Last post for this year.

 So, as this year comes to an end I thought I should do one last post. I don't know what 2022 has in store for us, but am hoping it is much better. Will this virus ever be conquered, or is it something we just have to learn to live with? Wearing a mask in the heat of summer is not easy but if it keeps us safe, then I will keep wearing one.  

One thing I do know, I shall  keep on kntting and keep on reading. I can't stop either of them. Lindisfarne is coming along really well, and I do like the colours I have chosen for it. The first one I did was quite dark in comprison, and this one is nice and light. I can't promise that I won't start more projects than I finish, but, I will try to finish more projects. I also won't promise to not buy more yarn, but I will try to use more from my stash. I also can't promise that I won't get more patterns, but I will try to use more of the ones that I already have.

Reading is something else I enjoy. can't say I have finished every book that I got out of the library, but, I will try to finish more of them. I also need to get out of my comfort zone, and try new authors. Reading groups are great, but down here at the bottom of the world, one can feel just a little isolated. Especially when we don't have access to alot of the authors that others mention. We only have a small library here. 

:ove me a good book

I have just finished reading a really good book. I love those books that keep you reading to the end, just so you can find out what happens, and why. This book kept you guessing for quite some time, as it is written in the first person; so you really don't get a proper 'bead' on the main character - who is also the narrator of the book. The ending was right, and for once I didn't feel let down. Now I want to try this authors other books, it seems he has written a few. Wonder if they will be as good as this one was. 

Been quiet I know

 I've been processing some bad news that we received at work this past week. Our store manager has cancer, and won't be back to the store. It ahs hit several of us pretty bad. On the day we were told, I was okay with the news, felt sad, but not too ovverwhelmed. But, the day we were told that she won't be coming back was not good for me. I spent pretty much the rest of the day fighting back tears. I did try to stay busy, so I didn't thave too much time to think about it. This will be the 6th person fro our store  that has got cancer. Of the other five, only two are still alive. It just makes things a little hard. 

On the knitting front, I am making good progress on the second baby shawl I am knitting for Karen. I am on to the last repeat of the pattern, and only have the twelve rows of the border to do, then it will be finished. I have had a bit of fun wth this pattern.

Tiredness

 How do I stop feeling so tired? I know I don't sleep very well at night, but it is getting beyond a joke. Some nice natural remedy would be great, as I really don't want to go to the doctor and get something to help. Guess I really just need to press on, and hope I do get some sleep at some point in the near future. 

At least I can still do my knitting, and without too many mistakes. I am making a baby shawl in a pattern that is not actually a traditional baby shawl pattern. But, I am loving the way this is working up in the yarn I am using. It is a Lucy Hague pattern that I ahve done once before, and is much easier this time, especially now that I know how to read her charts. After I get this finished, I really need to finish my husbands jersey for next winter. It was supposed to have been ready for this winter, but that has been and gone. It will make for warm knitting in the summer, but that is okay, it really needs to be completed. 

I have so many projects that really need to be completed. One at a time, and I will do my best to not start too many other projects. Maybe I could try finishing two, before starting a new one?  Is that even possible? Only one way to find out, and that is to give it a go. So, this shawl, and my husbands jersey would be two projects. Or, I could finish the lovely green wrap/shawl I am doing for myself. I might go with that, as it is nearer completion than the jersey. And I really love this wrap. Another Lucy Hague pattern that I have done before. This time it is longer, and in 4ply yarn, and in shades of green. Will post a picture of it later. Once I have finished this shawl, which I will post a picture of later. Probably once it is finished.

Some knitting content

 I know, it's been a while since I last wrote something solely devoted to knitting. So many things to write about, so few words to write with. That doesn't really make sense, but it does in my head.

Anyway, I finished a shawl for a friend last week. Now I have to come up with a price for it. She paid for the wool, and the pattern was free. Do I know what to charge her? Not on your life!!!!  I knot because I enjoy it, and I really felt honoured to be asked to knit a shawl for her. I am thinking of asking $200, but it feels too much. I have started a second shawl for Karen, and probably should start thinking of a price for it as well. I will wait and see how it looks when I've done a bit more of the pattern. I am only on to my second repeat of the pattern. Don't know at this point, just how big I will make it. 

