Summer

I see I have had another long gap between postings. In that two weeks we have gone from winter to summer, one week central heating on and winter coats, the next almost a heatwave! I've had a friend staying, so we took the opportunity to get out and about. We visited the local bluebell wood, always beautiful in May. Unfortunately, I thought we could take a short cut through the school grounds, only to find the gate at the other end locked, so we had to go the long way round after all.


On the May day bank holiday, we visited Moseley Old Hall where there should have been dancing round the Maypole but the grass was too wet after rain in the morning so the dancing was in the barn. You will see that the Maypole is decorated in the old way, with flowers, apparently decoration with ribbons was a later, Victorian custom.

And what do you know, the Noro socks are finished and are a matched pair! Not yet worn so I can't comment on how they are in use.

Lots of things on the go, including some crochet, so more to show later.

Garden

I seem to have been neglecting the blog recently. I didn't realise it was so long since I posted. Not much to show on the knitting, although progress has been made on several projects. I've started the second Kureyon sock, and so far the stripes are matching, which pleases me.

I've also made some progress in the garden. Sadly, not my own work, but something that needed to be done. This cherry tree has been ailing since I had it pruned a few years ago. Last year it lost its leaves mid summer and looked dead. I gave it a chance to revive this spring, but it was not to be.

So it is now reduced to a sweetly smelling pile of logs.

I don't have an open fire myself, but have a friend who burns logs so they will be going to her, when she can arrange transport.

Also garden related, my tomato seedlings are making progress, if a little slowly. However it will be a few weeks before they can go outside, so should have grown a bit by then.

Knit-Chat

We had a good crowd in Beatties (House of Fraser) today in our Knit-Chat group. Lots of chatting, and a fair bit of knitting.

We now meet in the Haberdashery department, which is a Coates franchise. Rowan and Patons yarns mainly although there is now some sock wool. As you can see, it sometimes gets a bit cramped around the small table.

I've recently bought a new phone with a much better camera, but I need more practise at using it, so one photo was too blurred to use.

Kureyon Sock review

The first sock in Kureyon sock yarn is finished. I used a size 2.5 circular needle and Magic Loop. The yarn is very different from other sock yarn I've used, single ply and so tightly spun it kept twisting back on itself and getting into knots. It is also not as soft as most sock yarns and made quite a firm fabric. I can't comment on wearing/washing so far, but it is hand wash only.
The yarn was free of straw and other foreign matter but did have a lot of uneven spinning, in some places it was very thick although I haven't come across any areas too thin. Of course, the colours were wonderful, as Noro always is. Now to cast on sock number two.

Arrivals

No sooner had I published the last post, when the postman delivered this..........

......... issue number 5 of Yarn Forward. I haven't done more than glance through it so far, but there are some interesting articles and knittable/wearable patterns.
As I had resubscribed, I also got some beautifully soft yarn and a pattern for a shawl. Not all that keen on the colour, though. Maybe it will grow on me.

I had two arrivals on my pond yesterday. These mallards appeared at lunchtime and stayed until dusk, paddling around and frightening the tadpoles! Hopefully they also ate some of the weed.

Compulsive reading.

Much to my shame, I have to admit I have found the Hipknits/Magknits saga on Ravelry, in the last few days, compulsive reading. I had a problem in 2006 with none delivery of sock club yarn and difficulty communicating, happily sorted out eventually. I won't go in to the problems with Yarn Forward magazine (worryingly I have renewed my subscription, hope it doesn't go the same way as Magknits.)

On a lighter note, my cousin and I had an enjoyable day last week, getting lost in Shropshire. But who minds getting lost, with views like this to see?

That hill on the horizon is the Wrekin and from this angle it is clear that it was once a volcano.

Finished at last

Steven has a new pair of socks. These have been OTNs for far too long, with only an inch and the casting off to do, so I set to last night and finished them. Yarn was Fortissima Socka colour 521. They are fraternal twins as the stripes were too difficult to match up, but Steven won't care.

Completing these of course means I can cast on a pair for myself. ( As if I need any more WIPs!)
When I was in Chester last week I visited Stash and this Kureyon sock yarn jumped into my bag. I've seen a bit written about this on the internet, so now is my chance to try it out.

