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.