I really want to get this, because I am already eyeing up other patterns that I really want to get my needles in to. I got a couple of books out of the library the other day, and they have some really nice patterns in them. I am itching to try a couple of them out, actually, more that a couple of them!! It's not like I really need to start anything else, really. But, hey, I love knitting.

I am tired

I am so tired these days. Every day I have come home from work, and taken painkillers. My back is getting worse, and my hips aren't helping  things either. I don't like aging, it sucks. Living with all this pain is just so very exhausting, both physically and mentally. I truly don't know how much longer I can be doing this job, what with all the heavy lifting that is involved, and how much more is expected of me. I know I can't keep taking these pain killers, they can't be good for me long term. But what else am I to do?

On a brighter note, I finished the first shawl for Karen. Am working on the second shawl, which I changed to a circular one, because I was getting bored with the border of the other one. This one I am now doing is the Old Shale pattern, or Feather and Fan pattern. It has been called both. I am liking it so far, as it is working up fairly quickly, even with 433 stitches on the needles. I'd like to get this finished before Christmas, as I have other knitting that I really want to do. 

Vaccines

 This whole subject is actually very fraught with lots of emotion. I am all for the vaccine, but at the same time, I don't agree with it being forced on people. It is our choice, and we should be free to make that choice without being penalised about whatever choice we make. I am fully vaccinated, and am happy with my decision. I am not so sure about getting the booster, something is telling me to hold off on that for a little while longer. My husband is not vaccinated, and honestly? It worries me, and that is because this virus is hitting the unvaccinated the hardest. I know that getting the vaccine doesn't stop you from getting the virus, no vaccine does that, but it does give you a fighting chance. I totally understand those that can't have the vaccine for health reasons. I totally disagree that they should be punished.

Back to my knitting, much less full of any potentioal backlash. Feel free to disagree with me. This is my opinion, and you are free to have yours, even if it disagrees with mine.

Masks

 The trouble with wearing a mask all day is how tired you feel at the end of it. I know, lots of people have to wear a mask all day, every day, and I take my hat - or mask - off to them. I wear one all day, five days a week, and I usually feel quite tired at the end of the day. Who know breathing fresh polluted air was so important. I don't know how long this mask wearing will go for, I fear it may become the new normal. I do try different masks, to get one that will fit with both my glasses, and my hearing aids. It's not easy to get one that is comfortable. But, I need my glasses, otherwise I end up with a headache after a couple of days of not wearing them, and if I don't have my hearing aids in, then I really don't hear too well. When I take my hearing aids out, it always surprises my just how quiet it goes. 

Anyway, at the moment, masks are the new fashion accessory, and may well be here to stay. I am sure I will get used to them. When I finish work, I tend to not go out very much, simply because I am enjoying the time without a mask on my face. 

Back issues

 I know, this blog was set up for knitting. But, since it is my blog, and nobody seems to be reading it other than me, and if anyone is reading it, they sure aren't commenting. So, I can write what ever I choose. Since I fell on the ice a few years ago, I have had back issues. My back was broken at the time, but nothing was done about it, so now I have to live with the consequences of that. Yesterday, at work, I hurt my back doing something I have done a dozen times before, but this time my back decided it wasn't liking it. All I did was bend a little, and turn to pick up something that had fallen to the floor. I've done that heaps of times before without any issues. So why did my back decide it didn't wanna do that? Of course, that means I can't go to work today, because my back is only just starting to come right, and I know with all the heavy lifting that I do, it would cause more damage. The only good thing about being home is being able to do some more knitting on the two shawls that I am actually being really good at working on. Doing two that have different constructions makes things really interesting. It is going to be interesting to see just how long it takes to finish either shawl.

