Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Logs, blogs and buses

Logs
So I'm in fever pitch since returning from my visit to Loop and my quick lesson in log cabin blanket making - it makes me an expert right? I raid said stash, spot some chenille thats been begging to be used, in purple and red. I have to declare now that I have no sense of colour. But thats another story. The blanket is my first one, so I see it as a learning curve rather than a work of art, and besides, I'm already planning the next one. The chenille is pure cotton and has absolutley no give in it. I start on addi circulars. They are wonderful, but have blunt points. All I've learnt about knitting the cabin blanket is that I turn to the right, but remember, I'm an expert now. So I dutifully cast off and start to pick up stitches on a row end - and find I can't quite differentiate between rows and there's no give. On my third turn, disaster strikes when I try to pick up a loop and pull right through the yarn. So I'm left with a big hole and lots of darning. My blanket is fast becoming a place mat!! The next one will be in a yarn that has a bit of give, or yarn that won't break if I look at it. One key lesson learnt is about the amount of stitches to pick up. My work clealry looks wonky, due to my not picking up the correct nymber of stiches on a particular turn. I'm going to have to research how the blankets are made and see if there is a formula that works on number of rows and number of stitches originally cast on.

Blogs
A big thank you to Karin who came over yesterday to help me with my blog. i was so happy I'd worked out how to include links to other sites, and they actually showed up on my blog. However, what I had not checked was if the link actually worked. Much to my dismay, they didn't -they do now, thanks to Karin. In the coming weeks I will be fiddling about with the blog as I learn mmore about how to post.

Buses
Two years ago, I did my bit fo rthe environment and stopped using my car. This means that I am reliant upon public transport, namely London buses. There are those who will not step foot on a bus for a number of reasons, the main one being, they are not reliable and don't stick to a timetable. To my cost, I was a victim of the ghost bus today and the lame bus. Not only did no bus come for 40 minutes, when it is supposed to run every 10 minutes, but the bus that did come had the cheek to break down. I had to get to Shea's shcool to help with a craft class (did I willingly volunteer to teach crafts, namely knitting, to 10 and 11 years old? Oh yes. They are actually a great bunch. We only have an hour during the session, whcih is probably enough after school, they have done really well). Of course I was late, of course this is the last class before the Easter break, of course I hate London buses!! I feel sorry for Shea, he doesn't know whether to call me mum or Mrs G in the craft class. After 3 months we still haven't come to a conclusion.

No progress on Liam, I've been too busy getting work ready for a sewing and fashion course I started at the beginning of the year. I've missed lots of sessions and have had to work at home when I can, due to my reactions to the environment, which I seem to be largely allergic to. I have been told that I act as the alarm clock to my neighbours. Every morning when I first wake up, I have a sneezing fit, 4 of my neighbours can hear me loud and clear. On the rare occasion, that I do not sneeze in the morning, at least two neighbours knock on my door to see if I'm OK. Yuo can't beat good neighbours.

1 comment:

alltangledup said...

hi johanne... way to go ! just shout if you need any help. love P