dear...

All of this hard work deserves something... Hmmmm - a coffee to accompany while mixing I think...

The rest of the process follows smoothly. Four large ripe bananas, squished. In they go. Milk and soda in next, then fold in the flour.

Coool, this is the good bit. Why? Because its nearly ready to pop into the oven. An extra couple of layers of baking paper lines the bottom of the tin - hopefully, it works. This oven tends to cook hot and burns - very good for the unwary cook, who would have no idea and think she, or he, has done something wrong.

Now for the 'in waiting' period. Aaaaah, another cuppa - what an excellent idea! Pity there's no cake to go with that.

It coming...

And when it did come - out of the oven that is - I had to fight off it being eaten while still hot - with butter!

Finally, it was cool enough to add the lemon icing, and no sooner that was done, daughter was into it.

And Nana said, "I'm on strike!" ... Your turn...

Tribute to Yankee

Yankee was a friend's beautiful German Shepherd. He lived a good life and was dearly loved. I house-sat for him a few times and he was always ready to please. As he grew older, he became deaf making it hard for him to know what was happening around him.

                                      ANDACHT ALPHA YANKEE

                                                       “YANKEE”


                               28th September 1997 – 24th August 2010

Treadle Spinning Wheel V Electric Spinner

When it comes to choice of spinning wheel, there are many factors to take into consideration before you purchase. With dozens of wheels to choose from, it can be a difficult decision. The spinning wheel you choose depends on a number of factors.

What are you wanting the wheel to achieve? This will decide whether you buy a treadle wheel, upright, traditional, portable, or an electric spinner.

Do you want relaxing spinning, production spinning, or to enable the continuation of spinning with some kind of physical impairment?

Spinning wheels differ greatly in their action, some being very easy to use while others require more attention. As rule of thumb, a spinning wheel with a bigger wheel diameter is easier to treadle with less effort than a smaller wheel diameter, while the electric spinner requires no treadling at all. Wheels are no longer cheap to buy, some running to many hundreds of dollars therefore careful choice, and road-testing (where possible) is essential.

For fast or production spinning the electric spinner is at the top of the list. All one has to do is set the speed of the whorl and feed the carded wool into the orifice. It will keep turning until you switch it off. Not having to treadle, fast production will ensue though it needs careful tensioning as some electric spinners can tend to 'over spin'. The plus side is that a very even yarn can be achieved in a relatively short space of time. The speed can be increased or decreased by the twist of the button, although this will take one hand away from the drafting of the wool. A foot pedal option is available for on/off functions.

By its very nature, a treadle spinning wheel is slower than the electric spinner, even though the whorl can be travelling at the same speed. Just having to treadle will make a difference, but that can be a plus. A treadle spinning wheel can be better utilised by using your foot to dictate the speed it travels. When creating fancy yarns, it is essential to have total control of your wheel to enable the even distribution of twists to the yarn. Some of the smaller wheel diameter spinning wheels are good for spinning fine yarn, while others with larger wheel diameter are better suited to the heavier wools. Choices between the ‘upright’ wheel or a ‘traditional’ wheel are personal. If, for instance one has foot, leg or back problems, using an upright wheel is easier as one can sit evenly in front of the wheel and use either foot for treadling. A traditional wheel dictates the right foot must be used or one will sit twisted if trying to use the left foot to treadle.

I have three spinning wheels, and each spins very differently.


My Little Peggy was bought in the early 1980's when I was living in New Zealand. It is an excellent spinning wheel and spins fine yarn easily.  The treadling action is smooth, although with the smaller 14" wheel, treadling is not as easy as with a bigger 18" or 20" wheel, having to 'treadle' more to achieve the same output. It's structure is solid with excellent workmanship, well balanced and pleasant to the eye. This wheel is small enough to take with you to spinning events. For lace and fine threads, a spinning wheel with a smaller diameter is more suitable than a large one. It has a range of ratios making it very flexible.

Although Rappard is no longer producing these wheels, they are still very much sought after. Mine is safely tucked away, though in need of a little 'refurbishment' due to tropical conditions and damage to the finish.

The Ashford Traveller, although still an upright, has a much larger wheel than the little peggy. This wheel spins a good yarn but is more suited to normal to heavier yarn such as 4ply, double knit and bulky. It does not like the fine yarn plying and tends to vibrate when treadling fast, making it noisy and uncomfortable to use. My wheel has a double treadle, but its possible to use just one and not both - I spin with my left foot only due to leg damage in a car accident many years ago and it works very well. If treadling becomes too much work, the electric spinner is another option.

Because of the characteristics of vertical upright and horizontal traditional, I would have to sit twisted if using my left foot on a traditional wheel, hence my preferred use of the upright wheel.

Compare this with the electric spinner...


The Roberta is an excellent example of the electric spinner and quite popular, although at the top of the price range. It spins efficiently, evenly, is fast and easy to use. I enjoy this spinner when I don’t feel like having to treadle, but on the other hand it does need an electric outlet if I take it with me to spinning events.The finish is superb and it runs like a dream once it's 'broken in'. As this wheel has bearings it doesn't need oiling, but when new it has to be worn in through letting leaving it turned on and the flyer going for a while. And a little on the flyer does help at times. The bobbins need to be worn in, then it should not 'pull' the fibre out of your hands. If it does, something needs adjusting or out of alignment - as happened with mine. I sent it back and was told it had not been put together correctly. So, the spinner was duly re-aligned, free of charge, and now it works beautifully.

