Steady On!

This must be a record - TWO finished items in a week!!

My ISE scarf is now drying out in the conservatory being closely monitored..



I decided to try my new toy, some blocking wires from here



Armed with my trusty tape measure and peg bag, I gently inserted (shoved) the wires along the edges and top and bottom of the scarf - after it had soaked for 20 minutes. The pegs were to clip it to my clothes airer as I want to make sure that it will dry to the same width all the way along.



I've never used Silk Garden before and was surprised at how much the fabric has softened and 'bloomed' since it's little bath earlier.

Zippy, on the other hand, has barely moved from her 'new' bed in the last 3 days apart from the occaisional light snack, comfort break and fisty cuffs with her sister!

Finished!

I finished this for Helen yesterday afternoon and she seems pretty pleased with it. It's not often that she asks me to knit for her so I know that she'll wear this one!



Pattern from Hipknits; yarn - not quite 2 x 75gm skeins of 100% Cashmere

If I make this again, I'll tweak the pattern a bit as it seemed a little vague in a lot of places. It could have done with a few more shapings here and there to make sure that the sleeves fitted a little better when it came to sewing up, and the final project feels unfinished to me - perhaps a crocheted edging around the back of the neck.

I adapted the decreases on the fronts so that I always decreased one stitch in and also knitted two together though the back of the stiches on one side so that the decreases were pointing in the right way! I'm a bit AR when it comes to things like this, but like to see things finished properly.

Knitting Keeps You Sane - Discuss...

I'd be lost without my knitting. It definitely keeps me sane and is the best form of relaxation I know. I started knitting my scarf for ISE3 whilst Helen was in hospital. Before we left, I'd already got half way through it.



It's the Grape Hyacinth Lace Scarf from pieknits and I'm using Noro Silk Garden #232.

I will definitely need my knitting to help me through the next few weeks. Another very close family member has had a diagnosis that needs further investigation and treatment. I can't say any more than that at the moment, but I will be knitting like a thing posessed.

Yarr!

Say no more.....me hearties!

Home Sweet Home...

It's been a long 24 hours. Helen and I got back home from hospital a couple of hours ago, tired but glad to be home. Her op went much better than expected and was less complicated which we were both pleased about. The biggest inconvenience was the effect it has all had on her Diabetes, but we should be back to normal in a couple of days.

Thank you to everyone who send their good wishes and positive thoughts.

I took a rare day off on Saturday and shot up the M1/M6 to the Knitting and Stitching Show at the NEC. I met up with Sarah and Jean from the Kings Lynn group I visited earlier on this year for a coffee (within minutes of getting there). I also caught up with Liz, met Fred and missed Sue!

As everyone else has said, it must be the quietest show I have ever been to. I wasn't too impressed with the inflated parking charge (£7) and the cost of the ticket (£12), but managed to bring home a couple more goodies for the stash.

More sock yarn from Anna at Web of Wool - I can't go to a show and NOT buy sock yarn



Some hand spun mohair also made it home (with some 4ply that had been dyed at the same time)



detail



and some of the softest baby alpaca and silk

Take a Dictation Miss Jones...

Zippy has taken over my office chair and has designs on being the next Richard Branson (business mognate)!! GROAN!!

Every time I move away - she's there.



She's also taken to sleeping in my armchair in the lounge!



My Favourite Colour Swap Pal Anne has got her parcel. I completely forgot to take pictures before I sent it, but you can see it here

I've been naughty (yet again) and have squeezed in a quick knit as a surprise for Helen before she goes into hospital this weekend. I'm making her this - a pattern from HipKnits



I've just got the last sleeve to do and at Helen's request, made them 3/4 length. I had some Knitting Goddess Cashmere in Meadow and it's so soft - I hope she likes it!

The colours have pooled a bit, but not too badly. I'll post piccies when it's finished - promise.

Warning!....Knitting content!!!

I have finally emerged from a pile of knitting done over the last week! It got to last Thursday and I suddenly remembered that I was supposed to be having a stall at a local craft fair. After the realisation that I had very little to sell, I spent the next 48hrs knitting like a thing possessed.





This is a scarf knitted in Fiesta Chinchilla - a gorgeous 100% Silk Chenille. It used one skein and I'll be making this into a kit for Christmas.

I then made the 'Famous Shawl', again in Fiesta Yarns, but this time 'La Boheme'





A few more scarves were also made but I forgot to take pictures of them before they were sold.

I finally managed to get my Lace Swap parcel in the post and now just have to think of what I'm going to knit for my International Scarf Exchange pal. I shall start on it at the weekend as I shall need something to keep me busy - Helen has to go into hospital to have a tooth removed under General Anaesthetic. The dentist tried to take out a broken tooth a few weeks ago and it broke off at gum level. It's going to be a bit nerve wracking as it is the first time she's had an operation. Because Helen is Diabetic we have to go in on Sunday afternoon so that they can put up a drip and Insulin pump as soon as she is not allowed to eat and drink before the op in order to stop her from going hypo.

With a bit of luck she should be back home Monday evening, but her room is booked for the night, just in case she's not up to eating and we can't get her blood sugars back to normal. I think I'm more nervous than Helen!

The Hanging Garden Stole is making good progress and I'm feeling tempted to get going on Paisley again. There is something to be said for having several projects on the go at the same time!

Favourite Color Swap

I hang my head in shame because I forgot to get my pal's parcel out by the deadline - if you're reading this..I'm so sorry. It has now been posted.

What suddenly jogged my memory? ... The arrival of THIS!!





I even have my very own specially dyed sock yarn!



It was like Christmas unwrapping everything - there was tissue paper everywhere and the cats were loving it. At that point, my camera batteries ran out. By the time they were recharged, the cats had decided they were bored with that game and were both getting their pre - elevenses naps in!!

THANK YOU PAUL. You made my day!

I Don't Normally Do This But....

Annarella is running 5km tomorrow in the Hydro Active Women's Challenge to raise money for The Alzheimer's Society. Please support her by donating here

Good Luck Anna!

So Much To Do...So Little Time....

Will someone please let me know if they ever find the secret of adding at least another 24 hours to the current day?

I had my Lace Swap parcel arrive today all the way from Australia!! It is an AWESOME package and I can't believe I've got more Knit Picks Yarn in it!!

Thank you Donna - it is spot on!



Here's a list of what it contained...

3 Skeins Knit Picks Gossamer Merino Lace in Sweet Peas
2 balls Madil Kid Seta
Hand made and beaded project bag
20 stitch markers
2 Jo Sharp booklets
2 Fibertrends patterns
Cute Koala with boomerang
Scented candle

If that wasn't enough, I also got my September Sock Club yarn from Posh Yarns how lovely is this?



Will somebody please give me a few extra hours????....