Making Hay

I’ve been making hay while the sun shines. Not literally of course, but I’ve been packing plenty into these unusually hot and sunny days. Since the heat is so late in the season there’s an obvious urgency to make the most of it. All those housework jobs which I’d put off, waiting for fine weather, have been done. Curtains are washed, cleaning is finished, and now I’m set for whatever winter wants to throw at us this year.

I went along to my second Knit’n'Natter at the Blind and Partially Sighted Society earlier in the week, and enjoyed every minute. It’s really inspiring to discover how knitters are so determined and inventive. To compensate for my lacklustre performance last time, I took a couple of hats, a handful of smartphone socks and my Royal Orchid shawl to sell on the Open Day.

Picture of knitted lace shawl

Well, I'll never wear it

I’d asked a neighbour to act as a referee for my work with the Society and she let me know that she’d done the necessary. As a thank you I want to knit her an Ishbel in some hand-dyed merino-silk. She’s a wonderful person and she’s been very supportive.

Picture of hand-dyed yarn

But I want to do it as soon as possible, so how quickly can you knit an Ishbel?

I’ll just make a cake …

Picture of yarn cake

and cast on …

Picture of Ishbel

Can I finish it by Sunday?

Gorgeous or Gruesome?

I tried four-colour dyeing yesterday and I’m just not sure about the result. The yarn is a merino/silk blend, so that helps.

Picture of yarn

I think it’s gorgeous, but I’m biased of course. Perhaps it’s my baby and I couldn’t possibly see fault with my own creation.

But maybe it’s gruesome.

Picture of yarnPlease tell me.

I could have it knitted up in time for Halloween …