Leaf Lace

Its been nice to have a few days with not much to do. We went to some friends for Christmas yesterday, then to the gym today with the girls. Eric is determined to get in shape for skiing in February. I took the girls for a swim, and decided to try a few laps. I was told that swimming is good for asthma as it increases your lung capacity. I don't think I was ready as I am still coughing a little. I did 4 lengths, which is a bit pathetic for someone who normally works out a few times a week. I guess I'll get there. I keep reminding myself that just over a week ago, I couldn't walk up the stairs without panting. Anyway, its been a good excuse to do lots of knitting. I did a quick pair of socks for Larissa in Lornas Laces. What fun to do aran/worsted weight socks! They knit up in no time flat.



My next project is the Cocoon Lace scarf in Jaggerspun Zephyr. It is my first real lace project. I have done lace in socks and heavier yarns, but never in such a fine weight yarn. I did need a bit of help from Nic on Saturday. Check out this neat counter that Wibbo gave me, its really handy, and cute!



I've even had a chance to do a bit of spinning after getting some handy tips from Diane. More on that later.

Tomorrow I get to hang out all day at home and wait for the Fleece Artist/Handmaiden order to show up. Can't wait to see it all, already planning my next socks!

Asthma, RPM, and Piggies

I can't believe that I am just getting over being sick. Thus the reason for no new postings. I finally ended up going to a private GP as the NHS ones were pretty much useless. He laughed when I told him which antibiotic I was on. He pretty much said that it would have never worked, and that he hasn't used that one for 20 years. Anyway, he isn't quite sure it was an infection, but gave me some super drugs, and I was feeling better within hours. I am still coughing a bit, mostly in the morning. Today is my last day of antibiotic, but I still have two inhalers. I have to go back Thursday. My father-in-law used to be a doctor, and wonders if I am allergic to wool. My husband thinks this is funny, but I am not laughing. I will absolutely flip if this is the case. I am borrowing an air purifier from Nathalie tomorrow, she is up on asthma as her two little ones and her mom have it. Lets hope it was in infection! Meanwhile, I finished my pair of RPM socks in no time flat sitting at home sick. I love them, and have now moved on to a pair for Larissa in Lornas Laces Shepherd Worsted. They should be quick as she is only 9. Here is the best photo I could come up with at night with bad lighting. The color is pretty true. It is Socks that Rock in Mist. They are a bit heavier than most other socks I have knit, but it is nice to have them work up quickly for a change. They will be great with trainers/sneakers.



This weekend we took the plunge and got a pet for the girls. We were thinking of a hamster at first, but after talking to a friend, decided to go for guinea pigs. I was a little nervous about it as I have never had a pet before. The girls have been asking for a pet forever, and this is definately less work than a dog. We have named them Charlie (fluffy one) and Patch (the black one)





Needless to say, the girls are thrilled, and I am spending my time cleaning the cage! They are very cute though.

Secret Santa and Debbie Bliss

Its been another busy week here at Stash, and life in general. I was just getting over my illness from last week, when we had a dinner out on Sunday. It was a lovely truffle evening at Isola Del Sole with a bunch of friends, and lots of wine. I ended up with quite a hangover the next day, which didn't help in my recovery! I ended up with a bout of asthma yesterday, fun! Anyway, lets get back to the weeks activities, shall we.
Monday evening we had a visit from Debbie Bliss. She brought along a giant bag packed full of samples for us to try on.




Here is a shot of Mary in one of the sweaters. It is really great to be able to try them on and see how they look on you instead of a model in a book.



Debbie also gave an interesting talk about the design process, how she gets her ideas etc. We learned about how she chooses her color palette, and how the whole book publishing thing works. I think everyone enjoyed meeting her, she is very friendly.



Yesterday was the knitting group Christmas party and secret santa swap. I can't believe what Fiona made for me. It is actually the first time that anyone has ever knitted something for me. They are exactly my colors!



I love them!

P.S. I forgot to include a photo of the fab flowers that Lesley made for all of us at the party. I found a photo of it on Brigids blog for all to admire!

Its A Boy!



















Matthieu has arrived! Nathalie had the baby on Saturday morning, which was a bit of a surprise as we all thought she was being induced on Thursday. It all went quite quickly, lucky for her. He is a big boy, which we pretty much figured, 9 lb 7 oz. I did get a chance to meet him today, and of course he is very cute, with lots of hair! Now I just have to decide what to knit for him, besides these booties.

Sock Pal

I apologize for not posting a photo of this sooner. I have quite ill this week. Not sure what I have, but basically, walking up and down the stairs makes me want to take a nap. This is really not good as Nathalie is due to have the baby this week, and its not fair to leave Diane on her own too much in the shop. Hopefully I'll be back to normal after the weekend in time for our Debbie Bliss evening.
Anyway, I recieved this fab package about a little over a week ago from my Sock swap pal from the Townsend Yahoo group. We decided that in lieu of coffee and tea, we would swap sweets. She asked me what I missed from the U.S, and I said Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. Well she sent me enough to keep me going for a while!
















She also sent me this great yarn from Scoutswag in the most perfect colors for me, how did she know! Also, check out the adorable bag for me to keep a sock project in. Its the perfect size. Thank you Michelle!