Knitting, as usual

 No surprise that I am knitting. I am always knitting, when I'm not reading that is. But, I do always have something on the needles. At the moment I am concentrating on two projects. They are both baby shawls, and both are oldish patterns. The interesting thing with both these patterns is they are both worked slightly differently. By that I mean one is worked with the centre first, then you do the edging. The other is the edging worked first, then you do the centre. Both are supposed to be in garter stitch, with lace - of course. But, I have changed one to stocking stitch, and kept the other as garter stitch. Because I have changed the construction just a little, it keeps me interested. I am not totally sure of the yarn amounts that will be needed for both patterns. So, that also makes things interesting.

Drying yarn

 I am not very good at waiting for my yarn to dry so I can get started on my next big project. I bought some Naked Skeinz Merino in the sale. It needs washing, before using, so it is now drying. I know this will be good for the yarn, but gee, it ain't easy. I have printed off the pattern I intend to use this yarn on, so that is all good. Don't bother telling me patience is a virtue!!!  I know it is, but it is a virtue I clearly don't possess. 

In the meantime, I am going to have to settle for doing more on my Threadfall pattern. This is one of MMario's patterns, and it connected to Anne McCaffery's Pern series of books. I loved reading those books, and since I know what Threadfall means, it seemed good to get started on this. I have no idea what the yarn is I am using for this, as it is on a cone that I got from a second-hand shop a few years ago. I do know it is pure wool - I did the burn test. It is working up really well in this pattern. 

Okay, off to do more reading, and knitting.

Sales are dangerous

 Well, some sales are dangerous. Not all of them, but some. Especially yarn sales, especially when you don't really need any more yarn, but really want to cast on something new. Especially when you are stuck at home because of lockdown. Especially you love getting squishy mail. So, I bought some yarn from the Skeinz sale. The first order was for a shawl that I have been asked to make, the second order was because . . . . I like the colour. I may, or may not, have a project in mind for the second order. But, who said I had to have one in mind? I say I am supporting a small business. Not local, as in where I live, but local as in New Zealand. And their yarn is local as well. Sort of. It's not a chain store. Do I sound defensive? 

Back to my knitting. Another baby garment for someone, but this has been sourced from my stash. See, I can be a good girl, sometimes.

Lock down

The trouble with being inlock down is you can all too easily get a little lazy. Or, not so much lazy, as not do a lot. The weather doesn't help, either. I know this is the first day of Spring, so lets hope it is a little warmer than the last few days. I did have big plans on doing another clean up inside, and outside. Neither has been achieved. Maybe now that we have moved to level 3, I might feel more active? Goodness knows the garden sure needs a lot of attention, again. And there is lots of stuff inside that could get even more sorted, but then, what to do with all the rubbish? We can't recycle it at the moment, and most of it can be recycled. I don't want to put it in the rubbish, so it would just build up, not really what I am trying to achieve. I've been trying to imagine I am on leave, as I was supposed to be, but that isn't really working either. Ahh well, just admit, I am feeling lazy, and go with it. Bet once we are back at work, which will be next week, (in time for my leave to finish), I will suddenly feel more active. How typical.

One good thing that has come out of this particular lock down, I have been using more of my stash. Not been buying as much yarn as I did last time; and the yarn I have bought is for a particular project. Still, that being said, I will get more yarn at some point. I've been asked to do some baby knitting, and going through my stash shows I don't really have much in the way of baby wool.  Not saying I will get more of it, though. As I am not sure just how much baby knitting is needed for this particular person, and I am not sure that if it is straight wool, wether it will be taken proper care of. So I need to be looking at a wool/acyrlic mix.

Yet another project

 What does one do when you can't find a pattern to go with a UFO? Why, you cast on another project of course!!!  Well, that is what I do, anyway. In fact, I think I may have accidentally cast on two projects!!!  One  had to start again, because the stitch count was wrong. I don't actually know if anyone has test knitted this project, so this could be lots of fun. The designer of this particular has passed, so there is not anyone, that I know of, that could help if things go all pear shape. I don't think they will, because there is a picture of the project, so that gives me hope. The other one has no picture, so should be fun. These make knitting really interesting, as you really, truly don't actually know if you are doing things right. And you can really call things a design feature. Works for my, anyway.

