I LOVE Fantails

 We had three fantails flying around the front door this morning. We have had two for a while, and I had thought we might have another one. It is so nice to see them fluttering around, and they are just so cute. When I whistle at them, I swear they whistle back!! Fantails are a good reason not to get rid of all the insects we have around  the house, because I know they are looking for them. 

On the knitting front. I started a vest for my husband, but had to unpick it - after I had gotten all the way to the shoulder shaping - because the bottom of the vest was bugging me. It kept curling, and I was ot happy with it. So, I unpicked the whole thing - or my husband did for me as I was at work - take note that this is a pattern done in strips of 6 rows of a colour, one row to break it, then another 6 rows of another colour. I had used 12 colours in all, so it meant a lot of colours for my husband to handle. Anyway, I started it a second time, still was not happy with the bottom, and have started it a third time - don't they say third time lucky? It seems to have worked for me at least, as now the bottom is no longer curling.  I just have to remember what I I did when I do the back of the vest - don't really want to have to unpick it all over again. 

Missing knitting mojo

 I am struggling to stay with one knitted project for more than a day. I know I have a few projects on the go, but I usually stay with a project longer than one day!!! I think since I finished the lace project, I have been doing simple - well, simple to me - projects. The jigsaw blanket is really easy to do, although I enjoy using the different colours. So I have been struggling to actually  my interest in my knitting. To try and solve that problem, I have started two new projects!!!  How typical is that?!? Two are vests for my husband, and I have plans for a third once the yarn arrives. I know, I should really try to get something finished, but once I finish something, I usually start another three, or four new ones. So maybe I've cut that off at the pass. Only time will tell. Tonight I have even started a pair of socks, something I've not done in ages. They are really simple, though. Spiral tube socks, and have no heels to worry about. If I had two balls of the wool I am using for the socks, I would try to make two at once, as I have two needles that are different colours, so would be easy to keep tabs on where I am up to. Well...sounds a good idea to me. But, I don't have two balls, at least not where I can locate them, anyway. Could always do them in a different wool, as I do have two of a different colour. Lets see how this pair works up first, then I can decide whether to do a second pair.

Winter is not good for me

Winter is nice, but it is not good for my chest. It isn't even all that cold today, but for some reason my asthma is really playing up. Usually it has to be really cold before I have to start using my inhaler more, but it seems to have kicked in early this year. And don't tell me to breathe deeply, because I do, and it doesn't help. Keeping my chest warm helps.

I am also trying to use the cross trainer a bit more. I am hoping that by using it, both my chest and my hips will improve - I can try can't I? I am limiting myself to only a few minutes on the trainer, and that is because I overdid it the other day, and paid for it. Aging is not fun, especially when you have bad hips. Losing weight is not and easy thing to do, not when one like eating. I know, eat right. Easy to say, not so easy to do. Pity the good food is so expensive, if it weren't so dear to buy, I would eat more of it. Plus, it doesn't always taste the best. 

Another of my UFO's

I did say that I have multiple projects on the go. This is another of them. It is interesting to work and is charted. It is a reversible scarf pattern - yes it is cabled on both sides. Called Bain scarf by Lucy Hague. She is one of my favourite designers. Her patterns require knowledge of cabling, and I find it better to read the charts - for the cables, anyway. I can't remember when I started this pattern, but guess I really should try to get it completed this winter.

 These two pictures show both sides of the pattern. The stitches that are cabled on the other side, are slipped wiyf. It really is an easy pattern to do, once you get started. Because I can pretty much read my knitting, I can guess which stitches are slipped.

