tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149886212024-03-07T14:17:50.911+00:00knitobsessionThe musings of an obsessive knitter and stash collectorrachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.comBlogger581125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-54066841381040993772015-05-09T18:22:00.003+00:002015-05-09T18:24:03.882+00:00A future?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having stayed up on Friday night until I was too heartsick from watching the Eton toffs take over the country for another 5 years I was still wallowing in misery and trying to figure out how I could get a transfer to Scotland when my random shuffle played this album - </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Celebrating-Subversion-Anti-Capitalist-Various-artists/dp/B00B6B208W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431193839&sr=8-1&keywords=celebrating+subversion" target="_blank">Celebrating Subversion: The Anti-Capitalist Roadshow</a> particularly the track by Ian Saville The Vision the words are <a href="http://www.redmagic.co.uk/content/vision-poem-shows" target="_blank">here</a> and you can hear it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9yph-x6khI" target="_blank">here</a></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I'm still trying to understand how the voters will throw out the LIb Dems for supporting the Torys and then vote the Torys in, especially when so many of us are one pay cheque away from financial disaster nowadays, one unexpected bill away from turning off the heating or managing without the new shoes we or our kids need. Surely voting in a government planning another £12 billion cuts in the welfare budget on the basis that it won't affect 'us' but only 'them' - that nebulous them made up of scroungers and immigrants but never anyone like 'us' it's lunacy. It isn't even 'enlightened self interest' it's looking at the past 5 years and learning absolutely bugger all from the increase in zero hours contracts and the increased use of foodbanks, not just by sanctioned benefits claimants but by the employed on low pay.</span></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11202561_863875403691495_1505647379065432110_n.jpg?oh=a907de306963af1dda39d64cc72bcf87&oe=5609CDC4&__gda__=1440545010_c1e074a59dbafc3a5ffacbac8ecd8789" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11202561_863875403691495_1505647379065432110_n.jpg?oh=a907de306963af1dda39d64cc72bcf87&oe=5609CDC4&__gda__=1440545010_c1e074a59dbafc3a5ffacbac8ecd8789" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't have any answers right now, I have no idea how to move forwards but I'm determined to try and figure out a way to move forwards in spite of the gloom I feel right now.</span></div>
rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-39137801967889994272015-05-04T07:28:00.002+00:002015-05-04T07:28:46.028+00:00FinallyI bet you all thought I was dead I lost access to the email account linked to this blog and have spent the last year trying intermittently to get access, For some reason today I finally managed to sort it out, I think they must have changed how to get account information as today I had the option to get a recovery code by text and here I am!<br />
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No pictures or anything much to say today but I will try and find things to say and knitting to show you once I find my camera!<br />
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I do want you to see this- my sister made it for me for my birthday in 2014, this is the front of it and below is the back.<br />
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You must know that purple is my favourite colour, I've never been given anything as special as this, purple and black cats!</div>
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I promise I'll try and be back regularly now!</div>
rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-75282509722769218582011-06-10T04:54:00.002+00:002011-06-10T06:46:00.302+00:00Update on the blanket<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPF-aJ4T58pe0oVMioxj6ybqvqblL7nW3h8TLDuXbJD-DdVp1LOrmSPofrBO4ilaD8OWL7cTF4MJi5Fk9qah1NB2j3wazNRTvsoOMzNMTnu9hzfUf_uGl-bsn1wSodG4-ekCYp/s1600/09June011+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616450528837691490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPF-aJ4T58pe0oVMioxj6ybqvqblL7nW3h8TLDuXbJD-DdVp1LOrmSPofrBO4ilaD8OWL7cTF4MJi5Fk9qah1NB2j3wazNRTvsoOMzNMTnu9hzfUf_uGl-bsn1wSodG4-ekCYp/s320/09June011+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Hecate always likes to help me photograph any WIP that is big enough to need my bed as a back ground, she inevitably gets in the way either before or during the photography!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSHl957K_WiOwJ3A3B9a-zXprYWx5pxgQucu24cPsoqPOblf-9z2CnZ6Sj4SKEq_EdFNyTb0qlNgP8n8Ek1wI6QlCgfhXzGAVJwvot44B_lb-VVn-SaQqzZacuUMpHl_lfYap/s1600/09June011+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616450524356118066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSHl957K_WiOwJ3A3B9a-zXprYWx5pxgQucu24cPsoqPOblf-9z2CnZ6Sj4SKEq_EdFNyTb0qlNgP8n8Ek1wI6QlCgfhXzGAVJwvot44B_lb-VVn-SaQqzZacuUMpHl_lfYap/s320/09June011+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The blanket I'm working on is growing but with hindsight knitting the squares together whiel I make teh mitred ones isn't a great idea as it is already getting quite heavy and awkward, it's going to be 5 x 5 squares and I'm on the 9th out of the 12 patterned squares and have actually started the fourth mitred square since this picture was taken on Tuesday.<br /><br />I've just spent 2 days clearing more of the junk out opf my flat that has accumulated while I was depressed. I have no real choice but to crack on with that as fast as possible as my landlord wants to install new central heating very soon.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GhIXRocqYgCyLJPKTlDJoHLsKyqy3elu7QsvLGGeSj-Ec7xUtw1Dof0ggtqt0ELii3uKsQ8S5mRBdADpcJL7WjYbniB_DJfpMq-Ze3PZd42gNzbfHgupk84vr0OWkVfJ-Qzd/s1600/09June011+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616450536023442114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GhIXRocqYgCyLJPKTlDJoHLsKyqy3elu7QsvLGGeSj-Ec7xUtw1Dof0ggtqt0ELii3uKsQ8S5mRBdADpcJL7WjYbniB_DJfpMq-Ze3PZd42gNzbfHgupk84vr0OWkVfJ-Qzd/s320/09June011+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Luckily for me my big sister spent Thursday with me helping me to get more done and dealing with the heating company's surveyor for me as I get flustered by strangers in the flat, the cats just find the highest position they can in the flat and watch, unfortunately my preferred option of hiding under the duvet doesn't really work in the grown up world!rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-15950347682693089402011-05-31T19:01:00.002+00:002011-05-31T19:15:10.705+00:00Progress!