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.