ANOTHER BATCH OF...

squares ! These are for the U.K. Oliver's Fund blanket/s, organised by Michaela. I think there will be enough squares for a larger blanket no. 2, even if most of the squares are mine ! The packet will be in the post on monday. As will another package, on it's way to the U.S. branch of blanket headquarters, headed by Kay.

I'm on square three with this yarn, my handspun Gotland from many years ago. Eleven, maybe ! It's a sturdy wool ! A bit coarse, with a soft, fluffy halo that develops more with handling. I made a good, hearty pair of socks with it. It's been fun remembering the socks that were knit with all these yarns.
Anyway, knitting up squares in this handspun reminded me of other handspun socks, rarely worn. I'd rather socks were worn, loved and worn out than left to sit in a draw, like an offering at a shrine.
I'm not in as moany mood as I sound, by the way. I'm just making little asides as I plod along. As in life !

So. These socks were the second ever that I knit, from some of my earliest yarn. It must be well over 15 years ago. Maybe 17. Blimey !
The yarn is just bits of merino top that I spun up randomly, then plied. The heel and toe yarn is three ply. I astound myself sometimes ! The Westbury wheel now lives with my dear friend Ben, across the Atlantic. My first wheel. It may have been inexpensive but it was a great wheel. Still is, I hope.

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Mittens were required.

And knitted.

Oliver's mittens were made with Cashsoft Aran.They used one 50 gm ball, with just the bits you see in the pic left. The yarn was a swap gift from Carole. The mittens are lovely and soft, and very warm. A beautiful soft blue too. It's no reflection on Carole that I really don't like knitting with this yarn. It's sort of dull and lifeless. I think that's the microfibre content. I think it will pill with wear, mainly because it started pilling as it fed through my fingers ! A lot of people bang on about soft yarns, and how a fabric has to feel really soft against their skin. I think that you often sacrifice body and life in a yarn that is spun to be uber soft. I like ''real'' wool. Even the more rustic yarns. Maybe I'm not very delicate !
I'm not talking about wool allergies here. More the preciousness that insists that only the softest merino will do, or cashmere. There's a place for really soft yarns, but there's also a place for yarn with a bit more character.
Having said all that, I'm knitting myself another pair of Fetching mitts from Malabrigo worsted. An incredibly soft yarn that's a joy to work with. A very generous gift. Thank you Carol ! [I'm still pondering a suitable return. :0) ] It's a gorgeous colour too.

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Many, many thanks to everyone who has made squares or bought raffle tickets. We appreciate it so much.
Wheelchair news next time.