Losing patterns

 I really need to come up with a better system for keeping patterns and the actual work together. I have found a UFO, and have no idea where the pattern is. I know it is one I printed off the internet a long time ago, at least, I think it is one I printed off the internet. I really do not want to visit the frog pond with this one, because it is done in mohair, and that is very unfriendly to unpicking. I know, I've tried doing that on other things. Wish me luck pairing this up with the correct instructions.

Finished blanket.

 As promised, here is a picture of the finished baby blanket that I mentioned in my last post.

The colours are not so true. It is more shades of purple and pink.

UFO's to WIP's

And then to a finished object.  I said all that time ago when I started this blog that I was going to try to complete some UFO's. Let's be honest, I've not done so well on that front. But, I am happy to report that I have actually got one UFO that is now finished. I will post a picture of it later. This was a baby blanket, that I bought as a kit from Deramores. I did the edgings in a different colour, because I wasn't sure that I had enough of the original yarn to complete all four sides. I like the colour of the border. I don't have a little girl to give this to, so it is going to sit on my couch, with another baby blanket, until someone comes along that needs either of them more than I do.

Weather

 Isn't it interesting how the weather can decide what we do on any given day? I was going to go for a walk after my shower, but it has gotten quite cloudy,and a chill wind is blowing. So, I have decided not to go out in it today. That doesn't mean I will take a longer walk tomorrow, that is not how it works. Not for me, anyway. 

It means I might actually get a little more sorting done today. Although, I have pretty much lost all motivitation for doing that as well. I know I should be doing something productive, but I am really struggling this time round. 

Stupid mistake

 I made a really stupid mistake on Glimfeather. I had completed a whole set of charts, and started the second set before I realised my mistake. I can't believe I was reading the charts totally wrong. Instead of reading all the charts, for some reason I was reading the side chart the same. So instead of doing the cables so they were symmetrical, I was doing them totally wrong. I had to go to the frog pond, which did not make me very happy. So, I had another glass of wine, and started all over again. It is now sitting in the corner, because I have decided I really do not want to see it at the moment. Instead I have cast on a really easy project. I am knitting the Mirror of Erised Cabled Cowl from the book Harry Potter Knitting Magic by Tanis Gray. This is a really easy pattern as I have already said, which is okay by me. It will help me to calm down before I go back to Glimfeather.

I am also reading a book that I have just started. Called Seven Ancient Wonders by Matthew Reilly. I've only just started this book. It is interesting, because since we went into lockdown this time, I am struggling to actually get into a book. It's not like I am short of books to read, I only have a small library here at home. But, I don't know, for some reason, none of them are grabbing me. Does that make any sense? Maybe it's a subconcious reaction to not having any choice. I can't go to the library, and prefer 'real' books to e books. I shall try to stay with this one, I must have bought it because I was interested in reading it, right? I have a few of Matthew Reilly books, so should stick to this one. Of course, if we come out of lockdown soon, I will be racing to the library, and forget all about the ones here at home. Typical.

It is finished

 As promised a picture of the blanket I was working on. It is called Cable Swirl Baby Blanket. Cast in off 740sts takes a long time!!! But I am happy with the result.

Thiscwax a really easy pattern to follow, I much prefer to do cables from charts as you get to see how the cables are leaning.

Reading

 I have said before that I love reading. I get that from my parents, they are both still avid readers. I have just finished a really good book. I made my cry, it made me laugh, I smiled, I felt sad, I felt happy, I felt the loss of the characters, but I also felt their hope. The book is called "The Emporium of Imagination", by Tabitha Bird. It is about grief, loss, love, but it is also about hope. I could really identify with the characters of the book. If you want a really good, read I totally recommend this book. Even if you are grieving, or not letting yourself grieve, then please read this book. It might help. 