A new 'mini spinner' is now on the market and is worth a tryout. There are many brands of electric spinners and spinning wheels on the market and personal preference, as well as price, will dictate the model bought.

Treadle V Electric spinner - whichever spinner you choose, it will give many hours of pleasurable spinning.

Happy spinning!

Tour de Fleece

For those who think I have gone totally balmy talking about a 'Tour de Fleece' - no, I haven't.

The Tour de Fleece is a spinning competition that runs alongside the Tour de France, and this year started on 4th July and ending on the 25th July, with the same rest days in between. The idea of the competition is to give yourself a goal with spinning, whether it be just sitting for longer at your wheel, creating a new designer thread, spinning that kilo of fleece you've been putting off, or sitting and watching the Tour de France and spinning at the same time. Prizes were awarded in different areas of spinning at the end of the competition.

For me, to sit and spin at the same time as watching the Tour de France, it was late at night as France is a long way from Australia and the time zone is hours apart - but it was fun and it did happen...


Those who enter the Tour de Fleece, and there ended up being about two and half thousand members on that Ravelry forum, it was be an exciting three weeks. All the more so if you live in France somewhere along the tour route. Weather permitting, spinning could be undertaken on the side of the road as the cyclists pass - now That would be different and something to keep in mind should I have the opportunity to be in France at that time.

Somehow, I've ended up as team leader and as I'd never entered an event like this, or led a team before, it was a first for me and thoroughly enjoyed taking part. The Tour de Fleece has been going for a few years and seems to be growing each year. Spinning is becoming more popular and in France especially, its entered a 're-birth' as more people are again starting to spin.

It is truly an International Event in the crafting world, with some amazing results. Spinners from all parts of the globe took part, making friends, challenging themselves, and winning lots of lovely prizes.

Whether you spin on a wheel or a spindle, the fun is taking part and setting yourself your own goals for Le Tour. The colours, textures, amounts, the dyeing, the fleeces, it all adds up to one huge event. It must be the only event in the world where so many people get together and work for a common goal. Even the Olympics doesn't get this much coverage - most people cannot 'take part' in that event, only watch.

One of the best parts of this competition is the making of new friends, in all parts of the world. I am a member of quite a few groups on Ravelry, but one group in particular has caught my attention - Spinners of France. Maybe because I love that country, and its people, that I have become somewhat addicted to learning French for when I am over that way. Its a beautiful country, and now the art of spinning is in 're-birth' with hundreds of women, and probably some men, taking up the Wheel and spindle again.

Next they will need to look at their wool production, for use other than filling mattresses, creating roofing batts with the fibre or burning it as is happening with most of the fibre now. Sheep grown for their meat are the main animals and they do not create spinning fibre; their wool is coarse and no good for spinning so basically, a new industry will need to spring up for the spinners. Italy and Spain have the merino, the UK has many different breeds of sheep, and in time, France will follow suit. There are already a few small-holding farmers who tend the spinners market, and that is set to grow providing infrastructure is put into place for the industry.

For my part in Le Tour, I spun up some Shetland tops into a lace weight yarn, and when I have completed that, next will be coloured slubby tops that I also acquired at the Berry Wool Muster last weekend.

The original goal was to spin 1kg of fleece or tops into yarn in the three weeks of Le Tour de France, but it was a wee bit of wishful thinking... Other things always seem to get in the way of being able to sit and spin, i.e. eating, sleep, shopping, and other menial tasks that have to be done throughout the day. What a waste of time, when we ought to be spending it spinning!
 

First yarn hot off the bobbin!

To say that trying to spin, and watch Le Tour de France at the same time is challenging is an understatement - looking at two things at once is definitely different - if one looks down at the spinning, you miss anything going on along the road or seeing the magnificent countryside. If you watch the action on tv, you end up with globs of bubbly stuff that isn't meant to happen, running onto your bobbin. This is where we could do with two sets of eyes -  that would make things much easier.
The Tour will at least get me back into spinning mode, I have much to catch up on and once this is finished, will see about some fancy yarns and playing with dyes. That I have been planning to do for a while, and not quite gotten around to it. Now is as good a time as any - any time is a good time for fleece, spinning and dyeing.

Here, downunder in Australia, its dawned beautiful clear but cool days - and the spinning wheel was oiled and ready to go for the next session, which was... Start, of the mountain stage.

Handspun Lace Scarf in Merino/Silk

With a bit of a lag in activity after Le Tour de Fleece, I've managed to get myself back to 'The Blog' and put a few words on paper. Its been a busy time, completing the editing of a manuscript but that is now out of the way and I can concentrate on more important things - like my spinning and knitting.

The Shetland I spun for Le Tour has been stored for later use, I haven't decided on a project for it as yet but I'm sure something will crop up at some stage. The grey matter is already ticking over on that one. With only 250grams, its not really enough for a jumper, but might make a short sleeve summer cardigan...

Oh dear - think I just found a project for it. Whether to dye it or leave it natural white?

The yarn below is a beautiful purple Merino/Silk, which I've spun up in a medium lace weight. A pattern has been sourced and knitting has commenced.



