Thursday, February 09, 2017

I’m very much better. Although I was spared the dread coreopsis, I felt pretty low on Tuesday and Wednesday, but am now, I think, restored to my usual sub-par level, perhaps because of the antibiotics, perhaps because the boil started to drain yesterday, whatever.

Barbara-Kay, very grateful for your reminder about hand-washing. I’m not always desperately conscientious, but in this case I knew the dangers and have tried hard. Public service announcement re-broadcast.

The plan has long been to go to Strathardle on Saturday with Greek Helen and her husband David, who returns from Thessaloniki tomorrow, and Fergus. There has been some suspense because of my health, and because of bad weather forecasts, but at the moment it's all systems go. I thought we were to have Archie, but no. I had thought about taking the cat, but no. A carer whom my husband knows and likes will live in. If all goes well, the world is my oyster.

The temptation will be to spend 20 hours asleep and the other 4 knitting, but I must get out for a good walk both days and, of course, contrive somehow to watch France-Scotland on Sunday. If we could win that one…

I am very grateful indeed for your help with my quest for patterns to walk around the EYF with. JeanK introduced me this morning to Heidi Kirrmaier, a brilliant suggestion. And, Sharon, I have looked at Versaciknits, also with profit. I was interested, and indeed inspired, to read two endorsements for Nancy’s Vest. What’s the point, I ask myself, of exploring the EYF for grey yarn? But maybe there’s more to that search than meets the eye.

Which brings me back to the point where exhaustion supervened last night – the (grey) yarn I am using for Mrs Hunter’s shawl. I have always loved variegated yarns, from the days when I made i-cord with four nails stuck into an empty cotton reel. I think, when I first discovered hand-painted lace yarn, I went more than a bit OTT, with the result that the shawls knit for the Little Boys – who happened to be the grandchildren available at that time – were more than a bit garish.


Less is more. There have been no grandchildren since, and I have had time to calm down. This yarn – The Yarn Collective, Portland Lace, merino, “Morning Rain” – is something that turned up in my email “promotions” one morning, and is perfect. Variegated enough to make the result interesting and to keep me happy, but nothing to startle the horses when they wrap the baby in it and take him/her (I don’t want to know, at this point) down to the pub for lunch.

13 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:32 AM

    So glad to hear you can fit in a Strathardie visit.
    I really enjoyed learning about new sweater designers from your readers.
    Hope you feel 100% soonest.
    LisaRR

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  2. I'm so glad to hear you're on the mend. The antibiotics might be helping you along. When they work they really are a wonder drug. Have a wonderful time in Strathardle!

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  3. I'm curious as to the meaning of 'coreopsis' for you? Is it like our 'sepsis' or 'blood poisoning'? I think from your usage that's it but was just wondering. Googling coreopsis brings up sunny yellow flowers....

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    1. In Wednesday's post Jean shared a quote from James Thurber's short story, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty". Thurber used the name of the flower, which does sound medical, doesn't it?

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    2. Thank you Robin, I understand now.

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  4. It´s so good to hear that you are better. And a weekend in Strathardle, with just sleeping, knitting and going for walks, will be a wonderful thing! Enjoy the two days where you only have to take care of your own needs!

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  5. Have a wonderful trip and I hope you get the see the game. I think that back when hand painted yarns first started appearing many were garish. Dyers have learned. The semisolids now are a treat as well.

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  6. Anonymous4:02 PM

    I would have said your "Morning Rain" was "tonal" rather than "variegated".

    In any case, it has worked out wonderfully.

    Also curious about your use of coreopsis. I have long known of the flower, but not of a medical use (and neither has google, apparently.). Although there is a species, coreopsis lanceolata. Maybe you refer to the lancing???

    Glad you are off to Strathardle. Hope you have a great time.

    Beverly in NJ

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    1. Ah! Smart of you to have seen the lancing part! I wouldn't have thought of it.

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    2. Hi Beverly. Google "James Thurber coreopsis". You should get to Jean's reference.

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    3. But, Beverly and I are very good at extrapolation. ;-)

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  7. I am planning to do another Nancy Vest is a bright cool--maybe turquoise or red-- but have promised myself to finish a stranded Starmore and the Sarah Hatton pullover from the last Knitter magazine. Once those are done, ordering of yarn will commence.

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  8. Nothing more lovely than really nice grey yarn!:)

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