We have Glynis! Or the first sock of Glynis , given the pattern is for a pair of socks. Unless I'm imagining myself as Dobby the House Elf from Harry Potter , who wore odd socks .
So far, I have tried three yarns (third time lucky) , several pairs of needles including metal circulars , bamboo double pointed, wooden double pointed (had a few cases of points snapping off when knitting three together!, ouch!)
Have actually finished two socks , but the first one didn't fit , too tight and awkward. This one is loose and squishy , just how I like it! Also the cuff is a bit shorter , as I am not overly fond of long cuffs , and at present neither is my shoulder (successful visit to Osteopath , so second sock shouldn't take so long!)And I managed to successfully Kitchener stitch the toe , doesn't look bad a t all .
Just hope I finish on time for the KAL - finished socks to be photographed and posted by 11.59 BST, talk about cutting it fine.
Better go and feed the hordes now - they are getting fidgety!
In between sore neck, back and shoulders , appallingly wet weather , very little knitting , there was our Race for Life held at Eglinton Country Park near Kilwinning . It was a gorgeous day , and the Flavaknits group were all set to walk , knit maybe run * to raise money for Cancer Research .
There were lots of different groups , some large, some small , some with matching pictures and messages on their T-shirts . There were ladies in day-glo pink outfits complete with wigs , lots of pink shiny cowboy hats and feather boas and even a few ladies with bright pink bras worn on the outside of their T-shirts .
There was an aerobic workout before the start taken by a professional aerobics instructor who was taking part in the race (she was running !) , and this really got the crowd warmed up and excited (or exhausted!) .
And there was also a Pipe Band to get us started , although Marions' dog , Pete , didn't really appreciate this part to the event .
Karen , Kimberley and me had our sock knitting with us , and we certainly caught the comments . They ranged from "Good for you , bringing your knitting , what is it a scarf ? " to " Look that womens knitting!" (this was screeched within ear shot!)
I just realised that I didn't get any pictures of me with my knitting , but I think Val (our "official" photographer ) did. Pete the dog didn't approve of knitting so Marion left hers at home (Knitting and Pipe Bands , not a good combination for a good walk in the park).
DH and the boys came along to cheer me on , they are squinting as Daddy took the picture , because the Sun was so strong (no really it was....)
I think they just came to see the medal and what I got in the goody bag afterwards . There was an interesting combination of items including a mini can of mens' shaving foam and a booklet with money off vouchers for CIF , a cleaning product - D'you think they'd have that one in a mans goody bag ?
It was a great day , and we all enjoyed ourselves , the boys want me to do it again next year , but could I run ? Eh , NO it will be walking again . Running and knitting just don't mix!
Sick Bay mark 2 :- DS2 spent most of the night in the bathroom , and I spent most of the night cleaning up! So far have boil washed 2 sets of bedlinen , 3 pairs of pyjama's and 6 towels ! The place now smells of tea-tree and lemon oil , which I assure you, is a vast improvement .
So we are staying at home today !
Just now DS2 is trying to hypnotise his brother who is playing along ! We are also being treated to some enthusiastic singing . There is just no warning when this kid is ill.
On a brighter and more fun note , my Cookie A Sock Innovation book arrived and I was able to cast on for the May Knit-a-long ,the first pattern which is called Glynis ! THREE TIMES I cast on , but have now found the perfect yarn/pattern/needles combo which will ensure they fit .
The book has fifteen beautiful patterns and a very informative section at the start . The first section has pieces on different pattern stitches , how to adjust sock patterns as well as sock design . Of course I ignored that bit and went straight to the patterns like a properly addicted knitter .
And this is 3 repeats of the pattern for Glynis , I am surprising myself by using the charts (the correct way this time) , and really getting into the groove on this one (eventually).
Even my sore shoulder is not slowing things down this time (note to self CALL osteopath today), and I am now finding this a relaxing knit .
Also managed to get the new Vogue Knitting , now known as Designer Knitting outside the US . It has some lovely lace patterns , starting with the fingerless gloves on the front page. (Note, if you have Vogue Knitting in the US, the circular medallion sweater is on the front ..... these things are sent to try us ) . If you take a wee peek at the right side you see a ball of Unicorn in pale blue and Glo's sock yarn in pinks/purples , the first two yarns I tried with Glynis but didn't suit.
My favourite favourite pattern is for these thigh high socks ! Gorgeous , but would I knit them never mind wear them (Hmmmmm , thinks to self , probably not!) Still I think they are beautiful . Mind you, I would probably knit the shorter lavender lace socks on the far left.
I fear I have caught the Yarn Harlot sock addiction , and although I knit much slower , I'm acquiring yarn at about the same rate .
Its just all about the socks just now - that and getting a small boy better !
Edited to add:- I know I'm repeating myself a bit (see last post) , I blame the sleep deprivation and a small boy who has boundless energy even when ill ! My story , sticking to it!
Its not an exact science , although it can be quite exacting ! DS2 complained of a sore tummy on the way to Nursery this morning , hmmm , looked okay, no temperature, not off food , hhmmmm..... Seemed fine at Nursery but complained again , better safe than sorry , so no Nursery for DS2 today. Went to cafe to tell Auntie she didn't need to pick him up today , and he seemed to be miraculously better !
So much so , that a wee trip to Braehead with Auntie (who's a NURSE for crying out loud) went well , including a wee bite of lunch. On the way back home he seemed to be sleepy then .... WOWOWWOW ! Mum , think we'll need to clean the car ...... and promptly falls asleep .
Will need to put the car in for a Valet service , and that's after cleaning it for an hour with the strongest detergent I could find .
Next time , when in doubt , stay home .
On a more positive note , got my Cookie A Sock Innovation book and got started on my May KAL, which is the first pattern in the book and is called Glynis ! Tried three yarns before settling on one , its a gorgeous Arauncunia sock yarn in shades of green and feels marvelous to knit with , AND it had plenty of elasticity in it to compensate for the inelastic nature of the pattern . The yarn was a lovely gift from my good pal Nan, who runs Stitchingtime yarn store in Hamilton , for a "special " birthday last year . So far I had just kept it special, and my good pal Karen kindly wound it into two balls on her lovely noste`pinne (hope you feel better soon Karen!).But now its time to show it off in a lovely pair of socks (photo's soon , I promise).
And its raining , perfect knitting weather !