As I have not used silk yarn as stated on the pattern, I decided on using larger needles as the yarn is not as fine, but it's still knitting up very nicely.






At the same time, I am also working on a cardigan for my daughter. The blue dyed sliver is to be blended with alpaca to spin into a fine slubby yarn.



So far, the corridale/alapca blend is spinning up beautifully with the first bobbin nearly complete.  It is a pleasure to spin.
To blend the fibres, I am using hand carders with 2/3rd sliver, 1/3 alpaca and carding until the white is fully blended, giving a 'denim' look to the yarn. One strand will have slubs of white alpaca, emulating the original yarn on the pattern as closely as possible.

In the meantime, the bath-tub has been full of fleece leftover from other projects and washed in preparation for carding.
If that isn't enough, the thought of knitting my granddaughter gloves and beanie is also on the cards...
And if there is any time left over, I will see about a bit of sleep and food here and there...

A Coat of Many Colours - Dog Rescue part 2

Millie looked a sorry sight when she was brought back to my daughter's house - her coat was very matted, hair falling into her eyes and the longest eye lashes I've even seen on a dog! She was very unsure and barked at everything. The lady that found her and looked after her brought her back from death's door, spending a lot of time to get her back to health.

After a few days in her new home she is starting to settle down, quite quickly in fact, and is already becoming part of the family.

An appointment was made for her at the Pamper Parlour to clean her up a little, so today she went in a ragamuffin and came out a fluffy little pooch. They had bathed and blow-dried her, trimmed her coat and removed all the tangles, of which it was all matted, cut back the hair on her face, and downsized the toe nails.

With the arrival of the new dog, along came the request 'can you make her a new coat?' So out come the needles and some dyed handspun yarn and I start knitting. After finding a basic pattern on the internet, I customised it by re-sizing and changing the neck shape. I decided on a simple rib to give a bit of extra warmth. It knitted up quickly, and I was surprised at how well the colours blended together. The dyeing of this skein was an experiment and I'm pleased with the result.

The dog coat is a success and looks beautiful on her. Now she is bathed and trimmed, the fluffy pooch is much happier, can see easier and is more mischievous than ever. Hopefully, she will fatten up a little with good food, plenty of love and attention, enough exercise, settle in and become part of the family for a long time to come.

      

One very smart little girl, all snug and warm.

Dog Rescue Industry in Australia

You know when it all gets a bit too much when you cannot find even a few minutes to sit and spin. That's when something has to change. It did, though I'm not sure it will give me more time...

A couple of months ago, an eight month old puppy arrived, a rescue pup actually. Very cute and lovable, and she will become a shadow to my six year old granddaughter. This little girl puppy is a poodle/silky terrier most likely, with more poodle characteristics than silky though she has a crinkly double coat and doesn't miss a trick. Having been 'rescued' only a few months ago by a very nice lady, she is still recovering from her experiences and has a long way to go but is already settling in well and has made herself right at home.

I find it absolutely incredible the huge 'industry' that has sprung up with rescue dogs. One cannot simply visit the pound and find a dog for free or little cost anymore. Its costs around $300-$400 to bring one home. That in itself would put many families, pensioners and older people out of the loop in being able to help rescue a dog - and there are many hundreds of them around Australia. It leaves one wondering what will happen to most of these poor animals that have been deserted, abused, lost or just not cared about.

Then there are the 'foster home' carers that also charge a fortune for the 'rescue' dog. If one takes on foster dog, they do it because they want to help the dog, not because they can make some money out of it. One such case a little while ago, this 'rescue carer' had to find a home for the dog quickly, but she would not let it go to a good home for free, she still wanted $200 for it and would not budge. I expect the dog is still waiting for a new home. On the whole the people who look after these animals do an excellent job, but those who try to profiteer are the ones who will give the whole dog rescue scene a bad name. There are many people who would love to give these animals a good home but simply cannot afford the incredibly high fees that are now being charged.

Its not only rescue dogs that are being exploited. Even dogs that were once classed as 'mongrels' are now being sold for many hundreds of dollars, especially if the puppy was a mistake mating between two 'purebred' dogs. What a rip 0ff! Again, it would be a miracle if many of these dogs found homes.

And it doesn't stop there. When it comes to 'Urgent home' wanted for pets where the owner cannot keep them for whatever reason, the majority are still charging and expecting, and arm and a leg instead of giving them free to a good home.

To those who think charging hundreds of dollars and thinking it will make the prospective home a better one need to think again. Accepting a large payment for a dog does not guarantee that it goes to a good kind home, these people can also abuse the animal - and do.

A house in the neighbourhood had two purebred samoyeds, a breeding pair. These two beautiful dogs were kept in a very small backyard, never taken out of the yard, never exercised, never given any attention, come rain or shine, mud or whatever, two miserable, always barking, very dirty dogs were finally rehomed somewhere else - or at least I hope so. They left the yard and have not come back so hopefully they are happier where they are now to where they were before.

It took quite a while, but my daughter finally found 'Millie' the rescue puppy, the newest member of her household - Free to a Good Home! And what an excellent home she will have. She will be loved and cared for and she didn't cost a cent!

Production Spinning in Afghanistan

Spinning is a world-wide occupation, and still gaining momentum, either as a hobby or as employment. Women working at one yarn production company in Afghanistan are now able to spin with a spinning wheel instead of using a drop spindle. Production of spun yarn has thereby increased. With this new production equipment and the increase in yarn output more women have gained employment and the opportunity to attain a rise in their wages.