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzU8k_cELSmenfL2xdZlkQs9paSNG3bvYOeDApoCHIhJVjh2UP3ClwZxp1M93tlY-J9iN1Ia9EKiG7N0sjUIe0RStvbzP5GA8eK6PsKuDTpEXqjrGjAreSr1BelItIrIFPKnjg/s1600/31May2011+004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzU8k_cELSmenfL2xdZlkQs9paSNG3bvYOeDApoCHIhJVjh2UP3ClwZxp1M93tlY-J9iN1Ia9EKiG7N0sjUIe0RStvbzP5GA8eK6PsKuDTpEXqjrGjAreSr1BelItIrIFPKnjg/s320/31May2011+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612958136747662914" border="0" /></a><br />The Irish Diamond shawl is growing steadily, I think I've finally grasped the pattern, I can even see where to start the first pattern row each time without having to look at the pattern (although I still double check with the pattern). I like this pattern, it's not terribly complicated but it's a challeng to my less than sharp brain.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6zmkCLhq3cz73ajFWh0zQx6uFqZmdkQQdkuf1BcxflbOt7bcY2VnVLCDGVpySAaNGtyoggqUozuuDvkIvX_WuOzh5_3oIm4st3u8ks-JO3LmgLho1a7Zz-MaN5h0XXIS7ZUf/s1600/31May2011+006.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6zmkCLhq3cz73ajFWh0zQx6uFqZmdkQQdkuf1BcxflbOt7bcY2VnVLCDGVpySAaNGtyoggqUozuuDvkIvX_WuOzh5_3oIm4st3u8ks-JO3LmgLho1a7Zz-MaN5h0XXIS7ZUf/s320/31May2011+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612958131573102306" border="0" /></a><br />This is a variation on the twirly scarves that I was making a few years ago, I added some extra pale lilac to it, the snag is I made it from acrylic which means I can't block the edges to stop them roling up. It was a quick fun knit to make - Dolores from a back issue of Simply Knitting.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqxnVV9IIwjj7B6Dtt8lG2CvW9MzOv3iWqjLKx2F1UewSX8-YoJz_GciC7pqS-jCGJoqieNTrx4KP3k8wk9dWO9F-jEQCMQJ7aTejawlvGGmcPKa4JBHswsUKlSCPPVwWYUDf/s1600/31May2011+005.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqxnVV9IIwjj7B6Dtt8lG2CvW9MzOv3iWqjLKx2F1UewSX8-YoJz_GciC7pqS-jCGJoqieNTrx4KP3k8wk9dWO9F-jEQCMQJ7aTejawlvGGmcPKa4JBHswsUKlSCPPVwWYUDf/s320/31May2011+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612958126645302946" border="0" /></a><br />The good old potato chip scarf pattern, I want to add tassels to each end, as usual the sewing in of the ends and the finishing off is what gets left as I lose interest once the knitting is done.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO561c2q5RF10-h8-IQvdXCGfpmHQO-t0xmmiyuTNafNDro8tlNZpmiMPej8k1nnLbmMyARl4p1oRXQrVaySQKTiO_TzyQAmIilyfpSRXyGrCgNIc-aPn86dpwJWpUeAyKMm_/s1600/31May2011+003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO561c2q5RF10-h8-IQvdXCGfpmHQO-t0xmmiyuTNafNDro8tlNZpmiMPej8k1nnLbmMyARl4p1oRXQrVaySQKTiO_TzyQAmIilyfpSRXyGrCgNIc-aPn86dpwJWpUeAyKMm_/s320/31May2011+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612958121941318786" border="0" /></a>This is the first of the winter woolly hats I'm making to go to a homeless shelter - mind you it's been so cold at work the last few weeks I may need it myself. I want to make more in different patterns as part of making my knitting useful, there aren't many people in my life that I can knit for.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumW5ChRjEoLpIxlMQyklHfICE9TgGykAddGuwPNUb_SGC4VKufi5XgPfFhNJUJEBXOIy00z0KPKKBEp4X2TLRQjhacQ5Dp1sSOmvkQjTvSz4dXEbRV620ZbCHM8rGihTZyRGG/s1600/31May2011+008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumW5ChRjEoLpIxlMQyklHfICE9TgGykAddGuwPNUb_SGC4VKufi5XgPfFhNJUJEBXOIy00z0KPKKBEp4X2TLRQjhacQ5Dp1sSOmvkQjTvSz4dXEbRV620ZbCHM8rGihTZyRGG/s320/31May2011+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612958139100111762" border="0" /></a>Merlin supervising me, he's like all the cats I've ever been permitted to share my life with, he loves to be as high up as possible while he studies me! I'm going to have to cut down a bit on my knitting while I do some frantic restacking of the contents of my flat before they come to survey before they replace my central heating. I hate having workmen in my flat and I have far too much stuff in here - especially the skips of knitting yarn.rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-83336710351661020772011-05-22T18:48:00.002+00:002011-05-22T19:20:10.103+00:00Current projects<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_7l30MAO3-w4OE0TXRrXPKJxtipJ_5k70QCHIUWgzDuoWQ3TNyeIq95k7jAXywnJnrxjAqEnC9hKWmnMo_VsCNZM0ChUgxISB8HzS2PEj0wN3XPtCVT95usuz73ko9RsCqA5/s1600/22May2011+004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_7l30MAO3-w4OE0TXRrXPKJxtipJ_5k70QCHIUWgzDuoWQ3TNyeIq95k7jAXywnJnrxjAqEnC9hKWmnMo_VsCNZM0ChUgxISB8HzS2PEj0wN3XPtCVT95usuz73ko9RsCqA5/s320/22May2011+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609614664748357874" border="0" /></a><br />This is meant to be a zigzag scarf, because it's knitted lengthwise I wasn't sure how long it would turn out and to be honest it's way too short for anything I would want, it may be OK for my great niece though. it's a fun easy pattern to play with so I may make a longer version - especially I just invested in a 120cm long 4mm circular needle!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHv-yqy3AgciL95MyrOcqQICQU1bQQ9Ni-2cKiPfPi6AwyGkaw6kywfwoPzn4_a7amcljxPC1vZOrVClEcpitTvbqzcFq0AtWdv6807YHVHrf8nObUkzEKLMQe84pODdIeuHhd/s1600/22May2011+005.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHv-yqy3AgciL95MyrOcqQICQU1bQQ9Ni-2cKiPfPi6AwyGkaw6kywfwoPzn4_a7amcljxPC1vZOrVClEcpitTvbqzcFq0AtWdv6807YHVHrf8nObUkzEKLMQe84pODdIeuHhd/s320/22May2011+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609614673416942898" border="0" /></a><br />This is me testing to see if I can knit lace nowadays, I haven't been able to for the last couple of years - my concentration span and short term memory were both completely destroyed by the latest breakdown. Strictly this should be knit in laceweight rather than this 4 ply, but I find it easier to keep track of the pattern in the thicker yarn and so far I'm doing OK with the pattern as a result. It's pretty much a question of rebuilding my confidence in the skills I had before I became ill. This is the Irish Diamond shawl pattern that I tried once before I was sick. It's not a difficult pattern compared to many, I'm enjoying knitting it which is the most important thing right now.<br /><br />I haven't taken pictures of all the WIP's I have on the go, but as usual I have far too many ! At the last count I have the following.<br /><br />1) Scarf in Pooch that I bought years ago, I'm debating turning it into a short scarf (it's very thick yarn) and using the left over yarn to make trim for a hat and gloves and adding a button and button hole to the scarf. I'm almost convinced that will be the solution so I've ordered 2 buttons on ebay that should fasten the scarf and add as a trim to the hat. I'll have to find a yarn for the hat and gloves in a lighter weight, before I buy anything new I'll go stash diving first.<br /><br />2) 5 different clapotis - in various stages of development, I'll take some pictures during the week rather than describing them in detail.<br /><br />3) A shawl in a blue/green yarn, my old favourite garter stitch shawl with fringing - I bought a kilo of this yarn on ebay about 4 years ago and it's my mindless project, even I can remember to do a yarn over once a row - and if I forget it I can always sneak it in later!<br /><br />4) Another Christmas tree - I plan on making a few more for home and office, I still haven't sewn up the first tree yet - like many of us I procrastinate with the finishing off of the things that I make!