It's my birthday

 And I am officially a senior citizen today. Hard to believe I am now 65 years old, and a pensioner!!!!  I am still going to work, because I am not ready to fully retire just yet. I know my husband would like me to retire, but that will happen when I am ready. I will continue to be my annoying self, does age really change that? I am grateful that I have my health, can still read a good book, can still do my knitting. To be honest, I would be totally lost if I couldn't read or knit anymore. I am trying to get back into my walking, but the weather has not played a long these last few days, and I am not feeling like walking. I know I should, but that doesn't mean I do. I have to wonder if my back would improve if I did more walking. Having a broken back that never got treated does rather spoil things. Makes going for long walks a little difficult, but we keep going. 

So, what do I plan on doing today? Not a lot. Will put a load of clothes in the dryer, it's not dry enough to hang them out, then we plan on getting something nice for lunch. Have already ordered food from a really nice Mexican restaurant. I also plan on working on my log cabin today. I am doing the last panel, so really want to get that done. Can't say I really have much planned for today.

Edging problems

 I am working the last panel on my Log Cabin Blanket, and am pondering what edging to add. I really don't know whether to knit one or crochet one. If I knit it, do I pick up all the stitches, or do I attach as I go - and how wide to make the edging? If I crochet it, which in all honesty is a much easier option, then how many rounds to I do? Should I do a log cabin type of edging, which does appeal to me, again, how wide? I may even end up not doing an edging - horrors I know. I guess I will just have to see how I feel once I have this panel finished, and attached. I may even leave it to sit for a few days, while I look at it and decide.

Ten Stitch Blanket.

It's not that I really need another project on the needles. But when it comes to knitting, I just can't help myself. And this project uses up small balls of wool just nicely. I have no idea how big it will grow, but we we will see. Being only ten stitches means I don't really have to concentrate too much on it. I am using my 4-ply yarn, but that is because I tried it in DK, but was not happy with the result. I have plenty of DK to use up, and have another blanket pattern that has lots of cables that I will enjoy knitting up. I may even do the American Afghan, that also is a good way to use up wool. 

I really don't need any more blankets, either; but just can't resist doing them. 

Think this is now finished

I know, two posts in one day. That is not gonna happen very often. I think I have finished the bedroom now, and I am feeling rather proud of all the hard work both my husband and I have put in to it. I am hoping this makes the room look inviting. My husband says you only sleep there, but, I still want it to look good. It may only get used as a bedroom, but it can still look nice while doing that - can't it?

 I have added a couple of little plants to either dressing table, they aren't real plants. But I think they actually really finish the room off.

Feeling tired, but good.

 We have accomplished quite a feat over the last couple of days. I wanted to set up a room as a guest room - not totally guest, as it still has my yarn, and some books in it. But, it can now be used as a bedroom for when/if family  come to stay. Just don't look in the wardrobe!!! I don't want to attack everything at once, as I know I will start to make decisions not based on logic, or because I really don't want to keep things. But more based on 'I've had enough of this, and really just need to stop'. That way lies regret - for me, anyway. 

Anyway, here is a picture of the room we have been working on. The bed will look much better once it is semi made up, and we have a dresser to move in to it, to be used as a bedside table. 

No name post

I can't think of a title for this post. Today was supposed to have been a rest day, but that did not happen. We are in the process of setting up a spare bedroom. Queen mattress' are not the easiest thing to move - the base was easy in comparison. Everytime I said that was enough - for moving things - I sat down for a little while, but then ended up going back to it. Now we just need to move the base into the bedroom, make up the bed so it looks nice; and moving a few roller bins out and into the other room. Of course, there will be things that will need to be rearranged, but that will come with time. The main thing is, if we have guests, then the room is ready to be used. I really feel like we have accomplished something today, I know my back is telling me I might have overdone things a little bit. Hey, does that mean at work tomorrow will be my rest day?!?!? Being the last day of a long weekend, who knows how busy we will be. If it rains, then people are likely to go shopping - don't ask me why, I'd rather stay home. 

In a couple of weeks I become a senior citizen!!! Hard to believe that I will be collecting the pension. I will still be working, and want to cut back to two days if possible, but for now will stay with the three I presently work. I'm not ready to fully retire - not yet, anyway. I know that will come, but not yet. 

