More socks- Its a northerly Jim!

The yarn is an Opal sock yarn, just a quick knit in stocking stitch with a heart worked into it in kind of an embossed pattern (from my new book!)The colours in the yarn are great, real blackberries and cream......

I still have not decided about my 'big project', hopefully 'Victorian Lace Knitting Today' will be here soon.

As a geographer I had to have a map for my blogs & I (and my students) have been fascinated to see the little red dots spread across the globe as folk read the blogs.My A level students were especially interested to see links to 'Geography Room' and 'Geographylost'on geography teachers blogs in other countries. Yet again, the power of the blog!

The weather in Yorkshire continues to be characterised by arctic blasts.
The Metcheck map showing the position of the jet stream explains why! These upper atmosphere winds are pulling down the polar air over Britain & the rest of Europe.

a quick update!

Finished!
Early signs of life in the polytunnel -Stir Fry leaf mix salad!

Nice to work at home this morning -it is 'Review Day' today, where the students just come in with their parents for a 15 minute interview, usually with their tutor, to discuss progress & set targets. I am doing the 'grave yard' shift & seeing a few parents who are unable to make it during the main part of the day, so I have been working since 7.45 (which is about 5 minutes earlier than I normally start AT school?!!!!!), but with a bit of blogging (Geog & not) and chores like putting out the washing mixed in. YES! The washer is fixed & the new bit for the Rayburn is due to be fitted tommorow. Grandad & Grandma to house/ dog/ Rayburn sit. Thank you M&M!

Not Eye Candy Friday, but only Thursday, however it might be covered in snow by Monday if the Metcheck forecast is right!

Its in the needles

I have quickly learnt that I hate metal needles (even Addi turbos!!!!!!) but love wood. For socks my 5" Brittany birch needles are really neat & often used but they are expensive, so to expand my needle collection I have found a e-bay seller who sells sets of 5 double pointed needles made from wood. They are really smooth to use and only around £2 per set. The sellers ebay identity is "cyclingjimbob". Delivery is quick & you can usually choose from different lengths. I also dislike sewing up some I think I am sticking to things that can be knitted on 4 or 5 pointy sticks or circular needles. My two knitting presents to myself(!) (The Amazon wish list wasn't fully effective with him indoors) were Folk Socks & Knitting without Tears. All of the reviews and ravings about Elizabeth Zimmerman didn't disappoint when I got the book, but the proof will be in the knitting! Not sure what will grow on the needles but at the moment I am sticking to smaller knits..... hats for next months ski trip to Les Contamines in France & more socks! The folk socks book has some great designs, some out of my leauge but the alpine chalet socks or maybe the Latvian socks could happen soon. I like to knit in the car (not whilst I am driving!) which adds to the inches as I sit in the back like Madame Guillotine whilst my 17 year old son practices for his driving test & takes us to his rugby matches, but its not conducive to really complex patterns!