I began the day with my ISP in something like meltdown – a new experience, and rather frightening. At the moment, all’s well, but could I live without my virtual world?

Family

Ketki wrote to thank me for the new socks, and for the old ones “magically restored”. That’s high praise for some pretty kludgy darning, and a great incentive to improve my technique.

Helen posted a comment which makes it sound as if she’s serious about wanting me to attempt that coat from the Golden Compass movie. “Delving into KF wool catalogues would be a delight in itself.” – little does she know what Rowan has done to the master’s palette. I tried Googling (something like “Golden Compass movie knitting patterns”) and got a lot of references to enthusiastic bloggers desperate to knit it – but of patterns, nothing but a hat.

I joined the Golden Compass group in Ravelry, which is rather more promising (but still no pattern). People suggest twinning a strong, basic yarn for structure with an exotic, perhaps sari silk. I must say the idea tempts: I’ve long liked the idea of knitting with sari silk, but never found a way in. This could be it.

MaryJoO, that’s another reason for trying to restrain one’s tendency towards multiple WIP-ery: it leaves the mind clearer to think about the road ahead. Thomas-the-Elder’s appeal for more socks, over the Easter weekend, happened to coincide with the finishing-off of Theo’s get-Barack-elected gansey, and opened the way for the sock orgy on which I am currently embarked (not that Thomas has benefited yet).

I have mentally reduced the “swallowtail coat of a beautiful blue” from the full-scale Poet’s Coat to a dressed teddybear: that’ll come after the Dinosaur Sweater which must be knit as my Games entry. The Poet’s Coat will still provide the basic ideas for the bear’s costume. And I still have hopes of getting back to the Princess before the year is out.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I’ve rounded the corner of the first KF Fog sock and am cantering down the foot. I think I had better go ahead today – presuming my internet connection holds – and order the other three colourways (I’ve knit Earth, Fire and now Fog). This is too much fun to let pass.