Annual checkup

 Went to the doctor this morning for my annual checkup. Jeepers, it's expensive!!!  No wonder I don't go all that often. It's been a year since I was last there - not bad aye. Anyway, other than blood pressure that remained stubbornly high, I am in good health. So, my medication for BP will be increased. Need to go for blood tests in a couple of weeks as well, but that is due to another issue. I know I need to be more active, but sometimes it seems to difficult, especially when my hips and knees don't like me very much. Getting older sucks sometimes.

it is finished.

 I still need to block this beauty, but that will have to wait until the weather is a tad warmer, or drying weather is here. It has turned out a lot longer than I thought it was supposed to be, but I promise I followed the instructions, and haven't added any length to it. I am looking forward to wearing this, as I know just how much work has gone into knitting it up. I am not going to tell where the mistakes are, but there are a few. Anyway, here is a picture of the Boteh shawl done in lace weight yarn. It is actually an easy pattern to follow, as long as you like charts, as pretty much the whole thing is charted.

UFO's, WIP's and FO's

So, I have decided that I really should get one of my UFO's off the needles. It is all because I was talking to one of the girls at work, and was telling her about my lace knitting that I am doing. She asked me to take a picture of it, and show her at work the next time I am in. When I had a look at it I suddenly realized just how close to the end I am. So, why not actually make it a WIP, and then it really can be an FO. So, that is what I am doing. Pictures will follow once I have it finished, which should be this weekend, all going well. Blocking will have to wait for a nice day when I can be sure it will dry nicely. Being a lace project means it really does need to be blocked.

Winter is coming

 The temperatures are certainly dropping. Although it is sunny there is a distinct chill to the air. So glad we have our new dryer, in time for the cooler days, and the washing not getting dry in one day.

So, I really need to work on the Log Cabin. The shwl will just have to wait for a little while. I have put Iona on the bed, because the nights are just a tad cold.  I am actually thinking of either making another Iona, or turning one of Lucy Hague's cushion patterns into squares for another blanket. Each square would have to be done in one colour, but that isn't really a problem. It's really just to decide whether to do it in 4-ply, or should I use Double knitting? Probably need to take a look through my stash first, before I make a decision. I should have enough wool of each to make a blanket. Maybe I can do both? Two blankets would be interesting. Would show how a pattern can work up in different plies of wool. Hmmm...that is rather a nice thought. Watch this space.

Log Cabin

 I think I've already said that I am knitting a Log Cabin Blanket for myself. It is a good way to use up some of my 4-ply stash, and I really enjoy the use of colours. Here are a few pictures of the panel I am currently working on. I am sewing them together as I go, so will put up other pictures later. I am already thinking of doing another Lucy Hague pattern, and turn it into a blanket. It is a cushion pattern, but won't be difficult to be done as a blanket. I don't know whether to do it in 4-ply, or double knitting this time. It would be different in DK wool for a change. 

One of my current WIP's

 The yarn I received from Purple Sprouting is working up really well into a Shawl. As soon as I saw the yarn, I knew the pattern it would suit. It is a very simple pattern, and I have no name, or designer for it, either. These two photos don't show the true beauty of the colour, it is so much richer than it looks. This is the sort of pattern you can do without too much concentration needed, and will look really nice once finished. You could use pretty much any weight yarn, I am using a 4-ply one, but have a nice DK that I am considering using at some date for this particular pattern. I also think it lends itself to a variegated yarn, as the lace is  very basic, and the colours would still show up.

Yarn

 I am part of a yarn club that sends out a skein each month. The yarn arrives near the end of the month, and this month's arrived yesterday. I LOVE this colour, and have absolutely no idea what I am going to make with it. Each skein come with a small charm that is a flower, as this year the theme for the yarn is garden society. I only discovered this yarn club last year, and was not disappointed in any of the skeins.  Anyway, here is a picture of the skein that arrived yesterday. The picture does not show the tru beauty of the colour, it is so much better in real life.

