My name in Blethers and I'm a Forest-aholic!

I promise, sincerely promise, that my next entry will NOT involve a Forest Canopy of any shape of form ... but till then please indulge me! Having recently made the shawl and cowl in double knit weights, I was compelled to see how this addictive pattern worked in 4 ply sock yarn....

Forest Canopy Shawl

Hand dyed by Hannah sock yarn, bought at Get Knitted (Bristol)

Close up of the edge detail

My hectic social whirl doesn't really warrant a shawl but I reckon this shawl will make a pretty enough scarf, worn wrapped around my neck. I'm a little embarrassed to say that I've caught myself scanning eBay, mulling over whether a specific yarn would work well as a FC... Control yourself woman! There's so many other pattern temptations out there too.

My trusty old backdrop to many of my photos continues to serve me well. However, my client group had me giggling when some noted me nipping out on my lunch break and 'posing' the shot. They've decided that my liking for this particular wall may mean that future career choices are limited! When meeting with prospective employers, many (sensibly) would enquire about pay and conditions. Would it be advisable to ask if new employers have old stonework?? The hospital site I currently work used to be an old Work House and has a fascinating and sad background. How difficult it must have been to have been forced by life circumstances to enter a work house. We have some of the historic guidelines and work expectations mounted on the wall and they make truly fascinating, and shocking, reading. Even in the current recession our present life styles seem so cushioned in contrast to those borne by previous generations.....

DD1 celebrated her 20th birthday last week. It's apparent youth is on her side - she had celebrations over 3 nights! Whereas I try to avoid all reference to my own age attainment! I can't believe that I'm a mother to a 20 year old. The only saving grace when my dad was teasing me about my advancing years, I growled back that it was still a little less challenging than being the father of a 45 year old. Though there are some striking similarities - both the 20 year old and the 45 year old are still victim to rampant hormones, though for differing reasons:o)

There has been some non-FC knitting going on! DD1 wanted some new socks and I've cast on a pair of No Purl Monkeys, a modification of Cookie's Monkey pattern, using yarn from Needlework's Pleasure. I love the pattern and it's knitting up really quickly. DD2 was left snorting with laughter when I subjected her elder sister to an Ugly Sister/Cinderella shoe session:

Me: Here, try this on please.
DD1: It doesn't fit! (Squirming from the effort)
Me: Give them a good yank! It WILL fit! (Accompanied by look of grim determination)
DD1: It still doesn't.
Me: Let me help (Pulling DD1's foot into positions nature truly did not intend)
See! Told you they were a perfect fit.....

Blocking has worked its usual wonders and a subsequent fitting session showed a submissive sock gliding onto her foot.... Now to cast on its mate!

New year ... new projects

Happy New Year! Hoping 2009 brings health, happiness and fibrey contentment to us all:o)

We had a peaceful Christmas and a little time off work which allowed for some knitting time. These are hot off the needles:

Forest Canopy Cowl

The remainder of the skein of Fyberspates Scrumptious DK was used for this cowl. It's just the perfect texture to wear next to the skin and is beautifully soft. I gave it to my friend today (first opportunity to meet since Christmas) and it's off yomping over the Peak District with her in a couple of weeks.

DD1 asked me to knit a couple of things for her planned Secret Santa amongst her University friends. Bless her, she's not quite mastered how long it might take to produce a Finish Off! She asked for a Column of Leaves Scarf (free pattern on Ravelry ... and lovely to be repeated pattern in the future) and an Ipod Touch/Phone Sockem
I used a tiny amount from a left over sock skein - Natural Dye Studio yarn but am blowed if I can remember the colour! It seemed to fit with DD1's requirements - "nice colour that won't show dirt"!! Makes you kind of wonder about the company she keeps, eh?? I changed the rib pattern to knit into the back of the stitch and am happy with how it turned out. However, it's a strange feeling going back to work with 4 ply yarn and 2.5mm needles again ... all my recent projects have been in aran/worsted or DK.

I gave into temptation and curiosity too - not that it takes much to tempt me to get more yarn:o) Having seen so many fantastic projects on Ravelry and hearing so much enthusiasm for Manos Silk Blend, I ordered a skein from Violet Green (online store). Ohhhh, it's lovely! This thing I've got with silk content at the moment is getting a little worrying;o)

Isn't it gorgeous??