Lockdown

So we are in a three day lockdown. I am glad the government kept their promise that if there was even only one case, they would go hard, and go fast. Australia has taught us what happens if you procrastinate about a full lockdown. It may only be one case, but that is all it takes. I have said this before, and I will say it again, we have been here before, and we can do it again. This time isn't as long as last time, so that is a bonus. I feel for Auckland being in full lockdown for longer, but as that is where the current case is, it is understandable. 

At least I have my knitting, nearly finished this Cable Swirl Blanket. Then I might work on husband's jersey, which was supposed to be finished for winter. Well, that didn't happen, might be finished for next winter? I shall do my best. I've actually got two jersey's on the go for him, so need to get both finished for next winter. 

Coffee is also important. Gotta have the coffee!!!  hehehe And if I need anything else, I do have my reading. Got plenty of books to keep me going. There is also Netflix and Neon. So can't really say there is any reason to be bored. Not really, anyway.  

Sore knee

I really am not keen on this getting older business. I have a knee that clearly needs a new home, it is so very sore. Hurts to walk, hurts to stand, hurts to sit. Having sore hips doesn't help, either. My hips are sore because of my knee, It is actually very exhausting trying to pretend that you are all good, and are coping very well. It's when I get home that I really feel the pain, but that is because I have to keep going at work. Today is one of those days that I feel old. Knowing I didn't sleep very well last night because my knee was throbbing, and my hip decided to join in. And don't tell me exercise works. It hurts!!!!! 

One of my UFO's

 Is now becoming a WIP which is good. Even better, this has been on yarn from my stash. I am finally on the last chart, and am up to 640sts on the needle. Hence The reason I can't spread it out.

The picture does no justice to the colours which is actually rather nicer than appear in the picture.

Knitting patterns

 I know no one else if reading this, but that is okay. If there is anyone out there I have a question. When you are following a pattern, and you come across soething that just doesn't follow the rest of the pattern, do you change it to match what your knitting is telling you? I ahve been following a chart, and am most of the way through the pattern now. This last chart has, to me, a very obvious mistake. The written instructions follow the same directions on the chart, but it just doesnot feel right to me. So I have changed it to match what I have been doing throughout the rest of the pattern. I am not sure if I shoudl let the designer of the pattern know about this, or do I just leave it and continue on my merry way. My change looks good, and fits in with the rest of the pattern, whereas the change the designer put in would stand out like a sore thumb.

Truly, if anyone is out there, I really would love your opinion. I don't want to name the pattern just yet, not until I get some feedback, anyway. 

Covid shot

 Well, I have changed the date of my second Covid shot. The health minister has said that it would be good to have the second shot a bit further out from the first shot. So, I have put mine out for another week. I know it is only another week added on, but it means, for me, that if I do have any reaction, then I will have the following week to recover. I go on a weeks leave from the day I get my second shot. 

Meanwhile, I am continuing to do my knitting, reading, and trying to keep warm. It started out quite nice this morning, but has gotten quite cold now.  I had my three month blood test this morning. Don't have to worry about that, which is really good. The heated throw that I bought has been wonderful. For some reason, the cat has decided that she no longer likes it. That's okay by me, her loss, my gain. I actually have it on at the  moment, and it is so nice!!!

Not been watching as much Netflix as I thought I might. There are lots of shows I might try, but it is taking time to check them out. I've added a few to my list, but whether I keep them on said list, only time will tell.

Reading

I am a reader always have a book on the go, a bit like my knitting. I went to the library a couple of days ago, and got a book by Ngaio Marsh. I had forgotten just how good she is for quick reading. I am actually trying to expand my reading to other books, and not stick to the same authors. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy reading certain authors, but it is nice to try someone new. Sometimes, I feel like I am in too much of a rut with my reading, and that is why I like to try someone new. It's a bit like shows I like to watch, I like to try different genres of shows. Not all work out, but hey, you don't know if you don't try them. 

