Birthday getaway

It's my birthday tomorrow and instead of having a 'do' we are going away for a few day, we are staying at a place called Fauna Australia Wildlife Retreat. It's a private wildlife preservation centre near Cape Otway and we're hoping to have some close encounters with cute small wild animals on the reserve. We are also eager to check out the Otway Fly Treetop Walk and the glowworms at Melba Gully.

Unfortunately the forecast is not that brilliant for the next few days, and it's been really windy the last couple of days. Fingers crossed the wind will subside otherwise we may not be able to do the treetop walk. The boys are really excited and so am I, but we're not packed yet! Also I don't think there is internet connection at the accommodation so it'll be quite strange not going online... how did we manage before? Well, I'd better get off now to pack!!

Mohair lacy scarf

Although I'd knit lace before, but only as garnish and never in fine wool. Then one day I saw some lovely kid mohair in the shops and I just had to have it, and I knew just the perfect project. So I started this lacy scarf to test the wool and my lace skills. The pattern calls for 3.5mm needles and for some reason I haven't any in my needle bag, no matter, I'll use another size. Toying between 3.25mm and 3.75mm, I finally decided on 3.25mm, my reason being I don't really like wide scarves. I haven't done a swatch, but in this case that's not really necessary, is it? We shall see.

Cast on today, a bit slow to get started, the fine wool and its lightness took some getting used to. But I've got the hang of it now, I think. And so far so good.

Mindless knitting

I always knit while watching TV, it seems a crime if I didn't, all that time would be wasted! But I was taught a lesson Sunday night, it was the Wimbledon men's final Federal vs. Roddick, both my favourite players. I was knitting some socks for my cousin's birthday, the pattern was quite easy and has a nice rhythms to it. So I was clicking away cheering for both, then halfway through the match I suddenly realised with a horror that I had picked up stitches without shaping the heel!! The sock was looking more like a sack! I didn't rip it back there and then as it was way past midnight by the time I realised it, the sock was finished the next day. Note to self: better choose something less shapely when watching Wimbledon finals, it's obviously more absorbing than average TV programmes.

Vests finished

I have finished knitting the vests for the boys, the smaller one was knitted in flat pieces and sewn together and the larger one was knitted in the round. As I'd planned the design in my head I didn't write down the pattern while I was knitting it, the instructions are quite easy but the cable chart could be tricky, not sure to do it on the computer or draw by hand. Procrastination is beginning to bite....

Body warmers / vests

Melbourne's winter can be quite cold, although not nearly as cold as in the northern hemisphere. I suppose that's why the school uniform does not include a coat or parka, but on a frosty morning things can still get quite chilly. That's why I decided to knit body warmers for my sons, for them to wear over their uniform teeshirts. I have chosen the wool in their uniform colours, dark blue and green, and I'm going to follow their uniform: solid in one colour with contrasting stripes on the collar and at the hem. To add a little interest I'm going to add a cable panel at the centre front then branch out along the v-neck on each side. I've never written a pattern before, so it's going to be a challenge. The knitting part will be easy.