<br /><br />5) The blanket project in tortoiseshell is plodding along, I've made 4 squares so far, my current design needs 20 squares, but I'm debating alternating with mitred squares in plain yarn as the variegated yarn is a bit busy on the eyes. That would mean buying more yarn rather than using up the stash, but it's a gift so I may do that if I decide it would look better.<br /><br />6) A simple knit 2 purl 2 rib hat intended as a gift - I'm actually started on my Christmas knitting!<br /><br />7) 2 mohair scarves being made from the stash, neither of them are in colours I will wear but will probably go into the Christmas gift pile or go to the local women's refuge.<br /><br />8) I've the rikrak scarf from 'Scarves a knitters dozen' still on the go although I'm not 100% happy with how it's turning out.<br /><br />9) I'm teaching a colleague how to knit socks on DPN's so I have a sock on my needles although I'm not feeling any sock love at all yet and have hardly touched it, I suspect that at the next lesson my student will be way ahead of me!<br /><br />10) I'm experimenting with a sweater pattern from Simply Knitting May 2008 but using a different yarn, Spree in I think blueberry - purple/white variegations and I'm not sure if the cable pattern will work - the back is in stocking stitch anyway so I'm doing that first to see if the yarn drapes right.<br /><br />Apart from the knitting, I did a small amount of slash and destroy gardening today and I'm sticking with the new healthy diet although I am starting to feel like a rabbit!rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-65644309697371527262011-05-17T05:11:00.002+00:002011-05-17T06:37:50.019+00:00Sad cat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR17JY5e8ucKNvPJGNHMEmTCYrHNviUaLVqXHBkXw6mzZhV_Ez5XXgyBJcjaMtRBjf2Ch6dJPxPl7v8WJpsiVwuPTCN1nu0ZUFog5OwXPtukYilx0OJRpRZFFhGBIsGGLsc48a/s1600/17May2011+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607548619074258578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR17JY5e8ucKNvPJGNHMEmTCYrHNviUaLVqXHBkXw6mzZhV_Ez5XXgyBJcjaMtRBjf2Ch6dJPxPl7v8WJpsiVwuPTCN1nu0ZUFog5OwXPtukYilx0OJRpRZFFhGBIsGGLsc48a/s320/17May2011+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm not sure what has upset Merlin, it may just be me doing a load of cleaning and tidying in my flat for the first time in ages, but when I got home from work yesterday he didn't greet me at the door, he was sulking on top of the boiler in the kitchen. He growled at the man who came to do the gas inspection on Saturday morning and bushed his tail up and showed his teeth - totally out of character for him.<br />I shall try and spend some cuddle time with him if he wants it and see if that settles him down, he's eating etc OK so I'm not too worried yet.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89ed3md_yLcjvP2QkmxoWQy8yWD_2Zd8Hw5QmNC2QfCOv1L8rI3r_ru-oaxma8b3vtjdoyneZJlv0dgYOBhdBItG9_7MlzatgXzjIUtduyvRN3UsrmnwLGfGEdo8LfkkTrGnO/s1600/17May2011+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607548623288770610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89ed3md_yLcjvP2QkmxoWQy8yWD_2Zd8Hw5QmNC2QfCOv1L8rI3r_ru-oaxma8b3vtjdoyneZJlv0dgYOBhdBItG9_7MlzatgXzjIUtduyvRN3UsrmnwLGfGEdo8LfkkTrGnO/s320/17May2011+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I'm experimenting again, I have loads of bits of blue/purple/pink yarn so I'm playing with quilt patterns that can be knitted, this log cabin square is obviously the easiest apart from just knitting squares and I'm rather enjoying doing it although it does make a lot of ends.<br /><br />I've been asked by a work colleague to show her how to knit socks, it's ages since I've made any so I may have to relearn while I teach her.rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-17520669676637383662011-05-15T17:15:00.002+00:002011-05-15T17:32:10.288+00:00Busy, busy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgnaUzRLq1oo91KzjIU8sanZiT5IVdWBFlT7826WC-iiihNkKjV_gI8BczzZF1dj4kpPu8R6pA3KKuSWJG2Zit6xJHN4K5h0p-JQSDkL7oDK9CjmE7b28hGO5x4PxcOoaMcBV/s1600/15May2011+004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgnaUzRLq1oo91KzjIU8sanZiT5IVdWBFlT7826WC-iiihNkKjV_gI8BczzZF1dj4kpPu8R6pA3KKuSWJG2Zit6xJHN4K5h0p-JQSDkL7oDK9CjmE7b28hGO5x4PxcOoaMcBV/s320/15May2011+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606993094825323554" border="0" /></a><br />I'd hoped to have photographed more of my WIP's this weekend but I spent Friday cleaning the kitchen for a gas inspection on Saturday morning, Saturday sleeping Friday off and then today sorting all the knitting and yarn in my living room into separate bags, they may only be supermarket carier bags but each WIP now has it's own bag and the ones that need a pattern have the pattern in with them!<br /><br />The square in the picture doesn't look much, but it's an experiment to combine crochet and knitted log cabin to play around with combining textures using only one yarn rather than many - it seems to be working out and I plan on making more and turning them into a lap blanket for my friend's mother who frequently complains of cold legs.<br /><br />In other news when saw my GP this week my blood sugar figures had improved and I actually came away with very nearly a pat on the head and agreement to cut my antidepressants by 25%. If any remaining UK readers can point me at information/advice/diets that would be helpful to an almost but not quite Type 2 diabetic I'd be very greatful, my current ultra careful diet will only last so long before I get so sick of the sight of salads I go mad and buy a chocolate cake.<br /><br />My other question after being away from knitting for so long I can't remember my log in details for Ravelry is in 2 parts, why do people think that Elizabeth Zimmerman is so brilliant? I find her patterns incomprehensible and her top down pattern for sweaters to result in hundreds of shuddering children being forced to wear sloping shouldered garments that make them all look drooping shouldered and depressed. The other question is why knit dishcloths? I don't see them as being particularly hygenic, and why knit something pretty to use to wash dirty dishes, you might as well embroider the overalls that are worn to repair the car - or am I missing something?rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-60571388428314071582011-05-10T14:05:00.002+00:002011-05-10T14:30:43.227+00:00A couple of FO's<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWeEnXKe0i7LkrORLiMDuAuu1wbT2WZqLGIFfBQnQ7KyGAEQBakktzd0OEXaZ5HLj8MGFuBpRYtsrqvqw5p2GwL5q2OtCBNAaHoASlkUwYrGLgw9uCJT0BTPyjHs3OAPfS5_x/s1600/10May2011+006.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWeEnXKe0i7LkrORLiMDuAuu1wbT2WZqLGIFfBQnQ7KyGAEQBakktzd0OEXaZ5HLj8MGFuBpRYtsrqvqw5p2GwL5q2OtCBNAaHoASlkUwYrGLgw9uCJT0BTPyjHs3OAPfS5_x/s320/10May2011+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605088996197553730" border="0" /></a>I'm addicted still to knitting clapotis. This is a narrow version in Juicy yarn, bamboo and cotton mix with the most glorious drape, typically I discovered it just as it was discontinued. I managed to resist over stocking it and only bought 500g each of 2 different colourways, my normal instinct is to buy everyscrao I find of a discontinued yarn regardless of how much I can use. This clapotis is mine, I've made several over the years and never kept one.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVyS5IXDeY7lzdAxnvNRmuRlp7r-FxuN5SIh6JdpaLHLt54j6GcmiONgzafmna-hQUyHYWdUIMnyDEBEKtAd4HEKXzPt_YwYQB1hTM9hiAlqdqrWD9MkOxY78o8zIDErzpQuT/s1600/10May2011+005.