Follow up to last post

 I said I would put up pictures of the shawl I am working on. Well, here they are. This is the same pattern, I am just using different colours. 

I am loving the contrast of the second shawlette. They are both sparkly yarn, and working up really nicely in this pattern.

Struggling here

I'm struggling with my knitting. Since finishing the vest, I can't seem to settle on any one project. I am still knitting, but mostly because I have too many on the needles to ignore. I am trying so hard to be a good gork, and get another project finished, but none of them are anywhere near the finish line. Ahh well. . . I keep going, and will do my best to continue to be good. I am knitting a shawlette that I really like. I've made this one before, and it is a pattern that you can use any wool and needles to match. I am doing this one in sparkly yarn, two colours, and I think it looks really nice. Pictures will follow.  

Pictures needed.

I thought I should put up a couple of pictures of the latest projects that I have finished. It's all well and good saying I'd finished them, but how about some photos? These two are actually quite warm to wear. The coloured one is meant to be loose, and I am actually happy with it being like this. 

I really like the colour of both vests, and know there will be a lot of wear out of them.

I actually finished something, again.

I was a good girl, and actually finished something that had been on the needles for rather too long. And even better? I've not started something new. I have a new pattern, and the wool to go with it, and am longing to start it; but I have not done so. I am trying to finish some things first. I had actually finished a vest, or, almost finished it. But decided it was just not right. So, to the frog pond I went - even had to unpick the sewing together!!!!  I have another pattern that that wool will look good in, and now I know to go up another size. It is an older pattern, and the sizing seems to be rather small. In the meantime I am working on something else, and trying to ignore the calls of the new pattern. How long I will hold out is anyone's guess. I did buy the wool for this particular pattern, which is why I am longing to start it. I've not used this wool before, and it feels so nice!!!

Been a little quiet here

But I do have a good reason for that. We found out on Friday that Mum is in the last stages of heart failure. Her legs are swelling, and there is nothing more they can do for her. We have known for a number of years that she has heart failure, which is why she gets breathless, and can't always get a full sentence out properly. But with her legs swelling as they are, it is not a good sign. The worse thing? We don't know when her heart will stop. As hard as it has been for me, I can't help thinking about how much harder it is for Dad. They have been married for over 60 years.

Anyway, I have continued to do knitting. I find it helps to keep me from just sitting here and thinking about what will happen,and when. Mum is keeping in good spirits, and is continuing to make plans, even if she knows she may not be around to see those plans through. But, what else can she do.  

I finished something

 I finished a shawl I have been working on for a while - in between other projects. This shawl has no name. The pattern was given to me by a lady at the library after I had admired the one she was working on. It is a really simple pattern, and I did some changes. I want to make another one, but this time in two colours, and sparkly yarn. I reckon it would look really cool in sparkly yarn. You could do the lace in plain,then the garter in sparkly. I've not got any in my stash, so will need to look at getting some. I haven't even started anything new either. I am working on a tank top that I haven't had on the needles all that long, but I do want to get it finished. Anyway, here is a picture of the shawl.

I have finished this in time for the cold days that we know are coming, it being close to winter over here. The picture makes it look more blue than it really is. But, hey, it still looks good. 

Too many projects

 Yes, you read that right. I admit that I might have a few too many projects on the go. Have started another 'cull' of UFO's, and am freeing up some needles. And no, I am not starting anything new. I know - amazing!!!!! Some of my projects are long term ones, so I am not too worried about them. They will get completed, some time. There are others that I really need to get to work on, because they are just sitting there for a little too long being ignored and are starting to be heard - only by me it must be admitted. 

For my birthday, which was on Saturday, my wonderful husband got me a gift certificate to the local yarn store. How can I be that good when he has so kindly done that?!?!? At least I have 12 months to use it , like it's gonna take that long to use it???? I don't think so. 

Talking of my birthday, I really don't feel like a senior citizen, yet that is exactly what I am considered. I will admit to being a gold card carrying person, but senior?!?!? Hmm...I think of seniors as older than me - and no not my husband. What age do we get to before we call ourselves senior? Or is it all about perspective? I don't feel senior, so maybe I'm not there yet? 

Anyway, back to knitting, and reading. Gotta keep up both. Reading because it opens a whole world up for me, and knitting, well; because I must? Although, I do find it also helps to relax me. As long as I am not knitting during an exciting game, or movie either. Then my tension goes haywire, and I can make too many mistakes. I wonder if that is normal? I know it is for me, because it has always been like that. Anyway, I can hear my knitting calling out to me - quite loudly.. So I must attend to that noise.  

Bad me, but not worried.

 I have been naughty, and started a few new projects. I reckon I have ADHD when it comes to knitting. I really do have trouble sticking to just one project. I think I've started another four - I think that is the number. Of course, most  have been from stash, but one I actually ordered the wool for this project, and that is because I knew I didn't have enough in my stash. Lets see how long these projects last, before I decide that I really don't want to do them anymore. I'm not going to say what they are called, just because they might not last. Only time will tell. 

Stash diving

 I have started something new - actually a couple of new projects. I just can't help myself. Anyway, on the good side, I did go stash shopping for both projects, so there is that. I know I still buy yarn but for the most part, I buy for particular projects now. One of the new projects is called Glimfeather, and I am knitting it with pure alpaca. What beautiful wool this is to work with!!!!! The pattern has been a bit of a challange to start with, but I seem to have got the hang of it now. This is a project that I have been looking at for sometime, so it is good to finally have it started. 

Something completed

 I can finish projects. I really can. I know I have way too many going, but hey, I do work on them. I have just finished a project that actually hasn't been on the needles for too long. It is a pattern that I had wanted to do for some time, but finding the right wool has always been the challange. Anyway, the name of the project is called Metamorphose by Lucy Hague. It is a cowl, knitted as a long tube, then both ends are connected. I have actually enjoyed making this, and I know it is going to be nice and warm for this winter.

I used just over two balls of Fleece Bluefaced Leicester DK, colour Quarry. Nice colour, and nice to knit with.

Sore hip

 This getting older lark is really not for the young!!!  My hip has decided it really has had enough, but I am trying to just keep going. Going up any stairs is not possible without some sort of support, something to hang on to. Even just going for a short walk is painful. But, I keep on keeping on. I know I should go to the doctor, and probably have my name put forward for a hip replacement, but I also know that is not going to happen any time soon - the replacement I mean. So, I live on painkillers. Some days are worse than others, and nights can be really bad. Good thing I only work two days a week. I truly don't think I could cope with more on a regular basis. I do volunteer for extra days, but not too often, and I do know my limits. At least I am still able to go for a walk, even if it is a short walk, it is still a walk. 

And on the knitting front? Hmmm...I've started a new pattern. I got a book from the library, and like pretty much all the patterns in it. It is a lace knitting book, which, next to cables, is something I enjoy doing. Good thing I have stash I can use for most of the lace knitting, aye?