Friday 11 December 2009

Viruses and Christmas Knitting

I can't believe that it is two months since I last updated this blog. To be fair I have a couple of good excuses. First of all I had major computer problems. It managed to get a virus and that completely corrupted my hard drive. The result was that I had to have it rebuilt. Then three weeks ago I managed to get flu. Now, I know that people often say they have flu when all they actually have is a bad cold. Trust me this really was flu - I couldn't get out bed for three days, then just to finish it all off nicely I developed bronchitis.

Despite spending my Birthday shivering on the sofa, cuddling a hot water bottle watching awful day-time television it hasn't been all bad. I have at least had some time to do some beading and knitting, although I have found it hard to concentrate at times.

This year I decided to make a lot of my presents. Although I like Christmas itself I hate the build up to the festive season with a passion. Quite frankly I would rather stick needles in my eyes than fight my way around the shops at this time of year. So I have knitted something for everyone. Since discovering Ravelry I have had no difficulty in finding lovely things to make. Plus I have lots of support and encouragement from my OH and my friends.
Now that my Christmas knitting for other people is almost over I have started something for myself. I have wanted to make myself a shawl for quite a while. I love having something warm and cozy to wrap around my shoulders either in the office when the air conditioning is just a bit too much or at home in the evenings. I have just started a Milkweed Shawl using a skein of Violet Green Supersock. It is hand dyed in a range of blues and purples and is called 'Parma Violets. I am a great fan of Violet Green. The yarn is absolutely gorgeous and very affordable.




Milkweed Shawl designed by Laura Chau


I have to admit that I have not done as much beading as I would have liked in the past few weeks so now that I am feeling better I must concentrate on that.

And finally just to cheer everyone up (he always makes me smile), a picture of a friend's adorable dog Charlie. Who could resist him in that Santa hat?