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVyS5IXDeY7lzdAxnvNRmuRlp7r-FxuN5SIh6JdpaLHLt54j6GcmiONgzafmna-hQUyHYWdUIMnyDEBEKtAd4HEKXzPt_YwYQB1hTM9hiAlqdqrWD9MkOxY78o8zIDErzpQuT/s320/10May2011+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605088994136955970" border="0" /></a>This is the first thing I've started and finished this year, a wider shorter clapotis, I wish in fact I'd made it longer but it isn't a pattern that lends itself to changing your mind one you've started the final decreaseing as it's knitted on the bias. Although I'm proud of it and it's very important as a milestone on my recovery I can't imagine ever wearing it, I just can't give it to anyone randomly I need it to go to someone who appreciates how symbolic it is to me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXn_kjf3zH5QkFcs0BeaTZmH_eboPmlYgtTgvavL8JSvyHwVlKnWtWWJ5UZqIwlPzIADHy6XXhUALaE8EyaqAY1isrmoBVKEIjCsZqidCoQYSfZ-2PKInzfFBjvSRbZQ8HVQ7/s1600/10May2011+008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXn_kjf3zH5QkFcs0BeaTZmH_eboPmlYgtTgvavL8JSvyHwVlKnWtWWJ5UZqIwlPzIADHy6XXhUALaE8EyaqAY1isrmoBVKEIjCsZqidCoQYSfZ-2PKInzfFBjvSRbZQ8HVQ7/s320/10May2011+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605088993077596626" border="0" /></a> A simple scarf, I have in fact made two, this one is in Medici, a gift to the manager I had for the first 6 months of my return to work, I'd give her my first born child if I had one she was so very kind and supportive to me when I returned to work in a horribly fragile state, she couldn't have treated me better or been more patient. We still stay in touch and met up yesterday so I could give this to her asa very small but heartfelt thankyou. The other scarf I have no picture of, it was another garter stitch scarf, made out of Illusion in red/gold/green - that has gone to the shrink I've been seeing, again it really is a totally inadequate gift to a woman has almost managed to convince me that I'm not totally worthless!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6kDBvr08L7TxxZLWcSEvpPjzFPPs-TkcZADUdPjvqIzKv8qvTLG1muD_tcgL_7jw_EznHNI-XNItQoxFlJiNwjA5OK_h7GRuWQfo5V2vC1Qp40mUe1sJQqPNNRh9RxP6IOTn/s1600/10May2011+003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6kDBvr08L7TxxZLWcSEvpPjzFPPs-TkcZADUdPjvqIzKv8qvTLG1muD_tcgL_7jw_EznHNI-XNItQoxFlJiNwjA5OK_h7GRuWQfo5V2vC1Qp40mUe1sJQqPNNRh9RxP6IOTn/s320/10May2011+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605088986883415970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is a baby picture of my Merlin cat - he's adorable even if Hecate doesn't agree - I didn't take many pictures of him before I gave up the photography for a while. I'm pretty much convinced when I look at pictures like this that he has to be a Siamese cross!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXXremMc9TeqaIPfIxxIoYKa5-y21fJruojbufjwF_HtOM1OCcJ1saqGLfzEzawEJ9tZGJHrBpLnvp5IevJw07g1-YW0CX0P2X9Oo6sfLvP9xj2OfNCMJt-237izEsi4G5it_/s1600/10May2011+007.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXXremMc9TeqaIPfIxxIoYKa5-y21fJruojbufjwF_HtOM1OCcJ1saqGLfzEzawEJ9tZGJHrBpLnvp5IevJw07g1-YW0CX0P2X9Oo6sfLvP9xj2OfNCMJt-237izEsi4G5it_/s320/10May2011+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605089000570360306" border="0" /></a> You may not believe this, but this is going to be a Christmas tree when I can finally be bothered to sew it up and stuff it. Real trees and cats in a small flat won't work so I've given my niece the glass baubles I had and am making a few of these, number 2 is on my needles already. As usual I have a load of WIP's - its a failing of my butterfly mind - I'll do something about getting pictures of them so you can mock me for my lack of focus :)<br /><br />Tomorrow I get the results of blood tests to decide if I've developed type 2 diabetes during the last few years of comfort eating, I've done a radical overhaul of my diet this last month so I'm hoping to squeak through and avoid anymore meds.rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-20004637042115142102011-05-07T19:36:00.003+00:002011-05-07T20:10:47.458+00:00Sod's law<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v93zWzoo15q3y9iggHoC59o9kOdiViK2MTyb0AE-VZQaOfMGP8vIjFoxmdWKic4Q8uGRlWn-sOrh4ECtN47TuxYvDOgFP3BkPa7WwNCexHhbhuk3kAoOOvFuuzm8DCtU87zW/s1600/28331_430949512194_673672194_5638303_4452400_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v93zWzoo15q3y9iggHoC59o9kOdiViK2MTyb0AE-VZQaOfMGP8vIjFoxmdWKic4Q8uGRlWn-sOrh4ECtN47TuxYvDOgFP3BkPa7WwNCexHhbhuk3kAoOOvFuuzm8DCtU87zW/s320/28331_430949512194_673672194_5638303_4452400_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604067112138917618" border="0" /></a><br />Is alive and well, I spent this week - at least odd moments trying to get all the bits I needed for my digital camera all in the same place, I eventually admitted today that I had lost the cable I needed for downloading to the PC and bought a new one on eBay - do I need to tell you that less than one hour later I found the lost cable?<br /><br />I can show you a picture from last spring, I added a new family member - I'd like you to meet Merlin. he and Hecate don't always get on very well, but he keeps her much more active than she was used to! He's much more vocal than she is and a slighter build with a tendency to leap around the flat like a demented rabbit and I suspect he has Siamese blood in him as he's a shocker for licking me and sucking on my neck given the chance.<br /><br />I saw my shrink last week, I've been lucky enough to get some sessions with someone who I find I work well with, sadly the NHS considers that 20 sessions will cure you so I've nearly run out of time with her. I also had blood tests to determine if I am diabetic, hopefully I'll be able to control it with diet as I have finally (I think) managed to find a diet that is helping me lose weight healthily, I'm seeing my Dr next Wednesday to get my test results and discuss where we go next if the figures aren't good enough. I really don't want to start medication yet so I'm hoping the 10 lbs I've lost in the last 4 weeks will help my case!<br /><br />If I can get the camera to charge over night I'll try and get pictures of the latest FO's - some of which are things I'd abandoned 3 years ago and I'm getting dealt with. Then I'll have to try and work out how blogger has changed in the long break I've had!rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-11983308119896608772011-05-01T13:41:00.002+00:002011-05-01T13:46:36.597+00:00Still aliveI know it's been a horribly long time since I posted, most of my old readers must think I've died!<br /><br />The depression and stress I was suffering from kept me off work for close to two years and destroyed my ability to knit - I couldn't hold a pattern in my head for more than a minute and my concentration span wasn't much longer. I finally went back to work last October and in the last 6 weeks I finally started knitting again, I need to play hunt the camera to be able to show you what I've been working on, mostly a couple of scarves, but I have made two of my old favourite clapotis that I hope I can show you soon.