Winning and losing

It's been a strange week - good and bad in parts. Bad because I've been so, so busy with school stuff that I've had virtually no time at all for knitting. It's only 2 weeks until I leave for Toulouse, so I'm trying to get assessments done and dusted before I go. Good because I found out this week that I'd won the first birthday competition of Phoenix Knitting Forums. My prize arrived on Thursday - a rather lovely skein of Violet Green Socrates Solemate in the colourway 'Philosopher's Pupil'. It's a mix of navy, indigo and blue shades, with the odd hint of a paler purple in places. I used the same yarn to knit Charlotte's purple socks, and loved how it felt, so knitting it will be a real treat. Also in the parcel was a bar of Lindt chocolate, and it was rather yummy! Yes, it's all gone - it's been that sort of week. You can't see the colours of the yarn that well in the photo, as the light wasn't great.

I've been clearing out our little bedroom this weekend as I'm turning it into a craft room. I need to get some more plastic boxes with lids to organise my stash a little better, but it's starting to take shape. It's been fun going round the house, finding all the craft books from the numerous book shelves and putting them in one place. I didn't realise that I had quite so many!! Some were long lost friends that first inspired me to start knitting as a teenager - Kaffe Fassett, Susan Duckworth, Sasha Kagan, alongside new discoveries - the Yarn Harlot, Wendy Johnson, Debbie Abrahams. I'll show you how it looks when I have the official grand opening! Whilst sorting yarn, I came across a postal bag from Kemps. I ordered some Anchor Magicline at the start of the year, and then forgot all about it! I bought it for about 50p ball, and am hoping to crochet a couple of bags with it. I think it'll make a nice bag for the summer. One for me and maybe one as a present.

My 'half century' socks are progressing, and I will definitely have a finished pair to show you next time! I'm going to try and get a couple of other projects moving once they're done, and try to avoid the temptation of starting anything new. We shall see!!! In the meantime, with nothing else woolly to show you, I shall love you and leave you with this photo, taken in the garden today. I ooh-ed and aah-ed (a lot) and stroked and fondled! Spring is on its way!! Have a good week.