Chester and ASJ

I ventured a little further afield on Wednesday and visited Chester and had an enjoyable day there. I did the usual visit to the cathedral and walk around the walls, not the complete circuit although I have done that in the past.

I also shopped in the 'Rows' and, of course, visited Stash where a few small purchases took place.

My ASJ is progressing, a little more slowly as the first enthusiasm has worn off. Also, I discovered a dropped stitch and had to frog several rows. However, I am approaching the neck shaping. Here is the progress in the last few days.

While I was in Chester Cathedral I bought this .............
.......... a copy of the Green Man misericord which I thought would be appropriate to hang on the wall in the new conservatory.

Garden

Not a lot more to show on the ASJ, although it is progressing, if a little slower, so I won't bore you with pictures.

We had a pleasant afternoon out at a local garden which was open yesterday. It was lovely having tea on the lawn, and the weather was perfect. So was the chocolate cake ;)








In my garden, the robins are busy feeding several speckled youngsters, and looking a little harassed. Its a pity they didn't find somewhere more photogenic to perch.

I don't seem to have much success in encouraging the blue tits to use my nest box, unlike Roo whose BF has rigged up a camera in her box. I think mine must be spoiled for choice, as every garden round about here has a box.

Progress

The ASJ has made progress. I'm finding this an easy knit so far, although I have hit upon a snag. I started the diagonal increases on the first instead of the second row, which means I may not be able to make an invisible join when I start knitting the sleeve extension.

In reply to Helen's comment, the ASJ is worked on a different principle to the BSJ and you need to have the pattern as the size is based on your stitch gauge and your personal measurements so is different for everyone.

There is also progress on the conservatory which has now been plastered and has electricity.

I've also had someone to measure up for flooring to cover the mess the plasterers made.

The bad news this week is that I have strained a muscle in my back. Lots of lovely sitting and knitting you may think. But no, I still have the same household chores to do, Steven to feed and bath, just at half the speed. Hopefully, the Ibuprofen will start to kick in soon.

A.S.J.

I am taking the plunge and joining a knit-a-long to make Elizabeth Zimmermann's Adult Surprise Jacket. I've collected together various colours of DK wool that I have in my stash, found a 40inch circular needle, and worked my swatch to check my gauge.

The pattern is in the Opinionated Knitter.

A quick calculation says that I will be casting on over 400 stitches, which is more than a bit daunting! Hope I don't fall by the wayside and it ends up as a UFO. However, my bugbear is sewing up, and there is very little of that in this pattern.

Sad news

I heard yesterday that a distant relative has committed suicide. I didn't know Lynne well, we only met occasionally at family gatherings, but she appeared to be a happy, well balanced girl. She leaves a devastated husband and two teenaged children. That side of the family has had more than its fair share of tragedy recently. Of the people in this happy family group, three have taken their own life, none were blood relatives to each other but only connected by marriage.

Finished

Yes, I've managed to finish some knitting, and it was the socks, Steph! They are being worn as I type.

Not quite finished, but heading that way, my conservatory. There is still the internal plastering and electrics to be done but it is taking shape and I'm very pleased with it.

UFOs and WIPs

Oh dear. I looked at my basket of WIPs this morning and despaired. I'm sure some of them are going to end up as UFOs if I don't get cracking and complete them.

Trouble is, I'm bored with them all and longing to cast on something new. I really must discipline myself and finish something, probably the socks, as they are nearest to completion.