<br /><br />Don't expect regular blogging for a while, but I like to think this post is a sign that I am taking another step along the very long road back from the black pit I was in for so long.rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-20041967177645973152008-12-17T18:57:00.002+00:002008-12-17T19:01:49.725+00:00Still aliveJust a quick update, just in case anyone at all still looks at this blog!<br />I've been having computer problems, but mostly I've been away from here recovering from the depression, dealing with stuff at work and not actually knitting.<br /><br />There's a new man in my life and a load of online friends from an online game that I started playing.<br /><br />There aren't enough hours in the day at the moment for me to keep up with everyone, but life is good and I am happy.<br /><br />Hope that anyone who stops by to read this has nearly finished their Christmas knitting and that you all have a great festive season however you celebrate.rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-36844221873804888492008-09-15T18:18:00.002+00:002008-09-15T18:23:46.004+00:00Helpful kitty<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWtd9ernqN7ZirnKyt1D_vgLdfv1QVaILNqazp7mnKOd2gizFudZpsMh3M7tGVeGq_PBBkbHPgUYCNX7QbPUqXCyv4rpz1aQCZYSxvlhwJNTq2fbyIHsLJIoMxRHam2MiAyNT/s1600-h/2008_0914Image0004.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWtd9ernqN7ZirnKyt1D_vgLdfv1QVaILNqazp7mnKOd2gizFudZpsMh3M7tGVeGq_PBBkbHPgUYCNX7QbPUqXCyv4rpz1aQCZYSxvlhwJNTq2fbyIHsLJIoMxRHam2MiAyNT/s320/2008_0914Image0004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246314445890990434" /></a><br />I spent this weekend rather vaguely trying to do some housework, the flat has been sadly neglected lately while I've been so depressed and I'm gradually winning the battle against the chaos. A friend of mine has been helping me, he comes round and helps me shovel the junk out and get the cleaning started - he's been a huge help kick starting me getting things done.<br />I decided to attack the kitchen cupboards and remove the out of date stuff that lurks folornly in the back of them, I didn't have to deal with it all alone - as you can see I had help!<br />The crocheted squares are plodding along and I'm now debating booking for Skipnorth next year.rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-81863591816471476342008-09-07T18:39:00.003+00:002008-09-07T18:47:44.136+00:00Lost, one knitting mojo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSYBwwYIaAXxvsM-tpt-qwM3aiKSh4mfymQhUCcCswSuVfa84u5OvaZFVf1K6F7fCPoE-xuqHd4WfxFpkrtcjJsCz2iRU3RbpCEnUg5V9EpjKDLCP9weH5ctZec0NFWXUZfo6/s1600-h/2008_0907Image0005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243351095300399826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSYBwwYIaAXxvsM-tpt-qwM3aiKSh4mfymQhUCcCswSuVfa84u5OvaZFVf1K6F7fCPoE-xuqHd4WfxFpkrtcjJsCz2iRU3RbpCEnUg5V9EpjKDLCP9weH5ctZec0NFWXUZfo6/s320/2008_0907Image0005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />What I have managed to do is find some satisfaction in crochet, even if only ordinary granny squares. I still can't concentrate on a knitting pattern to save my life but these I can do.<br />My return to work has left me really tired and I'm only just beginning to have some energy when I get home from work. In addition I'm facing at least one and possibly three more desk moves in the near future which is not helping my mood! I do, at least, like my new manager and I'm getting better able to concentrate on my work and being more productive.<br />I've even been working through the flat getting it sorted and cleaned after months of neglect.<br />The area where I live is deteriorating, a month ago there were 4 knife attacks in 6 hours one Friday night, this Friday a 17 year old was stabbed and killed less than 100 yards from my flat, all thoroughly depressing and trapping us indoors all Saturday while the police searched for the murder weapon.<br /><br />Overall I'm much better but don't feel inclined to blog much as it would mostly be<br />1) got up<br />2) went to work<br />3) came home<br />4) microwaved tea<br />5) bathed<br />6) went to bed!<br />I will try and update this a little more often though so that people who eread this know that I'm still alive!<br /><br /><br /><div></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-10301729198184189982008-07-21T17:55:00.002+00:002008-07-21T18:01:46.052+00:00Up to my eyebrowsI'm back at work - just, I did 3 days last week and this week I'm aiming at 4, as a result I'm absolutely shattered. It isn't helped by my frantic efforts at clearing up the neglect in my flat - I don't think I've cleaned or tidied much in the last 12 months and the council gas inspection is in a month and a surveyor needs access soon too!<br />I've cleared up and thrown away or given away what seems like a small mountain of stuff and the place still looks like a bomb site. I've mislaid my camera while I've been doing this sorting, I'm fairly sure it is still somewhere in the flat but haven't time to look for it.<br />I am still knitting just a bit each day but only on some stocking stitch at the moment - the lace is up to 7 pattern repeats but I don't have time to sit and concentrate on it yet.<br />Don't worry if I don't blog much in the next couple of weeks, belated spring cleaning and work are taking up most of my time but I am OK - still emotionally fragile but I have manage dto get into work on every day I'd planned to so far which my mother assures me is a major victory!rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-37041970344096859902008-07-09T19:03:00.002+00:002008-07-09T19:13:34.955+00:00Downs and ups<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxISaZ-L-h76ZnunMj7_jd0tL5HLYfElMVPnHUj3ewQiW2tfgstyDQ6O6G7D6XM-8NkiqtTIH89jPTQvFi9N_MAZRwTuLww7E1UlFynGUO41qYhA7bGytQr4jpWkZfBqZXHh9w/s1600-h/2008_0709Image0004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221092429160377058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxISaZ-L-h76ZnunMj7_jd0tL5HLYfElMVPnHUj3ewQiW2tfgstyDQ6O6G7D6XM-8NkiqtTIH89jPTQvFi9N_MAZRwTuLww7E1UlFynGUO41qYhA7bGytQr4jpWkZfBqZXHh9w/s320/2008_0709Image0004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday wasn't too good, Hecate had a demon in her I'm sure, she managed to open the freezer door, knock a bottle of olive oil onto the kitchen floor, break a cup and steal my Irish diamond shawl leaving it with this unplanned hole.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUiFsrhulOJ5NKOFeEJ25NH5lCLoU4MctihzFkHQFM5q9bGS6UaAj97QZTdsb4Mg9Trp5CkfE8MnDL6Sp_eBlXeQUgEyp_4KPe9-79W2AltyqcN_OLK8Hx_Le8MdlkCm1oCSN/s1600-h/2008_0709Image0005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221092430456756546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUiFsrhulOJ5NKOFeEJ25NH5lCLoU4MctihzFkHQFM5q9bGS6UaAj97QZTdsb4Mg9Trp5CkfE8MnDL6Sp_eBlXeQUgEyp_4KPe9-79W2AltyqcN_OLK8Hx_Le8MdlkCm1oCSN/s320/2008_0709Image0005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I decided that I wasn't up to repairing the hole and I was aware of a number of fudged bits where I'd attempted lace knitting under the influence of a combination of anti depressants so I've started it over again, to my delight I've mastered the pattern properly and it's so far doing well (and safely out of cat reach)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUh4QPxLdpJgB3CANlxabw9Y01-yrTYAUoNe1lOkB2kMk2qkKpgAk_7yAREoKcdWHHRfEOovlvNv1Rr5eHwAAw_yWuNn_s3Z7GllMjgi0awePvGbykAx6SO_Si1FDvhf8WZuD/s1600-h/2008_0709Image0002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221092434125470290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUh4QPxLdpJgB3CANlxabw9Y01-yrTYAUoNe1lOkB2kMk2qkKpgAk_7yAREoKcdWHHRfEOovlvNv1Rr5eHwAAw_yWuNn_s3Z7GllMjgi0awePvGbykAx6SO_Si1FDvhf8WZuD/s320/2008_0709Image0002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A parcel arrived from my sister today - I don't know if she or my nephew made this for my birthday, but it's wonderful. now I just have to sort through my 'collection' to find the picture hangers!