And so it continues

 Now the ants are moving into the passage. Will need to sprinkle cayenne pepper down where the floor boards leave spaces. Will this ever end? I am starting to wonder if they are trying  to find somewhere to winter - in our house!!! If I have anything to do with it, that is NOT happening. The house is starting to smell of vinegar, can't say it is very pleasant, but not a lot we can do about it.

Ants and retirement

 So, there is an ant war going on in our house. For some reason that I do not understand, the ants have decided now is a good time to try and invade the house. They are even in the bathroom, which makes me think they may be looking for water? Even so, they most certainly are not welcome inside. We are doing our best to keep on top of the problem, but know that this is only the tip of the iceberg. For that reason alone, I am looking forward to the cooler weather arriving, as I know they don't like it when the weather gets chilly.

I am also nearing retirement age. I turn 65 soon, so have started the process of applying for the pension. The hoops you have to go through is a little daunting. I have given them all the information that I can, and really hope it is enough. I know they won't backpay the pension, so you need to apply early. That way, if there is anything they need, you should have time to get it.

My Log cabin blanket is coming along nicely, and will take a picture of it soon, and upload it here. I don't actually have as much colour choice as I thought I did. Probably because I have used more of it on other projects than I thought I had. I can always go and get some more, that is no problem.

Surprise!!!

 Yes, I am actually writing something today. Not gonna be a long post, as I am fighting the beginnings of a migraine. Hoping it won't turn into a full on migraine. We shall see, I have taken something to fight it off, hence the reason this won't be very long. 

I am trying to be a good girl, and not start something new in my knitting. I am actually trying to work on two projects. The Lakemoor Vest, and my Log Cabin blanket. The Lakemoor Vest is done in two colours, and of course the log cabin in several colours. I will put up a picture of my progress on both later. The log cabin is much further on than the vest, but that is because it is so much easier to knit. I do have several other projects waiting in the wings for me to complete - I am NOT going to admit to how many UFO's I have on the go. Although, fewer than I have had in the past, due to the fact that some have come off the needles.

Winter is on it's way here, the days are starting to get cooler, and shorter. So, I really should get some winter things either started, or finished. I have enough hats, enough scarves and wraps, so maybe I need to look at something different. I am thinking of doing more socks, it has been a while since I knitted any socks. Goodness knows I do have enough sock yarn already. I do want to try two socks at once, on two circular needles. I have different coloured cables that would make it easier to see which row I am on - that is the plan, anyway. But, that is for later. Let's try to get this vest, and blanket finished first. 

Been a while - again

 Yes, once again it has been a while since I last wrote here. Just need somewhere to vent, where I know it won't be read. And I won't be judged.

I am actually feeling a bit down today. Yesterday was really bad with a big ant problem. They were all over the dished on the bench, in the bench top oven, in the microwave, and on the water cooler. I seem to be the only one concerned about the ants being inside. They are also all over the bath, even being near the ceiling!!! I truly don't know what to do about them. The more ant bait that is put down, the more that seem to be appearing. To be honest, I am looking forward to cooler weather, because I know they don't like the winter weather. But once it starts to warm up again, what happens then?

Anyway, back to my knitting. I am making a log cabin blanket out of my nice 4-ply yarn. It is looking quite nice, and I am starting to have a little fun with colour. I actually like working with colour, and a log cabin blanket is just the thing for it.

Of course, I am also reading. I enjoy reading, almost as much as I do knitting. Both keep me going. Even though I actually haven't been able to finish a book in a while. I think I have just been too stressed out about other things. I reach retirement age this year, and have to decide whether to fully retire, or to just be semi-retired. I would like to do only two days at work, but we will see. It is mostly for the social contact, otherwise, I may just end up staying at home all the time, and that really won't be good for me.