He did it. Thank you for your comment, Mary Lou.

He made his first splash at Wimbledon five or six years ago, the summer of my cataract operations. That time, he got through to the first Saturday, the day when sixteen men play for the last eight places. My first operation was that day, and they got me back upstairs at the point where Murray had won the first two sets. I couldn’t see – indeed, I remember wondering whether I ever would again – but I could lie there and listen while he lost the next three.

It sort of established a bond between us.

I don’t think that has ever happened to him again. (It is only in the four “Grand Slam” tournaments that they play five-set matches.) I didn’t hear the commentators refer to it last night. But I bet it flickered across his own mind, as he lost the third set and then the fourth.

We took the radio to bed with us. I’m glad I was “there”. It was a most satisfyingly real victory, with Djokovic giving it everything he had.

Knitting

Thank you for your comments on the mitered cardigan. I am now nearly finished with the second double-mitre. Pic tomorrow.

I had thought of i-cord buttonholes. I did them on Round the Bend. But I wondered if it would disturb the geometry not to pull the whole thing forward for the overlap. Your comment, Hat, about actually disliking that look, has, I think, given me the courage to leave the buttonholes out. Indeed, I find myself wondering this morning if I haven’t already gone a bit past the place for the first one.

I don’t see why it should be incongruous to raise the back an inch anyway.

So that’s a decision.

The third skein turned out like the other two – two moth-damage breaks, a third where the yarn was frayed and I cut it, and a knot. Knots have exactly the same effect as moths, but I don’t mind them so much. They’re not my fault. So, again, I’ve got two balls for knitting with, and three tiddlers for my tiddler collection.

Loop (where Franklin will teach) stocks madelinetosh sock yarn. I bought the yarn for my Japanese shirt from them – that’s why I got the email about Franklin’s classes. Does anyone have experience of knitting socks with it? I’m wary, because it’s pure wool. Nobody can make sock yarn like those 25%-acrylic Germans. But I will want to buy some souvenir yarn on November 18, and that would be a pleasant possibility.

Thanks for your help on Craftsy, too. I have looked at their complete knitting list. If I ever do decide to take the plunge, it will be Myra Wood’s Perfect Fit Seamless Crazy Lace Cardigan. (Ravelry link) I don’t particularly want a crazy lace cardigan, but I’m curious. What is crazy lace?

While researching that question on Ravelry just now, I found THIS free download. (another Ravelry link). Isn’t it wonderful? Who would like one for Christmas?