Interweave Fall 2010

Fell through my letterbox this week and a few items went straight on to my never ending to do list.
I will make the Alpen socken and the Bavarian Tulip mittens as I already have the yarn in my stash. I do love the Proverbial cap but will probably never make it as I don't suit beanie type hats. The Plein Air tote is a possible; the double stranded yarn would make it sturdy. Also considering the Cloisonne Jacket in two shade of grey and talking Makoto into the Point Gammon Pullover. I like the Leyfi Pullover but the neck looks a little uncomfortable and I'm concerned that it will make anyone with boobs look huge. I am improving in selecting projects that I will actually wear.
I was particularly interested in Leitmtif Cardigan by Carol Feller. At the Zimmerman talk at Ravelry Day in Coventry last year, there was a woman in front wearing a great knitted top so I asked her about the design. It was Carol and one of her own designs. She probably doesn't even remember , but I love being able to put a face to a name. She was very friendly and talked about getting the yarn from the USA and the Lizard Ridge I was knitting, so of course I looked her up and have been following her designs ever since. Several are on my list mainly because of their wear ability. How many things have you knitted that have never made it out the house?

Too busy stripping!

Yes, I've been a bad blogger. In truth, I haven't really been knitting much at all because I decided that I was mentally and emotionally strong enough to re enter the world of home improvements. When we bought this house I had great plans which quickly evaporated when the reality of expenses and dealing with builders kicked in. As the boys were young and wrecking everything in sight, it didn't seem worth the stress. I would really like to continue to hide my head in the sand but we've now reached the stage where work absolutely needs to be done. This is an Edwardian house which requires skilled workers. Most take one look and then never come back!

We sent Koji and Akira to Japan on their own this year so I could devote my time to the house. I am exhausted. I have looked at so many bathrooms, paint charts, architects plans etc I can't make a decision any more and all the while pound signs keep flashing in front of my eyes.

As a distraction I have been stripping wallpaper. Tedious but strangely satisfying as I can actually see some progression. With a face mask,goggles and a towelling turban to keep the dust out of my hair,I am a fright. This look is completed by a pair of giant earphones as I can't stand those torturous tiny ear plug things. Since the end of Lime n Violet, I've been searching for something to take their place. Sadly, nothing competes. I discovered their podcast after my Dad died and laughed till I cried. I did enjoy a podcast by Stephen Fry on " iTunes Meet the Author" about the development of computers and the Internet age. Fascinating and entertaining , even for a technophobe like me.