I'm also somewhat distracted by various charity appeals. I find it difficult to ignore these especially if children are involved. It is also an excuse to use up my ever increasing odd balls. These will hopefully become a blanket for Loving Hands summer challenge.

Not knitting

I promise, not a mention.
On Tuesday I did a bit of family history research with my cousin and her granddaughter. We possess, in the family, a sampler made by a several greats aunt in 1849, aged 11. ( I can't imagine a modern 11year old having the patience.)The sampler depicts the hymn sung by the school children at the laying of the first stone of St. Peter's church, Cookley, Worcestershire.

Freya was interested in seeing the church mentioned on the sampler, so we went to Cookley and visited St. Peter's Church.

Yesterday, I took this photo of Steven, completely absorbed in the University boat race. He is taking more interest in the television lately, and always has a smile when his favourite weather presenter is on! ( Carole Kirkwood as it happens, I think he should start a fan club!)

Startitis

I'm suffering from a bad attack of Startitis at the moment. I've just completed a BSJ for a neighbour's baby. I usually play safe and stick to pastels or bright primary colours, but thought I would step out of my comfort zone for this one. The yarn was Patons Diploma Gold DK.

In addition, I've joined an Elizabeth Zimmermann Knit-along to make a Gull Stitch Sweater. Yarn Elle DK.

I saw a request this morning for baby hats for Ray of Hope so what do you know, I've cast one on!

And finally, a sock for Steven. This is the second one and is my 'knitting on the move', mostly done on public transport.

This is almost finished so next will be socks for myself.

A bit of colour

I needed a bit of light relief from all the 1940s navy and grey. These little fellows are Jane Greenhowe's Little Gift Dolls and will soon be on their way, with a few other things, for the Loving Hands Easter challenge.
On Thursday, I'm off to join Fred and Co. at the NEC show. No doubt a little stash enhancement will take place.

Pool and FO

Well, the pool is weeded, scrubbed and ready for replanting. Not sure what the frogs think about it all, but they're still there. The tadpoles, when they arrive won't have anything to eat so I might possibly need some fish food. It is going to take a while before the natural balance is restored.

I've completed the WW2 balaclava. I tried to get Steven to model it, but it was difficult as he doesn't 'do' hats and was trying his best to remove it, also it was too big for him.

Here is the ear flap in greater detail.........

Sorry it is not any clearer, but I find navy a difficult colour to photograph. The pattern was a vintage one on the V&A museum web site but it no longer seems available, which is a shame.

Frogs

No, not the knitting sort, but those in my garden pool. This has been very neglected recently and in need of a complete overhaul. I thought it would be done before the frogs got busy, but unfortunately they arrived last week. In any case, they probably spent the winter in the mud at the bottom of the pool so would have been disturbed anyway. There isn't really a good time for this messy job. This is a before shot...........

.......... and here are some of the fifty odd frogs trying to escape. Just look at the variety of colours and markings. One even had red legs. Hopefully they will settle down once the pool is refilled but it will take a while before the natural balance is restored. Eventually, I hope to have some more fish, and will take care to protect them from the heron who took my last lot.

Socks Finished

The knee socks are finished. Here they are being modelled by Steven. His legs are very thin, so I hope they will fit around a normal child's calf.

I've been sorting through my stash for more suitable yarn for WW2 knitting and found this.......

...... fine lamb's wool but in rather dull colours. This came from Texere a couple of years ago when they were clearing old stock and gave it away free for the cost of postage. I'm sure not all the wartime knitting was done in such dismal colours, but for the troops it should be suitable.

I've started another Balaclava, this time with ear flaps, from a pattern from the V&A collection (which no longer seems available on line.) I found two strands of the lamb's wool gives a respectable 4ply. This is progress so far, greatly helped by a long morning at the local hospital acting as 'guinea pig' for Drs exams. This just involves my sitting knitting all morning and occasionally have young Drs examine my neck (thyroid problems.) There is also a free lunch and coffee. I got most of the ribbing done.

Progress

Not doing too well with the Blogging this year, am I? Some knitting has been done, and progress made on the 1940's knee socks; one completed and the second OTNs. My, but it's boring knitting in grey.
I therefore had a short break to make this seat pad in Paton's Diploma Gold. The pattern was an amalgamation of several vintage patterns in my possession. It is now off to grace my chair at the Beatties Knit Chat group. We have started meeting in the haberdashery department, different but not as cosy as the cafe, and the chairs are harder! However it's good to be able to see the new yarns.