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nncQiAN_BzJ3vaBZqMIwXkOZiJG703yGNipumk_n2H8vzMn8jsioUawuIeesPGFYUMvrtPdF6ryvSyxAaGt4xHzEIyMF86ZGNrmNi0lAm5n8GFQniPpc6kq7G0hZQQferaQY/s1600-h/2008_0709Image0003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221092437439122002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nncQiAN_BzJ3vaBZqMIwXkOZiJG703yGNipumk_n2H8vzMn8jsioUawuIeesPGFYUMvrtPdF6ryvSyxAaGt4xHzEIyMF86ZGNrmNi0lAm5n8GFQniPpc6kq7G0hZQQferaQY/s320/2008_0709Image0003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This book was in the package as well, fortunately Hecate has behaved angelically today so I actually may agree with the book title (until the next time she plays up)<br />I saw my doctor on Monday and I'll be going back to work next week, I'm not sure how I feel about it, I am much better than I was but dread it being as bad as it was before I became ill.rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-51708329694624007612008-07-06T15:12:00.003+00:002008-07-06T15:21:43.109+00:00Finally we have progress!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4n_F5HOSiihRgxk-UUYYSEZAgzudHxgNmfhgUVJ3yCE1QZnfT7zt0ZKT8OQ5fxEmvwP4a9j4B4zVbrDPDNci6LHZktPZyZpEgiaxELHzMJgVOV9tQ7nQ_l9RLtYWDSgbCICT/s1600-h/2008_0706Image0001.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4n_F5HOSiihRgxk-UUYYSEZAgzudHxgNmfhgUVJ3yCE1QZnfT7zt0ZKT8OQ5fxEmvwP4a9j4B4zVbrDPDNci6LHZktPZyZpEgiaxELHzMJgVOV9tQ7nQ_l9RLtYWDSgbCICT/s320/2008_0706Image0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219919460821633714" /></a>I realise this isn't actually knitting, but while I was sorting through a box of chaos yesterday I found this baby sweater and sewed it up - and wove in every end - I'm hoping it is still big enough for my great niece as I started it last year before she was born then abandoned it with one sleeve sewn in.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7hfnNEo6Neajh4HGcaUa8Q4-M3WRcmYA-_4xNYj8G1KwpAR_Si8H13LgI6mtFjBpFmMZaHcQdw7bvAj6c-RINXOJzfE-nZufca-PpiMpovLlHl8WyQvI_w6AJaCW9Jt4czCs/s1600-h/2008_0706Image0002.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7hfnNEo6Neajh4HGcaUa8Q4-M3WRcmYA-_4xNYj8G1KwpAR_Si8H13LgI6mtFjBpFmMZaHcQdw7bvAj6c-RINXOJzfE-nZufca-PpiMpovLlHl8WyQvI_w6AJaCW9Jt4czCs/s320/2008_0706Image0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219919463604111362" /></a><br />Not only did I do sewing up, I found the Irish Diamond shawl that I started last year, found the pattern and actually did knitting that wasn't a garter stitch scarf, admittedly I had to do some fudging to get the pattern set right but I've actually done nearly two pattern repeats.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hcGHW4hSJKfnauWUY5p4fKzewWKZrzbbfulTR9F1Sa-PZ_Ebu51GCR_9dCFMmaNPjEJVbDYiWySA4AYnKSNMwpPIALk1CjVAX5moK4hddH7It29cCZkMatPboHtO0Mhd8hHt/s1600-h/2008_0706Image0003.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hcGHW4hSJKfnauWUY5p4fKzewWKZrzbbfulTR9F1Sa-PZ_Ebu51GCR_9dCFMmaNPjEJVbDYiWySA4AYnKSNMwpPIALk1CjVAX5moK4hddH7It29cCZkMatPboHtO0Mhd8hHt/s320/2008_0706Image0003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219919469703181170" /></a>Hecate aproves of this sitting knitting stuff as I've cleared the piles of junk off the settee and now she can spend her time asleep next to me rather than constantly pestering for my attention when I'm playing on the PC.<br />I'm seeing my doctor Monday afternoon to see if she thinks I'm ready to go back to work, whenever I do go back poor Hecate is going to be very puzzled after having me at home for so long especially as for the first 4 weeks I didn't leave the flat.<br />When I first moved to this flat I thought I was moving to a somewhat safer area compared to my old house wher emy neighbours burgled me twice, however, I've been finding it is less safe than I thought, Friday night withing a half mile rdius of my flat 4 men were stabbed in 3 separate attacks - I wonder if there is anywhere safer to move to!rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-34375646152857536032008-07-02T19:47:00.002+00:002008-07-02T19:52:58.934+00:00I'm amazed!I had an appointment yesterday with the practice nurse rather than my GP to review my asthma medication. She did a routine check on my blood pressure that has been rather high for some time, normally it goes down a bit if I haven't been into work but I was sure that this would have been outweighed by the fact that my mother's health has been less than stellar recently and my brother wound up in hospital recently as well - not a bit of it, my blood pressure was completely normal, my asthma behaving and I've lost some weight too! Clearly being away from the office for 6 weeks is the most important factor in my blood pressure.<br /><br />I'd like to thank the people who've left comments or emailed me - it's much appreciated and I promise I'll try and check in more often and I may even attempt some knitting soon!rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-35366919302336673872008-06-30T17:26:00.003+00:002008-06-30T17:37:22.902+00:00Been a long time gone!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lnDlk0Kk-36H1lqxeTX8e4_0a45MBbSKtsV50JYms0qp3EexZJcCiYitBWKXTdRIwbne4UWdLsaATQG9cw8Rz-SmcJ4kJB7Q2dZV32gsv_SAnJMAOPohu2OfxMpoxlXJUWxN/s1600-h/2008_0628Image0005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217727470726675314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lnDlk0Kk-36H1lqxeTX8e4_0a45MBbSKtsV50JYms0qp3EexZJcCiYitBWKXTdRIwbne4UWdLsaATQG9cw8Rz-SmcJ4kJB7Q2dZV32gsv_SAnJMAOPohu2OfxMpoxlXJUWxN/s320/2008_0628Image0005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I owe anyone who still reads this blog an apology, I haven't blogged, knit or read any blogs since the end of April. I've had a rough year, it all started when I had a winter of endless chest infections and just seems to have gone from bad to worse. I can't discuss here how my job has added to my stress levels, but endless desk moves - around 10 in 7 months and issues with my manager resulted in the slight depression I was suffering from spiralling completely out of control. After 5 weeks off work on double the dose of anti depressants and some Valium I'm finally on the mend (fingers crossed)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_EpNTaiw-sR3C-lAQeuEjjbSuxthh-k0a_tLYUdYfSDRLYeqeAKifc2s2xLOl5LgArKMnDd9cH6c8BOOvYDK0mZX-Tg6hVD4R1rNnOzaKRGtKz3ZBtJAWIKCRREXSwaW6Em8/s1600-h/2008_0628Image0006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217727471714046098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_EpNTaiw-sR3C-lAQeuEjjbSuxthh-k0a_tLYUdYfSDRLYeqeAKifc2s2xLOl5LgArKMnDd9cH6c8BOOvYDK0mZX-Tg6hVD4R1rNnOzaKRGtKz3ZBtJAWIKCRREXSwaW6Em8/s320/2008_0628Image0006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I haven't had the concentration to knit, read or even watch TV for most of the last 3 or 4 months and I'm hopeful that I may be able to return to work next week after I see my long suffering GP again, she's been wonderfully supportive seeing me every two weeks to make sure I didn't get any worse. Hecate has mostly been a light in the dark place where I've been (in the first picture she's actually being wicked and nesting on a kitchen work surface, the second picture is of her watching the birds outside - she has a fond belief that if she could jump from the first floor window she'd be able to catch the birds in the trees.