Read the full story...
http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/Article.915.aspx

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To be Obese - or Not

With 1.6billion obese people in the world, its little wonder health is deteriorating at an astronomical rate. It’s a 'wake-up' call for civilization—and it had better take notice. This is one issue needing to be addressed immediately, before people loose sight of what they are becoming and take it as ‘normal’ to be obese.

What is Obesity?
Obesity is not just being fat and over-weight, it’s much more than that. It’s also how YOU perceive yourself. If you think ‘fat’ that is what you will become. If you do not think about what you are putting into your body, you can also become obese.
According to the World Health Organisation, there are 1.6billion adults overweight in the world. That figure is projected to increase by about 40% over the next 10 years. Not a good future. A person with a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese, and a BMI equal to, or more than, 25 is considered overweight.

Admittedly, some people have no control over weight gain, especially those on steroid treatments or anyone with body malfunction. But, the rest of us CAN help what we are and what we look like.

Obesity is most likely a result of the ‘modern western diet’ way of eating and living, and lack of exercise. That can be changed. A high carbohydrate diet and lack of exercise leads only to one thing – becoming overweight or even obese. By the time one has taken on board all the ads on television for bread, biscuits, chocolate, pizza, fried chicken, other fast-food commercials, rushing around grabbing the first thing that comes to hand, it’s not surprising there are so many obese people in the world today.

In the end, it all comes down to ‘diet’ – the way we eat and live. Until there is change in the way people ‘think about’ what they put into their bodies, the number of obese people will not reduce.

‘Diet’ – as in a way of eating and not a way of reducing weight, IS the be-all and end-all of common sense. The saying ‘You are what you eat’ is very true. You eat rubbish, and rubbish will cling to you – literally, in the form of fat. The high carb and ‘added’ fat diet only serves to ‘hand around’. Some of course are more susceptible than others, as is the case with everything. Anyone with a slow metabolism and/or sedentary lifestyle the high carb eating is not the way to go as the ‘deposits’ will not burn off, and hence attach themselves to the fat cells in the body.

Being obese not only affects the size of the body, it also affects the whole lifestyle. Fashion clothes are out of the question, getting around becomes very difficult creating a tendency to stay home, except for having to go to work, which in turn raises the question of social activities and making friends. This in turn affects ones self-confidence levels, thus creating a ‘comfort eating’ pattern – and the cycle continues.

What can be done about it? That depends on how you would like to be, think and feel…
The first step is to make the decision that you want to be smaller and loose the weight to become a size that is comfortable to you, be it 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 or whatever. Then look at what you have been eating. A good idea is to write down everything you eat for two weeks – and no cheating. You might get quite a surprise.

To burn off the fat, one does not continue to eat the same as that which put it on in the first place – most likely being a diet high in carbohydrates, fried foods, takeaways, sweets, and alcohol. The science of nutrition is another subject and too complex to go into here but it can be simplified. And to simplify it, cut out all of those foods, increase your protein and eat more vegetables, salads (and not just lettuce, tomato, cucumber but a variety of foods to make it fun to eat, some fruit (many fruits have a higher carb level too), and plenty of water. Another fun way to drink water is using Fruit herbal tea; they can be drunk hot or cold and iced. Both ways are delicious. Fresh vegetable juices are excellent and also health-giving at the same time.

The above is not a ‘diet’ just to loose weight, but a way of living. It’s about making changes, even small ones, to your lifestyle. The weight will come off naturally, without even thinking about it.

It pays to know what you are eating, and if you wish to learn more there are numerous books to assist and courses that can be undertaken, depending on the level of knowledge you wish to acquire.

But above all, it’s about being able to live a long, healthy life – and enjoying the way you are.

It’s about being happy with yourself.

Handspun Cable Jumper

Done! Finito! It's finally completed! Considering the time it eventually took, I'm pleased with the result. The pattern was easy to follow after sorting out the three stitch variations and working the three of them simultaneously to keep track of the  rows in each pattern.

The pattern was easy to follow, especially once I had worked out how to cope with three different patterns, all with different numbers of rows per pattern. The main cable was twenty-four rows, and luckily the other two patterns worked into that number perfectly.

How did I do it?

I used a child's Primary School exercise book with the wide and narrow lines and going between the red lines, set all the pattern out in their multiples. It worked perfectly.

The yarn was a dream to knit - very soft with plenty of spring. Once I had got into the swing of the pattern, it knitted up very quickly.

Very little that went wrong, apart from a couple of times, one when one of the single cables insisted going the opposite way,  the second was when the middle section decided to go walkabout and it too went in the opposite direction so had to be unpicked - somewhere around ten rows before it was noticed. Ouch! But it all turned out fine.

And hopefully, the proud owner of the jumper will have many years of wear - as these handspun jumpers seem to last forever...

Telstra Bigpond - What an Experience!

Have you ever tried to get your internet connected amidst incompetence and inefficiency? If not, then try Telstra Bigpond. You will have the experience of your life.

The charade started a week ago when we moved and contacted Telstra to have the telephone and internet connected.

At the time, we were told they were unsure if there was an actual phone line to the address, but the following morning a technician arrived, found the line and the telephone was connected.

