Brief Blogging Hiatus...

It feels like quite a while since I blogged, although it has only been a week. I am usually always thinking of the content of my next blog post and for the past week I haven't really. Our knitting group went through a bit of a difficult time, and for a while there it looked as if it may be no more. Thankfully we have pulled together, become much stronger and I have nothing but optimism and happiness when I think of my knitty group now.

The positive side of this difficult time has been the realisation of just how important the group is to me, and just how many friendships have been forged.

I also realised the importance of not just reacting and rather taking the time to allow my emotions to process. So it seems that all's well that ends well. I read a couple of rather good comments on the Yarn Harlot's blog that I'm now applying in my life;

"It'll all be OK in the end. If it's not OK, then it's not the end"
and
"If you're going through hell keep going"



And so, onto some knitty content - after a week of knitting my 'mindless' scarf in stocking stitch [I was too upset to follow a pattern] I am now back to Central Park Hoodie. This is the first sleeve with about an inch until the shaping begins. Nought much else to say really - a lovely pattern.

Although it did get me to thinking about where I have picked up the skills I have learned so far. So many people have lent me their time, patience and skills - and so thank you! [and forgive me if I have omitted anyone!];

Knitting itself; my granny
Cabling; my mum
Mattress stitch; my granny
Knitting in the round; myself!
Turning a heel; Lilith
Picking up stitches through knitted fabric; Kathleen
Setting a sleeve; Joyce [a work colleague]
Picking up a hood; myself
Lace knitting; myself
Spinning [drop Spindle]; India
Dyeing yarn; Craftster
Blocking a blanket; The Yarn Harlot

And then thinking about the skills I want to learn;

Steeking *gulp*, other forms of cast on, more difficult lacework, natural dyeing, spinning with a wheel, setting a zip in knitted items, setting a zip at all!, felting, sewing in a lining to a knitted bag/pouch ... that's all I can think of for now.

I finally received my Rowan magazine [still no sign of the gift] exactly one month after I ordered it. So far the patterns below have taken my fancy - although they are knitted in Kidsilk Haze which I don't fancy. Anyone know of a good substitute? If only they made Kid Classic thinner...

Actually the magazine arrived in good time, as the boy and I are pricing Japan in August. The result is that I am pretty much going to have to knit from my stash until August. [!]

Woolfest is off *gasp* *sob* until next year. We have found a lovely [expensive] hotel right in the centre of fun Tokyo, and I have my heart set on it. As difficult as the choice was, I have decided that I would rather have a very lean few months followed by hugely indulgent holiday.

I'm now researching yarn and crafty places in Tokyo - if anyone reading knows of any pur-lease let me know! Did you know that they don't have crafty/yarn shops, rather 7 floor department stores dedicated to craft - my God! I may just swoon to the floor! Whoop whoop!

So for now, domo arigato* for reading - I'm off into the [brief] sunshine!
*thank you