<br /><div></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-54314472190816050722008-04-27T17:39:00.002+00:002008-04-27T17:45:30.950+00:00Substitute for knitting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqFdqTFku4Kn4syTqZUyp5miFhKN90Cg4zyhjQs-ektDGEkiUnhwJRSmSdbyEY95DaNmUY4vq-TIbYdlMybu8ARmLatTWAlzDqOjTlzDKQj9RyjCYTWzPmWiRwTprRUqh9c9H/s1600-h/2008_0422Image0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193981639488640658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqFdqTFku4Kn4syTqZUyp5miFhKN90Cg4zyhjQs-ektDGEkiUnhwJRSmSdbyEY95DaNmUY4vq-TIbYdlMybu8ARmLatTWAlzDqOjTlzDKQj9RyjCYTWzPmWiRwTprRUqh9c9H/s320/2008_0422Image0001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />As I'm not currently doing much knitting, or much of anything really I thought a couple of pictures of Hecate crushing my clean clothes would be a suitable substitute! She is doing her level best to look cute and angelic as you can see!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJkL6KBgbOoZXkE5bCkVRbxQ-SKO_B-D1GWv5Xml2QxKg1cirFeJPFPMfjfWVyUhuXjmSfcxheADyuyo4Kr6gtYWpBhEBOD346_YtVY6sUmePaHtenjEOe7-irBAGR2wxmkM8/s1600-h/2008_0422Image0002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193981652373542562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJkL6KBgbOoZXkE5bCkVRbxQ-SKO_B-D1GWv5Xml2QxKg1cirFeJPFPMfjfWVyUhuXjmSfcxheADyuyo4Kr6gtYWpBhEBOD346_YtVY6sUmePaHtenjEOe7-irBAGR2wxmkM8/s320/2008_0422Image0002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I've had a load of hospital appointments in the last few weeks, the outcomes appear to be somewhat more positive thankfully, the yhave added a humidifier to my CPAP machine and I'm finally able to keep it on all night and am feeling better but still catching up on sleep and dreams!<br />Hopefully I'll soon be able to show you some knitting again, I do have something that I'm experimenting with on my needles at the moment, it just isn't ready for display yet!rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-25093797767709008102008-04-02T17:43:00.002+00:002008-04-02T17:54:15.766+00:00Disorganisation!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-P4XSVDhOOGar4LjHzKIMUJeNGmuBXan_j6281jvkVstGXBUkoHC8AAEHyRYzaOdqKDjAX_OnsskJSFanJjC85ZbxeF0U_DOl1YMXmwiuDeXHMguu7rkhAmno-UTl0e9by03/s1600-h/2008_0402Image0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184705535012513458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-P4XSVDhOOGar4LjHzKIMUJeNGmuBXan_j6281jvkVstGXBUkoHC8AAEHyRYzaOdqKDjAX_OnsskJSFanJjC85ZbxeF0U_DOl1YMXmwiuDeXHMguu7rkhAmno-UTl0e9by03/s320/2008_0402Image0001.JPG" border="0" /></a>I've been whinging with yet another chest infection, I'm getting thoroughly fed up with these as I can't even find the energy to knit which seems like an awful waste of additional 'free' time! This rather blurred picture is me finally starting to attempt a toe up sock, it was my resolution about 2 years ago to try this method and so far I haven't got very far!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhPIHL6u6DGToVj7mExc_PkfOdG3Uyo55EffKTbpuJCza1yWZorjNMYp2S1O4sUbLC4v35Qn6ZnO_aZDRMxeoCydtT8KpPbpAdFSxe_2WRqasX0TspWQmQi_2L7gFlepMZCzR/s1600-h/2008_0402Image0003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184705547897415378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhPIHL6u6DGToVj7mExc_PkfOdG3Uyo55EffKTbpuJCza1yWZorjNMYp2S1O4sUbLC4v35Qn6ZnO_aZDRMxeoCydtT8KpPbpAdFSxe_2WRqasX0TspWQmQi_2L7gFlepMZCzR/s320/2008_0402Image0003.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is my current mindless knitting, ultra cheap Sirdar Illusion on huge needles it combined my favourite colours of rich purple and blue with black and is intended as a loose over waistcoat to be worn over my many black outfits.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDymQ4CEVWzwpyafKf5w-x7xXLTOcTfbbfW27KGF1bJOuD2lcnx07cXZ2Rhy_D1_yc11dWJK5TmnKrMmOERH3f2JrsExa9iKRsK6v4YG6c-D7UX4izYQdakI6oVrhsxrqzhv4R/s1600-h/2008_0402Image0002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184705543602448066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDymQ4CEVWzwpyafKf5w-x7xXLTOcTfbbfW27KGF1bJOuD2lcnx07cXZ2Rhy_D1_yc11dWJK5TmnKrMmOERH3f2JrsExa9iKRsK6v4YG6c-D7UX4izYQdakI6oVrhsxrqzhv4R/s320/2008_0402Image0002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />As the toe up sock isn't suitable for bus knitting I've cast this on today, I found that I actually had a skein of Cascade 220 that was required by the pattern so I'm for once in my life using the correct yarn!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ_v5tAZ_qT5z-jD12P35QXYvePL7CyB4Gs6CiQDPQzOI6syPuGVJJzi28ucyE-oYAZ_8wUt3CEj5VCp7l_xRI7FxPtjynfjRQEvG0Qr80-SItno9Rmbl6bv0V3xxk6wtEYQ2/s1600-h/2008_0402Image0004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184705556487349986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ_v5tAZ_qT5z-jD12P35QXYvePL7CyB4Gs6CiQDPQzOI6syPuGVJJzi28ucyE-oYAZ_8wUt3CEj5VCp7l_xRI7FxPtjynfjRQEvG0Qr80-SItno9Rmbl6bv0V3xxk6wtEYQ2/s320/2008_0402Image0004.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is what I'm making, it's a straightforward pattern and from my current knitting pattern a day calendar, the first pattern I've felt the urge to make. Of course, I should be following Rosie's advice and knitting myself some mittens to wear at night to stop me taking off my CPAP mask!<br /><div></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-26914295362926702842008-03-23T18:36:00.002+00:002008-03-23T18:47:52.675+00:00An FO and a nearly FO<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZto4wxwh4CqmcPxje70HG74FPL1MMIhLAD2Ko6iiCQ_IbOSvoeMbR2D5iFaowp0947x4NKrhMFLqHw2ebYZQsNnvU2AlgIq6avsGhgukBvtxoEBilnRBz5skyyY5bMoVjZ-N/s1600-h/2008_0323Image0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181008122221438594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZto4wxwh4CqmcPxje70HG74FPL1MMIhLAD2Ko6iiCQ_IbOSvoeMbR2D5iFaowp0947x4NKrhMFLqHw2ebYZQsNnvU2AlgIq6avsGhgukBvtxoEBilnRBz5skyyY5bMoVjZ-N/s320/2008_0323Image0001.JPG" border="0" /></a>As you can see from this picture Hecate has got bored waiting for me to blog and has gone to sleep in her supervisory position on top of the spare PC! She's got a bit fed up of me this long weekend, I've been sorting through bags of yarn, clearing up and generally disturbing her routine. She's definitely sleeping better than I am, I have unfortunately developed the ability to remove my CPAP mask and switch off the machine in my sleep, this results in me sleeping for most of the night without its help and my sleep quality is deteriorating again.