Knitting can be a bit like that. We can get a little stuck on the same things wthat we already know, and scare ourselves that we won't be able to do the pattern. But when you think about it, they really are only done with knit and purl stitches. If you can knit and purl, then really, you can do most any pattern. Of course, it wont be easy, and some of it is scary. I haven't been brave enough to try fair isle yet, but do intend to give it a try. The idea of steeking still scares me, even though I have actually don it - but only once. I still don't understand why you need to cut your knitting, but I am willing to give it a try.

WIPS and UFO's

I said when I started this blog that I was going to try to finish some WIP'S and UFO's. I am not doing very well on that score. There are just too many patterns I must try out. Some of them come off the needles, others just languish in the background. I even am trying to get the oldest UFO complete that I posted about a few days ago. But I am already getting bored with it!!!  How bad is that. I've seen another pattern that I just must start. This one has cables, and looks really nice. The good news is, I will be using stash, the bad? HMM...another potential UFO? Not sure if it will, because it is interesting enough to keep me going. Let us see how this one pans out shall we. Onwards, and upwards.

A very old UFO

 I am trying to get this off the needles. I have actually had it going for a number of years. I lost it at some point, then totally ripped it out because of too many mistakes. Now I have decided it is time it got finished. I don't even know if you can get the pattern anymore.

It is called Simple Elegance, by Debra Chin, and I actually don't know the yarn. It is called Infinity by South West Trading Company. You use two cones, with the two held together. 

Now to see if I can upload the photo.

Yay, it seems to have worked. Not a very big picture, though.

Covid shot

 So, I have had my first Covid shot. Other than a sore arm, everything is okay. I was told you could have a slight headache, and other aches and pains; but, since I am normally in some sort of pain, it won't really be much different. I go back on the 21st of August for my second shot. At least I have the first one out of the way.

My back is still a little sore, so will be trying to take it easy at work today. It isn't 100% yet, just getting there. At least I am able to walk better than I could on Thursday.

Right, gotta go get ready for work. Hope it is a bit busier that it has been lately. I am not going to be doing any stock movement, especially with my back like it is. Wish me luck.

Bad back

 I know no one reads this except me, but that is okay. Good thing I am not doing this for other people. To be honest, I actually don't know why I bother keeping it going. But there you are, I am.

Today has been really hard, as I hurt my back in the morning at work. I made it through the whole day, barely able to walk now, but I did it. Hoping the next two days off will help my back to heal even a little. I can't bend down to pick anything up, so if it falls to the floor, there it will stay. So, my plans for doing some gardening might just have to go on the back burner. I do not need to injure this any more than it already is.

Washing

I love the smell of washing that has been hung outside to dry, or even to just air. It has a fresh smell. I don't like having to hang it when it is really cold, and you need gloves while doing so, but I will do it. I have a dryer, that doesn't really get used very much. But I know it is there when I need it. Today was one of those days. Hanging the washing in the cold, but sunny. We have had so much rain lately it is good to take advantage of the good weather while we have it. More rain is predicted over the next couple of days. At least I will know the woolens have had a good airing, rather than another wash.  

Sore neck

 So, I have a muscle in my neck that is playing up and causing a bad headache. I have been trying to fix this all week, but today it has actually gotten the better of me. Waking up wiath a migraine because of my neck is no fun. We can't fine the lovely heat pad I usually use on my neck to help with this, so I am not sure what I can use. We do have one, but I an't use it because it has lavender in it, and I can't have lavender around me, it triggers my asthma. Som I need to find some way to help this. I don't really want to take any drugs, as that is not really curing the muscle thing. Ahh well, I guess it could give me more time for knitting.

Not sleeping

I must say, I don't like this not being able to have a full nights sleep. I have been awake since 3am, so have given up and got up. It isn't very late, but I guess I may well get rather tired later today. 