Now starts the saga.

Bigpond internet is supposed to be connected within three working days, and faster if it’s a priority connection.

It all started on the Thursday after the phone was connected. I contacted Bigpond as was told it would be on within a few hours. By mid afternoon I was on the phone again to check progress. By the end of the day, I had spoken to at least six different people, and received as many ‘explanations’ as to why the internet was not working. End of that day.

Next morning, I am on the phone to Telstra Bigpond again, being told that the line people have not completed their end, therefore holding up the net connection. By mid afternoon, and two more Telstra people along the way, I’m now being told that the house address has yet to be confirmed – well that is strange, as the phone has already been connected and it needs a confirmed address for that to happen… Next…

And we still have a long way to go yet…

By Friday afternoon, we had managed to get the coding put onto the line, albeit manually and ‘It will definitely be connected by 5pm this evening’… 5pm arrives – no net. On the phone again and told it will be done by 7pm.  Guess what? On calling the now very familiar phone number, am told it will not be done until Monday morning as all the technicians have gone home – at 5pm!! Huh??

Come Monday morning, here we go again.  11am and still no internet connected. Oh dear, the saga continues.

What, more ‘reasons’… so it seems. The techs at Telstra have not signed off from one person, the coding is not on the line from another, then ‘its stuck and has to be manually moved, and will take twenty-four hours for the line to catch up’ from another.

By this time, I have steam coming out of my ears.

Tuesday morning arrives… no Bigpond internet. Off I go about my daily routine and notice the ADSL light has finally lit up around noon. Aaaaah, we have contact.

Nooooo. Not yet.

There is still the Belkin wireless router to configure.  Now that should be a breeze.

Ummmmm….

Two and half hours later and the modem is still not configured – seems the internet is not accepting the username and password that I have been correctly entering.

Back on the phone to Bigpond, yet again.

And we finally have a person who can seemingly find out what is wrong and why its not connecting.

Wait for it…

The person on the other end informed us that there was something wrong and on checking found that net has locked us out as the incorrect username and password has been entered on the network. Oh boy… more delays. Then am told it will have to go to the help desk and that could take another two days. Not a happy chappy.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. About an hour or so later I noticed the ADSL light on the modem was on so someone must have fixed the problem. Yipeeee

Next comes setting up the wireless modem. A phone call to Belkin support and that is done within about ten minutes. Wow. At least some people and companies know what they are doing and are efficient.

After going through somewhere around fifteen or so people, being pushed from pillar to post and getting nowhere, it seems that the privatisation of Telstra was not such a good thing – it was much better organised and run when it was government owned!

Telstra, Bigpond, ADSL, internet, Belkin, government,

Writing a blog

Writing a blog, or article, for someone who is an editor but not a writer is definitely a challenge. I find it easier being an editor, and running my online women's wellbeing magazine brandlady.com than writing an article. Why?

Often thoughts come to mind for topics to write about, and of course, when I am without pad and pen I can think of a whole section that would be good on paper, and then by the time I have them in my hand, the words are gone. It seems to come so easily to many people and here am I, someone who can spin, design garments, run a magazine, edit a manuscript, yet have so many headaches trying to write.

When it comes to writing about crafts I know, the writing comes easier as will be seen from my other blogs, but to write something of substance is a different matter; one needs to have a passion for the topic to create a good piece of writing that is both readable and informative.

Women's issues, particularly concerning abuse or suppression, is a strong subject with me and any way that I can help support and empower women I will, including write about a topic that I feel strongly about. This is what brandlady.com is all about. Getting the support out to those who need it, enabling and encouraging those women who are abused to recognise what is happening and to remove themselves from the problem. If it can help just one person, then its all worthwhile.

The magazine covers many topics from wellbeing to writing, and most people find something of interest between the pages. As I love knitting and spinning, I tend to add things here and there on those topics as can be seen when reading that area, but there is something for everyone - and it's still growing.

Those who have the gift for writing ought to use it regularly. If the topics are a little extrovert or controversial,  find an outlet that will accept them. If you are able to write a book - do it. Don't put it off, sit down and put that pen to paper, or fingers to the keyboard, and start writing.

All in all, writing is an excellent way to express yourself, get your words out to the world, and most of all, have fun doing it.

Property Managers - Can You Trust Them?

If you can avoid having to rent. Do. Its one of the most annoying, soul destroying things one has to go through, and you are often left at the mercy of unethical property managers that either do not do their job properly, or cannot be bothered.

Having experienced both recently, one can only say shame on them. One particular property manager decided to take it upon herself to put information forward and the application was declined without speaking to the previous rental property manager, but saying that she had. Big mistake. This time she got caught out. The story was that the previous property manager gave a bad reference therefore the application was declined. Not true. In fact, the said property manager did not even speak to the previous property manager at all. Upon checking and speaking with the previous property manager, the reference given out was good. Hence, this particular person decided to decline the property through false pretenses.

It goes to show that it pays to check with your previous property manager as to what they may give as a reference if you are declined for a rental property.

There are still some good, ethical property managers out there who do like their job and do it properly. If you can find one, hang on to them, they are worth their weight in gold.

