Sunday 22 September 2013

Not enough hours in a day!

Well, that's what I think anyway! The start of the school year has been really busy. Factor in Mr JK's and my efforts to try and improve our fitness and I barely seem to have sat down on the sofa in the evening before it's time for bed! If you remember, I told you that we have both got a Fitbit. In essence, it's a posh pedometer, but it counts steps, flights of stairs, very active minutes, miles walked and calories used as well as monitoring your sleep. It automatically syncs to a computer, and it is addictive. We find ourselves trying to reach our daily targets, and going out for another walk if we are low on steps for the day. You can link with other Fitbit friends to spur each other on too!
 
Last weekend we were away in Germany visiting family. We had a great time, although it was sadly cakeless!!! I am ashamed to say that I didn't take a single photo while we were there either. Must do better!
 
However, I do have a couple of finished knits to show you. Firstly, a pair of plain vanilla socks for my friend Charlotte. She loves hand knit socks, so I was happy to knit her a pair using an easy wash Regia yarn. This is a pretty self striping one that's been sat in my stash just waiting for a worthy recipient! They were an easy holiday knit.

 
Charlotte's socks (1)


I also finished test knitting a hat pattern for knitspot. This pattern incorporates my favourite sock pattern on the brim (the Roger sock) with a slouchy tam. I like the button detail too. Mine was knit using Plucky Feet in the colourway 'Well Preserved'. It's going to be very well used on our early morning walks now that it's starting to feel a little chilly first thing. (See if you can spot Miss Flo in the photo below!)
 
 
Beam me up Scotty!


I received a lovely squishy parcel in the post this week. I was lucky enough to win a sock giveaway in the knitspot group on Ravelry. Agnes, one of the moderators in the group, sent me a beautifully knit pair of socks in Posh sparkly yarn. Not only that, she also included a skein of Shalimar Breathless DK yarn which Mr JK has his eyes on for a hat!

 
socks from Agnes (2)


I love the gift tag that Agnes fixed on the socks. Here, take a closer look!


socks from Agnes (3)
  
socks from Agnes (1)


I shall have to ask Agnes where she got them from, they would be perfect for finishing off hand knit gifts.
 
I've made a start on the next strip of my 64 Crayons blanket, and I have a pair of socks on the go, as well as two sweaters. One is so close to being finished, I need a boot up the backside to get it done so I can wear it this winter! I really don't like all the sewing up but shall have to make myself get on with it. It will be worth it in the end!
 
The garden is still looking wonderful. It's been so nice to see things emerging each week. The previous owners were obviously very keen gardeners, and it's been planted for year round colour.

 
September garden (2)


I'm waiting for some yarn to arrive  to start a special project which I need to have finished in the next 5 weeks! I'll tell you all about it next time. Have a good week! xx

6 comments:

snoopydogknits said...

Hmm! Sounds like your start to term has been very similar to mine. Love the hat and that pretty Regia yarn. great socks from Agnes too! Rosx

Claire said...

Loving the socks, hat and the yarn as well. Your garden looks absolutely lovely. I spotted Flo in the hat background as well.

I'm currently knitting three mens tanktops in a silk/cotton Aran mix, making teddies out of clothes of deceased family members, baby jacket and the wartime farm tank top by Susan Crawford for a 50 inch chest. Busy, busy, busy

Lynne said...

Everything is this post is gorgeous! I love the colours in the stripey socks; I gasped at the band pattern and the button on the beret, the socks you won are beautiful, and your garden is amazing. I wish my garden looked like that!

Celia said...

I love the landscaping!

Anonymous said...

your hat is fantastic!! love all the little details - knitspot patterns are good for sweet little details!

what a wonderful package you received! it's perfect karma that after you finish knitting socks for a friend you receive some in the mail!
-melissa

eileen-s said...

Such a cute gift tag, did you find out where/if they are available?