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.