Can I just point something out ?

Watching the knitting Olympics was great fun. It was a thrill to see so many reach,and almost reach,their goals. I do take exception to the cry of ''the Olympics are over !''.
A little something that everyone has overlooked.
The Torino Paralympics start on March the tenth.
Too boring for you ? Well I think paralympians truly embody the Olympic spirit and ideal.
Just thought I'd mention it.

:0)

SLIGHTLY SCATTERED.

No pics of the chick exploring the neighbourhood,driving his Hippo ! It's been too wet,cold and windy. The boys went out for lunch and to do the big weekend/pay day shop. Lots of once a month treats.
We're really looking forward to the day we can take the Hippo out shopping too,when we can get it into the back of the car. That will really broaden horizons.
I enjoyed a quiet afternoon. I had a nap ! A quiet and leisurely shower and a bit of knitting. Not the Jaywalker socks,despite their being so close to finished. In fact I've been starting new,small projects in order to avoid them. The socks,after my tweaking,have turned out really nicely,if a bit unyielding,and the Vesper sock yarn is really lovely. It's very soft,dense and chalky with lovely soft colours. I just haven't enjoyed knitting these socks. The whole overly loose ribbing annoyed me,despite the easy fix. I think these socks appeal to,and fit,really loose knitters. Let's face it,no-one knits tension squares for socks. Just as easy to start the sock. I knit firmly,but always true to tension on the suggested needles. That made an impossible to get on sock. I'm not being nasty about the pattern or the designer,just thinking through why I don't like these socks,so keep flames to yourself please !
The thing is that this particular stitch pattern,with it's knit into front and back of stitch increase,has very little stretch. Similar patterns that work better,like Broadripple and the chevron patterns in Charlene Schurch's book,use yarn over increases. That gives a much stretchier,and in my opinion sock appropriate,pattern. Of course if you don't want lacey holes that won't work for you. A backward or forward loop over the needle increase might work better - you know,like the increases for thumb gussets.
The fabric isn't that bad. I just prefer stretchier socks. I also wonder if the large heel cup,created by the need for deep gussets in order for your foot to get into the foot of the sock,might not bunch up in the heel of a shoe.
The person I give the socks to will love the soft squishiness of the yarn and the pretty pattern. I just hope the socks fit o.k. The less stretchy fabric gives a much narrower fit margin.
I'll post a pic when they're done.

~

So,to amuse myself I've been knitting a little silk bag.

This is the kit from Curious Yarns. The tussah silk is a nice,crunchy,slightly rustic yarn,which I really like.

I've almost finished the bag. Just the beaded fringe and the lining to add.

~

I'm also knitting a scarf from this pattern. It creates a fabulous fabric. It would make a great jacket,knit vertically or horizontally.

The yarn is Stretto,which they now call Slubby,from Fleece Artist. It's incredibly soft and the colours are gorgeous. The indoor,artificially lit photo isn't a true representation. I'll take an photo in natural light once it's done.
This yarn was a gift as part of an exchange with a dear friend,last year. I'm happy to be knitting with it [and very happy to be using Fleece Artist yarn,which really is fantastic] and to be thinking of her as I do so.

~

On the subject of exchanges with dear friends,Theresa and I have a long standing,rolling exchange going. We like to find gorgeous,unusual and hard to get things to delight each other,send huge packages full of luscious stuff,then reciprocate six or more months later. No stress,no pressure. Just a delightful exchange between like minded friends.
How will I match the wonders in Theresa's last package.
Wow !


A Bosworth spindle,in Chakte Kok wood,apparently. I have never spun with such a spindle. It spins so fast,so smoothly and for so long. It's fantastic - 26gms,perfect for laceweight. With it are two Blue Moon handpainted rovings : ''Cobalt Bloom'' in Cashmere/Tussah silk. Outrageously soft and beautiful;''Queen'' in Merino/Tencel. Beautiful,with a gorgeous sheen.
If that wasn't enough to keep me very,very happy there's a hank of Brook Farm's "Harmony" mohair,wool,silk blend. So soft and such drape. Plus two hanks of a deliciously purple Manos. I am so spoilt. Thank you Theresa.