Living with Alpacas

Alpacas are one of the most adorable farm animals you will ever come across. They are environmentally friendly, meaning their feet do not damage the ground, they eat only the tips of the grass and not pull it out at the root, they're easy to train and love being around children. Being easy to halter train gives children the opportunity to lead them around and be up close and personal with them. If you only have a few of them, and because of their nature, they tend to become part if the family and will follow you around, nuzzling your hands for that extra bit of feed.

My experience with these animals started back in the mid 90's when I had a few in North Queensland, Australia. Not having owned livestock before, I found it enlightening as to their behaviour between themselves and with humans. They are very careful when around people so as not to hurt anyone, but can also become quite antsy with their fellow herd members.

Back in the 90's, the Alpaca industry in Australia was very new, many vets had no knowledge of the animals so it was hit and miss as to how they treated them. I lost two because of this reason, as one of my Alpacas was pregnant and about to give birth but because of lack of knowledge by the vet, both died. Since then, the industry has grown tremendously, there is more expertise on handling and managing the animals, and prices have come down considerably making it more affordable for people to obtain and breed these delightful creatures.

When first thinking about buying an alpaca, bear in mind that you will need to buy two - Alpacas are herd animals and one on its own will fret, they need company therefore two is the minimum ownership. As they do not test fencing, it makes the job of keeping them in much easier - normal sheep fencing does the job quite well. Never use barbed wire as this will tangle in their fleece and can damage them.

One thing Alapcas do love is Lucerne - they will keep eating as much as you give them. I used to keep this feed for special feeding times, as with the grain mix I used to hand feed them every day.

North Queensland is known for its humidity and that is one thing Alpacas cannot handle, so twice a day in the summer season, you would observe my 'pacas' standing spread-legged with me hosing their bellies. They loved it and would stand still indefinitely allowing me to hose them down and cool them off. The bald area of the belly is the one place where heat can escape.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of alpacas are their 'cria' - the babies. The word cute barely measures up to the adorable character and antics these babies get up to. Like most animal babies, they run, jump, frollick and get into all sorts of mischief - as alpacas are highly intelligent, it makes for an interesting exercise watching these cria learn about the world around them.

One word of warning - alpacas are totally addictive. Once seen, never forgotten. They will permeate your life, weedle their way into your thoughts and constantly remind you they are around. Especially at night, if they see something that disturbs them, a high-pitched squeal emanates from these usually quiet animals, sounding like nothing you have ever heard before, and leaving one wondering what on earth created that noise.

If you are intending to create a breeding herd, genetics are all important, and good bloodlines cannot be beaten. Research is necessary to learn about the founding stock, who were to best breeders, and follow those lines to obtain alpacas with some of the best genetics of the industry. There are twenty-two colours of alpaca, and many shades inbetween, so its personal choice as to a coloured or white herd. I feel a mix is the best approach, that way there will be natural colours for spinning, and also white fleece for dyeing. Caution needs to be taken when examining the animal and fleece for purchase. A soft, dense, crimpy fleece will always outweigh a shaggy, coarse-haired animal unless you are looking at the fleece for rug making.

In conclusion, the alapca is a good all-rounder on the farm. Stable, easy to handle, a small eater, good watchdog, good with children, and best of all they produce the best fibre in the world. Have fun.

Latest Project - Knitted Cable Jumper

As its impossible for me not to knit or spin, I decided to create a jumper for my partner. But, not being satisfied with simple stocking stitch, I thought I would create something a little different - A V-neck long-sleeve jumper with cables and pattern front and back.

The fleece is a pale grey and spun as double knit. Then came the patterns - a trip to the library and I came back with at least three books of stitch designs. After much procrastinating I decided on a wide cable - Twisted and Crossed Cable, narrow four stitch cable and a middle block Little Cable Fabric , which I  scanned separately into photoshop (see pic left) then I created into one design to see what it would look like.

Next came the tension square, which was trial and error as I discovered the pattern pulled the work in enough to make a difference, so had to allow extra stitches to compensate for this. After starting the back and working about ten centimeters I saw that it was not wide enough, so the lot was unpicked and restarted. Once the process was computed into the brain, the patterns were easy to work and each pattern was divisable into twenty-four rows (twisted and crossed cable) so had the number of rows for each pattern written down to be crossed off as each row was knitted. The system worked brilliantly.

Throughout the knitting there were only two occasions when I 'mis-knitted' the pattern and had to unpick a number of rows. Apart from that the progress was smooth, if a little slow due to other circumstances getting in the way. I chose to use a book with 'Master Patterns' to save time - Teach Yourself Visually - Knitting Design. A very good book for all sizes from baby to extra large, with variations on neck design, sleeve tops, and body shape. This book I would recommend for beginner or experienced knitters to use.

The jumper is nearly finished and I will post a picture of it when its complete. The object of the exercise has been achieved - a unique garment, the only one of its design in the world.

The next project?  A scarf and beanie for my grand daughter. She chose the wool and colours - white scarf, black beanie. Hmmmm... that will be interesting.

Dyeing Wool with Food Colouring

There is nothing quite like experimenting with new ways of doing something.

I recently promised a new baby blanket to a member of the family; they are having their first baby early December. She asked for a green blanket as they chose not to know the sex of the child before birth.

When I realised what I had promised, the thought patterns went into action… Not liking commercial wool too much, and being a spinner, I decided to make one – from scratch.

Searching through my fleeces, I found a suitable white one I could dye. That presented another challenge. Not being at home, one cannot use any old dyestuff in other people’s pots.

