Thursday, January 13, 2022

 

A pretty good day. I got around the garden, and embarked on the underarm decreases of wee Hamish's Calcutta Cup vest, next to the steeks. I thought perhaps what I might do this evening is the arithmetic: how wide do I want the shoulders to be at the end, allowing for ribbing at both neck and sleeve-hole? How many stitches on each side does that amount to? When do I start the neck steek, and how fast do I decrease thereafter? But I’ve just discovered that a new Americast is up, and it’s about Prince Andrew. So perhaps I’ll actually knit this evening, while I listen to it. One more round couldn’t hurt. One of the Americast regulars is Emily Maitlis who conducted the infamous interview with Prince Andrew.

 

What a delicious start to the year, to have Boris and Prince Andrew and Novak Djokovic all providing us gossip-lovers with cliff-hangers, all at once!

 

I kept getting into trouble with the stitch pattern this morning, and having to frog a few stitches. Maybe I’ve lost my touch – maybe Alexander’s Calcutta Cup vest will be my last great Fair Isle.



 I can’t even read the year on this photograph (we’ve won so often lately!) but could no doubt work it out. 2018, perhaps? 2019 was a draw – that was a scarf for Thomas Miles. I’m sort of sorry I didn’t see the cup on the Antiques Roadshow, Shandy. But I have seen the real thing, when I went on a tour of Murrayfield (the Scottish rugby ground) with C. and her son-in-law Manaba (Hamish’s father, a keen rugby player and follower). And it’s worth seeing.

 

I’ve promised leg warmers for 2021, as well as Hamish’s vest. I’ve bought the kit from Jamieson & Smith, and at present writing have lost the pattern. However, I’m sure that’s not serious. The recipient – we’ll call her J. – is full-grown so there’s not such a hurry. Hamish has to have his vest in time for this year’s match, in about three weeks from now.

 

8 comments:

  1. =Tamar8:40 PM

    A good day, indeed. It's warmish here today, and I must actually get out and do things before it turns cold again.
    Alexander's vest is gorgeous. You are right, Google tells me his vest was 2018 (and the sweater was 2006).

    ReplyDelete
  2. The "Antiques Road Trip" feature said that out in India they started a rugby club - England against a mixed team, but it did not take as cricket had done so they wound it uo withdrawing their funds - sixty rupees - in silver coins which were melted down to make the cup. Can this be right?

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Calcutta Cup was on Wednesdays(12 Jan) Antiques Road Trip on bbc1. I think you could probably watch it on bbc iplayer.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jean, I am delighted that you are sounding more like yourself! And the weather must be cooperating since you are getting around the garden. Here on the east coast of the US we are facing a snow/ice mix this weekend, and those of us in the South (except the kids) are holding our breath. Can't wait to see the finished Calcutta Cup vest.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jean, I just love reading your blog and am always inspired by your knits and adventures 💜💜💜

    ReplyDelete
  6. Inspired by your indoor salad garden I sowed a tray of rocket seeds earlier this week and they are just beginning to show. It is absurd how cheerful this makes me.
    I am in awe of your persistence in walking in the garden. I haven't persuaded myself to go for a walk for days. Too cold for a feeble southerner like me.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm watching it snow this morning ing, and there is quite a fierce wind. Knitting and tea I think!

    ReplyDelete
  8. If find myself addicted to walking my dog, for the first time in my life. Weather has been bad here: cold and slippery, so we stayed in a couple of days. I get very crabby, and have to restrain myself from yelling at my husband for no reason. We had a couple of above freezing days now, so our walks have resumed and my mood is much better.

    ReplyDelete