The Departure

I think I was premature yesterday. The poll for the VLT KAL doesn't finish until the 29th. Somewhat saddened by that but I am never sure what day of the week it is! Anyway, it will be a nice surprise on my return.

Yes, folks, I am off to Glastonbury tomorrow morning. Five days of the great unwashed. My summer holiday has arrived. I am hopeful the weather will be an improvement on last year and, for the first time ever I am taking wellies. Just in case. My first Glastonbury was in 1991 and I never wore wellies, not until last year. I found I like having dry feet so I am packing a bit of insurance. And beer. Coz we all need beer.

Those who are not going will miss a treat. I am definately gonna catch Alabama 3, The Handsome Family, Seth Lakeman, The Blockheads, Ethiopiques, Glasvegas, Reverend and the Makers, The Raconteurs, Neil Diamond and, of course, Mr Leonard Cohen. Well, that's the plan anyway. Hope none of them clash.

The tent is ready and it is time to load the old rucksack.

I'll let you know how it went.









Oh, and keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't do that black rain thing this year.

Victorian Lace Today KAL

I am so excited! I have signed up for the VLT KAL (Ravelry link) for July 2008 and we find out which pattern we will be casting on.

I have spent the last few days searching for lace weight yarn. I have projects I need to finish but nothing is going to stop me.

Here's hoping that the winning project is launched before lunch tomorrow so I can buy yarn (yippee). I can then go to Glastonbury happy in the knowledge that I can cast on when I get back.

If you don't know what all the fuss is about: beg, borrow, look up on Ravelry or just BUY the book Victorian Lace Today. It is totally beautiful. It is knitting porn!

This Little Piggy ...

Fun things are happening in and around Bath. It is possible to see pigs fly!
















This is just one of many pigs that have come to stay for a while. Good fun they are too.

I am currently playing piggy tag.

Drop over to the Grinderman website for a bit of action.

Socking it to Iain

I have finished the socks I am giving to Iain. Based upon Lucy Neatby's Timberline Socks I think they look quite smart. I only made a couple of small changes - changing them to toe up socks, making the longer and knitting to cast off in 2x2 rib. They sure look comfortable. I would say that the garter stitch toe and heel look much better when the sock is worn. As always, I feel that the short row heel is unsatisfactory. I just don't like the holes that appear. By the way, Lucy indicates the knitter should use the tail of the ball (or a second ball) as this gives a neater finish to the heel. As I was knitting both socks at the same time using the magic loop method, I couldn't really do this. I didn't find this a messy heel although I did need to "beautify" one of the heel axis points.



These were knitted in Stylecraft's DK Life yarn on 3.25mm needles. This made for a bargin pair of socks costing only £2! And it wasn't bad to knit with although it didn't pull freely from the centre. This might have been down to the fact it is 75% acrylic and only 25% yarn.

With only Vera and Rosey matinee jacket on my needles I have managed to reduce my WIP's although today I cast on Pilton Jays. These socks are destined to be my Glastonbury knit and are Nataline Knits version of Gumperina's Jaywalkers. I am knitting these in Opal Hundertwasser Der Blaue Mond.















I have to leave them alone until Wednesday though.

In other maddening news, I have been foolish enough to sign up for a Victorian Lace Today KAL. It starts next month and I am totally excited.

Old Folks

Living just outside Bath, we are able to enjoy the many benefits of the city. Currently Bath is hosting its International Music Festival and walk home.

We spent a wonderful evening recently in the presence of Waterson:Carthy at the rather lovely Assembly Rooms. Do also visit Eliza Carthy's site to see what she is up to. As always, the concert has adjusted my listening and out went Nick (sorry guys) and in went folk. Whilst this isn't really a a bad thing. We are off to see Babyhead and Bellowhead soon.

We were also visited by Sue and Dan, who bought the gorgeous Wolfie to visit. Unfortunately, Smudge and Meg were not too happy about having a dog to stay. Good job they are easy to bribe, especially as Meg was chased down the garden path!

It was great to see Sue as we don't meet up too often but it is a scarey thought, the next time I see them they will have a little baby. Oh, I know her name but am keeping it secret until it is all official.