Again, the thinking cap goes on – How to dye the fleece… Experimentation was the only way.

Having visited a spinning guild open day recently, and coming across some fleece dyed with food colouring, I thought I would give it a go. Nothing to loose.

Off I trip to the local supermarket to buy yellow and blue food colouring. It was a nice surprise to discover they also sold green; now I wouldn’t have to bother about mixing colours to get what I wanted.

Next was a bit of research on the net to check out the formula, knowing that wool normally needs a ‘mordant’ to make the wool hold the dye. Discovery – white vinegar will do the trick.

Armed with ‘Dutch Oven’ size pan, vinegar, food colouring and washed fleece I get started.

First the wool needs to be soaked in water with about 1/4cup of vinegar to 1 litre of water, soak for at least half an hour, and for up to 24 hours.

I managed to last two hours – then it got the better of me!

Next step was to fill the pot with water and added 1 teaspoon of green food colouring, and some of the vinegar water (or add a splash of vinegar straight from the bottle). That will ensure the dye will grip into the wool. I added enough fleece so it wasn’t too crammed and slowly brought it to the boil, then simmered until the wool had soaked up all (or most) of the colour – about 20 minutes. Removed it to the sink and rinsed.

Imagine my delight when the newly dyed green fleece proved to be colourfast – an added bonus.

The pot wasn’t big enough to dye all the fleece in one go, so I repeated the procedure two more times, only this time adding only ½ teaspoon food colouring as the first batch turned out rather vivid! The fleece was then put outside on a towel on the ground to dry.

The next step was to obtain the ‘apple green’ I was looking for. Out comes the remainder of the washed fleece that I had left un-dyed. And out come my hand-carders that I use for blending.

By trial and error, mixing the green and white fleece I finally had the colour I had in mind.

Spinning into yarn is the easy bit. Then to decide whether to knit, crochet or weave the blanket. Knitting it out – it takes too long and becomes very heavy. I decided to weave the blanket, using a ‘weave-it’ square and join the pieces together.

Ummm… the blanket is still in progress, and the baby about to be born. I think I had better get a move on.

I’m sure baby will get lots of use and warm snugly cuddles out of the blanket – if only I can get it finished before the child grows up!

Precious Needlework - Creative Tapestry

If one is looking for a lifetime hobby that is easily portable, Needlework fills the criteria very nicely.

From ancient times to modern day, needlework has played a big role in society. Many pieces of art are still adorning the walls of homes around the world, many hundreds of years after their creation.

Needlework covers aspects of handcrafting from needlepoint, embroidery, bargello, cross-stitch to needle-lace to name just a few. There are many more avenues to be explored. It can be carried around in a bag and stitched in the most unlikely places.

The label ‘Tapestry’, although now mistakenly associated with canvas-work, is better known as being woven on a loom.

From small children to senior adults, needlework satisfies a creative need in many of us. We enjoy the hours spent working the stitches onto the fabric and creating the design in many different colours and threads.

With my own experience of needlework, the first piece of work I recall was a needlecase, worked on canvas in a very simple bargello design. It hung around for many years before finally getting lost amongst life’s busy-ness.

How does one decide which type of needlework to work with? Trial and error. Try different types and see which you enjoy the most, for that one will open up your creativeness. It can be the smallest of incentives that can lead in one direction or another – a picture of a famous work, chatting with someone who kindles an interest, a chance sample to work on comes your way. Whatever the inspiration, go with it, nurture it and learn more about your chosen needlework. And if that one doesn’t quite fit the bill – change it and try another one.

A few years ago I discovered what is called in Australia ‘Creative Tapestry’, the art of creating a 3D picture with different stitches and threads. I completed a ‘beginners course’ to learn the basics, and away I went. Some of the threads include embroidery cotton, pearle, maderia (a shiny thread), medici (fine wool), wool, flower thread (a fine matt cotton), and soft cotton (a thicker matt cotton thread). Then you have the ‘speciality’ threads – hand-dyed, variegated, a blend of two different threads to create a specific look.

The possibilities are endless, only limited by your imagination. What can be created with threads, and hundreds of colours, is incredible.

My first attempted was a mare and foal at dusk. Using Pearle number 8 (thicker), Pearle number 4 (finer) soft cotton, and stranded embroidery cotton, I created a realistic picture. Stitches used were continental stitch, reverse continental, straight stitch, and candlewicking. It’s a very simple ‘plan’ to start with, but as one becomes more experienced, the level of difficulty increases.

With ‘traditional’ tapestry one uses just wool, and follows a chart or pre-printed canvas. Creative Tapestry requires a ‘plan’ to be made. The easiest way to start is to purchase a printed canvas with a fairly simple design. Then sit and look at it. Take in all the colours, shapes, and areas. Create a picture in your mind’s eye of how it will look when stitched with certain threads and stitches, then get to work writing your plan down. You will find you will need many more colours than the traditional stitching as shading comes into the picture, along with many different thread. A colour chart of all the threads is a must, then as you go along write down the colours, as well as the type of thread and stitches to be used.

