What Katie Did

And then there were three...

Now that Christmas and New Year are over, everyone is back to work and school. On Tuesday, Martha went back to Bristol and now John is on his way to Norfolk for his next new challenge. Owen has exams in the offing at school. Work is filling in the spaces that we've enjoyed having for a few weeks and Geoff and I are back to our usual routines. It is so windy and wet. Instead of sharp blue skies and white frosty winter walks, we have rain, wind and so much MUD everywhere. This is all why I am feeling glum.
And I have a knitting injury. Repetitive Strain Injury. This is hardly surprising with the self imposed deadlines I set myself. So I am on a knitting fast to allow time for recovery. This means that I can think about felting and matting instead!

This arrived yesterday to cheer me up. An early birthday present to myself. It looks interesting on first look.
Oh and thank you to the people who asked about the bit of matting that the last couple of photos have had in the background. It is a long thin bit that sits on my bedroom windowsill.

I'd stopped seeing it until some of you asked! I want to crank up the matting again and I have a new mat project in my head. If I can make it work I think it will be exciting. More here soon.
Now though, Poppy still needs a walk even though it is horrid weather, so it's wet weather gear on and a quick blez through the woods.

Fight The Cold

Compulsory carrot, apple and orange juice for all today. I have am just emerging from a cold I picked up at New Year and have very generously shared with my nearest and dearest.

Just reading this makes you feel better when you have a blocked nose, sore throat and a heavy head.

 

This cold has had an extra feeling of my eyes being pushed out from behind which has been particularly unpleasant.

So - extra Vitamin C for everyone who might have been in contact!

Odd Socks

When we were in South Africa last summer, Martha and I bought some delicious wool. I had no idea what to make with my selection and it is still in the shed awaiting inspiration. Martha chose this wonderful chunky merino and made warm wooly bedsocks for her cold student flat. Does it matter that the colours don't match?

I don't think so...
the other hank doesn't match either

it is destined to become a hot water bottle cover. Martha plans to have very warm feet this winter in Bristol.

The Wonderful Knitters Of Hexham!

Just when you think Tuesday Knitting can't get any better....it does. Today we had people who are still on holiday who can't usually come to knitting. We were quite a crowd. I was really good to see everyone's knitting.

And we have a secret project on the go. Lara's baby is due in two or three weeks and we are making a blanket (she doesn't read here so I can tell you).
We decided to knit three inch squares. I am always amazed by how people interpret a simple instruction like that! the end result is going to be WILD! I have done one edge thing and Pauline took it home today to do another. I think the end result is going to be exactly what Lara loves! Bonkers.

We have all had a go at sewing up and today Dorothy did another stint.
There is another secret bit of knitting on the go and Geoff doesn't read here either so I can show you this too

This is going to be a sleeveless pullover using all the blue and green double knitting I have. the needles are very appropriate for my wood-obsessed husband, they are circulars with ebony ends and they are a delight to knit with, so soft and smooth.  Although you can't see it very well, the rib has cables and I have always been a bit afraid of cables. Turns out they are easy after all.
Isn't knitting wonderful?