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOJE2zNl2CfEDT_J-ts5AHCDQljsm1Bek2tZk8lzU96E3YisBazuRxK8_s3lcsoFKnLaMlW0BUBbESNM9pP2f-5x3882d7Dt4y3XDbyey3nBy4aW-nj313Ojm-JrsJW6uCov3/s1600-h/2008_0323Image0003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181008126516405906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOJE2zNl2CfEDT_J-ts5AHCDQljsm1Bek2tZk8lzU96E3YisBazuRxK8_s3lcsoFKnLaMlW0BUBbESNM9pP2f-5x3882d7Dt4y3XDbyey3nBy4aW-nj313Ojm-JrsJW6uCov3/s320/2008_0323Image0003.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here we have the FO, my first pair of socks finished this year, my knitting really has become incredibly slow but I'm feeling much happier at getting something finished. It's nice to have a new pair of socks just in time as the weather here is cold, strangely last night there was snow at the other side of Manchester from me (where my mum lives) and nothing here at all. I've been knitting and watching some DVD's that have been waiting for me to develop some concentration again so these were finished off while watching Miss Potter.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4nH-1VlmsJhc1ldlbRr8cTFzh9tIkwLRpLSe5rNyhUnhabBie9rta5sVZLrhqbsZzulKDPwNJBecNNDR7_ypd9azTf-7ldkPtLsermycDvTxBpv84oFdk32ztwxoKrVoStjL/s1600-h/2008_0323Image0004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181008130811373218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4nH-1VlmsJhc1ldlbRr8cTFzh9tIkwLRpLSe5rNyhUnhabBie9rta5sVZLrhqbsZzulKDPwNJBecNNDR7_ypd9azTf-7ldkPtLsermycDvTxBpv84oFdk32ztwxoKrVoStjL/s320/2008_0323Image0004.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here we have the nearly FO, I last touched this in October 2005 as far as I can tell. It still needs the ends sewing in and the seaming doing but my sewing up needles all appear to be at work! If I find one I'll get it finished this weekend, if not I hope to be able to show this completely finished next weekend.<br /><div></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-44664276838090072012008-03-17T20:39:00.001+00:002008-03-18T07:41:45.502+00:00Slow progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfinwXxiXXGdWCB_N5vB3BfliVO26lPNsO_tj-jn9EEiqK4S4q4WdrYb7-qySl8o9tGRtrQvqd0Tqzru3H5GAVoXLBDqE6zikl0kcOAYM3nid-1BdhWJKubJc4PbSK-Ct_ZBU/s1600-h/2008_0317Image0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178813270252205058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfinwXxiXXGdWCB_N5vB3BfliVO26lPNsO_tj-jn9EEiqK4S4q4WdrYb7-qySl8o9tGRtrQvqd0Tqzru3H5GAVoXLBDqE6zikl0kcOAYM3nid-1BdhWJKubJc4PbSK-Ct_ZBU/s320/2008_0317Image0001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This second sock is progressing terribly slowly, but it is at least still progressing! The knitting urge is returning though, I knit some of this on the bus going to and from work today, the first bus knitting of the year, an event which I'm sure should have been honoured with fireworks and a marching band!<br />With the Easter long weekend coming up I'm planning on searching through my many WIP's and getting one of them moving once this pair of socks is finished - I do love having a plan, even if it never actuially happens.rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-37888883623782266262008-03-13T20:21:00.002+00:002008-03-13T20:31:43.056+00:00Slightly sidetracked<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrOMzHzWfuH5NuNM1g2IdY4q-zt8gXtKh_lzQ8TjiazetccEiXBf15ojfIiY5aOzIJJzUZXUjX9UxX1OSGU69D_z2m-COQsCM6gYlEnpJhhZrZpfiQ2lTtQ9YTI24qcMeAYB9/s1600-h/2008_0313Image0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177324741961593842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrOMzHzWfuH5NuNM1g2IdY4q-zt8gXtKh_lzQ8TjiazetccEiXBf15ojfIiY5aOzIJJzUZXUjX9UxX1OSGU69D_z2m-COQsCM6gYlEnpJhhZrZpfiQ2lTtQ9YTI24qcMeAYB9/s320/2008_0313Image0001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The second sock is growing - but slowly due to the fact that I've been sidetracked by a book that arrived through the post! Years ago I read Lark Rise to Candleford in a very old copy with incredibly small print, the BBC just showed an adaptation of it that I really didn't like, but it reminded me of the book and I treated myself to a new copy. This has had a bad effect on my knitting as I haven't mastered the art of reading and knitting combined. I've spent a day's leave mostly curled up in bed reading as I'm fighting yet another sinus infection so resting seemed a good plan.<br />The sock is reclining on a gift from a friend of mine, it's the corn equivalent of a wheat bag, I finally met up with my friend to exchange Christmas gifts this week - we did at least manage it before easter! This is in fact from Maine, and is a rather cute bear with the advantage of being unscented, most wheatbags have added lavender and that makes me sneeze so this is wonderful.<br />I'm still persisting with the CPAP machine and Hecate and I both seem to be getting more used to it, my average use per day is getting closer to 7 hours and I am feeling less tired although still plagued with incredibly intense dreams.<br /><div></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-13415988250177907632008-03-10T19:39:00.002+00:002008-03-10T19:41:57.471+00:00Definitely getting there<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83g5DF3EsdeNHUjDkNAHhWx_e1e3yvjFJ-Uwfs-GKQwg0ghnTpkdp3bQpqPJjSSfFkMT5pA_BqtBttw_DqZeDeu7Iaj1Fk8-e_eOBEmDO5tmUj7XaMSGKUAnGhbp1BWuj5ywT/s1600-h/2008_0310Image0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176200233624155106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83g5DF3EsdeNHUjDkNAHhWx_e1e3yvjFJ-Uwfs-GKQwg0ghnTpkdp3bQpqPJjSSfFkMT5pA_BqtBttw_DqZeDeu7Iaj1Fk8-e_eOBEmDO5tmUj7XaMSGKUAnGhbp1BWuj5ywT/s320/2008_0310Image0001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I've finished one sock and even cast on its mate, </div><br />it is only a simple ankle sock but I'm almost as proud of it as I was of my very first sock. I'm determined to finish the second sock in the next week just to prove that I'm back with my knitting mojo restored!rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14988621.post-55988033456136148422008-03-09T20:03:00.002+00:002008-03-09T20:14:25.488+00:00Learning to sleep<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQZQ4SAidbgNYIFSudbvkq2hSoVH62zQ3RqCMUUQZ5XagaJtqPzcovjOh2wBduLvc7cQo8c3Gd0oTlGZp50f8Yxgkl4cUd_ffCasrYPgQmkGF-o0lCU4uxfAd09L4s9JvsUbs/s1600-h/2008_0309Image0002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175835535066149842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQZQ4SAidbgNYIFSudbvkq2hSoVH62zQ3RqCMUUQZ5XagaJtqPzcovjOh2wBduLvc7cQo8c3Gd0oTlGZp50f8Yxgkl4cUd_ffCasrYPgQmkGF-o0lCU4uxfAd09L4s9JvsUbs/s320/2008_0309Image0002.JPG" border="0" /></a>I'm still learning to sleep with the CPAP machine and mask, it hasn't been easy but I'm getting to the point of being able to keep it on nearly all night and I think I'm beginning to feel the benefit of it. Its quite hard to tell when an improvement is slow and steady until you look back over a period of time, two and a half weeks probably isn't long enough really.<br />I have at least managed to make more progress with this sock, not as quickly as I can, but steady and a big improvement on not knitting at all.<br /><div></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673935371641209650noreply@blogger.com0