To be Obese – Or not

With 1.6billion obese people in the world, its little wonder health is deteriorating at an astronomical rate. It’s a 'wake-up' call for civilization—and it had better take notice. This is one issue needing to be addressed immediately, before people loose sight of  what they are becoming and take it as ‘normal’ to be obese.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is not just being fat and over-weight, it’s much more than that. It’s also how YOU perceive yourself. If you think ‘fat’ that is what you will become. If you do not think about what you are putting into your body, you can also become obese.

According to the World Health Organisation, there are 1.6billion adults overweight in the world. That figure is projected to increase by about 40% over the next 10 years. Not a good future. A person with a BMI of  30 or more is considered obese, and a BMI equal to, or more than, 25 is considered overweight.

Admittedly, some people have no control over weight gain, especially those on steroid treatments or anyone with body malfunction. But, the rest of us CAN help what we are and what we look like.

Obesity is most likely a result of the ‘modern western diet’ way of eating and living, and lack of exercise. That can be changed.

A high carbohydrate diet and lack of exercise leads only to one thing – becoming overweight or even obese. By the time one has taken on board all the ads on television for bread, biscuits, chocolate, pizza, fried chicken, other fast-food commercials, rushing around grabbing the first thing that comes to hand, it’s not surprising there are so many obese people in the world today.

In the end, it all comes down to ‘diet’ – the way we eat and live. Until there is change in the way people ‘think about’ what they put into their bodies, the number of obese people will not reduce.

‘Diet’ – as in a way of eating and not a way of reducing weight, IS the be-all and end-all of common sense.  The saying ‘You are what you eat’ is very true. You eat rubbish, and rubbish will cling to you – literally, in the form of fat. The high carb and ‘added’ fat diet only serves to ‘hand around’. Some of course are more susceptible than others, as is the case with everything. Anyone with a slow metabolism and/or sedentary lifestyle the high carb eating is not the way to go as the ‘deposits’ will not burn off, and hence attach themselves to the fat cells in the body.

Being obese not only affects the size of the body, it also affects the whole lifestyle. Fashion clothes are out of the question, getting around becomes very difficult creating a tendency to stay home, except for having to go to work, which in turn raises the question of social activities and making friends. This in turn affects ones self-confidence levels, thus creating a ‘comfort eating’ pattern – and the cycle continues.

What can be done about it? That depends on how you would like to be, think and feel…

The first step is to make the decision that you want to be smaller and loose the weight to become a size that is comfortable to you, be it 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 or whatever. Then look at what you have been eating. A good idea is to write down everything you eat for two weeks – and no cheating. You might get quite a surprise.

To burn off the fat, one does not continue to eat the same as that which put it on in the first place – most likely being a diet high in carbohydrates, fried foods, takeaways, sweets, and alcohol. The science of nutrition is another subject and too complex to go into here but it can be simplified. And to simplify it, cut out all of those foods, increase your protein and eat more vegetables, salads (and not just lettuce, tomato, cucumber but a variety of foods to make it fun to eat, some fruit (many fruits have a higher carb level too),  and plenty of water. Another fun way to drink water is using Fruit herbal tea; they can be drunk hot or cold and iced. Both ways are delicious. Fresh vegetable juices are excellent and also health-giving at the same time.

The above is not a ‘diet’ just to loose weight, but a way of living. It’s about making changes, even small ones, to your lifestyle. The weight will come off naturally, without even thinking about it.

It pays to know what you are eating, and if you wish to learn more there are numerous books to assist and courses that can be undertaken, depending on the level of knowledge you wish to acquire.

But above all, it’s about being able to live a long, healthy life – and enjoying the way you are.

It’s about being happy with yourself.

Afghanistan – Where Men Rule and Women Are Legally Raped

With the latest advent of the law advocating ’legal’ rape against married women, is there such a thing as democracy and women’s rights in Afghanistan. Apparently not, judging by the law that was passed on 27 July 2009 giving men ‘legal’ right to refuse maintenance to their wives if they refuse to be raped. This law is a further demoralisation for women in Afghan society.

If women refuse to be raped, and are harmed or starved in the process, who will feed these mens’ children? Will they pull out the pots and start cooking? I don’t think so, they are far to chauvinistic for that! They deem themselves God. They are in for a big surprise.

Afghanistan, instead of moving forward, is returning to the dark ages with this law. It seems the end of the Taliban reign in 2001 is worth nothing, they are still ruling the country by violence and infiltrating the government. Karazi cannot hope to satisfy them or the clerics until the whole country is back to where it was when the Taliban were in power.

What really is to be achieved by creating an even more abusive society? Are men THAT afraid of women that they have to force them into rape and slavery? Again, it would seem so.

Where in the Afghan constitution does it give men permission to rape their wives? Nowhere. Where in their religion does it give permission to make women slaves? Nowhere. The Afghan constitution states that "the citizens of Afghanistan - whether man or woman- have equal rights and duties before the law". Where are the equal rights with this new ‘law’ that has recently been passed?

• Every 30 minutes, an Afghan woman dies during childbirth
• 87 percent of Afghan women are illiterate
• 30 percent of girls have access to education in Afghanistan
• 1 in every 3 Afghan women experience physical, psychological or sexual violence
• 44 years is the average life expectancy rate for women in Afghanistan
• 70 to 80 percent of women face forced marriages in Afghanistan

(Statistics: Afghanistan online)

Forthcoming election or not, someone has to speak out on this archaic situation. It is about time the donor countries found their guts and stood together to help these women – they deserve it.