Friday, June 30, 2006

No posting for a couple of weeks............ been remarkably busy. Here's a quick catch-up:

1) A visit to Bath to watch Somerset v Middlesex.
My only experience of cricket so far has been trips to Lords. Bath couldn't have been more different: smaller obviously, which gives the whole experience a more informal feel. Jon introduced me to the tradition of going on to the pitch during lunch, where children played cricket with their dads and men stood admiring the wicket. Apparently, you could do this at Lords up until about ten years ago.

Jon had prepared a wonderful picnic, and during the game, I did my bit for KIP and worked on Marlowe (which Jon found very amusing). When it got a little chilly, I tried to get him to put the finished back around his neck and shoulders, but he was too embarrassed. After the match, we walked around the beautiful city centre, and then drove through the surrounding picturesque countryside.

2) A trip to
Lords to watch Middlesex v Surrey. Packed ground, lots of silver-haired gentlemen in blazers, completely different atmosphere. Always very amusing to watch a certain contingent attempt a Mexican wave, which is never really taken up by the majority anyway, and which completely dies when it reaches the members' enclosure, where half the blazers are asleep and the other half resolutely sit with their arms crossed, scowling at the riff-raff allowed in these days

3) Lunch with Jon at the White Hart in Chalfont St Peter. Perfect pub with a restaurant and garden at the back and really amazing food. Consistently award-winning.

Consequently, I have been neglecting my sock knitting. I picked it up again earlier in the week, and got as far as the instep, but lost concentration somewhere and am going to have to undo right back to the ankle. Only 10 days to the end of the Knitting World Cup and I haven't even finished the first sock. Anyway, here is a picture I took of it, before I turned the heel. (Apologies for poor picture quality.)

Friday, June 16, 2006

Knitting World Cup 2006


Hooray, I've signed up for the Knitting World Cup. My project will be my challenging First Socks. More later.......

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Stairway to heaven

A very depressing day at work - I could have done with a glass of wine and chat at Angelknits tonight, but had to forego the pleasure and come home to do (unrelated) stuff. All the way home, my mind was going over the events of the day, and preparing myself for the not so nice evening ahead. I think I was muttering to myself as I climbed the stairs to my flat.........

....... to find a parcel propped against the door - my Web of Wool sock starter kit had arrived! (So quick too, how fab are they?)

It sounds daft, but this wonderful surprise completely elevated my mood, I think I might even have let out a cry. I didn't open it straight away, just concentrated on stuff for the next hour, had a lovely shower, then sat down with my goodies. I had ordered the yarn and kit myself, but, what with this being my first sock, didn't know what to expect. Inside was a ball of Opal yarn, a pattern, a leaflet about Woolfest and five tiny needles. So I cast on.


One and a half hours later (half of BB6 and Lost), I had only knitted two rows of the rib. It's sooo hard handling four needles and goodness only knows what the fifth is for. Socks 101 says that eventually you find a comfortable way without the needles stabbing you in the palm, but quite frankly I'm surprised I didn't lose an eye tonight. But I am sooo enjoying it. I can see that what I am doing at the moment isn't particularly complicated, but it's all new and challenging enough to keep me very, very happy.

Update at 1:22 am
Knitting more quickly now, although still fiddly and still on the rib. I also know what the fifth needle is for - picking up those pesky dropped stitches! *smile*

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Can you spare any change?

I knew that this month was going to be tight financially, but only nine days into the month, I have just £75 left, and that's not even my money, but what's left of my overdraft.

eeeek - a quick review of what I will need to dispense with:


1) Driving to work (petrol, parking and congestion charge = one small fortune
2) Pizza - I am astonishly lazy at the weekends and the pizza delivery boys are my best friends. My figure and my heart will thank me for this hiatus.
3) Going to the
spa tonight with Sarah. Can't even remember the last time I pampered myself, looks like I will have to wait a little longer.
4) the Debbie Bliss tab button cardigan from wish you were here. Very annoyed about this, as I had planned to have it ready in time for my department's away day at the end of the month.

The fourth one is quite distressing; knitting is essential to my wellbeing, what with all the crap going on in my life at the moment. I still have the top of the front of Marlowe to complete, but my OCD dictates that I can't work on Marlowe at home. Luckily, just minutes before I checked my balance, I had just ordered the
sock starter kit from Web of Wool. I can't wait till it arrives - I've never knitted a sock before and I think the complexity and size will be the perfect project to keep me occupied till pay day, when I will book a day of beauty treatments, and buy lots of yarn.

Right, I've been indoors all day missing the glorious sunshine, and it's a beautiful evening - am off to a barbecue tonight. A few bottles is small outlay for a good time with good people.

Monday, June 05, 2006

The Big Knit In

After several hours in traffic (roadworks in Kings Cross, Angel and the A13), I finally got to the The Big Knit In at Brighton's Grand Parade campus. I arrived too late to see the speed trials or the fashion show (gah), but managed to look around at the various tables and the yummy yarns and books (so much better than on line). Really, really wanted to buy the latest Debbie Bliss book, so that I can start on the tab button jacket, but without any yarn to start knitting, it would have been too frustrating.

I contented myself with a glass of wine and sat and knitted a few rows of Marlowe. Then I visited the art exhibition in the foyer. If I'm honest, I don't spend a lot of time in galleries, but I really did enjoy this one, partly because of the work on show, but also it took me back to another age. In particular, I remembered my first love, Peter's exhibits, while he was an art student - I even featured in them - and all the hard work and preparation for them.

More traffic on the way back, but really, the weather was so fantastic the entire day, you couldn't really complain. I even managed to get a couple of chores done, so all in all, an eventful day for me!

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Gin and sausages

Went for a drink with Jon tonight - it was a very mild evening so we went to the Edinboro Castle and sat outside in the garden. I very happily did some knitting, and Jon even helped wind the yarn, when I had to unravel a rew rows. An excellent evening.