Steven has been having a busy time at day care so far this year. Lots of outings, to

Cannock Chase a local beauty spot, Lichfield Cathedral to hear an organ recital, and

Cosford RAF Museum among others. Quite a varied program which he seems to enjoy.

Treasured Post

Look what the postman brought this morning! First, the latest edition of Yarn Forward. I've been pondering whether to renew my subscription, not sure that I can stand the tension of wondering if and when my copy will arrive! The patterns are very knit- and wear-able and the articles interesting and informative. So on balance, I think I will renew.

This book also arrived.

I've had the First and Second Treasuries since the 1970s. I'd borrowed them from the library and mentioned how much I would like my own copies. My father, bless him, got them me for Christmas, not so easy in those days ordering from America. They have been invaluable over the years and, being hardbacks, have worn well. Not sure that this paperback will survive as well.

And finally, I don't think I've posted a picture of Woolly before. She followed me home from the Birmingham Christmas Market where she was a member of quite a large flock on one of the stalls.

1940s again

I went along to Bantock house the other day and had a chat to the person who organises the 1940's events. She is very keen to have a selection of clothes for visiting school parties to see and dress up in. I'm going to knit a few things for her starting with these socks...........

I'm also hoping to make a pullover and a selection of hats.

This was my inspiration, myself aged five. Everything handmade. Socks, knitted by Grandma R. jumper by Grandma W. Skirt made by Auntie ( except she left the pins in round the hem. I kept complaining that it scratched but my mother didn't realise until she washed it!) Even the cane chair was made by Grandpa.
Lastly, I spotted these Cyclamen Coum yesterday, just about surviving in my lawn.

Back again

My apologies to any readers of this Blog but blogging time has been somewhat reduced recently due to my preoccupation with this...........
Of course, if I wasn't the world's worst procrastinator, it would have been completed and sent off months ago and I wouldn't have had to do my own calculations. Hopefully, I'm on the last leg now and can post it with a clear conscience.
Now to something more pleasant, socks for Steven. These are in K2 P2 rib so are taking a little longer than plain SS.

Happy New Year !

Well, I'm through to the other side of the festivities. There has been little time for blogging with members of the extended family dropping in for short or long stays. Also Steven has had no Day Care for a week and his respite carers have been off sick. Hopefully we will be back to normal ( whatever that is ) tomorrow.
It is very rare that I get any fibre related gifts, but this Christmas was an exception. That beautiful cashmere is crying out to be a scarf ...........

......... and just look at these wonderful handmade stitch markers from Yuca.

Now the Festive knitting is finished I can continue with my 1940's project. I've cast on for a balaclava helmet from Practical Knitting Illustrated by Jane Koster and Margaret Murray published in 1940. I've substituted DK for the 4ply in the pattern and seem to be getting the right tension. I think 4ply was thicker in those days and 3ply was more like our 4ply. The wool is actually more khaki than it looks in the photo.

Finished

I've actually managed to complete some projects in the last few days. These socks for myself have been hanging around for far too long. My usual toe-up pattern, short row toe and heel with picot edge top (a cast off edge is always too tight.

Then meet the boys, who will be off to their new homes shortly. The pattern was from Alan Dart's Hobby Bear collection with a few adaptions of my own.

Presents

I think I can safely post some Christmas knitting as I am sure the recipient does not view this blog. This is an adaption of an Alan Dart pattern.

Although he is still earless, he is in a better state than his friend, who appears to have odd legs apart from being rather disjointed. I'm embroidering the eyes instead of using plastic eyes, safer given the youth of their new owners. I find toys are a good way of using up odd balls of acrylic of which I seem to have an indecent amount, the heads and paws are Wendy/Peter Pan Velvet Touch which gives a fabric like finish and is very soft.
It looks as if I will have to venture out into my neglected garden soon, as this arrived yesterday, climbing roses for my bare fence.

The weather isn't very welcoming for outdoor work today, it is raining heavily at the moment and I have to go out to post a birthday card.

And finally, a message for Chris, who is embarking on her first sock. Hope it is going well and have you got to the heel yet?