OCTOBER

is breast cancer awareness month.I bought this as part of my efforts [also see the pink ribbon in my links].My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago.As she was in her seventies and breast cancer's virilence is age related - those who get their cancer pre-menopause have more aggressive cancers and treatments,generally - she didn't have a mastectomy but lumpectomies in both breasts,followed by radiation treatment.She is a survivor,but at a price.She has very thin,delicate skin and got very bad radiation burns.They still look raw and give her trouble.She also has to wear arm long pressure bandages - the removal of lymph glands means that her arms swell badly.This problem only manifested itself a couple of years ago.Every time she goes for a check up she says that if the cancer has recurred she'd refuse treatment.I think that at 77 she has a point.We each have to make that choice for ourselves.Luckily she remains clear.

To all those fighting this battle I send my love and my hope for recovery and long life.

Free ribbon image from this site.

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My Secret Pal 2 has sent me some wonderful gifts.These beautiful beaded coasters and wine glass charms were made with a great deal of thought and care,which I very much appreciate.Thank you so much for these beautiful things.


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Here is my finished black Habu yarn scarf,relaxing on my gym ball ! [Active sitting.I blame Lisa ! {sub-heading 'level"}]

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Finally I must show you the most gorgeous yarn that a dear friend sent me.It's 100% Mongolian Cashmere,and the softest yarn I've ever felt.Thank you Kristin.

Great time,part 2.

I'll quickly show you what I bought myself in Bobbins [ because I really needed loads more yarn.Really ! ].

A bag of various Colinette yarns in blue.Lapis is the main colour.It was sold as a throw kit,but I shall be making a sideways knitted jacket.I still have to decide about the sleeves.I augmented the bag with these hanks of Zanzibar,and have since added these hanks of Tagliatelli in Lapis.I want to start it now - it'll be fab ! - but am finishing a couple of things first.
I also bought two rather expensive scarf kits from Habu.Their yarns are so different from the mainstream producers and I really wanted to try them.

I've already knitted up the black one,sewing thread on 12mm needles ! I'll show it my next post.I shall start the purple one soon.A fast,fun knit.
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Saturday was great fun.We had the company of some great knitting friends,some of whom had made long and tiresome journeys to be with us.

From the left,local friends Tracey and Geraldine with Heather,who drove for 4 hours to spend the afternoon with us ! I'm so glad she came as I was thrilled to meet her at last.

At the front is Carolyn,behind her is Sue,who had a horrendous journey by train from Bristol.It took her over 7 hours ! It was wonderful to spend some time with her.With them all.A marvellous group of bright,witty,imtelligent women who share our passion for knitting,yarn,fibre and colour.A fantastic afternoon.
Sue brought up some Koigu for Sissel,with which she was delighted.

Norway is a handpainted yarn dessert,so Sissel was thrilled to get her hands on both Colinette and Koigu yarns.
We really did have a lot of fun !