We advance.

I finished the 18^th repeat of the centre of the Unst Bridal Shawl last night – only half a repeat to go, followed by eight rows of garter stitch, and then the fireworks begin.

I've read ahead. It all sounds perfectly feasible. First, pick up stitches all around. Much agonised counting, but I have started every row by slipping the stitch w.y.i.f., and there is a row of little loops down each side as a result which look very pick-up-able. Mark each corner stitch with yarn, using a different colour for the fourth corner. Purl one round. Start the chart, which has a yo on each side of the corner stitches every other round.

Bob's your uncle.

It occurs to me that I might as well purl that first round, after picking up the stitches, just to see what I make of the experience. Sharon says that making lace from behind is no problem. P2tog, slip1 purl 1 psso, whatever. It'll look fine, she says.

I had another reasonable day with the accounts, too, recording the day's events – there was some financial stuff in the morning mail – and nibbling away at the backlog.

My third on-line order was delivered from Waitrose. They have a particularly good line in pleasant young men on their delivery vans. I don't entirely understand what's in it for the supermarkets here – they are all terribly keen to deliver our groceries. I would have thought they'd shrink from the labour expense involved. From Waitrose, at least, delivery is free if you spend £50 or more. That's easy. And, although I'm getting the hang of things, I am spending less than I used to on my weekly jaunts. That must be true of most order-ers.

(Which is not to say I'm necessarily spending less on food – what I don't have on hand must be purchased on Broughton Street where prices are higher.)

And I got up to St James Dreadful Centre, to collect some prescriptions. Sometimes on better days I think my ailment is all in the mind, and everything would be fine if I just got out a bit more and strode about. But it isn't so. By the time I reached Boots I was staggering. I had to wait for one of the prescriptions, so I sank down in a comfortable chair in John Lewis' yarn department and looked at Rowan Magazine 52.

Like my Vogue Knitting Book collection from 1932 to the late 60's, Rowan Magazines are numbered but not dated. I don't know how long ago 52 was. It's a particularly good one, lots of Fair Isle-y colour stuff, some fisherman-gansey clones, and a good section of plain-and-smooth to finish off. An article about traditional knitting (nothing we didn't know). An exhibition of Kaffe's at the American Museum in Bath.

The only tbing that stopped me buying it was the reflection that Rowan Magazines are pretty heavy, and I still had the walk home to do. I rather regret the decision now.

One more thing – Kate Davies is offering a tea towel. I think it's terrific, and have ordered one.