Loppem and lurgey...

Needing knitting diazepam after the EZ debacle, I was lulled into casting on Loppem by Norah Gaughan. Loppem is a gorgeous fairly unstructured pattern with cable accents, in worsted/aran weight, which looked a dream to knit.

Loppem by Norah Gaughan

Collection 3 - Woodland Gothic

There are a fair number of errors in the original pattern (including cable errors and shaping) and the corrections are here. For anyone planning to knit Loppem, it's would also be worthwhile reading this Ravelry thread before starting out.

Sorry about the short entry... Normal service will be resumed when I've recovered fully from the dreaded viral thingie that's doing the rounds at the moment. It's now going into its 3rd week and hopefully the antibiotics will do their magic soon (though only have one more day of the course to take!).

Vini, vidi, vici ...

... sewn up and about to be blocked!! My battle with the February Baby Sweater on Two Needles, by Elizabeth Zimmerman, is over:o) Conquered is obviously too strong a term. 'Survived' may be closer to the mark.

February Baby Sweater on Two Needles

Many knitters love this pattern. With apologies to Zimmerman fans, I didn't find this an enjoyable knit at all ... and gritted my teeth to get it off the needles. I struggled with Elizabeth Zimmerman's style of instruction and pattern detailing. If anyone undertaking this pattern in the future finds themselves struggling (cursing, swearing and generally looking boogley eyed with the whole blooming process), there are some helpful guidelines and information here on Ravelry. I genuinely don't want to see anyone else struggle with a project - but the knowledge that I'm not the only Zimmerman-dozyhead did keep me going!

I hope to block the cardigan tonight and then it's off to little Grace ... and if anyone fancies a copy of The Knitters Almanac, please let me know;o)

On the other hand, Norah Gaughan's patterns suit my need for detailed instruction much better - and look what arrived in the post this week, Norah Gaughan Collection 3. The booklet contains a number of beautiful patterns - including Loppem, Eastlake Sweater and East Scarf.

I'm gasping to cast on either of those sweaters, but WILL finish one of the half-done creations lying around the house first:o(

ooOoo

Good news on the health front too this week. I was seen by the Chest Consultant and the results of the recent Sleep tests show I don't have Apnea. However, the results do confirm I SNORE!! Like that news to anyone in the Blethers household;o) The Consultant reckons the excessive fatigue results from a combination of factors - (1) having an inflammatory disease and (2) a side effect of the Methotrexate. That explanation seems to fit for me ... the higher the Methotrexate dose has gone, the more knackered I've felt! He's writing to the Rheumatologist to ask that the Methotrexate be stopped and that the new anti-tnf's are considered.... Roll on my appointment in December!

00Ooo

Just wanted to end with a picture that represents an issue most parents will recognise - sibling rivalry.
Islay's sister came over to play! They are both arguing over Islay's favourite toy ... and looks like her sister's winning! Look at those teeth!