March

Computer out of action for nine days. Very frustration so close to Event, but did a bit of printing of forms from Toshiba despite keys missing. When I got the Lenovo back, had to change yellow ink cartridge and it is not working and all attempt to download proper driver just to be able to clean nozzle have failed. So back to the shop they will both go - after the Event. Also need to record here my irritation of people cancelling after the food orders went in. The hotel was Not Pleased - so need to avoid that next time - if there is a next time. Also too much correspondence with individuals, it has taken over my life It snowed! About three inches in all. As forecast, so food supplies okay, and logs. It was mighty cold though. The yarn store had a further reduction on the yarn I wanted, so ordered Cloud - which came out pale blue. Luckily only a few days afterwards, somebody on Ravelry spotted it and bought it off me. Have ressurected entrelac shawl first st=tarted July 2013!

Flippin' Feb

... and today the computer has crashed. I have a draft master plan of all delegates printed out, and their dinner choices, but the last time I backed up my files onto memory stick appears to be 3rd December. I blame the flu. Computer now in the shop, I am sitting here with fingers crossed and twiddling my thumbs (you try it). If all my files are lost after 3rd December, it is going to be a long hard slog trying to work out all the updates. I have resurrected the never ending entrelac shawl Am attacking it by knitting at least one square a day before I allow myself to do other knitting. When I am at the end of this row, It will be slotting in triangles to straighten off the top edge and finish the darn thing. Have had to abandon the idea of a cable cardi - the beige yarn I ordered looks mid-brown. Yuk.

February Fever

I don't know why I thought organising a second Sock Machine Event would be easier than the first. The bare bones might have been, but oh! the details. And all the silly little queries and chasing up of people who says "they'll get back to me" and don't. List now full at 60 people, and, a full four weeks before the event, no doubt there will be more nit-picking stuff to deal with. In hand knitting, had a bit of fun with sample log cabin mitts (why had non-one thought of these before?), and Jukkasjarvi mittens from handpsun Shetland humbug.

Brimming over

At last, the flu has gone. Finished cable brim hat.

Justifying January

Woke up on New Year's Day with flu. Taking me a long time to get over it. Have finished Windflower Mitts Mk II, a better match for the jumper. Also thought about Rutavotten and punched card for it. Will take some concentrating as yarn changes are after odd number rows. Will have to wait.

End of the year

Boredom leads to creativity. Since Christmas have made two pairs of gloves and one pair of mittens largely on the machine. Looking back on the year, I see I upheld my resolve not to do so many events - wasn't invited to so mamy anyway! It will be the year of the machine visits though - Leicester, Shima Seika and Swifts. What a contrast. And resolutions for 2018? Just to chug along, I suppose.

The 19th of December

Yesterday will go down as one of the highlights of 2017. I visited J Alex Swift's sock factory in Hathern. Too much to write here, but the best thing was being able to bring away three different types of Argyle socks. Handcranked on a Griswold, machine made on English Charnwood machine and Italian Sangicomo. Pix show inside and outside. Heaven.