It has rained all night, which I usually find a soothing sound. Still raining in fact. It is an inside day, which is good for me as I have some books to read and some knitting to do.  I have started casting on Kirriemuir for myself. I hope the pattern goes okay in the yarn I have picked out for it. I actually don't honestly know what the yarn is, it is on a cone, and had been in my stash for a number of years. I do remember I got it from a Save Mart shop down in Christchurch before the earthquake. That really ages it!!! I also know it is pure wool, and about a 3/4 ply yarn, which is perfect for this wrap.  

Truly thankful

 I am truly grateful when I have knitted something for someone, and they really, appreciate the item. I recently knitted a cowl for the mother of a work colleague. The mother really likes it, as she had tried that particular pattern herself some time ago, and couldn't work it out. I didn't tell her I was making it for her, so I am so happy that she really likes it.

Call me daft

 I have come up with a crazy idea, crazy because I have never done anything like this before. I am considering desigining a jersey in 5ply, using two of the charts from my Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible. It would be in a medium colour, with one chart on the front and back, and the other one on the sleeves. The sleeves would be set in, as this pattern will be better with set in as opposed to raglan. Instead of ribbing at the bottom of the jersey, I am considering using one of the edging charts, which will look quite nice with this pattern. I have no idea how much yarn this will take, but that is part of this new adventure. Forget about a swatch, I like to live dangerously, and I already know I am a tight knitter, so am aware of the needle size I would need to use. I also have no idea how long it will take to knit this up, nore do I know the length I will make it. All I can say is, wish me luck.

COPD

Turns out I don't have COPD, I just have acute asthma.  I am taking Symbicort twice a day now, and double the dose.  I have only just started the double dose.  Today was a washout after the test this morning. Because I hadn't been able to take my inhaler last night, or this morning, I was not in a good way before I even went to the doctor. By the time I finished there, I knew I was in no shape to be at work. So, I stopped in there, they saw me, and I came home. It has not been a good day, but it will improve. As long as I stay nice and warm, I should be okay. 

Down the rabbit hole I go

 I have gone down the rabbit hole now.  There is no rescuing me, either.  I have started my first ever fair isle project.  I don't know why I have never done it before, I have, after all, done intarsia. At the time I didn't know what I was letting myself in for, I just liked the look of the book I had bought.  It was a Kaffe Fassett book, and I had never heard of him before. It was a coat that I knitted. 

So, for my first fair isle project I am doing a scarf. I am picking my own colours from my stash.  I am hoping I won't have to buy too much yarn for this project, but we will see. I will post pictures as it grows, even if there are mistakes. I own all my mistakes in my knitting, most of the time I am able to fix them, but sometimes it is too late when I see them, so I decide to leave them in. My theory is that they add character. Well, that is my story, and I am sticking to it.

 No idea if this will work. It is a test. How to get a picture up on here from my phone. I am seriously dressed for serious gardening. Still got scratched to heck  though.

Trying to keep this up.

 It is actually quite hard to think of a title for posts. I am not a writer, which shows in my boring titles. Never mind, I reckon I am pretty much the only one concerned about that for this blog.

Anyway, I have a new watch. It's an active one. Hoping It will encourage me to be a little more active. We can only hope. I am not too worried sbout thecweight loss, just need to be more active. And not at the gym, either. I don't think this backbof mine would cope with that. If there was one just for women, then maybe I would give it a go, but not with weights. For now I shall get back into walking in the evening. I actually enjoy doing that.

Silly cat

She has decided this is a good place to sun. The shelves are quite narrow, but Lil Mouse has decided this is her spot. She is very lucky they don't fall over when she jumps off them.

 

Long time no post

Oh my goodness, I had actually forgotten that I had this blog. Shows how much notice it got from me, none!! Anyway, I'm not sure anyone is actually reading this, anyway; but I'll try to keep it going for myself. As a way of tracking my knitting progress. I know there are probably easier ways to do it, but hey if this works, then good for me. I can't say my UFO'S have greatly reduced, but I am getting better at staying on one project for longer. I completed a jersey for my husband, and have another on the needles for him. As it is summer here now, I am not working on it as much as I should. But, it will get finished. This is a short post, just to get me back into the swing of things, so to speak.