Wadda Week

I forgot to mention that my copy of Vogue Knitting finally arrived a week or so back and as usual I'm so impressed. Though there isn't anything that jumps out at me as a must knit, I love the designs. You know you're reading Vogue. There really is nothing quite like it ;)


I visited my mad knitting friend and this is what she brought me back from her trip to the US. I asked for a couple of balls and she brought me back 12!!! This is what happens when you ask a yarn addict to bring you back some yarn ;) I couldn't believe my eyes and I was so pleased to get it. So thank you again Jackie!

It's been one of those weeks. First of all I had my hospital appointment at the allergy clinic which turned out to be quite useful and definitely not a waste of time as my doctor suggested it might. I had pinprick tests - 8 of them - and reacted to trees but not to tomatoes. The trees was no surprise as I have hayfever. The tomatoes negative result was no surprise by the consultant either. He said that test is notoriously reliable. I was tested for cat, dog, horse and rabbit amongst others but knew I'm not allergic to those. What was most odd was that whilst waiting to see the consultant again after the first tests I reacted to something and red lumps came up on my hand. The consultant suggested it might be the tape but I know it didn't touch my skin. Thats me all over. I have 9 pinprick tests on my arm and react on my hand! Perhaps it came out in sympathy ;) The consultant said 'you are quite an allergic person aren't you?' whilst DH was sniggering quietly as I said yes to all his questions asking what allergies I had. Tell me something I don't know!

Next I had a RAST blood test and another blood test for vitamin deficiency. Being a long term lactose intolerant veggie I could be vitamin deficient. The blood tests took forever as the nurse just couldn't get any! I always have trouble unless its a very experienced nurse. I'll get those results in a few weeks. Depending on what they are the consultant suggested I go on the ward to be fed sliced tomato!!! I am so not keen on this I can tell you.....

I've also been referred to yet another hospital for investigations about my tongue. In the consultants own words 'that is definitely not quite right'. My tongue is where the reactions are occuring but now I constantly have blisters or lumps or blotches even a couple of days after the reaction and it hasn't been normal for months.

So I now have been referred to 3 hospitals all to due with my allergies. I think this is a good thing. At least its being taken seriously though all these different hospitals makes it all a tad confusing ;-(

Then I got really upset at work by the awful language used by one of the guys. I would never repeat it but would describe it as explicit pornographic. I just couldn't believe my ears. They guys involved were made quite aware I won't tolerate that kind of behaviour but to be honest, I don't want to be anywhere where that kind of thing is acceptable. There are so many laws about behaviour in the workplace that are supposed to prevent exactly this type of thing. It was not a good day. But when I came back from lunch one of the guys apologised - not the one that uttered the words, but the guy he was talking to. So they're now aware as is the boss.....we'll see if it happens again.

The day after that the garage rang to say my DHs van isn't worth repairing. It failed its MOT disastrously and would cost around £2,500 to fix. Uneconomical to repair was the advice. So now we have to look for a new van. Why do these things always happen in the run up to xmas?

I wasn't joking about the kind of week I'd had.....but it ended quite nicely when I was wearing my Biggy Print Jacket out and I was asked where I'd got it as a woman really wanted one. Then she spied my Sherbet bag from last post and said her daughter would love that. Its always nice when that happens ;)


I thought I'd see what happened if I felted my oversized Big Wool mitterns that were far too large. The result was hilarious. They'd probably fit a 6 year old now. Wow did they felt quick. I didn't mind as I don't wear them anyway. At least I now to be very careful when felting Big Wool :)


I'll finish off with an FO that I'm really pleased about. The Lana Grossa Mega Boots are finally finished! They're lovely and fit perfectly. And of course now I can cast on for that 2nd STR sock!!!


And leave you with the kind of week I would really like to have - a real chillin' one.....just like Thunder's!

Ta Da

My Knitting Pattern A Day calender arrived a week or so ago and I put it with the presents waiting to be wrapped to get it out of the way and my DH got carried away with wrapping presents and wrapped it up too. So another pressie from him he he;)

DH also wrapped my Colinette Marshmallow yarn by mistake and was most cross about that. You'd think he actually knew what he'd got me but no, obviously not. I was pleased as it saves me doing it. Though its actually from my friend we take our own pressies home after the show as it makes more sense seeing as we only usually meet up once a year. This year she fell in love with the new Wrap Cardigan Kit from Web of Wool which was introduced at the show and seemed to be very popular indeed so that was her pressie sorted ;)

Last year I bought her some lovely Colinette Point 5 to make a pretty cardigan which has been finished for months and months and currently resides under her bed! I thought maybe writing about it on my blog might shame her into pressing it and sewing it up. Boy is it nippy out now and it would be perfect for the cold. We don't want it living another year under the bed now do we Joanne???



All this cold weather has brought out the accessory urge in me and I made some fingerless mittens using this fabulous Custom Fit Fingerless Mitts pattern. It's a really simple pattern to follow and the easiest way to actually make a pair that fit. Normal patterns are always huge on me so its great to get a proper fitting pair. My hands are rather petite you see and almost permanently cold, so good fitting mitts are essential. Work is getting cold too so might need some for there too. I cannot bear to be cold and get very irate indeed :(


As you can see my Sherbet bag is all finished and lined so finally I have my winter bag. Pretty isn't she?

Poor old Custard had to stop the eye drops and was prescribed liquid antibiotics which he HATED. The poor thing is so trusting and happily started to drink it till he realised how awful it tasted then went absolutely barmy running round his cage like a wild thing and refusing treats!!! This is unheard of but thankfully it was only a short course and now he is back to his lovely self which I'm so glad of. He's such a sweet old hamster I really didn't like him being stressed ;)

You just wouldn't believe how terribly jealous Thunder was of the attention Custard was getting. He would do anything to get some including jumping on Custard's cage, jumping on my back while holding Custard or even resorting to kicking over Custard's climbing tubes! Naughty jealous thing. Amazes me how he can be jealous of something so small compared to him. Funny creatures aren't they ;)


Yippee! I made myself a mini sock and it lives happily on my keyring. I still can't get over how cute they are. Must make more!

I'm up early for my hospital appointment at the allergy clinic tomorrow and now have to attend another hospital next month to see a dermatology specialist for my other allergies. It's all getting a bit confusing. And you should see how long my allergy list is......it would be far easier to list stuff I wasn't allergic too. At least I'm getting referred even if it is to 2 different hospitals!



I sent my dear friend that I spoke of a while back this chemo cap in Rowan Calmer which has been a great success as Calmer is the softest gentlest yarn imaginable. I used a pattern from Headhuggers which has a great selection of patterns. The mini sock was also for her and I managed a better photo of it before I sent it off.

It looks like the days of being able to post once a week regularly are a distant memory. So much to do and so little time. Never mind, we get there evenually ;)